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[Resident Evil 6 gets a free PC benchmark test]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/resident-evil-6-gets-a-free-pc-benchmark-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/resident-evil-6-gets-a-free-pc-benchmark-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/resident-evil-6-gets-a-free-pc-benchmark-test/#comments Resident Evil 6 PC benchmark testResident Evil 6 drops on PC on March 22, and if anyone is still interested in playing the game and attempting to have a good time, there's a free benchmark test available now.

Capcom announced the benchmark test in January, alongside news of a new mode called "The Mercenaries: No Mercy." It's based on the existing Mercenaries mode for consoles, but with "more enemies on screen than ever before." Ada Wong's campaign also comes standard with the PC version of Resident Evil 6.

If that all sounds wonderful, see if your rig is up to snuff with Nvidia's free PC test.

JoystiqResident Evil 6 gets a free PC benchmark test originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benchmarkCapcompcresident-evil-6testMon, 25 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve tried Dota 2 on tablets, they ended up being 'a disappointment']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/valve-tried-dota-2-on-tablets-they-ended-up-being-a-disappoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/valve-tried-dota-2-on-tablets-they-ended-up-being-a-disappoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/valve-tried-dota-2-on-tablets-they-ended-up-being-a-disappoint/#comments Valve wants Dota 2 on tablets, but initial tests were a 'disappointment'Valve tested the Dota 2 experience on current-gen tablets and came away with a bad taste in its mouth, studio founder Gabe Newell told Kotaku. Today's tablets just weren't fast enough, apparently:

"We were working on getting Dota 2 running on some tablets," Newell said. "That ended up being kind of a disappointment. But the good news is that tablets are getting faster very quickly, so I think we'll get the kind of performance we want and other game developers want in the near future."

Dota 2 will come to PC and Mac at a future date that is sooner than originally planned, but still unannounced.

JoystiqValve tried Dota 2 on tablets, they ended up being 'a disappointment' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2gabe-newellmacmobilepctablettestvalveMon, 10 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve looking for hardware testers, rate how well you like Valve first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/valve-looking-for-hardware-testers-rate-how-well-you-like-valve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/valve-looking-for-hardware-testers-rate-how-well-you-like-valve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/valve-looking-for-hardware-testers-rate-how-well-you-like-valve/#comments HIT 1ST Valve conducting surveys, may let you test hardware prototypesValve is seeking people to test out some of its hardware prototypes, along with released and unreleased games. Right now its looking for people around Valve's offices, in the Seattle or Bellevue area, but it may conduct remote testing in the future, so everyone is invited to fill out a playtester survey.

The survey asks, among other questions, how many years you've been playing games, for your favorite game, which difficulty you typically play on, your overall impression of Valve games, if you get motion sickness when playing first-person shooters and who the beneficiary on your life insurance policy is. OK, we made that last one up, but coming from the company that created Aperture Science, it's not too outlandish.

Looks like Valve is getting the ball rolling on its oft-rumored hardware-distribution arm. Which might in fact be a real arm that distributes hardware. You just never know with Valve.

JoystiqValve looking for hardware testers, rate how well you like Valve first originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApertureBellevuehardwarepcPlaytestplaytestingseattleSTEAMtestvalvewashingtonTue, 09 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation All-Stars public beta now accepting applications]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/playstation-all-stars-public-beta-now-accepting-applications/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/playstation-all-stars-public-beta-now-accepting-applications/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/playstation-all-stars-public-beta-now-accepting-applications/#comments PlayStation All Stars public beta now accepting applicationsThe PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale public beta starts on September 11, lasting one week to September 18. Anyone interested in being a part of the frantic action can sign up on the PSN beta site right now.

Players chosen will be notified via email, get a voucher code for the download on either PS3 or the PS Vita, and receive "test night information." Presumably, developer SuperBot will aim to test specific heroes, modes, or stages, so it'll direct players that way.

If you don't make this early cut, you'll have to wait until the full game arrives on November 20.

JoystiqPlayStation All-Stars public beta now accepting applications originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafightinginformationplaystation-all-stars-battle-royaleps-all-starspublicpublic-betasuperbotsuperbot-entertainmenttesttestersvoucherWed, 29 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta pulled 300K simultaneous players into its special little hell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/diablo-3-beta-pulled-300k-simultaneous-players-into-its-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/diablo-3-beta-pulled-300k-simultaneous-players-into-its-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/diablo-3-beta-pulled-300k-simultaneous-players-into-its-special/#comments ImageDiablo 3's weekend beta went about as smoothly as a hamster in a ball rolling down an erupting volcano - which is to say it was completely normal for a high-profile beta test. Saturday saw a peak of 300,000 concurrent players, Blizzard community manager Micah Whipple (Bashiok) tweeted, reporting the full number of testers for the weekend was "a lot."

Testers reported login and server errors as early as Friday, and a few complaints centered on the skill UI and other tweakable usability issues. The beta hit its main points, allowing people to play the full demo, leveling their characters to 13 and fighting the Skeleton King. All testing data will be wiped and players will start fresh when Diablo 3 launches on May 15.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta pulled 300K simultaneous players into its special little hell originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-weekendDiablo-3pcstress-testtestTue, 24 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham by Gaslight featured beefy London Batman, gameplay vid reveals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/gotham-by-gaslight-featured-beefy-london-batman-gameplay-vid-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/gotham-by-gaslight-featured-beefy-london-batman-gameplay-vid-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/gotham-by-gaslight-featured-beefy-london-batman-gameplay-vid-re/#comments It must be terrifying to be a developer on a game that's just barely greenlit, facing down publisher meetings that could make or break all the hard work you've put into a particular project. Come to think of it, the stress and constant panicked feeling would probably be similar to how the prostitutes in London felt every nightfall during Jack the Ripper's heyday. Maybe.

F.3.A.R. developer Day 1 Studios knows how both of those things feel, to some extent, having begun work on Gotham by Gaslight, a steampunk-inspired adaptation of a one-shot Batman graphic novel, only to have it canceled shortly after. We previously got a peek at some concept art for the title, and now Siliconera has uncovered an animation test that it says comes from someone at Day 1.

Check out the burly Batman's flowing cloak as he strides around a dark London setting right here.

JoystiqGotham by Gaslight featured beefy London Batman, gameplay vid reveals originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationBatmancanceledDay-1-Studiosgotham-by-gaslightmicrosofttestWarner-BrosxboxMon, 27 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Los Angeles residents invited to playtest Ghost of Sparta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/los-angeles-residents-invited-to-playtest-ghost-of-sparta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/los-angeles-residents-invited-to-playtest-ghost-of-sparta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/los-angeles-residents-invited-to-playtest-ghost-of-sparta/#comments If you live in Los Angeles, and are at least 18 years old, and you know your way around a God of War game, and you're capable of signing a Non-Disclosure agreement, then this is one heck of a coincidence. Sony is currently looking for people matching that very description to come check out Kratos' next handheld adventure: God of War: Ghost of Sparta, this Thursday.

To apply, just email SCEA Santa Monica with your name, address, phone number, and whether you'd prefer to join in the 11 a.m. to noon session, or the 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. session. We suggest going with the first one, so that you don't have to see them cleaning up the goat offal left over from their bacchanalian lunchtime feast.

JoystiqLos Angeles residents invited to playtest Ghost of Sparta originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-ghost-of-spartalos-angelesplaytestsony-santa-monicatestMon, 24 May 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Borders Books testing game sales in London]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/borders-books-testing-game-sales-in-london/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/borders-books-testing-game-sales-in-london/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/borders-books-testing-game-sales-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Those worried that these new-fangled video games are taking vital attention away from the written word likely won't be too happy with the news that Borders Books is reportedly testing game sales in its Oxford Street London store. A handful of PC titles sit alongside the store's selection of CDs and DVDs as part of a pilot program that Borders UK and Ireland Commercial Director David Kohn thinks could expand to be a core part of the store's business.

"When it comes to Borders, we believe that computer games could deliver a level of sales equal or greater than our current DVD business," he said. "This could amount to as much as ten per cent of total Borders sales."

Kohn seemed particularly interested in adding Wii and DS titles to the stores' selection in order to "complement our market-leading children's line-up." Great idea ... just be careful which Wii games you put in the children's section. Flesh-eating zombies don't necessarily complement Hop on Pop.

JoystiqBorders Books testing game sales in London originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bordersborders booksborders-booksBordersBooksDSlondonPCretailtestUKWiiFri, 29 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS VoIP app available for testing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/ds-voip-app-available-for-testing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/ds-voip-app-available-for-testing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/ds-voip-app-available-for-testing/#commentsFiled under:

I don't have one.What's that? You're already two hundred minutes over your monthly limit and you just have to tell your friend the latest news? Well, practical solutions include borrowing another friend's cell phone and/or displaying a modicum of patience, but we never were much for practical around here.

For those with homebrew capabilities, a new VoIP app has been written by JSR. It's still in the testing phase, but since we're too stupid to actually code anything, this is how we get those "we're contributing!" fuzzy feelings. Do what you can, we say, and if you also want to shout at your buddy through a DS, all the better. Check it out.

JoystiqDS VoIP app available for testing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationbetaCellhomebrewPhonetalkietestVoIPwalkieWed, 06 Jun 2007 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[DS gets Hearing Training]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/ds-gets-hearing-training/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/ds-gets-hearing-training/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/ds-gets-hearing-training/#commentsFiled under: ,

The march of training games continues into uncharted territory. Now there's a game to improve your hearing and listening skills! DS Chounoryoku tests the frequency range of players' hearing, and asks them to identify tones and spoken words. We can't figure out everything that's going on, but it's all hearing-based, and the art is surprisingly poppy and attractive.

There are also musical selections for aural relaxation. All of this from Milestone, who usually develops shooters like Radio Allergy and Karous. Their Chounoryoku homepage has a weird promotional video that doesn't really show the game at all.



[Via Famitsu]

JoystiqDS gets Hearing Training originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chounoryokudsds liteDsLitehearingjapankarouslisteninglitemilestonenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnongamesradilgyradio allergyRadioAllergytesttrainingTue, 29 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online free until April 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/lord-of-the-rings-online-free-until-april-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/lord-of-the-rings-online-free-until-april-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/lord-of-the-rings-online-free-until-april-24/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For the next 17 days feel free to go on a Lord of the Rings: Shadows of Angmar bender. Turbine is opening up the floodgates and letting anyone who wants to experience the game play for free until the official launch April 24. The MMORPG's developer knows who they are up against and told Joystiq previously that they put a lot of work into the game. They're launching the title polished like no other MMORPG has been before to contend in the market.

Players will be able to advance to level 15 and transfer that character if they decide to pre-order the game. LotRO also allows those that know they are going to like the game during this free trial to spend $199 for a lifetime subscription, otherwise there is a $9.99/month charge. So, if you're into MMORPGs at all or just want to check out LotRO, go ahead -- it's free.

JoystiqLord of the Rings Online free until April 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free triallord of the ringsLordOfTheRingslotroPCshadows of angmartestFri, 06 Apr 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FASA wants you for Shadowrun LAN test]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/fasa-wants-you-for-shadowrun-lan-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/fasa-wants-you-for-shadowrun-lan-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/fasa-wants-you-for-shadowrun-lan-test/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft and FASA Studios want you to test Shadowrun at their Redmond campus, that is if you are a l33t gamer. FASA is testing out some Shadowrun LAN style this Saturday, March 17th and needs some testers. The requirements for this four hour LAN session are that you need to be 18 years of age or older, live near the Redmond area, and either ranked in a major PC/console tournament or have a rank of 32+ in Halo 2. If you feel you are more than qualified then head over to the official forums for details on how to sign up.

How freakin' cool is that? Being invited to the Redmond campus to play some Shadowrun with other competitive gamers in a LAN setting ... can you say sweetness? We only hope the few lucky gamers will be treated like royalty and showered with finest sodas and munchies Microsoft can buy.

[Thanks, Eric]

JoystiqFASA wants you for Shadowrun LAN test originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fasafasa studiosFasaStudiosmicrosoftplaytestredmond campusRedmondCampusshadowruntestWed, 14 Mar 2007 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[We destroy a Blu-ray Disc]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/we-destroy-a-blu-ray-disc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/we-destroy-a-blu-ray-disc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/we-destroy-a-blu-ray-disc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When we saw via Game|Life that some IGN forums goers had taken steel wool to a Blu-ray disc with no apparent damage, we thought, "we can do better than that." So we gathered up some convenient implements of destruction and saw how our free copy of Talladega Nights would stand up to a ballpoint pen, a pizza cutter and a butcher's knife (unfortunately, the disc broke down before we could rub crunchy cereal all over it.) Check out the video below, and keep watching to the end for some pyrotechnic bonus footage.

Continue reading We destroy a Blu-ray Disc

JoystiqWe destroy a Blu-ray Disc originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblu-ray discBlu-rayDiscbluraydestroydestructionPS3stressstress testStressTesttalladega nightsTalladegaNightstestFri, 19 Jan 2007 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadowrun public beta: testers wanted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/shadowrun-public-beta-testers-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/shadowrun-public-beta-testers-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/shadowrun-public-beta-testers-wanted/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

test time!FASA has begun registering participants for a public beta testing of its eventual cross-platform ('Live Anywhere') FPS Shadowrun. The beta is scheduled to begin by mid-December and will run through March 2007. Testing applies to the Xbox 360 version only (sorry, no early access to Vista for you). You have to be a US-based Xbox Live Gold member to participate. Anyone still interested, read on for registration details...

[Via Press Release]

Continue reading Shadowrun public beta: testers wanted

JoystiqShadowrun public beta: testers wanted originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaFASALive AnywhereLiveAnywheremultiplayeronlineShadowruntestXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveTue, 28 Nov 2006 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Wii Thanksgiving test on the family]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/a-wii-thanksgiving-test-on-the-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/a-wii-thanksgiving-test-on-the-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/a-wii-thanksgiving-test-on-the-family/#commentsFiled under: ,

With Nintendo marketing the Wii to cross demographics outside the realm of the hardcore gamer, it seemed only fair to test out the system at a family friends house after Thanksgiving dinner. Bringing the system over and saying I wanted them to test it out, the most apprehensive person wasn't the adults, but 21 year-old Meredith McSorley saying, "I'm not good at that stuff. I can't do the button things." I informed her this would be different.

Continue reading A Wii Thanksgiving test on the family

JoystiqA Wii Thanksgiving test on the family originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>testthanksgivingThanksgiving testThanksgivingTestwiiFri, 24 Nov 2006 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii + Parents = ???]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/23/wii-parents/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/23/wii-parents/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/23/wii-parents/#commentsFiled under: ,

Considering Nintendo designed the Wii, and its marketing, to appeal to a wide demographic, it's time to put it to the test. We here at Joystiq will be testing our family over Thanksgiving on how intuitive the Wii is and we'd like to hear how things go at your home. YouTube some video, take pictures and let us know how it goes.

JoystiqWii + Parents = ??? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>parentstestwiiThu, 23 Nov 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie busy testing Halo 3 single-player]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/05/bungie-busy-testing-halo-3-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/05/bungie-busy-testing-halo-3-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/05/bungie-busy-testing-halo-3-single-player/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Master Chief cosplayAccording to Bungie's most recent weekly update, the team has begun testing elements of Halo 3's single-player campaign. The testing is currently focused on gameplay, specifically, AI encounters.

Bungie's Frank O'Connor details a run-in with a pack of Grunts who had wisely flanked Frankie while he was distracted by "something bigger than a Grunt." Frankie describes the Grunts' tactic as "quite a shock," given that their behavior in the past has been half-witted. Frankie reminds us, "Lots of folks focus on what technology can do for the appearance of a game -- but the 360's prodigious horsepower can also be applied to AI."

JoystiqBungie busy testing Halo 3 single-player originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jul 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieHalo 3Halo3testXbox-360Wed, 05 Jul 2006 16:55:00 EST