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[May NPD: 3DS steals top console spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/may-npd-3ds-steals-top-console-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/may-npd-3ds-steals-top-console-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/may-npd-3ds-steals-top-console-spot/#comments
May NPD 3DS steals top console spot in a slow month
The Nintendo 3DS finally edged out the Xbox 360 in May 2013 as the best selling console across hardware and portables, according to the NPD's monthly report on the retail sector.

In what the NPD claims was a slow month overall, the 3DS landed three different games on the top 10 (including Donkey Kong Country Returns at number three, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon at number five, and Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes at number 10), and saw a sixty percent growth in software sales overall since last May. 3DS hardware sales were only even year-over-year, but that was enough to finally supplant the Xbox 360 as the top-selling platform.

The other consoles didn't fare quite so well, with Injustice: Gods Among Us keeping the top spot for video game sales. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 jumped back up into the number two spot, and Battlefield 3 reappeared at number nine. Metro: Last Light had a relatively successful showing in the number six spot, while Trion's Defiance MMO fell right off the list, after starting off at number five in April.

Accessories saw a six-percent drop to $115.3 million, according to the NPD, with most of that money coming from Skylanders.

Continue reading May NPD: 3DS steals top console spot

JoystiqMay NPD: 3DS steals top console spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdonkey-kong-country-returnsdonkey-kong-country-returns-3dhardwareinjustice-gods-among-usmarketingmaymay-2013newsnintendo-3dsnpdreportsalessoftwarexbox-360Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Patrice Desilets suing Ubisoft for $400,000, option to buy 1666 rights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/08/report-patrice-desilets-sueing-ubisoft-for-400-000-option-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/08/report-patrice-desilets-sueing-ubisoft-for-400-000-option-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/08/report-patrice-desilets-sueing-ubisoft-for-400-000-option-to/#comments Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed 2 creative director Patrice Desilets, formerly of Ubisoft, THQ and then Ubisoft again, has filed suit against Ubisoft seeking back pay, damages and the opportunity to buy the rights to 1666, according to a report by Canadian outlet La Presse.

Desilets is looking for a grand total of $400,000 from Ubisoft, which breaks down into $250,000 worth of salary, $100,000 worth of damages, $35,000 in expense reimbursement and $25,000 in severance. Desilets is also attempting to make use of a clause in his contract with THQ (which Ubisoft subsumed upon their purchase of its assets) that allows him the option of acquiring the rights to 1666, as well as the materials and assets created during development.

Desilets' termination from Ubisoft last May was reportedly the result of Ubisoft enacting a non-compliance clause in his contract, which mandated that Desilets deliver an "acceptable prototype" before July 30, 2012. Desilets maintains that, not only was the prototype delivered on time, but that continued development on the project leading up to his departure is evidence enough of its acceptableness, according to La Presse.

JoystiqReport: Patrice Desilets suing Ubisoft for $400,000, option to buy 1666 rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Jun 2013 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1666canadalawlawsuitlegalPatrice-DesiletsreportsuitTHQUbisoftSat, 08 Jun 2013 14:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Injustice: Gods Among Us Wii U doesn't support iOS app]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/injustice-gods-among-us-wii-u-doesnt-support-ios-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/injustice-gods-among-us-wii-u-doesnt-support-ios-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/injustice-gods-among-us-wii-u-doesnt-support-ios-app/#comments The Wii U version of Injustice: Gods Among Us doesn't support the iOS companion app. After receiving a copy from Warner Bros., Siliconera couldn't sync up the Wii U game with the iOS app and confirmed with Warner Bros. that the functionality is not present.

The Injustice iOS app launched in April and is available as a free download, a hybrid fighter and collectible card game that allows players to unlock content in the console version of Injustice: Gods Among Us and vice versa. The Wii U version of Injustice: Gods Among Us displays a move list on the WiiPad while you play and also allows players to move the action from the TV to the WiiPad through off-TV play.

JoystiqInjustice: Gods Among Us Wii U doesn't support iOS app originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>injustice-gods-among-usNetherrealm-Studiosnintendoreportwarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwbiewii-uWed, 17 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Final Fantasy X HD includes FFX-2 HD, PS Vita versions separate downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/rumor-final-fantasy-x-hd-includes-ffx-2-hd-ps-vita-versions-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/rumor-final-fantasy-x-hd-includes-ffx-2-hd-ps-vita-versions-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/rumor-final-fantasy-x-hd-includes-ffx-2-hd-ps-vita-versions-se/#comments Report Final Fantasy X HD includes FFX2 HD on PS3, separate purchases on PS VitaRumors from Japan suggest the upcoming remaster of Final Fantasy X - remember, it's not a remake - will come bundled with another game on PS3: a remastered version of its direct sequel, Final Fantasy X-2. Though each will supposedly be sold on a single PS3 disc, the latest issue of Japanese mag Shonen Jump says they'll be separately available on Vita.

The remaster of Final Fantasy X was first announced back in late 2011, only for Square Enix to go silent for almost the next two years. The HD version resurfaced last month, when Square Enix producer Shinji Hashimoto gave us a brief glimpse at the game running on PS Vita. Square Enix has said an announcement with further details regarding the Final Fantasy X remaster is coming "soon."

[Thanks, Draco.]

JoystiqRumor: Final Fantasy X HD includes FFX-2 HD, PS Vita versions separate downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xfinal-fantasy-x-2playstationplaystation-vitaps3remasterreportrpgsquare-enixvitaTue, 19 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Jerry Bruckheimer Games closed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/report-jerry-bruckheimer-games-closed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/report-jerry-bruckheimer-games-closed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/report-jerry-bruckheimer-games-closed/#comments American film and television producer Jerry Bruckheimer's eponymous software development studio Jerry Bruckheimer Games has been shut down, according to Gamespot. After having released a grand total of zero games since its inception in 2007, Jerry Bruckheimer Games is "no longer a functioning entity," a Bruckheimer Films representative is quoted as saying.

Prior to this, the last we'd heard of Jerry's incubation chamber was way back in 2011, when rumors spread that the studio was working on three different titles. No games or projects, however, were ever officially announced.

JoystiqReport: Jerry Bruckheimer Games closed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closureJerry-Bruckheimerjerry-bruckheimer-gamesreportFri, 01 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 58% of US adults blame violent games for violent behavior]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/report-58-of-us-adults-blame-violent-games-for-violent-behavio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/report-58-of-us-adults-blame-violent-games-for-violent-behavio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/report-58-of-us-adults-blame-violent-games-for-violent-behavio/#comments Report 58% of American adults believe violent video games contribute to violent behaviorStudies have shown that violent behavior is both linked and not linked to violent video games, but the majority of Americans have decided for themselves: A new poll says that 58 percent of adult Americans do believe that playing violent video games can contribute to violent behavior in teenagers. The independent survey studied 2,278 US adults, and found that nearly three out of five of them believed the link was there.

However, those same adults aren't too bothered with keeping violent video games out of the hands of children. 38 percent of survey takers said they know nothing about the Entertainment Software Ratings Board's system for rating game content, and 33 percent of those surveyed say their kids can play whatever they want anyway. Only 32 percent of respondents say the ESRB can keep violent games out of the hands of children, which is less credit than those surveyed give the movies or music ratings systems.

In reality, the FTC actually says the gaming ratings system is the best at keeping illicit content out of the hands of minors, though the media doesn't always report it that way. The full results of the report, from Harris Poll, are set to be released on Wednesday this week.

JoystiqReport: 58% of US adults blame violent games for violent behavior originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3reportsciencestudysurveyvideo-gamesviolencexboxMon, 25 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive was Disney's least profitable branch in Q1 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/disney-interactive-was-disneys-least-profitable-branch-in-q1-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/disney-interactive-was-disneys-least-profitable-branch-in-q1-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/disney-interactive-was-disneys-least-profitable-branch-in-q1-20/#comments Despite revenues of $291 million during the three month period ending December 29, 2012, Disney Interactive's remaining $9 million in operating revenue (read: pre-tax profit) made it the entertainment giant's least profitable division during the first quarter of the fiscal 2013.

Still, this was a marked increase over Disney Interactive's Q1 2012 performance, where it posted a loss of $28 million. Being back in black is even more impressive when you consider Interactive's reported an operating loss of $42 million just last August, making it Disney's only unprofitable sector at the time.

Disney attributes this year's growth to improved performance in its social gaming businesses in the Japanese market, where a new licensing agreement has increased the amount of Disney-branded hardware and software.

Of course, Disney's financial report made no mention of Junction Point or its sordid fate, but that's to be expected since the studio's closure technically happened during the second quarter of fiscal 2013. We may gain some new insight into that situation during the next round of quarterlies, but for now, all we've got to go on is Mickey's increasing popularity in the Land of the Rising Sun.

JoystiqDisney Interactive was Disney's least profitable branch in Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-Interactiveearnings-reportfinancialsfiscal-2013junction-pointQ1-2013quarterlyreportWed, 06 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ's WWE license going to Take-Two]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/report-thqs-wwe-license-going-to-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/report-thqs-wwe-license-going-to-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/report-thqs-wwe-license-going-to-take-two/#comments While most of THQ's coffers have already been cleaned out, there's been no official word on any party making a move on the WWE license. An IGN source suggests Take-Two will take over the WWE line of games.

The negotiations for the WWE license apparently took place outside of the formal THQ auction, IGN notes. According to documents obtained by Joystiq, Take-Two has already spent $10.9 million snagging Turtle Rock's Evolve from THQ.

JoystiqReport: THQ's WWE license going to Take-Two originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2kmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3reporttake-twotake-two-interactivethqthq-bankruptcywiiworld-wrestling-entertainmentwwewwe-13xboxWed, 23 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Around 40 employees laid off at Gas Powered Games [Update: Chris Taylor explains timing]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/report-gas-powered-games-enacting-layoffs-of-unknown-severity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/report-gas-powered-games-enacting-layoffs-of-unknown-severity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/report-gas-powered-games-enacting-layoffs-of-unknown-severity/#comments Gas Powered Games, the development studio responsible for the Dungeon Siege series and one that has recently launched an ambitious Kickstarter campaign, is undergoing a round of layoffs, Kotaku reports.

While anonymous sources claim that virtually the entire company has been let go, save for CEO Chris Taylor and a small handful of others, the only official word is that layoffs are indeed underway, and that more information will be posted to the Wildman Kickstarter soon. We've reached out to Gas Powered Games to learn more about the severity of the situation, as well as what these layoffs may mean for the studio's future projects.

Update: Gas Powered Games boss Chris Taylor tells Joystiq about 40 employees have been affected by layoffs. Taylor says it was a "Very tough decision, but an important one such that I could properly pay severance and remaining [paid-time off]."

Taylor wouldn't go into specifics about his studio's future, but he further clarified that those affected understood the timing of the decision, despite how sudden it may have appeared in the press.

"I think everyone agrees better to have a few bucks to find the next job that run this train to the end and have nothing left to work with. It's one thing for me to bet the company, but I can't bet their last severance money, that's not cool," he said. In a recent interview with Gamasutra, Taylor said he was betting his company on the success of the studios' first Kickstarter project, Wildman.

JoystiqAround 40 employees laid off at Gas Powered Games [Update: Chris Taylor explains timing] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firingsgas-powered-gameslayoffspcreportwildmanFri, 18 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD counts 39M game consoles in US homes going into 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/npd-counts-39m-game-consoles-in-us-homes-going-into-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/npd-counts-39m-game-consoles-in-us-homes-going-into-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/npd-counts-39m-game-consoles-in-us-homes-going-into-2013/#comments The NPD counts 39 million game consoles in US homes going into 2013The NPD's latest report says there are 400 million Internet-connected devices in American homes these days, 39 million of which are video game consoles.

The majority of connected devices (about 184 million) are still plain ol' desktop and laptop computers, and smartphones are in second place with about 133 million devices. Video game consoles come in third, right above tablets (31.8 million) and connected HDTVs (16 million), which means there's a significant number of game-oriented devices out there plugged into the Internet.

The NPD says it expects these devices to start connecting to each other more in 2013, with smartphones and tablets doing more sharing to larger television screens. Video game consoles serve plenty of functions outside of pure gaming already, including video streaming, networking, and Internet browsing. NPD's report says that if smartphones and tablets can provide those services in a combination that appeals to customers, those categories will continue to grow this year, possibly even leaving dedicated game consoles behind.

JoystiqNPD counts 39M game consoles in US homes going into 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013computersconnectedinternetmicrosoftnpdplaystationps3reportsmartphonessurveytablettabletsvideo-game-consolesxboxThu, 03 Jan 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Valve acquires Star Filled Studios talent [Update: Valve responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/report-valve-acquires-star-filled-studios-opening-office-in-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/report-valve-acquires-star-filled-studios-opening-office-in-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/report-valve-acquires-star-filled-studios-opening-office-in-sa/#comments Report Valve acquires Star Filled Studios, opening office in San FranciscoUpdate: We got a response from Valve's Doug Lombardi, who did confirm that Valve hired both Tod Semple and Jeff Gates; however, he did wish to clarify this doesn't necessarily mean Valve is opening up an office in San Francisco, despite what Semple's LinkedIn profile says. "As a point of clarification, this is probably better categorized as Valve hiring two new employees instead of an acquisition of a company or opening of a Valve SF office."

Original story: Star Filled Studios is a two-man outfit, founded by ex-Popcap and Blizzard guys Tod Semple and Jeff Gates, who both worked on Plants vs. Zombies and Diablo 3. "We are opening a new Valve office on the San Francisco peninsula," Semple's LinkedIn profile reads, revealing Valve's acquisition took place in November.

Semple doesn't say anything in regards to what Valve plans to do with this satellite offices in San Francisco, though current speculation is that this move mirrors Valve's acquisition of Turtle Rock Studios in 2008, buying the developer and then finishing Left 4 Dead development on its own. Star Filled has not announced any projects of its own, so it is uncertain what the studio was working on previous to acquisition.

Semple's blog talks about going up to Seattle to visit Valve in September, so we can only imagine this is another Turtle Rock scenario. Again, that's only speculation at this point - we've inquired with Valve for more information and will update accordingly.

[Thanks, FHorrigan; image credit]

JoystiqReport: Valve acquires Star Filled Studios talent [Update: Valve responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionjeff-gatesreportstar-filled-studiostod-semplevalvevalve-softwareFri, 14 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Dragon Quest 7 remake on 3DS coming to Japan in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/report-dragon-quest-7-remake-on-3ds-coming-to-japan-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/report-dragon-quest-7-remake-on-3ds-coming-to-japan-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/report-dragon-quest-7-remake-on-3ds-coming-to-japan-in-february/#comments Report Dragon Quest 7 coming to 3DS in Japan in FebruarySquare Enix is porting PSOne RPG Dragon Quest 7 (known as Dragon Warrior 7 here in the states) to the 3DS, it would seem. According to a scan from Japanese mag Jump, the planned port is slated to launch on 3DS sometime in February of next year, Tiny Cartridge reports.

Right now that's all we've got to go on. The article mentions no new additions or features in the 3DS remake of Dragon Quest 7. We've followed up with Square Enix for comment and will update accordingly.

JoystiqReport: Dragon Quest 7 remake on 3DS coming to Japan in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdragon-quest-7dragon-quest-viidragon-warrior-7dragon-warrior-viinintendoreportshonen-jumpsquare-enixTue, 30 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 Omega DLC out Nov 27, priced 1200 MSP/$15 [update: confirmed]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/report-mass-effect-3-omega-dlc-out-nov-27-priced-1200-msp-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/report-mass-effect-3-omega-dlc-out-nov-27-priced-1200-msp-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/report-mass-effect-3-omega-dlc-out-nov-27-priced-1200-msp-15/#comments Report Mass Effect 3 Omega DLC out November 27, priced 1200 MSP$15Mass Effect 3 DLC Omega is landing on November 27 and is priced at 1200 MSP or $15, if a video interview by Examiner's Beverly Lim Lee is accurate. The interviewee is apparently Mass Effect 3 Producer Mike Gamble, although he's introduced as "Mike, the producer of Mass 3 Effect Omega." According to the interview, the DLC is double the size of any previous Mass Effect 3 DLC, and lets players take on Aria, who is vying for control of the Omega space station.

The video was uploaded to Ms Lee's YouTube account, and was apparently taken at the New York Comic Con, a convention at which EA BioWare is certainly in attendance and showing off Omega concept art.

We've reached out EA BioWare for confirmation of these details and further information.

Update: A post on the BioWare blog confirms the details. The Omega DLC is coming to PC, PSN, and XBLM on November 27 for $14.99 or 1200 MSP. PS3 owners in Europe will have to wait until November 28 for the DLC to hit the continent. The blog post reads:
"Disturbing reports from the Citadel suggest that something big is about to go down. If our Intel is accurate, Aria is on the move. This was anticipated, as we did not expect her to sit idly by while Cerberus ran roughshod over Omega. With her biotic capabilities and well-documented mean streak, what happens next won't be pretty. Our informants believe that Aria intends to seek out Commander Shepard for assistance. We are aware of the Commander's ties to Aria, but are unclear about how deep they run. What we do know is that Aria will be relentless in her fight to take back Omega, and with the Commander at her side, she may very well be unstoppable."
The video linked above has now been made private.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 Omega DLC out Nov 27, priced 1200 MSP/$15 [update: confirmed] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAmass-effect-3mass-effect-3-omegamicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNreportXBLAXBLMxboxFri, 12 Oct 2012 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Xbox Music launches this month with free ad-supported streaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/report-xbox-music-launches-this-month-with-free-ad-supported-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/report-xbox-music-launches-this-month-with-free-ad-supported-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/report-xbox-music-launches-this-month-with-free-ad-supported-st/#comments Microsoft's Xbox Music service will reportedly launch alongside Windows 8 on October 26, according to anonymous sources speaking with Polygon.

The service will supposedly provide both subscription-based and free ad-supported streaming music plans for Xbox 360, Windows 8 and Windows Phone users. Microsoft SkyDrive integration is also said to factor heavily into the service's functionality, allowing for synced playlists and music libraries across all supported devices.

These claims match an earlier report from last June, in which Bloomberg claimed that Xbox Music would launch with Spotify-like streaming options and cloud storage capabilities. Microsoft did state shortly thereafter that reports of it "launching a new music service on Xbox this fall are inaccurate," only to discontinue certain Zune services the following month.

Personally, all we care about is whether we'll be able to use this new service to watch Girls' Generation videos, regardless of when it actually comes out.

JoystiqReport: Xbox Music launches this month with free ad-supported streaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freemicrosoftmobilepcreportspotifystreamingsubscriptionwindows-8windows-phonexboxxbox-musiczuneSat, 06 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NY Post: Electronic Arts 'quietly exploring a sale']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/ny-post-electronic-arts-quietly-exploring-a-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/ny-post-electronic-arts-quietly-exploring-a-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/ny-post-electronic-arts-quietly-exploring-a-sale/#comments According to unnamed "sources" speaking with the New York Post, Electronic Arts may be seeking buyers. Both KKR and Providence Private Equity Partners are named in the piece as exploring the purchase, though talks are said to be in the "early days." Providence Equity Partners owns a partial stake in Bethesda parent company Zenimax Media; both PEP and KKR declined to comment on the report.

Electronic Arts is a publicly traded company, and its share price is currently just over $14 - according to one NYP source "familiar with the company," EA would "do a deal at $20 a share." EA also declined comment. "We don't comment on rumors and speculation," a rep told us this morning.

JoystiqNY Post: Electronic Arts 'quietly exploring a sale' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artskkrprovidence-equity-partnersreportThu, 16 Aug 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Reuters: Vivendi finds 'few takers' on Activision stake sale, eyes other departments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/reuters-vivendi-finds-few-takers-on-activision-stake-sale-ey/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/reuters-vivendi-finds-few-takers-on-activision-stake-sale-ey/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/reuters-vivendi-finds-few-takers-on-activision-stake-sale-ey/#comments Vivendi's planned sale of its 61 percent controlling stake in Activision is apparently waning, according to Reuters. Vivendi is said to be eying a sale of Brazillian telecommunications company Global Village Telecom (GVT), which would bring in anywhere from $8.59 to $10.42 billion - a distinctly larger number than the $8.3 billion Vivendi's stock in Acti is worth. Vivendi reportedly sought "at least 12 percent" more than the $8.3 billion stock valuation, which potential buyers turned down (Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, and several other companies were reportedly offered the stock).

Vivendi is a French conglomerate, and it's not in great financial shape. In an effort to shore up capital, it reportedly sought a sale of its controlling stake in Activision, turning to its GVT wing less than two months later in a similar effort. The French conglomerate purchased its stake in Activision back in 2007, forming what is now known as Activision Blizzard in the process.

Economically minded readers may notice that Vivendi's interest in retaining control of Activision began declining along the same downward slope as the international economy. Though Vivendi's current financial situation is more complicated than "bad economy, sell parts of business," the worldwide recession surely can't be helping its standing.

JoystiqReuters: Vivendi finds 'few takers' on Activision stake sale, eyes other departments originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardglobal-village-telecomgvtreportreutersvivendivivendi-savivendi-universalThu, 19 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Rocksteady's next Batman game to be a Silver Age-based prequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/report-rocksteadys-next-batman-game-to-be-a-silver-age-based-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/report-rocksteadys-next-batman-game-to-be-a-silver-age-based-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/report-rocksteadys-next-batman-game-to-be-a-silver-age-based-p/#comments Report Rocksteady's next Batman game to be a Silver Agebased prequelRocksteady's next game could be yet another Batman adventure, albeit in a new timeline, Variety reports. According to unnamed sources speaking with the film industry publication, Rocksteady's currently at work on a "new, highly stylized" Bats prequel game "that revolves around Batman's first meeting with the Joker."

This new game - not expected until 2014 at least - is supposedly set in the Silver Age of comics. Warner Bros. has yet to confirm the news, and Rocksteady hasn't said a peep about any new projects since Arkham City wrapped last year. And as far as we know, no one's discovered any hidden rooms in Arkham City that reveal future games. Hey, it wouldn't be the first time!

JoystiqReport: Rocksteady's next Batman game to be a Silver Age-based prequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmandc-comicsreportrocksteady-studiossilver-agevarietywarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentWed, 11 Jul 2012 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Xbox Music to allow subscription streaming, a la carte purchasing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/report-xbox-music-to-allow-subscription-streaming-a-la-carte-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/report-xbox-music-to-allow-subscription-streaming-a-la-carte-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/report-xbox-music-to-allow-subscription-streaming-a-la-carte-p/#comments Report Xbox Music to allow subscription streaming, a la carte purchasingThe recently announced Xbox Music service will feature both a subscription-based model and the ability to purchase individual tracks, according to a Bloomberg report. The service will reportedly allow users to stream music for a monthly or yearly subscription, in addition to traditional purchases.

Furthermore, an "online locker" of sorts may allow customers to store their music collections online for a fee, with the really intriguing part being that the locker could store music purchased from other services as well. As previously announced, said music will be playable across a range of devices, notably those that run Windows 8.

In other words, it sounds like Xbox Music will offer similar functionality to what is currently offered by the Zune service, with the added benefit of having a name that isn't associated with grim failure.

JoystiqReport: Xbox Music to allow subscription streaming, a la carte purchasing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftmobilereportxboxxbox-musicTue, 03 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Thief 4 development in trouble]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/report-thief-4-development-in-trouble/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/report-thief-4-development-in-trouble/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/report-thief-4-development-in-trouble/#comments As disconcerting as it may be that we haven't heard or seen anything regarding Thief 4 in quite a while, recent career changes for several key folks at Eidos Montreal suggest there may be trouble with the game's development. After all, it took Eidos Montreal four years to bring Deus Ex: Human Revolution to retail - almost how long Thief 4 has been in development.

According to a report on Kotaku from internet sleuth Superannuation, not only did audio director and composer Paul Weir leave Eidos Montreal, but so did lead level designer Adam Alim, senior concept artists Nicolas Ferrand and Dan Blomberg, senior technical level designer Eugene Kuczerepa, senior animator Marie-Chantal Larocque and senior level designer Patrick Garon. In addition to the departures, there's also apparently a completed CG trailer created by Goldtooth Creative - the same firm responsible for Deus Ex: Human Revolution's CG and cutscenes - that never saw the light of day, and was planned for a December 2011 unveiling, according to this resume.

So what could be the situation? One level designer still at Eidos Montreal says he designed the last level in the game - take from that what you will. In light of all this, we've followed up with Eidos Montreal and Square Enix for official comment.

JoystiqReport: Thief 4 development in trouble originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidos-montrealreportsquare-enixthi4fthiefthief-2014thief-4Thu, 14 Jun 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Vivendi looking to sell 'part or all' of majority stake in Activision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/report-vivendi-looking-to-sell-part-or-all-of-majority-stake/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/report-vivendi-looking-to-sell-part-or-all-of-majority-stake/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/report-vivendi-looking-to-sell-part-or-all-of-majority-stake/#comments Report Vivendi eying sale of majority stake in ActivisionActivision's French multimedia conglomerate parent company, Vivendi SA, is said to be considering a sale of its 61 percent controlling stake in the US-based Call of Duty publisher. Bloomberg reports that Vivendi is holding a meeting on June 22 to discuss the potential for a sale of "part or all" of its Acti holdings. The report comes from "people with knowledge of the matter," who refused to be identified due to the privacy of the June 22 event.

A Vivendi representative confirmed the upcoming executive get together, but didn't discuss the specifics of the meeting. Said meeting has taken place annually since 2005, and the rep noted it's intended as "a forum of exchange and discussion, not for quick-fix decisions or solutions."

Vivendi and Activision came together in 2007, creating Activision-Blizzard as a result of the merger. Vivendi sold three percent of its Activision stock in late 2011, but kept approximately 60 percent of its holdings. Since today's report, Vivendi's stock rose 3.7 percent in Paris markets.

Update: To help contextualize some of this super business-y madness, Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter told Joystiq, "Some believe Vivendi is worth more if it is split up into various parts. The potential split doesn't really mean anything for Activision, other than a lot of shares on the market all at once. I don't think a sale is likely, as there are few potential buyers, if any. Instead, it makes more sense for Vivendi if they have Activision borrow a lot of money and pay a dividend of all of its cash. Spin it off to Vivendi shareholders." He added that he's not sure if the report is accurate or not.

JoystiqReport: Vivendi looking to sell 'part or all' of majority stake in Activision originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardmichael-pachterreportvivendivivendi-savivendi-universalwedbush-securitiesThu, 07 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: UK retailers list Assassin's Creed 3 and 'Ghost Recon: Final Mission' for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/report-uk-retailers-list-assassins-creed-3-and-ghost-recon-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/report-uk-retailers-list-assassins-creed-3-and-ghost-recon-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/report-uk-retailers-list-assassins-creed-3-and-ghost-recon-f/#comments ImageGameSpot reports that UK retailer Play.com posted a listing for an unannounced Vita game called Ghost Recon: Final Mission, which has since been removed.

Concurrently, retailer Zavvi posted a listing for a Vita version of Assassin's Creed 3 - Ubisoft announced an Assassin's Creed game being in the works for Vita last August, alongside games like Dungeon Hunter, Lumines, and Rayman Origins that have all since been released. The Zavvi listing remains active.

We'll check with Ubisoft; however, for an actual status update about these games, we're sure we'll need only to wait for E3.

JoystiqReport: UK retailers list Assassin's Creed 3 and 'Ghost Recon: Final Mission' for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3ghost-recon-final-missionplay.complaystationplaystation-vitareportubisoftukvitazavviWed, 30 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trip Hawkins steps down as Digital Chocolate CEO, layoffs reported]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/#comments ImageMobile and social games publisher Digital Chocolate may be in danger of melting. Noted industry veteran Trip Hawkins has stepped down as CEO, noting on the Digital Chocolate blog that he is "transitioning now into a consulting and advisory relationship" with the company. He added that Digital Chocolate is "narrowing its focus and it made sense to get more streamlined."

Meanwhile, Digital Chocolate president Marc Metis will step in as interim CEO while the company will also lay off up to 180 across the company's offices in Russia, San Mateo and India, according to a TechCrunch report. The site reports that the San Mateo and Bangalore have had their staffs reduced by half, while offices in Mexico, Armenia, Washington and Russia have been closed entirely.

While Digital Chocolate has yet to confirm the news, Francisco Casanova, general manager of Digital Chocolate Mexico, has tweeted that his branch has closed its doors.

JoystiqTrip Hawkins steps down as Digital Chocolate CEO, layoffs reported originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonelayoffsmobilepcreportMon, 28 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Blockbuster UK lists 25 Wii U titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/report-blockbuster-uk-lists-25-wii-u-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/report-blockbuster-uk-lists-25-wii-u-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/report-blockbuster-uk-lists-25-wii-u-titles/#comments ImageThe Wii U launch lineup may have gotten a touch clearer, if alleged snapshots of a UK Blockbuster database are to be believed. The shots show off 25 different titles, some of which are already known, and some that aren't. Notable games include Rabbids Party Land, Marvel Super Heroes, Just Dance 4, Monsters Party and Sports Connection. Granted, many titles may be placeholders. For example, "Zombie" seems like an awfully vague title.

There's no way to know how accurate the list actually is, though there are plenty of Ubisoft titles listed, so it certainly feels like a proper console launch. Check out the full list after the break.

Update: A user on NeoGAF who claims to have recently left Blockbuster's employment has stated that the company's list of Wii U titles is "entirely speculated by the sales team" and that titles are "there purely as placeholders."

[Thanks, Vallanthaz]

Continue reading Report: Blockbuster UK lists 25 Wii U titles

JoystiqReport: Blockbuster UK lists 25 Wii U titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-partyjust-dance-4marvel-super-heroesmonsters-partynintendorabbids-party-landreportsports-connectionwii-uzombieMon, 07 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: MLB 2K12 Perfect Game Million Dollar Challenge ends with accusations of cheating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/report-mlb-2k12-perfect-game-million-dollar-challenge-ends-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/report-mlb-2k12-perfect-game-million-dollar-challenge-ends-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/report-mlb-2k12-perfect-game-million-dollar-challenge-ends-with/#comments Image2K Sports' annual million dollar pitching challenge in its MLB 2K series had a bit of a change-up this year. Rather than awarding vast sums of cash to the first person to throw a perfect game in MLB 2K12, this year the competition introduced a new setup: a period of time where everyone could try to pitch a perfect game, and a complex algorithm judging the results and assigning scores. Taking a lower-rated pitcher against a great squad, for example, gives you more points.

The competition is closed and the final eight have been chosen, but one of the finalists has been accused of employing an exploit that allowed him to change the lineups on both teams prior to the start of the game, allegedly yielding a much higher score than his peers and allowing him to crack the top eight. Kotaku has several images of supposed text messages between William Haff, the accused, and Scott Young, the individual who claimed he belongs in the top eight (he ended up in tenth) because others used the exploit to overtake him.

The only problem is that a lot of the evidence is dependent on screen grabs of text messages - something anybody with a computer can create easily. However, Kotaku's Owen Good says he called Haff, who was apparently a bit dodgy when questioned yet assured he didn't break any of the official rules.

We've reached out to 2K Games for comment, and to find out whether or not this controversy will affect the remainder of this year's festivities, or any future contests.

JoystiqReport: MLB 2K12 Perfect Game Million Dollar Challenge ends with accusations of cheating originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportsmicrosoftmlb-2k12playstationps3reportxboxFri, 04 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Gamestop to add Samsung Android devices to trade-in list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/report-gamestop-to-add-samsung-android-devices-to-trade-in-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/report-gamestop-to-add-samsung-android-devices-to-trade-in-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/report-gamestop-to-add-samsung-android-devices-to-trade-in-list/#comments ImageGamestop's plodding metamorphosis from pseudo-pawn shop to actual pawn shop continues, as the massive retailer/reseller is poised to begin accepting four specific Samsung-made, Android-powered devices as trade-ins, according to a report from Gadget Experts.

In addition to the iPhones and iPads already accepted for trade-in, "select stores" will begin accepting the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Samsung Nexus S and Samsung Infuse sometime this summer, with a nation-wide roll out expected before the 2012 holiday season, Gadget Experts writes. None of this news is particularly surprising, considering that smartphones and tablets continue to gain ground as portable gaming devices. Also, Android devices are a thing that Gamestop isn't selling you that they totally could be, which obviously must be corrected.

JoystiqReport: Gamestop to add Samsung Android devices to trade-in list originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamestopmobilereportSamsung-Galaxy-Tab-10.1Samsung-InfuseSamsung-Nexus-Strade-inSun, 29 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Microsoft readying 'Woodstock' music service for Xbox 360, to debut at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/report-microsoft-readying-woodstock-music-service-for-xbox-36/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/report-microsoft-readying-woodstock-music-service-for-xbox-36/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/report-microsoft-readying-woodstock-music-service-for-xbox-36/#comments ImageWhen you think modern, digital music, your mind probably immediately jumps to 30-plus-year-old music festivals. Microsoft clearly understands this, as the company is allegedly preparing a relaunch/rebranding of its Xbox 360 Zune music service to be debuted at E3 2012, dubbed "Woodstock." The Verge's report comes from "sources familiar with the company's plans;" said report paints Woodstock as functional across a variety of platforms beyond the 360: Windows 8, iOS, and Android. Despite an E3 introduction, the service isn't planned for launch until this fall when Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 arrive.

iTunes Match-esque functionality is also said to be part of Woodstock which will upload your library and match it with anything you've snagged from Woodstock. The report calls the service, "Spotify-like," with Facebook integration intended to allow collaboration on playlists and let users share tracks between libraries. We've asked Microsoft for a response to the report, but aren't expecting much beyond a wordy "no comment." We'll update this post if we hear anything else.

Update: Shock! Microsoft reps tell Joystiq, "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation." Back to listening to our Woodstock live album for now.

JoystiqReport: Microsoft readying 'Woodstock' music service for Xbox 360, to debut at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboarde3-2012microsoftreportwoodstockxboxzunezune-marketplaceWed, 25 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Hackers can pull credit card info from old Xbox 360 hard drives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/report-hackers-can-pull-credit-card-info-from-old-xbox-360-hard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/report-hackers-can-pull-credit-card-info-from-old-xbox-360-hard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/report-hackers-can-pull-credit-card-info-from-old-xbox-360-hard/#comments Update: Microsoft has responded to the claim that Xbox 360 hard drives store credit card data of past users. You can read the statement here.

A new report suggests uncouth citizens can retrieve credit card data and other personal information from an old Xbox 360 hard drive -- even if it was re-formatted and the console restored back to factory settings.

The report comes from an ongoing study at Drexel University. Researcher Ashley Podhradsky told Kotaku that Microsoft does a good job protecting its own proprietary information on the console, but doesn't take any steps to protect user data. As part of the study, the group purchased one used Xbox 360 console, installed some hacking tools and started to root around. Soon enough they were able to retrieve some files and folders, eventually extracting the original owner's credit card information.

We've contacted Microsoft to try and find out if this is the case on all hard drives and even USB drives that have had profiles transferred onto them, and if there are any possible steps users may take to protect their data (other than chucking their devices into a volcano). With several gaming platforms and company websites falling prey to hackers over the last year, and the continual rise of digital distribution, safe online infrastructures are more important than ever to gamers today.

JoystiqReport: Hackers can pull credit card info from old Xbox 360 hard drives originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drexel-universityhackmicrosoftreportxboxxbox-360-hard-driveThu, 29 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga buys Draw Something dev OMGPOP [update: confirmed!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/wsj-zynga-buys-draw-something-dev-for-200-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/wsj-zynga-buys-draw-something-dev-for-200-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/wsj-zynga-buys-draw-something-dev-for-200-million/#comments Draw Something developer OMGPOP was purchased by social gaming monolith Zynga today, Zynga announced. No price is disclosed in the announcement release, but the Wall Street Journal's All Things Digital blog is reporting that OMGPOP went for the lofty price of $200 million. Sources with "first-hand knowledge" of the deal detailed it as a combined purchase amount of approximately $200 million between an outright cash transaction of $180 million, and "$30 million or so in employee retention payments." Payday for the Draw Something folks!

Beyond OMGPOP's massively successful, Pictionary-esque iOS and Android game, Draw Something, the New York City-based developer also brings a variety of Flash-based expertise to Zynga. The team will also add around 40 employees to Zynga's swelling numbers - the company repurposed NewToy into Zynga With Friends late in 2010, and did the same with NYC's Area Code in early 2011.

Additionally, OMGPOP CEO Dan Porter has become vice prez and general manager of Zynga New York (formerly Area Code), and OMGPOP will be rolled into the "Zynga New York" studio.

Update: During this afternoon's conference call regarding the purchase, OMGPOP said it would like to add picture saving and chat to Draw Something. No other potential updates were mentioned.

JoystiqZynga buys Draw Something dev OMGPOP [update: confirmed!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddan-porterdraw-somethingiosipadiphonemacmobileomgpoppcreportzyngazynga-new-yorkWed, 21 Mar 2012 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'Black Ops 2' listing spotted on Amazon France]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/report-black-ops-2-listing-spotted-on-amazon-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/report-black-ops-2-listing-spotted-on-amazon-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/report-black-ops-2-listing-spotted-on-amazon-france/#comments In an entirely unsurprising turn of events, a listing for "Call of Duty: Black Ops 2" reportedly popped up on Amazon France this week. GameBlog.fr spotted the listing and grabbed a screenshot (seen above) before it was allegedly pulled, which has resulted in a bit of a kerfuffle between Activision's French arm and the site.

Earlier this year we reported that Activision had already snapped up domain registrations for a variety of Black Ops sequels (all the way up to "Black Ops 6", actually), so the listing on Amazon France doesn't exactly come off as unbelievable. Nor is it a surprise to suppose Activision might want to capitalize on Treyarch's most financially successful -- not to mention critically acclaimed -- Call of Duty titles.

Activision's US reps have yet to get back to us when asked for comment.

[Image credit: GameBlog.fr]

JoystiqReport: 'Black Ops 2' listing spotted on Amazon France originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazonamazon-francecall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2franceplaystationps3reporttreyarchtreyarch-studiosFri, 17 Feb 2012 13:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ VP of Tech Mark DeLoura out, alongside 174 others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/report-thq-vp-of-tech-mark-deloura-out-alongside-174-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/report-thq-vp-of-tech-mark-deloura-out-alongside-174-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/report-thq-vp-of-tech-mark-deloura-out-alongside-174-others/#comments When THQ announced plans for layoffs that didn't affect its five main internal studios, we didn't think folks like VP of tech Mark DeLoura would end up getting cut. But that's what an automated response from his email address confirmed to us last night. The response outright states, "Mark DeLoura is no longer with THQ." According to DeLoura's LinkedIn page, he was "responsible for technology strategy, the online game and MMO operations teams, the centralized online technology group, and relationships with platform and technology manufacturers."

More specifically, we're told that DeLoura was leading up management on the upcoming Warhammer 40K MMO -- the same MMO that's rumored to be canceled. At the time, THQ responded to allegations that the MMO was canned with a nebulous statement: "[THQ] has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO."

Additionally, IGDA Mobile SIG chair Kevin Dent alleges that during the recent round of THQ restructuring, 174 employees were let go -- Dent was the origin of the aforementioned cancelation rumors (he isn't related to Harvey Dent, we're told). The company is also facing potential delisting on the NASDAQ stock exchange. THQ declined to offer comment regarding this report, and once more directed us to this Thursday's investor call.

JoystiqReport: THQ VP of Tech Mark DeLoura out, alongside 174 others originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kevin-dentlayoffslinkedinmark-delourapcreportthqwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineWed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: THQ reduces AU staff by 14, Japan office set to close [update: THQ responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/#comments One "anonymous source" speaking to Kotaku's Australian arm believes that more layoffs are affecting THQ, this time specifically targeting 14 AU-based employees and the remainders of the company's Japan-based office. As has been the company line throughout the the past week of intermittent layoffs, "THQ's five internal studios have not ben affected," the piece says, referencing THQ San Diego, Relic, Volition, Vigil and THQ Montreal.

The rumor seemingly falls in step with last week's news of "administrative and publishing departments" being affected, as THQ's Australian and Japanese presence amounts to little more than distribution offices. The rumors follow two confirmed rounds of layoffs at the ailing publisher, whose stock price is trading at roughly $.70 currently.

THQ had yet to return request for comment as of publishing, but we'll update this post as we hear more. The publisher will report its financial third quarter results this Thursday, where it's promising more information about recent restructuring.

Update: THQ issued a response to Joystiq, which reads: "The actions in APAC [Asia-Pacific] are related to our reduction in force from last week - same statement applies. However, 'closing' is not accurate as we still have staff on the ground there and our OZ office has always handled our business relationships in APAC."

JoystiqRumor: THQ reduces AU staff by 14, Japan office set to close [update: THQ responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiajapanlayoffsreportrumorthqthq-australiathq-japanMon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reuters: Microsoft's TV subscription plans 'on hold']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/reuters-microsofts-tv-subscription-plans-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/reuters-microsofts-tv-subscription-plans-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/reuters-microsofts-tv-subscription-plans-on-hold/#comments After years of hearing about Microsoft's poorly hidden plans for offering streaming TV subscriptions through the Xbox 360 (among other devices), Reuters is reporting that those very plans are currently stuck in a holding pattern. According to "people familiar with the discussions," Microsoft built out an infrastructure for delivering television, but upon finding out how much it would cost to deliver currently broadcast-exclusive content, walked away from talks.

"They built Microsoft TV, they demoed it for us, they asked for rate cards but then said 'ooh ah, that's expensive,'" the piece quotes one "senior media executive" as saying with regards to the negotiations. That doesn't mean that the plans are a total wash, just that they're currently not progressing.

Still, some avenues for live television are currently available and coming soon to Microsoft's Xbox 360, including a limited selection from several cable providers, as well as the just announced partnership with Newscorp which will bring Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and more to the console.

Update: Microsoft has issued this statement regarding the Reuters report, "We don't comment on rumors and speculation. Microsoft is committed to working with the world's leading TV and entertainment providers to bring their offerings to Xbox and transform the TV experience with the power of Kinect. We are continuing to launch the more than 40 new entertainment partners we have already announced, including a wide range of live and on-demand TV on Xbox. Moving forward, you can expect to see more of the world's leading entertainment providers coming to Xbox."

JoystiqReuters: Microsoft's TV subscription plans 'on hold' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iptvkinectlive-televisionmicrosoftreportretuersstreaming-televisionweb-tvxboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloomberg: Microsoft to create its own TV programming for Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/bloomberg-microsoft-to-create-its-own-tv-programming-for-xbox-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/bloomberg-microsoft-to-create-its-own-tv-programming-for-xbox-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/bloomberg-microsoft-to-create-its-own-tv-programming-for-xbox-l/#comments Microsoft's streaming television service in the US is still in its infancy, but the company reportedly has plans to greatly expand it in the coming months, even introducing its own programming. Bloomberg reports that Microsoft is currently on the hunt for a television exec to handle said original programming, with two ex-NBC suits named as potential candidates (Marc Graboff and Jess Gaspin).

No details are given on what kind of content the company might provide, though the report says it will be paired with the already existing streaming offerings. Microsoft already dips its toe into original programming via the Xbox Live Dashboard (Major's Minute, Xbox 101, etc.), and hosts partners for promotional tie-in videos (IGN) alongside streaming services like Crackle, HBO Go, and the Zune Marketplace. The company also worked in the past with NBC on the network "MSNBC," though Microsoft later exited the partnership. The Redmond, WA-based company isn't offering any comment at this time regarding the report.

JoystiqBloomberg: Microsoft to create its own TV programming for Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloombergjeff-gaspinlive-tvmarc-graboffmicrosoftnbcoriginal-programmingreportstreamingtelevisionxboxxbox-liveMon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: US Vita games will cost less digitally than at retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/report-us-vita-games-will-cost-less-digitally-than-at-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/report-us-vita-games-will-cost-less-digitally-than-at-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/report-us-vita-games-will-cost-less-digitally-than-at-retail/#comments It's a story we saw emerge just a few months ago in Japan, and now it seems North America is in for the same pleasant surprise -- Sony's upcoming PSP successor, the Vita, will offers discounted pricing on games sold digitally versus those bought at retail. The news this time comes from Thrifty Nerd, by way of the Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, VA, where Sony is offering shoppers an early hands-on with the device.

A third-party Sony rep (read: not internal to Sony) confirmed to the site that Vita's digital game offerings would cost less than those sold at retail outlets, even ballparking the discrepancy at around 40 percent. We've reached out to Sony to confirm that price difference, as Japanese Vita games are showing a much more realistic price difference (around 20 percent). As Sony depends on retail to sell its hardware, it seems unlikely that the company would offer such a competitive discount as 40 percent -- without hardware sales at retail, that competitive difference in game pricing may not matter.

Folks interested in getting their hands on the Vita a bit early still have until December 30 to head to their local mall and check it out. If "your mall" is one of these five, of course.

Update: A Sony rep tells us, "We haven't announced pricing for PS Vita software, but we will do so in the near future."

JoystiqReport: US Vita games will cost less digitally than at retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitapricingpsnreportvitaMon, 05 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: PlayStation Move ships 9 million, a million in the past half year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/report-playstation-move-ships-9-million-a-million-in-the-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/report-playstation-move-ships-9-million-a-million-in-the-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/report-playstation-move-ships-9-million-a-million-in-the-past/#comments Around this time last year, Sony announced it had shipped just over 4 million units of its motion gaming peripheral, the PlayStation Move. And then in early April, about five months later, the company once again announced a new shipping number of around 8 million, doubling the original shipped number. Unfortunately for Sony, it seems the last seven months haven't maintained that momentum, with 1 million being added to the total shipped number (approximately 9 million in total), according to Industry Gamers.

As per usual, Sony isn't giving out hard numbers for units actually sold. It stands to reason, however, that if retailers have only ordered another 1 million units leading up to the holiday season, the peripheral likely isn't selling like, say, Walter White's crystal meth (hotcakes are so out of fashion).

Microsoft has been spinning a similar story with its own motion peripheral, the Kinect, holding to sales statements made last March (10 million sold -- not shipped) rather than offering new data. We're holding out hope that the two hardware companies are more vocal after the coming holiday sales bonanza, but we're not holding our breath either.

JoystiqReport: PlayStation Move ships 9 million, a million in the past half year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moveperipheralplaystationplaystation-moveps3reportsalesThu, 24 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Game industry worth $74 billion in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/report-game-industry-worth-74-billion-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/report-game-industry-worth-74-billion-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/report-game-industry-worth-74-billion-in-2011/#comments Move over, Hollywood. Step aside, frozen pizza industry. Video games are the big earner on the block, a forecast report from technology advisory firm Gartner Inc suggests. Gartner says video games will pull in $74 billion this year alone and are projected to rake in a staggering $115 billion a year by 2015, thanks in large part to mobile gaming.

"As the popularity of smartphones and tablets continues to expand, gaming will remain a key component in the use of these devices," said principal research analyst Tuong Nguyen. "Mobile games are the most downloaded application category across most application stores. For this reason, mobile gaming will continue to thrive as more consumers expand their use of new and innovative portable connected devices." Because of this, Gartner surmises that 2011 will see stronger sales of software than hardware (with online revenue coming in third), a pretty ballsy call considering Sony will launch its PlayStation Vita later this year and that in 2011, we saw the launch of the iPad 2, Nintendo's 3DS, some Android tablets and the Xperia Play.

If you'd like to flip through the full report yourself (and have some extra money to do so), then give Gartner's site a gander via the source link below.

[Image source]

JoystiqReport: Game industry worth $74 billion in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgartner-inciosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspreportsalessonywiixboxTue, 05 Jul 2011 23:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Black Rock's final game was a freemium DOTA-style RTS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/#comments "Champions Alliance" was allegedly the title of the last project the soon-to-be shuttered Black Rock Studios was working on, according to a Eurogamer report. The game was allegedly a DOTA-style RTS, starring teenagers flung into an alternate dimension (okay ...). The project was said to be quite far along, with pre-production wrapping and a free-to-play business model set in place before Disney made its decision to close the dev house.

"The game was intended to be released quite quickly, in beta anyway, in about six months or so," an anonymous source tells Eurogamer. "The idea was that you had to do PVP and PVE to gain XP to somehow escape." According to the source, "Disney seemed unable to work out what to do with the studio and didn't trust us to do anything other than racing, really."

Since Disney is prepared to close the studio now, we wouldn't be surprised if footage of the unannounced project starts popping up in the near future.

JoystiqReport: Black Rock's final game was a freemium DOTA-style RTS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studioschampions-alliancedisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosfree-to-playmacpcreportrtsFri, 01 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: LulzSec hacking group releases thousands of account logins, includes Xbox Live and Facebook [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/report-lulzsec-hacking-group-releases-xbox-live-facebook-login/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/report-lulzsec-hacking-group-releases-xbox-live-facebook-login/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/report-lulzsec-hacking-group-releases-xbox-live-facebook-login/#comments Adding to the list of game-related companies it has attacked, LulzSec yesterday claimed to have stolen and leaked the login and password information for approximately 62,000 "internet accounts," reports the CBC. The stolen info is said to comprise logins/passwords from Facebook, Twitter, "dating sites," PayPal and, notoriously, Xbox Live. It is also claimed that the majority of accounts are from the United states, though several other countries are named in the report.

The account database info is still currently available through the LulzSec website (though we'd suggest not visiting) -- various folks on Twitter responding to the group claim to have done a variety of things with the information, from having a large pack of condoms delivered to an elderly woman, to one person saying they bilked a PayPal account for £250 ($404).

Earlier this week, the group attacked and successfully took down a handful of game industry websites, including EVE Online, Minecraft and The Escapist. All three sites quickly recovered and have been online since. Microsoft has yet to respond to request for comment on yesterday evening's alleged breach.

Update: Microsoft has released a statement, which states that Xbox Live was not compromised to the best of Microsoft's knowledge, and the logins/passwords were released at random, with people encouraged to try said information on services like Xbox Live (among others). "This group appears to have posted a list of thousands of potential email addresses and passwords, and encouraged users to try them across various online sites like Xbox Live in the event one of the users happens to use the same password and email address combination. At this time we do not have any evidence Xbox Live has been compromised. However we take the security of our service seriously and work on an ongoing basis to improve it against evolving threats."

JoystiqReport: LulzSec hacking group releases thousands of account logins, includes Xbox Live and Facebook [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-infobreachfacebookhackerslulzsecmicrosoftpaypalreporttwitterxboxxbox-liveFri, 17 Jun 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Zynga filing for IPO in the next two weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/report-zynga-ipo-coming-in-the-next-two-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/report-zynga-ipo-coming-in-the-next-two-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/report-zynga-ipo-coming-in-the-next-two-weeks/#comments Alright, we're gonna get all of the boring business stuff out of the way up front: FarmVille creator Zynga is reportedly "poised to file" for its IPO (Initial Public Offering), effectively going from a private company to a public one. Financial firm Goldman Sachs is said to be "among the lead bankers" heading up the offering, which is expected as early as this week or "next week at the latest." Still with us? We know -- that was just as exhausting for us as it was for you.

So why should you care? Because the company could rival -- or handily best -- publishing contemporaries like Activision, EA, and Take-Two. The social game publisher's last valuation pegged it at a cool $10 billion, a number All Things D's Kara Swisher believes could climb even higher for an IPO. For comparison's sake, the largest public game publisher, Activision Blizzard, is valued at $13.07 billion as of mid-day today ... and that includes the Call of Duty series and World of Warcraft.

With a $10 billion IPO, Zynga would become the second largest game publisher in North America, eclipsing EA's current valuation of $7.81 billion. Zynga reps declined to comment.

JoystiqReport: Zynga filing for IPO in the next two weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionfarmvilleinitial-public-offeringiporeportzyngaWed, 25 May 2011 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GAME bought 3DS stock from Tesco to resell as pre-owned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/report-game-bought-3ds-stock-from-tesco-to-resell-as-pre-owned/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/report-game-bought-3ds-stock-from-tesco-to-resell-as-pre-owned/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/report-game-bought-3ds-stock-from-tesco-to-resell-as-pre-owned/#comments If you were confused by the presence of a pre-owned 3DS on the shelves of your local GAME outlet on the handheld's launch weekend, Eurogamer's uncovered a possible shady explanation. According to an unnamed source who works for the retailer, a company memo encouraged GAME employees to use money from their registers to purchase a 3DS and game bundle from its competitor, Tesco, for the discounted price of £209.90. They could then trade the merchandise back to GAME for the exact same price.

The memo described this maneuver as "a great opportunity to gain 3DS consoles and games for your store's pre-owned stock." Each pre-owned system could then be "set at the same price as mint due to unexpected supply shortage on the market and the quality of the stock." However, the memo instructs employees not to sell the pre-owned handhelds until the mint hardware is sold out, prohibiting clerks from "up-selling" the used merch.

The document describes these shopping runs as "not mandatory," but Eurogamer reports one GAME employee said his store was reprimanded for not participating.

JoystiqReport: GAME bought 3DS stock from Tesco to resell as pre-owned originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsgamenintendoreportretailtescoukTue, 29 Mar 2011 21:20:00 EST