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[Payday 2 wants unmarked, non-sequential bills this August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/payday-2-release-date-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/payday-2-release-date-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/payday-2-release-date-august/#commentsImage Starbreeze-owned developer Overkill Software will launch Payday 2 this August on consoles and PC. Publisher 505 Games announced this morning the game will no longer be limited to digital distribution networks, with retail versions planned for Xbox 360 and PS3.

"We're expecting great things from Payday 2 and are really looking forward to working with our retail partners all over the world to make it the huge success it deserves to be," said 505 Games Head of Global Brand Tim Woodley.

Payday: The Heist sold around a half-million copies and the sequel received a creative injection last year when it was announced Battlefield 3 lead designer David Goldfarb exited EA to work on the project.

Continue reading Payday 2 wants unmarked, non-sequential bills this August

JoystiqPayday 2 wants unmarked, non-sequential bills this August originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftoverkilloverkill-softwarepcplaystationps3release-datestarbreezestarbreeze-studiosxboxTue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Go behind the scenes with Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/go-behind-the-scenes-with-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/go-behind-the-scenes-with-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/go-behind-the-scenes-with-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons/#comments
This video for Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons sheds a little light on the creative process that Starbreeze Studios adopted to bring the brothers' adventure to life. The game is slated to launch this Spring on PC, XBLA and PSN.

JoystiqGo behind the scenes with Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-Gamesbrothers-a-tale-of-two-sonsmicrosoftp13pcplaystationps3PSNstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosXBLAxboxSun, 31 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday 2 will feature a 'contract database,' coming this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/#comments Payday 2 will feature a 'contract database', coming this summerStarbreeze has revealed new features, game upgrades, and a release window for Payday 2, the sequel the Overkill-developed multiplayer shooter Payday: The Heist. According to a new fact sheet released today, Overkill's latest is due out this summer as a downloadable game on Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, and the PC via Steam.

The first game only offered a few different "heists" to play, but the sequel features CRIMENET, a "contract database" offering dozens of different jobs to take, which can take place across multiple stages and change according to certain equipment purchases (like a faster escape car or an inside man). Additionally, each level has a new amount of dynamic content, including random layouts or rare events, and finishing each job rewards loot like new masks, weapons, or other accessories.

Players also get to choose a profession of Mastermind, Enforcer, Ghost or Technician, each with its own skills and equipment to use, and can work their way up from the lowest thug on the totem pole to high-end heisters as they play. That summer release is coming up quick, so we should see more of the game very soon.

JoystiqPayday 2 will feature a 'contract database,' coming this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesdevelopersheistmicrosoftmultiplayeroverkillpayday-2pcplaystationps3publishingshooterstarbreeze-studiosxboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons shows how to push your sibling's buttons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-shows-how-to-push-your-siblings-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-shows-how-to-push-your-siblings-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-shows-how-to-push-your-siblings-bu/#comments
Sure, it's nice and all to see brothers work together to solve their problems in Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, but which button lets me give the younger brother a noogie? What move lets me embarrass big bro while he's asking the head cheerleader to the Soph Hop?

Continue reading Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons shows how to push your sibling's buttons

JoystiqBrothers: A Tale of Two Sons shows how to push your sibling's buttons originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesbrothers-a-tale-of-two-sonsmicrosoftp13pcplaystationps3psnstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosxblaxboxSat, 09 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Storm' named as Starbreeze's next sci-fi FPS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/storm-named-as-starbreezes-next-sci-fi-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/storm-named-as-starbreezes-next-sci-fi-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/storm-named-as-starbreezes-next-sci-fi-fps/#comments Starbreeze site lists Storm, coop scifi FPSStarbreeze Studios (Syndicate, The Darkness) has nonchalantly announced Storm on its company site. The in-development game is billed as a (hyphen-overload) co-op sci-fi first-person shooter.

The Storm listing was originally picked up by German site PlaySyndicate, after which VG24/7 theorized a link between the low-key announcement and Starbreeze's "Cold Mercury" project.

Besides Storm, which has yet to be described in more detail, Starbreeze is hard at work on Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and Payday 2.

Joystiq'Storm' named as Starbreeze's next sci-fi FPS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>starbreezestarbreeze-studiosstormMon, 21 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[505 and Starbreeze teaming up for Payday 2 and P13 in 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/505-and-starbreeze-teaming-up-for-payday-2-and-p13-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/505-and-starbreeze-teaming-up-for-payday-2-and-p13-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/505-and-starbreeze-teaming-up-for-payday-2-and-p13-in-2013/#comments 505 and Starbreeze teaming up for Payday 2 and P13 in 2013Developer Starbreeze has revealed 505 Games will be its publishing partner for the upcoming sequel to the multiplayer-focused shooter, Payday: The Heist, along with original intellectual property P13, in development for the PSN, XBLA, and PC. Both games are planned for launch in 2013.

Starbreeze, which was behind EA's recent attempt to reboot the classic Syndicate series, acquired Payday alongside developer Overkill Studios earlier this year.

Though P13 is still masked in secrecy, we know it will be a downloadable "action-adventure game" and that Starbreeze has partnered with Swedish film director Josef Fares to help guide its "storyline, look and feel."

Continue reading 505 and Starbreeze teaming up for Payday 2 and P13 in 2013

Joystiq505 and Starbreeze teaming up for Payday 2 and P13 in 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesjosef-faresmicrosoftoverkill-studiosp13payday-the-heistpcplaystationps3shooterstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosxboxMon, 17 Sep 2012 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Battlefield lead David Goldfarb now at Starbreeze, working on Payday sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/ex-battlefield-lead-david-goldfarb-now-at-starbreeze-working-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/ex-battlefield-lead-david-goldfarb-now-at-starbreeze-working-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/ex-battlefield-lead-david-goldfarb-now-at-starbreeze-working-on/#comments ExBattlefield lead David Goldfarb now at Starbreeze, working on Payday sequelLast month, we heard that Battlefield 3 lead designer David Goldfarb exited EA's Sweden-based DICE studio. It seems that Goldfarb is staying in the country, as he's accepted a job at Starbreeze-owned developer Overkill Software. Goldfarb announced as much on Twitter, donning the above Payday: The Heist mask and scaring children worldwide.

Goldfarb is set to work alongside studio lead Ulf Andersson on a sequel to Payday, as well as an unannounced title Overkill is working on. "I've worked on these huge games, and that was great, but I really wanted to work on smaller, tighter, and more intimate projects that are more gameplay driven, and I saw the opportunity to do that here," Goldfarb told Develop. Andersson added, "I'm really looking forward to this to see if we can make something really cool together."

JoystiqEx-Battlefield lead David Goldfarb now at Starbreeze, working on Payday sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-goldfarbdiceea-diceelectronic-artsoverkilloverkill-softwarepayday-the-heiststarbreezestarbreeze-studiosulf-anderssonTue, 07 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday's bank robbers take over Left 4 Dead's Mercy Hospital]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/paydays-bank-robbers-take-over-left-4-deads-mercy-hospital/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/paydays-bank-robbers-take-over-left-4-deads-mercy-hospital/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/paydays-bank-robbers-take-over-left-4-deads-mercy-hospital/#comments
Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time! The bank robbing bad guys from Payday are getting crossed with Left 4 Dead's zombie-filled Mercy Hospital - apparently prior to the events of L4D - in an upcoming mission pack. See for yourself above.

JoystiqPayday's bank robbers take over Left 4 Dead's Mercy Hospital originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contentmercy-hospitaloverkilloverkill-softwarepayday-the-heistpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsoesony-online-entertainmentstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosvalvevalve-softwareFri, 27 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze's 'P13' headed to XBLA, PSN, and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/starbreezes-p13-headed-to-xbla-psn-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/starbreezes-p13-headed-to-xbla-psn-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/starbreezes-p13-headed-to-xbla-psn-and-pc/#comments ImageCompared to other Swedish game development powerhouses - DICE, Avalanche, Massive - Syndicate developer Starbreeze keeps a lower profile. Having only released two projects in the last five years, Starbreeze isn't offering many consistent reminders that it still exists. Company president and CEO Mikael Nermark is aiming to change that, and his first two major projects are two games you probably haven't heard of: P13 and Cold Mercury.

"We're trying to build four independent core teams," Nermark told me in a phone interview earlier today. Beyond the existing teams at Starbreeze, the newly acquired Overkill Software wil serve as one of those four teams. So, four "core teams," four projects. We know Overkill is working on a sequel to last year's Payday: The Heist, and we know that two other teams are working on P13 and Cold Mercury (respectively), but that fourth team is a mystery.

Nermark wouldn't budge on new details about Cold Mercury, but he told me that P13 is currently "in the middle of production" and "it's going really well." The game is heading to Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and PC. Starbreeze brought in an outside force to take creative lead on the project: Swedish director Josef Fares.

"He's one of the most or maybe the most famous movie directors in Sweden of all time. He's never done a game before, but he's an avid gamer and he loves games. So he actually left the movie industry and this guy is like having one of the top guys - this is the top guy in Sweden making movies. So he's actually working for us full-time," Nermark said. "To Swedes, this is like having a guy like Christopher Nolan working on the game on a daily basis."

Continue reading Starbreeze's 'P13' headed to XBLA, PSN, and PC

JoystiqStarbreeze's 'P13' headed to XBLA, PSN, and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cold-mercuryjosef-faresmicrosoftmikael-nermarkoverkilloverkill-softwarep13pcplaystationps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiosxboxFri, 20 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze attempting acquisition of Payday: The Heist studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/starbreeze-attempting-acquisition-of-payday-the-heist-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/starbreeze-attempting-acquisition-of-payday-the-heist-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/starbreeze-attempting-acquisition-of-payday-the-heist-studio/#comments Starbreeze, the Swedish studio that brought the world the surprise hit Chronicles of Riddick and the recent reboot of Syndicate, is attempting an acquisition of Payday: The Heist studio Overkill Software. Pending approval by Starbreeze's shareholders, the move will see Overkill's IP (including Payday) and staff become part of Starbreeze's stable.

Beyond the acquisition of IP and staff, Overkill is set to establish a new Starbreeze office based out of Stockholm, Sweden. "Starbreeze has graphical emphasis, and Overkill has total focus on innovative gameplay. Together we form a unique constellation of creative forces," Overkill creative director Ulf Andersson said of the acquisition in a press release.

Overkill Software was formed in the ashes of former third-party mega studio Grin Software back in 2009, after it collapsed following several commercially unsuccessful projects. Brothers Bo and Ulf Andersson started Overkill, and it's unclear how their roles will change (if at all) in the new setup. The acquisition - if approved by Starbreeze's shareholders - is set to go into effect in mid-June.

Continue reading Starbreeze attempting acquisition of Payday: The Heist studio

JoystiqStarbreeze attempting acquisition of Payday: The Heist studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acqusitioncold-mercuryoverkilloverkill-softwarep13payday-the-heiststarbreezestarbreeze-studiosswedenThu, 19 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze working on free-to-play title 'Cold Mercury']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/starbreeze-working-on-free-to-play-title-cold-mercury/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/starbreeze-working-on-free-to-play-title-cold-mercury/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/starbreeze-working-on-free-to-play-title-cold-mercury/#comments Syndicate and Riddick developer Starbreeze's next project will be a free-to-play title. GI.biz reports the title will be called Cold Mercury, but any further details would require Syndicate-style deep extraction on Starbreeze CEO Mikael Nermark. The exec also noted the title does not mean the company is moving away from AAA development.

"We are discussing with several leading game publisher on publisher financed games, but we will broaden our product portfolio of games in the new business models and segments that have arisen in the games industry," said Nermark. "I am convinced that Starbreeze will be successful with the new games."

The company is also currently seeking a distribution deal for P13, the project announced late last year in collaboration with Swedish film director Josef Fares.

JoystiqStarbreeze working on free-to-play title 'Cold Mercury' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cold-Mercuryf2pfree-to-playpcstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosMon, 26 Mar 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate review: The business of aggressive expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/syndicate-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/syndicate-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/syndicate-review/#comments Fans were perturbed when they learned the classic Bullfrog-developed strategy series, Syndicate, would be rebooted in first-person form. The original was a beautiful and brutal affair, set in a cyberpunk world filled with corporate conspiracy. In its reboot, developer Starbreeze manages to hold onto some of those elements that made the original such an intriguing beast. Syndicate showcases its own beautiful brutality, shaking off the label of "just another shooter."

It's 2069. Corporations have ascended beyond the reach of simple governments and battle one another for technological advancement. Civilians are inconsequential, seen merely as pawns in the midst of each company's boardroom brawl, and are often gunned down by characters throughout the campaign simply for "getting in the way." You take the role of the mostly faceless Miles Kilo, an agent at the industry giant EuroCorp, where you have been outfitted with a prototype version of a chip that gives you control over connected devices around you, as well as a number of other abilities. Like other agents, you must work to keep your corporation at peak profitability.

Gallery: Syndicate (Co-op)

Continue reading Syndicate review: The business of aggressive expansion

JoystiqSyndicate review: The business of aggressive expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3Starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate's launch trailer reminds us how messed up the violence is]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/syndicates-launch-trailer-reminds-us-how-messed-up-the-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/syndicates-launch-trailer-reminds-us-how-messed-up-the-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/syndicates-launch-trailer-reminds-us-how-messed-up-the-violence/#comments
You remember that first time you saw the Syndicate dude make a security guard dude shoot himself in the head? Surprise, surprise, it doesn't get any less messed up when you see it performed in subsequent trailers, as evidenced above.

JoystiqSyndicate's launch trailer reminds us how messed up the violence is originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxWed, 15 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate employs Brian Cox, Rosario Dawson and Michael Wincott]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/syndicate-employs-brian-cox-rosario-dawson-and-michael-wincott/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/syndicate-employs-brian-cox-rosario-dawson-and-michael-wincott/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/syndicate-employs-brian-cox-rosario-dawson-and-michael-wincott/#comments In the future, your brain will be infused with special technology to unlock the massive potential within you. Also, the company you work for will be headed by a surly Scot and a beautiful wherever Rosario Dawson is from.

EA's announced both Brian Cox and Rosario Dawson will lend their voices to Syndicate, the Starbreeze reboot of the classic strategy game from the '90s. Joining them is Michael Wincott, who you may remember as the bad guy from The Crow. Gamers may better recognize his pipes as The Prophet of Truth in Halo 2, and as Death in the upcoming Darksiders 2. Dawson will play Lily Drawl, a "rising star" at EuroCorp; Cox plays Eurocorp board member Jack Denham and Wincott plays veteran agent Jules Merit.

JoystiqSyndicate employs Brian Cox, Rosario Dawson and Michael Wincott originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-coxeamichael-wincottmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3rosario-dawsonstarbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxSat, 11 Feb 2012 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate co-op demo, term life insurance available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/syndicate-co-op-demo-term-life-insurance-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/syndicate-co-op-demo-term-life-insurance-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/syndicate-co-op-demo-term-life-insurance-available-now/#comments
The co-op demo for Syndicate is ready to infiltrate Xbox 360s in North America and Europe right now. The PlayStation Network will likely gain access today at the close of business on the East Coast, which is when the PSN usually updates in North America. The PSN version for Europe will have open enrollment tomorrow.

The demo covers the "Western Europe" co-op mission, as your team steals blueprints for Cayman Global (the TCBY of the future) and assassinates what may or may not be a bad guy. Hey, it's business, there's very little room for ethics.

JoystiqSyndicate co-op demo, term life insurance available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoEAElectronic-Artsproject-redlimestarbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicateTue, 31 Jan 2012 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze self-funding original IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/starbreeze-self-funding-original-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/starbreeze-self-funding-original-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/starbreeze-self-funding-original-ip/#comments Starbreeze, the developer behind The Darkness, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and the upcoming series reboot Syndicate, is looking to expand its developmental output beyond the intellectual properties of other creative minds.

"We want to make our own IP; no doubt," Starbreeze CEO Mikael Nermark told Gamasutra. "We're actually self-funding one original IP right now. If we're going to take it to market ourself -- I haven't decided yet. It's always about how you maximize what you can do." Nermark's current strategy is to continue working on high-profile titles like Syndicate while simultaneously looking for opportunities to launch the developer's own original IP. As the old saying goes, "You can only milk another man's cow for so long." Or something.

JoystiqStarbreeze self-funding original IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>intellectual-propertyIPproject-redlimestarbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatethe-chronicles-of-riddickthe-chronicles-of-riddick-escape-from-butcher-baythe-darknessSat, 21 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicates get by with a little help from their friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/syndicates-get-by-with-a-little-help-from-their-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/syndicates-get-by-with-a-little-help-from-their-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/syndicates-get-by-with-a-little-help-from-their-friends/#comments
When a solo trip over to the neighboring corporation's top secret vault is too big a job for one person, Syndicate offers four-player co-op to help. Securing that Big Mac secret sauce recipe should be a cinch.

Gallery: Syndicate (Concept Art)

JoystiqSyndicates get by with a little help from their friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxTue, 03 Jan 2012 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA not releasing Syndicate in Australia, notes 'arcane censorship']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/ea-not-releasing-syndicate-in-australia-notes-arcane-censorshi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/ea-not-releasing-syndicate-in-australia-notes-arcane-censorshi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/ea-not-releasing-syndicate-in-australia-notes-arcane-censorshi/#comments Syndicate will not launch in Australia next year and EA will not alter the original game or seek an appeal. The publisher informed Joystiq this afternoon that it finds the Australian government's policy to deny adults the right to play Syndicate "regrettable."

"The game will not be available in Australia despite its enthusiastic response from fans. We were encouraged by the government's recent agreement to adopt an 18+ age rating for games. However, delays continue to force an arcane censorship on games - cuts that would never be imposed on books or movies," EA Corporate Communications' Tiffany Steckler wrote Joystiq in a statement. "We urge policy makers to take swift action to implement an updated policy that reflects today's market and gives its millions of adult consumers the right to make their own content choices."

Syndicate was recently refused classification in Australia, due to it being "unsuitable for a minor to see or play." Australian classification standards reject classification for video games only deemed suitable for citizens over the age of 15.

JoystiqEA not releasing Syndicate in Australia, notes 'arcane censorship' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxTue, 20 Dec 2011 14:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate refused classification in Australia, called 'unsuitable for a minor' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/syndicate-refused-classification-in-australia-called-unsuitabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/syndicate-refused-classification-in-australia-called-unsuitabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/syndicate-refused-classification-in-australia-called-unsuitabl/#comments Syndicate has been refused classification in Australia, due to being "unsuitable for a minor to see or play." The current Australian classification standards still reject classification (i.e. ban) for any game that is only suitable for citizens over the age of 15.

"Combatants take locational damage and can be explicitly dismembered, decapitated or bisected by the force of the gunfire. The depictions are accompanied by copious bloodspray and injuries are shown realistically and with detail," reads the Classification report obtained by VG24/7. "Flesh and bone are often exposed while arterial sprays of blood continue to spurt from wounds at regular intervals," the report states, discussing an example mission."

The most high-profile Aussie rejection in 2011 was Mortal Kombat, which tried to appeal the decision and lost. The Witcher 2 avoided the issue with a small edit to pass the board. We've contacted EA to find out if the publisher will appeal or resubmit the title with alterations.

Update: EA not releasing Syndicate in Australia, notes "arcane censorship."

JoystiqSyndicate refused classification in Australia, called 'unsuitable for a minor' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftplaystationproject-redlimeps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxTue, 20 Dec 2011 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate displays agent tech, extracts more through stabbed eye socket]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/syndicate-displays-agent-tech-extracts-more-through-stabbed-eye/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/syndicate-displays-agent-tech-extracts-more-through-stabbed-eye/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/syndicate-displays-agent-tech-extracts-more-through-stabbed-eye/#comments
The future of business in Syndicate is violent. Everyone comes to work dressed up in armor, keeping arsenals under their desk like ladies in cubicles keep sneakers under theirs. A workman's comp case must be resolved in the classic and genteel style of dueling pistols.

Continue reading Syndicate displays agent tech, extracts more through stabbed eye socket

JoystiqSyndicate displays agent tech, extracts more through stabbed eye socket originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3Starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxThu, 15 Dec 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate trailer goes to the gun show, plays with ballistic toys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/syndicate-trailer-goes-to-the-gun-show-plays-with-ballistic-toy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/syndicate-trailer-goes-to-the-gun-show-plays-with-ballistic-toy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/syndicate-trailer-goes-to-the-gun-show-plays-with-ballistic-toy/#comments
Good day, agent. The latest trailer for corporate infiltration simulator Syndicate gives a taste of the available arsenal. It's the best that money can buy to obtain the recipe for Coke Classic.

Continue reading Syndicate trailer goes to the gun show, plays with ballistic toys

JoystiqSyndicate trailer goes to the gun show, plays with ballistic toys originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxThu, 01 Dec 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate's protagonist isn't a good guy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/syndicates-protagonist-isnt-a-good-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/syndicates-protagonist-isnt-a-good-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/syndicates-protagonist-isnt-a-good-guy/#comments Syndicate's protagonist won't be helping Granny cross the street or rescuing any kittens stuck in trees -- well, okay, maybe there's some kind of holo-tree mission, we don't know. The point is that you won't be playing the classic hero in EA's reboot. He's a bad dude there to do bad things.

"You're certainly not playing a good guy," producer Ben O'Donnell told Videogamer. "You follow him in the narrative, and that narrative will obviously unfold in different ways. When you first start you're playing as this agent working for EuroCorp, and you do their wet work for them. You have this really high-end chip in your head, and you can do things to people that they really wouldn't want to do -- like commit suicide or change allegiance. You're by no means a good guy, you're there to do the dirty work."

However, if you're expecting the main character to have some great moral epiphany or change of heart, don't. This isn't a game about "good and evil," O'Donnell promises. Sounds fine to us, especially since we just got one of those.

JoystiqSyndicate's protagonist isn't a good guy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-partnersmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxThu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate assembles four-player co-op trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/syndicate-assembles-four-player-co-op-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/syndicate-assembles-four-player-co-op-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/syndicate-assembles-four-player-co-op-trailer/#comments
The latest Syndicate trailer suggests your team will sport enough extraneous buckles on their clothes for a fluid Final Fantasy crossover.

Gallery: Syndicate (Co-op)

JoystiqSyndicate assembles four-player co-op trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxTue, 01 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate broadcasts 10 minutes of gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/syndicate-broadcasts-10-minutes-of-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/syndicate-broadcasts-10-minutes-of-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/syndicate-broadcasts-10-minutes-of-gameplay/#comments
Syndicate is looking pretty hot so far, but you don't need to take our word for it. Here's 10 minutes of gameplay featuring corporate espionage. Actually, is it still "espionage" when one kills everyone in sight?

Continue reading Syndicate broadcasts 10 minutes of gameplay

JoystiqSyndicate broadcasts 10 minutes of gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3starbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxSat, 15 Oct 2011 04:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate trailer recalls the past]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/syndicate-trailer-recalls-the-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/syndicate-trailer-recalls-the-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/syndicate-trailer-recalls-the-past/#comments
Syndicate's latest trailer does a little peep show of the past, which may be painful for some with fond memories of the original. But, with how the new game is shaping up, we look toward the future.

Continue reading Syndicate trailer recalls the past

JoystiqSyndicate trailer recalls the past originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxThu, 13 Oct 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate trailer shows off Starbreeze's vision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/syndicate-trailer-shows-off-starbreezes-vision/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/syndicate-trailer-shows-off-starbreezes-vision/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/syndicate-trailer-shows-off-starbreezes-vision/#comments
Starbreeze's slick, deadly and dour vision of the future is compiled with panache in this first trailer for Syndicate, the FPS reboot of Bullfrog's classic tactical game of the same name. Backed by a Syndicate remix from electro house producer Skrillex (download it here), the visuals cut between flashy combat, aerial takedowns and remote brain-hacking.

The trailer concludes with a tease for "The Executive Package" pre-order bonus, likely another one of EA's "limited edition" bundles tied to first-run copies of the game. It's out on February 21, 2012 (or: 0221 2012).

Gallery: Syndicate (9/29/11)

JoystiqSyndicate trailer shows off Starbreeze's vision originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3skrillexstarbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxThu, 29 Sep 2011 09:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze concocting new IP with film director]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/starbreeze-concocting-new-ip-with-film-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/starbreeze-concocting-new-ip-with-film-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/starbreeze-concocting-new-ip-with-film-director/#comments Starbreeze Studios, which has its hands full with the Syndicate reboot, announced today that it is working on a new intellectual property. In collaboration with film director Josef Fares (pictured, right, with Starbreeze CEO Mikael Nermark) and The Story Lab AB, Starbreeze is currently developing the concept after being won over by a prototype. No release window was provided for the game.

Starbreeze is known for The Chronicles of Riddick games and The Darkness. Fares is known in Sweden for movies like Jalla! Jalla!, Kopps, Zozo and other stuff that isn't available on Netflix.

Continue reading Starbreeze concocting new IP with film director

JoystiqStarbreeze concocting new IP with film director originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Josef-Faresstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosMon, 19 Sep 2011 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate reboot (finally) confirmed by EA and Starbreeze, coming 'early 2012' to 360, PS3, and PC [Update: New images!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/syndicate-reboot-finally-confirmed-by-ea-and-starbreeze-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/syndicate-reboot-finally-confirmed-by-ea-and-starbreeze-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/syndicate-reboot-finally-confirmed-by-ea-and-starbreeze-comin/#comments EA and Starbreeze Studios' remake of PC gaming classic Syndicate has been one of the industry's worst-kept secrets. First unveiled as "Project Redlime," copyright filings fingered the actual product over a year ago. And this morning, after leaking details of the game on its own Origin service over the weekend, EA and Starbreeze are finally ready to "reveal" Syndicate to the world.

"We are excited to finally reveal what we've been working on the past couple years," Starbreeze CEO Mikael Nermark told a press release. "It's been a great experience working with EA, and an amazing opportunity for us to use our expertise in the first person shooter and action genres to bring back, and reignite, the signature action/espionage gameplay of Syndicate."

In Syndicate, you play "Miles Kilo, Eurocorp's latest prototype agent," tasked with navigating a "Machiavellian world run without government oversight with many syndicates vying for total dominance of their local market place," set in the year 2069. Helping you navigate that complex web of intrigue: GUNS!

"Our goal with Syndicate is to provide a challenging action shooter for today's gamers as well as fans of the original," says EA Partners' Jeff Gamon. But if you're worried you won't have enough guns, Syndicate offers "a separate and deep 4-player co-op mode featuring missions from the original cult classic." And while it may have taken EA and Starbreeze some time to officially announce the project, it isn't wasting time in getting it into our hands; Syndicate is expected to be released in "early 2012" for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

Gallery: Syndicate (PC/360/PS3)

JoystiqSyndicate reboot (finally) confirmed by EA and Starbreeze, coming 'early 2012' to 360, PS3, and PC [Update: New images!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3Starbreeze-StudiosSyndicatexboxMon, 12 Sep 2011 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Syndicate script slips out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/rumor-syndicate-script-slips-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/rumor-syndicate-script-slips-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/rumor-syndicate-script-slips-out/#comments Siliconera has published alleged "chunks" of a script for Starbreeze's long-rumored Syndicate game. If authentic, the excerpts would join some trademarks in a modest pile of evidence pointing to a reboot of EA's dormant cyberpunk series, created by the now defunct Bullfrog Productions in the early 90s.

The narrative and dialog excerpts share some commonalities with the old Syndicate games' bleak, corporate cyborg-regulated world -- namely, the suggestion of brain-implanted "chips" -- but don't otherwise let on to any gameplay elements.

In June 2009, Sean Cooper, who designed the original, isometric tactical shooter, commented on EA's failed attempts to revive the franchise. "Every time I've seen a prototype of a new Syndicate it's just been misguided," he told IncGamers. Cooper did not appear to have any knowledge of Starbreeze's possible recreation, which is rumored to have been in development since August 2007.

"The essence of the game was killing people -- and that was it," Cooper said of Bullfrog's 1993 classic. "Big guns, strong dudes; Terminators essentially. If I have to kill everyone, I will. That to me was the essence of the gameplay."

[Screenshot source: MobyGames (with script overlay)]

JoystiqRumor: Syndicate script slips out originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaproject-redlimescriptstarbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicateThu, 26 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze says EA's 'Project RedLime' is 'biggest project' it's ever worked on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/starbreeze-says-eas-project-redlime-is-biggest-project-its/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/starbreeze-says-eas-project-redlime-is-biggest-project-its/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/starbreeze-says-eas-project-redlime-is-biggest-project-its/#comments Project-RedLime Though we don't know exactly what "Project RedLime" is (signs point to a long-rumored Syndicate remake) we do know that it's "the biggest project the studio has ever worked on." Of course, that studio is Sweden's Starbreeze and that quote is from its new CEO, Mikael Nermark. In order to get a sense of how large that scale is, you'd need to compare it to the studio's other games, including the surprisingly good movie tie-in Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, its remake Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, and the now-being-sequeled comic book adaptation The Darkness. Not included in this list: The studio's other EA project, a canceled Jason Bourne game.

You may have spotted a trend in Starbreeze's curriculum vitae: an abundance of licensed games. No bother, says Nermark. "Whatever the project is, if it's an original IP or license, the most important thing is that you believe in the game and have fun developing it," he told CVG. In related news, Starbreeze believes in Project RedLime and is having fun developing it.

JoystiqStarbreeze says EA's 'Project RedLime' is 'biggest project' it's ever worked on originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsMikael-NermarkProject-RedLimeredlimeStarbreezeStarbreeze-StudiosMon, 09 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux would welcome involvement in EA's reported Syndicate remake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/molyneux-would-welcome-involvement-in-eas-reported-syndicate-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/molyneux-would-welcome-involvement-in-eas-reported-syndicate-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/molyneux-would-welcome-involvement-in-eas-reported-syndicate-re/#comments If an alleged remake of Syndicate is currently going on under EA's direction, Peter Molyneux, producer of the original real-time tactical game, would like the opportunity to talk with the development team (reported to be Starbreeze Studios). "It's a great feeling to see something you've created still have life or meaning," Molyneux told CVG, when asked to comment on the remake reports. "But my first thought is: 'I wish I could just spend a day with them saying what I thought was really special about Syndicate, or another [Bullfrog] title for that matter.'"

EA obtained the IP rights to Syndicate from Molyneux's old studio, Bullfrog Productions, when it purchased the company in 1995. Molyneux left two years later to found Lionhead Studios. In 2004, Bullfrog was merged into EA UK (now defunct).

Molyneux is confident that any team EA would select for such a project would "work it out," but notes that the situation would be like watching your kid grow up and become independent -- "you still want to be a little bit involved." He points to the DS version of Populous (a remake of his career breakout title) as being something he wished he could have had just "ten minutes" to discuss with the development team before they got started on the project.

Would Molyneux be up for a visit to EA's development offices to offer advice on a Syndicate remake? "Yeah, sure."

JoystiqMolyneux would welcome involvement in EA's reported Syndicate remake originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftpcPeter-Molyneuxplaystationps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiosSyndicatexboxTue, 29 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze and EA partnership revealed by Syndicate copyright docs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/starbreeze-and-ea-partnership-revealed-by-syndicate-copyright-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/starbreeze-and-ea-partnership-revealed-by-syndicate-copyright-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/starbreeze-and-ea-partnership-revealed-by-syndicate-copyright-do/#comments Given the years of back and forth we've seen over the possibility of an updated Syndicate for current-gen consoles, we're looking at the handful of recently discovered copyright documents -- that seemingly reveal a collaboration between Starbreeze Studios and EA -- with a fair amount of skepticism. Internet supersleuth Supererogatory spotted the three filings on the US Copyright Office website (confirmed by Joystiq this morning, though not linkable), each for the title "Syndicate" and one of which is co-filed by EA and Starbreeze.

Back in 2008, the two companies officially announced that they were working together on revisiting one of EA's "most acclaimed classic franchises," dubbing the collaboration "Project RedLime" (and leaving us to speculate on what that classic franchise might be). We've reached out to both EA and Starbreeze for comment on the filings and will let you know if we hear anything back.

(What next, an XCom revival? Oh.)

JoystiqStarbreeze and EA partnership revealed by Syndicate copyright docs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copyrighteaElectronic-Artsproject-redlimestarbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicateus-copyright-officeWed, 14 Apr 2010 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Bourne game is Starbreeze's canceled EA project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/bourne-game-is-starbreezes-canceled-ea-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/bourne-game-is-starbreezes-canceled-ea-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/bourne-game-is-starbreezes-canceled-ea-project/#comments Yesterday, we reported that one of two Starbreeze games being developed for EA had gone the way of the dodo. Now, the LA Times blog reports that the canceled game is in fact the title based on the Bourne franchise -- and not the believed Syndicate reboot, Project RedLime.

This news doesn't eliminate the possibility for a new Bourne game sometime down the line, however. EA signed a ten-year deal with the Ludlum estate, and an EA spokesperson said, "EA and the Ludlum Estate are still discussing making a game based on the Bourne franchise."

JoystiqReport: Bourne game is Starbreeze's canceled EA project originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bournebourne-conspiracybourne-identitybourne-ultimatumeaElectronic-Artsjason-bournestarbreezestarbreeze-studiosWed, 24 Mar 2010 09:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze confirms one EA collaboration is kaput]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/starbreeze-confirms-one-ea-collaboration-is-kaput/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/starbreeze-confirms-one-ea-collaboration-is-kaput/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/starbreeze-confirms-one-ea-collaboration-is-kaput/#comments Starbreeze Studios, developer of The Chronicles of Riddick games and The Darkness, has confirmed that one of its EA projects has ceased production. GI.biz translates that the ax has fallen on either the Jason Bourne game or Project RedLime, which is believed to be a revival of the classic Syndicate series.

Starbreeze CEO Johan Kristiansson has stated that the company's relationship with EA remains strong and all resources are being put toward the game that "demonstrated the greatest potential." We'll have to wait and see if the super spy or the cyborgs won out.

JoystiqStarbreeze confirms one EA collaboration is kaput originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bournecanceledeaelectronic-artsjason-bournestarbreeze-studiossyndicateTue, 23 Mar 2010 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate creator skeptical of a series revival]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/syndicate-creator-skeptical-of-a-series-revival/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/syndicate-creator-skeptical-of-a-series-revival/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/syndicate-creator-skeptical-of-a-series-revival/#comments
Syndicate creator Sean Cooper says he remains skeptical any revival of his 1993 cult-classic title will be able to capture the "essence" of the original. "Every time I've seen a prototype of a new Syndicate it's just been misguided," Cooper told IncGamers.

In October 2008, rumors swirled about the possibility of Riddick dev Starbreeze reviving the Electronic Arts property. Last March, GI.biz stated that "sources confirmed" the rumor was true. No official announcement has ever been made.

According to Cooper, Electronic Arts has attempted to revisit the real-time tactics title many times in the past, citing memories of failed prototypes brought to his attention. However, Cooper fears EA won't be able to capture what made the original so popular: "The essence of the game was killing people - and that was it," Cooper said. "If I have to kill everyone, I will. That to me was the essence of the gameplay."

Syndicate was developed by Bullfrog Productions, a company co-founded by Microsoft Game Studios Europe creative director Peter Molyneux. In 2006, Syndicate was included in the PSP-exclusive compilation EA Replay -- unfortunately, it was a terrible version.

JoystiqSyndicate creator skeptical of a series revival originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsrevivalrumorsean-cooperstarbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicateFri, 26 Jun 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbreeze: Indie studios 'always' more creative than corporate studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/starbreeze-indie-studios-always-more-creative-than-corporate/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/starbreeze-indie-studios-always-more-creative-than-corporate/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/starbreeze-indie-studios-always-more-creative-than-corporate/#comments
Speaking with Develop, Starbreeze Studios CEO Johan Kristiansson discussed his feelings about game development, specifically as it relates to independent studios. The subjects of the interview range from the decision to release Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena in April -- the game debuted at #2 in the UK but failed to make the top 10 in North America -- to the advantages of using established franchises versus creating new IP. Perhaps the most interesting part of the interview comes near the end, when Kristiansson discusses the differences between the independent and corporate development environments.

According to Kristiansson, corporate development environments can stifle creativity, as decisions are made more slowly. He stated that independent developers have "a stronger feeling of ownership-attachment to their properties," adding that indie studios can develop "a more tightly knit team" over time.

"An independent studio is always going to be more creative," said Kristiansson, noting that publishers should allow developers to maintain control over production. He concluded, "If indies are too close to their publishers, that can also damage the decision making process and the overall game quality."

JoystiqStarbreeze: Indie studios 'always' more creative than corporate studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chronicles-of-riddickchronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenastarbreezestarbreeze-studiosTue, 19 May 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena trailers to tide you over]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/riddick-assault-on-dark-athena-trailers-to-tide-you-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/riddick-assault-on-dark-athena-trailers-to-tide-you-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/riddick-assault-on-dark-athena-trailers-to-tide-you-over/#comments
For some, the April 7 release of Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena can't come soon enough. To help ease the pain of waiting, we present two new trailers from the game (viewable after the break). The first clip shows our anti-hero storming one of the ship's generators, while the second clip showcases the many enemies that try to get in Riddick's way. Oh, you silly NPCs ...

If you want your experience to be extra authentic, shave your head, turn off the lights, and don some shades while watching. Around the office, we call that Vin-O-vision.

Source - Generator room gameplay
Source - Riddick's enemies vignette

Continue reading Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena trailers to tide you over

JoystiqRiddick: Assault on Dark Athena trailers to tide you over originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-on-dark-athenachronicles-of-riddickchronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenafpsMicrosoftstarbreezestarbreeze-studiostigontigon-studiosXbox-360Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: Riddick dev helming new Syndicate game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/rumorang-riddick-dev-helming-new-syndicate-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/rumorang-riddick-dev-helming-new-syndicate-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/rumorang-riddick-dev-helming-new-syndicate-game/#comments
A new report suggests that Starbreeze Studios is working on a new Syndicate game, with Electronic Arts set to publish. Word of the Riddick and The Darkness dev's involvement with the title first made the rounds last October. Possibly related is a new casting call posted on superannuation for actors in an upcoming "futuristic" Starbreeze/EA title called "DART," which according to the post will be set in a "high tech city."

Though nothing has been formally announced, sources tell GI.biz that the Syndicate series is behind EA and Starbreeze's mysterious Project RedLime, which was originally referred to as a "classic franchise" for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

While that project was said to be "already deep in development" in February 2008, don't expect to revisit the classic cyberpunk series anytime soon. According to the report, the new Syndicate title won't be released until Starbreeze finishes up its current project based on Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne. Until then, the four gentlemen in the corner giving us the crazy eyes will just have to wait.

JoystiqRumorang: Riddick dev helming new Syndicate game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullfrogdarknesseaElectronic-Artsriddickrumorrumorangstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosstarbreezestudiosstrategysyndicatesyndicate-warsTue, 31 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena getting DLC map pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/riddick-assault-on-dark-athena-getting-dlc-map-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/riddick-assault-on-dark-athena-getting-dlc-map-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/riddick-assault-on-dark-athena-getting-dlc-map-pack/#comments
Fans of the surprisingly well-crafted Escape from Butcher Bay have likely been salivating over the brutal possibilities offered by the multiplayer mode featured in its successor, Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. With six different gameplay modes and 15 levels to choose from, the "shiv-happy" among you will probably have enough to keep yourselves busy for quite some time -- just in case, developer Starbreeze Studios will reportedly be dropping a five-map DLC pack some time after the game's release.

Little is known about the pricing, release schedule or arrangement of these extra maps, but given the gaming community's lack of enthusiasm for DLC that's announced for yet-to-be-released games, we suggest the additional levels have some extremely catchy titles. We suggest Shanktown, Knifewound Central, Laceration Station, or Stabbythroat Junction.

JoystiqRiddick: Assault on Dark Athena getting DLC map pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-on-dark-athenaatarichronicles-of-riddickchronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenadlcmap-packMicrosoftmultiplayerstarbreeze-studiosXbox-360Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Riddick dev diary drones on about drones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/riddick-dev-diary-drones-on-about-drones/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/riddick-dev-diary-drones-on-about-drones/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/riddick-dev-diary-drones-on-about-drones/#commentsAtari has released a new developer diary video for Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. The video centers around the game's story, which the developers at Starbreeze consider the next chapter in the Chronicles of Riddick saga. The video also spends a great deal of time talking about the drone enemy. The drone is essentially a cyborg with rudimentary AI that can also be controlled remotely. Kind of a crappy life, really.

Finally, the video highlights the different ways the game can be played. According to the developers, it's possible to play the game guns blazing or in a stealthier manner. Us, we'll probably opt for the method with the heaviest use of Riddick's razor-sharp "ulak" blades.

Check out some new screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (3/20/09)

JoystiqRiddick dev diary drones on about drones originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichronicles-of-riddickchronicles-of-riddick-assault-on-dark-athenaMicrosoftriddickstarbreezestarbreeze-studiostigon-studiosXbox-360Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:10:00 EST