Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Notch launches Drop, inspired by Super Hexagon, Fez and letters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/notch-launches-drop-inspired-by-super-hexagon-fez-and-letters/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/notch-launches-drop-inspired-by-super-hexagon-fez-and-letters/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/notch-launches-drop-inspired-by-super-hexagon-fez-and-letters/#comments Notch launches Drop, inspired by Super Hexagon, Fez and lettersIn lieu of his Ludum Dare game, Notch today launched a Unity game called Drop, available online for free. Notch is, of course, the mastermind behind Minecraft, and Drop is a quick exercise in rapid wordsmithery, spinning and catchy tunes.

Notch attributes inspiration for Drop to Super Hexagon, the ceiling of his apartment and the ending of Fez, and after playing for a little while, that all sounds about right. We would also throw in a vibe from Pippin Barr's 30 Flights of Loathing and Pottermore's Spells game.

If you have some time today, maybe make nimble your fingers and give Drop a go. But first try to say that sentence five times fast.

JoystiqNotch launches Drop, inspired by Super Hexagon, Fez and letters originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dropmacMarkus-PerssonnotchpcunitySun, 28 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[0x10c 'on ice' due to creative block]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/0x10c-on-ice-due-to-creative-block/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/0x10c-on-ice-due-to-creative-block/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/0x10c-on-ice-due-to-creative-block/#comments 0x10c, Mojang co-founder and Minecraft inventor Markus Persson's first-person spaceship management game, has been put on the back burner until the developer can rid himself of a "weird creative block," Persson told Polygon.

"It's just some kind of weird creative block that's been going on for too long," Persson said, "and [0x10c] is going to be put on ice until we can fix that. I'm very excited about the actual game. We have two prototypes going on now. It's not really fun yet, but it feels like it could be fun because there's nothing to do in there yet."

Persson also said that another developer has been brought in to assist with the project and ensure that the game is actually made, regardless of whether Mojang ever actually releases it. Should it prove fun enough to be released, however, a potential launch is still a "ways off."

Joystiq0x10c 'on ice' due to creative block originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonMojangNotchpcSat, 06 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch no longer involved in Psychonauts 2 funding]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/notch-no-longer-involved-in-psychonauts-2-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/notch-no-longer-involved-in-psychonauts-2-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/notch-no-longer-involved-in-psychonauts-2-funding/#comments Markus "Notch" Persson, who has made a fortune as the developer of indie game Minecraft, is no longer interested in financing Psychonauts 2. Persson's involvement in the project began last year when he offered to fund the project. Although he noted reservations at the time, it appears those issues have grown over the past year to the point where he won't be funding the project.

"I somewhat naively thought 'a couple of million' was two million. I had no doubt in my mind that a Psychonauts 2 would earn that money back easily. Turns out [Double Fine] wanted 18 million dollars, haha," Persson wrote on Reddit last week. "I don't have the time at the moment to even try to get educated enough to make an 18 million dollar deal. Perhaps in some distant future when I'm no longer trying to make games, I could get into angel investing. I've made one private investment into a game so far, at $100K, and it's frankly a lot more work than I thought."

Psychonauts developer Double Fine tells VentureBeat that it's currently focused on its funded Kickstarter project. The company states it hasn't budgeted out a sequel and will "likely explore alternative funding methods that will require multiple sources to make it a reality."

JoystiqNotch no longer involved in Psychonauts 2 funding originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Markus-PerssonPsychonautspsychonauts-2Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[0x10c may charge monthly subscription for ship ownership]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/0x10c-may-charge-monthly-subscription-for-ship-ownership/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/0x10c-may-charge-monthly-subscription-for-ship-ownership/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/0x10c-may-charge-monthly-subscription-for-ship-ownership/#comments 0x10c will 'probably' charge a monthly subscriptionIn a recent interview, Mojang's Markus "Notch" Persson says he's thinking more and more that 0x10c, the Minecraft mogul's space-based PC title, may use a subscription-based monetization plan when it's ready to be sold. The idea's not cemented just yet, but Notch expects to have a multiplayer mode with the game called "the multiverse," and there will likely be cost associated with keeping all of the virtual ships running on a real server.

Each ship will require a "generator" to keep it running, so Notch's current idea is that "one subscription gives you one generator." Presumably, he says, multiple players could run around inside one ship, so you may pay a subscription and then invite your friends to join you on your vessel. But someone will have to pay to keep the game going.

Notch also talks a bit about how construction will work in the game: Players will likely build a ship's external features first, and then organize various components inside for different layouts or more options. And Notch says there will be "mining," in that players will have to find resources in the galaxy to use as parts, but he says it definitely won't be Minecraft-style. As Notch told us at PAX, work is definitely well underway, and we should see more very soon.

Joystiq0x10c may charge monthly subscription for ship ownership originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cchargingcpuinterviewmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonnotchoculuspcpc gamerPcGamerspaceshipsubscriptionThu, 29 Nov 2012 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest 0x10c test footage adds a second player into the mix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/latest-0x10c-test-footage-adds-a-second-player-into-the-mix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/latest-0x10c-test-footage-adds-a-second-player-into-the-mix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/latest-0x10c-test-footage-adds-a-second-player-into-the-mix/#comments
Markus "Notch" Persson continues his video series documenting development on his new space sim, 0x10c. Today's video update focuses on multiplayer, showing off "base functionality" in an environment populated by two players.

They shoot each other with laser guns to no avail in the video above but, hey, it is only test footage of an extremely early build. It's kinda Notch's new thing - this latest test video follows last week's update, which focused on player bobbing, lighting and gun implementation.

JoystiqLatest 0x10c test footage adds a second player into the mix originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-Perssonmojangnotchpctest-footageMon, 22 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch releases test footage of 0x10c]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/notch-releases-test-footage-of-0x10c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/notch-releases-test-footage-of-0x10c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/notch-releases-test-footage-of-0x10c/#comments
Markus "Notch" Persson has been pretty forthcoming with the development progress on his follow-up to Minecraft, the space-based adventure 0x10c. We've seen some screens and a fan-made trailer, but today we have some early prototype footage.

Yes, the above video of 0x10c is meant more as a test than your usual gameplay trailer - Notch is testing physics, bobbing and guns in this early build. Still, it's great to see he's making progress despite recent hiccups.

JoystiqNotch releases test footage of 0x10c originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchpcThu, 04 Oct 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[You light up my life: What Steam Greenlight is for indies, from indies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/you-light-up-my-life-what-steam-greenlight-is-for-indies-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/you-light-up-my-life-what-steam-greenlight-is-for-indies-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/you-light-up-my-life-what-steam-greenlight-is-for-indies-from/#comments You light up my life What Steam Greenlight can do for indies, from indiesSteam Greenlight isn't for everybody. Literally - five days after pushing Greenlight live, Valve implemented a $100 barrier to entry in the hopes of eliminating the barrage of prank game ideas by people who don't "fully understanding the purpose of Greenlight."

Before the fee, it was difficult to know what Greenlight was going to mean for the indie community, since its "new toy" sheen hadn't yet dissipated. It's even more difficult to gauge what Steam itself wanted Greenlight to accomplish, with or without the fee.

In its launch announcement, Valve says Greenlight will serve "as a clearing house for game submissions" and "provides an incredible level of added exposure for new games and an opportunity to connect directly with potential customers and fans." If that sounds a lot like Kickstarter, it's because it sounds a lot like Kickstarter. This isn't a bad thing; it equates Greenlight to something that has run the online course and has experienced public showdowns and successes, something known.

While a few developers benefit from the high-speed, viral-hinged community vetting of crowd-sourced creative sites, even more have failed. Still, sites such as Kickstarter truly can help raise awareness for a legitimate project, even if that interest doesn't transform into cash. In this sense, Greenlight has an advantage, in that it's not trying to raise money. It only wants attention.

Developers want their games to reach astronomical levels of awareness as well, and recently this translates into a fixation on one particular service for the success or failure of their projects - Kickstarter, and now, Greenlight. Hundreds of pitch emails switch from titles such as "Snappy the Turtle, a new indie adventure game" to "Kickstart Snappy the Turtle" or "Vote for Snappy the Turtle on Greenlight." This shifts the focus away from the game itself, in both the mind of the developer and the person receiving the emails.

Since most people receiving the emails are video games journalists and potential publishers or fans, it's safe to say they don't particularly care about Kickstarter or Greenlight - they care about the game. So should the developer, more than anything.

Those who have succeeded on the development side offer a unique perspective on Steam Greenlight. We asked a few what they think about the service, the $100 and its impact on indies: Adam Saltsman, Markus Persson, Edmund McMillen, Christine Love and a group discussion among Rami Ismail, Zach Gage, Greg Wohlwend and Mike Boxleiter. Their thoughts are below.

Continue reading You light up my life: What Steam Greenlight is for indies, from indies

JoystiqYou light up my life: What Steam Greenlight is for indies, from indies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicchristine-loveedmund-mcmillengreenlightgreg-wohlwendIndieindiesMarkus-Perssonmike-boxleiterpcrami-ismailSTEAMsteam-greenlightzach-gageThu, 06 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch responds to Guncraft: 'I'm a huge fan of clones']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-responds-to-guncraft-im-a-huge-fan-of-clones/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-responds-to-guncraft-im-a-huge-fan-of-clones/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-responds-to-guncraft-im-a-huge-fan-of-clones/#comments Notch responds to Guncraft 'I'm a huge fan of clones'Before PAX started up in Seattle last week, even before the booths were assembled in the convention center, we heard about Exato Games' plan to attract Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson's attention to its own Guncraft. "Notch, come have a beer with us," John Getty said through Joystiq last week. So how did that go?

At least on Saturday morning, when Joystiq sat down to chat with Notch, that beer hadn't yet been shared. "I saw some video going on, and it looked like Minecraft with guns," Notch told us, "which seems like a fairly interesting game if you don't make it fantasy." But he hadn't stopped by the booth, and it didn't sound much like he planned on doing so.

Notch that there was no drama between the two developers, however. "I'm a huge fan of clones," he said. "I think clones is how games evolve, I'm a huge proponent of patterns." At the same time, however, Notch says he's "been through hell and back" enough to know how trademarks work, and he's a fan of protecting those as well. "I think trademarks are great, because you can go this is our product, this is your product and it can all be seen by consumers."

That's Notch's real response to Guncraft's attempts to get his attention. "A lot of people will come up and say, 'Oh, so Guncraft is actually your new thing?' They're kind of maybe sort of kind of maybe implying that we're connected somehow, and we're not," Notch said to us. "It's just a clone. If they want to make a clone, that's awesome, as long as it's clear we're not related in any way."

JoystiqNotch responds to Guncraft: 'I'm a huge fan of clones' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guncraftinterviewmarkus-perssonminecraftnotchpax-2012pax-prime-2012pcThu, 06 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch: Minecraft occupies a genderless world, even for that guy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/notch-minecraft-occupies-a-genderless-world-even-for-that-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/notch-minecraft-occupies-a-genderless-world-even-for-that-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/notch-minecraft-occupies-a-genderless-world-even-for-that-guy/#commentsNotch Minecraft occupies a genderless world, even for you, SteveMinecraft mastermind Markus Persson, better known by the sexually ambiguous alias "Notch," has cleared up the matter of gender in Minecraft's boxy world with a blog post. Simply put, there is no gender in the game, even for Steve, the default character. "He" got "his" title when Notch jokingly answered a question regarding the main avatar's name with "Steve?"

"The human model is intended to represent a Human Being. Not a male Human Being or a female Human Being, but simply a Human Being," Notch writes.

"The blocky shape gives it a bit of a traditional masculine look, but adding a separate female mesh would just make it worse by having one specific model for female Human Beings and male ones. That would force players to make a decisions about gender in a game where gender doesn't even exist."

Notch touched on this subject at GDC, during his fireside chat with SpyParty's Chris Hecker. Making a female character model wouldn't only be strange-looking, as Notch said then, but it would be completely unnecessary in a genderless world. Even the animals are neutral (rather than neutered).

"Cows have horns and udders (even if I've later learned that there are some cows where the females do have horns), and the chicken/duck/whatevers have heads that look like roosters, but still lay eggs," Notch writes. "For breeding, any animal can breed with any other animal of the same species."

Notch notes that this particular post serves only to provide official clarification on gender questions in Minecraft. Oh, also: "As a fun side fact, it means every character and animal in Minecraft is homosexual because there's only one gender to choose from. Take THAT, homophobes!"

JoystiqNotch: Minecraft occupies a genderless world, even for that guy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gendergenderlessmacMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilenotchpcstevexboxSun, 29 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/#comments Minecraft's ability to churn through the bank accounts of all the cosmos continues unabated, having sold six million copies on PC to date, according to a tweet from Mojang mogul Markus Persson. Factoring in XBLA, Android and iOS sales, the figure is "around nine million," according to Persson, a number that Mojang's Daniel Kaplan puts a tiny bit more specifically as "maybe 9.2" million.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemacMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangnotchpcsales-figuresxboxFri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: Minecraft (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/#commentsWe're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
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Minecraft on Xbox Live Arcade is surreal. It's like eating jelly on eggs while watching a baby play in a lion cage: It doesn't belong where it is, but now that it's there you can't look away and, for some reason, there's a surprisingly delicious taste in your mouth.

Minecraft's shock value as an XBLA breakout isn't a result of it not making sense on the platform - in fact, it plays almost like a native title. It's surprising because Minecraft was never supposed to be big enough for a high-profile XBLA port. It's a voxel-based PC-only sandbox game with choppy graphics and no defined goal, which some argue makes it the opposite of a "game." Minecraft was never supposed to be a hit. It wasn't supposed to sell more than 5 million copies, generate $80 million or be played by more than 25 million people. It wasn't supposed to turn Markus Persson's developer persona, Notch, into a millionaire, a fashion icon, or a common name among Swedes and gamers alike,

But Minecraft has done all of these things, and now it's made its way XBLA. And just as it has everywhere else, Minecraft surprisingly succeeds.

Continue reading Deja Review: Minecraft (XBLA)

JoystiqDeja Review: Minecraft (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deja-reviewMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmojangnotchXBLAxboxXbox-360Xbox-Live-ArcadeThu, 10 May 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch explores 0x10c with more early screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/notch-explores-0x10c-with-more-early-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/notch-explores-0x10c-with-more-early-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/notch-explores-0x10c-with-more-early-screens/#comments Notch has been a busy fellow, and understandably so: he recently announced his next project, 0x10c. After unveiling the first preliminary screen for his work-in-progress, he uploaded several others to the game's official site. The link to the screens section isn't visible on the front page, so you'll want to drop this link into your address bar and change the .png file number accordingly. There are currently a total of seven (007) screens.

Above you can see a stoic miner staring out a window as his ship passes by what appears to be a large asteroid. Not every screenshot is as thrilling as the one above, but you're free to do some mining of your own in our gallery below.

Gallery: 0x10c (first screens)

JoystiqNotch explores 0x10c with more early screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchpcThu, 12 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First 0x10c screenshot shines light on less cubic, more triangular human characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/first-0x10c-screenshot-shines-light-on-less-cubic-more-triangul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/first-0x10c-screenshot-shines-light-on-less-cubic-more-triangul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/first-0x10c-screenshot-shines-light-on-less-cubic-more-triangul/#comments ImageNot that these fine lads in adventure gear aren't boxy, but they're a sight less cube-like than Notch's previous work in Minecraft. 0x10c is an alternate-reality title, examining the historical timeline that would have been had the space race never ended and our astrological exploration expanded exponentially, until a group of humans awake from cryogenic sleep in the year 281,474,976,712,644 AD to find civilization has disappeared.

The screenshot shows off "flashlights, for spelunking and fixing broken ships!" Notch tweeted. Something about that description sounds familiar, but we can't put our finger on it. Minecraft had spaceships, right?

JoystiqFirst 0x10c screenshot shines light on less cubic, more triangular human characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchpcTue, 10 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch's new game is '0x10c']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/notchs-new-game-is-0x10c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/notchs-new-game-is-0x10c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/notchs-new-game-is-0x10c/#comments ImageWe're not even going to pretend we know how to say the name of Markus "Notch" Persson's next game: 0x10c. According to what info he's placed on the new game's website, it's "a space game" that will launch in a manner similar to MineCraft -- releasing in an early state so players can help shape the final end product.

The story revolves around a fictional parallel universe where the space race never ended, and corporations and wealthy individuals ventured out into the unknown. After an error occurred in the computers governing human sleep cycles while ships ventured out into uncharted space, humans woke up in the year 281,474,976,712,644 AD, finding little-to-no civilization remained.

Each ship runs on a fixed wattage CPU, so any action will drain the ship's systems. Balancing wattage will be a core component of the game. "The computer in the game is a fully functioning emulated 16 bit CPU that can be used to control your entire ship, or just to play games on while waiting for a large mining operation to finish." 0x10c promises space battles, salvaging supplies from derelict ships, an advanced economy system and ... duct tape.

Finally, the site says the game will likely charge a monthly fee for joining the Multiverse, since Notch and crew will "emulate all computers and physics even when players aren't logged in."

JoystiqNotch's new game is '0x10c' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonmojangMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcTue, 03 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch hopes to be working on one of three games by summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/notch-hopes-to-be-working-on-one-of-three-games-by-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/notch-hopes-to-be-working-on-one-of-three-games-by-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/notch-hopes-to-be-working-on-one-of-three-games-by-summer/#comments
Recusing himself from regular Minecraft duties has apparently freed up quite a bit of time in Markus Persson's schedule, so much so that he's currently in the process of deciding which of his three ongoing development projects will be come his next game.

"I'm kinda halfway through one, started somewhat the engine on one and prototyping a third, so I hope to pick a project by this summer," Persson told VG247 after accepting the BAFTA Special Award at last night's proceedings. He also commented on the future of Minecraft, saying that he is "not really a huge fan of making sequels" and will instead continue reiterating and adding to the existing title.

We're gonna go out on a limb and guess that since none of these three projects are a Minecraft sequel, at least one of them has to be a Cooking Mama-esque haberdashery and hat repair simulator.
[image credit: Mojang]

JoystiqNotch hopes to be working on one of three games by summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BAFTABAFTA-2012Markus-PerssonmojangnotchSat, 17 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang can't use 'Scrolls' in any sequels to 'Scrolls,' lawsuit dictates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/#comments Notch seems to be happy with the outcome of Mojang's legal tussle with Bethesda, which allows Mojang to use Scrolls as the title of a coming game that looks and plays nothing like anything in the Elder Scrolls series. Bethesda retains the trademark for "Scrolls," but Mojang can use it for its title, a result that had Notch beaming -- but as with all legal battles, it's not that simple.

After the celebratory "Yaaaay! <3" Notch tweeted, "The actual document I signed was like a billion pages, so at least we know a bunch of lawyers got rich. Good, wouldn't want them to starve." Within those billion-odd pages comes an interesting deal that prohibits Mojang from using "Scrolls" in the title of any sequels to Scrolls:

"ZeniMax has licensed the 'Scrolls' mark to Mojang to be used solely in conjunction with its existing Scrolls digital card game and any add-on material it makes to that game," a Bethesda statement reads. "The terms of the settlement bar Mojang from using the Scrolls mark for any sequel to the current card game, or any other video game."

Either Notch doesn't plan on making more than one iteration of Scrolls, or the subsequent titles will be called "Reams," "Parchments" or "Ancient Paper that One Rolls Up and can Unravel to Read From, Such as a Decree."

JoystiqMojang can't use 'Scrolls' in any sequels to 'Scrolls,' lawsuit dictates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworkslawsuitlegalMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchpcscrollssequelTrademarkzenimax-mediaMon, 12 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch reels in Psychonauts 2 talk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/notch-reels-in-psychonauts-2-talk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/notch-reels-in-psychonauts-2-talk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/notch-reels-in-psychonauts-2-talk/#comments Ever since Double Fine snagged publishing rights for Psychonauts back in 2011, we've all hoped the studio would work on a sequel. Actually, no past tense about it -- we still hope Double Fine cranks out a sequel. And when Markus Persson (Notch) of Minecraft fame expressed interest in funding a sequel, we thought it was a dream come true.

Then Double Fine went ahead and set records on Kickstarter as the developer sought funding for a new adventure game. Suddenly, Psychonauts 2 was on the backburner. But Notch hasn't forgotten about it, much as we haven't, and published a missive today with some more information. Spoiler alert: it's a much more difficult undertaking than we initially thought.

"The budget for doing a Psychonauts 2 is three times higher than my initial impression," Notch wrote on his blog. "I have NO idea if this is actually going to happen." He went on to say that he is still interested in doing it (and still believes it would be a profitable venture), but posits that Double Fine could simply go through Kickstarter again to fund the sequel, considering how crazy successful the company's first campaign currently is. Today it was revealed the Double Fine adventure game would launch on PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android devices.

"All I know is that IF the numbers work out and IF they still want to do it and IF they don't decide to self fund a sequel by doing more crowd funding (which is honestly what I would've done if I were them), I would be most interested in doing this type of investment." We hope it all works out, but be patient, fellow interested parties: if it happens, it's not going to be for a good long while.

JoystiqNotch reels in Psychonauts 2 talk originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-fineMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchPsychonautspsychonauts-2Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine returning to its adventure game roots with Kickstarter project [update: Funded!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/double-fine-returning-to-adventure-game-roots-with-kickstarter-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/double-fine-returning-to-adventure-game-roots-with-kickstarter-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/double-fine-returning-to-adventure-game-roots-with-kickstarter-p/#comments Double Fine has announced that it will finally return to its adventure game roots. Utilizing the crowd-sourcing power of Kickstarter, Double Fine will hope to fund the project. As rewards for funding, the developer will offer bonuses such as "advance access to the game, original art from its development, and a bowling night out with the team."

The project is already listed on Kickstarter, asking a hefty $400,000 for its completion. Double Fine also plans to "create a unique, serialized documentary available only to Backers," developed by the team at 2 Player Productions.

According to the Kickstarter page, the game will be in development with a small team over a six-to-eight month period. The game is described as "a classic point-and-click adventure utilizing modern touch technology."

In related news: though Minecraft creator Markus 'Notch' Peterson had offered to help fund a sequel to the cult-hit game Psychonauts, Double Fine isn't ready to announce the title. "These things take time to figure out -- if they can be figured out -- so please don't expect any Psychonauts 2 announcements any time soon," video game icon Tim Schafer wrote on Twitter.

Schafer promises he and Notch are having a "lovely chat" about the possibility, and jokingly says the indie millionaire is a tough negotiator -- at his insistence that the game be dubbed "PsychoNotch."

Update: Moments ago, Double Fine achieved its goal of $400,000. At the time of publishing this update, the project has 8,880 backers and is currently sitting at $404,168. The funding process took less than ten hours.

JoystiqDouble Fine returning to its adventure game roots with Kickstarter project [update: Funded!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Double-FineMarkus-Perssonpcpsychonauts-2Tim-SchaferWed, 08 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Schafer needs a millionaire to fund Psychonauts 2, Notch raises hand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/schafer-needs-a-millionaire-to-fund-psychonauts-2-notch-raises/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/schafer-needs-a-millionaire-to-fund-psychonauts-2-notch-raises/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/schafer-needs-a-millionaire-to-fund-psychonauts-2-notch-raises/#comments Double Fine's Tim Schafer would love to make Psychonauts 2, he told Digital Spy -- he's pitched it to publishers a few times, but no one has ponied up for the project, and Schafer still needs a few million dollars to back it up. Enter: Notch.

After learning of Schafer's problem, Markus "Notch" Persson, creator of Minecraft and resident indie millionaire, tweeted at Schafer, "Let's make Psychonauts 2 happen," followed by ";D Also, I'm serious." This afternoon, the official word from Double Fine is, "Tim and Markus are talking. Who knows what might happen?"

Notch has followed up candidly, tweeting that he and Schafer are talking via email, hinting that they may talk more at GDC, and finishing with a warning: "Anyway, please don't get your hopes too high yet. Everything is extremely vague!"

There it is, ladies and gentlemen. The potential multi-million-dollar business deal to create Psychonauts 2, started on Twitter and including a winky, open-mouthed-smiling emoticon. Ah, technology.

JoystiqSchafer needs a millionaire to fund Psychonauts 2, Notch raises hand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-fineMarkus-Perssonmicrosoftmillionaireminecraftnotchpcplaystationps3Psychonautspsychonauts-2Tim-SchafertwitterxboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sequel to Notch's 48-hour game gets a new name: MiniTale [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/notchs-48-hour-game-gets-a-new-name-minitale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/notchs-48-hour-game-gets-a-new-name-minitale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/notchs-48-hour-game-gets-a-new-name-minitale/#comments Way back in December last year, Minecraft developer Notch participated in a 48-hour game-programming competition, and he live-streamed the whole thing. He made a Harvest Moon-inspired zombie game, tentatively titled Minicraft. He has renamed that game MiniTale, with more info to come here and here.

Update: It's the sequel to Minicraft that Notch has renamed MiniTale. We apologize for the small confusion.

JoystiqSequel to Notch's 48-hour game gets a new name: MiniTale [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macMarkus-PerssonminecraftminicraftMiniTalenotchpcSun, 01 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch steps down as lead developer on Minecraft to focus on 'new project']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/notch-steps-down-as-lead-developer-on-minecraft-to-focus-on-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/notch-steps-down-as-lead-developer-on-minecraft-to-focus-on-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/notch-steps-down-as-lead-developer-on-minecraft-to-focus-on-new/#comments You know Notch. He's the behatted Swedish developer that eats, breathes, and sleeps Minecraft, right? Well ... he was. Now Mr. Markus "Notch" Persson is relinquishing lead development duties on the massively successful indie game so he can invest his time as head honcho at his growing development house Mojang.

So who's going to take over that high-profile (don't mess up!) spot while Notch starts "work on some new project"? Meet cat-lover Jens Bergensten (pictured), who's no stranger to Minecraft. "We've been working together on Minecraft for a year now, and I'm amazed at how much in synch we two are when it comes to how to design the game," Notch wrote on his Tumblr. "And when we don't agree, we discuss it and something much better comes out at a result. He's truly a great person to work with, and I feel very confident handing over the leadership of Minecraft to him."

In fact, Notch is so confident he's going to take a break for "rest." With the first MineCon convention over, a 1.0 version of Minecraft released, and some four million plus paying users (!) we think he's earned it. But not you, Bergensten. Back to work!

JoystiqNotch steps down as lead developer on Minecraft to focus on 'new project' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jens-bergentsenmacMarkus-PerssonMinecraftmojangMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcFri, 02 Dec 2011 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft for consoles exclusive to Xbox 360, building spring 2012 launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/minecraft-for-consoles-exclusive-to-xbox-360-building-spring-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/minecraft-for-consoles-exclusive-to-xbox-360-building-spring-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/minecraft-for-consoles-exclusive-to-xbox-360-building-spring-20/#comments Markus "Notch" Persson has confirmed via Twitter that the console version of Minecraft, announced during E3 for Xbox 360, will be exclusive to Microsoft's system (meaning no PSN or WiiWare versions). The game will arrive on Xbox Live in the spring of 2012.

Those heading to MineCon in Las Vegas next month will be able to try out the Xbox 360 version. The PC version is also being completed, having already sold millions in its beta state. Those heading to MineCon will receive alpha codes for Mojang's Scrolls and Cobalt.

JoystiqMinecraft for consoles exclusive to Xbox 360, building spring 2012 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Markus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftMojangnotchxblaxboxTue, 25 Oct 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Scrolls teaser trailer leaps from the page into your eyeballs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/scrolls-teaser-trailer-leaps-from-the-page-into-your-eyeballs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/scrolls-teaser-trailer-leaps-from-the-page-into-your-eyeballs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/scrolls-teaser-trailer-leaps-from-the-page-into-your-eyeballs/#comments
Straight outta PAX comes this teaser for Markus "Notch" Perrson's newest Mojang joint, Scrolls. It's chock full of hand-drawn art, magical stuff and concludes with some sort of golem punching robot thing. Now that's something we can get behind! (You're safe from its punches there).

JoystiqScrolls teaser trailer leaps from the page into your eyeballs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Markus-Perssonmojangnotchpax-2011pcscrollsteaserTue, 30 Aug 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch explains why Minecraft has yet to get Steam'd]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/notch-explains-why-minecraft-has-yet-to-get-steamd/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/notch-explains-why-minecraft-has-yet-to-get-steamd/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/notch-explains-why-minecraft-has-yet-to-get-steamd/#commentsMinecraft has been widely available for quite some time in various forms (alpha, beta), but when it fully launches this November, it won't be available on Steam. "Being on Steam limits a lot of what we're allowed to do with the game," Mojang president and founder Markus "Notch" Persson explains in a post on his Tumblr blog.

"We (probably?) wouldn't be able to, say, sell capes or have a map marketplace on minecraft.net that works with Steam customers in a way that keeps Valve happy," he adds. Notch worries that inclusion on Steam would divide the PC/Mac market of Minecraft users, rather than offer more to existing players.

It's not as though there's any animosity though, with Notch kicking off the post by lavishing a paragraph of praise upon "the best digital distribution platform I've ever seen." He also notes that Mojang "are talking to Valve about this" to try and make things work for everyone, but, understandably, "We just don't want to limit what we can do with Minecraft."

[Image credit: Steam forums]

JoystiqNotch explains why Minecraft has yet to get Steam'd originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationsnotchpcsteamvalvevalve-softwareTue, 30 Aug 2011 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft studio threatened with suit by Bethesda over 'Scrolls' title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/#comments Not exactly unexpectedly, about four hours ago Markus "Notch" Persson -- creator of Minecraft and head of Mojang Specifications -- received a letter from a Swedish law firm representing Bethesda Softworks. It claimed that his company's trademark of the word "Scrolls" for use with a currently-in-development game was infringing on Bethesda's own trademark, "The Elder Scrolls," and requested "a pile of money up front" before things could proceed. But Notch could've guessed it was coming.

Writing on his Tumblr page, Notch explains that "about half a year ago," his company's legal team suggested registering "Minecraft" as a trademark. In the process, Mojang also filed to register "Scrolls," killing two birds with one stone. Notch writes that "A while later, out of the blue, we got contacted by Bethesda's lawyers. They wanted to know more about the 'Scrolls' trademark we were applying for, and claimed it conflicted with their existing trademark 'The Elder Scrolls.'" At the time, Mojang responded by offering what Notch calls a compromise: "We'd agree to never put any words in front of 'Scrolls,' and instead call sequels and other things something along the lines of 'Scrolls - The Banana Expansion.'" In his piece, he says that he's not sure if Mojang ever heard back.

Fast-forward to this afternoon, and a "15-page letter" from a Swedish law firm, on behalf of Bethesda, arrives for Notch (pictured above). He says it's threatening a lawsuit if Mojang refuses "to stop using the name 'Scrolls,'" and that Bethesda will sue should that be necessary. Regardless of the current situation, Notch notes at the top of his piece, "I love Bethesda. I assume this nonsense is partly just their lawyers being lawyers, and a result of trademark law being the way it is." Here's hoping that compromise works out, and Notch is somehow legally bound to name the first Scrolls DLC "The Banana Expansion."

Update: This piece was originally headlined "Minecraft studio being sued by Bethesda over 'Scrolls' title," and has since been amended to more accurately reflect the situation.

JoystiqMinecraft studio threatened with suit by Bethesda over 'Scrolls' title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworkslawlawsuitlawyerslegalmarkus-perssonmojangmojang-specificationsnotchscrollstrademarkFri, 05 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft hits 3 million, Notch buys us all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-hits-3-million-notch-buys-us-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-hits-3-million-notch-buys-us-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-hits-3-million-notch-buys-us-all/#comments In January, Minecraft passed its first major sales milestone: 1 million downloads. Three months later, in April, it clocked another cool million. And today, just five days into August, the game has surpassed its 3 millionth paid user -- every four months, eh? Smells like a trend!

Those 3,000,961 folks (as of this writing) make up over a full quarter of all accounts at 26.24 percent. At around $22 per purchase, that's quite a bit of dough -- and with no publisher to pay. We imagine Mojang Specifications head Markus "Notch" Persson will be investing a good chunk of that dough in the upcoming MineCon, which kicks off the official launch of Minecraft on November 18.

[Thanks, Matias.]

JoystiqMinecraft hits 3 million, Notch buys us all originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangmojang-specificationsnotchpcsalesxboxFri, 05 Aug 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft's 'MineCon' convention set for November 18 - 19 in Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/minecrafts-first-convention-minecon-set-for-november-18-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/minecrafts-first-convention-minecon-set-for-november-18-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/minecrafts-first-convention-minecon-set-for-november-18-1/#comments Rather than setting its convention in the icy grip of its home country's chilly November, Sweden-based Minecraft studio Mojang Specifications is holding what it dubs "MineCon" in Las Vegas. "For me, MineCon is about celebrating the full release of Minecraft," Mojang head Markus "Notch" Persson told PC Gamer this week. Apparently the delayed title will see its full launch in grand style, with Notch "getting up on stage and pushing the button to upload the final build."

When he first spitballed the idea back in May, voters overwhelmingly responded, "No, definitely not" when asked whether they'd attend such an event. That said, the minority's 42,000 votes were assuredly enough to convince him of demand for such an event.

Speaking of, Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino will host MineCon on November 18 and 19, and the ticket registration site is set to go live next week -- apparently Notch will announce as much on his Twitter account, so keep an eye out. That is, if you can tear yourself away from building that to-scale replica of Hogwarts.

Update: This year marks the second MineCon.

JoystiqMinecraft's 'MineCon' convention set for November 18 - 19 in Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonmicrosoftmineconminecon-2011MinecraftminecraftconmobileMojang-Specificationsnotchpcq4-2011release-datexboxWed, 03 Aug 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch doles out more details on Minecraft for 360, Kinect functionality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/notch-doles-out-more-details-on-minecraft-for-360-kinect-functi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/notch-doles-out-more-details-on-minecraft-for-360-kinect-functi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/notch-doles-out-more-details-on-minecraft-for-360-kinect-functi/#comments Markus "Notch" Persson is in a bizarre position, especially given his usual openness about his studio's first creation, Minecraft. "There's going to [be] actual marketing for the Xbox 360 version of Minecraft, so I've agreed to be slightly less transparent than usual when it comes to that version," he tells IGN in a recent interview.

But don't despair! Notch still offers a handful of new details, saying that the Xbox 360 version (announced during E3 2011) will have "completely different" crafting, and that the Kinect functionality will include a mode where "you wave your arms around to mine and use items" -- "it's just too silly not to include," he adds.

Hilariously, rather than respond to a question about console exclusivity and the possibility of Minecraft coming to PS3/Wii U, Notch simply draws the ridiculous (and admittedly adorable) sheep you see above. He also reveals that the upcoming Xperia Play version of Minecraft will cost $7 when it drops sometime "this fall," and that it was programmed "in a way that will make it easy to port to all sorts of mobile phones."

JoystiqNotch doles out more details on Minecraft for 360, Kinect functionality originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangmojang-specficationsnotchplaystationpspsonyxboxxperia-playMon, 18 Jul 2011 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft Adventure mode coming in update 1.8, game launch delayed by a week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/minecraft-adventure-mode-coming-in-update-1-8-game-launch-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/minecraft-adventure-mode-coming-in-update-1-8-game-launch-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/minecraft-adventure-mode-coming-in-update-1-8-game-launch-delay/#comments Mojang Studio's next update to Minecraft, 1.7, promises the addition of pistons (seriously!), thus allowing for the creation of mechanical objects. Rather than include it as planned in the 1.8 update alongside Adventure mode, creative lead Markus "Notch" Persson and partner Jens Bergentsen instead chose to drop it in with a handful of bug fixes in 1.7. No solid release date is given for 1.7 (or 1.8 for that matter), but the former will be released "soon" while the latter "might be a long wait."

Persson also notes that, after update 1.8 is released in the coming months (Adventure mode and all), the team at Mojang will "start crunching for the full release," though it seems that the official launch may not make its intended November 11 date. "The release date is almost certainly changed to sometime the week after 11/11/11, and we're working hard on setting that up," Persson explains. And following that, after years of laboring on Minecraft, Persson and Co. get some much needed vacation time. After that? "I'll start working on the first post-release update," he adds with a grinning emoticon.

Continue reading Minecraft Adventure mode coming in update 1.8, game launch delayed by a week

JoystiqMinecraft Adventure mode coming in update 1.8, game launch delayed by a week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-modemacmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationsmojang-studiosnotchpcq4-2011release-dateupdateupdate-1.7update-1.8Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft for Kinect is an XBLA title, ported by 4J Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/minecraft-for-kinect-is-an-xbla-title-ported-by-4j-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/minecraft-for-kinect-is-an-xbla-title-ported-by-4j-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/minecraft-for-kinect-is-an-xbla-title-ported-by-4j-studios/#comments More details have begun to trickle out on Swedish developer Mojang Studios' first Xbox 360 title, a Kinect-enabled port of indie hit Minecraft. Beyond the fact that it'll be some form of indirect port and that an unnamed developer other than Mojang was at the helm, few other details were known, but as Minecraft creative lead Markus "Notch" Persson revealed on his Twitter feed last night, Scottish devs 4J Studios are apparently in charge of this holiday's world-builder.

If you, like us, are unfamiliar with 4J, a cursory Wikipedia'ing reveals work on a wealth of ports, not to mention a handful of not-so-well-known original games. Hopefully any worry you have in the studio's confidence is abated by the fact that Notch will remain a game designer on the project, presumably retaining creative oversight.

JoystiqMinecraft for Kinect is an XBLA title, ported by 4J Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studioskinectmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonmicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-studiosnotchportscotlandXBLAxboxThu, 16 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft surpasses 2.5 million in sales, still in beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/minecraft-surpasses-2-5-million-in-sales-still-in-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/minecraft-surpasses-2-5-million-in-sales-still-in-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/minecraft-surpasses-2-5-million-in-sales-still-in-beta/#comments Minecraft creator Markus Persson recently announced on Twitter that his game has built up 2.5 million sales. Not bad for a game that won't officially launch for another five months. According to our napkin math, pre-release versions of Minecraft have earned over $33 million for developer Mojang.

Minecraft's potential cash flow doesn't end at PC, as a limited version of the title is also planned for Xperia Play, under the moniker Minecraft Pocket Edition, while a console version of the title is also being worked on exclusively for Xbox 360, featuring Kinect and cross-platform functionality with the PC for this winter. While that "won't be a straight port," and will not be developed by Mojang, it still stands to pocket the developer some more money.

JoystiqMinecraft surpasses 2.5 million in sales, still in beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Markus-PerssonMinecraftmojangMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcMon, 13 Jun 2011 17:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft on 360 'won't be a straight port,' not developed by Mojang]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/minecraft-on-360-wont-be-a-straight-port-not-developed-by-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/minecraft-on-360-wont-be-a-straight-port-not-developed-by-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/minecraft-on-360-wont-be-a-straight-port-not-developed-by-mo/#comments Never one to shy away from community interaction, Mojang head Markus "Notch" Persson answered fan questions yesterday about the just announced Minecraft on Xbox 360. While he'll remain attached to the project as a game designer, the port is being handled by a separate, unnamed console dev. Notch notes "the programmers have done several console games before," but adds that he can't reveal what studio it is just yet. He also revealed it "won't be a straight port, though it's unclear what that means just yet.

He also spoke to the Kinect functionality, saying the game is of course playable without the motion peripheral, but "with the power of Kinect you will feel closer to your game than evar [sic] and it also saves kittens." Kittens! While we aren't sure that he's being entirely genuine with that final statement, we're just gonna take the statement at face value. We really like kittens, after all.

JoystiqMinecraft on 360 'won't be a straight port,' not developed by Mojang originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkittensmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonmicrosoftMinecraftmojangnotchredditxboxTue, 07 Jun 2011 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft digging in on Xperia Play before other Android devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/minecraft-digging-in-on-xperia-play-before-other-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/minecraft-digging-in-on-xperia-play-before-other-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/minecraft-digging-in-on-xperia-play-before-other-android-devices/#comments Mojang Studios today revealed to Gamasutra that its world-building, zombie-avoiding, indie hit, Minecraft, will be heading exclusively to Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play before other Android-enabled devices. Perhaps better known as the "PlayStation Phone," the Xperia Play is the first Ericsson phone to come equipped with Sony's "PlayStation Suite" service -- a service thus far used only as a delivery mechanism for PS1 ports. The studio didn't announce how long the game will remain an exclusive to the Xperia Play, or if it would arrive at the same time on iOS devices.

According to a Mojang representative, the Xperia Play version will have customized controls for the phone's PlayStation-style controller layout. The rep also hinted at the nature of the release, saying it'll fall in line with the studio's previous "release early and update frequently" model.

Given the previously announced "2011" release window for the mobile version of Minecraft, and the studio's upcoming "Minecraft-themed media event" at E3, we expect to hear much more in the next few weeks.

[Update: Developer Markus Persson just tweeted the above image, writing, "This is the project Aron and Jens are working on."]

[Update 2: Via Engadget we've even got a video of the game running on an Xperia Play which you'll find ... you guessed it! After the break.]

Continue reading Minecraft digging in on Xperia Play before other Android devices

JoystiqMinecraft digging in on Xperia Play before other Android devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddroide3-2011markus-perssonMinecraftmobilemojangmojang-studiosnotchplaystationplaystation-phonepspsonysony-ericssonxperia-playTue, 24 May 2011 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft creator gauging interest in Vegas convention for game's launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/minecraft-creator-gauging-interest-in-vegas-convention-for-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/minecraft-creator-gauging-interest-in-vegas-convention-for-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/minecraft-creator-gauging-interest-in-vegas-convention-for-game/#comments
Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson wants to measure your interest in attending a Las Vegas MinecraftCon. Persson has posted a poll on his blog to do so and, as of this writing, the "No, definitely not!" crowd makes up 45 percent of respondents, with 23 percent answering in the affirmative.

Persson posits on his blog that the MinecraftCon could be held in Vegas for the game's launch of November 11. He'd push out the "final release" live on stage, and there would be costume contests, speed building contests and Q&A sessions. He says the con would "probably" cost $90 per person, excluding hotel room and travel costs.

If you're interested in adding your voice to the idea, head on over to The Word of Notch and vote.

JoystiqMinecraft creator gauging interest in Vegas convention for game's launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Markus-PerssonMinecraftMinecraftConpcvegasWed, 11 May 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft has earned over $33 million, Notch reveals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/minecraft-has-earned-over-33-million-notch-reveals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/minecraft-has-earned-over-33-million-notch-reveals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/minecraft-has-earned-over-33-million-notch-reveals/#comments Let that soak in: $33 million. All those dollars, slightly eroded by Paypal fees and taxes, come from around 800,000 alpha version adopters, who picked up the game at €9.95 ($14.26), and over one million beta version sales at €14.95 ($21.43). Currently, the Minecraft stats page lists 1,813,527 customers, pegging revenue at slightly above €23 million ($33 million).

The figures come from a Reddit thread, where Minecraft creator Markus Persson (AKA Notch) shared the figures -- a level of success he admitted he's somewhat uncomfortable with. "I've always had a tendency to feel like I'm just not quite keeping up with demands, even before starting work on Minecraft. It's not gotten better by having a runaway hit like this."

The latest update for the game, version 1.4, launched last week, adding a host of new features to the game. A documentary is also in the works.

JoystiqMinecraft has earned over $33 million, Notch reveals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>markus-perssonMinecraftmmorpgmojang-specificationspcsalesWed, 06 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft beta 1.4 goes live, adds wolves, cookies and a new logo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/minecraft-beta-1-4-goes-live-adds-wolves-cookies-and-a-new-log/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/minecraft-beta-1-4-goes-live-adds-wolves-cookies-and-a-new-log/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/minecraft-beta-1-4-goes-live-adds-wolves-cookies-and-a-new-log/#comments Mojang's world-designing blockbuster Minecraft received a rather eccentric mix of new additions today with the launch of beta 1.4. As promised, wolves can now be encountered and tamed in your homespun world -- however, a less-advertised part of the update is the addition of cookies. What do these cookies do? We're not entirely sure, but we'd recommend keeping them away from your pet wolves. Those little bastards will eat the cookies right out of your hand.

Other changes include the ability to reset your spawn point by sleeping in a bed, a fresh new logo (pictured above), and a few infrastructure tweaks to prepare for the arrival of achievements. Check out the full list of updates after the jump!

Continue reading Minecraft beta 1.4 goes live, adds wolves, cookies and a new logo

JoystiqMinecraft beta 1.4 goes live, adds wolves, cookies and a new logo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaMarkus-PerssonMinecraftMojang-SpecificationspatchpcupdatewolvesThu, 31 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: 'Minecraft's the best thing I've played in the last ten years']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/molyneux-minecrafts-the-best-thing-ive-played-in-the-last-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/molyneux-minecrafts-the-best-thing-ive-played-in-the-last-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/molyneux-minecrafts-the-best-thing-ive-played-in-the-last-te/#comments Is Markus Persson's blocky world-builder pretty much your favorite thing on the earth, right up there with blue cotton candy and baby laughter? You're among some pretty prestigious company -- in a recent interview with IGN, gaming industry titan Peter Molyneux sung the praises of Minecraft, even going so far as to say, "I think Minecraft's the best thing I've played in the last ten years."

Molyneux added that he appreciated the solo efforts of Persson, saying, "he did everything on his own, and I think how brilliant and inspirational that is, to not need the full force of publishers and marketing people." That's not all -- we hear Persson developed the entire game while astride the back of a gallant steed while holding an eagle in each hand. Now that's inspirational.

JoystiqMolyneux: 'Minecraft's the best thing I've played in the last ten years' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lionheadmarkus-perssonMinecraftMojang-Specificationsnotchpcpeter-molyneuxSat, 19 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Block mesa plays Portal's 'Still Alive' in Minecraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/block-mesa-plays-portals-still-alive-in-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/block-mesa-plays-portals-still-alive-in-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/block-mesa-plays-portals-still-alive-in-minecraft/#comments This is a triumph: Using the musical blocks introduced in the latest version of indie world-builder Minecraft, YouTube user Tritex989 has managed to re-create Portal's theme song, "Still Alive," in its entirety -- minus some notes and with some transposing, due to the blocks' two-octave limitation.

Continue reading Block mesa plays Portal's 'Still Alive' in Minecraft

JoystiqBlock mesa plays Portal's 'Still Alive' in Minecraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indieJonathan-CoultonmacMarkus-PerssonMinecraftMojang-Specificationsmusicpcportalstill-alivevalveMon, 17 Jan 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft dispensers rigged to exchange cake for death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/16/minecraft-dispensers-rigged-to-exchange-cake-for-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/16/minecraft-dispensers-rigged-to-exchange-cake-for-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/16/minecraft-dispensers-rigged-to-exchange-cake-for-death/#comments Need some inspiration for exciting applications of Minecraft's recently added Dispenser block? Why not use it to distribute delicious cakes to hungry adventurers? Also, why not hook up that cake machine to a ten-story-tall wall of flaming arrow cannons? Watch the video below for a deadly demo.

Continue reading Minecraft dispensers rigged to exchange cake for death

JoystiqMinecraft dispensers rigged to exchange cake for death originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Markus-PerssonMinecraftnotchpcSun, 16 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft becomes a million-seller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/minecraft-becomes-a-million-seller/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/minecraft-becomes-a-million-seller/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/minecraft-becomes-a-million-seller/#commentsAs of the writing of this post, the Minecraft stats page shows that 1,000,049 people have purchased Markus "Notch" Persson's indie construction sensation -- 31.5 percent of all of the registered players. The total currently doesn't count unredeemed gift codes, either, of which there are probably more than a few in this post-hoiiday season.

That's an awful lot of copies sold of a game that just hit beta. Conversely, that's an awful lot of people willing to pay money to alpha- or beta-test a game. If you'd like to get in on this phenomenon on the ground floor (and then build the rest of the floors out of stone cubes), it's still on sale for €14.95, a 25% discount active for the duration of the beta.

JoystiqMinecraft becomes a million-seller originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indiemarkus-perssonMinecraftnotchpcsalesWed, 12 Jan 2011 16:50:00 EST