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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA['Dragula' returns to Jet Set Radio, Sega teases more music announcements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/dragula-returns-to-jet-set-radio-sega-teases-more-music-annou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/dragula-returns-to-jet-set-radio-sega-teases-more-music-annou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/dragula-returns-to-jet-set-radio-sega-teases-more-music-annou/#comments
A new trailer for Jet Set Radio features the remix of Rob Zombie's "Dragula" featured in the US-exclusive levels from the Dreamcast game, indicating that Sega has acquired the rights to more music for the HD re-release than previously announced. Whether that's good news depends on the balance of your desire for a more accurate version versus your desire to never hear "Dragula" again.

The end of the trailer exhorts us to "Stay Tuned" for more music news. This can only be good, unless it refers to the removal of every song but "Dragula."

Joystiq'Dragula' returns to Jet Set Radio, Sega teases more music announcements originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragulajet-grind-radiojet-set-radiomicrosoftmusicpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxWed, 30 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2 back on Steam with a clever new name, extra goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/#comments ImageCrysis 2 is back on Steam after being yanked in June because "an agreement with another download service" violated Steam's terms of service. The new, improved Crysis 2 is subtitled the "Maximum Edition" and it includes all the content in the limited edition, plus the Retaliation and Decimation DLC packs, all for $40.

Those who snagged Crysis 2 on Steam before it was pulled can get Maximum Edition for half off through June 12 at 10 a.m. PST. EA's other pulled or unreleased titles on Steam - namely Mass Effect 3 and Battlefield 3 - are still absent.

The new version, by including all the DLC, sidesteps the restrictions that kept the game off in the first place.

[Thanks, Steven!]

JoystiqCrysis 2 back on Steam with a clever new name, extra goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crysis-2Crytekdigital-distributionEAElectronic-ArtspcSTEAMWed, 30 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K13 slams into the Wii U in 'holiday season']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/nba-2k13-slams-into-the-wii-u-in-holiday-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/nba-2k13-slams-into-the-wii-u-in-holiday-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/nba-2k13-slams-into-the-wii-u-in-holiday-season/#comments ImageNBA 2K13 will launch on the Wii U "within the launch window," sometime in the holiday season, 2K Sports announced today. NBA 2K13 is also coming to PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, Wii and PC on October 2 in North America and October 5 worldwide.

Pre-orders for PS3 and Xbox 360 will receive NBA All-Stars-themed downloadable content, set in Houston, where players can stage their own All-Stars games and compete in three All-Stars events with current and classic players. Presented with all-new intuitive controls by Sprite, the NBA All-Stars' No. 1 athletic supporter!

Continue reading NBA 2K13 slams into the Wii U in 'holiday season'

JoystiqNBA 2K13 slams into the Wii U in 'holiday season' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Sportsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiiwii-uxboxWed, 30 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com getting Retro City Rampage, Tomb Raider, Colonization]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/gog-com-getting-retro-city-rampage-tomb-raider-colonization/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/gog-com-getting-retro-city-rampage-tomb-raider-colonization/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/gog-com-getting-retro-city-rampage-tomb-raider-colonization/#comments As part of CD Projekt Red's summer conference today, it was revealed that Retro City Rampage will be available on Good Old Games. Retro City Rampage, slated to arrive later this year, hearkens back to the 8-bit days of yore to deliver a parody of modern day open-world games, and it has generally been a topic of gleeful discussion among Joystiq staff.

In addition to Retro City Rampage, GOG.com has also acquired the first three games of the Tomb Raider series and Sid Meier's Colonization. Notably, the Tomb Raider collection has actually been "remastered for Windows." The Tomb Raider collection is $10, while Colonization is available for $6. On June 19, indie game Tiny and Big will also come to GOG, for $10 ($9 for pre-orders). Finally, GOG.com is hosting a special pre-order program for the upcoming indie adventure title, Resonance. Those who pre-order will receive a 10 percent discount and access to a 4 hour playable preview of the game prior to its June 19 launch.

Continue reading GOG.com getting Retro City Rampage, Tomb Raider, Colonization

JoystiqGOG.com getting Retro City Rampage, Tomb Raider, Colonization originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projekt-redcolonizationgog.compcresonanceretro-city-rampagesid-meiers-colonizationtomb-raiderWed, 30 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 conjures 1.7 million in sales, coming to Mac and Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/the-witcher-2-conjures-1-7-million-in-sales-coming-to-mac-and-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/the-witcher-2-conjures-1-7-million-in-sales-coming-to-mac-and-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/the-witcher-2-conjures-1-7-million-in-sales-coming-to-mac-and-j/#comments While the focus of CD Projekt Red's summer conference was its new Cyberpunk RPG, the company still doled out a few tidbits about its best-known title, The Witcher 2. Specifically, the game has moved 1.7 million copies across the PC and Xbox 360 platforms.

The company hopes to sell a few more copies by bringing the Xbox version to Japan. To be published by Spike Chunsoft, the Xbox version of The Witcher 2 will arrive in Japan on August 23. Finally, The Witcher 2 will be available on Mac this fall. We're guessing you'll probably need a Mac with a dedicated graphics card to actually run it.

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 conjures 1.7 million in sales, coming to Mac and Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projekt-redjapanmacmicrosoftpcsalesthe-witcher-2xboxWed, 30 May 2012 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[CD Projekt Red goes 'Cyberpunk' in new 'triple-A RPG']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/cd-projekt-red-goes-cyberpunk-in-new-triple-a-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/cd-projekt-red-goes-cyberpunk-in-new-triple-a-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/cd-projekt-red-goes-cyberpunk-in-new-triple-a-rpg/#comments ImageCD Projekt Red, developer of the Witcher series, is looking into the fictional future for its next game, announcing development of a new "triple-A" game based on the Cyberpunk pen-and-paper game by Mike Pondsmith. Players will build a character from a series of classes including mercenaries or the cyberpunk-standard "hacker," load that character up with tech implants, and work through a non-linear storyline.

A new CDP team, made up of Witcher vets, is working on the game, and staffing up for additional help. There's no release window yet, and it seems early in development, so don't go buy a new video card for it yet.

JoystiqCD Projekt Red goes 'Cyberpunk' in new 'triple-A RPG' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektcd-projekt-redcyberpunkpcWed, 30 May 2012 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Dogfight 1942 flies later this year to XBLA, PSN and Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/dogfight-1942-flies-later-this-year-to-xbla-psn-and-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/dogfight-1942-flies-later-this-year-to-xbla-psn-and-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/dogfight-1942-flies-later-this-year-to-xbla-psn-and-steam/#comments ImageCity Interactive announced Dogfight 1942 this morning, bringing arcade-style aerial combat wings to XBLA, PSN and Steam later this year. The publisher plans to release a demo of the game prior to takeoff.

The game is the digital version of Combat Wings: The Great Battles of World War II, which was formerly intended to be a retail product. The name change must have been done recently, since just a few weeks ago the XBLA marketplace leaked the game with a different title.

Gallery: Dogfight 1942

Continue reading Dogfight 1942 flies later this year to XBLA, PSN and Steam

JoystiqDogfight 1942 flies later this year to XBLA, PSN and Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combat-wings-the-great-battles-of-wwiiDogfight-1942microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 30 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Battlefield 3 'Premium' service costs $50 one time, includes 'all five themed expansion packs']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/report-battlefield-3-premium-service-costs-50-one-time-incl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/report-battlefield-3-premium-service-costs-50-one-time-incl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/report-battlefield-3-premium-service-costs-50-one-time-incl/#comments ImageReports of Battlefield 3's "Premium" service just got a lot more official looking, with a fact sheet leaking out of Germany containing lots of details. The service apparently costs $50 one time and includes a variety of content, including access to the five released and upcoming Battlefield 3 expansion packs, two weeks of early access to said packs, and "a host of unique in-game items not available anywhere else."

That, however, is where the "interesting" part of this ends, and the "pretty gross" part begins. Beyond the DLC access, Premium members are said to get "access to powerful new features." What features might those be? "The ability to reset stats" is listed, but so is "queue priority into servers," which means exactly what it sounds like. As in, "pay for this service and get into servers faster than the rabble."

The fact sheet reconfirms what we saw leak out of the EU PlayStation Blog earlier today - Battlefield 3 "Premium" is expected to launch alongside the "Close Quarters" DLC on June 4 across Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Head past the break to see the full sheet.

Update: EA tells Joystiq, "Looks like the excitement for Battlefield Premium cannot be contained. For details, please visit Battlefield.com on June 4." We'd suggest you check out Joystiq.com on June 4 as well. Just a guess.

Continue reading Report: Battlefield 3 'Premium' service costs $50 one time, includes 'all five themed expansion packs'

JoystiqReport: Battlefield 3 'Premium' service costs $50 one time, includes 'all five themed expansion packs' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-premiummicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 30 May 2012 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dead Space video pops up, signs point to Dead Space 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/new-dead-space-video-pops-up-signs-point-to-dead-space-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/new-dead-space-video-pops-up-signs-point-to-dead-space-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/new-dead-space-video-pops-up-signs-point-to-dead-space-3/#comments Image
Like some errant Necromorph, a new video has suddenly popped up on the Dead Space website. Entitled "Dead Space Graphic Novel Short," the video showcases the story of John Carver, an Earthgov Seargent, as he "witnesses an attack on the Marker Site he guards which changes his life forever." There's also a countdown on the site - coded in Dead Space's alien language - set to expire in six days. Electronic Arts' E3 press conference, meanwhile, is set to take place on Monday, curiously only five days away.

Despite the video's title, there's reason to believe this is all tied to Dead Space 3. As noticed by fans on the Dead Space Facebook page, the website's source code contains numerous references to "ds3." The site adds that this is "just the start of John Carver's saga in the Dead Space Universe," implying that something grander than merchandising is on the way. Perhaps Carver is a new protagonist? One way or another, we'll find out next week.

JoystiqNew Dead Space video pops up, signs point to Dead Space 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-space-3Electronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3visceral-gamesxboxWed, 30 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Doom 3 'BFG Edition' brings Hell to 360/PS3/PC 'this fall' with entire back catalog in tow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/doom-3-bfg-edition-brings-hell-to-360-ps3-pc-this-fall-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/doom-3-bfg-edition-brings-hell-to-360-ps3-pc-this-fall-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/doom-3-bfg-edition-brings-hell-to-360-ps3-pc-this-fall-with/#comments
Are you experiencing a dearth of Doom? id Software is worried about just that possibility, as evidenced by today's announcement of Doom 3 "BFG Edition." Doom 3 is getting remastered and repackaged, with the "Resurrection of Evil" expansion and seven brand new levels, which id are wrapping up as "The Lost Mission."

Beyond remastering graphics, id's also adding Achievements, Trophies, and 3D. In the gameplay department, a "new check point save system" is being added, and the ever-frustrating flashlight issue is being resolved with "the new armor-mounted flashlight." If that weren't enough, the BFG Edition includes both Doom 1 and 2, so you can truly vanquish every single last demon in all of the space hells, all in one package. Finally!

Continue reading Doom 3 'BFG Edition' brings Hell to 360/PS3/PC 'this fall' with entire back catalog in tow

JoystiqDoom 3 'BFG Edition' brings Hell to 360/PS3/PC 'this fall' with entire back catalog in tow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksbfg-editionDoom-3doom-3-bfg-editionid-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxzenimax-mediaWed, 30 May 2012 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 'Premium' service dated for June 4, alongside 'Close Quarters' DLC pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/battlefield-3-premium-service-dated-for-june-4-alongside-clo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/battlefield-3-premium-service-dated-for-june-4-alongside-clo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/battlefield-3-premium-service-dated-for-june-4-alongside-clo/#comments ImageOur European friends at the PlayStation Blog made a bit of a mistake this morning, it seems, having accidentally outed an upcoming "Premium" service for Battlefield 3, as well as a date (June 4) and pricing across European/Australian regions (£39.99/€49.99/AU$79.99). The game's upcoming DLC pack "Close Quarters" also got a date and price: June 4, £11.99/€14.99/AU$23.95.

As you might imagine, someone at Sony quickly realized the issue and pulled the info ... but not before Google Cache caught it in its icy, permanent grip. We've reached out to EA and Sony for more info, but it sounds like the rumored Call of Duty Elite-esque service for Battlefield 3 is more than just a rumor.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 'Premium' service dated for June 4, alongside 'Close Quarters' DLC pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-premiumclose-quartersdlcdownloadable-contentmicrosoftpcplaystationpremiumps3xboxWed, 30 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution has nuns to make Agent 47 run (spoiler: he doesn't)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/hitman-absolution-has-nuns-to-make-agent-47-run-spoiler-he-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/hitman-absolution-has-nuns-to-make-agent-47-run-spoiler-he-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/hitman-absolution-has-nuns-to-make-agent-47-run-spoiler-he-do/#comments
Turns out yesterday's Hitman Absolution tease, which featured a bunch of Kasumi Goto silhouettes, was actually showing off the naughty nuns from the clip above. Using only a minuscule amount of his silent assassin repertoire, Agent 47 takes out an ICA (his former employer) hit squad, known as "The Saints," in brutal fashion.

Those looking for something a little less up-close-and-personal can pre-order Hitman: Absolution now from GameStop and obtain the Hitman: Sniper Challenge as a bonus. Agent 47 runs (and kills) for his life once again on November 20.

JoystiqHitman: Absolution has nuns to make Agent 47 run (spoiler: he doesn't) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitman-5hitman-absolutionIO-Interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxWed, 30 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka shows us The Other Side of the Coin on June 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/magicka-shows-us-the-other-side-of-the-coin-on-june-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/magicka-shows-us-the-other-side-of-the-coin-on-june-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/magicka-shows-us-the-other-side-of-the-coin-on-june-14/#comments Image
Arrowhead Game Studios is preparing the next DLC expansion for its wizard-powered adventure, Magicka. The Other Side of the Coin expands upon the story of Magicka by placing players in the boots of Alucart, an evil vampire who is in no way related to Alucard from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

The Other Side of the Coin will cost $4.99 and also includes four new challenge maps when it becomes available for download on June 14.

JoystiqMagicka shows us The Other Side of the Coin on June 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agsarrowhead-game-studioscastlevania-symphony-of-the-nightmagickapcthe-other-side-of-the-coinWed, 30 May 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Planetside 2 takes flight in new trailer and screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/planetside-2-takes-flight-in-new-trailer-and-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/planetside-2-takes-flight-in-new-trailer-and-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/planetside-2-takes-flight-in-new-trailer-and-screens/#comments We never understood why they call aerial combat dogfighting - it's not like dogs can fly, right? Wait, can they? ... No, we're pretty sure that's just a dream we had once.

Continue reading Planetside 2 takes flight in new trailer and screens

JoystiqPlanetside 2 takes flight in new trailer and screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Localpcplanetside-2soesony-online-entertainmentU.S.Wed, 30 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/#comments Image
Fight for the survival of humanity this week with Resistance: Burning Skies...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxTue, 29 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Divinity: Original Sin is a prequel to Divine Divinity, due 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/divinity-original-sin-is-a-prequel-to-divine-divinity-due-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/divinity-original-sin-is-a-prequel-to-divine-divinity-due-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/divinity-original-sin-is-a-prequel-to-divine-divinity-due-2013/#comments Image
Belgium-based Larian Studios has announced that it will release a new title in the popular Divinity RPG series, called Divinity: Original Sin. Due out in the first quarter of 2013, Original Sin will serve as a prequel to Divine Divinity, feature two main playable characters in turn-based combat, and come with co-op multiplayer and an adventure building kit that players can use to create and share content online. The game will arrive on PC and Mac.

You can see more about the title on the official site, or browse through the gallery of screenshots below. Larian will be showing off Original Sin and Dragon Commander (another upcoming Divinity-based title) at E3 this year, so we'll see them up close in about a week.

Gallery: Divinity: Original Sin (5/29/2012)

JoystiqDivinity: Original Sin is a prequel to Divine Divinity, due 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementdivinitydivinity-original-sinlarian-studiosmacpcprequelTue, 29 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trials Evolution getting bugfix update, resetting multiplayer leaderboards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/trials-evolution-getting-bugfix-update-resetting-multiplayer-le/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/trials-evolution-getting-bugfix-update-resetting-multiplayer-le/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/trials-evolution-getting-bugfix-update-resetting-multiplayer-le/#comments 0RedLynx is delivering the first title update for popular motorcycle crash simulator Trials Evolution, adding fixes for a number of game issues, as well as tweaks to get rid of high score-ensuring loopholes.

Because a lot of "corrupted data" made it on to the leaderboards at launch, according to RedLynx, the multiplayer scoreboards in Trials Evolution will be reset when the patch goes live at 2:00 AM PDT Wednesday morning. Single-player leaderboards, player-created track leaderboards, and multiplayer ranks won't be affected by this change.

RedLynx recommends that players stay out of multiplayer for four to six hours after the update, in order to make sure that any scores earned are recorded correctly. What else can you do between the hours of two and eight AM? Sleeping is one option. Just throwing that out there.

JoystiqTrials Evolution getting bugfix update, resetting multiplayer leaderboards originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugfixesleaderboardsmultiplayerpatchpcredlynxtitle-updatetrials-evolutionupdateTue, 29 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 'Rebellion Pack' DLC live on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-live-on-xbox-360-ps3-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-live-on-xbox-360-ps3-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-live-on-xbox-360-ps3-and-pc/#comments
Xbox 360 owners will find the Rebellion DLC pack available for download in Mass Effect 3 right now. The Rebellion pack is free to those who have activated their Online Pass and adds a new objective type, two new maps, and three new playable characters to the multiplayer side of BioWare's latest RPG.

PC and PS3 owners will have to wait for Rebellion. Chris Priestly, BioWare's community guy, says that it'll be available on those platforms "soon." We'll be sure to update as soon as BioWare reveals new details.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 'Rebellion Pack' DLC live on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlceakinectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rebellionrebellion-packxboxTue, 29 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawsuit alleging copyright infringement in Assassin's Creed dropped, Gametrailers settles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/lawsuit-alleging-copyright-infringement-in-assassins-creed-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/lawsuit-alleging-copyright-infringement-in-assassins-creed-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/lawsuit-alleging-copyright-infringement-in-assassins-creed-drop/#comments ImageNovelist John Beiswenger has dropped the lawsuit against Ubisoft, in which he alleged the Assassin's Creed universe stole ideas from one of his books, Link. Gametrailers, whom Beiswenger sued in the same case, settled with the author on May 18 under undisclosed terms.

Beiswenger voluntarily dismissed all action against Ubisoft before any formal adjudication on the validity of his claims could begin - the Internet made up its mind about his claims a while ago. Beiswenger has dropped the case, citing the expense of federal litigation:

"I filed the Complaint and Motion for Preliminary Injunction in federal court because I believe authors should vigorously defend their rights in their creative works; otherwise, the laws protecting them simply have no purpose," Beiswenger's official statement reads. "Regrettably, the resources required to defend those rights are unavailable to many individual creators. As a result, rampant infringement is occurring with impunity."

Beiswenger was seeking $5.25 million in damages and the potential cessation of all Assassin's Creed endeavors, including the third game currently due out in October. Beiswenger filed the dismissal "without prejudice," meaning he can pick up the claims and the case again in the future.

If he ever does, we don't think Ubisoft will sweat it too much; the Internet has already done most of the debunking already, unless Beiswenger can somehow prove that he owns the rights to "spiritual and biblical tones" or "assassinations."

Continue reading Lawsuit alleging copyright infringement in Assassin's Creed dropped, Gametrailers settles

JoystiqLawsuit alleging copyright infringement in Assassin's Creed dropped, Gametrailers settles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3bookscasegametrailersjohn-beiswengerlawsuitmicrosoftnintendonovelistpcplaystationps3suedUbisoftwii-uxboxTue, 29 May 2012 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3's Battle.net down again; June 12 targeted for real-money auction house [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/diablo-3s-battle-net-down-real-money-ah-targeted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/diablo-3s-battle-net-down-real-money-ah-targeted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/diablo-3s-battle-net-down-real-money-ah-targeted-for/#comments ImageUpdate: It appears the issues are coming to an end, at least for the moment. Diablo 3 servers are coming back online and some of auction house features have returned. The real-money auction house is still targeted for a June 12 release, according to an in-game message.

Original Story: The toughest boss in Diablo 3 continues to be the game's dreaded 'Error' codes, as Blizzard's Battle.net service has gone down for the count again this afternoon after being down all morning for scheduled maintenance due to the release of Patch 1.0.2. Blizzard says that it is aware of the issue, and is "currently investigating the cause."

"We're aware of an issue that is affecting our authentication servers, which result in failed or slow login attempts," a message in Diablo 3's 'Breaking News' module currently reads. Attempts to log into the game yield the message that servers are down for maintenance.

Blizzard is also working on the Auction House as well - commodities sales have been down since last week, and the Auction House itself was down for a few extra hours today, past the planned maintenance. The real-money auction house has been delayed indefinitely, but the in-game notification for the feature noted a new target date of June 12, since last night.

In the meantime, until the servers come back up, feel free to do exactly what a few select Joystiq editors are doing: Rocking back and forth in a corner, mumbling something about Belial being behind this treachery.

JoystiqDiablo 3's Battle.net down again; June 12 targeted for real-money auction house [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahauction-housebattle-netblizzardDiablo-3downtimepcTue, 29 May 2012 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[You can totally get The Darkness 2 for $12 at Best Buy today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-can-totally-get-the-darkness-2-for-12-at-best-buy-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-can-totally-get-the-darkness-2-for-12-at-best-buy-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-can-totally-get-the-darkness-2-for-12-at-best-buy-today/#comments ImageThe Darkness 2 is Best Buy's deal of the day, on sale for $12 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. If you're into juicy, demonic mutilations, psychotic episodes of extreme violence and solid voice acting, this may be the best $12 you spend all year.

The sale extends to in-store purchases only, meaning while you can gaze longingly at the low price point online - you can't have it unless you get up and grab it.

[Thanks, ZombieFever.]

JoystiqYou can totally get The Darkness 2 for $12 at Best Buy today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesBest-Buydigital-extremesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3salethe-darkness-2xboxTue, 29 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Among the Sleep, a horror game played through the eyes of a child]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/among-the-sleep-a-horror-game-played-through-the-eyes-of-a-chil/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/among-the-sleep-a-horror-game-played-through-the-eyes-of-a-chil/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/among-the-sleep-a-horror-game-played-through-the-eyes-of-a-chil/#comments
The effectiveness of a horror game often hinges on its ability to instill a sense of helplessness. Some do this by limiting the number of offensive options. Others do it by removing offensive options altogether. Among the Sleep, from Norwegian developer Krillbite Studio, ups the ante by putting players in control of a two-year-old.

Among the Sleep is played from a first-person perspective, presenting a world full of childlike imagination and terror, in which a child (accompanied only by his faithful teddy bear) must survive the nightmare happenings around him. We're not sure mysterious is exactly the right word, at least not judging by the spooky happenings in the trailer. Among the Sleep is slated to arrive next year on Mac and PC.

Be sure to check out the Krillbite blog to follow the game's development. We certainly will be.

Gallery: Among the Sleep

JoystiqAmong the Sleep, a horror game played through the eyes of a child originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>among-the-sleepkrillbitekrillbite-studiomacpcTue, 29 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard explains Diablo 3 design change 'philosophy,' reveals gameplay stats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/blizzard-explains-diablo-3-design-change-philosophy-reveals-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/blizzard-explains-diablo-3-design-change-philosophy-reveals-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/blizzard-explains-diablo-3-design-change-philosophy-reveals-g/#comments Despite Diablo 3 taking hold of multiple Joystiq staff members, Blizzard's latest game has had a shaky launch. Server issues, auction house difficulties, and more have thrown a wrench into what our review feels is a must-play adventure.

In a blog post yesterday, Blizzard outlined its intentions with some of the game's upcoming fixes, and revealed a number of interesting statistics about the commercially explosive title.

Blizzard notes that players have an average of three created characters, with 80% of those characters falling between levels 1 and 30. Only 1.9 percent of players have unlocked Diablo 3's Inferno difficulty mode. Blizzard also revealed that 35 percent of "Hardcore" deaths have occurred in Act I on Normal difficulty.

Gallery: Diablo 3 (10/21/11)

Continue reading Blizzard explains Diablo 3 design change 'philosophy,' reveals gameplay stats

JoystiqBlizzard explains Diablo 3 design change 'philosophy,' reveals gameplay stats originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardDiablo-3HotfixesPatchpcTue, 29 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[You Don't Know Jack is live on Facebook, as garish and fun as ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/#comments ImageOur editor-in-chief just told everyone on staff, "You don't know jack," which at first we chalked up to another moment of him flaunting his immense gaming and grammatical intelligence while we all cower in terrified inadequacy. Turns out he wanted us to write a post, but now we don't know who this Jack guy is or why he's so newsworthy.

Whatever - in unrelated news, You Don't Know Jack is now available for anyone to play on Facebook and holy snack cakes, we just figured out what our EIC wanted us to write about. Now who's dumb, huh?

JoystiqYou Don't Know Jack is live on Facebook, as garish and fun as ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookjellyvisionmacmobilepcTHQyou-dont-know-jackTue, 29 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turn the pages of Orcs Must Die! 2's new Spellbook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/turn-the-pages-of-orcs-must-die-2s-new-spellbook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/turn-the-pages-of-orcs-must-die-2s-new-spellbook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/turn-the-pages-of-orcs-must-die-2s-new-spellbook/#comments Orcs Must Die! 2 builds upon the excellent foundation of its predecessor with multiplayer - our first taste was pretty pleasant. As revealed exclusively to Joystiq today, it also adds an expanded Spellbook. The Spellbook itself is now divided into five different subsections: My Gear, Traps, Weapons, Trinkets and Vanity.

Gallery: Orcs Must Die! 2 (Spellbook)

Continue reading Turn the pages of Orcs Must Die! 2's new Spellbook

JoystiqTurn the pages of Orcs Must Die! 2's new Spellbook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orcs-must-die-2pcrobot-entertainmentspellbookTue, 29 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Harley Quinn's Revenge begins today on PSN and Xbox 360 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/psa-harley-quinns-revenge-begins-today-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/psa-harley-quinns-revenge-begins-today-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/psa-harley-quinns-revenge-begins-today-on-psn/#comments ImageHarley Quinn's rampagement begins today on PSN and Xbox 360, and runs through PC in early June. The DLC is part of the Batman: Arkham City Game of the Year Edition, which includes previous packs featuring Catwoman, Nightwing and Robin.

Harley Quinn's Revenge is a plotty affair, beginning with players as Robin as he tracks down Batman, who has gone missing after Arkham City's final moments. Control shifts between Robin and Batman, but is contained to the DLC's world and any previously released challenge maps.

We assume the closed-world setting is a metaphor for the psychological cage that Harley constructed during her time with The Joker, but hey, we're not the psychiatrists here. She is.

Update: Yes, it looks like Harley has made her way to Xbox 360 today as well. Also, Spoiler: There are clownish thugs in Harley Quinn's Revenge.

JoystiqPSA: Harley Quinn's Revenge begins today on PSN and Xbox 360 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citybatman-arkham-city-game-of-the-year-editiongame-of-the-year-editiongotyharley-quinnHarley-Quinns-Revengemicrosoftpcplaystationps3psaxboxTue, 29 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light is not a Wii U title for now, THQ confirms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/metro-last-light-is-not-a-wii-u-title-for-now-thq-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/metro-last-light-is-not-a-wii-u-title-for-now-thq-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/metro-last-light-is-not-a-wii-u-title-for-now-thq-confirms/#comments ImageMetro: Last Light is not in development for Wii U, THQ global brand manager Mark Madsen told Digital Spy.

Last Light was included in a Nintendo promo reel for the Wii U at E3 last year, a move Madsen said wasn't premature. "No I don't think it was a bit too early [to show the game at E3]," he said. "As we got along in the development process, we just really wanted to focus on what we knew, focus on PS3, 360 and PC."

Last Light may not hit Wii U, but if it does "it won't sim-ship with the other SKUs." At the moment THQ and developer 4A Games are unsure about "what we can do to maximise the code for the Wii U," Madsen said.

JoystiqMetro: Last Light is not a Wii U title for now, THQ confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesmetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3THQwii-uxboxTue, 29 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim reference 'Hearth Fire' being trademarked by Bethesda]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/skyrim-reference-hearth-fire-being-trademarked-by-bethesda/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/skyrim-reference-hearth-fire-being-trademarked-by-bethesda/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/skyrim-reference-hearth-fire-being-trademarked-by-bethesda/#comments Zenimax Media, parent company of Skyrim developer Bethesda Softworks, has filed a trademark for "Hearth Fire," the latest in a stream of applications related to the game. Fusible picked up on the trademark, which is a reference to a conjuration skill book and part of the "2920" book series found in the lands of Skyrim. Feel free to read the book on the Unofficial Elder Scrolls wiki.

Other trademarks recently filed by the company include last month's "Dragonborn" and April's "FUS RO DAH." The first... yes, the first... piece of Skyrim DLC, "Dawnguard," will be detailed next week at the industry's mega E3 trade show.

JoystiqSkyrim reference 'Hearth Fire' being trademarked by Bethesda originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxzenimax-mediaTue, 29 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype 2 $30 at Amazon, Gold Box deals all day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-30-at-amazon-gold-box-deals-all-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-30-at-amazon-gold-box-deals-all-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-30-at-amazon-gold-box-deals-all-day/#comments The very recent Prototype 2 enjoys a deep discount on Amazon today, as the all-day component to the retailer's Gold Box offers. It's on sale for $29.99, and will be joined by a new, temporary deal every couple of hours.

Currently, that deal is the Wii's Cyberbike, which is, yes, an exercise bike that hooks up to the Wii. Thrifty Nerd's Googling of the clues for future sales suggest we'll see discounts on Final Fantasy XIII-2, WoW: Cataclysm, the Disgaea 4 Premium Edition, and even the SoulCalibur V Arcade Fightstick.

JoystiqPrototype 2 $30 at Amazon, Gold Box deals all day originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazongold-boxmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationprototype-2ps3wiixboxTue, 29 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare to sell fan-designed Mass Effect hoodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/bioware-to-sell-fan-designed-mass-effect-hoodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/bioware-to-sell-fan-designed-mass-effect-hoodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/bioware-to-sell-fan-designed-mass-effect-hoodies/#comments ImageDeviantArt user Christine Schott is pretty good at designing Mass Effect hoodies. So good, it seems, that BioWare has decided to manufacture her designs and sell them to the public. Schott recently posted her designs, which reflect many of Mass Effect's most popular characters, and her work inspired BioWare to reach out with the offer.

Schott does note that her designs are likely "nowhere near the final product" and that BioWare will be redesigning them before selling a selection of them as a trial run. BioWare is compensating Schott for her work, though the details are still being "worked out." Frankly, we just want to know when we can get our Mordin on.

JoystiqBioWare to sell fan-designed Mass Effect hoodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareclotheshoodiesmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 28 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trip Hawkins steps down as Digital Chocolate CEO, layoffs reported]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/#comments ImageMobile and social games publisher Digital Chocolate may be in danger of melting. Noted industry veteran Trip Hawkins has stepped down as CEO, noting on the Digital Chocolate blog that he is "transitioning now into a consulting and advisory relationship" with the company. He added that Digital Chocolate is "narrowing its focus and it made sense to get more streamlined."

Meanwhile, Digital Chocolate president Marc Metis will step in as interim CEO while the company will also lay off up to 180 across the company's offices in Russia, San Mateo and India, according to a TechCrunch report. The site reports that the San Mateo and Bangalore have had their staffs reduced by half, while offices in Mexico, Armenia, Washington and Russia have been closed entirely.

While Digital Chocolate has yet to confirm the news, Francisco Casanova, general manager of Digital Chocolate Mexico, has tweeted that his branch has closed its doors.

JoystiqTrip Hawkins steps down as Digital Chocolate CEO, layoffs reported originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonelayoffsmobilepcreportMon, 28 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 was in 'pre-production']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-2-was-in-pre-production/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-2-was-in-pre-production/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-2-was-in-pre-production/#comments Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 was in "pre-production" at 38 Studios' Big Huge Games in Maryland before all employees were let go last week. Several sources with knowledge of the situation tell Joystiq that the company was in advanced talks with a publisher before the events that led to the dissolution of the team.

Even if the Big Huge Games team could be salvaged under a different banner, it is unlikely that they could work on Reckoning 2. The intellectual property, tech and code (the latter used as a springboard) required to make a sequel is still owned by 38 Studios for the time being, but will likely soon be owned by the state of Rhode Island. Sources close to discussions with Rhode Island tell us that the state's asking price to release assets is too high.

Elements tested for the sequel were higher graphics quality across the board, no loading screens between zones, expanded and improved combat animations, more branching quests and greater effect on the world by players.

Continue reading Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 was in 'pre-production'

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 was in 'pre-production' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 28 May 2012 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Ballin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-ballin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-ballin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-ballin/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, Ballin developer Derek Gallant describes his epiphanies relating to gravity and gaming.


Image

What's your game called and what's it about?

Ballin is a challenging, charming physics-puzzle game. The main character, the ball, is trapped in Block World, and must escape. You advance through the game by reaching the portal keys in each stage, but you can't control the ball directly. You must move around the stage by altering the pull of gravity itself.

Why develop independently, rather than work for an established company?

For me it was more of a circumstance than a personal decision. As I am currently in my final year at college, working for an established company really wasn't an option at the time. That being said, regardless of where I end up after graduation, I always want to work independently in some regard, whether that be as my full-time job or on personal projects away from work. The freedom of independent development is really attractive to me; it allows developers to really think outside the box and come up with something really unique and fun. I hope independent development is always a part of my career in some aspect.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Ballin

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Ballin originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballinDerek-Gallantjoystiq-indie-pitchpcSun, 27 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red vs. Blue season 10 premieres tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/red-vs-blue-season-10-premieres-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/red-vs-blue-season-10-premieres-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/red-vs-blue-season-10-premieres-tomorrow/#comments
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We can barely believe we just wrote that headline. When we watched the first few episodes of Red vs. Blue in 2003, we thought they were pretty hilarious, but that the show would fade like so many other online parodies do. And now we're writing about the show's tenth season. Thanks for making us feel old and wrong, Rooster Teeth.

Season 10 of Red vs. Blue kicks off tomorrow, May 28, and features the vocal talents of Elijah Wood as an AI program called Sigma. This season will complete the Project Freelancer story line, as shown in the above, mature-language-filled trailer.

JoystiqRed vs. Blue season 10 premieres tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HaloHalo-Combat-EvolvedpcRed-vs-Bluerooster-teethseason-10Sun, 27 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision paid Infinity Ward over $493 million in bonuses since 2003]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/activision-paid-infinity-ward-over-493-million-in-bonuses-since/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/activision-paid-infinity-ward-over-493-million-in-bonuses-since/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/activision-paid-infinity-ward-over-493-million-in-bonuses-since/#comments Hard numbers are starting to come out of the Activision v. Infinity Ward case as things continue to ramp up towards the actual trial, which is currently slated to take place next month. Specifically, Activision revealed during a hearing last Friday that it has paid out in excess of $493 million in bonuses to Infinity Ward, a figure that includes the $42 million payout that occurred earlier this month, according to Polygon.

That $439 million encompasses all bonuses paid out to Infinity Ward since the original Call of Duty launched in 2003. To date, IW has been granted bonuses for games it was directly involved with as a studio, as well as games that used its tech and the Call of Duty IP, like the Treyarch-developed Call of Duty: World at War.

Attorneys for former IW heads Vince Zampella and Jason West argued that the ex-Infinity Ward employee group is also owed its share of "launch quarter" bonuses from the release of Black Ops and Modern Warfare 3, a point that Activision obviously disagrees with.

JoystiqActivision paid Infinity Ward over $493 million in bonuses since 2003 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Infinity-WardJason-Westlawsuitlegalmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3TreyarchVince-ZampellaxboxSun, 27 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Carmageddon: Reincarnation hits $400k goal with 10 days to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/carmageddon-reincarnation-hits-400k-goal-with-10-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/carmageddon-reincarnation-hits-400k-goal-with-10-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/carmageddon-reincarnation-hits-400k-goal-with-10-days-to-go/#comments
Carmageddon: Reincarnation reached its $400k funding goal on Kickstarter this morning, ten days before its deadline. The Stainless Games team posted a video (above) to their Kickstarter page celebrating the funding achievement, which was first announced on May 8.

Since the project's announcement, the team added roughly a dozen updates on tiered rewards for those pledging, including details on the game revealed in a Q&A session on Reddit. Carmageddon: Reincarnation will be in "iterative development" with the potential for DLC after release. Additionally, the team described their plans to allow for the game to be modded, saying their "suite of modding tools is going to be really comprehensive and encourage extensive messing about with the game."

[Thanks, Will!]

JoystiqCarmageddon: Reincarnation hits $400k goal with 10 days to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carCarmageddoncarmageddon-reincarnationkickstarterpcStainless-GamesSun, 27 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bang Bang Racing fires up new screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bang-bang-racing-fires-up-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bang-bang-racing-fires-up-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bang-bang-racing-fires-up-new-screens/#comments ImageThe latest Bang Bang Racing screens show off a few of the 20 vehicles and nine tracks the downloadable title offers. Also: exploding barrels!

The game hits PSN on June 5 (June 13 in Europe), XBLA on June 6, and PC/Steam on June 8.

Continue reading Bang Bang Racing fires up new screens

JoystiqBang Bang Racing fires up new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bang-bang-racingdigital-realitymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 26 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft addresses lack of split-screen co-op in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/ubisoft-addresses-lack-of-split-screen-co-op-in-ghost-recon-fut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/ubisoft-addresses-lack-of-split-screen-co-op-in-ghost-recon-fut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/ubisoft-addresses-lack-of-split-screen-co-op-in-ghost-recon-fut/#comments ImageLiving-room soldiers looking to team up with a real-life buddy for some Ghost Recon: Future Soldier couch co-op may be sorely disappointed once they discover that split-screen multiplayer doesn't exist for the game's campaign mode, despite various online retailers (including Ubisoft's own UbiShop) purporting the game's support of that very feature.

"We've been made aware of the presence of outdated information on UbiShop and several retailer sites stating split screen, cooperative play is available in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's campaign," Ubisoft forum manager EvilPixieGrr said in an update on the publisher's forums. "We have ensured the information has been updated on the sites affected by this."

Luckily for Ubisoft, Future Soldier's actual retail box art does not sing the praises of local campaign co-op.

[Thanks, Keith!]

JoystiqUbisoft addresses lack of split-screen co-op in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campaignco-opGhost-Recon-Future-Soldierlocal-multiplayermicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftUbisoft-Parisubisoft-red-stormxboxSat, 26 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy record for Arkham City, destroy the fabric of reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/#comments Image
This voice acting-oriented episode of Inside Rocksteady Studios is the first time we personally have ever seen either the Joker or Batman's voices come out of real human bodies, and suffice to say that oh man is it weird.

It's almost like Batman and the Joker are providing voiceovers for Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, instead of the other way around. Seeing the Joker's spooky laugh come out of a hunched-over Mark Hamill is an image that'll stick with us for a while, and his cheshire cat grin didn't help much either. The video also features Stana Katic (Talia in Arkham City and Detective Becket on Castle), but seeing her perform isn't so much of a head trip, considering that it's basically just Detective Becket with an undercover accent.

JoystiqWatch Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy record for Arkham City, destroy the fabric of reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityKevin-Conroymark-hamillmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Rocksteady-Studiosstana-katicvoice-actingvoice-overWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwii-uxboxFri, 25 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Civilization to stand the test of time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/wrup-civilization-to-stand-the-test-of-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/wrup-civilization-to-stand-the-test-of-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/wrup-civilization-to-stand-the-test-of-time/#comments Civilization 5 is free to play on Steam this weekend and is only $7.50 ($12.50 for the Game of the Year edition) if you decide to invest in your future's lost time. Fans of the previous installment knock the game for not being as deep, but some of those rebels may be silenced by the upcoming Gods and Kings expansion on June 19.

What's everyone playing this weekend?

Continue reading WRUP: Civilization to stand the test of time

JoystiqWRUP: Civilization to stand the test of time originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilization-5pcwhat-are-you-playingWRUPFri, 25 May 2012 22:30:00 EST