Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LucasArts confirms recent layoffs, restates commitment to internal development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/lucasarts-confirms-recent-layoffs-restates-commitment-to-intern/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/lucasarts-confirms-recent-layoffs-restates-commitment-to-intern/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/lucasarts-confirms-recent-layoffs-restates-commitment-to-intern/#comments LucasArts confirmed to Joystiq this afternoon that it "recently made a minor adjustment in staffing," confirming today's report of layoffs (via George Broussard's tweet). The company issued a statement confirming redundancies, but not detailing any specifics.

"LucasArts recently made a minor adjustment in staffing to help us better address the needs of the business," a LucasArts representative told us. "We remain committed to our internal studio -- and to fostering relationships with trusted external partners -- in order to deliver quality games that amaze and inspire fans."

This marks the second time LucasArts has let go of staff in the latter half of 2010 -- an unknown number of developers were released back in September, mirroring actions the studio took in 2008 (just prior to the launch of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed). However, unlike what we heard of the previous round of layoffs, Broussard believes the recent cuts affected "a team working on an unannounced game." LucasArts offered no comment regarding that speculation.

JoystiqLucasArts confirms recent layoffs, restates commitment to internal development originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffslucas-artslucasartslucasarts-layoffsTue, 16 Nov 2010 17:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Star Wars not due until holiday 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/kinect-star-wars-not-due-until-holiday-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/kinect-star-wars-not-due-until-holiday-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/kinect-star-wars-not-due-until-holiday-2011/#comments No matter how many times you call up LucasArts and suggest in your best Jedi voice, "You will release Kinect Star Wars soon," the game apparently won't be out until holiday 2011. Kinect evangelist and creative lead Kudo Tsunoda told the BBC as much in a recent interview, calling it and an upcoming Forza project the two Kinect-enabled games he's most excited for next year.

"We have a Kinect Star Wars game coming out for next holiday," Tsunoda said. "I've seen a bunch of the game and it's super compelling." Presumably he's seen more than what we saw at E3 this year, clumsily demonstrated in this video. "Another one next year is Forza," he added, alluding to vague plans to integrate Kinect into the racing franchise, before boasting that it was "the best racing game of this generation of consoles."

"Those are the two games I'm most excited about," Tsunoda concluded. As far as 2011's current Kinect prospects go, those would seem like safe picks, but we're wondering if developers aren't thinking outside the box enough -- just imagine if you were to somehow combine the two concepts ... perhaps mounting light sabers on high-end race cars? Now that would be something exciting enough to get us off the couch.

JoystiqKinect Star Wars not due until holiday 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forzaforza-4kinectkinect-forzakinect-star-warskudo-tsunodalucas-artslucasartsmicrosoftq4-2011release-datestar-wars-kinectxboxWed, 10 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Force Unleashed unleashes 1.5 million copies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/force-unleashed-unleashes-1-5-million-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/force-unleashed-unleashes-1-5-million-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/force-unleashed-unleashes-1-5-million-copies/#commentsFiled under:


For all the controversy, mixed reviews and internal firings, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a sales success! According to Lucas Arts, Force Unleashed moved 1.5 million units worldwide in its first week of sales, making it the fastest selling Star Wars game ever. EVER! Though, one has to be sure to note that the 1.5 million number takes into account the game's sales on all platforms. We guess a decent demo can help a game's sales after all.

JoystiqForce Unleashed unleashes 1.5 million copies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>force-unleashedlucas-artsstar-warsstar-wars-force-unleashedWed, 24 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Force Unleashed demo breaks Marketplace record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/force-unleashed-demo-breaks-marketplace-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/force-unleashed-demo-breaks-marketplace-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/force-unleashed-demo-breaks-marketplace-record/#commentsFiled under: ,


Harnessing its force-like powers, Lucas Arts is gloating that the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo that released to the XBLM last month, broke a prestigious Marketplace record. Specifically, Lucas Arts claims that the Force Unleashed demo was downloaded 1 million times off the Marketplace in an eight day period, which would be a day quicker than the previous demo record holder Too Human. With demo downloads like that, The Force Unleashed should easily eclipse 5 million copies at retail ... HA!

JoystiqForce Unleashed demo breaks Marketplace record originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>force-unleashedlucas-artsstar-wars-the-force-unleashedthe-force-unleashedxblmThu, 11 Sep 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Lucas unleashes Force Unleashed demo to XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/lucas-unleashes-force-unleashed-demo-to-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/lucas-unleashes-force-unleashed-demo-to-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/lucas-unleashes-force-unleashed-demo-to-xblm/#commentsFiled under: ,

Today is the day our Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo hopes and dreams finally come true. Because today is the day the 904MB Force Unleashed demo releases to the Xbox Live Marketplace for all to enjoy, that is if you're packing enough HDD space and are connected to Live. If both conditions are true for you then you'll be unleashing the force in the TIE Fighter Construction Facility in no time. Give the demo a download and share with us what your gut gaming reaction is.

JoystiqLucas unleashes Force Unleashed demo to XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>force-unleashedlucas-artsstar-warsstar-wars-force-unleashedthe-force-unleashedxblmThu, 21 Aug 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Force Unleashed demo attacks the XBLM this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/17/force-unleashed-demo-attacks-the-xblm-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/17/force-unleashed-demo-attacks-the-xblm-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/17/force-unleashed-demo-attacks-the-xblm-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just as Lucas Arts promised us back in July, a new Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo will be released to the Xbox Live Marketplace this week. More specifically, on the morning of Thursday, August 21st. Also as promised, the Force Unleashed demo will include a tutorial mode to master the Force Grip power and a complete level of gameplay set in a TIE Fighter Construction Facility where we're guessing a bunch of objects explode real good. May the force be with you (and also with you).

[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqForce Unleashed demo attacks the XBLM this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>force-unleashedlucas-artsstar-warsstar-wars-the-force-unleashedthe-force-unleashedxblmSun, 17 Aug 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Force Unleashed demo unleashes to XBLM in Aug.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/force-unleashed-demo-unleashes-to-xblm-in-aug/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/force-unleashed-demo-unleashes-to-xblm-in-aug/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/force-unleashed-demo-unleashes-to-xblm-in-aug/#commentsFiled under: ,

The possibility was discussed months ago and now forceunleashed.org has learned that Lucas Arts' own marketing manager Matt Shell has confirmed that a Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo will be releasing to the Xbox Live Marketplace sometime next month. Interesting too is mention that the demo will feature a different experience than the game itself, with a remade Tie Fighter Construction Facility, extra force powers unlocked and a special conclusion to the level that isn't seen in the retail version. Force Unleashed, good or bad? We'll give you an answer next month.

[Thanks, Mads Klitgaard]

JoystiqForce Unleashed demo unleashes to XBLM in Aug. originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>force-unleashedlucas-artsstar-warsthe-force-unleashedxblmSun, 27 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Battlefront III appears on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/star-wars-battlefront-iii-appears-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/star-wars-battlefront-iii-appears-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/star-wars-battlefront-iii-appears-on-amazon/#commentsFiled under:


And, naturally, it was taken down. Thankfully, the internet is always there to catch the truth. However briefly, a listing for Star Wars Battlefront III was up on Amazon announcing that the game was coming to every platform under the sun including our beloved Xbox 360. Amazon was offering the game for pre-order with a release date of March 15, 2009. Something tells us that date is probably a placeholder.

With Battlefront series creators Pandemic currently hard at work on Lord of the Rings: Conquest for their new bosses at EA, the question remains as to who will develop the third installment of the series. Joystiq surmises that it will be UK studio Rebellion, which was responsible for Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron for the PSP. Assuming the 2009 release date is even close to accurate, it looks like we'll have quite a while to find out.

[Via Joystq]

JoystiqStar Wars Battlefront III appears on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lucas-artslucasartsstar-warsstar-wars-battlefrontstar-wars-battlefront-3star-wars-battlefront-iiiWed, 09 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Poke the Force with Lightsaber styli]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/poke-the-force-with-lightsaber-styli/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/poke-the-force-with-lightsaber-styli/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/poke-the-force-with-lightsaber-styli/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're often wooed by game-themed styli, but never has the Force been with a touchpen so much as with these mini Lightsabers. Releasing on July 31st, these official Nintendo and Lucas Arts styli are sure to sell like hotcakes (we can think of at least one game they'll go well with). Yet if you plan to buy them, you'll have a tough choice to make -- should you get the three small replicas for $7.99, or the two slightly bigger light-up sabers for $16.99? Choices, choices.

So far we've only seen these beauties available on Amazon through seller BD&A, but we're sure they'll hit other retailers as time passes. If you're too cheap to make the purchase, though, be sure to check out our guide for stylus alternatives.

[Thanks, Kimiko!]

Source: Nintendo DS Star Wars Light Up Lightsaber Stylus 2 Pack
Source: Nintendo DS Star Wars Lightsaber Stylus 3 Pack

JoystiqPoke the Force with Lightsaber styli originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forcejedilightsaberlucas-artsstar-warsstylistylusWed, 02 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Indiana Jones demo now on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/lego-indiana-jones-demo-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/lego-indiana-jones-demo-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/lego-indiana-jones-demo-now-on-xblm/#commentsFiled under: ,

Heading into the weekend, you'll have plenty of demo fun to participate in as Lucas Arts just released a new LEGO Indiana Jones demo to the Xbox Live Marketplace. You'll be pleased to know that the demo is available to all Xbox Live regions and clocks in at a worthy 620MB. Indeed. Not much more can be said about LEGO Indy other than the fact that it's LEGO based, moderately entertaining and (sadly) doesn't include any mention of Harrison Ford or Shia LaBeouf. What a wasted opportunity.

JoystiqLEGO Indiana Jones demo now on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legolego-indiana-joneslego-indylucas-artstravellers-talesxblmFri, 27 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Indiana Jones achievements swing online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/lego-indiana-jones-achievements-swing-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/lego-indiana-jones-achievements-swing-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/lego-indiana-jones-achievements-swing-online/#commentsFiled under:

Let's get the best part out of the way right now. Every single achievement in LEGO Indiana Jones is named after a line from the films. From the well-known "Why did it have to be snakes?" to "He chose... poorly," the lines run the gamut of all the films released thus far. There are a total of fifty achievements to earn, ranging in point values from 10 to 100 points. The single 100 point achievement is awarded for reaching a 100% completion level. If the LEGO Star Wars games were any indication, reaching 100% will take a significant time investment. Oh, and we hope you like secret achievements, because there are sixteen of them. Hit the "read" link to check out the list on 360Sync.

JoystiqLEGO Indiana Jones achievements swing online originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legolego-indiana-joneslucas-artslucasartstravellers-talestt-gamesFri, 09 May 2008 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[How to use the Wii remote in The Force Unleashed duel mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/how-to-use-the-wii-remote-in-the-force-unleashed-duel-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/how-to-use-the-wii-remote-in-the-force-unleashed-duel-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/how-to-use-the-wii-remote-in-the-force-unleashed-duel-mode/#commentsFiled under: ,

Oh boy, we're really worried now about the plethora of Wii-itis and other Wii-injuries stories coming in September. We've already written about our hands-on time with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for Wii, specifically the duel mode, but G4TV has a video of LucasArts producer Dan Wasson showing X-Play's Morgan Webb how to use the control scheme in duel mode.

To summarize: the game recognizes five different directions -- left, right, up, down and "stab" -- for different lightsaber strikes, while force powers are done with the nunchuk and can be combined for combos. We could easily see how this might get out of hand (literally) in heated multiplayer matches, what with someone getting strangled with the nunchuk wire and another hapless Wii remote sent through a big-screen TV. Help us, Wiimote Glove Kenobi, you're our only hope.

JoystiqHow to use the Wii remote in The Force Unleashed duel mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 May 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duel-modeforce-unleashedlucas-artslucasartsnintendostar-warsthe-force-unleashedWiiwii-motewii-remoteMon, 05 May 2008 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Indy website launches and a new trailer too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/lego-indy-website-launches-and-a-new-trailer-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/lego-indy-website-launches-and-a-new-trailer-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/lego-indy-website-launches-and-a-new-trailer-too/#commentsFiled under: ,


Heads up! LucasArts just launched the official LEGO Indiana Jones website and with it comes a brand new gameplay trailer as well. Whiptacular!

The official LEGO Indy website features your standard array of game screenshots, videos and community forums, but also boasts a lil' treasure hunt where you can use your newly discovered gems to "purchase" wallpapers, avatars and (our favorite) coloring sheets! The new trailer (embedded above) gives curious LEGO Indy fans a look at what's to come, including the occasional ride on a LEGO elephant and tons of whip usage. So much whip use that one has to wonder if whipping things can become an addiction. Whips Anonymous anyone?

JoystiqLEGO Indy website launches and a new trailer too originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legolego-indiana-joneslego-indylucas-artslucasartsThu, 01 May 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Deal of the Day: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga for $25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/deal-of-the-day-lego-star-wars-the-complete-saga-for-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/deal-of-the-day-lego-star-wars-the-complete-saga-for-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/deal-of-the-day-lego-star-wars-the-complete-saga-for-25/#commentsFiled under:

Take a look at this deal: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga for only 25 bucks. That's a savings of 50 percent on a story that spans over all six Star Wars films. Not bad, not bad at all. If you've been on the fence about getting this game, now might be a good time to pick it up. You can avail of this offer at LEGO's official website.

[Thanks James G., Via Fatwallet]

JoystiqDeal of the Day: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga for $25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legolegostarwarslucas-artslucasartsMon, 24 Mar 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Indiana Jones slated for Summer release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/lego-indiana-jones-slated-for-summer-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/lego-indiana-jones-slated-for-summer-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/lego-indiana-jones-slated-for-summer-release/#commentsFiled under:

UK retailer Play.com just let slip some release date details for the not so four player co-op LEGO: Indiana Jones. Simply put, the game should release sometime around June 6th.

LEGO: Indy's release date details were leaked via Play.com's recently announced Play.com Live event where, in their press release, revealed that LEGO: Indy would be playable at the event and that the game would be "on sale June 6th on all consoles". Using that nugget of knowledge, Eurogamer contacted Activision who refused to comment on the June release date, but they then confirmed with their "Top Secret Senior Games Industry Source" that the June release is indeed fact. So, even though it isn't the official word from Acti, one could expect to experience LEGO boulder running this June.

JoystiqLEGO Indiana Jones slated for Summer release originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionlegolego-indiana-joneslego-indylucas-artsplaycomThu, 06 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gladius 2 considered in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/rumor-gladius-2-considered-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/rumor-gladius-2-considered-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/rumor-gladius-2-considered-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under:

For those of you who remember, a game came out on PS2 that centered on the Roman Gladiators. Sure, there was a period where that kind of stuff was the hot thing, but this LucasArts title took a different approach to what was considered an "easy to make" action bloodbath title. We're referring to Gladius, the train-your-gladiator RPG that was a cult success -- that game might be getting a sequel.

Listed on one of the artist's website is a bunch of current titles in the works along with Gladius 2 -- something that hasn't been announced yet. So, take it however you want, but it's kind of hard not to imagine a fairly successful game not getting a sequel. It's the new hot thing, after all.

JoystiqRumor: Gladius 2 considered in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gladiusgladius-2lucas-artslucasartsThu, 28 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fracture gets a few minor changes at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/fracture-gets-a-few-minor-changes-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/fracture-gets-a-few-minor-changes-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/fracture-gets-a-few-minor-changes-at-ces/#commentsFiled under: ,

LucasArts' title Fracture seemed neat with terrain deformation mechanics, but some issues were raised that needed addressed: why does the main character look so bland? What happens if you run out of ammo? Some tweaks to the game have been made -- the character looks a bit different (but still a bit generic), and you've a weapon that lets you move the land without using ammo. But it's not as cool. There's a new weapon called the Black Widow that lets you shoot and detonate up to six charges whenever you want. A new stage set in San Francisco was shown, but really, just watch the new video and make your own call.

JoystiqFracture gets a few minor changes at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fracturelucas-artslucasartsTue, 08 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST