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[Indie shmup Redux succeeds on Kickstarter, adds plans for Vita and 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/indie-shmup-redux-succeeds-on-kickstarter-adds-plans-for-vita-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/indie-shmup-redux-succeeds-on-kickstarter-adds-plans-for-vita-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/indie-shmup-redux-succeeds-on-kickstarter-adds-plans-for-vita-a/#comments ImageHow much interest is there in an indie Dreamcast shooter? At least $41,983 - that's how much developer ReduxGame has raised on Kickstarter for the Dreamcast (and iOS/PC) shooter Redux: Dark Matters. The team crossed the $40,000 goal for its drive, making it one of only two console game projects to succeed on the platform (the other is Star Castle for Atari 2600) and prompting the team to make additional goals, like two-player support and a new stage for $60K worth of backing.

According to an email we received from the team, the plans for platforms have been altered since we last reported on this labor of love. "Sega Dreamcast, iOS and STEAM/PC are already set in stone and will be released this year, the team notes, and it is "actively working" to get Redux on PSN, XBLA, Vita, and 3DS.

JoystiqIndie shmup Redux succeeds on Kickstarter, adds plans for Vita and 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamcastiosiphonekickstartermicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3reduxredux-dark-mattersxboxThu, 31 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Worms: Reloaded free on Steam this weekend; can of deals opened on iOS, Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/worms-reloaded-free-on-steam-this-weekend-can-of-deals-opened/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/worms-reloaded-free-on-steam-this-weekend-can-of-deals-opened/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/worms-reloaded-free-on-steam-this-weekend-can-of-deals-opened/#comments Team17's Worms: Reloaded for PC will be free to play this weekend on Steam, with the game also discounted during the promotion. Worms: Reloaded will be free to download from Thursday, May 31, from 10AM until Sunday at 1PM Pacific. The regularly priced $20 game will also be 66 percent off from Thursday until Monday at 10AM.

The very British Team17 will also have its iOS and Mac titles on sale for Her Majesty's diamond jubilee. The discounts cover Worms, Worms 2: Armageddon and Worms Crazy Golf on iOS for $.99. The Mac App Store will have Worms Special Edition and Worms Crazy Golf for $3.99. May it rain holy hand grenades!

Continue reading Worms: Reloaded free on Steam this weekend; can of deals opened on iOS, Mac

JoystiqWorms: Reloaded free on Steam this weekend; can of deals opened on iOS, Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemacmobilepcteam-17Worms-ReloadedThu, 31 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iOS and Android enter 'Final Fantasy Dimensions' this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ios-and-android-enter-final-fantasy-dimensions-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ios-and-android-enter-final-fantasy-dimensions-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ios-and-android-enter-final-fantasy-dimensions-this-summer/#comments ImageSquare Enix's E3 lineup is packed with unannounced iOS and Android games (packed), but the one that seems most noteworthy is Final Fantasy Dimensions, due this summer on both iOS and Android. "Drawing upon the roots of the series with such features as beautiful 2D pixel art, job-driven character growth, additional scenarios in which to inherit the jobs of your adventuring companions, and a classic story of light, darkness, and crystals," the description reads, "FINAL FANTASY DIMENSIONS delivers the best of FINAL FANTASY, retro and fresh alike, directly to your smartphone."

It sounds like a new game in the classic Final Fantasy style. Judging by the logo, we're guessing it's a smartphone conversion and localization of the Japanese cell phone game, Final Fantasy Legends, which was released episodically in 2010.

The other newly announced game that piqued our interest the most was "Demons' Score", an Unreal Engine 3-powered "breakbeat action game that seamlessly fuses music and battles."

Continue reading iOS and Android enter 'Final Fantasy Dimensions' this summer

JoystiqiOS and Android enter 'Final Fantasy Dimensions' this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddemons-scorefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-dimensionsiosiphonemobilesquare-enixWed, 30 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trip Hawkins steps down as Digital Chocolate CEO, layoffs reported]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/#comments ImageMobile and social games publisher Digital Chocolate may be in danger of melting. Noted industry veteran Trip Hawkins has stepped down as CEO, noting on the Digital Chocolate blog that he is "transitioning now into a consulting and advisory relationship" with the company. He added that Digital Chocolate is "narrowing its focus and it made sense to get more streamlined."

Meanwhile, Digital Chocolate president Marc Metis will step in as interim CEO while the company will also lay off up to 180 across the company's offices in Russia, San Mateo and India, according to a TechCrunch report. The site reports that the San Mateo and Bangalore have had their staffs reduced by half, while offices in Mexico, Armenia, Washington and Russia have been closed entirely.

While Digital Chocolate has yet to confirm the news, Francisco Casanova, general manager of Digital Chocolate Mexico, has tweeted that his branch has closed its doors.

JoystiqTrip Hawkins steps down as Digital Chocolate CEO, layoffs reported originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonelayoffsmobilepcreportMon, 28 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/#comments Minecraft's ability to churn through the bank accounts of all the cosmos continues unabated, having sold six million copies on PC to date, according to a tweet from Mojang mogul Markus Persson. Factoring in XBLA, Android and iOS sales, the figure is "around nine million," according to Persson, a number that Mojang's Daniel Kaplan puts a tiny bit more specifically as "maybe 9.2" million.

If you've been affected by Minecraft's unwavering grasp on the gaming universe, make sure to listed to the Mailbag portion of this week's Super Joystiq Podcast, wherein Joystiq's feature content director Xav de Matos, managing editor JC Fletcher and editor in chief Ludwig Kietzmann discuss various methods for breaking Minecraft addictions.

JoystiqMinecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemacMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangnotchpcsales-figuresxboxFri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Canabalt iOS update might add local multiplayer, hardcore modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/canabalt-ios-update-might-add-local-multiplayer-hardcore-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/canabalt-ios-update-might-add-local-multiplayer-hardcore-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/canabalt-ios-update-might-add-local-multiplayer-hardcore-modes/#comments ImageOutside of workshopping "challenge maps" for Canabalt, creator Adam Saltsman has been pretty mum on any kind of updates or changes for the free-runner ... until now. Rather than do a sequel, Saltsman is considering a free update that would add local multiplayer for up to two people, eight new hardcore game modes with corresponding leaderboards, and achievements for Game Center.

Saltsman also kinda joked about Canabalt without rooftops, as seen in the image above - sounds great to us because maybe then we'd stop jumping into walls. This was more of a hypothetical than anything, though Saltsman hasn't officially ruled it out. Maybe it'll be the most hardcore mode of them all: You spawn and then immediately fall to your death.

JoystiqCanabalt iOS update might add local multiplayer, hardcore modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicadam-saltsmanCanabaltiosipadiphonemobilesemi-secretsemi-secret-softwareupdateThu, 24 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/#comments GameFly is moving forward with its plan to "help good games get made" by not only publishing said games on both iOS and Android platforms, but by opening its own "expertly curated" marketplace on Google's mobile operating system.

GameFly's "GameStore" for Android is set to debut sometime this holiday season and will cater to both smartphone and tablet Android users, supplying games for both formats. The app will also support social discovery mechanisms such as friend recommendations and ratings/reviews from other users. Whether GameStore will exclusively stock GameFly-published titles is still unknown, but considering that the app will reportedly house "thousands of the best games," we expect content from other publishers to be present.

As far as GameFly's in-house publishing prospects are concerned, the company expects to release its first game sometime this summer. Mobile developers interested in being published by GameFly should send an email to GameDev at GameFly dawt com.

JoystiqGameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidGameFlyGameStoreiosipadiphonemobileThu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[JS Joust creators respond to Papa Quash controversy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/js-joust-creators-respond-to-papa-quash-controversy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/js-joust-creators-respond-to-papa-quash-controversy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/js-joust-creators-respond-to-papa-quash-controversy/#comments ImageJohann Sebastian Joust developer Die Gute Fabrik deliberated over its response to inquiries about the similar iOS app Papa Quash for more than a day, delivering a comprehensive response on its blog last night. "To be clear, we've never given anyone permission to make a derivative version of any of our commercial products - existing or forthcoming," DGF said. "That said, the definition of 'derivative' is elusive. We generally don't believe that game mechanics themselves can or should be copyrighted or otherwise protected."

"We've also never requested any studio to pull any of its products," the studio added, referring obliquely to Papa Quash's removal from the App Store. "We believe that game developers have the responsibility to decide for themselves what is "over the line" in terms of cloning vs. innovating (separate from legal obligations regarding copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights)." As for the specific case of Papa Quash, Die Gute Fabrik demurred from outright calling it a clone - while still expressing disappointment about cloning in general.

In an email to Joystiq, Die Gute Fabrik lead game designer Douglas Wilson provided clarification about the email conversation that took place between Papa Quash creator Sam Pepper and DGF.

"Sam Pepper did email me back in January," Wilson said. "However, I never gave him 'permission' to develop Papa Quash. In his emails, he told me about his general plans to make a motion control game, which he indicated was different from J.S. Joust. He never provided a well-formulated game/design, and as such, there simply was nothing to 'approve.'"

According to Wilson, the decision to pull Papa Quash was not his. "I spoke with Steve Bittan from Ustwo last night, and I made it clear that the determination was theirs (and potentially Sam Pepper's) to make as to whether the game is "different" enough (separate from legal obligations regarding copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights). I don't harbor any animosity towards Ustwo or Sam Pepper."

JoystiqJS Joust creators respond to Papa Quash controversy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>die-gute-fabrikdouglas-wilsoniosiphonejohann-sebastian-joustmacmobilepapa-quashpcsam-pepperustwoThu, 24 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Squids Wild West hits this summer, free preview update for iOS out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/squids-wild-west-hits-this-summer-free-preview-update-for-ios-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/squids-wild-west-hits-this-summer-free-preview-update-for-ios-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/squids-wild-west-hits-this-summer-free-preview-update-for-ios-o/#comments ImageThe Game Bakers' mobile, PC and Mac RPG title Squids is getting a rough 'n rowdy update this summer with a new chapter: the Wild West.

To prepare players for the Wild West, Game Bakers launched a free update on the App Store today, featuring three western-ized levels in Seawood, a new Squid hero named Cleef and a new enemy, the Buffalo Shrimp. The update also brings a higher level cap, a new Game Center achievement and improved social media functionality.

We hope it also demonstrates how tumbleweeds blow across a dry dirt street in a fully underwater environment.

Continue reading Squids Wild West hits this summer, free preview update for iOS out now

JoystiqSquids Wild West hits this summer, free preview update for iOS out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfreegame-bakersiosipadiphonemacmobilepcsquidsthe-game-bakersupdatewild-westWed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fieldrunners 2 dashes to iPhone in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/fieldrunners-2-dashes-to-iphone-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/fieldrunners-2-dashes-to-iphone-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/fieldrunners-2-dashes-to-iphone-in-june/#comments ImageSubatomic Studios had one of the first iPhone hits in 2008 with the tower defense game Fieldrunners, which was then ported to many other platforms. Four years later, Subatomic is back, and so is Fieldrunners.

Fieldrunners 2 is due on iPhone "at the end of June" with an iPad-optimized version following. It expands on the gameplay of the first one with more, and more varied, maps, over 20 upgradeable towers, and more than 30 enemy types trying to ruin them. New features include puzzle and "sudden death" maps and air strike and powerup attacks.

Check out the first screens and art in our gallery, and enjoy the feeling of nostalgia for an iPhone game for the first time.

Gallery: Fieldrunners 2 (iOS)

Continue reading Fieldrunners 2 dashes to iPhone in June

JoystiqFieldrunners 2 dashes to iPhone in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fieldrunners-2iosipadiphonemobileq2-2012release-datesubatomic-studiosTue, 22 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iOS game 'Papa Quash' looks remarkably JS Joust-like [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ios-game-papa-quash-looks-remarkably-js-joust-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ios-game-papa-quash-looks-remarkably-js-joust-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ios-game-papa-quash-looks-remarkably-js-joust-like/#comments Image
Johann Sebastian Joust, the game of players attempting to jostle one another to set off accelerometers, would work great on iPhone (if a bit dangerous), and in fact it looks like it does work great. Too bad developer Die Gute Fabrik wasn't the one to put it there.

Papa Quash by developer ustwo looks exactly like Joust. Players walk slowly, deliberately around a space, trying to slap, push, or otherwise put each other off balance until only one winner is left unperturbed.

It's just on iPhone instead of a computer using Moves, and has "wacky characters" and dubstep. Oh, and in-app purchases (it's otherwise free on iTunes). We've placed a video of Joust after the break for comparison. Either two people had the exact same incredibly creative idea, or some "inspiration" was taken from Joust.

Of course, this isn't the first time an iOS clone has beaten an official indie game port to market. Radical Fishing developer Vlambeer found Ninja Fishing on iOS ahead of its own mobile version, and one game, One and One Story, was cloned on iOS from the original code.

Update: Developer ustwo explained to Gamasutra that it was commissioned by Sam Pepper to develop that game. "We told him about J. S. Joust and he emailed them to OK it," marketing director Steve Bittan said. "After we got that assurance we did service work on it."

JS Joust co-creator Douglas Wilson told Joystiq that the developer is "working on an official response." Die Gute Fabrik tweeted that "we have never and would never approve, give permission, or encourage anyone to clone of any of our games."

Continue reading iOS game 'Papa Quash' looks remarkably JS Joust-like [update]

JoystiqiOS game 'Papa Quash' looks remarkably JS Joust-like [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloneiosiphonejohann-sebastian-joustmobilepapa-quashTue, 22 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja celebrates 2-year anniversary with new powerups, free iOS codes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/fruit-ninja-celebrates-2-year-anniversary-with-new-powerups-fre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/fruit-ninja-celebrates-2-year-anniversary-with-new-powerups-fre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/fruit-ninja-celebrates-2-year-anniversary-with-new-powerups-fre/#comments Image
Fruit Ninja might not really need updating - it's pretty feature-complete if there is fruit for you to slice, and you can slice it - but Halfbrick is adding content to the mobile game anyway in honor of its two-year anniversary. The new update will be live May 24.

Gutsu and Truffles join the cast (in other words, Sensei), bringing with them a shop where you can purchase powerups that add time, deflect bombs, or explode, in exchange for Starfruit, a new currency that you earn in-game.

Speaking of currency, Halfbrick is handing out the iPhone game at no cost right now on its anniversary website. The offer is limited, but we'd be surprised if this Starfruit update weren't leading into an optional microtransaction-based system like that in Jetpack Joyride.

Continue reading Fruit Ninja celebrates 2-year anniversary with new powerups, free iOS codes

JoystiqFruit Ninja celebrates 2-year anniversary with new powerups, free iOS codes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninjafruit-ninja-hdiosipadiphonemobileMon, 21 May 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sworcery enchants Japan June 21, accompanied by remix album]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/sworcery-enchants-japan-june-21-accompanied-by-remix-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/sworcery-enchants-japan-june-21-accompanied-by-remix-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/sworcery-enchants-japan-june-21-accompanied-by-remix-album/#comments Image
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP will make its Japanese debut on June 21, in both iOS and PC iterations. Localization firm 8-4 is partnering with Capy and Superbrothers, to handle localization of the idiosyncratic dialogue along with promotion.

Even if you're not personally interested in playing Sworcery in Japanese, you can reap the benefits of this new collaboration. Concurrent with the game's release, a new remix album will be available online, featuring interpretations of Jim Guthrie's Sworcery soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka, Michiru Yamane, Baiyon, and more.

JoystiqSworcery enchants Japan June 21, accompanied by remix album originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-4capyiosipadiphonejapanmobilepcsuperbrotherssuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epMon, 21 May 2012 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga shares close at record low following lackluster Facebook IPO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/#comments Facebook went public yesterday, and its unexpectedly less-than-stellar performance on the trading floor has had powerful ramifications for its social soul sister Zynga, which finished the day's trading at a record low of $7.16 a share.

It's possible that Facebook's unimpressive IPO, closing out Friday at $38.23 a share - four dollars less than its $42.05 opening price - caused Zynga's value to drop in tandem, as the two platforms are inexorably intertwined in the public mindset. It's also possible that Zynga share holders jumped ship in favor of that new Facebook hotness, no longer having to settle for social second best.

Regardless, the severe downturn in value lead to two trading halts on Zynga shares over the course of the day; once after reaching $7.17 a share, and once again after a slight increase in market value. Despite this, share values eventually dropped to as little as $6.93 before finally settling at $7.16.

JoystiqZynga shares close at record low following lackluster Facebook IPO originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfacebookiosipadiphoneIPOmacmobileNASDAQpcstock-marketzyngaSat, 19 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/#comments Electronic Arts and BioWare's social soiree in Ferelden will be coming to an end on June 18, 2012, according to the official Dragon Age Legends website. E-commerce for the title ended yesterday, meaning that while the game it still active for the time being, it's no longer possible to convert your real-life dollars into fake Dragon Dollars crowns for use in Ferelden's many shops.

BioWare has also initiated a "massive fire sale" on all in-game items until the servers go down, so anyone with stockpiles of fake internet money can get their fake internet money's worth, at least for a few weeks. If the thought of living without a weird Facebook adaptation of the Dragon Age world is too much to handle, take heart: A single-player version of the game will be made available on the official site "shortly after the current version of the game shuts down."

JoystiqPSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowarebioware-socialdragon-agedragon-age-legendsEAelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcPSASat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dozens of indies putting their games on sale next week 'Because We May']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/dozens-of-indies-putting-their-games-on-sale-next-week-because/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/dozens-of-indies-putting-their-games-on-sale-next-week-because/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/dozens-of-indies-putting-their-games-on-sale-next-week-because/#comments ImageIn celebration of stores like Steam and the App Store that allow developers to price their games at whatever they feel like, a group of indies are putting their games on sale next week for ... whatever they feel like.

The "Because We May" sale will run from May 24 through June 1, and will feature sales on the iOS and Mac App Stores, Steam, Google Play, direct downloads from developers, and assorted other venues. The participating games include World of Goo, Osmos, Eets, Bit.Trip Beat and Runner, Canabalt, Waking Mars, Super Meat Boy, Cave Story, the Double Fine Bundle ... basically, you'll find something to buy. As for the prices, it would appear nobody has decided yet.

JoystiqDozens of indies putting their games on sale next week 'Because We May' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbecause-we-mayindieiosipadiphonemacmobilepcFri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scotland Yard detected on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/scotland-yard-detected-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/scotland-yard-detected-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/scotland-yard-detected-on-ios/#comments ImageThe classic board game Scotland Yard is ready to be (re)discovered now as a universal iPad and iPhone app on the iOS App Store. Faithfully based on the tabletop game of cat and mouse, which has sold over four million copies, the title tasks a group of detectives to hunt down Mister X somewhere in London.

The game supports local, bluetooth or game center. In local play, unlike the original board game, Mister X and the other detectives can be controlled by the computer. The AI is the feature that makes this app worth it for anyone that enjoyed the original game. Players can focus on the task of tracking Mister X (or becoming him) through the subways, on the buses and tracking taxis against some worth adversaries and compatriots (who you don't have to host at your place).

JoystiqScotland Yard detected on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobileravensburgerScotland-YardFri, 18 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Descend into Infinity Blade Dungeons gameplay footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/descend-into-infinity-blade-dungeons-gameplay-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/descend-into-infinity-blade-dungeons-gameplay-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/descend-into-infinity-blade-dungeons-gameplay-footage/#comments Image
The first gameplay footage of Infinity Blade: Dungeons reveals a game that is very different from its predecessors. For one thing, all the enemies aren't orc-type club wielders and Voldo guys - there's a dog thing too.

Oh, and it's an overhead-view Diablo-style dungeon crawl experience instead of a one-on-one sword fighting game. That's another subtle difference you may have missed.

JoystiqDescend into Infinity Blade Dungeons gameplay footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesinfinity-bladeinfinity-blade-dungeonsiosipadiphonemobileThu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/#comments ImageSearching for the proper metaphor for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2, the best I can conjure is a glass of milk. There's nothing really wrong with it per se, but it's not exactly exciting either. It has some good qualities and is mildly refreshing, but when's the last you time you raved about a glass of milk?

Gallery: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 (5/15/12)

Continue reading Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2windows-phonexboxWed, 16 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gas up the MotoHeroz iOS truck for free right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/gas-up-the-truck-for-free-in-motoheroz-ios-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/gas-up-the-truck-for-free-in-motoheroz-ios-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/gas-up-the-truck-for-free-in-motoheroz-ios-right-now/#comments If there's a serious dearth of racers on your iDevice, RedLynx is looking to fill that void with a free download of MotoHeroz. Originally debuting on WiiWare, this game is - well, it's basically Trials. If you haven't heard of Trials, then you really need to start reading our site more.

In short, MotoHeroz is a physics-based side-scrolling racer with platforming elements and a really depressing leaderboard where your friends show you how much better they are at the game. MotoHeroz is free to download on all iOS devices running version 4.1 or greater.

JoystiqGas up the MotoHeroz iOS truck for free right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilemotoherozredlynxWed, 16 May 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/#comments Square Enix's financial results for fiscal 2012 have been posted, and thanks to the releases of Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Final Fantasy XIII-2, the developer has ended the year in the black, to the tune of a ¥6.06 billion (or $75.9 million) profit.

Total income from sales for the fiscal year, which for Square Enix ran from April 2011 through March 2012, totaled up to ¥127.89 billion ($1.6 billion) - a 2.1 percent year-over-year increase. After subtracting taxes and operating costs, the company was left with over ¥6 billion in profit, which must be welcome news for stockholders still feeling the sting from Square Enix's ¥12.04 billion ($150.86 million) loss in fiscal 2011.

"In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, we continued our efforts aimed at increasing profitability, including establishing best practices for the content in said growth areas, improving quality of our major online game, and strengthening our global structure," said Square Enix president Yoichi Wada in a statement accompanying the financial report. "We are accelerating the reformation to generate a substantial earnings improvement in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 and beyond."

JoystiqSquare Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfiscal-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxMon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rez/Lumines vets release iOS game 'Kotomon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rez-lumines-vets-release-ios-game-kotomon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rez-lumines-vets-release-ios-game-kotomon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rez-lumines-vets-release-ios-game-kotomon/#comments ImageIt's hard to imagine a job with more creative freedom than working on games like Rez and Child of Eden, but some former Q? Entertainment staffers have found it, breaking off to form their own indie developer.

Monstars Inc., a company founded by Rez programmer, Lumines designer, and Child of Eden programming lead Osamu Kodera, just released its first game, Kotomon for iOS. Despite breaking with Q?, Kotomon shows that Kodera and co. haven't broken with everything they know - Kotomon promises "Dancing! Monsters! Shooting! Action!" as you slide to collect monsters and then fire them at enemies, with each attack creating new beats in the music.

Kotomon is out today at a promotional $2.99 price; it'll go up to $3.99 after May 31.

JoystiqRez/Lumines vets release iOS game 'Kotomon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonekotomonmobilemonstars-incMon, 14 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Finger Puppet Frenzy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-finger-puppet-frenzy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-finger-puppet-frenzy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-finger-puppet-frenzy/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, iOS title Finger Puppet Frenzy gives your kids something to do, which gives you the free time to do your own things. Like mix a martini. Or two.
Image
What's your game called and what's it about?

Our first release is a kids' game, Finger Puppet Frenzy, where you tap puppets in a whack-a-mole style and you can find rare puppets who help you increase your score and stay alive. Surprisingly enough it seems to require a significant level of concentration - this is not the kind of game you can daydream while you play.

Does Finger Puppet Frenzy appeal to hardcore gamers, or are you not interested in tapping that market with this title?

No, Finger Puppet Frenzy is not targeted to the hardcore gamer market. It is specifically designed for the "I Seldom Play Games" market. The simplicity of the game appeals to the young and will likely just frustrate hardcore gamers who often require a more complicated level of gameplay.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Finger Puppet Frenzy

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Finger Puppet Frenzy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Finger-Puppet-FrenzyiosipadiphonekidsmobileNeonBlueSun, 13 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[You can still buy into Double Fine Adventure through PayPal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-can-still-buy-into-double-fine-adventure-through-paypal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-can-still-buy-into-double-fine-adventure-through-paypal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-can-still-buy-into-double-fine-adventure-through-paypal/#comments
The Kickstarter may have ended, but you still have a chance to throw money into Double Fine's impressive coffers, and guarantee yourself access to both the game and its ongoing documentary. Double Fine has opened up a PayPal account to which you can contribute now -- you can find it on this very slow-loading page.

For $15, you get a Steam code for the PC or Mac version (when it's done), beta access, backer forum access, and HD streaming documentary videos as they finish. Double Fine graciously released the first episode of the documentary, which we've placed at the top of this post so you can have something to do while the PayPal page loads.

JoystiqYou can still buy into Double Fine Adventure through PayPal originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedouble-fine-adventureiosipadiphonemobilepcFri, 11 May 2012 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Republique sneaks past $500K Kickstarter goal with just six hours to spare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/republique-sneaks-past-500k-kickstarter-goal-with-just-six-hour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/republique-sneaks-past-500k-kickstarter-goal-with-just-six-hour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/republique-sneaks-past-500k-kickstarter-goal-with-just-six-hour/#comments ImageThe folks at nascent studio Camouflaj must be pretty excited right now, with their first ever project - a Kickstarted game named "République" - meeting (and exceeding) its $500,000 goal with just six hours left until the Kickstarter expires. The Kickstarter nearly met an untimely end when funders plateaued across the past few weeks, but the drive was bolstered by the addition of David Hayter (voice of Solid Snake) and Jennifer Hale (voice of female Commander Shepard) to the game's cast.

As of right now, the Kickstarter is sitting at just over $500K, but we expect it'll continue rising until time runs out at 6PM ET.

But this is just the beginning, as Camoflaj intends to raise another $500K from separate, non-Kickstarter funding. "We estimate that Republique will cost north of $1 million to complete. After months of meetings and due diligence, we believe that we can raise the necessary additional funds to complete Republique from potential outside investors, but there is some risk that our efforts will be unsuccessful," the game's Kickstarter info reads. Here's hoping that, for the sake of the folks who invested through Kickstarter, Camoflaj is able to raise that extra half million.

JoystiqRepublique sneaks past $500K Kickstarter goal with just six hours to spare originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camouflajiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrepubliqueFri, 11 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kickstart Steam/XBLA/PSN shmup Redux to get a Dreamcast version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/kickstart-steam-xbla-psn-shmup-redux-to-get-a-dreamcast-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/kickstart-steam-xbla-psn-shmup-redux-to-get-a-dreamcast-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/kickstart-steam-xbla-psn-shmup-redux-to-get-a-dreamcast-version/#comments Image
Redux: Dark Matters is the sequel to Dux, a 2009 shooter you may not have played ... because it came out on Dreamcast. However, developers Rene Hellwig and KTX Software want to bring the side-scrolling followup to PSN, XBLA, and Steam, and have posted a $25,000 Kickstarter drive toward that goal.

But the developers haven't forgotten their insane drive to keep the Dreamcast alive. If you contribute $65 or more, you'll get a limited-edition Dreamcast copy of Redux, exclusive to the Kickstarter campaign. This is all we needed to clear up our mixed feelings about the Kickstarter phenomenon; anything that leads to more Dreamcast games can only be a good thing.

JoystiqKickstart Steam/XBLA/PSN shmup Redux to get a Dreamcast version originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamcastiosiphonekickstartermicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3reduxxboxThu, 10 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds downloaded a billion times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/#comments
The Angry Birds franchise has hurtled past a billion downloads. The number covers free and paid downloads of Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Space. The news comes a couple days after Rovio revealed revenues of $106.3 million in 2011, with approximately $67.6 million in pre-tax profit.

There's one curiosity in today's video announcing the milestone: the closing moments highlight physics-based Rube Goldberg puzzler Casey's Contraptions. As Gamasutra notes, Rovio has not officially purchased Snappy Touch or Mystery Coconut, the developers of the game. The connection between Rovio and the Casey's Contraptions team is currently unclear.

JoystiqAngry Birds downloaded a billion times originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcRovioWed, 09 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Death Rally goes free on iOS for a limited time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/death-rally-goes-free-on-ios-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/death-rally-goes-free-on-ios-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/death-rally-goes-free-on-ios-for-a-limited-time/#comments ImageIf you've been waiting to check out Remedy's successful racer, Death Rally, now is probably the time to do it. The car-combat title is currently free on the Apple App Store. It's only free for "a limited time" however, so get it while the gettin's good.

Remedy is also giving away an iPad via the Death Rally Facebook page. To enter the giveaway, users have to simply "like" Death Rally on Facebook. You should probably actually try the game first, of course. Not that we're suggesting anyone would ever "like" something dishonestly.

Continue reading Death Rally goes free on iOS for a limited time

JoystiqDeath Rally goes free on iOS for a limited time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death-rallyiosipadiphonemobileremedyWed, 09 May 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/#comments Causing mass destruction is easily the best part of Prototype 2, and a new batch of DLC should help you do that with a little more panache. The "Colossal Mayhem" pack adds a number of new goodies, including a "Thermobaric Boom-Stick" weapon and a number of new powers and skins for Heller, the game's protagonist. The pack is available now for $5 on PSN and Xbox Live.

The next round of DLC, available May 29, has already been announced as well. The "Excessive Force" pack will include a "Viral Infector" grenade launcher and yet more powers and skins. It will also sell for $5.

In other Prototype 2 news, a companion app has been released for Android and iOS. The app allows users to keep track of achievements and in-game collectible thanks to some handy maps that have all collectibles marked. The app itself is free, though it only includes one map, the Yellow Zone. The remaining two maps can be purchased for $2.

Continue reading Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps

JoystiqPrototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroiddlciosiphonemicrosoftmobileplaystationprototype-2ps3psnRadical-Entertainmentxboxxbox-liveWed, 09 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wolfenstein 3D celebrating its 20-year history by going free on browsers, iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wolfenstein-3d-celebrating-its-20-year-history-by-going-free-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wolfenstein-3d-celebrating-its-20-year-history-by-going-free-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wolfenstein-3d-celebrating-its-20-year-history-by-going-free-on/#comments ImageYesterday, Wolfenstein 3D was a measly 19 years and 364 days old. Puh-shaw, we say. Today, however, the game is a full 20 years old, and id Software is throwing the classic FPS a celebration. Rather than sending all the game's fans party hats and individual slices of cake, though, id's ported Wolf 3D to web browsers, making it totally free!

But perhaps you're not around a computer at the moment, and you'd prefer to play on the go? id's got that covered too, making the iOS port of Wolfenstein 3D free for today only (the iTunes page still reflects a $1.99 price as of this writing, but Bethesda says it'll flip to free "later today").

Or maybe you've already played Wolf 3D more than you'll ever need to? Creator John Carmack recorded a director commentary aimed at superfans of the series, which we've embedded just below the break. Let us know if he talks about rockets at all!

Continue reading Wolfenstein 3D celebrating its 20-year history by going free on browsers, iOS

JoystiqWolfenstein 3D celebrating its 20-year history by going free on browsers, iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksfreeidid-softwareiosipadiphonejohn-carmackmacmobilepcWolfenstein-3DWed, 09 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/#comments ImageBefore there was, uh, that other game called Alien Hominid (and Castle Crashers), there was the original Alien Hominid, a free browser run-and-gun game that debuted on Newgrounds. And that original game has now surpassed 20 million play sessions, The Behemoth has announced.

The brain child of Tom Fulp and Dan Paladin, Alien Hominid was built in Flash and released on Newgrounds way back in 2002. It would eventually be ported to the GameCube and PS2 in 2004 (and Europe would see Xbox and GameBoy Advance ports), then to Xbox Live Arcade in 2007. Currently, The Behemoth is working on Battleblock Theater.

JoystiqAlien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAlien-Hominidandroiddsfree-to-playgamecubeiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenewgroundsnintendopcplaystationps3the-behemothwiiwii-uxblaxboxWed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portable gaming's 'Race to Zero']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/#comments Despite their occasional protests to the contrary, both Nintendo and Sony have seen the pervasive mobile market take chunks of the portable gaming industry. The mobile app space burgeoned as game developers undercut each other constantly, in a race toward 99 cents that set a buck as the de facto price point for the new marketplace. This, in turn, made a massive price disparity between mobile games and their handheld competition, which tends to retail for much more. Why buy a $30 DS game, when you can buy 30 games for the same price?

However, we're now seeing yet another race all the way to the bottom: free. Even as the PC space is largely adopting a free-to-play, microtransaction-driven business model, the shift is similarly occurring in the mobile market. Recent F2P hits have started a run of similar titles, with some paid apps adopting a free-to-play option.

The change began subtly. Rovio's breakout hit Angry Birds may have stuck near the top of the Top Paid Apps charts, but the Top Grossing arena was ruled by little blue men early last year. Smurfs Village spent months as the Top Grossing app, no doubt bolstered by co-marketing for the then-upcoming film. Still, the free app had an inviting price point, and even a few 99 cent purchases per user would easily push it above the revenue for a one-time dollar fee. Then, Tiny Tower became the talk of the iOS App Store blogosphere, using a similar model inspired by social gaming on Facebook, even garnering recognition as Apple's official Game of the Year.

Continue reading Portable gaming's 'Race to Zero'

JoystiqPortable gaming's 'Race to Zero' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidandroid-marketapp-storeblackberry-app-worldiosipadiphonemobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitavitawindows-phone-7Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Regulation rumors drop GREE founder's shares by $700m]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/regulation-rumors-drop-gree-founders-shares-by-700m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/regulation-rumors-drop-gree-founders-shares-by-700m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/regulation-rumors-drop-gree-founders-shares-by-700m/#comments GREE founder Yoshikazu Tanaka lost about $700 million over the past two days when shares of GREE plunged 23.3 percent on Monday, then another 0.1 percent today. The rapid decline was caused by a Yomiuri report stating that Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency was considering regulating the Japanese social games industry.

The aspect of Japanese social games that the agency is rumored to disapprove of is the "complete gacha" style of microtransaction, in which players pay for randomized items, earning additional in-game rewards for completing a set. This could be construed as a form of lottery, which is illegal as a sales incentive in Japan.

GREE officially declined to comment to the Wall Street Journal about the potential impact of a ban on these microtransactions, noting that there were other ways to build revenue. However, we suspect Tanaka himself has a different view on the potential financial impact, having already seen it happen. GREE and other social gaming companies have announced plans to self-regulate their games, creating industry guidelines and imposing spending caps.

This (what's the opposite of a windfall?) happened just a week after GREE announced its purchase of Funzio, developer of social games including Crime City.

JoystiqRegulation rumors drop GREE founder's shares by $700m originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funziogreeiosipadiphonemobilesocial-gamesyoshikazu-tanakaTue, 08 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders Cloud Patrol now supports more Skylanders, Retina Display for new iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/#comments A new update for Skylanders Cloud Patrol, the arcade shooting gallery tie-in for iOS, is available for download right now. The biggest feature of this new update is Retina Display support for the latest iPad.

The other major feature of this update is allowing more Skylanders. Activision specifically calls out "Warnado, Wham-Shell, Camo and all of the Legendary Skylanders collection" in the update notes, though the full list of now-supported Skylanders is something we're trying to track down right now.

JoystiqSkylanders Cloud Patrol now supports more Skylanders, Retina Display for new iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroidiosipadiphonemobileskylanders-cloud-patrolupdateMon, 07 May 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio employing a growing percentage of Finland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/#comments ImageOut of the variety of numbers included in this morning's Rovio 2011 financial report, one line stuck out to us as particularly insane: the employee count. Rovio wasn't a very large company before Angry Birds exploded in late 2009, having only produced a couple dozen under-the-radar mobile titles. But by 2011, the need for expansion was clearly there.

Resultantly, employee numbers similarly exploded - from just 28 employees in early 2011 to a whopping 224 at year's end. In case that isn't a dramatic enough statement unto itself, Valve Software employs 293 people, and Valve has quite a few more things to manage. Our biggest fear - a fear that many Rovio employees likely echo - is that the massive upscaling of jobs will result in a massive downscaling should the Angry Birds franchise lose its foothold as king of mobile distractions. Not exactly a new business model in the game industry, unfortunately.

For now at least, Rovio's employing a ton of Finnish devs to craft its bird flingers and related products. Someone's gotta think of these clever marketing vices, you know!

Continue reading Rovio employing a growing percentage of Finland

JoystiqRovio employing a growing percentage of Finland originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsemployeesemploymentfinlandiosipadiphonemacmobilepcroviorovio-entertainmentrovio-mobileMon, 07 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiny Wings creator's next game to be finished 'in less than three weeks']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tiny-wings-creators-next-game-to-be-finished-in-less-than-thre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tiny-wings-creators-next-game-to-be-finished-in-less-than-thre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tiny-wings-creators-next-game-to-be-finished-in-less-than-thre/#comments Andreas Illiger, creator of iOS sensation, Tiny Wings, is on the verge of releasing his next game. The project should be finished "in less than three weeks," Illiger has told Flow Studio. Unfortunately, that's about all we know. Illiger noted that the game will be for iOS but, "otherwise it's a big secret, I am not telling anything to anyone."

Regarding the development of Tiny Wings, Illiger noted that he wanted to create a positive game about the dream of flying. "There are many destructive and negative games," said Illiger, "so I wanted to figure out if it is possible to make a game which makes you feel happy." Dude, mission accomplished.

[Thanks, Sarah!]

JoystiqTiny Wings creator's next game to be finished 'in less than three weeks' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andreas-illigeriosipadiphonemobiletiny-wingsMon, 07 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/#comments ImageThe Angry Birds are quite a catch, it seems. Franchise creator Rovio announced this morning that earnings in 2011 topped $100 million, which it owes solely to sales of the Angry Birds franchise. "The heavy investments made in 2011 to all business areas will be seen in future products," Rovio CEO Mikael Hed noted in the press release. "To ensure continuous success we need to be creative and stay focused on entertaining our millions of fans by continuously developing new and innovative products and services." The company earned approximately $67.6 million in pre-tax profit in 2011, or about 64 percent of total revenue.

Hed doesn't necessarily mean branching out from his company's most popular franchise, of course. Especially not after such a big year for merchandising surrounding the Angry Birds - Rovio's "consumer products" unit took in "about 30 percent" of 2011's total earnings (approximately $31.9 million). That's a lot of Angry Birds gummy snacks!

Rovio's $106.3 million in revenue (not profit, mind you, but revenue) is owed primarily to growth in the Finnish company's Angry Birds games catalog, which expanded by just one game in 2011: a movie tie-in named "Angry Birds Rio." The games have been downloaded approximately 648 million times across all platforms as of Dec. 31, 2011, and have a monthly user base of approximately 200 million.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'Nearsoft']

Continue reading The Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011

JoystiqThe Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-rioearningsfinancialsfinlandiosipadiphonemacmikael-hedmobilepcrovioMon, 07 May 2012 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle Chess remake moves to Kickstarter for multiplayer funding]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/battle-chess-remake-moves-to-kickstarter-for-multiplayer-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/battle-chess-remake-moves-to-kickstarter-for-multiplayer-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/battle-chess-remake-moves-to-kickstarter-for-multiplayer-funding/#comments ImageThe studio developing the licensed remake of Battle Chess has begun a Kickstarter to fund a full featured multiplayer system for the title before its launch later this year. Expected to launch last year, Subdued Software, which received no funding from Battle Chess rights holder Interplay, has been working on the project between contracts.

"The Kickstarter will allow us to focus and finish the game," Subdued Software President Mike Terlecki told Joystiq. "If we get the funding we're looking at a September launch window."

The company's Kickstarter is seeking $100,000 for an online experience that'll include "skilled based matchmaking, statistics, leaderboards, achievements and in-game chat." The company also learned a lesson from the Star Command Kickstarter, factoring the cost of fulfilling rewards and running this campaign.

"We have carefully planned out the costs of staffing the programmers, artists and testers necessary to complete online multiplayer feature and arrived at this amount."

JoystiqBattle Chess remake moves to Kickstarter for multiplayer funding originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battle-Chessbattle-chess-2011iosipadiphoneKickstartermobilepcSubdued-SoftwareMon, 07 May 2012 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space iOS on sale, first episode free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/sam-and-max-beyond-time-and-space-ios-on-sale-first-episode-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/sam-and-max-beyond-time-and-space-ios-on-sale-first-episode-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/sam-and-max-beyond-time-and-space-ios-on-sale-first-episode-free/#comments Sam and Max may have gone beyond the boundaries of time and space in their latest series of episodic adventures, but does that mean they must also travel beyond the boundaries of your budget?

Nay, says Telltale Games, and to prove it the developer has made the first episode of Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space on iOS totes free, and discounted the other four episodes to $2.99 a piece. These aren't permanent pricing changes, of course, so anyone looking to get their adventuring feet wet with something a little more family friendly than the alternative should take note.

Continue reading Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space iOS on sale, first episode free

JoystiqSam & Max: Beyond Time and Space iOS on sale, first episode free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneiTunesmobilesam-and-maxSam-and-Max-Beyond-Time-and-Spacetelltale-gamesSat, 05 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Draw Something wants you to draw ads with latest update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/draw-something-wants-you-to-draw-ads-with-latest-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/draw-something-wants-you-to-draw-ads-with-latest-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/draw-something-wants-you-to-draw-ads-with-latest-update/#comments If you've noticed a lot of a hockey-themed subjects cropping up during your Draw Something playtime lately, it's not just because its hockey season and Zynga is trying to stay topical. Rather, it's all part of Draw Something's new advertising initiative, which allows sponsors to insert their brand/product/whatever into the game's list of drawable somethings.

The NHL is the first major sponsor to hop onboard, posting hockey-related doodles to an official Pinterest board. The concept was tested using recognizable brand names like KFC, Doritos and Nike, with the response being positive enough to implement the system for real. Whether this type of integrated, subtle advertising experience is preferable to banner ads remains a matter of personal preference, but we do love the idea of drawing a box of Toaster Scrambles(R).

This post fictionally brought to you by Pillsbury(R) Toaster Scrambles(R). "They're practically food!"

JoystiqDraw Something wants you to draw ads with latest update originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementsdraw-somethingin-game-advertisingiosipadiphonemacmobilepcsponsorshipzyngaFri, 04 May 2012 12:30:00 EST