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[Xbox One pre-orders, info lists live via Game, Amazon, Microsoft Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-pre-orders-info-lists-live-via-game-amazon-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-pre-orders-info-lists-live-via-game-amazon-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-pre-orders-info-lists-live-via-game-amazon-microsoft/#commentsXbox One preorders already happening at Amazon, M$ and GAME We don't know when it's coming out, but the Xbox One is available for pre-order at European retailers Game and Zavvi. It's also up for "pre-order notifications" on Amazon, the Microsoft Store, GameStop and Best Buy. Best Buy's ad lists the Xbox One with a "holiday 2013" release window, though all we know officially is that it's coming "later this year."

Game lists a pre-order holding price of £20 for the Xbox One, while Zavvi's pre-order down payment is £400. Zavvi also has a lineup of Xbox One games for £50, including Call of Duty: Ghosts and four EA Sports games.

Continue reading Xbox One pre-orders, info lists live via Game, Amazon, Microsoft Store

JoystiqXbox One pre-orders, info lists live via Game, Amazon, Microsoft Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonBest-Buygamegamestopmicrosoftmicrosoft-storepre-orderxboxxbox-onexbox-revealzavviTue, 21 May 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA developing Frostbite Go mobile game engine for iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/#commentsEA has a mobile version of Frostbite EA has published a website for its Frostbite graphical engine, and text on the website mentions the existence of a project called Frostbite Go, which EA describes as "a mobile division empowering EA game developers with Frostbite's proven excellent workflows and features to bring true Frostbite experiences to all major mobile platforms." In other words, the company is putting together the technology to run Frostbite on platforms such as iOS and Android.

The blurb doesn't say which version of Frostbite the mobile engine will be based on, but given that Frostbite 3 is the new hotness around EA, it's a fair guess that the company is adapting the latest and greatest for Frostbite Go. We're supposed to see Frostbite 3 games arrive later on this year (with Battlefield 4 being the first of these), so odds are that any Frostbite Go-created products should hit the market at that same time.

JoystiqEA developing Frostbite Go mobile game engine for iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbattlefield-4developmenteaenginefrostbitefrostbite-3frostbite-gogamegamesiosipadiphonemobileTue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rayman Legends visits 'Ocean World,' UK pre-order goodies revealed [update: NA too]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rayman-legends-visits-ocean-world-uk-pre-order-goodies-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rayman-legends-visits-ocean-world-uk-pre-order-goodies-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rayman-legends-visits-ocean-world-uk-pre-order-goodies-reveal/#comments
By now, you should realize that the latest Rayman Legends trailer needs no introduction. You should just watch it. Okay, if you really need further incentive, the spies of 4th Echelon make a cameo. Sort of.

Meanwhile, Ubisoft has also announced the UK pre-order bonuses for the game, exclusive to GAME. The Wii U version will let Barbara the barbarian dress up as Aveline De Grandpré, star of Assassin's Creed 3: Liberation. The PS3 version puts Rayman in the garb of Edward Kenway, piratical protagonist of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. Finally, speaking of 4th Echelon, the Xbox 360 version gives Rayman a Sam Fisher costume.

Update: It's the same deal for US pre-orders, but at GameStop. Check out the various costumes after the break.

Gallery: Rayman Legends (Ocean World)

Continue reading Rayman Legends visits 'Ocean World,' UK pre-order goodies revealed [update: NA too]

JoystiqRayman Legends visits 'Ocean World,' UK pre-order goodies revealed [update: NA too] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rayman-legendsukwii-uxboxTue, 14 May 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Crowdfunded 'My Carnival' is a video game designed to help children with cystic fibrosis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/crowdfunded-my-carnival-is-a-video-game-designed-to-help-child/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/crowdfunded-my-carnival-is-a-video-game-designed-to-help-child/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/crowdfunded-my-carnival-is-a-video-game-designed-to-help-child/#commentsMy Carnival is a game for children with Cystic Fibrosis, seeking funding AccessAble Games has announced a new campaign to raise funds for a free video game designed to help children with cystic fibrosis learn how to perform their breathing exercises correctly. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that requires daily physiotherapy training, and while experts say there are some tools out there to teach affected children already, they're not as helpful and entertaining as they could be.

Enter My Carnival, which will use a standard PC mic to track a child's breathing in and out, and can be adjusted depending on the child's ability. Once the breathing is tracked, My Carnival then translates that into playing games at an busy carnival, having the player do things like fill a balloon with a water stream.

You can contribute to the project right now. AccessAble's "tipping point" budget of $29,000 would cover just four minigames, but the full budget of $40,000, if raised, would provide for eight minigames total. Currently, the team has only raised just over $1,000 with 23 days left in the effort.

JoystiqCrowdfunded 'My Carnival' is a video game designed to help children with cystic fibrosis originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessable-gameschildrencrowdfundingcystic-fibrosisdiseaseeducationgamehealingmy-carnivalpcstart-some-goodWed, 08 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK retailer GAME launches 'Free2Play' portal with EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/uk-retailer-game-launches-free2play-portal-with-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/uk-retailer-game-launches-free2play-portal-with-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/uk-retailer-game-launches-free2play-portal-with-ea/#comments UK retailer GAME launches 'Free2Play' portal with EAUK-based retailer GAME has partnered with Electronic Arts to launch Free2Play, an online portal that serves up a collection of free browser-based PC games.

Free2Play currently offers EA's strategy-MMO Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances, medieval role-playing game Lord of Ultima, and the racing-RPG Need for Speed: World. A pair of EA-published shooters, Battlefield Play4Free and Battlefield Heroes are also slated to hit the service at a later date.

GAME notes that it has "many more titles in the pipeline," though no specific games or release dates were announced.

JoystiqUK retailer GAME launches 'Free2Play' portal with EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquer-tiberium-alliancesfree2playgamelord-of-ultimaneed-for-speed-worldpcukFri, 26 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: BlizzCon tickets on sale right about ... now [Update: Gone!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/psa-blizzcon-tickets-on-sale-right-about-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/psa-blizzcon-tickets-on-sale-right-about-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/psa-blizzcon-tickets-on-sale-right-about-now/#comments PSA BlizzCon tickets on sale nowJust a heads up: Tickets for this year's BlizzCon event in Anaheim, California, are going on sale in just a few minutes at 7pm Pacific. The tickets - which will likely sell out quickly - are priced at $175, and include a swag bag and admittance to the two day event beginning November 8.

Tickets are on sale on from the official BlizzCon site.

If you don't get tickets today, there's two more chances to do so. This Saturday, April 27, a second round of ticket sales will begin at 10am Pacific, and when that's done, all of the regular admission tickets will be gone. Your last chance, then, will be on May 1 at 7pm Pacific, when Blizzard will sell 200 tickets at $500 a piece for the Blizzcon Benefit Dinner, which includes full admission to the show and a charity event.

Update: 29 minutes later, the first round of tickets is sold out. If you didn't get yours, you'll have to try again Saturday.

JoystiqPSA: BlizzCon tickets on sale right about ... now [Update: Gone!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anaheimblizzconblizzcon-2013conventiondevelopereventgamepanelspcrevealticket-salesticketstitanworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariaWed, 24 Apr 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME becomes first European retailer to sell eShop codes online, in-store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/game-becomes-first-european-retailer-to-sell-eshop-codes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/game-becomes-first-european-retailer-to-sell-eshop-codes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/game-becomes-first-european-retailer-to-sell-eshop-codes/#comments UK high street retailer GAME is selling eShop codes as of today, both in physical stores and through its site. The 3DS and Wii U codes can be bought across Europe outside of Nintendo's eShop, and GAME is pricing them cheaper than the eShop does, at least online.

GAME's website lists six Wii U games priced at £41.99 (except for Sing Party at £32.99). Those include Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Lego City Undercover, which are all priced £49.99 on the eShop proper. There are also similar reductions for the 21 3DS eShop games listed.

Continue reading GAME becomes first European retailer to sell eShop codes online, in-store

JoystiqGAME becomes first European retailer to sell eShop codes online, in-store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopeuropegamenintendoukwii-uFri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dustforce devs explain what they earned, what they learned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/dustforce-devs-explain-what-they-earned-what-they-learned/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/dustforce-devs-explain-what-they-earned-what-they-learned/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/dustforce-devs-explain-what-they-earned-what-they-learned/#comments Dustforce dev details struggles to make money despite successDeveloper Hitbox Studios has cracked open the financial books on Dustforce, revealing just how much the indie release made. After the game's launch in January of 2012 and some major sales with Steam and the Humble Bundle, Dustforce has earned a total of $668,490 in revenue.

That may sound profitable, but that's before taxes, Valve's take, and other fees are removed, which brings the total down to $489,404. Removing various software and hardware costs, accounting fees, and other expenses lowers it even further to $295,000, says Hitbox. In the end, for every $10 copy of the game sold, Hitbox earned $4.41 - which the studio's (now four) developers must split.

Dustforce began with a $0 budget, as a game prototype made with GameMaker. After an IndiePub competition win, Hitbox was able to budget the $100,000 prize for the game's development, which it says was enough to support the staff of three for about a year and a half.

Hitbox's Terence Lee says the release was ultimately worth it. The game's success and "the pleasure of making Dustforce was worth far more than the opportunity cost of working somewhere else." He calls the process a "fantastic foundation for us as a studio," providing experience and funds for work on Hitbox's next title, an FPS called Spire.

JoystiqDustforce devs explain what they earned, what they learned originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dustforcefinancesgamehitbox-studioshumble-bundleindiemacmoneypcprofitrevenueWed, 17 Apr 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Alphabet' made by Takahashi and Saltsman for LA Game Space backers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/alphabet-made-by-takahashi-and-saltsman-for-la-game-space-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/alphabet-made-by-takahashi-and-saltsman-for-la-game-space-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/alphabet-made-by-takahashi-and-saltsman-for-la-game-space-back/#comments TakahashiSaltsman's LA Game Space game is AlphabetAlphabet (written by its creators as A͈L͈P͈H͈A͈B͈E͈T͈) is a new game put together by Katamari Damacy's Keita Takahashi and Canabalt's Adam Saltsman. It was created for the bundle of indie games being given away to Kickstarter backers of the LA Game Space.

The mysterious Alphabet will be shown off later this week in Austin as part of "Juegos Rancheros," an event for the game development community. Also on display will be Takahashi's Tenya Wayna Teens, which involves two players - with sixteen buttons each - trying to avoid awkward social mishaps while trying to express teen love.

Alphabet, whatever it is, will be rewarded to backers as a playable game for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Joystiq'Alphabet' made by Takahashi and Saltsman for LA Game Space backers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-saltsmancanabaltgamegame-spaceindieKatamari+DamacyKatamari-Damacykeita-takahashikickstarterla-gamespacepctenya-wanya-teensMon, 01 Apr 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 Director Jay Wilson: Auction Houses 'really hurt' game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/diablo-3-director-jay-wilson-auction-houses-really-hurt-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/diablo-3-director-jay-wilson-auction-houses-really-hurt-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/diablo-3-director-jay-wilson-auction-houses-really-hurt-game/#comments
Former Diablo 3 Game Director Jay Wilson admitted during a talk at GDC 2013 in San Francisco that both of Diablo 3's Auction Houses (both the real-money and the in-game gold item auction house) "really hurt the game." Wilson said that before Blizzard launched the game, the company had a few assumptions about how the Auction Houses would work: He thought they would help reduce fraud, that they'd provide a wanted service to players, that only a small percentage of players would use it and that the price of items would limit how many were listed and sold.

But he said that once the game went live, Blizzard realized it was completely wrong about those last two points. It turns out that nearly every one of the game's players (of which there are still about 1 million per day, and about 3 million per month, according to Wilson) made use of either house, and that over 50 percent of players used it regularly. That, said Wilson, made money a much higher motivator than the game's original motivation to simply kill Diablo, and "damaged item rewards" in the game. While a lot of the buzz around the game attacked the real money Auction House, "gold does much more damage than the other one does," according to Wilson, because more players use it and prices fluctuate much more.

"I think we would turn it off if we could," Wilson said during his talk. But the problem is "not as easy as that;" with all of Blizzard's current players, he says the company "has no idea" how many players like the system or hate it. Blizzard, Wilson said, doesn't want to remove a feature that lots of players will be unhappy to see go. But he did say that the team is working on a viable solution, without giving any other details about what that would be like.

JoystiqDiablo 3 Director Jay Wilson: Auction Houses 'really hurt' game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction-houseblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gamegdc-2013jay-wilsonpcreal-money-auction-houseremoveThu, 28 Mar 2013 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order PlayStation 4 at GAME starting now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/pre-order-playstation-4-at-game-starting-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/pre-order-playstation-4-at-game-starting-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/pre-order-playstation-4-at-game-starting-now/#comments We may not know what it looks like or how much it costs or when it's launching, but if Sony's event yesterday convinced you of your need for a PlayStation 4 and you live in the UK, know that retailer GAME has already opened pre-orders - £20 will secure you a PS4 console when it launches Holiday 2013.

If you're anxious to look at some hardware, Sony released some press shots of the new DualShock 4 and PS4 Eye camera. What we do know about the PlayStation 4 so far is that it's heavily reliant on sharing and cloud-based technology, a result of the $380 million Gaikai purchase, and all PS4 games will feature remote play with the Vita.

Continue reading Pre-order PlayStation 4 at GAME starting now

JoystiqPre-order PlayStation 4 at GAME starting now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dual-shock-4dualshock-4gaikaigameplaystationplaystation-4pre-orderps3ps4retailsonyThu, 21 Feb 2013 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Kojima attending UK launch of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/kojima-attending-uk-launch-of-metal-gear-rising-revengeance/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/kojima-attending-uk-launch-of-metal-gear-rising-revengeance/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/kojima-attending-uk-launch-of-metal-gear-rising-revengeance/#comments British would-be buyers of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance may want to get their collective butts to the Westfield White City GAME store in London, because Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima is attending the game's official launch there on the night of February 21 - the game officially releases the following day.

Kojima will be joined by Konami lead artist and MGS character designer Yoji Shinkawa, and will be taking part in an interview session on the night. He'll also personally serve the first 200 in the queue their copies of the game, while the 201st person gets to watch on. As long as that person comes in Solid Snake box cosplay, at least he or she will have somewhere to hide their tears.

Continue reading Kojima attending UK launch of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

JoystiqKojima attending UK launch of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GAMEkonamilaunchmetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftplatinum-gamesplaystationps3ukxboxFri, 08 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Ultimate' Far Cry, Splinter Cell bundles spotted on UK retail site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/ultimate-far-cry-splinter-cell-bundles-spotted-on-uk-retail-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/ultimate-far-cry-splinter-cell-bundles-spotted-on-uk-retail-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/ultimate-far-cry-splinter-cell-bundles-spotted-on-uk-retail-s/#comments Ultimate Far Cry bundle listed for EuropeUK retailer GAME has listings for an Ultimate Far Cry Compilation and something called Ultimate Splinter Cell, each with tentative release dates of 2013. The Far Cry compilation is priced at £40 for Xbox 360 and PS3, and £30 for PC, and Splinter Cell comes in PC flavor only, for £30. The product listings don't provide any extra details and there is so far no word of any similar bundles existing on US shores.

Tomorrow Far Cry 3 gets a dose of free DLC exclusively for the PS3, with the High Tides co-op expansion. We thought Far Cry 3 had "excellent, explicit design" and it taught us the dangers of trusting in goats, which is probably the most important lesson we've ever gleaned from a game.

Joystiq'Ultimate' Far Cry, Splinter Cell bundles spotted on UK retail site originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefar-cryFar-Cry-2far-cry-3gamemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Splinter-Cellukultimate-far-cry-compilationultimate-splinter-cellxboxMon, 14 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: Point out the definition of adventure games until it clicks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/editorial-point-out-the-definition-of-adventure-games-until-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/editorial-point-out-the-definition-of-adventure-games-until-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/editorial-point-out-the-definition-of-adventure-games-until-it/#comments Point and click adventures eet's a gameAs the underground cult of indie development surges to the surface and crowdfunding allows vague ideas to transform into products, the scope of gaming bubbles and changes. Games now span spectrums of physical input and emotional amplitude, and our perspectives change with them.

Amid this upheaval is an age-old genre that for some reason resists attempts of acceptance in the "hardcore" gaming audience: point-and-click adventures. They're just choose-your-own-adventure stories; they're interactive novels; the choices in them don't matter - all arguments against adventures as true games, while shoot-die-respawn titles play on, unchallenged.

Joystiq's own Top 10 of 2012 list includes The Walking Dead, a high-profile and famously intense point-and-click, and my own Best of the Rest has Yesterday, a gritty adventure from Pendulo Studios. Obviously, we consider both of these games to be games. Other players, maybe not so much - so let the argument begin.

In order to debate whether adventure games are, in fact, games, we first need a shared definition of the term. Without definition, you could argue that The Walking Dead isn't a game and I could just as passionately espouse why it is, and we could both be correct within the worlds of our own, secret definitions. While mutually assured correctness sounds like a wonderful conclusion, in reality it does nothing to examine the question at hand and leads to huffy frustration, leaving the debate unresolved forever.

What we're really arguing is the definition of a "game," rather than any particular sub-genre, which are all just variations of that main theme. This is my definition.

Continue reading Editorial: Point out the definition of adventure games until it clicks

JoystiqEditorial: Point out the definition of adventure games until it clicks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure-gamesdefinitiongamegamesPoint-and-Clickthe-walking-deadyesterdayFri, 04 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 12GB slides to £125 at GAME in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/ps3-12gb-slides-to-125-at-game-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/ps3-12gb-slides-to-125-at-game-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/ps3-12gb-slides-to-125-at-game-in-uk/#comments PS3 hurdles over the 5 million mark in the UKUK retailer GAME is dropping the price of the 12GB PS3 to £125 on the day following Christmas. A GAME representative informs us that price also includes a copy of The Amazing Spiderman movie. The console, regularly priced at £150, is immediately shedding the pounds during the holiday season.

Other deals include Assassin's Creed 3 and FIFA 13 for £35, along with Forza Horizon and Halo 4 for £25.

All this pound talk is already making us feel stuffed and the real feasting hasn't even begun.

JoystiqPS3 12GB slides to £125 at GAME in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3britaingameplaystationps3ukMon, 24 Dec 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK retailer GAME invites Londoners to stay at its gamified hotel suite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/uk-retailer-game-invites-londoners-to-stay-at-its-gamified-hotel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/uk-retailer-game-invites-londoners-to-stay-at-its-gamified-hotel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/uk-retailer-game-invites-londoners-to-stay-at-its-gamified-hotel/#comments UK retailer GAME invites Londoners to stay at its gamified hotel suiteHotels and video games aren't a natural fit, so now that UK retailer GAME is inviting people to stay in a hotel suite specially designed to suit a gamer's needs, our eyebrows are raised. The inevitable title of this gamified accommodation? The GAME Pad, of course.

GAME is only trying out the one Pad at the moment, located at a Stalybridge Suites hotel in London. On top of an en-suite kitchen and king-size bed, the Pad is decked out like a gamer's den, with GAME describing it as the "ultimate gaming experience."

There's a Wii U and a PS3 in the lounge area, and an Xbox 360 in the bedroom. Each console is attached to its own 40-inch TV, and comes with the top 10 charting games for that system. With so much gaming to hand, the idea is clearly to make guests feel like they don't have to move from their butt-sized indentations for the entire night. The room is also pre-loaded with snacks, drinks (including booze), and four pizzas, as well as breakfast in the morning. It doesn't come cheap, though, with one night's stay priced at £199 ($320), with multiple nights bookable.

Gallery: GAME Pad

Continue reading UK retailer GAME invites Londoners to stay at its gamified hotel suite

JoystiqUK retailer GAME invites Londoners to stay at its gamified hotel suite originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GAMEGAME-padhotelhotelslondonukThu, 06 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME selling Steam vouchers in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/game-selling-steam-vouchers-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/game-selling-steam-vouchers-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/game-selling-steam-vouchers-in-uk/#comments GameStop started selling Steam cards back in May. Now UK retailer GAME is getting in on it, announcing the arrival of Steam Wallet vouchers in its stores. GAME is carrying codes in £5, £10, £20, and £50 denominations, and offering an additional 33 percent on trade-ins toward said vouchers.

Rather than fancy cards, you'll just get a code on a receipt from GAME, which makes us wonder why the denominations are limited. In any case, it'll be easy to clean out your physical collection and clutter up your digital collection at the same time.

Continue reading GAME selling Steam vouchers in UK

JoystiqGAME selling Steam vouchers in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamemacpcsteamukFri, 30 Nov 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 5 promotional materials, in-game locations leak out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/grand-theft-auto-5-promotional-materials-in-game-locations-leak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/grand-theft-auto-5-promotional-materials-in-game-locations-leak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/grand-theft-auto-5-promotional-materials-in-game-locations-leak/#comments GTA5 promotional materials leakedRetailers running preorders for Grand Theft Auto 5 (which is coming out in spring 2013) were supposed to wait until November 5 to give away any promotional items. Pictures of what appears to be a little keychain image viewer have leaked, both revealing that as a pre-order bonus for the game and showing off some locations to be included in Rockstar's latest paean to the West Coast.

Looking through the viewfinder on the tiny accessory shows off not only the Zancudo River, but also the Vinewood Hills (a play on Hollywood), the Del Perro Pier (likely Santa Monica's landmark playground), the Vespucci Canals (with a view of downtown), and Grapeseed (a winery area that's likely a tip to California's Napa Valley).

Fans have also spotted a poster promoting the game (which you can see after the break below) featuring a woman wearing a Love Fist t-shirt, and a few of the keychain viewers reference an air travel company called "FlyUS", so it appears that GTA's usual parodic shenanigans are in order. We'll likely hear even more about this one in the next month or so, as Rockstar's promotional machine for the game finally starts kicking into gear.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto 5 promotional materials, in-game locations leak out

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 5 promotional materials, in-game locations leak out originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiagamegrand-theft-auto-5gta5imageslocationslos-angeleslove-fistmicrosoftparodypcplaystationps3rockstarxboxThu, 01 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avengers: Battle for Earth features favorites, familiar faces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/avengers-battle-for-earth-features-favorites-familiar-faces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/avengers-battle-for-earth-features-favorites-familiar-faces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/avengers-battle-for-earth-features-favorites-familiar-faces/#comments Avengers Battle for Earth character list features favorites, familiar facesUbisoft has named all twenty characters appearing in Avengers: Battle for Earth, the upcoming fighter for Kinect (and then Wii U). You'll be able to spin off some psy-force as the Phoenix, embodied by the X-Man Jean Grey, and take command of the Skrull queen Veranke, among others. It's not surprising to see a big "Secret Invasion" influence, given the game's initial trailer. See the full list after the break.

Avengers: Battle for Earth will have you and your friends jumping around and debating the correct time for clobberin' on November 9. If you want to see some of these heroes throwing down right away, there's a demo available for download in the meantime.

Continue reading Avengers: Battle for Earth features favorites, familiar faces

JoystiqAvengers: Battle for Earth features favorites, familiar faces originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avengersbattlecharactercharacter-listcharactersclobbering-timefightinggamekinectlistmarvelmarvel-avengers-battle-for-earthmarvel-entertainmentmicrosoftphoenixxboxFri, 19 Oct 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unique shooter 'Rebel' comes to PlayStation Mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/unique-shooter-rebel-comes-to-playstation-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/unique-shooter-rebel-comes-to-playstation-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/unique-shooter-rebel-comes-to-playstation-mobile/#comments Unique shooter 'Rebel' comes to PlayStation MobilePomPom Games (the folks behind Mutant Storm Reloaded, among a few other shooters) has released a brand new game on PlayStation Mobile-compatible devices called Rebel, and as the developer says, the game came from an interesting plan to try and make a shooter ... without shooting. The result has the player running around an island in between slower enemy bullets, trying to aim those bullets at other bad guys, all the while collecting gems and power-ups.

Sounds fun. There are multiple levels and game modes to unlock as you play the game, which you can open up by collecting more and more gems. Rebel is available right now on any PlayStation Mobile device (including the PS Vita) for $1.99.

JoystiqUnique shooter 'Rebel' comes to PlayStation Mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamemobilepacifistplaystationplaystation-mobileplaystation-vitapompom-gamesps-mobileps-vitarebelshootervitaSat, 13 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 pre-order goods plant their flag in select retailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/halo-4-pre-order-goods-plant-their-flag-in-select-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/halo-4-pre-order-goods-plant-their-flag-in-select-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/halo-4-pre-order-goods-plant-their-flag-in-select-retailers/#comments In the old days, we used to just toss our cash upward into the wind, wait 3-5 business days, then find a game waiting on our doorstep. Today, retailers compete for your gaming dollars with pre-order incentives, and Halo 4 is the latest to play into that retail shuffle.

Depending on the retailer you hitch your Warthog to, you'll snag some very different things: Amazon will offer a golden "web" skin for use in multiplayer and a pair of exclusive emblems, while GameStop will offer the customizable "forest" skin for multiplayer. UK retailer GAME is tossing in the blue circuit armor skin, an arctic weapon skin and six specializations - these are further cosmetic tweaks to help you stand out from the rest of the cybernetic crowd.

Other specific UK retailers have their pre-order items listed past the break, like Blockbuster (you guys still have those over there?). And if you're really looking to buy everything with Halo 4 printed on it, the soundtrack and special editions are also tempting offers.

Halo 4 launches on November 6 worldwide, exclusively for the Xbox 360.

Continue reading Halo 4 pre-order goods plant their flag in select retailers

JoystiqHalo 4 pre-order goods plant their flag in select retailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesamazongamegamestophalo-4hmvmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosplaypre-orderpre-order-bonuspre-ordersxboxTue, 18 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation All-Stars lets UK fans choose special cover character]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/playstation-all-stars-lets-uk-fans-choose-special-cover-characte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/playstation-all-stars-lets-uk-fans-choose-special-cover-characte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/playstation-all-stars-lets-uk-fans-choose-special-cover-characte/#comments PlayStation AllStars lets UK fans choose special cover characterSony is allowing UK fans to vote on cover candidates that will appear on "special, high-gloss sleeves" of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Sony is working with UK retailer Game for the cover vote.

Fans have ten characters to choose from: Heihachi Mishima, Sackboy, Radec, Ratchet and Clank, Parappa the Rappa, Kratos, Jak and Daxter, Nathan Drake, Big Daddy and Cole McGrath. Voting takes place on the PlayStation All-Stars Facebook page; clicking "Like" on a character's image adds your vote to his visage.

JoystiqPlayStation All-Stars lets UK fans choose special cover character originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplaystationplaystation-all-stars-battle-royaleplaystation-vitaps3SONYukvitavoteThu, 13 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[KickBeat trailer, partial track list revealed at Gamescom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/kickbeat-trailer-partial-track-list-revealed-at-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/kickbeat-trailer-partial-track-list-revealed-at-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/kickbeat-trailer-partial-track-list-revealed-at-gamescom/#comments KickBeat trailer, partial track list revealed at Gamescom
KickBeat is a PS Vita game announced back in May by the pinball-loving developers at Zen Studios in which you'll lay the smack down on enemies in time to a musical beat. This week during Gamescom, the company released a trailer, as well as a partial track list for the title, which is set to arrive later on this year, exclusively on Sony's newest handheld.

You can find the announced track list after the break - it ranges from the gritty Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, to the groovy Styles of Beyond and even Mandarin Chinese rapper Shen Yi. That's a positively eclectic selection right there, and Kickbeat will also include a tool for players to create playable tracks from their own music as well. So if that works as planned, there will be no end of tunes to play as you kick a fool's heads in.

Continue reading KickBeat trailer, partial track list revealed at Gamescom

JoystiqKickBeat trailer, partial track list revealed at Gamescom originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamehandheldkickbeatmusicplaystationplaystation-vitapsps-vitarapperrob-zombiesonyvitazenzen-studiosWed, 15 Aug 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paradox sends a producer to England for War of the Roses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/paradox-sends-a-producer-to-england-for-war-of-the-roses/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/paradox-sends-a-producer-to-england-for-war-of-the-roses/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/paradox-sends-a-producer-to-england-for-war-of-the-roses/#comments Paradox sends a producer to England for War of the Roses
In order to promote its upcoming 15th-century combat game, War of the Roses, Paradox Interactive sent a senior producer over to jolly olde England to experience some of the history for himself. It's interesting, but if you're looking for either Michael Douglas or Kathleen Turner ... well, best to look elsewhere.

JoystiqParadox sends a producer to England for War of the Roses originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandgamehistoryparadox-interactivepctrailerwar-of-the-rosesThu, 12 Jul 2012 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK's New Super Mario Bros. 2 pre-order bonus is a rad Mario coin case]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/uks-new-super-mario-bros-2-pre-order-bonus-is-a-rad-mario-coin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/uks-new-super-mario-bros-2-pre-order-bonus-is-a-rad-mario-coin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/uks-new-super-mario-bros-2-pre-order-bonus-is-a-rad-mario-coin/#comments UK's New Super Mario Bros 2 preorder bonus is a rad Mario coin caseNew Super Mario Bros. 2 has more gold coins in it than the United States Bullion Depository and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York combined, but the only way to extract real, honest, actually completely fake gold from the game is to pre-order it from either GAME or Gamestation in the UK.

The "gold" coin seen above is actually a small case for storing a single 3DS cartridge and is only available as a pre-order bonus from the aforementioned English retailers. By being so pretty and yet so impractical, the coin case satisfies the two most important bling requirements: Flashiness, and superfluousness.

JoystiqUK's New Super Mario Bros. 2 pre-order bonus is a rad Mario coin case originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscoincoinsGAMEGamestationgoldnew-super-mario-bros-2nintendopre-orderpre-order-bonusThu, 05 Jul 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Nuketown returns in Black Ops 2 'limited release']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/rumor-nuketown-returns-in-black-ops-2-limited-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/rumor-nuketown-returns-in-black-ops-2-limited-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/rumor-nuketown-returns-in-black-ops-2-limited-release/#comments Rumor Nuketown returns in Black Ops 2 'limited release'The employees at your local brick-and-mortar apparently jumped the gun and revealed an exclusive map for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. IGN posted an image of a poster supposedly from GameStop; another image from GAME shows the same pre-order bonus. Nuketown 2025 is apparently a remodeled version of the popular Black Ops map, Nuketown.

Each image suggests there will be a "limited edition pack" of Black Ops 2, which we assume is akin to the first pressing limited edition runs we've seen for games like Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and Twisted Metal. We've inquired with Activision and will update accordingly.

JoystiqRumor: Nuketown returns in Black Ops 2 'limited release' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2gamegamestoplimited-editionmicrosoftnuketownnuketown-2025pcplaystationps3raven-softwaresledgehammer-gamestreyarchxboxThu, 28 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Retro Squad surpasses Kickstarter goal with ease]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/super-retro-squad-surpasses-kickstarter-goal-with-ease/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/super-retro-squad-surpasses-kickstarter-goal-with-ease/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/super-retro-squad-surpasses-kickstarter-goal-with-ease/#comments Super Retro Squad surpasses Kickstarter goal with easeSuper Retro Squad's $10,000 Kickstarter goal to turn Super Mario Bros. Crossover into a real, legitimate title has already been achieved, over 20 days ahead of schedule.

Creator Jav Pavlina is currently enmeshed in an "Ask Me Anything" thread on Reddit, but he's also posted what he calls "stretch goals," or things that the team plans to do if they reach a certain amount of funding: $20,000 will get Time Attack modes, leaderboards, and achievements added to the game; $30,000 will get translation into foreign languages; and $40,000 will earn players access to Eve VII, a character based heavily on Blaster Master's Sophia III.

After that, says Pavlina, it all depends on how big the project ends up growing. Hopefully it won't get too big: We could do without a character based on Hudson Hawk.

JoystiqSuper Retro Squad surpasses Kickstarter goal with ease originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfundinggamejay-pavlinakickstarterpcrealsuper-mario-bros-crossoversuper-retro-squadWed, 27 Jun 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Australia to close all of its stores in the coming weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/game-australia-to-close-all-of-its-stores-in-the-coming-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/game-australia-to-close-all-of-its-stores-in-the-coming-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/game-australia-to-close-all-of-its-stores-in-the-coming-weeks/#comments GAME Australia now in the process of shutting stores downRetailer Game Australia will shut down all 31 of its remaining stores over the coming weeks, its administrator PricewaterhouseCoopers announced today. Game will close 16 Australian stores immediately and the remaining 15 within a few weeks.

In May, Game Australia entered voluntary administration; it shuttered 60 stores, affecting 264 employees, and cut 17 head office positions. Before any closures, Game had an estimated 500 employees in Australia.

"This is a difficult time for employees, and closing the stores was not a decision we made easily," Warwick said of Game Australia's complete closure (and the ones in May). "Despite exploring available opportunities for continued trading, the ongoing trading performance and absence of viable offers for the purchase of the business has resulted in these closures."

Game Australia is running discounts in a final closing-down sale online and in its remaining stores.

JoystiqGame Australia to close all of its stores in the coming weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsadministrationclosuredsgamegame-australiakinectmicrosoftmovenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaPricewaterhouseCoopersps3pspPWCsonyvitawiixboxWed, 20 Jun 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive coming to browsers, smart TVs with more viewing capabilities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/onlive-coming-to-browsers-smart-tvs-with-more-viewing-capabilit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/onlive-coming-to-browsers-smart-tvs-with-more-viewing-capabilit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/onlive-coming-to-browsers-smart-tvs-with-more-viewing-capabilit/#comments OnLive coming to browsers, smart TVs with more viewing capabilitiesOnLive has announced that its popular game streaming service is headed out to even more platforms, including LG Smart TVs with Google TV, and a Internet browser near you thanks to a new In-Browser Gaming feature. Starting today, players will be able to go to OnLive's website, and load up the streaming service without a standalone app. OnLive says the browser service is also very customizable by any publishers or content providers, allowing for free streaming trials of any games on the service, with options to send customers off to buy or preorder the games once they're done playing. The service is very similar to competitor Gaikai, and should lower the barrier of entry for customers unwilling to download a separate app: OnLive says it will even work in popular mobile browsers, on smartphones and tablets.

OnLive has also introduced a new feature called MultiView, which allows players to watch multiple views of other players' gameplay while playing their own games, as seen above. Because OnLive's streaming technology just sends video and audio, players can watch up to three other screens while their own game is running, without any more speed hits on the local CPU. MultiView is currently in beta, and should see a full release later on this summer.

JoystiqOnLive coming to browsers, smart TVs with more viewing capabilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012gamemobilemultiviewnewsonlivepcstreamingviewsTue, 05 Jun 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Molyneux introduces Curiosity, his first 22 Cans experiment, for iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/peter-molyneux-introduces-curiosity-his-first-22-cans-experimen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/peter-molyneux-introduces-curiosity-his-first-22-cans-experimen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/peter-molyneux-introduces-curiosity-his-first-22-cans-experimen/#comments Peter Molyneux has introduced a game called Curiosity from his 22 Cans studio, coming to PC and iOS in about six weeks. Appearing on Spike TV this morning, Molyneux showed off screens of the game on an iPad, and said it would be the first of his experimental games out of the brand new studio he started after leaving Lionhead.

Six weeks isn't long to wait, so we'll see more about this one soon.

JoystiqPeter Molyneux introduces Curiosity, his first 22 Cans experiment, for iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-cansexperimentgamegamesiosipadmobilepcpeter-molyneuxMon, 04 Jun 2012 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantum Conundrum coming to PC June 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/quantum-conundrum-coming-to-pc-june-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/quantum-conundrum-coming-to-pc-june-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/quantum-conundrum-coming-to-pc-june-21/#comments ImageSquare Enix has finally laid down a launch date for Quantum Conundrum: The game will arrive on Windows via Steam on June 21. You can preorder the game right now either as a standard edition, or as a "season pass," with three exclusive Team Fortress 2 items, a downloadable soundtrack, and all of the future puzzle packs.

Preordering the game also earns you 10 percent off, and you'll be entered into a sweepstakes to win the opportunity to have your portrait hung up in the in-game world. Snazzy! Quantum Conundrum will also arrive on Microsoft's XBLA and PSN, though Square is only sticking with "summer" as a date for those versions so far.

JoystiqQuantum Conundrum coming to PC June 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtight-gamesdlcgamekim-swiftpcpreorderquantum-conundrumseason-passsquare-enixsteamThu, 31 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[60 GAME Australia stores to close]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/#comments GAME Australia administrators announced plans to close 60 retail stores at the cost of 264 jobs, GamesIndustry International reported Friday. An additional 17 head office positions will be terminated at the company.

In a media release, Kate Warwick of PricewaterhouseCoopers said, "this is a difficult time for employees and closing the stores was not a decision we made easily. However it is not financially viable to continue to operate at this level at this time." Warwick was appointed as voluntary administrator of GAME Australia on May 14.

The Australian Financial Review posted a list of the 60 stores that have closed.

Joystiq60 GAME Australia stores to close originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaclosuregamegame-australiaretailSat, 26 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/#comments Just because you're far away from Blizzard, Australia, doesn't mean that the publisher doesn't love you. Case in point: after hearing about the issue with Australia's GAME retail chain and how that could affect Diablo 3 pre-orders (it would effectively cancel them without refund), Blizzard took to action.

On its forums, Blizzard reps explained how Australians affected by the issue could submit their receipt for a GAME Diablo 3 pre-order (purchased before May 15, 2012) directly to Blizzard for a refund. That "refund" only goes through after you've purchased the game directly from the official Diablo 3 site, as Blizzard's handling refunds via whatever payment method was used for the pre-order. In so many words, after paying for the game twice, Blizzard will refund your original pre-order expenditure with GAME.

Blizzard doesn't list the final instruction, perhaps out of kindness, which is to send a sharply worded letter to GAME's Australian reps. More details on how to submit your pre-order receipt to Blizzard will be posted "as soon as possible."

JoystiqBlizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardaustraliablizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gamemacpcTue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME Australia enters voluntary administration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/game-australia-enters-voluntary-administration/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/game-australia-enters-voluntary-administration/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/game-australia-enters-voluntary-administration/#comments ImageRetailer GAME's Australian arm has entered voluntary administration (i.e. "bankruptcy"), with stores continuing to operate as normal for the time being.

The company wrote on its Facebook page: "We are still trading in all stores and will operate in a business as usual mode while the Administrators obtain a clearer understanding of the current state of the business and actively pursue options to secure its future."

According to VG247, GAME has approximately 500 employees in Australia. GAME's immediate troubles in the UK concluded last month when the company was bought, but that was after it shut nearly 300 stores and cut thousands of jobs.

JoystiqGAME Australia enters voluntary administration originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaGameMon, 14 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA games return to GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-games-return-to-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-games-return-to-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-games-return-to-game/#comments Mass Effect 3, along with other EA titles, are now being stocked at UK retailer GAME. This resolves the key moment several months back when EA cut support and the financial troubles of the retailer became very public.

As Eurogamer reports, EA's decision with Mass Effect 3 came at the moment when the cracks in GAME's bad news dam couldn't be patched anymore. At the time, it was estimated that GAME would miss out on $3.2 million due to EA's move.

"We said two weeks ago that our first priority was to help our customers by putting more new releases and products in our stores and on our websites," GAME CEO Martyn Gibbs told Eurogamer. "Today we've launched a fantastic deal on Mass Effect 3, £29.99 in stores and £24.99 online, and The Witcher 2, with an exclusive t-shirt, is launched tomorrow. Pandora's Tower Limited Edition, which was released on our website last week, will arrive in our stores this week. There will also be numerous new hardware and software deals."

The company is slowly returning back to normal, having closed 277 stores, cut over 2000 jobs, and sold off some international operations.

JoystiqEA games return to GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainEAGAMEmass-effect-3UKMon, 16 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Iberia's 291 stores sold to UK buyer's 'sister company']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/game-iberias-291-stores-sold-to-uk-buyers-sister-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/game-iberias-291-stores-sold-to-uk-buyers-sister-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/game-iberias-291-stores-sold-to-uk-buyers-sister-company/#comments ImageGame has effectively checked itself before it wrecked itself, first selling its UK operations and now selling its stores in Spain and Portugal, MCV reports. OpCaptia, the same investment company behind the UK deal, established Cherrilux Investments for the Iberian transaction and bought all 290 stores across Spain and Portugal.

Cherrilux is a "sister company" to Baker Acquisitions, which bought the UK branch, and both businesses will most likely run independently but share revenue, MCV says. The sale saves 1,000 jobs, and Cherrilux "has no plans to close stores at Game Iberia and will continue to run the business as a going concern while evaluating the possible sale of the business."

JoystiqGame Iberia's 291 stores sold to UK buyer's 'sister company' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsBaker-Acquisitions-UnlimitedCherrilux-Investmentsgamegame-iberiamicrosoftnintendoOpCapitaplaystationplaystation-vitaportugalps3spainvitawiixboxFri, 13 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Investment company buys Game, halting closures, firings, bankruptcy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/investment-company-buys-game-halting-closures-firings-bankrup/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/investment-company-buys-game-halting-closures-firings-bankrup/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/investment-company-buys-game-halting-closures-firings-bankrup/#comments This has been a quick time coming -- Game, the UK games retailer, slipped into a downward spiral early this year, and since the first public announcement of its money troubles in February, Game has closed almost 300 stores, stopped stocking major titles, cut 40 percent of its workforce and entered "administration," the equivalent of filing for bankruptcy.

The best outcome of these events would be for someone to step in and buy Game outright -- which is exactly what happened. Private investment company OpCapita's Baker Acquisitions Unlimited has purchased Game, bringing it out of administration and saving 3,200 jobs across a remaining 333 stores and administrative positions, Eurogamer reports.

Baker will provide Game with "the capital it needs to trade on a normalised basis" and will re-hire a small number of people fired from the Game head office last week. There are no plans to close more stores in the future, Baker said.

Game may have been bought for £1, after paying off an £85 million debt to Game's lenders, Eurogamer said.

JoystiqInvestment company buys Game, halting closures, firings, bankruptcy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsadministrationBaker-Acquisitions-Unlimitedbankruptcyboughtdsgamemicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspretailersonystorevitawiixboxSun, 01 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Insomniac reveals canceled 1080Pinball, 'the most realistic pinball simulation ever']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/insomniac-reveals-canceled-1080pinball-the-most-realistic-pin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/insomniac-reveals-canceled-1080pinball-the-most-realistic-pin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/insomniac-reveals-canceled-1080pinball-the-most-realistic-pin/#comments Insomniac has posted a timeline entry on its Facebook page detailing a pinball game it worked on, but never released. 1080Pinball was the name attached to the project-in-progress, and one of the featured tables was named Captain Starfire, after the handsome chap above. You can see what looks like an in-game screenshot on the official timeline post, along with some concept art.

The blurb says the game was designed to be "the most realistic pinball simulation ever," complete with actual material physics and graphics running at in 60fps at 1080p (as you might have guessed from the title). There was also going to be a "Gran Turismo level of progression," designed to build as much replay value as possible.

This, says Insomniac, also explains the whole (pin)Ballz phenomenon, and the company's fascination with pinball in general. The developer will discuss the abandoned game on a future podcast. As for whether it'll ever return, Insomniac says, "The Zen Pinball games do a fantastic job anyways."

JoystiqInsomniac reveals canceled 1080Pinball, 'the most realistic pinball simulation ever' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pinballcanceledcompanydesigngameinsomniac-gamespinballpinballzplaystationps3Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[277 GAME stores shuttered, 40% of workforce let go, gift cards suspended]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/277-game-stores-shuttered-40-of-workforce-let-go-gift-cards-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/277-game-stores-shuttered-40-of-workforce-let-go-gift-cards-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/277-game-stores-shuttered-40-of-workforce-let-go-gift-cards-s/#comments The great reckoning of GAME's entry into administration began today, with the company closing 277 GAME and Gamestation stores across the UK and Ireland. MCV reports job losses totaled 2,104 at retail and 15 from the company's HQ, representing 40 percent of the troubled retailer's workforce.

The remaining 333 stores will stay open and try to continue business as normal while administrator Price Waterhouse Cooper continues to seek a willing investor. If a buyer can't be found, more closures will occur.

Beyond shuttered storefronts, GAME has also implemented a list of policy changes that will impact customers. The sketchiest changes include the suspension of gift cards and GAME reward cards. The company will also no longer take pre-orders and "no refunds can be given for any pre-order deposits which have been paid."

Joystiq277 GAME stores shuttered, 40% of workforce let go, gift cards suspended originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameMon, 26 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME enters administration, delisted from stock exchange]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/game-enters-administration-delisted-from-stock-exchange/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/game-enters-administration-delisted-from-stock-exchange/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/game-enters-administration-delisted-from-stock-exchange/#comments Although it was an expected formality at this point, the once great UK games retailer GAME has filed for administration (i.e. British bankruptcy).

"Further to this morning's announcement of the suspension of trading in shares of GAME Group, the board has concluded that its discussions with all stakeholders and other parties have not made sufficient progress in the time available to offer a realistic prospect for a solvent solution for the business," a statement from the company reads. "In the short term the Board's intention is that the business will continue to trade and discussions with lenders and third parties will continue under the protection of the interim moratorium."

Optimistically, the voluntary administration plays into the "fourth option" laid out by UK outlet MCV late yesterday, which would see the corporation drop to around 300 stores (from 1,300 late last year) and create a "new company, funded by current bank lenders." MCV has been all over the corporate collapse, so head on over there for the blow by blow.

JoystiqGAME enters administration, delisted from stock exchange originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainGameUKWed, 21 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST