Joystiq

That siren means it's the first Silent Hill: Revelation 3D trailer

Jordan Mallory — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST

When the above debut trailer for the movie sequel, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, hit the office, the Joystiq crew was derailed from any practical work for a good half hour while we discussed everything from the Australianness of the actress playing Heather Mason, to the canonical validity of Pyramid Head outside of James Sunderland's story.

After multiple viewings, our general consensus is one of cautious optimism; while the creative liberties taken with the first film appear to carry over, man does that Otherworld look exactly right. The overall costume design appears to be spot on as well, though we're not so sure about the trailer's mannequin implementation. We suppose all will be revealed when Silent Hill: Revelation 3D hits theaters on October 26.

That siren means it's the first Silent Hill: Revelation 3D trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Hunger Games: Girl on Fire out today

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST

The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire, the iOS adaptation of Suzanne Collins' breakout young-adult sensation, is now available for free on the App Store. As you'll recall, Girl on Fire was developed by a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young-esque indie-games supergroup captained by Adam Saltsman of Canabalt fame, featuring artwork by Super Crate Box's Paul Veer and music by Super Meat Boy composer Daniel Baranowsky.

The above trailer was actually created before the game was in a playable state, using a combination of the game's art assets, Adobe After Effects and a powerful amount of ingenuity. Hopefully Lionsgate's film version of The Hunger Games, which hits theaters tomorrow, will have as much effort put into it.

PSA: Hunger Games: Girl on Fire out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adam Saltsman on making a game out of The Hunger Games

JC Fletcher — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST

The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire is what film company Lionsgate calls a "teaser game" for the upcoming movie, based on the popular books. iOS indie superstar Adam Saltsman (Canabalt, Capsule) is leading a team of other indie superstars for the App Store release, including Mark Johns and Kevin Coulton (aka DOOMLASER), Paul Veer, and composer Danny Baranowsky.

It's a different world now, one in which the official tie-in video game for a major motion picture is a game for phones, designed by a tiny team of people best known for games they made without publishers. It's a game with a deliberate retro aesthetic, as you can see in the new "pixel poster" for the upcoming game (visible in full after the break). Author Suzanne Collins even chimed in with suggestions. How on earth did this all happen?

The rise of iOS gaming is a separate, and larger topic, but pinpointing the design of this particular one was much simpler. "From the get-go my inspiration and motivation for this, aesthetically, has been to just pretend I am making a movie tie-in game for the Super Nintendo, only actually fun to play," Saltsman told Joystiq, explaining the look.

Continue reading Adam Saltsman on making a game out of The Hunger Games

Adam Saltsman on making a game out of The Hunger Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Indie dream team building The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire for iOS

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST

Adam Saltsman, the mastermind behind Canabalt, Gravity Hook and Capsule, has rallied an indie dream team to make an original iOS title based on The Hunger Games movie. The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire is Saltsman's brainchild, backed by production company Lionsgate, and in collaboration with designers/programmers Mark Johns (Tap Tap Dance) and Kevin Coulton (Hot Throttle), lead artist and animator Paul Veer (Super Crate Box), and composer Daniel Baranowsky (Super Meat Boy, Canabalt).

Saltsman says he was skeptical about taking on the adaptation, as most companies who approach him want to re-skin Canabalt and call it a day. Not Lionsgate though. "I pitched them on an original touch-based action game instead," Saltsman said. "It does feature a running character, but the focus of the game is more on marksmanship and strategy... but we'll have more to say and show about that later! It's a small idea, but a tight one too."

The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire will launch for iOS devices "timed to the theatrical release," which is March 23.

Indie dream team building The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire for iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead Island film optioned by Lionsgate, based on the trailer

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST

Though reports from February of a planned film adaptation of Techland's then yet-to-be-released zombie title Dead Island were struck down by the studio, legitimate plans for the movie were revealed earlier today. Lionsgate announced in a press release that it's currently in the early development stage of a Dead Island feature, with producers Sean Daniel (Tombstone, Dazed and Confused) and Stefan Sonnenfeld attached.

The press release mentions the game's first, Cannes-winning trailer will serve as the film's "primary creative inspiration," adding that the movie will adopt the commercial's "focus on human emotion, family ties and non-linear storytelling." Also, it's a horror movie from Lionsgate, so we're betting you'll get to see the insides of hastily removed human body parts.

Continue reading Dead Island film optioned by Lionsgate, based on the trailer

Dead Island film optioned by Lionsgate, based on the trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: New Silent Hill movie based on Silent Hill 3, will be in 3D

Mike Schramm — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:40:00 EST

Back in August, Fangoria was told that the sequel to the Silent Hill movie was on hold following screenwriter Roger Avary's legal issues. But now that same publication has heard that the movie's back on -- Silent Hill: Revelation 3D is supposedly in preproduction, will follow the story of Heather Mason from Silent Hill 3, and yes, will be in 3D. Michael J. Bassett is attached to write and direct, with Lionsgate, Konami and Davis Films doing the production. All of this is still just rumored, but Helldescent reports that producer Don Carmody expects an official announcement "very soon."

We'll leave the pre-judgment of 3D to you guys, but we will go ahead and begin a dirge for poor James Sunderland of Silent Hill 2, whose story is apparently not good enough to make into a movie. Poor James -- not only did he get terrorized by his own sexual dysfunctions, but Hollywood hates him, too.

Rumor: New Silent Hill movie based on Silent Hill 3, will be in 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kane and Lynch film needs a new director

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Following the inexplicable trend of movies based on video games getting totally derailed before they even start filming, it seems the once-certain production of Kane and Lynch has become ... decidedly less so. LA Times reports that planned director Patrick Alessandrin (District 13: Ultimatum) is no longer behind the reins of the movie. As a result, the movie's shooting schedule, planned to start next month, has been delayed.

A representative from Millennium Films confirmed that "the director has not been chosen" and that the film's "start date is TBD." If you're part of the ever-burgeoning community of high-profile film directors who read this site (what up, Spiels?), consider this your invitation to step in and save the day. That is, if you think you can handle the raw thespianic force of a Willis/Foxx collaboration.

Kane and Lynch film needs a new director originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lionsgate imagines Wii movie store 'will launch worldwide soon'

Xav de Matos — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST

Lionsgate president of digital media Curt Marvis is hopeful that Nintendo will launch a worldwide movie store sometime soon. In an interview with Casualgaming.biz, Marvis explained that Lionsgate's current strategy is to sell more film and television properties through connected video game consoles.

According to Marvis, the horror and action genres are best suited for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 users, but the Wii is likely to sell more "mass-market" content, due to its "broader audience." Currently, the Nintendo Wii has streaming film and television content available in Japan, although rumors have been swirling that Netflix is a possibility on the console Stateside. Thanks for at least stirring the pot in a different direction, Curt!

Lionsgate imagines Wii movie store 'will launch worldwide soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hollywood executive expects streaming movies, TV on Wii this year

JC Fletcher — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:15:00 EST

Lionsgate's president of digital media, Curt Marvis, believes that streaming movies and TV will be available on the Wii this year. It doesn't really sound like a strong belief, or one that he can back up with any evidence: "I think when we see the Wii come into the market with the ability to stream movies," Marvis told The Cut Scene, "which I think is maybe going to happen as soon as this year, I think that's going to be a big marketplace for digital distribution."

So when, and if, that does happen, Lionsgate is on board. The Cut Scene points out that Marvis does refer to the Wii streaming movies as opposed to downloading them, which suggests that he may be familiar enough with the platform to understand its limitations.

Of course, it is a fact that streaming TV is coming to the Wii, both in the form of Nintendo's own "Wii no Ma Channel," which will provide original content from Nintendo, and Fujisoft's Minna no Theater Wii, whose offerings seem limited to content of Japanese origin, like anime and Ultraman. It's possible Lionsgate could be expecting to make a deal with Fujisoft, or that another service is imminent. Of course, it's also possible that he's guessing there will be a Wii movie service this year because he wants there to be.

Hollywood executive expects streaming movies, TV on Wii this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Variety: Konami wants to play a game, picks up Saw rights

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:25:00 EST

Variety's sources are claiming that Konami has picked up the rights from Lionsgate to publish games based on the Saw movies. The publisher allegedly nabbed the rights following the closure of previous rights owner Brash Entertainment. Licensed game aficionados -- there have to be some of you out there -- will be thrilled to learn that Konami plans to release its first Saw title in time for the release of the next film, which is ... let's see ... Saw VI. The game will be developed by Zombie Studios, best known for its work on ~~Super Bubble Pop~~ America's Army.

Apparently, Lionsgate had considered developing the game internally -- which would have been the first time the company had attempted game development -- but eventually decided to license the property to an experienced publisher instead. Probably a good idea. The game will reportedly be available on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3.

Variety: Konami wants to play a game, picks up Saw rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hollywood studios voice Blu-ray, PS3 support

Nick Doerr — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Blu-ray, Business, News

It seems that the movie industry is getting tired of the next-gen format war. Or the now-gen format war. Whatever you want to call it, the battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD has gone on too long, according to multiple studios. Besides this, backers of Blu-ray have a lot to say about PS3 and their upcoming plans to support the Blu-ray format, including a long overdue update allowing to audio and video tracks to run at the same time. Let's listen in.

20th Century Fox's VP Steve Feldstein spoke highly of both Blu-ray and PS3, saying "PS3 is an incredible gaming platform that just happens to be a really great Blu-ray player, too ... Interestingly, there is a lot of crossover between the early adopter, the PlayStation 3 purchaser and the products that are being released early in Blu-ray's life cycle. A lot of the more male-oriented titles that we're releasing, the sales numbers indicate they're being played on PS3s."

Lionsgate Home Entertainment VP Ron Schwartz added his two cents as well. "I think PS3 is going to be a gift people are going to be giving this Christmas ... The great thing about PS3 is that it's a multipurpose media device that can play in the living room without the purchase of any additional components."

Even Gordon Ho of Walt Disney Studios put the studio's support squarely in the Blu. "High definition on PS3 is really pretty simple ... If you're going to hook up your PS3, take advantage of the movie capabilities." He also said that movie studios need to take the initiative to really educate consumers about Blu-ray and the PS3's ability to play them excellently. We're glad to see more studio heads coming out and voicing support. Not that the HD DVD exclusive studios wouldn't say the exact opposite, but at least there are clear voices on both sides of the fence.

Hollywood studios voice Blu-ray, PS3 support originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lionsgate is loving the Marketplace

Dustin Burg — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Xbox Live Marketplace

With today's news of CMT and Logo jumping on the XBLM wagon, Lionsgate announced the success they're having with the Marketplace. Lionsgate is reporting that their library of fifteen movies on the XBLM have been rented a total of 150,000 times, which resulted in a 50% boost for their digital revenues. This is of course great news for not only movies studios and Microsoft, but for consumers too. As more and more movie studios see how successful the XBLM can be, they'll be more willing to sign up for the service, which will ultimately give consumers more variety.

We know all this Marketplace talk makes non-US residents boil with anger, but for those of you who have access to the content we ask; Are you embracing the XBLM with open arms or are you still a little leery about getting your feet wet?

Lionsgate is loving the Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dirty Dancing, we never felt like this before

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 29 May 2007 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Action, Puzzle, Rhythm

Nobody puts Baby in a corner. After 20 years, all the little girls and boys who wished they were on a retreat in the Catskills learning dance moves from Patrick Swayze will finally get their wish. Syncing up with the movie's platinum anniversary, Codemasters is releasing a Dirty Dancing ... "casual puzzle action" title?! We want the time of our life, we want to feel life we've never felt before, so we swear, and this is the truth, we want DDR Dirty Dancing. Who would even think to contain the Swayze in a "casual puzzle action" title?

Anne Parducci, vice president of marketing at Lionsgate film says, "For two decades, girls and women have identified with Baby, and through this wonderful game from Codemasters, they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in her world like never before." But what if a boy wants to dance with Jennifer Grey instead of the Swayze? Options people, give the gamer options.

Dirty Dancing, we never felt like this before originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lionsgate joins Xbox 360 Video Marketplace

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 14:53:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Business

Lionsgate will soon join fellow movie distributors on the Xbox Live Video Marketplace, bringing targeted content to Xbox 360 gamers. "The Xbox gamer is the same moviegoer who wants to watch Saw III or Crank," remarked executive VP Jon Ferro. Ah yes, torture and meth labs ... you've got us all figured out, don't you, Mr. Ferro?

Other Lionsgate titles destined for XBLVM: An American Haunting, Blair Witch Project, The Descent, Employee of the Month, Hard Candy, Ninth Gate, The Punisher, Requiem for a Dream, See No Evil, and Stir of Echoes.

See also: Xbox 360 video download service succeeding, others failing

Lionsgate joins Xbox 360 Video Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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