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[Halo stats blown out by Bungie as studio moves on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/halo-stats-blown-out-by-bungie-as-studio-moves-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/halo-stats-blown-out-by-bungie-as-studio-moves-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/halo-stats-blown-out-by-bungie-as-studio-moves-on/#comments Bungie is out of the Halo stat-tracking biz, but says "so long and thanks for all the fish" with one last nuke of information. Since 2004, over 20.8 billion Halo matchmaking games have been played, with Halo 3 supplying a majority at 11.5 billion, at around 221 million games averaged monthly.

The studio gathered all the data up in a mega infographic, covering stats of the great battles between humanity and The Covenant, and Red vs. Blue. At the end of Bungie's oversight of the online war, the body count exceeded 136 billion, with over 43 billion assists.

Having moved on from Halo, Bungie is currently in a 10-year contract with Activision to produce ... something.

JoystiqHalo stats blown out by Bungie as studio moves on originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieHaloHalo-2Halo-3Halo-3-ODSTHalo-ReachmicrosoftxboxMon, 02 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Save $50 on Xbox 360 Holiday or MW3 bundles on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/save-50-on-xbox-360-holiday-or-mw3-bundles-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/save-50-on-xbox-360-holiday-or-mw3-bundles-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/save-50-on-xbox-360-holiday-or-mw3-bundles-on-amazon/#comments Looking to save a little scratch on a new Xbox 360? Amazon has a couple of deals on offer, namely the 250GB Holiday bundle (including Halo: Reach and Fable 3) and the Modern Warfare 3 bundle? You can snag them for $250 or $350, respectively, $50 off the usual price.

Continue reading Save $50 on Xbox 360 Holiday or MW3 bundles on Amazon

JoystiqSave $50 on Xbox 360 Holiday or MW3 bundles on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3fable-3halo-reachmicrosoftxboxFri, 23 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10-year anniversary Xbox 360 bundle found on Amazon France]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/10-year-anniversary-xbox-360-bundle-found-on-amazon-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/10-year-anniversary-xbox-360-bundle-found-on-amazon-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/10-year-anniversary-xbox-360-bundle-found-on-amazon-france/#comments "But wait," you might be thinking. "The original Xbox launched on November 15, 2001. The tenth anniversary was last year, why come out with a 10-year anniversary bundle now? What's the deal? Oh my God, can you hear this? Quit listening to my thoughts! Get out of my head!!"

Whoa, chill dude! The American launch was in 2001, but the console's European debut didn't happen until three months later in 2002, hence the 10-year anniversary bundle showing up on Amazon France in 2012. The €280.00 ($375.50) package comes with a 250-gb Xbox 360, two wireless controllers, a boxed copy of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, digital versions of Halo: Reach, Gears of War 2 and Fable 3, as well as a 3-month Xbox Live Gold membership card.

The bundle is set to ship on March 9, and while we appreciate the sentiment and everything, we can't help but feel like a 360 reproduction of this might have been a more touching tribute. Make it happen, Microsoft. We'll give you money.

Joystiq10-year anniversary Xbox 360 bundle found on Amazon France originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-year-anniversaryamazon-franceanniversarybundlefable-3fable-iiiGears-of-war-2gow2halohalo-combat-evolved-anniversaryhalo-reachmicrosoftxboxFri, 24 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie handing over Halo community services to 343 in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/bungie-handing-over-halo-community-services-to-343-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/bungie-handing-over-halo-community-services-to-343-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/bungie-handing-over-halo-community-services-to-343-in-march/#comments OopsAs of March 31, 2012, Bungie will no longer host any Halo services on Bungie.net. Current Halo data will be transferred to 343 and, at that time, "all live Halo data will be managed by 343 Industries, and Bungie will no longer be able to update game stats and player service records, to host new user generated content, or to operate the Bungie Pro service." Using a peculiar bit of language, Bungie notes that "any replacement functionality" will be hosted by Halo Waypoint on halo.xbox.com.

Notice that Bungie doesn't mention whether or not such functionality will be replaced, though it seems unlikely that Microsoft would allow Halo's community features to disappear. They are, after all, a hallmark of the franchise. Because really, what's the point of playing Halo if you can't show off how awesome you are (or, as the image above illustrates, how funny it looks as your Spartan's limp corpse sails through the air).

JoystiqBungie handing over Halo community services to 343 in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halohalo-3halo-3-odstHalo-Reachmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveWed, 01 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[McFarlane's sixth Halo: Reach action figure series drops in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/mcfarlanes-sixth-halo-reach-action-figure-series-drops-in-febr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/mcfarlanes-sixth-halo-reach-action-figure-series-drops-in-febr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/mcfarlanes-sixth-halo-reach-action-figure-series-drops-in-febr/#comments Another platoon of Halo: Reach action figures from McFarlane Toys is set to be deployed to a toy store near you. Microsoft has revealed the Series 6 figurines, which include new individual Carded Figures and Deluxe Boxed Sets, will be available in February 2012.

New individual figures include Noble Team members Kat and Jun, an Elite Zealot, Brute Major and the Team Objectives set seen above. Finally, Kat can live forever in both our hearts and our toy display case!

JoystiqMcFarlane's sixth Halo: Reach action figure series drops in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figureaction-figureshaloHalo-Reachhalo-reach-series-6mcfarlane-toysmicrosofttodd-mcfarlanetoysxboxThu, 29 Dec 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo prices dropped across the board on XBLM today, discounts on other titles in the pipeline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/halo-prices-dropped-across-the-board-on-xblm-today-discounts-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/halo-prices-dropped-across-the-board-on-xblm-today-discounts-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/halo-prices-dropped-across-the-board-on-xblm-today-discounts-on/#comments It's pretty unlikely at this point that you own an Xbox 360 without a copy of Halo: Reach in some form or another. But if for some crazy reason you just got an Xbox 360 and you're still missing out on Bungie's swan song to the Spartans, Microsoft's got a digital version of the game discounted alongside all of its DLC (well, most of it, anyway -- the Anniversary Map Pack is sadly absent).

There's also a handful of Avatar clothing/items, as well as the always thrilling "Anchor 9 Premium Theme," you big collector, you. Head to Xbox.com's Halo: Reach section to see how today's discounts apply to your region.

Should Halo not be your particular bag, a whole mess of other deals are being offering in the coming days and weeks, mostly of the Hasbro variety. Major Nelson has conveniently compiled them for you right here.

JoystiqHalo prices dropped across the board on XBLM today, discounts on other titles in the pipeline originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekdiscountsdlcdownloadable-contentHalo-Reachhasbromicrosoftxblmxblxxboxxbox-live-marketplaceTue, 27 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Waypoint hits iOS, Android and Windows Phone on Dec 10, ATLAS 'GPS' is $4.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/halo-waypoint-hits-ios-android-and-windows-phone-on-dec-10-atl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/halo-waypoint-hits-ios-android-and-windows-phone-on-dec-10-atl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/halo-waypoint-hits-ios-android-and-windows-phone-on-dec-10-atl/#comments Microsoft wants to make sure that you're thinking Xbox even when you're far away from your Xbox. First, the My Xbox Live and Xbox Companion apps debuted on the iOS App Store and Windows Phone Marketplace, respectively. And now we've got Halo Waypoint for iOS, Android and, of course, Windows Phone 7. And while Waypoint will pack the expected Halo: Reach stats, service record, and challenges, the ATLAS "companion experience" is a little more unique.

As we reported in October, ATLAS is short for Assisted Tactical Assault System and it's a "near-real-time player data and tactical guidance" supplement for your Halo: Reach multiplayer matches. What does that mean? Detailed maps of the game's multiplayer levels, including boring stuff like spawn and health pack locations, and the cool stuff like "near-real-time locations for weapons and vehicles." That means GPS-like pinpointing of your location while you play the game. You can find more data direct from Xbox at the Source link below.

There is one catch, however: While Waypoint will be free for all three platforms on December 10, ATLAS will run iOS and Android users $4.99 while Windows Phone 7 users get something to gloat about, with the app's $0 asking price.

JoystiqHalo Waypoint hits iOS, Android and Windows Phone on Dec 10, ATLAS 'GPS' is $4.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidHalo-Reachhalo-waypointiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilewindows-phonewindows-phone-7xboxThu, 08 Dec 2011 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's Cyber Monday sale starts Sunday, includes 360 bundle of joy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/amazons-cyber-monday-sale-starts-sunday-includes-360-bundle-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/amazons-cyber-monday-sale-starts-sunday-includes-360-bundle-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/amazons-cyber-monday-sale-starts-sunday-includes-360-bundle-of/#comments Amazon wants to keep the digital pepper sprayings and stampedes to a minimum this Cyber Monday, and has released a teaser list of its deals that will begin on Sunday, Nov. 27, and last throughout the week. So far Amazon has a few nuggets of gaming gold advertised, including an Xbox 360 250GB bundle that includes Halo: Reach and Fable 3 for $200. Check the press release for the full teaser, and make sure to read it all the way to the last sale item. We're pretty sure that's the one you've been looking for all along.

JoystiqAmazon's Cyber Monday sale starts Sunday, includes 360 bundle of joy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncyber-mondaycyber-monday-2011dsHalo-Reachmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxSat, 26 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Helljumper is a fanmade series that looks like a Hollywood hit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/halo-helljumper-is-a-fanmade-series-that-looks-like-a-hollywood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/halo-helljumper-is-a-fanmade-series-that-looks-like-a-hollywood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/halo-helljumper-is-a-fanmade-series-that-looks-like-a-hollywood/#comments

A group of dedicated Halo fans have put some serious time, sweat, tears (we assume) and talent (we can see) into a coming webseries, Halo Helljumper, based on the short story "Dirt" by Tobias S. Buckell. The film series will tell the tale of one ODST battling the Covenant before the fall of Reach. The first episode is set to premiere in January. Check out the trailer above and get some more information about the cast and props right here.

JoystiqHalo Helljumper is a fanmade series that looks like a Hollywood hit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Halohalo-helljumperHalo-ReachHelljumpermicrosoftxboxSun, 20 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft lines up two Xbox 360 bundles for the holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/microsoft-lines-up-two-xbox-360-bundles-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/microsoft-lines-up-two-xbox-360-bundles-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/microsoft-lines-up-two-xbox-360-bundles-for-the-holidays/#comments Microsoft's annual Holiday bundle streak continues this year, with two different SKUs: one targeting the family crowd that enjoys flailing around together, the other targeting the hardcore gaming crowd that's all about no-scoping domes. Both bundles are shipping to retailers today, Major Nelson says.

The first bundle includes a 250 GB Xbox 360 S console with a Kinect, a copy of Kinect Adventures and Carnival Games: Monkey See Monkey Do, and three months of Xbox Live Gold, all for $399.99. The other bundle has a suggested price of $299.99, and sports a 250 GB Xbox 360 S console, three months of Xbox Live Gold and copies of Halo: Reach (downloadable) and Fable 3.

JoystiqMicrosoft lines up two Xbox 360 bundles for the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecarnival-games-monkey-see-monkey-dofable-3fable-iiihalo-reachkinectkinect-adventuresmicrosoftxboxTue, 18 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach DLC 50% off this week, Toy Soldiers DLC and more next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/halo-reach-dlc-50-off-this-week-toy-soldiers-dlc-and-more-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/halo-reach-dlc-50-off-this-week-toy-soldiers-dlc-and-more-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/halo-reach-dlc-50-off-this-week-toy-soldiers-dlc-and-more-nex/#comments
If all the talk of Halo Anniversary has put you in the mood for more modern fare, the Reach map packs are down to five bucks each this week. Alternately, if the release of Dead Rising 2: Off the Record gave you a hankerin' for Dead Rising 2 spinoffs, you'll find those half off next week, starting October 25. Dead Rising the first will also be On Demand for 25% off.

There's currently a "Shocktober" sale happening, including Castlevania Harmony of Despair for 600 Points ($7.50), and Alan Wake On Demand for just $10 more than retail. What a deal.

Racing fans can get a rolling staaaaaaaaaaaaaaart on Daytona USA on October 26, and check out the Toy Soldiers: Cold War "Napalm Pack" and A World of Keflings DLC on the same day. And in Avatar accessory news, it's finally happening on October 20.

KISS Avatar clothing.

JoystiqHalo: Reach DLC 50% off this week, Toy Soldiers DLC and more next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplacedead-risingdead-rising-2dead-rising-2-case-westdead-rising-2-case-zerodeal-of-the-weekdlcHalo-Reachkissmicrosofttoy-soldiers-cold-warxboxxbox-liveTue, 18 Oct 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Waypoint adding 'Atlas,' a multiplayer GPS tracker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/halo-waypoint-adding-atlas-a-multiplayer-gps-tracker/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/halo-waypoint-adding-atlas-a-multiplayer-gps-tracker/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/halo-waypoint-adding-atlas-a-multiplayer-gps-tracker/#comments
If the Kinect reveal for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary wasn't enough, 343 Industries also targeted fans with some new Halo Waypoint functionality at this weekend's Comic Con. The downloadable app is getting real-time GPS tracking of multiplayer games via a new service called "Atlas." Yes, seriously -- while you're playing a multiplayer game of Halo: Reach, you can use Waypoint's GPS feature via Windows Phone 7 or the web (and other "mobiles," we're told) to watch troop movements from above.

The updated version of Waypoint also adds the ability to send challenges to friends, similar to the weekly ones set originally via Bungie and now via 343 Industries within Reach multiplayer. 343 reps explained that you'll earn in-game credits for completing these challenges based on the difficulty of said tasks, but didn't dive too deeply into how it will all work exactly.

We'll find out soon enough, as the update to Waypoint launches alongside Halo Anniversary on November 15.

Update: We've added two Waypoint vids from Microsoft showcasing the update, one above and one after the break.

Continue reading Halo Waypoint adding 'Atlas,' a multiplayer GPS tracker

JoystiqHalo Waypoint adding 'Atlas,' a multiplayer GPS tracker originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbrady-gameshalo-combat-evolved-anniversaryhalo-reachhalo-waypointmicrosoftmobilenyccnycc-2011waypointwindows-phone-7wp7xboxMon, 17 Oct 2011 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft solves Reach disc issues with Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/microsoft-solves-reach-disc-issues-with-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/microsoft-solves-reach-disc-issues-with-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/microsoft-solves-reach-disc-issues-with-games-on-demand/#comments
Did you get one of Microsoft's special copies of Halo: Reach? You know, the ones that were sent out to test their recent security update allowing developers more space on Xbox 360 game discs. You were probably super-stoked.

Your stoke-age was halted this week though, in all likelihood, as the most recent Reach title update prevented players using one of those magic free discs to get online - and from enjoying the beta playlists designed to ease players into Halo CE Anniversary's multiplayer tweaks. Microsoft has previously mentioned that a simple title update probably wouldn't get the job done. So today, they've started giving away Games on Demand copies of the game to affected users.

Continue reading Microsoft solves Reach disc issues with Games on Demand

JoystiqMicrosoft solves Reach disc issues with Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Halo-ReachmicrosoftxboxFri, 23 Sep 2011 19:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Anniversary gets Headlong remake; Reach title update drops Sept. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/halo-anniversary-gets-headlong-remake-reach-title-update-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/halo-anniversary-gets-headlong-remake-reach-title-update-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/halo-anniversary-gets-headlong-remake-reach-title-update-drops/#comments If you spent any considerable amount of time with Halo 2, then you've likely stomped around the Headlong map in your billion-dollar boots, helping to fertilize its soil with a few dead bodies. A new and improved version of that large-scale map, dubbed Breakneck, will ship with Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary, 343 Industries announced today.

Some graphical tweaks have been made, but you may notice some layout differences as well. That teleporter on the Blue base's balcony has been replaced with a man-cannon and some panels have been added up there for better cover when moving from building to building. Red side's had an extension added to the Engineering Hallway and lost a chunk of the ceiling in the Office.

343 also sent word on the next big title update for Halo: Reach, due on September 21. Initially, the title update won't change anything for you, but come October 4 a special beta playlist will become active with 4-on-4 Objective and Slayer game modes. Here is where 343 will monitor games so that it can continue to shape Reach.

Feel free to hop into our gallery below to check out shots of the new and improved Headlong Breakneck. You'll get a chance to see it in person when Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary launches on November 15.

Gallery: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (Breakneck map)

JoystiqHalo Anniversary gets Headlong remake; Reach title update drops Sept. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbreakneckbungiehalo-2halo-combat-evolved-anniversaryhalo-reachheadlongmicrosoftmultiplayerxboxWed, 14 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Major League Gaming's Raleigh Championship Sunday, live on Joystiq!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/watch-major-league-gamings-raleigh-championship-sunday-live-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/watch-major-league-gamings-raleigh-championship-sunday-live-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/watch-major-league-gamings-raleigh-championship-sunday-live-on/#comments
Smell that? That gentle, wafting scent in the breeze? That unique blend of concession-stand popcorn, USB and pwn? It's a specific, enticing fragrance that can only mean one thing: It's time for Major League Gaming finals, and you can watch it all live on Joystiq!

All day today, teams from around the globe will be competing for thousands of dollars in prizes across 4 games: Starcraft 2, Halo: Reach, Black Ops, and making its MLG debut, League of Legends. It's an exciting day for pro-gaming, so strap on your beer hat and big foam finger and head on through for the day's full schedule.

Continue reading Watch Major League Gaming's Raleigh Championship Sunday, live on Joystiq!

JoystiqWatch Major League Gaming's Raleigh Championship Sunday, live on Joystiq! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionblack-opsBlizzardBungiecall-of-duty-black-opshalo-reachleague-of-legendslivemajor-league-gamingmicrosoftMLGpcplaystationps3riot-gamesstarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyxboxSun, 28 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach title update coming in September, Armor Lock getting nerfed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/halo-reach-title-update-coming-in-september-armor-lock-getting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/halo-reach-title-update-coming-in-september-armor-lock-getting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/halo-reach-title-update-coming-in-september-armor-lock-getting/#comments At last night's Halo Fest event, we learned about a rather beefy title update to Halo: Reach that's set to launch sometime next month. The patch implements a number of significant (and, therefore, controversial) changes to the multiplayer title, with the biggest being the nerfing of the Armor Lock ability. Instead of making you an invulnerable juggernaut, Armor Lock now only prevents most of the damage done to you whilst locked, and no longer detaches stuck plasma grenades.

Other changes include: the addition of "Shield Bleed-through," whereby damage done to players with a fraction of their shield remaining can now be carried over to their remaining health; an option to remove reticle bloom; the removal of a player's ability to deflect an oncoming sword lunge by meleeing (unless they too are using a sword); and the wholesale buffing of the pistol, bringing it closer to parity with its Halo: Combat Evolved predecessor.

JoystiqHalo: Reach title update coming in September, Armor Lock getting nerfed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesbungiehalohalo-festhalo-fest-2011Halo-Reachhalofest-2011microsoftpatchupdatexboxFri, 26 Aug 2011 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live experiencing service outages, including Black Ops and Reach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/xbox-live-experiencing-service-outages-including-black-ops-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/xbox-live-experiencing-service-outages-including-black-ops-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/xbox-live-experiencing-service-outages-including-black-ops-and/#comments If you've been having issues doing stuff on Xbox Live, you're not alone. Well, you are alone, because you can't connect to your online friends, but other people are having problems too.

Since last night, Xbox Live has been having various service outages, reported on its status page. Last night, it was Netflix; today, the site reports issues with creating, managing, and recovering accounts, and with creating, maintaining, or joining matches in Call of Duty: Black Ops and Halo Reach.

We're checking with Microsoft to determine the cause of these outages, and if possible the expected duration. Did the pizza guy trip over a cord, or was it something more serious? Like, maybe some pizza also got into one of the server's vents.

[Thanks, Vlad.]

JoystiqXbox Live experiencing service outages, including Black Ops and Reach originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-black-opshalo-reachmicrosoftoutagexboxxbox-liveWed, 03 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday live, right here on Joystiq]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/watch-major-league-gamings-anaheim-championship-sunday-live-ri/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/watch-major-league-gamings-anaheim-championship-sunday-live-ri/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/watch-major-league-gamings-anaheim-championship-sunday-live-ri/#comments
Strap on your beer-hats and huge foam fingers, e-sports fans, because Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday is under way, and you can catch all the fragging, pylon-constructing action right here on Joystiq. Championship matches for Starcraft 2, Halo: Reach, and Call of Duty: Black Ops will take place all day long on 4 different streams, so make sure you've got enough overpriced concession-stand munchies to last you a while.

Head on through for the day's full schedule, and be sure to let us know how you feel about competitive gaming coverage on Joystiq, either in the comments or in the poll. This sort of post is a new jam for us, and if you like it, we'll do more!

Continue reading Watch Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday live, right here on Joystiq

JoystiqWatch Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday live, right here on Joystiq originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anaheimcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-opschampionship-sundaycompetitive-gaminghalohalo-reachlive-streamlive-streamingmajor-league-gamingmicrosoftMLGpcplaystationpro-gamingps3starcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyxboxSun, 31 Jul 2011 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Selling custom Halo armor to the Pawn Stars is out of this guy's Reach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/selling-custom-halo-armor-to-the-pawn-stars-is-out-of-this-guys/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/selling-custom-halo-armor-to-the-pawn-stars-is-out-of-this-guys/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/selling-custom-halo-armor-to-the-pawn-stars-is-out-of-this-guys/#comments

The importance of nerdom in public society has increased exponentially in the past decade, with the video game industry now producing over $25 billion in annual revenue alone. Ask any random group of cosplayers at San Diego Comic-Con what the above completely customized, electronic Halo MJOLNIR Assault Armor suit is worth, and they'd probably guess in the thousands. According to the experts at History Channel's Pawn Stars, they'd be wrong.

This Halo fan is hoping to score a humble $2,000 for his spectacular suit, but the Pawn Stars won't go a cent over $200, crushing his dreams and possibly losing him a girlfriend. We salute you, Halo Hero, for testing the waters in popular society for nerds everywhere. We'll be sure to keep our fetishes in convention halls and caves -- for now.

JoystiqSelling custom Halo armor to the Pawn Stars is out of this guy's Reach originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cosplaycultureHaloHalo-Reachhistory-channelmicrosoftnerdompawn-starsxboxFri, 29 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Minute Halo: An Interview with Jaime Griesemer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/half-minute-halo-an-interview-with-jaime-griesemer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/half-minute-halo-an-interview-with-jaime-griesemer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/half-minute-halo-an-interview-with-jaime-griesemer/#comments "In Halo 1, there was maybe 30 seconds of fun that happened over and over and over and over again. And so, if you can get 30 seconds of fun, you can pretty much stretch that out to be an entire game."

Or maybe even five games. The succinct secret to Halo's success, that half minute of fun, has long been a mantra repeated by developer Bungie, repurposed by game critics, and presumably whispered by Master Chief himself before he tosses a plasma grenade into a gathering of grunts. It's inoffensive, catchy and it sounds about right. Doesn't it?

"Yeah, it's probably the most famous thing I ever said," says game designer Jaime Griesemer. "For some reason it really resonated with the community and got quoted and repeated to the point where I would hear it from people that didn't realize where it had come from in the first place! Especially with journalists." Like many of you, Griesemer has heard the phrase on podcasts (yes, including The Joystiq Podcast) and read it in several articles, such as Clive Thompson's examination of Halo 3 playtesting in Wired. "Some of the guys at Bungie were calling me 'Mr. Thirty Seconds' for a while ... heh."

If only we had paid attention to Mr. Thirty Seconds for about, oh, 30 seconds longer.

Continue reading Half-Minute Halo: An Interview with Jaime Griesemer

JoystiqHalf-Minute Halo: An Interview with Jaime Griesemer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalohalo-2halo-3halo-3-odsthalo-combat-evolvedhalo-combat-evolved-anniversaryhalo-reachjaime-griesemermicrosoftsucker-punchsucker-punch-productionsxboxThu, 14 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer: Halo without Master Chief just isn't as 'centered' on what players want]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/spencer-halo-without-master-chief-just-isnt-as-centered-on-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/spencer-halo-without-master-chief-just-isnt-as-centered-on-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/spencer-halo-without-master-chief-just-isnt-as-centered-on-w/#comments We're not 100 percent sure what Microsoft Game Studios head Phil Spencer is trying to say in this quote from E3, but as far as we can tell, he's just happy that Halo 4 is returning the player to Master Chief's head. He says he wants to make sure that the new game "lives up to what I think gamers fell in love with," and for him, that means being the Chief again.

Spencer says Halo Reach "made more sense to you if you were a Halo fan. If you were new to Xbox 360, 360 is where you started playing on Xbox, you understood what Halo 3 was. ODST and Reach, maybe you weren't as centered." So, newcomers want -- and expect -- to play as the Chief, whereas fans of the franchise were fine with something new.

At any rate, Spencer's just trying to make it clear that Master Chief is coming back, in both the anniversary remake of Combat Evolved, and Halo 4 next year. Why couldn't you just say that, Phil?

JoystiqSpencer: Halo without Master Chief just isn't as 'centered' on what players want originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halohalo-4halo-odsthalo-reachmicrosoftpcphil-spencerxboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie gives out blue flaming helmets in Halo: Reach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/bungie-gives-out-blue-flaming-helmets-in-halo-reach/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/bungie-gives-out-blue-flaming-helmets-in-halo-reach/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/bungie-gives-out-blue-flaming-helmets-in-halo-reach/#comments You know, when we think about heads on fire, we don't think about Bungie's illustrious flaming helmets in Halo. It's because we could never have one; we're not Bungie employees. Now we all can enjoy the loss of tactical advantage that only comes from having a head on fire!

Bungie's giving the flaming helmets in Halo: Reach (plus a special name plate) to anyone who registers on Bungie.net or through the recently released iOS app -- you have until "the close of Bungie Day" on July 7 to get yours. Oh, and if you're wondering about Bungie Aerospace, keep wondering: Bungie's still not talking.

Hit the jump for a PSA video produced by Bungie if you're looking for some more animated coverage.

Continue reading Bungie gives out blue flaming helmets in Halo: Reach

JoystiqBungie gives out blue flaming helmets in Halo: Reach originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20th-anniversaryanniversarybungiebungie-daybungie-studioshaloHalo-ReachmicrosoftxboxThu, 23 Jun 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary multiplayer maps are for Halo: Reach [update: maps playable on Anniversary disc]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-multiplayer-maps-are-for-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-multiplayer-maps-are-for-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-multiplayer-maps-are-for-halo/#comments A total of six multiplayer maps from Halo: Combat Evolved will be playable in Halo: Reach's online multiplayer along with a retooled campaign level for Firefight mode. Halo: CE Anniversary will not support Xbox Live multiplayer whatsoever (outside of co-op). These maps are for loading into Halo: Reach (think: ODST), according to comments made by 343 Industries' Frank O'Connor on Spike TV. He also said it will be a budget-priced game.

Hit the jump for the teaser trailer shown during Microsoft's E3 2011 press conference.

Update: O' Connor clarified with Joystiq that Anniversary's multiplayer component, while employing the Reach engine, will still be playable on the Anniversary disc itself. The game will also include a voucher to download the maps for play within Halo: Reach.

Gallery: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (E3 2011)

Continue reading Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary multiplayer maps are for Halo: Reach [update: maps playable on Anniversary disc]

JoystiqHalo: Combat Evolved Anniversary multiplayer maps are for Halo: Reach [update: maps playable on Anniversary disc] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungie-studiose3-2011frank-o-connorhalo-combat-evolved-anniversaryhalo-reachmicrosoftmultiplayerxboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Square working on some slick, pricey new Halo figures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/square-working-on-some-slick-pricey-new-halo-figures/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/square-working-on-some-slick-pricey-new-halo-figures/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/square-working-on-some-slick-pricey-new-halo-figures/#comments Following on its Halo: Reach figures, Square-Enix has announced plans to release more products based on the Halo franchise. In conjunction with the upcoming tenth anniversary of the series, Square is producing a pair of "re-envisioned" figures, one of a Spartan V and one of the Master Chief himself. As Square notes, the figures have been updated with "sleek lines" and "minor alterations," all resulting in "a sense of fictional reality and massiveness present in Japanese sci-fi entertainment." Or, to put it a little more delicately, dayum.

A release is planned for later this year, with a retail price of $54.99 each. The figures will also be shown at Square-Enix's booth during E3. We'll be sure to stop by and steal ... er ... take some pictures. Check out hi-res photos of both figures in the gallery below.

Gallery: Halo: Combat Evolved Play Arts Kai figures

Continue reading Square working on some slick, pricey new Halo figures

JoystiqSquare working on some slick, pricey new Halo figures originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriescultureHaloHalo-Combat-EvolvedHalo-Reachmicrosoftsquare-enixtoysxboxFri, 03 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's a giant Master Chief and Mario made out of ... balloons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/its-a-giant-master-chief-and-mario-made-out-of-balloons/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/its-a-giant-master-chief-and-mario-made-out-of-balloons/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/its-a-giant-master-chief-and-mario-made-out-of-balloons/#comments They said you were a joke. They said you'd never be a somebody. They said your love of latex and highly volatile, unstable objects would be your downfall. Yeah, well who's laughing now? You've just made a life-size balloon sculpture of Master Chief and now he's your best friend ever.

Continue reading It's a giant Master Chief and Mario made out of ... balloons

JoystiqIt's a giant Master Chief and Mario made out of ... balloons originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieHalo-Reachmariomaster-chiefmicrosoftnintendosuper-mario-broswiixboxWed, 01 Jun 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach gets free demo, one-week Games on Demand price drop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/halo-reach-gets-free-demo-one-week-games-on-demand-price-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/halo-reach-gets-free-demo-one-week-games-on-demand-price-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/halo-reach-gets-free-demo-one-week-games-on-demand-price-drop/#comments With over eight million units sold (and that was in January!), Kinect has proven to be a massive hit for Microsoft, strategically extending the hardcore Xbox 360 brand to a more casual audience. It's to this more casual Xbox audience that we now direct this here news post.

So you've wrapped up Kinect Adventures, aced every Dance Central track, and stomached more than a minute of Fighters Uncaged? If you were wondering what people did with these video game consoles before Kinect came along, we have the answer: It's called Halo: Reach and Microsoft wants to make sure you try it out. Starting today, the uninitiated can download a free demo for
Reach that includes the "Long Night of Solace" campaign mission, the Free for All Slayer and Headhunter multiplayer modes on the "Powerhouse" map, and Firefight on the "Overlook" map.

If you like what you see, you can unlock the entire game from the Games on Demand service for the reduced price of $39.99 (£39.99/€39.99) this week only. So put down that Game Boat, pick up a controller, and see what else your Xbox can do.

Gallery: Halo: Reach (demo)

JoystiqHalo: Reach gets free demo, one-week Games on Demand price drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungiedemoGames-on-DemandHalo-ReachmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosxboxTue, 24 May 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Fest set to take place during PAX Prime 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/halo-fest-set-to-take-place-during-pax-prime-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/halo-fest-set-to-take-place-during-pax-prime-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/halo-fest-set-to-take-place-during-pax-prime-2011/#comments Already snagged one of the (quickly diminishing) passes for PAX Prime 2011 in Seattle? Little did you know that you were secretly buying your admission into a second, equally exciting event. At this year's original, Seattle-flavored Penny Arcade Expo, 343 Industries will turn the third floor annex of the convention center into "Halo Fest," an event the studio describes as "the largest and most expansive live Halo experience ever."

The event, which will celebrate the franchise's tenth anniversary, will also feature tournaments, panels and giveaways for stoppers-by. Best of all, your entry is guaranteed with a PAX Prime ticket, meaning you have literally no reason to stop by. Unless, of course, you don't like Halo. Or if you're super scared of heights. Three floors is awfully high up, you know.

JoystiqHalo Fest set to take place during PAX Prime 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalohalo-festHalo-Reachmicrosoftpaxpax-primepax-prime-2011seattlexboxTue, 03 May 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan-made Halo UNSC frigates dock at Minecraft station]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/fan-made-halo-unsc-frigates-dock-at-minecraft-station/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/fan-made-halo-unsc-frigates-dock-at-minecraft-station/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/fan-made-halo-unsc-frigates-dock-at-minecraft-station/#comments At this point in Minecraft's life, we expect every gigantic space ship from every sci-fi property has been recreated. Imagine our surprise then when we looked through our records and found no documented UNSC frigates from Halo. That changes now.

Seen above is the work of Minecraft forum user Garified, who constructed not one but two UNSC frigates in the game -- one large-scale and one a bit smaller -- modeled after Halo: Reach's UNSC Savannah. We think you'll agree: kudos are most certainly in order.

JoystiqFan-made Halo UNSC frigates dock at Minecraft station originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiegarifiedhalo-reachmicrosoftMinecraftMojang-Specificationsnotchpcunscunsc-savannahxboxTue, 26 Apr 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Dashboard beta rolls out, isn't that exciting yet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/xbox-dashboard-beta-rolls-out-isnt-that-exciting-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/xbox-dashboard-beta-rolls-out-isnt-that-exciting-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/xbox-dashboard-beta-rolls-out-isnt-that-exciting-yet/#comments We're receiving reports that Microsoft is updating opted-in Xboxes with the new Dashboard preview ... and it doesn't do much at the moment. The most noticeable addition is a new "Xbox Beta" channel, containing three new titles: "Xbox Beta Program - Preview LIVE Update," which isn't clickable, "New Features" and "Help and Tips."

The "New Features" tab, according to tipsters, notes that test subjects will be divided into two groups: those who receive the update online (and will receive their free Halo: Reach later), and those who will receive the update via disc. Microsoft also told users that it is "finalizing the logistics to distribute the discs now."

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqXbox Dashboard beta rolls out, isn't that exciting yet originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadashboard-updatedashboard-update-spring-2011halo-reachmicrosoftxboxThu, 07 Apr 2011 00:41:00 EST<![CDATA[How Halo: Reach should have ended]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/how-halo-reach-should-have-ended/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/how-halo-reach-should-have-ended/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/how-halo-reach-should-have-ended/#comments After witnessing the adventures of the invincible Master Chief in previous Halo games, were you disappointed in the decidedly more mortal slant of Reach? If so, you might want to check out a new ending as imagined by How It Should Have Ended and Machinima.com. In short: It ends before it starts.

Continue reading How Halo: Reach should have ended

JoystiqHow Halo: Reach should have ended originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>haloHalo-Reachhow-it-should-have-endedmicrosoftxboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the man behind Halo's multiplayer announcer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/meet-the-man-behind-halos-multiplayer-announcer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/meet-the-man-behind-halos-multiplayer-announcer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/meet-the-man-behind-halos-multiplayer-announcer/#comments Jeff Steitzer's been calling out your "Killtaculars" and other multiplayer accomplishments since Halo: Combat Evolved. As seen in the video past the break, he may not appear quite as you imagined -- he's certainly not the gruff, chain-smoking guy we envisioned.

Despite being in Broadway shows and making appearances on TV programs like 30 Rock, Steitzer admits he'll probably be best remembered for his participation in Halo. After he delivers his "Cheneymania" line, you'll understand why.

Continue reading Meet the man behind Halo's multiplayer announcer

JoystiqMeet the man behind Halo's multiplayer announcer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiehaloHalo-Reachjeff-steitzermicrosoftpcxboxTue, 29 Mar 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Xbox Dashboard preview to test 'updated' disc format; testers get free Halo: Reach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/latest-xbox-dashboard-preview-to-test-updated-disc-format-tes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/latest-xbox-dashboard-preview-to-test-updated-disc-format-tes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/latest-xbox-dashboard-preview-to-test-updated-disc-format-tes/#comments Major Nelson has revealed on his blog that Microsoft is preparing to conduct another seasonal Xbox 360 Dashboard "preview program," this time to kick the tires of an "updated Xbox 360 disc format." For participating, testers will receive a copy of Halo: Reach in addition to "other possible rewards."

Sign-ups are now open at Microsoft Connect, with Major Nelson saying that the company is "looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good." Unlike with last fall's update preview, there's no mention of this update prohibiting participants from playing online or voice chatting with Xbox Live members who aren't part of the beta program. The preview is restricted to US residents, though both Gold and "Free" Xbox Live members can sign up -- with Gold members given the priority come selection time.

As for the new disc format: Since it will need to remain compatible with current 360 disc drives, the update is likely just related to copy protection -- in which case, the free copy of Reach probably uses it. We've contacted Microsoft for more details and will update as we get them.

JoystiqLatest Xbox Dashboard preview to test 'updated' disc format; testers get free Halo: Reach originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaDashboarddashboard-updatedashboard-update-spring-2011disc-formatHalo-Reachmicrosoftxboxxgd3Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[MI6 marketing firm seeking original Dead Rising 2, Halo: Reach trailers from college students]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/mi6-marketing-firm-seeking-original-dead-rising-2-halo-reach-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/mi6-marketing-firm-seeking-original-dead-rising-2-halo-reach-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/mi6-marketing-firm-seeking-original-dead-rising-2-halo-reach-t/#comments Considering the volume of fan-made game trailers cast onto the YouTubes every day, we're guessing MI6's "Making the Cut" competition will bring in a number of qualified entrants. Here's the deal: Any college student who makes a "non-traditional" trailer for either Halo: Reach or Dead Rising 2 can send said trailer into MI6 (the marketing agency, not the branch of British intelligence services), which could be chosen to receive an award during the annual MI6 Video Game Marketing Conference and Awards Show.

Participants are encouraged to use their imagination, but must also incorporate gameplay footage provided by the games' developers. Interested collegiate filmmakers can check out the rules and regulations or register for the contest on the official site. Then, it's just a matter of brainstorming and filming an eye-catching concept. How about ... backwards pre-teen zombie girls? Those seem to be pretty "in" right now.

JoystiqMI6 marketing firm seeking original Dead Rising 2, Halo: Reach trailers from college students originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdead-rising-2filmmakinghalohalo-reachmarketingmi6mi6-game-marketingmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach Defiant maps coming March 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/halo-reach-defiant-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/halo-reach-defiant-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/halo-reach-defiant-release-date/#comments Beware the Ides of March! Actually, you might not need to "beware" it, though you may want to consider calling in sick from work or school -- Halo: Reach's second major expansion, a three-map DLC pack titled "Defiant," will arrive on the Xbox Live Marketplace on March 15 for 800 Microsoft Points ($10).

Check out the gallery below and the trailer posted after the break to get an idea of what the three new arenas -- named Condemned, Highlands and Unearthed -- look like! We really, really hope they come with the aforementioned trailer's gruff-voiced narrator. "Way to totally shoot that dude," the narrator would say, gruffly.

Gallery: Halo: Reach Defiant Map Pack (2/24/11)

Continue reading Halo: Reach Defiant maps coming March 15

JoystiqHalo: Reach Defiant maps coming March 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiedefiantdefiant-map-packdlcHalo-Reachmicrosoftmicrosoft-february-showcase-2011Microsoft-Game-Studiosrelease-datexblmxboxThu, 24 Feb 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition for $60, LE for $40 on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/halo-reach-legendary-edition-for-60-le-for-40-on-amazon-toda/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/halo-reach-legendary-edition-for-60-le-for-40-on-amazon-toda/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/halo-reach-legendary-edition-for-60-le-for-40-on-amazon-toda/#comments Today on Amazon, you can get the $150 Legendary Edition of Halo: Reach for what the regular edition cost at launch: $60. That's like buying the game and getting a free Noble Team statue and in-game helmet! If you'd like to spend a bit less but still get something special, the Limited Edition is just $40. (The regular edition is currently priced at $32 and change.)

Of course, these two sales constitute Amazon's Deal of the Day and will expire either at midnight Pacific (3AM ET) or when the retailer runs out of stock. And we've heard that this Halo stuff is pretty popular.

JoystiqHalo: Reach Legendary Edition for $60, LE for $40 on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbungiedeal-of-the-dayhaloHalo-Reachlegendary-editionlimited-editionmicrosoftxboxThu, 24 Feb 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach 'Defiant Map Pack' offers three new maps in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/halo-reach-defiant-map-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/halo-reach-defiant-map-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/halo-reach-defiant-map-pack/#commentsReach for your wallet, because more Halo's on the way. The Halo: Reach "Defiant" Map Pack, first seen in leaked images last week, has been officially revealed by Microsoft as a set of three new multiplayer maps, available next month for 800 Microsoft Points.

"Condemned," set on a space station above the planet Reach, is designed for 6-12 players in various team modes and Free for All, while "Highlands" is a Big Team Battle, Team Slayer, and Team Objective map set in the "Wilderness Training Preserve" on the planet. Finally, "Unearthed" is a new Firefight map set inside a titanium mine. he map pack includes new Achievements to the value of 150 Gamerscore.

It's worth noting that the maps were created "in partnership" with Age of Booty developer Certain Affinity, a team of Bungie vets that has made maps for Call of Duty: Black Ops, World at War, and Halo 2.

Gallery: Halo: Reach Defiant Map Pack

Continue reading Halo: Reach 'Defiant Map Pack' offers three new maps in March

JoystiqHalo: Reach 'Defiant Map Pack' offers three new maps in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiecertain-affinitydefiant-map-packdlchalohalo-reachmicrosoftq1-2011release-datexboxMon, 14 Feb 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Defiant Map Pack revealed for Halo: Reach [update: info pulled at request of Microsoft]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/defiant-map-pack-halo-reach-rumor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/defiant-map-pack-halo-reach-rumor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/defiant-map-pack-halo-reach-rumor/#comments French site Halo Destiny, an unofficial fan community, has posted several images of what is alleged to be an upcoming map pack for Halo: Reach. Reportedly called the "Defiant Map Pack," the site claims the DLC will contain three maps: "Condemned," "Unearthed" and "Highlands" (which echoes Halo 3's High Ground map in name). Condemned reportedly takes place aboard a human frigate, while Unearthed plays host to more open spaces. As for Highlands, its most prominent feature appears to be a giant Covenant cruiser in the process of glassing a planet.

Additionally, the Highlands map is referred to as "Training Preserve" on the Flickr account where the images are hosted, so it may not be related to the old High Ground map at all. Oddly enough, Unearthed bears the strongest resemblance to High Ground, but, unfortunately, the low resolution of the images makes detailed analysis difficult.

As of publishing, the Halo Destiny site is down for maintenance, though the Flickr images are still available. We've contacted Bungie for comment and will update if and when we learn more.

Update: Halo Destiny has posted a message noting that the site is temporarily offline following a recent request from Microsoft and Bungie to remove the Defiant Map Pack post. The Flickr images remain available as of this update.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqRumor: Defiant Map Pack revealed for Halo: Reach [update: info pulled at request of Microsoft] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiedefiant-map-packdlcHalo-Reachmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveWed, 09 Feb 2011 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: 2010's bestselling game releases by platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/#comments Gamasutra has obtained NPD data that puts a new filter on last year's US box-copy software sales, ranking the top ten bestselling 2010 releases for each console and handheld platform (PC excluded). Like the monthly NPD breakdowns, these rankings don't include actual sales numbers, but they do reveal some interesting trends.

By omitting Nintendo's so-called "evergreen" titles (i.e., games released before 2010), Gamasutra found that -- perhaps unsurprisingly -- Just Dance 2 was last year's top-selling 2010 release for Wii, and among six additional third-party games that made the top ten in sales for the platform. On DS, however, Nintendo games filled out half of the top ten, and Pokemon SoulSilver and HeartGold were the only titles to surpass sales of one million units each.

At first glance, PSP software sales look even bleaker, with Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep on top and, according to Gamastura, the only PSP title to break 300K units sold; with the other top ten games each falling below 200K. Of course, these rankings don't include digital sales or box-copy games bundled with hardware, so it's unlikely that Birth by Sleep (which isn't available on the PlayStation Store) was the true #1 bestseller among 2010's PSP releases -- let alone the most pirated.

What is certain is that Call of Duty: Black Ops dominated torrents, as well as the games legitimately sold for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. Still, both Sony and Microsoft saw two first-party releases make their console's respective top ten sales charts for the year; though each publisher's most critically-acclaimed release of 2010 -- at least, from Joystiq's perspective -- was not present. Perhaps telling of the two console's core player bases, Madden 11 beat out God of War 3 for the #2 spot on the PS3 chart, but fell to #3 beneath Halo: Reach in the Xbox 360 ranking.

Finally, we have to wonder just what were they thinking? They, of course, being all those Xbox 360 owners that purchased Fable 3 and Fallout: New Vegas instead of Mass Effect 2. Three and a half stars plus four still doesn't add up to the Game of the Year, people.

Check out Gamastutra for the complete breakdown of 2010's bestselling releases by platform.

JoystiqNPD: 2010's bestselling game releases by platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010call-of-duty-black-opsdsfable-3fallout-new-vegasgod-of-war-3halo-reachjust-dance-2kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepmadden-nfl-11mass-effect-2microsoftnintendonpdplaystationpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverps3pspsalessoftwaresonyusawiixboxMon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[343 Industries adding 12 more positions for 'the future of Halo']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/343-industries-adding-12-more-positions-for-the-future-of-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/343-industries-adding-12-more-positions-for-the-future-of-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/343-industries-adding-12-more-positions-for-the-future-of-halo/#comments The new Halo house, 343 Industries, is once again hiring for "Halo jobs," ranging from "multiplayer designer" to "environment artist." Though the dozen listings don't spell out anything specific about a new project, job applicants must "demonstrate that you've played all of the games and thought a lot about the [Halo] franchise."

So far, there's been no official announcement regarding a new Halo game, with 343's current focus on "supporting" Halo: Reach, according to Microsoft. An HD remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, built with the Reach game engine, is rumored to be in development.

Joystiq343 Industries adding 12 more positions for 'the future of Halo' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshaloHalo-Reachhiringjobsmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosxboxFri, 21 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Halo: Reach Mythbusters' tackles more myths in fifth episode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/halo-reach-mythbusters-tackles-more-myths-in-fifth-episode/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/halo-reach-mythbusters-tackles-more-myths-in-fifth-episode/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/halo-reach-mythbusters-tackles-more-myths-in-fifth-episode/#comments Defend The House returns with episode number 5 of its delightful Halo: Reach Mythbusters series. This time around, it tackles such myths as destroying holograms with armor lock, protecting yourself from assault bomb explosions and -- perhaps coolest of all -- actually catching a rocket in an armor lock hold.

The gang also shows itself "wearing" powerups from the game, which is confirmed to be possible, although it's basically a glitch that the host can't actually do. Being as it's a glitch, you'll have to try that one at your own risk -- Bungie may not take kindly to it once discovered. It is probably good with the rocket catch, though, so do that one all you want. It's pretty awesome.

Continue reading 'Halo: Reach Mythbusters' tackles more myths in fifth episode

Joystiq'Halo: Reach Mythbusters' tackles more myths in fifth episode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiedefend-the-househaloHalo-Reachhalo-reach-mythbustersmicrosoftvideosxboxWed, 19 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST