Joystiq

GameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

GameFly is moving forward with its plan to "help good games get made" by not only publishing said games on both iOS and Android platforms, but by opening its own "expertly curated" marketplace on Google's mobile operating system.

GameFly's "GameStore" for Android is set to debut sometime this holiday season and will cater to both smartphone and tablet Android users, supplying games for both formats. The app will also support social discovery mechanisms such as friend recommendations and ratings/reviews from other users. Whether GameStore will exclusively stock GameFly-published titles is still unknown, but considering that the app will reportedly house "thousands of the best games," we expect content from other publishers to be present.

As far as GameFly's in-house publishing prospects are concerned, the company expects to release its first game sometime this summer. Mobile developers interested in being published by GameFly should send an email to GameDev at GameFly dawt com.

GameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year

David Hinkle — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:30:00 EST

Reverge Labs' debut fighter Skullgirls is coming to major digital distribution channels later this year. The Windows PC port will be available on Steam, Origin, GameFly, GamersGate and GameStop PC Downloads.

The PC version will ship with several updates built in - updates that will eventually be patched into the console versions. These include "in-game movelists, additional tutorials, retuned single player AI, enhanced leaderboards, in-game name display for online matches, and additional multi-player regions."

Continue reading Skullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year

Skullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly adds 'Game of the Day' to mobile app, features free and discounted iOS games

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST

GameFly now has a "Game of the Day" section in its free mobile app, which partners with some of the largest publishers in on-the-go (and on-the-potty) gaming. Curated by GameFly, the section will feature iOS titles -- some new and others "missed by the masses" -- for free or at discounted prices. Games mentioned include Gameloft's The Oregon Trail, and Siege Hero from Armor Games.

The "Game of the Day" section is available now in the updated GameFly app. To access the "Game of the Day" section, tap on the "more" tab at the bottom of the screen and you'll find "GOTD" staring back at you. Going to the "games" tab will just get you lost in a maze of menus for hours.

Continue reading GameFly adds 'Game of the Day' to mobile app, features free and discounted iOS games

GameFly adds 'Game of the Day' to mobile app, features free and discounted iOS games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly adds BioShock, Civ 4 and X-Com: Enforcer to unlimited PC service

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST

GameFly and publisher 2K Games have expanded their partnership for the rental services' "Unlimited PC Play," adding several titles that have high-profile sequels or expansions launching this year. BioShock, Civilization 4 and X-Com: Enforcer are available now for free to members.

"With our upcoming releases of BioShock Infinite, Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings and XCOM: Enemy Unknown on the horizon, we're taking this opportunity to introduce or re-introduce fans to these beloved franchises," said 2K Games marketing senior VP Sarah Anderson.

Here's a chance for GameFly members with PCs to check out some of the best PC games available... along with X-Com: Enforcer.

GameFly adds BioShock, Civ 4 and X-Com: Enforcer to unlimited PC service originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly looking to 'help good games get made' via mobile publishing

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST

GameFly, which stopped being a mere rental portal ages ago, is expanding once again into mobile publishing. On the most recent edition of the company's Weekend Confirmed podcast, GameFly editorial director Garnett Lee said, "We're going to be doing some pub-funding."

Lee mentions he wants to "help good games get made" and requested iOS and Android developers get in touch.

GameFly tells us it has no further comment on the project at this time.

GameFly looking to 'help good games get made' via mobile publishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xenoblade Chronicles available on GameFly

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST

Xenoblade Chronicles is available for rent on Gamefly, a reader informs Joystiq. We checked and, sure enough, it's there. "But it's supposed to be exclusive to the Nintendo Store and GameStop!" you say. To that ... well, we don't really have a snappy retort because we're just as flummoxed as everyone else. Whatever the cause, it seems being able to rent the game has created an exception.

Regardless, if you don't feel like paying a premium to try out the excellent RPG, and you happen to have a GameFly account, give it a rent. As of this writing, Xenoblade Chronicles is listed as "available now."

[Thanks, Matthew!]

Xenoblade Chronicles available on GameFly originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retailers: Silent Hill: Book of Memories delayed until May 31

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

Konami's attempt at a Silent Hill hat-trick for the month of March may have fallen short just before the buzzer: Silent Hill: Book of Memories has had its release date changed from March 27 to May 31, according to Amazon and Gamefly.

As you'll recall, Book of Memories was originally slated to be released in February, relatively alongside the Vita's North American debut. It was then delayed until March, as was the Silent Hill HD Collection, in an effort to extract the highest amount of retail synergy possible from Silent Hill: Downpour's release.

We've reached out Konami for confirmation; in the meantime, those of you who absolutely must be terrified on the go should load your MP3 player with the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack.

Joystiq, its parent companies and their affiliates are not responsible for panic attacks, mental breakdowns or other disruptive/embarrassing public episodes caused by listening to the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack in public.

[Thanks, Adam!]

Retailers: Silent Hill: Book of Memories delayed until May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden 3 to require online pass [Update: Confirmed!]

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:35:00 EST

To become a ninja, one must learn -- the deadly arts of war, for example. Or how to wear those weird socks. Stuff like that.

You can't be any geek off the street, and so Tecmo-Koei has decided to lock the online multiplayer of Ninja Gaiden 3 behind an online pass. So says a listing on Gamefly warning potential renters of Ninja Gaiden 3, anyway. Update: It's confirmed! Ninja Gaiden 3 will have an online pass, a Tecmo Koei representative has confirmed with Joystiq.

~~We've sent our silent inquisitors to Tecmo Koei to secure confirmation on the matter. We'll let you know what we hear back.~~

[Thanks, Josh!]

Ninja Gaiden 3 to require online pass [Update: Confirmed!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retailers: Inversion delayed until March

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST

Inversion has had an official launch date of February 7, 2012, for over a year now, but retail listings are shifting to note otherwise. Both GameFly, which lists launch info based on publisher data, and GameStop now present a release date of March 27.

Originally announced back in 2009, Inversion was supposed to hit shelves sometime in 2010, back when Namco was still trying out new IP. We've contacted Namco Bandai for official confirmation of the delay.

Gallery: Inversion (Gamescom 2011)

Retailers: Inversion delayed until March originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly's most requested games of 2011

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST

GameFly's annual list of "top requested" games of 2011 has The Batman perched atop the multiplatform and Xbox 360 charts with Arkham City. A certain Mr. Nathan Drake led the PlayStation 3 requests with Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, while Wii wakers primarily requested the presence of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

According to information supplied by the popular game rental outlet, Dead Island and Rage were the only original intellectual properties for the year to enjoy spots on the console top ten. We've posted Gamefly's multiplatform, console and Nintendo handheld top ten lists after the break.

Continue reading GameFly's most requested games of 2011

GameFly's most requested games of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamefly discounts used games in end-of-year sale

David Hinkle — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:15:00 EST

Finish your holiday shopping already? Well, if you've got some spare coin and are looking to treat yourself for getting your shopping done early for once, you may be interested in Gamefly's end of year sale. It's a pretty big sale, guys.

Gamefly's used titles on Xbox 360, DS, 3DS, Wii and PS3 have been discounted through January 3, and any purchase from Gamefly also qualifies for free shipping throughout the duration of the sale. Sheer quantity alone of what's on offer is impressive -- highlights include cheap copies of Mortal Kombat, L.A. Noire, Kirby's Epic Yarn and many, many more.

Or we guess you could just pocket your remaining cash. You've already bought all your gifts, so sit back and relax -- unless you forgot the batteries, in which case we imagine you're running out of the house now to ... yeah, you've already left. Okay then.

Gamefly discounts used games in end-of-year sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly PC client enters public beta, Direct2Drive acquisition put to use

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST

GameFly announced this morning that its PC client has entered public beta, with the highlight of the app being the Unlimited PC Play library for GameFly members.

The Unlimited Play section is a nice bonus for members. While there's a lot of dreck to sift through, there's good stuff like Prince of Persia, Assassin's Creed and World of Goo ... oh, wait, that's World of Zoo. Our bad.

"We are thrilled to finally be able to open up the beta so anyone interested in video games can start using the client, and we are hard at work expanding our catalog of PC titles for our users to play for free in the Unlimited PC Play section," said Sean Spector, GameFly co-founder and SVP of Business Development and Content.

The client will also allow the company to begin selling PC games at GameFly.com (and through its iOS and Android Apps) with over 1,500 Windows and Mac games for sale. The company didn't buy that Direct2Drive infrastructure for nothin'.

Continue reading GameFly PC client enters public beta, Direct2Drive acquisition put to use

GameFly PC client enters public beta, Direct2Drive acquisition put to use originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghost Recon: Future Soldier marches to retail on March 6, 2012 [Update: Ubisoft confirms!]

David Hinkle — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST

Just about every retailer on the planet agrees: the future is a lot closer than you may think! And here we were waiting for 30 Helens to agree this whole time ...

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is apparently slated for launch on March 6, according to listings on Gamefly, Amazon, Target, GameStop, Wal-Mart and Best Buy. While we'd never consider a retailer listing as fact (most of the time they're placeholders), the proliferation of identical is pretty compelling. And as of right now, all we really know is it'll launch at least after the planned January 2012 beta.

~~We've reached out to Ubisoft for comment and will let you know what we hear back.~~ Update: We were able to confirm the launch date with Ubisoft. Look for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier on March 6, 2012!

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier marches to retail on March 6, 2012 [Update: Ubisoft confirms!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly expresses confidence as Netflix muscles in

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:20:00 EST

GameFly is putting on a strong face as it prepares for its greatest competitor to the game rental space to date: Netflix. Well, the behemoth's disc distribution division is called Qwikster now -- a change that's taking folks some time to wrap their brains around -- but the fact remains: Netflix's distribution network is an efficient beast. It is a key aspect GameFly has struggled with over the years.

"GameFly has expanded steadily over the past nine years by focusing exclusively on video gamers. We are the only retailer offering games physically and digitally for both rental and purchase," GameFly responded in a statement when asked about Qwikster. "Gamers can try before they buy, choosing from new releases and classic titles that span the last decade. GameFly has more than 8000 games for 10 console and handheld systems to choose from, and over 1500 Windows/Mac games are available for download."

GameFly is preparing for the digitally distributed future with acquisitions like Direct2Drive, which will allow the company to add "Unlimited PC Play" for free to its service offerings this holiday.

"GameFly is the leading video game rental service, and we have continued to grow even as Blockbuster and Redbox increased their investment in console games."

Qwikster has yet to show how serious it is about the game space, nor has it given an idea about the price for its games 'n' flix service -- wait, that's probably not the best term to use.

GameFly expresses confidence as Netflix muscles in originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly to add 'Unlimited PC Play' this holiday

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST

GameFly will launch a new digital client this holiday, the biggest benefit of which will be a new "Unlimited PC Play" service. It will allow subscribers to download and play any offered PC/Mac games, presenting a natural evolution of the service since it acquired IGN's Direct2Drive platform several months back.

"We're talking to all publishers about participating. Several have been signed, but we're not announcing at this time," GameFly co-founder Sean Spector told Joystiq. "In the 'Unlimited PC Play' portion for GameFly subscribers, we expect to have over a hundred titles available for the beta launch, but we'll be adding to the list constantly and should have hundreds at the time of our holiday launch."

Asked if the company would offer a PC-only GameFly subscription, similar to those found with movie rental streaming services, Spector said, "We currently have no plans to offer a digital only subscription, as we believe the real value to gamers and our members is our unique combination of console and digital PC game offerings."

Spector tells us that, like the company's mobile apps, the client-based application should update regularly and customers will have access to whatever games they download as long as they maintain a subscription.

GameFly will launch the closed beta for the client on September 8 at a Los Angeles event, where attendees will receive a beta code for themselves and a friend. GameFly subscribers not in the LA area can still sign up by heading over to the beta section of the site.

GameFly to add 'Unlimited PC Play' this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly acquisition of Direct2Drive official

Steven Wong — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:45:00 EST

Today, game rental service GameFly confirmed last week's rumor that it will acquire the digital game retailer Direct2Drive from IGN. The acquisition of Direct2Drive will add more than 3,000 PC and Mac games to GameFly's existing library of console titles. While terms of the deal are not disclosed in the announcement, IGN will gain a minority equity stake in GameFly but have no direct role in its operations or governance.

"Only GameFly can offer a complete library of physical and digital games for the PC, Mac and consoles in one place." David Hodess, CEO of GameFly gloats. Although Direct2Drive currently offers a small handful of downloadable game rentals, no plans for including PC and Mac rentals through GameFly are discussed in the announcement; however, Joystiq confirmed with David Hodess that the option is being explored. "We know that consumers are interested in PC/Mac rentals and intend to investigate this opportunity thoroughly," Hodess told us. He also confirmed that Direct2Drive promotions like IGN membership discounts and the refer-a-friend program will continue after the acquisition is complete.

Continue reading GameFly acquisition of Direct2Drive official

GameFly acquisition of Direct2Drive official originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: IGN selling Direct2Drive to Gamefly

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 20 May 2011 13:30:00 EST

IGN's Direct2Drive is allegedly being sold to GameFly, MCV reports. An official announcement is expected next week. Direct2Drive does offer a limited selection of game rentals, which fits in directly with GameFly's business model. Sources, while unable to confirm the sale, do tell us that IGN has been looking to unload D2D for some time.

This would be the second major announcement out of News Corp's IGN in under a month. The company announced in early May it was merging with UGO, and reports indicated that the company would spin off from News Corp.

IGN and GameFly told Joystiq in perfect harmony that neither company will "comment on rumors or speculation."

Rumor: IGN selling Direct2Drive to Gamefly originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly wins in United States Postal Service dispute

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST

GameFly's two-year dispute with the United States Postal Service concluded with the Postal Regulatory Commission agreeing that preferential treatment was given to by-mail movie services like Netflix and Blockbuster.

Gamespot reports that the PRC plans to remedy the issue by having the USPS establish two parallel rate categories for roundtrip DVD mail. This should prevent GameFly from incurring a fee for avoiding automated sorting machines -- which have a higher probability of breaking the contents being shipped.

Contacted for comment, GameFly told Joystiq: "Overall, we are pleased that the PRC found that the basis of our complaint was legitimate. We need to read through and consider the entire document before we would be in a position to elaborate."

[Thanks, Steven]

GameFly wins in United States Postal Service dispute originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia Trilogy HD listed by GameFly for March

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST

Rental service GameFly has a listing for Prince of Persia Trilogy HD with a March 22, 2011 release date. The game was previously announced as being disc-based only for Europe, Middle East and African territories. All three games were released in North America via digital distribution on the PlayStation Network.

We've contacted Ubisoft for comment, but the publisher has yet to respond. GameFly tells us it hasn't changed its listing policy, which means it will "simply post information as it is supplied to [GameFly] by the publishers."

Prince of Persia Trilogy HD listed by GameFly for March originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly reveals the 'most requested' games of 2010

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST

Online rental service GameFly has named its "most requested" games of 2010. The rankings are based on each member's GameQ, which is "a personal wish list of games available for rent." Given the inconsistent availability of titles offered through the service, sometimes "wish list" is right.

Continue reading GameFly reveals the 'most requested' games of 2010

GameFly reveals the 'most requested' games of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly's year-end sale deals up used games on the cheap

Mike Schramm — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST

GameFly has begun its annual year-end sale and some of the prices on used games are just insane. We can tell you right now that you'll probably want to pick up Splinter Cell: Conviction on Xbox 360 for $9.99, Wet on PS3 for a buck more or MadWorld on the Wii for just $8.99 if you haven't played any of those yet. Unfortunately, some of the games on the list are already sold out but, if you hunt through it, there are bargains to find.

With prices this low, we worry that the kids of GameFly employees will have to go without Christmas presents this year -- just so we can finally play The Saboteur for under 12 bucks.

GameFly's year-end sale deals up used games on the cheap originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retailers: Gran Turismo 5 to miss Christmas release

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST

Today was the day we were supposed to finally, maybe play Gran Turismo 5 -- not even Walmart, it seems, can get over the latest delay. A search for the game today on the retailer's site turned up an "In Stock" result (pictured above); though clicking through to the product prompted only a pre-order option.

While there remains no definitive release date for the comically-delayed sim racer, a Sony representative reiterated in a statement to Joystiq today that the publisher is "still aiming for this holiday" to launch GT5. Sony has backed up this target window by recently updating retailers, which passed the information along to their customers. Specifically, Amazon has notified GT5 pre-orderers of a "new delivery estimate based on the new release date" -- that date being December 31, 2010. (A full copy of one such email is posted after the break.)

Although there are exceptions (first-party Nintendo games tend to be released on Sundays), almost all video games are released on Tuesdays -- just like today -- in the U.S. And though Amazon appears to be acting on a date provided by the publisher, Sony confirmed December 31 is just a placeholder. "As far as the Amazon date goes," a Sony representative told us, "retailers have arbitrary dates that get listed to coincide with any given title's launch window if we haven't provided a specific date. So it's completely driven from their side [...] A placeholder if you will." Similarly, GameStop and Target now list January 1, 2011 placeholder release dates for GT5 (whereas GameFly is sticking with "TBD," for now).

Technically, you can get away with extending the holiday season into early January, and by all accounts, GT5 is still on track to meet this rather dubious date range. According to retailer expectations, however, no gamer -- big or small -- is going to be unwrapping Gran Turismo 5 from under the Christmas tree, or from any other location their loved ones might stack their presents this holiday. Unless, of course, Sony can pull off a last-minute miracle.

Continue reading Retailers: Gran Turismo 5 to miss Christmas release

Retailers: Gran Turismo 5 to miss Christmas release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly selling Final Fantasy XIII, Splinter Cell: Conviction, more for under $20

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST

You either need to hide or break out your pocketbooks, friends -- GameFly's throwing another gigantic Under $20 sale on hundreds of its used games, many of which have free shipping. Check out a partial list of some of the encheapened games and their reduced prices posted below.

Continue reading GameFly selling Final Fantasy XIII, Splinter Cell: Conviction, more for under $20

GameFly selling Final Fantasy XIII, Splinter Cell: Conviction, more for under $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST

GameFly is currently running a decidedly insane sale on used copies of a handful of 2010 blockbusters until this Friday, September 17. If you've got $20 to spare, you can grab Darksiders, God of War 3, Alpha Protocol, Mass Effect 2 or Dante's Inferno -- all with free shipping to boot.

Continue reading GameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20

GameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly used game sale: Yakuza 3, GoW 3, BioShock 2, more for cheap

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:20:00 EST

GameFly has a decent sale on used games going on right now. The frugal folks at Slickdeals.net have found a few of the juicier deals, including Yakuza 3 for $22, God of War 3 for $20, BioShock 2 for $14 and more. Check out more highlights after the break and let us know if you find any good deals.

Continue reading GameFly used game sale: Yakuza 3, GoW 3, BioShock 2, more for cheap

GameFly used game sale: Yakuza 3, GoW 3, BioShock 2, more for cheap originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamefly listings suggest Centipede and Star Raiders remakes

JC Fletcher — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

[Star Raiders Tribute Page]

It would appear that Haunted House marked the beginning of a new series of revamped Atari classics. Siliconera spotted GameFly listings for PS3 and Xbox 360 games called "Star Raiders" and "Centipede."

Centipede, of course, is one of the most well-known early arcade games, featuring a trackball-controlled avatar firing lasers at on-screen centipedes and mushrooms. Star Raiders isn't as well known. It's a first-person, Star Trek-style space exploration and combat simulator released on various Atari computers -- as well as on Atari 2600, where it used the "Video Touch Pad" controller.

The fact that these are on Gamefly suggests that they're retail releases -- since Gamefly doesn't rent downloadable games.

Gamefly listings suggest Centipede and Star Raiders remakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock of the Dead shambling onto PS3 and Xbox 360, according to retail listings

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:00:00 EST

Both GameFly and Amazon have added PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Epicenter's Rock of the Dead to their databases. For the uninitiated, Rock of the Dead is essentially a clone of Typing of the Dead, with guitars instead of keyboards. You'll have to strum your way through a zombie horde, in an adventure that promises the same "cheesy/campy" humor found in Sega's original arcade game.

Considering the HD consoles are no strangers to guitar controllers, it makes sense that publisher UFO Interactive would want to target every viable platform. With Dr. Horrible's Neil Patrick Harris and Felicia Day taking starring roles, Rock of the Dead's sheer nerd power definitely has our interest piqued.

[Via superannuation]

Rock of the Dead shambling onto PS3 and Xbox 360, according to retail listings originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly releases GameCenter app for Android

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST

Good news, Android users, GameFly's GameCenter app is no longer just for your jerk iPhone-owning friends. That's right, GameFly has released an Android version of the app, putting the rental service at your mobile fingertips.

The app allows users to manage their rental queues, check out trailers and browse game news. Finally, you can watch GameFly inexplicably ship the game at the bottom of your list on the go! GameCenter is available now on the Android Market.

GameFly releases GameCenter app for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blockbuster details new Games By Mail rental system

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST

Yesterday, we heard about beleaguered rental chain Blockbuster's attempt to yoink some of the video game rental market back from the hands of GameFly by implementing a new "Games By Mail" rental service. Today, we received more details: For an extra $7.99 plus tax on top of their standard monthly fees, Blockbuster Online subscribers will be able to rent one game at a time, which counts towards the total number of discs they're allowed to have out under their subscription plan. Fortunately, if you don't check out any games during the one-month billing period, you're not charged the extra eight bucks.

For more details on the service -- which Blockbuster is currently testing in Cleveland, Ohio "with plans to expand this nationwide before the end of the year" -- check out the company's FAQ page.

Blockbuster details new Games By Mail rental system originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blockbuster weighs games-by-mail, Netflix dismisses it

Justin McElroy — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST

According to an email The Consumerist says one of its readers received, struggling entertainment rental store Blockbuster is considering adding games to its media-by-mail service (think GameFly). According to the email, customers would "be able to choose from over 3,000 different games, including many popular new releases."

When asked if Netflix would consider a similar move, a company spokesperson seemed unenthusiastic, saying "Movies are perennial. A great movie from 1972 is still a great movie but who wants to play Madden '95?" Sounds like somebody knows on which side their proverbial bread is buttered.

Blockbuster weighs games-by-mail, Netflix dismisses it originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly GameCenter update: manage your GameQ

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST

When the GameFly GameCenter mobile app launched last October, its creators promised to eventually bring its functionality into parity with the main site's user interface. Thanks to a recent update through the App Store, that future has been realized. GameCenter has been tweaked to allow GameFly subscribers to add titles to (or remove titles from) their GameQs while out and about.

A handful of additional UI changes have also been made to streamline the game-renting process. You can check out the app for free using the download link below.

GameFly GameCenter (free)

GameFly GameCenter update: manage your GameQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly sale: Bionic Batman and the Brutal Beatles

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:02:00 EST

Here's the good news: According to our budget-minded buddies (budgies?) at CAG, GameFly has a sale on several appealing Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 titles, including Batman: Arkham Asylum (360 / $19.99), Bionic Commando (360 / PS3 / $9.99), Brütal Legend (360 / $14.99) and The Beatles: Rock Band (360 / $21.99). We also spy some stellar deals on Red Faction: Guerrilla (360 / PS3 / under $15) and 2D fighter BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger ($19.99 / $24.99). GameFly games are guaranteed to be in working condition and include manuals and cases.

And here's the bad news: The sale comes to an end on March 30. Also, our industry is woefully ill-equipped to produce a product called "Bionic Batman and the Brütal Beatles" and will succumb to creative and financial bankruptcy long before you ever get to play something of such magnificent magnitude. Oh well.

GameFly sale: Bionic Batman and the Brutal Beatles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon and Gamefly agree: Singularity out June 29

Mike Schramm — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST

The upcoming Singularity from Raven Software is supposed to give you the power to age objects just by gesturing at them, and it appears that ability is being tested on the game itself: Its release date has been slowly edging into the future, from early 2010 up into March and then on to June. But it seems like the timeshifting has finally come to an end, as both Amazon and Gamefly have listed the game as releasing on June 29th of this year.

Activision originally cited the delay as an attempt to keep the game away from a crowded slate of "competitive titles," so perhaps the game will do better kicking off the dog days of summer. If Raven's time-bending twist on the FPS captures your interest, it'll be one more good reason to stay out of that hot, hot summer sun.

[Thanks, Shagittarius]

Amazon and Gamefly agree: Singularity out June 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly going public, files $50 million IPO

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:53:00 EST

GameFly, game rental service and media entity, has filed a $50 million initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission and has applied to appear as "GFLY" on the NASDAQ ticker. The IPO registration form lays out many details that were previously unknown about the privately held company. Tidbits include that GameFly has approximately 334,000 subscribers as of September 2009 and generated $84.7 milllion in revenue in its fiscal year ending March 2009.

Additionally, the form suggests that GameFly's collection of media sites, which includes the ShackNews properties, apparently draws 4.4 million monthly unique visitors.

GameFly is currently practicing a "quiet period" and representatives could not comment on this report.

[Via BusinessInsider; thanks, Wolvie75]

GameFly going public, files $50 million IPO originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yakuza 3 box art localized for the US

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST

When we saw this box art for Yakuza 3 on GameFly, we sighed in relief. Thankfully, Sega has followed the time-honored legacy of making spectacularly terrible box art for the West. Amazingly, this new art manages to say even less about the game than its Japanese counterpart, neglecting to show any of the Japanese cityscape that made the game so compelling to its fanbase. More ridiculously, Kazuma Kiryu appears to have grown a goatee comprised exclusively of an ESRB rating.

Of course, if you're seriously offended by the box art, you can simply import the original Japanese version. Just don't expect any of the bonus English subtitles included in Sega's upcoming release.

[Via VG247]

Yakuza 3 box art localized for the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlazBlue Portable heading to US, GameFly listing shows

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST

One of the best fighting games of the current generation has to be BlazBlue, the latest from Guilty Gear creators Arc System Works. A PSP version is currently in the works, and as is typical of many Japanese games, no US release has been announced. That's likely to change, as Siliconera has discovered a GameFly listing for the PSP version of BlazBlue.

According to the rental site, the publisher is none other than Aksys, distributors of the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game. Considering Gamefly's penchant for leaking releases, this should come as good news to PSP fans.

BlazBlue Portable heading to US, GameFly listing shows originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly begins selling new games

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

GameFly, the online game rental service .... wait, that's hardly accurate anymore, let's start over: GameFly, the media company and rental service entity, is now selling new games on its website, including large items like DJ Hero and Tony Hawk Ride. Those expecting to discover the amazing discounts normally found with the service's used games will be disappointed to note that the new games are full retail price and include shipping costs and applicable taxes.

Example for Massachusetts:

A new copy of New Super Marios Bros Wii: $50 for the game + $3 tax + $5 for standard shipping = $58
The "keep it" price for a member who's been with the service over a year: $39 + $3 tax + no shipping cost = $42 (members also receive a $5 coupon every quarter, which would make it $37)

The "new" store isn't a revelation in retail, but perhaps it'll make more sense later on. GameFly still has some of the best deals in used games we've seen.

[Thanks, Chris S.]

GameFly begins selling new games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's what you're Gameflying this holiday season

David Hinkle — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

While it may initially seem the only game releasing this holiday season is something called Modern Warfare 2, some titles -- like Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed II and Nintendo's New Super Mario Bros. Wii -- actually have the guts to stand up against the most important game of all time ever seriously. Game rental service Gamefly recently gathered data on which titles its users are actually looking forward to this holiday season, offering the info in one convenient list.

For the all platforms list, the three titles mentioned are unsurprisingly present and joined by other popular recent releases like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Halo 3: ODST. On the home console side of things, the Xbox 360 and PS3's most popular title is obviously Modern Warfare 2, while the Wii's big hit is, also expectedly, New Super Mario Bros. Wii. For handhelds, gamers are ticking Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and Dissidia: Final Fantasy for rental on the DS and PSP, respectively.

Overall, the list is fairly unsurprising, though we guess one could argue that it's surprising all of these people want to rent Modern Warfare 2 and haven't already purchased it.

Here's what you're Gameflying this holiday season originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameFly releases 'GameCenter' iPhone app

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST

GameFly has released its free "GameCenter" iPhone app, allowing customers of the video game rental service to adjust their queue on the go. However, GameFly co-founder Sean Spector wants the app to be used by a much broader audience than just GameFly subscribers. Speaking with Joystiq, the executive told us that the company has put a lot more functionality into the app and the "GameFly" tab is only one part of the program.

The "Games" tab is essentially a database, with specs, controller details (pretty handy), Achievements, Trophies and reviews. The "News" tab, which can be divided to show specific platforms, is currently a feed from the company's recently acquired Shacknews. Spector plans on future app updates featuring community functionality, trailers and more news sources.

Spector tells us that he expects "all the functionality that's in GameFly on the app" in the future. Meaning that users will have access to the full GameFly store and easier queue rearrangement (slide functionality, rather than inputting numbers). For subscribers, the commerce and "Keep It" functionality work just like on the main site, with properly applied discounts and coupons. Spector also noted that those without a GameFly subscription who download the app receive a 15-day free trial.

GameFly seems serious about making the app as useful as possible and is asking for feedback. If there's anything you want to see after trying it out, send the company an email or leave feedback through the app, which can be found under "Settings" tab.

GameFly GameCenter (free)

GameFly releases 'GameCenter' iPhone app originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Over 2000 GameFly games stolen by USPS worker

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

It's no secret that there's some bad blood between GameFly and the US Postal Service but this ... this is personal. Philly.com reports that Reginald Johnson, a former Philadelphia mail handler, has admitted to a federal court that he stole 2200 GameFly games -- totalling $86,000 in value -- before they could be delivered to local subscribers.

Johnson was caught as the result of an investigation into missing GameFly mailings in the Philadelphia area, conducted by the USPS inspector general. The culprit was spotted during a 2008 test mailing under government surveillance, after which Johnson escaped in his SUV, crashed it, and then fled on foot with a duffel bag, which was later recovered. Between the bag and the SUV, authorities uncovered 160 games and a load of Wii Fit units, controllers, a Playstation and GameStop receipts. It would appear that Johnson had been trading the games at GameStop for store credit. He now faces up to 18 months in prison.

When contacted by Joystiq for comment, a GameFly representative stated that the company appreciates "the diligent efforts by the Office of Inspector General agents" to apprehend Mr. Johnson. Do you hear that? It's the sound of healing.

[Via GamePolitics]

Over 2000 GameFly games stolen by USPS worker originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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