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[Valve had a space pirate game called 'Stars of Blood']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/valve-had-a-space-pirate-game-called-stars-of-blood/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/valve-had-a-space-pirate-game-called-stars-of-blood/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/valve-had-a-space-pirate-game-called-stars-of-blood/#comments

Valve at one point had an internal project called "Stars of Blood," and it was all about buckaneering on the galactic sea, co-founder Gabe Newell said. Newell was speaking to a group from 4chan.org's /v/ board, who paid him a visit on his birthday to drop off a Mann Co. crate and pick his brains about rumors and, apparently, Source Engine 2.

"We had an internal project [incomprehensible] called 'Stars of Blood.' It was a space pirates game. That never saw the light of day," Newell said, with the inquiry starting at 47:45 in the above video.

The question was spurred by previous rumors of a Valve space game called "Stars of Barathrum," but Newell appeared just as confused by that name as we were. Though now that we think about it, "Barathrum" definitely has a pirate-y ring to it. Rum, anyone?

JoystiqValve had a space pirate game called 'Stars of Blood' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellpcPiratesspacespace-piratesstars-of-barathrumstars-of-bloodvalveMon, 12 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tropico 4 plunders some Pirate Heaven DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/tropico-4-plunders-some-pirate-heaven-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/tropico-4-plunders-some-pirate-heaven-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/tropico-4-plunders-some-pirate-heaven-dlc/#comments Tropico 4 gets Pirate Heaven DLC today Oct 23Kalypso Media has released Tropico 4 DLC pack called Pirate Heaven, which brings a distinct swashbuckler vibe to the island-dictatorship simulation game. In addition to the Pirate Queen outfit seen above, the DLC adds a new "Smuggler's Hut" building for bringing in resources from beyond internationally guarded waters, a Sailor trait for charactersm and a few other piracy-themed tweaks.

You can see the update in action in the gallery below. Pirate Heaven is available today from Kalypso's own website, or any other places you'd normally grab such things, including Steam. In North America, the pack will run you $4.99 - no actual piracy allowed.

Gallery: Tropico 4 - Pirate Heaven

Continue reading Tropico 4 plunders some Pirate Heaven DLC

JoystiqTropico 4 plunders some Pirate Heaven DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcpcpiracypirate-heavenpirate-queenpiratesreleasestrategytitletropico-4Wed, 24 Oct 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 pirates being banned from Xbox Live [update: consoles may be banned]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/halo-4-pirates-being-banned-from-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/halo-4-pirates-being-banned-from-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/halo-4-pirates-being-banned-from-xbox-live/#comments Halo 4 pirates being banned from Xbox LiveIn a move that should surprise no one at all, Microsoft is issuing permanent Xbox Live bans to pirates of Halo 4. Pirates are now receiving emails explaining the situation, reports MCV. The emails note that the user in question has been "permanently suspended for illegitimate prerelease title play." Lest the word "permanent" be unclear, the email goes on to note that "Xbox Live privileges will not be reinstated." Microsoft pursued a similar course of action prior to the 2010 release of Halo: Reach.

It's worth noting that the email refers to Xbox Live "account privileges," which may indicate that Microsoft is banning user accounts but not the actual console on which they reside. In such cases, users can regain access to Xbox Live by starting a new account (which means paying for a new account in the case of Xbox Live Gold). We've reached out to Microsoft to find out if consoles are being banned as well.

Microsoft acknowledged reports last week that Halo 4 had been leaked onto the internet, and that it is "working closely with its security teams and law enforcement to address the situation."

Update: Microsoft has responded to Joystiq, reiterating its stance. While it wouldn't confirm if all Halo 4 pirates will receive full console bans, it did confirm that both account and console bans may occur.

JoystiqHalo 4 pirates being banned from Xbox Live [update: consoles may be banned] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalo-4leakmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiospiracypiratesxboxxbox-liveMon, 15 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Risen 2 still looks a lot like Pirates of the Caribbean in its cinematic trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/25/risen-2-still-looks-a-lot-like-pirates-of-the-caribbean-in-its-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/25/risen-2-still-looks-a-lot-like-pirates-of-the-caribbean-in-its-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/25/risen-2-still-looks-a-lot-like-pirates-of-the-caribbean-in-its-c/#comments

Risen 2: Dark Waters, the coming RPG from Deep Silver, features the swashbuckling staples of any pirate tale, including the Kraken, a feisty female lead, eye patches, curved swords and alcohol, as the above cinematic trailer demonstrates. Deep Silver announced a modified release date for Risen 2 with the trailer: It's coming to North American PCs on April 27, and Xbox 360 and PS3 on May 22.

JoystiqRisen 2 still looks a lot like Pirates of the Caribbean in its cinematic trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Deep-silvermicrosoftpcPiratesplaystationps3release-daterisen-2-dark-watersxboxSun, 25 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Risen 2: Dark Waters unearths UK collector's edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/risen-2-dark-waters-unearths-uk-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/risen-2-dark-waters-unearths-uk-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/risen-2-dark-waters-unearths-uk-collectors-edition/#comments Risen 2: Dark Waters, the pirate RPG coming in April from Piranha Bytes and Deep Silver, is getting a collector's edition in the UK only. We find that part a little strange, considering pirates are supposed to be pretty good at traveling overseas. Sorry; we had to.

The UK collector's edition will include a "making of" DVD, a soundtrack CD, double-sided poster, pirate flag, amulet, art cards and three Risen 2 stickers, all for £69.99. The UK version of Risen 2: Dark Waters drops anchor on April 27, while the US version drops April 24.

JoystiqRisen 2: Dark Waters unearths UK collector's edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrrrcollectors-editionDeep-silvermicrosoftpcpiranha-bytesPiratesplaystationps3risen-2-dark-watersukxboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A World of Keflings can't decide: Candy, pirates or graveyard DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/a-world-of-keflings-cant-decide-candy-pirates-or-graveyard-dl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/a-world-of-keflings-cant-decide-candy-pirates-or-graveyard-dl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/a-world-of-keflings-cant-decide-candy-pirates-or-graveyard-dl/#comments A World of Keflings developer NinjaBee has some new DLC in the works, but it isn't sure what kind yet. NinjaBee wants Keflings players to decide the theme of its new DLC -- Graveyard, Candy or Pirate -- and it plans to "Kefling-ize" one fan, with that character to appear in the game.

"I mean, who doesn't want to be turned into a tiny, chipper peon and forced to eternally work for free?" Brent Fox of NinjaBee asked, referring of course to the Kefling-ization of one fan, and not to the free decision-making provided by peons fans in the DLC poll. Of course.

Keflings fans can vote in the poll on PlayXBLA now through 12 a.m. PST on Friday, Jan. 20, and the winning theme will be announced the following Monday on PlayXBLA as well.

Continue reading A World of Keflings can't decide: Candy, pirates or graveyard DLC

JoystiqA World of Keflings can't decide: Candy, pirates or graveyard DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-world-of-keflingscandyDLCgraveyardmicrosoftNinjaBeePiratesxboxTue, 17 Jan 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ubisoft, Atari, many other publishers requesting payment from German pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/#comments Someone in Germany -- perhaps even some people -- illegally pirated a copy of Prison Break: The Conspiracy. Hard to believe as it may be, it appears to be the case according to TorrentFreak, who delved into German public records looking for game publishers who have employed German law to track down (and demand money from) people who allegedly pirated various games. In Germany, Koch Media publishes the Prison Break game, and has been demanding settlements of "several hundred Euros" from offending IP addresses.

The records indicate that several major publishers, either directly or through subsidiaries/secondary parties, have been sending out letters to German citizens requesting varying levels of payment in return for not being sued. Where things get murky, however, is how the publishers are seeking out the accused pirates, using not always reliable "IP address-only evidence" -- easily circumvented with proxy domains and such. You know, hacker stuff.

TorrentFreak's report indicates that a variety of publishers and distributors are involved, including (but not limited to): Atari, Koch Media (representing Techland's Dead Island and Prison Break, and Eidos/Square Enix's Deus Ex: Human Revolution as well as Dungeon Siege 3 and various Final Fantasy titles), Daedalic Entertainment (representing LucasArts), Codemasters, BitComposer, Ubisoft, Kalypso Media, dtp entertainment, and Aerosoft. It is currently unclear how many settlement notices have been sent out by each company, or if any will continue doing so after these actions have been brought to light.

Witcher 2 developer CD Projekt Red was recently pursuing similar cases in Germany until it announced the end of the practice last week.

JoystiqReport: Ubisoft, Atari, many other publishers requesting payment from German pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerosoftataribabypiratesbitcomposercodemastersdaedalicdtp-entertainmenteidoseidos-interactivegermanykalypso-mediakoch-medialegallucasartsmacmicrosoftpcpiracypiratesplaystationps3square-enixtechlandubisoftxboxMon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher 2 dev CD Project RED ceases legal action against pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/witcher-2-dev-cd-project-red-ceases-legal-action-against-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/witcher-2-dev-cd-project-red-ceases-legal-action-against-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/witcher-2-dev-cd-project-red-ceases-legal-action-against-pirates/#comments After some strong words and even stronger legal actions, it looks like Witcher 2 developer CD Projekt RED is curtailing its actions against pirates over stolen copies of its last release. CDP co-founder Marcin Iwinski penned an "open letter to the gaming community" wherein he states that, "immediately" his company will "cease identifying and contacting pirates."

Make no mistake, Iwinski isn't flipping his stance on pirates or the concept of piracy. "It hurts us, the developers. It hurts the industry as a whole," he writes. He is, however, flipping his company's approach to dealing with piracy, rolling back past legal options and taking "your opinions to heart" instead. Iwinski also points out that unless folks pay for games, companies like his "won't be able to produce new excellent titles for you," which we fully stand behind.

So, in conclusion: Piracy? Bad. Legal actions against pirates? Also bad. Questions?

Continue reading Witcher 2 dev CD Project RED ceases legal action against pirates

JoystiqWitcher 2 dev CD Project RED ceases legal action against pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektcd-projekt-redlawsuitlegalmarcin-iwinskipcpiracypiratesthe-witcher-2Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Positive correlation between piracy and game review scores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/#comments Pirates may be dirty, pillaging fiends, but they have high standards, according to a study from Copenhagen Business School and University of Waterloo. The study tracked 173 new games on BitTorrent over a three-month release period, finding 127 of these were downloaded by 12.7 million unique peers, and that a torrent's popularity was directly correlated to its review scores. The 10 most-downloaded games comprised over 5.3 million downloads, or 42 percent of the 127 pirated games.

Fallout: New Vegas had the most downloads (962,793) and an average review score of 83.7, followed by Darksiders (656,296) with a review score of 82.7. Tron: Evolution had the lowest score of the top 10 at 59.5, yet came in fifth place (496,349). StarCraft 2 had the highest review score at 89.5 and landed in seventh place (420,138). Review scores can't trump a title's notoriety, reputation or core fanbase, but researchers found "Metacritic Scores explain 10% of the variance in the unique peers per game on BitTorrent." In other words, the only vessel that these pirates are sailing on is a statistically positive relationship.

JoystiqStudy: Positive correlation between piracy and game review scores originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bittorrentDarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-WarFallout-New-Vegaspcpiracy-researchPiratesStarcraft-2Tron-EvolutionSat, 06 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Pirates! sails onto iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sid-meiers-pirates-sails-onto-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sid-meiers-pirates-sails-onto-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sid-meiers-pirates-sails-onto-ipad/#comments Sid Meier's Pirates! has found another platform to plunder, sailing onto iPad for $6.99. The game includes the classic minigames from the original PC title, with some like "bombardment" (pictured) from the Wii version.

The casual-core game also features the ability to "Piratize" your own picture using the iPad 2's camera, along with Game Center support. So, if you don't already own this game for the several platforms it has generated booty from, here's the latest, setting sail to make its fortune.

JoystiqSid Meier's Pirates! sails onto iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesiOSipad-2mobilepiratessid-meiers-piratesMon, 25 Jul 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leak Alert: Gears of War 3 emerges on torrent sites [Updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/leak-alert-gears-of-war-3-emerges-on-torrent-sites/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/leak-alert-gears-of-war-3-emerges-on-torrent-sites/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/leak-alert-gears-of-war-3-emerges-on-torrent-sites/#comments
An unfinished developer build of Gears of War 3 has been leaked online, according to NeoGAF and supported by YouTube footage, including the above video showing a "Beta" Gears of War 3 loading screen and campaign footage.

The leak is a JTAG version of Gears 3, meaning it will only play on specially modded or dev-kit Xbox 360s. These are commonly difficult to come by, but just because you can't run the leaked code (you can't, right?) doesn't mean other, far less scrupulous people aren't capable. YouTube and video-streaming sites will most likely contain early videos of the game, so shoot your computer screen now if you don't want to see 'em.

We've reached out to Epic Games for comment on if, and how, this will affect Gears of War 3's development and release.

Update: Dana Cowley sent us a joint statement from Epic and Microsoft about the leak:
"We have seen the reports of Gears of War 3 content being propped on the Web and working closely with our security teams and law enforcement to address the situation. This content is not from a final build and is not representative of what fans will enjoy when the game launches worldwide on September 20, 2011."
We have removed the embedded video at Epic's request.

JoystiqLeak Alert: Gears of War 3 emerges on torrent sites [Updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jul 2011 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrrrrEpic-GamesGears-of-War-3leakmicrosoftpiratesxboxSat, 02 Jul 2011 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Risen 2: Dark Waters teaser is all about pirates, see]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/risen-2-dark-waters-teaser-is-all-about-pirates-see/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/risen-2-dark-waters-teaser-is-all-about-pirates-see/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/risen-2-dark-waters-teaser-is-all-about-pirates-see/#comments Ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to present to you the latest trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. What? Oh, sorry! In actuality, it's the teaser for Risen 2: Dark Waters -- a pirate-y action-RPG that looks to have a fair bit of flair, if this CG footage is anything to go by.

Continue reading Risen 2: Dark Waters teaser is all about pirates, see

JoystiqRisen 2: Dark Waters teaser is all about pirates, see originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGarrrrDeep-silvermicrosoftpcpiranha-bytespiratesplaystationps3risen-2-dark-watersxboxSun, 17 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CD Projekt fighting Witcher 2 piracy with threat of fine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/cd-projekt-fighting-witcher-2-piracy-with-threat-of-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/cd-projekt-fighting-witcher-2-piracy-with-threat-of-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/cd-projekt-fighting-witcher-2-piracy-with-threat-of-fine/#comments CD Projekt is worried about piracy -- specifically, as it concerns the developer's upcoming, adult-oriented RPG, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings -- and understandably so. As a single-player-only PC title, The Witcher 2 is awfully ripe for pirating. However, the Polish developer is hoping to counteract these illicit acquisitions by more doggedly pursuing those who play the game illegally. CD Projekt co-founder Marcin Iwiński recently told Eurogamer that "we are signing with legal firms and torrent sneaking companies" to hunt down gamers who download The Witcher 2 unlawfully.

Such offenders will be sent a letter demanding they pay a fine -- the sum of which was left unspecified, though it will be more than the game's suggested retail price. Though it sounds a bit like the RIAA's anti-piracy scare tactics, Iwiński said, "We don't want to be so harsh, but there is a chance that this might happen to some people if they download illegally." Or, in other words, don't make CD Projekt use its angry voice, because it's going to hurt them a lot more than it's going to hurt you.

JoystiqCD Projekt fighting Witcher 2 piracy with threat of fine originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektcd-projekt-redpcpiracypiratesriaathe-witcher-2Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Sid Meier's Pirates!' plundering on Wii this autumn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/sid-meiers-pirates-plundering-on-wii-this-autumn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/sid-meiers-pirates-plundering-on-wii-this-autumn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/sid-meiers-pirates-plundering-on-wii-this-autumn/#comments Sid Meier's Pirates! will set sail this fall on Wii, keelhauling two new minigames for the console. Developed by 2K China, this latest port of the evergreen title features "streamlined controls" for the Wiimote, along with everything else that made this casual-core title a success for every platform it's been on -- speaking of which, we'd certainly appreciate an HD remake for XBLA and PSN.

The two new minigames for the Wii version are "bombardment" (pictured) and "lock picking." The port wlll also feature "exclusive character and ship customization options." And now all we want to do is make the S.S. Kirby: a giant pink boat with eyes on its sails that gobbles up the treasures of the Caribbean.

Joystiq'Sid Meier's Pirates!' plundering on Wii this autumn originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-china2k-gamesNintendopiratessid-meiers-piratestake-two-interactiveWiiTue, 04 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Sid Meier's Pirates!' rated for Wii by ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/sid-meiers-pirates-rated-for-wii-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/sid-meiers-pirates-rated-for-wii-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/sid-meiers-pirates-rated-for-wii-by-esrb/#comments Sid Meier's Pirates!, a game that sails the line between casual and core, has been given an ESRB rating for the Wii. Pirates! has had a long career since setting out for adventure in 2004, finding new booty across PC, Xbox, PSP and Mac. The game was rated E 10+, so parents be warned: there's "some female characters [who] wear low-cut dresses that expose a lot of cleavage."

We've contacted 2K Games for more information about how the Wii's features will be implemented and when the game will pull into Port Retail.

Joystiq'Sid Meier's Pirates!' rated for Wii by ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesesrbNintendopiratessid-meiers-piratestake-twoWiiThu, 22 Apr 2010 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rust Buccaneers arr coming to PSN this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/rust-buccaneers-arr-coming-to-psn-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/rust-buccaneers-arr-coming-to-psn-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/rust-buccaneers-arr-coming-to-psn-this-year/#comments Finnish developer Pixolane expects to make its PS3 debut later this year with its first game, Rust Buccaneers. The PlayStation Network title is an arcade-style shooter featuring modern-day pirates. Just like pirates have done throughout history, though, players will raid cargo and passenger ships, and battle do-gooder patrol boats. The more ships you conquer, the higher your "infamy" becomes, and online leaderboards will keep track of the most notorious pirates on the high servers.

Rust Buccaneers promises both single and multiplayer modes. Not much else is known about the game at the moment, but we'll let you know when more details sail across our pirate radar.

Gallery: Rust Buccaneers

JoystiqRust Buccaneers arr coming to PSN this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>piratespixolanepsnrelease-daterust-buccaneersFri, 29 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates Plundarrr sailing Wii-ward this April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/pirates-plundarrr-sailing-wii-ward-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/pirates-plundarrr-sailing-wii-ward-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/pirates-plundarrr-sailing-wii-ward-this-april/#comments
click to plund-arrr the gall-arrr-yMajesco followed up its announcement of Attack of the Movies 3D with another multiplayer Wii experience, this time with a much sillier title: Pirates Plund-arrr. Three r's. If it were two r's, it would be the planet that the Thundercats' enemies come from. Obviously.

The Wii game, developed by casual game creator Boomzap Entertainment, is a 2D side-scrolling brawler, with (obviously) a pirate theme. You and up to three friends beat up a bunch of pirates and ghosts (and pirate ghosts, presumably) in a quest to find Captain Rudebelly and retrieve the Scepter of Power.

To help them along, players will be able to ride warthogs and ... "trigger meat meteor showers raining down from above." The combination of four-player fighting, Flash-like 2D graphics, and character leveling makes this sound somewhat like a take on the Castle Crashers style, which sounds good to us. Majesco plans to release Plund-Arrr in April.

Gallery: Pirates Plund-arrr (Wii)


JoystiqPirates Plundarrr sailing Wii-ward this April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beat-em-upboomzap-entertainmentbrawlerfightingmajescoNintendopiratespirates-plundarrrWiiThu, 07 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates of the Caribbean, Water coming to LittleBigPlanet Dec. 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/pirates-of-the-caribbean-water-coming-to-littlebigplanet-dec-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/pirates-of-the-caribbean-water-coming-to-littlebigplanet-dec-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/pirates-of-the-caribbean-water-coming-to-littlebigplanet-dec-2/#comments As rumored last week, LittleBigPlanet will receive a massive chunk of DLC just before Christmas -- the "Pirates of the Caribbean Premium Level Kit." This pack includes the highly anticipated Water update, along with the tools Sackboy will need to navigate said fluids (scuba tanks, air ducts and the like). In addition, the pack includes five pre-made Pirates-themed levels, four new audio tracks, a new background, a free "Cannibal" costume, and a whole mess of decorations, stickers and materials to collect.

The pack will land on the PSN alongside a six-pack of Pirates costumes, which include Jack Sparrow, Davy Jones, Will Turner and other characters from the movie, on December 22 for $5.99 each. Check out the pack's aquatic, buccaneering offerings in the trailer above.

[Thanks, Casder.]

JoystiqPirates of the Caribbean, Water coming to LittleBigPlanet Dec. 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydlclittlebigplanetmedia-moleculemoviepiratespirates-of-the-caribbeanSCEAsonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericawaterTue, 15 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Halloween! You're banned from Xbox Live.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/happy-halloween-youre-banned-from-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/happy-halloween-youre-banned-from-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/happy-halloween-youre-banned-from-xbox-live/#comments We hope your recent forays into piracy merely involve you donning a hook and eyepatch for a debaucherous costume party, or else you likely received a message from Microsoft like the headline of this post. The company recently dispatched a wave of bans to owners of modded Xbox 360s who've been playing pirated copies of games. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to IGN that "we have taken action against a small percentage of consoles that have been modified to play pirated game discs."

The spokesperson went on to explain that this batch of console bans wasn't conducted on any particular time frame, and that the company was merely following up on its standing policy against piracy. In other words, Microsoft isn't trying to ruin your Halloween weekend -- it just, you know, worked out that way.

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JoystiqHappy Halloween! You're banned from Xbox Live. originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banburnedconsole-banmicrosoftmodpiracypiratesXbox-360xbox-liveSat, 31 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony and Nintendo increasing effort in fight against piracy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/sony-and-nintendo-increasing-effort-in-fight-against-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/sony-and-nintendo-increasing-effort-in-fight-against-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/sony-and-nintendo-increasing-effort-in-fight-against-piracy/#comments Though Nintendo already has a pretty solid system in place for combating piracy -- the persistent threat that Reggie Fils-Aime will crush any software buccaneers between his mighty jaws -- the company recently increased its piracy-preventing ranks. Neil Boyd was recently appointed European anti-piracy counsel for the company. Boyd, along with a pair of Nintendo's legal advisors, will "take action against criminals who are making money out of the infringement of games developers' copyright," according to Nintendo anti-piracy director Jodi Daugherty.

Sony's also increasing its piracy prevention efforts, albeit through more technological means. The PSP Go will contain a non-removable internal battery, which keeps would-be hackers from implementing the popular, homebrew-enabled Pandora battery. Also, we hear the PSP Go's boot-up screen displays a pouty, doe-eyed Jack Tretton that's said to strike crippling pangs of guilt into anyone who tries to conduct dubious dealings on the handheld. Consider PSPiracy beaten, friends.

JoystiqSony and Nintendo increasing effort in fight against piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSdsieuropeillegalNintendopandorapiracypiratespsp-goMon, 31 Aug 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Fat Princess ninjas won't be lonesome anymore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/fat-princess-ninjas-wont-be-lonesome-anymore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/fat-princess-ninjas-wont-be-lonesome-anymore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/fat-princess-ninjas-wont-be-lonesome-anymore/#comments
Yesterday, Titan Studios teased ninjas for Fat Princess. But what's a ninja to do without the help of their mortal enemies? Looks like PSN's online cake-fest will continue the ages-long saga of the epic battle between ninjas ... and pirates. Predictable? Yes, but far from unwelcome.

Who else thinks Titan should go one step further and announce Pirates versus Ninjas ... versus Zombies for Fat Princess?

[Thanks, HeavyToka!]

JoystiqFat Princess ninjas won't be lonesome anymore originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fat-princessninjaspiratespirates-vs-ninjaspsntitan-studiosWed, 19 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LucasArts games also going Direct2Drive starting with Monkey Island SE]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/lucasarts-games-also-going-direct2drive-starting-with-monkey-isl/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/lucasarts-games-also-going-direct2drive-starting-with-monkey-isl/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/lucasarts-games-also-going-direct2drive-starting-with-monkey-isl/#comments
If, for some reason, you should find yourself in need of an alternative to Steam but don't want to miss out on LucasArts's recent reissuing of back catalog titles, you're in luck. IGN has sealed a deal to distribute the publisher's titles via its Direct2Drive service, beginning today with The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition for $9.95.

Unfortunately, the announcement makes no mention of what other LucasArts games will be offered, saying only that there will be others. At some point. We've contacted IGN to find out if its lineup will mirror Steam's, or if there'll be any notable additions (or omissions).

JoystiqLucasArts games also going Direct2Drive starting with Monkey Island SE originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct2driveignlucasartsMonkey-IslandpiratesThe-Secret-of-Monkey-Islandthe-secret-of-monkey-island-special-editionThu, 16 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Titmouse brings a pirate band to its pirate paaaaarty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/titmouse-brings-a-pirate-band-to-its-pirate-paaaaarty/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/titmouse-brings-a-pirate-band-to-its-pirate-paaaaarty/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/titmouse-brings-a-pirate-band-to-its-pirate-paaaaarty/#comments So, we were at an E3 shindig for Seven Haunted Seas at Titmouse Studios last night. Seven Haunted Seas is a pirate game, you see, and so Titmouse desired to hire a pirate band to play the party. Ladies and gentlemen, we give you the Pirates Charles. The game wasn't actually there, incidentally. That's not important, though. Know why?

Because there's a pirate band.

JoystiqTitmouse brings a pirate band to its pirate paaaaarty originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009metapiratesseven-haunted-seastitmousetitmouse-gamestitmouse-studiosWed, 03 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avast! Disney milking Pirates of the Caribbean again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/avast-disney-milking-pirates-of-the-caribbean-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/avast-disney-milking-pirates-of-the-caribbean-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/avast-disney-milking-pirates-of-the-caribbean-again/#comments
 Disney Interactive has announced Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned, a new open-world action RPG in development at Turok dev, Propaganda Games. According to Disney, the game will take place before the events in the films, with "moral and character choices" promised that shape both the player's character and the game's world.

Beyond this, not much is known, though Armada of the Damned isn't scheduled to set sail until fall 2010 on both the PC and "next-generation" consoles. Still, after posting a considerable $45 million loss earlier this year, who can blame the company for diving back into its treasure chest for the few remaining doubloons left at the bottom.

Gallery: Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned

JoystiqAvast! Disney milking Pirates of the Caribbean again originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactiveMicrosoftpiratespirates-of-the-caribbeanpirates-of-the-caribbean-armada-of-the-damnedpiratesofthecaribbeanpropaganda-gamesturokXbox-360Wed, 27 May 2009 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Brazil is a 'haven' for video game piracy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/report-brazil-is-a-haven-for-video-game-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/report-brazil-is-a-haven-for-video-game-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/report-brazil-is-a-haven-for-video-game-piracy/#comments
The Escapist's Pedro Franco recently wrote up an interesting article about Brazil's recent transformation into a "pirated goods heaven," particularly for illicitly acquired video games. According to Franco, Brazil was once a thriving market for games, until the mid-1990s brought about outrageously high taxes on gaming software (45 percent of the price of PC titles consisted of taxes), diminished per capita income and the transition from cartridge to disc-based games. Now, it's estimated that 94 percent of Brazil's gaming market is composed of pirated merchandise.

Check out Franco's full article to find out the social and industrial implications of a nation that finds gaming piracy permissible. (Spoiler alert: It leads to bad things.)

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqReport: Brazil is a 'haven' for video game piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 May 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babypiratesbrazilescapistillegalpiracypiratesreportWed, 13 May 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PC game developers foretell the death of DRM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/pc-game-developers-foretell-the-death-of-drm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/pc-game-developers-foretell-the-death-of-drm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/pc-game-developers-foretell-the-death-of-drm/#comments
If you were one of the many recruits in last year's war on restrictive, invasive DRM, you may want to check out a recent article on Gamasutra that features opinions on PC gaming piracy protection (that's a mouthful) from a number of gaming industry movers and shakers.

The general sentiment of these interviewees is that DRM is extremely ineffective when it comes to preventing piracy, and that developers should either come up with alternate ways of ensuring the retail product is more valuable than the pirated product, or determine a different way to make money altogether (such as micro-transactions). For interesting insight from fine folks like 2D Boy's Ron Carmel and Stardock's Brad Wardell, we highly suggest checking out the full article.
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JoystiqPC game developers foretell the death of DRM originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 May 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d-boydrmgoopiracypiratessecuromstardockworld-of-gooMon, 11 May 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kuma War devs jump on the modern-day pirates boat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/kuma-war-devs-jump-on-the-modern-day-pirates-boat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/kuma-war-devs-jump-on-the-modern-day-pirates-boat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/kuma-war-devs-jump-on-the-modern-day-pirates-boat/#comments
Kuma Games, publisher of the free-to-play military FPS Kuma War -- and no relationship to this guy -- is embracing piracy ... of the modern-day cargo ship hijacking kind. Gamasutra reports that the company has tossed its novelty captain's hat into the burgeoning genre with Somali Showdown: Pirates on the High Seas, a game inspired by the recent headline-making hijacking of the Maersk Alabama.

Likely drawing no inspiration from that other Maersk Alabama game, Kuma is avoiding taking sides in the "Pirates: Still cool or muderous thugs?" debate by allowing players of its game to align themselves with either side -- the pirates or the ship's crew. (Psst! We know how it ends for the pirates.) But, maybe you can change that? Somali Showdown: Pirates on the High Seas will begin plundering moral fibers later today via Kuma's website.

JoystiqKuma War devs jump on the modern-day pirates boat originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 May 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kuma-gameskuma-warpiratessomali-showdownsomali-showdown-pirates-on-the-high-seasThu, 07 May 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Saving Captain Phillips recreates recent pirate attack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/saving-captain-phillips-recreates-recent-pirate-attack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/saving-captain-phillips-recreates-recent-pirate-attack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/saving-captain-phillips-recreates-recent-pirate-attack/#comments
We've recently had a betting pool going in the imaginary Joystiq offices in which we wagered how long it would take for a video game adaptation of the recent pirate attack of the Maersk Alabama to be developed. It's got all the necessary elements for a blockbuster action title: Snipers, heroic captains, climactic shootouts and, of course, nautical negotiations. Unfortunately, none of us had the gumption to bet such a game would surface in a mere nine days.

Online gaming portal Games2Win recently uploaded Saving Captain Phillips, a Flash title that places you in the shoes of the three Navy SEAL snipers who did the titular saving. You're tasked with taking out four pirates holding Captain Phillips hostage on a lifeboat -- though in the real-life hostage situation, only three pirates were aboard the lifeboat when the saving took place. Disappointingly, the game is about as good as it is historically accurate. It's a solid effort, but we think we'll wait for Infinity Ward to try their hand at game-ifying the high seas standoff.

JoystiqSaving Captain Phillips recreates recent pirate attack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captain-phillipsflash-gamegames2winpiratessaving-captain-phillipssniperssomaliaTue, 21 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo asks for help against biggest piracy offenders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/nintendo-asks-for-help-against-biggest-piracy-offenders/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/nintendo-asks-for-help-against-biggest-piracy-offenders/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/nintendo-asks-for-help-against-biggest-piracy-offenders/#comments
How do you know when your corporation might have become just a touch too rich and powerful? Well, calling out entire countries should set off a few warning bells. Nintendo has just sent out a release detailing exactly which countries it's got a bone to pick with and why.

The company's beef is piracy, which it says the U.S. needs to do a better job battling in China, Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and Paraguay. Check out the full list of offenses after the break. As always, we remind Nintendo that the battle against piracy has to begin and end on the High Seas. Cut off their citrus supply and you'll be stuffing them in scurvy crates and shipping them back to Neverland before you can say Davy Jones' Locker.

Continue reading Nintendo asks for help against biggest piracy offenders

JoystiqNintendo asks for help against biggest piracy offenders originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babypiratesnintendopiracypiratesWed, 25 Feb 2009 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Booty receiving PS3 Trophies, Avatar support on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/age-of-booty-receiving-ps3-trophies-avatar-support-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/age-of-booty-receiving-ps3-trophies-avatar-support-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/age-of-booty-receiving-ps3-trophies-avatar-support-on-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Capcom is preparing to enhance the Age of Booty by adding console specific features in an upcoming patch. Speaking with IGN, the publisher states it'll bring Avatar support for Xbox Live and Trophies to PS3. The eye patch will be free and unearthed near the end of February.

Although Age of Booty has received unexceptional reviews, the pirate-themed RTS boardgame certainly deserves the respect of a demo try for those who haven't done so.

Gallery: Age of Booty (PSN/XBLA/PC)

JoystiqAge of Booty receiving PS3 Trophies, Avatar support on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-bootycapcomCertain-AffinityMicrosoftpatchPCpiratesPS3Xbox-360Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Mahjongg Investigation, Shattered Union, Pirates!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/gametap-thursday-mahjongg-investigation-shattered-union-pirat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/gametap-thursday-mahjongg-investigation-shattered-union-pirat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/gametap-thursday-mahjongg-investigation-shattered-union-pirat/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GameTap adds some potentially interesting titles this week to its gold service, but the real draw is Sid Meier's Pirates! being offered for free. The Caribbean romp to save your family and get both types of booty will be available gratis for one week. Pirates! is definitely worth checking out if it's somehow eluded your capture over the years.
The full list of free-to-play titles can be found after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Mahjongg Investigation, Shattered Union, Pirates!

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Mahjongg Investigation, Shattered Union, Pirates! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapgametapthursdayMacPCpiratessid-meier-piratesThu, 15 Jan 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of December 29th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-december-29th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-december-29th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-december-29th/#commentsFiled under:


If you were hoping for a lot of releases this week, we're sorry to disappoint you, though we hope that the holiday glut has left you satisfied ... because it's likely these games will not. Australia seems to be taking a hiatus from releases this week, and our reliable source for European and Japanese releases is doing the same, so this is all we've got:
  • Pirates: Duel on the High Seas
  • 8 Ball All Stars
  • Hurry Up Hedgehog!
Well, there's always next week. Happy post-holidays!

JoystiqDS releases for the week of December 29th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>decemberhurry-up-hedgehogpiratesreleasesMon, 29 Dec 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP piracy down, but so are major releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/psp-piracy-down-but-so-are-major-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/psp-piracy-down-but-so-are-major-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/psp-piracy-down-but-so-are-major-releases/#commentsFiled under: ,

pirate flags
Speaking to MTV Multiplayer, SCEA hardware marketing boss John Koller admitted that piracy of PSP software is still very much a concern to the company, but that it's been less severe in recent weeks. "It's trending down right now, we've seen the piracy not be as prevalent in the last month to two months," Koller told the site, adding, "But it has been a problem for us."

SCEA president Jack Tretton pointed to piracy as a chief factor in weak PSP software sales during E3. Looking at the past two months' worth of releases for the handheld, though, one would have to imagine that the decline in piracy can be attributed to the fact that there have been no recent, major PSP titles to, well, pirate. In fact, the holiday season will be devoid of a single new, triple-A year-end title for PSP ... something that has to be worrying Sony more than pirates right about now.

JoystiqPSP piracy down, but so are major releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>piracypiratesPSPpsp-britepsp-piracyTue, 25 Nov 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Is this a slim PS3? No! It's a Sonilex!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/is-this-a-slim-ps3-no-its-a-sonilex/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/is-this-a-slim-ps3-no-its-a-sonilex/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/is-this-a-slim-ps3-no-its-a-sonilex/#commentsFiled under:

Just how can the PS3 compete with this new product called Sonilex? It's lighter, it's thinner, it can even play Nintendo titles! It can even play the unofficial NES port of Tekken, plus 40 other NES games. What Sony machine could do that? Believe it folks, PS3 is doomed. With an asking price of only $32, just who could say no? We're already registering "Sonilex Fanboy," so watch out!

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqIs this a slim PS3? No! It's a Sonilex! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwareknock-offspiratesps3PS3-SlimThu, 23 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA happy about prison sentences for game pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/esa-happy-about-prison-sentences-for-game-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/esa-happy-about-prison-sentences-for-game-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/esa-happy-about-prison-sentences-for-game-pirates/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the industry's lobbying group, sent out a press release a little while ago applauding the prison sentences given to two convicted game pirates. Kevin Fuchs of New York and Kifah Maswadi of Florida were sentenced to eight months and fifteen months in prison, respectively. The men also face multiple years of supervised release after that, with Maswadi having been ordered to pay $415,900.

Before freaking out and thinking the FBI and Justice Department are "in your internetz, ready to send you to prisons," it's worth noting the two men sentenced were pretty hardcore software pirates. Maswadi sold consoles with illegal copies of titles on the internet and made $390,000 on his business. So, if you made hundreds of thousands of dollars last year off illegal game sales ... might we suggest a new vocation?

JoystiqESA happy about prison sentences for game pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>entertainment-software-associationesapiratesThu, 28 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates find The Key of Dreams on WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/pirates-find-the-key-of-dreams-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/pirates-find-the-key-of-dreams-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/pirates-find-the-key-of-dreams-on-wiiware/#commentsFiled under:

Just when we uber-jaded game journalists start to think that there's nothing new under the fun, we always end up getting surprised in the oddest places. Like today, Oxygen Games has presented us with an entirely new genre with today's WiiWare addition: Pirates: The Key of Dreams (1-4 players, 1,000 Wii Points), a "frantic nautical shooter."

We were dying to know what that could mean, that is, until we heard the game's intro music, at which point were were simply dying. After a lunge for the mute button, we were actually pretty intrigued by what we saw. Do you think you might be open to some "frantic nautical combat"?

JoystiqPirates find The Key of Dreams on WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendopiratesWiiwiiwarewiiware-weeklyMon, 21 Jul 2008 12:51:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Monday Madness: Super Fantasy Zone, Gley Lancer and Pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/vc-monday-madness-super-fantasy-zone-gley-lancer-and-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/vc-monday-madness-super-fantasy-zone-gley-lancer-and-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/vc-monday-madness-super-fantasy-zone-gley-lancer-and-pirates/#commentsFiled under:


After all of the fun to be had at E3, it's time to get back to business as usual. Nintendo knows this, which is why the Virtual Console and WiiWare have both updated this week. So, let's get to the details already!

This week's WiiWare release is:
This week's Virtual Console releases are:
  • Super Fantasy Zone (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 900 Wii Points)
  • Gley Lancer (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 900 Wii Points)
And, before you ask, yes, those are the correct prices (both games are imports).

[Via press release]

JoystiqVC Monday Madness: Super Fantasy Zone, Gley Lancer and Pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesisgley-lanceroxygenoxygen-interactivepiratessegasuper-fantasy-zoneMon, 21 Jul 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: 'Arrrr's and cars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/vc-friday-arrrrs-and-cars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/vc-friday-arrrrs-and-cars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/vc-friday-arrrrs-and-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's a double WiiWare update for this Friday, PAL peeps. Oxygen's Pirates: The Key of Dreams is an unknown quantity, but appears to be some kind of piracy-themed scrolling shooter with strategic elements. If that sounds like it has potential, the footage we've seen so far (viewable, as usual, after the break) isn't filling us with bright-eyed optimism. We'll be downloading that today and giving it a whirl, so let's hope we're wrong!

SPOGS Racing, on the other hand, is very much a known quantity, and not a very great one, either -- we slapped a three out of ten on it.
  • Pirates: The Key of Dreams -- WiiWare -- 1000 Wii Points
  • SPOGS Racing -- WiiWare -- 1000 Wii Points

Continue reading VC Friday: 'Arrrr's and cars

JoystiqVC Friday: 'Arrrr's and cars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiad2cd2c-gameseuropefridayoxygenpalpiratespirates-the-key-of-dreamsracingshooterspogsspogs-racingFri, 18 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Oxygen schedules pirates and more for Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/oxygen-schedules-pirates-and-more-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/oxygen-schedules-pirates-and-more-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/oxygen-schedules-pirates-and-more-for-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Oxygen Interactive has a slew of upcoming DS software in its lineup, which involve make-up, pirates, and pool respectively (although a combination of the three would be interesting, as that would likely involve applying eye-liner to Johnny Depp).

The games now have release dates (or months), which seem to be Europe-only even though the company is bringing them to the U.S. eventually. We don't imagine that this lot will take long to localize, though, as there won't be any translation issues.

The one that piques our interest the most is the August release of Pirates: Duels on the High Seas, because, well, it involves pirates. It's also a sequel to a WiiWare title called Pirates: The Key of Dreams, which should hit Nintendo's service sometime this month.

As for the pirate-less games, you have 8Ball All Stars, which is a "modern and stylish take on pool," slated for September. Then, in October you can expect Oxygen's line of demeaning girls' titles to hit the market, including My Make-Up, My Dress-Up, and My Secret Diary.

Does anyone think they'll be swashbuckling this summer -- you know, in the legal way?

Gallery: Pirates: Duels on the High Seas

JoystiqOxygen schedules pirates and more for Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8ball8ball-all-starsduels-on-the-high-seaskey-of-dreamsmy-dress-upmy-make-upmy-secret-diaryoxygenoxygen-interactivepiratesThu, 03 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates come up with their own Wiimote, nunchuk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/pirates-come-up-with-their-own-wiimote-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/pirates-come-up-with-their-own-wiimote-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/pirates-come-up-with-their-own-wiimote-nunchuk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We all know how piracy is very bad for the gaming industry. But, this is a first for us. it seems those filthy pirates are not only counterfeiting discs, but also creating knock-off hardware, as evidenced by the fake Wiimote and nunchuk you see above. Thankfully, site YYJoy has done a lot of hard work to make sure you aren't one of the folks unlucky enough to buy one of these.

Not only do they compare the quality of construction between Nintendo's official first-party hardware, but they also do a thorough inspection of the packaging, providing us with tips on how to spot these knock-offs on the shelf.

[Thanks, Deevo!]

Source - Packaging and plastic comparison
Source - Pirated Wiimote internal guts

JoystiqPirates come up with their own Wiimote, nunchuk originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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