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[EA kills licensing deals with gun makers, keeps those guns in games [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-kills-licensing-deals-with-gun-makers-keeps-those-guns-in-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-kills-licensing-deals-with-gun-makers-keeps-those-guns-in-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-kills-licensing-deals-with-gun-makers-keeps-those-guns-in-ga/#commentsEA keeping guns in games but drops licensing Behind the scenes, EA is dropping licensing ties to real-life gun manufacturers, but on-screen it still intends to use branded guns in its games. Most recently, EA has worked with gun manufacturers such as McMillan Group International and gun magazine maker Magpul to promote Medal of Honor: Warfighter, but now those deals are off - even though EA still plans to use name-brand guns in its shooters.

"We're telling a story and we have a point of view," EA Labels President Frank Gibeau tells Reuters. "A book doesn't pay for saying the word 'Colt,' for example."

EA spokesman Jeff Brown says branded weapons lend games "enhanced authenticity," which is why EA wants to keep them in its games. However, all official agreements between EA and gun companies are now severed. "The action games we will release this year will not include licensed images of weapons," Brown says.

Following December's mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, the NRA and a handful of politicians and pundits blamed video games for encouraging gun violence. One week after the shooting, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said video games represented "a callous, corrupt and corrupting shadow industry that sells, and sows, violence against its own people."

Brown says that the NRA's comments have nothing to do with its decision: "The response from our audience was pretty clear: They feel the comments from the NRA were a simple attempt to change the subject."

EA is currently involved in a lawsuit with Bell Helicopter, who argues that use of its helicopters in the Battlefield games goes beyond fair use and infringes on Bell's trademark. A jury trial is set for June to decide the issue, which could easily apply to EA's new gun-licensing theory.

Update: Jeff Brown tells Ars Technica that EA has never paid a licensing fee to a gun manufacturer, nor has it been paid to use specific branded guns in its games. EA will simply continue this practice in the future.

"No other EA game or service has used licensed gun images in a game," Brown says.

EA did work with McMillan and Magpul for that Medal of Honor: Warfighter campaign, a charity benefiting veterans that encouraged gun makers featured in the game to donate. Those that did were featured on a Warfighter sub-page as "authentic brands" in the game. All of the money went straight to the charity, Brown says.

JoystiqEA kills licensing deals with gun makers, keeps those guns in games [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsgun-violenceGunslicenselicensingmedal-of-honor-warfightermicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 08 May 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band's first Metallica DLC pack pulled from store, license expired]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/rock-bands-first-metallica-dlc-pack-pulled-from-store-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/rock-bands-first-metallica-dlc-pack-pulled-from-store-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/rock-bands-first-metallica-dlc-pack-pulled-from-store-license/#comments Metallica pack removed from Rock Band store as licenses expireThe Metallica Pack 01 DLC for Rock Band - featuring "Ride The Lightning," "And Justice For All" and "Blackened" - is no longer available for new purchase on the Rock Band store and will soon be removed from first-party marketplaces, because the license has expired. This won't affect those who already own the DLC, and even allows them to redownload the content if necessary. If you already own the Metallica Pack 01, it's still all yours.

Harmonix launched Metallica Pack 01 in November 2007 for $5.50, or $2 per song.

"Now, over 5 years since the release of the first batch of Rock Band DLC, we're reaching the end of some of the earliest licenses we secured," Harmonix writes on its Facebook page. "Our Music Team has been hard at work extending these licenses to make sure that this has as small an impact on the community as possible, but there may be a very limited number of songs that will no longer be offered for new purchases in the Rock Band store."

Harmonix plans to post relicensing updates on a quarterly basis, hoping to give players a heads up if songs expire.

JoystiqRock Band's first Metallica DLC pack pulled from store, license expired originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCexpiredHarmonixlicenseMetallicamicrosoftplaystationps3Rock-BandxboxTue, 09 Apr 2013 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision lays off 30 people, expects fewer licensed games in 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/activision-lays-off-30-people-expects-fewer-licensed-games-in-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/activision-lays-off-30-people-expects-fewer-licensed-games-in-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/activision-lays-off-30-people-expects-fewer-licensed-games-in-2/#comments Activision laid off 30 full-time employees, noting that this year it intended to launch fewer games based on licensed properties. Activision provided a statement to Joystiq:

"In 2013, we expect to release fewer games based on license properties and as a result are realigning our structure to better reflect the market opportunities and our slate," the publisher said. "Approximately, 30 full-time employees have been impacted globally, which represents approximately one half of one percent of Activision Blizzard's employee population."

Activision's lineup of licensed games in 2013 included The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct, Deadpool and the first three Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games, and there was something up with the James Bond games.

A portion of the 30 layoffs came from Call of Duty developer Treyarch, though Activision said it was a "minimal reduction" that wouldn't affect the launch of any DLC for Black Ops 2.

JoystiqActivision lays off 30 people, expects fewer licensed games in 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionlaid-offlayoffslicenselicensed-gamesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxTue, 19 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA assured by EA next NBA Live will meet 'mutual standard of excellence']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/nba-assured-by-ea-next-nba-live-will-meet-mutual-standard-of-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/nba-assured-by-ea-next-nba-live-will-meet-mutual-standard-of-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/nba-assured-by-ea-next-nba-live-will-meet-mutual-standard-of-ex/#comments The NBA said it will "continue to work together with [EA] as we always have," when recently asked about the cancellation of NBA Live 13.

John Acunto, VP of Marketing Communications for the NBA told Joystiq that the NBA has "had a great relationship with EA for more than 20 years. We are obviously disappointed that EA will not be releasing NBA LIVE 13 this year, but have been assured by EA that the next release of NBA LIVE will meet our mutual standards of excellence."

EA's Executive VP Andrew Wilson said the team plans on "making next year's game great."

Take-Two recently revealed record sales for the other major NBA licensed game this year, NBA 2K13, which sold 49 percent more in its first week than past games in the series.

JoystiqNBA assured by EA next NBA Live will meet 'mutual standard of excellence' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basketballEAEA-Sportsea-tiburonElectronic-ArtslicensemicrosoftNBANBA-Livenba-live-13playstationps3xboxFri, 12 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA extends multi-year licensing agreements with 2K and EA Sports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/nba-extends-multi-year-licensing-agreements-with-2k-and-ea-sport/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/nba-extends-multi-year-licensing-agreements-with-2k-and-ea-sport/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/nba-extends-multi-year-licensing-agreements-with-2k-and-ea-sport/#comments Six years ago, the NBA counted five major game makers -- including Sony, Midway and Atari -- in its non-exclusive circle of licensees. That number has since dwindled to two, as the league today re-upped its multi-year licensing agreements with its longstanding (and still standing) video game partners, Take-Two Interactive and Electronic Arts.

Unsurprisingly, through its 2K Sports label, Take-Two will continue to make use of its NBA license in its successful NBA 2K franchise. The most recent release, NBA 2K11, has now sold more than five million units since its October 2010 debut, according to the publisher. The next iteration, NBA 2K12, is expected to be announced at E3.

Assuming 2K12 is on track to be released this fall (lockout or game on), it would mark a second straight year that 2K Sports' simulation series entered the market with no direct competition (Madden style!). EA, the NBA's oldest video game partner, permanently benched NBA Elite 11 last November after the company determined, "It was just going to be a bad game." EA Sports' next basketball sim won't be released until Fall 2012, with a download-only NBA Jam sequel subbing in this October.

Additionally, Take-Two is expected to "explore and develop new NBA licensed gaming opportunities, including online on social media platforms," according to a press announcement.

Counting itself as "the No. 1 U.S. sports league on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube," the NBA, through its NBA Digital label, has already released NBA Legends (developed by Lionside) and NBA Dynasty (in partnership with Disney-owned Playdom) on Facebook this year.

[Pictured: Bulls versus Lakers and the NBA Playoffs (EA, 1991); source: Hoopedia]

Continue reading NBA extends multi-year licensing agreements with 2K and EA Sports

JoystiqNBA extends multi-year licensing agreements with 2K and EA Sports originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsbasketballeaea-sportslicenselicensingnbanba-2k10nba-2k11nba-2k12nba-digitalnba-dynastynba-jam-on-fire-editionnba-legendssalessocial-gamestake-twoMon, 23 May 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[LucasArts licenses Unreal Engine 3 for long-term, multi-project use]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/lucasarts-licenses-unreal-engine-3-for-long-term-multi-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/lucasarts-licenses-unreal-engine-3-for-long-term-multi-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/lucasarts-licenses-unreal-engine-3-for-long-term-multi-project/#comments LucasArts has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Epic Games to develop with Unreal Engine 3, the studios announced today. The deal will encompass "multiple projects" and looks to provide a shortcut for LucasArts "between inspiration and execution on a wide variety of gaming platforms," according to Zak Phelps, the company's director of technology.

Epic VP Mark Rein echoed that sentiment when he trumpeted "Unreal Engine 3's ability to scale across platforms, from mobile, through PC and console all the way up to the next generation of games." Epic's recent tech demo of the latest UE3 updates certainly looked incredible, but we didn't notice any new features promising to render a deeper Star Wars experience. Then again, we'd probably pay a buck just to see the Force unleashed on our iPhone, inspired or not.

Previously, LucasArts licensed Unreal Engine 2 for 2005's Star Wars: Republic Commando (pictured).

JoystiqLucasArts licenses Unreal Engine 3 for long-term, multi-project use originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gameslicenselicensinglucasartsmacmark-reinmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3unreal-engineunreal-engine-3xboxzak-phelpsTue, 26 Apr 2011 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: EA and NFL restructure exclusivity deal amid work stoppage fears]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/report-ea-and-nfl-restructure-exclusivity-deal-amid-work-stoppa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/report-ea-and-nfl-restructure-exclusivity-deal-amid-work-stoppa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/report-ea-and-nfl-restructure-exclusivity-deal-amid-work-stoppa/#comments The NFL has cut EA a break, reports SportsBusiness Journal, reducing the Madden maker's licensing fee by an undisclosed amount for the next football season, which remains in jeopardy as the current collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players' union is set to expire March 4 and, so far, renegotiations have been futile. If a new CBA is not drawn between the two sides before the current contract expires, it could result in a work stoppage -- in other words, no football come fall.

While such an outcome wouldn't prevent EA from releasing Madden 12 in early August (the series' traditional launch window leading up to the start of the NFL regular season), it could certainly devalue the expensive NFL-related licenses that EA has secured. Last October, anticipating such a scenario, EA reportedly requested a $30 million dollar discount on its payment owed to the NFL this year. The five-year deal inked in 2008 between the two sides is believed to be worth "well into nine figures" -- that's hundreds of millions -- and is likely the NFL's most lucrative non-TV contract, according to SBJ.

"For one of our core partners in a difficult environment, we say let's look at this, and maybe it makes some sense to extend something out longer and give our partner some relief in the short term, but gain something on the back end," Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver, chairman of the NFL's business ventures committee, told SBJ, alluding to the nature of the restructured deal with EA. According to SBJ's sources, EA has been granted some form of relief for this year's fees, and its NFL exclusivity deal has been extended one year through the 2013-14 football season.

EA maintains a separate, concurrent contract with the NFL Players Association for which the players' union receives $30-40 million, annually (according to the union's Labor Department filings), for the publisher's right to use NFL players in its games. It's as yet unknown if EA has sought to reduce its fees owed to the union this year or extend the deal another year to remain consistent with the companion contract with the league. EA declined our request to comment on its NFL-related licensing agreements for this article.

JoystiqReport: EA and NFL restructure exclusivity deal amid work stoppage fears originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dseaea-sportsexclusivitylicenselicensingmadden-nfl-12microsoftmobilenflnflpanintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxTue, 15 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan-made Duke Nukem 3D remake green-lighted by Gearbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/fan-made-duke-nukem-3d-remake-green-lighted-by-gearbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/fan-made-duke-nukem-3d-remake-green-lighted-by-gearbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/fan-made-duke-nukem-3d-remake-green-lighted-by-gearbox/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Project lead Frederik "Fresch" Schreiber has received a non-commercial license to proceed with Duke Nukem: Next-Gen, his Unreal Engine 3-powered Duke Nukem 3D remake. Fresch secured the license in just under three weeks after his first announcement -- a credit to rights holder Gearbox's openness to share the franchise with the community -- and has aleady assembled a team of nine other contributors (though he is still "hiring" for a number of positions).

Fresch, who abandoned similar "next-gen" remakes of Daikatana (too unpopular) and SIN (shut down by MumboJumbo), has plans to release a public multiplayer demo of Duke Nukem: Next-Gen "sooner than you think." Of course, the full version will be released "when it's done" -- and he notes that "Duke Nukem: Next-Gen" is, wisely, just a codename.

Check out the freeware project's first test video after the break.

Continue reading Fan-made Duke Nukem 3D remake green-lighted by Gearbox

JoystiqFan-made Duke Nukem 3D remake green-lighted by Gearbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DNNGDuke-NukemDuke-Nukem-3DDuke-Nukem-Next-Genfan-madefanmadeFrederik-SchreiberfreewareFreschGearboxlicensepcremakeUDKUnreal-Engine-3Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Browser-based QuickHit Football catches NFL licensing deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/browser-based-quickhit-football-catches-nfl-licensing-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/browser-based-quickhit-football-catches-nfl-licensing-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/browser-based-quickhit-football-catches-nfl-licensing-deal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Browser game developer Quick Hit, Inc. has announced that it has secured the rights to use NFL teams, logos, uniforms and all other trademarks associated with the league during the next "season" of its flagship online sports title, QuickHit Football. The game will also feature current NFL coaches and players, as well as legends, like Barry Sanders.

When the license goes into effect this fall, users will be able to play through a season or go head-to-head using their favorite professional teams and will have the ability to customize the rosters and sign new -- and old -- players using Coaching Points they've accrued over their careers. You can check out the current version of QuickHit for free on the game's official site.

Clarifying that Quick Hit's deal does not violate EA Sports' exclusivity agreement with the NFL, an EA representative told Joystiq that "the exclusivity agreements we have with the NFL and NFLPA have always been specific to football simulations on video game consoles."

Hopefully 2K will get this message and start working on one of those electric, vibrating football board games.

JoystiqBrowser-based QuickHit Football catches NFL licensing deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedfootballlicensenflpcquick-hitquickhit-footballsportsThu, 10 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix requests licensing from Timbaland, other non-rock stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/harmonix-requests-licensing-from-timbaland-other-non-rock-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/harmonix-requests-licensing-from-timbaland-other-non-rock-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/harmonix-requests-licensing-from-timbaland-other-non-rock-stars/#comments The rhythm-based games developer has apparently filed for several hip-hop and rap song licenses, indicating something a bit funkier and perhaps a bit fresher is in the works. Scripts may be flipped. We really don't know.

Here are the requested tracks (via Royalty Network): As you can tell, these tracks aren't really known for their rocking and/or rolling, so it's not the usual Rock Band fare. Wanton speculation would suggest that Harmonix is working on an extension of its franchise into the hip-hop, R&B and rap segments -- a possible answer to Activision's DJ Hero?

[Via Destructoid]

JoystiqHarmonix requests licensing from Timbaland, other non-rock stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cascadaharmonixlicensemopmusicrhythmrock-bandtimbalandtrey-songzFri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hasbro suing Atari over alleged breach in D&D licensing agreement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/hasbro-suing-atari-over-alleged-breach-in-dandd-licensing-agreemen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/hasbro-suing-atari-over-alleged-breach-in-dandd-licensing-agreemen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/hasbro-suing-atari-over-alleged-breach-in-dandd-licensing-agreemen/#comments It seems the Dungeons & Dragons franchise has brought more legal troubles upon Atari than it's probably worth. In August, Turbine Entertainment, developer of the MMO based on the tabletop game, sued the publisher for failing to "devote the necessary resources" to promoting and distributing the online RPG. Now, Hasbro, owner of subsidiary company Wizards of the Coast, which is the current owner of the D&D franchise, is suing Atari for allegedly breaching a licensing agreement the two parties struck up concerning Atari's use of the popular role-playing brand.

Hasbro's main complaint in the suit is that Atari might have taken part in an "unauthorized sublicensing relationship" with Namco Bandai during the latter's purchase of Atari's European distribution company this past March. According to the suit, Namco Bandai is a direct competitor to Hasbro and Wizards, and allowing them any access to the D&D license is a violation of the contract agreed to by Atari. Hasbro seeks compensatory damages, and also to terminate the allegedly violated licensing agreement, denying Atari further access to the brand.

In a press release statement, Wizards of the Coast president Greg Leeds said, "while unfortunate that we had to take this action, it is crucial for us to protect the Dungeons & Dragons brand." Leeds later added, "we have been working for several months now to reach resolution with Atari, and they have left us with no other choice than to pursue legal action."

Atari isn't taking these complaints lying down -- the publisher just distributed its own statement through PRNewswire, claiming, "Hasbro has resorted to these meritless allegations, in an apparent attempt to unfairly take back rights granted to Atari." The statement goes on to say, "we regret that our long-time partner has decided to pursue this action. Atari will respond appropriately through its legal counsel in court."

JoystiqHasbro suing Atari over alleged breach in D&D licensing agreement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinehasbrolawlawsuitlegallicensewizards-of-the-coastThu, 17 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ announces extension of WWE renewal notice; Pachter explains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/thq-announces-extension-of-wwe-renewal-notice-pachter-explains/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/thq-announces-extension-of-wwe-renewal-notice-pachter-explains/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/thq-announces-extension-of-wwe-renewal-notice-pachter-explains/#comments
THQ announced today that World Wrestling Entertainment has extended a deadline that allows the publisher to renew its licensing contract. The extension lasts until December 21, 2009 -- the original deadline was November 1. If signed, the agreement would be good through December 31, 2014.

THQ is cool with the WWE, but it's not very chummy with JAKKS Pacific, its longtime partner in the WWE licensing venture. The wounds also run deep between JAKKS and the WWE. When asked for comment on the license renewal and further details regarding the three-way deal, a THQ representative told Joystiq that the publisher plans to renew its contract with the WWE, and then added, "Beyond that, I cannot comment."

The business, politics and legal issues are certainly complicated. We spoke with Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter who laid out multiple scenarios, but in the end he believes the most likely outcome is that the joint venture between THQ and JAKKS will be terminated. If JAKKS enforces its (believed to be one-year) non-compete clause, then no WWE games can be produced. Neither side would benefit from that, however.

Pachter suggests that the WWE's renewal deadline was extended to give THQ and JAKKS time to settle their issues. What it sounds like to us: THQ and WWE want to move forward as a couple, and the previous arrangement, featuring JAKKS as the third wheel, has worn out its welcome. Check out Pachter's complete analysis after the break.

Continue reading THQ announces extension of WWE renewal notice; Pachter explains

JoystiqTHQ announces extension of WWE renewal notice; Pachter explains originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contractsextensionjakksjakks-pacificlawsuitlicenselicensingrenewalthqwrestlingwweWed, 28 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LGJ: First Sale and Digital Distribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/lgj-first-sale-and-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/lgj-first-sale-and-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/lgj-first-sale-and-digital-distribution/#commentsEach week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:


Ever since the Glider opinion was handed down late last year, there's been a resurgence of calls for courts to uphold the first sale doctrine with regard to all software. One such suit, featured in the latest Jurimetrics, concerned ligation over consumers as "owners" versus "licensees," since different copyright rights are granted based on the particular status. The court determined that players were licensees, thus negating certain rights of owners. We've talked about first sale before in LGJ, but generally in the context of retail products. In the context of retail games, no matter where you stand on the "owner" versus "licensee" position, nothing is stopping you from reselling the copy of the game you purchased.

Digital distribution changes this dynamic dramatically, however. As digital distribution mechanisms become more and more popular, it seems inevitable that the courts will have to eventually weigh in further on the owner versus licensee question. In fact, if those who run digital distribution systems wish to steer well clear of potential government involvement in their businesses, inclusion of certain features may mitigate the first sale question so that consumers have more rights and aren't in need of protection in that regard.

Continue reading LGJ: First Sale and Digital Distribution

JoystiqLGJ: First Sale and Digital Distribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copyrightdigital-distributionfirst-sale-doctrinelawlaw-of-the-gamelgjlicenselicensingThu, 13 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghostbusters dev targeting more Infernal Engine licensees this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/ghostbusters-dev-targeting-more-infernal-engine-licensees-this-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/ghostbusters-dev-targeting-more-infernal-engine-licensees-this-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/ghostbusters-dev-targeting-more-infernal-engine-licensees-this-y/#comments Terminal Reality hopes other developers ain't afraid of licensing the studio's Infernal Engine to use on future projects. In fact, the Ghostbusters dev's VP of sales and marketing, Joe Kreiner, tells GI.biz that his goal is to secure "at least another half a dozen to a dozen within the next year, at minimum." An attainable goal, according to Kreiner, which if achieved would put the number of customers in Terminal Reality's containment unit somewhere in the neighborhood of twelve since the middleware first opened up to developers in February.

Rather than a short-term solution, Kreiner further notes that the Infernal Engine was designed to work across multiple CPUs and SPUs, something the marketing chief believes "future-proofs" the tech for use on later console platforms down the line. In the short term, however, he adds that Ghostbusters shows off the engine "really well." Hopefully other studios will come calling now that the game's publisher merry-go-round has (hopefully) stopped ahead of the title's anticipated June launch.

JoystiqGhostbusters dev targeting more Infernal Engine licensees this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 May 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarighostbustersinfernal-enginelicenselicensingps4terminal-ralityxbox-720Fri, 15 May 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Precious Lord of the Rings license goes from EA to WB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/precious-lord-of-the-rings-license-goes-from-ea-to-wb/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/precious-lord-of-the-rings-license-goes-from-ea-to-wb/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/precious-lord-of-the-rings-license-goes-from-ea-to-wb/#comments
The Lord of the Rings license has journeyed to EA and back again to Warner Bros. The Cut Scene reports that the licensing deal for EA to create titles based on the Lord of the Rings films quietly expired at the end of last year. At that time, the rights reverted back to New Line, which is part of Warner Bros. When EA received the Ring license back in 2001, Warner wasn't fully committed to the game business ... that's certainly changed this decade. Warner has also heavily invested in Turbine, developer of Lord of the Rings Online. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment apparently declined to comment on the story.

The movie industry is certainly attempting with increasing regularity to enter the game space, hiring executives that may get the job done. Paramount is ready to publish (the rumored) Star Trek DAC in a couple months, while Disney has become far less reliant on licensing its properties to THQ over the years. In time, it appears we'll see more in-house development of games that we currently see "licensed" out, which will hopefully mean better products.

JoystiqPrecious Lord of the Rings license goes from EA to WB originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artslicenselord-of-the-ringswarner-broswbThu, 12 Mar 2009 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragonball: Evolution coming to PSP in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/dragonball-evolution-coming-to-psp-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/dragonball-evolution-coming-to-psp-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/dragonball-evolution-coming-to-psp-in-april/#commentsFiled under: ,


We salute you, PSP. Much like a brave (or fatally clumsy) soldier collapsing on a grenade before shrapnel pierces the entire squad's fleshy bits, Sony's portable platform has kept the latest licensed game all to itself. Based on the upcoming Dragonball: Evolution, which critics are optimistically calling "a film," this online-capable fighter comes to us courtesy of Namco Bandai.

Featuring all the characters that fans will insist were ruined by the movie, Dragonball: Evolution promises explosive punches, unreasonably high kicks and Chow Yun Fat in surprisingly casual garb. Look for the manga-to-movie-to-game transition in stores this April.

Gallery: Dragonball: Evolution

JoystiqDragonball: Evolution coming to PSP in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdaptationDragonballDragonball-EvolutionLicenseNamco-BandaiPSPMon, 19 Jan 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GRIN reflects on making licensed games, working with movie studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/grin-reflects-on-making-licensed-games-working-with-movie-studi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/grin-reflects-on-making-licensed-games-working-with-movie-studi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/grin-reflects-on-making-licensed-games-working-with-movie-studi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


From Total Recall to Superman Returns, there is a reason why movie-licensed games are looked down on with such contempt. While many of the problems with these sorts of games can be laid at the feet of the game publishers, it goes without saying that the film studios and property owners themselves are not without blame. Still, GRIN co-founder Ulf Anderson hopes that his studio's upcoming take on Wanted will curve the trajectory of our expectations, and in a recent Gamasutra interview, the exec noted that working with Universal had "been a lot better than I expected it to be."

As to why, cooperation seems to be key. While most movie-to-game cashgrabs throw quality to the wind in order to release alongside a movie's theatrical release, GRIN opted to take its time with Wanted, a decision the exec described as a mutual choice between both the game studio and the film company.

"We had a choice to do it," recalled Anderson, "but we decided together with Universal that we shouldn't, just to be able to focus on the game and make something special. We'll make something that actually plays and is actually a game." As pearls of wisdom go, Anderson just opened a jewelry store. One we hope other companies shop at going forward.

JoystiqGRIN reflects on making licensed games, working with movie studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grinlicensemovieswantedFri, 16 Jan 2009 01:55:00 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[DS Daily: Surprised by license]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/ds-daily-surprised-by-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/ds-daily-surprised-by-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/ds-daily-surprised-by-license/#commentsFiled under:


JC wrote up a most excellent review for Dragon Ball Origins yesterday. If you haven't read it, you certainly should. Go on. We'll wait.

Back? Good. See, his review talks about a licensed game surprising him, in terms of production values and overall quality. A fun, licensed game? Shocking, we know.

There are a few out there, though. What licensed games have you found to be above the rest? They don't have to be on the DS necessarily, so feel free to shout out any. We just want to know!

JoystiqDS Daily: Surprised by license originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridragon-balldragon-ball-originsfunimationlicenselicensed-gameWed, 05 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Midway to can underperforming licensed titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/midway-to-can-underperforming-licensed-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/midway-to-can-underperforming-licensed-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/midway-to-can-underperforming-licensed-titles/#commentsFiled under:


After trying to plug the many holes in its sinking ship with dollar bills, Midway has begun to frantically look about for anything to toss overboard in order to stay afloat. GI.biz reports that the company plans to rid itself of any future titles based on unspecified licensed properties, though the specific brands and number of games swamped in this latest act of desperation remain unknown.

Interim CEO Matt Booty, who continues to steer the ship following the resignation of former CEO David Zucker, stresses that the company continues to evaluate its "involvement with underperforming projects" and focus on what it calls its "core properties." Even so, we've circled November 16 on our calendar, and will wait and see if Midway tries to drown the Man of Steel should next month's otherworldly slugfest with DC Comics not pan out.

JoystiqMidway to can underperforming licensed titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandlicensemidwaysinkingThu, 16 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Ignoring a license]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/ds-daily-ignoring-a-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/ds-daily-ignoring-a-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/ds-daily-ignoring-a-license/#commentsFiled under:

It doesn't happen often that the gameplay of a licensed game entices us to play when we aren't interested in the license. Usually, if anyone cares about a licensed game, it's because they love the source material. But we find ourselves drawn to Dragon Ball: Origins for reasons totally unrelated to Goku and the gang. It sounds like Phantom Hourglass with more action.

How about the rest of you? Anyone playing a licensed game totally because it's a good game?

JoystiqDS Daily: Ignoring a license originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-ball-dsdragon-ball-originslicensenamco-bandaiMon, 22 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Music wants more from Rock Band, Guitar Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/warner-music-wants-more-from-rock-band-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/warner-music-wants-more-from-rock-band-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/warner-music-wants-more-from-rock-band-guitar-hero/#commentsFiled under:


Warner Music has said that companies like Harmonix and Activision will need to shell out more cash to license songs for games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band.

Warner Music leading man Edgar Brofman told Reuters that considering each company's game is completely dependent on the content the music industry owns and controls, "The amount being paid to the music industry ... is far too small." Brofman compared the significance of rhythm music games to the industry shifting introductions of MTV and iTunes.

Even though it has been reported that royalties for content sales in music games are much higher than other services, such as iTunes, we're surprised it took this long for the industry to start sobbing about getting paid. If licenses change, could this spell an increase in downloadable content prices?

[via CVG]

JoystiqWarner Music wants more from Rock Band, Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroharmonixlicensemtvred-octanerock-bandwarner-musicThu, 07 Aug 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Popular manga Blazes way to DS as an RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/popular-manga-blazes-way-to-ds-as-an-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/popular-manga-blazes-way-to-ds-as-an-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/popular-manga-blazes-way-to-ds-as-an-rpg/#commentsFiled under:

World Destruction isn't the only RPG Sega is cooking up for the DS right now. The company is also slaving over a DS adaptation of Blazer Drive, Seishi Kishimoto's popular manga set in a futuristic Tokyo where society has developed "Mystickers," adhesives which contain various elements (electricity, ice, light, etc.) and assist in day-to-day life.

Certain individuals -- known as "Blazers" -- can activate Mystickers on their skin, and this plot mechanism plays a role in the Blazer Drive game. In the title's turn-based battles, Mystickers can be applied to characters using the stylus to let them attack, use special skills, or generate combos. Players fill the boots and spiky hair of Shiro and Tamaki, two Blazers.

A localization of Blazer Drive looks unlikely, but to be honest we're surprised that it's even getting a game of its own -- the manga can't be more than three months old! Check out more screens beyond the break.

Continue reading Popular manga Blazes way to DS as an RPG

JoystiqPopular manga Blazes way to DS as an RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blazer-drivelicensemangarpgsegaMon, 30 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft bringing us Hell's Kitchen, Price is Right games (... thanks?)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/ubisoft-bringing-us-hells-kitchen-price-is-right-games-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/ubisoft-bringing-us-hells-kitchen-price-is-right-games-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/ubisoft-bringing-us-hells-kitchen-price-is-right-games-th/#commentsFiled under:



And the Ubisoft mehware continues. Siliconera just spotted a listing on the site of EB Games for a game version of long-running quiz show The Price is Right. According to the retailer, the title will be released on the DS and the Wii on September 9th, almost 20 years after the game show made its videogame debut on the Commodore 64. Drew Carey's first appearance in a game is rather more recent.

And that's not all, shovelware fans: Ubi has also snapped up the rights to create a game based on Hell's Kitchen, presumably starring mobile belligerence unit and ego-on-legs Gordon Ramsay. Quite how the company plans to include Ramsay's famously foul language and secure an "E" rating for the game is, as yet, unknown.

JoystiqUbisoft bringing us Hell's Kitchen, Price is Right games (... thanks?) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookinggame-showgordon-ramsayhells-kitchenlicensequizthe-price-is-righttvubisoftMon, 16 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Law of the Game on Joystiq: Much Ado About Game Night]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/law-of-the-game-on-joystiq-much-ado-about-game-night/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/law-of-the-game-on-joystiq-much-ado-about-game-night/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/law-of-the-game-on-joystiq-much-ado-about-game-night/#commentsFiled under:

Each week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq, a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:


Ah, the library (the place with books, not the bar). The once quiet and relaxing readers' domain has moved into the digital age, now containing computers and video games. In fact, a number of non-profits, like libraries, churches, and schools, have all found video game based events worthwhile to attract players of all ages to their establishments, or to add more entertainment to an existing event. GamePolitics actually raised an interesting question I had also received from a reader related to library and church game nights, specifically: What are the potential ramifications of holding these events from a copyright and EULA perspective?

It's actually a very good question, albeit one with a fairly nebulous answer. As was pointed out by the GamePolitics piece, there are licensing services that will acquire the proper license for the public performance of a movie. Similarly, groups like ASCAP have well established licensing procedures for music. The reasoning is that public display and performance are within the bundle of rights a copyright holder has. Therefore, in order to publicly display something, you need to have the copyright holder's permission in the form of a license. Of course, if it were this simple, I wouldn't be writing a column about it.

Continue reading Law of the Game on Joystiq: Much Ado About Game Night

JoystiqLaw of the Game on Joystiq: Much Ado About Game Night originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columnscopyrightcopyright-infringementeulalawlaw-of-the-gamelicenselicensingWed, 04 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Law of the Game on Joystiq: Legal machinations of machinima]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/law-of-the-game-on-joystiq-legal-machinations-of-machinima/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/law-of-the-game-on-joystiq-legal-machinations-of-machinima/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/law-of-the-game-on-joystiq-legal-machinations-of-machinima/#commentsFiled under:

Each week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq, a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:


It's only fitting that during the same week Red vs. Blue: Reconstruction premiers, Law of the Game on Joystiq would finally get to the topic of machinima. The game-based machinima issue boils down to one of copyrights and licensing. To be more specific, there are issues of copyright involved in all machinima productions, which give a need for licensing; which are addressed by Microsoft and Blizzard by means of a "machinima policy."

For those of you who have been living in a cave -- on Mars! -- since 2003 (the year Red vs. Blue stormed the internet), machinima is the use of a pre-rendered engine to make a film. It's often been compared to digital puppetry. It's become a popular art form, in part because it minimizes production costs and requirements, and in part because it often utilizes games that people enjoy. Of course, because the art often makes use of someone else's game engine or game assets, there are a lot of copyright issues involved. Thankfully, both Microsoft and Blizzard have made many of these concerns much simpler by publishing machinima policies.

Continue reading Law of the Game on Joystiq: Legal machinations of machinima

JoystiqLaw of the Game on Joystiq: Legal machinations of machinima originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columnscopyrightlawlaw-of-the-gamelicensemachinimaThu, 29 May 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Incredible Hulk screens definitely star The Hulk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/incredible-hulk-screens-definitely-star-the-hulk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/incredible-hulk-screens-definitely-star-the-hulk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/incredible-hulk-screens-definitely-star-the-hulk/#commentsFiled under:


You might be asking yourself, "what's with the headline?" Well, what more is there to say about these screens of the upcoming Incredible Hulk movie-game other than The Hulk is in them. They don't look especially good and considering the team that brought us Ultimate Destruction is busy doing their own thing and back catalog of developer Edge of Reality consists of the Over the Hedge and Shark Tale game adaptations, we're definitely sticking with the comment that these screens have The Hulk in them. 'Nuff said.

Gallery: The Incredible Hulk ("Next-gen" version)

JoystiqIncredible Hulk screens definitely star The Hulk originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008-releasesedge-of-realityincredible-hulklicensesegaMon, 07 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron Man: Stark Weapons gameplay footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/iron-man-stark-weapons-gameplay-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/iron-man-stark-weapons-gameplay-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/iron-man-stark-weapons-gameplay-footage/#commentsFiled under: ,


A few days ago Game Trailers nabbed the world exclusive first look at the movie adaptation game of The Incredible Hulk and gameplay footage of the Iron Man movie adaptation game as well. Our indifference to the Hulk trailer made us completely glaze over the latest footage of Iron Man. While, so far, the game looks nice we did notice how barren the world is. We've seen very little outside of the desert environment and, even though they're pretty, we'd like to see more before we decide what to think about SEGA's upcoming movie tie-in. So X3F Army, after checking out the footage we ask you ... what do you think?

JoystiqIron Man: Stark Weapons gameplay footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008-releasesiron-manlicensemarvelsegaMon, 31 Mar 2008 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom secures MotoGP franchise across all platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/capcom-secures-motogp-franchise-across-all-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/capcom-secures-motogp-franchise-across-all-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/capcom-secures-motogp-franchise-across-all-platforms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


With some 15 different titles in the works, we'd assumed that the forces of Capcom had enough on their hands to not go looking for other things to keep them busy. That's what we get for assuming, as the company has announced that it's secured the exclusive rights to publish games and peripherals based on the MotoGP license.

The winds of change began to blow last year, as Capcom sewed up Sony platform rights to the motorcycle sport in 2007. However, this new deal does everything but say 'yoink!' to longtime series publisher THQ, pulling rights to all things MotoGP beneath the Capcom umbrella for the next five years, with this year's annual update already planned for release on the Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, PC, and mobile phones.

Now all that remains to be seen is who will handle development -- franchise vet Climax Group or series newcomers Milestone, who helmed last year's PS2 version for Capcom. There's really only one way to settle this...Thunderdome!

JoystiqCapcom secures MotoGP franchise across all platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandBreakingNewscapcomexclusivelicenseMobilemotogpmotorcyclePCPS2PS3thqWiiXbox-360Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Hollywood talent lend voices to Iron Man game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/hollywood-talent-lends-voices-to-iron-man-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/hollywood-talent-lends-voices-to-iron-man-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/hollywood-talent-lends-voices-to-iron-man-game/#commentsFiled under:


On Thursday Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and SEGA of America, Inc. announced that the Iron Man video game, based on the upcoming comic book adaptation due out on May 2, will feature the voice talents of film stars Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Terence Howard (Lt. Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes) and Shaun Toub (Yinsen).

Iron Man is the story of billionaire Tony Stark who, during a routine weapons test in the Middle East, is captured and forced to create the ultimate weapon for terrorists. Fearing for his life, Stark decides to create a suit or armor instead and uses it to twart the plans of the evil doers. Upon returning to his normal life Stark decides to upgrade his suit and use it to fight crime as the legendary Iron Man.

2008 seems to be the year of the aniticpated licensed game as the game based on Iron Man looks shockingly good along with our previous love for the upcoming Bourne title. The Iron Man game is set to hit stores day-and-date for pretty much any console around with the film later this year on May 2.

Also, anyone else think it would be funny if the death animation of Iron Man in the game included his chest plate red ringing?

[via SuperHeroHype]

JoystiqHollywood talent lend voices to Iron Man game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008-releasesiron-manlicensemarvelsegaTue, 25 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Germany's Next Top (Screen) Model]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/germanys-next-top-screen-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/germanys-next-top-screen-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/germanys-next-top-screen-model/#commentsFiled under: ,


Proof that anything can be made into a DS game, even if it maybe shouldn't be, German publisher dtp young entertainment announced a DS game based on Germany's Next Topmodel. In one of the few modeling-based games in existence, you'll use the stylus to pose, walk on the catwalk, and apply makeup.

We really feel like we should be tearing into this relentlessly, but the truth is it's a really creative idea, even if it is attached to a license. We're always interested in new gameplay ideas, and, well, touchscreen-based modeling simulation is pretty new. We have no compunctions about making fun of this, however.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqGermany's Next Top (Screen) Model originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dtp-young-entertainmentgermanygermanys-next-top-modellicensemodelingTue, 18 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Beatles Edition a possibility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/guitar-hero-beatles-edition-a-possibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/guitar-hero-beatles-edition-a-possibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/guitar-hero-beatles-edition-a-possibility/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Aerosmith is one thing, but a version of Guitar Hero packed with Beatles songs would be the holy grail for many classic rock fans. Unfortunately, that possibility has seemed as ephemeral as the holy grail itself, as Sony/ATV has been extremely protective of digital distribution of the Fab Four's back catalog (it's not even available on iTunes).

There is some reason to hope though, with L.A. Times reporting that Sony/ATV CEO Marty Bandier has said putting Beatles songs into a Guitar Hero game is "something we have talked about and something I'd like to pursue." Whether that possibility is something Activision would also like to pursue is not yet clear, but if the companies can Come Together, they'd both have a Ticket To Ride right to the bank. Come on Activision, Please Please Us and make this thing happen!

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Beatles Edition a possibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbeatlesbreakingnewsclassic-rockguitarguitar-heroharmonixlicensePS2PS3Sony/ATVWiiXbox-360Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA bringing stars of "The Hills" to video game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/rumor-ea-bringing-stars-of-the-hills-to-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/rumor-ea-bringing-stars-of-the-hills-to-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/rumor-ea-bringing-stars-of-the-hills-to-video-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you recognize the above pictured pair as reality TV stars (and not just goobers at a Halloween party), then you should stop reading this post right now and just go read US Magazine or something. If you don't recognize them, we'll explain that Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, stars of MTV's The Hills, let slip recently that they're collaborating with EA on a video game version of their, like, totally drama-filled lives.

Not many details were spilled on what Pratt called the "top-secret" game, but he did mention to US Magazine that the game would let players work against the popular pair if they want to. "You can even torture me," Pratt said in a quote sure to excite reality-TV-haters everywhere.

Pratt expects the game to come out in two versions -- "the adult version and the one for minors" -- around Christmas 2009. And really, if you can't trust reality TV stars for your video game release dates, who can you trust?

JoystiqRumor: EA bringing stars of "The Hills" to video game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebrityEAElectronic-Artsgameheidiheidi-and-spencerlicensePCrealityreality-TVspencerThe hillsTheHillsUS weeklyUsWeeklyFri, 22 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mastiff digests Major League Eating game license]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/mastiff-digests-major-league-eating-game-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/mastiff-digests-major-league-eating-game-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/mastiff-digests-major-league-eating-game-license/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's difficult to decide if we're more intrigued or disgusted with publisher Mastiff's announcement that it has gobbled up the license to release games based on "gurgitory" competition organization Major League Eating. While we still have no idea what platforms, or frankly what audiences Mastiff is targeting, the publisher says that Major League Eating: The Game will play "like a fighting game," as players "show brilliant on-screen eating; a mastery of offensive and defensive weapons including burps, belches, and mustard gas; and of course the technical mastery necessary to avoid emptying one's stomach in a vividly colored reversal of fortune." Honestly, we can't make this stuff up.

Truth be told, it's difficult to imagine exactly how these games will pan out, though Mastiff has not yet responded to our inquiry as to whether or not the stomach-centric gameplay will be easier to swallow when soaked in water.

JoystiqMastiff digests Major League Eating game license originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gurgitorylicensemajor league eatingMajorLeagueEatingmastiffmlestomachFri, 08 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Licensed games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/wii-warm-up-licensed-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/wii-warm-up-licensed-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/wii-warm-up-licensed-games/#commentsFiled under:

We usually don't have high hopes when it comes to games that are based on movies, television shows, brands, or other licenses. With that said, though, we know that there are some good ones around. What is your favorite licensed game? And, if that license is not on the Wii yet, would you like it to be?

Also, are there any movie or other licenses that haven't been gobbled up yet that you'd like to see on the Wii? Or, would you rather that these types of games stop being made in the first place?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Licensed games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>licenselicensed-gamesSat, 05 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ plans games based on Pixar's WALL?E, nobody surprised]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/thq-plans-games-based-on-pixars-wall-e-nobody-surprised/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/thq-plans-games-based-on-pixars-wall-e-nobody-surprised/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/thq-plans-games-based-on-pixars-wall-e-nobody-surprised/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

With THQ still riding the wave of financial fortitude created by its adaptations of Disney Pixar's Cars and Ratatouille animated features, the company has unsurprisingly confirmed plans to give the film studio's next feature, WALLo.E, similar treatment. Versions of the movie-made-game, which centers on a story of a robot named WALLo.E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) and his journey of self discovery, should begin to populate store shelves for every platform under the sun in time for the film's summer release.

This game is the second title, following last year's Ratatouille, to stem from a new four game deal between THQ and Pixar, meaning that we expect these two will remain in bed together over the next couple of years at the very least. THQ hasn't shed many details on how the WALLo.E games will play out, though given previous releases, we expect a handful of levels lifted from the film, partnered with mind numbing icon collecting and actors delivering lines with all of the enthusiasm of a cheese sandwich. Excited yet?

JoystiqTHQ plans games based on Pixar's WALL?E, nobody surprised originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CarsdisneyDSlicenseMobilePCpixarPS2PS3PSPRatatouillethqwall ewall-ewalleWiiXbox-360Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Bargain of Fury]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/bargain-of-fury/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/bargain-of-fury/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/bargain-of-fury/#commentsFiled under:

Let's not kid ourselves here -- we would be lucky if Balls of Fury DS turned out to be as "good" as the terrible table-tennis/martial-arts film it's based on. Judging by this markdown on the game only two weeks after its release, however, we doubt the title meets even the movie's standards.

So why should anyone bother picking Balls of Fury DS up?
  1. Amazon is hosting a $12.99 sale for it (Today only)
  2. You still have fond memories of Christopher Walken and that Fatboy Slim video he did
  3. IGN and GameSpot said it's not so bad if all that you're looking for is a somewhat decent Ping Pong experience
  4. You want to support DSI Games, the publisher putting out Barnyard Blast
[Via CAG]

JoystiqBargain of Fury originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonballs-of-furyballs-of-fury-dschristopher-walkendsi-gameslicensemovieTue, 09 Oct 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Dream's not-so-major screenshots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/major-dreams-not-so-major-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/major-dreams-not-so-major-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/major-dreams-not-so-major-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: ,

Famitsu has put up the first screenshots we've seen for Major Dream, Takara Tomy's recently announced Wii game for the baseball anime, and ... They look exactly like how you'd expect a low-budget anime sports title to look like. What's up with the crotch pinstripes in the above image? His outfit resembles a wacky line graph more than it does a baseball uniform. Even with the game's Eyeshield 21 similarities, all the motion blur in the world couldn't distract us from that mess of stripes.

JoystiqMajor Dream's not-so-major screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebaseballlicensemajor-dreammajordreamtakara-tomyThu, 04 Oct 2007 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Id and Valve could have been violating GPL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/06/id-and-valve-could-have-been-violating-gpl/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/06/id-and-valve-could-have-been-violating-gpl/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/06/id-and-valve-could-have-been-violating-gpl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After id Software released their catalog on Steam, some gamers on the Halflife2.net forums noticed a missing General Public License for DOSBox, an emulator used for playing older titles. Not including a GPL, which is a text file legally required to be included with the game to give due credit, violates the license and can lead to lawsuits.

It appears, however, that subsequent downloads have fixed the problems, as either Valve or id has added the proper licenses. (Note the picture above, from the same forum thread, showing the licenses present in a recently-downloaded copy of HeXen.) This doesn't in either way affect the gameplay of the titles, but it is important to give credit for those who make your fragging possible in the first place.

[Update: Clarified the wording as to the physical description of the GPL itself.]

[Via /.]

JoystiqId and Valve could have been violating GPL originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dosdosboxgplidlicensePCsteamvalveMon, 06 Aug 2007 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Duck Amuck breaks both screens' fourth walls [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/duck-amuck-uses-the-power-of-a-good-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/duck-amuck-uses-the-power-of-a-good-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/duck-amuck-uses-the-power-of-a-good-license/#commentsFiled under: ,


Duck Amuck is the best concept for a minigame collection we've ever seen. It may also be the best concept for a licensed game we've ever seen. It's based on the classic 1951 Merrie Melodie, in which a malevolent animator (later revealed to be--SPOILER-- Bugs Bunny) jerks Daffy Duck around as the cartoon plays. Locations are changed, Daffy is frequently erased and redrawn, and his attempts to regain control of the cartoon are met with punishment.

The concept of "Daffy Duck being dropped into hilariously unfortunate circumstances at the hands of an animator" translates into a DS game well, since gamers are used to manipulating onscreen characters. DS gamers, in particular, are used to doing so with a pen.

We watched the trailers and looked at the screenshots, expecting to have our enthusiasm thoroughly dampened. But the screens actually look good, and the trailers are well-animated and funny. What? Humor? In our video games? Even though we're pretty sure it's all concept art and not real gameplay footage, we're already impressed. We're also inclined to support WayForward, our new favorite DS developer (pending playtime with Contra 4.)

[Update: A producer at Warner Bros. Games wrote in to confirm that all of the footage is in-game, done with Flash!]



[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqDuck Amuck breaks both screens' fourth walls [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amuckdaffydaffy duckDaffyDuckduckduck amuckDuckAmucklicenselicensedlooney tunesLooneyTunesmerrie melodiesMerrieMelodiesminigameminigameswayforwardTue, 17 Jul 2007 13:40:00 EST