Joystiq

Report: BioWare San Francisco closes, up to 30 staffers laid off

Mike Schramm — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST

According to a report on GamesRadar, BioWare San Francisco - the studio formerly known as EA2D and responsible for titles like Dragon Age Legends and Mirror's Edge 2D - has been closed by EA, leaving between 25 to 30 employees jobless. Citing a source inside the studio, the report suggests EA felt it was "too expensive" to make mobile games in Redwood Shores, CA.

Joystiq has followed up with EA to check the veracity of this claim. Dragon Age Legends' servers were shut off last year, but the developers at BioWare San Francisco were kind enough to make an offline version available for fans to continue to play.

Report: BioWare San Francisco closes, up to 30 staffers laid off originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Glu Mobile closes Brazil office; Washington and California studios hit with layoffs

Mike Schramm — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST

Glu Mobile, the developers behind mobile versions of Guitar Hero and Call of Duty: Black Ops, has announced that it is closing its San Paulo, Brazil office and laying off employees in Kirkland, Washington, and San Francisco, California.

A statement from the company says that it needs to hold its research and development investments flat over the next year, and to do that, changes are being made. Twenty-five percent of the Kirkland office and 5% of the San Francisco office are being let go today as part of the restructuring process.

Glu's plan is to add "the necessary monetization and server-side research-and-development resources" to the company's existing titles, and "focus on increasing average revenue per daily active user company-wide." More monetization and more revenue per daily active user should help turn the company's financial future around, though game quality often suffers when those two elements are focused on. Joystiq hopes affected employees land on their feet soon.

Glu Mobile closes Brazil office; Washington and California studios hit with layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Game Design Works / Doesn't Work: A Lesson From the 'What Would Molydeux?' Gamejam

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:45:00 EST

"Actually ... I don't know where I'm going with this."

At a 48-hour game jam, where time is more precious than money, a brief lack of direction isn't the disaster it would be at an Activision or an EA. It might even be a good thing, allowing just enough room and respite for that one idea that makes a fragmented game come together.

The participants of "What Would Molydeux?", a multi-city design event that derives game concepts from the whimsical, semi-sincere mind of Peter Molyneux's Twitter-bound doppelgänger, have the weekend to turn an inherently silly premise into something innovative and playable. And, you know, to figure out where they're going with this.

Continue reading How Game Design Works / Doesn't Work: A Lesson From the 'What Would Molydeux?' Gamejam

How Game Design Works / Doesn't Work: A Lesson From the 'What Would Molydeux?' Gamejam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment begins 'Level 2' fundraising

Mike Schramm — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST

The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment in San Francisco held a Kickstarter fundraiser last year to put money together for a public space, and that round of fundraising resulted in a successful gallery showing of some old early 3D games. Now, the museum is at it again, trying to raise money directly for the next six months.

It's called the "Level 2" campaign, and the Museum is trying to raise another $20,000 for various events and programs. Anyone who donates more than $25 will be able to get a gift of a sticker or a t-shirt. If you don't want to go through PayPal, the museum is accepting donations directly at its Oakland location as well.

The museum has been holding video game tournaments, programming classes (seen above), and open hours every week, and is now home to the GamePro archives. The donation campaign will run through March 31.

Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment begins 'Level 2' fundraising originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Last of Us concept shots depict a game of sneaky survivalism

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:15:00 EST

We don't know much about The Last of Us just yet, but the first several concept shots offer a sneak peek into what we can expect to learn in the coming months. Protagonist duo Joel and Ellie sneak their way past a mean-looking couple of gentlemen in a wrecked 7-11, hang out with deer on their way out of what looks to be San Francisco, and stop to rest by a fire while cracking jokes, all the while escaping from whatever those humanoid ... things were in the trailer.

The latest line from Naughty Dog on The Last of Us puts the duo in a world where the US population was "decimated by a modern plague," leaving only the most hardened survivors behind while nature reclaims man's crumbling structures. The relationship between Joel and Ellie is unclear, though Joel is only referred to as a "ruthless survivor" while Ellie is depicted as "a brave young teenage girl who is wise beyond her years." The gameplay repercussions of those characterizations seem to put Joel in the aggressor role while Ellie handles strategy and puzzles -- we're still not sure how that will play out in terms of player control, unfortunately. Single-player with an NPC partner? Switching off between the two? Co-op? We'll have to wait and see.

And though we're not sure why the two are doing so, they'll be trekking "across what remains of the United States" throughout The Last of Us. Here's hoping they find a good shower somewhere in the process! Head over to OPM for all the (rather gorgeous) concept shots.

The Last of Us concept shots depict a game of sneaky survivalism originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Vita Social Clubs' offer hands-on demos, starting in SF this Thursday

JC Fletcher — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:25:00 EST

Sony will give fans the opportunity to check out the PlayStation Vita well in advance of launch, with events it's calling "Vita Social Clubs." The first, "Vita Hill Social Club," will be held in San Francisco this Thursday, December 1, offering "dozens and dozens" of Vita systems with demos of Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Little Deviants, WipEout 2048, ModNation Racers: Road Trip, Reality Fighters, and Hot Shots Golf. Defending your spot in line for a demo is kind of a social activity!

Refreshments will be provided, and Sony also plans to raffle a Vita system and other prizes. RSVP here if you want to go. Following this inaugural Social Club get-together, Sony is planning additional events at unspecified locations throughout the country in January. Barring that, you can see a Vita at one of the locations in Sony's five-mall "tour."

'Vita Social Clubs' offer hands-on demos, starting in SF this Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let Kirby feed you in NYC, SF, or Houston next week

JC Fletcher — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

If you happen to be in NYC, San Francisco, or Houston next week, you'll be able to celebrate the launch of Kirby: Mass Attack in true Kirby style -- with a display of gluttony. Nintendo is bringing "Kirby Snack Attack" trucks to those three cities, providing fans with game demos and "frozen fruit treats," which should be of particular interest to those in Houston who accidentally find themselves outside, in range of the deadly sun.

Kirby's truck will be in NYC's Rockefeller Plaza (also home to the Nintendo World Store) on September 14, somewhere in the SF Bay Area on September 14-15, and in Houston's Upper Kirby neighborhood (get it?) from September 16-18. Nintendo will tweet more specific information as the dates approach. Please don't get ice cream on the DS demo units.

Continue reading Let Kirby feed you in NYC, SF, or Houston next week

Let Kirby feed you in NYC, SF, or Houston next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Homefront balloon 'stunt' draws ire from San Francisco community

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST

We figured that the fake North Korean protest staged during GDC as part of the Homefront marketing campaign was going to draw controversy -- but we couldn't have predicted this debacle. THQ's staged rally, meant to "decry the North Korean regime and the treatment of its citizens," ended in a symbolic release of ten thousand red GameStop-branded balloons. While majestic at first, bad weather quickly deflated the balloons, causing a downpour of promotional garbage directly into the San Francisco bay.

Environmentalists were not pleased, especially when they discovered that the balloons had advertisements attached to them, highlighting the "resistance multiplayer pack," a pre-order bonus. "Obviously, we have a problem with polluting of the bay and this is just polluting and littering," Amy Ricard, a spokeswoman for the environmental group Save the Bay, told SFGate.

GameStop was quick to issue a statement, distancing itself from the poorly-received event. "The balloon drop stunt in San Francisco was created by THQ ... and GameStop had no prior knowledge of it." THQ later issued a statement, confirming GameStop's non-involvement, adding that the balloons were "100 percent organic product and are 100 percent biodegradable."

Although the company promises to clean up its mess, many are still furious at THQ's tasteless promotion. Perhaps THQ should stick to ... taste-ful stunts.

[Photo credit: Mathew Grimm / Special to The Chronicle; source]

Homefront balloon 'stunt' draws ire from San Francisco community originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're live from GDC 2011, in sunny San Francisco

Christopher Grant — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:25:00 EST

If San Francisco suddenly seems a bit stranger and a bit more wonderful, it could be thanks to the global game development community's annual pilgrimage to the Game Developer's Conference. This year marks the conference's 25th anniversary and, to celebrate, it's featuring nearly a dozen classic gaming post-mortems like Prince of Persia, Maniac Mansion and Doom. That's in addition to our usual gauntlet of interviews, demos, meetings and late nights.

Stick around all week as we deliver the news straight from GDC 2011 - and be sure to be here Wednesday at 12PM ET for our liveblog of Satoru Iwata from Nintendo's GDC keynote and Wednesday night at 9:30PM ET for our liveblog of the always entertaining GDC and IGF awards.

Protip: Keep your browsers locked on our GDC-2011 tag to track all of our coverage.

We're live from GDC 2011, in sunny San Francisco originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Game Over 4' art show in SF features game-inspired art

JC Fletcher — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST

If you happen to be in San Francisco after next week's GDC, but not yet sated of your desire to look at game stuff, the Giant Robot San Francisco gallery is the destination for you. From March 4 through March 30, the gallery is hosting Game Over 4, a show that "pays homage to the continuous evolution of videogames and their massive influence on popular culture."

Artists exhibiting at the ... exhibit include EXP./The Controller zine creator Cory Schmitz, Pokemon comic artist Maré Odomo, Jude Buffum, Craig "Superbrothers" Adams (the artist behind Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery EP), and Spelunky developer Derek Yu, to name a few. You can see some preview pieces in the gallery below. Artists will be present at a reception March 4 from 6:30 to 10, so you can see the faces of the people to whom you're giving all your money.

Gallery: Game Over 4

[Thanks, Matt!]

'Game Over 4' art show in SF features game-inspired art originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video game museum uses Kickstarter to find a home in San Francisco

Mike Schramm — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST

San Francisco's Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment is an organization "dedicated to the preservation of video games, and the presentation of games as art," but it has a problem: it's currently homeless. The MADE has a growing collection (some of which can be seen above) and a slew of ideas for programming (like classes, talks, and gaming parties), but needs "a safe space near public transit" to call its own.

And so it's taking to Kickstarter, where you can donate to help the organization towards its goal of raising $20,000. A measly $5 gets you a ticket to the museum if and when it opens; $1000 or more will put your name on the wall. In between, you can get access to a pre-opening party, or nab some signed games, T-shirts, and stickers. It sounds like a good cause if you're in San Francisco and happen to be the kind of person who'd like to visit a museum designed for video games.

Video game museum uses Kickstarter to find a home in San Francisco originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Braking: Ubisoft's new Driver teased in video

Mike Schramm — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST

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

Ubisoft has released a teaser video and a countdown site for its relaunch of the Driver series (the last title of which was released back in the heady days of aught-seven). We knew that there would be a new Driver to see at E3, and the site's countdown lines up with 5 p.m. PDT next Monday, June 14, which happens to be the exact same time that Ubisoft is holding its pre-expo press conference. What are the odds?

The trailer seems to hint at most of the mainstays of the series, including our old friend Tanner (who's been transplanted to California, apparently, and has become a 49ers fan), rip-roaring muscle cars and the old "garage stunts checklist" that players had to pull off back when the series started. The site also links to a Facebook page, where you can "discover the driver's identity" (wait, didn't they just show it in the video?) by clicking the "Like" button. So if Ubisoft's goal was to get Driver fans intrigued, it's probably working. We'll light the fires and kick the tires on the game in about a week.

Braking: Ubisoft's new Driver teased in video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Save the date: GDC 2011, Feb. 28 - March 4

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:20:00 EST

This year's Game Developers Conference has barely started and already we're anticipating the inevitable sequel, which promises to feature bigger news, improved visuals (we're all working out for the next year) and dynamic crowd motion. According to event organizers, GDC 2011 will run from February 28 through March 4, 2011 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. That's five days of gaming bliss (six if you're a malfunctioning PS3).

As much as we'd like to express further enthusiasm, we should probably get back to covering GDC ... 2010. Which is going on, like, right now.

Save the date: GDC 2011, Feb. 28 - March 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Currently (un)folding: GDC 2010

Kevin Kelly — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:30:00 EST

Nothing says, "We're at a serious gaming event where developers tell us about their innovations and upcoming creations," like a papercraft Wario from WarioWare D.I.Y. And nothing says, "Hey, we're about to write a bunch of news stories about all that stuff," like posting a photograph of a papercraft Wario from the Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco. We'll be here all week putting our hands on games, talking to people, sitting in panels, and bringing you all the news.

What sort of news, you ask? Expect some LucasArts announcements, a new look at the Sony Motion Controller, and even more Fable 3 news. Stay tuned!

Gallery: GDC 2010 Papercraft

Currently (un)folding: GDC 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy XIII gets two launch events in San Fran and a mess of new screens

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST

We might normally start a post on a regional game launch event (or events, in this case) by questioning if you live in or around the geographic location in question (San Francisco), but with a game like Final Fantasy XIII, we're not entirely sure if that kinda thing matters -- we hear that FF fans can be a bit ... dedicated. That said, Square Enix is holding two separate parties celebrating the March 9 release of its next in the Final Fantasy series.

Both are limited to Square Enix Members, with the launch party on the evening of March 8 limited even further to just 50 Bronze (and up) Members while the day event is limited to "200 Members and their guests." In order to snag yourself an invite, you've gotta have one of those snazzy Square Enix Member IDs and enter the sweepstakes right here before February 23. After you hurriedly enter the contest, come right back here and check out the 20 new screenshots of FFXIII that we've dropped into a gallery below. We command you.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII (2/10)

Final Fantasy XIII gets two launch events in San Fran and a mess of new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq @ the Microsoft X10 media event

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:35:00 EST

Okay, so, we're here and we're blogging the youknowwhat outta X10 and you probably already figured that out just by reading the posts streaming down the front page -- but! We just had to share this candid shot of Major Nelson with you. Isn't he precious?

Follow all X10 updates here or explore the gallery below for an inside look at the event. Pics courtesy of our superfriend Ross Miller at Engadget.

Gallery: Joystiq live at Microsoft's X10 event in San Francisco

Joystiq @ the Microsoft X10 media event originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft files motion to dismiss Datel suit, cites Apple and others in defense

Mike Schramm — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST

Microsoft has registered a motion to dismiss the antitrust lawsuit originally filed by unofficial memory card maker Datel, in which Datel claimed that by locking out its cards, Microsoft was being illegally anti-competitive in the field of 'Multiplayer Online Dedicated Gaming Systems" and their accessories. Microsoft's motion to dismiss (here's the PDF link) actually cites one of its biggest rivals, Apple, who fought off another unofficial vendor by claiming that its users (us) had knowingly agreed that by using its products, any aftermarket products had to come from Apple as well. You can't run OS X on any computers not made by Apple, says Microsoft, and so you can't use any non-Microsoft memory cards on your Xbox.

As with most legal filings, the situation is complicated. Datel is also trying to claim that Microsoft has a grip on the console market by claiming that the much better selling Nintendo Wii isn't actually a part of that market, which leaves Microsoft in the weird position of arguing that yes, there are plenty of consoles (including the PSP and even the PlayStation 2) that "have outsold the Xbox 360." And Microsoft also argues that Datel's cheat-enabling memory cards "undermine quality user experience" on Xbox Live, which would also be reason enough to keep them off the system. Interesting arguments, all, but we'll have to see which emerge victorious after a hearing scheduled for March 2 in San Francisco.

Microsoft files motion to dismiss Datel suit, cites Apple and others in defense originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Child's Play & Harmonix rock San Fran for charity Dec. 9

Randy Nelson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST

Harmonix and Child's Play have announced that they're banding together for a charity benefit Rock Band night at San Francisco's DNA Lounge the night of December 9. "Ümloud!" is an all-ages event organized by GameLife's Chris Kohler, Gamehelper's Joe Markert and Telltale Games' John "Seg" Seggerson, and staffed by a number of Bay Area games bloggers, including yours truly.

The party kicks off at 7PM PT and runs through 2AM PT on December 10, with a suggested $10 donation for admission. Everyone who attends will automagically be made eligible for a chance to win some of the many raffle prizes that'll be awarded throughout the night, but those who wish to donate more can sign up for two different "band packages" -- which include reserved songs and the chance to play on DNA's main stage -- at the Ümloud! site.

Proceeds from the event will go to provide toys and video games to children's hospitals nationwide, including the local Oakland Children's Hospital.

Child's Play & Harmonix rock San Fran for charity Dec. 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zoe Mode expands to US, takes along two Sony vets

Majed Athab — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:30:00 EST

From Brighton, to London, and now San Francisco, Kuju Entertainment's Zoë Mode studio (developer of You're in the Movies, Crush and Rock Revolution) is ever-expanding. All this, despite initial foreboding that hovered over its parent company earlier this year.

At the helm of the new US Zoë Mode office in San Francisco are two former SCEA employees: US SingStar Senior Producer Sarah Stocker and former EA/SCEA employee Mark Danks. With a team like this, it seems likely that this new ZM studio will have a strong focus on music games, although ZM worldwide general manager, Ed Daly, told GamesIndustry.biz: "In addition to the increasingly crowded singing and dancing, peripheral-based music games, we are interested in exploring some new territory." Aw, and we were so looking forward to Rock Revolution 2.

Zoe Mode expands to US, takes along two Sony vets originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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San Fran's SFIV championships to host food drive

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:45:00 EST

It appears Capcom is getting used to tapping the veins of semi-altruistic gamers. Its latest idea: "Street Fighter Fights Hunger." In conjunction with GameStop, the publisher will hold a food drive at the EVO Street Fighter IV US National Championship Finals, to be held at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on April 18 at 7 pm PT.

Food items will be given to the Second Harvest Food Bank and donations should be made in the form of canned goods or "nominal donations." Oh, you want to know what'll actually go down at this public event beyond the charitable stuff? Check out the details after the break.

Continue reading San Fran's SFIV championships to host food drive

San Fran's SFIV championships to host food drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq @ GDC 2009: We're preparing to rock you

Kevin Kelly — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:09:00 EST

It's that time of year again -- the Game Developers Conference is taking place in San Francisco. We're here in the City by the Bay, and will be rocking you all week with interviews, previews, news, and a joke or two. We've brought all of our blogger nerd gear with us, but this guy one-upped us by traveling with his very own guitar controller, complete with a flair-filled strap. We're tempted to strap an entire drum kit to our back, just to out-cool him.

Joystiq @ GDC 2009: We're preparing to rock you originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Capcom looking for San Franciscans to focus test 'secret upcoming titles'

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 03:00:00 EST

We realize that this news likely only applies to a small portion of our readers, but if you live in the San Francisco Bay area, and are between the ages of 13 to 24, and possess hands with which to grasp and manipulate controllers, Capcom is currently accepting applicants to focus test a few "secret upcoming titles." If you are applicable under said criteria, and don't have plans next Wednesday evening, you can apply online for your chance at a few Capcom-flavored sneak peeks.

If you don't live in the San Francisco Bay area, or don't fall between the requested age barriers, or lack the required appendages, this particular news item isn't completely without relevance -- Capcom is working on secret upcoming titles. Aren't you, like, totally intrigued?

Capcom looking for San Franciscans to focus test 'secret upcoming titles' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Valkyria Chronicles coming to San Francisco this Friday

Andrew Yoon — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EST

Filed under: Community

Although the game doesn't officially release until November, Sega is throwing a Valkyria Chronicles party in San Francisco's Metreon store. The venue, made famous for its real-world PlayStation Store, will be host to Sega producer Ryutaro Nonaka. An exclusive community Q&A will be held at the store, and signed posters will be given away at the event. You could win a free PS3, so if you're in the neighborhood, you may want to consider attending.

Where: The Sony Metreon, 101 4th Street, San Francisco, CA
When: 5 - 9 PM Pacific, Friday, Sept 26th

[Thanks, Aaron W.!]

Valkyria Chronicles coming to San Francisco this Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The things we do to get you swag: Bourne Conspiracy strings us along

Zack Stern — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Adventure, Casual, Galleries

"Are you Mr. Stern, by chance?" A built man in a black suit asked, standing in front of a black Cadillac. His black sunglasses evenly split M.I.B. and The Matrix.

I'd just stumbled into the daylight after an afternoon meeting near San Francisco's Union Square. I'd been standing on the sidewalk for a moment, shifting my attention between my notebook, phone, and this man. I'd stolen glances like I was meeting a blind date, wondering if this was my contact but not quite approaching him

I confirmed my identity, and he motioned me over to the sedan. "I'll be taking you to the drop zone," he said and then was silent.

A few weeks earlier, FedEx dropped off an unmarked, prepaid mobile phone. The carbon-copy shipping slip gave no origin address or FedEx account number. I called the delivery company and asked for more details, and all they could dig up was the location the phone was picked up. Some place called "Vivendi University" according to the agent. And so the marketing stunt began.

Gallery: The Bourne Conspiracy Event

Continue reading The things we do to get you swag: Bourne Conspiracy strings us along

The things we do to get you swag: Bourne Conspiracy strings us along originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq vs. GDC: We're here!

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: GDC

Which is good news for you, the reader, but precisely the opposite for the poor developers that have to suffer our obscure questions, grating complaints and hideously broken social skills. It is the Game Developers Conference, after all, and not the Incessantly Whining Bloggers Conference (which totally sucks, FYI). Still, if the bustling city of San Francisco wishes to blame anyone for a recent invasion of laptop-wielding lunatics, it would have to point its sky-scraping finger straight at you. It's your fault, you know.

It's your fault that we'll be here covering every aspect of the conference and your fault that you'll be reading constant updates throughout the week. You're also to blame for our early trip to an empty Moscone Center and the resulting post and image gallery. We hope you're happy.

Gallery: GDC 2008 Pre-show

Joystiq vs. GDC: We're here! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beverage companies blame video games for obesity

Ross Miller — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

On Monday, San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom submitted a proposal that he hopes will curtail obesity by applying a financial deterrent to drinks with high fructose corn syrup - in other words, a surcharge on soda. (Amount of surcharge has yet to be defined.) Understandably aggravated by this measure is the American Beverage Association, who pulls out one of our favorite red herrings in its defense.

Said Kevin Keane, senior VP of the ABA, "It makes no sense to single out any one single cause of obesity, which is a complex problem." As quoted by the International Herald Tribune, "Keane said that if Newsom really wanted to fight the fat, he would take on computer and video game companies, which Keane said lured children inside when they should 'be outside burning calories.'"

Yes, folks, by this logic we shouldn't even bother to worry about soda causing obesity when video games - not Dance Dance Revolution or Rock Band drums, mind you, those other video games like BioShock and Spider Solitaire - are the bigger Cause of Fatness. In a wholly accurate scientific study, Joystiq editors reported feeling approximately 15 calories surge from our controller, through our hands, and into our bloodstreams for every double kill in Halo 3.

We jest, of course, but continuing with Keane's logic, we must say it makes no sense to single out video games when the real problem of obesity is existence itself. If Mayor Newsom really wanted to fight the fat, he should combat our very existence. If he obliterates that, then there'll be no more obesity.

Update: The ABA sends a response letter to Kotaku.

[Image Source. Via OXM; thanks, PrivateRyan]

Beverage companies blame video games for obesity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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