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[Nation of Indies teaches Austin devs how to become indie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/nation-of-indies-teaches-austin-devs-how-to-become-indie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/nation-of-indies-teaches-austin-devs-how-to-become-indie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/nation-of-indies-teaches-austin-devs-how-to-become-indie/#comments Nation of Indies teaches Austin devs how to become indieThe folks behind Austin, Texas' Juegos Rancheros initiative have taken it upon themselves to mitigate the damage caused by the absurd number of gaming layoffs that have affected this region over the last year, and they're doing so through education.

Nation of Indies is a free, single-day crash course in becoming an indie developer, with talks on different methods of funding procurement, small business management techniques, software tool investment and long-term sustainability. Indie developers Semi Secret, Tiger Style and others will be on hand, lending their expertise on how to transition from being someone's employee, to running your own studio.

The symposium takes place on Sunday, February 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, and RSVPing is encouraged.

JoystiqNation of Indies teaches Austin devs how to become indie originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinindieindiesjuegos-rancherosnation-of-indiessemi-secrettexastiger-styleSat, 02 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3's trip into space gets a trailer, useful purpose]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mass-effect-3s-trip-into-space-gets-a-trailer-useful-purpose/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mass-effect-3s-trip-into-space-gets-a-trailer-useful-purpose/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mass-effect-3s-trip-into-space-gets-a-trailer-useful-purpose/#comments
So, remember how EA and Bioware are launching six copies of Mass Effect 3 into (near) space? Well, they're still doing that, and now there's a trailer about it that you can watch.

The trailer itself is not particularly informative, but the press release delivered with said trailer actually contained some cool information about the event. Specifically, students from the High Altitude Balloon Club at Texas A&M University will be assisting with each of the six launch sites around the world.

Once the event is complete, EA will be donating all of the equipment used during the publicity stunt to A&M's Aerospace Engineering department, which will then take the gear to Alaska and use it study the aurora borealis. We're glad to hear this advertising campaign will benefit a group of bright youngsters, and that EA isn't shelling out a presumably massive load of cash just to launch some games into space.

Continue reading Mass Effect 3's trip into space gets a trailer, useful purpose

JoystiqMass Effect 3's trip into space gets a trailer, useful purpose originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aggiesBioWareEAElectronic-Artsmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3texastexas-a-and-m-universityxboxWed, 22 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[UltimatePointer files patent lawsuit against Nintendo, and, uh, everyone else]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/ultimatepointer-files-patent-lawsuit-against-nintendo-and-uh/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/ultimatepointer-files-patent-lawsuit-against-nintendo-and-uh/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/ultimatepointer-files-patent-lawsuit-against-nintendo-and-uh/#comments It's been kind of a while since Nintendo was sued by someone for purportedly infringing on existing patents, but UltimatePointer LLC is doing just that in a complaint filed just under two weeks ago. The Texas-based LLC claims that Nintendo's Wiimote conflicts with its own patent (no. 7,746,321) for an "Easily Deployable Interactive Direct-Pointing System and Presentation Control System and Calibration Method Therefor." While UltimatePointer's patent was filed way back in May of 2005, it didn't actually receive official status until June of 2010 -- approximately four years after Nintendo launched its Wii console in North America.

Bizarrely, UltimatePointer is also suing, like, everyone else even remotely involved with the Nintendo Wii. The complaint notes that the various retailers listed (in addition to Nintendo of Japan and Nintendo of America) are liable due to sales association. In so many words, the retailers were involved in the "making, using, importing, and/or selling" of Wii "systems, games, and related accessories (the 'accused products')," and therefore are just as liable for patent infringement as the hardware manufacturer.

Even more bizarrely, the list of defendants includes a scattershot of retail chains in the United States that sell various Wii hardware, including places like QVC and Tiger Direct, but not, say, Amazon or NewEgg. The complaint doesn't request a specific award should UltimatePointer succeed, instead asking that Nintendo of America pay "a reasonable royalty" due to the alleged infringement, in addition to lawyers/court fees and "enhanced damages" owed.

JoystiqUltimatePointer files patent lawsuit against Nintendo, and, uh, everyone else originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buygamestoplawsuitlegalnintendoqvctexastiger-directultimate-pointerultimate-pointer-llcultimatepointerwiiTue, 27 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fantastic Arcade to keep Austin weird on September 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/fantastic-arcade-to-keep-austin-weird-on-september-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/fantastic-arcade-to-keep-austin-weird-on-september-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/fantastic-arcade-to-keep-austin-weird-on-september-22/#comments If you're fortunate enough to live within (or near!) the borders of Austin, Texas, you should clear your schedule for next weekend. Fantastic Arcade will take over The Highball from Thursday, September 22 to Sunday, September 25. The event will play host to 21 indie games, such as the psychedelic Dyad, the audio-only panic game, Deep Sea, the heartwarmingly bizarre Octodad, the perspective-shifting Fez, and the utterly magical Owlboy.

There's also a Starhawk gameplay demonstration from fellow Austin-based studio Lightbox Interactive, and a panel hosted by a whole bevy of PSN developers. Check out Juegos Rancheros for the full lineup, trailers and a schedule of events for the weekend.

JoystiqFantastic Arcade to keep Austin weird on September 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinfantastic-arcadefantastic-festindiejuegos-racherosmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3starhawktexasxboxWed, 14 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: EA Sports opening studio in Austin, TX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/report-ea-sports-opening-studio-in-austin-tx/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/report-ea-sports-opening-studio-in-austin-tx/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/report-ea-sports-opening-studio-in-austin-tx/#comments Those displaced Ignition Games employees in Austin may have a new prospect. IGN reports that, according to an internal EA memo, the company is looking to expand with an EA Sports studio in the Texas capital, adding a third internal studio to its current lineup of British Columbia and Florida-based operations.

"We have aggressive plans for expansion, and I will be visiting Austin, Texas, this week to assess potential space for a new EA Sports studio location," EA Sports COO Daryl Holt reportedly said in the memo. "Our goal is to attract, hire and retain the industry's best talent." This will be the perfect location to develop games based on college football ... and really slow races run by people in costumes.

We just hope that, if EA does choose to open a studio there, it learns from the past and actually gives its employees time to explore their environs.

JoystiqReport: EA Sports opening studio in Austin, TX originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austindaryl-holtea-sportselectronic-artstexasWed, 29 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[QuakeCon 2011 taking place August 4-7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/quakecon-2011-taking-place-august-4-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/quakecon-2011-taking-place-august-4-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/quakecon-2011-taking-place-august-4-7/#comments If you've been eager to show off your rocket-launching prowess to members of the public, you'll be delighted to hear that a large group of them will gather at QuakeCon 2011 from August 4 until August 7 (yes, in 2011). Joining the annual and famously festive fragfest -- running on what event organizers have dubbed a "world-class network" -- requires only that you register, and then take your computer to the Hilton Anatole hotel in Dallas, Texas. The event is open to eveyone and attendance is free.

If you're particularly keen on lugging around a monstrous rig (or your Pentium III 800MHz with 128MB RAM, for that matter), you'll also have the opportunity to see and play upcoming games from Bethesda Softworks -- the publishing label of Zenimax, which acquired id Software in 2009. This year's QuakeCon will conclude just over a month before the North American debut of post-apocalyptic FPS Rage, currently set to be released on September 13.

Continue reading QuakeCon 2011 taking place August 4-7

JoystiqQuakeCon 2011 taking place August 4-7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-softworksid-softwarepcquakeconquakecon-2011ragetexaszenimaxFri, 28 Jan 2011 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition L.A. studio moving to Austin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/ignition-la-studio-moving-to-austin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/ignition-la-studio-moving-to-austin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/ignition-la-studio-moving-to-austin/#comments Ignition Entertainment's Los Angeles branch is moving to Austin, Texas, reports IGN. "All business will be continuing as usual," a company representative told the site -- which, for Ignition, means typically unusual business.

While no official reason was given for the closure of the Glendale, Calif. publishing offices, a fresh start in Austin is an unsurprising choice given the city's rich history of game development and the state's business incentives. Maybe the move is simply a matter of consolidating Ignition's two U.S. studios, L.A. and Gainesville (Fla.), and having them meet halfway. The move from L.A. is said to have no effect on the company's current staff or projects, according to IGN, while Ignition still won't confirm exactly what is going on in Florida.

A month ago, the Florida branch was reported to be closed and staff rumored to be forced out to Texas (or to find a new job). The studio's sci-fi FPS Reich was assumed to have suffered the same uncertain fate as Ignition's WarDevil game, which was left in limbo following the closure of the Ignition's London-area development studio in late September. Of course, WarDevil has since been resurrected as "Project Kane" and is supposedly in the hands of a "core team" and on track for a Q4 2011 release.

See? We told you: unusual business.

[Image sources: UTV Ignition; 25or6to4 (Wikipedia)]

JoystiqIgnition L.A. studio moving to Austin originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinignitionignition-austinignition-entertainmentignition-los-angeleslos-angelesmovetexasutv-ignitionThu, 02 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft's Battle Tag launches assault on Texas tomorrow, Canada next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/ubisofts-battle-tag-launches-assault-on-texas-tomorrow-canada/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/ubisofts-battle-tag-launches-assault-on-texas-tomorrow-canada/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/ubisofts-battle-tag-launches-assault-on-texas-tomorrow-canada/#comments One of Ubisoft's more bizarre products at E3, Battle Tag, finally has a release date. In Texas and Canada. And, as of writing, only Texas and Canada. Ubisoft's self-described "hybrid" toy/game lets you recreate a laser tag experience at home, but with a number of game-inspired twists. There are health packs, ammo crates, and multiple game modes, customizable via an included PC app. For more info on how the setup process works, check out our video preview.

The two player "Starter Pack" will be available for $129.99. The Canadian release is set for November 22, exclusively at Zellers and on Ubisoft's official website. Texas will serve as a "test release" for the US market, with fifteen Toys R Us stores in Houston and Austin to begin selling the toys tomorrow.

Ubisoft has created an action-packed trailer of lots of people having fun with the Battle Tag gear, which we've embedded after the break. Provided you live in Texas or Canada, and have lots of money to spare, maybe you'll be able to join in on the fun as well. Call your local store to see if it's one of the fifteen.

Gallery: Battle Tag (11/18/10)

Continue reading Ubisoft's Battle Tag launches assault on Texas tomorrow, Canada next week

JoystiqUbisoft's Battle Tag launches assault on Texas tomorrow, Canada next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-tagcanadapcrelease-datetexastoys-r-usubisoftzellersThu, 18 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas schools receive funding for two Wii-based initiatives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/texas-schools-receive-funding-for-two-wii-based-initiatives/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/texas-schools-receive-funding-for-two-wii-based-initiatives/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/texas-schools-receive-funding-for-two-wii-based-initiatives/#commentsTwo Wii-based educational projects have received grants in the small east Texas town of Lindale. The Lindale Independent School District Education Foundation has awarded $1,021.40 to Early Childhood Center teachers Cookie Hartley and June Wright, whose "Wii Can Do It!" project aims to use Wii games to teach as "therapy and instructional tools" to "accelerate learning" for preschoolers with disabilities, and Lindale Primary School's Cynthia Peters and Bobbie Williams for "Wii Fit, Wii Moving, and Wii Happy," a more general program about using the Wii to introduce students to technology and build teamwork skills.

The Fund consists of donations from local citizens and businesses. These two grants are part of a total of $13,802.36 awarded in the district, all handed to teachers with surprise novelty checks, Publishers Clearinghouse-style. The only downside is that Wii systems are going to be a bit harder to find in Lindale this week for everyone else.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqTexas schools receive funding for two Wii-based initiatives originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>educationlindaletexasWed, 31 Mar 2010 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop sees highest-volume stores on US/Mexico border]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/gamestop-sees-highest-volume-stores-on-us-mexico-border/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/gamestop-sees-highest-volume-stores-on-us-mexico-border/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/gamestop-sees-highest-volume-stores-on-us-mexico-border/#comments
GameStop COO Paul Raines notes that Latino consumers are apparently quite important to the profitability of the company. Speaking with Hispanic Market Weekly, Raines reveals that the highest-volume stores in the company are those located along the US-Mexico border in Texas -- which has led to discussions of the chain expanding into Mexico.

GameStop isn't directly targeting the Latino community with Spanish-language ads and signage, so much as hiring bilingual associates. Raines states that of the company's 5000-plus stores, between 600-800 are in areas where the Latino population is over 40 percent.

[Via IndustryGamers]

JoystiqGameStop sees highest-volume stores on US/Mexico border originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdemographicsgamestophispaniclatinotexasThu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas may require sex offenders to report gamertag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/texas-may-require-sex-offenders-to-report-gamertag/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/texas-may-require-sex-offenders-to-report-gamertag/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/texas-may-require-sex-offenders-to-report-gamertag/#comments
GamePolitics has a report on a bill being considered by Texas lawmakers that would force convicted sex offenders to submit their gamertags and other "Internet communication identifiers" to law enforcement. GP says that in the strictest interpretation of the law, the offender could be banned from networks like PSN, Xbox Live and Second Life.

The bill, HB 22, is next headed to the House of Representatives and (should it pass there) will move on to the Senate.

In other news, internet video game blog Joystiq.com was given a Golden Giraffe award for avoiding low-hanging fruit and writing the entirety of the "Texas may require sex offenders to report gamertag" post without a single cheap joke. They'd like to thank their mothers, and God.

JoystiqTexas may require sex offenders to report gamertag originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>psntexasxbox-liveWed, 06 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas Gov. signs game developer tax break bill into law]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/texas-gov-signs-game-developer-tax-break-bill-into-law/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/texas-gov-signs-game-developer-tax-break-bill-into-law/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/texas-gov-signs-game-developer-tax-break-bill-into-law/#comments
When he's not busy keynoting major industry events and extolling the virtues of his state, Texas Governor Rick Perry is a swell guy. Further incentivizing the aforementioned game industry types, Mr. Perry just recently signed into law a bill that will extend the 2007 initiatives, according to the San Marcos Daily Record.

House Bill 873 looks to increase state grants available to a variety of digital mediums, including games, film and other commercial prospects. The state is hoping the bill will encourage game development companies and film studios (among others) to bring their work to Texas, which Perry backed up by saying, "We are strengthening our state's investment in a vital industry that not only shows off our state to the rest of the world, but also draws investment and creates jobs for Texans." Considering the poor economy and tightening budgets, we're fairly certain this bill will work as intended.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqTexas Gov. signs game developer tax break bill into law originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economygame-developmentgame-industrygamepoliticshb-873rick-perrysan-marcos-daily-recordtexasSat, 25 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Suspected pedophile targets Texas girl using PS3 and camera]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/suspected-pedophile-targets-texas-girl-using-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/suspected-pedophile-targets-texas-girl-using-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/suspected-pedophile-targets-texas-girl-using-ps3/#commentsTexas ABC affiliate ABC-13 is reporting that a 24-year-old Kentucky man, named Anthony Scott O'Shea, was using his PlayStation 3 to request nude self-pictures from an 11-year-old Texas girl. According to police, Mr. O'Shea did not own a computer and was solely employing his PS3 and the PlayStation Network to speak with the girl. When she refused to take them, he supposedly threatened to remove her from his friends list, saying, "Friends do things for each other. You're on my friends list. If you don't, I'm gonna remove you."

Using a camera attached to her PS3, the Texas girl then sent Mr. O'Shea the pictures which, according to police, Mr. O'Shea distributed through email "across the country." Parents of the 11-year-old girl notified authorities immediately when they found out about the actions, but apparently their daughter remained steadfast in her opinion of Mr. O'Shea, asking police, "Why is my friend going to jail?" Mr. O'Shea is being charged with:
  • Sexual performance of a child
  • Online solicitation of a minor
  • Promotion of child pornography
Those sound like three pretty good reasons right there. According to GamePolitics, Sony provided technical assistance to the Texas police in helping to track down O'Shea.

[Thanks, Gian S.!]

JoystiqSuspected pedophile targets Texas girl using PS3 and camera originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>child-pornkentuckypedophilepedophiliaplaystation-networkpornographypsntexasMon, 16 Mar 2009 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA prez asks Texas to extend tax incentives for game developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/esa-prez-asks-texas-to-extend-tax-incentives-for-game-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/esa-prez-asks-texas-to-extend-tax-incentives-for-game-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/esa-prez-asks-texas-to-extend-tax-incentives-for-game-developers/#comments
In an op-ed piece fort the Austin American-Stateman, Entertainment Software Association president Michael Gallagher asks the Texas legislature to extend the state's economic incentive programs for the game industry -- such incentives were signed into law in 2007 by Governor Rick Perry. The bills that would extend the incentives are currently under consideration.

Gallagher states that the game industry accounts for more than one third of the $345 million invested in the state by the entertainment industry in 2007. He says further that video games are an extension of Texas' "rich cultural past" as represented by SXSW, which begins its 2009 show this week. Gallagher points out the benefits that games have brought, such as dexterity improvement for senior citizens, job training and teaching tools. He neglects, strangely, to mention that they are also awesome.

As Gallagher notes, several states are considering similar measures or extending the ones already in place and concludes, "While economic incentives for the video game industry are a sound investment for Texas' cultural legacy, they are an even better investment for the people of Texas." Let's hope the bills pass, if only to finally find out what Warren Spector has been up to.

JoystiqESA prez asks Texas to extend tax incentives for game developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esataxtax-breakstaxestexasFri, 13 Mar 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Certain Nintendo controllers face retail ban]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/certain-nintendo-controllers-face-retail-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/certain-nintendo-controllers-face-retail-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/certain-nintendo-controllers-face-retail-ban/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nintendo could see its GameCube, Wavebird and Wii Classic Controller banned from retail shelves. Bloomberg reports that Nintendo has lost its attempt to overturn a $21 million patent-infringement verdict brought against the company by patent trolls patent holders Anascape Ltd. of Tyler, Texas. The house of Mario has a stay on the ban by putting the judgment amount in escrow until its case goes to the US Court of Appeals in the Federal Circuit.

The Texas jury found the Wiimote and Nunchuk controllers did not violate Anascape's patent; previously, Sony paid off Anascape back in 2004 and Microsoft settled on May 1, just before the Nintendo trial began. Anascape argued for the ban because it wants to enter the market and Nintendo has "clogged the channel." Yeah, we're very much looking forward to seeing if the third-party Anascape controller ever gets released.

JoystiqCertain Nintendo controllers face retail ban originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anascapeGameCubelawsuitnintendopatenttexasWiiTue, 22 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas Gov. Rick Perry: For developers, everything's better in Texas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/texas-gov-rick-perry-for-developers-everythings-better-in-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/texas-gov-rick-perry-for-developers-everythings-better-in-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/texas-gov-rick-perry-for-developers-everythings-better-in-te/#commentsFiled under: ,

If we had to summarize thismorning's E keynote speech by Texas Governor Rick Perry in three words, it would be "Texas is awesome." If we had a few more words, we'd say "Texas is awesome, and so is the game industry."

After a short introductory video featuring a few Texan developers (including Warren Spector), Perry launched into a laundry list of the business virtues for the Lone Star state, including a legal system low on frivolous lawsuits, an income-tax free revenue structure that "lets workers keep their wages" and a "sensible regulatory environment," whatever that means. Texas also has more Fortune 500 companies than any other state, making it an economic powerhouse.

"The weather is hot, the barbecue is hot, the music is hot, and we want to see the game industry even hotter," Perry said, gushing about the 2,800 new jobs created by 22 Texas game development companies (the third highest concentration in America, but Perry is "gunning for No. 1"). The governor lost us a bit when he said the industry average salary of $63,000 a year "may seem like pocket change to those of you here from California or Washington," Personally, we'd love to make that kind of scratch.

Continue reading Texas Gov. Rick Perry: For developers, everything's better in Texas

JoystiqTexas Gov. Rick Perry: For developers, everything's better in Texas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e3-2008ESAgovernmentgovernorkeynotepoliticsRick Perryrick-perryRickPerrytexasWed, 16 Jul 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas Governor Rick Perry keynoting E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/texas-governor-rick-perry-keynoting-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/texas-governor-rick-perry-keynoting-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/texas-governor-rick-perry-keynoting-e3/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The ESA announced this morning that Texas Governor Rick Perry will give the keynote at this year's E3. OK kids, remember that E3 is a business and media summit before flipping out and asking why the governor of Texas is keynoting the event. Texas actually has a large development community (particularly in the MMO space) and even supports the industry with financial incentives.

The ESA says Perry's "forward-thinking leadership" is a roadmap for other states on how to welcome the video game industry. As a side note, Perry also defeated an anti-gaming gubernatorial candidate during the last election who sought to place a 50% tax on violent video games. It'll be interesting to see if Perry's keynote is pure business or if it addresses some of the other issues going like publishers leaving the ESA or the national game law ID bill.

JoystiqTexas Governor Rick Perry keynoting E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2008esarick-perrytexasMon, 19 May 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamecock details E.I.E.I.O. 2008 expo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/gamecock-details-2008-e-i-e-i-o-expo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/gamecock-details-2008-e-i-e-i-o-expo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/gamecock-details-2008-e-i-e-i-o-expo/#commentsFiled under: ,


Self-described campaigner for independent titles and apologetic speech crasher, Gamecock Media Group, has detailed plans for its second annual and awkwardly worded Expo For Interactive Entertainment, Independent and Original. This year's E.I.E.I.O. is scheduled to take place on March 6 at the prestigious Stubb's Bar-B-Q in Austin, Texas. Gamecock's upcoming lineup will be on show and in the company of developers, "music, mayhem and good ol' fashioned Texas hospitality."

The all-day event will lead into South by Southwest's (SXSW) Interactive Festival and culminate in a concert which hopes to feature "bands with members of the gaming press in them." Umm, does Rock Band count?

JoystiqGamecock details E.I.E.I.O. 2008 expo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EIEIOGamecockGamecock-Media-GroupTexasWed, 16 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft faces class action lawsuit due to Xbox Live outages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/microsoft-faces-class-action-lawsuit-due-to-xbox-live-outages/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/microsoft-faces-class-action-lawsuit-due-to-xbox-live-outages/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/microsoft-faces-class-action-lawsuit-due-to-xbox-live-outages/#commentsFiled under:

It appears that a sincere apology and the promise of a free arcade game aren't enough to satisfy the unbridled rage of some Xbox Live users suffering from frequent outages -- three Texas residents slapped Microsoft with a class action lawsuit yesterday, claiming that the disruption of the service over the holidays is a breach of the Xbox Live Terms of Use contract. The suit claims the damages suffered from the outages exceed $5 million.

While we usually scoff at class action lawsuits for seemingly petty reasons, the plaintiffs have an excellent point -- Microsoft must have expected an influx of server-taxing Xbox Live subscribers around the holidays, yet they "failed to provide adequate access and service to Xbox Live and its subscribers." The ball appears to be in your court, Microsoft -- that better be one hell of a free arcade game.

JoystiqMicrosoft faces class action lawsuit due to Xbox Live outages originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ClassActionLiveArcadeMicrosoftTexasXboxXbox-360Xbox360XboxLiveSat, 05 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Future US responds to Texas suit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/future-us-responds-to-texas-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/future-us-responds-to-texas-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/future-us-responds-to-texas-suit/#commentsFiled under:

Publisher Future US recently responded to the very strange charges filed against the company by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. AG Abbott claims that Future's website GamesRadar.com doesn't "adequately protect [children's] privacy and safety" and the site "unlawfully collect[s] personal information such as names, ages, and home addresses from children." If true, this would violate the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Future US responded, "This is the first contact we have had from the Texas attorney general on this matter and we are urgently reviewing the complaint"

Shacknews properly notes that registration for their free RadarNation accounts is currently closed ("We're sorry, registration is currently unavailable. Please try again later") so we presume that has something to do with the "urgently reviewing" part of their response.

Read - Texas sues GamesRadar
Read - Future US responds to Texas suit

JoystiqFuture US responds to Texas suit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbottfuturegamesradartexasFri, 07 Dec 2007 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Texas game development finance provisos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/the-texas-game-development-finance-provisos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/the-texas-game-development-finance-provisos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/the-texas-game-development-finance-provisos/#commentsFiled under: ,

There be much gaming going on in the great state of Texas. Many MMOs have a connection to Austin, just a sample list includes: BioWare's studio, some Sony Online Entertainment stuff and Blizzard is setting up camp there too. Recently, Gov. Rick Perry signed a bill providing game developers up to $250,000 in grants ... with a few little addendums, provisos and other such caveats.

To keep the dogs at bay, the incentives have restrictions on paying for violent games. Actually, it's a little deeper. The state can pick and choose the games they want to fund, avoiding those considered "obscene." Yes, that should make anybody not making the World of That's So Raven game just a little nervous. Oh, and the game can't "portray Texas or Texans in a negative fashion."

Tabula Rasa lead developer Richard Garriott said, "This is a great first step in trying to support developers who already are in the state of Texas or might consider developing projects in the state of Texas ... Our industry doesn't have a very sophisticated lobbying process. I do believe the legislators that have carried this through for us have done so in spite of the utter lack of lobbying." Oh well, any state that wants to give money to fund video games, even if there are restrictions, can't be all bad. At least it's not half as ironic as Boston's Mayor Menino meeting with game developers. So, developers, if you're looking for some cash, they make the grants bigger in Texas.

JoystiqThe Texas game development finance provisos originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentgrantsmoneytexasMon, 11 Jun 2007 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Level designer defends Counter-Strike Texas school creation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/level-designer-defends-counter-strike-texas-school-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/level-designer-defends-counter-strike-texas-school-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/level-designer-defends-counter-strike-texas-school-creation/#commentsFiled under:

Last week a student in Texas was classified as a "terroristic threat" after recreating his school in the game Counter-Strike. This morning Kenn Hoekstra of Pi Studios had an op-ed piece published in ForBendNow. He defends the right of the student to create the school with the same basic reasoning used to jump start every creative individual: You write/draw/design what you know.

Hoekstra writes, "I speak from experience when I say that just about every aspiring level designer starts out by building what he or she knows. In this case, this poor kid built his school because he was familiar with it. Over the years, I've personally constructed the house where I grew up, my old grade school and high school, my old work office building and my apartment complex in various level editors. Why? Because it was fun! Plain and simple."

Hoekstra better start running now because the Men in Black are probably going to be knocking on his door any second. Watch out aspiring game designers, keep your passion in the closet, because one day you too may be considered a "terroristic threat."

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqLevel designer defends Counter-Strike Texas school creation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>counterstriketerroristtexasWed, 09 May 2007 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ring of Death: An Xbox 360 story -- Part 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/ring-of-death-an-xbox-360-story-part-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/ring-of-death-an-xbox-360-story-part-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/ring-of-death-an-xbox-360-story-part-3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Previously on Ring of Death: The red ring of death visited a colleague's Xbox 360 for the second time. He followed the rules of Xbox replacement under warranty, received the coffin exactly "five business days" later and shipped his Xbox 360 off for repair -- again.

Yesterday, the same Xbox he sent off returned to him exactly 20 days after calling to report the issue and 7 days after shipping the unit. The shell was the same (secretly marked in a few places to be sure), with some new innards that aren't broken.

And so ends this Xbox 360's red ring of death story. Although there is anecdotal evidence regarding a disproportionate amount of problems with the system, emphasized by some nation's consumer advocacy programs, at least we can say the repair process (despite taking 20 days) is relatively painless. Here's hoping the anecdotal evidence doesn't start piling up after the one year warranty expires and people start having to drop $139 (plus box) to have their Xbox 360 repaired.

After the break check out the "Xbox Quality Survey" sent back with the unit.

See also:
Ring of Death: An Xbox 360 story -- Part 1
Ring of Death: An Xbox 360 story -- Part 2

Continue reading Ring of Death: An Xbox 360 story -- Part 3

JoystiqRing of Death: An Xbox 360 story -- Part 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conclusionmcallenrepairtexasxboxXbox-360Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MS sued over controller design]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/ms-sued-over-controller-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/ms-sued-over-controller-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/ms-sued-over-controller-design/#commentsFiled under:

Some no-name company from Texas is dragging Microsoft and Nintendo to court over 12 supposed patent infringements related to game controllers, that amazingly went un-noticed until now. Sony, fresh off a losing court battle over force feedback technology, seems to have avoided the dual shakedown this time around. Who holds the patent on transparent extortion schemes?

[Thanks Randy]

JoystiqMS sued over controller design originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerslaw suitlegalnintendopatentstexasWed, 09 Aug 2006 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Games Live seats in Indy up for sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/16/video-games-live-seats-in-indy-up-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/16/video-games-live-seats-in-indy-up-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/16/video-games-live-seats-in-indy-up-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,

Video Games Live at Gen Con IndyTickets are now on sale for the two Video Games Live shows planned in conjunction with Gen Con Indy Friday & Saturday, August 11-12.

After a stop in Philly earlier this month, the VGL tour is moving on to Houston July 14th, Chicago August 5th, and then Indianapolis the weekend after that. More on reserving seats for the Hilbert Circle Theatre can be found on the official announcement page (via the pic to the right or the Read link below).

Judging by the reviews of the Philly show so far, Video Games Live sounds like it could be a lot of fun. If they keep providing public access to Guitar Hero II, they may have sold this blogger on going already. We hope Midwestern gamers not attending the Chicago show can make a pitstop in Indy to keep Tommy's show on the road. So, yeah ... rock on.

See also:

JoystiqVideo Games Live seats in Indy up for sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jun 2006 00:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attendattendingChicagoconcertgame musicGameMusicGen ConGen Con IndyGenConGenConIndyGuitar HeroGuitar Hero IIGuitarHeroGuitarHeroIiHoustonIllinoisINIndianaIndianapolisIndyMidwestMidwesternmusicPhiladelphiaPhillyrockshowTexasticketticketsTommytourVGLvgmvideo game musicVideo Games Livevideo-game musicVideo-gameMusicVideoGameMusicVideoGamesLiveFri, 16 Jun 2006 00:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's tax games, proposes Texas senator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/28/lets-tax-games-proposes-texas-senator/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/28/lets-tax-games-proposes-texas-senator/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/28/lets-tax-games-proposes-texas-senator/#commentsFiled under:

Senator Juan HinojosaSenator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of Texas recently proposed a plan that would generate an estimated $65 million, which could be used to build or upgrade public schools. That plan is to apply a special tax to video game sales. The logic behind the proposal is that if school-aged kids are spending a lot of money on video games - or parents are spending a lot of money on games for their school-aged kids - these consumers can spend a little bit more in order to improve their school systems.

What's outrageous is that the proposal has not been extended to other forms of popular consumer entertainment. Music? Movies? Why doesn't Hinojosa want to tax these formats?

JoystiqLet's tax games, proposes Texas senator originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Apr 2006 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Juan HinojosaJuanHinojosasenatortaxTexasFri, 28 Apr 2006 15:25:00 EST