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[Next Gears of War graces Game Informer cover, full reveal Monday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/next-gears-of-war-graces-game-informer-cover-full-reveal-monday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/next-gears-of-war-graces-game-informer-cover-full-reveal-monday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/next-gears-of-war-graces-game-informer-cover-full-reveal-monday/#comments ImageThe next installment in the Gears of War franchise will be the cover of the July issue of Game Informer. The final name and cover art won't be revealed until next Monday, during Microsoft's E3 press conference.

JoystiqNext Gears of War graces Game Informer cover, full reveal Monday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-warmicrosoftxboxThu, 31 May 2012 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Games gives away soundtrack retrospective for 20th anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/#comments ImageEpic Games has turned 20 years old, and to celebrate the company is giving away a free album of tunes from its games over the past two decades. You can pick up the tracks from the official blog right now. The set includes everything from the Main Theme of Unreal and the Menu Song of Jazz Jackrabbit, all the way up to tracks from Infinity Blade 2 and Gears of War 3.

And what, you might ask, did they include as a bonus track? Perhaps the pinnacle of Epic Games' musical gifts to the world at large? It's the Cole Train Rap from the first Gears of War, of course. Woo baby! Bring it on sucka! Etc.

JoystiqEpic Games gives away soundtrack retrospective for 20th anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-3jazz-jackrabbitmicrosoftmusicpcunrealunreal-tournamentxboxThu, 10 May 2012 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 'Forces of Nature' DLC emerges March 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/gears-of-war-3-forces-of-nature-dlc-emerges-march-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/gears-of-war-3-forces-of-nature-dlc-emerges-march-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/gears-of-war-3-forces-of-nature-dlc-emerges-march-27/#comments Here we were thinking the battle for humanity was wrapped up in the Gears of War universe and Epic Games goes and ruins our celebration with new downloadable content! Revealed on GTTV tonight [via Side Mission], the "Forces of Nature" DLC will add three new maps to Gears of War 3 dubbed Aftermath, Artillery, and Cove along with two returning locales, Jacinto and Raven Down.

Revealed by Epic executive produce Rod Fergusson, each map is described as taking place in the middle of or in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Gears of War 3 'Season Pass' holders will get the content free when it launches on March 27. No price was established for the DLC, but previous multiplayer DLC was made available for 800MS Points ($10).

In addition to the maps, the DLC includes four character models, three of which were previously available as a pre-order bonus (seen after the break); five new weapon skins for immediate use; and two skins only unlockable via the Forces of Nature content. It's a good thing we didn't bronze our Lancers, because it looks like more grubs need killing.

Continue reading Gears of War 3 'Forces of Nature' DLC emerges March 27

JoystiqGears of War 3 'Forces of Nature' DLC emerges March 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCdownloadable-contentEpic-GamesGears-of-WarGears-of-War-3microsoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosxboxFri, 17 Feb 2012 02:39:00 EST<![CDATA[People Can Fly doing Gears of War prequel trilogy 'a likely scenario,' says OXM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/people-can-fly-doing-gears-of-war-prequel-trilogy-a-likely-scen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/people-can-fly-doing-gears-of-war-prequel-trilogy-a-likely-scen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/people-can-fly-doing-gears-of-war-prequel-trilogy-a-likely-scen/#comments Here we are, roughly six years into the "next-generation" lifecycle and we're seeing the third installments of major franchises. In a one-year period, we'll see Resistance 3, Modern Warfare 3, Uncharted 3, Mass Effect 3, Assassin's Creed: Revolution (sort of), and Gears of War 3. And while not all of these episodes represent the end of a considered story arc, Epic Games hasn't been shy about calling Gears of War 3 the end of the line for Dom and crew. Which raises the question: Who will handle the lucrative Gears franchise going forward?

"Gears of War will live on, of course, but in what form?" the latest issue of Official Xbox Magazine posits, via CVG, before suggesting "a prequel trilogy developed by Epic-owned People Can Fly (Bulletstorm) as a likely scenario." With Bulletstorm failing to reach profitability (and presumably failing the basic litmus test for being franchised), People Can Fly will be looking for something to work on.

With three Gears titles under their belts, the core North Carolina-based Epic team may be eager to move onto greener pastures. For now, they're working on RAAM's Shadow, the first piece of campaign DLC in the Gears trilogy, and notably a prequel. Sounds like a nice way to hand things off, doesn't it?

JoystiqPeople Can Fly doing Gears of War prequel trilogy 'a likely scenario,' says OXM originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-warGears-of-War-3microsoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmicrosoft-studiosOXMpeople-can-flyxboxFri, 25 Nov 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Lancer is a ludicrous, life-size labor of love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/lego-lancer-is-a-ludicrous-life-size-labor-of-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/lego-lancer-is-a-ludicrous-life-size-labor-of-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/lego-lancer-is-a-ludicrous-life-size-labor-of-love/#comments
We've been known to have a bit of a penchant for LEGO ourselves, but the kits we snap together usually come with diagramed instructions and have more to do with fanciful medieval castles than brutal alien slaughter, and they sure as hell aren't life-size, functional engineering marvels.

PlumBrothers' 1:1 scale Lancer is one of the most impressive LEGO builds we've seen in a long, long time, partly due to its aesthetically accurate construction, but mostly because of the boggling amount of engineering that went into this thing. Not only is it a working rubber-band gun, but the weapon's rubber payload is loaded into working clips. Once the safety (!!) is disabled, the user has their choice of single or burst firing modes at their disposal. The chainsaw even moves and everything.

Screw gold, plastic is the new hotness.

JoystiqLEGO Lancer is a ludicrous, life-size labor of love originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicEpic-Gamesgears-of-warGears-of-War-3lancerLEGOlego-lancermicrosoftxboxYouTubeSat, 01 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 3 comes to Mac OS X, courtesy of September UDK release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/unreal-engine-3-comes-to-mac-os-x-courtesy-of-september-udk-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/unreal-engine-3-comes-to-mac-os-x-courtesy-of-september-udk-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/unreal-engine-3-comes-to-mac-os-x-courtesy-of-september-udk-rel/#comments A scant four years after announcing Gears of War and Unreal Tournament 3 were coming to Mac OS X, Epic has finally renewed its enthusiasm for the Mac with the announcement of native Unreal Engine 3 support, courtesy of the free-to-use Unreal Development Kit. "Every UDK game's potential user base has increased dramatically yet again," the announcement reads, promising a previews of the engine's Mac OS support in the September 2011 UDK release.

Considering Epic's high-profile support of Apple's Mac OS X-derived mobile operating system iOS, not to mention consistent Mac support from developers like Valve and Blizzard, Epic's entry in the space is hardly unexpected. But Mac support from Unreal Engine should extend far beyond Epic's own games; as one of the most popular development environments in existence, today's announcement (coupled with viable markets like Steam and the Mac OS App Store) should help UE-based developers reach an entirely new audience.

JoystiqUnreal Engine 3 comes to Mac OS X, courtesy of September UDK release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Epic-GamesGears-Of-WarmacMac-OS-XUDKUE3Unreal-EngineUnreal-Engine-3Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3's Gridlock map has a special nod to Gary Jules' 'Mad World']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/gears-of-war-3-gridlock-gary-jules-mad-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/gears-of-war-3-gridlock-gary-jules-mad-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/gears-of-war-3-gridlock-gary-jules-mad-world/#comments
A few years ago there was no escaping the Gears of War ad that used Gary Jules' cover of "Mad World." Well, it's made its way into Gears of War 3, and right into the Gridlock map. It's a nice piece of fan service that you can check out in our video above.

JoystiqGears of War 3's Gridlock map has a special nod to Gary Jules' 'Mad World' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>easter-eggepic-gamesfan-servicegary-julesgary-jules-mad-worldgears-of-warGears-of-War-3mad-worldmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxFri, 16 Sep 2011 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 review: The damage done]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/gears-of-war-3-review-the-damage-done/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/gears-of-war-3-review-the-damage-done/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/gears-of-war-3-review-the-damage-done/#comments A lot of high profile sequels are exceedingly self-conscious exercises in trying to manage player expectation, to change just enough, but throw in enough of the same to keep things familiar. Gears of War 3, on the other hand, is the most confident release this year.

The word polish is bestowed often, but Gears of War 3 is embarrassingly well assembled. Anyone who played this spring's multiplayer beta has an inkling of this. From a mechanical standpoint, the third-person, cover-based shooting in Gears has never been as fluid, as responsive to player input. Weapons feel and sound fantastic and pack the punch that previous iterations struggled with. But it isn't just those meat and potatoes aspects - or the beautiful, colorful visual palette on display, a marked departure from Gears 1 and 2 - it's the entire package. Nothing in Gears of War 3 feels like an afterthought.

Gallery: Gears of War 3 (Review)

Continue reading Gears of War 3 review: The damage done

JoystiqGears of War 3 review: The damage done originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-warGears-of-War-3microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosxboxThu, 15 Sep 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft looking into Gears of War 1 and 2 in Germany]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/microsoft-looking-into-gears-of-war-1-and-2-in-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/microsoft-looking-into-gears-of-war-1-and-2-in-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/microsoft-looking-into-gears-of-war-1-and-2-in-germany/#comments Epic Games president Mike Capps spoke at GDC Europe today, reiterating his surprise that Gears of War 3 received an "18" rating from the German USK, making it the first Gears not to be indexed in the region.

"We were so surprised that Gears of War 3 was rated here that we really didn't have an action plan," said Capps. "I'm very happy that the marketing team at Microsoft was able to put together a booth presence for us at Gamescom with a couple weeks notice. I've never even met them, cause we've never sold anything [Gears of War] in Germany before."

Capps said he thinks Microsoft is looking into getting the first two installments of the franchise released. He'd "love" to see that, especially if the company does a trilogy compilation and that passes the board.

Microsoft's response during its Gamescom event when we asked for comment: "We're looking into it."

JoystiqMicrosoft looking into Gears of War 1 and 2 in Germany originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicEpic-GamesGamescom-2011gdce-2011Gears-Of-WarmicrosoftxboxTue, 16 Aug 2011 22:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic on Gears of War 3 leak: 'saddening' and 'frustrating']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/epic-on-gears-of-war-3-leak-saddening-and-frustrating/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/epic-on-gears-of-war-3-leak-saddening-and-frustrating/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/epic-on-gears-of-war-3-leak-saddening-and-frustrating/#comments As you might imagine, Epic Games wasn't exactly thrilled when an unfinished version of Gears of War 3 leaked onto torrent sites early last month. Executive producer Rod Fergusson told Edge in a recent interview that the breach was "saddening" and "frustrating," mostly because some fans were choosing to "ruin their own experience" before the full game's launch.

Fergusson specifically called out folks who shared video of the leaked game online, adding, "I get people going, 'oh no, I just watched this thing on YouTube and it's totally given away something'. And I go, 'well, why did you go looking and why did you watch it?" Probably the same reason why we can't stop going to Nicolas Cage movies: We can't not watch them, despite the fact that they're pretty harmful to the human psyche.

JoystiqEpic on Gears of War 3 leak: 'saddening' and 'frustrating' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-warGears-of-War-3leakmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosrod-fergussonxboxWed, 03 Aug 2011 00:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 grants extra goodies to previous Gears players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/gears-of-war-3-grants-extra-goodies-to-previous-gears-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/gears-of-war-3-grants-extra-goodies-to-previous-gears-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/gears-of-war-3-grants-extra-goodies-to-previous-gears-players/#comments If you got yourself a golden Lancer or Hammerburst (or both) in Gears of War 2, worry not about your bling when Gears of War 3 launches on September 20 -- they'll transfer over, Epic producer Rod Fergusson told MTV Multiplayer. Other unlockables tied to older Gears of War games will mainly revolve around Achievements.

"If you did something in Gears PC you get a chrome skin, if you did something in Gears 2 you get a chrome skin. The chrome set is sort of our thank you to people who played our games in the past." Fergusson also hinted at an incentive for those who've hit level 100 and unlocked the Veteran Gear Achievement in Gears 2, though he wouldn't provide exact details on what having that Achievement would mean in Gears 3.

Better get cracking if you're looking to get that "Seriously" Achievement in the original Gears of War!

JoystiqGears of War 3 grants extra goodies to previous Gears players originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievementsepic-gamesgears-of-warGears-of-War-3microsoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosxboxSat, 25 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Bulletstorm, get Gears of War triple pack for $5 at Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/buy-bulletstorm-get-gears-of-war-triple-pack-for-5-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/buy-bulletstorm-get-gears-of-war-triple-pack-for-5-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/buy-bulletstorm-get-gears-of-war-triple-pack-for-5-at-best-buy/#comments As if you needed more incentive to pick up Bulletstorm outside of the Gears of War 3 beta inclusion (and, you know, all of the dick-scaring you crave), Best Buy is offering a special deal: the Gears of War triple pack for $5. It's $15 off the usual asking price, only when buying People Can Fly's private parts pounder. The Gears of War triple pack comes bundled with Gears of War, Gears of War 2 and the All Fronts DLC collection.

Caveat: the items may ship separately, so you may not receive both at the same time.

JoystiqBuy Bulletstorm, get Gears of War triple pack for $5 at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-frontsbest-buyBulletstormeaepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-2gears-of-war-triple-packmicrosoftpeople-can-flyxboxMon, 21 Feb 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War free with Bulletstorm on Games For Windows next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gears-of-war-free-with-bulletstorm-on-games-for-windows-next-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gears-of-war-free-with-bulletstorm-on-games-for-windows-next-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gears-of-war-free-with-bulletstorm-on-games-for-windows-next-wee/#comments Microsoft's Games for Windows Marketplace is having a buy one, get one free sale on Epic Games shooters starring guys with really big arms. Specifically, the digital storefront is giving anyone who buys next week's foul-mouthed FPS Bulletstorm a free copy of the original Gears of War.

The deal will be valid from February 22 -- Bulletstorm's on-sale date -- through March 8. People Can Fly's game will carry a sticker price of $59.99, while Gears normally goes for $19.99.



JoystiqGears of War free with Bulletstorm on Games For Windows next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstormeaelectronic-artsepic-gamesGames-for-Windowsgames-for-windows-livegames-for-windows-marketplacegears-of-warmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosThu, 17 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gears of War an on-rails shooter on Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/rumor-gears-of-war-an-on-rails-shooter-on-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/rumor-gears-of-war-an-on-rails-shooter-on-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/rumor-gears-of-war-an-on-rails-shooter-on-kinect/#comments Though Epic design director Cliff Bleszinski has succinctly ruled out Kinect support for Gears of War 3, Kotaku's informants insist that Microsoft's motion-sensing camera will be used for a different Gears of War game (there's no indication of a connection to the recently trademarked title, Gears of War: Exile). According to "sources claiming to be familiar with the project," the unannounced game will be an on-rails shooter that automatically moves your meat-head man-tank while you mow down enemies.

Sources claiming to be totally unfamiliar with the project were like, "What, how's that going to work?" and, "Is there going to be another train level?" Thus far, Mr. Bleszinski has offered only a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement of the rumor, and we don't expect to hear concrete details until an official announcement -- if there is one. Twisted Pixel's upcoming marionette-'em-up, The Gunstringer, is one of the first games to promise accurate shooting via Kinect, but we've yet to see hand-guided cursors that can move with enough celerity to compete with shooters on the Wii or PlayStation Move.

Then again, Kinect also allows us to defeat Michael Phelps in a swimming contest, so anything is possible.

JoystiqRumor: Gears of War an on-rails shooter on Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-warkinectmicrosoftshooterxboxWed, 09 Feb 2011 05:25:00 EST<![CDATA['Gears of War Ultimate' coming in February for $30, retail listing says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/gears-of-war-ultimate-coming-in-february-for-30-retail-listi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/gears-of-war-ultimate-coming-in-february-for-30-retail-listi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/gears-of-war-ultimate-coming-in-february-for-30-retail-listi/#comments The Gears of War franchise is no stranger to re-releases, having "Platinum" and "Game of the Year" collections across its two titles so far. However, it appears Microsoft is planning one more re-release, tentatively titled Gears of War Ultimate, according to a GameStop listing spotted by IGN. Pegged with a February 15th date, Ultimate has a $29.99 price tag.

Although the listing has since been removed, a Microsoft representative confirmed plans for a "forthcoming bundle SKU," suggesting that Ultimate is, at the very least, a compilation of the two Gears of War games. Don't expect to see any Gears of War 3-related content, though. The representative confirmed "it will not involve Gears of War 3 or the beta." You'll have to pick up Bulletstorm instead if you want entry into the beta.

Joystiq'Gears of War Ultimate' coming in February for $30, retail listing says originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-warGears-Of-War-2gears-of-war-ultimatemicrosoftre-releasexboxSat, 01 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marcus Fenix has a nice bust]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/marcus-fenix-has-a-nice-bust/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/marcus-fenix-has-a-nice-bust/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/marcus-fenix-has-a-nice-bust/#commentsFiled under: , ,

San Diego Comic Con is going to see up-close what Gears of War's Marcus Fenix would look like if he were ripped in half by a locust and preserved as a trophy. The "Marcus Fenix Epic Scale Bust," created by TriForce Sales (which also created the Locust bust a couple years back), will be available for purchase starting next Wednesday, July 21, online and at the show. The bust is approximately 32 inches (81 cm) tall and features LEDs throughout the armor and a COG Lancer gun.

The "Marcus Fenix Epic Scale Bust" will have a limited run of 500 units, selling for $350 apiece. The "Marcus Fenix Epic Scale Gold Lancer Edition Bust" will retail for $400, with only 100 made. A perfect piece for any corporate lobby or Locust hive.

Gallery: Marcus Fenix Epic Scale Bust

Continue reading Marcus Fenix has a nice bust

JoystiqMarcus Fenix has a nice bust originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicEpic-GamesGears-of-Warmarcus-fenixmarcus-fenix-bustmicrosofttriforcetriforce-salesxboxFri, 16 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War, Max Payne and Bioshock added to GFWL Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/gears-of-war-max-payne-and-bioshock-added-to-gfwl-games-on-dema/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/gears-of-war-max-payne-and-bioshock-added-to-gfwl-games-on-dema/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/gears-of-war-max-payne-and-bioshock-added-to-gfwl-games-on-dema/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Better late than never, right? Gears of War ($20), Bioshock ($20) and Max Payne ($10) have been added to Games for Windows Live's Games on Demand service.

[Thanks, TheWeaponeer]

JoystiqGears of War, Max Payne and Bioshock added to GFWL Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshockdigital-distributionEpic-GamesGames-for-Windowsgames-for-windows-livegames-on-demandGears-Of-WarIrrational-Gamesmax-payneremedy-entertainmentSat, 10 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Rein: Epic is committed to PC, also making a game 'for mobile and tablet']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/mark-rein-epic-is-committed-to-pc-but-making-a-game-for-mobil/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/mark-rein-epic-is-committed-to-pc-but-making-a-game-for-mobil/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/mark-rein-epic-is-committed-to-pc-but-making-a-game-for-mobil/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Epic vice president Mark Rein talked to Rock, Paper, Shotgun recently and, when confronted with the allegation that the company has abandoned its PC roots, came out shooting. Rein says that a little console success with Gears of War doesn't mean that Epic has moved on from the platform that spawned Unreal and Unreal Tournament. "Don't confuse Gears of War with everything we do," he said. "Bulletstorm is PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, and you'll see when it comes out, it will be a full-blown, oh-my-god amazing PC game."

Of course, Rein admits that the PC isn't all -- in the rest of the interview, he maintains that mobile platforms like Apple's iOS and Android are going to be very important for gaming in the future, and that getting the Unreal engine running on those is a big priority with Epic. While PC is still the foundation, Epic is "going to make a game for mobile and tablet," Rein says. "We haven't announced anything yet, but it's due."

JoystiqMark Rein: Epic is committed to PC, also making a game 'for mobile and tablet' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidBulletstormepicgears-of-wariosmark-reinmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3unreal-development-kitxboxTue, 06 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Cliff Bleszinski on Gears of War 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/cliff-bleszinski-gears-of-war-3-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/cliff-bleszinski-gears-of-war-3-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/cliff-bleszinski-gears-of-war-3-interview/#comments During E3, we managed to distract Cliff Bleszinski, design director for Epic Games and the face of Gears of War, long enough for an interview. Despite our intense interrogation, he remained a good sport throughout and offered us candid answers. The full interview follows.

Joystiq: Most of the things we want to ask, you probably can't talk about yet -- like Gears 3 multiplayer ...

Cliff Bleszinski: Can't talk about that yet.

Okay, let's try it this way: in Gears 1, a lot of people complained about opponents being able to roadie run into them, stun them with a punch and then shoot them -- and you guys fixed that with updates. Are you concerned that the new spearing ability, with the retro Lancer, is going to lead to similar complaints in Gears 3 multiplayer?

You know, we try our best that before we ship, we balance these things as much as possible. But when you release into the wild, you never know what the gamers are going to come up with.

So in regards to the Lancer charge, we're going to try our best to, you know, play with it as much as we can and you never know. We did six title updates to Gears 2 and we continue to refine that experience. Matchmaking wasn't the best at the start, but we stand behind our products and continue to support them.

Gallery: Gears of War 3

Continue reading Interview: Cliff Bleszinski on Gears of War 3

JoystiqInterview: Cliff Bleszinski on Gears of War 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cliff-Bleszinskie3-2010Epic-GamesGears-of-WarGears-of-War-3Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bleszinski: Horde mode will return in Gears of War 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/bleszinski-horde-mode-will-return-in-gears-of-war-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/bleszinski-horde-mode-will-return-in-gears-of-war-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/bleszinski-horde-mode-will-return-in-gears-of-war-3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We recently sat down (literally) for a chat with Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinski here at E3 and grilled him on all things Gears of War 3. While he couldn't give us much on the planned changes to Versus mode, he did confirm that everyone's favorite co-op online mode from Gears of War 2, Horde mode, would in fact return in Gears of War 3.

Even though Beast mode is in the limelight right now, it doesn't mean Epic Games has forgotten about Horde mode. "Everyone's assuming, for some reason, on my Twitter and stuff, that we're not going to have Horde," Bleszinski said. "Horde will be back. We're just not talking about it right now."

You can look for our full interview with Bleszinski in the next few days.

JoystiqBleszinski: Horde mode will return in Gears of War 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010Epic-GamesGears-of-WarGears-of-War-3hordehorde-modeMicrosoft-Game-StudiosThu, 17 Jun 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3, now with Ice-T]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/gears-of-war-3-now-with-ice-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/gears-of-war-3-now-with-ice-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/gears-of-war-3-now-with-ice-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,

That rumor about Ice-T playing a role in Gears of War 3? Totally true. The man himself took the stage at tonight's Gears of War 3 shindig in downtown LA, as indicated by Major Nelson on Twitter (and seen in the picture above, also care of Major's tweet). Apparently, he'll voice a character named Griffin, with Gears creator Cliff Bleszinski mentioning Ice "won't stop telling everyone about his role as Griffin in Gears 3."

What's that, you say? You're just as excited as we are to hear Ice-T's debut gameplay voiceover role? Good! Now get back to reading about E3 2010, won't you?

Update: Microsoft officially detailed Ice's character Griffin as the leader of "a rag-tag group of human survivors, known as the Stranded, who Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad will encounter as they battle the infected Lambent."

JoystiqGears of War 3, now with Ice-T originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cliff-Bleszinskie3e3-2010Gears-of-WarGears-of-War-3Ice-TmicrosoftThu, 17 Jun 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More Gears of War 3 shots than you can shake a Locust at]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/more-gears-of-war-3-screens-than-you-can-shake-a-locust-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/more-gears-of-war-3-screens-than-you-can-shake-a-locust-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/more-gears-of-war-3-screens-than-you-can-shake-a-locust-at/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click image to light up your eyes with new screens
Maybe you were sitting around today, contemplating Gears of War 3, expecting some new screenshots to pore over -- if so, we'd say Miss Cleo has got some competition. Epic Games was kind enough to send us some weapon renders, concept art and even some new in-game shots.

Feel free to take a spell in our gallery below and check out the new screens. We've got big dudes, bigger guns and even bigger mechs. What more could you want?

Gallery: Gears of War 3 (6/8/2010)

JoystiqMore Gears of War 3 shots than you can shake a Locust at originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicEpic-GamesGears-of-WarGears-of-War-3MicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosXbox-360Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 2 title update adds 'social matches,' DLC price drops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/gears-of-war-2-title-update-adds-social-matches-dlc-price-dro/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/gears-of-war-2-title-update-adds-social-matches-dlc-price-dro/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/gears-of-war-2-title-update-adds-social-matches-dlc-price-dro/#comments Perhaps in an effort to get the Gears of War franchise back at the front of your mind meat before the third iteration arrives next year, Microsoft is trying a two-pronged effort to lure fans back to GoW 2. The first, Title Update 6, adds a feature called "Social Matches" which allows individual players or parties to drop in or out of ongoing games (yep, even Horde mode matches) without interruption. But you knew that already, right?

The only catch is that you can only use social matching if you own all of the game's map packs which have luckily been slashed to $10 for the lot of them (that's the second prong, by the way). Individual prices have been cut as well. Other balancing and fixes implemented by Title Update 6 (a full list of which is available right here) will be available to all players.

To mark the occasion, players will get triple experience gain from May 27 to June 1, which we guess is technically a third prong. Yep, that's right: We've got a rare promotional trident on our hands.

JoystiqGears of War 2 title update adds 'social matches,' DLC price drops originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcepicgears-of-wargears-of-war-2microsoftpatchtitle-updatetitle-update-6Xbox-360Wed, 26 May 2010 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New Gears, BioShock 2 toys coming exclusively to Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/new-gears-bioshock-2-toys-coming-exclusively-to-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/new-gears-bioshock-2-toys-coming-exclusively-to-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/new-gears-bioshock-2-toys-coming-exclusively-to-comic-con/#comments Worried you'd never get a collectible based on Gears of War comic character Jace Stratton, a gentleman who has yet to put any face time into an actual Gears of War game series? Well quit it, worrywort! (You're only hurting yourself.) NECA recently told Toy News International that it'll be bringing Stratton -- and several BioShock 2 figures -- to the upcoming 2010 San Diego Comic-Con International for sale in limited quantities.

We'd love to tell you more about the BioShock 2 figures, but we're not trying to ruin the end of the game for those of you who might still be wary of spoilers. You can have a look for yourself right here.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqNew Gears, BioShock 2 toys coming exclusively to Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresbioshock-2gears-of-wargears-of-war-2jace-strattonnecasan-diego-comic-consan-diego-comic-con-2010toysFri, 21 May 2010 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic's Mike Capps: PC piracy 'changed our business model']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/epics-mike-capps-pc-piracy-changed-our-business-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/epics-mike-capps-pc-piracy-changed-our-business-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/epics-mike-capps-pc-piracy-changed-our-business-model/#commentsRecent comments from Epic Games president Mike Capps in Edge Magazine (via Develop) show the developer's frustration with the PC piracy scene, as well as its hesitance to fully embrace the platform. "We still do PC, we still love the PC, but we already saw the impact of piracy: it killed a lot of great independent developers and completely changed our business model," Capps said.

Of course, Epic's shift to console development (think: Gears of War) also makes a lot of cents ... err, sense. "And now, people are saying 'why do you hate the PC? You're a console-only company.' It's because the money's on consoles," he said. Capps' candid stance likely doesn't preclude future success on PC -- there's still fertile land out there -- but for now, Epic has prioritized console blockbusters.

It's a shame it'll have to miss out on that $13 billion pie, though. We know how much Cliff Bleszinski likes his pie.

JoystiqEpic's Mike Capps: PC piracy 'changed our business model' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskiepicepic-gamesgears-of-warmike-cappspc-piracypiracyTue, 18 May 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic: Gears of War 2 Title Update 6 is 'about a week' away]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/epic-gears-of-war-2-title-update-6-is-about-a-week-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/epic-gears-of-war-2-title-update-6-is-about-a-week-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/epic-gears-of-war-2-title-update-6-is-about-a-week-away/#comments Epic has posted the Title Update 6 patch notes for Gears of War 2 and the biggest bullet point has to be the ability to join matches in progress. Not only can players now join Horde matches mid-game, the update adds a new Social Xbox Live playlist which lets players join matches in progress and doesn't penalize those who quit early -- but it's only available to those who have all of the DLC. The new Social list also bypasses matchmaking screens and cycles to the next map immediately following the conclusion of the current match, cutting down on the time spent in menus.

The update addresses certain exploits, such as the ability to get out of the map on Subway and Blood Drive, and also improves the pellet grouping on the Gnasher shotgun "to increase hit consistency." Rod Fergusson, senior producer on Gears, says players can look forward to downloading the update in "about a week." We'll let you know when it's live.

[Thanks, Dusty]

Source - Title Update 6 patch notes
Source - Fergusson says update is around a week away

JoystiqEpic: Gears of War 2 Title Update 6 is 'about a week' away originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-warGears-of-war-2patchpatch-notesrod-fergussontitle-updatetitle-update-6xbox-liveTue, 18 May 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gears of War story in 5 minutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/the-gears-of-war-story-in-5-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/the-gears-of-war-story-in-5-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/the-gears-of-war-story-in-5-minutes/#comments Gears of War 3 is only a year away so it's, like, totally imperative to brush up on the story thus far. IGN has compiled a little video feature that compresses all the twists and turns of Gears' epic story into five minutes. Obviously, the recap is full of spoilers, so it's probably best not to watch it unless you've played the first two games.

Haven't played the first two Gears yet? Well, it's possible to pick up both for $50 or less. They're good games, we promise -- and there's still plenty of time to casually grind through them before the sequel emerges. For those who just want the quick recap fix, that's available after the break.

Continue reading The Gears of War story in 5 minutes

JoystiqThe Gears of War story in 5 minutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-warGears-of-war-2gears-of-war-3microsoft-game-studiosvideoTue, 27 Apr 2010 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 Avatar items emerge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/gears-of-war-3-avatar-items-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/gears-of-war-3-avatar-items-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/gears-of-war-3-avatar-items-emerge/#comments
Attention Gears heads: the promised Gears of War 3 Avatar items are now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. So far there are eight items in the collection, including T-shirts, sleeveless COG armor, a hat, and, sweetest of all, a Ticker Avatar pet. The items range in price from 80 ($1) to 320 ($4). Granted, it's not the same as actually playing Gears of War 3 -- which you won't be doing until next year -- but at least you can pretend, right?

JoystiqGears of War 3 Avatar items emerge originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplaceavatarsepicgears-of-wargears-of-war-3Microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosxblmTue, 20 Apr 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 dated April 5, 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/gears-of-war-3-dated-april-5-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/gears-of-war-3-dated-april-5-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/gears-of-war-3-dated-april-5-2011/#comments The Gears of War "trilogy" will conclude on April 5, 2011 in North America, followed by Japan and Europe on April 7 and 8, respectively. The game, announced last Friday on the Xbox Dashboard, finally had its big (delayed) coming-out trailer last night on late-night national television.

For those interested in Gears apparel for their Avatars, new items for the little scamps will be available beginning April 20, 2010. Items, like the new Gears 3 COG armor, can be picked up in the Avatar Marketplace, along with other Gears gear. Find pics of the COG armor in the gallery below.

Update: The Gears 3 campaign will feature four-player co-op, according to Cliff Bleszinski.

Gallery: Gears of War 3

JoystiqGears of War 3 dated April 5, 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplaceavatarsdlcepicepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-3Microsoftrelease-datetrilogyxblmXbox-360Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch the Gears of War 3 trailer right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/watch-the-gears-of-war-3-trailer-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/watch-the-gears-of-war-3-trailer-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/watch-the-gears-of-war-3-trailer-right-now/#commentsWhy wait for Cliff Bleszinski to debut Gears of War 3 on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon? Here's the trailer for the "worst-kept secret in the video game industry," posted to the Late Night website (and embedded above) ... before it's appeared on television. The trailer is prefaced by some banter with Mister B about his vintage Nintendo Power appearance and what makes a great game.

The new game has playable female soldiers in it! Take that, Crackdown 2! Don't worry, it's still jam-packed with men who look like refrigerators and mellow music, like the famous Gears of War trailer (in this case, Sun Kil Moon's "Heron Blue"). Other elements mentioned by Cliff include new weapons and new aliens -- "crazy tentacle monsters" with mutating ability. Bleszinski said GOW3 will arrive "probably around April 8" -- one year after his Late Night appearance was supposed to be shown. Wouldn't that have been nice marketing? Oh, well.

Update: Official release date is April 5, 2011. And catch Cliff's Late Night appearance after the break.

Gallery: Gears of War 3

Continue reading Watch the Gears of War 3 trailer right now

JoystiqWatch the Gears of War 3 trailer right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 01:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskicliffy-bCliffyBepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-3Jimmy-Fallonlate-nightlate-night-with-jimmy-fallonMicrosofttrailervideoXbox-360Tue, 13 Apr 2010 01:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gears of Wars 3 details emerge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/rumor-gears-of-wars-3-details-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/rumor-gears-of-wars-3-details-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/rumor-gears-of-wars-3-details-emerge/#comments With this morning's Dashboard surprise (or slipup), we've learned that Gears of War 3 is scheduled to emerge on Xbox 360 next April. Given that Edge Online's earlier prediction of an April 2011 release for the game was spot on, the latest details from the site's anonymous source, said to be in US publishing, could certainly be accurate. From piloting a mech (allegedly appearing in single- and multiplayer modes) to the sequel's summer setting (reported to feature underwater levels, presumably to cool off), the report makes for an interesting read if you're wondering where Marcus and crew could possibly end up next year.

As for the bad guys, the Locust Horde is said to be evolving alongside the game's setting, spawning "tentacle-like appendages," which can attack players that are in cover. We've reached out to Microsoft and Epic for confirmation of any of these details, but, like Edge was told, we imagine the best we'll get is, "We don't comment on rumor or speculation."

JoystiqRumor: Gears of Wars 3 details emerge originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-3mechmicrosoftrumorXbox-360Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 3 announced by ... your Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/gears-of-war-3-announced-by-your-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/gears-of-war-3-announced-by-your-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/gears-of-war-3-announced-by-your-xbox/#comments We actually hadn't heard that Gears of War 3 was announced -- wasn't Cliff Bleszinski's big reveal bumped to Monday? -- but thanks to the marvels of modern technology and inattentive switch flippers, our Xbox 360 has brought us up to speed. The menu item (shown above) in the Xbox Spotlight channel doesn't lead to any further information, but does seem to confirm that "the epic story concludes April 2011." [Update: It's gone now.]

Oh no, all our GoW trilogies are coming to an end!

[Thanks, Daryl]

JoystiqGears of War 3 announced by ... your Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingepicEpic-Gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-3Microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosoopsrelease-dateXbox-360Fri, 09 Apr 2010 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Cliff Bleszinski's new game reveal on Fallon bumped to Monday, April 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/psa-cliff-bleszinskis-new-game-reveal-on-fallon-bumped-to-mond/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/psa-cliff-bleszinskis-new-game-reveal-on-fallon-bumped-to-mond/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/psa-cliff-bleszinskis-new-game-reveal-on-fallon-bumped-to-mond/#comments
Those eagerly awaiting the network television reveal of Gears of War creator Cliff "Don't Call Me CliffyB" Bleszinski's newest game (that includes us!) will have to wait a few more days, unfortunately. Originally scheduled for tonight's Late Night With Jimmy Fallon taping, Bleszinski's appearance has been bumped to Monday night, April 12 at 12:35/11:35C.

The news was dropped by Gavin Purcell, co-producer of Late Night, via his Twitter feed. Purcell cited a "scheduling conflict" as the reason for the last-minute switcheroo. We bet that Cliff's taking the weekend to add Extra Awesome[TM] to whatever he's about to spring on us.

JoystiqPSA: Cliff Bleszinski's new game reveal on Fallon bumped to Monday, April 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskigears-of-warJimmy-Fallonlate-night-with-jimmy-fallontelevisionWed, 07 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gears of War film troubled, scaled back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/rumor-gears-of-war-film-troubled-scaled-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/rumor-gears-of-war-film-troubled-scaled-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/rumor-gears-of-war-film-troubled-scaled-back/#comments If you've been impatiently waiting for the complex narrative and endearing characters of Gears of War to be captured in a Hollywood blockbuster, a report by the LA Times is set to disappoint you. Citing "sources" familiar with the matter, it claims director Len Wiseman (Live Free or Die Hard and the Underworld movies) may be abandoning the director's chair in favor of thriller "Nocturne."

The production studio is also allegedly looking to make significant cuts to the project. What was planned to be an epic, $100 million endeavor is now said to be shrinking, calling for a rewrite of Chris Morgan's initial work on a Stuart Beattie script. Wiseman hasn't officially bailed yet, though the LA Times posits that it's likely to happen in the future.

On the plus side, if Wiseman ditches the project, that could put The Rock back in the running to play Marcus Fenix. Surely we've all forgotten about Doom by now ...

JoystiqRumor: Gears of War film troubled, scaled back originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgame-to-filmgears-of-wargears-of-war-movielen-wisemanMicrosoftmoviemoviesnew-linerumorXbox-360Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War director to debut new game on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/gears-of-war-director-to-debut-new-game-on-late-night-with-jimmy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/gears-of-war-director-to-debut-new-game-on-late-night-with-jimmy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/gears-of-war-director-to-debut-new-game-on-late-night-with-jimmy/#comments
It must be warming up outside the epic Games HQ in North Carolina, because Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski is gearing up to debut his latest game. The news comes from none other than Late Night host (and friend of games) Jimmy Fallon, who's tweeted that, "Game designer Cliff Bleszinski (@therealcliffyb) debuts his new game on Late Night next Thur. Set your TiVos! And your Xboxes."

If, like us, you're already grabbing your remote to do just that, Late Night airs on NBC at 12:35/11:35C and Mr. Fallon is specifically referring to the show that will air the night of Thursday, April 8 (or very early Friday, April 9 depending where you live). Any guesses that don't rhyme with "deers and boars tree?"

JoystiqGears of War director to debut new game on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskiepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-3Jimmy-Fallonlate-night-with-jimmy-fallonWed, 31 Mar 2010 20:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gears of War 3 in April 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/rumor-gears-of-war-3-in-april-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/rumor-gears-of-war-3-in-april-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/rumor-gears-of-war-3-in-april-2011/#comments A few things in this life are certain: Oprah will have a new book for you to read every month and you can bet there's a new Gears of War in the works. Edge says a source has put a pin in April 2011 as the release window for the third entry in Epic's series -- and we should expect the first teaser trailer next month, on April 8, with a full-on reveal at E3 in June.

"Microsoft's keen to avoid a clash with Halo: Reach and wants Natal to own Christmas," alleges Edge's source. "That's why we won't be seeing Gears Of War 3 until next year, but expect a major marketing push ahead of its release."

Recently, Epic prez Mike Capps hinted at a major game announcement to be made by the studio during E3. Additionally, EA has teased a "Shooter from Epic" due just before April in Q1 2011.

JoystiqRumor: Gears of War 3 in April 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010epicepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-3Microsoftq2-2011release-daterumorXbox-360Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic president hints at new game announcement at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/epic-president-hints-at-new-game-announcement-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/epic-president-hints-at-new-game-announcement-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/epic-president-hints-at-new-game-announcement-at-e3/#commentsEpic Games president Mike Capps is already teasing some kind of new announcement at E3. Speaking to VentureBeat at the Interactive Achievement Awards, Capps responded to a question about possible new games by saying that "We might have a new one coming. I think E3 is going to be really exciting for fans of Epic." You can see him make this statement on video after the break.

It might have a new one coming? Shouldn't he know? What kind of company doesn't keep its own president in the loop? Oh, we get it. He's being coy. So what's this new game? It could be the "Shooter from Epic TBA" listed in EA's schedule for early 2011. Which could be People Can Fly's "Bulletstorm." We suppose "fans of Epic" would be happiest with a sequel to one of the company's franchises, so a new Unreal, Gears of War or even Shadow Complex is always a possibility. It's probably not a new Jill of the Jungle. Which is too bad.

[Thanks, Fintan!]

Continue reading Epic president hints at new game announcement at E3

JoystiqEpic president hints at new game announcement at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstorme3-2010epic-gamesgears-of-warMicrosoftmike-cappspeople-can-flyshadow-complexunrealXbox-360Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Deal of the Week: Gears of War Avatar items]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-gears-of-war-avatar-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-gears-of-war-avatar-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-gears-of-war-avatar-items/#comments Looking to represent the Serans during the ongoing conflict with the Locust in Gears of War 2? Well, you've probably been playing the game, but if you insist on enlisting your Avatar in the ranks of the willing and able, Major Nelson reveals the COG armor (steroids not included) will only set you back 240 ($3) this week, while the helmet is a far more manageable 80 ($1). That's a savings of 25 and 50 percent off the normal price, respectively -- a sale that is valid until March 8.

Shortcut: Add Gears of War COG armor (male) to your queue [Xbox.com]
Shortcut: Add Gears of War COG armor (female) to your queue [Xbox.com]
Shortcut: Add Gears of War COG helmet (male) to your queue [Xbox.com]
Shortcut: Add Gears of War COG helmet (female) to your queue [Xbox.com]

JoystiqXbox Live Deal of the Week: Gears of War Avatar items originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplaceavatarsdeal-of-the-weekepicgears-of-warGears-of-war-2xbox-livexbox-live-deal-of-the-weekMon, 01 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NECA making action figures based on Borderlands, BioShock 2 and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/neca-making-action-figures-based-on-borderlands-bioshock-2-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/neca-making-action-figures-based-on-borderlands-bioshock-2-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/neca-making-action-figures-based-on-borderlands-bioshock-2-and/#comments
[Image via Figures]

If you appreciated the handiwork of the National Entertainment Collectibles Association on the BioShock 2 props revealed a couple weeks ago, then you'll be pleased to know the company has revealed that additional video game-themed products are in the works. According to a Figures forum post, five franchises will receive replicas by early 2011: BioShock 2, Street Fighter, Gears of War, Dante's Inferno and Dead Space 2. Three other projects were mentioned, but not detailed: Assassin's Creed 2, Splinter Cell: Conviction and Borderlands (which includes an "articulated Claptrap with sound effects").

You can find a full list of the characters that the company will toy-ify on the Figures forum. Most of them are based on the aforementioned franchises' nightmarish enemies -- but hey, if you feel like lining your desk with Necromorphs and Unbaptized Babies, that's your prerogative.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqNECA making action figures based on Borderlands, BioShock 2 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresassassins-creed-2bioshock-2borderlandsdantes-infernodead-space-2gears-of-warnecasplinter-cell-convictionstreet-fightertoysTue, 16 Feb 2010 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[X10: Lost Planet 2 screens feature Marcus, Dom, and Wesker together]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/x10-lost-planet-2-screens-feature-marcus-dom-and-wesker-toget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/x10-lost-planet-2-screens-feature-marcus-dom-and-wesker-toget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/x10-lost-planet-2-screens-feature-marcus-dom-and-wesker-toget/#comments
click to lose yourself in the galleryIf you're a huge Resident Evil nerd and a huge Gears of War nerd (a nerd squared, if you will) and are considering pre-ordering Lost Planet 2 solely for fan service, your head is about to explode. In these latest screenshots out of X10, the downloadable Albert Wesker, Marcus, and Dom appear together for the first time.

It's like seeing all of your favorite Hanna-Barbera characters interacting with each other in the Laff-a-Lympics, except instead of Scooby-Doo and Yogi Bear, it's a bunch of giant dudes with guns.

Gallery: Lost Planet 2: Wesker/Marcus/Dom


JoystiqX10: Lost Planet 2 screens feature Marcus, Dom, and Wesker together originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albert-weskercapcomgears-of-warlost-planet-2Microsoftpre-orderpre-order-bonusresident-evilshooterx10Xbox-360Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST