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[Valve puts fake Half-Life: Episode 3 listing on Steam for April Fools' Day [Update: Nope]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/valve-puts-fake-half-life-episode-3-listing-on-steam-for-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/valve-puts-fake-half-life-episode-3-listing-on-steam-for-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/valve-puts-fake-half-life-episode-3-listing-on-steam-for-april/#comments Damn it, Valve.

UPDATE: We've discovered that this website is a fake and does not actually belong to Valve. We were duped by a fake April Fools' Day joke posing as a real April Fools' Day joke and sincerely apologize for passing this along to you as fact.

JoystiqValve puts fake Half-Life: Episode 3 listing on Steam for April Fools' Day [Update: Nope] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-fools-2012half-lifehalf-life-episode-3steamvalveSun, 01 Apr 2012 20:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life: Origins, a trailer from the people behind Beyond Black Mesa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/half-life-origins-a-trailer-from-the-people-behind-beyond-blac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/half-life-origins-a-trailer-from-the-people-behind-beyond-blac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/half-life-origins-a-trailer-from-the-people-behind-beyond-blac/#comments
Some people are content with letting Hollywood fat cats license, interpret, reboot and reinvent the world's most beloved gaming franchises, but not the team at InfectionDesigner. They've been doing it themselves for years, and apparently have no plans of stopping.

JoystiqHalf-Life: Origins, a trailer from the people behind Beyond Black Mesa originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-black-mesablack-mesafan-filmGordon-Freemanhalf-lifehalf-life-origintrailerTue, 29 Nov 2011 07:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life fan film 'Escape From City 17' concludes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/half-life-fan-film-escape-from-city-17-concludes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/half-life-fan-film-escape-from-city-17-concludes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/half-life-fan-film-escape-from-city-17-concludes/#comments
It's been a few years since we last heard from the Purchase brothers, co-creators of the "Escape From City 17" live-action short. The duo makes the wait worth our while, however, with this thrice-as-long sequel to their original 2009 Half-Life fan film.

JoystiqHalf-Life fan film 'Escape From City 17' concludes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escape-from-city-17fan-filmhalf-lifeHalf-Life-2-Episode-2live-actionpurchase-brothersvalvevalve-softwareThu, 25 Aug 2011 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan created Half-Life trailer's animation is out of this world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/fan-made-half-life-trailer-will-amaze-you-with-its-first-person/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/fan-made-half-life-trailer-will-amaze-you-with-its-first-person/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/fan-made-half-life-trailer-will-amaze-you-with-its-first-person/#comments A six-week labor of love, this fan-made trailer for the original Half-Life is a thing of beauty. If the first-person animation work doesn't impress you, then we're pretty sure you've got a crab where your head used to be.

Continue reading Fan created Half-Life trailer's animation is out of this world

JoystiqFan created Half-Life trailer's animation is out of this world originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationhalf-lifehave-our-babiesimpressivepcvalveWed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Half Life: Portal to Black Mesa parody makes fun of Freeman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/half-life-portal-to-black-mesa-parody-makes-fun-of-freeman/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/half-life-portal-to-black-mesa-parody-makes-fun-of-freeman/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/half-life-portal-to-black-mesa-parody-makes-fun-of-freeman/#comments
Ever wonder what Valve's Half Life would be like with fewer headcrabs and a little more humor? YouTube comedy duo mikeNgary promise to show you just that in the parody Half Life: Portal to Black Mesa, for which you can see the first trailer here.

Continue reading Half Life: Portal to Black Mesa parody makes fun of Freeman

JoystiqHalf Life: Portal to Black Mesa parody makes fun of Freeman originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedyhalf-lifehalf-life-portal-to-black-mesamikengarytrailerTue, 05 Apr 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 preview: the first five minutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/portal-2-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/portal-2-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/portal-2-preview/#comments Spoiler Alert! The headline should make it pretty clear: the following is a detailed recap of the introductory moments of the game. Only click past the break if you want to know how the story begins.

Continue reading Portal 2 preview: the first five minutes

JoystiqPortal 2 preview: the first five minutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-lifehalf-life-3macmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3valvexboxThu, 17 Feb 2011 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Beyond Black Mesa short film is live and incredible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/beyond-black-mesa-short-film-is-live-and-incredible/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/beyond-black-mesa-short-film-is-live-and-incredible/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/beyond-black-mesa-short-film-is-live-and-incredible/#comments It's finally here! After over two years of work, a small group of indie filmmakers have released Beyond Black Mesa, a twelve-minute short film set in the Half-Life universe. If you're a fan of the series, you've got to tune in after the jump. (If you're not a fan, what's wrong with you?)

Continue reading Beyond Black Mesa short film is live and incredible

JoystiqBeyond Black Mesa short film is live and incredible originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-black-mesablack-mesafan-filmhalf-lifevalveFri, 21 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Beyond Black Mesa trailer makes us mesa our pants]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/beyond-black-mesa-trailer-makes-us-mesa-our-pants/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/beyond-black-mesa-trailer-makes-us-mesa-our-pants/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/beyond-black-mesa-trailer-makes-us-mesa-our-pants/#comments Earlier this year we got our first glimpse at fan-created Half-Life film "Beyond Black Mesa" ... and it made us kinda freak out. Knowing that more was coming, you'd think we'd have prepared ourselves, but we couldn't have been ready for the sheer excitement that resulted from watching the latest trailer -- it picked up our expectations for the film with a gravity gun and fired them into space, in so many words.

Beyond the fact that the action is blistering and the feeling of Half-Life's world is spot-on, Gordon Freeman's infamous crowbar makes an appearance. Sure, we realize it's a bit bizarre to have our heart rates increase after briefly glimpsing a crowbar, but, well ... okay, we don't have a logical explanation. We just love Gordon Freeman. How could you not?!

Continue reading Beyond Black Mesa trailer makes us mesa our pants

JoystiqBeyond Black Mesa trailer makes us mesa our pants originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-black-mesafan-createdhalf-lifehalflifetrailervalvevalve-softwareFri, 05 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 Headcrab Zombie figure pre-orders open Oct. 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/half-life-2-headcrab-zombie-figure-pre-orders-open-oct-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/half-life-2-headcrab-zombie-figure-pre-orders-open-oct-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/half-life-2-headcrab-zombie-figure-pre-orders-open-oct-4/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some people like coffee when they need a pick-me-up, some people like a snack -- heck, some people do sit-ups. But, for a select few, only mortal fear can motivate. So don't judge anybody who may be interested in pre-ordering Gaming Heads' Crabhead figurine on October 4, okay?

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 Headcrab Zombie figure pre-orders open Oct. 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaming-headshalf-lifehalf-life-2HL2microsoftpcplaystationps3valvexboxFri, 01 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video game characters need business cards too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/video-game-characters-need-business-cards-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/video-game-characters-need-business-cards-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/video-game-characters-need-business-cards-too/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Getting in touch with heroes can be difficult. Typically, they only bother to roll out of bed and show up when something goes really wrong.

Continue reading Video game characters need business cards too

JoystiqVideo game characters need business cards too originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-cardsdr-wilyduke-nukemduke-nukem-foreverGordon-FreemanHalf-LifeHalo-ReachMarioMaster-ChiefMEga-ManMetroidnathan-drakePac-Mansamus-aransuper-mario-galaxy-2uncharted-2-among-thievesWarioWarioWareWed, 08 Sep 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming Heads to create lineup of collectibles based on Valve properties]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/gaming-heads-to-create-line-up-of-collectibles-based-on-valve-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/gaming-heads-to-create-line-up-of-collectibles-based-on-valve-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/gaming-heads-to-create-line-up-of-collectibles-based-on-valve-pr/#comments It's as if millions of wallets cried out and were suddenly silenced, stripped of their precious cash money and left hollowed out and dead. We imagine that ringing in our ears has something to do with Valve and Gaming Heads, who just inked a deal to produce a line-up of collectibles based on hit Valve franchises. Pictured above is The Heavy, which will be the first in its Team Fortress 2 series -- available in Red and Blue varieties, of course.

Gaming Heads will also produce statues based on other popular Valve properties, such as Half-Life 2 and Left 4 Dead 2. And if some decorative shelf or desk items aren't really your thing, there's the promise of "life-sized props," meaning there's a possibility you could actually own a Portal gun without having to make it yourself sometime in the future. Just imagine: you'll be the hit of the Halloween party!

The Heavy will be available for pre-order on Monday, May 3.

[Via Team Fortress 2 Blog]

JoystiqGaming Heads to create lineup of collectibles based on Valve properties originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectiblesgaming-headshalf-lifehalf-life-2left-4-deadleft-4-dead-2Microsoftstatuesteam-fortressteam-fortress-2valveXbox-360Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newell intent on 'scaring' players with next Half-Life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/newell-intent-on-scaring-players-with-next-half-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/newell-intent-on-scaring-players-with-next-half-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/newell-intent-on-scaring-players-with-next-half-life/#comments In a recent interview with CVG, Valve head honcho Gabe Newell responded to questions about the mood of future Half-Life installments with a decidedly spooky answer. "I feel like we've gotten away from genuinely scaring the player more than I'd like, and it's something we need to think about, in addition to broadening the emotional palette we can draw on," Newell explained.

While he's probably referring to intense encounters like the the zombified village of Ravenholm from Half-Life 2, we personally can't think of a scarier development for the franchise than a loose 2015 release window for the franchise's next entry.

JoystiqNewell intent on 'scaring' players with next Half-Life originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsgabe-newellhalf-lifehalf-life-2horrorsteamvalveFri, 26 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve's viral plot thickens with Portal blue screen of death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/valves-viral-plot-thickens-with-portal-blue-screen-of-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/valves-viral-plot-thickens-with-portal-blue-screen-of-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/valves-viral-plot-thickens-with-portal-blue-screen-of-death/#comments Even though Portal 2 has been officially announced, it seems the clever Alternate Reality Game which gave it impetus hasn't yet come to a complete stop. Shortly after accepting a Pioneer Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards in San Francisco on Thursday evening, Valve boss Gabe Newell launched into a slideshow detailing the company's expectations of future trends, only to have it "crash" to a blue error screen.

The final slide was meant to answer several infamous Valve mysteries -- Who is the G-Man? Why doesn't Valve support the PlayStation 3? -- and perhaps it did in some obfuscated way. According to seasoned ARG sleuths (posting on the Penny Arcade forums), the error code above can be read as: "S U S : P E N D ... U N T ( I ) L ... E E E." Suspend until E3?

It wouldn't be surprising to see Portal 2 at this year's E3 expo, which will run in Los Angeles from June 15 to 17, but if the above decryption is accurate Valve may have additional plans to unfurl (possibly including the long-awaited Half-Life 2: Episode 3).

[Thanks, Wince]

JoystiqValve's viral plot thickens with Portal blue screen of death originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argg-mangabe-newellgame-developers-choice-awardsgdc-2010gladoshalf-lifeportalportal-2valveviralFri, 12 Mar 2010 02:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve confirms Mac support for Steam and Source Engine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/valve-confirms-mac-support-for-steam-and-source-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/valve-confirms-mac-support-for-steam-and-source-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/valve-confirms-mac-support-for-steam-and-source-engine/#comments In today's completely shocking and unexpected bit of news, Valve has announced Mac support for its Steam digital distribution platform and Source -- the engine that powers Half-Life 2, amongst others. In fact, Portal 2 will be Valve's first simultaneous release across PC and Mac. "Steamworks for the Mac supports all of the Steamworks APIs, and we have added a new feature, called Steam Play, which allows customers who purchase the product for the Mac or Windows to play on the other platform free of charge," said Valve's Jason Holtman. "For example, Steam Play, in combination with the Steam Cloud, allows a gamer playing on their work PC to go home and pick up playing the same game at the same point on their home Mac. We expect most developers and publishers to take advantage of Steam Play." If that doesn't get you all kinds of giddy, then you may just be dead inside.

Steam and Valve's lineup of games (including "including Left 4 Dead 2, Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike, Portal, and the Half-Life series") will be available to Mac users this April, but from here on out, simultaneous cross-platform releases should be the norm. "Checking in code produces a PC build and Mac build at the same time, automatically, so the two platforms are perfectly in lock-step," said Josh Weier, project lead on Portal 2. "We're always playing a native version on the Mac right alongside the PC. This makes it very easy for us and for anyone using Source to do game development for the Mac."

So, who's got the champagne and noise makers?

Gallery: Valve Mac faux ads

JoystiqValve confirms Mac support for Steam and Source Engine originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>counter-strikehalf-lifeleft-4-dead-2macportalportal-2steamSteam-Macteam-fortress-2valveMon, 08 Mar 2010 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve teases Apple announcement of ... something [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/valve-teases-apple-announcement-of-something/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/valve-teases-apple-announcement-of-something/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/valve-teases-apple-announcement-of-something/#comments We'd love to outright confirm that "OMG, yes, Steam is finally coming to Mac!" but that'd be a lie. Truth is, of the five images that Valve sent out to a handful of outlets (as seen in our gallery below) - each one depicting characters from separate Valve games in some form of faux Mac advertisement (from Half-Life to Left 4 Dead and everything in between) - none provide ironclad confirmation of our suspicion that the developer is likely porting Steam over to OS X.

That said, given the presence of six dots at the bottom of each of the five images we've seen so far, suggesting an iTunes-like image gallery with six images, we're hoping for an actual news release in the not-too-distant future ... possibly via that sixth image. For now, we've put in a call to Valve and will be speculating wildly in the meantime. Check out the five screens so far in the gallery below and get to the speculating with us, won't you?

Update: Valve kindly sent over the last image, which unfortunately doesn't "OMG confirmed!" our guesses. It is, however, the coolest (fake) ad yet.

Gallery: Valve Mac faux ads


[Thanks, Joe K]

JoystiqValve teases Apple announcement of ... something [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-lifehalf-life-2left-4-deadportalsteamSteam-Macsteamworksteam-fortress-2valveWed, 03 Mar 2010 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Informer: No Half-Life 2: Episode 3 for you in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/game-informer-no-half-life-2-episode-3-for-you-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/game-informer-no-half-life-2-episode-3-for-you-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/game-informer-no-half-life-2-episode-3-for-you-in-2010/#comments Now this is just demoralizing. According to a report in the rumors section of the Feb. 2010 issue of Game Informer (which doesn't name its source) there won't be "any game from the [Half-Life] franchise in 2010." As if that weren't crushing enough, the magazine says it's not even sure there will be a Half-Life 2: Episode 3, postulating that the next Gordon Freeman adventure might be Half-Life 3 proper.

Alright, listen, Half-Life: You take as long as you need, but we know you're holding Portal 2 in there somewhere. Just let GLaDOS go unharmed and you can develop until 2020 for all we care. Please, if not for us, think of the preteens waiting to record painful cover versions of "I'm Still Alive (Again)" on YouTube.

JoystiqGame Informer: No Half-Life 2: Episode 3 for you in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-lifehalf-life-2half-life-2-episode-3Microsoftportal-2valveXbox-360Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis and Street Fighter IV round out today's Steam deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/crysis-and-street-fighter-iv-round-out-todays-steam-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/crysis-and-street-fighter-iv-round-out-todays-steam-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/crysis-and-street-fighter-iv-round-out-todays-steam-deals/#comments Despite discounting games as part of its ongoing holiday sale event, Valve has seen fit to offer even more games at reduced prices, this time flipping the switch on massive discounts for triple-A titles like Street Fighter IV, which can be yours for $10, and Crysis Maximum Edition -- a bundle of Crysis and Crysis Warhead -- for under $14.

That's not all, as your hard-earned greenbacks can also net you cheap digital copies of Medieval II: Total War, Half-Life: Source and Shattered Horizon -- though we'd be remiss if we didn't point out the very tempting combo of Darwinia and Multiwinia, both of which can be yours for $3.

JoystiqCrysis and Street Fighter IV round out today's Steam deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcrysiscrysis-warheaddarwiniadealshalf-lifehalf-life-sourcemedieval-2-total-warmultiwiniashattered-horizonsteamstreet-fighter-ivvalveThu, 31 Dec 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ico developer digs Half-Life 2, interested in making 'first-person games']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/ico-developer-digs-half-life-2-interested-in-making-first-pers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/ico-developer-digs-half-life-2-interested-in-making-first-pers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/ico-developer-digs-half-life-2-interested-in-making-first-pers/#comments

Though the Japanese aren't exactly known for their love affair with first-person shooters, Team Ico director Fumito Ueda can name at least one that he digs: Half-Life 2. Speaking to G4TV (through a translator), Ueda named the Valve-developed sequel when asked which games he has had an emotional reaction to.

"There was variation in terms [of] locations and also [in] the way of storytelling in the game. Usually, you have to incorporate storytelling with constraints, but the way [Valve] implemented constraints was something different that I enjoyed, compared to other games," observed Ueda. He's even considered making his own first-person game at some point, stating, "I have an interest in making first-person games."

If Ueda's previous development cycle lengths are any indication, we tentatively expect to see a Ueda-developed first-person game by 2025 or so ... at the earliest.

[Image credit: jeriaska]

JoystiqIco developer digs Half-Life 2, interested in making 'first-person games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-personfumito-uedahalf-lifehalf-life-2icoshadow-of-the-colossusteam-icothe-last-guardianvalveMon, 05 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam weekend: All Half-Life 66% off, Valve Complete Pack $90]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/steam-weekend-all-half-life-66-off-valve-complete-pack-90/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/steam-weekend-all-half-life-66-off-valve-complete-pack-90/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/steam-weekend-all-half-life-66-off-valve-complete-pack-90/#comments
If you've got some holes to fill in your Half-Life collection, or if you've somehow missed the series entirely -- perhaps the result of an interdimensional anomaly -- this weekend is your chance to catch up. This weekend on Steam, absolutely every Half-Life and Half-Life 2 product is available at 66% off. For instance, you can snag the Half-Life Complete Pack, which includes both Half-Life games, every Half-Life expansion, both Half Life 2 episodes, Team Fortress Classic and Half-Life 2: Deathmatch for only $16.99. If you'd rather pick up only a few individual pieces, most of them can be had for only a few dollars.

Beyond the Half-Life games, the Valve Complete Pack - usually $99.99 - has been knocked down to $89.99. If you've missed out on Valve's brand of goodness over the last decade, this pack will bring you up to speed. Half-Life, Team Fortress 2, Portal, Left 4 Dead: You name it, it's in there. Use that $10 for a bag of delicious Arby's, and you've got a solid weekend of gaming bliss.

JoystiqSteam weekend: All Half-Life 66% off, Valve Complete Pack $90 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealshalf-lifesalesteamvalveSat, 15 Aug 2009 02:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve researching sign language for use in Half-Life 2: Episode 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/valve-researching-sign-language-for-use-in-half-life-2-episode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/valve-researching-sign-language-for-use-in-half-life-2-episode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/valve-researching-sign-language-for-use-in-half-life-2-episode/#comments
Valve's Gabe Newell appears to have recently conducted a focus group with deaf individuals in order to learn more about sign language and how it can be applied to games, notably the upcoming Half-Life 2: Episode 3. Why? To help develop Alyx's character, and further the animation technology implemented in the Half-Life games. Newell explains: "[Alyx] had a crush on someone who was hearing impaired, so she taught Dog how to sign so she could practice. Something happened, maybe, the person is off fighting the Combine someplace else, but that's why she and Dog would start signing with each other when they wanted to communicate without making noise, or communicate without other people knowing ... It gave us the excuse to build the technology for signing."

The focus group responds by noting the importance of facial expression whilst signing. While the Half-Life franchise has been known for its believable facial animation, it might take even more to fully realize the nuances necessary for authentic signing. It'll be interesting to see if Valve is up to the challenge.

JoystiqValve researching sign language for use in Half-Life 2: Episode 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellhalf-lifehalf-life-2half-life-2-episode-3Microsoftsign-languagevalveXbox-360Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Comic-Con 2009: Gordon Freeman and Ezio cosplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/comic-con-2009-gordon-freeman-and-ezio-cosplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/comic-con-2009-gordon-freeman-and-ezio-cosplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/comic-con-2009-gordon-freeman-and-ezio-cosplay/#comments During Preview Night at Comic-Con, we spotted two of the best video game costumes so far: Half-Life's Gordon Freeman, complete with Gravity Gun, and Ezio from Assassin's Creed 2. For a minute we thought we'd miraculously spotted former Joystiq blogger (and amateur Gordon Freeman lookalike) Ross Miller, and were set to pounce on him, but thankfully we noticed at the last minute and averted disaster. Click Gordon for a larger version, which includes his employee ID, and head beyond the break for Ezio.

There's more cosplay going on here than at a LARP convention, and we'll be bringing you a lot more. Click through for Ezio and his blades, and stay tuned.

Gallery: Comic-Con 2009: Costumes

Continue reading Comic-Con 2009: Gordon Freeman and Ezio cosplay

JoystiqComic-Con 2009: Gordon Freeman and Ezio cosplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-2cosplaycostumesEzioGordon-FreemanHalf-LifeSDCC-2009Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life fridge magnets open portal to alternate 8-bit dimension]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/half-life-fridge-magnets-open-portal-to-alternate-8-bit-dimensio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/half-life-fridge-magnets-open-portal-to-alternate-8-bit-dimensio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/half-life-fridge-magnets-open-portal-to-alternate-8-bit-dimensio/#comments
The world no longer has to wonder what the character sprites from an NES version of Half-Life would look like, as Etsy artisan ArcadeArt has given us the proverbial goods ... and they're magnets made out of beads. The three-magnet set sells for $20 and includes pixel art versions of bespectacled Gordon Freeman, the gray-suited G-man and a scientist with a bad case of headcrab. Their creator has even crafted a mock Half-Life NES box cover, included with each order.

Should Valve's FPS classic somehow not be your thing, ArcadeArt also fashions similar sprite magnets based on Resident Evil, Pikmin and Super Mario Kart.

[Via Wonderland]

JoystiqHalf-Life fridge magnets open portal to alternate 8-bit dimension originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftscultureetsygordon-freemanhalf-lifevalveFri, 22 May 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabe Newell presents his vison for the gaming industry at D.I.C.E.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/gabe-newell-presents-his-vison-for-the-gaming-industry-at-d-i-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/gabe-newell-presents-his-vison-for-the-gaming-industry-at-d-i-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/gabe-newell-presents-his-vison-for-the-gaming-industry-at-d-i-c/#comments
Long story short: Do it like Valve does it. Long story reasonably brief: Valve boss Gabe Newell wants to shake up the way the industry works by keeping pricing in flux, updating content more frequently and getting away from DRM as copy-protection, among other things. Newell also suggested leaning more on the release of concept art to get gamers excited, though we're not still not sure what effect that one Half-Life image is having on us.

You can see more of the Freemanifesto that Newell delivered yesterday at D.I.C.E. right here. We'd love to know how closely your own view cleaves to his vision for the gaming landscape. Or, if you're feeling less cerebral: OMG Team Fortress 2 comics!

JoystiqGabe Newell presents his vison for the gaming industry at D.I.C.E. originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dice-2009gabe-newellhalf-lifehalf-life-2-episode-3pcsteamteam-fortess-2valveThu, 19 Feb 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 mini-series blows minds on a dime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/half-life-2-mini-series-blows-minds-on-a-dime/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/half-life-2-mini-series-blows-minds-on-a-dime/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/half-life-2-mini-series-blows-minds-on-a-dime/#comments
We've found some fairly unwise applications for $500 in the past, including (but not limited to) a few pyramid scheme investments and a number of unused gym memberships -- if only we'd followed the example of the upstart indie filmographers at Purchase Brothers, who recently spent five Benjamins on an extremely worthwhile cause: Producing the first two episodes of a Half-Life 2-inspired miniseries, titled Escape from City 17.

The Purchase Brothers recently dropped the first episode onto an unsuspecting internet -- we've got it posted after the jump. If you've played the series (we find it difficult to believe there are people who haven't, at this point), you really need to check it out. A touch of naughty language and a healthy dose of gunshootery might make it a bit NSFW, but we think you'll agree -- it's worth risking your employment to watch this video with all available haste.

[Via DailyGamesNews]

Continue reading Half-Life 2 mini-series blows minds on a dime

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 mini-series blows minds on a dime originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escape-from-city-17half-lifehalf-life-2purchase-brothersvalveFri, 13 Feb 2009 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Durham University uses Valve's Source Engine for fire drill simulation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/durham-university-uses-valves-source-engine-for-fire-drill-simu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/durham-university-uses-valves-source-engine-for-fire-drill-simu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/durham-university-uses-valves-source-engine-for-fire-drill-simu/#commentsFiled under:


Researchers at England's Durham University recently found a use for Valve's Source Engine that doesn't involve crowbars, headcrabs or unsettling, suited men -- using the engine's relatively simple tools, they've begun making fire drill simulations by recreating some of the university's departments, then coating them in virtual flame. The simulations are designed to not only teach users good fire safety practices, but to see how users react when confronted with snarling, searing death.

On that note, the gaming community should feel particularly proud of the results researchers have witnessed when gaming veterans go through the simulator -- according to one researcher, "if a door was on fire, they [gamers] would try and run through it, rather than look for a different exit." Just in case they weren't aware, we feel compelled to bring the fellow denizens of our cultural niche this important PSA: Fire is hot, and it hurts when you touch it.

JoystiqDurham University uses Valve's Source Engine for fire drill simulation originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>durham-universityfirehalf-lifesourcevalveSun, 08 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart Source: made by fans, for fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/mario-kart-source-made-by-fans-for-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/mario-kart-source-made-by-fans-for-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/mario-kart-source-made-by-fans-for-fans/#commentsFiled under:


If you're a fan of PC games, then of course you've heard of the Source engine. It powers Half-Life 2, which is the bee's knees. Well, an ambitious bunch has decided to use the Source engine to code a new Mario Kart racing game, Mario Kart Source. The best part about this project is that the team is looking at all of the previous games in the series and is attempting to take just the best bits for their new game. Our verdict? Awesome.

Sadly, Nintendo won't likely be as excited to hear about the project, so we're sure they'll step in at some point or another and intervene.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqMario Kart Source: made by fans, for fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpshalf-lifehalf-life-2half-life-sourcemariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendopcracingvalvevalve-softwareThu, 22 Jan 2009 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[HL Source mod generates $3m; Valve reveals retail sales numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/hl-source-mod-generates-3m-valve-reveals-retail-sales-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/hl-source-mod-generates-3m-valve-reveals-retail-sales-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/hl-source-mod-generates-3m-valve-reveals-retail-sales-numbers/#commentsFiled under:

Half-Life application Garry's Mod celebrated its two-year anniversary of being on Steam last week. On his blog, creator Garry Newman celebrated by divulging the sales figures of the software so far on Steam: 312,541 copies. At about $10 per copy, that amounts to over $3 million. Not too shabby for the 26-year old English developer -- even if Valve takes a piece of the pie. Maybe now he can make a suit of money.

Speaking of Valve, who as a general rule is very secretive with its sales figures (especially regarding Steam), the company has released its worldwide lifetime-to-date retail sales (via Gamasutra). Pre-Steam release Half-Life is on top at 9.3 million, followed by Half-Life 2 at 6.5m and Counter-Strike at 4.2m. These figures don't include Steam sales, which CEO Gabe Newell has said he expects to typically surpass retail sales. Full list after the break.

Continue reading HL Source mod generates $3m; Valve reveals retail sales numbers

JoystiqHL Source mod generates $3m; Valve reveals retail sales numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>garrys-modhalf-lifehalf-life-2modsPCsteamvalveWed, 03 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan-made Black Mesa trailer reinvents original Half-Life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/fan-made-black-mesa-source-trailer-reinvents-original-half-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/fan-made-black-mesa-source-trailer-reinvents-original-half-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/fan-made-black-mesa-source-trailer-reinvents-original-half-life/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's been over ten years since Valve's Half-Life was released on PC, changing FPS gaming forever. In 2009, the fan-made Black Mesa will do more than just revisit the classic Valve game - from the looks of this newly released trailer, Black Mesa will reimagine the game with modern tech and modern production values. (Update: The project was originally called Black Mesa Source, but Valve requested a name change to not as confuse it with an official Valve project.)

The spirit of Black Mesa is true to the original; however, we're stunned by the ambitious goals for this project. The new character models and textures used in this Source Engine-powered mod urge us to give them money. The addition of multiplayer modes, such as co-op, make us think Valve will downright buy the team (if they haven't already!).

Black Mesa won't require Half-Life: Source to play. So long as you have any Source Engine game on your PC, you'll be able to download and play this amazing total conversion when it comes out.

[Thanks, Andrew H.!]

Gallery: Black Mesa Source

JoystiqFan-made Black Mesa trailer reinvents original Half-Life originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-mesablack-mesa-sourcehalf-lifehalf-life-2PCvalveMon, 01 Dec 2008 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gordon Freeman receives crowbar, will defend raging Hadron]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/gordon-freeman-receives-crowbar-will-defend-raging-hadron/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/gordon-freeman-receives-crowbar-will-defend-raging-hadron/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/gordon-freeman-receives-crowbar-will-defend-raging-hadron/#commentsFiled under: , ,


They found him! The Large Hadron Collider is now under the vigilant protection of the world's least communicative hero, Gordon Freeman. You have the folks at Reddit to thank for equipping him with an iconic weapon, originally intended as an ominous gift before the potentially apocalyptic Collider was fired up for the first time. We wish Gordon the best of luck as he trains in the fine art of bludgeoning parasitic creatures to a pulp.

He has until Spring 2009 (view his progress in this photo gallery) -- that's when the Collider is expected to stop being broken.

JoystiqGordon Freeman receives crowbar, will defend raging Hadron originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CERNGordon-FreemanHalf-LifeIs-That-My-Coffee-CupMemePCValveFri, 21 Nov 2008 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Half-Life now available for $.98 on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/psa-half-life-now-available-for-98-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/psa-half-life-now-available-for-98-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/psa-half-life-now-available-for-98-on-steam/#commentsFiled under: ,


Valve has taken a crowbar to the price of the original Half-Life on Steam. Originally priced at $9.99, the award-winning, if-you-haven't-played-it-don't-talk-to-us FPS can now be had for $.98. No, that's not a typo - Ludwig checked.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the $99.99 Valve Complete Pack, which, as we reported earlier, contains all of Valve's games - even the newly released Left 4 Dead - plus Peggle Extreme. But seriously, if you haven't played the first Half-Life, do yourself a favor and spend 1/100th of that on the game. You won't regret it. We promise. (It's ninety-eight cents!)

JoystiqPSA: Half-Life now available for $.98 on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-lifePCsteamvalveThu, 20 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve may show Half-Life 2: Episode Three this year; release still a ways off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/valve-may-show-half-life-2-episode-three-this-year-release-sti/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/valve-may-show-half-life-2-episode-three-this-year-release-sti/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/valve-may-show-half-life-2-episode-three-this-year-release-sti/#commentsFiled under: ,


In an interview with Kikizo, Valve's Doug Lombardi says we won't have to wait long for ... our first glimpse of Half-Life 2: Episode Three. Quizzed on whether the dev would have something to show in 2008, Lombardi plainly said, "We may at the very end of the year." So, yay - a (possible) Half-Life Holiday.

As for when the game will actually ship - er, not so soon. "The next time you play as Gordon will be longer than the distance between HL2 to Ep1, and Ep1 to Ep2," Lombardi confirmed. We're guessing he didn't mean all of that time distance combined. Still, given that Episode One hit in June of '06 and we didn't see Episode Two until October '07, we're likely looking at an 18+ month wait for Episode Three. That would put its release ... around May or June 2009. Or, in comparative terms, sometime around the debut of the next new Lost episode.

JoystiqValve may show Half-Life 2: Episode Three this year; release still a ways off originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-lifehalf-life-2half-life-2-episode-3PCvalveTue, 14 Oct 2008 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[CERN: Only one crowbar received, Gordon Freeman 'impossible to find']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/cern-only-one-crowbar-received-gordon-freeman-impossible-to-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/cern-only-one-crowbar-received-gordon-freeman-impossible-to-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/cern-only-one-crowbar-received-gordon-freeman-impossible-to-f/#commentsFiled under:

Even more terrible news, folks: CERN, the group responsible for the Large Hadron Collider, have only received one crowbar. In a message to Joystiq, "Large Hadron Rap" creator alpinekat (who also happens to work with CERN on the project) told us, "To my knowledge, there has been only one crowbar sent to CERN. I tried to track down that man, but he's impossible to find."

"That man" she is referring to is the Gordon Freeman, of Half-Life infamy, we saw in the picture above. The Large Hadron Collider is currently halted until Spring 2009 due to a "magnet failure" ... or was it? With a supposed malfunction and a missing Gordon Freeman, we need not worry: at least he's got a crowbar.

Continue reading CERN: Only one crowbar received, Gordon Freeman 'impossible to find'

JoystiqCERN: Only one crowbar received, Gordon Freeman 'impossible to find' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cerncrowbargordon-freemanhalf-lifehalf-life-2large-hadron-colliderlhcFri, 10 Oct 2008 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Terrible news: Gordon Freeman spotted near Large Hadron Collider]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/terrible-news-gordon-freeman-spotted-near-large-hadron-collider/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/terrible-news-gordon-freeman-spotted-near-large-hadron-collider/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/terrible-news-gordon-freeman-spotted-near-large-hadron-collider/#commentsFiled under:


Well, that was fun, wasn't it, human race? We had a good run, didn't we? Had a few laughs? ... Oh, why are we saying goodbye to everyone we know and love? Well, as you can see in the picture above, Gordon Freeman was recently spotted at the Large Hadron Collider, a device with the capability to create a world-ending black hole.

Sure that's troubling enough, but here's the beautiful part: They're turning it on tomorrow. Yeah, and Gordon Freeman is there, so there's absolutely no way it's going to go well. We just want to be the first to say: We called it.

JoystiqTerrible news: Gordon Freeman spotted near Large Hadron Collider originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-lifelarge-hadron-colliderTue, 09 Sep 2008 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Gordon Freeman invades Animal Crossing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/gordon-freeman-invades-animal-crossing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/gordon-freeman-invades-animal-crossing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/gordon-freeman-invades-animal-crossing/#commentsFiled under:

We guess the incident at Black Mesa opened up more portals than the crowbar-wielding scientist could have known. One of which clearly led to Animal Crossing: Wild World, as evidenced by the image to the right. Along with Gordan, you can see a Combine soldier standing about. Why that Combine soldier is probably waiting to knock over a can and force Gordon to dispose of it in the nearest receptacle!

Other cool dress-up scenes include Call of Duty 4, Brokeback Mountain and the Mario brothers' kitchen. Oh, and Hitler. You can't have customization in a video game without creating the world's most evil dude.

JoystiqGordon Freeman invades Animal Crossing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossingblack-mesacall-of-duty-4half-lifeThu, 14 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: July 11, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/today-in-joystiq-july-11-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/today-in-joystiq-july-11-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/today-in-joystiq-july-11-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Part of this year's Into the Pixel collection is a sketch from "Half Life EP3" (wonder what that could be), coming to Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3. We're not exactly surprised to learn there's concept art for Episode 3, but it's still nice to a glimpse. We're still not betting on a surprise E3 performance. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
BigDownload plays conference-wide PC bingo
DS Fanboy Lite: July 5 - July 11
Joystiq Podcast 057 - Girls or vacations edition
Nintendo E3 2008 press conference: Let's play bingo
This Week in Review is preparing for the storm
WRUP: One million polygons per second edition

News
Mainstream jumps on Xbox 360 price cut bandwagon
505 Games sinks its teeth into new DS Buffy game
Major features cut from Warhammer Online
Sega announces console-specific RTS in Stormrise
Midway launches online arcade, digital storefront
Don't be sad, but a Far Cry 2 demo isn't happening
Variety: Microsoft to show 'singing game' at E3 (read: Lips)
We just noticed: Rhythm Tengoku Gold coming to Japan July 31
Sony CFO: PS3 'plan is to not reduce the price'
Flagship Studios confirms layoffs, extent unknown
Ion reveals $299.99 price for premium Rock Band drums
MTV Games finds Konami's Rock Band lawsuit 'surprising'

Rumors & Speculation
Rumor: Motus Games' Darwin is Xbox 360's motion controller
Rumor: Animal Crossing, Punch-Out!! Wii being revealed at E3
Rumor: Xbox 360's 'Lips' microphone, box art leaked

Culture & Community
Bethesda to host post-apocalyptic film festival in August

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: July 11, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dailyrecaphalf-lifehalf-life-2half-life-2-episode-3hl2hl2ep3into-the-pixelPCPS3Xbox-360Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life: Episode Three may come to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/half-life-episode-three-may-come-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/half-life-episode-three-may-come-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/half-life-episode-three-may-come-to-ps3/#commentsFiled under:


Although Valve's distaste of the PS3 is well-known, the Half-Life series has still found its way to Sony hardware courtesy of EA. It looks like the franchise will continue on PS3 as well, as this initial piece of Episode Three concept art reveals. The piece, by Valve artists Ted Backman, Jeremy Bennett and Tristian Reidford, shows an ominous advisor from Episode One and Two flying forward at Gordon Freeman in a stunning cavern. We can't grasp any real details on Valve's upcoming finale to the Half-Life 2 saga, but the platforms listed clearly include the PS3 as well.

Check out Into the Pixel for a high-res version of this piece. PS3 fans would also take note to check out the spectacular high-res WipEout HD art also available in their gallery.

[Thanks, MC Fresh Beatz! Via Shacknews]

JoystiqHalf-Life: Episode Three may come to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-lifehalf-life-2orange-boxvalveFri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy interviews High Voltage on The Conduit (continued)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/wii-fanboy-interviews-high-voltage-on-the-conduit-continued/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/wii-fanboy-interviews-high-voltage-on-the-conduit-continued/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/wii-fanboy-interviews-high-voltage-on-the-conduit-continued/#commentsFiled under:


Stylistically, it's been compared to Half-Life and Perfect Dark. What games have inspired design choices in The Conduit?

Rob: One of our goals from the very start was to make a fast-paced accessible FPS. To that end we looked at and stole shamelessly from mega-hits like Halo and Half-Life, recent titles like Resistance: Fall of Man and Metroid Prime Corruption, as well as classics like Goldeneye for the N64. We wanted to pick the best features from these titles, the things that made them fun and memorable and have features like those in The Conduit.

Matt: We've done art direction for so many different titles, and we've learned a lot about establishing a strong and cohesive visual style. The Conduit's art direction has come mainly from taking real world styles and locations and combining them with our own alien technology concepts and aesthetic design preferences. I suppose that it looks similar to those other games, but in the end it's The Conduit's own unique premise that has largely driven the artistic vision. When combined with the features that are specific to our engine tech, The Conduit will look stunning by the time it reaches the player's hands.

Will there be a calibration option, so we can "aim down the sights?"

Rob: One of the things we learned in our development process was that customization of controls is essential to an enjoyable gameplay experience. To that end, we allow players to customize sensitivity, dead zone sizes, as well as control layouts. But, if you mean, can you actually use the iron-sights of your guns, that answer is "not exactly". The reason being that several of our weapons are alien in nature and don't even have iron-sights... but you will have sort of an alien vision mode with some of the weapons.

Matt: There'll be on-the-fly, in-game look sensitivity adjustments, as well as a fully map-able control scheme, down to the button, in the game's front end UI. Players will be able to map the game's controls completely to their own liking. There'll even be a couple of alternate control methods for those that don't care as much for the Wii pointer style of directional turning. There'll be lots of options for maximum playability.



There hasn't been much word on who the publisher for The Conduit is. Rumor has it, Nintendo is actually going to publish the game. Can you comment on that? Can you announce one at this time?

Matt: I can neither confirm nor deny this, senator. ;) All I will say is that thanks to the explosion of interest in this title, we've had a lot of publishers knocking on our door.

Control-wise, will there be options for other methods outside of the Wiimote and nunchuk? Will it support the GameCube controller? Classic controller?

Dan: There are movement and weapon functions in The Conduit that require the Wii Remote's pointer, accelerometer, depth, and cursor rotation functionality in order to perform. The Conduit isn't your standard ported-over-to-the-Wii style of game. Using the Classic or GC controller kind of defeats the purpose of what we are looking to do.

Matt: With The Conduit we want to redefine first person shooter controls. Hard core FPS gamers that have played the game have told me that they are now convinced that Wii is the best system for the genre. When you play it you'll realize very quickly that the Wii Remote is an incredible control device for this type of game. It just feels amazing to play.

Rob: I think if you are buying a Wii, you're buying it to make use of its motion sensitive controls, which are tailor made for an FPS game.


Aside from the controls, what are the game's strengths that separate it from other existing PC/console FPSes?

Rob: I would say that would be the ASE or "All Seeing Eye" device. In game, this piece of hardware allows a player to adjust the "phase state" of things. This makes invisible enemies and hazards not only visible, but able to take damage. It also makes invisible cover and platforms become solid, leading to more gameplay. We also reveal secret puzzle locks that must be solved to get to special weapons.

Dan: We've put a solid amount of effort into enemy AI for The Conduit. A pet peeve of mine is single player FPS games where the enemies just stand there getting blasted, and don't seem to be reacting to the world around them. In The Conduit, our bad guys can hear and see, understand the use of cover, have variable levels of aggression, use grenades effectively, advance and retreat, and can determine when the player is susceptible to attack (i.e. reloading, exposed and moving in their firing cone). I think focusing a higher than normal amount of the dev time on AI makes our single player experience better than most other FPS titles out there. Of course, the overall look we're able to achieve with our advanced engine tech is also something the makes The Conduit a superior FPS game IMO.

Matt: I think that going back to the Wii Remote, The Conduit has a unique control system that feels more like a VR experience than the typical spring loaded joystick controlled videogame. I also agree that the ASE device offers a unique style of gameplay that hasn't really been seen before in other games. Having the ability to discover and phase useful objects into the environment to assist with combat is a lot of fun. Beyond that, it's just rock solid action all throughout the game. There'll be fierce enemies, bad ass weapons, and white knuckle battles. It's going to be a hell of a lot of fun.

Does the game run at 60fps? 30fps?

Matt: If we can hit closer to 60, then that will be great! But for right now we are shooting for a steady 30fps, with zero drops in framerate. The whole team swears by the fact that a solid 30fps still feels great. Even our studio's most hard core PC FPS gamers think that The Conduit feels just right at 30fps. The quality will be there, and the game will look and run amazing by the time that it ships.

Dan: The game will run absolutely solid at 30fps. For HVS, choice is either to have less visual splendor and run at 60fps or achieve the look we want for the game and run at 30fps. 30fps is a frame rate that is plenty responsive for FPS gaming and we are valuing the increased visual detail we can offer over the slightly smoother gameplay we might otherwise get by scaling this back.

High Voltage has made an adventure game/minigame collection for the Xbox (Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude, also on PS2 and PC), and now they're making an FPS for the Wii. Is this ironic or strategy?

Rob: I like to think it's beautiful strategy. At the time Magna Cum Laude came out, the Adventure game market was woefully barren. So we found a title and a publisher willing to take the risk to revitalize that genre. Now we're trying to do the same thing with FPS's on the Wii. We feel that The Conduit will be like rain in the desert, which seems to be the case judging by the online response.

Matt: Diversity is key. We don't like to sell ourselves short by sticking with one genre or style of game. High Voltage knows that it's okay to try new things. We've learned a lot after 15 years working with so many different publishers, developers, and licensors. I could go on about how licensed game restrictions, publisher mandates, and drop dead unmovable release dates ultimately affect the quality of your game, but this project is very different. The Conduit is something completely new for our studio. This game will rock!


The company seems very (vocally) confident about the ability of The Conduit to revolutionize Wii gaming. Was it always in the plan to build up so much hype, or was the hype a natural product of enthusiasm? Has the hype been more than expected?

Rob: The hype has certainly been more than I expected and I am grateful for it. However, it is a two-edged sword. While the hype has helped give us the pick of litter for a publisher, it does mean we have a LOT to live up to. But I think we are up for the challenge. =)

Dan: There aren't many large scale multiplayer games for the Wii at this point, nor any that push the Wii graphics HW to the extent we are. So, from these standpoints - The Conduit will be revolutionary for the Wii gaming market. It is HVS's belief that although there are great FPS games on the 360 and PS3 - what they all lack is the kind of unique motion sensing based control schemes that makes The Conduit for the Wii more fun to play. Giving gamers a great looking, great playing, great controlling FPS title is something we feel is worth hyping!

Matt: The plan all along was to maximize the potential of the system, and then build a game that showcases the engine tech and the fun of the Wii Remote. Every developer talks big about their own game, but no one at High Voltage could say for sure how well our audience would react to the screenshots and gameplay video release. We've always just been focused on making a great game, and the result is that The Conduit seems to be building its own hype. And we're very appreciative of all the kind words and support we've received from the Wii community.

Is The Conduit sharing tech with Animales de la Muerte? Where did the concept for that one come from? Is it still on track? Really, anything we could learn about Animales de la Muerte would be wonderful.

Dan: Animales is using the same engine tech as The Conduit, but in a much different way since it's a 'toon shaded game.

Matt: I don't want to say too much more about the title until it's closer to completion, but I will say that it's going to be bloody fun. By the way, much respect to our friends in Mexico. However, screw PETA...no animal in this game is safe!

Anything about multiplayer? Many of the folks interested in the game are looking to have some kind of online multiplayer, preferably something on-par with Medal of Honor: Heroes 2. Are you trying to implement Wi-Fi compatibility? Local multiplayer?

Dan: We are working closely with Nintendo to be able to provide the kind of multiplayer gameplay that we know the market wants.

Matt: Nintendo has been really helping us out with technical support but we still have more questions that will need be answered before we can release any specifics about our multiplayer modes. Obviously we want to be competitive with the other online console games, but we'd rather wait until we've got something great to show off before we make any announcements about this very important feature.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!

When not writing about games, we enjoy talking to the people that make them. Be sure to check out our interview with Wii mastermind Johnny Lee, as well as our chat with Didian Malenfant from Ready at Dawn on Okami for Wii. Oh, and don't forget our chat with Hudson's Mike Samachisa on Deca Sports.

JoystiqWii Fanboy interviews High Voltage on The Conduit (continued) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsgoldeneyehalf-lifehalohigh-voltageleisure-suit-larrymagna-cum-laudemicrosoftn64pcps2ps3rareresistance-fall-of-mansci-fisonythe-conduitxboxxbox-360xbox360Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Voice actor job posting hints at potential Portal 2 details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/voice-actor-job-posting-hints-at-potential-portal-2-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/voice-actor-job-posting-hints-at-potential-portal-2-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/voice-actor-job-posting-hints-at-potential-portal-2-details/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A Kotaku tipster seems to have stumbled upon a casting call for "a character for a new game in the Portal series from Valve Software" on subscribers-only actors resource Breakdown Express. The posting is loaded with character details for the game's "principal antagonist," including his history, demeanor and general outlook on life. The posting even details how the character's psychology changes as the story progresses, hinting at some intriguing story possibilities for the sequel to our top game of 2007.

If you don't mind having such important details spoiled at least seven months before the game is released, follow the read link and, er, read all about it. Or, if you're a voice actor who can handle "dark comedy ... with occasional dramatic moments" starting next month, why not try out for a piece of video game immortality?

JoystiqVoice actor job posting hints at potential Portal 2 details originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antagonistApertureAperture-scienceHalf-LifePCportalportal-2PS3spoilervalvevoice-actorXbox-360Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Individual Orange Box games hit retail April 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/individual-orange-box-games-hit-retail-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/individual-orange-box-games-hit-retail-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/individual-orange-box-games-hit-retail-april-9/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Perhaps you've been burnt by digital distribution in the past, and now refuse to even touch the likes of Steam. Perhaps you found one or more of the games in Valve's critically acclaimed Orange Box to be lacking in a peel. Perhaps you'd like us to stop with the excruciating puns you jerks and report the news already geez.

So, have at it: Valve has confirmed to Joystiq that the individually boxed Orange Box PC games are due to hit physical shelves on April 9th. The separate SKUs, which will be available worldwide, consist of first-person puzzler Portal, caricatured multiplayer romp Team Fortress 2, and a crowbar double-whammy in the form of Half-Life 2: Episode One and Two. Valve has yet to officially announce pricing details, but retailers currently list Portal at $19.99 and the other two packages at $29.99 each. Expect more details soon.

JoystiqIndividual Orange Box games hit retail April 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsHalf-LifeHalf-Life-2Half-Life2HL2Orange-BoxOrangeBoxPCPortalSteamTeam-Fortress-2TeamFortress2ValveWed, 05 Mar 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve likes the look of Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/valve-likes-the-look-of-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/valve-likes-the-look-of-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/valve-likes-the-look-of-wii/#commentsFiled under:

Valve's take on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360? They're not massively keen. But what about the Wii? Nintendo's console is rarely mentioned by Valve bods; indeed, it's fair to say that Valve and Nintendo may not seem like an obvious partnership, given the former's reputation as a developer of PC games (and a damn fine one, at that). Then again, marketing director Doug Lombardi seems to think the Wii might be worth investigating. Doug, we totally agree!

Chatting to videogaming247.com, Lombardi revealed that Valve would be more likely to develop for the Wii than either of its more powerful rivals, thanks to the fact that "it's growing, there's already a huge user-base, and it's fun." What's more, Lombardi reckons that getting Source (Valve's proprietary 3D game engine) running on the Wii would be realistic: "Source is really scaleable. We can do that."

Oh, man. Half-Life 2 or Portal with the Wiimote, anybody?

JoystiqValve likes the look of Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doug-lombardifpshalf-lifeportalsource-enginevalveMon, 25 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST