Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Human Head 'fully intends' to make a more savage Rune sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/human-head-fully-intends-to-make-a-more-savage-rune-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/human-head-fully-intends-to-make-a-more-savage-rune-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/human-head-fully-intends-to-make-a-more-savage-rune-sequel/#comments ImageNow that Prey 2 has been pushed back, it seems that Human Head co-founder Ted Halsted wants to put up the green light on bringing back the 10-plus year old action title, Rune. "I can't reveal what we've got planned," he says, "but we fully intend to bring digital viking mayhem into the here-and-now."

There were rumblings of a sequel a few years ago, but the potential game's publisher at the time decided to pass on funding development. These days, Kickstarter is the funding method of choice, but Halstead only says he's glad there are multiple methods to funding, and the team "certainly wouldn't rule out Kickstarter."

What else can we expect from this not-officially-announced project? Halsted says a second game would offer a more savage viking world, with updated combat, and a big emphasis on clan-based multiplayer. "We're envisioning an action-world of warrior tribes," says Halsted. They're just not, you know, announcing it yet.

JoystiqHuman Head 'fully intends' to make a more savage Rune sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clanscommunityhuman-headrunerune-sequelsavageted-halstedThu, 26 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How the community solved Fez's hardest puzzle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/how-the-community-solved-fezs-hardest-puzzle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/how-the-community-solved-fezs-hardest-puzzle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/how-the-community-solved-fezs-hardest-puzzle/#comments Fez players be forewarned, the following contains spoilers. Stay far, far away if you want to uncover all of Fez's secrets for yourself. With that out of the way, dedicated fans know that collecting cubes is only half of Fez. The other half is solving puzzles, some of which hide their solutions in plain sight, while others taunt players with obtuse, seemingly indecipherable clues.

Continue reading How the community solved Fez's hardest puzzle

JoystiqHow the community solved Fez's hardest puzzle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityFezmicrosoftpolytronpolytron-corporationxboxxbox-liveXbox-Live-ArcadeFri, 20 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch asks community for permission to track player data in Minecraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/notch-asks-community-for-permission-to-track-player-data-in-mine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/notch-asks-community-for-permission-to-track-player-data-in-mine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/notch-asks-community-for-permission-to-track-player-data-in-mine/#comments Mojang's Notch is a smart guy, not only in game design terms but also when it comes to managing his company's 20 million or so Minecraft players. The designer has posted a poll on his personal blog to discover whether his cuboid constituents would feel comfortable with the company collecting various types of anonymous data from its players.

Currently, Mojang only tracks when a player logs into the game. Notch's proposal is to also track "non-private data" like gameplay-session length, your PC's OS type, whether you're playing in single or multiplayer mode and whether you're playing via the client or the web applet. The collected information would then be shared with the community, "as usual."

"Naturally, the data sent will be fully anonymous," said Notch. "So it wouldn't contain any session information or your user name, and it wouldn't send any sensitive information that you might not want to share." To be perfectly honest, we're fairly surprised this kind of data wasn't already being collected. If you're part of the Minecraft nation, you can let your voice be heard by voting for or against anonymous data collection here.

JoystiqNotch asks community for permission to track player data in Minecraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitydatamacMinecraftmojangnotchpcplayer-dataplayer-trackingpolltrackingWed, 25 Jan 2012 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance 3 to support PlayStation Move and Sharp Shooter, along with 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/resistance-3-to-feature-move-and-sharpshooter-support-along-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/resistance-3-to-feature-move-and-sharpshooter-support-along-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/resistance-3-to-feature-move-and-sharpshooter-support-along-wit/#comments Insomniac has just announced at its Community Day event here in Los Angeles that when Resistance 3 finally arrives on September 6, it will bring with it support for 3D televisions, as well as compatibility with PlayStation Move and its Sharp Shooter attachment. The studio said during a public panel that it was encouraged by the Move functionality in Killzone 3 and plans to implement Resistance 3 in a similar way.

This is all good news, because, let us tell you: If you've never died in a Chimera attack, holding a model gun with a motion controller attached while wearing 3D glasses, well ... you haven't really lived.

JoystiqResistance 3 to support PlayStation Move and Sharp Shooter, along with 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dcommunitycommunity-dayeventinsomniacplaystationplaystation-movePlayStation-Move-Sharp-Shooterps3resistance-3sceasonyTue, 29 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let their voices be unheard: Halo: Reach has an auto-mute feature]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/halo-reach-has-an-auto-mute-feature/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/halo-reach-has-an-auto-mute-feature/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/halo-reach-has-an-auto-mute-feature/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blatant violations of standard netiquette practices have become sorrowfully commonplace in the online gaming arena -- so commonplace, in fact, that it sometimes just doesn't even feel worth it to mute your insufferable teammates. If you're planning on sinking a good chunk of your life into Halo: Reach, we ask that you muster up the resolve to keep on muting -- not just for yourself, but for the world.

Bungie's Tyson Green (using the pseudonym "Ferrex") recently informed Ars Technica that Reach has a rather democratic auto-mute feature, which "notices, warns, and eventually defaults players to being muted when they enter games, if they are muted by enough people over a period of time." So, remain ever vigilant in the face of stupidity, dear friends. We thank you in advance.

JoystiqLet their voices be unheard: Halo: Reach has an auto-mute feature originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-mutebungiecommunityHalo-ReachmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmultiplayermuteonlinexboxxbox-liveWed, 15 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ModNation Racers makes appearance in NBC's 'Community']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/modnation-racers-makes-appearance-in-nbcs-community/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/modnation-racers-makes-appearance-in-nbcs-community/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/modnation-racers-makes-appearance-in-nbcs-community/#comments Guess who's been playing ModNation Racers before its release? Yes, video game bloggers. But what about some more interesting people? The cast of NBC's sitcom Community have been getting their hands on Sony's upcoming PS3 (and PSP) racer. Three members of Greendale Community College (including Chevy Chase!) can be seen playing three-player split-screen in the brief clip available on Hulu (embedded after the break, available only for US readers).

So, how did the cast of this TV series score an early copy of the game? The product placement comes courtesy of the show's producers: Sony Pictures Television.

[Thanks, Marc O.!]

Continue reading ModNation Racers makes appearance in NBC's 'Community'

JoystiqModNation Racers makes appearance in NBC's 'Community' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitymodnation-racersnbcproduct-placementsitcomsony-pictures-televisionFri, 23 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['BioWare Bazaar' announced; online auction tied to community challenges]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/bioware-bazaar-announced-online-auction-tied-to-community-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/bioware-bazaar-announced-online-auction-tied-to-community-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/bioware-bazaar-announced-online-auction-tied-to-community-cha/#comments A recent countdown clock on BioWare's Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect 2 websites fueled speculation by some that an announcement -- maybe even a big one -- about one or both (or neither) games was imminent. Now that the timer has expired, we know that it's actually something very different: An online auction of 412 various BioWare items (ranging from custom PCs to Jade Empire mousepads) that the developer has dubbed the "BioWare Bazaar."

Although the estimated value of the items up for auction tops $62,000, participants will actually bid on them using virtual tokens earned through "challenges" that can be entered by following @biofeed on Twitter. This feed will also provide specifics of the various auctions, which are set to begin at 9:00 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, April 5 and run roughly every 15 minutes through 4:00 p.m. PDT on Saturday, April 10. According to the fine print, the auction is open to residents of "the 50 United States and the District of Columbia with the exception of residents of Florida and New York." You also need to be 18 or older to participate.

A full list of items up for auction can be found here. Thoughts?

Joystiq'BioWare Bazaar' announced; online auction tied to community challenges originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbiowarebioware-bazaarcommunityeaelectronic-artsMicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve adds user-created items to Team Fortress 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/valve-adds-user-created-items-to-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/valve-adds-user-created-items-to-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/valve-adds-user-created-items-to-team-fortress-2/#comments Got a great idea for a hat or weapon for Team Fortress 2? Valve wants to hear about it -- better yet, Valve wants you to make it. The TF2 blog reports that Valve has already seen plenty of solid submissions -- items you can get a hold of in today's update. If you're the creator of one of these items, you'll find a special version waiting for you in your backpack. Hooray for bragging rights!

And for you budding designers out there, don't just think of it as a way to get some experience under your belt, but think of it as a service for these guys. Heavy above always had an image problem (thanks, male pattern baldness!), but now he's feeling good and going out on dates like every night!

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqValve adds user-created items to Team Fortress 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycustom-itemsmultiplayersourcesource-enginesteamteam-fortress-2user-generated-contentvalveFri, 19 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports honors 'Game Changers' in its online communities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/ea-sports-honors-game-changers-in-its-online-communities/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/ea-sports-honors-game-changers-in-its-online-communities/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/ea-sports-honors-game-changers-in-its-online-communities/#comments Over the weekend, EA Sports announced a new community influencers program that it's calling "Game Changers" -- the idea is that the publisher will choose big EA sports fans who use their online community know-how "to improve the experience and overall growth of the EA SPORTS Community." Presumably, you have to yell "EA Sports" whenever you say it, which would be why the name is in all caps. The chosen few will get early access to EA games, as well as represent the community while giving feedback on future releases.

They've picked nine guys (no girls) so far, all of whom are active in the various EA communities and forums. They've also posted a video of the program's kickoff, and while we were totally going to make fun of it for sounding like a cliched sports team ("It's the dream of a lifetime, we just go out there to do our best" and so on), that Anton B dude actually gets a little choked up at the end after being honored with Game Changer of the Month. So all right, Anton, we get it. This Game Changers thing may not mean too much to the rest of us (just like the Xbox Ambassador program, it's just a way for the company to connect directly with their community), but everybody's got to have their thing, and this is yours. Rock on for that.

JoystiqEA Sports honors 'Game Changers' in its online communities originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anton-bawardscommunityea-sportsgame-changersmaddennflprogramrecognitionreleasestiger-woodsxbox-ambassadorWed, 17 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision's Guitar Hero CEO replaced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/activisions-guitar-hero-ceo-replaced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/activisions-guitar-hero-ceo-replaced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/activisions-guitar-hero-ceo-replaced/#comments
 Activision's Guitar Hero business unit has a new boss, who's not the same as the old boss -- former COO David Haddad is taking over the post after CEO Dan Rosensweig left the company. Haddad was the head of Vivendi's Sierra Online division back in the day, but started working with the Guitar Hero group after Activision merged with Viviendi back in 2007.

Rosensweig is off to join Chegg.com, a company that specializes in online textbook rentals and has recently put together more than $160 million in investor funding. There's a rumor going around that Rosensweig got fired (presumably for the recent decline in the genre's sales), but Activision's Dan Amrich says that's simply not true, and that the move was completely voluntary. Either way, there's a new sheriff in plastic guitar town, and we'll see how he deals with any bandits that come a-ridin' through.

JoystiqActivision's Guitar Hero CEO replaced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionchegg.comcommunitydan-amrichdan-rosensweigdavid-haddaddeclininggenreguitar-heromusic-gamesone-of-swordssalestextbookTue, 02 Feb 2010 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony reveals SingStar Viewer application for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/sony-reveals-singstar-viewer-application-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/sony-reveals-singstar-viewer-application-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/sony-reveals-singstar-viewer-application-for-ps3/#comments Though SingStar may not possess the massive community base of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, Sony recently unveiled a PS3 application which offers a great deal of social networking capabilities to the karaoke game's players. Titled SingStar Viewer, the app (which appears under the Games folder of the XMB) allows users to browse and purchase songs from the SingStore, as well as view and vote on videos, photos and profiles uploaded by members of the MySingStarOnline community. This impressive functionality is totally free, and accessible even when the SingStar disc is absent from the PS3's drive.

The PlayStation.Blog post, which announced the software, didn't give a firm release date for the app, but suggested you "check the PlayStation Store over the coming weeks." Check out the video after the jump to get a brief demo of the services offered by the application. Then wonder if you're confident enough in your karaoke chops to place videos of you and your friends singing in front of the cruel, cruel internet.

Continue reading Sony reveals SingStar Viewer application for PS3

JoystiqSony reveals SingStar Viewer application for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitykaraokelondon-studiomysingstaronlinerhythmsingstarsingstar-viewersingstoreTue, 15 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OCRemix celebrates 10th anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/12/ocremix-celebrates-10th-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/12/ocremix-celebrates-10th-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/12/ocremix-celebrates-10th-anniversary/#commentsWe hope you've been to OCRemix in the 10 years since its opening. If you haven't, you've missed out on over 1,800 fan arrangements of various video game soundtracks, from ActRaiser to Zombies Ate My Neighbors. Thankfully, the site offers two BitTorrent downloads that let you grab nearly every single remix from the its decade of operation.

Site creator David W. Lloyd, better known as "djpretzel" to the OCRemix community, started the site as a "fun diversion" from (what else?) his parents' basement. "I've always loved VGM, especially for its strong original melodies, and this site seemed like a good way to express that. While I didn't have any idea it would become what it is today, I did have a certain faith -- faith that there were others like me, faith that the Internet was full of a lot of talented people who would contribute their music and their time and their energy freely, and faith that we could show the world that video game music is an art form."

With over 25,000 registered members, it seems Lloyd has succeeded in uniting a community of game music lovers. Congrats to OCRemix and its various contributors (and let's hope Lloyd has left his parents' basement by now).

JoystiqOCRemix celebrates 10th anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitygame-musicmusicocremixoverclocked-remixSat, 12 Dec 2009 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Origins character creator arrives Oct. 13 for PC players ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/dragon-age-origins-character-creator-arrives-oct-13-for-pc-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/dragon-age-origins-character-creator-arrives-oct-13-for-pc-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/dragon-age-origins-character-creator-arrives-oct-13-for-pc-pla/#comments BioWare has announced that it will make the Dragon Age: Origins character creator available for PC users starting October 13, giving prospective players the chance to roll their heroes a couple of weeks before the game hits US shelves on November 3 (November 6 for Europe).

The developer will also be opening the virtual doors to its new Dragon Age: Origins community site on the same day the character creator goes live. The creator software will be able to upload character data to the site for some yet-to-be-disclosed purposes, one of which we can only guess is showing off your mad skillz, yo. The only confirmed purpose: Using the character as your community site avatar. (So you can show off your sick style, yo.)

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqDragon Age: Origins character creator arrives Oct. 13 for PC players originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecommunitydragon-age-originseaelectronic-artsSat, 03 Oct 2009 02:10:00 EST<![CDATA[You can name the Trophies for the PSN version of Battle Fantasia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/you-can-name-the-trophies-for-the-psn-version-of-battle-fantasia/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/you-can-name-the-trophies-for-the-psn-version-of-battle-fantasia/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/you-can-name-the-trophies-for-the-psn-version-of-battle-fantasia/#comments
Are you a Trophy hunter? If so, then this is a terrific opportunity for you. Aksys is allowing its fans to partake in a Trophy-naming challenge for the upcoming PSN version of Battle Fantasia. Five new achievements, not found in the original Xbox 360 version of the game, are currently nameless:
  • Outside of training mode, dish out a total of over 1,000,000 damage.
  • In single-player arcade mode, seduce every character with Ashley's taunt.
  • In single-player arcade mode, get 25+ hits with Coyori's Cat Storm.
  • Outside of training mode, as Death Bringer, defeat an opponent with a single move.
  • Outside of training mode, win a match with only 1 HP left.
To participate in the contest, click this link.

JoystiqYou can name the Trophies for the PSN version of Battle Fantasia originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-fantasiacommunitycontesttrophiesTue, 14 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft job listing hints at mobile Halo project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/12/microsoft-job-listing-hints-at-mobile-halo-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/12/microsoft-job-listing-hints-at-mobile-halo-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/12/microsoft-job-listing-hints-at-mobile-halo-project/#comments
When we're not too busy trouncing Halo 3-developer Bungie in "humpday challenges," we fancy ourselves quite the career builders. And so it was with shock that we found ourselves colliding directly with the enormously popular franchise on CareerBuilder.com, albeit under the auspices of Halo license-owner Microsoft. Apparently the company is seeking folks who not only love Halo but also love "building scalable online infrastructure and websites for large and passionate audiences."

What does that mean, exactly? The listing doesn't go into as much details as we'd like, but it does say the job will blend, "console, web, and mobile to create an immersive Halo world that follows the dedicated Halo fan wherever they go." Our thoughts first went to iPhone integration of Bungie.net and future Halo community endeavors but then we realized that Microsoft may want to keep whatever mobile application it may be creating on Windows Mobile-based phones. We're hoping for our future-phone having selves that this isn't the case.

[Thanks, Dan!]

JoystiqMicrosoft job listing hints at mobile Halo project originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebungiecareer-buildercommunityhalohalo-3iPodmicrosoftwindows-mobileXbox-360Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus opening community, online games 'portal']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/atlus-opening-community-online-games-portal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/atlus-opening-community-online-games-portal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/atlus-opening-community-online-games-portal/#comments
Atlus is launching its own community site, which isn't surprising given that the publisher is proving itself to be all about fan service as of late. The difference between Atlus Online and, say, Capcom's fan hub, Capcom-Unity, is that it's set to offer an assortment of online games and subscription-based content.

Speaking to GameDaily, Atlus Online's head of business development, Jamie Ortiz, explained that the site's yet-unannounced online games will "have that distinctly unique Atlus flavor." According to him, the company will "be offering a robust hybrid-subscription model that includes a micro-transaction payment method for those members who would like to take advantage of [Atlus'] premium content."

Early registration for the portal -- where it's promised that Atlus staff will "listen and interact with [gamers] on a level that has not been seen before" -- has already begun, with the company stating that those who pre-register will gain early access to the site's first online game. Now all we need is a launch date, since that bit of the announcement wasn't just vague; it didn't exist.

Source - Atlus Launches Online Division [GameDaily]
Source - Atlus Online Announced [Kombo]

JoystiqAtlus opening community, online games 'portal' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusatlus-onlinecommunityWed, 04 Feb 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Platinum Games launches community site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/platinum-games-launches-community-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/platinum-games-launches-community-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/platinum-games-launches-community-site/#comments
Billed as a "grand experiment," Japanese developer Platinum Games just opened an English-language website for gamers outside of the land that birthed Chocobos. Rather than creating a corporate site de rigeur, Platinum's taking a more community-based approach, including forums (MadWorld will be teh awesome everyone!), social media interaction (Hideki Kamiya just ate a sandwich!) and even a video podcast.

"It is part corporate homepage, part purpose built community portal," reads the site's front page. And between that fancy new logo and this community-based initiative, we'll remain hopeful going forward. After all, this isn't the first time a Japanese developer has tried to do this, right? What's the worst that could happen?

JoystiqPlatinum Games launches community site originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettacommunitydeveloperhideki-kamiyainfinite-spacejapanmadworldPlatinum-GamespodcastingSegaFri, 30 Jan 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Philosony: Give a sackboy a level and he'll play for a day...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/philosony-give-a-sackboy-a-level-and-hell-play-for-a-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/philosony-give-a-sackboy-a-level-and-hell-play-for-a-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/philosony-give-a-sackboy-a-level-and-hell-play-for-a-day/#comments

Teach a sackboy to make a level and he'll play for... well, an additional day. Or so it seems.

I'll be honest. This post is apt to be all over the map. There's so much that could be said and yet so little that has been said about LittleBigPlanet that I'm at a loss for where to begin. I've been trying to hone my thoughts on the game into something bloggable for more than a month now, but a recent post by Michael Abbott got me teary-eyed at the thought of little neglected sackpersons crying from loneliness. I even had a nightmare dream two-nights ago of walking into a store and seeing new copies of LBP selling for $8 (the horror!).

So for the sake of some kind of organization let me break down this discussion into three open ended questions:

#1: Why has LBP seemingly fallen off the radar?
#2: Is it possible to have truly "community made" levels?
#3: Should we think of LBP as more "toy" than "game"?


Continue reading Philosony: Give a sackboy a level and he'll play for a day...

JoystiqPhilosony: Give a sackboy a level and he'll play for a day... originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycreativityindividualismjoystiqfeatureslbplittlebigplanetphilosonywikiSun, 14 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo planning greater community features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/nintendo-planning-greater-community-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/nintendo-planning-greater-community-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/nintendo-planning-greater-community-features/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's not to say that the company hasn't been mindful of community features in the past. They've launched the Check Mii Out Channel, as well as the Everybody Votes Channel. Sure, they were flops, but it's good to know that Nintendo is at least trying. And Reggie wants us to know that Nintendo has some things coming down the pipe.

"Nintendo has always had a vision on community," he said. "The issue is that we define community differently than our competitors. ... Our consumers do want a sense of community, and we're going to deliver that--but in a way that is unique to Nintendo." Thanks for being so vague, Reg!

Regardless, it's good to know Nintendo is thinking about it. Stacked up against Xbox Live and, even worse, PSN, the Wii is lacking in some very necessary community features. Why don't you all take a guess? What do you think Nintendo has up its sleeve? Personally, we'd appreciate Virtual Console and WiiWare demos and maybe more online multiplayer.


[Via GameDaily; thanks, Mr Khan!]

JoystiqNintendo planning greater community features originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycommunity-featuresfeaturesnintendo-communityreggie-fils-aimewi-fiWed, 19 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet could get you that industry job]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/littlebigplanet-could-get-you-that-industry-job/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/littlebigplanet-could-get-you-that-industry-job/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/littlebigplanet-could-get-you-that-industry-job/#commentsFiled under: , ,


And not like how we have a "job" in the industry. This one might actually bring joy into the lives of others! "I think this game can definitely help people get jobs in the industry," Media Molecule's co-founder and LittleBigPlanet's art director, Kareem Ettouney, recently told VentureBeat."Imagine a guy going into a job with five levels of LittleBigPlanet and you get to play his creation."

Having been "blown away" by the varied creations that flooded out of Parsons New School of Design earlier this week, Ettouney explained that LittleBigPlanet's shared level building could provide a way for upcoming game designers to become known and appreciated -- or feared, in our case. "People know his levels and know his name," he said, suggesting that aspiring designers would walk into a job interview, already known. "We hope LittleBigPlanet plays a part in getting new game developers jobs and also making them stars."

You hear that, Dad? This guy says we can get a job by playing a game! And you said it was just a waste of time.

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet could get you that industry job originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Communitylbp-ugcLittleBigPlanetMedia-MoleculePS3SackboyThu, 25 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually @ PlayStation.Blog PAX meet up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/virtually-playstation-blog-pax-meet-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/virtually-playstation-blog-pax-meet-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/virtually-playstation-blog-pax-meet-up/#commentsFiled under:


Click for bigger doughnuts
Were you at the PlayStation Blog PAX 2008 meet up at Top Pot Doughnuts yesterday? If not, you missed out on some tasty pastry, plus the chance to win a Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 bundle. There was a huge turnout (apparently gamers can't say no to free coffee and doughnuts, who knew?) and we were there to take pictures. So check out the gallery to see brave, sugar-filled WipEouteers competing for the big prize, plus the gone-before-we-arrived swag bags and a second floor balcony that's about to collapse under the weight of over 130 PlayStation fans.

JoystiqVirtually @ PlayStation.Blog PAX meet up originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityjoystiqfeaturesPAX-08PAX-2008playstation-blogSun, 31 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Philosony: Carpe Trophaeum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/carpe-trophaeum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/carpe-trophaeum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/carpe-trophaeum/#commentsFiled under:


Kylie Prymus is the first columnist for PS Fanboy. A Ph.D candidate in philosophy, Kylie specializes in the sociology of technology. Through this new weekly column, Kylie will explore the impact of PlayStation on thought and culture.

My PSN profile tells me that I am a Trophy n00b. An abysmal 1st level collector. I've acquired most of the trophies that you average primate could gather with ease, and I'm not sure I'll be able to get many more. I have a paltry 8 trophies, all of them from PixelJunk Eden. That puts me at a 33% completion rate, firmly in the middle of category: l-o-s-e-r. Still, I didn't download Eden for the Trophies any more than I downloaded it hoping it would teach me to finally get my snozzberry* plants to grow. I downloaded it because it was a much lauded and quirky, not to mention exclusive, PSN title and I happen to have a soft spot for such qualities (particularly the exclusivity). Being able to collect Trophies through the game is just a bonus, a diversionary side quest that makes the whole package slightly more appealing.

As I venture for the first time into this whole trophy business I've had to ask myself why I should even bother. What is the appeal of achievements Trophies? Do they add to or take away from a game? What is it about the Trophy system that made it such a sought after addition to the PSN? Milestones? Bragging rights?

Continue reading Philosony: Carpe Trophaeum

JoystiqPhilosony: Carpe Trophaeum originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictioncommunityjoystiqfeaturesphilosonypixeljunk-edenpsntrophiesSat, 23 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homebrew community releases region changer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/homebrew-community-releases-region-changer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/homebrew-community-releases-region-changer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/homebrew-community-releases-region-changer/#commentsFiled under:


For those of you who have a dead Freeloader or can't be bothered with any other solution that isn't a homebrew solution, you're in luck. The community just released a homebrew Region changer, which should allow you to enjoy some import goodness on your console. Or, you know, you could just pick up a Japanese Wii and have it shipped and use this to change its region to that of your home country.

Of course, the question is do you really want imports? For those of you in Europe, before Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart Wii released, the prospect of importing probably looked pretty good. Now, with the lack of releases on Wii, we can't imagine you folks wanting to import anything. But hey, that's just us.

JoystiqHomebrew community releases region changer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityeuropejapannorth-americaregionregion-changerThu, 31 Jul 2008 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance 2 community sneak peek]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/resistance-2-community-sneak-peek/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/resistance-2-community-sneak-peek/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/resistance-2-community-sneak-peek/#commentsFiled under: , ,

leviathan
Insomniac carved out its fourth "C" behind closed doors at E3 this week: Community. (Can you name the other three?) Bungie has put the pressure on other FPS developers to serve their dedicated player base, and Insomniac hopes to respond by relaunching myresistance.net alongside Resistance 2 this fall.

We were shown some concept slides of the new site design, beginning with a landing page with links to three distinct experiences. To the left was an entryway into the community pages, in the center was "game info," and to the right was "chronicles" (a section of the site that ties the franchise together with content like a timeline system). The landing page will be customizable to some extent. We saw a mock "ticker," which could run along the top of the page displaying various Resistance related feeds (news, developer updates, friends activity, etc.). But what happens when we jump into the community portal?

Continue reading Resistance 2 community sneak peek

JoystiqResistance 2 community sneak peek originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityE3e3-2008insomniacmyresistance.netPS3resistanceresistance-2Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually @ PlayStation Blog E3 meet up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/virtually-playstation-blog-e3-meet-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/virtually-playstation-blog-e3-meet-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/virtually-playstation-blog-e3-meet-up/#commentsFiled under:


Click for high resolution

Were you at the PlayStation Blog meetup the other day? We made the trek down to the King Taco to spend some time with the community and the PlayStation Blog crew and, while we were there, made sure to take a few photos to commemorate the event. If you were there, be sure to check out the gallery and see if you can find yourself.

Otherwise, you should have a look anyway and check out the Hot Shots 2 tournament, the winner of which won a Metal Gear Solid 4 Gunmetal PS3 (and a dirty look from Jeff).

JoystiqVirtually @ PlayStation Blog E3 meet up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityjeff-rubensteinplaystation-blogThu, 17 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UNSC kill count just shy of 7 billion goal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/unsc-kill-count-just-shy-of-7-billion-goal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/unsc-kill-count-just-shy-of-7-billion-goal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/unsc-kill-count-just-shy-of-7-billion-goal/#commentsFiled under:


Another Bungie Day has come and gone. As the famed developer celebrated their favorite day of the year with fans by treating them with a plethora of free goodies, Bungie.net regulars wrapped up an event meant to give something back. The mission: achieve 7 billion UNSC campaign kills in Halo 3 by Bungie Day, rounding out the day to a perfect '7' overall. Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. As of today the goal is a little under 50 million kills shy of the 7 billion mark.

We commend the community's effort and sympathize, considering we added a few kills in the pursuit of 7 ourselves. While the goal wasn't achieved, B.net users proved with their passion and dedication that it is one of the best gaming communities in the world. Great job everyone.

JoystiqUNSC kill count just shy of 7 billion goal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-daybungie-day-08bungie.netcommunityhalo-3halo3Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy presents: Game Night [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/ds-fanboy-presents-game-night/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/ds-fanboy-presents-game-night/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/ds-fanboy-presents-game-night/#commentsFiled under:


Update: The staff have left the Game Night chat, though there were some folks in there still playing when we said goodbye. So, head on in and check it out. If not, see you next week.

It's that time of the week, folks, where you grab your DS, boot up your Wii and play games with the community. All you need to do is check out the site around 7pm ET tonight, where this post will be at the top of the page. It'll include a link into the chat room we use and, once in there, you'll find it easy to get a game going. But, with such a large catalog of online-compatible DS and Wii games, what should we play tonight? Decisions, decisions ...

So, check back with us later tonight. We hope to see you at Game Night!

JoystiqDS Fanboy presents: Game Night [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityfriend-codesfriendsmultiplayerThu, 12 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy presents: Game Night [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/wii-fanboy-presents-game-night/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/wii-fanboy-presents-game-night/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/wii-fanboy-presents-game-night/#commentsFiled under:


Update: The staff have left the Game Night chat, though there were some folks in there still playing when we said goodbye. So, head on in and check it out. If not, see you next week.

Ah, Thursday. You know what that means? It means we finally get a break from all of the work so that we may site down and enjoy some games with our friends in the community (that's you, the person reading this right now). What should we play tonight? The choices, there are so many!

If you're new to the whole thing, then get schooled. If you've attended Game Night in the past and decided to drop out, we ask you give it one more chance. If you never attended, it's easy! Just come back to the site at 7pm ET tonight and you'll find this post at the top of the page, with a line of huge bold text that links to the chat room.

We hope to see you there!

JoystiqWii Fanboy presents: Game Night [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityfriend-codesmultiplayerThu, 12 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Homebrew]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/wii-warm-up-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/wii-warm-up-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/wii-warm-up-homebrew/#commentsFiled under: ,

Having just gone through Homebrew Week over at DS Fanboy, we thought it might be a good time to ask our Wii audience: do you homebrew? Have you considered dabbling in any of the Wii's community-driven content? Note that we're not talking about piracy here, considering we're clearly big supports of gaming companies (look what we do all day!), but we're big fans of armchair developers. Are you?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Homebrew originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityhomebrew-channelMon, 02 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney's DGamer service launches today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/disneys-dgamer-service-launches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/disneys-dgamer-service-launches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/disneys-dgamer-service-launches-today/#commentsFiled under:

With the release of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian comes a Disney innovation that we've been curious about: the DGamer service. While we'll reserve our own opinions until we get to try it out (read: soon), it's pretty evident that such a feature is aimed at the younger crowd.

If you get Prince Caspian, you can connect to the community on your DS (via Wi-Fi). First, though, you'll have to register for an account at the DGamer website. One feature of the DGamer community is the ability to make an avatar, although (to reiterate) you probably won't enjoy the options unless you're a tween-aged girl or boy. You can also chat with friends, check out leaderboards, and earn achievements "honors" from DGamer compatible games. These honors can then transfer to your avatar -- for example, you can unlock costumes in Prince Caspian that your avatar can then wear.

If you ask us, though, the parental controls are a little silly. They use an honor system of sorts, which asks you to type in your parent's email address, but I just typed in my own -- what's to stop a young'in from doing the same? Besides, just think of all the crazy DGamer shenanigans I'll get into now.

[Via press release]

JoystiqDisney's DGamer service launches today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chronicles-of-narniacommunitydgamerdisneyprince-caspianThu, 15 May 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox thief thwarted by community & Live idiocy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/xbox-thief-thwarted-by-community-and-live-idiocy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/xbox-thief-thwarted-by-community-and-live-idiocy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/xbox-thief-thwarted-by-community-and-live-idiocy/#commentsFiled under:

This story is proof that karma and technology go together like chocolate syrup and vanilla ice-cream. Jesse McPherson, a 26 year-old engineer from Philadelphia, was shocked to find his Halo 3 edition Xbox 360, big-screen television and Apple G4 Powerbook stolen from his home upon returning from the recent SXSW event. After dealing with local authorities, who seemed more interested in taste-testing donuts than helping, Jesse took the matter into his own hands to solve the crime.

After booting up a new Xbox 360 Jesse was shocked to find threatening messages from Xbox Live user I iRandom I claiming to be one of the perpetrators of the crime and demanded cash for the safe return of the Xbox console (coupled with ignorant NSFW language, of course!). After submitting his story to digg, which included an image of the second suspect in the theft that was taken from a local pawn shop's security monitor, Jesse was shocked to find over 7000 users had launched the event to the top of digg's main page.

After a barrage of threatening messages to the admitted thief's account from random Xbox Live users and dialog with the brave thief's own mother (His mommy got involved? Ultimate bad-ass!), Jesse's Xbox 360 console was returned in working condition (the Powerbook was also returned on a separate occasion). What, you may ask, were the officers of Jesse's local precinct doing in the time he solved the crime? Who knows, but hopefully it was updating their resumes to include sloth as a major skill.

[via The Age]

JoystiqXbox thief thwarted by community & Live idiocy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityhalo3karmastolenxbox-liveWed, 26 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't forget: Win a Mass Effect Xbox 360 Elite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/dont-forget-win-a-mass-effect-xbox-360-elite/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/dont-forget-win-a-mass-effect-xbox-360-elite/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/dont-forget-win-a-mass-effect-xbox-360-elite/#commentsFiled under:


Well kids, we're on to day two of our custom Mass Effect Xbox 360 giveaway. It is our duty to inform you that you can enter once a day, so if you haven't submitted your second entry (or perhaps your first), get to it already! The giveaway runs until Friday, so be sure to enter every day to maximize your chances of winning. We'll be using these reminder posts to show off the console in more detail throughout the week. Tomorrow: Commander Shepard extreme closeup!

JoystiqDon't forget: Win a Mass Effect Xbox 360 Elite originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityfanswagmass-effectTue, 18 Mar 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: win a custom Mass Effect Xbox 360 Elite [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/fanswag-win-a-custom-mass-effect-xbox-360-elite/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/fanswag-win-a-custom-mass-effect-xbox-360-elite/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/fanswag-win-a-custom-mass-effect-xbox-360-elite/#commentsFiled under:


Update: This giveaway is now closed and our winner will be notified shortly.

Don't ask us how we did it, but we managed to snag a custom Mass Effect Xbox 360 Elite. It comes complete with everything you'd expect in an Elite, including the 120GB hard drive and HDMI cable along with all the slick black accessories. And, as you can see, it's decked out with sweet Mass Effect artwork. Seeing as this is such an incredible prize, we're going to forgo our usual Fanswag Weekly in favor of a monster five day giveaway. Just like our normal giveaways, you can enter once per calendar day (Eastern time) from now until Friday at noon (again, Eastern time). To enter, simply do the following:
  • You want this Mass Effect Elite? Leave a comment on this post explaining the massive effect this prize would have on your life. You can enter once per calendar day (Eastern Time).
  • Be sure you only leave one comment per day. Posters of multiple comments during the same day will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until Friday, March 21, 12:00pm Noon, Eastern Time. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • On Friday, we'll pick one winner via a random drawing
  • One winner will receive a custom Mass Effect Xbox 360 Elite, worth $450.
  • The complete rules can be found here.

JoystiqFanswag: win a custom Mass Effect Xbox 360 Elite [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecommunityfanswagmass-effectmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosMon, 17 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Would You Rather ... Spartans! Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/would-you-rather-spartans-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/would-you-rather-spartans-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/would-you-rather-spartans-edition/#commentsFiled under:


In our continuing effort to bring you fresh and interesting content, X3F presents Would You Rather ... a weekly feature that asks you the hard questions. The point? If you had to choose one or the other, which would you go for?

In week two of WUR we ask you to decide between a true sequel to Halo in the form of Halo 4 or a Halo first-person massively multiplayer online title. So, putting the Halo storyline aside, we want to know:


Feel free to share the reasons for your vote in the comments. We'll share the results of the poll during the next edition of Would You Rather ... which hits X3F every Wednesday.

Last weeks surprising results can be find after the jump ... Engage!

Continue reading Would You Rather ... Spartans! Edition

JoystiqWould You Rather ... Spartans! Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityhalohalo-mmohalo3halo4peter-jacksonwould-you-ratherwurWed, 20 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStrata statistic site launches, get PWN3D via graphs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/gamestrata-statistic-site-launches-get-pwn3d-via-graphs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/gamestrata-statistic-site-launches-get-pwn3d-via-graphs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/gamestrata-statistic-site-launches-get-pwn3d-via-graphs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

GameStrata, a new game statistic tracking and social site, has just launched into a (semi-)public status. Players can use the free service to keep track of a range of quantifiable game performance details. We're not quite sure what to make of the service, since an Xbox Live Gamertag does nearly the same thing on a platform basis, albeit Xbox only. (We see overlap with Steam too, for another heavy competitor.)

We'll give the site some hope, however, since it's signed a wide roster of EA, Activision, Capcom, and Sega for launch titles. Those games are Battlefield 2 (PC), Guitar Hero III (Wii, 360, PS3), Lost Planet (360), and Universe at War (PC, 360). The site combines stats from all of those games into a single user profile. It'll also strip Gamertag data into its service.

GameStrata aims to bathe geeks in delicious data to keep them away from in-game -- and community-based -- competitors. Co-founder Barry Dorf takes exception to our classification, saying via email, "We do not see the space as having competitors, only partners.There are publishers that track stats and some that do not. We do not believe the publishers that are tracking stats are at the granular level we want them to be, or they want to be. Where do I rank in the first chorus during Sabotage in GH3 on Medium, or how many headshots did I make last week in Battlefield 2, and where did it rank amongst those stats?"

Those details run deep, letting gamers graph performance over time -- say, kills with a certain weapon -- and compare it to friends. Players can also broadcast a syndicated news feed to update competitors with their latest achievements.

Continue reading GameStrata statistic site launches, get PWN3D via graphs

JoystiqGameStrata statistic site launches, get PWN3D via graphs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementactivisioncapcomclancommunityEAElectronic-ArtsgamestrataleaderboardnetworkPCPS3segasocial-networkstatstatisticWiiXbox-360Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band site back up with new community features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/rock-band-site-back-up-with-new-community-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/rock-band-site-back-up-with-new-community-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/rock-band-site-back-up-with-new-community-features/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Rock Band community page has been updated as promised and now includes a copious amount of so-called Web 2.0 features - friends list, a personal blog, the ability to link your Xbox Live gamertag or PlayStation Network account to share your Rock and Roll lifestyle with the world around you. The forums, as was stated in the email sent out, seem to remain intact. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we can take our in-game character and make images out of them.

Once you get your account set up, go ahead and share it below, and let Joystiq know just how well you play the (virtual) drums.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqRock Band site back up with new community features originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityeaelectronic-artsharmonixmtvmtv-gamesmtvgamesPS3rock-bandrockbandXbox-360Thu, 20 Dec 2007 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band site down for upgrade [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/rock-band-site-down-for-upgrades/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/rock-band-site-down-for-upgrades/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/rock-band-site-down-for-upgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Although spurring just a fraction of the excitement caused by the Apple Store temporarily shutting down, more than a few tipsters have brought to our attention that the Rock Band Community Site is currently missing, replaced by the above picture asking us to "please check back in a few for a whole new community experience!"

Will we get a more integrated high score list? A way to look at our avatar online and take pictures? A fresh coat of paint? Anything at all? We don't know, and g Given the notifier doesn't specify what unit of time "a few" means - it could be minutes, hours, days, years, or the notorious "when it's ready" - we also don't know how long we'll have to wait to find out. Rock stars can be fickle like that.

Update: We've confirmed the email sent out to current Rock Band community members that outlines the features with the new update. They include:
  • Link your RockBand.com account to your Xbox Live gamertag or PlayStation Network id to share your characters, bands and high scores with your friends.
  • Compare your high scores with the Rock Band community on the brand new Leaderboards.
  • Make friends, write a blog, and post your pictures on your own personal RockBand.com page.
  • Community forums will return with all posts intact.
Update 2: It's back up now.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqRock Band site down for upgrade [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityeaelectronic-artsharmonixmtvmtv-gamesmtvgamesPS2PS3rock-bandrockbandXbox-360Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix confirms Rock Band Nov. 20 release, launches community site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/rock-band-community-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/rock-band-community-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/rock-band-community-site/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We're thankful to the powers that be for having the good sense to move up Rock Band's official release date from the previously announced November 23, aka Black Friday, to the less frantic Tuesday before Thanksgiving, November 20. However, we're slightly more interested in new information concerning Harmonix's recently launched RockBand.com social networking website, which promises leaderboards, customizable band pages and blogs, and even classifieds for those looking to fill out their pseudo-band's ranks.

Certainly community sites for games are nothing new, but Harmonix's plans for the Rock Band website is if nothing else ambitious. Beyond those features mentioned above, the site will also allow you to load your in-game characters into your band's online profile as a way of spreading the word of your accomplishments, as well as plans for a "photo creator" feature to help capture the look of your virtual band. We're imagining that most will err on the side of 'seriously cheesy' while trying to be 'seriously intense,' though we cannot wait to see shots of players mimicking the likes of KISS from the comfort of their parents' basement.

JoystiqHarmonix confirms Rock Band Nov. 20 release, launches community site originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheesycommunityEAElectronic-ArtsharmonixkissleaderboardsMTVPS2PS3RockBandXbox-360Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Acclaim's user-created MMO creates jobs; races beasts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/acclaims-user-created-mmo-creates-jobs-races-beasts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/acclaims-user-created-mmo-creates-jobs-races-beasts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/acclaims-user-created-mmo-creates-jobs-races-beasts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The concept might be a tad ambitious, but Acclaim's Top Secret -- a large-scale competition to build the world's first community-created MMO -- is probably doing more good than evil, with lucrative job positions for the top developers, as well as innumerable job opportunities for all of those involved in the project.

The project, which was first announced back in February, challenges coders, designers, writers, and artists to collaboratively develop an MMO racing game. Members of the development project -- which number over 30,000 -- communicate on forums, wikis, and Acclaim's website to create milestones and deliver assets on a regular basis. As incentive, Acclaim is offering lucrative prizes to top competitors: jobs. One development team from the competition will be hired based on their performance to develop the title for Acclaim, and the grand prize will give one individual the title of director on a future Acclaim MMO. And yes, those positions do include royalties.

In addition to the official prizes, the forum community for Top Secret is also under close observation by Acclaim, with several of its skilled contributors going to work full-time for the publisher and other companies based on their contributions to the project. Acclaim states that this is an intended effect of the competition, hoping to see a large number of contributors break into the industry via Top Secret.

The most recent version of the design document describes Top Secret as a massively multiplayer racing game, where avatars ride beasts of a variety of species, while also engaging in trading, betting, and breeding (of the beasts, not the riders). At first glance, the project seems a bit top-heavy, with a features list that reads more like a "best of" from the industry's greatest franchises. However, game designer Dave Perry, who's overseeing the project as its director, promises to keep a close eye on things, and keep the project on track. Whether the final game will be good or not, the Top Secret project definitely has its heart in the right place. Those interested in future careers in the game industry should definitely check it out.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqAcclaim's user-created MMO creates jobs; races beasts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acclaimcommunitydaveperryPCprojecttopsecretracingtopsecretMon, 10 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free community gamer pictures roxorz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/free-community-gamer-pictures-roxorz/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/free-community-gamer-pictures-roxorz/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/free-community-gamer-pictures-roxorz/#commentsFiled under: ,

In an effort to bring the Xbox community together and promote peace and harmony the Gamerscore Blog is reaching out to various Xbox community websites urging them to create a custom gamer picture to offer on the XBLM. And to jump start their project, they're offering the first set of presumably numerous community gamer pictures on the XBLM for free. The first set is made up of eight gamer pictures featuring your (other) favorite community sites including the Gamerscore Blog, Gamertag Radio, Achievement Junkie and more. The Gamerscore Blog crew promises to get all the Xbox community sites and podcasts on board with this gamer picture project, but there are a bunch out there so it'll be a bit of a wait. Side-thought: Wouldn't an X3F gamer picture be teh awesome?

JoystiqFree community gamer pictures roxorz originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitygamerpicturesxblmSat, 25 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EST