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[PSA: Borderlands 2's playable Krieg the Psycho available today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/psa-borderlands-2s-playable-krieg-the-psycho-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/psa-borderlands-2s-playable-krieg-the-psycho-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/psa-borderlands-2s-playable-krieg-the-psycho-available-today/#comments
Borderlands 2's sixth vault hunter, Krieg the Psycho Bandit, is now available across Xbox 360, PS3 and PC for $10. The latest playable character is not part of the Borderlands 2 Season Pass, so don't go thinking grabbing that will net the psycho. Gearbox covered Krieg's skill tree during PAX East, which features more melee and fire upgrades.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick mentioned during a recent investor call Borderlands 2 has shipped over 6 million units and "remains on track to become the highest selling release in the history of 2K."

Continue reading PSA: Borderlands 2's playable Krieg the Psycho available today

JoystiqPSA: Borderlands 2's playable Krieg the Psycho available today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 14 May 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Borderlands 2 DLC is 'Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep,' coming June 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/next-borderlands-2-dlc-is-tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragon-keep/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/next-borderlands-2-dlc-is-tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragon-keep/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/next-borderlands-2-dlc-is-tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragon-keep/#comments Coming DLC for Borderlands 2 will be called "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep." It will launch on June 25 as the fourth pack included in the game's Season Pass, or for $10 (800 MSP) standalone, Gearbox confirmed to Joystiq.

The name of the fourth DLC pack was leaked today in a now-deleted tweet from Gearbox writer Anthony Burch, a screen of which was saved by Stealthy Box. Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep features Tiny Tina herself as the host of a board game.

Continue reading Next Borderlands 2 DLC is 'Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep,' coming June 25

JoystiqNext Borderlands 2 DLC is 'Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep,' coming June 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesAnthony-Burchborderlands-2dlcgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragon-keepxboxThu, 02 May 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega and Gearbox targeted in Aliens: Colonial Marines lawsuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/sega-and-gearbox-targeted-in-aliens-colonial-marines-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/sega-and-gearbox-targeted-in-aliens-colonial-marines-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/sega-and-gearbox-targeted-in-aliens-colonial-marines-lawsuit/#comments Gearbox Software and Sega have both been named in a class action lawsuit alleging that the two companies knowingly misrepresented Aliens: Colonial Marines in trade show demos.

After the game was released to negative reviews, some players and critics claimed the game's trailers and demonstrations didn't match up to the final product. The lawsuit's plaintiff, Damion Perrine, and the law firm of Edelson LLC have decided to take the matter to court for consumers.

The suit cites a tweet from Gearbox head Randy Pitchford, who called initial complaints over the delta between demo and final game "understood and fair." The legal action also suggests demos were misleadingly labeled as "actual gameplay," and that Sega embargoed press reviews until the early morning of Colonial Marines' release date, preventing early buyers from discovering the differences. Accordingly, the suit asks for class action damages for anyone who pre-ordered the game or bought it on release day.

The next step in a class action suit like this will be for the courts to certify the class. Unless Sega and Gearbox fight for a settlement right away, Edelson will next need to figure out how many players were mislead in the way described in the lawsuit. Once determined, the class will be notified of the suit, and the case can move forward.

JoystiqSega and Gearbox targeted in Aliens: Colonial Marines lawsuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-colonial-marinesclass-action-lawsuitdamion-perrinedemosedelsongearbox-softwarelawlegalmicrosoftmisleadingpcplaystationps3randy-pitchfordsegasuitxboxTue, 30 Apr 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Homeworld intellectual property purchased by Gearbox Software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/homeworld-gearbox-ip-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/homeworld-gearbox-ip-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/homeworld-gearbox-ip-purchase/#comments Homeworld IP purchased by GearboxGearbox Software, best known for the Borderlands series, has purchased the rights to the Homeworld intellectual property during the recent THQ back catalog auction round.

Gearbox Chief Creative Officer Brian Martel has "great love and respect for Relic's brilliant, fun and innovative game and personally spearheaded the acquisition," according to a studio statement.

The company's subspace communication continues: "Brian intends as first priority to direct Gearbox's interest to preserve and assemble the purest form of the original acclaimed and beloved games, Homeworld and Homeworld 2, with the intent of making them accessible on today's leading digital platforms."

The Homeworld series was originally developed by Relic Entertainment, which was purchased by Sega during a previous round of the THQ bankruptcy auctions.

It is unclear at this time if Sega bid on Homeworld. We do know that Galactic Civilization developer and Sins of a Solar Empire publisher Stardock was in the running. CEO Brad Wardell tweeted us, "I'm surprised. I was wondering who had outbid us. It'll be interesting to see what they do with it. As long as I get [Homeworld 3]!"

JoystiqHomeworld intellectual property purchased by Gearbox Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gearboxgearbox-softwarepcRelicRelic-Entertainmentthqthq-bankruptcyMon, 22 Apr 2013 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines for Wii U 'no longer in development']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/aliens-colonial-marines-wii-u-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/aliens-colonial-marines-wii-u-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/aliens-colonial-marines-wii-u-canceled/#comments Aliens Colonial Marines for Wii U misses launch window, Sega declines commentThe Wii U version of Aliens: Colonial Marines is game overed, man.

"Sega can confirm that the Wii U SKU of Aliens: Colonial Marines is no longer in development," a company representative has informed Joystiq.

Discomfort over the game's heartbeat rose this week after the title missed its first quarter launch window and publisher Sega was unable to confirm an updated status. Aliens: Colonial Marines currently stands as one of the worst-reviewed games of the year.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines for Wii U 'no longer in development' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-colonial-marinesdemiurgedemiurge-studiosgearboxgearbox-softwarenintendosegawii-uFri, 05 Apr 2013 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines for Wii U misses launch window, Sega declines comment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/aliens-colonial-marines-for-wii-u-misses-launch-window-sega-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/aliens-colonial-marines-for-wii-u-misses-launch-window-sega-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/aliens-colonial-marines-for-wii-u-misses-launch-window-sega-de/#comments Aliens Colonial Marines for Wii U misses launch window, Sega declines commentThe Wii U version of Aliens: Colonial Marines missed its first quarter launch window at the designated retail rendezvous point and its fate is currently in question. Gamespot asked Sega yesterday if there was a new debut date for the year's highest profile disaster (you're welcome, SimCity) for the Nintendo console and the publisher responded, "Still no comment on ACM, sorry!"

Gamespot notes this is the third time the publisher has refused a status update and Demiurge, the developer tasked with the Wii U version, isn't talking. Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Software (which put its name on the box for the other console versions), was also unsure last month if the Wii U version was coming out, noting it was Sega's decision.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines for Wii U misses launch window, Sega declines comment originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-colonial-marinesdemiurgedemiurge-studiosgearboxgearbox-softwarenintendosegawii-uThu, 04 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Europe acknowledges Aliens: Colonial Marines trailers didn't reflect final content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/sega-europe-asa-aliens-colonial-marines/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/sega-europe-asa-aliens-colonial-marines/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/sega-europe-asa-aliens-colonial-marines/#comments Report Layoffs at Aliens Colonial Marines dev TimeGate StudiosSega Europe will alter its deceptive trailers of Aliens: Colonial Marines in the UK to acknowledge the difference between promotion and final product. GI.biz reports a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority in the UK by a Reddit user triggered Sega to make amends in order to avoid a formal investigation.

"Sega Europe acknowledged your objection that the trailers did not accurately reflect the final content of the game," Niall McVeigh, complaints executive at the Advertising Standards Authority wrote. "[Sega] agreed to add a disclaimer, both on their website and in all relevant YouTube videos, which explains that the trailers depict footage of the demo versions of the game. The disclaimer will be visible when each online trailer is played."

According to the ASA website, the organization received four complaints. It's widely known now that Sega and developer Gearbox Software misled the press and public with inaccurate demonstrations of Aliens: Colonial Marines for years. The game currently stands as one of the worst reviewed titles of 2013.

JoystiqSega Europe acknowledges Aliens: Colonial Marines trailers didn't reflect final content originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertising-standards-authorityaliens-colonial-marinesasagearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3segasega-europexboxWed, 03 Apr 2013 08:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 level cap raise available now for a fee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/borderlands-2-level-cap-raise-available-now-for-a-fee/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/borderlands-2-level-cap-raise-available-now-for-a-fee/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/borderlands-2-level-cap-raise-available-now-for-a-fee/#comments Borderlands 2's "Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack" is available now for $5 (400 Microsoft Points) on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. For those with the Borderlands 2 Season Pass, this piece of DLC is included in the bundle.

The new pack increases the level cap from 50 to 61, unlocks new game ++ with the "Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode" and adds the pearlescent-colored weapons tier. The pearlescent tier is the rarest in the game, which we guess makes it epically uber?

Borderlands 2 is slowly wrapping up its downloadable content with the (not season pass eligible) Psycho Pack this May and a final piece of campaign DLC expected in June.

Continue reading Borderlands 2 level cap raise available now for a fee

JoystiqBorderlands 2 level cap raise available now for a fee originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesborderlands-2gearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 02 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox details the evolution of the playable Borderlands cast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gearbox-details-the-evolution-of-the-playable-borderlands-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gearbox-details-the-evolution-of-the-playable-borderlands-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gearbox-details-the-evolution-of-the-playable-borderlands-cast/#comments Gearbox previews the original heroes of BorderlandsDuring a panel at the SXSW Interactive Festival, Gearbox franchise director Matt Armstrong and Borderlands lead character designer Jonathan Hemingway provided a behind the scenes look at how the developer evolved its playable characters from faceless archetypes to its four-person killing crew.

Each character was originally conceived to give players a point of comparison to other genres or game franchises. The accessible and easy to use "Doom Guy" focused on giving classic shooter fans their familiar FPS fix; the tactical shooter archetype focused on delivering more strategic options, like in Metal Gear or Splinter Cell; and a world manipulator character concept wanted to give gamers a James Bond-like, gadget-focused killer.

Eventually, these original concepts - crudely drawn in shapes - evolved into the four playable characters featured in Borderlands.

Continue reading Gearbox details the evolution of the playable Borderlands cast

JoystiqGearbox details the evolution of the playable Borderlands cast originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesBorderlandsBorderlands Game of the Year EditionGearboxGearbox-Softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3SXSW-2013xboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox reveals next Borderlands 2 DLC includes a new vault hunter [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/gearbox-teases-new-borderlands-2-vault-hunter-dlc-at-sxsw/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/gearbox-teases-new-borderlands-2-vault-hunter-dlc-at-sxsw/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/gearbox-teases-new-borderlands-2-vault-hunter-dlc-at-sxsw/#comments

During a panel at SXSW, Borderlands 2 developer Gearbox has revealed a new vault hunter is coming to its RPG-fueled first-person shooter.

"Deep beneath Pandora, an experiment has escaped," a teaser for the DLC announced, revealing a silhouette of the new character decimating enemies. "Bandits beware, a new vault hunter is coming. More mayhem awaits."

Details for the second add-on character were scarce, much like the Pandora wasteland; however, the teaser (which you can view above) leads us to believe the new character is melee-focused. Gearbox franchise director Matt Armstrong wouldn't reveal the exact release for the DLC during the panel but added, "DLC is announced on a very tight schedule, and I don't think you'll have to wait long until you see that character."

Update: Gearbox has clarified to Joystiq that the upcoming DLC character is not included as part of the Borderlands 2 Season Pass. The story above has been edited.

JoystiqGearbox reveals next Borderlands 2 DLC includes a new vault hunter [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesborderlands-2DLCDownloadable-ContentGearboxGearbox-Softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3SXSW-2013xboxFri, 08 Mar 2013 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines storms this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/aliens-colonial-marines-storms-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/aliens-colonial-marines-storms-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/aliens-colonial-marines-storms-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments Aliens Colonial Marines storms this week's UK chartsDisaster or no, Aliens: Colonial Marines is still a big enough name to not only take top spot ahead of Dead Space 3 in the UK charts this week, but to become the country's biggest new release of 2013 so far - a stat perhaps scarier than anything in the game itself.

Dead Space 3 is in second place this week after a 57 percent drop in sales, while the traditional mid-term holiday bump - sales rose 39 percent overall from last week - sees Assassin's Creed 3 and Halo 4 re-enter the top ten at sixth and tenth respectively.

Ni no Kuni and DmC: Devil May Cry suffered big drops last week, and both continue their descents this time around. Ni no Kuni's third week in Europe sees it tumble to 25th, while after five weeks DmC almost leaves the top 40 altogether, coming in at 39th.

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines storms this week's UK charts

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines storms this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaliens-colonial-marineschart-trackchart-track-weeklygearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3segaukvitawii-uxboxMon, 18 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Aliens: Colonial Marines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/metareview-aliens-colonial-marines/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/metareview-aliens-colonial-marines/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/metareview-aliens-colonial-marines/#comments
Metareview Aliens Colonial Marines
Get away from this game, you @#%$!. Our review of Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines found it "devoid of any redeeming qualities whatsoever." Let's find out how others felt.
  • EGM (90/100): "On an express elevator to otherworldly awesomeness."
meanwhile, everyone else...
  • OXM UK (60/100): "It needed to offer intense combat against an unstoppable force, deft storytelling that matched the cinematic flair of the films, and some new ideas that could have rejuvenated an overexposed franchise. It needed, in short, to be a better game."
  • Edge (50/100): "Colonial Marines feels stiff, shallow and dated. First announced for a 2008 release before the Aliens franchise machine prioritized other projects, it feels like more work has been retained from that initial production period than either Gearbox or Sega would care to admit. "
  • Game Informer (40/100): "Take away the Aliens license, and you've got a shooter that has no reason to exist. It would be like stripping the terraforming from Fracture or playing Inversion without its gravity-defying gimmick. At its best, it's barely mediocre."
  • Eurogamer (30/100): "It's shocking stuff, certainly one of the most glitchy mainstream releases of this hardware generation, and the sort of thing that would barely pass muster as a low budget game from 2002."

JoystiqMetareview: Aliens: Colonial Marines originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3segaxboxTue, 12 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens Colonial Marines review: Bore to the corps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/aliens-colonial-marines-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/aliens-colonial-marines-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/aliens-colonial-marines-review/#comments Aliens Colonial Marines review Bore to the corpsAliens: Colonial Marines seems like a product developed over a series of Friday afternoons. You know, those long days where passion felt throughout the rest of the week has dissolved and all that's left are the moments you count off in your head as the clock inches toward closing time.

Though my tongue is planted firmly in cheek as I describe Gearbox's development schedule, Aliens: Colonial Marines showcases the monstrous pendulum that swings between the quality of the products released by the Texas studio. Whatever magic Gearbox pours into the Borderlands series, it isn't to be found here, and despite being blessed with a franchise practically tailor-made for a video game adaptation, Aliens: Colonial Marines is devoid of any redeeming qualities whatsoever.

Continue reading Aliens Colonial Marines review: Bore to the corps

JoystiqAliens Colonial Marines review: Bore to the corps originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-MarinesGearbox-Softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 12 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines 'Bug Hunt' DLC coming in March, more on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/aliens-colonial-marines-bug-hunt-dlc-coming-in-march-more-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/aliens-colonial-marines-bug-hunt-dlc-coming-in-march-more-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/aliens-colonial-marines-bug-hunt-dlc-coming-in-march-more-on/#comments Aliens: Colonial Marines will receive four add-on packs starting with the launch of the Bug Hunt DLC in March. Bug Hunt has players cooperatively taking on waves of enemies in three new maps. The other three content packs, a mixture of campaign and multiplayer DLC, will be available by the end of August.

All four of the DLC packs will be available individually and for Season Pass holders, which Sega confirmed is "a $29.99 / 2400 Microsoft Point bundle that offers a savings of almost 40% over buying the content individually." The Season Pass can be bought on Steam right now for $27, and will make its way to Xbox 360 and PS3 in the near future.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines 'Bug Hunt' DLC coming in March, more on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensAliens-Colonial-Marinesbug-huntDLCgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3season-passSegaxboxSat, 09 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands Legends update opens a loot chest full of new mechanics and features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/borderlands-legends-update-opens-a-loot-chest-full-of-new-mechan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/borderlands-legends-update-opens-a-loot-chest-full-of-new-mechan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/borderlands-legends-update-opens-a-loot-chest-full-of-new-mechan/#comments
Borderlands Legends has received quite the hefty update and is now compatible with iPhone 5 and iPad Mini. The most significant changes are enhanced controls and path-finding for the Vault Hunters, gun loot drops, new enemy types, miniboss encounters, plus Game Center support.

2K Games has also added a Sniper mode for Mordecai, where players can pinpoint a specific enemy in the game for him to let loose a high-damage shot at. In addition, players will find "enhanced visual effects," rare Eridian weaponry to obsess over and new night maps to shoot their way through.

In celebration of the update, Borderlands Legends is on sale for $.99 on both iPhone and iPad for a limited time - sorry, no universal app here.

JoystiqBorderlands Legends update opens a loot chest full of new mechanics and features originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-legendsgearboxgearbox-softwareiosipadiphonemobileupdateThu, 07 Feb 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines piano sonata trailer in Xeno major]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/aliens-colonial-marines-piano-sonata-trailer-in-xeno-major/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/aliens-colonial-marines-piano-sonata-trailer-in-xeno-major/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/aliens-colonial-marines-piano-sonata-trailer-in-xeno-major/#comments

It's been over 25 years since Aliens taught us to nuke the site from orbit. As we all know, it's the only way to be sure. Clearly, the soldiers of Aliens: Colonial Marines didn't receive the memo.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines piano sonata trailer in Xeno major originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesgearbox-softwaremicrosoftplaystationps3segaxboxThu, 07 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 nears 6 million shipped, on course to be 2K's best seller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/borderlands-2-nears-6-million-shipped-on-course-to-be-2ks-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/borderlands-2-nears-6-million-shipped-on-course-to-be-2ks-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/borderlands-2-nears-6-million-shipped-on-course-to-be-2ks-best/#comments Borderlands 2 is sneaking up on the 6 million mark for units shipped, and well on the way to exploding 2K Games' sales records. Speaking in yesterday's financials call, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said the rambunctious shooter was the company's biggest earner in terms of digital sales across the fiscal year.

"Building on its extraordinary launch in September, Borderlands 2 continues to expand its audience and remains on pace to become the highest-selling title in 2K's history," said Zelnick. "It has also been the largest contributor to our digitally delivered revenue this year, driven both by strong sales of full game downloads, and high attach rates for the title's add-on content, especially the Borderlands 2 Season Pass."

The Gearbox-developed sequel had shipped over 5 million back in October 2012. While shipments aren't the same as sales, it's worth noting the original Borderlands sold 4.5 million copies as of August 2011.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 nears 6 million shipped, on course to be 2K's best seller originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twoxboxWed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Borderlands 2 fashions in Domination, Madness and Supremacy styles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/new-borderlands-2-fashions-in-domination-madness-and-supremacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/new-borderlands-2-fashions-in-domination-madness-and-supremacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/new-borderlands-2-fashions-in-domination-madness-and-supremacy/#comments New Borderlands 2 headsskinsBorderlands 2's vault hunters now have additional downloadable skins to put on in their quest for better loot. Each class now has a Domination, Madness or Supremacy themed outfit, available for $0.99 / 80 Microsoft Points apiece. The 15 skins are not included as part of the $30 Borderlands 2 'Season Pass.'

What you do get with the Borderlands 2 Season Pass is the recently released Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt. The Seasons Pass will include one more piece of DLC to conclude the four announced packs. Then we place our bets on a "game of the year" edition for this holiday that'll include Borderlands 2 plus all DLC.

JoystiqNew Borderlands 2 fashions in Domination, Madness and Supremacy styles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 23 Jan 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt DLC review: Dapper downer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/sir-hammerlocks-big-game-hunt-dlc-review-dapper-downer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/sir-hammerlocks-big-game-hunt-dlc-review-dapper-downer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/sir-hammerlocks-big-game-hunt-dlc-review-dapper-downer/#comments Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt is the latest add-on campaign for Borderlands 2, developed by Triptych Games. Whisking players away to the savage lands of Aegrus, Sir Hammerlock wishes to engage in exotic game hunting but, much to no one's surprise, things don't go according to plan.

Actual game hunting and general mustachioed antics take a backseat to the machinations of the evil doctor Nakayama, who's trying to create a clone of Borderlands 2 villain Handsome Jack aboard his massive downed ship. The DLC takes place after the campaign, with enemies around level 30 and up. With a local tribe of psychos under Nakayama's mind control, there isn't much big game hunting going on at all.

In fact, dashed expectations is the underlying theme of Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt. The DLC spends a lot of time building tension for a conflict with Nakayama which resolves itself in an unsatisfying, anti-climactic event that comes off as more insulting than humorous. When it's finally time to take on Nakayama, players are given the proverbial shaft and then the credits roll.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 - Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt

Continue reading Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt DLC review: Dapper downer

JoystiqSir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt DLC review: Dapper downer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2dlcgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3sir-hammerlocks-big-game-hunttriptych-gamesxboxTue, 22 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines reaches Wii U in Q1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/aliens-colonial-marines-bursts-on-wii-u-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/aliens-colonial-marines-bursts-on-wii-u-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/aliens-colonial-marines-bursts-on-wii-u-in-q1/#comments Aliens Colonial Marines hits Wii U Q1Aliens: Colonial Marines, scheduled for February 12 on other platforms, now has a launch window of calendar Q1 for Wii U. Before the sun rises on the day of fools, you may dine on the blood of xenomorphs. It's the holistic way of handling an upset stomach.

Gallery: Aliens: Colonial Marines (12/11/2012)

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines reaches Wii U in Q1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesgearboxgearbox-softwarenintendosegawii-uThu, 17 Jan 2013 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Borderlands 2's 'Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt' DLC begins today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/psa-borderlands-2s-sir-hammerlocks-big-game-hunt-dlc-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/psa-borderlands-2s-sir-hammerlocks-big-game-hunt-dlc-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/psa-borderlands-2s-sir-hammerlocks-big-game-hunt-dlc-begins/#comments
Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt is tallying-ho to Borderlands 2 today for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. It's already reached XBLM, and will make its way to PlayStation Network and Steam later today. The third of the four announced DLC campaigns is free for Season Pass holders, but otherwise sets you back 800 MSP on XBLM, or $9.99 on PSN and Steam. If you're getting Big Game Hunt on PSN in Europe or Oceania, you'll have to wait one more day as it's scheduled there for tomorrow, Jan. 16.

As for when the fourth DLC campaign is due, Gearbox is still sticking to the 'by June 2013' line. That's despite the first three arriving within three months of the game's release, and there being a further five months until June. Ergo, the key word there is by.

JoystiqPSA: Borderlands 2's 'Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt' DLC begins today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2DLCgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNsir-hammerlocks-big-game-huntsteamXBLMxboxTue, 15 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 PC patch kills Deathtrap bugs, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/borderlands-2-pc-patch-kills-deathtrap-bugs-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/borderlands-2-pc-patch-kills-deathtrap-bugs-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/borderlands-2-pc-patch-kills-deathtrap-bugs-more/#comments Borderlands 2 PC patch kills Big Picture, Deathtrap bugs Pitchford celebrates with a diatribeThe PC version of Borderlands 2 has received its monthly update. Among the addressed items are a miscalculation of gun damage when Gunzerking, and shotguns ignoring buffs from stats, abilities and gear. Mechromancers need not suffer their stalwart companion Deathtrap randomly healing enemy shields anymore, "even though it was hilarious," Gearbox says.

Gearbox president Randy Pitchford wrote a related post in the forums, thanking fans and asking for patience while the team continues to work on Borderlands 2. He also says "awesome" a lot.

You can find the notes from this month's patch just after the break or through the source link below.

Continue reading Borderlands 2 PC patch kills Deathtrap bugs, more

JoystiqBorderlands 2 PC patch kills Deathtrap bugs, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2captain-scarlett-and-her-pirates-bootygaigegaige-the-mechromancergearboxgearbox-softwaremechromancerpcThu, 10 Jan 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 DLC retail pack listed by Australian ratings board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/borderlands-2-dlc-retail-pack-listed-by-australian-ratings-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/borderlands-2-dlc-retail-pack-listed-by-australian-ratings-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/borderlands-2-dlc-retail-pack-listed-by-australian-ratings-board/#comments Borderlands 2 downloadable content could soon be wrecking its way to retail shelves, going by a recently rated pack containing 'Captain Scarlett and her Pirate's Booty' and 'Mr Torgue's Campaign of Carnage.' The game's first two DLC campaigns are included in a 'Borderlands 2 Expansion Pack' rated for retail by the Australian Classification Board.

The original Borderlands got the same treatment for its first two DLC packs, but not for the latter couple, for whatever reason. Given there are four DLC campaigns already planned we'd be surprised and more than a little confused if this wasn't the first of two retail packs to arrive in European and North American stores. Either way, we've reached out to developer Gearbox Software for more details.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 DLC retail pack listed by Australian ratings board originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 07 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt DLC sets off for Borderlands 2 Jan. 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/sir-hammerlocks-big-game-hunt-dlc-sets-off-for-borderlands-2-ja/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/sir-hammerlocks-big-game-hunt-dlc-sets-off-for-borderlands-2-ja/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/sir-hammerlocks-big-game-hunt-dlc-sets-off-for-borderlands-2-ja/#comments
Last week, PS3 game files outed the third DLC campaign for Borderlands 2, Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt. Today Gearbox announced the DLC will launch on January 15 (January 16 on PS3 in Europe) for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Season Pass holders get this latest DLC pack for free, the third of a proposed four, while everyone else needs to fork over 800 MS Points ($10). Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt teams the Vault Hunters up with Pandora's most dignified huntsman, but the expedition quickly goes awry thanks to the interference of a new, unknown enemy - a villain out to restore the legacy of Handsome Jack.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 - Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt

JoystiqSir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt DLC sets off for Borderlands 2 Jan. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3sir-hammerlocks-big-game-huntxboxThu, 20 Dec 2012 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 web series features Claptrap as a rodent-murdering samurai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/borderlands-2-web-series-features-claptrap-as-a-rodent-murdering/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/borderlands-2-web-series-features-claptrap-as-a-rodent-murdering/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/borderlands-2-web-series-features-claptrap-as-a-rodent-murdering/#comments
The undoubted highlight in this second episode of Claptrap's new web series comes when the depraved unicycle robot is forced to turn to a career in Japanese advertising. It reminded us of good times.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 web series features Claptrap as a rodent-murdering samurai originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2claptrapgearboxgearbox-softwareThu, 13 Dec 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Surviving the Xenomorph offensive in Aliens: Colonial Marines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/surviving-the-xenomorph-offensive-in-aliens-colonial-marines/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/surviving-the-xenomorph-offensive-in-aliens-colonial-marines/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/surviving-the-xenomorph-offensive-in-aliens-colonial-marines/#comments Sampling the wily and aggressive AI in Aliens Colonial MarinesThe stranded squad of space marines makes hasty preparations amid the flickering lights of a ruined former colony's command center. A scrounged sentry turret sits idle in a corner of the room, slowly scanning for signs of non-human life. Raging storms outside mask the sounds of creatures scuttling through air ducts, but the ever-present rhythmic beeping of motion trackers fill the air with ferocious frequency as the alien menace approaches.

Murky shapes take form as they leap into the light, slick, inky-black creatures with pronounced ridges lining their bodies. A shotgun burst drops the first attacker in an instant, its inert body slumping to the floor as a burst of acid blood sprays over a nearby squaddie.

Gearbox Software is a studio of many talents, but the developer's biggest success on Aliens: Colonial Marines may well end up being how accurately it's managed to nail the feel of the famous sci-fi series. This is vital, as anyone who has seen the movies can understand. There's nothing in the science fiction genre quite like the franchise's Xenomorphs, a race of highly aggressive and agile beings with acid for blood and the ability to reproduce through something akin to a cross-species infection. Xenomorphs in Aliens: Colonial Marines slide through the environment with the same sort of ease that they do in the movies, as we learned during a recent hands-on demo of the game's campaign. An unseen network of air ducts connects every room and corridor, so any alien that slips out of sight will eventually emerge elsewhere. Probably behind you.

Gallery: Aliens: Colonial Marines (12/11/2012)

Continue reading Surviving the Xenomorph offensive in Aliens: Colonial Marines

JoystiqSurviving the Xenomorph offensive in Aliens: Colonial Marines originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-MarinesDemiurge-StudiosGearbox-SoftwaremicrosoftNerve-Softwarepcplaystationps3SegaTimeGate-StudiosxboxTue, 11 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines fight the horde in 'survivor mode']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/aliens-colonial-marines-fight-the-horde-in-survivor-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/aliens-colonial-marines-fight-the-horde-in-survivor-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/aliens-colonial-marines-fight-the-horde-in-survivor-mode/#comments

Aliens: Colonial Marines is giving a little taste of its "survivor mode" today, a multiplayer variant which finds four marines holding their ground until the last person is standing. There's several different xenomorph varieties to check out in the trailer. Colonial Marines is scheduled to drop February 12, 2013.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines fight the horde in 'survivor mode' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3segawii-uxboxWed, 21 Nov 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2's Torgue DLC out on 360 now, PS3 and PC today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/borderlands-2-mr-torgue-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/borderlands-2-mr-torgue-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/borderlands-2-mr-torgue-dlc/#comments
Mr Torgue's Campaign of Carnage is butchering Xbox 360, PS3, and PC today, with the second Borderlands 2 expansion already rampaging across the Xbox Live Marketplace. Should the latest initiates to Mr. Torgue want in, it'll cost 800 MSP or $9.99.

If Mr Torgue's Campaign hasn't won you over yet, you can always check out our hands-on impressions of the expansion, as well as the brand new launch trailer above.

Gallery: Mr. Torgue's Campaign of Carnage (Borderlands 2 DLC)

JoystiqBorderlands 2's Torgue DLC out on 360 now, PS3 and PC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 20 Nov 2012 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 on Mac Nov. 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/borderlands-2-on-mac-nov-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/borderlands-2-on-mac-nov-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/borderlands-2-on-mac-nov-20/#comments Stiq Flicks Borderlands 2 and the Good, the Bad, and the WeirdBorderlands 2, which has already shipped 5 million copies on other platforms, will become available for Mac players on November 20. Porting duties will be handled by Aspyr, purveyor of many major Mac ports.

The Mac version will support the same drop-in/drop-out features found elsewhere, so the Apple crowd won't be left out of some of the best co-op action of the year.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 (Enemies)

JoystiqBorderlands 2 on Mac Nov. 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesaspyrborderlands-2gearbox-softwaremacTake-Two-InteractiveThu, 08 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 updated to prevent sabotage exploit on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/borderlands-2-updated-to-prevent-sabotage-exploit-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/borderlands-2-updated-to-prevent-sabotage-exploit-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/borderlands-2-updated-to-prevent-sabotage-exploit-on-xbox-360/#comments The Xbox 360 version of Borderlands 2 was updated today to "prevent data loss" from an exploit caused by a third-party program.

The exploit reportedly could wipe progress or delete characters entirely. At the time, publisher 2K Games and developer Gearbox Software provided a workaround to avoid the exploit.

The Gearbox Software update log noted today: "Added security to prevent data loss tied to malicious violations of the Xbox Live Code of Conduct through an unsupported third-party program."

And that should be that. Happy vault hunting!

JoystiqBorderlands 2 updated to prevent sabotage exploit on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2gearbox-softwaremicrosoftxboxTue, 06 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands' Claptrap returns for second season of web series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/borderlands-claptrap-returns-for-second-season-of-web-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/borderlands-claptrap-returns-for-second-season-of-web-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/borderlands-claptrap-returns-for-second-season-of-web-series/#comments
With a new Borderlands game comes a new season of web shorts featuring Claptrap, the series' roguish, deeply insane automaton. In this opening episode, Claptrap gives us the lowdown on making Borderlands 2.

JoystiqBorderlands' Claptrap returns for second season of web series originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2claptrapgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 06 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Art of Borderlands 2 up for preorder on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/the-art-of-borderlands-2-up-for-preorder-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/the-art-of-borderlands-2-up-for-preorder-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/the-art-of-borderlands-2-up-for-preorder-on-amazon/#comments The Art of Borderlands 2 up for preorder on AmazonThe Art of Borderlands 2 is, as you might expect, a hardcover art book that celebrates the look and design of Gearbox's latest gun-grabbing first-person shooter. It's available for preorder right now from Amazon.com, for a discounted price of $25.00, down from the usual cost of $40.00.

If you can't get enough of Pandora and its combat-prone inhabitants, this should help. The book features over 200 pages of concept and production art, along with insight and commentary from the developers on how it all got put together.

The book is set for a publication date of November 5, so there's plenty of time to grab this one and get it wrapped and under the tree for your local gun nut before the holidays.

JoystiqThe Art of Borderlands 2 up for preorder on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-of-borderlands-2bookborderlands-2brady-gamesgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 02 Nov 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Borderlands Legends (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/portabliss-borderlands-legends-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/portabliss-borderlands-legends-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/portabliss-borderlands-legends-ios/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.
Portabliss Borderlands Legends iOS
Somewhere, at any given moment, I imagine the team at Gearbox is popping champagne and fiercely patting each other on the back after striking gold with Borderlands 2. Not only is the game a commercial success, but it's also a critical darling (read our review, for example!) - a far cry from the developer's previous major release.

After loads of DLC and the inevitable three-quel, where can Gearbox go to capitalize on the money train that is Borderlands? A jaunt over to Apple's explosive iOS platform sounds like a good fit, and publisher 2K Games along with developer 2K China have done just that. The idea of playing the "mini-game" version of Borderlands didn't interest me right away, but Borderlands Legends turns out to be a perfect fit for the series and brings the franchise full circle to one of its biggest comparative franchises, Diablo.

Gallery: Borderlands Legends

Continue reading Portabliss: Borderlands Legends (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Borderlands Legends (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-China2K-Gamesborderlands-legendsGearbox-SoftwareiosipadiphonemobilePortablissWed, 31 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox releasing special Halloween skin SHIFT codes today for Borderlands 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/gearbox-releasing-special-halloween-skin-shift-codes-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/gearbox-releasing-special-halloween-skin-shift-codes-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/gearbox-releasing-special-halloween-skin-shift-codes-today/#comments Gearbox releasing special Halloween skin SHIFT codes todayGearbox is spooking things up today by releasing special SHIFT codes for Borderlands 2. The codes will unlock Halloween-themed character customization skins, including the above buzzy little number for Maya.

The giveaway kicks offs at 11AM ET (8AM Pacific, 3PM British) on Gearbox's Twitter and Borderlands' Facebook pages, and codes will be active until November 5 at 0.55AM ET. For extra fun, dress up like the skin you win when you go Halloween-ing tonight. Even though people won't get it, you'll definitely look super cool*.

*Joystiq offers no guarantee of your cosmetic coolness

JoystiqGearbox releasing special Halloween skin SHIFT codes today for Borderlands 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 31 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 has shipped 5M units to date, XCOM a 'critical and commercial success']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/borderlands-2-5-million-xcom-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/borderlands-2-5-million-xcom-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/borderlands-2-5-million-xcom-success/#comments
Stiq Flicks Borderlands 2 and the Good, the Bad, and the Weird
Gearbox Software's Borderlands 2 has shipped 5 million units to date, Take-Two interactive announced this morning in its second quarter financials. The company also noted that XCOM: Enemy Unknown is "proving to be a critical and commercial success." Both games are remarked as having "strong digital sales."

"Take-Two's second quarter revenue and earnings exceeded our outlook, driven by the breakout success of 2K's Borderlands 2 and robust demand for our catalog and digitally delivered offerings," noted Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. "Moreover, with Grand Theft Auto 5 slated for spring 2013, we are poised to generate substantial revenue and earnings growth in fiscal year 2014."

Both Borderlands 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown currently hold near 90 Metacritic ratings.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 has shipped 5M units to date, XCOM a 'critical and commercial success' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2firaxisFiraxis-Gamesgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownWed, 31 Oct 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 hack can 'sabotage' characters through Xbox Live, Gearbox warns [Update: patch incoming]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/borderlands-2-hack-can-sabotage-characters-through-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/borderlands-2-hack-can-sabotage-characters-through-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/borderlands-2-hack-can-sabotage-characters-through-xbox-live/#comments While PS3 and PC owners can sleep soundly at night knowing that their Borderlands 2 characters are safe from the nefarious plots of evil men, Xbox 360 owners are not afforded such a luxury.

"Users have begun violating the Xbox Live Code of Conduct by using an external application to maliciously disrupt the experience and sabotage characters of legitimate Borderlands 2 players on Xbox 360," Gearbox Studios community manager Chris Faylor said in a post on the developer's official forums.

While Gearbox and its "partners" work to resolve the Xbox-specific issue, it recommends avoiding public games with unknown players for the time being. Additionally, players should always Save & Quit before returning to the dashboard or powering down their Xbox, and if you find yourself kicked back to the main menu after death, select "Continue" immediately.

What destruction is actually involved in the exploit's sabotage is uncertain - anecdotal accounts on the forum report everything from wiped character progress to entirely deleted characters. We've reached out to Gearbox for clarification and will update with any new information we receive.

Update: Gearbox has informed us that a patch to exterminate the exploit has been submitted to Microsoft for approval and will be released "as soon as possible."

[Thanks, Justin!]

JoystiqBorderlands 2 hack can 'sabotage' characters through Xbox Live, Gearbox warns [Update: patch incoming] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesborderlands-2character-deletioncheatexploitgearbox-softwarehackmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveFri, 26 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hit List Q&A: Randy Pitchford, Gearbox Software President]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/hit-list-qanda-randy-pitchford-gearbox-software-president/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/hit-list-qanda-randy-pitchford-gearbox-software-president/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/hit-list-qanda-randy-pitchford-gearbox-software-president/#commentsIn the "Hit List" from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the video game industry's top talents describe their current gaming addictions, their most anticipated releases and more. This week: Gearbox Software President Randy Pitchford.
A note from the AIAS:
Randy Pitchford is co-founder, owner and President of Gearbox Software. Randy served as Executive Producer and in creative and development capacities in the creation of Gearbox Software's award winning, best-selling original franchises Brothers in Arms and Borderlands. Under Randy's leadership, Gearbox Software has also developed a string of hits with sequels, expansions, and original games for many of the industry's most credible franchises and in 2010 acquired Duke Nukem to add to its stable of properties. Before the launch of Borderlands 2 on September 18, 2012, Gearbox Software games have sold over 30 million units earning more than $1 billion in gross revenues.

What many do not know is that prior to game development, Randy was a professional magician. In his forthcoming 2013 D.I.C.E. Summit session titled "Video Games Are Magic," Randy will explore how the lessons of magical performance apply to our industry. Along the way, he'll demonstrate and expose specific techniques, methods and ideas from magic that illustrate how the art of illusion has a lot in common with the art of interactive entertainment and leave his audience with tools that are useful and applicable from the executive level to the design level of our craft.

Continue reading Hit List Q&A: Randy Pitchford, Gearbox Software President

JoystiqHit List Q&A: Randy Pitchford, Gearbox Software President originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiasborderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwarehit-listmicrosoftpcplaystationps3randy-pitchfordxboxWed, 24 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Borderlands Legends' is an action-RPG iOS game, available Oct. 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/borderlands-legends-is-an-action-rpg-ios-game-available-oct/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/borderlands-legends-is-an-action-rpg-ios-game-available-oct/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/borderlands-legends-is-an-action-rpg-ios-game-available-oct/#comments 'Borderlands Legends' is an actionRPG iOS game, available Oct 31The Borderlands franchise will make its portable gaming debut on Wednesday, October 31, when Borderlands Legends launches on iPhone and iPad for $4.99 and $6.99, respectively. Rather than furthering the series' FPS heritage, however, Legends instead opts for an isometric action-RPG take on murdering people and then stealing from them.

Familiar inventory management and skill tree systems return, though the rest of the experience is reportedly an entirely new, touch-based affair, according to 2K Games' announcement. Based on what we've seen in the gallery below, we're inclined to believe this ain't your mother's Borderlands.

Gallery: Borderlands Legends

Joystiq'Borderlands Legends' is an action-RPG iOS game, available Oct. 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesborderlands-legendsgearboxgearbox-softwareiosipadiphonemobileTue, 23 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands Legends will 'blow your mind' on iPhone & iPad this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/borderlands-legends-will-blow-your-mind-on-iphone-and-ipad-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/borderlands-legends-will-blow-your-mind-on-iphone-and-ipad-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/borderlands-legends-will-blow-your-mind-on-iphone-and-ipad-this/#comments Borderlands iOS game Legends coming to iPhone & iPad this monthBorderlands Legends is an iPad and iPhone game releasing later this month. Gearbox Forums user Ownzilla spotted the above advert for the iOS game in the Borderlands 2 digital strategy guide.

Despite the details and screenshots in the advert, it's unclear exactly how Legends plays. What it features for certain are the four playable characters from the first Borderlands, character-specific abilities and powers unlocked by levelling up, plenty of weapons, a "strategic cover system," and a 'Fight for your life' mode which likely ties in to its namesake in Borderlands 2. And since there's mention of "in-game cash", surprise surprise, in-app purchases are likely to feature too.

The advert includes no release details beyond Borderlands Legends arriving in October. We've reached out to Gearbox for more info.

JoystiqBorderlands Legends will 'blow your mind' on iPhone & iPad this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlandsgearbox-softwareiosipadiphonemobileMon, 22 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain Scarlett hails Mr. Bubbles in Borderlands 2 'Pirate Booty' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/captain-scarlett-hails-mr-bubbles-in-borderlands-2-pirate-boot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/captain-scarlett-hails-mr-bubbles-in-borderlands-2-pirate-boot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/captain-scarlett-hails-mr-bubbles-in-borderlands-2-pirate-boot/#comments There's an interesting easter egg in the new Borderlands 2 DLC, Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty. The iconic Big Daddy (AKA Mr. Bubbles) from the BioShock series makes an appearance at some point in the add-on adventure and - well, we don't want to ruin it for you. In the interest of spoilers, we've embedded the video showing off the Pandora version of everyone's favorite child social worker past the break.

Continue reading Captain Scarlett hails Mr. Bubbles in Borderlands 2 'Pirate Booty' DLC

JoystiqCaptain Scarlett hails Mr. Bubbles in Borderlands 2 'Pirate Booty' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbig-daddybioshockbioshock-2bioshock-infiniteborderlands-2easter-egggearboxgearbox-softwareirrational-gamesmicrosoftmr-bubblespcplaystationps3xboxFri, 19 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST