Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Defiance team plans five DLC releases, first adds the Castithan race and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-team-plans-five-dlc-releases-first-adds-the-castithan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-team-plans-five-dlc-releases-first-adds-the-castithan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-team-plans-five-dlc-releases-first-adds-the-castithan/#commentsDefiance getting 5 DLC things, one looks like this Now that the MMO-slash-TV show Defiance has been launched, says executive producer Nathan Richardsson, things are about to really get good, in the form of five DLC releases later this year. He admits that fan response to the game has it pegged as "about as deep as a bag of chips but great fun," but adds that he'd "like to get to the two-bag of chip depth category or at least, add some salsas for various textures."

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentdefiancedlcdownloadablef2pfree-to-playmicrosoftmmonathan-richardssonpcplaystationps3releasesyfytrion-worldstvxboxFri, 10 May 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Minimum: a free-to-play shooter from TimeGate [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/minimum-a-free-to-play-shooter-from-timegate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/minimum-a-free-to-play-shooter-from-timegate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/minimum-a-free-to-play-shooter-from-timegate/#comments Texas-based developer TimeGate Studios has announced that it's working on a new free-to-play, third-person match-based shooter called Minimum.

Minimum boasts a simplistic look, and has you building a character up during each life, adding more and more power-ups to your weapons (ranging from ice-powered sniper rifles to flaming katanas) as you go. In Titan, the "signature" game mode according to the FAQ, players support two giant creatures fighting each other during the match.

TimeGate also says it hopes to bring "everyone to the development table to influence how the game grows and changes." Minimum will be in closed alpha soon, and is set for a Steam release whenever it's ready.

TimeGate is probably best known at the moment for its work on Aliens: Colonial Marines, but the company also made Section 8 and Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns in the past, so Minimum is coming from a substantial history of development experience for PC.

Update: The game will be available through Steam's Early Access channel on April 16 in North America.

JoystiqMinimum: a free-to-play shooter from TimeGate [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playfree-to-play-shooterkatanasmatchmatch-basedminimumpcpowerupssection-8timegatetimegate-studiostitanweaponsWed, 10 Apr 2013 03:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Navigating the free-to-play landscape in Command & Conquer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/navigating-the-free-to-play-landscape-in-command-and-conquer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/navigating-the-free-to-play-landscape-in-command-and-conquer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/navigating-the-free-to-play-landscape-in-command-and-conquer/#comments Command & Conquer Punching through routes in EA's freetoplay sequelThe term "free-to-play" carries with it a certain stigma in the video game industry. It invariably causes gamers to flinch, calling to mind social games like FarmVille. However, as more recognizable experiences enter the realm of free-to-play software, the knee-jerk reaction has begun to subside. With the Command & Conquer series launching under the freemium banner later this year, it would appear that EA is banking on tamer attitudes toward free, microtransaction-based titles.

Despite the simplified, non-sequel sounding name, EA's free-to-play Command & Conquer is a continuation of the strategy series. First announced as Command & Conquer: Generals 2 in 2011, developer BioWare Victory plans to launch the game this year with a campaign that continues the Generals lineage, and later refresh the free-to-play game with content set in the Tiberium and Red Alert universes.

There lies a very ambitious development plan in place for this series, with gamers playing a key part of the process. Immediately after launch, Victory says it will begin crunching numbers and plugging into the fan community to see what needs to be fixed, changed, or tweaked. Victory promises changes based on this feedback will be implemented every week. Calling it a "Live Service," Victory anticipates the instant feedback will allow Command & Conquer's new free-to-play focus to improve and expand quickly.

The downsides of shifting to a free-to-play focus are immediate for franchise fans. Though there will be single-player content, Command & Conquer will not include a single-player campaign and Victory has no plans to include cutscenes or cinematics, which is a massive blow to series supporters. Additionally, Command & Conquer is another in EA's growing list of games that require a constant internet connection.

Gallery: Command & Conquer (Screens and Renders: 02/25/13)

Continue reading Navigating the free-to-play landscape in Command & Conquer

JoystiqNavigating the free-to-play landscape in Command & Conquer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquer-2013command-and-conquer-generals-2EAElectronic-ArtsF2Pfree-to-playpcVictory-GamesMon, 25 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Uncharted 3 multiplayer going free-to-play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/rumor-uncharted-3-multiplayer-going-free-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/rumor-uncharted-3-multiplayer-going-free-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/rumor-uncharted-3-multiplayer-going-free-to-play/#comments It seems the competitive world of Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is expanding to the realm of free-to-play.

According to a post on the official PlayStation Blog detailing upcoming PSN releases, a heading revealed the multiplayer component of the latest Uncharted title would be free-to-play; information found under the apt heading "Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Multiplayer (Free to Play)."

No further details were revealed and the section has since been removed from the official PlayStation blog's post. In a year-end post on Naughty Dog's official blog, the company promised "very exciting information about multiplayer" was coming in 2013.

Joystiq has contacted Sony for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.

JoystiqRumor: Uncharted 3 multiplayer going free-to-play originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>F2PFree-to-PlayNaughty-Dogplaystationps3SCEASonyuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionMon, 25 Feb 2013 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek's franchise getting more 'flexible' after Crysis 3, possibly F2P]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/cryteks-franchise-getting-more-flexible-after-crysis-3-possi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/cryteks-franchise-getting-more-flexible-after-crysis-3-possi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/cryteks-franchise-getting-more-flexible-after-crysis-3-possi/#comments Though the tale of Prophet, the guy underneath the nanosuit, will conclude with Crysis 3, Crytek is hardly ready to call it quits on that universe. Cevat Yerli, CEO and President of Crytek, says it "doesn't mean it's the end of the franchise." In fact, Crytek is already in the initial stages of developing the next Crysis game.

"There can be literally tonnes of titles out there within the franchise," Yerli told Eurogamer. "Unlike Far Cry, this time around we feel very flexible about Crysis." Yerli says that calling the next game Crysis 4 "would be misleading" since it would "imply the story just moves on" after Crysis 3.

"We do have a plan for a F2P version of Crysis, but how this looks and when this will be done, whether this is the next one or the next next one, is to be decided," Yerli added. "But we have a very clear picture of how this will look in a transitional period where retail and free-to-play can coexist for one title."

JoystiqCrytek's franchise getting more 'flexible' after Crysis 3, possibly F2P originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cevat-yerlicrysiscrysis-2crysis-3crytekeaf2pfree-to-playmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 12 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Command and Conquer sets aim for beta in first half of 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/command-and-conquer-sets-aim-for-beta-in-first-half-of-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/command-and-conquer-sets-aim-for-beta-in-first-half-of-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/command-and-conquer-sets-aim-for-beta-in-first-half-of-2013/#comments Command and Conquers sets aim for beta in first half of 2013Command and Conquer, EA's upcoming free-to-play iteration, is targeting its beta for the first half of 2013. Community Manager Eric Krause laid down the window in a candid blog post, saying the beta will be the longest ever for a Command and Conquer game.

Krause also used the post to name-check Command and Conquer 4 as "especially far below the expectations and standards a lot of us had for C&C games." It's interesting to see EA openly criticize its previous efforts, but maybe not surprising given the publisher's approach to the new game. There's been much talk of new directions and bringing the franchise back to its roots, so it's clear EA wants fans to know it's trying to win them back.

That includes listening to said fans. EA President Frank Gibeau recently revealed Command and Conquer will have single-player, in response to negative feedback about the decision to can it. By the sounds of it, Victory expects next year to be a slog through many months of further feedback from the beta.

JoystiqCommand and Conquer sets aim for beta in first half of 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabioware-victorycommand-and-conquer-2013command-and-conquer-generals-2EAf2ppcvictory-gamesMon, 05 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ascend: New Gods is XBLA's next F2P game, Happy Wars out in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/ascend-new-gods-is-xblas-next-f2p-game-happy-wars-out-in-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/ascend-new-gods-is-xblas-next-f2p-game-happy-wars-out-in-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/ascend-new-gods-is-xblas-next-f2p-game-happy-wars-out-in-sept/#comments Ascend New Gods is XBLA's next F2P game, Happy Wars out in SeptAscend: New Gods, from Toy Soldiers developer Signal Studios, is the second confirmed free-to-play game coming to XBLA, following Happy Wars' launch in September, Microsoft tells OXM. Ascend: New Gods is scheduled to ship "in several months."

XBLA's free-to-play games require an Xbox Live Gold subscription, "as many of the games planned will be multiplayer games by nature (an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription is required for multiplayer gaming)," Microsoft says. The free-to-play games will "leverage the Microsoft Points system," which we assume means they will "use Microsoft Points to offer players pretty, but useless items. And tons of people will buy them."

JoystiqAscend: New Gods is XBLA's next F2P game, Happy Wars out in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascend-new-godsf2pfree-to-playhappy-warsmicrosoftXBLAxboxTue, 28 Aug 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios' Amalur MMO 'Project Copernicus' would have been free-to-play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/38-studios-amalur-mmo-project-copernicus-would-have-been-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/38-studios-amalur-mmo-project-copernicus-would-have-been-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/38-studios-amalur-mmo-project-copernicus-would-have-been-free/#comments Details continue to surface regarding "Project Copernicus," the Kingdoms of Amalur MMO that once dominated development at Curt Schilling's now-defunct 38 Studios. We've seen an early trailer of the game and learned that it wasn't any fun to play, but Copernicus' more tangible bullet points, such as its pricing structure, have remained a mystery.

"We were going to be the first triple-A, hundred-million-dollar-plus, free-to-play, micro-transaction-based MMO," Schilling told Boston Magazine. "That was one of our big secrets."

Schilling went on to say that Copernicus' status as a free-to-play MMO would have been the "atom bomb" that "shocked the world," once the game eventually debuted. Copernicus' non-subscription architecture was also one of 38 Studios' strongest selling points during late-stage negotiations with potential investors, according to Schilling, and that talks could have been kept alive were it not for Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee's disparaging public tone.

Joystiq38 Studios' Amalur MMO 'Project Copernicus' would have been free-to-play originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingf2pfree-to-playLincoln-Chafeepcproject-copernicusrhode-islandSat, 18 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World is free-to-play next weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/the-secret-world-is-free-to-play-next-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/the-secret-world-is-free-to-play-next-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/the-secret-world-is-free-to-play-next-weekend/#comments To celebrate the fact that The Secret World has been out and online for a whole month, Funcom will be granting free access to anyone that wants it from 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 3 until 3 a.m. EDT on Monday, August 7. Players with left-over beta accounts should be able to log right in, but anyone else will need to create an account first and download the client.

In-game fireworks will also be handed out to everyone playing, up to fifteen per character, until the end of the weekend. Additionally, solving 30 missions between August 3 and 7 grants your character a special shirt and 1200 bonus points. There will also be a special leaderboard during the celebration, which displays the names of the top-100 mission solvers.

JoystiqThe Secret World is free-to-play next weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryea-gamesf2pfree-to-playFuncompcthe-secret-worldFri, 27 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warface takes a shot at the west, from Crytek and Trion Worlds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/warface-takes-a-shot-at-the-west-from-crytek-and-trion-worlds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/warface-takes-a-shot-at-the-west-from-crytek-and-trion-worlds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/warface-takes-a-shot-at-the-west-from-crytek-and-trion-worlds/#comments Warface takes a shot at the west, from Crytek and Trion WorldsWarface, Crytek's free-to-play social FPS currently live in Russia, has a deal to launch in western markets, published by Trion Worlds. Warface will hit North America, Europe, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand through Gface, Crytek's social gaming network, and the Trion Platform.

Warface has two million registered users in Russia. This marks Crytek's grand entrance into the freemium era, after CEO Cevat Yerli announced in June that all future projects from Crytek will be F2P. The budget for Warface and each of Crytek's other F2P titles is "between $10 million to $30 million... but at the price-point of $0 entry," Yerli said.

Continue reading Warface takes a shot at the west, from Crytek and Trion Worlds

JoystiqWarface takes a shot at the west, from Crytek and Trion Worlds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crytekf2pfree-to-playfreemiumgfacepcsocialtrion-worldswarfaceThu, 26 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[American McGee on F2P, Ouya and his 'acceptable' experience with EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/american-mcgee-on-f2p-ouya-and-his-acceptable-experience-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/american-mcgee-on-f2p-ouya-and-his-acceptable-experience-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/american-mcgee-on-f2p-ouya-and-his-acceptable-experience-with/#comments American McGee on F2P, Ouya and its 'acceptable' experience with EAAmerican McGee's Spicy Horse studio is shrugging off the madness of console development to create free-to-play, browser- and cloud-based games such as Kongregate's Big Head Bash. This move follows Spicy Horse's partnership with EA to launch Alice: Madness Returns last year as a mainstream, boxed and digital title. Alice was Spicy Horse's last foray into the physical space, McGee tells Game Informer.

"Our studio wouldn't consider going back to traditional console development, but I do think we'll end up being in the right place when consoles come back to us," he says. "By that I mean we fully expect the definition of 'console' to shift radically over the next two years. Our consoles will become our mobile devices (Or if you prefer: Our mobile devices will become our consoles)."

Spicy Horse has already seen a larger return on investment from its free-to-play games than Alice ever produced, or likely ever will. This is the future, McGee says, and static games locked to specific physical media will be unable to compete with always-updating, fluid titles in the free-to-play universe.

Continue reading American McGee on F2P, Ouya and his 'acceptable' experience with EA

JoystiqAmerican McGee on F2P, Ouya and his 'acceptable' experience with EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akaneiro-demon-huntersAlice-Madness-Returnsamerican-mcgeeARPGEAElectronic-Artsf2pfree-to-playmobilepcspicy-horseMon, 16 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon announces Game Connect, new free-to-play game service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/amazon-announces-game-connect-new-free-to-play-game-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/amazon-announces-game-connect-new-free-to-play-game-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/amazon-announces-game-connect-new-free-to-play-game-service/#comments Amazon is launching a new games service titled Game Connect, not to be confused with its GameCircle service for Kindle Fire. Game Connect has been introduced with the express purpose of helping its users "discover a new category of free-to-play and MMO digital games." Existing Amazon users can link their Game Connect account to unlock rewards, a list of which can be found over here.

The first handful of games included in Amazon's Game Connect service launch are Battlestar Galactica, World of Tanks, Pandora Saga, Stronghold Kingdoms and Super Monday Night Combat. More games will presumably be added as the service grows and develops.

JoystiqAmazon announces Game Connect, new free-to-play game service originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon-game-connectf2pfree-2-playfree-to-playgame-connectmacmmopcsuper-monday-night-combatFri, 13 Jul 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, you can officially meet Team Fortress 2's Pyro]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/finally-you-can-officially-meet-team-fortress-2s-pyro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/finally-you-can-officially-meet-team-fortress-2s-pyro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/finally-you-can-officially-meet-team-fortress-2s-pyro/#comments Day 2 of Pyromania update adds new weapons, city on fire
The final introductory video for Team Fortress 2 has been released; watch above as the other classes guess what kind of motivation lies beneath the Pyro's stoic demeanor. It turns out he's just a misunderstood psychotic killer!

Today is the third and final day in Valve's Pyromania promotion, culminating in the video above but also bringing new content to the free-to-play shooter. Yesterday saw the addition of several new weapons: the Scout gets a new pistol and shotgun, the Sniper gets a new SMG and sniper rifle, the Soldier has a new bazooka and the Pyro gets himself a flare gun, which "knocks back target on hit and ignites enemies in a small radius."

JoystiqFinally, you can officially meet Team Fortress 2's Pyro originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playpcpyromaniasteamTeam-Fortress-2valveWed, 27 Jun 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Warframe, a free-to-play shooter Digital Extremes wants you to try]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/warframe-a-free-to-play-shooter-digital-extremes-wants-you-to-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/warframe-a-free-to-play-shooter-digital-extremes-wants-you-to-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/warframe-a-free-to-play-shooter-digital-extremes-wants-you-to-t/#comments
Digital Extremes making a F2P shooter, Warframe
Digital Extremes, the developer behind The Darkness 2 and the coming Star Trek title, is working on a free-to-play, co-op focused shooter called Warframe. The beta is "coming soon," Digital Extremes promises, and signing up now will get players an exclusive beta-only weapon.

The above pre-alpha trailer pitches Warframe as a futuristic, time-bending, sword-slashing sci-fi shooter. If it looks like your cup of bloody tea, add your name to the beta list right here.

JoystiqWarframe, a free-to-play shooter Digital Extremes wants you to try originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaco-opdigital-extremesf2pfree-to-playpcshooterwarframeMon, 25 Jun 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL Social takes the field this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/madden-nfl-social-takes-the-field-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/madden-nfl-social-takes-the-field-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/madden-nfl-social-takes-the-field-this-fall/#comments Madden NFL Social takes the field this fallEA is preparing a free-to-play football experience for the PC and select smart phones. Revealed today during EA's E3 press conference, Madden NFL Social will launch this fall on both Facebook and mobile devices. EA Sports' Andrew Wilson says "you can start the game on Facebook and finish on your phone."

JoystiqMadden NFL Social takes the field this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012eaea-sportsf2pfree-to-playmadden-nfl-socialmobilepcMon, 04 Jun 2012 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[The diary of a murderous skier: My first two weeks with Tribes: Ascend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-my-first-two-weeks-with-tribes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-my-first-two-weeks-with-tribes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-my-first-two-weeks-with-tribes/#commentsAs free-to-play games are constantly changing, traditional reviews can't really do them justice, so Joystiq relies on a series of unscored review diaries to record our experiences with them.

It's been over a decade since I last played PC games with any regularity. Outside of Word Munchers, The Secret Island of Dr. Quandary and The Oregon Trail, I grew up with a controller instead of a keyboard and mouse. There were brief flirtations with Duke Nukem 3D and Doom, but I was busy playing GoldenEye over Quake.

Starsiege: Tribes changed that. It barely ran on my father's computer, and our little 28.8Kbps modem could hardly handle the data stream necessary for online play, but I spent hours tying up our phone line regardless. Its fast pace, enormous outdoor environments, and central gameplay twist - "skiing" down hills and jetpacking up the other side, making for constant air battles with other players - entranced my adolescent brain. It seemed so vastly ahead of anything else available and, in many ways, still does.

Gallery: Tribes Ascend (2/22/12)

Continue reading The diary of a murderous skier: My first two weeks with Tribes: Ascend

JoystiqThe diary of a murderous skier: My first two weeks with Tribes: Ascend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playhi-rezhi-rez-studiosmacpctribes-ascendFri, 27 Apr 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Meadow: The Pact free on iOS tonight, Android next month [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/dark-meadow-the-pact-free-on-ios-tonight-android-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/dark-meadow-the-pact-free-on-ios-tonight-android-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/dark-meadow-the-pact-free-on-ios-tonight-android-next-month/#comments A free-to-play version of The Dark Meadow, titled Dark Meadow: The Pact, will be available for download on Apple's App Store later tonight, bringing with it a slew of additions to both versions of the game. Dark Meadow: The Pact is identical to the original, save for the fact that it doesn't include any of the "premium" upgrades or content additions also coming to the original version tonight. paying players receive a "Premium Pack" of in-game goodies, which includes five health kits, 13 bombs, 15,000 gold, 150 Sun coins, and a distinct lack of advertisements.

Said premium upgrades and additions coming to both versions include iPad 3 Retina Display support, new environments, enemies and bosses, new weapons and amulets, a "Fast Travel" system for moving between floors, a world map, and perhaps most importantly of all, health packs that can be used during combat.

An Android version of Dark Meadow: The Pact is scheduled to launch some time in April, optimized for the Intel Tegra 3 processor with "enhanced visuals and physics."

Update: We have been informed that the gameplay additions originally reported as only coming to The Dark Meadow are also coming to Dark Meadow: The Pact and have updated the post to reflect this new information.

Gallery: Dark Meadow (3/28/12)

Continue reading Dark Meadow: The Pact free on iOS tonight, Android next month [update]

JoystiqDark Meadow: The Pact free on iOS tonight, Android next month [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddark-meadow-the-pactf2pfree-to-playiosipadiphonemobilephosphor-gamesthe-dark-meadowWed, 28 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze working on free-to-play title 'Cold Mercury']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/starbreeze-working-on-free-to-play-title-cold-mercury/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/starbreeze-working-on-free-to-play-title-cold-mercury/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/starbreeze-working-on-free-to-play-title-cold-mercury/#comments Syndicate and Riddick developer Starbreeze's next project will be a free-to-play title. GI.biz reports the title will be called Cold Mercury, but any further details would require Syndicate-style deep extraction on Starbreeze CEO Mikael Nermark. The exec also noted the title does not mean the company is moving away from AAA development.

"We are discussing with several leading game publisher on publisher financed games, but we will broaden our product portfolio of games in the new business models and segments that have arisen in the games industry," said Nermark. "I am convinced that Starbreeze will be successful with the new games."

The company is also currently seeking a distribution deal for P13, the project announced late last year in collaboration with Swedish film director Josef Fares.

JoystiqStarbreeze working on free-to-play title 'Cold Mercury' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cold-Mercuryf2pfree-to-playpcstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosMon, 26 Mar 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Planetside 2 to be freemium in some form, beta coming late 2011/early 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/planetside-2-to-be-freemium-in-some-form-beta-coming-late-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/planetside-2-to-be-freemium-in-some-form-beta-coming-late-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/planetside-2-to-be-freemium-in-some-form-beta-coming-late-2011/#comments How free will Planetside 2 be? So, so free. At least, in some part, according to Sony Online Entertainment prez John Smedley. In two recent interviews, Smedley confirms the long-awaited sequel's business model, saying, "The game will be F2P. What form will it be? We're still working that out." Smedley specifically notes that the team is looking at Riot Games' enormously popular League of Legends as a model, meaning you can pay for visual upgrades, but not for ability upgrades.

Those excited about the upcoming sequel will get a chance to go hands-on in the coming months, as Smedley also promises a beta by the end of 2011 or early 2012. That said, it could be a bit longer, as he also notes that the beta will be "ready when it's ready and we are proud of it."

JoystiqPlanetside 2 to be freemium in some form, beta coming late 2011/early 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaf2pfree-to-playjohn-smedleypcplanetside-2soesony-online-entertainmentFri, 09 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion's End of Nations MMORTS will be free-to-play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/trions-end-of-nations-mmorts-will-be-free-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/trions-end-of-nations-mmorts-will-be-free-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/trions-end-of-nations-mmorts-will-be-free-to-play/#comments End of Nations from Trion will be free to play Sure, you'd like to play Trion's upcoming MMO/RTS mashup called End of Nations, but you're not sure if you want to pony up for the retail box, and then shell out another few bucks a month for a subscription. That's a lot to spend on a game you might not like, right? Good news for you, then: Trion has announced that End of Nations will be a free-to-play title.

Free players, according to the official website, will get access to "the entire game," including co-op, the metagame, and the huge multiplayer games as well. The company will offer an optional subscription that will feature "a significant amount of value and convenience extras," though exactly what those are Trion hasn't yet said. But the company does emphasize that winning the game will be built around "strategy and skill," not paying the most money.

There will also be an in-game store with "a wide selection" of more customization and convenience items. And no credit card will be required for the actual game -- everything will be purchasable either with in-game wealth or Trion Credits (which can be bought with real currency). Stay tuned for more hands-on with the game from Gamescom next week.

JoystiqTrion's End of Nations MMORTS will be free-to-play originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convenienceend-of-nationsf2pfree-to-playmmortspctransactionstrionSat, 13 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes of Newerth goes free-to-play, keeps freeloaders separate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/heroes-of-newerth-goes-free-to-play-keeps-freeloaders-separate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/heroes-of-newerth-goes-free-to-play-keeps-freeloaders-separate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/heroes-of-newerth-goes-free-to-play-keeps-freeloaders-separate/#comments The increasingly crowded Multiplayer Online Battle Arena genre (MOBA for you acronym junkies) has one standout star: the free-to-play League of Legends, whose developer just announced it's surpassed 15 million registered players, with 1.4 million of those playing daily. In an effort to boost its player base of "460,000 unique active players," fellow MOBA title Heroes of Newerth will also be adopting the free-to-play model, says the game's developer S2 Games. "With the transition to free-to-play we're opening HoN up to new audiences as our players can now easily introduce the game to their friends," S2 Games CEO and co-founder Marc DeForest told a press release.

The HoN model will feature three account types: Basic, the most, uh ... basic account, is what new players get immediately upon signing up; Verified status is reserved for players who drop real coin on Goblin Coins, the in-game currency, or surpass "a certain threshold of play time" if that's how you roll; and lastly, Legacy status is reserved for users who've already purchased the game prior to today's free-to-play announcement. "These accounts receive a lifetime of free access to all HoN heroes and are able to play in Verified Only games, to ensure that experts and beginners are separated." Want in on that Legacy action? Sorry, "Legacy accounts can no longer be purchased."

Of course, being free-to-play means there's the requisite microtransaction business model under the hood. While Legacy players get all the characters for free, Basic and Verified players will have access to "a rotating pool of 15 free heroes" with the option to purchase more. S2 is also segregating the player base (similar to what the Team Fortress 2 community is doing itself): "Players with Basic accounts are only eligible to participate in one mode of matchmaking," the press release states, while "Verified and Legacy accounts are eligible to queue up in matchmaking for Verified Only games allowing them to play in higher quality games with more experienced players."

With MOBA titles coming from Valve (Dota 2), Blizzard (Blizzard Dota), and Petroglyph (Rise of Immortals), the genre is about to either greatly expand or bear witness to a lot of failed project launches.

Continue reading Heroes of Newerth goes free-to-play, keeps freeloaders separate

JoystiqHeroes of Newerth goes free-to-play, keeps freeloaders separate originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playheroes-of-newerthpcs2-gamesFri, 29 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Petroglyph announces Rise of Immortals, closed beta sign-ups begin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/petroglyph-announces-rise-of-immortals-closed-beta-sign-ups-beg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/petroglyph-announces-rise-of-immortals-closed-beta-sign-ups-beg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/petroglyph-announces-rise-of-immortals-closed-beta-sign-ups-beg/#comments Petroglyph has announced that its new multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, Rise of Immortals, is now accepting sign-ups for a closed beta test. Rise of Immortals is a free-to-play MOBA -- i.e. "it's like Defense of the Ancients" -- that features persistent character creation and, of course, plenty of microtransaction-fueled goodies. The game allows players to choose from twelve customizable Immortals with different abilities and take them into battle in either player-vs-player or player-vs-environment matches.

Those wishing to sign up for the beta should head over to the Rise of Immortals website; the test is currently offered only to "friends & family," though it will expand to more players in the coming weeks. Check out some screens in the gallery below and find a trailer after the break.

Gallery: Rise of Immortals (2/22/11)

Continue reading Petroglyph announces Rise of Immortals, closed beta sign-ups begin

JoystiqPetroglyph announces Rise of Immortals, closed beta sign-ups begin originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playMOBApcpetroglyphPetroglyph-Gamesrise-of-immortalsTue, 22 Feb 2011 13:45:00 EST