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[Rumor: GameStop discontinuing Wii U Basic after June 18 [Update: Nintendo responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/rumor-gamestop-discontinuing-wii-u-basic-after-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/rumor-gamestop-discontinuing-wii-u-basic-after-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/rumor-gamestop-discontinuing-wii-u-basic-after-june-18/#comments Update: Nintendo of America Senior Director of Corporate Communications Charlie Scibetta has provided the following statement to Joystiq: "There is a current misperception about Wii U hardware. To clarify: Nintendo is working with its retail partners to simply rebalance the stock of the White 8GB and the Black 32GB Wii U models in the market. Consumers looking for either model will continue to find them available."

Some GameStop locations will no longer sell the 8GB Wii U Basic console after June 18, according to a Kotaku source. CNET also says it's confirmed this with several GameStop stores. We've contacted both Nintendo and GameStop for comment.

Other retailers have held sales for the Wii U Basic over the last few months, though it's hardly indicative of retailers looking to get rid of stock ahead of a recall. In its year-end financial report, Nintendo revealed Wii U shipments fell below the company forecast. As of March 31, 3.75 million Wii U consoles have been sold worldwide.

JoystiqRumor: GameStop discontinuing Wii U Basic after June 18 [Update: Nintendo responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discontinuedgamestopnintendoretailwii-uwii-u-basicWed, 05 Jun 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie demos Ouya in UK Game store: Positive reactions, poor pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/26/indie-demos-ouya-in-uk-game-store-positive-reactions-poor-pre/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/26/indie-demos-ouya-in-uk-game-store-positive-reactions-poor-pre/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/26/indie-demos-ouya-in-uk-game-store-positive-reactions-poor-pre/#commentsIndie demos Ouya in UK's Game store Positive reactions, no preorders The Ouya remains a gray area in terms of profit for developers - it's still technically not available to the public, though plenty of Kickstarter backers and indies have consoles. To test out the Ouya's potential, real-world audience, UK developer James Coote took his dev kit to a local Game store and set up a demo station. After all, the Ouya is an "open" console and devs don't have to deal with any NDAs or legalese before showing it off publicly.

Coote worked with Game employees to set up a demo station on an old PS3 stand, and he spent the day showing off his own game and others on the Ouya. The tiny box wasn't connected to the internet, so players had a choice of games Coote had pre-loaded.

"The Ouya has also been criticised for having a laggy UI, but since there was no need to exit the game library and navigate around the rest of the UI, that particular problem didn't come up at all," Coote said.

Overall, the demo was a success, Coote said - though he didn't receive the foot traffic he had anticipated and he was "quite poor" at convincing anyone to throw down £10 for an Ouya pre-order.

"People responded really positively to the live demonstration, whether they were just watching myself or others play, or actively trying it out themselves," Coote said. "Also, not only being able to respond to customers' questions directly, but not being directly affiliated with Ouya, I was able to honestly address some of Ouya's shortcomings, which helped build trust and a rapport with customers."

Read all about Coote's experience with the Ouya at a brick-and-mortar store, and his thoughts for the console's future, right here.

JoystiqIndie demos Ouya in UK Game store: Positive reactions, poor pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brick-and-mortargameIndiejames-cooteouyaretailukSun, 26 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Batman 2 Wii U listed for May 21 launch at retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/lego-batman-2-listed-for-may-21-launch-at-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/lego-batman-2-listed-for-may-21-launch-at-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/lego-batman-2-listed-for-may-21-launch-at-retail/#comments While we knew Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes was due to hit Wii U this Spring, we didn't get word on the game's official release date until now. According to listings on Amazon, GameStop and Best Buy, the game will debut on the Nintendo home console on May 21. We called GameStop and verified its listing.

The Wii U version will feature enhanced maps and off-screen play using the Game Pad's touchscreen. Oh, and Batman. He's in the game too.

JoystiqLego Batman 2 Wii U listed for May 21 launch at retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonBest-Buygamestoplego-batman-2lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesnintendorelease-dateretailTravellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivewii-uSun, 07 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Wii U price drops not spurring UK sales, Wii Mini sees 'low interest']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/report-wii-u-price-drops-not-spurring-uk-sales-wii-mini-sees/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/report-wii-u-price-drops-not-spurring-uk-sales-wii-mini-sees/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/report-wii-u-price-drops-not-spurring-uk-sales-wii-mini-sees/#comments The Wii U's recent unofficial price cuts in the UK market seem to have done little to increase the latest Nintendo console's struggling sales.

Trade publication MCV has quotes from two different retail buyers, the first noting the natural sales bump has "resulted in a smaller than desired increase" and the other saying the thing Nintendo really doesn't want to hear: "They've got to do something otherwise it is GameCube all over again."

For its part, Nintendo Europe says it is reaching out to retailers directly over the next few weeks to highlight the "strong and broad line-up of software launching this year." Console price reductions are more flexible in the UK than they are in the States.

Meanwhile, TechRadar mentions Wii Mini sales aren't doing much better in the UK. The site reports demand for the unit has been exceptionally poor. The Wii Mini sold 37.5K units in Canadian market, which Nintendo was pleased about.

JoystiqReport: Wii U price drops not spurring UK sales, Wii Mini sees 'low interest' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainnintendoretailukwiiwii-uMon, 25 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition strikes retail gold on April 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/minecraft-xbox-360-edition-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/minecraft-xbox-360-edition-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/minecraft-xbox-360-edition-retail/#comments ImageMinecraft: Xbox 360 Edition will arrive as a retail offering on April 30 in the United States for $20. Prepare thyself for the retail disc of the year-old Xbox 360 version of a 3-year-old PC game to outsell everything when the NPD data for April is released the following month.

The disc-based game includes all the features and content found in the current XBLA version, as well as the addition coming in the ninth title update. With an internet connection the disc version will also receive "all the same content and feature updates as the digital version ongoing."

The retail version will arrive in Australia, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in early June. Seriously, start placing friendly wagers with friends now about that NPD crack earlier.

JoystiqMinecraft: Xbox 360 Edition strikes retail gold on April 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftMinecraftminecraft-xbox-360-editionretailxboxWed, 13 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order PlayStation 4 at GAME starting now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/pre-order-playstation-4-at-game-starting-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/pre-order-playstation-4-at-game-starting-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/pre-order-playstation-4-at-game-starting-now/#comments We may not know what it looks like or how much it costs or when it's launching, but if Sony's event yesterday convinced you of your need for a PlayStation 4 and you live in the UK, know that retailer GAME has already opened pre-orders - £20 will secure you a PS4 console when it launches Holiday 2013.

If you're anxious to look at some hardware, Sony released some press shots of the new DualShock 4 and PS4 Eye camera. What we do know about the PlayStation 4 so far is that it's heavily reliant on sharing and cloud-based technology, a result of the $380 million Gaikai purchase, and all PS4 games will feature remote play with the Vita.

Continue reading Pre-order PlayStation 4 at GAME starting now

JoystiqPre-order PlayStation 4 at GAME starting now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dual-shock-4dualshock-4gaikaigameplaystationplaystation-4pre-orderps3ps4retailsonyThu, 21 Feb 2013 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead retail version delayed to December 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/the-walking-dead-retail-version-delayed-to-december-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/the-walking-dead-retail-version-delayed-to-december-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/the-walking-dead-retail-version-delayed-to-december-11/#comments The Walking Dead retail version delayed to December 11The Walking Dead retail version has been pushed back a week in North America, now scheduled to launch on December 11. The standard and collector's editions were originally slated to hit in physical form on December 4. We assume the undead don't shuffle as quickly as Telltale originally thought.

The standard edition includes all five episodes on-disc for $30, while the collector's edition runs $70 and features the full game along with the first 48 issues of the comic in an exclusive version of The Walking Dead Compendium One, all wrapped up in a special box.

The Walking Dead will be available at all participating retail locations for PS3 and Xbox 360, but the PC version is sold only at Best Buy.

Continue reading The Walking Dead retail version delayed to December 11

JoystiqThe Walking Dead retail version delayed to December 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3retailTelltaleTellTale-Gamesthe-walking-deadxboxMon, 03 Dec 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: Wii U to be in larger supply than Wii at launch, replenished more quickly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/wii-u-will-be-in-larger-supply-than-wii-at-launch-replenished-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/wii-u-will-be-in-larger-supply-than-wii-at-launch-replenished-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/wii-u-will-be-in-larger-supply-than-wii-at-launch-replenished-m/#comments The Wii U will likely be hard to find this Sunday. "All I can say is that the response has been phenomenal," Nintendo EVP of sales and marketing Scott Moffitt told GamesIndustry.biz, "and we're getting, especially in the higher priced deluxe set, that one's selling out incredibly quickly."

However, Moffitt has reason to believe the shortages won't stretch on forever as they did with the Wii. He said that more Wii U systems will be in stores at launch than Wiis were in 2006. "And, second, our replenishments will be more frequent this holiday time than during the Wii launch," he said.

JoystiqNintendo: Wii U to be in larger supply than Wii at launch, replenished more quickly originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>launchnintendoretailscott-moffittshortageshortageswii-uwii-u-launchWed, 14 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Some Black Ops 2 retail discs contain Mass Effect 2 info]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/report-some-black-ops-2-retail-discs-contain-mass-effect-2-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/report-some-black-ops-2-retail-discs-contain-mass-effect-2-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/report-some-black-ops-2-retail-discs-contain-mass-effect-2-info/#comments Report Some Black Ops 2 retail discs contain Mass Effect 2 infoPlayers who bought retail PC copies of Black Ops 2 - some of the same people who waited in line for hours on a cold November night during the midnight launch - popped in the second installation disc to find that it's for Mass Effect 2. Reports on Steam, Reddit, 4chan and the Black Ops 2 forums describe the same problem, and the video below shows it in action (along with some NSFW language).

This prevents these players from installing Black Ops 2 with the discs, but each retail copy comes with a Steam key and the entire game can be installed digitally. It will take a while, but it is at least, eventually, playable; this process largely negates the entire "waiting in line for a retail version" thing, though.

We've contacted Activision for more information.

Continue reading Report: Some Black Ops 2 retail discs contain Mass Effect 2 info

JoystiqReport: Some Black Ops 2 retail discs contain Mass Effect 2 info originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBioWareblack-ops-2call-of-duty-black-ops-2EAmass-effect-2pcretailTreyarchTue, 13 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Major game sales knocking out the middle market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/report-major-game-sales-knocking-out-the-middle-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/report-major-game-sales-knocking-out-the-middle-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/report-major-game-sales-knocking-out-the-middle-market/#comments Report The right kind of game sells big at retail, but where's the middleThe more marketing a video game gets, the more likely it is to succeed at retail. This may be obvious, but the questions it raises of the industry are more subtle, as is the impact this trend has on the market as a whole. Namely, the disparity created by mega-huge games is systematically booting out any chance of a middle-market game's success, Gamasutra's Matt Matthews reports.

Major games, such as Black Ops 2 and Halo 4, are seeing retail revenue contract slowly during the holiday season each year, as demonstrated by the above graph. Games outside of the top 20, however, are experiencing a holiday revenue decline by a compound annual growth rate of approximately 11 percent.

"Consider games like Sleeping Dogs and Darksiders 2, each of which sold under 300,000 units in August and then disappeared from the top 10 by September," Matthews says. "These middle-tier titles fall by the wayside when they don't get the first-class promotions of titles like New Super Mario Bros. 2, which is now over 500,000 units in its second month on a platform with fewer than 6 million owners."

This holiday season matters more than previous years, as publishers have moved most of their major launches to October at least, potentially shifting the "middle of the retail year" from September to October for the first time this generation. Games with a surplus of marketing money, such as Borderlands 2, New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Madden NFL 13, are selling almost disproportionately well, which bodes well for this holiday's major hits.

"However, I think it likely that other titles, like say XCOM: Enemy Unknown, are on the edge and at risk of being overlooked by gamers who appear to have become more discerning with the money they're spending on games," Matthews says. XCOM will remain a hit in our hearts, at least.

JoystiqReport: Major game sales knocking out the middle market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3retailsaleswiiwii-uxboxTue, 16 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former EA, Activision exec Kathy Vrabeck joins GameStop board of directors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/former-ea-activision-exec-kathy-vrabeck-joins-gamestop-board-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/former-ea-activision-exec-kathy-vrabeck-joins-gamestop-board-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/former-ea-activision-exec-kathy-vrabeck-joins-gamestop-board-of/#comments Former EA, Activision exec Kathy Vrabeck joins GameStopGameStop has announced that executive Kathy Vrabeck is joining its board of directors this week. Vrabeck is a former executive at both EA and Activision, served as the head of digital at Legendary Pictures, and currently serves as a partner at LA-based leadership consulting firm Heidrick and Struggles.

Her appointment brings the total number of board members at GameStop to 12.

JoystiqFormer EA, Activision exec Kathy Vrabeck joins GameStop board of directors originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appointmentboard-of-directorsgamestopj-paul-raineskathy-vrabeckretailTue, 26 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[60 GAME Australia stores to close]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/#comments GAME Australia administrators announced plans to close 60 retail stores at the cost of 264 jobs, GamesIndustry International reported Friday. An additional 17 head office positions will be terminated at the company.

In a media release, Kate Warwick of PricewaterhouseCoopers said, "this is a difficult time for employees and closing the stores was not a decision we made easily. However it is not financially viable to continue to operate at this level at this time." Warwick was appointed as voluntary administrator of GAME Australia on May 14.

The Australian Financial Review posted a list of the 60 stores that have closed.

Joystiq60 GAME Australia stores to close originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaclosuregamegame-australiaretailSat, 26 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Molyneux 'not that interested' in retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/peter-molyneux-not-that-interested-in-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/peter-molyneux-not-that-interested-in-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/peter-molyneux-not-that-interested-in-retail/#comments Who goes into a store to buy games anymore? A lot of people, surprisingly, but Peter Molyneux ain't feeling it. For him, it's all about digital distribution.

"The incentives for driving me out of my seat and into a shop is becoming increasingly limited. I don't go to retail to buy a film. I don't go to retail to buy music. I don't go to buy books any more. And I'm certainly not that interested in buying games in shops, myself," he told Develop. "If you look at everything that's exciting, from the resurgence of PC to iPad and iPhones, it's hard to see where retail fits into that."

Molyneux, who recently left Microsoft and started up his own studio, 22 Cans, is hard at work on his first game under the new roof. It's unclear whether that title will rely entirely on digital distribution, but Molyneux has gone on record as saying it'll be his "best" game ever. We wouldn't take that at face value, though; he says that about every one of his games.

JoystiqPeter Molyneux 'not that interested' in retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-cansdigital-distributionfable-the-journeypeter-molyneuxretailFri, 13 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: UK retailer Game is for sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/report-uk-retailer-game-is-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/report-uk-retailer-game-is-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/report-uk-retailer-game-is-for-sale/#comments UK retailer Game is gearing up to sell the final thing it has on its shelves -- itself -- and has hired Banque Privee Edmond de Rothschild as the sale adviser, Bloomberg cites the Sunday Times as reporting. The Sunday Times doesn't list a source or means of obtaining this information, Bloomberg writes, but with Game's awkward economic happenings recently, this news doesn't come as either a shock or surprise.

Game hasn't been able to stock high-profile titles during recent launches, including Street Fighter X Tekken, Asura's Wrath, Ubisoft's Vita launch titles and Mass Effect 3, the last of which alone lost Game an estimated £2 million ($3.2 million). Game's market value sits at roughly £15 million ($23 million), MCV reports, meaning the lack of just one title, Mass Effect 3, generated a loss of one-seventh of Game's entire worth.

JoystiqReport: UK retailer Game is for sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfor-salegamemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3retailsalesellingvitawiixboxSun, 11 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME also not stocking Street Fighter X Tekken, Asura's Wrath]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/game-also-not-stocking-street-fighter-x-tekken-asuras-wrath/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/game-also-not-stocking-street-fighter-x-tekken-asuras-wrath/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/game-also-not-stocking-street-fighter-x-tekken-asuras-wrath/#comments Shoppers on the other side of the pond looking to snag two of Capcom's latest from GAME will have to look elsewhere, as the retailer will not be stocking either Asura's Wrath or Street Fighter X Tekken. The retailer also recently announced that it won't carry Mass Effect 3 and future EA titles. Street Fighter X Tekken and Asura's Wrath are both slated to launch in the UK this Friday, March 9.

Capcom confirmed the news to MCV, which notes that the availability of Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, Capcom's next big title, is still up in the air. A spokesperson stated, "Capcom wants to reassure its consumers that both these titles, including the Special Edition of Street Fighter X Tekken, will be available at a wide variety of retailers across the UK and Ireland." The spokesperson added that refunds will be issued to those with pre-orders for either Asura's Wrath or Street Fighter X Tekken, advising customers to contact their local GAME or Gamestation.

JoystiqGAME also not stocking Street Fighter X Tekken, Asura's Wrath originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asuras-wrathcapcomgamemicrosoftplaystationps3retailstreet-fighter-x-tekkenukunited-kingdomxboxMon, 05 Mar 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake PC editions illuminated, not scary anymore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/alan-wake-pc-editions-illuminated-not-scary-anymore/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/alan-wake-pc-editions-illuminated-not-scary-anymore/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/alan-wake-pc-editions-illuminated-not-scary-anymore/#comments Nordic Games has revealed the contents of its Alan Wake PC editions -- collector's and standard -- which are set to hit Steam on February 16 and retail shelves on March 2. The standard edition includes the full game and The Signal and The Writer DLC packs on one disc, the original soundtrack on a second, six post cards, seven stickers, a poster and a manual.

The collector's edition includes everything in the standard edition, plus audio commentary and background information from developer Remedy Entertainment that can be switched on during the main game. It also has "The Alan Wake Files," 144 pages of evidence complied by in-game author Clay Steward, and a third disc with a making-of feature, the history of Remedy, trailers and behind-the-scenes content.

Alan Wake is set to hit Steam in downloadable form on February 16, at $30 for the standard edition and $35 for the collector's edition, though without the discs and "premium packaging" promised in both retail forms.

JoystiqAlan Wake PC editions illuminated, not scary anymore originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakecollectors-editioneuropenordicpcrelease-dateRemedyremedy-entertainmentretailSTEAMThu, 09 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[European retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/#comments Earlier this week Game met with lenders to discuss its credit problems and options for staying in business, and now Game reports it will operate "with lower limits" and under "revised terms for its facilities." As of November 2011, Game had 1,275 stores in Europe and Australia, but has hinted that it could sell off more than half of its overseas locations, and it plans to close 60 stores by 2013. It closed 39 locations last year.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaclosuredseuropefinancialgamemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspretailsonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Binding of Isaac: Unholy Edition splats across UK retail shelves March 16 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/the-binding-of-isaac-unholy-edition-splats-across-retail-shelve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/the-binding-of-isaac-unholy-edition-splats-across-retail-shelve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/the-binding-of-isaac-unholy-edition-splats-across-retail-shelve/#comments The Binding of Isaac: Unholy Edition is a DRM-free PC and Mac version that includes a free Steam gift key, the full soundtrack, a poster and a 40-page art book. Developed by Edmund McMillen of Super Meat Boy's Team Meat, The Binding of Isaac premiered on Steam in September along with an adorable plush from the Team Meat Shop on Etsy.

If you don't yet know why that darling doll is crying, go ahead and pick up The Binding of Isaac on Steam for $5, or wait for the Unholy Edition to launch in Europe at an unknown price. Or you can just listen to this song, whose recurring line is "To the basement, people, to the basement / Many surprises await you / In the basement, people, in the basement / You hid there last time, you know we're gonna find you."

Update: Merge Games, the publisher behind Isaac's Unholy Edition, is based in the UK. While it doesn't list the retail version specifically as UK-only, we assume that is, in fact, the case. All you North Americans can just crawl back into your basements now, thanks. We've reached out to Merge Games for clarification.

Update 2: Merge Games has confirmed The Binding of Isaac's retail launch for the following regions: UK, Ireland, the Nordic countries, the Benelux, Italy, the Czech Republic, Greece, Turkey and South Africa. Merge Games also handles publishing in Australia and New Zealand.

JoystiqThe Binding of Isaac: Unholy Edition splats across UK retail shelves March 16 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmund-mcmillenmacpcretailteam-meatthe-binding-of-isaacThe-Binding-of-Isaac-Unholy-EditionFri, 27 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play.com lists 'Ubisoft Triple Pack,' containing Beyond Good and Evil HD, Outland, From Dust [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/play-com-lists-ubisoft-triple-pack-containing-beyond-good-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/play-com-lists-ubisoft-triple-pack-containing-beyond-good-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/play-com-lists-ubisoft-triple-pack-containing-beyond-good-and/#comments It looks like more downloadable titles will be getting the packaged retail treatment, this time courtesy of Ubisoft. Similar to the various other retail packs we've seen in the past, the "Ubisoft Triple Pack" will contain three previously download-only titles for PS3 and Xbox 360: Beyond Good and Evil HD, Outland and From Dust, according to a listing on Play.com.

Play.com's pre-order price of £14.99 equates to roughly $23, although no listings currently exist for the Triple Pack on any of the usual US retailers' websites. We've contacted Ubisoft for clarification regarding the collection's availability and pricing, but we feel safe in assuming that it'll cost more than $1 and less than $100 million, and that it'll be available in a country somewhere on this specific planet.

Update: Ubisoft has responded in a wholly surprising and remarkably unpredictable fashion: "We have nothing to announce at this time."

JoystiqPlay.com lists 'Ubisoft Triple Pack,' containing Beyond Good and Evil HD, Outland, From Dust [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-good-and-evil-hderic-chahifrom-dustHousemarquemicrosoftoutlandretailubisoftUbisoft-MontpellierUbisoft-Shanghaiubisoft-triple-packxboxFri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft moves 960K Xbox 360 consoles, 750K Kinect units 'week of Black Friday']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/microsoft-moves-960k-xbox-360-consoles-750k-kinect-units-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/microsoft-moves-960k-xbox-360-consoles-750k-kinect-units-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/microsoft-moves-960k-xbox-360-consoles-750k-kinect-units-week/#comments After clocking ten months as the top console on the NPD sales charts, Microsoft had little incentive to lower the price of the Xbox 360 this holiday. Instead, Redmond's strategy has been to partner with retailers to push sale prices, so frugal shoppers have no problem getting a deal while post-holiday pricing remains high so long as strong numbers continue.

To that end, Microsoft just announced that it moved 960,000 consoles in the US "during the week of Black Friday." When asked if that included Cyber Monday, which had some notable Xbox sales of its own, we were told, "These numbers are from Saturday, Nov. 19 through Friday, Nov. 25 and do not include Cyber Monday." Still, without the unfortunately named Cyber Monday, this represents the "biggest week of sales in Xbox history," according to internal Microsoft numbers.

Big whoop, right? What we're really curious about is Kinect. Will it manage to be one of this holiday's "must-have" gifts for a second year in a row? Considering Kinect moved an equally impressive 750,000 units in the US across standalone and bundled offerings, we're inclined to say it's getting there.

JoystiqMicrosoft moves 960K Xbox 360 consoles, 750K Kinect units 'week of Black Friday' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2011cyber-monday-2011kinectmicrosoftretailsalesxboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Canadian EB Games stores merging used and new game shelves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/rumor-canadian-eb-games-stores-merging-used-and-new-game-shelve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/rumor-canadian-eb-games-stores-merging-used-and-new-game-shelve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/rumor-canadian-eb-games-stores-merging-used-and-new-game-shelve/#comments Employees of Canadian EB Games stores wrote in to Kotaku to alert the site to an alleged new policy that will make your attempts to shop there even more difficult. According to the tipsters, Canadian EB's will no longer have dedicated areas for used and new games. For each platform, the two will share the exact same wall space.

In addition, used games will be marked with white price stickers, just like new games. To make matters worse, one employee said that new games are to be buried behind the used ones.

Another Canadian EB employee told Kotaku that these claims aren't accurate, and we have yet to see anything official from EB/GameStop, so don't start boycotting EB just yet -- at least not just in response to this issue.

JoystiqRumor: Canadian EB Games stores merging used and new game shelves originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaeb-gamesgamestopretailused-gamesWed, 23 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. casting Witcher 2 for Xbox 360 in NA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/warner-bros-casting-witcher-2-for-xbox-360-in-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/warner-bros-casting-witcher-2-for-xbox-360-in-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/warner-bros-casting-witcher-2-for-xbox-360-in-na/#comments Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will publish The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings in North America early next year, providing sales and marketing resources that North American PC publisher Atari likely wouldn't be able to provide for a console launch.

"We are sure that this partnership with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, with its strong position in the entertainment sector and particularly in the video and games distribution market in North America, will help us to achieve even bigger success in the most important market for Xbox 360 games," said Adam Kiciński, president of CD Projekt RED. "This is also a big distinction for us, that Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment recognizes The Witcher 2 as a rare example of a game with world-class production values, which merges a very ambitious and complex approach with big commercial potential."

And as WB "recognizes" the publishing opportunities for Witcher 2 in North America, THQ will work PAL territories. Meanwhile, Atari and Namco Bandai continue PC publishing duties for NA and PAL, respectively. Anybody else want in on Geralt? Because it looks like CD Projekt RED is open to multiple partners.

Continue reading Warner Bros. casting Witcher 2 for Xbox 360 in NA

JoystiqWarner Bros. casting Witcher 2 for Xbox 360 in NA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projekt-redmicrosoftretailthe-witcher-2Warner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwbiexboxFri, 21 Oct 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City Xbox 360 bundle swoops onto Amazon.de]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/batman-arkham-city-xbox-360-bundle-swoops-onto-amazon-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/batman-arkham-city-xbox-360-bundle-swoops-onto-amazon-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/batman-arkham-city-xbox-360-bundle-swoops-onto-amazon-de/#comments When we first saw this Batman: Arkham City Xbox bundle, outed by Amazon Germany, we assumed it was the fancy custom console given away to one lucky PAX-goer; instead, this bundle includes a 250GB matte black Xbox 360, the usual headset and controller, and a copy of the game.

At €279.99, that puts this console at just a €30 premium over the un-Batman'd Xbox offering. Though it may not have a fancy paint job, it respects the fact that we're not all Bruce Wayne.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City Xbox 360 bundle swoops onto Amazon.de originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CitybundlegermanymicrosoftretailxboxWed, 28 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[68 percent of European Xbox Live subscriptions purchased at retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/68-percent-of-european-xbox-live-subscriptions-purchased-at-reta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/68-percent-of-european-xbox-live-subscriptions-purchased-at-reta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/68-percent-of-european-xbox-live-subscriptions-purchased-at-reta/#comments Despite living in a world where automatic renewal is a thing, a full two-thirds of European Xbox Live subscriptions are purchased at retail locations rather than online or through the console itself, according to Xbox Live marketing manager Robin Burrows.

This statistical tidbit was revealed during an interview with MCV, where Burrows also stated that Microsoft is in the process of testing new ways of manifesting digital products in meatspace, specifically referencing "point-of-sale activation," which allows shoppers to activate their newly purchased codes immediately after purchasing them.

Just like you'd be able to do if you hadn't gone to the store to buy something that already exists in your house.

Joystiq68 percent of European Xbox Live subscriptions purchased at retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europemicrosoftretailRobin-BurrowssubscriptionsxboxXbox-LiveSat, 03 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the Future goes retail as Telltale becomes PS3, Wii publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/back-to-the-future-goes-retail-as-telltale-becomes-ps3-wii-publ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/back-to-the-future-goes-retail-as-telltale-becomes-ps3-wii-publ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/back-to-the-future-goes-retail-as-telltale-becomes-ps3-wii-publ/#comments Taking a cue from the subject matter of Back to the Future: The Game, Telltale and Sony are going to begin selling the episodic adventure game in an old-fashioned manner: boxed copies in stores. Telltale has 'expanded' its publishing agreement with Sony to include retail games, the first of which will be Back to the Future. The disc version will be released this October, at the same $19.99 price point as the digital version.

The agreement isn't exclusive to Back to the Future; Telltale now has the option to publish retail versions of any of its PSN games. To date, that includes Puzzle Agent, Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, Tales of Monkey Island, and Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse.

GamePro reports that Telltale has also signed on as a Wii retail publisher, also planning a retail version of Back to the Future this October for the same price. Previous Wii retail games from the developer, including Sam & Max seasons one and two, were published by other companies.

Continue reading Back to the Future goes retail as Telltale becomes PS3, Wii publisher

JoystiqBack to the Future goes retail as Telltale becomes PS3, Wii publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureback-to-the-futureplaystationps3publishingretailtelltale-gamesWed, 24 Aug 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gunstringer will be $40, comes with Fruit Ninja Kinect and free DLC, this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/#commentsWhen Twisted Pixel announced that its Kinect-based, undead western marionette shooter would gallop past Xbox Live Arcade and ride right into Retailville, we wrote, "Twisted Pixel isn't talking price right now, but considering most Kinect games go for $50, we'd say that's a safe bet." Well ... we were wrong. And we're sorry. And we hope you didn't bet any actual money.

Microsoft just announced that The Gunstringer will be hitting shelves on September 13 in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia, and September 16 in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Oh, you wanted to know the price? How does $40 sound to you? Oh ... well, how about $40 and a free code for Fruit Ninja Kinect, itself valued at $10?

Still not enough? You drive a hard bargain, friend! How about some free launch DLC titled "The Wavy Tube Man Chronicles" in which you battle "the time-traveling son of Wavy Tube Man." Here, we'll use Microsoft's description:
In this add-on, Wavy Tube Man Jr. steals a time machine to prevent his father's death at the hands of "The Gunstringer," and it's up to players to battle classic western cowboys and futuristic warriors to save the world from destruction.
Wait a second ... you're still not satisfied? Can you not be sated? Is there nothing that can match your appetite for deals? Fine, if you pre-order the game from "select US and European retailers [...] you'll receive two tokens for a free Avatar Prop from the game." There, that's it. That's all you're getting. We're exhausted.

Continue reading The Gunstringer will be $40, comes with Fruit Ninja Kinect and free DLC, this September

JoystiqThe Gunstringer will be $40, comes with Fruit Ninja Kinect and free DLC, this September originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combofruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftrelease-dateretailthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxFri, 22 Jul 2011 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Some retailers put Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon out early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/some-retailers-put-earth-defense-force-insect-armageddon-out-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/some-retailers-put-earth-defense-force-insect-armageddon-out-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/some-retailers-put-earth-defense-force-insect-armageddon-out-ea/#comments Reports are coming in that local GameStop stores have taken to selling the new Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon early this weekend. The title's not due out until Tuesday in North America, but we called our closest purveyor of giant ant-killing interactive entertainment, and sure enough, they confirmed it's available for the standard price of $39.99.

As with all of these early release deals, your mileage may vary, so don't come bug us when a store near you says they still can't sell it until the release date. But all indications are that the launch date's been moved up, perhaps to take advantage of the holiday weekend. Because, you know, there's nothing more American than fireworks, BBQ, and destroying an army of huge insects?

JoystiqSome retailers put Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon out early originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3-publisherearth-defense-force-insect-armageddongamestopmicrosoftplaystationps3release-dateretailxboxSun, 03 Jul 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale lands on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-limps-onto-the-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-limps-onto-the-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-limps-onto-the-pc/#comments Atari has announced that Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale is now available for the PC. We didn't really like the hack-and-slash title, calling it "a terrible use of Wizards of the Coast's timeless license" (ouch), but hey, maybe you're a huge completist and absolutely must play through anything and everything having to do Forgotten Realms. If that's the case, you can pick up the game for $14.99 at a fine e-tailer near you.

Continue reading Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale lands on PC

JoystiqDungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale lands on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridDdungeons-and-dragons-daggerdalepcretailwizards-of-the-coastTue, 28 Jun 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Electronic Arts opening EA Sports retail store in Charlotte airport]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/electronic-arts-opening-ea-sports-retail-store-in-charlotte-airp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/electronic-arts-opening-ea-sports-retail-store-in-charlotte-airp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/electronic-arts-opening-ea-sports-retail-store-in-charlotte-airp/#comments It's a situation that the non-sporting chapter of the games community is likely familiar with -- you stop by your local GameStop on an early fall evening to grab a copy of some non-athletic title therein, but are prevented from crossing the building's threshold by an impenetrable wall of Madden enthusiasts. We've got great news for folks living in the vicinity of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport: EA plans to open an EA Sports retail location in said airport's terminal, potentially limiting your run-ins with prospective wedgie-executors.

News of the store's construction came from EA Sports VP of brand marketing Chris Erb, who told Forbes the megapublisher hopes the retail location will be the first of three stores opening across the nation. No details were given on where the other two locations will be planted, but we suggest they take their business to a place that's a little more accessible than an airport terminal. You know, like literally any other place on the planet.

JoystiqElectronic Arts opening EA Sports retail store in Charlotte airport originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlotteeaea-sportsmaddenmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3retailwiixboxTue, 14 Jun 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Escalation marks GameStop's biggest DLC launch in record first quarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/escalation-marks-gamestops-biggest-dlc-launch-in-record-first-q/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/escalation-marks-gamestops-biggest-dlc-launch-in-record-first-q/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/escalation-marks-gamestops-biggest-dlc-launch-in-record-first-q/#comments The recent Call of Duty: Black Ops "Escalation" DLC has taken the crown at GameStop as its largest DLC launch ever, according to the company's latest earnings call. The map pack sold 50,000 copies as pre-orders and 200,000 in store during the first week of availability. Digital sales in general are on the rise at the retailer as well, growing 53 percent year-over-year.

The first quarter of 2011 was a good one for GameStop overall, as the company reported record sales of $2.28 billion. HD console games were a big driver, as was the Nintendo 3DS launch, combined with a solid 9.5 percent growth in "pre-owned" (read: used) games and accessories. Pokémon Black and White were the top titles of the quarter, with Mortal Kombat, Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Black Ops and Homefront filling out the top five.

JoystiqEscalation marks GameStop's biggest DLC launch in record first quarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-Duty-Black-Opsdigitalearningsgamestopmicrosoftmoneypcplaystationps3q1-2011retailsalesxboxFri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy distributing 3DS content through SpotPass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/best-buy-distributing-3ds-content-through-spotpass/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/best-buy-distributing-3ds-content-through-spotpass/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/best-buy-distributing-3ds-content-through-spotpass/#comments We trust that you're already carrying your 3DS around with you wherever you go -- your Nintendogs need the exercise, you know -- but you want to make doubly sure you bring it with you should you cross the threshold of a Best Buy this summer. The store has partnered with Nintendo to deliver 3DS content via the SpotPass feature starting June 7, including "exclusive offers as well as additional entertainment content such as gaming extras and movie trailers."

No specific "gaming extras" or trailers were mentioned in the partnership's press release, but any reason to dust off the 3DS' SpotPass is a welcome opportunity, indeed. We haven't used a handheld gaming device's feature this infrequently since the original DS' infamous panini press mode.

Continue reading Best Buy distributing 3DS content through SpotPass

JoystiqBest Buy distributing 3DS content through SpotPass originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbest-buydigital-distributiondsnintendoretailspotpassTue, 17 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: UK retailers say PS3 trade-ins doubling due to PSN outage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/report-uk-retailers-say-ps3-trade-ins-doubling-due-to-psn-outag/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/report-uk-retailers-say-ps3-trade-ins-doubling-due-to-psn-outag/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/report-uk-retailers-say-ps3-trade-ins-doubling-due-to-psn-outag/#comments We're approaching the one-month anniversary of the PlayStation Network's deactivation due to that pesky security breach, and according to a report from Edge the downtime's starting to have an effect at UK games retailers. The report cites a number of anonymous game shop clerks, all of whom paint a fairly similar picture of the response to the outage: PlayStation 3 trade-ins have doubled in their respective stores in the past few weeks, with most shoppers exchanging their consoles for Xbox 360s or cash.

That may sound like a fairly inflammatory report, but the reasoning is sound: Almost all the retailers say these shoppers are hardcore FPS players, and are acquiring Xbox 360s to get back in their Call of Duty: Black Ops and Modern Warfare 2 routines. Furthermore, all of the retailers report an increased trade-in rate for the PS3 version of Black Ops. Trading in your gaming console sounds like a pretty drastic way to keep playing a game you love -- then again, we're no strangers to the siren call of the Killstreak.

JoystiqReport: UK retailers say PS3 trade-ins doubling due to PSN outage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 May 2011 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-Duty-Black-Opscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2microsoftplaystationps3psnpsn-outage-2011retailtrade-inukxboxThu, 12 May 2011 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Ocarina of Time 3D to see limited initial release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/30/rumor-ocarina-of-time-3d-to-see-limited-initial-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/30/rumor-ocarina-of-time-3d-to-see-limited-initial-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/30/rumor-ocarina-of-time-3d-to-see-limited-initial-release/#comments Japanese retail news blog Sinobi (translated by Andriasang) reports Nintendo has a somewhat surprising supply strategy for its upcoming, three-dimensional remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. According to the blog, Nintendo's initial shipment of the title to retailers will be "extremely small." Furthermore, Nintendo supposedly isn't letting retailers order extra units of the game, and is allotting a limited number of copies for all retailers, regardless of their respective size.

It seems bananas to limit supply on the 3DS' most anticipated title to date, but Sinobi suggests this could be a reaction to the overstocking of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, which ended up in Japanese bargain bins faster than the franchise is likely used to. If that's the case, then Nintendo is forgetting one very important factor: Spirit Tracks is a pretty okay game, while Ocarina of Time is the best game ever made.

JoystiqRumor: Ocarina of Time 3D to see limited initial release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsjapannintendoretailsupplythe-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-timethe-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracksSat, 30 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reggie Fils-Aime talks Nintendo's 3DS supply strategy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/reggie-fils-aime-talks-nintendos-3ds-supply-strategy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/reggie-fils-aime-talks-nintendos-3ds-supply-strategy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/reggie-fils-aime-talks-nintendos-3ds-supply-strategy/#comments Remember how finding a Wii after its launch was more difficult than finding ... um, a thing, like -- you know what? There actually isn't an analogy that's applicable, here. It was the hardest thing to find, ever. That was a rough period to be sure, but Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime recently explained to USA Today, "We learned significant lessons from the launch of Wii and we made sure to have not only ample supply [of 3DS] in the marketplace, but we staged supply so it would not sell out." He added, "That strategy is why you didn't see massive sellouts on Nintendo 3DS."

Fils-Aime explained that, even though the system sold almost 400,000 units in its first week on store shelves, it avoided sellouts largely because Nintendo "had product going direct to store and we also had product in retailers (distribution centers), so they could easily replenish when they had stores running low on inventory." The supply chain seems to be holding up pretty well -- way better than Nintendo's supply strategy for the Wii, which involved making secret wishes on falling stars that Wiis would just, like, appear.

JoystiqReggie Fils-Aime talks Nintendo's 3DS supply strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnintendoReggie-Fils-AimeretailsalessupplyMon, 18 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy building out game departments with new sales desks and trained employees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/best-buy-building-out-game-departments-with-new-sales-desks-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/best-buy-building-out-game-departments-with-new-sales-desks-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/best-buy-building-out-game-departments-with-new-sales-desks-and/#comments According a recent presentation by the company, Best Buy plans to add employees and facilities to its retail stores to encourage game sales sometime this fiscal year. The big box store currently sits behind other retailers like GameStop and Walmart in gaming revenue, but hopes to turn that situation around by setting up game-focused employees and sales counters.

The employees will handle trade-ins and preorders, and be expected to sell "exclusive digital add-ons" as customers come in and pick up their games. Best Buy reportedly wants to push a "virtuous cycle," where customers preorder games, buy the DLC at the store, and then use trade-in credits for another preorder as the cycle starts up again.

The game sections in each store are also slated to increase in size, with the less-popular music departments taking the hit in most cases. Best Buy doesn't say if it plans to have free hot dogs for customers who come and buy games, but we're just throwing that out there, guys. Think about it.

JoystiqBest Buy building out game departments with new sales desks and trained employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonsbest-buydigitalemployeesgameretailsalesMon, 18 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii listed for $170 at all major US retailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/nintendo-wii-listed-for-170-at-all-major-us-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/nintendo-wii-listed-for-170-at-all-major-us-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/nintendo-wii-listed-for-170-at-all-major-us-retailers/#comments Well folks, it's not quite May 15 just yet, but it seems that big box retailers have already begun offering discounts on the Nintendo Wii, dropping the price from $200 to $170. It's not exactly a full-on, official price drop -- not yet, at least -- but it certainly looks like one is imminently approaching.

As indicated last week by a leak at Target and corroborated by listings on the websites of GameStop, Toys 'R Us, and Best Buy, various versions of the Nintendo Wii console bundle are being offered for $170 as of today. Best Buy even got in on the action a bit early over this past weekend. However, if what we've heard about an official price drop in mid-May for the Nintendo Wii is true, then you may just want to wait another few weeks and save yourself a full $50.

JoystiqNintendo Wii listed for $170 at all major US retailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoprice-dropretailwiiWii-Sports-2Wii-Sports-ResortMon, 18 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop opens digital storefront on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/gamestop-opens-digital-storefront-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/gamestop-opens-digital-storefront-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/gamestop-opens-digital-storefront-on-facebook/#comments If you're uncomfortable with GameStop's tenacity as it pursues your reservations and trade-ins, you'll probably be displeased to learn that "pre-order pokes" could be coming in the near future. The gargantuan games retailer recently opened up a Facebook storefront, through which shoppers can purchase and reserve titles, view trailers and screenshot galleries and, in the near future, earn and redeem PowerUp Rewards points.

Between this and GameStop's recent acquisition of Impulse and Spawn Labs, it seems the retailer's taking its new digital strategy pretty seriously. We wouldn't be surprised to see if the company adopted a presence on LiveJournal, as well. We'd be curious to learn what its mood is like on a day-to-day basis, as well as what hot bands it's totally into right now.

JoystiqGameStop opens digital storefront on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookgamestopindustrymarketplaceonlinepcpowerup-rewardspre-orderretailFri, 08 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop indulges in some Impulse buying ... no seriously, it bought Impulse (and Spawn Labs)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/gamestop-indulges-in-some-impulse-buying-no-seriously-it-bo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/gamestop-indulges-in-some-impulse-buying-no-seriously-it-bo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/gamestop-indulges-in-some-impulse-buying-no-seriously-it-bo/#comments Love 'em or hate 'em, you can't say the people of GameStop are taking the challenge of "digital" lying down. The massive Texas-based retailer (everything's bigger in Texas) just announced the acquisition of streaming tech outfit Spawn Labs - you'll recall the HD-720 box we brought on the Engadget Show - and digital distribution portal, Impulse.

Whoa, whoa, whoa ... so GameStop purchased Stardock, Impulse's owner? Nope! "GameStop has acquired Impulse, Inc.," the official Stardock FAQ on the deal reads. "Impulse is a separate business unit from Stardock Entertainment." No layoffs are anticipated, staff stays with Impulse, customer service is still handled by Impulse (for now!), and the group is actually hiring.

The press release says that Impulse will offer "three specific components." First is the client, dubbed "Impulse::Client" here, which users can use to download games. Duh. Next is Impulse::Reactor, which "provides content publishers customer friendly DRM and copy protection tools. It also allows developers to enable achievements, account management, friend lists, chat, multiplayer lobbies, and cloud storage within their games." Last is Impulse::Publisher which gives pubs "real-time reporting and management tools."

GameStop's interest in Impulse - one of the industry's biggest competitors to market leader Steam - is obvious. What's not so obvious is its interest in Spawn Labs. "Once the Spawn Labs integration and testing on a new consumer interface is complete, users will have immediate access to a wide selection of high-definition video games on demand on any Internet-enabled device," the press release reads. That sounds to us like GameStop is getting into the cloud-based gaming arena (ie: OnLive).

We're following up with GameStop, Stardock, and all the other concerned parties and we'll let you know what we uncover.

JoystiqGameStop indulges in some Impulse buying ... no seriously, it bought Impulse (and Spawn Labs) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-gamingGameStopImpulseretailSpawn-LabsStardockstreamingThu, 31 Mar 2011 18:00:00 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<![CDATA[Nintendo reassures UK fans that 3DS won't sell out, but warns that prices will rise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/nintendo-reassures-uk-fans-that-3ds-wont-sell-out-but-warns-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/nintendo-reassures-uk-fans-that-3ds-wont-sell-out-but-warns-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/nintendo-reassures-uk-fans-that-3ds-wont-sell-out-but-warns-th/#comments If you didn't pre-order a 3DS for today's UK release -- and you want a 3DS -- Nintendo would like to inform you that you don't have to freak out and rip a display unit out of a store kiosk. Well, that's a bit of a paraphrase.

"We have well in excess of the pre-orders available," Nintendo UK's James Honeywell told Eurogamer. He said that there is "literally no reason" shoppers wouldn't be able to buy a 3DS this weekend.

You might not have to scramble to secure a console, but if you're interested in one, haste may still be in order -- at least, according to Nintendo, who kind of wants you to buy a 3DS right away regardless. The discounts that UK retailers have been offering for the system will dissipate after the launch period, Honeywell said. "I'm not sure a lot of those offers will be there for the long term. Those are great offers for the launch. There's huge amount of noise and hype around the launch. Those prices will start to revert a bit."

JoystiqNintendo reassures UK fans that 3DS won't sell out, but warns that prices will rise originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsjames-honeywellnintendoretailshortageukFri, 25 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST