Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rubin: THQ could have survived, but made 'massive mistakes']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/rubin-thq-could-have-survived-but-made-massive-mistakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/rubin-thq-could-have-survived-but-made-massive-mistakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/rubin-thq-could-have-survived-but-made-massive-mistakes/#comments We know pretty much all there is to know about the dissolution of THQ, how its valuable studios and properties were sold off, while others were left to fend for themselves. We're pretty well versed on why it all happened. Now, former THQ president Jason Rubin has given MCV his opinion on why the publisher went south.

Rubin refuted the notion that THQ was simply a victim of a changing industry, that it was unable to keep up with bigger publishers. "THQ had every chance to survive," he said, "had it not made massive mistakes." Said mistakes - things like bungling uDraw, the Warhammer 40K MMO and Homefront - didn't happen on Rubin's watch, however, as he was only appointed in May of 2012. Ultimately, there was "too much negative hanging on [THQ's] books," he said.

THQ's failure didn't boil down to bad luck either. "Could Homefront have caught a nerve and sold 10m copies? It's possible I guess, but probably not without better production," he said, adding that luck certainly wasn't a factor in THQ's decision to cancel Warhammer 40K: Dark Millennium Online. "That was simply a bad decision in a sea of bad decisions."

JoystiqRubin: THQ could have survived, but made 'massive mistakes' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontjason-rubinthqudrawwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineFri, 01 Feb 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek on Homefront 2 purchase from THQ: It's 'beneficial for us to have control']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/crytek-on-homefront-2-purchase-from-thq-its-beneficial-for-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/crytek-on-homefront-2-purchase-from-thq-its-beneficial-for-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/crytek-on-homefront-2-purchase-from-thq-its-beneficial-for-us/#comments Crytek spent over half a million bucks to make sure the Homefront IP stuck around after the collapse of THQ and now has the potential to do anything with it - a position Crytek general manager of games Nick Button-Brown says will allow developer Crytek UK to finish its work for the sequel to Kaos Studios' 2011 game.

"The worst case scenario for us was that this situation meant that all that work just ended up being thrown into the bin, so we wanted to buy the IP to make sure the team can finish off the game they wish to make," Button-Brown said. He added that "it's now beneficial for us to have control over the IP's destiny," noting earlier in the VG 24/7 interview that current Homefront 2 progress is "great" and that the "last milestone was excellent."

Button-Brown also noted that such control would allow the developer to "be a little more open" about the game's development "than if we were working with a publisher," yet he would not comment on how this acquisition changes potential launch timing for Homefront 2. Previously, THQ pegged Homefront 2 for launch during the company's fiscal 2014, ranging between April 2013 and March 2014 - Button-Brown dodged the question on current launch timing, replying that Crytek "might change the release date that we haven't announced, and move this to another release date we won't announce yet either."

JoystiqCrytek on Homefront 2 purchase from THQ: It's 'beneficial for us to have control' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekhomefronthomefront-2microsoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxMon, 28 Jan 2013 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon THQ sale: Metro 2033, Red Faction Guerrilla, more for 91% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/amazon-thq-sale-metro-2033-red-faction-guerrilla-more-for-91/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/amazon-thq-sale-metro-2033-red-faction-guerrilla-more-for-91/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/amazon-thq-sale-metro-2033-red-faction-guerrilla-more-for-91/#comments Amazon THQ sale Metro 2033, Red Faction Guerrilla, more for 91% offThe Tantalizing THQ Medley on Amazon includes downloads of Metro 2033, Homefront, Red Faction Armageddon, Red Faction Guerrilla, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, all for $12. Regularly priced, this bundle comes out to $118, so that's a savings of 91 percent. Buying all six games is cheaper than getting one by itself, so if you're in the market for any of these, it's your lucky day.

Actually, it's your lucky days: The Tantalizing THQ Medley will be on sale through January 20 as Amazon's Deal of the Week.

JoystiqAmazon THQ sale: Metro 2033, Red Faction Guerrilla, more for 91% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonhomefrontMetro-2033pcRed-Faction-ArmageddonRed-Faction-GuerrillasaleStalkerTHQwarhammer-40000-space-marinewarhammer-40k-space-marineSun, 13 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: How Homefront's developer crumbled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/how-homefronts-developer-crumbled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/how-homefronts-developer-crumbled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/how-homefronts-developer-crumbled/#comments The slow demise of Kaos Studios leading up to its June 2011 closure has been attributed to poor management and a misallocation of resources, according to conversations anonymous ex-staff members had with Gamasutra. One of the Homefront developers believed THQ's "plan was to close the studio regardless."

Management issues reportedly stemmed from inexperienced team members leading more qualified peers during Homefront's development. One ex-staff member said the studio "had this level of leads with tons and tons of experience, and you had the directors with much less." Those directors "didn't listen to the very talented team they hired."

Former THQ Executive VP of Core Games Danny Bilson was also the target of former team members' frustrations. Ex-staffers spoke of Bilson's heavy involvement in Homefront's development and his tendency to "hand out mandates on high and then disappear," adding that "he's not qualified to talk about game mechanics."

We've contacted THQ for comment on this story.

JoystiqReport: How Homefront's developer crumbled originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Danny-Bilsonhomefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxSun, 08 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Homefront 'Ultimate Edition' due before April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/report-homefront-ultimate-edition-due-before-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/report-homefront-ultimate-edition-due-before-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/report-homefront-ultimate-edition-due-before-april/#comments If you're going to buy Homefront, you might as well buy the absolute best version of it you can find. Eurogamer reports that a release schedule sent out by THQ includes Homefront: Ultimate Edition, due before the publisher's next fiscal year starts in April.

No details were included about the release, but by now we all have a good idea of how these "ultimate" things go: it's likely to be the game, plus all DLC to date, which so far includes the two map packs "Fire Sale" and "The Rock," and nothing that substantially changes the aspects of the game people didn't like before. For that, you'll have to wait for the sequel.

JoystiqReport: Homefront 'Ultimate Edition' due before April originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefronthomefront-ultimate-editionkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxTue, 10 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront marketing stunt results in $7,000 fine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/homefront-marketing-stunt-results-in-7-000-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/homefront-marketing-stunt-results-in-7-000-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/homefront-marketing-stunt-results-in-7-000-fine/#comments The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board has levied a $7,000 fine on the marketing company responsible for releasing 10,000 red balloons to promote Homefront at last year's Game Developers Conference. The promotion went wrong when many of the balloons ended up in San Francisco Bay, which local residents get just a tad protective over.

The Homefront stunt involved a fake protest -- with musical accompaniment -- in which thousands of balloons were released with notes telling those bombarded by the luft waffes to pre-order the title at GameStop. When things went wrong, GameStop was quick to say it had "no prior knowledge" of the promotion, and THQ noted the balloons were "100 percent organic product and are 100 percent biodegradable."

The marketing company, TrashTalkFCM, took responsibility for the incident and assisted in the cleanup. The company has 30 days to pay the fine.

JoystiqHomefront marketing stunt results in $7,000 fine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameStopgdc-2011homefrontmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQTrashTalkFCMxboxWed, 14 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[$5 Metro 2033 kicks off THQ week on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/5-metro-2033-kicks-off-thq-week-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/5-metro-2033-kicks-off-thq-week-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/5-metro-2033-kicks-off-thq-week-on-steam/#comments Angry gas mask man commands you to buy. As part of THQ Week, Steam has thrown a very hefty discount on one of 2010's hidden gems, Metro 2033. The post-apocalyptic Russian shooter is currently on sale for $5, as in five bucks, as in less than a greasy, unhealthy combo meal.

Steam is also offering the THQ Hit Collection for $50, half the usual price. The Hit Collection includes favorites like Darksiders, Red Faction: Guerrilla, Saints Row 2 and ... others like Homefront and Red Faction: Armageddon. Finally, the whole THQ catalog (minus Saints Row: The Third and Space Marine) is 33 percent off this week, with more discounts coming in the days ahead.

Finally, in other Steam news, Ninjabee's Ancients of Ooga is today's daily deal, available for $5.

Joystiq$5 Metro 2033 kicks off THQ week on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancients-of-oogadarksidershomefrontMetro-2033pcRed-Faction-Guerrillasaints-row-2steamthqthq-weekMon, 10 Oct 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek developing Homefront sequel with THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/homefront-2-developed-by-crytek/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/homefront-2-developed-by-crytek/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/homefront-2-developed-by-crytek/#comments Having shuttered Kaos Studios, the developer of Homefront, THQ has secured a new partnership to develop the next title in the FPS franchise. A sequel to Homefront will be developed in collaboration with Crytek, the company behind Far Cry, Crysis and the visually opulent CryEngine platform.

"We see Homefront as a really strong universe that has a lot of potential and that has been expertly created and marketed by THQ," said Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli. He's certainly right about the expert marketing. After plastering America with adverts, THQ overcame tepid critical response and shipped over 2.6 million copies of Homefront by the end of March 2011.

Yerli suggests that Crytek has been granted a reassuring amount of "creative freedom" over Homefront, and aims to bring its war-ravaged world to life "in a new and innovative way." It'll take some time, though -- the Homefront sequel is scheduled to launch on PC and consoles in THQ's fiscal 2014, meaning anywhere between April 2013 and March 2014.

Update: Joystiq has confirmed that the Homefront sequel will be built by Crytek's Nottingham, UK studio on the "latest" CryEngine technology.

Continue reading Crytek developing Homefront sequel with THQ

JoystiqCrytek developing Homefront sequel with THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014cevat-yerlicrytekdanny-bilsonhomefronthomefront-2microsoftpcplaystationps3release-datethqxboxTue, 20 Sep 2011 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront 'The Rock' map pack rolls onto Xbox Live July 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/homefront-the-rock-map-pack-rolls-onto-xbox-live-july-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/homefront-the-rock-map-pack-rolls-onto-xbox-live-july-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/homefront-the-rock-map-pack-rolls-onto-xbox-live-july-28/#comments Major Nelson has revealed that a new Homefront map pack is on the way. Entitled "The Rock," the pack is slated to arrive this week. As previously announced, the map pack takes the resistance to San Francisco's Alcatraz Island.

The pack will include two new maps, Alcatraz and Bridge, and also adds Overpass and Waterway to the Team Deathmatch mode. The Rock map pack will hit Xbox Live this Thursday for $5. Initially, the maps will be exclusive to Xbox Live, with a PSN and PC release to follow.

JoystiqHomefront 'The Rock' map pack rolls onto Xbox Live July 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlchomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datethqxboxTue, 26 Jul 2011 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront, Singularity, Fallout: New Vegas and more highlighted in today's Steam Summer Camp sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/homefront-singularity-fallout-new-vegas-and-more-highlighted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/homefront-singularity-fallout-new-vegas-and-more-highlighted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/homefront-singularity-fallout-new-vegas-and-more-highlighted/#comments It's a new day, which means there are new Steam deals to peruse. Continuing its Steam Summer Camp Sale promotion (new deals every day on through July 10), Valve's digital distribution platform is slashing prices, taking half off Homefront, 75 percent off Singularity, 70 percent off Fallout: New Vegas (and all of its DLC) and 90 percent off Trine.

Those of you to engage in the "activity" part of the promotion -- and looking to earn some tickets to exchange for sweet prizes -- should load up Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter (also on sale today), Trine, Fortix 2, Homefront, Zombie Driver or Mount & Blade: Warband. Or, if you're looking for a free ticket, just post any screenshot today.

JoystiqHomefront, Singularity, Fallout: New Vegas and more highlighted in today's Steam Summer Camp sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiospcsteamsteam-summer-campsummer-campthqvalveMon, 04 Jul 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront multiplayer added to OnLive PlayPack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/homefront-multiplayer-added-to-onlive-playpack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/homefront-multiplayer-added-to-onlive-playpack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/homefront-multiplayer-added-to-onlive-playpack/#comments The ever-so-thrifty OnLive PlayPack has become even thriftier today, with the addition of Homefront's online multiplayer component. The $10-per-month bundle, which currently includes over 60 games for subscribers to dip into, will now let users access the THQ shooter's 32-player competitive offerings without forcing them to bother with that pesky single-player campaign.

To celebrate the game's arrival, THQ and OnLive are hosting a "Multiplayer Madness" event, which will award skilled attendees with free PlayPass access, an Astro A40 Headset or a Parrot AR Drone. Check out the event's official site to find out exactly how you can participate in the event, and maybe take home your own smartphone-controlled impromptu haircut machine.

JoystiqHomefront multiplayer added to OnLive PlayPack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmultiplayeronliveonlive-playpackpcplaypackthqTue, 28 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy one, get half off a second select Xbox 360/PS3 game at Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/buy-one-get-half-off-a-second-select-xbox-360-ps3-game-at-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/buy-one-get-half-off-a-second-select-xbox-360-ps3-game-at-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/buy-one-get-half-off-a-second-select-xbox-360-ps3-game-at-best/#comments Before you indulge that sudden, irresistible desire to purchase two recent PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 games, allow us to pass along some helpful information. Best Buy is offering a buy one, get one half-off deal on several PS3 and Xbox 360 games including Dirt 3, Portal 2, Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Red Faction: Armageddon, and Crysis 2.

You could even double up on Duke Nukem Forever and Homefront, if that's what you're into for some reason. Regardless of the critical response to the Duke, it's pretty impressive to get a 50% off deal on a brand new game like that ... right?

[Thanks, Eric!]

JoystiqBuy one, get half off a second select Xbox 360/PS3 game at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buyduke-nukem-foreverhomefrontmarvel-vs-capcom-3microsoftmortal-kombatplaystationportal-2ps3red-faction-armageddonxboxMon, 13 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ shutters Homefront dev Kaos Studios and THQ Digital Warrington]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/thq-shutters-homefront-dev-kaos-studios-and-thq-digital-warringt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/thq-shutters-homefront-dev-kaos-studios-and-thq-digital-warringt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/thq-shutters-homefront-dev-kaos-studios-and-thq-digital-warringt/#comments Manhattan-based Kaos Studios -- developers of Frontlines: Fuel of War and Homefront -- has been closed. THQ confirmed the closure to Joystiq this afternoon, noting that the company's UK-based studio, THQ Digital Warrington, has also been closed. The Warrington studio previously worked on Red Faction Battlegrounds and Warhammer 40K: Kill Team. A statement from THQ additionally explains that employees at each studio have been alerted.

Beyond a cursory note about "strategic realignment within its internal studio structure," no other specifics are given as to the why the studios were closed, but its not as though the closure of Kaos Studios was unexpected. In the meantime, Homefront development has been transferred to the company's Montreal studio. THQ states that the laid off employees will be given a chance to interview at other internal studios, such as Montreal and Toronto. The full statement is available beyond the break.

Update: Due to UK law requiring employers to give a 60 day warning before layoffs, THQ says that THQ Warrington employees' warning "starts today ... and it is longer than 30 days." Given that, it's "not an immediate closure," but "a notification process leading to closure" for the UK-based studio.

Continue reading THQ shutters Homefront dev Kaos Studios and THQ Digital Warrington

JoystiqTHQ shutters Homefront dev Kaos Studios and THQ Digital Warrington originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3red-faction-battlegroundsthqthq-digital-warringtonwarhammer-40k-kill-teamxboxMon, 13 Jun 2011 12:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront's 'Fire Sale' map pack priced at 240 MS Points ($3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/homefronts-fire-sale-map-pack-priced-at-240-ms-points-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/homefronts-fire-sale-map-pack-priced-at-240-ms-points-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/homefronts-fire-sale-map-pack-priced-at-240-ms-points-3/#comments While plodding through Hooters after Hooters, shooting up tons of nondescript North Korean soldiers, wasn't the best time for us, those of you who've been knee-deep in Homefront's multiplayer component on Xbox 360 may be excited about the upcoming Fire Sale multiplayer map pack. Previously dated for a June 7 deployment, the official Twitter account for the game revealed a price today: 240 MS Points ($3).

Fire Sale is the first of many proposed DLC packs. The publisher has yet to divulge specific details beyond it will "carry you further into the heart of a war torn and twisted America." No word on how many maps or the exact nature of the content has been revealed. We've followed up with THQ for said info and will update accordingly.

JoystiqHomefront's 'Fire Sale' map pack priced at 240 MS Points ($3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfire-salehomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftxboxWed, 01 Jun 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[First Homefront DLC is 'Fire Sale' map pack coming June 7; 360 title update brings fixes, Ability Pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/first-homefront-dlc-is-fire-sale-map-pack-coming-june-7-360-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/first-homefront-dlc-is-fire-sale-map-pack-coming-june-7-360-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/first-homefront-dlc-is-fire-sale-map-pack-coming-june-7-360-t/#comments When THQ promised a "wide range of exciting DLC" for its shooter Homefront, we honestly expected something besides a map pack. Nowadays, if your map pack doesn't have at least one celebrity in it, we're not even taking the call. Homefront's first piece of DLC is the on-Xbox-first "Fire Sale" map pack which "will carry you further into the heart of a war torn and twisted America." No word on the number of maps in this pack, nor the modes supported, price, or number of celebrity cameos. About the only thing we do know is the name and the date: June 7.

More concerned with being able to play the Homefront maps you already have? THQ also announced that a Title Update is available now for Xbox 360 that offers improvements to the game's "overall stability and network connectivity." Some of the higher profile improvements include: "game returns to MP menu instead of Main Menu after leaving a match," "Max ping limits for server connections" which should prevent connections to distant servers, "game freeze and hitching," and the "joining friends feature." As a kind of thank you, THQ is including the "Ability Pack" which features some new goodies for your multiplayer game. Get a full rundown at the Source link below.

[Update: THQ let us know that a PC patch went live yesterday and a PS3 patch is in the works, but has been delayed due to the PSN outage. And what about those details on the DLC? We'll get "more detailed information" on the 7th, we're told. In fact, it should be the most detailed information since it will actually be out and all.]

JoystiqFirst Homefront DLC is 'Fire Sale' map pack coming June 7; 360 title update brings fixes, Ability Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCfire-salehomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftq2-2011release-datethqtitle-updatexboxThu, 26 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ sales slump for FY2011, looking to successful sequels in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/thq-sales-slump-for-fy2011-looking-to-successful-sequels-in-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/thq-sales-slump-for-fy2011-looking-to-successful-sequels-in-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/thq-sales-slump-for-fy2011-looking-to-successful-sequels-in-201/#comments THQ has announced its earnings for fiscal year 2011, which ended March 31, 2011. Stacked up against last year's report, the publisher's net sales on a GAAP basis were down from $899 million to $665 million, a drop of $234 million overall. Its net loss saw a dramatic increase from $9.6 million to $135 million, most likely attributable to a large marketing push for Homefront and ramp-up in the number of titles in development.

Brian Farrell, the company's president and CEO, decided to focus on the coming fiscal year in his statements, stating that "We expect to generate significant growth, profitability and cash in fiscal 2012, driven by the latest installments of multi-million unit selling franchises Saints Row, Red Faction, Warhammer 40,000, MX vs. ATV, UFC, WWE and uDraw."

Net sales for Q4 2011 also slumped, totaling $124 million, down $74 million from $198 million in Q4 2010. The company's biggest release for the quarter, Homefront, shipped 2.6 million copies before March 31 according to Farrell. The title had sold through one million units as of March 24.

JoystiqTHQ sales slump for FY2011, looking to successful sequels in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinancial-reportfinancialsfy-2011homefrontq4-2011thqTue, 03 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2 holds back Zumba Fitness invasion on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/crysis-2-holds-back-zumba-fitness-invasion-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/crysis-2-holds-back-zumba-fitness-invasion-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/crysis-2-holds-back-zumba-fitness-invasion-on-uk-charts/#comments
Crysis 2 barely held off Zumba Fitness from taking the top spot on the UK sales chart last week, with only 500 copies separating the two, according to Chart-Track. The Zumba rise in the all-formats chart (up 3,148 percent) was triggered by the Wii version's launch on April 1 (no joke).

Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars slipped one spot into third, while Shift 2: Unleashed debuted in fourth. Fellow racer Motorstorm: Apocalypse didn't have such a stellar premiere in position 17, perhaps due in part to some launch hiccups.

Homefront lost a little ground last week, retreating back to fifth. Keeping THQ's heavily marketed first-person shooter company were two new chart entrants: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters and WWE All Stars, which premiered in sixth and seventh, respectively.

Activate power mode and sprint past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Crysis 2 holds back Zumba Fitness invasion on UK charts

JoystiqCrysis 2 holds back Zumba Fitness invasion on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chart-Trackchart-track-weeklyCrysis-2Homefrontlego-star-wars-3-the-clone-warsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxZumba-FitnessMon, 04 Apr 2011 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront Xbox patch live, 'wide range of exciting DLC' inbound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/homefront-xbox-patch-live-wide-range-of-exciting-dlc-inbound/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/homefront-xbox-patch-live-wide-range-of-exciting-dlc-inbound/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/homefront-xbox-patch-live-wide-range-of-exciting-dlc-inbound/#comments In what is, perhaps, the least funny April Fools' Day gag yet, THQ has released a new patch for the Xbox 360 version of Homefront, which fixes the "profile freezing" issue that has plagued the game; similar to the one found in S.H.R.A.P.N.E.L. Squad. A few problems:

1. THQ made the announcement yesterday. (Sorry guys, against the rules)
2. The profile freeze is an actual bug -- what's funny about that?
3. The patch was actually released, so it's barely even a prank at this point.

THQ got closer with its tease of a "wide range of exciting DLC" that's in the works, but where are the hilarious details? Does the DLC turn all the guns into rubber chickens? Put bananas peels all over the battleground? You have to give us something.

JoystiqHomefront Xbox patch live, 'wide range of exciting DLC' inbound originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlchomefrontmicrosoftpatchprofile-freezingthqtitle-updateupdatexboxxbox-liveFri, 01 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2 and 3DS premieres shake up UK top ten]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/crysis-2-and-3ds-premieres-shake-up-uk-top-ten/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/crysis-2-and-3ds-premieres-shake-up-uk-top-ten/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/crysis-2-and-3ds-premieres-shake-up-uk-top-ten/#comments
Crysis 2 and the Nintendo 3DS both disrupted the steady order of the UK all-formats charts last week, with Crytek's showcase shooter taking top spot in software. According to Chart-Track, the distribution of sales across formats for Crysis 2 gave 57 percent to Xbox 360, 29 percent to PS3 and 14 percent on PC -- of course, the company doesn't account for digital distribution, which would likely alter the PC figure.

Other chart-topping debuts last week included Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars in second and The Sims: Medieval in seventh. The 3DS premiere helped launch Super Street Fighter 4 3D Edition, Pilotwings Resort and Rayman 3D into the overall top ten, with Capcom's portable fighter winding up in fourth as the most popular launch title for the system. The 3DS version of Lego Star Wars 3 was the fifth most successful title for 3DS, just below Super Monkey Ball 3D.

Meanwhile, last week's chart-topper, Homefront, lost a little ground and fell back to third place. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Crysis 2 and 3DS premieres shake up UK top ten

JoystiqCrysis 2 and 3DS premieres shake up UK top ten originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackchart-track-weeklyCrysis-2dshomefrontlego-star-wars-3-the-clone-warsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxMon, 28 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront debuts at #6 on Xbox Live charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-debuts-at-6-on-xbox-live-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-debuts-at-6-on-xbox-live-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-debuts-at-6-on-xbox-live-charts/#comments Major Nelson has released the Xbox Live activity numbers for the week of March 14, and things are looking good for THQ's Homefront. After less than a week on the shelves, Homefront debuted at number six on the charts. While a far cry from the top spot (unsurprisingly occupied by Black Ops), it's still impressive for a brand new property, especially in its first week. Then again, given Homefront's sales figures, a strong showing on Xbox Live isn't too shocking.

On the Xbox Live Arcade front, newcomer Full House Poker took the top spot, with Runic's Torchlight coming in second. The XBLA version of Battle: Los Angeles, despite a complete lack of marketing, landed in third. Oh, you hadn't heard? Yes, there totally is a Battle: Los Angeles game on XBLA.

JoystiqHomefront debuts at #6 on Xbox Live charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftthqxboxxbox-livexbox-live-activityThu, 24 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront sells a million, ships 2.4 million units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-sells-a-million-ships-2-4-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-sells-a-million-ships-2-4-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-sells-a-million-ships-2-4-million-units/#comments THQ has shined its best bugle to announce that Homefront is a success: today, the publisher revealed the game has managed to infiltrate one million homes in North America, Europe and Asia. Last week, the game was the top seller on UK Chart Track.

Additionally, THQ reveals that 2.4 million copies have been shipped. "We are very pleased with strong worldwide shipments and sell-through for Homefront, and we continue to fulfill new retail orders for the game across the globe," concluded THQ president and CEO, Brian Farrell, in the announcement.

JoystiqHomefront sells a million, ships 2.4 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3salesthqxboxThu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront invades UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/homefront-invades-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/homefront-invades-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/homefront-invades-uk-charts/#comments THQ's Homefront blitzed the UK's wallets last week, taking the top spot on Chart-Track's all formats chart. According to Chart-Track data obtained by Eurogamer, format purchasing for the new IP was quite lopsided, with 70 percent of total retail Homefront sales being on Xbox 360, 26 percent on PS3 and the four percent remainder (which does not include digital distribution) on PC. Due to the invasion the prior week's top two, Dragon Age 2 and Pokemon White, slipped down one spot each, leaving BioWare's well-received RPG in second place.

Beyond Homefront, the UK saw several solid premieres last week. PC-exclusive Total War: Shogun 2 found an honorable place in fourth, while multiplatform tennis sim Top Spin 4 just missed out on the top ten in the 12th spot. Taking a trip further down the list, we find Yakuza 4 debuting at number 25.

Continue reading Homefront invades UK charts

JoystiqHomefront invades UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklydragon-age-2homefrontmicrosoftnintendoplaystationpokemon-whiteps3ukwiixboxMon, 21 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts weigh in on Homefront's potential profitability]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/analysts-weigh-in-on-homefronts-potential-profitability/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/analysts-weigh-in-on-homefronts-potential-profitability/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/analysts-weigh-in-on-homefronts-potential-profitability/#comments Homefront has had an interesting ride so far. Touted as THQ's most pre-ordered game in company history, it debuted to middling reviews (ours included), which seemingly triggered a massive decline in THQ's stock price. Still, despite reviews, THQ announced over 375,000 units in first day sales. It's also worth noting that both Amazon and Walmart knocked $20 off Homefront the day after it released, which probably aided sales as well.

Whether or not Homefront proves profitable for THQ, well, that's where analysts come in! Speaking to Benzinga, Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter noted that THQ would need to move two million units to break even. In light of the need to move in excess of two million to yield a profit, Pachter called day one sales "a disappointing start," adding that poor reviews could lead to stagnating sales moving forward. That said, Pachter does expect the title to at least break even.

Bradley Safalow of PAA Research pins Homefront's low review scores on its short single-player campaign. Had the campaign been two to three hours longer, said Safalow, "then it could have achieved a Metacritic of 80." Safalow believes Homefront could bring in a "modest profit" for THQ, though he has much higher hopes for Saints Row: The Third.

Finally, Wall Street Strategies' Brian Sozzi expects Homefront to meet THQ's overall sales goals with the help of downloadable content. Like Safalow, Sozzi's firm is also "optimistic" regarding Saints Row: The Third and Red Faction: Armageddon.

JoystiqAnalysts weigh in on Homefront's potential profitability originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxMon, 21 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront PS3 patch met with poor reviews; stats reset unaddressed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/homefront-ps3-patch-met-with-poor-reviews-stats-reset-unaddress/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/homefront-ps3-patch-met-with-poor-reviews-stats-reset-unaddress/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/homefront-ps3-patch-met-with-poor-reviews-stats-reset-unaddress/#comments Kaos Studios responded to reports of "freezing" issues and other bugs in Homefront by pushing out a patch for the PS3 version of the game last night at approximately 8PM ET. In its announcement, the developer claimed that "far fewer issues" had been reported in the Xbox 360 version, though a title update was in the works nonetheless. Additionally, a "small hotfix" was released for the PC version yesterday, to be followed by "a patch with full change-list in the near future."

Following the update's release via PlayStation Network, a few worrisome comments began to appear below the announcement post. "I thik [sic] they broke the game," observed one commenter complaining of lag. "I hadn't had any lock up problems till this update, now all it does is lock up making the game unplayable for me," posted another.

"I too have lost my rank (PS3)," reads a more alarming comment, "I was rank 24 and i played a game and noticed i was back to 2." This issue of reset player ranks and XP appears not to be an unintended side effect of the patch, but rather an ongoing issue since the game's launch earlier this week, acknowledged by Kaos yesterday afternoon. "We are aware of the buggy leader boards and stat tracking issues and it is being addressed in an upcoming patch," promised Kaos' Dan Matlack in response to one of the many, many forum threads on the issue.

While the stats reset bug was not addressed in last night's update, Kaos' patch notes did highlight the introduction of "several fixes for reported freezes." In the main "PS3 'Freezing' Issues" thread, posters have reported mostly failed results. In the "Multiplayer Status Update" thread, similar complaints about freezing have appeared following the patch's release, in addition to reported server connection and party system failures.

Still, some forum-goers remain optimistic: "great patch, the only problem im still having is my ps3 is freezes usually after every other game," posted a cheery St0rMiN_X_NoRMaN.

[Thanks, Gwynne]

JoystiqHomefront PS3 patch met with poor reviews; stats reset unaddressed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsfreezinghomefrontissueskaos-studiosmicrosoftpatchpcplaystationps3psnthrillersupdatexboxFri, 18 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Homefront]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/metareview-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/metareview-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/metareview-homefront/#comments There is definitely a war going on in Homefront, especially in the game's review scores. We weren't exactly keen on the game, but hardly anybody seems to be. The general consensus has the game taking significant lambasting by outlets over the short, mediocre single-player campaign, tempered by what the title has going on in multiplayer:
  • GamePro (4/5): "Homefront does a whole lot right, delivering powerful imagery and actions on the single-player side, as well as interesting multiplayer alterations, but neither end feels fully realized. ... Should Kaos expand on this promising start with meaningful and memorable additions in a sequel, Homefront may prove a potent franchise in no time at all."
  • Game Informer (70/100): "Thanks to some well-crafted maps and a unique in-game economy, the multiplayer fares better than the campaign. Rather than give each team a set number of vehicles at the start of the match, Homefront rewards you with Battle Points for each kill, assist, or flag capture."
  • IGN (70/100): "[Homefront] controls and feels like a typical shooter, looks like a game that's several years old, and most importantly, has an inexcusably brief campaign. Multiplayer is Homefront's redeeming quality, and those gamers out there who are like me and swoon for alternate/future history settings should certainly look into it. "
  • 1UP (B-): "Kaos Studios has made a competent shooter to accompany an engrossing story, one I'm more than willing to finish (assuming a sequel will be made). Multiplayer is where the game's real value lies, and it's certainly more than competent. There's a polish to the online mode that speaks to the developer's true talent."
  • Giant Bomb (3/5): "Whether or not you decide to pick up Homefront should rely entirely on how much you want to play its multiplayer. It's not quite exciting or remarkable enough to trump the current giants of online dude-shooting, but it's a solidly crafted mode made comparatively impressive by just how tremendously mediocre the game's single-player campaign proves to be."

Gallery: Homefront (multiplayer)

JoystiqMetareview: Homefront originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontKaoskaos-studiosMetareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftplaystationps3THQxboxThu, 17 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront devs looking into 'freezing' issues, THQ did not support price drops 'in any way, shape, or form']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/homefront-devs-looking-into-freezing-issues-thq-did-not-suppo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/homefront-devs-looking-into-freezing-issues-thq-did-not-suppo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/homefront-devs-looking-into-freezing-issues-thq-did-not-suppo/#comments Homefront developer Kaos Studios notes on its forums that it's currently investigating reports of the game "freezing" on both the PS3 and Xbox 360. The company asks for patience, as it "will need a bit of time" to figure out what the problem is. Of course, if they do figure it out, then comes the console certification process (fun times).

THQ and Kaos Studios can't seem to catch a break during the high-profile Homefront's launch week. Despite solid initial sales of 375,000 units of the game, bad review scores have punched THQ's stock price and yesterday's pricing "race to the bottom" by Amazon and Walmart didn't help perception. For its part, THQ issued the following comment on the price drops:
Amazon and Wal-Mart.com have raised the prices back up and it was a one day play to gain market share on the biggest title in the industry right now. THQ did not support this in any way, shape, or form.

JoystiqHomefront devs looking into 'freezing' issues, THQ did not support price drops 'in any way, shape, or form' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freezinghomefrontmicrosoftplaystationps3THQxboxThu, 17 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront first day sales 'robust,' server capacity being added]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-first-day-sales-robust-server-capacity-being-added/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-first-day-sales-robust-server-capacity-being-added/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-first-day-sales-robust-server-capacity-being-added/#comments Despite some rough reviews for Homefront (including our own) and a nasty dip in stock price (it's still down), things aren't all frowny face in THQ Land. Homefront already had the distinction of being the most pre-ordered title in THQ history and now, just one day after launch, THQ is trumpeting "robust" first day North American sales of approximately 375,000 units.

Of course, nothing says "successful multiplayer game" like a server boost, and THQ core games veep Danny Bilson is happy to note as much. "Due to the strong and growing demand for Homefront's multiplayer, we continue to add dedicated server capacity," Bilson said in a press release. Bilson's boss, CEO Brian Farrell, added, "We are delighted with first day sales for Homefront and are already fulfilling re-orders for the game from multiple retailers." $20 says that two of those retailers are Walmart and Amazon.

JoystiqHomefront first day sales 'robust,' server capacity being added originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontKaos-Studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxWed, 16 Mar 2011 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront just $42 from Walmart, Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-just-42-from-walmart-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-just-42-from-walmart-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-just-42-from-walmart-amazon/#comments Just as Homefront's citizen soldiers attempt to roll back a fictionalized North Korean invasion of our homes and chain restaurants, Walmart and Amazon have valiantly rolled back the price of the newly launched game.

Just a day after Homefront's official release date, monolithic superstore Walmart began selling the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game for $41.96, both for in-store and online (though brick-and-mortar stores still have it at full price, according to a reader). Online purchases also include an "exclusive Goliath Drone Avatar." (The PC edition remains $49.96.)

Seemingly in response to Walmart's discount (it's unknown whether it's temporary or permanent), Amazon has dropped the price of its Homefront console copies to exactly the same $41.96. The game's approaching "White Castle takeout" prices at a rapid clip!

JoystiqHomefront just $42 from Walmart, Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonhomefrontmicrosoftplaystationps3thqwalmartxboxWed, 16 Mar 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ stock drops 25 percent in one day on Homefront launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/thq-stock-drops-25-in-one-day-on-homefront-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/thq-stock-drops-25-in-one-day-on-homefront-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/thq-stock-drops-25-in-one-day-on-homefront-launch/#comments
"If THQ can come up with a couple of franchises that sell well, that's a much clearer path to profitability and a higher stock price." -- Colin Sebastian of Lazard Capital Markets

"75" -- Metacritic score for Homefront, the most pre-ordered title in THQ's history

"This score is a bit of a disaster for THQ and the share price today is reflecting that." -- Mike Hickey of Janco Partners

JoystiqTHQ stock drops 25 percent in one day on Homefront launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftplaystationps3thqxboxTue, 15 Mar 2011 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront review: First-person Hooters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/homefront-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/homefront-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/homefront-review/#comments Maybe I'm naive, but I honestly believe there was a point at which Homefront was destined to be something special. An FPS war game where the conflict was made intensely personal by staging it in America and waging it with real people? It's an inarguably rock-solid concept.

The question then (and isn't the question always some variation on this?) is how did Kaos Studios and THQ go from that great germ of an idea to the brain-dead, dull and frankly pretty lousy final product they're releasing today?

Gallery: Homefront (single player)

Continue reading Homefront review: First-person Hooters

JoystiqHomefront review: First-person Hooters originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxTue, 15 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront mobilizes launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/homefront-mobilizes-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/homefront-mobilizes-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/homefront-mobilizes-launch-trailer/#comments Homefront is prepared for its March 15 launch, sending out the final trailer to gather troops for battle against The Great Leader.

Continue reading Homefront mobilizes launch trailer

JoystiqHomefront mobilizes launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxFri, 11 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront fires off its multiplayer carnage trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/05/homefront-fires-off-its-multiplayer-carnage-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/05/homefront-fires-off-its-multiplayer-carnage-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/05/homefront-fires-off-its-multiplayer-carnage-trailer/#comments THQ's made it no secret that Homefront's design "emphasis is on multiplayer." This trailer seeks to tempt multiplayer shooter fans away from their beloved Call of Duty and Battlefield.

Continue reading Homefront fires off its multiplayer carnage trailer

JoystiqHomefront fires off its multiplayer carnage trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxSat, 05 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@GDC: Homefront devs 'put a baby in a dumpster' (and then took it out)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/overheard-at-gdc-homefront-devs-put-a-baby-in-a-dumpster/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/overheard-at-gdc-homefront-devs-put-a-baby-in-a-dumpster/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/overheard-at-gdc-homefront-devs-put-a-baby-in-a-dumpster/#comments Kaos Studios' Homefront has gone "gold" and is under two weeks away from being released. We found out yesterday afternoon about one scenario that didn't make the cut: protecting a dumpster ... with a baby in it.

Lead single-player designer Chris Cross (real name!) related a story about the team's process of involving civilian presence in the game. Cross said his team wanted to "make it relevant without making it cheap." As it turns out, relevant became a little crazy -- at least initially.

"We went through all kinds of crazy crap! We put a baby in a dumpster and were using that as a bullet shield," Cross explained, heartily laughing. "We were trying a bunch of very strange ideas."

We'll be doggedly exploring every dumpster we find in Homefront in search of secret (baby) easter eggs when the game ships on March 15.

JoystiqOverheard@GDC: Homefront devs 'put a baby in a dumpster' (and then took it out) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-crossgdcgdc-2011homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftoverheardpcplaystationps3thqxboxFri, 04 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront franchise to be co-developed by THQ Montreal: 'Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/#comments As heavily hinted at in comments made by Homefront devs Kaos Studios and publisher THQ eariler this year, it looks like the future of the franchise won't be created solely in The Big Apple. Senior VP of Core Studios Dave Davis spoke to the THQ Montreal/Kaos Studios collaboration during a studio head roundtable this afternoon at GDC. "Wherever the talent is, we will have our studios," Davis told us, though he admitted that "Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place." Yeah, we know all about it, Dave. He also added, "There isn't a [critical mass] talent pool -- many of the people we have there are imported to NYC."

That said, he doesn't see Kaos shutting its doors as its employees relocate to The Great White North. In fact, Kaos has already worked with the Montreal studio (in a relatively cursory sense) on the first game in the franchise. "When finishing Homefront, we had about 10-11 people who helped shipped the original Homefront. And that was talent that we got from Montreal that we couldn't get anywhere else," Davis said. He further assured us that "We're trying to do the best thing for the product and the best thing for the studio, and going forward there will definitely be collaboration." What's not clear is if collaboration means consolidation in this case.

JoystiqHomefront franchise to be co-developed by THQ Montreal: 'Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-davishomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftmontrealnew-york-citypcplaystationps3thqthq-montrealxboxFri, 04 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront is most pre-ordered title in THQ history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-is-most-pre-ordered-title-in-thq-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-is-most-pre-ordered-title-in-thq-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-is-most-pre-ordered-title-in-thq-history/#comments Say what you will about the silly and even careless marketing campaign for Homefront, but it appears to be working, as THQ core games VP Danny Bilson told Eurogamer that Homefront has racked up more pre-orders than any other game in the publisher's history. Bilson didn't reveal worldwide numbers, though he noted that 200,000 pre-orders have been made in the US alone.

That would seem to be good news for developer Kaos Studios, whose employees voiced concern over a possible studio move or closure after Homefront's completion. Bilson intimated that the developer's fate rests on the success of the game, saying that sales would "help influence" what might happen going forward; and he insisted THQ hasn't made any decisions at this point. "That's the truth."

"A lot of it has to do with how successful [Homefront] is and how strong that core team comes out on the other side," said Bilson, adding that he "loves" Kaos and that THQ is "trying to do what's best for everyone."

JoystiqHomefront is most pre-ordered title in THQ history originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danny-bilsonhomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3salesxboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront balloon 'stunt' draws ire from San Francisco community]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-balloon-stunt-draws-ire-from-san-francisco-community/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-balloon-stunt-draws-ire-from-san-francisco-community/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-balloon-stunt-draws-ire-from-san-francisco-community/#comments We figured that the fake North Korean protest staged during GDC as part of the Homefront marketing campaign was going to draw controversy -- but we couldn't have predicted this debacle. THQ's staged rally, meant to "decry the North Korean regime and the treatment of its citizens," ended in a symbolic release of ten thousand red GameStop-branded balloons. While majestic at first, bad weather quickly deflated the balloons, causing a downpour of promotional garbage directly into the San Francisco bay.

Environmentalists were not pleased, especially when they discovered that the balloons had advertisements attached to them, highlighting the "resistance multiplayer pack," a pre-order bonus. "Obviously, we have a problem with polluting of the bay and this is just polluting and littering," Amy Ricard, a spokeswoman for the environmental group Save the Bay, told SFGate.

GameStop was quick to issue a statement, distancing itself from the poorly-received event. "The balloon drop stunt in San Francisco was created by THQ ... and GameStop had no prior knowledge of it." THQ later issued a statement, confirming GameStop's non-involvement, adding that the balloons were "100 percent organic product and are 100 percent biodegradable."

Although the company promises to clean up its mess, many are still furious at THQ's tasteless promotion. Perhaps THQ should stick to ... taste-ful stunts.

[Photo credit: Mathew Grimm / Special to The Chronicle; source]

JoystiqHomefront balloon 'stunt' draws ire from San Francisco community originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balloonsgamestophomefrontmarketingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3san-franciscothqxboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@GDC: Dillinger Escape Plan tears through the Homefront rally]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/seen-gdc-dillinger-escape-plan-tears-through-the-homefront-rall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/seen-gdc-dillinger-escape-plan-tears-through-the-homefront-rall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/seen-gdc-dillinger-escape-plan-tears-through-the-homefront-rall/#comments 10,000 red balloons? Sure. Speeches by global experts? You bet! A whole mess of hired protesters? Also that! But Dillinger Escape Plan? That we did not expect to see at THQ's Homefront rally this morning outside of GDC. And how does THQ's veep of Core Games explain the inclusion of the hardcore show? "They're a great local band who would bring people out!" he told us. "Even in the rain!" And we can't help but agree with the former statement (aren't they from New Jersey, Danny?).

Alongside the red (allegedly biodegradeable) balloons and red Homefront signs Dillinger Escape Plan fans and passersby both enjoyed the hardcore music stylings of classic Dillinger Escape Plan tunes. There's also a strong possibility that some folks were moshing.

Bilson continued, explaining the rally as a means "to highlight the story aspects of Homefront." He also hesitantly admitted, "We're trying to do more and more things to market our game. Just trying to do something different, ya know?"

He further detailed the rally as showing off Homefront's "social science fiction," and hopes it'll "get people thinking about more than just pulling triggers." It certainly got us thinking about more than just pulling triggers. For instance -- making sure we weren't being trampled by die-hard Dillinger Escape Plan fans.

Gallery: Homefront rally @ GDC

JoystiqSeen@GDC: Dillinger Escape Plan tears through the Homefront rally originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danny-bilsondillinger-escape-plangdcgdc-2011homefrontmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 04:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront live-action trailer keeps nursery rhyme marketing alive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-live-action-trailer-keeps-nursery-rhyme-marketing-aliv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-live-action-trailer-keeps-nursery-rhyme-marketing-aliv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-live-action-trailer-keeps-nursery-rhyme-marketing-aliv/#comments A Dead Space 2 trailer used "Ring Around the Rosie," and now Homefront's going with "Pop Goes the Weasel." We're calling it now: "Puff, the Magic Dragon" for Skyrim.

Continue reading Homefront live-action trailer keeps nursery rhyme marketing alive

JoystiqHomefront live-action trailer keeps nursery rhyme marketing alive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@GDC: Homefront's free lunch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/seen-at-gdc-homefront-free-lunch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/seen-at-gdc-homefront-free-lunch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/seen-at-gdc-homefront-free-lunch/#comments THQ's literal Homefront marketing machine, the "Korean taco"-peddling Pyongyang Express, has made its scheduled appearance at GDC 2011. Its "Subsidized Good Food for a Better America" is being (orderly) distributed free of charge -- although consuming it is, technically, eating away at freedom.

Continue reading Seen@GDC: Homefront's free lunch

JoystiqSeen@GDC: Homefront's free lunch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2011homefrontkaos-studiosmarketingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Pyongyang-ExpressseenTHQxboxTue, 01 Mar 2011 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ planning North Korean protest to promote Homefront]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/thq-planning-north-korean-protest-to-promote-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/thq-planning-north-korean-protest-to-promote-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/thq-planning-north-korean-protest-to-promote-homefront/#comments Surprised? Yeah, we're not either. Turns out that THQ is once again planning a North Korean-themed event , though this time it's GDC that the publisher is invading. As reported by the SF Weekly, anti-North Korean protesters (read: hired actors) will be marching across the Golden Gate bridge, through the streets of SF, and ending across the street from GDC at Yerba Buena Gardens. And as you likely inferred from the headline above, the protest is staged in promotion of the company's next game, Homefront.

This time around, the spectacle intends on decrying "North Korea's human rights violations," and apparently features "speeches by global experts, musical performances, and the launch of 10,000 balloons." We're not sure what the balloons have to do with the forthcoming launch of Homefront, but we're all about decrying human rights violations. So, um, score?

JoystiqTHQ planning North Korean protest to promote Homefront originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fake-protesthomefrontmarketingmicrosoftnorth-koreapcplaystationprotestps3thqxboxTue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST