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[Game Center redesigned for iOS 7, coming this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/game-center-redesigned-for-ios-7-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/game-center-redesigned-for-ios-7-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/game-center-redesigned-for-ios-7-coming-this-fall/#commentsGame Center gets a redesign in iOS 7 Game Center will get a visual overhaul with the latest update to Apple's iconic mobile operating system, it was revealed during WWDC today. Apple aims to curb cheating through more secure game scores and support for ranking-style leaderboards. It's also added a new Sprite Kit tool to help developers create games, and Apple's adding game controller support for the "Made for iPhone" standard. The new Game Center will be a part of iOS 7, which is due out later on this fall.

[Note: Current Game Center app image presented above.]

JoystiqGame Center redesigned for iOS 7, coming this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegame-centeriosios-7ipadiphonemobileMon, 10 Jun 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play Games leaks out, will feature matchmaking and achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/google-play-games-leaks-out-will-feature-matchmaking-and-achiev/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/google-play-games-leaks-out-will-feature-matchmaking-and-achiev/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/google-play-games-leaks-out-will-feature-matchmaking-and-achiev/#comments'Google Play Games' leaks out, will feature matchmaking and achievements The Android answer to Apple's Game Center app on iOS will be Google Play Games, according to information obtained by Android Police from a Play Services APK teardown. The service will bring lobbies and invites for matchmaking, in-game chat, cloud game saves, achievements and leaderboards to the platform for developers to make use of.

The APK Android Police pulled apart is a file package primarily used to update Android apps, so this update was riddled with code that indicated what features would be coming to the platform down the road, but aren't accessible just yet. There is certainly a good chance Google Play Games will be fully unveiled at Google's I/O event next week in San Francisco.

JoystiqGoogle Play Games leaks out, will feature matchmaking and achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievementsandroidcloud-savesgame-centergooglegoogle-playgoogle-play-gamesleaderboardsmatchmakingmobileSun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Center coming to OS X Mountain Lion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/game-center-coming-to-os-x-mountain-lion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/game-center-coming-to-os-x-mountain-lion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/game-center-coming-to-os-x-mountain-lion/#comments Since its introduction to iOS 4.1 back in 2010, Game Center hasn't evolved much. Other than dumping Game Center onto iPad later that same year, Apple has been content to just let it linger there. Now almost two years later, Game Center will finally be on every Apple product you own. There is no escaping it.

Our sister site Engadget got some hands-on time with the upcoming OS X update, OS X Mountain Lion, dissecting it down to the molecule. Of particular note to gamers is the availability of the Game Center app on the OS X platform, including all of its major features: voice chat, leaderboards and online multiplayer. The iOS service has over 100 million registered users.

JoystiqGame Center coming to OS X Mountain Lion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegame-centermacmountain-lionos-xos-x-mountain-lionosx-mountain-lionThu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/#comments You'd have to be a fus-ro-dummy to think that Skyrim would be through with receiving accolades. At last night's New York Video Game Critics Circle Awards, the Bethesda Game Studios-developed RPG took home yet one more, earning the "Big Apple Award for Best Game" as decided by a cabal of NY-based game journos from various outlets.

Other winners include two apiece for Bastion and Portal 2, portable love for Super Mario 3D Land and Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP, and explosive nods to both Crysis 2 and Saints Row: The Third. Harold Goldberg's "All Your Base Are Belong To Us" took home the "Algonquin Roundtable Award for Best Book" and Sony's "Michael" commercial won the "Mad Men Award," mysteriously beating out Robin Williams' luxurious beard. Frankly, we were baffled. The full list of winners can be found below the break.

Continue reading Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards

JoystiqSkyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsall-your-base-are-belong-to-usbastionbethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkscantor-film-centercrysis-2elder-scrolls-5game-centerharold-goldbergiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenew-york-citynew-york-game-critics-circlenew-york-game-critics-circle-awardsnew-york-game-critics-circle-awards-2012new-york-universitynintendonyu-game-centerpcplaystationportal-2ps3saints-row-the-thirdskyrimsuper-mario-3d-landsuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New York University introduces MFA in 'Game Design,' starting fall 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/new-york-university-introduces-mfa-in-game-design-starting-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/new-york-university-introduces-mfa-in-game-design-starting-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/new-york-university-introduces-mfa-in-game-design-starting-fa/#comments New York University's Game Center, already a bastion of game development in the Northeastern US, announced this week that it will open a Master of Fine Arts program for "Game Design" in fall 2012. The Game Center's blog revealed the new program this week with a tentative description of the program's offerings and faculty, pinning names like Frank Lantz and Eric Zimmerman to the staff. The two-year program is said to focus on "game design, game programming, visual design for games, and game criticism."

Wait, "game criticism?" According to the MFA program's website, students can focus on criticism for the game design degree, "which means writing about games with a focus on game design and player experience." The site further adds, "A student with this focus will be well-prepared to become a game journalist or critic, a theorist or researcher, or a scholar or historian." There is no mention, however, of the crushing debt you'll be unable to pay with a game journalist's salary. We kid!

Regardless, between creating individual projects and working in groups, the NYU MFA program intends on educating future game devs in a wide variety of disciplines, across a varied spectrum of virtual platforms (from social to console, and everything in between) -- even game journalism, it would seem. Interested parties can find out more info through NYU's graduate program portal, but you'll probably want to read this FAQ first. That thesis sounds like a doozy!

JoystiqNew York University introduces MFA in 'Game Design,' starting fall 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frank-lantzgame-centergame-criticismgame-designmaster-of-fine-artsmfamfa-game-designnew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centerq3-2012Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple looking to add avatars to Game Center, patent filings show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/apple-looking-to-add-avatars-to-game-center-patent-filings-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/apple-looking-to-add-avatars-to-game-center-patent-filings-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/apple-looking-to-add-avatars-to-game-center-patent-filings-show/#comments Use Game Center much? Some potential patents Apple has filed for may hint at more robust features coming to the platform in the future -- specifically, avatars. Apple's documents (via AppleInsider) show customization options and fully animated avatars akin to Nintendo's Miis or Microsoft Xbox 360 avatars, which the company is apparently aiming to incorporate into Game Center.

The patents were originally filed in April of this year and talk about the usual rigmarole that comes with avatars, such as funny hats. There's also the possibility for these avatars to appear in games, Apple noted in the filings.

JoystiqApple looking to add avatars to Game Center, patent filings show originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegame-centeriosipadiphonemacmobilepatentThu, 13 Oct 2011 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Valve's Erik Wolpaw lecture on Portal 2 development, nixed ideas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/watch-valves-erik-wolpaw-lecture-on-portal-2-development-nixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/watch-valves-erik-wolpaw-lecture-on-portal-2-development-nixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/watch-valves-erik-wolpaw-lecture-on-portal-2-development-nixed/#comments If you missed Valve writer Erik Wolpaw's talk on Portal 2 at New York University's Game Center lecture series event last Thursday, don't worry -- we've got you covered. NYU has uploaded the entirety of Wolpaw's massive, hour-plus talk and the Q&A session that followed in video form (which we've embedded below the break).

Grab a drink and relax -- you can put that notebook away. There won't be a test or anything.

Continue reading Watch Valve's Erik Wolpaw lecture on Portal 2 development, nixed ideas

JoystiqWatch Valve's Erik Wolpaw lecture on Portal 2 development, nixed ideas originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erik-wolpawfrank-lantzgame-centermacmicrosoftnew-york-citynew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centerpcplaystationportal-2ps3valvevalve-softwarexboxTue, 10 May 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NYC: Portal 2 writer Erik Wolpaw speaking at NYU Game Center]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/nyc-portal-2-writer-erik-wolpaw-speaking-at-nyu-game-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/nyc-portal-2-writer-erik-wolpaw-speaking-at-nyu-game-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/nyc-portal-2-writer-erik-wolpaw-speaking-at-nyu-game-center/#comments You know that wonderful, memorable, hilarious experience you just had with Portal 2? Wouldn't you like to shake the hand of the dude who helped shape that excellent narrative arc? Well, we can't promise you'll be able to do just that at next Thursday's New York University lecture series talk with Valve writer Erik Wolpaw, but you should at very least be able to give him a rousing round of applause.

Beyond his latest project, Wolpaw is known for his work on the Half-Life series with Valve and Psychonauts with Double Fine, as well as being a co-founder of lauded game humor site Old Man Murray. During the talk, Wolpaw will introduce the audience to Portal 2 with a "brief guided playthrough," before being grilled by interim director at the Game Center, Frank Lantz.

Like past NYU Game Center events, this one will likely fill up quick, so be sure to RSVP (to gamecenter@nyu.edu) asap, if you're interested in attending -- it's free! Still, consider bringing a little cash, as the Game Center will be selling 18x24-inch prints of the various Rachel Morris pieces that accompany each lecture for $20 a pop. They're quite fetching, if we do say so ourselves. Head past the break for complete details, directions and a better look at the event's artwork.

Continue reading NYC: Portal 2 writer Erik Wolpaw speaking at NYU Game Center

JoystiqNYC: Portal 2 writer Erik Wolpaw speaking at NYU Game Center originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erik-wolpawgame-centerlecture-seriesnew-york-citynew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centernyu-lecture-seriesportal-2rachel-morrisvalvevalve-softwareFri, 29 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYC: Come watch thatgamecompany's Kellee Santiago speak at NYU's Game Center]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/nyc-come-watch-thatgamecompanys-kellee-santiago-speak-at-nyus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/nyc-come-watch-thatgamecompanys-kellee-santiago-speak-at-nyus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/nyc-come-watch-thatgamecompanys-kellee-santiago-speak-at-nyus/#comments We've told you about New York University's Game Center in the past -- remember that time when Chris Hecker brought SpyParty and talked about all sorts of stuff? -- and we're here to do just that once more. Tomorrow evening, we're hoping you'll join us and several hundred friends in Room 6 of NYU's lower level, where thatgamecompany co-founder and president Kellee Santiago will be speaking to the "Challenges In Evoking Unique Emotions In Video Games." Maybe she'll even talk a bit about her company's new game, Journey? We certainly hope so!

Beyond her lecture, a discussion will be moderated by interim director (and Zynga New York creative director) Frank Lantz, with questions from the crowd also being solicited. The discussion begins at 7:00PM EST sharp, and we've dropped pertinent details after the break. Don't be late!

Update: NYU has updated its blog with a note about attendance, stating, "Thanks to your enthusiastic response, we have reached capacity for this RSVP-only event. There will be very limited extra seating opened up on a first come, first serve basis starting at 7PM. We encourage you to join our mailing list, follow us, or friend us for updates on future lectures and events. Thank you for your understanding!" So, uh, take that as you will! We're still going!

Continue reading NYC: Come watch thatgamecompany's Kellee Santiago speak at NYU's Game Center

JoystiqNYC: Come watch thatgamecompany's Kellee Santiago speak at NYU's Game Center originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-centerjourneykellee-santiagonew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centerplaystationps3thatgamecompanyWed, 23 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free film series at NYU Game Center kicks off tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/free-film-series-at-nyu-game-center-kicks-off-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/free-film-series-at-nyu-game-center-kicks-off-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/free-film-series-at-nyu-game-center-kicks-off-tonight/#comments If you live in the New York City area and still haven't visited NYU's Game Center for one reason or another, well, we're very disappointed in you. Luckily, several upcoming opportunities to head down and geek out amongst colleagues were announced on the Game Center's blog, starting tonight with a screening of short film "Play!" at 7PM EST.

Subsequent film screenings -- in the theme of gaming, as you might imagine -- are scheduled to follow in March and April, with "I Got Next" closing out the film series on April 14. If the screenings themselves aren't enough, some of the films will feature a Q&A with that night's director. And hey, if that still isn't enough, there may be free refreshments. But you don't wanna be that guy, do you?

A full listing of the film series can be found after the break.

Continue reading Free film series at NYU Game Center kicks off tonight

JoystiqFree film series at NYU Game Center kicks off tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-the-gameeric-zimmermanfilm-seriesfrank-lantzgame-centerget-lampi-got-nextmoviesnew-york-citynew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centerplayThu, 24 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Holiday Buyer's Guide: App Store Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/iphone-ipad-buyers-guide-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/iphone-ipad-buyers-guide-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/iphone-ipad-buyers-guide-2010/#comments From the conceptually insane Solipskier to the "you're clearly insane if you don't like this" Cut the Rope, 2010 saw the release of oodles of excellent and wildly divergent iOS games for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. These are our favorites.

To begin, click one of the links below to jump to a category or simply head on past the break to peruse the guide form top to bottom.

The Game For Everyone | For the Hardcore

Console Quality | Look At This | New-School Old School

One Minute, Man | Where'd the Time Go?

Continue reading Holiday Buyer's Guide: App Store Games

JoystiqHoliday Buyer's Guide: App Store Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storebuyers-guidegame-centerholiday-2010iosipadiphoneipod-touchTue, 21 Dec 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rage mobile gets Game Center support (achievements!) and gyroscope-based aiming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/rage-mobile-gets-game-center-support-achievements-and-gyrosco/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/rage-mobile-gets-game-center-support-achievements-and-gyrosco/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/rage-mobile-gets-game-center-support-achievements-and-gyrosco/#commentsRage: Mutant Bash TV Over the weekend, a massive update for Rage: Mutant Bash TV - id Software's iOS-based on-rails shooter for the iPhone and iPad - made its way to the iTunes App Store. Perhaps most notable is the inclusion of support for Apple's Game Center service, featuring leaderboards and achievements so you can compare your mutant-murdering abilities with those of your friends.

Other improvements encourage you to bask in Rage's beauty: Museum Mode lets you casually stroll through the levels, mutant-free, taking in all the sights. Look, a collapsed wall. Charming! 2nd Display Support lets you link your iThing up to your television using an Apple component cable (480p) or an Apple VGA cable (720p), so you can get some big-screen appreciation for all those polygons.

But our favorite enhancement is surely "Gyroscope Support" - forget about tilt-based aiming, it's all about the virtual window-style now. Grab yourself a swivel-based office chair, park it in the middle of your room, and peer through your 3.5" window (or 9.7" for you iPad owners) into the 360°, megatextured alterna-world of Rage. Find the update notes after the break.

Continue reading Rage mobile gets Game Center support (achievements!) and gyroscope-based aiming

JoystiqRage mobile gets Game Center support (achievements!) and gyroscope-based aiming originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Game-Centerid-SoftwaremobileRageRage-HDrage-mutant-bash-tvMon, 20 Dec 2010 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade makes $1.7 million in four days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/infinity-blade-makes-1-7-million-in-four-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/infinity-blade-makes-1-7-million-in-four-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/infinity-blade-makes-1-7-million-in-four-days/#comments Level whatever criticisms you like at the App Store, you have to admit it's pretty darn good about rewarding quality. As of this morning, Chair/Epic's iOS $6 slasher Infinity Blade can tout over 286,000 users, good for $1.7 million in four days, making it the "fastest grossing app ever," according to Appmodo. That doesn't take into account whatever promo codes were distributed, but since the old record held by Cut the Rope was $1 million in 10 days, we think Infinity Blade is pretty safe in asserting its supremacy.

We knew it was good, great even, but even we're a little surprised by how quickly it's being adopted on the App Store. We Level 40 Infinity Blade wielders on staff (OK, it's just Justin) have their fingers crossed that the popularity prompts Chair to push out some new content sooner rather than later.

Update: Epic's Mark Rein notes that "the Game Center numbers being reported are quite a bit lower than the actual sales." So more than $1.7 million, then. Read the full statement Rein gave us after the break.

Continue reading Infinity Blade makes $1.7 million in four days

JoystiqInfinity Blade makes $1.7 million in four days originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeapplegame-centerinfinity-bladeiosiphonemobileMon, 13 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SpyParty dev details his Blizzard-inspired 'depth first' approach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/spyparty-dev-details-his-blizzard-inspired-depth-first-approac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/spyparty-dev-details-his-blizzard-inspired-depth-first-approac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/spyparty-dev-details-his-blizzard-inspired-depth-first-approac/#comments Speaking to a packed room at New York University's Game Center last week, developer Chris Hecker -- a man perhaps best known for giving ... impassioned rants -- detailed his "depth first, accessibility later" approach to development of his latest project, SpyParty. The game is a twist on the Turing Test: one player is "the Spy" while the other is "the Sniper." The Spy must complete a set of objectives without being spotted, while the Sniper looks on and tries to pick out who the Spy is from a group of NPCs (and then murder that Spy) before the time runs out.

How does the sniper spot the spy? By paying attention to a variety of "tells" -- from the subtle (a human Spy's order of actions may differ from an NPC's) to the "hard" (catch the Spy covertly slip an object to an NPC). As Hecker is keen to point out, SpyParty is a game about human interaction. "You have to decide where you're going, go there and don't look back (basically). Of course, I also make the NPCs fidget occasionally, just to fuck with people," Hecker revealed to a laughing audience. "And that's interesting -- that interplay ... I mean, it's an inverse Turing Test at a certain level."

Gallery: Chris Hecker's SpyParty lecture @ NYU's Game Center

Continue reading SpyParty dev details his Blizzard-inspired 'depth first' approach

JoystiqSpyParty dev details his Blizzard-inspired 'depth first' approach originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-heckerdefinition-6frank-lantzgame-centerindienew-york-citynew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centerspypartyMon, 22 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iOS 4.2 brings Game Center to iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/ios-4-ipad-game-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/ios-4-ipad-game-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/ios-4-ipad-game-center/#commentsApple's latest iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad software update is now available, bringing some of the new functionality we've enjoyed on iPhone to the iPad. Owners of the 2001-style monolith will now be able to multitask between apps: Engadget was able to "run video or music to our Apple TV (even 720p HD content) and leave enough horsepower for gaming at the same time," according to its review of the new OS.

The other biggie for iPad gaming is Game Center. Game Center-enabled apps have already shown up on the App Store, but now you'll actually be able to track your achievements. The good news is that you've had a few weeks to get way awesome at Big Bad Sudoku Book.

Continue reading iOS 4.2 brings Game Center to iPad

JoystiqiOS 4.2 brings Game Center to iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-centerios-4ios-4.2mobilemultitaskingMon, 22 Nov 2010 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[NYC: Come play SpyParty with Chris Hecker at NYU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/nyc-come-play-spyparty-with-chris-hecker-at-nyu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/nyc-come-play-spyparty-with-chris-hecker-at-nyu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/nyc-come-play-spyparty-with-chris-hecker-at-nyu/#comments Back at PAX, game developer Chris Hecker had his innovative project, SpyParty, on hand for showgoers to try out. Justin loved it, and now those of us in the Northeast who couldn't make it to Seattle earlier this year will be able to get our hands on it, as Hecker is holding an open play session today at New York University's Game Center (not to be confused with Apple's virtual Game Center).

From 1-7PM, Hecker will host the hands-on session in the Game Center's Open Library at 721 Broadway, followed by a talk about the game wherein he'll ask for player feedback and discuss development. He'll also be interviewed by Game Center director (and Drop7 creative lead) Frank Lantz. Hecker says this will be "the last playtest for awhile," so we'd suggest jumping on the chance while you can.

And if all that wasn't enough to entice you, yes, refreshments will be served. Head past the break for all the specifics (and the gorgeous full-size art for the event).

Continue reading NYC: Come play SpyParty with Chris Hecker at NYU

JoystiqNYC: Come play SpyParty with Chris Hecker at NYU originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-heckereventfrank-lantzgame-centernew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centerpcplaytestspypartyThu, 18 Nov 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/#comments Project Sword, the technologically impressive game you've been using to show off your new iPhone 4 to friends, family and Charlie Chaplin, is set to become a full game this holiday. Dubbed "Infinity Blade," the Chair-developed "action-RPG sword fighting adventure" will be available for iPhone 4, iPad and iPod Touch.

Infinity Blade will feature single-player battles within ye olde castle environments and will gradually grant you experience, improved stats and more powerful items. It will be expanded to support a multiplayer mode (and Game Center) via free updates after launch.

According to Epic Games, the Unreal Engine 3-powered demo landed in the hands of over one million people, lured in by the promise of what the company calls "triple-A mobile gaming." How much are people willing to pay for triple-A mobile gaming? Epic has yet to announce a price, but it'll have to be careful not to build a costly moat around its spot on the App Store.

Gallery: Infinity Blade (11/2/10)

Continue reading Project Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday

JoystiqProject Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentepic-gamesgame-centerinfinity-bladeiosipadiphoneipodmobilerelease-dateTue, 02 Nov 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Download iOS 4.1 now, get Game Center (on your compatible iProduct)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/download-ios-4-1-now-get-game-center-on-your-compatible-iprodu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/download-ios-4-1-now-get-game-center-on-your-compatible-iprodu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/download-ios-4-1-now-get-game-center-on-your-compatible-iprodu/#comments "Boom!" as one Mr. Steve Jobs might say. Just as promised, iOS 4.1 is available for download through iTunes and, with it, we have Apple's Game Center, the company's first foray into a more connected gaming experience. As seen on the slide above, Game Center offers multiplayer games, matchmaking, leaderboards, and new ways of discovering games. Of course, while iOS 4.1 will run on all sorts of iProducts, Game Center only works on post-3G iPhones and iPod Touches.

With Xbox Live coming to Windows Phone 7 in just a couple months, and rumors of PlayStation integration on the Android platform, things are about to get wild on the mobile gaming front. If you're the early adoption type, fire up iTunes and get downloading. If you're the wait-and-see type, maybe the early adopters will share their progress in the comments. We'll go first: Update complete, everything's working fine.

[Update: Things are still pretty spartan on the Game Center front. The service is up and running, but with just one game out that supports it - that would be the less-than-stellar iPhone port of Ms. Pac-Man - we're holding out for something better. C'mon Angry Birds! Quick feedback: You can't see your friends' friends, and you can't see their achievements either. We're assuming that changes if you each have the same game but, again, there's not a lot of software available right now. Anyone want to play some Fruit Ninja with OpenFeint?]

[Update 2: Touch Arcade is keeping track of the Game Center launch titles, and which ones have been updated, here. To put it more directly, that's the page you're going to want to sit on until Plunderland gets a "NOW LIVE!" note next to it.]

JoystiqDownload iOS 4.1 now, get Game Center (on your compatible iProduct) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleGame-CenteriOSiOS-4.1mobileWed, 08 Sep 2010 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[New iPod Touch with iOS 4, Retina Display, and Game Center revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/new-ipod-touch-with-ios-4-retina-display-and-game-center-revea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/new-ipod-touch-with-ios-4-retina-display-and-game-center-revea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/new-ipod-touch-with-ios-4-retina-display-and-game-center-revea/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During today's Apple event, Steve Jobs claimed that the iPod Touch was outselling the PSP and DS combined, and revealed a new version of the popular device modeled after the iPhone 4. The new iPod Touch has all the gaming capabilities of the phone, without the AT&T contract: iOS 4.1 with Game Center is a big deal, and Apple's crammed an A4 chip into the new iPod Touch along wit a 3-axis gyroscope, plus upgraded the screen with Retina Display. The redesign even features a front-facing camera.

The new iPod Touch will be available next week in an 8GB model for $229, a 32 GB model for $299 and a 64GB model for $399. You can pre-order it now.

JoystiqNew iPod Touch with iOS 4, Retina Display, and Game Center revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-fall-2010-keynotegame-centerIos4.1ipodipod-touchmobileWed, 01 Sep 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Center coming to iPhone next week in iOS 4.1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/game-center-coming-to-iphone-next-week-in-ios-4-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/game-center-coming-to-iphone-next-week-in-ios-4-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/game-center-coming-to-iphone-next-week-in-ios-4-1/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apple's Keynote just brought news that Game Center is (finally!) coming to iPhones in iOS 4.1. It bears the new, greener look we saw back in July and, as Steve Jobs noted, has a heavy focus on multiplayer. Beyond playing games with friends, there are matchmaking and leaderboards across multiple games; it's more or less Steam for your phone.

Jobs says iOS 4.1 - and thusly, Game Center -- will be arriving "next week," though it won't be arriving on iPad until iOS 4.2 in November. We'll be getting our Canabalt scores as high as possible before next week.

JoystiqGame Center coming to iPhone next week in iOS 4.1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-fall-2010-keynotegame-centeriosios-4.2mobileWed, 01 Sep 2010 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA['Project Sword' coming to iOS from Epic [update: try the demo!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/project-sword-coming-to-ios-from-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/project-sword-coming-to-ios-from-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/project-sword-coming-to-ios-from-epic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Epic Games president Mike Capps took the stage at Apple's live event today to announce "Project Sword" (codename), an Unreal Engine 3 powered game for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad due later this year. Based in a medieval setting, it's a sword fighting game focused on 1-on-1 battles and it looks amazing. To quote Steve Jobs following the announcement: "It's on a phone ... !"

Project Sword is being developed by Chair Entertainment, which was responsible for the XBLA hit Shadow Complex. It will support multiplayer and achievements via Apple's Game Center infrastructure. We'll have more details on the game as we get 'em.

Update: Cliff Bleszinski has tweeted that a playable demo of the castle environment featured in the Project Sword demonstration is now available on iTunes for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch. Grab it here.

Gallery: Epic Citadel ('Project Sword' tech demo)

Joystiq'Project Sword' coming to iOS from Epic [update: try the demo!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-fall-2010-keynoteepic-gamesgame-centerinfinity-bladeios4.1mobileproject-swordWed, 01 Sep 2010 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest iOS beta nixes Game Center support for iPhone 3G, 2nd-gen iPod Touch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/latest-ios-beta-nixes-game-center-support-for-iphone-3g-2nd-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/latest-ios-beta-nixes-game-center-support-for-iphone-3g-2nd-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/latest-ios-beta-nixes-game-center-support-for-iphone-3g-2nd-gen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apple's forthcoming Game Center service is alive and well in the latest iOS beta, 4.1 beta 3, and as those beta releases get more frequent, we get closer to the release of this "social gaming network" for iPhones and iPod Touches.

Unfortunately, with beta 3, we now have to further specify precisely which iPhones and iPod Touches will be supported by Game Center. Originally, Game Center was expected to run on the same iPhone / iPod Touch hardware that iOS 4 would run on, which only excluded the original iPhone and original iPod Touch. Now, perhaps in response to user complaints about the how poorly the iPhone 3G and 2nd-gen iPod Touch run on the new OS, those two (far more popular!) devices have also been stripped of Game Center compatibility in the latest beta.

Since this is getting confusing, we'll recap. You can use Game Center when it launches later this year only on one of these products: iPhone 3Gs, iPhone 4, 3rd-gen iPod Touch ... and that's it.

JoystiqLatest iOS beta nixes Game Center support for iPhone 3G, 2nd-gen iPod Touch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Game-CenteriPhoneiPhone-3GmobileWed, 04 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's Game Center goes green]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/apples-game-center-goes-green/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/apples-game-center-goes-green/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/apples-game-center-goes-green/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apple's multiplayer gaming platform for iEverything -- Game Center -- may not have arrived just yet, but it appears that it's getting a bit of a face-lift on the back-end. As seen in the image above (care of Mobile Crunch), the color palette of GC has been lightened and varied quite a bit, going from a black and blue tone to a decidedly more billiard table-flavored one.

Given that the new look also bears a striking resemblance to our friend (and yours) Kermit the Frog, we're not exactly on the fence in terms of preference of the two -- what can we say, it's a lot more welcoming! Now all we need is an actual release of the client so we can see what else (other than the frontmost loading screen) it has to offer.

JoystiqApple's Game Center goes green originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegame-centeripadiphoneipod-touchmobileSat, 17 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom joins OpenFeint social gaming network on the iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/capcom-joins-openfeint-social-gaming-network-on-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/capcom-joins-openfeint-social-gaming-network-on-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/capcom-joins-openfeint-social-gaming-network-on-the-iphone/#comments While Microsoft has Xbox Live as an official network, and of course Sony has PlayStation Network, the iPhone doesn't yet have an official social gaming network, at least not until Apple's Game Center is unveiled later on this year. Until then, a company called OpenFeint has been connecting gamers on iPhones with leaderboards and achievements (which is why you'll often see their logo appear in your iPhone games). And while most of the developers signed on to OpenFeint so far have been pretty small, it's starting to reel in the big fish -- Capcom has signed on to hook its games up to the OpenFeint service.

The service will first appear in Capcom's Dark Void Zero and Hatchlings iPhone games, and both OpenFeint and Capcom say they are excited about the possibilities of working together. Of course, the release of Game Center may change the relationship, depending on what features Apple offers later this year. But OpenFeint says they're planning to offer services even on top of Game Center's planned featureset (Capcom has confirmed they want to use OpenFeint X, a platform for serving up virtual goods on the iPhone even beyond what Game Center will offer). So it sounds like even after Apple's official network is released later this year, Capcom will still have a use for its new partner.

JoystiqCapcom joins OpenFeint social gaming network on the iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecapcomgame-centeriPodleaderboardsnetworkingopenfeintsocial-networkingThu, 06 May 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Center sparks light reactions from competing iPhone social network devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/game-center-sparks-light-reactions-from-competing-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/game-center-sparks-light-reactions-from-competing-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/game-center-sparks-light-reactions-from-competing-devs/#comments
Yesterday, Apple announced Game Center, a social gaming service for iPhone. Pretty much everyone with an iPhone has reason to be delighted with this development, except for companies like OpenFeint and ngmoco, which already operate social network gaming services for iPhone in OpenFeint and Plus+, respectively. Are both companies freaking out? Not in public.

In a statement, OpenFeint positioned the OpenFeint X service, which allows iPhone devs to sell virtual goods, as the next step for its business. "OpenFeint X is currently built on top of OpenFeint and in the future it will also sit on Apple's Game Center social graph, achievements and leaderboards so developers and gamers don't miss a step," said OpenFeint CEO Jason Citron. "Apple is a key partner and we are delighted that they have validated the first half of the OpenFeint vision and we can now fulfill the second half: OpenFeint X and Virtual Goods based Social Games." Citron also promised to "continue to invest in OpenFeint" for the benefit of the games using the platform now and in the process of adding it.

ngmoco's Simon Jeffery released a statement indicating that Plus+ is also already moving in a similar direction. "ngmoco has anticipated this move from Apple for some time, and is happy to see a cleaner developer and consumer experience on the horizon," he said. "As we demonstrated at GDC 2010, Plus+ took a strategic shift in direction a few months ago toward being a service, and less about being a set of social gaming features." Plus+ is now focusing on "empowering monetisation and discoverability mechanisms for the development community," as evident in the service's support for player-created virtual item stores in We Rule.

If both OpenFeint and ngmoco are to become virtual goods platforms, they stand to benefit from Game Center -- in essence, they can allow Apple to handle all the matchmaking and friend list stuff, while they focus on building marketplaces to interact with Game Center. At least until iPhone OS 5 introduces a virtual goods marketplace.

[Via TUAW]

JoystiqGame Center sparks light reactions from competing iPhone social network devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applegame-centeriphone-os-4iPodjason-citronngmocoopenfeintsimon-jefferysocial-networkingvirtual-goodsFri, 09 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Center is basically Xbox Live for your iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/apple-game-center-is-basically-xbox-live-for-your-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/apple-game-center-is-basically-xbox-live-for-your-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/apple-game-center-is-basically-xbox-live-for-your-iphone/#comments We knew Apple was serious about treating the iPhone and iPod Touch as gaming devices, but at its iPhone OS 4 event (liveblog here) it just dropped the gauntlet: Game Center. "Gaming is extremely popular on the iPhone and iPod touch. We have 50,000 games," Apple's Scott Forstall trumpeted. "Let's compare that to the competition ... the PSP and DS ... we blow them out of the water." While we're not going to start pointing out relative quality differences here, we will say that iPhone now has one very powerful differentiator that neither the PSP nor DS have: "a social gaming network."

Forstall unveiled Game Center, which he said will make "gaming even better on the iPhone." With matchmaking, game invites, leaderboards and achievements, this is pretty much a carbon copy of Xbox Live, but on your phone (Windows Phone 7, beat to the punch!). This is a "dev preview for OS 4," which will be available today for you devs out there. Everyone else, you've gotta wait until "summer."

JoystiqGame Center is basically Xbox Live for your iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsapplegame-centeriphone-os-4iPodleaderboardsmatchmakingScott-Forstallsocial-networkingThu, 08 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST