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[Report: Disney video game division lays off 50 employees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/report-disney-video-game-division-lays-off-50-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/report-disney-video-game-division-lays-off-50-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/report-disney-video-game-division-lays-off-50-employees/#comments Separate from the closure of Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios, the developers of the Epic Mickey series, 50 more employees reportedly lost their jobs at Disney Interactive yesterday, according to the LA Times. The paper's source is "a knowledgeable person not authorized to discuss the matter publicly."

Disney Interactive Studios endured huge layoffs across 2011, including the closure of Split/Second developer Black Rock. We've reached out to Disney Interactive Studios for comment on today's report.

We learned yesterday Epic Mickey 2 sold 529,000 copies in the US during 2012, with that return on investment certainly sealing the deal on Junction Point's closure. Since then, Epic Mickey creator and Junction Point founder Warren Spector posted a public goodbye to his studio on Facebook, which we've printed in full after the break.

Spector was effusive in his farewell to Junction Point, saying he's rarely worked with a "team more dedicated or harder working." While he noted the games "polarized" critics and fans, Spector said he's never been part of anything as deeply touching as his Epic Mickey series.

Will the man behind Deus Ex be back? "Let just say, now it's time to move to the next adventure," Spector wrote. "I honestly don't know what that will be yet, so don't ask."

Continue reading Report: Disney video game division lays off 50 employees

JoystiqReport: Disney video game division lays off 50 employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactive-mediadisney-interactive-studiosepic-mickeyepic-mickey-2junction-pointwarren-spectorWed, 30 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Epic Mickey 2 coming to 3DS, along with 'classic' 2D game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rumor-epic-mickey-2-coming-to-3ds-along-with-classic-2d-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rumor-epic-mickey-2-coming-to-3ds-along-with-classic-2d-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rumor-epic-mickey-2-coming-to-3ds-along-with-classic-2d-game/#comments Some kind of "presentation" of Epic Mickey 2 will occur next week, according to a tweet from France's Nintendo Magazine. Being a Nintendo magazine, the publication specifically highlights a 3DS version called "Power of Illusion" - a name that recalls classic Mickey games like World of Illusion and Castle of Illusion. The tweet also points to a "classic" 2D game that will be shown during next week's event, but stops short of providing any actual details.

A sequel to 2010's Epic Mickey has been rumored for some time, to the extent that box art for the game has even been bandied about by a marketing survey. Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios, the development house behind Epic Mickey, was hit by layoffs last January after the Wii-exclusive title launched, likely due to massive losses in Disney's interactive (read: games) department.

Update: Disney Interactive declined to comment, saying it had "no information to share at this time."

JoystiqRumor: Epic Mickey 2 coming to 3DS, along with 'classic' 2D game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosepic-mickey-2europe-leaks-everythingfrancejunction-pointjunction-point-studiosnintendopower-of-illusionTue, 20 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Software lays off 15 - 20 as Disney continues cuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/avalanche-software-lays-off-15-20-as-disney-continues-cuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/avalanche-software-lays-off-15-20-as-disney-continues-cuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/avalanche-software-lays-off-15-20-as-disney-continues-cuts/#comments Utah-based Avalanche Software, developer of the much-praised Toy Story 3 game adaptation -- and not to be confused with Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios -- let go of 15-20 employees as of September 1. Publisher and parent company Disney Interactive confirmed the layoffs to Gamasutra in a statement: "Avalanche Software has completed a restructuring that resulted in the reduction of a small number of positions."

Avalanche Software is the latest studio of Disney's affected in a months-long culling process at the Mouse House's game publishing arm, which has so far seen the closure of Propaganda Games, Black Rock Studios, and the cancelation of a Pirates of the Caribbean game.

An unnamed employee affected by the layoffs guessed the current headcount to be around 170 (the company's LinkedIn profile indicates anywhere from 51 to 200 people are employed by the studio), making this month's staff reduction approximately 8 to 11 percent of staff. It's unclear what Avalanche is working on next, and whether this is the end of Disney's bout of "restructuring."

JoystiqAvalanche Software lays off 15 - 20 as Disney continues cuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-softwaredisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studioslayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Toy-Story-3wiixboxWed, 07 Sep 2011 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney's Interactive Media division reduces losses in Q3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/disneys-interactive-media-division-reduces-losses-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/disneys-interactive-media-division-reduces-losses-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/disneys-interactive-media-division-reduces-losses-in-q3/#comments Disney Interactive Media Group Disney's studio shutdowns may have had at least some of the desired effect: The Disney Interactive Media Group reports that the third quarter has brought decreased losses for the division year-over-year. The group remains the only division in the company operating at a loss, but revenues increased (thanks to Lego Pirates of the Carribbean and Cars 2, according to the studio) and losses decreased to $86 million a year.

Disney still blames most of the losses on the acquisition of social developer Playdom last year, but good news is good news. Hopefully this means an end to all of the layoffs around the division.

JoystiqDisney's Interactive Media division reduces losses in Q3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactive-media-groupdisney-interactive-studiosdivisionearningsinteractivelossesplaydomWed, 10 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Disney wants to buy UTV/Ignition for $454M]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/report-disney-wants-to-buy-utv-ignition-for-454m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/report-disney-wants-to-buy-utv-ignition-for-454m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/report-disney-wants-to-buy-utv-ignition-for-454m/#comments The Walt Disney Company is allegedly working to fully acquire UTV, parent company of Ignition Entertainment, for $454 million. Develop reports that Disney, which already owns 50.4 percent of UTV, is seeking to fully acquire the company for its Bollywood films and TV shows -- and not for its games. If the deal does happen, Ignition's fate would be in the hands of Disney.

Ignition has been troubled for quite some time, altering its business strategy last year and ceasing to develop core games internally. Disney's strategy, on the other hand, has seen the shuttering of its core game studios like Black Rock and Propaganda, and a heavy emphasis on the social space. Disney's acquisition of UTV may have nothing to do with games on the surface, but it'll likely impact Ignition in a dramatic way.

JoystiqReport: Disney wants to buy UTV/Ignition for $454M originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbusinessDisneyDisney-Interactivedisney-interactive-studiosel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentUTVUTV-Ignitionutv-ignition-gamesWed, 27 Jul 2011 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Black Rock's final game was a freemium DOTA-style RTS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/#comments "Champions Alliance" was allegedly the title of the last project the soon-to-be shuttered Black Rock Studios was working on, according to a Eurogamer report. The game was allegedly a DOTA-style RTS, starring teenagers flung into an alternate dimension (okay ...). The project was said to be quite far along, with pre-production wrapping and a free-to-play business model set in place before Disney made its decision to close the dev house.

"The game was intended to be released quite quickly, in beta anyway, in about six months or so," an anonymous source tells Eurogamer. "The idea was that you had to do PVP and PVE to gain XP to somehow escape." According to the source, "Disney seemed unable to work out what to do with the studio and didn't trust us to do anything other than racing, really."

Since Disney is prepared to close the studio now, we wouldn't be surprised if footage of the unannounced project starts popping up in the near future.

JoystiqReport: Black Rock's final game was a freemium DOTA-style RTS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studioschampions-alliancedisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosfree-to-playmacpcreportrtsFri, 01 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive gets Disney Interactive support, universal controller, heading to UK this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/onlive-gets-disney-interactive-support-universal-controller-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/onlive-gets-disney-interactive-support-universal-controller-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/onlive-gets-disney-interactive-support-universal-controller-he/#comments Black Rock Studios' excellent racers, Pure and Split/Second, are sliding to OnLive, the streaming game service announced today. The duo of arcade racing titles will lead the charge for Disney Interactive titles on the service, with LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean up next on the list. And that's not all -- OnLive had a bunch of news to drop just before E3 begins next week.

For starters, the service will be officially launching in the UK at some point this fall. As with the company's North American debut, UK residents are encouraged to sign up for early "Founding Members" access -- the official UK site goes live in the coming days. Additionally, OnLive revealed intentions to make its way to a variety of "Intel-based consumer TVs, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes" later this year. The first such devices will begin arriving this fall, and will reportedly stretch beyond the company's currently deal with consumer electronics manufacturer Vizio.

Alongside the Intel deal, OnLive plans on launching a "universal wireless controller" that will work with said Intel-based devices. It looks and operates very much like the OnLive MicroConsole controller, and will come with a USB dongle for non-wireless devices. It's said to contain several different radio signals for working with a multitude of devices.

You'll be able to brag to your friends all about how you're playing high-end PC games on your Intel-based TV on a wireless controller right from within games, pushing brag clips to Facebook. Which is to say, yes, OnLive is getting Facebook integration as well, starting June 7. Now, you'll excuse us if we take a moment to catch our breath.

Gallery: OnLive (E3 2011)

Continue reading OnLive gets Disney Interactive support, universal controller, heading to UK this fall

JoystiqOnLive gets Disney Interactive support, universal controller, heading to UK this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studiosdisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiose3-2011facebookintelmacmobileonlivepcpureSplit-Secondukunited-kingdomThu, 02 Jun 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Phineas and Ferb to visit the 2nd Dimension on Wii, PS3, DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/phineas-and-ferb-to-visit-the-2nd-dimension-on-wii-ps3-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/phineas-and-ferb-to-visit-the-2nd-dimension-on-wii-ps3-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/phineas-and-ferb-to-visit-the-2nd-dimension-on-wii-ps3-ds/#comments A new Phineas and Ferb game is headed to the Wii, PS3 and DS later this summer courtesy of Disney Interactive Studios. Based on the Disney cartoon -- specifically an upcoming original movie -- Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension will feature the TV voice talent of the principal characters, including Phineas and Ferb.

The PS3 and Wii versions include ten playable characters and two-player cooperative play. The PS3 version also features PlayStation Move compatibility. All versions of the game also include a secret agent platypus, making this probably the coolest sentence we've ever written.

JoystiqPhineas and Ferb to visit the 2nd Dimension on Wii, PS3, DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactive-studiosdsnintendophineas-and-ferb-across-the-2nd-dimensionplaystationps3release-datewiiTue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive lays off 80 more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/disney-interactive-lays-off-80-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/disney-interactive-lays-off-80-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/disney-interactive-lays-off-80-more/#comments Disney Interactive has reportedly let another 80 or so employees go, adding to the more than 250 people that were let go earlier this year. Co-presidents James Pitaro and John Pleasants are overseeing the cuts, trying to trim down a division that once had more than 4,000 employees by seven percent or so.

Last month, Pleasants, who used to run social game company Playdom, told investors that he wanted to cut the operating costs of the division by 25 percent, and it's likely these layoffs are part of that plan. Officially, Disney called the layoffs "targeted," and said they were "part of setting a strategic direction for future success in digital media." Hopefully this is the last round of exits we'll see from the shrinking House of Interactive Mouse.

JoystiqDisney Interactive lays off 80 more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosjames-pitarojohn-pleasantslayoffsTue, 15 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive implements mass layoffs; status of Junction Point, Black Rock currently unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/disney-interactive-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/disney-interactive-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/disney-interactive-layoffs/#comments Beyond Disney Interactive's layoffs today at Junction Point and last week's closure of Propaganda Games, sources tell Joystiq that the division's job cuts go much deeper. We've been informed in this "first round" of layoffs that 250 people have been let go.

Numerous attempts to obtain an official statement from Disney have gone unanswered. There is currently no word on the overall status of Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios nor Warren Spector's Junction Point, which recently released Disney Epic Mickey, a title we've been told has not sold as well as expected. Sources also tell us that the fate of Spector could be separate from that of the studio.

Massive changes at the division have come at a steady clip ever since Disney bought social game developer Playdom for upwards of $563.2 million. Then there was the double-barreled resignation of longtime boss Graham Hopper and bigwig Steve Wadsworth. It is currently the era of James Pitaro and former Playdom CEO John Pleasants, who are seeking not to repeat the division's $234 million loss this fiscal year.

Update: Disney's terse official statement: "As part of setting a strategic direction for future success in the digital media space, the Disney Interactive Media Group today began a restructuring process"

JoystiqDisney Interactive implements mass layoffs; status of Junction Point, Black Rock currently unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studiosDisney-Interactivedisney-interactive-studiosjunction-pointjunction-point-studioslayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiixboxMon, 24 Jan 2011 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Source: Epic Mickey dev suffering layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/source-epic-mickey-dev-suffering-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/source-epic-mickey-dev-suffering-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/source-epic-mickey-dev-suffering-layoffs/#comments Despite a number six debut on December's NPD charts, Epic Mickey apparently can't save Junction Point Studios from post-launch staff cuts. Sources speaking with Joystiq confirm that Disney Interactive issued layoffs at the Warren Spector-helmed studio today, though exact numbers are unknown -- we've contacted Disney for comment, but we imagine those plans for sequels to Epic Mickey aren't looking so solid right now.

Following last week's closure of Disney Interactive-owned Propaganda Games, today's layoffs represent further steps back for the publisher in terms of "core" game development endeavors, and, we fear, may not be the last of Disney's cuts. Disney also owns Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios, and most recently acquired social game developer Playdom.

Update: Layoffs hit entire Disney Interactive division.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'junctionpoint']

JoystiqSource: Epic Mickey dev suffering layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosEpic-Mickeyjunction-pointjunction-point-studioslayoffsnintendosourcewarren-spectorwiiMon, 24 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Propaganda Games shuttered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/propaganda-games-shuttered/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/propaganda-games-shuttered/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/propaganda-games-shuttered/#comments Propaganda Games -- developer of 2008's Turok reboot and, most recently, Tron: Evolution -- is officially closed. Parent company and publisher Disney Interactive confirmed the unfortunate news to Joystiq this afternoon, issuing this statement: "Disney Interactive Studios confirms the closure of its Vancouver-based internal game development studio, Propaganda Games. The studio has completed all work associated with its most recent project."

Propaganda's Pirates of the Caribbean game was canceled last October, and the studio was reduced in size, with the only apparent goal to complete Tron and its planned post-launch DLC. It's as yet unclear if any more DLC will be released beyond the day-one freebie.

[Thanks, Alex]

JoystiqPropaganda Games shuttered originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closuredisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studioslayoffspirates-of-the-caribbean-armada-of-the-damnedpropaganda-gamesTron-EvolutionWed, 19 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Longtime Disney games boss Graham Hopper hops off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/longtime-disney-games-boss-graham-hopper-hops-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/longtime-disney-games-boss-graham-hopper-hops-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/longtime-disney-games-boss-graham-hopper-hops-off/#commentsGraham Hopper, the longtime head of Disney Interactive Studios, won't be sticking around long enough to witness the lasting impact of next week's Epic Mickey, which marks the most important release of his eight-year stint with the games group. Hopper's departure from Disney was announced in a company memo yesterday and follows a dismal fiscal year for the Interactive Media division, whose president resigned two months ago, ushering in the new era of "Jack and Jim."

According to the Los Angeles Times, Hopper said in an internal email, "The time has come for me to move on from the company and set my sights on new horizons."

Hopper joined Disney in 1991 before being appointed head of the games group in 2002. He was instrumental in the 2007 acquisition of Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios, the developer of Epic Mickey, in addition to Disney Interactive Studios' general foray into non-Disney-brand titles, including Black Rock Studio's Pure and Split/Second racing games. Of course, with Playdom exec John Pleasants now running the show, there are going to be some changes around Disney's games department -- no matter how epic Mickey's adventure proves to be at retail.

[Pictured: Hopper (with Epic Mickey ears); original photo credit: Disney Interactive Studios]

JoystiqLongtime Disney games boss Graham Hopper hops off originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosgraham-hopperTue, 23 Nov 2010 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Additional Split/Second DLC revealed; 'Survival at the Rock' out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/additional-split-second-dlc-revealed-survival-at-the-rock-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/additional-split-second-dlc-revealed-survival-at-the-rock-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/additional-split-second-dlc-revealed-survival-at-the-rock-out/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some Split/Second DLC is pulling into the left lane -- wait, we can't do this. It's not fair to you and it's not fair to us. We're better and more capable than pulling these types of shenanigans. Let's put it in park, take a second to collect ourselves and take another lap around the track.

...

Okay, now that we've got that out of our system: today, fans of Black Rock Studio's racer can download some additional content with the Survival at the Rock DLC pack. Within you'll find the Minepit Park track and a new game mode called Survival Race -- it's a take on Survival mode where instead of lapping semis beneath the shadow of the looming clock 'o doom, players will be tasked with simply completing a set number of laps. Survival at the Rock is available for download right now on Xbox Live and PSN for 400 MS Points and $4.99, respectively.

Throughout the next month, however, Disney will also be dishing out two more DLC packs. On October 19 you can download the Deadline pack, which adds four new vehicles -- the Ryback Coyote Special, Cobretti Centaur, Ryback Javelin and Hanzo Kanobo -- and Deadline mode, a clock-based race mode where players can freeze the timer by picking up items on the track. Finally, on November 2, you can snag the Quarry Onslaught pack, adding the titular Quarry track and a new game mode, Onslaught -- a single player and multiplayer-compatible mode where drivers dodge "waves of missiles from a circling helicopter." This game mode will be compatible across nine different tracks in the game, including Deadline. These packs will join the currently available Elite Vehicle Livery and the High Octane Supercar packs.

The Deadline pack will set you back 400 MS Points ($4.99), while Quarry Onslaught will cost a bit more: 800 MS Points ($9.99). Head past the break for a trailer showcasing Survival at the Rock. Heads-up: it in no way involves Sean Connery. Yeah, we were kinda bummed about that too.

Continue reading Additional Split/Second DLC revealed; 'Survival at the Rock' out now

JoystiqAdditional Split/Second DLC revealed; 'Survival at the Rock' out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockBlack-Rock-Studiodeadlinedeadline-packdisneyDisney-InteractiveDisney-Interactive-Studiosdlcmicrosoftplaystationps3quarry-onslaughtquarry-onslaught-packSplit-Secondsurvival-at-the-rocksurvival-at-the-rock-packxboxTue, 12 Oct 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Split/Second gets minute on PSP this November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/split-second-gets-minute-on-psp-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/split-second-gets-minute-on-psp-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/split-second-gets-minute-on-psp-this-november/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Disney Interactive Studios has sent us a note announcing a November 16 release date for the PlayStation Portable version of Split/Second, the demolition racer that debuted on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC in May. The new game will introduce an additional track (for a total of 13) and challenge mode to the explosive proceedings, and offer four-player ad-hoc multiplayer. Hint: Don't worry about burning bridges so much as dropping them on your former friends and opponents.

We hope the art of catastrophe evasion translates well to PSP -- you'll note the graphics haven't avoided a significant downgrade -- and that Disney's promise of platform-specific control tweaks holds up. We don't need high-definition to spot the plane coming right at us, do we?

JoystiqSplit/Second gets minute on PSP this November originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosplaystationpspracingrelease-datesonySplit-SecondTue, 12 Oct 2010 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Two new DLC packs crash into Split/Second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/two-new-dlc-packs-crash-into-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/two-new-dlc-packs-crash-into-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/two-new-dlc-packs-crash-into-split-second/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Two DLC packs are set to liven up Split/Second this week (as if it needed any livening up). The Elite Vehicle Livery Pack adds new liveries for the Brawn, Vixen and Raptor cars and, as a nice bonus, it's free. Meanwhile, the High Octane Supercar Pack adds three new supercars and a new livery for the Ryback Cyclone. The High Octane Supercar DLC isn't free, but it's pretty close, clocking in at 160 MSP or $2 on Xbox Live and PSN, respectively.

Both DLC packs should be available today on Xbox Live, though currently only the Supercar Pack is listed (along with an unannounced Ryback Cyclone Special Edition pack). The Livery and Supercar DLC are slated to hit PSN tomorrow, September 1.

Gallery: Split/Second DLC (8/31/10)

Continue reading Two new DLC packs crash into Split/Second

JoystiqTwo new DLC packs crash into Split/Second originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black-Rock-StudiosDisney-InteractiveDisney-Interactive-Studiosdlcmicrosoftplaystationps3Split-SecondxboxTue, 31 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toy Story 3 Hybrid Premium Edition contains PS3 game and original movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/toy-story-3-hybrid-premium-edition-contains-ps3-game-and-origina/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/toy-story-3-hybrid-premium-edition-contains-ps3-game-and-origina/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/toy-story-3-hybrid-premium-edition-contains-ps3-game-and-origina/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If your concern for the well-being of mother nature has already led you to purchase a hybrid automobile, you might want to think of incorporating your environmentalist considerations into other aspects of your shopping habits. For instance, if you were thinking about picking up Avalanche's video game adaptation of Toy Story 3, perhaps you'd be interested in the title's "Hybrid Premium Edition," which includes the game and the original Toy Story film on a single Blu-ray disc for $64.99.

A recent PlayStation.Blog post announced that the bundle will be released to retailers this week, so keep an eye out for it at your local brick and mortar in the coming days. In the meantime just think about all the endangered species you're preserving by placing the two products into one container.

JoystiqToy Story 3 Hybrid Premium Edition contains PS3 game and original movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-Studiosblu-raydisney-interactive-studiospixarplaystationps3toy-storyToy-Story-3Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Split/Second getting three DLC packs in August, 'major DLC pack' in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/split-second-getting-three-dlc-packs-in-august-major-dlc-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/split-second-getting-three-dlc-packs-in-august-major-dlc-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/split-second-getting-three-dlc-packs-in-august-major-dlc-pack/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're still racing around the structurally unsound tracks in Split/Second, you'll be pleased to note that developer Black Rock Studios plans to release three DLC packs "in the next couple of weeks," as well as a fourth in September. The first three packs will introduce new cars, while the pack coming next month is said to be "major" and will come packed with an entirely new environment (we're hoping that means new powerplays as well).

No pricing has been offered for any of the packs, but the game's Facebook page (where all of this was announced) says that the third DLC pack will be free "as a way of saying thanks to our awesome community," and will contain a "special edition vehicle based on the original classic Ryback Cyclone." Solid launch dates weren't given either, and nothing's showing up on XBLM or PSN just yet, but we do have this one screenshot above from the second DLC pack of a "High Octane Supercar." Don't say we never gave you nothin'!

JoystiqSplit/Second getting three DLC packs in August, 'major DLC pack' in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studiosdisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosdlcmicrosoftplaystationps3release-dateSplit-SecondxboxSun, 08 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Junction Point taking the (mean) Mickey out of Epic Mickey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/junction-point-taking-the-mean-mickey-out-of-epic-mickey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/junction-point-taking-the-mean-mickey-out-of-epic-mickey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/junction-point-taking-the-mean-mickey-out-of-epic-mickey/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the key features in Disney Epic Mickey is the ability for players to choose either good or evil actions as Mickey Mouse. We originally learned that Mickey's appearance would change based on what sort of actions you take. Take good actions, and he would appear more like the Mickey we all know and love. Take evil actions, on the other hand, and he would transform into something decidedly more sinister.

Until now, that is, with the Mainichi Daily News reporting that the "mean" version of Mickey has been removed from the game after it left a bad taste in the mouths of focus testers. Now, instead of transforming into a more menacing mouse, Mickey will simply adopt a smudgy look. Just another reminder that, yes, focus testing can ruin anything.

JoystiqJunction Point taking the (mean) Mickey out of Epic Mickey originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-Epic-MickeyDisney-Interactive-StudiosEpic-MickeyJunction-Point-StudiosnintendowiiMon, 28 Jun 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Wideload Games' Patrick Curry talks Disney Guilty Party, life after 'Stubbs']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/interview-wideload-games-patrick-curry-on-disney-guilty-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/interview-wideload-games-patrick-curry-on-disney-guilty-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/interview-wideload-games-patrick-curry-on-disney-guilty-party/#comments Some of the most fun to be had during multiplayer video games isn't actually in the game itself -- it's outside of the games, where players chat with each other for fun, break down a strategy during co-op, or trash talk in-between deathmatches. You don't usually get XP for taunting over voicechat or telling your team where the enemy is, but there's a reward nevertheless, a social bonus completely independent of the code that developers write.

Wideload Games has done a great job of focusing on that gameplay in Disney Guilty Party. I got to play the same co-op Party Mode as Randy at a pre-E3 event this week, and while it's definitely a family game, it competently serves up custom-made mysteries for families to take on. In hunting down and accusing various colorful suspects, that out-of-game conversation and interaction becomes just as important and fun as the in-game button pressing and Wiimote waggling.

Game Director Patrick Curry was my partner-in-crime-solving, and since we have common roots in Chicago (I used to work in the same building, one floor below Wideload's studios), we had a quick chat about the studio's direction towards family games, and its acquisition by Disney Interactive.

Continue reading Interview: Wideload Games' Patrick Curry talks Disney Guilty Party, life after 'Stubbs'

JoystiqInterview: Wideload Games' Patrick Curry talks Disney Guilty Party, life after 'Stubbs' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creatordevelopersdisneydisney-guilty-partydisney-interactive-studiosguilty-partyminigamesmysteryNintendoparty-gameparty-modepatrick-currywideload-gamesWiiWed, 19 May 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Split/Second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/review-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/review-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/review-split-second/#comments Do you remember that part at the end of Return of the Jedi, where Lando is flying the Millennium Falcon through a corridor as the Death Star itself explodes around him? Remember how exciting it was, when he just barely cleared the exit, a plume of flames and spaceship debris chasing mere hundredths of seconds behind?

Split/Second isn't a game that glorifies the fundamentals of racing. These are represented, sure; folks familiar with the genre will likely be drifting and drafting onto the podium within the first few races. More than that, though, Split/Second rewards players who quickly master the art of catastrophe evasion -- an art which frequently requires you to navigate cinematic hazards mimicking Lando's narrow escape. It's a winning recipe that provides some of the most satisfying thrills I've ever experienced while behind the wheel of a virtual automobile.

Gallery: Split/Second

Continue reading Review: Split/Second

JoystiqReview: Split/Second originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studiosdisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosMicrosoftracingsplit-secondsplitsecondXbox-360Mon, 17 May 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive reports increased revenue, $55 million loss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/disney-interactive-reports-increased-revenue-55-million-loss/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/disney-interactive-reports-increased-revenue-55-million-loss/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/disney-interactive-reports-increased-revenue-55-million-loss/#comments Disney has posted earnings for its second fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2010, and there's good news and bad news. The good news is that revenues are up in its Interactive Media segment (which houses Disney Interactive Studios). Specifically, Interactive Media revenues are at $155 million, up from $129 million in the same period last year, a 20 percent increase.

The bad news: the Interactive Media segment still reports a loss of $55 million, though that loss is an improvement over the $61 million loss reported during the same quarter last year. Disney pins the improvement on growing Club Penguin subscription revenues as well as "lower video game inventory costs." The company added that gains were offset by "higher internet product development and sales and marketing costs."

The report makes little note of Disney Interactive's prospects for the rest of the year, though the publisher has more than a few big projects on the horizon. Split/Second is only a week away, while Toy Story 3, Disney Sing It: Family Hits, Disney Guilty Party, a new Pirates of the Caribbean and Disney Epic Mickey are all on the horizon this year. And let's not forget Marvel -- which Disney owns -- has a title or two on the way, as well.

JoystiqDisney Interactive reports increased revenue, $55 million loss originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 May 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-epic-mickeydisney-guilty-partydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosdisney-sing-itdisney-sing-it-family-hitspirates-of-the-caribbeanpirates-of-the-caribbean-armada-of-the-damnedsplit-secondtoy-story-3Wed, 12 May 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toy Story 3 on PS3 features Move support, exclusive character]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/toy-story-3-on-ps3-features-move-support-exclusive-character/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/toy-story-3-on-ps3-features-move-support-exclusive-character/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/toy-story-3-on-ps3-features-move-support-exclusive-character/#comments As with most major children's films, Toy Story 3 will have a licensed video game counterpart, releasing on nearly every platform imaginable -- including platforms from the future. Disney Interactive Studios has confirmed PlayStation Move motion controller support for Toy Story 3.

Like Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition, the game won't offer motion controller support out of the box. The reason? Toy Story 3's release date -- June 15 -- is months before the Move controller is even available. A press release clarifies that "players will be able to download mini-games that will be playable with the PlayStation Move when the new motion controller is available." Excellent, motion controller mini-games! We can't wait!

Until then, PS3 owners will be able to enjoy additional content exclusive to the platform. As with Batman: Arkham Asylum, Sony has secured exclusive rights to yet another playable villain. The slightly less disturbed Emperor Zurg will be playable in the game's "Toy Box" mode, a sandbox mode that allows players to create and play free-form challenges.

Gallery: Toy Story 3 (PS3)

JoystiqToy Story 3 on PS3 features Move support, exclusive character originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosdlcemperor-zurgexclusivemoveplaystation-movetoy-storytoy-story-3Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: A Split/Second primer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/video-a-split-second-primer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/video-a-split-second-primer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/video-a-split-second-primer/#comments If you've missed all our hands-on coverage of upcoming racer Split/Second and if, somehow, you've failed to watch a single trailer, then this post is for you. The video above, which profiles Black Rock Studios, essentially serves as an introduction to all things Split/Second.

If you can't be bothered to watch -- again -- we'll sum up: You get to blow up parts of the track in order to beat the other racers. At times, you will accomplish this by exploding parts of the track onto other racers. If you're not interested by now, there's really not much we can do for you.

Split/Second is out on May 18.

JoystiqVideo: A Split/Second primer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studiosdisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosMicrosoftracingsplit-secondsplit-second-velocityXbox-360Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney wants to take Epic Mickey to 'Nintendo levels' on the Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/disney-wants-to-take-epic-mickey-to-nintendo-levels-on-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/disney-wants-to-take-epic-mickey-to-nintendo-levels-on-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/disney-wants-to-take-epic-mickey-to-nintendo-levels-on-the-wii/#comments
 Gamasutra got a chance to speak with the executive VP and GM of Disney Interactive Studios, Graham Hopper, who says that Disney is swinging for the stands on their future game releases. The games division is learning from "pure" gaming studios and their success, and while Hopper admits that the company hasn't always treated their properties correctly on the gaming side, starting with Disney's Epic Mickey, it wants to "give their projects the time and appropriate resources to be successful." In other words, let them stand on their own as games, rather than squeeze them up against a movie's release date.

And Hopper hopes for quite the payoff, too -- while third-party titles on the Wii have been hit or miss (mostly miss), Hopper expects Epic Mickey's success to go "to Nintendo levels." He does say that they don't want to turn Mickey into Mario by "simply using him as an icon or an avatar in a game," but Disney's goal in the future will be to make sure that each of their properties' appearances are worth it. Hopper says if they port a film to five different gaming platforms, customers should expect "not the same story five times over, but five different stories, each uniquely suited for the platform they're on." A good plan to have, but much easier said than done.

JoystiqDisney wants to take Epic Mickey to 'Nintendo levels' on the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customersdisney-interactive-studiosdisneys-epic-mickeyepic-mickeygaminggoalgraham-hoppermariomickey-mouseNintendothird-partytitleswiiSat, 27 Feb 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Guilty Party spurs television-crowding bedlam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/disney-guilty-party-spurs-television-crowding-bedlam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/disney-guilty-party-spurs-television-crowding-bedlam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/disney-guilty-party-spurs-television-crowding-bedlam/#commentsWe're not convinced that anyone outside of Disney Guilty Party's target audience will stand up and dance when the music for the above trailer really ramps up, but that doesn't mean we're trying to dissuade you from viewing it. Quite the contrary, as Guilty Party's revelry in the family-friendly nature of its cartoon sleuthery shouldn't necessarily be a reason to ignore it (yes, the music is a tad obnoxious).

We'll have a hands-on with the game going up later today, but from what we can see in the trailer above and the screenshots below, it seems to be a lighthearted puzzle game suitable for a room full of friends. The jury's still out on whether or not that room full of friends plays good games or not.

Gallery: Disney Guilty Party

JoystiqDisney Guilty Party spurs television-crowding bedlam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-guilty-parydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosmediaNintendonintendo-media-summit-2010screenshotstrailerwideloadwideload-gamesWiiWed, 24 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Split/Second releases May 18; renamed 'Split/Second: Velocity' in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/split-second-may-18-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/split-second-may-18-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/split-second-may-18-release-date/#comments
Click to gigantisize.

While Nintendo threw a release date party in San Francisco today, Disney Interactive rev-ealed the scheduled arrival of Split/Second on May 18 to Joystiq in an email today. "The Split/Second release date is May 18 in the US and the name in the US is still Split/Second ... Split/Second: Velocity is only for Europe and will be released on May 21," the publisher clarified.

Now Gamer recently reported the UK release date exclusively alongside the reveal of a new moniker in the EU. Along with a more specific release date (previously known as "May 2010"), Disney sent along some new box art (as seen above). Unfortunately, we were told no new details are yet available on a demo for the upcoming Michael Bay-esque racer.

Gallery: Split/Second

JoystiqSplit/Second releases May 18; renamed 'Split/Second: Velocity' in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackrockblackrock-studiosdisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studioseuropeMicrosoftnorth-americaq2-2010racingrelease-datesplit-secondsplit-second-velocityukXbox-360Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Rock working on additional game besides Split/Second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/black-rock-working-on-additional-game-besides-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/black-rock-working-on-additional-game-besides-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/black-rock-working-on-additional-game-besides-split-second/#comments In a recent interview with VG247, Black Rock studio head Tony Beckwith confirmed that Split/Second isn't the only title the company is currently developing. "We're a two-product studio," Beckwith explained -- but when pressed to identify Black Rock's other game, he only responded by saying it's "not being discussed at all."

Whatever the title ends up being, we just hope it retains Split/Second's remote-controlled explosions. Because, really, is there any genre that's not immensely improved with remote-controlled explosions?

JoystiqBlack Rock working on additional game besides Split/Second originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studiosdisneydisney-interactive-studiosracingsplit-secondThu, 07 Jan 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Split/Second destroys the track in May 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/split-second-destroys-the-track-in-may-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/split-second-destroys-the-track-in-may-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/split-second-destroys-the-track-in-may-2010/#comments Split/Second now has a much narrower release window, having been winnowed from a vague '2010' to a much more manageable 'May 2010,' according to CVG (and confirmed by Joystiq with Disney Interactive).

For those who haven't been keeping up with it, Split/Second is a racing game that lets players use the environment against their opponents. For example, you can cause a whole building to topple directly onto the road, thus changing the course of the race -- and possibly crushing a few opponents in the process. In short, it's great fun, to which our E3 hands-on can attest. Fans of racing and big explosions may want to mark their Michael Bay Swimsuit calendars pronto.

JoystiqSplit/Second destroys the track in May 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studioblack-rock-studiosdisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosMicrosoftrelease-datesplit-secondXbox-360Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Tron game teased, debuting at VGAs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/next-tron-game-teased-debuting-at-vgas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/next-tron-game-teased-debuting-at-vgas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/next-tron-game-teased-debuting-at-vgas/#comments
[Image Source]
Joining games the likes of Halo: Reach and 2K's new Spec Ops debuting at this year's Spike Video Game Awards is a new installment in the Tron franchise. It's not the first time we've heard of the game -- it was rumored to be in development back in January of this year. Still, its existence is confirmed by an all-too-brief teaser at GameTrailers, which promises a proper unveiling at Spike's awards show on Saturday, December 12.

Based on the teaser, the game may simply be titled Tron -- although the logo and art style found in the footage are very similar to that of the upcoming movie sequel, Tron: Legacy. We'll find out exactly what to expect on the Game Grid in just a little over two weeks' time. For now, check out the teaser after the break.

[Via That Videogame Blog]

Continue reading Next Tron game teased, debuting at VGAs

JoystiqNext Tron game teased, debuting at VGAs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosgametrailersSpike-TVSpike-VGA-2009trontron-legacyTue, 24 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep not releasing on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/rumor-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-not-releasing-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/rumor-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-not-releasing-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/rumor-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-not-releasing-on-psn/#comments There's a rumor circulating around the wild wild web right now that says Square Enix may not be looking to offer Kingdom of Hearts: Birth by Sleep via digital distribution on PSN, possibly adding insult to injury for all PSP Go owners out there. The rumor originated from Twitter user Magunus, who apparently attended a recent PlayStation event in Japan (we can't figure out which event this is referring to, and there's no mention on the official Japanese blog) where a clerk confirmed it, citing "copyright issues."

This strikes us as odd not only because of the tenuous nature by which this has been reported, but because a lot of Disney Interactive's titles have been made available via digital distribution in the past. We've contacted both Square Enix and Disney Interactive about this and will be sure to let you know what we hear back.

[Via Sankaku Complex (site NSFW)]

JoystiqRumor: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep not releasing on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactive-studioskingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleeppsnsquare-enixMon, 23 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft, Sony, EA and Disney sued over voice recognition patent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/ubisoft-sony-ea-and-disney-sued-over-voice-recognition-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/ubisoft-sony-ea-and-disney-sued-over-voice-recognition-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/ubisoft-sony-ea-and-disney-sued-over-voice-recognition-patent/#comments
CJ Sorg
On November 10th, Bareis Technologies, LLC filed a lawsuit against Ubisoft, Sony Computer Entertainment, Electronic Arts and Disney Interactive Studios, claiming that various games, including Tom Clancy, SOCOM and NASCAR titles, infringe upon a patent filed in 1996. "Optical disk having speech recognition templates for information access" describes a process "integrating automatic speech recognition technologies into optical disk players for command and control purposes."

As is typical with lawsuits of this nature, the plaintiff is seeking "no less than a reasonable royalty" for the supposed use of this "stolen" technology. Should the case make it to court, the plaintiff will have a few hurdles to overcome. Primarily, lawyers will have to prove how a patent largely targeted towards accessing specific music tracks on audio CDs is applicable to the video games in question.

Considering it's been over seven years since the debut of the first SOCOM game, it's surprising that the plaintiff has waited so long to file this suit. Perhaps it's telling that the company going forward with the lawsuit has done so little in the thirteen years since filing the trademark that it has no web presence whatsoever.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqUbisoft, Sony, EA and Disney sued over voice recognition patent originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bareis-technologiesdisney-interactive-studioseaelectronic-artslawsuitnascarsceasocomsonysony-computer-entertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americatom-clancyubisoftTue, 17 Nov 2009 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Spector explains disparity between Disney Epic Mickey concept shots and reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spector-explains-disparity-between-disney-epic-mickey-concept-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spector-explains-disparity-between-disney-epic-mickey-concept-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spector-explains-disparity-between-disney-epic-mickey-concept-sh/#comments
If you're anything like us, you may have felt a bit ... underwhelmed by the recently released screenshots of Warren Spector-lead project Disney Epic Mickey, especially when compared to the magic-filled concept art leaked so many weeks ago. Speaking to 1UP in a recent interview, Spector says he works on creating concept art that will find the metaphorical "line" by "pushing past it." For him, it is a question of finding the boundaries for not just himself and his development team, but also Disney. "I know where my lines are, but I don't know where Disney's are."

He additionally teases, "Some of what you saw was beyond the line ... some of it was early design ideas that are no longer relevant ... some of it is stuff that's still in the game, and I'm not saying what." If the recent steady stream of information on Disney Epic Mickey continues, we'll likely see at least a few of those original concepts in their current form at a point in the not-too-distant future.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey


Gallery: Epic Mickey concept art

JoystiqSpector explains disparity between Disney Epic Mickey concept shots and reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upconcept-artdisneydisney-epic-mickeydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosepic-mickeyjunction-point-studiosmickey-mouseNintendoscreenshotswarren-spectorWiiThu, 29 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Artist lists work on Pure 2, now canceled ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/artist-lists-work-on-pure-2-now-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/artist-lists-work-on-pure-2-now-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/artist-lists-work-on-pure-2-now-canceled/#comments
Professional artist Young s. Ko. has numerous video games under his belt, all listed on his blog and all likely to be very familiar to you. Why, he's done vehicle art for games such as Need For Speed Shift, Burnout Revenge, Pure and even Pure 2. "But wait!" you exclaim. "One of those hasn't come out!" You're right -- Need For Speed Shift hasn't been released yet -- but please, you really need to concentrate on the "Pure 2" thing. That's what this whole post is about.

According to the project's description, a sequel to last year's thrilling off-road racer has not only failed to materialize, but may have been sent to the scrap heap altogether. The publishing contract was allegedly canceled (not entirely surprising considering Disney's rough year), dashing our hopes of ever seeing Young's ATV displays, uh, displayed on a TV. Well, maybe not ever. One can hope that developer Black Rock Studios will revisit the four-wheeled franchise after it completes 2010's Split/Second ... provided we don't immediately start clamoring for a sequel to that first.

Disney Interactive Studios had no comment to offer at the time of publishing.

[Via superannuation]

JoystiqArtist lists work on Pure 2, now canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studiosdisneydisney-interactive-studiosMicrosoftpurepure-2racingXbox-360Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Impossible ideas come to life' in Disney's Alice in Wonderland games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/impossible-ideas-come-to-life-in-disneys-alice-in-wonderland/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/impossible-ideas-come-to-life-in-disneys-alice-in-wonderland/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/impossible-ideas-come-to-life-in-disneys-alice-in-wonderland/#comments
Whether that includes the idea of making a halfway decent game based on a Hollywood film has yet to be seen, of course. Opting for director Tim Burton over American McGee (currently working on a separate Alice project), Disney Interactive Studios has announced that a new batch of Alice in Wonderland games will arrive early next year, just in time for the upcoming movie. While Wii and PC versions will "follow the film's epic storyline and introduce new fiction and locations," the DS Wonderland will diverge and introduce a different art style, as well as an extra playable character alongside the imperiled Alice.

The games, which are in development at French studio Étranges Libellules, seem centered on an upgradeable combat system and the use of support characters, like the Cheshire Cat or the Mad Hatter. According to Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing at DIS, "Alice in Wonderland introduces fans to an entirely new style of innovative gameplay designed to challenge the puzzle solving skills of older players while making the adventures accessible and enjoyable for the younger crowd." That quote's probably going to be trimmed a little for the back of the box, but you'll get the idea.

Those averse to boxes of any sort will be pleased to note that Alice in Wonderland is also slated to hit the iPhone, iPod Touch and mobile phones not made by Apple in early 2010.

Joystiq'Impossible ideas come to life' in Disney's Alice in Wonderland games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice-in-wonderlanddisneydisney-interactive-studiosDSetranges-libellulesNintendoWiiThu, 23 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Split/Second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/hands-on-e3-2009-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/hands-on-e3-2009-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/hands-on-e3-2009-split-second/#comments If you asked us to sum up Split/Second in one simple sentence it would be: Split/Second is like Burnout, except the world around you is the thing that gets smashed into bits.

Going into the racing-heavy E3, with showings of Forza Motorsport 3, Need for Speed: Shift and Blur (to name a few), we didn't know what to expect from Black Rock Studio (the team behind 2008's Pure). In the end we walked away with more anticipation we've had for a racing game since Burnout Paradise was first revealed. Forgetting some of the hang-ups we had with the demo, Split/Second is one of the most intense racing experiences we've had in ages.

Gallery: Split/Second

Continue reading Hands-on: Split/Second

JoystiqHands-on: Split/Second originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studiosdisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studioshands-onMicrosoftracingsplit-secondXbox-360Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scream it! Disney Interactive announces Toy Story Mania!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/scream-it-disney-interactive-announces-toy-story-mania/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/scream-it-disney-interactive-announces-toy-story-mania/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/scream-it-disney-interactive-announces-toy-story-mania/#commentsDisney Interactive Studios has reached back into the Pixar trick bag and plucked Toy Story out for a new game on the Wii titled Toy Story Mania! No, not just Mania. Mania! It's exciting, so you have to yell it. Actually by blogging law we're required to scream it out loud whenever we type it -- kind of awkward since we're working from our local coffee bar today.

Toy Story Mania! brings the popular franchise that put Pixar on the mainstream map to the Nintendo Wii. Based on a 3-D theme park attraction of the same name -- along with an exclamation point -- Toy Story Mania! will include shooting-galleries adapted from the 3-D ride as well as new areas starring characters from the franchise. Levels are designed for up to four players with support for both cooperative and competitive multiplayer.

Toy Story Mania! will hit the Wii exclusively this fall. We'd tell you more but we're being kicked out of the coffee bar for causing a public disturbance.

JoystiqScream it! Disney Interactive announces Toy Story Mania! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiospapaya-studiostoy-storytoy-story-maniaTue, 24 Mar 2009 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[DIS officially announces Split/Second for PC, PS3, Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/dis-officially-announces-split-second-for-pc-ps3-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/dis-officially-announces-split-second-for-pc-ps3-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/dis-officially-announces-split-second-for-pc-ps3-xbox-360/#comments
click to make bigger, more explode-y
If you only take your octane in high, then this bit of news is likely to put your pedal right down to the metal, as Disney Interactive Studios has officially unveiled Split/Second. Set for release early next year on the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, Split/Second is described as an "action-racing game where speed meets strategy in a city rigged for destruction."

The press release also mentions a new site for the game, although that doesn't seem to have gone live yet. And, as suspected, Black Rock has created a world where "competitors vie to be the first across the finish line in a made-for-TV city built for destruction," so expect plenty of Running Man jokes on our end as we write about the game in the future.

Gallery: Split/Second

JoystiqDIS officially announces Split/Second for PC, PS3, Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studiosdisdisney-interactive-studiosMicrosoftpureracingsplit-secondXbox-360Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Pure's ATV racing coming to A TV near you on Sept. 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/pures-atv-racing-coming-to-a-tv-near-you-on-sept-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/pures-atv-racing-coming-to-a-tv-near-you-on-sept-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/pures-atv-racing-coming-to-a-tv-near-you-on-sept-23/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Disney Interactive Studios has informed us -- by means of a very elaborate musical number -- that its edge-of-the-seat ATV racer, Pure, has shipped out and should be available in "all major retailers" on September 23. Several online retailers are already sending out copies, however, so you'd best check in with your favorite store if next week lies outside your boundaries of patience.

If you're not sold on developer Black Rock Studio's high-flying bag of tricks, there's a downloadable demo waiting for you on the Xbox Live Marketplace and the PlayStation store.

Gallery: Pure

JoystiqPure's ATV racing coming to A TV near you on Sept. 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATVBlack-Rock-StudioDisneyDisney-Interactive-StudiosPCPS3PureSort-of-like-SSXXbox-360Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pure demo out this Thursday on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pure-demo-out-this-thursday-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pure-demo-out-this-thursday-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pure-demo-out-this-thursday-on-psn/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you've read Andrew's hands-on preview for the off-road arcade racer known as Pure, you would know that a demo was promised for sometime in September on PSN. That playable demo will be arriving sooner than expected as it's hitting this Thursday, September 4.

The demo will take gamers on a three-lap race against 15 other opponents. It'll be on the Italian Mount Garda track -- one of 35 different tracks available in the game. A tutorial on controls is also included, as usual.

JoystiqPure demo out this Thursday on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studiosdisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiospureTue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST