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[Freedom Force: Superhero role-playing done right]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/freedom-force-superhero-role-playing-done-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/freedom-force-superhero-role-playing-done-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/freedom-force-superhero-role-playing-done-right/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
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The Avengers' huge success in its first week of release may represent the pinnacle of the superhero takeover of mainstream culture. Superhero comics have long been comparable to video games' bigger brother, with many of the same criticisms and stereotypes and similar slow paths to respectability. There's always been a great deal of crossover between the two, especially in terms of games based on comics. Most of these were platformers or brawlers, and most, like licensed games generally, were mediocre at best - with a few exceptions.

Roleplaying games especially seemed to be a natural fit for superhero games. Both usually have origin stories, over-the-top villainy, straightforward morality and, most importantly, characters overcoming adversity by gaining more strength and greater power, with single characters or small party dynamics. There were a few attempts of varying success, like the simple RPG/adventure hybrid Superhero League Of Hoboken, but it still took until 2002 for a great superhero RPG to be released: Freedom Force.

Continue reading Freedom Force: Superhero role-playing done right

JoystiqFreedom Force: Superhero role-playing done right originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Freedom-ForceIrrational-Gamespcwestern-rpgsFri, 11 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wedbush thinks Grand Theft Auto 5 will launch in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wedbush-thinks-grand-theft-auto-5-will-launch-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wedbush-thinks-grand-theft-auto-5-will-launch-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wedbush-thinks-grand-theft-auto-5-will-launch-in-october/#comments ImageWith this morning's announcement that BioShock Infinite will now launch in February 2013, publisher Take-Two Interactive altered more than a game's launch date. Take-Two is a publicly traded company, and one fewer gigantic product launch during the holiday season - arguably Take-Two's only holiday product launch, unless you count fall launches of Borderlands 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown as "holiday" - means that shareholders will want to know what's up. That worry is reflected in Take-Two's stock price, which took a five percent hit since the market opened this morning.

But when Infinite got pushed out of the holiday season, it opened the slot up for another high-profile Take-Two-published title: Grand Theft Auto 5. "In our view, the delay opens the window for Grand Theft Auto V to be released in October 2012," Michael Pachter of Webush Securities wrote in an email this morning, echoing a release window leak from earlier this year.

In his eyes, Infinite wasn't just delayed to make it "something even more extraordinary," as Ken Levine put it, but because the folks at Rockstar, "notified Take-Two that GTA V would be ready for October." He believes this resulted in Take-Two offering Irrational Games an extra few months to prepare BioShock Infinite. His logic? "The studio [Rockstar Games] has scheduled every prior GTA release during that month (with GTA IV delayed to April 2008, due to bugs in the PS3 version)."

Furthermore, Pachter and co. speculate we could hear more about GTA 5's launch date "as early as May 22" during a scheduled quarterly investor call, or perhaps in a few more weeks at E3 2012. We've yet to hear back from Irrational, Rockstar, or Take-Two on the subject.

JoystiqWedbush thinks Grand Theft Auto 5 will launch in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitedelaygrand-theft-auto-5gta5irrationalirrational-gamesmichael-pachtermicrosoftpcplaystationps3q4-2012release-daterockstarrockstar-gamestake-twotake-two-interactivewedbush-morganwedbush-morgan-securitieswedbush-securitiesxboxWed, 09 May 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite delayed to February 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/bioshock-infinite-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/bioshock-infinite-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/bioshock-infinite-delayed/#comments Take-Two has delayed BioShock Infinite until February 26, 2013.

"When we announced the release date of BioShock Infinite in March, we felt pretty good about the timing. Since then, we've uncovered opportunities to make Infinite into something even more extraordinary," said Irrational Games Creative Director Ken Levine. "Therefore, to give our talented team the time they need to deliver the best Infinite possible, we've decided to move the game's release to February."

Levine also mentioned in a separate statement that the game will be going dark from here on out, noting it will not be shown at mega events E3 and Gamescom.

"That way, the next time you see our game, it will be essentially the product we intend to put in the box. Preparing for these events takes time away from development, time we're going to use instead to get the best version of Infinite into your hands in February."

Gallery: BioShock Infinite (Propaganda Posters)

JoystiqBioShock Infinite delayed to February 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Two-InteractivexboxWed, 09 May 2012 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Irrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaider, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/#comments
I grew up reading and loving fiction. As I've aged and taken up a profession in journalism, I've erred on the side of nonfiction. And these days, most of my storytelling experiences come from film, television, and video games. But I'd be lying if I said that many of those story experiences - especially in the gaming medium - left the same impression on me as the works of Marquez or Vonnegut.

In late summer 2007, I played BioShock, and my tune began to change. Six months later, I played Mass Effect, and my stance on games as storytelling devices was altered even further. Somewhere along the line, between Jill sandwiches and lost princesses, game devs started implementing stories that I actually cared about.

Fast-forward to 2011, and the concept of games as storytelling devices is more accepted than ever. But games haven't changed - they're still mechanically driven constructs, and they still allow player agency to run all over what the game dev set out for you to experience. I found myself having conversations with Kotaku's Jason Schreier over the course of the past year about this seeming duality within games. We felt it was time for a proper discussion.

Enter: "Plot vs. Play: The Duality of Modern Game Design," the panel Schreier and I hosted at PAX East. Our idea was to gather several game developers who've tackled this duality head on, and have them discuss their individual approaches to navigating that issue. Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine, Obsidian Entertainment creative director Chris Avellone, and BioWare lead writer David Gaider were our first team of game devs to take up the challenge - something we hope to continue at future PAXes - and they did a great job.

In our rush to prepare for both the panel and that weekend's coverage plans at our respective outlets, neither Jason nor myself thought to set up a video camera to catch the event on tape. Thankfully, Mash Those Buttons captured the whole hour and put it up on YouTube, which I've dropped above.

Let us know what you think, and please suggest any devs you'd like to see play a part in future versions of "Plot vs Play." We're open to ideas!

JoystiqIrrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaider, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinchris-avellonedavid-gaiderdavid-gaiterirrationalirrational-gamesken-levineobisidianobsidian-entertainmentpax-eastpax-east-2012plot-vs-playplot-vs-play-2012plot-vs-play-the-duality-of-modern-game-designMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[An Irrational fear of monsters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/an-irrational-fear-of-monsters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/an-irrational-fear-of-monsters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/an-irrational-fear-of-monsters/#comments Image"A good monster is a monster you can imagine in repose."

That was the advice acclaimed horror writer and director Guillermo del Toro gave Ken Levine, the creator of the BioShock franchise, during a conversation on the Irrational Games podcast. Levine takes those words to heart in his own creative direction, and before building any terrifying monsters, he makes sure Irrational develops a rich, empathetic backstory that places each of the deformed, viciously homicidal creatures in routine settings, where they perform the most base of actions: contributing to society, petting a dog, relaxing, mourning.

Four Irrational members - Levine, art director Nate Wells, lead artist Shawn Robertson, and sound man Pat Balthrop - gave the PAX audience a glimpse into the secret lives and creation of five major BioShock Infinite villains: the Motorized Patriot, Handyman, Siren, Boys of Silence and Songbird.

Continue reading An Irrational fear of monsters

JoystiqAn Irrational fear of monsters originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteguillermo-del-toroHeavy-HittersirrationalIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftmonstersnate-wellspat-balthroppax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3rob-watersshawn-robertsontake-twotake-two-interactivevitaxboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: Bomberman says hello]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-bomberman-says-hello/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-bomberman-says-hello/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-bomberman-says-hello/#comments ImageSomeone tried to tell us this was a character from the BioShock universe, but we think we recognize Bomberman when we see him.

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: Bomberman says hello originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-marinBioshock-2irrationalIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3xboxSun, 08 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock 2 emerges on Mac today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/bioshock-2-emerges-on-mac-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/bioshock-2-emerges-on-mac-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/bioshock-2-emerges-on-mac-today/#comments BioShock 2 is out on Mac today, in just enough time for you to enjoy the entire game before playing BioShock Infinite on anything but Mac this October -- although if you enjoy waiting, we hear the Vita version still doesn't have a release date. BioShock 2 on Mac includes the multiplayer component, The Fall of Rapture, as well as the complete campaign.

Irrational previously announced BioShock 2 would hit Mac in January, published by Feral Interactive. Turns out half of that statement was true, and BioShock 2 is today available for Mac download via the Feral store, Mac App Store, Gamersgate, Gamefly, Mac Game Store and Macgames.fr.

Continue reading BioShock 2 emerges on Mac today

JoystiqBioShock 2 emerges on Mac today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bioshock-2feralferal-interactivefinallyIrrational-GamesmacreleaseThu, 29 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bioshock film adaptation loses director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/bioshock-film-adaptation-loses-director-juan-carlos-fresnadillo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/bioshock-film-adaptation-loses-director-juan-carlos-fresnadillo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/bioshock-film-adaptation-loses-director-juan-carlos-fresnadillo/#comments It's been a couple years since we've caught wind of any movement on the Bioshock movie adaptation announced back in 2008. Last we heard, pre-production on the film had been halted while discussions were held regarding the project's necessary budget and potential rating upon release.

Those talks are still ongoing, but once-attached director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo has apparently run out of patience. "To be honest, by now, I'm completely out of that, and developing other stuff," Fresnadillo said in a statement to The Playlist. "Right now it's on hold. The studio and the video game company, they have to reach some kind of agreement about the budget and the rating."

Here, Hollywood, allow us to resolve four years' worth of negotiations in four seconds: Make Bioshock's budget "all of the money" and let it have an R rating. Problem solved.

JoystiqBioshock film adaptation loses director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bioshockbioshock-movieIrrational-GamesJuan-Carlos-FresnadilloTake-Two-Interactiveuniversaluniversal-studiosSat, 24 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite's 'Boys of Silence' are awfully loud (also: terrifying)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/bioshock-infinites-boys-of-silence-are-awfully-loud-also-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/bioshock-infinites-boys-of-silence-are-awfully-loud-also-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/bioshock-infinites-boys-of-silence-are-awfully-loud-also-te/#comments
A motorized George Washington with a machine gun is worrisome, sure. And that dude with his giant porcelain hands? More menacing than Washington, no doubt. We think you'll agree, however, that BioShock Infinite's latest "heavy hitter," the "Boys of Silence" are by far the creepiest of the game's big boss dudes.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite's 'Boys of Silence' are awfully loud (also: terrifying) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrationalirrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxTue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite's sad men with giant hands, exposed!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/bioshock-infinites-sad-men-with-giant-hands-exposed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/bioshock-infinites-sad-men-with-giant-hands-exposed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/bioshock-infinites-sad-men-with-giant-hands-exposed/#comments
BioShock Infinite's version of Big Daddies sometimes resemble George Washington, and other times they're terrifying giants with exposed hearts and enormous porcelain hands. Take a look at the latter group in the latest trailer, just above.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite's sad men with giant hands, exposed! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-gamesbioshock-infinitegameplayhandy-manhandymanirrationalirrational-gamesmicrosoftmovepcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxWed, 14 Mar 2012 08:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-wants-to-show-you-bioshock-on-vita-not-talk-about-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-wants-to-show-you-bioshock-on-vita-not-talk-about-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-wants-to-show-you-bioshock-on-vita-not-talk-about-it/#comments "It's something completely different that we're crafting," Irrational Games boss Ken Levine tells me as I press him for details on BioShock for the PlayStation Vita. Levine revealed during Sony's media briefing at E3 2011 (pictured) that the new handheld would be home to a unique experience set in the BioShock universe.

"It's not BioShock Infinite ported to the Vita," he reiterates.

Moments earlier, Levine highlighted a point of frustration that comes with making announcements. While happy to discuss BioShock Infinite's October 16 release date, his Twitter feed immediately filled with questions about the "next thing, or the 'Collector's Edition,' or the Vita game." And here I am, falling into the same trap as his Twitter followers -- asking new questions when old ones are answered.

When might we hear more about the portable experience? "Look," he says with an emerging laugh in his voice, "we're working on it. We're trying to figure that [announcement timing] out. I ideally wouldn't have talked about the Vita game when I did. It was understandably important that, you know, Sony wanted us to share that information."

Continue reading Levine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it

JoystiqLevine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockbioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levineplaystationplaystation-vitavitaThu, 08 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing BioShock Infinite's second heavy hitter: George Washington with a mini-gun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/introducing-bioshock-infinites-second-heavy-hitter-george-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/introducing-bioshock-infinites-second-heavy-hitter-george-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/introducing-bioshock-infinites-second-heavy-hitter-george-wa/#comments
There's a new breed of baddie coming to BioShock Infinite. Dubbed the "Heavy Hitters," these menacing foes are another in a long line of defense against Booker DeWitt, protagonist and trespasser in the floating city of Columbia.

The 'Motorized Patriot' is a machine that wields a mini-gun and dons a horrifying wax mask, modeled after George Washington. Unlike the residents of Columbia, Heavy Hitters are relentless in their attack, and don't hesitate.

"We perceived a lack of variety in the enemies in BioShock," Irrational Games boss Ken Levine tells me over the phone. "There tend to be a lot of Splicers with weapons -- that was the primary thing you dealt with -- or there were a couple of them with plasmids. And then you had the Big Daddies. We really wanted to broaden out the pool [for BioShock Infinite]."

A total of four 'Heavy Hitters' are featured in BioShock Infinite. The hunkering, horse-throwing beast from the original gameplay trailer -- dubbed 'The Handyman' -- is another. Each has unique characteristics, and each ask for different tactics if you hope to defeat them.

Irrational's intent isn't for Heavy Hitters be the 'Infinite versions' of BioShock's iconic Big Daddy, Levine says. It was a matter of expanding the variety of enemies for players.

"We're not trying to recreate anything 'note-for-note.' If I have a C-Sharp in BioShock, I'm not really looking to necessarily have a C-Sharp in BioShock Infinite," Levine explains before apologizing for being "a music nerd."

"I want the kind of vibe to feel the same and the piece to feel like they're connected." There are "a ton of things" that connect the two games, he says, but only because the team feels their inclusion "organically worked" in BioShock Infinite. Irrational doesn't want to fall into the trap of feeling forced to add something to its next game, simply because it was prevalent in the first one in the series.

BioShock Infinite launches for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on October 16.

JoystiqIntroducing BioShock Infinite's second heavy hitter: George Washington with a mini-gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite ignites a revolution on October 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/bioshock-infinite-release-date-october-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/bioshock-infinite-release-date-october-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/bioshock-infinite-release-date-october-16/#comments
BioShock Infinite will fly into retail on October 16 and 19 in North America and internationally, respectively, 2K Games just announced. The game will launch on Xbox 360, PC and PS3; with the latter receiving Move support and a free copy of the first BioShock.

"After BioShock, we had a vision for a follow up that dwarfed the original in scope and ambition," said Irrational Games Creative Director Ken Levine. "BioShock Infinite has been our sole focus for the last four years, and we can't wait for fans to get their hands on it."

So, prepare for a trip to Columbia this autumn and fight like it's 1999 (or, 1912, which is when the game is actually set).

JoystiqBioShock Infinite ignites a revolution on October 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 01 Mar 2012 08:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass. Lt. Gov. wants game tax credits tied to job creation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/mass-lt-gov-wants-game-tax-credits-tied-to-job-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/mass-lt-gov-wants-game-tax-credits-tied-to-job-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/mass-lt-gov-wants-game-tax-credits-tied-to-job-creation/#comments Massachusetts is the fifth largest state for game industry employment in spite of better developer incentives in other states. Nearly 1,300 industry jobs exist in the Commonwealth, but a recent profile of Irrational Games by The Improper Bostonian covers how the state's grip on gaming could slip if it doesn't step up studio stimulus.

A bill for game developer incentives has been floating around the Mass. legislature for about a year, but hasn't gained traction with lawmakers. The state currently provides heavy cuts for the movie industry, despite the game industry pumping more cash into local economies.

"It's ironic," Irrational Games' director of product development Tim Gerritsen said. "If you look at it, where do you want to put your money? We've got 120 permanent employees. They spend all their money here. They pay their rent here. They pay their taxes here. Do you want Dane Cook? He's here for two weeks doing a film, and he's gone."

"When you talk about tax incentives, that's less revenue that you're receiving, so I think any kind of incentive would have to be linked to hard commitments from the private sector," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, who is coming off a win by keeping PAX East in Boston until 2023. The convention will also make donations totaling $325,000 over the next 11 years to MassDiGI.

The state did lose a major studio last year when former Red Sox player Curt Schilling's 38 Studios moved to neighboring Rhode Island for a $75 million loan. The state isn't likely to lose established studios like Harmonix, Demiurge and Turbine. The problem comes founding or incubating new studios without concessions.

JoystiqMass. Lt. Gov. wants game tax credits tied to job creation originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-Studiosbioshock-infiniteBostonDemiurgeHarmonixIrrationalIrrational-GamesMassachusettsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3TaxTax-incentivesTim-MurrayTurbinexboxThu, 16 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite to include tougher '1999 Mode']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/bioshock-infinite-to-include-tougher-1999-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/bioshock-infinite-to-include-tougher-1999-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/bioshock-infinite-to-include-tougher-1999-mode/#comments BioShock Infinite is gonna hurt you like it's 1999. Developer Irrational Games announced the "1999 Mode" for the upcoming RPG slash FPS this morning, and it appears to go beyond just messing with health stats for a more challenging game experience.

"I'm an old school gamer. We wanted to make sure we were taking into account the play styles of gamers like me," said Irrational's creative director Ken Levine. "So we went straight to the horse's mouth by asking them, on our website, a series of questions about how they play our games."

Levine continued, "94.6 percent of respondents indicated that upgrade choices enhanced their BioShock gameplay experience; however, 56.8 percent indicated that being required to make permanent decisions about their character would have made the game even better."

The 1999 Mode will include unnamed tweaks and features that won't exist in the standard BioSchock Infinite experience. It will also "feature demanding weapon, power, and health management," along with a "Game Over" screen if the player lacks the resources for a respawn. The company is unlikely to cover incidental damages to property caused by playing 1999 Mode.

For a look at a roughed up version of Elizabeth from the newly revealed mode, head past the jump.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite to include tougher '1999 Mode'

JoystiqBioShock Infinite to include tougher '1999 Mode' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19991999-mode2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrationalirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twoTake-Two-InteractivexboxThu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine gets dramatic when writing, directing for BioShock: Infinite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/levine-gets-dramatic-when-writing-directing-for-bioshock-infin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/levine-gets-dramatic-when-writing-directing-for-bioshock-infin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/levine-gets-dramatic-when-writing-directing-for-bioshock-infin/#comments Irrational Games' Ken Levine writes video games through the lens of a playwright and stage director, having penned plays since the age of 14 and majoring in drama in college. This perspective on storytelling helped him write the audio logs in BioShock, and it's shaping the way he directs the voice actors -- in person for the first time -- in BioShock: Infinite, Levine told Gamasutra.

Writing Elizabeth and Booker, Infinite's main characters, was a completely different process than writing BioShock's antagonist, Andrew Ryan, Levine said. "I always had Ayn Rand in my ear while I was writing him, and she is quite articulate in her viewpoints. So he was a pretty easy character to write, for me," Levine said.

"Booker and Elizabeth, because there's a very different constraint set, because I haven't done this kind of writing for a game before, where you sort of have all this dynamism with a character you're walking around the world with, that you're speaking to, as Booker... just the mechanics of it!"

Levine said he was inspired by the easy banter Naughty Dog placed in Uncharted, and he saw how it could transfer to a period piece. As he describes them, Levine's characters are unique to their time period and his own imagination: "Elizabeth is a person who sees nothing and wants to see everything, and Booker is somebody who's seen everything and wants to see nothing. They're at opposite ends of the spectrum."

The full (and long) interview is here, if you're interested in details about how Levine makes women weep.

JoystiqLevine gets dramatic when writing, directing for BioShock: Infinite originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitedirectingIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitavoice-actingwritingxboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2K Australia is 2K Australia again and is working on BioShock Infinite, Levine confirms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/2k-australia-is-2k-australia-again-and-is-working-on-bioshock-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/2k-australia-is-2k-australia-again-and-is-working-on-bioshock-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/2k-australia-is-2k-australia-again-and-is-working-on-bioshock-in/#comments So we don't run the risk of burying the lede, let's start with the news: MVC Pacific reports that the Canberra, Australia-based arm of developer 2K Marin is once again known as 2K Australia and is now working with former sister studio Irrational Games on BioShock Infinite. When asked for comment, Irrational boss man Ken Levine said, "We had a number of open positions on BioShock Infinite. When we found out our former sister studio 2K Australia was becoming available, we thought they would perfectly fill those roles."

He added, "If every decision was this easy..."

Now, some history. In 2007, after Irrational Games was purchased by Take-Two and just before the release of the original BioShock, the studio was split apart and renamed 2K Boston and 2K Australia. Since then, 2K Boston has become Irrational Games, once again, but 2K Australia hasn't had it so easy.

After working with 2K Marin on BioShock 2, it was decided that 2K Australia would lose its name and become a part of 2K Marin (which is a tad geographically misleading, no?) and help develop the XCOM reboot. Less than a year later, the 2K Australia studio head Martin Slater resigned and just last month it was reported that 15 employees were cut from the studio.

And now, over four years after the creation of 2K Australia, 2K Australia is back and once again working with Levine's team in Boston. We've reached out to 2K Games for any additional commentary on the shuffle and whether or not 2K Australia has any more involvement in XCOM. But while we're waiting, we wanted to say "welcome back" to the team in Canberra. Oh, and enough navel gazing. BioShock Infinite isn't going to make itself.

Joystiq2K Australia is 2K Australia again and is working on BioShock Infinite, Levine confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Australiabioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftplaystationps3Take-TwoxboxSun, 27 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How Irrational's cancelled 'The Lost' found itself in India]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/how-irrationals-cancelled-the-lost-found-itself-in-india/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/how-irrationals-cancelled-the-lost-found-itself-in-india/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/how-irrationals-cancelled-the-lost-found-itself-in-india/#comments
Irrational Games opened up its virtual "Vault," delivering information about its appropriately named PS2/Xbox game The Lost. "It was Silent Hill meets Zelda meets Devil May Cry in the sense that it was a series of levels in linear fashion, but within the levels, there was freedom," explained Games Design Director Bill Gardner.

Though Irrational decided not to release the project, it ended up making it to retail -- in India. Irrational decided to license the game to an Indian studio called FXLabs, whose CEO was working to build up the Indian game industry. FXLabs kept the game design, but localized it for PC as Agni: Queen of Darkness, even adding Bollywood actors. Above, actress Malaika Arora performs in a music video built around footage of the game.

In other words, there's an Irrational game out there you haven't played. Try to live with that!

JoystiqHow Irrational's cancelled 'The Lost' found itself in India originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agni-queen-of-darknesscancelledfxlabsindiairrational-gamesthe-lostWed, 16 Nov 2011 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[We wish The Crovel was in every game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/we-wish-the-crovel-was-in-every-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/we-wish-the-crovel-was-in-every-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/we-wish-the-crovel-was-in-every-game/#comments
It's fairly normal to see things in video games and wish that they existed in real life (gravity gun, ASHHPD, etc) but it's not every day that the opposite happens, where we come across something so ingenious that our favorite gaming heroes seem woefully ill-equipped in comparison.

See, ever since we found out about The Crovel (pronounced crow-vel, like a crowbar-shovel), we can't stop daydreaming about all the different ways we'd like to slaughter hundreds and hundreds of zombies/orcs/demons with its various points and edges. Designed as a multi-purpose survival tool, The Crovel combines a spade, a sharpened edge for machete-style hacking, a serrated edge for saw-style sawin', a hammerhead for blunt-force trauma hammering, and a crowbar claw for good measure.

For added Batman utility, the rope wrapping the handle can be unspooled for use as a tourniquet, or to transform the device into a grappling hook. The end of the handle can also be capped by an optional "Z Spike" for stabbing; it's basically the greatest makeshift anti-horde device ever created.

Look, we know this isn't strictly video-game related, but it's awesome, and the only way we're going to see The Crovel in the next Valve or Irrational Games title is if we raise public awareness. Make it happen, developers.

JoystiqWe wish The Crovel was in every game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crovelcrowbarirrational-gamesmulti-toolshovelthe-crovelvalveSun, 13 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Sony producing 'special' Move peripheral for BioShock Infinite [update: 2K says no]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/report-sony-producing-special-move-peripheral-for-bioshock-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/report-sony-producing-special-move-peripheral-for-bioshock-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/report-sony-producing-special-move-peripheral-for-bioshock-in/#comments We haven't heard exactly how BioShock Infinite will make use of the Move peripheral, only that it will; however, we now know that you'll have the option to play Infinite with its very own "special" Move device.

Videogamer caught the following note in a Move article on the UK PlayStation site: "A special PS Move peripheral is being produced that will draw you even deeper into this stunning vision of a parallel future." The article no longer makes any mention of a specialized peripheral, suggesting that this news got out a little bit early, and Sony and Irrational are now trying to open a tear in the fabric of reality into a parallel future where we don't know about this.

We're contacting Sony and Irrational now to try to learn more. Until then, let your imagination run wild! Is it a Skyhook? A bottle with a glowing ball on top?

[Update: 2K told CVG the purported device is not real.]

JoystiqReport: Sony producing 'special' Move peripheral for BioShock Infinite [update: 2K says no] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesplaystationplaystation-moveps3Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Going even deeper into BioShock Infinite's voice acting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/going-even-deeper-into-bioshock-infinites-voice-acting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/going-even-deeper-into-bioshock-infinites-voice-acting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/going-even-deeper-into-bioshock-infinites-voice-acting/#comments
Last week we brought you the first half of a two part feature with Irrational Games head Ken Levine coaching BioShock Infinite's two main voice actors. This week, we've got Booker (Troy Baker) yelling at Elizabeth (Courtnee Draper) to elicit emotion-filled lines. Next week? Tigers.

JoystiqGoing even deeper into BioShock Infinite's voice acting originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitecourtnee-draperirrationalirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivetroy-bakervoice-actingxboxFri, 04 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine and Guillermo del Toro talk films, monsters, and narrative on latest Irrational Interviews]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/ken-levine-and-guillermo-del-toro-talk-films-monsters-and-narr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/ken-levine-and-guillermo-del-toro-talk-films-monsters-and-narr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/ken-levine-and-guillermo-del-toro-talk-films-monsters-and-narr/#comments We've got a perfect excuse for you to once again don that Big Daddy costume from Halloween of aught seven: a podcast. Wait, wait, hear us out -- the podcast is Irrational Games' own "Irrational Interviews," and stars none other than BioShock and BioShock Infinite creative lead Ken Levine. Oh, also, it's totally Halloween again, so you probably need a costume anyway.

Furthermore, Mr. Levine's speaking with film director slash game developer Guillermo del Toro -- behind films such as Pan's Labyrinth and Blade 2, and heading up creative duties on THQ's inSane -- and it's just the first half of a two-parter. If it were ever a good day to hear two creative virtuosos wax philosophical about making scary monsters, today is that day.

JoystiqKen Levine and Guillermo del Toro talk films, monsters, and narrative on latest Irrational Interviews originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteblade-2guillermo-del-toroinsaneirrationalirrational-gamesirrational-interviewsken-levinepans-labyrinthpodcastpodcastsMon, 31 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine: Occupy Wall Street and tea party mirror revolution in BioShock Infinite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/levine-occupy-wall-street-and-tea-party-mirror-revolution-in-bi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/levine-occupy-wall-street-and-tea-party-mirror-revolution-in-bi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/levine-occupy-wall-street-and-tea-party-mirror-revolution-in-bi/#comments Irrational Games' creative frontman Ken Levine started Occupy Wall Street in a city in the sky, a year before the first tent was pitched on the ground in Manhattan -- and if his timeline of events in BioShock Infinite is any indication of our own future, we'd better start building some evacuation skyhooks yesterday. Levine draws parallels between the fighting political factions in Infinite, the Founders and the Vox Populi, and the OWS and tea party movements, in an interview with the Washington Post. But it doesn't start -- or stop -- there:

"In this world, we came up with the idea of looking at what was happening at the time of the game [the 1890s], with the jingoism movement and the nationalist movement versus internationalist movement," Levine said. "This was before the tea party, before Occupy Wall Street. Actually, when people saw that demo, they thought we were aping the tea party; they thought it was a hit piece on the Tea Party. But these movements tend to happen. There have been nationalist and nativist movements many times through history.

"As we developed these opposing groups," Levine continued, "the Founders versus the Vox Populi, it was interesting to see this play out in real time, so that the fictional movements we're creating that are set in this heightened past are almost being duplicated in reality."

The polarizing views in the game mirror real-life partisan perception of the BioShock games, Levine said, with people on both sides vilifying them for opposing reasons. Infinite demonstrates a possible outcome of such political extremes, with Columbia seceding from McKinley-era America and devolving into violent drama. "I hope the real-life movements don't head to the same place, though," Levine said. "I'm not going anywhere nice, I'll tell you that much."

JoystiqLevine: Occupy Wall Street and tea party mirror revolution in BioShock Infinite originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftoccupy-wall-streetOccupyWallStreetpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3tea-partyvitavox-populixboxFri, 28 Oct 2011 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite's main voice actors explore the creative process]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/bioshock-infinites-main-voice-actors-explore-the-creative-proce/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/bioshock-infinites-main-voice-actors-explore-the-creative-proce/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/bioshock-infinites-main-voice-actors-explore-the-creative-proce/#comments
What's it like expressing a total lack of remorse for a dying virtual horse in a fantastical city in the clouds? BioShock Infinite voice actor Troy Baker explains just that in this behind-the-scenes look at the voice actors playing Elizabeth and Booker in next year's big Irrational game.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite's main voice actors explore the creative process originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitecourtnee-draperirrationalirrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivetroy-bakervoice-actingxboxThu, 27 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Too many chefs: Ken Levine's thoughts on auteurship, editorship, and his work on the BioShock film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/too-many-chefs-ken-levines-thoughts-on-auteurship-editorship/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/too-many-chefs-ken-levines-thoughts-on-auteurship-editorship/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/too-many-chefs-ken-levines-thoughts-on-auteurship-editorship/#comments When it comes to the development behind BioShock 1 and BioShock Infinite, Irrational Games studio head Ken Levine described his role as that of "editor of a magazine ... but I'm also a writer for the magazine," putting things into terms that my word-addled brain could understand. "I believe more in editorship. Auteur sounds like you do everything," he began, making a point to preface his following description with a nod to the other 100-ish folks employed at his Massachusetts studio.

That aside, Levine was clear that his role on Infinite is absolutely that of creative lead, not just creative oversight. "This is my game. And I love the fact that we sit down and chat with each other [Levine and other game devs outside of Irrational], but at the end of the day ... this thing's gotta be my decision."

When it came to the translation of BioShock 1 from game to film, however, Levine's role changed -- even though he had been creative lead (head editor?) during the game's development. "If I were to make a game that was based on somebody else's franchise, you need somebody there who's going to say, 'This is true to the franchise, this isn't true to the franchise.' So that was more my role in the film," he explained.

Continue reading Too many chefs: Ken Levine's thoughts on auteurship, editorship, and his work on the BioShock film

JoystiqToo many chefs: Ken Levine's thoughts on auteurship, editorship, and his work on the BioShock film originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshockbioshock-infiniteirrationalirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftnyccnycc-2011pcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxWed, 26 Oct 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Irrational's Ken Levine on BioShock's final boss and how Infinite's solution is 'more in our wheelhouse']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/irrationals-ken-levine-on-bioshocks-final-boss-and-how-infinit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/irrationals-ken-levine-on-bioshocks-final-boss-and-how-infinit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/irrationals-ken-levine-on-bioshocks-final-boss-and-how-infinit/#comments "So every game we make, we always say to ourselves -- back on BioShock 1, we had that terrible showdown fight at the end -- we're not good at that, let's not do that again. And then somehow, we end up ... it's like ... 'Baby I'll never hit you again, I'm changed, I'm changed!' And then we did it!"

Irrational Games head and BioShock 1 creative lead Ken Levine struggled through that explanation this past weekend, pausing often, sighing a lot, and doubling back to be extra clear. His sentiment was certainly definitive, though: even he wasn't a big fan of the game's final boss fight with Atlas. "I think the boss battle in BioShock 1 -- the real boss battle -- is Andrew Ryan."

I had asked about how BioShock Infinite, the studio's next game, would deal with boss fights, as the Atlas battle in the first BioShock title was seen by many as the lowest point in an otherwise spectacular experience. "I think we need to stay in our wheelhouse," he explained. "We're not Shadow of the Colossus. Those guys have a genius for that. We don't have that particular genius." Without getting into anything specific, and recognizing that it would be a "missed opportunity" not to do something with Songbird (Infinite's airborne antagonist), Levine said gamers should expect something more akin to the Andrew Ryan resolution in BioShock 1.

Continue reading Irrational's Ken Levine on BioShock's final boss and how Infinite's solution is 'more in our wheelhouse'

JoystiqIrrational's Ken Levine on BioShock's final boss and how Infinite's solution is 'more in our wheelhouse' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesandrew-ryanatlasbioshockbioshock-infiniteboss-fightsirrationalirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftnyccnycc-2011pcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxTue, 18 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine gives us an update on BioShock for PlayStation Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/ken-levine-gives-us-an-update-on-bioshocks-playstation-vita-ver/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/ken-levine-gives-us-an-update-on-bioshocks-playstation-vita-ver/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/ken-levine-gives-us-an-update-on-bioshocks-playstation-vita-ver/#comments "We're still sort of in the paper design stage," Irrational Games head and co-founder Ken Levine told me this weekend. Sitting in a nondescript conference room four floors above Manhattan's Union Square, sipping on his second Diet Coke, Levine was referring to the new BioShock game coming to PlayStation Vita, which he announced himself on Sony's E3 press conference stage earlier this year.

Despite the naming convention, BioShock on Vita isn't planned as a portable version of the upcoming game, Infinite, or the former two games set in the underwater city of Rapture -- at least, not right now. "That's not the current goal for what we're doing," Levine explained. While he admitted that "things can change," he added, "I think for us, the idea we have is a really good expression on a platform like that [Vita]. It's a different goal. And it has to sort of have its own voice in the franchise. If it just feels like a quieter voice in the franchise, I don't think that works. For us."

Which isn't to say he derides other developers for taking the pared-down port approach. "I think there's room for every kind of game and every kind of approach. But just for what we do. That's not to say I won't play a lot of those games. I'd love to have that kind of game on a handheld." It simply means the development of the BioShock Vita game isn't taking that route. "I'd rather do something that's an experiment and that's a little different. And is unique for the franchise," he teased.

Continue reading Ken Levine gives us an update on BioShock for PlayStation Vita

JoystiqKen Levine gives us an update on BioShock for PlayStation Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrationalirrational-gamesnyccnycc-2011playstationplaystation-vitatake-two-interactivevitaMon, 17 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock: Infinite voice actors caught on film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/bioshock-infinite-voice-actors-caught-on-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/bioshock-infinite-voice-actors-caught-on-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/bioshock-infinite-voice-actors-caught-on-film/#comments
Eager to put faces to the voices (and digital faces, we guess) behind the lead characters of BioShock: Infinite? Look no further, as MSNBC's In-Game took some time to chat with Courtnee Draper and Troy Baker, who play Elizabeth and Booker Dewitt in Irrational's upcoming followup.

Check out the video above for a look at the voice acting process, and just what goes into creating Booker, Elizabeth and the relationship between them.

JoystiqBioShock: Infinite voice actors caught on film originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitecourtnee-draperIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3troy-bakerxboxTue, 27 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[The RPG/RTS that Irrational never made: 'Dungeon Duel']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-rpg-rts-that-irrational-never-made-dungeon-duel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-rpg-rts-that-irrational-never-made-dungeon-duel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-rpg-rts-that-irrational-never-made-dungeon-duel/#comments Back in 2002, the folks leading up development of next year's highly anticipated, high-flying FPS, BioShock Infinite, were hard at work on a game that never made it off the ground. It was a role-playing game crossed with a real-time strategy title, and it was aimed at consoles. As revealed on the Irrational Games blog, the game was known as "Dungeon Duel" never got past the concept stage.

The gameplay seems to be a mix of dungeon crawl and card-based strategy, with cards representing actual monsters and spells rather than operating on a numbers level. Combat was described as both "fast-paced" and "real-time," though the design doc fails to go into too much detail -- it's an early pitch, after all. A handful of concept art shots and in-game artwork were also made available, which you can see over on the Irrational blog.

JoystiqThe RPG/RTS that Irrational never made: 'Dungeon Duel' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescanceledcancelleddungeon-duelirrationalirrational-gamesrpgrtsFri, 23 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Irrational Interviews' pairs Ken Levine with the BioWare docs on latest episode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/irrational-interviews-pairs-ken-levine-with-the-bioware-docs-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/irrational-interviews-pairs-ken-levine-with-the-bioware-docs-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/irrational-interviews-pairs-ken-levine-with-the-bioware-docs-o/#comments When we tipped you in the past about Irrational Games' ongoing series of podcasts, dubbed "Irrational Interviews," we may not have been emphatic enough about becoming an ongoing listener. To date, not a single episode has been less than interesting, and this week's episode with the BioWare doctors goes far beyond that all-too-general adjective.

The trio cover everything from their disparate, non-game industry backgrounds, to the myriad difficulties involved in growing a studio, to the requisite "where is the industry going" conversation (unfortunately, even these folks don't know for sure). And clocking in at around half an hour, you can easily fit it in while your significant other watches another episode of the Jersey Shore.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'richcz3']

Joystiq'Irrational Interviews' pairs Ken Levine with the BioWare docs on latest episode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukirrationalirrational-gamesirrational-interviewsken-levineray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite PAX panel video explores the importance of relationships, crying in tiny rooms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/bioshock-infinite-pax-panel-video-explores-the-importance-of-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/bioshock-infinite-pax-panel-video-explores-the-importance-of-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/bioshock-infinite-pax-panel-video-explores-the-importance-of-rel/#comments
PAX can be a fantastic catalyst for news and breaking information about upcoming games, but it also provides a unique window into the development process that we as consumers don't often get a chance to see. This year's BioShock Infinite panel, for instance, dove into the art of voice-acting, the challenges associated with dynamic story telling in a first person environment, and the benefits associated with crying in a 5-by-6 closet while strangers viciously berate you.

The panel, hosted by G4's Adam Sessler, starred Irrational Games' Creative Director Ken Levine, as well as voice actors Troy Baker and Courtnee Draper, who voice Infinite's Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth, respectively. The group covered a wide range of topics regarding Infinite's lead characters, their motivations, and the somewhat unorthodox techniques used to extract such emotional performances from the actors.

Despite being fairly F-bomb heavy, the above video doesn't disclose any information we weren't already aware of, so the spoiler-cautious among you need not worry.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite PAX panel video explores the importance of relationships, crying in tiny rooms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioShockbioshock-infiniteCourtnee-DraperIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpax-2011pax-prime-2011PAX2011pcplaystationps3Troy-BakerxboxMon, 29 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite Gamescom screens make Elizabeth sad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/bioshock-infinite-gamescom-screens-make-elizabeth-sad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/bioshock-infinite-gamescom-screens-make-elizabeth-sad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/bioshock-infinite-gamescom-screens-make-elizabeth-sad/#comments Don't cry, Lizzy! We know it's going to be a while before we get to meet, but it doesn't mean you have to be all dramatic about it. Turn that frown upside down! Besides we hear your tears can do dangerous stuff -- wait, not those kind of tears? Oh, gotcha.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite Gamescom screens make Elizabeth sad

JoystiqBioShock Infinite Gamescom screens make Elizabeth sad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitegamescom-2011irrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 17 Aug 2011 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite time rift uses assets from canceled Irrational project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/bioshock-infinite-time-rift-uses-assets-from-canceled-irrational/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/bioshock-infinite-time-rift-uses-assets-from-canceled-irrational/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/bioshock-infinite-time-rift-uses-assets-from-canceled-irrational/#comments The most striking moment of the thoroughly striking E3 demo for BioShock Infinite was, undoubtedly, the moment in which Elizabeth momentarily loses control of her powers, opening a rift to a more modern world than that of the floating city of Columbia. It was surprising, effective, and it almost didn't happen. In an interview with Gamasutra, Ken Levine explained, "It was supposed to be to this primeval forest kind of thing, and it just wasn't striking or different enough ... but we had assets from a game we abandoned."

Levine added that the development team "made a bunch of changes to really sell it, but we had all those assets just sitting around from a game we never shipped."

Well, great. Now we're going to spend the day trying to guess what that canceled game was. Maybe The Lost? Maybe it's something secret, like Freedom Force: Rise of the Multiplex Menace.

No, that's probably not it at all.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite time rift uses assets from canceled Irrational project originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 10 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine talks BioShock Infinite's Move functionality, no plans for Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/levine-talks-bioshock-infinites-move-functionality-no-plans-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/levine-talks-bioshock-infinites-move-functionality-no-plans-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/levine-talks-bioshock-infinites-move-functionality-no-plans-fo/#comments In a recent IGN interview, Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine discussed how he made that demo for BioShock Infinite so very, very good. Of course, we all know the answer to that is "witchcraft" -- however, Levine also talked about the game's Move functionality, a feature first announced at E3. He explains it will be entirely optional to the experience, saying, "my hope is that we'll succeed in the experiment and people will like it. But if they don't like it, they'll never know it's there. And that's cool."

As for the franchise's future, Levine reiterated that the BioShock title planned for the Vita will be "a new game," which is going to be "strange and surprising to people." As for E3's other hot-ticket piece of hardware, the Wii U, Levine explained, "I'm not saying it can't happen, but we have no plans to do any games for that platform." That's a shame -- we bet that tiny screen would be perfect for an upsettingly visceral EVE Hypo-injecting metagame.

JoystiqLevine talks BioShock Infinite's Move functionality, no plans for Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshockbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesmicrosoftngpnintendoplaystationplaystation-moveplaystation-vitaps-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxTue, 12 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brace yourself to watch the BioShock Infinite demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/bioshock-infinite-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/bioshock-infinite-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/bioshock-infinite-footage/#comments Just above, you'll find about 15 minutes of BioShock Infinite gameplay that was shown on GameTrailers TV last night. But before you watch the demo ... well, you need to steel your resolve.

Keep in mind, this is the Infinite footage that left jaded game journalists slack-jawed at E3 as they fell over one another to heap "Best of Show" awards on it. Do you really think you're strong enough to resist the hypnotic love thrall that so ensorcelled all of game writerdom? Actually, you may be ... we weren't getting enough sleep and green vegetables are hard to come by on the show floor. But you probably won't be.

If you're unmoved by our warnings, prepare yourself for some touching moments with your partner and charge Elizabeth, a bizarre journey into an alternate dimension and some of the most impressive, high-flying combat ever rendered.

Just don't blame us when that other game you were anticipating (whatever that may be) looks a little less enticing.

JoystiqBrace yourself to watch the BioShock Infinite demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshockbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 08 Jul 2011 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite sweeps Best of E3 Game Critics Awards, PlayStation Vita wins Best Hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/bioshock-infinite-sweeps-best-of-e3-game-critics-awards-playsta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/bioshock-infinite-sweeps-best-of-e3-game-critics-awards-playsta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/bioshock-infinite-sweeps-best-of-e3-game-critics-awards-playsta/#comments There was little confusion amongst this year's E3 judges as to which game was most deserving: Super Stick Man Golf. Unfortunately it wasn't eligible for nomination, already being out and all, so the judges (this writer included) had to settle on another game. Luckily, Ken Levine and his crew at Irrational Games brought the scrumtrulescent BioShock Infinite which, when the votes were all tallied up, managed to win an admittedly finite number of awards. While we're sure the team is disappointed, we'd like to remind them that Infinite won every award it was nominated for, including Best of Show.

Other notable winners include The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which bagged both Best Role-Playing Game and Best Console Game; Battlefield 3, which took home Best Action Game and Best Online Multiplayer; and Sound Shapes which scored Best Handheld Game and Best Social/Casual Game. We've assembled a list of all the nominees with the winners in bold just past the break. If you want some more stats (Xbox 360 was the lead platform with 14 wins) check out the Fast Facts link below!

Continue reading BioShock Infinite sweeps Best of E3 Game Critics Awards, PlayStation Vita wins Best Hardware

JoystiqBioShock Infinite sweeps Best of E3 Game Critics Awards, PlayStation Vita wins Best Hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitee3-2011game-critics-awardsirrational-gamesmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonytake-twowiixboxTue, 28 Jun 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite visits new world in latest media]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/bioshock-infinite-visits-new-world-in-latest-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/bioshock-infinite-visits-new-world-in-latest-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/bioshock-infinite-visits-new-world-in-latest-media/#comments A new developer diary for BioShock Infinite has been released, detailing the game's "tear" system. As we detailed in our recent preview, Elizabeth can open tears in reality, pulling in helpful objects from other realities that can be utilized by protagonist Booker Dewitt. Those with sharp eyes will notice that Elizabeth's powers expand much further than that as well. Like, they expand far far away.

Check out the video after the break and peruse new screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: BioShock Infinite (6/23/11)

Continue reading BioShock Infinite visits new world in latest media

JoystiqBioShock Infinite visits new world in latest media originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 23 Jun 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Get an early taste of the BioShock: Rapture novel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/get-an-early-taste-of-the-bioshock-rapture-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/get-an-early-taste-of-the-bioshock-rapture-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/get-an-early-taste-of-the-bioshock-rapture-novel/#comments Announced in a partnership back in 2009, the Tor and Take-Two undertaking of BioShock: Rapture, a novel detailing the events of Rapture prior to the original game, is finally making its way to bookshelves on July 19. Tor, in anticipation of this event, has published the first excerpt of the novel to the public, taken from the book's first chapter.

The prequel novel is written by John Shirley, an accomplished screen and songwriter, as well as the Bram Stoker-award winning author of Black Butterflies. He also wrote the script for The Crow, so Brandon Lee fans take note. To read the excerpt, hit up the source link below.

JoystiqGet an early taste of the BioShock: Rapture novel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesBioshockbooksirrational-gamesjohn-shirleymicrosoftpcplaystationps3tor-booksxboxFri, 17 Jun 2011 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[No Gods or Kings, only Blocks: BioShock's Rapture made out of Legos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/no-gods-or-kings-only-blocks-bioshocks-rapture-made-out-of-le/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/no-gods-or-kings-only-blocks-bioshocks-rapture-made-out-of-le/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/no-gods-or-kings-only-blocks-bioshocks-rapture-made-out-of-le/#comments And here we thought our AT-ATs and 55 Central Park (you know, the Ghostbusters' building) Lego diddies were neat ideas -- not even close. Turns out Lego sculptor Imagine Rigney has the game on lock, evidenced by this amazing recreation of Rapture, which can be seen in full past the break.

Continue reading No Gods or Kings, only Blocks: BioShock's Rapture made out of Legos

JoystiqNo Gods or Kings, only Blocks: BioShock's Rapture made out of Legos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshockirrational-gameslegomicrosoftpcplaystationps3rapturesculpturexboxThu, 16 Jun 2011 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite dev diary explores the Vox Populi]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/bioshock-infinite-dev-diary-explores-the-vox-populi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/bioshock-infinite-dev-diary-explores-the-vox-populi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/bioshock-infinite-dev-diary-explores-the-vox-populi/#comments The latest behind-the-scenes video for BioShock Infinite takes a look at the Vox Populi, one of the two warring factions featured in the game (which we first heard about during our preview back in May). Of course, the video also includes some tasty gameplay footage, so everyone wins!

Continue reading BioShock Infinite dev diary explores the Vox Populi

JoystiqBioShock Infinite dev diary explores the Vox Populi originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 16 Jun 2011 18:42:00 EST