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[Crysis 2 back on Steam with a clever new name, extra goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/#comments ImageCrysis 2 is back on Steam after being yanked in June because "an agreement with another download service" violated Steam's terms of service. The new, improved Crysis 2 is subtitled the "Maximum Edition" and it includes all the content in the limited edition, plus the Retaliation and Decimation DLC packs, all for $40.

Those who snagged Crysis 2 on Steam before it was pulled can get Maximum Edition for half off through June 12 at 10 a.m. PST. EA's other pulled or unreleased titles on Steam - namely Mass Effect 3 and Battlefield 3 - are still absent.

The new version, by including all the DLC, sidesteps the restrictions that kept the game off in the first place.

[Thanks, Steven!]

JoystiqCrysis 2 back on Steam with a clever new name, extra goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crysis-2Crytekdigital-distributionEAElectronic-ArtspcSTEAMWed, 30 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Game: The Movie available digitally on June 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/indie-game-the-movie-available-digitally-june-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/indie-game-the-movie-available-digitally-june-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/indie-game-the-movie-available-digitally-june-12/#comments Steam has proven to be a boon for indie games like Super Meat Boy. Now we'll see if it's similarly helpful for movies about Super Meat Boy. Following its limited theatrical run, Indie Game: The Movie will be released digitally through Steam on June 12. Pre-orders are open for $9; normal price is $10. It'll also be streamable or downloadable from iTunes and the movie's own site the same day.

If you want it on a disc (remember those?) you can pre-order that, as well.

JoystiqIndie Game: The Movie available digitally on June 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionindie-game-the-movieitunesrelease-datesteamFri, 25 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Majority' of first-party 3DS and Wii U games to be sold digitally on Nintendo eShop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/majority-of-first-party-3ds-and-wii-u-games-to-be-sold-digital/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/majority-of-first-party-3ds-and-wii-u-games-to-be-sold-digital/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/majority-of-first-party-3ds-and-wii-u-games-to-be-sold-digital/#comments In a statement to Joystiq today, Nintendo offered more insight into its plan to distribute new 3DS and Wii U games digitally in addition to retail. It won't just be select games like New Super Mario Bros. 2; according to the publisher, "The majority of Nintendo-published Nintendo 3DS games will have the same dual-distribution strategy. Likewise, the majority of Nintendo-published Wii U games will be available both as packaged products and as digital downloads starting on launch day."

The statement also describes the retail availability of codes for these digital games, which are described as "16-digit codes" for the "Nintendo eShop." So the Wii U's store is going to be called the eShop, just like the 3DS's, and use the same kind of codes. Between a unified store branding, availability of redeemable codes, and digital sales of full games, it looks like Nintendo is finally moving in the right direction in terms of the internet.

Now if it would only let you redeem those games to an account instead of a single 3DS. During last night's presentation, Satoru Iwata said that the new downloadable 3DS retail games "will be stored in the consumer's SD memory card and be playable only with the hardware to which it was downloaded so that, unlike how you can share the packaged software which are stored in game card format, the consumer cannot share the software with other Nintendo 3DS systems owned by other members of the family or friends." In other words, they'll operate just like eShop games operate now.

Continue reading 'Majority' of first-party 3DS and Wii U games to be sold digitally on Nintendo eShop

Joystiq'Majority' of first-party 3DS and Wii U games to be sold digitally on Nintendo eShop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdigital-distributioneshopnintendowii-uFri, 27 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U retail games will be sold digitally at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/wii-u-retail-games-will-be-sold-digitally-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/wii-u-retail-games-will-be-sold-digitally-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/wii-u-retail-games-will-be-sold-digitally-at-launch/#commentsNintendo is exploring digital distribution of "full" retail games on the 3DS with New Super Mario Bros. 2. The company is even more aggressive about digital distribution with its next console, the Wii U: president Satoru Iwata announced plans today to sell Wii U games both in stores and through digital distribution at launch.

This will be subject to the same plan as 3DS games, in which retailers will be able to sell download codes. Strangely, this is Nintendo's solution to the problem of its online games having fixed prices, as retailers will be allowed to set their own selling prices of digitally distributed games (in other words, put things on sale and discount them).

JoystiqWii U retail games will be sold digitally at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionnintendowii-uThu, 26 Apr 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo releasing retail games on 3DS eShop, starting with New Super Mario Bros. 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nintendo-releasing-retail-games-on-3ds-eshop-starting-with-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nintendo-releasing-retail-games-on-3ds-eshop-starting-with-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nintendo-releasing-retail-games-on-3ds-eshop-starting-with-new/#comments ImageSatoru Iwata dropped the proverbial bomb today in an investor presentation, announcing plans to distribute certain retail 3DS games on the eShop download service, where they will be stored on the SD card. The first game to receive this dual release treatment is New Super Mario Bros. 2, due worldwide in August. In addition, the "Onitore" Brain Training game will be sold in this manner.

As for the kinds of games Nintendo wants to distribute digitally, Iwata offered the following explanation: "Nintendo publishes various titles that enable you to enjoy daily communication, such as 'nintendogs,' 'Animal Crossing' and 'Tomodachi Collection,' in addition to the ones like 'Onitore' (temp.), with which you might like to practice every day, and database-type software like 'Hana to Ikimono Rittai Zukan' (sold in Japan only). It must be easier for the Nintendo 3DS owners to feel the merit of being able to carry around only the Nintendo 3DS system with, in particular, these kinds of software titles stored inside."

He added that even other, non daily-communication-related titles stored on a single system would be "handy."

Nintendo plans to sell codes for downloadable versions at retailers, in addition to directly through eShop, in order to avoid cutting its retail partners out, and to avoid alienating users who prefer to buy everything at retail. "Furthermore," he said, "we recognize that one of the biggest hurdles for the expansion of our digital business is the limited methods to expose digitally downloadable products to potential consumers. This recognition is one of the reasons why we are taking this sort of approach."

JoystiqNintendo releasing retail games on 3DS eShop, starting with New Super Mario Bros. 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdigital-distributioneshopnew-super-mario-bros-2nintendosatoru-iwataThu, 26 Apr 2012 22:03:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop touts large selection of in-store downloadable PC games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/gamestop-touts-largest-selection-of-in-store-downloadable-pc-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/gamestop-touts-largest-selection-of-in-store-downloadable-pc-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/gamestop-touts-largest-selection-of-in-store-downloadable-pc-gam/#comments GameStop announced today that its stores have "one of the largest PC game selections at retail," with - wait for it - over 1,500 downloadable titles available to purchase in its 4,400 stores. Oh yeah, you can also purchase this digitally distributed product on GameStop.com ... like a moon man living in some mad future.

The announcement today isn't so much "news," as it is a reinforcement of the digital world to come and how GameStop fits into it. As the company explained in February, it sees significant revenue from customers purchasing digitally distributed content by cash or store credit. Not everyone has credit cards or uses PayPal.

"This tremendous PC game collection ensures gamers will always find what they want, and they can use cash, gift cards and trade credit as currency," said Steve Nix, GameStop's GM of Digital Distribution, who also notes customers can use their PowerUp Rewards for added value. GameStop is also offering up to 75 percent off PC games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Civilization 5, Age of Empires 3, Deus Ex Human Revolution and Magicka Collection starting today.

JoystiqGameStop touts large selection of in-store downloadable PC games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3digital-distributiongamestopimpulsemodern-warfare-3pcMon, 23 Apr 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Extensive Max Payne 3 PC download pre-order incentives on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/extensive-max-payne-3-pc-download-pre-order-incentives-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/extensive-max-payne-3-pc-download-pre-order-incentives-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/extensive-max-payne-3-pc-download-pre-order-incentives-on-amazon/#comments Amazon hopes to make an awfully compelling argument for your Max Payne 3 purchase. Pre-ordering the PC download version not only nets some in-game incentives, but some money that goes toward other Rockstar games.

First, Amazon is giving all pre-orderers a $10 voucher for an immediate download of Max Payne 2, which just so happens to cost $10 on Amazon, so that's free. Amazon will knock down the price for both L.A. Noire and GTA IV to $4.99 up until April 15. You'll be able to grab those gratis with another $10 voucher if you want, or spend it on other Rockstar wares.

On top of the free games, a pre-order will also grant you several pieces of in-game content: a classic skin pack for multiplayer that includes characters from past games; a multiplayer weapons pack; increased painkiller capacity; and a "Max Payne Retro Avatar."

Update: Whoops, as you probably noticed, it's April 18. Amazon just got in touch to say they are extending the deal on GTA IV and L.A. Noire until April 20.

JoystiqExtensive Max Payne 3 PC download pre-order incentives on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondigital-distributionMax-Payne-3pcpc-downloadpre-orderRockStarrockstar-gamestake-twoWed, 18 Apr 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Molyneux 'not that interested' in retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/peter-molyneux-not-that-interested-in-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/peter-molyneux-not-that-interested-in-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/peter-molyneux-not-that-interested-in-retail/#comments Who goes into a store to buy games anymore? A lot of people, surprisingly, but Peter Molyneux ain't feeling it. For him, it's all about digital distribution.

"The incentives for driving me out of my seat and into a shop is becoming increasingly limited. I don't go to retail to buy a film. I don't go to retail to buy music. I don't go to buy books any more. And I'm certainly not that interested in buying games in shops, myself," he told Develop. "If you look at everything that's exciting, from the resurgence of PC to iPad and iPhones, it's hard to see where retail fits into that."

Molyneux, who recently left Microsoft and started up his own studio, 22 Cans, is hard at work on his first game under the new roof. It's unclear whether that title will rely entirely on digital distribution, but Molyneux has gone on record as saying it'll be his "best" game ever. We wouldn't take that at face value, though; he says that about every one of his games.

JoystiqPeter Molyneux 'not that interested' in retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-cansdigital-distributionfable-the-journeypeter-molyneuxretailFri, 13 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon knocks some space bucks off Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/#comments Any good smuggler or bounty hunter knows you have to take every opportunity to save a space buck. With intergalactic tolls and the rising cost of crystal fuel cells, it's important. Also, you need something to do while you're sitting around in hyperdrive all the time, y'know? So retailer Amazon is offering discounts for your downtime -- specifically, savings on Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads for PC.

Both Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 can be downloaded for $5.99 each. The Digital Deluxe edition of Mass Effect 2 -- which includes several making-of videos, the game's soundtrack, some in-game items and a download code for more bonus content -- is also on sale for $8.99. Finally, a bundle of both the original Mass Effect and the digital deluxe edition of Mass Effect 2 can be had for $11.99. The sale ends on March 31.

JoystiqAmazon knocks some space bucks off Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbiowaredigital-distributioneamass-effectMass-Effect-2pcMon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: $3.3 billion spent outside of new boxed games across regions in Q4 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/npd-3-3-billion-spent-outside-of-new-boxed-games-across-region/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/npd-3-3-billion-spent-outside-of-new-boxed-games-across-region/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/npd-3-3-billion-spent-outside-of-new-boxed-games-across-region/#comments Still in its infancy of tracking and reporting games that aren't new and from a box, the NPD reported sales for the US and key European markets reached $3.33 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011 (Oct. - Dec.). The number covers "used games, game rentals, subscriptions, digital full-game downloads, social network games, downloadable content and mobile games." To be extra clear, that means "everything besides new physical copies of games sold in retail stores."

The breakdown of the overall $3.33 billion has the States with a $2.04 billion spend, and the UK, Germany, and France forking over a combined total of $1.29 billion. Despite troubles at retail, UK consumers still dropped $508 million in the region, while Germany and France saw sales of $461 million and $320 million (respectively).

NPD usually reports monthly, strictly on US game sales. "Now that we've established our Europe based service covering the UK, France, and Germany, we can begin working directly with clients to help them dissect at deeper levels how the unique market drivers specific to each country can help them understand the increasingly global nature of the games industry," said NPD Euro analyst Sam Naji.

It's still hard to contextualize the data since the (publicly shared) tracking of digital spend is still so new. We do know that in 2011 the total spend in the States was around $16.6 billion, with new boxed games at retail reaching $9.3 billion.

[Image credit: Digital Storm via Shutterstock]

Continue reading NPD: $3.3 billion spent outside of new boxed games across regions in Q4 2011

JoystiqNPD: $3.3 billion spent outside of new boxed games across regions in Q4 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionmacmicrosoftmobilenintendoNPDpcplaystationps3Q4wiixboxThu, 22 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's Shogun 2 expansion leads the charge on Origin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/segas-shogun-2-expansion-leads-the-charge-on-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/segas-shogun-2-expansion-leads-the-charge-on-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/segas-shogun-2-expansion-leads-the-charge-on-origin/#comments Sega's PC games have been available on Steam and other internet portals for some time, and are now on the way to EA's Origin service.

Starting today, folks can pre-order the upcoming Total War Shogun 2 expansion, "Fall of the Samurai," and more content will follow in the coming weeks. Beyond the Japanese publisher, Origin added Team 17, Rebellion, Kalypso, "and more" to Origin today, and their games will start showing up "in the coming months."

JoystiqSega's Shogun 2 expansion leads the charge on Origin originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributioneaea-originelectronic-artskalypsokalypso-mediaoriginpcrebellionrebellion-studiosshogun-2-fall-of-the-samuraiteam-17team17Team17-SoftwareThu, 15 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin ends offer of Battlefield 3 bonus with Mass Effect 3 early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/origin-ends-offer-of-battlefield-3-bonus-with-mass-effect-3-earl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/origin-ends-offer-of-battlefield-3-bonus-with-mass-effect-3-earl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/origin-ends-offer-of-battlefield-3-bonus-with-mass-effect-3-earl/#comments During a brief period of fiscal insanity, EA decided to offer a free copy of Battlefield 3 to Origin pre-ordere of Mass Effect 3. That period has now ended, unfortunately, according to a tweet from EA's Origin account. Moreover, pre-orders won't receive a code to download BF3 immediately, but rather "by March 8th." So, just in time to play Battlefield instead of Mass Effect 3, then? That seems ... unfortunate.

EA originally claimed the deal would extend until March 5, though it seems that the publisher decided to cut it early. Regardless, Origin's tweet went up about 18 hours ago (around 2PM ET yesterday), so it stands to reason that the window of time for a free copy of BF3 was somewhere between Valentine's Day and yesterday afternoon. EA says "all pre-orders made during the deal" will snag a free code, so, uh, hopefully that's you!

JoystiqOrigin ends offer of Battlefield 3 bonus with Mass Effect 3 early originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredigital-distributioneaea-originelectronic-artsmass-effect-3originpcFri, 17 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U getting Toki Tori 2 digitally, says Two Tribes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/wii-u-getting-toki-tori-2-digitally-says-two-tribes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/wii-u-getting-toki-tori-2-digitally-says-two-tribes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/wii-u-getting-toki-tori-2-digitally-says-two-tribes/#comments You may not have played Toki Tori on the Nintendo Wii when it helped launch the WiiWare digital distribution service back in 2008, but Two Tribes is hoping you'll give its sequel a shot when it arrives on Wii U. The studio announced intentions to bring the sequel to Nintendo's next console in a blog post this morning, citing the recent information dump on the Wii U's internet connectivity as its reason for signing on -- Two Tribes is dedicated to releasing Toki Tori 2 digitally, it would seem!

"The 3DS eShop has been a big step in the right direction compared to the Wii and DSi online shops, and it would be strange if they did not at least match it's functionality on Wii U. Since Toki Tori 2 is designed to be a downloadable title, these things are vital to making the correct choice of which platforms to develop for," the post reads. And though Two Tribes has ideas for how best to use the WiiPad beyond its bevy of buttons and triggers, the concept sounds very early in the production stages (if even there).

The company does promise to offer a WiiPad-only option for playing the game, should you be simply unable to stop playing during sojourns to the water closet. It also outlined hopes for a level editor. All of this is of course highly nebulous considering that the Wii U has yet to receive even a release date, so don't go getting your hopes too high just yet.

JoystiqWii U getting Toki Tori 2 digitally, says Two Tribes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionlevel-editornintendotoki-tori-2two-tribeswii-uwiipadThu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TIGA: 71% of UK startups focused on digital distribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/tiga-71-of-uk-startups-focused-on-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/tiga-71-of-uk-startups-focused-on-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/tiga-71-of-uk-startups-focused-on-digital-distribution/#comments Digital distribution is the future in the UK -- for the sake of a lot of jobs, it had better be. UK game industry trade organization TIGA issued a new census report today, revealing a heavy focus on downloadable or social games.

71% of UK game company startups between 2008 and 2011 are "focused exclusively on network gaming," the report indicates. Taking all of the UK industry in consideration (not just new companies), 67% work on digitally distributed games.

"For too long developers have laboured under the traditional 'give your IP away, never see royalties' model," said TIGA Self-Publishing Committee Patrick O'Luanaigh. "So TIGA strongly supports the trend towards online gaming and self-publishing. Online gaming can deliver greater company stability and revenue sustainability for studios. This is because studios can circumvent traditional publisher business models and build relationships directly with customers. Network gaming businesses can create original games, retain their IP and attain greater financial stability."

We suspect this boost in digital gaming involves two major factors: the rise of iOS and Android games, and the end of large UK game companies like Bizarre Creations.

Continue reading TIGA: 71% of UK startups focused on digital distribution

JoystiqTIGA: 71% of UK startups focused on digital distribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionindustrytigaukMon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 isn't launching on Steam, requires Origin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/mass-effect-3-isnt-launching-on-steam-requires-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/mass-effect-3-isnt-launching-on-steam-requires-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/mass-effect-3-isnt-launching-on-steam-requires-origin/#comments Mass Effect 3 is yet another entry in EA's stable of PC games that can't be purchased via Steam. At least it can't be purchased "initially," that is, according to BioWare community manager Chris Priestly, who posted a variety of FAQ answers on the EA division's forums late last week. "During initial release, Mass Effect 3 will be available on Origin and a number of other 3rd party digital retailers, but not on Steam at this time," he said.

Unsurprisingly, this also means that all PC versions of Mass Effect 3 will require EA's Origin service to launch the game -- regardless of where you buy it -- just like Battlefield 3 before it. And despite EA's wording, which implies the game may end up on Steam at some point after launch, we're doubtful that's around the corner.

Alongside the confirmation that ME3 won't end up on Steam, Priestly goes on to list the issues his company sees with launching on Steam ("restrictive terms of service," BioWare claims). Given Steam's ubiquity across the PC gaming landscape, not to mention the vast majority of its clients not complaining about said terms of service, we're gonna go ahead and wager that the terms aren't being altered anytime soon.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 isn't launching on Steam, requires Origin originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechris-priestlydigital-distributionelectronic-artsmass-effect-3originpcsteamMon, 16 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA PC games are rather cheap on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/ea-pc-games-are-rather-cheap-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/ea-pc-games-are-rather-cheap-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/ea-pc-games-are-rather-cheap-on-amazon-today/#comments You tried to be grateful, you really did. But with every Snuggie, Slanket and Opiate-Laced Cuddle Cocoon you opened, it became abundantly clear that you were getting none of the EA PC games you asked Santa for this Christmas.

Luckily, Amazon is there to set this sad situation right, with deeply discounted, digitally delivered diversions like Dead Space 2 ($4.99), Dragon Age 2 ($5.99), Mass Effect 2 ($4.99) and more. See the full list right here, and try to cut Santa some slack, okay? He always gets depressed this week.

JoystiqEA PC games are rather cheap on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondead-space-2digital-distributioneapcThu, 29 Dec 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock 2 brings dystopia to OS X in January 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/bioshock-2-brings-dystopia-to-os-x-in-january-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/bioshock-2-brings-dystopia-to-os-x-in-january-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/bioshock-2-brings-dystopia-to-os-x-in-january-2012/#comments It's been nearly two years since BioShock 2 first came out on consoles and PC -- but, oddly enough, the game's still not finished being released. Next month, the game finally gets ported to Mac OS X and, like the first BioShock, the work is being done by Mac dev Feral Interactive, who will also handle distribution of the game online.

Maybe you're staunchly opposed to buying games from Feral Interactive's website, for fear of the game being untrainable and potentially disease-ridden? Gamersgate will also be offering the game as a bundle with the first, so you can totally chill out. BioShock 2 for OS X will become available at some point next month, but if you really want to give Feral your money early the company is already accepting pre-orders.

JoystiqBioShock 2 brings dystopia to OS X in January 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-marinBioshock-2digital-distributionferalferal-interactivemacportq1-2012release-dateThu, 22 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Good Old Games to offer Good New(ish) Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/report-good-old-games-to-offer-good-new-ish-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/report-good-old-games-to-offer-good-new-ish-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/report-good-old-games-to-offer-good-new-ish-games/#comments During the CD Projekt Red Investor's Day conference in Poland today, GOG managing director Guillaume Rambourg announced an "audacious plan" to bolster the DRM-free retailer with the addition of new games, following the success of The Witcher 2 on the service.

"Traditionally, GOG.com has looked for great classics that are three years old or older," he said. "We will continue to add classic games, of course, but we are actively working to sign newer titles now." Rambourg noted that the newer games will cost more than most GOG releases --$13.99 to $16.99, but that the company plans to maintain its DRM-free model. The low prices suggest that these won't be brand new games, but simply games more recent than GOG's current three-year cutoff period.

According to a translation of GOG's action plan, the company's goal is to be the number two PC digital distribution platform. It's already the number one platform in our minds, whenever we think about old adventure games. Isn't that enough?

Update: GOG officially announced the initiative. Find the press release after the break.

Continue reading Report: Good Old Games to offer Good New(ish) Games

JoystiqReport: Good Old Games to offer Good New(ish) Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektdigital-distributiongoggood-old-gamesguillaume-rambourgpcThu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Used and digital sales make up 35% of total console spending in the US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/report-used-and-digital-sales-make-up-35-of-total-console-spen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/report-used-and-digital-sales-make-up-35-of-total-console-spen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/report-used-and-digital-sales-make-up-35-of-total-console-spen/#comments American gamers buy more used and digitally distributed games than their European doppelgangers, according to a study released by market analysis firm NewZoo. The organization's statistical findings show that 23 percent of console games purchased in the U.S. are used; slightly more than the European market where used games account for 20 percent of total console sales.

Digitally distributed titles rank lower in both regions, taking up 12 percent of the console market in America and 9 percent in Europe. That 12 percent, by the way, represents approximately $960 million, on account of 54 percent of American console owners reportedly spending an average of $49 a year on console downloads.

American PC gaming culture appears to have adopted the idea of digital distribution much faster than the console market, as an estimated 58 percent of all PC gaming dollars are spent on digitally distributed games or DLC. Now, we're no market analysts, but we think the disparity between PC and console download shares has a lot to do with PC gaming's readily available plethora of hats.

JoystiqReport: Used and digital sales make up 35% of total console spending in the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3salesusedused-gameswiixboxMon, 07 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Battlefield 3 on Origin, get Dead Space 2 for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/pre-order-battlefield-3-on-origin-get-dead-space-2-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/pre-order-battlefield-3-on-origin-get-dead-space-2-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/pre-order-battlefield-3-on-origin-get-dead-space-2-for-free/#comments That free game that Origin is offering for a Battlefield 3 pre-order? It's totally Dead Space 2! So now on top of early beta access and a host of DLC, EA is offering even more incentive by offering a great game.

Of course, there's a catch: there's only a limited number of copies of Dead Space 2 available. It's really silly, considering the free copy is a download. What's the matter, EA? No more storage space in the old digital warehouse?

If you want to go with Origin, you've got until September 19 to pre-order Battlefield 3 for your free ticket to the nightmarish space-romp.

JoystiqPre-order Battlefield 3 on Origin, get Dead Space 2 for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3dead-space-2dicedigital-distributioneaoriginpcvisceralvisceral-gamesFri, 16 Sep 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision digital revenue up to $1.7 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/activision-digital-revenue-up-to-1-7-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/activision-digital-revenue-up-to-1-7-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/activision-digital-revenue-up-to-1-7-billion/#comments Just 15 years ago, if you could make a few bucks selling homemade charm bracelets through Prodigy, you were in the vanguard of digital revenue. These days, while the model's still the same, the scale is just a bit different. Take Activision for instance: The company announced during its Analyst Day presentation that it made $1.7 billion in digital revenue over the last 12 months. We're not sure what that works out to in charm bracelets, but it's a lot.

Though World of Warcraft has always done huge digital business, the company has gotten a big boost this year from Call of Duty: Black Ops and its hugely popular DLC. As you can see in the chart above, this year's earnings are a big jump from 2010 and 2009, which respectively brought in $1.4 and $1.2 billion digital dollars.

Note: When Diablo 3 launches, Blizzard will be taking undetermined fees off the top of player-to-player items sales. So look out for the 2012 Analyst Day when Activision will have to use at least some of the digi-revenue to buy a taller chart.

JoystiqActivision digital revenue up to $1.7 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzardanalyst-dayblizzardCall-of-Duty-Black-Opsdigital-distributiondigital-revenueearningsThu, 01 Sep 2011 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City supports Games for Windows Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/batman-arkham-city-is-supports-games-for-windows-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/batman-arkham-city-is-supports-games-for-windows-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/batman-arkham-city-is-supports-games-for-windows-live/#comments For Batman, capturing criminals and maintaining safe, clean streets in Gotham is its own reward. For those of us lacking giant inheritances and cavernous basements, the incentive to do good just for the sake of being good isn't really enough. We need something we can hold; something we can point to and say, "I did that, here's my proof."

Achievements! It was just our roundabout way of saying Batman: Arkham City will support Games for Windows Live on PC, according to a Warner Bros. rep speaking to VG 247 today. We assume, just like its predecessor, the game will also be sold through Steam, though there has yet to be a games page created for it. We've contacted Warner Bros. for clarification. Achievements and DRM for Arkham City will be handled by Microsoft's platform.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City supports Games for Windows Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citydigital-distributiongames-for-windows-livemicrosoftpcrocksteady-studioswarner-brosTue, 30 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari appoints new CFO, digital and mobile VPs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/atari-appoints-new-cfo-digital-and-mobile-vps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/atari-appoints-new-cfo-digital-and-mobile-vps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/atari-appoints-new-cfo-digital-and-mobile-vps/#comments After what we can only imagine was the most intense game of musical chairs the Atari conference room has ever seen, the company has announced it's appointed new executives at key positions. Robert Mattes is now the CFO, Owais Farooqui has taken over as senior VP of digital publishing and Maria Pacheco is now the new VP of mobile.

This appointment of new blood follows the company's focus on digital for the last year or so -- these appointments will help Atari to "shift its core focus to casual gaming experiences designed for mobile, social networks and emerging platforms," the press release reads. Atari will apparently use the expertise of its new VPs to aggressively target Atari.com, Facebook, Google+ (it has games now!), browser-based gaming and tablets and smartphone devices, leveraging classic Atari franchises such as Asteroid, Missile Command, Centipede, Breakout and Pong. First up is Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter, expected to launch on Facebook this fall.

Continue reading Atari appoints new CFO, digital and mobile VPs

JoystiqAtari appoints new CFO, digital and mobile VPs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinessdigital-distributiondungeons-and-dragons-heroes-of-neverwinterheroes-of-neverwintermacMaria-PachecomicrosoftmobileOwais-Farooquipcplaystationps3Robert-MattesxboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newell: Valve wants to convince EA to get back on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/newell-valve-wants-to-convince-ea-to-get-back-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/newell-valve-wants-to-convince-ea-to-get-back-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/newell-valve-wants-to-convince-ea-to-get-back-on-steam/#comments Please come back to Steam, EA! Disappointed that EA's Battlefield 3 won't be sold on Steam? So, it turns out, is Valve's Gabe Newell. He takes a surprisingly responsible stance on the "complicated" issue of EA's absence from his digital distribution service, telling Develop that "we have to show EA it's a smart decision to have EA games on Steam, and we're going to try to show them that."

Newell says there isn't just one thing Valve can to do convince EA that Steam is a good place to sell its games -- instead, it has to "prove we are creating value on an ongoing basis, whether it's to EA or Ubisoft or whoever." Steam has a whole host of good reasons for EA to use it, says Newell, including "happier customers, a higher quality service, and [EA] will make more money if they have their titles on Steam. It's our duty to demonstrate that to them. We don't have a natural right to publish their games."

Newell didn't go into further detail about just how Steam would convince EA to come back, but we hear homemade cupcakes are always a nice option.

JoystiqNewell: Valve wants to convince EA to get back on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3digital-distributioneaelectronic-artsgabe-newellmacoriginpcsteamvalveThu, 18 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 abducted from Steam, EA points finger at 'restrictive' terms of service as the culprit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/dragon-age-2-abducted-from-steam-ea-points-finger-at-restricti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/dragon-age-2-abducted-from-steam-ea-points-finger-at-restricti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/dragon-age-2-abducted-from-steam-ea-points-finger-at-restricti/#comments The mysterious disappearance of Dragon Age 2 from Steam this week, just before the launch of the game's latest DLC, is yet another thorn in the side of EA's relationship with Valve's Steam digital distribution game service. As many had assumed, the game wasn't removed due to the recent (re)launch of EA's own digital distribution service, Origin, but in fact because DA2's latest DLC doesn't play nice with the Steam Terms of Service.

As the DLC -- named "Legacy" -- is delivered via an in-game store, rather than via Steam's own client, the game was removed. "Unfortunately, Steam has adopted a set of restrictive terms of service which limit how developers interact with customers to sell downloadable content," EA senior VP of global online David DeMartini noted in a statement. He also pointed out that the game is currently available on a variety of other "major download services," from GameStop to Direct2Drive, and that he hopes "to work out an agreement to keep our games on Steam." It's not clear why EA refused to deliver the DLC via Steam's client, but it appears the company won't be changing its stance just yet.

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 (Legacy DLC)

JoystiqDragon Age 2 abducted from Steam, EA points finger at 'restrictive' terms of service as the culprit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredavid-demartinidigital-distributiondlcdownloadable-contentDragon-Age-2eaea-biowareelectronic-artslegacymacoriginpcsteamterms-of-servicevalvevalve-softwareThu, 28 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo marketing exec says GameCube games coming to WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/nintendo-marketing-exec-says-gamecube-games-coming-to-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/nintendo-marketing-exec-says-gamecube-games-coming-to-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/nintendo-marketing-exec-says-gamecube-games-coming-to-wiiware/#comments Nintendo Director of Entertainment and Trend Marketing Amber McCollom either outed a major feature of Nintendo's next home console unexpectedly, or she misspoke during an E3 interview. Speaking with Nintendo Gal on the subject of GameCube games not being playable on the upcoming Wii U, McCollom said, "GameCube discs will not be compatible with Wii U, but a number of the games that were playable on GameCube can be downloaded from WiiWare." Oh, really?

During E3, Nintendo admitted that the Wii U would not be able to run GameCube discs like the Wii could, but never said a peep regarding downloadable versions of GameCube games coming to Wii U. It looks like Wii U owners will get a chance to thoroughly employ that variety of storage options at their disposal.

Though McCollom's statement sounds pretty definitive, we remain skeptical, especially given Nintendo's track record with occasionally reneging on hardware/feature claims (how's that Wii DVD playback and USB storage coming along?). We've reached out to Nintendo for confirmation and details, and will update this post if we hear back.

Update: When asked directly to clarify whether the Wii U would offer downloadable GameCube content, Nintendo got back to us with this statement: "To clarify the capabilities of the Wii U system: As correctly stated, Wii U will not play Nintendo GameCube discs, however Nintendo has not made any announcements regarding downloadable content."

JoystiqNintendo marketing exec says GameCube games coming to WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amber-mccollomdigital-distributiondownloadable-contentgamecubenintendonintendo-of-americawii-uwiiwareWed, 20 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GameStop to earn $1.5 billion in sales by 2014 by stealing from Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/report-gamestop-to-earn-1-5-billion-in-sales-by-2014-by-steali/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/report-gamestop-to-earn-1-5-billion-in-sales-by-2014-by-steali/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/report-gamestop-to-earn-1-5-billion-in-sales-by-2014-by-steali/#comments GameStop is expected to triple its sales over the next three years, from a projected $500 million in 2011 to $1.5 billion in 2014, thanks to its fledgling digital strategy. This includes GameStop's digital distribution service, Impulse, which it acquired this year, and the addition of former Microsoft Game Studios VP Shane Kim.

Baird Equity Research analyst Colin Sebastian said in an investor report that GameStop plans to take "a meaningful share from market leader Steam" with Impulse. GameStop is looking to begin its digital regicide with a strike on Battlefield 3, according to the report: "The upcoming EA title Battlefield 3 will be sold as a download through GameStop, but not through Steam. Given Steam's dominance -- and insistence on users downloading a Steam client application -- publishers are likely to be receptive to a competitive alternative."

EA's list of digital retailers for Battlefield 3 is currently down, leaving Impulse's inclusion and Steam's dismissal offically unconfirmed, for now. We have contacted Sebastian and EA for clarification. One thing that is confirmed is GameStop's bravado in the digital realm, but that may also only be for now.

JoystiqReport: GameStop to earn $1.5 billion in sales by 2014 by stealing from Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionGameStoppcSTEAMFri, 15 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 may not come to Steam, according to EA's list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/battlefield-3-may-not-come-to-steam-according-to-eas-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/battlefield-3-may-not-come-to-steam-according-to-eas-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/battlefield-3-may-not-come-to-steam-according-to-eas-list/#comments EA has posted a list of the digital retailers expected to carry Battlefield 3, and it appears one high-profile service hasn't made the cut. We'll give you a hint: It's recently been involved in a small-scale scandal with EA, and it rhymes with "Scream."

Steam, which recently removed (and reinstalled) a bevy of EA games from its site due to supposed contractual infringement, is not listed among Battlefield 3's digital retailers. EA's new digital service, Origin, is mentioned first, but so are other online distribution sites such as Direct2Drive and GamersGate. EA has said it will offer games on all download sites and that Origin is not an attempt to compete with Steam, which has over 30 million unique users.

EA Support describes its complicated back-door relationship with third-party download sites, mentioning one distributor in a specifically vague manner: "When a download service forbids publishers from contacting players with patches, new levels, items and other services - it disrupts our ability to provide the ongoing support players expect from us. At present, this is the case with only one download service. While EA offers its entire portfolio to this site, they have elected to not post many of our games. We hope to find a mutually agreeable solution to this issue soon."

We have contacted EA for more information on Battlefield 3's online availability.

[Thanks, Jake!]

JoystiqBattlefield 3 may not come to Steam, according to EA's list originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3digital-distributionEAmicrosoftpcplaystationps3scandalousSteamxboxSun, 10 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[French studio Blossom Minds founded by former Eden Games designers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/french-studio-blossom-minds-founded-by-former-eden-games-designe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/french-studio-blossom-minds-founded-by-former-eden-games-designe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/french-studio-blossom-minds-founded-by-former-eden-games-designe/#comments Blossom Minds is a new, independent French developer with a cheery chia-head logo and a desire to make "smaller games but with big production polish." The studio's first game is set to debut in 2012 through unannounced digital distribution channels.

Before co-founding Blossom Minds, Jérôme Braune worked with Eden Games as a designer on open-world racer Test Drive 2 and Atari's survival-horror reboot, Alone in the Dark. Braune and nine others left Eden Games to pursue this publisher-free path, and claim that 13 years of shared experience in traditional businesses have taught them how to make "innovative game experiences for demanding gamers."

In order to convey the team's spirit, the press release offers this cute quote: "We are done with AAA titles; let us bring the OOOOOOH! instead."

JoystiqFrench studio Blossom Minds founded by former Eden Games designers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkblossom-mindsdigital-distributioneden-gamesfrancejerome-braunetest-drive-2Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Deadly Premonition walking backwards to UK Games on Demand next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/deadly-premonition-walking-backwards-to-uk-games-on-demand-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/deadly-premonition-walking-backwards-to-uk-games-on-demand-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/deadly-premonition-walking-backwards-to-uk-games-on-demand-next/#comments Eager to virtually explore the bizarre world of Agent York in Deadly Premonition, but can't seem to locate a hard copy of the cult hit? Rising Star Games has you covered, as the publisher plans to launch the title digitally through Xbox Live's Games on Demand service next week, on July 5, for an unannounced price -- at least in the UK. We've reached out to DP's North American publisher, Ignition Entertainment, to see if it's landing Stateside as well.

So, rather than spending July 5 sweating profusely, how about grabbing a piping hot cup of coffee, turning on the AC, and walking through the doors of perception with us? Don't worry, we'll bring the pie.

Update: The game will cost £14.99/€19.99 in the UK/EU, and Rising Star is only handling distribution in PAL territories. We've yet to hear back from Ignition reps.

Continue reading Deadly Premonition walking backwards to UK Games on Demand next week

JoystiqDeadly Premonition walking backwards to UK Games on Demand next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>access-gamesdeadly-premonitiondigital-distributiongames-on-demandmicrosoftq3-2011release-daterising-star-gamesswery65xboxxbox-livexbox-live-games-on-demandTue, 28 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD report: 'Digital gamers' encroaching on 'Core gamer' turf]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/npd-report-digital-gamers-encroaching-on-core-gamer-turf/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/npd-report-digital-gamers-encroaching-on-core-gamer-turf/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/npd-report-digital-gamers-encroaching-on-core-gamer-turf/#commentsAccording to a new report from NPD, digital gaming (i.e. "not retail" gaming) is on the rise, with "digital gamers" gaining headway against "core gamers" in two categories. Specifically, digital gamers spend sixteen hours gaming per week, as compared to the eighteen hours spent by the core. Digital gamers actually purchase more games, pulling in 5.9 games over the last three months, while their core brethren brought home 5.4 in the same period. Meanwhile, both groups are actually hefty acquirers of downloadable games, with downloadable titles accounting for more than a third of overall game purchases.

The question, then, is what exactly separates the two demographics? After all, it looks like they share fairly similar habits, according to the numbers. We turned to NPD's David Riley, who explained that core gamers as defined by NPD are "very engaged across all systems, especially consoles" and have "higher use of Xbox 360 and PS3 than all other segments." When it comes to digital purchases, core gamers are more likely to buy add-on content than full games.

Digital gamers, on the other hand, "are engaged in a variety of gaming, from PC to mobile, console to portable, online and offline." They also have the "highest number of digital games acquired" and particularly enjoy the immediacy of downloadable purchases.

Still, it's clear that there's some crossover between demographics, something that seems to be recognized by NPD itself. Citing the growth of mobile and tablet gaming, NPD's Anita Frazier notes, "what a game is and what it means to be a gamer is evolving, reflecting the rapid nature of change within the industry."

Continue reading NPD report: 'Digital gamers' encroaching on 'Core gamer' turf

JoystiqNPD report: 'Digital gamers' encroaching on 'Core gamer' turf originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>core-gamerdigital-distributiondlcdsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendonpdpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 27 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: The eShop is open for business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/nintendoware-weekly-the-eshop-is-open-for-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/nintendoware-weekly-the-eshop-is-open-for-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/nintendoware-weekly-the-eshop-is-open-for-business/#comments Good news, folks! Nintendo's 3DS eShop is now officially open for business, and the second week of operation brings the Game Boy version of Donkey Kong to hang out with the bikers and heroes already residing in the eShop. A handful of DSiWare and WiiWare offerings are also said to be available, though as of this morning, none of the DSiWare games were actually available for purchase.

Additionally, for you stalwarts still holding out for a demo of Bit.Trip Flux before dropping the $8, that's now available as well. The reward for your patience: finding out first hand that it's a great game.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: The eShop is open for business

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: The eShop is open for business originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbit-trip-fluxdigital-distributiondsdsiwareeshopnintendonintendoware-weeklyvirtual-consolewiiwiiwareFri, 17 Jun 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2 ditching Steam not an EA decision; Origin-exclusive titles planned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/crysis-2-ditching-steam-not-an-ea-decision-origin-exclusive-tit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/crysis-2-ditching-steam-not-an-ea-decision-origin-exclusive-tit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/crysis-2-ditching-steam-not-an-ea-decision-origin-exclusive-tit/#comments Earlier today, Crysis 2 and other notable EA titles vanished from Steam. Initially thought to be a decision involving EA's new digital platform, Origin, it turns out EA didn't really have a hand in its expulsion from Valve's service -- apparently "Crytek has an agreement with another download service" which violates some new rules imposed by Steam, resulting in the "expulsion of Crysis 2 from Steam," according to comments made by EA to Giant Bomb.

Neither Valve nor EA are talking about what these "new rules" are, but all signs point to Origin. Crysis 2 is available there, as are other games pulled from Steam -- Alice: Madness Returns can only be found on Origin (until June 17, it appears), though several other notable EA titles such as Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Dragon Age 2 and Bulletstorm still remain on Steam.

In the future, EA hopes to offer exclusive content through its Origins portal, including games. Frank Gibeau, president of EA Games, told GI.biz that "EA's going to have some of our own platform exclusives" on the new service. This includes Star Wars: The Old Republic, which will only be offered through Origin.

"I think long-term you'll see we believe in reach so we will have other digital retailers for our products because we want to reach as many audiences as possible," Gibeau said. "But at the same time if we can use exclusive content or other ideas to help grow our audience then we're going to do that because we're growing a platform."

JoystiqCrysis 2 ditching Steam not an EA decision; Origin-exclusive titles planned originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crysis-2crytekdigital-distributioneaoriginpcsteamvalveWed, 15 Jun 2011 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com: 'We are totally not interested in being bought by anybody']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/gog-com-we-are-totally-not-interested-in-being-bought-by-anybo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/gog-com-we-are-totally-not-interested-in-being-bought-by-anybo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/gog-com-we-are-totally-not-interested-in-being-bought-by-anybo/#comments Just minutes after Guillame Rambourg, managing director of GOG.com, made the announcement that the digital game sales platform would carry much of EA's classic back catalogue, Joystiq pulled him aside on the roof of a hotel in downtown Venice, CA to chat about the announcement.

First up, we talked about GOG's other efforts lately, including releasing a dedicated downloader client for Windows, and a private messaging system. Rambourg says both have been going gangbusters. "The downloader is definitely the favorite way of getting games from GOG," he told us. "We've had up to 20 million API calls since we launched the downloader, and the peak was 2 million calls in an hour." The downloader isn't required to use the service, and Rambourg said since it doesn't support Mac or Linux users, it probably won't be for a long time, if ever.

Continue reading GOG.com: 'We are totally not interested in being bought by anybody'

JoystiqGOG.com: 'We are totally not interested in being bought by anybody' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektdigital-distributioneagamesgoggog.comGuillame-RambourgpcsalesFri, 03 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Riccitiello: Fail well and learn from it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/eas-riccitiello-fail-well-and-learn-from-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/eas-riccitiello-fail-well-and-learn-from-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/eas-riccitiello-fail-well-and-learn-from-it/#comments 4 EA CEO John Riccitiello may not have succeeded as grandly as he sought to during this generation, but he's certainly not lacking in vision. EA has seen tremendous growth in its digital business and while Riccitiello admits his company "dropped the ball" at the beginning of the cycle, he sees every failure as an opportunity.

During his commencement speech at the Haas Business School at the University of California at Berkeley -- of which he is an alumni -- Riccitiello said that his many failures over the last four years have helped him to learn and grow. According to Venture Beat, he attributes the Haas school's "students always" mentality, of learning from every failure as a way to set yourself up for greater success, as a big motivator in those dark times.

"Everyone falls down. Everyone loses a game or gets a bad grade," he said. "We had to do these three hard things when the press and the financial analysts told us we were crazy -- that the cutting was great, but the investment in digital was just not a good idea. It proved very hard to hear the negative drumbeat while tackling very hard challenges at work." Riccitiello said he "failed well."

"We are students of our own failure," he concluded. "We used our failure to shape and impel us to a better strategy. One that we believe will ultimately succeed in ways that our previous strategy, even if perfectly executed, could never have done."

JoystiqEA's Riccitiello: Fail well and learn from it originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondseaiosipadiphonejohn-riccitiellomacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxTue, 24 May 2011 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy distributing 3DS content through SpotPass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/best-buy-distributing-3ds-content-through-spotpass/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/best-buy-distributing-3ds-content-through-spotpass/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/best-buy-distributing-3ds-content-through-spotpass/#comments We trust that you're already carrying your 3DS around with you wherever you go -- your Nintendogs need the exercise, you know -- but you want to make doubly sure you bring it with you should you cross the threshold of a Best Buy this summer. The store has partnered with Nintendo to deliver 3DS content via the SpotPass feature starting June 7, including "exclusive offers as well as additional entertainment content such as gaming extras and movie trailers."

No specific "gaming extras" or trailers were mentioned in the partnership's press release, but any reason to dust off the 3DS' SpotPass is a welcome opportunity, indeed. We haven't used a handheld gaming device's feature this infrequently since the original DS' infamous panini press mode.

Continue reading Best Buy distributing 3DS content through SpotPass

JoystiqBest Buy distributing 3DS content through SpotPass originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbest-buydigital-distributiondsnintendoretailspotpassTue, 17 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard banks $503 million in first quarter profits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/activision-blizzard-banks-503-million-in-first-quarter-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/activision-blizzard-banks-503-million-in-first-quarter-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/activision-blizzard-banks-503-million-in-first-quarter-profits/#comments Beneath the Southern California headquarters of Activision Blizzard there lies a zeppelin-sized vault, near-bursting with piles of gold and riches -- or at least that's how we imagine it. The company today reported its first quarter 2011 earnings, reaping a record $1.4 billion in sales revenue, an increase of $100 million over the same period last year. Net income came to $503 million, up from $381 million in Q1 2010.

Not surprisingly, the publisher attributed a hefty chunk of those profits to continued sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops -- which it also confirmed is not just the best-selling game ever (in terms of revenue) in the US, but in Europe as well. In addition, the company noted that digital sales were up 30 percent over Q1 2010 and accounted for 30 percent of Activision Blizzard's revenue last quarter.

Finally, although it comes second in the "Activision Blizzard" name, Blizzard was first in profit for the quarter. The unit accounted for a whopping $170 million in income, compared to Activision Publishing's $48 million.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard banks $503 million in first quarter profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardCall-of-Duty-Black-Opsdigital-distributionearningsfinancialfy-2011q1salesMon, 09 May 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Remedy's Myllyrinne pushing for digital future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/remedys-myllyrinne-pushing-for-digital-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/remedys-myllyrinne-pushing-for-digital-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/remedys-myllyrinne-pushing-for-digital-future/#comments According to Remedy head Matias Myllyrinne, the sooner the game industry switches to an entirely downloadable model, the better off it will be. Myllyrinne notes that the DLC episodes for Alan Wake were "hugely successful, and really resonated with the fans." He elaborated that current download marketplaces like Xbox Live Arcade, PSN and Steam offer developers a unique opportunity to "directly engage with your audience."

A download-driven industry, said Myllyrinne, would be "better for consumers, better for the developers and publishers," though he admitted such a shift would be "not so good for retail." That said, however, he added that given the way retailers incentivize the sale of used games, he doesn't really "feel sorry" for the potential loss they would suffer.

Look, Mr. Myllyrinne, if going downloadable gets us another Alan Wake, just tell us where to sign up.

JoystiqRemedy's Myllyrinne pushing for digital future originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcMatias-Myllyrinnemicrosoftpcplaystationps3remedyxboxTue, 03 May 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve keeping Steam sales data private, out of aggregated charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/valve-keeping-steam-sales-data-private-out-of-aggregated-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/valve-keeping-steam-sales-data-private-out-of-aggregated-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/valve-keeping-steam-sales-data-private-out-of-aggregated-charts/#comments Valve is deeply skeptical of any proposed "scorecard" attempting to depict digital game sales, according to biz dev director Jason Holtman, who manages Steam, the company's lucrative online distribution platform for PC and Mac. "If you look back at the way retail charts have been made, they have been proven to be telling an inaccurate story," Holtman told MCV. "They apparently had shown how the PC format was dying when it was actually thriving."

Market research firms in the business of tallying such consumer-spending, like NPD and Chart-Track, have begun to acknowledge the gross inadequacy of analyzing physical media sales alone, especially on the PC platform. Last summer, NPD raised a bright red flag when it reported on 2009 findings that physical and digital PC game-related sales were reaching parity. A few months later, the firm announced it was close to refining its reports to include digital sales. Easier said than done.

Some estimates suggest that more than half of all PC digital game sales are made through Steam, so clearly any outfit hoping to even begin to chart such data needs Valve on board. Seemingly shunning those requests, and those from publishers and developers, Holtman said that charting game sales is "less useful in the digital space."

"The idea of a chart is old," he added. "It came from people trying to aggregate disaggregated information." In the digital space, especially, sales are spread across a vast number of disassociated retailers. Perhaps then, Valve's skepticism stems from the seeming impossibility of compiling an accurate, total figure -- or maybe, as Holtman implied, Valve just sees such a figure as an antiquated measuring stick. And really, who's business is it to know how many copies of a game have been sold?

Holtman insisted that Steam's "rapid and perfected information" about sales is only relevant to its partners on a per-game basis. "The point is, it's not super important for a publisher or developer to know how well everyone is doing. What's important to know is exactly how your game is doing -- why it's climbing and why it's falling; your daily sales; your daily swing; your rewards for online campaign number three. That's what we provide."

JoystiqValve keeping Steam sales data private, out of aggregated charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionjason-holtmanmacpcsalessteamvalveThu, 21 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stardock's Brad Wardell talks about selling Impulse to GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/stardocks-brad-wardell-talks-about-selling-impulse-to-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/stardocks-brad-wardell-talks-about-selling-impulse-to-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/stardocks-brad-wardell-talks-about-selling-impulse-to-gamestop/#comments "Not everyone's goal in life is to run a thousand person company," said Stardock founder Brad Wardell, who just today announced that he's sold the growing digital distribution arm of his company, Impulse, to GameStop for an undisclosed sum. "Certainly the path of least resistance would have been to just grow with Impulse and become a digital retailer, but that's not what I signed up for."

Impulse was originally started as a way for Stardock to distribute its own games and software digitally, and was opened up three years ago to other developers. Since then, it's grown to compete with the big player in digital distribution, Steam. Wardell, speaking with Joystiq in an interview today, said that the growth in revenue actually became a cause for concern. "When Impulse became our number one source of revenue," said Wardell, "I realized it was time for us to look at our options there."

Continue reading Stardock's Brad Wardell talks about selling Impulse to GameStop

JoystiqStardock's Brad Wardell talks about selling Impulse to GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-wardelldigital-distributiongamestopimpulseinterviewpcpc-gamingsalestardockThu, 31 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST