Joystiq

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[WWE '13 slamming retail October 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/wwe-13-slamming-retail-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/wwe-13-slamming-retail-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/wwe-13-slamming-retail-october-30/#comments

WWE '13 has an official spring off the ropes date of October 30. THQ reiterated the title would launch this year in a recent investor call and accidentally flipped the switch last week on the game's trailer.

The financially troubled publisher has six games launching this fiscal year (ending March 2013). Darksiders 2 is set for August 14, Saints Row's Enter the Dominatrix is in September, WWE '13 slams October and Company of Heroes 2, Metro: Last Light and South Park in 2013.

WWE '13 slamming retail October 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoplaystationps3THQwiiWWEwwe-13xboxWed, 30 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You Don't Know Jack is live on Facebook, as garish and fun as ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/#comments

Our editor-in-chief just told everyone on staff, "You don't know jack," which at first we chalked up to another moment of him flaunting his immense gaming and grammatical intelligence while we all cower in terrified inadequacy. Turns out he wanted us to write a post, but now we don't know who this Jack guy is or why he's so newsworthy.

Whatever - in unrelated news, You Don't Know Jack is now available for anyone to play on Facebook and holy snack cakes, we just figured out what our EIC wanted us to write about. Now who's dumb, huh?

You Don't Know Jack is live on Facebook, as garish and fun as ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookjellyvisionmacmobilepcTHQyou-dont-know-jackTue, 29 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ's Danny Bilson exits as Jason Rubin takes prez spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/thqs-bilson-exits-as-jason-rubin-takes-prez-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/thqs-bilson-exits-as-jason-rubin-takes-prez-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/thqs-bilson-exits-as-jason-rubin-takes-prez-spot/#comments

THQ announced this afternoon that former executive vice president of "Core Games" Danny Bilson stepped down from his position in the company, and Naughty Dog co-founder Jason Rubin is taking the position of president. Rubin will report directly to chairman and CEO Brian Farrell.

Additionally, senior vice president of Core Studios Dave Davis is exiting the company. Bilson, Davis, and the "Core Games" group at THQ lead the charge in recent years on THQ's rebranding (including the logo you see above) from a licensed-game publisher to one developing and publishing what Bilson and co. considered "core" franchises (Warhammer 40K, Saints Row, and Red Faction among others). The move is especially odd considering THQ's continuing initiative to develop "AAA 'Core' games for multiple platforms."

As for Rubin's appointment, that's distinctly less odd - he helped create one of the game industry's most successful development studios. "Jason's proven track record in the industry speaks for itself, and he is one of the brightest minds in the business," Farrell said of Rubin's appointment. As for Bilson, Farrell noted his "significant contributions" and thanked him.

THQ's Danny Bilson exits as Jason Rubin takes prez spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-farrellcorporatedanny-bilsondave-davisjason-rubinnaughty-dogthqtotal-madnessTue, 29 May 2012 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light is not a Wii U title for now, THQ confirms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/metro-last-light-is-not-a-wii-u-title-for-now-thq-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/metro-last-light-is-not-a-wii-u-title-for-now-thq-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/metro-last-light-is-not-a-wii-u-title-for-now-thq-confirms/#comments

Metro: Last Light is not in development for Wii U, THQ global brand manager Mark Madsen told Digital Spy.

Last Light was included in a Nintendo promo reel for the Wii U at E3 last year, a move Madsen said wasn't premature. "No I don't think it was a bit too early [to show the game at E3]," he said. "As we got along in the development process, we just really wanted to focus on what we knew, focus on PS3, 360 and PC."

Last Light may not hit Wii U, but if it does "it won't sim-ship with the other SKUs." At the moment THQ and developer 4A Games are unsure about "what we can do to maximise the code for the Wii U," Madsen said.

Metro: Last Light is not a Wii U title for now, THQ confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesmetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3THQwii-uxboxTue, 29 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ planning reverse stock split to avoid NASDAQ delisting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/thq-planning-reverse-stock-split-to-avoid-nasdaq-delisting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/thq-planning-reverse-stock-split-to-avoid-nasdaq-delisting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/thq-planning-reverse-stock-split-to-avoid-nasdaq-delisting/#comments

THQ filed plans with the SEC Friday for a June 29 stockholders meeting, where the company will propose a reverse stock split to avoid delisting from NASDAQ.

In the filing, the company describes the need for the stock split to maintain the $1 per share minimum that NASDAQ requires for listing. THQ outlined three options in the process: 1:3, 1:5, and 1:10 reverse stock split ratios. Exercising any of these options results in fewer outstanding shares with an increased apparent value per share. For instance, should THQ perform a 1:3 reverse stock split, each stockholder would own one stock for every three owned prior to the split, even though the total value of the company's stock would not change.

The company's stock is currently trading at 61 cents per share.

THQ first received a delisting warning from Nasdaq on January 31, noting that the company's stock was trading below $1 per share. It has until July 23 to meet-and-maintain that closing standard for ten consecutive business days in order to be eligible for continued listing. THQ recently reported a net loss of $239.9 million for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2012.

THQ planning reverse stock split to avoid NASDAQ delisting originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delistingNASDAQreverse-stock-splitstocksTHQthqiSun, 27 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked WWE 13 trailer shows off slams, jams and a Nov. 1 2012 release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/leaked-wwe-13-trailer-shows-off-slams-jams-and-a-nov-1-2012-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/leaked-wwe-13-trailer-shows-off-slams-jams-and-a-nov-1-2012-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/leaked-wwe-13-trailer-shows-off-slams-jams-and-a-nov-1-2012-re/#comments
The above leaked trailer for WWE 13, assuming it hasn't been ripped from the pages of YouTube by THQ, shows off many of the wrestling acrobatics and tiny shorts one can look forward to performing and wearing this fall, when the game pile drives its way onto retail shelves come November 1.

Eagle-eyed readers will recognize wrestling legends The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mankind, among newer faces like Sheamus, Mark Henry, CM Punk and Chris Jericho. Hey THQ, how 'bout bringing back some Doink?

Leaked WWE 13 trailer shows off slams, jams and a Nov. 1 2012 release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doink-the-clownleakleakedmankindmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3steve-austinStone-Cold-Steve-Austinthe-undertakerTHQtrailerwiiwwewwe-13xboxyukesFri, 25 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light live-action trailer counts down to armageddon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/metro-last-lights-latest-live-action-trailer-counts-down-to-ar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/metro-last-lights-latest-live-action-trailer-counts-down-to-ar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/metro-last-lights-latest-live-action-trailer-counts-down-to-ar/#comments

In Metro 2033, we saw the effects of nuclear war 20 years out. In Metro: Last Light's latest trailer, we see that world ending, missiles and all. We'll thankfully have lots of time to prepare for the apocalypse given the game's recent delay into 2013.

Metro: Last Light live-action trailer counts down to armageddon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gameslive-actionmetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxThu, 24 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ reaffirms existence of inSane, other games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/thq-reaffirms-existence-of-insane-other-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/thq-reaffirms-existence-of-insane-other-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/thq-reaffirms-existence-of-insane-other-games/#comments

Director Guillermo Del Toro's THQ project, inSane, "is not cancelled" according to THQ's Executive VP of Core Games Danny Bilson. The executive went to Twitter last night to make the declaration.

The statement comes a couple days after THQ, which reported a loss of $239.9 million in the previous fiscal year, announced during an investor call it was looking to unload Tomonobu Itagaki's Devil's Third for a few extra bucks.

During that same investor call, the company also reiterated that the Turtle Rock Studios (Left 4 Dead) FPS and Patrice Désilets' game, speculated to be 1666, are still in production.

THQ reaffirms existence of inSane, other games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Danny-Bilsoninsanemicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxThu, 17 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2: Death in the shadow of the colossus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/darksiders-2-death-in-the-shadow-of-the-colossus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/darksiders-2-death-in-the-shadow-of-the-colossus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/darksiders-2-death-in-the-shadow-of-the-colossus/#comments

Darksiders 2's Death is apparently not good at the maths. A man runs at 10MPH. A horse can trot at 30MPH. A colossus lumbers along faster than both. Don't kill the colossus, Death! Put out a picnic near the back of one of its shoulders and casually relax to your destination.

Continue reading Darksiders 2: Death in the shadow of the colossus

Darksiders 2: Death in the shadow of the colossus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2gameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQvigilvigil-gamesxboxThu, 17 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/#comments

THQ saw a net loss of $239.9 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, $100 million more than the previous fiscal year's loss of $136.1 million.

"We have made significant changes to our business, and are on track to execute our strategy of delivering quality connected core gaming experiences, beginning with the sequel to the award-winning Darksiders in August," president and CEO Brian Farrell said in a THQ earnings statement.

THQ has seen a rough year, with plummeting revenue despite the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12. THQ laid off 240 employees, slashed the salaries of its head honchos and cut its "kids' licensed video games" department earlier this fiscal year, following quarter losses of nearly triple the previous period.

THQ has sold through 84 percent of its shipped uDraw tablets and expects to sell its remaining inventory in fiscal 2013. The company's "future kids' license commitments" have been reduced by $30 million, THQ reports.

THQ describes its emergency layoffs, salary cuts and company rehashing as follows: "The company exited the traditional kids' licensed games business, and streamlined its product line, organization and cost structure to support a smaller company positioned for sustained profitability."

THQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2012kinectlossmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationps3THQwiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ looking to sell off Devil's Third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/#comments

Ex-Team Ninja head Tomonobu Itagaki's first project after leaving Tecmo could be in trouble. During today's financial briefing call to investors, THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell said Devil's Third no longer fits the publisher's "profitability profile."

"The profitability profile for Devil's Third no longer met our internal threshold and we are currently in discussions with third parties regarding the future of this title," Farrell said. "There were a couple of unforeseen events that happened during the development of Devil's Third. One was the company that Valhalla was using for the engine went out of business, so we had to assist Itagaki and the team with a new engine - it took a fair amount of time and cost a fair amount of money."

The other big issue was the appreciation of the Yen, which reduced Devil's Third's potential for profit compared to other stuff in THQ's pipeline. "We think it's an excellent franchise; we've really enjoyed working with Itagaki-san, and we're going to explore other opportunities with him and others to make sure this product comes to market."

Devil's Third is the first project from Tomonobu Itagaki's new development studio, Valhalla Game Studios. Itagaki, who is quite possibly best known for his years at Tecmo on the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden series of games, left Tecmo back in 2008.

THQ looking to sell off Devil's Third originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devils-thirdmicrosoftplaystationps3thqtomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosxboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ: WWE franchise rebranding boosted performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-wwe-franchise-rebranding-boosted-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-wwe-franchise-rebranding-boosted-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-wwe-franchise-rebranding-boosted-performance/#comments

Which would you be more likely to walk into a store and ask for? Something called "WWE 12" or something called "WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011?" THQ reports that common sense has won out, as it attributes increased sales of the new title, in part, to the new naming convention.

"The successful rebranding of this annual franchise has led to higher sell-through to date," the company notes in its latest earnings release, "which is up approximately 20 percent on like-for-like platforms in North America versus the year-ago title." THQ didn't share the sell-through number, but it did disclose that it shipped more than 2.2 million copies since November. It sounds like a much more successful rebranding than "Hollywood Hogan."

THQ: WWE franchise rebranding boosted performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoplaystationps3thqwiiwwe-12wwe-2012xboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park: The Game delayed to early 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/#comments

South Park: The Game was originally announced with a launch in the second half of 2012, but it has been pushed to Q4 of FY2013, THQ's financial statement reveals. THQ's financial years run April through March, putting the new launch window in early 2013 territory.

Developer Obsidian Entertainment was hit with layoffs in March, with a few losses coming from the South Park: The Game development team.

South Park: The Game delayed to early 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delayfy-2012microsoftObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gameTHQxboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row franchise ships 11 million units, SR: The Third expansion due in Sept.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/saints-row-franchise-has-shipped-11-million-units-sr-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/saints-row-franchise-has-shipped-11-million-units-sr-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/saints-row-franchise-has-shipped-11-million-units-sr-the-third/#comments

As part of today's year-end financials, THQ announced that the Saints Row franchise has shipped 11 million units globally. Speaking specifically to the latest installment, Saints Row: The Third, the company revealed it has shipped over 4.25 million units and that "the game has generated the highest digital revenue of any console title in the company's history."

That's not the conclusion of Saints Row for the year. Saints Row: The Third: Enter The Dominatrix is expected to launch this September. The game is a standalone product that does not require the third installment to play and started life as an April Fool's gag.

Saints Row franchise ships 11 million units, SR: The Third expansion due in Sept. originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3Saints-RowSaints-Row-2saints-row-the-thirdTHQvolition-incxboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ won't have Gamescom booth either]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/thq-wont-have-gamescom-booth-either/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/thq-wont-have-gamescom-booth-either/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/thq-wont-have-gamescom-booth-either/#comments

THQ won't have a booth at Gamescom, the world's largest gaming show this August in Germany, but it may have a minimal presence. As GamesIndustry reports, the situation could be similar to THQ's presence at E3. The publisher plans to have meetings in the expo's conference rooms, but no presence on the show floor. A THQ representative tells GamesIndustry International that "the team is still discussing options" for Gamescom.

THQ's Darksiders 2 was recently delayed until August. Gamescom is easily the largest video game consumer and trade show in the world, welcoming 275,000 visitors in 2011. THQ is currently going through some serious financial difficulties.

[wavebreaklimited via Shutterstock]

THQ won't have Gamescom booth either originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GamescomTHQSat, 12 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes worth every penny at $2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/#comments

This weekend, following the official announcement of the sequel, the Company of Heroes franchise is 80 percent off on Steam. The original game, which helped breathe new life into a tired genre and setting, is a mere $2. Two bucks! Two smackers! Dos dollars!

Got a little buffer in the budget to spend more? Well, the Opposing Fronts expansion can be bundled with the original game for $6, with the Tales of Valor expansion added for a total of $10. The deal lasts until May 14 and you don't want to miss out on these 1940s prices for video games. Don't think about that previous line too long.

Company of Heroes worth every penny at $2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Company-of-HeroespcRelicRelic-EntertainmentSteamTHQSat, 12 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes 2 officially announced, arrives 'early 2013']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/company-of-heroes-2-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/company-of-heroes-2-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/company-of-heroes-2-2013/#comments

THQ announced this morning that Company of Heroes 2, the sequel to its critically-acclaimed 2006 real-time strategy title, will storm retail in "early 2013." The sequel parts ways with the commonly covered Western Front of World War 2 and has players taking control of the Russian Red Army to the east, as they repel the Nazis.

Relic will utilize the "state of the art" Essence 3.0 Engine for prettier environmental destruction and graphicalizations.

"Company of Heroes 2 is a true successor, introducing a new front, new protagonists and new technology," said Greg Wilson, producer at Relic. "While retaining the unique mix of strategic gameplay and competitive multiplayer that made the original Company of Heroes such a success."

Due to its current financial condition, THQ won't be showing Company of Heroes 2 on the E3 show floor, but will hopefully be giving a taste of the title in meeting rooms upstairs at the show in a month.

Company of Heroes 2 officially announced, arrives 'early 2013' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroes-2pcRelicRelic-EntertainmentTHQMon, 07 May 2012 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Marketplace renames Obsidian's South Park as 'South Park: The Stick of Truth']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/#comments

Not only has an Xbox Marketplace listing for Obsidian's South Park: The Game turned up with an astoundingly erroneous release date of today, but it's also revealed what appears to be the game's actual title: South Park: The Stick of Truth.

None of the other assets in the listing (screenshots, description, etc) are particularly revealing, although the box art and banner do look exceedingly legit. Obviously, none of this is official until Obsidian or THQ make some sort of announcement, which hasn't happened yet.

It might be possible that some rogue Microsoft employee, in a nefarious attempt to cause mayhem and wanton confusion, manufactured false artworks and an inaccurate Marketplace listing, but where's the motive? Was he spurned by a former lover? Did he do it for the money, for the fame? Nope, sorry, this screenplay just isn't coherent enough. Get out of my office.

Xbox Marketplace renames Obsidian's South Park as 'South Park: The Stick of Truth' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthTHQxboxSat, 05 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes 2 official reveal coming May 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/company-of-heroes-2-official-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/company-of-heroes-2-official-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/company-of-heroes-2-official-reveal/#comments

Company of Heroes 2 was already revealed yesterday, thanks to magazine scans, but some promo materials sent to Joystiq today say we'll get a "briefing" next Monday, May 7.

Continue reading Company of Heroes 2 official reveal coming May 7

Company of Heroes 2 official reveal coming May 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroes-2pcRelicRelic-EntertainmentTHQFri, 04 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third gets 'freaking super powers' this fall in 'Enter the Dominatrix' expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/saints-row-the-third-enter-the-dominatrix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/saints-row-the-third-enter-the-dominatrix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/saints-row-the-third-enter-the-dominatrix/#comments

In what is now becoming an annual tradition, one April Fools' joke is turning into a real-life thing. This time it's Saints Row: The Third's "Enter the Dominatrix" expansion. According to THQ, the new standalone content, taking place after the events of Saint's Row: The Third, will add "freaking super powers" for the price of $30.

Enter the Dominatrix arrives this fall, and it'll bring a whole new angle to the world of the Saints: "alien warlord Zinyak and his malevolent race" are apparently trying to grab up all the Earth's resources and/or women. It sounds like those freaking super powers will come in handy, eh? The dubious character seen above - named "Paul," innocuously enough - will also play some role, which remains to be seen. THQ says we'll hear more about Enter the Dominatrix this summer, so keep an ear flap on your gimp mask unzipped for now.

Update: THQ confirmed to us that Enter the Dominatrix is a standalone expansion and Season Pass owners will have to pay $30 like everyone else.

Update 2: To be extra extra clear, THQ explained to us that Enter the Dominatrix is a standalone "boxed retail product" that can be played without owning the original Saints Row: The Third disc. It will be available solely at retail (on disc) at launch this fall.

Continue reading Saints Row: The Third gets 'freaking super powers' this fall in 'Enter the Dominatrix' expansion

Saints Row: The Third gets 'freaking super powers' this fall in 'Enter the Dominatrix' expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contententer-the-dominatrixexpansionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdthqvolitionvolition-incvolition-studiosxboxThu, 03 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Adidas MiCoach now published by 505 Games following THQ kerfuffle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/adidas-micoach-now-published-by-505-games-following-thq-kerfuffl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/adidas-micoach-now-published-by-505-games-following-thq-kerfuffl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/adidas-micoach-now-published-by-505-games-following-thq-kerfuffl/#comments

505 Games will finish publishing duties for Adidas MiCoach, the game at the center of a multi-million dollar lawsuit and subsequent settlement between embattled publisher THQ and the sportswear maker. The Adidas MiCoach fitness game will be completed by UK developer Chromativity for Xbox 360 and PS3, and will launch this summer.

Adidas sued publisher THQ for $10.6 million back in March over the publisher's breach of contract to deliver MiCoach 24/7 by January. The case was settled later in the month, when THQ announced it would not publish the game and that a "third party" would reimburse THQ for certain development costs and work with Adidas to bring the game to market. Turns out 505 Games was Adidas' mystery date.

Continue reading Adidas MiCoach now published by 505 Games following THQ kerfuffle

Adidas MiCoach now published by 505 Games following THQ kerfuffle originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-Gamesadidasadidas-micoachmicoachmicoach-247microsoftplaystationps3THQxboxMon, 30 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ sells off budget PC game publisher ValuSoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/thq-sells-off-budget-pc-game-publisher-valusoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/thq-sells-off-budget-pc-game-publisher-valusoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/thq-sells-off-budget-pc-game-publisher-valusoft/#comments

THQ has sold off ValuSoft, its budget PC game publisher, to fellow budget PC game company Cosmi. The newly combined entity, Cosmi reports, will be the second largest US retail publisher of PC games in terms of units sold, and the top retail publisher in the "value software category."

"With the transition of the 'Value' PC business to Cosmi, our internal resources are now focused on our core video game portfolio where we can drive the highest quality performance and execution for our games," said THQ CEO Brian Farrell in the announcement. Though the sale price was not revealed, we can at least be confident that THQ has some internal resources to focus for a while, thanks to the Cosmi money.

THQ sells off budget PC game publisher ValuSoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cosmipcsalethqvalusoftFri, 27 Apr 2012 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 fashions head to Xbox Avatars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/darksiders-2-fashions-head-to-xbox-avatars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/darksiders-2-fashions-head-to-xbox-avatars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/darksiders-2-fashions-head-to-xbox-avatars/#comments

Darksiders 2, which was recently delayed to August, has a collection of premium Avatar gear for the Xbox 360. We're not sure if "adorable" is a word we'd ever use to describe Death, but for 400 MSP ($5) the "Reaper Armor" is just about the cutest outfit (demonstrating demonic power) your Avatar could slip into.

Prices on the items and props range from 80 to 400 MSP ($1-$5), but there's also a free T-shirt designed by Joe Madureira available if you "like" the Darksiders 2 page. The shirts are limited by codes, so if you're jonesing for some Avatar swag better click on through to the other side.

Continue reading Darksiders 2 fashions head to Xbox Avatars

Darksiders 2 fashions head to Xbox Avatars originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avatardarksiders-2microsoftTHQvigil-gamesxboxTue, 24 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ earnings forecast improves due to Saints Row 3 sales, DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/thq-earnings-forecast-improves-due-to-saints-row-3-sales-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/thq-earnings-forecast-improves-due-to-saints-row-3-sales-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/thq-earnings-forecast-improves-due-to-saints-row-3-sales-dlc/#comments

Are you ready for this? It's ... good news about THQ's finances. The company is revising its earnings forecast for the quarter ending March 31, now reporting expectations of "non-GAAP net sales of $160 million to $170 million, which is above the company's previous outlook of non-GAAP net sales in the range of $130 million to $150 million." Non-GAAP earnings include "adjustments" or other non-recurring costs that aren't included in the standardized GAAP numbers companies are required to report.

Unfortunately, there's still some less-than-stellar news: The report will also have to account for "approximately $30 million to $50 million" in non-cash software development charges, "resulting from decisions made related to the company's previously-announced product strategy." A THQ representative tells Joystiq that these kinds of "charges" actually reflect a shift in expected performance of certain software - including the no-longer MMO Warhammer 40K Dark Millennium.

As for why the company is doing less poorly than expected, THQ cites three factors: Saints Row the Third, of which THQ has now shipped over four million units; "higher-than-expected digital sales" ... mostly of Saints Row DLC; and "slightly" better sales of UFC Undisputed 3 than predicted.

THQ earnings forecast improves due to Saints Row 3 sales, DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfy-2012q4saints-row-the-thirdthqWed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 launch delayed until August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/darksiders-2-delayed-august-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/darksiders-2-delayed-august-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/darksiders-2-delayed-august-2012/#comments

THQ announced this morning that Darksiders 2 has been officially delayed until August 2012. The financially troubled publisher said in February that Darksiders 2 would launch on June 26. According to Vigil, the additional time is meant for "polish and to ensure that all aspects of Darksiders 2 meet the high-quality bar the team is targeting."

The word comes a week after THQ EVP Danny Bilson claimed in an interview that Darksiders didn't have an announced launch date and that "the team is working really, really hard." He added, "We're not going to ship it before it's done."

Darksiders 2 launch delayed until August originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftpcplaystationps3THQvigil-gamesxboxWed, 18 Apr 2012 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 launch date in question following THQ remarks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/darksiders-2-launch-date-in-question-following-thq-remarks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/darksiders-2-launch-date-in-question-following-thq-remarks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/darksiders-2-launch-date-in-question-following-thq-remarks/#comments

THQ's conviction over Darksiders 2's June 26 launch date is wavering, according to a recent interview and in our follow-up with the publisher. In an interview between RipTen and THQ EVP Danny Bilson, a PR rep interrupts the interview following a question about the game's launch window to say the company "honestly" can't confirm the release date.

Pushed further, Bilson responds, "We haven't announced anything... but the team is working really, really hard. We're not going to ship it before it's done."

Attempting to clarify the statement, we got in contact with THQ, which told us: "No new announcements have been made at this time."

Financially troubled publisher THQ revealed on Valentine's Day that Darksiders 2 would launch on June 26.

Darksiders 2 launch date in question following THQ remarks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftplaystationps3THQVigil-gamesxboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third DLC goes on a special operation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/saints-row-the-third-dlc-goes-on-a-special-operation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/saints-row-the-third-dlc-goes-on-a-special-operation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/saints-row-the-third-dlc-goes-on-a-special-operation/#comments

Available today, Saints Row: The Third's "Special Ops Vehicle Pack" delivers plenty of potential for mayhem, with a gun-mounted SUV, tank and vertical take-off jet. All of this hardware is available for $2 (160 MSP). Or you could grab four shares of THQ stock.

Saints Row: The Third DLC goes on a special operation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdTHQxboxTue, 10 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two's Zelnick regrets THQ quote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/take-twos-zelnick-regrets-thq-quote/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/take-twos-zelnick-regrets-thq-quote/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/take-twos-zelnick-regrets-thq-quote/#comments

Friday 6 April

175 lbs (That's 170 of muscle and five pounds of delicious Legal Seafood New England Clam Chowder.)

Food consumed today: Chowdah! Chowdah! Chowdah!

Early morning. Boston. I watched the sun rise this morning, contemplating regret and its place in business ... and the universe.

Oh, Diary,

I made a faux pas yesterday, which I understand is also known as a gaffe to those whose offices reside below the 20th floor of any office building. I was asked about the difference between that wandering camp of nomads at THQ and the Empire of Take-Two (and its kingdoms of Rockstar and 2K Games), and gave what I think was a very measured response. I may have overstepped when I said, "THQ won't be around in six months."

Oh boy, did I stir up the hornet's next. THQ understandably wasn't too happy and reflexively responded that my "perception of THQ is outdated and inaccurate." Blurgh, Diary, I have to see THQ CEO Brian 'Feral' at the corporate mixers, so I had to play nice and offer up a cheese plate of mea culpa.

"While discussing our strategy I spoke out of turn about someone else's. It was inappropriate and I regret it," I told Game Informer.

But, Diary. Come on ... between you and me. We both know the truth.

XOXO,
Nostradamuss

Take-Two's Zelnick regrets THQ quote originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>strauss-zelnick-diaryTake-Twotake-two-interactivethqFri, 06 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ: Take-Two CEO's perception is 'outdated']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/thq-take-two-ceos-perception-is-outdated/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/thq-take-two-ceos-perception-is-outdated/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/thq-take-two-ceos-perception-is-outdated/#comments
THQ has contacted Joystiq with a response to Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick's dire prediction from this afternoon: "Obviously, Mr. Zelnick's perception of THQ is outdated and inaccurate. His comments are irresponsible and false. Perhaps he would be better off commenting on his own business."

THQ: Take-Two CEO's perception is 'outdated' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Strauss-ZelnickTake-TwoTHQThu, 05 Apr 2012 18:36:00 EST<![CDATA['THQ won't be around in six months,' says Take-Two CEO Zelnick]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/thq-wont-be-around-in-six-months-says-take-two-ceo-zelnick/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/thq-wont-be-around-in-six-months-says-take-two-ceo-zelnick/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/thq-wont-be-around-in-six-months-says-take-two-ceo-zelnick/#comments

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick spoke plainly today at the MIT Business in Gaming conference about the differences between his company's strategy on core game development and that of the floundering THQ.

"THQ's strategy was licensed properties, first and foremost. License stuff from other people, whether it's UFC or WWE or a motion picture property, and make a game around that," Zelnick said, noting Take-Two hasn't had the best year either, but a good five-year run. "And our approach, since we took over the company, is 100 percent owned intellectual property."

Zelnick stated licensed properties -- something he has avoided in his career -- leaves publishers at the mercy of license holders. Even if a publisher does a great job on a property, it will have to renegotiate the license in a few years and the margins will decrease because it's being charged more money for a brand it built up in the space. Zelnick noted THQ did partially change its strategy a few years back regarding owned intellectual strategy, but it's hard to do that overnight.

"The most important difference is quality. Take-Two has the highest quality ratings among third-party publishers, according to Metacritic and most people in the industry. Quality really, really, really matters. THQ has had some good games, but their quality levels aren't even remotely ... the quality hasn't measured up."

"Strategy didn't work and the execution was bad. To put it another way: the food was no good and the portions were small." Zelnick closed his comparison of the two companies by saying, "THQ won't be around in six months."

Update: THQ responds.

'THQ won't be around in six months,' says Take-Two CEO Zelnick originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Red-Dead-RedemptionStrauss-ZelnickTake-Two-InteractiveTHQThu, 05 Apr 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[(Not) Left for dead: Turtle Rock still developing FPS for THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/not-left-for-dead-turtle-rock-still-developing-fps-for-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/not-left-for-dead-turtle-rock-still-developing-fps-for-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/not-left-for-dead-turtle-rock-still-developing-fps-for-thq/#comments

About this time last year, we heard that THQ had tapped Turtle Rock Studios for a new first-person shooter. Since then, THQ has struggled financially and issued numerous layoffs.

Turtle Rock's FPS title is still in the works for the troubled publisher, according to a tweet issued by THQ's Jeremy Greiner, who stated work on the campaign portion of the new game is currently underway. Greiner's recent post was community manager at now-shuttered KAOS Studios, the developers of Homefront. In following tweets he says we won't hear anything more for a while, but that he'll be visiting Turtle Rock Studios -- which is located in Lake Forest, CA -- next week.

(Not) Left for dead: Turtle Rock still developing FPS for THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-person-shooterfpsjeremy-greinerthqturtle-rock-studiosSat, 31 Mar 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon is your cheap THQ download headquarters next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/amazon-is-your-cheap-thq-download-headquarters-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/amazon-is-your-cheap-thq-download-headquarters-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/amazon-is-your-cheap-thq-download-headquarters-next-week/#comments

Starting this Sunday, you'll be able to download a startlingly large number of THQ games from Amazon for prices that are equally startling in their affordability. The Deal of the Week will offer Saints Row 3 for $25, Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War II Retribution Complete Pack for $20, and an assortment of $5 games including Darksiders, STALKER, and Company of Heroes. In addition, tons of DLC is discounted. Find the full list after the break.

This could be a good time to see what Warhammer 40K games are all about before the eventual arrival of the formerly MMO Dark Millennium.

Continue reading Amazon is your cheap THQ download headquarters next week

Amazon is your cheap THQ download headquarters next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondarksiderspcsaints-row-the-thirdthqwarhammer-40000-dawn-of-war-iiFri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium MMO now single-player game, 118 laid off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/warhammer-40-000-dark-millennium-mmo-now-single-player-game-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/warhammer-40-000-dark-millennium-mmo-now-single-player-game-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/warhammer-40-000-dark-millennium-mmo-now-single-player-game-10/#comments

Troubled publisher THQ announced today that Warhammer 40K: Dark Millennium Online will drop the "online" portion of its name and become a solo experience -- with multiplayer aspects. Actual product details will be made later.

"As previously announced, we have been actively looking for a business partner for the game as an MMO. However, based on changing market dynamics and the additional investment required to complete the game as an MMO, we believe the right direction for us is to shift the title from an MMO to a premium experience with single and multiplayer gameplay, robust digital content and community features," THQ CEO Brian Farrell wrote in a statement.

As a result of this change, THQ raises the body count of its collapse, with 79 full-time employees let go at Vigil Games in Austin and another 39 employees at Relic Entertainment.

Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium MMO now single-player game, 118 laid off originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffspcRelicRelic-Entertainmentthqvigil-gameswarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineThu, 29 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ and Adidas settle miCoach lawsuit [update: THQ statement]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/thq-and-adidas-settle-micoach-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/thq-and-adidas-settle-micoach-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/thq-and-adidas-settle-micoach-lawsuit/#comments

THQ and Adidas have settled their $10.6 million lawsuit over the fitness game miCoach 24/7, reports Gamesta. A THQ representative informed the site that THQ will not be publishing miCoach. Details regarding the settlement are scarce, though an Adidas representative noted that the companies "amicably resolved the dispute, which will allow Adidas to get the miCoach game to market without delay and without compromising any of its unique features." Furthermore, "each party was recognized for and compensated for their important contributions to the game."

The lawsuit made the news earlier this month, with Adidas seeking $10.6 million in damages and alleging that THQ refused to turn over its publishing materials, thus keeping miCoach 24/7 from moving to a different developer. While we don't know how much money exchanged hands in the settlement -- THQ is in no shape to lose much cash right now -- it appears that miCoach 24/7 has indeed been moved to a new publisher.

We've contacted THQ for confirmation and further details.

Update: THQ has responded to Joystiq with an official statement regarding the lawsuit. The settlement dictates that Adidas will dismiss the suit and "a third party will reimburse THQ for certain of its development costs." Said third party will work with Adidas to bring the game to market. Finally, "THQ has no financial liability to Adidas or any other party in connection with the game." The full statement can be found after the break.

Continue reading THQ and Adidas settle miCoach lawsuit [update: THQ statement]

THQ and Adidas settle miCoach lawsuit [update: THQ statement] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adidaslawsuitmiCoachmicoach-247settlementthqWed, 28 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 will be a 'day one' Wii U launch title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/darksiders-2-will-be-a-day-one-wii-u-launch-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/darksiders-2-will-be-a-day-one-wii-u-launch-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/darksiders-2-will-be-a-day-one-wii-u-launch-title/#comments

Darksiders 2 is set to launch on the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 on June 26. The Wii U is slated to launch sometime around the "year-end season." When Nintendo unleashes its newest system on the world, Darksiders 2 will be there.

Word comes from Hayden Dalton, lead designer at Vigil Games, who revealed the info in an interview with Digital Spy. "That's been very interesting to see what those guys are doing, and they're making efforts to make sure we do use it in more than a slapdash way," Dalton said in regards to how Darksiders 2 will use the Wii U's unique controller. "It's basically the core game, but then with added abilities to do certain things that you can't do on the other consoles."

"We're not basically heavily changing the core game to support the control system, but the control system will be an enhancement of the core game," Dalton said. One example he provided was possibly being able to switch equipment on the fly -- as the player is running, they can tap on the controller and instantly change equipment, rather than having to pause and navigate through a menu. "That's huge, it's not breaking up the game in a way, I'm not going into a menu and assigning it, I'm literally just tapping as I'm playing."

Darksiders 2 will be a 'day one' Wii U launch title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2nintendorelease-datethqvigil-gameswii-uFri, 23 Mar 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third's 'The Trouble With Clones' DLC available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/saints-row-the-thirds-the-trouble-with-clones-dlc-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/saints-row-the-thirds-the-trouble-with-clones-dlc-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/saints-row-the-thirds-the-trouble-with-clones-dlc-available/#comments

Johnny Gat has returned as an evil clone, and the Saints Flow energy drink bestows super powers to those who consume it. Sounds like a tame day in Steelport. Saints Row: The Third's "The Trouble With Clones" DLC pack is now available for $6.99 (560 MS Points) on Xbox and PSN.

Continue reading Saints Row: The Third's 'The Trouble With Clones' DLC available now

Saints Row: The Third's 'The Trouble With Clones' DLC available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCmicrosoftplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdThe-Trouble-With-ClonesTHQVolitionvolition-incxboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ files '1666' trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/thq-files-1666-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/thq-files-1666-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/thq-files-1666-trademark/#comments

THQ has filed a request for "1666" with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Gamespot dug up the trademark, which the site speculates could be in reference to the Great Fire of London.

Of course, other events occurred in 1666, including the Four Days' Battle, one of the longest naval engagements in history. Plus, we could totally go for a fresh take on The Ancient Art of War at Sea.

We were also curious if it's even kosher to trademark a number:

"Why yes, you can. The mark just has to be attached to a product, so even a number can be a mark. It happens all the time with cars (F150, 328i, M3, e55, A4, IS350, etc.) and often with other 'model number' kinds of instances," former Law of the Game columnist and actual lawyer Mark Methenitis explained.

"The important thing to remember is the mark only applies to the list of goods (in the case of 1666, the list is more or less "video games"), so while I couldn't make another game named 1666, I might be able to make a movie and I would certainly be able to make a set of kitchen utensils or a perfume called 1666. Those are a completely different kind of good unlikely to be confused with the game -- or at least I would assume; if the game is about a chef with a perfume fetish, maybe not."

This is the second time a trademark filling by the financially troubled publisher has popped up in recent memory, with "Evolve" showing up a couple weeks ago.

THQ files '1666' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1666THQtrademarkWed, 14 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 asks fans to vote for Collector's Edition cover art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/darksiders-2-asks-fans-to-vote-for-collectors-edition-cover-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/darksiders-2-asks-fans-to-vote-for-collectors-edition-cover-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/darksiders-2-asks-fans-to-vote-for-collectors-edition-cover-art/#comments

You know that newly announced Collector's Edition for Darksiders 2? Well, aside from your input of money, THQ is also looking for fans to help decide what will be on the cover of the thing. Death? That's our guess.

If you want to vote, you'll have to head over to Facebook. One cover features the main character, Death, and two more feature, well ... they also feature Death. He's kind of the star of the game, you guys.

Fans are eligible to vote every day. Three lucky Facebook users will win a signed Collector's Edition of Darksiders 2.

Darksiders 2 asks fans to vote for Collector's Edition cover art originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editiondarksiders-2microsoftplaystationps3thqvigil-gamesxboxFri, 09 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ facing $10.6 million lawsuit from Adidas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/thq-facing-10-6-million-lawsuit-from-adidas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/thq-facing-10-6-million-lawsuit-from-adidas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/thq-facing-10-6-million-lawsuit-from-adidas/#comments

Adidas is suing financially unstable publisher THQ for $10.6 million over an alleged breach of contract. OregonLive reports the sportsware company is seeking compensation for MiCoach 24/7, which THQ was expected to produce for Adidas in January.

According to the lawsuit, THQ informed Adidas in December that it would not be able to present the product and that developers who were working on the project had been laid off. Adidas is seeking $10.6 million in damages, also accusing THQ of refusing to turn publishing materials over to an alternative developer. Adidas is also seeking an injunction, preventing THQ from selling or transferring rights of MiCoach to another company.

THQ is currently in the midst of a massive "strategic realignment," having committed massive layoffs in the past few months and changing course away from kids games to save the cash-poor company.

THQ facing $10.6 million lawsuit from Adidas originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdidaslawsuitlegalmiCoachTHQTue, 06 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 pre-orders upgraded to 'Limited Edition,' Collector's Edition detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/darksiders-2-pre-orders-upgraded-to-limited-edition-collector/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/darksiders-2-pre-orders-upgraded-to-limited-edition-collector/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/darksiders-2-pre-orders-upgraded-to-limited-edition-collector/#comments

Don't be fooled by the fancy-dancy nomenclature, when THQ says "Limited Edition," what it's actually saying is "pre-order bonus." All existing and future pre-orders for Darksiders 2 will be automatically upgraded to the Limited Edition version, which is just the standard version and a packed in DLC voucher.

THQ's press release describes the DLC in question, "Argul's Tomb," as "the game's first single-player downloadable content pack." It also states that the Limited Edition voucher can be used "once [the DLC] becomes available," implying that it may not be released on day-one.

Furthermore, a $99 pre-order-only Collector's Edition of the game has also been announced, which includes a DLC voucher, life-sized Death Mask with stand, exclusive in-game armor and scythe set with "enhanced stats," a "digital version" of the soundtrack, and a hardcover art book. We can't wait; this is exactly what we need to finish our Casey Jones costume.

Continue reading Darksiders 2 pre-orders upgraded to 'Limited Edition,' Collector's Edition detailed

Darksiders 2 pre-orders upgraded to 'Limited Edition,' Collector's Edition detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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