Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mojang wins interim injunction battle, can keep using 'Scrolls' name for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/mojang-wins-interim-injunction-battle-can-keep-using-scrolls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/mojang-wins-interim-injunction-battle-can-keep-using-scrolls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/mojang-wins-interim-injunction-battle-can-keep-using-scrolls/#comments
As ZeniMax and Mojang begin their back alley knife fight, it seems that Notch and Co. has drawn first blood. The indie studio won the right to continue to use the "Scrolls" name -- which Bethesda claims infringes on its Elder Scrolls copyright -- until the case goes to trial. The decision, as Notch pointed out in his Twitter feed, can still be appealed by Bethesda parent company ZeniMax.

Should that go badly, we've prepared some less contentious names that will still really irritate Bethesda.

JoystiqMojang wins interim injunction battle, can keep using 'Scrolls' name for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrollslegalMojang-Specificationsnotchscrollszenimax-mediaTue, 18 Oct 2011 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda: Nobody enjoys being 'forced' to sue Mojang]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/bethesda-nobody-enjoys-being-forced-to-sue-mojang/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/bethesda-nobody-enjoys-being-forced-to-sue-mojang/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/bethesda-nobody-enjoys-being-forced-to-sue-mojang/#comments Bethesda VP of marketing Pete Hines is providing some context for its case against Minecraft-dev Mojang's coming title, Scrolls, saying Mojang hasn't fairly presented Bethesda's side of the fight (probably because it's on the side against Bethesda). "Mojang's public comments have not given a complete picture as it relates to their filings, our trademarks, or events that have taken place," Hines said.

Bethesda has an obligation to protect its trademark -- Elder Scrolls -- at the risk of diluting or losing it entirely. In that regard, this isn't something Bethesda wants to do, but it is something it has to do: "Nobody here enjoys being forced into this," Hines said. "Hopefully it will all be resolved soon." I bet that Quake 3 duel is looking pretty good to both sides right now.

JoystiqBethesda: Nobody enjoys being 'forced' to sue Mojang originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkselder-scrollsmicrosoftmojangnotchpcpete-hinesplaystationps3scrollsxboxSat, 08 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda vs. Mojang: 'Scrolls' case going to court]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/bethesda-vs-mojang-scrolls-case-going-to-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/bethesda-vs-mojang-scrolls-case-going-to-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/bethesda-vs-mojang-scrolls-case-going-to-court/#comments So ... no Quake 3 then?

Despite Notch's offer to engage in deathmatch against a team of Bethesda's choosing over the matter, it seems that the battle for use of the "Scrolls" name will take place in court instead. As the Mojang boss tweeted, "The Scrolls case is going to court! Weee! :D"

If you remember, Bethesda claimed that Mojang's upcoming collectible card game, Scrolls, was too close in (trademarked) title to the publisher's Elder Scrolls series of games. Mojang business developer Daniel Kaplan called the suit "really silly" while speaking with Gamasutra, but said that, in the worst case scenario, Mojang would be forced to change the title.

Since a name change would be the toxic leftovers from this legal wrangling, we'd suggest changing the name to "Fallout." You can thank us later.

JoystiqBethesda vs. Mojang: 'Scrolls' case going to court originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrollslawsuitmacMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcscrollsTue, 27 Sep 2011 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch: challenging Bethesda to Quake 3 duel 'might have been a poor choice']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/notch-challenging-bethesda-to-quake-3-duel-might-have-been-a-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/notch-challenging-bethesda-to-quake-3-duel-might-have-been-a-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/notch-challenging-bethesda-to-quake-3-duel-might-have-been-a-p/#comments Minecraft maker Markus "Notch" Persson has admitted a strategic miscalculation in challenging Bethesda to a Quake 3 tournament to settle their legal dispute over Notch's Scrolls, whose title Bethesda says conflicts with its Elder Scrolls franchise. Considering Bethesda owns Quake 3 and employs a handful of professional players, Notch admitted his choice of game might have been a poor one. "If it came to a Quake 3 tournament, I have a feeling we just might have to change the name," Notch told Wired.

Notch isn't giving up his fight with Bethesda, saying the entire lawsuit is a "bogus claim," but attorney and game industry analyst Mark Methenitis says Bethesda has a "reasonable argument" based on established US trademark-law tests. Perhaps Notch should challenge Bethesda to a Twitter duel, because at 303,000 followers, Notch could trounce Bethesda's 50,000 roughly six times over and still have enough people left over to play the Scrolls alpha when it launches later this year, and that's ridiculous.

JoystiqNotch: challenging Bethesda to Quake 3 duel 'might have been a poor choice' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworkselder-scrollslawsuitmojangnotchpcquake-3scrollsFri, 19 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: Elder Scrolls MMO three years into development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/rumorang-elder-scrolls-mmo-three-years-into-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/rumorang-elder-scrolls-mmo-three-years-into-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/rumorang-elder-scrolls-mmo-three-years-into-development/#comments According to VG247's "very reliable" source, Bethesda Softworks is already three years deep into development on an Elder Scrolls MMO. Recent court documents in the ongoing Bethesda/Interplay lawsuit have allegedly revealed that Bethesda has "close to 100 people working on a secret World of Warcraft-type MMO" -- a tasty piece of info that it's said to be currently fighting to have redacted from a 218-page court transcript.

Furthermore, the unannounced MMO is said to be "very close" to being unveiled. We could even be seeing a release of the purported title later this year, as the transcript is said to also reveal a four-year development cycle (starting in late 2006 would put that either later this year or early 2011). Bethesda has commented in the past that it is currently not working on an MMO, though ZeniMax Online (another studio under Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media) is working on a currently unannounced title. We contacted Bethesda for comment and were told, "We aren't talking about what that studio is working on and don't comment on rumors and speculation."

Source 1 - VG247
Source 2 - Duck and Cover Forums

JoystiqRumorang: Elder Scrolls MMO three years into development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworkselder-scrollselder-scrolls-5elder-scrolls-mmommorumorrumorangskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-online-studiosWed, 20 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Random House teases first few pages of Elder Scrolls novel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/random-house-teases-first-few-pages-of-elder-scrolls-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/random-house-teases-first-few-pages-of-elder-scrolls-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/random-house-teases-first-few-pages-of-elder-scrolls-novel/#comments Are you in the mood for some reading that's a bit heavier than the video game news post you're currently digesting? We suggest you check out this Random House page to read an excerpt from the first chapter of the Elder Scrolls-based novel, The Infernal City. The few pages of text introduce us to what will likely be the book's plucky protagonists, Annaïg and Mere-Glim.

It's a pretty intriguing kick-off for the novel's plot -- however, the excerpt doesn't exactly sound like our usual experience in the Elder Scrolls world. See, in our version, the heroes would systematically rob everyone on the planet blind, and then, once bored with that, would just start killin'. It may not win any Pulitzers, but at least it's authentic.

JoystiqRandom House teases first few pages of Elder Scrolls novel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksbookelder-scrollselder-scrolls-5excerptnovelrandom-housereadingskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimthe-infernal-citySat, 31 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elder Scrolls novel listing mentions next game, set 200 years after Oblivion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/elder-scrolls-novel-listing-mentions-next-game-set-200-years-af/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/elder-scrolls-novel-listing-mentions-next-game-set-200-years-af/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/elder-scrolls-novel-listing-mentions-next-game-set-200-years-af/#comments Though Bethesda's bigwigs have gone back and forth on the existence of another installment in the Elder Scrolls franchise, an excerpt from online book retailer Waterstone's product listing for Elder Scrolls: The Infernal City seems fairly certain of the series' continuance. The listing -- which was recently edited to remove the following savory quote -- mentions that the novel takes place 45 years after Oblivion, adding that "it partly bridges the gap for the next game, which is set 200 years after the Oblivion crisis."

As promising as this sounds, we find a major flaw with this claim -- see, we've already clocked over 200 years of playtime into Oblivion (and still haven't beaten it!), meaning we're technically playing the sequel right now. We've contacted Bethesda to ask them about the book listing, and to see if 200 years of technological progress will bring about unimaginable advances in equestrian fortification.

JoystiqElder Scrolls novel listing mentions next game, set 200 years after Oblivion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksbookelder-scrollselder-scrolls-5elder-scrolls-the-infernal-citynoveloblivionskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimthe-infernal-citywaterstonesSat, 24 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda clarifies MMO claims, Elder Scrolls V statements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/bethesda-clarifies-mmo-claims-elder-scrolls-v-statements/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/bethesda-clarifies-mmo-claims-elder-scrolls-v-statements/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/bethesda-clarifies-mmo-claims-elder-scrolls-v-statements/#comments Rather than let the statements made at QuakeCon 2009 by Elder Scrolls executive producer Todd Howard rest as they are, Bethesda's Pete Hines has clarified a few things on the company's blog. First and foremost, he wants to make sure that people know that another Elder Scrolls game will eventually be released. "Both Todd and I have said repeatedly that, of course, we're going to do another Elder Scrolls game," Hines outright states. Rather than comment directly on what Bethesda is currently working on, he instead notes that, "We aren't going to confirm or deny or comment on speculation, nor are we going to give hints about anything ... if you know us by now, you know we don't really do that."

Hines additionally points out that Bethesda Softworks (the game studio) isn't working on an MMO at the moment, per the speculation surrounding a possible Elder Scrolls MMO. ZeniMax Online Studios, however, is working on an MMO, though "they have not said anything about what game they are making." It looks as though an upcoming Elder Scrolls MMO may be more likely than seeing numero cinco anytime soon, folks. What happened to that "possible 2010 release," eh, Bethesda?

JoystiqBethesda clarifies MMO claims, Elder Scrolls V statements originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-blogbethesda-softworkselder-scrollselder-scrolls-5elder-scrolls-mmopete-hinesquakecon-2009skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtodd-howardzenimax-mediazenimax-online-studiosTue, 18 Aug 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elder Scrolls V not in the works, there's a 'chance' for Elder Scrolls MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/elder-scrolls-v-not-in-the-works-theres-a-chance-for-elder-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/elder-scrolls-v-not-in-the-works-theres-a-chance-for-elder-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/elder-scrolls-v-not-in-the-works-theres-a-chance-for-elder-s/#comments Bethesda's Todd Howard delivered a heart-crushing blow to fans of Oblivion (and the Elder Scrolls series as a whole) during a recent speech at QuakeCon 2009. When pressed about the company's next big project, Howard told the audience not to expect "Elder Scrolls V" any time soon. Amidst wails of anguish from the Tamriel enthusiasts in attendance, Howard followed that statement with a minor concession -- he joked that "there's always a chance" for an Elder Scrolls MMO.

Flash forward to this morning, when stalwart internet lookyloo Supererogatory noticed a startling trend. A number of intriguingly named web domains use Zenimax's nameserver as their host -- domains such as ElderScrollsOnline.com, ElderScrollsMMO.com, TheElderScrollsMMOG.net, etc. This is so very far from a confirmation of the project -- but definitely food for thought following Howard's QuakeCon remarks.

JoystiqElder Scrolls V not in the works, there's a 'chance' for Elder Scrolls MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkselder-scrollselder-scrolls-5elder-scrolls-iv-oblivionelder-scrolls-mmoMicrosoftmmooblivionpcquakecon-2009skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtodd-howardXbox-360Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[QuakeCon 2009 detailed, first public demos of Rage and Brink]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/quakecon-2009-detailed-first-public-demos-of-rage-and-brink/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/quakecon-2009-detailed-first-public-demos-of-rage-and-brink/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/quakecon-2009-detailed-first-public-demos-of-rage-and-brink/#comments
Nothing more clearly shows the new relationship forged by Zenimax Media between id Software and Bethesda Softworks than this year's QuakeCon lineup. Littered with little extras like an hour-long presentation by Bethesda's Todd Howard and the first public demonstration of Splash Damage's Brink, QuakeCon 2009 is clearly accommodating some new faces.

That being said, id Software's John Carmack will be giving this year's keynote speech, and the event is still very much PC-centric, with Alienware, NVIDA and Ventrilo hosting a handful of events. Upcoming post-apocalyptic, not-Mad Max FPS Rage will also be getting its first public demo at the show, further asserting id Software into the event. For those of you attending, we encourage hounding Todd Howard for information on the next Elder Scrolls game during his Q&A -- if not for us, do it for the kids.

JoystiqQuakeCon 2009 detailed, first public demos of Rage and Brink originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarebethesdaBethesda-Softworksbrinkconventionelder-scrollsfpsid-softwarejohn-carmackMicrosoftnvidiapcquakeconquakecon-2009ragesplash-damagetodd-howardventriloXbox-360zenimaxzenimax-mediaSun, 09 Aug 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oblivion, Bioshock bundle doesn't feature Game of the Year edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/oblivion-bioshock-bundle-doesnt-feature-game-of-the-year-editi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/oblivion-bioshock-bundle-doesnt-feature-game-of-the-year-editi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/oblivion-bioshock-bundle-doesnt-feature-game-of-the-year-editi/#comments
Well, the Bioshock and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion bundle just got a lot less interesting. We put in word to Bethesda's Pete Hines asking which version of Oblivion would be included in the bundle, and he got back to us with this most sad news: It's the original game. That means it's not the Game of the Year edition including Shivering Isles, the lengthy expansion featuring the hilarious Daedric Prince of Madness, Sheogorath.

JoystiqOblivion, Bioshock bundle doesn't feature Game of the Year edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-gamesbethesdaBethesda-Softworksbioshockelder-scrollselder-scrolls-iv-oblivionMicrosoftoblivionXbox-360Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Open world meets underwater in new Oblivion, Bioshock bundle [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/open-world-meets-under-water-in-new-oblivion-bioshock-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/open-world-meets-under-water-in-new-oblivion-bioshock-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/open-world-meets-under-water-in-new-oblivion-bioshock-bundle/#comments
Update: Well, folks, Bethesda has confirmed our fears: The Oblivion included is not the Game of the Year edition. It's the original Oblivion release.

Bethesda, proprietor of large, navigable worlds both post-apocalyptic and, uh, pre-apocalyptic, has teamed up with 2K Games to offer a gaming bundle not seen since the days of the original Xbox, when you could get Jet Set Radio and Sega GT together in one convenient package. 2K and Bethesda are bundling Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Bioshock together for Xbox 360 and Windows PC, for $39.99 and $29.99, respectively, starting July 7.

The press release was unclear on which version of Oblivion this is (Game of the Year edition?), so we've sent word for a comment regarding that.

JoystiqOpen world meets underwater in new Oblivion, Bioshock bundle [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbethesdaBethesda-Softworksbioshockbundleelder-scrollsMicrosoftoblivionXbox-360Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda brings Oblivion, Morrowind, Call of Cthulhu to Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/bethesda-brings-oblivion-morrowind-call-of-cthulhu-to-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/bethesda-brings-oblivion-morrowind-call-of-cthulhu-to-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/bethesda-brings-oblivion-morrowind-call-of-cthulhu-to-steam/#comments
Steam users, know that Bethesda has just unloaded three of its top titles onto the service. Starting today, users can download The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Game of the Year edition). Adding further incentive is a 20% discount on these titles, valid this week only.

Odds are you played both Elder Scrolls games already, but if you've yet to try the under-appreciated Call of Cthulhu, then we suggest you pounce on this. The hotel chase scene is an experience we'll never forget.

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqBethesda brings Oblivion, Morrowind, Call of Cthulhu to Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworkscall-of-cthulhuelder-scrollsmorrowindoblivionsalesteamvalveTue, 16 Jun 2009 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Greg Keyes to pen official Elder Scrolls novels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/greg-keyes-to-pen-official-elder-scrolls-novels/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/greg-keyes-to-pen-official-elder-scrolls-novels/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/greg-keyes-to-pen-official-elder-scrolls-novels/#comments The Elder Scrolls series is known for its large amount of in-game reading material. Oblivion and Morrowind both had dozens of books to read through when you weren't busy playing the games, a lot of which were based on the rich history and mythology of the Elder Scrolls universe. Bethesda has just announced that, starting this fall, you'll be able to find books based on the Elder Scrolls games in the real world, too.

These books are to be written by New York Times bestselling author Greg Keyes, who authored the Age of Unreason Tetrology and three Star Wars books in the New Jedi Order series. The first of the two Elder Scrolls book, The Infernal City, takes place after the events of Oblivion, during a time when a mysterious floating city is causing Tamriel's residents to rise again as undead. You know, that old chestnut.

JoystiqGreg Keyes to pen official Elder Scrolls novels originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Softworkselder-scrollsgreg-keyesnovelsoblivionthe-elder-scrollsMon, 27 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda trademarks Fallout name for film and television]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/17/bethesda-trademarks-fallout-name-for-film-and-television/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/17/bethesda-trademarks-fallout-name-for-film-and-television/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/17/bethesda-trademarks-fallout-name-for-film-and-television/#comments
Spotted on the US Patent and Trademark Office website recently were two suspicious trademarks filed by Bethesda Softworks, the folks behind the Elder Scrolls series and, most recently, Fallout 3. First, a trademark staking claim on the Fallout name for "entertainment services in the nature of an on-going television program," hinting pretty heavily at the possibility of a Fallout-themed ... television program. Another filing secures the trademark for "motion picture films about a post-nuclear apocalyptic world." We imagine you get the gist of that one, eh?

It looks as though Bethesda is thinking about the future of the Fallout IP and some interesting ways to expand upon it. With the possibility that the company has taken back the reins on a Fallout MMO, the future for Bethesda may hold a megaton more Fallout than we could have possibly imagined.

JoystiqBethesda trademarks Fallout name for film and television originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkselder-scrollsfalloutfallout-3fallout-mmofilmRPGtelevisiontrademarkFri, 17 Apr 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda: Elder Scrolls 'potentially' returning in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/bethesda-elder-scrolls-potentially-returning-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/bethesda-elder-scrolls-potentially-returning-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/bethesda-elder-scrolls-potentially-returning-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Now that "Oblivion with guns" is done, it's time for Bethesda to make another "Fallout with swords." The developer's publishing executive, Paul Oughton, indicated to GI.biz that the company could "potentially" have the next Elder Scrolls title ready in 2010.

Oughton also stated Bethesda currently doesn't have any plans to release its titles on Wii. He acknowledges that Nintendo has opened up a market, but the publisher plans to stick with the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. An Oblivion or Fallout 3 port for Wii is still theoretically possible, it just doesn't sound like Bethesda would be the one doing it.

JoystiqBethesda: Elder Scrolls 'potentially' returning in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworkselder-scrollselder-scrolls-5oblivionpaul-oughtonPCPS3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimWiiXbox-360Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Elder Scrolls in 2010 a possibility, but won't come to Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/new-elder-scrolls-in-2010-a-possibility-but-wont-come-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/new-elder-scrolls-in-2010-a-possibility-but-wont-come-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/new-elder-scrolls-in-2010-a-possibility-but-wont-come-to-wii/#commentsFiled under:

With Fallout 3 releasing this week, all eyes have been on Bethesda. They commented that a new Elder Scrolls game could be on schedule to release in 2010, for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, but not on the Wii. "At the moment we're not that interested in the Wii," said Paul Oughton, publishing executive for Bethesda. Despite Nintendo's huge base, Bethesda doesn't see success much longer for those working with the Wii and DS.

"We've seen games selling in the past 18 months that we never thought we'd see," Oughton said, further adding that he "wouldn't have thought that pet games and cooking games would have a viable market five years ago." But, we're getting to a breaking point, he claims. "Nintendo bought new products in with vast amounts of marketing money to launch these into the minds of the consumer and made a market for them. Every other publisher then very quickly developed DS and Wii products and we're getting to saturation now."

Sure, that's all well and good, and we appreciate you offering your opinions, but this doesn't do anything to explain why a new Elder Scrolls game isn't headed to Wii. If Bethesda could make the game for PSP (they never finished, but they had to think the tech was up to spec to even begin undertaking such a project), why not for Wii? Do you not think there's a market for your games on the console, Bethesda?

JoystiqNew Elder Scrolls in 2010 a possibility, but won't come to Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrollselder-scrolls-5elder-scrolls-oblivionfallout-3oblivionrpgskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimWed, 29 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq review: Fallout 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/joystiq-review-fallout-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/joystiq-review-fallout-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/joystiq-review-fallout-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


As an Oblivion fan, I was ready for Fallout 3 to completely blow me out of the irradiated water. I had the shiny "Game of the Year" trophy all polished and ready, and all I was waiting for was a couple of hours of play time before I made the trip to the engravers.

Before I talk about those hours though, let me tell you fellow Oblivion fans what you need to hear: All the good stuff is here. There's still a giant world to explore, with tons of diversions if you don't mind chasing them down. It may not be as pretty as Tamriel, but it's a lot more dense, teeming with treasures to dig up and people to meet/kill.

You still have countless different ways to customize your character, who could be anything from an evil medical genius who's got a way with rocket launchers to an angelic scientist that can decapitate a mutant with a single hammer swing.

Those battles feel surprisingly satisfying too, thanks to the addition of Fallout's V.A.T.S. system which lets you stop time and to choose which body parts to target, usually resulting in a decapitation or ... de-arm-itation. Each shot uses a number of action points, and you have to wait for them to refill before you can get any more aiming assistance. It works so well that I hope something similar is implemented in the next Elder Scrolls title.

Gallery: Fallout 3

Continue reading Joystiq review: Fallout 3

JoystiqJoystiq review: Fallout 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkselder-scrollsfalloutfallout-3joystiqfeaturesjs-twitteroblivionPCPS3reviewsRPGXbox-360Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@E3: 'The pie will be mine']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/overheard-e3-the-pie-will-be-mine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/overheard-e3-the-pie-will-be-mine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/overheard-e3-the-pie-will-be-mine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In an interview today (we'll have more from this later), Fallout 3 executive producer Todd Howard let us in on a little Bethesda family tradition. After the release of its games, the team holds a speed run contest to see who can get through the title the fastest (without cheating, of course). For Oblivion, Howard lost to the QA lead, who managed to best the Elder Scrolls RPG in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

"But this time [with Fallout 3]," he said, "the pie will be mine."

JoystiqOverheard@E3: 'The pie will be mine' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkse3e3-2008elder-scrollsfalloutoblivionPCpiePS3Xbox-360Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoink! Adventure game reuses Oblivion's graphics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/yoink-adventure-game-reuses-oblivions-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/yoink-adventure-game-reuses-oblivions-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/yoink-adventure-game-reuses-oblivions-graphics/#commentsFiled under:


When you play a lot of video games as we do, they can tend to feel a little same-y after a while. But Majestic Studios may just have just pushed past Homageville and straight into Lawsuitburg with Limbo of the Lost, which appears to have lifted many of its background graphics directly from Bethesda's Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. No, it's not in a "Hey, this game looks like Oblivion" way. It's more like "Hey, why are you seizing my copy of the game as evidence?" GamePlasma has the image above and many, many more examples.

What's nuttier is that this game has actually been around for a while. It was originally released in Asia way back in November of 2007, though it's just now getting a North American release. It's criminal, but it's also kind of inspiring. Apparently, if you dream of making games, all you have to do is find another game, and then make up a guy to put in that game and then sell it. If we weren't so busy liquidating our stock in Majestic Studios we'd be slow clapping.

(Oh, and just so you know, Bethesda tells us they don't have a comment and Majestic's email address doesn't work..)

Update: No one is safe from Limbo! It seems the game also stole an environment from Eidos' Thief: Deadly Shadows.

Update 2: Just heard back from U.S. publisher Tri Synergy who tells us that the similarity between the two is "striking" but "We're just as shocked as anybody else and we've put a line in to Majestic. We had no idea that any of this had been in the game and things would have been different had we known." They're still exploring it though, so we hope we'll hear more soon.

[Thanks Michael]

JoystiqYoink! Adventure game reuses Oblivion's graphics originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkselder-scrollslimbo-of-the-lostoblivionPCWed, 11 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda sister developer bringing mobile sports pair to DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/bethesda-sister-developer-bringing-mobile-sports-pair-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/bethesda-sister-developer-bringing-mobile-sports-pair-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/bethesda-sister-developer-bringing-mobile-sports-pair-to-ds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Did you know that Oblivion and Fallout 3 dev Bethesda had a sibling named Vir2L Studios? Known primarily for releasing games for cellular phones, the ZeniMax-owned outfit has announced plans to bring a pair of titles to the Nintendo DS this summer. However, while this would have been great news had the company decided to bring its Elder Scrolls Travels mobile titles to the handheld, life has taught us that life is seldom that generous.

Vir2L will instead release touchable versions of its AMF Bowling and Ducati motorcycle racing series on the DS. Both AMF Bowling Pinbusters! and Ducati Moto promise multiple characters and Wi-Fi connectivity, and will each carry a budget price of $19.99. Still, our hope is that Vir2L is simply testing the waters with these titles, and we may someday be able to save Oblivion's Tamriel, stylus in hand.

JoystiqBethesda sister developer bringing mobile sports pair to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amf-bowlingamfbowlingbethesdaBethesda-SoftworksDSducatielder-scrollselderscrollsmobileoblivionVir2LzenimaxWed, 09 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stop torturing us with this Oblivion nonsense!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/stop-torturing-us-with-this-oblivion-nonsense/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/stop-torturing-us-with-this-oblivion-nonsense/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/stop-torturing-us-with-this-oblivion-nonsense/#commentsFiled under:

Can the debacle end? Although the game was never officially canceled, we safely put Oblivion behind our backs, sure that the title will never rise again. Especially because retailers were canceling pre-orders. And trust us -- retailers never want to do that.

CVG thinks differently due to a new Amazon listing for the game, with a ship date of June 30, 2008. Bethesda's response? "[We] still aren't talking about what's up with Oblivion PSP. We'll let folks know when that changes." Really? Can't you tell us if the game ... y'know, exists?

Our souls tire from this debacle. Please, Bethesda. Stop toying with us!

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqStop torturing us with this Oblivion nonsense! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrollsoblivionSat, 19 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oblivion PSP listing appears on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/oblivion-psp-listing-appears-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/oblivion-psp-listing-appears-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/oblivion-psp-listing-appears-on-amazon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We really wish we had a better understanding of the Oblivion PSP game (formally known as The Elder Scrolls Travels: Oblivion) but we still don't get it. We saw the first nugget in OPM in the fall of 2006 and it's been radio silence since then. Last we heard, folks who pre-ordered the game were being called by retailers in November to learn that it had been canceled.

Today though, CVG thinks they might have found a sign of life with a listing for the PSP title appearing on Amazon with a ship date of June 30, 2008. Bethesda was mum, telling us: "[We] still aren't talking about what's up with Oblivion PSP. We'll let folks know when that changes." So, a listing, but no confirmation. Hey square one. Good to see you again.

JoystiqOblivion PSP listing appears on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkselder-scrollsoblivionPSPFri, 18 Jan 2008 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Justin's Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dead Head Fred (PSP)

Though he may have been on a small screen, Dead Head Fred (voiced by Scrubs' John C. McGinley), had more character than 90 percent of the leads in this year's crop of console games. If you haven't played it, do yourself a favor and track it down. It's excellent stuff.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Justin's Picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Justin's Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionBest-of-the-rest-2007CrackdownDead-Head-FredDesktop-Tower-DefenseDSElder-ScrollsElderScrollsGOTY-2007MassEffectMicrosoftOblivionPCPSPPuzzle-QuestPuzzleQuestRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxShivering-IslesShiveringIslesXbox-360Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Unsurprising: Oblivion on way to cancellation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/unsurprising-oblivion-on-way-to-cancellation/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/unsurprising-oblivion-on-way-to-cancellation/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/unsurprising-oblivion-on-way-to-cancellation/#commentsFiled under:


The mysterious Elder Scrolls Travels game that was supposedly in development for PSP has been considered vaporware for quite some time. Now, Kotaku is reporting that GameStop stores are calling the unfortunate few that pre-ordered the game, telling them that the game is canceled.

This comes as unsurprising news, especially when one considers the incredible lack of news surrounding the title. Although GameStop is saying the game is dead, Bethesda still refuses to comment on the game. "We haven't changed our stance that we are not talking about this title right now," says Pete Hines, V.P. of Marketing and Public Relations at Bethesda.

JoystiqUnsurprising: Oblivion on way to cancellation originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elder-scrollsgamestopoblivionSun, 11 Nov 2007 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Elder Scrolls Online in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/rumor-elder-scrolls-online-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/rumor-elder-scrolls-online-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/rumor-elder-scrolls-online-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under:


Voodoo Extreme reports that Bethesda parent company ZeniMax Media has purchased the domain "ElderScrollsOnline.com," leading them (and us) to believe that an Elder Scrolls MMO may be in the works. You may recall that Zenimax recently opened a new branch -- ZeniMax Online Studios -- specifically to focus on MMOs. Honestly, it makes sense. The Elder Scrolls has always had a rich world to explore, but the games have always been a solitary experience. An MMO version would finally allow players to share their custom characters and exploits with their friends. Not only that, but it might provide players with more motivation to plow through the hundreds of hours worth of side quests and extra content. Of course, the best reason that this rumor would be true is that MMOs are big money these days. With World of Warcraft creating Scrooge-McDuck-sized piles of money, making the next Elder Scrolls online is just a smart move.

Unfortunately, even if Elder Scrolls goes online, our experience will remain solitary, because we'll still be sitting in the corner grinding up potion ingredients. Mmm ... alchemy.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqRumor: Elder Scrolls Online in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineelderscrollsFri, 02 Nov 2007 15:15:00 EST