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[Accio Harry Potter fans: Pottermore lives on in PlayStation Home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/accio-harry-potter-fans-pottermore-lives-on-in-playstation-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/accio-harry-potter-fans-pottermore-lives-on-in-playstation-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/accio-harry-potter-fans-pottermore-lives-on-in-playstation-home/#comments

Pottermore, the official online, social universe for Harry Potter lore, is now a part of PlayStation Home. Pottermore in PS Home expands upon features in the browser version - including dueling, collecting trading cards and exploring Diagon Alley - and adds new activities, such as trivia, riding the Hogwarts Express, and a four-player mini-game called Book Herding.

Pottermore in Home can link with online Pottermore accounts via the Navigator App, allowing players to trade cards. PS3 players already got a taste of Pottermore in Wonderbook: Book of Spells, which we found to be a moderately thrilling experience, even for someone who isn't techically a "young adult" anymore.

JoystiqAccio Harry Potter fans: Pottermore lives on in PlayStation Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harry-potterhomeplaystationplaystation-homepottermorePS-HOMEps3Thu, 04 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted costumes coming to PlayStation Home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/uncharted-costumes-coming-to-playstation-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/uncharted-costumes-coming-to-playstation-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/uncharted-costumes-coming-to-playstation-home/#comments If you're one of the countless Americans that has been stricken by halftuck, you'll soon be able to bring awareness to this serious, chronic disease by rocking one in PlayStation Home, thanks to some new Uncharted outfits slated to hit the service this week. You don't have to be afraid anymore, halftuckers, you get out there and fly that flag.

Sidenote: The Drake to Chloe switch provides some terrifying new opportunities for the Quincy enthusiasts out there preying on unsuspecting Homers. Consider yourselves warned.

JoystiqUncharted costumes coming to PlayStation Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homenaughty-dogplaystation-homeps-homequincyinguncharteduncharted-2Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars & Indiana Jones items hit Home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/star-wars-and-indiana-jones-items-hit-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/star-wars-and-indiana-jones-items-hit-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/star-wars-and-indiana-jones-items-hit-home/#comments
If you click this image, it shall become more embiggened than you could possibly imagine

LucasArts has invaded PlayStation Home today with a bunch of new virtual goods and a space to hang out in. Without all of the crime and sudden de-limbing that goes on in the Mos Eisley Cantina, the LucasArts storefront will offer patrons a safe environment to purchase virtual goods -- sorry, no power converters available.

Here's the list of goodies:
  • Yoda shirt (for male avatars)
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi shirt (for male and female avatars)
  • Jedi Order shirt (for male and female avatars)
  • Indiana Jones costume - torso, pants, shoes
  • Indiana Jones costume - hat, hair
  • Stormtrooper costume (for male and female avatars)
  • Imperial Officer costume (for male and female avatars)
  • Blue Lightsaber (for male and female avatars)
  • Jedi banner (for avatar personal space)
  • Sith banner (for avatar personal space)
  • Star Wars The Force Unleashed poster (for avatar personal space)
LucasArts promises more updates to come. In the meanwhile, feel free to peruse select avatar items in our gallery below, but there may be a slight chance these aren't the images you're looking for.

Gallery: LucasArts PlayStation Home Space (and goods)

JoystiqStar Wars & Indiana Jones items hit Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarshomehome-avatarimperial-officerindiana-jonesjedilightsaberlucasartsobi-wan-kenobiplaystation-homeps-homesithstar-warsstar-wars-the-force-unleashedstormtrooperyodaThu, 18 Feb 2010 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 2 Home space opens on Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/uncharted-2-home-space-opens-on-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/uncharted-2-home-space-opens-on-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/uncharted-2-home-space-opens-on-thursday/#comments It's hard for us to blame you for wanting to extend the Uncharted 2 experience. Who wouldn't want a big second helping of the one of the year's best titles? While it's no substitute, we're hopeful that the Home space based on the game opening on Thursday will help to fill the hole in your heart, if only a little.

Those of you who haven't played the game might be able to help stave off the cravings with the space's three mini-games, though we'd submit that time would be far better spent finding a second job so you can just buy your own copy already.

JoystiqUncharted 2 Home space opens on Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homenaughty-dogps-homeuncharted-2Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: A penetrating look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-a-penetrating-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-a-penetrating-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-a-penetrating-look/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although they totally forgot about Quincy, the dyanmic duo at Penny Arcade managed to capture the spirit of PlayStation's Home quite aptly in just three strips. Thus it's with (we presume) bittersweet agreement that A Penetrating Look was voted best gaming comic this week.

Second and third place go to newcomer Town Folks by newcomer Brawl in the Family and Ball and Stick by personal favorite Digital Unrest, respectively. This is it for me and webcomic wrapup, Griffin takes over this Saturday (just to clarify: I'm not leaving Joystiq, you're still stuck with my crappy other posts). Thanks to everyone who voted, at any point in the last 3 years, and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week!

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: A penetrating look originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawl-in-the-familydigital-unrestgabehomepenny-arcadeps-hometychowebcomicTue, 16 Dec 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: 'Parts' of PSN down for maintenance this morning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/psa-parts-of-psn-down-for-maintenance-this-morning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/psa-parts-of-psn-down-for-maintenance-this-morning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/psa-parts-of-psn-down-for-maintenance-this-morning/#commentsFiled under:

The official PlayStation blog is reporting that "parts of the PlayStation Network" will be down this morning for regularly scheduled maintenance. Here at Joystiq HQ, we can't seem to log in to the Store, and some of us are reporting newly found issues connecting to Home, but the friends list and messaging seem to be working just fine. We'll keep an eye on things and let you know when everything's back up and running.

JoystiqPSA: 'Parts' of PSN down for maintenance this morning originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homemaintenanceplaystation-networkps-homeps-storePS3psapsnstoreTue, 16 Dec 2008 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: PlayStation Home hacked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/rumor-playstation-home-hacked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/rumor-playstation-home-hacked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/rumor-playstation-home-hacked/#commentsFiled under: ,


Less than a week after Home's official unveiling, a hacker by the name of StreetskaterFU claims to have totally hacked into Sony's Home servers and is providing instructions on how to do it yourself - downloading, uploading, and deleting files. Want to see Mr. FU's purported hack in action? (Hacktion?) A poster on the PS3hax forums claims to have used the aforementioned method to change the posters and trailers in the Home theater (at least what he's seeing locally). The fact that we're not seeing widespread mischief in the Land of Home is preventing us from believing this one hook, line, and sinker.

[Via Engadget]

Source - HOME vulnerabilities disclosure
Source - How to mod Home with your own posters and movies

Continue reading Rumor: PlayStation Home hacked

JoystiqRumor: PlayStation Home hacked originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homeplaystation-homeps-homePS3Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:05:00 EST<![CDATA[How to perform Quincying in PlayStation Home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/how-to-perform-quincying-in-playstation-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/how-to-perform-quincying-in-playstation-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/how-to-perform-quincying-in-playstation-home/#comments
HOW TO QUINCY:
Co-workers, esteemed colleagues,

The time grows near when the Joystiq staff must choose the games which should be honored in our annual Top 10 list. I'm sure that you, like me, have had no small amount of difficulty separating the wheat from the chaff in what has proven to be a wheat-filled year. A Microsoft Word document currently sits minimized on my taskbar, where I attempted earlier this week to choose the greatest title which dropped in the past 365 days. I say "attempted," as I was unsuccessful in choosing just one game to hold this honor.

However, when I compiled this list, I hadn't yet entered the Home beta -- nor had I been introduced to the gameplay experience that would sweep me off my feet faster and harder than anything in any other 2008 title has before. What started out as a minor distraction in a fairly distraction-free virtual world has become an obsession. A calling. I speak, of course, of the timeless art of Quincying.

Rather than write out a length of wordy prose, I want to share with you the step-by-step instructions on how you can start Quincying the next time you log into Home.

Prep Work
  • Create an attractive female avatar. This should not be very difficult.
  • Create a "Quincy" -- the most unappealing, disfigured Elephantine man as you can possibly craft using the avatar creation tools. Again, this should not be difficult. My Quincy looks a bit like an alternate-universe version of Perez Hilton, but with a curly mustache and clear side-effects of methamphetamine abuse.

Setting the Trap
  • As your attractive female avatar (AFA), go to a crowded area. The central hub is a great place to learn how to Quincy, as it is full of lonely suitors and needless dancing.
  • Approach a lonely suitor.
  • Don't just run up and start dancing. Strike up a conversation, ask where they're from. Get them interested.
  • After cordial introductions, begin dancing with a suitor. Should other suitors begin to dance with and/or cat-call you, all the better -- but keep your focus on the original suitor.
  • When you're positive you've got all the suitors' attention, and you're in the middle of a provacative dance, you're ready to go.
Springing the Trap
  • The Art of Quincying is not just the action itself, but the build-up. If you've followed directions so far, you've probably got a nice following.
  • Your Quincy can't just appear, you need to say something in the chat to hint at the fact that things are about to get very, very weird for any and all nearby suitors.
  • Suggestions: Simply shout "IT'S A TRAP" or, when asked where you're from, answer "Your nightmares."
  • As SOON as said message is transmitted, open up your wardrobe menu, and switch to your Quincy.
  • Exit the menu as quickly as possible. If done correctly, your avatar will have continued its provocative dance, albeit with a new, horrifying appearance.
Aftershocks
  • The typical male reaction to a well-executed quincying is an immediate ceasing of dancing, and a hasty retreat from the newly transformed Quincy.
  • Occasionally, a suitor will stick around, laughing the experience off. This behaviour should be discouraged.
  • Deliver said discouragement by changing back to your AFA, and resume dancing with the suitor.
  • The loneliest suitors will continue their dance, though perhaps with a healthy amount of trepidation.
  • Punish their persistence with a swift revert back to the Quincy.
  • Repeat as needed.
Video Demonstration

JoystiqHow to perform Quincying in PlayStation Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homejs-twitterplaystation-homeps-homequincyquincyingFri, 12 Dec 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: PS Home for the holidays, in next 10 days apparently]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/rumor-ps-home-for-the-holidays-in-next-10-days-apparently/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/rumor-ps-home-for-the-holidays-in-next-10-days-apparently/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/rumor-ps-home-for-the-holidays-in-next-10-days-apparently/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Do not attempt to degauss your monitor, you read that correctly: According to UK's Times Online, PlayStation Home is "slated for release in the next 10 days." Color (or colour, rather) us mighty skeptical of the report, but after waiting so long for its public unveiling, we're hoping this isn't another false report. It should be noted that just recently, Red Bull has begun advertising inside Home.

Our present from Sony this year? With any luck, it's front-row tickets to the Great Collective Sigh[TM], whereby gamers worldwide all at once let out a drawn-out breath and say, "it's about fracking time." We've gone ahead and Facebook-poked our Sony contacts for more information.

JoystiqRumor: PS Home for the holidays, in next 10 days apparently originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homeplaystation-homeps-homePS3sonyMon, 08 Dec 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Associated Press dates Home for Nov. 19]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/Rumor-associated-press-dates-home-for-nov-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/Rumor-associated-press-dates-home-for-nov-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/Rumor-associated-press-dates-home-for-nov-19/#commentsFiled under: ,

An article purported to be from the Associated Press has been floating around today that very casually dates PlayStation's Home for November 19 -- coincidentally, the same day as the New Xbox Experience launch. The origins of this version stem from The Inquirer ("Sony, Microsoft begin battle of virtual worlds"). It's also interesting to note that the article does not mention NXE's simultaneous launch date.

When you search the AP website, however, you will instead come across a "Sony, Microsoft virtual communities to start" from the same day (via Yahoo!). In this version, Home is "dated" for "later this year," while NXE is coming November 19. Both pieces also use the exact same quotes from Enterbrain's Hirokazu Hamamura, Sony's Ryoji Akagawa and Microsoft's John Schappert. It's likely that the former piece was an earlier, now-corrected draft from the AP or a gross misread by The Inquirer (and subsequently propagated from there).

It should also be noted that at Sony's Tokyo Game Show press conference this weekend, the company announced an open beta for Home would be launching in Japan this month and end in November. We've gone ahead and contacted Sony and AP to confirm.

JoystiqRumor: Associated Press dates Home for Nov. 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homenew-xbox-experiencenxeps-homePS3rumorrumorongXbox-360Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Home's public areas region locked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/playstation-homes-public-areas-region-locked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/playstation-homes-public-areas-region-locked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/playstation-homes-public-areas-region-locked/#commentsFiled under: ,

Looking to go virtual bowling with your South African friends in PlayStation Home? Think again! According to a Sony representative at E3, Home will be region locked. While you can visit anyone's private apartment, all public pavilions are restricted by your geographical area.

JoystiqPlayStation Home's public areas region locked originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewse3e3-2008homeps-homePS3Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Home 'too ambitous,' but 'definitely' coming this Fall, Reeves says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/home-too-ambitous-but-definitely-coming-this-fall-said-ree/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/home-too-ambitous-but-definitely-coming-this-fall-said-ree/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/home-too-ambitous-but-definitely-coming-this-fall-said-ree/#commentsFiled under: ,

While confirming Home will "definitely be coming out in Autumn," SCEE president David Reeves said that "maybe we were too ambitious with the non-gaming applications within Home, getting sponsors and stuff like that." In an interview with CVG, Reeves continued to say, "In that sense we were deserting gamers. So, we're concentrating on the gaming by launching games in Home."

The closed beta for Home is still ongoing. Earlier today, EA Sports president (and former Xbox executive) Peter Moore said he was interested in the service but "disappointed" by its delays. Home producer Daniel Hill told our friends at PS3 Fanboy that game spaces will be shown later this month.

JoystiqHome 'too ambitous,' but 'definitely' coming this Fall, Reeves says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-reeveseuropehomeps-homePS3SCESCEESony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeThu, 08 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Playstation Home gets a pre-launch makeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/playstation-home-gets-a-pre-launch-makeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/playstation-home-gets-a-pre-launch-makeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/playstation-home-gets-a-pre-launch-makeover/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sony's Playstation Home virtual world has undergone a few cosmetic changes since we last took a look at it. At the IMAGINA 08 event in Monaco, a session led by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe introduced the changes, which were largely the result of user feedback culled from the beta version.

Rather than entering the world via an enclosed lobby, the Playstation Home experience will now begin in a large outdoor space. Entrances to areas like the Theatre and Bowling Alley have been redesigned to be more easily spotted, and the Theatre's screening rooms have been moved closer together, as testers were complaining about the long walks (lazy gamers).

The talk also revealed the inclusion of balconies in players' in-game apartments, and a choice of around eight different apartment styles at launch. Swanky premium apartments will also be made available, though of course not without a cost. Playstation Home is scheduled to launch on the PS3 in Spring 2008.

Gallery: PlayStation Home

JoystiqPlaystation Home gets a pre-launch makeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imaginaplaystation-homeplaystationhomeps-homePS3sceesonySony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeFri, 01 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How this whole PS-HOME Beta thing will work out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/how-this-whole-ps-home-beta-thing-will-work-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/how-this-whole-ps-home-beta-thing-will-work-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/how-this-whole-ps-home-beta-thing-will-work-out/#commentsFiled under:

Yeah, ever since the announcement, a lot of the press-related folk and small-time bloggers have all raised their hands and asked in a query-chorus (where we all sing a question in very high-pitched, reverent voices): How will you present to us this Beta, oh Sony, father of PS3? Phil Harrison had his notecards ready and tossed a few super-sized quotes our way.

PHarr... hmm, we're going to go with that (pronounced "Fahr"... closer to "Ffahr" though). Anyway, Pharr said: "We haven't announced the specific invite mechanic but it will be a closed deployment with a capped number of users and then we'll extend that through the summer. When we go live with the service we'll actually have gone through a number of betas before we get to final deployment in the fall." What's also interesting to note is that within Sony itself, testing bugs and glitches is pretty easy to manage because when online, one tester can bring another Sony member to the glitch and show them exactly what is wrong. We'll probably be doing that, too, if they miss anything (which everyone always does).

Pharr also was ecstatic that everyone else was ecstatic about all the announcements at GDC, but we've been over that already. Can we put this GDC thing behind us now? We'd like to get more info on the Beta, but that'll depend if we get invited or whatnot. Let's move on to bigger things, like... screenshots? May as well.

JoystiqHow this whole PS-HOME Beta thing will work out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HOMEPhil HarrisonPhilHarrisonPlayStation 3Playstation3PS-HOMEPS3SonyFri, 16 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life developers say: PS-HOME is very flattering]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/second-life-developers-say-ps-home-is-very-flattering/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/second-life-developers-say-ps-home-is-very-flattering/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/second-life-developers-say-ps-home-is-very-flattering/#commentsFiled under: ,

And for the record, no they didn't ask Sony if they wanted to hook up at a bar that night "IRL" (that's In Real Life for the innocent out there). We've covered the other consoles angles about the announcement of PS-HOME, but until now we neglected to see what Second Life thought of it, since HOME bear a strong resemblance to that... uh... "service".

Jeff Luan of Linden Lab (developers of SL) said that "mimicry is the greatest form of flattery for us." For them, yes. Thought the cliché went a little differently, but it's probably just a synonym or something. Luan isn't concerned about HOME taking away any of Second Life's users, since SL is on PC and is targeting an entirely different "market". Absolutely true, but it may create a similar market on consoles that was previously not in existence. Are any of you concerned that the PS-HOME may become something much... hmm... darker, than intended?

JoystiqSecond Life developers say: PS-HOME is very flattering originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Linden LabLindenLabPlayStation 3Playstation3PS-HOMEPS3Second LifeSecondLifeSonyThu, 15 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST