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[EGM Media to produce Walmart gaming mag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/egm-media-to-produce-walmart-gaming-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/egm-media-to-produce-walmart-gaming-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/egm-media-to-produce-walmart-gaming-mag/#comments Walmart logo Apparently, keeping one of the longest running gaming magazines going isn't enough work for the folks at Electronic Gaming Monthly. The mag's publisher, EGM Media, has announced plans to launch a new magazine exclusively for Walmart.

Appropriately titled Walmart Gamecenter, the "regular frequency" magazine will offer "news, previews, interviews and other exclusive stories about gaming culture and the most important game releases." In addition to the print publication at Walmart stores, the magazine will also be offered via "personal computers, iPad and Facebook with EGM's proprietary ScreenPaper publishing platform."

The first issue debuts December 6.

Continue reading EGM Media to produce Walmart gaming mag

JoystiqEGM Media to produce Walmart gaming mag originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmegm-mediamagazinewalmartwalmart-gamecenterFri, 04 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EGM Now hires industry vet Billy Berghammer as group EIC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/egm-now-hires-industry-vet-billy-berghammer-as-group-eic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/egm-now-hires-industry-vet-billy-berghammer-as-group-eic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/egm-now-hires-industry-vet-billy-berghammer-as-group-eic/#comments Aside from having an excellent last name that gives us the impression he's really into smashing hamburgers, longtime game industry veteran Billy Berghammer was announced late this past week as the group editor-in-chief of EGM Media. In his new role, he'll be overseeing both the print version of EGM Now and EGMi: The Digital Magazine. "Finding someone with Billy's expertise and knowledge of the industry is rare and we're very happy to have him guiding the editorial voice of the new Electronic Gaming Monthly," said publisher and founder Steve Harris of Berghammer in the announcement release.

Over the course of his tenure in the game industry, Berghammer served as founder of PlanetGameCube.com (now NintendoWorldReport.com), managing editor of Game Informer Online, and, most recently, as editorial director of gaming at G4 Interactive. And for his part, Berghammer says he'll be focusing on creating "a talented editorial team that our readers wil recognize and respect in the same way they've trusted EGM to delivery honest analysis in the past." So, hiring more former EGM writers then? You can't fool us, Berghammer!

JoystiqEGM Now hires industry vet Billy Berghammer as group EIC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billy-berghammeregmegm-mediaegm-nowegmi-the-digital-magazinesteve-harrisSat, 15 May 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Revived EGM's first issue has Street Fighter covered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/new-egm-first-issue-has-street-fighter-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/new-egm-first-issue-has-street-fighter-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/new-egm-first-issue-has-street-fighter-cover/#commentsIt ended with Ryu and Ken, and now it's starting anew with the same pair of World Warriors. The two covers of the first issue of the new EGM relaunch have been revealed. Each variant depicts either Ryu or Ken as seen in the upcoming Super Street Fighter IV. (The last, unpublished issue of Ziff Davis's EGM featured Street Fighter IV on the cover, as well.) Perhaps it's a coincidence, due to the timing of the release of Super Street Fighter IV later this month, but the new covers could certainly be a nod to the magazine's former incarnation. Of course, it's not like Street Fighter covers are unusual for EGM.

In addition to those historically relevant images of Ryu and Ken, the covers reveal the contents of the issue, including a large feature about the history and future of fighting games, an in-depth examination of Super Street Fighter IV and a discussion of new retro-style games.

JoystiqRevived EGM's first issue has Street Fighter covered originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmegm-nowmagazinessfivstreet-fightersuper-street-fighter-ivThu, 08 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA['EGM: The Lost Issue' launches, offers free preview of EGMi: The Digital Magazine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/egm-the-lost-issue-launches-offers-free-preview-of-egmi-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/egm-the-lost-issue-launches-offers-free-preview-of-egmi-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/egm-the-lost-issue-launches-offers-free-preview-of-egmi-the/#comments
Nearly a month ago, publisher Steve Harris showed off a concept video of what we could expect from the interactive, online version of the now-resurrected EGM, called EGMi: The Digital Magazine. At the time, Harris promised that the real, fully-functioning first "issue" of EGMi -- the "lost issue" of EGM -- would debut on the magazine's website "long before Summer arrives" ... and, lo and behold, it's already here.

Creating an account on EGM Now will grant you free access to EGM: The Lost Issue, a browser-sized (or full-screen) version of the never-published final issue of EGM that its editors had already put to bed when the magazine was shuttered in January of last year. It animates, makes sound ... but sadly doesn't scroll vertically (and there's an issue with sluggish loading, which will hopefully be worked out in subsequent "issues.") So, if you've been longing to see the lost EGM of yore -- and get a look at its online future -- it's definitely worth checking out. Once you have, why not offer your opinion in comments?

Joystiq'EGM: The Lost Issue' launches, offers free preview of EGMi: The Digital Magazine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EGMegm-nowegmiegmi-the-digital-magazineelectronic-gaming-monthlySteve-HarrisWed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EGM Now launches with ... digitized final issue of old EGM?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/egm-now-launches-with-digitized-final-issue-of-old-egm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/egm-now-launches-with-digitized-final-issue-of-old-egm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/egm-now-launches-with-digitized-final-issue-of-old-egm/#comments We've been hearing about Steve Harris's digital version of the soon-to-be relaunched EGM for quite some time now, and we're just one month away from the magazine's return to newsstands. However, if you're trying to get an early peek at what Harris has in store for EGMi: The Digital Magazine (that he's said will be released supplementally between print issues), now's your chance. But what's this? The mysterious unreleased "last issue"of EGM? It is!

As Harris puts it, "The links on this cover page aren't live yet - but they will be long before Summer arrives." Okay, okay, it might've taken a year for the issue to become available -- and yes, it might be full of content on games that have been out for quite some time now -- but hey, it's a chance to explore "layers and depth that you control." Doesn't that seem enticing? Well, we're not really sure quite yet, as the Screen Paper-based issue has yet to incorporate the promises we've been hearing since last September. With grand plans for the release of a digital magazine every week once the print mag relaunches, we'll certainly see how this shakes out soon enough.

JoystiqEGM Now launches with ... digitized final issue of old EGM? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmegm-nowegmiegmi-the-digital-magazinelost-issuemagazinemediaprintscreen-papersteve-harrisstreet-fighter-ivFri, 19 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[All but one Future publication saw circulation dip in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/all-but-one-future-publication-saw-circulation-dip-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/all-but-one-future-publication-saw-circulation-dip-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/all-but-one-future-publication-saw-circulation-dip-in-2009/#comments
[Image credit: benben]
Can you guess which of Future Publishing's nine magazines didn't lose readership in 2009? If your money was with Edge, you've got our permission to give yourself a nice big pat on the back. Go ahead, we'll wait. Done? Good. Like we were saying, the UK game mag publisher saw shrinking circulation numbers in 2009 -- the same year that saw the closure of PlayStation World by Future and the shuttering of long-running US gaming mag EGM by Ziff-Davis.

While Edge circulation numbers rose by (a somewhat meager) 109 readers, Games Master dropped by 6,636 (to 34,313), PC Zone by 7,666 (to 11,357), and Xbox World 360 by 5,156 (to 25,874). While those numbers might seem a bit on the low side, that has more to do with the smaller size/population of the UK than anything else (though, of course, dropping readership numbers don't mean good things for any publication house).

According to the GamesIndustry.biz report, Future blames the circulation drops on "slowing sales and ad spend [advertisers spending on print advertising]." We've dropped the entire list of circulation numbers after the break (care of the UK Audit Bureau of Circulations), should you be so inclined to peruse all the stats.

Continue reading All but one Future publication saw circulation dip in 2009

JoystiqAll but one Future publication saw circulation dip in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audit-bureau-of-circulationsedgeegmfuturefuture-publishinggames-mastermagazinesmediaofficial-nintendo-magazineofficial-playstation-magazineofficial-xbox-360-magazinepc-gamerpc-zoneplaystation-3-magazineprintukxbox-world-360ziff-davisFri, 12 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Relaunched EGM subscriptions now available, magazine details remain hazy [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/relaunched-egm-subscriptions-now-available-magazine-details-rem/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/relaunched-egm-subscriptions-now-available-magazine-details-rem/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/relaunched-egm-subscriptions-now-available-magazine-details-rem/#comments Hey, you remember EGM, right? The gaming mag that folded in January 2009 when 1UP/EGM was sold by Ziff-Davis Media to Hearst/UGO? And then the original publisher Steve Harris purchased it for a relaunch earlier this year, only to find out that the relaunch was pushed to April? We have to imagine that, by now, you're positively itching to put your money down on a subscription (if you haven't already subscribed to Kill Screen, of course). It would appear that your wish has been granted, as EGM has officially opened the door to its subscription portal, promising savings of 70 percent off the newsstand price.

For 32 issues and access to "EGMi: The Digital Magazine," US customers are looking at dropping $14.99, while 64 issues (as well as the aforementioned digital mag access) will cost $24.99 -- Canadian subscribers are looking at $34.99 and $54.99 for 32 and 64 issues, respectively, minus the digital version. Though we've yet to receive any real idea of the magazine's content, Harris has already signed on ex-EGMers Dan "Shoe" Hsu and Demian Linn, as well as the Co-Op folks, to fill those shoes (or "Hsu's," as it were). We'll certainly find out more this April when the first issue is scheduled to hit subscribers and newsstands.

Update: To be clear, the $14.99 and $24.99 subscription deals actually equal a half year or full year of physical magazines (one per month; six and 12, respectively), as detailed in the fine print. "Your subscription includes either six print issues and 26 premium digital issues of EGM[I]: The Digital Magazine for a total of 32 issues OR 12 print issues and 52 premium digital issues of EGM[I]: The Digital Magazine for a total of 64 issues." Confusing enough for you?

JoystiqRelaunched EGM subscriptions now available, magazine details remain hazy [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upco-opdan-hsudemian-linnegmegm-nowelectronic-gaming-monthlyemgi-the-digital-magazinehearstkill-screenprint-mediasteve-harrisugoziff-davisSun, 07 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EGM relaunches with April issue, explains digital content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/egm-relaunches-with-april-issue-explains-digital-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/egm-relaunches-with-april-issue-explains-digital-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/egm-relaunches-with-april-issue-explains-digital-content/#comments EGM Media this morning announced the distribution of its upcoming magazine via an "agreement" with Time/Warner Retail Sales and Marketing (former EGM/Ziff Davis Media distributor), alongside intentions to release its first issue with an April cover. Though no specific date was given other than "March 2010" for the newsstand re-launch of Electronic Gaming Monthly, the press release detailed the "weekly interactive version of the magazine," named "EGMi: The Digital Magazine" (rolls right off the tongue!).

Accessed by a "special code" included with each issue, the digital extension of the magazine will be made up of "exclusive article extensions and original content." Also of note, game previews and reviews will make up at least part of the premiere issue, with notorious rumor-monger Quartermann, ex-EIC Dan "Shoe" Hsu (as previously announced), and prankster Sean "Seanbaby" Reiley all contributing content as well. Publisher and prez of EGM Media, Steve Harris, claimed the digital content "is complementary to the print magazine" and gives editors "a way to communicate with our readers and update the print product in an ongoing manner." We'll see how his claims play out when the magazine arrives this March.

JoystiqEGM relaunches with April issue, explains digital content originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-shoe-hsudan-shuegmegm-mediaegm-nowmagazinesprintquartermannsean-reileyseanbabysteve-harristime-warner-retailMon, 21 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kill Screen gaming mag aiming for highbrow readers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/kill-screen-gaming-mag-aiming-for-highbrow-readers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/kill-screen-gaming-mag-aiming-for-highbrow-readers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/kill-screen-gaming-mag-aiming-for-highbrow-readers/#comments Between John Davison recently promising a revitalization of GamePro, Steve Harris' purchase and subsequent relaunch of EGM (as EGM Now), and now the announcement of "Kill Screen" from Jamin Brophy-Warren and Chris Dahlen, it's been quite the year for gaming magazines. But Kill Screen seems to be taking a decidedly different approach to publishing, aiming its first print run at "2 or 3,000 copies," Brophy-Warren told us this afternoon.

With an editorial directive to thematically tackle game writing -- and no obligation to the traditional reviews/previews/news format due to a donation/subscriber-funded, non-profit approach -- Kill Screen intends to avoid the mechanical nitty gritty that plagues game writing. "A great example of that is with Brütal Legend," Brophy-Warren said. "Tim Schafer had to come out and defend the RTS elements ... When we talk about games critically, it's not going to be in that sense."

The first issue, the "test run" or "zero issue" as it's being called, will be finished in "the next week or two" and shipping by January. Brophy-Warren added that he's hoping the second issue will be ready for GDC, but he's not so certain. And as for the short initial print run, he says "Everyone's gotta start somewhere, right?" and encourages people to subscribe to insure they'll get a copy. We wish them the best of luck!

JoystiqKill Screen gaming mag aiming for highbrow readers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutal-legendchris-dahlenegmegm-nowgame-magazinegameprogdc-2010jamin-brophy-warrenkill-screenmagazineprintWed, 02 Dec 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-EGMers Dan Hsu and Demian Linn (re)join EGM Now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/ex-egmers-dan-hsu-and-demian-linn-re-join-egm-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/ex-egmers-dan-hsu-and-demian-linn-re-join-egm-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/ex-egmers-dan-hsu-and-demian-linn-re-join-egm-now/#comments The new Electronic Gaming Monthly has brought back Dan "Shoe" Hsu and Demian Linn to the publication in some capacity. Hsu, the former editor-in-chief of EGM, who left his role of editorial director at 1UP before the great UGO cataclysm and started Bitmob earlier this year, will assist in generating content for the revamped publication. Linn, another co-founder of Bitmob and the former reviews editor at EGM and executive producer at GameVideos, will assist in "overseeing the reporting and writing of news and other content for EGM's network of properties."

Hsu and Linn will not leave their roles at Bitmob for EGM and, as far as we can tell, neither will have a designated editorial role at the new publication. It appears that for the time, Bitmob will merely assist in producing content for EGM. Check out our interview with EGM publisher Steve Harris for more on the EGM rehabilitation plans

Source -- Dan Hsu and Demian Linn join EGM [EGM]
Source -- Full Circle: Bitmob joins EGM [Bitmob]

JoystiqEx-EGMers Dan Hsu and Demian Linn (re)join EGM Now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bitmobdan-hsudan-shoe-hsudemian-linnegmelectronic-gaming-monthlyprintWed, 02 Dec 2009 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Mystery VGA teaser revealed as Spec Ops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/mystery-vga-teaser-revealed-as-spec-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/mystery-vga-teaser-revealed-as-spec-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/mystery-vga-teaser-revealed-as-spec-ops/#comments It appears as though yesterday's mystery teaser for the upcoming Spike TV Video Game Awards, featuring a CGI scene of a war in Dubai, is actually not the newest teaser in the world. Revealed back in August, the clip is said to be from upcoming 2K Games franchise reboot Spec Ops.

Originally, the title was claimed by EGM rumor mill "Quartermann" to be in development in the shuttered magazine's July 2008 issue. 1UP claims the title to be confirmed by the 90-second teaser trailer that we've dropped after the break. We'd suggest checking it out simply for the fact that it contains more footage than the teaser from yesterday, but the fact that Björk is involved makes us all the more inclined to recommend a viewing. For those of you thirsting for more, your next chance to see the game will be at 2009's world exclusive-filled VGAs. We've contacted 2K Games for comment and will update this post if we hear more.

Continue reading Mystery VGA teaser revealed as Spec Ops

JoystiqMystery VGA teaser revealed as Spec Ops originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesegmquartermannspec-opsSpec-Ops-The-LineSpike-VGA-2009teaserYagerSat, 21 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: EGM Now's Steve Harris]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/interview-egm-nows-steve-harris/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/interview-egm-nows-steve-harris/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/interview-egm-nows-steve-harris/#comments
Following the closure of Electronic Gaming Monthly by parent company Ziff Davis Media earlier this year (after nearly 20 years in the game industry), the magazine's original founder Steve Harris repurchased the rights and promised a rebirth for EGM. We ran into Harris at E3 2009 and cajoled him into speaking with us about his purchase. (He was a bit busy with business at E3, as you might imagine, thus we're talking a few months later.)

Though we're still a little ways off from the mag's December 1 "return," he gave us a few hints of what to expect, his explanation of how EGM Now will succeed financially where "old EGM" failed, and a few of his favorite games on the current-gen systems.

Hit the break for the whole thing.

Continue reading Interview: EGM Now's Steve Harris

JoystiqInterview: EGM Now's Steve Harris originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009egmegm-nowelectronic-gaming-monthlyinterviewinterviewsjournalismmagazinesteve-harrisFri, 11 Sep 2009 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Harris planning on Dec. 1 return for EGM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/harris-planning-on-dec-1-return-for-egm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/harris-planning-on-dec-1-return-for-egm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/harris-planning-on-dec-1-return-for-egm/#comments If you grew up on gaming magazines like we did, the landscape of industry journalism has probably felt a little ... weird since the closure of Electronic Gaming Monthly. According to a tweet from founder and new owner Steve Harris, the gap will be filled (in some shape or form) on December 1, when the magazine is slated to make its return.

Though we can't help but be a little nervous about the whole thing, we're excited to see what the reborn EGM will look like. Our hope? Exactly like Maxim.

JoystiqHarris planning on Dec. 1 return for EGM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmmagazinessteve-harristwitterThu, 27 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Preteen's mom ticked about Maxim/EGM swap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/preteens-mom-ticked-about-maxim-egm-swap/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/preteens-mom-ticked-about-maxim-egm-swap/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/preteens-mom-ticked-about-maxim-egm-swap/#comments
Had we been consulted, we would have told the parties responsible that fulfilling subscriptions of the now-defunct EGM with the dumb man's Playboy (Maxim) was a pretty crummy idea. Now we've got some evidence of that courtesy of Kathleen O'Donnell, who's none too happy that her 12-year-old Jake has received two issues of Maxim, despite her requests that it stop. "When I saw it, I didn't think it was a magazine my son should be looking at," she told CBS affiliate WBZ.

It's a cruddy situation all around, but we'd like to give a small protip to young Jake: If someone starts sending you pictures of half-naked ladies, keep that to yourself.

[Via The Escapist]

JoystiqPreteen's mom ticked about Maxim/EGM swap originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmmagazinesmaximplayboyTue, 11 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Harris hints at the future of the reborn EGM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/steve-harris-hints-at-the-future-of-the-reborn-egm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/steve-harris-hints-at-the-future-of-the-reborn-egm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/steve-harris-hints-at-the-future-of-the-reborn-egm/#comments
When Electronic Gaming Monthly closed its doors back in January, it not only left behind an issue that never got published but also a brand that gamers everywhere easily recognized. The magazine's original founder, Steve Harris, recently bought back the rights to the magazine (as well as online rights), and this week he spoke with Publishing Executive to detail a bit of his plans for his new venture.

"The new Electronic Gaming Monthly will let you take your magazine and its content from print to computer to wireless devices -- even to your television," he says in the piece, continuing, "Content will be delivered via a digital device included with each issue." He doesn't go on to explain whether he means a thumb drive or a CD or what, but we're just as curious as you are to know more about the rebirth of a magazine we grew up reading -- and hated after hours spent trying to find Sheng Long. Curse you, early-to-mid-90s game magazine editors!

[Via Bitmob]

JoystiqSteve Harris hints at the future of the reborn EGM originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bitmobegmelectronic-gaming-monthlymagazinesprintpublishing-executivesheng-longsteve-harrisSun, 05 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's your new issue of EGM! It's called Maxim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/heres-your-new-issue-of-egm-its-called-maxim/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/heres-your-new-issue-of-egm-its-called-maxim/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/heres-your-new-issue-of-egm-its-called-maxim/#comments
click to embiggen ... the full image
While some folks wait to subscribe to the reanimated EGM later this year, those who currently have a subscription to the deceased periodical have begun receiving their replacement magazine: Maxim. Yes, the mag that controversially scored 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand higher than Killzone 2 and Street Fighter IV is clearly the right replacement for the demographic.

A note on the issue of Maxim arriving in mailboxes states that the balance of customers' paid EGM subscription will be fulfilled by the engorging engaging mag. Have fun, boys! And, um, sorry to any of those female subscribers. We're sure you'll love all those articles Maxim is famous for.

[Thanks, Dan]

JoystiqHere's your new issue of EGM! It's called Maxim originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmelectronic-gaming-monthlymagazinesmaximprintMon, 22 Jun 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EGM sold to original founder, resumes publication this year ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/egm-sold-to-original-founder-resuming-publication-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/egm-sold-to-original-founder-resuming-publication-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/egm-sold-to-original-founder-resuming-publication-this-year/#comments Electronic Gaming Monthly, which died when UGO bought out the 1UP brand in January, is being resurrected by its original founder, Steve Harris. Harris, who started EGM in 1989, has regained the print and online publishing rights from Ziff Davis Media as part of an undisclosed agreement. Harris intends to relaunch the magazine in the second half of 2009 and says he has "exciting plans for the evolution of what will once again be a leading independent voice for the gaming community."

There's no word yet on whether ex-EGM staff will be making a return to the magazine, or if Harris is in talks with UGO to re-establish a partnership with 1UP, but more details are due to be revealed during E3 next week. We guess in this case print really isn't dead.

JoystiqEGM sold to original founder, resumes publication this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EGMElectronic-Gaming-MonthlymagazineSteve-HarrisUGOZiff-DavisFri, 29 May 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former EGMer Dan Hsu launches new video show, Cut Scene]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/former-egmer-dan-hsu-launches-new-video-show-cut-scene/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/former-egmer-dan-hsu-launches-new-video-show-cut-scene/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/former-egmer-dan-hsu-launches-new-video-show-cut-scene/#comments
Though he wasn't ousted by the 1UPocolypse, we're always happy to see a former EGM-er land on his feet. That's the good news we got today when Game Cinema HD revealed their new show, "Cut Scene," starring real-life sweethearts Raychul Moore and former EGM editor-in-chief Dan Hsu.

We're a little cautious of the show's proposed formula, which seems to be a blend of video game talk and inter-couple strife, but we'll hold out judgment until the first episode of the show (which is specifically designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch) appears.

JoystiqFormer EGMer Dan Hsu launches new video show, Cut Scene originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upcut-scenedan-hsuegmgchdThu, 05 Feb 2009 03:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Dan Hsu working on new project with ex-EGM/1UP staff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/dan-hsu-working-on-new-project-with-ex-egm-1up-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/dan-hsu-working-on-new-project-with-ex-egm-1up-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/dan-hsu-working-on-new-project-with-ex-egm-1up-staff/#commentsFiled under:


Looks like the alums of the EGM/1UP era aren't ready to call it quits. 1UP Show staff have already moved onto a new video project, CO-OP. Former EGM editor-in-chief Dan Hsu is also working on an unrelated project also featuring ex-EGM/1UP staff, as revealed on his personal blog. Demian Linn, former executive producer of The 1UP Show and GameVideos.com will be Shoe's primary business partner. Other ex-1UPers ready to contribute include Michael Donahoe, Greg Ford, Crispin Boyer, and Karen Chu, former "art star at 1UP.com."

Hsu is also calling up on the dedication of EGM fans by inviting donations on his blog. Contributions already made have gone toward covering the initial costs of starting this new venture. Hsu is currently looking for investors, a difficult prospect in this economic environment. "If you know any really rich people who would like to see a bunch of ex-EGM and 1UP guys get a new project off the ground, we could sure use the help," he notes in his blog. "This will be a legitimate, revenue-producing business."

[Update: We've made edits to reflect the following: Ms. Chu emailed to clarify that despite being referred to as the "art star at 1UP.com" she was not, in fact, the "art director." Additionally, our original post stated that the list of people, including Chu, would "join the staff" of Hsu's venture; we've clarified the freelance nature of this relationship.]
[Image]

JoystiqDan Hsu working on new project with ex-EGM/1UP staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1updan-hsuegmWed, 21 Jan 2009 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega64 bids farewell to Evan Grant Mondesanto]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/mega64-bids-farewell-to-evan-grant-mondesanto/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/mega64-bids-farewell-to-evan-grant-mondesanto/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/mega64-bids-farewell-to-evan-grant-mondesanto/#commentsFiled under:


If you're not easily offended by simulated acts of canine brutality (this is already one of the strangest lead sentences we've ever written), then you may want to check out Mega64's touching tribute to the recently deceased Electronic Gaming Monthly, imbued in a video titled "Metaphors". It's a fairly comprehensive look at the grim business propositions that put the two-decade-old mag in the ground, and it's posted right after the break. It's just like, sitting there, alone. Go keep it company, won't you?

Continue reading Mega64 bids farewell to Evan Grant Mondesanto

JoystiqMega64 bids farewell to Evan Grant Mondesanto originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmevan-grant-mondesantomega64metaphorsSun, 18 Jan 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Counting Rupees: Oh, magazine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/counting-rupees-oh-magazine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/counting-rupees-oh-magazine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/counting-rupees-oh-magazine/#commentsFiled under: ,

Each week Jeff Engel and Geoff Brooks contribute Counting Rupees, a column on the business behind gaming:

With the end of the holidays came the news that EGM is being shuttered. These are disappointing days for many people, not least the hard-working staff that contributed to the respected magazine. I think that the occasion probably merits a mention as much for its inevitability as its sadness.

In days in which even large, mainstream print publications are facing severe financial difficulties, it seems all too obvious that smaller, niche publications are going to face similar pressures. And gaming magazines seem to me to be among the most vulnerable, for several reasons.

Continue reading Counting Rupees: Oh, magazine

JoystiqCounting Rupees: Oh, magazine originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPCounting-RupeesEGMPrintUGOFri, 16 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP's Shane Bettenhausen heads to Ignition Entertainment [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/1ups-shane-bettenhausen-heads-to-ignition-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/1ups-shane-bettenhausen-heads-to-ignition-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/1ups-shane-bettenhausen-heads-to-ignition-entertainment/#commentsFiled under:


First, a confession: our original headline for this post was "Shane turns down Sony PR job, goes with smaller publisher" - that is, until we heard the kids at Rebel FM jokingly suggest that blogs would use exactly that as a headline. Oh yeah, smart guys? Well, we didn't!

Moving on. So, 1UP's Shane Bettenhausen did turn down a Sony PR job ... several years ago. [Update: Shane writes that he "misspoke" and "never interviewed for the position" - so you can stop writing those scathing forum posts, platform conspiracy theorists.] Right now, the recently laid-off Bettenhausen has taken a gig as Director of Business Development (we call that BizDev, folks) at "smaller publisher" Ignition Entertainment. Says Bettenhausen: "they're not on the map as much as other big publishers." Then why take the position, when fellow 1UP alums have moved onto places like Bungie and 2K Boston? At Ignition, Bettenhausen would get to "choose which games to publish" - in other words, he'd rather be a big fish in a smaller pond. Not a bad plan. Up next from Ignition: Blue Dragon Plus for the DS.

To get the full story straight from Shane himself, tune into the latest Rebel FM podcast at around the one hour 21 minute mark. (Bonus: Listen for Shane's comment that the "rise of blogs - Kotaku and Joystiq - completely reshaped the landscape." Great! Now we can add "landscaper" to the old CV).

Joystiq1UP's Shane Bettenhausen heads to Ignition Entertainment [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPEGMIgnition-EntertainmentShane-BettenhausenZiff-DavisWed, 14 Jan 2009 21:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Final EGM issue to be 'printed' on 1UP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/final-egm-issue-to-be-printed-on-1up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/final-egm-issue-to-be-printed-on-1up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/final-egm-issue-to-be-printed-on-1up/#commentsFiled under: ,


R.I.P. Electronic Gaming Monthly
1989-2009

EGM's departing final editor-in-chief, James Mielke, has posted the magazine's last cover on his blog, revealing that the issue will be available to read (in hi-res) on 1UP. Protip: You can print it out and put it in your mailbox out of respect for the publication's demise.

Mielke's post goes on to discuss his eight-month stint in the captain's chair -- following the departure of longtime editor Dan Hsu -- and features candid images of the mag's final days. Toward the end of the piece, Mielke claims the EGM circulation was between 550-650K and its death "was simply a matter of UGO wanting a website, not a magazine."

Bonus: Here's an image of nearly every EGM cover, ever! [Via GameCulture]

JoystiqFinal EGM issue to be 'printed' on 1UP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upegmelectronic-gaming-monthlyugoziff-davisThu, 08 Jan 2009 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: UGO buys 1UP, EGM dead [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/official-ugo-buys-1up-egm-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/official-ugo-buys-1up-egm-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/official-ugo-buys-1up-egm-dead/#commentsFiled under: ,


Within hours of our earlier post regarding 1UP's reported sale to the Hearst-owned UGO network, the deal was confirmed in individual press releases from both entities. Additionally, Ziff-Davis has made official the closure of EGM after nearly 20 years of publication. It's January issue -- currently on sale -- will be its last.

1UP editorial director, Sam Kennedy, is quoted in the release, saying that the site's staff is "extremely excited to join the UGO team." UGO's release states that 1UP.com will operate as a separate entity and implies that its current staff will remain in place. The sale to Hearst also includes GameVideos.com, MyCheats.com and GameTab.com.

The shuttering of EGM -- the oldest multi-platform games magazine in the US -- leaves GamePro and Game Informer as the last bastions of what, with today's news, continues to be the dying breed of print media.

Update: There's not much in the way of new info, but Gamasutra got their mitts on an internal email from Ziff CEO Jason Young, who tells the staff that "more scale is necessary to effectively compete in this market segment." So UGO's planning to keep growing 1UP? Then why kill off the 1UP Show and layoff 30+ people? One other note: Ziff "will continue to operate the Filefront business as a part of the PCMag Digital Network." More as we hear it.

Source - Ziff-Davis press release
Source - UGO press release

JoystiqOfficial: UGO buys 1UP, EGM dead [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbreakingnewsegmelectronic-gaming-monthlyhearstjs-twitterugoTue, 06 Jan 2009 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PaidContent.org reports EGM's death, pulls story [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/paidcontent-org-reports-egms-death-pulls-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/paidcontent-org-reports-egms-death-pulls-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/paidcontent-org-reports-egms-death-pulls-story/#commentsFiled under:


Update: As you can see here, it's official.

Earlier today, media business site paidContent.org reported that video game media hub 1UP had been sold to Hearst (which runs competing hub UGO), and that the organization would be shuttering Electronic Gaming Monthly. You may remember that we reported that both moves were under discussion last month. PaidContent's report has since been pulled, but the full details were related by former 1UPer John Davison's What They Play. WTP then reported that sources had told them that the story would be validated or denied tomorrow.

If this is on the level (and we have no reason to think it's not), it's a sad day for fans of video game magazines and game journalism in general. If it comes to pass, here's hoping everyone affected lands on their feet.

JoystiqPaidContent.org reports EGM's death, pulls story [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upBreakingNewsegmJS-TwitterugoTue, 06 Jan 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Origins: Wolverine Is Going To Be Awesome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/x-men-origins-wolverine-is-going-to-be-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/x-men-origins-wolverine-is-going-to-be-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/x-men-origins-wolverine-is-going-to-be-awesome/#commentsFiled under:


A Play in One Act
by Electronic Gaming Monthly

Lights rise at Raven HQ on X-Men Origins: Wolverine Project Lead Dan Vondrak, sporting a Marvel T-shirt.
VONDRAK. I've read reviews of Wolverine games, I've played previous X-Men games, and you just hate it when you're like, 'This isn't what it's supposed to be like to fight this guy. I'm Wolverine. How come I can't ever just grab a guy and rip him in half?' Yeah, absolutely -- let's do that. Nothing's holding us back.

Curtain.

JoystiqX-Men Origins: Wolverine Is Going To Be Awesome originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardegmMarvelmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3pspRaven-SoftwarewiiWolverineX-MenX-Men-Origins-WolverineX-Men-Origins-Wolverine-Uncaged-EditionxboxXbox-360Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[EGM en Español está muerto]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/egm-en-espanol-esta-muerto/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/egm-en-espanol-esta-muerto/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/egm-en-espanol-esta-muerto/#commentsFiled under:

For our unilingual readers whose loose grasp on the Spanish language sent that headline careening over their heads, the Spanish version of EGM is shutting down, according to editorial director Adrián Carbajal. Their upcoming December issue (the one with the Watchmen game on the cover) will effectively serve as their last installment after a little more than six years of publication.

It should come as no surprise that the main reason Carbajal cited for the collapse of EGM en Español is the seemingly perilous future of the English language version of the mag. Should yesterday's report that UGO is looking to purchase the 1UP network sans the twenty-year-old EGM come to fruition, it's unlikely that we'll see many more issues of the gaming magazine we tucked oh-so-many times into our Junior High textbooks.

[Thanks, Josué]

JoystiqEGM en Español está muerto originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmegm-en-espanolmagazinespanishziff-davisThu, 11 Dec 2008 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumors: Rez sequel, Spielberg's LMNO on hold and more from EGM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/rumors-rez-sequel-spielbergs-lmno-on-hold-and-more-from-egm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/rumors-rez-sequel-spielbergs-lmno-on-hold-and-more-from-egm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/rumors-rez-sequel-spielbergs-lmno-on-hold-and-more-from-egm/#comments Beyond Gears of War 3 for 2010, the January 2009 issue of the future-uncertain EGM contains a handful of other rumors to pique your interest (via NeoGAF). Top of that list? A spiritual sequel to Rez is coming from creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who can't make an actual sequel beacuse the IP is owned by Sega. Mizuguchi's Q Entertainment recently announced a music-infused project codenamed "QJ" for Wii, though it may be unrelated.

Additionally, the issue also asserted that Spielberg's mysterious EA Project LMNO is on hold at the moment. At the end of October, EA denied speculation that there had been layoffs related to the title. The remaining rumor-mongering includes a new Rifts-licensed game in 2010 (the last one was on N-Gage) and a large co-publisher for Tecmo's PlayStation 3 exclusive Quantum Theory.

JoystiqRumors: Rez sequel, Spielberg's LMNO on hold and more from EGM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmlmnomizuguchiproject-lmnoqq-entertainmentquantum-theoryrezriftsrumorrumorsspielbergstephen-spielbergtecmotetsuya-mizuguchiWed, 10 Dec 2008 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gears of War 3 in 2010, 5-player co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/rumor-gears-of-war-3-in-2010-5-player-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/rumor-gears-of-war-3-in-2010-5-player-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/rumor-gears-of-war-3-in-2010-5-player-co-op/#commentsFiled under:

Okay, get this. CVG is reporting that the new issue of EGM features a Gears of War 3 rumor. Come on, that's just silly. Everyone knows that Cliff and the gang have "never announced" a trilogy. (Why do it now?) Besides, suggesting that Gears of War 3 will be released during holiday 2010 is just a little too obvious -- don't you think? Gears 1 in 2006. The sequel in 2008. And part three in 2010? No way. Everyone knows you're supposed to wait three years between the second and third games.

And what's this about Gears 3 featuring a "five-player co-op" mode? Ridiculous. There's no way Marcus and Dom's relationship has room for a third wheel, let alone a fourth and fifth. Move along. Nothing to see here.

JoystiqRumor: Gears of War 3 in 2010, 5-player co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmepicgears-of-wargears-of-war-3rumorXbox-360Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: UGO in high-level talks to buy 1UP; EGM not part of deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/exclusive-ugo-in-high-level-talks-to-buy-1up-egm-not-part-of-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/exclusive-ugo-in-high-level-talks-to-buy-1up-egm-not-part-of-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/exclusive-ugo-in-high-level-talks-to-buy-1up-egm-not-part-of-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Multiple sources in and around Ziff Davis Media have told Joystiq that UGO Entertainment is on the verge of finalizing a deal to buy parts of Ziff's 1UP Network, including 1up.com, GameVideos.com and MyCheats.com.

The sources, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the talks, confirmed to Joystiq that the companies were in "very advanced talks" regarding the sale of many of Ziff's popular gaming web sites. 1UP Network editorial staff were reportedly informed of the potential sale in an all-hands meeting Tuesday and UGO executives will reportedly be flying out to meet with the Ziff staff as soon as Wednesday. Few details of the potential buyout plan are known at this time, but UGO reportedly plans to keep the Ziff sites operating independently as separate entities with their own branding, rather than subsuming them fully into the UGO Entertainment Network.

Our sources also report that UGO has little to no interest in purchasing either Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine or FileFront.com, two wavering pillars of Ziff's increasingly shaky Game Group. Ziff has had particular trouble selling ads for upcoming issues of EGM, suggesting that the February issue might be the final one for the long-running magazine, our sources reported. This adds credence to recent reports that Ziff may be looking to transform EGM into an online-only property. Ziff has been looking for a buyer for the beleaguered Game Group for at least two years.

UGO Entertainment started off in 1997 as Unified Gamers Online and currently attracts over 35 million unique monthly visitors to its general lifestyle portal at UGO.com. In July of 2007 the UGO Network was acquired by mega-publishing conglomerate Hearst Corporation. The network's current properties include GamingTarget.com, GameCheats.com and RPG-focused site GameBanshee.com, as well as celebrity-focused sites like At Pictures.

JoystiqExclusive: UGO in high-level talks to buy 1UP; EGM not part of deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbreakingnewsEGMelectronic-gaming-monthlyexclusiveGameCheatsGameVideosGamingTargetMyCheatsrumorUGOWed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYT: Ziff-Davis considering online-only future for EGM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/new-york-times-ziff-davis-considering-online-only-future-for-eg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/new-york-times-ziff-davis-considering-online-only-future-for-eg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/new-york-times-ziff-davis-considering-online-only-future-for-eg/#commentsFiled under:


As we near the end of a year that saw outspoken EGM editor-in-chief Dan "Shoe" Hsu resign his post, The New York Times quotes publisher Ziff-Davis as "considering" a course of action that would take the prominent print mag online only. The news comes in an article about ZD's decision to make a similar move with 27-year-old flagship publication, PC Magazine.

Ziff-Davis chief executive, James Young, revealed to the paper that an online-only future for EGM is a possibility, but that the publisher "would not make a decision before the end of the year." Recent months have seen the departure of staffers from 1UP, EGM's online sister publication, and a frank admission of the decreasing viability of games-related print media by 1UP editorial director, Simon Cox.

JoystiqNYT: Ziff-Davis considering online-only future for EGM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmelectronic-gaming-monthlyziff-davisThu, 20 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Bearers finally gone forever? [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/crystal-bearers-finally-gone-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/crystal-bearers-finally-gone-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/crystal-bearers-finally-gone-forever/#commentsFiled under:


Update: Huzzah! Square Enix says the game is still on.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers is more than just a long title -- it's also a questionable game with a sketchy history. It's a history that may finally have come to a close, however: after back-and-forth rumors of the game's continuation and demise, apparently the latest issue of EGM points toward the game's cancellation. While the EGM rumor may be off track, we're certainly not surprised if it does turn out to be the truth. We've been considering it gone for some time, and only now, as we are reminded of what could have been, are we saddened again. Lament with us in the comments, if you wish.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqCrystal Bearers finally gone forever? [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-bearerscrystalbearersegmffccsquare-enixThu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watchmen: The End Is Nigh revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/watchmen-the-end-is-nigh-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/watchmen-the-end-is-nigh-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/watchmen-the-end-is-nigh-revealed/#commentsFiled under:


The latest issue of EGM has revealed an upcoming Watchmen game, to be released around the same time as the movie in 2009. Subtitled The End Is Nigh, the Watchmen game will be episodic and downloadable via the PlayStation Network. The game will be a prequel to the movie, though there are currently few details regarding how it will actually play.

1Up promises that Watchmen fans needn't be worried about the franchise being treated badly. Several advisors for The End Is Nigh have worked on the original graphic novel, such as artist Dave Gibbons and Editor Len Wein. Sadly Alan Moore himself is nowhere to be seen. The game will flesh out the backstory of the comics a little more. There's a lot to play with so we're intrigued to see more details once they're finally released.

JoystiqWatchmen: The End Is Nigh revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Deadline-GamesEGMWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWatchmenWatchmen-The-End-Is-NighWBIEMon, 10 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[December EGM gives first look at Watchmen: The End is Nigh [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/egm-reveals-watchmen-the-end-is-nigh/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/egm-reveals-watchmen-the-end-is-nigh/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/egm-reveals-watchmen-the-end-is-nigh/#commentsFiled under:

Fans of Alan Moore's groundbreaking graphic novel, Watchmen, are probably either eagerly anticipating the book's upcoming film adaptation -- or, in true comic book snob fashion, dreading its release. Unfortunately for them, their excitement/dread may be multiplied by the upcoming video game adaptation of the book -- thankfully, the December issue of EGM will break the relative silence on Deadline Games' ludological prequel to the novel, now titled Watchmen: The End is Nigh.

Though none of the December issue's exclusive details are leaked in a recent teaser on 1UP, an early reaction from EGM editor-in-chief James Mielke is provided to ease concerns that the prequel won't follow Watchmen canon -- according to "The Milkman", who recently traveled to Deadline's studio in Denmark, the game is incredibly faithful to the book. We'll remain cautiously optimistic until we can get more details when the next issue of EGM hits newsstands later this month.

Update: Revised to reflect previous coverage.

JoystiqDecember EGM gives first look at Watchmen: The End is Nigh [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-mooreDeadline-GamesegmWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWatchmenWatchmen-The-End-Is-NighWBIESun, 09 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EGM rumors: Cliff Bleszinski's new game & Disney DLC for LBP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/egm-rumors-cliff-bleszinskis-new-game-and-disney-dlc-for-lbp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/egm-rumors-cliff-bleszinskis-new-game-and-disney-dlc-for-lbp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/egm-rumors-cliff-bleszinskis-new-game-and-disney-dlc-for-lbp/#commentsFiled under:


A new month means a new issue of EGM, which means a whole new batch of rumors in their infamous Quartermann column. This edition features two things of note for PS3 fans.

First is a rumor about Cliff Bleszinski's new game. Having just finished Gears 2, many are wondering: what's next? Well, his next game may be a survival horror game, which promises to mix the visceral feel of Gears with psychological terror. Even more exciting: the next game may be a multiplatform title, allowing PS3 fans a chance to finally play one of his games.

In addition, EGM is also continuing the rumors about a possible Disney partnership for LittleBigPlanet. The rumor mill suggests a Disney DLC pack will arrive in 2009, and it will include a playable version of the classic Mickey Mouse cartoon, Steamboat Willie (pictured above).

JoystiqEGM rumors: Cliff Bleszinski's new game & Disney DLC for LBP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmquartermannrumorFri, 07 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Rogue Squadron compilation locking S-foils in attack position]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/rumor-rogue-squadron-compilation-locking-x-foils-in-attack-posi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/rumor-rogue-squadron-compilation-locking-x-foils-in-attack-posi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/rumor-rogue-squadron-compilation-locking-x-foils-in-attack-posi/#commentsFiled under:


According to the latest issue of EGM, which just arrived in our mail box, Wii owners could be seeing Rogue Squadron make a return to a Nintendo console, as Q from the Rumor Mill is reporting that Lucasarts has licensed out the Rogue Squadron series of games. Sadly, we're not talking about a brand new game, but rather a compilation of the N64 and GameCube titles, all on one Wii disc. With the whole Play on Wii thing, it seems like this has a good chance of becoming true.

Head past the break for the excerpt from the magazine.

Continue reading Rumor: Rogue Squadron compilation locking S-foils in attack position

JoystiqRumor: Rogue Squadron compilation locking S-foils in attack position originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmfactor-5gamecubelucasartsn64play-on-wiirepublicrogue-squadronstar-warsWed, 08 Oct 2008 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Disney characters coming to LittleBigPlanet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/04/rumor-disney-characters-coming-to-littlebigplanet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/04/rumor-disney-characters-coming-to-littlebigplanet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/04/rumor-disney-characters-coming-to-littlebigplanet/#commentsFiled under: ,


As you put the finishing touches on your latest laborious LittleBigPlanet masterpiece, you make a startling realization -- something is missing. Your homebrewed LittleBigLocale is missing its keystone; without this necessary component, your hours of work will have been for naught. The component is, of course, a statue of Horace Horsecollar and his bovine betrothed, Clarabelle Cow.

While the previous sentence likely only made sense to people who watched cartoons in the 1930s, the following will probably be clearer -- according to the latest revolution of Electronic Gaming Monthly's rumor mill, LittleBigPlanet DLC is set to include non-sony property, such as characters from Disney franchises and 3rd-party PlayStation titles. We're not sure in what capacity these properties could be included in Media Molecule's uber-customizable platformer, but we're certainly excited about the prospective existence of SackBaloo.

JoystiqRumor: Disney characters coming to LittleBigPlanet originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyegmlittlebigplanetmedia-moleculePS3rumorSat, 04 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Quartermann: New Strider in the works, Kojima may be working on FPS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/quartermann-new-strider-in-the-works-kojima-may-be-working-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/quartermann-new-strider-in-the-works-kojima-may-be-working-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/quartermann-new-strider-in-the-works-kojima-may-be-working-on/#commentsFiled under: ,


EGM's rumor-mongering editor amalgamation Quartermann has some info on another Capcom franchise that may get an update. Apparently Strider could be the next classic character to get a Bionic Commando upgrade, with the Q-mann saying that it could take on Devil May Cry-style gameplay.

The other tidbit is that Metal Gear Solid guru Hideo Kojima may be working on a first-person shooter. Allegedly Kojima has been to FPS studios Infinity Ward (Call of Duty 4) and Guerrilla Games (Killzone 2) for reasons unknown. Maybe he's just trying to learn how to make a proper better multiplayer experience?

JoystiqQuartermann: New Strider in the works, Kojima may be working on FPS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmkojimaquartermannstriderFri, 03 Oct 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hsu and Boyer's Sore Thumbs is a must-read]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/hsu-and-boyers-sore-thumbs-is-a-must-read/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/hsu-and-boyers-sore-thumbs-is-a-must-read/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/hsu-and-boyers-sore-thumbs-is-a-must-read/#commentsFiled under: ,

Maybe it's just because we're nerds for gaming journalism dirt, but we can't get enough of Sore Thumbs, a blog run by former EGMers Dan Hsu and Crispin Boyer. Now that both have moved on from the mag, they're spinning tales about the glory days of gaming journalism, often with shocking results.

In the newest entry, for example, Hsu delves into the Ubisoft/Ziff Davis blackballing and how it, in a sense, played a part in his resignation. It's all fascinating stuff that's both unflinchingly honest and essential reading for informed consumers of game media.

JoystiqHsu and Boyer's Sore Thumbs is a must-read originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crispin-boyerdan-hsuegmWed, 27 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quartermann: Rockstar making Max Payne 3 internally]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/quartermann-rockstar-making-max-payne-3-internally/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/quartermann-rockstar-making-max-payne-3-internally/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/quartermann-rockstar-making-max-payne-3-internally/#commentsFiled under:

Of all of the people who make crap up on the internet, the enigmatic EGM rumormonger Quartermann seems to be the most accurate. This could be because Quartermann is just an amalgamation of different EGM editors and they hear some fairly juicy stuff in their day-to-day, like (for example) the rumor that the same Rockstar team that made The Warriors is busy toiling on Max Payne 3, presumably to cash in on the upcoming movie.

With original devs Remedy hard at work on Alan Wake and Rockstar Toronto not working on anything that we know of, it would seem to add up. In a more nebulous vein, Quartermann also says that Rockstar North, the team behind GTA IV, is hard at work on a PS3 exclusive. You'll know if this rumor is ever confirmed, however, when you see PS3 fanboys with an otherworldly glow and floating a few inches off the ground as a choir of angels sings in the background. Also, 360 fanboys will start throwing themselves off buildings, Happening-style.

JoystiqQuartermann: Rockstar making Max Payne 3 internally originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmmax-paynemax-payne-3quartermannrockstarWed, 27 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST