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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Dota 2's The International tournament will return August 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/#comments Dota 2's The International tournament will return August 7The Dota 2 tournament called "The International" is set to return for a third round this year, with two different qualifiers leading up to a championship on August 7. The West Qualifier will run May 13-19, and be hosted by eSports outfit GDStudio, and the East Qualifier, hosted by BeyondtheSummit, will go from May 20-26.

Those two qualifier winners will be joined by last year's winners from Invictus Gaming, twelve other contenders, and a special Wild Card contender, to be determined from the qualifier runner-ups right before the final showdown.

The contest itself will take place at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA, and all of the matches will be broadcast online to watch for free. No official prizes have been announced yet, but traditionally The International boasts a $1 million payout for the winner, so the stakes will undoubtedly be high.

JoystiqDota 2's The International tournament will return August 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augustcontestdota-2invictus-gamingpcqualifiersseattlethe-internationaltournamentvalvewinnersFri, 26 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored sea shanty 'The Drunken Whaler' available for free, remix contest announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/dishonored-sea-shanty-the-drunken-whaler-available-for-free-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/dishonored-sea-shanty-the-drunken-whaler-available-for-free-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/dishonored-sea-shanty-the-drunken-whaler-available-for-free-r/#comments Bethesda recently started offering a free mp3 download of "The Drunken Whaler," the creepy tune heard during Dishonored's E3 trailer, seen above. A collaboration between COPILOT Strategic Music + Sound and Bethesda Softworks, the song set a cold tone for a murderous video of the game back in June.

Bethesda also kicked off a remix contest for "The Drunken Whaler," which will net the top ten winners a t-shirt, poster, and copy of Dishonored. Fans have until September 28 to get their dubstep remixes in for a chance to win.

JoystiqDishonored sea shanty 'The Drunken Whaler' available for free, remix contest announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arkane-StudiosBethesda-Softworkscontestdishonoredmicrosoftpcplaystationps3remixthe-drunken-whalerxboxSun, 16 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You did a great job making Jet Set Radio graffiti]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/#comments Image
There is, strictly speaking, new content to be found in the HD update of Jet Set Radio. It's limited to user-created graffiti designs, but it's new content nonetheless! In the video above, Sega introduces the winning designs in its graffiti contest, all of which look like legitimate graffiti designs and not just Rage Comics and QR codes linking to petitions about Sonic voice actors.

We're sure those were submitted - they just didn't win.

JoystiqYou did a great job making Jet Set Radio graffiti originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestgraffitijet-grind-radiojet-set-radiomicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsegaxblaxboxFri, 11 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trendy offering real money for best Dungeon Defenders maps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/trendy-offering-real-money-for-best-dungeon-defenders-maps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/trendy-offering-real-money-for-best-dungeon-defenders-maps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/trendy-offering-real-money-for-best-dungeon-defenders-maps/#comments ImageTrendy Entertainment, the dev behind Dungeon Defenders, is looking to beef up the offerings from that game's free development kit. It's holding a contest, in which it's giving away some real money and prize packs for the best maps made for the game.

To enter, all you have to do is put a map together for the tower defense RPG (here's a guide.) Submit your map to Trendy by June 21, and if it wins both a public vote and a judges' vote you can walk away with $1000, and even get your map included in the game.

The full rules and requirements are over on Trendy's forums. Those of us without any design skills at all will just sit here quietly waiting to see what you put together. Don't mind us.

JoystiqTrendy offering real money for best Dungeon Defenders maps originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdesigndevelopment-kitdungeon-defendersmappcsdktrendy-entertainmentMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Create Creative Commons games and art in the 'Liberated Pixel Cup']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/create-creative-commons-games-and-art-in-the-liberated-pixel-cu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/create-creative-commons-games-and-art-in-the-liberated-pixel-cu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/create-creative-commons-games-and-art-in-the-liberated-pixel-cu/#comments ImageIf you're cool with a little freeware/open-source jargon ("free-as-in-freedom"), we encourage you to check out the Liberated Pixel Cup.

Creative Commons, the Free Software Foundation, and OpenGameArt, three organizations naturally concerned with the free transmission of culture, are partnering to make the world a better place for free game development. The contest is taking place in two phases: first, participants are encouraged to create new game art usable by anyone (as long as they attribute the source), and upload it to OpenGameArt.

Then, all that art will be used to make games, between July 1st and July 31st. Prizes will be awarded for standouts in both categories. It seems pretty likely you'll be able to download and play all the games from the contest as well, given that, you know, "free software" business. If you don't want to participate artistically, you can do so financially, by donating to the style guide artists and prize fund. Consider it an act of ironic charity.

JoystiqCreate Creative Commons games and art in the 'Liberated Pixel Cup' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcreative-commonsfree-software-foundationliberated-pixel-cupopen-sourceopengameartpcFri, 13 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom Breaker gets a new website, trailer and arcade stick giveaway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/phantom-breaker-gets-a-new-website-trailer-and-arcade-stick-giv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/phantom-breaker-gets-a-new-website-trailer-and-arcade-stick-giv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/phantom-breaker-gets-a-new-website-trailer-and-arcade-stick-giv/#comments
With all the hubbub lately over SoulCalibur 5's recent release and the impending punches contained within next month's Street Fighter X Tekken, its easy to lose track of more obsure upcoming releases like Phantom Breaker. The 360 exclusive fighter, developed by 5pb of Japan and localized for North American audiences by 7sixty, now has an English website and a new trailer to go with it, as seen above.

7sixty is also giving away two limited edition Phantom Breaker-themed Fusion Sapphire arcade sticks from boutique custom shop eightarc. Considering that only those deeply mired in the intricacies of the fighting game community know of eightarc's existence, this contest at least shows that 7sixty knows how to do its homework, if nothing else. You can enter for your chance to win either on the game's official site, or at its Facebook page.

JoystiqPhantom Breaker gets a new website, trailer and arcade stick giveaway originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5pb7sixty7Sixty-Gamesarcade-stickcontesteightarcfusion-sapphiregiveawaymicrosoftphantom-breakerxboxSun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Classic Syndicate infiltrates GOG on Jan. 19, asks how to conquer world first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/classic-syndicate-infiltrates-gog-on-jan-19-asks-how-to-conque/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/classic-syndicate-infiltrates-gog-on-jan-19-asks-how-to-conque/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/classic-syndicate-infiltrates-gog-on-jan-19-asks-how-to-conque/#comments Syndicate, the original title of twisted corporate greed and cyberpunk inhumanity, is hitting GOG on Thursday, Jan. 19 for $5.99. GOG's Syndicate will come with the game manual, artwork and avatars, but until it's officially released GOG is having a little dystopian fun.

Ten players can win a copy of Syndicate by forming the best team of four people -- yourself and three others, real or imaginary, dead, alive or not born yet -- to lead the DRM-free revolution as the world's largest Syndicate. Just drop a description of your team in the GOG comments before 7 a.m. EST on Jan. 19 for a chance to prove yourself in the corrupt corporate world.

JoystiqClassic Syndicate infiltrates GOG on Jan. 19, asks how to conquer world first originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullfrogcontestEAElectronic-ArtsGOGgog.compcproject-redlimesyndicateTue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Run for the border, you might find a Vita there]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/run-for-the-border-you-might-find-a-vita-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/run-for-the-border-you-might-find-a-vita-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/run-for-the-border-you-might-find-a-vita-there/#comments As part of a new promotion, Taco Bell has announced a sweepstakes offering three ways to win a PlayStation Vita. The good news: only one of the three involves eating at Taco Bell. From January 26 through March 11, Taco Bell will serve a crispy, cheesy PlayStation Vita to a lucky winner every 15 minutes(!). Winners will receive a 3G Vita, Little Deviants, a 4GB memory card and their choice of ModNation Racers, MLB 12 the Show, or LittleBigPlanet.

You can find out if you're a winner either by buying a "$5 Buck Box" (yes, with the redundant dollar sign and "buck") and entering a code from the box online, playing the "Reality Fighters Dojo" minigame found within the Taco Bell mobile app, or submitting a photo or video online in which you debase yourself by "boasting" about what you'd do for a Vita.

JoystiqRun for the border, you might find a Vita there originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestplaystationplaystation-vitataco-bellvitaWed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Name Zen Studios' next game, get a credit and a cameo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/name-zen-studios-next-game-get-a-credit-and-a-cameo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/name-zen-studios-next-game-get-a-credit-and-a-cameo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/name-zen-studios-next-game-get-a-credit-and-a-cameo/#comments Zen Fistball Zen Studios, creator of Zen Pinball and the Pinball FX series, needs your help. Your mission: come up with a name for the developer's next project, currently codenamed "Zen Fu" and described as "an experimental rhythm game featuring fully 3D characters and combat, aggressive music, and an East Asian theme." Damn, and we thought we had "Pinball FX 3" on lockdown.

Should a lucky boy or girl choose the perfect name (presumably not related to pinball), he or she will be featured as a character in the game and will receive a proper credit for their contribution. You can submit your title to zen-fu@zenstudios.com, and be sure to check the Zen Studios forums to see what other people are coming up with. The developer will accept entries until January 4.

Oh, and if you need some inspiration, check out the concept art above.

JoystiqName Zen Studios' next game, get a credit and a cameo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestzen-fuzen-studiosTue, 20 Dec 2011 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Win a trip to meet DICE in Sweden by being the best Battlefield 3-er]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/win-a-trip-to-meet-dice-in-sweden-by-being-the-best-battlefield/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/win-a-trip-to-meet-dice-in-sweden-by-being-the-best-battlefield/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/win-a-trip-to-meet-dice-in-sweden-by-being-the-best-battlefield/#comments

DICE and EA are offering a trip to Stockholm, Sweden, to meet the Battlefield 3 team at DICE studios and stay in a five-star hotel for three days -- all you have to do is prove how awesome you are at Battlefield 3. The "Only in Battlefield 3" competition asks players to upload videos of their coolest unscripted Battlefield 3 moments, or as EA describes them, anything that makes you go, "Holy sh#t!"

Videos can use the Battlefield 3 asset pack provided by EA, including the Battlefield 3 theme song, and can't use any possible-copyright-infringing material. For a full list of requirements, check out the Only in Battlefield 3 competition page, and maybe watch this video for inspiration.

Continue reading Win a trip to meet DICE in Sweden by being the best Battlefield 3-er

JoystiqWin a trip to meet DICE in Sweden by being the best Battlefield 3-er originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3contestDICEEAmicrosoftOnly-in-Battlefield-3pcplaystationps3xboxSun, 18 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Gaming hosting million-dollar EA Sports online tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/virgin-gaming-hosting-million-dollar-ea-sports-online-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/virgin-gaming-hosting-million-dollar-ea-sports-online-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/virgin-gaming-hosting-million-dollar-ea-sports-online-tournament/#comments If you're convinced that you're the best at virtual kicking, throwing, catching and running, Virgin Gaming and EA have teamed up to make your skillset into a profitable exercise. Well, potentially profitable -- the two are hosting an EA Sports online tournament for the PS3 versions of three titles: Players can compete for a $400k cash prize in both Madden NFL 12 and FIFA 12, and a $200k prize in NHL 12. Why half as much for the latter of the three? Simple: Hockey is way easier. (Please don't beat us up, hockey-people.)

Before you start chasing the dream of free money, you'll want to read the fine print -- to become one of 1,000 finalists (who must pay their own way to the finals in New York City), players must drop a $10 entry fee, then win six games in a row. If they break their six-game streak, they'll have to start all over, shelling out another $10 to enter again.

Of course, folks who are uncertain in their abilities can drop a cool $400, and automatically become one of the finalists. We suppose that's the ultimate sport: Having lots of money to begin with. Interested parties can read the full rules and enlist on the Virgin Gaming site -- just keep an eye out for, you know, fees.

JoystiqVirgin Gaming hosting million-dollar EA Sports online tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contesteaea-sportsmadden-nfl-12playstationps3tournamentvirginvirgin-gamingThu, 08 Dec 2011 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam grants wishes with Daily Wishlist Giveaway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/steam-grants-wishes-with-daily-wishlist-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/steam-grants-wishes-with-daily-wishlist-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/steam-grants-wishes-with-daily-wishlist-giveaway/#comments Steam sales are great, but even at deep discounts you still have to pay for the games you want. Valve will give a few lucky Steam users the coveted 100% discount on the games in their wishlists, with the "Daily Wishlist Giveaway."

Here's how it works: first, make sure you have at least ten games in your Steam wishlist. Then just visit the page for each day's Daily Deal -- today it's Terraria for $2.50 -- and you'll be entered. Ten people will win their top ten games every day, from today through whenever Valve decides to start its Holiday Sale. Last year, that was December 20.

JoystiqSteam grants wishes with Daily Wishlist Giveaway originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdaily-wishlist-giveawaymacpcsteamvalveThu, 01 Dec 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider Xbox 360 could use a hug]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/tomb-raider-xbox-360-could-use-a-hug/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/tomb-raider-xbox-360-could-use-a-hug/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/tomb-raider-xbox-360-could-use-a-hug/#comments TomBox 360 We've seen a lot of custom Xbox 360s before, but never one that looked like it was in so much pain. The Official Tomb Raider Blog is currently running a contest to give the Xbox, featuring a bruised and battered Lara Croft, away -- and it's clear that it could use a good home. And just look at that Xbox controller! Poor little guy must have fractured a handle.

Winning isn't quite as easy as filling out a form, as the blog is asking folks to answer trivia questions, which can only be found via Twitter, Facebook and during the last five minutes of Crystal Habit, the Crystal Dynamics podcast. Once you have the answers, you can enter the contest here.

Do it quickly, because someone needs to get that mistreated console away from those monsters.

JoystiqTomb Raider Xbox 360 could use a hug originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestCrystal-Dynamicseidosmicrosoftsquare-enixtomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012xboxWed, 05 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Dota 2 fan set up a billboard to win a beta key]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/this-dota-2-fan-set-up-a-billboard-to-win-a-beta-key/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/this-dota-2-fan-set-up-a-billboard-to-win-a-beta-key/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/this-dota-2-fan-set-up-a-billboard-to-win-a-beta-key/#comments One Dota 2 fan wanted to win a beta key in a big way in Valve's recent photo contest -- like, really big. The rules stipulated entrants submit a photograph of themselves "holding a sign that reads 'Dota 2' and your 'PlayDotA.com Username' in any creative fashion," and that the image had to be larger than 600x400 px. So Steven Addison put his image on a billboard, because that's what sane people do to get beta keys.

Placing an ad on an electronic billboard in Addison's neighborhood normally costs $3,000. Addison and his friend wanted to use the billboard in a student film as well, and after Addison explained their situation, a kind Clear Channel man offered him a small amount of air time for free. We're very happy to hear that, because compared to the other submissions, even $20 seems like too much to have invested in this contest.

[Thanks, Barnz!]

JoystiqThis Dota 2 fan set up a billboard to win a beta key originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaBillboardcontestdota-2pcSteven-AddisonvalveSun, 02 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aaaaa! devs holding art contest for 'semi-sequel']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/aaaaa-devs-holding-art-contest-for-semi-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/aaaaa-devs-holding-art-contest-for-semi-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/aaaaa-devs-holding-art-contest-for-semi-sequel/#comments Dejobaan Games is creating a follow-up to its brilliantly titled BASE jumping simulator, AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!!-- A Reckless Disregard for Gravity, and it needs your help to make it perfect. The studio is holding a contest for fans to create billboards out of public images and clever catchphrases, and submit them before this Friday, September 30. The winner will not only win a copy of the heretofore unannounced "semi-sequel," their billboard will actually appear in the game.

You can find out more details about the contest on Dejobaan's site. Frankly, we'd be more interested in a contest to come up with a name for the sequel -- we'd probably go with AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA TwoOoooOo: Gesundheit!

JoystiqAaaaa! devs holding art contest for 'semi-sequel' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-a-reckless-disregard-for-gravitycontestdejobaandejobaan-gamespcWed, 28 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[You could sing the Assassin's Creed: Revelations theme (seriously)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/you-could-sing-the-assassins-creed-revelations-theme-seriousl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/you-could-sing-the-assassins-creed-revelations-theme-seriousl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/you-could-sing-the-assassins-creed-revelations-theme-seriousl/#comments
Upon hearing about Ubisoft's singing contest for this November's Assassin's Creed: Revelations launch, we've been furiously putting ink to paper in an effort to cage all of our wild lyrical genius. Apparently, that is all for naught, as the contest doesn't actually seek lyrics to go with our symphonic collective voice, but rather one especially melodious vocalist for non-lyrical singing. Rats!

AC: R composer Lorne Balfe and general composer dude Hans Zimmer explain the contest in the video. They are looking for folks to put vocals to the game's theme song (available here), and to then get on Facebook for some Marketing 2.0. After reaching the top 20 "Liked" versions of the theme on Facebook, you'll enter the second round, where a handful of musicians (including Zimmer and Balfe, among others) will pick the creme de la creme. Finally, if you're chosen, you get to record your version of the theme, get credits in the game and the soundtrack, and you'll be "awarded" a prize of $1,000. The only question we have now is this: How much would it cost to pay a professional vocalist to record the theme?

Regardless, potential entrants have until 8:00PM PST on September 19 to enter, giving you just under two weeks to get crackin'. So, uh, get crackin'!

JoystiqYou could sing the Assassin's Creed: Revelations theme (seriously) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationscontesthans-zimmerlorne-balfemicrosoftpcplaystationps3singingtheme-songubisoftubisoft-montrealujamxboxThu, 08 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Design a Joystiq T-shirt and win a console with games!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/reminder-design-a-joystiq-t-shirt-and-win-a-console-with-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/reminder-design-a-joystiq-t-shirt-and-win-a-console-with-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/reminder-design-a-joystiq-t-shirt-and-win-a-console-with-games/#comments We're sure you're already feverishly working on your T-shirt designs for Joystiq; we just wanted to remind you that you've only got until Sunday to submit yours. One winner is going to get their T-shirt made by Joystiq and get a console of their choice with five randomly selected games, so get to designing. Complete rules and submission guidelines are after the break.

Just a note: Don't feel like you have to prominently feature our logo. As our boy Petey M. demonstrates, our last winner had a really cool image with the Joystiq name just sort of lovingly placed at the side. Good luck!

(Update: Technically, the winner of our T-shirt contest in 2006 was Mr. Philip Palermo. Here's his great shirt.)

Continue reading Reminder: Design a Joystiq T-shirt and win a console with games!

JoystiqReminder: Design a Joystiq T-shirt and win a console with games! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdesignjoystiqjoyswagt-shirtThu, 01 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Prototype 2 for a chance to be in Prototype 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/pre-order-prototype-2-for-a-chance-to-be-in-prototype-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/pre-order-prototype-2-for-a-chance-to-be-in-prototype-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/pre-order-prototype-2-for-a-chance-to-be-in-prototype-2/#comments Ever wanted to be killed accidentally by a super-powered monster? If you said "Boy, have I!" you might want to stop loitering at your local nuclear power plant and check out Prototype 2.

Activision and GameStop have partnered to turn pre-orderers into bystanders in the game. "In addition to just seeing themselves in the game," said Radical Entertainment studio head Ken Rosman, "the winners will actually be able to locate their virtual selves and shape-shift Sgt. James Heller into their likeness."

US and Canada residents age 18 and up can enter by pre-ordering the game at GameStop before September 1 and then entering a drawing online. Winners will be sent to Vancouver to be turned into virtual collateral damage at Radical's HQ.

JoystiqPre-order Prototype 2 for a chance to be in Prototype 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncontestgamestopmicrosoftpcplaystationprototype-2ps3radical-entertainmentxboxWed, 10 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro/Grade headed to PAX Prime with fancy ID cards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/retro-grade-headed-to-pax-prime-with-fancy-id-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/retro-grade-headed-to-pax-prime-with-fancy-id-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/retro-grade-headed-to-pax-prime-with-fancy-id-cards/#comments
Retro/Grade developers 24 Caret Games will print customized ID cards for PAX Prime attendees this August, giving some peace of mind to those dreading sudden separation from their like-minded groups in Penny Arcade's increasingly packed event.

The crew from 24 Caret will be at this year's Seattle-based soiree, showing off its game and holding a promotional contest -- and that's where the ID cards really come in. Entry in the high score contest is tied to pre-registering for a card (which you can do right here) for free -- if you're not into that kinda thing, generic Rick Rocket cards will be available otherwise at the show. That said, if you pre-register, it'll also net you a totally swanky identification for the duration of PAX, undoubtedly helpful in your repeated self-introductions as "The guy who plans to conquer your Retro/Grade high score."

JoystiqRetro/Grade headed to PAX Prime with fancy ID cards originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-caret-gamescontesthigh-score-contestpax-2011pax-primepax-prime-2011retro-gradeWed, 03 Aug 2011 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom Devil May Cry art contest hints at unannounced DMC game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/capcom-devil-may-cry-art-contest-hints-at-unannounced-dmc-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/capcom-devil-may-cry-art-contest-hints-at-unannounced-dmc-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/capcom-devil-may-cry-art-contest-hints-at-unannounced-dmc-game/#comments If you possess fond memories of the original, snowy-haired version of Devil May Cry protagonist Dante, you should bust out your watercolors and really explore those feelings. Capcom's compiling fan-drawn art for the demon-destroying franchise's upcoming 10th anniversary, which the company will then place in "a new, to be announced Capcom game."

If we were betting folks, we'd wager this title would be an HD collection of the first three installments in the Devil May Cry series. If we were really bad at betting, we'd also say those illustrations will be implemented in an all new "Dante's First Coloring Book" mode. Fortunately, we're very good at betting. We have a system, Debbie. A system!

JoystiqCapcom Devil May Cry art contest hints at unannounced DMC game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artcapcomcontestdevil-may-cryDevil-May-Cry-3Devil-May-Cry-3-Dantes-Awakeningplaystationps3Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve, The National testing Portal 2 music video contest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/valve-the-national-testing-portal-2-music-video-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/valve-the-national-testing-portal-2-music-video-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/valve-the-national-testing-portal-2-music-video-contest/#comments Valve and The National are teaming up for a music video contest based on the band's "Exile Vilify" track from Portal 2. Using whatever means necessary -- they don't even have to think with portals -- participants have until July 15 to submit a music video for the song on YouTube with the tag "PORTAL2NATIONALEXILE." Valve, The National and "the community" will select the winner, who'll receive a fabulous prize package of Portal 2 merch and a guitar autographed by The National.

That's all the rules, so go nuts. If you need to give the track a listen before letting those creative juices flow, check out the song after the break. If you want the full Portal 2 soundtrack, you can download that from your buddies at Joystiq right here.

Continue reading Valve, The National testing Portal 2 music video contest

JoystiqValve, The National testing Portal 2 music video contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestmicrosoftmusic-videopcplaystationportal-2ps3The-NationalValvexboxThu, 16 Jun 2011 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kongregate and Ubisoft want you to build a music game in honor of Child of Eden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/kongregate-and-ubisoft-want-you-to-build-a-music-game-in-honor-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/kongregate-and-ubisoft-want-you-to-build-a-music-game-in-honor-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/kongregate-and-ubisoft-want-you-to-build-a-music-game-in-honor-o/#comments Kongregate and Ubisoft just launched a new contest to promote Child of Eden, called "Project Eden: Experience the Music" -- but it's an even deeper "experience" than the title suggests, as you'll actually "experience" the development of a music game in order to enter.

From now through June 21, Kongregate is accepting submissions of user-designed music games for entry into this contest. The top 25 games chosen by the voting community will then be judged by Child of Eden creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi ... and also Ricardo Torres from GameSpot. The winner gets $10,000 and, of course, the opportunity to spread their synaesthesia-inducing masterwork to everyone who checks out Kongregate.

Continue reading Kongregate and Ubisoft want you to build a music game in honor of Child of Eden

JoystiqKongregate and Ubisoft want you to build a music game in honor of Child of Eden originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>child-of-edencontestkongregatemicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftxboxFri, 13 May 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite 'Name in the Game' contest winner, in-game namesake revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/bioshock-infinite-name-in-the-game-contest-winner-in-game-nam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/bioshock-infinite-name-in-the-game-contest-winner-in-game-nam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/bioshock-infinite-name-in-the-game-contest-winner-in-game-nam/#comments The winner of the BioShock Infinite "Name in the Game" contest has been revealed, with the lucky fan earning the honor of having their name featured in the game as one of its fictional businesses. Developer Irrational Games picked Peyton Lane Easter, whose name we freely admit is one of the most elegant we've ever heard.

Irrational's blog revealed that over 100,000 entrants submitted their names, though we think you'll agree that nothing beats "Payton Lane Easter & Sons Premium Automated Stallions." Plus, we couldn't be happier that our fear of a Poop Emporium turned out to be just another case of unnecessarily irrational paranoia.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite 'Name in the Game' contest winner, in-game namesake revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitecontestirrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 09 May 2011 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite contest aims to get your name into the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/bioshock-infinite-contest-aims-to-get-your-name-into-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/bioshock-infinite-contest-aims-to-get-your-name-into-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/bioshock-infinite-contest-aims-to-get-your-name-into-the-game/#comments Remember Sinclair Spirits, seen above? It's an establishment in BioShock, named after Irrational Games staffer Scott Sinclair. Developers get to do that kind of thing all the time in their own games and now Irrational is opening up that opportunity to one fan in BioShock Infinite.

A missive on the developer's site details the opportunity, which will see the name of one lucky winner transformed into "the namesake of a building, a character, a business -- whatever our artists come up with" in BioShock Infinite. We imagine it'll be cool, unless what they come up with is "Poopy Bill Smith's Poop Emporium" or something like that. But, hey, the folks at Irrational are cool, so we wouldn't expect them to do that. We're like 90% sure. Okay, 80% absolutely sure. Alright, we'll just play it safe and say there's a 50/50 shot.

You can submit your name by hitting up this link here and dropping in the appropriate info. Best of luck!

JoystiqBioShock Infinite contest aims to get your name into the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitecontestirrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 08 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea 4 coming in September, dood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/disgaea-4-coming-in-september-dood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/disgaea-4-coming-in-september-dood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/disgaea-4-coming-in-september-dood/#comments This fall, you can look forward to massive level numbers and dead souls turned into explosive penguins. That's right, Disgaea's coming back. NIS America announced that it's strategically launching Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten on PS3 this September. It's coming to Europe, too, with a less clearly-defined "fall" release window.

In addition to localizing the netherworld strategy game itself, NIS is also importing the naming contest used to market the Japanese release of the game. The "Come up with Dis-name-a" contest seeks new names for a sword, a skill and "a scantily-clad NPC." To see the objects in need of names, and hopefully to find inspiration, check them out here.

Continue reading Disgaea 4 coming in September, dood

JoystiqDisgaea 4 coming in September, dood originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdisgaea-4marketingnis-americaplaystationps3q3-2011release-dateFri, 08 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pro wrestler pitches first known perfect MLB 2K11 game, wins nothing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/pro-wrestler-pitches-first-known-perfect-mlb-2k11-game-wins-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/pro-wrestler-pitches-first-known-perfect-mlb-2k11-game-wins-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/pro-wrestler-pitches-first-known-perfect-mlb-2k11-game-wins-not/#comments After the break, you can watch the last three outs of a perfect game pitched in MLB 2K11 by a gamer named Michael Manna, who also happens to be known as professional wrestler Stevie Richards. Manna posted the video on YouTube hoping to win 2K Sports' $1 million perfect game contest, but he's been thwarted by the rules. Rather than having the contest go live on release day, as it did last year, this year's contest doesn't actually start until April 1, which means Manna's win doesn't actually count.

Too bad for Manna -- that's a pretty harsh chair to the back. But at least he knows he has the chops, so when the contest does kick off later this year, he can go up to the mound and try again.

[Thanks, Darrenn!]

Continue reading Pro wrestler pitches first known perfect MLB 2K11 game, wins nothing

JoystiqPro wrestler pitches first known perfect MLB 2K11 game, wins nothing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportscontestmichael-mannamicrosoftmlb-2k11perfect-gamepitchingplaystationps3stevie-richardsxboxWed, 09 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get yourself cast as a survivor in Resistance 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/get-yourself-cast-as-a-survivor-in-resistance-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/get-yourself-cast-as-a-survivor-in-resistance-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/get-yourself-cast-as-a-survivor-in-resistance-3/#comments Alright, it's time to do a little pre-audition prep work: Let's see your best look of complete, abject despair. Good, good! Now, slump your shoulders and shuffle across the room, in a manner that just says, "Hey, my whole city just got destroyed by unswervingly violent alien aggressors." That's perfect! You might just have a chance to win Sony and Insomniac's "Get In The Game With Resistance 3" contest -- the winner of which will be cast as a survivor in the upcoming, Chimeric shooter.

All you have to do is send in an image of you in "the middle of a Resistance-style battle," or looking as survivor-y as possible, which we assume involves looking very, very dirty and sad. If your submission is picked, you'll get a private tour of Insomniac Games, where your face will be scanned and stuck onto an in-game character. Quick, show us "I just watched my grandparents get eaten!" Oh, man. That's remarkable. Seriously, you're a shoe-in.

JoystiqGet yourself cast as a survivor in Resistance 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestinsomniac-gamesplaystationps3Resistance-3sonysony-computer-entertainmentMon, 07 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Design Many Robots' and get featured in Shoot Many Robots DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/design-many-robots-and-get-featured-in-shoot-many-robots-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/design-many-robots-and-get-featured-in-shoot-many-robots-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/design-many-robots-and-get-featured-in-shoot-many-robots-dlc/#comments Demiurge's Shoot Many Robots is the latest to join a growing trend in games: adding player content to the final product. The "Design Many Robots" contest asks fans to submit original robot designs. The winning entrants will be flown to Boston to visit Demiurge and see their creations added to the game's first expansion.

The deadline for submissions is April 4th, and is restricted to US residents only. "Blame the lawyers! They made us do it!," Demiurge's Justin Lockey noted. Alright then, done. Blamed.

Continue reading 'Design Many Robots' and get featured in Shoot Many Robots DLC

Joystiq'Design Many Robots' and get featured in Shoot Many Robots DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdesigndesign-many-robotsmicrosoftplaystationps3psnshoot-many-robotsxblaxboxFri, 04 Mar 2011 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MI6 marketing firm seeking original Dead Rising 2, Halo: Reach trailers from college students]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/mi6-marketing-firm-seeking-original-dead-rising-2-halo-reach-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/mi6-marketing-firm-seeking-original-dead-rising-2-halo-reach-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/mi6-marketing-firm-seeking-original-dead-rising-2-halo-reach-t/#comments Considering the volume of fan-made game trailers cast onto the YouTubes every day, we're guessing MI6's "Making the Cut" competition will bring in a number of qualified entrants. Here's the deal: Any college student who makes a "non-traditional" trailer for either Halo: Reach or Dead Rising 2 can send said trailer into MI6 (the marketing agency, not the branch of British intelligence services), which could be chosen to receive an award during the annual MI6 Video Game Marketing Conference and Awards Show.

Participants are encouraged to use their imagination, but must also incorporate gameplay footage provided by the games' developers. Interested collegiate filmmakers can check out the rules and regulations or register for the contest on the official site. Then, it's just a matter of brainstorming and filming an eye-catching concept. How about ... backwards pre-teen zombie girls? Those seem to be pretty "in" right now.

JoystiqMI6 marketing firm seeking original Dead Rising 2, Halo: Reach trailers from college students originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdead-rising-2filmmakinghalohalo-reachmarketingmi6mi6-game-marketingmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Answer Dragon Quest VI trivia questions, meet Yuji Horii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/answer-dragon-quest-vi-trivia-questions-meet-yuji-horii/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/answer-dragon-quest-vi-trivia-questions-meet-yuji-horii/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/answer-dragon-quest-vi-trivia-questions-meet-yuji-horii/#commentsHave you been reading up on Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation obsessively since the announcement of next month's North American DS release? If so, you've been training for a competition you didn't even know existed. Today, Nintendo will begin a Twitter trivia contest on its official Twitter account, with prizes awarded in three rounds.

100 Round 1 winners will win t-shirts, four Round 2 winners will get copies of the game, and the winner of Round 3 will receive a trip for two to San Francisco and a chance to meet Yuji Horii in person, to impress and/or creep him out with encyclopedic knowledge of his work.

Or you could cut straight to the Horii meet-and-greet without all the work. Horii will appear at GameStop's "Store of the Future" in Palo Alto, CA February 12 from 1-3 pm. Dragon Quest VI will be available at this event, two days before its release date.

JoystiqAnswer Dragon Quest VI trivia questions, meet Yuji Horii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdragon-quest-vi-realms-of-revelationdsgamestopnintendosquare-enixyuji-horiiMon, 31 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft contest pits UK Kinect Sports players against actual gold medalists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/microsoft-contest-pits-uk-kinect-sports-players-against-actual-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/microsoft-contest-pits-uk-kinect-sports-players-against-actual-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/microsoft-contest-pits-uk-kinect-sports-players-against-actual-g/#comments Hey, UK-based readers: Do you feel like totally humiliating yourselves? You should look into Microsoft's "Game with Fame" competition, in which one lucky, Kinect Sports-playing family will compete in virtual track and field events against actual Olympians Linford Christie and Mark Lewis-Francis.

Continue reading Microsoft contest pits UK Kinect Sports players against actual gold medalists

JoystiqMicrosoft contest pits UK Kinect Sports players against actual gold medalists originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestgame-with-famekinectKinect-Sportsmicrosoftolympicsraretrack-and-fieldxboxThu, 13 Jan 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[The Behemoth's 'Tournament of Champions' giving away a gold-plated Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/the-behemoths-tournament-of-champions-giving-away-a-gold-plat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/the-behemoths-tournament-of-champions-giving-away-a-gold-plat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/the-behemoths-tournament-of-champions-giving-away-a-gold-plat/#comments Take a good, hard look at your Xbox 360. Look at it, sitting in your entertainment center. It is plain. That, friend, is a pauper's gaming console. The Behemoth is offering you a chance to add some much-needed regality to your gaming experience: As part of its "Tournament of Champions" contest, the indie studio is giving away a 24 karat gold-plated 360 Elite to the top-ranked global Castle Crashers Arena fighter on Xbox Live Arcade.

There's plenty of other prizes to go around, including a Castle Crashers-themed 360 Elite, and ... um, 250 squishy chicken toys, all of which go to the third place winner, which is appropriately bizarre. Check out the rules and regulations for the contest over on The Behemoth's official site!

JoystiqThe Behemoth's 'Tournament of Champions' giving away a gold-plated Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Castle-Crasherscontestgoldmicrosoftthe-behemothxblaxboxSat, 08 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hey kid: pitch a perfect game in MLB 2K11, win $1 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/hey-kid-pitch-a-perfect-game-in-mlb-2k11-win-1-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/hey-kid-pitch-a-perfect-game-in-mlb-2k11-win-1-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/hey-kid-pitch-a-perfect-game-in-mlb-2k11-win-1-million/#comments We've never been more excited about Take-Two's annual MLB 2K challenge, which offers a million bucks to the first person to pitch a perfect game in the newest iteration of the series (MLB 2K11 in today's announcement). It's not just the money -- though that's obviously interesting for Xbox 360 and PS3 players vying for the prize -- it's that the official rules have lowered the minimum age of contestants to thirteen.

...You're still not getting it. It's okay, we didn't at first either.

Maybe the company didn't realize it, and we certainly don't want to jinx anything, but Take-Two has put our planet just 27 virtual outs away from a real life Blank Check scenario, this time with no meddlesome gangsters or Feds to spoil everything. We call dibs on the first go-kart race.

JoystiqHey kid: pitch a perfect game in MLB 2K11, win $1 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestmicrosoftmlb-2k11playstationps3take-twoxboxFri, 07 Jan 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter caption contest launched for Half-Minute Hero sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/twitter-caption-contest-launched-for-half-minute-hero-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/twitter-caption-contest-launched-for-half-minute-hero-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/twitter-caption-contest-launched-for-half-minute-hero-sequel/#commentsAs practice for the kind of quick thinking required to play Hero 30 Second ... and to promote Hero 30 Second (mostly that last one), Japanese publisher Marvelous has launched a Twitter caption contest. Participants are asked to come up with clever captions for a selected screenshot in 100 characters or less.

Of course, given the nature of the game, participants are also limited to 30 seconds. After you've come up with your impromptu masterpiece, it'll go on the "Twitter30" website and your own Twitter feed. As 1UP notes, it's technically a Japanese contest, but there's likely someone at Marvelous who will be able to read and appreciate your frantic attempts at humor.

JoystiqTwitter caption contest launched for Half-Minute Hero sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contesthero-30-secondjapanmarvelousplaystationpspsonytwitterFri, 31 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[In Russia, Super Meat Boy retail cover makes you!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/in-russia-super-meat-boy-retail-cover-makes-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/in-russia-super-meat-boy-retail-cover-makes-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/in-russia-super-meat-boy-retail-cover-makes-you/#comments Okay, not quite. But fans of Super Meat Boy in Russia now have the opportunity to design the cover art for the PC box-copy release in the territory (so team Meat doesn't have to). Published by Buka Entertainment, the Russian release will be the first box copy of the game available in the world, so it's ... sort of a big deal?

To enter the box art contest -- well, first you have to be a resident of Russia or any of the former Soviet Union countries, and then -- just put together a 709x709-pixel image using this set of SMB assets (.ZIP link), send it in to Buka before midnight on January 15, 2011, and calmly wait for the results to be announced a day or so later (more specific instructions can be found here). Not only will the winner become "like semi-popular," but he or she will also receive an Acer monitor!

A personal message from Team Meat's Edmund McMillen spells out the intentions behind the contest, which you can view after the break. If you don't watch it for the pitch, watch it for his totally sweet hat.

Continue reading In Russia, Super Meat Boy retail cover makes you!

JoystiqIn Russia, Super Meat Boy retail cover makes you! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>box-artbukabuka-entertainmentcontestedmund-mcmillenpcrussiasuper-meat-boyteam-meatTue, 28 Dec 2010 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Show Kung-Fu Live devs your moves for prizes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/show-kung-fu-live-devs-your-moves-for-prizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/show-kung-fu-live-devs-your-moves-for-prizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/show-kung-fu-live-devs-your-moves-for-prizes/#commentsVirtual Air Guitar Company is taking a page out of Captain Falcon's book for a Kung-Fu Live contest. In exchange for prizes, the developer is asking players, "Show us your moves."

it couldn't be easier to win the first bunch of prizes: the first 20 people to email YouTube links to their wackiest Kung-Fu Live moves will win prize packs "including a rare bandana and signed photographs of international video game celebrity 'Sensei Oskari' himself." Of the videos already posted, it's hard to beat the guy using a Kinect ... as a melee weapon.

After that, prizes will be given to the videos who receive the most votes each week, for an unspecified number of weeks. If you're playing Kung-Fu Live, you're already making a damn fool of yourself in front of a camera, so why not try to profit from it?

Continue reading Show Kung-Fu Live devs your moves for prizes

JoystiqShow Kung-Fu Live devs your moves for prizes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestkung-fu-liveplaystationps3psnvirtual-air-guitarWed, 22 Dec 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[If uDraw wintry artwork, you could win prizes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/if-udraw-wintry-artwork-you-could-win-prizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/if-udraw-wintry-artwork-you-could-win-prizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/if-udraw-wintry-artwork-you-could-win-prizes/#commentsAre uEnjoying the uDraw tablet and its included uDraw Studio software? If so (and if you're, like, way talented), you could win a bunch of THQ Wii games. Through Jan. 11, THQ is soliciting winter-themed artwork drawn in uDraw Studio for a "Winter Wonderland" contest. The winning artwork will be used as the background for the World of uDraw website, and the artist behind said artwork will get a "THQ Kids videogame prize pack" for Wii, worth $500.

The uDraw thing is somewhat of a surprise hit, so expect lots of competition. For those of you who don't have a tablet, or are crazy enough to go out to the mall today in search of one as a gift, THQ says it's "working with retailers to ensure stock is on hand to meet demand during the busiest shopping season of the year."

Continue reading If uDraw wintry artwork, you could win prizes

JoystiqIf uDraw wintry artwork, you could win prizes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestnintendothqudrawudraw-game-tabletudraw-studiowiiSun, 19 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Experience the Glove' by winning Michael Jackson: The Experience contest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/experience-the-glove-by-winning-michael-jackson-the-experienc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/experience-the-glove-by-winning-michael-jackson-the-experienc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/experience-the-glove-by-winning-michael-jackson-the-experienc/#commentsPeople who buy the first run of the Wii version of Michael Jackson: The Experience will receive a sparkly glove. But one lucky Michael Jackson: The Experience owner will get an even more ostentatious (and valuable) glove, in addition to the regular one. A pair of gloves -- how unusual!

Five "golden tickets" are distributed in copies of the game, each one constituting an entry in a drawing for this replica Michael Jackson glove. Five additional contestants will be awarded entries on the game's Facebook page. Yes, it's a random drawing whose prize is an entry into another random drawing.

The glove is identical in design to a limited number of replicas given to celebrities to autograph and auction on Charity Buzz (the "Experience the Glove" campaign, Ubisoft and the Jackson estate are calling it), with proceeds going to a children's charity of that celebrity's choice. Currently, the only such glove on the site belongs to Whoopi Goldberg -- handily taking care of holiday shopping for that Whoopi Goldberg superfan in your family with the notoriously cold right hand.

Continue reading 'Experience the Glove' by winning Michael Jackson: The Experience contest

Joystiq'Experience the Glove' by winning Michael Jackson: The Experience contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitycontestexperience-the-glovegloveMichael-Jackson-The-ExperiencenintendoubisoftwiiWed, 24 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead asks for help in naming its next game -- and we oblige!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/hothead-asks-for-help-in-naming-its-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/hothead-asks-for-help-in-naming-its-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/hothead-asks-for-help-in-naming-its-next-game/#comments If you see us walking around over the next few days, randomly shouting phrases like "Card Wizard" and "Spell Deck," we need you to know that we haven't completely lost our minds. We're just trying to come up with some helpful submissions for the name of Hothead's next game.

All we know about the game is that it features wizards, and also cards, as evidenced in the screenshot above. Here's a little inspirational fuel for your brain-fires -- let's see if you can top us, possibly ascending yourself to ludological superstardom in the process:
  • Card Carrying Wizard Club
  • Cardmaster's Quest: Eternal Mana War of the Deckwizards
  • Cards of Duty: Black Arts
  • Get Out of My Dreams, Get Into My Cards
  • Gin Runey
  • Go Fish (With an Enchanted Fishing Pole or Something, I Don't Know)
  • Guess Who: Portraits of Power
  • Hocus Poker
  • Middle Earth Hold 'Em
  • Protect Ya' Deck
  • Yu-Gi-Oh
Just drop your ideas in the comments of Hothead's post, and feel free to also share your cleverness with your fellow commenters below!

[Thanks Austin!]

JoystiqHothead asks for help in naming its next game -- and we oblige! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestguess-who-portraits-of-powerHothead-GamesWed, 17 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Winners of Superstars V8 Racing contest to receive Gran Turismo 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/winners-of-superstars-v8-racing-contest-to-receive-gran-turismo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/winners-of-superstars-v8-racing-contest-to-receive-gran-turismo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/winners-of-superstars-v8-racing-contest-to-receive-gran-turismo/#commentsIn a kind of brilliant move, O-Games is promoting its racing game by giving away copies of another company's racing game. Starting this Friday, November 12, the company will hold weekly leaderboard challenges in its PSN game Superstars V8 Racing. Each week's winner will receive a copy of Gran Turismo 5. This means, if you're way, way awesome at Superstars V8 Racing, this is a way to get GT5 for just twenty bucks -- the cost of V8 Racing. Complete details of the contest will be posted on the game's Facebook page.

Of course, there's a unique problem with offering Gran Turismo 5 as a prize. "Exactly when we can ship GT5 is anybody's guess," O-Games Greg Lanz said in the announcement of the contest. "But rest assured, we will send out prizes whenever it hits retail shelves."

Continue reading Winners of Superstars V8 Racing contest to receive Gran Turismo 5

JoystiqWinners of Superstars V8 Racing contest to receive Gran Turismo 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestgran-turismo-5o-gamesplaystationps3psnracingsuperstars-v8-racingThu, 11 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST