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[Finally, those Maroon 5 songs you wanted are available in Rocksmith]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/finally-those-maroon-5-songs-you-wanted-are-available-in-rocksm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/finally-those-maroon-5-songs-you-wanted-are-available-in-rocksm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/finally-those-maroon-5-songs-you-wanted-are-available-in-rocksm/#commentsFinally those Maroon 5 songs you wanted are in Rocksmith on Steam Just in case the thing that prevented you from buying Rocksmith on Steam was the lack of Maroon 5 songs, we'll just remove that musical obstacle for you right here and now. Valve reports that "Misery," "She Will Be Loved," and "Harder to Breathe" have all been added to the game.

You can buy each song for $2.99, or pick them all up together for $7.99. Once purchased, you can play through the songs with a standard electric or bass guitar, and each song also adds a new authentic tone to play with on the game's Amp mode. Sweet Maroon 5-style haircuts are, unfortunately, sold separately.

JoystiqFinally, those Maroon 5 songs you wanted are available in Rocksmith originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadabledownloadable-contentguitarmaroon-5musicmusic-gamepcrocksmithsongssteamvalveTue, 14 May 2013 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Defiance team plans five DLC releases, first adds the Castithan race and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-team-plans-five-dlc-releases-first-adds-the-castithan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-team-plans-five-dlc-releases-first-adds-the-castithan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-team-plans-five-dlc-releases-first-adds-the-castithan/#commentsDefiance getting 5 DLC things, one looks like this Now that the MMO-slash-TV show Defiance has been launched, says executive producer Nathan Richardsson, things are about to really get good, in the form of five DLC releases later this year. He admits that fan response to the game has it pegged as "about as deep as a bag of chips but great fun," but adds that he'd "like to get to the two-bag of chip depth category or at least, add some salsas for various textures."

Most of those spices will come in the form of DLC, and Richardsson has outlined what the game's first addon, tentatively titled "Enter the Castithan," will look like. There will be three elements to it: Those who buy the downloadable content for $10 will get access to the Castithan playable race, along with a new outfit and vehicle, and a new story mission line and game mode. There will also be free content, including new weapons, a new PvP map called Military Academy, and some other game improvements. And then there will be new items in the store, including weapon mods, more vehicle versions, and the ability to change your character's customizations.

Richardsson says all future add-ons will have these paid, free, and store components, and the team's goal is to keep the updates and content flowing and focused on what players want. The first DLC release is expected to hit the game after a patch later on this month.

JoystiqDefiance team plans five DLC releases, first adds the Castithan race and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentdefiancedlcdownloadablef2pfree-to-playmicrosoftmmonathan-richardssonpcplaystationps3releasesyfytrion-worldstvxboxFri, 10 May 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kongregate adds downloadable, free games to browser-based roster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/kongregate-adds-downloadable-free-games-to-browser-based-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/kongregate-adds-downloadable-free-games-to-browser-based-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/kongregate-adds-downloadable-free-games-to-browser-based-roster/#comments Download games come to Kongregate Super Monday Night CombatKongregate now hosts downloadable, free games, as well as its standard fare of browser-based titles. The first three downloadable games on Kongregate are Super Monday Night Combat, Bomb Buddies and Smashmuck Champions, all available right now.

Kongregate will drop more downloadable games in the "coming weeks," and they are all integrated into existing social services. Players must sign into Kongregate to launch the games, and each one now available earns players 10 points.

"Our players are looking for increasingly sophisticated games," says Jim Greer, Kongregate CEO and co-founder. "Adding downloadable titles brings a new level of gaming to hardcore players looking for high-definition graphics with more options and content to select from."

What previously set Kongregate apart from digital distributors is its focus on in-browser entertainment. Now it's inching closer to Steam territory, but still has its own flair in offering only free games for download. It's kind of like a tomcat slowly slinking into another's alleyway, and now we just wait for the hissing to begin.

Continue reading Kongregate adds downloadable, free games to browser-based roster

JoystiqKongregate adds downloadable, free games to browser-based roster originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-baseddownloadablefreeKongregateKongregate-Arcadepcsuper-monday-night-combatSun, 02 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's AM2 fighting games arrive on XBLA and PSN next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/segas-am2-fighting-games-arrive-on-xbla-and-psn-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/segas-am2-fighting-games-arrive-on-xbla-and-psn-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/segas-am2-fighting-games-arrive-on-xbla-and-psn-next-week/#comments The official Sega blog says Fighting Vipers, Sonic the Fighters, and Virtua Fighter 2 (three classic fighting games made by Sega's legendary AM2 team) are all heading to Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network next week. Each games will include Achievements and Trophies, and support online multiplayer.

All three games are set to show up on PSN on November 27 in North America for $4.99 each, and on November 28 on Xbox Live for 400 MSP. Then, they'll finally appear on the PSN in Europe on December 5 for €4.49.

You'll find screenshots for each game in the gallery below, and hopefully that'll be enough to tide you over until you get to throw down again in these old-school fighters.

Gallery: Fighting Vipers (XBLA/PSN)


Gallery: Sonic the Fighters (XBLA/PSN)


Gallery: Virtua Fighter 2 (XBLA/PSN)

JoystiqSega's AM2 fighting games arrive on XBLA and PSN next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>am2downloadablefighting-vipersmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnreleaserereleasesegasonic-the-fightersvirtua-fighter-2xblaxboxxbox-liveWed, 21 Nov 2012 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guardians of Middle-Earth release dates clarified, out 12/4 on Xbox and 12/5 on PSN [Update: In Europe]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/guardians-of-middle-earth-release-dates-clarified-out-12-4-on-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/guardians-of-middle-earth-release-dates-clarified-out-12-4-on-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/guardians-of-middle-earth-release-dates-clarified-out-12-4-on-x/#comments Warner Brothers sorta, kinda dropped release dates for the various versions of Monolith's Lord of the Rings-flavored MOBA Guardians of Middle-Earth earlier today, but fans were still confused about exactly when the game was going to be out, especially on Xbox 360. So let's set the record straight: The game will arrive on PSN on December 5, and an actual retail version for the PS3 (complete with early access and a full season pass to the DLC) will be out on December 7. On the Xbox 360, there won't be a retail version, and the downloadable version will arrive on December 4 [Note: These dates are unfortunately just for Europe. A North American Xbox 360 release hasn't been announced yet].

So there you go. By December 8, you'll be upgrading towers, killing minions, and ganking top lane with Sauron and Gandalf. And on December 14, you'll be watching The Hobbit in theaters. It's almost here!

Update: Warner says the dates are wrong again. In North America, the PS3 version will be out at retail on December 4, and the PSN version will be downloadable at that same time. There reportedly will be Xbox 360 versions for both XBLA and retail, but official dates on those haven't been announced yet -- Warner is still saying "this fall." Joystiq is following up to find out why, and when we can expect the Xbox versions.

JoystiqGuardians of Middle-Earth release dates clarified, out 12/4 on Xbox and 12/5 on PSN [Update: In Europe] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>december-2012downloadableguardians-of-middle-earthmicrosoftmonolith-productionsplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnrelease-datexblaxboxxbox-liveTue, 09 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 enacts Operation Overdrive this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/mass-effect-3-enacts-operation-overdrive-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/mass-effect-3-enacts-operation-overdrive-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/mass-effect-3-enacts-operation-overdrive-this-weekend/#comments Mass Effect 3 enacts Operation Overdrive this weekendThe forces of Mass Effect 3 are back at it again this weekend, running a weekly event called Operation Overdrive. Just like the other events in this series, there's both a squad and an allied goal, with separate rewards for each.

The squad goal this time will be to hit full extraction on any map in just 20 minutes or less, and that will nab you a Commendation Pack if completed. The Allied Goal is across all of the game's players, and asks for 200,000 extraction waves to be beaten in total. Completing that goal will get everyone involved a Victory Pack. Not to mention all of the lives that will be saved from repelling the Reaper invasion, right?

JoystiqMass Effect 3 enacts Operation Overdrive this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechallengecommendation-packdownloadableeagoalsmass-effect-3microsoftpcplayersplaystationps3victory-packweekly-eventxboxThu, 04 Oct 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Papo & Yo review: Father knows beast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/papo-and-yo-review-father-knows-beast/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/papo-and-yo-review-father-knows-beast/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/papo-and-yo-review-father-knows-beast/#comments Papo & Yo review Father knows beastThe abuse of a child by a parent is one of the worst betrayals a human being can face. Our families are meant to be the one guaranteed bit of love we have in this often cruel world - people who will support and embrace us even when the rest of creation has turned its back. But the tragedy of an abusive parent (usually driven by alcohol, drugs, or their own traumatic experience) casts a person that's meant to be a child's loving caretaker into the role of an enemy. Parental abuse turns what's meant to be one of the purest relationships of love into one of anger, distrust, and violence.

Papo & Yo is a game about that tragedy. It's about a relationship that is by turns loving, gentle, and even playful, but can instantly turn into something ugly and full of violence and pain.

As a video game, Papo & Yo can be lacking - the mechanics are simple, and while the technology is capable of creating some beautiful moments, it's just as capable of being frustrating. As an expression of autobiographical emotion for creator Vander Caballero, however, and a rendition of the complicated relationship between a young son and his abusive father, Papo & Yo succeeds in the strongest ways.

Gallery: Papo & Yo (E3 2012)

Continue reading Papo & Yo review: Father knows beast

JoystiqPapo & Yo review: Father knows beast originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abusedownloadablelulamonsterpapo-and-yopapo-y-yoplaystationps3psnquicorobotvander-caballeroTue, 14 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault on PSN includes Captain Qwark, tower defense]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assault-on-psn-includes-captain-qw/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assault-on-psn-includes-captain-qw/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assault-on-psn-includes-captain-qw/#comments Ratchet & Clank & Tower DefenseThe official PlayStation blog has some new info on the upcoming Ratchet and Clank: Full Frontal Assault. While the game is returning to more core R&C gameplay, Captain Qwark will still be available as a playable character throughout. The PSN game will contain five different levels across three planets, along with an online mode to be announced later, and lots of unlockable content including character skins and weapon upgrades.

There's also a new feature in the gameplay that Insomniac describes as "tower defense," which "will have you building and defending a base against invasions using your ultimate Ratchet & Clank arsenal." That's all we've got for now, but presumably you'll be building or placing towers as you play, defending against invading waves of enemies. We'll hear more about Full Frontal Assault before the end of the year.

JoystiqRatchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault on PSN includes Captain Qwark, tower defense originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captain-qwarkdownloadablegameplaymodeplaystationps3psnratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assaulttower-defenseWed, 18 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron Galaxy Studios' Wreckateer leaked in ratings, to be published by Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/iron-galaxy-studios-wreckateer-leaked-in-ratings-to-be-publish/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/iron-galaxy-studios-wreckateer-leaked-in-ratings-to-be-publish/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/iron-galaxy-studios-wreckateer-leaked-in-ratings-to-be-publish/#comments A game called Wreckateer has been spotted in the Australian ratings classification system, listed as being developed by Iron Galaxy and published by Microsoft.

Iron Galaxy Studios is a company that's done a lot of technical consulting for other game developers -- it recently helped Capcom bring Street Fighter 3: Third Strike Online to digital platforms, not to mention work on You Don't Know Jack.

According to its webpage, Iron Galaxy is also working on some yet-to-be-announced projects with Microsoft and Twisted Pixel, and it appears as though Wreckateer is at least one of those projects. That's all we know about the game thus far, other than that it's an original title, and it's been rated General for all audiences. Wreckateer, whatever it is, was just classified this week, so presumably we'll be hearing more about it soon.

JoystiqIron Galaxy Studios' Wreckateer leaked in ratings, to be published by Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>au-classification-boardaustraliancapcomclassification-boarddownloadablegeneraliron-galaxy-studiosmicrosoftpcratingswreckateerxboxxbox-liveThu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze has a PSN title in the works as well]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/starbreeze-has-a-psn-title-in-the-works-as-well/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/starbreeze-has-a-psn-title-in-the-works-as-well/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/starbreeze-has-a-psn-title-in-the-works-as-well/#comments If you thought Starbreeze was running out of fingers or pies in which to stick them, think again; in a recent CVG interview, studio head Mikael Nermark revealed that the company was also working on a smaller-scale PSN title. Nermark said the "self-financed" project is currently running with a much smaller dev team than that of its Syndicate crew, but didn't expound on what the game would actually, you know, be.

We've contacted Starbreeze to try and find some elucidation on the subject, though we wager it has something to do with the new IP it's developing with film director Josef Fares. Still, we've petitioned any and all powers that be that the response to our email will be "Oh, we're making a new Chronicles of Riddick, and it's going to be super good this time, and hey, you know what, here it is. You go ahead and just have it right now."

JoystiqStarbreeze has a PSN title in the works as well originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadableplaystationproject-redlimeps3psnstarbreezesyndicateWed, 16 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank 2: Back for more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/shank-2-back-for-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/shank-2-back-for-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/shank-2-back-for-more/#comments Klei Entertainment's Shank was a lovable, uncomplicated indie beat-em-up. The game's protagonist went on a murderous rampage using whatever he had lying around, including guns, a big knife, a chainsaw, and a few other items. It's probably no surprise that the recently announced Shank 2 is more of that kind of thing.

The backgrounds are nicer and more colorful, Shank's enemies are more varied, and the controls are refined. It's a better, cleaner Shank experience. The indie charm is still there, and the whole game is more polished.

Oh, and there's one big feature that will probably make the game for fans of the series: An endless online co-op survival mode.

Continue reading Shank 2: Back for more

JoystiqShank 2: Back for more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdownloadableeaklei-entetainmentmicrosoftmodepcplaystationps3shankshank-2survivalxboxThu, 29 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Francisco to be offered as full download on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/driver-san-francisco-to-be-offered-as-full-download-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/driver-san-francisco-to-be-offered-as-full-download-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/driver-san-francisco-to-be-offered-as-full-download-on-psn/#comments A full downloadable version of Driver: San Francisco will arrive on PSN alongside the retail version of the game, Ubisoft's Gareth Edmonson revealed during a Gamescom panel last week. That's right: In what's likely to be our favorite irony of the month, you don't have to actually drive anywhere to buy the new Driver.

Speaking at a Gamescom panel last week, Edmonson said the PSN version would arrive "in a few weeks" which would roughly correspond to the game's Sept. 6 retail release date. We've asked Ubisoft for more details, especially whether the 360 will get similar treatment.

JoystiqDriver: San Francisco to be offered as full download on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadabledriver-san-franciscoplaystationps3psnubisoftUbisoft-ReflectionsMon, 22 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami guides Leedmees to a September 7 release on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/konami-guides-leedmees-to-a-september-7-release-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/konami-guides-leedmees-to-a-september-7-release-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/konami-guides-leedmees-to-a-september-7-release-on-xbla/#comments If your life lacks the kind of refreshing responsibility that comes with shepherding a flock of mindless, adorable drones, you're in luck! Or rather, you're about to be: Konami's clever little Lemmings-esque puzzle title, Leedmees, will make its debut on Xbox Live on September 7 for 800 Microsoft Points ($10).

If you haven't heard of the Kinect-enabled downloadable title before, check out our Comic-Con preview for a brief explanation of how all the titular leeding plays out.

Continue reading Konami guides Leedmees to a September 7 release on XBLA

JoystiqKonami guides Leedmees to a September 7 release on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadablekonamileedmeeslemmingsmicrosoftrelease-datexblaxboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New NPD report to factor in digital, used, mobile and rental sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/new-npd-report-to-factor-in-digital-used-mobile-and-rental-sal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/new-npd-report-to-factor-in-digital-used-mobile-and-rental-sal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/new-npd-report-to-factor-in-digital-used-mobile-and-rental-sal/#commentsChanges to the NPD Group's reporting practices sent a few waves through the game industry earlier this month. Now, NPD's Anita Frazier has explained some of the reasoning behind the change. Frazier notes that NPD has "long acknowledged" that its coverage of only "new physical sales of hardware, software and accessories" doesn't accurately represent consumer spending in the game industry. Furthermore, with new physical sales dwindling this year, Frazier notes that the old NPD reporting practices "caused unnecessary angst" for many industry followers.

In other words, sales of physical game copies simply don't account for all the money pumped into the industry anymore. As such, the NPD will soon release the debut issue of its new report, Games Industry: Total Consumer Spend. While the report still includes data on sales of new games, accessories and hardware, it will also feature data on "used games, rentals, mobile apps, social network games, and digitally acquired content in the U.S."

NPD has had plans to track downloadable sales for over a year now, though this marks the first time we've heard of plans to track so many other forms of spending. Depending on how comprehensive the report is, it could have hefty ramifications for anyone looking to follow industry trends.

JoystiqNew NPD report to factor in digital, used, mobile and rental sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdownloadabledownloadable-contentdsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendonpdnpd-grouppcplaystationps3psprentalsocial-gamessonyused-gameswiixboxWed, 20 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG offers community favorites for half off this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/gog-offers-community-favorites-for-half-off-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/gog-offers-community-favorites-for-half-off-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/gog-offers-community-favorites-for-half-off-this-weekend/#comments Assuming you're still buying games from GOG.com after last week's shutdown stunt, there are some excellent deals to be had this week on the site's "Community Favorites" list. All of the games on the list are half off, which means you can pick up Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition or Myst: Masterpiece Edition for just three bucks, and Psychonauts or Syberia for just five.

Sure, the site may have played a little too hard on your heartstrings with its fake story of shutting down for good just to promote a site revamp, but everybody appreciates cheap, classic PC games, right? And even if not, you can always go grab one of those iPhone games instead -- that's a great sale, too.

JoystiqGOG offers community favorites for half off this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicdigital-distributiondownloadabledrm-freeDuke-NukemDuke-Nukem-3Dgamesgog-comgog.comgood-old-gamespcsaleSat, 02 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu reveals some delicious Malicious details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/famitsu-reveals-some-delicious-malicious-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/famitsu-reveals-some-delicious-malicious-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/famitsu-reveals-some-delicious-malicious-details/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This week's Famitsu has the very first details about Malicious, a downloadable 3D action title for the PS3 from Japanese developer Alvion (part of Sony's Japan Studio group) that looks pretty spectacular.

A teaser site for the game went up a couple of months ago, but we now have some actual info, like the fact that the game will consist entirely of battles against boss characters and their minions. Also, combat will integrate moves using the character's magical cloak, which can turn into a protective shell, a fist, or even shoot "demon bullet" projectiles depending on the situation.

Malicious is scheduled for release later this year in Japan. We'll be watching that teaser site for more media and updates.

JoystiqFamitsu reveals some delicious Malicious details originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alviondownloadablejapan-studioMaliciousplaystationps3psnsonyThu, 19 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert digs iPhone, hopes DeathSpank inspires other devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/ron-gilbert-iphone-games-are-very-interesting-to-me-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/ron-gilbert-iphone-games-are-very-interesting-to-me-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/ron-gilbert-iphone-games-are-very-interesting-to-me-right-now/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GamerBytes has a nice long interview with DeathSpank creator Ron Gilbert, and while he waxes philosophical on all sorts of stuff found in the excellent XBLA/PSN hack-'n-slash title, he says he's not sure what he plans to do next. But iPhone gaming has grabbed his attention for the moment: "iPhone games are very interesting to me right now. I play a lot of them, and they're neat because then you can do two- or three-people teams to make those things," he says.

Making DeathSpank was tougher than expected, according to Gilbert -- he started out wanting to make Monkey Island meets Diablo, but the Diablo half of the game was more difficult to balance than he'd thought it would be. Not only did he have to balance weapons and combat, but he had to deal with DeathSpank's own character attributes. A class system was originally planned, but Gilbert wanted to play his character (which originally came from a Flash cartoon series), not yours, so the team eventually went with the "Hero Cards" system.

Gilbert also says he hopes that DeathSpank influences the downloadable market -- rather than simply house reissues of older games or big budget titles, he hopes that downloadable game platforms can be a place for originality, and that "we can get some really good, interesting games in the download space." We'll hack and slash to that!

JoystiqRon Gilbert digs iPhone, hopes DeathSpank inspires other devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death-spankdeathspankdownloadableeahothead-gamesiphonemicrosoftmobileplaystationps3ron-gilbertxblaxboxThu, 29 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Pilgrim and the Amazing Trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/scott-pilgrim-and-the-amazing-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/scott-pilgrim-and-the-amazing-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/scott-pilgrim-and-the-amazing-trailer/#comments
We don't know what extremely gracious act of charity and selflessness was committed somewhere in the universe to make this beautiful Scott Pilgrim vs. The World game karmically possible, but whoever you are out there committing Mother Theresa-level good deeds, thank you.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you. Even if the actual game somehow ends up being less than Sex Bob-omberiffic, just a trailer like this, with its Anamanaguchi chiptunes and samurai fighting and epic pixelated cutscenes and guitar minigames (!) brings more light and joy into our world than we probably deserve. We don't know what you did, but it must have been really great, because the trailer after the break will make a lot of people very happy.

Continue reading Scott Pilgrim and the Amazing Trailer

JoystiqScott Pilgrim and the Amazing Trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanguchidownloadablemicrosoftplaystationps3psnscott-pilgrim-vs-the-worldtrailerubisoftubisoft-montrealvideoxblaxboxSat, 12 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale Games does 40% of its business on consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/telltale-games-does-40-of-its-business-on-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/telltale-games-does-40-of-its-business-on-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/telltale-games-does-40-of-its-business-on-consoles/#comments In a new interview with GI.biz, Telltale's Dan Connors gives away some stats that show why his company's expansion to consoles is important : Already, 40 percent of Telltale's sales are to console owners.

Connors says that's because it's easier for Telltale to rise above the crowd in the downloadable space: "They have big audiences there," he says, "and they're all used to spending money on games. Compare that to online, where it gets noisy," and Telltale bumps into all of the other PC titles vying for downloads and sales in the browser.

Connors also says that digital distribution allows his company to adjust their development to the final price. He's happy with what they've done so far, and says we can expect more experimentation in the future: "You can have a different ecosystem to stay profitable, play with price points more, and that's what you're going to continue to see."

JoystiqTelltale Games does 40% of its business on consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-connorsdownloadablegamesMicrosoftNintendopcpsnsteamtelltale-gamesWiixblaXbox-360Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Go into a Fruit Frenzy with Space Ark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/go-into-a-fruit-frenzy-with-space-ark/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/go-into-a-fruit-frenzy-with-space-ark/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/go-into-a-fruit-frenzy-with-space-ark/#comments We weren't sure what to expect from Space Ark when it was first announced, but with this trailer out, we can certainly say it looks colorful. Something called an "Arkonaut" is tethered and bouncing off of a moving platform called a "Bounce Pad," and then there's a Fruit Frenzy, and then the Pad can shoot fruit for a Super Combo, and then there's even a Bonus Stage after that. Whew, there's a lot going on there! But it does look (and sound) like fun. You can also see a "Level Up" score multiplier on the side of the screen -- and, as we all know, multiplying your score is always the right thing to do.

The trailer puts the game's release on XBLA in spring 2010, which, last we saw out the window, was right about now. So you probably won't have to wait too long to get your daily dose of space fruit from Strawdog Studios.

JoystiqGo into a Fruit Frenzy with Space Ark originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadableem-mediareleasespring-2010strawdog-studiosxblaxbox-live-arcadeTue, 20 Apr 2010 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA['80s Track Pack available now for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/80s-track-pack-available-now-for-guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/80s-track-pack-available-now-for-guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/80s-track-pack-available-now-for-guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero/#comments As expected, the '80s Track Pack for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero is now available for download on all the various consoles, featuring three respectable songs from the decade of New Wave and hair bands. Well, two or three, depending on how you like The Go-Gos. The entire thing is available for 440 on Xbox Live, $5.49 on PSN, or 550 Wii Points, and the individual songs are as follows:
Say what you want about "We Got the Beat," but we won't tolerate hating on the Crue or Night Ranger and, from the looks of those hairstyles above, they won't either. These songs are available now for both games, so get yourself mo-tor-in' on over to the store if you want 'em.

Joystiq'80s Track Pack available now for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBand Heroband-heroBandHeroconsolesdlcdownloaddownloadabledownloadable-contentDSguitar-heroguitar-hero-5hair-bandsMicrosoftmotley-crueNeversoftnew-wavenight-rangerNintendopointspsnRed-Octanesongsthe-go-gostrack-packWiiwii-pointsxblxblaXbox-360Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Divinity II: Flames of Vengeance add-on coming this August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/divinity-ii-flames-of-vengeance-add-on-coming-this-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/divinity-ii-flames-of-vengeance-add-on-coming-this-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/divinity-ii-flames-of-vengeance-add-on-coming-this-august/#comments If you just so happen to be the square wheel that couldn't get enough of Divinity II: Ego Draconis last year, you're in luck. Publisher dtp entertainment has announced that an add-on will be released later this year, adding more than 30 brand new quests and about 15 hours of gameplay to the RPG. Divinity II: Flames of Vengeance will see release on the PC and through the Xbox Live Marketplace, and will update the game's world of Rivellon a completely revamped engine (for graphical and performance upgrades) as well as new updates on characters familiar to players of the first game.

There's no price yet, but it is targeted for a release in August 2010. In the meantime, you can browse the gallery below to see early screenshots of the add-on. Commenters have been saying to us that this game suffers from more than its share of bugs and issues, so maybe an engine revamp will help smooth that out.

Gallery: Divinity II: Flames of Vengeance add-on

JoystiqDivinity II: Flames of Vengeance add-on coming this August originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onaugust-2010august2010divinity-2downloadabledtp-entertainmentlarian-studiosMicrosoftrelease-dateupdatesxblaxblmxboxXbox-360Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[After Burner: Climax looks like Aurora-ing good time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/after-burner-climax-looks-like-aurora-ing-good-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/after-burner-climax-looks-like-aurora-ing-good-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/after-burner-climax-looks-like-aurora-ing-good-time/#comments It remains to be seen just how well After Burner: Climax will translate from its arcade greatness over to a downloadable form on consoles, but at least it still looks purty. And we mean everything about it, from the clean and simple Sega UI, to the well-designed dynamic lighting on the planes and explosions, all the way out to the great-looking vistas that catch your eye just as you fire up the 'burners and race for the horizon ...

What? Oh, sorry, we got a little carried away in the Climax there. To see what we mean, lock your targeting reticule onto four new screens from the official Sega America blog in the gallery below.

Gallery: After Burner Climax

JoystiqAfter Burner: Climax looks like Aurora-ing good time originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>after-burnerafter-burner-climaxarcadedownloadableMicrosoftofficialpsnscreenshotssegaSega-AM2spring-2010uixblaxblmXbox-360Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Toad Murder Files coming March 25 to North American PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/blue-toad-murder-files-coming-march-25-to-north-american-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/blue-toad-murder-files-coming-march-25-to-north-american-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/blue-toad-murder-files-coming-march-25-to-north-american-psn/#comments
Just because a game exclusively features powerful British accents doesn't mean said game can't be released outside of Europe. The episodic PSN mystery series Blue Toad Murder Files will make its way to North America on March 25. Episodes One, Two and Three can be purchased as a single bundle for $14.99, or separately for $7.49 apiece.

If you've got a hankering for some Layton-esque brainteasers wrapped in an overarching, cartoonish story, Blue Toad will probably scratch that itch. If you just want to hear a manly-voiced gentleman bellow the word "maaaahdaaaaahhh" over and over again, it should satisfy that desire too.

JoystiqBlue Toad Murder Files coming March 25 to North American PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadablemysterypsnq1-2010release-daterelentless-softwaresonyWed, 17 Feb 2010 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue: Battle x Battle out this week on Japan's DSiWare store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/blazblue-battle-x-battle-out-this-week-on-japans-dsiware-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/blazblue-battle-x-battle-out-this-week-on-japans-dsiware-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/blazblue-battle-x-battle-out-this-week-on-japans-dsiware-store/#comments Like many fighting game fans, you really enjoyed BlazBlue last year, but you had this irking feeling that the game would be just perfect if the characters were only a little more ... kawaii. Good news! Your wish has come true. Arc System Works says that its DSiWare version of the acclaimed fighter is ready to go. BlazBlue: Battle x Battle, which features big-headed cutesie versions of the full game's fighters battling it out Power Stone-style, will be available on the DSi's downloadable store this Wednesday.

It looks, erm, interesting. Unfortunately, even if you were waiting to see a 2D franchise go 3D with hideously deformed versions of its characters, Battle x Battle is only available in Japan for now, so you'll either have to have a DSi from that region, or you'll have to wait until Aksys decides to release it here. If it keeps that 500 DSi point price, it might be worth a try.

JoystiqBlazBlue: Battle x Battle out this week on Japan's DSiWare store originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3daksysarc-system-worksblazblueblazblue-battle-x-battledownloadabledsi-waredsiwarehideous-deformityjapanjapanesekawaiiMon, 25 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[David Jaffe talks death of Calling All Cars as servers go offline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/david-jaffe-talks-death-of-calling-all-cars-as-servers-go-offlin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/david-jaffe-talks-death-of-calling-all-cars-as-servers-go-offlin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/david-jaffe-talks-death-of-calling-all-cars-as-servers-go-offlin/#comments This week heralded the end of the Calling All Cars saga, as David Jaffe finally saw the lights go out on his PSN baby. He's got a set of final thoughts over on his blog -- he says that as his first online game, it was definitely a learning experience, and while there were good times, it wasn't the most fun he'd ever had. He's suprisingly regretful about the whole thing: He says that he seriously thinks he probably should have "made it war themed and ['ditched'] the cartoony stuff," and that it was really a problem of expectation. At $10, he says, they were expecting gamers buying downloadable titles to just be "sampling them like candy," not looking for a full game experience.

But we wouldn't worry too much about Jaffe -- while he jokes that the CAC server shutdown "marks the beginning of the end of my career," we're sure there's still more fun to be had from that mind of his. We're hoping to see what he's got planned next by the time E3 rolls around this year.

JoystiqDavid Jaffe talks death of Calling All Cars as servers go offline originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babycaccalling-all-carscartoonsdavid-jaffedownloadableeat-sleep-playfinal-thoughtsonlinepsnsamplingserverserversshutdownsonytitlesSat, 16 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NinjaBee shows concepts for new XBLA game, playable with Avatars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/ninjabee-shows-concepts-for-new-xbla-game-playable-with-avatars/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/ninjabee-shows-concepts-for-new-xbla-game-playable-with-avatars/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/ninjabee-shows-concepts-for-new-xbla-game-playable-with-avatars/#comments NinjaBee (makers of A Kingdom for Keflings, Band of Bugs and the underrated Outpost Kaloki X) has announced that it's working on a brand new title for Xbox Live Arcade, one that will allow you to play with your Mickey ear-wearing Xbox Live Avatar. There's no actual information about the game yet (not even a title, although we know it's not Ancients of Ooga, another NinjaBee game in progress), but as you can see from the concept art posted on its blog, there's an airship, a cute bird and a dragon involved. So: a cross between Final Fantasy, Twitter and Lair? Actually, we'd totally play that.

NinjaBee says an official announcement is coming at the end of the month, and it'll be releasing new concept art every week until then, so stay tuned for more.

JoystiqNinjaBee shows concepts for new XBLA game, playable with Avatars originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementavatarconcept-artdownloadablegameMicrosoftninjabeereleasexblaXbox-360xbox-avatarsxbox-live-arcadeTue, 05 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve: Short-term Steam deals don't hurt long-term performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/valve-short-term-steam-deals-dont-hurt-long-term-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/valve-short-term-steam-deals-dont-hurt-long-term-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/valve-short-term-steam-deals-dont-hurt-long-term-performance/#comments Speaking to GI.biz, Valve's head of Steam, Jason Holtman, had some interesting things to say about the company's frequent deals and their effect on long-term game sales. According to Holtman, Steam's quick game sales -- offering Team Fortress 2 for $2.49 for only a few hours last month, for example -- don't have a negative impact on a game's long-term performance. Holtman notes that once a brick-and-mortar retailer reduces a game's price, people are reticent to ever pay a higher price again, but downloadable games are different. "You can have sales that are dramatically low and bring the price back up and people don't care," said Holtman, "They don't care at all."

Regarding the $2.49 Team Fortress 2 sale last month, Holtman said that sales actually increased the following weekend -- after it went back to full price. He also mentioned Steam's previous half-off sale of Left 4 Dead, noting that it didn't hurt retail sales at all (readers will recall that Valve claimed that it actually boosted retail sales). Holtman stated that it's possible to run several promotions without "sacrificing" either downloadable or retail sales, and added, "You don't have to hurt somebody to win."

JoystiqValve: Short-term Steam deals don't hurt long-term performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdigital-distributiondownloadableleft-4-deadsteamteam-fortress-2valveWed, 18 Nov 2009 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD planning to track sales of downloadable games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/npd-planning-to-track-sales-of-downloadable-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/npd-planning-to-track-sales-of-downloadable-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/npd-planning-to-track-sales-of-downloadable-games/#comments Speaking to MCV, the NPD has announced plans to track sales of downloadable games. The group aims to track sales of console, PC and mobile phone games. According to NPD's director of corporate marketing David Riley, download charts are needed in order to "provide a no-nonsense view of what's happening on the publisher level, keeping away from the spin, and in some cases, misleading information that often appears on the internet."

It's certainly a valid goal, but we at the 'Stiq have only one question: How? There are many, many online outlets in the business of selling downloadable titles, ranging from small, independent sites to Steam to the digital arms of giants like GameStop and Amazon. Still, if the NPD can wrangle data from enough distributors, and clearly identify those participating, it could easily prove to be a valuable metric for analysts .. and a terrifying one for brick-and-mortar retailers.

[Original image: Arthur Chapman]

JoystiqNPD planning to track sales of downloadable games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digitaldigital-distributiondownloadableDSMicrosoftNintendopsnsteamWiiXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 21 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami announces DSiWare puzzle-platformer 'Reflection']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/konami-announces-dsiware-puzzle-platformer-reflection/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/konami-announces-dsiware-puzzle-platformer-reflection/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/konami-announces-dsiware-puzzle-platformer-reflection/#comments
click for gallery Konami has decided to dip its massive toes into the murky waters of the DSiWare platform with Reflection, a downloadable puzzle-platformer designed to invoke the handheld's dual-screen capabilities. In the game, you play as Kirra, an adventurer on a journey to recover a broken magic mirror. Actually, you play as Kirra's good and evil halves simultaneously on the two screens -- a nasty side-effect of the aforementioned mirror-breaking.

Though the game's art (seen in the gallery below) isn't exactly stunning, that concept actually sounds pretty neat. According to the game's press release announcement, it's set to drop this fall, so we should be seeing Reflection in the DSi Shop soon. We also expect to see it in a snow-covered hill, shortly before the landslide brings us down.

Gallery: Reflection (DSiWare)

JoystiqKonami announces DSiWare puzzle-platformer 'Reflection' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadableDSdsidsiwareintrinsic-gameskonamiNintendoplatformerpuzzlereflectionWed, 16 Sep 2009 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie dev Icon Games reveals four PSP Minis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/indie-dev-icon-games-reveals-four-psp-minis/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/indie-dev-icon-games-reveals-four-psp-minis/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/indie-dev-icon-games-reveals-four-psp-minis/#comments
An independent developer by the name of Icon Games recently added product information for four of its upcoming PSP titles -- all of which fall under the sub-100MB "PSP Minis" classification. The quartet of titles is mostly composed of digitized parlor games, such as Arcade Air Hockey & Bowling, Arcade Darts and Arcade Pool & Snooker, though the company is also catering to motor vehicle enthusiasts with Stunt Cars.

Okay, fine, none of these titles are particularly groundbreaking. Still, we'll be glad to finally have a billiards game on Sony's handheld that doesn't make us want to claw our eyes out.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqIndie dev Icon Games reveals four PSP Minis originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-air-hockey-and-bowlingarcade-dartsarcade-pool-and-snookerdownloadableicon-gamesparlor-gamespsp-minisstunt-carsThu, 10 Sep 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN's Topatoi now available in Australia, New Zealand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/psns-topatoi-now-available-in-australia-new-zealand/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/psns-topatoi-now-available-in-australia-new-zealand/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/psns-topatoi-now-available-in-australia-new-zealand/#comments
Australian and New Zealand gamers are in for a treat, as the adorable Topatoi is now available for purchase on the PlayStation Store. Pardon, Stateside PlayStation 3 owners? "What's Topatoi?" It's an adventure platformer currently available to European gamers, but not planned for a North America release until later this year.

If you hail from the place people think Flight of the Conchords are from, versus where they are actually from, the platformer is available for 15.95AUD or 18.9NZD, respectively. Those looking for more Topatoi action will be happy to hear the game's developer has confirmed that the second chapter in the saga will release later this year, via the PlayStation Europe Blog.

JoystiqPSN's Topatoi now available in Australia, New Zealand originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaboolat-gamesdownloadabledownloadable-gamesnew-zealandplaystation-networkpsntopatoiSat, 29 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get in the Game initiative offers grants to PSN devs ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/get-in-the-game-initiative-offers-grants-to-psn-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/get-in-the-game-initiative-offers-grants-to-psn-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/get-in-the-game-initiative-offers-grants-to-psn-devs/#comments
If you've got a great concept for a downloadable PlayStation Network title -- one you feel rivals the genius of overweight royalty, tumbling rectangles and pixel-sized pollination -- then your chance to shine is approaching. Sony, in conjunction with Pixel-Lab and Northwest Vision and Media are offering £10,000 grants to companies who have great ideas for PSN games as part of their second annual Get in the Game initiative.

You can prepare your brainchild for adjudication during a three-day "pitching and concept development workshop" from October 14 through 16. If you think you've got a shot at the big leagues, you can submit your concept to Get in the Game's producers in November. Five entrants will receive the grant, which they'll use to polish their ideas into something playable before presenting their projects to Sony in March. If they're not terrible, they might get released, and we might end up writing about them, creating some sort of beautiful gaming journalism circle of life.

[Via GamesIndustry]

JoystiqGet in the Game initiative offers grants to PSN devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdeveloperdownloadableget-in-the-gameindiepsnWed, 12 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gitaroo Man Lives, other titles added to Japanese PlayStation Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/gitaroo-man-lives-other-titles-added-to-japanese-playstation-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/gitaroo-man-lives-other-titles-added-to-japanese-playstation-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/gitaroo-man-lives-other-titles-added-to-japanese-playstation-st/#comments The Japanese PlayStation Store recently received a massive booster shot from Sony and a number of third-party developers who've made a few of their PSP titles downloadable. Coded Arms, Dynasty Warriors and Valhalla Knights are among the notable downloadable games -- but the inclusion of Koei's cult classic rhythm title, Gitaroo Man Lives, is what really sets our hearts a-flutter. Available for just ¥1,200 (about $14), we'd be hard pressed to not buy this hard-to-find gem five or six times should it come stateside.

Speaking of which, we've contacted Koei to see if they plan on bringing U-1's epic journey to the North American PlayStation Store. We'll let you know whether or not the developer plans on breaking our hearts.

JoystiqGitaroo Man Lives, other titles added to Japanese PlayStation Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadablegitaroo-mangitaroo-man-livesguitariNiSKoeiMusicplaystation-storepsnrhythmTecmo-KoeiTue, 11 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K10 Draft Combine coming to PSN and XBLA in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/nba-2k10-draft-combine-coming-to-psn-and-xbla-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/nba-2k10-draft-combine-coming-to-psn-and-xbla-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/nba-2k10-draft-combine-coming-to-psn-and-xbla-in-september/#comments
It seems our tipster was on the level -- 2K Sports is, in fact, releasing an early NBA 2K10 character creation feature and stat-building minigames as an XBLA and PSN download titled NBA 2K10 Draft Combine, due out this September for 400 ($5). Players will be able to customize a basketballer, then run them through a number of drills and scenarios in order to boost their stats, which can then be carried over to the core game when it drops in October.

We're curious to know what you guys think of 2K's recently announced side-project -- do you think it's an interesting teaser for the main course? Or a minigame that was removed from 2K10 and shamelessly sold separately? We've embedded an easy-to-understand poll after the break to gauge your reaction.

Gallery: NBA 2K10 Draft Combine (PSN, XBLA)

Continue reading NBA 2K10 Draft Combine coming to PSN and XBLA in September

JoystiqNBA 2K10 Draft Combine coming to PSN and XBLA in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportsbasketballdownloadableMicrosoftnbanba-2k10nba-2k10-draft-combinepsnxblaXbox-360Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shatter soundtrack available for a minimum of $9.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/shatter-soundtrack-available-for-a-minimum-of-9-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/shatter-soundtrack-available-for-a-minimum-of-9-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/shatter-soundtrack-available-for-a-minimum-of-9-99/#commentsWhat's that? You love fist-pumping anthems? Well then, thankfully the Shatter soundtrack is now available for download. The entire 13-track playlist can be downloaded via Band Camp (insert obligatory American Pie joke here) for a minimum of $9.99.

We say minimum because Band Camp allows users to pay whatever they want for the content, as long as it's at least $9.99. So, if you want to rock out to Shatter tunes pick it up today. Heck, if you're feeling generous you can even give them $20 for the album! This also applies if you are crazy.

JoystiqShatter soundtrack available for a minimum of $9.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-campdownloadablemodulemusicplaystation-networkpsnshattersoundtrackSat, 25 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Splosion Man could detonate on PS3, Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/splosion-man-could-detonate-on-ps3-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/splosion-man-could-detonate-on-ps3-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/splosion-man-could-detonate-on-ps3-wii/#comments
Frank Wilson, co-founder and CTO of Twisted Pixel, said his studio's library of recent downloadable titles could potentially see life on other platforms. Just yesterday, Twisted Pixel unleashed the XBLA title 'Splosion Man, blasting the humorous hero and Xbox owners into Microsoft's Summer of Arcade promotion. In an interview with Endsights, Wilson said the small developer is not tied to any specific platform and the studio would consider a PlayStation Network and WiiWare release of 'Splosion Man and the studio's adorable adventure title, The Maw, if it "found the right arrangement."

So, other platforms could be in the cards, but Twisted Pixel is happy with what it's been able to achieve on the Xbox platform, so far. "We're getting pretty skilled with the Xbox 360, so it's definitely easiest for us to stick with it," Wilson said. Wilson's words aren't confirmation that either title will see life on other platforms, but at least we've cleared the air of any existing Microsoft money-hats.

Joystiq'Splosion Man could detonate on PS3, Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadablefrank-wilsonplaystation-networkpsnsplosion-manthe-mawtwisted-pixelwiiwareThu, 23 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shatter developer talks up benefits of PhyreEngine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/shatter-developer-talks-up-benefits-of-phyreengine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/shatter-developer-talks-up-benefits-of-phyreengine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/shatter-developer-talks-up-benefits-of-phyreengine/#comments
Just because Sony's cross-platform PhyreEngine -- which powered games such as Flower, Critter Crunch and Catan -- is free to use, doesn't mean it's not beefy. At least, that's how GripShift and Shatter developer Sidhe feels -- both of their PSN releases used the engine, and they've got nothing but rave reviews for the technology.

Sidhe managing director Mario Wynands called the PhyreEngine a "great solution for download products where budgets are lower and every dollar counts." So, if you're having difficulties getting your next-gen Rock Paper Scissors sim off the ground, Sidhe's just supplied a ringing endorsement for an extremely cost efficient solution.

JoystiqShatter developer talks up benefits of PhyreEngine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadablegripshiftphyreenginepsnshattersidhesonyWed, 22 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New details on Zombie Apocalypse, Konami's old-school gore fest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/mgswha-new-deets-on-konamis-psn-exclusive-zombie-apocalypse/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/mgswha-new-deets-on-konamis-psn-exclusive-zombie-apocalypse/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/mgswha-new-deets-on-konamis-psn-exclusive-zombie-apocalypse/#comments Konami and Nihilistic's upcoming downloadable title, Zombie Apocalypse, has been the subject of a monster-sized update on the PlayStation Blog. Written by Nihilistic designer John Slavin, the update outlines the style, weapons and scoring system in the upcoming PSN and XBLA title.

Zombie Apocalypse is a 4-player online co-op enabled twin-stick shooter (in the vein of Smash TV) with so much realistic gore, it has apparently already been denied classification by CERO in Japan. The downloadable title includes seven environments (55 levels in total, which act as days) that are heavily inspired by zombie film masters; Romero, Fulci and Boyle.

Each of the game's four playable characters (which seem very inspired by Valve's Left 4 Dead) can wield 10 different weapons -- from chainsaws to flamethrowers -- and use the game's environment to kill for extra points. Slavin promises the better gamers are, the more they will score and the longer they will last. We promise to re-organize our zombie plans for next month, when Apocalypse is scheduled to hit PSN and XBLA.

Note: This post originally referred to Zombie Apocalypse as a PSN-exclusive title, which it isn't. It's coming to XBLA as well, a fact that slipped our mind when -- of all things -- a zombie took a bite out of it. Go figure.

Gallery: Zombie Apocalypse

JoystiqNew details on Zombie Apocalypse, Konami's old-school gore fest originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadabledownloadable-gamedownloadable-gameskonaminihilisticNihilistic-Softwareplaystation-storepsnxblazombie-apocalypseTue, 19 May 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom preparing to release between 20 and 40 PS1 and PSP titles via PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/capcom-preparing-to-release-between-20-and-40-ps1-and-psp-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/capcom-preparing-to-release-between-20-and-40-ps1-and-psp-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/capcom-preparing-to-release-between-20-and-40-ps1-and-psp-titles/#comments
Capcom is going to make its PlayStation Network presence a lot more robust as it begins releasing ports of PS1 titles and providing downloadable versions of previous PSP titles throughout the year. We spoke with Capcom's Chris Kramer, who let us know that the company would be listening to what the community wants and figuring out internally what titles to release -- but don't expect any of them to involve licensing shenanigans along the lines of Marvel vs. Capcom.

"We'll definitely be looking at a lot of titles that have things like Street Fighter and Resident Evil in the title," Kramer said. "We're thinking about putting together a long list of the titles we're looking at, and then releasing it on Capcom Unity and having people vote on them. Ultimately we're looking at bringing between 20 and 40 titles to the PSN over the next several months."

JoystiqCapcom preparing to release between 20 and 40 PS1 and PSP titles via PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 May 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomChris-KramerdownloadableSonyUMDMon, 04 May 2009 18:45:00 EST