Joystiq

Battlefield 4 launching on October 29, both it and Destiny coming to Xbox One

Mike Schramm — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:22:00 EST

Battlefield 4 has announced via its Facebook page that the game will launch on October 29 of this year. In addition to versions on the PC, Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation 4, the team has also confirmed the game will be coming to Microsoft's newly announced Xbox One console. The Xbox One doesn't have a confirmed launch date just yet, so it's possible that version will arrive later.

Additionally, EA's announced Battlefield 4's first expansion pack, called China Rising. The pack will contain four extra maps, along with extra vehicles and weapons. It will be available at launch, and come free with any pre-order of the game.

And speaking of confirmed Xbox One titles, Bungie has also made it clear that Destiny is due out on Xbox One as well. Stay tuned for more confirmations on next-gen titles for Microsoft's new console.

Battlefield 4 launching on October 29, both it and Destiny coming to Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox One and PlayStation 4 specs compared

Mike Schramm — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:46:00 EST

Microsoft today announced the next generation of Xbox technology, called the Xbox One. Sony previously announced the PlayStation 4 back on February 20, so we now have a full look at just what both next-generation HD boxes will contain.

After the break, we've assembled a chart comparing the two consoles and their various components. The two machines are surprisingly similar, with both using an eight core CPU, the same amount of RAM, and both containing a combo Blu-Ray and DVD drive. But there are some major differences, too: Microsoft has created its own chip for the Xbox One, and the PlayStation 4 controller contains that share button and the clickable touchpad. Prices for both units haven't been announced yet, but both will be available later on this year.

Continue reading Xbox One and PlayStation 4 specs compared

Xbox One and PlayStation 4 specs compared originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIFA 14 goes next-gen in tomorrow's Xbox reveal event

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:30:00 EST

The FIFA franchise will have a next-gen something to show off during Microsoft's Xbox reveal event tomorrow, according to the series' new Facebook cover image and event.

"RSVP if you're ready to hear about the next generation of FIFA," the event description reads. "Tune in to hear news on FIFA 14 during the worldwide livestream of Xbox: A New Generation Revealed."

FIFA 14 comes out on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC - and not Wii U - this fall. Microsoft is gearing up for a large next-gen Xbox event tomorrow, May 21, at 10 a.m. PT. We'll have live coverage from the event in Redmond, Washington, and we'll also be reporting remotely - here's hoping things don't get too Messi.

FIFA 14 goes next-gen in tomorrow's Xbox reveal event originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yoshida: Sony did not consider an always-on PS4

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:00:00 EST

The PS4 won't require an "always-on" internet connection, and it was never going to need one, Sony President of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida told Game Informer (via Gamespot).

"Did we consider it? No, we didn't consider it," Yoshida said. "The main reason being that many countries don't have robust Internet connections. It makes sense for people to have Internet connections to play online games, but for offline games there are many countries that we saw [that] do not really have robust Internet."

Fair point. Yoshida previously confirmed an offline mode in terms of the PS4's social and sharing features, saying, "Oh yes, yes, you can go offline totally. Social is big for us, but we understand there are some people who are anti-social. So if you don't want to connect to anyone else, you can do that." Developers, too, will be able to limit which aspects of their games players can share with the world.

Sony's major next-gen competitor, Microsoft, is set to reveal its new console on May 21. The latest internal memo regarding the next Xbox's online functionality says that some features should "just work" whether a player is on- or offline.

Yoshida: Sony did not consider an always-on PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Evil Within protagonist makes do without 'extraordinary powers'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:50:00 EST

The Evil Within won't empower the player beyond "appropriate" weaponry and a delicate dearth of ammunition, claims Director Shinji Mikami.

"We're not giving the player really any extraordinary powers," he told IGN, "but we don't want to go in the opposite direction and not give them any means of fighting back - that would violate the rules of survival horror. So we're looking at appropriate types of weapons with a limited amount of ammunition in order to get them through ... if they're good."

The Evil Within follows a detective named Sebastian, an unfortunate soul summoned to a distorted, labyrinthine asylum crawling with creepy things. Mikami sees the premise as a source of proper scares, and frames it in an overtly cinematic way - right down to the survival-horror game's wider aspect ratio of 2.35:1. (As with some films, this means you'll see black bars above and below the image on HDTVs, which are typically in 16:9 ratio.)

Mikami's approach is reflected, arguably to a fault, in a live-action trailer for The Evil Within. If you have trouble stomaching the more grotesque parts, just substitute the gore for gourmet foods. The gnarled corpse becomes chicken, and the final shot is spaghetti escaping confinement in a microwave.

The Evil Within protagonist makes do without 'extraordinary powers' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop reminds console makers that used games matter at market

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST

Used games are an essential part of the video game marketplace, generating more than $700 million in trade credit toward new games each year, GameStop President Tony Bartel told Forbes. Bartel defended the importance of used games in next-gen systems, noting that "recent surveys" suggested 60 percent of game customers would be less likely to purchase a console that couldn't play used games.

Bartel wouldn't want to see the pre-owned business evaporate, since used game sales have been known to represent almost a quarter of GameStop's annual revenue. Bartel noted that regardless of next-gen capabilities, there were 100 million current-gen consoles in the US, so that market wouldn't disappear any time soon.

GameStop has been banging this drum for years, noting in 2009 that 75 percent of trade-in credit applied directly to the purchase of a new game. Bartel told Forbes that 70 percent of trade-ins went toward new games and hardware per year, of more than $1 billion total trade-in credit.

The PlayStation 4 will be able to play used games, Sony Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida confirmed.

GameStop reminds console makers that used games matter at market originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft: Valve isn't a threat to consoles; everyone is wary of Apple

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST

Microsoft doesn't view Valve as a competitor in the console universe, Microsoft President of Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick said during Microsoft's TechForum. Valve is "doing some innovative stuff," Mattrick says, but when it comes to direct competition, "no."

"The scale of products and things that are being brought to market are probably a little bit richer when I look at Sony, Nintendo, Apple and Google," Mattrick says.

Valve boss Gabe Newell recently noted that Apple is the Steam Box's biggest threat, since it already controls such a large portion of the market with the App Store. Nat Brown, the man who gave the original Xbox its name and former Microsoft leader, also sees Apple's potential to own the console game.

"Apple, if it chooses to do so, will simply kill PlayStation, Wii U and Xbox by introducing an open 30 percent-cut app/game ecosystem for Apple TV," Brown writes.

Valve's foray into the console space includes an emphasis on cheap, in-home streaming systems and Linux. Valve's PC distribution client, Steam, launched its Linux service in February and during that month it claimed 2.02 percent of all Steam users. By comparison, Mac users accounted for 3.07 percent in February.

Microsoft: Valve isn't a threat to consoles; everyone is wary of Apple originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Assassin's Creed 4 to feature 'connected' single-player systems on next-gen

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is a next-gen game (gasp!), and will feature a few new, special systems on console versions, such as a "connected" single-player mode, creative director Jean Guesdon says in an internal Q&A unearthed by All Games Beta.

"Next-gen versions will bring to the players new, connected features allowing them to feel that even if they remain 'single player,' it will be better to be a 'single connected player,'" Guesdon says. "I mean that next-gen Consoles will allow players to have a solo experience that benefits the presence of a huge community."

Guesdon doesn't go into detail about the connected systems. He does outline a few more tidbits about the game, including the "horizon system," which provides characters aboard the ship with "pirate opportunities," side-quests specific to an individual player's progress. Ubisoft has six studios working on Black Flag: Montreal, Singapore, Sofia and Québec working on single-player content, and Annecy and Bucharest developing multiplayer.

Report: Assassin's Creed 4 to feature 'connected' single-player systems on next-gen originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: PS4 in Japan later this year, will cost more than $400

Mike Schramm — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:45:00 EST

The PlayStation 4 - which is currently expected to be announced on February 20 - will be available later on this year in both Japan and the US and will carry a hefty price, according to a translation of a report found in respected Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun. The Japanese version, says the translated report, will cost "greater than 40,000 yen," which means it will be more than $400 there.

Asahi adds there will be a rush to meet sales demands on both sides of the world, but the paper doesn't specify a US price; however, the PlayStation 3 launched at $500 when it came to North America, and cost 49,980 yen in Japan, around $535. So Asahi's report suggests that whatever the next generation PlayStation's price is, it will likely be slightly cheaper than the PS3 was at launch.

There's also no mention of a European launch, and the PS3's launch was indeed delayed in Europe by hardware shortages. Hopefully, Sony will clear all this up on February 20.

Rumor: PS4 in Japan later this year, will cost more than $400 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take-Two doesn't expect its budgets to grow significantly with next-gen

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST

Here's another good thing about this current console generation lasting as long as it has: it appears to have reduced fears over next-gen budgets, at least among some parts of the industry. Current-gen budgets have had quoted with ranges between $15 million for BioShock and $44 million for God of War 3, but Take-Two isn't planning for the next-gen of consoles - expected later this year - to be wildly different from current costs.

"We don't have any reason to believe our development budget will change significantly," said Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick on a financial call today. "If anything, we've become, group wide, much tighter in how we spend our money. It has been the challenge and we've been very focused on it. We can't say specifically, but, no, we don't expect to see a meaningful change in what it costs us to release these top quality products."

Then again, it's hard to put next-gen budgets into perspective when you're the publisher of Grand Theft Auto 5. If the game's launch on September 17 incurs anything like Grand Theft Auto 4 or Red Dead Redemption's marketing, you'll have to take a trip to the Andes to avoid it.

Take-Two doesn't expect its budgets to grow significantly with next-gen originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warhorse Studios 'next-gen' tech video leaked

Mike Suszek — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST

A video of Warhorse Studios' next-gen RPG that uses a modified version of CryEngine 3 leaked out recently. Even considering the "bootleg" feel of it, the video shows some impressive textures with murky, yet reflective water in the developer's introductory game.

The video comes from a recent hour-long presentation at a small Czech gaming conference in Prague. Creative Director Dan Vavra clarified in a recent developer diary that the next-gen label is "somewhat misleading." The small demo was shown on a two-year-old laptop with a mobile GeForce 555M, or as Vavra described it: "Not exactly state-of-the-art PC or next gen Xbox." The area shown is 200 x 200 meters, and according to Vavra it "doesn't have the final lighting and there are no effects in it. It's simply an example of the environment."

While the game is expected to run on next-gen consoles, Vavra sternly noted that the environment video is "not at all originally intended officially to support the claim that 'this is what next gen should look like.'"

Warhorse Studios 'next-gen' tech video leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Agni's Philosophy tech demos showcase insanely detailed faces, adjustable forehead sweat

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST

In case you missed it during E3, Agni's Philosophy is a series of real-time tech demos created by Square Enix, in order to demonstrate the power and flexibility of its "Luminous Studio" development environment/engine for next-generation video games.

As is clearly evident by these two spankin' new Agni's Philosophy exhibitions (above and after the break), Square Enix certainly has a lot to show off. The video above showcases a somewhat mystical feathered woman, whose incredibly detailed face, hair and clothing are all adjusted in various subtle-yet-crazy ways, apparently in real time. Similarly, the wizened man tucked past the jump is equally tweaked, his beard thickness altered and the amount of sweat on his brow changed simply by moving a slider.

You know what? We don't even need this to become a game anymore. Just give us a character editor with this kind of power and we'll give you as much money as you want.

Continue reading Agni's Philosophy tech demos showcase insanely detailed faces, adjustable forehead sweat

Agni's Philosophy tech demos showcase insanely detailed faces, adjustable forehead sweat originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft Massive developing next-gen RPG, Montpellier on next-gen racer

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST

Ubisoft's Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Shanghai are working on AAA next-gen RPGs, while Ubisoft Montreal has a next-gen IP on its radar, a few LinkedIn profiles spotted by PlayStation Lifestyle divulge.

At Sweden's Massive Entertainment, co-developer of Far Cry 3, one game designer listed a "AAA next-gen online RPG" before changing it to something more vague. We grabbed a screenshot here. Over at Ubisoft Shanghai, a senior gameplay/network programmer listed a "'Confidential Title' next-gen console (RPG)."

A game designer for Rayman Legends listed a next-gen console racer that he's been working on since August 2011, PlayStation Lifestyle reported. He removed the listing before we could snap a shot.

A 3D animator and a concept artist from Ubisoft Montreal list an "unannounced next-gen" IP on their LinkedIn profiles, the animator specifying work from December 2011 - February 2012. Neither employee lists Watch Dogs, the game whose other-worldly graphics made such a splash at E3, on their resumes.

Ubisoft Massive developing next-gen RPG, Montpellier on next-gen racer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Whore of the Orient action adventure aiming for 2015

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST

KMM Interactive, the studio that picked up Brendan McNamara and the remnants of L.A. Noire's Team Bondi, posted openings that suggest the group's next game, Whore of the Orient, is scheduled to be complete in 2015.

Spotted by Superannuation, job openings describe the game as a "narrative action adventure" that is "similar in style to LA Noire," and uses the same MotionScan tech that gave Cole his grisly demeanor.

The job descriptions set a target for full production from early 2013 to mid 2015. Whore of the Orient is a next-gen console and PC game published by Warner Bros. Interactive, and McNamara first pitched it as "one of the great untold stories of the twentieth century."

According to a website that went live for a spell in August, the game is set in 1936 Shanghai, China, and stars the International Police Force, a western group "hopelessly trying to keep the lid on and keep the peace." The website taglined the game as, "Whore of the Orient. Paris of the East."

L.A. Noire spent seven years in development, so just two for a game "similar in style" and using the same technology, from much of the same team, seems ambitious. But hey, that's what energy drinks are for.

Rumor: Whore of the Orient action adventure aiming for 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guillemot: There's a 'good chance' Rainbow 6: Patriots is next-gen

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST

Rainbow 6: Patriots encountered a rough production patch earlier this year when it swapped out creative director David Sears for Jean-Sebastien Decant. That doesn't mean the game is any less ambitious, and Patriots might even even up on next-gen platforms, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot tells Polygon.

Answering a direct question about Patriots being a next-gen game, Guillemot says, "There's a good chance it can be." Patriots is still scheduled for a launch in 2013, remember.

Ubisoft is working with Sears' original vision, which involves taking down a homegrown terrorist cell called the True Patriots, and making ambiguously moral decisions about the lives (and violent deaths) of civilians along the way. "But that's what is interesting with the concept - being able to give a choice to the person who is playing," Guillemot says.

Guillemot: There's a 'good chance' Rainbow 6: Patriots is next-gen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guillemot: Ubisoft 'doesn't have a huge investment' in Wii U

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST

At a recent investor call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot revealed that Ubisoft "doesn't have a huge investment" in the Wii U, the only next-gen console so far announced from any of the major competitors. Guillemot pointed out that most of the games Ubisoft is developing for the Wii U aren't new, but are ports of existing Xbox 360 or PS3 titles.

Building Wii U ports cost Ubisoft just over $1.2 million, Guillemot said. Rayman Legends and ZombiU, Ubisoft's "original" Wii U titles, "are much smaller of cost" than developing major titles for the current generation.

"Because, as we've always said when there is such an innovation, the need is not to have big production value but to concentrate on the innovation," Guillemot said. "This is what we are trying on Rayman and ZombiU."

Earlier today we mentioned Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot's thoughts on the current generation's lifespan, noting his opinion that a lack of new consoles stifles creativity. New consoles spur developers to create new IPs and "are important for the entire industry," Guillemot said.

Guillemot: Ubisoft 'doesn't have a huge investment' in Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix tech director on Agni's Philosophy demo, next-gen hurdles

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST

Square Enix worldwide technology director Julien Merceron realizes the Agni's Philosophy tech demo shows off impressive graphics that could drive next-gen Final Fantasy games, but he also knows that, as a developer, focusing on graphics alone is "a big mistake."

"Focusing on graphics only would be a huge mistake," Merceron tells Games Industry International. "You start to have super-great graphics, characters look really good and you end up in the uncanny valley, but you don't have animation at the same quality level. Same thing with behavior and AI; it animates well and looks good, but it is making stupid decisions. It simply won't be immersive."

As graphics improve, other problems arise, such as facial animations, physics and AI not hitting the same level and creating an obvious uncanny valley, where on-screen actions are disturbing to watch. The uncanny valley will always exist, and balancing engaging gameplay with upgraded graphics and other elements is key to player immersion, Merceron says.

Another key aspect is the hardware itself - this generation of consoles has lasted "way too long" and has helped usher in alternative forms of gaming, via browsers and mobile devices, Merceron says.

"Now you don't need to manage longevity by complexity of programming, because your longevity is ensured by your online model," he says. "And I would suggest that maybe we don't want long generations. We have Sony and Microsoft talking about this generation lasting seven, eight, nine or even 10 years and it's the biggest mistake they've ever made."

Square Enix has recently focused on developing high-end 3D experiences for web browsers, a platform Merceron sees as "instrumental in the world of tomorrow."

"We shouldn't underestimate the kind of experience that you can have in a web browser. Immediately you can play from anywhere. You have browsers all over the place. These cloud storage and computing interfaces will provide better ways for consumers to interact with the experiences they want to have."

Square Enix tech director on Agni's Philosophy demo, next-gen hurdles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take-Two's Zelnick 'skeptical' of Wii U, not of next generation

Mike Suszek — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said he was "skeptical" of the Wii U in a recent interview with Gamasutra. He noted that Take-Two hasn't announced any games for the platform.

Zelnick talked about the strategy he believes a company like Take-Two should follow. In regards to new console launches, he said that "if you get it right, it's a terrific time to launch a new IP." He also spoke against annualizing non-sports games, so as not to risk "burning out the consumer," which echoed statements he made in late 2009.

"Some of our competitors have had this trajectory where they extract a lot of value and the IP goes away. We're trying really hard to build permanent IP. And if you have to rest the title for a few years, over time you'll extract more value," he said. "We're not trying to create something good and market the hell out of it. We're trying to delight customers with something great - and market hell out of it."

Take-Two's Zelnick 'skeptical' of Wii U, not of next generation originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii U lead isn't important, contends Sony's Rohde

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST

Sony isn't talking next-gen at this year's E3. Nor is Microsoft. Nintendo's Wii U, however, got its big debut this week, and the console is planned for a holiday 2012 launch. As we learned in the last hardware generation and the generation before that, being the first out of the gate in terms of launching hardware can mean the difference between first and third place. SCEA Senior VP of Product Development and worldwide studios Scott Rohde, however, isn't worried about the potential for Wii U to lead the next hardware generation due to its launch lead.

"Not at all. That's the simple answer," he told Joystiq in an interview this week. "In very similar fashion to the way I'm talking about game development," he said, referencing Sony's hands-off approach to internal game development. "We have a very strong vision in what we believe we're gonna do for the next generation. And we're not talking about it at all yet," he added with a smile.

"The reality is let's build a great machine. And we'll talk about it then." With Unreal Engine 4 getting a big debut recently, and it being held up as the harbinger of the next hardware generation, we expect we'll be hearing from both Sony about that potentially "great machine" not too long from now.

Wii U lead isn't important, contends Sony's Rohde originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Dogs coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 'for sure,' producer says

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:11:00 EST

Ubisoft Montreal producer Dominic Guay feels flattered by the whispers of suspicion surrounding Watch Dogs, a new third-person, open-world action game from Ubisoft. After an impressive debut at Ubisoft's E3 2012 press conference, Watch Dogs left viewers questioning whether its sophisticated environments and lighting (among other things) are a realistic match for current consoles. The official line is that it's coming to PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.

Speaking to Joystiq, Guay confirmed that the E3 demo is running on PC, but emphasized that Ubisoft Montreal is interested in getting Watch Dogs on "all the platforms we can." That means Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions "for sure," Guay said. A Wii U version is still up in the air.

It's easy to imagine Ubisoft releasing a scaled-down, optimized version of Watch Dogs, positioned to take advantage of the large, established audience on current consoles. It's even easier to envision the futuristic property popping up in Ubisoft's typical barrage of launch games for a new system. Both scenarios could play out by the time Watch Dogs ships, sometime after 2012.

Continue reading Watch Dogs coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 'for sure,' producer says

Watch Dogs coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 'for sure,' producer says originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is what Final Fantasy might look like on next-gen tech

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:04:00 EST

Square Enix may not be showing any new Final Fantasy games this year at E3, but that isn't stopping the company from giving fans a glimpse at what's next for the acclaimed role-playing series. "Agni's Philosophy" is the title of a fancy new "real time tech demo" of what Square Enix is calling "cutting edge game development technology."

We're taking that to mean "next-generation," and apparently so is Square Enix. "Agni's Philosophy was produced with Luminous Studio, Square Enix's game production environment (engine) for creating next generation quality games," reads the press release. Take a look for yourself at the (admittedly gorgeous) video, just above.

Gallery: Agni's Philosophy (Square Enix Next-Gen)

Continue reading This is what Final Fantasy might look like on next-gen tech

This is what Final Fantasy might look like on next-gen tech originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-Gen Starts When We Say It Does

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

You're reading Reaction Time, a weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.

If the world does come to a wailing and irreversible halt in 2012, the most terrible loss (besides billions of lives, the infrastructure of civilization, your dog, etc.) will be the glaring glut of video games already scheduled for 2013. Promising brand builders like BioShock Infinite, Tomb Raider and Devil May Cry are all bailing on 2012, and inevitable behemoth Grand Theft Auto V has yet to pick a landing zone.

Most of these games are massive, costly undertakings that can't afford to stumble out with stuttering marketing campaigns, let alone on a stage crowded with other huge products. If we're to predict the emergence of powerful next-generation platforms, care of Sony and Microsoft, the movements of third-party publishers should give us our first clues. No manufacturer is in a position to escape the catch-22 of a new console launch on its own: You need standout games to get the system out there, but it's tough to obtain and support those games properly with an install base that starts at zero.

Continue reading Next-Gen Starts When We Say It Does

Next-Gen Starts When We Say It Does originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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YouTube hiring for next-gen console app integration [update]

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:15:00 EST

YouTube is padding its ranks with next-gen gaming console programmers, looking to "build the next generation game-console-based TV experience with YouTube video content," a Google Jobs listing found by IGN reveals. YouTube already has an app on Xbox 360, but apparently it wants to build a presence across all next-gen platforms, seeking someone with "deep technical knowledge of Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3 and/or Nintendo Wii."

YouTube is seeking someone to "deliver a compelling lean back experience with monetization and e-commerce offerings (ie, pay-per-stream, ads)" and "develop leading edge User Interfaces and delight users with innovative media rich solutions." Looks like YouTube wants to figure out how to take our money, but wants to make us happy about it. That's better than wanting our money, but making us depressed about it.

Now if YouTube would develop a PC app, it'd have all the important consoles covered. Oh... wait.

Update: This is actually the same job listing Google posted a year ago. Please, someone go make YouTube's new app already!

YouTube hiring for next-gen console app integration [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ready at Dawn on going from handheld to next-gen, and getting away from GoW

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:45:00 EST

Ready at Dawn is known for having crafted two excellent God of War games for PSP, as well as assisting in their porting to the PlayStation 3. Unfortunately for Ready at Dawn, the company isn't known for much else - an issue that co-founder and CEO Ru Weerasuriya aims to fix by setting a new direction for his studio.

"When it came to really decide what we wanted to do next, I think most of the guys internally just wanted to do something that, in some ways, we had built this company for. It's taken us time to get there and we've wanted to do new IP, we've been working on it for a while, and we felt the time was right and it was just the perfect alignment of everything that was happening," Weerasuriya told GamesIndustry International.

Which isn't to say the team never considered resting on its laurels and crafting yet another portable God of War, this time for the Vita. "It's an idea that was floated as far as what could happen on the Vita. And especially with a platform like that, we were enticed I think by the prospect of doing something on that platform, but it just didn't align with what we wanted," Weerasuriya said. He'd still love for Sony to do such a project ("There's so much potential for it!"), but for the first time in four-plus years, his studio isn't working on Kratos' next portable game.

Ready at Dawn on going from handheld to next-gen, and getting away from GoW originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles

Xav de Matos — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST

During the Game Developer's Choice awards, DICE took home the prize of "Best Technology" for its Frostbite 2 engine. After accepting the award on behalf of his team, we asked DICE rendering architect Johan Andersson what the next generation of consoles would need to include for Frostbite 2 to work 'perfectly and as intended on high-end PCs.' To Andersson, the answer is "pretty easy to answer."

"There's two things: memory and processing power," he said. "We need lots and lots of processing power. The more you can cram into a machine, we'll take advantage of that." While 'more power' is the obvious answer -- both on the CPU and GPU side -- we wondered what wouldn't be 'enough' to work with.

"Two gigabytes would not be enough when it comes to RAM [random access memory]" Andersson said. "Four gigabytes would work. Eight gigabytes? Yeah. I think that would be perfect when it comes to memory." Recommended system specifications for Battlefield 3 call for 4GB of RAM.

Continue reading Battlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles

Battlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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God of War PSP studio readying next-gen third-person action title

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST

After declaring themselves as officially done with God of War PSP games, and even going as far as to announce a "story driven action-adventure game based on original IP" back in late 2010, Ready at Dawn staffers promptly revealed they were ... creating a PlayStation 3 port of their previously PSP-exclusive God of War titles. Not quite what we were expecting!

If recent job listings are any indication, though, it looks like Ready at Dawn is still working on that original IP -- but now, the game is also headed to a "next-generation home console game system." Eurogamer spotted listings for a variety of jobs on Ready at Dawn's job page, seeking experienced professionals in a variety of disciplines, from concept artists to a graphics programmer to a senior level designer. Little information can be gleaned from the listings beyond the general project, but we've reached out to Ready at Dawn for more info.

God of War PSP studio readying next-gen third-person action title originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Debunk: Xbox720.com, Playstation4.com aren't owned by Microsoft, Sony

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST

We'll wait while you click these links -- Xbox720.com and PlayStation4.com -- to see that they do indeed redirect to random technology-news pages. We'll even wait a little longer as you open a new tab, type both of those addresses in and see that we weren't lying, and they really do redirect to unofficial sites. Now we'll take a few seconds to get over the fact that you didn't trust us. Without trust there is no love; remember that.

Yesterday Xbox720.com redirected to the US PlayStation website, but it appears the domain owner has used the attention gained from that to open his own blog, Fusible reports. Xbox720.com now redirects to a tech-news aggregation site and was previously monetized via Google's Adsense program; before that it hosted random sites dating back to 2006 at least. In November 2011, the site was registered to Jeremiah Germany, but that information is now protected through Whois Privacy.

PlayStation4.com redirects to a PlayStation news and cheat site.

It appears the redirections aren't as vindictive as the ModernWarfare3.com debacle, in which a Battlefield fan used the domain to convert Call of Duty players to his shooter of choice. We don't even know what the next Xbox will be called -- considering the first Xbox wasn't called "180," it's not set in stone that the third iteration will follow in the 360's footsteps. However, Microsoft's Xbox360.com redirects to the main Xbox site, and Sony's PlayStation3.com heads to the US PlayStation page, so it follows that they would want similar sites to do the same.

[Image credit: Joseph Dumary]

Debunk: Xbox720.com, Playstation4.com aren't owned by Microsoft, Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unreal Engine 4 to be seen 'later this year,' says Mark Rein

Mike Schramm — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST

Epic's Mark Rein did some hit-and-run teasing at DICE last week, telling G4 that "people are going to be shocked later this year when they see Unreal Engine 4 and how much more profound an effect it will have." We've heard before that Epic is working hard on Unreal Engine 4, and while Epic doesn't expect to see games running on the engine until 2014, it makes a lot of sense that Rein would want to show it off, especially if we also see some next-gen console reveals later on this year.

As for what it'll look like, we can only say (and sorry for all of the technical jargon on this one) that it will probably look "very good." How do we know? Because 4 is higher than 3, silly. You probably wouldn't understand.

Unreal Engine 4 to be seen 'later this year,' says Mark Rein originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epic wants Unreal Engine 4 ready for the next-gen console launch

Justin McElroy — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST

Like an inattentive uncle, Unreal Engine 3 didn't visit this current generation of consoles until it was around a year old. But if Epic's Mark Rein has his way, Unreal Engine 4 will be right there in the birthing room to catch the Xbox 720 and PS4 from their ... electronic womb.

"I want Unreal Engine 4 to be ready far earlier than UE3 was; not a year after the consoles are released," he told Develop. "I think a year from a console's launch is perfectly fine for releasing a game, but not for releasing new tech. We need to be there day one or very early. That's my primary focus."

When asked what he wants from that next gen, Rein focused on giving developers and publishers more pricing freedom rather than pure horsepower. He wants a beefy GPU as well, but it's telling to see the acknowledgement that the next wave of consoles will be as much about how games are delivered as what they look like.

Epic wants Unreal Engine 4 ready for the next-gen console launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michel Ancel on Beyond Good & Evil 2: I'm waiting for it as much as you are

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST

Is Beyond Good & Evil 2 still alive? Yes. Will you still be alive when it comes out? Well, that's a question we posed to project lead Michel Ancel, whose attention is currently focused on his vibrant 2D platformer, Rayman: Origins. "Before Rayman we were working on Beyond Good & Evil 2," he said during an E3 meeting. "And the project is still on the tracks. I'd love to come back to it."

Ancel describes the game as an ambitious, conceptually amorphous undertaking, still being prototyped and still looking for a home. "It's a question of making all those things able to fit the constraints of the consoles," he said. "But with this kind of game, we can do prototypes on very high-end PCs and we can really try to play in the kind of future-console style hardware. So, it's just a question of saying, 'Okay, do we cut everything and rebuild to these consoles, or do we try to move forward?'"

Does that mean the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are out? "I can't say totally no," Ancel said, "but the questions are still open."

The small team crafting Beyond Good and Evil 2 is wary of downscaling its vision, making it essential "to have the game on the best platform, to make [the concepts] fit." And while that happens, for who-knows-how-long, fans can take advantage of the game industry's diversity."The good thing is we are not the only one making games, so they can play a lot of other games," Ancel joked.

"The main thing, I would say, is that I'm waiting for that game as much as they are waiting for it. So that's pushing me to finish it."

Michel Ancel on Beyond Good & Evil 2: I'm waiting for it as much as you are originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft hiring for 'next-generation console' engineers

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST

Though Microsoft isn't close to approaching the end of its ten-year plan for the Xbox 360, the hardware manufacturer seems to be staffing up to develop the heir apparent of the gaming console's kingdom. The company recently posted a handful of hiring ads for its Mountain View research facility, which is looking to add a design verification engineer, hardware architect and other positions to its roster to help with "defining and delivering next generation console architectures from conception through implementation."

If these "conceptual" positions really are for the Xbox 360's successor, we're probably a few years out from learning anything else about the next-gen console. All we can hope is that the team also publishes a help wanted ad for the position of "Making Sure the Console Doesn't Spontaneously Stop Working Technician."

Microsoft hiring for 'next-generation console' engineers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wanted for breaking the law: Vogster's CrimeCraft

Mike Schramm — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:45:00 EST

***NOTICE TO ALL GAMERS***

FROM: The Joystiq Office of Law Enforcement
RE: Vogster's CrimeCraft, a "persistent world next-gen shooter" due out August 25th.

Attention: CrimeCraft is to be considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached in a video game store. Stay away at all costs.

Last seen location: E3 2009, in the Vogster booth.

Continue reading Wanted for breaking the law: Vogster's CrimeCraft

Wanted for breaking the law: Vogster's CrimeCraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crytek registers 3 new trademarks, none start with 'Cry'

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:15:00 EST

German developer Crytek recently filed three new trademark applications and, in a move that shook Joystiq at its very foundation, none of the names trademarked start with the word "cry." "Carvatar," "Kingdoms" and "Gface" have all been filed for by the developer -- names for games already in development for next gen, perhaps?

We reached out to Jens Schäfer, PR manager for Crytek, who told us, "I'm sorry but we usually don't comment on trademark applications." The law of wild speculation dictates in situations like these that we must make up the silliest possible explanation and as such, we offer you this: Hyper-realistic, car-based avatars with face recognition software tied to Gmail accounts to be used in Crytek's upcoming MMO, Kingdoms. That's the obvious answer.

Trademark 1 - Carvatar
Trademark 2 - Kingdoms
Trademark 3 - Gface

Crytek registers 3 new trademarks, none start with 'Cry' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crytek says Cry Engine 3 ready for next-gen, working very closely with Microsoft and Sony

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST

Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli had some major statements to make about the future of console development and his company's proprietary engine, CryENGINE 3. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Yerli said, "If I want to make a next-gen launch title I could do that by pushing the boundaries of the engine," referencing CryENGINE 3 as the bridge between generations. Expounding on the reasoning behind this, Yerli said, "If it's for PS3 you can develop on the PS3 and you're done with it ... the next hardware comes along you have to start again. Whatever happens, we don't want developers to be the victims of change and repositioning."

Crytek has stated before that it expects the next-gen by 2011 -- a predicition it's not alone in making -- but never before has it made these type of assertions with such authority. Citing talks with Microsoft and Sony, Yerli says, "We wanted to make an engine that's ready for next-gen inherently. Writing the driver layers for the next PlayStation or next Xbox will be quite simple for us." So what you're saying is Crysis 2 will be coming packed-in with the X-Station 2160? Count us in!

[Thanks, Mocib]

Crytek says Cry Engine 3 ready for next-gen, working very closely with Microsoft and Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC09: Pardo details why Blizzard has ignored this generation of consoles

Xav de Matos — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST

Before Metal Gear Solid 4 was everyone's favorite Xbox 360 rumor, it was Blizzard's money machine, World of Warcraft, that was constantly said to be hitting consoles. Blizzard already assured us it wasn't happening ages ago, but during the Luminaries Luncheon, Blizzard's vice-president of game design, Rob Pardo, detailed why his company has ignored this generation of consoles.

"There are so many games, like we make at Blizzard, that we don't take to the console because they don't support input devices," Pardo told the attendees. Pardo's comments were made when the panel was asked what they would do if they were in charge of developing the next generation of consoles. Pardo, who hailed Nintendo for creating an input device "that allows new types of games to be made," explained that the lack of device diversity on consoles would only lead to "crappy ports" of his company's titles.

"If I was them," Pardo concluded, "I'd be sitting around trying to think of 'What's a cool input device that allows all types of new of games that are really fun to play?'"

GDC09: Pardo details why Blizzard has ignored this generation of consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quazal inks middleware deal with Ubisoft, Petz deathmatch now possible

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:15:00 EST

Have you ever heard of Quazal? You know, the "leading supplier of multiplayer middleware solutions for the entertainment industry," known most recently for working with Atari on the upcoming Ghostbusters game and likely better known for their work with Harmonix on the Rock Band franchise? Oh you have? Good! So you might already know that the company has just signed a deal with Ubisoft for use of its Rendez-Vous, Net-Z and Spark! middleware products, promising also to provide long-term consulting and support. You didn't know that? Yeah, neither did we.

But in a press release issued by Quazal, we found out all about the contract inked this past week to deliver "cutting-edge multiplayer experiences" by licensing the middleware to Ubisoft. Christine Burgess-Quémard, executive director of worldwide studios at Ubisoft notes in the release, "By securing this Enterprise deal, Ubisoft is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the next generation of online enabled titles." Though we'd like to point out that the "next-gen" started in 2005, we'll go right ahead and assume she means the real next-gen coming in 2012. 'Til then, we'll have to hold fast hope that the perpetually deathmatch-less Petz franchise receives the long overdue multiplayer mode we've been waiting for.

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

Quazal inks middleware deal with Ubisoft, Petz deathmatch now possible originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analyst says Nintendo could fire first next-gen shot

Justin McElroy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii

We haven't cut Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian's picture out of Analyst Tiger Beat to tape onto our lockers yet, as unfamiliar as we are with his services. So take it with a grain of salt when we tell you that Sebastian thinks Nintendo's next console may release sooner than the others and could be a souped-up Wii with DVD playback capabilities.

...Yeah, that kind of seems like a gimme, but Nintendo has proven itself a notoriously hard company to predict. Let's just say that if he nails this ... we might be able to make some space for his mug between the Jonas Brothers and Billy Pidgeon.

Analyst says Nintendo could fire first next-gen shot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crytek predicts 'next-gen' consoles will arrive in 2011 / 2012

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360

We are all interested in the future. Indeed, as the great Criswell so astutely observed, "We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives." And it wouldn't be much of a life if it wasn't spent playing the latest video games, no doubt powered by trillions of tetraflops and a giggle-inducing number of gigabytes. Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli has seen this future (it's where he bought his Crysis-capable computer), and has concluded that the next generation of consoles -- as in the Xbox 720 and the PlayStation 4 -- could arrive in 2011 or 2012.

Discussing "The Future of Gaming Graphics" at Leipzig's GC Developer Conference, Yerli estimated that Microsoft and Sony's next offerings would arrive "in three to four years' time, although there are good reasons why it should be 2010 already...but we'll see." Crytek, which most recently worked on Crysis Warhead, has also pinned 2012 as the debut year for its next in-house engine and follow-up to last year's impressive CryEngine2.

Regardless of timing, we're pleased to see that not everybody thinks the current cavalcade of consoles is our last.

Crytek predicts 'next-gen' consoles will arrive in 2011 / 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No duh: Nintendo already working on next console

David Hinkle — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

During a Forbes piece that takes a look at the future of gaming, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed that Nintendo is already working on their next console. The likelihood that we could actually see or be told anything concrete about it is nonexistent, however. Nintendo's current console is both selling far too well and, we imagine, development of their newest console is in the earliest stages, considering the Wii hasn't been on store shelves for two years yet.

"We are always preparing for the next hardware," Iwata said. "We are under development. ... But the hardware is a kind of box that consumers reluctantly buy in order to play our games." Well, we wouldn't say reluctantly, because most people seem to be more than happy to pick up a Wii.

In terms of future specs, Iwata commented that every new piece of hardware "needs some revolutionary features." He also added that "This time around, it happened to be we had a revolutionary user interface. Will it be the same for the next generation? I really can't tell." Considering what the company did with the Wii, we're totally expecting bigger and better things from Nintendo.

President Iwata also went on to comment about how hard it is for them to innovate beyond what they've done this generation. "It's natural for the current customer to expect Nintendo is going to once again do something different. If the people are expecting so many different things from Nintendo, it's going to be difficult for us to go beyond that expectation again."

[Thanks, Joe!]

No duh: Nintendo already working on next console originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen.biz to become Edge Magazine Online

Kyle Orland — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Hacks, Business

GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that Future's news portal Next-Gen.biz will be re-branded as the online version of the prestigious British magazine Edge on Monday, just in time for E3. There's no word on whether the change will affect the site's editorial focus, but Future spokesman Will Guyatt told GI.biz that the newly branded site will "do what Edge has done for year's in print, but online." Great news for those of us who love the magazine's thoughtful content but don't want to shell out the big bucks to import a subscription.

Next-Gen has been reprinting selected Edge magazine articles online since last May, and the magazine's previous web address currently redirects to Next-Gen's site. The move represents the re-death of the Next Generation brand, which was originally put out to pasture with the closing of the well-respected American magazine in 2001. On the plus side, when someone says "next-gen" from now on, we won't have to parse whether they mean the adjective or the web site. That was getting confusing!

Next-gen.biz to become Edge Magazine Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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