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[Diablo 2 designer brings ChronoBlade to browsers, Ouya, iOS, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/diablo-2-designer-brings-chronoblade-to-browsers-ouya-ios-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/diablo-2-designer-brings-chronoblade-to-browsers-ouya-ios-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/diablo-2-designer-brings-chronoblade-to-browsers-ouya-ios-and/#comments
NWay, a studio founded by Grand Theft Auto creator Dave Jones and former Realtime Worlds president Tony Harman, is bringing a new action RPG called ChronoBlade to browsers, Ouya, iOS and Android. To throw another big name onto the pile, the game is being designed by Stieg Hedlund, the designer behind Diablo 2.

ChronoBlade combines traditional loot-collecting action RPG concepts with 2D beat-em-up gameplay. The game takes place in a "multiverse" setting consisting of many different dimensions, allowing it to include styles ranging from medieval fantasy to steampunk.

A demo should launch on Ouya next week, and an open beta of the browser version is expected to launch later this month. Check out a developer diary after the break.

Continue reading Diablo 2 designer brings ChronoBlade to browsers, Ouya, iOS, Android

JoystiqDiablo 2 designer brings ChronoBlade to browsers, Ouya, iOS, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchronobladeiosipadiphonemacmobilenwayouyapcThu, 06 Jun 2013 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Crate Box squares away a launch on Ouya]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/super-crate-box-squares-away-a-launch-on-ouya/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/super-crate-box-squares-away-a-launch-on-ouya/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/super-crate-box-squares-away-a-launch-on-ouya/#commentsSuper Crate Box squares away a launch on Ouya Vlambeer is bringing Super Crate Box to Ouya, just in time to show it off at E3. The new version shouldn't be a complete surprise - after all, Super Crate Box is already on basically every other platform ever, including Commodore 64.

Vlambeer announced Super Crate Box Ouya in a blog post packed with news: As previously mentioned, Luftrausers is ready for certification by Sony, and when it's approved it'll launch simultaneously on PC, Mac, Linux, PS3 and Vita. In an appearance on Sup Holmes?, Vlambeer founders Rami Ismail and Jan Willem Nijman announced unlockable, color versions of Luftrausers, created by notable people in the gaming industry.

Ismail and Nijman are also deep into their next game - it's playable already, and it features explosions and screen shakes, if that helps narrow down its genre a bit (it doesn't). They plan to stream development of this game and will announce more information closer to Luftrausers' launch.

JoystiqSuper Crate Box squares away a launch on Ouya originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2013luftrausersouyasuper-crate-boxvlambeerThu, 06 Jun 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic CD coming to Ouya this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-sonic-cd-coming-to-ouya-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-sonic-cd-coming-to-ouya-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-sonic-cd-coming-to-ouya-this-month/#commentsSonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic CD coming to Ouya this month Sega announced plans to support the Android-powered Ouya console after its public launch later this month with a trio of Sonic the Hedgehog releases.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, Sonic 4: Episode 2, and Sonic CD will be released in the Ouya Store on June 27 for $7 each. All three games were previously released for iOS and Android devices, though the Ouya ports are optimized for the console's Tegra 3 processor, and will have free trial versions available in the Ouya Store.

Speaking to GamesIndustry International, Sega of America Director of Mobile Business David Zemke praised Ouya's "disruptive technology," and expressed the company's desire "to see what these technologies can do and be a part of it from the beginning."

Zemke also addressed the potential for future Ouya releases. "We're always looking for other titles and there may be some future titles that we'd like to bring over," he said. "For us, we're always trying to bring the best gaming experience to the right platforms. It's a delicate mix of how and when to do it."

The Ouya will launch on June 25.

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic CD coming to Ouya this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileouyasegasonic-cdsonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[You Don't Know Jack on Ouya June 11, JackPad app makes phone a controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/you-dont-know-jack-on-ouya-june-11-jackpad-app-makes-phone-a-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/you-dont-know-jack-on-ouya-june-11-jackpad-app-makes-phone-a-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/you-dont-know-jack-on-ouya-june-11-jackpad-app-makes-phone-a-c/#comments On June 11, Jellyvision's popular trivia series, You Don't Know Jack, will make its debut on Ouya. An 11-question multiplayer episode is free to sample, and for $10 you can add 20 new episodes.

A free companion app for iOS and Android called JackPad will be available alongside the game. JackPad turns your mobile device into an additional controller, so you don't need four Ouya controllers to play multiplayer.

Ouya was slated to launch at retail on June 4 but was recently pushed back to June 25. Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman told Joystiq this three-week delay was in order to meet higher than expected demand.

Continue reading You Don't Know Jack on Ouya June 11, JackPad app makes phone a controller

JoystiqYou Don't Know Jack on Ouya June 11, JackPad app makes phone a controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonejackpadjellyvisionmobileouyayou-dont-know-jackFri, 31 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Abducted brings alien adventure to PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/abducted-brings-alien-adventure-to-pc-mac-linux-ios-and-andro/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/abducted-brings-alien-adventure-to-pc-mac-linux-ios-and-andro/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/abducted-brings-alien-adventure-to-pc-mac-linux-ios-and-andro/#comments
You might think you're having a bad day, but Eve has got you beat. She woke up in a strange world with an alien computer embedded in her arm. Eve is the main character of Abducted, an upcoming episodic adventure from Sunside. Abducted promises a mix of action-adventure, horror and RPG elements, and the trailer for the first episode shows off some lovely extraterrestrial visuals.

The game is available for pre-order now via Sunside's website, with an expected release late this summer. Those who pre-order the Collector's Edition will receive early access to the Abducted beta.

Available platforms will include PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android (including Ouya). Sunside also says that its in-house Radiance engine can support Xbox and PS3, though no official release has been announced for those platforms. If you'd like to see Abducted on Steam, you can give it a push on Greenlight.

JoystiqAbducted brings alien adventure to PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 May 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abductedandroidiosipadiphonemacmobileouyapcThu, 30 May 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie demos Ouya in UK Game store: Positive reactions, poor pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/26/indie-demos-ouya-in-uk-game-store-positive-reactions-poor-pre/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/26/indie-demos-ouya-in-uk-game-store-positive-reactions-poor-pre/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/26/indie-demos-ouya-in-uk-game-store-positive-reactions-poor-pre/#commentsIndie demos Ouya in UK's Game store Positive reactions, no preorders The Ouya remains a gray area in terms of profit for developers - it's still technically not available to the public, though plenty of Kickstarter backers and indies have consoles. To test out the Ouya's potential, real-world audience, UK developer James Coote took his dev kit to a local Game store and set up a demo station. After all, the Ouya is an "open" console and devs don't have to deal with any NDAs or legalese before showing it off publicly.

Coote worked with Game employees to set up a demo station on an old PS3 stand, and he spent the day showing off his own game and others on the Ouya. The tiny box wasn't connected to the internet, so players had a choice of games Coote had pre-loaded.

"The Ouya has also been criticised for having a laggy UI, but since there was no need to exit the game library and navigate around the rest of the UI, that particular problem didn't come up at all," Coote said.

Overall, the demo was a success, Coote said - though he didn't receive the foot traffic he had anticipated and he was "quite poor" at convincing anyone to throw down £10 for an Ouya pre-order.

"People responded really positively to the live demonstration, whether they were just watching myself or others play, or actively trying it out themselves," Coote said. "Also, not only being able to respond to customers' questions directly, but not being directly affiliated with Ouya, I was able to honestly address some of Ouya's shortcomings, which helped build trust and a rapport with customers."

Read all about Coote's experience with the Ouya at a brick-and-mortar store, and his thoughts for the console's future, right here.

JoystiqIndie demos Ouya in UK Game store: Positive reactions, poor pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brick-and-mortargameIndiejames-cooteouyaretailukSun, 26 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya booth to be open to the public in a parking lot outside of E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/ouya-booth-to-be-open-to-the-public-in-a-parking-lot-outside-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/ouya-booth-to-be-open-to-the-public-in-a-parking-lot-outside-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/ouya-booth-to-be-open-to-the-public-in-a-parking-lot-outside-of/#comments Ouya's E3 presence will be open to the public, as it plans to show off games for its console in a parking lot down the street from the Los Angeles Convention Center where E3 will be held in June. The information comes from an email to registered Ouya developers from head of developer relations, Kellee Santiago.

Santiago says Ouya will provide developers with "everything you'll need to put on a killer game demo," such as an Ouya console, controllers and TV, during the convention's entire three-day stretch from June 11 to June 13. Registered developers, of which there are over 10,000, have until May 28 to submit a form declaring their intent to show off their game at the Ouya lot, with hourly time slots available for each of the three days.

Continue reading Ouya booth to be open to the public in a parking lot outside of E3

JoystiqOuya booth to be open to the public in a parking lot outside of E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boothe3e3-2013Kellee-Santiagoouyaparking-lotSat, 18 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya secures $15 million in funding, Bing Gordon joins board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-secures-15-million-in-funding-bing-gordon-joins-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-secures-15-million-in-funding-bing-gordon-joins-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-secures-15-million-in-funding-bing-gordon-joins-board/#comments Ouya has picked up a new board member with some industry klout - no really, he's on Klout's board too - in the the form of former EA chief creative officer Bing Gordon. "What we really liked about Bing is that he doesn't get constrained by conventional thinking, and that's a lot about what we do at Ouya," CEO Julie Uhrman tells Joystiq. "And he also is a really big supporter of game creators, and that's been one of the key focuses of Ouya. It felt like a perfect match." Gordon will be helping the company seek out new games and promote the Ouya itself, she says.

The company has also secured $15 million in new funding. "We want to be in this for the long haul," says Uhrman. "This money will allow us to continue to support game developers as well as meet the demand that we're seeing from retailers and really gamers all over the world."

Ouya has seen higher than expected demand, she says - so high, apparently, that the company delayed the launch from June 4 to June 25 to manufacture more units - and this new funding will help "service that demand." The funding may also help Ouya expand beyond its initial launch territories, North America, Canada and the UK. Many regions have shown an interest in Ouya, she says. "We will be able to look at those regions and determine what makes sense for Ouya, and be there when we want to be there."

Continue reading Ouya secures $15 million in funding, Bing Gordon joins board

JoystiqOuya secures $15 million in funding, Bing Gordon joins board originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbing-gordonjulie-uhrmanmobileouyaThu, 09 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya launch delayed to June 25, controller defect being fixed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-launch-delayed-to-june-25-controller-defect-being-fixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-launch-delayed-to-june-25-controller-defect-being-fixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-launch-delayed-to-june-25-controller-defect-being-fixed/#comments The Ouya isn't going to make its planned June 4 launch. The diminutive Android console will now launch on June 25. Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman tells Joystiq that the decision was made in order to meet high demand at retail.

"We've had incredibly positive reactions from our retail partners, and so in order to meet their greater than expected demand, we decided to shift the launch date by a couple of weeks - three weeks - which will allow us to create more units and, basically, have more units on store shelves in June."

Uhrman also addressed one of Ouya's stickier issues, notably that the controller's buttons can get stuck underneath its faceplate. The problem has already been fixed, she says, and has been implemented in production. The solution: larger button holes. "I don't know what the exact millimeter is, but we've increased the size just a little bit, so now the buttons don't stick under it. We made that change very early so all the units are being produced with those larger button holes." The corrected controllers will ship alongside Ouya's retail launch units.

We followed up with Ouya and were told that the new controllers are already being shipped to Kickstarter backers as well. When asked if those who already received a defective controller would get a replacement, a representative told us, "If backers have a problem with their controller, we will work with them to resolve the issue via customer service."

We'll have more on the Ouya's upcoming launch later today.

Continue reading Ouya launch delayed to June 25, controller defect being fixed

JoystiqOuya launch delayed to June 25, controller defect being fixed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidjulie-uhrmanmobileouyaThu, 09 May 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tearing down an Ouya: iFixit finds it to be easily repairable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/tearing-down-an-ouya-ifixit-finds-it-to-be-easily-repairable/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/tearing-down-an-ouya-ifixit-finds-it-to-be-easily-repairable/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/tearing-down-an-ouya-ifixit-finds-it-to-be-easily-repairable/#commentsTearing down an Ouya iFixit finds it to be easily repairable The Ouya team sent the gentlehands at iFixit a retail unit of the tiny Android console to rip apart and gauge its openness and repairability. IFixit found only one moving component, the fan, in the entire little box and remarked on the hardware's "very clean and simple layout."

The Ouya scored a 9 out of 10 on iFixit's Repairability scale, because it uses standard-head screws, no weird glues, and most of its components are easily removed and replaced. IFixit factored in the Ouya controller to its score, knocking it for having the joysticks soldered to the circuit board, meaning a broken stick may necessitate an entire board transplant.

JoystiqTearing down an Ouya: iFixit finds it to be easily repairable originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhardwareifixitmobileouyarepairteardownWed, 08 May 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbound earns over $1 million; extra race, fossils and pets a go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/starbound-earns-over-1-million-extra-race-fossils-and-pets-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/starbound-earns-over-1-million-extra-race-fossils-and-pets-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/starbound-earns-over-1-million-extra-race-fossils-and-pets-a/#commentsStarbound reaches $1 million in preorders, secures extra race, fossils, pets Starbound, a sandbox exploration game with randomly generated worlds, is coming from developer Chucklefish, who has been raising money through its pre-order page (take that, Kickstarter!) for some time. Today, Starbound has received over $1 million from crowd-funding, securing all stretch goal extras for the game.

Upon reaching $500,000, Chucklefish promised a new playable race called the Novakids - nomads comprised of gases who have no planet to call home. At $750,000, fossils were introduced: rare and valuable materials players can unearth using special tools. Finally the $1 million threshold promised starter pets, which are companions that can't fight or be controlled - unlike the alien creatures you actually can capture and force to fight - but they love you unconditionally and that's the important thing.

There isn't an exact date for Starbound's launch, though the game is due sometime this year on Windows PC, Mac, Linux and Ouya.

JoystiqStarbound earns over $1 million; extra race, fossils and pets a go originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chucklefishlinuxmacouyapcstarboundThu, 02 May 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Enemy teaser designs some bullies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/silent-enemy-teaser-designs-some-bullies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/silent-enemy-teaser-designs-some-bullies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/silent-enemy-teaser-designs-some-bullies/#comments
The next project from Papo & Yo developer Minority, Silent Enemy, tackles another sensitive topic: bullying. Many of the developers were bullied and that history affected the design and development of SIlent Enemy.

JoystiqSilent Enemy teaser designs some bullies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphoneminoritymobileouyapcplaystation-4ps4silent-enemyWed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Soul Fjord' is Airtight's next game, Ouya exclusive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/soul-fjord-is-airtights-next-game-ouya-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/soul-fjord-is-airtights-next-game-ouya-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/soul-fjord-is-airtights-next-game-ouya-exclusive/#comments
The next game from designer Kim Swift and Airtight Games (Quantum Conundrum) will be Soul Fjord. Fusing '70s funk with Norse mythology, the game stars Magnus Jones, an afro-sporting Viking, who makes his way through procedurally generated dungeons and engages in rhythm-based combat.

And if you were wondering: yes, this is Airtight's Ouya-exclusive project that was announced earlier this year. Swift referred to it as a "console exclusive" when speaking to IGN, so it's possible that mobile and PC ports are still on the table.

A developer diary was released alongside the announcement. At the very least, the eclectic cultural mash-up makes for interesting aesthetics, though there isn't much to speak of in terms of gameplay.

The Ouya is slated to officially launch on June 4, while Soul Fjord is "coming soon."

Gallery: Soul Fjord

Joystiq'Soul Fjord' is Airtight's next game, Ouya exclusive originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtight-gamesandroidmobileouyasoul-fjordMon, 29 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kellee Santiago on Ouya, wrangling developers, dubstep]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/kellee-santiago-on-ouya-wrangling-developers-dubstep/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/kellee-santiago-on-ouya-wrangling-developers-dubstep/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/kellee-santiago-on-ouya-wrangling-developers-dubstep/#comments Apart from patching up software and hardware issues, the Ouya's biggest hurdle is the same one that every new console faces: Games. That's where Kellee Santiago comes in. Santiago made a name for herself with thatgamecompany, the studio behind Flow, Flower and Journey. After departing thatgamecompany in 2012, she joined Ouya earlier this year as its head of developer relations. That makes it her job to both work with Ouya's current developers, reach out to new ones and, perhaps most importantly, help curate the content on the Ouya store.

"One of the, I would say, main goals for the console is to create an ecosystem in which any developer can find the right audience for their game through Ouya." That means creating a system that is "naturally diverse" to begin with, she says, and "taking a look at what are our early developers naturally gravitating to. What is [the] content we want to get onto the platform in order to increase the diversity of our portfolio."

That also means avoiding "the trap that many new distribution channels can fall into, which is sort of feeding into the early successes of the games that were accepted by the initial audience of the platform." That's easier said than done, and Ouya has a handful of battles to fight.

Continue reading Kellee Santiago on Ouya, wrangling developers, dubstep

JoystiqKellee Santiago on Ouya, wrangling developers, dubstep originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidKellee-SantiagomobileouyaMon, 22 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya passes 10,000 registered developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/ouya-passes-10-000-registered-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/ouya-passes-10-000-registered-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/ouya-passes-10-000-registered-developers/#comments The Ouya has surpassed 10,000 registered developers. The news comes courtesy of Ouya's head of developer relations, Kellee Santiago, who told Joystiq that the tiny console just passed the significant milestone. Santiago didn't divulge any of the studios that might be on the list, but noted there should be some announcements in the "upcoming few weeks."

Some of the high-profile names we've already heard include Double Fine, Polytron, Airtight Games and Minority Media. We spoke to Santiago regarding her role at Ouya and how she plans to expand its library and attract developers. Expect more on that conversation next week.

JoystiqOuya passes 10,000 registered developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidKellee-SantiagomobileouyaFri, 19 Apr 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya firmware update allows credit card changes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/ouya-firmware-update-allows-credit-card-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/ouya-firmware-update-allows-credit-card-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/ouya-firmware-update-allows-credit-card-changes/#comments Ouya firmware update allows payment options adjustmentGood news for Ouya Kickstarter backers (and anyone planning to buy a retail unit in June), a new firmware update will let you change your payment options. Previously, credit card information was locked into the associated Ouya account once it was entered. Now, users may change their credit card information at any time under account settings in the Manage menu.

The Ouya recently began shipping to Kickstarter backers as part of a public preview period, and today's update irons out one of the kinks cited in our review of the console's current state.

JoystiqOuya firmware update allows credit card changes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfirmwaremobileouyaWed, 17 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya: The infinite garage sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/ouya-kickstarter-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/ouya-kickstarter-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/ouya-kickstarter-review/#comments Ouya The infinite garage saleOne summer, when I was a kid, I wandered into a garage sale and came across an old Atari 2600 and a shoebox full of games. I don't remember how much they wanted for it, but it was low enough that a kid without a job could afford it, so it wasn't much. I took it home, immediately hooked it up to the television and started rifling through the games.

Most of the games were simple, executions of a single concept. Some of them were great, some were passable but forgettable, while others were nigh indecipherable. Naturally, there were some genuine turkeys in there too. It was hard to be disappointed though, since I could just pop in another cartridge and, after all, the entire box of goodies had cost me practically nothing.

That summer day pretty much encapsulates my experience with the Ouya thus far.

Gallery: Ouya Kickstarter console review

Continue reading Ouya: The infinite garage sale

JoystiqOuya: The infinite garage sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileouyaWed, 17 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya: Hands-on with the user interface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ouya-hands-on-with-the-user-interface/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ouya-hands-on-with-the-user-interface/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ouya-hands-on-with-the-user-interface/#comments
Earlier this week, we took a look at the Ouya hardware that began shipping to Kickstarter backers last month. Now, join us as we delve into the software that makes the little console tick. We should have a broader review of our experience with the Ouya within the coming days.

JoystiqOuya: Hands-on with the user interface originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileouyaThu, 11 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya: Joystiq takes a closer look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/ouya-joystiq-takes-a-closer-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/ouya-joystiq-takes-a-closer-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/ouya-joystiq-takes-a-closer-look/#comments
We're still composing our thoughts on our Ouya Kickstarter console - expect more on that later this week - but in the meantime we thought we'd give the Joystiq biomass a look at the diminutive hardware and its accompanying controller.

Ouya's Kickstarter backers started receiving their consoles on March 28. The console's public launch is slated for June.

Note: Quick correction on the above video, Ouya has not actually promised to make the controller faceplates more secure before the console's launch. The company has only stated that it is "considering" the possibility.

JoystiqOuya: Joystiq takes a closer look originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileouyaWed, 10 Apr 2013 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Legend of Dungeon devs' secret to saving money: Live in a tree]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/legend-of-dungeon-devs-secret-to-saving-money-live-in-a-tree/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/legend-of-dungeon-devs-secret-to-saving-money-live-in-a-tree/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/legend-of-dungeon-devs-secret-to-saving-money-live-in-a-tree/#comments Legend of Dungeon devs' secret to saving money Live in a treeAs a husband and wife development team, Alix Stolzer and Calvin Goble worked out a system that saw them through the first few years of crafting games: Calvin made their first two titles, Tiny Plumbers and IGF nominee Neverdaunt: 8Bit, while Alix worked a 9-5 job and provided input in her spare time. The situation was satisfactory, but eventually, Alix wanted more.

"While money was coming in from our games, it really wasn't enough to pay the bills," Alix told me. "We decided we'd rather reduce living costs and rough it, instead of one of us working a 'real' job. The opportunity came quickly."

A friend offered them the opportunity to be his "mountain neighbor" in Vermont - meaning they would live in a mountainside forest, in a home they'd craft themselves out of trees and tarp. There, they could survive on $150 a month, plus food. Alix and Calvin seized the moment.

"We sold our house and used as little money as possible to build a small house-tent thing eight feet off the ground, on a platform our friend had made out of four trees," Alix said. "We spent maybe $1,000 on it, really using thrifty things like greenhouse plastic, and making our own solar panels, etc. It's an awesome adventure, but the downside is it slows down game development."

The mountain, miraculously, hosted a strong cellular internet signal, and on sunny days Alix and Calvin were able to charge their laptops, one at a time, using the homemade solar panels. Cafes and the college campus in town, a half hour walk away, provided power and internet on cloudy days. Everything - food, heat, power, water - took extra time in the mountain home, Alix said, including video game programming and design.

But the tree house didn't stop their game development. As the studio Robot Loves Kitty, Calvin (the Robot) and Alix (Kitty) brought their latest game, Legend of Dungeon, to PAX East, using not a lot of money and earning wild success.

Continue reading Legend of Dungeon devs' secret to saving money: Live in a tree

JoystiqLegend of Dungeon devs' secret to saving money: Live in a tree originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbudgetindielegend-of-dungeonmacmobilemoneyouyaPAXpax-eastPAX-East-2013pcrobot-loves-kittySavingstreetree-houseTue, 09 Apr 2013 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya working on external game storage, simpler installs for June 4 launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/ouya-working-on-external-game-storage-simpler-installs-for-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/ouya-working-on-external-game-storage-simpler-installs-for-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/ouya-working-on-external-game-storage-simpler-installs-for-june/#comments Those early Kickstarter units may have some issues, but Ouya promises that come time to officially launch the console on June 4, that won't be the case. External storage for games, an easier game installation process, controller support for video players, more metrics for developers and support for different payment options are a few of the issues Ouya will be focusing on leading up to launch, founder and CEO of Ouya Julie Uhrman said on the Ouya blog.

"We will continue to obsess over quality and performance. For example, we are considering adding additional magnets to the controllers so that the faceplates are more secure - no more falling off during shipments!" Ouya is also working on improving responsiveness of software and will continue to focus on "discovery and curation" as more games are submitted to Ouya.

The founding backer edition of Ouya launched on March 28, though many found - including our pals over at Engadget - that the console seemed like more of a beta release than a final product. Ouya will ship its retail version on June 4 for $99.

Gallery: Ouya hands-on

JoystiqOuya working on external game storage, simpler installs for June 4 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidjulie-uhrmanmobileouyaMon, 08 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Adventures of Dash misses Kickstarter goal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-adventures-of-dash-misses-kickstarter-goal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-adventures-of-dash-misses-kickstarter-goal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-adventures-of-dash-misses-kickstarter-goal/#comments The Adventures of Dash misses Kickstarter goalAfter 30-days of fundraising on Kickstarter, Robotoki's platforming project The Adventures of Dash fell short of its $400,000 goal, earning a total of $33,121 from 496 backers over the course of the campaign.

"We know were not alone now in wanting to see this game come to life," the campaign's final update reads, "and while we're not entirely sure how we're going to make that happen right now, we are going to do everything we can to keep the game alive." The update goes on to say that The Adventures of Dash will have to be placed "on the back burner for now" so Robotoki can focus on its main project, Human Element.

The Adventures of Dash, a 2D side-scrolling platformer about a boy with narcolepsy, was originally planned for a November launch on consoles, iOS, Android PC, Mac, Linux and Ouya. The game would have changed both stylistically and mechanically based on whether Dash was awake or involuntarily asleep, as seen in the gallery below.

Gallery: The Adventures of Dash

JoystiqThe Adventures of Dash misses Kickstarter goal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphoneKickstarterlinuxmicrosoftmobileouyaplaystationps3Robotokithe-adventures-of-dashxboxSat, 06 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya ships with native Twitch app]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/ouya-ships-with-native-twitch-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/ouya-ships-with-native-twitch-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/ouya-ships-with-native-twitch-app/#comments If you're already tired of playing games on your Ouya (see our preview here!), you can easily watch other people playing them. Streaming site Twitch.tv revealed that it already has a dedicated viewing app on the tiny crowdfunded console at launch.

Ouya is officially the first console with a native Twitch app ... if only because the Xbox 360 app, announced at E3, has been delayed. "Unfortunately, we ran into some development snags, but rest assured it is slated for release in May," Twitch notes.

JoystiqOuya ships with native Twitch app originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileouyastreamingtwitchFri, 29 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya: Joystiq goes hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ouya-joystiq-goes-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ouya-joystiq-goes-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ouya-joystiq-goes-hands-on/#comments Handson with OuyaFor being such a little thing, the Ouya is surprisingly heavy. The Kickstarter unit I tested was etched with the names of $10,000 backers, Minecraft creator Notch at the top of the list. Ouya's development kit (the ODK) is in the hands of 8,000 developers, Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman told me. "New games are getting loaded every single day, all different types of genres."

The hardware is finalized, she said, having been improved over the original development kits based on developer suggestions. With units now shipping to Kickstarter backers, the next two months will be spent improving the software prior to the official public launch in June. "Like every other sort of typical software platform, it's always going to continue to evolve, and we'll add more features and functionality."

Gallery: Ouya (GDC 2013)

Continue reading Ouya: Joystiq goes hands-on

JoystiqOuya: Joystiq goes hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgdc-2013julie-uhrmanmobileouyaThu, 28 Mar 2013 23:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya launches at retail June 4 for $99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ouya-launches-at-retail-june-4-for-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ouya-launches-at-retail-june-4-for-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ouya-launches-at-retail-june-4-for-99/#comments Ouya launches at retail June 4 for $99Ouya, the diminutive android-powered console, will launch on June 4. The device will be available in the US, Canada and the UK for the asking price of $99. Meanwhile, Ouya's Kickstarter backers should begin receiving their units starting today.

We got a chance to try out an Ouya at GDC. Expect our impressions later today.

JoystiqOuya launches at retail June 4 for $99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileouyarelease-dateThu, 28 Mar 2013 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[You can totally 3D print your own Ouya case]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/you-can-totally-3d-print-your-own-ouya-case/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/you-can-totally-3d-print-your-own-ouya-case/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/you-can-totally-3d-print-your-own-ouya-case/#comments You can totally 3D print your own Ouya caseIf you're from the future and have your own 3D printer, you can customize your Ouya console with a 3D-printed case.

Ouya posted a 3D model for the console on Thingiverse, allowing 3D printer users to customize the box with whatever materials and colors they have, and print their very own. You could even try to edit the model to add features to the thing. The designs are "optimized" for the MakerBot Replicator 2, a device that really exists and that people can buy.

If you're at GDC this week, you can see the results of this art project for yourself. Meanwhile, Ouyas will begin shipping out to Kickstarter backers tomorrow.

JoystiqYou can totally 3D print your own Ouya case originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-printermakerbotouyaWed, 27 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Fish: Fez 'should be out on pretty much everything,' eventually]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/phil-fish-fez-should-be-out-on-pretty-much-everything-eventu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/phil-fish-fez-should-be-out-on-pretty-much-everything-eventu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/phil-fish-fez-should-be-out-on-pretty-much-everything-eventu/#comments Fez is coming to Mac, Fish talking to Sony about VitaFez has found its way to Steam, hitting PCs on May 1 - but that's not all developer Phil Fish has up his tiny, red hat. Fish hosted a Reddit AMA today, where he revealed Mac, Linux, Vita, Ouya and iOS versions of Fez are all in various stages of planning and development.

Mac and Ouya ports are definitely on the way, while Linux is part of some "vague plans, but plans nonetheless. Fez should eventually be out on pretty much everything," Fish said. For Vita and PSN, Fish said he's working with Sony "to figure something out." An iOS launch is "highly probable."

Fish also says "thanks for all the spreadsheet jokes." And you all thought you were so original.

Check out all of the Fez information you never knew you wanted right here, and make sure to see the Fez Fish Gaijin Games created for Runner 2 (Warning: It's a fish in tightie whities, and we do mean tight).

JoystiqPhil Fish: Fez 'should be out on pretty much everything,' eventually originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidFeziosipadiphonemacmobileouyapcphil-fishplaystationplaystation-vitaps3redditreddit-amavitaMon, 18 Mar 2013 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya won't ship with online chat, friends lists, achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/ouya-wont-ship-with-online-chat-friends-lists-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/ouya-wont-ship-with-online-chat-friends-lists-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/ouya-wont-ship-with-online-chat-friends-lists-achievements/#comments Ouya missing some online features at launchWhen the Ouya is deployed to Kickstarter backers on March 28, it will be short a few online features: online chat, friends lists and achievements, specifically. These features will come to the tiny Android console later in the year, an Ouya representative tells The Verge. The Ouya will support online multiplayer, as long as developers build that functionality into their games.

Ouya opened its storefront to developers last week, bulking up its games offering prior to launch. Those who didn't donate to the Ouya Kickstarter will be able to purchase a console for $99 in June, online or in physical stores.

JoystiqOuya won't ship with online chat, friends lists, achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievementsandroidchatfriends-listonlineouyaTue, 12 Mar 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya opens app store to devs, producing mini documentary series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/ouya-opens-app-store-to-devs-producing-mini-documentary-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/ouya-opens-app-store-to-devs-producing-mini-documentary-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/ouya-opens-app-store-to-devs-producing-mini-documentary-series/#comments Ouya has announced its digital storefront is now accessible to developers ahead of the console's planned shipments to Kickstarter backers on March 28. Developers uploading games to Ouya's servers from today onward will find their wares in front of Ouya backers on launch day.

They will also be eligible for a free promotion in which Ouya will choose the top three games, according to time played over six weeks following the console launch, and feature them in an upcoming series of short documentaries. "We will rely heavily on these documentaries to tell people about OUYA, and we'll share them far and wide as part of our launch marketing in June leading up to the holidays," the Ouya blog post from recent hire Kellee Santiago reads.

The blog post also discusses how Ouya's recently established approval process works. Those who have already submitted for approval during the test phase will have to re-submit.

If you didn't back the Ouya Kickstarter campaign and all goes according to the manufacturing plan, you'll able to purchase an Ouya console for $99 in June, either online or through various retailers.

JoystiqOuya opens app store to devs, producing mini documentary series originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddocumentaryKellee-SantiagomobileouyaThu, 07 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya ships to Kickstarter backers March 28, Kellee Santiago joins company]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ouya-ships-to-kickstarter-backers-march-28-kellee-santiago-join/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ouya-ships-to-kickstarter-backers-march-28-kellee-santiago-join/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ouya-ships-to-kickstarter-backers-march-28-kellee-santiago-join/#comments If you bought an Ouya console from the Kickstarter drive, you will actually get the thing you bought soon. The consoles will begin shipping out on March 28, the company announced today. The retail launch is still set for June.

Ouya will be supported by games, including an exclusive title by Kim Swift and Airtight Games (Quantum Conundrum) and a new project by Minority Media (Papo & Yo). And to attract even more talent to the diminutive console, thatgamecompany co-founder Kellee Santiago also announced that she's joined the company as head of developer relations.

JoystiqOuya ships to Kickstarter backers March 28, Kellee Santiago joins company originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtight-gamesandroidKellee-Santiagomobileouyarelease-dateThu, 28 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya game approval process to begin this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/ouya-game-approval-process-to-begin-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/ouya-game-approval-process-to-begin-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/ouya-game-approval-process-to-begin-this-month/#comments Ouya game approval process to begin this monthOuya developers should be in for a relatively simple approval process for submitted games, CEO Julie Uhrman tells our friends at Engadget. Once games are submitted, they will be checked for "intellectual property infringement, and malware, and excessive pornography," says Uhrman. "Ultimately it's a quick review and you're in the storefront in one capacity or another."

Uhrman says the internal review process should begin in the "middle-to-end of this month." With Ouya Kickstarter backers set to receive the first consumer Ouya units in March, let's hope the turnaround is as quick as Uhrman implies. Assuming it is, there's plenty of time for the Ouya to build up its library before the full retail launch in June.

JoystiqOuya game approval process to begin this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileouyaFri, 08 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Expect new Ouya console every year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/expect-new-ouya-console-every-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/expect-new-ouya-console-every-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/expect-new-ouya-console-every-year/#comments Ouya is expected to iterate every year, taking advantage of annual price drops on components for the $99 Android console.

"As it relates to iterating the console and refreshes, our strategy is very much similar to the mobile strategy. There will be a new Ouya every year," Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman told us at DICE today. "There will be an Ouya 2 and an Ouya 3. We'll take advantage of faster, better processors, take advantage of prices falling. So if we can get more than 8GB of Flash in our box, we will. And in so doing, make sure that all games are backwards compatible."

Regarding the specs of the Ouya 1, she said, "We're launching on the Tegra 3. It's a quad-core A9 chip. Because it's not a mobile device, we don't have to balance power for battery life. So when all four quads are running, it's 1.6GHz. It's gonna be the best Tegra 3 device on the market."

Games will be tied to a user's Ouya account, so even if customers upgrade annually, the plan is for them to own their content from one console to the next. Ouya also announced earlier today a partnership with Double Fine Productions and Words With Friends creator Paul Bettner. The Ouya console will be available in June.

JoystiqExpect new Ouya console every year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileouyaThu, 07 Feb 2013 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya partners with Double Fine and 'Words With Friends' creator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/ouya-partners-with-double-fine-and-words-with-friends-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/ouya-partners-with-double-fine-and-words-with-friends-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/ouya-partners-with-double-fine-and-words-with-friends-creator/#comments http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/uhrmanwm620pxhedimgjoystiq.jpgOuya CEO Julie Uhrman announced at DICE today that the Android-based console will partner with Tim Schafer and Double Fine Productions, along with Words With Friends creator Paul Bettner. Double Fine will bring The Cave and Reds to Ouya, while Paul Bettner's Verse studio is currently in development on two unannounced titles for the console.

"Ouya and Verse are nothing less than The Return Of Console Gaming. The last big wave was mobile ... Words With Friends is the most played game across all mobile platforms," said Bettner. "And yet I believe we're about to see another disruption even bigger than this last. Gamers want the App Store in their living room. Ouya will be the first to deliver it, and it's going to change everything. Again."

There are currently no release dates for the games by Double Fine of the Paul Bettner projects. The Ouya console will be available in June.

JoystiqOuya partners with Double Fine and 'Words With Friends' creator originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dice-2013ouyaWed, 06 Feb 2013 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya comes to retail in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/ouya-comes-to-retail-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/ouya-comes-to-retail-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/ouya-comes-to-retail-in-june/#comments The Ouya officially launches in June, and several retailers are lined up to sell the wee Android console both online and in physical stores. Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and GameStop are all taking pre-orders starting today, with the console plus controller priced at $99.99, and an extra controller $49.99.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman said Kickstarter backers get their orders delivered in March, pre-order deliveries go out in April, and June sees the official launch. When asked about other console launches coming this year, Uhrman said the aim is for Ouya to find its own place in the market, and not to outdo the likes of Microsoft and Sony.

"We don't need to beat Xbox or Sony or any console that enters the marketplace," Uhrman told the Wall Street Journal, "We need to carve out our own niche. Ouya offers a very different value proposition to the gaming you can currently experience. It's a box designed specifically for the television that leverages the screen, we support 3D gaming, HD, we support the controller, we added a touchpad to the controller. The kind of content you'll see on Ouya, it'll be inventive and creative and has never been on the television."

JoystiqOuya comes to retail in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonandroidbest-buygamestopmobileouyarelease-datetargetTue, 05 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie developers discuss the Ouya experience thus far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/indie-developers-discuss-the-ouya-experience-thus-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/indie-developers-discuss-the-ouya-experience-thus-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/indie-developers-discuss-the-ouya-experience-thus-far/#comments With Ouya developer kits now out in the wild, our friends at Engadget decided to see what developers think of them so far. Nathan Fouts of Mommy's Best Games praises the system for its open development system. As an example, he noted the "brutal" certification process Mommy's Best had to overcome in order release Serious Sam Double D XXL on Xbox Live Arcade. "I'm happy to release the game there, but it's a nice break to have fewer restrictions," he said.

Meanwhile, Jerrod Putnam of Tiny Tim Games is excited by the prospect of a unified, widespread Android platform. Whereas Android development usually requires developers to worry about compatibility across multiple devices, all with different specs, Tiny Tim can develop for Ouya "without having to also target thousands of other devices." He does admit that the Tegra 3 chipset in the Ouya will quickly be surpassed by newer chips, but that is simply the nature of consoles. Along the same lines, however, the static nature of the Ouya will allow developers to maximize its potential.

Right now, the biggest question is how the Ouya's business model will play out. "There are still a few unknowns that will ultimately decide how Ouya pans out," said Rami Ismail of Vlambeer. Much will depend on curation, he said. "Too strict risks alienating creative developers and too loose and you end up with a minefield of terrible apps similar to the Android Play Store." Fouts added that another hurdle will be twofold: Convincing developers that there will be an audience for Ouya, and convincing potential Ouya owners that it will have a large enough library of worthwhile games.

JoystiqIndie developers discuss the Ouya experience thus far originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilemommys-best-gamesouyatiny-tim-gamesvlambeerFri, 01 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gunslugs rampages through Ouya, gets caught on film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/gunslugs-rampages-through-ouya-gets-caught-on-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/gunslugs-rampages-through-ouya-gets-caught-on-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/gunslugs-rampages-through-ouya-gets-caught-on-film/#comments

OrangePixel's Pascal Bestebroer developed Gunslugs with the Ouya in mind, adding a deep co-op experience that he thought would shine on a cheap, open, Android-based console. In the above video, Bestebroer and a buddy give Gunslugs a go on an Ouya developer model, in two-player co-op mode.

The Ouya cetainly looks and sounds like a home conosle in this video, and Gunslugs lives up to its promise of "over-the-top action, very much like the old action movies of the 80s," as Bestebroer describes in his recent Indie Pitch.

"The Ouya is mostly a very interesting development," Bestebroer says. "I have no idea if it will succeed in its first version, but the fact that their Kickstarter was such a huge success shows that people want this cheaper, and more open, console experience."

JoystiqGunslugs rampages through Ouya, gets caught on film originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgunslugsmobileorangepixelouyaWed, 30 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya's Create game jam yields more than 150 games in 10 days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/ouyas-create-game-jam-yields-more-than-150-games-in-10-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/ouyas-create-game-jam-yields-more-than-150-games-in-10-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/ouyas-create-game-jam-yields-more-than-150-games-in-10-days/#comments

The Create game jam was designed to jump-start Ouya game development, asking indies to make an Android-based game in just 10 days, from January 13 - 24. Now that development time is up, Kill Screen has a list of all the games up for judgment, with finalists to be announced on February 11 and winners on February 18.

More than 150 games made it into the jam, including the cartoony Super Ushi Adventures from Brightside Games, robot-based skyrizer from The Long Gunmen, side-scrolling 3D adventure Battle Camel from Jibberish Games, and Pig Eat Ball from Serious Sam Double D developer Mommy's Best Games (video embedded above).

Judges in the Create contest include geek extraordinaire Felicia Day, Canabalt creator Adam Saltsman, Phil Fish of Fez fame, Journey composer Austin Wintory, Ouya advisor Ed Fries and SpellTower creator Zach Gage. The grand prize is $20,000, plus an extra $5,000 if the game actually launches on Ouya. Winners in five more categories win $5,000 each, plus $1,000 if the game makes it to Ouya. There's a special category for games using the Unity engine, with the winner taking home $2,500 and a Unity Pro license.

[Thanks, Nate!]

JoystiqOuya's Create game jam yields more than 150 games in 10 days originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcreatecreate-game-jamgame-jamkill-screenmobileouyaTue, 29 Jan 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya controller being redesigned based on feedback]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/ouya-controller-being-redesigned-based-on-feedback/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/ouya-controller-being-redesigned-based-on-feedback/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/ouya-controller-being-redesigned-based-on-feedback/#comments Ouya controller being redesigned based on feedbackNow that Ouya development kits are out in the wild, users have a few suggestions about its included controller. Responding to feedback (and changed already in progress), the team behind the Android-powered system has announced several changes to the peripheral. First and foremost, the circular D-pad has been replaced with cross-shaped pad, which should be a welcome change for games that require more precision.

Second, the analog sticks are now rubberized on top to allow for better grip. Furthermore, the touch pad's sensitivity has been improved, the triggers moved closer to the body of the controller and the battery compartment made more secure.

All of these improvements (and more, possibly) can be yours this April, when the consumer version of the Ouya is expected to launch.

JoystiqOuya controller being redesigned based on feedback originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcontrollermobileouyaperipheralsThu, 24 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenary Kings on display at IGDA Demo Night, PAX East, this gallery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/mercenary-kings-on-display-at-igda-demo-night-pax-east-this-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/mercenary-kings-on-display-at-igda-demo-night-pax-east-this-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/mercenary-kings-on-display-at-igda-demo-night-pax-east-this-ga/#comments Mercenary Kings on display at IGDA Demo Night, PAX East, this galleryMercenary Kings, the run-and-gun-and-craft action game by Wizorb developer Tribute Games, is well on its way to reality following its Kickstarter drive. The developer shared three new in-progress screenshots today, and announced plans to show the game on January 22 at the IGDA DemoNight in Montreal.

More fans will get to see what are most assuredly spectacular animations at PAX East, where the game will be playable in a Tribute Games booth.

Gallery: Mercenary Kings

JoystiqMercenary Kings on display at IGDA Demo Night, PAX East, this gallery originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidigda-demonightmercenary-kingsmobileouyapax-east-2013pctribute-gamesFri, 18 Jan 2013 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Create' game jam will generate Ouya games, quickly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/create-game-jam-will-generate-ouya-games-quickly/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/create-game-jam-will-generate-ouya-games-quickly/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/create-game-jam-will-generate-ouya-games-quickly/#comments Ouya game jam will generate Ouya games, quicklyIf the Ouya is to succeed among not only traditional game consoles, but other Android console things, it needs some standout games. To fulfill that requirement, Ouya is teaming up with Kill Screen to create a bunch of games in short order.

The "CREATE" game jam is a ten-day competition running between January 14 and January 23. Developers are encouraged to create new games for the tiny console and promote it on social media, in order to get a piece of a $45,000 prize pool.

Judges for the competition include Phil Fish, Adam Saltsman, Zach Gage, Felicia Day, Ed Fries, and more. No pressure.

Joystiq'Create' game jam will generate Ouya games, quickly originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcreategame-jammobileouyaMon, 07 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST