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[Watch election coverage on Xbox Live, get avatar armor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/29/watch-election-coverage-on-xbox-live-get-avatar-armor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/29/watch-election-coverage-on-xbox-live-get-avatar-armor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/29/watch-election-coverage-on-xbox-live-get-avatar-armor/#comments Watch politics and get Halo 4 Avatar armorXbox Live Rewards members that tune in to live election coverage via Xbox Live on three of four scheduled dates will receive Halo 4 Warrior armor for their avatars. Viewers will be able to participate in live polling as well as present poll questions via Twitter using the hashtag #XboxPoll.

The four debates, of which viewers need to watch three to get their totally-not-real Halo armor, are all scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern 6:00PT:
  • October 3, 2012: Presidential Debate on Foreign Policy
  • October 11, 2012: Vice-Presidential Debate
  • October 16, 2012: Presidential Debate on Domestic Policy
  • October 22, 2012: Presidential Debate

JoystiqWatch election coverage on Xbox Live, get avatar armor originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avatarelectionelection-2012Halomicrosoftobamarock-the-voteRomneyxboxXbox-Livexbox-live-rewardsSat, 29 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Election 2012 coverage comes to Xbox Live August 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/election-2012-coverage-comes-to-xbox-live-august-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/election-2012-coverage-comes-to-xbox-live-august-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/election-2012-coverage-comes-to-xbox-live-august-27/#comments Get your election coverage from your XboxYour Xbox 360 could just serve as your hub for 2012 US election season, Microsoft has announced. Beginning August 27, Xbox Live members will be able to access the Election 2012 hub, which promises to include NBC News coverage, information about candidates, daily polls and live coverage of the presidential debates and the Democratic and Republican conventions. Certain events, including the debates, will also allow viewers to participate in live polls. Users will even be able to register to vote via their console.

This isn't the first time Microsoft has dabbled in Xbox Live election coverage. The company hosted a similar program during the 2008 election.

Continue reading Election 2012 coverage comes to Xbox Live August 27

JoystiqElection 2012 coverage comes to Xbox Live August 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>election-2012microsoftobamaromneyxboxxbox-liveThu, 23 Aug 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama goes with Just Dance 3 over Dance Central, shames a nation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/obama-goes-with-just-dance-3-over-dance-central-shames-a-nation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/obama-goes-with-just-dance-3-over-dance-central-shames-a-nation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/obama-goes-with-just-dance-3-over-dance-central-shames-a-nation/#comments Socialist US President Barack Obama was caught purchasing French-developed Just Dance 3 for the Japanese-designed Nintendo Wii console this past week. Thankfully, the desperate last-minute shopping trip to a local Best Buy for his daughters, Malia and Sasha, kept him away from putting more Americans out of work.

"In case you all are wondering, Just Dance for the Wii," Obama said, having a member of the proletariat hold up the game. "The girls beat me every time on these various dance games. And you'll never get a picture of me [playing] because I get graded F every time."

Clearly an agent of foreign leaders, Mr. Obama could have chosen the Boston-developed Dance Central 2 for the Seattle-designed Xbox 360. But no. Shame on you, sir. Shame on you! As if we needed our political leaders supporting Just Dance's continued foreign profits.

Disclaimer: This was all in good fun. Do not take anything here seriously. Laugh it off, hug someone you love. Kisses and hugs.

JoystiqObama goes with Just Dance 3 over Dance Central, shames a nation originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barack-Obamajust-dance-3microsoftnintendoObamawiixboxThu, 22 Dec 2011 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama launches national STEM game design challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/obama-launches-national-stem-game-design-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/obama-launches-national-stem-game-design-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/obama-launches-national-stem-game-design-challenge/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Announced late last year, the National STEM Video Game Challenge is now underway. The challenge asks both established developers and middle schoolers to come up with a video game design that incorporates STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering and math) and encourages learning in its areas of study.

The youth competition offers a prize pool of $50,000, while the developer prize pool offers $100,000 in seed money -- $50,000 for the best developer submission and $25,000 each for the best graduate and undergraduate submissions. Both competitions will begin accepting submissions on October 12. Hit the source links below for more information on both the developer and youth prizes.

[Image credit: Pete Souza]

Continue reading Obama launches national STEM game design challenge

JoystiqObama launches national STEM game design challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barack-ObamachallengedesigngovernmentNational-STEM-Video-Game-ChallengeObamapcSTEMusaSat, 18 Sep 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Barabbid Obama]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-barabbid-obama/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-barabbid-obama/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-barabbid-obama/#comments
There aren't many new videos to watch in this week's Nintendo Channel update that you haven't already seen online, but Ubisoft does give us a quick look at creating "Barabbid Obama" -- or just "R'Obama," in the streetz -- in Rabbids Go Home, the obvious highlight in this week's post. Oh, and we do learn one very important fact: Rabbids enjoy wearing thong underwear. What? Hey, even Rabbids need to feel sexy sometimes.

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Barabbid Obama

JoystiqThis Week on the Nintendo Channel: Barabbid Obama originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamanintendo-channelobamarabbids-go-homeubisoftMon, 16 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft speaks out on Obama's Xbox remarks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/18/microsoft-speaks-out-on-obamas-xbox-remarks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/18/microsoft-speaks-out-on-obamas-xbox-remarks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/18/microsoft-speaks-out-on-obamas-xbox-remarks/#comments
President Obama hasn't exactly been known for his positive stance on kids playing tons of video games (even though he owns a Wii and ran campaign ads on Xbox Live, ahem). Recently in a speech given to the NAACP, he pointedly noted that parents should be "putting away the Xbox," as well as other crazy ideas -- like "reading to your children" and "helping them with their homework." What-ever, President Obama.

Microsoft has responded with backhanded diplomacy, dropping knowledge on the US President in a statement released to the AP that says, "We agree with President Obama that it's a time for families to work together so that kids use media in ways that are safe, healthy and balanced ... Xbox 360 is the only console gaming system that has a timer feature allowing parents to set time limits for their kids, as well as parent controls to enable parents to set limits on what their kids are playing and watching." At this time, it's still unclear whether Microsoft followed that up with, "Word to your mother!"

[Via Game Politics]

JoystiqMicrosoft speaks out on Obama's Xbox remarks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americabarack-obamachildrenmicrosoftobamausaXbox-360Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama plays BrickBreaker ... on a military-grade smartphone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/obama-plays-brickbreaker-on-a-military-grade-smartphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/obama-plays-brickbreaker-on-a-military-grade-smartphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/obama-plays-brickbreaker-on-a-military-grade-smartphone/#commentsFiled under:


Bastion of hard news, Star Magazine, reports that President Obama may have an ulterior motive for wanting his (very fancy) smartphone: gaming. The article quotes a "confidante" who reveals Obama plays BrickBreaker on the device "to unwind," and that the freshly inaugurated leader does so "every night before bed."

The President made news on the gaming front by bringing a Wii into the White House. Obama's high score in BrickBreaker is "around 15,000," according to Star Magazine's source. We hail to the chief, but he's got nothing on this guy.

[Via GameCulture]

JoystiqObama plays BrickBreaker ... on a military-grade smartphone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamabrickbreakerMobileobamapresident-obamaSat, 21 Feb 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA ballers get custom PS3s during NBA All-Star event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/nba-ballers-get-custom-ps3s-during-nba-all-star-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/nba-ballers-get-custom-ps3s-during-nba-all-star-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/nba-ballers-get-custom-ps3s-during-nba-all-star-event/#comments
It must be nice to be a celebrity. Apart from the beautiful people you're no doubt surrounded by all of the time, you get showered with free gifts ... constantly. Like, a super badass PS3 that we wish we owned! That's just what a handful of NBA players received at a recent event, co-sponsored by Sony and the NBA, during the NBA All-Star Weekend, where Sony outfitted the official player's lounge with the latest PlayStation games. Attendees were able to score one-of-a-kind, customized Nike Air Force Ones and a PS3 laser-etched with a design of their choice. You can see Paul Pierce's choice above.

There's also a pretty sweet system dedicated to Lebron James, which you can see here.

JoystiqNBA ballers get custom PS3s during NBA All-Star event originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laser-etchingmodsnbanba-all-starnba-all-star-weekendobamasonyWed, 18 Feb 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter Online DLC includes 'Obama' skin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/street-fighter-online-dlc-includes-obama-skin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/street-fighter-online-dlc-includes-obama-skin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/street-fighter-online-dlc-includes-obama-skin/#comments
Online fighter Street Fighter Online: Mouse Generation is offering up some goodies in time for Valentine's Day. First up are some chocolate avatars for use in-game. We're not sure why you'd want one, but hey, that's your business.

More interesting is a piece of DLC that provides players with an in-game character that bares resemblance to current U.S. President, Barack Obama. Titled the "YES WE CAN!" pack, this bit of DLC unlocks several different skins for fighters, including the already mentioned Obama clone. We'd ask about a John McCain skin as well, but that guy has already been beat up enough.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqStreet Fighter Online DLC includes 'Obama' skin originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamadlcfighterimportsjapanobamastreet-fighterstreet-fighter-onlineThu, 05 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama sets up 'Wii Station' for Super Bowl party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/obama-sets-up-wii-station-for-superbowl-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/obama-sets-up-wii-station-for-superbowl-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/obama-sets-up-wii-station-for-superbowl-party/#comments
Well, to be clear, he probably didn't set it up, he probably has people for that (we hope). But whether he was plugging in RCAs or just waving his scepter at the help, new president Barack Obama was responsible for the best sentence we've read all day: "The New York Times reports Obama set up a 'Wii station' in the East Wing of the White House." The official West Wing video game console gets a permanent home? Obama is coming ever closer to usurping Bartlet as our favorite administration.

Speaking of presidents of days gone by, we hear that before the games could officially begin, aides had to delete dozens of Imagine Constitutional Lawz and My English Coach save files left on the system by the previous administration. That's just what we heard, mind you.

JoystiqObama sets up 'Wii Station' for Super Bowl party originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamaNintendoobamapoliticsWiiWed, 04 Feb 2009 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama aide: White House tech is 'like going from an Xbox to an Atari.']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/obama-aide-white-house-tech-is-like-going-from-an-xbox-to-an-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/obama-aide-white-house-tech-is-like-going-from-an-xbox-to-an-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/obama-aide-white-house-tech-is-like-going-from-an-xbox-to-an-a/#commentsFiled under:


After running what can only be considered a very technology dependent campaign, it looks like the Obama White House is running into some problems. According to the Washington Post (via MSNBC), the technology at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is all hopelessly out of date or heavily restricted for security reasons. Staff members were greeted by six-year-old Microsoft programs and weren't allowed to use Facebook or outside email addresses. According to one aide, transitioning from the campaign into the White House has been "kind of like going from an Xbox to an Atari."

We have a humble suggestion and solution to this problem: Get Obama an Xbox and an Xbox Live account. He could communicate with important officials from around the world and reduce some of that presidential stress. After all, it's not like the president has time to deal with friend codes.

[Thanks, Mark T. Original image: jurvetson]

JoystiqObama aide: White House tech is 'like going from an Xbox to an Atari.' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fan-stuffobamaThu, 22 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Live the dream with Commander in Chief: The Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/live-the-dream-with-commander-in-chief-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/live-the-dream-with-commander-in-chief-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/live-the-dream-with-commander-in-chief-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As we watch the stirring coverage on all the networks of this momentous day in our nation's history, we can't help but think: Isn't there some way we could be experiencing some of this in a video game, shielding us from any sort of actual connection to the events or our fellow man?

Developer Eversim and publisher IGS have you covered with Commander-in-Chief, a game that lets you live the adventure of balancing the international geo-political landscape. And when you read that one of the key selling points is "current data on 400 key factors provided by 50 international organizations including the United Nations, G7, NATO, NAFTA, OPEC," we're sure that you, like us, won't be able to get your wallet out fast enough.

JoystiqLive the dream with Commander in Chief: The Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commander-in-chiefeversimigsobamaPCTue, 20 Jan 2009 11:23:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of January 19th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-january-19th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-january-19th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-january-19th/#commentsFiled under:


For those of us in the United States, this week may be notable for more than video games, despite the debut of the fascinating Big Bang Mini ... and that may not even be limited to us! Well, Big Bang Mini is, but the news goes everywhere.

Of course, if you think about it, so do DS games, if you want to pay international shipping. If you want an Obama DS Lite, well, you've gotta do that yourself.
  • Big Bang Mini
  • Jumble Madness
  • SimAnimals

Gallery: Big Bang Mini

Continue reading DS releases for the week of January 19th

JoystiqDS releases for the week of January 19th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009big-bang-miniinaugurationjanuaryobamareleasessimanimalsMon, 19 Jan 2009 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama family appoints Wii to (TV) cabinet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/obama-family-appoints-wii-to-tv-cabinet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/obama-family-appoints-wii-to-tv-cabinet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/obama-family-appoints-wii-to-tv-cabinet/#commentsFiled under:


This is one of those stories that pretty much can't be passed up, although it's not actually that surprising. Given the sales numbers for the Wii, we basically expect to find one in the home of everyone who can safely afford one -- especially when children are present. Turns out that the Obama family is among the bajillion households to join in on the waggling.

The president-elect used his newly-earned position of power to secure the elusive console for his daughters as a Christmas present, and he has since taken up Wii Sports as well. His bowling performance apparently eclipses his famously awkward real-life bowling during the campaign.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqObama family appoints Wii to (TV) cabinet originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamaobamawii-sportsFri, 09 Jan 2009 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[The First Wii: Obama brings video games to the White House]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/the-first-wii-obama-brings-video-games-to-the-white-house/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/the-first-wii-obama-brings-video-games-to-the-white-house/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/the-first-wii-obama-brings-video-games-to-the-white-house/#commentsFiled under: ,


When Barack Obama takes office on January 20th, he'll not only be the most powerful man in the world, but also the most powerful gamer. (Nintendo did give outgoing President Bush a DS and Brain Age some years ago; it's up to you to decide if he ever played it.)

The New York Times reports that the President elect -- who even took his campaign to the streets of Burnout Paradise -- gifted his daughters, Sasha and Malia, with a Nintendo Wii for Christmas ... but the head of the First Family has been playing with it, too. Apparently, Obama has been working on his bowling skills by playing Wii Sports. The President-in-waiting bowled a lowly 37 in the real-life sport while on the campaign trail, but tells the paper that he "performs better in the video game."

Being the leader of the free world probably won't leave President Obama with much time for gaming, but we'd like to hear your suggestions for Wii games he should play, given the chance. (Oh, and Mr. Obama, if you're reading this, we'd like to talk about that Video Game Czar position ... )

[Via GameCulture]

JoystiqThe First Wii: Obama brings video games to the White House originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamaobamapresident-obamawiiThu, 08 Jan 2009 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Yes we can haz gamer prez?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/yes-we-can-haz-gamer-prez/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/yes-we-can-haz-gamer-prez/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/yes-we-can-haz-gamer-prez/#commentsFiled under: ,

obama
What does an Obama presidency mean for video games? 1UP asks the question in a lengthy analysis of Obama's relationship to gaming culture.

Obama first entered our scene in December 2007 with comments presented to Common Sense Media on the topic of game violence legislation on his way to being dubbed the most "gamer-friendly" Democratic candidate. But the President-elect is better known for targeting youth voters with a $44.5K in-game ad campaign during the election season. (And apparently, it worked.)

Obama did urge us to "stop playing Game Boy" and put down the Wiimote (see screencap above -- from his Election Day ad), but the sentiments were geared toward encouragement rather than scorn. 66 percent of voters ages 18-29 (you know, gamers) supported Obama yesterday, according to CNN. Forget a puppy, the next US President can show some love back by bringing Wii to the White House.

JoystiqYes we can haz gamer prez? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamaelectionobamaWed, 05 Nov 2008 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama billed $44.5K for in-game advertising]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/obama-billed-44-5k-for-in-game-advertising/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/obama-billed-44-5k-for-in-game-advertising/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/obama-billed-44-5k-for-in-game-advertising/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

How much did it cost 2008 US Presidential Candidate Barack Obama to put ads inside of Burnout Paradise and other titles? According to a Federal Election Commission filing (via Gamespot), Obama's campaign sent $44,465.78 to Massive Incorporated to run in-game advertisements, from October 6 to November 3, in 18 separate titles. The real winner of these in-game ads, of course, was Tim the Paradise City Street Sweeper.

Comparatively, the campaign has spent a estimated total of $205 million on TV ads, about $4 to $5 million of which was for last night's 30-minute infomercial on CBS, NBC, MSNBC, Fox, BET, TV One and Univision. Fun statistic: The amount spent on TV ads was 455,555% higher than in-game advertisement. According to previous statements, Massive had approached the McCain campaign about doing a similar advertising deal, but they had passed on it.

JoystiqObama billed $44.5K for in-game advertising originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008-us-presidential-electionbarack-obamaburnoutburnout-paradisein-game-advertisingmassivemassive-incobamapresidentXbox-360Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama ad appears in Burnout Paradise [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/obama-ad-appears-in-burnout-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/obama-ad-appears-in-burnout-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/obama-ad-appears-in-burnout-paradise/#commentsFiled under:


[Update -- Though Ms. Rockwood was unclear in her response to Gigaom, MTV Multiplayer has discovered that, for whatever reason, the ad only appears in the Xbox 360 version. Furthermore, a certain AlexW at Criterion Games have stepped forward to say the advertising in Burnout Paradise do not fund the awesome updates they've been providing. So now the question is, what do they fund? Thanks, Enrique!]

Enjoying those free Burnout Paradise updates? Well, they are free partly due to the in-game advertisements, such as this one placed by Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama. Holly Rockwood, director of corporate communications at Electronic Arts, has confirmed that the above ad is an official one placed by Senator Obama's campaign team.

Rockwood explains that EA will "accept advertising from credible political candidates ... Like political spots on the television networks, these ads do not reflect the political policies of EA or the opinions of its development teams."

Obama's use of in-game campaign ads strikes us as a bit strange -- because as of yesterday, Senator Obama is still placing television and video games (and yes, bad parenting too) at the forefront of the causes for underachievement.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqObama ad appears in Burnout Paradise [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamaburnout-paradisecriterion-gameseaelectronic-artsobamaTue, 14 Oct 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama takes campaign to Burnout's Paradise City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/obama-takes-campaign-to-burnouts-paradise-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/obama-takes-campaign-to-burnouts-paradise-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/obama-takes-campaign-to-burnouts-paradise-city/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It looks like US Presidential Nominee Barack Obama is seeking out the oft-overlooked "virtual maniac driver" voting bloc. Gamers who fire up their copy of Burnout Paradise for Xbox 360 will notice that some of the bilboards now feature an advertisement from Obama that says early voting has begun and features the URL of his campaign website.

Electronic Arts Director of Coroporate Communications told GigaOM, "I can confirm that the Obama campaign has paid for in-game advertising in Burnout," while also noting that they accept ads from "credible political candidates" and that such ads do not reflect the opinion of EA or its employees. As recently as yesterday, Obama is still citing video games in stump speech about underachieving kids.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqObama takes campaign to Burnout's Paradise City originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingbarack-obamaburnoutburnout-paradiseeaelectionselectronic-artsin-game-advertisingobamapresidentus-presidential-elections-2008Xbox-360Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Presidential campaign contributions by game industry heavies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/presidential-campaign-contributions-by-game-industry-heavies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/presidential-campaign-contributions-by-game-industry-heavies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/presidential-campaign-contributions-by-game-industry-heavies/#commentsFiled under: ,


With just about a month before the United States picks its next president, GamePolitics has posted a piece on the presidential campaign contributions made by industry big-shots. Would you have guessed that Spore designer Will Wright was a McCain supporter?

Turns out a lot of industry folks listed in the piece are leaning towards Obama, with thousands of dollars in contributions heading to the Democratic nominee. With some major executives contributing only a few thousand dollars to Obama's campaign, it's interesting to note that two of the biggest spenders are Star Wars mogul George Lucas with $33,100, and not far behind him, Harmonix (Rock Band) CEO Alex Rigopulos with $32,900. The ever-updated list can be found at GamePolitics.

JoystiqPresidential campaign contributions by game industry heavies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electiongamepoliticsmccainobamaThu, 02 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[McCain and Obama join forces for Saints Row 2 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/mccain-and-obama-join-forces-for-saints-row-2-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/mccain-and-obama-join-forces-for-saints-row-2-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/mccain-and-obama-join-forces-for-saints-row-2-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Things have been fairly aggressive between the two presidential nominees as of late, perhaps largely due to a certain comment involving a farm animal and mouth-based cosmetics. That's why we were so glad to see them squash the beef in a recent Saints Row 2 advertisement (posted after the break), combining forces to wreak havoc across Stilwater (much to the chagrin of their respective campaign staffs, we imagine). We're also glad to see that the character customization in THQ and Volition's crime-riddled sandbox is so versatile. We've already begun planning our own presidential nominee superteams for when the game comes out -- we've always wondered what Roosevelt and Dewey would look like in a gang war.

Continue reading McCain and Obama join forces for Saints Row 2 trailer

JoystiqMcCain and Obama join forces for Saints Row 2 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionmccainMicrosoftobamaPCPS3Saints-Rowsaints-row-2SandboxthqtrailervolitionXbox-360Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[McCain campaign ad features Medal of Honor music, composer 'dismayed']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/mccain-campaign-ad-features-medal-of-honor-music-composer-dism/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/mccain-campaign-ad-features-medal-of-honor-music-composer-dism/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/mccain-campaign-ad-features-medal-of-honor-music-composer-dism/#commentsFiled under:


A recent ad for John McCain's presidential campaign features music from Medal of Honor: European Assault, which GamePolitics believes may be the first time video game music has been used as such. The awkward thing here is that the composer of the piece, Christopher Lennertz, is a passionate Barack Obama supporter who is "dismayed" by the use of his composition in the ad.

Lennertz doesn't own the rights to the piece, but he did release a statement saying that he wishes he'd been consulted before his music was used to promote a campaign that he does not agree with. He says he respects McCain, but has "never supported his candidacy nor his agenda for this country." Lennertz concludes, "As an artist, business owner, and patriot, I proudly support Senator Barack Obama for the Presidency of the United States of America..." We've placed the campaign ad after the break.

Continue reading McCain campaign ad features Medal of Honor music, composer 'dismayed'

JoystiqMcCain campaign ad features Medal of Honor music, composer 'dismayed' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campaignmccainmedal-of-honor-european-assaultmusicobamapresidentThu, 19 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama and McCain face stiff competition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/obama-and-mccain-face-stiff-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/obama-and-mccain-face-stiff-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/obama-and-mccain-face-stiff-competition/#commentsFiled under:

If you live in the U.S., you probably know that there's a presidential election coming up this November. As it stands, you currently have a few front-runner options: John McCain, Barack Obama, or ... Mario and Luigi?

Yes, the joke's been done before (especially because of the nine thousand Mario Party games out there), but now it's on a t-shirt. Yet, that's not where Nintendo stops interfering in politics.

Supporters of presidential candidate (and popular Mii), Barack Obama, have made a ton of 1up themed paraphernalia endorsing the candidate. The "O" in "Obama" was replaced with the green power-up, and the slogan reads, "Obama: 1up for America." Check past the break (or just click here) to see the design made by the Leftique.

Now all we need is some game gear for McCain, and Nintendo will have completely taken over this election.

Continue reading Obama and McCain face stiff competition

JoystiqObama and McCain face stiff competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbarack-obamajohn-mccainmccainobamaparaphernaliapoliticspresidential-electiont-shirtFri, 13 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Barack rocks the Check Mii Out channel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/barack-rocks-the-check-mii-out-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/barack-rocks-the-check-mii-out-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/barack-rocks-the-check-mii-out-channel/#commentsFiled under:

Not only does Barack Obama appear on an occasional DS system and fight John McCain in Pokémon-like battles, but apparently his Mii is quite the popular avatar. On the Check Mii Out channel, it's one of the top fifty most popular, proudly standing next to Batman. The Mii's skill, aptly enough, is listed as "Speeches."

Unfortunately, thanks to the oft unkind initialing system on the Check Mii Out channel, Obama is designated as "B.O." So, fess up -- how many of you have B.O. on your Wiis?

[Via Game Politics]

JoystiqBarack rocks the Check Mii Out channel originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 May 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamacheck-mii-outmiiobamaMon, 26 May 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What if politics were more like Pokemon?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/what-if-politics-were-more-like-pokemon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/what-if-politics-were-more-like-pokemon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/what-if-politics-were-more-like-pokemon/#commentsFiled under:



If politics were more like Pokemon, we would be campaigning for Meowth. How can you lose when your platform consists of being totally awesome?

But we digress ... One gamer has captured his view of this year's election lead-up with a mock Pokemon battle between the three presidential hopefuls. It has an obvious pro-Barack Obama slant and an anti-other candidates bias, but it's still clever enough to warrant a look no matter which politician you're leaning towards. Check it out past the post break as an animated GIF image and its evolved form, Youtube video!

Continue reading What if politics were more like Pokemon?

JoystiqWhat if politics were more like Pokemon? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clintonelectionelection-2008hillary-clintonjohn-mccainmccainobamapokemonpoliticspresidentFri, 25 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Barackdown vs. Raw-dham Clinton 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/barackdown-vs-raw-dham-clinton-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/barackdown-vs-raw-dham-clinton-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/barackdown-vs-raw-dham-clinton-2008/#commentsFiled under:

Ripped from the headlines: Using WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008's create-a-wrestler mode, THQ has done their own take on the Democratic presidential rivalry. They designed characters who sorta resemble presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, as long as you're told who they're supposed to be first.

The two politicians run out and play to the crowd, then face off, totally about to wrassle, when the clip unfortunately ends. We wanted to see what Senator Clinton's finishing move was! We wanted to learn the candidates' positions on the issue of "folding chairs: now or later?"

You know, we wouldn't mind fake physical combat as a campaign method. It's not like anyone talks about real policy at debates anyway.

JoystiqBarackdown vs. Raw-dham Clinton 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clintonobamasmackdown-vs-rawsmackdown-vs-raw-2008wrestlingwweTue, 22 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The DS Life: Nintendobama]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/the-ds-life-nintendobama/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/the-ds-life-nintendobama/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/the-ds-life-nintendobama/#commentsFiled under: ,



The DS Life is a weekly feature in which we scour the known world for narrative images of Nintendo's handheld and handheld gamers. If you have a photo and a story to match it with, send both to thedslife at dsfanboy dot com.

As a rule, we don't trust any politicians, especially the ones we want to trust, so it's rare that you'll ever see us championing the merits of any particular presidential candidate. Besides, the electioneering scene just isn't something we want to be a part of, like the straight-edge scene or the liking-music-that-no-sensible-person-should-ever-enjoy scene. We're too laid back and cynical to involve ourselves in the passionate debates these conversations often require.

Still, when one gamer goes to the extreme to express his devotion towards his favored statesman by decorating a Nintendo DS Lite with the politician's face, we take notice ...

Continue reading The DS Life: Nintendobama

JoystiqThe DS Life: Nintendobama originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamaelectionelection-2008obamapersonalizedpresidentshepard-faireyskinstickerWed, 02 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Presidential candidates talk video game violence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/presidential-candidates-talk-video-game-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/presidential-candidates-talk-video-game-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/presidential-candidates-talk-video-game-violence/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Health care? Taxes? Immigration? Why do presidential candidates insist on wasting our time talking about such trivial issues? When will they address the questions we really care about -- the ones about video games? Well, actually, right now.

Non-partisan, not-for-profit advocacy group Common Sense Media has quizzed some of the leading presidential candidates on a variety of media issues, video game violence legislation among them. Here's a quick summary of their views on proposed federal legislation limiting children's access to violent games:
  • Senator John Edwards (D - NC): The ESRB and retailers are doing a pretty good job, but the FTC found that 42 percent of children under 17 can still purchase M-rated games, and that's too high. Publishers need to tone down the marketing of violent games to kids. If the industry isn't careful, the government "will need to consider further steps" to keep these games away from children
  • Senator Barack Obama (D - IL): Video games should use technology to let parents restrict content [Note to Obama: they already do.] The rating system should be improved to make content information "easier to find and easier to understand. ... but if the industry fails to act, then my administration would." In any case, the government should spend money to study the problem.
  • Governor Bill Richardson (D - NM): "I would consider this legislation," but it's really up to the parents. I'll give federal employees paid time off to spend with their kids.
  • Fmr. Governor Mitt Romney (R - Mass.): I would enforce current obscenity laws to protect children from "a societal cesspool of filth, pornography, violence, sex, and perversion." I would "go after" retailers that sell violent games.
While the responses are interesting, the lack of participation from front-runners like Hillary Clinton, Rudy Guliani and Mike Huckabee makes the information a little less than complete just weeks away from the Iowa caucuses. Still, the full questionnaire has illuminated the candidates' thoughts on other game-related issues such as childhood obesity, screen time, media literacy and the media's impact on the candidates' own kids. Be an informed voter and give it a read.

JoystiqPresidential candidates talk video game violence originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008barack-obamabill-richardsoncampaignedwardsjohn-edwardslawlegislationmitt-romneyobamapresidentpresidentialrichadsonromneyviolenceThu, 13 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama goes for the shut-in vote in Second Life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/obama-goes-for-the-shut-in-vote-in-second-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/obama-goes-for-the-shut-in-vote-in-second-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/obama-goes-for-the-shut-in-vote-in-second-life/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama continues to revolutionize politics by making an appearance in controversial virtual world Second Life on March 31. A simulated (but still totally dreamy) version of Obama will mimic the motions and posture of the real deal as he chats up a small group of Iowans.

This gig wasn't organized by the Obama campaign, but by a "virtual event and promotions" company. Do you think Obama's handlers have any idea that he might be ambushed by e-penises?

JoystiqObama goes for the shut-in vote in Second Life originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BarackObamaobamaSecondLifeFri, 30 Mar 2007 15:14:00 EST