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[GOG gifts bonuses to miffed Botanicula pre-orderers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/gog-gifts-bonuses-to-miffed-botanicula-pre-orderers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/gog-gifts-bonuses-to-miffed-botanicula-pre-orderers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/gog-gifts-bonuses-to-miffed-botanicula-pre-orderers/#comments ImageGOG's pre-order deal for Botanicula, getting the game for a dollar less than the post-launch retail price, seemed like a pretty legit bargain for Amanita Design's floral adventure. That is, until The Humble Botanicula Debut Bundle showed up, offering Botanicula, Machinarium and Samorost 2 for any amount of money you wanted.

Naturally, some folks that had pre-ordered Botanicula from GOG felt slighted, as they'd paid (nearly) full price for a game that almost immediately made available for close to zero dollars, in a bundle that also included two other games.

"This left an unsurprisingly sour taste in some gamers' mouths, and we were just as surprised by the launch of the Humble Botanicula Debut as anyone else was," reads GOG's olive branch. To make things right, anyone who purchased Botanicula from GOG prior to 12:00 GMT on April 20 will receive a free copy of Machinarium, as well as links to download "the full soundtrack and a special artbook of Botanicula designs and character sketches."

Additionally, everyone entitled to the above rewards will also receive a free copy of The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut. Goodies are expected to begin arriving sometime tomorrow.

JoystiqGOG gifts bonuses to miffed Botanicula pre-orderers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amanita-DesignbotaniculaGOGmachinariumpcSun, 22 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Botanicula leads all-Amanita Humble Bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/botanicula-leads-all-amanita-humble-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/botanicula-leads-all-amanita-humble-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/botanicula-leads-all-amanita-humble-bundle/#comments Image
The latest Humble Bundle is your first opportunity to purchase Amanita Design's newest point-and-click game, Botanicula. The bundle, under the entirely appropriate name "Humble Botanicula Debut," allows you to pay whatever you want for the new game, and pick up Amanita's Machinarium and Samorost 2 while you're at it.

As usual, bonuses abound for those willing to pay more than average. In this case, they include a movie! Kooky, a Czech film with art direction by Amanita founder Jakub Dvorsky, will be handed out to those who exceed the average, as will Windosill, an exploration game by Vectorpark that you'd probably enjoy if you like Amanita games.

This bundle features an extra charity option, in honor of Botanicula's environmental theme. You can choose to funnel some of your Humble funds toward the World Land Trust, a group dedicated to saving threatened habitats.

JoystiqBotanicula leads all-Amanita Humble Bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designbotaniculahumble-botanicula-debuthumble-bundlemacmachinariumpcsamorost-2windosillThu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Botanicula swarming PC and Mac on April 19]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/botanicula-swarming-pc-and-mac-on-april-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/botanicula-swarming-pc-and-mac-on-april-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/botanicula-swarming-pc-and-mac-on-april-19/#comments
Image
Botanicula, the adorable bug game (notice that's not "adorable-bug game," because no bug is adorable, and we don't care how much it looks like a tiny, hairless rabbit) from Machinarium developer Amanita Design is officially flying face-first onto PC and Mac on April 19.

The above trailer shows off the lighter, brighter side of Amanita's resume, offering a glimpse into the evolution of Machinarium's detailed design style with five bugs that are maybe possibly kind of adorable. Fine, you got us, Amanita. Your bugs are adorable. We probably won't feel gross and itchy when Botanicula drops on the 19th after all.

JoystiqBotanicula swarming PC and Mac on April 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designbotaniculabugsmacmachinariumpcrelease-dateMon, 09 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Game Music Bundle 2 now available, with Aquaria, Sworcery, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/indie-game-music-bundle-2-now-available-with-aquaria-sworcery/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/indie-game-music-bundle-2-now-available-with-aquaria-sworcery/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/indie-game-music-bundle-2-now-available-with-aquaria-sworcery/#comments You could spend the rest of the day accompanied by the sounds of indie games, for a relative pittance. The second iteration of the Indie Game Music Bundle is available for the next week, offering a Humble-style collection of game soundtrack downloads.

For your [any amount of money] you get the soundtracks to Aquaria, Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery EP, To the Moon, Jamestown, and Machinarium. Hold on -- before you start throwing money at this, there's more you need to know. Pay over $10, and you'll get a pile of additional soundtracks, including Mighty Switch Force and Cat Astro Phi. Physical bonuses will be conferred upon especially high rollers.

OK, now you can get your money out.

JoystiqIndie Game Music Bundle 2 now available, with Aquaria, Sworcery, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquariaindie-game-music-bundlemachinariummusicsoundtrackssuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epFri, 10 Feb 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's Steam holiday sale discounts Dead Space 2, Tomb Raider, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/todays-steam-holiday-sale-discounts-dead-space-2-tomb-raider/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/todays-steam-holiday-sale-discounts-dead-space-2-tomb-raider/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/todays-steam-holiday-sale-discounts-dead-space-2-tomb-raider/#comments You've probably heard of a few of the games discounted in today's installment of the Steam holiday sale. You know, Machinarium? Dungeon Defenders? Assassin's Creed 1, 2, Brotherhood and Revelations? A bunch of Tomb Raiders? Dead Spaces? You ... you have heard of those, right?

Continue reading Today's Steam holiday sale discounts Dead Space 2, Tomb Raider, more

JoystiqToday's Steam holiday sale discounts Dead Space 2, Tomb Raider, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationsdead-spacedead-space-2machinariumpcsteamtomb-raiderWed, 28 Dec 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium available on iPad 2 today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/machinarium-available-on-ipad-2-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/machinarium-available-on-ipad-2-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/machinarium-available-on-ipad-2-today/#comments You know what, buster? It might be true that Amanita Design's wonderful little adventure game Machinarium is almost two years old. But you know what else? We don't care. As long as there are people walking this big blue globe who haven't helped little Josef on his journey to find the robot girl of his dreams, we're going to keep telling you when the game comes to new platforms.

Today, we bring word that Machinarium has appeared on iPad 2 for $4.99. If you have not played it, then you should buy it, because it is great.

We'll see you here again in this same space when Machinarium finally makes it to N-Gage.

JoystiqMachinarium available on iPad 2 today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designMachinariummobileThu, 08 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium 'should' be coming to iPad 2 on Sept. 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/machinarium-should-be-coming-to-ipad-2-on-sept-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/machinarium-should-be-coming-to-ipad-2-on-sept-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/machinarium-should-be-coming-to-ipad-2-on-sept-8/#comments The platform specificity in the headline should already impart the bad news: Machinarium is not suited for the original iPad. According to a brief post on Amanita Design's blog, the melancholy 'bot adventure "needs quite a lot of memory and fast CPU so it works well only on iPad 2."

Owners of Apple's latest tablet "should" be able to download Machinarium from the App Store on September 8th. Amanita offers an apology to iPad 1 owners, and we suggest you load up the Unreal-powered Infinity Blade to quell any creeping thoughts of technological inadequacy.

Machinarium is available on PC and Mac, and is en route to PlayStation Network (this fall), Playbook and "capable" Android tablets. Should we start worrying about the WiiWare version?

JoystiqMachinarium 'should' be coming to iPad 2 on Sept. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designiosipadipad-2Machinariummobilerelease-dateTue, 23 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium is 75 percent off on Steam today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/machinarium-is-75-percent-off-on-steam-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/machinarium-is-75-percent-off-on-steam-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/machinarium-is-75-percent-off-on-steam-today/#comments Don't you look away. No, you look that adorable little robot straight in the eye. All Josef wants to do is find his robot girlfriend, and to help him you just have to buy Machinarium for two dollars and 50 crummy cents on Steam. You're gonna deny him? Fine, but you tell him. We don't have the heart.

Continue reading Machinarium is 75 percent off on Steam today

JoystiqMachinarium is 75 percent off on Steam today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macMachinariumpcsteamWed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium 'hopefully' coming to iPad next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/machinarium-hopefully-coming-to-ipad-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/machinarium-hopefully-coming-to-ipad-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/machinarium-hopefully-coming-to-ipad-next-month/#comments Amanita Design's lovely little automated adventure title Machinarium seems like a natural fit for the iPad, which is in many respects also a tiny, helpful robot. The game hasn't made its way to the tablet due to its Apple-unfriendly Flash programming; however, Amanita founder Jakub Dvorsky recently told Pocket Gamer that the title's iPad iteration "should be ready during the next month ... hopefully."

We suppose we can excuse the ambiguity, considering how difficult it must be to rebuild a Flash-based game on a non-Flash-based platform. We only ask for one thing in return: Extra robots. We don't care who they are or what they do, we just need them to be adorable.

JoystiqMachinarium 'hopefully' coming to iPad next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamanita-designappleflashipadMachinariummobileTue, 26 Jul 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium headed to PS3 and undecided tablets this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/machinarium-psn-tablet-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/machinarium-psn-tablet-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/machinarium-psn-tablet-2011/#comments Developer Amanita Design seems to have its hands full, with a sequel to its adventure game Samorost and two other projects in progress. According to statements from founder Jakub Dvorsky at GameCityNights, the developer is still making time to get Machinarium onto PSN and as-yet-undecided tablets this year. Amanita publicly turned its attention to PS3 last year after Microsoft passed on the point-and-click adventure. There was no word on the previously announced WiiWare version.

Though the iPad seems like the obvious choice of tablet, CasualGaming.biz reports that Amanita is instead "exploring" the Blackberry Playbook, which will be released in North America next month. If only we were privy to an animated thought bubble explaining the process behind that decision.

JoystiqMachinarium headed to PS3 and undecided tablets this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamanita-designblackberry-playbookMachinariummobileplaystationps3psnMon, 28 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium developer reveals three upcoming projects]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/machinarium-developer-reveals-three-upcoming-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/machinarium-developer-reveals-three-upcoming-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/machinarium-developer-reveals-three-upcoming-projects/#comments We don't usually fall as hard or fast in love with games as we did with Amanita Design's robotic adventure title Machinarium. Ever since our infatuation developed in 2009, we've been starving for more projects from the studio to admire; luckily, in a recent interview with PC Gamer, founder Jakub Dvorsky revealed the team's three upcoming opuses:
  • Osada, an interactive music video featuring "Czech psychedelic country music," due out on Amanita's website within the next few weeks.
  • Botanicula, a "simple, but quite large" point-and-click adventure game starring five tiny, arboreal creatures who are attempting to save their treehouse from invading parasites. It's slated to be released sometime before the end of the year.
  • Samorost 3, the next installment in Amanita's beautifully crafted adventure game series, the first part of which is available to play for free online. It's Amanita's biggest project at the moment, and though it doesn't have a release window, the team hopes to bring it to PC, consoles and various and sundry e-tablets.

JoystiqMachinarium developer reveals three upcoming projects originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designbotaniculaMachinariummicrosoftmobileosadapcplaystationps3samorost-3xboxSat, 26 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Bundle 2 closes, earns over $1.8 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/humble-bundle-2-closes-earns-over-1-8-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/humble-bundle-2-closes-earns-over-1-8-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/humble-bundle-2-closes-earns-over-1-8-million/#comments The Humble Indie Bundle 2 -- which added last year's bundle during its promotion -- has raised over $1.8 million. The name-your-own-price, DRM-free set included indie darlings like Braid, Machinarium and Osmos, along with several others.

Purchasers could decide whether their years of saved pennies went to developers, the Electronic Frontier Foundation or the Child's Play Charity. They could also provide a "humble tip" for the bundle's organizers.

Humble Bundle organizers plan on releasing more detailed statistics later but, beyond the final sum, we know that there were 232,849 purchases, with an average payment for the 12-game bundle of $7.83. Windows operating systems made up a majority of the purchases, but Linux users offered up the most support with an average purchase of $13.76. If you're all good little boys and girls, the Humble Bundle might return next year with a new set of indie greats.

JoystiqHumble Bundle 2 closes, earns over $1.8 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Braidcharitychilds-playhumble-indie-bundle-2indielinuxmacMachinariumosmospcWorld-of-GooMon, 27 Dec 2010 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Indie Bundle 2 grosses over $500K in day-one purchases, led by Minecraft's Persson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/humble-indie-bundle-2-grosses-over-500k-in-day-one-purchases/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/humble-indie-bundle-2-grosses-over-500k-in-day-one-purchases/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/humble-indie-bundle-2-grosses-over-500k-in-day-one-purchases/#comments "Humble Bundle" no longer seems like an appropriate name. In less than 24 hours upon release, the pay-what-you-want indie game collection Humble Bundle #2 earned over $500,000 in revenue and appears to be well on its way to beating the first bundle's seven-figure returns.

The Humble Bundle website offers an interesting look into purchasing trends by providing real-time stats. As of writing, over 70,000 people have purchased the pack, including Minecraft creator Markus Persson, who paid an extraordinary $2,000, and Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling, who went with a generous $500 payment. The average selling price for the bundle is currently $7 and change.

The Humble Bundle #2 includes five celebrated indie titles: Braid, Cortex Command, Machinarium, Osmos and Revenge of the Titans. Purchasers can divide their payments between the developers, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Child's Play Charity as they see fit.

JoystiqHumble Indie Bundle 2 grosses over $500K in day-one purchases, led by Minecraft's Persson originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braidcharitychilds-playcortex-commandelectronic-frontier-foundationhumble-indie-bundlehumble-indie-bundle-2indielinuxmacmachinariumosmospcrevenge-of-the-titanssalesWed, 15 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Indie Bundle 2 revealed, name your price for Braid, Machinarium and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/humble-indie-bundle-2-revealed-name-your-price-for-braid-machi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/humble-indie-bundle-2-revealed-name-your-price-for-braid-machi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/humble-indie-bundle-2-revealed-name-your-price-for-braid-machi/#comments Looks like the organizers of the second annual Humble Indie Bundle are busting out the big guns for this year's charity drive -- the name-your-own-price, DRM-free package includes Jonathan Blow's time-twisting platformer Braid, the infinitely charming adventure game Machinarium, the side-scrolling shooter Cortex Command, the super soothing (and equally pretty) Osmos and the tower defense-meets-RTS gem Revenge of the Titans. That's a whole lot of bang for your buck, or nickel, or thousand bucks.

This year, purchasers can choose how much of their donation goes to four possible recipients: The games' developers, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Child's Play Charity or the Humble Indie Bundle organizers. Yes, you can not only customize how much altruism you're going to exhibit with your purchase, you can also customize where that altruism goes! Unless, of course, you pirate it, sending out no altruism to nowhere. You monster.

JoystiqHumble Indie Bundle 2 revealed, name your price for Braid, Machinarium and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Braidcharitychilds-playcortex-commandhumble-indie-bundlehumble-indie-bundle-2indiemachinariumosmospcrevenge-of-the-titansTue, 14 Dec 2010 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam offering Machinarium, Torchlight and Indie pack for $5 each]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/steam-offering-machinarium-torchlight-and-indie-pack-for-5-eac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/steam-offering-machinarium-torchlight-and-indie-pack-for-5-eac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/steam-offering-machinarium-torchlight-and-indie-pack-for-5-eac/#comments Steam's "Give and Get" sale continues today, with yesterday's tempting one-day discounts giving way to an even better batch. You'll be able to buy the gorgeous Machinarium or Runic's dungeon jaunt, Torchlight, for $5 each. And if you're smart, you'll consider spending that same amount on the "Indie Clever Pack," which comprises World of Goo, VVVVVV, Eufloria, Doc Clock: The Toasted Sandwich of Time and Iron Grip: Warlord.

At the time of publishing (3PM EST), you have 22 hours left on the following options:
  • Machinarium -- $5
  • Torchlight -- $5
  • Indie Clever Pack -- $4.99
  • Blur -- $14.99
  • Tropico 3: Gold Edition -- $7.50
  • Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box -- $14.99
  • Empire: Total War -- $14.99
  • Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 Gold Edition -- $13.60
  • ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead -- $19.99
Steam's gift packs for today include a Portal six-pack for $14.99 and ten copies of Irrational's Freedom Force for a patently silly $7.49.

JoystiqSteam offering Machinarium, Torchlight and Indie pack for $5 each originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2010blurmacMachinariumpcsteamtorchlightvvvvvvworld-of-gooFri, 26 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Meat Boy PC adds Machinarium's robot to roster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/super-meat-boy-pc-adds-machinarium-robot-to-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/super-meat-boy-pc-adds-machinarium-robot-to-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/super-meat-boy-pc-adds-machinarium-robot-to-roster/#comments The impending PC release of Super Meat Boy continues to amass an all-star team of indie game heroes, as Team Meat has revealed the identity of the PC version's third "exclusive" character to Big Download: Josef, the charming robot lead from Amanita Design's Machinarium.

Continue reading Super Meat Boy PC adds Machinarium's robot to roster

JoystiqSuper Meat Boy PC adds Machinarium's robot to roster originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charactersdirect2drivemachinariumpcsteamsuper-meat-boyteam-meatFri, 12 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XGen Studios bringing the adorable Machinarium to WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/xgen-studios-bringing-the-adorable-machinarium-to-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/xgen-studios-bringing-the-adorable-machinarium-to-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/xgen-studios-bringing-the-adorable-machinarium-to-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After being passed over by Microsoft, because they're like stupid or something, the WiiWare platform will soon get its hands on Amanita Design's infinitely charming adventure title Machinarium. The game will be ported to the console by XGen Studios, whose previous WiiWare titles include the fairly successful port of Defend Your Castle. No release date or pricing information accompanied the port's announcement.

While we worry the game might be truncated in some manner to make it under the WiiWare platform's 50MB cap, we're thrilled to see it spread its delightful influence. We'd like it on every platform possible, please. We don't think we'll be happy until we're playing this bad boy on our R-Zone.

JoystiqXGen Studios bringing the adorable Machinarium to WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamanita-designMachinariumnintendowiiwiiwarexgen-studiosFri, 10 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium marked down to $5 for 'Pirate Amnesty' sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/machinarium-marked-down-to-5-for-pirate-amnesty-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/machinarium-marked-down-to-5-for-pirate-amnesty-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/machinarium-marked-down-to-5-for-pirate-amnesty-sale/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're normally pretty down on video game software piracy, especially when the games being plundered are totally DRM-free indie darlings. However, thanks to Machinarium's outrageously high piracy rate -- Amanita Design's Jakub Dvorsky estimates only 5 to 15 percent of players actually paid for the game -- the developer is holding a "Pirate Amnesty" sale for the point-and-click adventure game, temporarily marking its price down from $20 to $5.

So, because a ton of people obtained the game through illicit channels, we can grab it legitimately for 75 percent cheaper than usual? We're happy for the bargain, but that's setting an awfully bizarre precedent, guys.

JoystiqMachinarium marked down to $5 for 'Pirate Amnesty' sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamanita-designMachinariumpcpiracySat, 07 Aug 2010 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium dev moves on to Sony after Microsoft passes on publishing its critical darling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/machinarium-dev-moves-on-to-sony-after-microsoft-passes-on-publi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/machinarium-dev-moves-on-to-sony-after-microsoft-passes-on-publi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/machinarium-dev-moves-on-to-sony-after-microsoft-passes-on-publi/#comments A report late last week on XBLAFans.com claimed that Czech game studio Amanita Design had been "refused" a publishing deal to bring the critically-acclaimed Machinarium to Xbox Live Arcade, because the game was not an Xbox exclusive. While the quotes in the article were incendiary, they echoed information Joystiq received from developer Golgoth Studio earlier this year, when it too was denied a publishing deal from Microsoft for Toki HD. (Microsoft decided Toki HD didn't fit with its current portfolio.)

The key is that neither game has been refused space on the platform -- Microsoft has simply decided not to publish the games itself. Microsoft requires all XBLA titles be attached with a publishing partner, meaning neither Amanita Design and Golgoth Studio can self-publish the games on the XBLA platform. Sony and Nintendo do not have the same policy for the PlayStation Network and WiiWare, respectively.

Joystiq contacted Amanita Design founder Jakub Dvorský for to clarify the situation. "They told us, 'It's not Microsoft-exclusive, we don't want it.' They didn't cite the Mac and Linux versions [as reasons for the refusal] but it's quite clear that's the reason," Dvorský told Joystiq via email. As it did with Toki HD, Microsoft recommended Amanita Design pursue other publishers, an idea the team doesn't appear intent on exploring. "It means if we want to release the game on XBLA we must throw, probably, most of the profit out of the window -- to the publisher. Just because we created Mac and Linux versions."

Microsoft's official stance -- and policy, according to Dvorský -- is the company does not publish games that are not exclusive to its platforms. During the year-long process of waiting for a response from Microsoft, Amanita Design never expressed interest in submitting Machinarium to Sony's PlayStation Network. Now that Microsoft has decided against publishing the game, Amanita is exploring Sony's platform. "We submitted the game to Sony after Microsoft refused it," Dvorský said.

JoystiqMachinarium dev moves on to Sony after Microsoft passes on publishing its critical darling originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designJakub-DvorskymachinariumMicrosoftpsnpublishingxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeMon, 12 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie games bundled on the cheap for V-Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/indie-games-bundled-on-the-cheap-for-v-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/indie-games-bundled-on-the-cheap-for-v-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/indie-games-bundled-on-the-cheap-for-v-day/#comments So what if Sophie/Samuel didn't return your request for a weekend getaway to that little bed and breakfast in New Hampshire? Wouldn't you rather spend your weekend falling in love with a handful of indie games -- And Yet it Moves, Auditorium, Aztaka, Eufloria, Machinarium, and Osmos -- from an all-star list of developers? We knew you'd see our point! Besides, it's only $20 -- that's way less than the price of two nights for two people at The Buttonwood Inn, not to mention a steal considering each game individually purchased would add up to 85 buckaroos. And hey, now you can spoil yourself with an extra large box of tissues and a matching ice cream tub.

JoystiqIndie games bundled on the cheap for V-Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>and-yet-it-movesauditoriumaztakaeufloriaindie-gamesmachinariumosmossalevalentines-daySat, 13 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retail version of Machinarium comes with some extra goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/retail-version-of-machinarium-comes-with-some-extra-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/retail-version-of-machinarium-comes-with-some-extra-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/retail-version-of-machinarium-comes-with-some-extra-goodies/#comments If you haven't already been point-and-clicking away at Amanita Design's gorgeous adventure game Machinarium over the past few months since its digital release, you're gonna have even less of a chance to avoid it when it hits retail (in a box!) on March 5. Lace Mamba Global announced the re-release this morning, noting that the retail version comes packed with some extra bonuses -- a 54-page "concept art document" (seen below), a poster, a printed walkthrough and the game's soundtrack (standalone disc). If you needed any more reason to grab the $20 title, we have to imagine this bag full of goodies certainly can't hurt.

Gallery: Machinarium (Retail release goodies)

JoystiqRetail version of Machinarium comes with some extra goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamanita-designbox-artlace-mamba-globalmachinariumpcpoint-and-clickrelease-dateretailWed, 27 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Point-and-click your way to the ever-charming Machinarium]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/18/point-and-click-your-way-to-the-ever-charming-machinarium/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/18/point-and-click-your-way-to-the-ever-charming-machinarium/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/18/point-and-click-your-way-to-the-ever-charming-machinarium/#comments We know you're likely still occupied with the past week's pair of major blockbusters, but it'd be a shame if the release of a certain Small Wonder went unheralded by this blog. Enter: Machinarium, an impossibly charming, jaw-droppingly gorgeous adventure title for Windows, Mac and Linux which, after wooing us last month at PAX, is now available to purchase for a cool $20.

Not sure how you feel about hand-drawn adventure games featuring the misadventures of an adorable, mute robot? We suggest checking out the free demo of the game hosted on the game's official site. If you're still not enticed, we suggest getting a chest x-ray, because it sounds like there's a small chance that your heart is missing.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqPoint-and-click your way to the ever-charming Machinarium originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamanita-designdemolinuxmacmachinariumrobotsSun, 18 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium has become too gorgeous]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/machinarium-has-become-too-gorgeous/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/machinarium-has-become-too-gorgeous/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/machinarium-has-become-too-gorgeous/#comments
You see, Amanita Design? You see what happens? You have a game like Machinarium that looks amazing and you have to keep pushing it, keep making it more beautiful and now ... now, it's so attractive that we're frightened of it. We're like cavemen encountering a time-traveling Swivel Sweeper, desperately swinging at it with our clubs, trying to snuff out the dark magic inside it. We've been driven utterly mad with desire, and it's all your fault: You were so preoccupied with whether or not you could, you didn't stop to think if you should.

No, but seriously, watch the trailer after the break that SideQuesting brought to our attention. It looks crazy good, right?

Continue reading Machinarium has become too gorgeous

JoystiqMachinarium has become too gorgeous originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designindieindie-gamesmachinariumtrailersThu, 06 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 10 announced, features an all-stars of indie gaming selection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/pax-10-announced-features-an-all-stars-of-indie-gaming-selectio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/pax-10-announced-features-an-all-stars-of-indie-gaming-selectio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/pax-10-announced-features-an-all-stars-of-indie-gaming-selectio/#comments
With PAX 2009 just under two months away, the folks organizing the Penny Arcade Expo have begun gearing up for the show. How do we know, you ask? Simple: The PAX 10 was announced today, featuring a list of games we'd sorta/kinda heard of before.

Since we're so cool and totally knew about all these games before anyone else did (yeah right), we're a bit nonplussed by this year's PAX 10 winners. Hell, we even have Fieldrunners running on our giant, collective iPhone right now. Seriously! Okay, fine, we only knew that one ...
  • CarneyVale: Showtime by the Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Games Lab (Xbox 360)
  • Closure by Tyler Glaiel and Jon Schubbe (PC)
  • Fieldrunners by Subatomic Studios (iPhone/iPod touch)
  • Liight by Studio Walljump (Wii)
  • Machinarium by Amanita Design (PC)
  • Osmos by Hemisphere Games (PC)
  • Puzzle Bloom by Team Shotgun (PC)
  • Tag: The Power of Paint by Tag Team (PC)
  • Trino by Trinoteam (Xbox 360)
  • What is Bothering Carl? by Story Fort (PC)

JoystiqPAX 10 announced, features an all-stars of indie gaming selection originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carneyvaleclosurefieldrunnersliightmachinariumosmospaxpax-10pax-2009penny-arcadepenny-arcade-expopuzzle-bloomtag-the-power-of-painttrinowhat-is-bothering-carlThu, 16 Jul 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[IndieCade: International Festival Finalists #6-10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/indiecade-international-festival-finalists-6-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/indiecade-international-festival-finalists-6-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/indiecade-international-festival-finalists-6-10/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

All week, Joystiq will be revealing the 25 finalists for the IndieCade: International Festival of Independent Games, set to take place October 10 through 17 in Bellevue, Washington. The winners will be announced on October 11.

Machinarium

We would hope it'd be enough to say it's from the creators of Samorost, but if we have to go on, Machinarium takes the classic point-and-click adventure game model and applies it to a world with more character than the 1,000 copies of Scrapland sitting in American McGee's garage waiting to be loved.

Gallery: Machinarium

Continue reading IndieCade: International Festival Finalists #6-10

JoystiqIndieCade: International Festival Finalists #6-10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>democracy-2global-conflictglobal-conflict-palestineindiecadeindiecade-2008joystiqfeaturesMacmachinariumpalestinePCpolaritysamarosttank-universalTue, 23 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST