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[Get $20 in PSN credit, 1,000 Sony Rewards points for convincing someone to buy a Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/get-20-in-psn-credit-1-000-sony-rewards-points-for-convincing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/get-20-in-psn-credit-1-000-sony-rewards-points-for-convincing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/get-20-in-psn-credit-1-000-sony-rewards-points-for-convincing/#comments Get $20 in PSN credit, 1,000 Sony Rewards points for convincing someone to buy a VitaDuring the month of February, Sony has launched an incentivized referral program that rewards PlayStation 3/Vita owners with $20 of PSN credit and 1,000 Sony Rewards points, provided they successfully convince a friend or family member to purchase a Vita.

Your referred friend/family member also receives $20 in PlayStation Network credit, in addition to, like, the Vita they just bought, which makes this whole thing a pretty easy sell for anyone who had already planned on buying a new handheld this month. If you don't know anyone like that, however, might we suggest bribing them with the copy of Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation that you bought with your 1,000 Sony Rewards points?

JoystiqGet $20 in PSN credit, 1,000 Sony Rewards points for convincing someone to buy a Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitapointspromotionps3PSNpsn-creditreferralsony-rewardsvitaSat, 26 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 'Mission Command' Facebook app offers in-game goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/mass-effect-3-mission-command-facebook-app-offers-in-game-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/mass-effect-3-mission-command-facebook-app-offers-in-game-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/mass-effect-3-mission-command-facebook-app-offers-in-game-good/#comments Microsoft has launched a Facebook app called Mass Effect 3 Mission Command, that both serves as promotion for the upcoming Mass Effect 3, and an opportunity to get some in-game items. You "log in" to Mission Command (which grants EA access to your Facebook account and email), and then you have to fulfill missions like recruiting your friends, posting pickup lines for Liara, downloading the demo, or sharing movies of you pretending to be in the game.

The first prize on offer is an Xbox Live avatar prop of the Normandy (presumably the same one found in the Xbox 360 Collector's Edition), and later missions will give away an Xbox 360 console complete with the game and Kinect. Sure, doing missions for EA's promotional gain might not be quite as heroic as saving the universe from the reapers, but even Commander Shepard finds the time to sell out occasionally.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 'Mission Command' Facebook app offers in-game goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commander-shepardeafacebookkinectmass-effect-3microsoftpromotionsweepstakesxboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo and West Coast Customs bring Mario Karts to life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/nintendo-and-west-coast-customs-bring-mario-karts-to-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/nintendo-and-west-coast-customs-bring-mario-karts-to-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/nintendo-and-west-coast-customs-bring-mario-karts-to-life/#comments
Normally, Mario's Kart is just a bit of virtual video game magic, confined to a world where turtle shells fly and banana peels litter racetracks. But Nintendo has joined forces with auto shop West Coast Customs to produce two real life Mario Karts, currently on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both Mario's main ride, above, and Luigi's Bumble V kart were made, and both are equipped with front-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels in the back, and a propeller add-on for traveling through water.

Unfortunately, that propeller doesn't really work underwater (so says the press release), but the karts really do move. Their construction will be spotlighted in an upcoming episode of West Coast Customs' reality TV show. You can see more shots of the karts over on the company's site (including one of Reggie Fils-Aime himself driving).

Continue reading Nintendo and West Coast Customs bring Mario Karts to life

JoystiqNintendo and West Coast Customs bring Mario Karts to life originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsautocustom-madego-kartsmario-kartmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendopromotionreggie-fils-aimewest-coast-customswiiThu, 17 Nov 2011 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Battlefield 3 skins and dog tags available through Dr. Pepper promotion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/free-battlefield-3-skins-and-dog-tags-available-through-dr-pepp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/free-battlefield-3-skins-and-dog-tags-available-through-dr-pepp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/free-battlefield-3-skins-and-dog-tags-available-through-dr-pepp/#comments DLC dogtags for BF3, thanks to Dr. Pepper. EA has signed on with Dr. Pepper to release some exclusive DLC for Battlefield 3 this week. Every specially marked bottle of Dr. Pepper has a code in it that you can redeem on the official Dr. Pepper site, and that code will earn you special DLC for the game. This includes mulitplayer skins and a PlayStation Home avatar, to various special edition dog tags to display. You can see the dog tag choices above; they're especially meme-y for some reason, like a whole six wolf moon to Hello Kitty, and a Rebecca Black-inspired beer bottle opener.

If you don't want to shell out for the soda itself, you can get a free code through Dr. Pepper's website (though you can only select the content for one platform, so choose wisely). The promotion ends on December 31, so make sure you put them in by the end of 2011. And give thanks to the ever-lovin' gods of sugar water for the free BF3 DLC.

JoystiqFree Battlefield 3 skins and dog tags available through Dr. Pepper promotion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3contentdog-tagsdr-peppermicrosoftpcplaystationpromotionps3sodaxboxTue, 01 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Six million GOG downloads means Broken Sword for everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/six-million-gog-downloads-means-broken-sword-for-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/six-million-gog-downloads-means-broken-sword-for-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/six-million-gog-downloads-means-broken-sword-for-everyone/#comments During the CD Projekt Fall 2011 press conference, the publisher revealed that its GOG distribution platform is approaching the 6 million download milestone. To help push its sales -- which currently stand at a little over 5.8 million -- over the top, it announced two promotions: First, the six millionth downloader will receive every game on the platform for free. Second, for the first 48 hours after hitting the mark, everyone will get a free download of Broken Sword: Shadow of The Templars Director's Cut.

For CD Projekt's sake, we hope they don't get those two promotions mixed up. To wit: "Congratulations! You're our six millionth customer, so here's Broken Sword! Everyone else, here's everything for free oh god we gave all our games away."

JoystiqSix million GOG downloads means Broken Sword for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebroken-swordbroken-sword-shadow-of-the-templarscd-projektgogpcpromotionsaleThu, 22 Sep 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Magazine defends Modern Warfare 3's faux cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/time-magazine-defends-modern-warfare-3s-faux-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/time-magazine-defends-modern-warfare-3s-faux-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/time-magazine-defends-modern-warfare-3s-faux-cover/#comments Some of you are young gentlemen, right? Of course you are. And like any young gentleman, you're a savvy newsreader, so you likely turn to Newsweek or The Nation for political analysis. We understand, Time Magazine just isn't for you since it started catering to older readers -- that's fair. But Time wants to win you over, and it's hoping that its promo tie-in with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will help in that battle.

"This is where the boys are," Time publisher Kim Kelleher told the New York Times, adding, "This is a great way to connect with millions of people we might not have otherwise connected with." According to the piece, both Time's editors and executives agreed to allow the use of the magazine's iconic cover wrapper after realizing that the pre-order bonus would be seen by many millions of Time's most elusive demographic -- young American males.

If that justification weren't enough for your journalistic sensibilities, managing editor Richard Stengel adds that the faux use of the cover for this promotion was "a similar idea in a different medium," comparing it to the various "Person of the Year" covers for fictional characters or concepts. He also points out that the medium involved in this case -- video games -- is part of "one of the biggest entertainment franchises of all time." Now that was a necessary detail, Mr. Stengel!

JoystiqTime Magazine defends Modern Warfare 3's faux cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3gamestopinfinity-wardkim-kellehermicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationpre-orderpromotionps3richard-stengelsledgehammer-gamestimetime-magazinexboxMon, 13 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hideo Kojima becomes VP of Konami Digital Entertainment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/hideo-kojima-becomes-vp-of-konami-digital-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/hideo-kojima-becomes-vp-of-konami-digital-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/hideo-kojima-becomes-vp-of-konami-digital-entertainment/#comments Kojima Productions head and, of course, Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima has been promoted to a vice president and corporate officer role for Konami Digital Entertainment (the game development and publishing division of Konami Corporation), effective April 1 -- while maintaining his more prestigious title of "Hideo Kojima." The other Konami producer whose games actually sell, Pro Evolution Soccer's Shinji Enomoto, has been promoted to the same position, as well.

The new appointments come as part of a wave of executive shuffling, likely predicated by Konami's absorption of Hudson Soft. In fact, Konami's Kazuhiko Uehara is taking over the presidency of Hudson during this round of corporate musical chairs.

[Image source: Mega64 (screencap)]

JoystiqHideo Kojima becomes VP of Konami Digital Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corporatehideo-kojimahudsonkonamipromotionshinji-enomotovice-presidentWed, 30 Mar 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Hacks: Playable Ghost in the Shell movie ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/kinect-hacks-playable-ghost-in-the-shell-movie-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/kinect-hacks-playable-ghost-in-the-shell-movie-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/kinect-hacks-playable-ghost-in-the-shell-movie-ad/#comments A Japanese firm has used Microsoft's Kinect peripheral to create a promotional display for the upcoming Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. Solid State Society. The exhibit features images projected on two different walls, and then uses the Kinect to track player movements, allowing visitors to control one of the mechs featured in the movie.

The system itself is actually PC-based, however, so it's not official Xbox software. If you happen to be in Tokyo and want to see it, the promotional exhibit is on display in the Shibuya Parco shopping complex until the middle of April.

JoystiqKinect Hacks: Playable Ghost in the Shell movie ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-in-the-shellkinectkinect-hacksmicrosoftpromotionxboxThu, 24 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop distributing Celebi before Pokemon Black and White launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/gamestop-distributing-celebi-before-pokemon-black-and-white-laun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/gamestop-distributing-celebi-before-pokemon-black-and-white-laun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/gamestop-distributing-celebi-before-pokemon-black-and-white-laun/#comments Jeez, between all the different Pokémon promotional events held over the past few months, it seems plausible that we could "catch em' all" before Pokémon Black and White even hits store shelves. Here's another one for the pile: From February 21 through March 6, owners of one of the existing DS Pokémon games can stop by their local Gamestop and download Celebi, the time-traveling Pokémon for (eventual) use in Black or White. The little guy will even come with a bonus move that's not accessible through normal training in the game. Also? He's adorable.

There's extra incentive for you to grab Celebi from Gamestop while you can: transferring him over to your save file in Pokémon Black or White is the only way that you can access the new, shape-shifting Pokémon Zorua. You don't want to be the only kid on your block that doesn't have a Zorua, do you? Just think of all the smug looks you'd get from your neighbors.

Continue reading Gamestop distributing Celebi before Pokemon Black and White launch

JoystiqGamestop distributing Celebi before Pokemon Black and White launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebidsgamestopnintendopokemonPokemon-Black-and-WhitepromotionWed, 16 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two CEO Feder quitting to travel Asia, Zelnick to become CEO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/take-two-ceo-feder-quitting-to-travel-asia-zelnick-to-ceo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/take-two-ceo-feder-quitting-to-travel-asia-zelnick-to-ceo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/take-two-ceo-feder-quitting-to-travel-asia-zelnick-to-ceo/#comments Friday 29 October

New British trainer at the gym tells me I'm 13 stone. That's better than 70-something kilos, but apparently I've put on weight. It's all my soon-to-be ex-CEO Ben Feder's fault.

Food consumed today: Nothing, yet. But I'm sure the Federator is going to drag me out to McDonalds for lunch again (I do admit I love me a pair of McChicken sandwiches). The movie Super Size Me has nothing on him at the moment, he's taking in everything American he can before jetting -- you should see the pile of Jack in the Box Oreo milkshakes by his desk.

Morning. Brisk autumn day in New York.

Woe is me, Diary,

Going to hold back the tears as I write this. My home slice, Ben Feder, is giving up his position as Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two to "travel Asia with his family for an extended period." I shoulda figured something was up, since every time we went out to a Chinese restaurant he would ask, "Do you think Chinese food is the same in China?"

There is one benefit to the Federator leaving ... I'm gonna be CE-mutha-O! Tee-hee, Diary. Not gonna lie, it feels good to imagine myself as Capt. Picard: "Engage" all projects! Being Take-Two's Executive Chairman is great and all, but C-E-O!

Anyway, one of my executive vee-pees, Karl Slatoff, will take on the "newly created role" of Chief Operating Officer. Oh Di, how silly is this "newly created role" business? Truth is, it hurt a little refilling the spot after my former COO Gary "Gar Bear" Dale left last year -- I left the door open for him and always set out an extra plate at dinner, just hoping he'd come back.

Yeah, so, the official transition of all this will take place on New Year's Day 2011. Looking forward to having Feder show me the ropes of his job, but I don't think my body can handle doing it over lunch meetings at Mickey D's, Burger King and Wendy's every afternoon anymore.

xoxo,
ZelNicky

JoystiqTake-Two CEO Feder quitting to travel Asia, Zelnick to become CEO originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-federjobspromotionretirementseoul-searchingStrauss-Zelnickstrauss-zelnick-diaryTake-TwoTake-Two-InteractiveFri, 29 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ModNation Racers 'Stunt Pack' free for 2 weeks beginning Oct. 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/modnation-racers-stunt-pack-free-for-2-weeks-beginning-oct-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/modnation-racers-stunt-pack-free-for-2-weeks-beginning-oct-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/modnation-racers-stunt-pack-free-for-2-weeks-beginning-oct-26/#comments We like our ModNation tracks short and sweet, but we're sure you'll have your own ideas for next week's "Stunt Pack" DLC -- free for two weeks. The pack's complete contents, including all the parts we didn't use, are posted after the break.

Continue reading ModNation Racers 'Stunt Pack' free for 2 weeks beginning Oct. 26

JoystiqModNation Racers 'Stunt Pack' free for 2 weeks beginning Oct. 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdouble-xp-weekmodnation-racersplaystationpromotionps3psnrelease-datestunt-packThu, 21 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Melbourne residents ride 25th Anniversary Mario trains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/melbourne-residents-ride-25th-anniversary-mario-trains/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/melbourne-residents-ride-25th-anniversary-mario-trains/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/melbourne-residents-ride-25th-anniversary-mario-trains/#comments As a celebration of the franchise's newfound ability to rent an automobile, Nintendo recently sprang for a somewhat unfitting present in the city of Melbourne, Australia: A Super Mario-themed train. Certain public trams recently received a bright red paint job, and now detail the timeline of the plumber's major console appearances over the past 25 years. Note the use of the word "major" in that last sentence -- we sincerely doubt Hotel Mario made it on board.

Upon further examination of the image above, the front of the train actually kind of looks like Mario's face, which is ... upsetting. Like, Mario's supposed to be short and squat -- seeing him stretched long and thin, like delicious, mustachioed taffy, is a truly haunting sight.

[Thanks, Dhiram]

JoystiqMelbourne residents ride 25th Anniversary Mario trains originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamariomarketingmelbournepromotionsuper-mario-25th-anniversarytrainWed, 20 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Don Mattrick now more official-sounding Xbox boss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/don-mattrick-now-more-official-sounding-xbox-boss/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/don-mattrick-now-more-official-sounding-xbox-boss/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/don-mattrick-now-more-official-sounding-xbox-boss/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft has promoted executive Don Mattrick to "president" of its Interactive Entertainment Business, which includes the company's Xbox business, as well as its PC and mobile gaming efforts. Previously, Mattrick was labeled a "senior vice president," though his responsibilities have not appeared to change in quite some time. He has led the Interactive Entertainment segment since July 2007.

In May, Microsoft announced the pending retirement of Xbox head Robbie Bach from his position as president of the Entertainment & Devices Division (under which Mattrick's Interactive Entertainment Business is filed). Since that time, the company has seemingly done away with Bach's position (just what was he doing, anyway?), since Mattrick and colleague Andy Lees, now president of the Mobile Communications Business, where already overseeing the E&D Division's two main businesses. Both executives report directly to CEO Steve Ballmer.

JoystiqDon Mattrick now more official-sounding Xbox boss originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corporatedon-mattrickentertainment-and-devicesinteractive-entertainment-businessjobsmicrosoftpromotionrobbie-bachxboxFri, 01 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spend $30 on XBLM in Oct., get $10 in MS Points back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/spend-30-on-xblm-in-oct-get-10-in-ms-points-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/spend-30-on-xblm-in-oct-get-10-in-ms-points-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/spend-30-on-xblm-in-oct-get-10-in-ms-points-back/#comments Remember when all the good Xbox Live Arcade Games were just $5? Yeah, well, you're remembering incorrectly. If your miserliness is getting in the way of enjoying all that Xbox Live Marketplace has to offer, Microsoft is making the exorbitant spending a little easier next month.

Spend 2400 Microsoft Points (that's a whopping $30!) between 12:01AM ET October 1 and 11:59PM ET October 31, and Microsoft will credit your Xbox Lvie account back 800 Points ($10) by November 30. Now, the promotion is valid on all game add-ons and XBLA titles, but we'll make the decision even easier for you: Comic Jumper + Super Meat Boy. Done. Pay me.

Update: Microsoft has notified Joystiq that the promotion is only valid on purchases of game adds-on and XBLA titles (Avatar items and other XBLM content not included).

JoystiqSpend $30 on XBLM in Oct., get $10 in MS Points back originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftmicrosoft-pointspromotionxblaxblmxboxxbox-liveThu, 30 Sep 2010 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive to test WiFi support, extends free year offer and sale on all games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/onlive-to-test-wifi-support-extends-free-year-offer-and-sale-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/onlive-to-test-wifi-support-extends-free-year-offer-and-sale-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/onlive-to-test-wifi-support-extends-free-year-offer-and-sale-on/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've had a good time with OnLive's "instant-play" game streaming service so far, but if there's one thing we'd change, it would be the fact that it only supports wired internet connections. Thankfully, there are enough similarly minded folks out there, prompting the service to single out WiFi support as a "top development priority" to be introduced in beta form before October.

OnLive also announced today that it is extending its Founding Members program yet again (it was due to end this coming weekend), offering a free year of service and a guaranteed $4.95 monthly fee thereafter to anyone who signs up before January 1, 2011.

For those who are already members, Labor Day weekend (that's September 4-6 -- only two days away!) will bring with it a sale on all titles in OnLive's catalog, to the tune of 50 percent off each and every one. A full list of games available can be found here. If you're keen to try out the service (or get a preview of its WiFi support) the company will be exhibiting at PAX Prime this weekend, September 3-5.

Continue reading OnLive to test WiFi support, extends free year offer and sale on all games

JoystiqOnLive to test WiFi support, extends free year offer and sale on all games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-streamingonlivepcpromotionwifiThu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Activision, circa 1981]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/video-activision-circa-1981/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/video-activision-circa-1981/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/video-activision-circa-1981/#comments It was a wonderful time for America and an even more wonderful time for video games, which would, in a few years, emerge as the most important thing ever. But, back in 1981, Activision, a young scrapper in a booming industry who would one day become champion of the video game world (after defeating Apollo Creed, of course), created a now-hilarious video as a means to market the company and its products -- and that's probably the best part of this little spiel: the products.

Peppered throughout the video are brief commercials for some of the company's games, including Kaboom!, Stampede and Ice Hockey -- ads very different from how Activision would market something like, say, Call of Duty: Black Ops, today. Man, remember when you could just go and call a game Ice Hockey? The times, they've done changed!

[Note: Embedding has been disabled, so you'll have to head on over to YouTube to watch the video.]

JoystiqVideo: Activision, circa 1981 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1981activisionactivision-marketing-videoice-hockeykaboommarketingpromopromotionretrostampedeMon, 23 Aug 2010 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive pre-registrants get free game and one-year subscription]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/30/onlive-pre-registrants-get-free-game-and-one-year-subscription/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/30/onlive-pre-registrants-get-free-game-and-one-year-subscription/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/30/onlive-pre-registrants-get-free-game-and-one-year-subscription/#comments Sometimes, it really does pay to take a leap of faith when it comes to investing in a new piece of technology. For example, OnLive had promised a free three month subscription to the first 25,000 people who pre-registered for the streaming game service. For unknown reasons, that offer has been sweetened -- now, this group is being offered a free game download, as well as a free year of OnLive service with no obligation to continue subscribing once said year has passed.

If you were one of the 25,000 who jumped on the OnLive wagon early, check your email before June 3 to get in on this super attractive offer.

JoystiqOnLive pre-registrants get free game and one-year subscription originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealofferonlivepromotionstreamingsubscriptionSun, 30 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New PSP Go owners living in UK get free game download]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/new-psp-go-owners-living-in-uk-get-free-game-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/new-psp-go-owners-living-in-uk-get-free-game-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/new-psp-go-owners-living-in-uk-get-free-game-download/#comments Once more, with feeling! In an attempt to shore up consumer interest in the PSP Go, Sony is offering an attractive promotion to folks living in the UK: Anyone who buys the handheld, or has registered said handheld online after April 1, can download one of ten free noteworthy titles for the platform. All you have to do is download a "Promotion Theme" from the PlayStation Store before September 30 (and, um, live in the UK), and you'll be able to grab one of the following for free:
  • Gran Turismo
  • MotorStorm: Arctic Edge
  • LittleBigPlanet
  • Wipeout Pure
  • Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice
  • FIFA World Cup
  • Need For Speed: Shift
  • Avatar
  • GTA Vice City Stories
  • Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines

JoystiqNew PSP Go owners living in UK get free game download originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-gamepromotionpsp-gosonyukThu, 27 May 2010 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space's Isaac Clarke playable in Skate 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/dead-spaces-isaac-clarke-playable-in-skate-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/dead-spaces-isaac-clarke-playable-in-skate-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/dead-spaces-isaac-clarke-playable-in-skate-3/#commentsIsaac Clarke Skate 3 Got Skate 3? Want to bust kickflips as everyone's favorite outer space engineer, Isaac Clarke? By inputting the code "deadspacetoo" into the Cheats area under the Extras section, you'll unlock the Dead Space protagonist for use in Free Play mode. Who knew he could be so nimble in that outfit?

Keen observers may notice Clarke riding on a futuristic board. That's because, by inputting the code, you'll also gain the new deck. Sorry, it's non-transferable between skaters -- we tried.

JoystiqDead Space's Isaac Clarke playable in Skate 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 May 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheatcodedead-spaceeaea-black-boxElectronic-Artsisaac-clarkeMicrosoftpromopromotionskateskate-3visceral-gamesXbox-360Sat, 22 May 2010 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online gets unlimited trial, former subscribers play free this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/star-trek-online-gets-unlimited-trial-former-subscribers-play-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/star-trek-online-gets-unlimited-trial-former-subscribers-play-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/star-trek-online-gets-unlimited-trial-former-subscribers-play-f/#comments Cryptic Studios and Atari are taking a two-fold approach to increasing the player base for their spacefaring MMO, Star Trek Online: First, potential subscribers can now download the game and play through the tutorial and first mission for free. Though they'll have an unlimited amount of time to tool around in their Federation vessel, players will have to purchase the full game to gain access to STO's other offerings.

In addition, former subscribers can play for free this weekend, and check out the new content that's been added as part of the game's first "Season" of updates. The "Welcome Back Weekend" ends Monday at 10 a.m. PST, so we suggest applicable parties should hop online ASAP, so as not to waste any potential Trekking time.

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqStar Trek Online gets unlimited trial, former subscribers play free this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosdemommoonlinepromotionstar-trekstar-trek-onlinetrialSat, 08 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your name or handle in Crysis 2 as graffiti]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/get-your-name-or-handle-in-crysis-2-as-graffiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/get-your-name-or-handle-in-crysis-2-as-graffiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/get-your-name-or-handle-in-crysis-2-as-graffiti/#comments Look, we get it. You found a primo slab of stone that's just aching to have your name emblazoned all over it in big, funky letters. There's just one problem: it's illegal.

So how about slapping your name or handle onto a virtual wall? That's what Crytek is offering 50 lucky winners in its latest game, Crysis 2. It's a Twitter-based contest, so you'll need to follow @Crysis and fire off the appropriate tweet below, given your region:
  • UK: Hey @Crysis, I want you to put my name in the game! http://crys.is #Crysis2contestUK
  • US/Canada: Hey @Crysis, I want you to put my name in the game! http://crys.is #Crysis2contestNA
  • Germany: Hey @Crysis, Ich mochte meinen Namen im Spiel sehen! http://crys.is #Crysis2contestDE
Act quickly, because the contest concludes on May 3. Oh how we can't wait to see all of the "Pothead McSmokesweeds" and "XxBlazingMad420zxXs" when we're running through a dilapidated New York city!

JoystiqGet your name or handle in Crysis 2 as graffiti originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 May 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysiscrysis-2crytekgiveawaygraffitiMicrosoftnew-york-citypromotiontwitterXbox-360Sat, 01 May 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keiji Inafune now Capcom 'global head of production']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/inafune-now-capcom-global-head-of-production/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/inafune-now-capcom-global-head-of-production/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/inafune-now-capcom-global-head-of-production/#comments Apparently overseeing several of Capcom's major releases and having created some of the company's biggest properties -- ever heard of one Mr. Mega Man? -- wasn't enough in the accomplishment department for Keiji Inafune. So, he's stepping into the shoes of "global head of production," with the intention of unifying the publisher's worldwide development studios, reports Kotaku.

"Whether games are created in America or Japan or anywhere in the world, I will be the one overlooking it, and so it will have that Capcom flavor that fans know and love," Inafune told attendees of the company's Hawaiian soirée last week. "So one of the things I want people to know is that now that I am overseeing every part of Capcom R&D. You can be sure that that unified vision is going to come through in all of our titles no matter where they are created." Us? Well, we just want to see a mega blaster in Dead Rising 2. Is that so much to ask for, Mr. Inafune? Is it?

JoystiqKeiji Inafune now Capcom 'global head of production' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdevelopmentkeiji-inafunemega-manpromotionresearch-and-developmentFri, 23 Apr 2010 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Xbox Live Gold free from April 1 to 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psa-xbox-live-gold-free-from-april-1-to-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psa-xbox-live-gold-free-from-april-1-to-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psa-xbox-live-gold-free-from-april-1-to-5/#comments Stick rocking that Xbox Live Silver account but have an itch to play some online sessions of [insert flavor of the month online game here]? Just a friendly reminder that from April 1 (12PM ET) until April 5 (12PM ET) Xbox Live is free for everyone. That means you can finally participate in social media programs like Facebook and Twitter as well as video chat with all of your friends! (Because those are the real reasons Gold members pay for the service).

You could participate in online multiplayer sessions and create Xbox Live Parties to save your ears from the gutters of Xbox Live, but then you won't be Tweeting! The free weekend also means everyone has access to Microsoft's Xbox Live Deal of the Week program -- not to be confused with the "Inventory Blowout" promotion ending April 7, which is already available to Silver members. As you can see, the possibilities are endless! As long as those possibilities specifically include social media, talking to people on camera and playing games. Any other ideas you have are just greedy.

JoystiqPSA: Xbox Live Gold free from April 1 to 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-weekendpromotionxbox-livexbox-live-goldThu, 01 Apr 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Free Red Faction games are in the mail from Darksiders promo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/free-red-faction-games-are-in-the-mail-from-darksiders-promo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/free-red-faction-games-are-in-the-mail-from-darksiders-promo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/free-red-faction-games-are-in-the-mail-from-darksiders-promo/#commentsIf you took advantage of the offer for a free copy of Red Faction: Guerrilla via the "mystery code" inside new copies of Darksiders -- and if, for some reason, you've been avoiding your mailbox -- now is the time to face the rush of junk mail once again. You might have a free game waiting for you!

We've begun hearing from tipsters whose freebie Red Factions have arrived. The timing couldn't be better for THQ: having just announced the PC release of Darksiders yesterday, the arrival of the promo discs gives us cause to bring up the game again in posts like this one! We see what you did there, THQ.

[Thanks Ben!]

JoystiqPSA: Free Red Faction games are in the mail from Darksiders promo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersMicrosoftpromotionpsared-faction-guerillathqXbox-360Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker does the Dew in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-does-the-dew-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-does-the-dew-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-does-the-dew-in-japan/#commentsSome day, you'll feed on a tree frog. Why not wash it down with a crisp, refreshing Mountain Dew? On April 27, beverage producer Suntory will release a series of Mountain Dew cans in Japan, decorated with character art from Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

Of course, this collaboration works both ways. Mountain Dew will appear in Peace Walker as well as an in-game item. The press release says that the appearance of real items in the game "enhances the affinity between the real world and the game's story." It also enhances the affinity between Konami's coffers and cash money. Of course, Metal Gear is no stranger to merchandise tie-ins, with everything from Calorie Mate to Playboy Magazine appearing in the games.

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid: Peace Walker does the Dew in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japankojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-solid-peace-walkermountain-dewpromotionTue, 23 Mar 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam Fisher surfaces on Twitter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/sam-fisher-surfaces-on-twitter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/sam-fisher-surfaces-on-twitter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/sam-fisher-surfaces-on-twitter/#comments Metal Gear Solid's Hideo Kojima was the weirdest gaming-related Twitter account we'd seen -- until we saw Sam Fisher's account. Yes, the green-eyed spy guy is now on Twitter, which we know thanks to a picture we were sent from a Ubisoft email address that implored us to "Don't Believe What You Hear; My Mission Is One of Justice," combined with the plug above.

So far, he's only been whining about using "rogue resources" and posting 140 characters at a time of mysterious nonsense like "when you believe, it's easy to sacrifice." Because of course when you're a rogue operative and you need to get secret messages out into the world, a fully public Twitter account is the best way to do so. To be honest, we're a little disappointed -- Sam Fisher's got an interesting life, and we'd like to follow him and get a look at the man behind the Cell. What's he doing with his time off? What bars is he checking in from? And what does Sam Fisher eat for lunch every day? You know, important Twitter stuff.

JoystiqSam Fisher surfaces on Twitter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dont-believe-what-you-hearMicrosoftpromotionsam-fishersplinter-cell-convictiontweetstwitterubisoftXbox-360Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 2 contest calls for creative dismemberments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/dead-space-2-contest-calls-for-creative-dismemberments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/dead-space-2-contest-calls-for-creative-dismemberments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/dead-space-2-contest-calls-for-creative-dismemberments/#comments Those of us who have played the first Dead Space can probably agree that there were some bitchin' dismemberments throughout Isaac Clarke's journey to disengage the U.S.S. Ishimura's parking brake or whatever. But Visceral Games is looking to get creative with the sequel, so, the studio is tapping you, "Mr. John Q. Public" or perhaps "Ms. Jane Doe," to come up with some unique limb detachment techniques for Dead Space 2.

You can submit your idea in one of three forms: through a written description; by snapping a picture; or by submitting a video -- up until March 26, when the entry period ends. Finalists will then have their ideas rated by the community, with the winner being revealed on April 20. Said winner will get face-mapped into the game, only to be dismembered by a Necromorph. We're not really sure we'd want to see our own death -- in a video game or some lame movie, but there it is.

If you're looking for more info, head past the break for a video explaing how you can get involved.

Continue reading Dead Space 2 contest calls for creative dismemberments

JoystiqDead Space 2 contest calls for creative dismemberments originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdead-space-2eaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftpromotionvisceral-gamesXbox-360Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age determines PSP Go buyers' free game option: LBP or Assassin's Creed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/age-determines-psp-go-free-game-option/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/age-determines-psp-go-free-game-option/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/age-determines-psp-go-free-game-option/#comments The "choice" between a free digital copy of LittleBigPlanet or Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines that new PSP Go owners will receive as part of an ongoing promotion is based on their ages. That's the key detail Joystiq confirmed after following up with Sony, which said, "The game sent to consumers is determined by age, once the user creates/logs into their PlayStation Network account." (Check out Sony's full statement after the break.)

This means that if your PSN account indicates you as age 17 or older, you'll receive Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines -- whether you like it or not. Similarly, minors will be automatically booked for a trip to LittleBigPlanet. We'd say that consumers should cry foul for being robbed of a true choice, but new owners of the UMD-less PSP should probably get used to that feeling anyway.

[Thanks to Talton W and everyone else!]

Continue reading Age determines PSP Go buyers' free game option: LBP or Assassin's Creed

JoystiqAge determines PSP Go buyers' free game option: LBP or Assassin's Creed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-bloodlinesfine-printfree-gamelittlebigplanetpromotionpsp-goFri, 26 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: PS3 continues to set records, Wii and software sales down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/analyst-ps3-continues-to-set-records-wii-and-software-sales-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/analyst-ps3-continues-to-set-records-wii-and-software-sales-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/analyst-ps3-continues-to-set-records-wii-and-software-sales-do/#comments Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia says that Sony is in for a good 2010 -- he expects the PlayStation 3 to experience its largest year-over-year growth from last month's sales among all consoles, and for Sony to beat its own record from the month before for the console's best sales ever. The PS3 appears to be on a roll, and January sales are expected to continue the trend.

Bhatia also says that the Wii's sales are being hurt by "meaningful shortages," and points out that just 28% of the stores NPD checked in January had Nintendo's console in stock. Bhatia also suggests that Xbox 360 sales would be up slightly, due to a big GameStop promotion, and that software sales would be down in general. Not unexpected, given that January almost never matches up to the frenzy of the holiday season, but 2010 has already started off with a bang in terms of quality releases. NPD's official info, released soon, will let us know if there were sales to match.

JoystiqAnalyst: PS3 continues to set records, Wii and software sales down originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystarvind-bhatiagamestopjanuary-2010MicrosoftNintendonpdpredictionspromotionreportssalessoftwaresonyWiiXbox-360Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pitch a no-hitter in MLB 2K10, get a million bucks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/pitch-a-no-hitter-in-mlb-2k10-get-a-million-bucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/pitch-a-no-hitter-in-mlb-2k10-get-a-million-bucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/pitch-a-no-hitter-in-mlb-2k10-get-a-million-bucks/#comments Your mom may have told you that playing those video games would never get you anywhere, but she'll have to apologize for the rest of her life if you win 2K Sports' MLB 2K10 million-dollar giveaway. The developer is offering up Dr. Evil sums of money to the first person on the Xbox 360 or PS3 (sorry, those are the only qualifying consoles) who can pitch a perfect game in the first 60 days of the game's release -- starting March 2, 2010 at 12:01 AM PST and ending on May 2, 2010 at 11:59 PM PDT. Of course, where there's free money, there are caveats.

Two stipulations: You have to play against the CPU in MLB Today mode, where it will automatically default to all of the proper gameplay settings; and you have to record yourself pitching the entire perfect game and slap it onto a DVD. 2K Sports has actually tapped Twin Galaxies for some help on the authentication part, so keep in mind that those guys over there are very good at sniffing out the bad eggs. We suggest you make your friend Tom Foolery wait outside while you attempt to pitch a perfect game, because any kind of tampering or trickery will only get you disqualified.

For a full breakdown on the rules, you can check out the contest page on 2K Sports' site at 2ksports.com/perfectgame. MLB 2K10 releases on the Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PC on March 2, 2010.

JoystiqPitch a no-hitter in MLB 2K10, get a million bucks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baseballcontestgiveawaymajor-league-baseballMicrosoftmlb-2k10promotionsportsXbox-360Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Jellyvision suing Aflac over 'You Don't Know Jack' parody]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/jellyvision-suing-aflac-over-you-dont-know-jack-parody/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/jellyvision-suing-aflac-over-you-dont-know-jack-parody/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/jellyvision-suing-aflac-over-you-dont-know-jack-parody/#comments Now, see, we were pretty certain that nobody was still working for Jellyvision -- however, we wouldn't be willing to risk a pricey copyright infringement suit over that assertion. According to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Aflac recently drew the ire of the developer by designing a new web-based promotion titled You Don't Know Quack. Jellyvision now seeks a court order to prevent Aflac from trademarking the title, as well as monetary damages. Hopefully, if the studio wins, they'll spend said damages on developing a new You Don't Know Jack, and not, you know, yachts.

However, we really don't see the similarities between the two games. One is a hilarious and entertaining series of trivia games, and one is an interactive commercial featuring that talking duck which has never, ever, ever been funny.

[Via Gamasutra]

JoystiqJellyvision suing Aflac over 'You Don't Know Jack' parody originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aflaccopyright-infringementinsurancejellyvisionlawsuitpromotionyou-dont-know-jackyou-dont-know-quackThu, 28 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online going where Del Taco lovers have gone before: Del Taco]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/star-trek-online-going-where-del-taco-lovers-have-gone-before-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/star-trek-online-going-where-del-taco-lovers-have-gone-before-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/star-trek-online-going-where-del-taco-lovers-have-gone-before-d/#comments
CUUUUUUUPS

It's going to be a long time before mankind invents Replicator technology. Until then, we're all forced to fill our Geo Metros with dead dinos and drive on down to the Del Taco for sustenance like jerks. But, the usual reward of a scrumptious combination of tortilla, beef and spices won't be the only thing to greet you at the end of your trek: Star Trek Online is teaming up with Del Taco to offer some collectible game cups. You know, the same kind that you got for every other thing that ever launches ever. Oh, you also get a free game trial, but oh man cups with ships on them!

In addition to this megaton news item, we've also got two new Star Trek Online trailers, featuring the Cardassians and the Vigilant Class Starship. Set your mouse to click and you'll find them past the break.

Source - Press release
Source - Del Taco promotion page

Continue reading Star Trek Online going where Del Taco lovers have gone before: Del Taco

JoystiqStar Trek Online going where Del Taco lovers have gone before: Del Taco originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosdel-tacommopromotionstar-trek-onlinetacosThu, 21 Jan 2010 23:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo and Target teaming up for Wii Fit Plus promo -- receive $15 gift card]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/nintendo-and-target-teaming-up-for-wii-fit-plus-promo-receive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/nintendo-and-target-teaming-up-for-wii-fit-plus-promo-receive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/nintendo-and-target-teaming-up-for-wii-fit-plus-promo-receive/#comments Nintendo and Target are teaming up for the "Wii Fit Plus Experience," which is apparently an elaborate version of the Sports Authority experience with prizes. Across the United States' lower latitudes, visitors to the experience, which will be held in the parking lot or entrance of the stores between January 16-31, will gain (/groan) "feet-on" time with Wii Fit Plus.

Those who complete the Wii Fit Plus demo will receive a $15 gift card (while supplies last), which "can be applied toward any Target purchase." Therefore, we recommend humoring the Nintendo "ambassadors" working the kiosks. Gratefully take that gift card and blow it on junk food -- then get time-lapse coverage of all that junk food going straight to your ever-expanding butt and post it on YouTube. The locations holding the Wii Fit Plus Experience can be found after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo and Target teaming up for Wii Fit Plus promo -- receive $15 gift card

JoystiqNintendo and Target teaming up for Wii Fit Plus promo -- receive $15 gift card originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendopromotiontargetwii-fitwii-fit-plusThu, 14 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 multiplayer, Last.fm available to silver subscribers this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/left-4-dead-2-multiplayer-last-fm-available-to-silver-subscribe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/left-4-dead-2-multiplayer-last-fm-available-to-silver-subscribe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/left-4-dead-2-multiplayer-last-fm-available-to-silver-subscribe/#comments Microsoft has officially confirmed that the previously European-only Left 4 Dead 2 multiplayer event for silver members will now also occur in the US. The promotion begins this Friday, January 15, at 9AM Pacific and runs (screaming in horror) for 72 hours. During that same time, Last.fm will also be available to silver members.

Now, if one does take advantage of this event, we have a suggestion: Please put on the Morrissey station on Last.fm and contemplate why you own Left 4 Dead 2 with a silver account? No need to answer now, just take your time and listen to some introspective tunes before answering.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 multiplayer, Last.fm available to silver subscribers this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>last-fmlast.fmleft-4-dead-2microsoftpromotionvalveTue, 12 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr Pepper giving away free EA DLC with every purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/dr-pepper-giving-away-free-ea-dlc-with-every-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/dr-pepper-giving-away-free-ea-dlc-with-every-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/dr-pepper-giving-away-free-ea-dlc-with-every-purchase/#comments We can only imagine the planning meeting at Dr Pepper HQ, during which someone shouts "We must garner that critical gaming demographic! How will we ever best something as inimitable as Game Fuel?! It's got 'game' right there in the title!" Instead of copycatting the naming idea, though, Dr Pepper recently detailed an already announced partnership with EA to give away codes for downloadable content. The promotion details lists a handful of games -- Mass Effect 2, Battlefield Heroes, The Sims 3, Spore, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 -- which have "unique DLC" tied to them.

Rather than forcing an unknown amount of soda purchases out of its customers, we were told this afternoon by a customer service rep that "Every bottle wins." More specifically, each bottle contains a code that can then be redeemed on the Dr Pepper website, thus allowing participants to choose their system and DLC from an available list. We flatfooted to the local AM/PM and didn't spot the prize-bearing bottles, but we'll update this post with more information as we get it.

JoystiqDr Pepper giving away free EA DLC with every purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2battlefield-heroesdigital-distributiondlcdownloadable-contentdr-peppereaElectronic-Artsgame-fuelmass-effect-2Microsoftpromotionsporethe-sims-3Xbox-360Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unlock Xbox contest down to eight finalists, voting begins for final three]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/unlock-xbox-contest-down-to-eight-finalists-now-accepting-votes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/unlock-xbox-contest-down-to-eight-finalists-now-accepting-votes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/unlock-xbox-contest-down-to-eight-finalists-now-accepting-votes/#comments Last year's free Xbox Live Arcade game from the Unlock Xbox contest, Dash of Destruction, may not have been the best game we ever played, but it was certainly far from the worst. Also, it had that whole costing nothing thing going for it, so that helped our opinions considerably. This year, our chances of getting a fun game have doubled, with the contest's 1,500 competitors vying for two spots rather than one.

The final eight contestants have been culled from the initial submissions (listed after the break), and are now available to be voted on over at the contest's website, ultimately determining three game ideas to be given final pitches at Microsoft. From there, we get two XBLA games full of Doritos' "bold, intense" branding -- and at the very least some free Achievements.

Continue reading Unlock Xbox contest down to eight finalists, voting begins for final three

JoystiqUnlock Xbox contest down to eight finalists, voting begins for final three originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dash-of-destructiondoritosfreemicrosoftpromotionunlock-xboxxblaXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe gets more incentive to purchase PSP Go with new bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/europe-gets-more-incentive-to-purchase-a-psp-go-with-new-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/europe-gets-more-incentive-to-purchase-a-psp-go-with-new-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/europe-gets-more-incentive-to-purchase-a-psp-go-with-new-bundle/#comments Alright, Europe. We're not sure what you did to get into Sony's good graces, but we wish you'd share that information with your pals in the States. Not only do you guys have access to the PSP Go incentive program, which grants owners of UMDs three free game downloads through March 31, but Sony Europe just went ahead and threw another complimentary game on the pile. Anyone living in Europe who owns a PSP Go is eligible to receive a free copy of Gran Turismo, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge or Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines (or, in Germany, LittleBigPlanet) until January 10.

For more details on the promotion, visit Sony Europe's official site. We've contacted Sony America to find out if we'll be getting a similar offer stateside.

JoystiqEurope gets more incentive to purchase PSP Go with new bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-bloodlinesfreegran-turismo-psplittlebigplanetmotorstorm-arctic-edgepromotionpsp-gosceesonySony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeTue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Rewards pilot program launches, gives points for purchases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/xbox-live-rewards-pilot-program-launches-gives-points-for-purch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/xbox-live-rewards-pilot-program-launches-gives-points-for-purch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/xbox-live-rewards-pilot-program-launches-gives-points-for-purch/#comments A number of Xbox Live subscribers recently received invitations to a promising pilot program which grants them bonuses for a number of their usual online activities. Earlier today, Microsoft revealed exactly how the six-month trial program, which is appropriately titled "Xbox Live Rewards," operates. Basically, users can earn complimentary Microsoft Points by renewing their subscriptions, purchasing Marketplace content, taking part in surveys, or doing a number of other activities which are clearly laid out in this helpful chart.

Okay, so the number of points you can accumulate using the Rewards program isn't really enormous, and according to the invitation's fine print, you can't spend the points you earn until the first three months of the trial are up. Still, you get free Microbucks for doing stuff you'd probably be doing anyways, so it's hard to complain about that. Of course, we know in our hearts that someone out there will find a way.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqXbox Live Rewards pilot program launches, gives points for purchases originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpilot-programpromotionrewardstrialXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-rewardsTue, 03 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Don't download your PSP Go Rewards games to your PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/psa-dont-download-your-psp-go-rewards-games-to-your-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/psa-dont-download-your-psp-go-rewards-games-to-your-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/psa-dont-download-your-psp-go-rewards-games-to-your-ps3/#commentsWhat's worse: "upgrading" to a PSP Go knowing you won't get any kind of reward for (effectively) giving up access to your UMD collection, or thinking you'll get some bonus games and then having them snatched away at the last second, Charlie Brown-style?

Ask these PlayStation forum users, who discovered that a kink in the DRM for the free European rewards program games meant that downloading the games to a PS3 before copying them to a Go invalidated the licenses. In short, if you download your free games to a PS3 first, you will have not free games, but free large, useless files.

Sony is aware of the issue, advising new users to download their freebies directly to the PSP so they can play them at some point. If you've already made the "mistake" of redeeming your codes on the PS3? "We're still coming up with a solution for those who have redeemed the voucher and are now receiving the error message," forum moderator moshii says, "and we'll update you as soon as we have a solution for you."

Kind of makes you nostalgic for when the only method of transfer for games was from the box to the system via the "your hand" protocol, right?

[Via Destructoid]

JoystiqPSA: Don't download your PSP Go Rewards games to your PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drmeuropepromotionpsp-gopsp-go-rewardsThu, 08 Oct 2009 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony America scraps UMD-to-PSP Go conversion plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/sony-america-scraps-umd-to-psp-go-conversion-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/sony-america-scraps-umd-to-psp-go-conversion-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/sony-america-scraps-umd-to-psp-go-conversion-plans/#comments Sony director of hardware marketing John Koller mentioned shortly after the E3 "reveal" of the PSP Go that the company was considering a "good will program," which would allow UMD owners to trade in their physical games for digital versions. However, yesterday at the Tokyo Game Show, an SCEA spokesperson told Kotaku, "We were evaluating a UMD conversion program, but due to legal and technical reasons we will not be offering the program at this time."

That's quite a blow to the base of American PSP owners with large libraries of UMD titles looking to upgrade to a PSP Go -- a blow significantly worsened by the European "PSP Go Rewards" initiative, which grants three free games to PSP Go purchasers who register for the promotion using an older PSP model. This same promotion will not be coming to the US. "SCEA region will not offer a UMD rewards program at this time," due to the fact that the company has a "dual-platform strategy," an SCEA spokesperson has explained to IndustryGamers.

Ironically enough, we have a "we'd rather not purchase our PSP games again to play them on a new version of your handheld" strategy going for us. It's working out pretty well so far.

JoystiqSony America scraps UMD-to-PSP Go conversion plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conversionhandheldpromotionpsppsp-gorewardssceasonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaumdFri, 25 Sep 2009 12:21:00 EST