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[Microsoft, Steven Spielberg working on Halo: The Television Series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/microsoft-steven-spielberg-working-on-halo-the-television-seri/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/microsoft-steven-spielberg-working-on-halo-the-television-seri/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/microsoft-steven-spielberg-working-on-halo-the-television-seri/#commentsMicrosoft working on Halo live action television series Microsoft has announced that it will be producing a live action television series based on the Halo franchise, shown exclusively via the new Xbox One console. 343 Industries will oversee the show, and Stephen Spielberg will play a part as well (though his full role wasn't yet revealed).

Spielberg appeared in a short video at today's announcement, where he said he was excited to be involved with "the heroes, worlds, and wonders that Halo will take us to."

JoystiqMicrosoft, Steven Spielberg working on Halo: The Television Series originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalohalo-the-television-seriesmicrosoftsteven-spielbergxboxxbox-revealTue, 21 May 2013 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Dreamworks Halo movie mentioned in press release [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/rumor-dreamworks-halo-movie-mentioned-in-press-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/rumor-dreamworks-halo-movie-mentioned-in-press-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/rumor-dreamworks-halo-movie-mentioned-in-press-release/#comments So this is ... weird.

Halo.fr received a press release for the French version of the novel Halo: Cryptum, and it mentions a forthcoming Halo movie in development with Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks.

Now, we've gotten better than a greedy mortician at ignoring signs of life from the oft-revived and killed-off Halo movie, and would have been more than happy to dismiss this as a misinformed publicist or hopeful copy editor. But it's a little harder in this case. The blurb mirrors a report from Vuture that Dreamworks was considering adapting the books, avoiding some of the legal cruft gathered around the video game-to-movie adaptation. Ready for the weird part? We ran the story on the Vulture piece exactly one year ago today.

Spooky, right? We suspect the interference of ghosts, but we've contacted the novel's US publisher and Microsoft in the hopes of finding our for sure.

[Update: We heard back from Tor, which publishes Halo books stateside. It doesn't work with French publisher Milady directly, but was unaware of any movie version of Halo in the works. That's not a denial per se, but if it was happening, you can bet Tor would have heard about it.

Update 2: And now, a post from 343 Industries' Frank O'Connor on NeoGAF, which reads "This is ow you say? Ah yes. Ze nonsense." Yeah, we're calling it: Time of death: 12:05 p.m. EST]

JoystiqRumor: Dreamworks Halo movie mentioned in press release [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamworkshalohalo-cryptummicrosoftmoviessteven-spielbergThu, 06 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft details Adventures of Tintin: The Game, has Kinect and Move support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/ubisoft-details-adventures-of-tintin-the-game-has-kinect-and-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/ubisoft-details-adventures-of-tintin-the-game-has-kinect-and-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/ubisoft-details-adventures-of-tintin-the-game-has-kinect-and-m/#comments Ubisoft has handed out some details on the upcoming game based on the Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson-produced Adventures of Tintin movie. A trailer and short segment of gameplay was shown at the company's E3 conference this afternoon, featuring both a singleplayer campaign that will take players to famous locations in Tintin's world, as well as co-op and competitive gameplay modes with sword combat, aerial fighting, and driving sequences.

The game is being developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the same studio currently working on Rayman Origins and Beyond Good and Evil 2, and is set to come out for consoles and PC later on this holiday season.

JoystiqUbisoft details Adventures of Tintin: The Game, has Kinect and Move support originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpeter-jacksonplaystationps3steven-spielbergthe-adventures-of-tintinthe-adventures-of-tintin-the-gameubisoft-montpellierxboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[See gameplay 'target' footage of Spielberg's canceled Project LMNO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/see-gameplay-target-footage-of-spielbergs-canceled-project-lm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/see-gameplay-target-footage-of-spielbergs-canceled-project-lm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/see-gameplay-target-footage-of-spielbergs-canceled-project-lm/#comments It's common practice for developers to create "target" footage of their games early in the development process in order to give their artists and designers something to shoot for. Following its look back at the now-canceled collaboration between EA and director Steven Spielberg, Project LMNO, 1UP has posted what it says is target gameplay footage from the cooperative "escape" game.

It's a (very) brief clip, but it clearly shows the A.I.-driven future girl "Eve" from a first-person perspective, and actions that imply that it's the player's character looking at her. The player sniffs a rose that's sitting in a vase on the table of the diner they appear to be in, and passes it to her. Eve smells it next, showing a range of reactions on her face, then abruptly bolts from the table when a sinister black Humvee pulls up outside. This is presumably the beginning of an escape sequence, and sees Eve performing inhuman acrobatic moves to traverse the restaurant.

The footage is clearly pre-rendered, and it's not much to go on, but it's unquestionably neat to see what Project LMNO could have looked like. You can see for yourself just after the break.

Continue reading See gameplay 'target' footage of Spielberg's canceled Project LMNO

JoystiqSee gameplay 'target' footage of Spielberg's canceled Project LMNO originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arkane-Studioscanceledeaea-blueprintEA-Los-AngelesEALAElectronic-Artsfrostbite-enginelmnoMatt-SentellmicrosoftMike-VerduNeil-Youngpcplaystationproject-lmnops3Randy-Smithspielbergsteven-spielbergThe-Escape-Artistunreal-engineunreal-engine-3xboxThu, 04 Nov 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Rez 2 prototype was in the works, Project LMNO canned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/report-rez-2-prototype-was-in-the-works-project-lmno-canned/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/report-rez-2-prototype-was-in-the-works-project-lmno-canned/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/report-rez-2-prototype-was-in-the-works-project-lmno-canned/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to industry vet Jake Kazdal, immediately following the completion of Rez, a small group of developers at United Game Artists worked on a prototype for Rez 2. Kazdal -- a man who's worked everywhere from Nintendo to Irem to Sega, and is currently developing Skulls of the Shogun -- also explained on the latest 8-4 Play podcast that another game he worked on, Steven Spielberg's now mythic "Project LMNO," has been cancelled. EA confirmed as much, telling Joystiq this afternoon, "While EA maintains its relationship with Steven Spielberg, we ceased development of LMNO."

We pushed EA for clarification about the status of any projects in development with Spielberg and were told again, "EA maintains its relationship with Steven Spielberg. EA has ceased development of LMNO. EA continually monitors development resources and adjusts resources as appropriate. No new title announcements."

Continue reading Report: Rez 2 prototype was in the works, Project LMNO canned

JoystiqReport: Rez 2 prototype was in the works, Project LMNO canned originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-48-4-playeaealaelectronic-artsjake-kazdalLMNOmicrosoftplaystationProject-LMNOprototypeps3rez-2segasteven-spielbergugaunited-game-artistsxboxMon, 11 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Naughty Bear's cannibalistic, Jaws-inspired trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/naughty-bears-cannibalistic-jaws-inspired-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/naughty-bears-cannibalistic-jaws-inspired-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/naughty-bears-cannibalistic-jaws-inspired-trailer/#comments The parodies keep coming for Naughty Bear, as this latest trailer takes a bite out of Steven Spielberg's horror hit, Jaws. While we definitely enjoy the spirited homage, we do have one issue: it's straight-up cannibalism. We don't care if these bears are full of fluffy cotton -- seeing one bear consume another is terrifying.

You can get in on our own personal nightmare by clicking the play button after the break. Just don't say we didn't warn you.

Continue reading Naughty Bear's cannibalistic, Jaws-inspired trailer

JoystiqNaughty Bear's cannibalistic, Jaws-inspired trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesa2mjawsMicrosoftnaughty-bearparodysteven-spielbergvideoXbox-360Sat, 15 May 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funny or Die unlocks 'Spielberg' level in Call of Duty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/funny-or-die-unlocks-spielberg-level-in-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/funny-or-die-unlocks-spielberg-level-in-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/funny-or-die-unlocks-spielberg-level-in-call-of-duty/#comments
If there's one thing we don't get to talk about enough here on our vidya game blog, it's film legend Tom Hanks. The man just has a presence about him, one that adds an indefinable trait to anything he breathes on. Luckily, the restraining order he filed against us doesn't extend to the realm of typed-out words on the internet, so when we saw this Funny or Die (NSFW) video that combines a bit of Call of Duty with that gruesome Normandy Invasion scene from Saving Private Ryan, we just knew we had to post it up.

You can check it out past the break, but be warned: Aside from seeing all that gore, you'll hear the cackles of foul-mouthed Brits. Small price to pay for one of the funniest things you'll see, if you ask us.

[Via Go Nintendo]

Continue reading Funny or Die unlocks 'Spielberg' level in Call of Duty

JoystiqFunny or Die unlocks 'Spielberg' level in Call of Duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutydom-jolyinfinity-wardsaving-private-ryanspielbergsteven-spielbergtom-hanksFri, 13 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA job listing mentions next-gen project for Boom Blox team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/25/ea-job-listing-mentions-next-gen-project-for-boom-blox-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/25/ea-job-listing-mentions-next-gen-project-for-boom-blox-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/25/ea-job-listing-mentions-next-gen-project-for-boom-blox-team/#comments We've heard sly references and seen mysterious job listings indicating that Xbox 360 and PS3 owners would soon know the joy of tower toppling -- however, we've not seen anything as concrete as a recent help wanted ad from EA's Boom Blox team. According to the listing, "our last two titles were Wii-based, but our next titles will be for the next generation." We assume they actually mean the current generation's high definition consoles. Otherwise, whoa, we just confirmed the PS4.

This job listing, which was initially discovered by internet detective extraordinaire supererogatory, is supported by two other EA job listings he (or she) previously uncovered -- both of which reference Project Natal or the unnamed PlayStation Motion Controller. Unless the studio is changing directions to work on a motion-controlled Mirror's Edge (which would be unimaginably dangerous on Natal), the odds of an upcoming high-def Boom Blox announcement seem pretty good.

JoystiqEA job listing mentions next-gen project for Boom Blox team originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeaealaElectronic-Artsjob-listingjobsMicrosoftsteven-spielbergXbox-360Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft says Halo movie still stalled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/microsoft-says-halo-movie-still-stalled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/microsoft-says-halo-movie-still-stalled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/microsoft-says-halo-movie-still-stalled/#comments
We hope we didn't get your hopes too high with yesterday's rumor that Mama Spielberg's favorite son was interested in making a Halo movie of his own. Microsoft told Kotaku early this morning, "The Halo feature film remains on hold as we focus on projects like Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach."

Here's some friendly advice from us to you. Adopt the attitude that the Halo movie is never, ever, ever going to happen. Then, if you see it on the local marquee, it'll be a great surprise. If not, well, you knew it all along, didn't you?

JoystiqMicrosoft says Halo movie still stalled originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpshalomicrosoftmoviessteven-spielbergXbox-360Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ambitious Halo fan film looking for donations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/ambitious-halo-fan-film-looking-for-donations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/ambitious-halo-fan-film-looking-for-donations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/ambitious-halo-fan-film-looking-for-donations/#comments
It figures. The moment we hear the rumor that Spielberg is interested in making a Halo movie, we learn about an intriguing fan film that we have to imagine would be in deep trouble if a studio project got off the ground. The Britain-based "Chastity Project" is looking to raise around £30,000 (roughly $49,000) to film a movie of the same name in the spring of next year.

They'd be a lot easier to write off as nut jobs if they hadn't already crafted some really cool props, like the Warthog-in-progress you can see above. Here's hoping the lawyers don't inevitably crush their dreams.

[Thanks, Dylan]

JoystiqAmbitious Halo fan film looking for donations originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chastity-projectfan-filmhalomicrosoftsteven-spielbergXbox-360Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Spielberg looking to produce Halo movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/rumor-spielberg-looking-to-produce-halo-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/rumor-spielberg-looking-to-produce-halo-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/rumor-spielberg-looking-to-produce-halo-movie/#comments
The Halo movie may be dead to Neill Blomkamp and Peter Jackson, but it's apparently not dead dead, as IESB reports Spielberg is in negotiations to produce the feature film. Spielberg only had to read Stuart Beattie's script before wanting to tackle the project, IESB claims, which focuses on The Fall of Reach, the prequel to the original Halo game written by Eric Nylund.

This likely comes as either bad news or good news, depending on your feelings toward Spielberg these days. Some enjoyed his recent Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, while others still remember those stupid walkie-talkies.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqRumor: Spielberg looking to produce Halo movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalohalo-movieMicrosoftmoviemoviessteven-spielbergXbox-360Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg's LMNO project may have been renamed 'Eve']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/spielbergs-lmno-project-may-have-been-renamed-eve/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/spielbergs-lmno-project-may-have-been-renamed-eve/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/spielbergs-lmno-project-may-have-been-renamed-eve/#comments
You know, for a game that was supposed to be dead, Steven Spielberg's codenamed project "LMNO" sure has been generating a lot of heat lately. First, the aforementioned near cancellation and subsequent resurrection, and now we get word from superannuation that the game may have been renamed "Eve."

The title (apparently derived from the game's AI-controlled female lead) was spotted on the resume of Melissa Garza, who assisted with mo-cap on the game [Update: Ms. Garza has asked that we clarify she only worked on preliminary motion capture, not the game itself.] Sure, it's probably just a working title, but we really want LMNO to be released, so we're doing what we can to keep the story alive.

JoystiqSpielberg's LMNO project may have been renamed 'Eve' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsevelmnorumorsteven-spielbergTue, 30 Jun 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Jason Rohrer: Spielberg's 'LMNO' project probably cancelled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/jason-rohrer-spielbergs-lmno-project-probably-cancelled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/jason-rohrer-spielbergs-lmno-project-probably-cancelled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/jason-rohrer-spielbergs-lmno-project-probably-cancelled/#commentsBefore it was known as Boom Blox, Steven Spielberg's puzzle game project was known as PQRS, and it was revealed alongside an Xbox 360/PS3 action game, codenamed LMNO, about a former secret agent on the run with a dynamic AI character.

Boom Blox, of course, was released to great critical acclaim, but LMNO hasn't been so lucky. In fact, the last thing we heard about it were rumors that the team had been laid off (which Spielberg denied) and the project put on hold.

In an interview with Edge, Passage creator Jason Rohrer revealed that he had been involved with the project. "On top of (odd programming jobs), I did some consulting work, most recently for EA on the Spielberg LMNO project," he told Edge. "My understanding is that project's pretty much been canceled now, what with the changing economy, but I'm not sure."

[Update: EA responds, telling Kotaku: "The rumor is incorrect. EA remains deeply committed to its collaboration with Steven Spielberg and projects we are developing together. LMNO was a code name for a project in development at EALA. While the project continues to develop at EALA with Steven, we no longer refer to it as LMNO. We have no further details to reveal at this time."]

JoystiqJason Rohrer: Spielberg's 'LMNO' project probably cancelled originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsjason-rohrerlayoffslmnopassagesteven-spielbergFri, 26 Jun 2009 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft making games based on Spielberg/Jackson Tintin films]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ubisoft-making-games-based-on-spielberg-jackson-tintin-films/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ubisoft-making-games-based-on-spielberg-jackson-tintin-films/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ubisoft-making-games-based-on-spielberg-jackson-tintin-films/#commentsUbisoft's Yves Guillermot just announced that the company is working with both Steven Spielberg and (King Kong director and game collaborator) Peter Jackson on games based on the upcoming Spielberg-directed, Jackson-produced movie adaptation of the Tintin comic. The movie is currently slated for late 2011, so we'd expect to see the game around the same time.

Spielberg's pretty busy being peripherally involved with the video game business today!

JoystiqUbisoft making games based on Spielberg/Jackson Tintin films originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009peter-jacksonsteven-spielbergtintinubisoftMon, 01 Jun 2009 20:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg presents: Spielberg in: Boom Blox Bash Party trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/spielberg-presents-spielberg-in-boom-blox-bash-party-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/spielberg-presents-spielberg-in-boom-blox-bash-party-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/spielberg-presents-spielberg-in-boom-blox-bash-party-trailer/#commentsIn the latest trailer for Boom Blox: Bash Party, the man with a plan, Steven Spielberg, gets intimate and offers details on EA's sequel to its beloved Wii puzzler. Marketing jargon is thrown around quite freely, with Spielberg admitting that Bash Party "takes Boom Blox to a new level" and that "all of the good ideas" were saved for the sequel. Yeah, right.

Thankfully, the video doesn't stray into that territory for long, as we eventually get a close look at what we all want to see: multiplayer! If that doesn't look like fun, then we must be dead.

JoystiqSpielberg presents: Spielberg in: Boom Blox Bash Party trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 May 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyeapuzzlesteven-spielbergThu, 21 May 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg talks future of gaming, believes in virtual reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/spielberg-talks-future-of-gaming-believes-in-virtual-reality/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/spielberg-talks-future-of-gaming-believes-in-virtual-reality/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/spielberg-talks-future-of-gaming-believes-in-virtual-reality/#commentsWe would never dare think of crossing Steven Spielberg. The man is made of pure magic, and has the power to erase firearms from existence, cause you undeniable fear of the water, and create currency out of toy planes and paper. When he talks, we listen. And recently, he did just that with The Guardian's podcast, Tech Weekly.

Spielberg had some insight as to where the gaming business is headed, with his hopes for the immediate future residing in 3D gaming, much like his colleague James Cameron. Spielberg says the reemergence of 3D in film -- something Hollywood tried and failed at back in the 1950s -- is a prime example of how we'll see the technology make its way into games. Spielberg envisions "3D games developed where with a good pair of glasses we get a real three-dimensional experience in front of an appropriate monitor that is designed just for 3D." Also, he thinks we're not too far off from a future void of console platforms altogether, where we'll soon be playing games directly from our TV sets.

As for the long-term future, Spielberg sees the technology going toward virtual reality, and sees it as the industry's inevitable future. "I really think virtual reality -- which experimentally came and went in the eighties -- is going to be redeveloped, just like 3D is being redeveloped today," he said, further adding, "and that's going to be the new platform for our gaming future."

That's all well and good, Mr. Spielberg, but these virtual reality games better be more enjoyable than that Grid Busters game we played down at the Jersey shore back in the '90s.

JoystiqSpielberg talks future of gaming, believes in virtual reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 May 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dboom-bloxeaElectronic-Artssteven-spielbergthe-guardianvirtual-realityWed, 20 May 2009 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Boom Blox Bash Party level editor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/joystiq-hands-on-boom-blox-bash-party-level-editor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/joystiq-hands-on-boom-blox-bash-party-level-editor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/joystiq-hands-on-boom-blox-bash-party-level-editor/#comments
Boom Blox Bash Party will feature the same level editor that the developers used to make all of the game's 400-plus levels. Anyone can design and share levels online (no Friends Codes attached), but an approval process is in place to prevent submissions with "boobies" spelled out in blox reaching the public. Although, if you prefer to sidestep the Man, you'll be able to share your more "mature" levels with friends ... privately. The community will also be able to rate public levels, à la LittleBigPlanet, so, when you go searching, you won't be randomly selecting ones that suck (spelled out in blox). User-created levels can be preview-played before downloading, too.

Gallery: Boom Blox Bash Party

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Boom Blox Bash Party level editor

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Boom Blox Bash Party level editor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyEAElectronic-ArtsNintendosteven-spielbergWiiThu, 14 May 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Boom Blox Bash Party hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-boom-blox-bash-party-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-boom-blox-bash-party-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-boom-blox-bash-party-hands-on/#comments
click to enlarge A couple of years back, Steven Spielberg picked up the phone and called EA. After absolutely no time on hold, he told (insert random executive here) all about his idea for a Wii game about throwing blocks at other blocks. Although it had received similar proposals in the past -- mostly from third-graders -- the mega-publisher immediately drafted up a contract and made Steve a bona-fide game designer. That, dear readers, is how the original -- and now classic -- Boom Blox came to be. Well, more or less.

Mr. Spielberg is once again credited on the sequel, Boom Blox Bash Party, though we're pretty sure he didn't have to go to similar extremes to get it made. Anyway, for whatever reason, the dev team decided to build a new level editor -- the same one that's in the game for players to use -- and design all its levels with the thing. Oh, and set it underwater and in outer space, for starters.

Gallery: Boom Blox Bash Party

Continue reading GDC09: Boom Blox Bash Party hands-on

JoystiqGDC09: Boom Blox Bash Party hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyeaelectronic-artsgdc-2009Nintendosteven-spielbergWiiMon, 30 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox Bash Party trailer makes our pitching arm sore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/boom-blox-bash-party-trailer-makes-our-pitching-arm-sore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/boom-blox-bash-party-trailer-makes-our-pitching-arm-sore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/boom-blox-bash-party-trailer-makes-our-pitching-arm-sore/#comments
We don't regret the radiant, blinding love we developed for Boom Blox the First, though the physical toll it took on our ball chuckin' arm was nigh-unbearable. Therefore, the latest trailer for Boom Blox Bash Party, EA's follow-up to the highly enjoyable tower toppler, has left equally intrigued and terrified. We can't wait to get our hands on the new slingshot ability and gameplay modes shown in the video, but the very real possibility of irreparable dislocation is ever-present in our minds. Check out the trailer after the break as we call our dear pal Roger Clemens for tips on post-game rehabilitation.

Continue reading Boom Blox Bash Party trailer makes our pitching arm sore

JoystiqBoom Blox Bash Party trailer makes our pitching arm sore originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyeaElectronic-ArtsNintendosteven-spielbergWiiSat, 07 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cause for celebration: Boom Blox Bash Party won't use Friend Codes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/cause-for-celebration-boom-blox-bash-party-wont-use-friend-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/cause-for-celebration-boom-blox-bash-party-wont-use-friend-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/cause-for-celebration-boom-blox-bash-party-wont-use-friend-cod/#commentsFiled under:


MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo spoke to Amir Rahimi about the new features in the just-announced Boom Blox Bash Party, learning exciting new details that make the sequel sound much more tantalizing than a simple collection of new levels would be.

First off, no friend codes. Players will be able to download and upload new levels, and rate others' work, without being hindered by Nintendo's overblown security measures. Finally, other games are catching up with Blast Works! Totilo suggested that Spielberg should "direct" a level for download, and Rahimi told him to "Consider the request scheduled".

In addition to downloadable levels, Bash Party features a new move: the slingshot. Players will be able to pull the Wiimote back, then release (a button, most likely) and launch items forward. What it won't feature is MotionPlus, because the team didn't get access to the tools soon enough. But it's EA -- just wait a year for the next sequel. Update: Hey, remember that one rumor about a major game that wouldn't use Friend Codes? Ding!

JoystiqCause for celebration: Boom Blox Bash Party won't use Friend Codes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partycasualeapuzzlesteven-spielbergThu, 29 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA invites Wii owners to a Boom Blox Bash Party this spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/ea-invites-wii-owners-to-a-boom-blox-bash-party-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/ea-invites-wii-owners-to-a-boom-blox-bash-party-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/ea-invites-wii-owners-to-a-boom-blox-bash-party-this-spring/#commentsFiled under: ,


EA has revealed the known -- but never officially announced -- sequel to Boom Blox for Wii. According to the press release, EA's Boom Blox Bash Party will be out this spring, featuring 400 new levels and a greater emphasis on multiplayer -- as evidenced by the "Party" in the title. (As well as the "Bash" -- which is a kind of party, we believe.)

"Boom Blox Bash Party is a wild social gaming experience," said Steven Spielberg, who is involved in the new game in whatever nebulous capacity in which he was involved in the first title. "We know families and friends really enjoyed playing the original Boom Blox together, so we designed more explosive multiplayer experiences with Boom Blox Bash Party."

Even more exciting, BBBP now has online integration for its level editor, allowing players to share their destructible Mario sprites with the community at large. EA will offer its own downloadable levels as well.

Gallery: Boom Blox Bash Party

JoystiqEA invites Wii owners to a Boom Blox Bash Party this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partycasualeaElectronic-ArtsNintendopuzzlesteven-spielbergWiiThu, 29 Jan 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg drums in Rock Band, doesn't like cutscenes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/spielberg-drums-in-rock-band-doesnt-like-cutscenes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/spielberg-drums-in-rock-band-doesnt-like-cutscenes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/spielberg-drums-in-rock-band-doesnt-like-cutscenes/#commentsFiled under:


Now that the dust has settled on Boom Blox, Yahoo got a few minutes with creator (and, we're told, film director) Steven Spielberg to discuss his take on the industry. What's that? You want a few of our favorite facts, nuggetized for simple consumption? Fair enough.
  • The Spielberg family is a Rock Band family, and Steven's the drummer.
  • He's not such a fan of cutscenes, especially ones you can't skip.
  • Spielberg's first game experience was playing Pong with Richard Dreyfus on the set of Jaws, as it is for most of us.
There're your bullet points, you jackals. No go read the rest of the piece.

JoystiqSpielberg drums in Rock Band, doesn't like cutscenes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxsteven-spielbergWiiTue, 09 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA denies rumored Spielberg Project LMNO layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/ea-denies-rumored-spielberg-project-lmno-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/ea-denies-rumored-spielberg-project-lmno-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/ea-denies-rumored-spielberg-project-lmno-layoffs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Electronic Arts has dismissed rumors that the staff of Steven Spielberg's next-gen project, codenamed LMNO, has been let go. In a statement (via EuroGamer), the publisher said reports of the firing are "categorically not true."

Following news that EA is cutting back on 6% of its workforce, VG247 reported that it was told by an anonymous EA employee that the dev team behind LMNO had been let go. "Almost everyone on the team has gone," according to the source. The last we heard about the project, coming to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, was that it "focuses on a touching and ever-changing relationship between you and a mysterious female character who holds the key to many futures." His other secret project, PQRS, turned out to be Boom Blox for the Wii.

JoystiqEA denies rumored Spielberg Project LMNO layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lmnoPCproject-lmnoPS3spielbergsteven-spielbergXbox-360Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Boom Blox not a bomb after all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/boom-blox-not-a-bomb-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/boom-blox-not-a-bomb-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/boom-blox-not-a-bomb-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We're not entirely clear on how all this cultural bomb terminology works. Last month, after we'd heard that Boom Blox had toppled with 60,000 in North American sales, we were more than willing to wittily label the game as "a bomb." However, EA's post-earnings conference call has now revealed that Boom Blox has sold 450,000 units since launch (no region specified). Since it's no longer a bomb, do we imply that EA and Steven Spielberg's collaboration -- considered by many reviewers to be the bomb -- has been defused? That doesn't sound like a good thing.

JoystiqEA: Boom Blox not a bomb after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boom-BloxEAElectronic-ArtsSteven-SpielbergWiiTue, 29 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab some real-life Boom Blox with the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


... if you're in France. Despite much frantic hunting on the internets, we've only been able to locate this neat little piece of Boom Blox merchandise at a French outlet, where it's being given away to those who purchase the game early (Boom Blox launches across Europe tomorrow).

Although it lacks a ball to knock your blocks down with once you've finished building, assembling this puzzle is probably the perfect way to pass the time while your family plays on Boom Blox and you stubbornly refuse to admit that you might have been wrong. Bah. Oh, one word of advice, though: handle with care.

JoystiqGrab some real-life Boom Blox with the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxcasualeafamilyfrancepartypre-orderpreorderpuzzlespielbergsteven-spielbergThu, 08 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Boom Blox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/metareview-boom-blox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/metareview-boom-blox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/metareview-boom-blox/#commentsFiled under:

Gamers these days seem to be obsessed with the divide between what's "casual" and what's "hardcore." Often, software is immediately labeled for one group or the other. That's why it's nice to see games that bridge this gap, like Steven Spielberg's Boom Blox. There's nothing better than a title that everyone can enjoy. Did people enjoy it, though?

The answer to that question is a resounding yes:

  • 1UP (100/100) loved the game so much that they gave it an A+: "Boom Blox is simply a laundry list of great features and options wrapped around an incredibly fun, expertly designed, and well-tuned puzzle game. Sure, its cute veneer won't do it any favors with the more intense console crowd, but I found it charming and refreshingly cheery. It's a casual game made for a casual crowd, but it's far and away the best one I've ever played."
  • IGN (81/100) enjoyed a lot of the game's features, but felt that the title's biggest strength was its addictive multiplayer: "EA has really capitalized on the Wii remote to give you pinpoint accuracy as you make throws with real, calculated velocity -- throws that interact with block formations encased in genuine physics. You will find the single-player offering robust and varied, but the multiplayer mode -- compatible for up to four gamers -- is tantamount to crack cocaine in its ability to addict. And while there are hundreds of levels to keep you busy, there's also a full-blown stage creator that works hand-in-hand with WiiConnect24."
  • Wired (80/100) praises the game's mass appeal: "Boom Blox does what so many Wii titles wish they could, by splitting the difference between casual players and lifelong gamers. You can pass the Wiimote to your grandma or a 5-year-old and they'll have a ball with its clever mix of brainy puzzles and satisfying explosions. But hard-core players like me will find a surprising amount of depth to the gameplay and a satisfying, addictive challenge."

Gallery: BOOM BLOX

JoystiqMetareview: Boom Blox originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeapuzzlespielbergsteven-spielbergWed, 07 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg's Boom Blox could be headed to 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/spielbergs-boom-blox-could-be-headed-to-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/spielbergs-boom-blox-could-be-headed-to-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/spielbergs-boom-blox-could-be-headed-to-360/#commentsFiled under:


Sure, the Xbox 360 gets Peter Jackson to helm its games, but EA nabbed Steven Spielberg, which is nothing to sneeze at. Undoubtedly one of the biggest stories in gaming over the last year is his involvement with Electronic Arts to produce Boom Blox for the Wii. Inspired by good old-fashioned toy blocks, the game has players manipulating blocks in a 3D environment complete with impressive physics ... and explosions apparently. It's a puzzle game, see? Anywho, word on the street, according to VideoGamer.com, is that Boom Blox -- which began solely as a Wii project -- may find its way onto other consoles as well. The news comes from the game's senior producer Amir Rahimi, who said at a recent event in London, "there's definitely the possibility of going to other consoles."

Sure, it's not an explicit confirmation of a 360 version, but given EA's history, we'd say it's a safe bet assuming the game actually does go multiplatform at some point. The only question now is how the game would work without a motion controller ... oh wait.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqSpielberg's Boom Blox could be headed to 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeaelectronic-artssteven-spielbergThu, 24 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Boom Blox (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-boom-blox-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-boom-blox-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-boom-blox-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


In our previous coverage of Boom Blox, we highlighted the basic way you toss baseballs, bowling balls, and other objects at the blocks. But this casual game has even more game modes that have gotten less coverage. I sampled some of the lesser-know variants at the Nintendo Media Summit.

The game's adventure mode introduces other mechanics. Players move through successive levels, trying to initially knock down structures with as few throws as possible. But following levels give gamers unlimited baseballs to toss at a pack of bears, for example; these cranky creatures try to amble off with your gem blocks, and you have to knock them down. Another change on later levels forces you to protect an advancing group of sheep. Monkeys throw items from their own block-built castle, and you need to knock them all down before the sheep are wiped out.

Gallery: Boom Blox

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Boom Blox (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Boom Blox (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboombloxeaelectronic-artssteven-spielbergWiiTue, 15 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox dated May 6th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/boom-blox-dated-may-6th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/boom-blox-dated-may-6th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/boom-blox-dated-may-6th/#commentsFiled under:


EA previously had the entire month of May blocked off for the release of its Steven Spielberg collaboration Boom Blox. They put a finer point on things during a presentation at Nintendo's Media Summit in San Francisco today, knocking 30 blocks off their May calendar, leaving a proud May 6th standing tall. We'll be checking out the game in, what we can only assume is, a near final state and have our impressions up as soon as we can, okay?

Gallery: Boom Blox

JoystiqBoom Blox dated May 6th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boom-BloxBreakingNewsEAElectronic-ArtsNMS08Steven-SpielbergWiiThu, 10 Apr 2008 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Boom Blox to include head tracking. Seriously.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/gdc08-boom-blox-to-include-head-tracking-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/gdc08-boom-blox-to-include-head-tracking-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/gdc08-boom-blox-to-include-head-tracking-seriously/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


At the end of the "Creating Boom Blox" session at GDC, executive producer Lou Castle revealed that you can use two Wii remotes on your TV (and some form of do-it-yourself LED headset) to control the camera in Boom Blox with your head. Seriously.

Speaking briefly to Joystiq after the session, Castle explained that it was more of an easter egg inclusion and they weren't planning to actively promote the feature. We'll have more from the Boom Blox session later this week. After the break, a video of do-it-yourself head tracking.

Continue reading GDC08: Boom Blox to include head tracking. Seriously.

JoystiqGDC08: Boom Blox to include head tracking. Seriously. originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxbreakingnewseaElectronic-Artsgdcgdc08head-trackinglou-castlespielbergsteven-spielbergWiiThu, 21 Feb 2008 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Boom Blox ... a Steven Spielberg game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/joystiq-impressions-boom-blox-a-steven-spielberg-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/joystiq-impressions-boom-blox-a-steven-spielberg-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/joystiq-impressions-boom-blox-a-steven-spielberg-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

boom blox
"It's feels like a Miyamoto game," someone observes. "Yeah, it's very first-party," agrees another. Flying sheep-blocks and all, Boom Blox is destined to earn Spielberg some street cred (or whatever form of kudos it is that gamers bestow). Just what is Spielberg's involvement? It's his idea, EA insists.

An idea so simple, it's really only plausible for Wii. You just pitch a baseball at blocks -- that's it (well, sometimes it's a bowling ball, bomb, or shotty blast ... you get the idea). But where so many mindless motion farts dissipate into the foul heap of Wii "mini-game" crap, Boom Blox stands tall, as a tangible actualization of what Wii games should, no, are supposed to be!

Gallery: Boom Blox

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Boom Blox ... a Steven Spielberg game

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Boom Blox ... a Steven Spielberg game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxhandsonimpressionsspielbergsteven-spielbergWiiWed, 13 Feb 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA, Spielberg break out Boom Blox for Wii, mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/ea-spileberg-break-out-boom-blox-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/ea-spileberg-break-out-boom-blox-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/ea-spileberg-break-out-boom-blox-for-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Electronic Arts has announced the initial details surrounding Boom Blox, the first collaboration between movie mogul Steven Spielberg and EA Los Angeles. Revealed last December, and expected to be featured during a panel at this month's annual Game Developer's Conference, the "high-energy" family-friendly puzzler is scheduled to debut this May for the Wii, with a version for mobile phones expected to drop sometime in the spring.

While details are light, EA notes that Boom Blox will boast more than 300 levels, a cast of more than 30 "wacky" characters, "full real-time physics model," and an in-game level editor that promises to let players "remix any level," which include Tiki, Haunted, Medieval, and Frontier, themed backdrops. EA also promises that once created, players will be able to share their masterpieces with their friends over the Wii's online service. While we may all have grown weary of the Wii's casual focus, it's hard not to get at least a little excited for this game given Spielberg's involvement. Then again, he did make A.I.

[Update: GameDaily has an interview up with the game's creator at EA, Louis Castle - along with the exclusive trailer embedded just after the break.]

Gallery: Boom Blox

Continue reading EA, Spielberg break out Boom Blox for Wii, mobile

JoystiqEA, Spielberg break out Boom Blox for Wii, mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxbreakingnewseaelectronic-artsMobilesteven-spielbergWiiWed, 06 Feb 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg's BOOM BLOX to be featured at GDC 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/spielbergs-boom-blox-to-be-featured-at-gdc-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/spielbergs-boom-blox-to-be-featured-at-gdc-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/spielbergs-boom-blox-to-be-featured-at-gdc-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The official site for the 2008 Game Developers Conference has revealed that Steven Spielberg's first collaboration with EA Los Angeles with be the focus of a GDC session, revealing the creative process that turned a simple puzzle concept into a full-on Nintendo Wii title. The announcement also reveals the official name of Spielberg's Wii game: BOOM BLOX (that's right, with the caps-lock and everything).

The game will be discussed during "Creating Spielberg's BOOM BLOX", a session led by EALA's VP of Creative Development, Louis Castle. Sadly, it doesn't seem like Spielberg himself will be on-hand to discuss the physics-based puzzle game.

Check out some early footage of BOOM BLOX from E3 2007 after the break.

Continue reading Spielberg's BOOM BLOX to be featured at GDC 2008

JoystiqSpielberg's BOOM BLOX to be featured at GDC 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeaealaElectronic-Artsgdcgdc08spielbergsteven-spielbergWiiWed, 12 Dec 2007 15:25:00 EST