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[The Witcher 2 conjures 1.7 million in sales, coming to Mac and Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/the-witcher-2-conjures-1-7-million-in-sales-coming-to-mac-and-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/the-witcher-2-conjures-1-7-million-in-sales-coming-to-mac-and-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/the-witcher-2-conjures-1-7-million-in-sales-coming-to-mac-and-j/#comments While the focus of CD Projekt Red's summer conference was its new Cyberpunk RPG, the company still doled out a few tidbits about its best-known title, The Witcher 2. Specifically, the game has moved 1.7 million copies across the PC and Xbox 360 platforms.

The company hopes to sell a few more copies by bringing the Xbox version to Japan. To be published by Spike Chunsoft, the Xbox version of The Witcher 2 will arrive in Japan on August 23. Finally, The Witcher 2 will be available on Mac this fall. We're guessing you'll probably need a Mac with a dedicated graphics card to actually run it.

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 conjures 1.7 million in sales, coming to Mac and Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projekt-redjapanmacmicrosoftpcsalesthe-witcher-2xboxWed, 30 May 2012 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/#comments Image
Fight for the survival of humanity this week with Resistance: Burning Skies...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxTue, 29 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Divinity: Original Sin is a prequel to Divine Divinity, due 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/divinity-original-sin-is-a-prequel-to-divine-divinity-due-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/divinity-original-sin-is-a-prequel-to-divine-divinity-due-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/divinity-original-sin-is-a-prequel-to-divine-divinity-due-2013/#comments Image
Belgium-based Larian Studios has announced that it will release a new title in the popular Divinity RPG series, called Divinity: Original Sin. Due out in the first quarter of 2013, Original Sin will serve as a prequel to Divine Divinity, feature two main playable characters in turn-based combat, and come with co-op multiplayer and an adventure building kit that players can use to create and share content online. The game will arrive on PC and Mac.

You can see more about the title on the official site, or browse through the gallery of screenshots below. Larian will be showing off Original Sin and Dragon Commander (another upcoming Divinity-based title) at E3 this year, so we'll see them up close in about a week.

Gallery: Divinity: Original Sin (5/29/2012)

JoystiqDivinity: Original Sin is a prequel to Divine Divinity, due 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementdivinitydivinity-original-sinlarian-studiosmacpcprequelTue, 29 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Among the Sleep, a horror game played through the eyes of a child]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/among-the-sleep-a-horror-game-played-through-the-eyes-of-a-chil/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/among-the-sleep-a-horror-game-played-through-the-eyes-of-a-chil/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/among-the-sleep-a-horror-game-played-through-the-eyes-of-a-chil/#comments
The effectiveness of a horror game often hinges on its ability to instill a sense of helplessness. Some do this by limiting the number of offensive options. Others do it by removing offensive options altogether. Among the Sleep, from Norwegian developer Krillbite Studio, ups the ante by putting players in control of a two-year-old.

Among the Sleep is played from a first-person perspective, presenting a world full of childlike imagination and terror, in which a child (accompanied only by his faithful teddy bear) must survive the nightmare happenings around him. We're not sure mysterious is exactly the right word, at least not judging by the spooky happenings in the trailer. Among the Sleep is slated to arrive next year on Mac and PC.

Be sure to check out the Krillbite blog to follow the game's development. We certainly will be.

Gallery: Among the Sleep

JoystiqAmong the Sleep, a horror game played through the eyes of a child originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>among-the-sleepkrillbitekrillbite-studiomacpcTue, 29 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You Don't Know Jack is live on Facebook, as garish and fun as ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/#comments ImageOur editor-in-chief just told everyone on staff, "You don't know jack," which at first we chalked up to another moment of him flaunting his immense gaming and grammatical intelligence while we all cower in terrified inadequacy. Turns out he wanted us to write a post, but now we don't know who this Jack guy is or why he's so newsworthy.

Whatever - in unrelated news, You Don't Know Jack is now available for anyone to play on Facebook and holy snack cakes, we just figured out what our EIC wanted us to write about. Now who's dumb, huh?

JoystiqYou Don't Know Jack is live on Facebook, as garish and fun as ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookjellyvisionmacmobilepcTHQyou-dont-know-jackTue, 29 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/#comments Minecraft's ability to churn through the bank accounts of all the cosmos continues unabated, having sold six million copies on PC to date, according to a tweet from Mojang mogul Markus Persson. Factoring in XBLA, Android and iOS sales, the figure is "around nine million," according to Persson, a number that Mojang's Daniel Kaplan puts a tiny bit more specifically as "maybe 9.2" million.

If you've been affected by Minecraft's unwavering grasp on the gaming universe, make sure to listed to the Mailbag portion of this week's Super Joystiq Podcast, wherein Joystiq's feature content director Xav de Matos, managing editor JC Fletcher and editor in chief Ludwig Kietzmann discuss various methods for breaking Minecraft addictions.

JoystiqMinecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemacMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangnotchpcsales-figuresxboxFri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[My liege, Civilization V is free to play on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments The time of being born into power is coming to a close, as democracy sweeps across this world of ours. Now, if you want to be a leader of a country, you need to be smart - a student of conquest and diplomacy - and this weekend you can study up in Civilization V on Steam, free of charge.

You can install the game through Steam and play until you bring the world around to your type of thinking, up until 1pm PT on Sunday. And if you like Civilization V, it just so happens you can also purchase it at a 75% discount this weekend, which brings the price down to $7.49. A good ruler must also be able to spot a good bit of marketing. The expansion, Gods and Kings, is a little more than a month away, after all.

JoystiqMy liege, Civilization V is free to play on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5Firaxis-GamesmacpcsteamFri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Because We May sale starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/#comments Image
"Because We May" is a brand new video game sale put together by a whole gang of indie game developers, who say they want to promote both their games and the online stores that let them control pricing. To that end, they've placed almost every great indie game from the last few years (no kidding) on sale, on the various app and game stores that you see above. Whether you're looking for games direct from their developers, on iOS or Android, or on the Mac App Store or Steam, there are tons of great sales for you to take advantage of, and probably more coming.

Let's spend $15, for example: Buy Bit Trip Runner from the developers for $3.99, pick up Waking Mars on the iPad for $1.99, grab Psychonauts on the Mac for five bucks, and pick up both Penny Arcade titles for $3.99. That's five great games for less than the price of a movie ticket.

JoystiqBecause We May sale starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcheapdealsgamesindieiosipadmacmobilepcsalesThu, 24 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Defenders shifts into an RTS with Summoner hero class]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/dungeon-defenders-shifts-into-an-rts-with-summoner-hero-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/dungeon-defenders-shifts-into-an-rts-with-summoner-hero-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/dungeon-defenders-shifts-into-an-rts-with-summoner-hero-class/#comments
Image

Dungeon Defenders has expanded its perspective on PC and Mac gameplay (and probably life and love and stuff) with the new Summoner character, who can conduct battle from on high as if in an RTS. Overlord Mode allows the Summoner to supervise entire armies from a top-down perspective, altering the game entirely.

Along with omniscient battle control, the Summoner gets two pets, can levitate for 15 seconds, build an army from sentient crystal and basically wreak havoc on the battlefield, as the above video shows. The Summoner DLC pack is available via Steam for $4.

Gallery: Dungeon Defenders (Summoner Hero Class)

JoystiqDungeon Defenders shifts into an RTS with Summoner hero class originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCdungeon-defendershero-classmacpcreverb-publishingRTSsummonerTop-downtrendy-entertainmentThu, 24 May 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring the patterns of Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/#comments ImageAfter thirty hours of incessantly clicking my mouse, I completed my first run of Diablo 3. Of course, the game could have been finished in far less time - I was constantly going back to explore every area to the fullest. Any dark space on my map, signaling an area I didn't explore, gnawed at my obsessive completionist attitude.

But it had me wondering: I know how long it took to get to my final destination and I'm well aware of the spoils obtained along the way, but what had I actually done in those hours? Strip away everything about a game and you may see a simple series of patterns. So when you take the game systems, graphics, and progress out of the equation, what does the pattern of playing Diablo 3 look like and is it ever different?

Gallery: Exploring Patterns in Diablo 3

Continue reading Exploring the patterns of Diablo 3

JoystiqExploring the patterns of Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentDiablo-3macpatternspcstatisticsThu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[JS Joust creators respond to Papa Quash controversy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/js-joust-creators-respond-to-papa-quash-controversy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/js-joust-creators-respond-to-papa-quash-controversy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/js-joust-creators-respond-to-papa-quash-controversy/#comments ImageJohann Sebastian Joust developer Die Gute Fabrik deliberated over its response to inquiries about the similar iOS app Papa Quash for more than a day, delivering a comprehensive response on its blog last night. "To be clear, we've never given anyone permission to make a derivative version of any of our commercial products - existing or forthcoming," DGF said. "That said, the definition of 'derivative' is elusive. We generally don't believe that game mechanics themselves can or should be copyrighted or otherwise protected."

"We've also never requested any studio to pull any of its products," the studio added, referring obliquely to Papa Quash's removal from the App Store. "We believe that game developers have the responsibility to decide for themselves what is "over the line" in terms of cloning vs. innovating (separate from legal obligations regarding copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights)." As for the specific case of Papa Quash, Die Gute Fabrik demurred from outright calling it a clone - while still expressing disappointment about cloning in general.

In an email to Joystiq, Die Gute Fabrik lead game designer Douglas Wilson provided clarification about the email conversation that took place between Papa Quash creator Sam Pepper and DGF.

"Sam Pepper did email me back in January," Wilson said. "However, I never gave him 'permission' to develop Papa Quash. In his emails, he told me about his general plans to make a motion control game, which he indicated was different from J.S. Joust. He never provided a well-formulated game/design, and as such, there simply was nothing to 'approve.'"

According to Wilson, the decision to pull Papa Quash was not his. "I spoke with Steve Bittan from Ustwo last night, and I made it clear that the determination was theirs (and potentially Sam Pepper's) to make as to whether the game is "different" enough (separate from legal obligations regarding copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights). I don't harbor any animosity towards Ustwo or Sam Pepper."

JoystiqJS Joust creators respond to Papa Quash controversy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>die-gute-fabrikdouglas-wilsoniosiphonejohann-sebastian-joustmacmobilepapa-quashpcsam-pepperustwoThu, 24 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Squids Wild West hits this summer, free preview update for iOS out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/squids-wild-west-hits-this-summer-free-preview-update-for-ios-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/squids-wild-west-hits-this-summer-free-preview-update-for-ios-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/squids-wild-west-hits-this-summer-free-preview-update-for-ios-o/#comments ImageThe Game Bakers' mobile, PC and Mac RPG title Squids is getting a rough 'n rowdy update this summer with a new chapter: the Wild West.

To prepare players for the Wild West, Game Bakers launched a free update on the App Store today, featuring three western-ized levels in Seawood, a new Squid hero named Cleef and a new enemy, the Buffalo Shrimp. The update also brings a higher level cap, a new Game Center achievement and improved social media functionality.

We hope it also demonstrates how tumbleweeds blow across a dry dirt street in a fully underwater environment.

Continue reading Squids Wild West hits this summer, free preview update for iOS out now

JoystiqSquids Wild West hits this summer, free preview update for iOS out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfreegame-bakersiosipadiphonemacmobilepcsquidsthe-game-bakersupdatewild-westWed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You Don't Know Jack and Cookie Masterson want to be your new Facebook friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/you-dont-know-jack-and-cookie-masterson-want-to-be-your-new-fac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/you-dont-know-jack-and-cookie-masterson-want-to-be-your-new-fac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/you-dont-know-jack-and-cookie-masterson-want-to-be-your-new-fac/#comments ImageWe don't know about you, but You Don't Know Jack's charismatic host Cookie Masterson sure seems like a swell fellow; the kind of guy who takes to Facebook only to post photos of cats doing silly things, and potentially show his friends pictures of his newly shaven dome. We say this because we now have a new way to interact with Mr. Masterson through - you guessed it - You Don't Know Jack, now on Facebook.

The game is currently in closed beta, but I signed up to be a beta tester and was already in before this post was finished. Also, yup, I did play a round right quick, and it was totally awesome. In so many words, it's You Don't Know Jack, but played asychronously against Facebook friends. Rounds are shorter, and there's some microtransaction stuff in there, but it's pretty much the same game you've been playing (and loving) for 20 years.

Regardless, it's free and seemingly unobtrusive in regards to your Facebook account, which sounds like a big winner to us.

JoystiqYou Don't Know Jack and Cookie Masterson want to be your new Facebook friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookie-mastersonfacebookfree-to-playjellyvisionmacmicrotransactionspcyou-dont-know-jackWed, 23 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scourge: Outbreak spreads to PSN, XBLA, Mac this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/scourge-outbreak-spreads-to-psn-xbla-mac-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/scourge-outbreak-spreads-to-psn-xbla-mac-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/scourge-outbreak-spreads-to-psn-xbla-mac-this-summer/#comments ImageTragnarion Studios, who you may (may!) remember from the DS game Doodle Hex, is working on a futuristic third-person shooter for XBLA, PSN (PS3), and Mac. Yes, those are the correct platforms.

Scourge: Outbreak introduces the "Echo Squad," a group of mercenaries hired to take out the Nogari Corporation, conveniently located on Nogari Island. Four players can team up to infiltrate the "alien-infested facilities," locate a double agent, destroy the Nogari, and gain control of the "Ambrosia" power source. Functionally, this means co-op shooting, with story segments coming through as flashbacks from the four separate characters.

Scourge: Outbreak will allow players to stop both the scourge and the outbreak this Q3, "later this summer."

Gallery: Scourge: Outbreak (Screens and Character Art 5/22/12)

Continue reading Scourge: Outbreak spreads to PSN, XBLA, Mac this summer

JoystiqScourge: Outbreak spreads to PSN, XBLA, Mac this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmicrosoftplaystationps3psnscourge-outbreaktragnarion-studiosxblaxboxTue, 22 May 2012 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Hearts was made in the back of Devolver Digital's bus, out early 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dungeon-hearts-was-made-in-the-back-of-devolver-digitals-bus-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dungeon-hearts-was-made-in-the-back-of-devolver-digitals-bus-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dungeon-hearts-was-made-in-the-back-of-devolver-digitals-bus-o/#comments ImageDevolver Digital has teamed up with Cube Roots to publish the indie puzzle RPG Dungeon Hearts on PC, Mac and mobile in early 2013. Before any of you smart alecks ask: No, it's not a mashup of Dungeon Defenders and Kingdom Hearts.

Dungeon Hearts features a "nostalgic" blend of classic RPG elements and match-three puzzle mechanics for a "wholly unique experience," Devolver promises. It has 99 character levels and 16 unique environments, and players will use the matching game to perform powerful attacks in the game's mystical world.

At GDC in February, Cube Roots founder Chris Pavia got on a bus with Devolver Digital's Fork Parker as part of the Pitch Fork Parker Project. Pavia pitched Dungeon Hearts, left the bus, and by the end of the night his game was signed.

"The original pitch was for Dungeon Hearts to be a medieval brothel simulator," Parker said. "I recommended we shift development toward the puzzle/RPG hybrid because medieval brothel simulators just don't sell anymore."

Gallery: Dungeon Hearts

JoystiqDungeon Hearts was made in the back of Devolver Digital's bus, out early 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cube-Rootsdevolver-digitalDungeon-HeartsIndiemacmobilepcTue, 22 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon Commander deploys to Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ghost-recon-commander-deploys-to-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ghost-recon-commander-deploys-to-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ghost-recon-commander-deploys-to-facebook/#comments ImageGhost Recon's tactical tour of Facebook begins, with Ghost Recon Commander hitting the social media site earlier today. Developed by John Romero's social studio Loot Drop, Commander is linked with Ubisoft's free-to-play Ghost Recon Online and the upcoming Ghost Recon: Future Soldier.

Ghost Recon Commander is an isometric, tactical-strategy game within the popular Tom Clancy license, featuring ten "replayable missions, three difficulty levels and dozens of weapons for players to choose from."

By playing Commander, players can unlock "exclusive weapons, weapon skins and bonuses to use while playing Ghost Recon: Future Soldier and Ghost Recon Online." There are also additional "benefits" to linking the products, such as unlocking characters in Commander by playing Future Soldier. It is advisable to check it out; however, we wouldn't recommend poking anyone on the battlefield. One of you won't make it out alive.

Joystiq has contacted Ubisoft on the release date for Commander's mobile version, which was announced in April.

Gallery: Ghost Recon Commander (5/21/12)

JoystiqGhost Recon Commander deploys to Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookghost-recon-commandermacpcrelease-dateMon, 21 May 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 21-27, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/now-playing-may-21-27-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/now-playing-may-21-27-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/now-playing-may-21-27-2012/#comments Image
Become a high-tech warrior in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 21-27, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 21-27, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 21 May 2012 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Swords & Soldiers gets 'super saucy' DLC on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/swords-and-soldiers-gets-super-saucy-dlc-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/swords-and-soldiers-gets-super-saucy-dlc-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/swords-and-soldiers-gets-super-saucy-dlc-on-steam/#comments

Ronimo Games, the team behind Awesomenauts, recently announced "Super Saucy Sausage Fest" downloadable content for Swords & Soldiers on the Steam platform. First released on Steam in December 2010, the side-scrolling strategy game is receiving a fresh single-player campaign this week in the form of ten levels for two dollars.

Players control Chief Meat on his quest to the annual Super Saucy Sausage Fest, while utilizing new units and spells. The content pack also includes a bonus challenge mode called "Boulder XL."

Continue reading Swords & Soldiers gets 'super saucy' DLC on Steam

JoystiqSwords & Soldiers gets 'super saucy' DLC on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcronimo-gamesswords-and-soldiersSun, 20 May 2012 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga shares close at record low following lackluster Facebook IPO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/#comments Facebook went public yesterday, and its unexpectedly less-than-stellar performance on the trading floor has had powerful ramifications for its social soul sister Zynga, which finished the day's trading at a record low of $7.16 a share.

It's possible that Facebook's unimpressive IPO, closing out Friday at $38.23 a share - four dollars less than its $42.05 opening price - caused Zynga's value to drop in tandem, as the two platforms are inexorably intertwined in the public mindset. It's also possible that Zynga share holders jumped ship in favor of that new Facebook hotness, no longer having to settle for social second best.

Regardless, the severe downturn in value lead to two trading halts on Zynga shares over the course of the day; once after reaching $7.17 a share, and once again after a slight increase in market value. Despite this, share values eventually dropped to as little as $6.93 before finally settling at $7.16.

JoystiqZynga shares close at record low following lackluster Facebook IPO originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfacebookiosipadiphoneIPOmacmobileNASDAQpcstock-marketzyngaSat, 19 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/#comments Electronic Arts and BioWare's social soiree in Ferelden will be coming to an end on June 18, 2012, according to the official Dragon Age Legends website. E-commerce for the title ended yesterday, meaning that while the game it still active for the time being, it's no longer possible to convert your real-life dollars into fake Dragon Dollars crowns for use in Ferelden's many shops.

BioWare has also initiated a "massive fire sale" on all in-game items until the servers go down, so anyone with stockpiles of fake internet money can get their fake internet money's worth, at least for a few weeks. If the thought of living without a weird Facebook adaptation of the Dragon Age world is too much to handle, take heart: A single-player version of the game will be made available on the official site "shortly after the current version of the game shuts down."

JoystiqPSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowarebioware-socialdragon-agedragon-age-legendsEAelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcPSASat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin waives crowd-funded games' distribution fees for 90 days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/origin-waives-crowd-funded-games-distribution-fees-for-90-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/origin-waives-crowd-funded-games-distribution-fees-for-90-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/origin-waives-crowd-funded-games-distribution-fees-for-90-days/#comments EA's Origin is jumping on the Kickstarter bandwagon - no, not by Kickstarting an EA game (that would be hilarious) but instead, by presenting itself as an ally to crowd-funded games.

EA announced today that it will waive distribution fees for crowd-funded games for 90 days after launch. The offer is extended only to "fully-funded, complete and ready-to-publish games designed for digital download to PC platforms." InXile's Brian Fargo and Pinkerton Road's Jane Jensen voiced their support in the press release.

"The public support for crowd-funding creative game ideas coming from small developers today is nothing short of phenomenal," said Origin SVP David DeMartini in the announcement. "It's also incredibly healthy for the gaming industry. Gamers around the world deserve a chance to play every great new game, and by waiving distribution fees on Origin we can help make that a reality for successfully crowd-funded developers." EA also gets a nice patina of indirect indie cred by supporting Kickstarted games.

Continue reading Origin waives crowd-funded games' distribution fees for 90 days

JoystiqOrigin waives crowd-funded games' distribution fees for 90 days originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingelectronic-artskickstartermacoriginpcFri, 18 May 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dozens of indies putting their games on sale next week 'Because We May']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/dozens-of-indies-putting-their-games-on-sale-next-week-because/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/dozens-of-indies-putting-their-games-on-sale-next-week-because/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/dozens-of-indies-putting-their-games-on-sale-next-week-because/#comments ImageIn celebration of stores like Steam and the App Store that allow developers to price their games at whatever they feel like, a group of indies are putting their games on sale next week for ... whatever they feel like.

The "Because We May" sale will run from May 24 through June 1, and will feature sales on the iOS and Mac App Stores, Steam, Google Play, direct downloads from developers, and assorted other venues. The participating games include World of Goo, Osmos, Eets, Bit.Trip Beat and Runner, Canabalt, Waking Mars, Super Meat Boy, Cave Story, the Double Fine Bundle ... basically, you'll find something to buy. As for the prices, it would appear nobody has decided yet.

JoystiqDozens of indies putting their games on sale next week 'Because We May' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbecause-we-mayindieiosipadiphonemacmobilepcFri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3's secret world discovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/diablo-3s-secret-world-discovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/diablo-3s-secret-world-discovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/diablo-3s-secret-world-discovered/#comments We don't want to spoil the discovery of Diablo 3's secret world for you - unless you willingly volunteer to be spoiled, in which case follow us after the break. The rest of you: move along.

Continue reading Diablo 3's secret world discovered

JoystiqDiablo 3's secret world discovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3macpcsecretFri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Indie Royale bundle is the All-Charity Lightning Pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/latest-indie-royale-bundle-is-the-all-charity-lightning-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/latest-indie-royale-bundle-is-the-all-charity-lightning-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/latest-indie-royale-bundle-is-the-all-charity-lightning-pack/#comments ImageA new Indie Royale bundle featuring Osmos, B.U.T.T.O.N., The Shivah and Blueberry Garden has debuted. Unlike past bundles, all of the proceeds from this one don't go to the developers - proceeds go to charities chosen by the developers.

In addition to the games, the All-Charity Lightning Pack also tosses in a trio of chiptunes albums should you pony up $7 or more: Level by Disasterpeace, IN1ep by 6955, and FX4 by Jake "virt" Kaufman. Cruise past the break for some video previews of all four games.

Continue reading Latest Indie Royale bundle is the All-Charity Lightning Pack

JoystiqLatest Indie Royale bundle is the All-Charity Lightning Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueberry-gardenbuttonindie-royalemacosmospcthe-shivahThu, 17 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 auction house delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/#comments ImageThe auction house in Diablo 3 won't debut on May 22 as planned. Blizzard's community manager Micah "Bashiok" Whipple posted on the Blizzard forums saying the recent server woes have forced the studio's hand. We'll hear later when the new auction house launch date is.

If you were trying to log into Diablo 3 yesterday, you may have been unable to - the same errors experienced on launch day seemed to have resurfaced in North America and Europe. Whipple called out the achievement-earning bug - which either didn't unlock achievements for players or didn't carry earned achievements over multiple logins - as the culprit, and said Blizzard is working on a fix, though servers are all go right now. "We greatly appreciate everyone's support, and we want to sincerely apologize for the difficulties many of you encountered on day one," he concluded.

JoystiqDiablo 3 auction house delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionauction-housebashiokblizzarddelaysDiablo-3error-37macmicah-whipplepcThu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead sells a million episodes [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-walking-dead-sells-a-million-episodes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-walking-dead-sells-a-million-episodes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-walking-dead-sells-a-million-episodes/#comments The Walking Dead's critically acclaimed game adaptation has sold over a million episodes across platfoms in its first two weeks. The game takes Heavy Rain-inspired mechanics and weaves them into an intense and morally ambiguous experience.

"The most exciting aspect of getting off to such a great start is that this is just the beginning of the five episode series. The Walking Dead fans are going to experience some really great moments in the months ahead that are uniquely influenced by the choices they make throughout the season," said Telltale Games CEO Dan Connors.

The second episode of the five-part series will be available in June. We are currently following up with the developer to find out if having "sold over one million episodes" means the first episode sold a million units or if those who bought a season pass of five episodes were counted five times.

Gallery: The Walking Dead (PSN)

Continue reading The Walking Dead sells a million episodes [update]

JoystiqThe Walking Dead sells a million episodes [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmicrosoftpcplaystationps3TellTale-Gamesthe-walking-deadxboxThu, 17 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dear Esther sales crash against 100,000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dear-esther-sales-crash-against-100-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dear-esther-sales-crash-against-100-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dear-esther-sales-crash-against-100-000/#comments ImageDear Esther, the atmospheric indie title from thechineseroom, has sold more than 100,000 copies, shortly following the title's launch for Mac on Steam. Developer Robert Briscoe shared the news on Dear Esther's official site:

"I have to admit I was a little unsure as to what to expect from sales of Dear Esther once we went to retail, we all were - there was no real benchmark to go by at the time, so I'm extremely pleased to see so many people enjoying the game, and most importantly, proving that gamers are open and eager to new ideas and experiences outside of the boundaries of 'traditional' gameplay. Thanks to everyone who has supported us through this journey, and who will hopefully continue to support us in the future!"

Dear Esther is half off through Thursday, May 17 in Steam's Midweek Madness sale, running just $5.

JoystiqDear Esther sales crash against 100,000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100000dear-esthermacpcsalesSTEAMthechineseroomThu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam enables remote downloads from web or mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/steam-enables-remote-downloads-from-web-or-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/steam-enables-remote-downloads-from-web-or-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/steam-enables-remote-downloads-from-web-or-mobile/#comments ImageIt's now even easier to buy too many games from Steam. Valve has implemented remote downloading, allowing you to manage your PC's Steam collection remotely, from anywhere you can access the website or mobile app.

Remote downloading lets you start a download on your computer from any of these other sources, and have them "installed and ready to play on your arrival." In other words, you can buy a game from the mobile app and have it download automatically to your home PC, or reinstall something else from your Steam collection remotely.

The Store will even ask you upon purchase if you'd like to remotely install your new game, if it notices you're shopping from away from your computer.

JoystiqSteam enables remote downloads from web or mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcremote-downloadingremote-downloadssteamWed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: I can never play Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/#commentsThis is an editorial based on Dave Hinkle's personal experiences with 2000's Diablo 2. Joystiq's review of Diablo 3 is still forthcoming.

It's not because I lack the requisite memory blocks and quantum computers to run Blizzard's latest, Diablo 3 - it's personal. You see, I'm genetically predisposed to Diablo. It's something I think about each and every day.

Diablo is a proper addiction to me. Diablo 2 is something I associate with the darkest moments of my life, when I skipped showers and seriously lived on Pop Tarts. My only comfort back then was the dim glow of the monitor and the random piece of treasure the game would occasionally drop for me as I toiled away hours doing nightmare-level Meph runs.

I have an addictive personality, as many of those who have met me in real life can attest. I eat horribly, can't seem to quit smoking cigarettes and have drunk to excess on occasion. The Diablo experience is like some kind of magical talisman created by the wizards of southern California that is meant to poke and prod that dark place inside me I actively ignore and deny every day of my life. Diablo brings out my greed and disdain for everything other than myself in the worst way.

But again, these are just words. They don't mean anything without examples, so I'm going to take you back to when I was in college and Diablo 2 ruined my life.

Continue reading Editorial: I can never play Diablo 3

JoystiqEditorial: I can never play Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionaddictionblizzarddiablo-2diablo-3macpcWed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[U4iA rips the wrap off free-to-play FPS Offensive Combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/u4ia-rips-the-wrap-off-free-to-play-fps-offensive-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/u4ia-rips-the-wrap-off-free-to-play-fps-offensive-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/u4ia-rips-the-wrap-off-free-to-play-fps-offensive-combat/#comments ImageBrowser-based FPS Offensive Combat is the new game from U4iA, a studio formed last year by Activision expats. It's an FPS with a mobile/tablet sidearm, described as working together "unlike any game before," though no further details beyond that were provided. The only other aspect U4iA revealed is customization, which we figure is the awesome lizard hat seen in the screenshot above.

U4iA was founded by Chris Archer and Dusty Welch, former Activision and Call of Duty vets. With Offensive Combat, the two hope to deliver "the most competitive multiplayer action ever seen within a browser." A beta for Offensive Combat kicks off this summer.

Continue reading U4iA rips the wrap off free-to-play FPS Offensive Combat

JoystiqU4iA rips the wrap off free-to-play FPS Offensive Combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macoffensive-combatpcu4iaWed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dear Esther comes to Mac on Steam, is half off through Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/#comments ImageDear Esther has finally wandered across the barren PC wasteland to end up on Mac as part of the larger Steam island system. Dear Esther, developed by current Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs team thechineseroom, now supports SteamPlay and is half off for Midweek Madness, through May 17.

JoystiqDear Esther comes to Mac on Steam, is half off through Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dear-esthermacpcSTEAMSteamPlaythechineseroomTue, 15 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 servers are now back online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/#comments According to the latest update on the Blizzard forums, the Diablo 3 servers for North America are up and running. The servers went down for maintenance earlier today - the launch has suffered some hiccups - but now you should be able to log in and take a hit of that sweet, sweet Diablo 3, no problem. Happy looting!

JoystiqDiablo 3 servers are now back online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3macpcTue, 15 May 2012 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/#comments Some of you may have experienced this first hand, but if you've yet to suddenly go offline while playing Diablo 3, here's what happens. First, your game will lock up for a minute or so, then you'll be sent back to the character selection screen.

According to Eurogamer, at this point you'll log back in and find that you've retained all gold, experience and items - no penalties there. Once you get back into the game, you'll start from your last checkpoint.

The decision to require a constant internet connection initially received some blowback from the community, but it would seem it's not as bad as initially thought, at least in one regard. Eurogamer even notes that being booted back to the character selection screen didn't happen every time - occasionally the game would resume as if no disconnect even occurred.

JoystiqDiablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalways-on-drmbattle-netblizzardDiablo-3drmmacpcTue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/#comments
What's all this "Diablo" hubbub today, you wonder? Well, you see, "Diablo" is another name for "Devil" (Spanish!) and you're this monk/warrior/witch doctor/wizard/demon hunter who's gotta kill thousands of demons to get to the main bad demon dude and ... okay, Blizzard does a much better job laying it all out.

JoystiqBlizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacpctrailerTue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/#comments Just because you're far away from Blizzard, Australia, doesn't mean that the publisher doesn't love you. Case in point: after hearing about the issue with Australia's GAME retail chain and how that could affect Diablo 3 pre-orders (it would effectively cancel them without refund), Blizzard took to action.

On its forums, Blizzard reps explained how Australians affected by the issue could submit their receipt for a GAME Diablo 3 pre-order (purchased before May 15, 2012) directly to Blizzard for a refund. That "refund" only goes through after you've purchased the game directly from the official Diablo 3 site, as Blizzard's handling refunds via whatever payment method was used for the pre-order. In so many words, after paying for the game twice, Blizzard will refund your original pre-order expenditure with GAME.

Blizzard doesn't list the final instruction, perhaps out of kindness, which is to send a sharply worded letter to GAME's Australian reps. More details on how to submit your pre-order receipt to Blizzard will be posted "as soon as possible."

JoystiqBlizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardaustraliablizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gamemacpcTue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 PSA: Don't give a Templar follower a shield]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/#comments Having fun with Diablo 3? If you hope to keep having fun, you might want to avoid the game-breaking bug discovered by fellow players. According to many posts on the Blizzard forums, equipping a Templar follower with a different shield may result in the game desynchronizing from Blizzard's servers. Users are also reporting that they are unable to log back into Diablo 3 - specifically encountering timeout error 3006 - even after restarting the game.

As noted by Eurogamer, the issue may be restricted to the Demon Hunter class. Blizzard is currently looking into the problem. In the meantime, regardless of your class, you should probably avoid swapping equipment with the Templar follower.

Update: Apparently the issue arises specifically if you swap items that you currently have equipped with the Templar. Still, probably safer to not mess with a Templar's equipment at all for now..

JoystiqDiablo 3 PSA: Don't give a Templar follower a shield originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardbugDiablo-3glitchmacpcTue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Knights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight 2 now on Mac via Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/#comments ImageMay the fourteenth be with you: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast are each available on Mac and are 25 percent off on Steam today, in celebration of "May the 10 days after May the fourth be with you" day or something. Each title costs $7.50 with the sale, which ends May 21 at 10 a.m. PST.

Both games first dropped in 2003 but they hold up pretty well nine years on, especially at less than $10 -- at least they've aged better than we imagine The Old Republic will have by 2020.

JoystiqKnights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight 2 now on Mac via Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KOTORmacpcStar-WarsStar-Wars-Jedi-Knight-2star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicSTEAMTue, 15 May 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/#comments Image
Traverse the depths of Hell once again in Diablo 3...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 14-20, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard explains why it's hiring for console Diablo, but not making console Diablo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/blizzard-explains-why-its-hiring-for-console-diablo-but-not-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/blizzard-explains-why-its-hiring-for-console-diablo-but-not-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/blizzard-explains-why-its-hiring-for-console-diablo-but-not-ma/#comments The situation around the potential console release of Diablo 3 has been strangely half-secret. Blizzard has openly hired for console development, and company representatives have said that they are "investigating" and "exploring" console Diablo projects. They've talked about console controllers and their advantages. But it never got to the point of actually announcing anything.

"Yeah. We haven't officially announced it, because we're not 'experimenting,'" Diablo 3 director Jay Wilson told Gamasutra. "We tell people that basically we're experimenting, because it helps us hire people. The better people we hire, the better chance we have to actually make it."

In other words, there's no concrete plan, but Blizzard is bringing in people to try things to see if they will work - which, yes, sounds a lot like experimenting. "That's why we haven't kept it super secret, but we also haven't confirmed it, because we're not sure yet whether we think it will work, and whether we think we have the resources to do it," Wilson said.

This bit comes at the end of a lengthy interview, during which Wilson also provides a lot of background on the development process - like how a PowerPoint presentation substituted for a design document.

JoystiqBlizzard explains why it's hiring for console Diablo, but not making console Diablo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardconsoleDiablo-3jay-wilsonmacpcMon, 14 May 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Wallet exclusive to GameStop, doesn't change company investment in Impulse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-exclusive-to-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-exclusive-to-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-exclusive-to-gamestop/#comments ImageOn the surface, GameStop providing Steam Wallet cards would seem like a white flag, a sign of surrender by the old brick-and-mortar giant to the king of digital distribution. Business is never so simple. Frenemies they may be, both sides will profit greatly from this deal. Valve's Steam service just obtained access to thousands of GameStop stores (and its army of associates) across North America, and GameStop gets a cut of Steam, particularly from Steam users without credit cards or access to electronic payment methods.

"We are currently the only retailer with it," Steve Nix, manager of PC digital distribution for GameStop told us today. He expressed there's no specific exclusivity window for the company, but that GameStop's proprietary tech for selling DLC, which allows the company to go directly to digital distribution holders instead of going through a third-party vendor, helped make the deal possible.

Nix explains that he went to Valve with the deal a few months ago, with factoids like 84 percent of GameStop customers claim to play PC games, and made his case for this deal to occur. Nix's background probably helped grease the wheels. The executive was formerly an early supporter of Steam as the CEO of Ritual Entertainment (SiN Episodes) and director of business development and digital platforms at id Software, adding the company's catalog to Steam in 2007.

Nix also told us the Steam deal will not alter the company's plans for its own digital distribution service, Impulse. He also mentioned the company already sells Origin points and is open to doing something similar with GoG.

"Really, this doesn't affect anything we're doing with Impulse," Nix said. "We doubled the PC download business with the Impulse technology we acquired. We're happy with that. We're now online over 1600 SKUs, we'll continue to grow that and continue to invest in that."

"We're just offering options for customers. This in no way changes our investment or what we're doing with that business."

JoystiqSteam Wallet exclusive to GameStop, doesn't change company investment in Impulse originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameStopmacpcsteve-nixMon, 14 May 2012 11:45:00 EST