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[Microsoft's message to indies with Xbox One: 'It was sort of weird']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/microsofts-message-to-indies-with-xbox-one-it-was-sort-of-wei/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/microsofts-message-to-indies-with-xbox-one-it-was-sort-of-wei/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/microsofts-message-to-indies-with-xbox-one-it-was-sort-of-wei/#commentsMicrosoft's message to indies with Xbox One 'It was sort of weird' Microsoft's reveal of its next-gen console, the Xbox One, was high on broad entertainment apps such as Skype, interactive programming, media management and Kinect-powered features. Games saw a smaller showing, with two new announcements and a trailer for Call of Duty: Ghosts. Indie games got an even smaller nod - that is, none at all.

E3 is right around the corner, with the Microsoft conference on June 10. Maybe that's where all of the Xbox One games are hiding, along with the console's indie plan. We asked a handful of indie developers what Microsoft's presentation today said to them specifically, and what they want to see at E3. Below we have responses from Rami Ismail of Ridiculous Fishing fame, Octodad's Philip Tibitoski, DLC Quest's Ben Kane, Charlie Murder's James Silva, Retro City Rampage's Brian Provinciano and Fez's Phil Fish.

Continue reading Microsoft's message to indies with Xbox One: 'It was sort of weird'

JoystiqMicrosoft's message to indies with Xbox One: 'It was sort of weird' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-Kanecharlie-murderDLC-QuestfezGoing-Loud-StudiosIndiemicrosoftoctodadoctodad-2phil-fishphilip-tibitoskirami-ismailridiculous-fishingska-studiosvlambeerxboxxbox-onexbox-revealyoung-horsesTue, 21 May 2013 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Charlie Murder preview: Anarchy in the XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/charlie-murder-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/charlie-murder-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/charlie-murder-preview/#comments Charlie Murder preivew Anarchy in the XBLAFor the second year in a row, I spent far too much time playing Charlie Murder at PAX East. As part of the Indie Megabooth, Ska Studios' exhibit belonged to a larger group, one of dozens of in-development, independent games, and this year it was directly across from Supergiant's high-profile premiere, Transistor. Still, Charlie Murder stood out. Its gritty punk rock style caught my eye - again - and the co-op, beat-em-up gameplay was so gripping that it almost made me late for a following appointment.

Charlie Murder is a punk game from conception to execution, with a soundtrack composed and performed by James and Michelle Silva, the duo of Ska Studios. No, it's not a ska soundtrack.

Charlie Murder is a side-scrolling beat-em-up with heavy RPG elements, including character customization, loot and unique ability upgrades. It stars five playable characters, each with disparate strengths and powers, and all of them making up the in-game band Charlie Murder.

Gallery: Charlie Murder (PAX East 2013)

Continue reading Charlie Murder preview: Anarchy in the XBLA

JoystiqCharlie Murder preview: Anarchy in the XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlie-murdermicrosoftpax-eastPAX-East-2013ska-studiosxboxMon, 25 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Charlie Murder wants you to give punk a chance, download a song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/charlie-murder-wants-you-to-give-punk-a-chance-download-a-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/charlie-murder-wants-you-to-give-punk-a-chance-download-a-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/charlie-murder-wants-you-to-give-punk-a-chance-download-a-song/#comments

Charlie Murder is gearing up to trash XBLA sometime in the future, and Ska Studios is hard at work beating out all of the bugs in that version. James Silva and Michelle Juett Silva, the Ska Studios dream dishwashing team, are the voices, art, design, programming and music behind Charlie Murder - get a glimpse of their renaissance ways in the above video.

Charlie Murder is a four-player, punk-themed, RPG brawler featuring tattoos, magic, dual-nail-gun-wielding, battles of the bands, clothes shopping, friendship and other things you never knew you wanted within one game.

To tide us over until Charlie Murder launches, Ska offers us a song from the game's soundtrack, available for download right here. Fictionally, the band is Charlie Murder, but in reality it's the soothing sounds of James and Michelle themselves.

JoystiqCharlie Murder wants you to give punk a chance, download a song originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlie-murderdownloadmicrosoftmusicpunkska-studiossongXBLAxboxMon, 11 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Megabooth devs let anyone ask them anything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/indie-megabooth-devs-let-anyone-ask-them-anything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/indie-megabooth-devs-let-anyone-ask-them-anything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/indie-megabooth-devs-let-anyone-ask-them-anything/#comments
Image

At PAX East this weekend, 16 popular indie developers (plus one "bonus" developer) will congregate into a super-giant indie creature in the first-ever Indie Megabooth. Developers include Ska Studios, Strange Loop Games, Retro Affect, Dejobaan Games, Fire Hose Games, DrinkBox Studios, Pocketwatch Games, Carbon Games and the rest -- to get the indie love flowing, the previously mentioned developers are running an "Ask Me Anything" thread on Reddit, right now.

So far, we've learned that each developer gets 99 bitches a day and that most of them cried while playing Journey. Andy Schatz of Pocketwatch Games, Eitan Glinert of Fire Hose and Retro Affect's David Carrigg have also offered differing perspectives on the possibility of indie development for the Wii U, or any Nintendo system in general.

Said Glinert: "We're not. I don't know any small third party companies that make any serious money there. Nintendo sadly isn't serious about supporting non-Nintendo companies, and so it's not worthwhile for us to spend the time and effort bringing our games to their platform. Sad face."

Schatz disagreed with the doomsday sentiment: "Speak for yourself Eitan! I haven't announced platforms for Monaco yet, but WiiU is still a possibility! Nintendo is slow to change (which is weird given the crazy innovation on their software side), but the boulder is finally starting to move wrt their digital sales storefront."

Carrigg said Nintendo's eShop is "far behind" the XBLA and PSN competition, but Retro Affect has been talking to Nintendo and would "really like to work with them. I would not be surprised to see a Retro Affect game on a Nintendo platform sometime in the future."

James Silva of Ska Studios addressed the lack of deadly dishwasher games on PC, saying he wants to make PC titles, but for now that would be a problematic process. The AMA is ongoing (as of this posting) so head on over and uncover some you-specific bits of information from this mega-group of indies.

JoystiqIndie Megabooth devs let anyone ask them anything originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMAask-me-anythingCarbon-Gamesdejobaandrinkbox-studiosfire-hose-gamesIndieindie-megaboothmacmicrosoftmobilemonaconintendopcplaystationPocketwatch-Gamesps3redditretro-affectska-studiosstrange-loop-gameswiiwii-uxboxTue, 03 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ska Studios' Charlie Murder media blitz, Twisted Pixel buy-out prank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/ska-studios-charlie-murder-media-blitz-twisted-pixel-buy-out-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/ska-studios-charlie-murder-media-blitz-twisted-pixel-buy-out-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/ska-studios-charlie-murder-media-blitz-twisted-pixel-buy-out-p/#comments

Ska Studios' next title is a gory RPG-dungeon-crawler punk-fest called Charlie Murder, and we have the first trailer available for the pleasure of your eyeballs and earballs above. Charlie Murder has a brand new website that developer Ska Studio promises to update with bios, wallpapers and music in the near future; for now it features a hefty batch of shiny screens.

In related Ska news, the studio's April Fools' joke materialized in a post about it being bought out by Twisted Pixel for a jet ski, in order to offset the number of fancy dinners Twisted Pixel ends up buying Ska at PAX.

In related related ska news, this.

JoystiqSka Studios' Charlie Murder media blitz, Twisted Pixel buy-out prank originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-fools-2012charlie-murdermicrosoftska-studiostwisted-pixelXBLAxboxXbox-Live-ArcadeSun, 01 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[James Silva ready to make a third Dishwasher game for Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/james-silva-ready-to-make-a-third-dishwasher-game-for-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/james-silva-ready-to-make-a-third-dishwasher-game-for-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/james-silva-ready-to-make-a-third-dishwasher-game-for-microsoft/#comments
The Dishwasher creator and Ska Studios head James Silva spoke at GDC last week, and concluded his talk with the slide seen above. Fans want a third Dishwasher game, Microsoft wouldn't mind publishing one, and he wants to do one, said Silva, so why shouldn't there be a trilogy of Dishwasher titles out there?

Don't look at us, bud -- you're the game designer. Silva is, of course, currently working on the side-scrolling, punk-flavored beat-em-up Charlie Murder for Xbox Live Indie Games Arcade. After that adventure is all wrapped up, it may be time to wash those dishes yet again.

JoystiqJames Silva ready to make a third Dishwasher game for Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdcjames-silvamicrosoftska-studiosslidestalkthe-dishwasherthe-dishwasher-vampire-smiletrilogyxboxFri, 16 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombies, vikings, murder: Ska Studios on WP7 and the future of XBLIG gore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/zombies-vikings-murder-ska-studios-on-wp7-and-the-future-of-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/zombies-vikings-murder-ska-studios-on-wp7-and-the-future-of-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/zombies-vikings-murder-ska-studios-on-wp7-and-the-future-of-x/#comments In 2007, James Silva had just graduated college and settled into a 9-5 job. He was resigned to spend the rest of his existence in cubicle complacency, letting his lifelong goal to develop games as a career fade regretfully away. Then his indie title, The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, won $10,000 in Microsoft's Dream Build Play competition, and everything changed. He quit his job, lived the life of a starving artist and perfected Dead Samurai until it passed certification from Microsoft.

"The work was exhilarating," Silva said in an interview with Joystiq. "I remember that when I got the email saying I'd passed cert, I ran around the apartment screaming."

The game sold "well enough," but more importantly, it led him to meet Michelle, his fiancée, who was a tester for Dead Samurai at PAX in 2009.

"I've said it before: XBLA literally made all of my dreams come true, right down to meeting the woman of my dreams," Silva said.

Since Dead Samurai, Silva has launched six games on XBLA and XBLIG through Ska Studios, including The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile and I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1NIT!!!1, with one more coming in 2012. His latest endeavor in the fantasy he calls a career is developing titles for Windows Phone -- on Jan. 4 Silva launched Z0MB1ES!!1 (on teh ph0ne) for WP7, a trio of games that includes I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1NIT!!!1, a new game mode called Endless Zombies and a shiny new title, Time Viking.

Continue reading Zombies, vikings, murder: Ska Studios on WP7 and the future of XBLIG gore

JoystiqZombies, vikings, murder: Ska Studios on WP7 and the future of XBLIG gore originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Endless-Zombiesi-maed-a-gam3-w1th-z0mb1es-1n-it1james-silvamicrosoftmobileska-studiosTime-Vikingwindows-phonewindows-phone-7xboxZ0MB1IES-on-teh-ph0neSun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone leaks new games, sounds like a personal problem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/windows-phone-leaks-new-games-sounds-like-a-personal-problem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/windows-phone-leaks-new-games-sounds-like-a-personal-problem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/windows-phone-leaks-new-games-sounds-like-a-personal-problem/#comments

The Windows Phone is carrying on quietly with its existence, launching update 7.5 and recently letting slip a list of games coming to Xbox Live on Windows Phone, including Age of Zombies, Bullet Asylum, geoDefense Swarm and Tamagotchi. These titles are already available on Android and iOS devices, except for Bullet Asylum, which was announced for Windows Phone, Xbox 360 and PC last last year, and whose trailer you can watch above.

In related Windows Phone news, Ska Studios' Z0MB1ES (on teh ph0ne) dropped for version 7.5 yesterday. For $2.99 it includes I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1, the ENDL3SS Z0MB1ES mode and a new title from Ska, Time Viking. Looks like it's time to change your "number of reasons to buy Windows Phone" to three.

JoystiqWindows Phone leaks new games, sounds like a personal problem originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-zombiesBullet-AsylumEndless-Zombiesgeodefense-swarmi-maed-a-gam3-w1th-z0mb1es-1n-it1leakmobileska-studiostamagotchiTime-Vikingwindows-phonewindows-phone-7Z0MB1IES-on-teh-ph0neThu, 05 Jan 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA['Z0MB1ES!!1 (on teh ph0ne)' for WP7 on January 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/z0mb1es-1-on-teh-ph0ne-for-wp7-on-january-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/z0mb1es-1-on-teh-ph0ne-for-wp7-on-january-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/z0mb1es-1-on-teh-ph0ne-for-wp7-on-january-4/#comments Ska Studios' I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1 has been a dominant force in the dark, lonely lands of the Xbox 360's indie games section. Now its Windows Phone 7 counterpart, Z0MB1ES!!1 (on teh ph0ne), is ready to attack on January 4.

The $2.99 Z0MB1ES!!1 (on teh ph0ne) app is a "suite" of twin-stick shooters, which includes I MAED A GAEM W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!1, "spiritual sequel" Time Viking, infinite arcade labyrinth mod Endless Zombies and the ability to put faces from your photo library into the game.

Getting the Z0MB1ES!!1 theme song stuck in your head comes at no extra cost.

Joystiq'Z0MB1ES!!1 (on teh ph0ne)' for WP7 on January 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i-maed-a-gam3-w1th-z0mb1es-1n-it1mobilerelease-dateska-studioswindows-phone-7wp7Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Come hang out with Joystiq (and play a bunch of great games!) at our E3 2011 reader meetup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/come-hang-out-with-joystiq-and-play-a-bunch-of-great-games-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/come-hang-out-with-joystiq-and-play-a-bunch-of-great-games-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/come-hang-out-with-joystiq-and-play-a-bunch-of-great-games-at/#comments We love you, Los Angeles, you know that. Sure, it's been awhile since we last hung out, but we wanna make that up to you. And not just any boring old dinner-and-a-movie kinda thing either, a full blown party! Next Friday, June 10, Joystiq will take over the La Cita bar in downtown LA between 5:30 and 9:00PM PST for a game-filled, giveaway-packed reader meetup.

As our staff will be all up in your city for the duration of next week, we took the liberty of renting out a bar for a few hours so you -- our best friends -- could hang out, talk about the week's big news, play a bunch of great games, and take all the game swag that's been piling up in our domiciles. Chris Hecker will be swinging through with SpyParty, as will Andy Schatz with Monaco, to name just a few of the games/game devs at the event. And how about a chance to play Harmonix' next project before anyone else? 'Cause that'll totally be there too.

Unfortunately, for our friends under 21, the event space is restricted to those of us with legal access to alcohol. We're really sorry and we still love you! It was, as they say, out of our hands. An extra big thank you to all of our participants!

SpyParty, Chris Hecker (@SpyParty)
Nidhogg, Mark Essen (@Messhof)
Unannounced Project, Ska Studios (@SkaStudios)
Monaco, Pocketwatch Games (@MonacoIsMine)
Retro City Rampage, Brian Provinciano (@RetroCR)
Q.U.B.E., Toxic Games (@qubegame)
Unannounced Project, Harmonix (@Harmonix)

Still with us? Head past the break for details, and make sure to RSVP on our Facebook event page so we know how many of you to expect!

Continue reading Come hang out with Joystiq (and play a bunch of great games!) at our E3 2011 reader meetup

JoystiqCome hang out with Joystiq (and play a bunch of great games!) at our E3 2011 reader meetup originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-schatzbrian-provincianoe3-2011harmonixharmonix-music-systemsmacmark-essenmicrosoftmobilemonaconidhoggpcplaystationpocketwatch-gamesps3q.u.b.e.reader-meetupretro-city-rampageska-studiosspypartytoxic-gamesxboxThu, 02 Jun 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile review: Fangs a lot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-review/#comments It's a bloodbath, all right. The young girl swings and stabs, ripping her blade through flesh, metal and bone, eviscerating foe after foe until the room is covered in a thick, rich coat of red. Your eye can barely track her movements as she flits from corner to corner, vanishing in a puff of crimson smoke only to reappear, strike, and then vanish again.

Her enemies give fruitless pursuit, haplessly swinging and shooting, their blades and bullets finding only air. Soldiers, cyborgs, nefarious government agents, zombie marines; she liquifies them all. A last, lonely ninja hobbles towards her, his katana waving impotently. She lets out a roar and leaps on him, rending his flesh with her bare hands.

She collapses, bathed in their blood, and the nightmares wash over her again.

Gallery: The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile (2/24/11)

Continue reading The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile review: Fangs a lot

JoystiqThe Dishwasher: Vampire Smile review: Fangs a lot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftska-studiosthe-dishwasher-vampire-smilexblaxboxMon, 04 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile dev diary channels the MTV spirit of old]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-dev-diary-channels-the-mtv-spirit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-dev-diary-channels-the-mtv-spirit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-dev-diary-channels-the-mtv-spirit/#comments The guys at Ska Studios must be big Kurt Loder fans (we're totally Team Serena Altschul!), because this dev diary for The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile is straight outta the '90s. The video takes us on a tour of founder James Silva's pad (just like MTV Cribs!), which is great for all of you stalker types out there -- and even greater for those of you curious to see how an indie studio is livin'.

The video also introduces the newest member of Ska Studios, "art unicorn" Michelle. Hey, aren't unicorns supposed to have horns on their heads? False advertising, lady!

Continue reading The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile dev diary channels the MTV spirit of old

JoystiqThe Dishwasher: Vampire Smile dev diary channels the MTV spirit of old originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diarymicrosoftska-studiosthe-dishwasher-vampire-smilexblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 31 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile bites into XBLA on April 6 for $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-bites-into-xbla-on-april-6-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-bites-into-xbla-on-april-6-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-bites-into-xbla-on-april-6-for-10/#comments James Silva has finally dated his sequel to The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai and it's coming just in time for Easter. On April 6, The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile will debut on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 MS Points ($10), complete with 3D functionality. Sorry, dish soap not included.

PAX East attendees will be the first to sample the final build of the game, which Ska Studios will have available at its booth. A few of the luckier attendees will even be able to snag some preliminary download codes.

Gallery: The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile

JoystiqThe Dishwasher: Vampire Smile bites into XBLA on April 6 for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftq2q2-2011release-dateska-studiosthe-dishwasher-vampire-smilexblaxboxTue, 08 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile gets 3D support [update: new trailer and screens]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-gets-3d-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-gets-3d-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-gets-3d-support/#comments Microsoft's February Showcase is underway in San Francisco, and with it comes news that upcoming XBLA action title The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile is getting the 3D treatment. MS hasn't released details on exactly how the tech will be implemented, though it's worth noting that the game itself uses 2D sprites.

We've got boots on the ground at the showcase, so hopefully we'll get a chance to see it first hand.

Update: Find new screens in the gallery below and a trailer after the break.

Gallery: The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile (2/24/11)

Continue reading The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile gets 3D support [update: new trailer and screens]

JoystiqThe Dishwasher: Vampire Smile gets 3D support [update: new trailer and screens] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3djames-silvamicrosoftmicrosoft-february-showcase-2011ska-studiosthe-dishwasher-vampire-smilexboxThu, 24 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (aka ZP2KX) is the latest Xbox Live Indie from Dishwasher dev]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/zombies-and-pterodactyls-20xx-aka-zp2kx-is-the-latest-xbox-liv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/zombies-and-pterodactyls-20xx-aka-zp2kx-is-the-latest-xbox-liv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/zombies-and-pterodactyls-20xx-aka-zp2kx-is-the-latest-xbox-liv/#comments Dishwasher: Dead Samurai developer Ska Studios knows how to make a game stand out on the Xbox Live Indie Games marketplace; afterall, it's the same rule that applies to just about every successful video game in the history of the art form. Add zombies.

Ska's Xbox Live Indie debut was I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1 which, despite its humble origins and unique spelling, managed to sell 308K copies as of last August. At $1 a pop, after Microsoft's 30% cut, that leaves a healthy $215K - not a bad take for the one-person shop. For his Xbox Live Indie Games followup, Ska Studios' James Silva is playing fast and loose. Gone are the old days when it was as simple as making a game with zombies in it. That's just not enough anymore. Enter: Pterodactyls.

Zombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (or, as they'd like you to abbreviate it, ZP2KX) appears to be a multiplayer-focused title with staples such as jetpacks, capture the flag, deadly rainbows and Africanized bee-ammunition. And like Z0MB1ES, ZP2KX will be just $1 when it's released next week during the indie-organized (and seasonally co-opted!) "Indie Games Winter Uprising." Full press and trailer after the break.

Gallery: Zombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (aka ZP2KX)

Continue reading Zombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (aka ZP2KX) is the latest Xbox Live Indie from Dishwasher dev

JoystiqZombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (aka ZP2KX) is the latest Xbox Live Indie from Dishwasher dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftSka-StudiosXBLMxboxXbox-Live-Indie-GamesXbox-live-MarketplaceZombies-and-Pterodactyls-20XXZP2KXWed, 24 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile preview: hobbyist graduated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-preview-hobbyist-graduated/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-preview-hobbyist-graduated/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-preview-hobbyist-graduated/#comments The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai was a smash hit on Xbox Live Arcade and rightfully so. But now there's a sequel coming next year and, with it, higher hopes. The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile stars a new protagonist, adds a bevvy of new challenges and, perhaps most importantly, runs on a brand-new engine.

Gallery: The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile

Continue reading The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile preview: hobbyist graduated

JoystiqThe Dishwasher: Vampire Smile preview: hobbyist graduated originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishwasher-vampire-smilemicrosoftpax-2010pax-prime-2010ska-studiosthe-dishwasher-vampire-smilevampire-smilexboxFri, 10 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1 sells 308K copies, now on Rock Band Network]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/i-maed-a-gam3-w1th-z0mb1es-1n-it-1-sells-308k-copies-now-on-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/i-maed-a-gam3-w1th-z0mb1es-1n-it-1-sells-308k-copies-now-on-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/i-maed-a-gam3-w1th-z0mb1es-1n-it-1-sells-308k-copies-now-on-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While there are some that would write off Xbox Live Indie Games as just the domain of hobbyists, a handful of games have proven that the service can be lucrative for developers. Ska Studios' I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1 is easily one of the most well-known examples, routinely topping the Indie Games sales list each week. Now, the company has announced that Z0MB1ES has sold in excess of 308,000 copies and is expanding into some new territory.

First, the game's incredibly super-catchy theme song is now available on Rock Band Network. And yes, it's just a dollar. Furthermore, Z0MB1ES apparel will be sold in Hot Topic stores starting next month. Presumably for more than a dollar.


Xbox.com: Add ZOMB1ES full song to your Xbox 360 download queue ($1)

JoystiqI MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1 sells 308K copies, now on Rock Band Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i-maed-a-gam3-w1th-z0mb1es-1n-it1microsoftSka-StudiosxboxXbox-Live-Indie-GamesWed, 25 Aug 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Charlie Murder 'sells out' to Xbox Live Arcade in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/charlie-murder-sells-out-to-xbox-live-arcade-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/charlie-murder-sells-out-to-xbox-live-arcade-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/charlie-murder-sells-out-to-xbox-live-arcade-in-2012/#comments Charlie Murder's punk-rock adventure will now debut on Xbox Live Arcade in 2012, Ska Studios has revealed to Joystiq exclusively. Originally announced as an Xbox Live Indie Game, the beat-em-up was taken out of the indie lineup without reason following an appearance at PAX East 2010. As suspected, Charlie Murder will be pushed into the spotlight with a full XBLA release, alongside the previously scheduled end of the world in 2012.

While Ska Studios jokingly claimed development of the title had been put on hold while the game's stars could enter a rehab facility, developer James Silva revealed Charlie is getting a "complete overhaul" from its original vision. "We're going back to development for awhile so we can build tons of new content for Charlie Murder, to give gamers an XBLA-caliber, mayhem-infused, punk rock experience," Silva told Joystiq, while presumably ignoring "rules" and "not caring what you think."

Like Duke Nukem and Alan Wake before it, Charlie Murder joins the club of delayed games named after their protagonists. At least Ska Studios is hard at work on another project in the meantime.

Gallery: Charlie Murder

JoystiqCharlie Murder 'sells out' to Xbox Live Arcade in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlie-murderjames-silvaMicrosoftska-studiosxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeWed, 05 May 2010 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[XBL Deal of the Week: The Dishwasher Dead Samurai for $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/xbl-deal-of-the-week-the-dishwasher-dead-samurai-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/xbl-deal-of-the-week-the-dishwasher-dead-samurai-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/xbl-deal-of-the-week-the-dishwasher-dead-samurai-for-5/#comments As Xbox Live Deals of the Week go, this week's is pretty darn good. This week only, Xbox Live Gold members can enjoy the violent, bloody fun of The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai for only five bucks -- fully half off the title's standard price of $10. Not a bad deal for one of the better action games on XBLA, and the perfect excuse to get acquainted with the titular character before the (still undated) release of the game's sequel, The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile.

Remember, you'll have to be signed into Xbox Live Gold to see the discount.


Xbox.com: Add The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai to your Xbox 360 download queue ($5)

JoystiqXBL Deal of the Week: The Dishwasher Dead Samurai for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekdealsska-studiosthe-dishwasherthe-dishwasher-dead-samuraithe-dishwasher-vampire-smilexblaxblmxbox-liveMon, 26 Apr 2010 13:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft treads on XBL Indie games with Tank Battles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/gameloft-treads-on-xbl-indie-games-with-tank-battles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/gameloft-treads-on-xbl-indie-games-with-tank-battles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/gameloft-treads-on-xbl-indie-games-with-tank-battles/#comments Xbox Live Arcade was once thought to be a bastion of independent game development, destined to help independent studios get their projects to the game-playing masses. While that's still true to a certain extent -- Ska Studios and Polytron say hi -- there's no denying that an increasingly large number of XBLA games are being created by major publishers and development houses. And now it seems as if Xbox Live Indie Games -- quite literally a bastion of independent game development -- might suffer the same fate.

Unstoppable mobile game publisher Gameloft (a subsidiary of Ubisoft) is officially entering the Indie Games space with Tank Battles. As the title implies, the game features tanks doing battle from a third-person perspective. If the title sounds familiar, it's because the game was already released on PSN last year as Battle Tanks. The game offers up to 4-players (locally or online) to duke it out and, truth be told, it looks pretty fun. Check out a trailer after the break.

[Via GamerBytes]

Continue reading Gameloft treads on XBL Indie games with Tank Battles

JoystiqGameloft treads on XBL Indie games with Tank Battles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-tanksgameloftindependent-developersindie-gamesMicrosoftpolytronska-studiostank-battlesubisoftXbox-360xbox-liveSat, 10 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Charlie Murder now coming to an unannounced platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/charlie-murder-now-coming-to-unannounced-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/charlie-murder-now-coming-to-unannounced-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/charlie-murder-now-coming-to-unannounced-platform/#comments Originally announced for a March 2010 release on the Xbox Live Indie Games platform, Charlie Murder, Ska Studios upcoming beat-em-up, is no longer confirmed for release through the Indie Games service. Developer James Silva told Joystiq, "As of now, Charlie Murder is not on any announced platform." According to a Ska Studios representative, the platform details and release date for the upcoming title have not been cemented.

During our PAX East demo of Charlie Murder, Silva confirmed the final game code would run on the XNA 4.0 engine, which works across Xbox 360, Windows-based PCs and the Windows Phone 7 Series mobile platform. While it's still possible Charlie will make his way to the Indie Games platform, Ska Studios is keeping a tight lid on the punk rocker's future since first revealing him to the world this past January.

JoystiqCharlie Murder now coming to an unannounced platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlie-murderjames-silvaMicrosoftska-studiosxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadexbox-live-indie-gamesxna-game-studio-4Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: The Dishwasher Vampire Smile (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/dishwasher-vampire-smile-xbla-hands-on-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/dishwasher-vampire-smile-xbla-hands-on-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/dishwasher-vampire-smile-xbla-hands-on-preview/#comments Like a lot of people, I purchased The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai when it launched during Microsoft's 'Days of Arcade' promotion in April 2009. But for some reason I didn't play the game as much as I thought I would. Perhaps it was its punishing difficulty or the swarm of releases that chewed through my time but once the game was safely in my digital collection, I abandoned it. After getting time to play two levels of the game's sequel at the Ska Studios booth at PAX East 2010, I'm looking forward to wiping the virtual dust off the original and play it as I patiently wait for The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile.

Gallery: The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile

Continue reading Hands-on: The Dishwasher Vampire Smile (XBLA)

JoystiqHands-on: The Dishwasher Vampire Smile (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>james-silvaMicrosoftpax-east-2010ska-studiosthe-dishwasherthe-dishwasher-vampire-smilexblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeThu, 01 Apr 2010 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1NIT!!!1 sold 200,000 copies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/i-maed-a-gam3-w1th-z0mb1es-1nit-1-sold-200-000-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/i-maed-a-gam3-w1th-z0mb1es-1nit-1-sold-200-000-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/i-maed-a-gam3-w1th-z0mb1es-1nit-1-sold-200-000-copies/#comments It would seem that, if you make it cheap enough, they will buy it. Last year 's top Indie Games title, I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1NIT!!!1, has managed to sell 200,000 copies, developer Ska Studios reveals. In fact, 40,000 copies have been sold so far this year (based on this data of its performance last year), indicating the game is still pretty darn popular on Xbox Live.

We would say that the game's success lies in its titular undead enemies, but the undead hordes have managed to claw and bite their way into everything nowadays. Instead, we'll point to the game's low price of a buck as being the primary factor for its strong sales. Well, that and its awesome soundtrack.

JoystiqI MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1NIT!!!1 sold 200,000 copies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>I-MAED-A-GAM3-W1TH-Z0MB1ES1indie-gamessalesska-studiosTue, 02 Mar 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile announced for XBLA; watch the trailer now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-announced-for-xbla-watch-the-trai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-announced-for-xbla-watch-the-trai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/the-dishwasher-vampire-smile-announced-for-xbla-watch-the-trai/#comments
The Fervor Shine countdown has ended, and, as surmised, Ska Studios has announced a sequel to The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai. Entitled The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile, the game features the return of everyone's favorite table-busing warrior. Ska released a trailer and screens for the title, confirming the accuracy of the images that were leaked last year -- including the giant scissors. Today's announcement reveals additional weapons, including a humongous syringe called the Painkiller and the Violence Hammer, "whose business end consists of a section of girder wrapped in barbed wire and random hardware."

Vampire Smile is running on a new engine and contains a single-player campaign, a co-op campaign, 50 challenge levels, and an endless challenge mode. The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile will be available "when it's done." If you can't wait that long, it will also be playable at the PAX East convention, along with Ska's upcoming Xbox Live Indie Game, Charlie Murder.

Gallery: The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile

JoystiqThe Dishwasher: Vampire Smile announced for XBLA; watch the trailer now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishwasherdishwasher-vampire-smileMicrosoftska-studiosthe-dishwasherthe-dishwasher-dead-samuraithe-dishwasher-vampire-smilexblaXbox-360Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ska Studios teases new Dishwasher with ... dish soap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/ska-studios-teases-new-dishwasher-with-dish-soap/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/ska-studios-teases-new-dishwasher-with-dish-soap/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/ska-studios-teases-new-dishwasher-with-dish-soap/#comments
click for full size cleaning power!
It makes sense, really, that Ska Studios would tease something to do with The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai using dish soap. After all, he is a dishwasher. The studio -- currently working on XBLA Indie Game Charlie Murder -- recently sent Joystiq a package containing the yellow liquid with a card claiming that it has partnered with a Japanese soap supplier to make the Dishwasher its mascot. The soap, incidentally, sports "nearly toxic cleaning power" and a "100% non-organic, overly chemical smelling lemon aroma".

A quick jaunt over to the "supplier's" website reveals the same image seen on the soap bottle and a countdown set to expire Wednesday, February 24. It's worth pointing out that Microsoft hasn't announced the Xbox Live Arcade release for that week, so it's possible we might be seeing the all-but-confirmed Dishwasher sequel. While that seems just a tad unlikely given the promotion surrounding the first game, it certainly seems like we'll be hearing something about a new Dishwasher game.

Well, either that or this whole spiel about a random Japanese soap firm sponsoring a random XBLA game is actually real, in which case we're assuming a new brand of soap will be revealed. We can only hope it's pomegranate scented.

JoystiqSka Studios teases new Dishwasher with ... dish soap originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishwasher-dead-samuraidishwasher-dead-samurai-2Microsoftska-studiosthe-dishwasher-dead-samuraithe-dishwasher-dead-samurai-2xblaXbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Games 2009 sales compiled, Z0MB1ES on top]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/xbox-live-indie-games-2009-sales-compiled-z0mb1es-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/xbox-live-indie-games-2009-sales-compiled-z0mb1es-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/xbox-live-indie-games-2009-sales-compiled-z0mb1es-on-top/#comments When we wrote initially about James Silva's twin-stick Xbox Live Indie Game, I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1NIT!!!1, the words "smash hit" didn't exactly come to mind. However, according to GamerBytes' breakdown of the Indie Games platform's sales over the past year, that's exactly what it was -- it outsold every other game on the service, moving 160,000 units at $1 a pop, which brought in $112,000 in profit for its humble developer, Ska Studios.

Check out GamerBytes' full list of sales data for more interesting tidbits about the platform's sales. For instance, it might interest you to know that Rumble Massage was the 6th-highest selling XBL Indie Game of 2009. Oh, sorry, did we say "interest?" We meant "horrify."

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Games 2009 sales compiled, Z0MB1ES on top originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>I-MAED-A-GAM3-W1TH-Z0MB1ES1indie-gamesjames-silvamicrosoftrumble-massagesalesska-studiosXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-indie-gamesTue, 26 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishwasher dev announces Charlie Murder for Xbox Live Indie Games, coming 'March 2010']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/dishwasher-dev-announces-charlie-murder-for-xbox-live-indie-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/dishwasher-dev-announces-charlie-murder-for-xbox-live-indie-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/dishwasher-dev-announces-charlie-murder-for-xbox-live-indie-game/#comments Between Ska Studios' The Dishwasher last year, this year's I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MBIES 1N IT!!!1, and the recent announcement of Charlie Murder for Xbox Live Indie Games, the nascent developer has certainly been establishing a name for itself. The game's Facebook page offers us a first look at the characters and a bit of the gameplay (which seems to be an arcade beat-em' up with punk rockers/zombies), as well as a glimpse into the fictional band's history.

The game's announcement tells us that Charlie Murder follows the eponymous punk rock band on a side-scrolling journey to find the lead singer's girlfriend, Skelekitten, murdering everything in its path along the way. Ska Studios will be heading to PAX East and we've been told there's a "good chance" the game will be there, though a release window of "March 2010" means we might even be playing from the comfort of our couches before that.

Gallery: Charlie Murder

JoystiqDishwasher dev announces Charlie Murder for Xbox Live Indie Games, coming 'March 2010' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlie-murderdishwasher-dead-samuraiI-MAED-A-GAM3-W1TH-Z0MB1ES1james-silvaMicrosoftpax-eastska-studiosthe-dishwasherthe-dishwasher-dead-samuraixblXbox-360xbox-live-indie-gamesTue, 19 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Screens of Dishwasher: Dead Samurai 2 leaked; Ska Studios responds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/rumor-screens-of-dishwasher-dead-samurai-2-leaked-ska-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/rumor-screens-of-dishwasher-dead-samurai-2-leaked-ska-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/rumor-screens-of-dishwasher-dead-samurai-2-leaked-ska-studios/#comments Or, if you prefer: "Tom Morello strikes again; joined by Rebecca Romijn and Zach Braff."

Screenshots of what may be a sequel to the XBLA game The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai have landed on 1UP, allegedly supplied by the same saboteur that leaked those supposed Halo: Reach images. The shots certainly jive with the original game's art style and do feature some new enemies, backgrounds and objects. There are a number of new weapons shown, including a minigun, some kind of halberd, something that appears to be a giant syringe and -- our favorite -- a humongous pair of scissors.

When reached for comment, Dishwasher creator James Silva said, "Ska Studios does not comment on rumor and speculation," and then added, "I'm never inviting Tom Morello, Rebecca Romijn and Zach Braff over again."

JoystiqRumor: Screens of Dishwasher: Dead Samurai 2 leaked; Ska Studios responds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishwasher-dead-samuraidishwasher-dead-samurai-2james-silvaMicrosoftrumorska-studiosthe-dishwasher-dead-samuraithe-dishwasher-dead-samurai-2xblaXbox-360Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ska MAED an Indie game and put Z0MB1ES!!!1 in it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/ska-maed-an-indie-game-and-put-z0mb1es-1-in-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/ska-maed-an-indie-game-and-put-z0mb1es-1-in-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/ska-maed-an-indie-game-and-put-z0mb1es-1-in-it/#comments
Ska Studios is at it again, with another Xbox Live Indie Game filled to the brim with awesome. On August 16, the Dishwasher: Dead Samurai dev released a new title, sure to light a creative fire under the butts of game makers everywhere. I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES!!!1 attempts to answer the question that has plagued game designers for decades: What would happen if you made a game and then put zombies in it?

The results are astounding. Never in the history of the video game world -- unless you consider the Resident Evil franchise, Left 4 Dead, that mode in World at War ... and about three hundred others -- has a game company attempted to insert zombies into their title, but somehow Ska delivers. I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES!!!1 is available now for the budget price of 80 ($1.00 in human money). A video of the hilarious shooter in action is after the jump.

[Thanks, Jon]

Continue reading Ska MAED an Indie game and put Z0MB1ES!!!1 in it

JoystiqSka MAED an Indie game and put Z0MB1ES!!!1 in it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funnyI-MAED-A-GAM3-W1TH-Z0MB1ES1indie-gamesska-studiosxbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-marketplaceThu, 20 Aug 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishwasher dev defends Xbox Community Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/dishwasher-dev-defends-xbox-community-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/dishwasher-dev-defends-xbox-community-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/dishwasher-dev-defends-xbox-community-games/#comments
After Clover developer Binary Tweed made its disappointment in the game's sales clear, it laid a portion of the blame at the feet of Microsoft and its Community Games platform (soon to be renamed Indie Games). James Silva -- head of Dishwasher developer Ska Studios -- has posted something of a rebuttal on his company's blog. His comments aren't directed expressly toward Binary Tweed, but rather toward any developer that thinks the service is an instant goldmine.

Silva points out that, even with its faults, Community Games has many advantages over a Windows release, namely visibility, easy payment processing and piracy protection. Addressing complaints that Microsoft doesn't do enough to market Community Games, Silva notes that many games simply won't fly on the Xbox 360, as there are already better versions available for the platform. Paraphrasing Silva, putting a tower defense game on Community Games is "a step down" from other strategy titles available. Meanwhile, all the music generators and ridiculous massage applications really have no competition from Xbox 360 retail titles, allowing them to address an untapped market.

Of course, none of that matters if a Community Game lacks the most important factor: fun. Silva encourages developers to "make better games," saying, "All of this blaming nonsense just hurts everyone, and tragically generates more blogroll buzz than any yay-XNA articles do."

JoystiqDishwasher dev defends Xbox Community Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-gamesindie-gamesjames-silvamicrosoftska-studiosxbox-liveThu, 16 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- Unlock Dishwasher's Joystiq-inspired 'Peter Moore Achievement']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/x3f-tv-unlock-dishwashers-joystiq-inspired-peter-moore-achi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/x3f-tv-unlock-dishwashers-joystiq-inspired-peter-moore-achi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/x3f-tv-unlock-dishwashers-joystiq-inspired-peter-moore-achi/#commentsFiled under:

Now that The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai is out on Xbox Live Arcade, you can finally unlock the Joystiq-inspired 'Peter Moore Achievement.' Grabbing the achievement is pretty simple. All you have to do is hit the Guide button during one of the game's guitar sections. In this episode of X3F TV, we show you the easiest way to do that. Just follow the video's instructions for a quick (and awesome) 8 Gamerpoints.

To all the developers out there: Feel free to ask us to come up with your achievements. We're really good at it.

[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.
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JoystiqX3F TV -- Unlock Dishwasher's Joystiq-inspired 'Peter Moore Achievement' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedishwasher-dead-samurailive-arcadeska-studiosx3f-tvxblaxbox-live-arcadeThu, 02 Apr 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-the-dishwasher-dead-samurai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-the-dishwasher-dead-samurai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-the-dishwasher-dead-samurai/#commentsFiled under:

Action fans, rejoice! The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai has officially landed on Xbox Live Arcade. Taking a few pages from the Ninja Gaiden and God of War handbooks, Dishwasher offers some sweet, combo-tastic action. Check out the latest episode of XBLA in Brief and see if it's worth your time (hint: it is).

Download the trial version of The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai

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JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedishwasher-dead-samurailive-arcadeska-studiosx3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefxbox-live-arcadeWed, 01 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishwasher: Dead Samurai features Joystiq-inspired 'Peter Moore Achievement']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/dishwasher-dead-samurai-features-joystiq-inspired-peter-moore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/dishwasher-dead-samurai-features-joystiq-inspired-peter-moore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/dishwasher-dead-samurai-features-joystiq-inspired-peter-moore/#commentsWhen upcoming XBLA title The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai releases later this year, it'll come packaged with the sweet gaming aroma of X3F Joystiq. That's because one of The Dishwasher's Achievements, "The Peter Moore Achievement", was actually inspired by team Joystiq.

As the story goes, back during episode 044 of the Xbox 360 Fancast, we got the opportunity to interview Dishwasher (and recently released ZP2K9) developer James Silva. During our conversation, we recommended adding a Peter Moore Achievement based on Dishwasher's guitar riff gameplay, an idea that paid respect to Mr. Moore's notoriously botched E307 Rock Band performance (when he accidentally pressed the 360's guide button while rocking out). Well, it looks like Silva took us up on our achievement idea, which means we have another award to add to our "Achievements Named by Joystiq - Trophy Case of Success."

Fancy Achievement artwork, name and description can be viewed after the break.

Gallery: The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai - Guitar Gameplay

Continue reading Dishwasher: Dead Samurai features Joystiq-inspired 'Peter Moore Achievement'

JoystiqDishwasher: Dead Samurai features Joystiq-inspired 'Peter Moore Achievement' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsdishwasher-dead-samuraijames-silvaska-studiosthe-dishwasher-dead-samuraixblaMon, 02 Mar 2009 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[James Silva's ZSX4 Guitarpocalypse now on Community Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/james-silvas-zsx4-guitarpocalypse-now-on-community-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/james-silvas-zsx4-guitarpocalypse-now-on-community-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/james-silvas-zsx4-guitarpocalypse-now-on-community-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,


James Silva is one busy guy. First he creates The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai (which is coming "soon"), then he writes a book about how to make an XNA game, and now he's gone and created another game. To be specific, he's created a new Community Game called (ahem) Zombie Smashers X4 Guitarpocalypse. If you're hoping that we'll be able to explain the title to you, we're sorry to let you down. All we know is that you select a character, pick a guitar, and start smacking the crap out of the other three players. Gather enough energy and you can start banging out a wicked guitar solo (no, seriously) which (again, seriously) unleashes a powerful special attack.

Also, there's a cat that shoots fireballs from its eyes. So, essentially, this is the game design you used to scribble in your spiral during history class. Also, it's only 200 points ($2.50). Check out the trial version. Just try it.

[Thanks, desertpyrate]

JoystiqJames Silva's ZSX4 Guitarpocalypse now on Community Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-gamesska-studioszsx4-guitarpocalypseWed, 26 Nov 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/the-diswasher-dead-samurai-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/the-diswasher-dead-samurai-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/the-diswasher-dead-samurai-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,


Let's face it, the food service industry does something to people. The pure inanity of it all will drive ordinary people to lash out at the innocent and do obscene things to their food. And, in rare cases, it can send someone on a blood-fueled spree of undead vengeance. At least, that's the general understanding we have of The Dishwashwer: Dead Samurai. Gamescore Blog has announced that the XBLA game is "coming soon" (that's the news in this post, lest the first few sentences threw you off). Also announced was a new mode called "Phantom Guitar," which allows a second player to plug in either a Rock Band or Guitar Hero guitar and play as, ahem, a phantom guitar which can aid the Dishwasher by damaging and killing enemies.

There is no specific date announced for the game, though the article does use the phrase "in the months to come," so we're hopeful that the game will release before the year is out.

JoystiqThe Dishwasher: Dead Samurai coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedishwasherdishwasher-dead-samurailive-arcadeska-studiosxblaxbox-live-arcadeMon, 27 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[All of Dishwasher's crazy modes and 3 player co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/all-of-dishwashers-crazy-modes-and-3-player-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/all-of-dishwashers-crazy-modes-and-3-player-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/all-of-dishwashers-crazy-modes-and-3-player-co-op/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mr. James Silva updated his The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai developer blog a bit ago (yeah, it has been a week, sue us!) and has revealed all the game modes that are going to be included in the game. Confirmed for inclusion in Dishwasher are game modes Dish Challenge (a wave after wave, kill, kill, kill type mode), Story Mode and Arcade. And Arcade is rather interesting, featuring various challenges comprised of different modes including Insta Kill, Vampire and the slow motion Bullet Time. Make your way over to the dev blog to read all the game mode details.

Also, for whatever reason, we didn't actually acknowledge the fact that The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai is confirmed to sport three player online story mode co-op! Huzzah! That's like, one more player than we expected. Thanks for that Silva.

JoystiqAll of Dishwasher's crazy modes and 3 player co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishwasherdishwasher-dead-samuraiska-studiosthe-dishwasher-dead-samuraixblaMon, 11 Aug 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Dishwasher is still samurai killings its bugs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/the-dishwasher-is-still-samurai-killings-its-bugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/the-dishwasher-is-still-samurai-killings-its-bugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/the-dishwasher-is-still-samurai-killings-its-bugs/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a "Status Update!" over at Ska Studios' little corner of webspace, Mr. James Silva finally posted update news regarding the development of XBLA title The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai. In his update, Silva tells us that Dishwasher has a "million, billion bugs" that are in the process of being squashed and that he has locked in Dishwasher to a super solid 60 frames per second. That isn't all, Dishwasher will be native 1280x720 resolution, will include a new (and hellza difficult) ranked story mode and showcase some newly prettified blood staining effects. Jump over to the Ska Studios blog to get your "dishwasheriffic" The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai game update.

JoystiqThe Dishwasher is still samurai killings its bugs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishwasher-dead-samuraiska-studiosthe-dishwasher-dead-samuraixblaFri, 01 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F interviews James Silva, creator of Dishwasher: Dead Samurai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/x3f-interviews-james-silva-creator-of-dishwasher-dead-samurai/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/x3f-interviews-james-silva-creator-of-dishwasher-dead-samurai/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/x3f-interviews-james-silva-creator-of-dishwasher-dead-samurai/#commentsFiled under: ,


The annual Game Developer's Conference played host to something of a Cinderella story this year, plunging a once unknown game developer into the limelight. We're talking, of course, about James Silva, creator of Dishwasher: Dead Samurai and Microsoft's new poster child for XNA Community Games. We managed to catch up with James during the conference and ask him how things have changed since the last time we spoke. We also discussed just how James feels about Peter Molyneux and whether or not he's still considering the "Pulling a Peter Moore" achievement for Dishwasher's guitar segments (see 360 Fancast 044 at around 1:05:00). Find the interview after the break. The audio version of the interview is also available in our latest Fancast.

Continue reading X3F interviews James Silva, creator of Dishwasher: Dead Samurai

JoystiqX3F interviews James Silva, creator of Dishwasher: Dead Samurai originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-samuraidishwasherdishwasher-dead-samuraigdc08gdc08fanboyinterviewjames-silvaska-studiosxblaxbox-live-arcadexnaWed, 27 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloody good Dishwasher: Dead Samurai screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/bloody-good-dishwasher-dead-samurai-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/bloody-good-dishwasher-dead-samurai-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/bloody-good-dishwasher-dead-samurai-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,

While taking a stroll through the dirty, dank and dark streets of the intertubes we came across Fancast alum James Silva's development blog and some rather new Dishwasher: Dead Samurai screenshots. We do admit that they are a few weeks old, but in the grand scheme of an entire development cycle, these images are only lightly browned bananas of screenshot nourishment. High in potassium and hella' delicious. We say good job to you Mr. (XNA all-star) Silva, Dead Samurai looks amazing and the extreme amount of blood and blurring effects makes our eyes water with happiness. We say, bring on the dish washing!

JoystiqBloody good Dishwasher: Dead Samurai screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishwasher-dead-samuraiska-studiosxblaThu, 07 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST