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[Double Fine wants to win back Stacking, Costume Quest rights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/double-fine-wants-to-win-back-stacking-costume-quest-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/double-fine-wants-to-win-back-stacking-costume-quest-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/double-fine-wants-to-win-back-stacking-costume-quest-rights/#commentsDouble Fine wants to win back Stacking, Costume Quest rights Double Fine wants to tie up all of the loose ends within its catalog and is seeking the distribution rights to its games formerly published by THQ, Stacking and Costume Quest. Nordic Games picked up the distribution rights to these games during THQ's bankruptcy auction in April, though Double Fine attempted to secure the rights from THQ as early as February.

Double Fine owns the intellectual properties for Stacking and Costume Quest, so if it wants to make new games within each series, it can.

"We're still trying to get the rights to Costume Quest and Stacking," Schafer told Game Informer. "We can still make more of those games. We still have the IP, but we'd love to have all of the IP and distribution rights in house."

On top of those distribution rights, Double Fine wants to regain the Brutal Legend IP from EA and the Iron Brigade IP from Microsoft, Schafer said. These are difficult positions for Double Fine, but for us, deciding which war to watch is just as hard: Battle of Heavy Metal and Mechs or the Battle of Kids in Costumes Playing with Toys From the Old Country. Decisions, decisions.

JoystiqDouble Fine wants to win back Stacking, Costume Quest rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutal-legendCostume-Questdistribution-rightsdouble-fineintellectual-propertyiron-brigademicrosoftnordic-gamespcplaystationps3stackingthq-bankruptcyxboxSun, 12 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine, Codemasters, former president Rubin, more seeking payment from THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/#comments THQ may be no more, but several parties have filed claims against the defunct video game publisher. The Kurtzman Carson Consultancy group shows Double Fine, Codemasters and even individual former executives Jason Kay and Jason Rubin are seeking financial compensation for unpaid obligations from THQ

Double Fine (PDF link) is looking for $595,000, claiming THQ offered up Stacking and Costume Quest as free PlayStation Plus downloads without Double Fine's knowledge, and that none of the PS Plus revenue was shared. Codemasters (PDF link) is looking for an exact $1,002,714.25, seeking reimbursement for unpaid royalties and storing quantities of Bodycount, Dirt 3 and F1 2011 discs in a warehouse somewhere. Kay (PDF link) and Rubin (PDF link) are seeking $2.1 million each for failed "employment obligations." The two claim unpaid vacation time, sick leave and severance.

THQ's final assets were auctioned off for nearly $7 million earlier this week, including Darksiders, Homeworld and the Drawn to Life series. The results of the first auction were posted in January, facilitating the transfer of ownership for Saints Row 4, Homefront, Company of Heroes 2 and more.

JoystiqDouble Fine, Codemasters, former president Rubin, more seeking payment from THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountclaimcodemasterscostume-questdirt-3double-finef1-2011jason-kayjason-rubinlawsuitstackingthqFri, 26 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine trying to get Costume Quest, Stacking IP back from THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/double-fine-trying-to-get-costume-quest-stacking-ip-back-from-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/double-fine-trying-to-get-costume-quest-stacking-ip-back-from-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/double-fine-trying-to-get-costume-quest-stacking-ip-back-from-t/#comments Double Fine has self-published Costume Quest and Stacking on PC, but THQ still holds some of the rights to those games as publisher of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. Those games are among the properties being sold off in THQ's latest auction - however, they're being sold as a bundle with dozens of other properties. Officially, they can't be sold outside of the lot, but Double Fine is hopeful.

"THQ retained limited distribution rights that we bid on during the previous process to reclaim them prior to their expiration," Justin Bailey, VP of business development, told Polygon. "We are optimistic about regaining these distribution rights, as this process has already demonstrated that when there are parties interested in specific assets, those assets are worth more when sold separately." Double Fine has yet to hear back from THQ about any potential deals.

JoystiqDouble Fine trying to get Costume Quest, Stacking IP back from THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncostume-questdouble-finemicrosoftpcplaystationps3stackingthqxboxThu, 28 Feb 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine discounts: Psychonauts, Iron Brigade, Stacking and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/double-fine-discounts-psychonauts-iron-brigade-stacking-and-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/double-fine-discounts-psychonauts-iron-brigade-stacking-and-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/double-fine-discounts-psychonauts-iron-brigade-stacking-and-m/#comments No matter where you like to purchase your games, odds are you'll find a Double Fine game on discount right now. The developer has announced its entire catalogue is on sale across Steam, Xbox 360, Amazon and its own shop.

Discounts include Stacking and its DLC on Xbox Live Arcade, and both signed and stock copies of Brutal Legend on PS3 and Xbox 360 through the Double Fine Shop. Iron Brigade (formerly Trenched) is cheap on Steam and Xbox Live Arcade right now, and even Psychonauts is half-off through Steam and the Mac App store, and the soundtrack too.

We'd never tell you how to spend those hard-earned duckets you covet so much, but at least we can rest easy knowing you're not spending as much as you normally would.

JoystiqDouble Fine discounts: Psychonauts, Iron Brigade, Stacking and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutal-legenddouble-finedouble-fine-happy-action-theateriron-brigademacmicrosoftonce-upon-a-monsterpcplaystationps3Psychonautssesame-street-once-upon-a-monsterstackingtrenchedxboxTue, 09 Oct 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Summer Sale, final day: BioShock, Bastion, Double Fine bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/steam-summer-sale-final-day-bioshock-bastion-double-fine-bun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/steam-summer-sale-final-day-bioshock-bastion-double-fine-bun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/steam-summer-sale-final-day-bioshock-bastion-double-fine-bun/#comments Steam Summer Sale, final day BioShock, Bastion, Double Fine bundleThis is it. Dig around your couch cushions, look under the rug and peek between the seats in your car (if you haven't sold it, that is) for any extra change. The final day of the Steam Summer Sale is here.

The last day is going out with a whimper, offering the BioShock franchise for $9.98, Bastion for $3.74, a Double Fine bundle including Costume Quest, Psychonauts and Stacking for $7.49, and Splinter Cell: Conviction seeing a range of deals, starting with the game itself for $4.99. Jagged Alliance: Back in Action is $9.99, Operation Flashpoint Complete (Dragon Rising and Red River) runs $13.74, Football Manager 2012 is $7.50, and Space Pirates and Zombies is $2.49.

Indie Bundle XI includes Hydrophobia: Prophecy, Orion: Dino Beatdown, Star Ruler, Waveform and World of Goo for $9.99.

And that's that, everyone. Summer's over. Now get back to work; you have to pay off all those games you bought somehow, and it's certainly not going to happen if you take the time to play them.

JoystiqSteam Summer Sale, final day: BioShock, Bastion, Double Fine bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BastionbioshockCostume-Questdouble-fineFootball-manager-2012hydrophobia-prophecyjagged-alliance-back-in-actionmacoperation-flashpoint-dragon-risingoperation-flashpoint-red-riverorion-dino-beatdownpcpsychonautsspace-pirates-and-zombiessplinter-cell-convictionstackingstar-rulerSTEAMsteam-summer-sale-2012waveformWorld-of-GooSun, 22 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine deals found in the Amazon, Psychonauts and Costume Quest under $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/double-fine-deals-found-in-the-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/double-fine-deals-found-in-the-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/double-fine-deals-found-in-the-amazon/#comments ImageAmazon's PC digital distribution service has a few Double Fine titles on discount this week. Psychonauts -- the original Inception -- is available for $3.99, Costume Quest is a treat at a mere $2.99 and you can nest at ease with Stacking at $7.49.

If you've yet to play or own any of these games (for shame!), then pick 'em all up for $10 with the "Oh So Fine" bundle.

JoystiqDouble Fine deals found in the Amazon, Psychonauts and Costume Quest under $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Costume-QuestDouble-FinepcPsychonautsStackingMon, 07 May 2012 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine remembers 'Amnesia Fortnight' in GDC postmortem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/double-fine-remembers-amnesia-fortnight-in-gdc-postmortem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/double-fine-remembers-amnesia-fortnight-in-gdc-postmortem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/double-fine-remembers-amnesia-fortnight-in-gdc-postmortem/#comments In a GDC panel called "Creative Panic: How Agility Turned Terror Into Triumph," project leads from Double Fine's quartet of "Amnesia Fortnight" projects each outlined the process and inspiration behind their games -- with the exception of Costume Quest's Tasha Harris, who didn't share her insights because she wasn't there. "Amnesia Fortnight is a psychedelic mushroom and we all took it," studio head Tim Schafer said, before adding that it was really a two-week team game design exercise held in the middle of Brütal Legend work.

Born from a break in AAA development, the Amnesia Fortnight forged a new direction for the company when Brütal Legend 2 was canceled.

Continue reading Double Fine remembers 'Amnesia Fortnight' in GDC postmortem

JoystiqDouble Fine remembers 'Amnesia Fortnight' in GDC postmortem originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-fortnightdouble-finegdc-2012iron-brigademicrosoftpcplaystationps3sesame-street-once-upon-a-monsterstackingtim-schafertrenchedxboxThu, 08 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get cracking on Stacking, now on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/get-cracking-on-stacking-now-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/get-cracking-on-stacking-now-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/get-cracking-on-stacking-now-on-pc/#comments Stacking, the Double Fine adventure game in which a destitute boy commandeers other people by embedding himself in their bodies, is now available for PC through Steam. Don't worry, a liberal application of pure charm covers up what initially sounds like a weird, disturbing premise.

The PC version, which is temporarily discounted to $9.99 (regularly $14.99) during this launch period, includes all the matryoshka maneuvering seen in the console versions, along with the "Lost Hobo King" DLC. The non-physical nature of this release may undermine our suggestion, but do let us know what you think once you crack this game open.

JoystiqGet cracking on Stacking, now on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcstackingTue, 06 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine's Stacking to nestle in your PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/double-fines-stacking-to-nestle-in-your-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/double-fines-stacking-to-nestle-in-your-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/double-fines-stacking-to-nestle-in-your-pc/#comments Dolls. Double Fine has revealed its matryoshka-infused adventure, Stacking, will soon come to PC. The news came from Double Fine's Tim Schafer and Lee Petty during X-Play's Best of 2011 award show. Stacking took home the title of 2011's best downloadable game, with Schafer and Petty revealing the PC port in a rather unique way, which you can see in the video after the break (skip to 1:00).

No other details were revealed, save to say that the PC version will be available "soon."

Continue reading Double Fine's Stacking to nestle in your PC

JoystiqDouble Fine's Stacking to nestle in your PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-finelee-pettypcstackingtim-schaferFri, 16 Dec 2011 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine's 'Amnesia Fortnight' game design jams saved the company]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/double-fines-amnesia-fortnight-game-design-jams-saved-the-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/double-fines-amnesia-fortnight-game-design-jams-saved-the-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/double-fines-amnesia-fortnight-game-design-jams-saved-the-com/#comments The recent downloadable releases from Double Fine, as well as the upcoming Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster, all had their genesis in the company's "Amnesia Fortnight" events, in which small teams would make quick game prototypes. Schafer says that if not for those informal sessions, the company might not still be running.

"We had done one Amnesia Fortnight in the middle of Brutal Legend, and one at the end, so we had eight prototypes," studio head Tim Schafer explained to Edge. "I thought eventually we'd start working on smaller games with the extra money that we got from these huge games, and then we found out that Brutal Legend 2 wasn't happening." With nothing else going on, Double Fine started looking for deals for the best four Amnesia Fortnight prototypes.

"The thing I like about it is that we had a catastrophic event and the company saved itself purely based on the creativity of the team. Lee [Petty, responsible for Stacking], Tasha [Harris, who came up with Costume Quest], Brad [Muir, of Trenched], and Nathan [Martz, the game design puppeteer behind Sesame Street]- their ideas."

Had the Amnesia Fortnight not have been a success, we can only imagine that Double Fine would be forced to hold "Amnesia Fifteenminutes" within the fortnights, in which each employee rushed out prototypes while rushing out their other prototypes.

JoystiqDouble Fine's 'Amnesia Fortnight' game design jams saved the company originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-fortnightcostume-questdouble-finemicrosoftplaystationps3sesame-street-once-upon-a-monsterstackingtim-schafertrenchedxboxFri, 26 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stacking dev crafting Pixies-inspired Matryoshka dolls for tribute art exhibition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/stacking-dev-crafting-pixies-inspired-matryoshka-dolls-for-tribu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/stacking-dev-crafting-pixies-inspired-matryoshka-dolls-for-tribu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/stacking-dev-crafting-pixies-inspired-matryoshka-dolls-for-tribu/#comments This fall, Double Fine project lead Lee Petty will try his hand at something other than developing games about Russian stacking dolls, though it doesn't deviate far in spirit from his usual work. Along with a few dozen other artists, he'll be creating a Pixies-inspired work for an art exhibit in Venice, California, titled "Dig for Fire" (named after the Pixies song, as you esteemed rock historians likely guessed).

The show is taking place at the C.A.V.E. Gallery and runs September 9 through October 1, so you'll have a few weeks to head over and peruse the art. We'll probably check it out -- fingers crossed that there's no homage to "Wave of Mutilation!"

[Thanks, Kevin!]

JoystiqStacking dev crafting Pixies-inspired Matryoshka dolls for tribute art exhibition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacave-gallerydouble-finelee-pettymatryoshkamatryoshka-dollsstackingthe-pixiesTue, 05 Jul 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live April schedule: Bad Company 2 DLC, Comic Jumper discounts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/xbox-live-april-schedule-bad-company-2-dlc-comic-jumper-discou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/xbox-live-april-schedule-bad-company-2-dlc-comic-jumper-discou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/xbox-live-april-schedule-bad-company-2-dlc-comic-jumper-discou/#comments Microsoft has revealed some of the content and deals coming to the Xbox Live Marketplace in early April, which include quite a few discounts. It kicks off this week with the launch of DLC for Mass Effect 2 and You Don't Know Jack, as well as some discounts on Comic Jumper, Deadliest Warrior and the "Dead Money" DLC for Fallout: New Vegas.

Hit the jump for the full list.

Continue reading Xbox Live April schedule: Bad Company 2 DLC, Comic Jumper discounts

JoystiqXbox Live April schedule: Bad Company 2 DLC, Comic Jumper discounts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-world-of-keflingsbattlefield-bad-company-2comic-jumperdeadliest-warriordlcfable-3fallout-new-vegasislands-of-wakfuMass-Effect-2microsoftrush-n-attack-ex-patriotstackingthe-dishwasher-vampire-smileworms-2Worms-2-Armageddonxblmxboxxbox-live-marketplaceWed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stacking's 'Lost Hobo King' DLC coming in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/stackings-lost-hobo-king-dlc-coming-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/stackings-lost-hobo-king-dlc-coming-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/stackings-lost-hobo-king-dlc-coming-in-april/#comments As hinted, THQ has made official "The Lost Hobo King" DLC for Stacking. The add-on is coming in "early April" and takes Charlie to the kingdom of Camelfoot to help his friend Levi sort out "an important family matter." Turns out Levi has some royal lineage -- we totally called it!

No price has been set for "The Lost Hobo King" yet, but players can look forward to more than 15 new dolls, new challenges and Achievements/Trophies, and the "fully-realized" kingdom of Camelfoot to explore.

Continue reading Stacking's 'Lost Hobo King' DLC coming in April

JoystiqStacking's 'Lost Hobo King' DLC coming in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdouble-finemicrosoftplaystationps3psmrelease-datestackingthe-lost-hobo-kingthqxblmxboxFri, 18 Mar 2011 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Stacking DLC to focus on The Lost Hobo King]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/stacking-dlc-to-focus-on-the-lost-hobo-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/stacking-dlc-to-focus-on-the-lost-hobo-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/stacking-dlc-to-focus-on-the-lost-hobo-king/#comments It would seem the first DLC offering for Stacking has been hiding inside the dolls all along. Today, a tipster discovered said DLC's Achievements on Xbox.com and sent us the above screen grab, which indicates it will be called The Lost Hobo King. We have since verified that it's visible on Xbox.com, and on Xbox360Achievements.

The only prominent hobo we can think of in Stacking is Levi, the keeper of records for protagonist Charlie. Hopefully he'll be getting out of that cramped back room and discover his royal lineage!

[Thanks, Aidan]

JoystiqStacking DLC to focus on The Lost Hobo King originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdouble-finelost-hobo-kingmicrosoftplaystationps3stackingthqxboxThu, 17 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stacking to get an additional layer of DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/stacking-to-get-an-additional-layer-of-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/stacking-to-get-an-additional-layer-of-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/stacking-to-get-an-additional-layer-of-dlc/#comments Looking to cause a little more matryoshka mayhem in Double Fine's Stacking? Publisher THQ's UK Twitter account recently confirmed that "DLC for Stacking is in development!" The tweet added, "Look out for more details on this soon," before ending with a mysterious colon immediately followed by a close parenthesis -- which can only be code for ... something. (We don't know. We're still trying to crack the intricate cipher.)

We've contacted Double Fine and THQ for more information. We'll make sure to take any info received, put it into words, put those words into a post, and then put that post into this website.

JoystiqStacking to get an additional layer of DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdouble-finemicrosoftplaystationps3stackingthqxboxMon, 28 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stacking review: All dolled up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/stacking-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/stacking-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/stacking-review/#comments Double Fine has finally shaken off its chronic case of "If Only." As in, "Costume Quest is adorable, if only the combat wasn't so repetitive," or, "Brütal Legend is such a fun world, if only the mechanics worked better."

With Stacking, the developer's new downloadable puzzler, Double Fine has delivered a well-rounded game that's drenched in as much charm as you'd expect. But's it's been married to a great gameplay conceit that could more than stand on its own.

Gallery: Stacking

Continue reading Stacking review: All dolled up

JoystiqStacking review: All dolled up originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finemicrosoftplaystationps3stackingthqxboxWed, 09 Feb 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Stacking, Plants vs. Zombies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/psn-tuesday-stacking-plants-vs-zombies/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/psn-tuesday-stacking-plants-vs-zombies/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/psn-tuesday-stacking-plants-vs-zombies/#comments
 Plenty of puzzling and action oriented downloadable titles in this week's PSN update. There's the puzzling Stacking and the addictive defense gameplay of Plants vs. Zombies. There's also the retro platforming of Explodemon or the puzzle-platforming of Tales from Space: About a Blob. Check out the expansive list of PS3 stuff after the break ... try to ignore the PSP ever existed after the NGP's announcement.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Tuesday: Stacking, Plants vs. Zombies

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Stacking, Plants vs. Zombies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3PSNpsn-storePSN-tuesdaypsn-weeklypspsonystackingTue, 08 Feb 2011 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PS Plus users to get free download of Stacking, Killzone 3 demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/ps-plus-users-to-get-free-download-of-stacking-killzone-3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/ps-plus-users-to-get-free-download-of-stacking-killzone-3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/ps-plus-users-to-get-free-download-of-stacking-killzone-3-demo/#comments February's list of PS Plus goodies has been published on the PlayStation Blog, and there are some real doozies. First up is a free copy of Double Fine's latest, Stacking, which will be available to PS Plus subscribers on its launch day, February 8. For those keeping score, Stacking's usual asking price is $15. Subscribers will also be treated to an automatic download of the Killzone 3 demo on February 8. On February 18, PS Plus users will be treated to a free download of the PlayStation Mini Let's Golf.

As revealed previously by Sega, PS Plus can also snag the Yakuza 4 demo a week early on February 15. Head over to the PlayStation Blog for the full rundown of upcoming PSN and PS Plus content.

JoystiqPS Plus users to get free download of Stacking, Killzone 3 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finekillzone-3playstationps3psnstackingyakuza-4Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[What's in a Name: Double Fine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/whats-in-a-name-double-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/whats-in-a-name-double-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/whats-in-a-name-double-fine/#comments It's time for another origin story of an industry presence. Today, we've got Double Fine's Tim Schafer, who can thank Uncle Sam for the inspiration of his studio's name:

It came from this sign that used to be on the Golden Gate Bridge. I used to drive down from Sonoma when I was a teenager to see rock shows in the city, and I'd see that sign that said, "Slow to 45 mph, Double Fine Zone" and I thought, man, if I had a band I would name it "Double Fine" so that people would think I bought a really expensive billboard on the GG bridge. All of San Francisco is now declared a Double Fine Zone. Since I never got around to starting that band, or even learning how to play an instrument, I had to use the name somewhere!

Double Fine is currently working on a title for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network called Stacking. Like this feature? Be sure to check out the What's In A Name Archives.

JoystiqWhat's in a Name: Double Fine originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finemicrosoftplaystationps3stackingtim-schaferwhats-in-a-namexboxMon, 31 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stacking pops onto PSN Feb. 8, XBLA Feb. 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/stacking-pops-onto-psn-feb-8-xbla-feb-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/stacking-pops-onto-psn-feb-8-xbla-feb-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/stacking-pops-onto-psn-feb-8-xbla-feb-9/#comments Double Fine's second downloadable offering -- the last being the delightful Costume Quest -- for PSN and XBLA, Stacking, will arrive on those platforms February 8 and 9, respectively. Along with the dates, publisher THQ announced pricing: $14.99 on PS3 and 1200 Microsoft Points on Xbox 360.

To get you in the mood for stacking Russian nesting dolls, we've posted video of a young lady who should be especially good at this game after the break.

Continue reading Stacking pops onto PSN Feb. 8, XBLA Feb. 9

JoystiqStacking pops onto PSN Feb. 8, XBLA Feb. 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiondouble-finefebruary-2011microsoftplaystationps3psnPSN-Storerelease-datestackingthqxblaXBLMxboxWed, 19 Jan 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ needs your money to publish more Double Fine games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/thq-needs-your-money-to-publish-more-double-fine-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/thq-needs-your-money-to-publish-more-double-fine-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/thq-needs-your-money-to-publish-more-double-fine-games/#comments Between the adorable (and enjoyable) Costume Quest last October, and the forthcoming (and quite charming) Stacking some time this year, we're quite looking forward to the other two downloadable titles in Double Fine's four game roadmap. And though THQ isn't the only publisher that could release them, it would sure like to be. "I really wanna do a lot more with Tim [Schafer]. I've always been a huge Tim fan. Grim Fandango to me is one of the greatest works of art in gaming," THQ Core Games head Danny Bilson gushed to us this afternoon.

He said the choice to publish Stacking was an easy one. "Stacking I fell in love with. When Tim brought that in, I was like, 'Let's do this game! This is fantastic!'," he said. The game was later moved to THQ's "Kids, Family, and Casual" department (like Costume Quest), though Bilson's desire to publish more Double Fine games clearly hasn't diminished.

He reiterated that, currently, his studio only has a two-game contract with Double Fine: the aforementioned Costume Quest and Stacking. "There's a few more that I've identified, but I haven't made those deals yet," Bilson told us. He then paused before adding, "We've gotta get some hits rolling so I have more money to spend, to be honest with you." And between Homefront, Red Faction: Armageddon and Stacking, there's ample opportunity for that money to be made in the first quarter of 2011.

JoystiqTHQ needs your money to publish more Double Fine games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costume-questdanny-bilsondouble-finegrim-fandangomicrosoftpcplaystationps3stackingthqthq-core-gamesthq-kids-family-casual-gamestim-schaferxboxWed, 12 Jan 2011 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Stacking preview: Matryoshka mix-and-match]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/stacking-preview-matryoshka-mix-and-match/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/stacking-preview-matryoshka-mix-and-match/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/stacking-preview-matryoshka-mix-and-match/#comments At first glance, Stacking may seem like something you've never played before. Its core concept of possessing Russian nesting dolls (matryoshka) is something we've never seen in a game but make no mistake: this game is unequivocally a Double Fine joint. The characters are all fun (and quite funny) and, during a recent demonstration of the game at the Double Fine offices with studio head Tim Schafer and Stacking project lead, Lee Perry, I discovered that at its heart Stacking most resembles an adventure game.

Stacking tells the story of little Charlie Blackmore, a young chimney sweep and member of an unlucky family during the latter years of the Victorian era. Mr. Blackmore, Charlie's pop, ends up getting a job as a chimney sweep for a wealthy baron one day and that's the last the family sees of him. Soon after, the baron's men come and collect the rest of the family, save for tiny Charlie. Throughout the course of the game, Blackmore must aid his family members by tackling a variety of challenges, some more jovial than others. The game's story is told entirely in silent film-style vignettes which are, like a lot of the game, just so darn charming.

And that's the single word I keep coming back to when I think about Stacking: charming. The world itself has that Double Fine stamp on it -- the NPCs offer humorous banter and some of the challenges themselves are a bit ... weird. Following the convention "adventure game" formula, you need to do this one thing and you've got to figure out how to do it. Unlike a lot of adventure games, however, there isn't just one way to solve any puzzle or challenge.

Gallery: Stacking

Continue reading Stacking preview: Matryoshka mix-and-match

JoystiqStacking preview: Matryoshka mix-and-match originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedouble-fine-productionsmicrosoftplaystationps3stackingxboxThu, 23 Dec 2010 18:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine's first 'Action Cast' reveals 'early 2011' release for Stacking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/double-fines-first-action-cast-reveals-early-2011-release-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/double-fines-first-action-cast-reveals-early-2011-release-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/double-fines-first-action-cast-reveals-early-2011-release-f/#comments Tim Schafer and his perfect-for-radio vocal stylings have taken to the casting of pods, releasing the first ever Double Fine "Action Cast." For the inaugural episode, Schafer talks Costume Quest with the game's creative leads (Tasha Harris and Gabe Miller), among other topics. Of note, Schafer says that DF's next downloadable title, Stacking, is "essentially done" and "should be out in early 2011," a more specific launch window than we had previously heard. Also potentially of note, Tasha Harris says she's animating a "super secret project" right now. What could it be?!

As the first show is a pilot, the studio is basing its decision to make more on listener response, so go get vocal in the post's comment section. We quite like the show and are hoping for more .... not that we're trying to influence your opinion or anything.

JoystiqDouble Fine's first 'Action Cast' reveals 'early 2011' release for Stacking originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-castdouble-finegabe-millermicrosoftpilotplaystationpodcastps3q1-2011release-datestackingtasha-harristim-schaferxboxMon, 20 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine reveals puzzle adventure Stacking for spring of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/double-fine-reveals-puzzle-adventure-stacking-for-spring-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/double-fine-reveals-puzzle-adventure-stacking-for-spring-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/double-fine-reveals-puzzle-adventure-stacking-for-spring-of-2011/#comments
It seems you can't spit without hitting a digitally distributed puzzle adventure about Russian nesting dolls these days, and now Double Fine is adding to the pile with its next release. The just-revealed Stacking is slated to arrive in spring of next year on XBLA and PSN.

The game, set in the 1930s, lets Charlie Blackmore (the world's smallest Russian nesting doll) slip into the husks of other local matryoshkas and use their abilities to solve puzzles in the world. Details are scant, but you can get a taste of Charlie's world in the debut trailer just after the break.

Continue reading Double Fine reveals puzzle adventure Stacking for spring of 2011

JoystiqDouble Fine reveals puzzle adventure Stacking for spring of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finemicrosoftplaystationps3revealstackingthqxboxTue, 23 Nov 2010 15:03:00 EST