Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Report: Epic Mickey 2 making a splash on PC and Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/report-epic-mickey-2-making-a-splash-on-pc-and-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/report-epic-mickey-2-making-a-splash-on-pc-and-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/report-epic-mickey-2-making-a-splash-on-pc-and-mac/#comments In addition to debuts on the Xbox 360 and PS3, and a 3DS spinoff, Epic Mickey: The Power of Two is apparently taking a steamboat ride to the PC and Mac. During a London preview event, Junction Point representatives told GameSpy that PC and Mac versions were planned.

We were able to check out the upcoming sequel at a recent Disney event -- all of our coverage can be seen through this handy link. We suggest you check out the prototype Wii controllers because oh man they are so adorable!

We've contacted Disney to confirm the PC and Mac ports. Stay tuned.

JoystiqReport: Epic Mickey 2 making a splash on PC and Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-pointjunction-point-studiosmacpcFri, 30 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two's debut trailer is all about togetherness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-twos-debut-trailer-is-all-about-tog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-twos-debut-trailer-is-all-about-tog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-twos-debut-trailer-is-all-about-tog/#comments
Wait, there's a second Epic Mickey game? It's got colors! And a second dude (Oswald)! And ... did we mention colors? Go grab a friend and watch this together.

Continue reading Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two's debut trailer is all about togetherness

JoystiqEpic Mickey 2: The Power of Two's debut trailer is all about togetherness originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-point-studiosmicrosoftmovenintendoplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 23 Mar 2012 10:30:00 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[Take your time with this Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/take-your-time-with-this-kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/take-your-time-with-this-kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/take-your-time-with-this-kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-g/#comments
Not since Honey, I Shrunk the Kids have tiny people enjoyed so much time in the spotlight.

JoystiqTake your time with this Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asobo-studiodisneykinectkinect-rushmicrosoftrushxboxxbox-showcase-2012xbox-spring-showcase-2012Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Bungie president, Alex Seropian, leaves Disney Interactive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/#comments Alex Seropian -- who helped found developer Bungie in the 1990s -- has left Disney Interactive, where he was head of game development. After helping create the Halo franchise at Bungie, Seropian started his own studio, Wideload Games, which was then acquired by Disney when it hired Seropian in 2009 as a creative-development lead.

Disney has confirmed Seropian's departure and said he will be replaced by former Blizzard vice president Bill Roper, Game Informer reports. In 2003 Roper left Blizzard and founded Flagship Studios, which busted in 2008, and he was picked up by Cryptic Studios. In 2011, Roper left Cryptic to join Disney Interactive as vice president of the Marvel Franchise, which recently announced Marvel: Avengers Alliance coming to Facebook in Q1 this year.

JoystiqFormer Bungie president, Alex Seropian, leaves Disney Interactive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-Seropianbill-roperBlizzardBungiedisneyDisney-InteractiveHalomicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3WideloadwiixboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney purchases controlling stake in UTV Ignition for expansion into Indian market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/disney-purchases-controlling-stake-in-utv-ignition-for-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/disney-purchases-controlling-stake-in-utv-ignition-for-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/disney-purchases-controlling-stake-in-utv-ignition-for-expansion/#comments Joining Mickey, Donald and Spider-Man in Disney's universe are such characters as insane detective Francis York Morgan, and a very nicely dressed Lucifel. The BBC reports that Disney has purchased a controlling stake in publisher UTV Ignition, following approval of Disney's previously announced plan by the cabinet of India (where Ignition is based).

In fact, India is what Disney has in mind with this move (rather than, say, building a giant worldwide El Shaddai gaming franchise). "Increasing our brand presence and reach in key international markets is a cornerstone of our growth strategy," Disney International chair Andy Bird said. "This acquisition expands our footprint significantly and allows us to more effectively build, monetise and brand multi-platform franchises, and deliver a rich library of content to the world's second largest population."

Neither Bird nor Disney have said anything specific about Ignition's gaming division, which recently published Quarrel and is known for games such as Deadly Premonition, Swarm and the internally developed El Shaddai.

JoystiqDisney purchases controlling stake in UTV Ignition for expansion into Indian market originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyignitionindiautv-ignitionWed, 01 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ adaptation of Pixar's 'Brave' pops up in Australian ratings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/thq-adaptation-of-pixars-brave-pops-up-in-australian-ratings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/thq-adaptation-of-pixars-brave-pops-up-in-australian-ratings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/thq-adaptation-of-pixars-brave-pops-up-in-australian-ratings/#comments

THQ suffered a rocky patch in the universe of potentially fake things this week, with rumors suggesting its entire 2014 game lineup was canceled and that it was in serious financial trouble -- THQ refuted all of these, and there is now some more credence to its denial. One of the games rumored to be canceled was an unannounced Disney IP, which most believed to be THQ's tie-in with Pixar's Brave.

Brave the video game today has a rating on the Australian classification database, published by THQ, developed by Behaviour Interactive and rated PG for mild violence. A senior source at Disney also told Develop that there was no reason to believe Brave was canceled, although THQ has yet to officially announce the existence of the project, Develop says.

JoystiqTHQ adaptation of Pixar's 'Brave' pops up in Australian ratings originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australian-classification-boardbravedisneydisney-pixarmicrosoftpcpixarplaystationps3thqxboxThu, 19 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Universe Jungle Book DLC does not have Don Karnage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/disney-universe-jungle-book-dlc-does-not-have-don-karnage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/disney-universe-jungle-book-dlc-does-not-have-don-karnage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/disney-universe-jungle-book-dlc-does-not-have-don-karnage/#comments
Sorry, Disney Universe Jungle Book costume DLC pack, but what are you doing? TaleSpin is still the coolest thing to come out of the Jungle Book setting. Yes, the little costumes in this three-buck pack -- featuring man-cub Mowgli, Shere Khan the tiger, Louie the ape, Bagheera the panther and a baby elephant -- are cute, and kids will probably love them.

But nothing compares to the classic early '90s cartoon series that re-imagined the lovable Baloo as a down-on-his-luck seaplane pilot, Louie as the owner of his favorite watering hole (get it?), and Shere Khan as a sharply-dressed and golden-voiced business cat. Until you've got elements that play on Cheers, old adventure movies, and an alternate postware timeline, you just enjoy your lower place on the list of cool Jungle Book tie-ins.

Gallery: Disney Universe (The Jungle Book DLC)

Continue reading Disney Universe Jungle Book DLC does not have Don Karnage

JoystiqDisney Universe Jungle Book DLC does not have Don Karnage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-decocostumedisneydisney-universedlcjungle-bookmicrosoftplaystationps3psnretrotalespinxboxWed, 18 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure CES screens are new, recycled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-ces-screens-are-new-recyc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-ces-screens-are-new-recyc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-ces-screens-are-new-recyc/#comments Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure brings five modern-classic animated films into real, still-animated life this March. The following screens offer a glimpse of each movie -- Cars, Toy Story, The Incredibles, Up and Ratatouille -- and how they'll transfer to motion controls. We're not entirely sure which full-body gesture is required for "riding sewage like it's a boat," but it appears we'll get the chance to find out with Kinect Rush. Thanks, Pixar.

Gallery: Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure

JoystiqKinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure CES screens are new, recycled originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carsdisneykinectkinect-rushpixarRatatouillerushsewagethe-incrediblestoy-storyupxboxSun, 15 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel: Avengers Alliance brings Marvel and Disney to Facebook games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/marvel-avengers-alliance-brings-marvel-and-disney-to-facebook-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/marvel-avengers-alliance-brings-marvel-and-disney-to-facebook-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/marvel-avengers-alliance-brings-marvel-and-disney-to-facebook-g/#comments
Disney begins its inevitable assault on Facebook through its subsidiary Marvel, with the upcoming Q1 release of Marvel: Avengers Alliance, a new game for the platform developed by Playdom. It's a "combat role playing game experience with dozens of familiar Marvel superheroes and villains to be collected," in which players can train their stable of Marvel superfolks to upgrade their abilities and stats.

This, of course, means we can expect to see more Facebook games from both Disney and Marvel -- the floodgates have been thrown open (let's say by the Hulk, in the interest of following the theme). We're surprised that this hadn't already happened!

Gallery: Marvel: Avengers Alliance

Continue reading Marvel: Avengers Alliance brings Marvel and Disney to Facebook games

JoystiqMarvel: Avengers Alliance brings Marvel and Disney to Facebook games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyfacebookmarvelmarvel-avengers-alliancepcplaydomMon, 09 Jan 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/#comments Rock, Paper, Shotgun collaborated in obtaining responses.
The Entertainment Software Association's support of the "Stop Online Piracy Act" has led us to ask every member of the video game industry's lobbying and political group to publicly declare its stance on the bill. The ESA's continued support means every member, by proxy, is a supporter of the bill.

Some companies have pulled their logos from supporting SOPA documentation to dodge ire, while others are hiding behind rhetoric, as you'll see below. Joystiq contacted every member of the ESA and requested a declarative statement on SOPA. After the break we've listed the responses we've received, along with others we found. We continue to seek clarity on this issue from every member of the ESA.

This will become the page we update as we receive responses and clear declarative statements, so feel free to bookmark.

(Joystiq does not support SOPA, nor does our parent company.)

Continue reading ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond

JoystiqESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>345-games38-studios505-gamescapcomdeep-silverdisneydisney-interactiveeaeidoseidos-interactiveelectronic-artsEntertainment-software-associationepic-gamesESAfutureher-interactiveignition-entertainmentkonamilevel-5microsoftnamconatsumenexonnintendonivalnvidiao-gamesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpoliticssegaslangsonysony-online-entertainmentSOPAsquare-enixstop-online-piracy-acttake-twotake-two-interactivethqtrionubisoftwarner-bros-interactivewbieFri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure combines Kinect and Pixar flicks next March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-combines-kinect-and-pixar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-combines-kinect-and-pixar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kinect-rush-a-disney-pixar-adventure-combines-kinect-and-pixar/#comments

What's better than a Kinect game styled after a Disney Pixar movie? Try a Kinect game styled after five Disney Pixar movies! The overly branded Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure is exactly that, offering up a series of Kinect-enabled minigames centered around five Disney Pixar movies: Toy Story, The Incredibles, Up, Ratatouille, and ... Cars. Well, four out of five ain't too bad.

As you can see in the trailer above, it looks pretty fun if you happen to be a little kid who really likes waving your arms around. You can see another shot of Woody and Buzz waving said arms around in the gallery below. Kinect Rush will be available on March 12 20, 2012 (for $49.99), and just a few weeks later, your kids will probably have some killer triceps.

Update: This post originally had March 12, 2012 has the launch date, when in fact it is March 20, 2012. Sorry about that!

Gallery: Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure

Continue reading Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure combines Kinect and Pixar flicks next March

JoystiqKinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure combines Kinect and Pixar flicks next March originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneykidskinectkinect-rushmicrosoftpixarplayrushwaving armsWavingArmsxboxThu, 08 Dec 2011 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney trademarks Castle of Illusion, but M-I-C-K-E-why?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/disney-trademarks-castle-of-illusion-but-m-i-c-k-e-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/disney-trademarks-castle-of-illusion-but-m-i-c-k-e-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/disney-trademarks-castle-of-illusion-but-m-i-c-k-e-why/#comments Disney put a trademark on the term Castle of Illusion, portending a new release Disney has put in a new trademark request for the term "Castle of Illusion," which presumably refers to the old Sega Genesis game, Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse. The trademark is specifically targeted at video game software.

We're not sure what Disney intends to use this trademark for, if anything. It could be a brand new release also set in the castle that Mickey platformed through while trying to save Minnie, or it could be a re-release of the old game on a new platform, like Virtual Console release or even iOS. Whatever its release plans, Disney is apparently laying out the legal groundwork for something.

JoystiqDisney trademarks Castle of Illusion, but M-I-C-K-E-why? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-of-illusioncastle-of-illusion-starring-mickey-mousedisneyrumorsega-genesistrademarkusptoWed, 05 Oct 2011 07:00:00 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[Split/Second, Pure developer Black Rock Studio closes today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/split-second-pure-developer-black-rock-studio-closes-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/split-second-pure-developer-black-rock-studio-closes-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/split-second-pure-developer-black-rock-studio-closes-today/#comments Black Rock Studio's former studio director, Nick Baynes, tweeted earlier today, marking the last sunset for the developer of Split/Second and Pure. Disney made the decision to close the talented studio in July, after the house of mouse rejected Black Rock's final pitch, a freemium DOTA-style RTS named Champions Alliance (which Disney never intended to green-light, sources claim).

At least two studios have emerged from the ashes of Black Rock: ShortRound and RoundCube Entertainment. If both studios delivers the type of quality we saw from Black Rock, we wish them a long, healthy existence.

JoystiqSplit/Second, Pure developer Black Rock Studio closes today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studioblack-rock-studiosDisneyDisney-Interactivemicrosoftplaystationps3Split-SecondxboxFri, 02 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Epic Mickey 2 appearing in online surveys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/rumor-epic-mickey-2-could-exist-eventually-maybe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/rumor-epic-mickey-2-could-exist-eventually-maybe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/rumor-epic-mickey-2-could-exist-eventually-maybe/#comments Epic Mickey 2 is running the rounds of Disney online-marketing tests, complete with box-art and title variations, according to an anonymous source at Destructoid. Disney is apparently getting a feel for the Epic Mickey 2 audience, asking which of the above box arts is most pleasing and which of the following titles most inspires test-takers to open their wallets: Epic Mickey 2: Return of the Mad Doctor, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, Epic Mickey 2: Mystery on Mean Street or simply Epic Mickey 2.

The prototype game Disney is marketing features two-player split screen with Mickey and Disney's first cartoon star, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who uses his ears to fly like a helicopter. Mickey and Oswald are thrown back into the annals of Disney classicism, armed with paint and thinner, just as in the previous title. We can't help but imagine what the box art would be if Don Draper was working on this project -- Mickey painting the town with a bottle of whiskey, Minnie in a bikini on one arm and a new title, Simply Mickey.

JoystiqRumor: Epic Mickey 2 appearing in online surveys originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyEpic-Mickey-2MarketingMickey-MousemicrosoftnintendoOswaldplaystationps3wiixboxSun, 28 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney making animated video game movie: Wreck-It Ralph]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/disney-making-animated-video-game-movie-wreck-it-ralph/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/disney-making-animated-video-game-movie-wreck-it-ralph/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/disney-making-animated-video-game-movie-wreck-it-ralph/#comments MCV reports that during Disney's D23 fan expo, Disney announced the next film under its Disney Animation studio: Wreck-It Ralph, about a destructive 8-bit game character looking for a game in which he can be a hero -- like his in-game rival, Fix-It Felix.

The film, due in November next year, features cameos from licensed game characters, including a Pac-Man ghost, who is part of Ralph's video game character support group. FirstShowing posted images of the show floor display, including a themed arcade machine. It also reports that John C. Reilly will voice Ralph, with 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer as Fix-It Felix.

We look forward to the inevitable tie-in games, based on the movie based on video games.

JoystiqDisney making animated video game movie: Wreck-It Ralph originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-animation-studiosmovieswreck-it-ralphWed, 24 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Angry Birds may be worth $1.2 billion in entertainment explosion deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/rumor-angry-birds-may-be-worth-1-2-billion-in-entertainment-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/rumor-angry-birds-may-be-worth-1-2-billion-in-entertainment-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/rumor-angry-birds-may-be-worth-1-2-billion-in-entertainment-ex/#comments Angry Birds developer Rovio is out to prove money really can't buy happiness, with a deal to receive funding that would make the company worth $1.2 billion, Bloomberg rumors. Rovio wants to expand the explosive brand into other entertainment sectors, including making an Angry Birds movie and selling the game and its products in China, which may explain talks with an entertainment company, as revealed by Bloomberg's two anonymous sources.

Michael Pachter pegs EA, Zynga and Walt Disney as likely candidates to do a deal with Rovio, as Disney could make Angry Birds a movie and theme park, and Zynga could turn it into Farmville. While one of those sounds immensely more appealing to us (Angry Bird Slingshot ride, anyone?), either are easily possible, even if more than $1 billion seems a bit much to pay for a phone app.

JoystiqRumor: Angry Birds may be worth $1.2 billion in entertainment explosion deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsangry-birds-moviedisneyEAmobilemoviesone-billion-dollarspcRovioZyngaSat, 13 Aug 2011 20:30:00 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[Ex-Cryptic CCO Bill Roper joins Disney Interactive Media Group]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/ex-cryptic-cco-bill-roper-joins-disney-interactive-media-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/ex-cryptic-cco-bill-roper-joins-disney-interactive-media-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/ex-cryptic-cco-bill-roper-joins-disney-interactive-media-group/#comments Bill Roper's cultivated an impressive resume during his tenure with the gaming industry, including executive positions with Blizzard North, Flagship Studios and Cryptic Studios. He left the latter developer -- his last place of employment -- last August, and today revealed his new home: The Disney Interactive Media Group, where he'll work as the vice president of the Marvel franchise.

Disney General Manager of Games Alex Seropian said, "With 17 years of experience in the worldwide gaming industry, we are confident that Bill has the creative vision necessary to help guide the next wave of development and product for DIMG's Marvel Games." We too are confident in Roper's abilities. And, considering his legacy, we can't wait to see how much dope loot he can squeeze into the next Spider-Man title.

JoystiqEx-Cryptic CCO Bill Roper joins Disney Interactive Media Group originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperblizzardblizzard-northcryptic-studiosdisneyDisney-Interactivedisney-interactive-media-groupflagship-studiosmarvelFri, 22 Jul 2011 12:10:00 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[ShortRound Games established by former Black Rock staffers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/shortround-games-established-by-former-black-rock-staffers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/shortround-games-established-by-former-black-rock-staffers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/shortround-games-established-by-former-black-rock-staffers/#comments Split/Second ShortRound Games is the latest studio to pop up from the discarded talent at Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios. GI.biz reports the team consists of game director Andrew Hubbard, technical director Kim Burrows, technical art director Stuart Pharoah and creative and art director Steve Uphill.

The studio currently has two demos in production and expects to reveal some footage in the coming weeks. Hubbard says they are currently in talks with various publishers and are "keen" to work on iPad or Sony's Vita.

The official announcement of ShortRound's formation comes a few weeks after two of Black Rock's heavies formed RoundCube Entertainment. That studio was created by Split/Second game director Nick Baynes and senior producer Ian Monaghan.

JoystiqShortRound Games established by former Black Rock staffers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studiosBlackrock-StudiosDisneymobileplaystationps3ShortRoundShortRound-GamesSplit-SecondMon, 20 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo mass announces Wii, DS game launch dates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/nintendo-mass-announces-wii-ds-game-launch-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/nintendo-mass-announces-wii-ds-game-launch-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/nintendo-mass-announces-wii-ds-game-launch-dates/#comments Clearly, Nintendo wants the back half of your year to have a strong financial plan. In two lengthy lists we spotted on the company's press site, everything from Kirby Wii to Pro Jumper! Chimaki's Hot Spring Tour Guilty Gear Tangent was given a more clear release date, with Kirby arriving some time in fall and the latter mystifying DSiWare shopgoers on June 23.

If one game starring a puffy pink monster just wasn't enough, how about one for your DS on September 19? 'Cause that's exactly when Kirby Mass Attack is launching. A whole mess of other release date/windows/seasons are categorized for your fiduciary planning needs, just beyond the break.

Continue reading Nintendo mass announces Wii, DS game launch dates

JoystiqNintendo mass announces Wii, DS game launch dates originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-playactivisionactivision-publishingaksys-gamesatlusd3-publisherd3publisherdisneydisney-interactivedsdsiwareeaelectronic-artskirby-wiinintendonintendo-eadrelease-daterelease-datessegatelegamesthqubisoftwb-interactivewbiewiiwiiwareSun, 12 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Disneyland Adventures Minnie-game collection confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/kinect-disneyland-adventures-minnie-game-collection-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/kinect-disneyland-adventures-minnie-game-collection-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/kinect-disneyland-adventures-minnie-game-collection-confirmed/#comments During it's E3 press conference, Microsoft confirmed Disneyland Adventures. The Kinect-powered experience allows players to virtually tour the theme park and participate several mini-games. An onstage demo showed off games in which children flew through several Disney worlds, including Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. All of the mini-games appear essentially the same, with players collecting coins, similar to many of the games in Kinect Adventures.

We should note that none of the mini-games presented don't actually recreate any of the real Disneyland rides, which seems ... kind of weird. The game is set to release this holiday.

JoystiqKinect Disneyland Adventures Minnie-game collection confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneye3-2011kinect-disneyland-adventuresmicrosoftxboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Domain registrations promise to take us to 'Kinect Disneyland']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/domain-registrations-promise-to-take-us-to-kinect-disneyland/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/domain-registrations-promise-to-take-us-to-kinect-disneyland/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/domain-registrations-promise-to-take-us-to-kinect-disneyland/#comments If families are opting to stay at home and spend time with their elaborate home entertainment systems, rather than venturing outside into a miasma of humanity and cotton candy, Disney might as well beam Disneyland right into their homes. According to new domain registrations (spotted by Superannuation), Disney has a couple of potential titles in mind for what appears to be a new park-themed Kinect game.

Possible titles include: Kinect Disney World, Kinect Disneyland Adventures, Kinect Disneyland, Kinect Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland Kinect. We'd have preferred "Disney's Magic Kinect Kingdom," but we're not in charge of these things, are we?

Beyond the potential titles, Disney hasn't doled out a fast pass to any more information. If the purveyor of magic pulls this off, expect to hear this a lot: "Daddy, I liked going to Disneyland in the living room ... but can't we go to the real thing this weekend?"

JoystiqDomain registrations promise to take us to 'Kinect Disneyland' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneye3e3-2011kinectkinect-disneylandmicrosoftxboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 11:50:00 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[Split/Second game director, producer form RoundCube Entertainment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/split-second-game-director-producer-form-roundcube-entertainmen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/split-second-game-director-producer-form-roundcube-entertainmen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/split-second-game-director-producer-form-roundcube-entertainmen/#comments Two of Black Rock Studios' biggest players have decided to form their own thing: RoundCube Entertainment. Nick Baynes, game director on Split/Second, will head up the new outfit, while Ian Monaghan, previously senior producer at Black Rock, will now act as development director. Both were affected by the latest round of layoffs from parent company, Disney.

According to GI.biz, about 30 currently remain at Black Rock, toiling away on a project for Disney. As for RoundCube, they haven't announced what they're going to do next, but if you ask us it should have something to do with tiny increments of time.

JoystiqSplit/Second game director, producer form RoundCube Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studiosdisneydisney-interactivemicrosoftplaystationps3psproundcube-entertainmentsonySplit-SecondxboxTue, 31 May 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Split/Second dev Black Rock facing layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/report-split-second-dev-black-rock-studio-facing-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/report-split-second-dev-black-rock-studio-facing-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/report-split-second-dev-black-rock-studio-facing-layoffs/#comments UK-based developer Black Rock Studio is said to be on the verge of eliminating as many as 40 positions. Eurogamer cites an unnamed source at the company, who says the layoffs are coming Thursday morning "with the aim of reducing the studio to a single game team."

The source goes into further detail about recent happenings at the studio, including the cancellation of a Split/Second sequel during pre-production and the shooting down of multiple game pitches by its parent company, Disney Interactive. Nearly half of Black Rock's staff is said to have been spinning its wheels without a project for several months as a result, so the source says the layoffs -- which have been hitting in waves across Disney's gaming unit since last year -- don't really come as a surprise.

There's evidently a silver lining on this most recent unemployment-spawned grey cloud, at least; according to the source, the slimmed-down Black Rock will continue work on a "promising" but "new and risky" title that's already in development.

We've reached out to Disney for comment on the report and our best wishes go out to anyone affected by the layoffs. If you're among that group and would like to share your story, contact us.

JoystiqReport: Split/Second dev Black Rock facing layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studioblack-rock-studiosbusinessdisneyDisney-InteractivelayoffsSplit-SecondWed, 04 May 2011 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive sees growth in Q1 2011 despite 'acquisition accounting']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/disney-interactive-sees-growth-in-q1-2011-despite-acquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/disney-interactive-sees-growth-in-q1-2011-despite-acquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/disney-interactive-sees-growth-in-q1-2011-despite-acquisition/#comments The Walt Disney Company has reported its earnings for the first quarter of 2011, and the Interactive Media department saw revenues increase 58 percent from last year over the same period, to $349 million. Despite "higher sales of console games" this year (Epic Mickey and Toy Story 3 are cited as part of the "strong performance"), the company says that the acquisition of Playdom nevertheless led to a segment operating results loss of $13 million, an increase from the $10 million loss the year before.

In other words, Disney Interactive is doing better, but was still brought down by what it calls "the impact of acquisition accounting" -- the money spent on Playdom (presumably a one-time cost) sent the department into the red for the quarter.

Unfortunately, that leaves Interactive Media to be the only division showing a loss for the quarter; Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment and Consumer Products all showed nice growth. Disney probably isn't too worried, though. Not that Disney Interactive has another Epic Mickey-sized title coming up that we know about, but the Playdom deal's after-echos are disguising what appears to be some steady growth that the home office will hopefully see for what it is.

JoystiqDisney Interactive sees growth in Q1 2011 despite 'acquisition accounting' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactiveearningsfinancialsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3q1-2011wiixboxTue, 08 Feb 2011 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Pirates of the Caribbean debut trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/lego-pirates-of-the-caribbean-debut-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/lego-pirates-of-the-caribbean-debut-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/lego-pirates-of-the-caribbean-debut-trailer/#comments Back in November, Disney revealed Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, the latest adaptation from TT Games. Originally set to launch this May, the game's first trailer, posted by MTV Multiplayer and available for viewing at your leisure past the break, now pegs it for Summer 2011.

Continue reading Lego Pirates of the Caribbean debut trailer

JoystiqLego Pirates of the Caribbean debut trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneylego-pirates-of-the-caribbean-the-video-gamemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3psprelease-datesonysummer-2011tt-gameswiixboxTue, 01 Feb 2011 21:55:00 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[See Kingdom Hearts 3D in 2D trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/see-kingdom-hearts-3d-in-2d-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/see-kingdom-hearts-3d-in-2d-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/see-kingdom-hearts-3d-in-2d-trailer/#comments That didn't take long! Trailers from last night's Square Enix event in Japan have begun hitting the web. After the break you'll find Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, and we'd suggest checking it out soon before Square pulls it from YouTube. That said, Mickey Mouse speaking Japanese? Weird!

Continue reading See Kingdom Hearts 3D in 2D trailer

JoystiqSee Kingdom Hearts 3D in 2D trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneydsgameplaykingdom-hearts-3dnintendosquare-enixSquare-Enix-1st-Production-DeptTue, 18 Jan 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[More Disney Epic Mickey easter eggs than you can handle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/more-disney-epic-mickey-easter-eggs-than-you-can-handle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/more-disney-epic-mickey-easter-eggs-than-you-can-handle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/more-disney-epic-mickey-easter-eggs-than-you-can-handle/#comments Though Epic Mickey is pretty obviously rife with Disney lore, there are likely some easter eggs you missed. Maybe the game's camera refused to point at them (sorry, couldn't help ourselves) or maybe you just aren't versed enough in Disneyology to spot them all.

Fear not, as Topless Robot has a list of 10 of the biggest you may not have picked up on. Our favorite? The secret basketball court inside the Matterhorn, which you'll find recreated in Mickeyjunk Mountain. If you still haven't gotten your fill of secret Disney nods, you can find even more at GamesRadar.

JoystiqMore Disney Epic Mickey easter eggs than you can handle originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyeaster-eggsEpic-Mickeyjunction-point-studiosmickeynintendowiiMon, 17 Jan 2011 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Tron Legacy screenwriters on gaming and the 'DNA of Tron']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/tron-legacy-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/tron-legacy-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/tron-legacy-interview/#comments "I think gaming is in the DNA of Tron," says screenwriter Eddy Kitsis. "When the original came out in 1982, it really introduced the concept of a video game and it just blew my mind, because you play video games in the arcade and you're like,'Wow, what would happen behind the screen?'" Jeff Bridges' character Kevin Flynn was a gamer himself, Tron creator Steven Lisberger was inspired by early video games, and the images we remember of the first Tron aren't necessarily of the complicated metaphor of the Master Control Program and ENCOM's intra-company battle. They're of light cycles and disc fighting and the games.

"Gaming is a gateway drug, and I mean that in the best sense," says Kitsis' writing partner Adam Horowitz (the two wrote the screenplay to Tron Legacy, after writing on Lost nearly since the beginning). "That's how I got excited about computers and technology and storytelling." Gaming was intrinsic to the first Tron, but when director Joseph Kosinski was finally given the go-ahead by Disney to make a sequel, he says he "had to evolve the classic games forward."

And so Tron Legacy plays much closer to its characters, and farther away from the game metaphor. The games are there (in new forms), but the real gaming experience to be found in the new world of Tron, almost twenty years after its release, is -- go figure -- in the video game itself.

Continue reading Interview: Tron Legacy screenwriters on gaming and the 'DNA of Tron'

JoystiqInterview: Tron Legacy screenwriters on gaming and the 'DNA of Tron' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adam-HorowitzDisneyDisney-InteractiveEddy-Kitsismicrosoftmoviespcplaystationps3Tron-EvolutionTron-LegacyxboxFri, 17 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey trailer recounts how Junction Point made the game so 'epic']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/epic-mickey-trailer-recounts-how-junction-point-made-the-game-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/epic-mickey-trailer-recounts-how-junction-point-made-the-game-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/epic-mickey-trailer-recounts-how-junction-point-made-the-game-so/#comments "What went into creating Epic Mickey," you ask? Wow, your timing is, like, impeccable -- we've got a new trailer that focuses on that very subject. Are you psychic? Quick: what color is our underwear?

Continue reading Epic Mickey trailer recounts how Junction Point made the game so 'epic'

JoystiqEpic Mickey trailer recounts how Junction Point made the game so 'epic' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-InteractiveEpic-Mickeyjunction-point-studiosnintendowiiFri, 17 Dec 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector says reviewers 'misunderstood' Epic Mickey's camera]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/warren-spector-says-reviewers-misunderstood-epic-mickey-camera/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/warren-spector-says-reviewers-misunderstood-epic-mickey-camera/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/warren-spector-says-reviewers-misunderstood-epic-mickey-camera/#comments Though plenty of reviewers (our own included) were swept up by the enchanting world of Epic Mickey, its shoddy camera has been pretty much universally maligned. Creator Warren Spector leaped to his team's defense while speaking with MTV, saying, "First, there has never been a game that I couldn't break if you give it to me for 30 seconds. I mean, I will break a camera in any game ever made. [Ed.'s note: Well, clearly.] Third-person camera is way harder than I even imagined it could be. It is the hardest problem in video game development. Everybody gets it wrong. It's just a question of how close to right do you get it."

Spector went on to claim that the issue stems from the fact that his game isn't a pure platformer, so the camera couldn't be tuned just for that purpose. "If reviewers want to give us a hard time about it because they're misunderstanding the game we made, it's not for me to tell them that they're wrong," he continued, "absolutely not."

Listen, we love Warren Spector, and Epic Mickey has plenty of good points, for sure. But "We tried to do something that was crazy hard and it didn't work" is not a suitable excuse -- unless you're going house to house and explaining the "right" way to play. (P.S. If Spector does start doing that, you probably shouldn't let him near your cameras.)

JoystiqWarren Spector says reviewers 'misunderstood' Epic Mickey's camera originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameradisneydisney-epic-mickeyEpic-Mickeynintendoreviewswarren-spectorwiiWed, 08 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Street-legal Tron Light Cycle replica available for $55K]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/tron-light-cycle-street-legal-replica-available-for-55k/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/tron-light-cycle-street-legal-replica-available-for-55k/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/tron-light-cycle-street-legal-replica-available-for-55k/#comments With the option to purchase an actual Tron Light Cycle out of the question -- 'cause, they're in the computer -- we'll have to settle with the dream of owning a replica by Parker Brothers Choppers. The shop made 10 street-legal Light Cycle machines and one of the four remaining can be yours for the rez-onable price of $55,000.

According to Autopia, the vehicle weighs 474 pounds, is over 100" long and 23" wide, with the rider lying 28.5" from the ground. It looks awesome and we'd totally ride on one, but only after we did the responsible thing and registered as an organ donor. Check out some footage of the real-world Light Cycle after the break.

Continue reading Street-legal Tron Light Cycle replica available for $55K

JoystiqStreet-legal Tron Light Cycle replica available for $55K originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disneymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Tron-EvolutionwiixboxWed, 01 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Disney Epic Mickey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/metareview-disney-epic-mickey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/metareview-disney-epic-mickey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/metareview-disney-epic-mickey/#comments Disney Epic Mickey has received no small amount of praise for receiving the kind of TLC rarely visited upon third-party Wii titles -- but did that attention actually translate over to, you know, becoming a good game? Or was that TLC simply wasted upon a mediocre platformer? More importantly, why do we find ourselves suddenly overwhelmed by a powerful urge to listen to "Waterfalls" on repeat?

You've heard our take on Junction Point's paint-splattered vision of Disney's timeless mascot; now let's see what the rest of the peanut gallery has to say:
  • GamesRadar (9/10): "It's a life-affirming tribute to both forgotten characters and game genres well worth remembering, with an all new added twist. And contrary to how it looks, there's a startling amount of maturity and replayability wrapped within this family-friendly package."
  • IGN (8/10): "Ultimately, the positive elements of Epic Mickey do manage to make this worth a shot. Going in with the proper level of expectation should manage to keep some of the WiiMote throwing to a minimum... just keep that wrist strap tight."
  • CVG (7.5/10): "Disney Epic Mickey, with its freeform nature and deep exploration, has plenty of appeal - and completists and adventure fans may even adore it. But its rough edges ultimately dampen its potential. If only it had been given an extra lick of paint..."
  • Game Informer (7/10): "Epic Mickey goes out of its way to show gamers Walt Disney's body of work, but rarely fires on a level that turns this beloved content into exciting gameplay."
  • Eurogamer (6/10): "Fundamentally, Epic Mickey misunderstands what people love about Mickey Mouse. He simply doesn't fit in this grim, post-modern dystopia, dripping with bitter-sweet nods to forgotten corners of Disney lore, nor does he need to confront his dark commercial heart to stay relevant in 2010."

JoystiqMetareview: Disney Epic Mickey originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyEpic-Mickeyjunction-point-studiosmetareviewnintendowarren-spectorwiiTue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey review: A brush with greatness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/disney-epic-mickey-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/disney-epic-mickey-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/disney-epic-mickey-review/#comments The unlikely creation of Deus Ex designer and industry legend Warren Spector and his imagineers at Junction Point, Disney Epic Mickey is the single most ambitious Wii exclusive outside of Nintendo's own releases. "Epic" is not a misnomer -- from the quality of the art and animation, to the level design, scale and even score of the game, it's clear that massive amounts of resources, both of the creative and financial variety, were lavished on it. There are moments in Epic Mickey that are so good, so polished and so full of charm I would have sworn that I was playing a game Shigeru Miyamoto had a hand in.

If only the whole game was like that.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey

Continue reading Disney Epic Mickey review: A brush with greatness

JoystiqDisney Epic Mickey review: A brush with greatness originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-InteractiveEpic-Mickeyjunction-point-studiosmickey-mousenintendoplatformerwarren-spectorwiiMon, 29 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST