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[The Brothers Mario return in GTA IV machinima 'Kong Country']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/the-brothers-mario-return-in-gta-iv-machinima-kong-country/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/the-brothers-mario-return-in-gta-iv-machinima-kong-country/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/the-brothers-mario-return-in-gta-iv-machinima-kong-country/#comments Machinima stars The Brothers Mario are back, and they've brought a new character with them: "Don Keykong," a mob boss who's bananas for vengeance. Along with all of the other cameos, there's even a music video for the gangsta anthem featured in the trailer. Being a plumber has never been so badass.

Continue reading The Brothers Mario return in GTA IV machinima 'Kong Country'

JoystiqThe Brothers Mario return in GTA IV machinima 'Kong Country' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donkey-kongfunnyGrand-Theft-Auto-4gta-ivGTA4humormachinimamario-brothersRockStarthe-brothers-marioMon, 28 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Original GTA developer says game was 'almost canned']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/original-gta-developer-says-game-was-almost-canned/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/original-gta-developer-says-game-was-almost-canned/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/original-gta-developer-says-game-was-almost-canned/#comments Gary Penn was a developer at DMA Design way back when the British company was working on the very first Grand Theft Auto game -- the top-down, PC-based version, not the 3D console hit you know and love today -- and says that it was "almost canned." Not because of any Hot Coffee-style shenanigans, mind you. Just because (and we're paraphrasing here) it sucked.

It was incredibly unstable and "it was awful, it was too sim-y," says Penn. It wasn't until the developer found a bit of fun by turning up the police aggressiveness that it finally landed on the gameplay that's sustained the series to this day: GTA creates a much more manic, amped-up version of the world we actually live in.

Once the dev figured that out, it moved on to things like mowing down 2D Hare Khrishnas (Penn's right -- it was really satisfying, moral qualms aside) and just enjoying the world. Penn goes on to say that the series is "stagnating" for him, perhaps because of its success. "It's anything but a lazy game," he says, "but they don't have the pressure if no one else is doing it anywhere near as well as they're doing it."

JoystiqOriginal GTA developer says game was 'almost canned' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dma-designgame-designgary-penngrand-theft-autogtagta-ivpcMon, 31 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain in Liberty City: a GTA IV Machinima]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/heavy-rain-in-liberty-city-a-gta-iv-machinima/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/heavy-rain-in-liberty-city-a-gta-iv-machinima/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/heavy-rain-in-liberty-city-a-gta-iv-machinima/#comments If you've played through Heavy Rain, you know that most problems can't be solved by shooting a dude in the face. For GTA IV's Niko Bellic, that's very much a real problem solver -- a tactic he has no problem using. So it's a pretty odd juxtaposition to see the two games spliced together like they are in the video past the break.

It's a pretty great video, but we feel we should warn you that you probably won't get it if you've never played Heavy Rain. Unless you're watching this part, which we're pretty sure is funny no matter what game(s) you've played.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading Heavy Rain in Liberty City: a GTA IV Machinima

JoystiqHeavy Rain in Liberty City: a GTA IV Machinima originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgta-4gta-ivheavy-rainheavy-rain-in-liberty-cityliberty-citymachinimaTue, 11 May 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mothers Against Violence discuss GTA, emphasize parental responsibility, on BBC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mothers-against-violence-discuss-gta-emphasize-parental-respons/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mothers-against-violence-discuss-gta-emphasize-parental-respons/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mothers-against-violence-discuss-gta-emphasize-parental-respons/#comments During a BBC Radio Leeds discussion on violent video games earlier today, a spokesperson for Mothers Against Violence urged parents to take responsibility for their children rather than blame the games themselves. "I'm not directly blaming games, I'm blaming parents. If someone doesn't do something, where does it stop?"

Eurogamer transcribed pieces of the discussion, which range from the relatively mild, positive quote above, to the misinformed ("Why is it okay to beat up a prostitute, but not okay to pick up a normal civilian?" -- regarding the Grand Theft Auto series), and even to the legalese ("[Rockstar Games] submits every game to the appropriate ratings body. [GTA is] 18-rated and is entertainment clearly aimed at an adult audience." -- Rockstar's response). The MAV spokesperson reiterated that, while she worries about the effect violent games have on children, the onus is on parents to "study what games are all about." We're just gonna put this out there -- hear, hear!

JoystiqMothers Against Violence discuss GTA, emphasize parental responsibility, on BBC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbc-radio-leedsgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivmavmothers-against-violenceparentsrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-leedsviolenceviolent-video-gamesThu, 08 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA: Episodes From Liberty City for PC, PS3 delayed two weeks due to 'minor content changes']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-for-pc-ps3-delayed-two-weeks-du/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-for-pc-ps3-delayed-two-weeks-du/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-for-pc-ps3-delayed-two-weeks-du/#comments If you've waited this long for Episodes from Liberty City, another two weeks shouldn't hurt, right? Rockstar Games has pushed back the PS3 and PC releases of the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto IV expansions by two weeks due to "a request by Sony Europe to make some minor content changes to the PAL PS3 version of the game." According to the press release, "the minor changes made to the game will not affect the gamers enjoyment of the games, these will not affect any gameplay elements and were not related to any local ratings requirements."

All versions of the add-ons -- including the downloadable episodes "The Lost & Damned" and "The Ballad of Gay Tony" -- have been delayed to April 13th for North America, and April 16th for all other countries. A Rockstar Games blog post further elaborated on the decision to do a global delay, ensuring that "everyone can experience multiplayer simultaneously, take part in online events together, be on level ground on leaderboards, etc."

JoystiqGTA: Episodes From Liberty City for PC, PS3 delayed two weeks due to 'minor content changes' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydelaysdlcepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgrand-theft-auto-iv-episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-iv-lost-and-damnedGTAgta-ivgta-iv-dlcrelease-daterockstarrockstar-gamestake-twoThu, 18 Mar 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two revenue up $14m, laying off 15% of execs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/take-two-revenue-up-14-million-in-fiscal-q1-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/take-two-revenue-up-14-million-in-fiscal-q1-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/take-two-revenue-up-14-million-in-fiscal-q1-2010/#comments Take-Two has released its fiscal 2010 Q1 financial report, dropping always thrilling financial news on us about the company's performance between November 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010. Aside from a $13.8 million year-over-year increase in net revenue ($163.2 million this year over $149.4 million last year), Take-Two also reports a diminished net loss (again, year-over-year) to the tune of $20 million.

Take-Two also updated investors on current sales of several games and franchises, with GTA IV chocking up "over 15 million units globally" to date, NBA 2K10 already shipping "over 2 million units," and Carnival Games accruing 6 million units sold worldwide across both Wii and DS platforms. That's gotta be helping with that improved bottom line, eh?

Aside from those highlights, the investor report additionally notes plans for "a targeted restructuring of its corporate departments," resulting in a "15 percent reduction in corporate headcount." More shocking, the "restructuring" (read: layoffs) will amount to "approximately $8 million in savings in fiscal 2010." Holy cow!

JoystiqTake-Two revenue up $14m, laying off 15% of execs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carnival-gamesearningsfinancefinancialfinancial-reportfy-2010gta-ivlayoffsmoneynba-2k10q1salestake-twotake-two-interactiveWed, 03 Mar 2010 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two taking its business to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/take-two-taking-its-business-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/take-two-taking-its-business-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/take-two-taking-its-business-to-japan/#commentsTake-Two is starting an office in Japan to publish its games. Previously, Take-Two and Rockstar games have been published by partners like Capcom, Cyberfront and, most recently, D3 Publisher. It always seemed a bit weird to see a GTA game with a Capcom label, and now we'll be spared that minor cognitive dissonance.

The first game to be released under the new Japanese branch of Take-Two Interactive is Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. The publisher has yet to offer a date for this Japanese release, or even specify if it will be on both PS3 and Xbox 360.

JoystiqTake-Two taking its business to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivJapanlocalizationMicrosoftRockStarTake-TwoXbox-360Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Why a Grand Theft Auto movie hasn't gotten off the ground (yet)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/why-a-grand-theft-auto-movie-hasnt-gotten-off-the-ground-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/why-a-grand-theft-auto-movie-hasnt-gotten-off-the-ground-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/why-a-grand-theft-auto-movie-hasnt-gotten-off-the-ground-yet/#comments You know Gamer, right? That movie with a pasty-faced kid controlling human prisoners in a future game? Well, it turns out that the film almost ended up as a Grand Theft Auto joint. According to a recent interview with co-writer/director Mark Neveldine, "We [Neveldine and co-writer Brian Taylor] actually were going to be hired to write GTA. I am sure that was part of it. That was after we wrote and directed Crank, so I got involved with GTA pretty heavily, I didn't grow up with it."

Neveldine claims that it was a "rights issue" that caused the silver screen adaptation of GTA to founder. "It was a movie originally directed by Ron Howard ... and because Rockstar Games made a video game, there is some battle of who can use the title ... you can't make it about the game." Back in 2008, Variety alleged that a GTA movie was on the precipice of production when the deal fell through, but we get the feeling that these folks are speaking about something completely different.

JoystiqWhy a Grand Theft Auto movie hasn't gotten off the ground (yet) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-taylorcrankfilmfilm-adaptationgamergrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-moviegta-ivmark-neveldinemovierockstarrockstar-gamesron-howardtake-two-interactiveThu, 04 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA: Episodes From Liberty City on PS3, PC March 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-on-ps3-pc-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-on-ps3-pc-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-on-ps3-pc-march-30/#comments We were all expecting it and finally Rockstar has come through with the announcement: Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City is coming to the PS3 and PC on March 30. There will be two ways to get your expansion fix: you can either jack each individual episode -- The Lost and the Damned or The Ballad of Gay Tony -- through PSN or Games For Windows Live, or you can snag a disc with the new content on there, just like the previous Xbox 360 release. Well, OK, technically it's not "jacking," per se, but work with us here -- it's essential to the mental imagery we're trying to force into your wrinkly thought machine. Jedi blogging.

A disc will set you back $39.99, while individual episodes will be $20 each. Like the Xbox 360 version of Episodes From Liberty City, a retail disc will not require a copy of GTA IV, while the DLC will.

JoystiqGTA: Episodes From Liberty City on PS3, PC March 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgrand-theft-auto-iv-dlcgrand-theft-auto-iv-pcgtagta-ivgta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-cityrelease-daterockstartake-twoFri, 29 Jan 2010 00:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two CEO thinks Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC was late to the party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-boss-thinks-grand-theft-auto-4-dlc-was-late-to-the-part/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-boss-thinks-grand-theft-auto-4-dlc-was-late-to-the-part/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-boss-thinks-grand-theft-auto-4-dlc-was-late-to-the-part/#comments Fielding a question on today's quarterly investors call regarding the performance of Grand Theft Auto 4's DLC double-header and the accompanying retail bundle - The Lost and Damned, The Ballad of Gay Tony, and Episodes from Liberty City, respectively - Take-Two CEO Ben Feder admits, "Both we and Microsoft believed there was a big market for GTA 4 episodic content and some factors affected their performance." Calling the two companies' relationship "a historic, strategic partnership" - remember this? - and calling the episodes themselves "profitable contributors to the company," Feder nevertheless offered some insight into what his company could have done to make them even more profitable.

"Both were released significantly after the launch of the core unit," Feder says, referring to the April 2008 launch of Grand Theft Auto 4. "And therefore weren't able to leverage GTA 4's initial marketing campaign and initial launch fervor." With The Lost and Damned coming out in February of this year, some 10 months after GTA 4's initial release, and The Ballad of Gay Tony this past October, 18 months after the initial release, we'd have to agree that timing played an issue; the GTA 4 hype machine had worn off.

Gallery: GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony (Multiplayer)

Continue reading Take-Two CEO thinks Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC was late to the party

JoystiqTake-Two CEO thinks Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC was late to the party originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-FederDLCEpisodes-From-Liberty-CityGrand-Theft-Auto-IVGTA-IVgta-iv-DLCMicrosoftTake-TwoThe-Ballad-of-Gay-TonyThe-Lost-and-DamnedXbox-360Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two: revenues up in Q4, down overall for the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-revenues-up-in-q4-down-overall-for-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-revenues-up-in-q4-down-overall-for-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-revenues-up-in-q4-down-overall-for-the-year/#commentsTake-Two warned us (and investors ... actually, mostly investors) to expect smaller revenues for the fiscal year that ended October 31, and its fiscal-year results, announced today, hold true to that portent. The company's net revenue for fiscal 2009 was $968.5 million, down from $1.5 billion. Take-Two attributes the loss to the lack of a game as strong as Grand Theft Auto IV.

It wasn't all bad news, however. Net revenue in Q4 was actually up over 2008, from $323.4 million to $343.4 million. Take-Two attributes the success in this period to Borderlands, NBA 2K10, both the downloadable and disc-based releases of the Grand Theft Auto content and, yes, GTA IV, which must have experienced a resurgence when Gay Tony and Episodes from Liberty City were released.

JoystiqTake-Two: revenues up in Q4, down overall for the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsborderlandsbusinessepisodes-from-liberty-cityfinancialgta-ivindustrymajor-league-baseballMicrosofttake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play The Ballad of Gay Tony with Rockstar tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/play-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-with-rockstar-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/play-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-with-rockstar-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/play-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-with-rockstar-tonight/#comments
Before you put on some sweats, make a little popcorn and sit down for your sitcoms tonight, you may want to gear up for some The Ballad of Gay Tony multiplayer. Rockstar Games has announced it'll be holding a multiplayer session tonight from 5pm - 8pm ET, allowing prospective Liberty City hoodlums to hang out with some developers in the expansion's new multiplayer modes for a bit of two-on-two action.

If you want to get involved, pack a parachute and send a request to these Gamertags:
  • GwRockstar3
  • GwRockstar4
  • GwRockstar5
  • GwRockstar6
And if you fancy yourself a bit of a voyeur or can't get to your Xbox, you can still watch the action from the perspective of one of Rockstar's employees at the Social Club event page here.

JoystiqPlay The Ballad of Gay Tony with Rockstar tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gay-tonygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivluis-lopezrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyxbox-liveThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Fils-Aime: 'effectively marketed' third-party titles can sell on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendos-fils-aime-effectively-marketed-third-party-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendos-fils-aime-effectively-marketed-third-party-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendos-fils-aime-effectively-marketed-third-party-titles/#comments Despite slow to non-existent sales for several high-profile third-party Nintendo Wii titles, the company's US head, Reggie Fils-Aime, still believes that third-party publishers on Nintendo's console can be successful. Speaking with Kotaku, Fils-Aime says he's "extremely disappointed" with the lack of major third party games on the Wii. He even goes so far as to say he's spoken (presumably quite sternly) with "every publisher who makes content that is not available on my platform" about the subject.

When questioned as to why major titles like Grand Theft Auto IV and Assassin's Creed 2 aren't headed to his company's console, he explains it as a measure of long lead times rather than technological inability. "Typically decisions are being made two years prior ... and so the decisions two years ago were that those types of games would not be effective on the platform." And though the subject isn't directly broached, Fils-Aime remains steadfast that third-party titles can be successful on the Wii ... with the right marketing. "High-quality, effectively marketed against our installed base, will sell. Period. End of story."

It would appear then that Boom Blox, The Conduit, No More Heroes, and a mess of other third-party titles, had some truly ineffective marketing by Reggie's standards.

JoystiqNintendo's Fils-Aime: 'effectively marketed' third-party titles can sell on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2businessdead-space-extractiongrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivmarketingNintendoreggie-fils-aimethird-partyWiiTue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 breaks record with 4.7 million in day-one sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/modern-warfare-2-breaks-record-with-4-7-million-in-day-one-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/modern-warfare-2-breaks-record-with-4-7-million-in-day-one-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/modern-warfare-2-breaks-record-with-4-7-million-in-day-one-sales/#comments With his brother dying in the war and his father abusing the whole family, you'd think that Niko Bellic had lost enough, but now Activision has to come along and take away one of the few things he had left: His day-one sales record. Activision announced today that Modern Warfare 2 sold an estimated 4.7 million units in its first 24 hours in North America and the UK alone, which far exceeds the previous record of 3.6 million held by Grand Theft Auto IV.

In other news, we're going to go ahead and bring you the world exclusive news that Modern Warfare 3 - 7 will be released in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 respectively. That pattern will likely continue into infinity ... but what will we cover in 2020 if we tell you that now?

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 breaks record with 4.7 million in day-one sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionfpsgta-ivinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2salesXbox-360Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: 15 days in GTA IV's Liberty City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/video-15-days-in-gta-ivs-liberty-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/video-15-days-in-gta-ivs-liberty-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/video-15-days-in-gta-ivs-liberty-city/#comments
Time lapse videos were all the rage back in -- actually, we don't think they were ever rage caliber stuff, but in the case of this GTA IV video that shows 15 days go by Liberty City, it's at least reached "oh, that's neat!" territory. The video comes courtesy of DigitalFoundry (you can watch it over at Eurogamer) and reminds us just how much life there is in the virtual sand box, as cars drive along to their respective destinations, pedestrians shuffle about doing their own thing and, in the case of that one lady around the 32-second mark, loaf around the riverside all day and night. We just hope she's not doing what we think she's doing. It'd be such an unbecoming thing of the purest city in all of gaming, amirite?

JoystiqVideo: 15 days in GTA IV's Liberty City originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-atuogrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivMicrosoftrockstartime-lapsevideoXbox-360Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar revamps Social Club's online leaderboards and stat tracking for Gay Tony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/rockstar-revamps-social-clubs-online-leaderboards-and-stat-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/rockstar-revamps-social-clubs-online-leaderboards-and-stat-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/rockstar-revamps-social-clubs-online-leaderboards-and-stat-trac/#comments
With the release of this week's second Grand Theft Auto IV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony, the game's developer has decided to update the online multiplayer statistics tracking in order to reflect the new multiplayer game types. The addition of "BASE Jump" to the mulitplayer as well as "new, tighter Deathmatch arenas" helped spur the leaderboard overhaul, according to the developer blog. The various new additions being made due to the DLC will even get their own section on the Rockstar Social Club, presumably for the four of you tracking your new GTAIV DLC stats after Modern Warfare 2 releases in a couple weeks.

JoystiqRockstar revamps Social Club's online leaderboards and stat tracking for Gay Tony originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivleaderboardsmultiplayeronline-multiplayerrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-social-clubsocial-clubthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyThu, 29 Oct 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: The Ballad of Gay Tony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/metareview-the-ballad-of-gay-tony/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/metareview-the-ballad-of-gay-tony/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/metareview-the-ballad-of-gay-tony/#comments The second and final "Episode from Liberty City," The Ballad of Gay Tony, has arrived. As the tale of Liberty City comes to a close, does The Ballad of Gay Tony present an exciting final act or an anti-climactic letdown? We'll let the critics at large weigh in on this one:
  • Game Informer (93/100): "While I preferred the tight-knit story of brotherhood and betrayal in The Lost and Damned, The Ballad of Gay Tony delivers more explosive weapons, death-defying missions, and off-the-wall characters. Don't miss your chance to close out the GTA IV experience in style."
  • IGN (92/100): "The Ballad of Gay Tony is the perfect way to close out the GTA IV saga. Finally, we know what happened to the diamonds stolen in the main story a year-and-a-half ago. Though Luis Lopez doesn't have much of a story at all (this is the ballad of his boss, after all), the supporting cast is phenomenal. There are a lot of hilarious moments and ludicrous missions that will please GTA fans. Sure, a few of the missions fall flat compared to the wild nature of others, but all-in-all this is a fine package and worth 20 bucks. "
  • 1UP (A-): "This has been one hell of a ride. I'm going to miss seeing something new in Liberty City, as I've probably been to every available nook and cranny. I suppose I could still go hunting for those damn pigeons, but with so many other games coming out in the coming months, I don't know where I'll find the time... at least until Rockstar gives me a ticket to their next world of crime, violence, and vice."
  • Eurogamer (80/100): "Perhaps Tony Prince does nothing to drag the series forward -- somewhat fittingly for a man with his head stuck in the eighties -- but the episode Rockstar has named in his honour is a colourful and pleasingly unpredictable adventure that gets better throughout and ends on a high."

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqMetareview: The Ballad of Gay Tony originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygta-ivmetareviewMicrosoftrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:50:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA's 'Next Stop' teased in Liberty City Episodes manual]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/gtas-next-stop-teased-in-liberty-city-episodes-manual/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/gtas-next-stop-teased-in-liberty-city-episodes-manual/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/gtas-next-stop-teased-in-liberty-city-episodes-manual/#comments We'd thought the Grand Theft Auto franchise had taken us to lovingly rendered simulacra of every metropolitan city-type known to man, but apparently, we thought wrong. In the back of the GTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City manual, a fake advertisement points to the series' "Next Stop" (seen above). Of course, the destination being teased is quite obviously the lovely town of Clip Artington, Minnesota. Surely you've heard of Clip Artington! It's renowned for its apple butter festivals.

On the off chance the teaser is pointing to a different city, we've ... we've really got no idea. Looks like a desert, though, right? And a mountain? And some conical, obsidian monoliths? What? Trees? Oh, yeah, that makes a lot more sense. We'd love to hear your speculation in a well-written, thought-provoking comment! There's a place for those right after the jump, you know.

[Image credit: VGChartz]

JoystiqGTA's 'Next Stop' teased in Liberty City Episodes manual originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivinstruction-manualmanualnext-stoprockstarteaserWed, 28 Oct 2009 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Ballad of Gay Tony trailer showcases Luis Lopez's many exploits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/latest-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-showcases-luis-lopezs-many-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/latest-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-showcases-luis-lopezs-many-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/latest-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-showcases-luis-lopezs-many-ex/#commentsRather than offer interesting social commentary or moody atmospheric tone, the just-released Ballad of Gay Tony teaser instead teaches us that Luis Lopez is not a joking around kinda guy. He takes shots, tosses dudes off buildings - he even goes to the driving range!

In case it weren't already glaringly obvious to you, the second Grand Theft Auto IV expansion will be taking itself quite a bit less seriously than the first digital release. Thankfully, the wait is nearly over and we can find out for ourselves tomorrow just how much Rockstar Games has twisted its latest opus.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqLatest Ballad of Gay Tony trailer showcases Luis Lopez's many exploits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivluis-lopezMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamesthe-ballad-of-gay-tonytrailerXbox-360Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: GTA IV is now available on demand, $30 in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/psa-gta-iv-is-now-on-demand-30-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/psa-gta-iv-is-now-on-demand-30-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/psa-gta-iv-is-now-on-demand-30-in-north-america/#comments
Crime epic Grand Theft Auto IV has arrived (as promised) on the Xbox Marketplace's Games on Demand lineup. The grand theft mega-hit costs $30 to download, which is the same price as a fresh new retail version -- a tiny bit more in some cases. We should probably note that a used copy from GameStop is about $25. By all means, if you have no way of getting to a retailer please feel free to buy the game online.

Oh, wait, that was a missed opportunity for a "steal a car" joke, wasn't it?

JoystiqPSA: GTA IV is now available on demand, $30 in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-on-demandgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivrockstarrockstar-gamestake-twoTue, 13 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV, Dead Space coming to Xbox 360 Games on Demand this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/gta-iv-dead-space-coming-to-xbox-360-games-on-demand-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/gta-iv-dead-space-coming-to-xbox-360-games-on-demand-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/gta-iv-dead-space-coming-to-xbox-360-games-on-demand-this-month/#comments
The Xbox 360's Games on Demand service is getting quite the booster shot this month, as Microsoft has announced six new titles coming to the service in October. The festivities kicked off earlier this week with the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 and Call of Duty 3. Here's what the rest of this month has in store:

October 13
October 20
 October 27
 There's no word on price for any of these titles right now, so we've checked with Microsoft and will be sure to update you when we hear back.

JoystiqGTA IV, Dead Space coming to Xbox 360 Games on Demand this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-twocodemastersdead-spacedirteaElectronic-Artsgames-on-demandgta-ivMicrosoftmidnight-club-los-angelesrockstarsegasonic-unleashedXbox-360Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New 'Episodes from Liberty City' introduces Armando & Henrique]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/new-episodes-from-liberty-city-introduces-armando-and-henrique/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/new-episodes-from-liberty-city-introduces-armando-and-henrique/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/new-episodes-from-liberty-city-introduces-armando-and-henrique/#commentsGood friends are hard to come by, especially on the seedy streets of Liberty City. That's why we're so glad the above trailer for Episodes from Liberty City (which features snippets from The Ballad of Gay Tony and The Lost and the Damned) emphasizes the comradery one can experience in the city's many boroughs.

Don't believe us? Just ask The Ballad of Gay Tony protagonist Luis Lopez's childhood friends Armando Torres and Henrique Bardas, who have stuck with Lopez through thick and thin.

JoystiqNew 'Episodes from Liberty City' introduces Armando & Henrique originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armando-torresepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivhenrique-bardasluis-lopezMicrosoftrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonythe-lost-and-the-damnedXbox-360Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch a gold bar from Yusuf Amir in the new Ballad of Gay Tony trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/catch-a-gold-bar-from-yusuf-amir-in-the-new-ballad-of-gay-tony-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/catch-a-gold-bar-from-yusuf-amir-in-the-new-ballad-of-gay-tony-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/catch-a-gold-bar-from-yusuf-amir-in-the-new-ballad-of-gay-tony-t/#commentsIt would be outright unfair to spoil any of the hilarious, minute-long trailer for upcoming GTA IV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony that we've dropped above. We would like to highlight its introduction of Yusuf Amir, a character who seems to be on the level of Brucie in terms of sheer personality. With any luck, we'll get to hang out with Mr. Amir quite a bit while playing through The Ballad of Gay Tony when it's released on October 29.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqCatch a gold bar from Yusuf Amir in the new Ballad of Gay Tony trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamestake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonytrailervideoXbox-360yusuf-amirThu, 24 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Weazel News reports rise in Liberty City terrorism]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/weazel-news-reports-rise-in-liberty-city-terrorism/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/weazel-news-reports-rise-in-liberty-city-terrorism/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/weazel-news-reports-rise-in-liberty-city-terrorism/#commentsIt looks like the inhabitants of Liberty City now have more to fear than crazy foreigners and roving bike gangs, according to a recent Weazel News expose. Terrorists have made their way into the city and brought their tools of destruction with them. Sticky bombs, exploding bullets (doesn't every bullet kinda explode?) and attack helicopters are just a few of these new dangers facing players in upcoming The Ballad of Gay Tony (not to mention every Burger Shot-loving local on the street).

But, thanks to the hard work of the Weazel News team, we have a good idea who's behind this sudden influx: Frickie Van Hardenberg, an African emigrant with a sordid past. What? Seriously, that's his name. Watch the news clip above if you don't believe us.

[Thanks, Juan!]

JoystiqWeazel News reports rise in Liberty City terrorism originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballad-of-gay-tonyepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamesthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar's Agent sneaks into 2010 release window]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/rockstars-agent-sneaks-into-2010-release-window/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/rockstars-agent-sneaks-into-2010-release-window/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/rockstars-agent-sneaks-into-2010-release-window/#comments Aside from the game's exclusivity to the PlayStation 3 and the logo you see above, we've seen little else about upcoming '70s espionage game Agent. But while answering some fan questions about next month's GTA IV expansion, The Ballad of Gay Tony, on its forums, Rockstar North mentions that it's "working hard on a lineup of PlayStation 3 releases for 2010 ... including Red Dead Redemption, Max Payne 3, and the PlayStation 3 exclusive AGENT."

The statement goes on to tease "yet to be announced" titles, possibly lending some credence to Michael Pachter's statements on another GTA game in the not- so-distant future. Considering Rockstar's statements were made in response to queries about GTA IV DLC coming to PS3, we wouldn't be surprised if those "yet to be announced" titles are the result of Microsoft's timed-exclusivity expiring.

[Via Superannuation]

JoystiqRockstar's Agent sneaks into 2010 release window originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentgrand-theft-auto-ivgta-4gta-ivgta4gtaivmax-payne-3michael-pachterred-dead-redemptionrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-northsuperannuationthe-ballad-of-gay-tonySun, 06 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 version of GTA IV patched to prevent cheating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/xbox-360-version-of-gta-iv-patched-to-prevent-cheating/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/xbox-360-version-of-gta-iv-patched-to-prevent-cheating/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/xbox-360-version-of-gta-iv-patched-to-prevent-cheating/#commentsComing just before the new DLC, which is sure to renew interest in Grand Theft Auto IV, Rockstar Games alerted us to a new Title Update that will make the game a bit harder for jerks, but more playable for the rest of us. It apparently fixes the glitch that allows players to appear invisible, and disables "cheat code exploits" in multiplayer.

Frankly, we're shocked to hear of cheating in Grand Theft Auto IV. That's immoral. Everyone should just play nice so that we all have a good time performing murder sprees in stolen automobiles.

Gallery: Grand Theft Auto IV

JoystiqXbox 360 version of GTA IV patched to prevent cheating originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheatinggrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivMicrosoftrockstartake-twotitle-updateXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 04 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV's The Ballad of Gay Tony sings on Oct. 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/gta-ivs-ballad-of-gay-tony-sings-oct-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/gta-ivs-ballad-of-gay-tony-sings-oct-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/gta-ivs-ballad-of-gay-tony-sings-oct-29/#comments Grand Theft Auto IV's The Ballad of Gay Tony will sashay into stores on October 29th as part of the Episodes from Liberty City retail disc. While hog ridin' formed the draw of GTA IV's most recent DLC episode, The Lost and Damned, it appears that the sparkly nightlife and parachuting out of helicopters is what you'll find described with enthusiasm on the back of the box.

With no mention of the Xbox Live version on any of the current materials, we're following up with Rockstar and Microsoft to confirm the release date for the Xbox Live Marketplace version.

Update: Microsoft tells us the release date is Oct. 29 for both the retail and Xbox Live Marketplace versions of the expansion.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqGTA IV's The Ballad of Gay Tony sings on Oct. 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballad-of-gay-tonygrand-theft-autogta-ivMicrosoftrockstartake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City gets box arted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/gta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city-gets-box-arted/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/gta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city-gets-box-arted/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/gta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city-gets-box-arted/#comments Though we'd love to spend our precious time poring over the just-released cover of upcoming Grand Theft Auto IV DLC retail pack, Episodes from Liberty City, we're not entirely certain of what to pick apart. The usual sexified lady and mean-looking gentlemen are present and accounted for, as is another helicopter to remind us of The Ballad of Gay Tony's apparent vehicle of choice. A few friends from the The Lost & Damned also make an appearance, but there isn't much else to ogle.

We still don't have a release date for the expansion or much more than a handful of screenshots, so we really hope you enjoy this box art until the first trailer hits tomorrow afternoon.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqGTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City gets box arted originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxartdigital-distributiondlcepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivMicrosoftretailrockstarrockstar-gamesscreenshotsthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First screens for The Ballad of Gay Tony go airborne]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/first-screens-for-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-go-airborne/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/first-screens-for-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-go-airborne/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/first-screens-for-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-go-airborne/#comments
Earlier today, Rockstar Games released its first volley of screens for upcoming GTA IV expansion, The Ballad of Gay Tony. From what we can see in the four images -- handed "exclusively to fan sites," according to the Rockstar Games website -- it appears as though air-based warfare will be the focus this time around.

Eagle-eyed fans will also notice that the protagonist is wearing the same letterman jacket found in the teaser image Rockstar released last week for the game's second DLC, still scheduled to arrive this Winter, further confirming his main characteriness. All will be revealed this Tuesday we hope, with the arrival of the first trailer (and hopefully some new media alongside that). For the time being, peep all four images right here.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony



[Thanks, Adriaan!]

JoystiqFirst screens for The Ballad of Gay Tony go airborne originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivgtaivignign-grand-theft-auto-hoodMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamesscreenshotsthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Ballad of Gay Tony gets its first trailer this Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/the-ballad-of-gay-tony-gets-its-first-trailer-this-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/the-ballad-of-gay-tony-gets-its-first-trailer-this-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/the-ballad-of-gay-tony-gets-its-first-trailer-this-tuesday/#comments
Notorious for not saying much about the GTA series until the very last minute, Rockstar Games stuck to form today in announcing the first trailer for upcoming GTA IV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony. According to the company's website, a trailer for Episodes from Liberty City will be released this Tuesday, "featuring The Ballad of Gay Tony."

The only images we've seen so far from the DLC haven't been much more than loading screen art, and now the shot above of what looks to be Luis jumping out of a plane. Wait, jumping out of a plane? There were no planes in GTA IV! What is this madness?!

JoystiqThe Ballad of Gay Tony gets its first trailer this Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcepisodes-from-liberty-cityexpire-images:2009-9-26gtagta-ivMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamesteaserthe-ballad-of-gay-tonytrailerXbox-360Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Lost and Damned is Deal of the Week for $15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/psa-lost-and-damned-is-deal-of-the-week-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/psa-lost-and-damned-is-deal-of-the-week-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/psa-lost-and-damned-is-deal-of-the-week-for-15/#comments
In case you'd forgotten, Major Nelson reminded us this morning that this week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week is the Grand Theft Auto IV expansion, The Lost and Damned. Rather than running you the standard price of 1600 ($20), the motorcycle gang-themed DLC will only cost 1200 ($15) this week.

Considering how many games have already headed into the "early 2010" release window, we wouldn't be surprised to see the retail compilation of The Lost and Damned with The Ballad of Gay Tony slip to next year. Hopefully this week's discount on the former is a precursor to the latter getting a release date or, well, any info at all since it was announced back in May. In the meantime, at lease we're getting a discount!

Gallery: Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned DLC

JoystiqPSA: Lost and Damned is Deal of the Week for $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekdigital-distributiondlcexpansiongta-ivgtaivrockstarrockstar-gamesthe-lost-and-damnedMon, 24 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Incoming Xbox Deals of the Week: Lost and Damned, Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/incoming-xbox-deals-of-the-week-lost-and-damned-penny-arcade-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/incoming-xbox-deals-of-the-week-lost-and-damned-penny-arcade-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/incoming-xbox-deals-of-the-week-lost-and-damned-penny-arcade-a/#commentsHow often is the Xbox Live Deal of the Week actually exciting? Not this week, at least, but it will be this month! On August 24, Microsoft will offer something pretty tempting: Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned for 1200 ($15), 5 bucks off the normal asking price for the Grand Theft Auto IV expansion.

If you're the guy who bought GTA IV on 360 but hasn't picked this up yet -- and you don't want to wait for Episodes from Liberty City -- now's a great time to pick up a new set of missions to give up on halfway through the game, in favor of just doing awesome bike jumps.

The announcement also reveals that a deal for Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2 is incoming, so ... you know, don't buy it yet. Also, a Halo 3 Dashboard theme that you really don't need to buy ever.

JoystiqIncoming Xbox Deals of the Week: Lost and Damned, Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adventuredeal-of-the-weekgrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivgta-iv-the-lost-and-damnedHothead-Gameslost-and-damnedMicrosoftOn-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Episode-2penny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventuresPenny-Arcade-Adventures-Episode-2Penny-Arcade-Adventures-On-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Penny-Arcade-Episode-2rockstarRPGXBLAXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 10 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[The ECA wants you to tell Obama how cool video games are]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/the-eca-wants-you-to-tell-obama-how-cool-video-games-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/the-eca-wants-you-to-tell-obama-how-cool-video-games-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/the-eca-wants-you-to-tell-obama-how-cool-video-games-are/#comments
Video games are totally cool, right? The Entertainment Consumers Association thinks so, and wants you to let the US President know how you feel about video games and their effect on your life, via an email form on its website. Specifically, the folks at the ECA want you to "point out some ways that video games have empowered and educated you." Like that time you were empowered by GTA IV to rob someone, right? (That's a joke, Mr. Thompson.) The political lobbying group is of course responding to the continuing message from President Obama during speeches to "put the video games away."

While we're sure Mr. President would love to read all about how World of Warcraft taught you about time (mis)management or how Drop7 makes you see things in groups of seven or less everywhere you go (is that just us?), we're thinking the "intellectual stimulation" and "problem solving" routes might be a bit more advantageous.

[Thanks, Jack!]

JoystiqThe ECA wants you to tell Obama how cool video games are originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamadrop7ecaentertainment-consumers-associationgta-ivhalojack-thompsonworld-of-warcraftMon, 27 Jul 2009 23:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: 2 more GTA IV episodes on the way, GTA V by fiscal 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/analyst-2-more-gtaiv-episodes-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/analyst-2-more-gtaiv-episodes-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/analyst-2-more-gtaiv-episodes-on-the-way/#comments Do you want more Grand Theft Auto? Well, that's what Todd Mitchell, analyst for Kaufman Bros. Equity Research wants. Nay, expects! Speaking to GI.biz, Mitchell stated that he's anticipating two more downloadable GTA IV episodes to launch after The Ballad of Gay Tony. "It's been indicated to me that would be the case," he said. Additionally, with Microsoft's exclusivity deal covering only two episodes, these DLC add-ons may also appear on PS3.

In addition to new GTA IV episodes, the analyst believes GTA V will debut some time in the 2011 fiscal year. The only reason it wasn't announced or teased in any way during E3, he believes, is "Rockstar's track record with delivering on time."

The most curious of statements Mitchell made was regarding the possibility of a new Grand Theft Auto hitting the PlayStation 2 system. No, you read that right. He believes a PS2 port of the PSP port of the formerly DS-exclusive Chinatown Wars may hit the aging Sony system, although he admits he's not too "confident" about that prediction. Pachter, eat your heart out.

JoystiqAnalyst: 2 more GTA IV episodes on the way, GTA V by fiscal 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-5grand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivgta5MicrosoftrockstarXbox-360Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Baking news: GTA IV meth recipe flawed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/baking-news-gta-iv-meth-recipe-flawed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/baking-news-gta-iv-meth-recipe-flawed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/baking-news-gta-iv-meth-recipe-flawed/#comments From the obscure annals of May 2008 comes the testimony of BBFC head David Cooke, who confirmed that the now irrelevant UK ratings board had investigated the authenticity of "instructional information about how to make the drug crystal meth" in Grand Theft Auto IV. The incident was brought to light today in a Times Online article examining PEGI's recent appointment as the sole UK video games classification authority and allegations that the organization might not be as thorough as the BBFC had been in its review process; for example: testing out GTA IV's so-called meth recipe.

We're not certain just how far the BBFC went in its drug trial, but "independent advice" was sought in order to deem that "crucial ingredients and techniques were missing" from the scrutinized game content. What does this mean for the rest of us? Well, one, if you're in the planning stages of a homebrewed meth lab, you should probably look beyond GTA IV's suggestions. And, two, if you've already got your lab up and running, you may want to contact your legal team and tell them that the "GTA made me do it" defense isn't going to work this time. That is, only if the coppers catch you before you blow yourself up.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqBaking news: GTA IV meth recipe flawed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfccrankcrystalglassgta-ivgtaivicemethmethamphetaminerecipeukMon, 22 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar, Media Molecule lead 2009 Develop Awards nods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/rockstar-media-molecule-lead-2009-develop-awards-nods/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/rockstar-media-molecule-lead-2009-develop-awards-nods/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/rockstar-media-molecule-lead-2009-develop-awards-nods/#comments Rockstar Leeds and Rockstar North, together with LittleBigPlanet dev Media Molecule have netted an impressive eleven nominations for the 2009 Develop Industry Excellence Awards, the UK's annual prize patrol for all things excellent in the industry.

The Rockstar houses pocketed six of their own for work on GTA: Chinatown Wars and GTA IV: The Lost and the Damned, including nods for visual arts, technical innovation and audio. Rockstar Leeds is also up for the award for best handheld game studio, while both are in the running for being recognized as the best in-house team. Media Molecule is up for five awards as well, including best indie studio and best new IP. The Guildford studio is also up for the technical innovation award, where it's not only up against the Rockstar folks, but the teams behind Killzone 2, PlayStation Home, Football Manager Live and Fable II.

We wish all nominees the best of luck and remind them not to forget to thanks their moms should they take the stage and accept an award during the July 15 ceremony.

JoystiqRockstar, Media Molecule lead 2009 Develop Awards nods originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>develop-awardsdlcgrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-chinatown-warsgrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-chinatown-warsgta-ivgta-iv-dlcgta-iv-the-lost-and-damnedgtaivlittlebigplanetlost-and-damnedmedia-moleculerockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-leedsrockstar-northukFri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Rockstar Games founders form 4mm Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/former-rockstar-games-founders-form-4mm-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/former-rockstar-games-founders-form-4mm-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/former-rockstar-games-founders-form-4mm-games/#comments Eager to fill their lungs with the clean air of independent living, Rockstar Games co-founders Jamie King and Gary Foreman have headed for the hills. Along the way the pair picked up Nicholas Perret from Image Metrics, known for its amazing yet slightly creepy Emily video, and entertainment exec Paul Coyne. Next stop: 4mm Games, a new game studio that, according to CEO Perret, aims to "deliver groundbreaking content with global appeal to a consumer who lives online."

4mm isn't talking specifics, though the company has netted "significant" backing from game-focused investment firm, CEA Autumn Games. According to 4mm, the companies have agreed to a multi-year partnership, which includes multiple titles and platforms. Beyond this, 4mm is keeping quiet on what it plans to spend its new-found cash on, but we'll keep our eyes on the horizon as things develop.

JoystiqFormer Rockstar Games founders form 4mm Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4mm4mm-gamesgtagta-ivgtaivrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstargamesThu, 21 May 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Details on next GTA IV DLC 'coming soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/details-on-next-gta-iv-dlc-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/details-on-next-gta-iv-dlc-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/details-on-next-gta-iv-dlc-coming-soon/#comments
With E3 2009 just a scant 17 days away, the hype machine has certainly started to build for quite a few game companies. And Rockstar Games is apparently no exception, teasing its upcoming GTAIV DLC via Twitter of all places.

Stating as vaguely as possible, "Details on 2nd episode of GTAIV downloadable content coming soon," Rockstar has officially started the ball rolling on wild speculation. Though it's possible the company will bust out details on the next expansion to Liberty City pre-E3, we're not betting anyone's baby on it. But then really, who bets a baby? You monster!

JoystiqDetails on next GTA IV DLC 'coming soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 May 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlce3-2009gta-ivgtaivhypeMicrosoftrockstar-gamestwitterXbox-360Fri, 15 May 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[CNBC ponders a Grand Theft Auto slowdown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/cnbc-ponders-a-grand-theft-auto-slowdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/cnbc-ponders-a-grand-theft-auto-slowdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/cnbc-ponders-a-grand-theft-auto-slowdown/#comments
CNBC is wondering if slow sales for The Lost and the Damned and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars are pointing to an overall slowdown for the series. The site points to analysts' estimates that only 1 million of those 13 million who bought GTA IV picked up the first DLC for the game, and to the crummy 89,000 units the DS title moved in March.

We're not sure we're on board with CNBC's theory just yet, though. The market for GTA IV's DLC was already split because of its 360 exclusivity and Chinatown Wars is a hardcore game on what's largely thought of as a casual system. What do you think?

JoystiqCNBC ponders a Grand Theft Auto slowdown originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 May 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSgrand-theft-autogtagta-chinatown-warsgta-ivgta-iv-dlcMicrosoftNintendorockstartake-twoWiiXbox-360Mon, 04 May 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EEDAR: DLC to drive AAA title revenue up 10 percent by 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/eedar-dlc-to-drive-aaa-title-revenue-up-10-percent-by-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/eedar-dlc-to-drive-aaa-title-revenue-up-10-percent-by-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/eedar-dlc-to-drive-aaa-title-revenue-up-10-percent-by-2010/#comments
DLC can expand a game in many ways. Not only can it expand the experience offered by a title, but it can also expand your wallet, take out your money, and place it in the hands of publishers and developers. And, by 2010, EEDAR predicts that "the average AAA title should be able to earn an additional 10% in revenue by releasing additional content through digital distribution."

It's not a hard pill to swallow; DLC packs such as The Lost and Damned and Call of Duty: World at War's Map Pack 1 have been selling like virtual hotcakes, and Sony has been milking LittleBigPlanet in all the appropriate ways. Also, let's not forget about Criterion Games, the company that has been adding value consistently to its Burnout Paradise game. Of course, gamers have been complaining about paid DLC just as consistently.

JoystiqEEDAR: DLC to drive AAA title revenue up 10 percent by 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-wardigital-distributiondlcdownloadable-contenteedargta-ivlost-and-damnedrockstarthe-lost-and-damnedMon, 13 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST