Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[THQ shuttering Arizona QA facility, moving all QA to Montreal this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/thq-shuttering-arizona-qa-facility-moving-all-qa-to-montreal-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/thq-shuttering-arizona-qa-facility-moving-all-qa-to-montreal-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/thq-shuttering-arizona-qa-facility-moving-all-qa-to-montreal-th/#comments Consolidation news now, as THQ has announced it plans to close its Phoenix, Arizona QA facility. "Montreal is a prime location for industry talent, has favorable economics, and is a big part of our future game development plans. With those considerations in mind, we have made the business decision to consolidate our two Quality Assurance operations into one location at THQ Montreal," a THQ statement issued to Game Informer reads.

A total of 57 employees will be affected in Phoenix, some being outright dismissed while the others will be offered the chance to move to Montreal. "The transition will occur gradually throughout the remainder of 2012 while we continue to manage QA for our FY'13 release slate." The statement goes on to say that the decision was "driven by industry, market and economic trends."

It's a smart move to consolidate to Montreal, which THQ's newly appointed president Jason Rubin told us is important to the future of the company. And with THQ needing all the help it can get right now, the tax breaks must be a godsend.

JoystiqTHQ shuttering Arizona QA facility, moving all QA to Montreal this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonacanadadarksiders-2layoffsmicrosoftmontrealpcplaystationps3qathqxboxThu, 19 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYT: Video-game companies take lucrative advantage of US tax code, especially EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/nyt-video-game-companies-take-lucrative-advantage-of-us-tax-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/nyt-video-game-companies-take-lucrative-advantage-of-us-tax-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/nyt-video-game-companies-take-lucrative-advantage-of-us-tax-cod/#comments If the United States tax code were cheese, it would be more Swiss than American -- tax breaks and incentives for software development, research and technological advancement were established to promote an intellectual advantage in the US, and video-game companies are in a unique position to take full advantage of federal funding, especially EA, The New York Times reports.

EA boasts $1.2 billion in global profits over the past five years -- which is technically a net loss, after deferred revenue, executive-stock-option deductions and other accounting necessities, including a payout of $98 million, cash, in taxes worldwide. The US federal tax rate on any company is 35 percent, but that's before the creative accounting.

In 2004, EA hired Glen Kohl, formerly an employee of the Treasury Department under President Clinton, to make the most of its tax incentivies. Kohl has since lobbied for federal tax breaks on domestic production and established offshore subsidiaries in low-tax countries. EA now has 50 offshore subsidiaries in countries such as Bermuda, Singapore and Mauritius, and holds $1.3 billion in offshore funds that won't be taxed unless brought into the US.

EA spokesman Jeff Brown justified EA's monetary exportation as a consequence of running an international business:

Continue reading NYT: Video-game companies take lucrative advantage of US tax code, especially EA

JoystiqNYT: Video-game companies take lucrative advantage of US tax code, especially EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3CanadaEAElectronic-ArtsGlen-Kohljeff-brownmicrosoftmontrealoffshorepcplaystationps3subsidiariestax-breakstaxesUbisoftxboxSun, 11 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Square Enix to expand Eidos Montreal, add 350 employees by 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/report-square-enix-to-expand-eidos-montreal-add-350-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/report-square-enix-to-expand-eidos-montreal-add-350-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/report-square-enix-to-expand-eidos-montreal-add-350-employees/#comments Do you still find it difficult to reconcile the critically adored, Western-developed Deus Ex: Human Revolution with the Square Enix logo on the game's packaging? You'll get over it in the coming years, as La Presse Affaires reports that Eidos Montréal aims to double in size and accomodate 350 additional employees by 2015.

Though Square Enix has yet to officially announce such plans, the report states that a tentative agreement has been made between the Japanese company (which acquired Eidos in 2009) and financier Investissement Québec. The deal, when solidified, will grant tax credits and a $2 million subsidy to Square.

Earlier reports suggested that Square would establish a new studio once talks with several Canadian provincial governments had concluded. According to La Presse, it has opted to boost its existing Eidos location from 330 to 680 employees over the next four years. Square will reportedly increase staff count by 100 toward the end of 2012.

This news bodes well for Eidos Montréal's two current projects, particularly for Th14f. One of those 680 employees should be able to come up with a proper logo.

[Thanks, Phillipe.]

JoystiqReport: Square Enix to expand Eidos Montreal, add 350 employees by 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadadeus-ex-human-revolutioneidos-montrealmontrealsquare-enixThu, 01 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian Game Development Talent Awards announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/canadian-game-development-talent-awards-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/canadian-game-development-talent-awards-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/canadian-game-development-talent-awards-announced/#comments The Alliance numérique is a Canadian digital industry network that's putting together, in conjunction with the Canadian Interactive Alliance, the first-ever Canadian Game Development Talent Awards. This ceremony will honor Canadian finalists and winners in a number of different categories around video gaming, putting a spotlight on the creative talent available in America's neighbors to the north.

The Canadian video game industry is growing by leaps and bounds. Not only is the audience surprisingly large up there, but Pierre Proulx, General Manager of Alliance numérique, says that Canada is "now the third most important cluster in terms of video game development in the world," presumably after Japan and the United States.

The awards ceremony is being chaired by developer Jason Della Rocca, and will take place on November 2, 2011 at the Montreal International Game Summit. You can see the full announcent after the break.

Continue reading Canadian Game Development Talent Awards announced

JoystiqCanadian Game Development Talent Awards announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-numierqueawardscanadacanadian-game-development-talent-awardscanadian-interactive-alliancecgdtadevelopersjason-della-roccamontrealWed, 06 Jul 2011 00:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft prevents THQ from hiring more of its Montreal employees with court order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/ubisoft-prevents-thq-from-hiring-more-of-its-montreal-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/ubisoft-prevents-thq-from-hiring-more-of-its-montreal-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/ubisoft-prevents-thq-from-hiring-more-of-its-montreal-employees/#comments The Superior Court of Quebec has granted Ubisoft an injunction that prevents THQ from obtaining any more of Ubisoft's employees in ye olde city of Montreal. Game Informer (following up on a report by Rue Frontenac) received an official statement from Ubisoft, in which the publisher requested that the court place an injunction order on THQ based on the "non-solicit clause" included in Ubisoft Montreal employee contracts.

"This procedure aims to protect Ubisoft Montreal in a breach of contract situation," said the statement, "and to defend the long-term financial and creative health of the studio." Translation: Ubisoft hit the panic button following a talent drain that started when creative bigwig Patrice Desilets left Ubisoft to form his team at THQ Montreal, which included several other Ubisoft folks. In obtaining the injunction, Ubisoft even used a Joystiq article from January as evidence of a breach of contract. In that post, THQ exec Danny Bilson admits to hiring three Ubisoft employees (who were bound to a non-compete clause) on retainer.

Given that several major publishers are moving to Canada, THQ is just one of Ubisoft's home turf concerns. Ubisoft probably has the lawyers working overtime to legally add a "restraining order clause" to employee contracts, forcing them to stay 100 meters away from any competitors' employee.

JoystiqUbisoft prevents THQ from hiring more of its Montreal employees with court order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>injuctionlawlegalmicrosoftmontrealnintendoplaystationps3THQthq-montrealUbisoftubisoft-montrealwiixboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront franchise to be co-developed by THQ Montreal: 'Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/#comments As heavily hinted at in comments made by Homefront devs Kaos Studios and publisher THQ eariler this year, it looks like the future of the franchise won't be created solely in The Big Apple. Senior VP of Core Studios Dave Davis spoke to the THQ Montreal/Kaos Studios collaboration during a studio head roundtable this afternoon at GDC. "Wherever the talent is, we will have our studios," Davis told us, though he admitted that "Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place." Yeah, we know all about it, Dave. He also added, "There isn't a [critical mass] talent pool -- many of the people we have there are imported to NYC."

That said, he doesn't see Kaos shutting its doors as its employees relocate to The Great White North. In fact, Kaos has already worked with the Montreal studio (in a relatively cursory sense) on the first game in the franchise. "When finishing Homefront, we had about 10-11 people who helped shipped the original Homefront. And that was talent that we got from Montreal that we couldn't get anywhere else," Davis said. He further assured us that "We're trying to do the best thing for the product and the best thing for the studio, and going forward there will definitely be collaboration." What's not clear is if collaboration means consolidation in this case.

JoystiqHomefront franchise to be co-developed by THQ Montreal: 'Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-davishomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftmontrealnew-york-citypcplaystationps3thqthq-montrealxboxFri, 04 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. Montreal focusing on lower-budget social, mobile games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/warner-bros-montreal-focusing-on-lower-budget-social-mobile-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/warner-bros-montreal-focusing-on-lower-budget-social-mobile-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/warner-bros-montreal-focusing-on-lower-budget-social-mobile-ga/#comments Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's new Montreal studio won't be working on triple-A console games, but will instead focus on smaller social and mobile titles, with a budget under $10 million per project. Speaking to LaPresseAffaires (Google translation), Montreal studio head Martin Carrier said that WBI-oui originally considered online games to be a secondary market, before the company realized the niche was "growing." Hmmm ... we wonder where execs got that idea?

Reportedly, some employees and recruits haven't been so peachy keen on the studio's en vogue direction. Of course, in Montreal, there are still actual places where game devs can work on big-budget games. See: Ubisoft, EA and most-recently THQ.

JoystiqWarner Bros. Montreal focusing on lower-budget social, mobile games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadamobilemontrealsocial-gamesWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIEWBIE-MontrealWed, 10 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Artificial Mind and Movement rebrands; (re)introducing Behaviour Interactive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/artificial-mind-and-movement-rebrands-re-introducing-behaviour/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/artificial-mind-and-movement-rebrands-re-introducing-behaviour/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/artificial-mind-and-movement-rebrands-re-introducing-behaviour/#comments You may not know the name "Artificial Mind and Movement" but its one of the oldest and largest independent game developers working today and also the oldest operating developer in gaming superhub Montreal. A2M, as it's been called, began work on original IP, creating Jersey Devil for the PlayStation in 1998. But back then it was known as Behaviour Interactive and, beginning today, it will be Behaviour Interactive once again. We spoke with CEO and founder Rémi Racine about the name change, what it means for his studio and its goal of becoming a consumer-facing developer instead of a business-facing work-for-hire studio.

"We're trying to do more and more of our own IP," Racine told Joystiq. "Our name becomes more and more present to the game community when you do your own stuff, so that triggered the change" to Behaviour Interactive. "Because of Wet and Naughty Bear and the Wanako brand and Assault Heroes, we're moving more and more into our own IP."

Continue reading Artificial Mind and Movement rebrands; (re)introducing Behaviour Interactive

JoystiqArtificial Mind and Movement rebrands; (re)introducing Behaviour Interactive originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MArtificial-Mind-and-MovementBehaviour-InteractivemicrosoftmobileMontrealplaystationps3PSNRemi-RacineWanako-StudiosXBLAxboxMon, 08 Nov 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft brings online middleware dev Quazal into its brotherhood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/ubisoft-brings-online-middleware-dev-quazal-into-its-brotherhood/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/ubisoft-brings-online-middleware-dev-quazal-into-its-brotherhood/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/ubisoft-brings-online-middleware-dev-quazal-into-its-brotherhood/#comments On a bit of a spending spree this week, Ubisoft today added Montreal-based Quazal Technologies to the family. Creator of multiplayer middleware and services, Quazal has worked with Ubisoft for a number of years, and its products power components in a range of the publisher's titles, including this month's Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, the last three Splinter Cell games and Far Cry 2.

"We're happy to be able to continue to express our creative vision via the projects we'll be working on with Ubisoft," Quazal co-founder Martin Lavoie said in a press announcement. Ubisoft has plenty to be happy about, too. While no representative stood up and said as much, executives were no doubt preparing to bathe in a fresh pool of licensing loot. Quazel tech is all up in plenty of other companies' games, after all.

Continue reading Ubisoft brings online middleware dev Quazal into its brotherhood

JoystiqUbisoft brings online middleware dev Quazal into its brotherhood originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionAssassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-MultiplayerCanadamicrosoftmiddlewareMontrealmulitplayerNet-Zonlinepcplaystationps3QuazalQuazal-TechnologiesRendez-VousUbisoftxboxThu, 04 Nov 2010 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch: THQ Montreal studio announcement and press conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/watch-thq-montreal-studio-announcement-and-press-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/watch-thq-montreal-studio-announcement-and-press-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/watch-thq-montreal-studio-announcement-and-press-conference/#comments
 It's an exciting time for THQ. The company announced a new studio and Ubisoft vet, Patrice Désilets, has joined the squad. To relive all the drama, excitement and soft-spoken executives who were in Montreal earlier this week, head past the break for the conference in full. Profitez-en!

Gallery: THQ Montreal

Continue reading Watch: THQ Montreal studio announcement and press conference

JoystiqWatch: THQ Montreal studio announcement and press conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>montrealpatrice-desiletsthqthq-montrealthq-studio-montrealWed, 20 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Warner Bros. Interactive opening Montreal studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/report-warner-bros-interactive-opening-montreal-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/report-warner-bros-interactive-opening-montreal-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/report-warner-bros-interactive-opening-montreal-studio/#comments Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is the latest company to take advantage of Canada's talent (and yummy, yummy tax incentives) for game developers and publishers. GameFocus reports that WBIE (WBI-oui?) will open a new studio in Montreal that will be lead by division president Martin Tremblay and employ over 300 people. The studio will be known as WB Games Montreal. We've contacted WBIE for comment on the new studio, but the publisher has yet to make a formal announcement.

In a previous professional life, Tremblay was the big fromage at Vivendi and Ubisoft Montreal. The executive also apparently claimed that the publisher would open a studio in another city soon. That could be a new studio, or it could be a developer WB has invested in, like Turbine -- or a solid developer that's recently tripped into some eye-catching success.

Update: The province of Quebec has made it official.

JoystiqReport: Warner Bros. Interactive opening Montreal studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscanadamartin-tremblaymontrealquebecwarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwbieWBIE-MontrealMon, 22 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ to open new Montreal studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/thq-to-open-new-montreal-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/thq-to-open-new-montreal-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/thq-to-open-new-montreal-studio/#comments The city of Montreal can add another gaming studio to its ranks, as THQ has announced plans for its biggest studio yet: THQ Montreal. The new development house will focus on "creating core games for THQ" and assisting with titles developed by the company's other studios worldwide. THQ Montreal is expected to create some 400 new jobs in the Quebec province, with THQ's Paradigm Entertainment head, Dave Gatchel, overseeing operations when the studio opens in mid-2010.

THQ VP Steve DeCosta says it's not just the tax breaks that make Montreal such an appealing place to set up shop, but also the talent pool in the region -- sentiments shared by neighboring Ontario minister Sandra Pupatello.

JoystiqTHQ to open new Montreal studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadadave-gatcheldavid-gatchelmontrealparadigm-entertainmentthqthq-montrealThu, 03 Dec 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Funcom cutting 20 percent of staff, The Secret World delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/report-funcom-cutting-20-percent-of-staff-the-secret-world-del/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/report-funcom-cutting-20-percent-of-staff-the-secret-world-del/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/report-funcom-cutting-20-percent-of-staff-the-secret-world-del/#comments According to a report from Norwegian news site E24, Funcom recently announced in a stock exchange briefing that it would be cutting 20 percent of its staff and, as a result, would delay the launch of The Secret World by a few months. Following this announcement, the company's stock took a sizable 18 percent dip -- as did our hearts, which became somewhat infatuated with the developer's mysterious MMO at the Penny Arcade Expo.

This news is somewhat confusing considering the company decided to open a brand new Montreal chapter earlier this month, where it was planning on hiring more than 100 people over the next year and a half. We've contacted Funcom to find out the reason for the cuts, and to see if this new studio will be affected.

[Via Edge Online]

JoystiqReport: Funcom cutting 20 percent of staff, The Secret World delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firingfuncomindustrylayoffsmmomontrealnorwaythe-secret-worldTue, 29 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Live in Montreal? Like games? Tour Ubisoft this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/live-in-montreal-like-games-tour-ubisoft-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/live-in-montreal-like-games-tour-ubisoft-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/live-in-montreal-like-games-tour-ubisoft-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under:


We'll be honest, this doesn't sit well with us. You see, there's an "us" and "them" thing here: we write about the video games, get showered with free gifts, and get invited to hang out and drink beers with all our favorite developers in their space-age offices from the future, while you sit at home and pretend you can imagine what beer tastes like in zero-G. That's been the status quo for centuries ... until now.

The ne'er-do'wells at Ubisoft Montréal want to throw away centuries of tradition just to participate in Les Journées de la culture - a weekend of free activities happening all throughout Quebec. Show up on their doorstep tomorrow between 9am and 4:30pm, leave your cameras and whatnot at home, and get a 30-minute tour of the five-story facility. Wanna drink space beers with Prince of Persia producer Ben Mattes? No dice, chum. Some things are still off-limits.

[Thanks, Dom]

JoystiqLive in Montreal? Like games? Tour Ubisoft this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CanadaMontrealUbisoftUbisoft-MontrealFri, 26 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Motocross Challenge rides back from the sunset for another go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/motocross-challenge-rides-back-from-the-sunset-for-another-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/motocross-challenge-rides-back-from-the-sunset-for-another-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/motocross-challenge-rides-back-from-the-sunset-for-another-go/#commentsFiled under: ,

We couldn't pay Motocross Challenge enough compliments when indie developer DHG Games released the Excitebike-inspired GBA racer last year. For those of you unfamiliar with the game's history, it never saw a commercial release after its publisher backed out of the project due to declining sales for GBA titles.

Not letting its code go to waste, DHG eventually released Motocross Challenge to the homebrew community as a free downlodable ROM and a limited edition flashcart. As great as the game was, we thought, with a tear in our eye, that we would never see it again.

The Montreal-based studio wants another crack at getting its game in stores, however, and has announced a DS remake! The graphics look mostly unchanged, but there are a lot of additions to get hyped about -- a track editor, three new game modes, a skinner mini map on the bottom screen, more AI opponents, a new Challenge Mode mechanic, and a new soundtrack.

DHG is still looking for a publisher, so make sure to direct your industry friends to this arcade racer! Turbo boost your bike up a ramp and fly past the post break for a trailer of Motocross Challenge DS. If you'd rather try it out yourself, you can still download and play the GBA ROM, too!

Continue reading Motocross Challenge rides back from the sunset for another go

JoystiqMotocross Challenge rides back from the sunset for another go originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dhgdhg-gamesmontrealmotocrossmotocross-challengemotocrosschallengeracingremakeTue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Box swap: My Weight Loss Coach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/box-swap-my-weight-loss-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/box-swap-my-weight-loss-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/box-swap-my-weight-loss-coach/#commentsFiled under:



Only a week and a half after we questioned Ubisoft's My Weight Loss Coach boxart -- as we've made a habit of doing with the publisher's boxes -- the placeholder art posted on Amazon has been replaced with a much more predictable and bland cover. While weren't sure if we fancied the previous packshot or not, we're very sure about not liking this one.

Ubisoft has done away with the old box's minimalist presentation and Don Hertzfeldt-esque stick figures. Instead, the packaging is crowded with the publisher's enlarged logo, the software's bundled pedometer, a stock photo of a running couple, and a looming, slimmed waist. Also, you can now see the same banner and chunky, slab-serif typeface used on Ubisoft's other "My Coach" covers.

Bring your disdain past the post break for larger comparison shots of the boxes.

Continue reading Box swap: My Weight Loss Coach

JoystiqBox swap: My Weight Loss Coach originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxartmontrealmy-coachmy-weight-loss-coachpedometerstock-photographytrainingubisoftSat, 26 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[My Weight Loss Coach boxart: Lazy or fitting?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/my-weight-loss-coach-boxart-lazy-or-fitting/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/my-weight-loss-coach-boxart-lazy-or-fitting/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/my-weight-loss-coach-boxart-lazy-or-fitting/#comments

We loaded up My Weight Loss Coach's product page on Amazon earlier today and received two surprises:
  1. $39.99. We're used to seeing that sort of markup only on Square-Enix titles and almost never on casual titles, but we suppose that bundled pedometer comes at a price. That price being ten additional dollars.
  2. Its stark, untraditional packaging art.
At first, the cover seemed like an apathetic production, reminiscent of the Konami's Best box design, but perhaps this simple, almost Apple-esque approach will draw in weight-concerned adult casuals, Ubisoft's target audience. If they really want to bring in the big bucks, they'll shoot a commercial of someone pulling the case out of a manila envelope while Yael Naim sings the lyrics to "New Soul."

If you're one of those strange people who like to judge a title by its actual content and not its cover, jump into our gallery below to see new screenshots of the get-in-shape software.


[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqMy Weight Loss Coach boxart: Lazy or fitting? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applehealthmontrealmy-weight-loss-coachnms08pedometertrainingubisoftTue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Thief' is that you? Eidos Montreal project begins with 'T']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/thief-is-that-you-eidos-montreal-working-on-something-starting/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/thief-is-that-you-eidos-montreal-working-on-something-starting/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/thief-is-that-you-eidos-montreal-working-on-something-starting/#commentsFiled under: ,


While Eidos Montreal continues to turn out code that will eventually become Deus Ex 3, the studio has apparently found enough time to work towards a second project, something beginning with the letter "T." Of course, Tomb Raider is the obvious conclusion, but that series is well in hand at Eidos studio Crystal Dynamics, leaving us scratching our heads wondering just what the Montreal devs could be up to.

One possible conclusion is Thief, a series that has lurked in the shadows since 2004's Ion Storm-developed second sequel Thief: Deadly Shadows, and while this is enough to get us excited to find out more, the project could just as easily be a game based on Tiny Toons...which come to think of it would be pretty cool too.

[Thanks TheSabin]

Joystiq'Thief' is that you? Eidos Montreal project begins with 'T' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-3deusexeidosmontrealmysterythiefFri, 04 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft reveals DS pedometer, our fight against the flab begins here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/ubisoft-reveals-ds-pedometer-our-fight-against-the-flab-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/ubisoft-reveals-ds-pedometer-our-fight-against-the-flab-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/ubisoft-reveals-ds-pedometer-our-fight-against-the-flab-begins/#commentsFiled under:



Do your evenings typically consist of you perching your overweight frame on the couch, slurping down microwaveable pizzas between guttural sobs of despair? If so, the compact device above could be the way to a healthier, leaner you. Why? Because that's the pedometer that will ship with Ubisoft's My Weight Loss Coach, silly!

We've already stated how much we like this game's simple-yet-elegant visual style, and My Weight Loss Coach's pedometer only elevates it further above more standard training fare on the DS. The idea is straightforward enough: keep the pedometer on your person all day, letting it count every step you take, then plug it into the GBA slot of your DS and let the software analyze how much blubber you've burned off. Pretty soon, you'll look a bit like this guy, right down to the toned arms and rictus grin. Excellent!

This should be arriving in Europe this summer, so until then you'll have to breathe in sharply if you want to squeeze into the gallery below.


[Via press release]

JoystiqUbisoft reveals DS pedometer, our fight against the flab begins here originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>healthmontrealmy-weight-loss-coachpedometertrainingubisoftMon, 10 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fit: Ubisoft announces My Weight Loss Coach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/ds-fit-ubisoft-announces-my-weight-loss-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/ds-fit-ubisoft-announces-my-weight-loss-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/ds-fit-ubisoft-announces-my-weight-loss-coach/#commentsFiled under: ,

For those of you looking for a weight-loss alternative to methamphetamines, you can finally put down that needle -- Ubisoft has just the game for you! My Weight Loss Coach acts as both a fitness coach and nutritionist to help you trim those extra pounds. Pretty soon, you'll be able to slip into that old pair of daisy dukes that kept your telephone ringing all throughout your high school years.

The casual software will come bundled with a pedometer, an accessory which detects nearby sexual predators counts every step you take, similar to the Nike+iPod Sports Kit. The device plugs into your DS, presumably through the handheld's GBA slot, and keeps track of your progress, updating your personal profile. Based on the data it gathers, My Weight Loss Coach helps you balance your food intake and meet "landmark checkpoints." And it doesn't even give you meth mouth!

The stick-figure art direction is simple but charming, like a Don Hertzfeldt animation, perfect for a genre that doesn't really benefit from graphics that push the system's limits. Check our gallery below for 15 screenshots of the healthy title. My Weight Loss Coach isn't scheduled for release until this summer, but don't wait until then to get off the ice.

JoystiqDS Fit: Ubisoft announces My Weight Loss Coach originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>don-hertzfeldtmontrealmy-weight-loss-coachpedometerubisoftMon, 11 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft: We've got some Wii games in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/ubisoft-weve-got-some-wii-games-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/ubisoft-weve-got-some-wii-games-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/ubisoft-weve-got-some-wii-games-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: ,

Game | Life managed to grab a little face time with Yannis Mallat, the head honcho at Ubisoft Montreal (Prince of Persia, Splinter Cell). They grilled him about all manner of subject in the gaming industry, but what we care about mainly was his words in regards to Nintendo's Wii console, and if we would be seeing any new Wii games from the company.

"And right now, we are developing some other Wii titles that we are going to be able to talk about soon," Mallat commented. When asked further about big budget titles having a chance to thrive on the console, Mallat said that those titles are possible for the Wii, but developing for the console is something that needs to be heavily considered. "That console specifically has to be thought of in the same way that it's been produced and designed," he said, adding "when it comes time to make games. And when you hit the right balance, success will just follow."

We don't know about you, but we're excited to hear more about these mystery games.

JoystiqUbisoft: We've got some Wii games in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DICE08montrealubisoftubisoft-montrealyannis-mallatMon, 11 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Passage is a lifetime in five minutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/passage-is-a-lifetime-in-five-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/passage-is-a-lifetime-in-five-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/passage-is-a-lifetime-in-five-minutes/#commentsFiled under: , ,


At this year's Montreal International Game Summit, the game development collective Kokoromi held their second annual Gamma event, challenging designers and coders to create games under strict guidelines. For this year's event, games had to be a maximum of 256 x 256 pixels, and be fully playable in around five minutes.

With these constraints, Jason Rohrer designed Passage, a tiny game that has been making tiny waves in our tiny community.

There's not much to say about Passage. The game is available for Mac, PC, and Linux, and lasts exactly five minutes. In short, there's no excuse not to play it.

[Via Raph Koster]

JoystiqPassage is a lifetime in five minutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gammagamma256kokoromiMacmigsmigs07montrealpassagePCTue, 11 Dec 2007 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Surf's Up had better use the Wiimote as a surfboard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/surfs-up-had-better-use-the-wiimote-as-a-surfboard/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/surfs-up-had-better-use-the-wiimote-as-a-surfboard/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/surfs-up-had-better-use-the-wiimote-as-a-surfboard/#commentsFiled under:


We just wanted to get that in there nice and early, because it's important. You can infer from the rather pointed headline that a game based on the upcoming CG kids' movie Surf's Up has been announced for the Wii.

Ubisoft will be bringing the videogame version of Sony Pictures' Surf's Up to pretty much every system we can think of, which is pretty much standard operating procedure. The game will feature voice acting from many of the movie's stars, including Shia LeBoeuf, Jeff Bridges, and Jethro from the Beverly Hillbillies movie.

There are two reasons that we think Surf's Up could turn out okay: first, it's being developed by Ubisoft Montreal, who are responsible for the Prince of Persia series; and second, surfing seems like a natural for the Wiimote. At least, we hope it's good, because we're certain lots of kids are going to want it.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqSurf's Up had better use the Wiimote as a surfboard originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>montrealnintendonintendo wiinintendowiipenguinsurfsurfingsurfssurfsupubiubisoftupwiiWed, 21 Mar 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Montreal QA specialist doubles as more developers come to town]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/montreal-qa-specialist-doubles-as-more-developers-come-to-town/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/montreal-qa-specialist-doubles-as-more-developers-come-to-town/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/montreal-qa-specialist-doubles-as-more-developers-come-to-town/#commentsFiled under: , ,

babel mediaMontreal outsourcing and post production specialist Babel Media is gearing up for the city's impending game development growth, doubling the size of its facility, while adding 350 new jobs; to its existing 150. While Babel serves the interests of a variety of media formats, Ubisoft's grand plans and Eidos' moving in have spurred Babel's decision to bulk up. Known for its translation services, the company specializes in functionality QA, localized translation and audio creation, localization QA, and localized packaging and manuals.

"We have recently signed contracts with clients who, without exaggeration, own some of the greatest Intellectual Property in the world," said Babel managing director Algy Williams, adding, "We will be testing their games across all platforms, including PS3 and Xbox 360, and we need to recruit talented and motivated people who are looking for a career in the games industry." Anyone need a job?

JoystiqMontreal QA specialist doubles as more developers come to town originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BabelBabelMediaCanadaMontrealPS3QAXbox-360Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Eidos sets up shop in Montreal alongside Ubisoft, EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/eidos-sets-up-shop-in-montreal-alongside-ubisoft-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/eidos-sets-up-shop-in-montreal-alongside-ubisoft-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/eidos-sets-up-shop-in-montreal-alongside-ubisoft-ea/#commentsFiled under:

hi neighbor!Rampant piracy hasn't stopped Ubisoft from making moves in Montreal, initiating a massive studio expansion that will see 1,000 new jobs created over the next six years. And now Ubisoft, and existing neighbor EA Montreal, will be joined by Eidos. The UK powerhouse has formally announced plans to launch a new game development studio headed by general manager Stéphane D'Astous in Quebec's largest city. "Montreal is the ideal location to open a new studio because of its thriving game development community and favorable economics," said Eidos Commercial Director Bill Ennis, referring to beneficial tax and government incentives.

The new studio is expected to provide an estimated 350 new jobs by 2010.

JoystiqEidos sets up shop in Montreal alongside Ubisoft, EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CanadaEAEidosElectronic-ArtsMontrealQuebecUbisoftFri, 16 Feb 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft Montreal expanding, 1,000 new jobs by 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/ubisoft-montreal-expanding-1-000-new-jobs-by-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/ubisoft-montreal-expanding-1-000-new-jobs-by-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/ubisoft-montreal-expanding-1-000-new-jobs-by-2013/#commentsFiled under:

ubisoft montrealAs supposed by La Presse, Ubisoft has formalized plans to expand its Montreal studio with the help of government aid. The Paris-based company will spend as much as C$454 million (approximately $383.9 million USD) over the next six years, while Quebec will chip in C$19 million in tax credits. Ottawa's also offering a C$8-million loan to help grow the studio, which is expected to create roughly 1,000 new jobs in the Montreal area by 2013.

The expansion will unfold in two simultaneous phases. The studio's video game division will be beefed up with 500 new positions, while a CGI studio is created, eventually providing an additional 500 jobs. The new studio will produce short films based on Ubisoft properties, including an 8-minute Assassin's Creed featurette.

JoystiqUbisoft Montreal expanding, 1,000 new jobs by 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CandadaMontrealQuebecUbisoftMon, 12 Feb 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[MIGS06/Arcadia: No PS3 love for Montreal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/no-ps3-love-for-montreal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/no-ps3-love-for-montreal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/no-ps3-love-for-montreal/#commentsFiled under:

Last week, Montreal was the place to be for video games, between the industry-oriented Montreal International Game Summit, and the consumer-oriented Arcadia Festival. Both events featured show floors, allowing attendees to try out all the latest consoles and games ... except for the PS3, that is.

Despite the strong presences of both the Wii and the Xbox 360, Sony failed to make the Playstation 3 available to play at either of the major Montreal events this past week, raising some interesting questions about Sony's dedication to the Canadian market.

François Décarie, event promoter for the Arcadia Festival, cites delays of the console in the European market as reason for Sony failing to commit PS3s to the events, as well as the company's general shortage of launch units.

In a brief interview with Joystiq last week, he remarked "You know, in Europe it's been delayed until March or something like that. We've talked with [Sony], but with the uncertainty of when they're coming out in the market, it was difficult for them to commit ... Not only that, they were talking about 2 million units, now apparently they're not getting the 2 million units for Japan and North America, meaning that you would have how many for North America? A million? And you make the equation, and you come down to say, well, how many available in Canada for them? And it was a bit of a risk for them to come here. And we understand, and we respect this."

M. Décarie remains optimistic that Sony will be present at the 2007 Arcadia Festival: "Next year, we're pretty sure that once they get everything together they'll come back to the festival. They were here last year. So, I guess this year for them it was a difficult year to commit."

JoystiqMIGS06/Arcadia: No PS3 love for Montreal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArcadiaCanadamigs06MontrealPS3Wed, 15 Nov 2006 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Arcadia gaming festival Montreal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/04/arcadia-gaming-festival-montreal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/04/arcadia-gaming-festival-montreal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/04/arcadia-gaming-festival-montreal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Next Friday through Sunday the Arcadia gaming festival wil be held at the Stade Uniprix, Montreal. We previously reported we had some basic details about the Canandian gaming event, which has Nintendo, Microsoft and Ubisoft as sponsors. We've now spoken with "conceptrice d'atmosphere" and festival organizer Marie-Annick Boisvert.

The second annual Arcadia festival's big news is that 10 Wii units will be available to play, which Boisvert says is a "miracle." Considering it's a three day event, that's a lot more Wii time than you'll get at your local games merchant before they tell you to buy or get out. If you couldn't make it to PAX this year, the Minibosses will also be performing at Arcadia. Boisvert says that Burger King just contacted them and will be showing off their three new titles going on sale November 19 -- like the pseudo-scary Sneak King.

There will be an academic area, serious games area and "Lan Arcadia," which will allow 250 players to compete in Counter Strike 1.6, UT2004, and Warcraft III: Frozen Throne. Registration is required and the cost is $55 for pre-registration, $65 at the door (if space is available). Cash prizes will be awarded and the competition lasts two days. There will also be DDR and Guitar Hero competitions with prize awards (no registration required). Oh, and TAG body spray booth babes, which Boisvert says, "You can take pictures with." Ahh, booth babes, what would a video game festival be without them?

JoystiqArcadia gaming festival Montreal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadiacanadagaming festivalmontrealWiiXbox-360Sat, 04 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Columbine Massacre RPG creator interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/super-columbine-massacre-rpg-creator-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/super-columbine-massacre-rpg-creator-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/super-columbine-massacre-rpg-creator-interview/#commentsFiled under:

Canadian television network Canoe interviewed Danny Ledonne, the creator of the Super Columbine Massacre RPG. The game has become the scapegoat for the Montreal "Video Game Killer" school shooting rampage.

The interview is worth watching for the way Ledonne behaves himself. Like watching Marilyn Manson in Bowling for Columbine, Ledonne handles himself professionally with word choice precision; meanwhile, the Toronto Sun columnist being used as the counter, who "tried to play" Ledonne's game, comes off like the stereotypical out-of-touch old man -- because he is. We'll avoid the First Amendment soapbox and just throw a quote in here from Ledonne, the new poster boy for the ESRB:

"Find out what your kids are playing, talk to them, get in touch with them. I mean, most of these cases have kids that have fallen through the cracks, they hate life, they say it, and these I feel are the root causes, not whatever video game or book or movie they happen to pick up that weekend."

See also:
Columbine game scapegoated for Montreal shootings
The Political Game: The blame game


Watch - Canoe Interview

JoystiqSuper Columbine Massacre RPG creator interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaCanoecolumbineDanny LedonneDannyLedonneinterviewledonnemontrealSuper Columbine RPGSuperColumbineRpgMon, 18 Sep 2006 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Screenshot roundup: Assassin's Creed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/13/screenshot-roundup-assassins-creed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/13/screenshot-roundup-assassins-creed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/13/screenshot-roundup-assassins-creed/#commentsFiled under:

One of the most anticipated titles for the PS3, Assassin's Creed blew away E3 attendees little over a month ago. Well, it seems that Game Reactor has gotten their hands on more screens for the game and the title coming from Ubisoft's Montreal studio is shaping up to be another stellar offering. We knew it was going to be a game you should keep your eye on when we reported of its announcement a little before the show and things haven't changed since.

JoystiqScreenshot roundup: Assassin's Creed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jun 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assasin'screedmontrealplaystationps3sonyubisoftTue, 13 Jun 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost game coming to PSP?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/lost-game-coming-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/lost-game-coming-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/lost-game-coming-to-psp/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to a press release issued by Ubisoft, the company's Montréal studio is going to be bringing a game based on the popular television show Lost to gamers in 2007. While no consoles were specifically named, a line from the press release stating that the game would be coming to "home and portable consoles as well as PCs" has us hoping thinking PSP.

As a big fan of the show, I'm pretty excited that a game based on the show is going to see the light of day. In attempting to think of how a game like this would play, however, I'm a bit stumped. It's not like the PSP would allow for episodic content, so that idea is out (or is it?). How do all of you out there think a game like Lost could excel on the platform?

JoystiqLost game coming to PSP? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 May 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lostmontrealplaystationportablepspsonyubisoftTue, 23 May 2006 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubi announces Assassin's Creed for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/03/ubi-announces-assassins-creed-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/03/ubi-announces-assassins-creed-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/03/ubi-announces-assassins-creed-for-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ubisoft officially announced yesterday that it would be bringing Assassin's Creed to the PS3 in 2007. The game, which is set during 1191 AD amidst the third holy crusade, is being developed by Ubi's Montreal Studio, who're responsible for the Splinter Cell and Prince of Persia franchises. Stating that the game will "captivate audiences and affect them on the same level as an epic novel or film," Yannis Mallat, Ubisoft's Montreal Studios' chief executive officer, seems confident that gamers will receive this title with open arms.

Ubisoft's chief executive officer, Serge Hascoet, commented "Our goal to introduce three new brands into the marketplace every two years is working. With Assassin's Creed we're introducing a franchise that will establish itself as the must-have next-generation game for the next-generation gamer." A trailer for the game can be viewed/downloaded at the official site here.

JoystiqUbi announces Assassin's Creed for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 May 2006 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassinscellcreedhascoetmallatmontrealpersiaplaystationprinceps3sergesonysplinterubiubisoftyannisWed, 03 May 2006 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft Montreal: Yep, we'll make more Rev games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/15/ubisoft-montreal-yep-well-make-more-rev-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/15/ubisoft-montreal-yep-well-make-more-rev-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/15/ubisoft-montreal-yep-well-make-more-rev-games/#commentsFiled under:

Yannis Mallet, the recently-promoted Ubisoft Montreal Studio CEO, conducted a small Q & A session with Gamasutra. Most concerning the upcoming Nintendo Revolution was the allusion to Ubisoft working on more titles for the platform aside from the already-confirmed Red Steel. When asked about upcoming games for the Revolution, Yannis said "I can say definitely, as any other developer, we are looking at this magical platform, and we want to be part of the adventure. You know already that Red Steel is made public in Game Informer. That's an exclusive Ubisoft title, made in Ubisoft Paris. And I'm pretty sure we'll see other Revolution games from Ubisoft. And some of them, I'm sure, will be made from Montreal."

JoystiqUbisoft Montreal: Yep, we'll make more Rev games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Apr 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamasutramalletmontrealnintendoredrevolutionsteelubisoftyanniSat, 15 Apr 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[8bit musicians announce world tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/8bit-musicians-announce-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/8bit-musicians-announce-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/8bit-musicians-announce-world-tour/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Former cellmates Nullsleep and Bitshifter have announced plans to embark on a world tour, blasting their blend of bleeps, bloops, and blizzasts from Boston to Brussels and back again.

If you're not an 8-bit believer yet, nothing will win you over except trying it out for yourself. To that end, here are links (1, 2, 3, 4) to some MP3s these torturers of Gameboys, Famicoms and other old-school video game consoles have kindly provided for downloading.

If you like what you hear, check the tour page and maybe even drop a few dollars in the donation bucket to help make it happen.

Joystiq8bit musicians announce world tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Mar 2006 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8bit peoplesamsterdambit popbitshifterbleep popBleepPopbostonbrusselschicagochiptunesconcertfamicomgameboygoteborghengelokyotolondonlos angeleslow-bit musicmalmomontrealmusicnew yorknintendonullsleeposakaphiladelphiaportlandrotterdamsan franciscostockholmtokyotorontoviennaWed, 22 Mar 2006 23:00:00 EST