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[Katamari and Canabalt creators make a game just for LA Game Space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/katamari-and-canabalt-creators-make-a-game-just-for-la-game-spac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/katamari-and-canabalt-creators-make-a-game-just-for-la-game-spac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/katamari-and-canabalt-creators-make-a-game-just-for-la-game-spac/#comments Keita Takahashi and Adam Atomic making LA Game Space gameLA Game Space has 10 days to reach its Kickstarter goal and is half way there, with $125,000 more to go. Today it's sweetening the deal for potential backers: Keita Takahashi, the creator of Katamari Damacy, and Adam Saltsman, the (running) man behind Canabalt, are teaming up to create a game just for people who back the project.

Anyone who pledges $5 or more to the LA Game Space Kickstarter will get Takahashi and Saltsman's game - whatever it turns out being - for PC, Mac or Linux. This is on top of the reward for pledges of $15 and more, which offers 30 new games from prominent indie developers such as Hotline Miami's Cactus, Steve Swink of Scale, Ben Esposito of Unfinished Swan, and Adventure Time's Pendleton Ward in collaboration with QWOP's Bennett Foddy, among others. Check out the entire list on on the Kickstarter's main page.

LA Game Space is looking to create a hub of game creation in Los Angeles, featuring development tools, pseudo classrooms, mentorship and networking opportunities, along with game development workshops streamed, for free, around the world. We interviewed co-founder Adam Robezzoli in a special episode of the Super Joystiq Podcast; give it a listen right here.

JoystiqKatamari and Canabalt creators make a game just for LA Game Space originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-robezzoliadam-saltsmanCanabaltkatamari-damacykeita-takahashikickstarterla-game-spacemacpcrewardsMon, 26 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order XCOM: Enemy Unknown on Steam, unlock rewards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/pre-order-xcom-enemy-unknown-on-steam-unlock-rewards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/pre-order-xcom-enemy-unknown-on-steam-unlock-rewards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/pre-order-xcom-enemy-unknown-on-steam-unlock-rewards/#comments Preorder XCOM Enemy Unknown on Steam, unlock rewardsXCOM: Enemy Unknown is available now for pre-order on Steam and it includes a nifty Ni No Kuni-inspired reward system, based on how many people purchase it before launch.

Tier one gives customers the Elite Soldier Pack, which includes the classic XCOM soldier, soldier deco packs and complete color customization option. Tier two unlocks three XCOM-related items for Team Fortress 2: crafty hair; the Pyro as a Badlands alien; and the Vigilant pin. Tier 3 is a free copy of Civilization 5.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is $50 on Steam.

[Thanks, Ethan!]

JoystiqPre-order XCOM: Enemy Unknown on Steam, unlock rewards originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesFiraxis-Gamespcpre-orderrewardsSTEAMxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 06 Sep 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadowrun Returns says let's get physical, physical]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/shadowrun-returns-says-lets-get-physical-physical/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/shadowrun-returns-says-lets-get-physical-physical/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/shadowrun-returns-says-lets-get-physical-physical/#commentsImageThe Shadowrun Returns Kickstarter passed the $1 million mark, meaning all $15 backers will receive the Linux port of the final game -- but that's not all.

Harebrained Schemes added a new $125 donor level that rewards backers with the Deluxe Boxed Edition. This includes a "game disc, soundtrack disc, a mini-poster, and -- check this -- a Shadowrun Returns USB Dog Tag set, containing DRM-free versions of the game (PC/Mac/Linux) and soundtrack (and maybe one or two other surprises, too)," Harebrained writes.

There are two days left in the Shadowrun Returns Kickstarter, so if you enjoy dog tags, get on that thing now.

JoystiqShadowrun Returns says let's get physical, physical originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harebrained-schemeskickstarterpcrewardsshadowrun-returnsSat, 14 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine Kickstarter adds new rewards, Schafer and Gilbert talk it out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/double-fine-kickstarter-adds-new-rewards-schafer-and-gilbert-ta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/double-fine-kickstarter-adds-new-rewards-schafer-and-gilbert-ta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/double-fine-kickstarter-adds-new-rewards-schafer-and-gilbert-ta/#comments

Double Fine's fundraiser for its point-and-click adventure title exploded on day one and has currently raised almost $2.1 million, and there are still 18 days left. To celebrate, reward its backers and entice even more, Double Fine has revamped its rewards for denomination-specific donations as follows:
  • $30 tier: Digital Soundtrack of the Documentary
  • $60 tier: Double Fine Adventure Book (digital PDF)
  • $100 tier: Special edition box set with the game disc and DVD/Blu-Ray documentary
  • $500 tier: Double Fine Adventure Book (physical copy)
As standard for Kickstarter projects, hitting a higher reward tier gets backers all of the rewards from previous tiers as well. For extra incentive, the 35-minute discussion between Tim Schafer and Ron Gilbert -- filmed before the Kickstarter began -- demonstrates the passion and thought that will be fueling Double Fine's game; check it out above.

JoystiqDouble Fine Kickstarter adds new rewards, Schafer and Gilbert talk it out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-fineDouble-Fine-AdventurekickstarterPoint-and-ClickrewardsRon-GilbertTim-SchaferFri, 24 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Game & Watch: Ball now available as Club Nintendo reward]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/game-and-watch-ball-now-available-as-club-nintendo-reward/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/game-and-watch-ball-now-available-as-club-nintendo-reward/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/game-and-watch-ball-now-available-as-club-nintendo-reward/#comments Do you possess enough Club Nintendo coins to purchase a small, uninhabited tropical island? Why not spend your fake currency on this, instead: The promotional program's latest reward is a reproduction of Game and Watch: Ball, in which you play a juggler who's tasked with keeping a number of always hastening circles suspended in the air. We guess the plural nature of your profession's materials would make the title Balls more appropriate, but ... no. No, we won't be doing that.

The game (and Watch) will run you 1,200 coins. Also added to the list of rewards is a reversible carrying bag for whatever model of DS you're currently toting around, which costs 250 coins. We guess you could put other things in there, too. Like Game and Watch: Ball! That, ladies and gentlemen, is called synergy.

JoystiqGame & Watch: Ball now available as Club Nintendo reward originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club-nintendodsgame-and-watchgame-and-watch-ballnintendorewardswiiWed, 09 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo offers new, organizational rewards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/club-nintendo-offers-new-organizational-rewards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/club-nintendo-offers-new-organizational-rewards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/club-nintendo-offers-new-organizational-rewards/#commentsNintendo has announced some new Club Nintendo rewards for patrons to spend their hard-earned points on. Don't get too excited!

The rewards are folders and greeting cards. For 300 points each, you can get a set of either Nintendogs or Mario greeting cards; and for 250 points each, there are folder sets of "Mario & Friends," "Toad & Friends," and "Bowser" (each containing three folders and some bookmarks).

These office items might be extra useful for those of you still in school -- or those of you whose jobs don't already tell everyone you know what a huge Nintendo nerd you are. We like them because all the Mario items use hand-drawn Mario art instead of the 3D models Nintendo typically uses.

JoystiqClub Nintendo offers new, organizational rewards originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookmarksclub-nintendofoldersgreeting-cardsrewardsThu, 17 Dec 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Rewards pilot program launches, gives points for purchases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/xbox-live-rewards-pilot-program-launches-gives-points-for-purch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/xbox-live-rewards-pilot-program-launches-gives-points-for-purch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/xbox-live-rewards-pilot-program-launches-gives-points-for-purch/#comments A number of Xbox Live subscribers recently received invitations to a promising pilot program which grants them bonuses for a number of their usual online activities. Earlier today, Microsoft revealed exactly how the six-month trial program, which is appropriately titled "Xbox Live Rewards," operates. Basically, users can earn complimentary Microsoft Points by renewing their subscriptions, purchasing Marketplace content, taking part in surveys, or doing a number of other activities which are clearly laid out in this helpful chart.

Okay, so the number of points you can accumulate using the Rewards program isn't really enormous, and according to the invitation's fine print, you can't spend the points you earn until the first three months of the trial are up. Still, you get free Microbucks for doing stuff you'd probably be doing anyways, so it's hard to complain about that. Of course, we know in our hearts that someone out there will find a way.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqXbox Live Rewards pilot program launches, gives points for purchases originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpilot-programpromotionrewardstrialXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-rewardsTue, 03 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony America scraps UMD-to-PSP Go conversion plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/sony-america-scraps-umd-to-psp-go-conversion-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/sony-america-scraps-umd-to-psp-go-conversion-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/sony-america-scraps-umd-to-psp-go-conversion-plans/#comments Sony director of hardware marketing John Koller mentioned shortly after the E3 "reveal" of the PSP Go that the company was considering a "good will program," which would allow UMD owners to trade in their physical games for digital versions. However, yesterday at the Tokyo Game Show, an SCEA spokesperson told Kotaku, "We were evaluating a UMD conversion program, but due to legal and technical reasons we will not be offering the program at this time."

That's quite a blow to the base of American PSP owners with large libraries of UMD titles looking to upgrade to a PSP Go -- a blow significantly worsened by the European "PSP Go Rewards" initiative, which grants three free games to PSP Go purchasers who register for the promotion using an older PSP model. This same promotion will not be coming to the US. "SCEA region will not offer a UMD rewards program at this time," due to the fact that the company has a "dual-platform strategy," an SCEA spokesperson has explained to IndustryGamers.

Ironically enough, we have a "we'd rather not purchase our PSP games again to play them on a new version of your handheld" strategy going for us. It's working out pretty well so far.

JoystiqSony America scraps UMD-to-PSP Go conversion plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conversionhandheldpromotionpsppsp-gorewardssceasonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaumdFri, 25 Sep 2009 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony wants to say 'P.S. Thanks']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/sony-wants-to-say-p-s-thanks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/sony-wants-to-say-p-s-thanks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/sony-wants-to-say-p-s-thanks/#comments
Yet another trademark has got the gaming community talking. SCEA filed a trademark application (#77794416) for a serviced called "P.S. Thanks." Considering this is a Sony trademark, we'll let you figure out what "P.S." could possibly stand for.

According to the application, "P.S. Thanks" is meant to be an "incentive rewards program geared toward quantifying, identifying and motivating top consumer base with the goal of promotion and sale of video game hardware and software." In short, Sony wants to create a PlayStation loyalty program.

IGN hypothesizes a few possibilities. The service could be a program akin to Club Nintendo that awards frequent buyers with rewards. (Most recently, top-tier Club Nintendo members were awarded an exclusive downloadable game, calendar, and Mario hat.) "P.S. Thanks" could also refer to a Trophy reward program, one that has been rumored since the inception of Trophies in the PS3 firmware. Certainly, that's something a-certain-someone would love to see. Update: SCEA offers a comment: "As you know, we have a long history of creating unique loyalty programs such as PlayStation Underground which started with the original PlayStation and has evolved into the Gamer Advisory Panel (GAP). We continue to look for ways to expand this program and simply are evaluating new naming conventions for this evolution."

[Thanks, Jeff B.]

JoystiqSony wants to say 'P.S. Thanks' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>loyaltyplaystationps-thanksrewardssonytrademarktrophiestrophyWed, 05 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari Forever to feature Home rewards, minigames over credits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/katamari-forever-to-feature-home-rewards-minigames-over-credits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/katamari-forever-to-feature-home-rewards-minigames-over-credits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/katamari-forever-to-feature-home-rewards-minigames-over-credits/#comments
If there's one complaint we'd lobby at PlayStation Home, it's that (aside from the woefully low amount of users) there's no miniaturized version of Katamari Forever's Prince (nor his cousins) to adorn our avatar's shoulder! Well, that changes now, as Namco Bandai has revealed (via Siliconera) that not only will the upcoming title support Trophies, but also Home rewards.

There's no talk of anything outside of the parrot-like companion, though Siliconera also reveals Katamari Forever will return with minigames over the credits. Fans of We Love Katamari will also be happy to know that its minigame, featuring the King of All Cosmos, will make a return.

As cool a Home reward as this is, we must say that we'd much prefer a real shirt with a Prince sewn onto it. Pre-order bonus, Namco Bandai? Please?

JoystiqKatamari Forever to feature Home rewards, minigames over credits originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homekatamari-forevernamconamco-bandaiplaystation-homerewardstrophiesMon, 20 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Paradise experts awarded with free Diamond P12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/burnout-paradise-experts-awarded-with-free-diamond-p12/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/burnout-paradise-experts-awarded-with-free-diamond-p12/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/burnout-paradise-experts-awarded-with-free-diamond-p12/#comments
In our excitement to introduce you to the latest DLC content for Burnout Paradise, we completely overlooked one of the key rewards added to the game. Yes, we've already mentioned how gamers can get their hands on free toy versions of the Legendary Cars on Big Surf, but did you know an elusive ninth free car is available for online experts only?

Completing all of Burnout Paradise's 500 online freeburn challenges -- including everything from the original game and all new timed and freeburn challenges in the Cagney update, Bikes Pack and challenges on Big Surf Island -- nets players a diamond-branded P12. Finish it all and nab the exclusive ride, free. What better way to show off your Burnout Paradise superiority than driving around in a diamond-studded speed demon?! The race is on for our community's first official Diamond P12 owner. It shouldn't take you long, you're part of the gaming elite.

Continue reading Burnout Paradise experts awarded with free Diamond P12

JoystiqBurnout Paradise experts awarded with free Diamond P12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-surf-islandburnout-paradisecriterion-gamesdiamond-p12eaelectronic-artsMicrosoftpcrewardsXbox-360Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo returns (for now)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/club-nintendo-returns-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/club-nintendo-returns-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/club-nintendo-returns-for-now/#commentsFiled under:

Club Nintendo, the long-awaited rewards site, opened to North American gamers on December 15, and has been in a perpetual state of kinda working since then -- some people couldn't log in, some couldn't access surveys, and the site has oscillated between being on- and offline. That is, until Christmas, when ... the site went down for maintenance.

Good news for those of you anxious to register codes from all the games you got over the holidays: the site is back. Not better, but back to its unreliable pre-Christmas state, which means that you can enter codes and earn Coins, but you may have to hit F5 a few times to wake the site back up. Alas, we didn't all get bonus Coins for the inconvenience, thus dashing our hopes of earning the hanafuda cards.

Want to see Club Nintendo's greatest gifts to Japan and Europe? OF COURSE YOU DO. So go here.

JoystiqClub Nintendo returns (for now) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club-nintendohanafudarewardsTue, 30 Dec 2008 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[No, really: Nintendo says Aussie Club Nintendo is close]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/no-really-nintendo-says-aussie-club-nintendo-is-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/no-really-nintendo-says-aussie-club-nintendo-is-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/no-really-nintendo-says-aussie-club-nintendo-is-close/#commentsFiled under:

We imagine some of our Australian readers read yesterday's news concerning Club Nintendo in North America with a burning sense of injustice. That's kind of understandable. The Aussie Club Nintendo was announced back in April, half a year before the North American version, yet has still to launch. Sucks to be Australia.

But not for much longer, maybe. Aussie-Nintendo was scoring free drinks at The Nintendo Experience launch party in Melbourne last night when it was informed by Nintendo representatives that Club Nintendo will launch in Oz at some point close to Christmas or New Year. According to the reps, the Australian program has been developed alongside the North American service, and a website redesign had caused the ridiculous delay of eight months. Memo to Nintendo Australia: time to get some faster code monkeys.

Want to see Club Nintendo's greatest gifts to Japan and Europe? OF COURSE YOU DO. So go here.

JoystiqNo, really: Nintendo says Aussie Club Nintendo is close originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaclub-nintendogame-and-watch-collectionpalrewardsTue, 16 Dec 2008 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo back up, accepting NA members [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-briefly-up-accepting-na-members-now-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-briefly-up-accepting-na-members-now-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-briefly-up-accepting-na-members-now-down/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After years of chanting "Let us in, let us in!," the doors to Club Nintendo have finally been opened to those living in North America. The service, which was announced this summer, takes the place of NOA's previous My Nintendo site. Nice to join you, Japan and Europe.

Already have your Nintendo gear and games registered on My Nintendo? Not to worry. Logging into the Club Nintendo site automagically converts your old account and - most importantly - makes sure Club Nintendo knows about all the stuff you've bought. So you can, y'know, start saving up for exclusive merchandise and other rewards, including the (now official) US version of Game & Watch Collection.

There's just one problem - after seeing the site with our very own eyes (!) it ... disappeared, and was replaced with placeholder art assuring us that Club Nintendo was "Coming Soon!" Lucky for us then that one NeoGAF user thought to grab a screenshot (seen above). Don't worry, you take the night off. We've got our clicking finger on the Reload button and we'll let you know when everything's back up. Now go have a drink, you look tired.

[Update: It seems - seems - that Club Nintendo is now live for good and all. Yep, it's up.]

[Thanks, Fernando]

JoystiqClub Nintendo back up, accepting NA members [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsclub-nintendoDSjs-twittermy-nintendorewardsWiiMon, 15 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo almost launches -- real prizes confirmed! [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-almost-launches-real-prizes-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-almost-launches-real-prizes-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-almost-launches-real-prizes-confirmed/#commentsFiled under:


Nintendo opened the North American Club Nintendo site ... for a minute. It was long enough for us to see some Rewards! The prizes are all totally great stuff that Club Nintendo in Japan offered, including the Mario hat DS game stand, hanafuda cards, DS game cases, and, yes, Game & Watch Collection.

We saw this briefly, we went to begin migrating our My Nintendo accounts over, and then ... back to "coming soon." But we totally saw it. NeoGAFfer Coilshot saw it and had the good sense to screencap the rewards page, as you can see above. Here's some good news you can read now: Nintendo's Club Nintendo FAQ confirms the Gold and Platinum programs and the associated special prizes.

While we wait, why not enjoy our European/Japanese Club Nintendo retrospective and associated gallery?

Update: It's live. Jump in here.

Gallery: Club Nintendo Awesomeness

The Legend of GaudinessFor that authentic Super Famicom experience ...Stuck on youA free game (or four)Miimote

[Thanks to Justin Wilson and Wii Fanboy's Wesley Fenlon]

JoystiqClub Nintendo almost launches -- real prizes confirmed! [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club-nintendogame-and-watch-collectionrewardsMon, 15 Dec 2008 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo launches -- real prizes confirmed! [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-almost-launches-real-prizes-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-almost-launches-real-prizes-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-almost-launches-real-prizes-confirmed/#commentsFiled under:


[Update: it's up! Huzzah!]

Nintendo opened the North American Club Nintendo site ... for a minute. It was long enough for us to see some Rewards! The prizes are all totally great stuff that Club Nintendo in Japan offered, including the Mario hat DS game stand, hanafuda cards, DS game cases, and, yes, Game & Watch Collection.

We saw this briefly, we went to begin migrating our My Nintendo accounts over, and then ... back to "coming soon." But we totally saw it. NeoGAFfer Coilshot saw it and had the good sense to screencap the rewards page, as you can see above. Here's some good news you can read now: Nintendo's Club Nintendo FAQ confirms the Gold and Platinum programs and the associated special prizes.

While we wait, why not enjoy our European/Japanese Club Nintendo retrospective and associated gallery?


[Thanks to Justin Wilson and Wii Fanboy's Wesley Fenlon]

JoystiqClub Nintendo launches -- real prizes confirmed! [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club-nintendogame-and-watch-collectionrewardsMon, 15 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uno Rush confirmed for XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/uno-rush-confirmed-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/uno-rush-confirmed-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/uno-rush-confirmed-for-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Uno Rush has been confirmed for release on Xbox Live later this year. No details on what the game is yet, but we hear that you'll be able to win actual, real-life prizes while playing it, including possibly Xbox accessories, Microsoft Points, or even other games.

We'll keep an eye on anything else we can find out about it -- if old school Uno isn't giving you a Wild Card Draw Four lately, keep an eye out for Rush.

JoystiqUno Rush confirmed for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>card-gamecasualE3MicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiospointsrewardsUnouno-rushwild-card-draw-fourXBLAXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadeMon, 14 Jul 2008 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Smash 'achievements']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/wii-warm-up-smash-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/wii-warm-up-smash-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/wii-warm-up-smash-achievements/#commentsFiled under:

Whether or not you've gotten the chance to play Smash Bros. Brawl, you've probably heard about the game's achievements challenges and rewards. This system is somewhat similar to earning achievements in Xbox games, although not quite.

We really like how Brawl handles challenges, but what do you think? Do the challenges add any depth to the game? And, how do they stack up when compared to achievements on Xbox titles?

Also, if you do own the game, have you used any golden hammers yet to unlock any rewards? If so, on what challenges?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Smash 'achievements' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsbrawlchallengesgolden-hammerrewardssmash-bros-brawlssbbunlockxboxSat, 22 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Coke runs out of DS, Wii rewards in four days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/coke-runs-out-of-ds-wii-rewards-in-four-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/coke-runs-out-of-ds-wii-rewards-in-four-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/coke-runs-out-of-ds-wii-rewards-in-four-days/#commentsFiled under: ,

Coke drinkers love them some Nintendo, it seems. The newest phase of the My Coke Rewards customer loyalty program, which began on April 16, was sold out of all available Nintendo merchandise by April 20, according to the deal-watchers on slickdeals.net.

Yes, that means that at least a few people managed to redeem the 3250 reward points needed for a Nintendo DS and the 6250 points for a Wii in less than four days. For those keeping score at home, that translates to 1084 bottles of Coke for the DS or 2084 bottles for the Wii. In four days. Are these people buying drinks for Army battalions or something?

Slower drinkers needn't worry, though -- the DS and Wii reappeared on the rewards site yesterday afternoon, meaning that more people can pursue obesity and tooth decay as they pursue their Nintendo system of choice. God bless America.

JoystiqCoke runs out of DS, Wii rewards in four days originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cocacolacokedsfreepointspromorewardssystemswiiWed, 25 Apr 2007 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Drink enough Coke, get Wii for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/drink-enough-coke-get-wii-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/drink-enough-coke-get-wii-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/drink-enough-coke-get-wii-for-free/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you're looking for another possible avenue for Wii ownership, and you have a very loose definition of "possible," may we suggest the MyCokeRewards store? Coca-Cola has been including codes on their products that correspond to points; these points can be redeemed for items on their website. Thanks to a tip from reader Sam, we can alert you to the fact that they've added Wiis to their selection-- for 6,250 points, which comes out to 625 cases of Coke, or 2084 20-ounce bottles. Better start raiding dumpsters for those reward codes!*

We've used MyCokeRewards quite a bit and love it: among our purchases are the custom-printed 20"x28" Katamari Damacy poster seen above, and one Playstation 2 game with free bonus controversy! It's nice to get free merchandise for something we'd be doing anyway-- drinking delicious, chilled beverages.

*Wii Fanboy does not encourage the raiding of dumpsters.

[Thanks, Sam!]

JoystiqDrink enough Coke, get Wii for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cocacolacokenintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirewardsstorewiiWed, 25 Apr 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Rewards may be expiring rewards [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/xbox-rewards-may-be-expiring-rewards/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/xbox-rewards-may-be-expiring-rewards/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/xbox-rewards-may-be-expiring-rewards/#commentsFiled under:


X3F reader Shafnitz sent word that his Microsoft points that he won for completing the Xbox Rewards challenge are expiring. After winning the Old Spice Experience Challenge at level three, Shafnitz won a bunch of stuff including a 200 Microsoft points code. After redeeming the code and going on his merry way, weeks went by and he recently got the urge to take a look at his account online. And, to his surprise, he was smacked in the face with a points expiration notice as seen above. Expiring Microsoft points, who ever heard of that? Well, according to Microsoft's FAQ it states that "purchased points don't expire" but that "any points you get through promotions can have expiration dates. Typically, points expire within thirty days of the date you get them".

Update 1: Shafnitz informed us that his expiring points problem was probably due to a contest he won over at the Gamerscore Blog and not from the Xbox Rewards giveaway. Oops on his behalf. So, expiring points from the Xbox Rewards program may not be true, but there are still expiring Microsoft points out there. You've been warned.

Continue reading Xbox Rewards may be expiring rewards [update 1]

JoystiqXbox Rewards may be expiring rewards [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft pointsMicrosoftPointsrewardsxbox rewardsxbox rewards programXboxRewardsXboxRewardsProgramFri, 13 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Rewards program giving out the goods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/xbox-rewards-program-giving-out-the-goods/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/xbox-rewards-program-giving-out-the-goods/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/xbox-rewards-program-giving-out-the-goods/#commentsFiled under:

If you've been participating in the Xbox Rewards program then take a look at your account. HHHawk sent word that he received his prizes in code form to redeem on Xbox Live. So, if you've completed the Old Spice Experience Challenge and pressed "I'm Finished", you can redeem whatever goods you were promised. To locate your prize codes, login into the Xbox Rewards website and make your way to the "My Xbox Rewards" section. Then, head to the "My Rewards" section where, if you completed the challenge, you'll find codes for your prizes. We still aren't sure about the physical prizes that the level three players earned, but hopefully someone can shed light onto that situation. Remember, the Old Spice Experience Challenge has been extended until April 22nd, so get to work if you haven't earned your 1500 Gamerscore.

Also, we just noticed that the Xbox Rewards website conveniently keeps track of your progress for each challenge. To see how much more Gamerscore you need to complete the Old Spice Experience Challenge, head to the challenge's main page and click the "I'm Finished" button (even though you know you aren't finished). If you haven't earned all 1500 Gamerscore then a window will pop up telling you how much more you need. Nice touch isn't it?

[Thanks, HHHawk]

JoystiqXbox Rewards program giving out the goods originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rewardsxbox live rewardsxbox rewardsXboxLiveRewardsXboxRewardsFri, 30 Mar 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Rewards announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/xbox-rewards-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/xbox-rewards-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/xbox-rewards-announced/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Last week we gave word about a rumor regarding rewards for getting Achievements. Now xbox.com has the full details. Starting on February 12th, U.S. Residents will get the opportunity to get some free swag for increasing their Gamerscore by 1,500 points within a month in the "Old Spice Experience Challenge". Also, to make the deal sweeter for those who already have been actively unlocking Achievements, they have three tiers of prizes, based on your annual Gamerscore increase. Less than 5000 Gamerscore will be Level 1, where you can win Contra, a gamer pic, and a level upgrade. The second tier is for gamers with 5000 to 9999 Gamerscore, and will net the same rewards as Level 1 as well as 100 Microsoft Points. Those of you who have 10,000 annual Gamerscore or more are part of the third and final Level, and can win the aforementioned prizes, as well as an Old Spice T-shirt, 200 total Microsoft Points and a copy of Fuzion Frenzy 2.

Not bad for beating one-and-a-half games, especially if you have just over 10,000 Gamerscore. If you're looking for some ideas on how to maximize your efficiency, you don't have to look hard. So, are you going to sign up? And for those of us who can't join due to being geographically impaired, when do you think your locale will be added into the mix?

[Thanks, Darksaviour69]

JoystiqXbox Rewards announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievement UnlockedAchievement WhoreAchievementUnlockedAchievementWhoreGamerscoreGamerscore WhoreGamerscoreWhoreRewardsWed, 07 Feb 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Loco Roco Video Sandwich special!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/05/loco-roco-video-sandwich-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/05/loco-roco-video-sandwich-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/05/loco-roco-video-sandwich-special/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The past few stories about Loco Roco have been a bit too depressing. Let's ignore the low sales and remember the good things about the game: like happy happy graphics and even happier music. That's what this fun, candy-coated Loco Roco fan video does. It showcases some images from the game and puts it to the absolutely fantastic music of the game. If this doesn't make you happy, then you've lost your childhood somewhere along the way.

The bottom video of this special edition Video Sandwich shows you how to get every single secret in the downloadable demo. Pretty helpful for those of you that want to earn your Loco Roco Rewards the right way. It's intersting to see the things that you may have missed. (I know without this video, I would've never found that final fruit that I've been missing!)

JoystiqLoco Roco Video Sandwich special! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Aug 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fan videoFanVideohappinesshappyloco rocoLocoRocorewardssandwichsecretsecretswalkthroughSat, 05 Aug 2006 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Loco Roco demo rewards players [Update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/21/loco-roco-demo-rewards-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/21/loco-roco-demo-rewards-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/21/loco-roco-demo-rewards-players/#commentsFiled under: ,

Loco Roco is a gift to PSP owners: it's an original IP that's getting a lot of buzz for the system, and it was one of the very first games to offer a downloadable demo. Well, the gifts are still coming. From now until August 19th, you can enter the code that appears at the top right-hand corner of the screen when you finish your game to earn some new gifts. Gifts include sound files and wallpapers. It says you need version 1.01 of the demo, but from the looks of things, whatever demo you have right now should work perfectly fine.

Enter your code (or download the demo) here.

Thanks, steve!

[Update 1: For those of you that don't want to have fun a challenge, here are the download links of the gifts!]
Download Set #1
Download Set #2
Download Set #3
Download Set #4

JoystiqLoco Roco demo rewards players [Update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>loco rocoLocoRocorewardsFri, 21 Jul 2006 13:38:00 EST