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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Barricading 'Dead Souls' within Yakuza's red-light district]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/barricading-dead-souls-within-yakuzas-red-light-district/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/barricading-dead-souls-within-yakuzas-red-light-district/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/barricading-dead-souls-within-yakuzas-red-light-district/#comments In the first hours of Yakuza: Dead Souls, I witnessed the fictional Kamurocho neighborhood of Tokyo's red-light district becoming ravaged by a zombie nightmare, with wrecked buildings, flaming cars, and thousands of hungry undead taking to the streets.

With the help of a DVD store's secret weapons cache, altruistic loan shark Shun Akiyama becomes a dual-pistol-wielding killing machine, cutting a path through the horde of former businessmen, students, and gangsters to get help for his sick assistant Hana.

Though the premise seems (and is) absurd, and there's little sense to making a zombie shooter out of a series best known for its uncanny representation of a realistic Tokyo, I couldn't help but appreciate the care Sega put into setting up the adaptation. Every change to gameplay, environments, or story required to adapt the game into a shooter shows evidence of deliberation and forethought. It's not just a matter of adding zombies and guns. Sega took its assignment very seriously, even though Yakuza: Dead Souls delivers its entertainment in a campy, b-movie way.

Gallery: Yakuza: Dead Souls (PS3)

Continue reading Barricading 'Dead Souls' within Yakuza's red-light district

JoystiqBarricading 'Dead Souls' within Yakuza's red-light district originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3segayakuza-dead-soulsyakuza-of-the-endSat, 11 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate employs Brian Cox, Rosario Dawson and Michael Wincott]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/syndicate-employs-brian-cox-rosario-dawson-and-michael-wincott/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/syndicate-employs-brian-cox-rosario-dawson-and-michael-wincott/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/syndicate-employs-brian-cox-rosario-dawson-and-michael-wincott/#comments In the future, your brain will be infused with special technology to unlock the massive potential within you. Also, the company you work for will be headed by a surly Scot and a beautiful wherever Rosario Dawson is from.

EA's announced both Brian Cox and Rosario Dawson will lend their voices to Syndicate, the Starbreeze reboot of the classic strategy game from the '90s. Joining them is Michael Wincott, who you may remember as the bad guy from The Crow. Gamers may better recognize his pipes as The Prophet of Truth in Halo 2, and as Death in the upcoming Darksiders 2. Dawson will play Lily Drawl, a "rising star" at EuroCorp; Cox plays Eurocorp board member Jack Denham and Wincott plays veteran agent Jules Merit.

JoystiqSyndicate employs Brian Cox, Rosario Dawson and Michael Wincott originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-coxeamichael-wincottmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3rosario-dawsonstarbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxSat, 11 Feb 2012 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Poison, Mr. Big, Heart, Rick Astley]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rock-band-weekly-poison-mr-big-heart-rick-astley/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rock-band-weekly-poison-mr-big-heart-rick-astley/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rock-band-weekly-poison-mr-big-heart-rick-astley/#comments Tuesday is Valentine's Day, and in addition to being a day full of expectations and guilt, it's now a day where you can be rick-rolled by a damn video game in the sanctity of your own home. The "Gold Star My Heart" Pack drops Tuesday in North America and Wednesday for European PS3 users, and includes four love-centric tracks to get you into (or very quickly out of) the mood.

Peep the full track list after the break, and see if you're the kind of person who'd rather be playing Rock Band 3 on Valentine's Day. (Please invite us.)

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Poison, Mr. Big, Heart, Rick Astley

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Poison, Mr. Big, Heart, Rick Astley originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gold-star-my-heartharmonixheartmicrosoftmr-bignintendoplaystationpoisonps3rick-astleyRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Sony passed on publishing Demon's Souls in America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/why-sony-passed-on-publishing-demons-souls-in-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/why-sony-passed-on-publishing-demons-souls-in-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/why-sony-passed-on-publishing-demons-souls-in-america/#comments Nobody expected Demon's Souls to be the hit it was, least of all Sony, the game's publisher in Japan. When Atlus decided to publish the game in North America, it took a risk -- one that paid off. The duty of publishing the sequel, Dark Souls, would then go to Namco Bandai.

Does Sony regret passing on publishing Demon's Souls in North America? Senior VP Shuhei Yoshida thinks so. He told Game Informer the company passed on the game after seeing an earlier build of the game. "What happened with Demon's Souls was until very late in the game's development, we were not able to play the game through. There were framerate issues and the network was not up and running. We underestimated the quality of the game and to be honest, the media in Japan did the same."

But still, even after a few hours with the final product, Yoshida remarked that he just wasn't able to see the value in the game. "For my personal experience with Demon's Souls, when it was close to final I spent close to two hours playing it and after two hours I was still standing at the beginning at the game. I said, 'This is crap. This is an unbelievably bad game.' So I put it aside." In the end, Yoshida admitted Sony "dropped the ball from a publishing standpoint" and was not able to "see the value of the product."

JoystiqWhy Sony passed on publishing Demon's Souls in America originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusDemons-Soulsplaystationps3sceashuhei-yoshidasonyFri, 10 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout 3 concept artist Adam Adamowicz passes away]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/fallout-3-concept-artist-adam-adamowicz-passes-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/fallout-3-concept-artist-adam-adamowicz-passes-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/fallout-3-concept-artist-adam-adamowicz-passes-away/#comments Adam Adamowicz died of cancer yesterday, and while his career may have focused on building digital worlds, his impact can be felt just as intensely in our physical lives. As the concept artist for Fallout 3 and other Bethesda titles, including Skyrim, Adamowicz shaped the reality of some of our favorite video game experiences, regardless of whether the wider world knew his name.

Awesome Robo offers an in-depth, heartfelt glimpse into Adamowicz's work and life, highlighting the hand-drawn process he used to create Fallout 3's vault jumpsuit, weapons and super mutants, among dozens of other integral pieces that made up the game's universe.

JoystiqFallout 3 concept artist Adam Adamowicz passes away originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-adamowiczBethesda-Softworkscancerconcept-artistdiedFallout-3microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This is a weekly column focusing on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
Morality systems have become role-playing. Or at least, a significant amount of people have come to believe this. To take one example, this review of The Old Republic is premised on the concept that BioWare's style of moral choices are effective character-building mechanics. It's a fine review, but it's one that I can't agree with because I find the model of game morality used in The Old Republic and many other role-playing games ineffective at creating a moral system.

In order for a moral choice to have weight, it needs to have two components. First, meaningful choices have to cause the player to lose something in order to gain power. Something has to change, or be expected to change, within the game in order for the decision to matter. In Mass Effect, at one point in the game, you have to choose which of two party members to rescue - the other dies. Or, in Fallout: New Vegas, working with Caesar's Legion turns the New California Republic into an enemy, and vice versa.

Second, a moral choice has to be a difficult choice. The old adage "If doing the right thing were easy, everyone would do it" applies here. This is where games usually fail. They can do it with little choices, like with stealing even when you won't get caught in New Vegas. Take the owned items and you'll lose karma, which might be a small hit compared to the benefits of a new weapon. Alternately, in some games, honorable characters will simply refuse payment for quests, forcing money to be acquired by other means.

Continue reading Dark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games

JoystiqDark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columndragon-age-originsfallout-new-vegasmass-effectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rpgstar-wars-the-old-republicThe-Old-RepublicxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Closure wins 2012 Indie Game Challenge at DICE]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/closure-wins-2012-indie-game-challenge-at-dice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/closure-wins-2012-indie-game-challenge-at-dice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/closure-wins-2012-indie-game-challenge-at-dice/#comments Closure won the third annual Indie Game Challenge at this year's DICE show in Las Vegas. The clever puzzle platformer, which works off the premise that only illuminated objects exist in the game world, has players manipulating lights to solve challenge rooms. The team will receive $100,000 for taking the top prize, sponsored by The Guildhall at SMU, GameStop and the AIAS. The game will be available soon on PSN.

Other category winners included Symphony for technical achievement, The Bridge for achievements in art direction and gameplay, and Nitronic Rush received the "Gamer's Choice Award." The teams receive $2,500 for each category.

Check out all ten of this year's talented nominees by heading over to the Indie Game Challenge site.

JoystiqClosure wins 2012 Indie Game Challenge at DICE originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiasclosuredice-2012gamestopindie-game-challengeplaystationps3Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[So what's up with that disembodied head in Lollipop Chainsaw, anyway?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/so-whats-up-with-that-disembodied-head-in-lollipop-chainsaw-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/so-whats-up-with-that-disembodied-head-in-lollipop-chainsaw-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/so-whats-up-with-that-disembodied-head-in-lollipop-chainsaw-an/#comments
When looking at screens of Lollipop Chainsaw, we're certain your eyes drift naturally to one of Juliet's most eye-catching features ... the severed head strung to her hip. This new trailer tells the romantic story of how she cut her boyfriend's head off, as an act of love.

JoystiqSo what's up with that disembodied head in Lollipop Chainsaw, anyway? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lollipop-chainsawmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[South Korean rating outs Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/#comments Game Rating Board, South Korea's premiere games rating board, has listed another entry in the Magic: The Gathering series of games, presumably for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 again. As things look, Stainless Games and Wizards of the Coast have no plans of stopping the annual installments.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise: both the original Duels of the Planeswalkers and Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 performed well, the former having sold over 500,000 copies on XBLA, while the latter was one of PSN's top performers last year. Considering both previous installments launched in the summer, we're betting we'll be hearing about Duels 2013 soon.

JoystiqSouth Korean rating outs Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-rating-boardgrbkoreamagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3ratingsouth-koreaStainless-Gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai co-publishing Star Trek in Q1 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/namco-bandai-co-publishing-star-trek-in-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/namco-bandai-co-publishing-star-trek-in-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/namco-bandai-co-publishing-star-trek-in-q1-2013/#comments The co-op-centric Star Trek title unveiled at last year's E3 has found itself a publisher. Namco Bandai will be "co-publishing" and distributing the Digital Extremes-developed space romp alongside Paramount Digital Entertainment sometime during the first quarter of 2013.

The Q1 2013 window puts this immediately before the May 17 theatrical release of the next Abrams Trek film -- marketing synergy that may explain the game's quiet delay from its original 2012 release window. We like Abrams' take on the Trek universe just fine, but we can't help but wish for someone to throw this much money at remaking Star Trek 25th Anniversary for the NES.

Gallery: Star Trek (2/10/12)

Continue reading Namco Bandai co-publishing Star Trek in Q1 2013

JoystiqNamco Bandai co-publishing Star Trek in Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-extremesmicrosoftnamco-bandaiparamount-digital-entertainmentpcplaystationps3star-trekxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[See some stupid alien get curbstomped in the latest Mass Effect 3 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/see-some-stupid-alien-get-curbstomped-in-the-latest-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/see-some-stupid-alien-get-curbstomped-in-the-latest-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/see-some-stupid-alien-get-curbstomped-in-the-latest-mass-effect/#comments
We don't know about you, but whoever that dude was in the previous Mass Effect 3 trailers sure looked out of place. We're feeling much better about this latest one, but that's at least in part due to an alien getting his face straight stepped on near the end. See for yourself!

JoystiqSee some stupid alien get curbstomped in the latest Mass Effect 3 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareea-biowareelectronic-artsfemale-shepardgameplaymass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3trailerxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne 3 shots pit Max against gravity, despicable pickup trucks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/max-payne-3-shots-pit-max-against-gravity-despicable-pickup-tru/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/max-payne-3-shots-pit-max-against-gravity-despicable-pickup-tru/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/max-payne-3-shots-pit-max-against-gravity-despicable-pickup-tru/#comments Max Payne's seen a lot in his day: Bull Bullets, garish Hawaiian shirts, delays. And now he's got a few more items to cross of his list, such as "angry man in pickup truck" and "face off against gravity -- and win," as you'll see in the latest volley of screens, just below.

Continue reading Max Payne 3 shots pit Max against gravity, despicable pickup trucks

JoystiqMax Payne 3 shots pit Max against gravity, despicable pickup trucks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Max-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rockstarrockstar-gamestake-twotake-two-interactivexboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank 2 review: Refined brutality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/shank-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/shank-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/shank-2-review/#comments
Evidence would suggest that the developers at Klei got together in a board room and said, "Shank was really good. We should do another game exactly like it, only a little bit better." And wouldn't you know it, that's exactly what they did. Shank 2 could be mistaken for its predecessor at first glance, with similar 2D visuals and fast-paced violence. But look a little deeper and you'll find a little more meat, a little more nuance and, somehow, even more brutality.

Gallery: Shank 2 (2/8/12)

Continue reading Shank 2 review: Refined brutality

JoystiqShank 2 review: Refined brutality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsklei-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shank-2xboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoshida: The Last Guardian still happening, but progress 'slow']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/yoshida-the-last-guardian-still-happening-but-progress-slow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/yoshida-the-last-guardian-still-happening-but-progress-slow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/yoshida-the-last-guardian-still-happening-but-progress-slow/#comments We've had assurances of The Last Guardian's continued existence, but in the absence of empirical proof we could always use one more. 1UP received a rather authoritative one from Sony Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida at DICE, who said he's "been seeing it."

Yoshida reports that, after leaving Sony and becoming a contractor, producer Fumito Ueda continues working on the game as normal. His departure was "an arrangement so he could focus on the creative side," Yoshida said. "But his work and his presence on that team never changed, so it was just more a contractual rearrangement, and that was taken [by many] as 'he left.'"

Ueda is still in the office, "probably one of the people who works the longest hours," Yoshida said. Progress is still taking place on The Last Guardian, "but slow progress."

JoystiqYoshida: The Last Guardian still happening, but progress 'slow' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dice-2012fumito-uedaplaystationps3shuhei-yoshidateam-icoThe-Last-GuardianFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony confirms 'LittleBigPlanet Karting']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/sony-confirms-littlebigplanet-karting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/sony-confirms-littlebigplanet-karting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/sony-confirms-littlebigplanet-karting/#comments Sony has confirmed development of LittleBigPlanet Karting. The news comes via a tweet from Sony's PlayStation account, which states quite simply the game is in development and that the publisher hopes to share more information "soon."

Reports were circulating earlier this week -- though they have since been pulled -- that the game would feature PlayStation Move support and a Move racing wheel peripheral, perhaps in the style of Nintendo's massively successful Mario Kart Wii.

Whatever becomes of the final product, the existence of LittleBigPlanet Karting is an interesting development considering that Sony already has a flagship kart racer, Modnation Racers (pictured).

JoystiqSony confirms 'LittleBigPlanet Karting' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>littlebigplanetlittlebigplanet-kartingplaystationps3sonyFri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocksteady's Sefton Hill shares Arkham recipe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rocksteadys-sefton-hill-shares-arkham-recipe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rocksteadys-sefton-hill-shares-arkham-recipe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rocksteadys-sefton-hill-shares-arkham-recipe/#comments
Rocksteady Studios co-founder and game director Sefton Hill shared his recipe for making Arkham games at DICE 2012. Beyond the basic ingredients listed, all you'll need is a major license, a supportive publisher and millions to fund the project.

Sefton's Arkham recipe:
  • Make the game instantly fun and accessible. "We believe it's our job to entertain," Hill said, adding that the free-flow combat of Arkham was meant to instantly convey the feeling of being Batman.
  • Deep core mechanics, with a contant, incremental challenge to maintain engagement. "We developed combat by introducing new enemy types ... it keeps giving you more, it keeps challenging you."
  • Complementary Orthogonal Design. Boiled down, it's that systems like navigation, combat and story "all have their own distinct and strong uses." Essentially, he encouraged designing complementary design elements that don't step on each other.
  • Authenticity. "The restraints of the character define the character." Hill said certain elements may seem like a pain the ass, but that one must embrace those constraints. The fact that Batman can't kill anyone was something the team had to maintain at all times. "It stops us from falling back on a lot of game cliches." Takeway: Celebrate and explore the limitations of characters and what makes them unique.

So, there you go. Oh, you'll also need an engine. We're sure if you write a really nice letter to the guys at Epic, they'll let you license the Unreal Engine at a good price.

JoystiqRocksteady's Sefton Hill shares Arkham recipe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftpcplaystationps3rocksteadyRocksteady-StudiosSefton-HillxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shiny Mass Effect 3 website launches 5 feature videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/shiny-mass-effect-3-website-launches-5-feature-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/shiny-mass-effect-3-website-launches-5-feature-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/shiny-mass-effect-3-website-launches-5-feature-videos/#comments

We expect Mass Effect 3 to have action, a rich story, customizable weapons, co-op mode and intelligent enemies -- but that doesn't mean we don't want to see these things in action, right now. With the launch of a new website, Mass Effect 3 is showing off some of its core features in five new videos, with "Adrenaline Pumping Gameplay" shown above, and the other four below.

If you weren't expecting Mass Effect 3 to have things like "a story" or "enemies," maybe don't watch the videos and save the surprise for the game's release. Also, retroactive spoiler alert.

Continue reading Shiny Mass Effect 3 website launches 5 feature videos

JoystiqShiny Mass Effect 3 website launches 5 feature videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-Artsmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3videoxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision revenues up in 2011, claims #1 publishing spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/#comments The world hasn't converted entirely to a Kickstarter-based economy yet -- Activision's fiscal 2011 earnings are up again, with net revenues at $4.76 billion dollars (vs. 2010's $4.45 billion), exceeding its most recent outlook. Activision claimed the number one console and handheld publishing spot in both its fiscal Q4 (ending December 31) and the year of 2011.

What drove this success? Like you don't know, but: Call of Duty. Modern Warfare 3 was the best-selling game in terms of dollars, and Black Ops was #5. Skylanders also contributed, as it was the #8 best-selling game in the fourth quarter, and best-selling kids' game of 2011.

Digital revenue broke records again, with over 34 percent of that $4.76 billion net coming from "digital channels." No, you aren't forgetting some breakout XBLA hit from Activision -- those digital channels are COD map packs and WoW.

JoystiqActivision revenues up in 2011, claims #1 publishing spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3fy-2011microsoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3q4skylanders-spyros-adventurexboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[January NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/#comments Both hardware and software video game sales were down by a great deal in January, according to the latest report from NPD. Both categories dropped 38% year over year in the US, and video games sales in total dropped from $1.14 billion in January of 2011 to $750 million this past month. NPD's Liam Callahan attributes the drops to a lack of new launches: Last January, Microsoft's Kinect propped up hardware sales, and Dead Space 2, LittleBigPlanet 2, and DC Universe Online did the same for software, but there weren't equivalent launches in the market this year.

The full list of the top ten titles is after the break. Just Dance 3 held down the number two spot, again landing in front of the very popular Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Zumba Fitness 2 also made it into the top ten, but Activision's Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is likely the most important game for January.

In addition to landing on the list at 8th, Skylanders is seeing huge sales in the accessories category, making up 22% of total accessory sales overall. The game's single character pack was also the best selling accessory during the month of January, and these numbers should bode well for the series and its future iterations.

Finally, despite that big drop in hardware sales, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg points out that the Xbox 360 has remained the highest-selling console on the market, selling 270,000 units with a 49% market share.

Continue reading January NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories

JoystiqJanuary NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwarejanuary-2012microsoftnpdplaystationps3salesskylanders-spyros-adventuresoftwaretop-10video-game-salesxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ghost-recon-future-soldier-brings-information-warfare-to-the-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ghost-recon-future-soldier-brings-information-warfare-to-the-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ghost-recon-future-soldier-brings-information-warfare-to-the-fr/#comments The signs of a good interface aren't always visible. An elegant in-game display susses out the sweet spot between education and economy, making it an art that is often overlooked by design. And when games aim, claim or clamor to be cinematic, life bars and scores tend to be the first things tossed out as distracting clutter. The traditional HUD is fading from view.

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier occupies the same fictional space as Call of Duty, adding a glossy veneer to war and sexing things up with tantalizing gadgets. But Ubisoft's take on modern warfare isn't about seeing -- it's about reading. Oh, there's no shortage of cover-based shooting and GET-TO-THE-RPG-ing in here, but those actions are informed throughout by a busy interface. In comparison to many "immersive" blockbusters, you're getting a library and not a pamphlet.

In practice, this means Ghost Recon is about learning to decipher information quickly, and drafting attack blueprints on the fly. Despite being on the action-heavy -- pardon me, streamlined -- spectrum of console games, Future Soldier uses its hologram-heavy premise as an excuse to fill the screen with data. Warning: It requires reading comprehension, which is a rather extravagant demand when some of the most popular games just want you to strap in and see the pretty sights whizzing by.

Gallery: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier (2/2/12)

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ghost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftpcplaystationps3Red-Storm-EntertainmentubisoftUbisoft-MontrealxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors fails to unlock for some PS3 players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gotham-city-impostors-fails-to-unlock-for-some-ps3-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gotham-city-impostors-fails-to-unlock-for-some-ps3-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gotham-city-impostors-fails-to-unlock-for-some-ps3-players/#comments It seems that some PS3 users are running into trouble with Gotham City Impostors, and we're not referring to all the fake Batmen clogging the streets. According to posts on the Gotham City Impostors forums, some PS3 users are unable to unlock the full version of the game. Even after paying for the title, some find themselves stuck with the trial version.

A forum administrator notes that Warner Bros. is working on the issue with Sony and asks that users experiencing the problem respond to this thread with their PSN ID and the country from which they are playing. In the meantime, if you haven't already purchased Gotham City Impostors, we'd recommend waiting until the issue is resolved.

JoystiqGotham City Impostors fails to unlock for some PS3 players originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gotham-city-impostorsmonolithplaystationps3psnWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveThu, 09 Feb 2012 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Kotick: New Call of Duty planned for 2012, Diablo 3 still launching this year [Update: Diablo 3 in Q2!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/kotick-new-call-of-duty-planned-for-2012-diablo-3-still-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/kotick-new-call-of-duty-planned-for-2012-diablo-3-still-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/kotick-new-call-of-duty-planned-for-2012-diablo-3-still-launch/#comments As far as the first part of that headline goes, yeah, we know -- truly gasp-worthy. Activision head honcho Bobby Kotick revealed plans for a new Call of Duty in the company's quarterly financial report, and that Activision is aiming to grow the Call of Duty Elite service year. Activision is "hard at work on Elite 2.0 with several features to be included in the next Call of Duty release," Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg added.

Kotick also reiterated that Diablo 3 would launch this year -- though we're assuming it won't make its previous "early 2012" date, unless Activision's idea of early in the year is within the first six months. Diablo 3 has undergone a substantial beta run, and it's still underway.

"Our extraordinary employees around the world are focused on making 2012 another great year for our audience and stakeholders," Kotick said. "Blizzard Entertainment plans to have multiple highly-anticipated titles to release, including Diablo 3, and Activision Publishing expects to release a new Call of Duty game. In addition, Activision Publishing expects to continue to grow Call of Duty Elite and launch Skylanders Giants."

Update: A slide in Activision's presentation (seen above) shows the company is aiming for a Q2 launch for Diablo 3.

JoystiqKotick: New Call of Duty planned for 2012, Diablo 3 still launching this year [Update: Diablo 3 in Q2!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardbobby-kotickcall-of-dutyDiablo-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Elite pulls in 7 million users, 1.5 million paid memberships]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/call-of-duty-elite-pulls-in-7-million-users-1-5-million-paid-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/call-of-duty-elite-pulls-in-7-million-users-1-5-million-paid-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/call-of-duty-elite-pulls-in-7-million-users-1-5-million-paid-me/#comments Call of Duty Elite, the community portal for Activision's perennial shooter is apparently doing gangbusters, according to the publisher's 2011 earnings report. The report states that Elite has pulled in over 7 million members as of January 31.

Even more impressive: over 1.5 million of those are premium subscriptions, available as part of the $100 Hardened Edition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 or as a separate $50 purchase. Paid membership grants a few benefits, most notably a free pass and early access to Modern Warfare 3 DLC.

We'd say the service probably qualifies as a success at this point, at least from Activision's perspective.

JoystiqCall of Duty Elite pulls in 7 million users, 1.5 million paid memberships originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3playstationps3Raven-Softwaresledgehammer-gamesxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 and Vita Cross Play outlined on video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ps3-and-vita-cross-play-outlined-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ps3-and-vita-cross-play-outlined-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ps3-and-vita-cross-play-outlined-on-video/#comments
Still trying to wrap your head around all the connectivity options between the PlayStation Vita and its big brother, the PS3? Here's a handy video breakdown of all various features, including PS3 remote play, Cross Play between the consoles and more.

JoystiqPS3 and Vita Cross Play outlined on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaps3vitaThu, 09 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More The Last of Us story details emerge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/more-the-last-of-us-story-details-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/more-the-last-of-us-story-details-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/more-the-last-of-us-story-details-emerge/#comments Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann and game director Bruce Straley spent some time discussing The Last of Us' two main characters, its world and the changes that world has undergone in a video interview with Game Informer. The game is set 20 years after an apocalyptic fungal outbreak has decimated human society; what little humanity still exists has been relegated to military-controlled quarantine zones that operate under a brutal martial law.

Joel, our grizzled protagonist, is a black-market jack-of-all-trades in his late 40s, emotionally broken by the catastrophe and living his daily life at the edges of his waning moral boundaries. He is contracted by an unknown third party to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie outside of the quarantine zone she was born in, and as events unfold the pair find themselves trapped in the wilds of the dystopian, fungal zombie-filled wastelands, unable to return to the (relative) safety of the military zones.

Despite how jaded he has become, Joel cannot abandon Ellie to the ruins of the world, prompting an all-or-nothing expedition to a secret safe haven beyond the military's grasp. Sounds kind of like Resident Evil 4 meets The Dark Crystal meets the Will Smith version of I Am Legend. Consider our interest thoroughly piqued.

JoystiqMore The Last of Us story details emerge originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Naughty-Dogplaystationplotlineps3storythe-last-of-usThu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Skyrim patch 1.4 now up on 360, PS3 coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/psa-skyrim-patch-1-4-now-up-on-360-ps3-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/psa-skyrim-patch-1-4-now-up-on-360-ps3-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/psa-skyrim-patch-1-4-now-up-on-360-ps3-coming-soon/#comments The latest patch has been applied to the wide open world of Skyrim on Xbox 360. The 1.4 update -- out on PC since last week -- squashes some bugs and fixes issues with a number of quests. You can find a full list of fixes and changes right here.

Bethesda is still awaiting word from Sony regarding the PS3 patch. It will hopefully go live today as well.

JoystiqPSA: Skyrim patch 1.4 now up on 360, PS3 coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4bethesdaelder-scrolls-5microsoftpatchplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatexboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Bethesda's 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel right here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/#comments
Skeleton butlers? Seasonal foliage? Skyrim knows not these things, but it maybe perhaps we sure hope could according to a seriously noncommittal Todd Howard speaking at the beginning of the video above, shot at his DICE 2012 keynote last evening in Las Vegas.

JoystiqWatch Bethesda's 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel right here originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdicedice-2012elder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimskyrim-game-jamthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtodd-howardxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GANG announces nominations for 10th annual awards in game audio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gang-announces-nominations-for-10th-annual-awards-in-game-audio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gang-announces-nominations-for-10th-annual-awards-in-game-audio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gang-announces-nominations-for-10th-annual-awards-in-game-audio/#comments The Game Audio Network Guild (which translates to the convenient acronym of GANG) has announced its nominees for the 10th annual GANG Awards to be held at GDC, honoring the best music and audio in interactive entertainment over the last year. You can see all of the nominees in the press release after the break. As you might imagine, Battlefield 3, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Portal 2 are all nominated, all of which boasted very excellent and memorable aural experiences.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, however, leads the pack in nominations, with nine total, including Audio, Music, and Sound Design of the Year. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary also got a nod for Best Soundtrack Album, despite the fact that most of the music is as old as the awards ceremony itself. And while most of the choices are obviously worthy, there's one more worth mentioning: Bastion was only nominated for one category, for Best Audio in a Casual/Indie/Social Game. Shame that it's relegated to just that category -- <a aiotitle="Build that Wall" "="" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8cELTdtw6U" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8cELTdtw6U">"Build that Wall"</a> is one of the best listens our ears have had all year, video game-related or otherwise.

Continue reading GANG announces nominations for 10th annual awards in game audio

JoystiqGANG announces nominations for 10th annual awards in game audio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbattlefield-3game-audio-network-guildganggang-awardsgdcgdc-2012halomicrosoftplaystationps3uncharted-3xboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy MLB 2K12 alone or bundled with NBA 2K12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/buy-mlb-2k12-alone-or-bundled-with-nba-2k12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/buy-mlb-2k12-alone-or-bundled-with-nba-2k12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/buy-mlb-2k12-alone-or-bundled-with-nba-2k12/#comments You know, baseball's been missing something as of late, wouldn't you agree? Good thing 2K Games has come to the rescue by adding more sports to our sports!

When MLB 2K12 launches in March, you'll be able to pick it up for the annual asking price of $60. If you spend $10 more, you can snag a combo pack including NBA 2K12, a game we're totally comfortable telling you is not too shabby. Outside of the inclusion of NBA 2K12, there are no differences between the separate SKUs.

2K Games has also announced the return of the annual perfect game pitching challenge, awarding one lucky virtual hurler (professional wrestler or not) a cool $1 million check. Hit the break for more details on this year's contest.

Continue reading Buy MLB 2K12 alone or bundled with NBA 2K12

JoystiqBuy MLB 2K12 alone or bundled with NBA 2K12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportsmicrosoftmlb-2k12nba-2k12playstationps3take-twoxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 05:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Darkness 2 wraps its tentacles around Gaikai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-darkness-2-wraps-its-tentacles-around-gaikai/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-darkness-2-wraps-its-tentacles-around-gaikai/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-darkness-2-wraps-its-tentacles-around-gaikai/#comments The thing about video games as a hobby and fascination is that they can be quite expensive. Some may employ unscrupulous means to whet their appetite, but you won't have to do the same for a free taste of The Darkness 2.

Gaikai has added the demo to its list of streaming titles, joining the ranks of Dead Rising 2, Orcs Must Die!, The Witcher 2, Spore and others. It's all part of Gaikai CEO and industry veteran Dave Perry's goal to offer pre-release demos of major titles to all (with good internet connections).

JoystiqThe Darkness 2 wraps its tentacles around Gaikai originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesgaikaigaikai-game-servicemicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-darkness-2xboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EU could lose tax breaks for game developers, threatens talent exodus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/#comments The European Union provides us a small-scale glimpse into the potential functions of a truly global society -- and more recently, a global society in crisis. The unified currency of the EU, the Euro, was on the brink of collapse recently and all of its member countries are still running damage control.

Now, France in particular is facing another monetary hurdle, as its tax incentive for game development has expired and casued "genuine concern" the EU may not renew the exception that would reinstate it. State aid is normally forbidden under EU law, but in some cases it is allowed -- without an exception, game-development tax incentives would be banned in all EU countries, including France and the UK, Develop reports.

French developer Quantic Dream (Heavy Rain) said that if the tax break is not reinstated it would relocate its operations to Canada, which does offer incentives for development companies, Develop adds. And according to TIGA, The UK's game-development workforce -- which sees no tax breaks -- fell 10 percent between 2008 and 2011, with 41 percent of its workers relocating overseas to countries such as Canada.

JoystiqEU could lose tax breaks for game developers, threatens talent exodus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaEUeuropeEuropean-UnionfranceHeavy-Rainmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3quantic-dreamtax-breakstaxesvitawiixboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 PlayMemories video editing app is part of a PC/mobile suite, includes 5GB of storage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ps3-playmemories-video-editing-app-is-part-of-a-pc-mobile-suite/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ps3-playmemories-video-editing-app-is-part-of-a-pc-mobile-suite/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ps3-playmemories-video-editing-app-is-part-of-a-pc-mobile-suite/#comments Sony has announced its PlayMemories video editing software for the Japanese PS3, following an announcement in Europe. Along with this news comes details of the services provided with the app, including five gigabytes of free, cloud-based storage.

PlayMemories Studio (that's the PS3 app) users will be able to upload their videos and photos to the online service, called PlayMemories Online. From there, they'll be able to view and manage that media through the PC-based PlayMemories Home and iOS/Android PlayMemories Mobile apps. So if you only want images to enter your eyes through a Sony portal, you can quite nearly accomplish that.

JoystiqPS3 PlayMemories video editing app is part of a PC/mobile suite, includes 5GB of storage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosiphonemobilepcPlayMemoriesplaymemories-homeplaymemories-mobileplaymemories-studioplaystationps3Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gets Weapon Expert costume pack, including Mega Man X]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-gets-weapon-expert-costume-pack-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-gets-weapon-expert-costume-pack-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-gets-weapon-expert-costume-pack-in/#comments
Keep your cool, Mega Man fans -- as previously announced, that version of Mega Man X above still isn't a new character in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Nope, it's just Zero dressed up in a Mega Man costume, one of the new looks seen in the "Weapon Expert" costume pack available now.

Elsewhere in the pack, Devil May Cry's Trish gets a new costume for her "Gloria" look, Hawkeye gets a makeover from the time he spent in the Marvel Universe as "Ronin," and Taskmaster also gets a new look, from Udon Entertainment's comic art. Interested players (or anyone who just wants to pretend Mega Man is playable) can grab the pack right now for 320 Microsoft Points, or $3.99 on PSN.

JoystiqUltimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gets Weapon Expert costume pack, including Mega Man X originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costume-packdlcmarvel-vs-capcommega-manmicrosoftplaystationps3psaultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3xboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Internal Bethesda 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel features dragon mounts, giant mudcrabs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/internal-bethesda-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-features-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/internal-bethesda-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-features-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/internal-bethesda-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-features-dragon/#comments Let's pretend you work at Bethesda Game Studios. Congratulations! You've just shipped The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a game that would go on to win multiple 'Game of the Year' awards. You're tired, probably haven't seen your family in months, and you have a week off. What do you do? Work on Skyrim, of course!

During his DICE 2012 keynote, Bethesda Games Studios game director and executive producer Todd Howard discussed an annual tradition at the company: a game jam, where staff are allowed to create anything they want on company time for one week. This year, the only stipulation was creating something within the recently released Skyrim.

In a sizzle reel presented to attendees, the public was shown what the minds at Bethesda could create. On the list? Mountable dragons, epic mounts (like flaming horses), giant mudcrab bosses that rival any other games, a new skill tree focused on lycanthropy, Kinect-enabled shouts (like this!), the ability to build homes, adopt children, use spears, and much more.

Howard was quick to note that the features shown in the video -- which were all running within the game -- were experiments. "How much of this stuff sees the light of day? To be determined. Could it be in a future DLC? We don't know. Could various parts of it just be released for free? We don't know."

And what was id Software's John Carmack doing that week? "[He] shot a rocket into f***ing space!" Howard said, showing actual footage of a rocket Carmack sent out of the earth's orbit. We'd still rather have dragon mounts. Check out the list of 'Game Jam' features after the break.

Continue reading Internal Bethesda 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel features dragon mounts, giant mudcrabs

JoystiqInternal Bethesda 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel features dragon mounts, giant mudcrabs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DICE-2012elder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimTodd-HowardxboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Squad up: Battlefield 3 voice chat issues patched on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/squad-up-battlefield-3-voice-chat-issues-patched-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/squad-up-battlefield-3-voice-chat-issues-patched-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/squad-up-battlefield-3-voice-chat-issues-patched-on-ps3/#comments Finally, your indecipherable ramblings can be heard by your comrades. A recent patch for Battlefield 3 on the PS3 has corrected a known issue involving inexplicably mute teammates. In reality, teammates talk a bunch.

EA recently revealed sales of over 10 million for Battlefield 3, so this should come as good news to what we'd classify as "plenty" of PS3 players. And now that this adjustment is out of the way, DICE can get back to dealing with those pesky cheaters. If the developer could do something about those jerks who always steal the jet, only to crash it in ten seconds, we'd be all set.

JoystiqSquad up: Battlefield 3 voice chat issues patched on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeapatchplaystationps3updatevoipWed, 08 Feb 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Spark Unlimited producing sci-fi sequel, speculation says Battlefront 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/rumor-spark-unlimited-producing-sci-fi-sequel-speculation-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/rumor-spark-unlimited-producing-sci-fi-sequel-speculation-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/rumor-spark-unlimited-producing-sci-fi-sequel-speculation-says/#comments Remember Star Wars: Battlefront 3? It was never really made, but was never officially canceled either, and the idea faded into the background some time in 2010. Not everyone is ready to let the dream go, as PlayStation Lifestyle is reporting a slew of data that it says suggests developer Spark Unlimited is working on Battlefront 3.

Lifestyle's evidence includes a job opening at Spark listing "a 3rd Person Action/Adventure sequel in a high-profile science fiction franchise currently greenlit for full production development for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC markets;" a Spark employee's LinkedIn profile that describes a sword-fighting game for a well-known IP; and another that lists a triple-A third-person shooter that's been in development for three years.

Spark Unlimited's previous projects include 2008's Legendary and Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, and 2004's Call of Duty: Finest Hour. Battlefront 1 and 2 were developed by Pandemic Studios, which was bought by EA and eventually shuttered in 2009. Before closing, Pandemic said it was not working on Battlefront 3, and no developer has officially claimed it since.

Spark's coming title could be one of many unannounced sci-fi sequels, such as Star Wars: Jedi Knight 3, yet another XCOM revamp (why not?) or Asteroids 3D: When Spinning and Shooting Doesn't Work. Spark says it plans on publicly announcing its sci-fi secret this year.

JoystiqRumor: Spark Unlimited producing sci-fi sequel, speculation says Battlefront 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefrontmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sequelspark-unlimitedStar-Warsstar-wars-battlefront-3xboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City shipped 6 million in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/#comments Tucked away in the dark, crowded bowels of Time Warner's financial results statement for fiscal 2011 is news that Rocksteady's blockbuster, bat-centric beat-em-up (that would be Batman: Arkham City) has shipped 6 million units, as of December 31, 2011. Now, "shipped" is a much different statistic than "sold," but it's a strong figure nonetheless.

It's difficult to tell how Warner Bros. Interactive did on its own in 2011, since its financial results are lumped in with two other Time Warner subsidiaries, (Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Television), both of which brought in astounding amounts of money with their respective Harry Potter and Big Bang Theory licenses. Overall, Time Warner's "Filmed Entertainment" (tv, movies and gaming) reported revenues of $12.6 billion; a 9 percent year-over-year increase.

The statement also mentions Mortal Kombat and "several LEGO titles" as key contributors to the division's successful year.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City shipped 6 million in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftmortal-kombatMortal-Kombat-2011pcplaystationps3Rocksteady-Studiostime-warnerwarner-brosWarner-Bros-Interactivewarner-bros-pictureswarner-bros-televisionxboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza: Dead Souls emerging Mar. 16 in EU, Mar. 13 in NA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/yakuza-dead-souls-emerging-mar-16-in-eu-mar-13-in-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/yakuza-dead-souls-emerging-mar-16-in-eu-mar-13-in-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/yakuza-dead-souls-emerging-mar-16-in-eu-mar-13-in-na/#comments In mid-January, Sega locked down a North American release date for Yakuza: Dead Souls, and now Europe's date with Tokyo-based zombies has finally been scheduled.

Yakuza: Dead Souls will arrive in Europe on March 16, according to Eurogamer. The PlayStation 3-exclusive is coming to North America on March 13, which is plenty of time for seasoned zombie killers to prepare for the impending attack. Already released in Japan under the name Yakuza: Of the End, the sixth game in the cult-hit series throws players into the "infamous red light district of Tokyo" during a zombie outbreak.

Don't fret, Yakuza fans, because zombies aren't the only enemy you'll be facing. Yakuza: Dead Souls will also throw hordes of "merciless" mutants in your path, along with all of those seedy characters from the Japanese underworld. As for possible zombie-infected Hostesses? We're keen on letting the brain-chomping ladies sit this one out.

Gallery: Yakuza: Dead Souls (PS3)

JoystiqYakuza: Dead Souls emerging Mar. 16 in EU, Mar. 13 in NA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3release-dateSegaYakuzayakuza-dead-soulsyakuza-of-the-endWed, 08 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 firmware update speeds up web browsing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/ps3-firmware-update-speeds-up-web-browsing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/ps3-firmware-update-speeds-up-web-browsing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/ps3-firmware-update-speeds-up-web-browsing/#comments If you signed into PSN on your PS3 to, say, try to buy a Vita game, you'll have run into this already: surprise! There's a new mandatory system update. According to Sony, version 4.10 accounts for the change in the name of your account, from "PSN account" to "SEN account."

The update also makes improvements to the PS3 browser, including "improved display speed." We'd compare it for you, but the one time I personally tried to use the PS3 browser in the past, it froze my system and I had to pull out the power cord to reset. So if the new browser doesn't do that, it's a dramatic improvement.

JoystiqPS3 firmware update speeds up web browsing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserfirmware-updateplaystationps3ps3-firmware-4.10Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone PSN version 'delayed indefinitely' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/killzone-remake-shot-down-as-delayed-indefinitely/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/killzone-remake-shot-down-as-delayed-indefinitely/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/killzone-remake-shot-down-as-delayed-indefinitely/#comments[Update: This post erroneously referred to this version of Killzone as a "remake" for PS3, but it was intended to refer to the PSN re-release of the PlayStation 2 game. We apologize for contributing to the 'ghastly confusion.]

Killzone the First was scheduled to become a downloadable PSN game in late January, but has since been "delayed indefinitely," according to the official Killzone Twitter account.

Killzone franchise creators Guerrilla Games are currently working on the next entry in the series, as well as a still-unnamed "new IP."

JoystiqKillzone PSN version 'delayed indefinitely' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledguerrilla-gameshd-remakeKillzoneplaystationps3remaketwitterWed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST