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[Avalanche was 'almost' signed to make 'massive Star Wars open world game']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/avalanche-was-almost-signed-to-make-massive-star-wars-open-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/avalanche-was-almost-signed-to-make-massive-star-wars-open-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/avalanche-was-almost-signed-to-make-massive-star-wars-open-wo/#commentsAvalanche was 'almost' signed to make 'massive Star Wars open world game' At some point between 2005 and 2009, Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios "almost" signed with LucasArts on a "massive, open world" Star Wars game, according to former Avalanche Studio Manager Oskar Burman and current Chief Creative Officer Christofer Sundberg.

In the wake of EA, including DICE, obtaining exclusive rights to make Star Wars games, Burman tweeted, "Actually, wanting to work with SW goes deep in Swe [Sweden]. Long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, we almost got that deal when I was at Avalanche."

Avalanche founder Sundberg replied, "If they had given us the deal back then LucasArts would be alive today. A massive SW open world game! We would have rocked it."

Burman, currently General Manager at Rovio Stockholm, worked at Avalanche between April 2005 and May 2009. It's unclear if the deal in question was set aside as LucasArts made Star Wars 1313 an internal project, or if it relates to something separate.

When LucasArts and 1313's demise was announced last month, Sundberg tweeted that staff working on the game had told him it needed another two years to be completed.

When approached, an Avalanche spokesperson declined to comment.

JoystiqAvalanche was 'almost' signed to make 'massive Star Wars open world game' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studioslucasartsstar-warsTue, 07 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/#commentsEA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars
Electronic Arts and the Walt Disney Company, which obtained the Star Wars franchise as part of its $4.05 billion acquisition of LucasFilm last year, have signed a multi-year exclusive licensing agreement to develop and publish Star Wars games.


"While we don't have any details to share today on specific titles, our development teams are already brimming with design ideas," said EA Labels President Frank Gibeau. "The EA Studios that will develop these games are some of the most innovative and popular creative teams in the world, and include DICE and Visceral, in addition to the BioWare team, which is already developing for the Star Wars franchise."

The financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed. EA will develop and publish new Star Wars games for the "core gaming audience" across all interactive platforms and "most popular game genres." Disney will retain certain rights to mobile, social, tablet and online games.

JoystiqEA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactiveeaelectronic-artsLucasArtslucasfilmstar-warsMon, 06 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: Battlefront 3 live stream, new footage appears]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/star-wars-battlefront-3-live-stream-new-footage-appears/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/star-wars-battlefront-3-live-stream-new-footage-appears/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/star-wars-battlefront-3-live-stream-new-footage-appears/#comments Over this "May the 4th be with you" weekend, the irrepressible Star Wars: Battlefront 3 once again returned from the grave with new footage and a live stream. "New" is a malleable word here, since all of this comes from a game that was canceled in 2008 and may have leaked in one form or another over the past five years.

The first occurrence of game footage was a livestream by PtoPOnline. According to Game Informer, ptoponline.com focuses on "coverage and streaming of pre-release games, betas, and canceled projects."

There was also some alpha build footage, reportedly from a reel by developer Free Radical made in November of 2008, that was posted on Vimeo by Blue_Monkey.

The Star Wars franchise is now a licensing opportunity for developers and publishers following the closure of LucasArts.

[Thanks to everyone who sent these in.]

JoystiqStar Wars: Battlefront 3 live stream, new footage appears originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefront-3free-radicallucasartsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3star-wars-battlefront-3wiixboxMon, 06 May 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate the day before Cinco de Mayo with Steam's Star Wars Collection sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/celebrate-the-day-before-cinco-de-mayo-with-steams-star-wars-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/celebrate-the-day-before-cinco-de-mayo-with-steams-star-wars-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/celebrate-the-day-before-cinco-de-mayo-with-steams-star-wars-co/#commentsCelebrate the day before Cinco de Mayo with Steam's Star Wars Collection sale It's May 4, which means we're only one day away from Cinco de Mayo. What other reason would there be for Steam to put a collection of Star Wars games on sale? May the fourth day of this month be remembered as the day you could buy 14 games for $50 on Steam, a 50 percent discount on a bundle that includes a list of games seen after the break.

Continue reading Celebrate the day before Cinco de Mayo with Steam's Star Wars Collection sale

JoystiqCelebrate the day before Cinco de Mayo with Steam's Star Wars Collection sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Knights-of-the-Old-Republic-2KOTOR-2KOTOR-2-The-Sith-LordsLucasArtsmacpcsalestar-wars-collectionstar-wars-dark-forcesstar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicStar-Wars-Knights-of-the-Old-Republic-2-The-Sith-LordsSTEAMSat, 04 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A eulogy for LucasArts, from LucasArts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/a-eulogy-for-lucasarts-from-lucasarts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/a-eulogy-for-lucasarts-from-lucasarts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/a-eulogy-for-lucasarts-from-lucasarts/#comments A eulogy for LucasArts, from LucasArtsImagine former LucasArts Composer Jesse Harlin standing at the lectern, dressed in black, and delivering the following eulogy while pictures of his colleagues fade in and out in a slideshow behind him:

"LucasArts died today. It was 30 years old. Ask gamers to recall George Lucas' gaming company and they'll tell you about fulfilled childhood fantasies inside the cockpit of a TIE Bomber or laugh with you about insult sword fighting. They remember the time they spent in the boots of Kyle Katarn, Ben Throttle, or Boss. They remember our successes and they remember our stumbles. But that was the public face of LucasArts."

The speech continues, noting times of triumph and the deep, personal relationships shared by employees of LucasArts over the years, told from an inside perspective. Disney shut down LucasArts on April 3, after more than 30 years of operation, halting production on all of its games.

Harlin penned the words of what he dubs "A Eulogy for LucasArts," and he put it to photos that Joel Aron snapped of employees on their final day in the office, compiled in a heartfelt series here.

When we recall LucasArts, we think of point-and-click adventures, the SCUMM engine and TIE Fighter, among many more fond memories.

JoystiqA eulogy for LucasArts, from LucasArts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyeulogyLucasArtsSun, 07 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Remembering the life and legend of LucasArts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/remembering-the-life-and-legend-of-lucasarts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/remembering-the-life-and-legend-of-lucasarts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/remembering-the-life-and-legend-of-lucasarts/#comments Life, death and legend of LucasArtsLucasArts has become one with the Force. The venerable studio and publisher was shuttered by owner Disney yesterday, halting production on its games, including Star Wars 1313. Though the amount of content coming from the studio had been drastically reduced over the last few years - well before Disney acquired Lucasfilm in October 2012 - LucasArts was a beloved studio finding success in multiple decades.

But what made LucasArts games so special?

Although LucasArts may be best known for its Star Wars games - starting as the gaming branch of Lucasfilm, George Lucas' production company - the developer's biggest successes in the 1980s were point-and-click adventure games. The classic Maniac Mansion, released in 1987, introduced the SCUMM engine, that would provide the model for most of their two-dimensional adventure games (including several Indiana Jones games, Loom, Day Of The Tentacle, and The Dig).

It has a very familiar look to a certain type of gamer: a collection of verbs like "Look at" or "Open" on the bottom of the screen, and bright inventory. It looks somewhat ungainly now, but at the time it was a revolutionary step toward mouse-based interfaces and away from text adventures that forced players to type in all actions.

Continue reading Remembering the life and legend of LucasArts

JoystiqRemembering the life and legend of LucasArts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DisneyLucasArtsThu, 04 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars 1313 'halted,' says LucasFilm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/star-wars-1313-halted-says-lucasfilm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/star-wars-1313-halted-says-lucasfilm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/star-wars-1313-halted-says-lucasfilm/#comments A LucasFilm representative confirmed that production on Star Wars 1313 and what's rumored to be Star Wars: First Assault has ceased following yesterday's closure of LucasArts by Disney. Speaking to the BBC, LucasFilm spokesperson Miles Perkins said, "Both current Star Wars games projects have been halted."

A LucasArts representative previously indicated to Game Informer that Star Wars 1313 could be released via external licensing. However, a Kotaku source told that site the chances of that happening are "effectively zero."

"It is worth noting that we are looking for proven external partners who can help us provide video games to our fans," the LucasArts rep told Game Informer. "We still believe in the video game industry, we still will provide Star Wars games, we're just looking at different models rather than internal production... They're evaluating everything. There's always a possibility that it [Star Wars 1313] can still come out via licensing."

The last we'd seen of Star Wars 1313 was an "inaccurate" PlayStation Germany posting, which said the game would be available on PS3 this year. Leaked materials indicated Star Wars: First Assault as a multiplayer shooter coming to XBLA, although LucasArts had yet to officially confirm the game or any details surrounding it.

JoystiqStar Wars 1313 'halted,' says LucasFilm originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneylucasartslucasfilmstar-wars-1313Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney closes LucasArts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-closes-lucasarts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-closes-lucasarts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-closes-lucasarts/#comments http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2013/04/lucasartslogo.pngDisney, which acquired Lucasfilm and LucasArts last year in a $4.05 billion deal, has shut down the legendary LucasArts division.

"After evaluating our position in the games market, we've decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company's risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games," Disney informed Game Informer in a statement. "As a result of this change, we've had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles."

Although a Star Wars game factory in recent years, the publisher will be remembered for its work defining the adventure genre from the '80s to the '90s, on such titles as Maniac Mansion, The Secret of Monkey Island, Grim Fandango and Day of the Tentacle. The soul of those games and that era moved on from the company after the departure of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine's Tim Schafer.

The last announced LucasArts project was Star Wars 1313, but rumors have circulated for months about the action-adventure's halted development. The fate of Star Wars: First Assault, a multiplayer shooter, has been just as unclear.

As for Disney, the company is all-in on Disney Infinity and mobile games, having shut down the last of its core developers.

JoystiqDisney closes LucasArts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyLucasArtsWed, 03 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumored 'Star Wars: First Assault' footage storms the web]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/report-star-wars-first-assault-video-footage-storms-the-web/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/report-star-wars-first-assault-video-footage-storms-the-web/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/report-star-wars-first-assault-video-footage-storms-the-web/#comments LucasArts never officially announced Star Wars: First Assault, but it was scheduled to launch this spring as a multiplayer shooter, according to Kotaku. First Assault is still in production, but it's caught up in a company-wide freeze following Disney's purchase of LucasFilm in September, according to reports.

And it looks something like this, Kotaku says. The website has two pieces of footage that it says are from First Assault, both cut from a trailer used internally late last year; the gameplay video shows action mostly in first-person, though there are a few scenes of third-person fighting. It's all in-game footage, including a few bugs and incomplete art, and it is an "older" version of the game, Kotaku says.

JoystiqRumored 'Star Wars: First Assault' footage storms the web originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LucasArtslucasfilmmicrosoftpcplaystationps3star-wars-first-assaultxboxThu, 14 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Star Wars: First Assault is a multiplayer shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/rumor-star-wars-first-assault-is-a-multiplayer-shooter-curren/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/rumor-star-wars-first-assault-is-a-multiplayer-shooter-curren/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/rumor-star-wars-first-assault-is-a-multiplayer-shooter-curren/#comments Star Wars: First Assault, an unannounced game from LucasArts, was a multiplayer shooter designed to test interest in Battlefront 3, Kotaku reports. First Assault was going to host a closed beta in September, with a launch scheduled for this spring, but when Disney bought LucasFilm in September the project was put on hold, the website says.

The September beta timeline agrees with a leaked image promoting First Assault on XBLA, uncovered in early October.

Kotaku cites someone "no longer familiar with the goings-on" at LucasArts, but with knowledge of the project for the following information: First Assault was a downloadable, multiplayer shooter supporting up to 16 players in various Star Wars worlds, and was supposed to gauge interest in a rebuilt Battlefront game. After years of being passed around studios, having been nearly completed and canceled, starting Battlefront 3 from scratch would probably be a good call.

We've reached out to LucasArts for more information.

JoystiqRumor: Star Wars: First Assault is a multiplayer shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyLucasArtslucasfilmmicrosoftpcplaystationps3star-wars-battlefront-3star-wars-first-assaultxboxMon, 11 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Studios launching Star Wars Pinball this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zen-studios-launching-star-wars-pinball-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zen-studios-launching-star-wars-pinball-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zen-studios-launching-star-wars-pinball-this-month/#comments
Whether you're playing Pinball FX 2 on Xbox Live Arcade or Windows 8, Zen Pinball 2 on PlayStation Network or Mac, or Zen Pinball on iOS or Zen Pinball HD on Google Play, you'll be able to supplement your virtual table collection with a trio of new Star Wars-themed tables later this month. These three tables will be available standalone on iOS and Google Play, or in the aforementioned games as DLC.

The first three tables offered are themed around Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Boba Fett and the animated Clone Wars series, each with their own unique missions and layout - and in the case of Episode V, even has footage taken directly from the film that will display in the dot matrix window prior to every mission.

A total of 10 different Star Wars Pinball tables are planned. Zen Studios has yet to finalize pricing, but we'll be sure to pass along that info as soon as it's announced.

Gallery: Star Wars Pinball

Boba Fett TableBoba Fett TableBoba Fett TableBoba Fett TableBoba Fett Table

JoystiqZen Studios launching Star Wars Pinball this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonelucasartsmacmicrosoftmobilepinball-fx-2playstationplaystation-vitaps3psnstar-wars-pinballvitaxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadezen-pinballzen-pinball-2zen-pinball-hdzen-studiosTue, 05 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy enrolls in Mac App Store, cross-platform on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy-enrolls-in-mac-app-store-cr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy-enrolls-in-mac-app-store-cr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy-enrolls-in-mac-app-store-cr/#comments Star Wars Jedi Knight Jedi Academy enrolls in Mac App Store, now crossplatform on Steam Aspyr has ported Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy to Mac, available today through the Mac App Store or as a cross-platform Steam Play game. Tuition for the Jedi Academy will set Padawans - and whatever the Sith equivalent of a Padawan is - back $9.99.

Of course, if you've already purchased the Windows version on Steam, you get access to the Mac port as part of that initial purchase. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy requires OS X 10.7.5 or higher - if you're looking to enroll in a real Jedi class, you should probably think about moving to New York.

JoystiqStar Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy enrolls in Mac App Store, cross-platform on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrlucasartsmacstar-warsstar-wars-jedi-knightstar-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academysteam-playsteamplayFri, 25 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars 1313 coming to PS3 in 2013, says PlayStation Germany [Update: Nope!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/star-wars-1313-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/star-wars-1313-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/star-wars-1313-ps3/#comments A PlayStation Germany post on Facebook says Star Wars 1313 is coming to PS3. The post, which links to a gallery of previously released images, reads "Star Wars 1313 erscheint 2013 für PlayStation 3," and you don't need a degree in German to know that says the third-person action game is headed for Sony's home console sometime this year.

Developer/publisher LucasArts has kept coy about the platforms, and that, along with the fidelity of what was demonstrated at last year's E3, led to speculation that 1313 would be for next-gen hardware. Of course, confirmation of it coming to PS3 doesn't exclude it from also being released on the console's successor, or any other systems for that matter.

Update: LucasArts has confirmed to Polygon that the information presented on PlayStation Germany's Facebook page was inaccurate, and that it has no further announcements to make at this time. Well then.

JoystiqStar Wars 1313 coming to PS3 in 2013, says PlayStation Germany [Update: Nope!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lucasartsplaystationps3star-wars-1313Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Star Wars Battlefront Online concept art leaked out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/rumor-star-wars-battlefront-online-concept-art-leaked-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/rumor-star-wars-battlefront-online-concept-art-leaked-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/rumor-star-wars-battlefront-online-concept-art-leaked-out/#comments Canceled Star Wars Battlefront Online concept art leaksSlant Six, developer of Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, was rumored to be working on Star Wars: Battlefront Online before being hit with layoffs in April 2010 (not to be confused with the studio's layoffs from June of this year). The rumored project was canceled, and leaked concept art pieces supposedly from that game were recently found by Siliconera, such as the one seen above, which can be seen at the source link below.

While it's nice to look at what could have been, Slant Six ultimately survived and launched free-to-play and Activision Mobile-published iOS game The Bowling Dead in late November this year.

JoystiqRumor: Star Wars Battlefront Online concept art leaked out originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-artleakedLucasArtsslant-sixslant-six-gamesStar-Warsstar-wars-battlefront-onlineSat, 15 Dec 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney's mobile, social push improves its bottom line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/disneys-mobile-social-push-improves-its-bottom-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/disneys-mobile-social-push-improves-its-bottom-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/disneys-mobile-social-push-improves-its-bottom-line/#comments Disney's focus on the mobile space improves its bottom lineDisney Interactive, the arm of Walt's empire that handles video games, saw an operating loss of $216 million for the fiscal year 2012, which ended on September 29. Loss for the quarter came to $76 million, an improvement of $18 million from Q4 2011.

Revenue for the year decreased 14 percent from 2011's $982 million, bringing 2012 to $845 million - the $216 million loss, however, improved from 2011's $308 million. Disney attributed the loss improvement to a focus on social games and decreased production of console games:

"Improved segment operating results for the year reflected an increase at our social games business.... The reduction in console games product development reflected an ongoing shift from console game releases to mobile and social game releases."

In 2011, Disney Interactive shut down all core studios except for Junction Point, the house responsible for the Epic Mickey series. Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion on October 30, and the deal included LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, the Star Wars games and effects studios. During the acquisition, Disney said it was likely to develop social and mobile games in the Star Wars universe, leaving console games to licensed third parties.

JoystiqDisney's mobile, social push improves its bottom line originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddisneyDisney-Interactivefy-2012iosipadiphoneLucasArtslucasfilmmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxSun, 11 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Star Wars has droids, works on Droid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/angry-birds-star-wars-has-droids-works-on-droid/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/angry-birds-star-wars-has-droids-works-on-droid/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/angry-birds-star-wars-has-droids-works-on-droid/#comments mini First look at Angry Birds Star Wars gameplay

Angry Birds Star Wars - now a collaboration between developer Rovio and the Walt Disney Company - jettisoned its latest trailer today, featuring everyone's favorite droid life partners. ABSW will use the force of fingers on November 8 across iOS, Android, and Windows 8 PCs.

JoystiqAngry Birds Star Wars has droids, works on Droid originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birds-star-warsdisneyiosipadiphoneLucasArtsmobilepcrovioWed, 31 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney acquires Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion, LucasArts included]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/disney-acquires-lucasfilm-for-4-05-billion-lucasarts-included/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/disney-acquires-lucasfilm-for-4-05-billion-lucasarts-included/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/disney-acquires-lucasfilm-for-4-05-billion-lucasarts-included/#comments Disney acquires Lucasfilm for $405 billion, LucasArts includedDisney has just announced its purchase of Lucasfilm Limited, the umbrella corporation responsible for all things Star Wars, Indiana Jones and pretty much anything else George Lucas has ever had his hand in. The purchase will set ol' Walt back $4.05 billion.

Industrial Light & Magic, Skywalker Sound and LucasArts are all included in the purchase price, meaning that Disney has not only found a way to profit from the production of movies that it isn't making, but also how to get Jar-Jar Binks into a Kingdom Hearts game.

The company also announced that Star Wars 7 exists and is aiming for a 2015 release date, which makes this the most insane thing ever. Lucasfilm co-chairman Kathleen Kennedy will become president of Lucasfilm under Disney, and will also act as executive producer on "new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant."

JoystiqDisney acquires Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion, LucasArts included originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbuyoutDisneygeorge-lucasindiana-jonesIndustrial-light-and-magickingdom-heartsLucasArtsLucasfilmpurchaseskywalker-soundstar-warsstar-wars-7Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Star Wars flings in first gameplay trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/angry-birds-star-wars-flings-in-first-gameplay-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/angry-birds-star-wars-flings-in-first-gameplay-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/angry-birds-star-wars-flings-in-first-gameplay-trailer/#comments
Angry Birds Star Wars will be flung through hyperspace toward iOS, Android, and Windows 8 PCs on November 8. Here's the first look at gameplay, featuring Angry Birds Luke and Leia.

JoystiqAngry Birds Star Wars flings in first gameplay trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birds-star-warsLucasArtsrovioMon, 29 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: First Assault heading to XBLA, other digital distribution plans yet to leak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/star-wars-first-assault-heading-to-xbla-other-digital-distribu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/star-wars-first-assault-heading-to-xbla-other-digital-distribu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/star-wars-first-assault-heading-to-xbla-other-digital-distribu/#comments More evidence Star Wars First Assault is XBLA boundStar Wars: First Assault, which still hasn't been officially announced by Lucasarts, has popped up again, this time with a promotional image for Xbox Live Arcade. NeoGAF took note of the image for the game on the Xbox Marketplace.

Realizing that waving its hand and telling IGN to look elsewhere wasn't working, Lucasarts told the site, "It is an exciting time at our company right now, however we don't have any announcements at this time."

The game first popped up on sensors back in August when it attempt trademark and domain registrations.

JoystiqStar Wars: First Assault heading to XBLA, other digital distribution plans yet to leak originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LucasArtsmicrosoftstar-wars-first-assaultxboxMon, 01 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Star Wars: First Assault' trademark, domains filed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/star-wars-first-assault-trademark-domains-filed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/star-wars-first-assault-trademark-domains-filed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/star-wars-first-assault-trademark-domains-filed/#comments ImageLucasfilm has filed trademark applications and obtained domains for "Star Wars: First Assault," the second time this year the company has failed at stealth ops. Fusible lists all the multimedia applications (including "interactive video games") the filing seeks to cover. No specific details are yet available on the project.

Eurogamer swings for the fences that it could be related to the third Battlefront game, rumored to be under development at Spark Unlimited. Battlefront 3 has been in some form of vapor state for years, with a rumor percolating back in February that the project was now at Spark Unlimited.

Star Wars 1313, a mature take on the the mostly PG universe, was revealed earlier this year through the same sneaky domain and trademark fumbling.

Joystiq'Star Wars: First Assault' trademark, domains filed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LucasArtsstar-warsstar-wars-first-assaulttrademarkWed, 29 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars 1313 dev diary is a journey into 'Star Wars Hell']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/star-wars-1313-dev-diary-is-a-journey-into-star-wars-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/star-wars-1313-dev-diary-is-a-journey-into-star-wars-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/star-wars-1313-dev-diary-is-a-journey-into-star-wars-hell/#comments
In this latest developer diary, the titular level 1313 in Star Wars 1313 is described as a "Star Wars Hell," an "oppressive" place and "not somewhere that you want to be caught in an alley on a Friday night." Saturday night? We guess that's totally fine!

JoystiqStar Wars 1313 dev diary is a journey into 'Star Wars Hell' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lucasartsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3star-wars-1313xboxFri, 24 Aug 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Take another look at Star Wars 1313's very pretty underworld]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/take-another-look-at-star-wars-1313s-very-pretty-underworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/take-another-look-at-star-wars-1313s-very-pretty-underworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/take-another-look-at-star-wars-1313s-very-pretty-underworld/#comments
Would you like to see a quick cut version of all the Star Wars 1313 footage we saw at E3? Good, because we've got just that, care of IGN.

JoystiqTake another look at Star Wars 1313's very pretty underworld originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplaylucas-artslucasartsstar-wars-1313Tue, 14 Aug 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LucasArts President Paul Meegan leaves the company]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/lucasarts-president-paul-meegan-leaves-the-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/lucasarts-president-paul-meegan-leaves-the-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/lucasarts-president-paul-meegan-leaves-the-company/#comments LucasArts president resignsLucasArts President Paul Meegan has decide to vacate his position at the House that Star Wars Built. COO Mich Chau says that the company wishes Meegan "the best in his future endeavors," and "will be re-evaluating LucasArts' leadership needs" in the future. This is the second big exit from LucasArts this summer: Creative Lead Clint Hocking also left the studio just recently. Meegan replaced Darrell Rodriguez, who, like Meegan, left the company after two years as president.

Meegan's LinkedIn page now lists him as a "CEO/President, Entrepreneur," and a "Change Agent," apparently looking for a new company. Considering Meegan helped found Epic Games China and has overseen studios at Ubisoft and Jaleco in the past, we're sure he'll land on his feet.

JoystiqLucasArts President Paul Meegan leaves the company originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>companycoolucasartspaul-meeganpresidentresignresignedThu, 02 Aug 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Far Cry 2 creative lead Clint Hocking now working for Valve]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/far-cry-2-creative-lead-clint-hocking-now-working-for-valve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/far-cry-2-creative-lead-clint-hocking-now-working-for-valve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/far-cry-2-creative-lead-clint-hocking-now-working-for-valve/#comments Far Cry 2 creative lead Clint Hocking now working for ValveClint Hocking - the designer behind Far Cry 2 and the original Splinter Cell - vacated his latest gig at LucasArts last month. Though he didn't leave a forwarding address, a recent tweet depicted his son in the Valve headquarters lobby, with the word "Arrival." Valve reps confirmed his new employment there to Joystiq today via email, but stopped short of saying what Hocking's work at the Washington-based studio would entail.

Hocking previously worked at LucasArts on projects unknown, and has spent the past few years out of the spotlight (our past three stories on him involve exiting or entering new jobs).

JoystiqFar Cry 2 creative lead Clint Hocking now working for Valve originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clint-hockingfar-cry-2lucasartstwitterubisoftvalvevalve-softwareThu, 12 Jul 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[LucasArts hiring for unannounced FPS project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/lucasarts-hiring-for-unannounced-fps-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/lucasarts-hiring-for-unannounced-fps-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/lucasarts-hiring-for-unannounced-fps-project/#comments LucasArts hiring for unannounced FPS projectLucasArts recently posted multiple openings for a team dedicated to an unknown first-person shooter game. One job description, that of the Senior Core Engineer position, listed the task of implementing "features and optimizations on current and Future Generation console and PC hardware." Still, it might be a stretch to assume that the finished product will land on any next-gen consoles.

The company posted four total positions to its recruiting page related to the FPS title: Senior AI Engineer, Senior Animator, Senior Core Engineer, and Gameplay Engineer, the last of which requires proficiency in Unreal Engine 3 and UnrealScript.

JoystiqLucasArts hiring for unannounced FPS project originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsfuture-generationhiringLucasArtsMon, 09 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's an hour of Star Wars Battlefront 3 footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/heres-an-hour-of-star-wars-battlefront-3-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/heres-an-hour-of-star-wars-battlefront-3-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/heres-an-hour-of-star-wars-battlefront-3-footage/#comments
Look, it's not our job to go around and re-open old wounds, and then pour salt in those wounds, and then smear mud on your salty wound and say "Aww, baby gonna cry? Cry baby gonna cry?", but sometimes such cruelty is an unavoidable consequence of our responsibility to share the truth, at all times.

The video above contains roughly an hour of footage from an alpha build of Star Wars Battlefront 3, compiled and commentated upon by Past to Present Online. While very obviously far from finished, the game's promise is clearly evident - the enormity of the Cloud City alone is enough to make us pine for what could have been.

As you'll recall, Free Radical Design essentially finished Battlefront 3 way back in 2008, but management changes at LucasArts doomed the project, despite being in the final stages of QA testing. If you (understandably) don't have a full hour to devote to footage from a cancelled Star Wars game, try skipping to this vehicle section on Bespin, which is a good encapsulation of how rough this build was.

JoystiqHere's an hour of Star Wars Battlefront 3 footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabattlefront-3leaked-footageLucasArtsstar-warsstar-wars-battlefront-3Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Collection spotted for PC, launching July 17 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-collection-spotted-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-collection-spotted-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-collection-spotted-for-pc/#comments Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic Collection coming to PC July 17It appears an as-yet-unannounced Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Collection will launch on July 17, according to a GameStop listing. We called a store representative and confirmed that a KOTOR collection is in their system, and is listed as a PC-exclusive title for $20.

The first game in the series (developed by BioWare) was released to critical acclaim in July 2003 for Xbox, and later for PC. KOTOR came to Mac via Steam just a few months ago. Obsidian developed the game's sequel, which launched on Xbox in December 2004.

We've reached out to LucasArts for more details on the collection.

Update: The game is listed on Amazon as Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic I and II PC Bundle Pack, and is available for preorder. We are still confirming details with LucasArts.

Thanks for keeping those eagle eyes sharp!

[Thanks, Josh!]

JoystiqStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Collection spotted for PC, launching July 17 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectionkotorLucasArtspcstar-wars-collectionstar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicstar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-collectionSun, 01 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Far Cry 2 creative lead Clint Hocking exits LucasArts to ventures unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/far-cry-2-creative-lead-clint-hocking-exits-lucasarts-to-venture/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/far-cry-2-creative-lead-clint-hocking-exits-lucasarts-to-venture/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/far-cry-2-creative-lead-clint-hocking-exits-lucasarts-to-venture/#comments Clint Hocking is no longer working at LucasArts. The man behind the original Splinter Cell, Chaos Theory, and Far Cry 2 was working on an unannounced project for LucasArts (said to be something other than Star Wars 1313) as creative lead. In his surprisingly concise announcement post (Hocking's known for his verbosity), he said, "I recently left my job at LucasArts and am moving on to something new."

Hocking didn't leave a forwarding address, as it were. "I will let the world know where I am going once I get there," he said. "Unless you already know." As you probably already guess, we have no idea where Hocking's headed. He is, however, "relocating," though it's unclear if that means he's headed out of San Francisco. "I already have something lined up and I am currently in the process of dealing with the living hell of relocation."

Apparently LucasArts already took The Force back from him, post-employment. It would've made moving so much easier!

JoystiqFar Cry 2 creative lead Clint Hocking exits LucasArts to ventures unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clint-hockinglucas-artslucasartsFri, 29 Jun 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars 1313 offers a peek into our very pretty future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/star-wars-1313-offers-a-peek-into-our-very-pretty-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/star-wars-1313-offers-a-peek-into-our-very-pretty-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/star-wars-1313-offers-a-peek-into-our-very-pretty-future/#comments
Star Wars 1313 may be our first look into the next generation of games - at least the next generation according to Microsoft and Sony. LucasArts' internally-developed third-person shooter slash Uncharted-esque third-person action game is the very definition of "early" for a game in development. "We're in pre-production," said Craig Derrick, LucasArts producer, ahead of a PC-based demo.

Further pushing that point: the team isn't talking platforms just yet, nor engine, indicating to many that it could be headed to Microsoft and Sony's yet-to-be announced console successors. The demo runs on an Nvidia 680 graphics card, which I'm told is the fabled "Kepler" architecture of the next generation. And the game is gorgeous for it. Both in cutscenes and in gameplay, the graphical detail is near-equal to that of Naughty Dog's latest efforts. Again, the game is in pre-production.

Credit's due here to LucasArts' Industrial Light & Magic, as well as Skywalker Sound and LucasFilm Animation, who are assisting on the project - no doubt - but few games look anywhere near this good at this point in production.

Continue reading Star Wars 1313 offers a peek into our very pretty future

JoystiqStar Wars 1313 offers a peek into our very pretty future originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craig-derricke3-2012industrial-light-and-magiclucas-artslucas-filmlucas-film-animationlucasartslucasfilmlucasfilm-animationpcskywalker-soundstar-wars-1313third-person-actionthird-person-shooterSun, 10 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars 1313 in two formats, four segments and 1,000 feet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/star-wars-1313-in-two-formats-four-segments-and-1-000-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/star-wars-1313-in-two-formats-four-segments-and-1-000-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/star-wars-1313-in-two-formats-four-segments-and-1-000-feet/#comments
Star Wars 1313 in two formats, four segments and 1,000 feet
Don't hold your breath for these Star Wars 1313 videos and gallery. Not that you won't see them soon -- they are the point of this post, after all -- but that's the advice our supposed bounty-hunter-in-training gets as he descends 1,000 feet into Coruscant, and we think it's pretty wise.

All we're saying is this: Keep breathing and watch these three Star Wars 1313 videos (one of which you may have seen already), and then peruse the screenshot gallery below.

In and out. You're doing great.

Gallery: Star Wars 1313 (E3 2012)

Continue reading Star Wars 1313 in two formats, four segments and 1,000 feet

JoystiqStar Wars 1313 in two formats, four segments and 1,000 feet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012LucasArtsstar-wars-1313Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars 1313 gameplay unveiled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/star-wars-1313-gameplay-unveiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/star-wars-1313-gameplay-unveiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/star-wars-1313-gameplay-unveiled/#comments
Star Wars 1313 has finally been revealed. Lucasarts debuted the upcoming Bounty Hunter-focused game on GameTrailers earlier this evening. There's not much on show, but what we see looks impressive. And by impressive we mean: something, something, something Jar Jar Binks sucks.

JoystiqStar Wars 1313 gameplay unveiled originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012Lucasartsmicrosoftplaystationps3star-wars-1313xboxTue, 05 Jun 2012 01:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars 1313 officially announced, about Level 1313 on Coruscant]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/star-wars-1313-officially-announced-about-level-1313-on-corusca/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/star-wars-1313-officially-announced-about-level-1313-on-corusca/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/star-wars-1313-officially-announced-about-level-1313-on-corusca/#comments Image
After being leaked earlier this evening, Star Wars 1313 has been officially revealed by Lucasarts. A teaser image for the game reveals what looks like an original trilogy-era shuttle, which may mean the game could take place - at least in part - during the era of everyone's favorite series characters.

A press release for Star Wars 1313 says the game is a third-person cinematic action game, set in "Level 1313, a ruthless criminal underground deep below the surface of the planet of Coruscant," and the player will control "a deadly bounty hunter as he uses an arsenal of exotic weaponry to hunt down his marks and uncover the truth surrounding a criminal conspiracy." LucasArts says the game will emphasize Star Wars' "dark and mature" elements, and show off "a part of the Star Wars mythos that we've always known existed, but never had a chance to visit."

In other words, it sounds a lot like the Force Unleashed games, but from the perspective of a bounty hunter instead of a Jedi. We'll hear more at E3 next week, no doubt.

Continue reading Star Wars 1313 officially announced, about Level 1313 on Coruscant

JoystiqStar Wars 1313 officially announced, about Level 1313 on Coruscant originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 01:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1313boba-fettbounty-huntere3-2012lucasartsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3star-warsstar-wars-1313xboxFri, 01 Jun 2012 01:47:00 EST<![CDATA[I suggest a new strategy, R2: Let them have a Kinect Star Wars demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/i-suggest-a-new-strategy-r2-let-them-have-a-kinect-star-wars-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/i-suggest-a-new-strategy-r2-let-them-have-a-kinect-star-wars-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/i-suggest-a-new-strategy-r2-let-them-have-a-kinect-star-wars-d/#comments We can understand why you may be a bit hesitant to take our verdict on Kinect Star Wars as gospel. It's got Vader fights, rampaging rancors and is the closest physical manifestation of that one kid's dream journal we may ever get.

Now you can discover how not good the game is yourself with a free playable demo - if you're a Gold subscriber and own a Kinect sensor, that is. We may all have The Force inside us, but you still have to purchase your own Kinect sensor.

JoystiqI suggest a new strategy, R2: Let them have a Kinect Star Wars demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demokinectkinect-star-warslucasartsmicrosoftstar-wars-kinectxblmxboxxbox-liveTue, 08 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lucasfilm applies for 'Star Wars 1313' trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/lucasfilm-applies-for-star-wars-1313-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/lucasfilm-applies-for-star-wars-1313-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/lucasfilm-applies-for-star-wars-1313-trademark/#comments ImageA strange new trademark application by Lucasfilm portends a new multimedia Star Wars franchise, including video games. The company filed for the name "Star Wars 1313" for use with video games, as well as toys, trading cards, sticker books, pencil sharpeners, online social networking services, and anything else that can possibly bear the Star Wars logo.

The document contains no indication of what "Star Wars 1313" means; we knew the series was set "a long time ago," but don't know if that translates to 700 years in Earth time. However, a quick Wookieepedia search reveals "CT-1313" as a name used by Boba Fett in a Star Wars novel. So it could be a Boba Fett-focused thing. Dengar's still waiting for his big break.

JoystiqLucasfilm applies for 'Star Wars 1313' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lucasartslucasfilmstar-warsstar-wars-1313trademarkusptoMon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max figures are unusually silent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/sam-and-max-figures-are-unusually-silent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/sam-and-max-figures-are-unusually-silent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/sam-and-max-figures-are-unusually-silent/#comments ImageWith all the joy that Sam & Max has brought to your desktop over the years, isn't it about time they bring some joy to your actual desk? These new figures from Symbiote Studios should do just that, offering up some cute, stylized versions of both Sam and Max or one sweet statue.

The figures will set you back $20, while the 17-inch statue demands $75 of your precious monies (at gunpoint). Check out a detailed image of the statue after the break.

Continue reading Sam & Max figures are unusually silent

JoystiqSam & Max figures are unusually silent originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>figureslucasartssam-and-maxSam-and-Max-The-Devils-PlayhousestatueSteve-Purcelltelltale-gamestoysWed, 18 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Star Wars review: Needs Force feedback]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/kinect-star-wars-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/kinect-star-wars-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/kinect-star-wars-review/#comments ImageLet's just get this out of the way: in its current state, the Kinect can't deliver a true lightsaber experience. The device's input lag combined with the hardware's finicky nature simply won't allow it. That's not to say that Kinect Star Wars isn't without its merits. There are a few decent ideas hidden in its sub-games, even some fun to be had, but the overall package is lacking.

I suspect some Star Wars fans (or parents of Star Wars fans) will find its Force pull irresistible, but even the most dedicated Jedi is likely to find it underwhelming.

Gallery: Kinect: Star Wars (2/7/12)

Continue reading Kinect Star Wars review: Needs Force feedback

JoystiqKinect Star Wars review: Needs Force feedback originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkinect-star-warslucasartsmicrosoftstar-wars-kinectxboxWed, 04 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic 1.2 update big enough for making-of video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-big-enough-for-making-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-big-enough-for-making-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-big-enough-for-making-of/#comments

Turns out Star Wars: The Old Republic's 1.2 update wasn't just large enough for a trailer, but for an entire making-of video as well. Watch the BioWare team discuss the importance of family, leaving a legacy and adoption. Or something.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic 1.2 update big enough for making-of video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredev-diaryLegacyLucasArtsmaking-ofStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicThu, 22 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect: Star Wars trailer is cute in an awkward, bumbling kind of way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/kinect-star-wars-trailer-is-cute-in-an-awkward-bumbling-kind-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/kinect-star-wars-trailer-is-cute-in-an-awkward-bumbling-kind-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/kinect-star-wars-trailer-is-cute-in-an-awkward-bumbling-kind-of/#comments
Imagine Obi Wan Kenobi not as Jedi master, but a guy working the cash register down at the Gas 'n Gulp. Rather than wielding an elegant weapon for a more civilized age and being a princess's only hope, he's closer to the idiot in the Kinect: Star Wars trailer above.

JoystiqKinect: Star Wars trailer is cute in an awkward, bumbling kind of way originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkinect-star-warslucasartsmicrosoftstar-wars-kinectxboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR getting Guild Banks because BioWare is listening]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/swtor-getting-guild-banks-because-bioware-is-listening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/swtor-getting-guild-banks-because-bioware-is-listening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/swtor-getting-guild-banks-because-bioware-is-listening/#comments

Game director James Ohlen describes the changes coming to Star Wars: The Old Republic, one of which is guild banks for the thousands of guilds still playing. BioWare is also focusing on PvP, warzones, and convincing people that SWTOR is a good game.

JoystiqSWTOR getting Guild Banks because BioWare is listening originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAguild-banksLucasArtspcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 20 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ubisoft, Atari, many other publishers requesting payment from German pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/#comments Someone in Germany -- perhaps even some people -- illegally pirated a copy of Prison Break: The Conspiracy. Hard to believe as it may be, it appears to be the case according to TorrentFreak, who delved into German public records looking for game publishers who have employed German law to track down (and demand money from) people who allegedly pirated various games. In Germany, Koch Media publishes the Prison Break game, and has been demanding settlements of "several hundred Euros" from offending IP addresses.

The records indicate that several major publishers, either directly or through subsidiaries/secondary parties, have been sending out letters to German citizens requesting varying levels of payment in return for not being sued. Where things get murky, however, is how the publishers are seeking out the accused pirates, using not always reliable "IP address-only evidence" -- easily circumvented with proxy domains and such. You know, hacker stuff.

TorrentFreak's report indicates that a variety of publishers and distributors are involved, including (but not limited to): Atari, Koch Media (representing Techland's Dead Island and Prison Break, and Eidos/Square Enix's Deus Ex: Human Revolution as well as Dungeon Siege 3 and various Final Fantasy titles), Daedalic Entertainment (representing LucasArts), Codemasters, BitComposer, Ubisoft, Kalypso Media, dtp entertainment, and Aerosoft. It is currently unclear how many settlement notices have been sent out by each company, or if any will continue doing so after these actions have been brought to light.

Witcher 2 developer CD Projekt Red was recently pursuing similar cases in Germany until it announced the end of the practice last week.

JoystiqReport: Ubisoft, Atari, many other publishers requesting payment from German pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerosoftataribabypiratesbitcomposercodemastersdaedalicdtp-entertainmenteidoseidos-interactivegermanykalypso-mediakoch-medialegallucasartsmacmicrosoftpcpiracypiratesplaystationps3square-enixtechlandubisoftxboxMon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST