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[Dota 2 introduces 'Interactive Compendium' tournament companion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dota-2-introduces-interactive-compendium-tournament-companion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dota-2-introduces-interactive-compendium-tournament-companion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dota-2-introduces-interactive-compendium-tournament-companion/#commentsDota 2 introduces 'Interactive Compendium' tournament companion Valve has supplemented its upcoming "The International" Dota 2 tournament with a new virtual book, the "International 2013 Interactive Compendium." Available for $10 on the official Dota 2 shop, the Interactive Compendium will deliver news on the tournament and allow players to vote on tournament-related matters, such as post-tournament competitor awards.

The Interactive Compendium also unlocks "special virtual item drops throughout the tournament," according to Valve, in addition to matchmaking tournament-minded players and letting folks make predictions on tournament match outcomes. Once the August 7 event has come to a close, players will be able to read each other's Compendiums to see how accurate those predictions ended up being.

JoystiqDota 2 introduces 'Interactive Compendium' tournament companion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2esportsInteractive-Compendiumpcthe-internationalthe-international-2013valveTue, 07 May 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2's The International tournament will return August 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/#comments Dota 2's The International tournament will return August 7The Dota 2 tournament called "The International" is set to return for a third round this year, with two different qualifiers leading up to a championship on August 7. The West Qualifier will run May 13-19, and be hosted by eSports outfit GDStudio, and the East Qualifier, hosted by BeyondtheSummit, will go from May 20-26.

Those two qualifier winners will be joined by last year's winners from Invictus Gaming, twelve other contenders, and a special Wild Card contender, to be determined from the qualifier runner-ups right before the final showdown.

The contest itself will take place at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA, and all of the matches will be broadcast online to watch for free. No official prizes have been announced yet, but traditionally The International boasts a $1 million payout for the winner, so the stakes will undoubtedly be high.

JoystiqDota 2's The International tournament will return August 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augustcontestdota-2invictus-gamingpcqualifiersseattlethe-internationaltournamentvalvewinnersFri, 26 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Holiday Sale Day 3: DOTA 2, Dungeon Defenders, Dead Island and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/steam-holiday-sale-day-3-dota-2-dungeon-defenders-dead-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/steam-holiday-sale-day-3-dota-2-dungeon-defenders-dead-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/steam-holiday-sale-day-3-dota-2-dungeon-defenders-dead-island/#comments Steam Holiday Sale Day 3 DOTA 2, Dungeon Defenders, Dead Island and moreAh, the steady march of time. Just as the electronic transition frequency of an atom can be used to measure the passage of time, so too can the frequency with which money is electronically transitioned out of bank accounts during Valve's Steam Holiday Sale.

Today's offerings, which last for the next 45 hours or so, include Dead Island for $6.79, Dungeon Defenders for $3.74, the DOTA 2 Early Access Pack for $15, Train Simulator 2013 for $13.74, 50 to 75 percent off Blood Bowl games and a massive Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War franchise collection for $10.

Unfortunately, RailDriver's insane Desktop Train Cab Controller is not on sale, but take it from us, dressing the part goes a long way in creating the illusion of realism. Especially when you're simulating trains on public transit.

JoystiqSteam Holiday Sale Day 3: DOTA 2, Dungeon Defenders, Dead Island and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-bowlDawn-of-WarDawn-of-War-2Dead-Islanddota-2dungeon-defendersmacpcSteamsteam-holiday-saleSteam-Holiday-Sale-2012Train-Simulator-2013ValveWarhammer-40kSat, 22 Dec 2012 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve tried Dota 2 on tablets, they ended up being 'a disappointment']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/valve-tried-dota-2-on-tablets-they-ended-up-being-a-disappoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/valve-tried-dota-2-on-tablets-they-ended-up-being-a-disappoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/valve-tried-dota-2-on-tablets-they-ended-up-being-a-disappoint/#comments Valve wants Dota 2 on tablets, but initial tests were a 'disappointment'Valve tested the Dota 2 experience on current-gen tablets and came away with a bad taste in its mouth, studio founder Gabe Newell told Kotaku. Today's tablets just weren't fast enough, apparently:

"We were working on getting Dota 2 running on some tablets," Newell said. "That ended up being kind of a disappointment. But the good news is that tablets are getting faster very quickly, so I think we'll get the kind of performance we want and other game developers want in the near future."

Dota 2 will come to PC and Mac at a future date that is sooner than originally planned, but still unannounced.

JoystiqValve tried Dota 2 on tablets, they ended up being 'a disappointment' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2gabe-newellmacmobilepctablettestvalveMon, 10 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve partners with Nexon to bring Dota 2 to Japan and Korea]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/valve-partners-with-nexon-to-bring-dota-2-to-japan-and-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/valve-partners-with-nexon-to-bring-dota-2-to-japan-and-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/valve-partners-with-nexon-to-bring-dota-2-to-japan-and-korea/#comments Valve partners with Nexon to bring Dota 2 to Japan and KoreaOnline game publisher Nexon has announced that it's teaming up with Valve to bring the free-to-play Dota 2 to the Japanese and Korean markets. Dota 2 is of course based on a Warcraft 3 mod named Defense of the Ancients, and the multiplayer online battle arena style of gameplay, inspired by real-time strategy games, will likely appeal very much to those overseas markets. Valve's Gabe Newell says, according to the press release, that "partnering with Nexon will allow us to deliver Dota 2 to a massive audience of Asian gamers via a premium service."

Dota 2's competitor League of Legends has already been enormously popular in Korea, with a South Korean team nabbing the world title at the last championships. So Valve is likely expecting a lot from Nexon, in terms of delivering the game to these new markets. Dota 2 is currently in closed beta and heading toward a free-to-play launch soon.

JoystiqValve partners with Nexon to bring Dota 2 to Japan and Korea originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2gabe-newellicefrogjapankoreamarketsnexonoverseaspcvalveSun, 11 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Surviving the basics of DOTA 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/surviving-the-basics-of-dota-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/surviving-the-basics-of-dota-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/surviving-the-basics-of-dota-2/#comments DOTA 2 is Valve's updated version of the classic WarCraft 3 custom map Defense of the Ancients, known colloquially as DotA. Though the game is currently in development and still carries the beta label, DOTA 2 has become an addiction for some for nearly a year, including myself.

The original DotA mod is credited with launching the multiplayer online battle arena genre (MOBA), spawning multiple titles, including League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth, Bloodline Champions, Awesomenauts, and even the shooter Super Monday Night Combat. After a legal battle over the DOTA name, Blizzard and Valve have settled. Blizzard's own MOBA title - now named Blizzard All-Stars - remains in development and has been playable at a number of events.

Although League of Legends was created by two of the original curators of the Defense of the Ancients mod, it was a man known "IceFrog" that helped bring DotA into the height of its popularity as a mod. Now working at Valve, Abdul "Icefrog" Ismail and a team of developers have been tasked with injecting the classic mod into the malleable Source Engine with hopes to deliver a new experience with fresh artwork, effects, and features not originally possible within WarCraft 3.

The highly competitive game gets swarms of new beta users on a regular basis and its pending official launch will pile more into Valve's latest game. For those new users to Valve's free-to-play MOBA experience, we offer this breakdown of what the game is about and what strategies you should employ to be successful.

Gallery: Dota 2 (11/8/12)

Continue reading Surviving the basics of DOTA 2

JoystiqSurviving the basics of DOTA 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beginners-Guidedota-2pcValveThu, 08 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[League of Legends 'Honor' system is now live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/league-of-legends-honor-system-is-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/league-of-legends-honor-system-is-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/league-of-legends-honor-system-is-now-live/#comments League of Legends 'Honor' system is now liveRiot Games has added a feature called "Honor" to its popular online PvP game, League of Legends, partially in the hopes of solving the issue of community management. Honor is something that players will be able to distribute amongst each other after every matchmaking game. After finishing matches, players will be able to award either their teammates or opponents with Honor for being friendly, helpful, or for showing great teamwork in the game they just played.

Honor is "not a currency," says Riot (and it can't be traded or spammed), but it will be used to recognize worthy players over time, and the company says it is looking into possible "bonuses for the most Honorable summoners." For a long time, League of Legends players have been able to "report" each other for negative actions like being offensive or leaving a game early, but Honor seems designed to go the other way and reward positive actions instead. It remains to be seen how it will play out in the future. Riot is experimenting here, to see how players use the system before it's fully implemented.

Valve's Dota 2 also has some innovative social features planned, including a reward system like this for working together with other players in the game. These MOBA games are very complicated to play, and so companies like Riot and Valve are doing their best to get players to work together and create a solid community, rather than lose new players to widespread offensive behavior.

JoystiqLeague of Legends 'Honor' system is now live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitydota-2honorleague-of-legendslolpcMon, 01 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iG wins DOTA 2 International, takes home a million dollars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/ig-wins-dota-2-international-takes-home-a-million-dollars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/ig-wins-dota-2-international-takes-home-a-million-dollars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/ig-wins-dota-2-international-takes-home-a-million-dollars/#comments DOTA 2 isn't even available for real yet, but there are already massive competitions in it, which strikes us as insane.

The Grand Final of the International 2012 tournament took place over the weekend, awarding Chinese team Invictus Gaming (above) $1,000,000 for successfully defeating Natus Vincere in a best-of-five battle. NaVi gets $250k, which seems like great compensation for being good at a game.

The video is not available yet, but soon you'll be able to go here to watch all the matches, and to prepare yourself for when DOTA 2 is out of beta.

JoystiqiG wins DOTA 2 International, takes home a million dollars originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2dota-2-championshipspcthe-international-2012Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Valve's Dota 2 championships begin prelims today, watch live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/26/psa-valves-dota-2-championships-begin-prelims-today-watch-liv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/26/psa-valves-dota-2-championships-begin-prelims-today-watch-liv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/26/psa-valves-dota-2-championships-begin-prelims-today-watch-liv/#comments PSA Dota 2 championships begin preliminary rounds today, watch liveThe International Dota 2 Championships begin today with preliminary rounds, running through August 28. The preliminary rounds don't eliminate any teams, but they decide the seed for the main competition starting Friday, August 31, at PAX Prime. The International runs through September 2, offering a first-place prize of $1 million.

The preliminary rounds begin at 9 a.m. PDT each day from August 26 - 28, while the main event will begin at 10 a.m. PDT August 31 - September 2. Watch all the action of the preliminary rounds here, with main event streams to be posted as those games start.

JoystiqPSA: Valve's Dota 2 championships begin prelims today, watch live originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2dota-2-championshipspax-2012pax-prime-2012pcthe-internationalthe-international-2012valveSun, 26 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DOTA 2 gets a spectator client]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/dota-2-gets-a-spectator-client/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/dota-2-gets-a-spectator-client/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/dota-2-gets-a-spectator-client/#comments DOTA 2 gets a spectator clientToday, every Steam user can install a free spectator app for DOTA 2. The spectator app lets you watch any recent or live matches, plus all of the upcoming matches going down as part of The International tournament.

You'll be able to check out DOTA 2 matches from the perspective of players, or via a directed view of the match, complete with commentary. Eventually the spectator client will be rolled into the final game client ,once DOTA 2 officially launches. The spectator client is a standalone app for the time being.

JoystiqDOTA 2 gets a spectator client originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2pcspectatorsteamvalveMon, 20 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve's film project is a DOTA 2 documentary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/valve-dota-2-documentary/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/valve-dota-2-documentary/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/valve-dota-2-documentary/#comments

During tonight's Valve-centric episode of GTTV, head honcho Gabe Newell revealed information on an upcoming documentary that Valve is producing. This documentary will focus on Dota 2 and several players on the pro circuit as they attempt to win The International tournament going on later this month during PAX Prime.

The teaser trailer above focuses on three different individuals from different parts of the world, and not only what it takes for them to pursue excellence in competition, but also their families and how they're dealing with it all.

JoystiqValve's film project is a DOTA 2 documentary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 02:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>documentarydota-2pcvalvevalve-softwareFri, 17 Aug 2012 02:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 enhances support for competitive play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/dota-2-enhances-support-for-competitive-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/dota-2-enhances-support-for-competitive-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/dota-2-enhances-support-for-competitive-play/#comments Dota 2 competitive play esports something somethingValve is adding new tournament-focused features to the DOTA 2 beta, intended to make the game more attractive and user-friendly for competitive players (and open up a new source of revenue from spectators).

In addition to improved support for teams, including additional stats, team matchmaking, and logos, the new update adds a "Tournament View" feature that allows fans to pay to watch current and past tournaments from within the game. "For the tournaments you've purchased," the Dota Team explains, "you'll find a complete breakdown of the tournament's matches, and be able to quickly jump in and watch them in your game client (whether it's a live match, or a replay)."

DOTA 2 is now officially the weirdest free-to-play game ever. It's free to play, but you can buy into the beta before launch, and you can now pay to watch other people play it.

JoystiqDota 2 enhances support for competitive play originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2esportspctournamentsvalveWed, 20 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DOTA 2 update adds custom UI layouts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/dota-2-update-adds-custom-ui-layouts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/dota-2-update-adds-custom-ui-layouts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/dota-2-update-adds-custom-ui-layouts/#comments DOTA 2 update adds custom UI layouts, enhanced Aghanim's Scepter tooltipPC gaming and UI customization go together like chocolate and peanut butter, or Nutella and literally anything else on the planet. It makes sense, then, that Valve would introduce the ability to completely customize DOTA 2's grid interface. Once created, players can export and share interface configurations they're especially proud of.

The mouse-over text of the image above was originally "don't do this," so we assume that Valve's example isn't necessarily a paragon of intuitive interface design from which to extrapolate ideas. A complete list of the other, much more esoteric changes included with this patch can be found here.

JoystiqDOTA 2 update adds custom UI layouts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customizationdota-2patchpcUIupdatevalveMon, 18 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve has an economist now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/valve-has-an-economist-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/valve-has-an-economist-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/valve-has-an-economist-now/#comments Valve now has its own economist yes, reallyEconomist Yanis Varoufakis was analyzing the financial crisis in Europe, focusing on Greece, when he got a proposal seemingly out of nowhere. Valve co-founder Gabe Newell saw similarities between the situation in Europe and Valve's troubles with its own virtual economies (for DOTA 2 and Team Fortress 2, presumably.)

"Here at my company we were discussing an issue of linking economies in two virtual environments (creating a shared currency), and wrestling with some of the thornier problems of balance of payments," Newell said in an email to Varoufakis, "when it occurred to me 'this is Germany and Greece', a thought that wouldn't have occurred to me without having followed your blog. Rather than continuing to run an emulator of you in my head, I thought I'd check to see if we couldn't get the real you interested in what we are doing."

Varoufakis stopped by Valve HQ during a speaking tour and became excited about the possibility of researching a digital, fully recordable economy. "Think of it," he said, "An economy where every action leaves a digital trail, every transaction is recorded; indeed, an economy where we do not need statistics since we have all the data!" And now he's writing a weekly blog called Valve Economics. Unless, of course, he decides to do something else.

JoystiqValve has an economist now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2economicseconomistteam-fortress-2valvevalve-economicsyanis-varoufakisFri, 15 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DOTA 2 is free to play, 'DOTA Store' open now and selling beta access]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/dota-2-is-free-to-play-dota-store-open-now-and-selling-beta-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/dota-2-is-free-to-play-dota-store-open-now-and-selling-beta-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/dota-2-is-free-to-play-dota-store-open-now-and-selling-beta-a/#comments ImageValve confirmed tonight that DOTA 2, its upcoming MOBA and guaranteed Basshunter reminder, will be free to play. But don't worry, you'll still spend plenty of money on it, as Valve simultaneously announced an in-game DOTA Store, which will sell items created both by Valve staff and by users in the Steam Workshop. The store will sell items, but not heroes - "We believe restricting player access to heroes could be destructive to game design, so it's something we plan to avoid," the team said on the official site.

The store opened tonight, and offers a $39.99 "Early Access Bundle" of in-game items that also lets the buyer into the ongoing beta. It'll be free to play when the game officially launches this year, but you can buy access to it now. That's something to think about tonight.

Continue reading DOTA 2 is free to play, 'DOTA Store' open now and selling beta access

JoystiqDOTA 2 is free to play, 'DOTA Store' open now and selling beta access originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadotadota-2dota-storefree-to-playpcvalveThu, 31 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/#comments Blizzard has dropped a short-and-sweet press release (reprinted below) informing us that it has landed on a "mutual agreement" with Valve regarding the contested "DOTA" trademark. DOTA, of course, stands for "Defense of the Ancients," which is a fanmade map and mode for Blizzard's Warcraft 3, originally based on a Starcraft map. Developer "IceFrog," who's overseen the DOTA map since 2005, has gone to work for Valve on DOTA 2, while Blizzard has been working on its official variation of the game, previously called Blizzard DOTA.

The mutual agreement means that Valve will get the rights to use the "DOTA" trademark commercially, so DOTA 2's name won't change. Blizzard reserves the right for fans to use the trademark noncommercially, but will give up the DOTA name for its official variant. That game will instead be called Blizzard All-Stars, "which ultimately better reflects the design of our game," said Blizzard executive VP Rob Pardo. "We look forward to going into more detail on that at a later date."

Valve's Gabe Newell also gave comment, saying that Valve is "pleased that we could come to an agreement with Blizzard without drawing things out in a way that would benefit no one." Blizzard All-Stars doesn't have a release date yet, and DOTA 2 is due out next year.

Continue reading Blizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars

JoystiqBlizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementblizzardblizzard-all-starsblizzard-dotadotadota-2gabe-newellnoncommercialpcrob-pardotrademarkvalveFri, 11 May 2012 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[The International Dota 2 Championships invade PAX Prime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/the-international-dota-2-championships-invade-pax-prime/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/the-international-dota-2-championships-invade-pax-prime/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/the-international-dota-2-championships-invade-pax-prime/#comments ImageValve's International Dota 2 Championships 2012 will be held at PAX Prime in Seattle, running August 31 through September 2. The International kicked off last year at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, with the winning team, Ukraine's Na'vi, walking away with $1 million.

Na'vi has received an invitation to defend its title, along with Chinese team DK; 16 teams will compete overall. The International will be broadcast for free in multiple languages, and Valve will release information about obtaining tickets in the coming weeks.

Continue reading The International Dota 2 Championships invade PAX Prime

JoystiqThe International Dota 2 Championships invade PAX Prime originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2pax-prime-2012pcthe-internationalthe-international-2012valveThu, 10 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DOTA 2 patch files hint at microtransactions, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/dota-2-patch-files-hint-at-microtransactions-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/dota-2-patch-files-hint-at-microtransactions-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/dota-2-patch-files-hint-at-microtransactions-more/#comments As is their wont, players have been rustling through some of the test build files for Valve's upcoming Dota 2, and they've found signs of some interesting (but still unofficial) features already. First and foremost, Valve hasn't yet determined exactly what the monetization model for the game will be, but it seems microtransactions will be a part of that model, as there are various announcers (including Half-Life's Dr. Kleiner), character taunts and skins, new hero items, and a few other goodies that may be purchasable either with an in-game currency, or with real money.

There are also new kinds of couriers to buy (animal pets, basically, that will ferry items back and forth from your base), and there's one more consumable: Something called souls. A "Repentant Soul" will supposedly get players out of the "low priority punishment queue" when used, which suggests some sort of "pay or be punished" system. Gabe Newell mentioned just such a system last year, where he talked about Valve charging players "based on how much fun they are to play with." In other words, act stupid in game, get punished, and then you may have to pay your way out of jail.

Finally, "treasure caches" are mentioned in the files. They'll probably work the same way that Team Fortress 2's crates do, where you get items that need to be unlocked with a key. This is all good news for those waiting for Dota 2 -- since Valve said it wouldn't worry about monetization until the fun was in there first, the game must be almost done, right?

JoystiqDOTA 2 patch files hint at microtransactions, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcerscratesdota-2dr-kleineritemslootmicrotransactionspcsalesskinstreasure-cachesvalveThu, 22 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard taking Valve to court over 'DOTA' trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/blizzard-taking-valve-to-court-over-dota-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/blizzard-taking-valve-to-court-over-dota-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/blizzard-taking-valve-to-court-over-dota-trademark/#comments Which giant company has the rights to the fan-created, community-promoted word "Dota?" That's up to the courts now. Blizzard has filed a Notice of Opposition with the US Patent and Trademark Office, seeking to block Valve's registration of the word. The word has been used exclusively in reference to a (mod of a) Blizzard game, the document explains. "By virtue of that use, the DOTA mark has become firmly associated in the mind of consumers with Blizzard, including to signify a highly popular scenario or variant of one of Blizzard's best-selling computer games, Warcraft III."

Valve, the document goes on to claim, hasn't used the word for anything yet. There's also a lot of history of Warcraft III, which is a really strange thing to read in a legal document. The case is in discovery now, with pretrial procedures taking place throughout this year and into next. We hope this court proceeding doesn't delay either of the games, as those companies are quite capable of delaying their games on their own.

JoystiqBlizzard taking Valve to court over 'DOTA' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzard-dotadotadota-2legalpctrademarkunited-states-patent-and-trademark-officeusptovalveFri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GlaDOS' voice will return in Dota 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/glados-voice-will-return-in-dota-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/glados-voice-will-return-in-dota-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/glados-voice-will-return-in-dota-2/#comments Ellen McLain, the voice of none other than Portal 2's GlaDOS, was probably the most charming celebrity to stroll down the red carpet at the Spike Video Game Awards. Sure, the reality show stars and athletes may have attracted more attention, but McLain was all smiles as she used her operatic voice to talk about how great the limo ride to the show was. "This is so funny," she laughed, "the last time I was in a limo was in LA in 1981 with Rex Harrison! So only thirty years later, I have my second limo ride!"

McLain said she too has been charmed, by the fan response to her popular character. "I love the way the fans are wondering who is Chell, is Chell the offspring of GlaDOS and Cave Johnson, all this stuff. And I also think that the Portal games have drawn a lot of young women into gaming." She said that she and husband John Patrick Lowrie, who also does voices for Valve's games, have "gone to some fancons, and the women are so excited, they come in and they're either dressed up like Chell or they're dressed up like GlaDOS."

And we haven't heard the last of McLain yet. "Eric Wolpaw told me in the limo," she said, "that it has been announced, John and I have both done voices for Dota 2. So we're going to be in there."

"There are a lot of characters in Dota 2," confirmed Lowrie. "There are like 100 characters, so we've done quite a few of them."

JoystiqGlaDOS' voice will return in Dota 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2ellen-mcclaineric-wolpawjohn-patrick-lowriemicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2ps3spike-vga-2011valvevgasxboxSun, 11 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More Dota 2 beta invites going out this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/more-dota-2-beta-invites-going-out-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/more-dota-2-beta-invites-going-out-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/more-dota-2-beta-invites-going-out-this-week/#comments If you haven't already thrown your name in the ring for the Dota 2 beta test, you might want to do so in the next couple ... seconds. Valve has announced that a new wave of beta invites would be sent out this week to select participants who have filled out this Steam survey.

Don't forget: If you get picked to test the game, you'll get two extra downloads of the beta to distribute to your friends. As it stands, your best bet isn't to apply for the beta yourself, but just, you know, be really popular.

JoystiqMore Dota 2 beta invites going out this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testdota-2pcsteamvalveWed, 02 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 photo contest winners announced, spectator mode detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/dota-2-photo-contest-winners-announced-spectator-mode-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/dota-2-photo-contest-winners-announced-spectator-mode-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/dota-2-photo-contest-winners-announced-spectator-mode-detailed/#comments Poor wizard
Remember Steven Addison, the guy who got his username onto a giant billboard to win Dota 2 beta access? Well, it worked! Icefrog has revealed the winners of the Dota 2 photo contest, and Addison is on the list with the photo above. There are plenty of great entries - we're awfully partial to this one - which you can peruse on the PlayDota forums.

In other news, the Dota 2 blog has posted quite a bit of info on the game's spectator system. While it will obviously allow players to view match replays, it sounds like it includes a lot of customizable functionality as well. Players will be able to filter replays by certain characters, certain players (friends, pros, etc) and even certain skill levels.

For example, if you're trying to learn how to use a certain character, you could search for a replay of a high level player who uses said character. Viewers can even see a replay from a particular player's perspective, including "the player's mouse cursor and input, their camera work, their HUD, their interaction with UI elements, and so on." It sounds like spectator mode could be a great resource for new players and anyone looking to improve their game.

JoystiqDota 2 photo contest winners announced, spectator mode detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2icefrogmacpcvalveFri, 07 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Dota 2 fan set up a billboard to win a beta key]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/this-dota-2-fan-set-up-a-billboard-to-win-a-beta-key/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/this-dota-2-fan-set-up-a-billboard-to-win-a-beta-key/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/this-dota-2-fan-set-up-a-billboard-to-win-a-beta-key/#comments One Dota 2 fan wanted to win a beta key in a big way in Valve's recent photo contest -- like, really big. The rules stipulated entrants submit a photograph of themselves "holding a sign that reads 'Dota 2' and your 'PlayDotA.com Username' in any creative fashion," and that the image had to be larger than 600x400 px. So Steven Addison put his image on a billboard, because that's what sane people do to get beta keys.

Placing an ad on an electronic billboard in Addison's neighborhood normally costs $3,000. Addison and his friend wanted to use the billboard in a student film as well, and after Addison explained their situation, a kind Clear Channel man offered him a small amount of air time for free. We're very happy to hear that, because compared to the other submissions, even $20 seems like too much to have invested in this contest.

[Thanks, Barnz!]

JoystiqThis Dota 2 fan set up a billboard to win a beta key originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaBillboardcontestdota-2pcSteven-AddisonvalveSun, 02 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 launch moved up to satisfy seething fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/dota-2-launch-moved-up-to-satisfy-seething-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/dota-2-launch-moved-up-to-satisfy-seething-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/dota-2-launch-moved-up-to-satisfy-seething-fans/#comments Valve Software has plans to launch Dota 2 in some form much sooner than originally intended. "We're going to take the current version of Dota 2, which has The International set of heroes, and get it out there as fast as we can," project lead Abdul "Icefrog" Ismail said in a Dota 2 blog post.

The team had originally planned on "adding new features and slowly growing the number of heroes until we reached a level of parity with Dota 1" before launching the pseudo-sequel, but is moving the launch up in order to satisfy player demand. Regular post-launch updates are still planned.

Icefrog additionally notes that the game will remain "invite only" for the time being, though he's hoping to minimize that period. It's still unclear whether Dota 2 will launch as a free-to-play title like competitor League of Legends, but it seems we'll find out much sooner than later.

JoystiqDota 2 launch moved up to satisfy seething fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abdul-icefrog-ismailabdul-ismaildota-2icefrogmacpcq4-2011release-datevalvevalve-softwareFri, 23 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Dota 2 client leaked, contains 'ep3' code]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/rumor-dota-2-client-leaked-features-ep3-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/rumor-dota-2-client-leaked-features-ep3-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/rumor-dota-2-client-leaked-features-ep3-code/#comments You'll forgive us if we're highly speculative about code supposedly unearthed from the leaked beta client for Valve's upcoming action RTS, Dota 2. It supposedly includes information from a folder named "ep3." Now wait a minute, stop huffing -- we know, we know -- and hear us out. As reported by Valve fan site Lambda Generation, the Dota 2 beta client has apparently leaked via Vietnam, and eager fans datamined the code for info, apparently plundering a string of code regarding something called "ep3."

As you might imagine, both the dataminers and gaming websites are saying the folder pertains to the comically nebulous Half-Life 2: Episode 3, with the code pointing to two weapons -- an ice gun and a flamethrower -- as well as three "weaponizers" (concrete, liquid, and metal). But wait, why would Valve leave code for another one of its projects in the beta code for Dota 2, especially a project that it refuses to acknowledge exists? In short, Valve's done some similarly cheeky things in the past to promote its games, albeit not nearly as deep as this would be. We've reached out to Valve for word, but don't expect to hear anything official.

JoystiqRumor: Dota 2 client leaked, contains 'ep3' code originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadota-2episode-3Half-Life-2half-life-2-episode-3HL2macpcvalvevalve-softwareTue, 20 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabe Newell on monetization before game design (spoiler: it stinks!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/gabe-newell-on-monetization-before-game-design-spoiler-it-stin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/gabe-newell-on-monetization-before-game-design-spoiler-it-stin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/gabe-newell-on-monetization-before-game-design-spoiler-it-stin/#comments Valve Software's upcoming "Action RTS," Dota 2 doesn't have a business model just yet. Valve co-founder and president Gabe Newell says he hasn't even begun thinking about the pricing model. "The primary focus for us at this point is not worrying about monetization, and it's instead worrying about getting the game right," he explains in an interview with Gamasutra.

Rather, he explains that his company's goal at the moment is "on building something that cool" for the legion of hardcore MOBA fans, "and then we'll worry about monetization ... we're not going to worry about that until later." Further pressing the point, Newell adds, "Premature monetization is the root of all evil."

As the interviewer suggests, however, real world economics force many developers to consider monetization models from the design level. Newell sees this more simply. "I think not sucking is way more of an important thing to pay attention to first," he adds, referencing the Dota 2 model of extensive playtesting and iteration before discussing a financial strategy -- a development ideology that works for a successful company like Valve, but may not be possible (or of interest) to other studios. It is a position we can get behind, however.

JoystiqGabe Newell on monetization before game design (spoiler: it stinks!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2gabe-newellmacmonetizationpcvalvevalve-softwareTue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming for the gold: Na'vi take the first International Dota 2 Championships title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/gaming-for-the-gold-navi-take-the-first-international-dota-2-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/gaming-for-the-gold-navi-take-the-first-international-dota-2-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/gaming-for-the-gold-navi-take-the-first-international-dota-2-c/#comments Pay homage to the kings of the International Dota 2 Championships, Na'vi! These six Ukrainian studs won $1 million over the five-day tournament held at Gamescom, followed by China's Ehome, who landed in second place. The top eight teams competed bravely, so show some respect as follows:

1. Na'vi - $1 million
2. Ehome - $250,000
3. Scythe.SG - $150,000
4. MYM - $80,000
5. (tied) M5, iG - $35,000 each
7. (tied) OK.Nirvana.int, Mith-Trust - $25,000 each

Handing out over $1.5 million to the people who love your game enough to make it a career seems like a wonderful advertising strategy from Valve. Maybe eventually it'll be altered to include people who love Valve's games but have day jobs too. Maybe.

[Thanks, Aibbi!]

JoystiqGaming for the gold: Na'vi take the first International Dota 2 Championships title originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-moneychampionshipsdota-2EHOMEgamescom-2011navipcthe-internationalvalveSun, 21 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Dota 2 International Championships finals begin (early) Sunday morning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/psa-dota-2-international-championships-finals-begin-early-sun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/psa-dota-2-international-championships-finals-begin-early-sun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/psa-dota-2-international-championships-finals-begin-early-sun/#comments The International Dota 2 Championships will crown a victor Sunday, starting at 9 a.m. GMT (5 a.m. EDT), broadcast live via the official tournament site. Teams Ehome and Sythe.SG will battle in the loser's bracket for the chance to face team Na'vi for a $1 million first prize. Even "losers" in the International Championships end up winners in our eyes, with second place earning $250,000, third $150,000, and down all the way through eighth place's $25,000. It's just like T-ball, but more lucrative.

Continue reading PSA: Dota 2 International Championships finals begin (early) Sunday morning

JoystiqPSA: Dota 2 International Championships finals begin (early) Sunday morning originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championshipsdota-2ehomegamescom-2011Navipcsythe.sgthe-internationalvalveSun, 21 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Dota 2 match replays online and available to watch right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/psa-dota-2-match-replays-online-and-available-to-watch-right-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/psa-dota-2-match-replays-online-and-available-to-watch-right-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/psa-dota-2-match-replays-online-and-available-to-watch-right-no/#comments
Just a matter of days ago, we had generally no idea what Dota 2 played or looked like, and now Valve has posted full high definition replays for most of the Radiant vs. Dire matches from its "The International" tournament going on at Gamescom. Just click "View (Replay)" on the tournament match page to watch. If you turn up the resolution and send it fullscreen, it's almost like you're actually playing the game.

The video confirms most of what we knew about the game itself: It includes "denying" (which DotA successors like League of Legends have tried to eliminate), all the old heroes are along for the ride, and it generally plays just like the old DotA, though with much better graphics.

Not shown in the videos are the game's extensive social features - that will apparently have to wait until we can get ourselves into the beta and check them all out.

JoystiqPSA: Dota 2 match replays online and available to watch right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denyingdotadota-2gameplaygamescom-2011macmatchespcthe-internationalvalveWed, 17 Aug 2011 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 beta starting soon, game launch targeted for this year [update: Newell says 2012]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/dota-2-beta-starting-soon-game-launch-targeted-for-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/dota-2-beta-starting-soon-game-launch-targeted-for-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/dota-2-beta-starting-soon-game-launch-targeted-for-this-year/#comments Following yesterday's announcement of the Dota 2 public beta, Valve informed us today that the stress testing should begin "a few weeks following Gamescom," the mega-sized games convention currently taking place in Germany.

A Valve representative also told us that the company is targeting the Dota 2 launch for the end of this year, but it could be early next. Steam users who registered should keep an eye out for an invite to the beta shortly.

Update: Speaking to Eurogamer, Valve boss Gabe Newell stated that he doesn't believe Dota 2 will ship until 2012

Gallery: DOTA 2 (Pre-Gamescom Leak)

JoystiqDota 2 beta starting soon, game launch targeted for this year [update: Newell says 2012] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadota-2gamescom-2011pcValveWed, 17 Aug 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 beta registration now open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/dota-2-beta-registration-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/dota-2-beta-registration-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/dota-2-beta-registration-now-open/#comments Dota 2 beta registration now open on Steam Valve has posted information about "The International" Dota 2 tournament going on at Gamescom this week, but a bunch of news about lucky Gamescom attendees playing the game isn't nearly as exciting as, you know, playing the game yourself. Along with the tourney schedule, Valve has opened up beta registration to the public for Dota 2. To sign up, all you need to do is head over to the Dota 2 page, sign into Steam and then click "Get on the List" to join.

Unfortunately, there's no information about just when the beta will be happening or even how players will be chosen to participate, but since there will likely be a lot of people watching the livestream from Gamescom this week, Valve is likely just grabbing names and Steam accounts of interested parties while it can. Here's hoping you get in and play - but not before we do.

JoystiqDota 2 beta registration now open originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadotadota-2gamescom-2011macpcregistrationthe-internationaltournamentvalveTue, 16 Aug 2011 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 Gamescom trailer ponders the nature of heroism [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/dota-2-gamescom-trailer-ponders-the-nature-of-heroism/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/dota-2-gamescom-trailer-ponders-the-nature-of-heroism/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/dota-2-gamescom-trailer-ponders-the-nature-of-heroism/#comments
The International is right around the corner, and in order to get you hyped up for the global public debut of Dota 2, Valve has a question for you: "What does a hero truly need?"

If you listen to the gorgeously animated wizard/wiseman in the trailer above, a hero's needs depend on their circumstances. Archers may need speed, warriors may need strength, and floaty lightning people obviously need floaty lightning. If you listen to the millions of people anxiously awaiting the start of Gamescom, however, the answer is "immediate, total and unending access to this game."

Update: Proving once again that it's impossible to keep something this big under wraps, the deep, dark bowels of the internet have regurgitated these purported in-game screenshots. It's important to note that the veracity of these screens is still uncertain, and that we won't truly know how the game looks until later this week. For now though, let your feverish, detail-starved eyes feast.

Gallery: DOTA 2 (Pre-Gamescom Leak)

JoystiqDota 2 Gamescom trailer ponders the nature of heroism [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dotadota-2Gamescomgamescom-2011macpcValvevalve-softwareMon, 15 Aug 2011 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve to host 'The International' at Gamescom, a million-dollar Dota 2 tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/valve-to-host-the-international-at-gamescom-a-million-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/valve-to-host-the-international-at-gamescom-a-million-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/valve-to-host-the-international-at-gamescom-a-million-dollar/#comments Selling virtual hats must have ended up being a fairly lucrative business venture, as Valve announced today that it will use the upcoming Gamescom trade show to host "The International," a Dota 2 tournament with a million-dollar first-place prize. Let that sink in for a second. A million dollars.

To put that in perspective, the first-place prize for Starcraft 2 at last weekend's Major League Gaming Pro Circuit was 5 percent of that at $50,000. According to Valve, "the 16 best Dota teams in the world" will compete in a "group stage, double elimination playoff format" competition over the duration of the show. The tournament will also serve as the controversial action-RTS' public debut, and what better way to get some attention than makin' it rain? When asked to comment, Gabe Newell paused briefly in quiet contemplation before eating a handful of real diamonds.

Continue reading Valve to host 'The International' at Gamescom, a million-dollar Dota 2 tournament

JoystiqValve to host 'The International' at Gamescom, a million-dollar Dota 2 tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-million-dollarsdotadota-2gamescomgamescom-2011germanymacpcpro-gamingtournamentValveMon, 01 Aug 2011 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam streamlines updates and downloads with new content delivery system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/steam-streamlines-updates-and-downloads-with-new-content-deliver/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/steam-streamlines-updates-and-downloads-with-new-content-deliver/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/steam-streamlines-updates-and-downloads-with-new-content-deliver/#comments Steam is cleaning the gunk out of its gears with a new content delivery system, upgrading its download rates and streamlining its publishing process. The new system boasts a larger aggregate bandwidth, meaning Steam will be able to more easily cater to large demands worldwide, and an HTTP delivery system.

Updates are getting tuned up in a big way -- instead of re-downloading an entire file to install one update, the new system will only download the changes made to the file, because that's what an update means. It will also be possible to update to a game while playing it.

Valve has written new tools for developers and publishers to simplify their behind-the-scenes processes and ship products faster, promising that publisher-side updates will also be streamlined, which is something EA in particular has been quietly vocal about changing. The new system will be applied to "more and more" content over time, beginning "soon" with the release of Dota 2 later this year. You can try it out now by downloading an HD trailer from the Steam Store.

JoystiqSteam streamlines updates and downloads with new content delivery system originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2macpcSTEAMupdateupdate-upgradeupgradevalveSat, 16 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamescom 2011 exhibitors revealed, Valve on board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gamescom-2011-exhibitors-revealed-valve-on-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gamescom-2011-exhibitors-revealed-valve-on-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gamescom-2011-exhibitors-revealed-valve-on-board/#comments Europe's Gamescom 2011 convention is starting to take shape, with a hefty list of exhibitors revealed by GameCloud. The list includes most of the major players from E3, including Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Capcom, EA. Activision was notably absent from the list, which is odd given that it usually attends the convention. Gamescom will also be sporting some exhibitors not seen at E3, chief among them being Valve and NCSoft.

Just what Valve has planned is anyone's guess. Dota 2, perhaps (we've heard it's kind of a big deal over there). NCSoft, on the other hand, is almost certain to show off its upcoming MMO, Guild Wars 2. Rest assured, we'll be on hand to see what the fuss is about.

JoystiqGamescom 2011 exhibitors revealed, Valve on board originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2dsgamescom-2011Guild-Wars-2macmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 17 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve shares some insight into Dota 2's development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/09/valve-shares-some-insight-into-dota-2s-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/09/valve-shares-some-insight-into-dota-2s-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/09/valve-shares-some-insight-into-dota-2s-development/#comments Turning a Warcraft 3 mod into a fully-fledged product is probably a tricky process, especially when that mod has a feverishly devoted fan base. Valve senior project manager Erik Johnson recently spoke to IGN about how the Dota 2 dev team is tiptoeing through this potential minefield, explaining that the core gameplay of the mod will remain unchanged. "We'd be pretty hard-pressed to improve on that," Johnson explained.

Valve's additions to the DotA formula will be largely cosmetic, focusing on "infrastructure, art, and providing helpful tools to newcomers so they can figure out what's going on." That seems like a good compromise -- keep the things that hardcore DotA fans already know and love, while giving a leg-up to people like us, who manage to lose DotA matches within mere milliseconds.

JoystiqValve shares some insight into Dota 2's development originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2icefrogpcstrategyvalvewarcraft-3Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 FAQ has Icefrog talking AI bots, replays and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/dota-2-faq-has-icefrog-talking-ai-bots-replays-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/dota-2-faq-has-icefrog-talking-ai-bots-replays-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/dota-2-faq-has-icefrog-talking-ai-bots-replays-and-more/#comments Icefrog himself has answered a set of frequently asked questions on Dota 2's official website, clarifying and detailing a few concerns players have had since the game's official announcement. Much of the questions revolve around players leaving games -- Valve has not only implemented an AI system to take over for missing players, but players will be able to have a "friend of similar skill level" jump in and take over if necessary, or simply jump into current games that are missing players. The bots will also be customizable, so if you want to play against an AI that tests a specific part of your game, like "denying, last hitting, and harassing," there will be specific configurations to challenge those.

Replays are also mentioned -- players will be able to examine games in progress from all sorts of angles, watching charts and graphs in real time as the game goes on. There will also be "commentating and editing" features for replays, and the game will make extensive use of the Steam Cloud, keeping keyboard preferences, replay files and other settings available from any computer.

Icefrog also says that there won't be any changes for the sake of change in the actual gameplay, and that he will continue development on the original Warcraft 3 mod "for as long as the community wants," but that Dota 2 "represents the long term future for the game." In that sense, Dota 2 sounds like a very direct translation of the original game, though Valve is sparing no expense in adding metagame features to make it a smoother experience for everyone.

JoystiqDota 2 FAQ has Icefrog talking AI bots, replays and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aidefense-of-the-ancientsdotadota-2icefrogpcreplaysvalveWed, 03 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's Pardo: 'DOTA' belongs to community, not Valve]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/blizzards-pardo-dota-belongs-to-community-not-valve/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/blizzards-pardo-dota-belongs-to-community-not-valve/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/blizzards-pardo-dota-belongs-to-community-not-valve/#comments Intra-industry sniping is, as any commenter will tell you, the fuel that powers the engine of gaming blogs. Imagine our disappointment, then, upon seeing Blizzard's design VP Rob Pardo being completely reasonable when he explained to Eurogamer why he thought Valve trademarking the word "DOTA" was a misstep. "DOTA" is, of course, short for "Defense of the Ancients," a WarCraft III variant created by the game's fan community. Valve recently announced it was working on a sequel to the mod, prompting them to file a trademark for the acronym (but not the full title) earlier this year.
"To us, that means that you're really taking it away from the Blizzard and Warcraft III community and that just doesn't seem the right thing to do. Valve is usually so pro mod community. It's such a community company that it just seems like a really strange move to us... I really don't understand why [they would do it], to be honest."
Pardo's sentiment echoes that of two of the original mod's designers, Steve "Pendragon" Mescon and Steve "Guinsoo" Feak, who spoke out against the trademark in August. Blizzard, for its part, is clearly undeterred by Valve's claim, as evidenced by the fact that it's currently fashioning a StarCraft II mod called "Blizzard Dota."

JoystiqBlizzard's Pardo: 'DOTA' belongs to community, not Valve originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-dotadotadota-2modspcrob-pardostarcraft-2valveMon, 25 Oct 2010 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Alleged Valve employee speaks out on DotA co-developer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/alleged-valve-employee-speaks-out-on-dota-co-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/alleged-valve-employee-speaks-out-on-dota-co-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/alleged-valve-employee-speaks-out-on-dota-co-developer/#comments An alleged Valve employee seeking to air grievances with his employer and one specific employee has taken to an anonymous blog titled "The Truth About IceFrog." In it, the person -- supposedly working on "an unrelated project" from "IceFrog" -- describes not just a poor working environment with the Defense of the Ancients co-developer (whose real name is said to be Abdul Ismail), but also details "something fishy" regarding his past.

Though "IceFrog" apparently told colleagues and Valve execs he never worked at S2 Games -- developers of Heroes of Newerth, a DotA clone -- a handful of online evidence suggests he did at one point (DotA co-developer Steve "Pendragon" Mescon even outright states as much). Furthermore, the anonymous blogger likens "IceFrog's" actions to being "the CEO of McDonald's (DOTA) looking for a job at Burger King (Riot Games), then working for Fatburger (S2 Games), then quitting and going to work for Wendy's (Valve) but outright lying to Wendy's (Valve) of involvement with ANY previous employer," adding, "In the corporate world, this would be the equivalent of stealing trade secrets." As announced this morning, "IceFrog" is currently working on Dota 2 for Valve.

When we contacted S2 Games to confirm whether or not a man named Abdul Ismail or "IceFrog" ever worked there, we were repeatedly told, "No comment." Valve representatives didn't mince words, saying only, "It's fake," while League of Legends developer Riot Games offered, "At no time did Abdul Ismail, or anyone known as 'IceFrog,' work at or for Riot Games in any capacity." Now if you don't mind us, we can't fight the sudden urge for a fast food burger. If you've got first-hand knowledge regarding any of the accusations, feel free to drop us a line.

JoystiqAlleged Valve employee speaks out on DotA co-developer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abdul-icefrog-ismailabdul-ismaildefense-of-the-ancientsdota-2heroes-of-newerthicefrogleague-of-legendsmacpcpendragonriot-gamess2-gamessteve-mesconsteve-pendragon-mesconvalvevalve-softwareWed, 13 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 detailed, includes all 100+ characters and new social features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/dota-2-detailed-includes-all-100-characters-and-new-social-fea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/dota-2-detailed-includes-all-100-characters-and-new-social-fea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/dota-2-detailed-includes-all-100-characters-and-new-social-fea/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Valve's newly announced Dota 2 will bring back all of the WarCraft 3 mod's hundred-plus heroes, and bring some new social features in as well. A writeup over at Game Informer says that Valve is updating its Steamworks system specifically for the game, and in addition to including in-game features like the ability to point out and recommend certain strategies and items for beginning players, veterans will get rewarded for helping outside of the game as well, by writing and editing strategy guides and tips. There will also be an in-game coaching system available with voice chat and screen sharing, all designed to help a wider audience adapt to the hardcore world of "action RTS" gameplay.

As for gameplay, there will be still only one map to play on, though there will be different match types available, some added after launch. "Denying" is in -- DoTA remake League of Legends decided not to include the controversial mechanic in its gameplay, but Valve's version will let you kill your own creeps to prevent the enemy from getting XP. And AI bots will be available, but not for a full singleplayer experience, just to fill in when human players drop out or aren't around.

Graphics will of course be updated -- GI says Valve has "a sizable art team" working on the game, and there are other design tweaks as well, like the environments getting the saturation tuned down so players can focus on the gameplay. Characters will have all new voicework, too, and not just toss out one-liners in certain situations, but sometimes even interact when they have a past with one of their teammates or opponents (we already know who one of those voices will be). And Valve promises the game will get the same community support as its other titles like Team Fortress 2, including possibly more hat-related shenanigans.

It all sounds quite fun. Too bad we have to wait until 2011 to actually sit in Ventrilo Valve's own voice chat, and play Dota.

JoystiqDota 2 detailed, includes all 100+ characters and new social features originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defense-of-the-ancientsdotadota-2game-informericefrogmacpcvalveWed, 13 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST