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[Breaking free with your own IP: Insomniac's CEO on what's next (besides Ratchet & Clank)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/breaking-free-with-your-own-ip-insomniacs-ceo-on-whats-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/breaking-free-with-your-own-ip-insomniacs-ceo-on-whats-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/breaking-free-with-your-own-ip-insomniacs-ceo-on-whats-next/#comments There's a big craze these days with independent developers, though the idea isn't all that crazy. Developers, as it turns out, like to own the stuff they create - Ratchet & Clank developer Insomniac Games is no different. And here's something you might not know about Insomniac: the studio owns virtually none of the iconic characters or worlds it's created. Not Ratchet, not Clank, not the world of Spyro the Dragon. That last one cuts especially deep considering the vast riches Activision's reaped from its Spyro-based Skylanders game. The former two are Sony-owned.

With Fuse (which we think used to be Overstrike) and Outernauts, Insomniac is pushing in a new direction. "For us, we're at the point in our growth as a company where we can own our intellectual property," Insomniac president and CEO Ted Price told us in an interview last week. "That's been gratifying for us because, as creators, controlling your own destiny - controlling the IP that you build - is important." Beyond its financial importance, owning IP also means unfortunate spin-offs of properties you created can't be farmed out to other studios (see: Resistance: Burning Skies).

It's important to note what Price says about his studio not being able to own its previous projects. When Insomniac started in 1994, it produced only franchises owned by its publishers. Quite literally everything the company created up until Outernauts and Overstrike/Fuse was owned by outside forces. That's why you will assuredly see more Resistance games, despite Insomniac outright stating it won't work on any more (at least any time soon) - Sony owns the IP rights to the Resistance franchise and can do with them as it pleases.

Continue reading Breaking free with your own IP: Insomniac's CEO on what's next (besides Ratchet & Clank)

JoystiqBreaking free with your own IP: Insomniac's CEO on what's next (besides Ratchet & Clank) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insomniacinsomniac-gamesintellectual-propertyipmacmicrosoftoverstrikepaxpax-2012pax-primepax-prime-2012pcplaystationps3ratchet-and-clankresistanceskylanders-spyros-adventureted-pricexboxTue, 04 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision brings in $1.08 billion in Q2: more than expected, but less than last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/activision-brings-in-1-08-billion-in-q2-more-than-expected-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/activision-brings-in-1-08-billion-in-q2-more-than-expected-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/activision-brings-in-1-08-billion-in-q2-more-than-expected-bu/#comments Activision Blizzard beat its outlook for its fiscal Q2 (ending June 30), bringing in $1.08 billion in revenue - the outlook as of May predicted $950 million. This still falls short of the same period last year.

It's no mystery as to where Activision's money came from. "For the first six months, we had the top three best-selling games in North America and Europe with Activision Publishing's Skylanders Spyro's Adventures and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and Blizzard Entertainment's record setting Diablo III," reported Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. In addition, Activision reported $343 million in revenue from its digital channels (WoW subscriptions and Call of Duty maps), representing an impressive 32% of total revenue.

JoystiqActivision brings in $1.08 billion in Q2: more than expected, but less than last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3diablo-3earningsfinancialsfy-2012q2skylanders-spyros-adventureThu, 02 Aug 2012 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision talks Skylanders Giants and the future of the franchise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/activision-talks-skylanders-giants-and-the-future-of-the-franchi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/activision-talks-skylanders-giants-and-the-future-of-the-franchi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/activision-talks-skylanders-giants-and-the-future-of-the-franchi/#comments Activision talks Skylanders Giants and the future of the franchise

We had a quick chat with Mike Graham, a design producer at Activision, about Toys for Bob's extremely popular Skylanders franchise, and the second release in the series, Skylanders Giants. Graham kindly let us in on the reasoning behind the new game and bigger toys, and what other possibilities might be in store for Skylanders.

We also hear a little bit about where Spyro now fits in the Skylanders universe (That purple dragon that the whole series is based on? Remember him?) Turns out he's still in there, even if his name has been taken off the title for now.

JoystiqActivision talks Skylanders Giants and the future of the franchise originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisione3e3-2012microsoftmike-grahamnintendoplaystationps3skylandersskylanders-giantsskylanders-spyros-adventurespyrovideowiixboxWed, 06 Jun 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders weather report: Warnado warning, chance of Camo and Wham Shell high]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/skylanders-weather-report-warnado-warning-chance-of-camo-and-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/skylanders-weather-report-warnado-warning-chance-of-camo-and-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/skylanders-weather-report-warnado-warning-chance-of-camo-and-w/#comments The Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure roster has been expanded, with Warnado, Camo and Wham-Shell available for purchase right now. Hit up the gallery below for some screens or get over to your local brick-and-mortar if you're looking to bolster your ranks.

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Warnado, Camo, Wham Shell)

JoystiqSkylanders weather report: Warnado warning, chance of Camo and Wham Shell high originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisioncamodlcdsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3skylanders-spyros-adventurewarnadowham-shellwiixboxSun, 08 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop testing Skylanders toy trade-in program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/gamestop-testing-skylanders-toy-trade-in-program/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/gamestop-testing-skylanders-toy-trade-in-program/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/gamestop-testing-skylanders-toy-trade-in-program/#comments ImageGameStops are about to be overrun with toys in an epidemic the likes of which we haven't seen since the late-90s Pokémon figure thing. Pixelitis published what appears to be an internal GameStop document detailing a nascent Skylanders figurine trade-in program being tested at some stores.

Surprisingly, they seem priced by rarity, with harder-to-find figurines reselling for up to $20. Trade-in values range from around $2 to $8. There's currently no information on which stores are participating in the offer, but given the popularity of the game it'll be everywhere soon enough.

JoystiqGameStop testing Skylanders toy trade-in program originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsgamestopmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3skylanders-spyros-adventurewiixboxThu, 05 Apr 2012 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD's top 25 includes at least eight 3DS games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/npds-top-25-includes-at-least-eight-3ds-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/npds-top-25-includes-at-least-eight-3ds-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/npds-top-25-includes-at-least-eight-3ds-games/#comments No 3DS games sold enough in the US to place in the top ten last month, according to NPD data. But 3DS sales were happening just under the surface, with many 3DS games making it into the (undisclosed) top 25 games of February.

The NPD told Joystiq that "some examples" of the 3DS titles that made the list include Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land, FIFA Soccer, Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, Resident Evil: Revelations, and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games -- the last two on that list being February releases.

That's ... a significant portion of the top 25. It's also evidence of a reasonably engaged 3DS install base, and therefore stiff competition for the PS Vita, which came out in February. The Vita's Uncharted: Golden Abyss placed somewhere in the top 20 (at least in retail; Vita games also have digital sales not charted by NPD).

JoystiqNPD's top 25 includes at least eight 3DS games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfifa-soccerlego-pirates-of-the-caribbean-the-video-gamelego-star-wars-3-the-clone-warsmario-kart-7nintendonpdresident-evil-revelationssalesskylanders-spyros-adventuresuper-mario-3d-landFri, 09 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three new Skylanders shock, burn and boom into Spyro's Adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/three-new-skylanders-shock-burn-and-boom-into-spyros-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/three-new-skylanders-shock-burn-and-boom-into-spyros-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/three-new-skylanders-shock-burn-and-boom-into-spyros-adventure/#comments

Spyro's universe is expanding -- much like ours, but without the physical, philosophical or scientific implications -- with three new characters. Lightning Rod, Zook and Sunburn, the last of which comes to Skylanders in the Dragon's Peak Adventure Pack, are all available now. Lightning Rod and Zook are $7.99 each, and the pack including Sunburn runs $19.99.

Lightning Rod, who we're convinced is modeled after Aladdin's Genie and Robin Williams' beardiness, is an air character whose attacks involve electro-bolts; Sunburn is part dragon, part phoenix, breathes fire and can teleport; and Zook, a life character, carries a bamboo bazooka and is adorable.

Lightning Rod shows off his moves in the video above, and Sunburn and Zook take over the two after the break.

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Lightning Rod, Sunburn, and Zook)

Continue reading Three new Skylanders shock, burn and boom into Spyro's Adventure

JoystiqThree new Skylanders shock, burn and boom into Spyro's Adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisiondslightning-rodmicrosoftnew-charactersnintendopcplaystationps3skylanders-spyros-adventuresunburntoys-for-bobwiixboxZookTue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare Skylanders sell for more than $1,000 at auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/rare-skylanders-sell-for-more-than-1-000-at-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/rare-skylanders-sell-for-more-than-1-000-at-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/rare-skylanders-sell-for-more-than-1-000-at-auction/#comments The supplemental toys surrounding Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure have become the latest in a long line of collectable merchandising campaigns to reach "You paid how much?!" levels, following in the proud footsteps of Pogs, Pokemon cards and Beanie Babies.

An eBay auction for 6 apparently rare Skylanders figures has sold for £797, or $1262.68, before shipping. The auction included gold versions of Chop Chop, Flameslinger and Drill Sergeant, as well as silver versions of Eruptor, Boomer and Dino-Rang, and we doubt it'll be the last of its kind. There's no way that these things will retain their value, of course, so we don't recommend participating in this sort of madness, but it is fascinating to watch. Kind of like a train wreck in slow motion, where the train is crashing through one of those houses on Hoarders.

JoystiqRare Skylanders sell for more than $1,000 at auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3skylanders-spyros-adventuresquare-enixtoys-for-bobxboxSun, 19 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision revenues up in 2011, claims #1 publishing spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/#comments The world hasn't converted entirely to a Kickstarter-based economy yet -- Activision's fiscal 2011 earnings are up again, with net revenues at $4.76 billion dollars (vs. 2010's $4.45 billion), exceeding its most recent outlook. Activision claimed the number one console and handheld publishing spot in both its fiscal Q4 (ending December 31) and the year of 2011.

What drove this success? Like you don't know, but: Call of Duty. Modern Warfare 3 was the best-selling game in terms of dollars, and Black Ops was #5. Skylanders also contributed, as it was the #8 best-selling game in the fourth quarter, and best-selling kids' game of 2011.

Digital revenue broke records again, with over 34 percent of that $4.76 billion net coming from "digital channels." No, you aren't forgetting some breakout XBLA hit from Activision -- those digital channels are COD map packs and WoW.

JoystiqActivision revenues up in 2011, claims #1 publishing spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3fy-2011microsoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3q4skylanders-spyros-adventurexboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[January NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/#comments Both hardware and software video game sales were down by a great deal in January, according to the latest report from NPD. Both categories dropped 38% year over year in the US, and video games sales in total dropped from $1.14 billion in January of 2011 to $750 million this past month. NPD's Liam Callahan attributes the drops to a lack of new launches: Last January, Microsoft's Kinect propped up hardware sales, and Dead Space 2, LittleBigPlanet 2, and DC Universe Online did the same for software, but there weren't equivalent launches in the market this year.

The full list of the top ten titles is after the break. Just Dance 3 held down the number two spot, again landing in front of the very popular Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Zumba Fitness 2 also made it into the top ten, but Activision's Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is likely the most important game for January.

In addition to landing on the list at 8th, Skylanders is seeing huge sales in the accessories category, making up 22% of total accessory sales overall. The game's single character pack was also the best selling accessory during the month of January, and these numbers should bode well for the series and its future iterations.

Finally, despite that big drop in hardware sales, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg points out that the Xbox 360 has remained the highest-selling console on the market, selling 270,000 units with a 49% market share.

Continue reading January NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories

JoystiqJanuary NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwarejanuary-2012microsoftnpdplaystationps3salesskylanders-spyros-adventuresoftwaretop-10video-game-salesxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Go buy more Skylanders toys now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/go-buy-more-skylanders-toys-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/go-buy-more-skylanders-toys-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/go-buy-more-skylanders-toys-now/#comments
New Skylanders toys are available at retail today, which roughly translates to new DLC for the video game. The "Empire of Ice" Adventure Pack includes a new ice-themed area, along with a new Water-element toy (and character), Slam Bam.

Additionally, new standalone figures are available of the undead dragon Cynder, who has a "difficult past," and Double Trouble, an inept wizard. What's that? You want to know more about Cynder? According to Activision, "Cynder is a dragon of the undead element. Dark powers flow through her due to her difficult past, but she's trying to make amends with the other Skylanders."

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Cynder, Double Trouble, and Slam Bam)

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Toys: Cynder, Double Troubl, and Slam Bam)

Continue reading Go buy more Skylanders toys now

JoystiqGo buy more Skylanders toys now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdlcempire-of-icemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3skylandersskylanders-spyros-adventurewiixboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision grabs 'Skylanders Giants' domains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/activision-grabs-skylanders-giants-domains/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/activision-grabs-skylanders-giants-domains/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/activision-grabs-skylanders-giants-domains/#comments The land of Skylanders may be getting giant-sized in the coming months, as a smattering of domain registrations bearing the name "Skylanders Giants" recently popped up. A few of said domains even go as far as to call it a full on "game" rather than just an expansion to last October's magical character-swapping action game slash collectible addiction. Just imagine a giant Drobot! The possibilities!

The registrations are still fairly recent according to Fusible, only dating back to January 19, and none are tied directly to Activision. That said, it's common for publishers to register domains for unannounced projects via proxy, which is exactly how these were handled. We've reached out to Activision for comment, as well as Drobot, but don't expect to hear much from either.

Update: Activision offered no comment and neither did Drobot.

JoystiqActivision grabs 'Skylanders Giants' domains originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisiondsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3skylanders-giantsskylanders-spyros-adventuretoys-for-bobwiixboxTue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision sends cease-and-desist to Skylanders hacker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/activision-sends-cease-and-desist-to-skylanders-hacker/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/activision-sends-cease-and-desist-to-skylanders-hacker/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/activision-sends-cease-and-desist-to-skylanders-hacker/#comments The very first time we saw Activision's Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure figures at a pre-E3 event earlier this year, it seemed only a matter of time before some enterprising enthusiast cracked open both the toy figures and the "portal" base unit, and figured out how they wirelessly connected. Sure enough, a tinkerer named Brandon Wilson recently did just that, and posted his results on his personal website. In return, he got an official cease-and-desist letter from Activision a few days later, telling him to take the findings down immediately.

Wilson wrote a response to point out that most of Activision's accusations against him are inaccurate: He was not intending to share his findings with others (only saved them in a .zip file for his own personal use), and has no intention to circumvent the game at all, either by using the Skylanders hardware with an iOS device (since the technology is based on RFID), or by "tricking" the portal into thinking he owns a Skylanders figure when he doesn't.

Despite all of that, however, Wilson has agreed to follow the cease-and-desist order. It seems a shame -- some of the most fun hacks have come out of toys both old and new, and if Wilson wants to dissect toys he's purchased for his own enjoyment, that seems reasonable. We've contacted Activision to try and get an official position; it's likely we haven't heard the last of this just yet.

JoystiqActivision sends cease-and-desist to Skylanders hacker originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionbrandon-wilsoncease-and-desisthackershackingmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3skylandersskylanders-spyros-adventurexboxFri, 30 Dec 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Days of Joyswag: Nintendo 3DS plus eight games (and a ton of Skylanders)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/12-days-of-joyswag-nintendo-3ds-plus-eight-games-and-a-ton-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/12-days-of-joyswag-nintendo-3ds-plus-eight-games-and-a-ton-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/12-days-of-joyswag-nintendo-3ds-plus-eight-games-and-a-ton-of/#comments Another year, another 12 days of holiday giveaways! Between now and Christmas Day, we're doing the one thing that makes us feel truly alive: giving. Specifically, we're giving you fine folks some of the swag we've managed to collect in our cluttered home offices. And the good will and merriment doesn't stop here! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for even more chances to win!

Here we are, Christmas Eve. To pre-celebrate pre-Christmas, we're giving away a Flame Red Nintendo 3DS along with a pile of 3DS games. Here, let us list them for you:
  1. Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (plus a gob of figurines!)
  2. Cave Story 3D
  3. Star Fox 64 (plus ... scarf?)
  4. Thor: God of Thunder
  5. Pokemon Rumble Blast
  6. Tetris Axis
  7. Super Mario 3D Land
  8. Resident Evil: Mercenaries
Not a bad haul, right? All you have to do to be eligible to win this bounty is follow the rules found right past the break.

Continue reading 12 Days of Joyswag: Nintendo 3DS plus eight games (and a ton of Skylanders)

Joystiq12 Days of Joyswag: Nintendo 3DS plus eight games (and a ton of Skylanders) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-joyswag-20113dsnintendoskylanders-spyros-adventureSat, 24 Dec 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders wants to get your kids online with Spyro's Universe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/skylanders-wants-to-get-your-kids-online-with-spyros-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/skylanders-wants-to-get-your-kids-online-with-spyros-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/skylanders-wants-to-get-your-kids-online-with-spyros-universe/#comments

Spyro is taking on the entire known universe with the beta launch of Skylanders: Spyro's Universe, a new MMO designed for youngsters (and the truly young at heart). Spyro's Universe includes customizable Skylands, mini-games that resemble other popular bird- and sheep-based titles, and a way to bring physical toys to life, in a virtual, not-really-alive-at-all sense.

The above video explains it all, and those interested can sign up their children, little sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews or cousins on the Spyro's Universe beta page.

JoystiqSkylanders wants to get your kids online with Spyro's Universe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardpcskylanders-spyros-adventureSkylanders-Spyros-UniverseSun, 18 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us offers deals on Xbox 360, 3DS, Skylanders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/toys-r-us-offers-up-deals-on-xbox-360-3ds-skylanders/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/toys-r-us-offers-up-deals-on-xbox-360-3ds-skylanders/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/toys-r-us-offers-up-deals-on-xbox-360-3ds-skylanders/#comments It's a logo! Black Friday may be long gone, but that's not stopping Toys R Us from offering some last minute Christmas doorbuster deals this weekend. This Friday through Sunday, customers will receive a $60 gift card with the purchase of an Xbox 360 Kinect console bundle. You can also snag a $25 gift card with the purchase of any two video games priced $29.99 or higher.

Next week, from December 20 through 10pm on Christmas Eve (sorry Toys R Us employees!), the retailer will also offer a pair of deals on Skylanders and the 3DS.

First up, those who purchase a 3DS (in-store only) will snag a $35 gift card. Second, purchasing the Skylanders starter pack will net customers a free 3DS game worth up to $39.99. It's worth noting that the offer is valid only for "select" 3DS titles, though the press release makes no mention of which titles are exempted. Regardless, there's potential for some serious holiday savings if either of these things are on your list.

Just remember, once you buy Skylanders, you will keep buying Skylanders.

Continue reading Toys R Us offers deals on Xbox 360, 3DS, Skylanders

JoystiqToys R Us offers deals on Xbox 360, 3DS, Skylanders originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3skylanders-spyros-adventuretoys-r-usxboxThu, 15 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kotick: SWTOR better for Lucas than EA, Skylanders could sell out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/kotick-swtor-better-for-lucas-than-ea-skylanders-could-sell-ou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/kotick-swtor-better-for-lucas-than-ea-skylanders-could-sell-ou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/kotick-swtor-better-for-lucas-than-ea-skylanders-could-sell-ou/#comments

Next month, Electronic Arts will release its second title this year meant to undermine the hearty foundations of cross-industry rival Activision. Last month Battlefield 3 went "above and beyond the call" - though notably didn't go above and beyond Modern Warfare 3's sales numbers or Xbox Live rankings - and next comes The Old Republic, which hopes to provide lapsing World of Warcraft subscribers with a Star Wars-flavored MMO-ternative.

"Lucas is going to be the principal beneficiary of the success of Star Wars," Activision CEO Bobby Kotick said at the Reuters Media Summit, referring to EA publishing partner (and more importantly Star Wars license owner!) LucasArts. "We've been in business with Lucas for a long time and the economics will always accrue to the benefit of Lucas, so I don't really understand how the economics work for Electronic Arts."

Earlier this year, EA said half a million subscribers would be all it needed to make the immense investment in The Old Republic a profitable one. With more than 1.1 million players abandoning Azeroth between March and November of this year, EA won't have a hard time hitting that minimum, but longevity is the true sign of a successful MMO and something that WoW has in spades.

While analysts and investors worry about Activision's lack of diversity in its portfolio, Kotick points out that Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure has outperformed expectations and the game's superpowered figurines run the risk of selling out. "(Skylanders) are in high demand," Kotick said. "Retailers across the board are concerned that they will be out of inventory well before Christmas." But can't Santa just make more?

[Image credit: Flickr user yum9me]

JoystiqKotick: SWTOR better for Lucas than EA, Skylanders could sell out originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bobby-kotickmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3skylandersskylanders-spyros-adventurestar-wars-the-old-republicwiixboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure review: Gotta buy 'em all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/skylanders-spyros-adventure-review-gotta-buy-em-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/skylanders-spyros-adventure-review-gotta-buy-em-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/skylanders-spyros-adventure-review-gotta-buy-em-all/#comments There's some primal need buried deep within the human psyche that's fulfilled by performing repetitive, simple acts and watching numbers rise slowly and compellingly as a consequence. Ask anyone who ever got hooked on a Blizzard game; it's powerful stuff. Now imagine combining that need with another that's just as enslaving ... say, collectible action figures. Like Pokémon, but with a $7.99 price tag on each 'mon. It's the kind of concept that makes rooms full of suited executives twirl their mustaches approvingly.

It's exactly what Activision -- together with veteran Star Control developers Toys for Bob -- have done with Skylanders. As much ecosystem as game, the full Skylanders launch range comprises 32 three-inch plastic action figures (most sold separately), a disc-shaped "Portal of Power" peripheral, an assortment of add-on toys that work like DLC, and enough flashy packaging to give your garbage collector a bad back. Oh, and there's a kid-friendly button-mashing videogame buried under all that, too.

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Xbox 360 - 8/23/11)

Continue reading Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure review: Gotta buy 'em all

JoystiqSkylanders: Spyro's Adventure review: Gotta buy 'em all originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3skylanders-spyros-adventurespyrotoys-for-bobwiixboxFri, 21 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure animals want to say hi... with lasers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/skylanders-spyros-adventure-animals-want-to-say-hi-with-las/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/skylanders-spyros-adventure-animals-want-to-say-hi-with-las/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/skylanders-spyros-adventure-animals-want-to-say-hi-with-las/#comments

Are you a dog person? How about a cat person? No, we know what you are -- you're a mischievous pegasus who shoots lasers out of its horn person. You may not know it yet, but your soul can't lie to us. Just watch this video of Whirlwind from Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure and you'll feel those heartstrings tuggin'.

If you're still not convinced that, deep down, you're a pretty unicorn with wings, check out the remaining four character vignettes for Skylanders and maybe you'll find your spirit animal. If not, let's just assume it's a sea cucumber.

Continue reading Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure animals want to say hi... with lasers

JoystiqSkylanders: Spyro's Adventure animals want to say hi... with lasers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3sea-cucumberskylanders-spyros-adventurewiixboxSun, 16 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders: Spyro's Adventures compared visually]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/skylanders-spyros-adventures-compared-visually/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/skylanders-spyros-adventures-compared-visually/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/skylanders-spyros-adventures-compared-visually/#comments Activision sent new screens highlighting some of the (highly collectible!) characters of Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure. Above: "Voodood," who looks kind of like a metal Cubone.

Since the company sent screens of the Xbox 360, Wii, and 3DS versions, this is also a nice chance to see them next to each other, and figure out which world you want to zap your Spyro toys into.

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Xbox 360 - 8/23/11)

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Wii - 8/23/11)

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (3DS - 8/23/11)

JoystiqSkylanders: Spyro's Adventures compared visually originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3skylanders-spyros-adventuretoys-for-bobwiixboxWed, 24 Aug 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure trailer thrown to Earth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/skylanders-spyros-adventure-trailer-thrown-to-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/skylanders-spyros-adventure-trailer-thrown-to-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/skylanders-spyros-adventure-trailer-thrown-to-earth/#comments
How did the tangible toy components of Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure come to be in our world? We were pretty sure they were manufactured in a factory, or perhaps even a lab. According to the trailer above, however, they were teleported here to rot in an inescapable, earthen prison. Fun!

JoystiqSkylanders: Spyro's Adventure trailer thrown to Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisiondsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3skylanders-spyros-adventurewiixboxxpecFri, 05 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure preview: Babes in toyland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/skylanders-spyros-adventure-preview-babes-in-toyland/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/skylanders-spyros-adventure-preview-babes-in-toyland/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/skylanders-spyros-adventure-preview-babes-in-toyland/#comments Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is one of those things that's tough to explain in preview text, but easy to understand once you've seen it in action. It starts with a series of real-life plastic toy characters, 32 in all, molded in the style of Spyro the Dragon and his friends, old and new. These real-life toys can be placed on a drum-like device called a "portal," that then connects up to your gaming console (the Wii to start, though Activision promises more later on). Once you're all set up, the action is surprisingly easy: Place the toy on the portal, and instantly that character appears in your game, playable and ready to go. Switch toys, and your character switches, but retains all of the XP and loot it earns on the go.

"It's the easiest pitch in the world," says Paul Reiche, studio president of Toys for Bob, the developer behind Activision's new take on Spyro. "It's so emotional and primal. It's what you expect. You have a toy, it's in your imagination, it's alive, and the fact that it isn't is strange. So when you see it instantly come to life, it's a natural, pleasant experience."

He's right -- while the actual game behind Skylanders is clearly meant for younger players (we'll get to that in just a second), the technology is pretty amazing to children of all ages. Toys for Bob has made the transition between the real-world toys and the in-game characters almost seamless, and it makes this kids' game worth a look.

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Toys)

Continue reading Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure preview: Babes in toyland

JoystiqSkylanders: Spyro's Adventure preview: Babes in toyland originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondragonhack-and-slashnintendoskylanders-spyros-adventurespyrotoystoys-for-bobwiiTue, 07 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Have a look at the heroes of Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/have-a-look-at-the-heroes-of-skylanders-spyros-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/have-a-look-at-the-heroes-of-skylanders-spyros-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/have-a-look-at-the-heroes-of-skylanders-spyros-adventure/#comments There are 32 different toys-turned-characters in Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, and the videos posted after the break will introduce you to seven of them, from the hack-and-slash undead knight Chop Chop to the gemstone brawler Prism Break and the blue dragon caster Zap. Each character, as you'll see, is aligned with a certain element, and various parts of the game (along with the enemies therein) are made to match up with those elements, meaning players will probably have to mix and match with friends to get the most out of the game's stages.

Each character can of course be leveled up through 11 ranks (increasing the strength and function of your abilities as you go), and they can grab items and loot while playing along as well, all of which is saved in the actual toy as you play. And players can even pit their heroes against each other in head-to-head arena battles, proving that your Stump Smash can beat anyone's Ignitor. You can check out all of the various real-life toys in the gallery below as well.

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Toys)

Continue reading Have a look at the heroes of Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure

JoystiqHave a look at the heroes of Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionnintendoskylanders-spyros-adventuretoys-for-bobwiiTue, 07 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What's in a Name: Toys for Bob]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/#comments Toys for Bob's Paul Reiche III, co-creator of the Star Control series and Pandemonium, lets us in on the thinking behind his studio's name.

Whenever you're putting together a studio, right, it's like name, t-shirt, and then let's do the contract. So Fred [Ford] and I had formed a partnership to do Star Control 1. And we had all of these different names laid out, including this Bosco the Bee mascot that didn't work out. And finally my wife -- she's a poet, very interested in psychology -- she said create a name that generates interest, that doesn't distance yourself from people, and that you can reinvent.

I love toys, I always have, and she knows that and Fred knows that. And so it was just a perfect fit. Bob is also a universal name -- everyone knows a Bob, I used to listen to the Bill Cosby and he was always talking about Bob the mechanic. And part of my brain is just permanently Bob.

We have an official rule, which is that everyone gets their own Bob, whoever you want. "Toys for Bob Kotick" is a fairly good analogy for us, since he's paid for everything we've done. But I'm a sort of a Church of the SubGenius guy myself.

Toys for Bob is currently working on Activision's Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, due out later on this year.

Like this feature? Be sure to check out the What's In A Name Archives.

JoystiqWhat's in a Name: Toys for Bob originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionnamenintendopaul-reichepaul-reiche-iiiskylanders-spyros-adventuretoys-for-bobwhats-in-a-namewiiMon, 06 Jun 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure announced, incorporates augmented reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/skylanders-spyros-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/skylanders-spyros-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/skylanders-spyros-adventure/#comments Augmented reality dragons. Have you ever heard such a completely radical combination of words in your entire life? Activision and developer Toys for Bob are banking on the novelty of that concept to make their recently announced franchise reboot, Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, a hit. Here's the pitch: The game includes a "Portal" mat, upon which players can place one of over 30 toys modeled after characters, including the titular dragon. This drops the character into the game, where its unique set of skills helps the player ... you know, do platform-y stuff.

Though it sounds like a lot of love is going into the actual game -- with a script penned by the writers of Toy Story and a score composed by Hans Zimmer -- the toys actually seem to be the focal point. Each figure includes some sort of internal memory, which saves the experience, gold and improved skills of their in-game counterparts. From there, players can drop their toys on other players' Portals to use their customized characters in one of the game's cooperative or competitive modes. Oh, and to make these little guys even more collectible, each toy adheres to an element (fire, water, earth, etc.), augmenting its abilities and giving it access to exclusive areas of the game.

Skylanders is set to launch this fall for $70, which nets you the game itself, a Portal mat, three toys and some trading cards. No platforms have been announced, though the game was demonstrated on Wii during its debut presentation at the 2011 American International Toy Fair today (that's right -- mystery solved).

Man, if we were 12 again, we'd go absolutely nuts for these things. Heck, even in our jaded mid-20s, we're having a difficult time tempering our excitement. Check out the galleries below for a look at the game and its importable statuettes.

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure


Gallery: Skylanders (Toys)

Continue reading Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure announced, incorporates augmented reality

JoystiqSkylanders: Spyro's Adventure announced, incorporates augmented reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionnintendoskylanders-spyros-adventurespyro-the-dragontoytoy-fair-2011toys-for-bobwiiFri, 11 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST