Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy source code released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/jedi-outcast-and-jedi-academy-source-code-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/jedi-outcast-and-jedi-academy-source-code-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/jedi-outcast-and-jedi-academy-source-code-released/#comments Jedi Knight 2 Jedi Outcast, Jedi Academy source code releasedRaven, the studio behind beloved PC games Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy, has released the source code for both games - partly in tribute to yesterday's closure of LucasArts and partly to thank fans for playing.

"We loved and appreciated the experience of getting to make Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy for LucasArts," Raven told Kotaku Australia. "As a gift to the persistently loyal fanbase for our Jedi games and in memory of LucasArts, we are releasing the source code for both games for people to enjoy and play with." The source code for each game can be found on Source Forge through the source links below, opening the game up to anxious modders across the galaxy.

Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast launched on the PC in 2002, with ports to Mac OSX, the original Xbox and Nintendo GameCube coming the following year. It's the sequel to 1998's Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith, developed by LucasArts for the PC, and revolves around the New Republic that forms after the collapse of the Empire. (Spoiler?)

JoystiqJedi Outcast and Jedi Academy source code released originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jedi-academyjedi-knightjedi-knight-2-jedi-outcastpcravenraven-softwaresource-codeThu, 04 Apr 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Elite app gets Black Ops 2 support on iOS, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/call-of-duty-elite-app-gets-black-ops-2-support-on-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/call-of-duty-elite-app-gets-black-ops-2-support-on-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/call-of-duty-elite-app-gets-black-ops-2-support-on-ios-android/#comments The Call of Duty Elite app has been updated on iOS and Android to support this week's monolithic debut, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. You can use the app to check your career stats and recent match performances, edit your classes, and search for and apply to Clans - pretty much the same stuff you can do with the app via Modern Warfare 3.

You can also use it to stream Call of Duty Elite TV, access multiplayer guides, and track challenges. The iOS app is universal and compatible with all iDevices running iOS 5.0 or greater; however, the app does not have iPhone 5 screen support.

JoystiqCall of Duty Elite app gets Black Ops 2 support on iOS, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroidbeachheadbeachhead-studioscall-of-duty-black-ops-2call-of-duty-eliteiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3ravenraven-softwaretreyarchxboxWed, 14 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Raven job listings suggest next-gen game in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/raven-job-listings-suggest-next-gen-game-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/raven-job-listings-suggest-next-gen-game-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/raven-job-listings-suggest-next-gen-game-in-the-works/#comments Raven job listings suggest nextgen game in the worksThe last shooter Raven Software shipped was 2010's Singularity and since then the outfit has mostly helped out on Call of Duty DLC. But some job listings over on the developer's site suggest a new game is in the works, potentially for next-generation consoles.

Raven is looking for a senior lighting artist and senior environment artist to help out on "an exciting next generation title," the developer's job listing section shows. Another open job mentions an established team working on a first-person shooter right now, though there's no indication that these two projects are related in any way.

JoystiqRaven job listings suggest next-gen game in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionjob-listingnext-generationraven-softwareFri, 02 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3's final two DLC packs fully reconnoitered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/modern-warfare-3s-final-two-dlc-packs-fully-reconnoitered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/modern-warfare-3s-final-two-dlc-packs-fully-reconnoitered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/modern-warfare-3s-final-two-dlc-packs-fully-reconnoitered/#comments The year of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 post-launch content is coming to a close, but it's going out with a bang (gun pun fully intended). The Chaos Pack - previously half-detailed - brings three Face Off maps and four Spec-Ops missions, as well as a new mode, dubbed "Special Ops Chaos Mode." It's a wave-based survival mode, albeit with a Spec-Ops twist. The whole shebang launches for Xbox 360 on August 9, with PS3 and PC versions launching later on.

In September, MW3 players on 360 get the "Final Assault" pack, which adds five multiplayer maps ("Gulch," "Offshore," "Boardwalk," "Decommission," and "Parish"), two of which are already available on 360. Again, this content arrives on PS3 and PC at a later (unknown) date. As Activision community blog One of Swords points out, Call of Duty's Elite season ends with more content than it originally promised, which seems pretty boss if you ask us. But don't go getting your precedents miscalibrated, as this may not be the case in future years.

JoystiqModern Warfare 3's final two DLC packs fully reconnoitered originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionboardwalkcall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3chaos-packdecommissiondlcdownloadable-contentelitefinal-assaultgulchinfinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3offshoreparishraven-softwaresledgehammer-gamesspec-opsspecial-ops-chaos-modexboxTue, 07 Aug 2012 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 ad too violent for UK soccer time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/modern-warfare-3-ad-too-violent-for-uk-soccer-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/modern-warfare-3-ad-too-violent-for-uk-soccer-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/modern-warfare-3-ad-too-violent-for-uk-soccer-time/#comments The UK's Advertising Standards Authority has placed restrictions on an ad for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, reports MCV. The ASA took exception to the copious gunfire, explosions and the depiction of "New York under military assault" - you know, Call of Duty stuff. The ad originally aired in November during an afternoon soccer match and, although Activision followed the advertising guidelines it had been given at the time, the ASA has decided that the commercial "could cause distress to some children who might see the ad." As such, the ad can no longer be show prior to 7:30pm.

It's a shame, really. Activision needs all the help it can get spreading the word about Call of Duty.

