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[No Doubt and Activision don't speak in court, agree settlement instead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/no-doubt-and-activision-dont-speak-in-court-agree-settlement-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/no-doubt-and-activision-dont-speak-in-court-agree-settlement-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/no-doubt-and-activision-dont-speak-in-court-agree-settlement-i/#comments No Doubt and Activision don't speak in court, agree settlement insteadNo Doubt and Activision reached an out-of-court settlement this week over the band's lawsuit against the publisher, finally bringing an end to three years of legal dispute. The Californian rock band first filed the lawsuit back in 2009, claiming their likenesses were only to be used in Band Hero with their own in-game tracks, not with the entire catalog. Despite Activision's best efforts, the case was due to finally appear in the Los Angeles Superior Court on October 15, but instead the two parties agreed to settle.

How things have changed since 2009. Music games like Rock Band 2 and Band Hero were ruling the roost, and No Doubt had only just reformed after the Stefani-imposed hiatus. Three years on and there won't be any more Hero games, while No Doubt recently released their sixth album. Now, following some Push & Shove it seems things will finally Settle Down completely for the Hero franchise so that it can rest in peace.

JoystiqNo Doubt and Activision don't speak in court, agree settlement instead originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-BlizzardBand-Herolalawsuitlegalneversoftno-doubtThu, 04 Oct 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision's skateboarding and music studio now working on Call of Duty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/activision-now-has-five-studios-working-on-call-of-duty-includi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/activision-now-has-five-studios-working-on-call-of-duty-includi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/activision-now-has-five-studios-working-on-call-of-duty-includi/#comments Activision's Neversoft studio has a long history of producing Acti's biggest franchises - Tony Hawk and Guitar Hero to name two biggies. And now, the studio is working on Acti's biggest ever franchise: Call of Duty.

The Neversoft website now features a splash screen with employees in various stages of game development. Its job listings are also now wide open, should you be looking to craft new Call of Duty titles, alongside Infinity Ward, Treyarch, Raven Software, and Sledehammer Games.

Of course, Neversoft's been hiring for a "new action shooter" since back in 2010, so it stands to reason that the Call of Duty assignment isn't exactly brand new. Either way - holy hell, that's a ton of people working on a single franchise.

JoystiqActivision's skateboarding and music studio now working on Call of Duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutyneversoftFri, 15 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Neversoft hiring for FPS, according to job listings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/according-to-job-listings-neversoft-hiring-for-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/according-to-job-listings-neversoft-hiring-for-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/according-to-job-listings-neversoft-hiring-for-fps/#comments It would seem Neversoft is currently developing a first-person-shooter. The longtime Tony Hawk Pro Skater and Guitar Hero developer is currently recruiting a variety of positions that specify "FPS" in the title. Could the project for which it's hiring be the same "action shooter" we heard about last year?

Neversoft's job listings page calls for engineers, designers, artists, network programmers, multiplayer experts, and even a Windows PC platform lead. Since Neversoft is hiring for so many positions, we're inclined to think that this project is still fairly early in development.

JoystiqNeversoft hiring for FPS, according to job listings originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-person-shooterfpshiringjobsneversoftpcThu, 22 Sep 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[More Guitar Hero and DJ Hero DLC coming thanks to 'continued support' from fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/more-guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-coming-thanks-to-continued-sup/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/more-guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-coming-thanks-to-continued-sup/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/more-guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-coming-thanks-to-continued-sup/#comments Though the DLC well for the Guitar Hero and DJ Hero franchises was supposed to dry up at the end of this month, it seems that Activision's not quite ready to retire the ol' pump (or bucket, depending on how old-timey the well in question is). The official Twitter feeds for both series have announced that more DLC is planned for their respective stores, citing "continued support" from their communities for the change in position.

Both feeds promised that more information about the new content is coming "soon" -- we'll let you know when we learn more. That is, after we scold Activision for playing with our emotions so recklessly. Seriously, this is like the time our parents told us our hamster died, and then a week later, told us that they were just kidding about the hamster thing, only we later found out that, yes, our hamster was actually totally dead the whole time.

JoystiqMore Guitar Hero and DJ Hero DLC coming thanks to 'continued support' from fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDJ-Hero-2dlcfreestylegamesmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxSat, 26 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroic sacrifices: The companies behind Guitar Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/heroic-sacrifices-the-companies-behind-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/heroic-sacrifices-the-companies-behind-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/heroic-sacrifices-the-companies-behind-guitar-hero/#comments The Guitar Hero series touched many people, and not just by strapping plastic guitars to them. As the series reached its absurd heights of success, it caused more game developers to enter into the service of note charts and extreme rocker-dude 3D models.

And now that Activision has stopped production on the Guitar Hero series and closed that business unit, we can look back at how it affected the people who made it -- the companies who either moved on or were chewed up and spat out by the Guitar Hero monster.

Continue reading Heroic sacrifices: The companies behind Guitar Hero

JoystiqHeroic sacrifices: The companies behind Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-studiosactivisionbeenoxbudcat-creationsdsfreestylegamesglu-mobileguitar-heroguitar-hero-ripharmonixmachineworks-northwestmicrosoftmobileneversoftnintendopcplaystationps3redoctaneunderground-developmentvicarious-visionswiixboxWed, 23 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Warp Zone laments 'The Day Guitar Hero Died']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/the-warp-zone-laments-the-day-guitar-hero-died/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/the-warp-zone-laments-the-day-guitar-hero-died/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/the-warp-zone-laments-the-day-guitar-hero-died/#comments Yesterday, we viewed a sad and poignant farewell to one of Activision's downsized branches, Bizarre Creations. Today, an equally poignant -- if not slightly tongue-in-cheek -- video comes to us from The Warp Zone: "The Day Guitar Hero Died." Yes, like the song. You know. The song.

Continue reading The Warp Zone laments 'The Day Guitar Hero Died'

JoystiqThe Warp Zone laments 'The Day Guitar Hero Died' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamerican-pieguitar-heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoparodyplaystationps3the-warp-zonewiixboxSat, 19 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix issues statement on ending of Guitar Hero franchise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/harmonix-issues-statement-on-ending-of-guitar-hero-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/harmonix-issues-statement-on-ending-of-guitar-hero-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/harmonix-issues-statement-on-ending-of-guitar-hero-franchise/#comments You might think that the developer of the Rock Band franchise would currently find themselves doing a victory dance over the grave of the recently buried Guitar Hero franchise -- however, Harmonix's John Drake recently posted the studio's very tasteful response to the news over on the Rock Band forums. "We were sad to hear yesterday that Activision was discontinuing development on Guitar Hero," Drake said. "Our thoughts are with those who are losing their jobs, and we wish them the best of luck."

The statement acknowledges that sales in the music genre have slowed, but pledges, "In short, the beat of Rock Band marches on." Drake later adds, "It's been a wild battle of the bands since 2007, but we respect and appreciate all of the hard work and innovation of our peers who have shared the music gaming space with us, and we look forward to rocking in the future." Yeah! Maybe one day, after the wounds of battle have healed, you guys could get together, and form up some kind of supergroup-jam-band! You could call it Guitar Band, or Rock Hero, or, perhaps, Damn Yankees.

JoystiqHarmonix issues statement on ending of Guitar Hero franchise originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-ripharmonixmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3wiixboxThu, 10 Feb 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero and DJ Hero DLC supply over after February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-dead/#comments There's been some considerable debate on these here internets about the status of the Guitar Hero franchise. Thanks to "continued declines in the music genre," Activision yesterday announced that it plans to not only "discontinue development on its Guitar Hero game for 2011" (read: cancel it) but also to "disband Activision Publishing's Guitar Hero business unit." But what about the DJ Hero franchise, and the promising DJ Hero 3D, you ask? "We will release no new music or skateboarding games," CFO Thomas Tippl said of this calendar year. It certainly appears the franchise is dead, but some insist it's simply taking a year off. They'll keep making DLC, right?

Right?

"We will release the previously announced DLC track and mix packs for February, but - unfortunately," a FAQ answer on the official DJ Hero website states, "we will not be able to release new DLC packs beyond what we already have." The question specifically asked, "Are you still going to make new DLC for Guitar/DJ Hero?" Of course, existing DLC will remain available (for now) and existing games will remain available at retail (for now).

Perhaps most telling is that one FAQ question and answer was duplicated twice, at the beginning and end, bookending the official response with a rather ominous message. "Does this mean you're no longer making Guitar (and/or DJ) Hero games?," it asks ... twice. "Over the past two years, we have seen rapid declines in the music genre, and unfortunately, based on current demand, we simply cannot continue to profitably make these games given the considerable licensing and manufacturing costs."

As a means of punctuation, that sounds awfully definitive.

JoystiqGuitar Hero and DJ Hero DLC supply over after February originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionDJ-HeroDJ-Hero-2DLCFreestyle-GamesGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-ripguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftNeversoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 10 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision axing Guitar Hero and True Crime; Freestyle Games reportedly hit with layoffs [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/report-activision-axing-guitar-hero-and-true-crime-freestyle-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/report-activision-axing-guitar-hero-and-true-crime-freestyle-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/report-activision-axing-guitar-hero-and-true-crime-freestyle-g/#comments Despite a recent cover story in EGM, United Front's True Crime: Hong Kong won't make it to retail. Activision's latest earnings report confirms the game's cancellation, as well as the end of the Guitar Hero franchise.

"Due to continued declines in the music genre, the company will disband Activision Publishing's Guitar Hero business unit and discontinue development on its Guitar Hero game for 2011," Activision said in its financial statement. The statement goes on to confirm the cancellation of True Crime. "The company also will stop development on True Crime: Hong Kong. These decisions are based on the desire to focus on the greatest opportunities that the company currently has to create the world's best interactive entertainment experiences."

Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg went into a bit more detail on today's investor call:
"Despite a remarkable 92 rating on DJ Hero 2, a widely well-regarded Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, as well as a 90-plus rated release from our most direct competitor [Rock Band 3], demand for peripheral-based music games declined at a dramatic pace. Given the considerable licensing and manufacturing costs associated with this genre, we simply cannot make these games profitably based on current economics and demand. Instead, what we'll do is focus our time and energies on marketing and supporting our strong catalog of titles and downloadable content, especially to new consumers as the installed base for hardware continues to grow."
Hirshberg continued, saying that True Crime's development, "was't going to lead to a title at or near the top of the competitive open-world genre." To put things more directly, Hirshberg added, "To be blunt, it just wasn't going to be good enough."

If that weren't enough bad news, Eurogamer also reports that DJ Hero developer Freestyle Games has suffered "severe layoffs," though it's unclear whether the rhythm series has been affected by the alleged redundancies. We'll update this post as we learn more.

[Update: An earlier version of this post was based solely on Eurogamer's report, which has since been partially confirmed by Activision.]

[Update 2: United Front Games has commented on the cancellation of True Crime]

Continue reading Activision axing Guitar Hero and True Crime; Freestyle Games reportedly hit with layoffs [update]

JoystiqActivision axing Guitar Hero and True Crime; Freestyle Games reportedly hit with layoffs [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncanceledcancellationdj-herofreestyle-gamesguitar-heroguitar-hero-riplayoffsmicrosoftneversoftpcplaystationps3True-CrimeTrue-Crime-Hong-Kongunited-frontunited-front-gamesxboxWed, 09 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten new, totally gnarly tracks released for GH: Warriors of Rock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-february-mega-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-february-mega-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-february-mega-pack/#comments Activision and Beenox have really outdone themselves with the 10-song February Mega Pack DLC for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, available today on 360, PS3 and Wii. Acknowledging that this is the year's most tender, loving month, the two have eschewed the game's core musical genres, adding selections from gentle songsmiths like Nick Drake, Iron and Wine, Damien Rice, and -- oh? No, they're not doing that? The ten songs are from rock outfits Marilyn Manson, Children of Bodom and Black Label Society? Well then.

Check out the full list after the jump to see what decidedly un-tender tracks you can grab for 1440 Microsoft Points ($17.99 or 1800 Wii Points) in the February Mega Pack.

Continue reading Ten new, totally gnarly tracks released for GH: Warriors of Rock

JoystiqTen new, totally gnarly tracks released for GH: Warriors of Rock originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-label-societychildren-of-bodomdlcguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmarilyn-mansonmicrosoftmusicneversoftnintendoplaystationps3rhythmwiixboxTue, 08 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nine Inch Nails headlines new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/nine-inch-nails-headlines-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/nine-inch-nails-headlines-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/nine-inch-nails-headlines-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-trac/#comments Reznorites rejoice, as a hefty dose of Nine Inch Nails has been delivered to Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. The January Mega Pack features three songs by NIN, including "Head Like a Hole," "Closer" and "The Hand That Feeds." The pack also includes three tracks by A Day to Remember and four additional singles by HIM, The Used, Hawthorne Heights and The Damned Things.

The ten-song pack can be had on Wii for 1800 points, Xbox 360 for 1440 MS Points or PS3 for $17.99. Tracks can also be purchased individually for 200 Wii points, 160 MS Points or $1.99, respectively. The tracks are available now on Xbox 360 and Wii and should hit the PSN once it updates later today.

Continue reading Nine Inch Nails headlines new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock tracks

JoystiqNine Inch Nails headlines new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlcguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3psnVicarious-VisionswiixblmxboxTue, 11 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Publishing CEO says perception of the company is different from reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/activision-publishing-ceo-says-perception-of-the-company-is-diff/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/activision-publishing-ceo-says-perception-of-the-company-is-diff/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/activision-publishing-ceo-says-perception-of-the-company-is-diff/#comments As co-CEO at ad company Deutsch LA, Eric Hirshberg was partially responsible for turning the PlayStation 3 from something that freaked us out into a platform for the VP of Awesome. Now, HIrshberg is able to comment on a similar turnaround at Activision. As the CEO of the publishing group, he says that "some of Activision's reputational challenges are not based in the reality of the company that I've experienced here so far. ... What I can tell you is since I've been here there's not a day or an hour that goes by without a conversation or focus on creative excellence in delivering great gaming experiences to our fans. That's what this place is focused on and about."

Yes, Activision may have put a "for sale" sign on UK racing studio Bizarre, laid off staff at Neversoft and Radical Entertainment and elsewhere, and weakened studio after studio, but Hirshberg says all the cuts are indicative of just how tough this business can be. And even in a tough business, says Hirshberg, "we do everything we can to make the relationships with our developers work, and to find a commercially viable use of their talents, and it's only when we've exhausted every other opportunity that [shutdowns and layoffs] happen."

The video game industry, he says, is "a high stakes game when everyone's trying to get into that upper echelon of performance and there's no middle class," which means, presumably, that Activision has to be judicious when choosing who gets to keep working. That may be true, but Hirshberg's going to need more than that if he wants to turn Bobby Kotick into PlayStation's KB.

JoystiqActivision Publishing CEO says perception of the company is different from reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-publishingbizarre-creationsceodeutsch-laeric-hirshbergkevin-butlerneversoftplaystationraven-softwareThu, 16 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Axl Rose suing Activision over inclusion of Slash in Guitar Hero 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/axl-rose-suing-activision-over-inclusion-of-slash-in-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/axl-rose-suing-activision-over-inclusion-of-slash-in-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/axl-rose-suing-activision-over-inclusion-of-slash-in-guitar-hero/#commentsGuns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has unleashed a November rain of litigation against Activision, filing a $20 million lawsuit against the publisher for allegedly associating Guns N' Roses' music (specifically, "Welcome to the Jungle") with former GnR guitarist Slash and his new band Velvet Revolver in 2007's Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock.

Activision had permission to use "Welcome to the Jungle," but according to court documents obtained by Radar Online, broke its contract with Rose by including imagery of Slash in the game and offering music by Velvet Revolver as downloadable content. The juxtaposition "exploits the prior association between Slash and Guns N' Roses, promotes Slash's and VR's (Velvet Revolver) separate interests and includes VR tracks as available downloads, all of which was and is directly contrary to the contractual obligations of Defendants," according to the filing.

Indeed, Rose's filing asserts that Activision explicitly promised not to use images of any former members of GnR in the game. Even more surprising, Activision EVP of Music Affairs Tim Riley is quoted as saying "Come on Beta, you can't believe everything you read on the Internet" in response to rumors of Slash's inclusion heard by Rose's rep Beta Lebeis."

Whether Rose's claims of treachery on Activision's part turn out to be true or not remains to be determined, but one fact is incontrovertible: he is really, really late in noticing.

JoystiqAxl Rose suing Activision over inclusion of Slash in Guitar Hero 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionaxl-roseGH3GH3-Legends-Of-RockGuitar-Hero-3Guitar-Hero-3-Legends-Of-RocklawsuitLegends-Of-Rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 23 Nov 2010 22:38:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock free DLC available now until Nov. 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/dj-hero-2-and-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-free-dlc-available-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/dj-hero-2-and-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-free-dlc-available-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/dj-hero-2-and-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-free-dlc-available-n/#comments Looking to expand your DJ Hero 2 and/or Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock catalogues at a significant discount? Activision's offering of free DLC for each game seeks to solve your problem, adding a DJ Tiesto-mixed three-track pack to DJ Hero 2 and a My Chemical Romance pack to Warriors of Rock, each of which is free in the US "via redemption code while supplies last." The catch: each pack is free for this week only before becoming paid content on November 30 (also, the content for Warriors of Rock is only available to Xbox 360 owners).

Details for both packs can be found after the break, including pricing for when they're no longer free next week. But hey, you're on top of things, so you're totally gonna get them while they're free. Head over to Activision and Coca-Cola's code generating website "while supplies last."

Continue reading DJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock free DLC available now until Nov. 30

JoystiqDJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock free DLC available now until Nov. 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDJ-Hero-2dj-tiestodlcfreefreestyle-gamesguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftmy-chemical-romanceneversoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-networkps3psntiestovicarious-visionswiiwii-shopwii-shop-channelwiishopxblmxboxxbox-live-marketplaceTue, 23 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock review: It's the same old song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-review/#comments Between its newfound focus on storytelling and its status as (gasp) the only Guitar Hero game out this calendar year, Warriors of Rock carried major promise to evolve the stubborn music franchise. Maybe you balked at the concept of a story-focused game featuring a cast of characters who have never spoken before, but at least storytelling represents a fairly unbeaten path in the increasingly beaten rhythm genre. (Well, fictional storytelling, anyway.)

However, you don't have to spend much time with Warriors of Rock to realize that what sounded like evolutions are actually ancient gameplay mechanics -- only shrouded in a campy heavy metal veneer.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (Quest)

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock review: It's the same old song

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock review: It's the same old song originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 29 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Import GH: Metallica into Warriors of Rock for free during first week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/import-gh-metallica-into-warriors-of-rock-for-free-during-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/import-gh-metallica-into-warriors-of-rock-for-free-during-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/import-gh-metallica-into-warriors-of-rock-for-free-during-first/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Activision this morning revealed an incentive for Metallica slash Guitar Hero fans to pick up the forthcoming Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock in the game's first week launch window: the ability to import 39 of the former game's 49 tracks into the latter game for free. Like Guitar Hero 5, Band Hero, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, some of the songs in Guitar Hero: Metallica will be importable into the forthcoming rhythm game release.

After the week is up on October 5, the import will cost 480 MS Points / $4.99 / 600 Wii Points, tying it for first place with Guitar Hero 5 for most expensive import cost. We've broken down the track listing from GH: Metallica that will be available for import into Warriors of Rock (39 of 49 songs) after the break.

Continue reading Import GH: Metallica into Warriors of Rock for free during first week

JoystiqImport GH: Metallica into Warriors of Rock for free during first week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-metallicaguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3vicarious-visionswiixboxTue, 14 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock video highlights expanded DS/Wii connectivity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-video-highlights-expanded-ds-wii-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-video-highlights-expanded-ds-wii-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-video-highlights-expanded-ds-wii-c/#comments DS and Wii integration isn't new to the Guitar Hero series, but in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, roadies on the DS can greater affect what's going on in the Wii game. There are also expanded modes for budding roadies, which you can see for yourself by schlepping on past the break.

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock video highlights expanded DS/Wii connectivity

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock video highlights expanded DS/Wii connectivity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondsguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockneversoftNeversoft-Entertainmentnintendovicarious-visionswiiTue, 14 Sep 2010 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero and Band Hero $50 off at Toys R Us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dj-hero-and-band-hero-50-off-at-toys-r-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dj-hero-and-band-hero-50-off-at-toys-r-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dj-hero-and-band-hero-50-off-at-toys-r-us/#comments Some of you lucky jerks might be living near a Toys R Us that didn't immediately sell out of Band Hero and DJ Hero earlier today -- a side-effect of a two-day, $50 discount on the two titles. Not excited? Here, we'll help you out with a little equation: DJ Hero = $70 - $50 = $20 = TOTALLY INSANE.

Continue reading DJ Hero and Band Hero $50 off at Toys R Us

JoystiqDJ Hero and Band Hero $50 off at Toys R Us originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionband-heroDJ-Herofreestylegamesmicrosoftneversoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 25 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Full Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock track list revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/full-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-track-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/full-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-track-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/full-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-track-list-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've got to hand it to the recently revealed Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock setlist -- there are more than a few tasty tracks in the series' next installment. Still, as excited as we are to faux-pluck our way through Styx's "Renegade," we can't help but question a few of the songs therein. Not that they're bad songs, per se, but ... well, we can't really envision R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe as a "Warrior of Rock," you know? We imagine him wearing spiked pauldrons, and it just doesn't do anything for us.

Check out the full 93-song setlist just past the jump.

Continue reading Full Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock track list revealed

JoystiqFull Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock track list revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftmusicneversoftnintendoplaystationps3rhythmwiixboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero project director discusses aiming for the 'core' audience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/guitar-hero-project-director-discusses-aiming-for-the-core-aud/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/guitar-hero-project-director-discusses-aiming-for-the-core-aud/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/guitar-hero-project-director-discusses-aiming-for-the-core-aud/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For better or for worse, Neversoft has decided to go a very different direction with the Guitar Hero franchise from its competitor, Rock Band. In an interview with Develop, project director Brian Bright explained that the the stark difference between the two games is intentional. "Rather than go head-to-head with our own games and our competitors, we decided we wanted to make something different."

Being tasked with developing three games in the Hero franchise simultaneously -- Band Hero, Guitar Hero Metallica and Guitar Hero 5 -- was a drain on the team's creativity, Bright admits. "We did make quite a few games last year ... But the release of all those games split the marketing team's focus, it split our studio's focus." The upcoming Warriors of Rock, however, represents a newfound yearning to go back to the franchise's origins, and deliver a game for "the core audience," the kind of gamer that loves guitar music, and has already mastered the plastic guitar. "The core has got to a pretty high level, so we really want to up the challenge." Developing a game that even franchise stalwarts would find difficult would set the game apart from the upcoming Rock Band 3.

It's somewhat fitting that Neversoft is paying homage to the franchise's origins, considering Warriors of Rock is supposedly the last Neversoft-developed Guitar Hero game. But will it be the end of the franchise? No way. "I think it's a given that there will be a Guitar Hero game every year," Bright said, perhaps relieved that his studio won't be tasked with that burden. Who knows? We may even learn more about the team's new shooter before Guitar Hero 7 finds its way to store shelves.

JoystiqGuitar Hero project director discusses aiming for the 'core' audience originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-brightguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 13 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/preview-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/preview-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/preview-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock/#comments It seems silly to describe the "new features" that have been added to Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock without acknowledging the basic stuff the franchise still doesn't get right. For example, do you want to see the difficulty of a song before jumping into it in campaign mode? Nope, you can't do that. Want to filter and sort songs by multiple criteria? Forget about it. Compared to Rock Band 3's feature set -- keyboard, vocal harmonies, "Pro" mode -- it's clear that Activision has been surpassed. But maybe all you want from Guitar Hero is a "story" and the ability to bust through the five-star ranking system. 32x multiplier and 60 stars, YEAH!!!

You could argue that Warriors of Rock isn't regressive; it's an homage to the franchise's origins, a celebration of hardcore guitar music. The 90 songs included on the disc support drums and vocals, but it's clear what the focus of the game is: being a guitar hero. If the franchise's penchant for crazy note maps hasn't satiated your strumming skills, you'll be glad to know that Warriors of Rock ups the ante by including the entirety of Rush's "2112" -- as a boss, of course.

Final boss? Yes, Warriors of Rock's big new feature is a Quest Mode, narrated by KISS' Gene Simmons. While I could rant about how it feels like it was written by (and for) twelve year old boys, I'll let Activision do the work. The fact sheet describes it as a "journey from the infamous stage of CBGBs to the molten lava fields of rock treachery ... to help the Demi-God of Rock take down 'The Beast' and save rock 'n roll." Tim Schafer would be rolling in his grave (if he were dead).

Continue reading Preview: Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock

JoystiqPreview: Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 29 Jul 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock includes re-recorded Alice Cooper, The Runaways]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-includes-re-recorded-alice-cooper/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-includes-re-recorded-alice-cooper/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-includes-re-recorded-alice-cooper/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock will attempt to achieve its goal of keeping the classic rock hits alive in a fairly unorthodox manner -- by, well, redoing them. Activision has revealed another batch of the rhythm title's songs, which include two exclusive re-recordings of Alice Cooper's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and The Runaways' "Cherry Bomb," as performed by their original artists.

Check out all the new additions -- including un-re-recorded fossils like Edgar Winter's "Free Ride" and Styx's "Renegade" -- just after the jump.

Update: Check out a behind the scenes video about the re-recording process after the break.

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock includes re-recorded Alice Cooper, The Runaways

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock includes re-recorded Alice Cooper, The Runaways originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalice-cooperguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3rhythmthe-runawayswiixboxTue, 27 Jul 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Geddy-ing a dose of Rush's '2112']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-geddy-ing-a-dose-of-rushs-2112/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-geddy-ing-a-dose-of-rushs-2112/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-geddy-ing-a-dose-of-rushs-2112/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We'll be the first to say it: Rhythm games don't exactly seem like the best venue for playable versions of full-length concept albums. Yeah, that one breakout track is still really fun to play, but the 14-minute theremin solo that follows can't be too fun to wait through. That said, we can't help but applaud Activision's recent initiative to include Rush's 20-minute-long 7-part epic, "2112," in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.

Sure, there are a few parts of the prog-rock suite during which we might want to take brief naps, but the collection's more rocking moments more than make up for it. Here's hoping for an Achievement for playing the whole shebang front-to-back in one sitting -- an act which would cause lesser vocalists to burst into flames.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (Rush's '2112')

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Geddy-ing a dose of Rush's '2112'

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Geddy-ing a dose of Rush's '2112' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3RushwiixboxWed, 21 Jul 2010 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Bang your head to the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock 'Act 1' set list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bang-your-head-to-the-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-act-1-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bang-your-head-to-the-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-act-1-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bang-your-head-to-the-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-act-1-set/#comments We get it. In this fast-paced world of ... stuff, you don't have time to scroll over a list of tracks in the upcoming Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Where text would've gotten the job done in the past, we recognize that nowadays you need something to match your speedy lifestyle. Therefore, we present the video past the break.

It highlights the set list for the first act of the game, featuring standout tracks like Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" and even a live rendition of Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me." If you're looking for something a bit on the classier side, you'll be relieved to know that Activision has also included Kiss' "Love Gun." Nothing says class like a song that's about -- well, you know.

Continue reading Bang your head to the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock 'Act 1' set list

JoystiqBang your head to the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock 'Act 1' set list originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmusicneversoftrhythmThu, 08 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: July DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-july-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-july-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-july-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This month, the Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero DLC party starts off with a high-pitched bang, with three solid Queen tracks hitting the storefront later today. That bang becomes a guttural scream the week after, when Avenged Sevenfold drops a few songs. That scream becomes an "eww-ah-ah-ah-ah" one more week later, when Disturbed throws its hat in the ring. Finally, Shinedown will have some songs added to the service. (We don't know enough about their musical offerings to continue the metaphor.)

Click past the jump to see the full list of songs, release dates and prices.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: July DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: July DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionavenged-sevenfoldband-herodisturbeddlcGH5Guitar-Hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3queenshinedownwiixboxTue, 06 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Job listing says Neversoft working on 'new action shooter']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/job-listing-says-neversoft-working-on-new-action-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/job-listing-says-neversoft-working-on-new-action-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/job-listing-says-neversoft-working-on-new-action-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It would appear current go-to Guitar Hero dev Neversoft is working on a "new action shooter game," according to a Linkedin job listing. The listing calls for a mid-senior Level Builder with "a passion for design" who can "create realistic levels by bringing concept art to life."

Is Neversoft working on Call of Duty? Is this an entirely new shooter? We've fired off some questions to Activision and will let you know what we hear back. At the least, we should know more come next week at E3.

[Via superannuation]

Update: After the break, see an ad from the July issue of Game Developer magazine in which Neversoft entreats potential applicants to "Shoot into the future..."

Continue reading Job listing says Neversoft working on 'new action shooter'

JoystiqJob listing says Neversoft working on 'new action shooter' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionActivisionActivision-BlizzardNeversoftNeversoft-EntertainmentShooterWed, 09 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A closer look at the new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock axe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/a-closer-look-at-the-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-axe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/a-closer-look-at-the-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-axe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/a-closer-look-at-the-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-axe/#comments Was your taste of the new peripherals in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock not enough? Well, the attached video should satiate your desires for now, as it actually shows you how the customization works -- sans hands! It's all very Transformers like.

If all of the CGI wizardry in the video, found after the break, isn't your style, feel free to give our high-res images in the gallery below a looksee. Just don't look too closely -- we wouldn't want you transforming into a ManBearPig or something.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (hardware)

Continue reading A closer look at the new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock axe

JoystiqA closer look at the new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock axe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardGuitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-Warriors-of-RockMicrosoftNeversoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock confirmed, detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-confirmed-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-confirmed-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-confirmed-detailed/#comments And just like that, Nintendo Power has officially outed Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. According to Neversoft's Brian Bright, Warriors of Rock will retain "all the cool features" from Guitar Hero 5, including the ability to play with any combination of instruments. This time around, however, the team strove to "hand-pick" the songs, which will focus on "guitar-centric rock 'n' roll" as Bright explained that "so many more people play Guitar Hero on guitar than any other instrument."

Picking up on the rock focus, the game's story and aesthetics revolve around heavy metal. Bright mentioned being inspired by heavy metal album covers "with rivers of chrome and guys on horses with bat wings and stuff." In fact, the game's quest mode is narrated by Gene Simmons (you don't say) and tells the story of the struggle between "the Beast" and "the demigod of rock." Said demigod is defeated, so it's up to players to find the demigod's legendary guitar and amass "an army of warriors to be able to defeat the beast." Boy, that sounds awfully familiar.

The article also reveals that Vicarious Visions will once again develop the Wii version, and expanding the DS-based Roadie mode. You can read the full story in the latest Nintendo Power, on sale June 8.

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock confirmed, detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockMicrosoftneversoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Fri, 28 May 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: June DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-june-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-june-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-june-dlc/#comments
[flickr]
June's shaping up to be quite a packed month for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero DLC aficionados. On top of a free pack of national anthems for Xbox 360 and PS3 users -- you haven't lived until you've rocked out to Germany's national anthem, "Lied der Deutschen," by the way -- three separate band track packs will be available. These will feature Stone Temple Pilots, Alice Cooper and All Time Low.

Head past the break to check out the full list of DLC. We have a feeling that Spanish foreign exchange student staying with your family this summer is going to be pumped to play some "Marcha Real."

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: June DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: June DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalice-cooperall-time-lowBand Heroband-heroBandHerodlcDSGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyMicrosoftmusicneversoftNintendoRed-Octanerhythmstone-temple-pilotsWiiXbox-360Wed, 26 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 6, another DJ Hero coming this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/guitar-hero-6-another-dj-hero-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/guitar-hero-6-another-dj-hero-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/guitar-hero-6-another-dj-hero-coming-this-fall/#comments Activision has confirmed on an earnings call today that Guitar Hero 6 will be on store shelves sometime this fall, with a new DJ Hero game coming soon after. The music game market is a changing place, admitted CEO Bobby Kotick -- it will "continue to compress," with fewer titles and brands finding success. Activision has "moved from the sell-through of higher-priced peripherals," and its new plan is for "improved economics on a higher percentage of software sales."

Kotick said that Guitar Hero "remains the leader in the category with more than 44 million games sold to date," and that both releases this year would be followed with "a full lineup of exciting downloadable content."

JoystiqGuitar Hero 6, another DJ Hero coming this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbobby-kotickdj-heroguitar-hero-6marketMicrosoftmusicmusic-gamesneversoftNintendored-octaneWiiXbox-360Thu, 06 May 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: May DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-may-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-may-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-may-dlc/#comments It's the beginning of the month, which means it's time to run down the list of Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero DLC. In May, we're getting three separate track packs -- the last week of the month seems to be void of anything new, for some reason.

Like alternative pop ensembles like Snow Patrol and Alpha Rev? How about classic rock troupes such as Steve Miller Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd? How about Love in an Elevator? No, we mean the Aerosmith song, not that time you were trapped and -- forget we said anything.

Head past the break for the full list of DLC for May.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: May DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: May DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionaerosmithalpha-revalternative-popBand Heroband-heroBandHerocapraclassic-rockdlcDSforeignerGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlylynyrd-skynyrdMicrosoftNeversoftNintendoRed-Octanesnow-patrolsteve-miller-bandWiiXbox-360Tue, 04 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 'Guitar Kit' and game on sale at Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/guitar-hero-5-guitar-kit-and-game-on-sale-at-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/guitar-hero-5-guitar-kit-and-game-on-sale-at-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/guitar-hero-5-guitar-kit-and-game-on-sale-at-amazon-today/#comments Whether you're in the market for a new music-rhythm game or want to get into this whole Guitar Hero thing on the late-late, Amazon has a pretty sweet deal going on today. In the "Guitar Kit" bundle, you can snag a guitar controller and a copy of Guitar Hero 5 for $38, while a new copy of the game itself will only set you back $20.

Becoming a faux-rocker has never been so cheap and just think about all of the DLC you'll be able to enjoy with that extra cash. Just saying!

[Via Cheap College Gamers]

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 'Guitar Kit' and game on sale at Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazondealdealsGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-5musicneversoftrhythmsaleMon, 26 Apr 2010 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision fails to have No Doubt lawsuit dismissed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/activision-fails-to-have-no-doubt-lawsuit-dismissed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/activision-fails-to-have-no-doubt-lawsuit-dismissed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/activision-fails-to-have-no-doubt-lawsuit-dismissed/#comments If the whole West, Zampella and Activision kerfluffle is no longer satisfying your desire for daily litigation drama, we'd like to point you to an old friend we haven't heard from in a while. We speak, of course, of the No Doubt vs. Activision lawsuit, in which the former accused the latter of infringing on its right-of-publicity by allowing their in-game Band Hero avatars to be used to sing other recording artists' songs in the game.

According to the LA Times, Activision recently attempted to invoke freedom-of-speech protections under the 1st Amendment to have the case dismissed out-of-hand -- a tactic shot down by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Kenji Machida. Though Activision has the option to appeal this decision, it looks like the folks from No Doubt might have a chance at taking back their intellectual property and forming a new studio under EA. Wait -- we mixed them up again, didn't we?

Yeah, we did.

JoystiqActivision fails to have No Doubt lawsuit dismissed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionBand Heroband-heroBandHerocopyright-infringementDSGuitar-HerolawlawsuitlegalMicrosoftneversoftNintendono-doubtRed-Octaneright-of-publicityWiiXbox-360Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 now on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/tony-hawks-pro-skater-2-now-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/tony-hawks-pro-skater-2-now-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/tony-hawks-pro-skater-2-now-on-iphone/#commentsUpdate: Added a trailer to the post.

Tony told us it would drop soon and lo and behold, you can now download Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 from the App Store. The iPhone game will set you back $9.99 and features 13 different environments and skaters, plus accelerometer-enhanced controls, if you don't mind looking like the weirdo shaking their iPhone on the train like it owes them money.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 ($9.99) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2

Gallery: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (iPhone)

JoystiqTony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 now on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-publishingappleiPodneversofttony-hawks-pro-skatertony-hawks-pro-skater-2Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: April DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-april-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-april-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-april-dlc/#comments Next month's musical lineup for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero is as wide and varied as a kiddie pool full of Sweet 'n Salty Chex Mix, bringing in tracks from Fall Out Boy, The All-American Rejects, Phoenix, Blur, Saving Abel, and Black Sabbath. However, there's one track in particular that stands proudly above the rest -- one which will surely soon skyrocket to the top of the "Most Played" charts. You know, that song that everyone requests at every concert. What? Dolly Parton's "9 to 5?" What kind of concerts have you been going to?

No sir -- we're talking about "Free Bird," which will be available tomorrow, barring some horrific April Fools' Day shenanigans. Check out the full list of tracks, along with their release dates, past the jump.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: April DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: April DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionapril-2010Band Heroband-heroBandHerodlcDSguitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyMicrosoftNeversoftNintendoRed-OctaneWiiXbox-360Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA['80s Track Pack available now for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/80s-track-pack-available-now-for-guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/80s-track-pack-available-now-for-guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/80s-track-pack-available-now-for-guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero/#comments As expected, the '80s Track Pack for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero is now available for download on all the various consoles, featuring three respectable songs from the decade of New Wave and hair bands. Well, two or three, depending on how you like The Go-Gos. The entire thing is available for 440 on Xbox Live, $5.49 on PSN, or 550 Wii Points, and the individual songs are as follows:
Say what you want about "We Got the Beat," but we won't tolerate hating on the Crue or Night Ranger and, from the looks of those hairstyles above, they won't either. These songs are available now for both games, so get yourself mo-tor-in' on over to the store if you want 'em.

Joystiq'80s Track Pack available now for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBand Heroband-heroBandHeroconsolesdlcdownloaddownloadabledownloadable-contentDSguitar-heroguitar-hero-5hair-bandsMicrosoftmotley-crueNeversoftnew-wavenight-rangerNintendopointspsnRed-Octanesongsthe-go-gostrack-packWiiwii-pointsxblxblaXbox-360Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: March DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-march-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-march-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-march-dlc/#comments
 Next month's Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero DLC should satisfy would-be rockers of all types, offering an eclectic mix of -- oh, there's totally some Flogging Molly! Sorry, we just had to get that out of our system, because St. Patrick's Day is next month and because, man, Flogging Molly is totally awesome.

There are four distinct track packs coming next month, featuring OK Go, Blink-182, the aforementioned Molly Floggers and an '80s track pack -- because nothing says March like a dusty old denim jacket with the sleeves cut off and some Night Ranger.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: March DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: March DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionBand Heroband-heroBandHeroblink-182dlcDSflogging-mollyGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyMicrosoftmotley-crueNeversoftnight-rangerNintendook-goRed-Octanethe-go-gostrack-packtrack-packsWiiXbox-360Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Guitar Hero 5 with Breaking Benjamin tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/play-guitar-hero-5-with-breaking-benjamin-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/play-guitar-hero-5-with-breaking-benjamin-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/play-guitar-hero-5-with-breaking-benjamin-tomorrow/#comments Activision has announced an Xbox Live Game with Fame event almost guaranteed to be less awkward than watching a movie with Rob Zombie. Starting tomorrow, February 20 at 1:00pm ET, Xbox Live Gold members will get the opportunity to play Guitar Hero 5 with Breaking Benjamin. Anyone wanting to participate should send a friend request to BBGWF or BBAaronGWF thirty minutes prior to the event. Also, it's worth mentioning that the Breaking Benjamin tracks on Guitar Hero 5 are only available as DLC, so it's possible you could play with the band without owning any of their music. Talk about embarrassment!

JoystiqPlay Guitar Hero 5 with Breaking Benjamin tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbreaking-benjaminguitar-hero-5neversoftxbox-liveFri, 19 Feb 2010 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Whitesnake songs coming to one music game or another, Coverdale not sure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/whitesnake-songs-coming-to-one-music-game-or-another-coverdale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/whitesnake-songs-coming-to-one-music-game-or-another-coverdale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/whitesnake-songs-coming-to-one-music-game-or-another-coverdale/#comments Sure, you could guess that it was sex, drugs or rock and roll that addled Whitesnake vocalist David Coverdale's mind so much that he can't recall with any clarity which music game franchise he recently approved the band's "Here I Go Again" and "Still of the Night" for. And you'd probably be right -- if anyone took too many drugs and rocked a little too hard in the late '80s, it was probably Coverdale.

But don't jump to conclusions. Did you ever consider that maybe he was choosing to make a statement about the genre and its recent creative stagnation? Perhaps by saying, "I can't remember which one," he was actually opining that we haven't seen any real innovation in the "strum on the note" experience since the first Rock Band added other instruments. Perhaps Coverdale was actually calling for both Harmonix and Neversoft to reach out for originality, distinguish themselves and their respective games, and stop releasing copy after copy of what are essentially the same experiences. It was either that, or the too many drugs thing.

JoystiqWhitesnake songs coming to one music game or another, Coverdale not sure originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coverdaledavid-coverdaleharmonixhere-i-go-againinnovationMicrosoftmusic-gamesneversoftNintendostill-of-the-nightwhitesnakeWiiXbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxoflux shuttered as layoffs hit Activision dev studios, publisher confirms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/luxoflux-shuttered-as-layoffs-hit-activision-dev-studios-publis/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/luxoflux-shuttered-as-layoffs-hit-activision-dev-studios-publis/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/luxoflux-shuttered-as-layoffs-hit-activision-dev-studios-publis/#comments Reports began circulating this morning about major layoffs at a handful of Activision-owned development studios, affecting as much as half of Radical Entertainment's staff (Prototype), an undisclosed amount of Neversoft employees (Guitar Hero, Tony Hawk), and the entirety of Luxoflux (Tranformers). An Activision rep confirmed two former studio layoffs to us this afternoon, though a representative didn't city any official numbers -- the rep also told us he could "confirm the closure of Luxoflux."

The full, significantly more vague, company statement given out to everyone reads: "Activision Publishing continually evaluates its resources to ensure that they are properly matched against its product slate and strategic goals. In 2010, the company's SKU count will be smaller than in 2009 driven in part, by a decrease in the number of music-based games we will be releasing. As we discussed on our earnings conference call yesterday, we are directing our resources against the largest and most profitable business segments, and as part of this initiative, we are realigning our resources to better reflect our slate and the market opportunities. At the same time, we are increasing our digital/online capabilities as we expect that digital/online will continue to become a more meaningful part of our business model in the years ahead."

JoystiqLuxoflux shuttered as layoffs hit Activision dev studios, publisher confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardactivision-publishingDSfiringguitar-herolayoffsluxofluxMicrosoftneversoftNintendoprototyperadicalradical-entertainmentrumortony-hawktransformersWiiXbox-360Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:55:00 EST