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[36 Origin PC games on the cheap until Sunday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/36-origin-pc-games-on-the-cheap-until-sunday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/36-origin-pc-games-on-the-cheap-until-sunday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/36-origin-pc-games-on-the-cheap-until-sunday/#comments When it comes to digital distribution services, EA's Origin is the new kid in school. And who wants to hang out with the new kid? Nobody, that's who, unless the new kid has pockets full of candy. And by candy, we mean really cheap video-games.

From now until tomorrow, you can promise to be Origin's best friend forever in exchange for 36 PC games and/or expansion packs on sale for $4.99 each, including Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Spore, Mirror's Edge, Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box, and Littlest Pet Shop. Whether or not Origin's popularity on the playground will last when the candy runs out remains to be seen, but for right now we're willing to trade our chocolate milk for a copy of Sim City 4.

[Thanks, Thomas!]

Joystiq36 Origin PC games on the cheap until Sunday originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2Burnout-ParadiseBurnout-paradise-the-ultimate-boxEAlittlest-pet-shopmirrors-edgeOriginpcSim-City-4SporeSat, 30 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkspore review: Give it a hand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/darkspore-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/darkspore-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/darkspore-review/#comments If Diablo and Pokemon had a baby with Spore as the midwife, you'd ... well, you'd probably be scarred for life if you looked directly at it. But you'd also end up with Darkspore.

This sci-fi themed hack-and-slash role-playing game puts you in the role of a Crogenitor, a near-extinct race of advanced beings once responsible for seeding the galaxy with engineered life. Long ago, a figure named The Destroyer experimented with an unstable form of genetic engineering called E-DNA. Using it, he created an army of powerful mutant creatures called Darkspore that went forth to conquer the known galaxy. Awakened from hypersleep, your role is to assemble a collection of heroes, modify them, and take it back.

Gallery: Darkspore (Gamescom 2010)

Continue reading Darkspore review: Give it a hand

JoystiqDarkspore review: Give it a hand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksporeeamaxispcsporeTue, 03 May 2011 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai is live with streaming demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/gaikai-is-live-with-streaming-demos-of-mass-effect-2-dead-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/gaikai-is-live-with-streaming-demos-of-mass-effect-2-dead-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/gaikai-is-live-with-streaming-demos-of-mass-effect-2-dead-space/#comments Following more than a year of media demos and beta testing, cloud gaming startup Gaikai is letting the public try out the fruits of its efforts: Demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2, Spore and The Sims 3 are all playable from within your web browser. That is, if you have the bandwidth -- we don't, apparently. (Granted, we're on gratis Wi-Fi here at GDC.)

You might have better luck at home: You can visit Gaikai's site where you'll be prompted to launch Mass Effect 2. "Just wait and if your connection quality to our Server is fast enough," instructs CEO David Perry, "one of several pop-up designs will appear."

Additionally, taking a survey about the service will grant you access to the Dead Space 2 demo. Spore and The Sims 3 trials can be found here and here, respectively.

JoystiqGaikai is live with streaming demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcloud-gamingdavid-perrydead-space-2demogaikaigame-streamingmacMass-Effect-2pcsporethe-sims-3Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkspore trailer offers a glimpse at four-player co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/darkspore-trailer-offers-a-glimpse-at-four-player-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/darkspore-trailer-offers-a-glimpse-at-four-player-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/darkspore-trailer-offers-a-glimpse-at-four-player-co-op/#comments Not only are friends great when you need bail money at 4 a.m. (don't ask), but they're also good for fighting monsters and stuff in Darkspore. At least, that's what we hear from people who actually have friends.

Continue reading Darkspore trailer offers a glimpse at four-player co-op

JoystiqDarkspore trailer offers a glimpse at four-player co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opDarksporeeamaxispcsporeFri, 03 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkspore PvPreview: Arms and legs thrashing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/darkspore-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/darkspore-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/darkspore-preview/#comments Darkspore's been introduced to us as "Spore meets Diablo," and seeing it in action reinforces that early pitch -- the game has six abilities on a bar across the bottom, and health and mana bars on either side, while characters that appear as if they were generated in Spore hack and slash their way across the screen. But what EA really wants to do with Darkspore, says Michael Arsers, software engineer on the title, isn't just clone an action RPG with Will Wright's funny toys. They want to answer that question everyone had after Spore originally released.

"A lot of the criticisms on Spore," he told me recently, "were that there were a lot of cool tools, but where's the game? And that's what we were trying to get at here." So you might be forgiven for thinking Darkspore is the product of some weird genetic mashup of game genres -- it basically was. "The team that started this production was a very core gamer, WoW arena/DotA kind of crowd, and so we really wanted to take the creatures from Spore and put them in a hardcore game," Arsers said. "We have this great Creator technology, so how can we leverage and make a core game with that?"

We've already heard a bit about the singleplayer side of the title, but no true hardcore game is complete without some player-versus-player (PvP) action, and so Arsers was excited to show off the PvP Arena mode that he and the team are working on.

Gallery: Darkspore PvP (11/3/10)

Continue reading Darkspore PvPreview: Arms and legs thrashing

JoystiqDarkspore PvPreview: Arms and legs thrashing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1v12v2arenaDarksporeeamaxisMichael-ArserspcpvpsporeFri, 05 Nov 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright gifts design docs and personal papers to Museum of Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/will-wright-gifts-design-docs-and-personal-papers-to-museum-of-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/will-wright-gifts-design-docs-and-personal-papers-to-museum-of-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/will-wright-gifts-design-docs-and-personal-papers-to-museum-of-p/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We already knew that Super Fun Club's Will Wright was a swell guy, but his recent donation of "personal papers and design documents" to the Strong National Museum of Play places him firmly is really swell guy territory. The International Center for the History of Electronic Games (ICHEG) -- an institution within the museum -- has collected nine notebooks from Wright, featuring "original drawings, sketches, and notes for four of his SimCity, The Sims, and Spore games." Some of his donation will be on display this coming November as part of the "eGameRevolution" exhibit on the museum's second floor, for those interested in taking a peek.

ICHEG director Jon-Paul Dyson spoke of the donation in a statement (via 1UP), "These papers document the creative process behind some of the most important games of our time. They have transformed our society, and we are pleased to preserve this record of how Wright created them." Wright lavished the ICHEG with equal praise, saying, "I know of no other institution that is covering the topic as comprehensively as they are."

Wright's work will otherwise be housed alongside an enormous arcade collection -- what the ICHEG deems "the most significant games ever manufactured -- from Computer Space (1971) and Pong (1972) to Space Invaders (1978) and Pac-Man (1980) to Donkey Kong (1981) and Tetris (1988)" -- as well as an over 10,000-strong console game library. In other news, we totally know we're going when the Zombie Apocalypse goes down.

JoystiqWill Wright gifts design docs and personal papers to Museum of Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>design-documentegamerevolutionicheginternational-center-for-the-history-of-electronic-gamesSporeSpore-Creature-Creatorstrong-national-museumstrong-national-museum-of-playsuper-fun-clubwill-wrightFri, 01 Oct 2010 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space, Mirror's Edge and Spore on sale at the EA Store this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/dead-space-mirrors-edge-and-spore-on-sale-at-the-ea-store-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/dead-space-mirrors-edge-and-spore-on-sale-at-the-ea-store-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/dead-space-mirrors-edge-and-spore-on-sale-at-the-ea-store-this/#comments Wanna dodge the sun's harmful rays and get some gaming in within the air-conditioned comfort of your home? EA's been offering discounts on its PC lineup every weekend; a revolving door of its best and brightest for a pittance. Through Sunday, Dead Space, Mirror's Edge and Spore share the spotlight -- you can get each game for $10, $5 and $20, respectively.

JoystiqDead Space, Mirror's Edge and Spore on sale at the EA Store this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spaceDICEmaxisMirrors-Edgepcsporevisceral-gamesSat, 28 Aug 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Maxis' Spore-based action-RPG to be announced at Comic Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/maxis-spore-based-action-rpg-to-be-announced-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/maxis-spore-based-action-rpg-to-be-announced-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/maxis-spore-based-action-rpg-to-be-announced-at-comic-con/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The schedule for San Diego Comic Con 2010 was updated earlier today, adding a few game-centric panels focusing on titles like Guild Wars 2, Red Faction Armageddon, Epic Mickey and more to Saturday's proceedings. However, one panel in particular caught our eye: "Video Game Reveal: Maxis Studio." According to the event's details, the panel will see a handful of members from the Maxis dev team unveil "a brand new, Sci-Fi Action-RPG based on the DNA of Spore."

This sounds like it could be the Spore title referenced in EA's Q3 2010 investor's briefing, the name for which may have surfaced in the company's recent trademark of "Darkspore." We might just learn what happens when good Spores go bad when the panel unfolds Saturday, July 24.

JoystiqMaxis' Spore-based action-RPG to be announced at Comic Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksporeeamaxispcsdcc-2010SporeSpore-Creature-CreatorSat, 10 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA registers trademark for Spore's possible evil twin, 'Darkspore']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/ea-registers-trademark-for-spores-possible-evil-twin-darkspor/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/ea-registers-trademark-for-spores-possible-evil-twin-darkspor/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/ea-registers-trademark-for-spores-possible-evil-twin-darkspor/#comments Oh, sure, Spore's a nice enough guy. But ... don't you sometimes wish he had a bad streak? You've always been attracted to the lone wolf, the rebel, the ne'er-do-well -- that goody-two-shoes Spore wouldn't know the first thing about satisfying your desire for unwholesome behavior. You know who does? His edgy twin brother, Darkspore.

At least, we're assuming EA's recently registered trio of trademarks for "Darkspore," discovered by Superannuation, are reserving the title for the franchise's next, considerably darker iteration. Is it possibly the Spore title hinted at in EA's Q3 2010 financial report? Or is it an unexpected evil twin, making a soap operatic surprise entrance? Only time (and possibly EA's press conference at E3) will tell.

JoystiqEA registers trademark for Spore's possible evil twin, 'Darkspore' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksporeeaElectronic-Artsmaxissporetrademarkwill-wrightFri, 07 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Be a Spore Hero for less with Amazon deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/be-a-spore-hero-for-less-with-amazon-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/be-a-spore-hero-for-less-with-amazon-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/be-a-spore-hero-for-less-with-amazon-deal/#commentsReady to add more genetic diversity to your Spore game collection? Amazon is offering the chance to get the latest Wii and DS variants in the franchise at a nice discount.

The action-adventure Spore Hero for Wii is $17.99, while the DS fighting game Spore Hero Arena has been knocked down to the impulse-buy price of $10.99. Don't take too much time making the natural selection about whether to buy one or both: as Amazon's Deal of the Day, these offers will be gone tomorrow.

JoystiqBe a Spore Hero for less with Amazon deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondeal-of-the-dayeamaxissporespore-hero-arenaMon, 26 Apr 2010 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright to produce reality show with user-created storylines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/will-wright-to-produce-reality-show-with-user-created-storylines/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/will-wright-to-produce-reality-show-with-user-created-storylines/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/will-wright-to-produce-reality-show-with-user-created-storylines/#comments That sneaky Will Wright always seems to be working on something amazing and/or secret, but this one caught us by surprise: His next project is actually a television show. He's working on The Creation Project in conjunction with Current, and eventually the show will involve viewers picking and choosing different storylines that will eventually be produced as two half-hour episodes of a real TV show.

According to leaked planning documents, there's a big online and mobile component with the show as well, including a possible tool that would allow users to make and discuss their own storyboards. Of course, all of this is still in the planning stages, but that's okay -- it gives us plenty of time to work on our script about a game developer whose game is just too brilliant to be good. It'll be a hit for sure.

JoystiqWill Wright to produce reality show with user-created storylines originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>currentsporetelevisionthe-creation-projecttvwill-wrightWed, 31 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Creatures creeps onto iPhone and iPod Touch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/spore-creatures-creeps-onto-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/spore-creatures-creeps-onto-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/spore-creatures-creeps-onto-iphone-and-ipod-touch/#comments
Remember Spore? EA would like you to, this time by means of a seriously retooled version of the Nintendo DS release, Spore Creatures, for iPhone / iPod touch. Announced during GDC 2009, the game hit Apple's iTunes App Store today as a top-down affair costing $6.99.

Like almost every game released under the Spore banner, we suspect that the creature creator is its strongest element. We can't imagine the actual game -- which has players adding new parts to their creatures in order to tilt-control them past obstacles -- will really have legs, so to speak. But hey, we could be wrong ... or you could just wait for the lite version to find out for free.

Spore Creatures ($6.99): Spore Creatures

Gallery: Spore Creatures (iPhone/iPod Touch)


JoystiqSpore Creatures creeps onto iPhone and iPod Touch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleeaea-mobileElectronic-ArtsiPodSporespore-creaturesMon, 25 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr Pepper giving away free EA DLC with every purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/dr-pepper-giving-away-free-ea-dlc-with-every-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/dr-pepper-giving-away-free-ea-dlc-with-every-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/dr-pepper-giving-away-free-ea-dlc-with-every-purchase/#comments We can only imagine the planning meeting at Dr Pepper HQ, during which someone shouts "We must garner that critical gaming demographic! How will we ever best something as inimitable as Game Fuel?! It's got 'game' right there in the title!" Instead of copycatting the naming idea, though, Dr Pepper recently detailed an already announced partnership with EA to give away codes for downloadable content. The promotion details lists a handful of games -- Mass Effect 2, Battlefield Heroes, The Sims 3, Spore, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 -- which have "unique DLC" tied to them.

Rather than forcing an unknown amount of soda purchases out of its customers, we were told this afternoon by a customer service rep that "Every bottle wins." More specifically, each bottle contains a code that can then be redeemed on the Dr Pepper website, thus allowing participants to choose their system and DLC from an available list. We flatfooted to the local AM/PM and didn't spot the prize-bearing bottles, but we'll update this post with more information as we get it.

JoystiqDr Pepper giving away free EA DLC with every purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2battlefield-heroesdigital-distributiondlcdownloadable-contentdr-peppereaElectronic-Artsgame-fuelmass-effect-2Microsoftpromotionsporethe-sims-3Xbox-360Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam users report Spore online account issue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/steam-users-report-spore-online-account-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/steam-users-report-spore-online-account-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/steam-users-report-spore-online-account-issue/#commentsYes, some adventurers are still exploring Spore and its would-be vast, online universe -- at least, they're trying to. Since late last year, some Spore buyers who purchase the game through Valve's Steam distribution service have been unable to access the game's online component. The issue seems to be related to the serial number that's required when setting up a Spore account, but not provided with Steam copies of Spore.

Users who contacted Steam were told that Valve is working with EA to fix the issue and to continue to play offline until a fix is delivered. A Steam representative, posting in one forum thread, addressed angry users, claiming, "The ETA for a fix is 'as soon as possible.'" In the meantime, if you're about to buy Spore from Steam ... just buy it somewhere else.

JoystiqSteam users report Spore online account issue originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugseaea-maxisElectronic-ArtsmaxisonlinesporesteamvalveFri, 18 Dec 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Islands launches on Facebook, prepare to drown in invites]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/spore-islands-launches-on-facebook-prepare-to-drown-in-invites/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/spore-islands-launches-on-facebook-prepare-to-drown-in-invites/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/spore-islands-launches-on-facebook-prepare-to-drown-in-invites/#comments You likely spend a great deal of your time on Facebook informing your so-called "friends" that, no, you don't want to see their farm, or join their mafia, or become a vampire, or fight their superhero, and so on. We're afraid you'll be adding a new form of denial to your repertoire: "No, I don't want to birth a species from the loam, and force it to fight against your species in an adorable Flash-based display of survival of the fittest." It's a tad verbose -- but if you're not interested in EA's Spore Islands Facebook app, you're going to be saying it a lot in the coming weeks.

If genetic engineering is your bag, Spore Islands sounds like a fairly robust offering -- well, as robust as games built into social networking sites get, anyways. Players can create a species, plunk them down on an island, watch them fight for territorial dominance, improve their stats through evolution, then move them to a friend's island to attempt a hostile takeover. You can check out the game for free on EA's Facebook page -- just go easy on the invites, okay?

JoystiqSpore Islands launches on Facebook, prepare to drown in invites originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsfacebookflashfreemaxisonlinesocial-networkingsporespore-islandsFri, 06 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Creature Creator builder creates iPhone game about destroying]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spore-creature-creator-builder-creates-iphone-game-about-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spore-creature-creator-builder-creates-iphone-game-about-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spore-creature-creator-builder-creates-iphone-game-about-destroy/#comments
Chaim Gingold spent the past few years creating ways to create things in Spore, most notably the game's Creature Creator. Now the former Maxis design lead has decided to take a different path, making an iPhone game that's all about destroying things ... as a creature. Titled Earth Dragon, Gingold's debut effort on the App Store puts players in control of a dragon with some very simple needs: Laying waste to castles and enemies, and abducting princesses. It relies on simple tilt and tap controls to fly, smash and breathe fire.

In an interview with Gamasutra, Gingold spoke of his philosophy on iPhone development, saying, "My mantra while developing Earth Dragon has been 'Make Donkey Kong, not Super Mario Bros.' Think small! If people like it, you still care, you can pile in the other million ideas you have later." As for what he'll do next, it seems that iPhone will again be his platform of choice. "I have a ton of ideas sitting in my personal prototype vault that I've never been able to figure out what to do with, but I think many of them would work nicely on the iPhone, which is exciting to me."

If you're keen on playing the game -- which, in Gingold's words, contains "the most intense level of cartoon violence Apple allows" -- hit this link to the iTunes App Store. Just want to see it in action? Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Spore Creature Creator builder creates iPhone game about destroying

JoystiqSpore Creature Creator builder creates iPhone game about destroying originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeApplechaim-gingoldearth-dragonindieiPodmaxissporespore-creature-creatorThu, 29 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox making animated Spore movie; Ice Age director onboard; procedural generation, probably not]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/fox-making-animated-spore-movie-ice-age-director-onboard/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/fox-making-animated-spore-movie-ice-age-director-onboard/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/fox-making-animated-spore-movie-ice-age-director-onboard/#comments EA is on a movie-making tear thanks to that deal with UTA; it's got The Sims, Dante's Inferno, Army of Two, Dead Space, and Mass Effect. And now, Variety reports that Twentieth Century Fox is signed on to create a CG-animated movie based on EA's make-anything-you-want sim Spore, with Ice Age's Chris Wedge signed on to direct. To put it another way, they're turning the infinite-possibility space of Spore (read: the whole point of the game!) into a distinctly finite feature film. Procedural generation: out the window. Players as creators: nope!

In their place, we'll have a script by the duo of Greg Erb and Jason Oremland, who've written the upcoming films The Princess and the Frog and The Return of King Doug. Blue Sky Studios -- the team behind Ice Age and Robots -- will handle the whole CG-animation part. Keeping watch over their golden goose, EA's Patrick O'Brien and Maxis' Lucy Bradshaw are billed as executive producers.

Of the source material, Wedge said, "From every perspective -- visually, thematically and comedically -- the world of Spore provides the potential to put something truly original on the screen." Bradshaw misses the mark even further saying, "With more than 100 million unique creatures uploaded to our website, it's clear that people are passionate about the game, and it will be exciting to offer a powerful medium like film in order to expand their experience with Spore."

JoystiqFox making animated Spore movie; Ice Age director onboard; procedural generation, probably not originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue-Sky-StudiosChris-WedgeEAElectronic-ArtsFoxMaxismoviemoviesSporeSpore-MovieFri, 02 Oct 2009 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Creature Creator 2-D set free in your browser]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/spore-creature-creator-2-d-set-free-in-your-browser/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/spore-creature-creator-2-d-set-free-in-your-browser/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/spore-creature-creator-2-d-set-free-in-your-browser/#comments
Now here's some ... creative marketing. Maxis has launched a Flash-based browser version of the Spore Creature Creator that mimics the customization found in the retail game fairly closely. Only, y'know, in 2D. All 250 parts found in the 3D creator are available and there's even the option to import creatures from millions found in the Sporepedia (although we found many are "not supported" at this time).

The app is promoting the impending October 6 release of Spore Hero on Wii (and Spore Hero Arena for DS), but, even if you're not juiced about either game, it's great for creating loving, extremely flattering versions of your friends, family and co-workers -- which must then be placed on their Facebook feeds, of course.

JoystiqSpore Creature Creator 2-D set free in your browser originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedeaelectronic-artsmaxissporespore-creature-creatorspore-galactic-heroThu, 17 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Maxis employee working on new project, SpyParty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/30/former-maxis-employee-working-on-new-project-spyparty/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/30/former-maxis-employee-working-on-new-project-spyparty/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/30/former-maxis-employee-working-on-new-project-spyparty/#comments If you enjoyed the bioengineering action of Spore, you owe Chris Hecker a debt of gratitude. He was a contributing developer for the title, and is a six-year employee at Maxis -- rather, he was an employee, until he was let go from the company during Maxis' recent round of layoffs. However, he's not recovering from the downsizing by crying into his ice cream -- instead, he's using his newly found free time to develop one of the most interesting-sounding independent games we've heard of in a while.

Hecker's project, SpyParty, pits two players against each other in two different roles -- one plays the eponymous Spy, who must move around a party, discreetly completing objectives and blending in with the other guests. The other player is a Sniper who must identify the Spy's movements, and, well, snipe them. The game was received fairly well when demoed at GDC earlier this year -- now, we hope Hecker will have the time he needs to crank out a finished product. Best of luck, Chris!

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqFormer Maxis employee working on new project, SpyParty originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-heckerdeveloperindielayoffsmaxispcsporespyspypartySun, 30 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA confirms Maxis layoffs, publisher still committed to Spore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/ea-confirms-maxis-layoffs-publisher-still-committed-to-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/ea-confirms-maxis-layoffs-publisher-still-committed-to-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/ea-confirms-maxis-layoffs-publisher-still-committed-to-spore/#comments Joystiq has learned that at least a couple dozen employees of EA's Maxis studio were laid off today. EA confirmed that the publisher had reduced the workforce, telling Joystiq in a prepared statement, "EA has taken action to reduce the workforce at Maxis as we focus the business and focus Maxis."

The publisher stated it remains committed to Spore and other Maxis IPs. All eligible employees will receive severance and outplacement assistance. If you have more details or anything to add to this story, please feel free to contact us.

JoystiqEA confirms Maxis layoffs, publisher still committed to Spore originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisElectronic-ArtslayoffsmaxissporeWed, 26 Aug 2009 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore spinoffs for Wii and DS arrive in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/spore-spinoffs-for-wii-and-ds-arrive-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/spore-spinoffs-for-wii-and-ds-arrive-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/spore-spinoffs-for-wii-and-ds-arrive-in-october/#commentsReady to make some more bulbous, off-putting creatures? EA has announced the official release dates for the latest Spore universe games, Spore Hero for Wii and Spore Hero Arena for DS: October 6 in North America, and October 9 "internationally" (which means PAL regions).

Spore Hero is an action game in which your gross-looking critter searches for creature parts and attempts to save its home from destruction. Spore Hero Arena is a fighting game, in which you fight! It features four-player local multiplayer and one-on-one online play.

Perhaps the most encouraging thing about this announcement is that October is nowhere near Spring 2010. Look at that, two whole games coming out this year.

Gallery: Spore Hero (Wii)


Gallery: Spore Hero Arena (DS)




JoystiqSpore spinoffs for Wii and DS arrive in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionDSeaElectronic-ArtsfightingMaxisNintendosporespore-herospore-hero-arenaWiiMon, 17 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Galactic Adventures now has over 100k user-created levels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/spore-galactic-adventures-now-has-over-100k-user-created-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/spore-galactic-adventures-now-has-over-100k-user-created-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/spore-galactic-adventures-now-has-over-100k-user-created-levels/#comments
(click to Galaxy-size)

After Spore Galactic Adventures launched in late June, we expected a similar torrent of user-created content that arrived with the original game's release. Though not quite the same in terms of exponential upward curves, the expansion has just surpassed the 100,000 mark of user-created adventures.

For those of you who haven't been spending countless hours with the Robot Chicken-created DLC, there's clearly plenty of other stuff to keep you occupied. EA Maxis suggests you check out "The Silent Beacon," "Valley of a Thousand Deaths" and "The Fog," but we know better. How about the only good version of Sonic in twenty years? Sold!

Gallery: Spore Galactic Adventures (PC)


JoystiqSpore Galactic Adventures now has over 100k user-created levels originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisElectronic-Artsgalactic-adventuresmaxispcsporespore-galactic-adventuresuser-created-contentSat, 01 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dave Perry gives first video tour of Gaikai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dave-perry-gives-first-video-tour-of-gaikai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dave-perry-gives-first-video-tour-of-gaikai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dave-perry-gives-first-video-tour-of-gaikai/#comments
Between OnLive and Gaikai, we're not sure who to trust less. Both systems are clearly operating under some form of unknown dark magic, allowing the mysterious services to stream high-def gaming directly into your television and computer browser. Both services though -- luckily and necessarily -- have representatives willing to happily test our skepticism in OnLive's Steve Perlman and Gaikai's Dave Perry.

The video (found after the break) has the latter demoing Gaikai, streaming games from Mario Kart 64 to Spore to EVE Online, all from his Vista-powered PC running Firefox on an 800-mile trip between the server and his home. He claims in the video to be streaming all of the games demoed from sub 1-megabit internet speeds and says that "even a NetBook" could run Gaikai with no problems. From what we can see, things are running smoothly, though unlike OnLive, we've yet to get our hands on the equipment. Perry says we'll see more at this month's Develop Conference, so for those of you itching for more Gaikai, you've got a two-week wait on your hands. Perhaps you should play some of those old, less magic-filled gaming consoles you have.

[Via Edge Online]

Continue reading Dave Perry gives first video tour of Gaikai

JoystiqDave Perry gives first video tour of Gaikai originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-perrydavid-perryeve-onlinegaikaimario-kart-64onlivepcsporesteve-perlmanWed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Chicken's downloadable Spore adventures are totally tasteful, just watch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/robot-chickens-downloadable-spore-adventures-are-totally-tastef/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/robot-chickens-downloadable-spore-adventures-are-totally-tastef/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/robot-chickens-downloadable-spore-adventures-are-totally-tastef/#comments When we first heard that the creators and writers of adult swim's stop-motion comedy goldmine, Robot Chicken, were going to be creating DLC adventures for Spore: Galactic Adventures, we knew the results would be ... unique. Now EA has released a short video showing Seth Green, Tom Root and the rest of the show's writing staff "at work" on the content, followed by a run-through of what they came up with. "Unique" doesn't describe it; in fact, we're not sure any word could. "Nutshit," maybe.

So thanks, Robot Chicken. You've managed to make us want to re-install the game, if only to find out whether Whiney rhino actually obeys the evil clown and shovels the poo he fears so much. Spore, June 23 is your day to shine.

JoystiqRobot Chicken's downloadable Spore adventures are totally tasteful, just watch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adult-swimeaelectronic-artsmaxisrobot-chickenseth-greensporespore-galactic-adventurestom-rootFri, 19 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Chicken creators making DLC for Spore: Galactic Adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/robot-chicken-creators-making-dlc-for-spore-galactic-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/robot-chicken-creators-making-dlc-for-spore-galactic-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/robot-chicken-creators-making-dlc-for-spore-galactic-adventures/#comments
The Robot Chicken writing team is designing a free downloadable campaign pack for Spore Galactic Adventures, set to be available at launch on June 23. The campaign was conceptualized by Seth Green and Matt Senreich, then presumably executed by their underlings. The DLC includes "exploding poo, angry yetis, ruler yielding librarians and more," of course.

The team's exploits (in creating the DLC, we hope) will be tracked at the Spore WTF site. At least getting the Robot Chicken crew involved might get "the targeted demographic" talking about Spore again.

JoystiqRobot Chicken creators making DLC for Spore: Galactic Adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adult-swimelectronic-artsrobot-chickenseth-greensporespore-galactic-adventuresTue, 19 May 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA officially details Spore Hero, Spore Hero Arena]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/ea-officially-details-spore-hero-spore-hero-arena/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/ea-officially-details-spore-hero-spore-hero-arena/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/ea-officially-details-spore-hero-spore-hero-arena/#comments Electronic Arts has elaborated on what playing Spore will be like once the primordial goo takes shape on the Wii and DS later this year. The Wii's motion-sensitive Spore Hero will play out as a story-based action game, as players save their planet from being blown to bits while collecting more than 250 creature parts. EA also notes that this take on 2008's evolutionary experiment will feature a new version of Spore Creature Creator, one that's been "enhanced" for the Wii. We expect minigames are somehow involved.

For would-be gods on the go, Spore Hero Arena instead will focus more on combat. Here, creatures travel between planets to slug it out to become the champ and collect spoils, which, in this case, are special abilities to give a creature enough of an added boost and inflated ego to take on the next rival evolutionary misfit. Spore Hero Arena will also support local multiplayer battles for up to three players, or allow two players' creations to go up against each other over Wi-Fi.

Neither Spore Hero nor Spore Hero Arena have been given an exact release date yet, with both expected to evolve onto store shelves sometime this fall.

Gallery: Spore Hero (Wii)


Gallery: Spore Hero Arena (DS)

JoystiqEA officially details Spore Hero, Spore Hero Arena originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 May 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionadventureDSeaelectronic-artsNintendosporespore-herospore-hero-arenaWiiTue, 12 May 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Chicken and Spore to be combined ... somehow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/robot-chicken-and-spore-to-be-combined-somehow/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/robot-chicken-and-spore-to-be-combined-somehow/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/robot-chicken-and-spore-to-be-combined-somehow/#comments
There are few things that aren't better when you mix them with adult swim's 15-minute comedy series Robot Chicken. Mario was better, GTA was better and, we're hoping, that Spore will be improved whenever Maxis shows what it's working on with the show's creators.

A teaser site has been launched at www.spore.com/wtf, promising some combination of the IPs to be revealed on May 19. You can also find a teaser video after the jump that features Du Jour's Breckin Meyer discussing exploding raindrops. Consider us intrigued.

[Via BD]

Continue reading Robot Chicken and Spore to be combined ... somehow

JoystiqRobot Chicken and Spore to be combined ... somehow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adult-swimrobot-chickensporeMon, 11 May 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Over 100 million creatures made in Spore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/over-100-million-creatures-made-in-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/over-100-million-creatures-made-in-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/over-100-million-creatures-made-in-spore/#commentsSince the release of Spore -- in fact, before the release of Spore, thanks to the Creature Creator -- players have brought new life into the fake world over 100 million times. According to Spore Illustrated, the Spore community crossed the 100-million threshold on April 29. "There was a massive flood of entries right at the 100 million mark," SI said. "An estimated 90,000 creatures were uploaded just after 2pm in an attempt to make a mark in Spore game history. EA will reveal the history-making 100 millionth monster soon. [Update: And it has!]

Of course, that number doesn't include banned products of the massive worldwide Spore penis monster team (otherwise known as every teenager with a copy of Spore), but presumably does include the millions of monsters who look just different enough from wangs to avoid notice.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqOver 100 million creatures made in Spore originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 May 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100-millionmaxissporespore-creature-creatorwill-wrightMon, 04 May 2009 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright involved in the future of Spore, consoles a possibility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/will-wright-involved-in-the-future-of-spore-consoles-a-possibil/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/will-wright-involved-in-the-future-of-spore-consoles-a-possibil/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/will-wright-involved-in-the-future-of-spore-consoles-a-possibil/#comments
Ex-EA employee and enormously popular developer Will Wright is apparently only halfway out of EA's doors. Talking with GameDaily, Wright confirmed his intention to stay on as a consultant for EA Maxis (the development team behind Spore). Saying, "I'm spending a certain amount of time every month actually working with the Spore team on future versions of Spore and expansions," Wright (seemingly for the first time) announced his plans beyond his work with upcoming venture, the Stupid Fun Club.

Additionally, Wright commented on the possibility of console iterations of Spore, frankly stating, "For us it's really an opportunity/cost issue ... we either do that [consoles] or we continue creating new applications on the PC or we kind of go into the handheld arena." Guess he forgot about that upcoming Wii title, Spore Hero! While we're looking forward to what Wright's next move is with SFC, it's good to hear the man behind Spore is still helping to develop the game moving forward. The money problem doesn't hurt either, eh?

JoystiqWill Wright involved in the future of Spore, consoles a possibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisElectronic-ArtsgamedailyMicrosoftNintendosporespore-herostupid-fun-clubWiiwill-wrightXbox-360Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Maxis designer on college lecture tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/maxis-designer-on-college-lecture-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/maxis-designer-on-college-lecture-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/maxis-designer-on-college-lecture-tour/#comments
Electronic Arts has announced that Stone Librande, lead designer at Maxis, is now embarking on a lecture tour through some of the United States' game design colleges. On the tour, Librande will be teaching students the art of "designing playfully," while also giving students a first look at the upcoming Spore expansion, Galactic Adventures. That's right kids, they're luring you to class with video games! Librande will be showing students how to use the game's Adventure Creator and also "inspiring and teaching them how to make game concepts come to life." Sounds like a heckuva guy.

The tour already rolled through the Georgia Institute of Technology last week, with the next stop being the University of Southern California on April 16, followed by the final stop at Carnegie Mellon on May 1.

JoystiqMaxis designer on college lecture tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxissporespore-galactic-adventuresTue, 14 Apr 2009 20:50:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Paper prototype of Aperture Science + Left 4 Dead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-paper-prototype-of-aperture-science-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-paper-prototype-of-aperture-science-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-paper-prototype-of-aperture-science-left-4-dead/#comments
Game designer Stone Librande works at EA/Maxis as a game designer, and we mean he designs games quite literally. Whenever developers run into problems, they'll bring Stone in to create paper versions of the project in order to solutioneer a fix. He worked on Spore in the early days of the Cell Stage development, and had so much stuff rattling around in his head that he created a cell level game on the side of his refrigerator. For free.

He said they might not always turn out to be fun, but they do aid as a tool in the development process, especially since it's hard to get everyone to gather around a computer screen to check a problem out... but they'll actually come out of hiding to check out paper gaming pieces. We want to design a board game to fix issues at Joystiq, and then fight over who controls the pewter Justin McElroy gamepiece. Check out his "Aperture Science meets Left 4 Dead" board game above, and a gallery of more of his creations below. Just imagine what his board game collection must look like.

Gallery: EA/Maxis Paper Games

JoystiqGDC09: Paper prototype of Aperture Science + Left 4 Dead originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Board-GameEAElectronic-ArtsGDCGDC-2009Maxispaper-gameSporeStone-LibrandeSat, 28 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Galactic Adventures coming June 23rd, bringing gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/spore-galactic-adventures-coming-june-23rd-bringing-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/spore-galactic-adventures-coming-june-23rd-bringing-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/spore-galactic-adventures-coming-june-23rd-bringing-gameplay/#commentsSpore publisher EA has dropped a new trailer and a handful of new screens for the game's upcoming expansion, titled "Galactic Adventures," and with them, a release date finally. According to the EA press site (and confirmed by EA Maxis rep. Amanda Taggart), the gameplay-heavy DLC hits the cyber autobahn as well as brick-and-mortar stores on June 23rd, though the pricing is still "TBA."

The trailer above shows off a variety of new end-game content that, to be perfectly honest, looks to be a lot of fun. Commanding fleets of space-faring creatures across the galaxy, subjugating everyone along the way? Where do we sign up?! And remember, Spore Galactic Adventures is just the first of four Spore titles coming to various platforms (Wii/DS/PC/Mac) this year, so keep those pocketbooks open.

Gallery: Spore: Galactic Adventures

JoystiqSpore Galactic Adventures coming June 23rd, bringing gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanda-taggartdlceaElectronic-Artsexpansionmacmaxispcsporespore-galactic-adventuresTue, 24 Mar 2009 20:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@GDC09: TTP = Time To Penis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/overheard-gdc09-ttp-time-to-penis/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/overheard-gdc09-ttp-time-to-penis/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/overheard-gdc09-ttp-time-to-penis/#commentsDuring the "Spore's Wake: What Seriously Happened?" panel at GDC, we learned a fantastic new meme that we have to share with you. "Time To Penis" (or just "TTP" in the streetz) is defined as the amount of time it will take children to make something rude out of a set of tools they've been given -- typically, that object is a penis. Apparently, TTP can be measured down to the near-second. In Spore's case, TTP was actually a negative factor since "children" were making penis monsters before the Creature Creator was even officially released!

Did you know? That little guy on the right is generally considered to be Spore's first penis creature. Don't stare, though -- he's shy.

JoystiqOverheard@GDC09: TTP = Time To Penis originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsgdc-2009memeoverheardsporettpTue, 24 Mar 2009 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[SXSW 2009: That Doesn't Suck! Inspiring Creativity With Spore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/15/sxsw-2009-that-doesnt-suck-inspiring-creativity-with-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/15/sxsw-2009-that-doesnt-suck-inspiring-creativity-with-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/15/sxsw-2009-that-doesnt-suck-inspiring-creativity-with-spore/#comments
Although Spore's ship date has come and gone, many people are still fervent about creating new creatures, vehicles, buildings, and more for the game, and they've chalked up over 86 million users creations and counting so far. This panel was about the the wealth user created content out there, and also served as a springboard for talking about the first full Spore expansion pack: Galactic Adventures.

Caryl Shaw is a producer at Maxis, and she showed off the new expansion pack, and talked about the tools that Maxis and EA strive to give users so that they can create their own open-ended adventures, which is what Galactic Adventures promises to do. She tooled around inside the game for a bit, showing off the planet terraforming features and a combat-focused user created adventure. But what caught our eye most of all was the sheer amount of extremely creative user creations that just stagger the imagination.

While Spore might have come out and disappointed some, this panel was enough to make us want to bust it out again when we get home and either get busy creating, or get busy exploring some of the jaw-dropping user content. Check out the highlights after the break.

Continue reading SXSW 2009: That Doesn't Suck! Inspiring Creativity With Spore

JoystiqSXSW 2009: That Doesn't Suck! Inspiring Creativity With Spore originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caryl-shawEAElectronic-ArtsExpansionMaxisSporespore-galactic-adventuressxswsxsw-2009Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Hero: details on the Wii's Spore spinoff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/spore-hero-details-on-the-wiis-spore-spinoff/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/spore-hero-details-on-the-wiis-spore-spinoff/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/spore-hero-details-on-the-wiis-spore-spinoff/#commentsEA is finally bringing Spore to the Wii, sort of: Spore Hero is coming this fall, but, of course, it won't be exactly the same as the PC game. Spore Hero, as revealed to MTV Multiplayer today, is a heavily motion control-dependent adventure based on the "creature" stage of Spore. The same creature editor from the original is present in Hero, allowing players to create new life with the Wiimote's pointer.

Players will now directly control the creature in "a series of quests and adventures in a kind of open world that you can take at your own pace." New parts can be added that will translate to new motion-controlled moves. Some moves, like jumping, will open up new areas to explore. EA is currently "taking a look" at MotionPlus for Spore Hero, for improved sensitivity for the motion-based gameplay.

This sounds a lot like the DS's Spore Creatures -- whose sequel, Spore Hero Arena, is still scheduled for a fall release on DS.

JoystiqSpore Hero: details on the Wii's Spore spinoff originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureeamotionplussporespore-heroMon, 09 Mar 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright to keynote SIGGRAPH 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/will-wright-to-keynote-siggraph-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/will-wright-to-keynote-siggraph-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/will-wright-to-keynote-siggraph-2009/#commentsThere's just something about Will Wright that makes us melt. His choice in games. His geeky good looks. His ability to play god. Whatever it is, maybe the esteemed game designer will shed some light on our infatuation when he takes the stage as the keynote speaker at SIGGRAPH 2009.

His presence marks an "expanded" gaming focus for the CGI tech fest, which normally centers on what's new and bleeding edge with all things graphics. The topic of Wright's discussion has not yet been released, though we'll be listening with bated breath when the show opens its doors in New Orleans in early August.

JoystiqWill Wright to keynote SIGGRAPH 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>siggraphsiggraph-2009siggraph2009simssporethe-simswill-wrightThu, 05 Mar 2009 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Galactic Adventures vids show new game editing features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/spore-galactic-adventures-vids-show-new-game-editing-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/spore-galactic-adventures-vids-show-new-game-editing-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/spore-galactic-adventures-vids-show-new-game-editing-features/#commentsIf you're a Spore fan then you're probably already aware that the best thing about the game was the creation tools, which allowed you to make your own aliens, buildings and vehicles. Spore Galactic Adventures, the upcoming expansion pack, looks to add more of these to the game, not only allowing you to create your own customized planets but also to build an entire game, LittleBigPlanet style.

Check out the videos after the break to see these new editor features in action. Perhaps some playable user generated content will make up for the disappointing gameplay in the original title.

Continue reading Spore Galactic Adventures vids show new game editing features

JoystiqSpore Galactic Adventures vids show new game editing features originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmacpcsporespore-galactic-adventureswill-wrightSun, 08 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See how Spore evolves with 'Galactic Adventures']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/see-how-spore-evolves-with-galactic-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/see-how-spore-evolves-with-galactic-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/see-how-spore-evolves-with-galactic-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's universally agreed upon that the best bits of Spore are its creature creation and galactic endgame. It's really no surprise, then, that the first expansion for the game -- Spore Galactic Adventures -- seeks to produce a viable cross-breed of the two modes.

One of several Spore projects on tap for 2009, the expansion will give players the ability to design whole planets and build their own adventures, then share them via the same web-based mechanism as other game creations. Maxis has put together a "behind the scenes" look into the concept -- which, even if it doesn't address all of Spore's sore spots, will at least allow for planets that look like adult novelties.

JoystiqSee how Spore evolves with 'Galactic Adventures' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artsMacPCsporespore-galactic-adventuresvideoMon, 26 Jan 2009 21:56:00 EST<![CDATA[EA officially announces Spore Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/ea-officially-announces-spore-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/ea-officially-announces-spore-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/ea-officially-announces-spore-hero/#commentsFiled under:

Spore's arrival on the Wii has been stretched out over such a protracted period of time it would make evolution itself blush. Will Wright first confirmed the project way, way back in October 2007; optimistically, we placed the game in a list of titles to look out for in 2008.

Nevertheless, let's say it again: Spore is coming to Wii. Yay! This time, to make things feel extra official and important, EA made the announcement, revealing that Spore Hero, a game built from the ground up for the Wii, would focus on "creativity and evolution." And that's really all we know for now, aside from the fact that the game will release this fall.

Considering it's taken EA the best part of fifteen months to announce the thing, and given the first game's reputation, we wouldn't be amazed to see some slippage. One to watch out for in our "Games for 2010" list, perhaps.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqEA officially announces Spore Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamaxissimulationsporespore-heroThu, 22 Jan 2009 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Four new Spore titles on Wii, DS and PC this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/four-new-spore-titles-on-wii-ds-and-pc-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/four-new-spore-titles-on-wii-ds-and-pc-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/four-new-spore-titles-on-wii-ds-and-pc-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click for more Battlefish-esque screenshots

Just as your Spore creature grows from a single cell to a mighty populace, so do the Spore franchise opportunities continue to emerge from the single acorn of Will Wright's PC masterpiece. EA has just revealed that you'll have four new entries in the series to sink your teeth/claws/proboscis into this year, including old news Spore Galactic Adventures. Also coming to PCs is Spore Creature Keeper, a kid-friendly title that lets you raise and play with a creature in captivity.

Coming to Nintendo's consoles is Spore Hero on the Wii, an adventure game "focusing on creativity and evolution" and built for the system's motion controls, and the DS's Spore Hero Arena, a continuation of last year's Spore Creatures that pits your creations against others. Look for both to swim, then squirm, then walk to shelves this fall.

Gallery: Spore Galactic Adventures (PC)

JoystiqFour new Spore titles on Wii, DS and PC this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSeaElectronic-ArtsmaxisPCsporespore-creature-keeperspore-galactic-adventuresspore-herospore-hero-arenaWiiThu, 22 Jan 2009 09:30:00 EST