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[Steam Workshop's Skyrim mods top over 13.6 million downloads, Macho Man is pleased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/#comments ImageBetween Valentine's Day and now, 11.6 million Skyrim mods were downloaded from Steam, totaling 13.6 million. That's a lot of hanging out with space cores and dragons modeled after Randy Savage.

The top mods represented on Steam's Workshop as of this writing aren't adding or subtracting major things from the original game. Many extend the experience in minor ways - bolstered sound offerings, more robust map markers, new spells - while a few add whole new quests. Thankfully, Skyrim's mod community moved away from its obsession with clean faces. At least for today.

JoystiqSteam Workshop's Skyrim mods top over 13.6 million downloads, Macho Man is pleased originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5modspcskyrimstatisticsstatssteamsteam-workshopthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimzenimax-mediaThu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA['WiiPop' dance game hacks Wiimotes and Kinect into unlikely tryst]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/wiipop-dance-game-hacks-wiimotes-and-kinect-into-unlikely-trys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/wiipop-dance-game-hacks-wiimotes-and-kinect-into-unlikely-trys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/wiipop-dance-game-hacks-wiimotes-and-kinect-into-unlikely-trys/#comments Image
Whether by choice or by force, chances are good you've experienced a dancing game by now. Typically, these games ask users to mimic dance moves for points, but WiiPop, created by one Christian "Mio" Loclair, is completely freestyle.

The game achieves this feat by incorporating both body-mounted Wii remotes and the Kinect. Used together, the devices measure how a user moves throughout the dance space and how he or she "pops" to the beat. It's all very amazing and complex and, as such, we suggest you watch the video above for the full rundown.

Joystiq'WiiPop' dance game hacks Wiimotes and Kinect into unlikely tryst originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackskinectmicrosoftmodsnintendowiiwii-remotewiipopxboxWed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 3 Rage mod makes us happy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/grand-theft-auto-3-rage-mod-makes-us-happy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/grand-theft-auto-3-rage-mod-makes-us-happy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/grand-theft-auto-3-rage-mod-makes-us-happy/#comments

The GTA III Rage Team is hard at work making Grand Theft Auto 3 run on Rage, the engine powering the most current lineup of Rockstar's titles, from Grand Theft Auto 4 to Max Payne 3. The GTA 3 Rage project includes previous mods from the Rage Team, including GTA III HD Cars - HD Claude, GTA SA: Liberty City, Project Oblivion and GTA III HD.

The video above shows off what we can expect in a Rageful GTA 3 when the mod drops.

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 3 Rage mod makes us happy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-3GTA-III-Rage-TeammodmodspcRAGErage-engineRockStarWed, 28 Mar 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown to support mods, have unique UI on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/xcom-enemy-unknown-to-support-mods-have-unique-ui-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/xcom-enemy-unknown-to-support-mods-have-unique-ui-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/xcom-enemy-unknown-to-support-mods-have-unique-ui-on-pc/#comments XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a more traditional return to the XCOM series, with Sid Meier "indirectly" lending his expertise.

PC Gamer recently visited the Firaxis offices to speak with the developer about how the PC version will stack up next to its console brethren. The site reports the PC version will get some extra TLC in mod support and a special, mouse-driven user interface.

In addition to the UI tailoring, the PC will support mods through the underlying Unreal Engine, though none will be available at launch. Check PC Gamer for more info.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown to support mods, have unique UI on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxismodmodspcuiuser-interfacexcom-enemy-unknownSat, 17 Mar 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang acquires Minecraft mod makers, will make mods official]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/mojang-acquires-minecraft-mod-makers-will-make-mods-official/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/mojang-acquires-minecraft-mod-makers-will-make-mods-official/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/mojang-acquires-minecraft-mod-makers-will-make-mods-official/#comments The four main developers behind Bukkit, a popular set of unofficial modifications for Minecraft servers, have been hired on by Mojang, makers of the uber popular block-world simulator. Mojang says Warren Loo, Erik Broes, Nathan Adams and Nathan Gilbert will join the company to update Bukkit and make it more compatible with the next version of the game, and to enable support other server mods in the future.

Loo writes on the official forms that the team will basically redesign the game's API, which means unofficial developers everywhere will be able to hook into the game's mechanics much more easily and smoothly. Mojang points out that there are a few teams that have made popular mods for the game, including Spout and Forge, but the Bukkit team was chosen because they've developed specifically for Minecraft servers. The plan is to have them working on "more than just modding."

Obviously, the gentlemen are quite excited about joining the Mojang guys. That tends to happen when a company whose game you work on for free decides to start paying you in real money.

JoystiqMojang acquires Minecraft mod makers, will make mods official originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbukkithiresMinecraftmodsmojangpcserverserversTue, 28 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's Creation Kit released with 'surprise' High-Resolution Texture Pack, Portal cameo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skyrims-creation-kit-released-with-surprise-high-resolution-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skyrims-creation-kit-released-with-surprise-high-resolution-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skyrims-creation-kit-released-with-surprise-high-resolution-t/#comments Tamriel's PC adventurers have finally been granted access to the long-awaited Creation Kit for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. A special surprise was promised with today's release, coming in the form of a High-Resolution Texture Pack for the game. "Experience The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim as you've never seen it before with the Skyrim High-Resolution Texture Pack," a press release noted.

Skyrim also becomes the second title to be featured on the Steam Workshop, which acts as a "central hub of player-created content and tools to publish, organize, and download that content into your games."

Valve and Bethesda have teamed up to bring users the Space Sphere mod, which adds the space-loving robot from Portal 2 to the game, following players around the world (pictured above). While the special mod appeared on Steam earlier today, it has since vanished. Joystiq has contacted Valve and Bethesda to find out when the new companion will land back on the dragon-infested planet. [Update: Steam Workshop is back online! Enjoy your new talkative friend!]

Steam is also featuring the Elder Scrolls series in a mid-week sale, offering a discount on each game in the series or a bundle (Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim) for $49.99.

JoystiqSkyrim's Creation Kit released with 'surprise' High-Resolution Texture Pack, Portal cameo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-Studioscreation-kitelder-scrolls-5modspcportal-2skyrimSteamsteam-workshopthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimTue, 07 Feb 2012 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim Creation Kit out on PC this Tuesday, with a 'surprise']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-creation-kit-out-on-pc-this-tuesday-with-a-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-creation-kit-out-on-pc-this-tuesday-with-a-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-creation-kit-out-on-pc-this-tuesday-with-a-surprise/#comments The Skyrim Creation Kit will be available for the PC version this Tuesday, according to a tweet from Bethesda VP of Marketing Pete Hines. It'll be available through Steam under "Tools," for free.

As if the ability to generate infinite, free Skyrim content through mods weren't enough, Hines also teased a "special surprise" that would be coming along with it. We'll have to wait until Tuesday to see what that is, but we're guessing dragons. That game would be awesome with some dragons in it.

JoystiqSkyrim Creation Kit out on PC this Tuesday, with a 'surprise' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creation-kitelder-scrolls-5modspcskyrimskyrim-creation-kitthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimFri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![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[Skyrim mod replaces dragons with My Little Pony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/skyrim-mod-replaces-dragons-with-my-little-pony/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/skyrim-mod-replaces-dragons-with-my-little-pony/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/skyrim-mod-replaces-dragons-with-my-little-pony/#comments
As Bronies can attest to, the "Yay" of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic's Fluttershy is far more terrifying than any thu'um of a dovahkiin. As seen in this Skyrim mod, watch as a pack of the winged horses devastate a town, all while repeating their haunting call.

JoystiqSkyrim mod replaces dragons with My Little Pony originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Softworksbronieselder-scrolls-5microsoftmodmodsMy-Little-Ponymy-little-pony-friendship-is-magicpcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimThu, 19 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homemade golden Nunchuk is a real treasure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/homemade-golden-nunchuk-is-a-real-treasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/homemade-golden-nunchuk-is-a-real-treasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/homemade-golden-nunchuk-is-a-real-treasure/#comments Love goooooold Keen with desire to own a golden Nunchuk to match the golden Wii Remote released for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword? Well, you can't get an official golden Nunchuk outside of Japan's Club Nintendo, but that can't stop you from making your own.

Enter Reddit user alycenwonderland, who crafted a very slick custom Nunchuk that, dare we say it, looks even better than the official peripheral. Of course, should you decide to make one yourself, it will likely take hours of monotonous work before you can reap the sweet payoff -- not unlike the latest Zelda.

JoystiqHomemade golden Nunchuk is a real treasure originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Legend-of-Zelda-2010modmodsnintendonunchukThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-SwordwiiWed, 11 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Snap into a Skyrim with the 'Macho Men' mod]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/snap-into-a-skyrim-with-the-macho-men-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/snap-into-a-skyrim-with-the-macho-men-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/snap-into-a-skyrim-with-the-macho-men-mod/#comments
We had to watch the above video a couple of times to make sure we weren't having some sort of fantastical dream, but we are apparently awake: the late "Macho Man" Randy Savage has made his way into Skyrim, and he's bringin' the pain. Ohhhhhh yeah!

JoystiqSnap into a Skyrim with the 'Macho Men' mod originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazingbethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5macho-manmacho-man-randy-savagemodmodspcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimSat, 07 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim PC mod claims to improve performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/skyrim-pc-mod-claims-to-improve-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/skyrim-pc-mod-claims-to-improve-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/skyrim-pc-mod-claims-to-improve-performance/#comments SkyrimNo, it won't help you take down giants or snow trolls more easily, but a new Skyrim patch does purport to increase the game's performance with certain configurations. Bethesda forum user Arisu has created the Skyrim Acceleration Layer which, in his own words, "works mostly by rewriting some x87 FPU code and inlining a whole ton of useless getter functions along the critical paths because the developers at Bethesda, for some reason, compiled the game without using any of the optimization flags for release builds." You get all that?

We're unable to test the mod ourselves, though forum users are reporting frame rate increases in more graphically intense areas (Markarth, in particular). Meanwhile, Rock, Paper, Shotgun seems to have noticed at least a slight improvement. The mod requires the Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE), which you can find here. Head over to the Bethesda forums for detailed installation instructions.

JoystiqSkyrim PC mod claims to improve performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrolls-5hacksmodmodspcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimTue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FUS RO DAH! Skyrim modded for Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/fus-ro-dah-skyrim-modded-for-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/fus-ro-dah-skyrim-modded-for-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/fus-ro-dah-skyrim-modded-for-kinect/#comments
Questing through Skyrim with Kinect forms the latest tech demonstration from YouTube user KinectFAAST. The mod features the motion controls he's shown off in previous videos, along with additional voice controls for Skyrim. This means one important thing: Shouts!

The voice controls go even further, enabling the player to switch weapons and access favorites. There are also some voice commands not featured in the video, including "Hello" to start a conversation with an NPC and "Journal" to access the quest log. It'd be the type of feature we'd love to see added to the game if we thought it would work "first time, every time."

JoystiqFUS RO DAH! Skyrim modded for Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5kinectKinectFaastmodmodsskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxTue, 06 Dec 2011 10:30:00 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[Skyrim without textures looks pretty neat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/skyrim-without-textures-looks-pretty-neat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/skyrim-without-textures-looks-pretty-neat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/skyrim-without-textures-looks-pretty-neat/#comments
By messing with the graphics on Skyrim for PC, players can experience the game as if the art department was questing to make some kind of Team Fortress 2 and ICO love child. No lush, happy little trees here.

JoystiqSkyrim without textures looks pretty neat originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5modmodspcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimMon, 21 Nov 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim mod adds Street View-like map functionality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/skyrim-mod-adds-street-view-like-map-functionality/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/skyrim-mod-adds-street-view-like-map-functionality/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/skyrim-mod-adds-street-view-like-map-functionality/#comments
Skyrim could augment its free-roaming if, for example, it was just a huge map that you could look around in -- as it is in the "Map in full 3D" mod. As the name suggests, this mod gives you full control of the in-game map, allowing you to zoom "almost to the ground" and experience the whole world bear-free.

PC Gamer compares it to Google Street View, which makes this the perfect way to role-play a Californian engineer in a Prius.

JoystiqSkyrim mod adds Street View-like map functionality originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5map-in-full-3dmodspcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimWed, 16 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gemception: Gem Collector, a video game built within Minecraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/gemception-gem-collector-a-video-game-built-within-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/gemception-gem-collector-a-video-game-built-within-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/gemception-gem-collector-a-video-game-built-within-minecraft/#comments
We're pretty dang hard to flabbergast around these parts, especially when it comes to Minecraft and the various crafty things people do in there. Our old hearts have all but dried up, and the glimmer in our eyes has slowly dimmed, leaving behind a glazed, absent stare. We're dusty and bitter and hard to impress, so we mean it when we say that this Minecraft mod is the craziest damn thing we've ever seen.

Rezz and Psycho_ewt of Theorycrafting have created an actual, honest to God video-game inside of Minecraft. Gemception: Gem Collector uses a mechanical computer made of incomprehensible, alchemical devices like "demultiplexers" to operate two screens, an NES controller, and track the player's health. It really has to be seen to be believed, so watch the video above and then hit the source link to download and run the monstrous creation yourself.

[Thanks, Simon!]

JoystiqGemception: Gem Collector, a video game built within Minecraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gem-CollectorGemceptionGemception-Gem-CollectorMinecraftmodsmojangpcSat, 12 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deus Ex HD texture update enables more humane resolution, in time for Human Revolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/deus-ex-new-vision-texture-upgrade-mostly-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/deus-ex-new-vision-texture-upgrade-mostly-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/deus-ex-new-vision-texture-upgrade-mostly-complete/#comments
With the release of Deus Ex: Human Revolution just two weeks away, it's a perfect time to remind our younger readers that while it may be developer Eidos Montreal's debut project, it's not the first game in the series. That distinction belongs to 2000's Deus Ex, developed by Ion Storm Austin under the watchful eye(s) of Warren Spector (think: Epic Mickey) and Harvey Smith (think: the newly unveiled Dishonored). If you've never played it, Deus Ex: New Vision may not make that process easier, but it will make it more palatable.

New Vision is a mod four years in the making, which updates Deus Ex's aging visuals (they weren't much to look at in 2000!) "with around 75% of the world textures remastered at high definition." We've got some screens in the gallery below, and a year-old video of the beta above. If you're interested, grab the mod from Mod DB at the Source link below.

Gallery: Deus Ex: New Vision (mod)

JoystiqDeus Ex HD texture update enables more humane resolution, in time for Human Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Deus-Exdeus-ex-human-revolutionIon-Storm-AustinmodspcMon, 08 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 won't have any mod tools at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/battlefield-3-wont-have-any-mod-tools-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/battlefield-3-wont-have-any-mod-tools-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/battlefield-3-wont-have-any-mod-tools-at-launch/#comments Don't expect any authoring tools for Battlefield 3 when it launches on October 25. During an interview, EA senior VP Patrick Soderlund explains that it's due to the complexity of the Frostbite engine.

"Well, as of now, we're not going to make any modding tools, no. If you look at the Frostbite Engine and how complex it is, it's going to be very difficult to mod the game," he said. "Because of the nature of the setup of levels, the destruction and all those things, it's quite tricky. So we think it's going to be too big of a challenge for people to make a mod." Sounds like a dare to us!

Of course, that's not to say DICE won't release mod tools down the line -- just that, as of launch, it looks like you'll have to simply settle for the game you bought.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 won't have any mod tools at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeamicrosoftmodmod-toolsmodspatrick-soderlundpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 06 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA 4 engine mod looks gorgeous; latest update adds cloudy weather]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/gta-4-engine-mod-looks-gorgeous-latest-update-adds-cloudy-weath/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/gta-4-engine-mod-looks-gorgeous-latest-update-adds-cloudy-weath/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/gta-4-engine-mod-looks-gorgeous-latest-update-adds-cloudy-weath/#comments
The iCEnhancer mod is one for the graphics enthusiasts. The full engine mod adds several beautiful effects and higher resolution textures to the PC version of GTA IV. An overview of update 1.2.5, which is "almost done" according to mod creator Hayssam Keilany, can be seen in the video above.

Continue reading GTA 4 engine mod looks gorgeous; latest update adds cloudy weather

JoystiqGTA 4 engine mod looks gorgeous; latest update adds cloudy weather originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Grand-Theft-Auto-4GTA4icenhancermodmodspcrockstartake-towTue, 05 Jul 2011 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Gear mod 'Handy Gear' adds bigger screen, rechargeable batteries, Master System support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/game-gear-mod-handy-gear-adds-bigger-screen-rechargeable-batt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/game-gear-mod-handy-gear-adds-bigger-screen-rechargeable-batt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/game-gear-mod-handy-gear-adds-bigger-screen-rechargeable-batt/#comments
Hindsight is 20/20. We bet Sega has a whole laundry list of stuff they wish they would've changed about the Game Gear -- like the fact that it took 80 AA batteries for about 20 minutes of game time. And that it was by far the biggest "portable" console ever. But hey, we can't fault Sega: we had tons of fun with the thing and we're cognizant of the technological limitations at the time.

But now, in 2011, we want something better. Thankfully, Ben Heck forum user lovablechevy is here to save the day with a most bitchin' Game Gear mod. It's got a five-inch screen (ripped from a PSOne), internal rechargeable batteries, a custom case and a Master Gear converter. We wouldn't be surprised if the thing also had storage compartments for Totino's pizza rolls and Mountain Dew.

JoystiqGame Gear mod 'Handy Gear' adds bigger screen, rechargeable batteries, Master System support originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jul 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-geargame-gear-modhandy-gearlovablechevymobilemodmodssegasega-game-gearSat, 02 Jul 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zelda Adventure mod for Minecraft is a full game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/zelda-adventure-mod-for-minecraft-is-a-full-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/zelda-adventure-mod-for-minecraft-is-a-full-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/zelda-adventure-mod-for-minecraft-is-a-full-game/#comments We've seen A Link to the Past recreated in Minecraft, but that's baby time frolics compared to what Minecraft forum user Gary520 has done. His mod, Zelda Adventure, is a complete game, which promises over 10 hours of gameplay and countless items from the Zelda universe to play with.

There are only five dungeons in the current build, but Gary520 is aiming for eight in the final version -- the current five are inspired by dungeons in Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past. You can hit up the source link below to download the mod, but we'd suggest checking out the epic trailer first.

Continue reading Zelda Adventure mod for Minecraft is a full game

JoystiqZelda Adventure mod for Minecraft is a full game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Minecraftmodmodspczelda-adventureWed, 22 Jun 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Super Mario Bros. 3 fan remake gets updated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/new-super-mario-bros-3-fan-remake-gets-updated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/new-super-mario-bros-3-fan-remake-gets-updated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/new-super-mario-bros-3-fan-remake-gets-updated/#comments Do you remember that crazy Super Mario Bros. 3 fan remake we posted about late last year? Well, creator SKJmin has finished a sizeable update to his ambitious remake, one you'll be able to download on June 16. If you plan on doing so, we'd suggest making sure you actually own New Super Mario Bros. DS -- you know, for legal reasons.

The update adds enhanced graphics to each level, including new block sets and backgrounds, plus 84 bonus rooms, a new final castle and over 30 different cameos. For now, we must be content with 14 minutes of footage, which we've gone and tucked just past the break.

Continue reading New Super Mario Bros. 3 fan remake gets updated

JoystiqNew Super Mario Bros. 3 fan remake gets updated originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmodsnew-super-mario-bros-3New-Super-Mario-Bros-DSnintendopatchpcskjminsuper-mario-bros-3wiiWed, 15 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard Dota still on the way, has undergone 'some massive overhauls']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/blizzard-dota-still-on-the-way-has-undergone-some-massive-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/blizzard-dota-still-on-the-way-has-undergone-some-massive-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/blizzard-dota-still-on-the-way-has-undergone-some-massive-over/#comments Blizzard Dota, the Defense of the Ancients-style official mod that was shown off at last year's BlizzCon, is still a work in progress, according to lead producer Chris Sigaty. The other three mods shown last year were released a little while ago to the community, but the Dota mod, which pits all kinds of Blizzard franchise characters up against each other in a real-time battle, needed a little extra work, apparently.

"We basically put it back up in the shop and did some massive overhauls to some things, which I'm not going to go into specific detail about," Sigaty told Joystiq at a press event last week. "But yeah, we are working on Blizzard Dota, and we do intend to launch it at or around the time of Heart of the Swarm, but the official details will be online later."

Will the mod eventually require the upcoming Heart of the Swarm expansion to play? Sigaty's got nothing yet: "We're not even talking about the business level decision of it at this point." But rest assured that, somewhere on Blizzard's Irvine, CA campus, there are still developers fighting over who'd win in a fight, Thrall, Diablo, or Tychus Findlay.

JoystiqBlizzard Dota still on the way, has undergone 'some massive overhauls' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-dotachris-sigatydotamodsofficialpcStarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmstarcraft-2-wings-of-libertyTue, 31 May 2011 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch reveals plan for Minecraft mods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/notch-reveals-plan-for-minecraft-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/notch-reveals-plan-for-minecraft-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/notch-reveals-plan-for-minecraft-mods/#comments The blocky world of Minecraft already seems custom-crafted for modders, but creator Notch recently revealed plans to make the game even more tinker-friendly. Here's the skinny: Mod teams will be able to get a free license and access to the game's source code. They can't sell their mods, but they might have the option to license them (for a fee) to Notch & Co. if they're especially solid. Such mods will be accessible to anyone who has purchased the game.

Though we're still waiting on details that explain precisely how mods will be implemented, it seems safe to say our M.C. Kids total conversion is horrifyingly close to fruition.

[Thanks, Stephen]

JoystiqNotch reveals plan for Minecraft mods originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macMinecraftmoddersmodsnotchpcWed, 27 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reports: Banned Xbox 360s briefly allowed back on Xbox Live, promptly banned again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/banned-xbox-360s-briefly-allowed-back-on-xbox-live-promptly-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/banned-xbox-360s-briefly-allowed-back-on-xbox-live-promptly-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/banned-xbox-360s-briefly-allowed-back-on-xbox-live-promptly-ban/#comments Reports began swirling Tuesday evening that Xbox Live users with banned Xbox 360 consoles were able to reconnect to Microsoft's online service. Forum users across Xbox.com, Xbox-Scene and NeoGAF claimed to have reconnected banned consoles, though said consoles were unable to download content from Xbox Live, including Marketplace purchases and game updates. As of early this morning, however, Xbox-Scene users are reporting that previously banned consoles have been totally barred from Xbox Live once again.

It's unclear just what happened, though Xbox-Scene user DUBiSM noticed Tuesday afternoon that the Xbox Live status page (image above) noted that users could experience problems "creating new Xbox Live accounts, managing those accounts, or recovering an account on a different console." The message has since been changed to warn of Modern Warfare 2 phishing scams.

On Twitter, Xbox Live director of policy and enforcement Stephen Toulouse said that all banned consoles are still banned, adding, "you can't trust message boards." For the moment, it would appear that the alleged reconnections were a fluke, though still a fluke that deserves attention given the ongoing drama surrounding the recent attack on Sony's PlayStation Network. We've contacted Microsoft for further comment.

JoystiqReports: Banned Xbox 360s briefly allowed back on Xbox Live, promptly banned again originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedhackershacksmicrosoftmoddersmodsxboxxbox-liveWed, 27 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2 editor coming this summer, CryEngine 3 SDK in August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/crysis-2-editor-coming-this-summer-cryengine-3-sdk-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/crysis-2-editor-coming-this-summer-cryengine-3-sdk-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/crysis-2-editor-coming-this-summer-cryengine-3-sdk-in-august/#comments Cevat Yerli, CEO of Crytek, has posted an extensive open letter to Crysis 2 modders on Crymod.com laying out an impressive future for the CryEngine mod scene. First and foremost, Yerli confirms that a Crysis 2 editor is coming this summer, but that news is overshadowed by the announcement of a free CryEngine 3 development kit, which Crytek is making available in August.

Essentially, anyone who wants to will be able to download "the latest, greatest version of CryEngine 3," and go to town with everything from the engine code to actual game sample code (from Crysis 2), scripts and all of the tools Crytek used to make Crysis 2. This is big news for modders, as it presents a viable, no-cost alternative to Unreal Engine 3 (which has a similar plan available) and access to all of the shiny features for anyone interested -- though developers who wish to release a game commercially will still have to license the engine.

[Thanks, Jackal]

JoystiqCrysis 2 editor coming this summer, CryEngine 3 SDK in August originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cevat-yerlicryengine-3cryengine-3-sdkcrysis-2crytekeditormodspcSat, 23 Apr 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim 'mostly a DirectX 9 game,' PC mods could make it to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/skyrim-mostly-a-directx-9-game-pc-mods-could-make-it-to-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/skyrim-mostly-a-directx-9-game-pc-mods-could-make-it-to-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/skyrim-mostly-a-directx-9-game-pc-mods-could-make-it-to-conso/#comments In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Bethesda's Todd Howard discussed the differences between the PC and console versions of the studio's upcoming RPG, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim -- or, rather, the lack thereof. "The game looks the same," Howard said, though he later added, "With the PC, the texture sizes are going to be as big as you want to make them, and you can pump the resolution up, obviously." As far as the visual nitty-gritty (yes, that's a technical term), Howard explained that Skyrim is "mostly a DirectX 9 game in terms of how the shaders work."

Sure, that may mean that the game could lack some of the technical punch of DX11, but there's an advantage to Skyrim's platform neutrality. Speaking to Edge, Howard said that the user-generated content authored by the game's PC players could be made available to console gamers, as well. "We'd like to see it happen, because it works, it's how we made the game," Howard said. We'd like to see it happen, too -- but only if it results in us getting those pretty environmental updates, and not the creepy ones that make everyone so very naked.

JoystiqSkyrim 'mostly a DirectX 9 game,' PC mods could make it to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworksdirectx-9elder-scrolls-5microsoftmodspcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxWed, 20 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The CCube puts a GameCube in your (very large) pocket]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/the-ccube-puts-a-gamecube-in-your-very-large-pocket/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/the-ccube-puts-a-gamecube-in-your-very-large-pocket/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/the-ccube-puts-a-gamecube-in-your-very-large-pocket/#comments We've seen portable GameCube mods before, but the CCube (Compact Cube) built by one Jonathan Shine may be the smallest. Created using a GameCube, an old answering machine case, plastic cement and many coats of paint, the project took fifteen months to complete -- much longer than the original two weeks John had estimated.

You'll find a video of the CCube after the break (skip to 2:20 for gameplay). With the disc drive actually located outside the case, it's worth noting that it's a tad on the noisy side, but impressive nonetheless. Then head over to the Mod Retro Forums for a detailed look at the CCube's construction.

Continue reading The CCube puts a GameCube in your (very large) pocket

JoystiqThe CCube puts a GameCube in your (very large) pocket originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccubegamecubehacksJonathan-ShinemodsnintendowiiSat, 26 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's what happens when you put a 3DS cartridge in a DSi]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/heres-what-happens-when-you-put-a-3ds-cartridge-in-a-dsi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/heres-what-happens-when-you-put-a-3ds-cartridge-in-a-dsi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/heres-what-happens-when-you-put-a-3ds-cartridge-in-a-dsi/#comments As you likely noticed, 3DS cartridges are just one good filing away from being able to fit in a DSi. To save you the trouble, we took a file to our copy of Madden Football, and we've got a detailed walkthrough of exactly what happened after the break.

Continue reading Here's what happens when you put a 3DS cartridge in a DSi

JoystiqHere's what happens when you put a 3DS cartridge in a DSi originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsimodsnintendoThu, 17 Mar 2011 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 will not support PlayStation Move [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/portal-2-playstation-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/portal-2-playstation-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/portal-2-playstation-move/#comments Update [2:30PM]: "Portal 2 does not include support for Sony's motion controller," Valve clarified in a press statement today, saying quotes in a German language PlayStation Blog interview that had indicated PlayStation Move integration was in the works had been "lost in translation." (See our original post after the break.)

Continue reading Portal 2 will not support PlayStation Move [update]

JoystiqPortal 2 will not support PlayStation Move [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dchet-faliszekdlcmodsplaystationplaystation-moveportal-2ps3steam-playvalveThu, 17 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck builds a portable Sega CDX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/ben-heck-builds-a-portable-sega-cdx/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/ben-heck-builds-a-portable-sega-cdx/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/ben-heck-builds-a-portable-sega-cdx/#comments Remember how when you were a kid, your parents would see you playing video games for hours and force you to go outside and "get some fresh air," whatever that meant? Remember how you would then sneak down into the sewers and pretend you were playing Sewer Shark? Remember that? Uh, you have no idea what we're talking about, do you? Great, now we look like a bunch of weirdos.

Now that our whole intro is shot, we'll get right to the point: Ben Heckendorn has used his Frankenstein-like ability to create new life from old, defunct consoles to make handheld console out of the Sega CDX, making the dream of subterranean Sewer Shark possible. As you can see in the image above, it's quite small -- the portable taps an old camcorder battery for power, a gutted Genesis pad for the controls and a four-inch LCD screen for the display. It's an impressive mod (as the majority of Ben Heck's work is), whose creation is documented in the video just past the break.

Continue reading Ben Heck builds a portable Sega CDX

JoystiqBen Heck builds a portable Sega CDX originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckmodmodssegasega-cdsega-cdxTue, 08 Feb 2011 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 getting user-created content 'on all platforms,' has two endings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/portal-2-getting-user-created-content-on-all-platforms-has-tw/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/portal-2-getting-user-created-content-on-all-platforms-has-tw/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/portal-2-getting-user-created-content-on-all-platforms-has-tw/#comments Though mod tools for Portal 2 will only arrive on PC ("there's a bunch of dependencies that require the Windows platform"), Valve's Chet Faliszek confirmed during a recent interview that the fruits of those tools will make their way to "all platforms." Faliszek specifically noted that "the content that comes out is agnostic, and so we will be seeing that on all platforms." That said, the content may not be distributed the same way across all platforms. "Depending on the platform you're on, I should say, will depend on how we're delivering it," Faliszek said, also confirming that the PS3 version would get user-created content via Steam for PS3.

In other Portal 2 news, speaking with VideoGamer, Faliszek revealed that each of the game's two campaign modes (single-player and co-op) will have their own individual surprise rewards for completion. "Both sets of credits [will feature something special], because we've got two credits," he explained. "So we had to do something twice as amazing." Presumably, Mr. Coulton has been hard at work on a hot new mix (mixes?) for GLaDOS. This time, we're holding out hope for a big dance number.

JoystiqPortal 2 getting user-created content 'on all platforms,' has two endings originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chet-faliszekmacmicrosoftmod-toolsmodspcplaystationportal-2ps3steamuser-created-contentvalvevalve-softwarexboxMon, 24 Jan 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Morrowind 2011 mod pack pulled after modders raise concerns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/morrowind-2011-mod-pack-pulled-after-modders-raise-concerns/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/morrowind-2011-mod-pack-pulled-after-modders-raise-concerns/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/morrowind-2011-mod-pack-pulled-after-modders-raise-concerns/#comments Just a few short days after its public release, Tyler Smith's Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind graphical update, the "Morrowind 2011" mod, is under attack, its torrent link blocked after Smith received threats of legal action from modders whose work was appropriated for the pack. Though Smith admits there were issues with how content was credited in the initial release, he insists the credits were being updated.

Modders claimed on the Bethesda forums (in a thread that has since been removed) that their work was being used illegally and without their permission.

"The real problem here, however, was that when the package came out, a few modders (myself included) contacted the compiler and simply asked for [him] to a) ask permission to use the mods and b) remove ones that he couldn't get permission for," one modder, who preferred not to be named, told Joystiq. "Just a bit of respect for the modders who put their time and effort in, and most of us would've given permission if asked."

Smith, who has chronicled the ordeal on his blog, seemed to have little hope that a resolution between he and the miffed modders would be reached. Though he has blocked the original torrent link, he admits it's possible that Morrowind 2011 could be redistributed by others.

"In the end I'm just very disappointed that I wasn't given a chance to correct the issues with the package, as I knew there were issues that were [in the process of being] fixed/updated," Smith told us. "But the file is out on the internet, and it will be very hard for anyone to remove it from all the sites."

JoystiqMorrowind 2011 mod pack pulled after modders raise concerns originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdamodmodsmorrowind-2011pcThe-Elder-Scrolls-3-MorrowindThu, 06 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First PS3 'custom firmware' working, doesn't allow piracy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/first-ps3-custom-firmware-working-doesnt-allow-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/first-ps3-custom-firmware-working-doesnt-allow-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/first-ps3-custom-firmware-working-doesnt-allow-piracy/#comments Building upon the exploits of the fail0verflow hacking troupe, a tinkerer known as "KaKaRoToKS" has got the first "custom firmware" (CFW) running on PS3. The modification can be applied to any version of the system's official firmware, including the latest 3.55 patch, and simply adds an "Install Package Files" option in the Game section of the XMB.

Importantly, this unauthorized option isn't an open flood gate for pirated games, but rather a means by which users could install signed and encrypted executable files -- in other words, "retail" .pkg files like the ones Sony uses for PSN downloads. While no current homebrew application is packaged like this (and therefore compatible with the custom firmware), it would be possible for homebrew developers to re-package their files to be installed through the CFW. (PSJailbreak offers similar functionality, DigitalFoundry explains, but as its name implies, Jailbreak allows for the installation of unsigned, unencrypted code.)

"Since the kernel is left unmodified, this means that this custom firmware is really meant for future homebrew installation, and it will not allow piracy," writes KaKaRoToKS in a blog post about the CFW. "I plan on keeping it that way."

[Thanks, Roland]

JoystiqFirst PS3 'custom firmware' working, doesn't allow piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cfwcustom-firmwarefail0verflowfirmwarehackhackshomebrewinstall-package-filesmodmodspiracyplaystationps3xmbWed, 05 Jan 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The XToaster360 can be yours, for enough bread]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/the-xtoaster360-can-be-yours-for-enough-bread/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/the-xtoaster360-can-be-yours-for-enough-bread/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/the-xtoaster360-can-be-yours-for-enough-bread/#comments We were tempted to make a joke about avoiding the unnecessary risk of overheating your Xbox 360 when we saw this video for Nick Carouso's "XToaster360" -- a toaster gutted and turned into a custom console -- but that's a little stale. The case mod is currently up for auction on eBay with a starting bid of $150 ... so we're assuming there's no Valhalla inside. (There's also no hard drive -- just the ability to use USB thumb drives.)

While the XToaster is still pretty neat, what with its blue LEDs and novelty factor, there are a couple of other issues with the design: For one, it doesn't actually make toast. Also, Carouso kept the disc drive horizontal, missing the opportunity to insert a game through one of the toaster's bagel-accommodating slots. Maybe he was worried about it ejecting early -- or worse: jamming?

Continue reading The XToaster360 can be yours, for enough bread

JoystiqThe XToaster360 can be yours, for enough bread originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>case-modcustomebaymicrosoftmodmodsnick-carousotoasterxboxMon, 03 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Morrowind 2011' mod done, gorgeous, now available [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/morrowind-2011-mod-done-gorgeous-not-quite-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/morrowind-2011-mod-done-gorgeous-not-quite-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/morrowind-2011-mod-done-gorgeous-not-quite-available/#comments It's funny, no matter how hard you try, there always seems to be a "new year" adjustment period. Just today, we were buying groceries and we put "The Year Before The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Came Out" as the date! Can you imagine? The clerk looked at us like we were crazy, and who can blame her?

Though it is, in fact, the year that Skyrim is set to arrive, we've still got a touch over 10 months of waiting ahead of us. In the interim, we're going to be biding our time with modder Warwon's "Morrowind 2011" mod compendium (which you can see in action just after the break). That is, we would be, if Warwon weren't still in the process of looking for a host for the 4GB pack, which overhauls the environments in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind with beautifully modern graphics.

Great, so now we're waiting for both of them. Double waiting. Could The Year that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Comes Out Barring Any Delays possibly be off to a worse start?

Update: You can follow along with the project at the official site here. And it's live there right now!

Continue reading 'Morrowind 2011' mod done, gorgeous, now available [update]

Joystiq'Morrowind 2011' mod done, gorgeous, now available [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksmodsmorrowindmorrowind-2011pcThe-Elder-Scrolls-3-MorrowindMon, 03 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New Wii 'laptop' mod is super portable, super awesome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/new-wii-laptop-mod-is-super-portable-super-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/new-wii-laptop-mod-is-super-portable-super-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/new-wii-laptop-mod-is-super-portable-super-awesome/#comments We've seen Wii laptops before (heck, we taught you how to make one!) but do any of them have an internal rechargeable battery? How about GameCube ports? Could they fit inside a shirt pocket? Thought not. Modder ShockSlayer's custom "ZNWii" laptop is one of -- if not the best we've seen yet.

Continue reading New Wii 'laptop' mod is super portable, super awesome

JoystiqNew Wii 'laptop' mod is super portable, super awesome originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>modmodsnintendowiiTue, 28 Dec 2010 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Scribblecraft mod gives Minecraft that hand-drawn look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/scribblecraft-mod-gives-minecraft-that-hand-drawn-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/scribblecraft-mod-gives-minecraft-that-hand-drawn-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/scribblecraft-mod-gives-minecraft-that-hand-drawn-look/#comments Some might call Minecraft's simplified graphics charming, but a new mod shows us that the game can be far more visually striking. Scribblecraft is a texture pack mod created by Kristopher Bel that swaps out the game's textures for his hand-drawn substitutes. If you wanna grab the mod, hit the link below -- just make sure you install the HD Texture Fix first.

Gallery: Scribblecraft (Minecraft mod)

Continue reading Scribblecraft mod gives Minecraft that hand-drawn look

JoystiqScribblecraft mod gives Minecraft that hand-drawn look originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kristopher-belMinecraftminecraft-modmodsMotorolapcscribblecraftTue, 14 Dec 2010 22:30:00 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