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[Fable Coin Golf, Game Room coming to Windows Phone 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/fable-coin-golf-game-room-coming-to-windows-phone-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/fable-coin-golf-game-room-coming-to-windows-phone-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/fable-coin-golf-game-room-coming-to-windows-phone-7/#comments After dropping details on Avatar Kinect and the crazy amount of Kinects sold in its first 60 days on shelves, Microsoft's Steve Ballmer moved onto another recent Microsoft product launch: Windows Phone 7. While the Crackdown and Halo brands already have some presence on the platform, Ballmer took the opportunity to reveal that another major Microsoft Game Studios brand is making the leap to the small screen. Fable Coin Golf brings everything you know and love about Fable to your phone ... specifically, the coin golf part.

Alright, so we didn't see what Fable Coin Golf is exactly, but Ballmer did reveal that all the gold earned in Fable Coin Golf (presumably earned playing golf?) will be sent straight to your Fable 3 character on the Xbox 360, ala Fable Pub Games and Fable 2, for the old-timers in the house. During a montage that followed the reveal, we also spotted the retro-themed Game Room service, specifically arcade classic Centipede. We'll try to dig up more on the service's mobile offering during CES this week. For now, make your best guess as to what precisely Fable Coin Golf is.

JoystiqFable Coin Golf, Game Room coming to Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2011FableFable-3Fable-Coin-GolfGame-RoommicrosoftmobileSteve-BallmerWindows-Phone-7xboxWed, 05 Jan 2011 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Room adds Blades of Steel; Sunset Riders and Twinbee rumored]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/game-room-adds-blades-of-steel-sunset-riders-and-twinbee-rumore/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/game-room-adds-blades-of-steel-sunset-riders-and-twinbee-rumore/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/game-room-adds-blades-of-steel-sunset-riders-and-twinbee-rumore/#commentsHey, remember Game Room? Despite ongoing troubles at Krome, the studio continues to add emulated arcade, Intellivision and Atari 2600 titles to Xbox Live's retro download service -- and the latest update is actually pretty awesome. Game Pack 012 has launched with the arcade versions of Blades of Steel and Trick Trap 1771, plus the Atari 2600's Pitfall 2 and the Intellivision's Vectron. And there are still 11 titles to come from the pack!

GamerBytes reports that "Game Room hackers" have discovered the identities of the rest of Game Pack 012's pending releases, and they're even more awesome than the launch titles, including Konami's cute-em-ups Twinbee and Detana!! Twinbee, the run-and-gun Western Sunset Riders and the four-player Atari classic Warlords. See the full (rumored) list after the break.

[Image source: The Arcade Flyer Archive]

Continue reading Game Room adds Blades of Steel; Sunset Riders and Twinbee rumored

JoystiqGame Room adds Blades of Steel; Sunset Riders and Twinbee rumored originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeblades-of-steeldetana-twinbeegame-pack-012game-roomkonamikromemicrosoftretrosunset-riderstrick-trap-1771warlordsxblaxblmxboxxbox-live-game-roomWed, 24 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Centipede crawls out of latest Game Room update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/centipede-crawls-out-of-latest-game-room-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/centipede-crawls-out-of-latest-game-room-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/centipede-crawls-out-of-latest-game-room-update/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some good news for patient Game Room fans today, as Game Pack 008 has been released -- and Centipede along with it. Joining Atari's classic segmented shooter are three other Atari 2600 titles: 3-D Tic-Tac-Toe, Beamrider and Cosmic Commuter; in addition to Intellivision's Thin Ice. As usual with Game Room updates, the remainder of Game Pack 008, which includes six more Atari 2600 games and four more Intellivision titles, will be released over the coming weeks.


Xbox.com: Add Game Pack 008 to your Xbox 360 download queue (free to install)

JoystiqCentipede crawls out of latest Game Room update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-D-Tic-Tac-ToeAtari-2600BeamriderCentipedeCosmic-CommuterGame-RoomintellivisionmicrosoftThin-IcexboxWed, 04 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Room 'Game Pack 007' now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/game-room-game-pack-007-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/game-room-game-pack-007-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/game-room-game-pack-007-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The 007 update for Microsoft's Game Room is available for download right now, and will enable 15 new games in total: three Konami Arcade games; nine Atari 2600 games; three Intellivision titles and zero James Bond games. However, not all of the games are available right now -- the Game Room Facebook account lists the first five, and a message posted further down the thread notes that the rest will trickle out over "multiple weeks." Here's what's available as of right now:
  • Barnstorming
  • Fishing Derby
  • Gyruss
  • Hover Force
  • Quadrun
We'll update you on the rest of the games as they're made available.

JoystiqGame Room 'Game Pack 007' now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionarcadeatari-2600game-roomintellivisionkonamiKrome-StudiosMicrosoft-Game-StudiosWed, 14 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Room adds Asteroids, Time Pilot and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/game-room-adds-asteroids-time-pilot-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/game-room-adds-asteroids-time-pilot-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/game-room-adds-asteroids-time-pilot-more/#comments Game Pack 004 is now available for Game Room, featuring seven new titles. The two standouts are Asteroids and Time Pilot, classics of the arcade days of yore. Also in the pack are a handful of Activision Atari 2600 games, including Stampede, Grand Prix and Demons to Diamonds. Rounding out the pack is the arcade game Space Duel and the Intellivision title Shark! Shark!. The pack itself is free, while individual games run 240 ($3) to 400 ($5) depending on the license.


Xbox.com: Add Game Room Game Pack 004 to your Xbox 360 download queue

JoystiqGame Room adds Asteroids, Time Pilot and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionasteroidsatariatari-2600demons-to-diamondsGame-Roomgrand-prixintellivisionkrome-studiosshark-sharkspace-duelstampedetime-piloWed, 19 May 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/#comments You know that dusty piggy bank you've had sitting on the shelf forever? Look, forget the kid's college fund -- she's not going to college for, like, years -- and bust that thing open! There's going to be some solid content on Xbox Live Marketplace this month.

In the mood for XBLA games? How does Rocket Knight or Zeno Clash tickle your fancy? Oh, so you want some DLC -- Dragon Age: Origins will have more to offer the tireless adventurer later this month. Want to learn the Secret of Monkey Island? During the week of May 17, the secret will be half-off. See what we mean?

Head past the break for more XBLM release highlights for the month provided by Microsoft.

Continue reading Xbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more

JoystiqXbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-kingdom-for-keflingsadd-onadd-onsArmy-of-TwoAtlusavatar-marketplaceavatarsbattlefieldbattlefield-2brothers-in-armsbrothers-in-arms-hells-highwayCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-3dlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsfinal-fantasy-xiiiforza-motorsport-3game-roomgames-on-demandkonamilipsmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersMicrosoftmiley-cyrusrock-bandrocket-knightsnoopy-flying-acesuper-street-fighter-ivthe-secret-of-monkey-island-special-editiontom-clancys-endwarubisoftxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-live-deal-of-the-weekxbox-live-marketplacezeno-clashZeno-Clash-Ultimate-EditionTue, 04 May 2010 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[New Game Room additions this Wednesday, Krome still developing Game Packs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/new-game-room-additions-this-wednesday-krome-still-developing-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/new-game-room-additions-this-wednesday-krome-still-developing-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/new-game-room-additions-this-wednesday-krome-still-developing-g/#comments The delayed update for the Xbox 360's Game Room, featuring Pitfall! and Super Breakout, will arrive this Wednesday, May 5, according to a representative from Krome Studios.

Prompted by last week's tweet by an Xbox Europe representative -- saying that Game Room content had been "delayed until further notice" -- coupled with the unfortunate layoffs at developer Krome Studios, we followed up to find out if Game Room development had been affected by the developer's current situation. A Microsoft representative stated, "We're working to bring you additional Game Room titles as soon as possible! We appreciate your patience, and we've been thrilled by the community response so far. ... We enjoy working with Krome and they are doing a great job on Game Room."

Asked directly whether it was still developing Game Room content, a Krome spokesperson told Joystiq, "Krome is continuing to work on Game Room content. The recent layoffs have not impacted Game Room at all or any of our titles in development. We're looking forward to the release of new Game Packs for Game Room."

JoystiqNew Game Room additions this Wednesday, Krome still developing Game Packs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Game-Roomkromekrome-studiosMicrosoftpitfallsuper-breakoutXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 04 May 2010 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Krome Studios lays off 30-50 more staff [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/report-krome-studios-lays-off-30-50-more-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/report-krome-studios-lays-off-30-50-more-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/report-krome-studios-lays-off-30-50-more-staff/#comments Aussie developer Krome Studios (Game Room, Blade Kitten, Star Wars: Republic Heroes) has allegedly just completed another round of layoffs, with the number of employees let go this time ranging from 30 to 50. Develop notes that Krome had somewhere around 400 employees before the first known round of layoffs last year. AusGamers reports a possible financial reason for letting people go: Krome allegedly did not receive the license to develop the The Force Unleashed 2 for Wii "as a result of poor review scores for other Krome titles." IGN adds perspective about the impact of the layoffs, estimating that Krome "accounts for some 25 percent of games development in Australia."

Krome CEO Robert Walsh made it very clear last year that developers' budgets "have probably doubled or tripled during the console transition," which likely doesn't make it easy to run a studio -- especially such a large one. We've contacted Krome for comment and will update if we receive a response.

Update: Krome has responded to Joystiq saying, "We regret to confirm an unspecified number of positions have been eliminated today at Krome. The industry worldwide is facing new challenges and Krome is not immune to the effects of this. Beyond that, we cannot make a comment."

Source -- Rumour: Aussie developer Krome hit with layoffs [IGN]
Source -- Krome loses more work and more employees [AusGamers]

[Via Develop]

JoystiqReport: Krome Studios lays off 30-50 more staff [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiablade-kittenbusinessgame-roomkromekrome-studioslayoffsStar-Wars-The-Force-Unleashedstar-wars-the-force-unleashed-2Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live April schedule redux: More Game Room, Tecmo Bowl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/xbox-live-april-schedule-redux-more-game-room-tecmo-bowl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/xbox-live-april-schedule-redux-more-game-room-tecmo-bowl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/xbox-live-april-schedule-redux-more-game-room-tecmo-bowl/#comments You'd think one April Xbox Live schedule would be enough, but apparently not for Microsoft. The company just issued another release schedule packed with Xbox Live Arcade, DLC, Games on Demand, Avatar goodies and Deals of the Qeek. Leading the pack is the long-awaited release of Tecmo Bowl Throwback. Xbox owners can also expect new Game Room titles, Left 4 Dead 2 and BioShock 2 DLC and a half-priced The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai. Check out a full list of the impending releases after the break.

Continue reading Xbox Live April schedule redux: More Game Room, Tecmo Bowl

JoystiqXbox Live April schedule redux: More Game Room, Tecmo Bowl originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-roomgames-on-demandmicrosoftrelease-datetecmo-bowlxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-scheduleTue, 20 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Room update coming April 28, adds Pitfall and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/game-room-update-coming-april-28-adds-pitfall-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/game-room-update-coming-april-28-adds-pitfall-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/game-room-update-coming-april-28-adds-pitfall-and-more/#comments Since its launch in March, retro aficionados have been stuck with the original lineup of Game Room titles. We then learned that Game Room would begin receiving weekly updates every Wednesday -- after a delay of a few weeks. Good news for old-school gaming junkies then, as Microsoft has announced that the first wave of new Game Room titles will arrive April 28. Seven new games will be released, including favorites like Pitfall! and Super Breakout.

In further news, the April 28 Game Room update marks the beginning of weekly updates, so you can expect new titles to start showing up going forward. See next week's games after the break.

Continue reading Game Room update coming April 28, adds Pitfall and more

JoystiqGame Room update coming April 28, adds Pitfall and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basketballgame-roommegamanianight-stalkerpitfallrack-em-uprealsports-volleyballsuper-breakoutxblaxblmTue, 20 Apr 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[No new old games in Game Room until late April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/no-new-old-games-in-game-room-until-late-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/no-new-old-games-in-game-room-until-late-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/no-new-old-games-in-game-room-until-late-april/#commentsDownloadable arcade game services seem to be doomed to shaky starts. Nintendo's Virtual Console Arcade launched in March 2009 in North America and didn't see a single new game after its launch day until June. It's currently home to just 12 games.

Microsoft's Game Room is off to a similar start. After its (buggy) launch last week, which brought with it an admittedly hefty lineup of 30 games, there won't be any more new additions for around a month. "New games will be added to the service every week, starting in late April," a rep said on the Xbox forums. But hey, at least that's a commitment to weekly releases, unlike, say, Virtual Console Arcade, to which games are released randomly, on no schedule and without warning.

[Thanks, Miguel!]

JoystiqNo new old games in Game Room until late April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegame-roomkrome-studiosMicrosoftretroXbox-360Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video tour: Game Room]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/video-tour-game-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/video-tour-game-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/video-tour-game-room/#comments After a small snafu this morning, Microsoft's Game Room service is now up and running. We figured people might like to know the ins and outs of the new service, so we decided to put together a quick video tour. In the video above, you'll learn about creating and decking out your own arcade, buying games, visiting the Showcase Arcade and, of course, actually playing the retro fare on offer. Check it out and leave your own thoughts on Game Room in the comments.

JoystiqVideo tour: Game Room originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-roomkrome-studiosmgsmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Microsoft Game Room now available [update: it's working now]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/psa-microsoft-game-room-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/psa-microsoft-game-room-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/psa-microsoft-game-room-now-available/#comments Update: The service seems to working properly now.

The good news: Microsoft's new cross-platform Game Room service is now available. It's free to download and gives you access to 30 different classic arcade games that can be played on Xbox 360 or PC. The bad news: You can't actually play any of those games. Upon the initial Game Room load, users are prompted to download at least one of two game packs, after which the service should load up the games and let you start playing.

Unfortunately, Game Room simply hangs on the loading screen, allowing you to enjoy the retro music playing in the background, but not the actual retro games. Major Nelson has stated via Twitter that Microsoft is aware of the issue and it is "being investigated." He reminds users that the Game Room application itself is still available, and it should be okay to download it now and wait for the issue to be resolved. We'll update this post once we hear any new information.

Update: As some of our commenters have pointed out, there is a workaround. First, sign in with an offline profile or disconnect your internet source (ethernet or wireless). Then load Game Room. It should get past the initial loading screen. Once everything is loaded, you can then sign into Xbox Live and all the games should be accessible.

JoystiqPSA: Microsoft Game Room now available [update: it's working now] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-roomkrome-studiosmicrosoftpsaXbox-360Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft loads up 56 Achievements in Game Room]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/microsoft-loads-up-56-achievements-in-game-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/microsoft-loads-up-56-achievements-in-game-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/microsoft-loads-up-56-achievements-in-game-room/#comments Inside MGC has posted a list of achievements for Microsoft's upcoming Game Room for the Xbox 360. If you're surprised to hear that a series of "interactive menus" has Achievements attached, you're not alone -- we didn't really expect there to be so many points hooked into this thing. There are a full 1,000 achievement points to be had in 56 achievements, and they seem squeezed in there pretty tight -- you'll get points every three medals, and even some points for just spending time in the arcade (36 hours total).

In short, Microsoft really, really wants you to play in the Game Room a lot. There's less than a week left until it releases on March 24, so we'll see then if an enticement like this pays off.

[Thanks, Jason Y!]

JoystiqMicrosoft loads up 56 Achievements in Game Room originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1000achievement-pointsachievementsadd-ongame-roomgameroominteractive-menusmedalsmicrosoftspending-timeXbox-360Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Video Hands-on: Game Room (Xbox Live)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/xbox-game-room-video-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/xbox-game-room-video-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/xbox-game-room-video-preview/#comments Microsoft is here at GDC showing off its upcoming Game Room service, and we got it on video just for you. The experience is probably exactly what you expected, but it's worth noting that while the service does utilize Avatars, you don't actually walk around the virtual arcade as your Avatar. Instead, the arcade rooms are essentially interactive menus (though you can select to play the classic arcade games from a normal menu, if you prefer).

Check out our video preview above for a quick look at Game Room, which arrives on March 24.

JoystiqGDC Video Hands-on: Game Room (Xbox Live) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-roomgdc-2010krome-studiosMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosvideoxblmXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 10 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Marketplace release schedule for March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/xbox-live-marketplace-release-schedule-for-march-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/xbox-live-marketplace-release-schedule-for-march-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/xbox-live-marketplace-release-schedule-for-march-revealed/#comments Though we already know the bulk of the March release schedule for new content on the Xbox Live Marketplace, Major Nelson's blog recently laid out how the rest of the month will play out. Tomorrow, we'll get our hands on Scrap Metal for 1200 ($15), next Wednesday will see the release of Perfect Dark for 800 ($10), and on March 24, we'll get our hands on the (somewhat) free Game Room hub. Oh, and the Games on Demand service got a bit crazier today with the release of Condemned: Criminal Origins for $19.99.

If you're an insatiable value-hound, you should turn your attention to the upcoming Deals of the Weeks: The original Fable will have its price reduced to 800 ($10) from 1200 ($15) during the week of March 15. All of Fallout 3's add-on packs, including Operation: Anchorage, The Pitt, Broken Steel, Point Lookout and Mothership Zeta, will be offered at half price (400, or $5) during the week of March 22. For the rest of the schedule, including Avatar outfits and add-on packs, check out the list after the jump.

Continue reading Xbox Live Marketplace release schedule for March

JoystiqXbox Live Marketplace release schedule for March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksdeal-of-the-weekfablefallout-3game-roommajor-nelsonmarchmicrosoftperfect-darkRPGschedulescrap-metalxblaxblmXbox-360Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Arcade Block Party games, Game Room dated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/xbox-live-arcade-block-party-games-game-room-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/xbox-live-arcade-block-party-games-game-room-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/xbox-live-arcade-block-party-games-game-room-dated/#comments March is going to be a pretty intense month for XBLA releases. So intense, in fact, that it's all being bundled under one promotional moniker: Block Party. Microsoft recently announced specific dates and prices for each of the games therein, and boy oh boy, has its saved the best for ... um, next-to-last.

We already knew March 3 would see the release of Toy Soldiers for 1200 ($15). On March 10, we'll get our hands on Slick Entertainment's brutal racer, Scrap Metal, for 1200 ($15). On March 17, we'll be stocking up on supplies, boarding up the doors and windows, and enjoying Perfect Dark, available for 800 ($10). Things will come to a crescendo on March 24, when the Game Room hub will be released at no charge. The platform's games will run you 400 ($5) for a PC and 360-friendly version, 240 ($3) for just the 360 version, or 40 ($.50) for a single play.

JoystiqXbox Live Arcade Block Party games, Game Room dated originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>block-partygame-roommicrosoftperfect-darkrelease-datescrap-metaltoy-soldiersxblaxblmXbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA Prices: Perfect Dark, Toy Soldiers, Scrap Metal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/xbla-prices-perfect-dark-toy-soldiers-scrap-metal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/xbla-prices-perfect-dark-toy-soldiers-scrap-metal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/xbla-prices-perfect-dark-toy-soldiers-scrap-metal/#comments A press release from Microsoft has revealed the pricing of all games offered in the upcoming March XBLA Block Party promotion. Think of the Block Party as Microsoft's first-quarter crack at the Summer of Arcade, combining a month of releases under one convenient promotional banner. According to the press release the pricing for each title will be:

Gallery: Perfect Dark XBLA (X10)

Continue reading XBLA Prices: Perfect Dark, Toy Soldiers, Scrap Metal

JoystiqXBLA Prices: Perfect Dark, Toy Soldiers, Scrap Metal originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-roomMicrosoftperfect-dark-xblascrap-metaltoy-soldiersx10xblaxbla-block-partyXbox-360xbox-game-roomxbox-live-arcadeFri, 12 Feb 2010 04:22:00 EST<![CDATA[X10: Perfect Dark, Game Room, Scrap Metal, Toy Soldiers part of XBLA Block Party this March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/perfect-dark-game-room-scrap-metal-toy-soldiers-part-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/perfect-dark-game-room-scrap-metal-toy-soldiers-part-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/perfect-dark-game-room-scrap-metal-toy-soldiers-part-of/#comments Thanks to the Summer of Arcade, we've been conditioned to compulsively check Xbox Live Arcade during the hottest months of the year. But it would seem that March is the new summer, since that month now plays host to the XBLA Block Party announced during Microsoft's X10 event today.

So, what do you have to look forward to? Well, Toy Soldiers kicks things off on March 3. If that doesn't grab you, don't worry, it'll be followed throughout the month by Scrap Metal, Perfect Dark and classics hub Game Room. Also, if it's anything like every block party we've ever been to, cocktail weenies will also be served. So that's something.

JoystiqX10: Perfect Dark, Game Room, Scrap Metal, Toy Soldiers part of XBLA Block Party this March originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-roomMicrosoftperfect-darkrarescrap-metaltoy-soldiersx10xblaxbla-block-partyXbox-360Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft confirms Game Room rating ceiling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/microsoft-confirms-game-room-rating-ceiling/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/microsoft-confirms-game-room-rating-ceiling/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/microsoft-confirms-game-room-rating-ceiling/#comments Last week it was rumored that Microsoft's Xbox 360 and PC Game Room would "never feature" titles with an ESRB rating higher than E10+; today Microsoft confirmed to Joystiq the current plan is to only add titles that correspond to the application's ESRB rating. Rather than submit each individual title for review, Microsoft has opted to submit the Game Room application to the ESRB, netting it an E10+ rating, ensuring higher-rated titles would not see life in the virtual arcade.

In a statement to Joystiq, a Microsoft representative said, "the 30 titles available for download at launch will carry either E or E10+ ratings; beyond launch we have no additional details to share at this time." Based on its statements, Microsoft's Game Room can only include titles that have been submitted to the ESRB in other forms (compilation discs, or through downloadable platforms). While it's possible for Microsoft to submit classic titles that have yet-to-be rated by the ESRB (such as titles released prior to the group's 1994 inception that have yet to receive a rating), the plan appears to focus solely on games already available in some capacity.

Microsoft said that because titles featured in the Game Room are "classic arcade and console titles" the company will be able to add any individual titles to the Game Room without submitting new releases to the ESRB for review -- provided they are currently rated E10+ or lower. While Microsoft says it currently has "no plans" to feature arcade titles rated Teen or Mature, the company confirmed it would be able to resubmit the Game Room application itself to the ESRB for a new rating, if higher-rated titles are considered for future release.

JoystiqMicrosoft confirms Game Room rating ceiling originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeesrbgame-roomMicrosoftXBLAXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 02 Feb 2010 15:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Xbox Game Room will not feature Teen or Mature-rated titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/rumor-xbox-game-room-will-not-feature-teen-or-mature-rated-titl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/rumor-xbox-game-room-will-not-feature-teen-or-mature-rated-titl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/rumor-xbox-game-room-will-not-feature-teen-or-mature-rated-titl/#comments According to a report on GamerBytes, Microsoft has submitted the upcoming Xbox and PC Game Room itself to the ESRB for a rating, rather than have each title re-rated by the board. The article claims that Microsoft's upcoming virtual arcade will sport a rating of E10+ -- meaning anything with a rating of Teen and higher will be left out of the Avatar hangout.

Since each game release (regardless of platform or delivery method) must be rated by the ESRB, the process of rating the Game Room itself could save Microsoft time, allow the company to reach its promised goal of "over 1,000 titles," and halt leaks of future titles via the ESRB website. While the current crop of Game Room titles are too retro for the rating decision to matter, other classics like Street Fighter and SmashTV won't make the cut. (Although, both are already available on Xbox.)

While the Game Room's current rating is bundled with the initial crop of 30 titles, it's unclear if the application's rating will ever change to accommodate more recent arcade releases. Joystiq has contacted Microsoft for clarification.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqRumor: Xbox Game Room will not feature Teen or Mature-rated titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsgame-roomMicrosoftrumorXbox-360xbox-game-roomxbox-liveSat, 30 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro XBLA games must be repurchased for the Xbox Game Room]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/retro-xbla-games-must-be-repurchased-for-the-xbox-game-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/retro-xbla-games-must-be-repurchased-for-the-xbox-game-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/retro-xbla-games-must-be-repurchased-for-the-xbox-game-room/#comments Bad news for those of you who have picked up some classic arcade titles on Xbox Live and can't wait to play them in Microsoft's new Game Room: It looks like you will have to repurchase anything you want to play with your avatar in the 3D environment. Game Informer learned this recently from a Microsoft rep, who went on to say that it's because the Game Room titles are different from the XBLA versions -- in fact, it sounds like they're more old-school and not "revamped," as the rep puts it.

Fortunately, you will get a small price break: As previously announced, the games will sell for 400 ($5) to play on Xbox 360 and PC, 240 ($3) for the game on one platform or 40 ($0.50) for "two quarters'" worth of playtime. But for those of us who've already shelled out 400 for the Centipede/Millipede combo, it looks like we'll have to pull out the wallet yet again.

JoystiqRetro XBLA games must be repurchased for the Xbox Game Room originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecentipedegame-roomgamesmicrosoftmillipedeold-schoolpurchaserevampedxboxXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeTue, 26 Jan 2010 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/#comments The pricing structure for Microsoft's newly announced Avatar-occupied Game Room has been detailed in an online fact sheet, and we'd suggest you stock up on Microsoft funny money. Players have three options: 400 ($5) grants a dual-platform license for one game (for unlimited play on Xbox 360 and PC), 240 ($3) gets you the virtual arcade cabinet on one platform (Xbox 360 or PC), or, for the old-fashioned types, 40 ($0.50) is just "two quarters" worth of playtime on a select title -- for the authentic arcade experience, minus the sticky floors. Additionally, when visiting friends' game rooms, you can "try" their games before you pump in Microsoft Points of your own.

The Game Room itself -- developed by third-party outfit Krome Studios (Viva Piñata: Party Animals, Star Wars: Republic Heroes) -- will be free for users to download. Customization options are mentioned in the fact sheet, but pricing for these features is not addressed. At launch the service will include 30 original arcade titles -- with "over 1000" planned for the future -- from multiple publishers, including Atari, Activision, Intellivision, and Konami. (A list of 31 confirmed titles is posted after the break.)

Games will be presented in 1080p (because that's why you bought that HD set) and will support multiplayer for up to two players, as well as cross-platform leaderboards and Achievements. Microsoft's Home Game Room is slated to launch this spring.

Gallery: Xbox Game Room


Source - "Game Room" Fact Sheet [.doc]

Continue reading Xbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed

JoystiqXbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsarcadeavatarsces-2010game-roomgames-for-windowsgfwgfwlivekrome-studiosMicrosoftpricingxblaXbox-360xbox-game-roomxbox-liveThu, 07 Jan 2010 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Game Room bringing arcades back to Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live users [update 3]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-game-room-bringing-arcades-back-to-xbox-360-and-games-for-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-game-room-bringing-arcades-back-to-xbox-360-and-games-for-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-game-room-bringing-arcades-back-to-xbox-360-and-games-for-w/#comments
Update 3: An online fact sheet [.doc link] from Microsoft reveals that the Game Room itself will be free, while games will range in price from 400 ($5) for a dual-license purchase of arcade classics, 240 ($3) for a single-platform license or 40 ($0.50) for "two quarters" worth of play. Users can try arcade titles for free within a friend's room. For full details, check out our follow-up post.

Update 2: According to Major Nelson, Game Room users will have the ability to purchase games for their virtual arcade and play them on both their Xbox 360 and Windows PC. Additionally, new Game Room titles will be made available every week. Users will be able to invite Xbox Live friends into their respective (and customizable) rooms to show off their arcade collection. Stock up on Microsoft Points, kids.

Update 1: During its CES 2010 keynote, Microsoft's Robbie Bach announced 30 arcade titles will be available in the Xbox Game Room when the service launches this spring for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live.

Original: Hours following a leaked interview featuring Robbie Bach, Microsoft has confirmed the existence of a virtual arcade room for Xbox Avatars via this trailer unveiled at CES 2010. The Xbox Game Room is slated to hit the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live this spring, allowing players to visit a virtual room filled with classic arcade titles. According to the video, users will be able to customize their arcade rooms (presumably for Microsoft funny money) and challenge friends to a plethora of original arcade versions of games such as Centipede, Outlaw, and Star Raiders.

The news that Game Room will also launch for Games For Windows Live raises the question, will the service see Avatars added in the near future? As the upcoming arcade is centered around entertainment for your virtual identity, we'd hope the service would see an interface upgrade bringing it closer to the Xbox's current NXE, rather than locking our poor Avatars up inside of an executable program.

JoystiqXbox Game Room bringing arcades back to Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live users [update 3] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsces-2010game-roomgames-for-windows-livegfwlgfwliveMicrosoftXbox-360xbox-game-roomWed, 06 Jan 2010 22:18:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Watch Microsoft's CES keynote online tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psa-watch-microsofts-ces-keynote-online-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psa-watch-microsofts-ces-keynote-online-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psa-watch-microsofts-ces-keynote-online-tonight/#comments If your interest in all things Microsoft extends to a barely gaming related keynote address, then we've got some good news. Major Nelson tipped us off that Microsoft will be streaming its 2010 Consumer Electronic Show keynote -- hosted by the zany Steve Ballmer and and Robbie Bach -- tonight at 9:30PM EST. Sadly, tonight's viewing has been sullied by the fact that we pretty much know what we're going to hear in the way of Xbox news. But, like our marathon sessions of Titanic, we won't let our prior knowledge ruin our enjoyment of tonight's big show.

Also, the fine folks at Engadget will be liveblogging the entire event, if you'd prefer to read about all the excitement. Get some popcorn ready, and let's hope for more of this... oh, and this.

Source: Watch Microsoft's CES 2010 keynote live, at 9:30PM

JoystiqPSA: Watch Microsoft's CES keynote online tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsces-2010game-roomproject-natalpsasteve-ballmerxbox-liveWed, 06 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Xbox Game Room' and 2010 Project Natal launch leaked in CES interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/rumor-xbox-game-room-and-2010-project-natal-launch-leaked-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/rumor-xbox-game-room-and-2010-project-natal-launch-leaked-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/rumor-xbox-game-room-and-2010-project-natal-launch-leaked-in/#comments [Update, 5:30pm: And off comes the rumor tag! Microsoft may have pulled the post but the original video is still live on its own servers, which you can find right here! We'll scrub through it for more information. Update, 5:47pm: Full transcript after the break.]

Microsoft's Channel 9 developer community site accidentally posted a video interview with Robbie Bach, President of the Entertainment & Devices Division, several hours before the company's annual CES press conference. Initially tweeted by @ch9, the video was pulled, as evidenced by this tweet from none other than @microsoft: "Sorry, spoke too soon, or, tweeted too soon. This video later tonight."

Vigilant tipster Iced_Eagle wrote us just after the video was pulled, giving us a quick breakdown. "Go to the 11:53 mark in the video to hear them start discussing Game Room," our tipster writes. "They aren't totally concrete on the details, but they talk about how this is supposed to bring back that retro fun to gaming." That sounds an awful lot like that consumer survey we spotted in October for a virtual Avatar arcade, one of the potential titles of which was "Game Room." You don't say ...

Iced_Eagle also unsurprisingly reports, "In the video they confirm Natal is on for this year." Considering everyone from Ubisoft's Yves Guillemot to Microsoft's own Steve Ballmer have alluded to a 2010 release, we're not the least bit surprised. But if they're still calling it Project Natal in this video, that means we're probably looking to E3 for an official reveal, with branding and all.

Microsoft's CES keynote begins at 9:30pm Eastern and we'll be delivering all the news straight from Las Vegas.

[Thanks for the great tip, Iced_Eagle!]

Continue reading 'Xbox Game Room' and 2010 Project Natal launch leaked in CES interview

Joystiq'Xbox Game Room' and 2010 Project Natal launch leaked in CES interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeces-2010game-roomMicrosoftProject-NatalretroRobbie-BachXbox-360xbox-360-game-roomXbox-Game-RoomWed, 06 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey shows Xbox Avatar 'RetroCade']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/survey-shows-xbox-avatar-retrocade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/survey-shows-xbox-avatar-retrocade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/survey-shows-xbox-avatar-retrocade/#comments If a consumer survey sent over to us by a tipster is to be believed, Microsoft is looking to bring a virtual Avatar arcade to the Xbox 360. Some of the potential names listed in the survey are "Game Room," "RetroCade," "Tower of ROM," and "Classics LIVE." Yeah, we're partial to "Tower of ROM" also.

If the proposed service sounds familiar, that's because it's nearly identical to PlayStation Home's arcade spaces - like Namco's virtual arcade - just replace the dead-eyed dopplegangers of Home with the scrunchable avatars of Xbox 360. The second survey question sent to us asks, "Which of the following names would most compel you to purchase the product?" indicating that the "Tower of ROM" might not be a free space but could instead have a fee associated with it.

While the survey doesn't give us much more to go on (besides a sinking feeling that we're not interested), we thought we'd ask you, Joystiq Biomass, to weigh in on the product's name. Let the fat cats in Redmond know what you think!

View Poll

JoystiqSurvey shows Xbox Avatar 'RetroCade' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AvatarsGame-RoomMicrosoftretroRumorXbox-360Xbox-Game-RoomXbox-LiveWed, 07 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST