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[Project Eternity unveils first video, dynamic environment in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/project-eternity-unveils-first-video-dynamic-environment-in-act/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/project-eternity-unveils-first-video-dynamic-environment-in-act/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/project-eternity-unveils-first-video-dynamic-environment-in-act/#comments
Obsidian upgraded that first Project Eternity screen from half a year ago into some fully-fledged footage this week. The video, as preambled by project lead Josh Sawyer, doesn't showcase any gameplay, but focuses on some of the RPG's dynamic environmental effects.

As you can see - skip to 1:48 for the footage itself - these effects range from the subtle movement of leaves blowing in the wind to water levels rising and falling. The video briefly throws in some character animations before demonstrating a day-to-night transition.

"In a 2D game, this required our programmers and artists to come up with some creative solutions," reads Obsidian's description. "What they came up with surprised us initially and it continues to amaze us. While we are still working on refining some of the dynamic elements, we're very happy with the progress we've been able to make and hope you feel the same way."

Project Eternity raised just under $4 million in Kickstarter backing last October, making it at the time the most funded game on the platform - inXile's Torment: Tides of Numenera, which has Obsidian's Chris Avellone on its design team, recently surpassed it.

JoystiqProject Eternity unveils first video, dynamic environment in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterobsidianobsidian-entertainmentpcproject-eternityWed, 10 Apr 2013 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[What could have been in Obsidian's Aliens RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/what-could-have-been-in-obsidians-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/what-could-have-been-in-obsidians-aliens-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/what-could-have-been-in-obsidians-aliens-rpg/#comments

In 2009, Sega had three games in the Aliens universe under its control: Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines, Rebellion's Aliens vs. Predator and an Aliens RPG subtitled Crucible from Obsidian. Sega decided to cancel one of these projects - we assume through a sophisticated "close your eyes, spin around and point" method - and Obsidian's RPG got the boot.

Back then Sega didn't offer a taste of what the game would look like, but now we have a video of some creepy-crawly creatures from Obsidian's Aliens RPG, courtesy of character animator Danny Garnett.

In 2010, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart said the Aliens RPG was basically a finished game when Sega pulled the plug. "That's how close we were," he said. "It looked and felt like it was ready to ship." We wish we could say the same about Colonial Marines.

JoystiqWhat could have been in Obsidian's Aliens RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensaliens-crucibleAliens-RPGmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3SegaxboxMon, 18 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas 2 ideas, courtesy of Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/fallout-new-vegas-2-ideas-courtesy-of-obsidian-ceo-feargus-urq/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/fallout-new-vegas-2-ideas-courtesy-of-obsidian-ceo-feargus-urq/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/fallout-new-vegas-2-ideas-courtesy-of-obsidian-ceo-feargus-urq/#comments Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart has a few ideas on where a potential sequel to Fallout: New Vegas could be located and how it'd have to be "separate" from what the team at Bethesda is currently working on.

"If I think of going from Fallout 1 to Fallout 2, we tried to associate the two areas somewhat closely," he told RPS during an interview back at DICE. "It wasn't just 'Oh, we're gonna do this 2,000 miles from here.' So I think if we were to do Fallout: New Vegas 2 - or just a new Fallout - we would probably separate it from what the internal team at Bethesda's doing. We'd keep it on the West Coast, because we're West Coast people. They're East Coast, so it makes sense."

As for possible locations, LA seems to be high on Urquhart's list of places - or, as it's known in the cannon, the Boneyard. "And we need an interesting confined area. So I mean, it could be LA. Fallout LA. That could be interesting. It'd probably be The Boneyard, which is from Fallout 1. It could be very different. It could be almost a Walking Dead meets Fallout-like thing because of all the radiation."

Of course, the onus is on Bethesda to greenlight a new Obsidian game and, according to Urquhart, the two studios are still on good terms. Still, with new consoles looming in the horizon, it's a tough time for publishers and developers - do they continue to make games for the established consoles or put their eggs into the next-gen basket?

"We talk to Bethesda all the time," Urquhart said. "And I think the challenge here doesn't just apply to Bethesda specifically, but to a lot of publishers in general. But basically, what does all the [current] console crap mean? The challenge in this period of time has been, you have this console transition, and it's strange that they're still not announced. But that always creates a disruption in the industry. And now you mix in [the emergence of] mobile and F2P stuff, and it's left a lot of people reeling."

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas 2 ideas, courtesy of Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaFallout-New-VegasFeargus-Urquhartmicrosoftobsidianpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 13 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park: The Stick of Truth trailer features crossdressing and wizard crap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/south-park-the-stick-of-truth-trailer-features-crossdressing-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/south-park-the-stick-of-truth-trailer-features-crossdressing-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/south-park-the-stick-of-truth-trailer-features-crossdressing-an/#comments
If the actual game proves as funny as its trailers, then Obsidian's South Park: The Stick of Truth will be doing very well. Our favorite parts from this video are Cartman on Kenny's enthusiasm for the Princess role, and a Mickey-taking cameo from Mr. Hankey.

JoystiqSouth Park: The Stick of Truth trailer features crossdressing and wizard crap originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truththqvga-2012xboxMon, 10 Dec 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's Project Eternity Kickstarter concludes at $3.9 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-concludes-at-3-9-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-concludes-at-3-9-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-concludes-at-3-9-millio/#comments Obsidian's Project Eternity Kickstarter ends today 9pm ETThat's it! Obsidian's Project Eternity Kickstarter has finished with $3,986,194 pledged. This means Project Eternity, an old-school fantasy RPG project from the longtime developer, has earned more contributions than the $3.3 million by Double Fine Adventure, the Kickstarter project that kicked off this whole "year of the game."

"It's all smiles and gratitude over here at Obsidian," CEO Feargus Urquhart told us. "It is incredible what crowdfunding can make possible."

Other recent mega success stories in Kickstarter funding include Uber Entertainment's $2.2 million for Planetary Annihilation and the $8.5 million by Ouya.

JoystiqObsidian's Project Eternity Kickstarter concludes at $3.9 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentproject-eternityTue, 16 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's 'Project Eternity' Kickstarter surpasses $2 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-surpasses-2-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-surpasses-2-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/obsidians-project-eternity-kickstarter-surpasses-2-million/#comments Project Eternity lines up a Spring 2014 releaseObsidian has raised over $2 million for its Kickstarter, Project Eternity, with 20 days left to raise even more money. Project Eternity is on track to surpass its final announced stretch goal of $2.2 million, which will add French, German and Spanish text translations, along with a new faction and region. Goals beyond $2.3 million are "coming soon."

Project Eternity currently has a tentative release window of spring 2014. The Kickstarter for the project was announced on September 15 and reached its $1.1 million goal in 24 hours. Obsidian is currently working on the South Park RPG and it previously developed contract project Fallout: New Vegas, along with the original intellectual property Alpha Protocol.

JoystiqObsidian's 'Project Eternity' Kickstarter surpasses $2 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcproject-eternityWed, 26 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Eternity won't take forever to develop, gets spring 2014 window]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/project-eternity-wont-take-forever-to-develop-gets-spring-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/project-eternity-wont-take-forever-to-develop-gets-spring-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/project-eternity-wont-take-forever-to-develop-gets-spring-2014/#comments Project Eternity lines up a Spring 2014 releaseProject Eternity, from Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian Entertainment, has more than $1.5 million in pledged funds on Kickstarter and 28 more days to collect more. With the immensely positive response, Obsidian senior programmer and Fallout creator Tim Cain has begun planning for launch.

Right now Project Eternity has a tentative release window of spring 2014 and will feature "additional content" that can be explored with multiple characters, Cain tells Eurogamer. The budget may be smaller than previous Obsidian games, but Cain says that's just fine.

"Those budget numbers are just right for what we are trying to make," he says. "We have an engine already, and we aren't using an established IP with pre-defined game mechanics and an art style that we have to mimic. Both of these things save us a lot of time, because we are now free to make those elements ourselves."

Project Eternity is an exploration-based, real-time tactical game with a pause system, but it's going to have surprises beyond its Dungeons & Dragons-inspired roots. Obsidian is making its own RPG mechanics.

"I like turn-based combat too," Cain says. "I like the tactics involved in the precise movement, orientation and use of abilities. But it can tend to be slow with a large party of characters. Real-time-with-pause is faster and can feel more engaging, but I have found the abilities to be harder to use well. One reason for that is because many RTWP RPGs were made based on paper-and-pencil games that used turns, and their abilities were made for opponents that were not moving. I feel that RTWP can be an excellent combat model if the abilities are designed with respect to that model, and not converted from another system."

JoystiqProject Eternity won't take forever to develop, gets spring 2014 window originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcproject-eternityTue, 18 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's Project Eternity fully funded, stretch goals revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/obsidians-project-eternity-fully-funded-stretch-goals-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/obsidians-project-eternity-fully-funded-stretch-goals-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/obsidians-project-eternity-fully-funded-stretch-goals-revealed/#comments
Remember that isometric PC dungeon crawler called Project Eternity that Obsidian Entertainment sought funding for on Kickstarter? The one we told you about, oh, yesterday? Well, not only has the $1.1 million funding goal been reached, but Obsidian revealed the project's initial set of stretch goals for the next month of fundraising.

Should the team raise just over $100K more, the game will receive a new playable race, class and companion each in addition to the three races, five classes and five companions included in the game. At the $1.6 million goal, Obsidian will make a Mac version of the game and add a "new major storyline" with added quests and locations. Hitting the $1.8 million mark nets the same result as the first goal, with another new race, class and companion created for the game.

Players will receive their own houses in the game if the project reaches $2 million in funding, and will see Linux support and a new region, faction and companion if it hits $2.2 million. At the rate Obsidian is moving in its Kickstarter campaign, it is already working on $2.4 million and above stretch goals. If money keeps moving its way, we'd give it another day or so.

JoystiqObsidian's Project Eternity fully funded, stretch goals revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fundingkickstarterobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcproject-eternitySun, 16 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian Kickstarting 'Project Eternity' for PC, already nearly funded]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/obsidian-kickstarting-project-eternity-for-pc-already-nearly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/obsidian-kickstarting-project-eternity-for-pc-already-nearly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/obsidian-kickstarting-project-eternity-for-pc-already-nearly/#comments
Obsidian Entertainment, the development studio responsible for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, Neverwinter Nights and Fallout: New Vegas has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund its next game. Provided the pledge drive is successful, Project Eternity will be a PC-only isometric dungeon crawler reminiscent of Baldur's Gate and Planescape: Torment, although it will take place in its own, new fantasy world.

Project Eternity's development team includes alumni from the original Fallout, Icewind Dale 1 and 2, Planescape: Torment and Fallout: New Vegas. "We have wanted to go back to our roots and create an epic PC role-playing game adventure for years," the Kickstarter reads. "But, it's been almost impossible to get funding through traditional methods for a game like this."

Obsidian's ultimate goal is to raise $1.1 million, and as of press time it has raised $1.05 million with 31 days still left on the clock. So, unless the game is suddenly revealed as secretly having been a multiplayer-focused FPS/kitten murder simulator this whole time, we're pretty certain this one is going to be successful. Reward donation levels range from a $5 forums badge to a $10,000 "Ultimate Pledge Pack" that includes designing your own weapon and NPC for the game, and an evening playing a table-top board/pen-and-paper game of your choice with the Project Eternity team.

JoystiqObsidian Kickstarting 'Project Eternity' for PC, already nearly funded originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcproject-eternitySat, 15 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Original Fallout and Planescape: Torment dev Black Isle Studios re-opens [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/original-fallout-and-planescape-torment-dev-black-isle-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/original-fallout-and-planescape-torment-dev-black-isle-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/original-fallout-and-planescape-torment-dev-black-isle-studios/#comments Original Fallout and Planescape Torment dev Black Isle Studios The studio that created classics like Fallout and Planescape: Torment may be rising from the ashes - at least in name. A website for Black Isle Studios popped up with the image you see above and a mailing list signup, as NeoGAF discovered. There's also a Twitter account and a Facebook page tied to the website, and if you sign up for the mailing list, Black Isle is said to be a "a division of Interplay."

InXile's Brian Fargo doesn't seem to be involved, as he tweeted, "I just read that Interplay is bringing back Black Isle. Hmmm... Not enough info for me to comment." We've already reached out to Obsidian - where many ex-Black Islers went when the studio shut down in 2003 - and have yet to hear back.

Update: Interplay CEO and entrepreneur Herve Caen is behind the resurrection of Black Isle, we're told. The studio's website is also registered to Interplay, per WHOIS search. It's unclear who - if anyone - from the original Black Isle staff is involved with the studio.

Update 2: Obsidian tells Joystiq that the new Black Isle, "Doesn't involve Obsidian at all." We've yet to hear back from Interplay or Herve Caen.

Update 3: Obsidian creative lead Chris Avellone says on Twitter, "I know nothing about the Black Isle Studio news announcement, doesn't involve me or Obsidian... or well, anyone that I know. ;)"

JoystiqOriginal Fallout and Planescape: Torment dev Black Isle Studios re-opens [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-isleblack-isle-studiosbrian-fargochris-avelloneherve-caeninterplayobsidianobsidian-entertainmentWed, 22 Aug 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[New South Park screens keep you guessing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/new-south-park-screens-keep-you-guessing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/new-south-park-screens-keep-you-guessing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/new-south-park-screens-keep-you-guessing/#comments These South Park: The Stick of Truth screens suspiciously look like they're from the television show of the same name. We have no choice but to believe these are screenshots from the game, which will be available on Xbox 360, PC, and PS3 on March 3, 2013.

Continue reading New South Park screens keep you guessing

JoystiqNew South Park screens keep you guessing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-parksouth-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthTHQxboxSun, 22 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obisidian goes obscene with South Park: The Stick of Truth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/obisidian-goes-obscene-with-south-park-the-stick-of-truth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/obisidian-goes-obscene-with-south-park-the-stick-of-truth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/obisidian-goes-obscene-with-south-park-the-stick-of-truth/#comments Way back at the beginning of 2011, Obsidian Entertainment CEO Feargus Urquhart hinted that his company was about to work on a huge licensed title it didn't dare pass up. "It's a license that you would go, well you gotta do it," he told us at the time. "It's not a license where it's, 'Ok, we'll take that and we can do something with it.' It's more like, well that's once in a lifetime." Urquhart didn't budge at the time on what the license was, but he was visibly excited about being able to make it happen, whatever it was.

That licensed turned out to be none other than Matt Stone and Trey Parker's South Park, and the game turned out to be South Park: The Stick of Truth. It combines Obsidian's talent for grindy fantasy RPGs with Stone and Parker's warped sense of humor (and construction paper production values) to make a mix that's one of a kind.

Gallery: South Park: The Stick of Truth (E3 2012)

Continue reading Obisidian goes obscene with South Park: The Stick of Truth

JoystiqObisidian goes obscene with South Park: The Stick of Truth originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentplaystationps3sdcc-2012south-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truththqxboxFri, 13 Jul 2012 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Marketplace renames Obsidian's South Park as 'South Park: The Stick of Truth']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/#comments ImageNot only has an Xbox Marketplace listing for Obsidian's South Park: The Game turned up with an astoundingly erroneous release date of today, but it's also revealed what appears to be the game's actual title: South Park: The Stick of Truth.

None of the other assets in the listing (screenshots, description, etc) are particularly revealing, although the box art and banner do look exceedingly legit. Obviously, none of this is official until Obsidian or THQ make some sort of announcement, which hasn't happened yet.

It might be possible that some rogue Microsoft employee, in a nefarious attempt to cause mayhem and wanton confusion, manufactured false artworks and an inaccurate Marketplace listing, but where's the motive? Was he spurned by a former lover? Did he do it for the money, for the fame? Nope, sorry, this screenplay just isn't coherent enough. Get out of my office.

JoystiqXbox Marketplace renames Obsidian's South Park as 'South Park: The Stick of Truth' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthTHQxboxSat, 05 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian will help with Wasteland 2 if Kickstarter reaches $2.1 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/obsidian-will-help-with-wasteland-2-if-kickstarter-reaches-2-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/obsidian-will-help-with-wasteland-2-if-kickstarter-reaches-2-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/obsidian-will-help-with-wasteland-2-if-kickstarter-reaches-2-1/#comments Brian Fargo's Wasteland 2 Kickstarter, having already surpassed two funding goals, has laid out a third one that will ensnare Obsidian Chief Creative Officer Chris Avellone if passed. With 17 days of funding left to go and $1.7 million already pledged, Fargo's company inXile wants to hit $2.1 million on Kickstarter, after which Avellone will agree to work directly with the design team on the project.

Fargo and Avellone's relationship goes back to the better days of publisher Interplay, where the pair worked on titles like Fallout 1 and 2, and Planescape: Torment.

"Wasteland is one of my favorite RPGs of all time, and when Brian asked if I wanted to work on the sequel, I jumped at the chance," said Avellone. "While I've worked on Fallout 2 and Fallout: New Vegas, getting the chance to work on the spiritual predecessor to the Fallout franchise is a honor."

Developer Obsidian will also lend a hand in the game's creation, providing "experience they have in the development of RPG games and tools to inXile."

Fargo stated, "Obsidian has an incredible library of story, dialog and design tools that they have used to create hits like Neverwinter Nights 2, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, and of course, Fallout: New Vegas. Regardless of the tech we use to develop the game, experience with these tools will help us efficiently design the game without wasting time and resources on the tools needed for development."

If you're looking to support the dream, you know where to go.

Continue reading Obsidian will help with Wasteland 2 if Kickstarter reaches $2.1 million

JoystiqObsidian will help with Wasteland 2 if Kickstarter reaches $2.1 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brian-Fargochris-avelloneinxile-entertainmentmacobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcwasteland-2Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's XBLA title 'on hold']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/obsidian-xbla-title-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/obsidian-xbla-title-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/obsidian-xbla-title-on-hold/#comments Obsidian Entertainment
Obsidian Entertainment announced last year that it was working on "an original IP XBLA game," but times have changed. Targeting a launch for the first quarter of 2012, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart said at the time it would be an "action RPG that's focused on fun."

Checking in with Urguhart about the project, we were told, "That project is currently on hold; we are looking at where we might want to take it."

It's been a rough news week for Obsidian, as layoffs hit the company and it came to light that the studio missed a bonus based on Fallout: New Vegas' metacritic score by one point. Obsidian is most definitely working on the South Park RPG at the moment, which will be published by the even more financially troubled publisher, THQ.

JoystiqObsidian's XBLA title 'on hold' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Feargus-UrquhartmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-EntertainmentxblaxboxFri, 16 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian missed Fallout: New Vegas Metacritic bonus by one point]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/obsidian-missed-fallout-new-vegas-metacritic-bonus-by-one-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/obsidian-missed-fallout-new-vegas-metacritic-bonus-by-one-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/obsidian-missed-fallout-new-vegas-metacritic-bonus-by-one-point/#comments Business sucks, alright? It's cold and rigid and occasionally unfair. Such is the case with Obsidian's Fallout: New Vegas contract with Bethesda, wherein the developer only received royalties if the game matched or exceeded an 85 rating on Metacritic. Leaving aside the fact that Metacritic is a woefully unbalanced aggregation of review scores from both vetted and unvetted publications, agreements like this can leave indie studios -- like Obsidian -- in the lurch should that Metacritic score just barely miss the mark.

Unfortunately for Obsidian, Fallout: New Vegas currently has a Metacritic average of 84, a single point below the average that would've earned the company royalties on its product. "[Fallout: New Vegas] was a straight payment, no royalties, only a bonus if we got an 85+ on Metacritic, which we didn't," Obsidian creative director and co-owner Chris Avellone told one Twitter user.

The Metacritic news comes just one day after we reported layoffs at the California-based developer -- layoffs that were said to be the result of a canceled next-gen project (codenamed "North Carolina") for an unnamed console. New Vegas lead producer Jason Fader's Facebook profile reflects the recent layoffs, also outing himself as former lead producer on the North Carolina project. His credentials also list an unnamed project known as "Vermont," but that could be Obsidian's upcoming South Park RPG (we've reached out for clarification).

Additionally, Kotaku reports that the North Carolina project was to be published by Microsoft, and was intended for the still unannounced Xbox 360 successor console. Our tipster tells us that the North Carolina project was "desperately needed" for the studio's continued survival, which matches reports that Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart "choked up" while addressing his employees about the canned project.

JoystiqObsidian missed Fallout: New Vegas Metacritic bonus by one point originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-softworkschris-avelloneFallout-New-Vegasmetacriticmicrosoftobsidianobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Obsidian hit with layoffs; South Park team affected, future next-gen title canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/report-obsidian-hit-with-layoffs-south-park-team-affected-fut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/report-obsidian-hit-with-layoffs-south-park-team-affected-fut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/report-obsidian-hit-with-layoffs-south-park-team-affected-fut/#comments
Obsidian Entertainment reportedly experienced a round of layoffs this week, with the extent of the damage not entirely clear. The company's forums lay out an idea of the body count, with messages on Twitter filling in more details.

"Another project canceled, this time for a future next-gen project and the layoffs impacted that team, plus the existing South Park team," a tipster wrote Joystiq. "Approximately 20-30 people from all disciplines, including one person who started yesterday, as well as one who started last week."

It was around this time last year that Obsidian also let staff go. We've contacted the company for an official statement.

Update: "We are always happy to talk about our announced projects, gaming and the industry as a whole. However, it is our policy to not comment on stories regarding our staff," Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart informed us this afternoon.

JoystiqReport: Obsidian hit with layoffs; South Park team affected, future next-gen title canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffsobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentsouth-park-the-gameWed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA['12 Days of Xbox' savings continue with Fallout DLC today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/12-days-of-xbox-savings-continue-with-fallout-dlc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/12-days-of-xbox-savings-continue-with-fallout-dlc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/12-days-of-xbox-savings-continue-with-fallout-dlc-today/#comments Select DLC for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas is in the deal spotlight today on Xbox Live. For $5 you can snag "Lonely Hearts," "Old World Blues," "Lonesome Road" or "Dead Money" for Fallout: New Vegas, or "Mothership Zeta," "Operation: Anchorage" or "Broken Steel" for Fallout 3, half off the usual asking price.

You'll need to act fast in order to take advantage of this sale. Tomorrow, each of these will be back up to their full price.

Joystiq'12 Days of Xbox' savings continue with Fallout DLC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-xbox-dealsbethesdabroken-steeldead-moneydlcfallout-3Fallout-New-Vegaslonely-heartslonesome-roadmicrosoftmothership-zetaobsidianold-world-bluesoperation-anchoragexboxThu, 22 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian CEO shares more details on South Park: The Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/south-park-reached-out-directly-and-more-revealed-by-obsidian-ce/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/south-park-reached-out-directly-and-more-revealed-by-obsidian-ce/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/south-park-reached-out-directly-and-more-revealed-by-obsidian-ce/#comments We're still in the aftershock period of the South Park: The Game announcement, so let's run down what we know again. Firstly, it's a RPG coming to major platforms, and we'll be playing as the new kid in school. Game Informer's video interview with Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart now tells us a bit about the behind-the-scenes stuff that lead up to it all.

Of the difficulties his studio faced, the first was trying to create a game both true to its roots and enjoyable to fans of the show. During Obsidian's first meeting with show creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the developer tried to really nail the look -- the exterior and interior of Stan's house was created, complete with his dad Randy playing Guitar Hero in his underwear. You know, from that episode.

After getting the look down, the next hurdle was making it "a big epic game," Urquhart said in the video interview, which you can see by clicking through the source link below. We'll all find out if Obsidian succeeded come next year.

JoystiqObsidian CEO shares more details on South Park: The Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-studiossouth-park-the-gamexboxMon, 05 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian heading on up to South Park for PS3/Xbox 360 RPG [update: PC too!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/obsidian-heading-on-up-to-south-park-for-ps3-xbox-360-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/obsidian-heading-on-up-to-south-park-for-ps3-xbox-360-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/obsidian-heading-on-up-to-south-park-for-ps3-xbox-360-rpg/#comments Yes, beyond the XBLA-exclusive South Park: Tenorman's Revenge game on the horizon, it appears that another South Park title is in development. Fallout: New Vegas dev Obsidian is apparently working with publisher THQ to craft "South Park: The Game," an RPG set in the world of South Park. We're already imagining Cheesy Poofs buffs and plundering the depths of Casa Bonita's mysterious caverns.

According to Game Informer, who has the exclusive cover debut of the title, South Park will arrive some time in 2012. As per usual with these cover reveals, you'll find out much more in next month's issue of GI, which hits subscribers in the coming week.

Update: According to a press release from THQ, the game is also expected on PC, and should arrive in the "second half of 2012."

JoystiqObsidian heading on up to South Park for PS3/Xbox 360 RPG [update: PC too!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianobsidian-entertainmentplaystationps3south-parksouth-park-the-gamethqxboxThu, 01 Dec 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition announced for 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/fallout-new-vegas-ultimate-edition-announced-for-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/fallout-new-vegas-ultimate-edition-announced-for-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/fallout-new-vegas-ultimate-edition-announced-for-2012/#comments Next year, the Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition will wander into stores across North America and Europe on February 7 and 10, respectively. The Ultimate Edition includes all the previously released DLC packs: Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues, Lonesome Road, Courier's Stash and Gun Runners' Arsenal. The buy-in for the Mohave Wasteland bundle bonanza will be $49.99 for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and $39.99 for PC.

Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition follows in the footsteps of the DLC-heavy Fallout 3. If you never got around to walking through the Capital Wasteland, the Fallout 3 Game of the Year Edition, which easily includes 100 hours of content, is going for $30 (or less) these days.

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition announced for 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworksFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftObsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3release-datexboxThu, 03 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Fallout: New Vegas former pre-order, new items DLC available today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/psa-fallout-new-vegas-former-pre-order-new-items-dlc-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/psa-fallout-new-vegas-former-pre-order-new-items-dlc-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/psa-fallout-new-vegas-former-pre-order-new-items-dlc-availabl/#comments New adventures for the Courier may have concluded with "Lonesome Road," but a wandering instrument of vengeance can always use more toys. New Vegas DLC packs "Courier's Stash" and "Gun Runners' Arsenal" are available today for Xbox 360 and PS3.

The Courier's Stash is a bundle of four pre-order bonuses that will set Mojave wanderers back $1.99 (160 MSP). The Gun Runners' Arsenal, available for $3.99 (320 MSP), adds new weapon mods, ammo types and recipes. Bugs that will erase your save files are, of course, still free.

Gallery: Fallout: New Vegas (Gun Runner's Arsenal)

JoystiqPSA: Fallout: New Vegas former pre-order, new items DLC available today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-SoftworksFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftObsidianObsidian-Entertainmentplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Sep 2011 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas' Lonesome Road DLC dated Sept. 20, new DLC packs announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-dated-sept-20-new-dlc-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-dated-sept-20-new-dlc-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-dated-sept-20-new-dlc-pa/#comments The Courier's adventures in the Mojave Wasteland are coming to an end, with the last of Fallout: New Vegas' announced DLC expansions, "Lonesome Road," arriving on September 20. It was delayed beyond July and then, "due to circumstances beyond [Bethesda's] control," missed another scheduled pick-up in August.

Bethesda has also announced two smaller DLC packs for New Vegas, entitled "Courier's Stash" and "Gun Runners' Arsenal." The Courier's Stash includes the four content bundles previously available as pre-order bonuses, while The Gun Runners' Arsenal adds weapon mods, ammo types and recipes. Courier's Stash and Gun Runners' Arsenal will cost $1.99 (160 MSP) and $3.99 (320 MSP), respectively.

[Thanks, Nathan.]

Gallery: Fallout: New Vegas (Gun Runner's Arsenal)

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas' Lonesome Road DLC dated Sept. 20, new DLC packs announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworksdlcFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3release-datexboxThu, 25 Aug 2011 11:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas' 'Lonesome Road' DLC delayed, launching 'as quickly as possible']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-delayed-launching-as-q/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-delayed-launching-as-q/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/fallout-new-vegas-lonesome-road-dlc-delayed-launching-as-q/#comments Back in May, Fallout: New Vegas publisher Bethesda Softworks announced a trio of DLC packs for its post-apocalyptic wasteland wanderer: "Honest Hearts," which arrived in May; "Old World Blues," which arrived in July; and "Lonesome Road," which was also planned for a July launch.

"We just wanted to drop in here and let you know that due to circumstances beyond our control, Lonesome Road won't be out this month," senior producer Jason Bergman explained in a Bethesda.com forum post. "We don't have an exact date yet, but we're working to get it out as quickly as possible. We'll be announcing the final date, along with a couple of other interesting FNV-related items in the near future," he added without specifying a new launch window for the third DLC pack.

As a peace offering, Bethesda showed off the first image of Lonesome Road, seen above. If that's what taking the high road gets you, how bad must the other one be?

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas' 'Lonesome Road' DLC delayed, launching 'as quickly as possible' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksdelaydlcdownloadable-contentFallout-New-Vegasjason-bergmanlonesome-roadmicrosoftobsidianobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationps3release-datethe-lonesome-roadxboxWed, 10 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise! Fallout: New Vegas 'Honest Hearts' DLC won't work with certain save files]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/surprise-fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-wont-work-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/surprise-fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-wont-work-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/surprise-fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-wont-work-with/#comments Admittedly, it'd be more so "news" if a Fallout update actually worked out of the gate ... But here we are, again, with this week's stuttering launch of the "Honest Hearts" add-on for New Vegas. The issue appears to be connected to the bug laden "ED-E, My Love" side quest, according to a comment left by a Bethesda representative on the company's blog post announcing the DLC's release on Xbox Live and Steam this week.

While Bethesda says it's working on a fix, there is a catch: "If you already have a save game where the bug is occurring, the fix will not apply and you'll need to revert to an earlier save prior to ED-E leaving in order to play through Honest Hearts." We've contacted the company to find out if this issue affects all platforms and for an ETA on the patch.

New Vegas developer Obsidian has taken its share of criticism for the game's continued bugginess, insisting that it's improved its internal QA process for Dungeon Siege 3, the studio's next release. However, it's only fair to note that the Bethesda-developed Fallout 3 also had notoriously buggy DLC releases -- hopefully things will go smoother with Skyrim, which is built on a new game engine.

JoystiqSurprise! Fallout: New Vegas 'Honest Hearts' DLC won't work with certain save files originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-SoftworksFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftObsidianObsidian-EntertainmentpatchpcsteamxblaxboxThu, 19 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout New Vegas: Honest Hearts DLC out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/fallout-new-vegas-honest-hearts-dlc-out-now/#comments Honest Hearts, the first of three recently announced Fallout: New Vegas DLC packs, is available now on Xbox 360 and PC for 800 Microsoft Points and $9.99, respectively. It will be available on PSN as soon as the service has a regular store update.

Honest Hearts finds the courier traveling to Utah's Zion National Park and becoming embroiled in a war between a mysterious figure, known as the Burned Man, and missionaries that oppose him. Yeah, yeah, we're sure your idelogical issues are important and all, but the courier has to get back to New Vegas and pray at the alter of a Caravan table.

Gallery: Fallout: New Vegas (Honest Hearts DLC)

Continue reading Fallout New Vegas: Honest Hearts DLC out now

JoystiqFallout New Vegas: Honest Hearts DLC out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-SoftworksdlcFallout-New-Vegashonest-heartsmicrosoftObsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 17 May 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Siege 3 trailer learns to play nice in co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/dungeon-siege-3-trailer-learns-to-play-nice-in-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/dungeon-siege-3-trailer-learns-to-play-nice-in-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/dungeon-siege-3-trailer-learns-to-play-nice-in-co-op/#comments The Dungeon Siege 3 adventurers, who have each had their own separate trailers, now show off how they play as a team. The dungeon crawling begins in mid June.

Continue reading Dungeon Siege 3 trailer learns to play nice in co-op

JoystiqDungeon Siege 3 trailer learns to play nice in co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 May 2011 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-siege-3microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 07 May 2011 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Reports: Obsidian hit with layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/reports-obsidian-hit-with-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/reports-obsidian-hit-with-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/reports-obsidian-hit-with-layoffs/#comments Obsidian Entertainment
According to tweets made by several former Obsidian employees, the company went through a round of layoffs yesterday. VG24/7 initially took note of the tweets, which have also been posted in the company's forums. The extent of the layoffs are not known currently, and Obsidian has yet to respond to requests for comment.

Obsidian is preparing to ship Dungeon Siege 3 at the moment, having just come off a year with the highlight of Fallout: New Vegas and the fizzling of its original IP, Alpha Protocol. We'll update as more information becomes available.

JoystiqReports: Obsidian hit with layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-siege-3microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 27 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Dungeon Siege 3 on Steam, get the first two games free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/buy-dungeon-siege-3-on-steam-get-the-first-2-games-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/buy-dungeon-siege-3-on-steam-get-the-first-2-games-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/buy-dungeon-siege-3-on-steam-get-the-first-2-games-free/#comments Steam is offering the first two Dungeon Siege titles gratis should you choose to purchase the third entry in the series through Valve's digital distribution platform. Locking in your purchase now will grant you access to the first two games immediately, prior to the newly announced June 21 launch date for Dungeon Siege 3.

On top of that, Valve and Square Enix revealed that Dungeon Siege 3 will employ the Steamworks suite, adding "auto-updating, Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud support, downloadable content and more" to Obsidian's upcoming action-RPG. For the full skinny, cast your cloak of click-through to check out the press release past the jump.

Continue reading Buy Dungeon Siege 3 on Steam, get the first two games free

JoystiqBuy Dungeon Siege 3 on Steam, get the first two games free originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-siege-3obsidianobsidian-entertainmentpcrpgsquare-enixsteamsteamworksvalveFri, 08 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Siege 3 delayed, adventure begins June 21 in NA, June 17 in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/dungeon-siege-3-delayed-adventure-begins-june-21-in-na-june-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/dungeon-siege-3-delayed-adventure-begins-june-21-in-na-june-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/dungeon-siege-3-delayed-adventure-begins-june-21-in-na-june-17/#comments When Square Enix originally said Dungeon Siege 3 would have a May launch, it must have meant may, the lower case verb and not the calendrical noun. The publisher announced today that Dungeon Siege 3 is, in fact, coming June 17 and 21 to Europe and North America, respectively.

"Although the final polish phase has demanded a bit more time than originally planned," said Mike Fischer, president and CEO of Square Enix, Inc., "we want to assure fans and followers that the additional effort will allow us to deliver an action-RPG worthy of its rich heritage."

There have been no platform-specific delays, so it'll be available at the appointed time on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Plus, June doesn't have a verb, so there's no slick way out of delay notification next time.

Continue reading Dungeon Siege 3 delayed, adventure begins June 21 in NA, June 17 in Europe

JoystiqDungeon Siege 3 delayed, adventure begins June 21 in NA, June 17 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydungeon-siege-3microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxThu, 07 Apr 2011 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian working on XBLA title for Q1 2012 (and some other things)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/obsidian-working-on-xbla-title-for-q1-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/obsidian-working-on-xbla-title-for-q1-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/obsidian-working-on-xbla-title-for-q1-2012/#comments Obsidian Entertainment Obsidian Entertainment is currently working on "an original IP XBLA game," which is being targeted for release in the first quarter of 2012. In a recent interview with Game Revolution, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart mentioned, "It'll be an action RPG that's focused on fun -- not Dungeon Siege; it's quite a bit different in a different genre with a different camera."

"We also might throw our hat in the whole free-to-play thing," Urquhart added, before passively referencing another game -- based on a "licensed product" -- he'd be "killed" if he talked about in detail. In our own recent interview with him, Urquhart similarly hinted at a "once in a lifetime" licensed game that is "something we've been working on since the middle of last year; just with a small team -- it's only been five or ten people." This could be that Wheel of Time project, or something separate -- "I'm hoping that'll be announced around E3," Urquhart told GR of the mystery project.

The studio has also pitched an Icewind Dale reboot to Atari, in addition to shopping around general pitches for a game based on "a new world" and a sort of "what if" Sauron won scenario for a Lord of the Rings title dubbed "Defiance." But first! Obsidian has to wrap up Dungeon Siege 3. Talk about keeping busy.

JoystiqObsidian working on XBLA title for Q1 2012 (and some other things) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Feargus-UrquhartmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentq1-2012release-dateunannouncedwheel-of-timeXBLAxboxTue, 01 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' coming to PC and PSN this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-coming-to-pc-and-psn-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-coming-to-pc-and-psn-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-coming-to-pc-and-psn-this-month/#comments Fallout: New Vegas' Dead Money DLC will have PlayStation 3 and PC users playing its vicious little scenario on Tuesday, February 22. PS3 owners can pick it up through the PSN, while PC owners have the choice of Steam and Direct2Drive. Bethesda also mentioned that the next three expansion packs for New Vegas will launch simultaneously on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

Dead Money will likely be $10 on PS3 and PC (as it was on Xbox 360), but we're currently following up with Bethesda for confirmation.

Update: Bethesda tells Joystiq that it hasn't announced price for the DLC, but will announce it in the "coming weeks."

Continue reading Fallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' coming to PC and PSN this month

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' coming to PC and PSN this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksdead-moneydlcfallout-new-vegasmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3q1-2011release-datexboxFri, 04 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lay siege to Dungeon Siege 3 on May 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/lay-siege-to-dungeon-siege-3-on-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/lay-siege-to-dungeon-siege-3-on-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/lay-siege-to-dungeon-siege-3-on-may-31/#comments Hackers and/or slashers, listen up. Dungeon Siege 3 has officially been given a North American release date. The Obsidian-developed dungeon crawler will hit shelves on May 31, and publisher Square Enix has detailed a number of retailer-exclusive pre-order bonuses to entice players.

Most pre-orders include some in-game items, though both Walmart and Steam offer more tangible bonuses. Walmart is offering a mini Dungeon Siege comic from Dark Horse and a mini Prima strategy guide. Meanwhile, those who pre-order on Steam will receive free single-player versions of the original Dungeon Siege and Dungeon Siege 2.

For the moment, it seems that the first two Dungeon Siege titles will be exclusive to those who pre-order the game. Whether or not they are offered for individual purchase in the future is "still under internal discussions" at Square Enix. See the breakdown of each retailer's pre-order bonuses after the break.

Continue reading Lay siege to Dungeon Siege 3 on May 31

JoystiqLay siege to Dungeon Siege 3 on May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-siege-3microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3q2-2011release-datesquare-enixxboxThu, 03 Feb 2011 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout New Vegas mod Project Nevada adds sprinting, new vision modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/fallout-new-vegas-mod-project-nevada-adds-sprinting-new-vision/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/fallout-new-vegas-mod-project-nevada-adds-sprinting-new-vision/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/fallout-new-vegas-mod-project-nevada-adds-sprinting-new-vision/#comments For us, plodding through the Mojave in search of things to kill and people to steal (or is that the other way around?) can sometimes take forever. Look, we're busy marauders, so we're glad to hear that a mod for Fallout: New Vegas, dubbed "Project Nevada," aims to change things up -- specifically, it'll add sprinting to the game and some handy vision modes, including thermal and night vision.

There's also the addition of bullet time and some new scopes to use. Currently, there's no time table for release, but in the meanwhile you can at least catch a trailer past the break.

Continue reading Fallout New Vegas mod Project Nevada adds sprinting, new vision modes

JoystiqFallout New Vegas mod Project Nevada adds sprinting, new vision modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fallout-New-VegasobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcproject-nevadaMon, 17 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' trailer hosts a heist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-trailer-hosts-a-heist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-trailer-hosts-a-heist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-trailer-hosts-a-heist/#comments The first Xbox 360 "exclusive" DLC for Fallout: New Vegas, dubbed Dead Money, lays out all its cards in a new trailer. The add-on sees you caught in a dangerous deal, where saying "no" puts you on the bad end of an exploding collar. Okay, so there's no bad end to a circular object, but ... oh, oh, got it: you're being collared in the middle of an explosive situation. Nailed it.

Dead Money will be available next Tuesday, December 21, on the Xbox Live Marketplace for 800 MSP ($10). Best start planning how you're going to break into the Sierra Madre casino and make off with all its ill-gotten riches.

Continue reading Fallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' trailer hosts a heist

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' trailer hosts a heist originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworksdead-moneydead-money-dlcfallout-new-vegasmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-EntertainmentxboxThu, 16 Dec 2010 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' DLC tours the Sierra Madre's most exclusive resort]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-dlc-tours-the-sierra-madres-mos/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-dlc-tours-the-sierra-madres-mos/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-dlc-tours-the-sierra-madres-mos/#comments Late next month, Obsidian will launch the first bit of DLC for Fallout: New Vegas. That DLC, according to issue five of the Bethesda newsletter, will take players to the Sierra Madre, "an opulent and extravagant resort that was supposed to be the greatest casino in the west -- except that it never opened." Turns out that whole apocalypse thing really put a damper on the festivities. Who woulda thunk a silly thing like atomic bombs could be such a buzzkill?

The vaykay-spot-that-almost-was had a pretty bitching security system, thus locking the complex up tight following the nuclear holocaust that befell America. As time went on, the climate control and air conditioning system starting pushing toxins out into the nearby area, surrounding it with a mist of poison and making the adjoining city impossible to navigate. A small band of survivors, dubbed the Ghost People, have only managed to scrape by, seemingly resorting to capturing healthy people outside of the plume of pollution surrounding the Sierra Madre. You know, to eat them.

And that's pretty much all we have to go on right now. You can download "Dead Money" for Fallout: New Vegas on December 21, exclusively on Xbox Live, for 800 MS Points ($10).

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' DLC tours the Sierra Madre's most exclusive resort originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksdead-moneydead-money-dlcDLCfalloutFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-EntertainmentxboxMon, 22 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stealing in Fallout: New Vegas -- the bucket method]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/stealing-in-fallout-new-vegas-the-bucket-method/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/stealing-in-fallout-new-vegas-the-bucket-method/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/stealing-in-fallout-new-vegas-the-bucket-method/#comments Who wants to save up hundreds of thousands of bottlecaps for the right to buy all those tasty, expensive Energy Cells in Fallout: New Vegas? Sure, we could play Craps or Roulette, but wouldn't this handy dandy ghost bucket be, like, way easier? Sure would!

Continue reading Stealing in Fallout: New Vegas -- the bucket method

JoystiqStealing in Fallout: New Vegas -- the bucket method originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksFallout-New-Vegasobsidianobsidian-entertainmentpcstealingWed, 27 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas pre-order DLC errors explained]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/fallout-new-vegas-pre-order-dlc-errors-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/fallout-new-vegas-pre-order-dlc-errors-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/fallout-new-vegas-pre-order-dlc-errors-explained/#comments Due to the PlayStation Network's update schedule, folks who bought Fallout: New Vegas for the PS3 may have experienced "error 80023156" while attempting to download bonus DLC yesterday. If you lost your cool and emailed us about it, here's your answer.

Bethesda's Pete Hines explains, "That is the error you get when you try to enter a code too many times (unsuccessfully). Most likely because they were entering the code yesterday before the packs were live on PSN. The user just needs to wait 24 hours and enter it again. Once you download the content it will work with any existing save game."

The PSN needs to update on Tuesday before content becomes available. In the case of pre-order DLC bonuses for newly released games, it's best to wait until the update occurs on launch day and then try using the code you received.

[Thanks, Arthur]

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas pre-order DLC errors explained originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fallout-New-VegasobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentplaystationps3psnWed, 20 Oct 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Fallout: New Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/metareview-fallout-new-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/metareview-fallout-new-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/metareview-fallout-new-vegas/#comments You've already had time to sup on our opinions on Fallout: New Vegas, but we imagine you must be hungry for more, like a lost courier in the Mojave who's been attacked and left for dead. Actually, you know what? That's, like, exactly how this game starts. Weird, huh?

Anyway, let's satiate that appetite for words you've got going, shall we?
  • Eurogamer (90/100): "Obsidian has created a totally compelling world and its frustrations pale into insignificance compared to the immersive, obsessive experience on offer. Just like the scorched scenery that provides its epic backdrop, New Vegas is huge and sprawling, sometimes gaudy, even downright ugly at times - but always effortlessly, shamelessly entertaining."
  • GamePro (90/100): "This laundry list of complaints might seem like a game breaker, but that I could suffer through them repeatedly during my marathon New Vegas weekend and still walk away feeling not only satisfied but hungry for more says something about the power of the formula that Bethesda has crafted."
  • IGN (85/100): "In New Vegas, the fun Fallout 3 formula is intact, with more polished combat, high-quality side missions, and the exciting setting of the Vegas strip. Unfortunately, the bugs also tagged along for the ride."
  • Game Informer (85/100): "Gamers should expect more of the same from this follow-up. If Fallout 3 holds a place among your top 10 games of this generation like it does for me, another rewarding 200-plus hours of survival awaits you."
  • PC Gamer (84/100): "More wasteland to wander. New Vegas is good, but the failure to move the series on makes it feel a tiny bit stale."
  • Giant Bomb (80/100): "It's not a surprise that Fallout: New Vegas sticks closely to Fallout 3's structure and style. But if it weren't for the game's way-too-long list of technical issues, New Vegas would actually be better than its predecessor. Instead, it's a well-written game with so many issues that some of you might want to take a pass, at least until some of this nonsense gets fixed."

Gallery: Fallout: New Vegas

JoystiqMetareview: Fallout: New Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-SoftworksfalloutFallout-New-VegasmetareviewmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 19 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas dev diary takes us on a tour of 'The Strip']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/fallout-new-vegas-dev-diary-takes-us-on-a-tour-of-the-strip/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/fallout-new-vegas-dev-diary-takes-us-on-a-tour-of-the-strip/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/fallout-new-vegas-dev-diary-takes-us-on-a-tour-of-the-strip/#comments Unlike a lot of the landmarks in Fallout 3, the Vegas strip in Fallout: New Vegas mostly survived the apocalyptic meltdown of America in tact. Sure, the roads are a bit scarred and the buildings could use some paint, but it's all there. Vegas, baby!

Continue reading Fallout: New Vegas dev diary takes us on a tour of 'The Strip'

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas dev diary takes us on a tour of 'The Strip' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworksdev-diaryFallout-New-VegasmicrosoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 14 Oct 2010 16:40:00 EST