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[Here are the PSP games that will work on Vita at launch [update: more compatible games spotted]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/here-are-the-psp-games-that-will-work-on-vita-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/here-are-the-psp-games-that-will-work-on-vita-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/here-are-the-psp-games-that-will-work-on-vita-at-launch/#comments Sony has posted a how-to guide on downloading PSP titles to the PlayStation Vita and, along with it, a list of the 275 PSP titles and Minis that will be compatible with the Vita at launch. Obviously, it's a pretty hefty lineup, though some favorites are certainly missing, including Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Valkyria Chronicles 2, Lumines and others.

That said, Sony promises more titles will be added in "the coming weeks." Head over to the US PlayStation Blog for the current list. And, before you ask, yes, of course Dragon's Lair is compatible.

Update: A couple of industry tweets reveal that some games not mentioned on the official list are already compatible with the Vita, notably Valkyria Chronicles 2 and PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe. It would appear that Sony's official list may not be entirely comprehensive. Then again, the public won't actually get its hands on the Vita for another week, so maybe there's still some tweaking going on.

JoystiqHere are the PSP games that will work on Vita at launch [update: more compatible games spotted] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miniminisplaystationplaystation-minisplaystation-vitaps-minispsnpspsonyvitaThu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vita 'UMD Passport' won't be offered in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/vita-umd-passport-wont-be-offered-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/vita-umd-passport-wont-be-offered-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/vita-umd-passport-wont-be-offered-in-us/#comments It will not be possible to get discounted Vita downloads of the disc-based UMD games you bought for PSP in the US. A Sony representative told Kotaku that the "UMD Passport" service will not be available to American Vita owners.

Of course, you'll still be able to buy any digitally-distributed PSP games through the Vita's PlayStation Store and play them on the new hardware -- and you'll be able to play the PSN games you already bought on your PSP. But those UMD games will be of no use unless you keep your PSP.

JoystiqVita 'UMD Passport' won't be offered in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitapspsonyumd-passportvitaTue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: February 6-12, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/#comments
Destiny awaits this week in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning...

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Continue reading Now Playing: February 6-12, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: February 6-12, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[IndieCade's 2012 'Festival of Independent Games' accepting submissions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/#comments Indie devs take note, submissions for IndieCade's 2012 "Festival of Independent Games" are now open on the event's official website.

IndieCade's track record is stellar, giving budding designers and developers the exposure their hard work deserves and the money their growing debt so richly desires. Past winners include darlings like Limbo, VVVVVV, and Superbrothers' Sword and Sworcery EP. Of course, bills only get paid if the games launch -- unlike Fez, which by our heart's count has been in development for the last seven hundred years.

Teams that submit a game will receive a main festival pass and an invitation to a day-long networking and workshop event. Games selected are set to be featured during the annual IndieCade Festival from October 4 through October 7.

JoystiqIndieCade's 2012 'Festival of Independent Games' accepting submissions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsIndieCadeindiecade-2012iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[European retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/#comments Earlier this week Game met with lenders to discuss its credit problems and options for staying in business, and now Game reports it will operate "with lower limits" and under "revised terms for its facilities." As of November 2011, Game had 1,275 stores in Europe and Australia, but has hinted that it could sell off more than half of its overseas locations, and it plans to close 60 stores by 2013. It closed 39 locations last year.

Game's economic problems aren't an issue solely for retailers, but can affect the larger gaming industry as well -- both EA and Take-Two discussed Game's position during their Q3 financial calls.

JoystiqEuropean retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaclosuredseuropefinancialgamemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspretailsonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/#comments Sega's "Game Contents" division (i.e. home video games) was down 5.1% for the nine-month period ending December 31, with the company reporting 63.5 billion yen ($833 million) in net game sales from the division ... and 5.5 billion yen in total losses. As for reasoning, Sega said only that "in the overseas markets, sales of the new titles remained slow as affected by adverse market condition." Best we can tell, that "adverse market condition" refers to our economies all being really, really terrible.

The publisher shared sales numbers for its major releases. Sonic Generations sold 1.63 million copies across four platforms (Wii, PS3, PC, and the 3DS Generations game). Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games outsold it with 2.39 million copies -- despite not being released in Japan yet, and only being on one platform at the time, the Wii. And, uh, despite being a Mario & Sonic Olympics minigame collection. Hatsune Miku Project Diva Extend for PSP (released in Japan only) was the other named hit, with 290,000 copies.

Looking up at Sega's sales by platform, it's worth noting that Sega's single PlayStation Vita release, Virtua Tennis 4 (called Power Smash 4 in Japan) sold just 10,000 copies between the Vita launch date of December 17 and the end of the year. That ... doesn't seem very good.

JoystiqSega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfy-2011fy-2012mario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsegasega-sammysonic-generationssonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony plans on $2.9 billion loss for the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/sony-plans-on-2-9-billion-loss-for-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/sony-plans-on-2-9-billion-loss-for-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/sony-plans-on-2-9-billion-loss-for-the-year/#comments When Kaz Hirai takes over as CEO of Sony on April 1st, he's going to have to roll up the sleeves of his $10,000 suit and get in a good cry before figuring out the future of the struggling giant. The company announced a loss of ¥159 billion ($2.1B) for the third quarter ending December 31, 2011, with an expected loss of ¥220 billion ($2.9B) for the year. We imagine every meeting between Hirai and outgoing CEO Howard Stringer begins with a sarcastic "Thanks, buddy!"

The consumer products and services division, which includes TVs and PlayStation, had an operating loss of over a billion dollars with sales down 24 percent from the same period.

This is likely due more to the declining sales of Sony's TVs, video cameras and PCs, than it is of the PlayStation brand. PS3 sales are staying level with last year, with the company expecting to sell 14 million units or hardware and 148 million units of software. Vita sales were not specified at all, though PSP and PS2 sales were -- and the PSP data is declining, which means the Vita debut wasn't hidden in there.

JoystiqSony plans on $2.9 billion loss for the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3pspQ3sonyThu, 02 Feb 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA sees $205 million net loss in Q3, rise in social-games users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/#comments EA recorded a net loss of $205 million, but its highest operating cash flow in 31 quarters for the fiscal third quarter ending December 31, 2011. In Q3 2011, EA generated $1.06 billion in net revenue, which is up from the previous Q3, with a net revenue of $1.05 billion. EA's cash flow from operations is recorded at $475 million.

EA's Battlefield 3 and FIFA 12 have each sold more than 10 million units, while Madden 12 sold almost 5 million. PopCap, which EA acquired in August, grew revenue 30 percent on a trailing 12-month basis, and its monthly active users for social games rose to 52 million, up from 39 million the previous year.

JoystiqEA sees $205 million net loss in Q3, rise in social-games users originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsfinancialsfy-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspQ3q3-2012salessonywiixboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 sell over 10 million units each, Madden 12 over 5 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/#comments EA has revealed the sales numbers of a handful of its major titles, including FIFA 12 and Battlefield 3, which have both sold through over 10 million units since their respective launches in September and October. Meanwhile, Madden NFL 12 has sold through over five million units since launching last August.

Remember that "sold through" actually refers to copies that have been sold to consumers -- as opposed to copies sold to retailers -- meaning that it's probably safe to call all three titles "hits" at this point.

JoystiqEA: Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 sell over 10 million units each, Madden 12 over 5 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3fifa-12iosipadiphonemadden-nfl-12microsoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN maintenance starts this Thursday at 9am EST, through Friday morning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/psn-maintenance-starts-this-thursday-at-9am-est-through-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/psn-maintenance-starts-this-thursday-at-9am-est-through-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/psn-maintenance-starts-this-thursday-at-9am-est-through-friday/#comments Sony has announced on its European forums that maintenance time has been scheduled for the PlayStation Network this Thursday, February 2, from 2PM GMT until 8AM Friday morning. If the maintenance carries over to the US (and it usually does), it'll start at 6AM PST Thursday until midnight PST, or 9AM to 3AM for those of you on the East Coast.

Fortunately, the outage doesn't seem to include gameplay -- Sony says that it will only affect the PS Store, Customer Account Management and Registration services. PlayStation Home, however, will be offline the entire time. So ... that doesn't sound so bad! Just pour yourself a cup of tea, grab something good to read and wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and the outage will be over before you know it.

JoystiqPSN maintenance starts this Thursday at 9am EST, through Friday morning originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehomeplaystationps3psapsnpsn-homepspsonyukWed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony appoints Kaz Hirai to prez and CEO, replacing Sir Howard Stringer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sony-appoints-kaz-hirai-to-prez-and-ceo-replacing-sir-howard-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sony-appoints-kaz-hirai-to-prez-and-ceo-replacing-sir-howard-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sony-appoints-kaz-hirai-to-prez-and-ceo-replacing-sir-howard-st/#comments After a bout of he said / she said earlier this year over the possibility of executive deputy prez Kazuo Hirai becoming president and CEO of Sony Corp., Sony has decided to make the news official this morning. As of April 1, 2012, Kaz will step up to the job of current CEO Sir Howard Stringer, effectively kicking off two months of vacation for Stringer before he becomes chairman of the board of directors in June 2012.

"I look forward to helping Kaz in every way I can so that succession leads inevitably to success," Stringer said in the announcement press release. Kaz was ready with the back patting as well, as he said, "Challenging as times are for Sony now, were it not for the strong leadership of Sir Howard Stringer these past seven years, we would have been in a much more difficult position." Hirai is known for having lead Sony Computer Entertainment through its most successful years, as well as being the guy who says "Riiiiiiiidge Racer!" really enthusiastically.

Stringer's appointment to the board of directors in June awaits final approval during the annual shareholders meeting in June. If confirmed, he will replace retiring chairman Yotaro Kobayashi, though he will in no way match Kobayashi's totally sweet name.

JoystiqSony appoints Kaz Hirai to prez and CEO, replacing Sir Howard Stringer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kaz-hiraikazuo-hiraiplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsir-howard-stringersonysony-computer-entertainmentsony-corpsony-corporationvitayotaro-kobayashiWed, 01 Feb 2012 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Twisted Metal demo, Puddle, Madden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/psn-tuesday-twisted-metal-demo-puddle-madden/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/psn-tuesday-twisted-metal-demo-puddle-madden/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/psn-tuesday-twisted-metal-demo-puddle-madden/#comments This week on PSN, you can try out the latest entry in the Clown Car Combat genre, with the Twisted Metal multiplayer demo, or Corporate Combat in Syndicate. Or ... not really combat with Puddle.

You can also download Madden NFL 12 -- just in time for the Super Bowl! Not that you'll be playing Madden while the game is on, of course. That release joins a trio of IO Interactive games newly available for download: both Kanes & Lynches and Mini Ninjas. Find everything available this week on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Twisted Metal demo, Puddle, Madden originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoio-interactivekane-and-lynchmini-ninjasplaystationps3psnpsn-tuesdaypsppuddlesonytwisted-metal-2011twisted-metal-2012Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/#comments
Repair time this week in Final Fantasy XIII-2...

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Continue reading Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Vita could have been thinner, or huge, or a clamshell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-vita-could-have-been-thinner-or-huge-or-a-clamshell/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-vita-could-have-been-thinner-or-huge-or-a-clamshell/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-vita-could-have-been-thinner-or-huge-or-a-clamshell/#comments By this point, the shiny veneer of newness has worn off of Sony's rapidly approaching Vita and we're all pretty used to how the thing looks. Not everyone has seen it in person yet, granted, but we've all seen it, and its PSP-ish profile and itty-bitty analogue sticks have settled into that comfortable zone of mental familiarity.

The device could have been remarkably different, however. For instance, Sony designer Takashi Sogabe (responsible for the Walkman, among other things) had originally intended for the Vita to be a much more svelte device: "The original design of the PS Vita, for example, was very much thinner than the current retail product," Sogabe said during an interview with The Guardian. "From a designer's point of view, thinner is better-looking, but the engineers wanted to put all the features in. Maybe it will become thinner in the future, but the engineers would have to come up with a means to do that."

There was also a time when the Vita's shape had more in common with the DS than the PSP: "We came up with various patterns, including a clamshell one. Then we discussed it with a lot of publishers and settled on this shape." In the long run, Sony decided that it would be a better idea to transfer the PSP's brand equity to the Vita by having the devices look similar.

One major difference between the PSP and Vita, however, is the latter's massive screen, which at 5 inches makes it the biggest screen on any dedicated portable gaming device this side of an iPad. That figure had started at 5.5 inches, according to Sogabe, but was scaled back seeing as this is a portable device and everything. We like Sony's ambition with hardware design, but we'd still rather have the real Vita over a giant, wafer-thin abalone.

JoystiqThe Vita could have been thinner, or huge, or a clamshell originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designindustrial-designplaystationplaystation-vitaPSPTakashi-SogabevitaSat, 28 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ghost-recon-future-soldier-screens-reconnoitered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ghost-recon-future-soldier-screens-reconnoitered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ghost-recon-future-soldier-screens-reconnoitered/#comments The futuristic apparitions of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier can indeed be photographed. Ubi shared a fresh batch of assets this morning, and we'll have a full preview of the game for you later this week.

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftnext-levelnext-level-gamesnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyubisoftubisoft-parisubisoft-red-stormvirtuoswiixboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN releases: Scarygirl, Gotham City Impostors beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/psn-releases-scarygirl-gotham-city-impostors-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/psn-releases-scarygirl-gotham-city-impostors-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/psn-releases-scarygirl-gotham-city-impostors-beta/#comments The PSN releases for this week went up quite late last night, so we're telling you about them now to make sure you don't miss out! Highlights include the sole new game release, Scarygirl, along with downloadable versions of retail games Mortal Kombat and *cough*Dukenukemforever.

Demos include The Darkness 2, Scarygirl, UFC Undisputed 3, and just in time for the 12 for 12 sale to be over, PixelJunk SideScroller. You can also download the Gotham City Impostors beta.

We also must mention what we think is the best PlayStation Plus deal ever: a Capcom "Super Pack" of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, 1942 Joint Strike, Age of Booty, Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, Flock!, Rocketmen, and the "It Came from Uranus" expansion for $12.50. Total. See all the new content on the PS Blog.

JoystiqPSN releases: Scarygirl, Gotham City Impostors beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomgotham-city-impostorsplaystationps3psnpsn-tuesdaypspscarygirlsonyWed, 25 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson name will live on after Konami takeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/hudson-name-will-live-on-after-konami-takeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/hudson-name-will-live-on-after-konami-takeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/hudson-name-will-live-on-after-konami-takeover/#comments We're still not sure if Konami will take the Hudson bee out back and put two tiny bullets into its brain, Old Yeller style, but Konami at least plans to keep the Hudson name around. According to a notice spotted on the company's site by Andriasang, Hudson branded products and services will continue to be developed post-acquisition.

The Hudson website will also stay open after Konami takes over the company on March 1. And while the last few years haven't given us much cause to celebrate Hudson, we're sure there are a few people out there who'd like to see the bee stick around -- one of them is a person we actually know!

JoystiqHudson name will live on after Konami takeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdshudsonhudson-softknami-groupkonamimicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxMon, 23 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 23-29, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/now-playing-january-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/now-playing-january-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/now-playing-january-23-29-2012/#comments
Looking for a good reason to become a Call of Duty Elite subscriber? How does access to the Modern Warfare 3 - Roll Call DLC sound? It's out this week on XBLA... for Elitists only.

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Continue reading Now Playing: January 23-29, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 23-29, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 23 Jan 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Daxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/#comments The ESRB has rated Daxter, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, eight tables worth of Pinball Heroes and flOw for release on PlayStation Certified devices, including the Xperia Play and Sony Tablet series. It's unclear whether flOw is a port of the PSP version or the original PS3 version, but we feel safe in assuming that it's the former, considering the PlayStation Suite's track record with repurposing PSP titles.

We can't imagine that playing a Syphon Filter game on a capacitive touch screen would be a rewarding experience, but flOw and Pinball Heroes sound like they'd translate well to the tactile interface of the Sony Tablet. We'll keep our ears to the ground for pricing and release information as it becomes available.

JoystiqDaxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddaxterESRBflOwmobilepinball-heroesplaystationPlayStation-CertifiedPlayStation-Suiteplaystation-vitapspsonySony-Tabletsyphon-filter-dark-mirrorvitaXperia-PlayMon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network down for 13 hours of maintenance today, starts at 8AM Pacific]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/playstation-network-down-for-13-hours-of-maintenance-today-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/playstation-network-down-for-13-hours-of-maintenance-today-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/playstation-network-down-for-13-hours-of-maintenance-today-star/#commentsThe PlayStation Network will undergo "routine scheduled maintenance" today from 8AM until 9PM Pacific (that's 11AM to Midnight for those on the Atlantic).

Continue reading PlayStation Network down for 13 hours of maintenance today, starts at 8AM Pacific

JoystiqPlayStation Network down for 13 hours of maintenance today, starts at 8AM Pacific originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceplaystationplaystation-networkps3psapsnPSN-maintenancepsppublic-service-announcementsonyThu, 19 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is Atlus's next PSP game that starts with 'G']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-is-atluss-next-psp-game-that-start/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-is-atluss-next-psp-game-that-start/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-is-atluss-next-psp-game-that-start/#comments Last time Atlus teased a new game whose name started with "G," some fans assumed it would be a game in the Growlanser series. It was Gungnir that particular time, but now Atlus has revealed a second G game, and it's totally Growlanser.

Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time, coming to PSP this summer, is a localized version of Growlanser IV: Over Reloaded, the tactical RPG sequel released on PS2 in 2003 and then remade on PSP last year. The PSP update has improved loading times, a message-skip option, and lots of new in-game content.

Because of a combination of licensing restrictions and the scope of the game's script, only the "many anime cutscenes" will be voiced. We're sure the people sitting next to you on the subway won't mind.

Gallery: Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time (PSP)

Continue reading Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is Atlus's next PSP game that starts with 'G'

JoystiqGrowlanser: Wayfarer of Time is Atlus's next PSP game that starts with 'G' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusgrowlansergrowlanser-wayfarer-of-timeplaystationpspsonyWed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Uncharted 3 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/psn-tuesday-ico-shadow-of-the-colossus-uncharted-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/psn-tuesday-ico-shadow-of-the-colossus-uncharted-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/psn-tuesday-ico-shadow-of-the-colossus-uncharted-3-dlc/#comments OK, let's see if we can encapsulate all the stuff on PSN today. Retail games Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Crysis 2, Rainbow Six: Vegas, and Splinter Cell: Double Agent are now downloadable. Amy and PSN-exclusive Zack Zero launched. Uncharted 3 DLC brings four additional multiplayer maps.

Discounts on existing PSN content include the 12 for 12 sale and half off all of the "Neo Geo Station" content -- including the bundle pack containing all of it.

In the world of free content, a timely demo for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning joins an oddly timed demo for Castlevania: Harmony of Despair. You can check the PlayStation Blog for the expansive list of PSN content this week.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Uncharted 3 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-for-12icoplaystationps3psnpsn-tuesdaypspshadow-of-the-colossussonyuncharted-3Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/3ds-nintendo-lead-japans-30-best-selling-games-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/3ds-nintendo-lead-japans-30-best-selling-games-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/3ds-nintendo-lead-japans-30-best-selling-games-of-2011/#comments The top two spots in Japan's 2011 list of best-selling games are taken by a pair of Nintendo 3DS games: Mario Kart 7, with more than 1.6 million sold, and Super Mario 3D Land with more than 1.08 million sold. In third is Capcom's Monster Hunter Tri-G for 3DS, followed by 27 more titles for 3DS, DS PSP, Wii and PS3. These include From Software's Dark Souls and Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIII-2.

Check out the entire list, provided by Media Create of Japanese Hardware Sales fame, below!

Continue reading 3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011

Joystiq3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20113dsdsJapanmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendoplaystationps3pspsalessonywiiMon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 16-22, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/now-playing-january-16-22-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/now-playing-january-16-22-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/now-playing-january-16-22-2012/#comments
Saints Row: The Third fans can put their lives at risk for fun, excitement and entertainment this week with the Genkibowl VII DLC...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: January 16-22, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 16-22, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MCV 2012 UK salary survey shows industry pay up 10 percent year over year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/#comments MCV's 2012 UK Games Industry Salary Survey, which polled 975 people (597 of whom worked in United Kingdom), showed an average UK games industry salary of £33,123 ($50,741), more than a 10 percent increase from 2011's average of £30,667 ($46,979).

That figure was created using survey results from "all sectors - development, publishing, retail, PR & marketing, services, technology and business development," according to MCV. Ten percent of respondents were women, which is reportedly in-scale with their overall presence in the British gaming industry.

The study's average salary figure is a median average rather than a mean average, we should note, and does not include "the group of very senior, and very well paid, execs" that also participated in the survey. Including their data, the average salary is £35,790. If you include the 378 non-British respondents, the average rose to £34,263, indicating that junior-level employees may be earning more outside of the UK.

The survey also showed a disparity between the average salaries of men and women, with industry women making £1.35 an hour less than their male counterparts. This is disproportionate to MCV's global findings, which show that women in the games industry earn more than men on average, albeit only by a few hundred pounds. Here is your reward for making it all the way through a facts-oriented article about salaries and averages.

[mffoto via Shutterstock]

JoystiqMCV 2012 UK salary survey shows industry pay up 10 percent year over year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20123dsandroidaveragedsiosiphoneMCVmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsalariessonysurveythe-queenUKwiixboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3 leads AIAS 2011 award nominations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/uncharted-3-leads-aias-2011-award-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/uncharted-3-leads-aias-2011-award-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/uncharted-3-leads-aias-2011-award-nominations/#comments We've already told you what our favorite games of 2011 are, but the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences apparently needed a bit more time to ruminate on the matter. The final awards will be given at the annual DICE summit in Las Vegas on February 9, giving us all tons of time to pressure the AIAS into giving Rayman Origins the awards for Outstanding Animation and Outstanding Art Direction.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is the belle of the ball this year, with a total of 12 nominations across several categories. Other notable titles include Portal 2 (10 nominations) L.A. Noire (9 nominations), Bastion (3 nominations), and Battlefield 3 (6 nominations). 2010's top game from the AIAS was Mass Effect 2, which walked away with awards in the RPG and storytelling categories.

Jay Mohr will be hosting again -- here's his monologue from last year -- and the entire show will be streamed online through GameSpot, starting at 7:30pm PT/10:30pm ET. Or you could buy a plane ticket and fly to Vegas, hoping to somehow sneak in. We wouldn't suggest that, though, as your time and money can be better spent petitioning for Rayman Origins.

Hit the jump for the full list of this year's nominees.

Continue reading Uncharted 3 leads AIAS 2011 award nominations

JoystiqUncharted 3 leads AIAS 2011 award nominations originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsacademy-of-interactive-arts-and-sciencesaiasandroiddsiosipadiphonekinectmacmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionwiixboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/#comments Assassination and dancing has proven to be a lucrative mix, as Just Dance 2 and 3 and Assassin's Creed: Revelations helped Ubisoft to lead this year's best seller's list with three entries. That's according to the NPD Group, which also estimates the video game industry's profits, comprising "new physical video and PC games, used games, game rentals, subscriptions, digital full-game downloads, social network games, downloadable content, and mobile games," reached sales of somewhere between $16.3 and $16.6 billion in 2011.

Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 took top honors (it's kind of a big deal), while Just Dance 3 and Skyrim occupied the second and third spots, respectively. NPD also says that, despite sales growth in the digital sector yet again, physical copies offered at retail outlets still accounted for the majority of sales coming in at $9.3 billion, "an 8 percent decline over the $10.1 billion in 2010."

That decline was "partially" offset by increases in digital, mobile, and used game sales, which NPD expects to be a focus moving into 2012. "Our overall estimate of the market continues to point toward the increased imperative for deeper visibility into digital distribution than is available today, not only in the U.S. but globally," said NPD prez David McQuillan. Our waning shelf space agrees.

Continue reading NPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list

JoystiqNPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionandroidassassins-creed-revelationscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3david-mcquillandsiosipadiphonejust-dance-2just-dance-3kinectmacmicrosoftmobilemodern-warfare-3movenintendonpdnpd-2011npd-grouppcplaystationps3pspskyrimsonyubisoftwiixboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[December NPD: MW3, Just Dance 3 and Skyrim lead an overall down month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/december-npd-mw3-just-dance-3-and-skyrim-lead-an-overall-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/december-npd-mw3-just-dance-3-and-skyrim-lead-an-overall-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/december-npd-mw3-just-dance-3-and-skyrim-lead-an-overall-down/#comments The industry as a whole still managed to bang out $3.99 billion in combined new sales of hardware, physical software and accessories between November 27 and December 31, 2011. This is, however, a 21 percent drop year-over-year, as the industry pulled down a combined $5.07 billion during the same period in 2010.

"Overall industry results are not entirely surprising given that we are on the back end of the current console lifecycle, combined with the continued digital evolution of gaming," said Anita Frazier, an analyst with The NPD Group. "Core gamers continue to be engaged and spend on established franchises across both the digital and physical format using multiple devices for different gaming occasions."

A smooth $2.04 billion of that $3.99 billion total was caused entirely by new physical software sales, a dash for the cash that continues to be lead by Modern Warfare 3. The pseudo-medieval allure of November's second place podium finisher, Skyrim, was not enough to keep its throne for a second term; the Dovahkiin has been usurped by Ubisoft's compulsory neon-dancing simulator, Just Dance 3.

Comparatively, Skyrim got off easy: Uncharted 3, Saints Row: The Third and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, are all absent from December's Top-10 list, just weeks after their respective releases. Skyward Sword wasn't Nintendo's only horse in this race, however, as Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land closed out December in fourth and ninth place, respectively. Overall, Nintendo, Ubisoft and Electronic Arts claimed more Top-10 real estate than their competitors, each publishing two of the month's best selling titles.

Continue reading December NPD: MW3, Just Dance 3 and Skyrim lead an overall down month

JoystiqDecember NPD: MW3, Just Dance 3 and Skyrim lead an overall down month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3just-dance-3microsoftnintendoNPDNPD-monthlypcplaystationps3pspskyrimsonywiixboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[UK game industry holiday snapshot suggests weakening retail sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/#comments Two major UK video-game retailers, HMV and Game, saw a drop in sales over Christmas, prompting HMV to reconsider its investment in games as a whole, The Telegraph reports. HMV's gaming market share fell 16 percent over the holidays, while sales in music and DVDs saw no change; games now account for 20 percent of HMV's sales. Chief Executive Simon Fox said HMV may focus only on AAA titles in the future.

Game's Christmas retail sales were down 15 percent, while year-on-year it lost 13 percent in sales, GamesIndustry.biz says. Online sales rose 4 percent, and sales for the year ending January 2012 dropped 12 percent, less than the UK gaming market's total loss of 13 percent. Game recently closed 39 stores and is expected to have 550 in the UK by 2013, GamesIndustry notes. CEO Ian Shepherd is banking on the Wii U and PS Vita to revitalize sales in 2012.

JoystiqUK game industry holiday snapshot suggests weakening retail sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20113dsdsgameHMVkinectmicrosoftmovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsalessonyukvitawiiwii-uxboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Choplifter HD, Final Fantasy Origins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/psn-tuesday-choplifter-hd-final-fantasy-origins/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/psn-tuesday-choplifter-hd-final-fantasy-origins/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/psn-tuesday-choplifter-hd-final-fantasy-origins/#comments When you're done sampling Asura's Wrath and Final Fantasy XIII-2, you have a selection of new, or new-to-PSN, games waiting for you. Choplifter HD is InXile's reimagining of the vintage helicopter rescue game.

And PSOne Classics' Final Fantasy Origins is not so much of a reimagining as a simple refresh of the first two NES Final Fantasy games, released as a single PlayStation disc in 2003, and then on no discs today. These PSOne remakes were made before the PSP remakes of the same games -- and now both are available for download on PSN. Check the PlayStation Blog for all of this week's new content.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Choplifter HD, Final Fantasy Origins originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choplifter-hdfinal-fantasy-originsplaystationps3psnpsn-tuesdaypspsonyWed, 11 Jan 2012 01:18:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 3 sells 3.9 million units during the holidays (and other sales data)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/playstation-3-sells-3-9-million-units-during-the-holidays-and-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/playstation-3-sells-3-9-million-units-during-the-holidays-and-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/playstation-3-sells-3-9-million-units-during-the-holidays-and-o/#comments This holiday season has been kind to Sony, the company revealed today, specifically the PlayStation line of gaming consoles. The PS3 was the front-runner for Sony's parade of prosperity, invading over 3.9 million homes during the company's unspecified "holiday sales season" worldwide. On paper, it's impressive, but not quite as much when compared to the competition -- the Xbox 360 managed to outperform the PS3, selling 10 million consoles since the last tally back in late October.

Other top earners for Sony include the PlayStation Move, which managed to -- wait for it -- move 1.7 million units off store shelves, and the PSP, which sold 1.6 million. The PlayStation Vita, which launched in Japan just last month, was snatched up by 500,000 gamers in the region, while the PS2 also sold a half-million worldwide.

JoystiqPlayStation 3 sells 3.9 million units during the holidays (and other sales data) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012moveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsales-datasonyvitaTue, 10 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 9-15, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/now-playing-january-9-15-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/now-playing-january-9-15-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/now-playing-january-9-15-2012/#comments
Get in some retro action this week with Choplifter HD...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: January 9-15, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 9-15, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy: Buy two, get two used games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/best-buy-buy-two-get-two-used-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/best-buy-buy-two-get-two-used-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/best-buy-buy-two-get-two-used-games/#comments Who doesn't love Alan Rickman? Best Buy is currently offering a buy two, get two sale on used games. There are plenty of recent titles available, including the likes of Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island and Batman: Arkham City. If you're feeling frugal, just head over to the website.

Continue reading Best Buy: Buy two, get two used games

JoystiqBest Buy: Buy two, get two used games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbest-buydsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony refutes Hirai promotion, says 'nothing has been determined']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/sony-refutes-hirai-promotion-says-nothing-has-been-determined/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/sony-refutes-hirai-promotion-says-nothing-has-been-determined/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/sony-refutes-hirai-promotion-says-nothing-has-been-determined/#comments Sony does not appreciate websites like us gossiping about Kazuo Hirai, it seems. The corporation issued a statement refuting "certain media reports" made "regarding Sony Corporation officers' appointments."

We reported last week that Hirai had been promoted to the position of president, following information published by Nikkei. However, Sony said it "has made no announcement in this regard and nothing has been determined at this time." It would appear Nikkei got the story out earlier than Sony expected (wouldn't be the first time!), and Sony's board has yet to approve Hirai's promotion. Or, of course, Nikkei's report could have been inaccurate the first time.

In any case, we hope you haven't ordered too many "Don't blame me, I voted for Howard Stringer" bumper stickers.

JoystiqSony refutes Hirai promotion, says 'nothing has been determined' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kaz-hiraiplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonysony-corporationvitaMon, 09 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Media Molecule spends big on R&D to make new, innovative things]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/media-molecule-spends-big-on-randd-to-make-new-innovative-things/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/media-molecule-spends-big-on-randd-to-make-new-innovative-things/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/media-molecule-spends-big-on-randd-to-make-new-innovative-things/#comments Despite all of the informercials telling you game development is all about tightening up the graphics, it takes more than that to make a game. Media Molecule, best known for the LittleBigPlanet series, announced it would not to pursue another entry this year, in the interest of innovation.

At the end of March 2011, the studio reported a profit of £3.44 million ($5.3 million) for the year prior, yet spent £4.1 million ($6.3 million) over those 12 months on research and development, according to a report obtained by Develop. Media Molecule is striving to "remain at the forefront of technological advances" and "must bring new and often risky innovations to market in products of the highest quality," the report cites.

In layman's terms, the report is saying MM spent a ton of cash researching new tech. These include "leading edge physics and dynamics, rapid world creation from laser data, innovative routes to market via web based interfaces, 3D stereo-optics for advanced simulation, and use of 'hi-def' data capture and processing techniques." But with 50 people on staff during the period of reported expenditure, that comes out to £82,000 ($126,000) a head -- it's not unheard of for development studios to classify game development as research and development.

So how much of the money was used to pay its employees and specifically explore innovative new things? Without the report, we can't say for sure. It's possible this is simply a report of how much MM paid its employees for the year, a possible obligation for all UK business entities.

JoystiqReport: Media Molecule spends big on R&D to make new, innovative things originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LittleBigPlanet-2media-moleculemoveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaSat, 07 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[In defense of Xenogears]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/in-defense-of-xenogears/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/in-defense-of-xenogears/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/in-defense-of-xenogears/#commentsThis is a column by Jason Schreier dedicated to the analysis (and occasional mocking) of his favorite genre, the Japanese role-playing game. Whether it's because they're too antiquated or just too niche, he believes JRPGs don't get enough attention in the gaming industry today. It's time to change that.

When it comes to grandiose adventures, there are few games like Xenogears. Few games' stories are as stirring, as twisty, as poignant. Few games' characters are as bizarre and entrancing.

But fans have skewered the sci-fi masterpiece for its second disc, a potpourri of cutscenes and monologues that may have been the consequence of rushed development. While the game's first 50 hours gave you access to a world map filled with towns, dungeons, and secrets, Xenogears' final act was more book than game, unfolding like a visual novel with very little player interaction outside of the final dungeon and a few boss fights.

Gamers took umbrage at this sudden shift in pace. As one GameFAQs reader points out, "Xenogears would have been great... if it had been finished."

Which is too bad, because I loved every minute of it.

Continue reading In defense of Xenogears

JoystiqIn defense of Xenogears originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columnjrpgplaystationps3pspsonysquaresoftxenogearsFri, 06 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nikkei: Kaz Hirai stepping up as Sony president, Stringer staying on as chairman and CEO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/nikkei-kaz-hirai-stepping-up-as-sony-president-stringer-stayin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/nikkei-kaz-hirai-stepping-up-as-sony-president-stringer-stayin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/nikkei-kaz-hirai-stepping-up-as-sony-president-stringer-stayin/#comments It's unfortunate, but it seems unlikely we'll be hearing Sony Computer Entertainment's current "executive deputy president" Kazuo Hirai regaling us with extended "Riiiiiiiiidge Racer!" shouts much more, as Nikkei is reporting he'll be taking over as president of Sony Corporation in the coming months. Current president, CEO and chairman Sir Howard Stringer will apparently be losing a third of his title to Kaz, and the move is expected "as soon as April," as translated by our bilingual cohorts at Engadget.

When Hirai was promoted to the deputy president role earlier this year, he became the heir apparent to Stringer's job as president, so it's not exactly an enormous surprise to hear this report. Sony had yet to confirm the news as of publishing, but Nikkei isn't exactly known for its false reporting. All the same, we've reached out for confirmation.

Update: Sony tells us it "Doesn't comment on rumor or speculation." Not exactly a denial, but take that as you will.

JoystiqNikkei: Kaz Hirai stepping up as Sony president, Stringer staying on as chairman and CEO originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhoward-stringerkaz-hiraikazuo-hiraimobilemoveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsir-howard-stringersonysony-corpsony-corporationvitaFri, 06 Jan 2012 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[The GDCA 2011 nominations look strangely familiar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-gdca-2011-nominations-look-strangely-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-gdca-2011-nominations-look-strangely-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-gdca-2011-nominations-look-strangely-familiar/#comments Lads, get your polite-clapping gloves ready, and shine your pearls, ladies -- finalists have been named for the Game Developers Choice Awards, and this year boasts quite the lineup. Valve, Bethesda and Supergiant Games have five nominations each for Portal 2, Skyrim and Bastion, respectively (and respectfully). Supergiant is nominated for Best Debut, alongside Team Bondi for L.A. Noire and BioWare Austin for Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Batman: Arkham City, Skyrim, Portal 2, Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Dark Souls are nominated for Game of the Year. The awards ceremony will be held on March 7. We're not going to say that the GDCA stole their entire list of nominees from a super-cool and highly regarded gaming website, but it does look familiar:

Continue reading The GDCA 2011 nominations look strangely familiar

JoystiqThe GDCA 2011 nominations look strangely familiar originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbastiondsgame-developers-choice-awardsGDCAGDCA-12iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxThu, 05 Jan 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Anonymous after Sony execs, not PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/report-anonymous-after-sony-execs-not-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/report-anonymous-after-sony-execs-not-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/report-anonymous-after-sony-execs-not-psn/#comments PlayStation Lifestyle reports that Anonymous has clarified its position regarding attacks on Sony over the abhorrent SOPA law -- keeping in mind that Anonymous isn't a strongly cohesive "group," and so it's not entirely possible to ascribe a single point of view to it.

The opening message on the group's "#OpSony" IRC room was reportedly changed to "NO SOPA! NO ATTACK ON PSN!" In an area for planning "ops," the group suggested that "Doxing [posting personal documents] will occur on Sony executives." Other avenues of attack included hacking Sony websites to place anti-SOPA material.

This attitude is consistent with statements previously attributed to the group, expressing a desire not to inconvenience Sony customers while carrying out protests against Sony.

JoystiqReport: Anonymous after Sony execs, not PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymoushackopsonyplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonysopavitaMon, 02 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The year in which Joystiq played 2011 games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/the-year-in-which-joystiq-played-2011-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/the-year-in-which-joystiq-played-2011-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/the-year-in-which-joystiq-played-2011-games/#commentsCurtailing the year to just ten top games is our annual act of brutality. If it seems unfair, hostile and without victory, it's because we spent much of 2011 sweating and squirming in the crushing grip of Dark Souls. Sooner or later you become addicted to no-win scenarios.

While our ten favorite games could easily be joined by yet another ten, we're wary of extinguishing potency so soon after "infinity" became a major selling point. Bloated in-game clocks, labyrinthine dungeons and quests without end dominated our attempts to underline a year of quality. Nobody ever has time to play everything, and in 2011 you might not have had time to play a quarter of Skyrim.

We're leaping into a year's glut of excellent games, then, fully cognizant of the blind spots that can't be avoided when the staff is human and bound to predictable chronology. That's why, until we've hired a set of hard-working, temporally immune androids, you'll see each writer's personal picks too. Rather than changing the format of our end-of-year summary, we'll continue adjusting the mindset with which you read it. Starting now and continuing over the next few days, you'll see a snapshot of what Joystiq -- both the website and the people behind it -- played, loved and nearly espoused in 2011.

And that, we think, is a pretty nice way of preparing you for the inevitable, outrageous omission of your favorite game.

JoystiqThe year in which Joystiq played 2011 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidbest-of-the-rest-2011dsiosipadiphonejoystiq-best-of-2011macmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiiwii-uxboxSun, 01 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST