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[TimeGate loses SouthPeak appeal, faces $7.3M in damages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/timegate-loses-southpeak-appeal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/timegate-loses-southpeak-appeal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/timegate-loses-southpeak-appeal/#comments TimeGate Studios lost the latest round in court of its battle against publisher SouthPeak Interactive, which could result in the studio paying $7.35 million in damages and losing the Section 8 intellectual property. Polygon obtained the court documents that SouthPeak recently won its appeal of arbitration handled early last year.

The two companies have been fighting in court since 2009, when TimeGate sued SouthPeak for embezzling royalties and SouthPeak took on Timegate for fraudulent misrepresentation in its publishing agreement.

TimeGate most recently co-developed Aliens: Colonial Marines and laid off 25 employees. It is currently working on the free-to-play shooter Minimum. Meanwhile, Southpeak is busy... um, looks like it's busy making money through litigation. The publisher hasn't produced a game since Stronghold 3 in 2011 according to its own website.

JoystiqTimeGate loses SouthPeak appeal, faces $7.3M in damages originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>courtlawlawsuitsection-8southpeaksouthpeak-interactivetimegateTimeGate-StudiosThu, 18 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Timegate wins arbitration dispute against SouthPeak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/timegate-wins-arbitration-dispute-against-southpeak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/timegate-wins-arbitration-dispute-against-southpeak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/timegate-wins-arbitration-dispute-against-southpeak/#comments Texas district Judge Keith Ellison has invalided an arbitrator's ruling that ordered Section 8 developer Timegate to repay the game's publisher, SouthPeak, $7.3 million in allegedly misused development funds. The ruling also rewrote Timegate's publishing contract with SouthPeak, granting SouthPeak a permanent license for Section 8's IP and its sequels.

The arbitrator's decision was thrown out on the grounds that the rewritten publishing contract did not match the intent of the original document. Arbitrators are allowed to rewrite legally binding agreements, but only so long as the resulting agreement matches the spirit of the original document. Timegate and SouthPeak's original publishing agreement was very clear that Timegate would retain all IP rights for the brand -- changing this was beyond the scope of the original contract's intent and was therefore inappropriate.

This all started back in the neolithic caveman days of 2009, when Timegate sued SouthPeak, claiming that the publisher had altered revenue reports in order to retain royalties meant for Timegate, which is embezzlement.

SouthPeak countersued, claiming that Timegate fraudulently misrepresented itself in order to convince SouthPeak (which acquired original Section 8 publisher Gamecock) to enter into the publishing agreement. It also claimed that Section 8's lackluster retail performance was solely Timegate's fault, and that Timegate had failed to contribute a required $2.5 million in development funds, misused the $7.5 million in development funds provided by SouthPeak, and failed to give SouthPeak revenue from Section 8's PC sequel and PS3 port.

This tale is likely far from over, however, as SouthPeak still has the ability to appeal Judge Ellison's ruling.

JoystiqTimegate wins arbitration dispute against SouthPeak originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arbitrationlawlawsuitlegalmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Section-8southpeaktimegateTimeGate-StudiosxboxWed, 28 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak delists itself from the New York Stock Exchange [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/southpeak-delists-itself-from-the-new-york-stock-exchange/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/southpeak-delists-itself-from-the-new-york-stock-exchange/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/southpeak-delists-itself-from-the-new-york-stock-exchange/#comments Update: We got in touch with a SouthPeak representative, who told us that the company was never "properly listed" on the NYSE to begin with. SouthPeak was "an 'over the counter' type stock that was never properly listed and therefore can't be delisted." So SouthPeak shares were traded between two parties via a broker, meaning the company was never officially part of the NYSE.

Original post: It's been a rough year for SouthPeak. Not only did the company suffer millions in losses in its latest earnings report, but it also had to settle a nasty SEC dispute. The latest bump in the road for the Two Worlds 2 publisher is a delisting from the New York Stock Exchange.

SouthPeak released a statement citing that "given its current financial condition and the current state of the economic environment within the industry in which it operates, the benefits of having publicly registered shares and filing periodic reports under the federal securities laws are outweighed by the associated costs." So, basically, SouthPeak can't afford to be a public company anymore.

The publisher's next major title, Stronghold 3, was recently delayed and is currently slated to launch in "late summer." According to some online retailers, that translates to "in October."

JoystiqSouthPeak delists itself from the New York Stock Exchange [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessnew-york-stock-exchangenysesouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesstronghold-3Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak settles in SEC violation dispute]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/southpeak-settles-in-sec-violation-dispute/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/southpeak-settles-in-sec-violation-dispute/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/southpeak-settles-in-sec-violation-dispute/#comments Two Worlds publisher SouthPeak Interactive ended up in some hot water with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission last November, when the government agency announced it would bring a civil injunction against the publisher's chairman, Terry Phillips. The reason for the SEC suit was SouthPeak's failure to properly document a loan given to the publisher by Phillips in early 2009. Rather than drag out the investigation, SouthPeak decided to settle with the SEC earlier this week on unspecified terms.

SouthPeak CEO Melanie Mroz explained in a statement that the publisher cooperated with the SEC since it brought the investigation before them last year. She added, "In the end, however, it made the most sense for the company and Terry to negotiate an acceptable settlement that does not require us to admit any wrong-doing and close this chapter as we constantly strive to improve our processes, systems and personnel to meet our obligations as a public company."

JoystiqSouthPeak settles in SEC violation dispute originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessindustrylawlegalloansecsouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesSat, 23 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stronghold 3 delayed until late summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/stronghold-3-delayed-until-late-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/stronghold-3-delayed-until-late-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/stronghold-3-delayed-until-late-summer/#comments Firefly Studios, the team behind Stronghold 3, has learned some important lessons in all its years of simulated castle building. For one, constructing spiral staircases counter-clockwise makes them easier to defend against right-handed swordsmen. But more practically, Firefly has learned that taking your time is key.

The studio's putting that second lesson to good use today, announcing that Stronghold 3 has been moved from an "early 2011" to a "late summer 2011" release window. Apparently, the delay will allow Firefly to implement "a host of great new features" so, needless to say, we're bracing ourselves for the best looking moat physics in the biz.

Continue reading Stronghold 3 delayed until late summer

JoystiqStronghold 3 delayed until late summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysFirefly-Studiospcsouthpeakstrongholdstronghold-3Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak posts $2.1 million quarterly loss, future uncertain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/southpeak-posts-2-1-million-quarterly-loss/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/southpeak-posts-2-1-million-quarterly-loss/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/southpeak-posts-2-1-million-quarterly-loss/#comments Despite reclaiming rights to the My Baby franchise last year, SouthPeak continued to decline into potential insolvency during the second quarter (ending December 31, 2010) of its current fiscal year. Net revenue for the quarter was just $7.5 million, down $2.6 million from the same period the year before -- not that the company was profitable then, either. Despite revenues being down, however, SouthPeak's total losses for the recent quarter -- $2.1 million -- were actually an improvement of $500K over second quarter losses in the previous fiscal year. (That's one way to put a kind of positive spin on the company's bleak state of affairs.)

As businesses tend to do in desperate times, SouthPeak assuaged investor concerns in its report with forward-looking statements that forecast a bright future for the publisher. Though no specific projects are mentioned, apparently "SouthPeak has also invested in key new titles from which the anticipated profits should help improve its financial prospects." Of course, the report also adds a far more grim disclaimer: "While the Company is committed to pursuing options to continue to address its viability as a going concern, there can be no assurance that the Company's efforts will prove successful." Not exactly confidence inspiring, folks.

JoystiqSouthPeak posts $2.1 million quarterly loss, future uncertain originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinancialfy-2011q2southpeaksouthpeak-gamesTue, 22 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Worlds 2 marked down to $40 at Kmart, buyers get hammered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/two-worlds-2-marked-down-to-40-at-kmart-buyers-get-hammered/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/two-worlds-2-marked-down-to-40-at-kmart-buyers-get-hammered/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/two-worlds-2-marked-down-to-40-at-kmart-buyers-get-hammered/#comments If you're looking to try out the sure lock for 2011's "Most Improved Game of the Year" award recipient, Two Worlds 2, Kmart's making a pretty compelling case for your dollars. The retailer has the game for $40 this week, which will also net you a download voucher for the powerful "BattleHammer of Kroll."

Continue reading Two Worlds 2 marked down to $40 at Kmart, buyers get hammered

JoystiqTwo Worlds 2 marked down to $40 at Kmart, buyers get hammered originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kmartmicrosoftplaystationps3southpeaksouthpeak-gamestopware-interactiveTwo-Worlds-2xboxMon, 31 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Worlds 2 review: One world of difference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/two-worlds-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/two-worlds-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/two-worlds-2-review/#comments "Uh, hello, Two Worlds 2 is it? Please, come in, have a seat."

"Oh, thank you so much, and please, call me Tee Dub, all my friends do. I can't tell you what an honor this is to even be considered for a Joystiq score, especially considering what an unmitigated disaster my predecessor was."

"It's our pleasure, Tee Dub. Now, I'm just going to address the elephant in the room here. I'm looking over your resume, and I keep coming back to this line right here: 'I am, in many respects, not a very good game. In fact, some parts of me are actively bad.'"

"Uhh, yes, that's correct."

"We try to keep an open mind here at Joystiq, and heaven knows we're suckers for fantasy action RPGs. But I have to ask ... if you'll fully admit to being crummy in many regards, what are you doing in my office?"

"One word, Mr. McElroy: Heart."

Gallery: Two Worlds II

Continue reading Two Worlds 2 review: One world of difference

JoystiqTwo Worlds 2 review: One world of difference originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3reality-pupsouthpeaksouthpeak-gamestopware-interactiveTwo-Worlds-2xboxTue, 25 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak claims creditors used press to 'paint a negative picture' of the company]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/southpeak-claims-creditors-used-press-to-paint-a-negative-pictu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/southpeak-claims-creditors-used-press-to-paint-a-negative-pictu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/southpeak-claims-creditors-used-press-to-paint-a-negative-pictu/#comments Throughout 2009 and 2010, SouthPeak's legal struggles made headlines. From the sweeping claims of unpaid work following the buyout of Gamecock Media Group to the lawsuits brought on by various companies that had done business with SouthPeak, a less than favorable image of the Texas-based game publisher had been created. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, SouthPeak chairman Terry Phillips defended his company, claiming creditors "used the press to try to put pressure on us; to try to squeeze a better deal out of us; to try to paint a negative picture of us."

"You read a lot of it and you just think we've had a terrible year on the legal side," Terry Phillips added, "but we've not had one single substantive judgment against us whatsoever this year." He cited a French court's ruling in favor of SouthPeak over developer Nobilis, which granted the publisher "all rights on future [My Baby] games." Needless to say, SouthPeak is hoping for a sunnier 2011, as it expands the availability of Two Worlds 2, continues growing the My Baby family, and works with Nvidia to bring Tegra 2-powered games to Android devices.

JoystiqSouthPeak claims creditors used press to 'paint a negative picture' of the company originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdvlawsuitlegalmy-babynobilisnvidiaparadox-interactivesouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesterry-phillipsMon, 10 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Worlds 2 coming to America Jan. 25, has sold a million in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/two-worlds-2-coming-to-america-jan-25-has-sold-a-million-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/two-worlds-2-coming-to-america-jan-25-has-sold-a-million-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/two-worlds-2-coming-to-america-jan-25-has-sold-a-million-in-eu/#comments TopWare and SouthPeak's double-delayed RPG, Two Worlds 2, has finally received a North American release date of January 25, 2011. Later that week, the game will arrive in the U.K. and Ireland, where Topware will take over as sole distributor, allowing SouthPeak to focus on promoting the game in North America. That sounds like a decent strategy, but we're not sure the extra attention is necessary -- it's always been our experience that games with perfectly symmetrical titles practically sell themselves.

Two Worlds 2 has already been received with moderate success in Continental Europe, with the Xbox 360 and PC versions selling over one million copies combined since their releases in early November. (The PS3 version, remember, was held up due to a Blu-ray printing delay.) There's no telling how well the game will be received in new regions next month, but if its critical reception remains positive, we're guessing it'll do a great deal better than its predecessor.

JoystiqTwo Worlds 2 coming to America Jan. 25, has sold a million in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeirelandmicrosoftnorth-americapcplaystationps3release-daterpgsalessouthpeaktopware-interactiveTwo-Worlds-2ukxboxWed, 08 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stark SouthPeak Q1 financials due to My Baby issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/southpeak-q1-2011-earnings/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/southpeak-q1-2011-earnings/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/southpeak-q1-2011-earnings/#comments SouthPeak's first quarter results saw the shaky publisher report a net loss of $1.2 million, compared to the $687K profit it reported during the same time last year. Revenues during the period were $1.4 million, a steep drop from the $16.7 million reported in the previous fiscal year.

The publisher claims sales during the quarter were "largely impacted" by the My Baby mama-drama currently going on in the courts. SouthPeak is hopeful that a summary judgment granting the company the rights to resume production of My Baby: First Steps and "reinstate the contract with Nobilis" for future My Baby sequels will be upheld on December 2.

Beyond praying that it gets My Baby back and sequels popping out, SouthPeak also spent time, and the bulk of its marketing costs during the quarter, promoting Two Worlds 2 -- which will arrive in the UK and US in January -- and getting the hype machine rolling for Stronghold 3.

JoystiqStark SouthPeak Q1 financials due to My Baby issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsearningsfinancialfy-2011my-babynintendoq1salessoftwareSouthPeaksouthpeak-gamesTue, 16 Nov 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Noah's Ark is first game in SouthPeak edutainment line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/noahs-ark-is-first-game-in-southpeak-edutainment-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/noahs-ark-is-first-game-in-southpeak-edutainment-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/noahs-ark-is-first-game-in-southpeak-edutainment-line/#comments With My Baby in a corporate custody battle, SouthPeak will try to tap the eager-to-learn demographic with a new line of educational products -- the first of which will be the biblically-inspired Tap and Teach: The Story of Noah's Ark for DS. Setting sail, er, floating through retail waters this November, the game is, according to SouthPeak CEO Melanie Mrox, part of a strategic initiative "designed to capture share of the rapidly expanding educational gaming sector."

SouthPeak's Noah's Ark -- not to be confused with Noah's Arc or Super 3D Noah's Ark -- is an interactive storybook designed to help kids ages 3-6 with their reading skills. The Tap and Teach franchise is marketed as "wholesome fun" -- the kind that parents can "trust." Rest assured, any minigame about "the birds and the bees" will be strictly about birds and bees.

JoystiqNoah's Ark is first game in SouthPeak edutainment line originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsedutainmentnintendoNoahs-arkrazorback-developmentsSouthPeaktap-and-teach-the-story-of-noahs-arkThu, 28 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak to stop selling 'My Baby' during legal issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/southpeak-to-stop-selling-my-baby-during-legal-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/southpeak-to-stop-selling-my-baby-during-legal-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/southpeak-to-stop-selling-my-baby-during-legal-issues/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While SouthPeak continues its legal dispute with My Baby developer Nobilis and publisher Majesco over the rights to the franchise and My Baby 3, the publisher will discontinue selling My Baby Girl and My Baby First Steps.

SouthPeak Chairman Terry Phillips stated in an investor call today, "We firmly believe we are the rightful holder of the intellectual property to this franchise." He continued that the company is currently in court proceedings to resolve, what he calls, the wrongful termination of its agreements with Nobilis and is seeking damages for the developer soliciting the My Baby 3 rights to Majesco. He concluded that the company plans to "vigorously" defend its position.

The My Baby franchise has been a "significant" part of the company's revenue, according to Phillips. So, missing My Baby 3 -- along with the other titles -- from the portfolio isn't helping SouthPeak's already glum financials.

JoystiqSouthPeak to stop selling 'My Baby' during legal issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsMajescomy-babymy-baby-3-and-friendsmy-baby-boymy-baby-first-stepsmy-baby-girlnintendoNobilissouthpeaksouthpeak-gamessouthpeak-interactiveWed, 13 Oct 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Get Fit with Mel B' among highlights in shaky SouthPeak financial report]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/southpeak-fiscal-2010-financial-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/southpeak-fiscal-2010-financial-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/southpeak-fiscal-2010-financial-results/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When Get Fit with Mel B is name-dropped no less than three times in your annual fiscal year report as a positive indicator, it tends to raise a red flag. SouthPeak Interactive today shared the financial results of its fiscal 2010 year (July 2009 - June 2010) and did its best to paint an optimistic picture for the current fiscal year. But even fervor over a Spice Girl comeback "this fall" (a firm release date has yet to be locked down) couldn't cover up the bottom line: SouthPeak recorded a net loss of $5.8 million last fiscal year. At least the company has "improved" upon fiscal 2009's $13.3 million loss ... Anybody?

Other highlights from fiscal 2010 include an increase in total units sold to 2.6 million from 2.4 million in fiscal 2009; and the release of 29 titles compared to 18 in fiscal 2009. Read that again -- it seems two "highlights" can combine to form a low point: Average unit sales per title fell from 133.33K in fiscal 2009 to 89.66K last fiscal year.

"While fiscal 2010 was a challenging year, we made critical improvements to our infrastructure and carefully controlled our costs to better align our operations with our revenue stream," SouthPeak CEO Melanie Mroz said in a conference call today. "Fiscal 2011 will be a continuation of controlled expense and a carefully managed title release schedule. Our focus remains on increasing sales with new titles that address gaming in a way that separates us from our competition."

Joystiq'Get Fit with Mel B' among highlights in shaky SouthPeak financial report originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silverdsearningsfinancialfinancialsfy-2010get-fit-with-mel-bmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-moveps3southpeaksouthpeak-gamessouthpeak-interactivewiixboxWed, 13 Oct 2010 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[TopWare says Two Worlds 2 is done, disputes SouthPeak's delay claim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/topware-says-two-worlds-2-is-done-disputes-southpeaks-delay-cl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/topware-says-two-worlds-2-is-done-disputes-southpeaks-delay-cl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/topware-says-two-worlds-2-is-done-disputes-southpeaks-delay-cl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Awwwkward. Two Worlds 2 was recently delayed in North America until January 2011 because, according to regional publisher SouthPeak, it planned to take the extra time for "heavyweight quality assurance," so the game was "absolutely flawless" for launch. TopWare Interactive, a subsidiary of the game's European publisher Zuxxez, apparently didn't appreciate that messaging and called it "factually incorrect."

Speaking to Gamespot, TopWare's managing director, James Seaman, said the delay was made because of the "exceptionally crowded" holiday season. The company (which oversees Two Worlds 2 developer Reality Pump) allegedly finished all "production, bug testing and localization" work in mid-September and plans to release the game in a few territories on October 21. The January launch in North America will feature the same content as the European release, except for the expected patch updates.

This whole messaging debacle gives us an Alpha Protocol vibe. Hopefully, it'll have a more positive outcome.

JoystiqTopWare says Two Worlds 2 is done, disputes SouthPeak's delay claim originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3reality-pumpsouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesTopWaretopware-interactiveTwo-Worlds-2xboxzuxxez-entertainmentWed, 29 Sep 2010 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Worlds 2 receives second delay in two weeks, begins quest in January 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/two-worlds-2-receives-second-delay-in-two-weeks-begins-quest-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/two-worlds-2-receives-second-delay-in-two-weeks-begins-quest-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/two-worlds-2-receives-second-delay-in-two-weeks-begins-quest-in/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Two Worlds 2 was supposed to launch ... well, it was originally going to release the same same week as Halo: Reach, but then it wised up and moved to October, and now it seems publisher SouthPeak feels it best to just move it to January 2011. The publisher plans to take the extra time for "heavyweight quality assurance" so that the title is "absolutely flawless" for its launch.

The new date is officially only for North America, with an updated release date for the UK, Australia and New Zealand coming "in the near future."

JoystiqTwo Worlds 2 receives second delay in two weeks, begins quest in January 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3reality-pumpreality-pump-studiosSouthPeakTwo-Worlds-2xboxMon, 27 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Worlds 2 takes scenic route, now launching October 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/two-worlds-2-october-5-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/two-worlds-2-october-5-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/two-worlds-2-october-5-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So, we thought Two Worlds 2 was supposed to launch this week -- and we were not alone in this thinking -- but it turns out the game's release date has been quietly moved. A representative for Southpeak told Joystiq today that Two Worlds 2 is scheduled to make its retail appearance on October 5 in North America. (Although we asked, no new European date was provided.)

Guess someone figured out launching the same week as Halo: Reach probably isn't the best move ... right, Cabela?

JoystiqTwo Worlds 2 takes scenic route, now launching October 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3reality-pumprelease-datesouthpeaksouthpeak-gamestopware-interactiveTwo-Worlds-2xboxThu, 16 Sep 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Worlds 2 continues Sordahon's Journey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/two-worlds-2-continues-sordahons-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/two-worlds-2-continues-sordahons-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/two-worlds-2-continues-sordahons-journey/#comments We can't blame you if you immediately glaze over when you see the words "Two Worlds," but if so, you've been missing one of the funniest and most honest advertising campaigns in the the history of video games. We're not sure if the self-effacing "Sordahon's Journey" is going to convince us to buy Two Worlds 2, but it's certainly helping us to forgive SouthPeak for Two Worlds 1.

The fourth installation of the series is upon us just after the break -- and you can only find it on Joystiq! Here are parts one, two and three if you need to catch up.

Continue reading Two Worlds 2 continues Sordahon's Journey

JoystiqTwo Worlds 2 continues Sordahon's Journey originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3southpeaktopware-interactivetwo-worldsTwo-Worlds-2xboxWed, 15 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Southpeak Games bringing Nail'd, Two Worlds 2 and more to PAX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/southpeak-games-bringing-naild-two-worlds-2-and-more-to-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/southpeak-games-bringing-naild-two-worlds-2-and-more-to-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/southpeak-games-bringing-naild-two-worlds-2-and-more-to-pax/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Worried you weren't going to get Nail'd at this year's PAX Prime? Southpeak Games wants to assure you that you absolutely will -- more to the point, you can stop by the publisher's booth to get some hands-on time with upcoming MX/ATV racer Nail'd (you see what we did there?). Southpeak is also bringing Two Worlds 2, Battle Vs. Chess, and previously unheard of motorcycle racer SBK-X for attendees to check out.

Also, if you're over 10 years old, you could try your hand at some Nail'd speed trials for a chance to win the 70cc Mini-Motocross Pit Bike pictured above. While it might not put you in the running for "Toughest Motocross Dude Ever," it's a totally adorable little motorcycle. Who could say no to that? A monster, that's who. And you're not a monster, right?

JoystiqSouthpeak Games bringing Nail'd, Two Worlds 2 and more to PAX originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-vs-chessmicrosoftNaildpaxpax-prime-2010pcplaystationps3sbk-xsouthpeaksouthpeak-gamestwo-worlds-2xboxFri, 27 Aug 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak publishing Stronghold 3 in early 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/southpeak-publishing-stronghold-3-in-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/southpeak-publishing-stronghold-3-in-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/southpeak-publishing-stronghold-3-in-early-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Update: SouthPeak has confirmed that Stronghold 3 will be released simultaneously online and at retail.

SouthPeak Games and Firefly Studios hope you're ready to build a third, really strong building for ... um ... holding stuff, as the two companies announced this week that they'll be bringing out Stronghold 3 in "the first quarter of 2011." The game is said to feature an "improved building system" and new "dramatic nighttime sieges."

The physics engine has also been given a refresh, with castles that "crumble into ruin before your eyes" -- hopefully not yours, of course! Stronghold 3 will get an "initial" digital-only release in early 2011, which SouthPeak says could be bolstered by a retail SKU. "A retail release is definitely not out of the question," the publisher said. "We want to deliver according to demand from the fans." So, what SouthPeak's saying is it depends on whether the game's digital release takes a strong enough hold on consumers' hearts, if you will? Ba-zing!

Gallery: Stronghold 3

JoystiqSouthPeak publishing Stronghold 3 in early 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fireflyfirefly-studiospcq1-2011release-datertssouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesstrategystronghold-3Fri, 13 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Two Worlds 2 gets all serious]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/video-two-worlds-2-gets-all-serious/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/video-two-worlds-2-gets-all-serious/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/video-two-worlds-2-gets-all-serious/#comments After the surprisingly funny Sordahon's Journey videos, it's disappointing to see SouthPeak return to a more traditional style for its latest Two Worlds 2 trailer. Sure, you might actually learn something about the game -- the fact that it looks worlds better, for example -- but where's the fun in that?

Continue reading Video: Two Worlds 2 gets all serious

JoystiqVideo: Two Worlds 2 gets all serious originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3RealityPumpSouthPeakTwo-Worlds-2xboxSat, 31 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nobilis fires back at SouthPeak over My Baby IP, blames lack of payment for Majesco move]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/nobilis-fires-back-at-southpeak-over-my-baby-ip-blames-lack-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/nobilis-fires-back-at-southpeak-over-my-baby-ip-blames-lack-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/nobilis-fires-back-at-southpeak-over-my-baby-ip-blames-lack-of/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Responding to recent legal action between former My Baby franchise publisher SouthPeak Games and new publisher Majesco Entertainment, My Baby developer (and IP owner) Nobilis has placed blame for the move on "uncured breaches from SouthPeak, notably for non-payment." In so many words, it appears that Nobilis -- like other SouthPeak debtors -- is still waiting on unpaid bills from the publisher.

Nobilis managing director Arnaud Blacher spoke with IndustryGamers regarding the lawsuit, saying that his company will also pursue litigation with SouthPeak over the issue. Furthermore, he confirmed that "all the contracts signed with SouthPeak in the US or in the UK have been terminated." As with most things legal, this situation is sure to get a lot more complicated long before we hear any sort of resolution. SouthPeak had yet to respond to a request for comment as of publishing.

JoystiqNobilis fires back at SouthPeak over My Baby IP, blames lack of payment for Majesco move originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dslawsuitlegalmajescomajesco-entertainmentmy-babymy-baby-3-and-friendsnintendonobilissouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesMon, 26 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak suing Majesco over My Baby 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/southpeak-suing-majesco-over-my-baby-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/southpeak-suing-majesco-over-my-baby-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/southpeak-suing-majesco-over-my-baby-3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Joystiq has confirmed with SouthPeak Games that the company has taken legal action against Mama game publisher Majesco Entertainment, specifically regarding the right to publish My Baby titles in the United States. The litigation was spurred by an announcement last month that Majesco would be publishing the Nobilis-developed My Baby 3 & Friends, an action SouthPeak claims Majesco wasn't legally allowed to take.

For its part, SouthPeak issued this statement on the impending litigation: "We are exceptionally proud of our success in making the My Baby franchise a leader in the North American market; our innovative sales, marketing and PR strategies brought My Baby to a huge audience and built a loyal fan base for future products. SouthPeak continues to hold the rights to subsequent My Baby games and we intend to vigorously protect those rights." Additionally, we've confirmed that, while SouthPeak claims a contractual right to publish "subsequent My Baby games" in the US, Nobilis owns the My Baby IP. So, whose baby is it? That remains to be contested (Majesco and Nobilis reps hadn't responded as of publishing).

And while SouthPeak recently acquired a $10 million loan, as well as another $5.5 million injection announced just this week, the company's still running into financial and legal issues left and right. "It's no secret that CDV is currently in dispute with SouthPeak Games along with many other companies, whilst CDV is itself in administration," SouthPeak exec Jonathan Hales told IndustryGamers recently, responding to the seizing of 40,000 units of SouthPeak stock by bailiffs on behalf of CDV. "We have sent High Court Enforcement Officers in last Friday and they took 40,00 units -- two trucks worth of stock -- out of the warehouse that SouthPeak uses. They had until yesterday to apply to court to stop that being sold at auction and as far as I'm aware they didn't make an application. We've also frozen the money from their distributor Centresoft," reps from CDV said.

It looks like the custodianship of My Baby is just one of many legal battles SouthPeak may be facing in the coming months.

JoystiqSouthPeak suing Majesco over My Baby 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdvjonathan-haleslawsuitlitigationmajescomajesco-entertainmentmy-babymy-baby-3-and-friendsnobilissouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesWed, 21 Jul 2010 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak gets $10 million loan while losing biggest moneymaker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/18/southpeak-gets-10-million-loan-while-losing-biggest-moneymaker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/18/southpeak-gets-10-million-loan-while-losing-biggest-moneymaker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/18/southpeak-gets-10-million-loan-while-losing-biggest-moneymaker/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Outside of looming legal battles and down year-over-year revenues, SouthPeak recently received a $10 million "asset-based line of credit" that extends until February 28, 2012, reports IndustryGamers, effectively replacing an $8 million line of credit previously secured. We're not quite sure what debtors will have to take from SouthPeak should the publisher not be able to repay the $10 million, though, as Majesco Entertainment apparently scooped up SP's biggest franchise in mid June, My Baby.

For what it's worth, SouthPeak chairman Terry Phillips said of the credit, "Securing this additional credit provides us with greater financial flexibility and presents a clear message to our investors that we are confident of our business prospects and growth opportunities over the near- and long-term." Here's hoping that Two Worlds 2 and Battle vs. Chess are enough to help the company get its feet back on the ground in the coming year.

JoystiqSouthPeak gets $10 million loan while losing biggest moneymaker originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creditdebtmajescomajesco-entertainmentmy-babysouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesterry-phillipsSun, 18 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle vs. Chess coming this Fall to just about every platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battle-vs-chess-coming-this-fall-to-just-about-every-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battle-vs-chess-coming-this-fall-to-just-about-every-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battle-vs-chess-coming-this-fall-to-just-about-every-platform/#comments SouthPeak's infringement-skirting Battle vs. Chess has apparently been pushed back from its initial May launch window, according to a press release. And the fact that May's almost over and the game's not out yet. However, the game is now set to launch this Fall, and will be released for 360, PS3, Wii, DS, PSP and PC. So, like, everything except the iPhone and the Lynx.

According to the presser, the game will include an "Action Mode," where pieces won't automatically kill one another in scripted animations, but will rather place players in a "beat-'em-up style encounter." Somewhere, Garry Kasparov is openly weeping.

JoystiqBattle vs. Chess coming this Fall to just about every platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-chessbattle-vs-chessboard-gamechessDSMicrosoftNintendosouthpeakWiiXbox-360Thu, 27 May 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[NinjaTown: Trees of Doom half price for a 'limited time']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/ninjatown-trees-of-doom-half-price-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/ninjatown-trees-of-doom-half-price-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/ninjatown-trees-of-doom-half-price-for-a-limited-time/#comments Between scaling deadly pines and being adorable, NinjaTown franchise star Wee Ninja somehow found the time to pow-wow with Business Ninja and work out a price drop for NinjaTown: Trees of Doom. The Doodle Jump-like series spinoff game landed on iPhone earlier this month for $1.99, but apparently developer Venan Entertainment decided that it's "not yet satisfied" with sales, despite remaining atop the Top 25 paid app charts for some time now.

No official end date is given for the sale, though the game's iTunes App Store listing says it will stay on sale "while featured by Apple." Better get it while the getting's good then, eh?

NinjaTown: Trees of Doom (Venan Entertainment, $0.99): Football Manager Handheld 2010

JoystiqNinjaTown: Trees of Doom half price for a 'limited time' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleiPoditunes-app-storeninjatownninjatown-trees-of-doomsaleshawn-smithshawnimalssouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesvenanvenan-entertainmentWed, 19 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak made a molehill of profit last quarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/southpeak-made-a-molehill-of-profit-last-quarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/southpeak-made-a-molehill-of-profit-last-quarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/southpeak-made-a-molehill-of-profit-last-quarter/#comments SouthPeak Interactive bounced back from a quarterly net loss of a couple million dollars, pocketing $192,000 in profit for the third quarter (January-March) of its fiscal year ending June 30 -- time to splurge on Charmin for the executive bathrooms! Despite the profit, net revenues during the quarter were down to $7.5 million, compared to $13.5 million during the Q3 last year. Total revenue for the first nine months of the fiscal year was reported to be $34 million, also down compared to the $39 million during the same period in fiscal 2009.

With its legal issues apparently over, hopefully SouthPeak can focus on making its My Baby franchise grow up big and strong. The company also plans to build a better kingdom, announcing that it has acquired the rights to Firefly Studios' Stronghold 3.

JoystiqSouthPeak made a molehill of profit last quarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinancial-reportfinancialsfy-2010q3southpeaksouthpeak-gamessouthpeak-interactiveWed, 19 May 2010 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Worlds 2 pre-order bonus includes unique sword and bonus area]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/two-worlds-2-pre-order-bonus-includes-unique-sword-and-bonus-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/two-worlds-2-pre-order-bonus-includes-unique-sword-and-bonus-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/two-worlds-2-pre-order-bonus-includes-unique-sword-and-bonus-are/#comments You, like ourselves, may have noticed a gnawing curiosity in Two Worlds 2 growing over the past few months. The sequel does, after all, let you freeze people with lightning bolts. If you're dead set on sating your curiosity, SouthPeak has let us in on a pair of bonuses you would receive if you pre-ordered Two Worlds 2 from GameStop:

First is the Luciendar, which you probably already know is "the fabled weapon used to defeat the mighty desert dragon Tang'Raoul." Basically, it's a giant, super-powerful, two-handed sword that you'll be able to access once your character reaches level 15. Second is "the Labyrinth," an exclusive bonus area with its own set of quests that publisher SouthPeak has detailed to a hyper-nerdy extent after the break.

Gallery: Two Worlds 2: The Luciendar

Continue reading Two Worlds 2 pre-order bonus includes unique sword and bonus area

JoystiqTwo Worlds 2 pre-order bonus includes unique sword and bonus area originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusesgamestopMicrosoftpre-orderpre-order-bonusreality-pumpsouthpeaktopware-interactivetwo-worlds-2Xbox-360Thu, 13 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab Section 8 for $15 on PSN this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/grab-section-8-for-15-on-psn-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/grab-section-8-for-15-on-psn-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/grab-section-8-for-15-on-psn-this-week/#comments TimeGate and Southpeak have taken serious measures to help move their download-only PS3 version of Section 8 -- for the next week, the game's price will be dropped by fifty percent. For $14.99, you can pick up the full version of the game and its three DLC multiplayer maps on the PlayStation Store. It's hard to say no to that price -- especially since you'll need to absorb the game's rich backstory in order to have any idea what's going on when you play Sections 9, 10 and 11.

JoystiqGrab Section 8 for $15 on PSN this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealfpspsnsalesection-8southpeaktimegateTue, 11 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA['My Baby' sold by SouthPeak -- one million times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/my-baby-sold-by-southpeak-one-million-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/my-baby-sold-by-southpeak-one-million-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/my-baby-sold-by-southpeak-one-million-times/#comments SouthPeak Interactive may be a little wobbly on paper and in the courtroom, but its My Baby franchise was born to run. The publisher's three My Baby games have sold over one million units in the US and Canada. Yes, one million units over three games may not sound so impressive, but we're talking about a series that retails for $30 and likely didn't cost much more to develop.

The games are meant to appeal to girls ages 6 to 11, allowing "gamers" to start with a newborn in My Baby Boy and My Baby Girl, then transitioning them to "experience the joys of parenthood through to the toddler years in My Baby First Steps" After that, they'll be all set for the real thing with 16 and Pregnant.

Joystiq'My Baby' sold by SouthPeak -- one million times originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSmy-babymy-baby-boymy-baby-first-stepsmy-baby-girlNintendosouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesWiiTue, 11 May 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Worlds 2 arrives on our world September 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/two-worlds-2-arrives-on-our-world-september-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/two-worlds-2-arrives-on-our-world-september-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/two-worlds-2-arrives-on-our-world-september-14/#comments We've already gone on record as saying that Two Worlds II doesn't look nearly as terrible as we fully expected it to, but we're still a little surprised to report we were genuinely, non-ironically excited to see that it had been officially dated this morning. Publisher SouthPeak says the open-world action-RPG will arrive on Sept. 14 on PS3, 360 and PC.

Perhaps before then we'll get our hands on the game and be able convert our "non-pessimism" to "optimism." Here's hoping!

Gallery: Two Worlds II



JoystiqTwo Worlds 2 arrives on our world September 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftq3-2010reality-pumprelease-datesouthpeaktwo-worldstwo-worlds-2Xbox-360Tue, 04 May 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK election campaign spills over into 3D Dot Game Heroes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/uk-election-campaign-spills-over-into-3d-dot-game-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/uk-election-campaign-spills-over-into-3d-dot-game-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/uk-election-campaign-spills-over-into-3d-dot-game-heroes/#commentsIf you're in the UK and are having a hard time getting a handle on the upcoming general election, perhaps seeing how the three party leaders perform as blocky, giant-sword-wielding heroes will help your decision-making. SouthPeak has added downloadable 3D Dot Game Heroes characters based on party leaders Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg. (Perhaps Southpeak is semi-overtly referring to the UK's top politicians as blockheads?)

The downloadable politicians are accessible from the "Vault" section of the 3D Dot Game Heroes EU website, which is also home to the web-based character editor. For those of you outside of the UK, there are three new "Guy in a Suit" characters on the site.

3D Dot Game Heroes will be released in Europe on May 14 and in North America on May 11.

JoystiqUK election campaign spills over into 3D Dot Game Heroes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-dot-game-heroes3d-game-heroesAtlusdavid-cameronfrom-softwaregordon-brownnick-cleggpoliticsSilicon-Studiosilicon-studiossouthpeakukThu, 29 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CDV vs SouthPeak legal battle gets much, much more complicated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/cdv-vs-southpeak-legal-battle-gets-much-much-more-complicated/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/cdv-vs-southpeak-legal-battle-gets-much-much-more-complicated/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/cdv-vs-southpeak-legal-battle-gets-much-much-more-complicated/#comments When SouthPeak Games was ordered by a UK court to pay its distribution partner CDV a settlement earlier this year, rather than simply pay the settlement and move on, SouthPeak instead took a very interesting approach: buy up a company that's owed money by CDV and turn the tables. SouthPeak recently purchased the less-than-well-known dev studio IRP and filed a claim against CDV to the tune of €4.4 million ($6 million), money that CDV allegedly owes SouthPeak now that the legally embroiled publisher owns IRP, according to a Gamasutra report.

But that's not all! CDV already filed for insolvency earlier this week, claiming it did so because SouthPeak "failed to pay a court-ordered settlement to CDV" -- the same court-ordered settlement that we mentioned in the first sentence of this very post. Still with us? Good! A statement released by CDV says that the company will remain "fully operational," and its various subsidiaries are unaffected by the insolvency filing. A Frankfurt, Germany court is said to be helping CDV sort through the financial back and forth. "The Administrator together with the management team is now proactively working on solutions to restructure the company and discussions with investors and potential purchasers are on-going." Given SouthPeak's rocky past with legal matters, we get the feeling this won't be the last we hear of this mess.

JoystiqCDV vs SouthPeak legal battle gets much, much more complicated originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdvgermanyinsolvencyirp-gmbhlawsuitlegalsouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesSat, 17 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paradox and Southpeak settle lawsuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/paradox-and-southpeak-settle-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/paradox-and-southpeak-settle-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/paradox-and-southpeak-settle-lawsuit/#comments It's not exactly good news for SouthPeak but, given the ironically rocky year it's had, the company will probably settle for lukewarm. Said news is this: Paradox Interactive and SouthPeak have settled their lawsuit. Last month, Paradox filed against SouthPeak to the tune of $585,382, allegedly revenue that SouthPeak had failed to pay to the developer (a claim that seems to haunt the publisher). According to IndustryGamers, the two companies have amicably settled their differences, with SouthPeak agreeing to "satisfy all of its payment obligations to Paradox Interactive."

Both parties issued statements regarding SouthPeak's financial status, with SouthPeak itself noting that the settlement "has demonstrated its financial stability," while Paradox CEO Fredrik Wester notes that the speedy conclusion "is a tribute to their professionalism and their sound financial integrity." One can only hope that SouthPeak manages to foster this sense of conviviality among all its developers. We're sure the company has had its fill of lawsuits by now.

JoystiqParadox and Southpeak settle lawsuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lawsuitparadoxParadox-Interactivesouthpeaksouthpeak-gamessouthpeak-interactiveFri, 02 Apr 2010 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Two Worlds II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/two-worlds-2-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/two-worlds-2-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/two-worlds-2-preview/#comments I rush back to the PAX East press room, locked in that strange place between disbelief and acceptance, nigh incapacitated by the surreal certainty that my worldview is in the process of being fundamentally shifted.

"Guys," I say to the collected Joystiq staffers fully expecting my verbal evisceration of TopWare's follow-up. "Guys ... Two Worlds II actually looks kind of cool."

They don't believe me.

Gallery: Two Worlds II

Continue reading Impressions: Two Worlds II

JoystiqImpressions: Two Worlds II originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftpax-eastpax-east-2010reality-pumpsouthpeaktopware-interactivetwo-worlds-2Xbox-360Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dementium 2 trailer packs small screen with big creeps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/new-dementium-2-trailer-packs-small-screen-with-big-creeps/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/new-dementium-2-trailer-packs-small-screen-with-big-creeps/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/new-dementium-2-trailer-packs-small-screen-with-big-creeps/#comments It's become rather common for DS game commercials to show the game via an onscreen DS console. Understandable, considering most titles wouldn't look too hot all stretched out for today's modern high resmolution screens. But then, the usual presentation -- tiny DS screens embedded within a larger screen -- is a bit bland. SouthPeak has come up with an interesting solution for the marketing behind Renegade Kid's upcoming horror FPS Dementium 2. The solution is simple: Rather than overlaying the screens on a DS mockup image, simply embed the screens in human flesh.

Granted, it probably wouldn't work for, say, the Imagine series, but it's damned effective here. Give it a watch.

JoystiqNew Dementium 2 trailer packs small screen with big creeps originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dementiumdementium-2renegade-kidsouthpeakTue, 23 Mar 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Paradox Interactive files injunction against SouthPeak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/paradox-interactive-files-injunction-against-southpeak/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/paradox-interactive-files-injunction-against-southpeak/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/paradox-interactive-files-injunction-against-southpeak/#commentsPublisher SouthPeak's legal troubles continue, with developer Paradox Interactive filing an injunction against the company for disagreements that start with a familiar issue: lack of payment. Gamasutra reports that Paradox, developer of Europa Universalis 3 and the recently unveiled Lead & Gold, claims SouthPeak owes it $585,382, revenue from distribution of its games that the publisher has not passed along.

"SouthPeak has failed to comply with its payment obligations even for game units which it previously reported to Paradox, and SouthPeak's executives have informed Paradox's executives that SouthPeak is currently financially unable to satisfy its payment obligations to Paradox under the Agreement," the legal filing reads.

After Paradox terminated its distribution agreement with SouthPeak last month, according to Gamasutra's summary, SouthPeak "threatened" to request that unsold inventory be returned by retailers -- and it's this action that Paradox is trying to prevent with its injunction. In addition, it is seeking a receiver to collect the money it claims SouthPeak owes.

JoystiqParadox Interactive files injunction against SouthPeak originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Europa-Universalis-IIIinjunctionlawsuitlead-and-goldlegalparadox-interactivesouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesFri, 19 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK court rules in favor of CDV against SouthPeak again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/uk-court-rules-in-favor-of-cdv-against-southpeak-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/uk-court-rules-in-favor-of-cdv-against-southpeak-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/uk-court-rules-in-favor-of-cdv-against-southpeak-again/#comments The avalanche of bad days keeps rolling at the SouthPeak offices as today the UK High Court has once again sided against the publisher in its longstanding legal battle against distributor CDV. In the most recent decision, the court ruled in favor of CDV that SouthPeak was liable for inducing copyright infringement. In 2009, the same high court ruled that Gamecock, a SouthPeak subsidiary, had failed to submit four titles early enough for the 2008 holiday season, costing the publisher to the tune of about $3.1 million.

In the current legal battle, German distributor CDV claimed SouthPeak had induced copyright infringement and breach of contract and legal costs. While the new ruling favors the distributor's claims of infringement and legal costs, the court did not find SouthPeak in breach of its contract with CDV. SouthPeak also faces claims from other former partner companies.

In a statement to the court, the preceding judge said she had noted that CDV was able to prove SouthPeak US "has both participated in, and authorized, the infringing activities in relation to the making, distribution, and sale." According to GamesIndustry.biz, SouthPeak's recently reported loss of $2.6 million for its second financial quarter ending on December 31, 2009, can (in part) be attributed to the UK high court's previous ruling.

JoystiqUK court rules in favor of CDV against SouthPeak again originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscdvinfringementlawsuitlegalsouthpeakWed, 24 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak revenue down 42% year-over-year in second quarter of FY2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/southpeak-revenue-down-42-year-over-year-in-second-quarter-of-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/southpeak-revenue-down-42-year-over-year-in-second-quarter-of-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/southpeak-revenue-down-42-year-over-year-in-second-quarter-of-f/#comments Wake up! After that headline, we saw you start dozing and we wanted to make sure you were with us for the next hundred-ish words of pure, unbridled excitement. According to SouthPeak Interactive's fiscal 2010 second quarter financial results released this morning (which make up the last three months of calendar 2009, ending December 31), the publisher netted $10.1 million, a 42% decline from fiscal 2009's second quarter results of $17.3 million.

In one of the report's few positive notes, company CEO Melanie Mroz notes that the My Baby franchise grew 45 percent "compared with the last holiday season" -- and we were so worried about SouthPeak's baby! Notably, the decline in revenue was blamed on "a decrease in the number of titles released in the fiscal 2010 period." Also, the games that the company did publish weren't the pricier Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 titles. We've got a free solution for you though, SouthPeak -- My Baby Next-Gen: Future Baby for the aforementioned consoles.

That one's for free, guys. The next one'll cost ya.

JoystiqSouthPeak revenue down 42% year-over-year in second quarter of FY2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2010melanie-mrozmoneymy-babymy-baby-next-gen-future-babyq2southpeaksouthpeak-gamessouthpeak-interaciveThu, 18 Feb 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Section 8 coming to PS3 download-only with added content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/section-8-coming-to-ps3-download-only-with-added-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/section-8-coming-to-ps3-download-only-with-added-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/section-8-coming-to-ps3-download-only-with-added-content/#comments We brought word yesterday that Section 8 was on its way to PS3, and that's simultaneously gotten more and less solid -- a phenomenon we're pretty sure would freak even Bill Nye out. While we know concretely that it will arrive on Sony's console this spring, we also learned it won't be arriving in a solid form at all, as the title will be exclusively available on PSN.

Moreover, this new version will include the three maps 360 and PC players had to pay extra for and the ability for players to host games on their PCs (as seen in the Xbox 360 version). We worry that a bit too much time has passed to get PlayStation owners interested in Section 8, but putting it on PSN seems like a darn smart way to do it. We also suspect that a certain legal commotion might have a little involvement with the decision.

JoystiqSection 8 coming to PS3 download-only with added content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionpsnsection-8SouthpeakSouthpeak-InteractivetimegateTimeGate-StudiosTue, 16 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST