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[Notch launches Drop, inspired by Super Hexagon, Fez and letters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/notch-launches-drop-inspired-by-super-hexagon-fez-and-letters/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/notch-launches-drop-inspired-by-super-hexagon-fez-and-letters/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/notch-launches-drop-inspired-by-super-hexagon-fez-and-letters/#comments Notch launches Drop, inspired by Super Hexagon, Fez and lettersIn lieu of his Ludum Dare game, Notch today launched a Unity game called Drop, available online for free. Notch is, of course, the mastermind behind Minecraft, and Drop is a quick exercise in rapid wordsmithery, spinning and catchy tunes.

Notch attributes inspiration for Drop to Super Hexagon, the ceiling of his apartment and the ending of Fez, and after playing for a little while, that all sounds about right. We would also throw in a vibe from Pippin Barr's 30 Flights of Loathing and Pottermore's Spells game.

If you have some time today, maybe make nimble your fingers and give Drop a go. But first try to say that sentence five times fast.

JoystiqNotch launches Drop, inspired by Super Hexagon, Fez and letters originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dropmacMarkus-PerssonnotchpcunitySun, 28 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[0x10c 'on ice' due to creative block]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/0x10c-on-ice-due-to-creative-block/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/0x10c-on-ice-due-to-creative-block/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/0x10c-on-ice-due-to-creative-block/#comments 0x10c, Mojang co-founder and Minecraft inventor Markus Persson's first-person spaceship management game, has been put on the back burner until the developer can rid himself of a "weird creative block," Persson told Polygon.

"It's just some kind of weird creative block that's been going on for too long," Persson said, "and [0x10c] is going to be put on ice until we can fix that. I'm very excited about the actual game. We have two prototypes going on now. It's not really fun yet, but it feels like it could be fun because there's nothing to do in there yet."

Persson also said that another developer has been brought in to assist with the project and ensure that the game is actually made, regardless of whether Mojang ever actually releases it. Should it prove fun enough to be released, however, a potential launch is still a "ways off."

Joystiq0x10c 'on ice' due to creative block originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonMojangNotchpcSat, 06 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft documentary world premiere on Xbox Live, Dec. 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/minecraft-documentary-world-premiere-on-xbox-live-dec-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/minecraft-documentary-world-premiere-on-xbox-live-dec-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/minecraft-documentary-world-premiere-on-xbox-live-dec-22/#comments

Minecraft: The Story of Mojang, a documentary from 2 Player Productions, will premiere on Saturday, December 22, on Xbox Live for Gold members in the US, UK, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal, Austria, France, Finland and Sweden. The documentary, strangely enough, tells the tale of Mojang founder Markus "Notch" Persson as he rises to indie fame with the development of Minecraft. It will air at 8 p.m. EST in the US and 8 p.m. CET in Europe on Saturday.

The documentary secured funding through Kickstarter, raising $210,000 of a requested $150,000 in March 2011. 2 Player Productions isn't new to the video game documentary world, having produced films for Double Fine, a chiptune documentary called Reformat the Planet, and more. Check out the launch trailer for Minecraft: The Story of Mojang above and click the Minecraft tile on your Xbox Live dashboard for viewing times in your area.

With Indie Game: The Movie and now this, gaming has officially entered the realm of sans-serif white letters and Sundance hipster chic. Good job, everyone.

JoystiqMinecraft documentary world premiere on Xbox Live, Dec. 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-player-productionsdocumentarymicrosoftMinecraftminecraft-the-story-of-mojangmobilemojangnotchpcxboxMon, 17 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[0x10c may charge monthly subscription for ship ownership]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/0x10c-may-charge-monthly-subscription-for-ship-ownership/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/0x10c-may-charge-monthly-subscription-for-ship-ownership/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/0x10c-may-charge-monthly-subscription-for-ship-ownership/#comments 0x10c will 'probably' charge a monthly subscriptionIn a recent interview, Mojang's Markus "Notch" Persson says he's thinking more and more that 0x10c, the Minecraft mogul's space-based PC title, may use a subscription-based monetization plan when it's ready to be sold. The idea's not cemented just yet, but Notch expects to have a multiplayer mode with the game called "the multiverse," and there will likely be cost associated with keeping all of the virtual ships running on a real server.

Each ship will require a "generator" to keep it running, so Notch's current idea is that "one subscription gives you one generator." Presumably, he says, multiple players could run around inside one ship, so you may pay a subscription and then invite your friends to join you on your vessel. But someone will have to pay to keep the game going.

Notch also talks a bit about how construction will work in the game: Players will likely build a ship's external features first, and then organize various components inside for different layouts or more options. And Notch says there will be "mining," in that players will have to find resources in the galaxy to use as parts, but he says it definitely won't be Minecraft-style. As Notch told us at PAX, work is definitely well underway, and we should see more very soon.

Joystiq0x10c may charge monthly subscription for ship ownership originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cchargingcpuinterviewmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonnotchoculuspcpc gamerPcGamerspaceshipsubscriptionThu, 29 Nov 2012 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Indie Speed Run' online game jam judged by Kellee Santiago, Ron Gilbert, Notch, et al]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/indie-speed-run-online-game-jam-judged-by-kellee-santiago-ron/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/indie-speed-run-online-game-jam-judged-by-kellee-santiago-ron/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/indie-speed-run-online-game-jam-judged-by-kellee-santiago-ron/#comments 'Indie Speed Run' online game jam begins, results to be judged by Kellee Santiago, Ron Gilbert, Notch, et alIndie Speed Run, despite the name, is surprisingly not what we call the Friday nights we spend practicing our no-death VVVVVV runs. It is, however, the name of a new online game jam, one which runs from now until January 6.

The way it works is pretty straight-forward: Developers visit the official website and register as a participant. Once enrolled, each contender (and/or team of contenders) has 48 hours to create a game using two secret elements given only to them, and while those 48 hours must be consecutive, they can occur anytime between now and when the event ends in January.

Once the event does end, every game created during its span will be made freely available on the official site. Meanwhile, a star-studded panel of judges (Kellee Santiago, Ron Gilbert, Notch, Dino Patti, Trent Oster, Jason Rohrer and Vander Caballero) will determine which team is most deserving of Indie Speed Run's $2,500 grand prize and will announce a winner February 5.

Joystiq'Indie Speed Run' online game jam judged by Kellee Santiago, Ron Gilbert, Notch, et al originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitionDino-Pattigame-jamindieindie-speed-runJason-RohrerKellee-SantiagoNotchpcRon-GilbertTrent-OsterVander-CaballeroWed, 28 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft PC sales up to 8 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/minecraft-pc-sales-up-to-8-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/minecraft-pc-sales-up-to-8-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/minecraft-pc-sales-up-to-8-million/#comments Minecraft PC sales up to 8 millionMinecraft continues to unearth new players, with its PC version now up to over 8 million sales. Mojang owner Markus 'Notch' Persson revealed the milestone on Twitter, which comes almost three months to the day his game broke the 7 million barrier.

With sales of the XBLA version now over 4 million, our maths bods tell us Minecraft can now boast over 12 million sales on PC and Xbox, at least. That's excluding the Pocket editions, which collectively are into seven figures too.

If you haven't yet got that lots of people play Minecraft, you should know it recently toppled Modern Warfare 3 as the most played game on Xbox Live. Of course, a certain other Call of Duty may have something to say about that in the very near future.

JoystiqMinecraft PC sales up to 8 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MinecraftmojangnotchpcsalesMon, 12 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest 0x10c test footage adds a second player into the mix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/latest-0x10c-test-footage-adds-a-second-player-into-the-mix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/latest-0x10c-test-footage-adds-a-second-player-into-the-mix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/latest-0x10c-test-footage-adds-a-second-player-into-the-mix/#comments
Markus "Notch" Persson continues his video series documenting development on his new space sim, 0x10c. Today's video update focuses on multiplayer, showing off "base functionality" in an environment populated by two players.

They shoot each other with laser guns to no avail in the video above but, hey, it is only test footage of an extremely early build. It's kinda Notch's new thing - this latest test video follows last week's update, which focused on player bobbing, lighting and gun implementation.

JoystiqLatest 0x10c test footage adds a second player into the mix originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-Perssonmojangnotchpctest-footageMon, 22 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch releases test footage of 0x10c]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/notch-releases-test-footage-of-0x10c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/notch-releases-test-footage-of-0x10c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/notch-releases-test-footage-of-0x10c/#comments
Markus "Notch" Persson has been pretty forthcoming with the development progress on his follow-up to Minecraft, the space-based adventure 0x10c. We've seen some screens and a fan-made trailer, but today we have some early prototype footage.

Yes, the above video of 0x10c is meant more as a test than your usual gameplay trailer - Notch is testing physics, bobbing and guns in this early build. Still, it's great to see he's making progress despite recent hiccups.

JoystiqNotch releases test footage of 0x10c originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchpcThu, 04 Oct 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch refuses to 'certify' Minecraft for closed Windows 8 platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/notch-refuses-to-certify-minecraft-for-closed-windows-8-platfo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/notch-refuses-to-certify-minecraft-for-closed-windows-8-platfo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/notch-refuses-to-certify-minecraft-for-closed-windows-8-platfo/#comments Notch I'd rather scrap Minecraft for Windows 8 than help with certificationMarkus 'Notch' Persson slammed Microsoft this morning for asking him to "help 'certify' Minecraft" for Windows 8. The Minecraft creator berated the company for, in his words, ruining the PC as an open platform. In his next tweet, Notch stated he'd prefer to not have Minecraft run on Windows 8 than to "play along," hoping such action might sway people away from the new OS.

While Notch being outspoken on his Twitter feed is nothing new, his outburst contrasts with the love he showered on Microsoft when Minecraft launched on Xbox Live Arcade. However, Notch made his views on Windows 8 known last month in a Reddit Q&A:
"I hope we can keep a lot of open and free platforms around. If Microsoft decides to lock down Windows 8, it would be very very bad for Indie games and competition in general.

"If we can keep open platforms around, there's going to be a lot of very interesting games in ten years, mixed in with the huge AAA games that we all love."
Windows 8 launches next month with a burly enough line-up, but now doubt hangs over whether or not Mojang's game will be compatible with the platform anytime soon.

JoystiqNotch refuses to 'certify' Minecraft for closed Windows 8 platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>certificationmicrosoftMinecraftnotchpcwindows-8Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch still working on 0x10c, despite a few stops and starts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-still-working-on-0x10c-despite-a-few-stops-and-starts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-still-working-on-0x10c-despite-a-few-stops-and-starts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-still-working-on-0x10c-despite-a-few-stops-and-starts/#comments Notch still working on 0x10c, despite a few stops and startsSpeaking to Joystiq at PAX last weekend, Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson told us that while most of his days lately are taken up with "just discussing how to do stuff" ("and then Reddit," he added slyly), work continues on the 0x10c space game he announced a while ago. Oh, and in case you're still wondering how the title is pronounced, Notch calls it "ten-to-the-C."

"I have the game world fleshed out, all the soft stuff, like the setting," he says. "And I have the emulator for the CPU, which is probably the most complex part of it, all written. I had a prototype for walking around and trying out all of the graphics styles, but that wasn't really fun. So I kind of took a break to recharge my batteries and deal with some personal stuff, and then I'll probably start over again when I get back to Sweden." Starting over again means he'll just rework the graphical engine on the game, and "rethink how the rendering is done, how the physics is done for the character."

The team working on 0x10c did have a building interface in mind for players to design their own spaceships, and Notch said it was heavily based on the popular 3D Construction Kit. But the interface wasn't fun, he told us. "We had something kind of inspired by [the Kit], with cubes you could remove corners from to make angles, but it turned really annoying when you tried to build anything."

And Notch also confirmed that the game, whenever it is ready, will be released to the public in the way Minecraft was, in various states as it's being built. Notch says he got the idea to release games that way from the old roguelike genre, of all places. "The first version they release is just you can walk around in the dungeon and that's it, that's the extent of what you can do. That's where I got it from." That release schedule, he said, works well for games that fall back on sandbox or user-generated content. "If you're making like The Walking Dead or something, because it's story driven," he said, then obviously a half-finished version won't work. "You're just going to ruin it for people in the other versions."

JoystiqNotch still working on 0x10c, despite a few stops and starts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10ccodinginterviewnotchpax-2012pax-prime-2012pcphysicssci-fishipsspaceThu, 06 Sep 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch responds to Guncraft: 'I'm a huge fan of clones']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-responds-to-guncraft-im-a-huge-fan-of-clones/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-responds-to-guncraft-im-a-huge-fan-of-clones/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-responds-to-guncraft-im-a-huge-fan-of-clones/#comments Notch responds to Guncraft 'I'm a huge fan of clones'Before PAX started up in Seattle last week, even before the booths were assembled in the convention center, we heard about Exato Games' plan to attract Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson's attention to its own Guncraft. "Notch, come have a beer with us," John Getty said through Joystiq last week. So how did that go?

At least on Saturday morning, when Joystiq sat down to chat with Notch, that beer hadn't yet been shared. "I saw some video going on, and it looked like Minecraft with guns," Notch told us, "which seems like a fairly interesting game if you don't make it fantasy." But he hadn't stopped by the booth, and it didn't sound much like he planned on doing so.

Notch that there was no drama between the two developers, however. "I'm a huge fan of clones," he said. "I think clones is how games evolve, I'm a huge proponent of patterns." At the same time, however, Notch says he's "been through hell and back" enough to know how trademarks work, and he's a fan of protecting those as well. "I think trademarks are great, because you can go this is our product, this is your product and it can all be seen by consumers."

That's Notch's real response to Guncraft's attempts to get his attention. "A lot of people will come up and say, 'Oh, so Guncraft is actually your new thing?' They're kind of maybe sort of kind of maybe implying that we're connected somehow, and we're not," Notch said to us. "It's just a clone. If they want to make a clone, that's awesome, as long as it's clear we're not related in any way."

JoystiqNotch responds to Guncraft: 'I'm a huge fan of clones' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guncraftinterviewmarkus-perssonminecraftnotchpax-2012pax-prime-2012pcThu, 06 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch wants 0x10c, Minecraft to support Oculus Rift]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/notch-wants-0x10c-minecraft-to-support-oculus-rift/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/notch-wants-0x10c-minecraft-to-support-oculus-rift/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/notch-wants-0x10c-minecraft-to-support-oculus-rift/#comments Notch wants 0x10c, Minecraft to support Oculus RiftFurthering the notion that developers just love the Oculus Rift, Minecraft maestro Markus "Notch" Persson has revealed his excitement for the device. Taking to Twitter, Notch stated he is "very excited" for the device and "can't wait to start playing with it."

Furthermore, he's already promised that his upcoming project, 0x10c, will support the device so long as it works with Java. Finally, he's interested in seeing Minecraft feature Rift support, though the decision will come down to Minecraft's current lead designer, Jens Bergensten.

For our part, we're hoping Minecraft never supports the device. Creepers are scary enough when they're not coming right at you.

JoystiqNotch wants 0x10c, Minecraft to support Oculus Rift originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cminecraftmojangnotchoculusoculus-riftpcMon, 06 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch: Minecraft occupies a genderless world, even for that guy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/notch-minecraft-occupies-a-genderless-world-even-for-that-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/notch-minecraft-occupies-a-genderless-world-even-for-that-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/notch-minecraft-occupies-a-genderless-world-even-for-that-guy/#commentsNotch Minecraft occupies a genderless world, even for you, SteveMinecraft mastermind Markus Persson, better known by the sexually ambiguous alias "Notch," has cleared up the matter of gender in Minecraft's boxy world with a blog post. Simply put, there is no gender in the game, even for Steve, the default character. "He" got "his" title when Notch jokingly answered a question regarding the main avatar's name with "Steve?"

"The human model is intended to represent a Human Being. Not a male Human Being or a female Human Being, but simply a Human Being," Notch writes.

"The blocky shape gives it a bit of a traditional masculine look, but adding a separate female mesh would just make it worse by having one specific model for female Human Beings and male ones. That would force players to make a decisions about gender in a game where gender doesn't even exist."

Notch touched on this subject at GDC, during his fireside chat with SpyParty's Chris Hecker. Making a female character model wouldn't only be strange-looking, as Notch said then, but it would be completely unnecessary in a genderless world. Even the animals are neutral (rather than neutered).

"Cows have horns and udders (even if I've later learned that there are some cows where the females do have horns), and the chicken/duck/whatevers have heads that look like roosters, but still lay eggs," Notch writes. "For breeding, any animal can breed with any other animal of the same species."

Notch notes that this particular post serves only to provide official clarification on gender questions in Minecraft. Oh, also: "As a fun side fact, it means every character and animal in Minecraft is homosexual because there's only one gender to choose from. Take THAT, homophobes!"

JoystiqNotch: Minecraft occupies a genderless world, even for that guy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gendergenderlessmacMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilenotchpcstevexboxSun, 29 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang cans collaboration with unannounced studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/mojang-cans-collaboration-with-unannounced-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/mojang-cans-collaboration-with-unannounced-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/mojang-cans-collaboration-with-unannounced-studio/#comments File this one under "didn't even have a chance to get excited." Mojang recently cancelled work on an unannounced collaborative project in development with an unknown outside entity, according to statements made by Notch to PC Gamer.

"We're trying to figure out what we want to do long term with the position we have now," Notch said in regards to Minecraft's absence from Steam and Mojang's continued autonomy. "We only recently decided to stay as independent as possible and cancelled an unannounced project that we were doing in collaboration with someone else. It's going to be an interesting future."

What this unannounced project actually was, or who Mojang was working with to create it, remains to be seen. Maybe it was, like, some kind of witch simulator? Or like, an underwater welding game with gravity control elements and realistic fluid dynamics? Someone should get on those.

JoystiqMojang cans collaboration with unannounced studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MinecraftmojangnotchThu, 26 Jul 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/#comments Minecraft's ability to churn through the bank accounts of all the cosmos continues unabated, having sold six million copies on PC to date, according to a tweet from Mojang mogul Markus Persson. Factoring in XBLA, Android and iOS sales, the figure is "around nine million," according to Persson, a number that Mojang's Daniel Kaplan puts a tiny bit more specifically as "maybe 9.2" million.

If you've been affected by Minecraft's unwavering grasp on the gaming universe, make sure to listed to the Mailbag portion of this week's Super Joystiq Podcast, wherein Joystiq's feature content director Xav de Matos, managing editor JC Fletcher and editor in chief Ludwig Kietzmann discuss various methods for breaking Minecraft addictions.

JoystiqMinecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemacMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangnotchpcsales-figuresxboxFri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft XBLA sold 1 million copies in five days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/minecraft-xbla-sold-1-million-copies-in-five-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/minecraft-xbla-sold-1-million-copies-in-five-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/minecraft-xbla-sold-1-million-copies-in-five-days/#comments ImageYep, that's a 1 followed by six 0s and two - count 'em, two - commas. Minecraft on Xbox 360 has sold 1 million copies since its launch on May 9, Microsoft announced today. Minecraft runs $20 a pop on XBLA, making its initial revenue bump against $20 million, supposedly split between Mojang, port developer 4J Studios and Microsoft.

Players have so far spent more than 5.2 million hours mining on XBLA, played 4 million multiplayer sessions and clocked more than 2.4 million multiplayer hours, Microsoft reported. Original Minecraft developer Markus "Notch" Persson reacted to the news in what we think is an appropriate manner: "Wow."

JoystiqMinecraft XBLA sold 1 million copies in five days originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-million4j-studiosmicrosoftMinecraftmojangnotchsalesXBLAxboxMon, 14 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft XBLA was profitable within an hour, broke digital sale records]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/minecraft-xbla-was-profitable-within-an-hour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/minecraft-xbla-was-profitable-within-an-hour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/minecraft-xbla-was-profitable-within-an-hour/#comments ImageMinecraft is digging its own grave with its latest release on XBLA -- and by "grave" we mean "lavish, gold-plated throne room with indoor pool and grape-feeding robots." Minecraft was profitable within an hour of its launch on XBLA, developer Markus "Notch" Persson tweeted today. That's on top of Notch's multi-million-dollar PC version.

Based on leaderboard participation numbers, Minecraft sold more than 400,000 copies in 24 hours, Notch said. Minecraft broke digital sales records for the console, selling more than any other XBLA title in its first day, according to Microsoft.

Earlier today, Notch tweeted that he had sales numbers for Minecraft (turns out they were the above leaderboard figures), which sparked a conversation about the inner workings of XBLA developer contracts with Fez's Polytron. Polytron still doesn't know Fez's exact numbers, even though it came out a month ago.

"Standard procedure" according to Polytron is "you find out how much you sold when you get your first check three-four months later." Notch thought getting immediate numbers was standard, but he avoided contract negotiation and doesn't know what it says on the subject, he replied.

Minecraft also gets free updates, "which is something every other developer on the platform is told is simply not an option," Polytron wrote. Notch replied: "We had to fight for that, and we got a limited number of them. Not sure why they don't like it."

We may have discovered Notch's hidden talent and secret to his success: fighting for something in a contract while avoiding contract negotiation, and winning.

Continue reading Minecraft XBLA was profitable within an hour, broke digital sale records

JoystiqMinecraft XBLA was profitable within an hour, broke digital sale records originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contractfezmicrosoftMinecraftmojangnotchpolytronsalesXBLAxboxThu, 10 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise: XBLA Minecraft's split-screen multiplayer requires HDTV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/surprise-xbla-minecrafts-split-screen-multiplayer-requires-hdt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/surprise-xbla-minecrafts-split-screen-multiplayer-requires-hdt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/surprise-xbla-minecrafts-split-screen-multiplayer-requires-hdt/#comments ImageSplit-screen multiplayer in the Xbox 360 version of Minecraft requires an HDTV connection, but the game's description on the Xbox Live Marketplace website fails to note this necessity. Minecraft's description on XBLA does list "HDTV 720p" under the "Local Capabilities" details, but that generally is taken to mean the title will support up to HD 720p, and not as a requirement. In-game, a screen prompts players to "play the game in High Definition mode" for split-screen multiplayer.

Notch wasn't aware that local multiplayer wouldn't work with standard-definition TVs, he tweeted and apologized to a fan today.

Port developer 4J Studios has justified the HD requirement on Twitter: "The inventory and crafting just didn't work in splitscreen Standard Definition - it was too small to make out."

Some fans want a refund from Microsoft, saying they wouldn't have bought Minecraft if the HD requirement was clearer, but Microsoft is holding out on a few of them, Kotaku reports.

JoystiqSurprise: XBLA Minecraft's split-screen multiplayer requires HDTV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdhd-720hdtvlocal-multiplayermicrosoftMinecraftmojangmultiplayernotchsplit-screenXBLAxboxThu, 10 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: Minecraft (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/#commentsWe're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
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Minecraft on Xbox Live Arcade is surreal. It's like eating jelly on eggs while watching a baby play in a lion cage: It doesn't belong where it is, but now that it's there you can't look away and, for some reason, there's a surprisingly delicious taste in your mouth.

Minecraft's shock value as an XBLA breakout isn't a result of it not making sense on the platform - in fact, it plays almost like a native title. It's surprising because Minecraft was never supposed to be big enough for a high-profile XBLA port. It's a voxel-based PC-only sandbox game with choppy graphics and no defined goal, which some argue makes it the opposite of a "game." Minecraft was never supposed to be a hit. It wasn't supposed to sell more than 5 million copies, generate $80 million or be played by more than 25 million people. It wasn't supposed to turn Markus Persson's developer persona, Notch, into a millionaire, a fashion icon, or a common name among Swedes and gamers alike,

But Minecraft has done all of these things, and now it's made its way XBLA. And just as it has everywhere else, Minecraft surprisingly succeeds.

Continue reading Deja Review: Minecraft (XBLA)

JoystiqDeja Review: Minecraft (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deja-reviewMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmojangnotchXBLAxboxXbox-360Xbox-Live-ArcadeThu, 10 May 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[We wish the guy narrating this unofficial 0x10c trailer narrated everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/we-wish-the-guy-narrating-this-unofficial-0x10c-trailer-narrated/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/we-wish-the-guy-narrating-this-unofficial-0x10c-trailer-narrated/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/we-wish-the-guy-narrating-this-unofficial-0x10c-trailer-narrated/#comments
If we had a set of pipes like the guy narrating this fan-made 0x10c trailer does, we'd sit around narrating our own game trailers, too - that, and making voicemail greetings for all of our friends.

Continue reading We wish the guy narrating this unofficial 0x10c trailer narrated everything

JoystiqWe wish the guy narrating this unofficial 0x10c trailer narrated everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cmojangnotchpcThu, 19 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch explores 0x10c with more early screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/notch-explores-0x10c-with-more-early-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/notch-explores-0x10c-with-more-early-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/notch-explores-0x10c-with-more-early-screens/#comments Notch has been a busy fellow, and understandably so: he recently announced his next project, 0x10c. After unveiling the first preliminary screen for his work-in-progress, he uploaded several others to the game's official site. The link to the screens section isn't visible on the front page, so you'll want to drop this link into your address bar and change the .png file number accordingly. There are currently a total of seven (007) screens.

Above you can see a stoic miner staring out a window as his ship passes by what appears to be a large asteroid. Not every screenshot is as thrilling as the one above, but you're free to do some mining of your own in our gallery below.

Gallery: 0x10c (first screens)

JoystiqNotch explores 0x10c with more early screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchpcThu, 12 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First 0x10c screenshot shines light on less cubic, more triangular human characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/first-0x10c-screenshot-shines-light-on-less-cubic-more-triangul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/first-0x10c-screenshot-shines-light-on-less-cubic-more-triangul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/first-0x10c-screenshot-shines-light-on-less-cubic-more-triangul/#comments ImageNot that these fine lads in adventure gear aren't boxy, but they're a sight less cube-like than Notch's previous work in Minecraft. 0x10c is an alternate-reality title, examining the historical timeline that would have been had the space race never ended and our astrological exploration expanded exponentially, until a group of humans awake from cryogenic sleep in the year 281,474,976,712,644 AD to find civilization has disappeared.

The screenshot shows off "flashlights, for spelunking and fixing broken ships!" Notch tweeted. Something about that description sounds familiar, but we can't put our finger on it. Minecraft had spaceships, right?

JoystiqFirst 0x10c screenshot shines light on less cubic, more triangular human characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchpcTue, 10 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch's new game is '0x10c']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/notchs-new-game-is-0x10c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/notchs-new-game-is-0x10c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/notchs-new-game-is-0x10c/#comments ImageWe're not even going to pretend we know how to say the name of Markus "Notch" Persson's next game: 0x10c. According to what info he's placed on the new game's website, it's "a space game" that will launch in a manner similar to MineCraft -- releasing in an early state so players can help shape the final end product.

The story revolves around a fictional parallel universe where the space race never ended, and corporations and wealthy individuals ventured out into the unknown. After an error occurred in the computers governing human sleep cycles while ships ventured out into uncharted space, humans woke up in the year 281,474,976,712,644 AD, finding little-to-no civilization remained.

Each ship runs on a fixed wattage CPU, so any action will drain the ship's systems. Balancing wattage will be a core component of the game. "The computer in the game is a fully functioning emulated 16 bit CPU that can be used to control your entire ship, or just to play games on while waiting for a large mining operation to finish." 0x10c promises space battles, salvaging supplies from derelict ships, an advanced economy system and ... duct tape.

Finally, the site says the game will likely charge a monthly fee for joining the Multiverse, since Notch and crew will "emulate all computers and physics even when players aren't logged in."

JoystiqNotch's new game is '0x10c' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonmojangMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcTue, 03 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch's new space game is called ... Mars Effect?! [April Fools!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/notchs-new-space-game-is-called-mars-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/notchs-new-space-game-is-called-mars-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/notchs-new-space-game-is-called-mars-effect/#comments It looks like the Elite-inspired space trading game Mojang's Notch has been working on finally has a name: Mars Effect. The game's official site just went live with a smattering of gameplay details, as well as insight into the philosophy behind Mars Effect's name.

"After several weeks of trying to come up with a good name for the game, we finally decided not to learn from previous experiences and pick a name that's already kind of in use by a huge existing franchise," says Notch. "After playing around with names like 'Elight,' 'Wind Commander,' and 'Steve Online,' we finally settled on the very catchy name 'Mars Effect'."

The game's bulleted list of features includes things like "waist high walls" and "a game ending that makes sense," among other things. Notch also outlines the game's "fixed wattage" system: All ships produce a finite amount of energy, and your ship's features require specific amounts of power. Activating a cloaking device, for example, requires so much power that other ancillary systems like computers and lights must be shut down in order to free up wattage. Each ship is also equipped with a fully emulated 16-bit computer, which "can be used to control your entire ship, or just to play games on while waiting for a large mining operation to finish."

Update: Rather than play along with these gags as they happen, we've decided instead to tag each April Fools' Day prank as such in the headline, in order to avoid as many dashed hopes as possible. While we never believed for a second that Notch would actually call his next game Mars Effect, we wouldn't be surprised if some of these gameplay mechanics ended up in his actual space game.

[Thanks, Jason!]

JoystiqNotch's new space game is called ... Mars Effect?! [April Fools!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-fools-12april-fools-2012april-fools-daymars-effectmojangnotchSat, 31 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch making Elite-inspired space-based trading sim/sandbox title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/25/notch-making-elite-inspired-space-based-trading-sim-sandbox-titl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/25/notch-making-elite-inspired-space-based-trading-sim-sandbox-titl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/25/notch-making-elite-inspired-space-based-trading-sim-sandbox-titl/#comments It looks like Notch has decided which of his three ongoing projects to focus on over the summer: The designer is currently working on a "sandbox space trading sim" similar to the 1984 classic Elite, with one key difference. Rather than exclusively piloting a spaceship around space, the player will also be able to explore different areas of their ship.

"I want the space game that's more like Firefly," Notch told PCGamer. "I want to run around on my ship and have to put out a fire. Like, oh crap, the cooling system failed, I have to put out the fire here." The game is being developed with a Minecraft mentality, in that it'll most likely be playable before its finished, which is good considering that we want to get our greasy little hands on it as soon as humanly possible.

JoystiqNotch making Elite-inspired space-based trading sim/sandbox title originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eliteminecraftmojangnotchpcspace-gamespacecraftSun, 25 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch hopes to be working on one of three games by summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/notch-hopes-to-be-working-on-one-of-three-games-by-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/notch-hopes-to-be-working-on-one-of-three-games-by-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/notch-hopes-to-be-working-on-one-of-three-games-by-summer/#comments
Recusing himself from regular Minecraft duties has apparently freed up quite a bit of time in Markus Persson's schedule, so much so that he's currently in the process of deciding which of his three ongoing development projects will be come his next game.

"I'm kinda halfway through one, started somewhat the engine on one and prototyping a third, so I hope to pick a project by this summer," Persson told VG247 after accepting the BAFTA Special Award at last night's proceedings. He also commented on the future of Minecraft, saying that he is "not really a huge fan of making sequels" and will instead continue reiterating and adding to the existing title.

We're gonna go out on a limb and guess that since none of these three projects are a Minecraft sequel, at least one of them has to be a Cooking Mama-esque haberdashery and hat repair simulator.
[image credit: Mojang]

JoystiqNotch hopes to be working on one of three games by summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BAFTABAFTA-2012Markus-PerssonmojangnotchSat, 17 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang can't use 'Scrolls' in any sequels to 'Scrolls,' lawsuit dictates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/#comments Notch seems to be happy with the outcome of Mojang's legal tussle with Bethesda, which allows Mojang to use Scrolls as the title of a coming game that looks and plays nothing like anything in the Elder Scrolls series. Bethesda retains the trademark for "Scrolls," but Mojang can use it for its title, a result that had Notch beaming -- but as with all legal battles, it's not that simple.

After the celebratory "Yaaaay! <3" Notch tweeted, "The actual document I signed was like a billion pages, so at least we know a bunch of lawyers got rich. Good, wouldn't want them to starve." Within those billion-odd pages comes an interesting deal that prohibits Mojang from using "Scrolls" in the title of any sequels to Scrolls:

"ZeniMax has licensed the 'Scrolls' mark to Mojang to be used solely in conjunction with its existing Scrolls digital card game and any add-on material it makes to that game," a Bethesda statement reads. "The terms of the settlement bar Mojang from using the Scrolls mark for any sequel to the current card game, or any other video game."

Either Notch doesn't plan on making more than one iteration of Scrolls, or the subsequent titles will be called "Reams," "Parchments" or "Ancient Paper that One Rolls Up and can Unravel to Read From, Such as a Decree."

JoystiqMojang can't use 'Scrolls' in any sequels to 'Scrolls,' lawsuit dictates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworkslawsuitlegalMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchpcscrollssequelTrademarkzenimax-mediaMon, 12 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda and Mojang settle, Scrolls will keep its name]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/bethesda-and-mojang-settle-scrolls-will-keep-its-name/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/bethesda-and-mojang-settle-scrolls-will-keep-its-name/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/bethesda-and-mojang-settle-scrolls-will-keep-its-name/#comments Everything's coming up Notch. The Swedish indie game rockstar has so much money he's giving it away, presented several GDC panels to adoring throngs, and has even sparked a fashion trend (Notch hats were the accessory at GDC). And now he's settled with Bethesda over the use of the name "Scrolls".

Notch tweeted today that the two companies had settled, adding "Yaaaay! <3" Mojang had been locked in a court case with Bethesda, who claimed that the title of the upcoming game was too close to the "Elder Scrolls" series name. Notch later tweeted details of the agreement: "The settlement is that we give them the trademark," he said, "get to keep the name, and won't make an Elder Scrolls competitor using the name." Not that it was likely to in the first place.

JoystiqBethesda and Mojang settle, Scrolls will keep its name originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworkslawsuitmojangnotchpcscrollsSat, 10 Mar 2012 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@GDC: The craft of mining]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/overheard-gdc-the-craft-of-mining/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/overheard-gdc-the-craft-of-mining/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/overheard-gdc-the-craft-of-mining/#comments Minecraft creator and recent millionaire Notch held a fireside chat with Spyparty's Chris Hecker, seated alongside a pixelated fire roaring across a plasma screen in one of the large halls at GDC. Hecker and Notch kicked off the chat with two bottles of Sierra Nevada and a cheers, and for one hour, a roomful of fans and developers listened to the pair of them talk about the intricacies of Minecraft's development in some of the most riveting, "you had to be there" moments.

But one thing Notch said applies to everyone, even those who weren't cool enough to be in the room:

"There is one thing that hasn't been found," he declared, referring to the Easter Eggs and cool tricks buried in Minecraft gameplay. Grab a beer (or legally applicable beverage) and get diggin', folks.

JoystiqOverheard@GDC: The craft of mining originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheerschris-heckerfirefireside-chatgdc-2012microsoftMinecraftnotchoverheardpcsierra-nevadaspypartyxboxFri, 09 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five legendary indie developers walk into a room...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/five-legendary-indie-developers-walk-into-a-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/five-legendary-indie-developers-walk-into-a-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/five-legendary-indie-developers-walk-into-a-room/#comments Over the past few years, the definition of "indie" has expanded exponentially. It now includes the five men invited to speak to an audience of developers in a cavernous room at GDC's North hall: Jordan Mechner (Prince of Persia), Tim Sweeney (Epic Games), John Romero (Doom), Adam Saltsman (Canabalt) and Markus "Notch" Persson (Minecraft).

"Indie" now includes "rockstar."

These five spoke at "Back to the Garage: The Return of Indie Development (From Those Who Were There and Some Who've Just Arrived)," and without specifically addressing the concrete idea behind what makes indie "indie," they helped define the term in its modern trappings. "Indie" involves listening to feedback from outside sources. "Indies" create AAA titles. "Indie" means talking to press, managing staff and marketing a game while respecting other people's time. "Indie" is about making money.

Being indie doesn't sound so different than standard publisher-style game creation, mostly because it's not -- indie is now a sub-genre of game development, rather than a separate enterprise. It's in the tone with which these developers speak about the business, their independent passion and the amount of risk they're willing to take that offers a clear distinction from the sterile PR BS often found in the campaigns from large publishers.

Continue reading Five legendary indie developers walk into a room...

JoystiqFive legendary indie developers walk into a room... originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-saltsmangdcgdc-2012IndieJason-Mechnerjohn-romeromacmicrosoftmobilenotchpcplaystationps3tim-sweeneyxboxFri, 09 Mar 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch gives $3 million Mojang dividend to employees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/notch-gives-3-million-mojang-dividend-to-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/notch-gives-3-million-mojang-dividend-to-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/notch-gives-3-million-mojang-dividend-to-employees/#comments If you're looking for an employee from Minecraft developer Mojang, you might want to look out your window, because they are currently over the moon. Mojang head Markus "Notch" Persson tweeted yesterday that he will distribute his 2011 Mojang dividends to his employees. The rub: said dividends totalled "about three million dollars" before tax. That is, to put it mildly, one hell of a bonus.

Mojang staff members have made their feelings known on Twitter, with Lydia Winters, Mojang's director of fun (no, really) revealing she was "incredibly stunned." Business developer Daniel Kaplan, meanwhile, admits to crying "tears in shock and happiness." Mojang "boss" Carl Manneh noted that Mojang is "the best company in the world." We'd be inclined to agree, but Notch has yet to acknowledge our application to become Mojang's Head of Monitor Dusting.

JoystiqNotch gives $3 million Mojang dividend to employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosiphonemacmicrosoftmobilemojangnotchpcxboxFri, 02 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch reels in Psychonauts 2 talk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/notch-reels-in-psychonauts-2-talk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/notch-reels-in-psychonauts-2-talk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/notch-reels-in-psychonauts-2-talk/#comments Ever since Double Fine snagged publishing rights for Psychonauts back in 2011, we've all hoped the studio would work on a sequel. Actually, no past tense about it -- we still hope Double Fine cranks out a sequel. And when Markus Persson (Notch) of Minecraft fame expressed interest in funding a sequel, we thought it was a dream come true.

Then Double Fine went ahead and set records on Kickstarter as the developer sought funding for a new adventure game. Suddenly, Psychonauts 2 was on the backburner. But Notch hasn't forgotten about it, much as we haven't, and published a missive today with some more information. Spoiler alert: it's a much more difficult undertaking than we initially thought.

"The budget for doing a Psychonauts 2 is three times higher than my initial impression," Notch wrote on his blog. "I have NO idea if this is actually going to happen." He went on to say that he is still interested in doing it (and still believes it would be a profitable venture), but posits that Double Fine could simply go through Kickstarter again to fund the sequel, considering how crazy successful the company's first campaign currently is. Today it was revealed the Double Fine adventure game would launch on PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android devices.

"All I know is that IF the numbers work out and IF they still want to do it and IF they don't decide to self fund a sequel by doing more crowd funding (which is honestly what I would've done if I were them), I would be most interested in doing this type of investment." We hope it all works out, but be patient, fellow interested parties: if it happens, it's not going to be for a good long while.

JoystiqNotch reels in Psychonauts 2 talk originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-fineMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchPsychonautspsychonauts-2Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Schafer needs a millionaire to fund Psychonauts 2, Notch raises hand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/schafer-needs-a-millionaire-to-fund-psychonauts-2-notch-raises/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/schafer-needs-a-millionaire-to-fund-psychonauts-2-notch-raises/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/schafer-needs-a-millionaire-to-fund-psychonauts-2-notch-raises/#comments Double Fine's Tim Schafer would love to make Psychonauts 2, he told Digital Spy -- he's pitched it to publishers a few times, but no one has ponied up for the project, and Schafer still needs a few million dollars to back it up. Enter: Notch.

After learning of Schafer's problem, Markus "Notch" Persson, creator of Minecraft and resident indie millionaire, tweeted at Schafer, "Let's make Psychonauts 2 happen," followed by ";D Also, I'm serious." This afternoon, the official word from Double Fine is, "Tim and Markus are talking. Who knows what might happen?"

Notch has followed up candidly, tweeting that he and Schafer are talking via email, hinting that they may talk more at GDC, and finishing with a warning: "Anyway, please don't get your hopes too high yet. Everything is extremely vague!"

There it is, ladies and gentlemen. The potential multi-million-dollar business deal to create Psychonauts 2, started on Twitter and including a winky, open-mouthed-smiling emoticon. Ah, technology.

JoystiqSchafer needs a millionaire to fund Psychonauts 2, Notch raises hand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-fineMarkus-Perssonmicrosoftmillionaireminecraftnotchpcplaystationps3Psychonautspsychonauts-2Tim-SchafertwitterxboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch asks community for permission to track player data in Minecraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/notch-asks-community-for-permission-to-track-player-data-in-mine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/notch-asks-community-for-permission-to-track-player-data-in-mine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/notch-asks-community-for-permission-to-track-player-data-in-mine/#comments Mojang's Notch is a smart guy, not only in game design terms but also when it comes to managing his company's 20 million or so Minecraft players. The designer has posted a poll on his personal blog to discover whether his cuboid constituents would feel comfortable with the company collecting various types of anonymous data from its players.

Currently, Mojang only tracks when a player logs into the game. Notch's proposal is to also track "non-private data" like gameplay-session length, your PC's OS type, whether you're playing in single or multiplayer mode and whether you're playing via the client or the web applet. The collected information would then be shared with the community, "as usual."

"Naturally, the data sent will be fully anonymous," said Notch. "So it wouldn't contain any session information or your user name, and it wouldn't send any sensitive information that you might not want to share." To be perfectly honest, we're fairly surprised this kind of data wasn't already being collected. If you're part of the Minecraft nation, you can let your voice be heard by voting for or against anonymous data collection here.

JoystiqNotch asks community for permission to track player data in Minecraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitydatamacMinecraftmojangnotchpcplayer-dataplayer-trackingpolltrackingWed, 25 Jan 2012 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ludum Dare hosting anti-SOPA game jam, Notch is in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ludum-dare-hosting-anti-sopa-game-jam-notch-is-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ludum-dare-hosting-anti-sopa-game-jam-notch-is-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ludum-dare-hosting-anti-sopa-game-jam-notch-is-in/#comments Wikipedia and a few other sites around the Internet will be going under a blackout on Wednesday to protest SOPA, PIPA, and any other legislation that threatens to shut down parts of the Internet for the interests of a few in power. But shutting down for the day is a less creative way to go about it, so Ludum Dare has a better idea: Why not make some indie games instead?

The famous indie game competition is hosting a virtual game jam throughout the day, asking indie game developers (or anyone off from usual work) to make games inspired by the fight against SOPA. There are already a few submitted, and you can make and add your own, or see what other developers have done throughout the day. It's just a freeform jam, so there aren't any real prizes to be had, except that we all get some fun (or crazy, or hastily designed) indie games to play afterwards.

The #sopajam hashtag is being used to follow the conversation on Twitter, and at least one major indie developer has taken up the cause himself. Last time Notch jammed on a game it turned into a real Mojang release, so who knows what we'll get this time?

JoystiqLudum Dare hosting anti-SOPA game jam, Notch is in originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackoutgame-jamludum-darenotchpcpipasopasopa-blackoutsopajamTue, 17 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft hits 20 million registered users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/minecraft-hits-20-million-registered-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/minecraft-hits-20-million-registered-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/minecraft-hits-20-million-registered-users/#comments Mojang mastermind Notch has tweeted that Minecraft has reached the 20 million user milestone, and that if each user weighed 154 pounds, that Minecraft's total player base would equal 25 percent of the weight of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It's an interesting statistic, if somewhat of a stretch, only because it got us thinking about other ways to arbitrarily compartmentalize that sort of information.

For example: Assuming that every Minecraft player contains the human average of 1.3 gallons of blood, Minecraft's player base equates to 39.9 regulation olympic-sized swimming pools full of vital fluids. Math is neat, isn't it?

JoystiqMinecraft hits 20 million registered users originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-millionandroidiosipadiphonemacmilestoneMinecraftmobilemojangnotchpcSat, 14 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang working on three new games, two of which will be announced before Q3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mojang-working-on-three-new-games-two-of-which-will-be-announce/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mojang-working-on-three-new-games-two-of-which-will-be-announce/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mojang-working-on-three-new-games-two-of-which-will-be-announce/#comments Mojang seems to know that, like sharks, developers must continue to move forward at all times, lest they succumb to an early grave. The company's cuboid-smashing smash-hit Minecraft might be enough to allow Notch and crew a break, but rather than rest on their laurels the team at Mojang continues to plow ahead by working concurrently on three unannounced titles.

One title is, of course, being spearheaded by Notch himself. As Minecraft's shimmering golden crown has been passed to Jens Bergensten, Notch is now free to focus on his new project that, according to Mojang CEO Carl Manneh, is still a complete mystery: "What it is today, I don't think he knows himself," Manneh told Edge. "We certainly don't. It's probably going to be a lot of testing and playing around to see what works."

As for the developer's two other projects, Manneh says that Mojang is currently under non-disclosure agreements with other companies that prevent the developer from being as transparent as it would normally prefer. However, both games will be announced (and potentially even released) during the first half of 2012. Our gut instincts tell us that at least one of these new titles will be a Kinect-enabled rhythm/shmup thrift-store clerk simulator.

JoystiqMojang working on three new games, two of which will be announced before Q3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcarl-mannehiosiphoneJens-Bergenstenmacmicrosoftminecraftmobilemojangnew-gamenotchpcxboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minicraft gets even smaller, ported to Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/minicraft-gets-even-smaller-ported-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/minicraft-gets-even-smaller-ported-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/minicraft-gets-even-smaller-ported-to-android/#comments Minicraft Minicraft, the game created by Minecraft man Markus "Notch" Persson in 48 hours last year, has been ported to Android devices. It's not an official port of the game, but has instead been (ahem) crafted by Folstad Consulting. The developer implemented touchscreen controls with optional keyboard controls for compatible devices.

If you missed Minicraft the first time around, it's essentially a miniaturized, 2D version of Minecraft. Though it lacks many features found in the bigger Minecraft, it does let you slay enemies, harvest resources and craft items. If you need some crafting on the go, you can download Minicraft for free from the Android Market.

JoystiqMinicraft gets even smaller, ported to Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfolstad-consultingminitalemobilenotchFri, 06 Jan 2012 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sequel to Notch's 48-hour game gets a new name: MiniTale [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/notchs-48-hour-game-gets-a-new-name-minitale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/notchs-48-hour-game-gets-a-new-name-minitale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/notchs-48-hour-game-gets-a-new-name-minitale/#comments Way back in December last year, Minecraft developer Notch participated in a 48-hour game-programming competition, and he live-streamed the whole thing. He made a Harvest Moon-inspired zombie game, tentatively titled Minicraft. He has renamed that game MiniTale, with more info to come here and here.

Update: It's the sequel to Minicraft that Notch has renamed MiniTale. We apologize for the small confusion.

JoystiqSequel to Notch's 48-hour game gets a new name: MiniTale [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macMarkus-PerssonminecraftminicraftMiniTalenotchpcSun, 01 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minicraft 2 in the works and needs a better name, Notch reveals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/minicraft-2-in-the-works-and-needs-a-better-name-notch-reveals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/minicraft-2-in-the-works-and-needs-a-better-name-notch-reveals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/minicraft-2-in-the-works-and-needs-a-better-name-notch-reveals/#comments Notch, proprietor of Minecraft, has rode a massive wave of success over the last year. As part of the Ludum Dare 22 competition earlier this month, Notch created an even more pixelated version of his indie darling, called Minicraft.

It took him under 48 hours to create on his own, and today via his Twitter account he revealed that a sequel is currently in the works. We don't have any information right now, but we imagine we'll be able to play it in, oh, four days?

JoystiqMinicraft 2 in the works and needs a better name, Notch reveals originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minicraftminicraft-2mojangnotchpcTue, 27 Dec 2011 01:00:00 EST