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[Museum of Modern Art picks 14 pretty, ugly games for new exhibit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/museum-of-modern-art-picks-14-pretty-ugly-games-for-new-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/museum-of-modern-art-picks-14-pretty-ugly-games-for-new-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/museum-of-modern-art-picks-14-pretty-ugly-games-for-new-exhibit/#comments New York's Museum of Modern Art is hosting a video game exhibit beginning in March 2013 with installments of 14 initial games, featuring Pac-Man, Tetris, Myst, Katamari Damacy, Dwarf Fortress, Portal and Canabalt, among others.

MoMA eventually wants to incorporate 40 games into the show, with a wishlist including Asteroids, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Grim Fandango and Minecraft. Games are chosen based on a "tight filter" that covers behavior, aesthetics, space and time, meaning the "selection does not include some immensely popular video games that might have seemed like no-brainers to video game historians," Senior Curator Paola Antonelli writes.

"Are video games art?" Antonelli asks herself. "They sure are, but they are also design, and a design approach is what we chose for this new foray into this universe."

Check out the full list of 14 below, along with a few more from MoMA's wishlist.

Continue reading Museum of Modern Art picks 14 pretty, ugly games for new exhibit

JoystiqMuseum of Modern Art picks 14 pretty, ugly games for new exhibit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsartdsmacmicrosoftmobileMoMAmuseum-of-modern-artNew-York-Citynintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxThu, 29 Nov 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a stroll through NYC in Crysis 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/takes-a-stroll-through-nyc-in-new-crysis-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/takes-a-stroll-through-nyc-in-new-crysis-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/takes-a-stroll-through-nyc-in-new-crysis-3/#comments
This clip from Crysis 3 starts with a stealthy stroll through a lush, dilapidated New York City and expands into all-out conflict. This is why we don't venture in Central Park at night.

Continue reading Take a stroll through NYC in Crysis 3

JoystiqTake a stroll through NYC in Crysis 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysis-3crytekeamicrosoftnew-york-citynycpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 14 Nov 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYC! Go play arcade games with a bunch of game industry folks tomorrow night!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/nyc-go-play-arcade-games-with-a-bunch-of-game-industry-folks-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/nyc-go-play-arcade-games-with-a-bunch-of-game-industry-folks-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/nyc-go-play-arcade-games-with-a-bunch-of-game-industry-folks-to/#comments NYC! Go play arcade games with a bunch of game industry folks tomorrow night!You don't really need an excuse to head out to Brooklyn's Barcade, but we've got one for you anyway: the New York Game Critics Circle is throwing a shindig there tomorrow night. Beyond the beautiful smiling faces of the group's membership, expect to meet a variety of folks from the game industry: developers, journos ... maybe even Super Mario himself! (Sorry, we couldn't help it.)

If that excitement isn't enough for you, there's also a ton of arcade games running on quarter plays and a great selection of delicious beer. That said, it probably goes without mention that this is a 21 and up event. There we go, mentioning it anyway.

For full details, head past the break.

[Image credit: Instagram]

Continue reading NYC! Go play arcade games with a bunch of game industry folks tomorrow night!

JoystiqNYC! Go play arcade games with a bunch of game industry folks tomorrow night! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcadebrooklynnew-yorknew-york-citynew-york-video-game-critics-circlenew-york-videogame-critics-circlenyvgccMon, 30 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's look really closely at Nintendo's Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/lets-look-really-closely-at-nintendos-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/lets-look-really-closely-at-nintendos-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/lets-look-really-closely-at-nintendos-wii-u/#comments Let's look really closely at Nintendo's Wii U
Nintendo showed dozens of games during E3 2012, and gave attendees a second hands-on with near-final Wii U hardware. We covered the company extensively, but we couldn't resist an invitation to get a quiet, private demonstration of the console during a New York City event this week.

What's more, Nintendo was showing off more than just the WiiPad (what we're calling the Wii U's tablet controller) - a Nintendo rep gave us a thorough look at the console itself. As she points out in the video, neither the Wii U console nor the WiiPad are final hardware, so if you see some funky looking metal sticking out from the back of the system, know that it won't be there when the units arrive at your local brick-and-mortar.

We also got a chance to check out the Wii U Pro Controller (otherwise known as "the Nintendo-born child of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 controllers"), and to see how it works with the gorgeous Rayman Legends. Normally, one player mans the WiiPad while the other navigates with the Pro Controller, but somebody had to hold the microphone, so the rep was forced to do both himself. If it looks awkward, blame us, not the Wii U.

Anyway, if you were looking for an opportunity to marvel at just how long the Wii U console is, here's your chance.

JoystiqLet's look really closely at Nintendo's Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onnew-york-citynintendopro-controllerwii-uwii-u-pro-controllerwiipadWed, 27 Jun 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony may sell its fancy New York City skyscraper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/sony-may-sell-its-fancy-new-york-city-skyscraper/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/sony-may-sell-its-fancy-new-york-city-skyscraper/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/sony-may-sell-its-fancy-new-york-city-skyscraper/#comments Sony may sell its fancy New York City skyscraperSony's got a pretty swanky skyscraper in Manhattan. That skyscraper, however, may not feature Sony's logo much longer - not to mention the employees it houses - as the private-equity firm Blackstone Group for the potential sale of the 55th and Madison-based, 37-story building.

Said talks apparently didn't conclude with a plan. A variety of potential outcomes are up in the air: renting out part of the building, selling the whole thing and leasing back part of it, and outright sale are all proposed in the piece.

"Sources familiar with the structure" valued the building at somewhere between $700 million and $1 billion, and Sony outright owns the structure - that kind of capital infusion would significantly impact the ailing hardware manufacturer's bottom line. The company's fiscal 2012 results depict a grim reality for Sony, with even its Consumer Products & Services division (read: PlayStation) suffering losses.

Update: The commercial real estate group Newmark Grubb Knight Frank was originally named by the NY Post as party to these talks. The group has since refuted those claims.

[Image credit: Rafael Chamorro]

JoystiqSony may sell its fancy New York City skyscraper originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcommercial-real-estatemanhattanmobilemovenew-york-cityplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspreal-estatesonysony-buildingsony-headquartersthe-sony-buildingvitaWed, 13 Jun 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Head down to the swamps of New York City with Crysis 3's first gameplay trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/head-down-to-the-swamps-of-new-york-city-with-crysis-3s-first-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/head-down-to-the-swamps-of-new-york-city-with-crysis-3s-first-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/head-down-to-the-swamps-of-new-york-city-with-crysis-3s-first-g/#comments Image
Crysis 3's naturalization of New York City's concrete jungle takes full shape in the first gameplay trailer, released this morning by EA. That compound bow makes plenty of appearances, but don't think Crytek has forgotten about all those other toys Crysis fans have come to expect.

JoystiqHead down to the swamps of New York City with Crysis 3's first gameplay trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysis-3crytekeaelectronic-artsmicrosoftnew-york-citypcplaystationps3xboxTue, 24 Apr 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA['5th Avenue Frogger' is exactly what it sounds like (incredible, that is)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/5th-avenue-frogger-is-exactly-what-it-sounds-like-incredible/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/5th-avenue-frogger-is-exactly-what-it-sounds-like-incredible/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/5th-avenue-frogger-is-exactly-what-it-sounds-like-incredible/#comments ImageTyler DeAngelo is a problem solver. He sees Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, what with its rampant traffic and potential life-ending danger, and he turns peril into a game. Well ... not quite. He's taken a virtual approach to crossing said road, revamping the classic gameplay of Frogger with real-time data from cars traveling down Fifth Avenue. And then he - and two cohorts assisting the process - took things a step further.

Like George Costanza before him, DeAngelo grabbed a Frogger arcade machine with his hands and pulled it down to the streets of New York City. Unlike Costanza, however, DeAngelo invited passersby to play it. Many frogs died in the process - naturally - but, you know, they're virtual.

The whole process is run by rigging a camera with a clear view of the street up to a computer which translates the positional data of cars into in-game cars that your frog must avoid. It's all quite amazing, honestly, and we're inclined to believe it's actually dark magic rather than math. We've dropped a video of the game straight from the streets just below the break, should you be interested in having your mind partially blown this morning.

Continue reading '5th Avenue Frogger' is exactly what it sounds like (incredible, that is)

Joystiq'5th Avenue Frogger' is exactly what it sounds like (incredible, that is) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-ave-frogger5th-avenue-froggeramazingfifth-avenue-froggerfroggermanhattannew-york-citynyctyler-deangeloFri, 20 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne takes his shootdodge to the streets of New York]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/max-payne-takes-his-shootdodge-to-the-streets-of-new-york/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/max-payne-takes-his-shootdodge-to-the-streets-of-new-york/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/max-payne-takes-his-shootdodge-to-the-streets-of-new-york/#comments It's no secret that Max Payne leaves his New Yorker past behind in Max Payne 3 as he heads for Brazil, but perhaps you didn't realize that chunks of the game will explore Max's history in the Big Apple. That history, unsurprisingly, involves leaping through the air while firing two handguns.

Continue reading Max Payne takes his shootdodge to the streets of New York

JoystiqMax Payne takes his shootdodge to the streets of New York originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesgameplayMax-Payne-3microsoftnew-york-citypcplaystationps3rockstarrockstar-gamestake-twotake-two-interactivexboxMon, 19 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders creative lead eying Wii U's NFC for the future; mobile game explained]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skylanders-creative-lead-eying-wii-us-nfc-for-the-future-mobil/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skylanders-creative-lead-eying-wii-us-nfc-for-the-future-mobil/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skylanders-creative-lead-eying-wii-us-nfc-for-the-future-mobil/#comments "Giants is the idea for the future," Toys for Bob CEO and development lead Paul Reiche III told me during an interview this morning, just ahead of this weekend's Toy Fair 2012. His company's latest project, Skylanders, is up for an award at the big show, not to mention an award or two at DICE 2012 (also this week), but he's already looking into the future. To an extent, at least.

"In terms of the Wii U, we're looking at it," he said in response to a question regarding the Wii U's recently announced NFC functionality -- functionality that's very similar to that found in the RFID-enabled Skylanders. "All of the details about the NFC technology haven't been released to the public yet, and it's really interesting," Reiche added, but he wouldn't budge on how much experience his company had with the Wii U's tech just yet ("I can't talk about that, I'm afraid.").

As for that other Skylanders game that was announced today -- the mobile one -- Reiche was able to be a bit more verbose, though not much. "We will be having new mobile associated with Giants, but we are also still working on a very fun experience using your toys in the Skylanders world that's for mobile," he told me. So, two games then! "I played it, I like it, I don't know what its release schedule is. This one isn't being implemented within Toys for Bob," Reiche added.

So, how does it work? Reiche couldn't get too specific, but he did say it'll use the web-based Skylanders experience to draw information to the mobile game. "No NFC phone necessary. We want anyone to be able to enjoy it. We want someone who just buys a toy to have a meaningful experience on someone else's mobile device."

JoystiqSkylanders creative lead eying Wii U's NFC for the future; mobile game explained originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmobilenear-field-communicationnew-york-citynfcnintendonycpaul-reichepaul-reiche-iiiskylanders-giantstoys-for-bobwii-uTue, 07 Feb 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/#comments You'd have to be a fus-ro-dummy to think that Skyrim would be through with receiving accolades. At last night's New York Video Game Critics Circle Awards, the Bethesda Game Studios-developed RPG took home yet one more, earning the "Big Apple Award for Best Game" as decided by a cabal of NY-based game journos from various outlets.

Other winners include two apiece for Bastion and Portal 2, portable love for Super Mario 3D Land and Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP, and explosive nods to both Crysis 2 and Saints Row: The Third. Harold Goldberg's "All Your Base Are Belong To Us" took home the "Algonquin Roundtable Award for Best Book" and Sony's "Michael" commercial won the "Mad Men Award," mysteriously beating out Robin Williams' luxurious beard. Frankly, we were baffled. The full list of winners can be found below the break.

Continue reading Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards

JoystiqSkyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsall-your-base-are-belong-to-usbastionbethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkscantor-film-centercrysis-2elder-scrolls-5game-centerharold-goldbergiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenew-york-citynew-york-game-critics-circlenew-york-game-critics-circle-awardsnew-york-game-critics-circle-awards-2012new-york-universitynintendonyu-game-centerpcplaystationportal-2ps3saints-row-the-thirdskyrimsuper-mario-3d-landsuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First annual NY Game Critics Circle Awards tickets are now available (and free!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/first-annual-ny-game-critics-circle-awards-tickets-are-now-avail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/first-annual-ny-game-critics-circle-awards-tickets-are-now-avail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/first-annual-ny-game-critics-circle-awards-tickets-are-now-avail/#comments For the low, low cost of absolutely nothing, you can attend the first annual New York Game Critics Circle Awards here in New York City on February 2. But perhaps a free ticket to hang out with a bunch of NYC-based game journos isn't that exciting -- we totally understand. And that's why we're bringing Bastion songsmiths Darren Korb and Ashley Barrett into the mix, who will be performing songs from the award-winning game live throughout the show.

Going on that theme, we figured that you'd rather hear Bastion's narrator emceeing the proceedings than our best attempts at outside voices, so Logan Cunningham will be in charge of the proceedings. Beyond the trio of Bastion stars, award presenters like legendary animator Bill Plympton and Emmy award winner Dan Radosh will be gracing the stage, bolstered by members of the Critics Circle as well. Seating is limited, so if you'd like to attend, be sure to RSVP right here!

JoystiqFirst annual NY Game Critics Circle Awards tickets are now available (and free!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashley-barrettbastionbill-plymptondan-radoshdarren-korblogan-cunninghamnew-york-citynew-york-game-critics-circlenew-york-game-critics-circle-awardsnew-york-game-critics-circle-awards-2011nygccnygccanygcca-2011Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Videogame Critics Circle announces first annual awards show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-york-videogame-critics-circle-announces-first-annual-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-york-videogame-critics-circle-announces-first-annual-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-york-videogame-critics-circle-announces-first-annual-awards/#comments Look, we're gonna be upfront about this, we're a little biased -- okay, I'm a little biased -- toward any news involving the New York Game Critics Circle (I'm the standing member for Joystiq), but we're putting together an awards show and it's gonna be totally boss. On February 2, a gaggle of us are taking over New York University's Cantor Film Center and holding an awards show to honor the best games of 2011 -- what we consider to be 2011's best, anyway.

Founding member (and occasional NPR correspondent) Harold Goldberg is heading up the proceedings with some assistance from various NYGCC members, while an unannounced, well-known voice man is on tap to MC the event. The first annual awards show will take place on February 2 and we've dropped the entire list of nominees after the break. It'll also be open to the public with limited seating, which we'll have more info on in the coming weeks.

Wondering who voted for said nominees? That list is right here, but rest assured that everyone involved is totally your favorite.

Continue reading New York Videogame Critics Circle announces first annual awards show

JoystiqNew York Videogame Critics Circle announces first annual awards show originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsharold-goldbergiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenew-yorknew-york-citynew-york-game-critics-circlenintendonycnygccpcplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare docs defend subscription model, tease free-to-play iteration of classic IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/bioware-docs-defend-subscription-model-tease-free-to-play-itera/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/bioware-docs-defend-subscription-model-tease-free-to-play-itera/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/bioware-docs-defend-subscription-model-tease-free-to-play-itera/#comments Understandably, BioWare heads Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk seem tired of beating the drum for Star Wars: The Old Republic's subscription-based business model. I didn't actually bother asking them about their thoughts on subscription vs free-to-play gaming during an interview early last week, but Zeschuk launched into a spirited defense nonetheless, perhaps conditioned by being asked over and over in the run up to SW: TOR's launch last Monday.

"You look at the online space in general and it's fragmenting into all these different areas, but the core still works. The subscription model still works," Zeschuk said. "We know a lot of people say, 'Oh, everything's just going free-to-play.' But that's just one slice. There's one slice that's free-to-play, there's one slice that's social, there's traditional subscription still going." He was also quick to point out that, "it's obviously been the free-to-play guys trumpeting this," though his own company certainly isn't above working in the free-to-play space, as evidenced by Warhammer: Wrath of Heroes.

"I'm not saying it's better or worse. It just doesn't supplant the other things. 'Cause we can do some things no one else can," Zeschuk added. In his eyes, a free-to-play dev isn't able to throw the same amount of resources and time at an MMO project, and that marks a big differentiation between the two business models. "The free-to-play people can't invest to the level we can invest, and can't create something of the size and scale of something we can create," he said. The idea that free-to-play will take over all other MMO business models, he said is, "from a business perspective, ridiculous."

Continue reading BioWare docs defend subscription model, tease free-to-play iteration of classic IP

JoystiqBioWare docs defend subscription model, tease free-to-play iteration of classic IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinbioware-edmontonbioware-labelbioware-mythiceaea-biowareelectronic-artsfree-to-playgreg-zeschuknew-york-citynycpcplay-4-freeplay-for-freeray-muzykaWed, 28 Dec 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare docs explain how to stay true to your roots while expanding massively]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-docs-explain-how-to-stay-true-to-your-roots-while-massiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-docs-explain-how-to-stay-true-to-your-roots-while-massiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-docs-explain-how-to-stay-true-to-your-roots-while-massiv/#comments With eight (eight!) studios around the globe as of the end of 2011, BioWare label heads Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk have kind of a lot going on at any given time. When I spoke with them earlier this week at Times Square's NASDAQ building, though, they were remarkably calm after ringing the financial institution's opening bell (surrounded by and emblazoned in Star Wars accoutrement), and launching the six-years-in-development Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Beyond the aforementioned accomplishments, the doctors' division of EA has been rapidly expanding -- over just the last six months, BioWare has added a Sacramento office, a San Francisco office, and an Ireland office, to say nothing of "BioWare Victory," the studio heading up Command & Conquer: Generals 2. That's a whole lot of people (501 - 1000, approximately, according to LinkedIn)! How do two guys that started out with eight people in a studio apartment manage that kind of expansion without diluting the original values they began with?

BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka offered an explanation by way of example:
"You're seeing how we're doing that in The Old Republic. We're merging story in in a really seamless way. It doesn't feel tacked on or added, it's actually there from the ground floor. It's actually adding to the experience and increasing that emotional engagement, which, you go back to our vision, that's what it's all about. Building that emotional engagement."
The concept of "emotional engagement" was one that both Muzyka and his long-time business partner Dr. Greg Zeschuk touched on repeatedly during the interview. Muzyka called it a "pillar" of the label's vision, but also emphasized that story -- BioWare's traditional method for engaging players on an emotional level -- isn't the only way to evoke an emotional response from players.

Continue reading BioWare docs explain how to stay true to your roots while expanding massively

JoystiqBioWare docs explain how to stay true to your roots while expanding massively originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-labeleaea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukmmonasdaqnew-york-citynycpcray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 21 Dec 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[thatgamecompany's Kellee Santiago on Vita, and her ongoing argument with Roger Ebert]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/thatgamecompanys-kellee-santiago-on-vita-and-her-ongoing-argum/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/thatgamecompanys-kellee-santiago-on-vita-and-her-ongoing-argum/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/thatgamecompanys-kellee-santiago-on-vita-and-her-ongoing-argum/#comments With Flow and Flower, Kellee Santiago and Jenova Chen's 12-person dev studio, thatgamecompany, completed two thirds of its three-game contract with Sony. And when Journey arrives some time in 2012, that three-game contract will come to an end, leaving Santiago and co. to an unknown future in the game industry. At a recent Sony press event in New York City, Santiago wouldn't say what the future holds for TGC ("Right now we're really focused on finishing Journey," she told me), but she did speak to her own interest in the PlayStation Vita.

"I could definitely see all of thatgamecompany's titles on the Vita," Santiago said. "But, as you said, we're a team of 12, so for us in each title we just try to focus on the specific platform we're distributing on, and then leave the future to the future." The studio's first game, Flow, ended up on Sony's last handheld system, so the idea of Flower and Journey ending up on the Vita isn't exactly a far-fetched one.

Given Santiago's apprehension at speaking about TGC after Journey, I instead prodded her about her interactions with famous (infamous?) film critic Roger Ebert. Had anything transpired since her last note? Santiago laughed before telling me, "He seems to have conceded that while he has his opinion, he can't really have it 'cause he doesn't play games anyway." In her last response, Santiago even offered to send Ebert a PlayStation 3 with Flower.

"We did send him a PlayStation 3 with Flower," she said. But has he played it? "At least of the last writing on it, he has not played it." Maybe she should've sent an employee to play the game for him as well?

[Image credit: TED Blog]

Joystiqthatgamecompany's Kellee Santiago on Vita, and her ongoing argument with Roger Ebert originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flowflowerjourneykellee-santiagonew-york-citynycplaystationps3roger-ebertthat-game-companythatgamecompanyTue, 20 Dec 2011 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The third-person witchcraft of Sorcery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/sorcery-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/sorcery-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/sorcery-preview/#comments
I didn't feel like a magician, sorcerer, witcher, or warlock after playing through a combat demo of Sony's PlayStation Move-exclusive game, Sorcery, at a recent NYC press event. I wasn't sure how I felt, actually. The game didn't leave a huge impact on me, and perhaps that's telling as Sorcery doesn't seem to be remarkably deep or impressive, as much as it is fine.

When working on this preview, I was asked if Sorcery's Move mechanic "felt like a tech demo," as so many games for the PlayStation Move have (The Shoot , The Fight: Lights Out, and Sports Champions come to mind). "It feels deeper than that," I responded. "But not by much." As it turns out, that phrase is pretty representative of my whole experience with Sorcery.

Gallery: Sorcery (PS3)

Continue reading The third-person witchcraft of Sorcery

JoystiqThe third-person witchcraft of Sorcery originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-uptonmovenew-york-citynycplaystationps3sceasony-computer-entertainment-americasorcerythe-workshopThu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Studios opens NYC studio, working on 'Project Mamba' for 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/avalanche-studios-opens-nyc-studio-working-on-project-mamba-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/avalanche-studios-opens-nyc-studio-working-on-project-mamba-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/avalanche-studios-opens-nyc-studio-working-on-project-mamba-f/#comments Right on schedule, Swedish developer Avalanche Studios announced the official opening of its new New York City studio today, headed up by Activision and Atari veteran David Grijns. Avalanche, best known for its work on the Just Cause titles and this year's downloadable Renegade Ops, says the NYC location has 10,000 square feet of space with "an option on an additional 3,000 square feet for future expansion." That space will house "up to 50 new staff within the next 12 months," including a "core team comprised of senior staff from Avalanche's Stockholm headquarters."

This is all in service of Project Mamba, the unannounced AAA title teased in June when the expansion plans were first revealed. While the initial announcement only pointed to "next-generation platforms" for the 2014 project, today's announcement cites "console platforms and PC."

"Today is a great day for Avalanche Studios as we have achieved yet another goal by establishing a new studio in the greatest city in North America. We are one of the few independent, AAA-budget studios remaining in the world after the disastrous economic recession of the last few years," Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg said in a press release. "While this was a huge wake-up call for everyone in our industry, we have prepared for this expansion for over three years and it is a great feeling to execute our plans with such resounding success."

With some of the most expensive real estate in North America, an increasingly competitive AAA video game industry, and a global recession with no end in sight, we're not quite ready to call Avalanche's new studio a "resounding success" just yet, but we wish them all the best regardless.

Continue reading Avalanche Studios opens NYC studio, working on 'Project Mamba' for 2014

JoystiqAvalanche Studios opens NYC studio, working on 'Project Mamba' for 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-StudiosDavid-GrijnsNew-York-Citynycproject-mambaThu, 17 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Let Kirby feed you in NYC, SF, or Houston next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/let-kirby-feed-you-in-nyc-sf-or-houston-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/let-kirby-feed-you-in-nyc-sf-or-houston-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/let-kirby-feed-you-in-nyc-sf-or-houston-next-week/#comments If you happen to be in NYC, San Francisco, or Houston next week, you'll be able to celebrate the launch of Kirby: Mass Attack in true Kirby style -- with a display of gluttony. Nintendo is bringing "Kirby Snack Attack" trucks to those three cities, providing fans with game demos and "frozen fruit treats," which should be of particular interest to those in Houston who accidentally find themselves outside, in range of the deadly sun.

Kirby's truck will be in NYC's Rockefeller Plaza (also home to the Nintendo World Store) on September 14, somewhere in the SF Bay Area on September 14-15, and in Houston's Upper Kirby neighborhood (get it?) from September 16-18. Nintendo will tweet more specific information as the dates approach. Please don't get ice cream on the DS demo units.

Continue reading Let Kirby feed you in NYC, SF, or Houston next week

JoystiqLet Kirby feed you in NYC, SF, or Houston next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dshoustonkirby-mass-attackkirby-snack-attacknew-york-citynintendosan-franciscoFri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witness preview: Peering through the Myst]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/the-witness-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/the-witness-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/the-witness-preview/#comments "Hey man, come in," a weary looking Jonathan Blow said. He was welcoming me into his temporary New York City abode, a swanky hotel in midtown where he'd been put up for a few days to show off a preview build of his next game, The Witness. His bare feet indicated to me that I'd either just woken him up, or that he was very comfortable with strangers. It turned out to be a combination of both, as Blow's PR-less presentation style (and sleepy demeanor) soon revealed.

"We started the game about two years ago, for real. I actually started it as a prototype earlier than that, before I finished Braid. I wasn't convinced I really wanted to do it, because I was still in the mindset of 'I'm the lone indie developer who types everything in himself and this is gonna be a much more ambitious project.' So I didn't wanna do it for a while, then I played with some other game ideas. Kinda liked those, but decided I really wanted to do this," Blow cursorily explained before I jumped in. While the dev process has seen contract workers, Blow's new studio (the ... uniquely named Thekla, Inc.) still only employs three full-time devs, himself included. "We're gonna be going into more of a production-type phase this next year," he added.

The work of just one 3D artist has made the game's mysterious, puzzle-filled island alive with bright, colorful, abstract flora. In fact, outside of a handful of expected bugs I encountered, The Witness is shaping up to be another standout work from a developer already well-respected in his field. Blow left me with one final note before I jumped in: "What you play here is basically the game, it's just gonna be a better version of this that we show."

Gallery: The Witness

Continue reading The Witness preview: Peering through the Myst

JoystiqThe Witness preview: Peering through the Myst originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onjonathan-blownew-york-citynycpcthe-witnesstheklathekla-incMon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Pxl Pushr' blends Kinect and iPad play to impressive, multicolor results]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/pxl-pushr-blends-kinect-and-ipad-play-to-impressive-multicolo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/pxl-pushr-blends-kinect-and-ipad-play-to-impressive-multicolo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/pxl-pushr-blends-kinect-and-ipad-play-to-impressive-multicolo/#comments Among the dozen or so games strewn about New York City's Museum of Modern Art (during last week's Kill Screen-curated "Arcade" event) two titles had their playable debuts: Eric Zimmerman and Nathalie Pozzi's "Starry Heavens" ("a physical game of power and betrayal"), as well as Matt Boch and Ryan Challinor's "Pxl Pushr" ("something akin to a full-bodied theremin blended with a puzzle game"). Considering what the two freshman entries were up against -- critically acclaimed games like Limbo, Canabalt, and Echochrome -- it was impressive that both games had lengthy lines throughout the evening.

I mean no offense when I say this, but Pxl Pusher looks like what would've happened if Kinect technology had existed in the Coleco Vision days. In the same way that your Dad's sweet 1973 Lacoste track jacket still looks totally rad, so does Pxl Pushr. The bizarre look is both a measure of the dev duo's style -- their day jobs are as designers at Harmonix -- and of the short-term development cycle. "Over the past four weeks-ish we've been messing around building this game," Boch explained.

In Pxl Pushr, one player places dots on an iPad, while another player attempts to catch as many dots as possible by using the contortions of their body (via Kinect). The player contorting their body is scored on how many pixels he/she is able to "push" versus the ones they miss. It's a simple concept for sure, but one that had many attendees smiling while making very silly poses. Not that the crowd's reaction was foreign to Boch and Challinor, two gentlemen who spend their working hours with Dance Central 2.

Gallery: 'Talk to Me' art exhibit, NYC MoMA

Continue reading 'Pxl Pushr' blends Kinect and iPad play to impressive, multicolor results

Joystiq'Pxl Pushr' blends Kinect and iPad play to impressive, multicolor results originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-central-2eric-zimmermanharmonixharmonix-music-systemsipadkinectmatt-bochmicrosoftmobilemomamuseum-of-modern-artmuseum-of-modern-art-nycnathalie-pozzinew-york-citynycpxl-pushrryan-challinorsynapsexboxMon, 01 Aug 2011 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Walk with me through the MoMA's 'Talk To Me' gaming exhibit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/walk-with-me-through-the-momas-talk-to-me-gaming-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/walk-with-me-through-the-momas-talk-to-me-gaming-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/walk-with-me-through-the-momas-talk-to-me-gaming-exhibit/#comments This past Wednesday evening, high-brow gaming mag Kill Screen teamed up with a handful of developers, several sponsors, and New York City's Museum of Modern Art to celebrate "Talk To Me," an exhibit at the MoMA focusing on "Design and the communication between people and objects." Kill Screen's "Arcade" event brought together games from a variety of well-respected developers to highlight that very concept.

We headed over to the "Arcade" event and snapped a mess of photos of both that night's happenings and the exhibit itself -- a virtual walkthrough, if you will. "Talk To Me" will be on display at the MoMA through November 7, so you still have a few more months to head over and experience it firsthand if you like what you see. Sadly, there won't be a variety of games strewn throughout the museum when you visit, but perhaps playing Canabalt on your phone as you peruse the exhibit will offer some minor verisimilitude.

Gallery: 'Talk to Me' art exhibit, NYC MoMA

JoystiqWalk with me through the MoMA's 'Talk To Me' gaming exhibit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecanabaltkill-screenmomamuseum-of-modern-artnew-york-citynyctalk-to-meFri, 29 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes preview: Run, jump, dance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sound-shapes-preview-run-jump-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sound-shapes-preview-run-jump-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sound-shapes-preview-run-jump-dance/#comments Do you own any of the following?

A. Very flexible, DJ-quality headphones
B. A messenger bag sized specifically for vinyl records
C. A modded Game Boy/Game Boy Color/etc. for creating music
D. The freshest styles and moves, straight from Planet Funketron

If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, and you also share my love for precision platforming in video games like N+ and Super Meat Boy, then Sound Shapes is gonna be your jam.

Gallery: Sound Shapes (E3 2011)

Continue reading Sound Shapes preview: Run, jump, dance

JoystiqSound Shapes preview: Run, jump, dance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onjonathan-makmusicnew-york-cityplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapsvpsvitaqueasy-gamesshaw-han-liemsonysony-computer-entertainment-americasound-shapesvitaMon, 25 Jul 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Gabe Newell's excellent Games for Change keynote in full right here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/watch-gabe-newells-excellent-games-for-change-keynote-in-full-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/watch-gabe-newells-excellent-games-for-change-keynote-in-full-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/watch-gabe-newells-excellent-games-for-change-keynote-in-full-r/#comments Sure, you read our thorough coverage of Valve co-founder and president Gabe Newell's Games for Change keynote last month, but we know how you like moving pictures. We do too! And that's why we're doubly happy to finally present the entire, highly entertaining speech, just above.

JoystiqWatch Gabe Newell's excellent Games for Change keynote in full right here originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellgames-for-changegames-for-change-2011games-for-change-festivalgames-for-change-festival-2011new-york-citynew-york-universitynycnyuportal-2valvevalve-softwareThu, 07 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYC Museum of Modern Art to co-host 'Arcade' event with Kill Screen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/nyc-museum-of-modern-art-to-co-host-arcade-event-with-kill-scr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/nyc-museum-of-modern-art-to-co-host-arcade-event-with-kill-scr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/nyc-museum-of-modern-art-to-co-host-arcade-event-with-kill-scr/#comments It seems the "Games as Art" debate is over, as New York City's Museum of Modern Art is co-hosting a game-centric event later this month with haute gaming mag Kill Screen. Titled "Arcade," the one-night soiree on July 27 features several great indie games (Bit.Trip Beat, Canabalt, Limbo, and "a new motion-based Kinect project" from current Harmonix employees Ryan Challinor and Matt Boch, as seen here). The games will be playable throughout various parts of the museum, including the MoMA's gorgeous sculpture garden. That's where we'll be hanging out, in case that wasn't clear.

You may be wondering how the folks at Kill Screen finagled a gaming night at one of the world's most famous art museums, and we were too. It turns out that the event is part of MoMA's "Talk to Me" exhibit, which explores "the communication between people and objects." Video games seem like a perfect fit, no?

If the incredible location and selection of great games weren't enough to convince you, tickets are just $16 in advance and $20 at the door, which entitles you to "an exclusive viewing, a cocktail reception, a tote bag," as well as the aforementioned opportunity to play games at the MoMA. We'll also be there in our sharpest outfit handing out exaggerated high fives, so keep an eye out!

Update: This post originally pegged Ryan Challinor and Matt Boch as former Harmonix employees, when in fact they are both still employed at the studio. Sorry guys!

JoystiqNYC Museum of Modern Art to co-host 'Arcade' event with Kill Screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebit-trip-beatcanabaltkill-screenkinectlimbomacmatt-bochmicrosoftmobilemomamuseum-of-modern-artnew-york-citynintendonycpcryan-challinorwiixboxFri, 01 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Kaos Studios boss becomes senior creative director at Ubisoft Red Storm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/former-kaos-studios-boss-becomes-senior-creative-director-at-ubi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/former-kaos-studios-boss-becomes-senior-creative-director-at-ubi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/former-kaos-studios-boss-becomes-senior-creative-director-at-ubi/#commentsFollowing the recent closure of Kaos Studios, it seems that the former studio's creative lead won't be making the jump to THQ Montreal alongside his colleagues. Homefront creative lead David Votypka is now officially senior creative director at Ubisoft's North Carolina-based Red Storm studio. His LinkedIn profile confirms the move.

The studio is known for its work on Tom Clancy games, having most recently worked on Ghost Recon: Future Soldier and now rumored to be involved with an unannounced Rainbow Six title.

It's unclear what Votypka's next project will be, but we've reached out to Ubisoft for more information. And as he's just moved from New York City to Cary, North Carolina, it's highly likely he will miss Shake Shack, but fully embrace delicious North Carolina BBQ. (That's unconfirmed, of course.)

JoystiqFormer Kaos Studios boss becomes senior creative director at Ubisoft Red Storm originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cary-north-carolinadavid-votypkaGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiernew-york-citynorth-carolinared-stormthqthq-montrealubisoftubisoft-red-stormTue, 28 Jun 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Newell sees no distinction 'between games and educational games']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/newell-sees-no-distinction-between-games-and-educational-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/newell-sees-no-distinction-between-games-and-educational-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/newell-sees-no-distinction-between-games-and-educational-games/#comments The majority of Valve president and co-founder Gabe Newell's keynote address yesterday at the Games for Change Festival was dedicated to his perception of games as educational tools. And that was fitting for the event, which is dedicated primarily to the educational and socially beneficial elements of gaming, and fitting for Valve Software, a company known most recently for releasing a game steeped in science.

Newell explained: "The interesting thing about Portal 2 is it doesn't sort of fit the traditional simplistic model of what a game is. It's not a collection of weapons. It's not a collection of monsters. It's really about science. It's about spatial reasoning, it's about learning physics, it's about problem solving. And often, during the course of the game, you're going to be solving problems with somebody else. The social model inside of it is collaborative and not competitive."

After rolling a short clip of the game for audience members, Newell went on to profess, "There seems to be this distinction between games that are educational, and games that are going to be commercially successful. I'm not really sure I buy into that." Citing sales of Portal 2 as proof, Newell pointed out that Valve has seen "$165 million dollars in gross revenue" from the game since April 18. "We can do this. We can make educational, commercially successful games, which are gonna help us both on the game side and on the educational side." He reaffirmed this to me in an interview after the speech, saying, "I just don't believe in this distinction between games and educational games. A lot of times [the label] 'educational games' is a way of being an excuse for bad game design or poor production values."

Continue reading Newell sees no distinction 'between games and educational games'

JoystiqNewell sees no distinction 'between games and educational games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellgames-for-changegames-for-change-2011games-for-change-festivalgames-for-change-festival-2011microsoftnew-york-citynew-york-universitynyupcplaystationportal-2ps3valvevalve-softwarexboxThu, 23 Jun 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve interested in Wii U; 'It fits better into our scalability model,' says Newell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/valve-interested-in-wii-u-it-fits-better-into-our-scalability/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/valve-interested-in-wii-u-it-fits-better-into-our-scalability/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/valve-interested-in-wii-u-it-fits-better-into-our-scalability/#comments This morning, Valve head and co-founder Gabe Newell gave one of several keynotes at New York's Games for Change Festival, speaking to a variety of topics surrounding education and gaming. And while we'll have a full breakdown of that keynote in the coming hours, we thought you might like to know what Newell had to say about Nintendo's Wii U and his studio when we put the question to him.

"Wii U seems to be a lot more powerful than the previous generation," he told Joystiq. "It sort of fits better into the scalability in terms of graphics performance and CPU performance, so I think it'll be a lot easier for us to fit it into our scalability model." Valve has yet to release any of its games on a Nintendo console, though Gabe told us, "We've always loved Nintendo." He also pointed out that Valve has been slowly transitioning from the PC to console counterparts, starting with Xbox 360 and more recently moving to the PlayStation 3 in a major way with Steam getting ported to Sony's console.

And it looks like Nintendo may be next, as Newell restated, "Now it's a lot easier to look at Wii U and have it fit within that framework." As for us, we're most excited to see what Valve might do with the WiiPad.

JoystiqValve interested in Wii U; 'It fits better into our scalability model,' says Newell originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellgames-for-changegames-for-change-2011games-for-change-festivalgames-for-change-festival-2011new-york-citynintendovalvevalve-softwarewii-uWed, 22 Jun 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Al Gore shares an incontestable truth: 'Games are the new normal']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/al-gore-shares-an-incontestable-truth-games-are-the-new-normal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/al-gore-shares-an-incontestable-truth-games-are-the-new-normal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/al-gore-shares-an-incontestable-truth-games-are-the-new-normal/#comments "Games have clearly arrived as a mass medium," former Vice President Al Gore professed to a crowd of Games for Change conference attendees this afternoon. Gore gave the event's keynote address at New York University earlier today, where he looked especially sleepy from a redeye flight out of Tokyo. "This is a very large, extremely significant industry, with a radically diverse and growing audience of players on all kinds of platforms," he added, citing the ubiquity of gaming over the past few years as a result of efforts by major console manufacturers, smartphone makers, and (of course) Facebook. "Games are the new 'normal' for hundreds of millions of users every month."

Gore went on to speak about his own admittedly short past with gaming, saying that the last game where he felt he "was best in the world, potentially" was Pong. He did, however, recently convert his book "Our Choice" into an eBook for iOS devices. He related this experience with the world of "serious games," where gaming is used to "illuminate issues that can seem intractable and overly complex." In so many words, it was an arduous process for him to convert the book -- just as it's difficult to convert complex concepts to the gaming medium.

The secret sauce, he claimed, was in working with a group of "really good partners who know what they're doing." Identifying those partners, however, is where things get tricky. "How you insure that the integrity of the content is not in any way compromised, but rather enhanced," he pointed out, is another major issue. Without providing a roadmap for how to navigate that issue, Gore put it on conference attendees to take up the task -- not to mention the hundreds of millions of gamers worldwide. Gaming is the new "normal," after all, so shouldn't gamers be involved?

Continue reading Al Gore shares an incontestable truth: 'Games are the new normal'

JoystiqAl Gore shares an incontestable truth: 'Games are the new normal' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al-goredsgames-for-changegames-for-change-2011macmicrosoftmobilenew-york-citynew-york-universitynintendonycnyupcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 20 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Studios to open New York City studio this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/avalanche-studios-to-open-new-york-city-studio-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/avalanche-studios-to-open-new-york-city-studio-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/avalanche-studios-to-open-new-york-city-studio-this-fall/#comments "Kaos and THQ Digital suffers from the twists and turns of the games biz. You are more than welcome to join the Avalanche Studios US family!" Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg teased on Twitter yesterday. Today, there's a proper announcement of a new North American expansion for the Swedish-based Avalanche and it's located in ... New York City?

Yup, it's true! Just days after THQ closed its NYC-based Kaos Studios - the publisher was never shy about the prohibitive cost of operating a developer in one of the most expensive locations in the country - Avalanche has announced the expansion, to be headed by Activision and Atari veteran David Grijns and opened in the fall of this year. The studio is expected to hire "up to 50 new staff" in its first two years of operation, to work on "large-scale, online-enabled original IP for next-generation consoles, handhelds and PC."

That whole "original IP" bit makes it seem unlikely that Avalanche's long-rumored Mad Max project will be developed in the NYC office. The press release says that the studio's "premiere project is an unannounced AAA title directed by Roland Lesterlin, former Creative Director at Mindspark Interactive, and targeted for release on next generation platforms in 2014." The NYC studio will include "senior staff" from Stockholm and will be recruiting other candidates from, say, recently closed AAA studios in the area.

JoystiqAvalanche Studios to open New York City studio this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-StudiosDavid-Grijnsnew-york-cityNYCrenegade-opsWed, 15 Jun 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Valve's Erik Wolpaw lecture on Portal 2 development, nixed ideas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/watch-valves-erik-wolpaw-lecture-on-portal-2-development-nixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/watch-valves-erik-wolpaw-lecture-on-portal-2-development-nixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/watch-valves-erik-wolpaw-lecture-on-portal-2-development-nixed/#comments If you missed Valve writer Erik Wolpaw's talk on Portal 2 at New York University's Game Center lecture series event last Thursday, don't worry -- we've got you covered. NYU has uploaded the entirety of Wolpaw's massive, hour-plus talk and the Q&A session that followed in video form (which we've embedded below the break).

Grab a drink and relax -- you can put that notebook away. There won't be a test or anything.

Continue reading Watch Valve's Erik Wolpaw lecture on Portal 2 development, nixed ideas

JoystiqWatch Valve's Erik Wolpaw lecture on Portal 2 development, nixed ideas originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erik-wolpawfrank-lantzgame-centermacmicrosoftnew-york-citynew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centerpcplaystationportal-2ps3valvevalve-softwarexboxTue, 10 May 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NYC: Portal 2 writer Erik Wolpaw speaking at NYU Game Center]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/nyc-portal-2-writer-erik-wolpaw-speaking-at-nyu-game-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/nyc-portal-2-writer-erik-wolpaw-speaking-at-nyu-game-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/nyc-portal-2-writer-erik-wolpaw-speaking-at-nyu-game-center/#comments You know that wonderful, memorable, hilarious experience you just had with Portal 2? Wouldn't you like to shake the hand of the dude who helped shape that excellent narrative arc? Well, we can't promise you'll be able to do just that at next Thursday's New York University lecture series talk with Valve writer Erik Wolpaw, but you should at very least be able to give him a rousing round of applause.

Beyond his latest project, Wolpaw is known for his work on the Half-Life series with Valve and Psychonauts with Double Fine, as well as being a co-founder of lauded game humor site Old Man Murray. During the talk, Wolpaw will introduce the audience to Portal 2 with a "brief guided playthrough," before being grilled by interim director at the Game Center, Frank Lantz.

Like past NYU Game Center events, this one will likely fill up quick, so be sure to RSVP (to gamecenter@nyu.edu) asap, if you're interested in attending -- it's free! Still, consider bringing a little cash, as the Game Center will be selling 18x24-inch prints of the various Rachel Morris pieces that accompany each lecture for $20 a pop. They're quite fetching, if we do say so ourselves. Head past the break for complete details, directions and a better look at the event's artwork.

Continue reading NYC: Portal 2 writer Erik Wolpaw speaking at NYU Game Center

JoystiqNYC: Portal 2 writer Erik Wolpaw speaking at NYU Game Center originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erik-wolpawgame-centerlecture-seriesnew-york-citynew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centernyu-lecture-seriesportal-2rachel-morrisvalvevalve-softwareFri, 29 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AR Drones loosed on unsuspecting Central Park]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/ar-drones-loosed-on-unsuspecting-central-park/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/ar-drones-loosed-on-unsuspecting-central-park/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/ar-drones-loosed-on-unsuspecting-central-park/#comments Though the video of two AR Drones dogfighting in New York City's Central Park -- demonstrating AR game Flyingace -- is amazing enough on its own, we imagine the two dudes staring intently at their iPhones while controlling the drones are even more amazing to see.

Continue reading AR Drones loosed on unsuspecting Central Park

JoystiqAR Drones loosed on unsuspecting Central Park originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ar-dronear-flyingacecentral-parkflyingacemobilenew-york-citynycparrot-ar-droneSat, 09 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Nintendo 3DS New York City launch event, in pictures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/the-nintendo-3ds-new-york-city-launch-event-in-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/the-nintendo-3ds-new-york-city-launch-event-in-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/the-nintendo-3ds-new-york-city-launch-event-in-pictures/#comments Trust us when we say this: you were lucky not to have weathered NYC's shockingly cold East Village this evening. No matter how much you want a Nintendo 3DS -- nothing was worth the blistering wait.

Except, to the hundreds of folks munching down hot dogs and giant pretzels (not to mention the free tacos), and happily donning 3DS-branded woolen caps and tees, the cold wasn't such a big deal. As we approached the front of the line, blankets and makeshift blanket forts were keeping the most loyal -- or perhaps the craziest? -- warm in the last painful hour, with smiles as ubiquitous as the blankets.

The cold, it seems, may have pushed some people off. As you'll see in the gallery after the break, the 3DS's big coming-out party could've probably used a few more attendees lining up to get inside. We're sure Nintendo will have no problem getting rid of consoles at launch and in the coming weeks, but the catering company from tonight's event is likely gonna need to get rid of a few hundred extra hot dogs.

Continue reading The Nintendo 3DS New York City launch event, in pictures

JoystiqThe Nintendo 3DS New York City launch event, in pictures originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbest-buydseast-villagelaunch-partynew-york-citynintendoreggie-fils-aimeunion-squareSun, 27 Mar 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's throwing an all-day 3DS launch party in NYC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/nintendos-throwing-an-all-day-3ds-launch-party-in-nyc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/nintendos-throwing-an-all-day-3ds-launch-party-in-nyc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/nintendos-throwing-an-all-day-3ds-launch-party-in-nyc/#comments It's been a good long time since we lost the kind of party-stamina required to persevere through a day-long rager, but perhaps you possess the endurance required to make this invitation more inviting: Nintendo's throwing a lengthy soiree to celebrate the launch of the 3DS this weekend in New York City. You can stop by the Best Buy in Union Square starting at noon Saturday to check out the new handheld before queueing up to purchase one between midnight and 2AM.

Now, considering you'll be indulging in 14 whole hours of bacchanalian delights, you'll need to come prepared -- we suggest applying multiple coats of sunscreen throughout the day, remaining well hydrated, and bringing along some extra eyeballs. On the off-chance you play the 3DS for 14 hours straight, you'll probably end up disintegrating your corneas.

JoystiqNintendo's throwing an all-day 3DS launch party in NYC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbest-buydseventlaunch-partymidnight-launchnew-york-citynintendopartyTue, 22 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront franchise to be co-developed by THQ Montreal: 'Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/#comments As heavily hinted at in comments made by Homefront devs Kaos Studios and publisher THQ eariler this year, it looks like the future of the franchise won't be created solely in The Big Apple. Senior VP of Core Studios Dave Davis spoke to the THQ Montreal/Kaos Studios collaboration during a studio head roundtable this afternoon at GDC. "Wherever the talent is, we will have our studios," Davis told us, though he admitted that "Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place." Yeah, we know all about it, Dave. He also added, "There isn't a [critical mass] talent pool -- many of the people we have there are imported to NYC."

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-davishomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftmontrealnew-york-citypcplaystationps3thqthq-montrealxboxFri, 04 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free film series at NYU Game Center kicks off tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/free-film-series-at-nyu-game-center-kicks-off-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/free-film-series-at-nyu-game-center-kicks-off-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/free-film-series-at-nyu-game-center-kicks-off-tonight/#comments If you live in the New York City area and still haven't visited NYU's Game Center for one reason or another, well, we're very disappointed in you. Luckily, several upcoming opportunities to head down and geek out amongst colleagues were announced on the Game Center's blog, starting tonight with a screening of short film "Play!" at 7PM EST.

Subsequent film screenings -- in the theme of gaming, as you might imagine -- are scheduled to follow in March and April, with "I Got Next" closing out the film series on April 14. If the screenings themselves aren't enough, some of the films will feature a Q&A with that night's director. And hey, if that still isn't enough, there may be free refreshments. But you don't wanna be that guy, do you?

A full listing of the film series can be found after the break.

Continue reading Free film series at NYU Game Center kicks off tonight

JoystiqFree film series at NYU Game Center kicks off tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-the-gameeric-zimmermanfilm-seriesfrank-lantzgame-centerget-lampi-got-nextmoviesnew-york-citynew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centerplayThu, 24 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinatown Fair could relocate, currently renegotiating lease]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/chinatown-fair-could-relocate-currently-renegotiating-lease/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/chinatown-fair-could-relocate-currently-renegotiating-lease/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/chinatown-fair-could-relocate-currently-renegotiating-lease/#comments Yesterday morning, Twitter was littered with folks trying to find out more information about the status of legendary New York City arcade Chinatown Fair. "#ChinatownFair" hashtags in-tow, rumor and speculation of the tweeters held that the arcade could be closing by the end of this week, with other reports stating March or later -- as it turns out, the arcade may not be closing at all. "I'm trying to see if I can relocate my business," owner Samuel Palmer told Joystiq last night.

According to Palmer, negotiations are still ongoing with his landlord -- a situation brought on by a failure to renew Palmer's previous lease agreement. "Samuel Palmer -- I'm not too sure if he had the lease renewed. So the landlord has an interest in raising the rent, and I guess he doesn't wanna pay it," manager Valentino Ventura told us, adding, "There is a possibility -- a remote possibility -- that we may be moving elsewhere. But we'll see how that goes. We plan to stay here."

Ventura further specified in a Facebook post that "[Chinatown Fair] may be relocating to Williamsburg, Brooklyn if disputes with the landlord are not settled" -- a notable move for an arcade that's been in operation on Mott Street in Lower Manhattan since at least the 1950s. But Ventura's not worried. He says that "the place makes plenty of money," and makes sure to point out, "We love our customers."

For now, Palmer is in ongoing negotiations for the store to stay put. And, at least for now, it's not going anywhere.

[Image credit: The New York Times]

JoystiqChinatown Fair could relocate, currently renegotiating lease originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadearcadeschinatownchinatown-fairnew-york-citysamuel-palmervalentino-venturaMon, 21 Feb 2011 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[SpyParty dev details his Blizzard-inspired 'depth first' approach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/spyparty-dev-details-his-blizzard-inspired-depth-first-approac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/spyparty-dev-details-his-blizzard-inspired-depth-first-approac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/spyparty-dev-details-his-blizzard-inspired-depth-first-approac/#comments Speaking to a packed room at New York University's Game Center last week, developer Chris Hecker -- a man perhaps best known for giving ... impassioned rants -- detailed his "depth first, accessibility later" approach to development of his latest project, SpyParty. The game is a twist on the Turing Test: one player is "the Spy" while the other is "the Sniper." The Spy must complete a set of objectives without being spotted, while the Sniper looks on and tries to pick out who the Spy is from a group of NPCs (and then murder that Spy) before the time runs out.

How does the sniper spot the spy? By paying attention to a variety of "tells" -- from the subtle (a human Spy's order of actions may differ from an NPC's) to the "hard" (catch the Spy covertly slip an object to an NPC). As Hecker is keen to point out, SpyParty is a game about human interaction. "You have to decide where you're going, go there and don't look back (basically). Of course, I also make the NPCs fidget occasionally, just to fuck with people," Hecker revealed to a laughing audience. "And that's interesting -- that interplay ... I mean, it's an inverse Turing Test at a certain level."

Gallery: Chris Hecker's SpyParty lecture @ NYU's Game Center

Continue reading SpyParty dev details his Blizzard-inspired 'depth first' approach

JoystiqSpyParty dev details his Blizzard-inspired 'depth first' approach originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-heckerdefinition-6frank-lantzgame-centerindienew-york-citynew-york-universitynyunyu-game-centerspypartyMon, 22 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Look inside PlayStation's New York City store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/look-inside-playstations-new-york-city-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/look-inside-playstations-new-york-city-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/look-inside-playstations-new-york-city-store/#comments The PlayStation Store is now open in Midtown Manhattan, in the lower level of the Sony Style store. We stopped by to check out what it has to offer.

Continue reading Look inside PlayStation's New York City store

JoystiqLook inside PlayStation's New York City store originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new-york-citynycplaystationplaystation-storeps3pspsonysonystyleWed, 10 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Come play Sonic Colors in Bryant Park today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/psa-sonic-colors-nyc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/psa-sonic-colors-nyc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/psa-sonic-colors-nyc/#comments It may be raining here in NYC today, but that doesn't mean Sega's canceling its Bryant Park Sonic Colors ice skating party. Well, okay, the ice skating part is kinda off, but that whole "playing Sonic Colors early and seeing Cash Cash perform the game's theme song" thing is still totally on.

Continue reading PSA: Come play Sonic Colors in Bryant Park today

JoystiqPSA: Come play Sonic Colors in Bryant Park today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bryant-parkciti-pondice-skatingnew-york-citynintendonycpsasegasonic-colorswiiThu, 04 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST