Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Killer Instinct trademark trouble cleared up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/killer-instinct-trademark-trouble-cleared-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/killer-instinct-trademark-trouble-cleared-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/killer-instinct-trademark-trouble-cleared-up/#comments Microsoft renews Killer Instinct trademarkMicrosoft and Fox have worked out their dispute over the Killer Instinct trademark, and basically promised not to sue each other. NeoGAF hosts a copy of the "trademark coexistence agreement" signed in late March, which lets both sides use the trademark as long as they don't get into each other's territory.

Microsoft will stay away from making a short-lived television show, while Fox will do its best not to make a new game in a franchise that hasn't seen a new installment since 1996.

This odd speed bump came up in September 2012 when Microsoft announced its intention to renew the trademark. Two months later, it became known that the trademark renewal was rejected due to Fox's trademark on the TV show. And no, it still doesn't mean a new Killer Instinct game is happening.

JoystiqKiller Instinct trademark trouble cleared up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foxkiller-instinctmicrosoftThu, 04 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Killer Instinct trademark renewal rejected, what it means]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/killer-instinct-trademark-renewal-rejected-what-it-means/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/killer-instinct-trademark-renewal-rejected-what-it-means/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/killer-instinct-trademark-renewal-rejected-what-it-means/#comments Microsoft renews Killer Instinct trademarkMicrosoft's trademark renewal of Killer Instinct has been rejected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for "likelihood of confusion." As NeoGAF points out, this bit of confusion has to do with the short-lived FOX show Killer Instinct from 1995. Microsoft announced in mid-September it was in the process of renewing the long-languishing intellectual property, but did not specify the purpose.

So, what does the rejection mean? We checked with attorney Mark Methenitis who pens Law of the Game.

"In short, this means ... more or less nothing," Methenitis told us when asked if there was more to the rejection. "It's just an office action; they happen on lots of trademark applications, and is not by any means the final say on the application. It just means that Microsoft has to provide more evidence to overcome their objection to move forward with the application."

He continued, "All things considered, I would imagine that Microsoft has a pretty strong position reverting back to the previous Killer Instinct games, which far predate the Fox filing, and moreover, there's no evidence of actual confusion between that show and the game."

According to Methenitis, Microsoft has six months to respond. He equated this action to fighting games, saying it's like taking some hits in the first round, but you haven't even come close to losing the bout.

JoystiqKiller Instinct trademark renewal rejected, what it means originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>killer-instinctmicrosoftraretrademarksusptoxboxTue, 04 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft renews Killer Instinct trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/microsoft-renews-killer-instinct-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/microsoft-renews-killer-instinct-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/microsoft-renews-killer-instinct-trademark/#comments Microsoft renews Killer Instinct trademarkLong-languishing intellectual property Killer Instinct has had its trademark renewed by Microsoft.

Microsoft's PlayXBLA noted the renewal, saying the company's legal department authorized the following statement about the franchise: "We have either renewed or refiled a trademark application in various jurisdictions."

The takeaway here is not much more than Microsoft protecting its rights. The most recent mention of the series was an interview with a former 3D modeler at Rare, who said, "We all wanted to make KI3, but Microsoft [was] more interested in broadening their demographic than making another fighting game ... So it never got made, I doubt it ever will."

[Thanks to all who sent this in.]

JoystiqMicrosoft renews Killer Instinct trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>killer-instinctkiller-instinct-3microsoftrarexboxMon, 17 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Rare dev discusses Killer Instinct 3, Kinect's 'Savannah' prototype and Microsoft acquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/ex-rare-dev-discusses-killer-instinct-3-kinects-savannah-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/ex-rare-dev-discusses-killer-instinct-3-kinects-savannah-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/ex-rare-dev-discusses-killer-instinct-3-kinects-savannah-pro/#comments ExRare dev discusses Killer Instinct 3 death, Kinect's 'Savannah' projectA former artist at Rare has given us a peek behind the curtain at the studio's "Savannah" project and the eventual elimination of Killer Instinct. Speaking with NotEnoughShaders, Donnchadh Murphy, who was a 3D modeler at Rare but now works at an animation studio, revealed the developer was working on a project called "Savannah" for Kinect.

Savannah (models pictured) was going to be a Kinect title where players raised a lion cub from birth, teaching the animal survival skills. The game was only ever a prototype and was never greenlit.

Meanwhile, Murphy said, the company was always interested in revisiting the Killer Instinct franchise in HD, as is often requested by ardent Rare fans. "We all wanted to make KI3, but Microsoft [was] more interested in broadening their demographic than making another fighting game," he said. "So it never got made, I doubt it ever will."

Continue reading Ex-Rare dev discusses Killer Instinct 3, Kinect's 'Savannah' prototype and Microsoft acquisition

JoystiqEx-Rare dev discusses Killer Instinct 3, Kinect's 'Savannah' prototype and Microsoft acquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>killer-instinctkiller-instinct-3kinect-sports-season-2microsoftraresavannahxboxWed, 22 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare expresses its Valentine's love with new TIP cards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rare-expresses-their-valentines-love-with-new-tip-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rare-expresses-their-valentines-love-with-new-tip-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rare-expresses-their-valentines-love-with-new-tip-cards/#commentsBeing the season of love, one of our countless admirers, developer Rare, sent over a set of scan-friendly Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise Valentine's cards, including three new Killer Instinct characters for your collection.

You can view all four new trading cards in the gallery below. Using your handy Vision camera, scan the bar code into Trouble in Paradise, then behold the magic that takes place. Warning: We have yet to scan any of the cards, so if you have an urge to invest in Ultratech or experience an unshakable infatuation with all Rare products, please, don't send your lawyers after us.

Gallery: Rare Valentine's Day Cards

JoystiqRare expresses its Valentine's love with new TIP cards originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>killer-instinctraretrouble-in-paradisevalentines-dayviva-pinataviva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseMon, 09 Feb 2009 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare's Christmas card lacking Killer Instinct ... or is it?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/rares-christmas-card-lacking-killer-instinct-or-is-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/rares-christmas-card-lacking-killer-instinct-or-is-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/rares-christmas-card-lacking-killer-instinct-or-is-it/#commentsFiled under: ,


click to embiggen the holiday cheer
Rare sent over this Christmas card wishing the staff a happy holidays. Unlike last time, there's no Killer Instinct hint to be found. What gives, Rare? No Glacius The Snowkiller? Oh, wait, what's this ...

Gallery: Rare's Christmas Card 2008

Rare

Continue reading Rare's Christmas card lacking Killer Instinct ... or is it?

JoystiqRare's Christmas card lacking Killer Instinct ... or is it? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatarsbanjo-kazooiehumorjs-twitterkiller-instinctrareviva-pinataXbox-360Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare 'may do something' with Killer Instinct franchise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/rare-may-do-something-with-killer-instinct-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/rare-may-do-something-with-killer-instinct-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/rare-may-do-something-with-killer-instinct-franchise/#commentsFiled under:

Being the teases that they love to be, Rare studio head Mark Betteridge told Eurogamer that they're still kicking around the idea of bringing back Killer Instinct, but that the idea would have to be something uniquely special.

"Killer Instinct is an IP that is fondly remembered and we may do something with it," Betteridge admitted, "but it's a tricky market to be like the old Killer Instinct." If Rare were to bring back Killer Instinct, they'd require some sort of market "revolution", as was done with Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Let's just hope that if they were to do another KI, that it wouldn't stray too far away from the golden formula.

[Thanks, Joe]

JoystiqRare 'may do something' with Killer Instinct franchise originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>killer-instinctkiller-instinct-3rareSun, 30 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare says new Killer Instinct not out of the question]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/rare-says-new-killer-instinct-not-out-of-the-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/rare-says-new-killer-instinct-not-out-of-the-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/rare-says-new-killer-instinct-not-out-of-the-question/#commentsFiled under:


It's such a shame what happened with Nintendo and Rare. Remember the good old days when we loved their games? Oh, how it was wonderful to be alive.

And Rare is thinking about reviving one of those older games we love in their fighting game franchise, Killer Instinct, they've commented to Eurogamer. "Killer Instinct is an IP that is fondly remembered and we may do something with it, but it's a tricky market to be like the old Killer Instinct," said studio manager Mark Betteridge. And, even if they did revive the series, it would most likely be on the Xbox 360 and not back home on Nintendo's Wii console, like we would hope.

Who would still want to play a new Killer Instinct game?

JoystiqRare says new Killer Instinct not out of the question originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightingkiller-instinctkiller-instinct-goldmicrosoftrarexbox-360Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Battletoads and Killer Instinct jokes in Nuts & Bolts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/battletoads-and-killer-instinct-jokes-in-nuts-and-bolts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/battletoads-and-killer-instinct-jokes-in-nuts-and-bolts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/battletoads-and-killer-instinct-jokes-in-nuts-and-bolts/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ah, those yuksters at Rare are at it again. After teasing fans only a month ago with Killer Instinct themed Piñata Vision cards, now they've gone and dropped pure fanboy flamebait into Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Note the image above, in which sequels to several favorite (and not so favorite) Rare franchises are mentioned, including Killer Instinct, Jet Force Gemeni, Battletoads, and Grabbed by the Ghoulies.

Now, we could live without most of them (okay, technically we could live without all of them), but we have to admit a new Battletoads would be more than welcome. Unfortunately, the text itself is relatively clear, the sequels are mentioned merely as a joke. Unless, of course, a sequel to an old franchise counts as Rare's upcoming "surprise."

We're not holding our breath.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqBattletoads and Killer Instinct jokes in Nuts & Bolts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjo-kazooie-3battletoadskiller-instinctrareMon, 17 Nov 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Killer Instinct, special cards include nostalgia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/viva-killer-instinct-special-cards-include-nostalgia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/viva-killer-instinct-special-cards-include-nostalgia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/viva-killer-instinct-special-cards-include-nostalgia/#commentsFiled under: ,


There's nothing better than a Rare treat, is there? Rare has released three special cards to be scanned into Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise that promise "a suitable Pinata approximation of whatever is pictured." The three items pictured? Killer Instinct characters Fulgore, B. Orchid and Tusk. To access the KI pinatas, print out the cards and hold them up to your vision camera.

Let's not jump the gun and think this means a new KI is on the way, kids. Rare has mentioned they don't want to go to the IP Well before -- so, I guess that means they're filthy, filthy teases.

Gallery: Viva Pinata TIP Killer Instinct cards

JoystiqViva Killer Instinct, special cards include nostalgia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>killer-instinctrarevision-cameraviva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseThu, 16 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata vision cards fan the Killer Instinct flames]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/viva-pinata-vision-cards-fan-the-killer-instinct-flames/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/viva-pinata-vision-cards-fan-the-killer-instinct-flames/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/viva-pinata-vision-cards-fan-the-killer-instinct-flames/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rare is offering an added treat for Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise -- print out one of the three currently available cards and you can get "a suitable Pinata approximation of whatever is pictured." The first three available, which is guaranteed to incite a rabid fan base -- are Killer Instinct characters Fulgore, B. Orchid and Tusk. To access the KI pinatas, print out the cards and hold them up to your vision camera.

We wouldn't take this to be an indication of a pending announcements -- the cards themselves feature the 3D models from the Nintendo 64 era -- but either Rare has something in mind or it really likes to taunt its old fan base.

Gallery: Viva Pinata TIP Killer Instinct cards

JoystiqViva Pinata vision cards fan the Killer Instinct flames originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>killer-instinctraretrouble-in-pardadiseviva-pinataXbox-360Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: Killer Instinct 3 comes back ... as sheet music!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/rumorang-killer-instinct-3-comes-back-as-sheet-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/rumorang-killer-instinct-3-comes-back-as-sheet-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/rumorang-killer-instinct-3-comes-back-as-sheet-music/#commentsFiled under: , ,


(click image for full size)
No matter how many times Rare tries to tamp them down, rumors about a continuation of the Killer Instinct franchise continue to surface periodically. This time the rumors come from fan site MundoRare, which received the above photo of purported Killer Instinct 3 sheet music from an anonymous "someone at Microsoft."

Of course, this shot doesn't really prove anything -- that header at the top could just as easily read "ULTRA Punch Out!!" or "The MORE Fantastic Adventures of Dizzy" and work just as well. We're sure some photoshoppers out there will have their own ideas of what other big name sequels this photo could possibly confirm. What we're really interested in, though, is what this purported music actually sounds like. Anyone out there with some MIDI sequencer skillz want to help us out?

[Update: The community comes through! Check out the alleged theme as either a MIDI (thanks Dan H.) or a violin synth MP3 (via Giant Bomb)]

[Update 2: Check out this awesome remixed version of the "theme" (via NerdiestKids)]

JoystiqRumorang: Killer Instinct 3 comes back ... as sheet music! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KI3killer instinctkiller-instinctkiller-instinct-3KillerInstinctRarerumorrumorangsheet-musicXbox-360Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: Killer Instinct making a return?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rumorang-killer-instinct-making-a-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rumorang-killer-instinct-making-a-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rumorang-killer-instinct-making-a-return/#commentsFiled under: ,


EGM rumor-monger Quartermann has once more turned the spotlight on speculation that we've been hearing for ages that Rare is keen on developing a third entry in its combo-heavy fighting game franchise Killer Instinct. Never mind that Rare itself has denied such rumors in the past, because honestly that's exactly what we'd say if we were working on a top secret project too.

Going by the mouthful Killer Instinct 3D: Death, Destruction and Doom, the rumored Xbox 360 fighter is said to axe the previous titles' rendered graphics and button mashing in favor of 3D visuals and more robust gameplay. Still, it remains to be seen if this latest attempt rekindle interest in Killer Instinct will pan out, or if once again it will do an Ultra Combo to our heart.

JoystiqRumorang: Killer Instinct making a return? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dkiller-instinctkillerinstinctkillerinstinct3quartermannrarerumorrumorangXbox-360Sat, 24 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: December 19, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/today-in-joystiq-december-19-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/today-in-joystiq-december-19-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/today-in-joystiq-december-19-2007/#comments Rare's Christmas image is definitely intriguing -- why would pinatas need copies of their own game? Note the KI3 -- as in Killer Instinct 3 -- stocking. Don't get your hopes up for any announcement, we suspect that stocking is empty and dangling close enough to the fire to soon be up in flames. Check out the highlights for today (note: breaking news will highlighted in bold):

Joystiquery
Joystiq Interview: Kuju's download-only studio doublesix
Today's most remote video: FFVII on your PSP
Wii Fanboy Weekly: December 13th, 2007 - December 19th, 2007

News
MTV's "next big thing": Bruckheimer teams up for game studio
Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete trailer
Warren Spector talks retirement, Deus Ex 3, selling out
Sensible World of Soccer has critical bug, gets pulled
GameStop clarifies Wii Reservation program details
Folding@Home gets update, new features
New Ninja Gaiden 2 gameplay video is predictably rad
Codemasters teases 'Project Strike Team'
Kane and Lynch: Dead Men, Live demo
MCV: GTA IV to hit UK April 25
Warhawk expansion arrives day early, free for a few
Duke Nukem Forever teaser perpetuates cycle of non-delivery
Codemasters to continue Wii's mini-game doldrums with Emergency Mayhem
Unreal Tournament III on Macs early 2008
Conan MMO dev: WoW popularity in decline
Pachter: GTA IV is not a Take-Two panacea
Bloomberg: Persona 4 dev sticks with PS2
Folklore gets in the holiday spirit

Rumors & Speculation
Rumorong: More exclusive GTA IV Xbox 360 content in '09
Nintendo teases two new Virtual Console consoles
Super Mario Galaxy DS video a hoax

Culture & Community
Where's Duke Nukem been the last decade?
Rock Band site down for 'upgrades'
NY gov. Spitzer cites hoax site in anti-games campaign
Keep your Wii classy with replacement top panel
GameSetWatch picks top 5 freeware games
Zero Punctuation affected by Mass Effect's verbiage
Beverage companies blame video games for obesity

[Thanks, ShortFuse]

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: December 19, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjobanjo-kazooiedailyrecapkiller-instinctrareviva-pinataWed, 19 Dec 2007 23:59:00 EST