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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 4 to be seen 'later this year,' says Mark Rein]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/unreal-engine-4-to-be-seen-later-this-year-says-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/unreal-engine-4-to-be-seen-later-this-year-says-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/unreal-engine-4-to-be-seen-later-this-year-says-mark-rein/#comments 0Epic's Mark Rein did some hit-and-run teasing at DICE last week, telling G4 that "people are going to be shocked later this year when they see Unreal Engine 4 and how much more profound an effect it will have." We've heard before that Epic is working hard on Unreal Engine 4, and while Epic doesn't expect to see games running on the engine until 2014, it makes a lot of sense that Rein would want to show it off, especially if we also see some next-gen console reveals later on this year.

As for what it'll look like, we can only say (and sorry for all of the technical jargon on this one) that it will probably look "very good." How do we know? Because 4 is higher than 3, silly. You probably wouldn't understand.

JoystiqUnreal Engine 4 to be seen 'later this year,' says Mark Rein originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolesdiceepicepic-gamesmark-reinmicrosoftnext-genpcsonyunreal-engineSat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Sony passed on publishing Demon's Souls in America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/why-sony-passed-on-publishing-demons-souls-in-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/why-sony-passed-on-publishing-demons-souls-in-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/why-sony-passed-on-publishing-demons-souls-in-america/#comments Nobody expected Demon's Souls to be the hit it was, least of all Sony, the game's publisher in Japan. When Atlus decided to publish the game in North America, it took a risk -- one that paid off. The duty of publishing the sequel, Dark Souls, would then go to Namco Bandai.

Does Sony regret passing on publishing Demon's Souls in North America? Senior VP Shuhei Yoshida thinks so. He told Game Informer the company passed on the game after seeing an earlier build of the game. "What happened with Demon's Souls was until very late in the game's development, we were not able to play the game through. There were framerate issues and the network was not up and running. We underestimated the quality of the game and to be honest, the media in Japan did the same."

But still, even after a few hours with the final product, Yoshida remarked that he just wasn't able to see the value in the game. "For my personal experience with Demon's Souls, when it was close to final I spent close to two hours playing it and after two hours I was still standing at the beginning at the game. I said, 'This is crap. This is an unbelievably bad game.' So I put it aside." In the end, Yoshida admitted Sony "dropped the ball from a publishing standpoint" and was not able to "see the value of the product."

JoystiqWhy Sony passed on publishing Demon's Souls in America originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusDemons-Soulsplaystationps3sceashuhei-yoshidasonyFri, 10 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony confirms 'LittleBigPlanet Karting']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/sony-confirms-littlebigplanet-karting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/sony-confirms-littlebigplanet-karting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/sony-confirms-littlebigplanet-karting/#comments Sony has confirmed development of LittleBigPlanet Karting. The news comes via a tweet from Sony's PlayStation account, which states quite simply the game is in development and that the publisher hopes to share more information "soon."

Reports were circulating earlier this week -- though they have since been pulled -- that the game would feature PlayStation Move support and a Move racing wheel peripheral, perhaps in the style of Nintendo's massively successful Mario Kart Wii.

Whatever becomes of the final product, the existence of LittleBigPlanet Karting is an interesting development considering that Sony already has a flagship kart racer, Modnation Racers (pictured).

JoystiqSony confirms 'LittleBigPlanet Karting' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>littlebigplanetlittlebigplanet-kartingplaystationps3sonyFri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here are the PSP games that will work on Vita at launch [update: more compatible games spotted]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/here-are-the-psp-games-that-will-work-on-vita-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/here-are-the-psp-games-that-will-work-on-vita-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/here-are-the-psp-games-that-will-work-on-vita-at-launch/#comments Sony has posted a how-to guide on downloading PSP titles to the PlayStation Vita and, along with it, a list of the 275 PSP titles and Minis that will be compatible with the Vita at launch. Obviously, it's a pretty hefty lineup, though some favorites are certainly missing, including Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Valkyria Chronicles 2, Lumines and others.

That said, Sony promises more titles will be added in "the coming weeks." Head over to the US PlayStation Blog for the current list. And, before you ask, yes, of course Dragon's Lair is compatible.

Update: A couple of industry tweets reveal that some games not mentioned on the official list are already compatible with the Vita, notably Valkyria Chronicles 2 and PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe. It would appear that Sony's official list may not be entirely comprehensive. Then again, the public won't actually get its hands on the Vita for another week, so maybe there's still some tweaking going on.

JoystiqHere are the PSP games that will work on Vita at launch [update: more compatible games spotted] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miniminisplaystationplaystation-minisplaystation-vitaps-minispsnpspsonyvitaThu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'LittleBigPlanet Cart Racing' to include Move racing wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/report-littlebigplanet-cart-racing-to-include-move-racing-whe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/report-littlebigplanet-cart-racing-to-include-move-racing-whe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/report-littlebigplanet-cart-racing-to-include-move-racing-whe/#comments LittleBigPlanet probably can't get cuter, but it can get cart-er -- LittleBigPlanet Cart Racing will be crashing into the PlayStation Move, complete with a Move-compatible racing wheel, Sony revealed at its Destination PlayStation event, as reported by Future Shop Gamer.

LittleBigPlanet Cart Racing will support full 3D, but Sony offered no further details.

JoystiqReport: 'LittleBigPlanet Cart Racing' to include Move racing wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cart-racingLittleBigPlanetLittleBigPlanet-Cart-Racingmoveplaystationps3racing-wheelSONYTue, 07 Feb 2012 16:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Vita 'UMD Passport' won't be offered in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/vita-umd-passport-wont-be-offered-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/vita-umd-passport-wont-be-offered-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/vita-umd-passport-wont-be-offered-in-us/#comments It will not be possible to get discounted Vita downloads of the disc-based UMD games you bought for PSP in the US. A Sony representative told Kotaku that the "UMD Passport" service will not be available to American Vita owners.

Of course, you'll still be able to buy any digitally-distributed PSP games through the Vita's PlayStation Store and play them on the new hardware -- and you'll be able to play the PSN games you already bought on your PSP. But those UMD games will be of no use unless you keep your PSP.

JoystiqVita 'UMD Passport' won't be offered in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitapspsonyumd-passportvitaTue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: February 6-12, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/#comments
Destiny awaits this week in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: February 6-12, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: February 6-12, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[IndieCade's 2012 'Festival of Independent Games' accepting submissions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/#comments Indie devs take note, submissions for IndieCade's 2012 "Festival of Independent Games" are now open on the event's official website.

IndieCade's track record is stellar, giving budding designers and developers the exposure their hard work deserves and the money their growing debt so richly desires. Past winners include darlings like Limbo, VVVVVV, and Superbrothers' Sword and Sworcery EP. Of course, bills only get paid if the games launch -- unlike Fez, which by our heart's count has been in development for the last seven hundred years.

Teams that submit a game will receive a main festival pass and an invitation to a day-long networking and workshop event. Games selected are set to be featured during the annual IndieCade Festival from October 4 through October 7.

JoystiqIndieCade's 2012 'Festival of Independent Games' accepting submissions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsIndieCadeindiecade-2012iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PSN accounts changing to Sony Entertainment Network accounts Feb. 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/psa-psn-accounts-changing-to-sony-entertainment-network-account/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/psa-psn-accounts-changing-to-sony-entertainment-network-account/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/psa-psn-accounts-changing-to-sony-entertainment-network-account/#comments As part of Sony's efforts to phase out the Qriocity brand and replace it with the all-encompassing Sony Entertainment Network, Sony will be phasing out the term "PlayStation Network account" and will instead be using "Sony Entertainment Network account," beginning next Wednesday, February 8.

The change, however, is purely cosmetic. Your account will still function in an identical fashion and it will not be necessary to change your username or password; the PSN itself remains unaltered.

"The goal is for there to be one networked log-in for all Sony services," a Sony spokesperson told us after news of the switch made its way to neoGAF. "Changing the name 'PlayStation Network account' to 'Sony Entertainment Network account' helps clarify the unity between PSN and other Sony Entertainment Network services." The change does not apply to the PSP, so users will still see "PlayStation Network account" when logging on with that device.

JoystiqPSA: PSN accounts changing to Sony Entertainment Network accounts Feb. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accountplaystationPlayStation-Networkps3PSAPSNsonySony-Entertainment-NetworkusernameSat, 04 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/#comments Sony may have been caught in the same handheld wavelengths as Nintendo in 2010. A patent uncovered by Games Beat shows Sony considering a handheld, touchscreen device that would function similarly to Nintendo's Wii U. Titled the "Position-dependent gaming, 3-D controller, and handheld as a remote," the device would track its own location as "input to a video game" and render "an avatar on a mobile device such that it appears to overlay a competing user in the real world."

Sony's Vita can share saves and transfer data with the PS3, and even has the capability to be used as a controller for compatible PS3 games, meaning this patent could simply be a tale of what might have been. Inspect some more images of Sony's device below.

Continue reading Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it

JoystiqSony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerhandheldnintendopatentplaystationplaystation-vitaSONYtabletvitawii-uFri, 03 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/#comments Earlier this week Game met with lenders to discuss its credit problems and options for staying in business, and now Game reports it will operate "with lower limits" and under "revised terms for its facilities." As of November 2011, Game had 1,275 stores in Europe and Australia, but has hinted that it could sell off more than half of its overseas locations, and it plans to close 60 stores by 2013. It closed 39 locations last year.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaclosuredseuropefinancialgamemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspretailsonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/#comments Sega's "Game Contents" division (i.e. home video games) was down 5.1% for the nine-month period ending December 31, with the company reporting 63.5 billion yen ($833 million) in net game sales from the division ... and 5.5 billion yen in total losses. As for reasoning, Sega said only that "in the overseas markets, sales of the new titles remained slow as affected by adverse market condition." Best we can tell, that "adverse market condition" refers to our economies all being really, really terrible.

The publisher shared sales numbers for its major releases. Sonic Generations sold 1.63 million copies across four platforms (Wii, PS3, PC, and the 3DS Generations game). Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games outsold it with 2.39 million copies -- despite not being released in Japan yet, and only being on one platform at the time, the Wii. And, uh, despite being a Mario & Sonic Olympics minigame collection. Hatsune Miku Project Diva Extend for PSP (released in Japan only) was the other named hit, with 290,000 copies.

Looking up at Sega's sales by platform, it's worth noting that Sega's single PlayStation Vita release, Virtua Tennis 4 (called Power Smash 4 in Japan) sold just 10,000 copies between the Vita launch date of December 17 and the end of the year. That ... doesn't seem very good.

JoystiqSega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfy-2011fy-2012mario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsegasega-sammysonic-generationssonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gene Simmons of Kiss teases Angry Birds game, makes total sense]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/gene-simmons-of-kiss-teases-angry-birds-game-makes-total-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/gene-simmons-of-kiss-teases-angry-birds-game-makes-total-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/gene-simmons-of-kiss-teases-angry-birds-game-makes-total-sense/#comments While we've been blissfully ignoring Kiss frontman Gene Simmons since his last appearance on The Simpsons, he's been busy transitioning his band from 1970s stadium rockers into a crosspromotional love gun. Take, for example, Kiss Hello Kitty (which is apparently a thing?). We're not quite sure what to make of it either.

And when asked about the band's movement in the video game world, Simmons sounds ready to jump in. "We're talking with Sony games now. We are really trying to take it in areas that haven't been done before," Simmons told Industry Gamers. "[We] have stayed out of the marketplace because the ideas simply weren't exciting enough." Sounds like somebody's never played hit Aerosmith crossover Revolution X. Perhaps he's more of a Paul of Duty kinda guy?

But while the likes of Skyrim and Mass Effect haven't convinced Simmons, apparently Rovio's Angry Birds was just thrilling enough. "We're talking with Angry Birds ... Kiss and Angry Birds, which will become a deal," Simmons revealed. But despite upcoming Kiss-branded Archie comics and golf courses in Las Vegas, Simmons added, "Just because there are games, and just because there's this or that out there, unless the deal is right and unless the content is exciting to our fans, we don't do it." We imagine he winked at the interviewee a bunch after saying that, though. He had to, right?

JoystiqGene Simmons of Kiss teases Angry Birds game, makes total sense originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsgene-simmonskisskiss-psycho-circus-the-nightmare-childrevolution-xsonyFri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us screens put Joel and Ellie in Pittsburgh]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/#comments
How can you tell Naughty Dog is serious about the infectious danger in The Last of Us? Because while Uncharted's Nathan Drake made the half-tuck famous, Last of Us' Joel has apparently gone full untuck in these screenshots over on Game Informer. Not. Kidding. Around.

Elsewhere in the screenshots, we can see that part of the game takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so steel yourself for that (sorry). Weapons will break after being used in combat, so part of the challenge in wandering around the lush world is just staying armed. And that girl in the image above is Ellie, a teenager who will be following Joel around for part of his journey. Naughty Dog is working hard on her AI, and says she won't require a lot of micro-management while being escorted.

Game Informer promises 20 images of the game in its upcoming issue, but you can head to the website right now to see the other two shots on display. Full untuck, guys!

JoystiqThe Last of Us screens put Joel and Ellie in Pittsburgh originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elliefull-untuckjoellast-of-usnaughty-dogplaystationps3sonythe-last-of-usThu, 02 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony plans on $2.9 billion loss for the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/sony-plans-on-2-9-billion-loss-for-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/sony-plans-on-2-9-billion-loss-for-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/sony-plans-on-2-9-billion-loss-for-the-year/#comments When Kaz Hirai takes over as CEO of Sony on April 1st, he's going to have to roll up the sleeves of his $10,000 suit and get in a good cry before figuring out the future of the struggling giant. The company announced a loss of ¥159 billion ($2.1B) for the third quarter ending December 31, 2011, with an expected loss of ¥220 billion ($2.9B) for the year. We imagine every meeting between Hirai and outgoing CEO Howard Stringer begins with a sarcastic "Thanks, buddy!"

The consumer products and services division, which includes TVs and PlayStation, had an operating loss of over a billion dollars with sales down 24 percent from the same period.

This is likely due more to the declining sales of Sony's TVs, video cameras and PCs, than it is of the PlayStation brand. PS3 sales are staying level with last year, with the company expecting to sell 14 million units or hardware and 148 million units of software. Vita sales were not specified at all, though PSP and PS2 sales were -- and the PSP data is declining, which means the Vita debut wasn't hidden in there.

JoystiqSony plans on $2.9 billion loss for the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3pspQ3sonyThu, 02 Feb 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA sees $205 million net loss in Q3, rise in social-games users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/#comments EA recorded a net loss of $205 million, but its highest operating cash flow in 31 quarters for the fiscal third quarter ending December 31, 2011. In Q3 2011, EA generated $1.06 billion in net revenue, which is up from the previous Q3, with a net revenue of $1.05 billion. EA's cash flow from operations is recorded at $475 million.

EA's Battlefield 3 and FIFA 12 have each sold more than 10 million units, while Madden 12 sold almost 5 million. PopCap, which EA acquired in August, grew revenue 30 percent on a trailing 12-month basis, and its monthly active users for social games rose to 52 million, up from 39 million the previous year.

JoystiqEA sees $205 million net loss in Q3, rise in social-games users originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsfinancialsfy-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspQ3q3-2012salessonywiixboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 sell over 10 million units each, Madden 12 over 5 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/#comments EA has revealed the sales numbers of a handful of its major titles, including FIFA 12 and Battlefield 3, which have both sold through over 10 million units since their respective launches in September and October. Meanwhile, Madden NFL 12 has sold through over five million units since launching last August.

Remember that "sold through" actually refers to copies that have been sold to consumers -- as opposed to copies sold to retailers -- meaning that it's probably safe to call all three titles "hits" at this point.

JoystiqEA: Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 sell over 10 million units each, Madden 12 over 5 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3fifa-12iosipadiphonemadden-nfl-12microsoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN maintenance starts this Thursday at 9am EST, through Friday morning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/psn-maintenance-starts-this-thursday-at-9am-est-through-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/psn-maintenance-starts-this-thursday-at-9am-est-through-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/psn-maintenance-starts-this-thursday-at-9am-est-through-friday/#comments Sony has announced on its European forums that maintenance time has been scheduled for the PlayStation Network this Thursday, February 2, from 2PM GMT until 8AM Friday morning. If the maintenance carries over to the US (and it usually does), it'll start at 6AM PST Thursday until midnight PST, or 9AM to 3AM for those of you on the East Coast.

Fortunately, the outage doesn't seem to include gameplay -- Sony says that it will only affect the PS Store, Customer Account Management and Registration services. PlayStation Home, however, will be offline the entire time. So ... that doesn't sound so bad! Just pour yourself a cup of tea, grab something good to read and wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and the outage will be over before you know it.

JoystiqPSN maintenance starts this Thursday at 9am EST, through Friday morning originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehomeplaystationps3psapsnpsn-homepspsonyukWed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony appoints Kaz Hirai to prez and CEO, replacing Sir Howard Stringer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sony-appoints-kaz-hirai-to-prez-and-ceo-replacing-sir-howard-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sony-appoints-kaz-hirai-to-prez-and-ceo-replacing-sir-howard-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sony-appoints-kaz-hirai-to-prez-and-ceo-replacing-sir-howard-st/#comments After a bout of he said / she said earlier this year over the possibility of executive deputy prez Kazuo Hirai becoming president and CEO of Sony Corp., Sony has decided to make the news official this morning. As of April 1, 2012, Kaz will step up to the job of current CEO Sir Howard Stringer, effectively kicking off two months of vacation for Stringer before he becomes chairman of the board of directors in June 2012.

"I look forward to helping Kaz in every way I can so that succession leads inevitably to success," Stringer said in the announcement press release. Kaz was ready with the back patting as well, as he said, "Challenging as times are for Sony now, were it not for the strong leadership of Sir Howard Stringer these past seven years, we would have been in a much more difficult position." Hirai is known for having lead Sony Computer Entertainment through its most successful years, as well as being the guy who says "Riiiiiiiidge Racer!" really enthusiastically.

Stringer's appointment to the board of directors in June awaits final approval during the annual shareholders meeting in June. If confirmed, he will replace retiring chairman Yotaro Kobayashi, though he will in no way match Kobayashi's totally sweet name.

JoystiqSony appoints Kaz Hirai to prez and CEO, replacing Sir Howard Stringer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kaz-hiraikazuo-hiraiplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsir-howard-stringersonysony-computer-entertainmentsony-corpsony-corporationvitayotaro-kobayashiWed, 01 Feb 2012 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Twisted Metal demo, Puddle, Madden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/psn-tuesday-twisted-metal-demo-puddle-madden/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/psn-tuesday-twisted-metal-demo-puddle-madden/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/psn-tuesday-twisted-metal-demo-puddle-madden/#comments This week on PSN, you can try out the latest entry in the Clown Car Combat genre, with the Twisted Metal multiplayer demo, or Corporate Combat in Syndicate. Or ... not really combat with Puddle.

You can also download Madden NFL 12 -- just in time for the Super Bowl! Not that you'll be playing Madden while the game is on, of course. That release joins a trio of IO Interactive games newly available for download: both Kanes & Lynches and Mini Ninjas. Find everything available this week on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Twisted Metal demo, Puddle, Madden originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoio-interactivekane-and-lynchmini-ninjasplaystationps3psnpsn-tuesdaypsppuddlesonytwisted-metal-2011twisted-metal-2012Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/#comments
Repair time this week in Final Fantasy XIII-2...

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Continue reading Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Price: Insomniac is done with Resistance, Sony isn't]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/price-insomniac-is-done-with-resistance-sony-isnt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/price-insomniac-is-done-with-resistance-sony-isnt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/price-insomniac-is-done-with-resistance-sony-isnt/#comments
Insomniac CEO Ted Price went to the YouTubes for a "face to face" with Resistance fans about his declaration that the developer is done with the franchise. There was apparently some confusion with fans that believed the series, owned by Sony, would end after Insomniac moved on.

"We believe that Resistance has reached its logical conclusion, in terms of the story we wanted to tell," Price said. "However, that doesn't mean the Resistance franchise isn't continuing. It's already in the capable hands of Nihilistic. And with Sony's shepherding we know it will continue to live on and expand."

Nihilistic is currently working on Resistance: Burning Skies for Vita, available sometime this summer. Insomniac is moving on to multiplatform co-op shooter Overstrike.

JoystiqPrice: Insomniac is done with Resistance, Sony isn't originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarificationinsomniacplaystationplaystation-vitaps3SonyTed-PricevitaFri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ghost-recon-future-soldier-screens-reconnoitered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ghost-recon-future-soldier-screens-reconnoitered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ghost-recon-future-soldier-screens-reconnoitered/#comments The futuristic apparitions of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier can indeed be photographed. Ubi shared a fresh batch of assets this morning, and we'll have a full preview of the game for you later this week.

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftnext-levelnext-level-gamesnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyubisoftubisoft-parisubisoft-red-stormvirtuoswiixboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN releases: Scarygirl, Gotham City Impostors beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/psn-releases-scarygirl-gotham-city-impostors-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/psn-releases-scarygirl-gotham-city-impostors-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/psn-releases-scarygirl-gotham-city-impostors-beta/#comments The PSN releases for this week went up quite late last night, so we're telling you about them now to make sure you don't miss out! Highlights include the sole new game release, Scarygirl, along with downloadable versions of retail games Mortal Kombat and *cough*Dukenukemforever.

Demos include The Darkness 2, Scarygirl, UFC Undisputed 3, and just in time for the 12 for 12 sale to be over, PixelJunk SideScroller. You can also download the Gotham City Impostors beta.

We also must mention what we think is the best PlayStation Plus deal ever: a Capcom "Super Pack" of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, 1942 Joint Strike, Age of Booty, Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, Flock!, Rocketmen, and the "It Came from Uranus" expansion for $12.50. Total. See all the new content on the PS Blog.

JoystiqPSN releases: Scarygirl, Gotham City Impostors beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomgotham-city-impostorsplaystationps3psnpsn-tuesdaypspscarygirlsonyWed, 25 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson name will live on after Konami takeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/hudson-name-will-live-on-after-konami-takeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/hudson-name-will-live-on-after-konami-takeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/hudson-name-will-live-on-after-konami-takeover/#comments We're still not sure if Konami will take the Hudson bee out back and put two tiny bullets into its brain, Old Yeller style, but Konami at least plans to keep the Hudson name around. According to a notice spotted on the company's site by Andriasang, Hudson branded products and services will continue to be developed post-acquisition.

The Hudson website will also stay open after Konami takes over the company on March 1. And while the last few years haven't given us much cause to celebrate Hudson, we're sure there are a few people out there who'd like to see the bee stick around -- one of them is a person we actually know!

JoystiqHudson name will live on after Konami takeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdshudsonhudson-softknami-groupkonamimicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxMon, 23 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 23-29, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/now-playing-january-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/now-playing-january-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/now-playing-january-23-29-2012/#comments
Looking for a good reason to become a Call of Duty Elite subscriber? How does access to the Modern Warfare 3 - Roll Call DLC sound? It's out this week on XBLA... for Elitists only.

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Continue reading Now Playing: January 23-29, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 23-29, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 23 Jan 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Daxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/#comments The ESRB has rated Daxter, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, eight tables worth of Pinball Heroes and flOw for release on PlayStation Certified devices, including the Xperia Play and Sony Tablet series. It's unclear whether flOw is a port of the PSP version or the original PS3 version, but we feel safe in assuming that it's the former, considering the PlayStation Suite's track record with repurposing PSP titles.

We can't imagine that playing a Syphon Filter game on a capacitive touch screen would be a rewarding experience, but flOw and Pinball Heroes sound like they'd translate well to the tactile interface of the Sony Tablet. We'll keep our ears to the ground for pricing and release information as it becomes available.

JoystiqDaxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddaxterESRBflOwmobilepinball-heroesplaystationPlayStation-CertifiedPlayStation-Suiteplaystation-vitapspsonySony-Tabletsyphon-filter-dark-mirrorvitaXperia-PlayMon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network down for 13 hours of maintenance today, starts at 8AM Pacific]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/playstation-network-down-for-13-hours-of-maintenance-today-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/playstation-network-down-for-13-hours-of-maintenance-today-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/playstation-network-down-for-13-hours-of-maintenance-today-star/#commentsThe PlayStation Network will undergo "routine scheduled maintenance" today from 8AM until 9PM Pacific (that's 11AM to Midnight for those on the Atlantic).

Continue reading PlayStation Network down for 13 hours of maintenance today, starts at 8AM Pacific

JoystiqPlayStation Network down for 13 hours of maintenance today, starts at 8AM Pacific originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceplaystationplaystation-networkps3psapsnPSN-maintenancepsppublic-service-announcementsonyThu, 19 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is Atlus's next PSP game that starts with 'G']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-is-atluss-next-psp-game-that-start/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-is-atluss-next-psp-game-that-start/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-is-atluss-next-psp-game-that-start/#comments Last time Atlus teased a new game whose name started with "G," some fans assumed it would be a game in the Growlanser series. It was Gungnir that particular time, but now Atlus has revealed a second G game, and it's totally Growlanser.

Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time, coming to PSP this summer, is a localized version of Growlanser IV: Over Reloaded, the tactical RPG sequel released on PS2 in 2003 and then remade on PSP last year. The PSP update has improved loading times, a message-skip option, and lots of new in-game content.

Because of a combination of licensing restrictions and the scope of the game's script, only the "many anime cutscenes" will be voiced. We're sure the people sitting next to you on the subway won't mind.

Gallery: Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time (PSP)

Continue reading Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is Atlus's next PSP game that starts with 'G'

JoystiqGrowlanser: Wayfarer of Time is Atlus's next PSP game that starts with 'G' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusgrowlansergrowlanser-wayfarer-of-timeplaystationpspsonyWed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Uncharted 3 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/psn-tuesday-ico-shadow-of-the-colossus-uncharted-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/psn-tuesday-ico-shadow-of-the-colossus-uncharted-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/psn-tuesday-ico-shadow-of-the-colossus-uncharted-3-dlc/#comments OK, let's see if we can encapsulate all the stuff on PSN today. Retail games Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Crysis 2, Rainbow Six: Vegas, and Splinter Cell: Double Agent are now downloadable. Amy and PSN-exclusive Zack Zero launched. Uncharted 3 DLC brings four additional multiplayer maps.

Discounts on existing PSN content include the 12 for 12 sale and half off all of the "Neo Geo Station" content -- including the bundle pack containing all of it.

In the world of free content, a timely demo for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning joins an oddly timed demo for Castlevania: Harmony of Despair. You can check the PlayStation Blog for the expansive list of PSN content this week.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Uncharted 3 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-for-12icoplaystationps3psnpsn-tuesdaypspshadow-of-the-colossussonyuncharted-3Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3 DLC map pack available to Fortune Hunters today, more teased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/uncharted-3-dlc-map-pack-available-to-fortune-hunters-today-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/uncharted-3-dlc-map-pack-available-to-fortune-hunters-today-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/uncharted-3-dlc-map-pack-available-to-fortune-hunters-today-mor/#comments A new DLC pack for Uncharted 3 is available today for members of the "Fortune Hunters' Club," the season pass solution for Nathan Drake's latest adventure. Today's pack includes the Cave, Fort, Lost City, and Sanctuary maps, all reworked from past versions with new lighting, textures, and terrain and weather effects. If you haven't yet bought in to the FHC, the pass is available on PSN now for $24.99.

And if that's not enough, Sony is looking to sweeten the pot a bit further. Originally, the pass was going to allow access to seven different packs (four map releases and three new packs of character skins), but now that number has doubled to 14 packs of content over the next year, all included in that same $24.99 price. All we've got about the new DLC so far is that teaser image above, which shows series baddie Lazarević, along with Flynn and Eddy. Fans are guessing it's villians-based co-op content.

Next up for DLC is three character skin packs, with two focusing on Uncharted's rogues gallery, and one featuring alternate skins for the heroes. A release date for those, as well as more DLC info, will be available from Sony soon.

JoystiqUncharted 3 DLC map pack available to Fortune Hunters today, more teased originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdlcdlc-packfortune-hunters-clubplaystationps3sonyuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionvilliansTue, 17 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/3ds-nintendo-lead-japans-30-best-selling-games-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/3ds-nintendo-lead-japans-30-best-selling-games-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/3ds-nintendo-lead-japans-30-best-selling-games-of-2011/#comments The top two spots in Japan's 2011 list of best-selling games are taken by a pair of Nintendo 3DS games: Mario Kart 7, with more than 1.6 million sold, and Super Mario 3D Land with more than 1.08 million sold. In third is Capcom's Monster Hunter Tri-G for 3DS, followed by 27 more titles for 3DS, DS PSP, Wii and PS3. These include From Software's Dark Souls and Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIII-2.

Check out the entire list, provided by Media Create of Japanese Hardware Sales fame, below!

Continue reading 3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011

Joystiq3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20113dsdsJapanmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendoplaystationps3pspsalessonywiiMon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 16-22, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/now-playing-january-16-22-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/now-playing-january-16-22-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/now-playing-january-16-22-2012/#comments
Saints Row: The Third fans can put their lives at risk for fun, excitement and entertainment this week with the Genkibowl VII DLC...

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Continue reading Now Playing: January 16-22, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 16-22, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MCV 2012 UK salary survey shows industry pay up 10 percent year over year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/#comments MCV's 2012 UK Games Industry Salary Survey, which polled 975 people (597 of whom worked in United Kingdom), showed an average UK games industry salary of £33,123 ($50,741), more than a 10 percent increase from 2011's average of £30,667 ($46,979).

That figure was created using survey results from "all sectors - development, publishing, retail, PR & marketing, services, technology and business development," according to MCV. Ten percent of respondents were women, which is reportedly in-scale with their overall presence in the British gaming industry.

The study's average salary figure is a median average rather than a mean average, we should note, and does not include "the group of very senior, and very well paid, execs" that also participated in the survey. Including their data, the average salary is £35,790. If you include the 378 non-British respondents, the average rose to £34,263, indicating that junior-level employees may be earning more outside of the UK.

The survey also showed a disparity between the average salaries of men and women, with industry women making £1.35 an hour less than their male counterparts. This is disproportionate to MCV's global findings, which show that women in the games industry earn more than men on average, albeit only by a few hundred pounds. Here is your reward for making it all the way through a facts-oriented article about salaries and averages.

[mffoto via Shutterstock]

JoystiqMCV 2012 UK salary survey shows industry pay up 10 percent year over year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20123dsandroidaveragedsiosiphoneMCVmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsalariessonysurveythe-queenUKwiixboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3 leads AIAS 2011 award nominations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/uncharted-3-leads-aias-2011-award-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/uncharted-3-leads-aias-2011-award-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/uncharted-3-leads-aias-2011-award-nominations/#comments We've already told you what our favorite games of 2011 are, but the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences apparently needed a bit more time to ruminate on the matter. The final awards will be given at the annual DICE summit in Las Vegas on February 9, giving us all tons of time to pressure the AIAS into giving Rayman Origins the awards for Outstanding Animation and Outstanding Art Direction.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is the belle of the ball this year, with a total of 12 nominations across several categories. Other notable titles include Portal 2 (10 nominations) L.A. Noire (9 nominations), Bastion (3 nominations), and Battlefield 3 (6 nominations). 2010's top game from the AIAS was Mass Effect 2, which walked away with awards in the RPG and storytelling categories.

Jay Mohr will be hosting again -- here's his monologue from last year -- and the entire show will be streamed online through GameSpot, starting at 7:30pm PT/10:30pm ET. Or you could buy a plane ticket and fly to Vegas, hoping to somehow sneak in. We wouldn't suggest that, though, as your time and money can be better spent petitioning for Rayman Origins.

Hit the jump for the full list of this year's nominees.

Continue reading Uncharted 3 leads AIAS 2011 award nominations

JoystiqUncharted 3 leads AIAS 2011 award nominations originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsacademy-of-interactive-arts-and-sciencesaiasandroiddsiosipadiphonekinectmacmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionwiixboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/#comments Assassination and dancing has proven to be a lucrative mix, as Just Dance 2 and 3 and Assassin's Creed: Revelations helped Ubisoft to lead this year's best seller's list with three entries. That's according to the NPD Group, which also estimates the video game industry's profits, comprising "new physical video and PC games, used games, game rentals, subscriptions, digital full-game downloads, social network games, downloadable content, and mobile games," reached sales of somewhere between $16.3 and $16.6 billion in 2011.

Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 took top honors (it's kind of a big deal), while Just Dance 3 and Skyrim occupied the second and third spots, respectively. NPD also says that, despite sales growth in the digital sector yet again, physical copies offered at retail outlets still accounted for the majority of sales coming in at $9.3 billion, "an 8 percent decline over the $10.1 billion in 2010."

That decline was "partially" offset by increases in digital, mobile, and used game sales, which NPD expects to be a focus moving into 2012. "Our overall estimate of the market continues to point toward the increased imperative for deeper visibility into digital distribution than is available today, not only in the U.S. but globally," said NPD prez David McQuillan. Our waning shelf space agrees.

Continue reading NPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list

JoystiqNPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionandroidassassins-creed-revelationscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3david-mcquillandsiosipadiphonejust-dance-2just-dance-3kinectmacmicrosoftmobilemodern-warfare-3movenintendonpdnpd-2011npd-grouppcplaystationps3pspskyrimsonyubisoftwiixboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[December NPD: MW3, Just Dance 3 and Skyrim lead an overall down month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/december-npd-mw3-just-dance-3-and-skyrim-lead-an-overall-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/december-npd-mw3-just-dance-3-and-skyrim-lead-an-overall-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/december-npd-mw3-just-dance-3-and-skyrim-lead-an-overall-down/#comments The industry as a whole still managed to bang out $3.99 billion in combined new sales of hardware, physical software and accessories between November 27 and December 31, 2011. This is, however, a 21 percent drop year-over-year, as the industry pulled down a combined $5.07 billion during the same period in 2010.

"Overall industry results are not entirely surprising given that we are on the back end of the current console lifecycle, combined with the continued digital evolution of gaming," said Anita Frazier, an analyst with The NPD Group. "Core gamers continue to be engaged and spend on established franchises across both the digital and physical format using multiple devices for different gaming occasions."

A smooth $2.04 billion of that $3.99 billion total was caused entirely by new physical software sales, a dash for the cash that continues to be lead by Modern Warfare 3. The pseudo-medieval allure of November's second place podium finisher, Skyrim, was not enough to keep its throne for a second term; the Dovahkiin has been usurped by Ubisoft's compulsory neon-dancing simulator, Just Dance 3.

Comparatively, Skyrim got off easy: Uncharted 3, Saints Row: The Third and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, are all absent from December's Top-10 list, just weeks after their respective releases. Skyward Sword wasn't Nintendo's only horse in this race, however, as Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land closed out December in fourth and ninth place, respectively. Overall, Nintendo, Ubisoft and Electronic Arts claimed more Top-10 real estate than their competitors, each publishing two of the month's best selling titles.

Continue reading December NPD: MW3, Just Dance 3 and Skyrim lead an overall down month

JoystiqDecember NPD: MW3, Just Dance 3 and Skyrim lead an overall down month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3just-dance-3microsoftnintendoNPDNPD-monthlypcplaystationps3pspskyrimsonywiixboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Euro boss: Japanese Vita sales not indicative of international reception]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/sony-euro-boss-japanese-vita-sales-not-indicative-of-internatio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/sony-euro-boss-japanese-vita-sales-not-indicative-of-internatio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/sony-euro-boss-japanese-vita-sales-not-indicative-of-internatio/#comments So slick Sony Europe president and CEO Jim Ryan isn't worried about the success of PlayStation Vita the US or Europe, despite quickly dwindling sales in Japan, reports MCV. Judging the potential international success of any product based on Japanese reception is difficult, said Ryan. Specifically in regards to PlayStation hardware, Ryan believes it is "dangerous to the point of impossible to take any experience from the Japanese market and try and extrapolate it, and propose upon what will happen in Europe or North America."

The various international markets are simply too different, said Ryan, and they are "diverging to a greater extent than they were different in the past - if that's even possible." Ryan makes a good point, but it's worth noting that Japan has long been one of the most enthusiastic markets for the PSP, the Vita's predecessor. It will be interesting to see the reaction in Europe and North America, where the reception of Sony's handhelds has been somewhat cooler.

For now, Ryan and Sony are chiefly concerned with preparing for the Vita's European launch on February 22. The Vita will release in North America on the same day.

JoystiqSony Euro boss: Japanese Vita sales not indicative of international reception originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jim-ryanplaystationplaystation-vitasonysony-europevitaThu, 12 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Original Killzone shoots up PSN on January 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/original-killzone-shoots-up-psn-on-january-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/original-killzone-shoots-up-psn-on-january-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/original-killzone-shoots-up-psn-on-january-24/#comments GlowyIf the PlayStation 3 marked your introduction to the Killzone series, it looks like you'll finally get a shot at trying the original. After spotting a listing for the first Killzone on the ESRB, Game Informer has confirmed with Sony that the 2004 Helghast extermination simulator is indeed headed to PSN. The title will be a port of the original PlayStation 2 Killzone, so we wouldn't expect any extra bells or whistles.
Killzone will hit PSN on January 24 for $10.

JoystiqOriginal Killzone shoots up PSN on January 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guerilla-gamesKillzoneplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsonyWed, 11 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK game industry holiday snapshot suggests weakening retail sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/#comments Two major UK video-game retailers, HMV and Game, saw a drop in sales over Christmas, prompting HMV to reconsider its investment in games as a whole, The Telegraph reports. HMV's gaming market share fell 16 percent over the holidays, while sales in music and DVDs saw no change; games now account for 20 percent of HMV's sales. Chief Executive Simon Fox said HMV may focus only on AAA titles in the future.

Game's Christmas retail sales were down 15 percent, while year-on-year it lost 13 percent in sales, GamesIndustry.biz says. Online sales rose 4 percent, and sales for the year ending January 2012 dropped 12 percent, less than the UK gaming market's total loss of 13 percent. Game recently closed 39 stores and is expected to have 550 in the UK by 2013, GamesIndustry notes. CEO Ian Shepherd is banking on the Wii U and PS Vita to revitalize sales in 2012.

JoystiqUK game industry holiday snapshot suggests weakening retail sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20113dsdsgameHMVkinectmicrosoftmovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsalessonyukvitawiiwii-uxboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST