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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Destiny dev: DLC mistakes won't be repeated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/#comments Destiny designer Luke Smith recently addressed concerns over Bungie's future updates for the game. Namely, Smith said "the mistakes [Bungie] made with the DLC1 reward economy will not be repeated," in a NeoGAF thread, admitting the developer's previous attempts at expanding the first-person shooter with add-on content resulted in a few problems for players. Smith claims the developer will avoid mistakes such as "vendor gear invalidating the effort of [Vault of Glass] Raiders" and exotic gear upgrades resulting in a talent reset.

"Our philosophy about rewards/loot continue to evolve as we see how players play and react," Smith wrote. He noted that item drop rates appear to be "much improved" in the Crota's End DLC compared to Vault of Glass, and that Bungie plans to "improve acquisition stories and frequency" as well as "lessen the grind and get players to the fun parts of their arsenal faster." It issued a hot fix for Destiny in December to boost the drop rates for the Crota's End raid mission.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny dev: DLC mistakes won't be repeated originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadd-onbungiecrotas-enddestinydlcdownloadable-contentdrop-ratesfirst-person-shooterfpsissuesluke-smithmicrosoftmistakesplaystationproblemsps3ps4updatevault-of-glassxboxxbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Unity patch is 40 GB on Xbox One for some]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/assassins-creed-unity-patch-is-40-gb-on-xbox-one-for-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/assassins-creed-unity-patch-is-40-gb-on-xbox-one-for-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/assassins-creed-unity-patch-is-40-gb-on-xbox-one-for-some/#comments The fourth patch for Assassin's Creed: Unity arrived yesterday as a sizable 6.7 GB download. At least, that's the case for non-Xbox One players; some players using the Microsoft console are facing 40 GB downloads for the patch, effectively the size of the full game on the system's hard drive. Ubisoft explained the situation in an update on its support site, noting the "issue with the patch downloading process is replacing the entire game instead of just the parts affected by the patch."

The publisher is "working with Microsoft on a solution to reduce the total download to the intended size so that you can get back into the game faster," though it does not have an estimated timeline for the patch's fix just yet. Ubisoft did provide an alternative workaround for disc-based Assassin's Creed: Unity owners: By uninstalling and then re-installing the game, the patch will revert to the correct 6.7 GB download size. The publisher briefly delayed the launch of the patch earlier this week to "refurbish" the game's Paris map. The update is expected to fix ""most of the remaining issues [Ubisoft's] players have been reporting."
[Image: Ubisoft]

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Unity patch is 40 GB on Xbox One for some originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creedassassins-creed-unityissuesmicrosoftpatchproblemssizetroubleshootingUbisoftUbisoft-Montrealupdatexbox-oneWed, 17 Dec 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WWE 2K15's 'My Career' mode crashing Xbox One systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/wwe-2k15s-my-career-mode-crashing-xbox-one-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/wwe-2k15s-my-career-mode-crashing-xbox-one-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/wwe-2k15s-my-career-mode-crashing-xbox-one-systems/#comments WWE 2K15 launched off the top ropes and into Xbox One and PS4 systems this week, and was met with a number of technical issues as it landed. Polygon reported that Xbox One versions of the game crashed during multiple attempts to play My Career mode, a game-breaking problem listed by others on 2K's official support forums. One player discovered a trick that appeared to solve the issue: Disconnecting their system from the Internet seemed to make My Career mode available to them.

2K's support team addressed other concerns, such as instances where PS4 players are unable to download add-on content like the Sting and Hulk Hogan characters. Additionally, the publisher offered a guide for players stuck on the game's demo match, which happens for those downloading the launch update at the same time. We've reached out to 2K for information on the game's early issues and will update as we learn more.
[Image: 2K]

JoystiqWWE 2K15's 'My Career' mode crashing Xbox One systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2K-SportsCrashcrashingissuesmicrosoftmodemy-careerproblemssupporttroubleshootingvisual-conceptswrestlingwwewwe-2k15xbox-oneyukesWed, 19 Nov 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar troubleshoots GTA Online character transfer issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/rockstar-troubleshoots-gta-online-character-transfer-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/rockstar-troubleshoots-gta-online-character-transfer-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/rockstar-troubleshoots-gta-online-character-transfer-issues/#comments Rockstar Games is investigating Grand Theft Auto 5 PS4 and Xbox One save progress transfer issues following its launch today, the developer acknowledged on its GTA Online support site. The next-gen version of the game was announced during Sony's E3 2014 press conference in June, along with the news that players could transfer their character's progress from the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions to PS4 and Xbox One.

Specifically, the problems are cropping up for players that haven't played GTA 5 in some time. "We are looking into an issue preventing character transfer and GTA Online login on accounts that haven't played GTA Online since 2013," Rockstar wrote on the support site. The developer noted in an update that "this issue has now been addressed for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 users, and will be addressed for Xbox One and Xbox 360 users by tomorrow." Xbox One players should be able to log in to GTA Online, but won't be able to transfer their character progress just yet.
[Image: Rockstar Games]

JoystiqRockstar troubleshoots GTA Online character transfer issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transfercharactersgrand-theft-auto-5gta-onlinegta5issuesmicrosoftplaystationproblemsps4RockStarRockstar-GamesTake-Twotransfertroubleshootingxbox-oneTue, 18 Nov 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft details third Assassin's Creed: Unity patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/ubisoft-details-third-assassins-creed-unity-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/ubisoft-details-third-assassins-creed-unity-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/ubisoft-details-third-assassins-creed-unity-patch/#comments After Ubisoft issued a second patch for Assassin's Creed: Unity late last week, the publisher gave a glimpse of the next update for the game, which is expected to fix more of its technical issues. The third update will be "larger in scope" compared to the previous two, patching bugs "like Arno getting stuck on certain areas of the map," and issues with getting in and out of cover.

AI and crowd behavior will be tuned in the coming update as well as co-op multiplayer matchmaking and connectivity problems. Ubisoft also expects to fix situations where the game crashes for players, missing menu items and HUD pop-up errors as well as some of the game's performance issues, such as framerate drops. While Ubisoft said the patch will "dramatically improve" the experience for Unity players, it noted that "this next patch won't solve every problem."
[Image: Ubisoft/King_Anesti]

JoystiqUbisoft details third Assassin's Creed: Unity patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-unitybug-fixingbugsissuesmicrosoftpatchpcplaystationproblemsps4UbisoftUbisoft-Montrealupdatexbox-oneMon, 17 Nov 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 15 among games blocking PS4 Share Play in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/fifa-15-among-games-blocking-ps4-share-play-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/fifa-15-among-games-blocking-ps4-share-play-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/fifa-15-among-games-blocking-ps4-share-play-in-us/#comments Users are reporting a number of issues with using the PS4's Share Play feature, Sony's online pass-the-controller multiplayer service. Namely, it appears FIFA 15 is giving players fits, as visiting players are unable to view the footage shown on the host's console. Rather, one half of the Share Play tandem sees the screen above, which says, "Viewing the game screen that the host is currently playing is not allowed due to content restrictions in your country or region."

In our tests between two US-based PS4 players this morning, the Share Play visitor was unable to view game footage on four separate occasions: In FIFA 15, WWE 2K15, Guacamelee and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. Share Play for FIFA 15 was functional once we tested the service with our UK-based editor, Sinan Kubba (albeit with some bouts of lowered resolution and frame-dropping). However, it appears the error message being displayed is entirely inaccurate, as PlayStation noted on Twitter, adding that the support team is investigating the issues.

Eurogamer's big list of Share Play-functioning games notes that FIFA 15 "works fine," so your mileage (or kilometer-age in this case) may vary at the moment. Share Play arrived in October as part of the PS4's version 2.0 update, which itself caused a number of other issues for players. Sony issued another update just this week, version 2.02, to rectify some of the console's lingering problems. We've reached out to Sony to find out what might be causing the hiccups with Share Play and which games are affected.

JoystiqFIFA 15 among games blocking PS4 Share Play in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Nov 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooperativeeaea-canadaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfifafifa-15issuesmultiplayeronline-multiplayerplaystationPlayStation-Networkproblemsps4ps4-shareps4-share-playpsnshare-playSONYFri, 14 Nov 2014 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 4 connectivity issues continue across 'various platforms']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/30/battlefield-4-connectivity-issues-continue-across-various-platf/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/30/battlefield-4-connectivity-issues-continue-across-various-platf/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/30/battlefield-4-connectivity-issues-continue-across-various-platf/#comments DICE posted an alert on its support forums for Battlefield 4 to warn players of ongoing connectivity issues across multiple platforms. This is the latest update in a string of problems the game has faced since its launch in late October, which has seen multiple patches go live in the past few weeks.

The game's support forums note that the developer is "continuing to monitor some intermittent connectivity issues affecting some players across various platforms." Though no other information is provided in the alert, DICE's Battlefield 4 issues tracker mentioned that it is investigating a bug that is "accounting for a large amount of crashes" on Xbox 360.

Among the other problems encountered by Battlefield players are reports that the game's China Rising DLC failed to carry over from PS3 to PS4, for players that made the switch to the next-gen system. As a result of its constant problems, multiple law firms have launched investigations into EA to determine whether the publisher intentionally mislead investors on the game's state leading up to its release.

JoystiqBattlefield 4 connectivity issues continue across 'various platforms' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Dec 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefieldbattlefield-4connectivityDICEEAElectronic-Artsissuesmicrosoftpcplaystationproblemsps3ps4serversxboxxbox-oneMon, 30 Dec 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie not concerned about Destiny's always-on connection requirement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/bungie-not-concerned-about-destinys-always-on-connection/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/bungie-not-concerned-about-destinys-always-on-connection/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/bungie-not-concerned-about-destinys-always-on-connection/#comments Bungie not concerned about Destiny's alwayson connection
In a new Mail Sack blog post, developer Bungie has responded to concerns about its always-on requirement for Destiny, the studio's upcoming multi-platform shooter. The developer says it's not worried about a SimCity-style server outage for Destiny when "the massive onslaught of players" arrive on launch day because it's dealt with high-demand in the past.

"This isn't our first rodeo," the post reads. "Bungie is no stranger to anxious mobs of players who rush home after a midnight launch and put our best-laid plans to the test." Bungie says it plans to "focus on some less frightening but equally important challenges" for now, worrying about release day problems at a later time.

Elsewhere in the Sack, there's also a question about whether or not the alien races will be playable in the game, and Bungie mysteriously teases that it's "barely scratched the surface on the character and customization options." When graphic designer John Stvan is asked to tell a tale about playing the game, he says he once "loaded a build, shot a gun, killed a dude." Sounds riveting!

JoystiqBungie not concerned about Destiny's always-on connection requirement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinyissuesjohn-stvanmail-sackmicrosoftpcplaystationproblemsps3serverserver-outagesxboxMon, 18 Mar 2013 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Test Drive Unlimited 2 slammed with game-breaking launch bugs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/test-drive-unlimited-2-slammed-with-game-breaking-launch-bugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/test-drive-unlimited-2-slammed-with-game-breaking-launch-bugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/test-drive-unlimited-2-slammed-with-game-breaking-launch-bugs/#comments Bad news for those who picked up Test Drive Unlimited 2 this week: the game is apparently falling apart, thanks to a few game-breaking bugs across various systems, including "permanent loading screen" problems and issues where the game's save file will get corrupted or not load. A number of network-reliant game components have been taken offline already, and the official Twitter account says the Eden Games team is working as fast as it can to sort things out. Programmers have been pulled in from other projects with the dev promising that "no one is going home until we get this working."

So, if you bought the game and encountered these issues, sit tight. If you were thinking about picking up the game this weekend, it might be prudent to wait until everything gets sorted out. In the meantime, there are lots of other games to play, or there's even this thing called "outside" we've heard about, whatever that is.

Update: The producer has posted on the forums to say that most issues have been fixed, and all content should be back online. Enjoy virtual Ibiza -- "outside" isn't that big a deal anyway.

[Thanks, Tony]

JoystiqTest Drive Unlimited 2 slammed with game-breaking launch bugs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsfixeslaunchmicrosoftofflinepatchpcplaystationproblemsps3Test-Drive-Unlimited-2xboxFri, 11 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firmware 3.00 blamed for malfunctioning PS3 controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/firmware-3-00-blamed-for-malfunctioning-ps3-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/firmware-3-00-blamed-for-malfunctioning-ps3-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/firmware-3-00-blamed-for-malfunctioning-ps3-controllers/#comments
A growing thread on the official PlayStation 3 forum alleges the recent hardware firmware upgrade to version 3.00 has spawned a host of controller connection issues for PS3 users. According to the forum, various wireless controllers -- some users specifically naming DualShock3 model CECHZC2H (Ceramic White) -- are unable to connect to the console. When turned on, users claim the controller LEDs for ports 1 and 2 activate, but the controller remains inoperable.

Users attempting to troubleshoot the problem claim that resetting the controller (through the built-in pinhole reset function) and plugging it directly into the console (via USB) do not correct the error, with one user going so far as doing a complete system restore to no avail. The issue, however, appears to be isolated, but is still a concern for a number of gamers.

Update: Overnight, the issue has spawned an interesting development. Users are pointing out that the problem may be isolated to "knock-off" PS3 controllers. Joystiq has contacted Sony for an update to see if XMB 3.00 targets these fakes or if the controller issue is simply a byproduct of the controllers not being able to catch up with the new firmware.

JoystiqFirmware 3.00 blamed for malfunctioning PS3 controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllercontrollersdualshock3firmwareissuesproblemsps3-firmwareps3-firmware-3.00xmbxmb-3.0Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Are you having technical issues with GTA IV?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/poll-are-you-having-technical-issues-with-gta-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/poll-are-you-having-technical-issues-with-gta-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/poll-are-you-having-technical-issues-with-gta-iv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We've heard about various reports of the technical problems with Grand Theft Auto IV. We're conducting a network-wide poll with our friends at X3F and PS3 Fanboy to see how the Joystiq community has been afflicted with the issues. After voting, please let us know your specific problems in the comments below.

Are you having problems with Grand Theft Auto IV?
Yes, and I use the Xbox 360
Yes, and I use the 60GB PS3
Yes, and I use the non-60GB PS3 (please specify in comments)
No problem (Xbox 360)
No problem (60GB PS3)
No problem (non-60GB PS3; please specify in comments)
Don't own the game, I just felt compelled to click something

JoystiqPoll: Are you having technical issues with GTA IV? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagtaivhardwareissuespollproblemsPS3rockstarrrodtake-twotechnicalXbox-360Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Profile problems?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/profile-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/profile-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/profile-problems/#commentsWe've gotten a lot of e-mails lately from people who are having trouble getting into their user profiles -- apparently, passwords aren't working. Never fear! We're aware of the problem and we've asked that it be looked into. We hope to be able to report a fix soon. For now, the only known solution, if you must change your profile details, is to use a new login name. Which is to say there's no solution for the moment, but bide a while and we'll get you fixed up.

While we have your attention, we've also got a little announcement about our recent casting call. Did you apply? If so, please be patient; the process of winnowing through applications takes a while. We've received a lot of e-mails asking when we might make our decision, but please keep in mind that it hasn't even been two weeks since we stopped taking submissions, and we have a vast and incredible pile of applicants to sift through. We'll get through 'em, don't worry. It just won't be today. We're picky.

JoystiqProfile problems? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commentproblemsWed, 26 Mar 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Profile problems?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/profile-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/profile-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/profile-problems/#commentsWe've gotten a lot of e-mails lately from people who are having trouble getting into their user profiles -- apparently, passwords aren't working. Never fear! We're aware of the problem and we've asked that it be looked into. We hope to be able to report a fix soon. For now, the only known solution, if you must change your profile details, is to use a new login name. Which is to say there's no solution for the moment, but bide a while and we'll get you fixed up.

While we have your attention, we've also got a little announcement about our recent casting call. Did you apply? If so, please be patient; the process of winnowing through applications takes a while. We've received a lot of e-mails asking when we might make our decision, but please keep in mind that it hasn't even been two weeks since we stopped taking submissions, and we have a vast and incredible pile of applicants to sift through. We'll get through 'em, don't worry. It just won't be today. We're picky.

JoystiqProfile problems? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commentproblemsWed, 26 Mar 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Problems and issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/wii-warm-up-problems-and-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/wii-warm-up-problems-and-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/wii-warm-up-problems-and-issues/#commentsWith all the new Wii owners who are surely lurking out there -- and the owners of new Wii games and accessories -- we're willing to bet that people are encountering some problems. Are you among them? Got sticky buttons or discs that won't read, or maybe just general problems? Share 'em here, and maybe through the power of community, we can sing and dance ... er, solve problems.

Or, y'know, we can commiserate while you call Nintendo. Either way.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Problems and issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>problemstechnical-difficultiesThu, 27 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: Wii shortage causing planning problems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/nintendo-wii-shortage-causing-planning-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/nintendo-wii-shortage-causing-planning-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/nintendo-wii-shortage-causing-planning-problems/#commentsFiled under: ,

When Reggie Fils-Aime talked to Reuters a few days ago, we were so focused on the Nintendo of America president's displeasure with unofficial Wii bundles that we didn't even notice the Reggginator acknowledging the business problems Wii shortages are causing his company. "The level of demand we are facing complicates all of our future business planning," Fils-Aime told Reuters. "All of that becomes a much tougher exercise until we have supply and demand curves that intersect."

The hard-to-predict hardware supply complicates other company decisions, Fils-Aime said, such as how many units of Wii Fit to produce. "We at Nintendo America are focused on getting to the point when any consumer can walk into any of our retailers and find a Wii," he said. "Then we can plan, on an ongoing basis, the rest of the business."

It might seem a little ridiculous for Fils-Aime to be complaining about the problems the shortages are causing Nintendo. After all, if this was really a concern, couldn't they just spend whatever it takes to turbo-boost the supply chain? Then again, that added expense could become a liability down the road if and when the current Wii mania eventually starts its downturn. Whatever the case, we're pretty sure that any supply problem so dire that it forces a company to pull advertising is less than ideal. We're just saying, is all.

JoystiqNintendo: Wii shortage causing planning problems originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NintendoproblemsREggieReggie-fils-aimeREgginatorretailsupplysupply-chainWiiThu, 20 Dec 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Popular Science on gaming's hardest technical problems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/popular-science-on-gamings-hardest-technical-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/popular-science-on-gamings-hardest-technical-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/popular-science-on-gamings-hardest-technical-problems/#commentsFiled under: ,


It only takes a quick, comparative glance at Pong and BioShock to see how far gaming technology has coming in a relatively short time. But despite all the progress, we haven't quite reached the pinnacle of a real-time, controllable, photo-realistic environments quite yet. What's stopping us? Popular Science takes a look with a recent piece on the ten greatest challenges in making realistic games.

The photo essay looks at some neat cutting edge technology aimed at fixing virtual modeling problems both natural (water and fire are particularly nasty to model) and human (artificial intelligence and uncanny valley faces, for instance), but the technology that impressed us most is based firmly in the real world. Organic Motion's Stage system replaces the standard black-with-ping-pong-balls motion capture suit with a simpler system. "Subjects step in front of the camera in their street clothes, and instantly their avatar forms onscreen," reads Pop Sci's description of what sounds to us like the coolest thing ever.

So will we ever reach that holy grail of totally reality simulation? It's a possibility if Moore's Law keeps up, but there'll almost certainly always be something to improve. As one designer put it to the magazine, "the more we can do, the more excited we get, and the more we want to do." In other words, the reach will always exceed the grasp.

[Thanks Wonderflex]

JoystiqPopular Science on gaming's hardest technical problems originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computingdevelopmentmodelingPCpowerproblemstechnologyWed, 19 Sep 2007 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: It's great, but ....]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/ds-daily-its-great-but/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/ds-daily-its-great-but/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/ds-daily-its-great-but/#commentsEven the best games sometimes have flaws, though we often gloss over them when trying to sell our friends on our favorites. But today is a day for honesty (because, uh, we said so), so we thought we might discuss those flies in the ointment. From issues with "blue" in Brain Age to Trauma Center adding even more difficulty when arbitrarily deciding you've done something wrong, we've seen dark spots in even the best of what the DS has to offer. Of course, that leads to another question: could that explain why, despite all of the great games on our favorite handheld, the reviews often seem a little lower, on average, than games for other systems? Or is there another reason that you suspect?

JoystiqDS Daily: It's great, but .... originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrainAgeflawsproblemsTraumaCenterTue, 21 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Problems and solutions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/ds-daily-problems-and-solutions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/ds-daily-problems-and-solutions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/ds-daily-problems-and-solutions/#commentsAfter seeing this thread over at NeoGAF, we spent a little time thinking about the DS Lite. Obviously, we're fans, but we're not going to say it's perfect. There can be problems at times. We're not sure we're ready for a whole new redesign (though we don't hate Shogmaster's mockup design at all), but if someone handed us a free new DS with a few issues fixed (d-pad, anyone?), we wouldn't argue. So we thought we'd ask you: what would you change? What would you fix? What do you think the Lite didn't address when it moved up from the DS?

JoystiqDS Daily: Problems and solutions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hingecrackproblemsredesignsolutionsupgradeFri, 27 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Technical difficulties]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/wii-warm-up-technical-difficulties/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/wii-warm-up-technical-difficulties/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/wii-warm-up-technical-difficulties/#commentsSince the release of the Wii, we've gotten a few e-mails from people reporting that they've had various problems with their systems -- and we're not talking straps here, but actual technical difficulties. In light of that, we figured it was a good time to open the floor to everyone and ask: have you had any issues with your Wii? Controllers not working, discs not reading, tears, recriminations, explosions ... any problems at all? If so, we want to hear about it.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Technical difficulties originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brokendisc read errorDiscReadErrorNintendoproblemstechnical difficultiesTechnicalDifficWiiwwuMon, 12 Feb 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Error: Do not pass GO, do not collect GOW]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/error-do-not-pass-go-do-not-collect-gow/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/error-do-not-pass-go-do-not-collect-gow/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/error-do-not-pass-go-do-not-collect-gow/#commentsReports are coming to Xbox 360 Fanboy that many of our readers on the East coast are having trouble getting a copy of Gears of War. Readers report of showing up the morning of November 8th -- as instructed by EB/GameStop -- only to be turned away. Reader Mark FitzGerald sends this unfortunate message:

"The shipments were supposed to come in 11/7/06. Upon not arriving a pre-recorded message was sent to everyone's phone who made a pre-order telling them they could pick it up 11/08/06 at 10:30 a.m. EST sharp. Upon arriving this morning at many locations customers were surprised to learn shipments were "delayed" until the afternoon. but again at about 3:00 p.m. EST, calls were sent again to pre-order customers telling them due to a shipping error, the game again would not be available until 11/09/06 at 10:30 a.m. EST. They are giving a five dollar refund to all those who pre-ordered"

Other readers write in with similar shipping error stories. How about your neck of the woods? Does your local store complain of shipping problems? If so, were you offered any kind of refund or discount once the game finally shows up?

JoystiqError: Do not pass GO, do not collect GOW originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic gamesepic studiosEpicGamesEpicStudiosgears of warGearsOfWargowmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosproblemsshipping problemShippingProblemWed, 08 Nov 2006 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Chromehounds and the Ring of Death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/02/chromehounds-and-the-ring-of-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/02/chromehounds-and-the-ring-of-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/02/chromehounds-and-the-ring-of-death/#comments
Unfortunate reader Tim has an update on his Chromehounds problem (read part one of his sad tale here):

I recently told you guys about chromehounds killing my box. After reading the comments and your reaction, I blew it off as a coincedence. It recently started working again for no reason. As I had already paid for the repair and was awaiting a box to send MS my shiny broken 360, I decided to try and put chromehounds in again. I got through about 30 seconds of the opening cinematic and BLAM! the screen turned into a strange grid and there was a blaring beep. I turned off my xbox, and when I started it again, Lo and behold: the accursed "ring of death" was back.

Double coincidence?

JoystiqChromehounds and the Ring of Death originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Aug 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chromehoundscustomer serviceCustomerServiceproblemsrepairsring of deathRingOfDeathsegaWed, 02 Aug 2006 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Frame City Killer killed; RPG to replace it in lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/frame-city-killer-killed-rpg-to-replace-it-in-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/frame-city-killer-killed-rpg-to-replace-it-in-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/frame-city-killer-killed-rpg-to-replace-it-in-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Frame City Killer cancelled?If internet reports are to be believed, Frame City Killer has been cancelled, with an unnamed RPG replacing it in Bandai-Namco's roster of upcoming games.

We knew that FCK (as it's affectionately known in the gaming community) was having some problems -- with multiple delays stemming from poor graphics and inadequate content -- but most 360 owners expected the game to come out one way or another sometime later this year.

If you're a member of the Frame City Underground (the official fan community for the game), a pretty clear announcement in English has already been made. Check out the full text below. FCK ... we'll miss you.

[Thanks, murph, Blue_Six, & a tipster who'd like to remain anonymous; via Evil Avatar & GameFront]

See also:

Continue reading Frame City Killer killed; RPG to replace it in lineup

JoystiqFrame City Killer killed; RPG to replace it in lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 May 2006 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>affectionately knownAffectionatelyKnownannouncementBandai NamcoBandai-NamcoBandaiNamcodelaydelaysE3e32006EnglishFCKFrame CityFrame City KillerFrame City UndergroundFrameCityFrameCityKillerFrameCityUndergroundinadequate contentInadequateContentJapaneselater this yearLaterThisYearmembermissmultiple delaysMultipleDelaysNamcoofficialofficial fan communityOfficialFanCommunitypoor graphicsPoorGraphicsproblemstranslationunnamedXbox-360Fri, 12 May 2006 12:39:00 EST