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[NPD: Sales of dancing games up 326% over last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/npd-sales-of-dancing-games-up-326-over-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/npd-sales-of-dancing-games-up-326-over-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/npd-sales-of-dancing-games-up-326-over-last-year/#comments In the US, dancing game sales are up 326% percent year over year, the NPD told the LA Times. That's for the 12-month period ending October 31. Compare that with overall game sales, which rose 3%.

Of course, at the end of October last year, Just Dance 2 had only started selling. Since then, it's been doing very well for itself, and has been followed by several spinoffs, including Just Dance Kids (and its sequel!), Michael Jackson: The Experience, The Black Eyed Peas Experience, Just Dance 2 Summer Party, and, of course, Just Dance 3.

Too damn many Just Dance games can't claim all the credit for the growth in dancing-machine sales. Dance Central is at somewhere over 2.5 million units, and it's been followed by a sequel; Zumba Fitness has been a phenomenon, and Sony's Everybody Dance is also available.

Update: corrected Dance Central sales figures.

JoystiqNPD: Sales of dancing games up 326% over last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldancingeverybody-dancejust-dance-2just-dance-3kinectmicrosoftmovemusicnintendonpdplaystationps3saleswiixboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How Dance Central saved Harmonix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/how-dance-central-saved-harmonix/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/how-dance-central-saved-harmonix/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/how-dance-central-saved-harmonix/#comments In 2010, the music-game bubble had burst and Harmonix was on the verge of shutting down; its parent company Viacom was trying desperately to sell, but no company was buying. And then Harmonix dropped Dance Central. Today, Dance Central is the second-best-selling game on Kinect, having sold more than 2.5 million copies -- and from that, Harmonix expects to report $100 million in revenue for 2011, its most profitable year ever.

Downloads are a large part of Harmonix's turnaround. It's sold about 100 million songs as paid DLC since 2006 for all of its titles, including Rock Band. At only 200 employees, $100 million isn't too shabby, and with two new titles in the works, Harmonix expects to double its profit in the coming years. Kinda makes you want to get up and dance -- no, wait. That's the fire ants.

JoystiqHow Dance Central saved Harmonix originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralHarmonixkinectmicrosoftrock-bandxboxSat, 05 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Dance Central or Kinect Sports sequel, get original for half off on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/buy-dance-central-or-kinect-sports-sequel-get-original-for-half/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/buy-dance-central-or-kinect-sports-sequel-get-original-for-half/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/buy-dance-central-or-kinect-sports-sequel-get-original-for-half/#comments If you're looking into jumping into either the Dance Central or Kinect Sports franchises sequel-first, Amazon's offering you a chance to catch up on your back catalog for peanuts. For a limited time, if you buy Dance Central 2 or Kinect Sports: Season 2, you can get their prequels for half-off.

Continue reading Buy Dance Central or Kinect Sports sequel, get original for half off on Amazon

JoystiqBuy Dance Central or Kinect Sports sequel, get original for half off on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondance-centraldance-central-2harmonixkinectkinect-sportskinect-sports-season-2microsoftxboxFri, 28 Oct 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central puts its whole catalog on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/dance-central-puts-its-whole-catalog-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/dance-central-puts-its-whole-catalog-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/dance-central-puts-its-whole-catalog-on-sale/#comments
How do you know when you've been at this job too long? We always hoped we'd sense it, that we'd have some sort of signal when it's time to hang up our blogging spurs, and we think it's finally come. Because when we read about the entire Dance Central catalog going on sale in honor of Dance Central 2, here's (no lie) the first headline that came into our heads and refused to leave: "Boogie on a budget."

Boogie. On. A budget.

You can see all the details of the sale (which continues to Nov. 5) right here. You can see us performing every Tuesday (lasagna night!) at the the Saint Anne's Home for Retired and Destitute Bloggers.

JoystiqDance Central puts its whole catalog on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralkinectmicrosoftxboxMon, 24 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central adds Pussycat Dolls, Rupee and Timbaland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/dance-central-adds-pussycat-dolls-rupee-and-timbaland/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/dance-central-adds-pussycat-dolls-rupee-and-timbaland/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/dance-central-adds-pussycat-dolls-rupee-and-timbaland/#comments A trio of fresh songs awaits your bouncing booty in Dance Central. Harmonix has made available three new songs at three bucks a pop each today: "Don't Cha" by the Pussycat Dolls (featuring Busta Rhymes), "Tempted to Touch" by Rupee and "The Way I Are" by Timbaland (featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E.).

Of course, being a blog that prides itself on masterful use of the English language, we're trying our best to ignore the title of that last song.

JoystiqDance Central adds Pussycat Dolls, Rupee and Timbaland originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldlcharmonixkinectmicrosoftxboxMon, 19 Sep 2011 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central choreography featured in fashionable Lanvin ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/dance-central-choreography-featured-in-fashionable-lanvin-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/dance-central-choreography-featured-in-fashionable-lanvin-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/dance-central-choreography-featured-in-fashionable-lanvin-ad/#comments
Fashion gets fun in a new ad from Lanvin, featuring the song "I Know You Want Me" by Pitbull and uncredited choreography that should be familiar to anyone who has played Dance Central. We wanted to make sure we weren't seeing things, so we checked with Harmonix to find out if they recognized the choreo.

"It appears to be a combo of moves from a few songs off Dance Central, so they must have had the models bustin' for a while," Harmonix's communications director John Drake told Joystiq. "It's pretty clear that everyone wants to play multiplayer in Dance Central 2, whether you're wearing sweat pants or couture fashion. Though you might work up quite a sweat doing full body choreography in the fall line."

Yes, John. But we'd look fabulous doing it!

[Thanks, Victor T.]

JoystiqDance Central choreography featured in fashionable Lanvin ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralfashionHarmonixkinectLanvinmicrosoftxboxWed, 31 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central sales step up to 2.5M, Kinect Sports kickin' it with 3M]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/dance-central-sales-step-up-to-2-5m-kinect-sports-kickin-it-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/dance-central-sales-step-up-to-2-5m-kinect-sports-kickin-it-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/dance-central-sales-step-up-to-2-5m-kinect-sports-kickin-it-wi/#comments Kinect Sports and Dance Central have reached 3 million and 2.5 million unit sales, Microsoft's Michael Johnson, global marketing director for Kinect games, told us at Gamescom earlier today. Dance Central has performed stronger in North America, while Kinect Sports has found a larger audience in Europe.

Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg called the two games Kinect's "breakout hits" for the publisher when he announced back in January that the titles had reached a million sales in the US. The Kinect device surpassed 10 million units globally in March.

So, it probably comes as no coincidence that both franchises will receive sequels this year. Dance Central 2 talks to the hand this October, while Kinect Sports: Season 2 has a retail field day on October 25.

JoystiqDance Central sales step up to 2.5M, Kinect Sports kickin' it with 3M originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldance-central-2gamescom-2011harmonixkinectkinect-sports-season-2microsoftsalesxboxThu, 18 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Three new tracks coming to Dance Central on August 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/three-new-tracks-coming-to-dance-central-on-august-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/three-new-tracks-coming-to-dance-central-on-august-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/three-new-tracks-coming-to-dance-central-on-august-16/#comments Bounced your booty through the entire Dance Central catalog? Fret not, for Harmonix has announced three new tracks are headed to the game as DLC. James Brown's "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine, Pt. 1," Sean Paul's "Get Busy" and Lloyd's "Get It Shawty" can be downloaded for 240 MS Points ($3) each come August 16.

These tracks are the latest in a slow trickle of DLC that has supplemented the game since its launch alongside Microsoft's Kinect peripheral back in November.

JoystiqThree new tracks coming to Dance Central on August 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldlcharmonixkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft-kinectxboxWed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central adding Afrika Bambaataa, Taio Cruz, Trey Songz tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/dance-central-adding-afrika-bambaataa-taio-cruz-trey-songz-tra/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/dance-central-adding-afrika-bambaataa-taio-cruz-trey-songz-tra/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/dance-central-adding-afrika-bambaataa-taio-cruz-trey-songz-tra/#comments Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force's "Planet Rock (Original 12" Version)" will be available tomorrow for Dance Central. Be sure to grab a flattened cardboard box and prepare to become a breakdancing fool in your living room.

Continue reading Dance Central adding Afrika Bambaataa, Taio Cruz, Trey Songz tracks

JoystiqDance Central adding Afrika Bambaataa, Taio Cruz, Trey Songz tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Afrika-Bambaataa-and-The-Soul-Sonic-Forcedance-centralDLCHarmonixmicrosoftTaio-CruzTrey-SongzxboxMon, 18 Jul 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central tracks discounted on Xbox Live this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dance-central-tracks-discounted-on-xbox-live-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dance-central-tracks-discounted-on-xbox-live-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dance-central-tracks-discounted-on-xbox-live-this-week/#comments Dance Central beats are price dropping until June 20 for Xbox Live Gold members. The "Dance Central Marathon Pack" for 1680 MSP ($21, 50% off) is the best deal for 14 songs. The Marathon Pack includes all the tracks from the four individually discounted track packs (1, 2, 3, 4) except for three: Missy Elliot's "We Run This," Sean Paul's "Temperature" and Chic's "Le Freak."

If you've got your heart set on any of those three tracks, you'll have to pick them up in their respective discounted pack for 640 MSP ($7.50, 33% off). There are also some singles for 160 MSP ($2, 33% off) that are included in packs or individually. Yeah, it's about as confusing as learning to Bernie for the first time.

JoystiqDance Central tracks discounted on Xbox Live this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldeal-of-the-weekDLCHarmonixmicrosoftXBLMxboxWed, 15 Jun 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New 'Fergalicious' Dance Central tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/new-fergalicious-dance-central-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/new-fergalicious-dance-central-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/new-fergalicious-dance-central-tracks/#comments Sick of 5-0 runnin' up on the block, informer? Then get fergalicious with a lapdance and three new Dance Central tracks, coming tomorrow.

Continue reading New 'Fergalicious' Dance Central tracks

JoystiqNew 'Fergalicious' Dance Central tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralDLCHarmonixmicrosoftxboxMon, 16 May 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts consider dance genre 'bubble,' Ubisoft says more 'The Experience' games possible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/analysts-consider-dance-genre-bubble-ubisoft-says-more-the-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/analysts-consider-dance-genre-bubble-ubisoft-says-more-the-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/analysts-consider-dance-genre-bubble-ubisoft-says-more-the-e/#comments Ubisoft's Just Dance and its successful clones like Michael Jackson: The Experience, along with Harmonix's Dance Central, have established the dance genre as a viable market for milking. Now the industry must play the delicate game of sucking the marrow dry without creating a zombie.

Gamasutra hit up go-to industry analysts Michael Pachter and Jesse Divnich for their takes on the sustainability of the genre. Both analysts essentially characterized dance games as part of a bubble that is largely unaffected by critical reception (UK hit Zumba Fitness has a 43 on Metacritic). "In short, yes, the dance category is a bubble," said Divnich, "much like most things in entertainment."

That doesn't mean that the bubble is about to burst -- or that the bottle of suds is close to empty. At least, Ubisoft is planning to keep on dipping in. The publisher's Tony Key teased that Michael Jackson: The Experience is "just the first 'The Experience' brand." He added that there's no reason why "another artist can't make a great dance game under 'The Experience brand,'" but didn't pitch any bright ideas. The Smurfs, anyone?

JoystiqAnalysts consider dance genre 'bubble,' Ubisoft says more 'The Experience' games possible originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystsbubbledancedance-centralgamasutrajesse-divnichjust-dancejust-dance-2michael-jackson-the-experiencemichael-pachtermicrosoftnintendowiixboxMon, 25 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central adds Tone Loc, Dem Franchize Boyz, Justice on April 19]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/dance-central-adds-tone-loc-dem-franchize-boyz-justice-on-apri/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/dance-central-adds-tone-loc-dem-franchize-boyz-justice-on-apri/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/dance-central-adds-tone-loc-dem-franchize-boyz-justice-on-apri/#comments No "Funky Cold Medina" 'round these parts, just folks doing the "Wild Thing." Dance Central is adding three more pieces of DLC on April 19.

Continue reading Dance Central adds Tone Loc, Dem Franchize Boyz, Justice on April 19

JoystiqDance Central adds Tone Loc, Dem Franchize Boyz, Justice on April 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldem-franchise-boyzDLCHarmonixjusticekinectmicrosofttone-locxboxMon, 18 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central and You Don't Know Jack demos on Xbox Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/dance-central-and-you-dont-know-jack-demos-on-xbox-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/dance-central-and-you-dont-know-jack-demos-on-xbox-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/dance-central-and-you-dont-know-jack-demos-on-xbox-marketplace/#comments Body and mind. Mind and body. For all the Dance Central haters who've never actually played the game, the Xbox Marketplace has a demo available now to test out the hit title. Your body will thank you ... or cause you to retch from the exercise of a three minute dance routine.

As for your mind, beware the barbs of You Don't Know Jack emcee Cookie Masterson. The crazy quiz show also has a demo available today. And remember: Never give up, never surrender until the Jack Attack is over.

JoystiqDance Central and You Don't Know Jack demos on Xbox Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldemosmicrosoftXBLMxboxxbox-live-marketplaceyou-dont-know-jackTue, 15 Mar 2011 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Dance Central with 4GB Kinect Xbox purchase on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/free-dance-central-with-4gb-kinect-xbox-purchase-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/free-dance-central-with-4gb-kinect-xbox-purchase-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/free-dance-central-with-4gb-kinect-xbox-purchase-on-amazon/#comments Dance Central is clearly stamped with a "Requires Kinect Sensor" label, but the opposite is also true: Kinect requires Dance Central. Amazon is proving this point -- for a limited time, while supplies last -- by offering Dance Central for free (along with a bonus 240 Microsoft Points -- hello Paula Abdul!) with purchase of the 4GB Xbox 360 system bundle with Kinect, which already includes Kinect Adventures. Check out Amazon's promotion page for more details.

But here's the $130 question: What's missing from the picture? Ding-ding -- that's right! A hard drive. But Amazon has that on sale too, for just a dime under $91. So, buying the 4GB system bundle with Kinect and the 250GB hard drive separately is actually a shade cheaper than buying the 250GB bundle with Kinect -- plus Dance Central's tossed in there. That's a good deal.

JoystiqFree Dance Central with 4GB Kinect Xbox purchase on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondance-centralkinectmicrosoftxboxxbox-360-slimTue, 15 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central DLC hollas back tomorrow with Gwen Stefani, Fatboy Slim tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/dance-central-dlc-hollas-back-tomorrow-with-gwen-stefani-fatboy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/dance-central-dlc-hollas-back-tomorrow-with-gwen-stefani-fatboy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/dance-central-dlc-hollas-back-tomorrow-with-gwen-stefani-fatboy/#comments With L.A.M.B. bags in tow, Gwen Stefani will be making moves to the Dance Central DLC store tomorrow alongside Fatboy Slim, Keri Hilson and Paula Abdul. Tracks run $3 apiece and will be available via the "all new in-game store."

As you likely inferred from the headline, Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl" is being given the dance treatment, while Paula Abdul will be whoa-oh-oh-oh-ohhhh-ing into our hearts once more with "Straight Up." Head past the break for full details of the four-track offering.

Continue reading Dance Central DLC hollas back tomorrow with Gwen Stefani, Fatboy Slim tracks

JoystiqDance Central DLC hollas back tomorrow with Gwen Stefani, Fatboy Slim tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldlcgwen-stefaniharmonixharmonix-music-systemshollaback-girlmicrosoftpaula-abdulstraight-upxblmxboxMon, 14 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix brainstorming 'reimaginings' of Rock Band, new motion games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/harmonix-brainstorming-reimaginings-of-rock-band-new-motion-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/harmonix-brainstorming-reimaginings-of-rock-band-new-motion-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/harmonix-brainstorming-reimaginings-of-rock-band-new-motion-g/#comments "There's no denying that Rock Band 3 hasn't yet sold to the level we hoped it would out of the gate," Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos admitted to Edge. "But on the flipside of that we also believe that it's a product that has a lot of life."

It may be difficult to share Rigopulos' optimism. Since the beginning of the year, Viacom sold Harmonix (back to Harmonix), MTV Games was shut down and Activision hit the pause button on its long-running Guitar Hero franchise. Still, Rigopulos offers a "glass half-full" interpretation of Activision's retraction from the genre, seeing a newfound opportunity to expand the developer's audience. "We think there are also a lot of devoted Guitar Hero fans who have probably never given Rock Band a try," Rigopulos told Destructoid. Harmonix wants to convert them and "let them know that Rock Band 3 is worth giving a try."

Rock Band 3 will continue receiving updates through the year, as Harmonix tries to "cultivate" the platform -- though Rigopulos added that "fundamental reimaginings of the Rock Band franchise" are being planned. "The marketplace is clearly demanding something very new," Rigopulos noted. "It's clearly demanding a dramatic evolution of the Rock Band franchise, I think, and I think that's actually exciting for us."

While rebooting the band genre will be an uphill battle for the company, there's still one bright star in the studio's portfolio: Dance Central. Finishing the sequel is an obvious next step, but it seems Harmonix has more motion-gaming ideas. "It's safe to say you'll see a lot more in that domain from Harmonix beyond Dance Central," Rigopulos teased. "We'd be absolutely open-minded about that."

With their future projects still shrouded in secrecy, it seems Rigopulos is confident that his team will easily bypass this dark era for music gaming. Contrary to industry perception, the company might have too much on its plate. "We have a lot of very cool new ideas in the works right now, looking out beyond both Rock Band and Dance Central."

[Image credit: RockBandAide]

JoystiqHarmonix brainstorming 'reimaginings' of Rock Band, new motion games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-Rigopulosdance-centraldance-central-2guitar-heroharmonixkinectmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandRock-Band-3rock-band-4wiixboxMon, 28 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central gets double 'Freak' DLC on Feb. 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/dance-central-gets-double-freak-dlc-on-feb-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/dance-central-gets-double-freak-dlc-on-feb-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/dance-central-gets-double-freak-dlc-on-feb-15/#comments She's a very kinky girl, the kind you don't take home to mother -- unless mama wanna dance! Dance Central adds old- and new-school tracks tomorrow, February 15, with songs from Rick James and Missy Elliott for 240 MSP ($3) apiece.

Funk and disco are respectively represented by a pair of undoubted classics: Rick James' "Super Freak" and Chic's hit "Le Freak."

More modern flavor gets mixed in with MIssy Elliott's "We Run This," from her 2005 album The Cookbook. It's not the most desirable dance track we'd like to see from the hip-hop beat master's repertoire, but it's a start. There's also a track from Amerie -- don't feel bad if the name doesn't ring any bells -- and she, too, has a couple of other tracks that'd be nice to see available in Dance Central at some point.

Continue reading Dance Central gets double 'Freak' DLC on Feb. 15

JoystiqDance Central gets double 'Freak' DLC on Feb. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ameriechicdance-centralDLCmicrosoftmissy-elliottrick-jamesxblmxboxMon, 14 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alleged Dance Central 2 survey hints at potential feature list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/alleged-dance-central-2-survey-hints-at-potential-feature-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/alleged-dance-central-2-survey-hints-at-potential-feature-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/alleged-dance-central-2-survey-hints-at-potential-feature-list/#comments Pretty dark days over at Harmonix recently, but apparently the developer isn't letting the gloom get to its creativity. Kotaku says it has in its possession an email survey from Microsoft Games Studios containing a nice long list of possible features for Dance Central 2, the sequel that's been in "pre-production" since last year.

The suggestions run the gamut, from the ability to create custom dances and play as backup dancers -- or even singers! -- to more convenient features like the ability to replay certain sequences or get more specific feedback on your dancing. The survey is also said to mention a number of new game types, including a possible "fitness mode" and a number of online / offline multiplayer contests. Players may be able to connect socially, either through the game itself as Xbox Live Avatars or video silhouettes, or through social networks by sharing video and photos of their dancing.

If you've received the survey in question, drop us a line at tips@joystiq.com and attach a screenshot of it. Doing so will have us dancing with gratitude! Thanks to Spencer for the screengrabs below!

Gallery: Dance Central 2 survey

JoystiqAlleged Dance Central 2 survey hints at potential feature list originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldance-central-2Harmonixmicrosoftmicrosoft-games-studiosmultiplayerrumorsurveyxboxTue, 08 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix hit with layoffs, intended to align with 'current product development plans']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/harmonix-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/harmonix-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/harmonix-layoffs/#comments A Harmonix spokesperson confirmed this afternoon to Joystiq that the company has laid off an undisclosed number of full-time employees, in an effort to bring the studio "into alignment with our current product development plans." Outside of an unnamed 3DS music title currently in development, it's unknown what Harmonix is currently working on. Sources close to the situation noted that future projects and downloadable content for both Rock Band 3 and Dance Central are unaffected by the cuts.

The official statement specifically notes that the restructuring affects the studio's full-time employees, adding "we sincerely appreciate the work of each and every of one of these employees." We understand that approximately 12 - 15 percent of the studio's approximately 240-person staff have been affected by the restructuring. The full statement from Harmonix can be found after the break.

Continue reading Harmonix hit with layoffs, intended to align with 'current product development plans'

JoystiqHarmonix hit with layoffs, intended to align with 'current product development plans' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldsharmonixharmonix-music-systemslayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxMon, 07 Feb 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central DLC on sale this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/dance-central-dlc-on-sale-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/dance-central-dlc-on-sale-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/dance-central-dlc-on-sale-this-week/#comments A friendly reminder that Kinect club replacement Dance Central has several tracks on sale this week for 160 Microsoft Points ($2) apiece. Janet Jackson's "Control" is pure evil fun.

Continue reading Dance Central DLC on sale this week

JoystiqDance Central DLC on sale this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralDLCHarmonixmicrosoftxboxMon, 24 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hydrophobia, Dance Central deals in upcoming Xbox Live marketplace updates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/hydrophobia-dance-central-deals-in-upcoming-xbox-live-marketpla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/hydrophobia-dance-central-deals-in-upcoming-xbox-live-marketpla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/hydrophobia-dance-central-deals-in-upcoming-xbox-live-marketpla/#comments The next couple weeks of Xbox Live marketplace updates include deals for Harmonix's Dance Central and a "Get Wet" theme, which does not actually include the game Wet. For the week of January 24, Dance Central DLC will be 160 MSP apiece ($2, a buck off). The "Get Wet" promotion for the week of January 31 includes Hydro Thunder Hurricane for 800 MSP ($10, 33 percent off), Aqua at 400 MSP ($5, half off) and the upgraded Hydrophobia for 400 MSP ($5, also half off)

The list also reconfirms the launch dates of the Call of Duty: Black Ops "First Strike" map pack, Breach and Bionic Commando Rearmed 2. Check out the full schedule for the next couple weeks after the break.

Continue reading Hydrophobia, Dance Central deals in upcoming Xbox Live marketplace updates

JoystiqHydrophobia, Dance Central deals in upcoming Xbox Live marketplace updates originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralHydrophobiamicrosoftxboxXbox-Livexbox-live-deal-of-the-weekxbox-live-marketplaceThu, 20 Jan 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central and Kinect Sports sell 1 million each in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/dance-central-and-kinect-sports-sell-1-million-each-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/dance-central-and-kinect-sports-sell-1-million-each-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/dance-central-and-kinect-sports-sell-1-million-each-in-us/#comments Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg has called Kinect launch titles Dance Central and Kinect Sports "breakout hits" for the publisher, announcing that each has accounted for one million units in US sales. Globally, the Kinect device has already achieved 8 million units shipped.

During Kinect's November launch month, Dance Central just missed making the top ten in US game sales for the month and was trailed by the Rare-developed Kinect Sports and Ubisoft's Your Shape: Fitness Evolved among the bestselling Kinect titles. Harmonix's dance game also just missed landing among our top ten games of 2010.

JoystiqDance Central and Kinect Sports sell 1 million each in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron-Greenbergdance-centralHarmonixkinectkinect-sportsmicrosoftNPDRaresalesxboxFri, 14 Jan 2011 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox's David Dennis on December NPDs, 'best month ever for Xbox 360 hardware sales']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/xboxs-david-dennis-on-december-npds-the-best-month-ever-for-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/xboxs-david-dennis-on-december-npds-the-best-month-ever-for-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/xboxs-david-dennis-on-december-npds-the-best-month-ever-for-x/#comments Xbox 360 had a good year. It could've been exclusive hits like Halo Reach, which landed in the No. 3 spot on the top selling games of 2010, according to NPD. Or it could've been the Xbox 360 S console refresh which, since its unveiling at E3 last June, has remained on top of the monthly home console sales numbers for an impressive six months straight. Or maybe it was the Kinect, which shipped a whopping eight million units by the end of the year, and sold well over its five million unit goal.

In actuality, it was all three, and Xbox's David Dennis was making the media rounds tonight to talk about it. "We're super pleased with the response we saw," Dennis said, "and we're just working hard to get supply back on the shelves and keep January and February on track as well." During the second half of the December, Dennis said Microsoft resorted to air shipping consoles in to meet customer demand.

"For us, the focus was trying to get as much on the shelves before that last push before Christmas. It's not cheap to do things like that but we've got a bunch of really smart MBAs to figure out the right balance when to shift back to our traditional process." That traditional process is the far more affordable, but far slower, ocean-based freight. It's not like there aren't any more Xboxes to go around, retailers will simply have "fewer than [they] normally would have."

Continue reading Xbox's David Dennis on December NPDs, 'best month ever for Xbox 360 hardware sales'

JoystiqXbox's David Dennis on December NPDs, 'best month ever for Xbox 360 hardware sales' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasDance-CentralDavid-DenniskinectKinect-SportsmicrosoftNPDxboxThu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central sponsors Sky dance contest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/dance-central-sponsors-sky-dance-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/dance-central-sponsors-sky-dance-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/dance-central-sponsors-sky-dance-contest/#comments Sure, you like dancing in your living room with robots tracking your every move, but what about dancing in the sky?! Okay, not quite, but folks in the UK attending tapings of SKY1's "Got To Dance" could end up strutting their stuff to Harmonix' Dance Central, perhaps winning one of 15 4GB Xbox 360s, each bundled with a Kinect and a copy of Dance Central.

Sky and Microsoft inked a deal that will see the entire second season of "Got To Dance" sponsored by Kinect's most popular dancing game, with viewers at home able to participate in the show's competitions through a corresponding website. UK residents can catch the show weekly on SKY1 and SKY1 HD (check local listings), and Sky subscribers can watch it through their Xbox 360s.

Continue reading Dance Central sponsors Sky dance contest

JoystiqDance Central sponsors Sky dance contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralenglandgot-to-dancekinectmicrosoftsky1sky1hdskytvukunited-kingdomxboxThu, 06 Jan 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Harmonix buyers pay $49.99, accept company liabilities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/report-harmonix-buyers-pay-49-99-accept-company-liabilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/report-harmonix-buyers-pay-49-99-accept-company-liabilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/report-harmonix-buyers-pay-49-99-accept-company-liabilities/#comments Got $50? Sorry, buddy, you totally missed out on buying Harmonix. All Things Digital's Peter Kafka reports that the Rock Band and Dance Central studio's re-independence cost investment group Columbus Nova $49.99.

Of course, the math gets a little tricky from there: Harmonix's buyers assumed responsibility over liabilities, including "music rights fees ... responsibility for lots of unsold games and equipment sitting on warehouse shelves." The sale will reportedly net Viacom $150 million in tax benefits -- it spent $175 million to buy the music company in the first place.

Kafka also notes the "fire sale price" can't be comforting to Harmonix employees, as he believes the studio is "likely going to be facing a very serious restructuring."

JoystiqReport: Harmonix buyers pay $49.99, accept company liabilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columbus-novaDance-CentralHarmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3ViacomwiixboxTue, 04 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2010/#comments Dance Central
This is how the dancing genre should be done. Harmonix brought it on and stepped it up with Dance Central, a full-body follow-the-choreography game that showed off Microsoft's Kinect tech and ended up being the device's killer app at launch. Authoritative, yet fun, Dance Central felt like the first step in a franchise that could potentially have an amazing future.

Dance Central 2 is a given and I can't wait to see what it delivers. Harmonix has shown us with Rock Band that it can rapidly build upon a core foundation. Chained dance routines? Online dance battles? Customizable routines? It's probably all on the table... and I would dance on that table using a stripper pole for all of it. But, my gawd, I would give anything for the option to remove or exchange freestyle sections for more moves.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-100best-of-the-restbest-of-the-rest-2010Civilization-5dance-centralDarksidersJust-Cause-2microsoftpcplaystationps3pspsonyvalkyria-chronicles-2xboxSat, 01 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Andrew's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-andrews-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-andrews-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-andrews-picks-of-2010/#comments DJ Max Portable 3
I blame myself for not pimping out PM Studio's excellent DJ Max Portable 3 more this year. The Korean music game is quite possibly the only music game you'll ever need on a handheld, thanks to its seemingly endless soundtrack, varied modes, rewarding progression, beautiful graphics, and note charts that will make your fingers cry. Oh, and for the first time in the franchise's history, you actually feel like a DJ. Ludwig makes fun of me for the epileptic fit I get into when playing it, but he just doesn't understand.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Andrew's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Andrew's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-academybest-of-the-rest-2010dance-centraldj-max-portable-3dslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonysuper-mario-galaxy-2valkyria-chronicles-2wiiwindows-phone-7xboxSat, 01 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2010/#comments Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
There are more than a few complaints floating around that Castlevania: Lords of Shadow isn't a real Castlevania title. I would argue that Lords of Shadow is more Castlevania than many recent entries in the series. I think fans tend to forget (or overlook) that Castlevania began as a linear action title. For me, the series has never been about completing the map. It's about exploring wonderful and sinister places, which Lords of Shadow packs in spades. When I played the 8-bit Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest as a child, I saw lots of blocky pixels, but what I imagined is perfectly represented by Lords of Shadow. From stinking bogs to dark forests and forgotten castles, all is so meticulously and lovingly crafted that my seven-year-old self was enthralled with every moment.

I'll take that over the same 13-year-old sprites any day.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettabest-of-the-rest-2010castlevania-lords-of-shadowdance-centralkinectlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmacmicrosoftminecraftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 30 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix retains IP rights to Rock Band, Dance Central]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/harmonix-retains-ip-rights-to-rock-band-dance-central/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/harmonix-retains-ip-rights-to-rock-band-dance-central/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/harmonix-retains-ip-rights-to-rock-band-dance-central/#comments Yesterday's Harmonix announcement of re-independence from global media conglomerate Viacom left questions hanging about the intellectual property rights to the studio's two main franchises. Joystiq has been informed by sources that Harmonix will "own the IP rights" to both the Rock Band and Dance Central franchises after the split, meaning it can continue to create new installments if it chooses.

We've also been informed that the developer's DLC support of both titles will continue "unaffected by the sale" and that its distribution relationships with EA and Mad Catz for the Rock Band series, and with Microsoft for Dance Central, also remain "unaffected."

What we currently understand of the situation, from sources involved, is that Viacom and MTV Games providing licensing muscle isn't as necessary as it once was -- before the music genre became established over the past few years. It appears relationships have been set that now allow Harmonix to license music for its games without the aid of Viacom.

JoystiqHarmonix retains IP rights to Rock Band, Dance Central originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralDance-Central-2Harmonixintellectual-propertymicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandrock-band-2Rock-Band-3ViacomwiixboxFri, 24 Dec 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Informer asks: Will Kinect work if you're Gwar?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/game-informer-asks-will-kinect-work-if-youre-gwar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/game-informer-asks-will-kinect-work-if-youre-gwar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/game-informer-asks-will-kinect-work-if-youre-gwar/#comments Sure, Kinect has been tested in plenty of super scientific ways over the past few months, and given plenty of secondary uses through impressive hacks, but will it work if you're ... Gwar? Game Informer had bassist Beefcake the Mighty and lead singer Oderus Urungus stop by its offices to capture on video a monumental 10-minute Dance Central session. If you haven't already clicked through excitedly, we should warn you the clip is a bit on the NSFW side of things, so viewer beware.

Also, enjoy.

JoystiqGame Informer asks: Will Kinect work if you're Gwar? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beefcake-the-mightydance-centralgame-informergwarkinectmicrosoftnsfwoderus-urungusxboxTue, 21 Dec 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central adding Rihanna, Janet Jackson and Blur DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dance-central-adding-rihanna-janet-jackson-and-blur-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dance-central-adding-rihanna-janet-jackson-and-blur-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dance-central-adding-rihanna-janet-jackson-and-blur-dlc/#comments Harmonix, look -- we gotta talk. Last DLC pack? It was some good stuff. Great songs, great routines -- we loved it. But these three new tracks coming to Dance Central tomorrow, December 21, for 240 Microsoft Points ($3) each? We're at a loss.

What moves, exactly, will we be prompted to pull off? The "Creepy Guy Spinning the Wheel," as seen in Rihanna's "Disturbia" video? Or what about the "Wear a T-Shirt Describing Your State of Mind or Geographical Location," as made famous by Blur's "Girls and Boys" ... in 1994? Dare we dream of doing the "Well-Off Teenager Making Millions and Living at Home with her Parents Shows the Courage to Persevere," just like Janet showed us in "Control?"

JoystiqDance Central adding Rihanna, Janet Jackson and Blur DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blurdance-centraldlcharmonixjanet-jacksonmicrosoftrihannaxblmxboxTue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central tops Kinect's November software sales in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/dance-central-tops-kinects-november-software-sales-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/dance-central-tops-kinects-november-software-sales-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/dance-central-tops-kinects-november-software-sales-in-us/#comments Dance Central, Harmonix's full-body dance title for Kinect, cha-cha-chinged with sales in November. According to NPD, the game was #11 in overall sales for the month and the top-selling Kinect game as a SKU. Of course, by units, Kinect Adventures moved the most copies, as it was bundled with the peripheral, which sold over 2.5 million units globally in the month of November.

Although NPD generally no longer shares specific software sales, we were told by the company that Kinect Sports and Your Shape: Fitness Evolved were the second and third best-selling Kinect titles, respectively. For an audience stereotyped as lazy, gamers seem to have responded the most to three of the sweatiest Kinect games.

JoystiqDance Central tops Kinect's November software sales in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralHarmonixKinectKinect-SportsmicrosoftNPDUbisoftxboxYour-Shape-Fitness-EvolvedThu, 09 Dec 2010 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Riccitiello: Skateboarding genre is dead, but music games will survive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/riccitiello-skating-genre-is-dead-but-music-games-will-survive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/riccitiello-skating-genre-is-dead-but-music-games-will-survive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/riccitiello-skating-genre-is-dead-but-music-games-will-survive/#comments EA CEO John Riccitiello has bad news for fans of skateboarding games: The genre is dead. Action sports games still have a place in players' consoles, he says, but "for the level of excitement out there, skateboarding seems to have run its course as the representative example in that broader genre." Too bad, Tony Hawk players -- the competitor of the company that makes your games says they're not exciting. Though in his defense, EA's own Skate 3 wasn't that exciting either.

But there's good news, according to Riccitiello, for another flagging genre. Music games can possibly make a comeback, the CEO says, though even he isn't sure how. "I think the music genre is going to recover ... It could be based on some new innovation. Maybe it all becomes dance-based." Oh, that's rich, Riccitiello -- a super-popular dance game based on some kind of innovative technology? If only that "falling knife" Harmonix made something like that.

JoystiqRiccitiello: Skateboarding genre is dead, but music games will survive originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraleagenrejohn-riccitiellomicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3skatingwiixboxWed, 01 Dec 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Word Up: it's Dance Central DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/word-up-its-dance-central-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/word-up-its-dance-central-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/word-up-its-dance-central-dlc/#commentsGet out your bright red codpiece for this week's Dance Central DLC. Cameo's "Word Up!," whose video features the aforementioned junk accoutrement, is one of the three songs that will be available for your download-and-dance pleasure tomorrow, November 23.

The other two songs include Tag Team's classic "Whoomp! There It Is" and The Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling." We've included links to each song's music video after the break, so you can learn some of the moves already associated with the songs, which will likely be worked into the Central routines. For example, the LeVar Burton Seethe.

Continue reading Word Up: it's Dance Central DLC

JoystiqWord Up: it's Dance Central DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-eyed-peascameodance-centraldlcharmonixi-gotta-feelingkinectmicrosofttag-teamwhoomp-there-it-isword-upxboxMon, 22 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Dance Central with $25 purchase at Old Navy this Black Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/free-dance-central-with-25-at-old-navy-this-black-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/free-dance-central-with-25-at-old-navy-this-black-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/free-dance-central-with-25-at-old-navy-this-black-friday/#commentsThe holiday season brings all kinds of happy traditions. For us, those traditions include dusting off the rarely used "old-navy" tag. Like last year, the clothing retailer is offering a free Harmonix game with a $25 purchase on Black Friday. This year, the Harmonix game in question is Kinect standout Dance Central.

If you're a Kinect owner interested in this offer, and you need some pants or something, we suggest getting to your local store long before it opens at midnight on Friday, November 26 (or Saturday in Canada). We heard reports last year that the free games were limited to the first 25 shoppers to come in. The good news is that if you wait in line and miss out on a copy, you won't feel much like dancing anyway. So that kind of works out.

[Thanks, Aaron!]

JoystiqFree Dance Central with $25 purchase at Old Navy this Black Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2010dance-centralharmonixkinectmicrosoftold-navyxboxMon, 15 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band, Dance Central DLC 'ongoing work' not affected by Viacom sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/rock-band-dance-central-dlc-ongoing-work-not-affected-by-viac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/rock-band-dance-central-dlc-ongoing-work-not-affected-by-viac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/rock-band-dance-central-dlc-ongoing-work-not-affected-by-viac/#comments After seeing this morning's news of Viacom selling developer Harmonix, many of you were concerned about the company's persistent work in supporting its products with downloadable content.

Harmonix has responded to our inquiry, stating, "This morning's announcement does not affect the ongoing work at the studio as we continue to support our existing franchises, Rock Band and Dance Central. As stated earlier, Viacom is in discussions with several potential buyers and will continue to fully support the business until a sale is completed." The developer plans to continue answering outstanding questions on its forum on this thread.

We also contacted Viacom and MTV Games regarding the status of the licenses for the music store and whether they'll transfer with Harmonix once the company is sold. A Viacom spokesperson informed Joystiq, "All we can say at this point is that Rock Band and Dance Central DLC will continue as planned and we will continue to fully support their releases."

Update: Added Viacom quote.

JoystiqRock Band, Dance Central DLC 'ongoing work' not affected by Viacom sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3ViacomwiixboxThu, 11 Nov 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix details design process behind Dance Central's Kinect UI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/harmonix-details-design-process-behind-dance-centrals-kinect-ui/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/harmonix-details-design-process-behind-dance-centrals-kinect-ui/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/harmonix-details-design-process-behind-dance-centrals-kinect-ui/#comments Creating a functional user interface through Kinect can't be an easy task -- how do you make waving your arms around mean something, after all? Harmonix was confronted with exactly this problem in developing Dance Central, and judging by reviews, the developer figured it out just fine.

So what's the secret? The team had to actually teach players how to gesture, using visual and even aural feedback in the game when players got it right. Developer Ryan Challinor told the Montreal International Games Summit this week that in testing, player swipes varied widely across both speed and position, and so the final solution was to make the players react to the game, rather than programming the game to react to the players.

A few different solutions were prototyped, however, including the utilization of a cursor, which was dragged around the screen and planted in "notches" to choose the game's songs or options. The team also tried to get players to interact in 3D space, either "pushing" on virtual buttons or "grabbing" and pulling a scroll wheel around. In the end, Challinor said, simply iterating these ideas was the key to solving the Kinect conundrum: The team implemented idea after idea, and then polished the one that worked best.

Of course, not every development team responsible for the first batch of Kinect games took this approach. At least one studio seemingly went with its first idea, and then made it as raw as possible.

JoystiqHarmonix details design process behind Dance Central's Kinect UI originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldesigndevelopmentgestureharmonixkinectmicrosoftmontreal-international-games-summitmotion-controlryan-challinoruixboxMon, 08 Nov 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jimmy Fallon gives everyone in his audience a Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/jimmy-fallon-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/jimmy-fallon-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/jimmy-fallon-kinect/#comments Giving out Kinect to a studio audience just seems like the classy thing to do these days. Oprah did it, and now Jimmy Fallon is doing it too. Last night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, after demoing Kinect Sports and Dance Central with Microsoft's Kudo Tsunoda and Harmonix's Naoko Takamoto, the affable host announced that everyone in the audience would be leaving with an Xbox 360 Kinect bundle.

We're happy for the audience, but the event was overshadowed by another occurrence. It was something rarely seen on the mortal plane, something more precious than a unicorn: Kudo wasn't wearing sunglasses. Jimmy and Kudo actually discussed the missing eyewear before staring their play session, and it turns out he took off the shades for his mother. Say it with us: Awwwwwww.

Continue reading Jimmy Fallon gives everyone in his audience a Kinect

JoystiqJimmy Fallon gives everyone in his audience a Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralJimmy-FallonKinectKinect-SportsKudo-Tsunodalate-night-with-jimmy-fallonmicrosoftxboxFri, 05 Nov 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central DLC tracks priced at $3, available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/dance-central-dlc-tracks-priced-at-3-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/dance-central-dlc-tracks-priced-at-3-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/dance-central-dlc-tracks-priced-at-3-available-now/#comments We knew that Dance Central DLC would cost more than the $2 standard charged for Rock Band tracks, but how much more? According to Harmonix, tracks for the game will run at $2.99 (240 MS Points) each. The first three DLC tracks were announced during a Dance Central launch event last night, including Ne-Yo's "Because of You," Lady Sovereign's "I Got You Dancing" and Sean Paul's "Temperature." All three tracks are available now.

Continue reading Dance Central DLC tracks priced at $3, available now

JoystiqDance Central DLC tracks priced at $3, available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldlcharmonixKinectmicrosoftxboxThu, 04 Nov 2010 13:40:00 EST