Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Skyrim's Creation Kit available 'soon' on PC; latest vid offers a first look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/skyrims-creation-kit-available-soon-on-pc-latest-vid-offers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/skyrims-creation-kit-available-soon-on-pc-latest-vid-offers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/skyrims-creation-kit-available-soon-on-pc-latest-vid-offers/#comments
Trolls, dragons, giant spiders, giant crabs, giant ... people -- Bethesda's Skyrim has it all, at least in terms of things that can kill you. But series fans know that they can take the game a few steps further into crazytown with mods, as we've seen over the past few months. Bethesda knows this too, clearly, as the developer is releasing a Creation Kit sometime soon which will allow users to more easily mod and share creations for Skyrim.

Interestingly, the company notes in its developer diary that it's "going to keep looking for ways to get mods to more people, and hopefully one day to our console audience," but comes up short of saying anything more concrete. Frankly, we'd love to be able to snap into a Skyrim with our fellow Macho Man fans out there (oooooh yeah!), but we simply don't have a PC strong enough.

The Creation Kit will support Steam Workshop, allowing mods to be shared via Steam users easily. We'd suggest pushing that Steam Workshop support to PS3 given Steam's past with Sony's home console, but then we also know of Skyrim's ugly past with the PS3. Oh well, maybe next game, right?

JoystiqSkyrim's Creation Kit available 'soon' on PC; latest vid offers a first look originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkscreation-kitelder-scrolls-5modmoddingmodspcskyrimsteamsteam-workshopthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimWed, 01 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EFF working to make console modding legal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/eff-working-to-make-console-modding-legal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/eff-working-to-make-console-modding-legal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/eff-working-to-make-console-modding-legal/#comments Your Humble Indie Bundle dollars at work! The Copyright Office is taking submissions about possible new exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation is petitioning the office to protect "jailbreaking" of consoles, tablets, and other devices to run software other than that supported by the manufacturer. A year ago, a similar EFF initiative resulted in an exemption on "jailbreaking" smartphones.

"The DMCA is supposed to block copyright infringement," said EFF Intellectual Property Director Corynne McSherry. "But instead it can be misused to threaten creators, innovators, and consumers, discouraging them from making full and fair use of their own property." McSherry asserted that "artists and tinkerers" who want to modify their devices to run whatever they want deserve legal protection.

The use of jailbroken consoles -- or any technology -- to violate copyright (by, for example, playing an unauthorized copy of a retail game) would remain illegal. But the act of modding a console itself would no longer be.

The Copyright Office will hold hearings on DMCA extensions in the spring.

JoystiqEFF working to make console modding legal originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdmcadseffjailbreakinglegalmicrosoftmobilemoddingmodsnintendopiracyplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxFri, 02 Dec 2011 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Homemade PIP-Boy 3000 does (almost) everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/homemade-pip-boy-3000-does-almost-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/homemade-pip-boy-3000-does-almost-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/homemade-pip-boy-3000-does-almost-everything/#comments
Here at Joystiq, we love the idea of taking the non-existant and making it, well, existent, and we applaud the modders, hackers and crafters out there that are crafty enough to do it. Take MyMagicPudding, for instance: not content with living in a world where Fallout 3's wrist-mounted Personal Information Processor didn't exist, Mr. Puddin' took it upon himself to bend the universe to his will create a fully functioning PIP-Boy 3000.

Using an HTC Desire HD, an Arduino Uno microcontroller and a custom-cast casing forged by "Skruffy," Puddin's PIP-Boy stays true to its vault-born inspiration by ignoring the Desire HD's touch-screen capabilities and instead utilizing a functioning scroll-wheel and potentiometer; the correct lights even light up corresponding to what screen you're on.

Puddin's first foray into the world of electronics is a picturesque representation of one of our favorite gaming gadgets, but the sad truth is that so many components were required to produce a perfect PIP-Boy, there ended up being no room left for the owner's arm. Once again, the limitations of physical space have prevented fiction from becoming reality.

JoystiqHomemade PIP-Boy 3000 does (almost) everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArduinoArduino-UnoBethesda-SoftworksFallout-3HTC-Desire-HDmicrosoftmoddingpcPIP-BoyPIP-Boy-3000playstationps3xboxSat, 03 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive's Deus Ex pack-in code is 'Cloud game meets physical media 1.0']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/onlives-deus-ex-pack-in-code-is-cloud-game-meets-physical-medi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/onlives-deus-ex-pack-in-code-is-cloud-game-meets-physical-medi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/onlives-deus-ex-pack-in-code-is-cloud-game-meets-physical-medi/#comments People buying new PC copies of Deus Ex: Human Revolution this week have likely been delighted to find codes for the OnLive version of the game in the box (unless they bought those copies from GameStop). But you can't play the same save file between the PC and OnLive versions, making the offer more of a cool novelty than something immediately useful to players.

OnLive CEO Steve Perlman told Joystiq that this offer, the "first of many," is just a tentative step by OnLive. "You can think of this as cloud game meets physical media 1.0," he said. "This first version doesn't have cross-pollination between your local PC and the cloud."

The main issue preventing this from being done right now -- preventing, say, OnLive cloud saving for retail games -- might surprise you: mods. Perlman said that since OnLive uses slightly different versions of the game than the retail PC, if any kind of alteration is done to the base game, it could cause compatibility issues between the versions. Cloud saving on OnLive "can be done," he said. "It requires more thought than printing a code." He affirmed that OnLive will do that, but "that'll probably be like 2.0."

OnLive is planning not only to solve that issue, but to allow for mods in the streaming versions of games. "I think if everyone wants to do multiplayer where everyone has auto-aim, that's fine, but you don't want to mix games, you know?" He describes setting up rooms in which people can choose to play with mods.

"This is all work that was done many months ago," Perlman noted about the pack-in code, slyly contrasting the lead time required for a retail product with OnLive's instant-on nature. He then laughed. "Oh, my god!"

JoystiqOnLive's Deus Ex pack-in code is 'Cloud game meets physical media 1.0' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-gamingdeus-ex-human-revolutionmoddingonlivepcsquare-enixsteve-perlmanWed, 24 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck creates automatic Xbox 360 disc changer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ben-heck-creates-automatic-xbox-360-disc-changer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ben-heck-creates-automatic-xbox-360-disc-changer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ben-heck-creates-automatic-xbox-360-disc-changer/#comments Ben Heck is truly a master of manipulating manufactured goods, and nothing proves his mechanical prowess more than his latest creation: an Xbox 360 disc changer. Heck has taken the 360's DVD drive and placed it inside a heavily modified Sony CD changer. He then uses an Arduino microcontroller to control disc selection, and solders the whole kit-and-caboodle onto the 360's motherboard.

For all us lazy slobs at Joystiq, it's a beautiful dream to behold. We doubt we'll ever have the opportunity to actually buy one, but modding community element14 is giving away Ben's prototype, if signing up for forums to win homemade Xbox disc-changers is your scene.

JoystiqBen Heck creates automatic Xbox 360 disc changer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-disc-changerautomatic-disc-changerben-heckben-heckendornmicrosoftmodmoddedmoddermoddingxboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 Authoring Tools now available in beta for PC gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/portal-2-authoring-tools-now-available-in-beta-for-pc-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/portal-2-authoring-tools-now-available-in-beta-for-pc-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/portal-2-authoring-tools-now-available-in-beta-for-pc-gamers/#comments Finished Portal 2 but haven't had your fill of Aperture Science testing chambers? Aside from handing out a slew of free content in the coming months, Valve is releasing the Portal 2 Authoring Tools -- essentially giving PC users access to some of the nuts and bolts behind the developer's critical hit.

The tools are free for owners of the game on PC, and can be found in the Tools tab of Steam accounts. As with previous Source Engine mod kits released by Valve, you'll be able to employ all of the game's assets: single player and co-op levels, character skins, sound effects, music, and 3D models are all at your disposal.

Beyond the basics, Valve is including an updated version of Faceposer (facial animation software), some "examples maps and instances to help build new maps," and an "updated suite of command-line compiling utilities." That last part sounds dangerous, so we'll leave it up to you to figure out what it does.

JoystiqPortal 2 Authoring Tools now available in beta for PC gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>authoring-toolsbetafaceposerhammermoddingpcportal-2portal-2-authoring-toolssource-enginesteamvalve-softwareWed, 11 May 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops mod tools launching in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/call-of-duty-black-ops-mod-tools-launching-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/call-of-duty-black-ops-mod-tools-launching-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/call-of-duty-black-ops-mod-tools-launching-in-may/#comments Tired of all that silly "paying" for new Call of Duty: Black Ops multiplayer maps? We know, we know -- money is so 2010. Good thing for you, then, that Treyarch announced plans this week (via Twitter) to officially release the promised mod tools for Black Ops sometime this May.

The tools will, of course, only end up on the PC version of Blops, though considering that they never ended up in any version of Modern Warfare 2, we're looking at this as a pretty major improvement. Also, now we can finally live out that dream of recreating Super Mario Bros. stage 1-1 in Call of Duty. Wait ... what?!

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops mod tools launching in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCall-of-Duty-Black-Opsmod-toolsmoddingmultiplayerpcq2-2011release-datetreyarchuser-generated-contentThu, 14 Apr 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Christmas lights programmed into 'Snowball Blaster' video game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/christmas-lights-programmed-into-snowball-blaster-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/christmas-lights-programmed-into-snowball-blaster-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/christmas-lights-programmed-into-snowball-blaster-video-game/#comments Well, it's official: Ric Turner is an insane person. We didn't think he'd be able to top last year's interactive, luminous masterpiece, but his latest Christmas lights-based game, Snowball Blaster, is the coolest thing ever. (Though, you'd probably disagree if you were Ric Turner's neighbor.)

Continue reading Christmas lights programmed into 'Snowball Blaster' video game

JoystiqChristmas lights programmed into 'Snowball Blaster' video game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmaschristmas-lightsholiday-2010holidaysmoddingric-turnerTue, 14 Dec 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox-modder trial underway, no plea bargain offered [update: case dismissed!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/xbox-modder-trial-underway-no-plea-bargain-offered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/xbox-modder-trial-underway-no-plea-bargain-offered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/xbox-modder-trial-underway-no-plea-bargain-offered/#commentsThe landmark jury trial of Matthew Crippen, indicted on two federal counts last fall for running a side-business in which he modded Xbox 360s at his home, began yesterday with opening statements in a Los Angeles court. Wired's colorful report of U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez's colorful reaction to the prosecution's case suggested that the government could be headed toward a deal with Crippen during an early-afternoon recess.

"I really don't understand what we're doing here," Gutierrez apparently "roared," as he ripped into the prosecution. The judge questioned government prosecutors' use of two witnesses who may have broken the law themselves and prosecutors' instructions to the jury that it was unnecessary to prove Crippen had knowingly breached the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The judge apparently backtracked on an earlier ruling that had prohibited a "fair use" defense (i.e., modding for back-up or homebrew purposes). "The only way to be able to play copied games is to circumvent the technology," Gutierrez said. "How about back-up games and the homebrewed?"

However, prosecutors returned from recess yesterday determined to convict Crippen, 28, on two counts of violating the DMCA (for a maximum sentence of ten years) by proving he knew he was breaking the law. ESA investigator Tony Rosario was called to the stand to recount how he had visited Crippen's Anaheim, Calif. home in 2008 and paid the defendant $60 to mod an Xbox 360. Rosario secretly videotaped the procedure -- which the defense argues is a violation of the state's privacy law -- though he did not capture video evidence of Crippen allegedly playing a pirated game on the modded console (nor did he include this supposed fact in his original report or sworn declarations). Still, the prosecution offered up a pile of a 150 pirated games, apparently seized by authorities from Crippen's home, which it hoped would show jurors that the defendant had a clear understanding that he was involved in illegal activity.

Rosario is expected to return to the stand today, followed by two additional prosecution witnesses: a federal agent, who also allegedly paid Crippen to mod a 360, and a Microsoft employee, a so-called expert on Xbox security (and self-admitted modder in his younger days). The defense is scheduled to begin its case tomorrow.

Follow the drama on Wired's Threat Level blog. Update: Prosecutors dismissed their case today, Wired reports, saying their decision was "based on fairness and justice" (read: they made errors). "It still has not hit me yet," Crippen said outside of the courtroom.

[Pictured: Matthew Crippen; photo credit: David Kravets/Wired.com]

JoystiqXbox-modder trial underway, no plea bargain offered [update: case dismissed!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allen-chiucallie-steelecopyrightdmcaesafair-usehackerhackingken-mcgraillawlegallos-angelesmatthew-crippenmicrosoftmoddermoddingmodsphilip-gutierrezpiracytony-rosariotrialus-district-courtxboxThu, 02 Dec 2010 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: The Ben Heck Show starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/psa-the-ben-heck-show-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/psa-the-ben-heck-show-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/psa-the-ben-heck-show-starts-today/#comments Perhaps you missed our first missive last week about Ben Heckendorn's new modding show on Revision3? That's a real shame. But no worries -- it starts today! Wanna learn how to make a one-handed Xbox 360 controller or take apart an Xbox 360 Slim? This show is for you.

Continue reading PSA: The Ben Heck Show starts today

JoystiqPSA: The Ben Heck Show starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckben-heckendornmicrosoftmoddingthe-ben-heck-showxboxMon, 13 Sep 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck getting his own show beginning September 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/ben-heck-getting-his-own-show-beginning-september-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/ben-heck-getting-his-own-show-beginning-september-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/ben-heck-getting-his-own-show-beginning-september-13/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Notorious modder Ben Heckendorn (aka "Ben Heck") is taking on a new challenge -- turn a show about modding into entertainment. The press release detailing his new show says it'll be starting on September 13 and we're told it'll be hosted on both element14 (its sponsor) as well as internet TV channel Revision3.

The show's premiere episode will see Heck mod a game controller "for an avid gamer with a serious disability," with subsequent shows to be released every other week. And though we're not sure if he'd be interested, if Heck could figure out a solution to our colorblind issues with certain games, he'll hold a spot in our hearts forever. Head below the fold to see the show's first trailer.

Continue reading Ben Heck getting his own show beginning September 13

JoystiqBen Heck getting his own show beginning September 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckben-heckendornelement14internet-televisionmoddingq3-2010release-daterevision3televisionthe-ben-heck-showSat, 11 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mod at your own risk: How to put an old Xbox 360 HDD into Xbox 360 S]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/mod-at-your-own-risk-put-your-old-xbox-360-hdd-into-your-xbox-360-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/mod-at-your-own-risk-put-your-old-xbox-360-hdd-into-your-xbox-360-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/mod-at-your-own-risk-put-your-old-xbox-360-hdd-into-your-xbox-360-s/#comments We're no good with screwdrivers -- OK, well, some of us are -- so we'd probably never attempt to mod our shiny new 4GB Xbox 360 S by fitting an old hard drive in it. If you're braver than us (very likely), feel free to check out the step-by-step guide past the break, which pulls back the curtain on the magical process of techno-wizardy fueling this hybrid of form and frugality.

Continue reading Mod at your own risk: How to put an old Xbox 360 HDD into Xbox 360 S

JoystiqMod at your own risk: How to put an old Xbox 360 HDD into Xbox 360 S originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hddhdd-modmicrosoftmodmoddingxboxxbox-360-sxbox-360-shortxbox-360-slimWed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PC version of Call of Duty: Black Ops to get mod tools after launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/pc-version-of-call-of-duty-black-ops-to-get-mod-tools-after-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/pc-version-of-call-of-duty-black-ops-to-get-mod-tools-after-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/pc-version-of-call-of-duty-black-ops-to-get-mod-tools-after-lau/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Treyarch is planning to do a little "official" modding of the PC version of Call of Duty: Black Ops, adding tools to enable user modding after launch. Treyarch's Cesar "PCDev" Stastny said on the game's forum, "We do not know yet to what extent you will be able to mod the game," citing some technical issues that have yet to be dealt with. "Right now we are completely focused on finishing the game."

Infinity Ward teased mod tools for the PC version of Modern Warfare 2, but that didn't end up happening. The good news is that if these Black Ops mod tools pan out, you can make all the Modern Warfare 2 levels, and then mod those.

JoystiqPC version of Call of Duty: Black Ops to get mod tools after launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-black-opsFPSmoddingmodspcpcdevtreyarchTue, 24 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stardock CEO going on modding sabbatical after Elemental ships]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/20/stardock-ceo-going-on-modding-sabbatical-after-elemental-ships/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/20/stardock-ceo-going-on-modding-sabbatical-after-elemental-ships/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/20/stardock-ceo-going-on-modding-sabbatical-after-elemental-ships/#comments Stardock CEO Brad Wardell will take a "sabbatical" after shipping Elemental: War of Magic later this year. It's not unheard of to take some time off after shipping a major product in the industry (horrible example), but Wardell isn't traveling the world. No, instead he's having a full-on geek out: he's goin' modding.

Wardell explained to Joystiq, "It's more than a vacation. For the past year I've been doing multiple jobs at once -- running Stardock, managing external game development, coding on Elemental, building a house, and writing a book. I typically start work at around 8am EST and work until around 11pm and do this every day -- seven days a week -- though recently I've been getting in some Starcraft 2 time. But it has averaged around 80 hours a week overall."

The executive explains that he wants to mod Elemental to make all kinds of other games and get as much out of the Kumquat engine (the company's new game engine) and Impulse Reactor as possible. Then take those lessons and show it to other developers. He also plans to work on Civilization V mods, which uses the same mod program as Elemental. Wardell expressed the time off "won't affect Stardock's product scheduling at all," he'll still be working on stuff. A lot of that stuff just happens to be modding.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqStardock CEO going on modding sabbatical after Elemental ships originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-wardellelementalelemental-war-of-magicmoddingsabbaticalstardockwardellSat, 20 Mar 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft says it's 'well within legal rights' to ban consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/microsoft-says-its-well-within-legal-rights-to-ban-consol/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/microsoft-says-its-well-within-legal-rights-to-ban-consol/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/microsoft-says-its-well-within-legal-rights-to-ban-consol/#comments In response to a possible class action lawsuit resulting from a recent round of Xbox Live bans, Microsoft has now asserted the legality of its position. A spokesperson has told the Financial Post that piracy is a violation of the company's terms of use and that Microsoft is "well within its legal rights" to ban users from its Xbox Live.

It was reported earlier this month that the law firm AlbingtonIP is "investigating" the possibility of a class action lawsuit against Microsoft over the bans. The firm argues that timing of the bans -- shortly after the release of Halo 3: ODST and just prior to the launch of Modern Warfare 2 -- was designed to get as much money from Xbox Live subscriptions as possible. In other words, the firm believes that Microsoft personally waited for a time when many people -- modders in this case -- would be purchasing Live subscriptions for popular games -- money that probably wouldn't be refunded after a ban.

Joystiq's Law of the Game columnist, Mark Methenitis, classified the suit as a likely "cash grab," explaining that anyone savvy enough to mod an Xbox would know to stay well away from Xbox Live. We might add that major releases, like ODST and Modern Warfare 2, are the biggest targets for piracy, and likely correspond with rises in illegal downloads. And that just might have something to do with the timing of the bans in question.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqMicrosoft says it's 'well within legal rights' to ban consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banhalo-3-odstlawsuitlegalmicrosoftmoddingmodern-warfare-2piracyXbox-360xbox-liveSun, 22 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Torchlight editor 'TorchED' released, full of modding riches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/torchlight-editor-torched-released-full-of-modding-riches/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/torchlight-editor-torched-released-full-of-modding-riches/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/torchlight-editor-torched-released-full-of-modding-riches/#comments Now may be the perfect time to come up from the deepest bowels of Torchlight's dungeons to take a breather from all of your greedy hoarding, as Shacknews reports the game's mod tools are now available. Runic Games originally announced the tool set would be a separate download following the late-October release of the game and the dev has made good on that promise, gifting us all with TorchED.

TorchED allows one to manage all aspects of the game, from creating custom levels to modifying skills right down to quest construction. For you budding quest composers out there, Runic offers a list of tips to get your mod on that you may wish to check out.

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqTorchlight editor 'TorchED' released, full of modding riches originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-crawlerhack-and-slashmodmoddingmodsrpgrunic-gamestorchlightWed, 11 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Portable GameCube hack brings Sunshine everywhere it goes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/portable-gamecube-hack-brings-sunshine-everywhere-it-goes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/portable-gamecube-hack-brings-sunshine-everywhere-it-goes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/portable-gamecube-hack-brings-sunshine-everywhere-it-goes/#comments The disc drive out back may be a bit precariously placed, but 'Hailrazer"'s portable "NCube" reeks of everything we'd want in a handheld version of the last-gen Nintendo console (except for wireless multiplayer, of course). Engadget spotted the 90-hour-in-the-making portable GameCube over on - surprise, surprise! - the Ben Heck forums. A breakdown of the construction process can be found just after the break in video form, though you may want to set up the drool tray now before proceeding.

All set? Alright, now go ahead.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Portable GameCube hack brings Sunshine everywhere it goes

JoystiqPortable GameCube hack brings Sunshine everywhere it goes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckengadgetgamecubehailrazerhandheldhandheld-gamecubemodmoddingncubeportableportable-gamecubeMon, 09 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Origins gets patched, tool set released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/07/dragon-age-origins-gets-patched-tool-set-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/07/dragon-age-origins-gets-patched-tool-set-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/07/dragon-age-origins-gets-patched-tool-set-released/#comments The still-fresh PC version of Dragon Age: Origins recently got a huge booster shot in two delicious flavors. The first came in the form of Patch v1.01a, which, in addition to fixing a few character corruption issues and display glitches, makes the game easier as a whole. The second, much beefier improvement came with the release of the Dragon Age: Origins tool set, which allows users to create their own adventures using the game's extremely adaptable (and powerful!) engine.

Check out the tool set's capabilities in the trailer posted above. To acquire these modding tools -- or the difficulty-reducing patch -- check out the links below.

Download Dragon Age: Origins v1.01a Patch (13 MB)
Download the Dragon Age: Origins Toolset (472 MB)
Download the EclipseRay Lightmapper Source Code (6 MB)

JoystiqDragon Age: Origins gets patched, tool set released originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-originsEAElectronic-Artsmoddingpatchtool-setSat, 07 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Use a real guitar to play Rock Band 2 AND get punched while doing so!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/use-a-real-guitar-to-play-rock-band-2-and-get-punched-while-doin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/use-a-real-guitar-to-play-rock-band-2-and-get-punched-while-doin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/use-a-real-guitar-to-play-rock-band-2-and-get-punched-while-doin/#comments Normally when people mod real instruments for use in music-rhythm games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero, they don't intentionally include the ability for someone else to play along by punching them. For Norway's Morten Skogly, that choice seemed only natural. On his website, you can see a shot-by-shot breakdown of the process necessary to transform something that creates music into something that plays along with music.

In fairness, the entire (ridiculously intricate) process leads to the hilarious video you'll find after the break. You see, rather than strum on the strings of his guitar, the punching gloves (punching him, mind you) approximate a strum for him. That means that every time he pushes a note, he gets punched. It's like penance!

[Image credit]

Continue reading Use a real guitar to play Rock Band 2 AND get punched while doing so!

JoystiqUse a real guitar to play Rock Band 2 AND get punched while doing so! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diyguitar-heromoddingmorten-skoglymusicrhythmrock-bandWed, 28 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lil' Wayne apparently has a modded Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/lil-wayne-apparently-has-a-modded-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/lil-wayne-apparently-has-a-modded-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/lil-wayne-apparently-has-a-modded-xbox/#comments It must be great to be a celebrity. Take rapper Lil' Wayne for example. In a GTR video clip, he tells about an Xbox he received from a friend that plays "every game from A-Z, Atari, Nintendo, pong, movies & even porn." Can you imagine? We didn't even know Microsoft made an Xbox like that, and here celebrities are getting them as gifts. ... What's that? ... It's a modded Xbox? Oh come on, now you're just being naive.

Kidding aside, you can say what you will about our close personal friend Soulja Boy, but at least he pays for his games before he totally misunderstands them to be about drugs and alcohol.

JoystiqLil' Wayne apparently has a modded Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lil-waynemicrosoftmoddermoddingsoulja-boyXbox-360Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works duo on what didn't make the cut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/blast-works-duo-on-what-didnt-make-the-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/blast-works-duo-on-what-didnt-make-the-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/blast-works-duo-on-what-didnt-make-the-cut/#commentsFiled under:



Blast Works: Build, Trade, & Destroy will finally launch in North America next Tuesday, so now seems like a fitting time for Budcat Creations pair Marcus Brown and Matt Modaff to update their IGN blog and reflect on numerous aspects of the game's lengthy gestation. Fortunately for this post, that's exactly what they did!

Amongst other things, Brown and Modaff discuss the team's motivation for including the game's wonderful editor, the content sharing features that we adore so much, and how they'd like to see the game cultivate a modding community to rival those seen in many PC titles. They also reserve special praise for the Wiimote, noting how it "affords players a near mouse-like interface."

Most intriguingly of all, there's a list of features that didn't quite make the final cut, mainly due to time constraints. These include the ability to play through the Campaign Mode with four players (there's still a two-player function), a "Marathon Mode" (in which players blast their way through an infinite selection of levels randomly chosen from the campaign and rack up the highest score possible), a "Movement Editor" (for editing, yes, the movement of enemies), and the ability to trade high scores.

Despite all of that "missing" stuff, some of which sounds way cool, we'd still probably trade our closest family members in for a copy of Blast Works next week.

JoystiqBlast Works duo on what didn't make the cut originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksblastworksbudcateditormajescomoddingshmupwiimoteThu, 05 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo resisting urge to smash 'R4' device]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/nintendo-resisting-urge-to-smash-ds-mod-chip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/nintendo-resisting-urge-to-smash-ds-mod-chip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/nintendo-resisting-urge-to-smash-ds-mod-chip/#commentsFiled under: ,

"We are keeping a close eye on the products and studying them. But we cannot smash all of them," a Nintendo spokesperson tells Times Online. The R4 chip, found in a Chinese-made device being sold in Japan, essentially plugs into the Nintendo DS and allows illegally downloaded games to be played from a removable flash memory cart. Though homebrew and other applications are made possible through its use, Nintendo is primarily concerned by its facilitation of easily pirated games -- and we know Nintendo doesn't like those in the slightest.

Smashing all the devices would likely be a tempting prospect, was it not for the fact that it's entirely legal for stores to sell them. Times Online notes that they're available throughout Tokyo's chief electronics district, Akihabara, with retailers shouting its availability from the rooftops, if not its exact function. "New R4 shipment has finally arrived! You know what it does! Absolutely no questions will be answered concerning this product . . ." is how one sign skirts around the issue.

As it's suggested that the R4 (hardly the first or last of its kind) might take a noticeable byte bite out of Nintendo's profits, perhaps the manufacturer should simply purchase all the chips in the district and then smash them back at the office. Perhaps not the most effective method of attack, but it's sure to bring some release to those frustrated Smash Bros. Brawl programmers.

JoystiqNintendo resisting urge to smash 'R4' device originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSJapanModdingR4Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve staffer: Modders setting bar too high]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/valve-staffer-modders-setting-bar-too-high/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/valve-staffer-modders-setting-bar-too-high/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/valve-staffer-modders-setting-bar-too-high/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There have historically been few companies more supportive of the modding scene than Valve. Now, in a new interview with ShackNews, two Valve designers are giving advice to what many perceive to be an ailing mod community. John Morello, an animate and designer at the company, insists that the problem stems from modders thinking too big.

"Mod developers are setting the bar higher than people require--a fun game is a fun game," he said. "I honestly don't think the community is setting the higher standards as much as the mod developers themselves." While that may be true, when Morello begins talking about the Team Fortress 2 design crew being comprised almost entirely of former modders, one can't help but wonder if the mod scene might in some way also be suffering from its best and brightest being recruited away. What do you think? Have you downloaded a good mod recently? Have you ever tried to make one yourself?

JoystiqValve staffer: Modders setting bar too high originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halflife2moddingPCteamfortress2valveWed, 22 Aug 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony promises to 'aggressively pursue' PS3 pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/sony-promises-to-aggressively-pursue-ps3-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/sony-promises-to-aggressively-pursue-ps3-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/sony-promises-to-aggressively-pursue-ps3-pirates/#commentsFiled under: ,


With reports of hackers foiling versions 1.10 and 1.11 of the PlayStation 3's firmware arising, Sony is already making it clear as to how it'll respond to acts of and relating to piracy. SCEA spokesperson Dave Karakker tells GamesIndustry.Biz, "The best we can do as a company is to make our security that much stronger and aggressively pursue legal action against anyone caught trying to use an exploit in an illegal manner." Hackers have thus far managed to get illegal copies of games to boot on the PS3, but not play. Homebrew games have also not made it to a playable state, but as with every console before, it's only a matter of time before they do.

Sony may choose to ban infringing systems from the PlayStation Network -- like Microsoft has done with Xbox Live -- though Karakker adds that the chance of users accidentally bricking theirs consoles should also be seen as a deterrent. "Naturally, any use of an exploit on the system software does void the warranty on the PS3 system... Which could be a costly mistake to see if you can run an old SEGA CD game on it." Especially if it's Road Avenger.

JoystiqSony promises to 'aggressively pursue' PS3 pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dave KarakkerDaveKarakkerhomebrewModdingPiracyPS3ps3 firmwarePs3FirmwarePSNSonyTue, 12 Jun 2007 21:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony vows legal action against hackers and pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/sony-vows-legal-action-against-hackers-and-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/sony-vows-legal-action-against-hackers-and-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/sony-vows-legal-action-against-hackers-and-pirates/#commentsFiled under:


SCEA has declared that they will "actively pursue" legal action against hackers that attempt to crack the PS3 anti-piracy software. This announcement arrives just after recent news that hackers were close to completely cracking the PS3 anti-piracy software found in firmware versions 1.10 and 1.11. Their progress on the crack would allow pirated PS3 games to boot, but they still were not playable. The homebrew community is also still waiting in the wings, as even this latest attempt still prevents any type of homebrew gaming on the PS3 console.

Obviously, SCEA hopes to stalwart further progress and deter hackers from completely subverting the anti-piracy measures completely, because saying "please" just doesn't carry the same weight as legal action. Dave Karraker, SCEA spokesperson says, "the best we can do as a company, is to make our security that much stronger and aggressively pursue legal action against anyone caught trying to use an exploit in an illegal manner."

The pirates who want to burn and run copied PS3 disks? Yeah, they're bad. Bad, bad. Spankings all around kind of bad. And if you're thinking of doing it, you shouldn't. Go find someone to deliver a spanking for even thinking such thoughts. On the homebrew front, we're kind of indifferent. Now, we're stepping out on a very thin limb here, but maybe, just maybe if Sony was a little bit more organized in lining up a steady stream of content for thirsting PS3 owners, we wouldn't have hackers so interested in cracking the PS3 for homebrew. What do you think?

JoystiqSony vows legal action against hackers and pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave karrakerDaveKarrakerfirmwarehackershackinghomebrewmoddingpiracypiratessceaTue, 12 Jun 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Temperature-monitoring case mod for the Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/temperature-monitoring-case-mod-for-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/temperature-monitoring-case-mod-for-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/temperature-monitoring-case-mod-for-the-wii/#commentsFiled under:

Evolving from the designs of Team Xtender's past mods, the ii-Hot Rock case aims to do more than just light the Wii with colorful LEDs. The $62.95 shell comes equipped with a digital thermometer that displays the console's internal temperature, and the LEDs shift with that measurement. Every 5° change pushes their hue towards either a colder or warmer glow, luminescing a light blue at sub-28°C and glaring klaxon red when temperatures over 55°C are detected.

If you're paranoid about overheating consoles, a mod like this would be perfect for quickly warning you to either shut your system off or execute an emergency saucer separation, putting distance between you and the rest of the starship before the Wii's warp core breaches. Let's all hope it never comes to that. Set a course past the post break, and check out a couple more photos of Team Xtender's ii-Hot Rock case.

Continue reading Temperature-monitoring case mod for the Wii

JoystiqTemperature-monitoring case mod for the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casecase modcasemodcasesheatheatinghot rockhotrockledledsmodmoddingnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiioverheatshellteam xtenderTeamXtendertemperaturethermometerwwiixcmxtenderWed, 06 Jun 2007 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Datel tries its hand at Wii mods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/datel-tries-its-hand-at-wii-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/datel-tries-its-hand-at-wii-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/datel-tries-its-hand-at-wii-mods/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nevermind the product's name -- Datel's Wii Drive Doctor isn't a tool meant for diagnosing and remedying your console's ailments. There should be laws regulating these misleading medical monikers. How many have suffered the embarrassment of consulting Dr. Dre about their disorders, only to find that the gangsta rapper prescribes phat beats, and not actual medicine?

The Drive Doctor is pitched as a "straightforward way for amateur programmers and techie tinkerers to get inside the game." With the mod in place, users can hook their Wii to a PC with a USB cable, allowing them to monitor the system's status and add data to running software. Homebrew applications and games are also playable through the $34.95 device.

Datel's homebrew and cheat tools usually boast low barriers to entry, making them accessible to even the most inexperienced users, but installing the Drive Doctor will require soldering. We've never been too keen on voiding our consoles' warranties, so hearing that requirement was enough to scare us away. Until something cheap and hassle-free comes along, we're going to live a boring, risk-free life with our unmodded Wiis.

JoystiqDatel tries its hand at Wii mods originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dateldrive doctordrivedoctorhomebrewmodmoddingnintendonintendowiisoldersolderingwiiwiidrivedoctorWed, 16 May 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Boy Phat: The PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/game-boy-phat-the-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/game-boy-phat-the-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/game-boy-phat-the-pc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A crafty Japanese DIYer has crammed an entire PC into the shell of an old Game Boy system. The computer is fully-functional (assuming Windows XP is "functional") but lacks a built-in screen and a few other niceties of modern computing. Not practical by any means, but since when does geek hackery have to be practical?

Other features of the Game Boy XP PC include:
  • Runs Windows XP off of a 4GB compact lash card that slides into the game slot
  • A and B buttons power the system and show status
  • Two USB ports
  • VGA out for, you know, a monitor
  • Built-in network adapter

Gallery: Game Boy XP PC

JoystiqGame Boy Phat: The PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2007 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diygameboymoddingpcThu, 10 May 2007 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY Nintendo Wii Classic Controller clip holds your Wiimote (so you don't have to)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/diy-nintendo-wii-classic-controller-clip-holds-your-wiimote-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/diy-nintendo-wii-classic-controller-clip-holds-your-wiimote-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/diy-nintendo-wii-classic-controller-clip-holds-your-wiimote-so/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Tired of waiting for Nintendo to produce a solution, Chris Williams, a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering, made his own clip to attach a Wii remote to the Classic Controller, handily solving one of our Wii annoyances. All it took was three hours of labor and some high-tech equipment to make Williams something of a hero in Nintendo circles.

This clip is smoking hot -- now if only a certain company would mass produce it. Your move, MadCatz Nintendo. Explanation after the break and within the gallery.

Gallery: DIY Wii Classic Controller clip

Continue reading DIY Nintendo Wii Classic Controller clip holds your Wiimote (so you don't have to)

JoystiqDIY Nintendo Wii Classic Controller clip holds your Wiimote (so you don't have to) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic controllerClassicControllerdiyhackhacksmakemodmoddingNintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiwiiwii motewii remoteWiiMoteMon, 19 Feb 2007 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[HD-DVD circumvened with 360 drive [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/hd-dvd-encryption-broken-with-360-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/hd-dvd-encryption-broken-with-360-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/hd-dvd-encryption-broken-with-360-drive/#commentsFiled under: ,

Update: Our limited knowledge -- we are not haxxors in the least -- has led to a terminological error. AACS has not been "broken," merely "circumvented" by using the decryption keys. Furthermore, decryption keys can be revoked, meaning that the ones currently available could easily be nullified. It's also likely that the DVD software used to find the keys will be patched. Whether or not AACS was technically broken, the upshot is that you can backup HD-DVD's even though you're not supposed to, for the moment anyway. Thanks to Dylan Neild for setting us straight.

Utilizing a 360 HD-DVD drive, a hacker known as muslix64 has successfully broken circumvented the AACS HD-DVD copy protection. The software used, called BackupHDDVD, utilizes cryptographic keys that are specific to each individual movie. This means that any would be makers of "backup" copies will first need the proper key. It is currently unknown where muslix64 happened upon his keys. Once decrypted, the film can be copied to a hard drive and played with the appropriate program.

TeamXbox points out that Blu-Ray also uses AACS encryption, so it's only a matter of time before Blu-Ray encryption is broken circumvented as well. Muslix64 claims that it took him only 8 days to decrypt his first HD-DVD movie. Makes you wonder how much Hollywood spent developing AACS, doesn't it? The hacker made a short video showing the software facilitated decryption process. Watch it after the break.

Continue reading HD-DVD circumvened with 360 drive [update 1]

JoystiqHD-DVD circumvened with 360 drive [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Dec 2006 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackinghackshd dvdhd dvd encryptionhd-dvdHdDvdHdDvdEncryptionmoddingmodsFri, 29 Dec 2006 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[XFPS lets you use keyboard/mouse on the 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/xfps-lets-you-use-keyboard-mouse-on-the-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/xfps-lets-you-use-keyboard-mouse-on-the-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/xfps-lets-you-use-keyboard-mouse-on-the-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Despite the popularity of online-enabled console FPSs like Halo 2, some people have never been able to effectively make the jump from keyboard and mouse to gamepad; whatever 1337 skillz they once had are rendered inert in the smooth, ergonomic grips of a gamepad. 360 modders, XCM, recently unveiled the XFPS 360 adapter to connect either a USB or PS/2 mouse and keyboard to the Xbox 360 console. Just to make things confusing, the device also supports a PS2 (as in PlayStation 2) gamepad although we're not sure why anyone would want to substitute one gamepad for another. We'll just consider that a value-add. The device isn't available yet, so interested parties should keep an eye on XCM's site. But before you go plunking down your paycheck, we'd be wary that Microsoft will try to detect -- and disable -- devices like the XFPS in an effort to maintain a balanced playing field.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqXFPS lets you use keyboard/mouse on the 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adapterModdingXbox-360XCMXFPSMon, 27 Nov 2006 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Mooooo! New animal-themed PSP faceplates coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/mooooo-new-animal-themed-psp-faceplates-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/mooooo-new-animal-themed-psp-faceplates-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/mooooo-new-animal-themed-psp-faceplates-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under:

Mooooo! New animal-themed PSP faceplates coming soonTalismoon, the same company that brought us the Evolve line of PSP face plates, is gearing up to do something we haven't seen before - fur-themed faceplates. Yeah, you read that right. Cow and leopard-themed PSP faceplates with a fur-like finish will be available soon for $15 a hide.

"With the Talismoon upcoming range of Evolve 'Wild Jungle' edition for the PSP and Xbox 360, gamers will be treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to a soft 'like fur' finish, as well as refreshing and unique new look," a press release stated. "Both sets of faceplates for PSP and Xbox 360 will come complete with everything needed for a pain-free install, and each fur faceplate pattern will be unique. Initial stocks will consist of a 'cow' or striking 'leopard' fur finish."

I'm not totally sure I want my PSP feeling like a cow when I'm playing a game of Warhammer, but this is just so bizarre, I'm going to have to buy one anyway.

[Via PSP-Vault]

JoystiqMooooo! New animal-themed PSP faceplates coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cowevolvedface platesFacePlatesfurhackingleopardmoddingpsp faceplatesPspFaceplatestalismoonwarhammerThu, 16 Nov 2006 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Titan Quest expansion announced, modders interviewed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/04/titan-quest-expansion-announced-modders-interviewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/04/titan-quest-expansion-announced-modders-interviewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/04/titan-quest-expansion-announced-modders-interviewed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Titan Quest modding on the riseTHQ has announced that a Titan Quest expansion pack will be released before the end of Q1, but there are other options for extending your mythical adventures beyond the game's core campaign. Aspiring developers have started showcasing their mods at the Titan Quest Vault, and have offered some insight into their creative process through a series of interviews.

German modder Toh Klidan, for example, is the author of Andromeda's Sacrifice, a retelling of the classic tale of the Aethiopian princess and her savior Perseus (of Clash of the Titans fame). According to Klidan, the Titan Quest tools appear more confusing than they actually are, so we should be seeing more independent campaigns and maps in the near future. There are over 40 available now. Let us know if you've tried any of them.

See also: Metareview - Titan Quest

JoystiqTitan Quest expansion announced, modders interviewed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Nov 2006 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action rpgAndromeda's Sacrificediablo cloneIron Loremod communitymoddingPCrpgthqTitan QuestSat, 04 Nov 2006 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Divineo 'evolves' PSP face plates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/divineo-evolves-psp-face-plates/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/divineo-evolves-psp-face-plates/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/divineo-evolves-psp-face-plates/#commentsFiled under:

Divineo evolves PSP face plates
If Divineo's chrome PSP faceplate wasn't your bag, the Talismoon Evolve series might be.

According to Divineo, everything needed to create a new-look PSP is included in a single package, consisting of the faceplate color of your choice, an illustrated diagram, hardened steel jeweler's screwdriver, a dazzling set of diamond series buttons as well as a finely made polishing cloth to preserve the appearance of your PSP for years to come.

If you want a custom look for your PSP but can't afford one of Sony's Signature PSPs, this may be an excellent way to go. And for only $15, you won't be out too much if you don't end up liking it. However, keep in mind that removing your face plate will void your PSP's warranty.

[Via DCEmu]

JoystiqDivineo 'evolves' PSP face plates originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>divineoevolveface plateFacePlatehackinghacksmoddingmodssignaturetalismoonWed, 11 Oct 2006 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MC360 XBMC Superman Returns theme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/mc360-xbmc-superman-returns-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/mc360-xbmc-superman-returns-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/mc360-xbmc-superman-returns-theme/#commentsFiled under:


The lameness of most of the themes available on Marketplace (shift a color here, shift a color there) makes this sweet Blackbolt Superman Returns theme for the MC360 XBMC skin look that much cooler. Once again the hacking community puts the pros to shame. Put some effort in it Microsoft, especially if you're going to charge us for this stuff.

JoystiqMC360 XBMC Superman Returns theme originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacksmc360moddingsupermanthemesxbmcMon, 31 Jul 2006 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More maps and modes for your Sin Episodes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/28/more-maps-and-modes-for-your-sin-episodes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/28/more-maps-and-modes-for-your-sin-episodes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/28/more-maps-and-modes-for-your-sin-episodes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ritual Entertainment is about to release four extra maps and a new gameplay mode for Sin Episodes, at no extra charge for auto-download via Steam (the "no charge" bit will no doubt make many console owners jealous). The four new maps will be dedicated to the new mode called "Arena"--which is a single player experience akin to many games' survival modes--and will be designed around typically generic first person shooter situations like an office, a turbine room and a processing plant. Shawn, the lead game designer of Sin lays it down on his blog; "It's an infinitely repayable single player mode where you continually try and beat your high score". Our translation: "shoot loads of people and then obsess over the number of enemies you shot in the groin".

Other bits mentioned on Shawn's blog include a comprehensive stat tracking system, enabling yourself and other players to compare their groinshot score, the mention of the impending release of a Software Development Kit (SDK) and a Sin development Wiki, and absolutely no news about when Episode 2 is going to hit Steam; Shawn got a little excited and forgot to give us any information beyond saying that he'd "be on the look out for some Episode 2 media in the near future" if he was you. We want dates dammit!

[Via EuroGamer]

JoystiqMore maps and modes for your Sin Episodes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jun 2006 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlogConsoleDownloadable ContentDownloadableContentEpisode 2Episode2EuroGamerExtra contentExtraContentmapsmoddingmodesRitual EntertainmentRitualEntertainmentSDKShawnSinSin EpisodesSin: Ep 2Sin:Ep2SinEpisodesSoftware developmentSoftwareDevelopmentSteamWikiWed, 28 Jun 2006 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP mod chip aims to end firmware woes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/26/psp-mod-chip-aims-to-end-firmware-woes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/26/psp-mod-chip-aims-to-end-firmware-woes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/26/psp-mod-chip-aims-to-end-firmware-woes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Undiluted Platinum (PSP)Maxconsole.net reports that a new PSP mod, Undiluted Platinum (UP), is being readied for release. The chip has been designed to fit perfectly inside the standard PSP unit and acts as a flash replacement system.

Theoretically, UP will run previous versions of PSP firmware and even custom flash builds, granting users access to both homebrew applications and the latest licensed games. Price and installation procedure have not yet be specified.

JoystiqPSP mod chip aims to end firmware woes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 May 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashmodmod chipModChipmoddermoddingPSPUndiluted PlatinumUndilutedPlatinumFri, 26 May 2006 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[On eBay: the first game mag, Sega Genesis guitar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/18/on-ebay-the-first-game-mag-sega-genesis-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/18/on-ebay-the-first-game-mag-sega-genesis-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/18/on-ebay-the-first-game-mag-sega-genesis-guitar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GameSetWatch has discovered a couple of interesting video game related items on eBay including a magazine from 1970 with the cover-text "Game Computer" (the first magazine to put "computer" and "game" onto the front cover?) and an electric guitar made out of a Sega Genesis. There's not much else to say about the magazine: it either is or isn't the first magazine to mention computer games. Unfortunately we have no idea how to verify this.

The Sega Genesis guitar is a little more straightforward. The modder has merely replaced the body of the guitar with a Sega Genesis and called it good. And yes, the guitar does work, although the same can't be said for the Genesis. Now all we need to see is a guitarist using the guitar to play some Michael Jackson riffs as a tribute to Sonic 3!

JoystiqOn eBay: the first game mag, Sega Genesis guitar originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Computer GameComputerGameGuitarMagazineMega DriveMegaDriveMichael JacksonMichaelJacksonModdingSega GenesisSegaGenesisTue, 18 Apr 2006 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 H4xx0rz admit their hackjob is useless]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/26/xbox-360-h4xx0rz-admit-their-hackjob-is-useless/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/26/xbox-360-h4xx0rz-admit-their-hackjob-is-useless/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/26/xbox-360-h4xx0rz-admit-their-hackjob-is-useless/#commentsFiled under: ,

After previously boasting about a DVD firmware hack that made it possible to run a backup copy of Project Gotham Racing 3 on a modified Xbox 360, one of the hackers behind the mod has joined Microsoft in calling it "useless". Apparently the mod is useless to the general public due to its complexity (the mod "requires that the flash chip is removed from the drive circuit board and inserted into a special flash programming device") and the fact that it could easily destroy an Xbox 360 in the wrong hands.

However we must agree with one of the other members of the mod team when he said "given the complexity of the software it seems unlikely that there's no [other] way in." Did you know: Microsoft also make a popular operating system called Windows, an OS notorious for its backdoor vulnerabilities.

[Thanks, striegs]

JoystiqXbox 360 H4xx0rz admit their hackjob is useless originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>H4xx0rHackedHackerHackingModdingXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Sun, 26 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mod summit looks at modmaking from all angles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/27/mod-summit-looks-at-modmaking-from-all-angles/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/27/mod-summit-looks-at-modmaking-from-all-angles/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/27/mod-summit-looks-at-modmaking-from-all-angles/#commentsFiled under: ,

Computer Gaming World has (by way of 1up) a roundtable chat with various game developers and modders. If you've ever flirted with modding or downloaded a mod or two then it's a great read, looking at mods from both sides of the game engine.

A couple of interesting points for would-be modmakers include the fact that modmaking is becoming more complex, linked to the increasing sophistication of game engines, and a tip from modders that FPS seems to be the genre of choice. While modmakers have no salary or loyalties, meaning that their creativity can run free, sometimes modding is a hard and unrewarding business. Fortunately, there are also success stories from modders who have moved into the games industry as a result of their work.

[Update: Corrected CGW, thanks Stevo.]

JoystiqMod summit looks at modmaking from all angles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upepicidmoddingmodsvalveMon, 27 Feb 2006 20:00:00 EST