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[Take a peek at Diablo 3's new menu system, controls for PS3/PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/take-a-peek-at-diablo-3s-new-menu-system-controls-for-ps3-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/take-a-peek-at-diablo-3s-new-menu-system-controls-for-ps3-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/take-a-peek-at-diablo-3s-new-menu-system-controls-for-ps3-ps4/#comments
John Hight, who serves as Production Director on Diablo 3, says the most exciting thing about the PS4, in Blizzard's eyes, is the controller. "This is not a mouse, this is something different for us," Blizzard Senior System Designer Jason Bender says of the DualShock 4. "Working on a console version of Diablo 3, for us that means the controller is king," Lead Console Designer Josh Mosqueira adds.

The use of both analog sticks comes from a perceived player expectation on Blizzard's part - players will just expect to be able to do that with a console controller, Mosqueira says. The console versions of Diablo 3 on PS3 and PS4 will feature an evasion roll technique not available on PC.

The trackpad is demonstrated in the video above, sorting through a player's inventory in the new radial-style interface. "We really built our inventory screens and the UI system from the ground up," says Mosqueira. Another new ability is quick equip - at any time, players can press up on the dpad to cycle through the last few acquired items and equip any of them.

JoystiqTake a peek at Diablo 3's new menu system, controls for PS3/PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3dualshock-4playstationplaystation-4ps3ps4Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 4 retailer pre-order bonuses revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/assassins-creed-4-retailer-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/assassins-creed-4-retailer-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/assassins-creed-4-retailer-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/#commentsAssassin's Creed 4 preorder bonuses, y'all Though Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag launches later this year, North American retailers are vying for your dollars today by announcing a slew of retailer-specific pre-order bonuses.

GameStop has the 'Black Island' pack, which includes the deadly black ship, a Captain Morgan costume and his silver flintlock pistol. Amazon.com will offer the 'Hidden Mystery' pack, an extra treasure-hunting mission on Mystery Island, Stede Bonnet's ship and Sted Bonnet costumes and multiplayer items. Walmart gets the 'Sacrificed Secrets' pack, a collection centered around Captain Drake that includes his dual-wield swords and pistols, plus his picture, title and relics. Best Buy has the 'Lost Treasures' pack, an ivory wheel and spyglass relic, and Target gets the 'Trove of Mystery' pack, which includes an iron wheel and astrolab relic.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag launches on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC on October 29. Next-generation console ports of Assassin's Creed 4 are also planned. All UK pre-orders get access to "The Watch" app.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 4 retailer pre-order bonuses revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonassassins-creed-4-black-flagbest-buygamestopmicrosoftnext-xboxnintendopcplaystationplaystation-4preorderps3ps4targetubisoftwalmartwii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[War Thunder takes flight on PS4 this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/war-thunder-takes-flight-on-ps4-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/war-thunder-takes-flight-on-ps4-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/war-thunder-takes-flight-on-ps4-this-holiday/#comments
Gaijin Entertainment - not to be confused with Bit.Trip series developer Gaijin Games - is preparing a PS4 version of War Thunder for launch this holiday season. War Thunder is Gaijin's free-to-play online WWII vehicular combat game, currently in open beta on the PC.

"The power of PS4 will allow developers to include improved head-tracking system, easier socializing tools, smart and easy options to record, stream and share homemade gameplay videos and will have full support of PlayStation Cloud," the press release past the break confirms. Nothing is mentioned regarding whether this will also be free-to-play on PS4, so we've inquired with Gaijin Entertainment for further details.

War Thunder has over 1.5 million players on the PC and Gaijin Entertainment is currently working on a version for mobile devices.

Continue reading War Thunder takes flight on PS4 this holiday

JoystiqWar Thunder takes flight on PS4 this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playgaijin-entertainmentplaystation-4ps4war-thunderTue, 14 May 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 'PS4 E3' video shows the console in the eyes of the beholder [Update: It's fake]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/rumor-ps4-e3-video-shows-the-console-in-the-eyes-of-the-behol/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/rumor-ps4-e3-video-shows-the-console-in-the-eyes-of-the-behol/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/rumor-ps4-e3-video-shows-the-console-in-the-eyes-of-the-behol/#comments

This could be the first glimpse of Sony's PlayStation 4 console and a look at the next generation of designer contact lens trends. This video contains the correct amount of blaring electronica for an E3 presentation, but we've reached out to Sony to clarify if it is, in fact, legitimate.

Sony announced the PS4 in February, but has yet to show off the console itself. Microsoft, Sony's next-gen competitor, is preparing to reveal its new Xbox on May 21.

Update: A Sony spokesperson tells Joystiq, "We don't comment on rumors or speculation." Other outlets have received confirmation that the ad is indeed fake. That doesn't mean it's not pretty.

JoystiqRumor: 'PS4 E3' video shows the console in the eyes of the beholder [Update: It's fake] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2013playstation-4ps4SONYMon, 13 May 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Dogs multiplayer mode will have element of invasion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/watch-dogs-multiplayer-mode-will-have-element-of-invasion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/watch-dogs-multiplayer-mode-will-have-element-of-invasion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/watch-dogs-multiplayer-mode-will-have-element-of-invasion/#commentsWatch Dogs multiplayer mode will have element of invasion The multiplayer component of Watch Dogs will have an element of player invasion, though its overall extent and direction has yet to be described by Ubisoft. Dominic Guay, Senior Producer at Ubisoft Montreal, insisted that the game can be played "completely offline if you want." (Expect to hear that protection phrase often in the wake of SimCity.)

In multiplayer, Watch Dogs will use the near-future version of Chicago just as it is in single-player. "We are not making any compromises in terms of dynamism or interactivity," Guay said at a San Francisco press event earlier this week. Connecting with other players will be seamless in the developer's attempt "to start breaching the wall in action-adventure between single- and multiplayer."

As an example of how players will commandeer elements of the city in play, Guay pointed to the E3 2012 demonstration of Watch Dogs: it concluded with another character hacking the protagonist's phone to plant a virus. In February, the game made an appearance at the PlayStation 4 unveiling event, and there the player was watched by someone who had hacked the local security cameras. Is there an apt term for someone who engages in voyeurism ... vicariously?

Guay also discussed the "mobile extension" of Watch Dogs, a companion app that's been in development for more than a year alongside the primary game. You'll be able to play some form of Watch Dogs on your smartphone, and interact with console players running around their respective cities. Doing so from the real Chicago, wearing your finest trench coat, will likely generate a cosplay singularity.

JoystiqWatch Dogs multiplayer mode will have element of invasion originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dominic-guaymicrosoftmultiplayernintendopcplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4ubisoft-montrealwatch-dogswii-uxboxFri, 10 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoshida: Sony did not consider an always-on PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/yoshida-sony-did-not-consider-an-always-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/yoshida-sony-did-not-consider-an-always-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/yoshida-sony-did-not-consider-an-always-on-ps4/#commentsSony never considered an alwayson PS4 The PS4 won't require an "always-on" internet connection, and it was never going to need one, Sony President of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida told Game Informer (via Gamespot).

"Did we consider it? No, we didn't consider it," Yoshida said. "The main reason being that many countries don't have robust Internet connections. It makes sense for people to have Internet connections to play online games, but for offline games there are many countries that we saw [that] do not really have robust Internet."

Fair point. Yoshida previously confirmed an offline mode in terms of the PS4's social and sharing features, saying, "Oh yes, yes, you can go offline totally. Social is big for us, but we understand there are some people who are anti-social. So if you don't want to connect to anyone else, you can do that." Developers, too, will be able to limit which aspects of their games players can share with the world.

Sony's major next-gen competitor, Microsoft, is set to reveal its new console on May 21. The latest internal memo regarding the next Xbox's online functionality says that some features should "just work" whether a player is on- or offline.

JoystiqYoshida: Sony did not consider an always-on PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>always-onInternetnext-gennext-xboxplaystation-4ps4SONYxbox-nextWed, 08 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IGF finalist Hohokum launching next year for PS4, PS3, PS Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/igf-finalist-hohokum-launching-next-year-for-ps4-ps3-ps-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/igf-finalist-hohokum-launching-next-year-for-ps4-ps3-ps-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/igf-finalist-hohokum-launching-next-year-for-ps4-ps3-ps-vita/#commentsIGF finalist Hohokum launching next year for PS4, PS3, PS Vita Sony Santa Monica is working with artist Richard Hogg and Frobisher Says! developer Honeyslug to produce Hohokum, an upcoming title for the PlayStation 4, PS3, and PS Vita.

Hogg describes Hohokum as a "whimsical colorful game with an emphasis on playful exploration and creativity." Players control a wormish, kite-like flying creature as they navigate a virtual playground and ferry around its inhabitants. It resembles Keita Takahashi's Noby Noby Boy in premise, and Hogg notes that the experience is free from the "usual pressures" common to video games, such as persistent hand-holding and failure states.

Hohokum was named as a finalist in the Excellence in Visual Arts category of 2011's Independent Games Festival. Hogg expects the game to launch in 2014.

Gallery: Hohokum

JoystiqIGF finalist Hohokum launching next year for PS4, PS3, PS Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hohokumhoneyslugindieplaystationplaystation-4playstation-vitaps3ps4sceascea-santa-monicavitaTue, 07 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoshida: PS4 share function can be disabled by developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/yoshida-ps4-share-function-can-be-disabled-by-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/yoshida-ps4-share-function-can-be-disabled-by-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/yoshida-ps4-share-function-can-be-disabled-by-developers/#commentsYoshida PS4 share function can be disabled by developers Sony worldwide studios president Shuhei Yoshida recently elaborated on the use and origin of the Dual Shock 4 controller's share button, one of the noteworthy features coming to the PlayStation 4. Namely, Yoshida noted in an interview with Japanese site 4Gamer (translated by Edge) that the share button will be limited to whatever use developers will allow.

"There will be parts of a game that the maker does not want people to be able to see," Yoshida said. "For example, on Vita, developers can in certain scenes disable the feature that lets users take a screenshot, and [the Share function] will have a similar mechanism. The creator may not want to make video of the final boss sharable, for instance."

Yoshida said his desire to see an accessible video sharing function come to life on the PS4 stemmed from his desire to play Dark Souls "all day long," which resulted in him watching videos of others playing the game since he was too busy.

JoystiqYoshida: PS4 share function can be disabled by developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cherdual-shock-4playstation-4ps4ps4-shareshareshuhei-yoshidaMon, 06 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Dogs dev diary boasts denser Chicago for PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/watch-dogs-dev-diary-boasts-denser-chicago-for-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/watch-dogs-dev-diary-boasts-denser-chicago-for-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/watch-dogs-dev-diary-boasts-denser-chicago-for-ps4/#comments
Sure, the PS4 version of Watch Dogs will be prettier than the current-gen ports, but it'll also have a denser, busier city. Senior producer Dominic Guay promises "the same game experience, but basically magnified" on the PS4.

JoystiqWatch Dogs dev diary boasts denser Chicago for PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstation-4ps4ubisoftwatch-dogsFri, 03 May 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Enemy teaser designs some bullies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/silent-enemy-teaser-designs-some-bullies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/silent-enemy-teaser-designs-some-bullies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/silent-enemy-teaser-designs-some-bullies/#comments
The next project from Papo & Yo developer Minority, Silent Enemy, tackles another sensitive topic: bullying. Many of the developers were bullied and that history affected the design and development of SIlent Enemy.

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphoneminoritymobileouyapcplaystation-4ps4silent-enemyWed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Be an old-school creep in Thief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/be-an-old-school-creep-in-thief/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/be-an-old-school-creep-in-thief/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/be-an-old-school-creep-in-thief/#comments Eidos Montreal's next-gen take on Thief will cater those who prefer their pickpocketing to be nice, quiet and devoid of visual noise.

According to Thief's Lead Level Designer, Daniel Windfeld Schmidt, the game will feature an old-school mode of sorts. Activating it will disable elements on the heads-up display and tone down master thief Garrett's special abilities. If you want to sneak through unseen - sans notifications, contextual helpers and slow-motion swipes - this will be the way to do it.

With modern recording and social sharing capabilities, you'll even be able to prove you finished the game ... without alerting anyone.

JoystiqBe an old-school creep in Thief originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daniel-windfeld-schmidteidos-montrealpcplaystation-4ps4thief-2014thief-4Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS4 project from Paradox won't attempt 'cheap PC port']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ps4-project-from-paradox-wont-attempt-cheap-pc-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ps4-project-from-paradox-wont-attempt-cheap-pc-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ps4-project-from-paradox-wont-attempt-cheap-pc-port/#comments Gordon Van Dyke teases Paradox's PlayStation 4 projectSpeaking to Joystiq at GDC, Paradox Senior Producer Gordon Van Dyke offered a few hints as to what shape the company's PlayStation 4 project may take. "There's something in the works - I can't say yet, but we are looking into it."

Van Dyke pointed to a recent addition in War of the Roses, an online medieval battle game that he oversees. "Obviously we've added controller support [to War of the Roses], there's a proof-of-concept that definitely works." Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean War of the Roses is coming to PS4 - in fact, Van Dyke said Paradox still isn't sure what exactly it wants to do on PS4 yet.

"We first need to make sure we can get the game running on the hardware, but the hardware is much more easier to work with than it was previously when I was at DICE on Battlefield, where there were struggles with Sony's hardware - especially the way they allocated memory. They've eliminated a lot of these hurdles [on PS4] and x86 makes it much more plausible that we can do it."

For now, "it's definitely a realistic possibility and something we'd like to happen, but we're not entirely sure we can deliver on that." He said it's a bit of an inverse scenario for Paradox, where the developer wants to ensure its PS4 game isn't interpreted as "a cheap PC port on console."

JoystiqPS4 project from Paradox won't attempt 'cheap PC port' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2013gordon-van-dykeparadoxParadox-Interactiveplaystation-4ps4war-of-the-rosesThu, 28 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 4 uses both real names and PSN handles, DualShock 4 charges in standby]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/playstation-4-uses-both-real-names-and-psn-handles-dualshock-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/playstation-4-uses-both-real-names-and-psn-handles-dualshock-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/playstation-4-uses-both-real-names-and-psn-handles-dualshock-4/#comments
Chris Norden, Senior Staff Engineer at Sony, just concluded a talk about development on PS4 here at GDC. While mostly aimed at the improvements to the development environment over its predecessor, Norden also offered some interesting factoids for those of us lacking the know-how to create games. For example, the upgraded Blu-ray drive spins discs at three times the speed of PS3.

Norden's talk didn't offer much on the PS4 architecture that we didn't already know, but he elaborated on the DualShock 4 and PS4 Eye peripherals. The DualShock 4 features enhanced dual vibration over the DualShock 3, with lower latency and reduced dead zone - the area surrounding the center point on the analog sticks where the console doesn't pick up input.

Unlike the PS3 buttons, the face buttons, L1, and R1 on the DS4 are digital. DualShock 4 controllers will also charge now when the system is in standby mode - not possible with the DualShock 3 on the PS3 - and he said every PS4 will include a headset in the box, another thing Sony avoided with the PS3.

The new ID system was also demonstrated, where each PS4 player will have two identities. There's obviously the requisite online handle, but also true names for friends pulled from Facebook and through true name search on PSN. By default, true names will not be displayed.

Finally, Norden said that per the PlayStation 4's ability to capture game footage and share online, the system itself will automatically record your last few minutes of gameplay at all times. If you did something interesting or impressive by accident, you can hit the Share button and retrieve that footage; each clip is broken down into chapters that are labeled right in the video editor suite.

JoystiqPlayStation 4 uses both real names and PSN handles, DualShock 4 charges in standby originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-nordendualshock-4gdc-2013playstation-4playstation-4-eyeps4ps4-eyeWed, 27 Mar 2013 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Blacklight and Primal Carnage, PS4's newest games, in motion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/blacklight-and-primal-carnage-ps4s-new-pub-fund-games-in-moti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/blacklight-and-primal-carnage-ps4s-new-pub-fund-games-in-moti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/blacklight-and-primal-carnage-ps4s-new-pub-fund-games-in-moti/#comments
Last night, Sony showed off two indie games coming to PS4. Blacklight Retribution and Primal Carnage: Genesis are different, united only by the circumstances of their announcements - and by having trailers you can see here.

Continue reading Blacklight and Primal Carnage, PS4's newest games, in motion

JoystiqBlacklight and Primal Carnage, PS4's newest games, in motion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacklight-retributionblacklight-tango-down-2gdc-2013playstationplaystation-4primal-carnage-genesisps3Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Dogs trailer shows us how to make money in the future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/watch-dogs-trailer-shows-us-how-to-make-money-in-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/watch-dogs-trailer-shows-us-how-to-make-money-in-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/watch-dogs-trailer-shows-us-how-to-make-money-in-the-future/#comments
The most odd thing about this latest Watch Dogs trailer is that, if they know exactly how protagonist Aiden Pearce is stealing peoples' bank information, why can't they just stop him? Must be the trench coat.

JoystiqWatch Dogs trailer shows us how to make money in the future originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4ubisoftwatch-dogsxboxTue, 26 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony and Unity enter 'strategic partnership' for tools optimized for PlayStation platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/sony-and-unity-team-up-to-create-unity-for-playstation/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/sony-and-unity-team-up-to-create-unity-for-playstation/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/sony-and-unity-team-up-to-create-unity-for-playstation/#comments Sony and Unity team up to create Unity for PlayStationSony has announced a partnership with Unity that will result in tools built for "optimized deployment" to the PlayStation 4, PS3, Vita and the PlayStation Mobile platform.

Games developed on the "Unity for PlayStation" platform will be able to take advantage of system-specific features - like the Vita's touchpads and cameras - and can integrate easily into the PlayStation Network. The tools also allow developers to more easily port titles across to other supported Unity devices, such as iOS and Android.

Sony's platforms already support Unity's tools, with Might & Delight's Pid and Funbits' Escape Plan built with the engine. The full Unity for PlayStation toolset will be available along with the rest of the PlayStation platform development tools later on this fall.

Continue reading Sony and Unity enter 'strategic partnership' for tools optimized for PlayStation platforms

JoystiqSony and Unity enter 'strategic partnership' for tools optimized for PlayStation platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developersdevelopmentenginemobileplaystationplaystation-3playstation-4playstation-vitaps3sonyunityunity-for-playstationunity-game-enginevitaThu, 21 Mar 2013 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Yes, you can play through Thief without killing anyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/yes-you-can-play-through-thief-without-killing-anyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/yes-you-can-play-through-thief-without-killing-anyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/yes-you-can-play-through-thief-without-killing-anyone/#comments Yes, you can play through Thief without killing anyoneThief just got its second unveiling last week, now retooled to be more traditional and in-line with the original games in the franchise versus the grammar grotesqueness of the announced-in-2009 Thi4f. Eidos Montreal offered further insight into Thief in a blog post, confirming that protagonist Garrett will be able to get through the entire sticky-finger adventure without taking lives.

Eidos Montreal's previous offering, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, also allowed players to make it through the game as a pacifist - save for bosses - a good example considering it too was a modern entry in a franchise that had been dormant for quite some time. Thief is currently slated to launch on PC, PS4 and "other next-gen platforms" in 2014.

[Art from the official Thief Facebook page]

JoystiqYes, you can play through Thief without killing anyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidos-montrealgarrettpacifismpacifistpcplaystation-4ps4square-enixthief-2014thief-4Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead season two peers through a fall 2014 release window [Update: It was fogged, coming 2013]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/the-walking-dead-season-two-peers-through-a-fall-2014-release-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/the-walking-dead-season-two-peers-through-a-fall-2014-release-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/the-walking-dead-season-two-peers-through-a-fall-2014-release-wi/#comments The Walking Dead season two peers through a fall 2014 release windowUpdate: Telltale Games confirmed to Joystiq that The Walking Dead season two is coming in fall 2013, citing a statement to Game Informer: "The current estimated release window for season two of The Walking Dead is for fall of 'this' year (2013), and not 'next' year (2014) as has been reported after a recent interview. We apologize for any confusion and thank you and all of our fans for your continued excitement for Telltale's series."

The horde is coming!

Original Story: These ain't no 28 Days Later zombies: Telltale's The Walking Dead season two has a tentative launch window of fall 2014, studio CEO Dan Connors tells Eurogamer. Season one concluded in November 2012, and recently writer Gary Whitta outed a mysterious "something extra" coming before season two hits.

"He's been sacked. We threw him into the zombie pit," Connors jokes. But really, "We'll probably have something to announce fairly soon about what we're going to do. It'll be different."

Whether something "different" is a line of trading cards, collectible stuffed animals or a Broadway show is still up in the air. Connors says he's a fan of the PS4 but he can't announce The Walking Dead on Sony's console yet. Executive Producer Kevin Boyle tells IGN that Telltale is looking forward to trying its formula on next-gen platforms.

"Season two will read what you did in season one and that will tailor some of the things that happened in season two," Boyle says. "They'll be a lot more social and in-between episode features for season two that definitely exploit what the new platforms have to offer. We're super-excited about PlayStation 4 and what all the other big console manufacturers have in store."

There's no word if saves from PS3 games will transfer to the PS4.

JoystiqThe Walking Dead season two peers through a fall 2014 release window [Update: It was fogged, coming 2013] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014microsoftpcplaystationplaystation-2013playstation-4ps3ps4release-windowseason-2season-twoTellTale-Gamesthe-walking-deadxboxWed, 06 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Watch Dogs designer leaves Ubisoft, heads back to EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/rumor-watch-dogs-designer-leaves-ubisoft-heads-back-to-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/rumor-watch-dogs-designer-leaves-ubisoft-heads-back-to-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/rumor-watch-dogs-designer-leaves-ubisoft-heads-back-to-ea/#comments Jamie Keen, lead game designer on Ubisoft's upcoming open-world action game, Watch Dogs, is rumored to have left the company. According to his altered LinkedIn profile (pictured below), Keen has taken a new position with EA at Ghost Games, the Gothenburg, Sweden studio rumored to be working on a new entry in the Need for Speed series.

Aside from his work on Watch Dogs, Keen also worked on Far Cry 3 as a writer while at Ubisoft Montreal. Before his time at Ubisoft, he did a stint at EA where he served as a producer on Battlefield: Bad Company.

Ubisoft has not officially provided comment on the matter.

Continue reading Rumor: Watch Dogs designer leaves Ubisoft, heads back to EA

JoystiqRumor: Watch Dogs designer leaves Ubisoft, heads back to EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-gothenburgghost-gamesjamie-keenmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4ubisoftubisoft-montrealwatch-dogswii-uxboxTue, 05 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Assassin's Creed 4 to feature 'connected' single-player systems on next-gen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/report-assassins-creed-4-to-feature-connected-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/report-assassins-creed-4-to-feature-connected-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/report-assassins-creed-4-to-feature-connected-single-player/#comments Report AC4 to feature 'connected' singleplayer systems on nextgenAssassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is a next-gen game (gasp!), and will feature a few new, special systems on console versions, such as a "connected" single-player mode, creative director Jean Guesdon says in an internal Q&A unearthed by All Games Beta.

"Next-gen versions will bring to the players new, connected features allowing them to feel that even if they remain 'single player,' it will be better to be a 'single connected player,'" Guesdon says. "I mean that next-gen Consoles will allow players to have a solo experience that benefits the presence of a huge community."

Guesdon doesn't go into detail about the connected systems. He does outline a few more tidbits about the game, including the "horizon system," which provides characters aboard the ship with "pirate opportunities," side-quests specific to an individual player's progress. Ubisoft has six studios working on Black Flag: Montreal, Singapore, Sofia and Québec working on single-player content, and Annecy and Bucharest developing multiplayer.

JoystiqReport: Assassin's Creed 4 to feature 'connected' single-player systems on next-gen originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-4-black-flagnext-genplaystation-2013playstation-4ps4Ubisoftxbox-nextTue, 05 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag confirmed for PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/assassins-creed-4-black-flag-confirmed-for-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/assassins-creed-4-black-flag-confirmed-for-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/assassins-creed-4-black-flag-confirmed-for-ps4/#comments As the prior week's leaks suggested, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag will boast next-generation ports ... rendered by the PlayStation 4. (Here you go.)

Speaking to Joystiq in San Francisco last month, Assassin's Creed 4 game director Ashraf Ismail said the AnvilNext engine, which powers Ubisoft's pirate game and debuted with Assassin's Creed 3 in 2012, was built for platforms beyond the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U.

Ubisoft hasn't confirmed a launch date for the PS4 version yet, since the exact timing is entwined with Sony's guarded launch plans. All other versions of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag (that we know of) are due on October 29 in North America.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 4: Black Flag confirmed for PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 05:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-4assassins-creed-4-black-flagplaystation-4ps4ubisoftubisoft-montrealMon, 04 Mar 2013 05:05:00 EST<![CDATA[EA discusses expected cost increase of PS4 development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ea-details-expected-cost-increase-of-playstation-4-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ea-details-expected-cost-increase-of-playstation-4-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ea-details-expected-cost-increase-of-playstation-4-development/#comments The per-game research and development costs associated with developing on the PlayStation 4 will likely be five to 10 percent higher than equivalent development on current generation systems, EA CFO Blake Jorgensen said during an investors conference call earlier this week.

"On any one title, it might be five to 10 percent increases in cost, but the real opportunity comes with the ability to expand what you can do in that title," Jorgensen said. "Overall you might see larger titles or larger costs because of the capability that you can deal with, but we'll also see larger revenue streams, we believe, because of the excitement around some of those big titles."

EA has yet to officially determine whether these increased production costs will translate to increased retail costs, though Jorgensen made such an eventuality sound unlikely: "Typically at the start of a cycle, you've seen the pricing raise say to $69 for a core piece of software, and then over the life of those they've stripped it down to an introduction price typically now around $59. We haven't yet set pricing on our gen four [games], but you'll probably see a similar trend to that during the start of the next cycle."

Jorgensen misspoke, according to EA, and actually meant to say that current-gen games start at $59 and are reduced to $49, and that's a trend we're likely to see continue. This aligns with SCEA CEO Jack Tretton's assertion that PS4 games will cost between $0.99 and $60.

JoystiqEA discusses expected cost increase of PS4 development originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blake-Jorgensencostdevelopment-costEAElectronic-ArtsPlayStation-4PS4research-and-developmentSonyThu, 28 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 3 around 50 hours, may import saves from previous games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-witcher-3-around-50-hours-may-import-saves-from-previous-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-witcher-3-around-50-hours-may-import-saves-from-previous-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-witcher-3-around-50-hours-may-import-saves-from-previous-ga/#comments New details regarding The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt have emerged on the website of German magazine GameStar. The game will last for approximately 50 hours. Throughout those hours, the world can reach a total of 36 different states, depending on the player's choices. As previously revealed, these choices will also lead to one of three different epilogues.

The article also notes that The Witcher 3 may import save files from previous Witcher games. Developer CD Projekt Red tells Joystiq that it would like to implement such a feature, though the challenges presented by new hardware could make it difficult. Specifically, considering the game will debut on entirely new consoles, including the PS4 and presumably the next Xbox, such a transfer could be impossible. Still, the developer is looking into the possibility.

The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is slated to arrive next year.

JoystiqThe Witcher 3 around 50 hours, may import saves from previous games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projekt-redpcplaystation-4ps4the-witcher-3Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The PlayStation 4 interface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-playstation-4-interface/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-playstation-4-interface/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-playstation-4-interface/#comments ImageSony has dispersed images of the PlayStation 4 interface, which it originally presented at last week's reveal of the latest console. The screens show the interface on televisions and tablets.

Continue reading The PlayStation 4 interface

JoystiqThe PlayStation 4 interface originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-4sonyThu, 28 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA CFO suggests 'new Battlefield' running on PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/ea-cfo-suggests-new-battlefield-running-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/ea-cfo-suggests-new-battlefield-running-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/ea-cfo-suggests-new-battlefield-running-on-ps4/#comments During a recent investor conference call, Electronic Arts' chief financial officer Blake Jorgensen specifically referenced having seen "the new Battlefield" running on a PlayStation 4. EA has not announced Battlefield 4 as coming to Sony's new flagship box, though it's hardly a stretch to envision the military shooter on the new platform.

Jorgensen shut down the implication that EA's absence from Sony's PlayStation 4 press conference last week meant its support of the new system wouldn't surface until 2014 or 2015. "I'd say between now and E3, you're going to see a lot of stuff from us," he said.

"The technical power on the platform is going to allow us to do a substantial amount of things that we've never done before," Jorgensen continued. "I've seen the new Battlefield and it is stunning, I mean it is just amazing; what the imagination of the game developers are allowed to do with that much power."

We've reached out to EA for more information about Jorgensen's statement and will update with any new information we receive.

JoystiqEA CFO suggests 'new Battlefield' running on PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BattlefieldBlake-JorgensenEAElectronic-ArtsPlayStation-4PS4Sonythe-new-battlefieldWed, 27 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Devs helped shape PS4, console wasn't designed 'in an ivory tower somewhere in Tokyo']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/devs-helped-shape-ps4-console-wasnt-designed-in-an-ivory-towe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/devs-helped-shape-ps4-console-wasnt-designed-in-an-ivory-towe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/devs-helped-shape-ps4-console-wasnt-designed-in-an-ivory-towe/#comments Pssst, here's an open secret: Sony's PlayStation 3 was a machine built on ego that had harsh executive-level repercussions following launch. For the recently revealed PlayStation 4, which Sony has been developing for several years, the company took a more democratic approach, consulting with developers and publishers on what it should do.

"We've been very closely involved in the development of the machine," said Hermen Hulst, co-founder of Killzone developer Guerrilla Games, to The Guardian. "It's no longer designed in an ivory tower somewhere in Tokyo, it's shared with us, with [Uncharted developer] Naughty Dog, with Sony San Diego - and together we've built the machine."

The Guardian posits developer consultation and discussions with publishers like Ubisoft led to the PS4 being designed in line with modern PCs, so devs could easily comprehend the hardware. Other design elements noted were greater social integration and controller elements, like concave triggers and the headphone jack.

The Guardian has far more on the roundtable design.

JoystiqDevs helped shape PS4, console wasn't designed 'in an ivory tower somewhere in Tokyo' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designguerrilla-gameshermen-hulstNaughty-Dogplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony UK boss: What PS4 does is more important than how it looks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-uk-boss-what-ps4-does-is-more-important-than-how-it-looks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-uk-boss-what-ps4-does-is-more-important-than-how-it-looks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-uk-boss-what-ps4-does-is-more-important-than-how-it-looks/#comments Sony UK VP on 'the box' outcry More important to see 'what the damn thing does'When Sony revealed the PlayStation 4, it didn't reveal the PlayStation 4 - at least not physically. Sony didn't show off the actual PS4 hardware, aside from the DualShock 4 controller and a revamped PSEye, and a few viewers considered this a cop-out. There was "a bit of cynism" from fans following the conference, even though Sony presented more important things for a next-gen system, PlayStation UK managing director Fergal Gara told Video Gamer.

"It's much more important to see what the damn thing does," Gara said. "The shiniest piece of black, green or purple plastic ever, you know, whatever, so what? It's not the most important thing."

After all, "a box is a box," as Gara puts it. However, if the PlayStation 4 is striped in shades of metallic black, green and purple, it could very well matter. Good luck making that color scheme work in any living room.

JoystiqSony UK boss: What PS4 does is more important than how it looks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fergal-garaplaystation-2013playstation-4ps4SONYMon, 25 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoshida: PS4 may have subscription levels, all games available digitally]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/yoshida-ps4-may-have-subscription-levels-all-games-to-be-digit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/yoshida-ps4-may-have-subscription-levels-all-games-to-be-digit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/yoshida-ps4-may-have-subscription-levels-all-games-to-be-digit/#comments Yoshida PS4 could have multiple subscription levels, all games to be digitalThe PlayStation 4 could employ a multiple-tier subscription service, offering different levels of access in a style similar to a cable television company, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida tells The Guardian.

"We could have gold, silver or platinum levels of membership, something like that," Yoshida says. "We can do subscription services when we have more content - especially now that we have the Gaikai technology available. With one subscription you have access to thousands of games - that's our dream."

Yoshida says the PS4 will have more digital content than its predecessors, at least: Every game will be available as a download, while some will still be sold at retail. This makes it easier to host smaller games such as Jonathan Blow's The Witness, and it supports a broader range of payment models, such as free-to-play or subscription-based games.

"We're shifting our platform more and more to the digital side," he says. "PS4 will be similar to PS Vita in that every game will be available as a digital download, and some will also be available as a disc."

Yoshida previously confirmed that current-gen PSN games won't run natively on PS4, though emulation or cloud service plans aren't out of the question.

JoystiqYoshida: PS4 may have subscription levels, all games available digitally originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digitaldownloadplaystationplaystation-2013playstation-4ps4subscriptionMon, 25 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 on PS3 and PS4 will allow offline play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/diablo-3-on-ps3-and-ps4-will-allow-offline-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/diablo-3-on-ps3-and-ps4-will-allow-offline-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/diablo-3-on-ps3-and-ps4-will-allow-offline-play/#comments

Diablo 3 will not require a constant internet connection for local multiplayer on the PS3 or PS4, Blizzard production director John Hight has confirmed. "You can have four people on the same screen - no split-screen, we just zoom the camera out. Or if you're offline," he tells Geoff Keighley on GameTrailers.

It's around the two-minute mark where Hight goes into the changes to Diablo 3 for PS3 and PS4 in the episode above - specifically, the talk about the camera and local multiplayer. Hight reveals there's also a new evasion ability to help players quickly escape large encounters.

Diablo 3 launched on the PC and Mac OSX with a required connection to Blizzard's Battle.net service, even when playing single-player. Blizzard previously revealed the PS3/PS4 versions will have a different UI and feature all major PC updates.

Gallery: Diablo 3 (PS3/PS4)

JoystiqDiablo 3 on PS3 and PS4 will allow offline play originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardchris-metzenDiablo-3john-hightplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/#comments Sony made wholesale corrections to the list of European/PAL companies confirmed as PS4 developers and publishers, reducing the list of named studios from 53 to 28. Curiouser, not one of the developers and publishers named on the previous list makes an appearance on the new roll call. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed to us the first list, sent out last week, was erroneous, and this new one is correct. There are no revisions for any other regions.

The new list removes a number of significant names, including Mojang (Minecraft), Rovio (Angry Birds), Frozenbyte, Criterion Games, and City Interactive. In their stead are some new noteworthy studios, such as CD Projekt, who've confirmed The Witcher 3 as a PS4 game. Also included are Bohemia Interactive, Deep Silver, Ninja Theory, IO Interactive, Codemasters, 2K Games, and Sumo Digital. The full list can be found after the break.

We've reached out to a number of studios for comment. Mojang's Daniel Kaplan reiterated to us the comments he gave to Gamasutra, saying his studio hasn't decided anything yet, and that the error is "confusion from Sony's side." Gamasutra's article also confirms Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer and Skulls of the Shogun creator 17-Bit, both included in the original list, as not currently working on anything for the PS4.

A spokesperson for Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess developer Mediatonic, included in the original list but not in the corrected one, told us he couldn't make any comment on his studio and PS4 development. Meanwhile, Sumo Digital's inclusion adds weight to the rumor the British studio is working on LittleBigPlanet 3, but for the PS4. When approached previously about LBP3, a studio representative told Joystiq, "No comment."

Update 1: A spokesperson for 505 Games tells us the Italian company is "definitely" planning to publish games on the PS4. 505 Games was in the original list of European/PAL PS4 developers and publishers, but not the revised list. The spokesperson noted the company's logo appears in the image showcasing PS4 partners, as shown during last week's event, as do many of the names in the revised list.

Update 2: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe informs us the list of European PS4 studios has been further revised. Two more studios are now present in the form of Criterion Games and Ghost Games (an EA studio) - both were in the original list of 53. That takes the tally of confirmed European studios up to 30.

Continue reading Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]

JoystiqSony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbohemia-interactivecity-interactivecodemasterscriterion-gamesdeep-silvereuropefrozenbytemediatonicmercurysteammojangninja-theoryPALplaystation-4ps4roviosony-computer-entertainment-europesumo-digitalvlambeerMon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Dogs box art has its hands full]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/watch-dogs-box-art-has-its-hands-full/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/watch-dogs-box-art-has-its-hands-full/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/watch-dogs-box-art-has-its-hands-full/#comments Watch Dogs box art has its hands fullAiden, the main character of Ubisoft's Watch Dogs, looks a bit preoccupied on the game's cover. Is he contemplating what to order for dinner on his fancy cell phone? Why is he holding a gun? He's not planning on paying for his meal, is he?

The game's box art is leaving us guessing, which is why we have higher-res versions to investigate in the gallery below, found on the official Watch Dogs North American and UK Facebook pages. The game is confirmed for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, PC and Wii U, and is expected to launch sometime in 2013.

Gallery: Watch Dogs (Box Art)

JoystiqWatch Dogs box art has its hands full originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>box-artcovermicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4UbisoftUbisoft-Montrealwatch-dogswii-uxboxSat, 23 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why the PlayStation 4 reveal doesn't mean much for JRPG fans yet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/why-the-playstation-4-reveal-doesnt-mean-much-for-jrpg-fans-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/why-the-playstation-4-reveal-doesnt-mean-much-for-jrpg-fans-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/why-the-playstation-4-reveal-doesnt-mean-much-for-jrpg-fans-yet/#comments This is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.

As we look ahead to the next generation of games, a lot of Japanese role-playing game fans figure to be looking somewhere other than the new PlayStation for whatever the future holds for the genre.

Seven years ago, that would have been inconceivable, but times have obviously changed. It's fair to assume that Japanese developers will stick with the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo 3DS for the time being, only occasionally venturing over to the next generation.

A lot of it has to do with the fact that Japan simply doesn't digest their games in the same way they did back in 2006. Mobile platforms have come to dominate what is a centralized culture that spends a lot of its time on trains, with home consoles increasingly relegated to a nerdy niche. The Nintendo 3DS, for instance, has reached 8 million units sold in Japan, and has already surpassed the lifetime sales of the PS3 on that side of the ocean. It's only natural that developers go where the customers are going, and that isn't likely to be the new PlayStation - at least in Japan.

Continue reading Why the PlayStation 4 reveal doesn't mean much for JRPG fans yet

JoystiqWhy the PlayStation 4 reveal doesn't mean much for JRPG fans yet originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Japanese-RPGsJRPGOpinionPlayStation-4PS4Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tretton: PS4 game prices range from $.99 to $60]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/tretton-ps4-game-prices-range-from-99-to-60/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/tretton-ps4-game-prices-range-from-99-to-60/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/tretton-ps4-game-prices-range-from-99-to-60/#comments Tretton PS4 game prices range from $99 to $60PlayStation 4 game prices will run the gamut from one dollar to sixty, SCEA CEO Jack Tretton has revealed. "We're going to welcome free-to-play models, games from $.99 up to those $60 games," Tretton revealed in a CNBC interview.

Tretton also responded to the fact that we didn't actually get to see the PS4 during the unveiling event earlier this week, even though Sony told us all about the innards. Tretton says it was more important for Sony to show the concepts behind the system than to make a big deal out of the hardware itself - excluding the DualShock 4, obviously.

"You're going to see some of the greatest games ever created and the consumer is going to have more ease of use, the ability to sample games before they buy them and have more breadth of games than they've ever seen before," Tretton said of the PlayStation 4 during the segment. He also clarified that while Holiday 2013 is the official launch window for the PS4, "the promise is out for Holiday 2013, so pre-Christmas."

JoystiqTretton: PS4 game prices range from $.99 to $60 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dualshock-4jack-trettonplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4sceaFri, 22 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NMA TV lends its unique perspective, animation to PS4 event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/nma-tv-lends-its-unique-perspective-animation-to-ps4-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/nma-tv-lends-its-unique-perspective-animation-to-ps4-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/nma-tv-lends-its-unique-perspective-animation-to-ps4-event/#comments
Taiwanese media giant NMA has weighed in on the PS4 announcement in the above video. We aren't sure we necessarily agree with the conclusions reached by the organization - is the shape of the box really that important? - but we don't watch these to see levelheaded analysis or objective reporting.

We watch to see a robot PS4 shoot eye lasers at Mark Cerny.

JoystiqNMA TV lends its unique perspective, animation to PS4 event originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nmanma-tvplaystation-2013playstation-4ps4Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony asking PS4 devs to try PS Vita remote play before submission]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/sony-asking-ps4-devs-to-try-ps-vita-remote-play-before-submissio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/sony-asking-ps4-devs-to-try-ps-vita-remote-play-before-submissio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/sony-asking-ps4-devs-to-try-ps-vita-remote-play-before-submissio/#comments A major feature of the PlayStation 4 is native remote play support on the Vita for PS4 games. During last night's presentation, Gaikai CEO David Perry talked about the work being put in to ensure the fastest response times for remote play. It's a big part of the PS4 and speaking to Engadget, Sony worldwide studios president Shuhei Yoshida said Sony is requests developers for its new console test their game on Vita using remote play before submitting for certification.

Yoshida said the addition of remote play with the PS Vita means developers can create custom control layouts on Vita. "Some PS Vita games make use of the edge of the screen to add contextual buttons - that works really well, I think, and it's easy to see. So that kind of thing I'd like to see developers do on PS Vita over remote play." Of course, the onus is entirely on the developer, but custom controls for the handheld would be swell.

JoystiqSony asking PS4 devs to try PS Vita remote play before submission originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaikaiplaystationplaystation-4playstation-vitaps-vitaps3ps4remote-playshuhei-yoshidavitaThu, 21 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jonathan Blow bears Witness to getting an indie, PC game on PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/jonathan-blow-bears-witness-to-getting-an-indie-pc-game-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/jonathan-blow-bears-witness-to-getting-an-indie-pc-game-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/jonathan-blow-bears-witness-to-getting-an-indie-pc-game-on-ps4/#comments Jonathan Blow bears Witness to getting an indie, PC game on PS4Jonathan's Blow's next mind-melting puzzler has a bright - and colorful - future in the next generation, as he took center stage at Sony's conference last night to announce The Witness would come to PlayStation 4 as a timed exclusive. After the show, Blow told us that his team is hard at work on the PS4 port of The Witness, and a PC version is still in tow.

"Basically, you'll see The Witness on PS4 before you'll see it on the next Microsoft console or on the Wii U, presuming we eventually do ports to those consoles," Blow said. "Ideally we want the game to be in as many places as we can get it, but since we are a small developer and it's a complicated game, we can only do so much at once."

Blow decided to port The Witness to PS4 because he liked the console, not to snub players on other platforms or simply make a quick buck, he said:

"People are speculating that we did this because of money, but that is not the case at all. We like the console and we like the people we are working with; we were already developing a PS4 port of the game, which prevents us from doing other console ports anyway, again because we can only do so much. So it was only a small step to go from this practical fact of development to a formal agreement signed on paper."

Besides, signing a contract with any company wouldn't be too difficult for Blow and his team, since they already have at least one Witness.

JoystiqJonathan Blow bears Witness to getting an indie, PC game on PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Indiejonathan-blowmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-2013playstation-4ps3ps4the-witnesswii-uxboxThu, 21 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoshida: DualShock 3 won't work with PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/yoshida-dualshock-3-wont-work-with-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/yoshida-dualshock-3-wont-work-with-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/yoshida-dualshock-3-wont-work-with-ps4/#comments DualShock 3 won't work with PS4"No, [PS4] doesn't support DualShock 3, but it does support PS Move," Sony worldwide studios president Shuhei Yoshida has confirmed. Considering the design of the DualShock 4 and the functionality within, we can't say we're too surprised.

Obviously we knew about the PS Move compatibility, seeing as how it was featured during last night's event, but this is the first definitive word on DualShock 3 support. Last night Sony announced that PSOne, PS2 and PS3 games would be playable on PS4 through technology developed by Gaikai, but that PS3 discs would not work natively.

JoystiqYoshida: DualShock 3 won't work with PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dual-shock-3dual-shock-4dualshock-3moveplaystationplaystation-4playstation-moveps-moveps3ps4shuhei-yoshidaThu, 21 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Add Water working on a PlayStation 4 game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/just-add-water-working-on-a-playstation-4-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/just-add-water-working-on-a-playstation-4-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/just-add-water-working-on-a-playstation-4-game/#comments The folks that have been breathing life into Oddworld for the last couple of years have also been secretly breathing bytes into a PlayStation 4 development kit, as it turns out. Just Add Water (Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD, Abe's Oddysee New 'N' Tasty, etc) has revealed its ongoing development of a PS4 game over on its official blog.

What said PlayStation 4 project actually is remains a mystery, though the developer did recently poll fans as to what game it should begin constructing next - we're optimistically hoping the two are somehow related. Which isn't to say that we're not also open to being surprised, though. The Oddworld series has been lacking a rhythm game for far too long.

JoystiqJust Add Water working on a PlayStation 4 game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>just-add-waterOddworld-Inhabitantsplaystation-4PS4SonyThu, 21 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order PlayStation 4 at GAME starting now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/pre-order-playstation-4-at-game-starting-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/pre-order-playstation-4-at-game-starting-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/pre-order-playstation-4-at-game-starting-now/#comments We may not know what it looks like or how much it costs or when it's launching, but if Sony's event yesterday convinced you of your need for a PlayStation 4 and you live in the UK, know that retailer GAME has already opened pre-orders - £20 will secure you a PS4 console when it launches Holiday 2013.

If you're anxious to look at some hardware, Sony released some press shots of the new DualShock 4 and PS4 Eye camera. What we do know about the PlayStation 4 so far is that it's heavily reliant on sharing and cloud-based technology, a result of the $380 million Gaikai purchase, and all PS4 games will feature remote play with the Vita.

Continue reading Pre-order PlayStation 4 at GAME starting now

JoystiqPre-order PlayStation 4 at GAME starting now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dual-shock-4dualshock-4gaikaigameplaystationplaystation-4pre-orderps3ps4retailsonyThu, 21 Feb 2013 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PS4 Eye has two cameras: One to watch you, one to make you pretty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/ps4-eye-has-two-cameras-one-to-watch-you-one-to-make-you-prett/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/ps4-eye-has-two-cameras-one-to-watch-you-one-to-make-you-prett/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/ps4-eye-has-two-cameras-one-to-watch-you-one-to-make-you-prett/#comments PS4 Eye has two cameras on you for a reason, Yoshida saysSony's PlayStation 4 Eye has two cameras each with a max resolution of 1280 x 800, four microphones and a field of view of 85 degrees, and all of these aspects work together in new ways, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida tells Engadget. The cameras, for example, mark a departure from the current PS Eye's single lens, and they each have specific tasks: One is in charge of capturing the setting and ensuring a quality picture, and the other handles motion tracking.

The cameras will triangulate the 3D space, recognize gestures, enable Kinect-style body tracking and will work with Move functionality embedded in the DualShock 4 controller. Sony's goal is for players to be able to snap 3D pictures and video and store it on the PS4.

The microphones will be incorporated into PS4 games, though Yoshida was tight-lipped about their role in potential voice-control functions for the console itself.

Gallery: PlayStation 4 Controller and Camera

JoystiqPS4 Eye has two cameras: One to watch you, one to make you pretty originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-2013playstation-4PS-EYEps3ps4ps4-eyeps4-eye-cameraThu, 21 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST