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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GTA 4, Red Dead Redemption DLC discounts in XBLM's weekly deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/gta-4-red-dead-redemption-dlc-discounts-in-xblms-weekly-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/gta-4-red-dead-redemption-dlc-discounts-in-xblms-weekly-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/gta-4-red-dead-redemption-dlc-discounts-in-xblms-weekly-deals/#comments This week and next, Microsoft is offering savings on DLC for the Xbox 360 versions of Grand Theft Auto IV and Red Dead Redemption -- discounts that, if you were straining to tie them into GTA somehow, you might call "a steal."

From today through July 18, you'll be able to get the RDR Undead Nightmare Collection (containing three separate DLC packs) for 1,000 Microsoft Points, down from 1,600. That deal is part of a "Zombies!" promotion also featuring Dead Rising 2: Case West (now 400 Microsoft Points) and Stubbs the Zombie (800 MSP).

From July 19 through July 25, it's all GTA, with GTAIV add-ons Ballad of Gay Tony for 800 MSP, The Lost and Damned for 400, and GTA San Andreas for 800 points. See a few more items, including new Avatar items and Dance Central DLC, on Major Nelson's site.

JoystiqGTA 4, Red Dead Redemption DLC discounts in XBLM's weekly deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-rising-2-case-westdeal-of-the-weekdlcgrand-theft-auto-ivmicrosoftred-dead-redemptionthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyThe-Lost-and-DamnedxblmxboxTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City ordered off shelves by Brazillian court over music licensing issue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/gta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city-ordered-off-shelves-by-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/gta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city-ordered-off-shelves-by-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/gta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city-ordered-off-shelves-by-brazil/#comments A Brazilian court has apparently ordered that worldwide sales of Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes From Liberty City cease because a song in the game was used without consent. The Associated Press reports that the Third Civil Court in Barueri will fine Rockstar Games and Brazilian distributor Synergex $3,000 per day if the order isn't obeyed. The order was apparently issued on September 27 and can be appealed.

The song that Rockstar allegedly did not get the rights to is called "Bota o Dedinho pro Alto." Brazilian distributor Synergex claims it had not been notified of the court's decision. You can check out the song after the break.

[Thanks, Bill O.]

Continue reading GTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City ordered off shelves by Brazillian court over music licensing issue

JoystiqGTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City ordered off shelves by Brazillian court over music licensing issue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gay-TonyGrand-Theft-Auto-4Grand-Theft-Auto-4-The-Ballad-Of-Gay-TonyGTA4GTA4-The-Ballad-Of-Gay-Tonymicrosoftplaystationps3The-Ballad-Of-Gay-TonyxboxWed, 20 Oct 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Deal of the Week: Ballad of Gay Tony for $15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-ballad-of-gay-tony-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-ballad-of-gay-tony-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-ballad-of-gay-tony-for-15/#comments If you've been waiting for an excuse to sink your felonious teeth into the Grand Theft Auto IV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony, listen up. This week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week, you see, knocks the usual 1600 ($20) price of Gay Tony down to a more palatable 1200 ($15). Not bad for a night of virtual clubbing in Liberty City. That said, if you haven't picked up The Lost and Damned (the other GTA IV expansion) either, you can grab the full Episodes from Liberty City package for $30 from GameStop or Amazon.

[Via Major Nelson]


Xbox.com: Add The Ballad of Gay Tony to your Xbox 360 download queue ($15)

JoystiqXbox Live Deal of the Week: Ballad of Gay Tony for $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekdealsepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgta4gtaivMicrosoftrockstarsalethe-ballad-of-gay-tonyxblmXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 10 May 2010 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two CEO thinks Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC was late to the party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-boss-thinks-grand-theft-auto-4-dlc-was-late-to-the-part/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-boss-thinks-grand-theft-auto-4-dlc-was-late-to-the-part/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-boss-thinks-grand-theft-auto-4-dlc-was-late-to-the-part/#comments Fielding a question on today's quarterly investors call regarding the performance of Grand Theft Auto 4's DLC double-header and the accompanying retail bundle - The Lost and Damned, The Ballad of Gay Tony, and Episodes from Liberty City, respectively - Take-Two CEO Ben Feder admits, "Both we and Microsoft believed there was a big market for GTA 4 episodic content and some factors affected their performance." Calling the two companies' relationship "a historic, strategic partnership" - remember this? - and calling the episodes themselves "profitable contributors to the company," Feder nevertheless offered some insight into what his company could have done to make them even more profitable.

"Both were released significantly after the launch of the core unit," Feder says, referring to the April 2008 launch of Grand Theft Auto 4. "And therefore weren't able to leverage GTA 4's initial marketing campaign and initial launch fervor." With The Lost and Damned coming out in February of this year, some 10 months after GTA 4's initial release, and The Ballad of Gay Tony this past October, 18 months after the initial release, we'd have to agree that timing played an issue; the GTA 4 hype machine had worn off.

Gallery: GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony (Multiplayer)

Continue reading Take-Two CEO thinks Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC was late to the party

JoystiqTake-Two CEO thinks Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC was late to the party originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-FederDLCEpisodes-From-Liberty-CityGrand-Theft-Auto-IVGTA-IVgta-iv-DLCMicrosoftTake-TwoThe-Ballad-of-Gay-TonyThe-Lost-and-DamnedXbox-360Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two: revenues up in Q4, down overall for the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-revenues-up-in-q4-down-overall-for-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-revenues-up-in-q4-down-overall-for-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-revenues-up-in-q4-down-overall-for-the-year/#commentsTake-Two warned us (and investors ... actually, mostly investors) to expect smaller revenues for the fiscal year that ended October 31, and its fiscal-year results, announced today, hold true to that portent. The company's net revenue for fiscal 2009 was $968.5 million, down from $1.5 billion. Take-Two attributes the loss to the lack of a game as strong as Grand Theft Auto IV.

It wasn't all bad news, however. Net revenue in Q4 was actually up over 2008, from $323.4 million to $343.4 million. Take-Two attributes the success in this period to Borderlands, NBA 2K10, both the downloadable and disc-based releases of the Grand Theft Auto content and, yes, GTA IV, which must have experienced a resurgence when Gay Tony and Episodes from Liberty City were released.

JoystiqTake-Two: revenues up in Q4, down overall for the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsborderlandsbusinessepisodes-from-liberty-cityfinancialgta-ivindustrymajor-league-baseballMicrosofttake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play The Ballad of Gay Tony with Rockstar tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/play-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-with-rockstar-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/play-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-with-rockstar-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/play-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-with-rockstar-tonight/#comments
Before you put on some sweats, make a little popcorn and sit down for your sitcoms tonight, you may want to gear up for some The Ballad of Gay Tony multiplayer. Rockstar Games has announced it'll be holding a multiplayer session tonight from 5pm - 8pm ET, allowing prospective Liberty City hoodlums to hang out with some developers in the expansion's new multiplayer modes for a bit of two-on-two action.

If you want to get involved, pack a parachute and send a request to these Gamertags:
  • GwRockstar3
  • GwRockstar4
  • GwRockstar5
  • GwRockstar6
And if you fancy yourself a bit of a voyeur or can't get to your Xbox, you can still watch the action from the perspective of one of Rockstar's employees at the Social Club event page here.

JoystiqPlay The Ballad of Gay Tony with Rockstar tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gay-tonygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivluis-lopezrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyxbox-liveThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Go clubbing with new GTAIV Gay Tony tees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/go-clubbing-with-new-gtaiv-gay-tony-tees/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/go-clubbing-with-new-gtaiv-gay-tony-tees/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/go-clubbing-with-new-gtaiv-gay-tony-tees/#comments Rockstar has unleashed some brand new Grand Theft Auto IV T-shirts, giving fans of The Ballad of Gay Tony a reason to hit the floor show off their best moves. Available for $20 each, the shirts depict the logos of two of the DLC's nightclubs, Hercules and Bahama Mamas. If you've been looking to make a super hip fashion statement ... well, you probably shouldn't be buying video game T-shirts. If, however, you're looking for some inoffensive gaming apparel -- which can be hard to find -- go ahead and take a look.

JoystiqGo clubbing with new GTAIV Gay Tony tees originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtaivmerchandiserockstart-shirtthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyMon, 23 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar revamps Social Club's online leaderboards and stat tracking for Gay Tony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/rockstar-revamps-social-clubs-online-leaderboards-and-stat-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/rockstar-revamps-social-clubs-online-leaderboards-and-stat-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/rockstar-revamps-social-clubs-online-leaderboards-and-stat-trac/#comments
With the release of this week's second Grand Theft Auto IV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony, the game's developer has decided to update the online multiplayer statistics tracking in order to reflect the new multiplayer game types. The addition of "BASE Jump" to the mulitplayer as well as "new, tighter Deathmatch arenas" helped spur the leaderboard overhaul, according to the developer blog. The various new additions being made due to the DLC will even get their own section on the Rockstar Social Club, presumably for the four of you tracking your new GTAIV DLC stats after Modern Warfare 2 releases in a couple weeks.

JoystiqRockstar revamps Social Club's online leaderboards and stat tracking for Gay Tony originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivleaderboardsmultiplayeronline-multiplayerrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-social-clubsocial-clubthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyThu, 29 Oct 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: The Ballad of Gay Tony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/metareview-the-ballad-of-gay-tony/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/metareview-the-ballad-of-gay-tony/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/metareview-the-ballad-of-gay-tony/#comments The second and final "Episode from Liberty City," The Ballad of Gay Tony, has arrived. As the tale of Liberty City comes to a close, does The Ballad of Gay Tony present an exciting final act or an anti-climactic letdown? We'll let the critics at large weigh in on this one:
  • Game Informer (93/100): "While I preferred the tight-knit story of brotherhood and betrayal in The Lost and Damned, The Ballad of Gay Tony delivers more explosive weapons, death-defying missions, and off-the-wall characters. Don't miss your chance to close out the GTA IV experience in style."
  • IGN (92/100): "The Ballad of Gay Tony is the perfect way to close out the GTA IV saga. Finally, we know what happened to the diamonds stolen in the main story a year-and-a-half ago. Though Luis Lopez doesn't have much of a story at all (this is the ballad of his boss, after all), the supporting cast is phenomenal. There are a lot of hilarious moments and ludicrous missions that will please GTA fans. Sure, a few of the missions fall flat compared to the wild nature of others, but all-in-all this is a fine package and worth 20 bucks. "
  • 1UP (A-): "This has been one hell of a ride. I'm going to miss seeing something new in Liberty City, as I've probably been to every available nook and cranny. I suppose I could still go hunting for those damn pigeons, but with so many other games coming out in the coming months, I don't know where I'll find the time... at least until Rockstar gives me a ticket to their next world of crime, violence, and vice."
  • Eurogamer (80/100): "Perhaps Tony Prince does nothing to drag the series forward -- somewhat fittingly for a man with his head stuck in the eighties -- but the episode Rockstar has named in his honour is a colourful and pleasingly unpredictable adventure that gets better throughout and ends on a high."

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqMetareview: The Ballad of Gay Tony originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygta-ivmetareviewMicrosoftrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Ballad of Gay Tony trailer showcases Luis Lopez's many exploits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/latest-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-showcases-luis-lopezs-many-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/latest-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-showcases-luis-lopezs-many-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/latest-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-showcases-luis-lopezs-many-ex/#commentsRather than offer interesting social commentary or moody atmospheric tone, the just-released Ballad of Gay Tony teaser instead teaches us that Luis Lopez is not a joking around kinda guy. He takes shots, tosses dudes off buildings - he even goes to the driving range!

In case it weren't already glaringly obvious to you, the second Grand Theft Auto IV expansion will be taking itself quite a bit less seriously than the first digital release. Thankfully, the wait is nearly over and we can find out for ourselves tomorrow just how much Rockstar Games has twisted its latest opus.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqLatest Ballad of Gay Tony trailer showcases Luis Lopez's many exploits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivluis-lopezMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamesthe-ballad-of-gay-tonytrailerXbox-360Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Gay Tony in-game anime is all too familiar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/new-gay-tony-in-game-anime-is-all-too-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/new-gay-tony-in-game-anime-is-all-too-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/new-gay-tony-in-game-anime-is-all-too-familiar/#comments Grand Theft Auto has always been heavy on satire, making exaggerated observations about the world for the sake of a few cheap yuks. It's readily apparent on the in-game radio programs, which poke fun at both extremes of political talk radio. The in-game TV programming does much the same (if you haven't, we suggest you make time to watch "Republican Space Rangers"). It looks like The Ballad of Gay Tony will continue the tradition with "Princess Robot Bubblegum," an anime parody to be featured on the in-game CNT channel. The show will serve as part of the new TV lineup in the upcoming expansion.

In Rockstar's own words, "Princess Robot Bubblegum" features the hallmarks of more than a few animes: "Incomprehensible narrative, wretched dialogue and creepy, misogynistic sexuality." See it all in the trailer above.

JoystiqNew Gay Tony in-game anime is all too familiar originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gay-tonygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagtaivMicrosoftrockstartake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Dancing, drinking and drugs: The nightclubs of GTA Gay Tony revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/dancing-drinking-and-drugs-the-nightclubs-of-gta-gay-tony-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/dancing-drinking-and-drugs-the-nightclubs-of-gta-gay-tony-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/dancing-drinking-and-drugs-the-nightclubs-of-gta-gay-tony-rev/#comments The Ballad of Gay Tony's Luis Lopez seems to have a pretty easy life. The main playable character of the Xbox-only GTA IV episode must simply deal with Liberty City's wealthiest clientele, ensuring their experience at Tony Prince's two nightclubs goes without a hitch. According to Rockstar PR, jobs will involve kicking out drug dealers, dealing with the paparazzi, and getting the appropriate pick-me-ups for the stars.

Maisonette 9 and Hercules are two new locations added to the Gay Tony episode. In addition to work, you'll be able to partake in a variety of sidequests and minigames: a "familiar-feeling dance minigame," and a new game that takes place in the club bathroom with a girl. We're not entirely sure what that will entail ... but thinking about the franchise's legacy, we think you can figure it out.

JoystiqDancing, drinking and drugs: The nightclubs of GTA Gay Tony revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballad-of-gay-tonygay-tonygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivhot-coffeeMicrosoftrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar drops details of new multiplayer in GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/rockstar-drops-details-of-new-multiplayer-in-gta-the-ballad-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/rockstar-drops-details-of-new-multiplayer-in-gta-the-ballad-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/rockstar-drops-details-of-new-multiplayer-in-gta-the-ballad-of/#comments
Click for grander imagesYou know that iconic moment in the Ballad of Gay Tony trailer when Luis jumps out of some kind of aerial vehicle? Did you ever wonder what it would look like if, instead of one guy parachuting down into Liberty City, it was eight people? Probably not. Anyway, here's a screenshot of that from Rockstar's latest release, detailing The Ballad of Gay Tony's multiplayer modes.

Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch will see lots of new weapons, of course, but also new Kill Streaks and Assisted Kills, which provide cash bonuses. Free Mode gets a little freer with the addition of Buzzard helicopters, APCs, and, of course, parachutes. We can't wait to see what kind of ridiculous emergent competition comes from parachute-based combat.

Check our gallery for more new multiplayer screens!

Gallery: GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony (Multiplayer)

JoystiqRockstar drops details of new multiplayer in GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivMicrosoftmultiplayerrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New 'Ballad of Gay Tony' trailer's got the (action movie) look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/new-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailers-got-the-action-movie-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/new-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailers-got-the-action-movie-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/new-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailers-got-the-action-movie-look/#comments We can look back and laugh at the funny dialogue and guys-in-underpants of previous Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony trailers, but in the latest one, things get real. It's titled "There's Always a Girl" (after a featured line of dialogue) but could more accurately be dubbed, "There's Always Jumping from Motorcycles onto Moving Jets and Tearing Through Liberty City in an Armored Personnel Carrier."

Oh, it has more of Luis parachuting into Liberty City and even confronting (then riding with) members of The Lost motorcycle club -- you know, from the previous DLC, The Lost and Damned. All of this paired with Roxette's "She's Got the Look." You've got to look!

JoystiqNew 'Ballad of Gay Tony' trailer's got the (action movie) look originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcgrand-theft-auto-ivgrand-theft-auto-iv-dlcgtaivMicrosoftrockstartake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonytrailervideoXbox-360Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rainbow-licious Gay Tony Tees from Rockstar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/rainbow-licious-gay-tony-tees-from-rockstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/rainbow-licious-gay-tony-tees-from-rockstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/rainbow-licious-gay-tony-tees-from-rockstar/#comments Are you excited for the release of The Ballad of Gay Tony? Would you like to display that excitement for the whole world to see? Wait ... no ... pull up your pants, we were talking about T-shirts. Rockstar is now selling T-shirts celebrating the release of the upcoming GTAIV expansion. Up for grabs are several Gay Tony logo tees -- available in white, black and pink -- as well as the Episodes from Liberty City tee and, our favorite, the Rockstar rainbow logo tee.

At twenty bucks each, you can get enough for the whole family. That, or you could just save the scratch and buy the actual game. It's up to you, really.

JoystiqRainbow-licious Gay Tony Tees from Rockstar originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturegrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtaivrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyWed, 07 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance the night away with Gay Tony Achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/dance-the-night-away-with-gay-tony-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/dance-the-night-away-with-gay-tony-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/dance-the-night-away-with-gay-tony-achievements/#comments Ahead of the impending release of The Ballad of Gay Tony -- as DLC or as a part of the Episodes from Liberty City retail disc -- Grand Theft Auto IV has been updated with new Achievements on Xbox.com. Ten new Achievements have been added for The Ballad of Gay Tony, totaling 250 points and bringing the grand total for GTAIV to 1500 points. Players are rewarded for various tasks in the expansion, including base jumping, cage fighting and -- Joystiq's favorite -- dancing flawlessly.

Head over to Xbox 360 Achievements for the full list.

JoystiqDance the night away with Gay Tony Achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsepisodes-from-liberty-citygtaivthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyTue, 06 Oct 2009 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[New 'Episodes from Liberty City' introduces Armando & Henrique]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/new-episodes-from-liberty-city-introduces-armando-and-henrique/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/new-episodes-from-liberty-city-introduces-armando-and-henrique/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/new-episodes-from-liberty-city-introduces-armando-and-henrique/#commentsGood friends are hard to come by, especially on the seedy streets of Liberty City. That's why we're so glad the above trailer for Episodes from Liberty City (which features snippets from The Ballad of Gay Tony and The Lost and the Damned) emphasizes the comradery one can experience in the city's many boroughs.

Don't believe us? Just ask The Ballad of Gay Tony protagonist Luis Lopez's childhood friends Armando Torres and Henrique Bardas, who have stuck with Lopez through thick and thin.

JoystiqNew 'Episodes from Liberty City' introduces Armando & Henrique originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armando-torresepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivhenrique-bardasluis-lopezMicrosoftrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonythe-lost-and-the-damnedXbox-360Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch a gold bar from Yusuf Amir in the new Ballad of Gay Tony trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/catch-a-gold-bar-from-yusuf-amir-in-the-new-ballad-of-gay-tony-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/catch-a-gold-bar-from-yusuf-amir-in-the-new-ballad-of-gay-tony-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/catch-a-gold-bar-from-yusuf-amir-in-the-new-ballad-of-gay-tony-t/#commentsIt would be outright unfair to spoil any of the hilarious, minute-long trailer for upcoming GTA IV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony that we've dropped above. We would like to highlight its introduction of Yusuf Amir, a character who seems to be on the level of Brucie in terms of sheer personality. With any luck, we'll get to hang out with Mr. Amir quite a bit while playing through The Ballad of Gay Tony when it's released on October 29.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqCatch a gold bar from Yusuf Amir in the new Ballad of Gay Tony trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamestake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonytrailervideoXbox-360yusuf-amirThu, 24 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Weazel News reports rise in Liberty City terrorism]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/weazel-news-reports-rise-in-liberty-city-terrorism/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/weazel-news-reports-rise-in-liberty-city-terrorism/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/weazel-news-reports-rise-in-liberty-city-terrorism/#commentsIt looks like the inhabitants of Liberty City now have more to fear than crazy foreigners and roving bike gangs, according to a recent Weazel News expose. Terrorists have made their way into the city and brought their tools of destruction with them. Sticky bombs, exploding bullets (doesn't every bullet kinda explode?) and attack helicopters are just a few of these new dangers facing players in upcoming The Ballad of Gay Tony (not to mention every Burger Shot-loving local on the street).

But, thanks to the hard work of the Weazel News team, we have a good idea who's behind this sudden influx: Frickie Van Hardenberg, an African emigrant with a sordid past. What? Seriously, that's his name. Watch the news clip above if you don't believe us.

[Thanks, Juan!]

JoystiqWeazel News reports rise in Liberty City terrorism originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballad-of-gay-tonyepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamesthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[See the Tony of GTA: Ballad of Gay Tony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/see-the-tony-of-gta-ballad-of-gay-tony/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/see-the-tony-of-gta-ballad-of-gay-tony/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/see-the-tony-of-gta-ballad-of-gay-tony/#comments If you haven't heard by now, there's another Grand Theft Auto coming out. The Ballad of Gay Tony, the second Xbox-exclusive expansion pack to Grand Theft Auto IV promises to pack in more explosions, helicopters, sky dives ... and disco dances than ever before. In this short new character vignette released by Rockstar, we see the titular Tony Prince. The reason for his apparent ballad? "The mob are on my case, I'm massively in debt, silly f*cking me."

That would certainly explain Tony's need to pick up a gun and go on a rampage, GTA-style. "Man, therapy has a lot to answer for, huh?"

JoystiqSee the Tony of GTA: Ballad of Gay Tony originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballad-of-gay-tonygrand-theft-auto-ivgtaivMicrosoftrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonytony-princeXbox-360Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar's Agent sneaks into 2010 release window]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/rockstars-agent-sneaks-into-2010-release-window/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/rockstars-agent-sneaks-into-2010-release-window/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/rockstars-agent-sneaks-into-2010-release-window/#comments Aside from the game's exclusivity to the PlayStation 3 and the logo you see above, we've seen little else about upcoming '70s espionage game Agent. But while answering some fan questions about next month's GTA IV expansion, The Ballad of Gay Tony, on its forums, Rockstar North mentions that it's "working hard on a lineup of PlayStation 3 releases for 2010 ... including Red Dead Redemption, Max Payne 3, and the PlayStation 3 exclusive AGENT."

The statement goes on to tease "yet to be announced" titles, possibly lending some credence to Michael Pachter's statements on another GTA game in the not- so-distant future. Considering Rockstar's statements were made in response to queries about GTA IV DLC coming to PS3, we wouldn't be surprised if those "yet to be announced" titles are the result of Microsoft's timed-exclusivity expiring.

[Via Superannuation]

JoystiqRockstar's Agent sneaks into 2010 release window originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentgrand-theft-auto-ivgta-4gta-ivgta4gtaivmax-payne-3michael-pachterred-dead-redemptionrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-northsuperannuationthe-ballad-of-gay-tonySun, 06 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV's The Ballad of Gay Tony sings on Oct. 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/gta-ivs-ballad-of-gay-tony-sings-oct-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/gta-ivs-ballad-of-gay-tony-sings-oct-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/gta-ivs-ballad-of-gay-tony-sings-oct-29/#comments Grand Theft Auto IV's The Ballad of Gay Tony will sashay into stores on October 29th as part of the Episodes from Liberty City retail disc. While hog ridin' formed the draw of GTA IV's most recent DLC episode, The Lost and Damned, it appears that the sparkly nightlife and parachuting out of helicopters is what you'll find described with enthusiasm on the back of the box.

With no mention of the Xbox Live version on any of the current materials, we're following up with Rockstar and Microsoft to confirm the release date for the Xbox Live Marketplace version.

Update: Microsoft tells us the release date is Oct. 29 for both the retail and Xbox Live Marketplace versions of the expansion.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqGTA IV's The Ballad of Gay Tony sings on Oct. 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballad-of-gay-tonygrand-theft-autogta-ivMicrosoftrockstartake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City gets box arted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/gta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city-gets-box-arted/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/gta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city-gets-box-arted/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/gta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city-gets-box-arted/#comments Though we'd love to spend our precious time poring over the just-released cover of upcoming Grand Theft Auto IV DLC retail pack, Episodes from Liberty City, we're not entirely certain of what to pick apart. The usual sexified lady and mean-looking gentlemen are present and accounted for, as is another helicopter to remind us of The Ballad of Gay Tony's apparent vehicle of choice. A few friends from the The Lost & Damned also make an appearance, but there isn't much else to ogle.

We still don't have a release date for the expansion or much more than a handful of screenshots, so we really hope you enjoy this box art until the first trailer hits tomorrow afternoon.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqGTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City gets box arted originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxartdigital-distributiondlcepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivMicrosoftretailrockstarrockstar-gamesscreenshotsthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First screens for The Ballad of Gay Tony go airborne]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/first-screens-for-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-go-airborne/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/first-screens-for-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-go-airborne/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/first-screens-for-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-go-airborne/#comments
Earlier today, Rockstar Games released its first volley of screens for upcoming GTA IV expansion, The Ballad of Gay Tony. From what we can see in the four images -- handed "exclusively to fan sites," according to the Rockstar Games website -- it appears as though air-based warfare will be the focus this time around.

Eagle-eyed fans will also notice that the protagonist is wearing the same letterman jacket found in the teaser image Rockstar released last week for the game's second DLC, still scheduled to arrive this Winter, further confirming his main characteriness. All will be revealed this Tuesday we hope, with the arrival of the first trailer (and hopefully some new media alongside that). For the time being, peep all four images right here.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony



[Thanks, Adriaan!]

JoystiqFirst screens for The Ballad of Gay Tony go airborne originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivgtaivignign-grand-theft-auto-hoodMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamesscreenshotsthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Ballad of Gay Tony gets its first trailer this Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/the-ballad-of-gay-tony-gets-its-first-trailer-this-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/the-ballad-of-gay-tony-gets-its-first-trailer-this-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/the-ballad-of-gay-tony-gets-its-first-trailer-this-tuesday/#comments
Notorious for not saying much about the GTA series until the very last minute, Rockstar Games stuck to form today in announcing the first trailer for upcoming GTA IV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony. According to the company's website, a trailer for Episodes from Liberty City will be released this Tuesday, "featuring The Ballad of Gay Tony."

The only images we've seen so far from the DLC haven't been much more than loading screen art, and now the shot above of what looks to be Luis jumping out of a plane. Wait, jumping out of a plane? There were no planes in GTA IV! What is this madness?!

JoystiqThe Ballad of Gay Tony gets its first trailer this Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcepisodes-from-liberty-cityexpire-images:2009-9-26gtagta-ivMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamesteaserthe-ballad-of-gay-tonytrailerXbox-360Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony, Episodes from Liberty City hitting Oct. 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/gta-iv-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-episodes-from-liberty-city-hitti/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/gta-iv-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-episodes-from-liberty-city-hitti/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/gta-iv-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-episodes-from-liberty-city-hitti/#comments
 Rockstar has dated the second Xbox 360-exclusive DLC expansion for Grand Theft Auto IV, The Ballad of Gay Tony, for October 29. A disc-based retail compilation of the new episode and the game's first add-on, The Lost and Damned, titled Episodes From Liberty City, will be available the same day for 360. The news comes via a tweet on the company's Twitter feed and two official site updates.

The new DLC will be priced at 1600 ($20) while Episodes will run $39.99 and will not require a copy of GTA IV in order to play. To coincide with the announcement, Rockstar has updated the official Ballad of Gay Tony site with a new desktop background -- there's even an iPhone-formatted version for you mobile mobstas.

JoystiqGTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony, Episodes from Liberty City hitting Oct. 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-iv-dlcgtaivMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-norththe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst casts doubt on BioShock 2, GTAIV DLC release dates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/analyst-casts-doubt-on-bioshock-2-gtaiv-dlc-release-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/analyst-casts-doubt-on-bioshock-2-gtaiv-dlc-release-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/analyst-casts-doubt-on-bioshock-2-gtaiv-dlc-release-dates/#comments
According to Gamasutra, Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey isn't buying the release dates Take Two is selling. Hickey has "concerns" about the announced release date for BioShock 2 -- October 30 in Europe and November 3 in North America -- "given the unannounced platforms and expected last-day-of-quarter release." We're not psychics or anything, but we get the feeling that the platforms just might be announced at E3.

Concerning the upcoming GTAIV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony, Hickey is even less optimistic, saying it might not release until late 2010 or possibly even 2011, though he states that a fiscal 2010 release "seems probable." Quite a statement considering how heavily the DLC and GTA: Episodes from Liberty City factor into Take Two's plans for the rest of 2009.

Furthermore, Hickey resurrects the ghost of the EA buyout of Take Two, stating that the company is a "viable acquisition candidate" thanks to the fact that it has "some of the strongest video game development talent and IP in the world." Gamasutra adds that acquisition by another company is more feasible this year, as Take Two stock is trading for significantly less that it was at its highest point last year.

JoystiqAnalyst casts doubt on BioShock 2, GTAIV DLC release dates originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-2grand-theft-auto-ivgtaivMicrosofttake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Wed, 27 May 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN analyzes the GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony announcement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/ign-analyzes-the-gta-iv-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-announcement/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/ign-analyzes-the-gta-iv-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-announcement/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/ign-analyzes-the-gta-iv-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-announcement/#comments
IGN took a microscope to yesterday's announcement and came up with some with some ideas on what to expect from Rockstar's latest GTA IV DLC episode. We already know about Tony's fall from financial grace in the main GTA IV campaign, so IGN surmises that this latest episode will focus on Tony's attempt to reclaim his lost riches through the exploits of his assistant, Luis.

When The Lost and The Damned released, it included updates to Liberty City's LCHC and Liberty Rock stations, and IGN expects the same to happen for K109, Electrochoc and The Vibe, which hold Liberty's club-dwelling populace's interest.

There's a good chance that The Ballad of Gay Tony will mostly take place in Algonquin, IGN writes. Considering that Lopez's Dominican friends operate out of Northern Algonquin, and Gay Tony's empire spanned most of the south eastern part of the island, it's a safe bet to assume Luis will be handling business in the area when the DLC releases this fall.

JoystiqIGN analyzes the GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony announcement originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcgtaivignMicrosoftrockstartake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Wed, 27 May 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar announces GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony, coming to Xbox Live and retail compilation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/rockstar-announces-gta-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-coming-to-xbox-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/rockstar-announces-gta-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-coming-to-xbox-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/rockstar-announces-gta-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-coming-to-xbox-l/#comments
The second episode of Rockstar's promised downloadable expansions to Grand Theft Auto IV has been announced! The cheeky developer revealed the DLC as The Ballad of Gay Tony, which places you in the (assumed) fancy shoes of Luis Lopez, a "part-time hoodlum and full-time assistant to legendary nightclub impresario Tony Prince" (or "Gay Tony"), the titular bar mogul who made a number of appearances in GTA IV.

While we're sure to hear more about the particulars of Gay Tony during E3, the method of the game's release should prove to be interesting as well. Not only will the expansion hit Xbox Live this fall for $19.99, it'll also appear on a retail disc with The Lost and Damned. This retail disc, titled Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, won't contain the core GTA IV game -- nor will it require GTA IV to play. It'll hit store shelves in the fall, selling for $39.99. We'll let you know more when we know more!

JoystiqRockstar announces GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony, coming to Xbox Live and retail compilation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 May 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-iv-the-ballad-of-gay-tonygta-iv-dlcgtaivMicrosoftrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonythe-lost-and-damnedXbox-360Tue, 26 May 2009 16:35:00 EST