Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Xbox One's live TV features coming to North America first, everyone else later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-ones-live-tv-features-coming-to-north-america-first-every/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-ones-live-tv-features-coming-to-north-america-first-every/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-ones-live-tv-features-coming-to-north-america-first-every/#commentsHIT NEXT Xbox One's live TV stuff to begin in NA, roll out elsewhere later Microsoft has announced that the live TV features coming to its newly revealed Xbox One will first be available in North America, and then will then transition into other regions after that. In a press release from the company, Microsoft noted that "live TV with Kinect Navigation, live TV with OneGuide, Trending, and NFL on Xbox" will all roll out in the US "at launch," but was "anticipating global scale over time."

Microsoft also said that the Xbox One will require a separate cable box, specifying "at launch," so it's possible that the console maker has other plans to deliver television content. The Xbox One is set for release later on this year, and Microsoft has not yet revealed a price.

Continue reading Xbox One's live TV features coming to North America first, everyone else later

JoystiqXbox One's live TV features coming to North America first, everyone else later originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentlive-tvmicrosoftnfl-on-xboxoneguidetelevisiontvxboxxbox-onexbox-revealTue, 21 May 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Defiance team plans five DLC releases, first adds the Castithan race and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-team-plans-five-dlc-releases-first-adds-the-castithan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-team-plans-five-dlc-releases-first-adds-the-castithan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-team-plans-five-dlc-releases-first-adds-the-castithan/#commentsDefiance getting 5 DLC things, one looks like this Now that the MMO-slash-TV show Defiance has been launched, says executive producer Nathan Richardsson, things are about to really get good, in the form of five DLC releases later this year. He admits that fan response to the game has it pegged as "about as deep as a bag of chips but great fun," but adds that he'd "like to get to the two-bag of chip depth category or at least, add some salsas for various textures."

Most of those spices will come in the form of DLC, and Richardsson has outlined what the game's first addon, tentatively titled "Enter the Castithan," will look like. There will be three elements to it: Those who buy the downloadable content for $10 will get access to the Castithan playable race, along with a new outfit and vehicle, and a new story mission line and game mode. There will also be free content, including new weapons, a new PvP map called Military Academy, and some other game improvements. And then there will be new items in the store, including weapon mods, more vehicle versions, and the ability to change your character's customizations.

Richardsson says all future add-ons will have these paid, free, and store components, and the team's goal is to keep the updates and content flowing and focused on what players want. The first DLC release is expected to hit the game after a patch later on this month.

JoystiqDefiance team plans five DLC releases, first adds the Castithan race and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentdefiancedlcdownloadablef2pfree-to-playmicrosoftmmonathan-richardssonpcplaystationps3releasesyfytrion-worldstvxboxFri, 10 May 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Microsoft wants to resurrect 'Heroes' as original Xbox show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/rumor-microsoft-wants-to-resurrect-heroes-as-original-xbox-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/rumor-microsoft-wants-to-resurrect-heroes-as-original-xbox-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/rumor-microsoft-wants-to-resurrect-heroes-as-original-xbox-sh/#comments Report Microsoft in talks to resurrect 'Heroes' as original Xbox showMicrosoft is in talks to bring Heroes back, possibly as part of its original Xbox programming lineup, TVLine reports. The new series would involve new heroes and stories, with cameos from past stars, though talks are still in preliminary stages, the site says.

In 2012, Microsoft formed Xbox Entertainment Studios in Los Angeles with the goal of producing exclusive series for Xbox and "interactive" programming, all overseen by former CBS Entertainment President Nancy Tellem.

JoystiqRumor: Microsoft wants to resurrect 'Heroes' as original Xbox show originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heroesmicrosoftnbctvxboxxbox-entertainment-studiosWed, 17 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft sells Mediaroom to Ericsson, pulls focus to Xbox TV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/microsoft-sells-mediaroom-to-ericsson-pulls-focus-to-xbox-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/microsoft-sells-mediaroom-to-ericsson-pulls-focus-to-xbox-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/microsoft-sells-mediaroom-to-ericsson-pulls-focus-to-xbox-tv/#comments Microsoft sells media room to EriccsonMicrosoft's Mediaroom IPTV business now belongs to communication tech company Ericsson, allowing Microsoft to focus its attention fully on the Xbox.

"With the sale of Mediaroom, Microsoft is dedicating all TV resources to Xbox in a continued mission to make it the premium entertainment service that delivers all the games and entertainment consumers want - whether on a console, phone, PC or tablet," Microsoft Vice President Yusuf Mehdi writes in a blog post.

Mehdi writes that Microsoft will partner with a range of content creators, studios, networks, labels and distributors for the next generation of TV, made "more simple, tailored and intelligent." Mediaroom is the tech behind AT&T's U-Verse, Telefonica and Swisscom, among other services, and powers 22 million set top boxes worldwide.

Continue reading Microsoft sells Mediaroom to Ericsson, pulls focus to Xbox TV

JoystiqMicrosoft sells Mediaroom to Ericsson, pulls focus to Xbox TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonIPTVmediaroommicrosoftsaletvxboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[G4 becomes Esquire Network in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/g4-becomes-esquire-network-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/g4-becomes-esquire-network-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/g4-becomes-esquire-network-in-april/#comments G4 to be announced as Esquire Network todayThe G4 television network stops being G4 on April 22, and with that, likely stops being something we cover. As reported late last year, Owner NBCUniversal will rebrand the formerly gaming-and-Cops-rerun channel as The Esquire Network, named after the magazine.

The Esquire Network is described as "an upscale Bravo for men," as NBC cable executive Bonnie Hammer imagines it. It will attempt to appeal to sophisticated audiences with shows like "Knife Fight," about chefs competing with each other, and "The Getaway," a celebrity travel show.

Nowhere among the list of programming is anything about video games. "Realistically, guys who are into gaming are not necessarily watching television," Hammer told the New York Times. Maybe not on cable networks, anyway.

JoystiqG4 becomes Esquire Network in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esquireesquire-networkg4g4tvtvMon, 11 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brett Ratner buddies up with Zynga on Farmville animated series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/brett-ratner-buddies-up-with-zynga-on-farmville-animated-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/brett-ratner-buddies-up-with-zynga-on-farmville-animated-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/brett-ratner-buddies-up-with-zynga-on-farmville-animated-series/#comments If you think the the absence of Brett Ratner is the only thing holding Farmville back from becoming a truly exciting cross-platform brand, then you're probably Brett Ratner. The brash bad boy director of Rush Hour fame is adapting Zynga's game for television. Ratner will serve as executive producer on the half-hour animated series, aided by Canadian television production firm Six Eleven Media.

"FarmVille is one of the most exciting brands out there today and its cross-platform opportunities are endless," Ratner said in a statement to the Wall Street Journal. "I am thrilled to be expanding the brand with existing fans and also engaging a whole new audience."

Zynga is no stranger to cross-promotion, having already struck up a deal with Hasbro to produce a line of board games based on its properties last year, one of which was - you guessed it - Farmville. Zynga also just reported a $209.4 million loss for 2012, subsequently shutting down three of its games, including CityVille 2.

JoystiqBrett Ratner buddies up with Zynga on Farmville animated series originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidanimated-seriesbrett-ratnercartoonfarmvilleiosipadiphonemacmobilepcshowtelevisionTVTV-showzyngaThu, 07 Feb 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout trademark covers a TV show in an apocalyptic paradise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/fallout-trademark-covers-a-tv-show-in-an-apocalyptic-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/fallout-trademark-covers-a-tv-show-in-an-apocalyptic-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/fallout-trademark-covers-a-tv-show-in-an-apocalyptic-paradise/#comments Fallout trademark filed to cover usage as television programBethesda may be looking toward the future of its franchises, trademarking the Fallout brand for the purposes of using it in "entertainment services in the nature of an on-going television program set in a post-nuclear apocalyptic world," according to a USPTO listing. We thought Desperate Housewives had the "reality we would never want to live in" genre covered, but the more, the merrier.

Fallout forum member Conor Murton posted about the trademark today and Bethesda has yet to comment on the listing. Bethesda could simply be protecting its franchise, or it could have more active plans.

JoystiqFallout trademark covers a TV show in an apocalyptic paradise originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-SoftworksfallouttelevisionTrademarktvUSPTOWed, 16 Jan 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Soho hiring producer to develop 'interactive TV experiences']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/microsoft-soho-hiring-producer-to-develop-interactive-tv-experi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/microsoft-soho-hiring-producer-to-develop-interactive-tv-experi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/microsoft-soho-hiring-producer-to-develop-interactive-tv-experi/#comments Microsoft Soho hiring television producer for 'interactive TV experiences'Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business studio in Soho is seeking a television producer to "develop and deliver a number of new TV projects" using Xbox Live and Kinect, a LinkedIn want ad reads.

"Soho Productions is pushing the boundaries of Kinect and Xbox Live to bring a new line of interactive television experiences to the world," the ad continues. "Working with leading global entertainment partners, we are creating experiences that are not bound by the traditional definitions of television or gaming. Experiences where watching and participating are inseparable that will delight and enrich the lives of people everywhere."

As the console landscape alters to highlight mainstream entertainment services, such as music and streaming television and movies, Microsoft appears to be making a major grab for the potential of a broader audience. Microsoft is rumored to be working on a set-top box called Xbox TV, and the Spartan Ops Halo 4 series is an ambitious, serialized endeavor - a television producer would fit nicely within the system the company may be cultivating.

We can't wait for the first episode of The Master Chief Comedy Hour (Now better with Kinect!).

JoystiqMicrosoft Soho hiring producer to develop 'interactive TV experiences' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftproducertelevisiontvtv-producerxboxXbox-TVMon, 03 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead TV show's Norman Reedus is Daryl in the FPS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/the-walking-dead-tv-shows-norman-reedus-is-daryl-in-the-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/the-walking-dead-tv-shows-norman-reedus-is-daryl-in-the-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/the-walking-dead-tv-shows-norman-reedus-is-daryl-in-the-fps/#comments The Walking Dead TV show's Norman Reedus is Daryl in the FPSTerminal Reality's The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct is a first-person shooter based on AMC's television series, which is of course based on The Walking Dead comic series from Robert Kirkman. It's the first new-media extrapolation to be based on something based on The Walking Dead, rather than on the graphic novel itself, which is probably a smart move when a game directly from the comic has already proven extremely successful.

All that said, Survival Instinct integrates AMC's TV show directly, grabbing Norman Reedus, the actor who plays Daryl Dixon, to voice the main protagonist.

"Norman is super-cool, generous, and a real joy to work with," writes Terminal Reality Creative Director Drew Haworth. "And man, does that guy deliver! He gets the scene, the line, and what you're going for instantly and then doubles down on it, effortlessly 'Darylizing' lines for maximum punch. He's the kind of actor that really makes writers look good."

From our own experience with the TV show, we have to agree with that last statement. No one on The Walking Dead nails "looking dramatically at another cast member, in silence, for five whole minutes" quite like Reedus.

JoystiqThe Walking Dead TV show's Norman Reedus is Daryl in the FPS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAMCdaryl-dixonmicrosoftNorman-Reeduspcplaystationps3televisionTerminal-Realitythe-walking-dead-fpsthe-walking-dead-survival-instincttvxboxSun, 02 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U 'TVii' service launching in Japan Dec. 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/wii-u-tvii-service-launching-in-japan-dec-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/wii-u-tvii-service-launching-in-japan-dec-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/wii-u-tvii-service-launching-in-japan-dec-8/#comments Wii U gets TVii at launch in JapanOriginally announced for the US and Canada, the Nintendo TVii service is already expanding to Japan (and it's not technically available in the US and Canada yet). The service launches in Japan with the Wii U on December 8, and allows users to view a program guide and supplementary information about shows.

In Japan, TVii is a partnership between Nintendo and Rovi Corporation, who will provide a Wii U-based version of its "G Guide" interactive program guide.

The TV remote control function of the GamePad, which allows you to turn on your TV and change channels, inputs, and volume, will be a ¥100 eShop download in Japan. It's free with the North American Wii U, and part of the initial system setup. It's also great.

JoystiqWii U 'TVii' service launching in Japan Dec. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japannintendorelease-datetvtviiwii-uTue, 27 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U picks up Amazon Instant Video, YouTube apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/wii-u-picks-up-amazon-instant-video-youtube-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/wii-u-picks-up-amazon-instant-video-youtube-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/wii-u-picks-up-amazon-instant-video-youtube-apps/#comments Wii U picks up Amazon Instant Video, YouTube appsThe Wii U's complete TVii service is set to launch in December, but some of the programs within it are already dropping onto the console. Netflix hit on launch day (with a rocky, yet resolved start), and now YouTube and Amazon Instant Video are on the Wii U.

With the YouTube app, videos can stream up to 1080p on the television, while the video details stay on the Wii Pad. Browsing uses the Pad's on-screen keyboard. Amazon Instant uses the same browsing method and can stream video directly on the Wii Pad. Both apps are free to download directly from the Wii U menu.

Happy viewing!

JoystiqWii U picks up Amazon Instant Video, YouTube apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon-instant-videoappsnintendotelevisiontvwii-uyoutubeThu, 22 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U's TV control is surprisingly important]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/09/wii-us-tv-control-is-surprisingly-important/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/09/wii-us-tv-control-is-surprisingly-important/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/09/wii-us-tv-control-is-surprisingly-important/#comments Wii U's TV control The thing that finally convinced me that a touchscreen controller is a good idea for a console is not the off-screen play in New Super Mario Bros. U or the variety of weird and clever control schemes in Nintendo Land, though both are nice.

It's the TV remote.

The Wii U GamePad features built-in universal remote functionality, allowing players to use the touchscreen to turn their TVs on and off, change channels, switch between various inputs, and control volume. It works with cable boxes as well. A "TV" button on the GamePad brings up the TV controls at any time.

Okay, maybe that doesn't seem like a big deal. But it's an improvement in basic usability that accomplishes what every game company wants to do with a system: remove every possible barrier to its use, no matter how insignificant. If I want to play Nintendo Land, the only thing I have to pick up is the WiiPad: I can turn the TV on, switch over to the right HDMI input, turn the system on, and play the game with a single device.

People may not even realize how accustomed they become to this kind of convenience, until they go back to something that doesn't offer it. In the next console generation, we'll look at a controller that can't turn on a TV like we look at a controller that doesn't have a console power button now. I don't think it's a feature that will sell Wii U systems, necessarily, but even this tiny tweak is going to change how console controllers function from now on.

JoystiqWii U's TV control is surprisingly important originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendotvtv-remotewii-uFri, 09 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo unveils first Wii U advert in UK, features flurry of 'spings']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/nintendo-airs-first-wii-u-advert-in-uk-features-flurry-of-spin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/nintendo-airs-first-wii-u-advert-in-uk-features-flurry-of-spin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/nintendo-airs-first-wii-u-advert-in-uk-features-flurry-of-spin/#comments
Nintendo unveiled the UK's first Wii U commercial last night. The ad aired during a Homeland break on Channel 4, and YouTube user Neil Wheatley uploaded it shortly after.

The minute-long commercial is narrated by TV and radio presenter Adam Buxton, he of The Adam and Joe Show fame. On top of featuring Buxton's squeaky flurry of 'spings', the ad focuses on five of the new "ways to play" with Wii U. It also closes with a rapid-fire selection of upcoming Wii U games, although curiously Mass Effect 3 shows up twice within a matter of seconds. It's not like the Wii U is clutching at straws for launch games, is it?

Wii U launches in the UK and Europe on November 30.

JoystiqNintendo unveils first Wii U advert in UK, features flurry of 'spings' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcommercialnintendotvukwii-uMon, 22 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get under your desks: Syfy debuts 'Nuclear Family' on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/get-under-your-desks-syfy-debuts-nuclear-family-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/get-under-your-desks-syfy-debuts-nuclear-family-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/get-under-your-desks-syfy-debuts-nuclear-family-on-xbox-360/#comments Syfy launching 'Nuclear Family' show exclusively on Xbox 360Xbox 360 is getting some explosive exclusive content on October 1 with Syfy Digital's third original series, Nuclear Family. Nuclear Family follows a family in a post-apocalyptic world as they struggle to survive and find their missing child, who was lost in the "mysterious mega-explosion." The whole plot sounds a bit like The Warriors and Revolution's long-lost love child.

All 20 episodes of Nuclear Family will launch on Xbox 360 exclusively via the Syfy app, followed by a simultaneous release on Syfy.com, Hulu, VOD, the Syfy mobile app and Roku on October 15.

JoystiqGet under your desks: Syfy debuts 'Nuclear Family' on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnuclear-familypost-apocalypticsyfysyfy-digitaltelevisiontvweb-seriesxboxFri, 28 Sep 2012 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Invizimals gets 'enhanced reality' cartoon show, unlocks Vita content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/invizimals-gets-enhanced-reality-cartoon-show-unlocks-vita-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/invizimals-gets-enhanced-reality-cartoon-show-unlocks-vita-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/invizimals-gets-enhanced-reality-cartoon-show-unlocks-vita-co/#comments Invizimals TV show announcement hints at new Vita gameSony Europe yesterday announced an Invizimals animated show, and with that announcement hinted at a new PlayStation Vita entry in the series. The TV show, World Screen reports, is set to feature "enhanced reality" mechanics that let viewers unlock content on the Vita.

That content could be from a new Invizimals game, or it could be a companion app, a monster running around the screen, or coupons for an Invizimals-themed meal deal for kids. Or it could be all of the above, which would be neat.

The last game from Novorama, the team behind the Invizimals PSP games, was 2011's Reality Fighters on the Vita. The Sony-exclusive studio's next game remains unknown, with Novarama CEO David Sánchez telling Gamereactor in June, "Invizimals on PS Vita has not been announced and is not real - yet."

The TV show's interactivity with Vita may be nothing to do with any game, but Invizimals, as an augmented reality series, seems a perfect fit for the console. For now, the Invizimals cartoon awaits its pilot and 26 subsequent episodes. Meanwhile, here in the US we're still waiting on a release for the third Invizimals game, Lost Tribes. Although a year's wait is per usual.

We've reached out to Novarama for comment on the Vita content.

JoystiqInvizimals gets 'enhanced reality' cartoon show, unlocks Vita content originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>invizimalsnovaramaplaystationplaystation-vitasonytie-intvvitaWed, 05 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nick Arcade was a technical marvel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/nick-arcade-was-a-technical-marvel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/nick-arcade-was-a-technical-marvel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/nick-arcade-was-a-technical-marvel/#comments Nick Arcade was ahead of its timeIf you're reading this website and grew up in the early 90s, there's a good chance you remember Nickelodeon's video-game-infused game show, Nick Arcade. What you might not know is that the final segment of the show, in which contestants went "inside" of an actual video game, was incredibly advanced for its time.

Splitsider put together a lengthy history of the program earlier this year and, while we missed it at the time, it's still fascinating reading. For instance, when it was produced, Nick Arcade utilized the "largest blue screen set-up in existence," which occupied roughly half of the show's 10,000 square foot sound stage. Throw in some software with magical "edge-detection" technology that could essentially turn a human being into a game sprite, and Nick Arcade was born.

For a (very exhaustive) look at the campy - and, it turns out, very innovative - show, head over to Splitsider.

JoystiqNick Arcade was a technical marvel originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>historynick-arcadenickelodeontvThu, 26 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIZ Media launching subscription-based 'Neon Alley' anime channel on consoles this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/viz-media-launching-subscription-based-neon-alley-anime-channe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/viz-media-launching-subscription-based-neon-alley-anime-channe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/viz-media-launching-subscription-based-neon-alley-anime-channe/#comments VIZ Media launching subscriptionbased 'Neon Alley' anime channel on consoles this fallVIZ Media, the localization company responsible for bringing Bleach, Naruto and all things Rumiko Takahashi stateside, has announced that it will be launching a 24-hour anime network called Neon Alley on consoles this fall.

Which consoles will actually receive Neon Alley remains to be seen, as the press release (found after the break) does not list specifics. The $6.99 a month service will not be an on-demand streaming app, but rather an actual television channel with a schedule and everything. All content will be uncensored, in HD when possible, but always dubbed in English, which could be good or bad depending on your personal anime sensibilities.

The channel will broadcast advertisements, despite the subscription fee, though VIZ says those ads will be "limited" and help keep the monthly cost below 10 dollars. Announced programming includes Naruto Shippuden, Inuyasha: The Final Act, Death Note and quite a few others, as well as original programming.

Continue reading VIZ Media launching subscription-based 'Neon Alley' anime channel on consoles this fall

JoystiqVIZ Media launching subscription-based 'Neon Alley' anime channel on consoles this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AnimeBleachchannelDeath-NoteNarutoNeon-AlleyotakuRumiko-TakahashisubscriptiontelevisiontvVIZVIZ-MediaSat, 30 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sons of Anarchy getting a 'real' console title, rather than browser-based multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sons-of-anarchy-getting-a-real-console-title-rather-than-brow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sons-of-anarchy-getting-a-real-console-title-rather-than-brow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sons-of-anarchy-getting-a-real-console-title-rather-than-brow/#comments ImageKurt Sutter, the creator of the FX TV series, Sons of Anarchy, said a little while back there was a game in progress, based on the series' rowdy biker family exploits. It was set to be "a high-end browser-based" title, but a recent tweet from Sutter says that's all changed. Instead, FX and Fox have agreed to "do a REAL game. Console based. Not some slapcrap browser [multiplayer] thing," according to Sutter. He admits it'll take a long time to put together, but since the browser game "felt rushed and unsatisfying," he wants the property treated right.

That's good news for Sons of Anarchy fans ready for a full console experience based on their show. As for us, as long as Ron Perlman's Clay Morrow is playable somehow, we're happy with whatever SAMCRO-based experience we can get.

JoystiqSons of Anarchy getting a 'real' console title, rather than browser-based multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolefoxfxken-sutterlicensedmicrosoftplaystationps3sons-of-anarchytvxboxFri, 11 May 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's Max Payne 3's TV commercial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/heres-max-payne-3s-tv-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/heres-max-payne-3s-tv-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/heres-max-payne-3s-tv-commercial/#comments Image
The official Max Payne 3 television commercial debuted last night during the Lakers v. Spurs game on ESPN last night, and it's chock full of all the Max Payne-y things you'd expect - slow motion bullets, slow motion jumping, slow motion ladies, etc.

It's a little sad that the game is billed as "from the makers of Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption," considering that the original Max Payne predates both GTA3 and the entire Red Dead franchise. Then again, a modern 18 year old gamer would only have been seven years old when the series originally debuted in 2001, so we can't really blame Rockstar for playing to its target demographic's familiarities. Kids these days with their Macintosh computers and their Fiat 500s.

JoystiqHere's Max Payne 3's TV commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commerciallakersMax-PayneMax-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3Rockstar-Gamesrockstar-vancouverspurstelevisionTVxboxSat, 21 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live entertainment apps unlocked this weekend, but online gaming remains Gold-only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/xbox-live-entertainment-apps-unlocked-this-weekend-but-online-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/xbox-live-entertainment-apps-unlocked-this-weekend-but-online-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/xbox-live-entertainment-apps-unlocked-this-weekend-but-online-g/#comments ImageHere's a clear indication of Microsoft's marketing angle for the Xbox 360 in 2012. This weekend, from April 19 to April 23, is a free preview of Xbox Live Gold, meaning even non-paying users will be able to take part in subscription-only functionality at that time.

But not all subscription-only functionality. Microsoft is touting it as a chance to "enjoy all of the customized entertainment app experiences featured on the Xbox LIVE service." It's all about the TV services, and unlike most XBL free weekends, "Multi-player gaming will not be unlocked in this promotion."

In addition to free access to apps like Crackle, Syfy, and Vudu, you can get a free trial of Hulu Plus, Netflix, or EPIX during this period (really, you can get a free trial of Hulu Plus or Netflix any time!). The full list of apps is posted on the promotion's site.

JoystiqXbox Live entertainment apps unlocked this weekend, but online gaming remains Gold-only originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>entertainment-unlockedhulu-plusmicrosoftnetflixstreaming-videotvxboxxbox-liveTue, 17 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 used more for video and music apps than for gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/xbox-360-used-more-for-video-and-music-apps-than-for-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/xbox-360-used-more-for-video-and-music-apps-than-for-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/xbox-360-used-more-for-video-and-music-apps-than-for-gaming/#comments More than half of the time people spend on Xbox Live is devoted to watching videos and listening to music, Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi told the Los Angeles Times. "What we're seeing is that people are turning on the Xbox to play games and then keeping it on afterwards to get other types of entertainment," Mehdi said.

The Xbox 360 isn't a gaming console; it's now officially an entertainment center that includes games, and it's becoming more popular with this angle. Today households spend an average of 84 hours a month playing games and using other apps on Xbox Live, up 30 percent from a year prior. To compare, the average household watches 150 hours of TV each month.

Even before Kinect, a tool that has always made more sense as an entertainment control rather than a gaming one, Microsoft has wanted the Xbox 360 to be "the heart of connected digital entertainment," as HBO senior vice president of consumer technology Otto Berkes put it.

Today Microsoft added MLB.TV, HBO GO and Comcast Xfinity TV apps to its lineup, which already includes Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Zune, Last.fm and others.

JoystiqXbox 360 used more for video and music apps than for gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appshbo-gohulukinectmicrosoftmusicNetflixtvvideosxboxXbox-LivezuneTue, 27 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead shambles into certification this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/the-walking-dead-shambles-into-certification-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/the-walking-dead-shambles-into-certification-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/the-walking-dead-shambles-into-certification-this-week/#comments The Walking Dead is getting closer -- grab the shotgun! -- and is expected to be submitted for certification on XBLA and PSN this week, with a release soon after, Telltale CEO Dan Connors told Digital Trend at GDC. Connors expects the certification process to take about six weeks, with the launch soon after, placing it in late April or May. He didn't specify the launch process for other platforms, including PC.

Telltale wants to capitalize on the "popularity" of the TV show, whose second season ends March 18, Digital Trend wrote. "Popularity" is of course a loaded term, but personally we've come to enjoy the show with a drinking game -- take a drink every time Lori is mad for a ridiculous reason; take two drinks every time an awkward silence lasts longer than four seconds; finish your drink every time someone shoots more bullets than their gun actually holds.

That said, we're looking forward to Telltale's adaptation; either we'll finally get to enjoy the comic in a new form, or we'll have to buy some more beer.

JoystiqThe Walking Dead shambles into certification this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>certificationlaunchmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNrobert-kirkmanTelltaleTellTale-Gamesthe-walking-deadtvXBLAxboxMon, 12 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Curt Schilling visits Conan, shows off Kingdoms of Amalur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/curt-schilling-visits-conan-shows-off-kingdoms-of-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/curt-schilling-visits-conan-shows-off-kingdoms-of-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/curt-schilling-visits-conan-shows-off-kingdoms-of-amalur/#comments
Former baseball player turned 38 Studios founder Curt Schilling made a visit to Conan O'Brien's late night talk show this week. After discussing his beautiful with Tom Arnold and telling a story about some US soldiers playing Call of Duty while at war, he showed off a special "Irish American" version of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, featuring a virtual Schilling squaring off against "Gnomon O'Brien." You can watch the short interview and clip below.

It's cute, even if it's not a good representation of what the game is actually like. Then again, it is a late night talk show, so eliciting a chuckle and getting the name said a few times is probably worth it.

Continue reading Curt Schilling visits Conan, shows off Kingdoms of Amalur

JoystiqCurt Schilling visits Conan, shows off Kingdoms of Amalur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosconanconan-obriencurt-schillinggnomon-obrienkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3tvxboxFri, 17 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[UK's Channel 4 finds new reality TV trend in The Sims 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/uks-channel-4-finds-new-reality-tv-trend-in-the-sims-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/uks-channel-4-finds-new-reality-tv-trend-in-the-sims-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/uks-channel-4-finds-new-reality-tv-trend-in-the-sims-3/#comments

When reality television made its first foray into prime time, it was fairly clear why networks jumped on the trend with such enthusiasm. "Do we want to pay paltry sums of money to film untrained, attention-hungry people doing strange things in equally cheap locations? Yes. One thousand times yes." And then they did it, more than 1,000 times.

The UK's Channel 4 has taken that one trend deeper, getting rid of the real people completely with "SuperMe," a TV show filmed entirely in The Sims 3. SuperMe follows four Sims living together and is completely unscripted, except for the narrator, who provides insight into what the Sims are thinking, feeling and doing. As producer Somethin' Else describes it, "It's like real life, but improvised by robots."

The first episode is available to watch above -- personally, we find it more entertaining with this commentary.

JoystiqUK's Channel 4 finds new reality TV trend in The Sims 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Channel-4EAElectronic-Artspcsomethin-elseThe-Sims-3tvWed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/#comments If you're someone whose hatred of physical media and cluttered entertainment systems is rivaled only by your passion for contemporary gaming and universal controllers, your next television purchase may have just become as conflicted as your eccentric little heart of hearts.

Gaikai and LG have announced plans to place Gaikai's cloud-based game-streaming services inside of LG's upcoming 2012 line of Cinema 3D TVs. The service will use Gaikai's middleware to power an LG-branded gaming portal within the company's existing Smart TV app ecosystem. No information has yet been given regarding how these games will actually be played, but we're hopeful it will involve a controller of some kind, rather than creative use of the TV's remote.

OnLive has also announced further integration of its cloud-based game-streaming service into Google's GoogleTV platform, by way of Vizio's "next generation" of "Internet Apps Plus" devices. Vizio TVs equipped with Internet Apps Plus and GoogleTV 2.0 will allow users to connect their Universal Controller and stream games normally. This is a big leap from OnLive's current GoogleTV presence, which is currently limited to a "Player" app that allows GoogleTV users to spectate OnLive games happening on other devices. No word on whether full OnLive functionality will come to other devices running GoogleTV 2.0.

Continue reading Gaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs

JoystiqGaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2012Cloud-gaminggaikaiGoogle-TVGoogleTVLGonliveSmart-TVstreamingTVvizioWed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Neal Tiles steps down as president of G4, Adam Stotsky takes over]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/neal-tiles-steps-down-as-president-of-g4-adam-stotsky-takes-ove/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/neal-tiles-steps-down-as-president-of-g4-adam-stotsky-takes-ove/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/neal-tiles-steps-down-as-president-of-g4-adam-stotsky-takes-ove/#comments Neal Tiles, formerly president of the G4 television network, stepped down earlier today, and parent company NBCUniversal has announced that Adam Stotsky will take his place. Stotsky is a former president of marketing at NBC, but now will head up the entire G4 network, overseeing everything from programming to publicity and digital operations.

Stotsky is the first big appointment by recently appointed NBCU president Bonnie Hammer, who picked up oversight of G4 and E! last year when Comcast merged with NBC Universal. We don't know exactly what Stotsky plans to put on the schedule at G4 going forward, but if he's taking any cues from his predecessor, it's probably lots more Cheaters and Cops.

[Thanks, Ethan!]

JoystiqNeal Tiles steps down as president of G4, Adam Stotsky takes over originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-stotskybonnie-hammereg4nbc-universalnbcuneal-tilestelevisiontvtv-networkThu, 05 Jan 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft offers new in-game item, new TV spot for seventh anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/world-of-warcraft-offers-new-in-game-item-new-tv-spot-for-seven/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/world-of-warcraft-offers-new-in-game-item-new-tv-spot-for-seven/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/world-of-warcraft-offers-new-in-game-item-new-tv-spot-for-seven/#comments World of Warcraft is about to celebrate its seventh anniversary on November 23 next week (which means that some of its players have been alive for less time than the game's servers have been up), and to celebrate, Blizzard is giving everyone who logs in between this Sunday and December 3 a Feat of Strength achievement (which means it's only available during this time) and a "celebration package" item. The item will fire off a virtual fireworks display, and gives players a spiffy new tabard, as well as a 7% experience point and reputation bonus when used.

The company will also introduce a brand new "What's your game?" celebrity TV commercial this weekend during the Bears/Chargers game on CBS. The star of the new commercial is set to be a surprise, so you can start guessing right now in the comments below. We have no idea who it might be, but considering all of the stars so far (William Shatner, Mr. T, Ozzy Osbourne, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Verne Troyer), a girl might be nice?

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft offers new in-game item, new TV spot for seventh anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcommercialin-gamepcseventh-anniversarytvtv-commercialwhats-your-gameworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariawowSat, 19 Nov 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Rabbids become TV stars in 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/the-rabbids-become-tv-stars-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/the-rabbids-become-tv-stars-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/the-rabbids-become-tv-stars-in-2013/#comments Minigames too involved for you? Soon Ubisoft's Raving Rabbids will be able to yell at you without a single waggle on your part. Ubisoft Motion Pictures is producing a series of 78 seven-minute CG cartoons featuring the rude critters, which Nickelodeon will bundle into 26 half-hours for broadcast "worldwide" in 2013. Those should allow you to gauge (to the minute) your tolerance for the Rabbids.

The deal excludes France, where France Télévisions Distribution will offer DVD and Video on Demand of the show, alongside episodes broadcast on France 3. And now, because we haven't said it yet: daaaahhhhhh!

[Image: Raving Rabbids Alive and Kicking for Xbox 360]

Continue reading The Rabbids become TV stars in 2013

JoystiqThe Rabbids become TV stars in 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nickelodeonrabbidsraving-rabbidstvubisoftubisoft-motion-picturesThu, 06 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reveals Xbox 360 TV partners, including Comcast, Verizon, HBO [Update 2: Comcast shows Xfinity on Xbox 360]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/microsoft-reveals-xbox-360-live-tv-partners-including-comcast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/microsoft-reveals-xbox-360-live-tv-partners-including-comcast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/microsoft-reveals-xbox-360-live-tv-partners-including-comcast/#comments
Microsoft's Major Nelson has revealed that 40 different partners have been confirmed for the expanded TV functionality coming to the Xbox 360. There's some surprising stuff in the list just past the jump, including HBO Go, Comcast, SyFy and Verizon. Turns out that report was correct!

Hit the jump for the full list of initial TV partners for the upcoming Fall Dashboard Update, which has a tentative launch date of "Holiday 2011." Update: Microsoft sent us some new images of the update. You can check them out in the gallery below.

Update 2: Comcast has published this blog post talking about its partnership with Microsoft to offer Xfinity content. There isn't anything really newsworthy in there, but there is an early glimpse at the UI you can expect from the Comcast Xfinity pane in the updated Xbox 360 Dashboard.

Gallery: Xbox 360 Fall 2011 Dashboard Update (NXE 2)

Continue reading Microsoft reveals Xbox 360 TV partners, including Comcast, Verizon, HBO [Update 2: Comcast shows Xfinity on Xbox 360]

JoystiqMicrosoft reveals Xbox 360 TV partners, including Comcast, Verizon, HBO [Update 2: Comcast shows Xfinity on Xbox 360] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosofttvxboxxbox-360-tvxbox-livexbox-live-tvxbox-tvWed, 05 Oct 2011 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony and others looking to standardize active 3D glasses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/sony-and-others-looking-to-standardize-active-3d-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/sony-and-others-looking-to-standardize-active-3d-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/sony-and-others-looking-to-standardize-active-3d-glasses/#comments
Like it or not, the world's biggest technology companies are convinced that active 3D (the kind that uses powered, liquid crystal glasses) is the next big thing; so much so that they're willing to put all of their techno-eggs into the same business-basket in order to prevent cross-manufacturer incompatibility killing the cause.

One of the few universal truths of the technology world is that the key to a burgeoning format's success is unification and compatibility. Proprietary technologies breed platform fragmentation, and when products aren't compatible with each other, people don't use them, and the format dies. Take USB, for example: USB is successful as a standard because everyone uses the same connectors and licenses the same underlying technologies. You can take a USB keyboard made by one manufacturer and plug it into a motherboard built by another, and it works. The same cannot be said, however, for the majority of 3D glasses in the world, and that's a big problem for a lot of big companies.

Continue reading Sony and others looking to standardize active 3D glasses

JoystiqSony and others looking to standardize active 3D glasses originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3D-glasses3DTVactive-shutteractive-shutter-glassesFull-HD-3D-Glasses-Initiativeglassesliquid-crystal-shutter-glassespanasonicsamsungsonyTVXPAND-3DXPAND3DMon, 08 Aug 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[HBO Go coming to game consoles, bringing all-you-can-eat HBO to the TV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/hbo-go-coming-to-game-consoles-bringing-all-you-can-eat-hbo-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/hbo-go-coming-to-game-consoles-bringing-all-you-can-eat-hbo-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/hbo-go-coming-to-game-consoles-bringing-all-you-can-eat-hbo-to/#comments While you may have been surprised to learn that the Wii was the most popular game console for Netflix users, you should not have been surprised to learn that over "half of all Netflix users connect via a game console," as reported last week. It's similarly unsurprising to learn that Time Warner is looking to expand the reach of its popular HBO Go service from the web and mobile to connected TVs and - cue drum roll, please - video game consoles.

With over 4 million downloads for the mobile apps, Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes says, the HBO Go service is considered to be a hit. Subscribers of the premium cable channel can access every episode of HBO's many original series, from Deadwood to The Sopranos to Game of Thrones. Extending access to the television is an obvious next step; however, it's unclear if Time Warner would charge for TV access, like Hulu has with its Hulu Plus offering, or treat all screens the same, also known as The Netflix Strategy.

In addition to the price, we also don't know a date for availability of the service. Tell you what, HBO - let us subscribe to your fancy service and skip the onerous cable TV plan, and you've got yourself a deal!

JoystiqHBO Go coming to game consoles, bringing all-you-can-eat HBO to the TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connectedhbohbo-gomicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3psntvwiixboxxbox-livexbox-live-tvWed, 03 Aug 2011 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sideway preview: Spray-on can]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sideway-preview-spray-on-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sideway-preview-spray-on-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sideway-preview-spray-on-can/#comments We already knew a little something about most of the games seen at Comic-Con this year, from the well-traveled Gears of War 3 to the just-announced Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, but Sideway stands alone as the only brand-new title playable on the show floor. It's a platformer coming to PSN with an interesting origin, and a premise that literally turns the genre on its side.

The game (which was referred to as Sideway: New York on promotional posters at the con) is part of a property developed by Fuel Entertainment, a creative house that's also working on a deal to turn the idea into a TV cartoon. They teamed up with fellow Ottawa, Ontario-based developers Playbrains to handle the development and Sony Online Entertainment to handle publishing; the PSN title will serve as an introduction to what the team hopes becomes a larger universe.

That universe centers around Nox, a graffiti tagger who himself is turned into art by a rival tagger named Spray. The game sends Nox around 15 different platforming levels, each one of which is painted on the side of a building, essentially placing his 2D action in a projection on a 3D world.

Gallery: Sideway (PSN/PC)

Continue reading Sideway preview: Spray-on can

JoystiqSideway preview: Spray-on can originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel-entertainmentlicensedpcplaybrainplaystationpropertyps3psnsidewaytvMon, 25 Jul 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's E3 2011 briefing will air live on Spike]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/microsofts-e3-2011-briefing-will-air-live-on-spike/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/microsofts-e3-2011-briefing-will-air-live-on-spike/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/microsofts-e3-2011-briefing-will-air-live-on-spike/#comments During every E3, the internet is thrown into a full-blown panic as it desperately searches for a stable livestream of the Big Three's press conferences. This year, Spike will make this task far less intimidating for those who want to watch Microsoft's briefing. Tthe network has announced that it will air the Xbox 360-centric show live at 12:30 pm PT on Monday, June 6.

Of course, we'll be breaking out the most important announcements of the show here on our humble gaming news blog -- but sometimes, our words can't capture the magic of the events that unfold on that stage. For instance: Kudo's Magic Foot Dance.

JoystiqMicrosoft's E3 2011 briefing will air live on Spike originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011microsoftpress-conferencespiketelevisiontvxboxMon, 16 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World's biggest HD screen? Let's play a game on it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/worlds-biggest-hd-screen-lets-play-a-game-on-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/worlds-biggest-hd-screen-lets-play-a-game-on-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/worlds-biggest-hd-screen-lets-play-a-game-on-it/#comments What's the first thing you do after installing the world's largest HD screen, a 16,000-square-foot ocular wonder? Play video games on it! The Charlotte Motor Speedway recently celebrated the installation of a big ol' Panasonic TV by inviting NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. to take a couple of virtual laps on the thing in iRacing (not our first choice, but an apt one, we suppose).

The project took 57 workers four months to construct -- totaling more than 11,000 man hours. The structure weighs 332.5 tons and features 158 panels illuminated by 9,000,000 LED lamps. This ginormous 720p display will be pretty much wasted on track replays, standings and stats. So tragic.

JoystiqWorld's biggest HD screen? Let's play a game on it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 May 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Big-TVCharlotte-Motor-SpeedwayiRacingPanasonicTVThu, 12 May 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SyFy prepares Red Faction: Origins movie for June 4 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/16/syfy-prepares-red-faction-origins-movie-for-june-4-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/16/syfy-prepares-red-faction-origins-movie-for-june-4-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/16/syfy-prepares-red-faction-origins-movie-for-june-4-release/#comments NBC Universal held a "Summer press day" last Friday in Pasadena, California, and among the various panels was one for the SyFy Channel's new Red Faction: Origins movie. In cooperation with THQ, SyFy is bringing out a two-hour movie on June 4 that covers the story of Jake Mason, son of Red Faction: Guerilla's Alec Mason and father of Red Faction: Armageddon main character Darius Mason. Alec (played by Robert Patrick) makes an appearance, though Brian J. Smith, who plays Jake, says "he's fallen off a little bit as a hero."

Given how closely related to the games the movie will be, you'd think director Michael Nankin (second from right, above) would want to get in and play Guerilla at least. But the director of a few Battlestar Galatica episodes has no interest in technology. "I have a book that's a calendar," he says, "and I take notes on index cards."

Continue reading SyFy prepares Red Faction: Origins movie for June 4 release

JoystiqSyFy prepares Red Faction: Origins movie for June 4 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michael-nankinmicrosoftmoviepcplaystationps3Red-Faction-Armageddonred-faction-originssyfythqtvxboxSat, 16 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Kinect hacks segment to air on PBS's 'Need to Know' tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/psa-kinect-hacks-segment-to-air-on-pbss-need-to-know-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/psa-kinect-hacks-segment-to-air-on-pbss-need-to-know-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/psa-kinect-hacks-segment-to-air-on-pbss-need-to-know-tonight/#comments Ordinarily, a mainstream news report on how "hackers have repurposed the Kinect to allow people to control computers and the digital world" would have us bracing to put out the fire -- but this is PBS we're talking about. Set your DVR to tape tonight's "Need to Know" and go enjoy your Friday night!

Continue reading PSA: Kinect hacks segment to air on PBS's 'Need to Know' tonight

JoystiqPSA: Kinect hacks segment to air on PBS's 'Need to Know' tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkinect-hacksmicrosoftneed-to-knowpbstvxboxFri, 08 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports expands its 'Virtual Playbook' to soccer broadcasts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/ea-sports-expands-its-virtual-playbook-to-soccer-broadcasts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/ea-sports-expands-its-virtual-playbook-to-soccer-broadcasts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/ea-sports-expands-its-virtual-playbook-to-soccer-broadcasts/#comments When the EA Sports "Virtual Playbook" -- an augmented reality technology that allows sports analysts to run somewhat creepy simulations in their TV studios with life-sized virtual players from EA Sports games -- made its debut in September 2008 on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown show, EA Sports hype man Peter Moore heralded it as a "paradigm shift in sports broadcast analysis." He then assured readers of his blog that Virtual Playbook would be "some day" applied to "a number of other sports, including soccer (of course)."

While the technology has failed to replace the good ol' talking (human) heads that continue to dominate sports broadcast analysis today, its use has expanded beyond football to include basketball (as pictured), with Virtual Playbook featured in 2009 and 2010 NBA Playoffs coverage (though integration this year would seem in doubt -- unless they use Jam characters). Today, Moore's promise has been fulfilled, with EA announcing that the technology will soon be available to soccer broadcasters.

Virtual Playbook will of course use FIFA assets -- orchestrated through (expensive-sounding) "advanced virtual studio and camera tracking systems" provided by German broadcasting company Orad -- that would seem to further EA Sports branding in "global markets" and solidify the publisher's stranglehold on virtual sports, blurring the line between what's real and what's in the game.

[Image source: Inside EA]

JoystiqEA Sports expands its 'Virtual Playbook' to soccer broadcasts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented-realitybroadcastingeaea-sportsea-sports-virtual-playbookfifaoradtvvirtual-playbookMon, 04 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallon gets his 'Adult Female Face' blown away during 3DS demo on Late Night]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/fallon-gets-his-adult-female-face-blown-away-during-3ds-demo-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/fallon-gets-his-adult-female-face-blown-away-during-3ds-demo-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/fallon-gets-his-adult-female-face-blown-away-during-3ds-demo-o/#comments We expected Jimmy Fallon to flip out during Reggie Fils-Aime's 3DS demonstration during last night's episode of Late Night. We expected the audience to get a kick out of the device's AR functionality. However, we did not expect the 3DS to swap Fallon's gender on live national television. Priceless.

Continue reading Fallon gets his 'Adult Female Face' blown away during 3DS demo on Late Night

JoystiqFallon gets his 'Adult Female Face' blown away during 3DS demo on Late Night originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsface-raidersjimmy-fallonlate-night-with-jimmy-fallonnintendoreggie-fils-aimetelevisiontvSat, 26 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Star Wars 3 commercial puts the 'oops' in 'clone troops']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/lego-star-wars-3-commercial-puts-the-oops-in-clone-troops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/lego-star-wars-3-commercial-puts-the-oops-in-clone-troops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/lego-star-wars-3-commercial-puts-the-oops-in-clone-troops/#comments Traveller's Tales has managed to infuse its LEGO action games with some great humor over the years, and the trend looks to continue with LEGO Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars. The first promo spots for the game hit tomorrow, but you can get an early look at one trooper's supremely bad luck tonight.

Continue reading LEGO Star Wars 3 commercial puts the 'oops' in 'clone troops'

JoystiqLEGO Star Wars 3 commercial puts the 'oops' in 'clone troops' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscommercialdslego-star-wars-3-the-clone-warsLucasArtsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyTravellers-TalestvwiixboxFri, 11 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Conan O'Brien on Xbox Live was too big a 'leap of faith,' says show's producer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/conan-obrien-on-xbox-live-was-too-big-a-leap-of-faith-says-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/conan-obrien-on-xbox-live-was-too-big-a-leap-of-faith-says-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/conan-obrien-on-xbox-live-was-too-big-a-leap-of-faith-says-s/#comments During the "Hollywood Creative Masters" session at CES last month, the executive producer of Conan O'Brien's show, Jeff Ross, spoke on last April's short-lived rumor of talks to relaunch the show on a proposed Xbox Live channel (before the deal was made to bring Conan to TBS), reports Gamasutra contributor Chris Morris (who moderated the CES session). While Ross said it was "interesting to sit and look at it," Microsoft's proposal lacked a clear vision, and he recalled that "a lot of the conversations were, 'Well, it's a show, but it's not a show and there are no breaks, but maybe there are breaks and it's not 60 minutes -- it's this,' and nobody really knew what it was."

"So it was really going to be a leap of faith to jump in with these guys and figure something out which we didn't know," Ross said, later reiterating that "we had some eventual television offers and we basically shied away from the [Xbox thing]."

Last November, Reuters reported that Microsoft's plans for an Xbox Live "television channel" had taken a more conventional shape, with the company looking to license existing TV programming to stream though an Xbox Dashboard application, with a potential for interactive elements.

"I think it's coming and it's big," Ross said of a TV-type feature on Xbox Live, before concluding, "It's just that we weren't in a position at that point to figure out what it was."

[Photo credit: Team Coco]

JoystiqConan O'Brien on Xbox Live was too big a 'leap of faith,' says show's producer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2011conanconan-o-brienconan-obrieniptvjeff-rossmicrosoftteam-cocotvxboxxbox-liveMon, 07 Feb 2011 20:40:00 EST