Joystiq

Layoffs hit Square Enix Los Angeles, part of 'corporate restructuring'

David Hinkle — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:04:00 EST

Joystiq has confirmed with Square Enix that "a number of positions" in its Los Angeles office have been eliminated today. Below, a statement from a Square Enix representative:

We can confirm that Square Enix's Los Angeles office has eliminated a number of positions as part of the corporate restructuring announced last week. This is an unfortunate situation and we are offering assistance and severance packages to any employees affected by this, we want to thank them for their hard work and sincerely wish them well in the future.

We're currently hunting down information regarding the exact number of individuals let go. We'll be sure to update as the story develops - of course, if you were one of the employees affected or know something we don't, feel free to drop us a line. Anonymity assured!

Update: More details.

Layoffs hit Square Enix Los Angeles, part of 'corporate restructuring' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grand Theft Auto 5 promotional materials, in-game locations leak out

Mike Schramm — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST

Retailers running preorders for Grand Theft Auto 5 (which is coming out in spring 2013) were supposed to wait until November 5 to give away any promotional items. Pictures of what appears to be a little keychain image viewer have leaked, both revealing that as a pre-order bonus for the game and showing off some locations to be included in Rockstar's latest paean to the West Coast.

Looking through the viewfinder on the tiny accessory shows off not only the Zancudo River, but also the Vinewood Hills (a play on Hollywood), the Del Perro Pier (likely Santa Monica's landmark playground), the Vespucci Canals (with a view of downtown), and Grapeseed (a winery area that's likely a tip to California's Napa Valley).

Fans have also spotted a poster promoting the game (which you can see after the break below) featuring a woman wearing a Love Fist t-shirt, and a few of the keychain viewers reference an air travel company called "FlyUS", so it appears that GTA's usual parodic shenanigans are in order. We'll likely hear even more about this one in the next month or so, as Rockstar's promotional machine for the game finally starts kicking into gear.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto 5 promotional materials, in-game locations leak out

Grand Theft Auto 5 promotional materials, in-game locations leak out originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale brings the party to iam8bit this week

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST

Los Angeles' trendy video game art house iam8bit is hosting a one-night event for PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale, with the final release code playable for the first time in public. The event is dubbed the LA Beatdown, and it takes place on Wednesday, October 24 from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. at this location.

LA Beatdown is completely free to enter and includes the following goodies: the game playable on a 25-foot widescreen; exclusive, one-time-print t-shirts and posters with art by Boneface for the first 500 attendees (check out the design above); a museum-style exhibit featuring characteristic items from each Battle Royale character; a photo stage with props from the game; and complimentary alcoholic beverages for those 21 and older. Vizzi food truck will be parked outside as well.

Entrance is first-come, first-serve, so if you're in the LA area start planning for a thumpin' hump day now.

PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale brings the party to iam8bit this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC Next, App Developers Conference coming to LA in Nov. 2013

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST

GDC Next was announced this morning, the successor to GDC Online, focusing on mobile, social, independent and "other major forms of games." The first GDC Next and App Developers Conference (also new) will be held as a combined event at the Los Angeles Convention Center November 5-7, 2013.

GDC Online will hold its final iteration in Austin in October. GDC Next appears to be focusing its efforts on that elusive "what's next?" in the industry, covering a wide range of ideas from developers for products that don't fit the established parameters of GDC, GDC Europe, Gamescom or E3.

GDC Next, App Developers Conference coming to LA in Nov. 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2013 confirmed for Los Angeles, taking place June 11-13

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:02:00 EST

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) resolved its spat with the city of Los Angeles, announcing it will hold E3 in the city again from June 11-13, 2013. The annual industry mega show, which has been held in Los Angeles for 16 of its 18 years in existence, wasn't going to have its 2013 location announced by the ESA until the trade group received assurances from the city that the show would run efficiently during construction of the Farmers Field stadium.

"The City of Los Angeles is thrilled to welcome E3 back for another three years," Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said in a statement. "My office was committed to doing whatever it took to keep the largest annual conference that the City hosts here for another three years. I personally joined in the negotiations, and we worked with all parties to ensure the needs of E3 would be met."

E3 2012 had 45,700 attendees, with the ESA estimating the show generated 30,000 hotel room bookings and nearly $40 million in revenue for Los Angeles.

Update: There seems to be some debate about wording in the ESA's press release regarding the show taking place "throughout downtown Los Angeles and the City." E3 is the same as it ever was. Show organizers tell us: "While the show floor itself [at the Los Angeles Convention Center] is often the most visible aspect of E3, there are a number of elements, including press conferences, networking events, meetings, receptions, and parties that occur in and around the LA area."

Continue reading E3 2013 confirmed for Los Angeles, taking place June 11-13

E3 2013 confirmed for Los Angeles, taking place June 11-13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Capcom and iam8bit hosting 25 Years of Street Fighter art show in LA

Mike Schramm — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST

The iam8bit art gallery/collective in Los Angeles' Echo Park is teaming up with Capcom for a "25 Years of Street Fighter" gallery show. "Combo Attack" is a two-week exhibition of art of over 50 pieces celebrating the classic fighting game series, featuring different artists' takes on characters, backgrounds, and other media from the long history of Street Fighter.

The show is kicking off with a free-to-the-public opening night party on August 3 at 7pm. It will have art pieces on display, and feature a real-life Street Fighter 2 "bonus round" (a car to wreck, we'd guess), and several other special installations. The art itself will be up in the iam8bit gallery through August 19, so even if you can't make opening night we're sure Jon Gibson and gang would appreciate you stopping by.

Capcom and iam8bit hosting 25 Years of Street Fighter art show in LA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2012 had 45,700 attendees, will announce dates and venue for 2013 soon

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:30:00 EST

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) had 45,700 industry personnel in attendance for the 2012 show. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the trade organization that puts on the annual mega show, estimated E3 generated 30,000 total hotel room bookings and nearly $40 million in revenue for the city.

The ESA, for the first time in years, did not announce next year's host city nor show dates at the end of the expo. The group is currently in a little spat with the city over assurances that the show will run efficiently during next year's construction of the Farmers Field stadium.

E3 2012 had 45,700 attendees, will announce dates and venue for 2013 soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quantum Conundrum and iam8bit team up for inter-dimensional fan travel

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST

Quantum Conundrum's Airtight Games is used to handling inter-dimensional scenarios, but now it's going for the most egregious combination yet, mixing virtual reality with real reality. Quantum Conundrum and iam8bit are teaming up for a mysterious and seemingly slightly dangerous production this May, asking "hardcore fans" to sign up to be "transported to another dimension, all in the name of science. Seriously, we're not messing around."

Potential participants are asked to be at least 18 years old and be available May 11 and 12 in the Los Angeles area. Fifty people will be chosen, based on the form requirements of "Why should you win?" and, apparently, how hearty your bone structure appears in a photo you send in. Any die-hard Quantum Conundrum or iam8bit fans, or those with superior cheekbones, can fill out the entry form right here.

Quantum Conundrum and iam8bit team up for inter-dimensional fan travel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halo co-creator Alex Seropian founds Industrial Toys, focused on mobile

Mike Schramm — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST

Halo co-creator and Bungie co-founder Alex Seropian has embarked on yet another new venture. After founding Wideload Games almost ten years ago and then joining Disney Interactive as head of game development for a few years, Seropian has now started up a company named Industrial Toys. Along with "some kickass art talent from ex-Marvel and DC guys," as president Tim Harris (formerly of Seven Lights) puts it, Seropian and the rest of the company plan to make hardcore games for mobile platforms. "We're going deep on story and community and all sorts of nerdy goodness," says Harris.

While we have a while yet to wait on actual game products, the company has already jumped onto Twitter in a big way. It's also posting updates on Facebook, sharing some pictures of the HQ under construction in Los Angeles (those are network wires hanging from the ceiling). It all sounds exciting, and Seropian and friends certainly have pedigree enough to make something really interesting.

Halo co-creator Alex Seropian founds Industrial Toys, focused on mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo launches Rhythm Heaven Fever with a party at iam8bit

Mike Schramm — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST

Los Angeles' iam8bit gallery played host to Nintendo last night, as the two companies launched Rhythm Heaven Fever with a full scale party. There were plenty of demos of the game on display, live painting by artists Yoskay Yamamoto and Mari Inukai, a live DJ spinning tunes, and a few photo booths where players could dress up and pose, or even dance for a video running on Nintendo's own site.

The event was a lot of fun, and you can pretend you were able to be there by browsing through the gallery below. iam8bit always does a great job with these events, and co-founder Jon Gibson promised us there's lots more on the way: He's currently working hard on the leetUP event that iam8bit is co-hosting at the beginning of next month, and says VIP tickets for that one have sold out already. We'll be in attendance, so stay tuned for more.

Gallery: Rhythm Heaven Fever Launch Event at Iam8bit

Nintendo launches Rhythm Heaven Fever with a party at iam8bit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10

JC Fletcher — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST

If you're near Los Angeles on February 10, and you're eager to celebrate the upcoming release of Rhythm Heaven Fever, you can party with other like-minded people at the iam8bit gallery.

Nintendo, Giant Robot, and iam8bit are teaming up for a launch event, at which attendees will be able to play the game (with headphones, hopefully!) and pick up custom swag. Go find out who else in the world dares to play a rhythm game about interviewing wrestlers and playing airplane badminton!

Continue reading Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10

Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Riot Games' close calls with disaster

Mike Schramm — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST

Riot Games CEO Brandon Beck gave the closing keynote at last week's IGDA Leadership Forum in Los Angeles, California, and during the talk (in which he made the point that "Riot's secret weapon all along" has been its employees), he gave a few interesting examples of how Riot's staff had really gone the extra distance to turn League of Legends into the successful online phenomenon it is today.

His first example was about the matchmaking system -- originally, Riot struggled to make sure that players were matched up against each other in an interesting and effective way, and the company ended up bringing in not a game developer, but a programmer with a PhD in computational biology whose "thinking was radically different and compelling," according to Beck.

A month after this hire, the company had a whole new matchmaking system, and in the end, it turned out to be "too fair" -- the games were too close. Since "what players remember are the outliers," according to Beck, the team developed "snowball items," which were "risky purchases that rewarded flawless execution." That bit of gameplay mixed up the matches, and came to be the system the game uses today.

Continue reading Riot Games' close calls with disaster

Riot Games' close calls with disaster originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch SUPER iam8bit host more than 1,000 gamers on opening night, be jealous

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST

If you don't already feel completely unhip for not yet attending the SUPER iam8bit exhibition in Los Angeles, this video will help depress you to the appropriate levels of self-loathing. The new SUPER iam8bit gallery in Echo Park looks like a little slice of gamer heaven on the West Coast, and if those lines are anything to judge by, los angeles can't wait to get in.

The show runs until September 10, so if you like what you see in the video above and additional artwork below, head down to Cali and check out founder Jon Gibson's gaming gallery. Gibson plans on hosting a myriad of events in his new space, and we'll be on the lookout for news about chiptune concerts and screenings of Super Mario Bros. in the near future.

Continue reading Watch SUPER iam8bit host more than 1,000 gamers on opening night, be jealous

Watch SUPER iam8bit host more than 1,000 gamers on opening night, be jealous originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: iam8bit goes Super this evening in Los Angeles

Mike Schramm — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:20:00 EST

Just a reminder that video game-inspired art house iam8bit is reinventing itself as Super iam8bit this evening at its HQ in Los Angeles' Echo Park neighborhood. Starting tonight at 7pm and going through the next month, the gallery will host over 100 works of art influenced and inspired by your favorite video games. There will also be a "world's largest arcade cabinet" to celebrate Galaga's 30th anniversary, and developer Drew Skillman of Double Fine will be showing off a brand new Kinect Hack.

The gallery is at 2147 W. Sunset Blvd, and tonight's opening extravaganza will start at 7pm and have music by DJ R-Rated and special appearances by chiptune artists Leeni and A_Rival. Even if you're not in LA, Joystiq will be in attendance this evening, so stay tuned for pictures and news from the event tonight.

Gallery: SUPER iam8bit (the exhibition)

PSA: iam8bit goes Super this evening in Los Angeles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SUPER iam8bit exhibition and book debut August 11

Christopher Grant — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:15:00 EST

We told you about SUPER iam8bit in June - it's a years-in-the-making followup to the iam8bit crew's last 2008 art show and 2006 book. It's back this month with not only a new art show, but a new book "documenting this year's event" and it's all being hosted in the group's newly renovated new space in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Beginning August 11 (that's next Thursday!) and running for one month, SUPER iam8bit includes work from over 100 artists, a "special tribute to Galaga's 30th anniversary will feature the world's largest 'arcade cabinet,'" and Double Fine's Drew Skillman "will be displaying an interactive, retro Kinect hack."

We're pretty sure you're going to want to be there. We've got the address, along with a ton of beautiful images, just past the break! Above, "We're Not in Hyrule Anymore" by Colombian artist Luisa Uribe.

Continue reading SUPER iam8bit exhibition and book debut August 11

SUPER iam8bit exhibition and book debut August 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call of Duty XP attendees get free 'Hardened' edition of MW3, teaming with We Can Pretend

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST

Beyond chomping (hopefully) real burgers at the faux fast-food establishment, Burgertown, Call of Duty XP attendees get a "special redemption code" for Modern Warfare 3's Hardened Edition, for use "when it becomes available worldwide on November 8." Included in the price of admission is also the chance to run through "a life-size replica" of MW2's "Scrapyard" level, so bring an extra extra pair of running shoes (one of the extra pairs will already have been used after heading through "The Pit").

And tucked away in a variety of details about a new comedy series for Call of Duty Elite members (being put together by Jason Bateman and Will Arnett's production company "dumbdumb" and Ben Silverman's Electus Studio, no less) was news that Activision is collaborating with We Can Pretend on a "Modern Warfare-inspired live-action short." We Can Pretend are the folks who put together the "Find Makarov" campaign back in March, misleading many game news outlets to believe that it was a Modern Warfare 3-based ARG due to its high production value.

If the aforementioned amenities weren't enough, Activision is upping the physicality of things with "Juggernaut Sumo" (just what it sounds like) and "a military-style zip-line plunge across the Call of Duty XP compound." Say it with us now: "HOO-AH!"

Call of Duty XP attendees get free 'Hardened' edition of MW3, teaming with We Can Pretend originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How the E3 sausage gets made: Our gear

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST

As the Joystiq staff barrels toward Los Angeles over the course of today, each staffer will come packing his own set of tools to tackle the coming week. As you already know, the E3 festivities begin Monday morning and go strong for four days, so it goes without saying that these gear pictures don't include the countless gallons of caffeinated beverages which will be consumed -- chock 1.5 iced coffees to me thus far today -- not to mention other precious energy-providing items.

Head into the gallery below for an in-depth look at how the sausage gets made. If you're into that kinda thing, of course.

Gallery: E3 2011 Staff Gear

How the E3 sausage gets made: Our gear originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Witcher 2 casting spells on Xbox 360 by the end of 2011

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:21:00 EST

During its "Summer Days" presentation in Los Angeles this afternoon, developer CD Projekt Red announced intentions to release critically acclaimed The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 by the end of 2011. The confirmation comes after months of back-and-forth over the possibility of a console release, and hot off the bewitched heels of an ESRB rating for the game on Xbox 360.

Little is known about how exactly the title's gameplay, not to mention its impressive graphics engine, will translate to 360, but we're sure to find out more in the coming weeks. We'll keep an eye ... er ... ear on the streaming press conference as well and update this story as it develops.

Update: During the stage presentation, CD Projekt Red representatives pointed out that the Xbox 360 version will include all PC updates that have taken place since the game's launch. A teaser was also shown off (which we'll have for you soon), though no gameplay has been revealed as of yet -- it'll be shown off during E3. The reps also pointed out that the 360 version will look close or on par with the PC version, and also called it an "adaptation, not a port."

Update 2: The teaser is now live after the break!

Continue reading The Witcher 2 casting spells on Xbox 360 by the end of 2011

The Witcher 2 casting spells on Xbox 360 by the end of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Probably Not the Wii 2, Part IV: Liiked footage

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:00:00 EST

There's a slight possibility that yesterday, somewhere in Los Angeles, a very nervous person was holding a shaky camera in a dark room, where details on the upcoming Nintendo console were discussed. Though it's a fact that Nintendo held an event for developers in Los Angeles yesterday (as reported by Tiny Cartridge) we're highly suspicious of the YouTube video surfacing with supposed "Project Cafe" information.

A black splash screen opens the video with the dubious statement, "Private presentation of 'Project Cafe' by a video games editor," before approximately 40 seconds of similarly dubious slides are shown just feet above what is alleged to be a running "Project Cafe" unit. The slides depict some things you might expect, as well as some things that we very much doubt would leak. Seeing the rumored giant screen-equipped controller in action with an unidentifiable game, for instance, is especially hard to believe. More believable is the bland presentation of the console's dimensions, as well as specs for the aforementioned controller, though the clip taken in entirety is very hard to trust.

Take a look after the break and decide for yourself, then vote in our poll!

Continue reading Probably Not the Wii 2, Part IV: Liiked footage

Probably Not the Wii 2, Part IV: Liiked footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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See how a 1920s daredevil inspired the L.A. Noire we know today

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:00:00 EST

The methods -- that is to say, witchcraft -- used to create the eerily accurate faces of L.A. Noire's suspicious characters were previously exposed, but how did Team Bondi create the face of the game's titular city? The story is more thrilling than you might imagine: Much of the gameworld was designed using photographs taken by 1920s daredevil Robert Spence, who snapped photos of Los Angeles using a 46-pound camera while hanging out of the cockpit of his biplane.

You can check out some of the images on PopSci, though really, we think the camera might have been facing the wrong way. Yes, the vintage shots of L.A. are neat, but not nearly as neat as a dude hanging out of his biplane while holding a 46-pound camera!

See how a 1920s daredevil inspired the L.A. Noire we know today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cut the Rope gets new 'Magic Box,' gigantic playable demo

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST

Good news, fans of the delightful, physics-based iOS puzzler Cut the Rope! (Or, rather, bad news, if you had things you needed to do today.) An update is now available to the ZeptoLab-developed hit which adds 25 new levels as part of the "Magic Box," and also adds three new Game Center achievements. The new gameplay mechanic this time around is top hats, which serve as portals for your tethered confections -- much like the stockings featured in Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift.

To celebrate the new levels, Chillingo has constructed two massive playable demo stations featuring nine touch screens a piece. If you've got business at Los Angeles' Hollywood & Highland Center or Atlanta International Airport, keep an eye out for these big, beautiful displays -- it's likely to be the most satisfying rope-cutting you ever do.

Continue reading Cut the Rope gets new 'Magic Box,' gigantic playable demo

Cut the Rope gets new 'Magic Box,' gigantic playable demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox-modder trial underway, no plea bargain offered [update: case dismissed!]

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:22:00 EST

The landmark jury trial of Matthew Crippen, indicted on two federal counts last fall for running a side-business in which he modded Xbox 360s at his home, began yesterday with opening statements in a Los Angeles court. Wired's colorful report of U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez's colorful reaction to the prosecution's case suggested that the government could be headed toward a deal with Crippen during an early-afternoon recess.

"I really don't understand what we're doing here," Gutierrez apparently "roared," as he ripped into the prosecution. The judge questioned government prosecutors' use of two witnesses who may have broken the law themselves and prosecutors' instructions to the jury that it was unnecessary to prove Crippen had knowingly breached the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The judge apparently backtracked on an earlier ruling that had prohibited a "fair use" defense (i.e., modding for back-up or homebrew purposes). "The only way to be able to play copied games is to circumvent the technology," Gutierrez said. "How about back-up games and the homebrewed?"

However, prosecutors returned from recess yesterday determined to convict Crippen, 28, on two counts of violating the DMCA (for a maximum sentence of ten years) by proving he knew he was breaking the law. ESA investigator Tony Rosario was called to the stand to recount how he had visited Crippen's Anaheim, Calif. home in 2008 and paid the defendant $60 to mod an Xbox 360. Rosario secretly videotaped the procedure -- which the defense argues is a violation of the state's privacy law -- though he did not capture video evidence of Crippen allegedly playing a pirated game on the modded console (nor did he include this supposed fact in his original report or sworn declarations). Still, the prosecution offered up a pile of a 150 pirated games, apparently seized by authorities from Crippen's home, which it hoped would show jurors that the defendant had a clear understanding that he was involved in illegal activity.

Rosario is expected to return to the stand today, followed by two additional prosecution witnesses: a federal agent, who also allegedly paid Crippen to mod a 360, and a Microsoft employee, a so-called expert on Xbox security (and self-admitted modder in his younger days). The defense is scheduled to begin its case tomorrow.

Follow the drama on Wired's Threat Level blog. Update: Prosecutors dismissed their case today, Wired reports, saying their decision was "based on fairness and justice" (read: they made errors). "It still has not hit me yet," Crippen said outside of the courtroom.

[Pictured: Matthew Crippen; photo credit: David Kravets/Wired.com]

Xbox-modder trial underway, no plea bargain offered [update: case dismissed!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ignition L.A. studio moving to Austin

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST

Ignition Entertainment's Los Angeles branch is moving to Austin, Texas, reports IGN. "All business will be continuing as usual," a company representative told the site -- which, for Ignition, means typically unusual business.

While no official reason was given for the closure of the Glendale, Calif. publishing offices, a fresh start in Austin is an unsurprising choice given the city's rich history of game development and the state's business incentives. Maybe the move is simply a matter of consolidating Ignition's two U.S. studios, L.A. and Gainesville (Fla.), and having them meet halfway. The move from L.A. is said to have no effect on the company's current staff or projects, according to IGN, while Ignition still won't confirm exactly what is going on in Florida.

A month ago, the Florida branch was reported to be closed and staff rumored to be forced out to Texas (or to find a new job). The studio's sci-fi FPS Reich was assumed to have suffered the same uncertain fate as Ignition's WarDevil game, which was left in limbo following the closure of the Ignition's London-area development studio in late September. Of course, WarDevil has since been resurrected as "Project Kane" and is supposedly in the hands of a "core team" and on track for a Q4 2011 release.

See? We told you: unusual business.

[Image sources: UTV Ignition; 25or6to4 (Wikipedia)]

Ignition L.A. studio moving to Austin originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Test PixelJunk Shooter 2 in LA this Friday

JC Fletcher — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST

Sony has announced another LA playtest event for a PSN game, this time PixelJunk Shooter 2. If you're accepted to one of the testing sessions, you'll get to play an unreleased game -- and you'll get a free Move starter pack! Also, if the game is bad when it comes out, you'll be blamed.

Continue reading Test PixelJunk Shooter 2 in LA this Friday

Test PixelJunk Shooter 2 in LA this Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thatgamecompany holding Journey playtest event in LA next week

JC Fletcher — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST

If you're curious about thatgamecompany's enigmatic mountain-approaching PSN adventure, Journey -- and if you're curious about what you're going to do while you're in the LA area on November 19 -- the developer has something planned to satisfy both kinds of curiosity.

That night, thatgamecompany is hosting a semi-public playtest of Journey. If you're between 18 and 35, familiar with PSN, and able to make the journey to Santa Monica, then contact thatgamecompany (contact details after the break) and you might be among the lucky players invited!

Continue reading Thatgamecompany holding Journey playtest event in LA next week

Thatgamecompany holding Journey playtest event in LA next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ignition Florida shutting its doors

Mike Schramm — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST

More trouble for Ignition Entertainment -- after the recent closure of its London studio and the subsequent cancellation of WarDevil, it looks like Reich is headed for the same fate, as the company's Florida studio is now closed, according to a report from Gamasutra. Unconfirmed reports say that all of the studio's 70 employees were let go by the company and escorted off of the premises by executives and police officers. Calls to the studio went unanswered, although a rep from Ignition says that Reich is still being worked on, but that the company is "refocusing it in the right direction."

If the rumors are true, that just leaves Ignition offices in Tokyo and Los Angeles, with El Shaddai left standing as the main title in development for the company. Even if Reich is still in development, rumors say it's cost the company as much as $23 million so far. Quite the disaster indeed.

Report: Ignition Florida shutting its doors originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grab Super Scribblenauts early at LA launch party

JC Fletcher — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST

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

After holding the first Scribblenauts launch event in New York, Warner Bros. Interactive has decided to modify the party for Super Scribblenauts with a couple of adjectives, like "sunny" and "smoggy." The launch party for the DS puzzle-adventure sequel will be held at the GameStop on Sunset and Vine in Los Angeles on October 10.

There, you'll be able to buy the game early, of course, and also participate in a Super Scribblenauts costume contest, solve puzzles on a magnetic wall and meet the 5TH Cell team responsible for the game. The celebration is only going on from 11AM-2PM -- if you're late, you'll have to buy the game on its regular October 12 date, like everyone else in America.

Update: See the invitation after the break.

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Grab Super Scribblenauts early at LA launch party originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Capcom hosts a Dead Rising 2 party at Greene's Hardware

Mike Schramm — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 08:31:00 EST

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

Capcom rented out some empty retail space in East Los Angeles last night to set up Greene's Hardware. The company invited the public by for a "Super Sale," and held a pre-release party instead. Lots of Dead Rising 2's best implements were on display out front, and in back, the full game was playable on a roomful of demo units.

The pizza and soda flowed freely, and Capcom held a few contests -- participants were tasked with building actual zombie-killing items out of plastic toys, and they came up with a few good ideas, including a plastic sword shuriken and some sort of pencil stabbing thing (it looked very effective). Winners took home the prize above -- a Dead Rising 2 t-shirt cleverly disguised as a roll of duct tape. You can browse through all the festivities in the gallery below.

Gallery: Greene's Hardware (Dead Rising 2)

Capcom hosts a Dead Rising 2 party at Greene's Hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHL 2K11 riding in an RV across the US this summer

Mike Schramm — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST

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

Ah, the July 4th weekend. The perfect time for grilling hot dogs, setting off fireworks, jumping in the pool, and ... hockey? That's what 2K Games wants you to think about -- it's sending an NHL 2K11 recreational vehicle on the road this summer, giving you a chance to play the new game in a town near you. The RV started at E3 a few weeks ago in LA, and after a quick stop in Santa Monica next week, it's off to the wild roads of the United States and Canada (the full schedule is after the break).

Ryan Kesler has a tour of the vehicle over on 2K's website, and it looks like a fine conveyance. For now, anyway. Sorry, Philly and New York -- after a couple of months on the road, that shower might not be quite so pristine.

Continue reading NHL 2K11 riding in an RV across the US this summer

NHL 2K11 riding in an RV across the US this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2010: We've arrived!

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST

Stop worrying! We're here in Los Angeles, corralled in the usual E3 Joystiq War Room, preparing fierce lines of questioning and sharpening our newswriting hands for a week sure to be full of sweltering hot scoops. Aside from tonight's Project Natal ... spectacle, we'll be live from Microsoft's other press conference tomorrow, as well as Nintendo, Sony, and the many, many other events being held over the next few days.

Looking to filter out our normal, everyday news for just E3 stuffs? Head to the E3 2010 hub and go nuts! Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got a week of madness to prepare for.

E3 2010: We've arrived! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Los Angeles residents invited to playtest Ghost of Sparta

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:15:00 EST

If you live in Los Angeles, and are at least 18 years old, and you know your way around a God of War game, and you're capable of signing a Non-Disclosure agreement, then this is one heck of a coincidence. Sony is currently looking for people matching that very description to come check out Kratos' next handheld adventure: God of War: Ghost of Sparta, this Thursday.

To apply, just email SCEA Santa Monica with your name, address, phone number, and whether you'd prefer to join in the 11 a.m. to noon session, or the 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. session. We suggest going with the first one, so that you don't have to see them cleaning up the goat offal left over from their bacchanalian lunchtime feast.

Los Angeles residents invited to playtest Ghost of Sparta originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hideo Kojima autograph signings scheduled for Los Angeles and New York

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 21 May 2010 19:45:00 EST

Did you miss your chance to meet Hideo Kojima for the launch of Metal Gear Solid 4? You'll have yet another opportunity, this time to coincide with the launch of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Provided you're willing to travel to Los Angeles or New York, you'll be able to say "Hi!" to the man most famously known for his involvement in the Zone of the Enders franchise.

Kojima will make his appearance in New York on June 11, at Uniqlo from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and at Best Buy Union Square from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.. West Coasters will want to stop by the Universal Citywalk GameStop in Los Angeles on June 13 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Don't forget to mark your calendars. And, if you want to guarantee a visit with the game designer, you best start waiting in line ... now.

Hideo Kojima autograph signings scheduled for Los Angeles and New York originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Capcom handing out mysterious Mega Man items before VGAs

JC Fletcher — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:45:00 EST

If you're in Los Angeles tomorrow and have an interest in either Mega Man collectibles or eBay profits, be sure to get to 1013 W. Olympic Blvd. in LA tomorrow between 2pm and 5pm -- actually, we're guessing you're going to need to get there early. And bring a printout of this coupon with you.

Capcom and i am 8 Bit plan to hand out some kind of extremely limited Mega Man swag in enticing E-Tank boxes. It's likely related to the newly announced Mega Man 10, and with the Mega Man 10 "box art" done by i am 8 Bit's Gerald de Jesus, it's possible that the item will bear that image. If you get one, be sure to let us know what's in the box! We have to know what is in the box.

Capcom handing out mysterious Mega Man items before VGAs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Court not likely to delay Brutal Legend

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST

During E3 2009, Activision fired its first volley in court, suing Brütal Legend developer Double Fine and asking that EA not be allowed to release the game as scheduled this October. Double Fine shot back with its own countersuit just over a week ago, and today, a tentative ruling in a Los Angeles courtroom denied the movement to stop the release of Brütal Legend.

The Associated Press has Los Angeles Superior Court judge Craig Karlan pushing back the formal motions until August 6th, to allow both parties to further prepare their arguments -- and because his calendar is full at the moment (with dance parties, we assume). Though he called the case a "close call," he also noted that his tentative judgment is based on his belief that Activision's case doesn't have "a likelihood of success." Ouch.

Court not likely to delay Brutal Legend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In pictures: a trip around the West Hall

Mike Schramm — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:45:00 EST

The doors are open, and yet instead of going in and playing all of these games we've been hearing so much about, we went ahead and took a walk around the show floor with a camera just for you readers (imagine the willpower!). So yes, even though you may be at home or work, and even though you may be disappointed that you can't come out to Los Angeles and visit the E3 floor, at least you can do it vicariously through the gallery below. Enjoy.

And oh yes: remember when they said it'd be bigger this year? They were right. The booth babes, we report completely objectively, are back.

Gallery: E3 2009 West Hall show floor

In pictures: a trip around the West Hall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2009: A banner year

Ludwig Kietzmann — Sun, 31 May 2009 22:00:00 EST

A brief tour of the Los Angeles Convention Center -- soon to be swathed in flashing and impossibly loud video game booths -- reveals an early portent of E3's revitalization. Advertising has returned in full force, with humongous banners draped across buildings and video game characters towering over attendees.

Oh, and there's a bit of money-wasting eccentricity too. Try the gigantic pile of junk outside the South Hall (courtesy of the homeward-bound Rabbids?) or the cruel, cruel Final Fantasy XIII cast teasing their arrival in ... 2010. Click through our gallery and pretend you're there!

Gallery: E3 2009: A Banner Year

E3 2009: A banner year originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Giant Final Fantasy XIII characters watch over LA residents

Xav de Matos — Sat, 23 May 2009 17:30:00 EST

Look up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a Japanese role-playing game character watching you shower? Los Angeles residents have been introduced to the cast of the upcoming Square Enix powerhouse, Final Fantasy XIII, via building-sized promotional posters. The giant ads for the upcoming JRPG can be spotted on the corner of S. Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard in Downtown Los Angeles.

The 124ft image showcases the game's three main characters, (above-left, from left to right) Vanille, Snow and Lightning, as well as a heading that promises the game will launch in 2010 (with logos for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360). Giant video game based promotional posters in LA, huh? You'd think some kind of huge gaming event was happening in the area soon, or something.

Giant Final Fantasy XIII characters watch over LA residents originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 May 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massive Resistance 2 ad in LA features rampaging Leviathan

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Business

A ginormous ad promoting ~~Cloverfield 2~~ Resistance 2 has taken over one of the buildings on Los Angeles' well-trafficked Wilshire Blvd. The building-board features one of R2's massive Leviathans crashing through the complex. G4 has some more images of the ad from different angles.

We strongly recommend not walking by this thing whilst on hallucinogenic drugs. Wait, what are we saying?! Nobody walks in LA.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Massive Resistance 2 ad in LA features rampaging Leviathan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq goes to E for All

Kevin Kelly — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Action, Online, Casual

E for All remains the ghostly and distant third cousin of the previous mammoth version of E3 that's open to the public, and it takes place inside the carcass of that fearsome beast, the Los Angeles Convention Center. While we misjudged the time and arrived two hours early, that gives us plenty of time to peruse the schedule and pick our poison.

So far the highlights include:

A treadmill race across Azeroth
Meet and greet with Billy Mitchell
Samples of Gamer Grub, snacks developed for gamers
Hands-on with Ubisoft's Far Cry 2, Tom Clancy's End War, Shaun White Snowboarding, and Activision's Guitar Hero World Tour
Putting our butt in a Boom Chair
And the... Los Angeles Unified School District? "Participating students will obtain a deeper understanding of video games and how they can be incorporated into their future careers from speakers - including Fatal1ty - who will describe their experience with video games and ways to break into the industry." Run kids, run.

Joystiq goes to E for All originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq Exclusive: a sneak peek at the upcoming i am 8 bit show

Kevin Kelly — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Arcade, Culture, Retro, Galleries

We've been able to pry some exclusive images out of the i am 8 bit showrunners -- here they are in gallery-tastic form, just for you. As a wallpaper-friendly reminder, be sure to click the "Hi Res" button in the upper right corner to get some enormo versions of the art. It's the best way to have a technicolor Samus gracing your desktop.

The new gallery show will open on August 14th in Los Angeles, and will run through September 7th. If you can't make it West, don't worry ... Joystiq will have you covered. Check back on the evening of the 14th for a plethora of photos from the show. That is, if we haven't hocked our laptops to buy this Dig Dug meets Animal Crossing piece.

Gallery: i am 8-bit: 2008

Joystiq Exclusive: a sneak peek at the upcoming i am 8 bit show originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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