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[There's Something in the Sea and it's BioShock 2 info]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/theres-something-in-the-sea-and-its-bioshock-2-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/theres-something-in-the-sea-and-its-bioshock-2-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/theres-something-in-the-sea-and-its-bioshock-2-info/#comments Details are (probably intentionally) slim on this mysterious site, www.somethinginthesea.com, discovered by a Joystiq tipster. At the moment, it's nothing but a picture of a map, with a marking labeled 2/20/67, and a few weathered documents in front of it. But it's totally marketing for BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams.

One of the papers is the image seen above, which is a drawing of the same Big Daddy doll seen in the BioShock 2 trailer. One of the letters describes the doll a bit: "The head resembles a helmet, the feet could be heavy boots." The letter speculates that the doll "resembles particulars" of an "attacker" that carried out a recent kidnapping.

We're presenting the trailer again after the break, in the hope that one of you BioShockologists will see some new connections between the material on the site and the trailer. Let us know in the comments!

[Thanks, Dominique!]

Continue reading There's Something in the Sea and it's BioShock 2 info

JoystiqThere's Something in the Sea and it's BioShock 2 info originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-marinbioshockbioshock-2bioshock-2-sea-of-dreamsrockstarsomething-in-the-seatake-twotake2viral-marketingThu, 05 Mar 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Midnight Club: Los Angeles pushed back to Oct. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/midnight-club-los-angeles-pushed-back-to-oct-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/midnight-club-los-angeles-pushed-back-to-oct-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/midnight-club-los-angeles-pushed-back-to-oct-21/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It wasn't all good news in Take-Two's stellar third-quarter earnings report and conference call today, as the company announced that the release date for Midnight Club: Los Angeles has been pushed back to Oct. 21 in North America and Oct. 24 in Europe. The new date follows previously announced North American dates of Oct. 7 and Sept. 9 for the game's release. Take-Two said the extra time is being used to help polish up the game and to make sure its release doesn't get lost amidst a competitive holiday schedule. Here's hoping this one finally sticks.

JoystiqMidnight Club: Los Angeles pushed back to Oct. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>midnight-clubmidnight-club-lamidnight-clubb-los-angelesPS3rockstartake-twotake2Xbox-360Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two quarterly revenues up 163% on GTA IV sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/take-two-quarterly-revenues-up-163-on-gta-iv-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/take-two-quarterly-revenues-up-163-on-gta-iv-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/take-two-quarterly-revenues-up-163-on-gta-iv-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In light of all the important news coming out of Take-Two's just-released financial report, it would be easy to skim over the actual financial numbers at the core of the release. That would be a shame for Take-Two, as the report shows incredible growth for the company when compared to last year.

Quarterly revenues were up a staggering 163% year over year, from $205.4 million to $539.8 million, mainly on the strength of Grand Theft Auto IV (and not on the strength of titles like Go Diego Go! Safari Rescue). These revenues were enough to turn a loss of $29.2 million during last year's second quarter into a profit of nearly $115.4 million during this year. The company's coffers have ballooned to include nearly $1.1 billion in assets, up from $830 million at the end of the last fiscal year in October.

The report also reveals that 2008 might finally be the year that the PS2 finally starts its slow decline, at least from Take-Two's perspective. At this time last year, 37% of Take Two's revenues (a plurality) came from PS2 games. This year, that ratio is down to 10%, while the Xbox 360 and PS3 shot up to 41% and 31% of revenues, respectively. The company only has one PS2 game listed on tap for the rest of the year: MLB Power Pros 2008.

JoystiqTake-Two quarterly revenues up 163% on GTA IV sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialfinancialsprofitsPS2PS3reporttake-twoTake2Xbox-360Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Family Album: Take-Two Interactive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/family-album-take-two-interactive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/family-album-take-two-interactive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/family-album-take-two-interactive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's no secret that Electronic Arts has had its eye on Take-Two Interactive lately, but a purchase of the company means a lot more than logos and IPs.

What follows is an examination of the development resources under the Take-Two umbrella. Take a look, you may just be surprised how big that bumbershoot is. For instance, were you aware that that there are more than eight Rockstars? No? Well, what are you wasting your time here for?

It's time to get educated.

JoystiqFamily Album: Take-Two Interactive originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sports2kgamesbioshockeaelectronic-artsfamily-albumgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgrandtheftautogtagta4gtaivtake-twotake2Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine will be involved with BioShock 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/ken-levine-will-be-involved-with-bioshock-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/ken-levine-will-be-involved-with-bioshock-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/ken-levine-will-be-involved-with-bioshock-2/#comments
We got this information from yesterday's Take Two earnings call, but we wanted to break it out just to make sure you BioShock fans out there could get some sleep tonight. Chairman Strauss Zelnick stated during the call that series creator Ken Levine "will be working on BioShock 2."

Now, it remains to be seen whether he'll be working on the game or just sending encouraging email forwards about angels and pictures of cats hanging on branches to the 2K Marin team doing the bulk of the work. As gigantic, total, militant fans of BioShock, we certainly hope it's the former.

JoystiqKen Levine will be involved with BioShock 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-marinbioshock-2ken-levinetake2Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Patch for buggy Bully on 360 coming next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/patch-for-buggy-bully-on-360-coming-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/patch-for-buggy-bully-on-360-coming-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/patch-for-buggy-bully-on-360-coming-next-week/#commentsFiled under: ,


Rockstar's been awfully apologetic about the game-breaking bugs and glitches present in the Xbox 360 version of Bully: Scholarship Edition (as they should be). In the latest public apology, a Rockstar Games representative is promising a fix within the next week, in the form of a title update via Xbox Live.

The patch will likely fix the audio glitches, framerate stutters, and full-on crashes that have plagued the 360 version, yet have been entirely absent from the Wii version. It is unknown at this time whether Rockstar also intends to offer a disc replacement plan for 360 owners without access to Live (similar to Activision's replacement plan for Guitar Hero III on the Wii). We'll let you know when the buggy Bully patch is finally made available.

JoystiqPatch for buggy Bully on 360 coming next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsbullyrockstartake2Xbox-360Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Viacom bidding $1.5 billion to take over Take-Two]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/rumor-viacom-bidding-1-5-billion-to-takeover-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/rumor-viacom-bidding-1-5-billion-to-takeover-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/rumor-viacom-bidding-1-5-billion-to-takeover-take-two/#commentsFiled under:


Take-Two Interactive has seen its fair share of ups and downs, and with stocks on the slow rise following the announced release date of GTA IV, it's rumored that media conglomerate Viacom might be moving in to make a bid on the company, to the tune of $1.5 billion USD.

MCV reports that Viacom is looking to buy majority ownership of the publisher and developer, with a reputed bid of $23 USD per share; Take-Two's current stock value was at around $16 as of last night. At this premium, majority shareholders could be convinced to sell their stock, giving Viacom an opportunity to seize control of the company.

True or not, the value of Take-Two is expected to rise tremendously following the release of Grand Theft Auto IV, making these early months the best time for a company like Viacom to make a move.

Update: Reuters says that "a source familiar with the matter" has disputed reports of Viacom's offer. The plot thickens ...

JoystiqRumor: Viacom bidding $1.5 billion to take over Take-Two originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogtaivrumorstake2viacomThu, 07 Feb 2008 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto IV dated for April 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/grand-theft-auto-iv-dated-for-april-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/grand-theft-auto-iv-dated-for-april-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/grand-theft-auto-iv-dated-for-april-29/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Apparently, despite our frequent doubting, Grand Theft Auto IV will be hitting the February to April target that Take-Two set when the game was delayed last year, if only just barely. The game has now been slated to drop on April 29th.

If you've checked out the multitude of previews that dropped this week, you'd know that game is looking really, really awesome, so we're counting on Rockstar to hit its date this time around. What more is there to say, really? GTA IV. April 29. We're there.

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto IV dated for April 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsgrand-theft-auto-ivgtaivPS3rockstartake2Xbox-360Thu, 24 Jan 2008 08:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 still not OK for UK, says British ratings board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/manhunt-2-still-not-ok-for-uk-says-british-ratings-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/manhunt-2-still-not-ok-for-uk-says-british-ratings-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/manhunt-2-still-not-ok-for-uk-says-british-ratings-board/#commentsFiled under:


Despite receiving an M rating from the ESRB in the US, Manhunt 2 on the Nintendo Wii is still not appropriate for release in the UK, according to the British Board of Film Classification, who have once again rejected the title, despite changes made since the original rejection back in June.

Any hope of Manhunt 2's release in the UK now hinges on publisher Take 2 Interactive appealing the decision, but not before further changes are made to the final version of the game. David Cooke, director of the BBFC has stated that the changes made to the title thus far are not sufficient, and that the game still retains the same "visceral" and "sadistic" gameplay that warranted the original rejection.

It's unknown at this point whether Take 2 will once again appeal the rejection, or if Manhunt 2 is simply not meant for release in the UK.

JoystiqManhunt 2 still not OK for UK, says British ratings board originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbmanhunt-2manhunt2ratingsrockstartake-2take2ukWiiMon, 08 Oct 2007 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take 2: Grand Theft Auto IV delay cause 'almost strictly technological challenges']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/take-2-grand-theft-auto-iv-delay-almost-strictly-technological/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/take-2-grand-theft-auto-iv-delay-almost-strictly-technological/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/take-2-grand-theft-auto-iv-delay-almost-strictly-technological/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Take 2 said that the decision to delay almost-sure-to-be-a-mega-hit Grand Theft Auto IV into the second fiscal quarter of 2008 was recent, having just been made today with Rockstar after reviewing a build of the game yesterday. Saying in a conference call today that they didn't think it was "helpful or beneficial" to go in to specifics, Take 2 declined to say the exact issues behind the delays, though they did say that it was "almost strictly technological challenges." They emphasized that they're highly confident that the delay will be enough time to bring the game up to snuff and that consumers and investors would "agree that the end result was worth the wait."

Chairman Strauss Zelnick pointed out that the install base for both the PS3 and Xbox 360 should be significantly larger by Q2 of FY 2008, though they insist that didn't have a bearing on their decision. One company spokesperson admitted that other publishers may be happy to see GTA IV moved out of the holiday season, saying, "I think for the industry it's not necessarily the worst thing in the world ... just to be perfectly candid."

Also, it was mentioned that Manhunt 2 isn't listed for release next year, but Take 2 says that's more cautionary due to the game's ratings issues rather than an insinuation that the game won't make 2008.

JoystiqTake 2: Grand Theft Auto IV delay cause 'almost strictly technological challenges' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grandtheftautoivgtaivGTAIVDelayPS3rockstartake2Xbox-360Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GTAIV delayed until 2008's second quarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/gtaiv-delayed-until-2008s-second-quarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/gtaiv-delayed-until-2008s-second-quarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/gtaiv-delayed-until-2008s-second-quarter/#commentsFiled under:


Take 2 Interactive just announced that Grand Theft Auto IV will be delayed until 2008's second fiscal quarter, to compensate for some development processes that have taken longer than anticipated. The release confirms that this is taking place for both consoles, so it should be expected than when a new firm date is announced, that the 360's will mirror the PS3's.

There has been no word of what this means for the episodic content under development for the 360 version of the game, as it was initially scheduled for a second quarter release in 2008. While we are saddened that we won't be experiencing Rockstar North's grand opus this holiday, our wallets definitely feel the pressure being lifted, if only slightly. We'll have to wait and see how this affects Microsoft's projected game sales this holiday, as 2004 may still remain top dog with the absence of GTAIV in October.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqGTAIV delayed until 2008's second quarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAutoIVGTAGTAIVRockstarRockstarNorthTake2Take2InteractiveThu, 02 Aug 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: A Bioshock demo will surface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/28/confirmed-a-bioshock-demo-will-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/28/confirmed-a-bioshock-demo-will-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/28/confirmed-a-bioshock-demo-will-surface/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With Bioshock's release less than a month away, the biggest question on most people's minds is whether or not we'll be seeing a game demo released before the game comes out. Well, thanks to our friends over at the German video game rating board (the USK), we can pretty much confirm one will be released. Over on the USK website, they've posted a rating for what is called a "Bioshock Demo" along with the standard Bioshock game. So, that pretty much confirms a Bioshock demo will be coming out and since it has already been rated in Germany one would think it would be releasing relatively soon, possibly before August 21st. We'll be waiting patiently on the Marketplace's blade, waiting for a glimpse of a Big Daddy, and waiting for our Bioshock demo.

[Via 360gamer, Thanks Tom Coakes]

JoystiqConfirmed: A Bioshock demo will surface originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jul 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockirattionalgamestake2xblmSat, 28 Jul 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 gets AO rating from ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/manhunt-2-gets-ao-rating-from-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/manhunt-2-gets-ao-rating-from-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/manhunt-2-gets-ao-rating-from-esrb/#commentsFiled under:


After being rejected by the BBFC in the UK, Rockstar's Manhunt 2 is seemingly getting banned in America as well. According to Game Politics, the "murder simulator" is getting an AO (Adults Only) rating, which effectively bans it from all major video game retailers.

Take Two games will certainly fight this decision as fiercely as possible in the coming days. Remember, the game's release is supposed to be only a few weeks away ...

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqManhunt 2 gets AO rating from ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k games2kGamesadults onlyAdultsOnlyaoesrbgame politicsGamePoliticsmanhuntmanhunt 2Manhunt2rockstartake 2take twoTake2TakeTwoWed, 20 Jun 2007 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two chair talks Wii and DS focus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/take-two-chair-talks-wii-and-ds-focus/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/take-two-chair-talks-wii-and-ds-focus/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/take-two-chair-talks-wii-and-ds-focus/#commentsFiled under: ,

When Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick isn't having secret meetings with Jack Thompson, he's actually trying to turn the embattled company around. Although Zelnick's predecessor, Paul Eibler, pledged support for the Wii last year, Zelnick is really driving the point home. During their Q2 earnings call, which has been fully transcribed, Zelnick says, "To be perfectly frank, I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to realize what's going on with Wii and DS. I will tell you that very quickly we turned to both 2K and to Rockstar and said guys, we need a DS strategy and a Wii strategy and we are working on it. As we get into the next quarter and into budget season for 2008, everybody in this company is completely focused on it."

Zelnick says that development cycles are long and sports games aren't good to develop "for a specific platform," but that they are looking to put more on the Wii and DS. Given the phrasing of the statement, it sounds like Zelnick is talking about games specifically designed for the Wii, which would be nice considering that Manhunt 2 may work out really well, or feel really flat, because it was designed for multiple platforms. Designing a game for numerous platforms may be good for profits, but if Manhunt was only designed for the Wii, it might have ended up a totally different game because of the focus on motion control.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqTake-Two chair talks Wii and DS focus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendosupporttake2taketwowiiMon, 18 Jun 2007 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[T2 report omits PS3 GTA IV episodic content, 360 listed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/t2-report-omits-ps3-gta-iv-episodic-content-360-listed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/t2-report-omits-ps3-gta-iv-episodic-content-360-listed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/t2-report-omits-ps3-gta-iv-episodic-content-360-listed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It seems that Grand Theft Auto IV's downloadable content is shrouded in as much mystery as its hush-hush storyline. While Rockstar North once said that the PS3 would be getting "exclusive episodes" of the game, they weren't listed among a recent Take 2 investors report, while a listing for Xbox 360 episodes of GTA IV is sitting smack dab in the middle of the 2008 fiscal year.

Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean a death knell for GTA IV PS3 content, perhaps it was unintentionally omitted or maybe the content wont come to Sony's box until late 2008. Either way, this is still pretty muddy. We hope things will clear up by the time gamers are asked to plunk down their cash.

JoystiqT2 report omits PS3 GTA IV episodic content, 360 listed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcepisodicexclusivegtagtaivivps3take2Xbox-360xbox360Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Soundtrack and other info on The BIGS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/soundtrack-and-other-info-on-the-bigs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/soundtrack-and-other-info-on-the-bigs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/soundtrack-and-other-info-on-the-bigs/#commentsFiled under:

Take 2 has let loose a flurry of new details on their upcoming Wii slugfest The BIGS, revealing a number of songs that are to be featured in the game, as well as revealing some of the unique characteristics that come from having your game on the Wii. Utilizing the Wiimote's unique control scheme, players will be able to exhibit their own unique swings, as well as pre--at-bat waggles.

On the mound, players will be able to control pitch speed and variation, depending on wrist and arm movement. Not only that, but fielding and base running will also be affected by use of the Wiimote and nunchuk, allowing the player to perform a variety of Baseball's most common moves in an uncommon way.

Gallery: The Bigs


Read - Features for The BIGS
Read - Soundtrack info

JoystiqSoundtrack and other info on The BIGS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2ksportsbigsnintendonintendowiitake2thebigswiiThu, 31 May 2007 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Carnival Games officially announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/carnival-games-officially-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/carnival-games-officially-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/carnival-games-officially-announced/#commentsFiled under:


Global Star Software's Carnival Games, previously discovered via Gamefly listing, has been confirmed as a real game. It's pretty much what we thought it was going to be: a collection of midway-style (not Midway-style; no Kombat here) minigames for the family.

Carnival Games, developed by Cat Daddy Software (Deal or No Deal PC) will feature over 25 minigames including Milk Can Toss, Dunk Tank, and Test of Strength. In keeping with the carnival theme, players will be able to win 250 prizes in-game, including goldfish and stuffed animals. There's a really goofy people-in-front-of-the-couch gameplay trailer at the official site, if you can't wrap your mind around the idea of minigames on the Wii.

JoystiqCarnival Games officially announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carnivalcarnival gamesCarnivalGamesdunkgamesglobal starGlobalStarminigameminigamesnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiitake2wiiTue, 22 May 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Take Two shareholders oust CEO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/take-two-shareholders-ousts-ceo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/take-two-shareholders-ousts-ceo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/take-two-shareholders-ousts-ceo/#commentsFiled under:

Did you catch the Take Two shareholders meeting yesterday? Don't worry if you missed it, the event turned out to be much less dramatic than we had hoped. However, it was not without some ruffled feathers, as now-former CEO Paul Eibeler was shown the door. Taking his place is Ben Feder, a former executive at News Corp, as acting CEO.

Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities expresses disappointment that the new management is giving themselves a three- to six-month window. Also, Pachter said of Feder, "he appears to have no meaningful experience managing a large organization, nor does his resume suggest that he has any practical experience in the video game industry."

Game Politics has a roundup of more opinions regarding this executive shuffle. Our take, however limited in scope, is that Eibeler was a beacon for bad news. His ousting can only spell an upward trend.

JoystiqTake Two shareholders oust CEO originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eibelergame politicsGamePoliticsmichael pachterMichaelPachterpachterpaul eibelerPaulEibelerrock starRockStartake 2take twoTake2TakeTwoFri, 30 Mar 2007 13:18:00 EST<![CDATA[GTAIV Trailer is Live 4 realz!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/gtaiv-trailer-is-live-4-realz/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/gtaiv-trailer-is-live-4-realz/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/gtaiv-trailer-is-live-4-realz/#commentsFiled under: ,


While the official page has worked for some of us here at Fanboy Towers, we have another alternative for you to check into. Xbox.com just added the HD trailer to the Game Detail page. After verifying your age you can check the quick teaser for Rockstar North's masterpiece. Taking place in New York Liberty City, we see a few of the more distinct locales found in Manhattan Liberty City as well as the Statue of Liberty.

The narrator (whom we can only assume is the character you play) appears to have a Russian accent and is looking for a fresh start in the city that never sleeps. Graphically speaking, the lighting and character models look light years ahead of any previous GTA title and the score was very foreboding and somber, adding the perfect mood to the teaser. Simply put, we're stoked. What say you, fanboys?

JoystiqGTAIV Trailer is Live 4 realz! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>G T A 4G T A IVGrand Theft Auto 4Grand Theft Auto IVGrandTheftAuto4GrandTheftAutoIvGTA4GTAIvRockstarRockstar NorthRockstarNorthTake 2Take 2 Interactivetake twoTake Two InteractiveTake2Take2InteractiveTakeTwoTakeTwoInteractiveThu, 29 Mar 2007 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[The Grand Theft Auto IV trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/the-grand-theft-auto-iv-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/the-grand-theft-auto-iv-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/the-grand-theft-auto-iv-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continue reading The Grand Theft Auto IV trailer

JoystiqThe Grand Theft Auto IV trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GrandTheftAutoGTAIVPS3RockstarTake2trailerXbox-360Thu, 29 Mar 2007 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two finds no buyers, to face shareholders Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/take-two-found-no-buyers-to-face-shareholders-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/take-two-found-no-buyers-to-face-shareholders-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/take-two-found-no-buyers-to-face-shareholders-thursday/#commentsFiled under:

After postponing a shareholder meeting so as to court potential buyers, publisher Take-Two has announced that no deal has been made and the company will proceed with the shareholder meeting Thursday without any company interested in purchasing the controversy-laden publisher.

How bad will the meeting be for Take Two? Game Politics predicts that several major stockholders are planning to revolt, CEO Paul Eibeler will be ousted from his position and "T2-hatin' shareholder Jack 'RICO' Thompson may gain access to the microphone and spew his particular brand of vitriol at Eibeler and Take Two management."

Here's a plan: seeing as Thursday's event will be extremely entertaining, why not sell tickets to the event or broadcast the meeting, with advertising, on the internet? There's no perceivable way that the publisher will have an optimistic outcome, so they might as well monetize the entertaining disaster.

JoystiqTake-Two finds no buyers, to face shareholders Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jack thompsonJackThompsontake 2take twoTake2TakeTwoTue, 27 Mar 2007 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: GTA IV to be in New York City?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/rumor-gta-iv-to-be-in-new-york-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/rumor-gta-iv-to-be-in-new-york-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/rumor-gta-iv-to-be-in-new-york-city/#commentsFiled under:

While we're going to categorize this as a rumor until we get a better insight upon the release of the trailer for Grand Theft Auto IV on the 29th, it definitely is worth consideration. Apparently, word on the street is that GTA IV will be taking place in New York City and have NYC stylized music. When we first got wind of this, the first thing that popped into our heads was, "Uh, wasn't the Liberty City from Grand Theft Auto I, GTA III, San Andreas, and Liberty City Stories supposed to be at the very least an homage to New York City (with a hint of New Jersey)?"

If you look at the map for Liberty City from GTA I (pictured above), it's even more apparent. Or this could be a completely new direction for Rockstar, where instead of doing fictional places that are inspired by real world locations, they cut the middle man as it were, and just use the actual city. Either way, we could see a return to Liberty City, or Rockstar's rendition of the real life counter part. Which would you rather play in?

JoystiqRumor: GTA IV to be in New York City? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>G T A 4G T A IVGrand Theft Auto 4Grand Theft Auto IVGrandTheftAuto4GrandTheftAutoIvGTA4GTAIvLiberty CityLibertyCityN Y CNew YorkNew York CityNewYorkNewYorkCityNYCRockstarRockstar NorthTake 2Take 2 InteractiveTake TwoTake Two InteractiveTake2Take2InteractiveTakeTwoTakeTwoInteractiveTue, 13 Mar 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two takeover: investors ousting chief exec]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/take-two-takeover-investors-ousting-chief-exec/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/take-two-takeover-investors-ousting-chief-exec/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/take-two-takeover-investors-ousting-chief-exec/#commentsFiled under:

tuggin'According to documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Take-Two investors plan to attempt to install former BMG chief exec Strauss Zelnick as non-executive chairman. The coup aims to oust current chief executive Paul Eibeler and take a close look at chief financial officer Karl Winters. If Winters ain't pulling for the right side, he'll likely be dropped too. Investors currently control 46% of company shares.

The potential management shake up follows several years of shady financial "irregularities," recently highlighted by former CEO Ryan Brant pleading guilty to stock option crimes. Citigroup analyst Elizabeth Osur called today's news "long overdue," and JP Morgan analyst Dean Gianoukos added that the change would be "positive for the company, assuming key development personnel are retained." Investors might win this round, but Arvind Bhatia of Sterne, Agee & Leach reminds us that Take-Two's problems will not be solved "overnight".

[Via Game Stooge]

JoystiqTake-Two takeover: investors ousting chief exec originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Take2TakeTwoThu, 08 Mar 2007 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar reveals Manhunt 2 for the PS2, PSP, and ... Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/rockstar-reveals-manhunt-2-for-the-ps2-psp-and-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/rockstar-reveals-manhunt-2-for-the-ps2-psp-and-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/rockstar-reveals-manhunt-2-for-the-ps2-psp-and-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Get ready to wave goodbye one last time to all those specious misconceptions that the Wii -- thanks to its unique name, diminutive size, and first-party mascot -- is a children's system. Rockstar Games, who've always had a penchant for controversy, just added a gasoline-soaked two by four (with nails in it) to the "do video games teach kids to kill" bonfire, announcing that Manhunt 2, the sequel to last generation's ultraviolent snuff film-slash-video game, will be released on the PlayStation 2, the PSP and the Wii -- with nary an Xbox 360 or PS3 announcement in sight.

The PS2 and PSP versions are being developed by Rockstar London, their newest studio, in conjunction with Manhunt series creator Rockstar North (Grand Theft Auto) while the Wii version is being handled independently by Rockstar Toronto (The Warriors). We're going to be hearing a lot more about this one.

JoystiqRockstar reveals Manhunt 2 for the PS2, PSP, and ... Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ManhuntManhunt2PS2PSPRockstarRockstarGamesTake2WiiTue, 06 Feb 2007 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Pirates! swashbuckles its way to the PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/sid-meiers-pirates-swashbuckles-its-way-to-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/sid-meiers-pirates-swashbuckles-its-way-to-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/sid-meiers-pirates-swashbuckles-its-way-to-the-psp/#commentsFiled under:

Sid Meier's Pirates! swashbuckles its way to the PSP
For all your port haters out there don't look now because the PSP is about to get a port of a port in the form of Sid Meier's Pirates!. In the game, which was originally released in 1987 and re-made in 2004 on the PC, then released in 2005 on the Xbox and is now scheduled to be released in January on the PSP, players take control of a pirate who must find his kidnapped family members, gain revenge and obtain lots and lots of booty.

"We love the new possibilities from handheld systems like the PSP," added Sid Meier, Director of Creative Development at developer Firaxis Games. "Pirates! for the PSP system allows players to shape the heroic life of a pirate while embracing the pirate's way of life -- always on the go!"

Thankfully, the PSP version, which will be published by Take-Two Interactive in North America and Europe, will feature some new features like new treasure hunts, widescreen display and four-player wireless multi-player, according to Gamespot. Pirates! is a game I always wanted to play on the Xbox but never got around to it, so I'm really hoping this version comes through.

JoystiqSid Meier's Pirates! swashbuckles its way to the PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firaxis gamesFiraxisGamesGamespotIGNpcportsid meiers pirates!SidMeiersPirates!take two interactiveTake2TakeTwoInteractivexboxThu, 16 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview - Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis (Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/metareview-rockstar-games-presents-table-tennis-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/metareview-rockstar-games-presents-table-tennis-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/metareview-rockstar-games-presents-table-tennis-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When Rockstar announced their top secret new game, gamers were floored that the San Diego branch of the house that GTA built had traded in their baseball bats for ping pong paddles with Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis. Big question is, how did they do with this smaller-scale, (relatively) budget-priced title?

According to the reviews that are beginning to appear, pretty darned well. The complaints focus on the title's sparse feature set while the praise focuses on the Xbox Live integration and the tight, elegant gameplay. Seriously, read through the reviews if you have a particular affinity for the words "subtle" and "nuanced." According to the reviews, Table Tennis provides a streamlined sports sim that's short on features but full of subtle gameplay, reflected in the (next-gen) budget price of $39.99.
  • IGN (78/100) - "If you want a table tennis game that's strictly focused on great mechanics and addictive gameplay, but that lacks a reasonable single-player mode and is shockingly sparse, Rockstar Presents Table Tennis is your game."
  • GamePro (85/100) - "The best thing about the gameplay is that it's all about reflex and intuition -- accessible to all, but hard to master online competitive play. Setting up power shots, killer topspin, and hitting the corners of the table becomes easy in short amount of time. This game is an instant classic and is guaranteed to please the masses."
  • Eurogamer (90/100) - "It's the sign of a great sports game when you can't think of anything you'd want to change in the next version. It doesn't need another version."

JoystiqMetareview - Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis (Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 May 2006 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MicrosoftRockstarRockstar GamesRockstar San DiegoRockstar-San-DiegoRockstar-Table-TennisRockstarGamesRockstarSanDiegoSportsTable TennisTable-TennisTableTennisTake2TakeTwoTTWOXbox-360Tue, 23 May 2006 22:00:00 EST