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[Humble THQ Bundle ends, earns $5 million from 885,000 bundles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/humble-thq-bundle-ends-earns-5-million-from-885-000-bundles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/humble-thq-bundle-ends-earns-5-million-from-885-000-bundles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/humble-thq-bundle-ends-earns-5-million-from-885-000-bundles/#comments THQ bundle ends, earning $5 million from 885,000 bundlesThe Humble Indie Bundle's first decidedly non-indie bundle, the THQ Bundle, has come to its anticipated end. All told, says the organization, the bundle raised $5 million, split as buyers chose between THQ, charity donations, and the Humble Bundle group itself.

The whole project seems to have been a rousing success: 885,251 bundles went out the door, and THQ added a few big games into the pack during the sale. The average price for all titles sold was $5.76, and the top contributor to the cause was THQ's president Jason Rubin, who at the end had contributed a total of $10,000 to the proceedings.

In fact, considering THQ's financial battles lately, this might be one of the company's biggest successes this year. Wonder what else they've got over there to bundle up and sell out the door?

JoystiqHumble THQ Bundle ends, earns $5 million from 885,000 bundles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecharitychilds-playdiscountdonationshumblehumble-bundlehumble-thq-bundlejason-rubinpcsaints-row-the-thirdthqWed, 12 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Retake Mass Effect 3' donations remained largely with Child's Play, 'a handful' requested refunds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/retake-mass-effect-3-donations-remained-largely-with-childs-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/retake-mass-effect-3-donations-remained-largely-with-childs-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/retake-mass-effect-3-donations-remained-largely-with-childs-p/#comments ImageWhen thousands of people took to a Facebook group rallying Mass Effect 3 players to "demand a better ending," their efforts were represented by a "donation protest." The protest raised just over $80,000 in donations to Penny Arcade's "Child's Play" charity, and arguably contributed to BioWare's decision to respond with an upcoming addition to Mass Effect 3: "Extended Cut."

Regardless of the group's success, Penny Arcade co-founder Jerry "Tycho" Holkins halted the fundraiser. "Child's Play cannot be a tool to draw attention to a cause. Child's Play must be the Cause," Holkins said of hypothetical future efforts. He also cited Child's Play project manager Jamie Dillion as "buried under mail" from donors who didn't clearly understand exactly what they were giving money to.

"Apparently some of the people giving to the cause seemed to think that they were paying for a new ending to Mass Effect. She's been asked what the goal is, and how much they need to raise in order to get the ending produced," Holkins wrote. "We've also been contacted by PayPal due to a high number of people asking for their donations back. This is in addition to readers who simply couldn't understand how this was connected to Child's Play's mission. We were dealing with a lot of very confused people, more every day, and that told us we had a problem."

That doesn't mean, however, that all of those folks were demanding refunds. "Essentially, there were a handful of people who requested their donation returned, which we did. The large majority of the funds were not returned and will be distributed to the hospitals as normal. If anyone feels that they would like their donation back, we are happy to do so," Dillion told us in a recent email.

Continue reading 'Retake Mass Effect 3' donations remained largely with Child's Play, 'a handful' requested refunds

Joystiq'Retake Mass Effect 3' donations remained largely with Child's Play, 'a handful' requested refunds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechilds-playdonationsea-biowareelectronic-artsjamie-dillionmass-effect-3microsoftpcpenny-arcadeplaystationps3retake-mass-effectxboxThu, 12 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tex Murphy may be revived as a Kickstarter proposal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/tex-murphy-may-be-revived-as-a-kickstarter-proposal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/tex-murphy-may-be-revived-as-a-kickstarter-proposal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/tex-murphy-may-be-revived-as-a-kickstarter-proposal/#comments
Before we say anything here, make sure you've got a firm grasp on your wallet because it might just jump out of your pocket. The odds are very good that Tex Murphy is coming back in a new game ... funded by Kickstarter. Whoa there! Hang on to that wallet, there's no place to spend your money just yet, kid!

As announced by the trailer above, Big Finish Games indeed has plans to start up a Kickstarter page on May 15, and try to round up fan-based funding for a sixth game in the fondly remembered full-motion video adventure series. What they're asking for right now is ideas on what to offer in the Kickstarter campaign, as well as written or video testimonials from fans extolling the series' virtues, to be delivered to the company's contact page.

On May 15, the page is supposed to go live, and at that point you can donate to your heart's content. Chris Jones, who both designed the games and plays Tex Murphy himself, is obviously on board, because you can see him mugging in character with the latest People magazine right there in the video.

JoystiqTex Murphy may be revived as a Kickstarter proposal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-finish-gameschris-jonesdonationsfanskickstarterpcrumortex-murphytex-murphy-kickstarterTue, 20 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play 2011 starts annual drive, trying for $2 million in donations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/childs-play-2011-starts-annual-drive-trying-for-2-million-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/childs-play-2011-starts-annual-drive-trying-for-2-million-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/childs-play-2011-starts-annual-drive-trying-for-2-million-in/#comments Halloween has passed us by, which means the season of charity is here, and Child's Play has started up its yearly drive for donations. Child's Play, started by the fine folks at Penny Arcade, is dedicated to providing sick children in hospitals all over the world with video games and toys to play while they recover, and has raised nearly $9 million in money and donations since it was founded in 2003.

This year, Child's Play is aiming for at least $2 million in donations, in part through a slew of events during the next two months, including the annual Desert Bus for Hope marathon later this month, and a Charity Dinner and Auction on December 8 up in Seattle. The group has picked up $450,000 in donations this year already, putting it well on the way towards its final goal.

You'll probably have a few other opportunities to donate over the next few months, but if you would like to jump in and help the kids out now, Child's Play accepts checks, Paypal donations, or you can even text in your donation by sending "GAMERS" to 50555. So go ahead -- even if the bells haven't started ringing in your neighborhood just yet, take this chance to give a little bit to those in need.

JoystiqChild's Play 2011 starts annual drive, trying for $2 million in donations originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playchilds-play-charitydonationsgabehospitalspenny-arcadetychoFri, 04 Nov 2011 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Extra Life 2011 charity event starts today, to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/extra-life-2011-charity-event-starts-today-to-raise-money-for-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/extra-life-2011-charity-event-starts-today-to-raise-money-for-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/extra-life-2011-charity-event-starts-today-to-raise-money-for-c/#comments You may have already heard about this one, but in case not, know that starting today through tomorrow morning, quite a few folks online are going to be playing video games for 24 hours straight, aiming to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

The Extra Life Charity marathon is going on this weekend, and though players don't have to stream (or play the whole 24 hours, really -- it's all in good fun), lots of people will be doing so. Our very own Arthur Gies is even participating in the event all weekend long, as is Massively writer Beau Hindman. The Paragon Studios team will have a livestream up, Rift has a special in-game event going, and outlets like G4, GotGame, Aussie Gamer, and Platform Nation are all joining in to play and raise money.

If you'd like to contribute, it's definitely not too late. Play some games, watch some people playing others, and by all means, head on over to the Extra Life site and donate a few bucks to the cause. It's great to see gamers come together in a huge event like this, to both celebrate the act of playing games, and of course raise some money for charity as well.

JoystiqExtra Life 2011 charity event starts today, to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychildrens-miracle-networkdonationseventextra lifeExtraLifegamingmarathonraise-moneystreamingFri, 14 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamers Heart Japan aid special airs April 3 online and on G4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/gamers-heart-japan-aid-special-airs-april-3-online-and-on-g4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/gamers-heart-japan-aid-special-airs-april-3-online-and-on-g4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/gamers-heart-japan-aid-special-airs-april-3-online-and-on-g4/#comments Gamers Heart Japan, a 60-minute special airing on April 3 online (read: Joystiq, etc) and on G4, will see several notable industry presences talking about Japan and its impact on our industry, soliciting donations to the American Red Cross for the relief effort. In fact, our own Richard Mitchell will be making an appearance, so you'll definitely want to tune in for that!

For a video promo and the full press release describing how Gamers Heart Japan will fill 60 minutes, including the list of speakers, hit the jump!

Continue reading Gamers Heart Japan aid special airs April 3 online and on G4

JoystiqGamers Heart Japan aid special airs April 3 online and on G4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydonationsdsgamers-heart-japanjapanmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspred-crossreliefsonywiixboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play raised over $2 million in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/childs-play-raised-over-2-million-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/childs-play-raised-over-2-million-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/childs-play-raised-over-2-million-in-2010/#commentsThe Child's Play charity announced today that it brought in a grand (grand) total of $2,294,317.53 in donations for 2010, a new annual record for the organization. Reflecting on the figure at the bottom of a Penny Arcade news post primarily about a repellent fruit sludge you squeeze into your mouth, Jerry "Tycho Brahe" Holkins said that the lifetime total for Child's Play donations is now over nine million dollars, noting to contributors, "If it is possible to Win Charity, you have done so." He also pointed out that not all of last year's donations are likely to have been accounted for yet.

Gamasutra reports that some of the larger donations came from charity drives like the Humble Indie Bundle, which contributed $300,000 during its second-year initiative in late December, and the "Desert Bus for Hope" marathon, which raised $207,000, in addition to the Gears of War 3 "Fate of Carmine" fundraiser, which accounted for $150,000 in donations and might have killed a virtual guy. Another high-profile fundraiser, the Indie iPhone sale, brought in around $25,000 to the charity.

JoystiqChild's Play raised over $2 million in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playdonationspenny-arcadeMon, 03 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behemoth collects over 30k for Haiti relief, extends promotion again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/behemoth-collects-over-30k-for-haiti-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/behemoth-collects-over-30k-for-haiti-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/behemoth-collects-over-30k-for-haiti-relief/#comments Since January 20, the team at Behemoth have been raising money through Xbox Live DLC sales of Castle Crashers and Alien Hominid to support relief efforts in Haiti. Over four days, Behemoth has collected $15,585.65 through DLC purchases; however, since the promise was to donate 200% of all DLC sales, The Behemoth has matched the total leaving the donation jar filled with $31,171.29!

That's great, but for The Behemoth it isn't great enough. Today the team announced they will continue to extend the promotion until the total donation jar hits $50,000. What a bunch of sweethearts. Check out a list of the DLC you can buy to help offer support for the people in Haiti. They really need your help.

Continue reading Behemoth collects over 30k for Haiti relief, extends promotion again

JoystiqBehemoth collects over 30k for Haiti relief, extends promotion again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-hominidalien-hominid-hdcastle-crashersdonationdonationsfundraiserfundraisinghaitiMicrosoftthe-behemothXbox-360xbox-liveSat, 30 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN holding charity event for Haiti recovery efforts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/ign-holding-chartiy-event-for-haiti-recovery-efforts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/ign-holding-chartiy-event-for-haiti-recovery-efforts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/ign-holding-chartiy-event-for-haiti-recovery-efforts/#comments Though it may lack the star-studded cast of last night's Hope for Haiti telethon, IGN will be holding its own charity drive to help the nation get back on its feet after last week's devastating 7.0 earthquake. The news site will be taking donations from readers next Wednesday during a 12-hour "online webathon," the proceeds from which will go to Habitat for Humanity. The site will also be holding a number of online auctions for items donated by altruistic members of the gaming industry -- such as the gold-plated Bayonetta gun seen above.

Check out the IGN for Haiti event page for more details -- and make sure tune in at 9 a.m. PST next Wednesday to watch the webathon unfold!

JoystiqIGN holding charity event for Haiti recovery efforts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydonationshabitat-for-humanityhaitiigntelethonwebathonSat, 23 Jan 2010 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamer Dad suffers a heart attack, needs help]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/gamer-dad-suffers-a-heart-attack-needs-help/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/gamer-dad-suffers-a-heart-attack-needs-help/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/gamer-dad-suffers-a-heart-attack-needs-help/#commentsFiled under:


Many of you who have little ones running around (or the occasional visit from a niece or nephew) may be familiar with GamerDad, a site specifically aimed at approaching gaming from a parental perspective. Sadly, Gamer Dad himself Andrew Bub suffered a heart attack at the beginning of the month. He had a quadruple bypass and will soon be undergoing more surgery.

Bub's wife Linda (seen above) is currently asking for some financial help from GamerDad readers right here. If you're a fan of GamerDad or just of people who are doing good work, there are many worse ways you could spend a few bucks. From all of us at Joystiq, we wish GamerDad the best of luck and a quick recovery.

[Thanks, Anthony]

JoystiqGamer Dad suffers a heart attack, needs help originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donationsgamerdadFri, 14 Sep 2007 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroic kid gets PS3 from Sony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/heroic-kid-gets-ps3-from-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/heroic-kid-gets-ps3-from-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/heroic-kid-gets-ps3-from-sony/#commentsFiled under:


If you were into heart-warming, somewhat-video-game related stores in August, you may remember 9-year-old Matty Lovo, the boy who saved his dad's life by taking control of a 100,000-pound truck after pops passed out. The kid thought, understandably, that his reward should be a PS3.

Sony apparently agrees. They rewarded Matty for his quick-thinking and (we assume) PlayStation 2-honed driving skills with a PS3 and a stack of games. It's a classy move from the company, especially considering all the free PR the kid brought them. (Just so you know, if Big Mutha Truckers was a PS3 game, this post would have ended with a hilarious joke. We're sorry for the inconvenience.)

JoystiqHeroic kid gets PS3 from Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donationsps3Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:30:00 EST