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[Epic: Silicon Knights lawsuit over, 'jury finds for Epic on all counts' [Update: Epic awarded $4.45 million]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/epic-silicon-knights-lawsuit-over-jury-finds-for-epic-on-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/epic-silicon-knights-lawsuit-over-jury-finds-for-epic-on-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/epic-silicon-knights-lawsuit-over-jury-finds-for-epic-on-all/#comments ImageAccording to Epic Game vice president and co-founder Mark Rein, the years long lawsuit between Silicon Knights and Epic Games came to an end today. Rein took to Twitter to broadcast the news. "Case over. Jury finds for Epic on all counts," he said. Silicon Knights hasn't issued a formal response as of yet, though we've reached out for confirmation.

The suit arose over allegations from Silicon Knights that Epic Games was withholding pieces of its Unreal Engine 3 - pieces that were allegedly instrumental in the creation of Too Human. Due to the alleged delays, Silicon Knights says it was forced to implement its own game engine (known only as "Silicon Knights engine") to complete the project.

Since Too Human, Silicon Knights went on to create the critically-panned X-Men: Destiny and suffered major layoffs. Epic, however, has seen its Unreal Engine 3 thrive across the current generation of consoles, not to mention the success it's seen with the Gears of War franchise.

Update: Epic issued a statement this afternoon stating that "The jury rejected Silicon Knights' claim that Epic breached its Unreal Engine 3 license agreement with Silicon Knights. The jury also found in Epic's favor on all of its counterclaims, namely that Silicon Knights breached the license agreement, misappropriated Epic's trade secrets, and infringed Epic's copyrights in the Unreal Engine 3 code. The jury awarded Epic damages totaling $4.45 million." The full statement is below the break; we've yet to hear anything from Silicon Knights.

[Image credit: 'bloomsberries']

Continue reading Epic: Silicon Knights lawsuit over, 'jury finds for Epic on all counts' [Update: Epic awarded $4.45 million]

JoystiqEpic: Silicon Knights lawsuit over, 'jury finds for Epic on all counts' [Update: Epic awarded $4.45 million] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamessilicon-knightsWed, 30 May 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Unleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/#comments ImageIt's not a new box set from The Cure, nor from Joy Division, nor from Him. It's not a Tears for Fears reference, nor is it access to Prince's 1980s clothing selections! Nope, Infinity Blade 2's "Vault of Tears" is actually a massive (free) content update headed to Epic's latest iOS entry this Thursday.

Several new enemies are being added, as well as "more than 50 new items" and rewards. Most bizarrely, the ability to "earn extra turns and invite their friends, family, and other non-Infinity Blade players to do in-game damage with the power of liking and re-tweeting battle calls." You read that right, folks: "the power of liking and re-tweeting battle calls." In the biz, we call that a "paradigm shift." Also, awful.

Gallery: Infinity Blade 2 (Vault of Tears)

Continue reading Unleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included)

JoystiqUnleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesfacebookinfinity-blade-2twitterupdatevault-of-tearsMon, 21 May 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Pitbull Studio assisting with Unreal Engine 4, also developing UE4-based games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/epic-getting-unreal-engine-4-assistance-from-pitbull-studios-al/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/epic-getting-unreal-engine-4-assistance-from-pitbull-studios-al/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/epic-getting-unreal-engine-4-assistance-from-pitbull-studios-al/#comments Never heard of Pitbull Studio? Neither had we. Apparently the English studio specializes in hired gun work and is lead by ex-Midway Newcastle's Robert Troughton (Wheelman, etc.). While unknown, the three-year-old studio is working on two things for Epic Games: Unreal Engine 4, and a game built in said engine. Not too bad for a group of guys no one's heard of, eh?

Job listings for positions at Pitbull reveal the studio is "working on Unreal Engine 4 with Epic Games," but also, "games derived from that and Unreal Engine 3." Positions range from environment artists to engine programmers, with a variety of other roles in between. Epic confirmed the work with Joystiq this afternoon, and offered a prepared statement from director of engineering, Daniel Vogel. "Epic has a great history working with Pitbull Studio. We can count on them to provide reliable engineering resources, and they're helping us prepare for the next generation of games."

We'll see more from Epic's next-gen engine this June.

JoystiqPitbull Studio assisting with Unreal Engine 4, also developing UE4-based games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamespcpitbullpitbull-studiosunreal-engineunreal-engine-3unreal-engine-4Thu, 17 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Descend into Infinity Blade Dungeons gameplay footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/descend-into-infinity-blade-dungeons-gameplay-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/descend-into-infinity-blade-dungeons-gameplay-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/descend-into-infinity-blade-dungeons-gameplay-footage/#comments Image
The first gameplay footage of Infinity Blade: Dungeons reveals a game that is very different from its predecessors. For one thing, all the enemies aren't orc-type club wielders and Voldo guys - there's a dog thing too.

Oh, and it's an overhead-view Diablo-style dungeon crawl experience instead of a one-on-one sword fighting game. That's another subtle difference you may have missed.

JoystiqDescend into Infinity Blade Dungeons gameplay footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesinfinity-bladeinfinity-blade-dungeonsiosipadiphonemobileThu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 4's GDC demo: exposed!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/unreal-engine-4s-gdc-demo-exposed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/unreal-engine-4s-gdc-demo-exposed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/unreal-engine-4s-gdc-demo-exposed/#comments ImageJust around 30 lucky GDC attendees saw Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 demo. And one such person was Wired's Stu Horvath, who describes the two minute demonstration as "breathtakingly photo-realistic" in an exclusive reveal. The demo apparently follows the demon knight seen above, as he wakes from a frozen sleep ... only to set everything on fire. That scamp!

The demo runs on Nvidia's Kepler GTX 680 - a graphics card often described as "next-gen" - and it follows the armored demon dude as he shows off his fancy, graphics-heavy castle. Just 14 Epic employees put together the demo, which apparently runs in real-time within the Unreal Engine 4 environment (a feat for modern game engines, including UE3). Don't be surprised if we see this demo show up in a future Epic game - the company's past demos for Unreal Engine lead to some of Epic's biggest games.

Lighting is also improved, according to the piece, with "dynamic lighting" within the engine rather than being individually implemented after the fact. "The number of man-years that required was astounding," Epic design director Cliff Bleszinski said. But with all the additions, Epic's new engine requires much more horsepower; horsepower for which Epic is pushing the likes of Microsoft and Sony. Whether Epic (and us gamers) will get that horsepower, however, remains to be seen.

JoystiqUnreal Engine 4's GDC demo: exposed! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskiepicepic-gamespcunreal-engineunreal-engine-4Thu, 17 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 4 images demonstrate top-of-the-line evil eyes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/unreal-engine-4-images-demonstrate-top-of-the-line-evil-eyes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/unreal-engine-4-images-demonstrate-top-of-the-line-evil-eyes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/unreal-engine-4-images-demonstrate-top-of-the-line-evil-eyes/#comments ImageWhat better way to understand the capabilities of Unreal Engine 4 than to look at this creepy knight guy in various stages of rendering? Glowing eyes that evil need the next generation of rendering technology.

Gallery: Unreal Engine 4

JoystiqUnreal Engine 4 images demonstrate top-of-the-line evil eyes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicpcunreal-engineunreal-engine-4Thu, 17 May 2012 11:13:00 EST<![CDATA[RealD tech heightens 3D programming on Unreal Engine 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/reald-tech-adds-3d-capability-to-pc-programming-on-unreal-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/reald-tech-adds-3d-capability-to-pc-programming-on-unreal-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/reald-tech-adds-3d-capability-to-pc-programming-on-unreal-engine/#comments ImageEpic is broadening Unreal Engine 3's stereoscopic 3D capabilities, with RealD technology now available to any users in Epic's paid licensing program and to users of the Unreal Development Kit, the free version of the Unreal Engine 3 toolkit. The RealD update is included in today's May 2012 UDK Beta download.

RealD allows developers to render PC and console games in stereoscopic 3D, with camera separation and 3D depth effects rendered in real-time, among other features. The first Unreal Engine 3 title to use RealD is Seamless Entertainment's SOL: Exodus, which received an update on Steam today to include 3D effects.

Unreal Engine 3 first received stereoscopic 3D capabilities in 2010 with TriOviz. TriOviz was used in Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition, Arkham City, Thor: God of Thunder and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.

RealD is used in many other high-profile 3D endeavors, including films such as The Avengers, and the forthcoming titles Prometheus and The Amazing Spider-Man.

JoystiqRealD tech heightens 3D programming on Unreal Engine 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DEpicRealDseamless-entertainmentsol-exodusSTEAMstereoscopic-3dudkUnrealunreal-engine-3Mon, 14 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Games gives away soundtrack retrospective for 20th anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/#comments ImageEpic Games has turned 20 years old, and to celebrate the company is giving away a free album of tunes from its games over the past two decades. You can pick up the tracks from the official blog right now. The set includes everything from the Main Theme of Unreal and the Menu Song of Jazz Jackrabbit, all the way up to tracks from Infinity Blade 2 and Gears of War 3.

And what, you might ask, did they include as a bonus track? Perhaps the pinnacle of Epic Games' musical gifts to the world at large? It's the Cole Train Rap from the first Gears of War, of course. Woo baby! Bring it on sucka! Etc.

JoystiqEpic Games gives away soundtrack retrospective for 20th anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-3jazz-jackrabbitmicrosoftmusicpcunrealunreal-tournamentxboxThu, 10 May 2012 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic considered Bulletstorm sequel, but found project that's a 'better fit' for People Can Fly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/epic-considered-bulletstorm-sequel-but-found-project-thats-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/epic-considered-bulletstorm-sequel-but-found-project-thats-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/epic-considered-bulletstorm-sequel-but-found-project-thats-a/#comments During a post-panel interview at PAX East, Epic Games president Mike Capps admitted he thought about letting People Can Fly loose on a Bulletstorm sequel. He even admitted that there had been some "initial development" completed on a sequel.

"We thought a lot about a sequel, and had done some initial development on it, but we found a project that we thought was a better fit for People Can Fly," Capps told Gamespot. "We haven't announced that yet, but we will be announcing it pretty soon." He may be referring to the new PC-exclusive title that Cliff Bleszinski revealed was in development.

In regards to the possibility of a sequel, Capps said he'd have no problem producing a second Bulletstorm game. "I'd love to go back [to Bulletstorm]," he said. "I think there's more to do with Bulletstorm. Heck, it kind of ended wanting more. I'd love to see another project, but right now we don't have anything to talk about."

JoystiqEpic considered Bulletstorm sequel, but found project that's a 'better fit' for People Can Fly originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstormepicepic-gamesmicrosoftpax-east-2012pcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3xboxTue, 10 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fortnite listing changed from PC to TBD after follow-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/fortnite-listing-changed-from-pc-to-tbd-after-follow-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/fortnite-listing-changed-from-pc-to-tbd-after-follow-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/fortnite-listing-changed-from-pc-to-tbd-after-follow-up/#comments ImageEpic Games producer Chris Mielke has a few projects under his wing at the moment, after having shipped a variety of past games with the studio. Beyond anything unlisted, his LinkedIn profile shows that he's currently working on both Infinity Blade: Dungeons and Epic's new IP, Fortnite. While we know the former is heading to iOS devices, the latter still hasn't been given a platform.

Up until this morning, however, Mielke's profile also offered a bit more detail on Fortnite, as seen in the image above of the cached search on Google (thanks Google!). While Epic Games wouldn't offer a comment on the listing, his profile mysteriously went from listing the game as "Fortnite (PC)" to "Fortnite (TBD)" after our inquiry.

We also asked directly if Fortnite is the aforementioned PC-exclusive title in the works at Epic. "Yes, we're working on a PC game. No, it's not a port. Yes, you'll have to wait to find out more," was all we were told, unfortunately.

JoystiqFortnite listing changed from PC to TBD after follow-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-mielkeepicepic-gamesfortniteMon, 09 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mike Capps: Epic Games has a PC-exclusive game in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/epic-games-has-a-pc-exclusive-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/epic-games-has-a-pc-exclusive-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/epic-games-has-a-pc-exclusive-in-the-works/#comments ImageGears of War and Fortnite dev Epic Games is getting back to its roots with a PC-exclusive project, creative lead Cliff Bleszinski and president Mike Capps announced today during a PAX East panel. "We might be working on a PC-only title," Capps teased, before Bleszinski picked up where he left off: "Let me say that again: we are working on a PC game."

The panel is still going on, but we'll be sure to chat to the Epic folks as soon as it's over.

Update: Epic Games prez Mike Capps told us after the panel that the unannounced PC project is currently underway, and that the current plans are to keep the game exclusive to the PC platform. Unsurprisingly, he wouldn't tell us anything else.

JoystiqMike Capps: Epic Games has a PC-exclusive game in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskiclifford-bleszinskiepicepic-gamesmike-cappspax-eastpax-east-2012pcSat, 07 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Gears of War 3 'Forces of Nature' maps out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/psa-gears-of-war-3-forces-of-nature-maps-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/psa-gears-of-war-3-forces-of-nature-maps-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/psa-gears-of-war-3-forces-of-nature-maps-out-today/#comments
A quick note for all the Gears of War 3 players out there: The "Forces of Nature" map pack is now available on Xbox Live. The pack contains the three new maps Aftermath, Artillery and Cover, as well as the return of Raven Down and Jacinto. It also tosses in several new multiplayer characters.

Forces of Nature is free to season pass holders. For everyone else, it's 800 MS Points ($10). See a ludicrous number of map videos after the break.

Gallery: Gears of War 3 - Force of Nature DLC

Continue reading PSA: Gears of War 3 'Forces of Nature' maps out today

JoystiqPSA: Gears of War 3 'Forces of Nature' maps out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesGears-of-War-3microsoftxboxxbox-liveTue, 27 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade 2 updated for iPad 3, new content teased for next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/infinity-blade-2-updated-for-ipad-3-new-content-teased-for-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/infinity-blade-2-updated-for-ipad-3-new-content-teased-for-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/infinity-blade-2-updated-for-ipad-3-new-content-teased-for-next/#comments Playing Infinity Blade 2 on that boring old iPad 2 like some kind of commoner? Get with the times, friend -- it's all about that new iPad now. Epic and Chair have updated the app to take advantage of the "increased memory and processing power, yielding even higher performance and more sophisticated rendering features." In other words, Infinity Blade 2 looks purtier.

Next month brings another Infinity Blade 2 update, adding new enemies, weapons and items, plus a new feature called ClashMob, in which players "work together to complete objectives and earn rewards." Chair promises to reveal more information in the coming month.

JoystiqInfinity Blade 2 updated for iPad 3, new content teased for next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentepicinfinity-blade-2iosipadipad-3iphonemobilenew-ipadupdateFri, 16 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic: Consoles must be 'bleeding edge' in next generation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/epic-consoles-must-be-bleeding-edge-in-next-generation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/epic-consoles-must-be-bleeding-edge-in-next-generation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/epic-consoles-must-be-bleeding-edge-in-next-generation/#comments
Epic believes that the next round of home consoles will have to be "bleeding edge" if the likes of Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo want to stay relevant in the video game market. Speaking to CVG, Epic VP Mark Rein noted that the publisher is "pushing" console makers to use the best possible hardware. "Because if they don't," said Rein, "Apple will go right past them."

He added that console gaming is about console makers "delivering something that's way out past the bleeding edge" and making their investment back with software royalties. If console makers don't opt for the latest and greatest tech, he said, there's a chance that consumers "won't want to take the leap" to future consoles.

In Rein's view, it's Epic's job to push console makers with advanced technology demos like the "Samaritan" video shown at GDC 2011 (above). Incidentally, Rein isn't worried that console makers will under-deliver with the next generation, believing that they will instead "blow us all away." With Unreal Engine 4 aimed at next generation consoles, and assuming UE4 is even more impressive than the UE3-powered Samaritan demo, we certainly hope he's right.

JoystiqEpic: Consoles must be 'bleeding edge' in next generation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesmark-reinunreal-engine-3Unreal-Engine-4Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade: Dungeons, Namco's Sky Gamblers shown off on new iPad [Update: Infinity Blade trailer and details]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/infinity-blade-dungeons-namcos-sky-gamblers-shown-off-on-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/infinity-blade-dungeons-namcos-sky-gamblers-shown-off-on-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/infinity-blade-dungeons-namcos-sky-gamblers-shown-off-on-new/#comments
Epic Games president Mike Capps took the stage at Apple's iPad event today to reveal Infinity Blade: Dungeons. Capps noted that the game has players trying to craft the "ultimate weapon." Our friends at Engadget confirm that the game is "definitely a step up" graphically from its predecessors. Dungeons will feature new crafting system and, obviously, will look the best when played on the latest iPad (though presumably it will be compatible with other iOS devices as well). Infinity Blade: Dungeons is "coming soon."

Namco also showed off a new Sky Gamblers game, which bore a very strong resemblance to the company's Ace Combat series. Namco's Jim Sheldon noted that "the extra graphics performance lets​ us ​increase ​​the ​level​ of detail of everything in the game." Sky Gamblers will arrive exclusively on iOS later this month. See a shot of the game in action after the break.

Update: Epic has dropped a few more details on Infinity Blade: Dungeons. The game will see players "assume the role of an apprentice weaponsmith who serves the Master of the Forge," ultimately seeking to forge the Infinity Blade itself. It also features "a dynamic camera system that takes you in and out of battle, weapon crafting and exploration." You can view a trailer for Infinity Blade: Dungeons above.

Update 2: An Epic Games spokesperson tells Joystiq that Chair Entertainment is not behind the development of Infinity Blade: Dungeons, saying, "Infinity Blade: Dungeons is being developed by a team at the Epic Games headquarters in North Carolina, with some creative direction from Chair."

Continue reading Infinity Blade: Dungeons, Namco's Sky Gamblers shown off on new iPad [Update: Infinity Blade trailer and details]

JoystiqInfinity Blade: Dungeons, Namco's Sky Gamblers shown off on new iPad [Update: Infinity Blade trailer and details] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleChair-Entertainmentepicinfinity-blade-dungeonsiosipadiphonemobileWed, 07 Mar 2012 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Games to privately showcase Unreal Engine 4 at GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/epic-games-to-privately-showcase-unreal-engine-4-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/epic-games-to-privately-showcase-unreal-engine-4-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/epic-games-to-privately-showcase-unreal-engine-4-at-gdc/#comments Unreal Engine 3 is one of (if not the most) prolific gaming technologies in existence right now, powering everything from Mortal Kombat and Asura's Wrath to Gears of War 3 and Batman: Arkham City. If you're one of the many developers that depend on Epic's engine, the upcoming 2012 Game Developers Conference may be your first chance to see the next generation of Unreal Engine in action.

Epic will be showcasing Unreal Engine 4 to "select licensees, partners and prospective customers" behind closed doors at the conference; demonstrations will be given by appointment only, and all who attend must sign what we can only assume is the most air-tight, all-encompassing non-disclosure agreement ever written. For instance, developers allowed into Epic's demonstration area may not smuggle air out of the demonstration area inside of their lungs and then transfer that air to the lungs of another living person, under pain of chainsaw death. It's pretty serious stuff, but it's probably worth it to see some totally sweet tech demos.

Continue reading Epic Games to privately showcase Unreal Engine 4 at GDC

JoystiqEpic Games to privately showcase Unreal Engine 4 at GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicEpic-GamesGDC-2012Unreal-EngineUnreal-Engine-3Unreal-Engine-4Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 4 to be seen 'later this year,' says Mark Rein]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/unreal-engine-4-to-be-seen-later-this-year-says-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/unreal-engine-4-to-be-seen-later-this-year-says-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/unreal-engine-4-to-be-seen-later-this-year-says-mark-rein/#comments 0Epic's Mark Rein did some hit-and-run teasing at DICE last week, telling G4 that "people are going to be shocked later this year when they see Unreal Engine 4 and how much more profound an effect it will have." We've heard before that Epic is working hard on Unreal Engine 4, and while Epic doesn't expect to see games running on the engine until 2014, it makes a lot of sense that Rein would want to show it off, especially if we also see some next-gen console reveals later on this year.

As for what it'll look like, we can only say (and sorry for all of the technical jargon on this one) that it will probably look "very good." How do we know? Because 4 is higher than 3, silly. You probably wouldn't understand.

JoystiqUnreal Engine 4 to be seen 'later this year,' says Mark Rein originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolesdiceepicepic-gamesmark-reinmicrosoftnext-genpcsonyunreal-engineSat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[C&C: Renegade remake Renegade X: Black Dawn deploys tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/candc-renegade-remake-renegade-x-black-dawn-deploys-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/candc-renegade-remake-renegade-x-black-dawn-deploys-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/candc-renegade-remake-renegade-x-black-dawn-deploys-tomorrow/#comments
Here at Joystiq, we pride ourselves on being inside your mind, knowing what it wants, knowing what it thinks. We're like a somewhat creepier, less linguistic Babel Fish. The one thing your brain has been demanding is an updated version of 2002's Command & Conquer: Renegade.

We'd like to bring to your attention Renengade X: Black Dawn, a "spiritual successor" created by fans at Totem Arts. Tomorrow, the group will release the full single-player "mini-campaign," which was built in the Unreal Development Kit, and later Totem Arts plans to release a new multiplayer installment using the UDK.

In its current form, Renegade X is an updated version of the original game's multiplayer, made in Unreal Tournament 3, and has been playable for some time. If you want to partake, you'll need to own a copy of Unreal Tournament 3 with the latest updates.

Or, you know, just wait a day.

[Thanks, ssjChris!]

JoystiqC&C: Renegade remake Renegade X: Black Dawn deploys tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquercommand-and-conquer-renegadeepicepic-gamespcrenegade-xrenegade-x-black-dawntotem-artsudkunrealunreal-development-kitunreal-tournament-3Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 toys bring the carnage down to a child's level]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/gears-of-war-3-toys-bring-the-carnage-down-to-a-childs-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/gears-of-war-3-toys-bring-the-carnage-down-to-a-childs-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/gears-of-war-3-toys-bring-the-carnage-down-to-a-childs-level/#comments Gears of War 3 the video game may be targeted at mature adults, but Gears of War 3 the toy? Ages 8 and up. Sure, the kids pretending to shove chainsaw bayonets into Locust chest cavities may get the hands-on enjoyment of alien mutilation, but at least they're not watching it on a screen.

A series of Gears of War 3 toys were spotted at the Toy Fair in New York, produced by Meccano and including the Armadillo APC (£24.99), the Centaur Tank (£34.99) and the King Raven helicopter (£39.99). The toys are still being approved by Epic Games, with plans to hit stores in August.

JoystiqGears of War 3 toys bring the carnage down to a child's level originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicEpic-GamesGears-of-War-3Meccanomicrosofttoy-fairtoy-fair-2012xboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade franchise surpasses $30 million in revenue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/infinity-blade-franchise-surpasses-30-million-in-revenue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/infinity-blade-franchise-surpasses-30-million-in-revenue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/infinity-blade-franchise-surpasses-30-million-in-revenue/#comments Epic Games announced today that its Infinity Blade franchise has earned over $30 million since the original game launched in December 2010. Infinity Blade 2, available for $7 on the iOS App Store, has generated over $5 million for the developer since its December 1, 2011, launch.

"The success of the Infinity Blade franchise is testament to our talented team who is devoted to making games we want to play, all while using Unreal Engine technology to redefine what is expected from games on iOS devices," Epic Games President Dr. Michael Capps said in the company's announcement. "We have so much more in store for players, and will continue to make great content for Apple's evolving platforms."

The original Infinity Blade took three months to reach the $5 million mark in sales, reaching the $10 million milestone this past June, having grossed over $23 million to date. Assisting Epic's franchise math beyond the core iOS titles are digital novella Infinity Blade: Awakening, Infinity Blade: Original Soundtrack and Infinity Blade FX.

Update: Financial details tweaked after further clarification.

Continue reading Infinity Blade franchise surpasses $30 million in revenue

JoystiqInfinity Blade franchise surpasses $30 million in revenue originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-EntertainmentEpicEpic-GamesInfinity-Bladeinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobileThu, 05 Jan 2012 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA member Epic Games speaks out against SOPA [Update: So do 38 Studios and Trion]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/esa-member-epic-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/esa-member-epic-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/esa-member-epic-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/#comments Epic Games, developer of the Gears of War series and member of the Entertainment Software Association, last night came out against the proposed "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA).

"We do not support the current version of SOPA," Epic Games senior PR manager Dana Cowley wrote in a public letter posted to the North Carolina company's forums. "We are members of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a trade organization that is working with legislators to refine the bill," she said, referring to the ESA's letter of support for the proposed legislation released earlier this week.

She added, "Epic Games supports efforts that would stop overseas websites profiting from pirating our games, but we have to do that in a way that's compatible with freedom of speech and due process of law."

Epic is the first member of the ESA - the political lobbying arm of the game industry - to speak out against SOPA, but we suspect it won't be the last. We've dropped a list of remaining ESA members after the break who have yet to rescind support for the proposed legislation.

Update: 38 Studios is also against SOPA, writing on its Facebook wall, "Based on the SOPA bill's current structure, 38 Studios believes that the bill requires further restructuring and review to ensure it both preserves rights and protects intellectual properties. Please know that we take this issue very seriously," as spotted by Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Trion also has come out against the proposed legislation, writing on its forums, "We definitely do not support SOPA. We'll be calling the ESA about this after the holiday weekend."

Continue reading ESA member Epic Games speaks out against SOPA [Update: So do 38 Studios and Trion]

JoystiqESA member Epic Games speaks out against SOPA [Update: So do 38 Studios and Trion] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dana-cowleyentertainment-software-associationepicepic-gamesesalobbyingpoliticssopaThu, 05 Jan 2012 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2011: Gears of War 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-gears-of-war-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-gears-of-war-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-gears-of-war-3/#comments If my life were a book, the chapter covering the last quarter of 2011 would be one page long and contain one phrase, in bold: Gears of War 3. In reality, lots of things happened to me over the last couple months, but aside from a brief affair with Skyrim, most of my time was spent going to farmers markets and crafts fairs with Gears of War 3. You know, committed relationship couple-type stuff.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2011: Gears of War 3

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2011: Gears of War 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Epicepic-gamesGears-of-War-3joystiq-best-of-2011microsoftxboxSun, 01 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 'Season Pass,' props on sale today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/gears-of-war-3-season-pass-props-on-sale-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/gears-of-war-3-season-pass-props-on-sale-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/gears-of-war-3-season-pass-props-on-sale-today/#comments
Today's Xbox Live Marketplace holiday promotion covers Gears of War 3, with discounts on in-game content and at least one soon-to-be-discontinued Avatar prop.

The highlight of today's deals is the Gears of War 3 "Season Pass," which grants access to four DLC packs (two already available, two upcoming) for 1800 MSP ($22.50), which is 25 percent off the regular price. There's also a 50 percent discount on the "Gears 3 Skins Launch Collection," also priced today for 1800 MSP.

Microsoft will discontinue "gun-like Avatar items" from the Xbox Marketplace on January 1, 2012. This means here's your last chance to get the Gears of War Gold Lancer prop -- not only at a 50 percent discount of 160 MSP ($2) -- but, like, ever. The Gears Boomshield prop appears to be safe from delisting, and is also available for 160 MSP.

JoystiqGears of War 3 'Season Pass,' props on sale today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplaceEpicEpic-GamesGears-of-War-3microsoftxblmxboxFri, 30 Dec 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Scratch one Gears of War 3 demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/scratch-one-gears-of-war-3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/scratch-one-gears-of-war-3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/scratch-one-gears-of-war-3-demo/#comments A demo of the "Shipwreck" mission in Gears of War 3 is now available for download on Xbox Live, exclusive to all Gold subscribers. The mission takes place during the first chapter of the second act on Gumdrop mountain, as Delta squad defends the butterscotch fountain from the evil armies of -- okay, you got us. The mission takes place after a shipwreck.

JoystiqScratch one Gears of War 3 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoepicepic-gamesGears-of-War-3microsoftshipwreckxblmxboxWed, 28 Dec 2011 20:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 adds 'Fenix Rising' map pack on Jan. 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/gears-of-war-3-adds-fenix-rising-map-pack-on-jan-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/gears-of-war-3-adds-fenix-rising-map-pack-on-jan-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/gears-of-war-3-adds-fenix-rising-map-pack-on-jan-17/#comments The "Fenix Rising" map pack for Gears of War 3 will decorate players who are already well-versed in rolling shotguns. The new add-on, due on January 17, 2012, for 800 MSP ($10), adds five new maps, four character skins and "Re-up," the Gears version of Call of Duty's "Prestige." Here, it allows players to rank through level 100 multiple times for "exclusive emblems and weapon skins."

The Re-up can be done three times to unlock the following weapon skins:
  • Re-Up Plasma - Animated flowing plasma in gold.
  • Re-Up Omen - Shiny, red Omen.
  • Re-Up Electric - Animated, golden electric shocks.
"Fenix Rising" is the third of four packs bundled with the $30 Gears Season Pass. The "underdeveloped" campaign DLC, RAAM's Shadow, was the most recent release, coming after the co-op focused "Horde Command Pack."

Gallery: Gears of War 3 (Fenix Rising)

Continue reading Gears of War 3 adds 'Fenix Rising' map pack on Jan. 17

JoystiqGears of War 3 adds 'Fenix Rising' map pack on Jan. 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCEpicepic-gamesFenix-RisingGears-of-War-3microsoftxboxWed, 21 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3: RAAM's Shadow DLC Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/gears-of-war-3-raams-shadow-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/gears-of-war-3-raams-shadow-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/gears-of-war-3-raams-shadow-dlc-review/#comments Gears of War 3 warranted some pretty enthusiastic adjective usage: "polished," "well-paced," "fantastic," even. I'd go so far as to call it the most refined, well-put-together shooter of 2011. So when the first piece of add-on campaign DLC, RAAM's Shadow, was announced, I was excited for it. More Gears 3, but set before the first game? It sounded great.

Unfortunately, RAAM's Shadow elicits some different adjectives: "sloppy," and "underdeveloped."

Gallery: Gears of War 3 - RAAM's Shadow

Continue reading Gears of War 3: RAAM's Shadow DLC Review

JoystiqGears of War 3: RAAM's Shadow DLC Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicGears-of-War-3microsoftraams-shadowMon, 19 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 celebrates the holidays with 12 Days of Gearsmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/gears-of-war-3-celebrates-the-holidays-with-12-days-of-gearsmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/gears-of-war-3-celebrates-the-holidays-with-12-days-of-gearsmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/gears-of-war-3-celebrates-the-holidays-with-12-days-of-gearsmas/#comments They just aren't the holidays without an active-reloaded Gnasher. Epic is ringing in the festive season with twelve days of custom playlists in Gears of War 3 and prizes, kicking off tomorrow at 5AM Eastern. Sorry, guys, the party's BYOEN (Bring Your Own Egg Nog).

Hit the source link below for the list of what's happening in Gears of War 3, though we should point out the list may change at Epic's discretion. As for prizes, Epic's not talking yet.

JoystiqGears of War 3 celebrates the holidays with 12 Days of Gearsmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-gearsmasepicepic-gamesGears-of-War-3microsoftxboxTue, 13 Dec 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Games announces Fortnite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/epic-games-announces-fortnite/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/epic-games-announces-fortnite/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/epic-games-announces-fortnite/#comments
With Gears of War 3 concluding Epic's flagship franchise this year, it's on to something new for the developer. It was kind enough to show just what that is tonight at Spike's VGAs: Fortnite.

Fortnite sees characters building forts and emplacements against monsters and other terrors of the night. Platforms were not announced.

JoystiqEpic Games announces Fortnite originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicEpic-Gamesfortnitespike-vga-2011Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic's Tim Sweeney being inducted into AIAS Hall of Fame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/epics-tim-sweeney-being-inducted-into-aias-hall-of-fame/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/epics-tim-sweeney-being-inducted-into-aias-hall-of-fame/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/epics-tim-sweeney-being-inducted-into-aias-hall-of-fame/#comments The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences has announced the 16th inductee to its Hall of Fame, a catalog which already contains literal game-changers like Peter Molyneux, Sid Meier and Will Wright. To be added to that list during the Interactive Achievement Awards at the 2012 D.I.C.E. Summit in February: Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney. You've almost certainly heard of him -- if not, you've definitely heard of the Unreal Engine, which he helped create. If you haven't heard of that, what is wrong with you?

The Interactive Achievement Awards, which will be presented February 9, will see Epic VP Mark Rein bestowing the honor upon Sweeney. We anticipate that his speech will include humorous jabs at one or more of Sweeney's lesser-known idiosyncrasies, as well as a heart-touching stanza about how he's not just a good boss, but a great friend. We're getting a little choked up just thinking about it.

JoystiqEpic's Tim Sweeney being inducted into AIAS Hall of Fame originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiasepicepic-gameshall-of-fameiaaInteractive-Achievement-Awardsmark-reinmicrosoftpcplaystationps3tim-sweeneyxboxThu, 08 Dec 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Raam's Shadow DLC showcased in latest Gears of War 3 screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/raams-shadow-dlc-showcased-in-latest-gears-of-war-3-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/raams-shadow-dlc-showcased-in-latest-gears-of-war-3-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/raams-shadow-dlc-showcased-in-latest-gears-of-war-3-screens/#comments Surprisingly, the Raam's Shadow DLC for Gears of War 3 is about more than just a solemn Locust brooding in the darkness. It's also about shooting lots of stuff with enormous future guns, as portrayed in the latest screens.

Continue reading Raam's Shadow DLC showcased in latest Gears of War 3 screens

JoystiqRaam's Shadow DLC showcased in latest Gears of War 3 screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contentepicepic-gamesGears-of-War-3microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmicrosoft-studiosraams-shadowxboxThu, 08 Dec 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mike Capps: New IP is 'radically different' for Epic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/mike-capps-new-ip-is-radically-different-for-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/mike-capps-new-ip-is-radically-different-for-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/mike-capps-new-ip-is-radically-different-for-epic/#comments When Epic finally pulls the cover off its big VGA debut this Saturday, don't be surprised if what's underneath looks nothing like a muscly space marine. Epic's Mike Capps tells GamesIndustry.biz that the recently teased IP is "radically different" for the company's internal Cary, NC team.

"So this is going to be one of those projects where we try something totally different, and it just went 'boom,' because everyone had this pent up energy to do something new," Capps told the site.

Exciting! So, how does Capps and Co. plan to harness this new wave of intense funnovation? You'll never guess. "I can't wait for [the team] to get back to something like Gears in the future," he continued, "because it's sort of our bread and butter, and they're going to be more energized for it."

Hooray for video games!

JoystiqMike Capps: New IP is 'radically different' for Epic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicmike-cappsvga-2011Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic's Cliffy B teases 'fresh, new experience' to be revealed at VGAs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/epics-cliffy-b-teases-fresh-new-experience-to-be-revealed-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/epics-cliffy-b-teases-fresh-new-experience-to-be-revealed-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/epics-cliffy-b-teases-fresh-new-experience-to-be-revealed-at/#comments We've been let down by Epic teasing new IP in the past, so we're a bit wary of tipping you off on this one. That said, Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski took to an official Spike Video Game Awards promo himself to hint at a big reveal coming from his studio this week. "An entirely fresh, new experience" is what Bleszinski characterizes the unveiling as, specifically noting that it doesn't have anything to do with Gears of War or Infinity Blade.

Presumably, the reveal does have something to do with the once teased GDC 2011 announcement (the announcement that never happened), as well as the recent hirings, though Bleszinski isn't offering up much else in the clip. Okay, okay -- he also offers that the project is being developed internally at the Cary, NC headquarters for Epic. Otherwise, like you, we'll find out what the big secret is when the VGAs air later this week. Peep the teaser right here in the meantime.

JoystiqEpic's Cliffy B teases 'fresh, new experience' to be revealed at VGAs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskiepicepic-gamesnew-ipspike-vgaspike-vga-2011Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's not just you: Epic aware of Infinity Blade 2 issues on iPod Touch, iPad 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/its-not-just-you-epic-aware-of-infinity-blade-2-issues-on-ipod/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/its-not-just-you-epic-aware-of-infinity-blade-2-issues-on-ipod/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/its-not-just-you-epic-aware-of-infinity-blade-2-issues-on-ipod/#comments Hey, did you know that Infinity Blade 2 launched on the iOS App Store yesterday? If you didn't, hey, we hear it's pretty good, but if you did and you bought it, you may already be aware of some "issues" the game encounters when played on an iPad 1 or various iPad Touch devices, such as unbearably choppy framerates and outright crashing. Its publisher, Epic Games, is also aware of said issues, and wants you to know that it's working extra hard to get things fixed "ASAP."

VP and co-founder Mark Rein took to the company's forums after initially tweeting out news of the hitches, where he explained that some users on the aforementioned devices are running out of system memory. Apparently the issues weren't discovered in testing because the device must have a "large number of apps installed," which test units weren't equipped with. Regardless, Rein said the company should have a fix coming quickly, so, uh, maybe play some more Infinity Blade 1 for a few days?

JoystiqIt's not just you: Epic aware of Infinity Blade 2 issues on iPod Touch, iPad 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeepicepic-gamesinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemark-reinmobilepatchupdateFri, 02 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Infinity Blade 2 (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/portabliss-infinity-blade-2-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/portabliss-infinity-blade-2-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/portabliss-infinity-blade-2-ios/#comments
Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Infinity Blade 2.
"Hey Marjorie, thanks so much for bringing the kids by for the holidays, we've had such a wonderful week. I'm just sorry your husband couldn't come along."

"But Michael ... he did come. He's just ... been in your bathroom since we got here."

"Ahh, Infinity Blade 2?"

"... Infinity Blade 2."

Gallery: Infinity Blade 2

Continue reading Portabliss: Infinity Blade 2 (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Infinity Blade 2 (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairepicinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobileportablissWed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Free Gears of War 3 DLC map pack available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/psa-free-gears-of-war-3-dlc-map-pack-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/psa-free-gears-of-war-3-dlc-map-pack-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/psa-free-gears-of-war-3-dlc-map-pack-available-now/#comments The Gears of War 3 maps bundled with the "Horde Command Pack" are now available for free. The "Booster Map Pack" includes new arenas Azura, Blood Drive and Rustlong, along with tweaked favorites Bulletmarch Mulletbarch Bulletmarsh and Clocktower.

The pack strictly offers the maps from the Horde Command Pack and does not include the updated Horde fortifications, playable characters, or the weapon skins. "RAAM's Shadow," a campaign-based addition, is the next piece of Gears 3 DLC on deck for December 13, at 1200 Microsoft Points ($15).

Gallery: Gears of War 3 (Horde Command Pack)

JoystiqPSA: Free Gears of War 3 DLC map pack available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booster-map-packdlcEpicEpic-GamesGears-of-War-3Horde-Command-PackThu, 24 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Chair pitch Infinity Blade 2 as an 'artistic experience']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/watch-chair-pitch-infinity-blade-2-as-an-artistic-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/watch-chair-pitch-infinity-blade-2-as-an-artistic-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/watch-chair-pitch-infinity-blade-2-as-an-artistic-experience/#comments
Infinity Blade 2 studio Chair Entertainment say the project is much more than just a game, calling it an "artistic experience" in the latest dev diary. As such -- just to be safe -- we'll play the iOS title in a local museum when it arrives next week.

JoystiqWatch Chair pitch Infinity Blade 2 as an 'artistic experience' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentdev-diarydonald-mustardepicepic-gamesgameplayinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobiletrailerWed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade: The Soundtrack now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/infinity-blade-the-soundtrack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/infinity-blade-the-soundtrack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/infinity-blade-the-soundtrack-now-available/#comments Epic Games and Chair Entertainment have released Infinity Blade: The Soundtrack ahead of Infinity Blade 2's December 1 launch. Despite containing a finite number of songs, the soundtrack features orchestral scoring from both Infinity Blades 1 and 2, bringing the track listing to a rather sizable 25 jams.

Composed by Josh Aker (Undertow, Shadow Complex) the collection of chronologically recursive music is available on iTunes, Amazon (both regular and On Demand) and Zune for $9.99. You can also purchase each song individually for 99¢ if that's your style, but we can't figure out why anyone would be inclined to do so. It's not like high-fantasy soundtracks usually have singles, after all.

JoystiqInfinity Blade: The Soundtrack now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesinfinity-bladeinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphoneJosh-AkermobilesoundtrackSun, 20 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears 3's Bullet Marsh video flythrough will devour you whole]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/gears-3s-bullet-marsh-video-flythrough-will-devour-you-whole/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/gears-3s-bullet-marsh-video-flythrough-will-devour-you-whole/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/gears-3s-bullet-marsh-video-flythrough-will-devour-you-whole/#comments It's very, very important that you don't travel too far from the light in the upcoming, rebooted Gears of War 3 map Bullet Marsh. Not because its shadiest corners house equally shady characters -- unless, of course, you consider maneating Kryll swarms shady. Which ... um, you might, now that we think about it.

Epic recently posted some information and a video flythrough of Bullet Marsh, one of the five free battlegrounds included in the Booster Map Pack, due out Thanksgiving Day. Check it out, and seriously, watch out for those swarms. Getting eaten by bugs is one of the worst ways to die in Gears 3, right behind getting chainsawed in half, curb-stomped and exploded.

JoystiqGears 3's Bullet Marsh video flythrough will devour you whole originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booster-map-packbullet-marshdlcepicepic-gamesGears-of-War-3microsoftxboxFri, 18 Nov 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 celebrates Halloween with pumpkin heads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/gears-of-war-3-celebrates-halloween-with-pumpkin-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/gears-of-war-3-celebrates-halloween-with-pumpkin-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/gears-of-war-3-celebrates-halloween-with-pumpkin-heads/#comments
Have you loaded up some multiplayer in Gears of War 3 yet today? You may notice something festive: all players now have gigantic cartoonish pumpkin heads in celebration of Halloween.

The video above was captured and sent in by one of our readers. Overall, it's a pretty neat nod to the holiday, if we may say so, though the headshot around the 1:20 mark is a bit unsettling. We don't like the idea of blood inside of a pumpkin.

[Thanks, KingOfGods]

JoystiqGears of War 3 celebrates Halloween with pumpkin heads originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicGears-of-War-3halloweenmicrosoftxboxMon, 31 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic wants Unreal Engine 4 ready for the next-gen console launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/epic-wants-unreal-engine-4-ready-for-the-next-gen-console-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/epic-wants-unreal-engine-4-ready-for-the-next-gen-console-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/epic-wants-unreal-engine-4-ready-for-the-next-gen-console-launch/#comments Like an inattentive uncle, Unreal Engine 3 didn't visit this current generation of consoles until it was around a year old. But if Epic's Mark Rein has his way, Unreal Engine 4 will be right there in the birthing room to catch the Xbox 720 and PS4 from their ... electronic womb.

"I want Unreal Engine 4 to be ready far earlier than UE3 was; not a year after the consoles are released," he told Develop. "I think a year from a console's launch is perfectly fine for releasing a game, but not for releasing new tech. We need to be there day one or very early. That's my primary focus."

When asked what he wants from that next gen, Rein focused on giving developers and publishers more pricing freedom rather than pure horsepower. He wants a beefy GPU as well, but it's telling to see the acknowledgement that the next wave of consoles will be as much about how games are delivered as what they look like.

JoystiqEpic wants Unreal Engine 4 ready for the next-gen console launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesMark-Reinnext-genunreal-engineUnreal-Engine-4Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST