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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Dying Light launch trailer shows catastrophe on a hot tin roof]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dying-light-launch-trailer-shows-catastrophe-on-a-hot-tin-roof/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dying-light-launch-trailer-shows-catastrophe-on-a-hot-tin-roof/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dying-light-launch-trailer-shows-catastrophe-on-a-hot-tin-roof/#comments Dead Island creator Techland is once again chucking a ton of undead at your face, but this time you have to freerun from them. "Go anywhere, climb anything," but try to stay alive, eh?

Dying Light is available now on Steam for $60, with physical copies also out today in North and South America for PS4, Xbox One and PC. In Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa you' can download it tomorrow, January 28, while disc versions are due on February 27.

Slide below the break to check out the launch trailer, and when you're done with that, clamber over to the recent Joystiq Streams expedition through Techland's open world.

Continue reading Dying Light launch trailer shows catastrophe on a hot tin roof

JoystiqDying Light launch trailer shows catastrophe on a hot tin roof originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps4steamtechlandwarner-brosWBWBIExbox-oneTue, 27 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Physical copies of Dying Light delayed in several regions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/physical-copies-of-dying-light-delayed-in-several-regions/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/physical-copies-of-dying-light-delayed-in-several-regions/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/physical-copies-of-dying-light-delayed-in-several-regions/#comments
Dying Light is scheduled for an outbreak on January 27 in North America, but it could take a bit longer than that to make contact with physical copies of Techland's zombie survival game in other regions. A post to the game's official Facebook page notes that a "short delay" in the distribution of Dying Light's disc-based copies will be suffered in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.

"As physical production has a longer lead time than digital there is some delay in the aforementioned territories," the update reads. "We will share information on the availability of physical copies as soon as it is confirmed." The post also states that Dying Light will see a "global digital release" on January 27, but Steam stores in multiple regions still list a launch date of January 30.

If you both prefer physical copies of games and optimism, this means you've got more time to stock supplies and outline truces with fellow survivors. Be mindful of your picks though, lest a member of Team Not Dying switch sides and take a bite out of you in Dying Light's player-vs-player mode.

Update: This post has been updated to note the January 30 release dates listed on Steam.
[Image: Techland]

JoystiqPhysical copies of Dying Light delayed in several regions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps4techlandWarner-Bros-Interactivexbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to be the Zombie in Dying Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/how-to-be-the-zombie-in-dying-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/how-to-be-the-zombie-in-dying-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/how-to-be-the-zombie-in-dying-light/#comments

If your survival instinct is lacking, Dying Light's zombie mode may be more your speed. The game's lone PvP mode allows one player-controlled zombie to terrorize a group of co-op players with all manner of horrific sounds and grotesque tendrils, as evidenced by a trailer showcasing the mode released late last week.

Dying Light's zombie mode is available as a pre-order incentive for the game, which launches for Xbox One, PS4 and PC on January 27. Although it was originally scheduled to release on the Xbox 360 and PS3 as well, developer Techland has since cancelled Dying Light for both last-generation consoles.

Catch up on more Dying Light by watching the archive of our recent stream.

JoystiqHow to be the Zombie in Dying Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps4TechlandWarner-Bros-Interactivexbox-oneMon, 12 Jan 2015 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying Light season pass includes three post-launch additions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/dying-light-season-pass-includes-three-post-launch-additions/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/dying-light-season-pass-includes-three-post-launch-additions/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/dying-light-season-pass-includes-three-post-launch-additions/#comments Developer Techland has spilled some of the ravenous, undead beans on the DLC players can expect to find in the season pass for its upcoming open-world zombie action game Dying Light.

According to a recent tweet, those who purchase the $20 season pass on PC, Xbox One or PlayStation 4 will receive access to three DLC packs. Cuisine And Cargo features two new missions designed to challenge experienced players. The Ultimate Survival Bundle includes three new outfits as well as four new weapon blueprints. The Bozak Horde DLC pack features only one new map, a derelict stadium, but it can be used in both singleplayer or multiplayer gameplay modes.

Dying Light will receive its first DLC in February 2015, though Techland offers no timeline for when the studio plans to launch the other two packs.
[Image: WBIE]

JoystiqDying Light season pass includes three post-launch additions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps4season-passtechlandxbox-oneThu, 04 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying Light cancelled on Xbox 360, PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/dying-light-cancelled-on-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/dying-light-cancelled-on-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/dying-light-cancelled-on-xbox-360-ps3/#comments Developer Techland has announced it has halted production on Dying Light for Xbox 360 and PS3. In a Facebook post announcing the plan, Techland explained "older consoles just couldn't run the game and stay true to the core vision" at the same time.

"To ensure you enjoy Dying Light as much as we would like you to, we chose to release it without any compromises on the three strongest systems available," the post reaffirmed. Dying Light - a zombie-infested, open-world game with parkour-inspired movement - will now launch only for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Dying Light, from publisher Warner Bros., has seen multiple release date changes since it was announced in May 2013. Originally slated to arrive this March, the game was subsequently moved to February 2015 before settling on a January 27, 2015 launch.

Techland's complete statement on the decision to cancel the game on Xbox 360 and PS3 can be found after the break.

Continue reading Dying Light cancelled on Xbox 360, PS3

JoystiqDying Light cancelled on Xbox 360, PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2014 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps4TechlandWarner-Brosxbox-oneTue, 28 Oct 2014 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying Light to rise in January 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/dying-light-to-rise-in-january-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/dying-light-to-rise-in-january-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/dying-light-to-rise-in-january-2015/#comments Dying Light, the free-roaming zombie apocalypse survival game from Call of Juarez and Dead Island developer Techland, will launch January 27, 2015. The game was delayed to February back in May, and was previously expected to arrive on March 31 of this year for PC, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360 and PS3.

Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the game splits players' activities among day and night cycles, the latter featuring much more dangerous and aggressive zombies. The best options for survival during the noctural hours is usually to run, encouraging players to partake heavily in Dying Light's parkour-like urban traversal mechanics. Players will also hunt for supplies to dig into a weapon crafting system and take out the undead enemies when the opportunity arises.
[Image: WBIE]

JoystiqDying Light to rise in January 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4release-dateTechlandWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIExboxxbox-oneThu, 11 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island 2 turns its frown upside down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/dead-island-2-turns-its-frown-upside-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/dead-island-2-turns-its-frown-upside-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/dead-island-2-turns-its-frown-upside-down/#comments

It's not the "world's first motion-captured cat," nor the lovely, gory graphics that should attract players to Dead Island 2. Instead, it's that developer Yager is proudly crafting a game that lets players live out their gory dreams of surviving amidst the zombie apocalypse with the core goal of using hordes of the undead as so many blood-filled stress balls.

Those hoping for a drastic departure from the original Dead Island gameplay formula are likely to be disappointed by Dead Island 2. The focus remains on dispatching zombies with as much brutality as possible, using makeshift weaponry, vehicles and the occasional environmental aid. The game's tone, however, is moving in an entirely new direction. Contrast the above trailer with the much-lauded Dead Island debut cinematic which saw a family being (literally) ripped apart to a particularly maudlin tune, and you'll understand what Yager is going for here. This is a game that revels in its destruction of the undead, and wants you to have as much fun as possible at the end of the world.
[Image: Deep Silver]

Continue reading Dead Island 2 turns its frown upside down

JoystiqDead Island 2 turns its frown upside down originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddead-island-2deep-silvere3-2014microsoftpcplaystationps4techlandxbox-oneyagerThu, 12 Jun 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying Light launch date fades to February 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/08/dying-light-launch-date-fades-to-february-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/08/dying-light-launch-date-fades-to-february-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/08/dying-light-launch-date-fades-to-february-2015/#comments Dying Light, the zombie horror game from Dead Island studio Techland, has been delayed to February 2015 so the team can finalize its initial vision of the game.

"We believe the Natural Movement element of our game will change what you expect from the genre, and we don't want to sacrifice any of its potential by releasing too early," Techland says in a press release. "This quality-focused thinking underlines all our development choices and we hope you share our belief that the gameplay must always come first. The new date ensures that we can fully realize our vision of an innovative open-world game."

Techland promises more news at E3. Dying Light was previously due out on March 31 for PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. It's published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
[Image: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]

Continue reading Dying Light launch date fades to February 2015

JoystiqDying Light launch date fades to February 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delaydying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4TechlandWarner-Brosxboxxbox-oneThu, 08 May 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark fantasy slasher Hellraid hits PS4, Xbox One in 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/01/dark-fantasy-slasher-hellraid-hits-ps4-xbox-one-in-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/01/dark-fantasy-slasher-hellraid-hits-ps4-xbox-one-in-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/01/dark-fantasy-slasher-hellraid-hits-ps4-xbox-one-in-2015/#comments
Hellraid, the medieval FPS from Dead Island studio Techland, is due out on Steam Early Access in the fall, with a full release on Xbox One, PS4 and PC in 2015. Techland delayed Hellraid in October, when it was still in development for Xbox 360 and PS3 alongside PC. Now, for consoles, it's next-gen only.

Techland is using the extra time to add new features. Hellraid now has three gameplay options, each available as single-player or up to four-player co-op: Story Mode, Mission Mode and Arena Mode. Story mode is the campaign, where players must keep the forces of hell at bay. Mission Mode offers arcade-style leaderboards for beating the highest combos and scores, and Arena Mode throws waves of demons at you.

Characters are customizable, and the combat system allows two-handed melee weapons, shields, magic staves and ranged weapons.

"The combat experience is furthermore enhanced by weapon crafting, interactive environments, destructible objects and environmental traps, as well as challenging and adaptive enemy AI," Techland says. "The game is currently undergoing a transition to the Chrome Engine 6, the latest version of Techland's proprietary technology, which is also used by the next-gen zombie survival horror, Dying Light."
[Image: Techland]

JoystiqDark fantasy slasher Hellraid hits PS4, Xbox One in 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2014 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hellraidmicrosoftpcplaystationps4Techlandxbox-oneThu, 01 May 2014 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghoulish MOBA Dead Island: Epidemic enters beta testing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/ghoulish-moba-dead-island-epidemic-enters-beta-testing/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/ghoulish-moba-dead-island-epidemic-enters-beta-testing/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/ghoulish-moba-dead-island-epidemic-enters-beta-testing/#comments Publisher Deep Silver has begun beta testing the free-to-play Dead Island: Epidemic, and it needs your help putting the zombies through their shambling paces.

As its name would suggest, Dead Island: Epidemic is a spin-off of Deep Silver's Dead Island franchise. Instead of a first-person action game, Epidemic drops players into a multiplayer online battle arena (think: League of Legends) populated by the same walking corpses that make up the supporting cast of the core Dead Island series. Cooperative teamwork is key to surviving the undying hordes, but when your teammates fail you, you can also rely on over-the-top DIY weaponry, another hallmark of the Dead Island games.

Gaining access to the closed beta is as simple as visiting the game's website and filling out a quick registration form. Those who participate in the beta test will be able to earn "exclusive in-game items and rewards" that will carry over into the eventual retail incarnation of Dead Island: Epidemic.
[Image: Deep Silver]

JoystiqGhoulish MOBA Dead Island: Epidemic enters beta testing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Feb 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddead-island-epidemicdeep-silverf2pfree-to-playleague-of-legendsmobapctechlandThu, 27 Feb 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying Light trailer waxes philosophical on shambling corpses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/dying-light-trailer-waxes-philosophical-on-shambling-corpses/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/dying-light-trailer-waxes-philosophical-on-shambling-corpses/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/dying-light-trailer-waxes-philosophical-on-shambling-corpses/#comments

Moreso than shotguns, orange juice or even Servbot masks, mankind's most valuable resource in the event of a zombie apocalypse is its humanity, or so claims this trailer for Techland's most recent foray into interactive undead fiction, Dying Light.

Dying Light is akin to Techland's earlier Dead Island in that both are first-person action games set in the ruins of civilization following an outbreak of hungry corpses. Dying Light, however, adds new wrinkles to this formula, such as a realistic day-night cycle and parkour-esque acrobatic maneuvers useful for navigating the crumbling world.

Despite these mechanical novelties, the above trailer instead chooses to focus on a more intellectual angle, a strategy that has become a trademark for Techland. In 2011, the developer rocketed to fame with the release of a maudlin, melodramatic trailer for Dead Island that focused less on the gore of ambulatory dead people and more on the despair felt when watching a loving family torn apart - in this case, literally.

Dying Light is currently slated for a March 31 release on PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.
[Image: Techland]

JoystiqDying Light trailer waxes philosophical on shambling corpses originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Feb 2014 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4techlandxboxxbox-onezombieThu, 13 Feb 2014 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toy Soldiers: Cold War, Dead Island free for Xbox Live Gold members in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/31/toy-soldiers-cold-war-dead-island-free-for-xbox-live-gold-memb/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/31/toy-soldiers-cold-war-dead-island-free-for-xbox-live-gold-memb/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/31/toy-soldiers-cold-war-dead-island-free-for-xbox-live-gold-memb/#comments Microsoft's Major Nelson has announced next month's lineup of free games for Xbox Live Gold members, revealing that subscribers can expect to receive free copies of Toy Soldiers: Cold War and Dead Island in February.

Signal Studios' Xbox Live Arcade strategy game Toy Soldiers: Cold War includes a series of tower defense-styled battles featuring miniature foot soldiers and combat vehicles. Dead Island, a 2011 retail release from Techland, is a first-person action game that challenges players to survive a zombie invasion at an island resort, with help from friends via online cooperative play.

As with previous Games With Gold program releases, both Dead Island and Toy Soldiers: Cold War are free for users to keep once they are downloaded, even after associated Xbox Live Gold memberships expire. New games are added to the service on the 1st and 16th of each month.

JoystiqToy Soldiers: Cold War, Dead Island free for Xbox Live Gold members in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jan 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddeep-silverfreegames-with-goldmicrosoftsignal-studiostechlandtoy-soldiers-cold-warxboxxbox-live-goldFri, 31 Jan 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying Light hits the streets in nighttime gameplay video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/17/dying-light-hits-the-streets-in-nighttime-gameplay-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/17/dying-light-hits-the-streets-in-nighttime-gameplay-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/17/dying-light-hits-the-streets-in-nighttime-gameplay-video/#comments
This gameplay walkthrough video for Dying Light, which is nearly ten minutes long, guides players through the game's changes from day to night and shows the amped-up zombie threat as light in the game, well, dies out. The game will launch in 2014 for PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One and PS4.

JoystiqDying Light hits the streets in nighttime gameplay video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-lightgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4TechlandtrailervideowalkthroughWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentxboxxbox-onezombiesTue, 17 Dec 2013 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying Light trailer is a fly-by tour of the apocalypse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/20/dying-light-trailer-is-a-fly-by-tour-of-the-apocalypse/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/20/dying-light-trailer-is-a-fly-by-tour-of-the-apocalypse/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/20/dying-light-trailer-is-a-fly-by-tour-of-the-apocalypse/#comments
In this trailer for Dying Light, the next zombie game from Dead Island developer Techland, we get a glimpse at the world humanity has lost. Dilapidated buildings, shuffling corpses, small bands of survivors and god beams seem to be all that's left on Earth.

JoystiqDying Light trailer is a fly-by tour of the apocalypse originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Nov 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4techlandwarner-brosxboxxbox-oneWed, 20 Nov 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Live-action version of iconic Dead Island trailer is even sadder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/02/live-action-version-of-iconic-dead-island-trailer-is-even-sadder/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/02/live-action-version-of-iconic-dead-island-trailer-is-even-sadder/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/02/live-action-version-of-iconic-dead-island-trailer-is-even-sadder/#comments
Grab some tissues, because the tear-jerking, award-winning trailer from Dead Island has been remade in live-action. That's right: Instead of looking into the soulless, dead eyes of a computer-animated horde of zombies, you can look into the soulless, dead eyes of real-life zombies and the family they devour. Aren't video games fun?

The trailer comes to the Internet courtesy of Machinima, and save for the very end, is a shot-by-shot recreation of the infamous trailer. We assume the reason for the ending remaining a CG animation is because there is, in fact, no Royal Palms Resort on the island of Banoi, and building an entire hotel for roughly 10 seconds of footage is a pretty tall budget order. Or maybe the creators just didn't feel like tempting fate and starting the zombie apocalypse.

While this is a fan film, it nonetheless gives us an idea of what that Dead Island movie from Lionsgate might look like, should it ever be finished.

JoystiqLive-action version of iconic Dead Island trailer is even sadder originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Nov 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddeep-silverlive-actionmachinimatechlandyoutubeSat, 02 Nov 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island dev's Hellraid reschedules the siege for 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/30/dead-island-devs-hellraid-reschedules-the-seige-for-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/30/dead-island-devs-hellraid-reschedules-the-seige-for-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/30/dead-island-devs-hellraid-reschedules-the-seige-for-2014/#comments Hellraid has been postponed to 2014 - "or to be more precise: when it's done," Producer Marcin Kruczkiewicz writes. Dead Island developer Techland needs more time to polish Hellraid for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, with plans to add new features, game modes and a revamped magic system.

"If we released our game this year we would have to make too many compromises and the final product probably wouldn't meet all our promises and your expectations," Kruczkiewicz says. He outlines some changes to the game's magic system that spawned from internal playtesting: "For example, we want to redesign the magic system to make it even more powerful and diverse, add new ways of casting spells and a set of new, more visually stunning spells."

Hellraid is a dark fantasy, hack-and-slash RPG that supports singleplayer to four-player co-op, pitting players against the armies of Hades. We'll see how long Techland can hold their demons at bay.

JoystiqDead Island dev's Hellraid reschedules the siege for 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Oct 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delayhellraidmicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-dateTechlandxboxWed, 30 Oct 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island Riptide is free to play on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/27/dead-island-riptide-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/27/dead-island-riptide-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/27/dead-island-riptide-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments Dead Island Riptide is free for Steam users to play this weekend until Sunday at 1:00pm PT. The game is also 66 percent off ($13.59) until Monday, September 30, a good deal for those wanting to keep the game after this weekend's free trial.

The Game of the Year Edition of the original Dead Island is discounted on Steam this weekend as well, as it is 75 percent off ($4.99) until Monday. The special edition includes the full game, Bloodbath Arena DLC, Ryder White DLC and Ripper mod packs.

JoystiqDead Island Riptide is free to play on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptideDeep-silverfreepcsaleSTEAMTechlandFri, 27 Sep 2013 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-ordering Dying Light lets you Be the Zombie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/29/pre-ordering-dying-light-lets-you-be-the-zombie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/29/pre-ordering-dying-light-lets-you-be-the-zombie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/29/pre-ordering-dying-light-lets-you-be-the-zombie/#comments Warner Bros. and developer Techland are looking to lock in pre-orders for Dying Light by offering an exclusive PVP mode called "Be the Zombie." In "Be the Zombie," players assume the role of a night hunter - a super fast zombie with a special tendril for navigating the environment - and battle each other for supremacy.

Dying Light, an open-world action game with parkour elements (and zombies) was announced prior to E3 earlier this year. Due on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3 and PC in 2014, Dying Light is the second zombie-based property from Dead Island: Riptide developer Techland.

Continue reading Pre-ordering Dying Light lets you Be the Zombie

JoystiqPre-ordering Dying Light lets you Be the Zombie originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Aug 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>be-the-zombiedying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-4pre-orderps3ps4techlandwarner-brosxboxxbox-oneThu, 29 Aug 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island developer Techland opens Vancouver studio for work on Dying Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/18/dead-island-developer-techland-opens-vancouver-studio-for-work-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/18/dead-island-developer-techland-opens-vancouver-studio-for-work-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/18/dead-island-developer-techland-opens-vancouver-studio-for-work-o/#commentsDead Island developer Techland opens Vancouver studio for work on Dying Light Polish-based developer Techland (Dead Island series) has jumped across the mighty pond of the Atlantic to open Digital Scapes Studio in Vancouver, Canada. As VentureBeat reports, former Radical Entertainment Technical Director Marcin Chady will serve as the studio's managing director.

Digital Scapes will be treading familiar territory, as they'll be at least partially responsible for developing Techland's upcoming zombie-themed first-person melee game, Dying Light, which is set to be published by Warner Bros. Interactive sometime in 2014.

In short: the technical director from the studio that brought us Prototype 2 will be leading a team that promises Mirror's Edge-style free-run gameplay plus zombie slaughter. Yeah, we're cool with that.

JoystiqDead Island developer Techland opens Vancouver studio for work on Dying Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddead-island-riptidedigital-scapesdying-lightFree-Radicalmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4techlandxboxxbox-oneSun, 18 Aug 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying Light debut gameplay shows free-running zombie slaying]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/17/dying-light-debut-gameplay-shows-free-running-zombie-slaying/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/17/dying-light-debut-gameplay-shows-free-running-zombie-slaying/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/17/dying-light-debut-gameplay-shows-free-running-zombie-slaying/#comments
The first gameplay demonstration of Warner Bros.' Dying Light showcases a marriage of a day-and-night cycle with gameplay elements from Dead Island, Mirror's Edge and Mark of the Ninja.

The video depicts a character's efforts to survive in the remains of an infected city, scrounging for supplies to craft weapons like electrified blades a la Dead Island. The survivor scales buildings with ease and essentially treats zombies as goombas by lunging over them in free-running sprints reminiscent of Mirror's Edge. A time-sensitive choice is shown in the demo between saving a child or rushing to beat opposing forces to a supply drop, serving to make the passing of time more than just an aesthetic change to the overworld.

The game's website states that nightfall makes zombies more aggressive and draws out predators that "only appear after sundown." A stealth mechanic called the "night sense" disperses soundwaves that depict whether an enemy poses a threat or is aware of the player's movement, similar to Mark of the Ninja.

Dying Light is planned to launch sometime in 2014 for the PC, PS3, PS4, 360 and Xbox One.

JoystiqDying Light debut gameplay shows free-running zombie slaying originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Aug 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4Techlandwarner+brothersxboxxbox-oneSat, 17 Aug 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam weekend deals aim for Dead Island series' head]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/steam-weekend-deals-aim-for-dead-island-series-head/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/steam-weekend-deals-aim-for-dead-island-series-head/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/steam-weekend-deals-aim-for-dead-island-series-head/#commentsSteam weekend deals aim for Dead Island series' head This weekend's Steam deals have a decidedly undead slant, offering content from the Dead Island series at a reduced price. The original Dead Island is down to $5, while this year's entry, Dead Island: Riptide, is $20. DLC for some extra costumes and a special blade have also been reduced.

Last week at E3, developer Techland revealed a new zombie game being published by Warner Bros. called Dying Light. It mixes parkour elements in a "ruined-world game," as our own Ludwig Kietzmann put it, with a full day/night cycle.

JoystiqSteam weekend deals aim for Dead Island series' head originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddead-island-riptidepcsteamsteam-weekend-dealtechlandweekend-dealThu, 20 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hellraid unleashes E3 gameplay trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/hellraid-unleashes-e3-gameplay-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/hellraid-unleashes-e3-gameplay-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/hellraid-unleashes-e3-gameplay-trailer/#comments

Dead Island developer Techland is still planning to ship Hellraid later this year for current-gen systems and PC. Here's the game's E3 gameplay trailer, which is a meatier morsel on the tease from late last month.

JoystiqHellraid unleashes E3 gameplay trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hellraidtechlandThu, 06 Jun 2013 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Juarez: Gunslinger review: Back in the saddle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-review/#comments It's pretty rare for a game series to get as many chances as Call of Juarez has. After a middling debut, the series drummed up lots of critical goodwill with Bound in Blood, and then absolutely threw it all away with the awful The Cartel. Now, Techland has ventured back to the Wild West with Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, and the developer's got something to prove.

Perhaps seeking to distance itself from The Cartel, Gunslinger is a different beast in almost every way, and it works. The most immediately obvious difference is the art style. Instead of the mostly realistic style of past Juarez games, Gunslinger opts for a more stylized and bombastic look. It's as if the developers threw anime, Mad Max, and The Good the Bad and the Ugly and Borderlands into a blender. That might sound weird, but it's a refreshing and enjoyable change.

Gunslinger also has very little in common with its predecessors when it comes to story. The only real connection is a collectible with a short biography of Ray McCall, one of the protagonists from the first two games. This time around, Gunslinger puts players into the dusty spurs of bounty hunter Silas Greaves.

Gallery: Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (4/22/13)

Continue reading Call of Juarez: Gunslinger review: Back in the saddle

JoystiqCall of Juarez: Gunslinger review: Back in the saddle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 May 2013 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-juarez-gunslingermicrosoftpcplaystationps3techlandubisoftxboxFri, 24 May 2013 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying Light adds a dash of Parkour to Techland's zombie tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/dying-light-adds-a-dash-of-parkour-to-techlands-zombie-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/dying-light-adds-a-dash-of-parkour-to-techlands-zombie-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/dying-light-adds-a-dash-of-parkour-to-techlands-zombie-tour/#commentsDying Light adds a dash of parkour to Techland's zombie tour Techland is keeping its zombie vendetta going in Dying Light, a new first-person action game coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2014, care of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

The ruined-world game hinges on a realistic day/night cycle, as well as the agility and Parkour skills of the protagonist turned traceur. Day is pitched as a preparation phase, in which you scavenge a warmly lit urban wasteland for supplies and craft weapons to fend off undead walkers. The night requires a stealthier approach, if not a swift homeward retreat from deadlier monsters.

Combat in Dying Light appears to be largely based on upgradeable melee weaponry (eg. an electrified machete), with bone-breaking blows triggering an x-ray visual effect. Zombies can also be pushed into spiked walls with a jump-kick to the chest.

The frequency of fighting drops once night arrives and faster, more powerful creatures emerge. These can be detected via an on-screen pulse - one of the abilities you have by virtue of being an infected human yourself. When the monsters of the night do give chase, the camera can quickly flip 180 degrees to show their proximity, even while you dash and vault in the opposite direction. Movement certainly appears to be more fluid than in Techland's Dead Island, with which Dying Light shares a theme of smashing zombies in the tropical sun.

The openness of the environment, overall game structure and the true nature of nightfall, the publisher says, are details left for another day.

Gallery: Dying Light (2013-05-23)

JoystiqDying Light adds a dash of Parkour to Techland's zombie tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014dying-lighte3-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3ps4techlandwarner-brosxboxxbox-onezombiesThu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A little ditty about Call of Juarez: Gunslinger]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-misses-bouncing-ball-opportunity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-misses-bouncing-ball-opportunity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-misses-bouncing-ball-opportunity/#commentsJuarez Gunslinger

The latest Call of Juarez: Gunslinger trailer is "The Story of Silas Greaves," a fine little ditty about the pistol-packin' gunman. Where's our sing-along bouncy ball?

Continue reading A little ditty about Call of Juarez: Gunslinger

JoystiqA little ditty about Call of Juarez: Gunslinger originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-juarez-gunslingermicrosoftplaystationps3techlandxboxWed, 08 May 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New info and trailer for Techland's Hellraid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/techlands-hellraid-gets-more-details-and-a-teaser-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/techlands-hellraid-gets-more-details-and-a-teaser-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/techlands-hellraid-gets-more-details-and-a-teaser-trailer/#comments The first few details of Techland Hellraid have been revealed to Eurogamer's Polish site. The game is a horror/fantasy-style first-person RPG using Techland's Chrome Engine 5 to portray melee and spell-based fights with various demons, skeletons, and other bad guys. Just like Dead Island, the game will have four player archetypes that can work together, though they'll be classes rather than characters: Warrior, Paladin, Mage and Rogue.

The game will be influenced by older games like "the first Quake, [and the] second Hexen or Diablo," says producer Marcin Kruczkiewicz. Hellraid's maps will be less open than Dead Island, and the experience system will be simpler, with skill trees that unlock as characters level up.

Techland is currently looking for a publisher for the game, which it expects to have out this year on the Xbox 360, PS3, and the PC.

JoystiqNew info and trailer for Techland's Hellraid originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrome-engine-5dead-islanddeveloperfantasyhellraidhorrormicrosoftpcplaystationpolishps3role-playing-gamerpgtechlandxboxWed, 08 May 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island dev Techland's 'Project Hell' now Hellraid, out this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-dev-techlands-project-hell-now-hellraid-out-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-dev-techlands-project-hell-now-hellraid-out-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-dev-techlands-project-hell-now-hellraid-out-this/#comments Dead Island developer Techland's 'Project Hell' now HellraidInitially revealed back in August, Techland's Project Hell now has the official name of Hellraid. A first-person, co-operative hack-and-slash fantasy game, Hellraid started as an internal weapon mod for Dead Island, eventually snowballing into a full-fledged game for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, due some time this year.

Hellraid is built upon a melee combat system relying on timing and precision, with a parry mechanic tossed on top. There will be a single-player campaign, but Techland says the main focus is the four-player cooperative multiplayer component, where a Game Master (think: Left 4 Dead's AI director, or a D&D dungeon master) will govern loot and enemy spawns, plus pose different online challenges. Techland promises more information in the weeks to come.

Gallery: Hellraid

Continue reading Dead Island dev Techland's 'Project Hell' now Hellraid, out this year

JoystiqDead Island dev Techland's 'Project Hell' now Hellraid, out this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasymicrosoftpcplaystationproject-hellps3techlandxboxMon, 29 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island Riptide surfs the crest of this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-riptide-surfs-the-crest-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-riptide-surfs-the-crest-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-riptide-surfs-the-crest-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments Dead Island Riptide is the new chart leader in the UK. Like Dead Island before it, the zombie-stuffed continuation may be critically divisive, but commercially it's doing the business so far. Having said that, Riptide's first week sales come in at less than half of the original's. Dead Island sliced through the 5 million mark for sales earlier this year.

Caught in the high Riptide is Injustice: Gods Among Us; last week's number one washes up this week in number two. Meanwhile, enhanced re-release Dark Arisen also matches its original's first week chart performance, notching third spot just like Dragon's Dogma did. The third of four new releases in this week's top ten is Star Trek; it boldly goes into fourth place. The last top ten debutante is Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins, the 3DS version doing what its sibling failed to; the Wii U version debuted at 12th earlier this year.

Outside of the new releases, this week's musical chairs are very interesting. Tomb Raider continues its impressive run, only down from fourth to fifth. FYI, Square Enix, that's eight weeks it's been in the UK top five, and it's ahead now of BioShock Infinite. After five weeks, Irrational's sky-high shooter is floating just below in sixth. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon is another consistent performer, and five weeks in the 3DS game is still haunting the top ten.

Continue reading Dead Island Riptide surfs the crest of this week's UK charts

JoystiqDead Island Riptide surfs the crest of this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklydead-island-riptidedeep-silvermicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3techlandukvitawii-uxboxMon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Juarez: Gunslinger answers on May 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-release-date/#comments

Call of Juarez: Gunslinger will meet at high noon in the center of Digital Distribution town on May 22 to dispatch XBLA, PSN and PC for $14.99.

Beyond the release date announcement, Ubisoft also kicked off its pre-order program for the PC version of Gunslinger through its Uplay digital distribution network. Those who pre-purchase the game on Uplay will immediately receive Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood as a bonus.

Gunslinger returns the Call of Juarez franchise back to its wild west roots because, frankly, we all want to forget The Cartel ever happened.

Gallery: Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (4/22/13)

Continue reading Call of Juarez: Gunslinger answers on May 22

JoystiqCall of Juarez: Gunslinger answers on May 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-juarez-gunslingermicrosoftpcplaystationps3techlandubisoftxboxMon, 22 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island Riptide gameplay trailer thought it was safe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/dead-island-riptide-gameplay-trailer-thought-it-was-safe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/dead-island-riptide-gameplay-trailer-thought-it-was-safe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/dead-island-riptide-gameplay-trailer-thought-it-was-safe/#comments
If you'd like to know how Dead Island transitions into the upcoming Riptide spin-off, watch this video. If you'd rather not have Dead Island's ending pseudo-spoiled for you, look away now. If you're indifferent about all of that and just want zombie carnage, why are you still reading?

JoystiqDead Island Riptide gameplay trailer thought it was safe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptidedeep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3techlandxboxThu, 21 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Juarez: Gunslinger trailer slings some guns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-trailer-slings-some-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-trailer-slings-some-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-trailer-slings-some-guns/#comments
As promised, Ubisoft has released a "reveal" trailer for Call of Juarez: Gunslinger. We're not sure what's so much more revealing about it than last week's offering. Believe it or not, the gameplay involves shooting things with revolvers.

Gallery: Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (3/14/13)

JoystiqCall of Juarez: Gunslinger trailer slings some guns originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-juarez-gunslingermicrosoftpcplaystationps3psntechlandubisoftxblaxboxThu, 14 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Juarez: Gunslinger gets a teaser trailer, more coming March 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-gets-a-teaser-trailer-more-coming-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-gets-a-teaser-trailer-more-coming-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-gets-a-teaser-trailer-more-coming-ma/#comments

Ubisoft has released a teaser trailer and some new screenshots for Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, a new downloadable entry in the Techland-developed Wild West series. We wrote about it last year when it was announced for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and the PC.

Call of Juarez: Gunslinger will focus on Silas Greaves, a bounty hunter who bumps shoulders with the infamous Pat Garret, Jesse James, and Butch Cassidy.

Gallery: Call of Juarez: Gunslinger

JoystiqCall of Juarez: Gunslinger gets a teaser trailer, more coming March 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-juarezcall-of-juarez-gunslingermicrosoftpcplaystationps3revealtechlandubisoftxboxThu, 07 Mar 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island: Riptide UK pre-order bonuses slice, dice, BBQ zombie flesh [Update: US too]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/dead-island-riptide-uk-pre-order-bonuses-slice-dice-bbq-zombi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/dead-island-riptide-uk-pre-order-bonuses-slice-dice-bbq-zombi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/dead-island-riptide-uk-pre-order-bonuses-slice-dice-bbq-zombi/#comments Dead Island preorder bonusesVery few things will survive the zombie apocalypse. One thing that will make the cut: pre-order bonuses. Quite literally in this case, as Dead Island: Riptide bonuses in the UK will include the Survivor Pack, which features the BBQ Blade seen above. The hefty machete has a fuel tank attached that, presumably, will set the blade on fire. If a giant flaming knife just isn't enough for you, the pack will also include a special in-game shop with discounted items and a higher chance for rare items. Furthermore, the Survivor Pack includes a booster for both XP and stats.

Finally, those who pre-order from GAME will also get the Fashion Victim pack, which includes new skins for all playable characters. New skin is probably handy for those times when you find all of yours gnawed off by the undead.

We've contacted Deep Silver to find out if these bonuses are headed to North America as well. At the moment, US retailers are listing a pre-order special edition including a Steelbook case, weapon mods, character skins and a digital map. That's not to be confused with the $80 "Rigor Mortis" Edition.

Dead Island: Riptide launches April 23.

Update: Amazon now lists the same pre-order bonuses for the US as well.

Continue reading Dead Island: Riptide UK pre-order bonuses slice, dice, BBQ zombie flesh [Update: US too]

JoystiqDead Island: Riptide UK pre-order bonuses slice, dice, BBQ zombie flesh [Update: US too] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptidedeep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3TechlandxboxFri, 01 Mar 2013 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island sales pass 5 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/dead-island-sales-pass-5-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/dead-island-sales-pass-5-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/dead-island-sales-pass-5-million/#comments Counting both retail and digitally distributed copies of Dead Island, total sales for the weird zombie action-RPG have surpassed five million units globally, Deep Silver announced today. In meaningless, arbitrary statistics, that shakes down to about 402.18 units sold an hour since the game was originally released in back in September of 2011.

By December 2011, Dead Island had shipped 3 million units worldwide, with a fourth million added to that total after another eight months. Today's figure, however, is our first look at how the game has actually sold, since shipped figures count all units sent to retailers, while sell-through/net sales only count what is actually purchased by a consumer. We're sure those Steam sales didn't hurt anything.

Continue reading Dead Island sales pass 5 million

JoystiqDead Island sales pass 5 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islandDeep-silverfiguresmicrosoftpcplaystationps3salesTechlandxboxTue, 05 Feb 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island: Riptide not washing up in Germany]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/dead-island-riptide-not-washing-up-in-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/dead-island-riptide-not-washing-up-in-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/dead-island-riptide-not-washing-up-in-germany/#comments Dead Island Riptide puts some spring back in zombies' stepsDead Island: Riptide, like the original Dead Island, won't be released in Germany, home base of publisher Deep Silver. Riptide creative producer Sebastian Reichert said at Gamescom he "wouldn't bet" on the game being available in Germany, but now he's stated it officially.

"We have no censored version of the game," Reichert told PCGamesN. "So we cannot release it in Germany. It feels f*cking awkward to have one of the most successful games in years and nobody in your country knows it."

We double-checked with publisher Deep Silver to make sure there wasn't anything lost in translation and a company representative confirmed Riptide wouldn't be available in Germany. The Unterhaltungssoftware Selbskontrolle (USK) must follow government-enforced criteria that, along with other elements, note a game can't have extreme violence against human-like enemies.

Under a microscope, the USK's determination of such things can get awfully fiddly. It was a surprise back in 2011 when Epic's Gears of War 3 passed the censors, while no other installment in the series had made the grade. It wasn't just a surprise to us, but to Epic itself.

JoystiqDead Island: Riptide not washing up in Germany originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptideDeep-silvergermanymicrosoftpcplaystationps3techlanduskxboxFri, 30 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island: Riptide's CGI trailer mixes romance with lots of zombies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/dead-island-riptides-cgi-trailer-mixes-romance-with-lots-of-zo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/dead-island-riptides-cgi-trailer-mixes-romance-with-lots-of-zo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/dead-island-riptides-cgi-trailer-mixes-romance-with-lots-of-zo/#comments

Remember all the fuss over the Dead Island trailer? Well, Techland is giving its follow-up a similarly artistic treatment, albeit not quite as spectacular. This CGI video punctuates a loving final farewell with a surrounding megaton of undead. As with its predecessor's cinematic debut, we don't learn that much about Dead Island: Riptide from it. Still, it does make us appreciate how romantic a lighter can be, even outside of Elton John gigs.

The zombie-stuffed follow-up is set to launch next year.

JoystiqDead Island: Riptide's CGI trailer mixes romance with lots of zombies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptidedeep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3techlandxboxTue, 18 Sep 2012 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Juarez Gunslinger heading back West on XBLA, PSN, and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-heading-back-west-on-xbla-psn-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-heading-back-west-on-xbla-psn-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/call-of-juarez-gunslinger-heading-back-west-on-xbla-psn-and-pc/#comments
Techland is traveling back to a time before boundaries, laws and the scathing reviews of Call of Juarez: The Cartel. The Old West is once again the backdrop for the developer's latest first-person shooter, Call of Juarez Gunslinger, which should hit Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC in early 2013.

Juarez the last game veered off course and into a contemporary urban setting, Gunslinger makes a returning run past backwater saloons, crusty spittoons and the "untold stories" of a few notorious gunmen. Your own accomplishments, as described by an unreliable narrator throughout the game, intersect with "Wanted" poster boys Billy the Kid, Jesse James and Pat Garrett, amongst others.

An early build of Call of Juarez Gunslinger gave us a good grasp of Techland's approach, which seems cognizant of what Bound in Blood (widely considered the best game in the series) got right. Shooting is stylish, frantic, and constantly rewarded by spurts of blood and points. These numerical rewards are funneled into a set of skill upgrades, which improve your gun-twirling prowess in diverse ways. Acquire the right abilities and you'll extend your bullet-time bravado, decrease your reloading times and make perfect headshots mid-air.

Such incredible maneuvers must be hell on your back, though. You can't bend down and pick up a fallen enemy's gun until you purchase that skill.

Gallery: Call of Juarez Gunslinger (XBLA, PSN, PC)

JoystiqCall of Juarez Gunslinger heading back West on XBLA, PSN, and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-juarezcall-of-juarez-gunslingermicrosoftpcplaystationps3psntechlandubisoftxblaxboxThu, 06 Sep 2012 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island Riptide allows character continuation, arrives 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/dead-island-riptide-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/dead-island-riptide-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/dead-island-riptide-2013/#comments Dead Island Riptide puts some spring back in zombies' stepsDead Island Riptide is a spin-off of the original zombie resort simulator. Publisher Deep Silver is very clear to point out it is not a sequel, so think more Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood or Halo 3: ODST. Riptide was announced this summer, but now we have some more details.

The game will return the focus to close combat from the latter gunplay found in Dead Island, with a new weather system and upgrades to the engine of the first game. The weather system will now include flooding and lovely trips down zombie infested rivers on little boats. There are also forts that need to be reinforced and barricaded.

Players will be able to import their character stats from the previous game, but the new game takes place in a new location. It's the same archipelago, but not the same island. The game will launch in 2013.

Gallery: Dead Island: Riptide

JoystiqDead Island Riptide allows character continuation, arrives 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-island-riptideDeep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3TechlandxboxFri, 31 Aug 2012 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island studio unveils new game in development, 'Project Hell']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/dead-island-studio-unveils-new-game-in-development-project-hel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/dead-island-studio-unveils-new-game-in-development-project-hel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/dead-island-studio-unveils-new-game-in-development-project-hel/#comments Dead Island studio unveils new game in development, 'Project Hell' Techland today announced 'Project Hell', the codename for a new game the studio is developing. The developer launched a new blog for the project, revealing the game's prototype was borne out of an internally-created weapon mod for Dead Island.

Although there isn't much yet to go on, it looks like Project Hell, as the name suggests, won't stray far from Dead Island's bloodied roots. The team's opening post says that they prefer "breaking through hordes of undead minions" over stuff with "unicorns and fairies." The post also notes the game will use some of Dead Island's technology.

The announcement follows the news earlier this month that Dead Island shipped 4 million copies worldwide. Techland is also working on the next installment in that series, Riptide, which is reportedly set to debut at PAX Prime this weekend.

JoystiqDead Island studio unveils new game in development, 'Project Hell' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddead-island-riptidepax-prime-2012project-helltechlandTue, 28 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island's lifeblood was co-op, 4 million units shipped]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/dead-islands-lifeblood-was-co-op-4-million-units-shipped/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/dead-islands-lifeblood-was-co-op-4-million-units-shipped/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/dead-islands-lifeblood-was-co-op-4-million-units-shipped/#comments Dead Island's success was all due to that stunning trailer, right? Well, according to Guido Eickmeyer, development director and executive producer of games at publisher Deep Silver, the resort-vacation zombie simulator sold 4 million units because of its cooperative gameplay.

"This is why we got all the good reviews from users. This is why we got high user ratings, because it is the most exciting co-op experience that is on the market," Eickmeyer said.

Despite investing less than $25 million dollars in the project - low for a major triple-A video game - Dead Island has been played for 56,907,547 hours in co-op, which is approximately 6,500 years total.

After the success of the trailer, there were talks of forming the game around that, but there simply weren't the resources. Dead Island showed strong potential in its co-op, so the focus shifted to that and that game was a huge hit. Dead Island: Riptide is another "huge co-op experience" being revealed this week at Gamescom.

JoystiqDead Island's lifeblood was co-op, 4 million units shipped originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islandDeep-silvergamescomgamescom-2012gdc-2012gdc-europe-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3techlandxboxTue, 14 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST