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[Atomic Ninjas brings multiplayer mayhem to PS3, Vita this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/atomic-ninjas-brings-multiplayer-mayhem-to-ps3-vita-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/atomic-ninjas-brings-multiplayer-mayhem-to-ps3-vita-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/atomic-ninjas-brings-multiplayer-mayhem-to-ps3-vita-this-summer/#commentsAtomic Ninjas brings multiplayer mayhem to PS3 and Vita this summer Foosball 2012 and One Epic Game developer Grip Games announced the upcoming PlayStation Network release of Atomic Ninjas, a multiplayer action game for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita.

Atomic Ninjas is a competitive 2.5D platformer in which up to four players compete in trap-filled arenas to be the last ninja standing. The twist is that players aren't able to harm each other directly; instead, you'll need to make clever use of environmental hazards, hiding spots, and item pick-ups in order to lead competing players to their doom. The game offers seven arenas and multiple gameplay modes, including a selection of team-based competitions.

Creator Grip Games describes Atomic Ninjas as the theoretical love child of Fat Princess and Crash Commando -- a worrisome mental image, for sure, but potentially a worthwhile gameplay mix. Atomic Ninjas is set to launch this summer.

Gallery: Atomic Ninjas (PS3/Vita)

JoystiqAtomic Ninjas brings multiplayer mayhem to PS3, Vita this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomic-ninjasgrip-gamesmultiplayerplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnvitaThu, 16 May 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/psa-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-out-today-on-ps3-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/psa-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-out-today-on-ps3-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/psa-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-out-today-on-ps3-pc/#commentsPSA Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's multiplayer offerings grow stronger -- and undead-er -- with today's release of the Uprising DLC map pack for the PlayStation 3 and PC platforms. The pack is priced at $14.99.

Uprising adds the Magma, Encore, Vertigo, and Studio multiplayer maps, the latter of which is a reworking of the classic Firing Range level featured in the original Black Ops. The bundle also includes Mob of the Dead, a Prohibition-era Zombies mode map that takes place at Alcatraz Prison.

Today's release brings PC and PS3 players up to speed with the Xbox 360 version of the game, which received Uprising a month ago. Activision has not announced plans to release any of Black Ops 2's DLC for the Wii U.

Continue reading PSA: Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC

JoystiqPSA: Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2dlcmultiplayerpcplaystationps3psatreyarchuprising-dlcThu, 16 May 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 3 multiplayer DLC emerges via achievements listing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/crysis-3-multiplayer-dlc-emerges-via-achievements-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/crysis-3-multiplayer-dlc-emerges-via-achievements-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/crysis-3-multiplayer-dlc-emerges-via-achievements-listing/#comments A new achievements listing suggests Crysis 3 is suiting up for multiplayer DLC. Posted on the typically reliable Xbox 360 Achievements, the listing indicates a 250G pack featuring four maps called Creek, Crossing, Ascent, and Coastline, and two modes called Frenzy and Team Possession. The mention of a flag points to Team Possession being a CTF variant.

The DLC apparently also has a new weapon: the boat oar. We mainly wanted to mention it because the associated achievement is called 'Totally Oarsome.'

EA hasn't announced any upcoming DLC for Crysis 3, although developer Crytek previously indicated it had "big plans" for post-launch content. We've reached out to EA for more info.

JoystiqCrysis 3 multiplayer DLC emerges via achievements listing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementscrytekDLCEAmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Dogs multiplayer mode will have element of invasion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/watch-dogs-multiplayer-mode-will-have-element-of-invasion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/watch-dogs-multiplayer-mode-will-have-element-of-invasion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/watch-dogs-multiplayer-mode-will-have-element-of-invasion/#commentsWatch Dogs multiplayer mode will have element of invasion The multiplayer component of Watch Dogs will have an element of player invasion, though its overall extent and direction has yet to be described by Ubisoft. Dominic Guay, Senior Producer at Ubisoft Montreal, insisted that the game can be played "completely offline if you want." (Expect to hear that protection phrase often in the wake of SimCity.)

In multiplayer, Watch Dogs will use the near-future version of Chicago just as it is in single-player. "We are not making any compromises in terms of dynamism or interactivity," Guay said at a San Francisco press event earlier this week. Connecting with other players will be seamless in the developer's attempt "to start breaching the wall in action-adventure between single- and multiplayer."

As an example of how players will commandeer elements of the city in play, Guay pointed to the E3 2012 demonstration of Watch Dogs: it concluded with another character hacking the protagonist's phone to plant a virus. In February, the game made an appearance at the PlayStation 4 unveiling event, and there the player was watched by someone who had hacked the local security cameras. Is there an apt term for someone who engages in voyeurism ... vicariously?

Guay also discussed the "mobile extension" of Watch Dogs, a companion app that's been in development for more than a year alongside the primary game. You'll be able to play some form of Watch Dogs on your smartphone, and interact with console players running around their respective cities. Doing so from the real Chicago, wearing your finest trench coat, will likely generate a cosplay singularity.

JoystiqWatch Dogs multiplayer mode will have element of invasion originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dominic-guaymicrosoftmultiplayernintendopcplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4ubisoft-montrealwatch-dogswii-uxboxFri, 10 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wolfenstein: The New Order won't have a multiplayer mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/wolfenstein-the-new-order-wont-have-a-multiplayer-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/wolfenstein-the-new-order-wont-have-a-multiplayer-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/wolfenstein-the-new-order-wont-have-a-multiplayer-mode/#commentsWolfenstein The New Order won't have a multiplayer mode Wolfenstein: The New Order will not include multiplayer, Bethesda and developer MachineGames told Gamespot. The New Order stuck its neck out (and its right arm) yesterday with an announcement trailer featuring series protagonist B.J. Blazkowicz in an alternate 1960s universe where the Nazis won World War II.

Previous Wolfenstein games to include multiplayer include Return to Castle Wolfenstein, released in 2001, Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, out in 2003, and the 2009 Wolfenstein for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. With a legacy as storied as Wolfenstein's, a few series fans may be dismayed to hear New Order won't include multiplayer.

Wolfenstein: The New Order is due out on Xbox 360, PS3, PC and next-gen consoles in Q4 2013.

JoystiqWolfenstein: The New Order won't have a multiplayer mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworksmachinegamesmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3wolfenstein-the-new-orderxboxWed, 08 May 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: More people spending more time gaming online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/npd-more-people-spending-more-time-gaming-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/npd-more-people-spending-more-time-gaming-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/npd-more-people-spending-more-time-gaming-online/#comments
It may sound like a foregone conclusion, but the NPD Group has proven (with maths) that more people are spending more time playing video games online, at least compared to last year. The study, titled "Online Gaming 2013," poled 8,867 folks above the age of two and found that 72 percent of game-playing individuals played online - a five percent increase over 2012.

The average amount of time spent gaming online per week also increased by six percent, though the NPD Group did not disclose a specific figure for that statistic. PCs had the largest majority of online users at 68 percent - meanwhile, mobile online gaming saw a year-over-year increase of 12 percent.

The NPD Group did not list any reasons for the overall year-over-year increase in online gaming, but we're going to go out on a limb and guess that, by and large, it's because the world is mostly a terrible place full of awful people that should be avoided at all costs. Either that, or Steam sales.

Continue reading NPD: More people spending more time gaming online

JoystiqNPD: More people spending more time gaming online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>multiplayerNPDnpd-grouponlinestatisticsThu, 02 May 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Splinter Cell: Blacklist resurrects Spies vs. Mercs multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/splinter-cell-blacklist-resurrects-spies-vs-mercs-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/splinter-cell-blacklist-resurrects-spies-vs-mercs-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/splinter-cell-blacklist-resurrects-spies-vs-mercs-multiplayer/#comments
The iconic asymmetrical multiplayer mode Spies vs. Mercs will return to the Splinter Cell series in Splinter Cell: Blacklist. From the announcement trailer, we can surmise that spies are still dead-set on hacking those terminals, while the mercenaries still have an insatiable bloodlust for sneaky dudes wearing tights.

Light and shadow seem to remain prominent tools in Splinter Cell: Blacklist's Spies vs. Mercs mode. The mercenary flashlight and motion tracker are both featured, and there's one sequence where we even see a mercenary employ an explodable drone to take out a spy lurking in the dark. Another sequence shows four spies decloaking, so presumably both sides have some new abilities in Splinter Cell: Blacklist's take on Spies vs. Mercs and the mode is no longer limited to two-on-two.

JoystiqSplinter Cell: Blacklist resurrects Spies vs. Mercs multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmultiplayernintendopcplaystationps3spies-vs-mercssplinter-cell-blacklistubisoftubisoft-torontowii-uxboxThu, 02 May 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher 3 skipping quick-time events and multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/witcher-3-skipping-quick-time-events-and-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/witcher-3-skipping-quick-time-events-and-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/witcher-3-skipping-quick-time-events-and-multiplayer/#comments Witcher 3 to have no multiplayer, no QTEsKonrad Tomaszkiewicz, project lead on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, has confirmed multiplayer modes, quick-time events, and DRM are not part of the plan for the third entry in the role-playing game series.

The "final saga of Geralt" will maintain a focus on single-player content, Tomaszkiewicz told Forbes, though multiplayer had been considered for the game at one point.

Quick-time events found in previous Witcher games have also been abandoned. The lead designer noted that QTEs "didn't fit" the experience and often leads to frustration for players. "There is a small number of games where it is fun, like, for example, in the Uncharted series, where you don't even realize that you've just finished a QTE sequence. And I think that only this way of using QTE has any kind of future in games."

Calling digital rights management "the worst thing in the gaming industry," Tomaszkiewicz confirmed The Witcher 3 will not have such restrictions. Though the decision against using DRM applies to retail copies and CD Projekt's GOG.com platform, other digital distributors such as Steam would still feature its own form of DRM. Distribution channels for The Witcher 3 have not been announced.

The Witcher 3 is coming to the PC, PS4, and "high-end platforms" next year.

JoystiqWitcher 3 skipping quick-time events and multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-rights-managementdrmKonrad-Tomaszkiewiczmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3quick-time-eventsthe-witcher-3wild-huntxboxThu, 25 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: No online play for Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R on Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/psa-no-online-play-for-guilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plus-r-on-vit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/psa-no-online-play-for-guilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plus-r-on-vit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/psa-no-online-play-for-guilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plus-r-on-vit/#comments Reaching out and punching someone through the internet isn't an option in the PlayStation Vita version of Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R, despite conflicting assertions by an official trailer that has since been pulled.

Developer Arc System Works apologized for the misunderstanding on its official North American Twitter account, saying that "contrary to what's on the trailer," Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R is only equipped with local multiplayer options. No explanation was given for why this feature has been omitted, considering that the PlayStation 3 version features online play, though a brief explanation was given for the erroneous trailer: "We'll chalk this one up to the language barrier."

JoystiqPSA: No online play for Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R on Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc-system-worksguilty-gearguilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plus-rmultiplayernetplayonlineplaystationplaystation-vitaPSAPSNvitaWed, 24 Apr 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Take your whole body on The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/take-your-whole-body-on-the-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/take-your-whole-body-on-the-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/take-your-whole-body-on-the-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot/#comments

As you might imagine, Ubisoft's The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot is a dungeon crawler at heart. But that's just one organ in the game's anatomy: the game's trailer shows off the arms of character customization, the brain of dungeon building, and the long, long legs of asynchronous multiplayer competition.

JoystiqTake your whole body on The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archerfree-to-playmighty-quest-for-epic-lootmultiplayerpainkillerpctrailerubisoftubisoft-montrealvideoTue, 23 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension update increases level cap, fixes audio glitches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/god-of-war-ascension-update-increases-level-cap-fixes-audio-gl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/god-of-war-ascension-update-increases-level-cap-fixes-audio-gl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/god-of-war-ascension-update-increases-level-cap-fixes-audio-gl/#comments
God of War: Ascension's 1.04 multiplayer update, outlined by Sony Santa Monica designer Vincent Napoli in a new PlayStation Blog post, will bump up the level cap over 30 and through the "Elite Levels," up to 40. These new levels will enable a new item, two relics, and a new ultimate magic spell for the game's four allegiances.

The update will also include a multiplayer stats screen and a number of bug fixes. Audio issues are the biggest priority there, but problems with matchmaking and certain weapon unlocks are also due to be fixed in this update. There's no official release date for the patch yet, but Napoli says it's on the way.

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension update increases level cap, fixes audio glitches originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobugfixesgod-of-war-ascensionlevel-caplevel-cap-increaselevelsmultiplayerplaystationps3updateweapon-unlocksFri, 05 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer confirmed, in consideration for Witcher 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/cyberpunk-2077-multiplayer-confirmed-in-consideration-for-witch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/cyberpunk-2077-multiplayer-confirmed-in-consideration-for-witch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/cyberpunk-2077-multiplayer-confirmed-in-consideration-for-witch/#comments You and other cyberpunks can play together in CD Projekt Red's upcoming-ish near-future RPG. Speaking to Eurogamer, managing director Adam Badowski said Cyberpunk 2077 "will be a story-based RPG experience with amazing single-player playthroughs, but we're going to add multiplayer features."

As Eurogamer notes, Cyberpunk 2077 doesn't have a pre-defined hero, which maybe makes the game more suitable for multiplayer than CD Projekt's The Witcher series. However, when CD Projekt advertised last year it was looking for a multiplayer programmer, it wasn't clear if that was just for its cyber-RPG and not also for the now revealed Witcher 3.

CD Projekt's Badowski was coy enough to keep multiplayer a fair possibility for Geralt's third adventure, telling Eurogamer "we're thinking about something."

JoystiqCyberpunk 2077 multiplayer confirmed, in consideration for Witcher 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projekt-redcyberpunkcyberpunk-2077multiplayerthe-witcher-3Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment multiplayer unleashes the 'Epic Reaper']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer-unleashes-the-epic-reaper/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer-unleashes-the-epic-reaper/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer-unleashes-the-epic-reaper/#comments Gears of War Judgment multiplayer unleashes the 'Epic Reaper'Each week, one randomly-chosen member of the Gears of War: Judgment community will wear a special multiplayer skin called the Epic Reaper - yet the ghoul is more than just a skin. The Epic Reaper has "special abilities and physics" that will make him (her? it?) "not very easy to kill," this Epic blog post notes.

In addition to the skin and whatever these special properties are, selected Reapers will get custom dog tags - everyone who kills a Reaper will unlock a special medal and weapon skin. Epic employees will also have the skin in multiplayer after launch on March 19, so if you can take one of them down, you'll get the medal and skin.

The only thing Epic Games is willing to share about the process of choosing Epic Reapers is that it will be "based on their contributions to the community." If you want to nominate someone to be chosen, you can do it on Twitter just like every other contest nowadays.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment multiplayer unleashes the 'Epic Reaper' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesepic-reapergears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftmultiplayerxboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday 2 will feature a 'contract database,' coming this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/#comments Payday 2 will feature a 'contract database', coming this summerStarbreeze has revealed new features, game upgrades, and a release window for Payday 2, the sequel the Overkill-developed multiplayer shooter Payday: The Heist. According to a new fact sheet released today, Overkill's latest is due out this summer as a downloadable game on Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, and the PC via Steam.

The first game only offered a few different "heists" to play, but the sequel features CRIMENET, a "contract database" offering dozens of different jobs to take, which can take place across multiple stages and change according to certain equipment purchases (like a faster escape car or an inside man). Additionally, each level has a new amount of dynamic content, including random layouts or rare events, and finishing each job rewards loot like new masks, weapons, or other accessories.

Players also get to choose a profession of Mastermind, Enforcer, Ghost or Technician, each with its own skills and equipment to use, and can work their way up from the lowest thug on the totem pole to high-end heisters as they play. That summer release is coming up quick, so we should see more of the game very soon.

JoystiqPayday 2 will feature a 'contract database,' coming this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesdevelopersheistmicrosoftmultiplayeroverkillpayday-2pcplaystationps3publishingshooterstarbreeze-studiosxboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 hosts a five-day multiplayer event this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/mass-effect-3-hosts-a-five-day-multiplayer-event-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/mass-effect-3-hosts-a-five-day-multiplayer-event-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/mass-effect-3-hosts-a-five-day-multiplayer-event-this-week/#comments Mass Effect 3 hosts a fiveday multiplayer event this weekBioWare has announced another Mass Effect 3 multiplayer event, but this is no standard combat skirmish: Admiral Hackett says this is "the largest-scale attack in the brief history of this war."

Instead of just a weekend special, Operation Lodestar will last from today through March 10, which means you'll have five days to complete all three tiers, and earn three Commendation packs and a special banner.

To pick up all three rewards, players will need to finish and extract from missions against all four enemy factions on Platinum difficulty. Extracting on any difficulty wins you the first award, and beating Silver difficulty wins the second. It'll be good practice for taking on the Citadel DLC, which you can also find in Mass Effect 3 starting this week.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 hosts a five-day multiplayer event this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commander-shepardeventfive-daymass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftmultiplayern7operation-lodestarpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 06 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment offers up 'VIP Season Pass' for $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/gears-of-war-judgment-offers-up-vip-season-pass-for-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/gears-of-war-judgment-offers-up-vip-season-pass-for-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/gears-of-war-judgment-offers-up-vip-season-pass-for-20/#comments Epic Games is following in the footsteps of Gears of War 3, offering up a season pass for proposed multiplayer maps and other content in Gears of War: Judgment.

The VIP Season Pass, available for 1600 Microsoft Points ($20) when Gears of War: Judgment launches, will include six multiplayer maps, two game modes and "nine exclusive unlocks," including a permanent double XP modifier, five weapon skins and four armor skins. VIPs also get early access to add-on multiplayer maps.

The Gears of War 3 Season Pass totaled $30 and covered four different DLC installments, running the gamut from multiplayer maps to singleplayer DLC campaigns. While the VIP pass for Gears of War: Judgment is cheaper, the reduced price seems to come at the cost of singleplayer DLC.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment offers up 'VIP Season Pass' for $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosmultiplayerseason-passvip-season-passxboxTue, 26 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Mass Effect 3 Reckoning DLC out today, here's what it entails]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/psa-mass-effect-3-reckoning-dlc-out-today-heres-what-it-entai/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/psa-mass-effect-3-reckoning-dlc-out-today-heres-what-it-entai/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/psa-mass-effect-3-reckoning-dlc-out-today-heres-what-it-entai/#comments

Mass Effect 3's Reckoning multiplayer DLC pack is live today, bringing six new characters, seven new weapons, two weapons mods and four fresh accessories, all for free.

BioWare showed off Reckoning in a livestream yesterday and a NeoGAF user collected the details: The new characters are a Geth Juggernaut, a female biotic Turian, an Alliance Infiltration Unit, Krogan Warlord Sentinel, a human mercenary with a tech bow and a Collector Adept. Weapons include a venom shotgun, a high-powered Blood Pack Executioner Pistol and a Blood Pack Punisher SMG, and the mods are pistol and SMG power amplifiers.

Reckoning is the final Mass Effect 3 multiplayer DLC pack. Citadel, the final round of singleplayer DLC, hits on March 5 ($15/1200 MSP) and will give players the "opportunity to reconnect with some of their favorite characters from all three of the Mass Effect games."

JoystiqPSA: Mass Effect 3 Reckoning DLC out today, here's what it entails originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDLCmass-effect-3microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3reckoningxboxTue, 26 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm lets you recover lost games, take command during replays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-lets-you-recover-lost-games-tak/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-lets-you-recover-lost-games-tak/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-lets-you-recover-lost-games-tak/#comments
StarCraft 2 community manager Kevin Johnson produced the above video, a quick rundown of some major additions to the StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm eSports suite and multiplayer experience. Chief among these new features is "Take Command," which allows you to jump into a replay and take over as any player - you can rewrite history, prove your strategy yields better results or relive the conquests of your favorite eSports match-up.

You can now also recover games. No matter how your game ended prematurely, you can round up all the original players and pick up from where you left off. Or not, there's an option to set the start time in the recovered game to whenever you want.

Additionally, players can watch replays in a group, and individual units now benefit from new physics - the example above shows a cadre of Terran soldiers being torn apart in rather animated fashion as they fight off some Zerg. Remember, kids: the only good bug is a dead bug.

StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm launches on March 12, 2013. The game's ongoing public beta is slated to end on March 1.

JoystiqStarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm lets you recover lost games, take command during replays originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardcloakenkevin-johnsonmultiplayerpcstarcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmThu, 21 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Baird cracks wise about Gears of War: Judgment multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/baird-cracks-wise-about-gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/baird-cracks-wise-about-gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/baird-cracks-wise-about-gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer/#comments
Gears of War: Judgment shakes up the Gears formula on the multiplayer side, adding a host of new weapons and tweaking established ones. For example, grenades now stick to enemies when tossed. The video above showcases some of the content found in the upcoming prequel, including OverRun and Domination, a capture-point game type where two teams battle to control three different rings in the environment.

Narrated by Baird, the video gives us a look at the new prize box system, which yields XP bonuses, characters and weapon skins after each multiplayer match based on performance. As you get more ribbons in a multiplayer match, you improve your odds when it comes to opening the prize box.

The last big change is the multi-storied maps. In Gears of War: Judgment, maps aren't as flat as they've been in the past, and players will need to keep an eye out for other players dropping in and, in the case of the video above, firing off a boomshot in their faces.

Continue reading Baird cracks wise about Gears of War: Judgment multiplayer

JoystiqBaird cracks wise about Gears of War: Judgment multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosmultiplayerpeople-can-flyxboxTue, 19 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Crysis 3 multiplayer open beta suits up today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/psa-crysis-3-multiplayer-open-beta-suits-up-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/psa-crysis-3-multiplayer-open-beta-suits-up-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/psa-crysis-3-multiplayer-open-beta-suits-up-today/#comments
Make way, because the Crysis 3 open beta super-speeds onto Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC today. The beta went live earlier this morning on Origin and Xbox Live Marketplace (for Gold subscribers only), and should arrive on PSN later today (tomorrow in Europe).

Crysis 3 producer Mike Read gets into the nitty-gritty of the beta's two multiplayer modes in this video. Hunter features cloaked assassins taking out CELL soldiers with bows, while Crash Site has teams vying to capture and hold pod locations dropped across the map.

The beta runs until February 12, and the game proper hits a week later on February 19.

JoystiqPSA: Crysis 3 multiplayer open beta suits up today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacrysis-3crytekEAmicrosoftmultiplayeroriginpcplaystationps3PSNXBLMxboxxbox-liveTue, 29 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon features local multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/luigis-mansion-dark-moon-features-local-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/luigis-mansion-dark-moon-features-local-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/luigis-mansion-dark-moon-features-local-multiplayer/#comments Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon features local multiplayerLuigi's Mansion: Dark Moon brings local multiplayer to the ghost-busting series when it arrives on 3DS in March. The reveal comes via the game's description on Nintendo's website, which notes "a brand new local multiplayer mode," one which may well have been lurking in the shadows for some time.

Curiously, the summary on the same page details the 3DS game as "1 player." Then again, it also offers an outdated 'March 2013' release window, which has since been upgraded. The return of Luigi and his foreboding abode is now set in tombstone for March 24.

JoystiqLuigi's Mansion: Dark Moon features local multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsluigis-mansion-dark-moonmultiplayernintendoMon, 21 Jan 2013 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Halo 2 PC multiplayer servers going offline Feb. 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-servers-going-offline-feb-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-servers-going-offline-feb-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-servers-going-offline-feb-15/#comments PSA Halo 2 PC multiplayer servers going offline Feb 15Online multiplayer matches in the PC version of Halo 2 are about to get a lot lonelier than they already are, as Bungie will be pulling the plug on Friday, February 15. Matches over LAN will still be possible of course, but as far as playing through Bungie's servers, that's all she wrote.

"We've been monitoring the population for months," the announcement reads, "and it's been peaking consistently at approximately 20 players or less." So! If you're one of the 20 people left in the whole of existence that are still playing Halo 2, allow us to officially welcome you back to society. You'll be pleased to know that several other Halo games have been released in your absence.

JoystiqPSA: Halo 2 PC multiplayer servers going offline Feb. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieHalo-2microsoftmultiplayerofflinepcPSAserversshut-downSat, 19 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: God of War: Ascension multiplayer beta live on PS Plus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/psa-god-of-war-ascension-multiplayer-beta-live-on-ps-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/psa-god-of-war-ascension-multiplayer-beta-live-on-ps-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/psa-god-of-war-ascension-multiplayer-beta-live-on-ps-plus/#comments

Starting today, PlayStation Plus users can download the multiplayer beta for God of War: Ascension. The beta features two of the four God Allegiances (Zeus and Ares) and three modes: eight-player Capture the Flag or Team Favor of the Gods, and four-player Free For All. There are two maps, the large Desert of Lost Souls map and the Forum of Hercules arena. The beta is capped at level 30 and will allow customization with a "vast" amount of weapons and objects.

The final game will have the Hades and Poseidon God Allegiances, a third weapon class, more maps and customization options, the "Team Up With Friends" multiplayer mode, and a fourth, unannounced multiplayer mode where we assume killing more things will play a crucial role.

JoystiqPSA: God of War: Ascension multiplayer beta live on PS Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betagod-of-war-ascensionmultiplayerplaystationps3psaTue, 08 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Operation: Prophecy burns up Mass Effect 3 multiplayer this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/operation-prophecy-burns-up-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/operation-prophecy-burns-up-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/operation-prophecy-burns-up-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-this-week/#comments Operation Prophecy burns up Mass Effect 3 multiplayer this weekendSo, okay, the Earth didn't collide with a secret planet this morning, nor did civilization wake up with enhanced psychic abilities and/or a greater understanding of its fellow man. We're just as disappointed as you are.

The alternate version of Earth contained within Mass Effect 3's multiplayer is still very much in danger, however, and shooting space bugs to protect it is more important than ever. Between now and December 23, successful extraction from each Earth map (Rio, Vancouver and London), coupled with 100,000 cumulative points scored through the destruction of Reapers, will earn players a Commendation Pack and a special "Hero of the Last Days" banner.

JoystiqOperation: Prophecy burns up Mass Effect 3 multiplayer this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsmass-effect-3mass-effect-weekendmicrosoftmultiplayeroperation-prophecypcplaystationps3weekend-eventxboxFri, 21 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Resident Evil 6 multiplayer modes launch on Xbox 360 today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/psa-resident-evil-6-multiplayer-modes-launch-on-xbox-360-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/psa-resident-evil-6-multiplayer-modes-launch-on-xbox-360-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/psa-resident-evil-6-multiplayer-modes-launch-on-xbox-360-today/#comments PSA Resident Evil 6 multiplayer modes launch on Xbox 360 todayThe three new multiplayer modes for Resident Evil 6 are now available exclusively on Xbox 360, priced at 320 MS Points ($4) each, or 720 MS Points ($9) for the complete trio. The three modes are Predator, Survivors and Onslaught, all of which are things we thought people already encountered in Resident Evil games in general, so we're not sure how "exclusive" they really are.

Predator has up to six players as humans and Ustanak, in a rotation of quick-fire rounds. Survivors is for two to six players, solo and team deathmatch style: get taken down and respawn as an enemy character, where you have to take out a human character in order to reclaim your own human status. Onslaught has two players take our waves of enemies, though completing combos will push enemies into the other player's horde. Because that's what friends are for.

All three modes are available today, only on Xbox 360. There is no word on a launch for additional platforms.

Continue reading PSA: Resident Evil 6 multiplayer modes launch on Xbox 360 today

JoystiqPSA: Resident Evil 6 multiplayer modes launch on Xbox 360 today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomDLCmicrosoftmultiplayerresident-evil-6xboxTue, 18 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirty Bomb debut gameplay video sees London Bridge fall down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/dirty-bomb-debut-gameplay-video-sees-london-bridge-fall-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/dirty-bomb-debut-gameplay-video-sees-london-bridge-fall-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/dirty-bomb-debut-gameplay-video-sees-london-bridge-fall-down/#comments
Brink developer Splash Damage has released the first gameplay footage of upcoming free-to-play online multiplayer shooter Dirty Bomb. The video depicts a very authentic-looking London Bridge, except for all the large scale warfare which isn't typical.

JoystiqDirty Bomb debut gameplay video sees London Bridge fall down originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dirty-bombmultiplayerpcsplash-damagewarchestFri, 14 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne 3 multiplayer event this weekend, triple XP and skulls for all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/max-payne-3-multiplayer-event-this-weekend-triple-xp-and-skulls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/max-payne-3-multiplayer-event-this-weekend-triple-xp-and-skulls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/max-payne-3-multiplayer-event-this-weekend-triple-xp-and-skulls/#comments Max Payne 3 multiplayer event has triple XP this weekendRockstar has a whole calendar of multiplayer events planned for its titles this winter, and this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday goes to the bald guy with the guns. All players online for multiplayer in Max Payne 3 this weekend get triple XP earnings, and Rockstar devs will play online with everyone on Saturday from 11am - 2pm EST.

There's rewards available, too! All players are getting themselves a "Human Skull Mask" for free, as seen above on the left. The "Wedding Skull Mask," on the right, is going to the top ten player-made crews on the new Crew Leaderboards, so get your gangster bros out there and top some score lists. And finally there's a sweepstakes going on: Just enter on the multiplayer event page for a chance at some Max Payne-related loot. And if you're not around this weekend at all, worry not, because Rockstar has another event like this one on January 11 next year.

JoystiqMax Payne 3 multiplayer event this weekend, triple XP and skulls for all originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardeventMax-Payne-3microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3rewardskull-masktripleweekendxboxxpThu, 13 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Braving the elements in Company of Heroes 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/braving-the-elements-in-company-of-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/braving-the-elements-in-company-of-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/braving-the-elements-in-company-of-heroes-2/#comments

There's a panicked struggle at the heart of every engagement in Company of Heroes 2's multiplayer mode. While a lot of real-time strategy games will emphasize squad matchups as a primary means of success in force, Company of Heroes 2 has a much more dynamic environment constantly providing interesting variables to every skirmish.

Much of my own success was ensuring my squads were pressed up against a wall or moving from building to building - staying out of the open. Most real-time strategy enthusiasts and really anyone who's seen a war movie in their life will tell you that's basic stuff, but what makes it feel so special in Company of Heroes 2 is just how rewarding it is to see it impact gameplay. A squad with good cover can take on several adversaries and still live to tell the tale.

Gallery: Company of Heroes 2 (Multiplayer)

Continue reading Braving the elements in Company of Heroes 2

JoystiqBraving the elements in Company of Heroes 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroes-2multiplayerpcreal-time-strategyrelicrelic-entertainmentstrategythqworld-war-2Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension's multiplayer trailer is straight-up gross]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/god-of-war-ascensions-multiplayer-trailer-is-straight-up-gross/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/god-of-war-ascensions-multiplayer-trailer-is-straight-up-gross/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/god-of-war-ascensions-multiplayer-trailer-is-straight-up-gross/#comments
This God of War: Ascension multiplayer trailer and the ending of Apocalypse Now! have more in common than we'd generally like, except instead of a cow this has a beefy guy, and there's some Southern rock/railroad building blues playing in the background. Greece has a "South," right?

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension's multiplayer trailer is straight-up gross originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-war-ascensiongross-dudemultiplayerplaystationps3SCEASony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americasony-santa-monicaWed, 12 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New GameSpy owners Glu Mobile shut down multiplayer servers without notice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/new-gamespy-owners-glu-mobile-shut-down-multiplayer-servers-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/new-gamespy-owners-glu-mobile-shut-down-multiplayer-servers-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/new-gamespy-owners-glu-mobile-shut-down-multiplayer-servers-with/#comments New GameSpy owners Glu Mobile shut down multiplayer servers without noticePlayers of quite a few old PC games, including Neverwinter Nights, Microsoft Flight Simulator X, SWAT 4, Hidden and Dangerous 2, and Star Wars: Battlefront, are reporting that the GameSpy-powered multiplayer servers behind those titles and more have been shut off without notice. The GameSpy service was sold to publisher Glu Mobile from IGN a little while ago, so it's that company that's apparently responsible for shutting down these servers.

Another one of the games affected was Sniper Elite, and developer Rebellion says its hands are tied: Glu wants to charge a lot of money to turn the servers back on, and Rebellion doesn't have the resources to transfer the multiplayer on this old title to another service. Rebellion points out that fans of the game did get seven years of service for free. And while GameSpy's matchmaking is down, players of some of these games can still connect up online manually by IP.

Angry players have taken to GameSpy's old Facebook page to register their wrath, but there's no official response just yet.

JoystiqNew GameSpy owners Glu Mobile shut down multiplayer servers without notice originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamespyglu-mobilemultiplayerneverwinter-nightsonlinepcserverssniper-elitestar-wars-battlefrontupdatesWed, 12 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Operation: Onslaught overtakes Mass Effect 3 multiplayer this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/operation-onslaught-overtakes-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-this-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/operation-onslaught-overtakes-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-this-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/operation-onslaught-overtakes-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-this-we/#comments BioWare's new breed of non-squad oriented multiplayer challenges for Mass Effect 3 continues this weekend, when "Operation: Onslaught" is put into effect. As the contrived excuse story goes, diminished Alliance industrial capabilities have resulted in a shortage of "specialized" weapons in the field, and it's up to the N7 Marines to reclaim factories and other industrial complexes so production can begin again.

Sounds exciting, right? Well it would be, if this weekend's event actually had anything to do with that. In actuality, ME3's multiplayer will be business as usual, save for the fact that individual soldiers can earn a Commendation Pack by dealing 75,000 accumulated points of damage with an assault rifle. There are no map or difficulty level requirements, nor is successful extraction needed for the points to be valid.

JoystiqOperation: Onslaught overtakes Mass Effect 3 multiplayer this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareEAElectronic-Artsmass-effect-3microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 06 Dec 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 6 multiplayer DLC drops Dec. 18, Xbox gets first dibs [update: videos, patch info]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/resident-evil-6-multiplayer-dlc-drops-dec-18-xbox-gets-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/resident-evil-6-multiplayer-dlc-drops-dec-18-xbox-gets-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/resident-evil-6-multiplayer-dlc-drops-dec-18-xbox-gets-first/#comments Resident Evil 6 gets multiplayer DLC on Xbox 360 Dec 18Three new multiplayer modes are headed to the Xbox 360 of Resident Evil 6 on Tuesday, December 18: "Predator," "Survivors" and "Onslaught."

Predator casts one player as the bioweapon Ustanak, while all other players attempt to bring the great beast down. Survivor mode augments regular solo/team vs. mode by making felled humans rise as zombies, who must chomp on some noggins before being able to respawn as a person.

Lastly, Onslaught sounds like a weird combination of Gear of War's Horde mode and Dr. Mario's multiplayer, where two players attempt to survive separate waves of enemies, with kill combos sending more zombies to the opponent's side.

Each mode will set you back 320 MS Points ($4) if purchased individually, or 720 MS Points ($9) if purchased as a bundle. No word on when this content will become available on other platforms.

Update: Capcom has uploaded some footage from each new mode - feel free to vault past the break to check it out. Also, Capcom-Unity confirms that a patch will come to Xbox 360 and PS3 at the same time. This free update allows players to adjust the camera's field of view, and adds co-op to the Ada campaign and the No Hope Left difficulty mode.

Continue reading Resident Evil 6 multiplayer DLC drops Dec. 18, Xbox gets first dibs [update: videos, patch info]

JoystiqResident Evil 6 multiplayer DLC drops Dec. 18, Xbox gets first dibs [update: videos, patch info] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomDLCmicrosoftmultiplayerOnslaughtPredatorresident-evil-6SurvivorsxboxTue, 04 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Remaining Halo 4 multiplayer Specializations now available to some]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/psa-remaining-halo-4-multiplayer-specializations-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/psa-remaining-halo-4-multiplayer-specializations-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/psa-remaining-halo-4-multiplayer-specializations-now-available/#comments When Halo 4 launched way, way back on November 6, only those that purchased the game's Limited Edition were granted access to all eight multiplayer Specializations; normal players could only make use of two. As of today, however, a slightly greater number of people will be able to utilize the other six classes originally reserved for the cool kids.

Codes to download "Specialization Priority Alpha" are currently being emailed to anyone that participated in Halo 4's multiplayer prior to November 20, Kotaku reports. The DLC acts as a key that unlocks Engineer, Tracker, Rogue, Stalker, Patherfinder and Operator Specializations, all of which grant unique armor and abilities after Level 50.

For anyone that doesn't meet that criteria, well, you can always make your own unique armor out of cardboard and duct tape. Other players won't be able to see it, granted, but you'll know. And, in the end, isn't that the important thing?

JoystiqPSA: Remaining Halo 4 multiplayer Specializations now available to some originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesDLChalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosmultiplayerPSAspecializationsxboxSat, 01 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 initiates Operation: Detonator this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/mass-effect-3-initiates-operation-detonator-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/mass-effect-3-initiates-operation-detonator-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/mass-effect-3-initiates-operation-detonator-this-weekend/#comments Mass Effect 3 initiates Operation Detonator this weekendCommander Shepard is relaxing on a beach somewhere with a Mai Tai and a copy of I Am Not Spock, but you poor saps are still out in the deep recesses of space, fighting the good fight against gross bugs and robots. Someday, dear marines. Someday.

Until the lot of you are finally loosed from the perpetual bondage of your galactic servitude, try and get some better equipment! This week's Mass Effect 3 multiplayer event is "Operation: Detonator," which tasks individual marines with earning 20,000 Biotic Explosion Points during a match, regardless of map or difficulty setting. Explosions must kill an enemy for the points to be registered, however successful extraction from the mission is not required.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 initiates Operation: Detonator this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsmass-effect-3ME3microsoftmultiplayern7-bounty-weekendpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 29 Nov 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ZombiU developer video decomposes multiplayer mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/zombiu-developer-video-decomposes-multiplayer-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/zombiu-developer-video-decomposes-multiplayer-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/zombiu-developer-video-decomposes-multiplayer-mode/#comments

We provided a brief run-down of ZombiU's multiplayer mode in our review of the game - we were pretty enamored with it, as you can read here - but Ubisoft wants to be sure you really get it. The dev team describes how mulitplayer works in ZombiU with the above video, breaking down the local matches and how the game integrates the Wii Pad.

There are also a few tips at the end, so give it a watch. But only if, you know, you value your life in the zombie apocalypse.

JoystiqZombiU developer video decomposes multiplayer mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>local-multiplayermultiplayernintendoUbisoftwii-uzombiuTue, 27 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite won't feature multiplayer, Levine confirms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/bioshock-infinite-wont-feature-multiplayer-levine-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/bioshock-infinite-wont-feature-multiplayer-levine-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/bioshock-infinite-wont-feature-multiplayer-levine-confirms/#comments BioShock Infinite won't feature multiplayerThe game may be Infinite, but the number of players is limited to one. The third BioShock game doesn't include multiplayer, as confirmed by series creator Ken Levine on Twitter.

There's been speculation about multiplayer features in Infinite, with reports of modes cut in conjunction with staff changes at developer Irrational Games. BioShock 2 introduced competitive multiplayer to the series, a divisive move given the acclaim for the first game as a story-driven, single-player experience.

With BioShock Infinite due in a few months, fans are already looking ahead to the series' future on the next batch of consoles. One Twitter user asked Levine if he'd prefer to work on a new IP, or would he be taking BioShock to next-gen platforms. Levine's reply? "Not sure." Maybe he's stuck on how he'll mathematically number the next one.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite won't feature multiplayer, Levine confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 26 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ZombiU multiplayer pits the king of the zombies against a survivor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/zombiu-multiplayer-pits-the-king-of-the-zombies-against-a-surviv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/zombiu-multiplayer-pits-the-king-of-the-zombies-against-a-surviv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/zombiu-multiplayer-pits-the-king-of-the-zombies-against-a-surviv/#comments
ZombiU's multiplayer suite pits two players against each other - one wielding the shotguns and tools of a survivor trying to escape the undead, the other a king of the undead, shepherding the mindless hordes toward their latest snack.

Continue reading ZombiU multiplayer pits the king of the zombies against a survivor

JoystiqZombiU multiplayer pits the king of the zombies against a survivor originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>multiplayernintendoubisoftwii-uzombiuTue, 13 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 stats won't be reset at launch, says Treyarch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/black-ops-2-stats-wont-be-reset-at-launch-says-treyarch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/black-ops-2-stats-wont-be-reset-at-launch-says-treyarch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/black-ops-2-stats-wont-be-reset-at-launch-says-treyarch/#comments Black Ops 2 stats won't reset at launch, says TreyarchCall of Duty: Black Ops 2 multiplayer stats won't be nuked back to nil when the game officially releases tomorrow. Treyarch game design director David Vonderhaar took to Twitter to say there won't be a reset at launch. So if you have an early copy your stats should be preserved come launch day, unless you're a "bad person doing bad things."

While there are undoubtedly those who've gotten hold of an early copy via unscrupulous means, there are going to be plenty of people who got one legitimately. Heck, Amazon is already sending out pre-ordered Wii U copies.

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 stats won't be reset at launch, says Treyarch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-black-ops-2david-vonderhaarmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3treyarchxboxMon, 12 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Halo 4 multiplayer a whole lot, get free Microsoft Points]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/play-halo-4-multiplayer-a-whole-lot-get-free-microsoft-points/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/play-halo-4-multiplayer-a-whole-lot-get-free-microsoft-points/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/play-halo-4-multiplayer-a-whole-lot-get-free-microsoft-points/#comments Play Halo 4 multiplayer a whole lot, get free Microsoft PointsXbox Live Rewards is offering free Microsoft Points to players who plunge their lives into Halo 4 multiplayer. There's a maximum 800 MSP up for grabs, 600 of it for playing 140-plus hours of Halo 4 multiplayer, and 200 for spending at least 3000 MSP on Halo Marketplace content. The catch? You've got until November 30 to put in the time.

If you like freebies but don't like the idea of a whole month playing one game's multiplayer, the good news is you get 300 MSP for playing 70 hours, and 100 MSP for 35 hours. And if you only have 1500 MSP spare for Halo stuff this month, you still get 100 MSP back. You should note Microsoft says there's a maximum total of 10 million MSP on offer across all players, and they'll be doled out on a "first-come, first-serve basis."

FYI, clocking in 140 hours of Halo 4 mulitplayer by the end of the month equates to just under six hours each day. That's roughly a third of your waking life in November. To put that in persp... what's that? Oh, right. See you in December, then.

JoystiqPlay Halo 4 multiplayer a whole lot, get free Microsoft Points originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalohalo-4microsoftmultiplayerXBLMxboxxbox-livexbox-live-rewardsWed, 07 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Players running into Halo 4 server issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/players-running-into-halo-4-server-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/players-running-into-halo-4-server-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/players-running-into-halo-4-server-issues/#comments Some Halo 4 players are reporting problems connecting to the game's multiplayer servers. Users on the Halo Waypoint forum are apparently encountering a "server unavailable" error when attempting to connect to multiplayer matches.

The Xbox Live status page reflected the issue earlier today, though at the time of this writing it indicates that all services are up and running. We were able to play two online matches without a hitch, but users are still reporting problems, including being unable to join games, play with friends or access their unlocked loadouts.

Microsoft is aware of the issue, and Xbox Live guru Major Nelson informs Joystiq that the Halo team is working to resolve it.

JoystiqPlayers running into Halo 4 server issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalo-4microsoftmultiplayeroutagexboxxbox-liveTue, 06 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST