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[The Crew's Pete Young on mixing co-op and competitive racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/the-crews-pete-young-on-mixing-co-op-and-competitive-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/the-crews-pete-young-on-mixing-co-op-and-competitive-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/the-crews-pete-young-on-mixing-co-op-and-competitive-racing/#comments
Traditionally, racing games are mainly a competitive affair, but The Crew will feature a co-op element where players can team up to tackle missions while racing across America. At E3, Ubisoft Reflections production director explains to Joystiq the appeal of teaming up with others and undertaking missions in a racing game.

The Crew will launch in early 2014 on Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

JoystiqThe Crew's Pete Young on mixing co-op and competitive racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2013pete-youngplaystation-4ps4racingthe-crewubisoftubisoft-reflectionsxbox-oneWed, 12 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Crew announced by Ubisoft, coming early 2014 [update: trailers]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/the-crew-announced-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/the-crew-announced-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/the-crew-announced-e3/#comments
The Crew was present and correct at Ubisoft's E3 conference today. As expected, it's an open-world racer from Ubisoft Reflections and Ivory Tower, and it's coming early next year to the PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Ubisoft says it's using next-gen hardware with The Crew to "change the status quo" of driving games. The Crew will feature an online persistent representation of the US, in which players infiltrate criminal organizations in individual cities. Ubisoft says the online persistent world "blurs the lines" between the game's single-player, multiplayer, and co-op.

Ubisoft showed off a demo featuring four players playing in four different US cities. One player was taking part in an illegal street race, while another was fighting through a 20-second trial, and the third was racing against a ghost. The final player called upon the first three to join him in a co-op mission in Miami, demonstrating how The Crew doesn't need a lobby for online multiplayer. The game will also have a companion 'second screen' app on iOS and Android.

Update: We've added the announcement trailer (above) and gameplay demo (below the break). A press release notes the game is also coming to PC, and we've updated the post as such.

Gallery: The Crew (E3 2013)

Continue reading The Crew announced by Ubisoft, coming early 2014 [update: trailers]

JoystiqThe Crew announced by Ubisoft, coming early 2014 [update: trailers] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2013ivory-towerpcps4the-crewubisoftubisoft-reflectionsxbox-oneMon, 10 Jun 2013 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Ubisoft Reflections working on racer 'The Crew']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/rumor-ubisoft-reflections-working-on-racer-the-crew/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/rumor-ubisoft-reflections-working-on-racer-the-crew/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/rumor-ubisoft-reflections-working-on-racer-the-crew/#comments
Driver series developer Ubisoft Reflections is working on a new racing game called The Crew, The Examiner reports. Citing an unnamed source, Examiner says the game is an all new racing franchise that is intended to be a "realistic title, possibly being positioned against Forza and Gran Turismo."

Reflections has been out of the racing game circuit for the past couple years after the release of Driver: San Francisco. The studio has spent its time since playing second fiddle on Just Dance, Far Cry and Watch Dogs for Ubisoft's Montreal and Paris studios.

Ubisoft Reflections is expected to announce its new game at E3.

JoystiqRumor: Ubisoft Reflections working on racer 'The Crew' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscoreflectionsthe-crewubisoftubisoft-reflectionsWed, 29 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Dogs GameStop, Amazon pre-order goods have eyes on you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/watch-dogs-gamestop-amazon-pre-order-goods-have-eyes-on-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/watch-dogs-gamestop-amazon-pre-order-goods-have-eyes-on-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/watch-dogs-gamestop-amazon-pre-order-goods-have-eyes-on-you/#comments North American retailers GameStop and Amazon are offering up their own pre-order incentives for Watch Dogs, Ubisoft announced today.

Those who commit early through GameStop will receive an additional single-player mission, with a perk that unlocks "exclusive investigation opportunities inside of the network" and bonus cash when hacking into bank accounts, plus an exclusive poster designed by Alex Ross. Amazon pre-orders also get an exclusive mission that, upon completion, unlocks a special biometric assault rifle and an outfit.

Watch Dogs launches on the Xbox 360, PS3, PC and Wii U on November 19. A port is also planned for next-generation consoles.

Gallery: Watch Dogs (Pre-Order Bonuses)

Continue reading Watch Dogs GameStop, Amazon pre-order goods have eyes on you

JoystiqWatch Dogs GameStop, Amazon pre-order goods have eyes on you originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazongamestopmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-reflectionswatch-dogswii-uxboxMon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft Reflections working on unannounced game, reveal at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ubisoft-reflections-working-on-unannounced-game-reveal-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ubisoft-reflections-working-on-unannounced-game-reveal-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ubisoft-reflections-working-on-unannounced-game-reveal-at-e3/#comments Ubisoft Reflections is working on a game which will be announced at next month's E3 conference. Speaking at the UK's Game Horizon conference today, recently appointed managing director Pauline Jacquey said her studio's involved with another game in addition to Watch Dogs, which is due on November 19.

"We work on Watch Dogs," Jacquey said, "We work on [Just Dance 4], and we work on something that I'm not supposed to tell you about. I wish that I could. It's going to be announced at E3."

Jacquey prefaced her studio's recent résumé by saying Reflections collaborates internationally with other Ubisoft studios. Reflections co-developed a number of recent Ubisoft games, including Just Dance 4 and Far Cry 3. The last game the studio took the lead on is 2011's Driver: San Francisco.

However, in a February GamesIndustry International interview, Jacquey said she also wants the UK-based Reflections to develop its "own games," going on to hint at a return to racing.

"So I want this [collaborative international development] to be a very strong pillar of the studio," Jacquey told GamesIndustry International, "But yes, I want us to do our own games and I'm very interested in the evolution of the industry like free-to-play and digital and mobile. And that's something that I did already, in the past. Not very famous games, but still millions of players. So I don't know exactly which shape it could take, I've only been here for three months, but my intention is to have a very varied portfolio and collaboration will not just be what we do.

"We already have interesting technology that we develop for the group that's linked to what we did in the past, driving. It's really cool, I think it's in the top technology you have at Ubisoft. And we have collaboration but we are already doing our own thing, but I can't talk about it."

JoystiqUbisoft Reflections working on unannounced game, reveal at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2013game-horizon-2013ubisoft-reflectionsukWed, 08 May 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft Reflections hires in-house social gaming veteran as MD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ubisoft-reflections-hires-in-house-social-gaming-veteran-as-md/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ubisoft-reflections-hires-in-house-social-gaming-veteran-as-md/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/ubisoft-reflections-hires-in-house-social-gaming-veteran-as-md/#comments Ubi new managing directorUbisoft Reflections - the UK studio responsible for Far Cry 3, Driver: San Francisco, Just Dance 3 and currently working on Watch Dogs - has a new managing director, Pauline Jacquey. Jacquey began working at Ubisoft in 1997, across studios in Paris, Shanghai, Montreal and Pune. She most recently managed Ubisoft Pune, in India, and transitioned the entire studio to a complete focus on digital games; while at Ubisoft, Jacquey supported casual and social game departments.

Ubisoft Reflections is collaborating with Montreal to develop Watch Dogs, confirmed for PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PS4 so far. Reflections also has a "number of soon-to-be-announced projects," Ubisoft says.

Continue reading Ubisoft Reflections hires in-house social gaming veteran as MD

JoystiqUbisoft Reflections hires in-house social gaming veteran as MD originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopauline-jacqueyplaystationplaystation-vitaps3UbisoftUbisoft-Reflectionsvitawatch-dogswii-uxboxThu, 28 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft Reflections hiring for Watch Dogs [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/ubisoft-reflections-hiring-for-watch-dogs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/ubisoft-reflections-hiring-for-watch-dogs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/ubisoft-reflections-hiring-for-watch-dogs/#comments
Are you a hacker, able to remotely ID people you see and change traffic lights at will? Then you're ... in Ubisoft's Watch Dogs. However, if you're not quite that adept, but still quite good with a computer, and you're in the UK, there's room for you on the team making Watch Dogs.

Ubisoft Reflections general manager Giselle Stewart told Develop that the team is adding "over 40 permanent roles at our Newcastle office." Reflections is collaborating with Ubisoft Montreal to create the open world hacking/shooting game. "Our goal is to attract senior and experienced programmers, game designers and artists to work at Reflections, bringing our team to around 200 developers," Stewart said. Just one warning: you might end up working on Just Dance as well.

Update: We've been informed the job openings for Watch Dogs are "worldwide."

JoystiqUbisoft Reflections hiring for Watch Dogs [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>job-listingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3reflectionsubisoftUbisoft-Reflectionswatch-dogsxboxMon, 05 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft offers a lesson in Far Cry 3's co-op mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/ubisoft-offers-a-lesson-in-far-cry-3s-co-op-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/ubisoft-offers-a-lesson-in-far-cry-3s-co-op-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/ubisoft-offers-a-lesson-in-far-cry-3s-co-op-mode/#comments

After debuting during Sony's E3 2012 media briefing, Ubisoft has released a video walkthrough of the four-player co-op mode found in Far Cry 3. Taking place six months before the separate single-player campaign, co-op revolves around four characters on the hunt for a man who stole a pile of loot from the group.

Let's just hope the ragtag group of merry mercenaries can get off the island before the real mayhem starts.

Far Cry 3 is launching for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on December 4 in North America.

Gallery: Far Cry 3 (E3 2012)

JoystiqUbisoft offers a lesson in Far Cry 3's co-op mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>far-cry-3microsoftpcplaystationps3UbisoftUbisoft-MassiveUbisoft-MontrealUbisoft-ReflectionsUbisoft-ShanghaixboxWed, 01 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance 4 is here to make your hallucinogenic dreams into reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/just-dance-4-is-here-to-make-your-hallucinogenic-dreams-into-rea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/just-dance-4-is-here-to-make-your-hallucinogenic-dreams-into-rea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/just-dance-4-is-here-to-make-your-hallucinogenic-dreams-into-rea/#comments Just Dance 4 is here to make your hallucinogenic dreams into reality
Creepy lobster dude? Guy glued to a wall with saran wrap? Just Dance 4 is more than happy to provide these realities. We're not sure which is stranger: the bizarre images or the group of people dancing around said anomalies, seemingly unawares.

Continue reading Just Dance 4 is here to make your hallucinogenic dreams into reality

JoystiqJust Dance 4 is here to make your hallucinogenic dreams into reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crab-peoplejust-dance-4microsoftnintendoplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-bucharestubisoft-parisubisoft-reflectionswiiwii-uxboxTue, 05 Jun 2012 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft's Reflections studio nominated for Innovation Award, now hiring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/ubisofts-reflections-studio-nominated-for-innovation-award-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/ubisofts-reflections-studio-nominated-for-innovation-award-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/ubisofts-reflections-studio-nominated-for-innovation-award-now/#comments Ubisoft's Reflections studio, the developers of Driver: San Francisco, Just Dance 3, and currently working on Far Cry 3, has been nominated for an Innovation Award by the UK's Royal Television Society of the North East, spotlighting "exceptional contributions to technological and production innovations." In other words, they produce games real good, ya hear?

The awards will be handed out on Saturday in a ceremony at Newcastle upon Tyne in Northeast England. Reflections also tells Joystiq that the company is growing and hiring at the moment, so if you want to make games and live in the UK (or are willing to move there), there might be an opening for you.

Continue reading Ubisoft's Reflections studio nominated for Innovation Award, now hiring

JoystiqUbisoft's Reflections studio nominated for Innovation Award, now hiring originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developersdriver-san-franciscomicrosoftplaystationps3reflectionsreflections-interactiveubisoft-reflectionsxboxWed, 15 Feb 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft Reflections resume outs unannounced Kinect game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/ubisoft-reflections-resume-outs-unannounced-kinect-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/ubisoft-reflections-resume-outs-unannounced-kinect-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/ubisoft-reflections-resume-outs-unannounced-kinect-game/#comments Ubisoft Reflections' next effort will be aimed at Kinect, it seems. Artist Joss Scouler's LinkedIn account reportedly listed an unannounced Kinect title in the works, but it has since been removed from the profile. Scouler has been with Ubisoft Reflections for over five years and and helped ship the studio's most recent console game, Driver: San Francisco.

"After just finishing Driver Wii as lead artist and spending time helping finalise the artwork for Driver: San Francisco, it is onto the next project on 360 Kinect which looks to be very exciting indeed," Scouler's entry previously read. Eurogamer managed to spot the unaltered profile, which pegged him as art lead on the Kinect project.

We've contacted Ubisoft for a statement and will update if we hear back.

JoystiqUbisoft Reflections resume outs unannounced Kinect game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joss-scoulerkinectubisoftubisoft-reflectionsxboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Jordan's picks for 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jordans-picks-for-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jordans-picks-for-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jordans-picks-for-2011/#comments Catherine
I have a soft spot for the bizarre and the esoteric. If something is complicated, either through the machinations of its mechanical workings or through the intricacies of its conceptual nature, its hard for me to focus on anything else until I feel like I really understand what I'm looking at. Catherine gave me something to think about, and also made me think about myself, which isn't something I can usually say about puzzle/dating games.

The experience is complicated in both the literal and metaphorical sense; its ever-changing puzzle gameplay and surprisingly deep, multifaceted story are the result of brilliant design decisions, exceptional writing and an amazing localization job by Atlus. Catherine managed to satiate my craving for the intellectually surreal while immersing me in the delightfully idiosyncratic world of Japanese storytelling.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Jordan's picks for 2011

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Jordan's picks for 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusbest-of-the-rest-2011Capcomcatherinedriver-san-franciscoking-of-fighters-xiiimicrosoftplaystationps3snk-playmoreUbisoftUbisoft-Reflectionsultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3UMVC3xboxTue, 03 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Francisco shifts in large-ish patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/driver-san-francisco-shifts-in-large-ish-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/driver-san-francisco-shifts-in-large-ish-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/driver-san-francisco-shifts-in-large-ish-patch/#comments Ubisoft's focused and fun Driver: San Francisco has received a title update for consoles. The patch includes several fixes and improvements to the online portion of the game that go beyond a paint job. Pull on past the break for the full list.

Continue reading Driver: San Francisco shifts in large-ish patch

JoystiqDriver: San Francisco shifts in large-ish patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscomicrosoftplaystationps3UbisoftUbisoft-ReflectionsxboxFri, 02 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver San Francisco review: A beautiful dream]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/driver-san-francisco-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/driver-san-francisco-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/driver-san-francisco-review/#comments The Driver series has spent the majority of its twelve year lifespan in Grand Theft Auto's shadow. The original Driver may have hit consoles a full two years before Grand Theft Auto 3, but it was GTA that secured pole position in the minds of the public, and Driver has been struggling to keep up ever since. The franchise's desperate attempts to stay relevant culminated in 2006 with Driver: Parallel Lines, a game that unabashedly and haphazardly aped Grand Theft Auto in every appreciable and quantifiable way.

That was five years ago, however, and in the interim Ubisoft Reflections appears to have realized a very important and universal truth: The only way to win a game you're destined to lose is by not playing at all. Driver: San Francisco is the best Driver game there's ever been, because it is wholly and entirely true to itself.

Gallery: Driver: San Francisco (GamesCom 2011)

Continue reading Driver San Francisco review: A beautiful dream

JoystiqDriver San Francisco review: A beautiful dream originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driverdriver-san-franciscomicrosoftpcplaystationps3reviewreviewsUbisoftUbisoft-ReflectionsxboxTue, 06 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Francisco for Xbox 360 missing Uplay Passport [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/driver-san-francisco-missing-uplay-passport/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/driver-san-francisco-missing-uplay-passport/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/driver-san-francisco-missing-uplay-passport/#comments Copies of Driver: San Francisco for Xbox 360 being sold by retailers do not include the Uplay Passport, a code required to access multiplayer beyond the 48-hour trial period. Driver is the first title by Ubisoft to require a Uplay Passport.

Joystiq contacted Ubisoft late last week when we became aware of the situation. We received a response late last night, saying a statement provided today would "clear everything up in regard to the Uplay Passport codes and Driver: San Francisco."

The Uplay Passport insert in NTSC region copies currently contains a code that unlocks DLC, but is not the code that unlocks the multiplayer.

Update: The Uplay Passport is now free when attempting to purchase through the game. It is not currently available through the dashboard nor Xbox.com. Ubisoft has yet to officially comment on this or on how long the Uplay Passport will be free through the game.

Update 2: Ubisoft's official statement can be found after the break.

[Thanks, John P.]

Continue reading Driver: San Francisco for Xbox 360 missing Uplay Passport [update]

JoystiqDriver: San Francisco for Xbox 360 missing Uplay Passport [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscomicrosoftplaystationps3UbisoftUbisoft-Reflectionsuplay-passportxboxTue, 06 Sep 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Francisco studio head defends Ubisoft DRM system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/driver-san-francisco-studio-head-defends-ubisoft-drm-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/driver-san-francisco-studio-head-defends-ubisoft-drm-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/driver-san-francisco-studio-head-defends-ubisoft-drm-system/#comments
Martin Edmonson, head of Driver studio Ubisoft Reflections, really doesn't get down with piracy. "You have to do something," he told Eurogamer in a recent interview, when asked about Ubi's PC digital rights management strategy -- which requires an internet verification of some sort for many games to be accessed, including Driver: San Francisco. "PC piracy is at the most incredible rates," he argued. "The game cost a huge amount of money to develop, and it has to be, quite rightly -- quite morally correctly -- protected."

That said, the final decision on which Ubi titles get the infamous DRM goes to the publisher, not the studio. "DRM is not a decision taken by us as a developer at all. It's a purely a publisher decision. The publisher has every right to protect their investment," Edmonson explained. And while we see his point, we can't help but continue to wonder why paying customers are being punished with restrictive DRM after paying for their games.

JoystiqDriver: San Francisco studio head defends Ubisoft DRM system originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-rights-managementdriver-san-franciscodrmmartin-edmonsonpcubisoftubisoft-reflectionsFri, 02 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Francisco to be offered as full download on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/driver-san-francisco-to-be-offered-as-full-download-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/driver-san-francisco-to-be-offered-as-full-download-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/driver-san-francisco-to-be-offered-as-full-download-on-psn/#comments A full downloadable version of Driver: San Francisco will arrive on PSN alongside the retail version of the game, Ubisoft's Gareth Edmonson revealed during a Gamescom panel last week. That's right: In what's likely to be our favorite irony of the month, you don't have to actually drive anywhere to buy the new Driver.

Speaking at a Gamescom panel last week, Edmonson said the PSN version would arrive "in a few weeks" which would roughly correspond to the game's Sept. 6 retail release date. We've asked Ubisoft for more details, especially whether the 360 will get similar treatment.

JoystiqDriver: San Francisco to be offered as full download on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadabledriver-san-franciscoplaystationps3psnubisoftUbisoft-ReflectionsMon, 22 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft delays PC version of [insert game here] at 11th hour [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/driver-san-francisco-pc-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/driver-san-francisco-pc-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/driver-san-francisco-pc-delayed/#comments Ubisoft has informed Eurogamer that the PC Version of Driver: San Francisco will not launch in the European territory until September 30, nearly a month after its console debut. Ubisoft has yet to confirm a North American PC delay, and online and packaged retailers still show a September 6 launch. We've contacted the publisher to confirm a stateside shift.

The eleventh-hour delays for the PC versions of Ubisoft's games have become standard ops. If the delays are part of some piracy prophylactic, it functions as another layer to the company's "successful" DRM. The last minute Ubisoft PC delay tactic has been used most recently on From Dust and Call of Juarez: The Cartel, and goes back further with titles from the Assassin's Creed series and Splinter Cell: Conviction.

Update: Ubisoft has confirmed the PC version of Driver: San Francisco has a North American street date of September 27. The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions will launch September 6 in North America.

JoystiqUbisoft delays PC version of [insert game here] at 11th hour [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydriver-san-franciscopcUbisoftUbisoft-ReflectionsThu, 11 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Francisco delayed a week to September 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/driver-san-francisco-delayed-a-week-to-september-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/driver-san-francisco-delayed-a-week-to-september-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/driver-san-francisco-delayed-a-week-to-september-6/#comments Whoops, looks like Driver: San Francisco didn't run the red light and is now delayed one week. Originally expected to reach stores on August 30, the shift-y racer will now arrive September 6.

Ubisoft has also released a new video explaining the game's multiplayer features -- an experience that we've been pleasantly surprised with ever since our first test drive at E3. Check out the video above and see what could potentially be one of the most compelling multiplayer experiences of the year.

JoystiqDriver: San Francisco delayed a week to September 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysdriver-san-franciscomicrosoftpcplaystationps3q3-2011release-dateUbisoftUbisoft-ReflectionsxboxThu, 28 Jul 2011 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Francisco's dev diary explores your good will]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/driver-san-franciscos-dev-diary-explores-your-good-will/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/driver-san-franciscos-dev-diary-explores-your-good-will/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/driver-san-franciscos-dev-diary-explores-your-good-will/#comments
Rather than allowing players to jump from car to car all willy nilly-like, Driver: San Francisco instead depends on a metric called "good will" to mete out the Matrix 2-esque action. We can't wait to hear how this plays into the "dude in a coma" story conceit!

JoystiqDriver: San Francisco's dev diary explores your good will originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diarydeveloper-diarydriver-san-franciscodrivingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-reflectionsxboxMon, 25 Jul 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver San Francisco multiplayer preview: Repossessed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/driver-san-francisco-multiplayer-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/driver-san-francisco-multiplayer-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/driver-san-francisco-multiplayer-preview/#comments It's Wednesday, right in the middle of E3, and as I sit in the Joystiq conference room frantically tapping away at my keyboard, I hear my colleague Alexander gushing about Driver: San Francisco's multiplayer component. The following day he would publish a piece about the game's Tag mode and thanks to it, and many others like it, Driver's multiplayer would emerge as one of the show's sleeper hits.

At the core of all the excitement is "shifting." With the press of a button, you can seamlessly exit your vehicle and hover above the game world ... think of it as an out-of-auto-body experience. Then, you can "possess" other vehicles, taking direct control. There's plenty of solid driving, but the possibilities of shifting are what no one can seem to stop talking about.

"It's really confirmed to everyone in the studio that the shift mechanic works -- it's especially exciting in the multiplayer," creative director Martin Edmondson said. "To get people at E3 playing it for the first time and writing very positive things about it is great for the team."

Up until now, I've only been able to get cozy with the single-player component, but when Ubisoft invited me out to see the multiplayer, I finally got to see exactly what Alex and everyone else was so worked up about.

Gallery: Driver San Fancisco (Multiplayer)

Continue reading Driver San Francisco multiplayer preview: Repossessed

JoystiqDriver San Francisco multiplayer preview: Repossessed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscomicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-reflectionsxboxThu, 14 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Francisco preview: Get smashed with friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/driver-san-francisco-preview-get-smashed-with-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/driver-san-francisco-preview-get-smashed-with-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/driver-san-francisco-preview-get-smashed-with-friends/#comments Of all the things I wasn't expecting at this year's E3, Driver: San Francisco's multiplayer turning out to be the "have you tried that yet?" game is definitely in the top three. The genius "shift" system brings a whole new dimension to driving games and delivers a "still in the race" feel, whether you're a veteran of the genre or dabble in it from time to time.

I played the multiplayer "Tag" mode -- essentially "keep away" -- as the "it" driver puts the pedal to the metal in San Francisco traffic and the other players try to smash into him, thus starting the cycle of tag all over again. What the shift system does is allow players who are far away from the target (or who just want a new vehicle) to disembody themselves from the car and instantly snap to an aerial view and plop into a car closer to the target. The best example I can think of to convey the intensity this causes is the highway scene in Matrix: Reloaded where the Smiths and The Twins keep taking over other drivers.

Shifting allows you to always feel like you're still a contender as the "it" person incrementally ticks up points. The strategies available also elevate what is a simple game of "keep away" into something you can see playing and laughing about with friends for hours. You don't have to be into driving games to enjoy this type of mode.

Gallery: Driver: San Francisco (E3 2011)

Continue reading Driver: San Francisco preview: Get smashed with friends

JoystiqDriver: San Francisco preview: Get smashed with friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscoe3-2011microsoftplaystationps3Ubisoft-ReflectionsxboxThu, 09 Jun 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Francisco preview: Shifting perspectives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/driver-san-francisco-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/driver-san-francisco-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/driver-san-francisco-preview/#comments The biggest accomplishment in Driver: San Francisco appears to be the city itself, a huge expanse that not only covers the northern part of San Fran, but also Marin County, the East Bay and Treasure Island. Ubisoft Reflections creative director Martin Edmondson gave me a quick tour, showing me both a zoomed-out look at the entire gameworld and views from within the driver's seat in different districts, to give me a taste of the variety in locales. To see it all recreated and in such grand scope -- and running at a smooth framerate -- was quite impressive.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to drive around much on my own when I was at the controls. Instead, my playtime was relegated to roughly the first hour of the game and the northern section of the city, giving me a chance to see how protagonist Tanner gains the ability to possess other drivers -- what Edmondson calls "the shifting mechanic."

Gallery: Driver: San Francisco (4/28/11)

Continue reading Driver: San Francisco preview: Shifting perspectives

JoystiqDriver: San Francisco preview: Shifting perspectives originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscomartin-edmondsonmicrosoftplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-reflectionsxboxThu, 28 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Francisco peels out on August 30, 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/driver-san-francisco-peels-out-on-august-30-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/driver-san-francisco-peels-out-on-august-30-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/driver-san-francisco-peels-out-on-august-30-2011/#comments Ubisoft has announced that the next installment in the Driver series, Driver: San Francisco, will hit the mean streets of US retail on August 30. The game is currently slated to launch on PS3, Xbox 360, PC and Mac simultaneously. Separate titles bearing the same name are also planned for the Wii and 3DS.

Driver: San Francisco once again sees players stepping into the shoes of Tanner, who, after being involved in an accident, gains the unusual ability to shift into the bodies of other drivers in the game on-the-fly. Look for more details in our full preview of the game tomorrow.

JoystiqDriver: San Francisco peels out on August 30, 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscodsmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-reflectionswiixboxWed, 27 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver: San Fran dev Ubisoft Reflections suffers layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/driver-san-fran-dev-ubisoft-reflections-suffers-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/driver-san-fran-dev-ubisoft-reflections-suffers-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/driver-san-fran-dev-ubisoft-reflections-suffers-layoffs/#comments The usual Monday blues are even bluesier today at Ubisoft Reflections, as the UK-based studio has suffered job cuts. Develop reports that as many as 19 employees could be dismissed from the group that is currently developing (the recently delayed) Driver: San Francisco. Ubisoft Montreal will now fill the role of "associate studio" on the project and offer support going forward.

An undisclosed source told Develop that the layoffs were wide-reaching, affecting higher-ups as well as contract workers. Additionally, the source cited "delays with the project" as one of the reasons for the redundancies, suggesting that the studio's lack of experience with the current generation of consoles (this is its first current-gen game, after all) has become exceedingly costly. The source claimed Reflections has been "learning as we go along, developing our skills."

An Ubisoft representative characterized the cuts as part of a reorganization, insisting that "Reflections is crucial as a studio" and that there are no plans to shutter the operation entirely following Driver's expected launch early next year. The spokesperson assured that Reflections "will absolutely keep going after Driver."

JoystiqDriver: San Fran dev Ubisoft Reflections suffers layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscolayoffsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-reflectionswiixboxMon, 29 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Driver: San Francisco creative director Martin Edmondson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/interview-driver-san-francisco-creative-director-martin-edmond/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/interview-driver-san-francisco-creative-director-martin-edmond/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/interview-driver-san-francisco-creative-director-martin-edmond/#comments Formed in the mid-1980s, Reflections Interactive has been making games for longer than you might remember. While the studio has franchises like Shadow of the Beast and Destruction Derby under its belt, its longest standing franchise is Driver. This fall the wheelman returns in Driver: San Francisco, and Reflections -- now owned and operated by Ubisoft -- is once again steering the ride.

Also returning to the series is Reflections founder Martin Edmondson who, in March 2005, walked away from Reflections Interactive and filed suit against former publishing partner and company owner Atari for "constructive unfair dismissal" before settling in 2006. We spoke with Edmondson regarding Driver's return to the streets and the finer points regarding the upcoming game's "Shift" car jumping system.

Gallery: Driver San Francisco

Continue reading Interview: Driver: San Francisco creative director Martin Edmondson

JoystiqInterview: Driver: San Francisco creative director Martin Edmondson originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscoe3-2010Martin-Edmondsonmicrosoftplaystationps3UbisoftUbisoft-ReflectionsxboxMon, 28 Jun 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Driver: San Francisco]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/preview-driver-san-francisco/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/preview-driver-san-francisco/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/preview-driver-san-francisco/#comments While a lot of people have share an affinity for the Driver series, most would agree that the franchise has stalled. Although that's a hilarious pun in reference to cars, it's also the best way to say the series has failed to capture the respect it received when the first and the second games (depending on who you ask) were released.

After taking a long hiatus to build a new, completely proprietary engine, the franchise has returned in Driver: San Francisco and brings with it a few new ideas.

Gallery: Driver San Francisco

Continue reading Preview: Driver: San Francisco

JoystiqPreview: Driver: San Francisco originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscoe3-2010microsoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftUbisoft-ReflectionsxboxMon, 28 Jun 2010 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Braking: Ubisoft's new Driver teased in video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/braking-ubisofts-new-driver-teased-in-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/braking-ubisofts-new-driver-teased-in-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/braking-ubisofts-new-driver-teased-in-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ubisoft has released a teaser video and a countdown site for its relaunch of the Driver series (the last title of which was released back in the heady days of aught-seven). We knew that there would be a new Driver to see at E3, and the site's countdown lines up with 5 p.m. PDT next Monday, June 14, which happens to be the exact same time that Ubisoft is holding its pre-expo press conference. What are the odds?

The trailer seems to hint at most of the mainstays of the series, including our old friend Tanner (who's been transplanted to California, apparently, and has become a 49ers fan), rip-roaring muscle cars and the old "garage stunts checklist" that players had to pull off back when the series started. The site also links to a Facebook page, where you can "discover the driver's identity" (wait, didn't they just show it in the video?) by clicking the "Like" button. So if Ubisoft's goal was to get Driver fans intrigued, it's probably working. We'll light the fires and kick the tires on the game in about a week.

JoystiqBraking: Ubisoft's new Driver teased in video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivere3-2010microsoftpcplaystationps3reflections-interactivesan-franciscoteaserubisoftubisoft-reflectionsxboxXbox-360Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft Reflections creating new Driver game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ubisoft-reflections-creating-new-driver-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ubisoft-reflections-creating-new-driver-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ubisoft-reflections-creating-new-driver-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

Obvious automobile news now, with the shocking revelation that the people inside Ubisoft's Reflections studio, nabbed by the French publisher in 2006, are hard at work clicking buttons, typing code and making "VROOM!" sound effects in order to service a new Driver game. You may remember it as the getaway car sim that you liked before Thelma and Louise took the wheel for most of the sequels.

Aside from its in-development status, not much is revealed about the new Driver in a BBC News clip, though it does show a man modeling a red (then blue, no, yeeeelllloooow!) sports car. That's a good start, we suppose.

JoystiqUbisoft Reflections creating new Driver game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DriverReflectionsUbisoftUbisoft-ReflectionsWed, 18 Jun 2008 11:14:00 EST