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 ad too violent for UK soccer time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadvertising-standards-authoritycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3ravenraven-softwaresledgehammer-gamesunited-kingdomxboxWed, 25 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 soundtrack bolstered by Trent Reznor, Mass Effect composer Jack Wall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/black-ops-2-soundtrack-bolstered-by-trent-reznor-mass-effect-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/black-ops-2-soundtrack-bolstered-by-trent-reznor-mass-effect-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/black-ops-2-soundtrack-bolstered-by-trent-reznor-mass-effect-co/#comments Black Ops 2 soundtrack bolstered by Trent Reznor, Mass Effect composer Jack WallCall of Duty's next big entry is getting some extra long nails to assist in its theme song - Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor composed Black Ops 2's theme song, USA Today revealed this morning. He's not crafting the whole soundtrack, though, as Mass Effect 1 and 2 soundtrack composer Jack Wall is taking that responsibility.

Reznor said he was led to the project after having composed soundtracks for both The Social Network and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. "I started dipping my toe into film scoring. That led me to film scoring agents and whatnot and a variety of projects start to get thrown at you to check your level of interest. And quite a while ago I had heard, 'Would you be interested in a big franchise video game?' Being an avid gamer my whole life, I said, 'Yeah, I would be interested in that.'" Reznor previously composed the soundtrack to Quake.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 launches on November 13 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 soundtrack bolstered by Trent Reznor, Mass Effect composer Jack Wall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2jack-wallmicrosoftmusicpcplaystationps3raven-softwaresledgehammer-gamessoundtracktrent-reznortreyarchxboxTue, 10 Jul 2012 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Nuketown returns in Black Ops 2 'limited release']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/rumor-nuketown-returns-in-black-ops-2-limited-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/rumor-nuketown-returns-in-black-ops-2-limited-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/rumor-nuketown-returns-in-black-ops-2-limited-release/#comments Rumor Nuketown returns in Black Ops 2 'limited release'The employees at your local brick-and-mortar apparently jumped the gun and revealed an exclusive map for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. IGN posted an image of a poster supposedly from GameStop; another image from GAME shows the same pre-order bonus. Nuketown 2025 is apparently a remodeled version of the popular Black Ops map, Nuketown.

Each image suggests there will be a "limited edition pack" of Black Ops 2, which we assume is akin to the first pressing limited edition runs we've seen for games like Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and Twisted Metal. We've inquired with Activision and will update accordingly.

JoystiqRumor: Nuketown returns in Black Ops 2 'limited release' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2gamegamestoplimited-editionmicrosoftnuketownnuketown-2025pcplaystationps3raven-softwaresledgehammer-gamestreyarchxboxThu, 28 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Modern Warfare 3's 'Content Collection 2' deployed to PS3 and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/psa-modern-warfare-3s-content-collection-2-deployed-to-ps3-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/psa-modern-warfare-3s-content-collection-2-deployed-to-ps3-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/psa-modern-warfare-3s-content-collection-2-deployed-to-ps3-a/#comments Modern Warfare 3's 'Content Collection 2' now on PS3 and PCThe second content dump for Modern Warfare 3 has escaped its timed exclusivity cage on Xbox Live. Content Collection #2, a smattering of two Face Off maps, one multiplayer map, plus two Spec-Ops missions, is now available for download on PS3 and PC.

Call of Duty Elite premium members on PS3 will find they already have this content unlocked on their respective platforms; everyone else will have to fork over $14.99.

JoystiqPSA: Modern Warfare 3's 'Content Collection 2' deployed to PS3 and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Content-Collection-2infinity-wardmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3Raven-Softwaresledgehammer-gamesThu, 21 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 Elite Premium getting Spec Ops mission, three Faceoff maps tomorrow on 360 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/modern-warfare-3-elite-premium-getting-spec-ops-mission-three-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/modern-warfare-3-elite-premium-getting-spec-ops-mission-three-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/modern-warfare-3-elite-premium-getting-spec-ops-mission-three-f/#comments Modern Warfare 3 Elite Premium getting Spec Ops mission, three Faceoff maps tomorrow on 360Modern Warfare 3 "Elite" premium subscribers on 360 are getting a brand new Spec Ops mission and three new Faceoff missions tomorrow. That's according to the Twitter account of Infinity Ward Executive Producer Mark Rubin, who named the three maps "Vortex," U-Turn," and "Intersection," and the mission "Arctic Recon."

Activision's official content calendar isn't updated to reflect Rubin's tweet just yet, but we expect it'll show up not too far from now. Despite the calendar showing three pieces of content - dubbed "map," "mission," and "classified" - don't panic. Rubin said "those guys need to update the categories to be more accurate," which translates to "I swear this is really the truth, regardless of what that silly old calendar says."

As always, the content will show up a bit later for MW3 players on PlayStation 3 and PC, per Microsoft's long-standing exclusivity agreement with Acti. We reached out to the publisher for more information, screens and video, and will update this post when we know more.

Update: The Infinity Ward Twitter account just dropped the image above of Spec Ops mission "Arctic Recon," and said that only two of the three Faceoff maps Rubin spoke of - "U-Turn" and "Vortext" - will go live tomorrow. The same account posted earlier that three Faceoff maps are included. We're trying to clarify the situation with Activision.

Update 2: The tweet was deleted and updated to reflect all three maps. Okay then, to be clear: three Faceoff maps ("Vortex," "U-Turn," and "Intersection") and one Spec Ops map ("Arctic Recon").

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 Elite Premium getting Spec Ops mission, three Faceoff maps tomorrow on 360 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3cod-elitecod-elite-premiumelitefaceoffinfinity-wardmark-rubinmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3premium-membershipraven-softwaresledgehammer-gamesspec-opsxboxMon, 18 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face-Off mode coming to Modern Warfare 3 on PS3 June 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/face-off-mode-coming-to-modern-warfare-3-on-ps3-june-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/face-off-mode-coming-to-modern-warfare-3-on-ps3-june-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/face-off-mode-coming-to-modern-warfare-3-on-ps3-june-15/#comments PS3 players eager to get intimate with Modern Warfare 3's latest mode, Face-Off, will get their chance come June 15, the Infinity Ward Twitter account has revealed. Face-Off will be free for all Modern Warfare 3 players on PSN.

Face-Off is a team-based match type designed for small numbers of players. Along with the free mode, PS3 players also get two free maps designed specifically for the new game type: Erosion and Aground.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 3 (Face-off Content Collection)

JoystiqFace-Off mode coming to Modern Warfare 3 on PS3 June 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionagroundcall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3erosionface-offinfinity-wardmodern-warfare-3playstationps3Raven-Softwaresledgehammer-gamesThu, 31 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Elite reaches 10 million users, 2 million paid subscriptions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/call-of-duty-elite-reaches-10-million-users-2-million-paid-subs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/call-of-duty-elite-reaches-10-million-users-2-million-paid-subs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/call-of-duty-elite-reaches-10-million-users-2-million-paid-subs/#comments

Activision's Call of Duty Elite service puts another feather in its very busy cap today with a reported total of 10 million users, two million of which are paid subscribers. This is an increase of three million and 500,000, respectively, since last Activision dished out some numbers in February.

The latest earnings report says it's "an increase of approximately 33% from January 31, 2012." As of March 31, Activision has 40 million monthly active users across all Call of Duty products and platforms.

JoystiqCall of Duty Elite reaches 10 million users, 2 million paid subscriptions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3Raven-Softwaresledgehammer-gamestreyarchxboxWed, 09 May 2012 16:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Quake 4 relaunches on June 19 for $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/quake-4-relaunches-june-19-for-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/quake-4-relaunches-june-19-for-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/quake-4-relaunches-june-19-for-20/#comments ImageThe Xbox 360 is getting up there. Maybe you missed out on the Raven Software-deveolped Quake 4 during its initial launch, way back when in 2005? Bethesda is giving everyone a second chance to take on the Strogg this summer.

The Bethesda Blog has announced that the Xbox 360 version of Quake 4 is being re-released at a new $19.99 price point on June 19. Currently, the only ways to pick up a copy of Quake 4 are through Steam (on Windows PC) and at the bottom of your local game retailer's bargain bin.

Or maybe your cousin Carl? He told us he liked Quake once. Borrow his copy!

JoystiqQuake 4 relaunches on June 19 for $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbethesdaidid-softwaremicrosoftquake+4quake-4quake4ravenraven-softwarexboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Elite subs getting four more pieces of unnamed MW3 content this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/call-of-duty-elite-subs-getting-four-more-pieces-of-unnamed-mw3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/call-of-duty-elite-subs-getting-four-more-pieces-of-unnamed-mw3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/call-of-duty-elite-subs-getting-four-more-pieces-of-unnamed-mw3/#comments If those 20 pieces of planned DLC for Modern Warfare 3 weren't enough for you, perhaps four additional bits will do the trick. Activision is sharing the four-piece bonus with Elite subscribers throughout the coming months, but isn't saying exactly what the content will be. All we know is that it'll be interspersed throughout the planned Elite content "season."

Elite's platform ubiquity is increasing as well, with the service's planned launch on tablets coming in the near future. Nearly 2 million folks have already snagged the app across both iOS and Android -- that's quite a few, considering approximately 7 million folks are Elite users. Activision promises a variety of (specified) updates to Elite's functionality over the next few months.

Gallery: Call of Duty Elite (GDC 2012)

JoystiqCall of Duty Elite subs getting four more pieces of unnamed MW3 content this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbeachheadbeachhead-studioscall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3cod-elitedlcdownloadable-contenteliteinfinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3ravenraven-softwarexboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Negotiation with extreme prejudice in Modern Warfare 3 Spec Ops DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/negotiation-with-extreme-prejudice-in-modern-warfare-3-spec-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/negotiation-with-extreme-prejudice-in-modern-warfare-3-spec-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/negotiation-with-extreme-prejudice-in-modern-warfare-3-spec-ops/#comments
Striking that balance of emotional impact and tension in video games is no easy task. For one, video games aren't real, so I generally don't concern myself much when I run over a virtual pedestrian or cut off an AI driver in the final lap. I don't care if I'm a jerk in a video game.

But there's something about watching some thug shoot an innocent virtual person in the face, directly in front of me, that really ticks me off. As Sledgehammer Games community manager Guy Beahm and I ran through the Spec Ops DLC coming to Modern Warfare 3 Elite subscribers tomorrow, and as part of Content Collection #1, I genuinely felt lousy when I was seconds from saving a hostage. I really wanted to save these people.

Gallery: Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Content Collection #1

Continue reading Negotiation with extreme prejudice in Modern Warfare 3 Spec Ops DLC

JoystiqNegotiation with extreme prejudice in Modern Warfare 3 Spec Ops DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblack-icecall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3dlcInfinity-Wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3negotiatorpcplaystationps3Raven-Softwaresledgehammer-gamesspec-opsxboxMon, 12 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Modern Warfare 3 'Overwatch' out today [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/psa-ac-revelations-lost-archive-dlc-modern-warfare-3-overw/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/psa-ac-revelations-lost-archive-dlc-modern-warfare-3-overw/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/psa-ac-revelations-lost-archive-dlc-modern-warfare-3-overw/#comments
Activision is dropping the next Call of Duty Elite content pack for Modern Warfare 3 in Overwatch, a rooftop map for the game's multiplayer component. If you'd like to take a peek at that map, we've dropped the latest trailer just above.

The Overwatch DLC map for MW3 is exclusive to 360 for a limited time.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 3 (Call of Duty Elite: Overwatch)

JoystiqPSA: Modern Warfare 3 'Overwatch' out today [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3dlceliteinfinity-wardmicrosoftoverwatchpcraven-softwaresledgehammer-gamesxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceTue, 21 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer free on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/modern-warfare-3-multiplayer-free-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/modern-warfare-3-multiplayer-free-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/modern-warfare-3-multiplayer-free-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments Did you know the weekend technically starts now? According to Steam it does, anyway. Don't even bother showing up to work tomorrow.

Steam users will have access to Modern Warfare 3's full multiplayer suite of modes starting right now. All you have to do is install the game and you can play as much multiplayer as you want until Monday -- unless you want to buy the game, of course.

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 multiplayer free on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmodern-warfare-3pcRaven-Softwaresledgehammer-gamessteamvalveThu, 16 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3's 'Overwatch' map DLC kills you before you fall 70 stories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/modern-warfare-3s-overwatch-map-dlc-kills-you-before-you-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/modern-warfare-3s-overwatch-map-dlc-kills-you-before-you-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/modern-warfare-3s-overwatch-map-dlc-kills-you-before-you-fall/#comments
We're just gonna tell you up front: you're gonna wanna skip to about 50 seconds into this trailer before you see any gameplay featuring Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's "Overwatch" map in action. And you're gonna want to do that, as the first part is just Rob Riggle talking total nonsense. But the map part? Aces.

JoystiqModern Warfare 3's 'Overwatch' map DLC kills you before you fall 70 stories originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3cod-elitedlcdownloadable-contenteliteinfinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3overwatchpcplaystationps3raven-softwaresledgehammer-gamesxboxWed, 15 Feb 2012 13:30:00 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[PSA: Premium Call of Duty Elite DLC now available for MW3 on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/psa-premium-call-of-duty-elite-dlc-now-available-for-mw3-on-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/psa-premium-call-of-duty-elite-dlc-now-available-for-mw3-on-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/psa-premium-call-of-duty-elite-dlc-now-available-for-mw3-on-xbo/#comments
That Call of Duty Elite membership will finally start paying for itself today, as a pair of new Modern Warfare 3 maps are now available to premium members (non-paying members will have to wait). Specifically, Xbox users with a paid subscription to Elite can snag "Liberation" and "Piazza." In order to do so, simply select the "Download Elite Content" from within the in-game store (found in the multiplayer menu). The Elite website notes that both maps must be downloaded or players will encounter an error during matchmaking.

PS3 Elite premium members will receive the DLC at a later date. The PC version, which does not currently feature Call of Duty Elite, will presumably receive the DLC later as well.

Gallery: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (First DLC pack)

JoystiqPSA: Premium Call of Duty Elite DLC now available for MW3 on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3Raven-Softwaresledgehammer-gamesxboxTue, 24 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tour the killing fields of Modern Warfare 3's first DLC with latest media]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/tour-the-killing-fields-of-modern-warfare-3s-first-dlc-with-lat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/tour-the-killing-fields-of-modern-warfare-3s-first-dlc-with-lat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/tour-the-killing-fields-of-modern-warfare-3s-first-dlc-with-lat/#comments
You've been shooting dudes for nearly three months since Modern Warfare 3's early November launch, but that Elite pass has yet to offer more than a chance to watch your buddy Tim's lame gameplay clips. That's all about to change! The first DLC is nearly upon us, and here is your first tour.

Continue reading Tour the killing fields of Modern Warfare 3's first DLC with latest media

JoystiqTour the killing fields of Modern Warfare 3's first DLC with latest media originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3dlcdownloadable-contentinfinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3raven-softwaresledgehammer-gamesxboxTue, 10 Jan 2012 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Five Modern Warfare 3 DLC drops planned for next three months, 20 total over next nine months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/five-modern-warfare-3-dlc-drops-planned-for-next-three-months-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/five-modern-warfare-3-dlc-drops-planned-for-next-three-months-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/five-modern-warfare-3-dlc-drops-planned-for-next-three-months-2/#comments On January 24, this year's Call of Duty DLC season kicks off on Xbox Live with other platforms to follow. Elite subscribers on Xbox 360 will have first access the new content as part of their paid membership.

Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling confirmed with Joystiq the content schedule for Modern Warfare 3 and it's unsurprisingly extensive. Following the first multiplayer maps later this month ("Liberation" and "Piazza"), the plan is to offer five total DLC packages over the course of the next three months. Within the next nine months, up to September, there should be a total of 20 pieces of downloadable content available to players. A "Content Collection" in March will bundle the previously released DLC on Xbox Live for non-Elite users.

"The first pack is traditional multiplayer maps, but we want to do Spec Ops missions, missions, Spec-Ops Survival, new game types, new game modes, and really look at adding things that we've never done before," Bowling said. He said that the focus across all three studios involved -- Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games and Raven Software -- has been to experiment with the formula this time around, to offer players content other than map pack dumps.

"We said just do what you think is gonna be good. Do what's fun and, as long is fits in the Modern Warfare universe, try it! Experiment with it, and we'll take the best of the best and start polishing it up and releasing it. So that's really where our focus has been," Bowling concluded.

JoystiqFive Modern Warfare 3 DLC drops planned for next three months, 20 total over next nine months originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3raven-softwarerobert-bowlingsledgehammer-gamesxboxTue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 preview: Spec Ops Survival mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/modern-warfare-3-preview-spec-ops-survival-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/modern-warfare-3-preview-spec-ops-survival-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/modern-warfare-3-preview-spec-ops-survival-mode/#comments Neither the single-player nor multiplayer modes of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 are playable at this year's E3, but Activision is running a demo for a brand new version of co-op that Infinity Ward is calling Spec Ops Survival. I say Infinity Ward is calling it that (and they are, because that's its name), but given that this is multiplayer, it was probably developed in conjunction with Sledgehammer Games and/or Raven Software. Activision wasn't completely clear on just how the co-development work is being divvied up, so we're not sure who to credit for it.

Whoever made it, Spec Ops Survival is a brand new mode for co-op in the Modern Warfare series. I was told that Spec Ops missions are still available (though those weren't being shown off at all), but Survival is a new mode that can be played on any of the maps being used for actual multiplayer. The map used in the demo was called Dome, and after a quick breakdown of the mechanics (it's Horde, basically -- waves of enemies show up on the map, and you and a partner have to take them out) my Activision cohort and I went to work.

Gallery: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Continue reading Modern Warfare 3 preview: Spec Ops Survival mode

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 preview: Spec Ops Survival mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3raven-softwaresledgehammer-gamesxboxWed, 08 Jun 2011 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 gameplay trailer arrives, reveals November 8 launch date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/modern-warfare-3-gameplay-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/modern-warfare-3-gameplay-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/modern-warfare-3-gameplay-trailer/#comments A new trailer for Modern Warfare 3 has surfaced, showing not only a war-torn United States, but a war-torn world -- oh, and a launch date: November 8, 2011. Why are you still reading? Jump past the break to complete your first recon op for gameplay footage!

Continue reading Modern Warfare 3 gameplay trailer arrives, reveals November 8 launch date

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 gameplay trailer arrives, reveals November 8 launch date originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3fpsinfinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3raven-softwaresledgehammer-gamesxboxMon, 23 May 2011 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Massive Modern Warfare 3 leak reveals setting, multiplayer modes, and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/modern-warfare-3-leak/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/modern-warfare-3-leak/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/modern-warfare-3-leak/#comments modern warfare 3 logo What happens when a large contingency of a series' creative team packs up, and two additional teams are brought on to round out the production? Apparently, you get a lot of loose lips. Details of Modern Warfare 3, in development across Infinity Ward, Raven Software, and newcomer Sledgehammer Games, have been leaked with an unusual amount of specificity to Kotaku less than a month before its presumed big reveal at E3.

A lot of that specificity is wasted on spoilers which, in addition to being generally unwanted for those of us who haven't played the game, are about a Call of Duty title meaning they follow multiple characters through multiple elaborate setpieces. Oh, and there's shooting. MW3 begins right where MW2 left off: with the US trying to prevent a Russian invasion. Your roles include a "Russian Federal Protective Services agent, SAS Operative, tank gunner, and AC-130 gunner" as well as some old friends from previous MW games and some new characters, notably "Frost" and "Sandman."

About those setpieces! Modern Warfare 3 will reportedly include 15 missions that take place across "a dozen cities around the world including New York, Paris and London." If some of that selection sounds familiar, that's because this fall's Battlefield 3 will find itself in "Paris, Tehran and New York." Awkward.

But it's not just Manhattan, it's also Brooklyn, Mogadishu, and more, if the list of 20 multiplayer maps is to be believed. (It's unclear if these include maps from the inevitable DLC map packs.) Spec Ops is back as well, with the mission-based co-operative offerings from Modern Warfare 2 accompanied by a new "Survival" mode or, as you're more likely to know it by, Horde mode. The goal: You and your pals will defend yourselves from increasingly difficult waves of enemies. There are seven "Mission" maps and five "Survival" maps listed.

Previous Modern Warfare installments were so shrouded in secrecy, nearly up until the time of release, that it's hard to imagine how such a massive, seemingly coordinated leak took place. Oh, and one last detail: the release date! Kotaku's report pins MW3 for November 8, just a week after Uncharted 3 and a few days before Skyrim.

[Update: Infinity Ward's @fourzerotwo just weighed in on the leak, offering, "A lot of hype & a lot of leaked info on #MW3, some still accurate, some not. To avoid spoiling the experience, I'd wait for the real reveal." We wonder how the accurate / not accurate percentages look; regardless, if you want 100% accurate you'll want to hear it straight from the dev. Everyone else, dig in.]

JoystiqMassive Modern Warfare 3 leak reveals setting, multiplayer modes, and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 May 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Infinity-Wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3MW3pcplaystationps3Raven-SoftwareSledgehammer-GamesxboxFri, 13 May 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Viral marketing lets slip the dogtags of Modern Warfare 3 [update: Activision comments]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/modern-warfare-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/modern-warfare-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/modern-warfare-3/#comments Two years ago, Infinity Ward used the Game Developer's Conference Awards show to unveil the trailer (and date!) for its hugely anticipated followup, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. If we're reading the signals right, it's looking to use the conference for the reveal of the third installment (Modern Warfare 3?), a game that's been shrouded in mystery following the developer's very public (and very ugly!) executive departures.

Someone sent over a pair of dog tags, pictured above, that include a link to findmakarov.com, with the totally-a-tag-line "End the War" stamped above it. The site includes a countdown which takes us to 10am ET next Wednesday, March 2. The other dog tag belongs to - gross, a dead guy! - Lt. General Shepherd, MW2's main bad dude, who evidently has a birthdate of ... next Tuesday? Wait, that's not right ...

The site's whois information has been anonymized, and we're busy trying to confirm the validity of the tags with Activision. The GDC Awards take place on Wednesday night this year and, glancing at our packed GDC calendar for next week, Tuesday night belongs to EA's competing Battlefield 3. So either Activision wants to steal some of their thunder, or this is a comically elaborate ruse on EA's part.

The return address indicates Toronto-based "viral marketers" VVO Media are behind the mailing and, with a slim portfolio, it's tough to say who they're working for. Oh viral marketing, how we grow tired of you.

[Update 5:45pm - VVO Media's site is now offline. Go figure.]

[Update 8:05pm -- We've received the following comment from an Activision spokesperson: "There seems to be a great deal of speculation about the next Call of Duty project. Let me be clear that we are not revealing yet. Anything indicating otherwise is a hoax." We contacted EA for comment when the story first broke and have yet to receive a response.]

Gallery: Lt. General Shepherd's Dog Tags

JoystiqViral marketing lets slip the dogtags of Modern Warfare 3 [update: Activision comments] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionCall-of-DutyCall-of-Duty-Modern-Warfare-3find-makarovfindmakarov.comInfinity-WardmicrosoftModern-Warfare-3pcplaystationps3Raven-SoftwareSledgehammer-GamesxboxFri, 25 Feb 2011 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Infinity Ward co-developing Modern Warfare 3 with Sledgehammer Games, Raven Software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/report-infinity-ward-co-developing-modern-warfare-3-with-sledge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/report-infinity-ward-co-developing-modern-warfare-3-with-sledge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/report-infinity-ward-co-developing-modern-warfare-3-with-sledge/#comments Call of Duty: Modern Warfare publisher Activision has repeatedly stated that Infinity Ward is doing fine since heads Vince Zampella and Jason West were ousted from the company early last year. A report on the LA Times' Company Town blog, however, tells a different story -- according to the piece, both Sledgehammer Games and Raven Software have been tasked with helping develop the next, still unannounced Modern Warfare title, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

"People familiar with the situation" claim that Sledgehammer is working with the remaining staff at Infinity Ward on developing the game's single-player campaign, while Singularity developer Raven Software is in charge of bringing up the multiplayer side of things. The sources also contend that, like past Call of Duty titles, MW3 is expected to ship this November. Additionally, Sledgehammer is said to have halted production on its own spinoff Call of Duty title in order to help IW out.

Update: Activision issued a comment in response to the LAT piece, stating, "There's been much specultion recently. We look forward to releasing details for the next Call of Duty in the near future."

JoystiqReport: Infinity Ward co-developing Modern Warfare 3 with Sledgehammer Games, Raven Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftModern-Warfare-2pcplaystationps3raven-softwaresledgehammer-gamesxboxThu, 20 Jan 2011 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Publishing CEO says perception of the company is different from reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/activision-publishing-ceo-says-perception-of-the-company-is-diff/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/activision-publishing-ceo-says-perception-of-the-company-is-diff/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/activision-publishing-ceo-says-perception-of-the-company-is-diff/#comments As co-CEO at ad company Deutsch LA, Eric Hirshberg was partially responsible for turning the PlayStation 3 from something that freaked us out into a platform for the VP of Awesome. Now, HIrshberg is able to comment on a similar turnaround at Activision. As the CEO of the publishing group, he says that "some of Activision's reputational challenges are not based in the reality of the company that I've experienced here so far. ... What I can tell you is since I've been here there's not a day or an hour that goes by without a conversation or focus on creative excellence in delivering great gaming experiences to our fans. That's what this place is focused on and about."

Yes, Activision may have put a "for sale" sign on UK racing studio Bizarre, laid off staff at Neversoft and Radical Entertainment and elsewhere, and weakened studio after studio, but Hirshberg says all the cuts are indicative of just how tough this business can be. And even in a tough business, says Hirshberg, "we do everything we can to make the relationships with our developers work, and to find a commercially viable use of their talents, and it's only when we've exhausted every other opportunity that [shutdowns and layoffs] happen."

The video game industry, he says, is "a high stakes game when everyone's trying to get into that upper echelon of performance and there's no middle class," which means, presumably, that Activision has to be judicious when choosing who gets to keep working. That may be true, but Hirshberg's going to need more than that if he wants to turn Bobby Kotick into PlayStation's KB.

JoystiqActivision Publishing CEO says perception of the company is different from reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-publishingbizarre-creationsceodeutsch-laeric-hirshbergkevin-butlerneversoftplaystationraven-softwareThu, 16 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Raven's Bond game shows up in animator's reel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/rumor-ravens-bond-game-shows-up-in-animators-reel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/rumor-ravens-bond-game-shows-up-in-animators-reel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/rumor-ravens-bond-game-shows-up-in-animators-reel/#comments Rumors started circulating yesterday about the rebirth of a Raven-developed James Bond game. Today, a poster on NeoGAF has unearthed footage that could very well be from that project in the demo reel of Hanjin Song, an animator on Raven's recent sci-fi FPS, Singularity.

While the gameplay bears a surface resemblance to Bizarre Creations' just-released James Bond 007: Blood Stone, the screencap above show's a different UI, a new environment and what appears to be a more detailed model of Bond star Daniel Craig. In Song's clip, we see the super spy engaging in some death-defying parkour, sneaking around behind cover and, of course, shooting incompetent minions.

We haven't heard back from Activision nor Song -- so don't start pre-ordering just yet -- but if we're not looking at the rumored Raven project, we're having a tough time imagining what else it could be.

Continue reading Rumor: Raven's Bond game shows up in animator's reel

JoystiqRumor: Raven's Bond game shows up in animator's reel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionhanjin-songjames-bondjames-bond-007-blood-stoneRaven-SoftwarerumorTue, 07 Dec 2010 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Raven Software working on stealth-based Bond game, follow-up to Wolverine 'on the backburner']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/rumor-raven-software-working-on-stealth-based-bond-game-follow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/rumor-raven-software-working-on-stealth-based-bond-game-follow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/rumor-raven-software-working-on-stealth-based-bond-game-follow/#commentsWhen it's not busy working on Activision's "largest digital offering ever" or making games with superhuman Nazis, Raven Software is allegedly working on another James Bond title for Activision. Bond fansite MI6 claims that the recently approved bankruptcy plan at MGM has allowed the unannounced Bond title to be "taken off hiatus," and says it's back in production at Raven. Additionally, the report alleges that the Bond title was one of two games being worked on by Raven -- a sequel to 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine is said to also have been in production, though that game is reportedly "on the backburner" currently.

Given the recent death sentence handed to James Bond 007: Blood Stone by Activision (did you know that game was released, because it totally was) and the tumultuous story of Bond's 23rd film (said to now be back on track) -- not to mention Raven's ties to the very, very lucrative Call of Duty franchise and a recent thinning of the studio's staff -- we're a bit wary that the supposed stealth Bond will ever see the light of day. Regardless, we are totally, 100 percent confident in our unabashed excitement for the reignited Bond 23 plans.

JoystiqRumor: Raven Software working on stealth-based Bond game, follow-up to Wolverine 'on the backburner' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-black-opsjames-bondjames-bond-007-blood-stonemetro-goldwyn-mayermgmravenraven-softwarestealth-bondx-men-origins-wolverineMon, 06 Dec 2010 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Raven hit with layoffs, 40 let go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/report-raven-hit-with-layoffs-lets-40-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/report-raven-hit-with-layoffs-lets-40-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/report-raven-hit-with-layoffs-lets-40-go/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to a report over on Kotaku, Raven Software has dismissed 40 employees. Activision neglected to respond to the purported number in a supposed statement given to the blog, citing Raven is "realigning its workforce to better reflect the studio's upcoming slate." The developer recently concluded work on Singularity.

Kotaku offers that this "realigning" is so that Raven can focus on creating downloadable content -- the studio was reported to be working on DLC for Call of Duty: Black Ops back in May. We're currently digging for more and will let you know what we hear back.

JoystiqReport: Raven hit with layoffs, 40 let go originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionlayoffsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3raven-softwareSingularityxboxMon, 11 Oct 2010 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Singularity (PS3) on sale for $40 on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/singularity-ps3-on-sale-for-40-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/singularity-ps3-on-sale-for-40-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/singularity-ps3-on-sale-for-40-on-amazon-today/#comments Who pays $60 for a new game? Not you, because you know about deals like the one Amazon has on Raven Software's time-twisting shooter, Singularity. The PlayStation 3 version is currently on sale for $40.

Continue reading Singularity (PS3) on sale for $40 on Amazon today

JoystiqSingularity (PS3) on sale for $40 on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionfpsraven-softwareSingularityThu, 15 Jul 2010 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Raven dev Manveer Heir joins Bioware Montreal to work on Mass Effect franchise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/ex-raven-dev-manveer-heir-joins-bioware-montreal-to-work-on-mass/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/ex-raven-dev-manveer-heir-joins-bioware-montreal-to-work-on-mass/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/ex-raven-dev-manveer-heir-joins-bioware-montreal-to-work-on-mass/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Manveer Heir isn't just our winner of the coolest name for a game designer ever award, he's also just been hired by BioWare Montreal as a senior level designer for the Mass Effect franchise. Heir stepped down from his lead designer role at Activision-owned Raven Software in mid-June and has been on a mini-hiatus since then, only to announce yesterday -- alongside another big BioWare reveal -- that he would be heading up to Montreal.

Heir ... aired his feelings about the change, tweeting, "I'm a big fan of the Mass Effect series, so to get a chance to join the team and help build an amazing game is such a tremendous privilege." When Twitter followers pestered him for specifics, he declined to offer more details, responding, "I cannot elaborate beyond Mass Effect franchise."

Next up for the franchise is supposedly that "far reaching" Mass Effect ... thing, which has been teased to arrive early next year.

JoystiqEx-Raven dev Manveer Heir joins Bioware Montreal to work on Mass Effect franchise originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-montrealmanveer-heirmass-effectmicrosoftpcraven-softwarexboxFri, 09 Jul 2010 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Singularity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/review-singularity/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/review-singularity/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/review-singularity/#comments When faced with the imminent collapse of your once idyllic and isolated society, you'll find that adhering to a few simple rules could save your too-good-to-be-true life. The difference between escaping dystopia and dying of dysentery in a locker is made plain in these important steps:

  1. Don't bother trying to keep up with the Joneses anymore. Their mutated forms have granted them incredible endurance and speed.
  2. Avoid any scientific laboratories, especially those staffed by inter-dimensional riftologists. If you must visit one, always go for the Exploding Barrel Research Center.
  3. For god's sake, don't use an antiquated audio recorder -- no matter how charming it is -- to capture your final, downtrodden play at preservation. The minute you start talking about how you got separated from the others, you're inviting ... what was that noise? Oh god, I can hear it in the vents and AAAAIIEEEEE etc.

Continue reading Review: Singularity

JoystiqReview: Singularity originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionfpsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3RavenRaven-SoftwareSingularityxboxMon, 28 Jun 2010 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Singularity trailer unveils even more features of the T.M.D.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/singularity-trailer-unveils-even-more-features-of-the-t-m-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/singularity-trailer-unveils-even-more-features-of-the-t-m-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/singularity-trailer-unveils-even-more-features-of-the-t-m-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It slices! It dices! It reduces your enemies to unrecognizable blobs of primordial goop! And now, thanks to the latest trailer for Raven and Activision's temporally unstable shooter Singularity, another feature of the handy Time Manipulation Device has been revealed: It grants the user complete control over the forces of gravity. It's official: This is the raddest glove ever.

Check out the trailer above, and see some of the practical applications this feature has on the battlefield. We wonder what other T.M.D capabilities will be revealed in future trailers before the game launches on June 29. (For the record, our money's on a built-in stainless steel panini press.)

JoystiqSingularity trailer unveils even more features of the T.M.D. originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Raven-SoftwareSingularityxboxXbox-360Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Singularity trailer unveils the Deadlock feature]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/singularity-trailer-unveils-the-deadlock-feature/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/singularity-trailer-unveils-the-deadlock-feature/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/singularity-trailer-unveils-the-deadlock-feature/#commentsIf we had a high-tech time gauntlet thing, we'd probably just go around turning dogs back into puppies all day. The world needs more cute puppies, right? For Singularity's protagonist, however, it's a tool to aid in the destruction of his enemies.

The latest trailer for the game highlights the Deadlock feature, an ability that generates a small field slowing the momentum of anything caught in it. This can stop enemies dead in their tracks or help the player navigate past a deadly electrical hazard. Perhaps its greatest ability is how it affects munitions -- bullets slow down to a crawl, making what would otherwise be a bullseye for a huge rocket result in a miss.

JoystiqSingularity trailer unveils the Deadlock feature originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondeadlockfpsMicrosoftraven-softwaresingularityvideoXbox-360Fri, 21 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Singularity's age-defying destruction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/video-singularitys-age-defying-destruction/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/video-singularitys-age-defying-destruction/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/video-singularitys-age-defying-destruction/#comments We've known about the ability to age and "revert" objects and people in Singularity for a while. It acts as a way to destroy cover, rebuild broken bridges and age enemy soldiers into dust. We wondered before why reverting soldiers didn't turn them into babies, and now we know why: It actually turns them into an exploding pile of goo. Okay, so you can also revert enemies into a raging, feral beast but, come on, exploding pile of goo (as seen in the video after the break).

Singularity will be released next month.

Continue reading Video: Singularity's age-defying destruction

JoystiqVideo: Singularity's age-defying destruction originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 May 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionMicrosoftraven-softwaresingularityvideoXbox-360Sat, 15 May 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Raven Software working on Call of Duty: Black Ops DLC, alleged Bond game on hold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/report-raven-software-working-on-call-of-duty-black-ops-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/report-raven-software-working-on-call-of-duty-black-ops-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/report-raven-software-working-on-call-of-duty-black-ops-dlc/#comments If reports from G4 sources are to be believed, Singularity developer Raven Software is working on a "stealth-centric Bond game" (not to be confused with the unannounced Bond racer). Not only that, but the game has supposedly been put on hold so that Raven can create map packs for this November's Treyarch-developed Call of Duty: Black Ops. Apparently, in the wake of Activision's kerfuffle with (now former) Infinity Ward staff, the publisher is having to assign substitute developers to work on various components of the lucrative Call of Duty franchise.

While the situation sounds less than ideal for Raven, it beats the pretty heavy layoffs suffered by the studio last year. Now having too much work sounds like a good problem for Raven, especially in a still-ailing economy. We reached out to Activision to confirm this report, but hadn't heard back as of publishing.

Update: Activision responded, "Activision does not comment on rumor and speculation."

JoystiqReport: Raven Software working on Call of Duty: Black Ops DLC, alleged Bond game on hold originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-opsinfinity-wardjames-bondjames-bond-racingravenraven-softwarereporttreyarchThu, 13 May 2010 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Singularity trailer shows there's no use crying over spilt vodka]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/singularity-trailer-shows-theres-no-use-crying-over-spilt-vodka/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/singularity-trailer-shows-theres-no-use-crying-over-spilt-vodka/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/singularity-trailer-shows-theres-no-use-crying-over-spilt-vodka/#comments
The latest Singularity trailer --- with no actual gameplay -- totally makes us wish we had one of these timey-wimey continuum-altery devices at parties. It'd be so handy for recovering spilled drinks.

Also, we'd use it to keep our dogs in perpetual states of puppydom. Hmm, come to think of it, that device would be super convenient. Somebody should make one for real -- what could be the harm?

JoystiqSingularity trailer shows there's no use crying over spilt vodka originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acitivisionactivision-blizzardMicrosoftraven-softwaresingularitytrailervideoXbox-360Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 copies of Singularity to offer free Prototype 'for a limited time']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/xbox-360-copies-of-singularity-to-offer-free-prototype-for-a-li/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/xbox-360-copies-of-singularity-to-offer-free-prototype-for-a-li/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/xbox-360-copies-of-singularity-to-offer-free-prototype-for-a-li/#comments Here's a real concern everyone should be cognizant about: Just how many times can you reduce people to decrepit, withered husks writhing in agony until it starts getting a little ... old? Wouldn't it be nice if, between face-melting blasts of temporal energy, you could resort to dismemberment, impalement and tentacular catastrophe? What if you didn't have to suffer the slightest penalty or inhibition for spending the day shooting and stabbing anonymous meatbags, just as your desires dictated?
We'll likely never find out, but you can do all of that stuff in a video game if you buy Singularity on Xbox 360 and take advantage of a limited-time mail-in offer for a free copy of Infamous Prototype. Raven's time-twisting shooter is out on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on June 29th.

Gallery: Singularity


JoystiqXbox 360 copies of Singularity to offer free Prototype 'for a limited time' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionfpsMicrosoftprototyperadical-entertainmentraven-softwaresingularityXbox-360Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Singularity falls in line for a June 29 point of delivery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/singularity-falls-in-line-for-a-june-29th-point-of-delivery/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/singularity-falls-in-line-for-a-june-29th-point-of-delivery/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/singularity-falls-in-line-for-a-june-29th-point-of-delivery/#comments Last we heard about Singularity, the game got pushed back to an amorphous "June" release date by publisher Activision. Heck, the game's developer, Raven Software, even had to lay off some folks last summer to reflect a lightened workload after the release of Wolverine and Wolfenstein.

But the game popped back up on our radar last night when its latest trailer was shown on GameTrailers TV, complete with a solidified June 29 release date (as Amazon and Gamefly listings previously indicated). If you're into WWII-era alternate realities featuring god-like special abilities, the trailer that we've embedded after the break is right up your alley. If not, well, here are the Wonderpets with a very sewious message.

Update: We've added the trailer above.

JoystiqSingularity falls in line for a June 29 point of delivery originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftq2-2010ravenraven-softwarerelease-datesingularitytrailervideoXbox-360Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST