Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Double Fine, Codemasters, former president Rubin, more seeking payment from THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/#comments THQ may be no more, but several parties have filed claims against the defunct video game publisher. The Kurtzman Carson Consultancy group shows Double Fine, Codemasters and even individual former executives Jason Kay and Jason Rubin are seeking financial compensation for unpaid obligations from THQ

Double Fine (PDF link) is looking for $595,000, claiming THQ offered up Stacking and Costume Quest as free PlayStation Plus downloads without Double Fine's knowledge, and that none of the PS Plus revenue was shared. Codemasters (PDF link) is looking for an exact $1,002,714.25, seeking reimbursement for unpaid royalties and storing quantities of Bodycount, Dirt 3 and F1 2011 discs in a warehouse somewhere. Kay (PDF link) and Rubin (PDF link) are seeking $2.1 million each for failed "employment obligations." The two claim unpaid vacation time, sick leave and severance.

THQ's final assets were auctioned off for nearly $7 million earlier this week, including Darksiders, Homeworld and the Drawn to Life series. The results of the first auction were posted in January, facilitating the transfer of ownership for Saints Row 4, Homefront, Company of Heroes 2 and more.

JoystiqDouble Fine, Codemasters, former president Rubin, more seeking payment from THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountclaimcodemasterscostume-questdirt-3double-finef1-2011jason-kayjason-rubinlawsuitstackingthqFri, 26 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 Complete Edition enters the race March 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dirt-3-complete-edition-enters-the-race-march-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dirt-3-complete-edition-enters-the-race-march-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dirt-3-complete-edition-enters-the-race-march-20/#comments The Dirt 3 Complete Edition officially launches March 20 in North America, running (or racing) $40 for Xbox 360, PS3 and Windows. The Complete Edition contains more than $30 of additional content, which by our calculations means you're getting a 5,000 percent increase in value. Again, that's by our calculations, and we never said we were very good at mathing.

Continue reading Dirt 3 Complete Edition enters the race March 20

JoystiqDirt 3 Complete Edition enters the race March 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemasterscodemasters-southamdirt-3microsoftpcplaystationps3q1-2012release-datexboxFri, 09 Mar 2012 01:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters giving Dirt 3 a Complete Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/codemasters-giving-dirt-3-a-complete-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/codemasters-giving-dirt-3-a-complete-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/codemasters-giving-dirt-3-a-complete-edition/#comments Codemasters has announced that it's releasing a "Complete Edition" of Dirt 3, due out sometime this March for Windows, Xbox 360, and the PS3. The $39.99 release will include the full game, 12 new tracks in two different new locations and lots of new cars and liveries to play around with.

The two new tracks run through the snowy mountain roads of the Alps and some urban streets in Shibuya, Tokyo, and the new cars include the BMW M3 Rally, the Ford Escort Mk II and the Mini Cooper S Gymkhana, in addition to a slew of others. You can see a few shots of the game below, and read the entire press release after the break.

Gallery: DiRT 3 Complete Edition (2/11/12)

Continue reading Codemasters giving Dirt 3 a Complete Edition

JoystiqCodemasters giving Dirt 3 a Complete Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpscodemastersdirt-3dirt-3-complete-editionmicrosoftmonte-carlopcplaystationps3shibuyaxboxSat, 11 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zumba Fitness endures ninth week atop UK charts, no sweat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/zumba-fitness-endures-ninth-week-atop-uk-charts-no-sweat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/zumba-fitness-endures-ninth-week-atop-uk-charts-no-sweat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/zumba-fitness-endures-ninth-week-atop-uk-charts-no-sweat/#comments
If you came here expecting not to see the Zumba Fitness lady's beautifully shaven armpits for another week ... sorry, buddy. In its ninth consecutive week leading the class on Chart-Track's All Formats chart (with 12 total #1 appearances), Zumba Fitness dropped seven percent in sales.

This week's top ten is a shuffle of all the usual suspects. Disney's Lego Pirates of the Caribbean went up one spot into second, thanks to price promotions, and Cars 2 kept the parking break on in third.

The big mover last week in the top 40 was Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, up 60 percent from 39th place to 13th, thanks to the recent 3DS hardware drop. It remains the only 3DS exclusive in the Top 40 and, according to Chart-Track, outsold the next biggest 3DS title five to one.

Check out the UK Top Ten after the break.

Continue reading Zumba Fitness endures ninth week atop UK charts, no sweat

JoystiqZumba Fitness endures ninth week atop UK charts, no sweat originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cars-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklyDirt-3FIFA-11lego-pirates-of-the-caribbeanlego-pirates-of-the-caribbean-the-video-gamemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3ukwiixboxzumba-fitnessMon, 15 Aug 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Zumba Fitness is unstoppable in eighth week atop UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/zumba-fitness-is-unstoppable-in-eighth-week-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/zumba-fitness-is-unstoppable-in-eighth-week-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/zumba-fitness-is-unstoppable-in-eighth-week-atop-uk-charts/#comments
Zumba Fitness. Its name should cause perspiration, an elevated heart rate and total fear in any competitor on Chart-Track's UK all formats chart. In its eighth week in the top spot, the game saw a 16 percent increase in sales and outsold the next four titles combined. Those four consist of Dirt 3, Cars 2, Just Dance 2: Extra Songs and Lego Pirates of the Caribbean.

Although Zumba's eight week run is... impressive? Yeah, let's say impressive. It still has a long way to go before defeating Who Wants To Be A Millionaire's 18 weeks and Wii Fit's 16-week reign.

No new releases entered the Top 40 last week. Now, to find a crowbar to help detach this collective facepalm.

Continue reading Zumba Fitness is unstoppable in eighth week atop UK charts

JoystiqZumba Fitness is unstoppable in eighth week atop UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cars-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklydirt-3Just-Dance-2-Extra-Songsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxzumba-fitnessMon, 08 Aug 2011 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Zumba Fitness spends fifth week atop UK charts, Harry Potter fizzles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/zumba-fitness-spends-fifth-week-atop-uk-charts-harry-potter-fiz/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/zumba-fitness-spends-fifth-week-atop-uk-charts-harry-potter-fiz/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/zumba-fitness-spends-fifth-week-atop-uk-charts-harry-potter-fiz/#comments
The unstoppable Zumba Fitness won't let go of the spotlight, holding the top spot on Chart-Track's UK all-formats chart for a fifth week in a row. Despite a 24 percent drop in sales, the dance-ercise title celebrates its eighth time holding the crown since the Wii version launched in March.

Stupefy simulator Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 premiered in seventh place. Chart-Track notes it's the lowest sales performance ever for a Harry Potter game.

Thanks to "significant" price promotion, EA Sport Active 2 sales shot up 338 percent, sweatin' its way back into the top ten in eighth place. Check out the full UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Zumba Fitness spends fifth week atop UK charts, Harry Potter fizzles

JoystiqZumba Fitness spends fifth week atop UK charts, Harry Potter fizzles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-black-opschart-trackchart-track-weeklyDirt-3lego-pirates-of-the-caribbeanlego-pirates-of-the-caribbean-the-video-gamemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3transformers-dark-of-the-moonwiixboxzumba-fitnessMon, 18 Jul 2011 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Zumba Fitness tops UK charts for fourth week in a row]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/zumba-fitness-tops-uk-charts-for-fourth-week-in-a-row/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/zumba-fitness-tops-uk-charts-for-fourth-week-in-a-row/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/zumba-fitness-tops-uk-charts-for-fourth-week-in-a-row/#comments
For a fourth consecutive week, Zumba Fitness maintained its spot atop Chart-Track's UK all-formats chart. The title has danced its way to the gold seven times since the Wii version launched in March. Another fitness game that's making moves on the charts is THQ's UFC Personal Trainer, which debuted at #22 a couple weeks back, but is now close to punching into the top ten at #13.

No new releases broke the Top 40 last week, so the top ten is full of the usual suspects, many which benefited from price promotions. Such was the case with Dirt 3, which raced into second, with a 28 percent increase in sales. Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the tie-in title to the summer blockbuster, transformed that extra exposure into a 10 percent increase in sales, placing it in third. Autobots can roll out past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Zumba Fitness tops UK charts for fourth week in a row

JoystiqZumba Fitness tops UK charts for fourth week in a row originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackchart-track-weeklyDirt-3LA-Noirelego-pirates-of-the-caribbeanlego-pirates-of-the-caribbean-the-video-gamemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3transformers-dark-of-the-moonwiixboxzumba-fitnessMon, 11 Jul 2011 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 Monte Carlo DLC now available worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/dirt-3-monte-carlo-dlc-now-available-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/dirt-3-monte-carlo-dlc-now-available-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/dirt-3-monte-carlo-dlc-now-available-worldwide/#comments Codemasters probably had no idea the accidental synergy it was creating, dropping the Monte Carlo DLC for Dirt 3 the same week that the soon-to-be hit romantic comedy of the same name was arriving in theaters, but here we are. Unfortunately, Selena Gomez isn't a new rallycross driver in the upcoming pack, and as far as we know, there isn't any rallycross in the film. What a waste!

Regardless, the $10 pack is now available on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 via their respective digital storefronts, and on PC via the Games for Windows Marketplace. It comprises eight new tracks set in the miniscule Mediterranean monarchy of Monaco (specifically Monte Carlo, of course). If, like us, you don't have a summer villa in the DLC's lavish setting, you may want to take a peek at the maps in action before purchasing the pack -- for that, we suggest heading into our gallery below.

Gallery: DiRT 3 (Monte Carlo Track Pack DLC)

JoystiqDirt 3 Monte Carlo DLC now available worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3dlcgames-for-windowsgames-for-windows-marketplacemicrosoftmonte-carlopcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceWed, 29 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters informs users of website breach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/codemasters-informs-users-of-website-breach/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/codemasters-informs-users-of-website-breach/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/codemasters-informs-users-of-website-breach/#comments Last Friday, some malevolent entity got into codemasters.com, and obtained access to information on the Dirt 3 code redemption page, the E Store, and the CodeM database. The publisher sent out an email today warning users about the site's code having been mastered.

The hacker was able to access information including customer names, addresses, and email addresses (but not payment information), and passwords, along with Xbox Live Gamertags and IP addresses. Codemasters shut its site down immediately upon detecting the intrusion. A new website will launch later this year, with Codemasters planning to redirect to its Facebook page in the meantime.

"Whilst we do not have confirmation that any of this data was downloaded onto an external device," Codies said in the email to users, "we have to assume that, as access was gained, all of these details were compromised and/or stolen." You can read the full email after the break ... right after you change your password anywhere that you had been using the same one you used on the Codies site.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Codemasters informs users of website breach

JoystiqCodemasters informs users of website breach originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3hackhackingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 10 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Noire guilty of being UK sales winner for third week in a row]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/la-noire-guilty-of-being-uk-sales-winner-for-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/la-noire-guilty-of-being-uk-sales-winner-for-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/la-noire-guilty-of-being-uk-sales-winner-for-third-week/#comments
L.A. Noire, despite a 56 percent drop in sales this past week, remained the top game in the UK, according to Chart-Track's All Formats chart. With little in the way of competition, Rockstar's crime procedural, which debuted as the UK's fastest-selling new IP two weeks ago, maintained its position atop a list of the usual suspects.

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean caught the trade winds and sailed back into second, while Dirt 3 lost some ground and slipped one spot into third. Sims 3: Generations, the fourth expansion pack for the series and the only game that wasn't previously playing musical chairs in the UK top ten, premiered in tenth.

The only other debut that made it into the Top 40 was the Bethesda published Hunted: The Demon's Forge. Despite receiving (at least in the States) what feels like little promotion, InXile's decent game still managed to come out swinging a sword in 14th place. Check out the full UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading LA Noire guilty of being UK sales winner for third week in a row

JoystiqLA Noire guilty of being UK sales winner for third week in a row originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brinkchart-trackchart-track-weeklyDirt-3LA-Noirelego-pirates-of-the-caribbeanlego-pirates-of-the-caribbean-the-video-gamemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxZumba-FitnessMon, 06 Jun 2011 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3's Colin McRae charity DLC released, proceeds go to good cause]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/dirt-3s-colin-mcrae-charity-dlc-released-proceeds-go-to-good-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/dirt-3s-colin-mcrae-charity-dlc-released-proceeds-go-to-good-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/dirt-3s-colin-mcrae-charity-dlc-released-proceeds-go-to-good-c/#comments Codemasters has announced the first DLC for Dirt 3, and says that all proceeds from the sale will go to charity. The Colin McRae Vision Charity Pack is now available for the Xbox Live and Games for Windows versions of the game (for 160 Microsoft points / $2), and allows players to drive a Ford Escort Mk II with five different liveries. The PS3 version will be available as soon as the PlayStation Store returns.

This was the car famously driven by Colin McRae, the original namesake of the Dirt series who died in 2007. All proceeds from the pack will go to the Colin McRae Vision Charity, which raises funds for worthwhile causes around the world in McRae's name.

Codemasters says that this is the first of a few weeks' worth of DLC packs. Each will feature more cars and new tracks going forward.

Continue reading Dirt 3's Colin McRae charity DLC released, proceeds go to good cause

JoystiqDirt 3's Colin McRae charity DLC released, proceeds go to good cause originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitycodemasterscolin-mcraedirt-3dlcmicrosoftpcreleasexboxThu, 02 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 debuts in second on UK charts, LA Noire still tops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/dirt-3-debuts-in-second-on-uk-charts-la-noire-still-tops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/dirt-3-debuts-in-second-on-uk-charts-la-noire-still-tops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/dirt-3-debuts-in-second-on-uk-charts-la-noire-still-tops/#comments
L.A. Noire, which premiered as the UK's fastest-selling new IP, maintained its top position on Chart-Track's UK All Formats chart this past week. Dirt 3, the only new competitor to race into the top ten, had to settle for second.

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean lost some wind in its sails and fell to third, with Brink rounding out the top five. Zumba Fitness maintained fourth, with sales up 19 percent last week. It's like Zumba Fitness was infused with that Just Dance "staying power" magic -- and as it happens, Just Dance 2, despite not being in the top ten, has been hanging around close by (at No. 11).

Price promotions helped give sales boosts to some of the top ten remainders. Check those out after the break.

Continue reading Dirt 3 debuts in second on UK charts, LA Noire still tops

JoystiqDirt 3 debuts in second on UK charts, LA Noire still tops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brinkchart-trackchart-track-weeklyDirt-3LA-Noirelego-pirates-of-the-caribbeanlego-pirates-of-the-caribbean-the-video-gamemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxzumba-fitnessTue, 31 May 2011 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3's 'VIP Pass' can't be disabled for PS3 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dirt-3s-vip-pass-cant-be-disabled-for-ps3-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dirt-3s-vip-pass-cant-be-disabled-for-ps3-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dirt-3s-vip-pass-cant-be-disabled-for-ps3-owners/#comments WB and Netherrealm earned some goodwill from PS3 Mortal Kombat owners recently, by disabling the "Kombat Pass" and allowing players to fight online without redeeming the one-time-use code in the PlayStation Store (which is down). Unfortunately, such a concession won't be possible for Dirt 3.

"We've looked into doing something similar for Dirt 3 but it's not technically possible," a Codemasters rep told Eurogamer. "It's hard-coded into the game." Removing the VIP pass requirement would involve a patch, the publisher explained, which would likely take longer to push through than it will take for the Store to come back online.

An alternate solution to this problem (though not for Dirt 3, since it's already out) would be to cut out Online Pass schemes in general. We wonder if anyone has suggested that.

JoystiqDirt 3's 'VIP Pass' can't be disabled for PS3 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtdirt-3online-passplaystationplaystation-storeps3psn-outage-2011vip-passWed, 25 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 slow-motion slides into release with launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dirt-3-slow-motion-slides-into-release-with-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dirt-3-slow-motion-slides-into-release-with-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dirt-3-slow-motion-slides-into-release-with-launch-trailer/#comments This Dirt 3 launch trailer doesn't bother getting into the nitty-gritty of what makes this sequel so excellent. Not that it has to when it can simply flaunt the game's stunning good looks.

Continue reading Dirt 3 slow-motion slides into release with launch trailer

JoystiqDirt 3 slow-motion slides into release with launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3launchmicrosoftpcplaystationps3trailerxboxWed, 25 May 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ takes on distribution of four Codemasters releases this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/#comments THQ announced today that, through its THQ Partners unit, it would be handling the North American distribution of four of Codemasters 2011 releases. In fact, THQ Partners actually began its task today, with the release of Dirt 3 into the retail channel.

The deal also encompasses distribution of Operation Flashpoint: Red River, Bodycount and F1 2011. The new Operation Flashpoint hits June 7, with Bodycount set for "later this summer." Financial details of the deal weren't disclosed, but it has been confirmed that Codies will continue to handle the marketing of all four titles in-house.

JoystiqTHQ takes on distribution of four Codemasters releases this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersdirt-3distributiondsf1-2011marketingmicrosoftngpnintendooperation-flashpoint-red-riverpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3thqthq-partnersvitaxboxWed, 25 May 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trophies reveal mounds of Dirt 3 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/trophies-reveal-mounds-of-dirt-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/trophies-reveal-mounds-of-dirt-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/trophies-reveal-mounds-of-dirt-3-dlc/#comments According to the DiRT 3 Trophies discovered by PS3Trophies.org, the upcoming rally racer has several downloadable content packs planned. All in all, Trophies have revealed four different DLC packs, including the "Mud and Guts" and "Power and Glory" car packs as well as the Monte Carlo and X Games Asia track packs, each with four additional trophies. Release date and pricing for the packs has yet to be revealed.

PS3 Trophies tend to mirror Xbox Achievements for the same titles, making the DLC a likely bet for the Xbox 360 version as well.

JoystiqTrophies reveal mounds of Dirt 3 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3dlcmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnxboxxbox-liveMon, 23 May 2011 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 review: Pep rally]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dirt-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dirt-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dirt-3-review/#comments Dirt 3 really, really wants you to love rally racing as much as it does. It wants you to love the speed, the grit, and the cheers of the crowd just barely audible over the roar of your engine. It also wants you to love how difficult the sport is, how tough it is to keep your off-road vehicle on the road in muddy terrain. It's a good thing that it does, because it doesn't find any qualms with dropping you right in the middle of its world of drifts, revs, and ... zombies?

Gallery: Dirt 3

Continue reading Dirt 3 review: Pep rally

JoystiqDirt 3 review: Pep rally originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtdirt-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 23 May 2011 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 to feature $10 Online Pass for used purchases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dirt-3-to-feature-10-online-pass-for-used-purchases/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dirt-3-to-feature-10-online-pass-for-used-purchases/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dirt-3-to-feature-10-online-pass-for-used-purchases/#comments Codemasters has added its name to the list of publishers who are attempting to keep their games out of the pre-owned bin by equipping them with one-time-use tickets to the internet. According to Eurogamer, new copies of Dirt 3 -- which arrives on store shelves tomorrow -- include a "VIP Pass," which unlocks five exclusive automobiles and enables the game's online multiplayer modes. Folks who purchase a used copy of the game with a code that's already been redeemed will have to buy the code on Xbox Live or PSN for 800 Microsoft Points ($10).

The Online Pass scheme usually evokes some mixed reactions from the gaming community, but we always get stuck imagining even worse scenarios. Imagine this: What if all of the game's cars only had three wheels? Oh, what -- you want that fourth wheel? No problem, just put in that VIP Pass. Oh, you don't have one? Well, we hope you don't like winning races, Sparky.

JoystiqDirt 3 to feature $10 Online Pass for used purchases originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3microsoftonline-passplaystationps3vip-passxboxMon, 23 May 2011 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 trailer throws down in a Gymkhana battle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/dirt-3-trailer-throws-down-in-a-gymkhana-battle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/dirt-3-trailer-throws-down-in-a-gymkhana-battle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/dirt-3-trailer-throws-down-in-a-gymkhana-battle/#comments We've all done it: There's an empty parking lot, not another driver in sight -- why not tear it up? But what if there was another driver and a third party who, presumably, was responsible for setting up a series of intricate ramps and jumps? Well then, you'd have yourself a Gymkhana battle.

Continue reading Dirt 3 trailer throws down in a Gymkhana battle

JoystiqDirt 3 trailer throws down in a Gymkhana battle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3gymkhanamicrosoftpcplaystationps3racingxboxWed, 11 May 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 trailer joins the superteam, probably fights some crime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/dirt-3-trailer-joins-the-superteam-probably-fights-some-crime/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/dirt-3-trailer-joins-the-superteam-probably-fights-some-crime/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/dirt-3-trailer-joins-the-superteam-probably-fights-some-crime/#comments We admit it -- before watching this Dirt 3 trailer, we thought that a "superteam" was something super heroes joined to unionize the crime-fighting process. Now we know that it's a thing that rally car drivers join, so that they can drive real fast together.

Continue reading Dirt 3 trailer joins the superteam, probably fights some crime

JoystiqDirt 3 trailer joins the superteam, probably fights some crime originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3microsoftplaystationps3racingxboxWed, 04 May 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3's Party Mode revealed, features three multiplayer mini-games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/dirt-3s-party-mode-revealed-features-three-multiplayer-mini-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/dirt-3s-party-mode-revealed-features-three-multiplayer-mini-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/dirt-3s-party-mode-revealed-features-three-multiplayer-mini-ga/#comments If you're intrigued by Codemasters' upcoming rally racer Dirt 3, but find yourself turned off by all the ... um, rally racing, the developer recently revealed a multiplayer-oriented "Party Mode" which might just float your boat. The mode will feature three distinctly non-racing mini-games, including:
  • "Invasion," in which players drive around an open lot, crashing into cardboard robots while avoiding cardboard skyscrapers. We anticipate this will be harder than it sounds, as some skyscrapers seem to resemble giant robots nowadays.
  • "Outbreak," which sees one player "infected" with some sort of automotive ailment, symbolized by their car turning bright green. The player can spread the disease to others by colliding with them, and the last healthy player wins the pot.
  • "Transporter," a capture-the-flag title where players must grab randomly-spawning flags and return them to their home base, avoiding their fellow, flag-snatching drivers. Jason Statham appears to be regrettably absent.

JoystiqDirt 3's Party Mode revealed, features three multiplayer mini-games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3microsoftminigamespcplaystationps3racingxboxSat, 09 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop lists $300 Dirt 3/RC Car bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/gamestop-lists-300-dirt-3-rc-car-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/gamestop-lists-300-dirt-3-rc-car-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/gamestop-lists-300-dirt-3-rc-car-bundle/#commentsDirt 3? Try Dirt 3 ... hundred. GameStop is listing an extravagant bundle for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Codemasters' rally racer that includes the game and a remote-controlled, 1/16 scale replica of the Ken Block Gymkhana Fiesta. The site offers the same May 24 release date as the normal, virtual-car-only version.

At $299.99, you'd be unlikely to indulge the temptation to drive this RC car anywhere near actual dirt, but you could have some totally sweet races in your house between this and the Black Ops car. And we imagine you have plenty of floor space in your huge house for those races, if you can afford both of these bundles.

JoystiqGameStop lists $300 Dirt 3/RC Car bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecodemastersdirt-3gamestopmicrosoftplaystationps3rc-carxboxThu, 07 Apr 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 trailer previews the wicked dangerous Group B Rally]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/dirt-3-trailer-previews-the-wicked-dangerous-group-b-rally/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/dirt-3-trailer-previews-the-wicked-dangerous-group-b-rally/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/dirt-3-trailer-previews-the-wicked-dangerous-group-b-rally/#comments Rally racing is already an inconceivably dangerous sport -- but the now-forbidden "Group B" league once took things to new levels of speed and fatality. It might be illegal in the meatspace, but in Dirt 3 the spirit of Group B is alive and kicking, as seen in this trailer.

Continue reading Dirt 3 trailer previews the wicked dangerous Group B Rally

JoystiqDirt 3 trailer previews the wicked dangerous Group B Rally originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3group-bmicrosoftplaystationps3racingxboxWed, 30 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 kicks up dust on May 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/dirt-3-kicks-up-dust-on-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/dirt-3-kicks-up-dust-on-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/dirt-3-kicks-up-dust-on-may-24/#commentsDate 3 has been officially dirted by Codemasters ... wait, no, Dirt 3 has been officially dated. Codies' latest rally racer will be splashing mud on virtual bystanders on May 24, a date that, according to Eurogamer, is worldwide. This fits in perfectly with CEO Rod Cousens' announced plan to launch the game in the second quarter of the year, avoiding the "congested period when everyone's putting out their shooters."

To mark the announcement, the publisher sent out all of two new screens of European cars that will need to be washed very soon.

Gallery: Dirt 3 (Release date announcement screens)

JoystiqDirt 3 kicks up dust on May 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3microsoftpcplaystationps3q2-2011release-datexboxFri, 04 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3's Gymkhana, presented by Ken Block]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dirt-3s-gymkhana-presented-by-ken-block/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dirt-3s-gymkhana-presented-by-ken-block/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dirt-3s-gymkhana-presented-by-ken-block/#comments Ken Block's Gymkhana antics are well documented, but when Dirt 3 launches next year, it'll be new to franchise vets. Thus, Block and Codemasters have provided a primer video where the pro driver not only gives some background on Gymkhana's rise to prominence but, more importantly, its inclusion in Dirt 3.

Continue reading Dirt 3's Gymkhana, presented by Ken Block

JoystiqDirt 3's Gymkhana, presented by Ken Block originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3gymkhanaken-blockmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 21 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dirt 3 trailer does dozens of donuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/new-dirt-3-trailer-does-dozens-of-donuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/new-dirt-3-trailer-does-dozens-of-donuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/new-dirt-3-trailer-does-dozens-of-donuts/#comments The newest trailer for Codemasters' Dirt 3 isn't just a nice little piece of car enthusiast eye candy -- it's also a wonderful tool for pranks. All you have to do is find a susceptible youngster, show them the video, and say, "That's pretty much what a driver's license exam is like." Boom. Pranked.

Continue reading New Dirt 3 trailer does dozens of donuts

JoystiqNew Dirt 3 trailer does dozens of donuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 16 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3, Operation Flashpoint: Red River due in Q2 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/dirt-3-operation-flashpoint-red-river-due-in-q2-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/dirt-3-operation-flashpoint-red-river-due-in-q2-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/dirt-3-operation-flashpoint-red-river-due-in-q2-2011/#comments "I don't think it does any good to publish in a congested period when everyone's putting out their shooters," Codemasters CEO Rod Cousens told Eurogamer. Instead, you'll see the European publisher's biggest upcoming games, off-road racer Dirt 3 and serious-face shooter Operation Flashpoint: Red River, in the second quarter of 2011. Provided next year's congested first-quarter schedule remains untouched by delays, that puts Codemasters' pair safely outside the commercial blast radius of Killzone 3, Dead Space 2, and Bulletstorm*, and likely a few months before the next Call of Duty.

Whilst avoiding it on retail shelves, Cousens is taking a couple of pages from Call of Duty's book -- fluttering in the wind, having been blown up in the library level. "We're not difficult to predict," Cousens said. "If DiRT comes out next year, GRID will come out the following year, and then DiRT will be out the year after that. So you can map us out." As Dirt and Grid alternate, Codemasters aims to have a new F1 racing game out every year, and a new Operation Flashpoint every other year.

The publisher hopes to provide "a new IP that sits in opposite years to each other," but as far as racing and action games go, you now know the general strategy for the next five years. By next year, we might also see where, exactly, over-the-top FPS Bodycount fits in.

* Actual video game titles.

JoystiqDirt 3, Operation Flashpoint: Red River due in Q2 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3grid-2microsoftoperation-flashpoint-red-riverpcplaystationps3q2-2011release-daterod-cousensxboxTue, 09 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 to feature insane 'Gymkhana' events, WRC driver Ken Block consulting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/dirt-3-to-feature-insane-gymkhana-events-wrc-driver-ken-block/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/dirt-3-to-feature-insane-gymkhana-events-wrc-driver-ken-block/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/dirt-3-to-feature-insane-gymkhana-events-wrc-driver-ken-block/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When Codemasters releases Dirt 3 next year, it'll arrive with a new type of event to participate in: Gymkhana. Gymkhana is a solo event in which drivers have a starting line and finish line, with a whole lot of obstacles to navigate and complex maneuvers to memorize in-between. By "complex maneuvers," we're taking backwards driving, drifting though figure eights and, in the case of the video after the break, doing doughnuts around someone riding a Segway. Yeah.

In fact, the star of the video, WRC driving ace Ken Block, is working with Codemasters as a consultant on Dirt 3, as he did previously for Dirt 2. After watching the frankly incredible video of him in action at L'Autodrome in France, we couldn't imagine anyone being better suited to advise the developer on how to recreate this stuff in-game.

Just in case Codemasters is reading this, here's what we're thinking for the Dirt 3 pre-order / collector's edition bonus: a ride with Block on a real Gymkhana run. Make it happen!

Continue reading Dirt 3 to feature insane 'Gymkhana' events, WRC driver Ken Block consulting

JoystiqDirt 3 to feature insane 'Gymkhana' events, WRC driver Ken Block consulting originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3gymkhanaken-blockmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 22 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 screens attack the environment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/dirt-3-screens-attack-the-environment/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/dirt-3-screens-attack-the-environment/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/dirt-3-screens-attack-the-environment/#comments It's hard to not get excited for Codemasters' next entry in the Dirt franchise after peeping the handful of shots that were just released. As seen in these screens, Dirt 3 won't exclusively be terrorizing soil, but also leaves and snow. The horror!

Gallery: Dirt 3

JoystiqDirt 3 screens attack the environment originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3microsoftpcplaystationps3racingrallycrossxboxThu, 12 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESPN debuts Dirt 3 in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/espn-debuts-dirt-3-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/espn-debuts-dirt-3-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/espn-debuts-dirt-3-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The first trailer for Codemasters' upcoming rally game, Dirt 3, debuted last night on ESPN's X-Games. It offers a glimpse at several environments and promises the return of chilly weather effects to the series -- well, right before a truck explodes and heats things back up. Dirt 3, which is supposed to turn all that EXTREME showboating down a notch, is due in 2011.

Have a look at the trailer just after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading ESPN debuts Dirt 3 in action

JoystiqESPN debuts Dirt 3 in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscolin-mcraecolin-mcrae-dirt-3dirtdirt-3microsoftpcplaystationps3racingrallycrosstrailerxboxSun, 01 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters VP casually reveals Dirt 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/codemasters-vp-casually-reveals-dirt-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/codemasters-vp-casually-reveals-dirt-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/codemasters-vp-casually-reveals-dirt-3/#comments Up until now, we hadn't the slightest inclination that Codemasters was hard at work on a third installment in the rallycross racing series, Dirt. According to a recent interview with Edge, though, studio vice prez Gavin Cheshire confirms not only the game's development, but also says, "there's some really great stuff coming from Birmingham that's going into Dirt 3." Cheshire was being interviewed on the subject of Codemasters as one of the last "big British publishers" when he revealed the publisher's development plans for the sequel.

The exec hopes to see more of the company's home of origin (and its culture) leak into the next Dirt game, saying "Dirt 2: brilliant game, but it's all American accents, so maybe we're a little over the top with those ... maybe we should fly the flag a bit more." In addition to this week's announce of Bodycount, that brings the publisher's GDC new game reveals up to two. Will we see more before the week is out? We just dont know.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqCodemasters VP casually reveals Dirt 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersColin-McRae-DiRTdirtdirt-2dirt-3gavin-cheshireMicrosoftracingXbox-360Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST