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[Starbreeze self-funding original IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/starbreeze-self-funding-original-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/starbreeze-self-funding-original-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/starbreeze-self-funding-original-ip/#comments Starbreeze, the developer behind The Darkness, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and the upcoming series reboot Syndicate, is looking to expand its developmental output beyond the intellectual properties of other creative minds.

"We want to make our own IP; no doubt," Starbreeze CEO Mikael Nermark told Gamasutra. "We're actually self-funding one original IP right now. If we're going to take it to market ourself -- I haven't decided yet. It's always about how you maximize what you can do." Nermark's current strategy is to continue working on high-profile titles like Syndicate while simultaneously looking for opportunities to launch the developer's own original IP. As the old saying goes, "You can only milk another man's cow for so long." Or something.

JoystiqStarbreeze self-funding original IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>intellectual-propertyIPproject-redlimestarbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatethe-chronicles-of-riddickthe-chronicles-of-riddick-escape-from-butcher-baythe-darknessSat, 21 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Dynamics has new IP in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/crystal-dynamics-has-new-ip-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/crystal-dynamics-has-new-ip-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/crystal-dynamics-has-new-ip-in-the-works/#comments We miss you, Dana. It looks like Crystal Dynamics is up to more than Lara Croft's latest reboot. Posting on the Square Enix Members blog, Crystal Dynamics community manager Meagan Marie revealed that, in addition to Tomb Raider, the company is also "hard at work preparing to reveal exciting new intellectual property to the world." Exactly what that property is remains a mystery, though studio head Darrell Gallagher promised that 2012 will be "the biggest year in Crystal's history" and that there are "amazing things" in store.

The obvious question: Is Gex old enough to be considered new again?

JoystiqCrystal Dynamics has new IP in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012crystal-dynamicsgexipnew-ipsquare-enixWed, 04 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dimps expanding into original IPs for mobile and social platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/dimps-expanding-into-original-ips-for-mobile-and-social-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/dimps-expanding-into-original-ips-for-mobile-and-social-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/dimps-expanding-into-original-ips-for-mobile-and-social-platform/#comments Takashi Nishiyama has been in the game for about as long as "the game" has existed. Responsible for Moon Patrol, Street Fighter, Fatal Fury, the Neo Geo and more Sonic games than you can shake a stick at, Nishiyama's design portfolio spans 30 years and includes some of the most fundamental design philosophies that still serve as a foundation for many genres to this day.

His company, Dimps, has made a name for itself developing titles for other publishers' IPs; Dragon Ball Z, Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter, etc. After nearly twelve years of development-for-hire work, however, Dimps is looking to branch out and create its own original IPs, according to statements made by Nishiyama during an interview with 1UP.

"I feel that it's time that we need to create our own social and browser IPs," Nishiyama said. "We're going to start with things that have more manageable budgets, like social and browser games. I believe that's more realistic."

Nishiyama sees mobile platforms as a lower-risk entry platform for a new IP, as compared with the astronomical costs associated with console game development. His company must be cautious, however, because creating original IPs will position Dimps as competition to publishers, rather than a developmental ally: "As soon as we announce that we're creating original IP, we become their competitor. So we need to approach it carefully and be sensitive to the politics involved."

JoystiqDimps expanding into original IPs for mobile and social platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dimpsfatal-furyIPmacmobilemoon-patrolneo-geooriginal-IPpcsonicsonic-the-hedgehogstreet-fighterTakashi-NishiyamaSat, 17 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Old Republic will not be region locked at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/the-old-republic-will-not-be-region-locked-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/the-old-republic-will-not-be-region-locked-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/the-old-republic-will-not-be-region-locked-at-launch/#comments If you're a Star Wars buff who happens to be Australian, or an arctic explorer, or a space-pilgrim on your way to colonize Hyperion, know that BioWare has totally got your back. In order to ensure that gamers in exotic locations still have access to the highest number of droids possible, BioWare has announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic will not be region or IP locked at launch.

Fresh-faced padawans and burgeoning sith lords will still have latency to content with, as no amount of midi-chlorians can break the laws of physics, but a little inconvenience never killed anyone. What has killed people, however, are the ice-tusked burrowing monstroliths of Hyperion. Be safe, brave explorers.

JoystiqThe Old Republic will not be region locked at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaIPIP-lockedpcRegion-lockedStar-WarsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicSun, 14 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic hiring for 'new unannounced IP']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/epic-hiring-for-new-unannounced-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/epic-hiring-for-new-unannounced-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/epic-hiring-for-new-unannounced-ip/#comments If you're an experienced gameplay programmer with strong C++ skills and a history with Unreal Engine, Epic wants you to work on Gears of War 3. They also want to tease the entire human population of the universe by mentioning a "new unannounced IP" in the same want-ad, which could be literally anything.

The possibilities are endless; that's why a secret new IP is always such an exciting thing. Without an existing universe restricting their creativity, Epic's designers are free to follow their whimsy. If we may be so bold as to make a suggestion, Epic, how about a point-and-click rhythm-adventure game set in an alternate future-history, where mathletes compete in life-or-death tournaments to decide the fate of nations? Or, alternatively, a twin-stick puzzle-racer about an army of genetically engineered Marmadukes?

JoystiqEpic hiring for 'new unannounced IP' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>algebra-dome-2000epicepic-gamesgears-of-war-3IPjob-listingjobsnew-IPunannouncedSun, 07 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Dynamics planning new IP after Tomb Raider reboot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/crystal-dynamics-planning-new-ip-after-tomb-raider-reboot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/crystal-dynamics-planning-new-ip-after-tomb-raider-reboot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/crystal-dynamics-planning-new-ip-after-tomb-raider-reboot/#comments On the very first episode of Crystal Dynamics' podcast, The Crystal Habit, the minds behind the studio's upcoming Tomb Raider reboot sounded off on what their next project is going to look like. Studio head Darrell Gallagher explained, "We're starting to look at doing a new IP here, and we're in the very early stages of that." He added that the team hopes to "take all the learnings and the technology and everything that we've done with Tomb Raider over the last six years and apply that to something new moving forward."

He added that the new game will shoot for the same story-driven action-adventure experience the team has almost exclusively curated during its career.

We're actually pretty excited about the prospect of Crystal Dynamics taking on a new IP in the future -- not because we're excited by change, mind you, but because it means they're not planning on rebooting Gex any time soon.

JoystiqCrystal Dynamics planning new IP after Tomb Raider reboot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsipmicrosoftplaystationps3tomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012xboxThu, 07 Jul 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay says Bethesda knew Fallout MMO would, in fact, be a Fallout game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/interplay-says-bethesda-knew-fallout-mmo-would-in-fact-be-a-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/interplay-says-bethesda-knew-fallout-mmo-would-in-fact-be-a-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/interplay-says-bethesda-knew-fallout-mmo-would-in-fact-be-a-fa/#comments Just a couple of days after watching our nation's highest legal officers debate the impact of video games across this great country, it's time for us to return to a much sillier gaming lawsuit. Gamasutra obtained a June 23 court filing issued by Interplay regarding the developer's legally troubled Fallout MMO. The filing comes as a response to a preliminary injunction filed by Bethesda which attempted to prevent Interplay from using the franchise's story, setting and characters in their online opus.

Interplay's counter-filing explains, "For at least four years, Bethesda has known that Interplay interpreted its right to create the Fallout-branded MMOG to include copyrighted content from the Fallout universe in order to make the MMOG a recognizable Fallout game." We don't know, guys -- that seems a little unreasonable. When we heard Interplay was working on a Fallout MMO, we just assumed it would be a massively multiplayer online puzzle-platformer set in a colorful, kid-friendly version of ancient Rome.

JoystiqInterplay says Bethesda knew Fallout MMO would, in fact, be a Fallout game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdafalloutfallout-onlineinterplayiplawlawsuitlegalmmopcpoliticstrademarkWed, 29 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bleszinski: Marry gamers, don't date them (or: design long-term engagement for fans)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/06/bleszinski-marry-gamers-dont-date-them-or-design-long-term/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/06/bleszinski-marry-gamers-dont-date-them-or-design-long-term/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/06/bleszinski-marry-gamers-dont-date-them-or-design-long-term/#comments In a candid talk during the Game Developers Conference on Thursday, Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinksi advised attendees to "have an educated gut," and to be cognizant of the value of marketing and long-term relationships with customers. He encapsulated his talk in the "power creative," a project member who is unique, valuable and visibly tied to the game's identity. "This could be anyone," Bleszinski said.

With consumers constantly immersed in an information feed -- via social networking platforms like Twitter and Facebook -- it's important for game designers to be "surgical" and "devious" in creating IPs that thrive in an always-on, heavily branded world. According to Bleszinski, the market only tolerates games that land on the far ends of the spectrum between freemium or "snack" games and big-budget productions like Gears of War. "I believe the middle class game is dead."

Continue reading Bleszinski: Marry gamers, don't date them (or: design long-term engagement for fans)

JoystiqBleszinski: Marry gamers, don't date them (or: design long-term engagement for fans) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskigdc-2011Gears-of-War-3ipmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 06 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Games to reveal new IP at GDC 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/epic-games-to-reveal-new-ip-at-gdc-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/epic-games-to-reveal-new-ip-at-gdc-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/epic-games-to-reveal-new-ip-at-gdc-2011/#comments Cliff Bleszinski said recently that Epic Games would unveil a brand new IP at next year's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. This will be a brand new universe, unrelated to anything Epic has done before, according to Bleszinski. "Gamers votes with their dollars and they often like established IP, but those IPs came from somewhere, right?" he told EGM. "Call of Duty was crafted by the original Medal of Honor guys. Gears of War was crafted by the original Unreal Tournament guy. I look forward to creating what's next."

We pinged Bleszinski ourselves to try and find out what platform Epic is aiming for, but he tells us there's "not much to say yet." The company has had a lot of success with Infinity Blade on iOS recently, and has also been rumored to be working on a Kinect title. GDC 2011 kicks off on February 28 -- we'll be there in San Francisco to cover any announcement for you.

JoystiqEpic Games to reveal new IP at GDC 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskicliffy-bepic-gamesgame-developers-conferencegdc-2011gdc2011intellectual-propertyipnew-ipTue, 28 Dec 2010 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ still focused on owning IP the 'Hollywood' way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/thq-still-focused-on-owning-ip-the-hollywood-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/thq-still-focused-on-owning-ip-the-hollywood-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/thq-still-focused-on-owning-ip-the-hollywood-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

THQ's competitors -- namely EA and Activision -- have recently landed publishing deals with high-profile developers, such as Respawn, Bungie and Insomniac, by allowing the studios to own their new game franchises. And while THQ offers its own "Partners" program, the company is still focused on owning franchises.

"I believe in the Hollywood model, which is that, the bigger the artist, the more important, the more successful they are, the bigger share they get," VP Danny Bilson explained to IndustryGamers. "But you know know, most of the biggest talents in Hollywood don't own their IPs. It doesn't work that way. My job coming to this company was to build an IP library, which builds value in THQ. So that means having a developer own the IP becomes a deal-breaker." According to Bilson, THQ had discussions with Respawn's West and Zampella; undoubtedly, Bilson's position made an offer impossible.

While Bilson offers no flexibility in this particular regard, he believes the company has still acquired strong talent by offering "an absolutely better place to work." At this year's E3, the publisher surprised many with the announcement of Devil's Third, a new action IP from the Itagaki-led Valhalla Studios. According to Bilson, other high-profile partnerships will be announced "over the next six months," and he noted, "you're going to go, 'oh my God.'" Considering the incredible turnaround of THQ's portfolio under Bilson's tenure, it's difficult not to share his excitement.

JoystiqTHQ still focused on owning IP the 'Hollywood' way originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danny-bilsonintellectual-propertyippublishingthqThu, 01 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two aiming for one new IP every year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/take-two-aiming-for-one-new-ip-every-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/take-two-aiming-for-one-new-ip-every-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/take-two-aiming-for-one-new-ip-every-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Take-Two Interactive's Corporate Communications VP Alan Lewis recently told Gamasutra that the company is working to "introduce at least one new IP" every year. The theory being that the new intellectual property may not be the biggest hit out of the ranch gate (hey, Red Dead Revolver), but will eventually grow into a blockbuster franchise (HELLO, Red Dead Redemption).

Now we ponder: what is the company's new IP for this year? LA Noire, which was announced back in the 1940s, is the best bet, if it makes its fall release date. It could be the as-yet unannounced project from Ken Levine and Irrational, but that won't be launching this year.

JoystiqTake-Two aiming for one new IP every year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesalan-lewisbusinessipRockstar-GamesTake-Two-InteractiveThu, 24 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA applauds formation of Dept. of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/esa-applauds-formation-of-dept-of-justice-task-force-on-intelle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/esa-applauds-formation-of-dept-of-justice-task-force-on-intelle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/esa-applauds-formation-of-dept-of-justice-task-force-on-intelle/#comments With last week's announcement by the US Department of Justice of the formation of the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property, the ESA this weekend released a statement celebrating the DoJ's decision. "We applaud the Justice Department for its commitment to protecting intellectual property and commend the Attorney General for his leadership," said ESA president and CEO Michael Gallagher.

"Intellectual property is the lifeblood and backbone of entertainment software," Gallagher continued. "... consumers benefit with the lower cost, high-quality and more diverse title offerings that are made possible by strong measures protecting the creative works of our industry's artists." Intellectual property rights and the policing of them has been a point of contention with distributed media (from film to games to books, and everything in between) and the publishers of said media since the invention of the printing press (and likely before that!), so it'll be especially interesting to see how the US government handles such a hefty issue in the burgeoning digital world. As strict opponents of game piracy ourselves, we wish them the best of luck. They're going to need it.

JoystiqESA applauds formation of Dept. of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department-of-justicedepartment-of-justice-task-force-on-intellectual-propertyesaIPmichael-gallagherpolicetask-force-on-intellectual-propertythe-esaus-governmentTue, 16 Feb 2010 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Everyone agrees: new IP needed for industry 'to survive']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/everyone-agrees-new-ip-needed-for-industry-to-survive/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/everyone-agrees-new-ip-needed-for-industry-to-survive/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/everyone-agrees-new-ip-needed-for-industry-to-survive/#comments What do Sony's Michael Denny, Square Enix's Yoichi Wada, and Codemasters' Rod Cousens have in common? Okay, they're all middle-aged men that happen to work in the video games industry -- but they also share a common belief in pursuing original IP. "For me the answer is clear, simply, we must support new IP creation to survive as an industry. Consumers crave new things. If we want to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive marketplace, we have to continue to produce new experiences," Denny told GI.biz. Certainly, SCEE has been pushing a lot of new IPs this generation, with Denny overseeing games like Heavy Rain and EyePet.

Wada agrees with Denny's sentiment, noting that "as an entertainment company the business won't be viable if we don't continue to nurture new IPs." This may be ironic coming from a company that's releasing a game called Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers this holiday, and both Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XIV next year, but we can credit them for making The World Ends With You, right?

Cousens goes a step further, saying innovation has always been at the heart of the industry. "From day one since we walked in the door we've always tried to be experimental, to be innovative, to take things into new areas and to make it interesting." Obviously, the reason why publishers need to invest in new IPs is clear -- let's not forget that games like Madden used to be an original IP at one point.

Source - Sony: Industry needs new IP to survive
Source - Wada: Business 'not viable' without new IP
Source - Cousens: Industry must pursue new IP

JoystiqEveryone agrees: new IP needed for industry 'to survive' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersipmichael-dennyrod-cousenssceesonySony-Computer-Entertainment-Europesquare-enixyoichi-wadaFri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA trademarks 'The Ripper,' could be Visceral's next game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/ea-trademarks-the-ripper-could-be-viscerals-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/ea-trademarks-the-ripper-could-be-viscerals-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/ea-trademarks-the-ripper-could-be-viscerals-next-game/#comments It's a well-known fact that for the past year or so, Electronic Arts has developed an insatiable addiction for new intellectual property. Rather than kick the habit, the company's making moves to further feed its franchise fixation -- EA recently filed two trademarks reserving the title "The Ripper" for use in a computer game (or other "entertainment service").

Now, this title could mean one of two things: It may be a Visceral Games-developed action title based on Jack the Ripper, a project which was hinted at by anonymous EA sources to the LA Times back in July. It could also be an interactive biography of the life of Rip Taylor, which has no supporting evidence behind it whatsoever, but would make us happy for the rest of our lives.

[Via Superannuation]

JoystiqEA trademarks 'The Ripper,' could be Visceral's next game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsipjack-the-ripperthe-rippertrademarksvisceral-gamesTue, 06 Oct 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Midway Newcastle reveals new IP: Necessary Force]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/midway-newcastle-reveals-new-ip-necessary-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/midway-newcastle-reveals-new-ip-necessary-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/midway-newcastle-reveals-new-ip-necessary-force/#comments
It seems a certain beleaguered studio listened to our humble suggestion! Midway Newcastle, one of the splinter studios that wasn't rescued in the Warner Bros. buyout of Midway, just revealed its formerly unannounced open-world action game in an attempt to drum up buyers before the developer is forced to close down in just 13 days. The new IP is called Necessary Force -- a "gritty detective drama" about a cop who "sets his own rules." So, like Nash Bridges, only grittier.

Details about the game are slim, though three months of development have resulted in a gameplay-free teaser trailer (seen above). What do you guys think? Is this the ace in the hole Midway Newcastle needed to stave off the reaper?

JoystiqMidway Newcastle reveals new IP: Necessary Force originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ipmidwaymidway-newcastlenecessary-forcetrailerWed, 17 Jun 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard confirms new MMO is completely original IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/blizzard-confirms-new-mmo-is-completely-original-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/blizzard-confirms-new-mmo-is-completely-original-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/blizzard-confirms-new-mmo-is-completely-original-ip/#comments
A year and a half ago, we learned that Blizzard was hiring for an infinitely titillating "Next-Gen MMO," one which we assumed would be based on brand new intellectual property (as repeatedly hinted at by Blizzard COO Paul Sams). We haven't heard much about the project since then. However, the silence was recently broken by Blizzard community manager Zarhym, who confirmed on the official WoW forums that the upcoming MMO will "be a brand new franchise."

While this is the first official confirmation of the franchise's freshness we've heard, it's still up in the air as to what the genre of said project will be. If you'll remember, the game is reportedly being developed on the World of Warcraft engine until its developers work up a fittingly new interface. Therefore, we think it's safe to assume it won't be an online dating sim. (Unfortunately.)

JoystiqBlizzard confirms new MMO is completely original IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 May 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardipmmoonlinerpgwowWed, 13 May 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard hiring for unannounced fifth project, might use new IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/blizzard-hiring-for-unannounced-fifth-project-might-use-new-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/blizzard-hiring-for-unannounced-fifth-project-might-use-new-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/27/blizzard-hiring-for-unannounced-fifth-project-might-use-new-ip/#comments
Blizzard has a quite a bit on its lavish, diamond-encrusted plate -- between Diablo III, Starcraft II, yet another expansion to World of Warcraft and a mysterious "next-gen MMO," you'd think it would be hesitant about taking on new projects. However, the company recently published a "Help Wanted" ad searching for two up-and-coming developers. The employment opportunity wasn't filed under the site's "Next-Gen MMO" category -- rather, it can be found under the infinitely titillating "Unannounced Project" section.

Even the most spot-on industry soothsayers haven't been able to predict what the project will be, though Blizzard COO Paul Sams has repeatedly stated the company's interest in starting up an entirely new franchise. The game is apparently temporarily running on the World of Warcraft engine until the aforementioned new hires can create an interface of their own -- an interface that hopefully won't include karts, and the inevitable racing of those karts.

JoystiqBlizzard hiring for unannounced fifth project, might use new IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddevelopmentfranchisehelp-wantedipFri, 27 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft still focusing on 'exciting' new IP despite economy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/microsoft-still-focusing-on-exciting-new-ip-despite-economy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/microsoft-still-focusing-on-exciting-new-ip-despite-economy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/microsoft-still-focusing-on-exciting-new-ip-despite-economy/#comments
Microsoft VP Chris Lewis states that despite the current economic situation, Microsoft -- which has already resorted in layoffs -- is still investing in new intellectual property. Speaking with GI.biz, he expresses that all the "big, mature companies" will continue development in "exciting IP for the future," because this crisis will end eventually. Lewis believes "healthy companies" will be those that invest now for when things get better.

The only thing we find Lewis being overly optimistic about is the weather. He describes the industry as being "in the eye of the [economic] storm right now." To us, from the ground, it appears that storm just hit landfall and started tearing apart livelihoods, but we'll take Lewis' optimism and assume that we're in the calm of the eye and just have the other side to contend with now.

JoystiqMicrosoft still focusing on 'exciting' new IP despite economy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ipmicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Licensed Games That Don't Stink]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/top-5-licensed-games-that-dont-stink/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/top-5-licensed-games-that-dont-stink/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/top-5-licensed-games-that-dont-stink/#commentsFiled under:


Apparently, happy is the new angry (Uggh, I apologize; I hate the "X is the new Y" phrase as much as anyone). While the Angry Video Game Nerd series continues to grow in popularity, a legion of imitators -- err, "inspirées" -- have arisen from the depths of YouTube. While most appear to simply swap "Angry Video Game Nerd" with a few synonyms and reduce the effort, quality, and obtainable entertainment of the video, one manages to make the formula something completely his own. Alaskan native Derek, AKA lophatjello, has created the "Happy Video Game Nerd." While the self-explanatory premise may sound eye-roll-inducing, one would be hard-pressed to ignore his passion for the retro games he highlights after watching a video of his. And that is a quality which I value greatly: unbridled passion and optimism for gaming. We're too often deluged by a flood of pessimism and jaded cynicism from the gaming world.

Very recently, Derek covered the NES semi-classic Ducktales. He labels it as a "kick-ass licensed game." This is a notable statement, as conventional gaming knowledge tells us that a license is often indicative of a terrible game. While there are always exceptions to rules, I feel confident that most who are reading this post can agree that licenses are too often a kiss of death. Yet the HVGN is correct; Ducktales is a pretty awesome licensed game. Here, in my humble opinion, are the Top 5 games based on popular film and television.



The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.

JoystiqTop 5: Licensed Games That Don't Stink originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-video-game-nerdastro-boyavgnbucky-ohareducktalesfilmfilmsgoldeneyegoldeneye-007happy-video-game-nerdhvgnipjoystiqfeatureslicenselicensedlicenseslord-of-the-ringsmoviestreaasureMon, 15 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Screen Digest: Wii tops other consoles in original IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/screen-digest-wii-tops-other-consoles-in-original-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/screen-digest-wii-tops-other-consoles-in-original-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/screen-digest-wii-tops-other-consoles-in-original-ip/#commentsFiled under:


This isn't something we hear often: according to a Screen Digest report, the Wii has more exclusive original IP than the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. The report says the Wii has more than twice the number of games based on original IP than the PS3 and one third more than the Xbox 360. "Wii's unique interface and market-leading hardware sales rates have convinced publishers to deepen support levels for the platform," Screen Digest said. "Cheap development costs have also enabled a number of smaller publishers."

And before you rush to the comments form, we'll say it for you. Yes, a lot of that original IP is terrible and/or "shovelware." So what? Some of it may be junk, but some of it is No More Heroes or Monster Lab or Madworld or Little King's Story. Of course, all this new content could end up being a problem for the Wii market: Screen Digest suggests that the Wii could end up being "the most competitive and congested" of the consoles. Oh no, too many games!

JoystiqScreen Digest: Wii tops other consoles in original IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ipthird-partyThu, 28 Aug 2008 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Flagship Studios' entire staff fired, all intellectual property lost]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/flagship-studios-entire-staff-fired-all-intellectual-property/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/flagship-studios-entire-staff-fired-all-intellectual-property/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/flagship-studios-entire-staff-fired-all-intellectual-property/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A bit of clarification recently surfaced regarding the closure of Hellgate: London and Mythos developer Flagship Studios -- though we'd heard from an unnamed source that Flagship would be shutting its doors and letting go of "nearly everyone" on the payroll, Flagship community manager Taylor Balbi recently explained that the entire staff has been fired with a 30-day pension, paid for out of the pockets of the studio's higher-ups.

The studio's intellectual property has been turned over to two companies who had invested in Flagship throughout its short lifespan, with Mythos going to Korean gaming developer HanbitSoft, and Hellgate: London going to Comerica, a financial services company based out of Dallas. It's expected these two companies will work together to continue Asian development for these two titles -- though it's unclear whether the uber-charming Mythos will ever hit North American shores.

JoystiqFlagship Studios' entire staff fired, all intellectual property lost originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closurecomericaflagshipflagship-studioshanbitsofthellgate-londonintellectual-propertyipmythosPCSat, 12 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari expecting layoffs and IP sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/atari-expecting-layoffs-and-ip-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/atari-expecting-layoffs-and-ip-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/atari-expecting-layoffs-and-ip-sales/#commentsFiled under:


Atari continues its death throes by announcing the cessation of work on current projects, the laying off of more staff and the sales of the remainder of its IPs. This is like the business equivalent of hitting the reset button instead of just quitting. Following the departure of the Atari CEO last week, the company also posted an $8 million Q2 loss -- this follows the recent and strategically delayed announcement of a $12 million Q1 loss.

Atari's parent company Infogrames has already made clear the intention of leaving its child on the side of the road, hoping it'll figure out the way home by its lonesome. What's even worse is that Atari's essentially admitting the fixes it has planned may not be able to turn the ship around, stating in a report, "We cannot guarantee the completion of these actions or that such actions will generate sufficient resources to fully address the uncertainties of our financial position." Translation: We ain't gots a clue what be happenin'. There's no word really on what games Atari is going to kill to save money, but at this point you'd think that Alone in the Dark would be the last development hurrah -- but we'll see.

JoystiqAtari expecting layoffs and IP sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinessinfogramesiplayoffsTue, 20 Nov 2007 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's IP-never-dies video: Lucy and Honeymooners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/todays-ip-never-dies-video-lucy-and-honeymooners/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/todays-ip-never-dies-video-lucy-and-honeymooners/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/todays-ip-never-dies-video-lucy-and-honeymooners/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MTV's Stephen Totilo "somehow wound up with an exclusive" about new casual games based on The Honeymooners and I Love Lucy. While most of us are scratching our heads about the properties, maybe this signals a new trend for old IP; there's that Dirty Dancing game after all. Clearly, these titles aren't for us. (And by "us," we mean people who get jokes about the potential for cake and also think that those jokes are played out.)

Beanbag Studios anticipates launching at least one Lucy trivia game and one Honeymooners bowling game this year. Yes, these PC and cell phone games are being built into long-term franchises. Witness videos of each game after the break.

Continue reading Today's IP-never-dies video: Lucy and Honeymooners

JoystiqToday's IP-never-dies video: Lucy and Honeymooners originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beanbag-studiosbowlingcasualcell-phonecellphoneclassicclassic-tvhoneymoonershottest-videohottestvideoi-love-lucyiplucymobilemobile-phonemobilephonepcthe-honeymoonerstrailertriviavideoFri, 09 Nov 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's just-add-Wii video: Fan-made Goonies game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/todays-just-add-wii-video-fan-made-goonies-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/todays-just-add-wii-video-fan-made-goonies-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/todays-just-add-wii-video-fan-made-goonies-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Take a glimpse into the easy process of creating a Wii game out of a licensed movie IP: just add gestures. Chris Cantoe follows this spoof-by-numbers approach with amusing results. Yes, this video may be a couple weeks old, but its source material -- The Goonies -- is timeless.

See the video after the break.

[Via Wii Fanboy]

Continue reading Today's just-add-Wii video: Fan-made Goonies game

JoystiqToday's just-add-Wii video: Fan-made Goonies game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Nov 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-cantoegoonieshottest-videohottestvideoIPmoviethe-gooniesvideowiiSun, 04 Nov 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's scariest video: IP gone wild]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/todays-scariest-video-ip-gone-wild/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/todays-scariest-video-ip-gone-wild/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/todays-scariest-video-ip-gone-wild/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Shhhh. We're scared. Don't make a sound or the bad man will come back. We passed on a few Halloween-themed videos to post, but this is the one that gives us nightmares.

See the horror in the first video after the break, and we'll even toss in those other less-scary clips as a bonus afterwards. Our eyes! They burn!

Continue reading Today's scariest video: IP gone wild

JoystiqToday's scariest video: IP gone wild originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkcall-of-duty-4Dementiumdirty-dancingDShalloweenhottest-videohottestvideoipPCPS3Xbox-360Thu, 01 Nov 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Immersion CEO on next-gen rumble and possible Nintendo IP infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/immersion-ceo-on-next-gen-rumble-and-possible-nintendo-ip-infrin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/immersion-ceo-on-next-gen-rumble-and-possible-nintendo-ip-infrin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/immersion-ceo-on-next-gen-rumble-and-possible-nintendo-ip-infrin/#commentsFiled under: ,


Immersion CEO Vic Viegas says in an interview with GameDaily that he doesn't understand why Sony decided to put the DualShock 2's rumble technology into the DualShock 3, considering he believes the new next-gen rumble technology is cheaper. Viegas says, "The old technology utilizes two motors to create the complex set of sensations, whereas Immersion's new TouchSense technology utilizes a single motor, but we drive the motor in unique ways so that you can get stronger yet crisper effects." He says the one motor uses less power, "the cost to implement is less expensive than the old tech" and he says they won't charge Sony extra.

Viegas also talked a little about handhelds and implementing rumble into the DS or PSP. Currently Nintendo does not license its vibration tech from Immersion and may be working on their own ways of bringing rumble to the DS. As to whether Immersion might sue Nintendo one day like they did Sony, Viegas says, "We have not yet formally taken a position on whether it's infringing or not infringing any of our IP." Then again, if Nintendo can afford $18 million in Wiimote jackets, licensing some next-gen rumble might be an afterthought for them.

JoystiqImmersion CEO on next-gen rumble and possible Nintendo IP infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>immersioninfringementipnintendoPS3rumblesonyWed, 03 Oct 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sierra talks risk and new IPs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/sierra-talks-risk-and-new-ips/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/sierra-talks-risk-and-new-ips/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/sierra-talks-risk-and-new-ips/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Sierra says it's ramping up new IPs and isn't afraid of the risk. They'll be developing new games in the RTS, open world (sandbox), FPS and kids genres. Speaking with GI.biz, Sierra's Pres. Martin Temblay says they're going to compete with the big guys -- we assume he means EA and Ubisoft -- and going after the console world. He says, "We will surprise a lot of people because our commitment to quality is absolutely there, and we're taking a real step forward in terms of the balance of licensed titles, original IP and strong sequels."

It's an interesting time for Sierra to step up their PR efforts and show off a little -- which was apparently a mandate from parent company Vivendi. Despite having some solid titles in recent years (with no insane breakouts mind you), we can't help but hear Sierra and still instantly think about the adventure genre glory days with Roberta Williams and Al Lowe (we miss them both). If Sierra really wants to change, they might want to start with their name. Or else we're going to keep expecting the return of King's Quest or the real Leisure Suit Larry.

JoystiqSierra talks risk and new IPs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emphasisipPCPS3sierravivendiWiiXbox-360Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Id has new IP, keep wishing for that Cmdr. Keen remake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/id-has-new-i-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/id-has-new-i-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/id-has-new-i-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Id Software is working on a new game ... and it's not Doom, Quake, Wolfenstein or even Commander Keen related -- it's new. According to Id's CEO Todd Hollenshead the company is finishing off Enemy Territory: Quake Wars and moving onto this new game with a new engine developed by John Carmack.

Hollenshead told GI.biz, "It is a new Id brand with an all-new John Carmack engine and I think that when we show it to people, once again they'll see, just like they saw when we first showed Doom 3, that John Carmack still has a lot of magic left."

Hollenshead said they aren't ready to talk or show anything of the new concept. He says they like to play show and tell when they announce a game and they're just not ready to get in front of the class just yet. Hopefully we'll get something before or right around when Enemy Territory ships for PC, and then for PS3 and Xbox 360, later this year.

JoystiqId has new IP, keep wishing for that Cmdr. Keen remake originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carmackdoomenemy territoryidipPCPS3quakeXbox-360Thu, 31 May 2007 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Piracy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/wii-warm-up-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/wii-warm-up-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/wii-warm-up-piracy/#commentsFiled under:

Cap'n JackAnd not the cool kind, folks. The Wii has not been on the market for over half a year, and like any other shining beacon of all that is right in this world, it has been corrupted by peg-legged drunkards. Or software pirates in the Philippines, or something, whatever.

Some of you have already chimed in on your thoughts regarding game piracy, but how do you feel toward the practice in general? TV shows, movies, games, music, and outrageously expensive software have all become essentially free, thanks to various file sharing methods across the web. Do you do it? Do you look down on others who do? How can you justify such things? We'll be honest, we pirate occasionally ... usually stuff we'd be unable to obtain via normal means, like anime (Death Note!). But never games. Pinky swear.

And don't worry ... we won't give the MPAA your IP addresses.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BitTorrentGamesIllegalIPLawMoviesMPAAMusicPiracyPiratesRIAASoftwarewwuTue, 15 May 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DigiPen students penning deal with the IP devil?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/digipen-students-penning-deal-with-the-ip-devil/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/digipen-students-penning-deal-with-the-ip-devil/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/digipen-students-penning-deal-with-the-ip-devil/#commentsFiled under:

Here's a little tale of warning for all future attendees of "schools" like DigiPen: Read the fine print! As Kim Pallister, business developer for Microsoft Casual Games, was "shocked" to discover, the students who created Toblo don't actually own the rights to their intellectual property. Toblo, the 2007 Independent Games Festival Best Student Game winner, is actually the property of the DigiPen school business and games development apprenticeship institute. Well, ain't that just a kick in the junk?

Steve Chiavelli, one of the creators of Toblo said in a post, "We knowingly (naively?) signed away the rights to everything we would make when entering DigiPen. Personally, it seemed like a good trade-off. I would be attending what I had researched to be arguably the best place for learning how to be a game programmer."

We wonder if the other "school," Full Sail, has the same policy? Poor students, in the words of Ursula from The Little Mermaid, "You've got your looks, your pretty face and don't forget the importance of body language." 'Cause your brain, your brain belongs to DigiPen.

[Via GameSetWatch]

JoystiqDigiPen students penning deal with the IP devil? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digipenintellectual propertyipownershipschoolMon, 07 May 2007 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom to buy/sell IP, publish games with global approach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/capcom-to-buy-sell-ip-publish-games-with-global-approach/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/capcom-to-buy-sell-ip-publish-games-with-global-approach/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/capcom-to-buy-sell-ip-publish-games-with-global-approach/#commentsFiled under: ,


As part of a long presentation to captive game writers, Capcom discussed its business plans for the future. We'd normally drift off to sweet dreams about Harvey Birdman, but head of research and development, Keiji Inafune woke our gaming hearts by contrasting Capcom with the current, big-on-budget, low-on-creativity sequel state of gaming. He said his vision for "Capcom in the future" is a company that's "not afraid to take risks."

Inafune and other executives explained how the company can sustain itself without falling into a sequel pattern through new-to-Capcom, licensed IP; using its own IP in other ways; and selling games to a global, multi-platform market.

Continue reading Capcom to buy/sell IP, publish games with global approach

JoystiqCapcom to buy/sell IP, publish games with global approach originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcapcomgd07iplicenseFri, 13 Apr 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's retroest game video: NES Batman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/todays-retroest-gave-video-nes-batman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/todays-retroest-gave-video-nes-batman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/todays-retroest-gave-video-nes-batman/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Today's video pick, an overview of the NES classic, Batman, is the top-watched segment at GameTrailers. The game follows parts of the Tim Burton movie, and we agree with GameTrailers that it's among the best movie-IP games of all time. The batarang rocks.

Top off your nostalgia-meter -- and hope for a Virtual Console release -- after the break.

Continue reading Today's retroest game video: NES Batman

JoystiqToday's retroest game video: NES Batman originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmancomichottest videoHottestVideoIPmovieNESNintendoNintendo Entertainment SystemNintendoEntertainmentSystemSun, 25 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom, Clover, and a little Wii name-dropping]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/20/capcom-clover-and-a-little-wii-name-dropping/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/20/capcom-clover-and-a-little-wii-name-dropping/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/20/capcom-clover-and-a-little-wii-name-dropping/#commentsFiled under: ,

If someone mentions an amorphous new Wii game in space, we're gonna hear about it, so when Capcom marketing VP Charles Bellfield name-dropped our favorite console in an interview with Kyle Orland over at Gamasutra, our ears perked up. But Bellfield was coy about unleashing any of the juicy details. "I would love to give you my product lineup for the next five years, but ... *laughs* ... we are developing a new title for the Wii platform. We will be making announcements in the coming months as to what these different titles are." Those former Clover employees who are not busily planting Seeds will be hard at work on this title, as well as others.

A new title indicates that it's probably not the Wii Okami you've been hoping for. In fact, Bellfield was quick to push the fact that Capcom is all about churning out original IPs. With the diversity of Capcom's stable of awesome, we can't possibly speculate on what they may have in store for us, but we'll be spending these "coming months" idly dreaming of zombie wolf attorneys.

JoystiqCapcom, Clover, and a little Wii name-dropping originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomCharles BellfieldCharlesBellfielCloverinterviewIPNintendoOkamiSeedsWiiTue, 20 Feb 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Arthur game team shared offices with movie group]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/arthur-game-team-shared-offices-with-movie-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/arthur-game-team-shared-offices-with-movie-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/arthur-game-team-shared-offices-with-movie-group/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yahoo! Games interviews Luc Besson about upcoming movie and game, Arthur and the Invisibles. We're used to most movie IP games being shovelware from a third-party developer, tossed at parents who think the family will like the a game as much as the movie. ("It says Happy Feet right on it. It must be good!")

Instead, Besson describes how his animation team shared office space with the videogame team; the two groups worked on their own projects at the same time. While Besson downplays any close collaboration, saying he ran into the game designers mostly at lunch, we still like the idea of the movie- and game-teams working in proximity. Some ideas must have traveled between the groups.

JoystiqArthur game team shared offices with movie group originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arthur and the InvisiblesArthurAndTheInvisiblesIPLuc BessonLucBessonmovieTue, 30 Jan 2007 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony makes Xbox 360 Ghostbusters game disappear]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/sony-makes-xbox-360-ghostbusters-game-disappear/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/sony-makes-xbox-360-ghostbusters-game-disappear/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/sony-makes-xbox-360-ghostbusters-game-disappear/#commentsFiled under: ,

all goneThat didn't take long. Zootfly has confirmed that Sony Pictures has had all references to Zootfly's Ghostbusters game removed from the Slovenian developer's website. The prototype game was being developed for Xbox 360. In addition, the video of the work-in-progress has been pulled from YouTube.

Columbia Pictures, which owns the Ghostbusters IP, was acquired by Sony in 1989. Zootfly is supposedly in negotiations with Sony for the rights to use the license. Interestingly, the studio has a very similar game in simultaneous development, TimeO. Perhaps this Ghostbusters fiasco -- dead in the water from the get-go -- is being used to draw attention to Zootfly's new IP, which may have had trouble generating press otherwise. Now that's hustlin'!

JoystiqSony makes Xbox 360 Ghostbusters game disappear originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GhostbustersIPSony PicturesSonyPicturesXbox-360ZootflyThu, 25 Jan 2007 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[In-game ads put devs in control]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/02/in-games-ads-put-devs-in-control/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/02/in-games-ads-put-devs-in-control/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/02/in-games-ads-put-devs-in-control/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TrackManiaSpeaking with GamesIndustry.biz, IGA Europe vice president Ed Bartlett explained how in-game advertisements could benefit the interests of PC-based independent developers. Barlett pointed to Nadeo, which was able to release TrackMania Nations as freeware through the use of in-game ads, in turn boosting its player base (recording over 6 million downloads) and increasing ad revenue. This business model is unique because it eliminates the need for a publisher and means developers can retain the rights to their IPs.

Ironically, it's the indie developers that have been most resistant to in-game ads; whereas triple-A title publishers, while unable to offset theirs games' costs with ads, have been much more receptive to the practice.

JoystiqIn-game ads put devs in control originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdAdvertisementIGAIn-game AdvertisingIn-gameAdvertisingIndieIndyIPMacNadeoPCTrackManiaTue, 02 Jan 2007 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[EA trying to win back our hearts?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/ea-trying-to-win-back-our-hearts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/ea-trying-to-win-back-our-hearts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/ea-trying-to-win-back-our-hearts/#commentsFiled under:

Army of TwoEA's VP and chief visual officer Glenn Entis is ready to put the company's money where Montreal GM Alain Tascan's mouth was. Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, Entis outlines a new direction in which EA execs will begin to trust the efforts of developers seeking to create original IPs. No doubt EA will continue to farm its established franchises, but Entis describes an "aggressive" strategy whereby the Maddens, FIFAs, Need for Speeds, etc., will play equals to new "creative risks."

A combination of relentless Pac-Man-style acquisitions -- striking again just yesterday with the buyout of Headgate Studios -- and a history of poor employee treatment has marred EA's image among informed gamers, but could a few refreshing attempts alter our opinions? Can EA be loved again?

JoystiqEA trying to win back our hearts? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 04:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1UP has chatted with the people behind the upcoming Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops and there are a few bullet points that are pretty juicy. [Andrew's note: I'm typing this while Sony continues to not say anything interesting in their press conference.]

  • The classic Kurosawa film Seven Samurai is the inspiration behind your newfound ability to recruit friends in the game.
  • The unique character generated through multiplayer is determined by the IP address of the hotspot you connect to.
  • The characters obviously feature unique attributes. Unsurprisingly, Snake will not be the best character to play as in the game. He's very recognizable, as he's gained quite a bit of infamy by this point in this story.
  • The game is being developed by the same team as Metal Gear Acid, for better or worse.

    • JoystiqInterview reveals some secrets behind MGS: Portable Ops originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    1upakira kurosawaAkiraKurosawahotspotinterviewipip addressIpAddresskurosawametal gear solidMetalGearSolidmgsportable opsPortableOpsseven samuraiSevenSamuraiThu, 21 Sep 2006 21:45:00 EST    <![CDATA[Sony steals motion idea, but not from Nintendo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/sony-steals-motion-idea-but-not-from-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/sony-steals-motion-idea-but-not-from-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/sony-steals-motion-idea-but-not-from-nintendo/#commentsFiled under: ,

    Gamespot's Inside E3 blog points out that Sony didn't steal their motion-sensing PS3 controller from Nintendo-they stole it from Microsoft and Logitech:

    They didn't steal from Nintendo. They actually stole from Microsoft (and Logitech). The picture you're looking at here [follow link to see pic] is a picture I took of gyroscopic, motion sensing controllers that Logitech and Microsoft manufactured for the PC in 1999. Yes, 1999 as in more than seven years ago.

    ...I just wanted to point out that this idea was soooo 20th century, and immediately flamed out on the PC because they were honestly more of a novelty than they were practical.

    Of course, that would imply Nintendo stole their novel and impractical- exscuse me-innovative idea as well.

    [Thanks Elijah]

    JoystiqSony steals motion idea, but not from Nintendo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 May 2006 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    controllerE32006innovationintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyIPPS3Tue, 09 May 2006 03:15:00 EST    <![CDATA[Yuji Naka confirmed to be leaving Sega to form Prope]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/08/yuji-naka-confirmed-to-be-leaving-sega-to-form-prope/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/08/yuji-naka-confirmed-to-be-leaving-sega-to-form-prope/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/08/yuji-naka-confirmed-to-be-leaving-sega-to-form-prope/#commentsFiled under:

    Yuji Naka strikes a poseBack in March, we heard rumblings that Sega stalwart Yuji Naka was planning to leave Sega to start his own studio. Today, that rumor's been confirmed.

    According to Next Generation, Naka's new company is called Prope, which means "'beside' and 'near' future." Prope's web site (not linked on Next Gen) apparently explains that the name was chosen "in the hopes of bringing game entertainment much closer to users, establishing closer ties between users and us, and creating near future entertainment."

    We're just happy that Naka is retaining some ties to his old corporate home thanks to a 10% contribution on Sega's part to prop up the emerging new independent studio (a concept which Sega seems to support with its developers). Unfortunately, as the firm "will commit to new IP," you shouldn't expect updates of Sega classic franchises from the old hand anytime soon. It will also be interesting to see who's guiding the new Sonic games as well. Prope will open for business on June 1st.

    [Thanks, Sense; via 8-bit Ninja]

    See also:

    JoystiqYuji Naka confirmed to be leaving Sega to form Prope originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 May 2006 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    besideclassic franchiseclassic franchisesClassicFranchiseClassicFranchisesclosercloser tiesCloserTiesconfirmedcontributiondeveloperdevelopersfuture entertainmentFutureEntertainmentindependentIPJune 1June 1stJune1June1stNakanear futureNearFuturenew companynew IPNewCompanyNewIpNext GenNext GenerationNextGenNextGenerationNiGHTSNiGHTS into DreamsNightsIntoDreamsProperumorSegaSonicstudiosupportupdatesYuji NakaYujiNakaMon, 08 May 2006 12:20:00 EST