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[Google Play Games leaks out, will feature matchmaking and achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/google-play-games-leaks-out-will-feature-matchmaking-and-achiev/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/google-play-games-leaks-out-will-feature-matchmaking-and-achiev/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/google-play-games-leaks-out-will-feature-matchmaking-and-achiev/#comments'Google Play Games' leaks out, will feature matchmaking and achievements The Android answer to Apple's Game Center app on iOS will be Google Play Games, according to information obtained by Android Police from a Play Services APK teardown. The service will bring lobbies and invites for matchmaking, in-game chat, cloud game saves, achievements and leaderboards to the platform for developers to make use of.

The APK Android Police pulled apart is a file package primarily used to update Android apps, so this update was riddled with code that indicated what features would be coming to the platform down the road, but aren't accessible just yet. There is certainly a good chance Google Play Games will be fully unveiled at Google's I/O event next week in San Francisco.

JoystiqGoogle Play Games leaks out, will feature matchmaking and achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievementsandroidcloud-savesgame-centergooglegoogle-playgoogle-play-gamesleaderboardsmatchmakingmobileSun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online gets biggest map ever, new matchmaking system in latest update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/mechwarrior-online-gets-biggest-map-ever-new-matchmaking-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/mechwarrior-online-gets-biggest-map-ever-new-matchmaking-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/mechwarrior-online-gets-biggest-map-ever-new-matchmaking-system/#comments MechWarrior Online gets biggest map ever, new matchmaking system in latest updateFree-to-play shooter MechWarrior Online has added a new update to the game, this one containing the biggest map yet. The environment is called Alpine Peaks, and features lots of cold, open areas, separated by some very tall high ground. In addition to the new map, the update also includes five new versions of a mech called the Trebuchet, which specializes in long range combat and carries medium weight.

Finally, the newest update also adds in what Pirahna Games is calling "Phase 3" of the matchmaking system, which will allow players of the same skill to find and compete against each other in a balanced way, despite what mech they're driving. The new system also allows for cosmetic holograms in the cockpit, so you can now show off any House Faction loyalties you happen to have. Us, we're partial to Winterfell, but -- oh wait, wrong setting. At any rate, the update is now live on the servers, so go get that Mech a Warrior-in'!

JoystiqMechWarrior Online gets biggest map ever, new matchmaking system in latest update originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpine-peaksfree-to-playmatchmakingmechwarriormechwarrior-onlinepatchpcphase-3-matchmakingpirahna-gamesshooterupdateFri, 22 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mann vs Machine update adds new difficulty settings and matchmaking options]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/mann-vs-machine-update-adds-new-difficulty-settings-and-matchmak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/mann-vs-machine-update-adds-new-difficulty-settings-and-matchmak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/mann-vs-machine-update-adds-new-difficulty-settings-and-matchmak/#comments Mann vs Machine update adds new difficulty settings and matchmaking optionsValve has released a big update to Team Fortress 2's 'Mann vs. Machine' game mode this week, which of course pits human players against an army of invading robots. The update adds two new difficulty settings called tours, one tougher and one easier than the current mode, along with some new loot found throughout the two tours.

Players will also be able to search for multiple missions or tours at a time. Matchmaking updates should make it easier to find and keep groups while playing: once you find a team and defeat a mission, teams will stay together. Good thing, too - those robot hordes aren't going to destroy themselves.

JoystiqMann vs Machine update adds new difficulty settings and matchmaking options originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>difficultyfree-to-playlootmann-vs-machinematchmakingpcsettingsshooterTeam-Fortress-2toursupdatevalveThu, 11 Oct 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SoulCalibur 5 getting balance patch March 21, monthly costume DLC starting in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/soulcalibur-5-getting-balance-patch-march-21-monthly-costume-dl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/soulcalibur-5-getting-balance-patch-march-21-monthly-costume-dl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/soulcalibur-5-getting-balance-patch-march-21-monthly-costume-dl/#comments The secret to a successful modern fighting game isn't so much the launch as it is the post-launch support. It's kind of like an MMO, in that patching and re-balancing based on community input adds refinement and longevity to the platform. Namco Bandai seems to get this, as it'll be updating SoulCalibur 5's ranked match matchmaking algorithms and character balance next Wednesday, March 21. Specifics on those balance changes are forthcoming, according to the SC5 Facebook page.

The curators of the Stage of History have also announced that SC5 will receive monthly costume DLC packs, the first of which will arrive on April 3 for the 360 and April 4 for the PS3. No word yet on costume pack pricing or content, but we've got a sneaking suspicion that whatever we're expecting, we're probably way off.

JoystiqSoulCalibur 5 getting balance patch March 21, monthly costume DLC starting in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceDLCmatchmakingmicrosoftnamco-bandainetcodepatchplaystationps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vupdatexboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach playlists updated, campaign matchmaking this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/halo-reach-playlists-updated-campaign-matchmaking-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/halo-reach-playlists-updated-campaign-matchmaking-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/halo-reach-playlists-updated-campaign-matchmaking-this-month/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you've started to lose that lovin' feeling for Halo: Reach's online multiplayer component, you may want to dip back in to check out the broad changes applied to the shooter's Matchmaking playlists in an update launched earlier today. The update also makes some minor adjustments to a handful of multiplayer maps and game modes -- the full list of which can be found just after the jump.

Bungie has also announced that it plans to fulfill its promise to add Campaign Matchmaking to Reach in a smaller update, due out either Oct. 12 or Oct. 19, depending on how long it takes for the developer to finalize the patch. We'll let you know once Bungie's settled on one of the two.

Continue reading Halo: Reach playlists updated, campaign matchmaking this month

JoystiqHalo: Reach playlists updated, campaign matchmaking this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieHalo-ReachmatchmakingmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosupdatexboxTue, 05 Oct 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach stats and upcoming tweaks outlined by Bungie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/halo-reach-stats-and-upcoming-tweaks-outlined-by-bungie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/halo-reach-stats-and-upcoming-tweaks-outlined-by-bungie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/halo-reach-stats-and-upcoming-tweaks-outlined-by-bungie/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bungie's first Weekly Update since the launch of Halo: Reach included some startling statistics regarding the amount of time we've already thrown at the game's armor-clad feet. As of last Friday, over 31 million matchmaking games had already been played, over 78 billion credits had been earned and over 953 and 1,365 years had been poured into the game's matchmaking and campaign modes, respectively. We shudder to think how those figures expanded over the weekend.

Bungie also included some info on an update which will be applied to the game next month, saying, "the first matchmaking update for Reach will occur in early October and consist primarily of fixes for bugs and balance issues." The update will also add new game types and Forge maps to the Matchmaking playlists, and will enable co-op Campaign Matchmaking as well. Bungie also reports that it's considering changing its quick-to-boot betrayal system, but in the mean time, provides this clever workaround: "Stop shooting your teammates." Helpful!

JoystiqHalo: Reach stats and upcoming tweaks outlined by Bungie originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiecampaign-matchmakingHalo-ReachmatchmakingmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosupdatexboxMon, 20 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach campaign co-op matchmaking confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/halo-reach-campaign-co-op-matchmaking-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/halo-reach-campaign-co-op-matchmaking-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/halo-reach-campaign-co-op-matchmaking-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Plumbed from the depths of Bungie's latest weekly update by ThatVideogameBlog comes confirmation that Halo: Reach will support campaign co-op matchmaking. In the simplest and, may we say, least Bungie way to do it, public acknowledgment of the expected functionality was given in response to a Bungie.net user asking, "Can I haz Campaign Matchmaking?"

The answer, in one word: "Yes."

And with that, Bungie has confirmed that all three major Reach game modes -- regular ol' multiplayer, Firefight and co-op -- will support the developer's excellent matchmaking experience. Though this news is overwhelmingly good for Halo fans, we're pretty worried about what it'll do to our work days.

JoystiqHalo: Reach campaign co-op matchmaking confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioscampaign-matchmakingco-opHalo-ReachmatchmakingmicrosoftmultiplayeronlinexboxMon, 23 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach beta update: chugging along, but still needs a little work]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/halo-reach-beta-update-chugging-along-but-still-needs-a-littl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/halo-reach-beta-update-chugging-along-but-still-needs-a-littl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/halo-reach-beta-update-chugging-along-but-still-needs-a-littl/#comments If you were trying to get your Halo: Reach on last night, you probably remember that crucial point in time when it just plain stopped working. It was a dark time, to say the least, but Bungie is working hard to get things in order.

A recent post on its forums states that while you should still expect "suboptimal performance," you can at least get into some games now. While we'd certainly appreciate a fully functional beta, we're not complaining -- playing a few matches is better than playing no matches, after all.

JoystiqHalo: Reach beta update: chugging along, but still needs a little work originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabungiehalohalo-reachhalo-reach-betamatchmakingmultiplayermultiplayer-betaxbox-liveTue, 04 May 2010 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Center is basically Xbox Live for your iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/apple-game-center-is-basically-xbox-live-for-your-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/apple-game-center-is-basically-xbox-live-for-your-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/apple-game-center-is-basically-xbox-live-for-your-iphone/#comments We knew Apple was serious about treating the iPhone and iPod Touch as gaming devices, but at its iPhone OS 4 event (liveblog here) it just dropped the gauntlet: Game Center. "Gaming is extremely popular on the iPhone and iPod touch. We have 50,000 games," Apple's Scott Forstall trumpeted. "Let's compare that to the competition ... the PSP and DS ... we blow them out of the water." While we're not going to start pointing out relative quality differences here, we will say that iPhone now has one very powerful differentiator that neither the PSP nor DS have: "a social gaming network."

Forstall unveiled Game Center, which he said will make "gaming even better on the iPhone." With matchmaking, game invites, leaderboards and achievements, this is pretty much a carbon copy of Xbox Live, but on your phone (Windows Phone 7, beat to the punch!). This is a "dev preview for OS 4," which will be available today for you devs out there. Everyone else, you've gotta wait until "summer."

JoystiqGame Center is basically Xbox Live for your iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsapplegame-centeriphone-os-4iPodleaderboardsmatchmakingScott-Forstallsocial-networkingThu, 08 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve adds 4 vs 4 competitive matchmaking to Left 4 Dead on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/valve-adds-4-vs-4-competitive-matchmaking-to-left-4-dead-on-stea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/valve-adds-4-vs-4-competitive-matchmaking-to-left-4-dead-on-stea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/valve-adds-4-vs-4-competitive-matchmaking-to-left-4-dead-on-stea/#comments
With the release of Left 4 Dead 2 just on the horizon, Valve is making good on its promise to keep up support for the first game ... on Steam, anyway. Valve has flipped the switch on a new update, which adds Team Versus 4 on 4 competitive matchmaking to the mix -- something Valve has been promising was in the works since April of this year.

The update also fixes a pair of bugs in the game, dealing with a nasty game-crashing glitch that would occur as a result of a certain 'Crash Course' achievement (there's a joke in there) being unlocked and an issue where bots and computer-controlled special infected were being reported in the 'View Game Info' screen.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqValve adds 4 vs 4 competitive matchmaking to Left 4 Dead on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash-coursefpsleft-4-deadmatchmakingsteamupdatevalveversusTue, 10 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve introduces DRM alternative CEG for Steamworks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/valve-introduces-drm-alternative-ceg-for-steamworks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/valve-introduces-drm-alternative-ceg-for-steamworks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/valve-introduces-drm-alternative-ceg-for-steamworks/#comments
CEG (Custom Executable Generation) is Valve's alternative to the pitfalls of DRM and part of Steamworks, the company's free suite of publishing and development tools. What this technology does is register each copy of a game unique to one user, who can then use the title between compatible PCs without any kind of limits or root kits.

Steamworks was also updated with support for in-game DLC and matchmaking, the latter of which many have enjoyed for quite some time in the PC version of Left 4 Dead.

JoystiqValve introduces DRM alternative CEG for Steamworks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cegcustom-executable-generationleft-4-deadmatchmakingpcsteamsteamworksvalveWed, 25 Mar 2009 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3: Over one billion served]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/halo-3-over-one-billion-served/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/halo-3-over-one-billion-served/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/halo-3-over-one-billion-served/#comments
At 6:36pm PT on Saturday night, Halo 3's 1 billionth match went down. It was a game of Infection on Foundry that lasted a little over 3 minutes, and we imagine all those involved are incredibly proud of how far along Bungie's baby has come. To put it in perspective, that's 2,023,153,340,764 seconds (64,109 years) of total matchmaking playtime. That's like 3 multiplayer searches in Gears of War 2.

Another fun fact: Bungie offers that Halo 2, a game that has topped the original Xbox Live leaderboard since its release 4 years ago, has served a total of 798 million games. Halo 3 released on September 25, 2007.

JoystiqHalo 3: Over one billion served originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalohalo-2halo-3matchmakingmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 03 Mar 2009 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 2 matchmaking servers boosted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/gears-of-war-2-matchmaking-servers-boosted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/gears-of-war-2-matchmaking-servers-boosted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/gears-of-war-2-matchmaking-servers-boosted/#commentsFiled under: ,

Epic gave the old Gears servers a good hard boot, er, re-boot earlier this week, claiming that the new configuration will allow the matchmaking servers to support more players per server. "Based on what we're seeing so far, matchmaking times have improved significantly," reports senior producer Rod Fergusson on the Epic Forums.

Fergusson does admit, though, that potential delays are always looming. Playlists are subject to low player population at any time, for example, and there isn't always the right sized party to merge with your own party. Don't fret, Fergusson promises "we're not done yet."

JoystiqGears of War 2 matchmaking servers boosted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eipcgears-of-wargears-of-war-2matchmakingXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 12 Dec 2008 12:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3: November matchmaking update revealed [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/halo-3-november-matchmaking-update-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/halo-3-november-matchmaking-update-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/halo-3-november-matchmaking-update-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,


In its weekly update, Bungie has revealed Halo 3's matchmaking changes for November, which will add a four-day Double XP special playlist inspired by Thanksgiving among other changes. Fans of specific weapons will want to note that Bungie has removed Team Sniper and Team Shotgun variants from Ranked Team Slayer but sniper fans can welcome their favorite variant back into the Hardcore rotation with a ranked 4v4 Team Sniper playlist. Other changes include map variant changes in ranked matches and map frequency. Check out Bungie's Weekly Update for the entire list of changes.

Ed. Note: This is Xav's 777th post at X3F. Fitting, isn't it?

Update: Looks like this was last week's weekly update. We're not sure how we missed it then, but here it is now!

JoystiqHalo 3: November matchmaking update revealed [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalo-3matchmakingxbox-liveFri, 31 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3 update lands on Sept. 23 brings new features to B.net]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/halo-3-update-lands-on-sept-23-brings-new-features-to-b-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/halo-3-update-lands-on-sept-23-brings-new-features-to-b-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/halo-3-update-lands-on-sept-23-brings-new-features-to-b-net/#commentsFiled under: ,


The anticipated second title update to the Xbox 360 power-house Halo 3 is scheduled to release on Tuesday, September 23. Bringing fresh achievements to the popular shooter as well as a host of new features to Bungie.net, the second update will also revamp the player rating system within the game as well as kick-start the September playlists which adds new variants of current maps into ranked games as well as retire classic gameplay variants like Rocket Race and Big Team Battle.

Some users will notice changes already made to Bungie.net but the changes will only become fully apparent when the update is released. Before our inbox becomes flooded on Tuesday with tips on broken updates there are a few things to keep in mind. Halo 3 ... pretty popular. According to Bungie's Luke Smith players may experience issues with everything from the playlists to actually obtaining the update -- a listing of possible Zero Hour scenarios can be found in the latest Weekly Update. In the update Smith also revealed one of the newly added achievements will not be available until September 25 also known as Halo 3's first birthday.

After a year of shelf-life and its battle for top seed in the Xbox Live rankings, what is your excitement level for the Halo 3 update?

[Thanks for everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqHalo 3 update lands on Sept. 23 brings new features to B.net originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-updatebungiebungie.nethalo-3halo3matchmakingFri, 19 Sep 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[COD4 playlist changes in the pipeline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/cod4-playlist-changes-in-the-pipeline/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/cod4-playlist-changes-in-the-pipeline/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/cod4-playlist-changes-in-the-pipeline/#commentsFiled under:

Considering how long the game has been out now, we're glad that Infinity Ward is keeping up with its community and making sure that they continue to play. Over at IAMfourzerotwo's blog he's updated readers on the playlists that'll be "in testing" over the weekend. The best and most liked of the lot will be added to the playlists in the next update. The four playlists that'll be tested include Multi-bomb Search and Destroy and Hardcore HQ. The full run down with playlist descriptions are listed after the break.

Continue reading COD4 playlist changes in the pipeline

JoystiqCOD4 playlist changes in the pipeline originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-4cod4infinity-wardmatchmakingSun, 13 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 2 reset and matchmaking updates delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/halo-2-reset-and-matchmaking-updates-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/halo-2-reset-and-matchmaking-updates-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/halo-2-reset-and-matchmaking-updates-delayed/#commentsFiled under: ,

The promised rank reset and matchmaking playlist updates to Halo 2 have been delayed, but are scheduled for next week. With the release of the two new multiplayer maps, Bungie had hoped to implement them into matchmaking and do a rank reset. But due to people having troubles getting the maps they are waiting a little longer. Though, Frankie assures us that they are actively working with the Xbox team to figure out all the anomalies that sprung up with releasing the maps the way they did. So, enjoy your Halo 2 rank one blissful week longer.

[Thanks, Zac LaCombe]

JoystiqHalo 2 reset and matchmaking updates delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie studiosBungieStudioshalohalo 2Halo2matchmakingFri, 27 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing the Halo 3 Beta Leaderboard/List]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/introducing-the-halo-3-beta-leaderboard-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/introducing-the-halo-3-beta-leaderboard-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/introducing-the-halo-3-beta-leaderboard-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

So, Phase 1 and 2 of the Halo 3 beta have closed, with most of us getting in. We even know that parties and matchmaking will be available, so you'll be able to play with your friends. A bunch of you readers left comments about getting in and wanted to exchange gamertags with those who were in the same boat. While we were busy throwing paper airplanes around the office here at Fanboy Towers, the idea came about to put together a comprehensive list of gamertags of beta participants. Better yet, we'll leave all the hard work to you, dear reader. If you're in the Halo 3 beta, sign up at our fancy schmancy custom leaderboard. We ask that those relying on Crackdown's invites to please only put your tag on the list after you've nabbed yourself a copy of the game. While you're at it, if you haven't added yourself to either of our standard leaderboards, feel free to do so now.

Xbox 360 Fanboy Halo 3 Beta Participants

Other X3F Leaderboards:

Xbox 360 Fanboy Leaderboard
Xbox 360 Fanboy Leaderboard Mk. II

JoystiqIntroducing the Halo 3 Beta Leaderboard/List originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieHalo 3 BetaHalo3BetaMatchmakingMicrosoft Game StudiosMicrosoftGameStudiosMultiplayerFri, 16 Feb 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie owns up to Halo 2's flaws]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/bungie-owns-up-to-halo-2s-flaws/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/bungie-owns-up-to-halo-2s-flaws/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/bungie-owns-up-to-halo-2s-flaws/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Edge Online posted an interview with Bungie, where various team members discuss Halo 3, the development process and other aspects of the team's infrastructure. One thing has seemingly stood out from the article, though, and that is their view on Halo 2. The comments from Technical Lead Chris Butcher seem to be generating the most buzz. He feels that the team miscalculated on Halo 2 and that the multiplayer should have been exponentially better than what was released on the disc. He even goes so far as to say that he can't even play Halo 2, and uses that as a springboard to illustrate that Halo 3 will not fall into the same trap. Bungie has been known to be hyper critical of their own work in the past. While their opinions may be a little on the extreme side, if it motivates them to make Halo 3 the best it can be, then everybody wins. So, what do you think? Was Halo 2 really that bad? It still set the standard of how party matchmaking should be done, right?

To have a look at the rest of the interview, which touches on many things other than what was wrong with Halo 2, click the "Read" link.

[Thanks, KilgoreTrout]

JoystiqBungie owns up to Halo 2's flaws originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieFinish the FightFinishTheFighthalo 2Halo 3Halo2Halo3MatchmakingMicrosoft games StudiosMicrosoftGamesStudiosMultiplayerXbox 360Xbox LiveXbox360XboxLiveWed, 24 Jan 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadowrun forgoes TrueSkill for 'party' play, Epic told the truth [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/shadowrun-forgoes-trueskill-for-party-play-epic-told-the-trut/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/shadowrun-forgoes-trueskill-for-party-play-epic-told-the-trut/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/shadowrun-forgoes-trueskill-for-party-play-epic-told-the-trut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ShadowrunShadowrun will use a friend-linking party system for ranked matches, yes, but developer FASA had to forgo the use of Microsoft's TrueSkill matchmaking system to implement the feature. In fact, according to Knuckles Dawson who had a chance to play Shadowrun, FASA has built its own matchmaking system from scratch. Microsoft's TrueSkill system does not allow friends to play together in ranked matches -- the explanation Epic used in its own defense.

It's hard to knock Epic for opting to go with TrueSkill. Heck, the system was already in place, and there were seemingly more important areas of development to focus resources on -- and Epic succeeded with an exceptional title. But there's no denying that the Xbox Live community has been upset with how the limitations of TrueSkill affect Gears of War. Epic is certainly considering these opinions, and it wouldn't be too far-fetched to predict that a future update will replace TrueSkill with an Epic-designed matchmaking system that supports parties.

[Update: We incorrectly identified Knuckles Dawson as an employee of Shadowrun developer FASA when he is in fact an echidna an avid Xbox Live player invited by the FASA team to test out their title. The post has been amended.]

JoystiqShadowrun forgoes TrueSkill for 'party' play, Epic told the truth [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicFASAGears of WarGearsOfWarMatchmakingMulitplayerParty SystemPartySystemShadowrunTrueSkillXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveThu, 07 Dec 2006 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3 matchmaking, and why GOW's is broken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/halo-3-matchmaking-and-why-gows-is-broken/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/halo-3-matchmaking-and-why-gows-is-broken/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/halo-3-matchmaking-and-why-gows-is-broken/#commentsFiled under: , ,


1UP continues its parade of Halo 3 coverage today with a new interview. The interview centers around the matchmaking system that Bungie is developing for Halo 3. Besides the obvious issue of cheating, Bungie talks about Halo 3's new ranking system. In addition to the traditional skill based ranking system, Bungie is implementing a new experience based ranking system (according to the latest issue of EGM, these will be actual military ranks). The idea is that whether you win or lose, you will gain some experience. This way, when a new playlist pops up and everyone is a level 1, you'll still have an idea of each player's relative skill level -- i.e. the guy with 300 hours of play time will probably beat the guy with 10.

Continue reading Halo 3 matchmaking, and why GOW's is broken

JoystiqHalo 3 matchmaking, and why GOW's is broken originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie studiosBungieStudioshalohalo 3Halo3matchmakingmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosWed, 22 Nov 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The better matchmaking method, Gears or Halo?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/the-better-matchmaking-method-gears-or-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/the-better-matchmaking-method-gears-or-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/the-better-matchmaking-method-gears-or-halo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With all the excitement surrounding Gears of War this past week, I thought I'd compare its multiplayer with that of my other favorite Xbox game, Halo 2. Of course both games have great multiplayer aspects to them and both are quite fun, but for the sake of this blog post I'm not interested in what the multiplayer is like, I'm looking at how the matchmaking system is implemented. I really want to know how easy is it to get into a game that is ranked, how easy it is to setup a game in which your friends can play, and overall how the multiplayer experience is managed. I pick at my brain for these answers to this multiplayer conundrum ... after the break.

Continue reading The better matchmaking method, Gears or Halo?

JoystiqThe better matchmaking method, Gears or Halo? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gears of warGearsOfWarhalohalo 2Halo2matchmakingxbox liveXboxLiveMon, 13 Nov 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TrueSkill matchmaking demystified [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/trueskill-matchmaking-demystified/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/trueskill-matchmaking-demystified/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/trueskill-matchmaking-demystified/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With all the hoopla surrounding Gears of War's matchmaking system we've been led to believe that come Emergence Day we won't get to play ranked games with our friends on Xbox Live. Well, that's only partially true. The smart folks over at Microsoft's Applied Games Group try to explain the TueSkill matchmaking system that Gears implements for ranked multiplayer sessions. They state that the TrueSkill system doesn't allow you to play ranked games against your friends due to the possibility of intentionally throwing a game to increase anther's rank. (That makes sense, keep going.) The other dark side of the coin is that the system doesn't allow you to "party up" with your friends either, due to them wanting to keep TrueSkill valid and completely random. (That kinda sucks, anything else?) The bright spot in all of this is that the TrueSkill system doesn't prevent you from playing alongside your friends, since you'll share the same outcome as them, but it's all up to chance of the TrueSkill system that you'll actually be paired with your buddy. Hopefully this clears up some of the mystery surrounding the matchmaking in Gears of War ... or maybe I just made you all the more confused.

Update: Ok, after analyzing this more thoroughly it looks like Gears of War's rank isn't based solely off of your win/lose ratio, but takes into account numerous individual stats. So, the TrueSkill ranking system looks at players individually and not as a team, hence why you can't party with a buddy in ranked games. Thanks BenzMoney for your insight, but the outcome is still the same no matter who you want to point your finger at ... you can't play ranked matches of Gears of War with your friends in one party. Also, I fixed that evil spelling error and I love how you're keeping the new guy on his toes!

[Via VGBlogger]

JoystiqTrueSkill matchmaking demystified [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gears of warGearsOfWarmatchmakingtrueskillxbox liveXboxLiveMon, 06 Nov 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uno matchmaking fix on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/10/uno-matchmaking-fix-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/10/uno-matchmaking-fix-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/10/uno-matchmaking-fix-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under:


UNO for Xbox Live Arcade (currently the game of choice for Xbox360Fanboy editorial meetings) is generally percieved as a successful take on the classic card game -- with one major flaw: gamers attempting to play a ranked match are thrown into their own lobby instead of being matched up, resulting in an annoying wait for competition. Fortunately Carbonated Games tells us a fix is near. UNO Program Manager Richard Thames Rowan posted the following response to complaints on K1lla's Xbox Domain:

The UNO development team is aware of the problem that some people are having with matchmaking and has a fix going through certification right now. Hopefully, you'll see this roll out soon, so no need to email anyone.

Finally, ranked matches without a 20 minute wait. There can be only one.

JoystiqUno matchmaking fix on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jun 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebugsfixmatchmakingunoupdatesSat, 10 Jun 2006 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 2142 scans of PC Gamer cover story leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/21/battlefield-2142-scans-of-pc-gamer-cover-story-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/21/battlefield-2142-scans-of-pc-gamer-cover-story-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/21/battlefield-2142-scans-of-pc-gamer-cover-story-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Battlefield 2142 cover for PC Gamer magazineThe Battlefield 2142 hoopla is starting to look more and more real as scans of the PC Gamer issue in question have surfaced online with BF 2142 featured as the magazine's May cover story.

Digg contributor Iced_Eagle has pointed us to an 8.5MB archive of images from the mag, with 9 pages concerned with 2142 and 2 pages having to do with Half-Life 2: Episode 1. If you're interested in knowing "where your unstoppable 20-foot Mech is," then you'd best get to that reading online or off ASAP.

For those still skeptical of any gaming news outlet coming out with such a story in the general vicinity of April Fools' Day, keep in mind that the game appears to not only be the magazine's cover story, but that its coverage also fills up all those pages of print mentioned earlier. EGM merely dedicated a single page with a brief line in the table of contents to its Apple iGame prank this year, so this would seem like a lot of effort on PC Gamer or some extremely dedicated Photoshopper's part to fool the gaming public. Will this fall prove to be the point when the BF franchise finally frags in the future? At this point, it would certainly seem so. Read on for further details about the game; the cover pic links to the scans.

Continue reading Battlefield 2142 scans of PC Gamer cover story leaked

JoystiqBattlefield 2142 scans of PC Gamer cover story leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Mar 2006 04:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-foot mech20-footMechAmerican-European AllianceAmerican-europeanAllianceanti-airanti-personnelanti-tankApril Fools\' DayAprilFools\'DayBattlefieldBattlefield 2Battlefield 2142Battlefield-2142Battlefield2Battlefield2142BF 2142Bf2142cloakingco-opCommanderDICEE3EGMElectronic-ArtsEngineerEpisode 1Episode1Half-Life 2Half-life2Iced_EagleiGameinterfacejetsmatchmakingnorthern AfricaNorthernAfricaPan Asian CoalitionPanAsianCoalitionPCPC GamerPcGamerPhotoshopperpre-alphareconRPG elementsRpgElementsSquad LeaderSquadLeaderStar TrekStarTrekTue, 21 Mar 2006 04:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Free basic service on "PlayStation Network Platform"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/15/free-basic-service-on-playstation-network-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/15/free-basic-service-on-playstation-network-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/15/free-basic-service-on-playstation-network-platform/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PlayStation Network Platform slide from the PlayStation Business Briefing 2006Going by the working title "PlayStation Network Platform," Sony has announced that the basic level of its online service will be free (at least at first).

While the company's "Live-killer" will readily support the PS3 at launch in November, it is not known to what extent the "PNP" (er, "PSNP"?) will support the PS2 and PSP.

What are supported, however, are voice/video chat, messaging, matchmaking, ranking, game data uploading/downloading, shopping, content downloading, micro payments, subscriptions, and entitlement (i.e., user access) management. All of this will be tied together with a Live-like user login ID/handle name. Hello, 360... More P(S)NP pics follow.

Continue reading Free basic service on "PlayStation Network Platform"

JoystiqFree basic service on "PlayStation Network Platform" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>content downloadingContentDownloadingentitlement managementEntitlementManagementgame data uploading/downloadingGameDataUploading/downloadingLive killerLiveKillermatchmakingmessagingmicro paymentsMicroPaymentsPlayStation Network PlatformPlaystationNetworkPlatformPNPPS2PS3PSNPPSPrankingshoppingsubscriptionsuser accessuser login ID/handle nameUserAccessUserLoginId/handleNamevoice/video chatVoice/videoChatworking titleWorkingTitleXboxXbox-360Wed, 15 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST