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[Tomb Raider, Hitman headline Origin sale in US and Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/tomb-raider-hitman-headline-origin-sale-in-us-and-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/tomb-raider-hitman-headline-origin-sale-in-us-and-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/tomb-raider-hitman-headline-origin-sale-in-us-and-europe/#comments Tomb Raider, Hitman headline Origin sale in US and EuropeAs part of an ongoing sale, EA has dropped the price of several downloadable titles on Origin, offering up to 50 percent off of recent releases such as Tomb Raider and Hitman: Absolution.

Through April 30, Origin users can pick up a digital copy of Tomb Raider for $25, or for just a few bucks more they can snag the DLC-bundled Survival Edition. Hitman: Absolution is currently priced at $20, and a discounted selection of EA-published games (including Dead Space 3 and Crysis 3) is also up for grabs. A full list of featured games is here.

Players in Europe can also get in on the action, as Square Enix reports regional price drops for Tomb Raider, Hitman and the Limited Edition of Sleeping Dogs.

JoystiqTomb Raider, Hitman headline Origin sale in US and Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-space-3EAhitman-absolutionoriginpcTomb-RaiderWed, 24 Apr 2013 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin exploit uses hyperlinks to run malicious code remotely]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/origin-exploit-uses-hyperlinks-to-run-malicious-code-remotely/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/origin-exploit-uses-hyperlinks-to-run-malicious-code-remotely/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/origin-exploit-uses-hyperlinks-to-run-malicious-code-remotely/#comments Origin exploit uses hyperlinks to run malicious code remotelySecurity research firm ReVuln has discovered a fairly simple way (in theory, at least) for unscrupulous folks and their hacking machines to execute malicious code on your computer, by way of EA's Origin platform.

The exploit takes advantage of Origin's uniform resource identifier -- the protocol through which hyperlinks and shortcuts launch Origin itself and execute commands. Typically, a URI is clicked on by the user, either in the form of a link in a web browser or as a shortcut on a desktop, at which point the URI launches Origin and tells it what game to load, and how.

As it happens, certain Origin-exclusive games are vulnerable to having their execution commands subverted by precisely formatted URIs. As seen in the graph above, this can be used by bad dudes to piggyback instructions onto the URI, which can instruct Origin to load and run malicious software, rather than Crysis 3.

Avoiding this exploit is thankfully simple, however: Open Origin first, and launch games from there. The exploitative instructions are contained within the URI hyperlink -- take that out of the equation, and you should be fine.

"Our team is constantly investigating hypotheticals like this one as we continually update our security infrastructure," an EA representative told us. Uniform resource identifiers aren't unique to Origin, of course, and are widely used in everything from iTunes to Steam, the latter of which has an extremely similar vulnerability [PDF] that was discovered by ReVuln last year.

JoystiqOrigin exploit uses hyperlinks to run malicious code remotely originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysis-3EAElectronic-ArtsexploithackhackingmacOriginpcphishingspoofingURITue, 19 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Origin 'Player Appreciation Sale' on now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/eas-origin-player-appreciation-sale-on-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/eas-origin-player-appreciation-sale-on-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/eas-origin-player-appreciation-sale-on-now/#comments EA's Origin 'Player Appreciation Sale' on nowElectronic Arts' Origin service began a "player appreciation sale" today, with over 200 titles up to 70 percent off for a week. The sale includes digitally distributed games for PC and Mac, as well as physical goods for consoles, PC and Mac.

Coincidentally, this also reduces the value of EA's apology to SimCity purchasers. For example, the $40 Origin copy of Battlefield 3 is now $12, while the $60 copy of Dead Space 3 is reduced to $30. Simply stated: If you're gonna offer a pound of flesh for your sins, don't make it 8 oz. in the same breath.

Awkward timing aside, cheaper games are a good deal, so take a browse. The sale concludes on March 26 at 10AM Pacific.

[Image: Willee Cole via Shutterstock]

Continue reading EA's Origin 'Player Appreciation Sale' on now

JoystiqEA's Origin 'Player Appreciation Sale' on now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmacmicrosoftnintendooriginpcplaystationps3wii-uxboxTue, 19 Mar 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity sales surpass 1.1 million in two weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/simcity-sales-surpass-1-1-million-in-two-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/simcity-sales-surpass-1-1-million-in-two-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/simcity-sales-surpass-1-1-million-in-two-weeks/#comments Despite all of its launch complications, EA Maxis' series reboot SimCity has managed to sell over one million copies since launching two weeks ago. EA reports this is the biggest launch for the franchise, the majority of players - 54%, EA says - choosing to download SimCity. In fact, EA says 44% of total SimCity sales went directly through the publisher's digital distribution platform, Origin.

Two weeks ago, EA disabled some "non-critical" SimCity features in the interest of improving server issues. Also, EA added more servers and sought to quell dissatisfied customers with a free PC game. If you purchase and register SimCity before next week, you can choose between a free copy of Mass Effect 3, Battlefield 3, SimCity 4, Need for Speed: Most Wanted or one of several other eligible games.

JoystiqSimCity sales surpass 1.1 million in two weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisoriginpcsalessimcity-2013simcity-5Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Maxis insider claims SimCity servers not essential]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/rumor-simcitys-servers-less-necessary-than-ea-claims/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/rumor-simcitys-servers-less-necessary-than-ea-claims/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/rumor-simcitys-servers-less-necessary-than-ea-claims/#comments Though EA's official stance on SimCity's persistent Internet connection has been that it's absolutely required for the core game to function, a report from Rock, Paper, Shotgun claims that is not the case. An inside source who asked to remain anonymous told RPS the online servers are "not handling any of the computation done to simulate the city you are playing."

According to the source, the servers are coordinating social messages between cities in a region, as well as "cloud storage of save games, interfacing with Origin, and all of that. But for the game itself? No, they're not doing anything."

Even when the servers go down, certain cities have stayed online and playable for a period of time, suggesting off-site computation is not entangled in the main gameplay loop. The RPS source claims servers are also being used to repeatedly check for instances of hacking and cheating - and the game's verification messages to servers are creating queues and hampering responsiveness.

Finally, the source casts doubt on EA's claims that a single-player version of this SimCity would be impossible to produce. "It wouldn't take very much engineering to give you a limited single-player game without all the nifty region stuff." EA's current public reasoning about why the game needs to stay online has done little to quell frustration voiced over the game's tremendous launch issues.

Joystiq has contacted EA for comment regarding the source's claims.

JoystiqRumor: Maxis insider claims SimCity servers not essential originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymouscheetah-modecloudeaelectronic-artsgameplayofflineonlineoriginpcsave-gamesserverssimcitysimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect series for PC on sale via Origin through March 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/mass-effect-series-for-pc-on-sale-via-origin-through-march-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/mass-effect-series-for-pc-on-sale-via-origin-through-march-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/mass-effect-series-for-pc-on-sale-via-origin-through-march-12/#comments Mass Effect series on sale via Origin through March 12

The last iteration of the Mass Effect series went on sale one year ago this week, and to celebrate, EA is offering a big sale on all three versions of the game over on Origin. You can grab the original Mass Effect for just $7, the critically acclaimed Mass Effect 2 for $10, or a digital deluxe edition of the third game for $15, all about half off the standard prices.

Or if you haven't yet taken a trip aboard the Normandy, the whole trilogy is on sale for only $25, which is less than half what it would usually cost. That's a whole lot of excellent gaming hours, but then again, you'll need something to do while waiting for those SimCity servers, right?

[Thanks, Alex]

JoystiqMass Effect series for PC on sale via Origin through March 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybiowareeaelectronic-artsmass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3mass-effect-trilogyoriginpcsaleSat, 09 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 3 'Awakened' DLC confirmed for March 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/dead-space-3-awakened-dlc-confirmed-for-march-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/dead-space-3-awakened-dlc-confirmed-for-march-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/dead-space-3-awakened-dlc-confirmed-for-march-12/#comments Dead Space 3 Awakened DLC confirmed for March 12EA reveals Dead Space 3 wakes up to its first DLC expansion on March 12, and it's coming to Xbox 360, PlayStaton 3, and PC for $10/800 MSP. As Visceral Games' Shereif Fattouh told us in our preview, 'Awakened' serves as a continuation of the game's story, providing "the real epilogue of some of the events that took place."

JoystiqDead Space 3 'Awakened' DLC confirmed for March 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awakeneddead-space-3DLCEAmicrosoftoriginpcplaystationps3PSNrelease-datevisceral-gamesXBLMxboxxbox-liveFri, 08 Mar 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 3's Awakened DLC trailer has a screw loose]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/dead-space-3s-awakened-dlc-trailer-has-a-screw-loose/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/dead-space-3s-awakened-dlc-trailer-has-a-screw-loose/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/dead-space-3s-awakened-dlc-trailer-has-a-screw-loose/#comments
Visceral Games' Shereif Fattouh says the 'Awakened' DLC provides "continuation" to Dead Space 3's story, and harkens back a bit more to the franchise's "claustrophobic, psychotic" themes. This trailer is less Armageddon and more Alien, that's for sure. Brace yourself and read our preview here.

JoystiqDead Space 3's Awakened DLC trailer has a screw loose originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awakeneddead-space-3DLCEAmicrosoftoriginpcplaystationps3PSNvisceral-gamesXBLMxboxThu, 07 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 3 price sliced to $32 on PC from GameFly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/dead-space-3-price-sliced-to-32-on-pc-from-gamefly/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/dead-space-3-price-sliced-to-32-on-pc-from-gamefly/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/dead-space-3-price-sliced-to-32-on-pc-from-gamefly/#comments Despite only arriving on store shelves a month ago, Dead Space 3's price has been dismembered down to just $31.99, thanks to GameFly. Currently marked down to $39.99 on the retailer's site, using the coupon code "GFDMAR20" - which earns you 20% off PC titles - will slice off an additional $8 off at checkout.

Because this is a digital PC version, remember that you'll need an EA Origin account and your PC will need to be connected to the Internet as you play. Still, there's no cheaper way to get into the game our reviewer called "an exciting, shocking and mammoth adventure through the ghostly, unvarnished segments of space."

JoystiqDead Space 3 price sliced to $32 on PC from GameFly originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupondead-spacedead-space-3dealdealzoneaea-gamesgameflyoriginpcsaleMon, 04 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin deploys sale on all things Battlefield]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/origin-deploys-sale-on-all-things-battlefield/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/origin-deploys-sale-on-all-things-battlefield/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/origin-deploys-sale-on-all-things-battlefield/#comments Soldiers, sweep your sectors - discounts are creeping in the brush. Select Battlefield games are up to 75% off until February 27 on EA's Origin online store, with discounts applying to both digital and physical products.

Highlights include Battlefield 3 for $10 as a download on PC or $20 for a physical copy on all platforms. A Battlefield 3 Premium subscription is also on sale for $30, a discount of $20 - Battlefield 3: Premium Edition physical copies are on sale for $40; $35 for a PC download. Bad Company 2 is also on sale for $5, with its Vietnam expansion's price tag a hot $5 compared to its usual $15 asking price.

JoystiqOrigin deploys sale on all things Battlefield originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-premiumbattlefield-3-premium-editiondiceeamicrosoftoriginpcplaystationpremiumps3xboxTue, 19 Feb 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin officially launches on Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/origin-officially-launches-on-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/origin-officially-launches-on-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/origin-officially-launches-on-mac/#comments Origin officially launches on Mac todayOrigin has had an alpha client on Mac since back in September, and today the service officially launches. Origin features on Mac are pretty much the same as on PC - you can upload saves to the cloud, interact with friends and the community through Origin's social feeds and, uh, play games.

Select EA games that are compatible on both Mac and PC will also support cross-platform play - if you purchased a game on PC and it's also compatible with Mac, you also get access to that. Sound familiar?

EA launched its digital distribution platform Origin in the summer of 2011. During its first year, the service garnered 12 million downloads and signed 50 publishing partners. As of October 2012, Origin has accrued 30 million registered players, 4.4 million of whom have forked over cash for content.

JoystiqOrigin officially launches on Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-playdigital-distributioneamacmac-osxoriginFri, 08 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Crysis 3 multiplayer open beta suits up today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/psa-crysis-3-multiplayer-open-beta-suits-up-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/psa-crysis-3-multiplayer-open-beta-suits-up-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/psa-crysis-3-multiplayer-open-beta-suits-up-today/#comments
Make way, because the Crysis 3 open beta super-speeds onto Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC today. The beta went live earlier this morning on Origin and Xbox Live Marketplace (for Gold subscribers only), and should arrive on PSN later today (tomorrow in Europe).

Crysis 3 producer Mike Read gets into the nitty-gritty of the beta's two multiplayer modes in this video. Hunter features cloaked assassins taking out CELL soldiers with bows, while Crash Site has teams vying to capture and hold pod locations dropped across the map.

The beta runs until February 12, and the game proper hits a week later on February 19.

JoystiqPSA: Crysis 3 multiplayer open beta suits up today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacrysis-3crytekEAmicrosoftmultiplayeroriginpcplaystationps3PSNXBLMxboxxbox-liveTue, 29 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Limited Origin for Mac alpha client launches, includes free copy of Bookworm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/limited-origin-for-mac-alpha-client-launches-includes-free-copy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/limited-origin-for-mac-alpha-client-launches-includes-free-copy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/limited-origin-for-mac-alpha-client-launches-includes-free-copy/#comments EA's Origin launches on Mac in alphaEA has announced an alpha version of the Origin client for Mac is available for testing to a limited number of users in the US and UK. Origin for Mac will eventually evolve, offering a similar experience for Mac users as already seen on PC. In its current form, however, the Mac client does not include the ability to stream gameplay directly to Twitch or purchase software. According to the Origin FAQ, those features will be added soon.

Origin for Mac requires OS X 10.6.8 or newer, with an Intel Core Duo 2 processor or better.

As a reward for those willing to test the client, EA is giving away a copy of Popcap's Bookworm to all downloaders, so log in and download it while you can. Spaces are limited.

JoystiqLimited Origin for Mac alpha client launches, includes free copy of Bookworm originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookwormclienteaelectronic-artsmacoriginos-xpcpopcapreleaseFri, 25 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Play4Free becomes Origin Free to Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/eas-play4free-becomes-origin-free-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/eas-play4free-becomes-origin-free-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/eas-play4free-becomes-origin-free-to-play/#comments EA has announced that it's consolidating its free-to-play Play4Free brand into Origin. Henceforth, all Play4Free titles, which include the likes of Battlefield Heroes, Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances and others, will exist under the umbrella of Origin Free to Play. According to EA, the only thing that will be different for existing players is that the Play4Free.com URL will officially change to Origin.com/free. Later this week, Play4Free.com will automatically redirect users to the new URL.

The reason for the move? "Convenience for players," says Play4Free vice president Sean Decker, as "Origin now becomes your single destination for paid downloadable PC games and free-to-play games alike." Thus far, the available games seem unchanged, though we wouldn't be surprised to see future EA free-to-play games requiring the Origin client to play. Either way, the move isn't too surprising, given EA's continued push to expand its Origin service.

JoystiqEA's Play4Free becomes Origin Free to Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-heroeseaoriginorigin-free-to-playpcplay-4-freeplay4freeWed, 12 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Christmas sale offers cheap Origin games every day in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/ea-christmas-sale-offers-cheap-origin-games-every-day-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/ea-christmas-sale-offers-cheap-origin-games-every-day-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/ea-christmas-sale-offers-cheap-origin-games-every-day-in-europe/#comments EA Christmas sale offers cheap Origin games every day in EuropeStarting on December 1 and running until December 25, European consumers can take advantage of exclusive daily deals on Origin, including "pre-order bonuses, discounts on top new titles and franchises, partner promotions and many more."

The sale will end on Christmas day with a 50% off deal on the entire Origin catalog. Other highlights include up to 50% off select Battlefield 3 items on December 5, £40 worth of voucher codes when you pre-order Crysis 3 on December 12 and a "buy one, get more" deal on December 22 - buy one game, get 20% off; buy two games, get 30% off; buy three or more and get half-off.

Continue reading EA Christmas sale offers cheap Origin games every day in Europe

JoystiqEA Christmas sale offers cheap Origin games every day in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3countdown-to-christmascrysis-3crytekeaeuropemacoriginpcFri, 30 Nov 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin Black Friday sales include cheap Medal of Honor, Need for Speed, Command & Conquer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/origin-black-friday-sales-include-cheap-medal-of-honor-need-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/origin-black-friday-sales-include-cheap-medal-of-honor-need-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/origin-black-friday-sales-include-cheap-medal-of-honor-need-for/#commentsAs a retailer, EA's Origin service is also obligated to participate in Black Friday craziness. If you have any money left, you could spend it on a selection of cheap EA games.

For example, Battlefield 3 is $12 to download on PC or $20 physically (on PC, Xbox, or 360). Need for Speed Most Wanted is discounted a bunch ($25 on PC, $30 on PS3 or Xbox, $20 on Vita). Medal of Honor Warfighter is $30 on PC, Xbox, and PS3. The gigantic Command & Conquer Ultimate Edition is just $25. Browse all the deals here.

Origin is also offering Black Friday deals in Europe, where the company felt it necessary to explain the concept of Black Friday: "Black Friday is a relatively new concept in Europe. It traditionally refers to the beginning of the Christmas shopping period and falls on the day after the American Thanksgiving day. On Black Friday, US retailers tend to open incredibly early and offer amazing sales deals for a limited time only."

JoystiqOrigin Black Friday sales include cheap Medal of Honor, Need for Speed, Command & Conquer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2012eaholiday-2012microsoftneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012originpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 23 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin gets Twitch.tv live streaming support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/origin-gets-twitch-tv-live-streaming-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/origin-gets-twitch-tv-live-streaming-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/origin-gets-twitch-tv-live-streaming-support/#comments Origin gets Twitchtv live streaming supportOrigin is getting Twitch.tv support, letting users connect their Origin account to their Twitch.tv channels and set up live streams within EA's portal. The new feature is being rolled out initially to those who've opted in for beta updates, and then everyone else will have it. Since it's in beta, EA notes greater functionality will come over time.

As it stands, players can adjust the stream's resolution and frame rate within Origin, and see an optional in-game "indicator" overlay which displays the number of people tuning in, along with how long the stream's been going.

Interestingly, EA's announcment comes on the same day Activision confirmed YouTube live streaming for Black Ops 2, and hot on the heels of Sony revealing Twitch.tv support for Planetside 2. A Twitch.tv representative tells us the site is up to 23 million unique visitors per month, with 200,000 unique broadcasters. The whole world is streaming or watching streams, it seems, and the big guns are getting involved.

JoystiqOrigin gets Twitch.tv live streaming support originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaEAlivestreamoriginpcstreamingtwitch.tvThu, 08 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Crysis 3, get Crysis free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/pre-order-crysis-3-get-crysis-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/pre-order-crysis-3-get-crysis-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/pre-order-crysis-3-get-crysis-free/#comments Preorder Crysis 3, get Crysis freeAre you interested in Crysis 3, but didn't play the first Crysis because whenever you tried to, your PC melted into a puddle? Well, EA wants to help catch you up by bundling in Xbox Live, PSN, and Origin codes for Crysis with pre-orders of Crysis 3 on respective platforms.

If you're still gaming on the same PC you tried to run Crysis on back in 2007, then this isn't going to help you. Also, you definitely shouldn't be pre-ordering Crysis 3 for your PC. That's just silly.

JoystiqPre-order Crysis 3, get Crysis free originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysiscrysis-3crytekEAmicrosoftoriginpcplaystationpre-orderps3PSNXBLMxboxxbox-liveThu, 01 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Origin has 30 million registered users, 4.4 million paying]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/eas-origin-has-30-million-registered-users-4-4-million-paying/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/eas-origin-has-30-million-registered-users-4-4-million-paying/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/eas-origin-has-30-million-registered-users-4-4-million-paying/#comments EA's Origin has 30 million registered users, 44 million payingEA's digital distribution service Origin now has 30 million registered users, 4.4 million of whom have purchased content via the service. EA Chief Operating Officer Peter Moore revealed the figures during yesterday's earnings conference. Moore also noted 13 million users have accessed Origin via a mobile device, and an average sale figure of $64.

"With the 70 plus developers that are now putting content on the platform," said Moore, "And with our own content itself - Medal of Honor [Warfighter] debuted this week, obviously - our ability to continue to drive stronger commercial engagement as well as community engagement has got to be key, and the metrics all point towards that being a very strong part of our business."

Based on the last revealed figure of 21 million back in July, Origin's user base increased by 42.9 percent in the last three months. EA secured another 13 developers at least for its catalog in that time.

JoystiqEA's Origin has 30 million registered users, 4.4 million paying originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidEAea-originiosipadiphonemobileoriginpcWed, 31 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy one, get one free on Origin features Darksiders 2, Battlefield 3, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/buy-one-get-one-free-on-origin-features-darksiders-2-battlefie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/buy-one-get-one-free-on-origin-features-darksiders-2-battlefie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/buy-one-get-one-free-on-origin-features-darksiders-2-battlefie/#comments Origin has a buy one, get one free deal going on select PC downloads right now. The only catch is that that the select titles are different for the "buy one" and "get one" parts of the equation. The titles that must be bought include the likes of Darksiders 2, Battlefield 3, The Witcher 2 and Saints Row: The Third, among others.

Available free titles include the Dead Space games, Dragon Age games, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Mirror's Edge, a few Sims 3 expansions and more. The deal ends on November 5.

JoystiqBuy one, get one free on Origin features Darksiders 2, Battlefield 3, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>originpcTue, 30 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[EA privacy policy mentions 'Nintendo Network ID,' Origin on Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/ea-privacy-policy-mentions-nintendo-network-id-origin-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/ea-privacy-policy-mentions-nintendo-network-id-origin-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/ea-privacy-policy-mentions-nintendo-network-id-origin-on-wii/#comments The latest version of Origin's privacy policy may have just given the world its first fleeting glimpse into the online architecture of Nintendo's rapidly approaching Wii U, or at least the naming conventions used by said architecture.

"By signing up to play EA's titles," the policy reads, "you agree that limited user account information can be transferred to EA. Information transferred to EA includes your Mii information, email address, Nintendo Network ID, friend list, country, language and date of birth."

Not only does this confirm that Origin will be an integral part of playing EA games on Wii U, presumably in a similar fashion to its integration on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but also that Nintendo's friend codes of yore are being supplemented/replaced by something called a Nintendo Network ID. We've reached out to Nintendo for comment and will update as soon as we know more.

JoystiqEA privacy policy mentions 'Nintendo Network ID,' Origin on Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAnintendoNintendo-Network-IDonlineOriginprivacy-policywii-uTue, 23 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA and Origin plug up unintended game giveaway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/ea-and-origin-plug-up-unintended-game-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/ea-and-origin-plug-up-unintended-game-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/ea-and-origin-plug-up-unintended-game-giveaway/#comments EA accidentally gives free games away on Origin due to faulty codeEA hosted a survey this past weekend that, when finished, awarded a nice prize: A code to download one free game, under $20, on the company's digital distribution site Origin. Just a few things went wrong, however.

It turns out the codes distributed weren't matched up to a specific Origin account; they could be used by anyone. Oh, and the codes worked multiple times, which means users could download as many under-$20 games as they wanted. Oh, and one more thing: Reddit figured all of this out.

As you can imagine, all hell broke loose on Origin, as what must have been thousands of users downloaded games like Dead Space 2, Burnout Paradise, Sim City 4, and Mass Effect 2 for exactly zero dollars. The site went down, and when it came back up the codes (which were supposed to work until October 21) had been disabled. Not only that, but all promo codes have been disabled for the time being, apparently.

There's no word on if EA will still honor the codes from the survey [see update: They will], or if there will be a new system in place at all, but we can almost guarantee that whatever solution EA comes up with, the IT team will probably have double- and triple-checked it for security, just to be sure. We've contacted EA for comment on what its plans are, and will let you know if we hear anything more.

Update: EA has gotten back in touch to say that those users who completed the survey will be getting new codes via email soon, to provide the specified discount. In other words, no more stealing allowed.

JoystiqEA and Origin plug up unintended game giveaway originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breachcodeseafreegamesoriginpcsecuritysurveytheftvalidationMon, 15 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3's 'N7 HQ' web portal now online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/mass-effect-3s-n7-hq-web-portal-now-online-heres-what-it-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/mass-effect-3s-n7-hq-web-portal-now-online-heres-what-it-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/mass-effect-3s-n7-hq-web-portal-now-online-heres-what-it-do/#comments Mass Effect 3's 'N7 HQ' web portal now online, here's what it doesN7 HQ, the Mass Effect 3 online portal briefly mentioned during BioWare's last multiplayer briefing, is now online and operational. Available for anyone who's purchased the game (and visible to the general public), N7 HQ allows players to view their multiplayer profile, track their progress through ME3's recently added Challenges, view leaderboard information and assess the state of the Galaxy at War.

User profiles contain information on every character an account has made, including character level, XP and skill tree allocation details for each character. As profiles are public unless otherwise specified, it's now possible to look up the builds of people you encounter online so you can steal their ideas emulate their successful layouts.

Progression through Challenges can also be closely monitored via the Challenges tab (natch), which tracks advancement through both individual and meta-Challenges in three categories: General, Aliens and Weapons. Once gold-level challenges have been completed, the titles and banners awarded can also be managed online.

Checking in on your Galactic Readiness is accomplished through the Galaxy at War section, which displays a familiar map of the galaxy (and its various stages of readiness), as well as information regarding increased readiness from external sources like Mass Effect: Infiltrator.

Unfortunately, N7 HQ doesn't have the ability to tell members of the Alliance Military that the war ended months ago, and that they can all come home. Oh well!

JoystiqMass Effect 3's 'N7 HQ' web portal now online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaElectronic-Artsmass-effect-3ME3microsoftmultiplayerN7-HQoriginpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 11 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes 2 deploys Digital Collector's edition, pre-order goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/company-of-heroes-2-deploys-digital-collectors-edition-pre-ord/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/company-of-heroes-2-deploys-digital-collectors-edition-pre-ord/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/company-of-heroes-2-deploys-digital-collectors-edition-pre-ord/#comments War may never change, but it certainly has gotten more expensive. The frugal warmonger must secure funds for a conflict as early as possible, and THQ is hoping to capitalize on this need with pre-order incentives for Company of Heroes 2.

Plunking down money right now will grant you German Rotbraun and Soviet Leningrad skins for medium-weight vehicles. Pre-ordering through Steam will enlist you in the Steam Pre-Purchase Tiered Reward Program, which grants players goods in Team Fortress 2 and Relic Entertainment's Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 2. A pre-order through Origin tosses in the Soviet Bryansk Front vehicle skin for heavy vehciles, while pre-ordering directly through THQ awards a free Command Pass that unlocks bonus multiplayer maps and entrance into "exclusive member's only events." The Command Pass will also be available for purchase following launch.

A $99 Digital Collector's edition is aimed at those who find their war coffers are overflowing, granting access to the first three single-player content packs post-launch, some additional vehicle skins, and a veteran badge displayed next to your name. Plus, this edition will pack in the original Company of Heroes and its two expansion packs.

Gallery: Company of Heroes 2 (9/20/12)

JoystiqCompany of Heroes 2 deploys Digital Collector's edition, pre-order goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroes-2originpcpre-orderrelicrelic-entertainmentsteamthqThu, 20 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Command & Conquer The Ultimate Collection collects all of Command & Conquer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/command-and-conquer-the-ultimate-collection-collects-all-of-comman/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/command-and-conquer-the-ultimate-collection-collects-all-of-comman/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/command-and-conquer-the-ultimate-collection-collects-all-of-comman/#comments Command & Conquer The Ultimate Collection collects all of Command & ConquerBefore Command & Conquer becomes a nebulous free-to-play platform thing, EA is giving you the opportunity to just buy the classic games the traditional way - all at once.

The Command & Conquer Ultimate Edition is a retail or downloadable bundle that includes Origin downloads of seventeen games (listed after the break) representing the full history of the series, from Command & Conquer to Tiberian Twilight, playable in Windows 7 and Vista.

The retail version, which would be an enormous box if these games were on discs, also includes exclusive "commemorative art." Both versions include a "Best of Command & Conquer" music collection and early access to the new thing. Both the retail and download packages will command a $49.99 price when they arrive in October.

Continue reading Command & Conquer The Ultimate Collection collects all of Command & Conquer

JoystiqCommand & Conquer The Ultimate Collection collects all of Command & Conquer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Command-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-ultimate-collectionoriginpcFri, 31 Aug 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin coming to Mac, getting achievements and free-to-play later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/origin-coming-to-mac-getting-achievements-and-free-to-play-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/origin-coming-to-mac-getting-achievements-and-free-to-play-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/origin-coming-to-mac-getting-achievements-and-free-to-play-late/#comments Over 21 million users have signed up for Origin, EA COO Peter Moore revealed during the publisher's annual Gamescom keynote - Origin currently has over 500 games from more than 50 publishers. But more exciting than boasting figures was the news that the service would be available to Mac users sometime this year.

It's part of improvements coming to the platform overall, improvements which include the integration of achievements and adding free-to-play gaming. Not only that, but EA is bringing its digital distribution platform to, well, other platforms, like Android and Facebook.

JoystiqOrigin coming to Mac, getting achievements and free-to-play later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideaea-origingamescom-2012macmobileoriginTue, 14 Aug 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Origin service hits 21 million users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/ea-origin-service-hits-21-million-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/ea-origin-service-hits-21-million-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/ea-origin-service-hits-21-million-users/#comments Electronic Arts announced today that its Origin digital distribution service has 21 million users, which includes 9 million mobile members. A dramatic increase from numbers given in May, which the publisher noted at 11 million.

The company stated recently that it has had 12 million downloads and counts 50 publishing partners among its catalog, details it has now updated with 57 independent developers.

JoystiqEA: Origin service hits 21 million users originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsoriginpcTue, 31 Jul 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Origin servers offline tonight for maintenance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/eas-origin-servers-offline-tonight-for-maintenance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/eas-origin-servers-offline-tonight-for-maintenance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/eas-origin-servers-offline-tonight-for-maintenance/#comments Electronic Arts has posted a notice stating that its Origin servers will be offline tonight from 10 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. Pacific. The notice adds that Origin will only be available in offline mode during the maintenance and that multiplayer in Origin titles will be unavailable. Presumably, this applies to both the PC and console versions of titles that require an Origin login. Furthermore, any Origin purchases made during the outage will only be fulfilled once the maintenance is complete.

EA notes that regular maintenance allows the company to prepare Origin for "for bigger changes in the weeks and months ahead." Such updates could include the promised additions and fixes that will be implemented in Origin 9.0.

JoystiqEA's Origin servers offline tonight for maintenance originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaintenancemicrosoftoriginoutagepcxboxWed, 18 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin update 9.0 streamlines friends list, library, clock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/origin-update-9-0-streamlines-friends-list-library-clock/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/origin-update-9-0-streamlines-friends-list-library-clock/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/origin-update-9-0-streamlines-friends-list-library-clock/#comments EA is preparing to update its Origin client to version 9.0, which seems designed to make the experience of using the Origin client as painless as possible.

The upcoming update decouples the friends lists into its own little window, so you can move it around or hide it. The library view can now be customized. The help menu has more options, as part of a redesigned pulldown interface.

"Many of you will also be happy to hear that we've heeded your requests and moved forward production of our in-game clock," EA notes in the announcement, answering a request we didn't realize was common.

You can get a preview of this exciting new clock and other features by opting into a beta of Origin 9.0. Even more exciting: you can then use Origin to purchase and play video games!

JoystiqOrigin update 9.0 streamlines friends list, library, clock originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributioneaoriginpcupdateTue, 17 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Battlefield 4 outed by Medal of Honor: Warfighter pre-order promotion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/14/rumor-battlefield-4-outed-by-medal-of-honor-warfighter-pre-ord/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/14/rumor-battlefield-4-outed-by-medal-of-honor-warfighter-pre-ord/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/14/rumor-battlefield-4-outed-by-medal-of-honor-warfighter-pre-ord/#comments Rumor Battlefield 4 outed by Medal of Honor Warfighter preorder promotionAs seen in the header image above, an Origin pre-order promotion for Medal of Honor: Warfighter briefly tempted customers with access to a Battlefield 4 beta before being removed from the public eye, according to neoGAF. Interesting, since Battlefield 4 doesn't really exist or anything yet, at least not in any sort of publicly official capacity.

While we didn't see the advertisement on Origin with our very own eyes, it was reportedly live and functional as a promotion, if lacking specific Battlefield 4 details, according to a corroborating report from IGN. It's possible that this was an accidental admission of BF4's existence, but it's also possible that someone at EA has learned an important lesson about letting the interns near Photoshop. We've got out ears to the ground and will update with any new information.

[Thanks, Steve!]

JoystiqRumor: Battlefield 4 outed by Medal of Honor: Warfighter pre-order promotion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jul 2012 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BattlefieldBattlefield-4Danger-CloseDICEEAmedal-of-honor-warfighterOriginpre-orderSat, 14 Jul 2012 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[EU court rules it's legal to resell digital games, software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/eu-court-rules-its-legal-to-resell-digital-games-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/eu-court-rules-its-legal-to-resell-digital-games-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/eu-court-rules-its-legal-to-resell-digital-games-software/#comments EU court rules it's legal to resell digital games, softwareBuying and reselling any form of digital software is perfectly legal, the Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled. Software authors - or in the gaming world, publishers - can not stop customers from reselling their games, even if the publisher attaches an End User License Agreement prohibiting resale.

"The exclusive right of distribution of a copy of a computer program covered by such a licence is exhausted on its first sale," the court has found.

This ruling covers customers in European Union member states, and games bought through services such as Steam or Origin. The initial purchaser is now entitled to sell the license of a game and allow someone else to download it directly from the publisher's website. The tricky part now is selling the actual license, since there is no system in place for any such transaction. The initial buyer would need a code for a game's license and upon selling it, he would no longer be able to access that game on his account.

The ruling applies to the broader scope of software, covering items such as Windows and Adobe downloads. There is no word yet on whether game distributors will change policies or services to enable a license-selling process, but that would make Steam sales much more interesting in the EU.

JoystiqEU court rules it's legal to resell digital games, software originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>courtdigitaldownloadEUeuropeEuropean-UnionmacoriginpcresaleresellrulingsoftwareSTEAMused-gamesTue, 03 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DeMartini: Origin to be a better version of Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/demartini-origin-to-be-a-better-version-of-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/demartini-origin-to-be-a-better-version-of-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/demartini-origin-to-be-a-better-version-of-steam/#comments DeMartini Origin to be a better version of SteamDavid DeMartini, EA's senior vice president of global ecommerce, said the goal of EA's Origin service is to be a better version of its competition. DeMartini noted that "the only way you get to the innovation is to have other people try and do a better version of what someone has previously done," singling out Valve's Steam platform in an interview with MCV.

"I didn't expect to be able to out-feature Steam within the first 12 months. But I'm quite optimistic we will differentiate ourselves as a service. We've built the foundation and now we are starting to add value to the service off of that foundation," he added.

DeMartini drew comparisons to social networking platforms when talking about innovation in the digital distribution space. "If MySpace had stayed the one answer in social networking and no one switched to Facebook, then we'd all be stuck on MySpace right now and we wouldn't have had the Facebook phenomenon," he said.

Don't expect Origin to start running huge mark-down sales like Steam does though, as DeMartini recently criticized the massive sales practice.

JoystiqDeMartini: Origin to be a better version of Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-demartiniEAElectronic-ArtsoriginSTEAMstoriginvalveSat, 23 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: first year with Origin 'a huge success,' service to become 'stickier']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/ea-first-year-with-origin-a-huge-success-service-to-become/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/ea-first-year-with-origin-a-huge-success-service-to-become/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/ea-first-year-with-origin-a-huge-success-service-to-become/#comments EA's Origin service is "a huge success" in its first year, according to EA senior VP of global e-commerce David DeMartini. Despite a rough start with end-user license agreement mishaps and banning some users from playing games they purchased offline, DeMartini said the service has seen 12 million downloads and counts 50 publishing partners among its catalog.

Still, he called the first year "foundational," and he's excited to add "more sticky features" to Origin. Not, like, "We're gonna pour maple syrup on the servers," but in the sense that players will see Origin more as a service (like Steam or Xbox Live) rather than yet another digital retail outlet.

"We want to put features in place where we fully take advantage of your friends lists and gameplay activities amongst all of your friends so you can compare achievements," DeMartini said. "We want you to be able to challenge your friends, and to challenge your friends to play other EA games to try and achieve things that might even be across EA games."

DeMartini insisted that EA games removed from Steam, such as Dragon Age 2, remain off the service due to Steam's rules. "We'd love to have those titles up on Steam, but unfortunately, those titles don't follow the rules that Steam has so therefore those titles are not up on Steam."

As for the future beyond those "stickiness" additions, DeMartini noted additional publishers he'd like to see join Origin. "If Activision was open-minded, we're absolutely willing to take on their great titles. Diablo III is a great game. Call of Duty will be very popular. Take-Two ... I mean there are a couple of large publishers out there that are not on Origin."

JoystiqEA: first year with Origin 'a huge success,' service to become 'stickier' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondavid-demartinidigital-distributioneaea-originelectronic-artsmacoriginpcsteamtake-two-interactiveFri, 15 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin's DeMartini: Steam sales 'cheapen intellectual property']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/09/origins-demartini-steam-sales-cheapen-intellectual-property/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/09/origins-demartini-steam-sales-cheapen-intellectual-property/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/09/origins-demartini-steam-sales-cheapen-intellectual-property/#comments EA's Senior Vice President of Global Ecommerce David DeMartini said that deep-discounting of games on Valve's Steam service "cheapens intellectual property" in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz. As head of EA's Origin digital distribution service, DeMartini suggested an alternative to Steam's approach in dealing with "aging inventory."

"We don't believe in the drop-it-down, spring-it-up, 75 percent off approach, but we've got something else that we do believe in that we'll be rolling out," he said, without revealing the company's plans outright.

DeMartini also commented on the company's recent announcement to waive distribution fees for crowd-funded titles, saying it was "the first thing Origin did that no one could complain about." Fully-funded games that hit Origin's virtual shelves will not be subject to the service's fees for the first 90 days.

He added, "We figured this is something we could do that is going to please the hardcore; it's going to please the independent development community."

JoystiqOrigin's DeMartini: Steam sales 'cheapen intellectual property' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-demartiniEAoriginSTEAMSat, 09 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin waives crowd-funded games' distribution fees for 90 days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/origin-waives-crowd-funded-games-distribution-fees-for-90-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/origin-waives-crowd-funded-games-distribution-fees-for-90-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/origin-waives-crowd-funded-games-distribution-fees-for-90-days/#comments EA's Origin is jumping on the Kickstarter bandwagon - no, not by Kickstarting an EA game (that would be hilarious) but instead, by presenting itself as an ally to crowd-funded games.

EA announced today that it will waive distribution fees for crowd-funded games for 90 days after launch. The offer is extended only to "fully-funded, complete and ready-to-publish games designed for digital download to PC platforms." InXile's Brian Fargo and Pinkerton Road's Jane Jensen voiced their support in the press release.

"The public support for crowd-funding creative game ideas coming from small developers today is nothing short of phenomenal," said Origin SVP David DeMartini in the announcement. "It's also incredibly healthy for the gaming industry. Gamers around the world deserve a chance to play every great new game, and by waiving distribution fees on Origin we can help make that a reality for successfully crowd-funded developers." EA also gets a nice patina of indirect indie cred by supporting Kickstarted games.

Continue reading Origin waives crowd-funded games' distribution fees for 90 days

JoystiqOrigin waives crowd-funded games' distribution fees for 90 days originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingelectronic-artskickstartermacoriginpcFri, 18 May 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[EA has 11 million strong on Origin, made $150 million in ten months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-has-11-million-strong-on-origin-made-150-million-in-ten-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-has-11-million-strong-on-origin-made-150-million-in-ten-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-has-11-million-strong-on-origin-made-150-million-in-ten-mon/#comments ImageEA's Origin service has a registered 11 million members and has generated $150 million in non-GAAP revenue during the fiscal year from March 31, 2011 to April 1 this year, EA reports.

EA's Nucleus, its cross-platform community network, now has 220 million members, EA says.

EA recently allowed all 11 million members to provide feedback on Origin, its digital distribution service.

JoystiqEA has 11 million strong on Origin, made $150 million in ten months originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAea-nucleusea-originElectronic-Artsfy-2012nucleusoriginpcMon, 07 May 2012 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/skullgirls-boppin-to-pc-digital-distribution-platforms-later-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/skullgirls-boppin-to-pc-digital-distribution-platforms-later-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/skullgirls-boppin-to-pc-digital-distribution-platforms-later-th/#comments Reverge Labs' debut fighter Skullgirls is coming to major digital distribution channels later this year. The Windows PC port will be available on Steam, Origin, GameFly, GamersGate and GameStop PC Downloads.

The PC version will ship with several updates built in - updates that will eventually be patched into the console versions. These include "in-game movelists, additional tutorials, retuned single player AI, enhanced leaderboards, in-game name display for online matches, and additional multi-player regions."

Continue reading Skullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year

JoystiqSkullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamesgameflygamersgategamestopgamestop-pc-downloadsoriginpcreverge-labsskullgirlssteamWed, 02 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tell EA how you really feel about Origin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/tell-ea-how-you-really-feel-about-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/tell-ea-how-you-really-feel-about-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/tell-ea-how-you-really-feel-about-origin/#comments ImageEA is seeking your input on things its digital distribution service, Origin, is doing right and wrong. The company has a post up now asking customers what their favorite Origin feature is and what features that they'd like to see in the future. Think of it as an internet-based focus group.

The company will also host a Q&A session with Origin Creative Director Robert Kissinger and Product Manager Mike Lewis next Tuesday, May 8 at 10 a.m. The company will post more information about how to RSVP for the event at a later date.

Our first Origin recommendation: providing a time zone to go with that 10 a.m. meeting.

Update: The answer is 10 a.m. Pacific. Thanks, EA!

[Image credit: AMC's Mad Men]

JoystiqTell EA how you really feel about Origin originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsoriginpcWed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA allowing banned Origin players access to offline content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/#comments ImageEA has quietly made things a little easier for those banned from its digital Origin service, allowing even those scorned by the company to access single player content in purchased and downloaded games. Previously, gamers who behaved badly on official EA forums or otherwise caused their accounts to be revoked were locked out completely, but now EA is saying that by switching the Origin client over to offline mode, players can at least play bought games by themselves.

To get back online, players will need to appeal the ban, for which instructions can be found here. EA does say that most bans are only temporary, but just in case you want to speed up the process we'll say this: Offering crop sacrifices to an idol of John Riccitiello certainly can't hurt.

JoystiqEA allowing banned Origin players access to offline content originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessbanbannedcontenteagamesoriginpcplayerssingle-playerupdateMon, 16 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 3 accidentally revealed by EA's Origin service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/try-and-look-surprised-crysis-3-acci-revealed-by-eas-origin-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/try-and-look-surprised-crysis-3-acci-revealed-by-eas-origin-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/try-and-look-surprised-crysis-3-acci-revealed-by-eas-origin-se/#comments ImageEA probably wasn't too keen on you learning about a new Crysis just yet - the news comes from its Origin service where box art and cursory details popped up overnight for "Crysis 3" (as seen above). The box art and listings have since been removed, but as we all know Google sees all.

Moreover, as Neogaf points out, GameReactor magazine is teasing a reveal for Crysis 3 in the coming week. Unfortunately for both EA and the European magazine, some of that thunder got stolen by a faulty switch over at Origin.

Box art for Xbox 360 and PC versions popped up, but we imagine it'll also arrive on PlayStation 3. We've reached out to EA for clarification, but we don't expect to hear more until next week's planned reveal. (And yes, that dude on the Crysis 3 cover is rocking what looks like a compound bow.)

Continue reading Crysis 3 accidentally revealed by EA's Origin service

JoystiqCrysis 3 accidentally revealed by EA's Origin service originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryengine-3crysis-3cryteamcrytekeaea-originelectronic-artsmicrosoftoriginpcxboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST