Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Xbox launching interactive TV show 'The Music Room' in EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-launching-interactive-tv-show-the-music-room-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-launching-interactive-tv-show-the-music-room-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-launching-interactive-tv-show-the-music-room-in-eu/#comments
The Music Room is a new auditory-arts focused "interactive show" exclusive to Xbox. Beginning May 29, the The Music Room will showcase "the most exciting live bands around," with each episode featuring three acts. The first episode will be live on Live at 8.30PM UK time next Wednesday.

The first episode will feature Carl Barat, Everything Everything, Don Broco and Swim Deep. The interactive portion of the show will display three options asking what the audience wants to see next. Sadly, playing 1 vs. 100 doesn't appear to be an option.

JoystiqXbox launching interactive TV show 'The Music Room' in EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftthe-music-roomukxboxTue, 21 May 2013 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light shines in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/metro-last-light-shines-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/metro-last-light-shines-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/metro-last-light-shines-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments It's another familiar week of UK cha-... oh wait, it isn't.

After Dead Island: Riptide sliced through its competition for three weeks, this time it's dethroned by another follow-up in the form of Metro: Last Light. By debuting in top spot, it does what Metro 2033 failed to do when it placed fifth in 2010.

Chart-Track says Metro 2033 sold stronger than Last Light in its launch week. Back then, Metro 2033 was fighting March megatons like Final Fantasy 13, God of War 3, and Battlefield Bad Company 2. In contrast, May 2013 has been dead quiet - emphasis on dead.

Having said that, this week sees another new release in the top ten via Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity. The spinoff charts fourth this week. We expect the next 3DS Poke-game to do slightly better.

In other movers and shakers, Last Light only nudged Riptide into second place, making this week a 1-2 for Deep Silver and Koch Media. Tomb Raider drops out of the top five for the first time in its 11th week, slipping down to sixth. Meanwhile, Injustice: Gods Among Us and The Walking Dead (packaged retail edition) shuffle into eighth and seventh.

Continue reading Metro: Last Light shines in this week's UK charts

JoystiqMetro: Last Light shines in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackchart-track-weeklydeep-silverKoch-mediametro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ukxboxMon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/#comments Kevin Flynn, who's worked for the last two years as a senior product manager for EA's UK arm, has left to join Activision's UK side as a senior brand manager on Call of Duty. Flynn's previous efforts for EA include launching Battlefield 3 and its subsequent Premium DLC campaigns in the region.

Flynn enlisted with the Call of Duty squad this month, which we imagine must be the busiest time to sign on for an Activision paycheck. With Call of Duty: Ghosts launching on November 5 and next week's next-generation engine reveal during the Xbox event on May 21, we just hope Mr. Flynn is finding adequate time for his lunch break every day. A hungry worker is not a happy worker!

JoystiqEA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefieldbattlefield-3call-of-duty-ghostseaelectronic-artskevin-flynnmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ukxboxFri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rayman Legends visits 'Ocean World,' UK pre-order goodies revealed [update: NA too]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rayman-legends-visits-ocean-world-uk-pre-order-goodies-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rayman-legends-visits-ocean-world-uk-pre-order-goodies-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rayman-legends-visits-ocean-world-uk-pre-order-goodies-reveal/#comments
By now, you should realize that the latest Rayman Legends trailer needs no introduction. You should just watch it. Okay, if you really need further incentive, the spies of 4th Echelon make a cameo. Sort of.

Meanwhile, Ubisoft has also announced the UK pre-order bonuses for the game, exclusive to GAME. The Wii U version will let Barbara the barbarian dress up as Aveline De Grandpré, star of Assassin's Creed 3: Liberation. The PS3 version puts Rayman in the garb of Edward Kenway, piratical protagonist of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. Finally, speaking of 4th Echelon, the Xbox 360 version gives Rayman a Sam Fisher costume.

Update: It's the same deal for US pre-orders, but at GameStop. Check out the various costumes after the break.

Gallery: Rayman Legends (Ocean World)

Continue reading Rayman Legends visits 'Ocean World,' UK pre-order goodies revealed [update: NA too]

JoystiqRayman Legends visits 'Ocean World,' UK pre-order goodies revealed [update: NA too] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rayman-legendsukwii-uxboxTue, 14 May 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island Riptide tops the UK charts for third week running]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/dead-island-riptide-tops-the-uk-charts-for-third-week-running/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/dead-island-riptide-tops-the-uk-charts-for-third-week-running/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/dead-island-riptide-tops-the-uk-charts-for-third-week-running/#comments Dead Island Riptide is the second game this year to keep the competition at bay for three weeks in a row. Despite a 55 percent drop in sales, the semi-sequel repeats the run of BioShock Infinite earlier in the year. That's no surprise given the new releases shelves are just tumbleweeds rolling past each other.

The charts do include two (sort of) new releases, and both did well. Coming in at ninth is the physical box set of The Walking Dead, which released in North America late last year. Another latecomer to Europe is Persona 4 Arena, and distributor Zen United must be pleased with the fighter punching in at 11th.

As we said last week, you know it's quiet season when Call of Duty's re-gunning for the top; Black Ops 2 is now up to second place, a full six months after being released. Oh, and on the day Square Enix releases its financial results for the fiscal year, Tomb Raider makes it 10/10 - that's ten weeks in the UK top ten. Just. Saying.

Continue reading Dead Island Riptide tops the UK charts for third week running

JoystiqDead Island Riptide tops the UK charts for third week running originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklydead-island-riptidemicrosoftnintendopcpersona-4-arenaplaystationplaystation-vitaps3the-walking-deadukvitawii-uxboxMon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright shares admiration for the three Ms: Miyamoto, Molyneux, Meier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/will-wright-shares-admiration-for-the-three-ms-miyamoto-molyne/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/will-wright-shares-admiration-for-the-three-ms-miyamoto-molyne/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/will-wright-shares-admiration-for-the-three-ms-miyamoto-molyne/#comments Bespectacled brain Will Wright is one of the world's most revered game designers, both within the industry and in the more mainstream eye. But which game designers does he admire the most?

Speaking at the Game Horizon conference in the UK via a video stream, Wright said he regards a great number of designers highly, including many up-and-comers. However, the Sims creator reserved special praise for three luminaries from his generation: Shigeru Miyamoto, Peter Molyneux, and Sid Meier.

Nintendo veteran Miyamoto was "obviously" Wright's first choice.

"He always takes the player first," Wright said. "Right off the bat he works with the controller, what does it feel like, how tactile and kinesthetic is what he's working on. He works from the inside out: 'what is the first five second player experience?' So his games have this craftsmanship behind them that's amazing and unique."

The feeling is mutual; a few years back, Miyamoto said he was particularly impressed by Wright as "a very unique person and someone very special." Aw.

Continue reading Will Wright shares admiration for the three Ms: Miyamoto, Molyneux, Meier

JoystiqWill Wright shares admiration for the three Ms: Miyamoto, Molyneux, Meier originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-horizon-2013peter-molyneuxshigeru-miyamotosid-meierukwill-wrightThu, 09 May 2013 08:30:00 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[Dead Island Riptide stays afloat of this week's UK Charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dead-island-riptide-stays-afloat-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dead-island-riptide-stays-afloat-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dead-island-riptide-stays-afloat-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments A 32 percent drop in sales isn't enough to keep Dead Island Riptide from surviving as the UK's No. 1. A quiet week bereft of major new releases means it's a largely familiar line-up; this week's top ten features nine of the entries from last week.

Injustice: Gods Among Us makes it three weeks in the top two, while Tomb Raider climbs back up to number 3 as one of the few games to hold steady sales. As ever, when FIFA and Call of Duty are on the up, chances are there's a new releases lull.

One game that was released last week was Soul Sacrifice, with the time ripe for it to make a strong impression on the charts. Keiji Inafune's Vita game only debuted in 26th.

Continue reading Dead Island Riptide stays afloat of this week's UK Charts

JoystiqDead Island Riptide stays afloat of this week's UK Charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklydead-island-riptidemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3soul-sacrificeukvitawii-uxboxTue, 07 May 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Gold free this weekend in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/xbox-live-gold-free-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/xbox-live-gold-free-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/xbox-live-gold-free-weekend/#comments Xbox Live will hold a "Gold Unlocked Free Live Weekend" in the UK from noon on Friday, May 3, until 23:59 on Sunday, May 5. For those who aren't Xbox Live Gold members, it means all multiplayer functionality for games is available through the weekend.

If you're a Netflix subscriber, you'll also be able to access the service through your Xbox - and the same goes for LOVEFiLM. Offers running alongside the free Gold weekend include Double XP on Gears of War: Judgment, Assassin's Creed 3 and Far Cry 3.

Continue reading Xbox Live Gold free this weekend in UK

JoystiqXbox Live Gold free this weekend in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftukxboxxbox-liveTue, 30 Apr 2013 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island Riptide surfs the crest of this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-riptide-surfs-the-crest-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-riptide-surfs-the-crest-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/dead-island-riptide-surfs-the-crest-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments Dead Island Riptide is the new chart leader in the UK. Like Dead Island before it, the zombie-stuffed continuation may be critically divisive, but commercially it's doing the business so far. Having said that, Riptide's first week sales come in at less than half of the original's. Dead Island sliced through the 5 million mark for sales earlier this year.

Caught in the high Riptide is Injustice: Gods Among Us; last week's number one washes up this week in number two. Meanwhile, enhanced re-release Dark Arisen also matches its original's first week chart performance, notching third spot just like Dragon's Dogma did. The third of four new releases in this week's top ten is Star Trek; it boldly goes into fourth place. The last top ten debutante is Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins, the 3DS version doing what its sibling failed to; the Wii U version debuted at 12th earlier this year.

Outside of the new releases, this week's musical chairs are very interesting. Tomb Raider continues its impressive run, only down from fourth to fifth. FYI, Square Enix, that's eight weeks it's been in the UK top five, and it's ahead now of BioShock Infinite. After five weeks, Irrational's sky-high shooter is floating just below in sixth. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon is another consistent performer, and five weeks in the 3DS game is still haunting the top ten.

Continue reading Dead Island Riptide surfs the crest of this week's UK charts

JoystiqDead Island Riptide surfs the crest of this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklydead-island-riptidedeep-silvermicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3techlandukvitawii-uxboxMon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK retailer GAME launches 'Free2Play' portal with EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/uk-retailer-game-launches-free2play-portal-with-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/uk-retailer-game-launches-free2play-portal-with-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/uk-retailer-game-launches-free2play-portal-with-ea/#comments UK retailer GAME launches 'Free2Play' portal with EAUK-based retailer GAME has partnered with Electronic Arts to launch Free2Play, an online portal that serves up a collection of free browser-based PC games.

Free2Play currently offers EA's strategy-MMO Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances, medieval role-playing game Lord of Ultima, and the racing-RPG Need for Speed: World. A pair of EA-published shooters, Battlefield Play4Free and Battlefield Heroes are also slated to hit the service at a later date.

GAME notes that it has "many more titles in the pipeline," though no specific games or release dates were announced.

JoystiqUK retailer GAME launches 'Free2Play' portal with EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquer-tiberium-alliancesfree2playgamelord-of-ultimaneed-for-speed-worldpcukFri, 26 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Ultimate Collection gathers best XBLA games in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/xbox-ultimate-collection-gathers-best-xbla-games-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/xbox-ultimate-collection-gathers-best-xbla-games-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/xbox-ultimate-collection-gathers-best-xbla-games-in-the-uk/#comments
In the UK, Microsoft has initiated the Xbox Ultimate Collection program, a gathering of Xbox Live Arcade top dogs with biweekly battles where fans can vote to add a new game to the list. The winner is then available for purchase at half-price the following week.

The Xbox Ultimate Collection spans six different categories, each comprised of the top five games within said category. Games such as The Walking Dead, Peggle, Full House Poker and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD are all represented here, with five open slots of the total 60 awaiting fan-chosen games in the biweekly voting campaigns.

The full list of current Xbox Ultimate Collection games is available past the break. The Xbox Ultimate Collection program will span eight weeks in total. We've contacted Microsoft to find out if the program will be extended outside of the UK and will update this post with what we find out.

Continue reading Xbox Ultimate Collection gathers best XBLA games in the UK

JoystiqXbox Ultimate Collection gathers best XBLA games in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftthe-walking-deadukxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadexbox-ultimate-collectionThu, 25 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK Interactive Entertainment CEO defends games as culture before EU tax investigation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/uk-interactive-entertainment-ceo-defends-games-as-culture-before/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/uk-interactive-entertainment-ceo-defends-games-as-culture-before/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/uk-interactive-entertainment-ceo-defends-games-as-culture-before/#comments UKIE CEO Jo Twist defends games as culture in EU investigationLast week the European Commission announced it would kick off an "in-depth investigation" into proposed UK tax relief for video game developers, and UK Interactive Entertainment's Jo Twist wasn't too pleased by the news. This week the non-profit's CEO calls on the UK games industry to send a clear message to the European Commission, that games are culturally and economically relevant.

"[Games] generate culture, and are purveyors of culture in their own right," Twist writes. "They generate emotion and opinions, and the way they do that is through story, through experiences, and a huge diversity of innovative mechanics ... We have to show why there are not as many culturally British games being made as there could be and how the credit would help address this."

The UK games tax relief plan calls on developers to pass a "cultural test" before receiving financial aid, incentivizing games starring British lead characters, in British locations or made by a local British team. The EU Commission worries the tax relief could negatively impact competition.

"The market for developing video games is dynamic and commercially promising," said EU Commission VP of Competition Policy Joaquin Almunia. "It is not clear whether the taxpayer should be subsidizing this activity. Such subsidies could even distort competition."

Twist notes that the EU Commission investigated both the UK film tax credit and French video game tax system, both of which were eventually approved, setting a historical precedent to accept the UK's proposal. Further information on UKIE's defense can be found on its Facebook page.

JoystiqUK Interactive Entertainment CEO defends games as culture before EU tax investigation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eu-commissioneuropejo-twisttaxtax-breakstax-relieftaxesukukieTue, 23 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Pink 3DS XL announced for UK, coming next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/new-pink-3ds-xl-announced-for-uk-coming-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/new-pink-3ds-xl-announced-for-uk-coming-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/new-pink-3ds-xl-announced-for-uk-coming-next-month/#comments New Pink 3DS XL announced for UK, coming next monthA new, pink 3DS XL glams up the UK on May 31. As Official Nintendo Magazine reveals, it isn't the same as the pink-and-white number which recently re-toured North America.

There's no word yet on other regions. While Nintendo recently announced the Animal Crossing and Pikachu 3DS XLs for the west, for now, much like one of the Queen's hats, this particular portable is big, pink, and only in the UK.

JoystiqNew Pink 3DS XL announced for UK, coming next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-xlnintendopinkrelease-dateukMon, 22 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Injustice: Gods Among Us prevails in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/injustice-gods-among-us-prevails-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/injustice-gods-among-us-prevails-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/injustice-gods-among-us-prevails-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments Injustice Gods Among Us prevails in this week's UK chartsIs it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's this week's UK charts! Oh.

But no, it is exciting, because BioShock Infinite's three week reign of terror is finally over, all thanks to the brave efforts of Injustice: Gods Among Us. NetherRealm's superhero brawler becomes the ninth new game to take the UK top spot this year, and ousts Infinite into the runner-up position for the first time.

That means another run comes to an end; Tomb Raider's six week run in the top two is done, although it's still going strong in fourth. Beating it to an impressive third is new release Fire Emblem: Awakening, the 3DS RPG looking to continue the series-best sales it posted in North America. One thing Europe got that North America didn't was the game's snazzy blue 3DS XL, and that seems to be a hit in the UK; 31 percent of the XL's sales this week came from the bundle, boosting the XL's sales by nearly half over the previous week.

Continue reading Injustice: Gods Among Us prevails in this week's UK charts

JoystiqInjustice: Gods Among Us prevails in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklyinjustice-gods-among-usmicrosoftNetherrealm-Studiosnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ukvitaWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivewii-uxboxMon, 22 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME becomes first European retailer to sell eShop codes online, in-store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/game-becomes-first-european-retailer-to-sell-eshop-codes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/game-becomes-first-european-retailer-to-sell-eshop-codes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/game-becomes-first-european-retailer-to-sell-eshop-codes/#comments UK high street retailer GAME is selling eShop codes as of today, both in physical stores and through its site. The 3DS and Wii U codes can be bought across Europe outside of Nintendo's eShop, and GAME is pricing them cheaper than the eShop does, at least online.

GAME's website lists six Wii U games priced at £41.99 (except for Sing Party at £32.99). Those include Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Lego City Undercover, which are all priced £49.99 on the eShop proper. There are also similar reductions for the 21 3DS eShop games listed.

Continue reading GAME becomes first European retailer to sell eShop codes online, in-store

JoystiqGAME becomes first European retailer to sell eShop codes online, in-store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopeuropegamenintendoukwii-uFri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anna - Extended Edition improves UI, horror based on player feedback]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/anna-extended-edition-improves-ui-horror-based-on-player-feed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/anna-extended-edition-improves-ui-horror-based-on-player-feed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/anna-extended-edition-improves-ui-horror-based-on-player-feed/#comments

When Anna launched late last year, it freaked us right out. It's an adventure game soaked with subtle, horrifying moments and disturbing imagery overlaid on a gorgeous Italian countryside - though not everyone agreed with this positive assessment. It was knocked for being too short, too esoteric, not structured enough. Anna - Extended Edition promises to address these criticisms, based on "the feedback of the thousands of players of the original Anna." The extended edition is available now, in boxed and digital form in the UK, and digitally in the US via Steam, for PC, Mac and Linux.

Anna - Extended Edition includes new environments, puzzles, user interface and music, improved graphics, and a new character, "The Wife Doll," who has her own AI. The user interface was one con we noted during our time with Anna, though we still found the entire experience to be an outright creep-fest. Enjoy your Wife Doll, everyone - we'll be over here, cowering in the corner.

Continue reading Anna - Extended Edition improves UI, horror based on player feedback

JoystiqAnna - Extended Edition improves UI, horror based on player feedback originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annaanna-extended-editionDreampaintersextended-editionLinuxmacpcSTEAMukTue, 16 Apr 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EU Commission raises doubts over UK games tax relief, launching investigation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/eu-commission-raises-doubts-over-uk-games-tax-relief-launching/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/eu-commission-raises-doubts-over-uk-games-tax-relief-launching/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/eu-commission-raises-doubts-over-uk-games-tax-relief-launching/#comments The European Commission announced an impending "in-depth investigation" into the UK tax relief for video games following doubts regarding its necessity. The breaks, announced last year by the UK government, are set to provide 25 percent tax relief on 80 percent of qualifying games' budget spent in the UK, a move long demanded by the country's ailing games industry. However, today's news raises serious doubts over whether or not they'll be implemented, with the EU Commission noting a number of concerns over the scheme.

The European executive body not only doubts if the relief is needed to boost the country's games industry, but also noted the potential for positive discrimination towards "goods or services 'used and consumed' in the UK," as well as a "subsidy race" between EU states. The Commission also raised concerns over the proposed UK cultural test and whether or not that would produce "unique distortions of competition."

"The market for developing video games is dynamic and commercially promising," said EU Commission VP of Competition Policy Joaquin Almunia. "It is not clear whether the taxpayer should be subsidizing this activity. Such subsidies could even distort competition."

UK gaming trade body UKIE says it's "extremely disappointed" with the EU Commission's decision. In a response, UKIE noted such an investigation could delay the aid's implementation even if it was eventually approved.

"We believe this support is crucial in opening up the opportunity for developers to make culturally British games," said UKIE CEO Dr. Jo Twist, "But also as a vital incentive for development studios and large multinationals to base their development in the UK and nurture the talent here. We are still confident of having the scheme introduced and are fully committed to having it in place as soon as possible. A similar investigation into the French games tax relief system was successful but this took 12 months to conclude."

While a recent report by UK trade association TIGA indicated some signs of recovery for the country's games industry, 2012 saw Wipeout team Studio Liverpool and 007 Legends dev Eurocom both close, as well as high street retailer GAME suffer financial meltdown.

JoystiqEU Commission raises doubts over UK games tax relief, launching investigation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eueu-commissioneuropeeuropean-uniongovernmenttax-breakstax-reliefukTue, 16 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Criterion creative director indicates he isn't working on a racing game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/criterion-creative-director-indicates-he-isnt-working-on-a-raci/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/criterion-creative-director-indicates-he-isnt-working-on-a-raci/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/criterion-creative-director-indicates-he-isnt-working-on-a-raci/#comments Need for Speed: Most Wanted and Burnout Paradise developer Criterion looks to be expanding beyond the racing game genre. Studio creative director and VP Alexander Ward responded yesterday to recent speculation about a new Need for Speed: Underground game, ruling out any impending announcements of either that or a new Burnout - or at least ones that involve himself.

This morning, Ward tweeted "The key word was 'personally'....#tothefuture #weseefarther," underlining that some of the comments he made were only in reference to himself. His tweet may imply Criterion has separate teams working on separate games - Ward said only nine months ago the Need for Speed series was "definitely a Criterion gig" now.

"Here is what I want folks to know," Ward wrote yesterday. "Some folks are eternally disappointed. Nothing I can do about that. So many tweets asking for new Burnout. Equally many tweets asking for a new NFS game from us. Also Road Rash. Whilst I love all of those games, I am personally not doing any."

"After over a decade of making racing games it's time to make something new. It is early days thus I have nothing to 'announce' or talk about," Ward continued. However, he certainly didn't sever his own ties with the genre, later saying, "I am proud of all of the Burnout games. When it feels right we will make another one. We are creative people."

Continue reading Criterion creative director indicates he isn't working on a racing game

JoystiqCriterion creative director indicates he isn't working on a racing game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-wardalexander-wardcriterion-gamesEAukTue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Animal Crossing: New Leaf 3DS XL bundle listed by UK retailer [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/animal-crossing-new-leaf-3ds-xl-bundle-listed-by-uk-retailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/animal-crossing-new-leaf-3ds-xl-bundle-listed-by-uk-retailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/animal-crossing-new-leaf-3ds-xl-bundle-listed-by-uk-retailer/#comments UK retailer ShopTo is listing the same Animal Crossing: New Leaf 3DS XL bundle that came to Japan when the game arrived there last year. The site's description says it includes a 4GB SD card, and prices the polka-dot bundle at £190, which is the same price the Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Fire Emblem: Awakening XL bundles are going for in the region.

Nintendo hasn't announced an Animal Crossing: New Leaf bundle for Europe (or North America), and ShopTo's listing has the same Japanese-emblazoned box as above, rather than a new English one. Having said that, its emergence just ahead of a Nintendo Direct broadcast is a bit suspect. Maybe we'll frond out tomorrow if the bundle is coming to town along with New Leaf in June.

Update: While it still appears in a Google search, ShopTo has since removed the listing.

JoystiqAnimal Crossing: New Leaf 3DS XL bundle listed by UK retailer [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-xlanimal-crossing-3dsanimal-crossing-new-leafeuropenintendoukTue, 16 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Injustice: Gods Among Us Wii U delayed to Apr. 26 in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/injustice-gods-among-us-wii-u-delayed-to-apr-26-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/injustice-gods-among-us-wii-u-delayed-to-apr-26-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/injustice-gods-among-us-wii-u-delayed-to-apr-26-in-uk/#comments The Wii U version of NetherRealm's DC fighter Injustice: Gods Among Us will show up a week late in the UK, Warner Bros. has confirmed. The Wii U version has been pushed back to April 26; the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions are still set to launch in the UK this Friday, April 19.

Injustice: Gods Among Us launches in North America tomorrow and we've followed up with Warner Bros. to confirm the Wii U delay abroad won't become an issue here. When we hear back, we'll update this post. A free-to-play iOS companion app launched on the App Store last week.

JoystiqInjustice: Gods Among Us Wii U delayed to Apr. 26 in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>injustice-gods-among-usmicrosoftNetherrealm-Studiosnintendoplaystationps3ukwarner-broswii-uxboxMon, 15 Apr 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite keeps on going in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/bioshock-infinite-keeps-on-going-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/bioshock-infinite-keeps-on-going-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/bioshock-infinite-keeps-on-going-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments BioShock Infinite is the first 2013 game to top the UK charts for three weeks in a row. With no new entries to challenge it, it seems April is making way for Irrational's shooter to live up to its name and stay at No. 1 forever and ever - or for a fair old while at least.

Tomb Raider lands second again, with only a bit more than 2,500 sales between it and Infinite. That's six consecutive weeks in the top two for the apparently underperforming reboot, by the way.

Maybe it's FIFA 13 moving upfield to third which sums up this charts week. The evergreen soccer sim nudges shooter MMO Defiance down to fourth, while 3DS ghost cleaner Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon sweeps up its own hattrick, placing fifth for the third week running.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite keeps on going in this week's UK charts

JoystiqBioShock Infinite keeps on going in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ukvitawii-uxboxMon, 15 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[UK government investigating in-app purchase pressure on children]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/uk-government-investigating-in-app-purchase-pressure-for-childre/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/uk-government-investigating-in-app-purchase-pressure-for-childre/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/uk-government-investigating-in-app-purchase-pressure-for-childre/#comments UK government investigating inapp purchase pressure for childrenThe Office of Fair Trading (OFT), which handles consumer protection in the UK, announced it's reviewing if freemium web and app games are encouraging children unduly to make purchases. The OFT says it's contacted certain companies behind free-to-play games, and asked parents and consumer groups to reach out with info about "potentially misleading or commercially aggressive practices" within such games.

The investigation is focusing on games that directly target children, the OFT says, via excessive pressure to make a purchase or to do something that requires a purchase. The OFT states this is illegal under the country's Consumer Protection Regulations Act of 2008.

"We are concerned that children and their parents could be subject to unfair pressure to purchase when they are playing games they thought were free, but which can actually run up substantial costs," said OFT Senior Director for Goods and Consumer Cavendish Elithorn. "The OFT is not seeking to ban in-game purchases, but the games industry must ensure it is complying with the relevant regulations so that children are protected. We are speaking to the industry and will take enforcement action if necessary."

According to OFT, 80 of the country's highest grossing Android apps on April 9 were freemium ones. Earlier this year, Apple paid upwards of $100 million in gift certificates to account holders whose children spent money without holder permission on Capcom's Smurfs Village iOS game, this after a settlement on a lawsuit which stated Apple "failed to adequately" disclose the presence of in-app purchases aimed at children.

[Image Source: PicPocket Books]

JoystiqUK government investigating in-app purchase pressure on children originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgovernmentin-app-purchasesiosipadiphonemacmobileoffice-of-fair-tradingpcukFri, 12 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Draw Something becomes a game show in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/draw-something-becomes-a-game-show-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/draw-something-becomes-a-game-show-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/draw-something-becomes-a-game-show-in-uk/#comments The plans to adapt Draw Something, the app you probably still have on your phone from last year, into a primetime game show don't seem to have amounted to anything in the US, but a UK version is on the way.

Channel 4's "Draw It!" pits two teams of one contestant and one celebrity together to ... wait, it's not even called Draw Something? Victory Television made a deal with Zynga for the rights to the app, which is very popular, and then adapt it into a TV game show, and they don't even use the name of the app?

Without the name tie-in, this show is literally just Win, Lose, or Draw.

JoystiqDraw Something becomes a game show in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>draw-somethinggame-showmobileukvictory-televisionzyngaThu, 11 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite clings to top spot in this week's UK Charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-clings-to-top-spot-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-clings-to-top-spot-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-clings-to-top-spot-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments
Like Booker DeWitt on a skyrail, BioShock Infinite hangs high above the rest in this week's UK charts. Despite a 75 percent sales drop after its launch week, Irrational's clouds-based shooter is numero uno for two weeks in a row. Just below it is Tomb Raider, maintaining its own impressive grip on the UK top two; that's five weeks now it's not budged.

Trion's shooter MMO Defiance marks its debut week by notching third place, and is the only new entry in the top 40. Gears of War: Judgment earns a third week appraisal of sixth, falling behind Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon in fifth. Meanwhile, Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel and PGA Tour 14 endure second week drops to 15th and 17th respectively.

After just three weeks, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is nowhere to be seen in the top 40, although there may be more here than meets the eye. After placing seventh in its debut week, MH3U plummeted to a surprising 37th last week. However, Nintendo of Europe chief Satoru Shibata took to Twitter late last week to apologize "for the current stock shortage" of the Wii U and 3DS game "due to high demand." Shibata said new stock will "hopefully be available" this coming week.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite clings to top spot in this week's UK Charts

JoystiqBioShock Infinite clings to top spot in this week's UK Charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games3dsbioshock-infinitechart-trackchart-track-weeklyirrational-gamesmicrosoftmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ukvitawii-uxboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hilco completes HMV acquisition, 25 stores saved from closure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/hilco-completes-hmv-acquisition-25-stores-saved-from-closure/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/hilco-completes-hmv-acquisition-25-stores-saved-from-closure/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/hilco-completes-hmv-acquisition-25-stores-saved-from-closure/#comments Restructuring firm Hilco announced its procurement of UK high street retailer HMV from administrators Deloitte. Following protracted negotiations across the last few months, Hilco finalized the acquisition this morning, and in doing so ensured 25 stores previously earmarked for closure are to remain open.

HMV, one of the UK's most prominent high street sellers of games, effectively declared itself bankrupt by entering administration earlier this year. Hilco took on the retailer's debt, while Deloitte announced closures for almost half its outlets, with nearly 1,500 people laid off as a result. Today's news means HMV retains 141 stores and some 2,500 employees.

Continue reading Hilco completes HMV acquisition, 25 stores saved from closure

JoystiqHilco completes HMV acquisition, 25 stores saved from closure originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hilcohmvukFri, 05 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite goes sky-high in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/bioshock-infinite-goes-sky-high-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/bioshock-infinite-goes-sky-high-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/bioshock-infinite-goes-sky-high-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments It's infinitesimally surprising BioShock Infinite debuts at #1 in the UK charts, but more unexpected is that it's the country's second biggest launch of the year, despite being the biggest in the franchise's history with 9000 more sales than BioShock 2. The 2013 crown, however, still belongs to Tomb Raider. Crystal Dynamics' reboot makes it four weeks now in the UK top two - albeit helped by a 45 percent sales boost on the back of price promotions.

Gears of War: Judgment, last week's number one, slips back to third. Below it, three other new releases join BioShock Infinite in the top ten to close what's been a busy March. 3DS exclusive Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon takes fifth spot, while Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 come in sixth and eighth respectively.

Outside the top ten, the Wii U release of Lego City Undercover debuts at 12th, while Sly Cooper: Thieves of Time, which arrived for Vita and PS3 in Europe on March 27, is 31st.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite goes sky-high in this week's UK charts

JoystiqBioShock Infinite goes sky-high in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games3dsbioshock-infinitechart-trackchart-track-weeklyirrational-gamesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3tomb-raider-2013ukvitawii-uxboxTue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Wii U price drops not spurring UK sales, Wii Mini sees 'low interest']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/report-wii-u-price-drops-not-spurring-uk-sales-wii-mini-sees/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/report-wii-u-price-drops-not-spurring-uk-sales-wii-mini-sees/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/report-wii-u-price-drops-not-spurring-uk-sales-wii-mini-sees/#comments The Wii U's recent unofficial price cuts in the UK market seem to have done little to increase the latest Nintendo console's struggling sales.

Trade publication MCV has quotes from two different retail buyers, the first noting the natural sales bump has "resulted in a smaller than desired increase" and the other saying the thing Nintendo really doesn't want to hear: "They've got to do something otherwise it is GameCube all over again."

For its part, Nintendo Europe says it is reaching out to retailers directly over the next few weeks to highlight the "strong and broad line-up of software launching this year." Console price reductions are more flexible in the UK than they are in the States.

Meanwhile, TechRadar mentions Wii Mini sales aren't doing much better in the UK. The site reports demand for the unit has been exceptionally poor. The Wii Mini sold 37.5K units in Canadian market, which Nintendo was pleased about.

JoystiqReport: Wii U price drops not spurring UK sales, Wii Mini sees 'low interest' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainnintendoretailukwiiwii-uMon, 25 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blockbuster UK finds buyer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/blockbuster-uk-finds-buyer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/blockbuster-uk-finds-buyer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/blockbuster-uk-finds-buyer/#comments Restructuring and investment firm Gordon Brothers Europe bought Blockbuster UK over the weekend. The multimedia rental and sales chain entered administration in January, a month which also saw Blockbuster's US arm close a further 300 stores. Gordon Brothers Europe acquired the retailer's 264 UK stores, with the BBC reporting 2000 jobs may be saved as a result. How much the sale cost remains undisclosed.

With GAME's troubles of last year, the demises of Blockbuster and HMV left UK high street games retail with worryingly threadbare prospects. The administration process leaves Blockbuster with just over half of the 500 stores it had before, while HMV's high street presence is facing a similar level of cutback. However, both the Telegraph and the Financial Times are reporting restructuring specialist Hilco is close to securing a deal to buy HMV, having taken control of the retail chain's debt.

JoystiqBlockbuster UK finds buyer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>administrationblockbusterblockbuster-ukhmvukMon, 25 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment passes Tomb Raider in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/gears-of-war-judgment-passes-tomb-raider-in-this-weeks-uk-char/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/gears-of-war-judgment-passes-tomb-raider-in-this-weeks-uk-char/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/gears-of-war-judgment-passes-tomb-raider-in-this-weeks-uk-char/#comments It's no surprise to see new release Gears of War: Judgment slam Tomb Raider off the peak of this week's UK charts. That said, the fourth Gears game's launch sales fall way behind that of its predecessor, at least in the queen's realm. Judgment shifts just a quarter of what Gears of War 3 did in its launch week, albeit in half the time; Gears 3 released in the UK on a Tuesday, Judgment on a Friday.

Two other new releases also breach the top ten, with The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct winning out against Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. The Terminal Reality first-person shooter proves its brand traction by taking third, not quite beating Tomb Raider to second.

Meanwhile, MH3U, releasing on both 3DS and Wii U, comes in seventh. Two of last week's new releases, Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 and God of War: Ascension, place ahead of it, as does the ever-present FIFA 13. Just beneath MH3U is SimCity, with the city builder keeping its foundations firmly planted in the top ten by notching eighth place in its third week.

Continue reading Gears of War: Judgment passes Tomb Raider in this week's UK charts

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment passes Tomb Raider in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklyepic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftnintendopcpeople-can-flyplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ukvitawii-uxboxMon, 25 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U Premium bundle with ZombiU down to £200 at participating HMV locations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/wii-u-premium-down-to-199-99-at-participating-hmv-locations/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/wii-u-premium-down-to-199-99-at-participating-hmv-locations/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/wii-u-premium-down-to-199-99-at-participating-hmv-locations/#comments British retailer HMV is the latest outlet across the pond to drop the Wii U's price, lowering the console's Premium SKU and ZombiU bundle down to just £199.99 at participating locations. On its own, the Premium SKU typically retails for £299.99, and that's without ZombiU thrown in for good measure.

HMV did not clarify to Joystiq whether this price reduction is temporary or permanent, so if you're British and in the market for the Wii U that's worth owning, now may be the right time.

JoystiqWii U Premium bundle with ZombiU down to £200 at participating HMV locations originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HMVnintendoNintendo-LandPremiumsaleukwii-uZombiUFri, 22 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[UK games industry showing slight signs of recovery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/uk-games-industry-showing-slight-signs-of-recovery/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/uk-games-industry-showing-slight-signs-of-recovery/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/uk-games-industry-showing-slight-signs-of-recovery/#comments UK turnaroundUK trade association TIGA published a report this week, claiming that employment in UK games development grew by four percent in 2012.

Looking deeper at the numbers shows us UK studios aren't making the huge games they used to, however, and are evolving into smaller studios supporting more mobile and tablet development.

According to TIGA, from 2011 to 2012, creative staff across the UK grew from 8,888 to 9,224, which is where the modest four percent increase cited earlier comes from. The number of studios in the UK increased from 329 to 448 - that's 119 new studios and only 336 new jobs. The UK has shifted to smaller studios after years of layoffs and closures.

"Mobile and internet based gaming provide opportunities for growth; we have access to a highly skilled and creative workforce; and TIGA's Games Tax Relief will give a further boost to employment and investment from April 2013," said TIGA Chairman and Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley.

TIGA estimates the sector's contribution to UK gross domestic product increased from £912 million to £947 million in 2012. The UK finally passed tax relief for the ailing sector last year, having proven it passed the cultural test.


[Image: Christos G. via Shutterstock]

Continue reading UK games industry showing slight signs of recovery

JoystiqUK games industry showing slight signs of recovery originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 02:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaintaxtax-relieftigaukukieWed, 20 Mar 2013 02:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider sees off three new releases to retain UK charts top spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/tomb-raider-sees-off-three-new-releases-to-retain-uk-charts-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/tomb-raider-sees-off-three-new-releases-to-retain-uk-charts-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/tomb-raider-sees-off-three-new-releases-to-retain-uk-charts-top/#comments Tomb Raider is the UK's No. 1 for a second week, holding strong against a three-pronged challenge of new releases including God of War: Ascension. After storming to the country's biggest launch of the year last week, a rebooted Croft hangs tough to ensure Tomb Raider becomes the second 2013 game to retain its crown, despite a 72 percent sales drop.

That means the PS3-exclusive God of War: Ascension only manages the runner-up spot in its debut week, swinging ahead of fellow new releases StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm and Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 in third and fourth place. SimCity deconstructs into fifth in its second week, while Crysis 3 makes it four weeks in the top ten, down now in eighth. Sharp drops for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 see the Japanese-developed duo prop up the top 20 in 19th and 20th.

Continue reading Tomb Raider sees off three new releases to retain UK charts top spot

JoystiqTomb Raider sees off three new releases to retain UK charts top spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklycrystal-dynamicsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3square-enixtomb-raider-2013ukvitawii-uxboxMon, 18 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil Survivor 2 European release still in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/devil-survivor-2-european-release-still-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/devil-survivor-2-european-release-still-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/devil-survivor-2-european-release-still-in-the-works/#comments Ghostlight's European localization of Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 is "finished and has been approved for release by Nintendo," according to the publisher's blog, though that unfortunately does not translate into a European release date for the DS game.

"Without going into too much detail," the update reads, "retail support for DS titles is understandably low at the moment making it difficult for us to release the title. We haven't given up though and we're currently looking into several different ways of making this fantastic game available to you all."

One of the "several different ways" under consideration is the possibility of Ghostlight offering a Collector's Edition directly through its website, a strategy the publisher recently used for the 3DS release of Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked.

JoystiqDevil Survivor 2 European release still in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusdevil-survivor-2dsEUeuropeaneuropean-release-dateGhostlightnintendoUKSat, 16 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon UK follows suit with Wii U price drop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/amazon-uk-follows-suit-with-wii-u-price-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/amazon-uk-follows-suit-with-wii-u-price-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/amazon-uk-follows-suit-with-wii-u-price-drop/#comments Amazon is the latest major retailer in the UK to drop both SKUs of the Wii U by £50. Like Shopto and Asda before it, Amazon is chopping 20 percent off the 8GB Basic Pack's launch price, placing the console at £199 ($297), while the 32GB Premium Pack with Nintendo Land bundled in is down to £249 ($372).

While sales reports haven't made great reading for Nintendo of late, likely prompting the price drops in the UK, the company enjoyed a dramatic stock bump earlier this month, put down to the weakening yen and a boom in the US jobs market.

JoystiqAmazon UK follows suit with Wii U price drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonnintendoprice-dropukwii-uThu, 14 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn DVD/Blu-ray bundle coming to Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/halo-4-forward-unto-dawn-dvd-blu-ray-bundle-coming-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/halo-4-forward-unto-dawn-dvd-blu-ray-bundle-coming-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/halo-4-forward-unto-dawn-dvd-blu-ray-bundle-coming-to-europe/#comments Halo 4 Forward Unto Dawn DVDBluray bundle coming to EuropeA region two Blu-ray / DVD combo of the Halo 4 miniseries Forward Unto Dawn has been spotted on Amazon UK. If you missed it the first time around, Forward Unto Dawn is a prequel of sorts to Halo 4, telling the story of a Covenant invasion of a UNSC training facility. In addition to Blu-ray and DVD copies of the film, the deluxe edition will also feature several extras, including a poster, art cards and over 100 minutes of bonus content.

The Forward Unto Dawn Deluxe Edition is slated for a May 27 release in Europe. Amazon UK currently has it listed for 18.70 ($27.80). We've contacted Microsoft to find out if the set will also be released in North America.

JoystiqHalo 4: Forward Unto Dawn DVD/Blu-ray bundle coming to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesforward-unto-dawnhalo-4microsoftukxboxMon, 11 Mar 2013 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider ascends to the peak of this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/tomb-raider-ascends-to-the-peak-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/tomb-raider-ascends-to-the-peak-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/tomb-raider-ascends-to-the-peak-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments Lara Croft is the leader of the UK pack for the first time in nearly seven years, and she's there in some style too. Not only does Tomb Raider slot into the top spot in this week's UK charts, but it's easily the country's biggest launch of the year so far. True, the game's first week sales are boosted by arriving on a Tuesday rather than the typical Friday, but the same can be said for Aliens: Colonial Marines, the UK's previous biggest first-week seller in 2013. Tomb Raider's opening week beats that of Colonial Marines' by over double, which is particularly telling. After all, according to Crystal Dynamics, Lara's reboot notched up a million sales in under two days.

SimCity is the week's other big name release. Despite releasing on a Friday and, more pertinently, all its troubles across the ocean, the city builder installs itself in second place. On that Sim-note, the newly released University Life expansion for Sims 3 provides a timely reminder of the franchise's selling power by scoring fourth place, beaten by fellow new release Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3, which arrives in at a very respectable third place.

That means after two weeks at the top, it's down to sixth for Crysis 3, while Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance clings onto the top ten in ninth place. Tumbling their ways out are Colonial Marines and Dead Space 3, down in 15th and 19th respectively.

Continue reading Tomb Raider ascends to the peak of this week's UK charts

JoystiqTomb Raider ascends to the peak of this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklycrystal-dynamicsEAea-maxismicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3simcity-2013square-enixtomb-raider-2013ukvitawii-uxboxMon, 11 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil Survivor Overclocked checks the time, hits EU one week early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/devil-survivor-overclocked-checks-the-time-hits-eu-one-week-ear/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/devil-survivor-overclocked-checks-the-time-hits-eu-one-week-ear/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/devil-survivor-overclocked-checks-the-time-hits-eu-one-week-ear/#comments Devil Survivor Overclocked checks the time, arrives in EU one week earlyShin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked is coming to European 3DSes one week earlier than expected, on March 29. Ghostlight, the European publisher, pushed the date up on its online store where the game is available for pre-order at £35.

Devil Survivor Overclocked dropped in Japan and North America in fall 2011. Pre-orders from the Ghostlight store get two posters, one featuring the box art and the other a rendition of the game's Tokyo skyline. Ghostlight notes that these are both sent in cardboard tubes. Fancy.

JoystiqDevil Survivor Overclocked checks the time, hits EU one week early originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdevil-survivor-overclockedearlyEUeuropenintendorelease-dateukThu, 07 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pulp is first film to launch exclusively on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/pulp-is-first-film-to-launch-exclusively-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/pulp-is-first-film-to-launch-exclusively-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/pulp-is-first-film-to-launch-exclusively-on-xbox-360/#comments
British comedy Pulp will be the first film exclusively distributed on Xbox 360. Pulp stars Jay Sutherland as Tony, a comic artist recruited by the police to help take down a group of no-goods funneling ill-gotten cash through a dummy comic book company. Pulp is available right now for 1180 MS Points ($14.75) in standard definition, 1420 MS Points ($17.75) for high-definition.

Late last year, Microsoft brought on former CBS exec Nancy Tellem to oversee the creation of original video content for the Xbox brand. While Pulp wasn't expressly made for distribution on the Xbox platform, it's the first sign that we'll be seeing more video content exclusive to Xbox from here on out.

JoystiqPulp is first film to launch exclusively on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jay-sutherlandmicrosoftpulpukxboxTue, 05 Mar 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK retailers Asda, ShopTo drop Wii U below £200]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/wii-u-drops-below-200-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/wii-u-drops-below-200-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/wii-u-drops-below-200-in-uk/#comments UK retailers ShopTo and Asda are selling the Wii U Basic Pack at sub-£200 prices, taking more than 20 percent off the launch price just three months after the console's release.

Walmart-owned supermarket chain Asda chops £50 off the launch prices of both the 8GB Basic and 32GB Premium Packs on its online store, taking them down to £199 (around $300) and £249 ($375) respectively. Meanwhile, online retailer ShopTo goes one better, selling the Basic Pack at £189.85. The 8GB packs in question don't come with additional games, while the 32GB Premium Pack includes Nintendo Land.

While other UK retailers are selling at the launch price or close to it, the emergence of sharp cuts so soon must be concerning for Nintendo. Earlier this year, the company cut the Wii U's life-to-date projections for the end of March 2013 by 1.5 million, down to 4M units, while a report suggests it sold "well under" 100,000 units across January in North America.

Nintendo will be hoping March, which sees a number of Wii U releases including Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Lego City Undercover, The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct, and Need for Speed: Most Wanted, will spur a strong performance for the console.

JoystiqUK retailers Asda, ShopTo drop Wii U below £200 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asdanintendoshoptoukwii-uMon, 04 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST