Joystiq

Sniper Elite 3 'expected in 2014' on PS3, Xbox and next-gen platforms

Xav de Matos — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:30:00 EST

A third entry in the Sniper Elite series is coming to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and next-gen platforms. That's according to a financial press release released in January by the parent company of 505 Games, the Milan-based Digital Bros. We asked 505 Games why everyone missed the fanfare for its new shooter.

"We were hoping the news would remain quiet within the Italian financial community until we could formally announce the game which we plan to do soon," a company representative told Joystiq. Sniper Elite 3 is "expected in 2014" from independent developer Rebellion, which owns the Sniper Elite franchise.

According to the original financial release [PDF], Sniper Elite 3 "will have an impact on the Group's revenues for FY 2013-2013 of 28.6 million Euros (approximately $37M USD)." The release states that Sniper Elite V2 - which launched in 2012 for the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 - "gained worldwide success around 1.1 million copies and 28.6 million revenues sold since the April 2012 launch to the end of December."

Update: 505 Games has confirmed to Joystiq that Sniper Elite 3 is also in development for PC.

[Sniper Elite V2 pictured]

Sniper Elite 3 'expected in 2014' on PS3, Xbox and next-gen platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army breaks out Feb. 28

Sinan Kubba — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST

Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army is filling that world-war-undead void when it comes to Steam on February 28. Rebellion's self-published standalone shooter is designed for single-player or co-op for up to four players. It introduces new close-quarters weapons to Sniper Elite, like shotguns, but also falls back on the series' trademark long-distance mechanics. On the zombified side, would-be soldiers can expect to face enemies which include "roof-jumping snipers" and "Nazi suicide squads."

Nazi Zombie Army is priced at $14.99/£9.99/€10.99, but you can lop 20 percent off that if you pre-purchase it on Steam.

Gallery: Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army

Continue reading Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army breaks out Feb. 28

Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army breaks out Feb. 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sniper Elite V2 takes aim at the Wii U for a spring release

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 02:00:00 EST

Wii U owners can steady their aim because Sniper Elite V2 is definitely coming to the console. Rebellion's World War II-based stealth marksmanship game, which took out PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 last year, is coming to Nintendo's new console this spring. The GamePad screen will be used to tag and track enemies, mark booby-traps, and scrutinize explosives' blast radii.

Developer Rebellion is scheduled to reveal even more news this month, with a teaser pointing to the possibility of an undead horde coming to the Sniper Elite franchise. The trailer promises more details on February 14.

Continue reading Sniper Elite V2 takes aim at the Wii U for a spring release

Sniper Elite V2 takes aim at the Wii U for a spring release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebellion teases new project, looks like Sniper Elite with zombies

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST

Rebellion, developer of Aliens vs. Predator, NeverDead and Sniper Elite V2, is announcing a new project next month. The studio has offered a few details about the project, including the above trailer. The trailer info offers an apt description: "Footsteps quicken in the fog. Although the lone gunman's pace is swift the growing echoes of shuffling never slacken. They come."

"One man is utterly alone amidst the chaos of war," it adds, "but there are worse things to fear than bombs and bullets here." The project will be fully revealed on Valentine's Day (appropriate!), with Rebellion promising that PC players will soon see "just what is in store for those brave enough to venture into the 'Totraum'. Heil Gotterdammerung!" A quick search reveals that totraum is German for "dead space." Gotterdammerung, meanwhile, is the German translation of Ragnarok, the end of the world.

We'd speculate further, but the logo shown at the end of the trailer pretty much seals the deal. It's the Sniper Elite V2 logo, with the "V2" replaced by an inverted pentagram. So, wild guess, it's a Sniper Elite game with zombies.

Rebellion teases new project, looks like Sniper Elite with zombies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fanmade mod combines Sins of a Solar Empire chocolate with Mass Effect peanut butter

Mike Schramm — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST

Sins of a Solar Empire is an award-winning RTS space battle game, and Mass Effect is an epic action RPG universe with enough lore to fill a library. What happens when you smash the two together in the particle accelerator chamber that is a fan-created mod? You get Mass Effect: Dawn of the Reapers, a full conversion for Sins that lets you command ships like the Normandy against various Mass Effect-inspired units, including those of the Geth, Volus, and Cerberus' ships as well.

There's lots more planned for the mod, including even more races and ships designed straight from Bioware's epic series. Unfortunately, the mod itself isn't available to the public just yet, and the release of Mass Effect 3 pushed it back for some more lore and spec tweaks. Still, when it's available it will work with both Sins' Diplomacy expansion and the standalone Rebellion version as well.

Fanmade mod combines Sins of a Solar Empire chocolate with Mass Effect peanut butter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebellion sues Stardock for its use of the word 'Rebellion'

Mike Schramm — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST

It's a strange day for Stardock when we say this is the second-weirdest lawsuit involving the company that we've seen today, but it's true. UK developer Rebellion (makers of the 2010 Aliens vs. Predator game) has decided to sue developer Stardock (publisher of Sins of a Solar Empire) because of the name of the latest Sins of the Solar Empire expansion, Rebellion. The court documents say that Rebellion (the studio) has a trademark on that word, and accuse Rebellion (the game), of causing customers "to mistakenly believe that the developer of the game Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion is in fact plaintiff Rebellion."

The developer of the expansion is actually Ironclad Games. But the lawsuit claims that from the logo and game name to a YouTube description for the game (mentioning "the developers over at 'Rebellion'"), Stardock knowingly profited off of the "Rebellion" trademark.

The litigation asks for Stardock to be enjoined from selling the game any further, to turn over any infringing materials, and for both damages in the case as well as the court and attorney's fees. Presumably, the complaint will next go in front of a Michigan judge, who will then decide on whether or not the issue can move forward.

Rebellion sues Stardock for its use of the word 'Rebellion' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion sells 100K, breaks Stardock records

Mike Schramm — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 04:00:00 EST

Stardock has announced that Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the latest stand-alone expansion of the acclaimed RTS hit, has broken company records and become its fastest-selling release to date. The game has sold over 100,000 units since its launch last month, which is not only a solid number for any indie game but also beats the first 30 days of the original Sins of a Solar Empire.

Though the original Sins was also released at retail, Rebellion was not, and the digital plan ended up working better than any of the company's PC retail releases. Stardock's CEO, Brad Wardell, said he believed that selling the game on Steam would take sales away from other channels, but Steam sales of the expansion "didn't cannibalize its GameStop or direct sales."

Releasing digitally had other benefits as well, like letting Stardock announce the release at the last minute. Wardell says both of Stardock's other games this year, Elemental: Fallen Enchantress and Political Machine 2012, will follow the same launch plan.

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion sells 100K, breaks Stardock records originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mass Effect 3 'Rebellion Pack' DLC live on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 'soon'

David Hinkle — Tue, 29 May 2012 21:30:00 EST

Xbox 360 owners will find the Rebellion DLC pack available for download in Mass Effect 3 right now. The Rebellion pack is free to those who have activated their Online Pass and adds a new objective type, two new maps, and three new playable characters to the multiplayer side of BioWare's latest RPG.

PC and PS3 owners will have to wait for Rebellion. Chris Priestly, BioWare's community guy, says that it'll be available on those platforms "soon." We'll be sure to update as soon as BioWare reveals new details.

Mass Effect 3 'Rebellion Pack' DLC live on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sniper Elite V2 demo coming next month

Xav de Matos — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:45:00 EST

Sniper Elite V2 publisher 505 Games has told Joystiq that a demo for Rebellion's upcoming reboot is scheduled to arrive in April, one month ahead of the game's May release. The demo will be made available on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, though "the final date is not yet scheduled," the publisher told us.

A PC version of Sniper Elite V2 is also in the works, which will be self-published by Rebellion. Reps for the game tell Joystiq a demo for the PC is also planned for "sometime next month."

There's no telling what the demo will include, but Joystiq's recent preview should give you a good idea of what's in store. Sniper Elite V2 -- and its Kill Hitler pre-order bonus -- launches on the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on May 4.

When asked if the bonus would be made available as premium DLC in the future, a rep told Joystiq the developer has yet to determine the content's fate following launch. Our guess is Rebellion will give everyone a shot at the world's most hated man at some point -- it's just a question of cost.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2: Single-Player (03/23/2012)

Sniper Elite V2 demo coming next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Targeting the Axis powers in Sniper Elite V2

Xav de Matos — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST

I walk into a large conference room late, having dealt with a parking lot maze. As I enter, I spot a television well into a demo -- a bullet ejects from a Springfield rifle, time slows following it to an enemy, and cuts through a Nazi soldier like a chainsaw through a stick of butter.

Reps from developer Rebellion and publisher 505 Games are huddled over the monitors, showing off Sniper Elite V2, a reboot of Rebellion's 2005 Sniper Elite for PC, PS2, Wii, and Xbox. The demo, I'm told, had only just started. "We get right into the action," a PR spokesperson tells me. But the action in Sniper Elite V2 isn't about quick progression through its Battle of Berlin setting -- it is methodical.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2: Single-Player (03/23/2012)

Continue reading Targeting the Axis powers in Sniper Elite V2

Targeting the Axis powers in Sniper Elite V2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega's Shogun 2 expansion leads the charge on Origin

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST

Sega's PC games have been available on Steam and other internet portals for some time, and are now on the way to EA's Origin service.

Starting today, folks can pre-order the upcoming Total War Shogun 2 expansion, "Fall of the Samurai," and more content will follow in the coming weeks. Beyond the Japanese publisher, Origin added Team 17, Rebellion, Kalypso, "and more" to Origin today, and their games will start showing up "in the coming months."

Sega's Shogun 2 expansion leads the charge on Origin originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zynga welcoming Konami, Rebellion, and Playdemic to Zynga.com

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:47:00 EST

Zynga is expanding the reach of its newly launched Zynga.com platform, with VP of platform partners Rob Dyer telling attendees of a GDC 2012 talk this afternoon that Konami, Rebellion, and Playdemic will all be contributing titles to Zynga's recently launched web portal. Moreover, Dyer teased Konami's game as a "stealth project" that will "debut soon."

No word was given on the other projects from Rebellion and Playdemic, but we're following up for more info. Like, right now.

Update: This piece originally speculated that the title was Metal Gear related, due to its "stealth" wording; however, Zynga PR tells us what the wording really means is that Konami is working on the project "quietly." With the project coming "soon," it shouldn't take too long to find out exactly what Dyer's carefully worded speech was referring to.

Zynga welcoming Konami, Rebellion, and Playdemic to Zynga.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DmC art and screens show what happens when you're raised by demons

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST

Capcom's latest batch of DmC assets and info provides insight to the past of this mysterious brunet Dante -- he grew up alone, shuffled between various institutions, orphanages, youth-correction facilities and foster homes, most of which were operated by demons who took pleasure in torturing their young ward. Unsurprisingly, Dante hates demons and authority and he uses his hybrid human-demon abilities to fight for the "little guy," as Capcom puts it.

The photos -- which you can peruse below -- display design concepts for Dante and his weapons, Ebony & Ivory and Rebellion, and show them in use against a few demons in a shadowy Las Vegas-esque setting. We don't want to jump on the "Dante looks like a girl" bandwagon (because he totally doesn't... most of the time), but wearing a tank top, from behind, those curves can be deceiving. Just like he wants it.

Gallery: DmC: Devil May Cry (3/1/12)

DmC art and screens show what happens when you're raised by demons originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neverdead review: Devil may try

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

Death and dismemberment are nothing new in the eternal battle between good and evil. As we are taught from a young age, the forces of evil are forever ravaged by those of good. Heads are severed, bodies split in twain, souls imprisoned. As a general rule, however, such terms are rarely applied to the hero.

NeverDead attempts to buck the trend by giving us Bryce, an immortal demon slayer who finds himself constantly burned, electrocuted, stabbed, shot, sliced, digested and torn apart. Even when reduced to nothing but a rolling head, Bryce will always be ready for more. The question is whether you'll be ready too.

Gallery: NeverDead (E3 2011)

Continue reading Neverdead review: Devil may try

Neverdead review: Devil may try originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sniper Elite V2 trailer, dev diary and gallery explode in your face

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST

Rebellion's Sniper Elite V2 throws players behind enemy lines as an Allied soldier in World War II, strategically taking down Axis troops during the Battle of Berlin with x-ray-enabled headshots, as shown in the above video. In the video after the break, Senior Producer Steve Hart calls Sniper Elite V2 more of a "thinking-man's shooter than some of the run-and-gun titles" out now -- he must be really into this war thing, because those sound like fightin' words to us.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2 (1/20/12)

Continue reading Sniper Elite V2 trailer, dev diary and gallery explode in your face

Sniper Elite V2 trailer, dev diary and gallery explode in your face originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neverdead lives on retail shelves on January 31, 2012

David Hinkle — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST

Originally pegged for a February launch, Konami has pushed up the launch of Neverdead to January 31, 2012. The game, developed by Rebellion, was conceived by Shinta Nojiri, a game designer and director at Konami who has worked on several Metal Gear titles.

Konami also revealed that DLC is planned for the game, though no specifics were given.

Continue reading Neverdead lives on retail shelves on January 31, 2012

Neverdead lives on retail shelves on January 31, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebellion (Rogue Warrior, AvP) seeking to emphasize quality, rebuild reputation

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:45:00 EST

Rebellion, the studio behind Rogue Warrior and Aliens vs Predator, is looking to change its reputation for less-than-average quality. Speaking to Edge (via MCV), CEO Jason Kingsley says the company is trying to turn things around.

"It's now a deliberate policy to move away from making games that might have been good for business, but not necessarily good for our reputation," Kingsley stated. "You're only as good as the deal you're offered. If someone says 'Can you make me a game in nine months?' then the answer is, 'Probably. But it won't be as good as a game where we've had creative input and the time to mature the idea.'"

Rebellion is currently working on NeverDead and Sniper Elite V2. The road to redemption is a tricky one after high-profile incidents. Just ask Obsidian.

Rebellion (Rogue Warrior, AvP) seeking to emphasize quality, rebuild reputation originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NeverDead art shows off body parts

Randy Nelson — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:15:00 EST

Rebellion's supernatural action title, NeverDead, has a unique hook: Its main character can fight even when his limbs have been severed. Part Devil May Cry, Bayonetta and even Dead to Rights, it also seems to share Splatterhouse's sphincter fixation. It's all pieced together in these new screens.

Continue reading NeverDead art shows off body parts

NeverDead art shows off body parts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebellion giving Sniper Elite sequel a shot next year

Randy Nelson — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST

UK-based developer Rebellion is on target to release a sequel to its 2005 sharpshooting sim Sniper Elite, teaming with 505 Games to publish the title. Like the original, Sniper Elite V2 will put players in the combat boots of a skilled marksman during World War II, as seen in the concept art above. If you've seen Enemy at the Gates, you have a good idea of what's in store ... only with (much) less Jude Law, we suspect.

Waiting patiently is something snipers know a lot about, and it's something you'll have to do for this game -- it's pegged for release in 2012.

Continue reading Rebellion giving Sniper Elite sequel a shot next year

Rebellion giving Sniper Elite sequel a shot next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aliens vs. Predator is $5 on Steam until Thursday

David Hinkle — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:15:00 EST

This week's Steam sale is Aliens vs. Predator, Rebellion's "critical success," on sale for $5 (75 percent off) until Thursday at 7pm ET. It may not have been the most well-received game by critics, but for $5, you can make up your own mind. Figuring things out for ourselves is truly the only freedom anyone has, after all.

Additionally, both DLC offerings for the game -- the Bughunt and Swarm packs -- are also discounted by 75 percent, down to $1.87 apiece.

Aliens vs. Predator is $5 on Steam until Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebellion opens social games division after Evil Genius success

JC Fletcher — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST

Aliens vs. Predator developer Rebellion is giving itself something new to rant about, opening a division for the creation of social games. After launching a Facebook game based on the Evil Genius IP it acquired from Vivendi, it is putting more resources into the development of games for social networks. No specific projects from this division have been announced.

In a statement on the company's website, CEO Jason Kingsley said that " The release of Evil Genius has given us an appetite to look at other opportunities in the area," noting that gamers can no longer be defined just as console owners. CTO Chris Kingsley called Evil Genius "a fun and rewarding project."

In addition to this new undertaking, Rebellion also recently announced that its Asura Engine supports both the 3DS and the NGP.

Rebellion opens social games division after Evil Genius success originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AvP game engine Asura 'fully functional' on NGP

James Ransom-Wiley — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST

Go ahead and add Aliens vs. Predator to the list of console games that are possible on Sony's next-generation portable. Rebellion has a "fully functional" version of its Asura game engine ready -- and ready to be licensed -- for NGP game development, reports CVG.

According to MobyGames, Rebellion has used the engine since 2003's Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death, with the most recent incarnation powering last year's multiplatform FPS AvP. The studio says it has an Asura-based, multiplayer third-person shooter demo running on NGP. "We'll be attending DICE [this week] and GDC to show what we have created and look for business partners," pitched CEO Jason Kingsley.

"The technology, design and art teams have worked incredibly well with Sony's newest device," boasted Kingsley. "We have managed to make our engine fully functional and looking great on the hardware in double quick time." Okay -- but does the frame rate hold up in triple time?

AvP game engine Asura 'fully functional' on NGP originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Never before seen NeverDead screens

Randy Nelson — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST

We haven't seen hide nor hair nor severed chunk of Rebellion's wild-looking NeverDead for months. Now, on the eve (of the eve of) Halloween, we get a look at the game's lead, Bryce, using his arm as a club.

We've gotta hand it to the guy: He's really risking life and limb! (Well, limb at least -- he's immortal.)

Gallery: NeverDead (10/29/10)

Never before seen NeverDead screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GOG offering Rebellion titles for up to 50% off this weekend only

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST

You probably don't need to buy 11 games this weekend, but for the low-low asking price of (approximately) $41, GOG.com is offering a smattering of Rebellion's titles. The entire Empire Earth series, Judge Dredd's battle against an entire planet, and Evil Genius (among others) are on sale for 30 percent off individually or 50 percent off in a big ol' bundle. Forget about Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and next week's Vanquish -- you've got strategy games to play. For, like, ever.

The sale ends Monday at 11:59PM EDT, so get on it before these good old games go back to more appropriate prices.

GOG offering Rebellion titles for up to 50% off this weekend only originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NeverDead coming to Xbox 360 and PS3; new screens available now

David Hinkle — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST

Konami has finally confirmed which platforms Rebellion's never-say-die action game, NeverDead, will launch on: Xbox 360 and PS3, unsurprisingly enough. Tucked within the announcement were some new screens, direct from Gamescom 2010. Feel free to head into the gallery below to check out the new shots. Unlike our previous gallery, we're pretty sure these screens won't give you nightmares for the rest of your life.

Gallery: NeverDead (Gamescom 2010)

NeverDead coming to Xbox 360 and PS3; new screens available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aliens vs. Predator gets Bughunt Map Pack DLC July 7

David Hinkle — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The problem with the struggle between the Aliens and Predators is that both are pretty equally matched: Predators have a lot of technology and stand about 200 feet tall (give or take a couple hundred feet), while Aliens have greater numbers and acidic blood that could eat through a truckload of fruitcake in milliseconds. Humans have -- uh, actually, we just have soft, fertile bodies and aesthetically-pleasing skull shapes. Talk about your bum deals, right?

But for those who like to roleplay as one of the aforementioned extraterrestrial species, know that Sega is deploying some DLC for Aliens vs. Predator in the form of the Bughunt Map Pack. Available on July 7, the DLC adds 4 brand new maps: two for Deathmatch, Predator Hunt, Infestation, Species Deathmatch, Mixed Species Deathmatch and Domination, and two for the game's Survival mode -- each featuring new environmental hazards and weather effects. The new maps are called "Crash Site," "Furious," "Tempest" and "Monument"

Look for the Bughunt Map Pack on July 7 on PSN, Xbox Live and Steam for $6.99 (560 Microsoft points). If you're looking for something a bit more on the free side, then check out the stills in our gallery below and click past the break for a teaser trailer.

Gallery: Aliens vs. Predator (Bughunt Map Pack)

Continue reading Aliens vs. Predator gets Bughunt Map Pack DLC July 7

Aliens vs. Predator gets Bughunt Map Pack DLC July 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You'll lose your head over this NeverDead media

Randy Nelson — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:30:00 EST

Revealed during today's Konami press conference, NeverDead looks like something that might have originated from the makers of Devil May Cry and Bayonetta -- but it's actually the work of UK-based Rebellion, the studio most recently responsible for Aliens vs. Predator. Its star is an immortal, gun-toting, wise-cracking gunslinger with the unusual ability to literally pull himself together if dismembered.

The crazy concept -- and, in fact, the entire game design -- comes from the mind of Shinta Nojiri, a veteran Konami designer and the director of the Metal Gear Ac!d titles. We'd say he's lost his head, but Nojiri would probably find it, pop it back on and glare at us disapprovingly. Instead, we'll just point you toward the trailer after the break.

Gallery: NeverDead

Continue reading You'll lose your head over this NeverDead media

You'll lose your head over this NeverDead media originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NeverDead, a new Rebellion game for Konami

David Hinkle — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Hey, do you like Devil May Cry? Because during the Konami press conference, the publisher announced a new action game in the same vein of Capcom's series. It's called NeverDead, currently under development at Rebellion Studios. Even more interesting is that Konami's Shinta Nojiri, whose last game was Metal Gear Acid 2 for the PSP, is designing it.

The game utilizes an interesting mechanic: immortality. The characters cannot die. The example shown during the press conference had a hero getting dismembered and physically pulling himself back together, into one piece. Gruesome!

There was no mention of specific platforms.

NeverDead, a new Rebellion game for Konami originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebellion accused of not paying dismissed employees

David Hinkle — Mon, 10 May 2010 23:30:00 EST

Something's apparently rotten at Rebellion. Not only was the dev forced to shutter its Derby office doors back in March, but those ex-employees seemingly aren't getting their deserved cash. Develop reports that numerous sources have come forward, claiming they've never received their promised salaries or redundancy pay.

Sources tell Develop that a few of the employees had been working there "for nearly 20 years" and are due large compensation packages. An even worse reality, one source posits, could result in Rebellion filing for bankruptcy -- which would mean that anybody due compensation could very well never receive payment. Grim stuff, for sure.

Rebellion's Derby office effectively closed its doors back in March. Founding brothers Jason and Chris Kingsley could not be reached for comment as they're currently traveling.

Rebellion accused of not paying dismissed employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega expects profits in fiscal Q4 2010 forecast

David Hinkle — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST

Sega recently posted quite the surprise for its investors: a revised earnings forecast. In an interesting turn of events, Sega has foregone the doom and gloom of having to admit it will likely earn less money during its Q4 2010 forecast -- the period between December 2009 and March 2010 -- for something a bit more on the cheery side: profits!

First, Sega estimates net sales of ¥380 billion ($4.08 billion), a 9.5 percent decline from its previous estimate of ¥420 billion ($4.51 billion) -- wait, we thought we had good news in here? Aha! Here it is: net income.

Sega previously forecast net income of ¥15 billion ($161 million), but has now adjusted that to ¥18 billion ($193 million). This spontaneous spike in cash money is attributed to "improved profit margins in the pachislot and pachinko machine business and amusement machine business." We imagine sales of Bayonetta and Aliens vs Predator also helped.

And in case you're wondering what the difference between net sales and net income is: Net sales accounts for the total profits a company makes based on the products it sells, while net income takes into account net sales and other operating costs, such as licensing fees and taxes.

[Via GameSpot]

Sega expects profits in fiscal Q4 2010 forecast originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebellion confirms layoffs, Derby closure

David Hinkle — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:20:00 EST

Although Aliens vs Predator has been deemed successful, Rebellion has been forced to swing the axe. A report from Develop claims that Rebellion's Derby office has closed its doors and that several positions at the home office in Oxford, UK have also been eliminated -- something we heard murmurs of back on March 10.

There are no exact figures on how many Oxford employees were handed pink slips, though a Rebellion spokesperson told Develop "a few staff in junior positions had been let go." Our hearts go out to the recently unemployed and, as always, if there's anything you'd like to add to the story, feel free to let us know.

Rebellion confirms layoffs, Derby closure originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Rebellion cuts 20 staff, Derby studio shuts down

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST

Rebellion has allegedly let go approximately 20 staff from its main studio in Oxford, UK, while its Derby location has been shut down, reports Develop. Rebellion, which most-recently released Aliens vs Predator, has yet to confirm the details

As is typical with these types of stories, it's hard to tell if the layoffs were part of the natural game development cycle after a major release, or if there's an actual "issue" going on. As for the Derby studio, which once upon a time was Core Design (Tomb Raider), it has been on the chopping block for months. If you are a member or representative of the studio, please don't hesitate to contact us (whether on or off the record) with clarification.

[Via Edge]

Report: Rebellion cuts 20 staff, Derby studio shuts down originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebellion's Derby studio on the verge of shutting down

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:20:00 EST

Echoing grim sentiments made earlier this year, Rebellion Studios' CEO Jason Kingsley recently told Develop that the Derby branch of Rebellion that birthed Lara Croft (previously at Core Design) may not be around for too much longer. "It's quite likely that [the Derby studio] won't be kept intact in the way it did, but that individual consultancy period is not over yet," he said. He's concerned, however, with that fact that "no one has stepped up" to purchase the ailing third branch of Rebellion Studios. "We would obviously like someone to, but no one has done so as yet."

When we reached out to our contacts at the studio, we were unfortunately met with no response as of publishing. Kingsley revealed that Rebellion otherwise is in the "mid-stages" of "two big projects," and reiterates that "nothing's been decided yet" for the Derby offices. As always, if you are a member or representative of the studio in question, don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to clarify.

Rebellion's Derby studio on the verge of shutting down originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebellion boss: AvP is a critical success, sequel in discussion

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:04:00 EST

Speaking to Develop, Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley made it clear that his company is delighted with the success of Aliens vs Predator. The game recently landed in the number one sales position in the UK -- reason enough to be pleased, no doubt -- but Kingsley is also pleased with AvP's critical reception. "We wanted Aliens Versus Predator to be a critical success as well as a commercial success," said Kingsley, "which we think we have achieved."

Kingsley's words might seem a little puzzling to anyone that's glanced at AvP's Metacritic average. Even the PC version, which has the highest average score, only manages a "mixed or average reviews" rating of 73. However, Kingsley noted that the game has received "three totally shit reviews by some Americans, which is a bit odd," adding that some of the reviews were "inexcusably bad." Said Kingsley, "If you discount those poor reviews AvP is averaging high for us."

Whatever the overall scores, it seems Rebellion is bullish to keep pushing the franchise, with Kingsley noting that the company is already in discussions with Sega about a possible sequel. "We would love to work with Sega again," said Kingsley, "there were a lot of things we couldn't fit into the original." We're guessing these were things Rebellion couldn't fit into its 1994, 1999, or 2007 iterations either.

Rebellion boss: AvP is a critical success, sequel in discussion originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patched Aliens vs. Predator demo hits the PlayStation Store

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:15:00 EST

It was bound to happen one day: A pre-release demo has been patched. PS3 owners experienced some matchmaking issues with the initial release of the Aliens vs. Predator trial. Now developer Rebellion has not only fixed the bugs, but has added a few new features to the multiplayer demo, including the ability to create and search for specific matches.

Players that have the old demo installed on their hard drives will find it no longer works. An "Incompatible Version" error will appear for those attempting to play it. Instead, players are advised to go back into the PlayStation Store to re-download an updated demo. Yes, it's another 800MB-ish download, but if you want an early taste of Aliens vs. Predator, this will have to suffice.

Patched Aliens vs. Predator demo hits the PlayStation Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aliens vs Predator DLC 'soon after release'

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST

Speaking to VG247, Rebellion's Tim Jones has revealed that day-one special edition DLC for Aliens vs Predator will eventually be available for everyone else. The DLC will be made available on release day for those that purchase the special edition (which is pretty hard to miss) and, as is becoming tradition, vanilla edition purchasers will have to wait. As for the DLC itself, Jones says that it will include four separate multiplayer maps (two for the survival mode, two for other modes). Concerning future DLC, Jones simply says, "Watch this space."

Alas, it looks like our dreams of a day-one Alf skin for the Xenomorphs have been dashed. Here's hoping someone at Rebellion jumps on this potential DLC goldmine.

Aliens vs Predator DLC 'soon after release' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest Aliens vs. Predator trailer has disco fever

David Hinkle — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST

There are plenty of things worth highlighting in this Aliens vs. Predator trailer. The foreboding "blip ... blip ... blip" of the motion tracker and the lone marine with only a pistol to protect himself from the onslaught of scurrying Xenomorphs are just a few, but what irks us most is the digital lady dancing on the pole of the disco. Is that, like, really the future of t3h pr0nz? We were hoping for some kind of Star Trek Holodeck-type action.

Latest Aliens vs. Predator trailer has disco fever originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aliens vs. Predator demo confirmed for Thursday

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:20:00 EST

As hinted at by an Xbox Live Spotlight ad which briefly appeared yesterday, a demo for Aliens vs. Predator will be released on Xbox Live, PSN and Steam tomorrow. A Sega Europe blog post which announced the demo's imminence revealed that the trial gives players access to all three of the game's species, who can battle it out Deathmatch-style on one of AvP's multiplayer maps. You can bet we'll hop on this one as soon as it's available -- who knows, maybe the fanged proboscis which will soon bore into your skull will belong to one of us!

Aliens vs. Predator demo confirmed for Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: AvP demo arriving this Thursday

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:15:00 EST

According to tipster Mike, an ad for an Aliens vs Predator demo recently popped up in the Spotlight section of the Xbox 360 dashboard. The ad reportedly announced that the demo will be released February 4, this Thursday. Unfortunately, the ad has since been pulled, though AvPGalaxy reports finding the ad as well.

The site also notes that the demo will arrive on the same day for PSN and Steam as well, adding that an official announcement from Sega is forthcoming. Given that the game will be hitting retail shelves in just two weeks, the timing for the demo would certainly make sense.

We'll be sure to update this post if and when Sega makes things official. Update: it's official!

[Via Destructoid]

Rumor: AvP demo arriving this Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aliens vs. Predator multiplayer modes explained, caught on tape

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:28:00 EST

You probably already guessed that a game that pits three different death-dealing species against one another wouldn't feature your garden variety multiplayer modes. A recent Sega Europe Blog post has confirmed your suspicions -- Aliens vs. Predator will feature seven unique competitive game types, ranging from various "deathmatch" modes, to the propagatory "Infestation" mode, to the "Survivor" mode, which is featured in the trailer posted above.

There's also "Domination," which Modern Warfare veterans should be familiar with, and "Predator Hunt," which Dateline correspondent Chris Hansen should be extremely familiar with. Check out Sega Europe's blog to learn more about the online carnage that will unfold when the game hits store shelves February 16.

Aliens vs. Predator multiplayer modes explained, caught on tape originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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