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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Dial 868-HACK on Steam, steal data]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/dial-868-hack-on-steam-steal-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/dial-868-hack-on-steam-steal-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/dial-868-hack-on-steam-steal-data/#comments
Independent developer Michael Brough launched a PC and Mac version of his strategy game 868-HACK on Steam this week. The brightly-colored roguelike previously arrived on iOS in August 2013. In it, players "steal precious data while the world sleeps," solving mainframe-hacking puzzles in a cyberspace environment. The game costs $5.65 for PC and Mac users, a few cents cheaper than its iOS counterpart.

Brough crafted a number of games over the years, though one that recently caught our attention was his single-screen action game Helix for iOS. Be sure to check out our video of Brough's hectic avoidance game in action after watching the developer's bizarre trailer for 868-HACK above.
[Image: Michael Brough]

JoystiqDial 868-HACK on Steam, steal data originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>868-hackhackhackingIndiemacmichael-broughpcroguelikesteamWed, 28 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silence: The Whispered World 2 also has words for the PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/silence-the-whispered-world-2-also-has-words-for-the-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/silence-the-whispered-world-2-also-has-words-for-the-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/silence-the-whispered-world-2-also-has-words-for-the-ps4/#comments Alongside its "early 2015" PC, Mac and Xbox One debut, publisher Daedalic Entertainment has announced that lovely, snowbound adventure Silence: The Whispered World 2 will be released on the PlayStation 4.

A sequel to 2010's The Whispered World, Silence: The Whispered World 2 casts players as Noah, a 16-year-old boy attempting to find his younger sister in the ethereal world of Silence. The duo enter Silence in an effort to escape from a war in their world, but quickly find that the wondrous land of Silence is also embroiled in conflict (not to mention populated by nasty beasts and self-serving political factions). It's sort of a Chronicles of Narnia situation, only with fewer Christian allegories in the form of sage predatory felines.

Though the original Whispered World featured 2D graphics, Silence: The Whispered World 2 employs 3D models and a method the developers call "camera projection" that "allows [the artists] to maintain the high detail level of our hand-drawn art, while still being able to use the benefits of 3D game design."
[Image: Daedalic Entertainment]

Continue reading Silence: The Whispered World 2 also has words for the PS4

JoystiqSilence: The Whispered World 2 also has words for the PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daedalic-entertainmentmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps4the-whispered-worldthe-whispered-world-2xbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gravity Ghost swirls through Steam's solar system today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/gravity-ghost-swirls-through-steams-solar-system-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/gravity-ghost-swirls-through-steams-solar-system-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/gravity-ghost-swirls-through-steams-solar-system-today/#comments

Ivy Games' Gravity Ghost is on Steam today for PC, Mac and Linux for $15, a reasonable price for a trip through the stars. Plus, it's two-for-one, forever - pay $15 on Steam, get two game codes.

"Why?" Gravity Ghost Designer Erin Robinson asks in an email. "I'm encouraging everyone to give that second copy to someone special in their life who doesn't play video games. My hope is that it will open the door to this amazing hobby and allow people to share that joy with their loved ones."

Gravity Ghost is a physics puzzler with a twist (or a twirl): Players soar around planets, using gravitational pull to gain momentum, alter direction and collect pieces of a shattered galaxy. There's no "fail" state, though there is a rich story with hints of darkness, plus voice acting by Ashly Burch (Borderlands 2), Logan Cunningham (Bastion) and Sarah Elmaleh (Gone Home). The soundtrack comes from FTL composer Ben Prunty. See the story trailer after the break.

Continue reading Gravity Ghost swirls through Steam's solar system today

JoystiqGravity Ghost swirls through Steam's solar system today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buy-one-get-one-freeerin-robinsongravity-ghostIndieivy-gamesLinuxmacpcSTEAMMon, 26 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lady Hammerlock joins Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's playable lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/lady-hammerlock-joins-borderlands-the-pre-sequels-playable-lin/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/lady-hammerlock-joins-borderlands-the-pre-sequels-playable-lin/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/lady-hammerlock-joins-borderlands-the-pre-sequels-playable-lin/#comments
Lady Hammerlock, sister to researcher Sir Hammerlock and heir to the family's fortune, will add a bit of class to Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's playable lineup on January 27. Aurelia is included in The Pre-Sequel's season pass, but a related press release notes that fans who prefer to pick up DLC a la carte can also don her fashionable demeanor for $9.99.

Lady Hammerlock's progression branch into Huntress, Cold Money and Contractual Aristocracy skill trees. Huntress focuses on sniping, offering a skill that dishes out critical hit bonuses for each consecutive shot on a target. Cold Money is all about ice damage, as made evident by one of its abilities implementing Cryo damage with any equipped weapon. Contractual Aristrocracy is all about status, as suggested by one of its unlockables reaping Lady Hammerlock bonuses from kills made by her peasant teammates.

When firefights call for desperate measures, Lady Hammerlock's Cold As Ice action skill spawns a Frost Diadem Shard that chases down and latches onto targets, dealing constant damage until they finally keel over so that the shard can move onto its next target.

If you sat out The Pre-Sequel in hopes of a current-gen port but still want to freeze things to death as Lady Hammerlock, don't fret - Borderlands Handsome Collection will include all season pass DLC when it arrives on March 24.
[Image: Gearbox]

JoystiqLady Hammerlock joins Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's playable lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baronessborderlandsborderlands-the-pre-sequellady-hammerlocklady-hammerlock-the-baronesslinuxmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 25 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventures of Pip is modern cute plus classic challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/adventures-of-pip-is-modern-cute-plus-classic-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/adventures-of-pip-is-modern-cute-plus-classic-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/adventures-of-pip-is-modern-cute-plus-classic-challenge/#comments I'm calling it now: the Kickstarted Adventures of Pip from developer TicToc Games is going to win cutest game of 2015. I don't care that we're not even to the end of January; Pip is so cute that I want him in a kids' TV show. He's so heart-meltingly precious that I want plush figures and a breakfast cereal themed after him.

Pip is so gawl-darned lovable and sweet that it makes me deeply, deeply angry.

The game's charming aesthetic masks a sinister beast. For despite the playful bounce of our square-shaped hero and the bright colors that surround him, this is a world looking to commit straight-up pixelated murder.

Continue reading Adventures of Pip is modern cute plus classic challenge

JoystiqAdventures of Pip is modern cute plus classic challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventures-of-pipkickstartermacmicrosoftnintendopaxpax-southpax-south-2015pcplaystationps4tictoc-gameswii-uxbox-oneSun, 25 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to make top down horror like Noct scary? Ditch zombies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/how-to-make-top-down-horror-like-noct-scary-ditch-zombies/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/how-to-make-top-down-horror-like-noct-scary-ditch-zombies/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/how-to-make-top-down-horror-like-noct-scary-ditch-zombies/#comments Noct, a new survival horror shooter by Chris Eskins, shouldn't be scary. Outwardly simplistic, Noct borrows the top down perspective of Devolver label-mate Hotline Miami as well 360-degree style shooting but ditches the color and detail. Dark, drab, and obscure, the black and white action is filtered through the ambient light of satellite night vision. Your blob of a character so easily killed is glimpsed through snaky sharp brambles and wandering down empty streets and detail-less warehouses. Noct should feel isolating but not scary. It's too distant, both in fidelity and in action. Yet it got me to yell, "Nope!" just like its characters do before they're run down by the blurry outline of a giant arachnid or wandering, ravenous, ill-defined bovine beast.

Continue reading How to make top down horror like Noct scary? Ditch zombies

JoystiqHow to make top down horror like Noct scary? Ditch zombies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c3skdevolver-digitalmacnoctpax-south-2015pcFri, 23 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Armello enters Game of Early Access Thrones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/armello-enters-game-of-early-access-thrones/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/armello-enters-game-of-early-access-thrones/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/armello-enters-game-of-early-access-thrones/#comments Digital board game Armello is available now on Steam Early Access. Developed by Australian studio League of Geeks, the strategy-RPG hybrid delivers eye candy, with analog gameplay mechanics like cards, dice-rolling combat, along with digital aspects like day/night cycles and an in-depth equipment system.

Armello is priced at $20 during this Early Access phase and playable on PC, Mac and Linux. Once development concludes, the game will make its way to iOS and Android, which is how we first saw it at GDC last year. Check out more of the game after the break.

Continue reading Armello enters Game of Early Access Thrones

JoystiqArmello enters Game of Early Access Thrones originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armelloleague-of-geeksmacpcFri, 23 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jon Snow brings lack of knowledge to Game of Thrones Episode 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/jon-snow-brings-lack-of-knowledge-to-game-of-thrones-episode-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/jon-snow-brings-lack-of-knowledge-to-game-of-thrones-episode-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/jon-snow-brings-lack-of-knowledge-to-game-of-thrones-episode-2/#comments
The second episode of Telltale's six-part Game of Thrones saga debuts early next month, starting February 3 for PC, Mac, PS4 and PS3. Titled "The Lost Lords," the episode is also coming to Xbox One and 360 on February 4, iOS on February 5 and Android at a later date.

The Lost Lords continues the story of House Forrester, a Westeros family who in history have aligned with the Starks - not always the wisest alignment, it has to be said. Telltale's game is interwoven with HBO's TV series, and the plot takes place between the end of the third season and the start of the fifth.

If you've played the first episode then you've already had a few chit-chats with Cersei Lannister, her brother Tyrion, Margaery Tyrell and the huggably lovely Ramsay Snow. As the teaser trailer below the break reveals, another Snow is coming to the game in Episode 2.

Continue reading Jon Snow brings lack of knowledge to Game of Thrones Episode 2

JoystiqJon Snow brings lack of knowledge to Game of Thrones Episode 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgame-of-thrones-a-telltale-games-seriesgame-of-thrones-episode-2HBOiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3ps4release-datetelltale-gamesxboxxbox-oneFri, 23 Jan 2015 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Card Game Bundle deals out Scrolls, Star Realms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/humble-card-game-bundle-deals-out-scrolls-star-realms/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/humble-card-game-bundle-deals-out-scrolls-star-realms/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/humble-card-game-bundle-deals-out-scrolls-star-realms/#comments Humble Bundle has a new promotion on deck: digital card games. From Mjoang's newest (and previously most litigious) Scrolls to the granddaddy of deck-builders Dominion, the Humble Card Game Bundle has plenty to offer those looking for a reprieve from that pesky Hearthstone addiction.

The "pay what you want" portion of the bundle includes copies of Scrolls (PC, Mac), SolForge: Dino Starter Deck (PC), Star Realms (a personal favorite for PC, Mac and Android), Talisman: Digital Edition and Talisman: Prologue (PC, Mac). Purchasing the bundle for more than the average price, which currently rests at $6.71, adds Magic 2015: Duels of the Planeswalkers Special Edition (PC), Dominion Online (Browser-based) and additional decks for SolForge.

Purchasing the bundle for $12 will unlock additional expansions for Dominion Online, a Deluxe Edition of Scrolls and add the basic edition of the free-to-play browser game Card Hunter. For $35 players can also gets their hands on a physical copy of Star Realms with an exclusive card and a t-shirt.

The bundle will be available to purchase for two weeks with proceeds going to charity organizations Block by Block, Save the Children and World Land Trust.
[Image: Humble Bundle]

JoystiqHumble Card Game Bundle deals out Scrolls, Star Realms originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidHumble-BundleHumble-Card-Game-BundlemacmobilepcTue, 20 Jan 2015 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Her Story' FMV crime fiction game coming from Silent Hill: Shattered Memories designer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/her-story-fmv-crime-fiction-game-coming-from-silent-hill-shat/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/her-story-fmv-crime-fiction-game-coming-from-silent-hill-shat/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/her-story-fmv-crime-fiction-game-coming-from-silent-hill-shat/#comments
The latest game from Silent Hill: Shattered Memories designer and writer Sam Barlow is a little different. It's not survival horror, it doesn't have motion controls and ... it's entirely full-motion video. Entitled Her Story, the game revolves around a police database containing several taped interviews with a female subject, concerning the disappearance of her husband.

Rather than interacting directly with the game, players "type search queries and the database returns clips of the answers where the woman speaks those words." Barlow claims, "If you can Google, you can play Her Story," elaborating that, while the search mechanic is simple, it "quickly reveals its richness and complexity." Non-linear storytelling seems to be the game's hallmark, with Barlow himself calling it "a sculptural way of viewing a story."

We're still not clear on exactly how it will work, whether players will directly affect the narrative or solve the mystery, or just soak in a unique, interactive crime fiction story. Either way, it certainly sounds different.

Her Story is set to arrive early this year on PC, Mac and iOS, and it's currently listed on Steam Greenlight.
[Image: Sam Barlow]

Continue reading 'Her Story' FMV crime fiction game coming from Silent Hill: Shattered Memories designer

Joystiq'Her Story' FMV crime fiction game coming from Silent Hill: Shattered Memories designer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>her-storyiosipadiphonemacmobilepcsam-barlowTue, 20 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Streams: Sex, lies, You Don't Know Jack, and free PS4/XB1 games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/joystiq-streams-sex-lies-you-dont-know-jack-and-free-ps4-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/joystiq-streams-sex-lies-you-dont-know-jack-and-free-ps4-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/joystiq-streams-sex-lies-you-dont-know-jack-and-free-ps4-xb/#comments

Something happens to people when they play anything made by Jackbox Games. You Don't Know Jack, Fibbage, Lie Swatter; these games bring out a cackling darkness that is both frightening and impossible to resist. Do friendships end because of the vicious yelling at the end of a round of You Don't Know Jack? Certainly, but just as many new alliances and unbreakable bonds are formed thanks to suppository jokes, deceit, and wordplay. If you've ever wanted to see the Joystiq staff destroy each other with language while also winning some free PlayStation 4 and Xbox One games, here's your chance.

Starting at 4:00PM EST on Joystiq.com/Twitch, we'll be streaming select games from the Jackbox Party Pack. A murder of Joystiq editors will play alongside Jackbox's own Steve Heinrich, one of the creators and head writers on You Don't Know Jack. We'll also be doling out download codes for the Jackbox Party Pack on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Joystiq.com/Twitch broadcasts every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00PM EST, but we stream other times as well so make sure to follow us on Twitch.
[Images: Jackbox Games]

JoystiqJoystiq Streams: Sex, lies, You Don't Know Jack, and free PS4/XB1 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fibbagejackbox-gamesjackbox-party-packjoystiq-streamsmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps4xbox-oneyou-dont-know-jackyou-dont-know-jack-2015Tue, 20 Jan 2015 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Broadcasting grabs popcorn, exits beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/steam-broadcasting-grabs-popcorn-exits-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/steam-broadcasting-grabs-popcorn-exits-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/steam-broadcasting-grabs-popcorn-exits-beta/#comments Valve added Steam Broadcasting to its PC distribution platform in an update this week, taking its livestreaming solution for games out of beta. Those that update Steam can now change their settings to determine whether to enable broadcasting and limit it to their friends list. Providing the streaming service is enabled, gameplay video will automatically broadcast when players start their games. Valve announced the Twitch alternative in December.

According to Steam's support page, the service will only broadcast gameplay video by default, though players can opt to stream a video of other apps on their computers, allowing for broadcasts such as instructional videos. It also records the audio that plays through the default speakers on the broadcaster's computer, so those hoping to include audio from another source will have to find a work-around for the time being. Head to your Steam friends list and select "watch game" to check the broadcasting service out.
[Image: Valve]

JoystiqSteam Broadcasting grabs popcorn, exits beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadcastinggameplaylivestreamingmacpcsteamsteam-broadcastingstreamingtwitchupdatevalveTue, 20 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's 'Starships' blasts off this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/sid-meiers-starships-blast-off-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/sid-meiers-starships-blast-off-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/sid-meiers-starships-blast-off-this-year/#comments
The house Sid Meier built, Firaxis, will send out an "interstellar strategy game" for PC, Mac and iPad in early 2015. According to 2K's initial announcement, players will research new technologies and spaceship designs, pierce through the unknown reaches of the galaxy and fight in turn-based combat, all hinged on "distinctive" maps and dynamically created combat missions.

"My goal was to create an experience that focuses on starship design and combat within a universe filled with interstellar adventure, diplomacy, and exploration," says Meier.

Publisher 2K is also teasing cross-connectivity between Starships and last year's turn-based Civilization spin-off, Beyond Earth.

Continue reading Sid Meier's 'Starships' blasts off this year

JoystiqSid Meier's 'Starships' blasts off this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadmacmobilepcsid-meiers-starshipsstarshipsMon, 19 Jan 2015 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[How many hours would it take to clear your Steam library?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/how-many-hours-would-it-take-to-clear-your-steam-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/how-many-hours-would-it-take-to-clear-your-steam-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/how-many-hours-would-it-take-to-clear-your-steam-library/#comments
It's exceedingly easy to let your Steam library spiral out of control when faced with daily deals and seasonal sales, but at least SteamLeft provides a fun estimate of just how many hours you could spend plowing through it all. SteamLeft uses How Long to Beat's crowdsourced averages to estimate a playtime for any Steam library, offering a fairly reasonable argument that maybe we should slow down and spend some of this money on our savings accounts instead.

As haunting neat as it is to get a time-based conversion of our libraries, SteamLeft's suggestions for alternative time sinks are probably our favorite part of the experience. For example, we could run 108 marathons instead of spending 493 hours playing through our Steam library. We could also listen to Mulan's "Be A Man" 7,405 times, which we'll just go ahead and get started on now.

What's the hour count for your libraries? What ridiculous feats could you conquer if only you were driven mad with devotion to similarly-time consuming tasks? Share your stats with us ... and then join us when we inevitably buy more games we don't have time for during the next seasonal Steam sale.
[Image: SteamLeft]

JoystiqHow many hours would it take to clear your Steam library? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backloglinuxmacpcsteamSun, 18 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Blizzard sends statue to 10-year WoW veterans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/report-blizzard-sends-statue-to-10-year-wow-veterans/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/report-blizzard-sends-statue-to-10-year-wow-veterans/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/report-blizzard-sends-statue-to-10-year-wow-veterans/#comments We know you play World of Warcraft. It's okay, millions of people do. But have you been touring the world of Azeroth since the beginning? If so, you might be in for a treat from Blizzard, according to posts on the MMO Champion and Battle.net forums.

MMO Champion has posted an announcement attributed to Blizzard regarding a "tenth anniversary physical gift" which would be sent to eligible players of the game. Who's eligible, you ask? According to the post, "to be eligible for this gift, a player must have created a World of Warcraft account within 60 days of the game's release in America or Europe." (That's November 23, 2004 and February 11, 2005 respectively). MMO Champion reports that the post originated as part of a support article from Blizzard, which has since been taken down.

Meanwhile, WoW player Smitti over on the Battle.net forums has posted a picture of the supposed gift, which is a small-scale version of the orc statue seen on Blizzard's campus. We've also posted the image after the break so you can see it for yourself. The image you see above is the underside of the statue's base.

Smitti claims to have not had a lapsed subscription since December of 2004, but it's unclear if an uninterrupted account is a requirement or simply makes you more likely to receive the gift. We've reached out to Blizzard for official confirmation and eligibility status.

Continue reading Report: Blizzard sends statue to 10-year WoW veterans

JoystiqReport: Blizzard sends statue to 10-year WoW veterans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardgiftmacpcstatueWorld-of-WarcraftwowSun, 18 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Long Dark welcomes 250K survivors, January update to nearly double size of wilderness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/the-long-dark-welcomes-250k-survivors-january-update-to-nearly/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/the-long-dark-welcomes-250k-survivors-january-update-to-nearly/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/the-long-dark-welcomes-250k-survivors-january-update-to-nearly/#comments
The Long Dark, Hinterland Studios' Northern woods survival simulator that's currently in Early Access, has surpassed 250,000 sales since launching on Steam's service on September 22. Unfortunately, the life expectancy for its inhabitants isn't very lengthy - an infograph coordinated with the sales announcement notes that only 24 percent of players have persevered for more than five days, with only 1.4 percent of players demonstrating the wit needed to last 50 days.

While a dedicated story mode is still on the way, an update planned for later this month will nearly double The Long Dark's stretch of wilderness, adding fresh locales and threats amongst the game's snowy pines. We look forward to learning whether that helps or hinders the probability of its playerbase lasting more than a week.

If you've yet to brave The Long Dark's chill, PC and Mac users can endure the elements for $19.99 on Early Access.
[Image: Hinterland Studios]

Continue reading The Long Dark welcomes 250K survivors, January update to nearly double size of wilderness

JoystiqThe Long Dark welcomes 250K survivors, January update to nearly double size of wilderness originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>early-accessexplorationhinterland-studiomacpcsurvivalthe-long-darkSat, 17 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Undersea horror game Anoxemia surfaces on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/undersea-horror-game-anoxemia-surfaces-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/undersea-horror-game-anoxemia-surfaces-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/undersea-horror-game-anoxemia-surfaces-on-steam/#comments Under the sea! Under the sea! The submarine down, we fear that we'll drown, under the sea!

Okay, so maybe that tune is a little too chipper for Anoxemia from developer BSK Games, a sci-fi horror game set deep beneath the ocean's waves. The game, which released on Steam yesterday, puts you in the (considerably soggy) shoes of Dr. Bailey, who along with his operations drone, ATMA, must navigate undersea caves full of dark and danger, all while his oxygen supply slowly dwindles.

Anoxemia features black silhouettes on colored backgrounds, similar to games like Limbo. And, like Limbo, it's implied that not all is as it seems. From the game's Steam page: "Of course, there are some dangers you just can't run from. Dangers you don't even know exist. Dangers from within."

Anoxemia is available for $6.79 until January 23, at which point it will return to its usual price of $7.99.
[Image: BSK Games]

JoystiqUndersea horror game Anoxemia surfaces on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anoxemiabsk-gamesmacpcsteamSat, 17 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oddworld: New 'n Tasty on Steam next month; Vita, console ports still underway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/oddworld-new-n-tasty-on-steam-next-month-vita-console-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/oddworld-new-n-tasty-on-steam-next-month-vita-console-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/oddworld-new-n-tasty-on-steam-next-month-vita-console-ports/#comments
Just Add Water, developer of Oddworld: New 'n Tasty, is getting ready to distribute the remaining ports for its revisit of the series' origins, and Steam users are next in line. A cloud save-compatible version of New 'n Tasty will be offered on PC, Mac and Linux via Steam on February 25 for $20 (£15, €20). A 10 percent discount will also be available for those that place pre-purchases, though further details and recommended specs will be shared at a later date.

The related press release also notes that PS3 and Xbox One arrivals will follow sometime in early March, and a note from the Oddworld Staff states that the above versions will feature post-launch improvements that have been made to the existing PS4 version, including "old school" control settings.

Series creator Lorne Lanning assured fans the remaining ports were being "adamantly worked on" about two months ago. At that time, Lanning also spoke of problematic limitations concerning the Wii U hardware, but the post from Oddworld Staff explains that work "continues on the Wii U and PlayStation Vita versions," adding that "recent progress is encouraging."

If you're wondering whether all this waiting and extra development time is really worth it for a remake, consider Sam Prell's review of the PS4 version: "This HD remake is more than a simple reskin of nostalgia, and offers a compelling adventure with contemporary design that will satisfy most anyone's puzzle-platformer appetite."
[Image: Just Add Water]

Continue reading Oddworld: New 'n Tasty on Steam next month; Vita, console ports still underway

JoystiqOddworld: New 'n Tasty on Steam next month; Vita, console ports still underway originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linuxmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawii-uxbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Civ: Beyond Earth, Saints Row series free to play on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/civ-beyond-earth-saints-row-series-free-to-play-on-steam-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/civ-beyond-earth-saints-row-series-free-to-play-on-steam-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/civ-beyond-earth-saints-row-series-free-to-play-on-steam-this/#comments Space may be the final frontier, but we're still searching the mean streets of Steelport for an auto-tuned best buddy of our own. On Steam this weekend, why not have both for free? Civilization: Beyond Earth and the complete Saints Row franchise is free-to-play, giving you a chance to explore the darkest reaches of the universe and some depraved humor.

Free play periods for both will end on Sunday at 4pm Eastern (1pm Pacific). To access the game, install them from your Steam client library.

As part of the promotion Civilization: Beyond Earth will be available for sale at a discounted 40 percent off its regular price - down to $29.99. The complete Saints Row franchise is on sale for up to 80 percent off, available for $10.99. Sale prices end Monday at 1pm Eastern (10am Pacific).
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqCiv: Beyond Earth, Saints Row series free to play on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesCivilization-Beyond-EarthDeep-SilvermacpcSaints-RowSaints-Row-2Saints-Row-IVSaints-Row-The-ThirdSteamSteam-Free-WeekendThu, 15 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity to launch on March 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/obsidians-pillars-of-eternity-to-launch-on-march-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/obsidians-pillars-of-eternity-to-launch-on-march-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/obsidians-pillars-of-eternity-to-launch-on-march-26/#comments Obsidian RPG Pillars of Eternity will launch on March 26, the developer announced on its Kickstarter page. The game entered a backers-only beta phase in August, available in early access form to those that pledged at least $110 to its development. Pillars of Eternity is currently available for pre-purchase on Steam for PC, Mac and Linux, starting at $45.

The game earned $3.9 million on the crowdfunding service in October 2012, back when it was known as "Project Eternity." It was originally given a spring 2014 launch window, prior to its name change in December 2013. Pillars of Eternity received two more delays, the first in February 2014, when project lead Josh Sawyer said "virtually nothing good comes from [Obsidian] releasing a date before we're very confident in it." Paradox Interactive agreed to handle the marketing and distribution of the game one month later. Finally, the developer pushed Pillars of Eternity back to early 2015 this past October, noting that "since the very beginning of this project we promised our fans and ourselves that we would release this game only when we knew it would be absolutely ready for the best experience possible."
[Image: Obsidian Entertainment]

JoystiqObsidian's Pillars of Eternity to launch on March 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gog.comkickstarterlinuxmacobsidianObsidian-EntertainmentParadox-Interactivepcpillars-of-eternityproject-eternityrelease-daterpgsteamThu, 15 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotline Miami 2 refused classification in Australia [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/hotline-miami-2-refused-classification-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/hotline-miami-2-refused-classification-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/hotline-miami-2-refused-classification-in-australia/#comments Hotline Miami 2 is effectively banned from sale in Australia, following the Australian Classification Board's decision to refuse classification. According to Kotaku and Player Attack, the legislative body's report describes an implicit rape scene featuring "visual depiction of implied sexual violence" as part of the offending content.

On its website, the ACB says the ruling is accordance with National Classification Code that refuses classification to games featuring "matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena" that offend accepted standards.

The site's listing doesn't note the scene specified in the report obtained by Kotaku and Player Attack. According to both publications, the report notes that it doesn't include a complete list of the content that contributed to the ACB's decision.

[Update: Devolver Digital published a response to the ruling this morning, which you can read in full below the break. The publisher says it's "concerned and disappointed that a board of professionals tasked with evaluating and judging games fairly and honestly would stretch the facts to such a degree..." Devolver added it has no plans to officially challenge the decision.]

Continue reading Hotline Miami 2 refused classification in Australia [update]

JoystiqHotline Miami 2 refused classification in Australia [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acbaustraliaaustralian-classification-boardclassificationdennaton-gamesdevolver-digitallinuxmacpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4ratingratingssteamvitaThu, 15 Jan 2015 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 4 visits an Outdoor Retreat, jumps to Mac in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/sims-4-visits-an-outdoor-retreat-jumps-to-mac-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/sims-4-visits-an-outdoor-retreat-jumps-to-mac-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/sims-4-visits-an-outdoor-retreat-jumps-to-mac-in-february/#comments Like all Sims entries, it's time for The Sims 4 to start spawning expansions, and the life simulation's first addition sees your virtual people taking a relaxing vacation in the pristine wilderness of Granite Falls. According to publisher EA, Sims can build camp, share ghost stories around the campfire and "uncover rare collectibles."

You can find a full rundown of the new features found in the Outdoor Retreat expansion by visiting the developer's blog, or you can just buy it and check things out for yourself. Outdoor Retreat is now available from Origin for $20.

While revealing the new expansion, EA also mentioned that The Sims 4 is coming to Mac. There's no specific release date nailed down just yet, but it should launch at some point in February.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqSims 4 visits an Outdoor Retreat, jumps to Mac in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamacmaxisoutdoor-retreatpcthe-sims-4Wed, 14 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming philosopher Pippin Barr takes on the art world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/gaming-philosopher-pippin-barr-takes-on-the-art-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/gaming-philosopher-pippin-barr-takes-on-the-art-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/gaming-philosopher-pippin-barr-takes-on-the-art-world/#comments Again.

Pippin Barr - game developer, philosopher, artist - has launched a game within a picture frame, complete with the player's own reflection transposed in real-time over the glass. The game is a snippet from one of Barr's earlier works, Let's Play: Ancient Greek Punishment, and it uses the camera on your computer or mobile device to throw your own image over the top of the action, as if you were staring at the piece of art in a well-lit gallery.

Barr's inspiration stems from an exhibition of his work at Australia's Andrew Baker Gallery late last year. He took a photo of a print of his Prometheus scene in Let's Play: Ancient Greek Punishment and imagined turning the photo itself into a game, he says.

"So I made a version of the Prometheus game that runs 'inside' the picture frame," Barr says. "To add to the effect, I also worked on ways to make the digital version of the frame picture reflective in the way it was in the gallery. This extends to (in the best scenario) a live webcam-based reflection that works on desktop versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, a video-based reflection that works in Internet Explorer and Safari, and an animated image-based reflection in mobile browsers. It was quite the technical challenge for me, working with new web technologies I've not encountered before."

Play Let's Play: Ancient Greek Punishment: Art Edition Edition right here in your browser, or here on your mobile device. Or, see it in action in the video below. It's a fairly cool experience, even if you'll never win the game. Seriously, you won't.

Continue reading Gaming philosopher Pippin Barr takes on the art world

JoystiqGaming philosopher Pippin Barr takes on the art world originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidartexperimentalIndieiosipadiphoneLets-Play-Ancient-Greek-PunishmentLets-Play-Ancient-Greek-Punishment-Art-Edition-EditionmacmobilepcPippin-BarrWed, 14 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tell me, Muse, when The Next Penelope launches on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/the-next-penelope-hits-steam-on-jan-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/the-next-penelope-hits-steam-on-jan-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/the-next-penelope-hits-steam-on-jan-22/#comments The Next Penelope, an interstellar spaceship racing game from Arkedo co-founder Aurelien Regard, is due out on Steam Early Access on January 22. The Early Access version includes a complete single-player campaign for PC, Mac and Linux. The Next Penelope is also confirmed for Wii U, with other consoles "likely."

The Next Penelope is a fast-paced racer with weapons and boss fights, and it will eventually feature four-player local multiplayer and extra-hard missions. Its story is based in Greek mythology, but placed in a futuristic world - Penelope, faithful wife of the famed adventurer Odysseus, travels a neon-tinted galaxy as Poseidon's evil threat grows, managing suitors and taking out baddies.

Arkedo, the studio behind Hell Yeah! and Big Bang Mini, is now a one-man operation: Co-founder Aurelien Regard is responsible for the code, art and music of The Next Penelope. Arkedo closed shop as a studio in February 2013 under "good conditions."

See the Early Access trailer for The Next Penelope below.

Continue reading Tell me, Muse, when The Next Penelope launches on Steam

JoystiqTell me, Muse, when The Next Penelope launches on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkedoearly-accessgreekIndiemacpcSTEAMsteam-early-accessthe-next-penelopeWed, 14 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grim Fandango Remastered orders open on GOG, PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pre-order-grim-fandango-remastered-on-gog-psn-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pre-order-grim-fandango-remastered-on-gog-psn-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pre-order-grim-fandango-remastered-on-gog-psn-today/#comments

Few games featuring death make us chuckle, but Grim Fandango is on the short list (right next to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for that "What is a man?" line read). On January 27, we all get to have another morbid laugh when Grim Fandango Remastered debuts on PS4, Vita and PC, Mac and Linux.

Today, you can pre-order Grim Fandango Remastered on PC at GOG.com for $14.99 and gain a bonus desktop wallpaper. PlayStation pre-orders are also now available and include a bonus dynamic PS4/Vita theme.

Grim Fandango Remastered pretties up the classic LucasArts adventure game with HD graphics, features developer commentary and a re-recorded score.

JoystiqGrim Fandango Remastered orders open on GOG, PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finegrim-fandangoLucasArtsmacpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps4vitaTue, 13 Jan 2015 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadowrun: Hong Kong seeks funding [update: funding found]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/shadowrun-hong-kong-seeks-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/shadowrun-hong-kong-seeks-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/shadowrun-hong-kong-seeks-funding/#comments Harebrained Schemes, developer of the excellent Shadowrun Returns and even more excellent Shadowrun Returns: Dragonfall roleplaying games, has launched a Kickstarter page that it hopes will fund the development of a new game called Shadowrun: Hong Kong.

This early in development solid gameplay details and in-game imagery is sparse, but the Kickstarter page reveals that while Shadowrun: Hong Kong will utilize the same core engine behind Shadowrun Returns and Dragonfall, it will be a wholly new adventure. "Shadowrun: Hong Kong has everything you expect from a Harebrained Schemes Shadowrun game: strong storytelling and sharp writing, lots of morally gray choices, a crew of memorable characters with distinct personalities, challenging tactical turn-based combat, a robust character creation system, and a one of a kind cyberpunk-meets-magic game setting that's endured for over 25 years," the developer claims.

Harebrained Schemes is seeking $100,000 to develop Shadowrun: Hong Kong, a goal that shouldn't be too hard to reach. With 34 days of fundraising remaining, the total sits at just over $85,000 and climbing.

Update: In the short time between this article being written and it being published, Shadowrun: Hong Kong attracted over $40,000, easily toppling its goal. Now we wait to see just how much extra cash the fundraising effort can pull in before it ends.
[Image: Harebrained Schemes]

JoystiqShadowrun: Hong Kong seeks funding [update: funding found] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingharebrained-schemeskickstartermacpcshadowrun-hong-kongshadowrun-returnsTue, 13 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Talos Principle review: God in the machine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-talos-principle-review-god-in-the-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-talos-principle-review-god-in-the-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-talos-principle-review-god-in-the-machine/#commentsMac, PC, Linux
Often, performing routine tasks can provide unexpected clarity: You think of the perfect ending for your short story while in the shower, or realize the best comeback while riding your bike down a familiar street - three hours after the actual argument. Or, you finally understand the true nature of consciousness while angling a laser beam into a portal beside a door.

The Talos Principle takes advantage of this vague phenomenon, presenting a series of straightforward physics- and tetromino-based puzzles within a deeply introspective, proddingly philosophical narrative. It could have easily been a puzzle game and nothing else - and its intricate puzzles could sustain it on their own - but The Talos Principle offers an intelligent story packed with history and the quiet questions we ask ourselves just before falling asleep. It's mysterious and haunting, creative and beautiful - and loads of fun.

Continue reading The Talos Principle review: God in the machine

JoystiqThe Talos Principle review: God in the machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CroTeamdevolver-digitaljoystiq-excellence-award-2015macpcrecommendedthe-talos-principleTue, 13 Jan 2015 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Apps earn more than $10 billion in App Store revenue in 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/apps-earn-more-than-10-billion-in-app-store-revenue-in-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/apps-earn-more-than-10-billion-in-app-store-revenue-in-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/apps-earn-more-than-10-billion-in-app-store-revenue-in-2014/#comments
Mobile marketplaces can feel dramatically over-saturated, but lest you wonder if developers are even chasing a worthwhile audience in that space, Apple has shed some light on just how much cash is in play: Developers earned more than $10 billion in revenue across the App Store's 24 software categories during 2014, with almost half a billion being spent across apps and in-app purchases in the first week of January 2015 alone.

Apple puts the lifetime total earned by developers through the App Store at $25 billion. Considering the App Store launched in 2008, that means about 40 percent of total revenue earned by App Store developers was pulled in within the last year. It's worth noting that added store options, like last year's arrival of app previews and app bundles, have likely helped developers sell more than what was feasible in the App Store's infancy. Still, 2014's $10 billion revenue total shows the potential for success in the mobile space, so long as a developer can manage to garner visibility in the flood of apps that are currently available.

All those Minecraft, Flappy Bird and Threes piggyback clones make a little more sense now, don't they?
[Image: Apple]

JoystiqApps earn more than $10 billion in App Store revenue in 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeappleiosipadiphonemacmobilesalesSun, 11 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cipher Prime now selling piano music to Splice by]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/cipher-prime-now-selling-piano-music-to-splice-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/cipher-prime-now-selling-piano-music-to-splice-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/cipher-prime-now-selling-piano-music-to-splice-by/#comments Developer Cipher Prime's genetic puzzle game Splice may have originally released in 2012, but if its beautiful piano melodies still linger in your mind's ear, you might be pleased to know that the studio has released sheet music for the game's soundtrack, allowing you to perform the tunes for yourself at home (or fancy parties, or possibly an airport lounge - wherever there's a piano available for use, really).

If you're looking for a demo of sorts, the notation for the song "Cassiel" is available to download for free. Five dollars will net you the remaining 10 songs, providing a total of 46 sheets of music to impress your friends and family with.

Oo, oo! And play that sad walking away song from The Incredible Hulk next!
[Image: Cipher Prime]

JoystiqCipher Prime now selling piano music to Splice by originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cipher-primemacmusicpcplaystationps3ps4spliceSat, 10 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDCA 2015 finalists led by Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/gdca-2015-finalists-led-by-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/gdca-2015-finalists-led-by-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/gdca-2015-finalists-led-by-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/#comments The finalists for the 2015 Game Developers Choice Awards were revealed today, led by Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, which received five nominations. Monolith's third-person action game was nominated for Game of the Year, Innovation, Best Design, Best Narrative and Best Technology awards at the ceremony (on top of also being Joystiq's favorite game of 2014).

The other nominees for the 15th annual GDCA's Game of the Year award are Bayonetta 2, Alien: Isolation, Destiny and Hearthstone. Blizzard's collectible card game received three nominations in total, the other two for Best Design and Best Handheld/Mobile Game. Destiny also received two other nominations for Best Audio and Best Technology. The ceremony for this year's Game Developer's Choice Awards will be held during the Game Developers Conference on Wednesday, March 4 at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT) at San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center. Head past the break to see the full list of nominees.

Continue reading GDCA 2015 finalists led by Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

JoystiqGDCA 2015 finalists led by Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidawardsBlizzardgame-developers-choice-awardsgame-developers-choice-awards-2015gdcagdca-15gdca-2015hearthstonehearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmiddle-earth-shadow-of-mordormobileMonolithMonolith-Productionsnintendopcplaystationps3ps4Warner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwbiewii-uxboxxbox-oneFri, 09 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Transistor get() 600,000+ sales, Bastion breach() 3 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/transistor-get-600-000-sales-bastion-breach-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/transistor-get-600-000-sales-bastion-breach-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/transistor-get-600-000-sales-bastion-breach-3-million/#comments Transistor carved its way to more than 600,000 sales in 2014, Supergiant Games revealed this week. The PS4 and PC action-RPG looks set to become the dev's second million-seller, though it's still way off the "more than 3 million" copies sold to date by Bastion.

In this week's announcement, Supergiant's Greg Kasavin noted the majority of Bastion's sales arrived "many months after the game first came out on Xbox 360 and PC. So we were very happy to see Transistor selling even faster relative to Bastion during the first couple of months after its launch."

Kasavin's talked about that long sales tail before. Speaking at E3 2013 about future Transistor ports, he said, "For us, it's really important to not be tied down for the long haul, because Bastion's success was not made on any one platform. That being said, our focus is absolutely on a successful PS4 launch and also our Steam PC launch, because if that does not go well, there will not be other versions of the game, most likely and so forth."

Continue reading Transistor get() 600,000+ sales, Bastion breach() 3 million

JoystiqTransistor get() 600,000+ sales, Bastion breach() 3 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastioniosipadiphonelinuxmacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationplaystation-vitaps4salestransistorvitaxboxFri, 09 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[King of Fighters, Recettear headline Steam's anime game sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/king-of-fighters-recettear-headline-steams-anime-game-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/king-of-fighters-recettear-headline-steams-anime-game-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/king-of-fighters-recettear-headline-steams-anime-game-sale/#comments Steam's latest promotion features games starring moon-eyed protagonists, adorable demons and melodramatic reactions to everything. In short, it's the Steam Anime Weekend Sale.

Highlights include both the gorgeous 2D fighter King of Fighters 13 and fantasy shopkeeping sim Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale at 75 percent off, retro roleplaying compilation Ys 1 and 2 Chronicles+ at 66 percent off and the recent Strider redux at half price. If none of those games scratch your itch for Japan's unique brand of weirdness, you could try romancing birds in Hatoful Boyfriend, a pigeon dating sim that's now 40 percent off.

A full list of the games on sale can be found on the promotion's Steam page. The Steam Anime Weekend Sale ends Monday, January 12 at 10AM PST.
[Image: SNK Playmore]

Continue reading King of Fighters, Recettear headline Steam's anime game sale

JoystiqKing of Fighters, Recettear headline Steam's anime game sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>king-of-fighters-13King-Of-Fighters-XIIImacpcsteamsteam-anime-salevalveThu, 08 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tale of Tales' Sunset rises with first screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/tale-of-tales-sunset-rises-with-first-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/tale-of-tales-sunset-rises-with-first-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/tale-of-tales-sunset-rises-with-first-screens/#comments Tale of Tales' upcoming narrative-driven game Sunset received its first official set of screenshots today. Announced in March 2014, the exploration game stars Angela Burnes, a housekeeper of a secluded philanthropist, set in a lone 1970's apartment. The Path and Fatale developer noted that the screens are "still work in progress and even though they do not represent the final beauty of the game, they say a lot about what is going to make the penthouse a spectacular environment to explore."

Players will scope out the apartment to learn more about Burnes' employer when the game arrives this spring on PC, Mac and Linux. As seen in the gallery below, Tale of Tales said it "pushed the colour scheme to its saturation point with the tones of the evening sky, chic lighting from designer lamps and dramatic shadows" to make the game "feel real," yet stylized. Sunset earned $67,636 on Kickstarter in July and will feature a soundtrack from Journey's Grammy-nominated composer, Austin Wintory. The developer discussed the ways it is "trying something different" with Joystiq following its funding campaign.
[Image: Tale of Tales]

Continue reading Tale of Tales' Sunset rises with first screens

JoystiqTale of Tales' Sunset rises with first screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureexplorationfirst-personindielinuxmacpcscreensscreenshotssunsettale-of-talesthe-pathWed, 07 Jan 2015 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 championships return to Seattle on August 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/dota-2-championships-return-to-seattle-on-august-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/dota-2-championships-return-to-seattle-on-august-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/dota-2-championships-return-to-seattle-on-august-3/#comments In a brief blog update, the developers behind Valve's hit multiplayer online battle arena Dota 2 reveal that the game's annual championship tournament, better known as The International, will be held in Seattle from August 3-8. Tickets are not yet on sale, but information on when and where fans can buy theirs will be made available through the blog shortly.

If you're a Dota 2 player hoping that your team might be among the 16 competing in The International, you'll be waiting until May 1 to receive either an official invitation or heartbreak.
[Image: Valve]

JoystiqDota 2 championships return to Seattle on August 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2macpcthe-internationalthe-international-2015valveWed, 07 Jan 2015 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2014/#commentsATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris.

Jazzpunk

Jazzpunk is likely to be misunderstood, or impossible to understand, by design. You could say explanation comes as an insult to its eccentricity.

The gist of it is that you're a spy completing missions in a surreal, robot-dominated world, the kind you might dream up after dozing off in the middle of a late-night Leslie Nielsen movie marathon. And while the convoluted wordplay wouldn't feel out of place in a Zucker spoof - in Japan, for example, you're asked if you prefer kimonos or kistereos - the barbs of reality are what really make Jazzpunk stick.

Take its odd vision of dystopia, which is regularly mocked through one-off minigames (like a first-person shooter dubbed ... Wedding Quake). Here, you can put on a special visor that lets you see and blast nonsensical Wi-Fi passwords as they dance in the air around you. I mean, that's weird, but ... think about it. The concept is kind of weird to begin with, right here on Earth. Taken as a form of escapism, then, Jazzpunk is silly without taking you too far from the truth.

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JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2014crossy-roaddonkey-kong-country-tropical-freezeforza-horizon-2gods-will-be-watchingiosipadiphonejazzpunkjoystiq-best-of-2014macmicrosoftmobilemonument-valleynidhoggnintendopcplaystationps3ps4recommendedroundaboutstarwhal-just-the-tiptitanfallwatch-dogswii-uxboxxbox-oneWed, 07 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IGF 2015 finalists: The Talos Principle, 80 Days, Invisible Inc.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/igf-2015-finalists-the-talos-principle-80-days-invisible-inc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/igf-2015-finalists-the-talos-principle-80-days-invisible-inc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/igf-2015-finalists-the-talos-principle-80-days-invisible-inc/#comments Finalists for the $30,000 Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the 17th annual Independent Games Festival awards are Klei Entertainment's Invisible Inc., Croteam's The Talos Principle, Inkle Studios' 80 Days, Patrick Smith's Metamorphabet, 11 Bit Studio's This War of Mine and Team Outer Wilds' Outer Wilds. These games make appearances across other categories - Exellence in Visual Art, Narrative, Design, Audio and the Nuovo Award for unconventional game development - as well.

Other games up for awards from the IGF are Lumino City, Else Heart.Break(), Pry, Three Fourths Home, Framed, Killer Queen, Shovel Knight, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, The Sailor's Dream, Desert Golfing, Elegy for a Dead World, Bounden and more, listed in full on the IGF website. The IGF jury nominated more than 30 games from a judging pool of almost 650.

The IGF awards are held during GDC, alongside the Game Developers Choice Awards, on Wednesday, March 4 in San Francisco. Congrats to all the finalists!
[Image: Klei Entertainment, Invisible Inc.]

JoystiqIGF 2015 finalists: The Talos Principle, 80 Days, Invisible Inc. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidgdc-2015igfigf-2015Indieiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3ps4wii-uxboxxbox-oneWed, 07 Jan 2015 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Jessica's picks of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/best-of-the-rest-jessicas-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/best-of-the-rest-jessicas-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/best-of-the-rest-jessicas-picks-of-2014/#commentsATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris.

Threes

Threes is ingenious. Its simplistic presentation belies beautiful, thoughtful design and butter-smooth mechanics. Threes isn't a matter of "less is more," it's fully encapsulated and pushed to the limits of what it intends to do, providing hours upon hours of repeated gameplay on that four-by-four tiled screen. On top of the brain-teasing numbers game, writer Asher Vollmer, illustrator Greg Wohlwend and composer Jimmy Hinson infuse Threes with personality, giving the numbers voices and faces, and tipping Threes from "Fun" to "Absolutely adorable. And, of course, fun."

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Jessica's picks of 2014

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Jessica's picks of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidasher-vollmerbest-of-2014best-of-the-restbest-of-the-rest-2014CroTeamdevolver-digitalgreg-wohlwendiosipadiphonejoystiq-best-of-2014macmatt-makes-gamesmicrosoftmobileMurasaki-Babyovosonicopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps4TelltaleTellTale-Gamesthe-talos-principlethe-walking-deadthe-walking-dead-season-2threestowerfalltowerfall-ascensionvitaxbox-oneWed, 07 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Broken Age gets physical with simultaneous retail release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/broken-age-gets-physical-with-simultaneous-retail-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/broken-age-gets-physical-with-simultaneous-retail-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/broken-age-gets-physical-with-simultaneous-retail-release/#comments Broken Age Act 2 is due to arrive this spring, and when it does you'll be able to buy the full Double Fine adventure on disc. The developer is once again teaming up with Nordic Games to get PC, Mac and Linux copies of Broken Age onto shelves, and that's "simultaneously" with the release of the concluding act.

Simultaneously is the watchword for Broken Age this year. As Double Fine's Greg Rice put it last month, the studio aims "to launch on PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, PS Vita, iOS, Ouya and Android next spring as close to simultaneously as human possible." That now includes a retail release on three platforms (at least), so springtime will be a busy time for the Californian studio.

Continue reading Broken Age gets physical with simultaneous retail release

JoystiqBroken Age gets physical with simultaneous retail release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broken-agebroken-age-act-2double-finelinuxmacnordic-gamespcrelease-dateretailWed, 07 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Thomas' picks of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-thomas-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-thomas-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-thomas-picks-of-2014/#commentsATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris.

Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved

I love listening to music alone. When no one's looking, I'm free to tap out drum beats, put on emotional lip-synchs and flail in synch with a song's swelling heights. Playing Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved is a lot like those solo jam sessions in the way it grants a free pass to completely lose myself in a song's components. Sure, I look ridiculous, but I have to! Matching notes with halfhearted swipes and restrained punches just leads to broken combos, as if the Kinect is the all-knowing gaze of an instructor ready to belittle a cold, tired performance.

Substituting instruments and creating remixes adds a welcome element of experimentation to Fantasia, but it's the core focus of moving with music that brings me back each week. It's increasingly difficult to ignore life's noise while playing a game as I grow older, but Fantasia's peak moments tune out every distraction, leaving me with an uninhibited excuse to enjoy twisted, endearing remixes of songs that I love.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Thomas' picks of 2014

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Thomas' picks of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbest-of-2014best-of-the-rest-2014disney-fantasia-music-evolveddonkey-kong-country-tropical-freezefantasia-music-evolvedfibbagehearthstonehearthstone-heroes-of-warcrafthyrule-warriorsiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3ps4pushmo-worldrogue-legacysouth-park-the-stick-of-truthterra-battlewii-uwolfenstein-the-new-orderxboxxbox-oneTue, 06 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Sam's picks of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-sams-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-sams-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-sams-picks-of-2014/#comments WildStar
I grew up during what I'd consider "the golden age" of MMO games. I was there for the launch of World of Warcraft, as well as earlier titles like EverQuest and Ultima Online. The genre has a very special place in my heart, and WildStar felt like the last, major, "true" MMO (as opposed to games like Bungie's Destiny that possess MMO-like features) release that we would see in a long time, possibly ever again. A last hurrah, if you will.

And what a hurrah it is. We don't really "review" MMOs here, but through a series of postcards, I chronicled my time with a game that is in no uncertain language a fantastic piece of craftsmanship. The visuals are bright and colorful, with a Pixar-esque personality evident throughout. The gameplay is fresh and fast, requiring constant focus instead of hotkey rotation memorization. And of course, the housing. Oh, how I could spend hours simply customizing my plot of land with various wallpapers, decor, even mini-quest objectives. WildStar is a thoughtfully-constructed game with a wealth of content.

True that it relied a bit too much on large-scale endgame raids and the promised monthly updates fizzled shortly after launch, but I don't regret a moment spent on Planet Nexus.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Sam's picks of 2014

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Sam's picks of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-2014best-of-the-rest-2014fantasia-music-evolvedkinectmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4rogue-legacyvitawii-uwildstarWorld-of-WarcraftWoWxboxxbox-oneTue, 06 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST