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[Ron Gilbert, MC Frontalot, RoosterTeeth, more confirmed for PAX AUS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/ron-gilbert-mc-frontalot-roosterteeth-more-confirmed-for-pax-aus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/ron-gilbert-mc-frontalot-roosterteeth-more-confirmed-for-pax-aus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/ron-gilbert-mc-frontalot-roosterteeth-more-confirmed-for-pax-aus/#comments Ron Gilbert, MC Frontalot, RoosterTeeth and more confirmed for PAX AUMonkey Island and Maniac Mansion creator Ron Gilbert will give the keynote at the upcoming PAX Australia, Penny Arcade has announced. Gilbert most recently worked on The Cave for Double Fine, and will kick off the Penny Arcade Expo's Australian branch with a "storytime" session, presumably about his work in the glory days of adventure gaming, creating the SCUMM interpreter, and his most recent work on DeathSpank and at Double Fine.

Other announced guests for the show include musicians The Protomen and MC Frontalot, and video makers RoosterTeeth are also set to appear - and we're sure founders Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik are headed down under, too. PAX Australia is set to take place at the Melbourne Showgrounds on July 19-21, 2013, and there are still tickets available for the first two days right now.

Continue reading Ron Gilbert, MC Frontalot, RoosterTeeth, more confirmed for PAX AUS

JoystiqRon Gilbert, MC Frontalot, RoosterTeeth, more confirmed for PAX AUS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brahejerry-holkinsmc-frontalotmike-krahulikpaxpax-2013pax-aupax-au-2013penny-arcadepenny-arcade-expopenny-arcade-expo-australiaron-gilbertroosterteeththe-protomentychoTue, 12 Feb 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play 2011 starts annual drive, trying for $2 million in donations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/childs-play-2011-starts-annual-drive-trying-for-2-million-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/childs-play-2011-starts-annual-drive-trying-for-2-million-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/childs-play-2011-starts-annual-drive-trying-for-2-million-in/#comments Halloween has passed us by, which means the season of charity is here, and Child's Play has started up its yearly drive for donations. Child's Play, started by the fine folks at Penny Arcade, is dedicated to providing sick children in hospitals all over the world with video games and toys to play while they recover, and has raised nearly $9 million in money and donations since it was founded in 2003.

This year, Child's Play is aiming for at least $2 million in donations, in part through a slew of events during the next two months, including the annual Desert Bus for Hope marathon later this month, and a Charity Dinner and Auction on December 8 up in Seattle. The group has picked up $450,000 in donations this year already, putting it well on the way towards its final goal.

You'll probably have a few other opportunities to donate over the next few months, but if you would like to jump in and help the kids out now, Child's Play accepts checks, Paypal donations, or you can even text in your donation by sending "GAMERS" to 50555. So go ahead -- even if the bells haven't started ringing in your neighborhood just yet, take this chance to give a little bit to those in need.

JoystiqChild's Play 2011 starts annual drive, trying for $2 million in donations originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playchilds-play-charitydonationsgabehospitalspenny-arcadetychoFri, 04 Nov 2011 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Expo planning on branching out to third city]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/penny-arcade-expo-planning-on-branching-out-to-third-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/penny-arcade-expo-planning-on-branching-out-to-third-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/penny-arcade-expo-planning-on-branching-out-to-third-city/#comments Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik -- the pair of minds behind Penny Arcade, which is the comic behind the major gaming convention that's happening right now -- have confirmed that PAX will soon find a home in a third location somewhere on the planet. "Yeah, there's going to be a third PAX," Krahulik explained in an interview with us earlier today. "Believe it," Holkins added. We do!

The duo said they have a city in mind, but didn't divulge which one it is -- a shame, because there are a lot of cities to guess from. During last year's PAX Press Q&A, they hinted that a third PAX might come together, perhaps in an overseas locale they'd like to visit. Any international readers have a hometown they'd like to see wholly and completely overrun by gamingkind?

JoystiqPenny Arcade Expo planning on branching out to third city originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eventsgabeinternationalpaxpax-east-2011pax-prime-2011penny-arcadepenny-arcade-expotychoFri, 26 Aug 2011 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PvP and Penny Arcade bring you to The Trenches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/pvp-and-penny-arcade-bring-you-to-the-trenches/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/pvp-and-penny-arcade-bring-you-to-the-trenches/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/pvp-and-penny-arcade-bring-you-to-the-trenches/#comments Webcomics are a dime a dozen, but when doodling kingpins Scott Kurtz (of PvP fame) and Mike "Gabe" Krahulik and Jerry "Tycho" Holkins (of Penny Arcade fame) team up on a new project, you can bet we're gonna take notice. Enter: The Trenches.

The Trenches is new (like, new new), so there's only one strip as of right now, and seeks to catalog "the tribulations of software testing with the precision tools of 'the office comedy.'" On top of each comic, the trio will publish stories from actual testers in the trenches -- anonymously, of course. The first story involves an individual who had to test Ken Griffey, Jr's Winning Run for the SNES. Yup, it's as bad as it sounds.

The Trenches will be updated on the Penny Arcade off-days, every Tuesday and Thursday.

JoystiqPvP and Penny Arcade bring you to The Trenches originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgabejerry-holkinsmacmicrosoftmike-krahulikmobilenintendopcpenny-arcadeplayer-vs-playerplaystationps3psppvpsonythe-trenchestychowebcomicwiixboxWed, 10 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Time readers rank Penny Arcade co-creators as more influential than President Obama]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/time-readers-rank-penny-arcade-co-creators-as-more-influential-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/time-readers-rank-penny-arcade-co-creators-as-more-influential-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/time-readers-rank-penny-arcade-co-creators-as-more-influential-t/#comments Happy final Easter everyone! Wait, what? You didn't get the memo about this being the last Easter? Yeah, apparently the recent 2010 Time 100 Poll, which ranks the most influential people on the planet, is actually a sign of the impending end of days. Yeah, that was the only explanation scholars could come up with when they saw that Lady Gaga was in the lead (with approximately 150k votes), ranking above global humanitarians and, you know, world leaders.

Carving out their own little slice of notoriety are Penny Arcade co-creators Mike "Gabe" Krahulik and Jerry "Tycho" Holkins, whose 9th place position (at the time of this writing) has pinned them as more influential human beings than Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, and Oprah Winfrey. Hey, as nutty as that sounds, we've never bought a video game based solely on recommendations from the latter three.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqTime readers rank Penny Arcade co-creators as more influential than President Obama originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabeinfluencejerry-holkinsmike-krahulikpenny-arcadetime-100tychoSun, 04 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: A penetrating look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-a-penetrating-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-a-penetrating-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-a-penetrating-look/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although they totally forgot about Quincy, the dyanmic duo at Penny Arcade managed to capture the spirit of PlayStation's Home quite aptly in just three strips. Thus it's with (we presume) bittersweet agreement that A Penetrating Look was voted best gaming comic this week.

Second and third place go to newcomer Town Folks by newcomer Brawl in the Family and Ball and Stick by personal favorite Digital Unrest, respectively. This is it for me and webcomic wrapup, Griffin takes over this Saturday (just to clarify: I'm not leaving Joystiq, you're still stuck with my crappy other posts). Thanks to everyone who voted, at any point in the last 3 years, and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week!

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: A penetrating look originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawl-in-the-familydigital-unrestgabehomepenny-arcadeps-hometychowebcomicTue, 16 Dec 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2008: The Penny Arcade Interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-the-penny-arcade-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-the-penny-arcade-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-the-penny-arcade-interview/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Note: Photo above taken at interview
A few hours before PAX 2008 opened its doors to the public last Friday, we had a chance to speak with Penny Arcade creators Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik -- for simplicity's sake referred to here by their respective pseudonyms Tycho and Gabe -- about the Expo, its future expansion, the intensity of Jenga and the Duke Nukem Forever Omegathon round that never was. Audio embedded below; we've also gone ahead and transcribed highlights from the interview. (Note: To make it easier to read, we've put Gabe's name in red and Tycho's name in blue.)

[MP3] Download the Interview

Gallery: PAX 2008: Omegathon Final

Continue reading PAX 2008: The Penny Arcade Interview

JoystiqPAX 2008: The Penny Arcade Interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabeinterviewjoystiqfeaturespaxpax-08pax-2008pax-eastpax-ecpaxecpenny-arcadetychoTue, 02 Sep 2008 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2008: Omegathon finale crowns Geko, Gabe as winners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax-2008-omegathon-finale-crowns-geko-gabe-as-winners/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax-2008-omegathon-finale-crowns-geko-gabe-as-winners/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax-2008-omegathon-finale-crowns-geko-gabe-as-winners/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Within 15 minutes, it was all over. After Tycho and Gabe revealed this year's final PAX 2008 Omegathon challenge, 1987's Vs Excite Bike, finalists Fallout (blue rider) and Geko (red rider) went at each other with all they had. Unfortunately, the close competition didn't last, as Geko won every round to become this year's best Omeganaut, winning an expenses-paid trip to Tokyo Game Show in October.

Following Geko's winning victory, Tycho and Gabe picked up the Famicon controllers to challenge each other as the blue and red riders, respectively. The race was once again painted red, as Tycho kept overheating his bike and crashing after the ramps. He managed a victory in the 3rd round after knocking down Gabe twice in a row, but every other round went to Gabe and red rider, giving the Penny Arcade co-creator a two-win streak after his 5-2 Halo 3 victory last year. After the race was over, Tycho and Gabe stood up to thank the crowd, who promptly began to shuffle out and away from the now-concluded convention. Geko took the stage one final time, plush Marissa's bunny in tow, to talk to the few who stayed behind.

Stay tuned, we'll have more on the pre-Omegathon "puppet troupe" later today. Gallery quick-jump:

Gallery: PAX 2008: Omegathon Final

JoystiqPAX 2008: Omegathon finale crowns Geko, Gabe as winners originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>excitebikegabejoystiqfeaturesomegathonomegathon-2008pax-08pax-2008penny-arcadetychovs-excitebikeMon, 01 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: The Unhorse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-unhorse/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-unhorse/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-unhorse/#commentsFiled under: , ,

By a rather large margin, Penny Arcade's "The Unhorse" took the top spot in this week's webcomic wrapup. And we're sure all those voters were rooting for the horse, right? Right?

Second and third places go to Fanboys and Digital Unrest, respectively. Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week!

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: The Unhorse originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-unrestfanboysgabepenny-arcadetychowebcomicThu, 05 Jun 2008 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Tycho Brahe weighs in On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/tycho-brahe-weighs-in-on-the-rain-slick-precipice-of-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/tycho-brahe-weighs-in-on-the-rain-slick-precipice-of-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/tycho-brahe-weighs-in-on-the-rain-slick-precipice-of-darkness/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

penny arcade
The unique experiment of Penny Arcade Adventures has already begun in earnest. The long-term question in the making -- "Can game comic-makers make a videogame?" -- is moot. On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is now available via Xbox Live and the Greenhouse website (with demos here: Windows, Mac and Linux). The question now becomes: What do the creators think of their spawn? We sat down with Jerry "Tycho" Holkins, Penny Arcade's writer-in-residence, to get some perspective on that very issue.

We had the chance to discuss a number of the game's elements -- from the origins of the Startling Developments Detective Agency to the foul creation of the evil bums. Mr. Holkins also shed a dim light on future episodes in the series as we discussed the music and writing that surround the overarching story. We also clarified that for Penny Arcade, as a creative team, there is no rest. Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins are not celebrating today, they're not patting themselves on the back. Instead, they're returning to what they do best: working.

Read on to find out why these guys are driven to mine the funny for your benefit.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures

Continue reading Tycho Brahe weighs in On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness

JoystiqTycho Brahe weighs in On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabehothead-gamesjerry-holkinsjoystiqfeaturesmike-krahulikPCpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventurestychoXbox-360Wed, 21 May 2008 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most fruit-tastic video: Penny Arcade Adventures 'fruit lover' footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/todays-most-fruit-tastic-video-penny-arcade-adventures-fruit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/todays-most-fruit-tastic-video-penny-arcade-adventures-fruit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/todays-most-fruit-tastic-video-penny-arcade-adventures-fruit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yes, we wrote "fruit lover" in the headline, but you all know its real, alliterative name. Game Videos has posted more footage from the impending Penny Arcade Adventures: On The Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. This time we're taken to a factory where workers produce the produce-supportive robot as the gang face off against a quartet of humans and diminutive machines.

The video is embedded after the break, although you might want to skip ahead to the battles (we recommend the high resolution version if you want to read the dialog). Also, for those who might have reacted negatively to the previous footage from this week (a good number of commenters expressed dismay), Gabe wrote a post on Penny Arcade expressing his confidence in the title. Sure, there's some obvious bias, but the duo is largely known for its reputation, and we have faith they wouldn't support it if there was a sign of sub-par quality.

Continue reading Today's most fruit-tastic video: Penny Arcade Adventures 'fruit lover' footage

JoystiqToday's most fruit-tastic video: Penny Arcade Adventures 'fruit lover' footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabehottestvideoMacPCpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventurespennyarcadePS3rainslickprecipiceofdarknesstychoxblaXbox-360Thu, 24 Jan 2008 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: The New Games Journalism]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-new-games-journalism/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-new-games-journalism/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-new-games-journalism/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Even if we're a little late with giving you the results, this week's webcomic wrapup wasn't really a contest. Due to its timeliness and the controversy surrounding the situation, Penny Arcade's "The New Games Journalism" takes top honors this week. Timeliness is an understatement, here: we know a lot of people who first discovered Gerstmann-Gate from this comic.

Second place goes to 2P Start while third is a virtual tie between Dueling Analogs and WoW Insider. Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week!

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: The New Games Journalism originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2p-startdueling-analogsgabejeff-gerstmannpenny-arcadetychowebcomicwow-insiderWed, 05 Dec 2007 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: The Littlest Hashshashin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-littlest-hashshashin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-littlest-hashshashin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-littlest-hashshashin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Curses, Tycho and Gabe, now we really wish Assassin's Crossing was real. It would be so much fun. The duo's Penny Arcade strip from last week, "The Littlest Hashshashin" took top honors in this week's webcomic wrapup, likely for the second frame alone. (We're not going to spoil it, just click the link yourself and find out.)

Second and third place go to 2P Start and Awkward Zombie, respectively. Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomic you stumble upon this week!

Continue reading Readers pick best webcomic: The Littlest Hashshashin

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: The Littlest Hashshashin originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2p-start2pstartassassins-creedassassinscreedawkward-zombiegabepenny-arcadepennyarcadetychoubisoftwebcomicTue, 13 Nov 2007 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Expo 2008 dated, returns Aug 29-31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/penny-arcade-expo-2008-dated-returns-aug-29-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/penny-arcade-expo-2008-dated-returns-aug-29-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/penny-arcade-expo-2008-dated-returns-aug-29-31/#commentsFiled under:

Is that two month old PAX07 t-shirt started to look slightly worn or wrinkled? (If so, may we recommend occasionally wearing other clothing.) Save the date and start booking your flight for Seattle, as the dates for the 5th annual Penny Arcade Expo have been unveiled: August 29 through 31, 2008.

This year's event drew in approximately 37,000 attendees into the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. According to the press release (PDF file), "attendance for the 2008 event is expected to reach forty-seven million bajillion people." A venue for the 2008 expo was not specified; exhibitor packets are now available and attendee registration opens in January.

Okay, folks, you can now officially start placing your bets on what will be next year's Omegathon.

JoystiqPenny Arcade Expo 2008 dated, returns Aug 29-31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabepaxpax08penny-arcadepenny-arcade-expotychoFri, 26 Oct 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: To Catch a Predator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/04/readers-pick-best-webcomic-to-catch-a-predator/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/04/readers-pick-best-webcomic-to-catch-a-predator/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/04/readers-pick-best-webcomic-to-catch-a-predator/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sure, the BioShock edition of the webcomic wrapup was last week, but that didn't stop voters making ADAM-fueled decisions in their artistic preferences this week. At the top of the splicer heap, we have Penny Arcade's "To Catch a Predator: Rapture Edition"

Second place goes to Fanboys and Ctrl+Alt+Del takes third. Thanks to everyone who voted and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week!

Continue reading Readers pick best webcomic: To Catch a Predator

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: To Catch a Predator originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockctrlaltdelfanboysgabepennyarcadetychowebcomicXbox-360Tue, 04 Sep 2007 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Order of the Dweebs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the-dweebs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the-dweebs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the-dweebs/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not a day passes without some poor sap's waggling image being posted on Flickr or YouTube, their awkwardness immortalized for the world to see. Today's Penny Arcade comic is a cautionary tale for all the gamers out there who lose themselves in the Wii's heightened brand of immersion, flapping their hands and dressing in costume for that authentic experience.

With Harry Potter mania being at an all time high -- several video games, a new movie, and the final book all within a few weeks' reach -- we're at our most vulnerable. Guarding ourselves against these embarrassing exposures should be priority one. Remember that the next time you start riding your mother's broom during a mock Quidditch match and notice a red light blinking in one of the room's air vents.

JoystiqHarry Potter and the Order of the Dweebs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comiccomicsharry potterharry potter and the order of the phoenixHarryPotterHarryPotterAndTheOrderOfThePhoenixhporder of the phoenixOrderOfThePhoenixpenny arcadePennyArcadetychowiitardyoutubeMon, 09 Jul 2007 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Expo exhibitor list unleashed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/penny-arcade-expo-exhibitor-list-unleashed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/penny-arcade-expo-exhibitor-list-unleashed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/penny-arcade-expo-exhibitor-list-unleashed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The exhibitor list for this year's Penny Arcade Expo has been made, checked twice, and finalized. While the past exhibitors are all still present (including favorites Pink Godzilla), the major publishers have signed up en masse.

Joining Nintendo and Microsoft this year on the super-sized list of 53 exhibitors are Sony, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Sierra and Konami, among many others. Indie representation will be provided Gamecock, Telltale, and more. Is that the shadow of E3 we see before us? Full list after the break.

Continue reading Penny Arcade Expo exhibitor list unleashed

JoystiqPenny Arcade Expo exhibitor list unleashed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSeaelectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsgabegame cockGameCockkonamiMacmicrosoftnintendopaxpax07PCpenny arcadepenny arcade expoPennyArcadePennyArcadeExpoPS2PS3PSPsierrasonytell taleTellTaletychoubisoftweb comicWebComicWiiXbox-360Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: extra baggage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/readers-pick-best-webcomic-extra-baggage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/readers-pick-best-webcomic-extra-baggage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/readers-pick-best-webcomic-extra-baggage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's the picture that sells it, really, and presentation can be just as important in a webcomic as content. Despite the usual, numerous objections in the comment section, Scott Ramsoomair's VG Cats strip took the top spot as the week's best webcomic.

Coming in second place was the second Penny Arcade strip, "Retreat to the Citadel," (we favored the first strip, ourselves) while third place went to Ctrl+Alt+Del. Thanks to everyone who voted and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week!

Continue reading Readers pick best webcomic: extra baggage

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: extra baggage originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buckleycadctrl alt delCtrlAltDelDSgabepenny arcadePennyArcadePSPramsoomairscott ramsoomairScottRamsoomairtim buckleyTimBuckleytychovg catsVgCatsweb comicWebComicTue, 12 Jun 2007 06:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabe plays Catan ... at least, we think it's Gabe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/gabe-plays-catan-at-least-we-think-its-gabe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/gabe-plays-catan-at-least-we-think-its-gabe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/gabe-plays-catan-at-least-we-think-its-gabe/#commentsFriday's Penny Arcade pertained to last week's XBLA release Catan, starting off with the revelation of Gabe, of all people, sitting down to play a round. Obviously, that's slightly out of character, although it is revealed in the accompanying podcast that Mike actually has played the real life counterpart, and much to everyone's surprise, hated the game.

Today's strip is a continuation of the storyline, but no longer relates to Catan anymore, for obvious reasons. We spent the better part of our weekend trading wool for ore, what about you? Expect a full X3F review on Catan to come later this week.

JoystiqGabe plays Catan ... at least, we think it's Gabe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArcadeCatanGabeLive ArcadeLiveArcadeP APAPenny ArcadePennyArcadeTychoX B L AXBLAXbox Live ArcadeXboxLiveArcadeMon, 07 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activist lawyer drops RICO charges against Take Two, others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/activist-lawyer-drops-rico-charges-against-take-two-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/activist-lawyer-drops-rico-charges-against-take-two-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/activist-lawyer-drops-rico-charges-against-take-two-others/#commentsFiled under: ,

Phew, that was close. And to think, he almost discovered our master plans ...

Infamous Miami lawyer Jack Thompson has thoroughly revised his complaint and counterclaim against Take Two. Concerning his counterclaim, Thompson shortened it from nearly 20 pages to a single paragraph that makes no mention of previous racketeering charges that listed Penny Arcade, the ESA, Joystiq, Kotaku and others as collaborators and conspirators.

Of course, Joystiq was left unaware what racketeering really was, having ignored Denis McCauley's thorough explanation for enlightenment via Tycho and Gabe's funny pictures.

In light of this pseudo-victory, Joystiq is celebrating with cake, ice cream and engaging in illegal business activities usually associated with organized crime.

JoystiqActivist lawyer drops RICO charges against Take Two, others originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabegame politicsGamePoliticsjack thompsonJackThompsonpenny arcadePennyArcadepoliticsracketeeringricorocketrocket eeringRocketEeringtychoFri, 30 Mar 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human's Denis Dyack pokes fun at Penny Arcade game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/too-humans-denis-dyack-pokes-fun-at-penny-arcade-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/too-humans-denis-dyack-pokes-fun-at-penny-arcade-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/too-humans-denis-dyack-pokes-fun-at-penny-arcade-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ever since Too Human got savaged by the press for sporting a decidedly wonky framerate at E3 2006, Silicon Knights frontman, Denis Dyack, has been somewhat frigid towards the issue of unfinished games and the media's ability to influence opinion based on early code. Not too long ago, the first part in the sci-fi action trilogy emerged from a "very cold place," hoping to set things back on track and get people to focus on all the good things that were, perhaps unfairly, overlooked in favor of counting the number of frames per second. The Penny Arcade duo has discussed (some would say dissed) the game several times in the past, most recently posting a comic literally illustrating the dangers of revealing premature products.

Dyack has continued the trend by posting his own modified Penny Arcade strip on his IGN blog, taking a jab at the generally unfavorable reaction to Gabe and Tycho's upcoming foray into interactivity. With the greener shoe now on the other end of the turning tables (or something along those lines), it becomes clear that presenting your unfinished game to the public is a tricky business indeed. Perhaps that's too serious a tone to end on considering Dyack's amusing contribution, but it's an interesting dilemma nonetheless.

How do you convey the big picture in a cursory glance? When do you show too much and when do you show too little?

[Thanks, Adam]

JoystiqToo Human's Denis Dyack pokes fun at Penny Arcade game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Denis DyackDenisDyackGabePenny ArcadePennyArcadeSilicon KnightsSiliconKnightsToo HumanTooHumanTychoXbox-360Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play receives a huge donation from Nintendo [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/childs-play-receives-a-huge-donation-from-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/childs-play-receives-a-huge-donation-from-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/childs-play-receives-a-huge-donation-from-nintendo/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo sent out an avalanche of Nintendo DS handhelds and games to the Penny Arcade headquarters last week, donating the towering collection to Child's Play. The gamer-run charity has been donating toys, games, and other gifts to children's hospitals since 2003. Since then, the altruistic group has raised millions of dollars for its partner hospitals.

Nintendo made sure to provide something for everyone with its donation, delivering DS systems in every color and handing out hundreds of copies of Nintendogs, Big Brain Academy, Mario Kart DS, and many other titles. Gabe posted photos of the mountainous shipment and assured readers that the DS Lites will find their way to the gracious hands of kids in children's hospitals soon.

[Update 1: According to Penny Arcade's other half, Tycho, the systems and games were actually bought from Nintendo at a deep discount, using the money raised by the Child's Play charity. We apologize for this misinterpretation.]

JoystiqChild's Play receives a huge donation from Nintendo [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychildsplaydonatedonationgabenintendodsnintendodslitepennyarcadetychoWed, 21 Mar 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic, how ironic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/readers-pick-best-webcomic-how-ironic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/readers-pick-best-webcomic-how-ironic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/readers-pick-best-webcomic-how-ironic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It takes guts to admit something good about a company who you've lost faith in so long ago. That's just what the Penny Arcade crew tackled in their strip relating to the recent PlayStation 3 announcements, winning best game-related webcomic of the week. Special thanks to Jerry "Tycho" Holkins, who was kind enough to stop for a quick chat at GDC last week.

Second place goes to the comic we were most tipped off to, the Perry Bible Fellowship, and third place was claimed by Extra Life.

A note about Tip of the Sword. While we thought the MMO joke was funny, we really loved the Halo gag more. Unfortunately, we were of the mindset that we picked that strip last week -- blame it on the jet lag from GDC. Apologies to Auker for not using the comic he submitted. Still, we thought the MMO one was funny.

Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any gaming comics you stumble upon this week!

Continue reading Readers pick best webcomic, how ironic

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic, how ironic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gabehalohomelittle big planetLittleBigPlanetPenny ArcadePennyArcadeplaystation homePlaystationHomeps homePS3PsHomeTychoweb comicWebComicTue, 13 Mar 2007 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The other side of a disturbed teen's tale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/the-other-side-of-a-disturbed-teens-tale/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/the-other-side-of-a-disturbed-teens-tale/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/the-other-side-of-a-disturbed-teens-tale/#commentsFiled under:

Yesterday we reported on a CNN article that surfaced recently where a teenager cited video games as inspiration for the "sport killing" of a homeless man. The piece riled up Mike "Gabe" Krahulik, whose rant places much of the blame on the parents.

In a rare opportunity, the stepmother of one of the children involved in the death wrote a long and compelling letter describing her relation with the perpetrators. The writing presents a powerful, impassioned perspective on raising demonic children. "The kid knows full well that by equating what he's done to a video game," she said, "that he will generate controversy and media coverage." As Gabe points out (and we will affirm), she's right.

The news will get out, whether or not the gaming media covers it (a fact Doug Lowenstein fails to understand). Gaming is the new controversial medium -- just look at how much the mainstream media has attached itself to whether or not a Utah killer possessed or played video games of any sort. It's up to the media of all forms to tackle the issue responsibly and put the issue in perspective -- that the kid was demonic and psychotic -- but we expect some outlets will go for the hysterical approach.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

JoystiqThe other side of a disturbed teen's tale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GabeKrahulikMike KrahulikMikeKrahulikPenny ArcadePennyArcadeTychoThu, 22 Feb 2007 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: the $64,800 bounty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/20/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-64-000-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/20/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-64-000-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/20/readers-pick-best-webcomic-the-64-000-question/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

True, SCEA CEO Jack Tretton's $1,200 boast has been taken somewhat out of context, but it does make for some excellent satire. Enter Penny Arcade's Tycho and Gabe, whose comic earned the not-dubious-at-all award for best game-related webcomic of the week.

Rounding up second and third place are Dueling Analogs and VG Cats, respectively.

Congratulations to perennial entry RPG-TV, who is celebrating its one year anniversary. According to the comic's creators there will be guest strips aplenty, starting with Digital Unrest's Chris Simmons' comic. Other guest artists promised include the minds behind Dueling Analogs, Fanboys-Online, Boot_Error "and many more whom I cant mention here without making this sentence long and unwieldy."

As mentioned in the comments on Saturday, all those comics were sent to us via the tip line will be included this week. Thanks to everyone who voted and be sure to let us know of any gaming comics you stumble upon this week!

(Note: $64,800 is equivalent to 54 PlayStation 3 sightings.)

Continue reading Readers pick best webcomic: the $64,800 bounty

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: the $64,800 bounty originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dueling analogsDuelingAnalogsgabejack trettonJackTrettonnapierskipenny arcadePennyArcadePS3ramsoomairscott ramsoomairScottRamsoomairsonysteve napierkiSteveNapierkitrettontychovg catsVgCatsweb comicWebComicTue, 20 Feb 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: your mom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/readers-pick-best-webcomic-your-mom/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/readers-pick-best-webcomic-your-mom/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/readers-pick-best-webcomic-your-mom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With silly non-animation and infantile STD humor, With Your Mom dot Com takes the [adult swim] award for best game-related webcomic this week.

Second and third place were occupied by Tycho and Gabe, with PVP Online's Penny Arcade joke edging out over Penny Arcade itself. Thanks to everyone who voted this week and be sure to let us know of any gaming comics you stumble upon this week!

Continue reading Readers pick best webcomic: your mom

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: your mom originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabepenny arcadePennyArcadetychoweb comicWebComicwith your momWithYourMomTue, 30 Jan 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nerdcore Rising throws down with trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/nerdcore-rising-throws-down-with-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/nerdcore-rising-throws-down-with-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/nerdcore-rising-throws-down-with-trailer/#commentsFiled under:

A documentary showcasing the darlings of white boy hip-hop, Nerdcore Rising takes you along for a ride with the "Godfather of Nerdcore" MC Frontalot on his first national tour.

To the uninitiated, nerdcore is what happens when you splice hard rhymes about Dungeons & Dragons with smooth beats and less aggression than what passes for hip-hop today. It could very well be the soundtrack to our culture, and the film aims to set the record straight on the roots of the genre.

Making appearances in the trailer are Frontalot himself, MC Chris of Adult Swim fame, and geek gods Tycho and Gabe of Penny Arcade. Take pride in what you do and check out the trailer after the jump!

[Thanks, Frontalot!]

Continue reading Nerdcore Rising throws down with trailer

JoystiqNerdcore Rising throws down with trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 04:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabemc chrismc frontalotMcChrisMcFrontalotnerdcorenerdcore risingNerdcoreRisingpenny arcadePennyArcadetychovideoTue, 09 Jan 2007 04:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play 2006 eBay auctions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/childs-play-2006-ebay-auctions-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/childs-play-2006-ebay-auctions-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/childs-play-2006-ebay-auctions-open/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hoping that you'll put more dollars to charity if you get something back, Tycho and Gabe of Penny Arcade have set up several eBay auctions where 100% of their proceeds go towards Child's Play, an annual charity that benefits children's hospitals.

In case you are interested, here are the charities:
Most of the auctions are well into the hundreds by now, but we still urge those with charitable minds to at least take a gander.

See Also:
Child's Play 2006 commences

JoystiqChild's Play 2006 eBay auctions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychild's playChild'sPlaye bayEBaygabepenny arcadePennyArcadetychoweb comicWebComicTue, 14 Nov 2006 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: the sitcom?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/gears-of-war-the-sitcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/gears-of-war-the-sitcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/gears-of-war-the-sitcom/#commentsFiled under: ,

Apparently we were so busy playing GOW yesterday -- playing co-op with all of you is great by the way -- we failed to notice Penny Arcade's latest comic. If you're absolutely sick of all the hyperbole surrounding this game (or if by some off chance you actually like the idea), you'll find the idea of turning Gears of War into a sitcom fairly amusing. It brings up an interesting point though. For those of you who've played the game (and were able to find it), how is it stacking up so far? Does it live up to the hype, or are you happy playing something completely different?

JoystiqGears of War: the sitcom? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabegears of warGearsOfWargowhypepenny arcadePennyArcadethat's so locustThat'sSoLocustthatssolocusttychoThu, 09 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: Justice for Penny Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/readers-pick-best-webcomic-justice-for-penny-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/readers-pick-best-webcomic-justice-for-penny-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/readers-pick-best-webcomic-justice-for-penny-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We aren't sure if people really loved this comic strip, voted because of its clout, or mistakenly voted for this when trying (in vain) to get "none of the above" to work, but Penny Arcade took a commanding lead in this week's webcomic wrapup.

Second place went to Ctrl+Alt+Del and third place is a virtual three-way tie, with Digital Unrest holding a meager lead (happy birthday, Chris). Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any gaming webcomics you stumble upon this week!

Continue reading Readers pick best webcomic: Justice for Penny Arcade

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: Justice for Penny Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabepenny arcadePennyArcadetychoweb comicWebComicTue, 24 Oct 2006 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PA disses Tiger's matchmaking skills]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/pa-disses-tigers-matchmaking-skills/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/pa-disses-tigers-matchmaking-skills/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/pa-disses-tigers-matchmaking-skills/#commentsFiled under: ,


Today, Tycho at Penny Arcade briefly goes over the unnecessarily complicated matchmaking process in Tiger Woods 07. The steps include:

"1. Consent To Be Invited

In any other Goddamn Live game, you're done. In Tiger, one must then

2. Endorse The Invitation
3. Yield Wholly To The Concept Of Inviting
4. Surrender To The Invitation Beam.

And then, finally,

5. Lift Your Voice In Supplication To Raoul Invitatio, 'He Who Maketh The Match'"

Most of our readers probably know that EA maintains its own servers. This was required by them years ago before they would allow their games on Xbox Live. Why do they need their own servers? It makes it easier to spy on you of course. Personally, I don't deal with EA's matchmaking very often, as I don't really own any of their games -- and probably won't until Burnout 5, or possibly Army of Two. So, X360F asks you, is matchmaking in Tiger really that bad?

JoystiqPA disses Tiger's matchmaking skills originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>penny arcadePennyArcadetigertiger woodstiger woods 07tiger woods pga tour 07TigerWoodsTigerWoods07TigerWoodsPgaTour07tychoMon, 23 Oct 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade responds to our "hideous editorial," misses the point [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/penny-arcade-responds-to-our-hideous-editorial-misses-the-poi/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/penny-arcade-responds-to-our-hideous-editorial-misses-the-poi/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/penny-arcade-responds-to-our-hideous-editorial-misses-the-poi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PA's Tycho has responded to my rational gamers editorial calling it "hideous" and remarks, "It's fun to think about the author tippity-tappin' this one in while he eats light bulbs in the last car of the circus train."

[Mmmm, light bulbs. BRB.]

It seems the point was missed because I mixed too many different issues into one post. If I had instead posed the hypothetical as follows, I doubt many would have objected:

Assume Nintendo is selling a white-colored Wii at a profit of X and the tangerine-colored Wii at a profit of X+Y. That is, the price (and hence, Nintendo's profit) on the tangerine Wii is greater than the price (and profit) on the white Wii. Which of the two devices would a rational consumer choose, all else equal?

He'd choose the one with lower factored-in profit margin. That is, the lower-priced console.

In the comments below, JB Cougar (and others) wrote: "I believe the black MacBook outsells the white one, and yet Apple charges a $200 (might even be $300) premium for it. They are the same system, save for the color."

For that to be true, you're assuming inequal demand for the colors. "All else equal" means equal demand for different colors of the console.

Hopefully, the elimination of mention of "Sony" or "Microsoft" from the thought experiment makes the point amply clear. So why make such an obvious statement? Isn't this like saying that consumers will buy the larger candy bar if the price and taste of all candy bars on the shelf are the same? Yes, but this question is a required first step before digging into the following question: if gamers are showing a preference for undiscounted hardware, then what else is at play here? What are people paying for, if not for hardware?

That allows us to get into discussions on Nintendo's strategy (with mention of Reggie's favorite Blue Ocean Strategy book), the value of fun, the value of software exclusives, and the value of the "unique" control scheme. This was to have been a multi-part series of editorials dissecting the value attributed to the Wii versus its rivals. With hardware power out of the way entirely, the discussion would narrow to more meaningful topics.

[Update 1: added quote from reader JB Cougar.]

JoystiqPenny Arcade responds to our "hideous editorial," misses the point [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabepenny arcadePennyArcadePS3tychoXbox-360Fri, 15 Sep 2006 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[See PAX in the (sun starved) flesh]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/see-pax-in-the-sun-starved-flesh/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/see-pax-in-the-sun-starved-flesh/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/see-pax-in-the-sun-starved-flesh/#commentsFiled under:


Ever wanted to see a huge gathering of gamers all packed into one convention hall? Have a yearning to witness a massive orgy of videogaming, tabletop gaming, and cosplay? No? Well, too bad, because that's exactly what you'll see in this video (WMV) of the Penny Arcade Expo, or PAX. If you look very carefully -- and quickly -- you might even catch a glimpse of our very own Chris Grant. Isn't that precious?

[Via Major Nelson. Image from Penny Arcade.]

JoystiqSee PAX in the (sun starved) flesh originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabemajor nelsonMajorNelsonpaxpenny arcadePennyArcadetychoThu, 31 Aug 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard at PAX: because "OmegaDethlord" sounds so formal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/25/overheard-at-pax-because-omegadethlord-sounds-so-formal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/25/overheard-at-pax-because-omegadethlord-sounds-so-formal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/25/overheard-at-pax-because-omegadethlord-sounds-so-formal/#commentsOverheard at PAX: "Hey... umm, uhh... What's up? Like, do I use your real name or your internet name?"

JoystiqOverheard at PAX: because "OmegaDethlord" sounds so formal originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Aug 2006 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabepaxpenny arcade expotychoFri, 25 Aug 2006 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[First Art of new Penny Arcade game: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/25/first-art-of-new-penny-arcade-game-on-the-rain-slick-precipice/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/25/first-art-of-new-penny-arcade-game-on-the-rain-slick-precipice/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/25/first-art-of-new-penny-arcade-game-on-the-rain-slick-precipice/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We're sitting here in the "big theater" at Meydenbauer as the clock strikes 7 PM, signalling the end of an embargo on the teaser image shown here.

Now, normally we're not ones to post teaser junk, but we'll cut the Penny Arcade boys some slack given that they're new to this whole game thing and we tend to always root for the underdog.

One thing we won't let slide is that tagline. Is this like a new Leisure Suit Larry game or summat?

JoystiqFirst Art of new Penny Arcade game: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Aug 2006 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabegameMacpaxPCpenny arcade expoPennyArcadeAdventuresprecipice of darknesstychoFri, 25 Aug 2006 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade pilgrims play blue ball game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/25/penny-arcade-pilgrims-play-blue-ball-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/25/penny-arcade-pilgrims-play-blue-ball-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/25/penny-arcade-pilgrims-play-blue-ball-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While sitting outside the main hall of Meydenbauer waiting for the first live panel with Penny Arcade's Gabe and Tycho to begin, the crowd grew restless.

Someone produced a blue ball. Someone else started a chant. The ball was crowned king. The ball was worshipped. The ball was bounced from the ground level to the first balcony, and a game was born: bounce the ball up, way up to the top of the atrium.

It was all good until some nubcake bounced the ball too high, and it got lost. Boos rumbled through Meydenbauer, but you can't keep gamers down. Bean bags were quickly brought into the mix, and festivities resumed.

There's a good vibe here at PAX, and this little emergent game demonstrates it better than any press release. This crowd came ready to play.

[Update 1: Image credit to Miles from Tacoma. Thanks, Miles!]

JoystiqPenny Arcade pilgrims play blue ball game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Aug 2006 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabepaxpenny arcade expotychoFri, 25 Aug 2006 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade feels your GRAWful pain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/27/penny-arcade-feels-your-grawful-pain/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/27/penny-arcade-feels-your-grawful-pain/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/27/penny-arcade-feels-your-grawful-pain/#commentsDo you have the GRAW blues? Do your eyes burn with a crimson fire as the phrase "1200 points" etches itself into the back of your skull? There is only one answer to your existential funk: write a folk song about it! That's how they did it in the sixties, anyway.

Well, the fancy lads at Penny Arcade are one step ahead of you, and Tycho has written an acoustic ballad to ease your troubles.

"You'll pay twenty when it should
be ten, and ten when it should be five:
and you'll pay five when it should
be free, as sure as you're alive."

The song refers to the old 8 hot dogs/10 hot dog buns dilemma: GRAW content costs $15, but you can't buy $15 worth of points. You can buy $20 worth or you can buy $10 worth, effectively making $20 the real cost of the new GRAW content. Oh, those devious microtransactions!

And since we're on the topic, don't forget to vote in our GRAW poll. We'll discuss the results on Sunday.

JoystiqPenny Arcade feels your GRAWful pain originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jun 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabegabrieljerry holkinsJerryHolkinsmike krahulikMikeKrahulikpenny arcadepenny-arcadePennyArcadetychotycho braheTychoBraheTue, 27 Jun 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade creating ESRB ad campaign]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/penny-arcade-creating-esrb-ad-campaign/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/penny-arcade-creating-esrb-ad-campaign/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/penny-arcade-creating-esrb-ad-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

With an angry mob of politicians and parents (and pareticians) waving their pitchforks and torches at the ESRB's front door these days, launching a new ad campaign might be a wise move -- at least a good deal wiser than dumping gallons of hot oil on your detractors. The powers that be at the ratings board have tapped none other than the Penny Arcade crew to create a new marketing initiative aimed specifically at gamers, one that hopes to illustrate the importance of those letters you may have glimpsed on American game covers.

Thanks to the involvement of people who have actually played games before, it's a safe conclusion that we'll be spared from the usual in-your-face X-treme to the max gamer representatives that only exist in the minds of ill-informed marketing types. Instead, Gabe and Tycho have spent the last few months creating a series of characters, each one being paired with one of the ESRB ratings. As you might have expected, Tycho has already written short narratives for all the characters that explain just how the ESRB impacts upon their lives. These will no doubt be filled with words too gigantinormonomical to comprehend.

Though some teaser images were already shown at E3, Penny Arcade says that the full campaign will be invading magazines and websites very soon.  We're hoping that 'ole DivX machine will be teaching us the ins and outs of the M-rating.

JoystiqPenny Arcade creating ESRB ad campaign originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jun 2006 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSESRBGabeGameCubeHot CoffeeHotCoffeeJack ThompsonJackThompsonPCPenny ArcadePennyArcadePS2PS3PSPTychoWiiXbox-360Fri, 02 Jun 2006 15:50:00 EST