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[Total War: Rome 2 is a 'completely reworked vision' from The Creative Assembly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/16/total-war-rome-2-is-a-completely-reworked-vision-from-the-cre/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/16/total-war-rome-2-is-a-completely-reworked-vision-from-the-cre/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/16/total-war-rome-2-is-a-completely-reworked-vision-from-the-cre/#commentsTotal War Rome 2 is a 'completely reworked vision' from The Creative Assembly

Rome: Total War is one of those games that a certain, very dedicated audience loves, while the rest of the gaming world is left outside admiring the craft but not quite understanding the dedication. The first Rome: Total War was critically acclaimed and spawned a line of expansions and updates, and now strategy giants The Creative Assembly are returning to the game with a full sequel, not to mention switching around the title to Total War: Rome 2.

What's different? "Just about everything, really," says lead battle designer Jamie Ferguson during an interview at E3 2013. "In the ten years since we did Rome 1, we've completely overhauled the game. The game engine isn't even the same."

TCA has released a number of Total War sequels and spinoffs throughout periods of history, and updated the original title with new features and systems already. But even despite those improvements, Ferguson says the new game has even more updates and improvements. "When we call it Rome 2, it might be a bit of a misnomer in a way," he says. "We might call it Rome Redux, I guess. It's a completely reworked vision of the game."

Gallery: Total War: Rome 2 (E3 2013)

Continue reading Total War: Rome 2 is a 'completely reworked vision' from The Creative Assembly

JoystiqTotal War: Rome 2 is a 'completely reworked vision' from The Creative Assembly originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Jun 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlecombatdominique-starre3-2013gamesgaminginterviewjamie-fergusonpcreleasesegastrategythe-creative-assemblytotal-war-rome-2warSun, 16 Jun 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How game licensing works on the Xbox One (yes, it supports used games)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/how-game-licensing-works-on-the-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/how-game-licensing-works-on-the-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/how-game-licensing-works-on-the-xbox-one/#commentsMicrosoft's rules on Xbox One used games buy once, trade once You will be able to give your Xbox One games to your friends, but only once and only to friends you've known for more than a month. That's according to the new rules shared today about Xbox One game licensing by Microsoft.

All games will be available new in both disc or digital form, and will need to be installed on your Xbox One while logged in. From there, you'll be registered for the game on the cloud, so you'll be able to play it wherever you're logged into an Xbox One, even if you happen to be at a friend's house.

You will have the option to resell that game back to a retailer, but that retailer will have to sign up with Microsoft to allow you to do so. Microsoft won't charge fees to do that, but it does say that "third party publishers may opt in or out of supporting game resale and may set up business terms or transfer fees with retailers." You can give the game away, but only once and only to someone who's been on your friends list for that required 30 days.

Microsoft also says that the ability to loan or rent games "won't be available at launch, but we are exploring the possibilities with our partners." All of the information about game licensing on the new console can be seen on the official Xbox One site.

JoystiqHow game licensing works on the Xbox One (yes, it supports used games) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>always-onconnectedfriendgamesgiftlicensingmicrosoftnewsretailersusedused-gamesxboxThu, 06 Jun 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/#commentsGoogle Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming Google is kicking off games services on its Play Store that allows developers to add achievements, social and public leaderboards, cloud saving, and real-time multiplayer. The games service goes live today and works completely on Android, and mostly on iOS or other "connected devices" - that second batch won't support multiplayer.

Google Play's games services differs from Apple's Game Center in that it offers backend support, rather than a standalone application.

Anyone making a game with Google Play has access to its developer services. A handful of games already have these services incorporated: World of Goo, Super Stickman Golf 2, Beach Buggy Blitz, Kingdom Rush, Eternity Warriors 2 and Osmos.

"We won't make it a mandatory exercise, or have any certification process around it," Google lead product manager Greg Hartrell told Engadget. "We create fantastic services that allow developers to create these great game experiences, and help promote their discovery, help retain their users and keep them engaged."

Check out the games services on Google's developer site.

Continue reading Google Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming

JoystiqGoogle Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamesgames-servicesgooglegoogle-gamesgoogle-io-2013google-playiosipadiphonemobileWed, 15 May 2013 12:23:00 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[Bethesda opens a Play Test Lab at id Software in Dallas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/bethesda-opens-a-play-test-lab-at-id-software-in-dallas/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/bethesda-opens-a-play-test-lab-at-id-software-in-dallas/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/bethesda-opens-a-play-test-lab-at-id-software-in-dallas/#commentsBethesda opens play test facility in Dallas, at id Bethesda has announced it has opened a Play Test Lab in Dallas, Texas, inside the offices of id Software. The lab will be used to test upcoming games with local Dallas players, and Bethesda promises some extra "games or swag" to anyone who comes in for testing.

You'll need to be 18 or over to apply, and Bethesda says it's looking for gamers of all types, both casual and hardcore. If you're around Dallas and want to put your name in the hat, you can sign up on the website right now.

JoystiqBethesda opens a Play Test Lab at id Software in Dallas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethsoftdallasdallas-texasgamesid-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3testerstestinguser-testingxboxFri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stardock announces dev investment fund, showing two new games this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/stardock-announces-dev-investment-fund-showing-two-new-games-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/stardock-announces-dev-investment-fund-showing-two-new-games-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/stardock-announces-dev-investment-fund-showing-two-new-games-th/#comments Stardock starting investment fund, plans two game announcements this yearDeveloper Stardock has announced the beginning of an investment fund to support up-and-coming developers. When Stardock sold distribution service Impulse to GameStop, it earned "some unprecedented opportunities," says CEO Brad Wardell. The fiscal boon will help "to keep Stardock small and invest in start-ups."

These spinoffs, says Wardell, "should produce things that will help future start-ups in the technology industry." Some of the partnerships are already underway, though "not far enough along in what they're working on to publicize anything." Wardell's plan is to reveal more about the fund this summer, with news about the companies involved coming later.

Elsewhere in Stardock's customer report, Wardell says the company's internal teams are toward two new games to be revealed this year. One or both games may be the result of Stardock's work with consultant Soren Johnson, the former lead designer on Civilization 4.

Wardell also says Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion was "immensely successful," and that we can expect more from that series in the future.

JoystiqStardock announces dev investment fund, showing two new games this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementsbrad-wardellcivilization-4fallen-enchantressgamesmobilepcsins-of-a-solar-empiresins-of-a-solar-empire-rebellionsoren-johnsonstardockFri, 12 Apr 2013 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam's weekly deals include cheap Rochard, Jet Set Radio, Arcania and Endless Space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/steams-weekly-deals-include-cheap-rochard-jet-set-radio-arcan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/steams-weekly-deals-include-cheap-rochard-jet-set-radio-arcan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/steams-weekly-deals-include-cheap-rochard-jet-set-radio-arcan/#comments Steam weekly deals Rochard, L4D2, Arcana, Jet Set RadioSteam has announced its latest round of weekly deals, with physics-focused platformer Rochard dropping to $2.49, along with Jet Set Radio. Left 4 Dead 2 and Arcania are both available for $4.99, and the Emperor Special Edition of Endless Space (which includes the soundtrack and a number of other in-game goodies) is $17.49.

All of these deals last through March 18 at 10am PST, so you've got one week to look under as many couch cushions as possible for the right amount of pocket change. And why stop at your own couch?

JoystiqSteam's weekly deals include cheap Rochard, Jet Set Radio, Arcania and Endless Space originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapendless-spacegamesjet-set-radioleft-for-dead-2pcrochardsalesalessteamweekly-dealsMon, 11 Mar 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA holding student competition, winners to be shown at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/esa-holding-student-competition-winners-to-be-shown-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/esa-holding-student-competition-winners-to-be-shown-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/esa-holding-student-competition-winners-to-be-shown-at-e3/#comments ESA E3 student game development competitionThe Entertainment Software Association is launching an E3 College Game Competition this year, designed to spotlight some solid student game creations at the upcoming E3 convention in Los Angeles. Over 400 schools have been invited to submit "story details and content assets" for a video game they might make, with the ESA (along with the help of industry veterans and professionals) planning to choose the best five by May.

Those five finalists will then be offered the opportunity to present at this year's E3, and get their games and ideas in front of the media and some of the biggest game developers and publishers in the world. IndieCade has been able to show off some of its games at E3 for a few years now, but this competition is designed to honor student work in the same way.

ESA president Mike Gallagher says the group "intends to honor student achievement and provide a deserved spotlight at E3." Interested teachers who haven't yet been contacted about the contest can find out more by emailing the ESA; you can find more info in the press release below.

Continue reading ESA holding student competition, winners to be shown at E3

JoystiqESA holding student competition, winners to be shown at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitione3-college-game-competitionentertainment-software-associationesagame-designgamesstudentstudent-game-designstudent-gamesMon, 04 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: PS Vita with 32GB memory card can display 100 apps, no more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/report-ps-vita-32gb-memory-card-can-display-100-apps-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/report-ps-vita-32gb-memory-card-can-display-100-apps-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/report-ps-vita-32gb-memory-card-can-display-100-apps-no-more/#comments Report PS Vita 32GB can display 100 apps, no moreOne Vita owner and NeoGAF member has discovered that even if his PlayStation Vita's 32GB card has space remaining in its storage, the system can display only up to 100 apps.

Shagg_187 shared the above photo, explaining that his card had 9GB of space left, with around 50 minis, 10 PSOne games, 20 mandatory apps, and 20 Vita or PSP games and apps. We've contacted Sony for an explanation on the numerical cap. Until then, maybe start treating your apps like children and think about which one really is your least favorite.

JoystiqReport: PS Vita with 32GB memory card can display 100 apps, no more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsgameslimitplaystationplaystation-vitaSONYvitaThu, 17 Jan 2013 11:30:00 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[UK game sales down 17% in 2012, digital crosses £1 billion for first time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/uk-game-sales-down-17-in-2012-digital-crosses-1-billion-for-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/uk-game-sales-down-17-in-2012-digital-crosses-1-billion-for-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/uk-game-sales-down-17-in-2012-digital-crosses-1-billion-for-f/#comments UK video game sales down by 174% in 2012, digital sales cross 1 billion for the first timeThe UK's Entertainment Retailers' Association has released its final report for 2012, and video game sales in that country are down more than 17 percent. Total entertainment sales, including music and movie sales, are down by about 12 percent. The culprit seems to be physical sales, with video game shares of that category dropping from 73 percent to 65.4 percent, and physical sales overall dropping by about 5 percent.

ERA Director General Kim Bayley actually cited the drops as a success for physical media, in that "despite digital's seemingly inexorable growth, the CD, the DVD and the physical games disc show incredible resilience." Bayley added that despite the shrinking numbers, "physical formats still account for three quarters of the entertainment market."

On the digital side, sales crossed a record of £1 billion for the first time ever. Digital video game sales rose by 7.7 percent, just slightly less than the overall growth trend in digital. For now, however, digital growth isn't enough to keep the industry at large growing. The ERA says the lack of growth was largely due to a "dearth of attractive releases" last summer, and the organization hopes to "offer the public a much better release slate in 2013."

JoystiqUK game sales down 17% in 2012, digital crosses £1 billion for first time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-salesenglandentertainment-retailers-associationeragamesmediamicrosoftmobilemoviesmusicpcphysical-salesplaystationps3ukunited-kingdomvideo-game-salesxboxWed, 02 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ considering Linux and other platforms after Humble Bundle success]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/thq-considering-linux-and-other-platforms-after-humble-bundle-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/thq-considering-linux-and-other-platforms-after-humble-bundle-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/thq-considering-linux-and-other-platforms-after-humble-bundle-su/#comments THQ considering Linux and other platforms after Humble Bundle successAfter the THQ bundle recently brought in over $5 million (split between THQ, charity donations, and "tips" to the bundle's organizers), the company's president Jason Rubin admits that he's looking at possible markets differently lately. Rubin's Twitter account says he "got the Linux message loud and clear" from the bundle, and he later told Polygon that "the message I took away from a large number of tweets and comments around the THQ Humble Bundle sale is that there are vibrant communities of gamers using other operating systems besides the dominant ones, and a company like THQ should not overlook them."

In other words, there's opportunity for THQ in selling computer games outside of the standard Windows ecosystem. Rubin has no plans yet, but he says the analysis has started, and the company is "committed to look at anything that makes sense" in terms of releasing titles on platforms other than simply Windows. In the past, THQ has released Mac versions of its Company of Heroes series through a third-party publisher, but it sounds like Rubin is considering a more widespread solution for cross-platform releases after this feedback. He says THQ should have more to announce soon.

JoystiqTHQ considering Linux and other platforms after Humble Bundle success originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameshumble-indie-bundlejason-rubinmarketspcreleasessalesthqthq-bundletwitterTue, 18 Dec 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook and Zynga agree to new terms, create potential for official Facebook games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/facebook-and-zynga-agree-to-new-terms-create-potential-for-offi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/facebook-and-zynga-agree-to-new-terms-create-potential-for-offi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/facebook-and-zynga-agree-to-new-terms-create-potential-for-offi/#comments Facebook and Zynga have worked out a new set of terms in their partnership, enabling both parties to make and promote their own games. Before the alteration, Zynga was required to use Facebook's monetization platform, and Facebook couldn't create its own titles to compete with Zynga's. The latest agreement undoes both stipulations and opens up both sides for more independence.

At this time, neither side has announced that it wants to change the way things work, so Zynga will likely still use Facebook's payments system, and Facebook hasn't announced plans to make any official games. A spokesperson for Facebook reiterated that "we will continue to work with Zynga, just as we do with developers of all sizes." It's not a break-up, in other words, but they are free to see other people.

JoystiqFacebook and Zynga agree to new terms, create potential for official Facebook games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementbreakupcontractfacebookfarmvillegameslegalmobilemonetizationnewspcreuterssocialzyngaThu, 29 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 trailer asks what 'your FPS' can do]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/planetside-2-trailer-asks-what-your-fps-can-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/planetside-2-trailer-asks-what-your-fps-can-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/planetside-2-trailer-asks-what-your-fps-can-do/#comments
Sony's PlanetSide 2 is now available, and this video for the game asks (somewhat smugly) if "your FPS" can do what PS2 does. The point being conveyed, of course is that most games in the genre don't have the same scale as what's on display here.

JoystiqPlanetSide 2 trailer asks what 'your FPS' can do originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsgamesgenrepcplanetside-2questionsonytrailervideoTue, 27 Nov 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys 'R' Us offers 'buy one, get one for $1' game sale, lots more on Black Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/toys-r-us-offers-buy-one-get-one-for-1-game-sale-lots-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/toys-r-us-offers-buy-one-get-one-for-1-game-sale-lots-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/toys-r-us-offers-buy-one-get-one-for-1-game-sale-lots-mor/#comments Toys R Us offers 'buy one get one for one cent' game sale, lots more on Black FridayToys 'R' Us' Black Friday ad is 32 pages of red and green deals, and as usual, the toy store's got plenty of gaming deals ready for purchase, including a few deals on consoles.

The biggest hook is a big "buy one, get one for $1" sale going on, with dozens of games available for a buck each when you buy one at a standard price. In addition to lots of great DSi games, even modern Xbox 360 and PS3 games are on the list, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more current titles like Dishonored and Need for Speed: Most Wanted. All Wii U games are also "buy one, get one 40% off," so if you want to fill out your library for Nintendo's new console, there you go.

Read on for more choice Black Friday offerings. For the complete list of Toys 'R' Us deals, check out the retailer's Black Friday flyer.

Continue reading Toys 'R' Us offers 'buy one, get one for $1' game sale, lots more on Black Friday

JoystiqToys 'R' Us offers 'buy one, get one for $1' game sale, lots more on Black Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblack-fridayblack-friday-2012black-friday-salesdealsetch-a-sketchgamesmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-3ps3salestoys-r-uswiiwii-uxboxxbox-360Fri, 16 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quest for Glory creators join with Brawsome to launch Kickstarter for Hero-U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/quest-for-glory-creators-join-with-brawsome-to-launch-kickstarte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/quest-for-glory-creators-join-with-brawsome-to-launch-kickstarte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/quest-for-glory-creators-join-with-brawsome-to-launch-kickstarte/#comments Quest for Glory creators join with Brawsome to launch Kickstarter for HeroUCorey and Lori Cole are the creators of Quest for Glory, a highly regarded series of role-playing adventure games that first arrived in 1989 and then continued as a series of sequels through 1998. Now, the couple is planning another game called Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption, and they've taken to Kickstarter to try and raise $400,000 to make it.

That's a tidy sum, but this is a substantial project: Not only are the Coles developing the title, but Australian game developer Brawsome is on board as well, having recently released its own puzzle/RPG game, MacGuffin's Curse. Hero-U is set to play like a tactical, top-down RPG, but it is also supposed to include the charm, puzzles, and story that the Coles and their games are known for.

If you're interested in contributing, the team is offering most of the usual Kickstarter bonuses, from a simple digital copy of the game and soundtrack, all the way up to the chance to get a personal D&D adventure from the Coles, or to appear in or help out with Hero-U's design yourself. The team's got about $290K left to earn and 26 days to get there, but given the pedigree of the folks behind this one we'd guess their chances are better than most.

JoystiqQuest for Glory creators join with Brawsome to launch Kickstarter for Hero-U originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dadventureaustraliaaustralianbrawsomecorey-colegameshero-ukickstarterlori-colemacmoneypcraisingtop-downWed, 24 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA and Origin plug up unintended game giveaway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/ea-and-origin-plug-up-unintended-game-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/ea-and-origin-plug-up-unintended-game-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/ea-and-origin-plug-up-unintended-game-giveaway/#comments EA accidentally gives free games away on Origin due to faulty codeEA hosted a survey this past weekend that, when finished, awarded a nice prize: A code to download one free game, under $20, on the company's digital distribution site Origin. Just a few things went wrong, however.

It turns out the codes distributed weren't matched up to a specific Origin account; they could be used by anyone. Oh, and the codes worked multiple times, which means users could download as many under-$20 games as they wanted. Oh, and one more thing: Reddit figured all of this out.

As you can imagine, all hell broke loose on Origin, as what must have been thousands of users downloaded games like Dead Space 2, Burnout Paradise, Sim City 4, and Mass Effect 2 for exactly zero dollars. The site went down, and when it came back up the codes (which were supposed to work until October 21) had been disabled. Not only that, but all promo codes have been disabled for the time being, apparently.

There's no word on if EA will still honor the codes from the survey [see update: They will], or if there will be a new system in place at all, but we can almost guarantee that whatever solution EA comes up with, the IT team will probably have double- and triple-checked it for security, just to be sure. We've contacted EA for comment on what its plans are, and will let you know if we hear anything more.

Update: EA has gotten back in touch to say that those users who completed the survey will be getting new codes via email soon, to provide the specified discount. In other words, no more stealing allowed.

JoystiqEA and Origin plug up unintended game giveaway originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breachcodeseafreegamesoriginpcsecuritysurveytheftvalidationMon, 15 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cow-clicker (but not too much)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/farmville-2-updates-zyngas-cow-clicker-but-not-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/farmville-2-updates-zyngas-cow-clicker-but-not-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/farmville-2-updates-zyngas-cow-clicker-but-not-too-much/#comments FarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cowclicker but not too muchFarmVille. Just the name likely conjures up some vivid thoughts and opinions in the minds of gamers everywhere. As the flagship casual social game for both Facebook and Zynga, FarmVille can't help but be a lightning rod for debates about gaming's audiences, game design, and the role that video games can and do play in our daily lives. Time labeled the game one of the "fifty worst inventions" of all time, but that hasn't stopped over 80 million people from logging on and doing some cow and crop clicking.

And now Zynga (which itself has attracted plenty of controversy recently) is going to try and recreate the game's success with a brand new version called, simply, FarmVille 2. Director of Design Wright Bagwell showed Joystiq what the future of FarmVille's crops and farm animals looks like, how the game will reach out (but not too far) toward a more hardcore audience, and how Zynga plans to take the world's most popular and oft-hated casual and social game and make it even more casual and social.

Gallery: FarmVille 2 (9/5/2012)

Continue reading FarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cow-clicker (but not too much)

JoystiqFarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cow-clicker (but not too much) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualclickingcow-clickingfacebookfarmvillefarmville-2gamesmobilepcsocialzyngaWed, 05 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiny Troopers coming from mobile to PC and Mac on Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/tiny-troopers-coming-from-mobile-to-pc-and-mac-on-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/tiny-troopers-coming-from-mobile-to-pc-and-mac-on-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/tiny-troopers-coming-from-mobile-to-pc-and-mac-on-friday/#comments Tiny Troopers Coming REALLY Soon to PC and MacTiny Troopers came out on mobile platforms (including iOS) a little while back, but the pint-sized real-time strategy RPG is now headed to the PC and Mac this Friday, August 24, courtesy of developers Kukouri and Iceberg Interactive. The game has you guiding small soldiers of various classes through a series of 30 missions, with objectives like destroying enemy structures or saving hostages.

As you can see from the screenshots below, the PC version of the game looks practically identical to the mobile version, though of course you'll be controlling the proceedings with a mouse and keyboard rather than a touchscreen. Tiny Troopers will be available for purchase on Steam or any other fine digital stores near you.

Gallery: Tiny Troopers (PC)

JoystiqTiny Troopers coming from mobile to PC and Mac on Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesiceberg-interactivekokourimacpcreleasesteamtiny-troopersThu, 23 Aug 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dream Build Play finalists for Xbox 360 and Windows Phone announced, winners soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/dream-build-play-finalists-for-xbox-360-and-windows-phone-announ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/dream-build-play-finalists-for-xbox-360-and-windows-phone-announ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/dream-build-play-finalists-for-xbox-360-and-windows-phone-announ/#comments The 40 2012 Dream Build Play finalistsMicrosoft has announced the 40 finalists in its latest Dream Build Play competition, featuring standout titles developed with the Windows Phone Software Development Kit for the Xbox 360 or Windows Phone operating system.

The games entered were judged on qualities like innovation, the production quality, and the fun factor, and all of the entries were narrowed down to these 40, with 20 on each system. The final prize-winning games will be announced in a few weeks from now in early September.

The finalists come from developers all over the world, and include games like the zombie fighter RPG Dead Pixels, "fantasy flight game" Windhaven, and the electricity-powered puzzler, Super Volt. The final prizes in the competition include cash prizes and possible publishing agreements, but odds are that we'll see more than one of these titles make it out to public release after the competition, with or without Microsoft's involvement.

JoystiqDream Build Play finalists for Xbox 360 and Windows Phone announced, winners soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardscompetitiondesignfinalistsgamesmicrosoftmobileprizeswindows-phone-sdkwinnersxboxxbox-360Tue, 21 Aug 2012 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rebellion sues Stardock for its use of the word 'Rebellion']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/rebellion-sues-stardock-for-its-use-of-the-word-rebellion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/rebellion-sues-stardock-for-its-use-of-the-word-rebellion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/rebellion-sues-stardock-for-its-use-of-the-word-rebellion/#comments Rebellion sues Stardock for use of the word 'Rebellion'It's a strange day for Stardock when we say this is the second-weirdest lawsuit involving the company that we've seen today, but it's true. UK developer Rebellion (makers of the 2010 Aliens vs. Predator game) has decided to sue developer Stardock (publisher of Sins of a Solar Empire) because of the name of the latest Sins of the Solar Empire expansion, Rebellion. The court documents say that Rebellion (the studio) has a trademark on that word, and accuse Rebellion (the game), of causing customers "to mistakenly believe that the developer of the game Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion is in fact plaintiff Rebellion."

The developer of the expansion is actually Ironclad Games. But the lawsuit claims that from the logo and game name to a YouTube description for the game (mentioning "the developers over at 'Rebellion'"), Stardock knowingly profited off of the "Rebellion" trademark.

The litigation asks for Stardock to be enjoined from selling the game any further, to turn over any infringing materials, and for both damages in the case as well as the court and attorney's fees. Presumably, the complaint will next go in front of a Michigan judge, who will then decide on whether or not the issue can move forward.

JoystiqRebellion sues Stardock for its use of the word 'Rebellion' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesinfringementlawsuitpcrebellionsins-of-a-solar-empiresins-of-a-solar-empire-rebellionstardocktrademarkThu, 16 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Black Ops 2, God of War: Ascension, Dead Space 3 and more at GameStop Expo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/play-black-ops-2-god-of-war-ascension-dead-space-3-and-more-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/play-black-ops-2-god-of-war-ascension-dead-space-3-and-more-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/play-black-ops-2-god-of-war-ascension-dead-space-3-and-more-a/#comments Play BlOps 2, God of War Ascension, Dead Space 3 and more at the GameStop ExpoGameStop has posted some more details about its upcoming GameStop "EXPO." Usually, this event is reserved just for store managers and associates, but this year the US games retailer is opening it up to the public (the public, in this case, meaning PowerUp Rewards members willing to pay $35, or a $100 VIP fee).

The Expo runs from 11am-4pm on August 29 in San Antonio, Texas, and during that time attendees will be able to play games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, God of War: Ascension, and Dead Space 3, among others. Devs will also be on hand for a number of games, Nintendo will show off the Wii U, and there will be giveaways, autograph signings, and lots more.

Sounds like a fun afternoon in San Antonio. Though if it's anything like our local GameStop, look out for the mom trying to get her kid to leave without a game, the salesperson selling magazine subscriptions, and that guy in the corner who really, really wants to talk about how great Jak 2 was.

JoystiqPlay Black Ops 2, God of War: Ascension, Dead Space 3 and more at GameStop Expo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-black-ops-2eventexpogamesgamestopgamestop-expogamestop-expo-2012hands-onmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3publicsan-antoniowiixboxThu, 26 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kevin Pereira will host game show based on Quantum Conundrum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/kevin-pereira-will-host-game-show-based-on-quantum-conundrum/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/kevin-pereira-will-host-game-show-based-on-quantum-conundrum/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/kevin-pereira-will-host-game-show-based-on-quantum-conundrum/#comments Kevin Pereira hosting Quantum Conundrum show
Square Enix and Los Angeles art/gaming collective iam8bit are teaming up to create a new web-based game show in association with the dimension-bending Quantum Conundrum, out next month. The show will be hosted by Kevin Pereira (formerly of G4's Attack of the Show), and will feature contestants battling it out in "real-life fluffy, heavy, anti-gravity and slow motion dimensions" somehow.

The show, which is called "The Super Dimensional Quantum Learning's Problems and Solutions Gametime Spectacular!!" (no, really; here's the trailer) will also feature Ike, a character from the game who will appear in live-action puppet form. It certainly looks and sounds wacky, depending on your various definitions of the word "wacky."

The show will be available to watch soon. In the meantime, if you need something Quantum Conundrum related to watch, try our livestream! We'll be playing the game live on the Interwebs at 9:30pm EDT.

JoystiqKevin Pereira will host game show based on Quantum Conundrum originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-showgameskevin-pereiramicrosoftpcplaystationps3quantum-conundrumsquare-enixxboxWed, 27 Jun 2012 23:30:00 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[Because We May sale starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/#comments Image
"Because We May" is a brand new video game sale put together by a whole gang of indie game developers, who say they want to promote both their games and the online stores that let them control pricing. To that end, they've placed almost every great indie game from the last few years (no kidding) on sale, on the various app and game stores that you see above. Whether you're looking for games direct from their developers, on iOS or Android, or on the Mac App Store or Steam, there are tons of great sales for you to take advantage of, and probably more coming.

Let's spend $15, for example: Buy Bit Trip Runner from the developers for $3.99, pick up Waking Mars on the iPad for $1.99, grab Psychonauts on the Mac for five bucks, and pick up both Penny Arcade titles for $3.99. That's five great games for less than the price of a movie ticket.

JoystiqBecause We May sale starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcheapdealsgamesindieiosipadmacmobilepcsalesThu, 24 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com offering EA games half off: Syndicate, Nox, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/gog-com-offering-ea-games-half-off-syndicate-nox-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/gog-com-offering-ea-games-half-off-syndicate-nox-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/gog-com-offering-ea-games-half-off-syndicate-nox-more/#comments ImageGOG.com is having a big sale this weekend until Monday on "EA Guns and Spells." Everything's half off down to $2.99, including the first Syndicate, Magic Carpet, hack-and-slasher Nox, Lands of Lore 1 and 2, and two Crusader games, No Regret and No Remorse.

JoystiqGOG.com offering EA games half off: Syndicate, Nox, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eagamesgog.commagic-carpetnoxpcsalessyndicateSat, 28 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA allowing banned Origin players access to offline content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/#comments ImageEA has quietly made things a little easier for those banned from its digital Origin service, allowing even those scorned by the company to access single player content in purchased and downloaded games. Previously, gamers who behaved badly on official EA forums or otherwise caused their accounts to be revoked were locked out completely, but now EA is saying that by switching the Origin client over to offline mode, players can at least play bought games by themselves.

To get back online, players will need to appeal the ban, for which instructions can be found here. EA does say that most bans are only temporary, but just in case you want to speed up the process we'll say this: Offering crop sacrifices to an idol of John Riccitiello certainly can't hurt.

JoystiqEA allowing banned Origin players access to offline content originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessbanbannedcontenteagamesoriginpcplayerssingle-playerupdateMon, 16 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian government finally introduces R18+ bill, to go into effect next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/australian-government-finally-introduces-r18-bill-to-go-into-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/australian-government-finally-introduces-r18-bill-to-go-into-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/australian-government-finally-introduces-r18-bill-to-go-into-e/#comments Australia's game rating woes are almost over. After years of debate and legal discussion about an R18+ rating for video games there (that would allow for the equivalent of the ESRB's M-rated games to be released without, you know, being illegal), the government has finally agreed to the new rating, aiming to enact it as early as next year. A bill setting up the extra rating was introduced to the Federal Parliament this week, and is expected to pass easily through the House and Senate.

The bill would go into effect sooner, but the Federal Minister for Home Affairs says the government needs time to finish all of the paperwork on the new regulation, and to allow each state and territory to draft its own laws enforcing the rating. The bill wouldn't mandate a nationwide rating, but simply allow each territory to create its own.

But that shouldn't be an issue, according to those in the know. Apparently, there's plenty of public support already. There were almost 60,000 submissions from the public responding to a discussion paper from 2010, and 98% of those were strongly in support of games rated R18+. As soon as the laws go into effect, retailers will be free to sell games as needed to anyone old enough to buy them.

JoystiqAustralian government finally introduces R18+ bill, to go into effect next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiachildrenfederal-parliamentgameslegislationmaturer18ratingrulingThu, 16 Feb 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo launches Rhythm Heaven Fever with a party at iam8bit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/nintendo-launches-rhythm-heaven-fever-with-a-party-at-iam8bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/nintendo-launches-rhythm-heaven-fever-with-a-party-at-iam8bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/nintendo-launches-rhythm-heaven-fever-with-a-party-at-iam8bit/#comments
Los Angeles' iam8bit gallery played host to Nintendo last night, as the two companies launched Rhythm Heaven Fever with a full scale party. There were plenty of demos of the game on display, live painting by artists Yoskay Yamamoto and Mari Inukai, a live DJ spinning tunes, and a few photo booths where players could dress up and pose, or even dance for a video running on Nintendo's own site.

The event was a lot of fun, and you can pretend you were able to be there by browsing through the gallery below. iam8bit always does a great job with these events, and co-founder Jon Gibson promised us there's lots more on the way: He's currently working hard on the leetUP event that iam8bit is co-hosting at the beginning of next month, and says VIP tickets for that one have sold out already. We'll be in attendance, so stay tuned for more.

Gallery: Rhythm Heaven Fever Launch Event at Iam8bit

JoystiqNintendo launches Rhythm Heaven Fever with a party at iam8bit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeventgamesiam8bitjon-gibsonleetuplos-angelesnintendopartyrhythm-heaven-feverwiiSat, 11 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Royale Valentine's Bundle available now, with Lume, Hoard, Zeno Clash and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/indie-royale-valentines-bundle-available-now-with-lume-hoard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/indie-royale-valentines-bundle-available-now-with-lume-hoard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/indie-royale-valentines-bundle-available-now-with-lume-hoard/#comments The Indie Royale website is back at it with a brand new bundle of games for sale, this time scheduled for Valentine's Day. On this one, paying either the minimum price (currently just above $4) or above will net you five different indie titles: The impressive FPS (and IndieCade finalist) Zeno Clash, the excellent and underrated Hoard, the gorgeous adventure title Lume, and top-down puzzle crawler Soulcaster and its sequel. Plus, buyers also get both Hoard DLC packs, and anyone who pays higher than the minimum will pick up the "Music to Play Games by Too" compilation album.

Remember, the way the bundle works is that the price goes up as more people buy the bundle, but it drops when people spend more than the minimum (so giving more actually makes it cheaper for everyone, and supports the game's developers as well). Purchased titles are available on both Steam and Desura, and the bundle is on sale through Valentine's Day.

JoystiqIndie Royale Valentine's Bundle available now, with Lume, Hoard, Zeno Clash and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlegamesgiftsindie-royalepcvalentines-dayFri, 10 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sears Black Friday deals: Wii $135, Xbox and Kinect $210, PS3 bundle $200]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/sears-black-friday-deals-wii-135-xbox-and-kinect-210-ps3-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/sears-black-friday-deals-wii-135-xbox-and-kinect-210-ps3-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/sears-black-friday-deals-wii-135-xbox-and-kinect-210-ps3-bu/#comments Sears has a number of video game deals going down for Black Friday and Cyber Monday next week, headlined by a black Wii system including New Super Mario Bros. and a soundtrack CD for just $134.99. The store will also have an Xbox 360 4GB system with a Kinect included for just $209.99, and the PlayStation 3 will get bundled with Ratchet and Clank: All for One and LittleBigPlanet 2 for $199.99.

In the software section, they've got Gears of War 3, Forza Motorsport 4, Killzone 3, Battlefield 3, and the latest versions of FIFA, Madden, and NCAA Football for $39.99, while both seasons of Kinect Sports, Dance Central and its sequel, Rage and Gran Turismo 5 are all listed at $29.99. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be there for $19.99, and other games may show up for various deals.

Finally, Sears is also offering the Kinect sensor on its own for $99.99, or a PS3 DualShock3 Wireless controller for $34.99. And if all of that deal hunting gets you tired out, you can always relax in front of this Warm Oak Fireplace made out of real oak (only $89.99!).

JoystiqSears Black Friday deals: Wii $135, Xbox and Kinect $210, PS3 bundle $200 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bf-2011black-fridayblack-friday-2011cyber-monday-2011dealsgameskinectmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3salesearswiixboxFri, 18 Nov 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Royale celebrates 25K downloads with two more games, soundtracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/indie-royale-celebrates-25k-downloads-with-two-more-games-sound/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/indie-royale-celebrates-25k-downloads-with-two-more-games-sound/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/indie-royale-celebrates-25k-downloads-with-two-more-games-sound/#comments The Indie Royale bundle started last week has hit over 25,000 sales so far. That means two more games and a music and DLC bundle have been added to the mix of things you get for a very cheap price. In addition to NightSky, Fate of the World, Scoregasm, and the Ben and Dan titles, you can now pick up shooters Irukandji and Bullet Candy Perfect as part of the deal, and the full DLC and soundtrack for Fate of the World is given to buyers as well. That's a whole lot of amazing indie gaming, no question.

And while we were worried the price might go up (it rises over time, and drops as people purchase the bundle for more than the average), it hasn't: You can still get all of this stuff for the price of $3.49. Black Friday hasn't hit us yet, but it's probably a safe bet that this is one of the best deals you'll see in gaming this holiday season. Ball's in your court, bundle buyer.

JoystiqIndie Royale celebrates 25K downloads with two more games, soundtracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundledlcgamesindie-royalpcsoundtracksTue, 15 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google begins gradual rollout of games in Google Plus [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/google-begins-gradual-rollout-of-games-in-google-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/google-begins-gradual-rollout-of-games-in-google-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/google-begins-gradual-rollout-of-games-in-google-plus/#comments After early indications were discovered in Google Plus source code -- and after anyone ever looked at Google Plus and applied common sense -- we knew games would be available on the social network soon.

Today, Google began rolling out a small assortment of games, including the ubiquitous Angry Birds, EA2D's Dragon Age Legends, and sudoku. You know, Facebook stuff. A "Games" button at the top of your stream will take you to the available games, if the rollout has made it to your account. If it hasn't, Google says it will "soon."

Google's game implementation differs from Facebook in that game-related status updates are cordoned off into the "Games" page, so you can only see them when you are looking at game stuff. Unlike Facebook, you won't have to banish all your friends when they develop Zynga problems.

[Thanks, Dylan!]

Update: Venturebeat reports that Google is only taking 5 percent commission on its games, another advantage over Facebook (who takes 30). And on the new Google Plus platform blog, engineering director David Glazer claims Plus is taking a "quality over quantity" approach with its games. Developers and new game features will be added in "small steps."

JoystiqGoogle begins gradual rollout of games in Google Plus [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsdragon-age-legendsgamesgoogle-pluspcsocial-gamesThu, 11 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Voltron: Defender of the Universe coming this October to XBLA and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/voltron-defender-of-the-universe-coming-this-october-to-xbla-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/voltron-defender-of-the-universe-coming-this-october-to-xbla-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/voltron-defender-of-the-universe-coming-this-october-to-xbla-an/#comments THQ has revealed some details about the upcoming Voltron video game, first hinted at in the listing for a Comic-Con panel later on this week. The title will be called Voltron: Defender of the Universe (yes). It will be available on XBLA and the PSN later on this October (yes!) and allow up to five players to team up together as the five lions of the Voltron Force, even combining at one point to wield the Voltron sword as a team (YES!).

Unfortunately, before the 10-year-old in you gets too excited, know that the game is being developed by Behavior Interactive, makers of the less-than-impressive Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime. The first trailer for the title shows some interesting dual stick shooter gameplay, but nothing that really convinces us this is a great game just yet.

Maybe lessons were learned, right? THQ is scheduling Voltron: Defender of the Universe for the week of October 25, and it will cost $10. We'll be at the Comic-Con panel later on this week and let you know what we see there.

Continue reading Voltron: Defender of the Universe coming this October to XBLA and PSN

JoystiqVoltron: Defender of the Universe coming this October to XBLA and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behavior-interactivegameslionsmicrosoftplaystationps3thqvoltronvoltron-defender-of-the-universexboxMon, 18 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Games at Google service revealed in job listing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/games-at-google-service-revealed-in-job-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/games-at-google-service-revealed-in-job-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/games-at-google-service-revealed-in-job-listing/#comments Search engine giant Google is apparently looking to get even further into the gaming market, according to a job listing on its corporate site. The prospective employee would serve as a Product Manager for Games at Google, and "design strategies for game distribution and discovery, player identity, game mechanics, and more" as well as "initiate and prioritize projects within engineering, assist in determining the best technical implementation methods, track product development, and develop product launch plans."

Unfortunately, there's not much to go on so far -- the listing does refer to a "gaming platform" at Google, as well as "developer relations," so in between the lines here there's the idea of some service that would involve other developers in some way. But whether that means games actually developed and released by Google or just a portal to games online, we'll have to wait and see.

JoystiqGames at Google service revealed in job listing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesgames-at-googlegooglegoogle-gamesjob-listingpcproject-managerrumorFri, 24 Jun 2011 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com: 'We are totally not interested in being bought by anybody']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/gog-com-we-are-totally-not-interested-in-being-bought-by-anybo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/gog-com-we-are-totally-not-interested-in-being-bought-by-anybo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/gog-com-we-are-totally-not-interested-in-being-bought-by-anybo/#comments Just minutes after Guillame Rambourg, managing director of GOG.com, made the announcement that the digital game sales platform would carry much of EA's classic back catalogue, Joystiq pulled him aside on the roof of a hotel in downtown Venice, CA to chat about the announcement.

First up, we talked about GOG's other efforts lately, including releasing a dedicated downloader client for Windows, and a private messaging system. Rambourg says both have been going gangbusters. "The downloader is definitely the favorite way of getting games from GOG," he told us. "We've had up to 20 million API calls since we launched the downloader, and the peak was 2 million calls in an hour." The downloader isn't required to use the service, and Rambourg said since it doesn't support Mac or Linux users, it probably won't be for a long time, if ever.

Continue reading GOG.com: 'We are totally not interested in being bought by anybody'

JoystiqGOG.com: 'We are totally not interested in being bought by anybody' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektdigital-distributioneagamesgoggog.comGuillame-RambourgpcsalesFri, 03 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Select 3DS and DS titles are buy one, get one half off on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/select-3ds-and-ds-titles-are-buy-one-get-one-half-off-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/select-3ds-and-ds-titles-are-buy-one-get-one-half-off-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/select-3ds-and-ds-titles-are-buy-one-get-one-half-off-on-amazon/#comments Just in time for the recent price drop of the DS Lite, Amazon is offering up a buy one, get one half off sale on quite a few excellent DS and 3DS titles. Eight pages of DS titles are covered by the offer, including New Super Mario Bros., Okamiden and Professor Layton and the Unwound Future. Among the 3DS games included in the sale, you'll find Pilotwings Resort, Ridge Racer 3DS, Steel Diver, Super Monkey Ball 3D and the Nintendogs + Cats games.

The sale description warns that supplies for the sale are limited, and that Amazon may pull the sale at any time, so we don't know when it will all end. But it's a nice chance to expand your 3DS or DS library nonetheless.

JoystiqSelect 3DS and DS titles are buy one, get one half off on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamazonbuy-one-get-one-half-pricedsgamesnintendosaleTue, 31 May 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft creator provides a walkthrough of his earlier works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/minecraft-creator-provides-a-walkthrough-of-his-earlier-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/minecraft-creator-provides-a-walkthrough-of-his-earlier-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/minecraft-creator-provides-a-walkthrough-of-his-earlier-works/#comments Markus "Notch" Persson is a superstar in the gaming world these days, with his indie game Minecraft breaking sales records even before an official release. But all those blocks weren't built in a day -- Notch had quite a few old Turbo Pascal projects, it turns out, before Minecraft hit it big, and he's got a nice gallery of them online.

You can browse through and see all of his old efforts, from an RPG called Rubylands, to a pretty impressive RTS title (though Notch says the AI was a mess). There are some Minecraft influences in there to find, most notably in a first-person view of a blockworld, and in a random terrain generator "probably inspired by Populous," Notch says. And we'll have to see if any of these earlier titles carry any of their influences on into Scrolls.

JoystiqMinecraft creator provides a walkthrough of his earlier works originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesmacMinecraftmojangnotchpcprogrammingturbo-pascalThu, 17 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon iPhone has devs, analysts excited by increased audience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/verizon-iphone-has-devs-analysts-excited-by-increased-audience/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/verizon-iphone-has-devs-analysts-excited-by-increased-audience/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/verizon-iphone-has-devs-analysts-excited-by-increased-audience/#comments As expected, Verizon announced today that it would become the second US company to carry Apple's iPhone on its service, finally offering an alternative to AT&T, which up until now has had an iron grip on the popular device. Game developers are thrilled at the prospect of a whole new audience for a platform so friendly to mobile games, with some analysts and devs predicting mobile gaming revenue could double as soon as the end of this year.

Of course, devs are aware that there could be some issues, both with bringing scads of new customers onto the platform as well as transferring some customers from AT&T over to Verizon. But on the whole, they're giddy with optimism -- analysts are saying that as many as 13 million new iPhones could be sold on the Verizon service, and each one of those is a potential new customer for iOS developers.

JoystiqVerizon iPhone has devs, analysts excited by increased audience originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystsapplegamesgamingiosiphonemobilemobile-gamingrevenuesverizonTue, 11 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG offers community favorites for half off this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/gog-offers-community-favorites-for-half-off-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/gog-offers-community-favorites-for-half-off-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/gog-offers-community-favorites-for-half-off-this-weekend/#comments Assuming you're still buying games from GOG.com after last week's shutdown stunt, there are some excellent deals to be had this week on the site's "Community Favorites" list. All of the games on the list are half off, which means you can pick up Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition or Myst: Masterpiece Edition for just three bucks, and Psychonauts or Syberia for just five.

Sure, the site may have played a little too hard on your heartstrings with its fake story of shutting down for good just to promote a site revamp, but everybody appreciates cheap, classic PC games, right? And even if not, you can always go grab one of those iPhone games instead -- that's a great sale, too.

JoystiqGOG offers community favorites for half off this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicdigital-distributiondownloadabledrm-freeDuke-NukemDuke-Nukem-3Dgamesgog-comgog.comgood-old-gamespcsaleSat, 02 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST