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[UK game sales down 17% in 2012, digital crosses £1 billion for first time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/uk-game-sales-down-17-in-2012-digital-crosses-1-billion-for-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/uk-game-sales-down-17-in-2012-digital-crosses-1-billion-for-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/uk-game-sales-down-17-in-2012-digital-crosses-1-billion-for-f/#comments UK video game sales down by 174% in 2012, digital sales cross 1 billion for the first timeThe UK's Entertainment Retailers' Association has released its final report for 2012, and video game sales in that country are down more than 17 percent. Total entertainment sales, including music and movie sales, are down by about 12 percent. The culprit seems to be physical sales, with video game shares of that category dropping from 73 percent to 65.4 percent, and physical sales overall dropping by about 5 percent.

ERA Director General Kim Bayley actually cited the drops as a success for physical media, in that "despite digital's seemingly inexorable growth, the CD, the DVD and the physical games disc show incredible resilience." Bayley added that despite the shrinking numbers, "physical formats still account for three quarters of the entertainment market."

On the digital side, sales crossed a record of £1 billion for the first time ever. Digital video game sales rose by 7.7 percent, just slightly less than the overall growth trend in digital. For now, however, digital growth isn't enough to keep the industry at large growing. The ERA says the lack of growth was largely due to a "dearth of attractive releases" last summer, and the organization hopes to "offer the public a much better release slate in 2013."

JoystiqUK game sales down 17% in 2012, digital crosses £1 billion for first time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-salesenglandentertainment-retailers-associationeragamesmediamicrosoftmobilemoviesmusicpcphysical-salesplaystationps3ukunited-kingdomvideo-game-salesxboxWed, 02 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur trailer and screens highlight Team Race, Team Motor Mash modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/blur-trailer-and-screens-highlight-team-race-team-motor-mash-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/blur-trailer-and-screens-highlight-team-race-team-motor-mash-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/blur-trailer-and-screens-highlight-team-race-team-motor-mash-mo/#commentsIn the latest trailer for Blur, lead designer Gareth Wilson takes us for a lap around the upcoming racer's bevy of team events. First, Wilson breaks down some tactics in Team Race, your run-of-the-mill us-vs-them race mode, in which teams duke it out on the track. Here, players can swap mods and lend assistance in a variety of ways -- all in an effort to finish the race in the best position possible, thus earning more points than the enemy team.

The second portion of the trailer focuses on Team Motor Mash, another points-based team mode in which points aren't simply earned through pole position, but rather through the judicious application of power-ups. Players can also earn points by smashing into rival drivers, giving this mode a Destruction Derby-like feel.

Aside from the new trailer, we've also got some new screens for you to check out in the gallery below. Blur races to the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on May 25.

Gallery: Blur - Team Tutorial

JoystiqBlur trailer and screens highlight Team Race, Team Motor Mash modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationsblurmediaMicrosoftmotor-mashmultiplayerscreensscreenshotsteam-motor-mashteam-racevideoXbox-360Thu, 20 May 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[New Super Mario Galaxy 2 media is all about Luigi]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/new-super-mario-galaxy-2-media-is-all-about-luigi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/new-super-mario-galaxy-2-media-is-all-about-luigi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/new-super-mario-galaxy-2-media-is-all-about-luigi/#comments In the run up to Super Mario Galaxy 2's big launch later this month, Nintendo has been releasing a steady stream of nostalgia-caked media on the game. And while we don't tell you about each and every one (there's a handful of trailers right here, for instance), we do try and point out the ones that are particularly enticing. For instance, today's trailer features the once-again-playable Luigi as he gets in on some Power Star collecting action himself.

It's not clear whether the other Mr. Mario is playable from the get-go -- in the first Super Mario Galaxy, Luigi only became playable after collecting all 120 stars -- but he will clearly be a character that players can control. See Mario's partner in time don an adorable bee suit in the gallery below and check out the new trailer just above.

Gallery: Super Mario Galaxy 2 (with Luigi!)

JoystiqNew Super Mario Galaxy 2 media is all about Luigi originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luigimediaNintendopower-starscreenshotssuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2trailerWiiWed, 05 May 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Street Fighter IV iPhone media arrives on US shores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/new-street-fighter-iv-iphone-media-arrives-on-us-shores/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/new-street-fighter-iv-iphone-media-arrives-on-us-shores/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/new-street-fighter-iv-iphone-media-arrives-on-us-shores/#comments Though we all got a first eyes-on with Street Fighter IV's iPhone appearance not too long ago via an exclusive early look from GamePro, Capcom just officially released the first video of the game as well as a smattering of new screenshots (all 32 of which have been conveniently compiled by Andriasang).

And while the trailer seen above features the same two fighters (Ken and Ryu) that the last video did, we certainly don't mind getting another chance to marvel at the uncanny vision of Street Fighter IV being played competitively on iPhones; it's quite like being drunk in North Korea -- something just doesn't feel right. The trailer also gives a "Coming March 2010" at the end, so it would seem that we don't have too much longer before we'll be able to marvel at the game from the comfort of our own phones.

Gallery: Street Fighter IV (iPhone)

JoystiqNew Street Fighter IV iPhone media arrives on US shores originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplecapcomfightingiPodkenmediaq1-2010release-dateryuscreenshotsstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivtrailerThu, 04 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Guilty Party spurs television-crowding bedlam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/disney-guilty-party-spurs-television-crowding-bedlam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/disney-guilty-party-spurs-television-crowding-bedlam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/disney-guilty-party-spurs-television-crowding-bedlam/#commentsWe're not convinced that anyone outside of Disney Guilty Party's target audience will stand up and dance when the music for the above trailer really ramps up, but that doesn't mean we're trying to dissuade you from viewing it. Quite the contrary, as Guilty Party's revelry in the family-friendly nature of its cartoon sleuthery shouldn't necessarily be a reason to ignore it (yes, the music is a tad obnoxious).

We'll have a hands-on with the game going up later today, but from what we can see in the trailer above and the screenshots below, it seems to be a lighthearted puzzle game suitable for a room full of friends. The jury's still out on whether or not that room full of friends plays good games or not.

Gallery: Disney Guilty Party

JoystiqDisney Guilty Party spurs television-crowding bedlam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-guilty-parydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosmediaNintendonintendo-media-summit-2010screenshotstrailerwideloadwideload-gamesWiiWed, 24 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EGM Now launches with ... digitized final issue of old EGM?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/egm-now-launches-with-digitized-final-issue-of-old-egm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/egm-now-launches-with-digitized-final-issue-of-old-egm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/egm-now-launches-with-digitized-final-issue-of-old-egm/#comments We've been hearing about Steve Harris's digital version of the soon-to-be relaunched EGM for quite some time now, and we're just one month away from the magazine's return to newsstands. However, if you're trying to get an early peek at what Harris has in store for EGMi: The Digital Magazine (that he's said will be released supplementally between print issues), now's your chance. But what's this? The mysterious unreleased "last issue"of EGM? It is!

As Harris puts it, "The links on this cover page aren't live yet - but they will be long before Summer arrives." Okay, okay, it might've taken a year for the issue to become available -- and yes, it might be full of content on games that have been out for quite some time now -- but hey, it's a chance to explore "layers and depth that you control." Doesn't that seem enticing? Well, we're not really sure quite yet, as the Screen Paper-based issue has yet to incorporate the promises we've been hearing since last September. With grand plans for the release of a digital magazine every week once the print mag relaunches, we'll certainly see how this shakes out soon enough.

JoystiqEGM Now launches with ... digitized final issue of old EGM? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmegm-nowegmiegmi-the-digital-magazinelost-issuemagazinemediaprintscreen-papersteve-harrisstreet-fighter-ivFri, 19 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[All but one Future publication saw circulation dip in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/all-but-one-future-publication-saw-circulation-dip-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/all-but-one-future-publication-saw-circulation-dip-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/all-but-one-future-publication-saw-circulation-dip-in-2009/#comments
[Image credit: benben]
Can you guess which of Future Publishing's nine magazines didn't lose readership in 2009? If your money was with Edge, you've got our permission to give yourself a nice big pat on the back. Go ahead, we'll wait. Done? Good. Like we were saying, the UK game mag publisher saw shrinking circulation numbers in 2009 -- the same year that saw the closure of PlayStation World by Future and the shuttering of long-running US gaming mag EGM by Ziff-Davis.

While Edge circulation numbers rose by (a somewhat meager) 109 readers, Games Master dropped by 6,636 (to 34,313), PC Zone by 7,666 (to 11,357), and Xbox World 360 by 5,156 (to 25,874). While those numbers might seem a bit on the low side, that has more to do with the smaller size/population of the UK than anything else (though, of course, dropping readership numbers don't mean good things for any publication house).

According to the GamesIndustry.biz report, Future blames the circulation drops on "slowing sales and ad spend [advertisers spending on print advertising]." We've dropped the entire list of circulation numbers after the break (care of the UK Audit Bureau of Circulations), should you be so inclined to peruse all the stats.

Continue reading All but one Future publication saw circulation dip in 2009

JoystiqAll but one Future publication saw circulation dip in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audit-bureau-of-circulationsedgeegmfuturefuture-publishinggames-mastermagazinesmediaofficial-nintendo-magazineofficial-playstation-magazineofficial-xbox-360-magazinepc-gamerpc-zoneplaystation-3-magazineprintukxbox-world-360ziff-davisFri, 12 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports MMA drops an elbow full of screenshots onto our lower back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/ea-sports-mma-drops-an-elbow-full-of-screenshots-onto-our-lower/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/ea-sports-mma-drops-an-elbow-full-of-screenshots-onto-our-lower/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/ea-sports-mma-drops-an-elbow-full-of-screenshots-onto-our-lower/#comments The slow trickle of EA Sports MMA media appears to be picking up again with today's small handful of new shots. EA released a relative pittance of assets in the form of five screenshots (including the Eeyore-inspired headshot you see above). Rather than show off new fighters, the screens instead showcase two long-announced Strikeforce combatants -- Jake Shields and Brett Rogers. Head to the gallery below for both gentlemen in all their polygonal glory.

Gallery: EA Sports MMA (2.1.2010)


JoystiqEA Sports MMA drops an elbow full of screenshots onto our lower back originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brett-rogersdana-whiteeaea-sportsea-sports-mmaElectronic-Artsjake-shieldsmediaMicrosoftpartnershipscreenshotsstrikeforceXbox-360Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Look! There are new The Last Guardian screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/look-there-are-new-the-last-guardian-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/look-there-are-new-the-last-guardian-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/look-there-are-new-the-last-guardian-screens/#comments
 We're not going to pussy-foot around this (ha, you said -- nevermind): Team Ico's highly-anticipated The Last Guardian finally has an honest-to-goodness website now, chock full of saliva-inducing high-res screens. Aside from that, there isn't really much there at the site now -- apart from the trailers we've all seen way too many times but, hey, you might as well watch them again because it's been [insert any amount of time here] since you last watched them and why not? Anyway, go to the site and look at the new screens.

What? No more words! The only thing we want to hear is you going "awwww" at the beautiful relationship between a young boy and his catbird thing.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqLook! There are new The Last Guardian screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fumito-uedamediascreensteam-icothe-last-guardiantricouedavideoMon, 01 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Slingbox DVR streaming due for PS3, says Sling Media VP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/slingbox-dvr-streaming-coming-to-ps3-says-sling-media-vp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/slingbox-dvr-streaming-coming-to-ps3-says-sling-media-vp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/slingbox-dvr-streaming-coming-to-ps3-says-sling-media-vp/#comments Our buddy Leo LaPorte interviewed Jay Tannenbaum of Sling Media the other week on his Tech Guy Labs podcast live at CES, and reader Jason spotted a little bit of news that will be of interest to PS3 owners. The interview starts at about 33 minutes into episode 629, and in his chat with Leo at 33:35, Tannenbaum mentions that the Slingbox software allows you to stream DVR content to anywhere in the world, including "your phone, your laptop, and soon to even the PlayS -- uh, PS3." Leo responds the same way we would, with an incredulous, "Really?" And Tannenbaum answers in the affirmative.

So, wow, there you go. Presumably, you'll still need a Slingbox to actually sling the media out to your console, and obviously there's no word yet of how the software would be delivered to the PS3 (on a disk like the Netflix app, or via a purchased program like the $30 iPhone app), but eventually you'll be able to watch your Slingbox media, even in 1080i, as Tannenbaum says later in the interview, on your PlayStation 3. Interested?

Update: DustoMan in our comments says that Tannenbaum meant streaming Slingbox through the PS3's browser, as shown in these photos at CES. Still works, we guess, but not quite as groovy.

JoystiqSlingbox DVR streaming due for PS3, says Sling Media VP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cescontentdvrinterviewjay-tannenbaumleo-laportemedianetflixpodcastps3slingsling-mediaslingboxstreamingtech-guy-labsThu, 28 Jan 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Eidos Life President Livingstone speaks out against mainstream media's game coverage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/eidos-life-president-livingstone-speaks-out-against-mainstream-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/eidos-life-president-livingstone-speaks-out-against-mainstream-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/eidos-life-president-livingstone-speaks-out-against-mainstream-m/#comments During the Westminster eForum this week, Eidos head (and Life President) Ian Livingstone had some less than favorable things to say about the mainstream media's coverage of the gaming industry. "People just couldn't accept that games are a great learning tool," Livingstone told the crowd of "industry representatives and their advisors, interest groups, local authorities, the voluntary sector and academia, along with members of the reporting press," reports MCV. He asked for mainstream news outlets to focus less on violence in games and to instead look at "the poor skills the UK has to make games."

In his eyes, the mainstream media's overwhelming focus on violence in games -- and consistent ignoring of the economically beneficial side of the game industry -- certainly isn't helping to bring the development tax breaks he's been pushing in the UK for quite some time now. To help change minds, we suggest that Mr. Livingstone get in touch with the two people who have been most able to clearly convey our feelings on the violent video game debate -- Penn and Teller, of course!

JoystiqEidos Life President Livingstone speaks out against mainstream media's game coverage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoseidos-life-presidentian-livingstonelife-presidentmainstream-mediamediapenn-and-tellerpresstax-breaksukwestminsterwestminster-eforumFri, 22 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro 2033 gets box art, new screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/metro-2033-gets-box-art-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/metro-2033-gets-box-art-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/metro-2033-gets-box-art-new-screens/#commentsHey, whaddya know! Metro 2033 apparently does allow players to exit the titular Russian metro system, as evidenced by the smattering of new screens handed over this morning by THQ. Included among them was the requisite box art shot, featuring a strikingly Helghastian face hovering just above the game's logo. Though we've yet to hear an official release date for the title, last week's three full minutes of gameplay and today's cavalcade of screens (including the game box art) give us the impression that we'll hear about that sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, we'll be trying to figure out what this giant gun turret is for.

Gallery: Metro 2033 (1/14)

JoystiqMetro 2033 gets box art, new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesfpsmediametro-2033MicrosoftpcrussiascreenshotsthqXbox-360Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[British MP hopes to expand Gamers' Voice advocacy group]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/british-mp-hopes-to-expand-gamers-voice-advocacy-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/british-mp-hopes-to-expand-gamers-voice-advocacy-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/british-mp-hopes-to-expand-gamers-voice-advocacy-group/#comments
[Facebook: Gamers' Voice]
Last month, we wrote about Facebook-based advocacy group Gamers' Voice, British Labor MP Tom Watson's initiative to combat the wave of negative press garnered by violent video games and gaming culture as a whole. At the time that story was published, the group had a few hundred members. Just two weeks after the story was published, the group had over 15,000 members.

According to a recent interview with IndustryGamers, Watson is inviting the group's ranks to join him at the British House of Commons tomorrow to discuss the future of the group. However, he's already seen results in Parliament, where his fellow politicians have shown interest in learning about the issues that pertain to games and have asked about connecting with gamers. Watson's personal goals are fairly reasonable: To stop the media's attacks on the entire industry "because one scene in one game is unpleasant to one journalist," and to "get a balanced view about what games really are."

JoystiqBritish MP hopes to expand Gamers' Voice advocacy group originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britishfacebookgamers-voicemediamember-of-parliamentmpparliamentpoliticstom-watsonukTue, 08 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[British MP Watson leading charge against Modern Warfare 2 media controversy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/british-mp-watson-leading-charge-against-modern-warfare-2-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/british-mp-watson-leading-charge-against-modern-warfare-2-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/british-mp-watson-leading-charge-against-modern-warfare-2-media/#comments Tom Watson, a member of British Parliament, has developed a sort of folk hero status among European gamers this morning. After his fellow MP, Keith Vaz, promised to decry the violence depicted in Modern Warfare 2 (specifically in that one scene) in the next session of Parliament, Watson publicly defended the game on Facebook and Twitter. He then kicked it up a notch and started a pressure group called Gamers' Voice on Facebook. The group's mission statement explains that its members will discuss "how UK video gamers can find their voice in newspapers and government."

It was a wise, pre-emptive move on Watson's part -- as promised, Vaz brought up the game during today's Parliament session, explaining that it's so violent that "even the manufacturers have put in warnings within the game telling people how they can skip particular scenes." He inquired how the government was planning on "protecting our children." Watson stepped in and dropped the timeless observation that the UK already has a game rating system which restricts the game's sale to minors, and that it's more important to protect the gaming industry than it is to "create moral panic" in the media.

If you want to stay informed of Watson's other heroic, industry-defending activities, you might want to join the Gamers' Voice group. (We hear that shortly after that Parliament session, he doused a burning orphanage, then ate an entire maple tree for breakfast. Seriously!)

JoystiqBritish MP Watson leading charge against Modern Warfare 2 media controversy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2criticismeuropemediaMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2parliamentpoliticstom-watsonukXbox-360Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GamePro shutters BlogFaction websites, focusing on GamePro.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/gamepro-shutters-blogfaction-websites-focusing-on-gamepro-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/gamepro-shutters-blogfaction-websites-focusing-on-gamepro-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/gamepro-shutters-blogfaction-websites-focusing-on-gamepro-com/#comments
For those of you visiting BlogFaction.com in the past day or two, the news that the handful of GamePro-owned sites aggregated there (including GameGirl and GamePro Arcade) are being shuttered isn't exactly fresh. The closing of the "BlogFaction" branded sites comes just weeks after the announcement of new leadership under ex-1UP/WhatTheyPlay owner John Davison. Joystiq spoke with Davison this afternoon about the change and confirmed that while the sites will remain online, they will no longer receive any updates.

"We've invited all the BlogFaction contributors to pitch stories to GamePro," Davison told us. "A lot of my emphasis is going to be on building up online and really trying to think of GamePro as 'GamePro, the brand,' not just 'GamePro, the magazine' ... I started last week and the charge I was given was to help reboot GamePro as a brand." He explained that the reasoning behind discontinuing updates to the BlogFaction sites is to refocus effort on GamePro.com, and his next focus is on delineating between GP content that works online versus that which works in print. He left us with the hint that we'll hopefully be seeing the fruits of his labor by early next year.

JoystiqGamePro shutters BlogFaction websites, focusing on GamePro.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogfactionbusinessgameprogamepro.comjohn-davisonmediapressFri, 16 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garnett Lee becomes editorial director for GameFly media, including Shacknews [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/garnett-lee-becomes-editorial-director-for-gamefly-media-includ/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/garnett-lee-becomes-editorial-director-for-gamefly-media-includ/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/garnett-lee-becomes-editorial-director-for-gamefly-media-includ/#comments 1UP editor and podcast personality Garnett Lee has joined GameFly to become the editorial director for all of the game rental service's media properties. He will now take charge of GameFly's recently acquired and created sites, which include Shacknews, FileShack, Ponged and Gameanswers.com.

Lee was one of the few survivors in the great 1UP culling that occurred earlier this year, when the former Ziff-Davis property was purchased by UGO. GameFly, as we've mentioned before, is slowly shifting from its core competency of being a game rental service to becoming an internet publishing outfit.

Update: We spoke with Garnett Lee and his comments about the change are after the break.

Continue reading Garnett Lee becomes editorial director for GameFly media, including Shacknews [update]

JoystiqGarnett Lee becomes editorial director for GameFly media, including Shacknews [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbusinessgameflygarnett-leemediaugoTue, 29 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD gaming apps feature interstitial ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/zune-hd-gaming-apps-feature-interstitial-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/zune-hd-gaming-apps-feature-interstitial-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/zune-hd-gaming-apps-feature-interstitial-ads/#comments Most of the reviews of Microsoft's new portable media device, the Zune HD, have been positive -- though from a gaming perspective, one "feature" of the new hardware has drawn the ire of gadgeteers. When booting up one of the free game apps, potential players are forced to view interstitial advertisements of varying lengths. Ars Technica measured the time it took to boot up these games -- the "Goo Splat" game features a static advertisement for the Kia Soul, and takes 17 seconds to load. The Chess application includes a video ad for the vehicle, and takes an entire half-minute to boot up.

Though the Zune HD's multitouch screen and sleek visuals allow for responsive (and good-looking) gaming, we can't imagine these ads will be terribly popular. Still, the games are free, so we guess we can't look a gift horse in the lengthy, unskippable promotional material.

JoystiqZune HD gaming apps feature interstitial ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingappscommercialhandheldmediamobileportablezunezune-hdSat, 19 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Future US president calls it quits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/future-us-president-calls-it-quits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/future-us-president-calls-it-quits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/future-us-president-calls-it-quits/#comments
Yes, 12-year-old Billy Caruthers, projected winner of the 2036 presidential election has decided to resign from his pending office in order to dodge controversy surrounding his pending extramarital affair. He -- oh, wait. We totally misread that headline. The president of magazine publisher Future US, Jonathan Simpson-Bint, is stepping down August 31 in order to start up his own business. Simpson-Bint has been working with the company for 18 years, and oversaw the launch of PSM, IGN.com and DailyRadar.com.

Future is currently looking for Simpson-Bint's replacement -- if you've got experience managing humongous publishing companies, yet find yourself working as a lowly fry cook at your local Carl's Jr., perhaps its time you gained some upward mobility.

JoystiqFuture US president calls it quits originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futurefuture-usmagazinemediapublishingThu, 18 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Uplay brings 'confluence' to Ubisoft titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/uplay-brings-confluence-to-ubisoft-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/uplay-brings-confluence-to-ubisoft-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/uplay-brings-confluence-to-ubisoft-titles/#comments
Ubisoft has just revealed a web-based service called Uplay, set to come out by the end of the year, that will enable people playing their games to connect up and share media, make purchases, and download game information, all through a standardized cross-game interface. It will premiere in their games later this year and will hope to accomplish Ubisoft's stated goal of "confluence": connecting developers with players and gamers with each other completely inside of the game menus themselves.

We're skeptical, but they haven't pulled back the curtain on what exactly it will offer Ubisoft fans yet. But we'll find out by the holidays, as the first games to support Uplay will be Splinter Cell: Conviction, Avatar, and Assassin's Creed 2.

JoystiqUplay brings 'confluence' to Ubisoft titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2avatarcoming-soongame-informationmediamenupurchasessplinter-cell-convictionubisoftuplayMon, 01 Jun 2009 20:34:00 EST<![CDATA[SXSW 2009: EA Dead Space - A Deep Media Case Study ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/21/sxsw-2009-ea-dead-space-a-deep-media-case-study/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/21/sxsw-2009-ea-dead-space-a-deep-media-case-study/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/21/sxsw-2009-ea-dead-space-a-deep-media-case-study/#comments
One of SXSW's panels that showed off the effects of Panelitis Fakeoutitis (where a panel sounds much better on paper than it actually is) was "EA Dead Space: A Deep Case Media Study," which sounded like it would be a dissection of the game and what went into creating it.

A closer reading of the synopsis noted that it was all about "the method and the madness behind Electronic Arts' use of cross-platform marketing." Wait? What? Marketing?! Well, we went anyhow, and you can check out the highlights beyond the break.

Continue reading SXSW 2009: EA Dead Space - A Deep Media Case Study

JoystiqSXSW 2009: EA Dead Space - A Deep Media Case Study originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dead-SpaceDeep-FocusEAea-redwood-shoresElectronic-ArtsmarketingmediaMicrosoftscifispacesurvival-horrorsxswsxsw-2009Xbox-360Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Nintendo Magazine launching down under]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/official-nintendo-magazine-launching-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/official-nintendo-magazine-launching-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/official-nintendo-magazine-launching-down-under/#commentsFiled under:

Cheer up, Aussies and Kiwis -- even though your local Club Nintendo appears to have gone completely AWOL (checking ... nope, still nothing), you'll shortly be getting your very own version of Official Nintendo Magazine, basically the UK equivalent of Nintendo Power. That's ... almost as good. Right?

Like its Brit cousin, Official Nintendo Magazine - Australia and New Zealand will be assembled by the talented folks at Future, the same name behind such excellent time-wasting periodicals as N64 Magazine, Amiga Power, and Arcade, and who currently churn out Edge. The first issue, a special edition no less, should be hitting shelves in December for AU$8.95.

[Via press release]

JoystiqOfficial Nintendo Magazine launching down under originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafuturefuture-publishingmagazinemedianew-zealandofficial-nintendo-magazineonmWed, 12 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Old E3 to return?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/rumor-old-e3-to-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/rumor-old-e3-to-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/rumor-old-e3-to-return/#commentsFiled under:


60,000 gamers crammed together in one sweaty convention center. Women in skimpy outfits, paraded like pieces of meat. A gigantic, deafening, cacophonous din.

Yep, the old-style E3 really was glorious. But in all seriousness, it seems as though most of the internet would kill for a return to the old format. Whether it's because of the muted reception to this year's horribly empty E3 Media and Business Summit, or simply a hangover from Nintendo's ill-received press conference, the majority of fans want E3 to return to being the spectacle it once was. Significant industry figures seem to agree.

And now, it might just happen. Kotaku claims that the idea of returning to the E3 of yesteryear and opening the doors to the public has been officially proposed, and is currently being discussed by the ESA board, the folks who organize the event. Maybe the "old E3" won't just be a story we tell our grandchildren, decades from now.

Most of E3 2008 will stick in many people's memories for literally weeks. Who can forget Reggie revving that jet ski, or Nintendo suits playing fake instruments, or Cammie and her wrist? Still, at least there was Mega Man 9 and Pikmin.

JoystiqRumor: Old E3 to return? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesse3e3-2008esamediaWed, 03 Sep 2008 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Teen commits suicide, guess what gets the blame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/teen-commits-suicide-guess-what-gets-the-blame/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/teen-commits-suicide-guess-what-gets-the-blame/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/teen-commits-suicide-guess-what-gets-the-blame/#commentsFiled under:

If you guessed "those vile, reprehensible videogames," then you're absolutely correct. The Daily Mail has published a report on Jake Roberts, a 13-year-old British youth who took his own life in February following an argument over a confiscated Wii game. A tragic tale, to be sure, but there's no doubt that the Mail's angle on the story leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

In truth, this is hardly surprising. The Daily Mail has always stooped low to make its point, and the newspaper can barely wait to get into the shameful, dirty business of pointing fingers and furthering its own anti-gaming agenda through the story of a teen ending his own life. Tasteful, right? Right from the first line and throughout most of the article, the Mail insists on linking Jake's death with the dispute over his Wii, wilfully ignoring the possibility that other factors may have influenced Jake's sad decision over a longer period of time.

Or, to put it another way, it's another proud day for the mainstream press.

[Via Destructoid]

JoystiqTeen commits suicide, guess what gets the blame originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mediascapegoatsensationalismsuicideteenukThu, 26 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WiiPlayer optimizes iPlayer for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/wiiplayer-optimizes-iplayer-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/wiiplayer-optimizes-iplayer-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/wiiplayer-optimizes-iplayer-for-wii/#commentsFiled under:

It still puzzles us that the BBC was so keen to make its (admittedly excellent and very popular) iPlayer catch-up service compatible with the Wii. Are there really that many Wii owners out there with internet-ready PCs who would opt to use the service on the Wii's slightly clunky Opera browser? Why not just use your PC to watch the latest editions of Gavin & Stacey and The Apprentice? You know: the one you're using to read these words, right at this very second?

Not only that, but the iPlayer on the Wii is hardly user-friendly. Text is so small that it's almost unreadable, loading times are hardly ideal, and the low resolution of the Wii's browser makes navigation awkward. Cue the intervention of WiiPlayer, a hacked version of the iPlayer that has been optimized for Nintendo's console, and is now available for use at http://defaced.co.uk/wiiplayer.

It won't work on your PC, and it goes without saying you'll still have to reside in the UK to use this, but WiiPlayer does do a sterling job, replacing the iPlayer's teensy text and browser-taxing layout with pleasingly chunky, Wiimote-friendly icons and a cleaner, less cluttered appearance.

Gallery: WiiPlayer


[Via Tech Digest]

JoystiqWiiPlayer optimizes iPlayer for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbritainbritish-broadcasting-corporationbrowserentertainmentgreat-britainhackinternet-channeliplayermediaoperatelevisiontellytvukFri, 06 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC asks: Are games making kids smarter? [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/bbc-asks-are-games-making-kids-smarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/bbc-asks-are-games-making-kids-smarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/bbc-asks-are-games-making-kids-smarter/#commentsFiled under:



After its laughable coverage of Brain Training's "discriminatory" stance on accents earlier this year, the BBC had some work to do to get back in our favor. The feature above, part of a recent edition of flagship news program Newsnight, does just that.

Rather than automatically accusing videogames of having a negative effect on children (a default position for countless media outlets), the piece suggests that games have helped to produce brighter kids now than at any stage in history. Leading the charge for this side of the debate is Steven Johnson, author of Everything Bad Is Good for You. Johnson contends that because so much modern media (the internet, interactive television, games) is no longer consumed passively, many children grow up to be "more creative, more dynamic." Later in the piece, he also suggests that games help us to believe that "complex problem-solving is fun."

There's some solid evidence to support Johnson's claims, most notably in the IQ scores of children, which have climbed considerably over the last century. Could computer games truly be assisting in making today's kids the smartest yet? We're not certain there's a conclusive answer to that, but it delights us to see the BBC covering the debate in such a measured fashion.

[Update: Not actually shown in the UK on Friday, as original post stated.]

JoystiqBBC asks: Are games making kids smarter? [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcchildreniqkidsmedianewsnightSat, 24 May 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo drops out of Leipzig GC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/nintendo-drops-out-of-leipzig-gc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/nintendo-drops-out-of-leipzig-gc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/nintendo-drops-out-of-leipzig-gc/#commentsFiled under:



The Leipzig Game Convention? Nintendo is so over it. In an announcement to the press earlier today, the company ruled itself out of the forthcoming event, stating that it will be focusing instead on "smaller, local events and national promotional tours" -- a bit like this one, we suppose.

Ninty was keen to emphasize that this was nothing to do with the event itself (the kind of "it's not you, it's me" excuse we've heard a thousand times before!), but we're still surprised; didn't Leipzig have 185,000 visitors last year? Our guess is that Nintendo is trying to reach out to its new audience, which we understand consists primarily of people who don't attend game conventions.

[Thanks, Andreas!]

JoystiqNintendo drops out of Leipzig GC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeeventgcleipzigmediaFri, 23 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS 'turned kids into monsters']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/ds-turned-kids-into-monsters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/ds-turned-kids-into-monsters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/ds-turned-kids-into-monsters/#commentsFiled under:

Everybody's favorite scaremongering rag the Daily Mail is at it again. Regular Mail scribe and middle England mom Rosie Millard has written about how a Nintendo DS "turned my delightful, curious and funny children into argumentative demons full of aggression." In the 1,000-word article, Millard laments that her blissful domestic existence was disrupted by her offspring squabbling over the console, and knows exactly where the blame lies: the "hideous" DS.

So far, so predictable, but whereas we'd usually be irked by something like this, we actually found most of it amusing. For example, Millard unwittingly admits to purchasing pirated games ("The pale blue, £150 Nintendo finally arrived last November, fresh from Hong Kong, crammed with a 'bundle' of 20 games including Brain Trainer, Fifa 08, and Nintendogs"), while some of the language used is so ridiculously over the top and inflated that we couldn't help but smirk -- apparently, the DS encouraged a "mood [...] of anger, confrontation, pain and frustration." Eyes. Rolling.

Our advice, Rosie? Get a Wii -- they're lots of fun, and more suited to social gaming than the DS. As far-fetched as it seems, maybe you'll even crack a smile and have a go.

[Thanks, Matt!]

JoystiqDS 'turned kids into monsters' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain-trainingcontroversydaily-mailmedianintendogspiracySun, 04 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Ninja on Ninja Gaiden accusations: 'Media shouldn't assume']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/team-ninja-on-ninja-gaiden-accusations-media-shouldnt-assume/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/team-ninja-on-ninja-gaiden-accusations-media-shouldnt-assume/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/team-ninja-on-ninja-gaiden-accusations-media-shouldnt-assume/#commentsFiled under:

A few days after a Japanese television network attempted to link Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword with the deadly rampage of 24-year-old Masahiro Kanagawa, Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi has criticized the Japanese media for "making assumptions" about the game's involvement in the tragedy. A copy of the title was found in Kanagawa's bag when he was arrested.

Speaking through a translator, Hayashi argued that the media "should not be the ones answering the questions or defining the reasons why this incident happened," yet was keen to point out that he wasn't defending either Team Ninja or Ninja Gaiden. "That's just my message from me to the media," he said, adding, "The media can report on these tragedies but they shouldn't just assume or lead into a question that doesn't have a definitive answer."

Entirely wise sentiments, of course, but we fear that they'll have little impact, at least while idle sensationalism sells newspapers and bumps ratings. This one could run and run, folks.

JoystiqTeam Ninja on Ninja Gaiden accusations: 'Media shouldn't assume' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncontroversydragon-swordjapanmediamurderninja-gaidenteam-ninjatecmoFri, 28 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden: Depressing Scapegoat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/ninja-gaiden-depressing-scapegoat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/ninja-gaiden-depressing-scapegoat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/ninja-gaiden-depressing-scapegoat/#commentsFiled under:


Poor old Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword isn't having the best of times in Japan right now. Having shifted a criminally low 4,000 units in its first day on sale, the game is now having the crusty finger of blame pointed in its direction over a high-profile murder in the country. On March 19th, 24-year-old suspect Masahiro Kanagawa went on a horrific stabbing spree through his home town of Tsuchiura, killing one 27-year-old man, and wounding eight others.

We obviously can't explain what motivated Kanagawa, so hey, thank goodness for the news media, which has already nailed down the root cause of this young man's madness -- and it's all to do with that evil Ninja Gaiden game! Take that, professional psychologists and behavioral experts!

The above screenshot, captured by the My Games News Flash blog, was taken from a report by Japanese network Fuji TV. The blue and white text at the bottom knowingly points out that Kanagawa was arrested with a copy of Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword nestling at the bottom of his bag, implying that its presence there was somehow deeply meaningful. You'll all recognize the image, of course.

We seriously don't know what's more depressing about this: Fuji TV's gross over-simplification of what is a complex catastrophe, or the fact that this kind of lazy scapegoating passes as journalism pretty much anywhere in the world. Can we not all just move to the Moon or something? I call shotgun.


[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqNinja Gaiden: Depressing Scapegoat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncontroversydragon-swordjapanmediamurderninja-gaidenteam-ninjatecmoTue, 25 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Show and Tell: A little help with my media]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/show-and-tell-a-little-help-with-my-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/show-and-tell-a-little-help-with-my-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/show-and-tell-a-little-help-with-my-media/#commentsFiled under:


Every time we're convinced that we're the ultimate DS fans (we're DS Fanboy, after all), someone comes along to show us up. This time it's reader Eric, who put together such a collection of DS-centric media that he had to build a special set of shelves just to hold it all. We're in awe, frankly, and a little jealous we didn't think of it first.

So what's in Eric's special DS center? Walkthroughs for games compiled over the years (see: binders), the DSLife podcast (burned to CD for posterity), oh, and hey, games. Those are important!

Got something you want to show off to all the other DS fans? We like just about anything with a little Nintendo flavor, so snap a few pics and send 'em off to tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.

Gallery: Eric A.'s media shelf

JoystiqShow and Tell: A little help with my media originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftsDIYfurnituremediaThu, 03 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Tribune: DS is easy to pick over the PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/star-tribune-ds-is-easy-to-pick-over-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/star-tribune-ds-is-easy-to-pick-over-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/star-tribune-ds-is-easy-to-pick-over-the-psp/#commentsFiled under:


Ah, mainstream media. How we love your misinformed nature and incredible ability to point out the obvious. Like, how the DS is way better than the PSP. You've really showed your clairvoyance, Miss Cleo.

We will agree that choosing between the DS and PSP is a lot easier than choosing between the current generation of consoles, however. In terms of price, it's a smaller commitment and it's easier to decide between two, rather than three. But one thing the DS has (like its console cousin, the Wii) is an appeal to people of all ages and all walks of life.

What are some other things you love about the DS? Why do you think it's better than the PSP (we have a feeling you're going to say "the games")? Or, don't you, and you're merely reading DSF to learn more about your enemy for the impending battle between fanboy armies?

JoystiqStar Tribune: DS is easy to pick over the PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mediamiss-cleoplaystationportablepspsonyTue, 20 Nov 2007 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Times on tough times for game mags]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/new-york-times-on-tough-times-for-game-mags/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/new-york-times-on-tough-times-for-game-mags/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/new-york-times-on-tough-times-for-game-mags/#commentsFiled under:

Do you read video game magazines? Come on, you can be honest. Just because we try to provide you with all the online gaming news and views you need doesn't mean we don't expect you to occasionally feel the urge to read something printed on glossy paper. We won't get mad. Honest. Why aren't you answering us? YOU THINK WE'RE FAT DON'T YOU!

Oh, we don't know why we're even worried. After all, we were just reading in today's New York Times how magazines are having a real tough time attracting readers, what with their outdated news and limited space. Sure they'll try to lure you in with special issues and in-depth features, but your attention span is so short that you probably won't bother reading them, no matter how much you say you want them. You'll just tune them out like ... hey, are you even still reading this? WHY DO YOU NEVER LISTEN TO US? *SOB*

JoystiqNew York Times on tough times for game mags originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EGMGame InformerGameInformerGamePromagazinesmagsmediaonlineMon, 12 Nov 2007 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: NMS excitement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/wii-warm-up-nms-excitement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/wii-warm-up-nms-excitement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/wii-warm-up-nms-excitement/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fresh from the Nintendo Media Summit, we've quite a few impressions of games coming out in the immediate future. Among them:
We're most jazzed for Strikers, especially after reading such effulgent impressions from Penny Arcade. But which game shown at NMS excited you the most? If you were stuck on an island and could only have one game ... you know, assuming you had a Wii and a couple Wiimotes, and a nice TV ... maybe some nunchuks, oh, and the sensor bar, and I guess you'd need a standard 120 W outlet somewhere in the sand ... and a decent supply of food and water, or you wouldn't spend your time playing the Wii ... you know what, never mind.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: NMS excitement originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcademyArcadeBattleBigBigsBoogieBrainChargedCoachMariomediaNMSPartyPennyPokemonRabbidsRavingRaymanRevolutionStrikerssummitWordwwuSat, 26 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The low-key swag of the Nintendo Media Summit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/the-low-key-swag-of-the-nintendo-media-summit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/the-low-key-swag-of-the-nintendo-media-summit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/the-low-key-swag-of-the-nintendo-media-summit/#commentsFiled under:


Free stuff is one of the many reasons we wish we had gotten to go to the Nintendo Media Summit. Like most industry events, those in the press who were lucky enough to attend also walked out with swag.

Game|Life's Chris Kohler took this picture of his bounty: not an epic E3-sized haul by any means, but it includes some exclusive items, like the giant Wii bottle (he already covered the joke) and the light-up Wiimote keychain. Attendees also got a free Wii Points card and a Wendy's giftcard, so they can download Blazing Lazers and live Burgertime. By which we mean "eat burgers," not "assemble giant burgers by walking on them while avoiding animated food."

JoystiqThe low-key swag of the Nintendo Media Summit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keychainmediamedia summitMediaSummitnintendonintendo media summitnintendo wiiNintendoMediaSummitNintendoWiisummitswagwendyswiiThu, 24 May 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's naysayers, then and now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/sonys-naysayers-then-and-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/sonys-naysayers-then-and-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/sonys-naysayers-then-and-now/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pop quiz time, readers. Guess what product a Salon author was referring to in the following quotes:
  • "Whether or not Sony was sincere in its claim that a supply crisis led it to cut its initial shipments ... there's little question that the corporation was successful in the arena of hype marketing. Lines of obsessed PlayStation fans were a news staple ..."
  • "Don't get me wrong; it's definitely the most powerful video-game machine on the planet right now. But that's not enough. ... There's just not much software available that can take advantage of it."
  • "Sony is also under the mistaken impression that including the ability to play ... movies is a huge selling point. ... I'd rather pay less and get a machine that just plays games instead."
If you guessed the PS3, you'd be wrong. No, the October 2000 column that the above quotes come from was talking about the then-recent launch of the PlayStation 2. Careful readers might remember the PS2 as the system that went on to sell over 115 million units worldwide and dominate the console market for the better part of the decade. At the time, though, Salon recommended hardcore gamers opt for the cheaper, easier-to-develop-for Dreamcast and wait on the PS2 for the time being.

Why are we posting this? Mainly because it's always fun to point out just how different media opinion and popular opinion can be, but also as a way of tempering the gloomy predictions that are still surrounding the PS3 nearly five months after its launch. Remember, Sony has come back from negative media attention before, and there's still a chance it could do it again.

[Via Chrominance]

JoystiqSony's naysayers, then and now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2007 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>branmedianegativeplaystationPS2PS3sonyTue, 15 May 2007 21:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming in the face of tragedy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/28/gaming-in-the-face-of-tragedy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/28/gaming-in-the-face-of-tragedy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/28/gaming-in-the-face-of-tragedy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Within 24 hours of the horrific Virginia Tech tragedy, prominent personalities began popping up on TV with their opinions on why it happened and what facet of society and entertainment we should blame. Many in the gaming industry braced for fierce public backlash. But it never really happened.

GameDaily BIZ's media watchdog Kyle Orland (who is also a prolific contributor to Joystiq) chronicles the media's behavior in how they did or did not try to connect video games to the recent campus tragedy and provides a historical perspective and where the industry goes from here. It's a fascinating read that succeeds in summarizing the last few weeks of mainstream coverage.

See Also: What I know about violent games

JoystiqGaming in the face of tragedy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jack thompsonJackThompsonmediavirginia techVirginiaTechvtSat, 28 Apr 2007 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson balks at free game violence debate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/thompson-balks-at-free-game-violence-debate/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/thompson-balks-at-free-game-violence-debate/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/thompson-balks-at-free-game-violence-debate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We know it's been a Jack-Thompson-filled couple of weeks here on Joystiq, but we can't help it if the guy keeps doing newsworthy stuff (or can we?). Anyway, we were kind of surprised to hear today that the latest bit of hate-filled invective Thompson hurled at IGDA president Jason Della Rocca actually came close to developing into something more than name calling. Apparently, Della Rocca tried to accept Thompson's challenge "to one or more college debates, anywhere anytime, to discuss whether violent video games in any fashion caused school killings..."

A series of e-mails, reprinted on Della Rocca's blog, details the back and forth between the pair on the debate's location and particulars. When the subject of money comes up, Thompson reveals that they can "expect to net approximately $3000 or more per event" though he's quick to add that he's "not in this issue for the money." When Della Rocca balks at being paid to talk, Thompson puts it bluntly: "That isn't how it works and I can't justify leaving my family to go to Montreal on a freebie. Sorry. Have to pay the bills."

Now we can understand the need to make ends meet as much as anybody, but when you make a boast to publicly debate someone "anywhere anytime," the cost of a plane ticket shouldn't really be a deal breaker. That is, unless Thompson can't live up to his own taunt to "put your mouth where your money is." As Della Rocca puts it, it seems that sometimes "the critics of media violence are in fact the ones profiting most from real-world violence and fears of virtual violence."

JoystiqThompson balks at free game violence debate originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debatedella roccaDellaRoccaIGDAjack thompsonJackThompsonmediamoneythompsonviolenceThu, 26 Apr 2007 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch the headlines with Newsbreaker advergame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/catch-the-headlines-with-newsbreaker-advergame/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/catch-the-headlines-with-newsbreaker-advergame/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/catch-the-headlines-with-newsbreaker-advergame/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tired of wasting time reading the news when you could be playing games? Wait, don't leave! OK, fine, go. We understand we can't compete with the games we cover. But at least promise us you'll go play a game like Newsbreaker so you can keep up with the headlines as you get your game on.

At first glance, Newsbreaker seems to be just the latest in a line of extremely generic Breakout clones, this time in the form of an MSNBC advergame. What's makes the game special is what is quite possibly the first recorded use of live news headlines as powerups. That's right, headlines pulled from MSNBC feeds slowly fall from some busted bricks, and catching 25 of them gets you an extra life. What's more, each caught headline is saved so you can read the full story once you're done playing.

We feel this combination of games and news is a good first step to combating the growing media illiteracy epidemic, but why stop there? How about giving Achievement Points for reading the newspaper every morning? Hiding secret codes for today's hottest games in the nightly news broadcast? Offering Gamestop gift certificates for listening to NPR? The game industry could single-handedly save the news business!

JoystiqCatch the headlines with Newsbreaker advergame originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advergameadvertisingbreakoutcommercemediaMSNBCnewsnewsbreakerPCWed, 25 Apr 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto nominated for Time 100]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/miyamoto-industry-snubbed-by-time-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/miyamoto-industry-snubbed-by-time-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/miyamoto-industry-snubbed-by-time-100/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In 2004 it was Ken Kutaragi. In 2005 it was the Halo designers. In 2006 it was ... no one.

Yes, Time's last list of the 100 most influential people in the world broke from tradition and didn't feel the need to include anyone from the game industry. While nobodies like Nicolas Ghesquiere and Rain got coveted spots on the list, the leaders of a $12.5 billion industry got bupkis.

Luckily, you can help rectify this situation. Yes, you, as Time's person of the year, can go independently rate the nearly 200 candidates who are being considered for the 2007 list, including Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto. As of this posting, Miyamoto is ranked 60th, between Indra Nooyi and Albert Osterhaus (a.k.a. two people you've never heard of) with 113 votes and an average rating of 75 out of 100.

The ranking system is based on total points accrued, not the average, so more votes equals a better rank. Vote early and vote often -- it's not like you have anything better to do at work.

[Thanks hvnlysoldr]

JoystiqMiyamoto nominated for Time 100 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100HaloindustryinfluenceKutaragimediamiyamototimevideo gamesVideoGamesWiiMon, 23 Apr 2007 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson receives 'Jacklash' in a week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/thompson-receives-jacklash-in-a-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/thompson-receives-jacklash-in-a-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/thompson-receives-jacklash-in-a-week/#commentsFiled under:

It doesn't matter how many times he experiences failure or comes close to no longer being able to practice law -- there is always somebody willing to listen to Jack Thompson. No time was this more obvious than this week following the Virginia Tech massacre. Before the dead were counted, the shooter named or anyone could wrap their brain around what had just happened, Thompson was already on Fox News as a "school shooting expert" spouting theories, and Fox News let it slide without challenge.

The situation was exacerbated Tuesday when the Washington Post impulsively reported video game related information they later retracted. By mid-week information was starting to turn against Thompson and even Hardball's Chris Matthews wasn't buying what Thompson was selling anymore. By yesterday the "Jacklash" was in full effect, the boulder rolled down the hill again and Jack "Sisyphus" Thompson will have to start over again -- without the help of using Take Two as his punching bag.

In GamePolitics' recap of the week's events they have a quote from the International Game Developers Association's Jason Della Rocca, who says, "It's so sad. These massacre chasers -- they're worse than ambulance chasers -- they're waiting for these things to happen so they can jump on their soapbox." But as sure as the sun will rise and the moon will set, Jack Thompson is already rolling his boulder back up the hill, waiting for the next tragedy that he can blame on video games.

JoystiqThompson receives 'Jacklash' in a week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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