Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sega also skipping Gamescom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/sega-also-skipping-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/sega-also-skipping-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/sega-also-skipping-gamescom/#comments Sega has decided to opt out of this year's Gamescom trade show, joining the likes of Nintendo and THQ as a proud member of the "Eh, Maybe Next Year" Club. Essentially, having a presence at a show in August (even if it is the largest gaming show in the entire world) just doesn't jive well enough with Sega's 2012 release calendar:

"Unfortunately the release timing of our 2012 AAA titles and new projects don't work with the mid- August scheduling of the show," reads a statement made by Sega to GamesIndustry. "The decision will not mean that Sega will never attend Gamescom in the future, this was simply a commercial decision made for 2012." Maybe the German market for interactive gaming toilets isn't as booming as originally thought?

JoystiqSega also skipping Gamescom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gamescomgamescom-2012SegatoiletsSat, 12 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ won't have Gamescom booth either]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/thq-wont-have-gamescom-booth-either/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/thq-wont-have-gamescom-booth-either/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/thq-wont-have-gamescom-booth-either/#comments ImageTHQ won't have a booth at Gamescom, the world's largest gaming show this August in Germany, but it may have a minimal presence. As GamesIndustry reports, the situation could be similar to THQ's presence at E3. The publisher plans to have meetings in the expo's conference rooms, but no presence on the show floor. A THQ representative tells GamesIndustry International that "the team is still discussing options" for Gamescom.

THQ's Darksiders 2 was recently delayed until August. Gamescom is easily the largest video game consumer and trade show in the world, welcoming 275,000 visitors in 2011. THQ is currently going through some serious financial difficulties.

[wavebreaklimited via Shutterstock]

JoystiqTHQ won't have Gamescom booth either originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GamescomTHQSat, 12 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo not attending Gamescom 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/nintendo-not-attending-gamescom-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/nintendo-not-attending-gamescom-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/nintendo-not-attending-gamescom-2012/#comments
Nintendo Germany will not be attending the Gamescom convention in Cologne this summer, reports VG247. Instead of attending the massive event, Nintendo will be hosting "a number of sampling events throughout Germany" allowing fans to try out the Wii, 3DS and, of course, the upcoming Wii U.

Nintendo's absence is notable for a couple of reasons. First, the company always attends the convention. Second, skipping the largest games convention on the planet seems like a strange choice, especially given that Nintendo is releasing a brand new console later this year. Gamescom 2011 drew in 275,000 attendees from around the globe. That's a lot of hearts and minds that could be swayed with a little hands-on Wii U time. To put that in perspective, see the video above? That was Gamescom 2011. Now imagine all those people not playing a Wii U.

Nintendo's statement regarding the matter - which sheds no light on the company's reasoning - can be found after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo not attending Gamescom 2012

JoystiqNintendo not attending Gamescom 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsgamescomgamescom-2012nintendowiiwii-uThu, 12 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamescom selling Saturday tickets in advance to avoid shutdown repeat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/gamescom-selling-saturday-tickets-in-advance-to-avoid-shutdown-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/gamescom-selling-saturday-tickets-in-advance-to-avoid-shutdown-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/gamescom-selling-saturday-tickets-in-advance-to-avoid-shutdown-r/#comments
Gamescom, the largest gaming convention on the planet, which welcomed 275,000 attendees in 2011 to Cologne, Germany, will pre-sell tickets to avoid last year's shutdown drama. The Koelnmesse will only sell tickets for Saturday online this year, with no tickets available at the door for that day.

This is how it'll work: interested attendees need to register on the Gamescom website by March 17. In April, registered subscribers will receive an email with a code to purchase tickets early. The code will grant access to the Saturday tickets and tickets for any other public days ahead of the general public.

"The exclusive advance sales option will assist in better predicting visitor numbers and with other measures will help us optimize the admission situation especially on Saturday," said Gamescom project manager Tim Endres.

Last year's show got dangerously uncomfortable, as event organizers closed off entrances to the facility "temporarily" when the Koelnmesse hit its capacity of 62,000 people. Lines outside the complex were even worse, as ticket holders couldn't enter and crowds began amassing outside. These advance ticket sales are clearly a response to last year and will hopefully keep everyone safe.

Continue reading Gamescom selling Saturday tickets in advance to avoid shutdown repeat

JoystiqGamescom selling Saturday tickets in advance to avoid shutdown repeat originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GamescomGamescom-2012Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance: Burning Skies preview: One axe, two sticks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/resistance-burning-skies-preview-one-axe-two-sticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/resistance-burning-skies-preview-one-axe-two-sticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/resistance-burning-skies-preview-one-axe-two-sticks/#comments Resistance: Burning Skies protagonist Tom Riley is having a rough day. He awakes at Ellis Island to find himself alone in a stretcher, an IV still embedded in his forearm, while a massive alien attack wages on all around him. Other than his handy fire axe and helmet, Riley's ill-equipped to take on enemies, nonetheless a swarm of Chimera who are hellbent on recovering their stolen technology from the human resistance.

But this is a game, after all, so I pilot Tom towards the nearest exit -- a planked up doorway which looks ripe for the axing. Success! I couldn't help but notice in my exploration of Resistance: Burning Skies' opening room that the game looks much improved over the series' previous portable spinoff on PSP. Textures are more detailed, colors are more varied, and environmental effects actually exist. While the game is certainly early (Chimeran faces resemble little more than goofy flat paper masks at the moment), it showed a lot of promise. And maybe more importantly, it demonstrated to me that the PlayStation Vita's twin analog sticks are more than sufficient at delivering shooters on the portable.

Gallery: Resistance: Burning Skies (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Resistance: Burning Skies preview: One axe, two sticks

JoystiqResistance: Burning Skies preview: One axe, two sticks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2011insomniacinsomniac-gamesnihilisticnihilistic-softwareplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitaresistance-burning-skiessonyvitaMon, 22 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A fistful of new Shinobi 3DS screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/a-fistful-of-new-shinobi-3ds-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/a-fistful-of-new-shinobi-3ds-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/a-fistful-of-new-shinobi-3ds-screens/#comments Griptonite's wall crawling, kunai hurling, shuriken throwing ninja action homage Shinobi looked pretty dang good back at E3, and these new screenshots, hot from the Gamescom oven, are making us hungry for more.

Continue reading A fistful of new Shinobi 3DS screens

JoystiqA fistful of new Shinobi 3DS screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgamescomgamescom-2011GriptoniteGriptonite-GamesnintendoSegashinobishinobi-3dsSun, 21 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dust 514 preview: Contractual murder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/dust-514-preview-contractual-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/dust-514-preview-contractual-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/dust-514-preview-contractual-murder/#comments Here's that Gamescom preview where I tell you how shocked I was about a game I didn't expect to be all about. You've been warned. Still with me? Great. Dust 514, a first-person shooter MMO cross-platform experience from CCP Games, is without a doubt the biggest surprise for me of Gamescom. At the end of a long week of previewing dozens of games, I didn't expect to be blown away by the little hyped game from the Icelandic devs at CCP, but here we are.

As promised, Dust 514 ties the bizarre, often unbelievable world of EVE Online and its reality reflecting politics into an instanced first-person shooter MMO, seamlessly combining both games into a universe ("New Eden") that's been thriving for years now on PC. But CCP did more than offer lofty promises in a preview session I attended earlier today in a private hotel suite near Gamescom -- a team of devs from various CCP offices demonstrated the madness in real-time.

Make no mistake, Dust 514 is no Huxley. It's a very real MMOFPS with very deep economics and political systems tied to EVE Online, and it's already incredibly impressive, even though it's not set to launch until next summer.

Gallery: Dust 514

Continue reading Dust 514 preview: Contractual murder

JoystiqDust 514 preview: Contractual murder originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdust-514eve-onlinegamescomgamescom-2011playstationps3Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning preview: Reckon the combat is solid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-preview-reckon-the-combat-is-soli/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-preview-reckon-the-combat-is-soli/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-preview-reckon-the-combat-is-soli/#comments It's hard not to be skeptical about Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. An RPG, by known strategy developer Big Huge Games, that was rejiggered to fit into Curt Schilling's 38 Studios long-in-development MMO's universe after the developer's acquisition. In our March preview of the game at GDC we said that the developer "might just pull this off." Now, after playing Reckoning at Gamescom, I have to say that Big Huge Games could exceed expectations when the game launches February 7.

During my demo with Reckoning I played as a mage and warrior, the two had distinct animations, but at their core were similar when it came to the rules of combat. Both characters I tried were level 20, so I was dropped right into a high-level character without much training. It wasn't really a problem as the combat system is quite intuitive. If you've played Batman: Arkham Asylum, Bayonetta or Fable, you'll easily pick up the fantastical warfare.

Gallery: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (7/28/11)

Continue reading Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning preview: Reckon the combat is solid

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning preview: Reckon the combat is solid originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesEAElectronic-Artsgamescomgamescom-2011kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 20 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's how Dust 514's microtransactions work on your PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/heres-how-dust-514s-microtransactions-work-on-your-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/heres-how-dust-514s-microtransactions-work-on-your-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/heres-how-dust-514s-microtransactions-work-on-your-ps3/#comments When Dust 514 was revealed back in 2009, its Icelandic devs at CCP also explained that it'll be microtransaction-based when it launches sometime next summer. Given that the game is now heading exclusively to Sony's PlayStation 3, I couldn't help but wonder exactly how PlayStation Network would handle microtransaction purchases in the game, not to mention what kind of price point Dust 514 would launch at given its business model.

"You effectively pay what we call a 'cover charge,' we're looking at likely around $20 for the initial download. That download gets you the game client plus a bundle of virtual currency which has the equivalent in-game value of $20. So you're basically getting that bundle of cash that you're using to start the game, and from there if you choose to play for free and just grind, you're welcome to do that. But of course we know a lot of people will convert," a CCP rep explained to me this afternoon. As of now, the plan is to release Dust 514 exclusively via the PlayStation Network.

Additionally, the player-driven marketplace so popular in CCP's other big MMO, EVE Online, will also be made available to Dust 514 folks, giving gamers a chance to build up their virtual empires without the use of their hard-earned spondulicks. "Bought currency items and non-currency items can be freely exchanged between the players," creative director Atli Mar Sveinsson added. To CCP, the free flow of the two marketplaces will keep the user base from splitting into two separate factions. "It avoids the buy/win problem that some microtransaction-based games have."

Like EVE Online, CCP expects some players to never even touch the actual first-person shooter gameplay of Dust 514, and simply spend all their time acting as virtual businesspeople. "I wouldn't be surprised if we get quite a few EVE players that join Dust but actually don't play Dust at all, they're just on the market speculating ... and they never go into a match," the rep added with a laugh. Here we go again!

Gallery: Dust 514

JoystiqHere's how Dust 514's microtransactions work on your PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdust-514eve-onlinegamescomgamescom-2011Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 co-op preview: Army of one]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/battlefield-3-co-op-preview-army-of-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/battlefield-3-co-op-preview-army-of-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/battlefield-3-co-op-preview-army-of-one/#comments If EA weren't already inviting so many comparisons between the two, maybe I'd feel guilty about juxtaposing the co-op section of Battlefield 3 that I played with the co-op ("Spec Ops") section of Modern Warfare 3 I played this week at Gamescom. Like MW3, my colleague Alexander and I were given hands-on time with a specific co-op mission in BF3 -- the same one played on-stage during EA's press conference.

Unlike Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games' demo, however, Battlefield 3's co-op section didn't feature any interesting kink in the experience. Moreover, Battlefield 3's co-op section wasn't co-op at all, other than the fact that I was playing it with a buddy. It could've been ripped from any section of the campaign and I'd have been none the wiser. While the Spec Ops mission we played in MW3 was built around the concept of cooperative play, with one player acting as eye in the sky and the other as bomb defuser, the mission in Battlefield 3, well, it wasn't. It was just a campaign mission with two people.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Battlefield 3 co-op preview: Army of one

JoystiqBattlefield 3 co-op preview: Army of one originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3co-opdiceeaea-diceelectronic-artsgamescomgamescom-2011microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 20 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster preview: A children's game for adults]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/sesame-street-once-upon-a-monster-preview-a-childrens-game-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/sesame-street-once-upon-a-monster-preview-a-childrens-game-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/sesame-street-once-upon-a-monster-preview-a-childrens-game-fo/#comments I'll let you in on a little secret about me and Double Fine's next game, Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster -- I played it back at E3, but unfortunately let my preview writeup fall to the wayside as the days after the big show continued. What's more shameful is that it was essentially the best game I played at E3, so I was more than happy to check out a new area at Gamescom and get a second opportunity to speak about it. A chance for redemption, if you will.

Luckily, nothing has changed, and Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster remains a magical experience two months later.

Gallery: Sesame Street: Once upon a Monster (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster preview: A children's game for adults

JoystiqSesame Street: Once Upon a Monster preview: A children's game for adults originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedouble-fine-productionsgamescomgamescom-2011microsoftsesame-street-once-upon-a-monsterwarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwarner-brothers-interactivewbwbiexboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Asura's Wrath preview: Drunken boxing on the moon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/asuras-wrath-preview-drunken-boxing-on-the-moon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/asuras-wrath-preview-drunken-boxing-on-the-moon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/asuras-wrath-preview-drunken-boxing-on-the-moon/#comments We saw Capcom's bizarre CyberConnect2-developed action game Asura's Wrath back at E3, and JC wrote up an excellent preview at the time. Walking into the Gamescom presentation of a previously unseen part of the game, I was reticent to write up yet another preview just a scant few months later, but that feeling quickly vacated my brain and was replaced with pure, unadulterated madness -- madness that I'd be remiss not to share.

If you're not already sold on Asura's Wrath, here's why you should be: you fight a dude on the moon. Oh, is that not exciting enough? Would it be better if you knew the dude you fight is a god? Oh, and he's also obsessed with battle, constantly going on about how he "lives for it" and ... pffft, whatever, Asura's not listening. He's too busy being furious and punching that dude in the face with one of his six arms.

You'll excuse my lack of tact, but I came out of the presentation grinning like a child, ready to evangelize the uniquely bizarre experience that is Asura's Wrath.

Gallery: Asura's Wrath (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Asura's Wrath preview: Drunken boxing on the moon

JoystiqAsura's Wrath preview: Drunken boxing on the moon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asuras-wrathcapcomcyberconnect2gamescomgamescom-2011microsoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The evolution of the 'Asura Pose']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-evolution-of-the-asura-pose/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-evolution-of-the-asura-pose/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/the-evolution-of-the-asura-pose/#comments Back at E3, Joystiq Features Editor JC Fletcher took the best picture ever, as seen above. Little did we know that Capcom's Kazuhiro Tsuchiya and CyberConnect2's Hiroshi Matsuyama would be so keen to show off their latest version of "The Asura Pose" this week at Gamescom after demoing Asura's Wrath. Osuuuu!

Continue reading The evolution of the 'Asura Pose'

JoystiqThe evolution of the 'Asura Pose' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asuras-wrathcapcomcyber2connectgamescomgamescom-2011Hiroshi-Matsuyamakazuhiro tsuchiyaKazuhiroTsuchiyamicrosoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Escape Plan preview: More than a touch of disappointment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/escape-plan-preview-more-than-a-touch-of-disappointment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/escape-plan-preview-more-than-a-touch-of-disappointment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/escape-plan-preview-more-than-a-touch-of-disappointment/#comments [Ed. note: Fun Bits address some of our issues with controls, as you can see in this interview.]

Can I tell you how excited I was to check out Escape Plan? 'Cause I was, like, really excited. It had potential game of the show written all over it, with its black-and-white aesthetic, quirky main characters, and bold showcasing of the PlayStation Vita's many control inputs. And after sitting through a presentation at Gamescom, I was promised hands-on the next day. Ooh, goody!

My excitement, however, was immediately rattled after putting just one finger on the game. I was trying to wake up Lil, the thinner of the game's main two characters and introductory plaything, but pushing on the screen to wake her initially didn't do much. After mashing my finger repeatedly against the Vita's touchscreen, Lil finally woke up. Unfortunately, this was just the beginning of my problems.

Gallery: Escape Plan (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Escape Plan preview: More than a touch of disappointment

JoystiqEscape Plan preview: More than a touch of disappointment originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escape-planfun-bitsfun-bits-interactivegamescomgamescom-2011ngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitasonyvitaThu, 18 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 Spec Ops preview: Walk slowly and carry a big gun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/modern-warfare-3-spec-ops-preview-walk-slowly-and-carry-a-big-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/modern-warfare-3-spec-ops-preview-walk-slowly-and-carry-a-big-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/modern-warfare-3-spec-ops-preview-walk-slowly-and-carry-a-big-g/#comments At first, I felt odd when I walked away from a hands-on co-op session of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 earlier today at Gamescom. My colleague Alexander and I had just spent the past 20 minutes carefully defusing IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices, for those of you who don't watch US broadcast news) and murdering potential assailants in a Berlin Spec Ops map, part of a mission named "Invisible Threat." Between laughs, furious button presses, and the occasional expletive, I realized we were having a lot of fun -- far more fun than two grizzled Battlefield vets expected to have with a Call of Duty title, anyway.

And soon after our play session, I understood why. That feeling I couldn't place was nostalgia, subtly reminding me that, yes, at one point I used to really enjoy Infinity Ward-developed shooters. As I carefully sniped oncoming baddies, Alex -- dressed in a "Juggernaut" bomb suit, a first for the series -- slowly lumbered around, dodging bullets/missiles/helicopters/tanks (seriously) while I assisted from above. Moreover, his ability to locate the remaining IEDs was based on me tossing up a UAV and spotting them from above, all the while dodging bullets/rockets myself. Of course, that meant I got to regularly drop missiles from said UAV onto the aforementioned waves of antagonists. Points!

Somewhere in there, it all clicked. I was back in college, shouting at my roommate to cover my back before we got clipped, frantically popping enemy after enemy, hoping to hold off the never-ending wave for just another few moments so we could complete the mission.

Continue reading Modern Warfare 3 Spec Ops preview: Walk slowly and carry a big gun

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 Spec Ops preview: Walk slowly and carry a big gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3gamescomgamescom-2011infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3sledgehammer-gamesspec-opsspecial-opsxboxThu, 18 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard 'very, very serious' about console Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/blizzard-very-very-serious-about-console-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/blizzard-very-very-serious-about-console-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/blizzard-very-very-serious-about-console-diablo-3/#comments Blizzard is still playing coy about Diablo 3 on consoles, talking about the possibility without actually formally announcing anything. During a Gamescom press conference, lead designer Josh Mosqueira said Blizzard is "very, very serious about bringing the Diablo 3 experience to the console." According to Eurogamer, he followed up by affirming that the company is "trying to build the best console team at Blizzard" with the express intent of working on Diablo.

Last year, Blizzard said it was "exploring a Diablo-related concept." Earlier this year, CEO Mike Morhaime said the company was "doing an investigation" into the idea of Diablo on consoles. Then in June, it posted a job listing for a "PlayStation 3 Specialist" -- OK, that one's not particularly coy.

JoystiqBlizzard 'very, very serious' about console Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3gamescomjosh-mosqueiramicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 18 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live now topping 35 million users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/xbox-live-now-topping-35-million-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/xbox-live-now-topping-35-million-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/xbox-live-now-topping-35-million-users/#comments Since last January, Xbox Live has grown by another five million users. That's what Xbox Live marketing manager for EMEA Robin Burrowes told me in a meeting this morning where he showed off the new Windows Phone 7 UI-inspired dashboard for the Xbox 360. "Our audience growth is up to 35 million people globally across those 35 countries on Xbox Live itself," he said, explaining that the growth was spurred by the addition of nine new countries at the tail end of 2010.

Though he couldn't speak to the divide in terms of paid Xbox Live members versus unpaid (last we heard, there were over 12 million Gold subscribers), he did note that Microsoft is earning "more revenue from the transaction space than the subscription space." That means Microsoft's banking more from digital content purchases (XBLA games, Zune Marketplace, etc.) than from folks paying for the service. Of course, only some of those 35 million users will be receiving the new features of the upcoming fall dash refresh when it launches later this year.

JoystiqXbox Live now topping 35 million users originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2011microsoftmicrosoft-europerobin-burrowesxboxThu, 18 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil May Cry preview: From black to white]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/devil-may-cry-preview-from-black-to-white/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/devil-may-cry-preview-from-black-to-white/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/devil-may-cry-preview-from-black-to-white/#comments
With any luck, you'll forgive me for not having spent dozens of hours learning the fine mechanics of past Devil May Cry games. Action games of the extra hardcore variety never quite appealed to me (outside of Ninja Gaiden, perhaps). But games like Bayonetta have gone a long way in convincing me I've been wrong all along, and Ninja Theory's take on Devil May Cry may just push me over the edge.

Though Capcom's focus for the demo was DMC's combat system, I found myself most impressed by the malignant world of limbo that surrounded Dante.

Gallery: DmC: Devil May Cry (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Devil May Cry preview: From black to white

JoystiqDevil May Cry preview: From black to white originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdmc-devil-may-crygamescomgamescom-2011microsoftmotohide-eshironinja-theoryplaystationps3xboxWed, 17 Aug 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Destiny trailer encourages choice in your mutanthood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/x-men-destiny-trailer-encourages-choice-in-your-mutanthood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/x-men-destiny-trailer-encourages-choice-in-your-mutanthood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/x-men-destiny-trailer-encourages-choice-in-your-mutanthood/#comments
While some folks in the X-Men universe didn't have much of a choice in their particular mutation, the characters of X-Men Destiny seem more than happy to forfeit their boring old humanity for a taste of the wild side. That very choice becomes yours when X-Men Destiny launches next month.

Continue reading X-Men Destiny trailer encourages choice in your mutanthood

JoystiqX-Men Destiny trailer encourages choice in your mutanthood originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongameplaygamescomgamescom-2011microsoftplaystationps3silicon-knightstrailerX-Men-DestinyxboxWed, 17 Aug 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill HD Collection also heading to Xbox 360, Konami 'aiming' for simultaneous launch on both consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/silent-hill-hd-collection-also-heading-to-xbox-360-konami-aimi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/silent-hill-hd-collection-also-heading-to-xbox-360-konami-aimi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/silent-hill-hd-collection-also-heading-to-xbox-360-konami-aimi/#comments ' Silent Hill: Downpour producer Tomm Hulett announced -- in video form -- during Konami's Gamescom press conference that the upcoming Silent Hill HD Collection would also be coming to Xbox 360. It was initially announced for PlayStation 3 only. According to Hulett, the HD Collection's Xbox 360 version is coming as a result of fan response to the originally announced exclusivity.

Without giving a solid release date (the game is currently pegged for "September/October") Hulett noted that Konami is "aiming" to release Silent Hill HD Collection on both consoles simultaneously.

JoystiqSilent Hill HD Collection also heading to Xbox 360, Konami 'aiming' for simultaneous launch on both consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 05:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2011konamimicrosoftplaystationps3silent-hillsilent-hill-hd-collectiontomm-hulettxboxWed, 17 Aug 2011 05:39:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Gamescom 2011 keynote, live from Germany]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/eas-gamescom-2011-keynote-live-from-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/eas-gamescom-2011-keynote-live-from-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/eas-gamescom-2011-keynote-live-from-germany/#comments We're here in line waiting for the soon-to-start EA press conference, kicking off Gamescom 2011. What will we see inside? Well, we already see some Storm Troopers, so chances are ... the conference is being run by the Imperial Forces? Oh no!

[And we're off! Join us after the break!]

Continue reading EA's Gamescom 2011 keynote, live from Germany

JoystiqEA's Gamescom 2011 keynote, live from Germany originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2011microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 16 Aug 2011 10:42:00 EST<![CDATA[SoulCalibur 5 trailer born under the sword]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/soulcalibur-5-trailer-born-under-the-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/soulcalibur-5-trailer-born-under-the-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/soulcalibur-5-trailer-born-under-the-sword/#comments Were you born under a sword? Or on a sword? Maybe near a sword? Close enough for SoulCalibur 5.

JoystiqSoulCalibur 5 trailer born under the sword originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplaygamescomgamescom-2011microsoftnamconamco-bandaiplaystationproject-soulps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vxboxMon, 15 Aug 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 Gamescom trailer ponders the nature of heroism [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/dota-2-gamescom-trailer-ponders-the-nature-of-heroism/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/dota-2-gamescom-trailer-ponders-the-nature-of-heroism/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/dota-2-gamescom-trailer-ponders-the-nature-of-heroism/#comments
The International is right around the corner, and in order to get you hyped up for the global public debut of Dota 2, Valve has a question for you: "What does a hero truly need?"

If you listen to the gorgeously animated wizard/wiseman in the trailer above, a hero's needs depend on their circumstances. Archers may need speed, warriors may need strength, and floaty lightning people obviously need floaty lightning. If you listen to the millions of people anxiously awaiting the start of Gamescom, however, the answer is "immediate, total and unending access to this game."

Update: Proving once again that it's impossible to keep something this big under wraps, the deep, dark bowels of the internet have regurgitated these purported in-game screenshots. It's important to note that the veracity of these screens is still uncertain, and that we won't truly know how the game looks until later this week. For now though, let your feverish, detail-starved eyes feast.

Gallery: DOTA 2 (Pre-Gamescom Leak)

JoystiqDota 2 Gamescom trailer ponders the nature of heroism [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dotadota-2Gamescomgamescom-2011macpcValvevalve-softwareMon, 15 Aug 2011 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft bringing Assassins, Rabbids, and Future Soldiers to Gamescom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/ubisoft-bringing-assassins-rabbids-and-future-soldiers-to-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/ubisoft-bringing-assassins-rabbids-and-future-soldiers-to-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/ubisoft-bringing-assassins-rabbids-and-future-soldiers-to-game/#comments Sure, said assassins, rabbids, and future soldiers will arrive in video game form, but there's at least an air of danger in Ubisoft's Gamescom lineup. The French publisher revealed its German cavalry this week, saying that all titles will be available either in hands-on versions or hands-off presentations.

From Dust (released on consoles thus far), Far Cry 3, Might & Magic Heroes VI, and Rayman Origins will be on site. Ubi will also hold a roundtable discussion titled, "Is Online Gaming Changing How We Create?" and featuring "creative leaders from Ubisoft's online teams. It'll be open to press, Ubisoft partners and the show's trade visitors.

It's not necessarily bad news for you, Joe Public. While we're busy watching the roundtable, you could be jamming on some Anno 2070!

Continue reading Ubisoft bringing Assassins, Rabbids, and Future Soldiers to Gamescom

JoystiqUbisoft bringing Assassins, Rabbids, and Future Soldiers to Gamescom originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-2070assassins-creed-revelationsdriver-san-franciscodsfar-cry-3from-dustgamescomgamescom-2011just-dance-3macmicrosoftmight-and-magic-heroes-6mobilengpnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitaps3pspraving-rabbids-alive-and-kickingrayman-originssonythe-black-eyed-peas-experiencetom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldierubisoftvitawiixboxThu, 04 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve to host 'The International' at Gamescom, a million-dollar Dota 2 tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/valve-to-host-the-international-at-gamescom-a-million-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/valve-to-host-the-international-at-gamescom-a-million-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/valve-to-host-the-international-at-gamescom-a-million-dollar/#comments Selling virtual hats must have ended up being a fairly lucrative business venture, as Valve announced today that it will use the upcoming Gamescom trade show to host "The International," a Dota 2 tournament with a million-dollar first-place prize. Let that sink in for a second. A million dollars.

To put that in perspective, the first-place prize for Starcraft 2 at last weekend's Major League Gaming Pro Circuit was 5 percent of that at $50,000. According to Valve, "the 16 best Dota teams in the world" will compete in a "group stage, double elimination playoff format" competition over the duration of the show. The tournament will also serve as the controversial action-RTS' public debut, and what better way to get some attention than makin' it rain? When asked to comment, Gabe Newell paused briefly in quiet contemplation before eating a handful of real diamonds.

Continue reading Valve to host 'The International' at Gamescom, a million-dollar Dota 2 tournament

JoystiqValve to host 'The International' at Gamescom, a million-dollar Dota 2 tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-million-dollarsdotadota-2gamescomgamescom-2011germanymacpcpro-gamingtournamentValveMon, 01 Aug 2011 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA['Notgames Fest' to fill IGF-sized hole at GDC Europe [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/notgames-fest-to-fill-igf-sized-hole-at-gdc-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/notgames-fest-to-fill-igf-sized-hole-at-gdc-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/notgames-fest-to-fill-igf-sized-hole-at-gdc-europe/#comments Between GDC Europe and Gamescom in August, you've got more than enough gaming news to read about in the coming months. But Germany's Notgames Fest organizers clearly disagree, with the Cologne Game Lab creating an indie (or "Notgames") festival during the first two days of GDC Europe (August 15 and 16).

Like the Independent Game Festival at GDC's main annual gathering in San Francisco, NGF at GDC Europe will feature indie developers showing off their wares, talking to other devs, and giving demonstrations to attendees. Also like the IGF, developers who hope to bring their games must apply ahead of time, only rather than a panel of IGF judges, Tale of Tales' Auriea Harvey and Michaël Samyn will be "curating" the event. If all that weren't enough for you, the event's organizers promise "BBQ and beer in an open air atmosphere." Sold! Head to the NGF main page for all the pertinent details (like ... uh ... where it is in Cologne).

Update: To be clear, the Indie Games Summit takes place at GDC Europe, and the Notgames Fest is not associated with GDC Europe, it just takes place during the event. Head over to the official GDC Europe page for more info.

Joystiq'Notgames Fest' to fill IGF-sized hole at GDC Europe [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auriea-harveycolognecologne-game-labcologne-germanygamescomgamescom-2011gdc-europegdc-europe-2011michael-samynnot-games-festivalnotgames-festivalnotgames-festival-2011tale-of-talesFri, 17 Jun 2011 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Paradox CEO outs Fatshark's next project, codenamed 'Project Postman']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/paradox-ceo-outs-fatsharks-next-project-codenamed-project-pos/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/paradox-ceo-outs-fatsharks-next-project-codenamed-project-pos/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/paradox-ceo-outs-fatsharks-next-project-codenamed-project-pos/#comments Fatshark's next game is "primarily a PC title to begin with," Paradox CEO (and head of snappy haircuts) Fredrik Wester told me in a recent interview at Joystiq's NYC offices. "We're doing a new game with them at the moment, which is also multiplayer-focused," Wester added.

"Project Postman" is the working title for a game currently in development at Fatshark, with Paradox signed on as publisher. "We'll see about consoles," Wester skittishly noted. As you might imagine, his company is a bit wary of confirming console games that may or may not ever arrive, given past experiences.

Without going into details about the game itself, Wester did reveal that the title would be "announced later this year," though he specifically pointed out that it won't be a big E3 announcement. "I think we're actually waiting for summer, or maybe GamesCom in Germany where we have more stuff to show." He also said that the unnamed game would likely have a trailer by the time GamesCom happens in August.

As for why his studio names its projects after Kevin Costner films ... that's less logical. But in a good way. Head past the break for the hilarious roots of Paradox's strange tradition.

Continue reading Paradox CEO outs Fatshark's next project, codenamed 'Project Postman'

JoystiqParadox CEO outs Fatshark's next project, codenamed 'Project Postman' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fatsharkfredrik-westergamescomgamescom-2011kevin-costnerparadox-interactivepcproject-postmanTue, 03 May 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamescom 2011 advance tickets on sale now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/gamescom-2011-advance-tickets-on-sale-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/gamescom-2011-advance-tickets-on-sale-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/gamescom-2011-advance-tickets-on-sale-now/#comments Advanced ticket sales for the upcoming Gamescom 2011 convention in Cologne, Germany are now on sale, so if you're planning to be in the area then (or have the money and time to flit over to the continent whenever you want -- lucky duck), you can see the sights for just a few Euros. The cheapest day passes, at just €6 ($9), are for students and senior citizens, while standard passes are around €10-15 ($14-21).

Note that these tickets are for the public -- they'll let you in the "entertainment area" of the show, but the business side of the event is only for trade and media attendees. But that's no problem. You can still go over there and have yourself a big ol' partyzeit anyway. The convention kicks off on August 17, 2011.

JoystiqGamescom 2011 advance tickets on sale now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colognegamescomgamescom-2011gamescom2011germanypublicsaleticketsTue, 22 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood gameplay walkthrough]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/assassins-creed-brotherhood-gameplay-walkthrough-readies-us-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/assassins-creed-brotherhood-gameplay-walkthrough-readies-us-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/assassins-creed-brotherhood-gameplay-walkthrough-readies-us-fo/#comments Here we were, thinking -- foolishly, might we add -- that this holiday season might not be packed to the gills with games we're way excited for. And then Ubisoft dropped this walkthrough of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood from Gamescom, reminding us that there's one more game to be crazy excited about.

Did someone say "war horse?" Yep, the narrator of the walkthrough certainly did. In addition to all the other new stuff Ezio can do in Brotherhood, he's able to hop from his horse to others -- including the war horse, one of several new horse types. If that doesn't get your pulse going, you may have already been assassinated. Head past the break for the entire video.

Continue reading Video: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood gameplay walkthrough

JoystiqVideo: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood gameplay walkthrough originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayergamescomgamescom-2010microsoftpcplaystationps3trailerubisoftwalkthroughxboxFri, 27 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The weirdest booth attractions of Gamescom 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/the-weirdest-booth-attractions-of-gamescom-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/the-weirdest-booth-attractions-of-gamescom-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/the-weirdest-booth-attractions-of-gamescom-2010/#comments While most booths at Gamescom relied on the games themselves to attract visitor attention, there were plenty of booths that went to some ridiculous lengths to stand out from the crowd. Take the above picture, which was set up to promote some sort of tractor simulation that's apparently popular in Germany. And that was actually one of the more game-related booths we captured for the odd gallery below. And you thought Gamescom was all about the games. You're so silly.

Gallery: Gamescom 2010's weirdest booth promotions

JoystiqThe weirdest booth attractions of Gamescom 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boothsgamescomgamescom-2010haircutmilitaryredkenrock-climbingskateboardspringweirdyo-yoTue, 24 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Cosplayers of Gamescom 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/the-cosplayers-of-gamescom-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/the-cosplayers-of-gamescom-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/the-cosplayers-of-gamescom-2010/#comments Given the hundreds of thousands of people who turned out for Gamescom 2010, the number of cosplayers in attendance was surprisingly small. Or maybe it wasn't surprising, given that this year's show didn't even encourage the costumed patrons with a feeble world record attempt or anything.

As you browse this collection of photos, see if you can spot:
  • The two guys who I suspect may have been gang members and not actually cosplayers
  • A character that is usually not seen eating popcorn eating some popcorn
  • Link pulling a reverse-Michael-Jackson (you'll know it when you see it)
  • The best use of a pacifier for Day of the Tentacle cosplay you will ever see

Gallery: Gamescom 2010 Cosplay

JoystiqThe Cosplayers of Gamescom 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cosplaygamescomgamescom-2010Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen @ Gamescom: Napoleon, Caesar debate Civ 5 tactics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/seen-gamescom-napoleon-caesar-debate-civ-5-tactics/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/seen-gamescom-napoleon-caesar-debate-civ-5-tactics/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/seen-gamescom-napoleon-caesar-debate-civ-5-tactics/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Watching two of the world's greatest leaders debating politics and strategy for Civilization 5 was a highlight of Gamescom. 2K Games went all out and created clones of Napoleon Bonaparte and Augustus Caesar to check out the game and QA test some strategy. We're sure the duo's feedback to the dev team will be invaluable leading up to the game's September 21 launch -- we just hope they're not listening to Napoleon's "100 days" plan. We already know how that ends, folks.

Gallery: Civilization 5 (8/4/10)

JoystiqSeen @ Gamescom: Napoleon, Caesar debate Civ 5 tactics originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5firaxisfiraxis-gamesgamescomGamescom-2010julius-caesarnapoleon-bonapartepcsid-meiers-civilization-5take-two-interactiveSun, 22 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What Killzone looked like before it was Killzone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/what-killzone-looked-like-before-it-was-killzone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/what-killzone-looked-like-before-it-was-killzone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/what-killzone-looked-like-before-it-was-killzone/#comments The E3 2005 trailer for Killzone 2 quickly became well-known (infamous, even) for its supposedly unatainable levels of in-game graphical prowess. But the initial trailer for the game that would become the original Killzone has been much less well known ... until this past week at GDC Europe.

Guerilla Games Managing Director Hermen Hulst showed off the circa-1999 concept video in a keynote speech in Cologne earlier this week, calling it a "showcase of technical competence" prepared for their first meeting with Sony. Even though Hulst admits there's "nothing really 'Killzone' about it" at this early stage (for instance, the Helghast and their glowing eyes don't even make a cameo appearance) we thought it was an interesting look at the pre-history of one of Sony's biggest exclusive franchises. To see the video in full, follow us past the break.

Continue reading What Killzone looked like before it was Killzone

JoystiqWhat Killzone looked like before it was Killzone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-videogamescomgamescom-2010gdc-europegdc-europe-2010guerilla-gameshermen-hulstkillzonekillzone-2playstationps3sonytrailerSun, 22 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo support was crucial to uDraw's creation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/nintendo-support-was-crucial-to-udraws-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/nintendo-support-was-crucial-to-udraws-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/nintendo-support-was-crucial-to-udraws-creation/#commentsFiled under: , ,

THQ may be the company publicly pushing the recently announced uDraw tablet controller for the Wii, but a presentation of the new technology at Gamescom this week emphasized just how important Nintendo's support was to the device's creation.

"When we came to [Nintendo] in the beginning with the idea for uDraw, they said 'that's brilliant, let's figure out how to do this,'" THQ director Luis Gigliotti said during a presentation. "It's been an incredible partnership. ... I've been working in game development for 17-plus years and I can honestly say this is one of the smoothest collaborations with a first party I've ever had, just because everybody got it on day one."

Gigliotti specifically pointed out that Nintendo's hardware design expertise was key to transforming the monstrous uDraw prototype (nicknamed "Frankenstein" by the THQ team), into the light, sleek unit shown off at the show. "[The prototype] was a like bunch of lasers and mirrors and loose parts, it was wood and it had brass on it," he recalled. "I said, 'There's no way we can get this to something like this [the current hardware] without it costing a fortune.' Nintendo said, 'Don't worry about it. You guys are software developers, we are the kings of hardware. We will figure this out.' And they did, for one reason -- the idea was solid. Everybody knew it was a good idea, so we figured out the rest."

Continue reading Nintendo support was crucial to uDraw's creation

JoystiqNintendo support was crucial to uDraw's creation originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentgamescomgamescom-2010hardwareLuis-GigliottinintendoSD-cardsupportTHQuDrawuDraw-studiowiiSat, 21 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shattered Dimensions creative head interested in Noir or 2099 Spider-Man game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/shattered-dimensions-creative-head-interested-in-noir-or-2099-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/shattered-dimensions-creative-head-interested-in-noir-or-2099-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/shattered-dimensions-creative-head-interested-in-noir-or-2099-sp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is like a Costco-size sample platter of four different Spidey universes, but Beenox Creative Director Thomas Wilson wouldn't mind focusing on just one of the wall crawlers for a game. During Gamescom the developer told us that if he could, he would want to focus on Noir or 2099 spidey, but immediately followed it up by saying, "That's not up to us to decide. We're looking with Activision at what's next."

"They're interesting, they're different, they're new," Wilson told us on why he'd choose the lesser-known dimensions. He continued, "I think it would definitely be something interesting." Pssst, Activision -- we agree.

JoystiqShattered Dimensions creative head interested in Noir or 2099 Spider-Man game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionBeenoxbeenox-studiosdsgamescomgamescom-2010microsoftnintendoplaystationps3spider-man-shattered-dimensionsThomas-WilsonwiixboxSat, 21 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Demo for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 unchained before game's release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/demo-for-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-unchained-before-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/demo-for-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-unchained-before-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/demo-for-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-unchained-before-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A LucasArts representative told Joystiq that there may be some tweaks before it's set free, but Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 will be getting a demo that's very similar to what we played at Gamescom. We were also told that the forthcoming game's demo will be made available publicly prior to retail launch on October 26.

The demo we played begins with returning protagonist Starkiller attempting to escape his cloney confines on Kamino. He plummets down a tower, avoiding obstacles en route, busts through a giant dome, and then fights his way out of the facility. Force pushes, mind tricks, and force lightning follow as the Dark Apprentice redux attempts to steal a Tie Fighter and get off the planet . And it appears there won't be too long of a wait before you try the demo yourself -- that is, if you're not already in Germany attending the public days of Gamescom.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2

JoystiqDemo for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 unchained before game's release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2010LucasArtsmicrosoftplaystationps3star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2xboxSat, 21 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redspotgames looking to continue publishing for Dreamcast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/redspotgames-looking-to-continue-publishing-for-dreamcast/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/redspotgames-looking-to-continue-publishing-for-dreamcast/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/redspotgames-looking-to-continue-publishing-for-dreamcast/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Redspotgames, the small publisher behind relatively recent Dreamcast releases such as Last Hope, Rush Rush Rally Racing and Wind and Water: Puzzle Battles, says they are looking to continue publishing games for the long-dead system into next year.

"We have seen some stuff on the PC, and we [are] talking to to the companies to see if they will agree to release on the Dreamcast," Redspotgames marketing and sales director Adrian Loudero told Joystiq at Gamescom this week. "We also have plans for 2011, maybe a new release, but this is really all I can say right now."

Loudero told us that Redspotgame only sells a few thousands copies of each new Dreamcast game it releases. As such, the company has recently expanded to WiiWare and Xbox Live Arcade development to stay afloat. But he also said that he's heartened by the way the Dreamcast demo units at the company's small Gamescom booth draw double takes and appreciative play from passers-by. "I think the Dreamcast is still famous," he said.

Asked if he thinks Sega should get back into the Dreamcast game-publishing business, Loudero responded enthusiastically. "Yes, of course, please."

JoystiqRedspotgames looking to continue publishing for Dreamcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrian-louderodreamcastgamescomgamescom-2010last-hoperedspotgamesretrorush-rush-rally-racingwind-and-waterwind-and-water-puzzle-battlesSat, 21 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Torchlight 'hopefully' out on XBLA and PSN by holidays, has sold 750,000 units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/torchlight-hopefully-out-on-xbla-and-psn-by-holidays-has-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/torchlight-hopefully-out-on-xbla-and-psn-by-holidays-has-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/torchlight-hopefully-out-on-xbla-and-psn-by-holidays-has-sold/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Runic Games had dreams of putting Torchlight on Xbox Live Arcade, then it put "serious effort" into a console version, and now the studio is hoping to have the game out by this holiday for PSN and XBLA. Runic CEO Max Schaefer told Joystiq at Gamescom today, "We're trying, we're talking [to Sony and Microsoft] and we hope to get that done quickly." Although there's no release window, he told us it'll "hopefully" be available "by the holidays."

Schaefer also told us the game has now sold over 750,000 units and is en route to a million. The RPG reached the half-million milestone back in May after launching in October, following a tiny development time of 10 months. If the sales figure seems a bit low, the executive mentioned that piracy has been an issue, but they have no way of tracking how many illegal copies were made.

As for Torchlight 2 on consoles, Schaefer told us Runic will "try" to get the multiplayer sequel to consoles sometime after the PC and Mac release.

Gallery: Torchlight

JoystiqTorchlight 'hopefully' out on XBLA and PSN by holidays, has sold 750,000 units originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2010max-schaefermicrosoftplaystationps3q4-2010release-daterunic-gamesTorchlightxboxSat, 21 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard @ Gamescom: A development house divided]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/overheard-gamescom-a-development-house-divided/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/overheard-gamescom-a-development-house-divided/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/overheard-gamescom-a-development-house-divided/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Like many Wii games before it, the upcoming revival of Goldeneye 007 supports a number of different controllers. You'll be able to play with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, the Classic Controller, a GameCube controller or even the Wii Zapper. But surely one of these myriad methods must be the preferred control scheme among the development team, right?

Well, no, not really. "There's a house divided, at least amongst ourselves," said Activision production coordinator Graham Hagmaier while presenting a demo of the game at Gamescom this week. "A lot of us play with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. I prefer this particular scheme [the Classic Controller], just because I used to play a lot of FPS games on [the Xbox] 360 and PS3, and for a lot of people those are very popular formats. But it just depends on your proficiency with the controller."

The team's proficiency with the Wii Zapper was left unaddressed.

JoystiqOverheard @ Gamescom: A development house divided originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionclassic-controllerclassic-controller-procontrollergamescomgamescom-2010goldeneyegoldeneye-007-2010nintendowiiwii remotewiimoteWiiRemoteFri, 20 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkspore screens filled with spore creatures, totally dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/darkspore-screens-filled-with-spore-creatures-totally-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/darkspore-screens-filled-with-spore-creatures-totally-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/darkspore-screens-filled-with-spore-creatures-totally-dark/#comments In case you were wondering about the validity of Darkspore's "darkness" or its inclusion of Spore creatures, these screens from Gamescom should more than clear that up. An ice level? Check. A fire level? Totally. What, you wanted a water level? Nope. Wait a sec ...

Continue reading Darkspore screens filled with spore creatures, totally dark

JoystiqDarkspore screens filled with spore creatures, totally dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Darksporeeaelectronic-artsgamescomgamescom-2010maxispcFri, 20 Aug 2010 06:00:00 EST