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[Don't expect a split-screen patch for UT3 on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/dont-expect-a-split-screen-patch-for-ut3-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/dont-expect-a-split-screen-patch-for-ut3-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/dont-expect-a-split-screen-patch-for-ut3-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,

According to Videogamer, Epic's Mark Rein says PS3 owners shouldn't expect Unreal Tournament III's split-screen option for Xbox 360 to be patched into their version of the game. To compensate, he says they "should be happy" that they have user-generated mod support.

Rein explains it would be a "big job" to go back and retrofit the PS3 version and doesn't believe Epic has the resources to devote to such a project. He says more mod support will be added to the PS3 version of the game, but wouldn't go into specifics. The Xbox 360 version of UT3 is expected "this summer."

JoystiqDon't expect a split-screen patch for UT3 on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicPS3split-screenunreal-tournament-3unreal-tournament-iiiunrealtournament3ut3Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Samus Aran spotted in Unreal Tournament III]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/samus-aran-spotted-in-unreal-tournament-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/samus-aran-spotted-in-unreal-tournament-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/samus-aran-spotted-in-unreal-tournament-iii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Oh, Samus, did you lose all of your suit's abilities again? Is that why you're running around in Unreal Tournament III, picking fights with Master Chief? Wait, is your lawyer okay with this? Does he think all this modding magic is "great?"

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqSamus Aran spotted in Unreal Tournament III originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicMetroidModsPCPS3SamusUnreal-Tournament-3UnrealTournament3UT3Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 receives new free maps today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/unreal-tournament-3-receives-new-free-maps-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/unreal-tournament-3-receives-new-free-maps-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/unreal-tournament-3-receives-new-free-maps-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Unreal Tournament 3 isn't just receiving a patch today, but it's also getting three new maps for free (yum!). The maps will be available for PC and PS3 (as soon as the PSN update happens this afternoon). This free content update is very much in line with Epic's business philosophy, despite what we've seen regarding Gears of War DLC on Xbox 360.

The three new UT3 arenas are named: Morbias, Facing Worlds and Searchlight. Morbias is the deathmatch arena that "started it all," Facing Worlds is another classic map for snipers and Searchlight is a capture the flag map. Go get 'em fragmasters!

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 receives new free maps today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicPCps3psnunrealtournament3ut3Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UT3 PS3 patch coming March 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/ut3-ps3-patch-coming-march-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/ut3-ps3-patch-coming-march-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/ut3-ps3-patch-coming-march-27/#commentsFiled under: ,

Remember when buying a console game meant living with whatever bugs and gameplay glitches got inadvertently shipped with the game? Well, the folks at Epic want you to forget all about those days with a patch for the PS3 version of Unreal Tournament coming down the PSN pike on March 27.

The fixes included in the free, downloadable patch include support for character mods, an easier method for downloading mods from the web browser, and basically a lot of other stuff related to mods (in addition to some other incidental tech fixes). The patch will also bring the European and U.S. editions of the game into alignment, allowing for online matches across the Atlantic. A nice feature, but we hope all that data going across the transatlantic cables doesn't cause too much lag.

Check out the full list of bug fixes after the break.

Continue reading UT3 PS3 patch coming March 27

JoystiqUT3 PS3 patch coming March 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicFPSpatchPS3PSNunreal tournament 3UnrealTournament3UT3Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most brick-tastic video: The UT3 Legoland mod]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/todays-most-brick-tastic-video-the-ut3-legoland-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/todays-most-brick-tastic-video-the-ut3-legoland-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/todays-most-brick-tastic-video-the-ut3-legoland-mod/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


While we can think of other childhood amusements we'd rather see as the inspiration for a Unreal Tournament 3 mod (like a recreation of a Mighty Max playset, or something of the Fraggle variety), this Lego-themed map is pretty ingenious (and completely free to download). Composed entirely of fully destructible Lego brick structures and populated with Lego people (whose smug smirks you can blast off their tiny, yellow faces), it's definitely the world's most vivid simulation of what going postal in Legoland might be like -- and the cleverest map we've seen from the UT3 modding community so far.

JoystiqToday's most brick-tastic video: The UT3 Legoland mod originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epiclegolegobrickslegolandmapmidwaymodPCPS3unreal-tournament-3unrealtournament3UT3Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch this space, Epic Games plans to double in size]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/watch-this-space-epic-games-plans-to-double-in-size/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/watch-this-space-epic-games-plans-to-double-in-size/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/watch-this-space-epic-games-plans-to-double-in-size/#commentsFiled under: ,


Having tired of rubbing actual elbows with fellow teammates, Epic Games' always verbose VP Mark Rein has confessed that he and his squad of developers have "pretty much run out of space" in the company's North Carolina base of operations, and that plans are well underway for an expansion to "at least" double the facility's current size. According to a report by North Carolina's News Observer, the devs coughed up a cool $1.57 million for the new office space, which will be positioned on a five-acre lot adjacent to Epic's current 31,000-square foot HQ.

Headcount at Epic currently stands at 94, with current growth of around one new employee a month expected to continue for the next couple of years. So with all of this added space, will the developers get to spread out, and maybe quit knocking over each others' Mt. Dew as they reach for their mouse? Unlikely, as the report notes that the new facility will instead be largely used to house the numerous play testers that visit Epic, rather than have to rent out space down the street. We understand the need completely, though until the devs get additional space of their own we'd suggest judicious application of lids.

JoystiqWatch this space, Epic Games plans to double in size originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic gamesEpicGamesgears of warGearsOfWarmark reinMarkReinPCplay testPlayTestunrealUnreal Tournament 3UnrealTournament3ut3Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 gets first user-created map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/unreal-tournament-3-gets-first-user-created-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/unreal-tournament-3-gets-first-user-created-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/unreal-tournament-3-gets-first-user-created-map/#commentsFiled under: ,


Epic still hasn't finished up the tools that will allow modders to make their Unreal Tournament 3 maps work on the PS3, but they've taken it upon themselves to pick one from the PC community and "cook" the code so it could work on Sony's box. Players can now download DM-Shrine, made by English graphic designer Thomas Browett, here or here.

The directions for getting it onto your PS3 (which we've lovingly placed after the jump) are not exactly user friendly, but shouldn't be too big of a hurdle. The one issue is that you are going to need someway to get it onto the system, either via a memory card or a USB memory stick. We know we're not game designers, and we think free content's great, but is there really no more elegant way of handling this?

[Via 1UP]

Continue reading Unreal Tournament 3 gets first user-created map

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 gets first user-created map originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcepicPS3unreal-tournament-3unrealtournament3ut3Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament PS3 shipping in 'limited quantities' Dec. 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/unreal-tournament-ps3-shipping-in-limited-quantities-dec-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/unreal-tournament-ps3-shipping-in-limited-quantities-dec-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/unreal-tournament-ps3-shipping-in-limited-quantities-dec-10/#commentsFiled under: ,


Despite initial doubts, Midway has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 version of first-person twitchfest, Unreal Tournament III, will begin shipping to North American stores on December 10th, with "limited quantities" leaping onto shelves the following day. Initial supply has no doubt been hampered due to Epic's last-minute (some say miraculous) completion of the game, not to mention the fact that Bob the disc burner wanted to go on vacation like yesterday.

In case you missed it during the Thanksgiving avalanche, Unreal Tournament III is already available for the "personal computer."

JoystiqUnreal Tournament PS3 shipping in 'limited quantities' Dec. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsEpicFPSMidwayPS3UnrealUnreal-TournamentUnrealTournament3UT3Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 on PS3 has gone gold, likely due mid-December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/unreal-tournament-3-on-ps3-has-gone-gold-likely-due-mid-decembe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/unreal-tournament-3-on-ps3-has-gone-gold-likely-due-mid-decembe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/unreal-tournament-3-on-ps3-has-gone-gold-likely-due-mid-decembe/#commentsFiled under: ,


PS3 owners can put their fears to rest: It looks likes you are going to get your hands on Unreal Tournament 3 before year's end. Epic's Mark Rein has just posted on the company's official forums: "We got news last night that Unreal Tournament 3 has been approved by SCEA and has been released to North American manufacturing."

Now, the big question is when you or Santa (wink!) will be able to get your hot/gloved hands on it. Rein says Midway will have a formal announcement early next week, but he guessed they "will start shipping the title to North American retailers on Monday December 10th and it could show up in stores as early as December 11th, but more likely toward the middle of that week."

Rein still isn't sure about PAL territories because of some localization issues. His best guess is that the the game will ship there in January or February.

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 on PS3 has gone gold, likely due mid-December originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicmark-reinmarkreinmidwayPS3unreal-tournament-3unrealtournament3ut3Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 on PC Nov. 19 ... PS3 coming 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/unreal-tournament-3-on-pc-nov-19-ps3-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/unreal-tournament-3-on-pc-nov-19-ps3-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/unreal-tournament-3-on-pc-nov-19-ps3-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Midway announced today that Unreal Tournament 3 is gold for the PC and will start blowing stuff up Nov. 19. And what about the PS3 console exclusive version? Midway already covered their bases and said they don't think it's coming until 2008, but Epic's Mark Rein said at the time they're still pushing for '07. Midway's press release from today says the PS3 version "will follow soon." We're just curious to know how long after the PS3 UT3 launch will the Xbox 360 version be announced -- Epic has obviously found success on the platform.

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 on PC Nov. 19 ... PS3 coming 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingnewsdelayPCPS3reinunrealtournament3ut3Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Midway expects Unreal Tournament PS3 to slip into '08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/midway-expects-unreal-tournament-3-to-slip-into-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/midway-expects-unreal-tournament-3-to-slip-into-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/midway-expects-unreal-tournament-3-to-slip-into-08/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you were picturing Darth Vader's infamously prolonged "No!" in response to this news, we'll improve your mental image by replacing the overacting villain with another shiny black object -- the PlayStation 3. In a financial update released today, Unreal Tournament III publisher Midway stated that its annual estimates have been revised due to "the expected movement of Unreal Tournament 3 for the PLAYSTATION 3 system into the first quarter of fiscal 2008." Conveniently and refreshingly, Midway's 2008 fiscal year begins in 2008. Also, unfortunately.

With fans already assaulting the forums of developer Epic Games, company VP Mark Rein has once again posted one of his noncommittal assurances. "As a public company, Midway felt an obligation to its shareholders to let them know about the possibility of a delay," said Rein. "But our goal is still to get the PS3 version of UT3 in stores before the end of 2007. However, we will only ship it once it's ready and is the best game we can deliver." See if you can extract any optimism from that, at least enough to cover what could become a fairly unsightly hole in the PS3's holiday lineup.

PC owners will be glad to learn that their version(s) of the frenetic first-person shooter is still due for a November release.

JoystiqMidway expects Unreal Tournament PS3 to slip into '08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsEpic-GamesFPSMark-ReinMidwayPCPS3Unreal-Tournament-3Unreal3UnrealTournament3Xbox-360Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 gets PC collector's edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/unreal-tournament-3-gets-pc-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/unreal-tournament-3-gets-pc-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/unreal-tournament-3-gets-pc-collectors-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

This November PC gamers will have a choice to make: settle for the regular edition of Unreal Tournament 3 ($50), or fork over just a bit more for the newly announced collector's edition, which comes in an obligatory tin case.

For an extra $10, Midway is packing in an art book detailing the game's vehicles, characters, weapons and environments, as well as a bonus DVD featuring "in depth" Unreal Engine 3 Toolkit video tutorials, an Unreal Tournament retrospective, and a look behind the scenes at the making of UT3.

This special edition is expected to be available in the US on November 19 alongside the regular, non-tin version, while Midway adds that both will also be released in the UK, Europe, South Africa, Russia, Australia and "most other territories."

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 gets PC collector's edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectorsepicfragmidwayPCunrealunrealtournament3Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[No PS3-to-PC play in Unreal Tournament 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/no-ps3-to-pc-play-in-unreal-tournament-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/no-ps3-to-pc-play-in-unreal-tournament-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/no-ps3-to-pc-play-in-unreal-tournament-3/#commentsFiled under: , ,


PS3 players hoping to test their Unreal Tournament 3 skills against PC players (read: get their clocks cleaned) will be out of luck according to Epic's Mark Rein. In an IRC chat yesterday, Rein wrote, "The biggest challenge in doing cross platform play is syncronizing [sic] the builds such that the build on the PC is 100% compatible with the build on the PS3."

The good news is that the PC-PS3 divide may not be a permanent one. Rein said that the feature is one that could be considered after the game is released. But, unfortunately, he says that even at that point "the likelihood is small." Though it's a cool feature, we still want to know ... is it something you guys care about?

JoystiqNo PS3-to-PC play in Unreal Tournament 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossplatformepicmarkreinPCPS3unrealtournament3Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Cliffy B: BioShock is my game of the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/cliffy-b-bioshock-is-my-game-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/cliffy-b-bioshock-is-my-game-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/cliffy-b-bioshock-is-my-game-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: ,


You know why people like Cliffy B? No, it's not just the stylish locks and game design skills (though that's part of it, make no mistake). It's his honesty. It's the forthrightness, for example, to call BioShock his Game of the Year in September of a year when he is releasing a game of his own. That's the kind of guy we look up to.

The man behind Gears of War gives a frank, funny take on the game (which was made with Epic's technology) over at his blog. Although he's dumping heaps of praise on the game, Cliffy's also honest enough to admit there are some things he doesn't like, including forcing his enemies to be covered in bees. We're still curious about the GOTY distinction though. Either he's as honest as we think, "Except for My Game" was implied in the award title or, maybe, it's just a subtle hint that Unreal Tournament 3 really, really isn't guaranteed to come out in November.

JoystiqCliffy B: BioShock is my game of the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockcliffybgearsofwarunrealtournament3Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 gets 'no guarantee' of Nov. release from Epic [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/unreal-tournament-3-gets-no-guarantee-of-nov-release-from-epi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/unreal-tournament-3-gets-no-guarantee-of-nov-release-from-epi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/unreal-tournament-3-gets-no-guarantee-of-nov-release-from-epi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


[Update: Not so fast, there. Rein told Next-Gen that "Nothing has changed at this point. We're working toward a November release ... We don't know the specific release date yet and I think it is always prudent to remind our fans that we value quality over release date." While there's still "no guarantee" of a November release, it's nice to know that their plans haven't changed (they just haven't made any yet!).]

Epic's Mark Rein made a post on Epic's Unreal Tournament forums last Friday saying there is "no guarantee" of a November release on the PS3. He says they don't know when the game will be completed, but says they want to offer UT3 when it is finished instead of just getting it out the door. Next-Gen interprets this to mean that there may be a delay incoming, meanwhile GI.biz (which didn't link their source material) says that this puts "PS3 Unreal Tournament exclusivity in doubt." The PC version would also be affected by this issue.

Remember how we were talking about "happy delays" and "sad delays"? This is a little bigger than a possible "sad delay." It tosses another log -- a major log given the E3 press conference -- on the PS3's delay bonfire. Even though it also affects PC, it's just not a healthy hit for the PS3 to take at the moment on the console front. We're just wondering who's going to talk or spin this story first -- Sony or Epic? There's also no word if this possible delay will push off the Xbox 360 release to give the PS3 an exclusivity window. This is not a game the PS3 wants to lose for the holiday season, but it's also a franchise Epic won't put in danger by being partially done for release.

[Via Next-Gen and GI.biz]

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 gets 'no guarantee' of Nov. release from Epic [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayPCPS3reinunrealtournament3ut3Xbox-360Tue, 11 Sep 2007 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Developers walk through Unreal Tournament III]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/developers-walk-through-unreal-tournament-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/developers-walk-through-unreal-tournament-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/developers-walk-through-unreal-tournament-iii/#commentsFiled under:

For the Unreal devotees, it shouldn't come as surprising that Unreal Tournament III is shaping up quite nicely. Already far along in development, this PC/PS3 first person shooter is pushing the boundaries of the already-impressive Unreal Engine even further. Not only are the weapons demonstrated in this video, but the vehicles are, as well. Some of them are quite creative, we have to admit.

While we're impressed, we're worried that the current popularity of Warhawk may deter fans from switching to yet another multiplayer shooter. While UTIII and Warhawk have very different approaches to the genre, we hope that gamers don't get too burned out from their endless Warhawk sessions.

[Thanks, Daichi!]

JoystiqDevelopers walk through Unreal Tournament III originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>unrealtournamentunrealtournament3ut3Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock's helping hand to Unreal Engine 3's image]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/bioshocks-helping-hand-to-unreal-engine-3s-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/bioshocks-helping-hand-to-unreal-engine-3s-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/bioshocks-helping-hand-to-unreal-engine-3s-image/#comments
If any company is going to benefit from the success of BioShock, beyond 2K Boston and Take-Two, it's Epic with their embattled Unreal Engine 3. BioShock has brought very public redemption and good press to the UE3 due to 2K Boston's phenomenal use of the tech. This hasn't gone unnoticed by Epic's Mark Rein who says, "We like to think we set a high bar with our own games, but more importantly we give our licensees the opportunity to take what we've done and do something even better with it ... There are a lot more great titles coming from our licensees as well and we're very proud of what is being accomplished and the helping role we get to play in their success."

2K Boston's Ken Levine didn't wimp out on talking about their issues with the UE3 during our interview with him. Levine said, "Of course, it's an engine, engine's are always a bear. Developing games is really hard, I think the mistake that a company like Epic might make is to say, 'Oh yeah, it's simple, we give you the engine and you go do it fellas, it'll be a breeze.' Development is hard, it gives you a leg up, but if you don't have a great technology team you're going to run into trouble. Even if you have a great technology team you can run into trouble." Although the exact contractual issues regarding Silicon Knights' license with Epic are something for the court to decide, SK's inability to get Too Human working with the UE3 looks pretty awkward in the court of public opinion in the wake of BioShock.

JoystiqBioShock's helping hand to Unreal Engine 3's image originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockpcps3reintoohumanue3unrealtournament3xbox360Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[No PS3 demo for Unreal Tournament 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/no-ps3-demo-for-unreal-tournament-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/no-ps3-demo-for-unreal-tournament-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/no-ps3-demo-for-unreal-tournament-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

Those still on the fence and waiting for a demo of Unreal Tournament 3 are unfortunately out of luck. Mark Rein has stated that there will be no PS3 demo before the game's release. If you have a decent PC, however, then you're in luck. The reason given is that Epic isn't a big enough company to work on a game and a demo at the same time.

Rein said it was the same when Microsoft asked Epic for a Gears of War demo. "What we told Microsoft last year - they wanted a demo for Gears of War and we said 'you've got a choice - you can have the demo this year or the game this year'." We know which we'd rather have. The game is a no-brainer for us anyway, we'll be picking this up as soon as it's available.

JoystiqNo PS3 demo for Unreal Tournament 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>unrealtournament3Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 gets no demo on PS3, PC in the clear]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/unreal-tournament-3-gets-no-demo-on-ps3-pc-in-the-clear/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/unreal-tournament-3-gets-no-demo-on-ps3-pc-in-the-clear/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/unreal-tournament-3-gets-no-demo-on-ps3-pc-in-the-clear/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


There will be a PC demo for Epic's Unreal Tournament 3 before the game's release in November, but the PS3 version is just out of luck. Epic VP Mark Rein told Eurogamer that it's like what they told Microsoft when they wanted a Gears of War demo, "You've got a choice - you can have the demo this year or the game this year."

Rein emphasized once again that Epic is not a huge company, a reason given by Sony for sending in their ninja engineers to help get UT3 out the door on time. Rein say the PC demo will end up being a beta, giving programmers feedback to fix the game before launch. The Xbox 360 version is expected early next year -- it'll definitely be interesting to see how the whole multiplayer situation looks between PSN and Xbox Live. We're definitely expecting some phenomenal complaining about which handles multiplayer better regarding ease of use. Unless the Xbox FPS fanboys are still focused on playing Halo 3 multiplayer at that point.

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 gets no demo on PS3, PC in the clear originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demopcps3reinue3unrealtournament3ut2Xbox-360xbox360Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 cross-platform play STILL unconfirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/unreal-tournament-3-cross-platform-play-still-unconfirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/unreal-tournament-3-cross-platform-play-still-unconfirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/unreal-tournament-3-cross-platform-play-still-unconfirmed/#commentsFiled under:

Despite numerous sites taking the recent Gamespy press release to mean that Unreal Tournament 3 will include PC to PS3 cross platform play, this is still not necessarily the case. For those not in the know, Gamespy have recently partnered with Epic to offer all Unreal Engine 3 licensees the ability to connect to the Gamespy network and utilize its matchmaking and profile tools. This includes cross platform play between the PS3 and PC. While the partnership means that allowing cross-play would be easy, Mark Rein has stated to us that the decision to include it in Unreal Tournament 3 has yet to be made. As for other Unreal Engine 3 games, using these tools will be up to individual developers.

Mark was keen to emphasize that the Gamespy multiplayer tools are not a replacement for Games for Windows LIVE. It is simply another choice given to developers using the engine. We're sure that if anything changes regarding cross play for UT3 then an announcement will be made as appropriate. Until then, look forward to any and all Unreal Engine 3 games potentially having some excellent online play in the future.

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 cross-platform play STILL unconfirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MarkReinUnrealTournament3Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic dedicated to user mods for 360 UTIII]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/epic-dedicated-to-user-mods-for-360-utiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/epic-dedicated-to-user-mods-for-360-utiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/epic-dedicated-to-user-mods-for-360-utiii/#commentsFiled under:

In a response concerning his earlier comments about Blu-Ray capacity, Epic's Mark Rein has once again commented on bringing user created content to Unreal Tournament III for Xbox 360. First, he noted that praising Blu-Ray's capacity was in no way meant as a slight to the 360's DVD format, adding that any extra content could easily be made available for download. Speaking about user created mods, Rein noted, "When it comes to user created mods on the 360 - we will work with Microsoft to find a way to support them." He added that Epic doesn't know what the solution is at this time, and that it will have to wait until after the PS3 and PC versions ships (as well as Gears of War for PC). After that (and some much deserved R&R), Rein promises that Epic will tackle the user created content problem and "figure it out."

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqEpic dedicated to user mods for 360 UTIII originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepicgamesmarkreinmidwayunrealtournament3unrealtournamentiiiut3utiiiThu, 16 Aug 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft opening up to user content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/microsoft-opening-up-to-user-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/microsoft-opening-up-to-user-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/microsoft-opening-up-to-user-content/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though traditionally a controlling mother when it comes to its infant Xbox Live online service, Microsoft hinted today at easing up its sweaty-palmed handholding. Speaking at Gamefest 2007 (via 1UP), the company discussed the Xbox Live Server Platform (XLSP) that companies can use to deliver content, provided they take full responsibility for monitoring the content.

When suggested that one might use this to create a PC level editor that would make games for an Xbox 360 title, Microsoft Software Design Engineer Zsolt Mathe said, "Even though nobody has done that, I would highly recommend that."

Epic Games Vice President Mark Rein had previously stated that Xbox Live's resistance to user-created maps and mods was responsible in part to the delay of the Unreal Tournament 3 for Xbox 360. Looks like XLSP will be the system that expedites the version release.

The catch is that Microsoft must approve the game maker to use XLSP. We imagine it's kind of like the film Chasing Liberty, where the President of the US gives his over-protected daughter extra freedom to travel Europe with an undercover secret service agent constantly keeping watch. In this adaptation, Microsoft is played by the reliable Stark Sands, Mark Rein is captured brilliantly by the venerable and lovable Mandy Moore and XLSP is portrayed by the hunky Matthew Goode ... what? It was a good film, don't look at us like that!

[Via X3F]

JoystiqMicrosoft opening up to user content originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepicgamesmarkreinmicrosoftunrealtournament3Xbox-360xboxlivexboxliveserverplatformxlspWed, 15 Aug 2007 22:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic's Mark Rein pleased with Blu-ray's 'legroom']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/epics-mark-rein-pleased-with-blu-rays-legroom/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/epics-mark-rein-pleased-with-blu-rays-legroom/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/epics-mark-rein-pleased-with-blu-rays-legroom/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Much like a psychotic chainsaw killer, Epic vice president Mark Rein has expressed satisfaction with being given more room to store all those legs. While talking up first-person fragger Unreal Tournament 3 at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival, Rein praised the PlayStation 3 disc format's large storage capacity, noting that "we may have fewer maps on the 360 version...Blu-ray has definitely given us a lot of legroom."

Of course, as Xbox 360 developers are wont to do, Rein applied some damage control on the Epic Games forums, explaining how disappointed he was that "folks on the internet treat any positive thing we say about one platform as some sort of critique of another platform." While ruling out the possibility of two DVDs for the eventual Xbox 360 version of Unreal Tournament 3, Rein suggested that online downloads and hard drives could sort out glaring content deficiencies between platforms.

And before you ask about mod support for Microsoft's console: "We just don't have all the answers today and it isn't our chief priority at this very moment because we already have our hands completely full shipping UT3 on PC and PS3 as well as shipping Gears of War on PC."

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Read -- "EIF: Rein's a Blu-ray fan" (GamesIndustry.Biz)
Read -- Is the 360 version limited?

JoystiqEpic's Mark Rein pleased with Blu-ray's 'legroom' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayDVDEpicMarkReinPCPS3Unreal3UnrealTournament3Xbox-360Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 'gamercard' option seen during demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/ps3-gamercard-option-seen-during-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/ps3-gamercard-option-seen-during-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/ps3-gamercard-option-seen-during-demo/#commentsFiled under: ,


A menu selection spotted during a demo of Unreal Tournament 3 seems to suggest that Sony is working on a player-identification system, perhaps similar to Xbox Live's Gamertag. After seeing the "Gamercard" option in a menu at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival, Games Digest was reportedly told by Epic's Mark Rein "Oops, you shouldn't have seen that."

What's more, a member of the Evil Avatar forums put forth an image from PlayStation Home that also has the "gamer card" option, this time with a space in the middle. We know very little at this point, but thought you all would appreciate a head-start on speculation. By the way, if the phrase "gamer card" seems familiar to you, you aren't imagining things.

Read -- 'Gamercard' spotted in UT3 demo
Read -- Gamercard image from Evil Avatar

JoystiqPS3 'gamercard' option seen during demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamercardplaystationhomeps3unrealtournament3Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[MS softens stance on user created content for 360 [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/ms-softens-stance-on-user-created-content-for-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/ms-softens-stance-on-user-created-content-for-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/ms-softens-stance-on-user-created-content-for-360/#commentsFiled under:


Coming from Gamefest 2007, it looks like Microsoft might be changing its tone on user created content. Longtime followers of the Xbox 360 will know that user created content has long been sought after by Microsoft, though it is somewhat hindered by the fact that all downloadable content has to be cleared by Microsoft before it can be distributed via Xbox Live Marketplace. At Gamefest, it was revealed that developers can circumvent this restriction by using what is called Xbox Live Server Platform (XLSP). Using XLSP, publishers can provide content directly from their own servers instead of Marketplace. Of course, such publishers would be solely responsible for all content delivered by these means. Also, use of XLSP by any publisher must be approved by Microsoft. During a panel at Gamefest, someone even asked if it would be possible to create a PC level editor that built levels playable on an Xbox 360. In response, Microsoft Software Design Engineer Zsolt Mathe said, "Even though nobody has done that, I would highly recommend that."

Given Epic's recent lamentations concerning user generated content for Unreal Tournament III on the Xbox 360, perhaps XLSP is the answer.

[Via BeyondUnreal. Thanks, Dave]

Update: 1UP incorrectly states that XLSP stands for Xbox Live Silver Platform. DXL540 informs us that it is in fact Xbox Live Server Platform, which makes a bit more sense. Furthermore, DXL540 sends us an SEC filing from Activision detailing what's possible with XLSP.

JoystiqMS softens stance on user created content for 360 [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepicgamesmidwayunrealtournament3unrealtournamentiiiut3utiiiWed, 15 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 may possibly have more maps, thanks to Blu-ray]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/unreal-tournament-3-will-have-more-maps-thanks-to-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/unreal-tournament-3-will-have-more-maps-thanks-to-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/unreal-tournament-3-will-have-more-maps-thanks-to-blu-ray/#commentsFiled under: ,

Much like how George Bluth Sr. was having a love affair with his ice cream sandwich, Mark Rein of Epic Games has admitted his feelings toward the new Blu-ray format. Don't worry, his feelings are positive and returned in full. Speaking about Unreal Tournament 3, Mark Rein talked of the advantage the PS3 version may have over the 360: "we may have fewer maps on the 360 version...Blu-Ray has definitely given us a lot of legroom." Boo-yah, Blu-ray!

Rein wasn't quite finished there, however. He even thought ahead to Unreal Tournament 4, saying "If you think down the road, well maybe the next UT beyond this one, on Blu-ray disc, we might fill the whole damn disc with all the cool stuff the mod makers make." We'd be very excited to see that, really! So there's even more proof that not only is Blu-ray a handy asset, but it'll give us all more stuff down the line.

[Update: Changed title to more accurately reflect content.]

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 may possibly have more maps, thanks to Blu-ray originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayepicgamesmarkreinunrealtournament3Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA["Gamercard" spotted at Edinburgh Interactive Festival]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/gamercard-spotted-at-edinburgh-interactive-festival/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/gamercard-spotted-at-edinburgh-interactive-festival/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/gamercard-spotted-at-edinburgh-interactive-festival/#commentsFiled under:

During the Unreal Tournament 3 screening at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival today (that's in Scotland, by the way) Games Digest noticed something strange in the game's menu. The option, "Gamercard", was quickly covered up by Mark Rein, who was giving the presentation. "Oops," he said, "you shouldn't have seen that."

Due to the "no camera" rules there is no photographic evidence, but we're still happy to commence the speculation. Especially since Mark was so secretive about it. Is it a UT3 feature? Is it Sony's answer to the 360's Gamertag? We're not sure, but we'd definitely like to know. No doubt we'll hear more before the release of Unreal Tournament 3, at least. We'll try and contact Mark for a statement, but expect him to remain extremely tight lipped. What do you suspect it could be?

Joystiq"Gamercard" spotted at Edinburgh Interactive Festival originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamercardrumorsunrealtournament3Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 to feature PC to PS3 cross play? Still undecided]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/unreal-tournament-3-to-feature-pc-to-ps3-cross-play-still-undec/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/unreal-tournament-3-to-feature-pc-to-ps3-cross-play-still-undec/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/unreal-tournament-3-to-feature-pc-to-ps3-cross-play-still-undec/#commentsFiled under:


The rumour mill is working overtime today, churning out bags and bags of delicious untruthes. The latest of which is that Unreal Tournament 3 will feature PC to PS3 cross play and that the PS3 will be the only console to support the feature. We contacted Mark Rein for clarification and he responded exactly as we expected him to. "We have not made a decision on PS3 vs. PC play."

To clarify further, for those confused, the PS3 version of UT3 will feature keyboard and mouse but PC to PS3 cross play has not been decided on yet. Rein listed some hurdles that need to be jumped before the feature could be implemented during his interview with Joystiq. One of those hurdles? Control differences. So with that fixed, it's a possibility. They just haven't decided yet. Yes, we're really driving that point home.

Keep those rumours coming and we'll keep debunking them. Probably.

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 to feature PC to PS3 cross play? Still undecided originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>markreinunrealtournamentunrealtournament3Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Keyboard and mouse support for UT3 PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/keyboard-and-mouse-support-for-ut3-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/keyboard-and-mouse-support-for-ut3-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/keyboard-and-mouse-support-for-ut3-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,


Epic Games Vice President Mark Rein has confirmed on the official forums that Unreal Tournament 3 for the PlayStation 3 will support keyboard and mouse.

"[Designer Steve Polge] is confident we are doing it in a way that will be balanced without feeling "gimped" for either side," he said. Rein also added that there will be options to "allow people to choose whether or not they want to allow mixed controller vs. keyboard/mouse games or not." In our recent interview with Rein, he was still unsure if this feature would be implemented.

Will the battle for the best first-person shooter controls -- gamepad or keyboard and mouse -- now be fought locally? Is this further evidence that Epic will implement the PS3 and PC cross-platform multiplayer? Our fingers are crossed.

Gallery: Unreal Tournament III (PS3)



[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqKeyboard and mouse support for UT3 PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicEpicGamesPCPS3unrealUnrealTournamentunrealtournament3ut3Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[UT3 on PS3 confirmed to have keyboard and mouse support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/ut3-on-ps3-confirmed-to-have-keyboard-and-mouse-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/ut3-on-ps3-confirmed-to-have-keyboard-and-mouse-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/ut3-on-ps3-confirmed-to-have-keyboard-and-mouse-support/#commentsFiled under:


Our mate (and Vice President of Epic) Mark Rein has today posted on the official Unreal Tournament 3 forums to confirm that yes, keyboard and mouse input will be available in the PS3 version of the game. The confirmation came, we suspect, after a number of PS3Forums members noticed that Rein stated that he didn't see a huge demand for the feature during an interview with Joystiq. Taking matters into their own hands, they started campaigning to show that there was indeed demand for it by emailing Rein en masse telling him so.

Rein states that the feature will be implemented in a balanced way "without feeling "gimped" for either side." In the Joystiq interview he seemed worried that incorporating different controller methods would give an unfair advantage. If this problem has been solved, does that mean we could be seeing PS3 to PC cross play, after all? There are more details to come later.

JoystiqUT3 on PS3 confirmed to have keyboard and mouse support originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>unrealtournament3Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[No limit on PS3 Unreal Tournament 3 mods says Mark Rein]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/no-limit-on-ps3-unreal-tournament-3-mods-says-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/no-limit-on-ps3-unreal-tournament-3-mods-says-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/no-limit-on-ps3-unreal-tournament-3-mods-says-mark-rein/#commentsFiled under:


In a recent interview with Joystiq the Vice President of Epic, Mark Rein, makes it clear that PS3 mods for Unreal Tournament 3 will have no limits. "Anything that can put into a level" can be included. ""Level" is a little deceiving now because, with the streaming system that we have, a level isn't just one map anymore. But anything you can put in there, which includes maps, models, Unreal Kismet scripts, Unreal Script, textures, shaders, matinee instructions." So total conversion mods will easily be possible, when utilizing all those tools.

Rein summed it all up by saying that "Anything that we can do, you can do." Sounds good to us. Check out the full interview at Joystiq.

JoystiqNo limit on PS3 Unreal Tournament 3 mods says Mark Rein originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MarkReinUnrealTournament3UT3Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interviews Unreal Tournament 3's Mark Rein]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/joystiq-interviews-unreal-tournament-3s-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/joystiq-interviews-unreal-tournament-3s-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/joystiq-interviews-unreal-tournament-3s-mark-rein/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mark Rein, Vice President of Epic, was kind enough to sit down and chat with us at the Develop Conference in Brighton. During this fairly lengthy talk we discuss, among other things, UT3's performance on the PS3 the Unreal Engine's development and how that relates to other licensees. Find the full interview after the break.

How long will it be before a fully optimised PS3 version of Unreal Engine 3 is released to developers?

It's constantly being released to developers. How it works is, when you license Unreal Engine 3 you get access to our development server where we do all of our source control. So you can see everything that we put into this server. It's completely transparent to licensees.

What we do then is, and I'm guessing here as I'm not directly involved with this, but about once a month we'll put a build through quality assurance testing. This is then an approved build, or a "blessed" build as we call them. We advise our licensees that they might find a specific bug fix on our development server, but if you want something that's gone through testing you have to wait and use a "blessed" build.

Gallery: Unreal Tournament III (PS3)

Continue reading Joystiq interviews Unreal Tournament 3's Mark Rein

JoystiqJoystiq interviews Unreal Tournament 3's Mark Rein originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DevelopConferenceMarkReinPCPS3UnrealTournament3Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Midway says they're not the only ones "concerned" over PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/midway-says-theyre-not-the-only-ones-concerned-over-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/midway-says-theyre-not-the-only-ones-concerned-over-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/midway-says-theyre-not-the-only-ones-concerned-over-ps3/#commentsAs if Sony needed any other publisher's concern, Midway spoke out the other day about the up-take (or up-doc, if you want some tomfoolery) of the PS3. Midway's CEO David Zucker did the talking, but his words strike home and we're concerned about the same things he is: we want the good PS3 titles to sell very well. He's also concerned about console sales, feeling the price cut will deliver a nice, temporary boost to sales, but it might not be enough.

If you're wondering why Midway is so concerned, it's because for once, they're not trying to sell a Mortal Kombat title. They've got the special edition of Stranglehold and Unreal Tournament 3 coming out over the next few months and those are pretty important titles to get sales for. Midway wonders if another price cut will come in the future, if it's enough, and if their big titles will make a splash on the PS3, or bellyflop. Everybody knows that getting a pink belly is not a very fun way to start your day at the lake.

JoystiqMidway says they're not the only ones "concerned" over PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>davidzuckermidwaystrangleholdunrealtournament3Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Rein on Halo 3, 360 UTIII mods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/mark-rein-on-halo-3-360-utiii-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/mark-rein-on-halo-3-360-utiii-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/mark-rein-on-halo-3-360-utiii-mods/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Remember the CVG interview in which Epic VP Mark Rein stated that Microsoft's E3 showing hurt Halo 3? Now the first part of the interview has been published in its entirety, giving a further look at Rein's opinions. One of the more interesting tidbits, after his spiel about the Halo 3 showing, he goes on to admit that Halo 3 will break all of the sales records set by Gears of War. According to Rein, "We've had a nice nine, ten months of being the record holder, and now we're going to get our ass kicked. In a good way." Good form, old man, good form. Rein goes on to discuss the various versions of Unreal Tournament III and Gears of War PC and the fate of its exclusive content (hint).

Also worth nothing, in the second part of the interview, which has yet to be published, Rein admits that the reason for the delay of the Xbox 360 version of Unreal Tournament III is that Epic has yet to sort out how user created mods will work on 360. Rein notes that in the "worst case scenario" Epic will submit user created mods to Microsoft for certification and offer them as downloadable content. Rein adds that, "hopefully between now and whenever it is we ship on Xbox 360, we figure out a user-managed way to do it." Our fingers are crossed.

Read -- Mark Rein interview, part 1
Read -- Epic struggles with UTIII mods on 360

JoystiqMark Rein on Halo 3, 360 UTIII mods originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepicgamesgearsofwargearsofwarpchalo3markreinunrealtournament3unrealtournamentiiiut3utiiiWed, 01 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mod restrictions holding back UT3 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/mod-restrictions-holding-back-ut3-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/mod-restrictions-holding-back-ut3-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/mod-restrictions-holding-back-ut3-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sony's timed exclusive with Unreal Tournament 3 looks to have happened in part thanks to Microsoft. According to Epic Games' Mark Rein (via CVG), unresolved issues with downloadable user mods on the Xbox 360 led the developer to delay the shooter until "some time after the new year." Rein also confirmed this news to Joystiq in an interview to be published tomorrow.

Because of the closed nature of the Xbox Live network, setting up a system for PC users to share mods with Xbox 360 users would be challenging, especially since there is no cross-platform connectivity via Microsoft's Games for Windows Live. "And Microsoft's got a very busy Christmas schedule... We just couldn't get enough attention from them to solve that problem," he told MCV.

"Worst case scenario would be Epic bringing popular mods onto the 360 and putting them through the certification process," Rein told us. "Because that's the way it works today. Or selling them in Marketplace, or convincing Microsoft to let us give some away for free," he said.

"That's the worst case scenario. Hopefully it will be better than that, but we know nothing yet about how that's going to work and that's why we're totally concentrating on the PS3 right now, in terms of consoles," he said.

Gallery: Unreal Tournament III (PS3)

JoystiqMod restrictions holding back UT3 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepicgamesmarkreinmodsPCunrealunrealtournament3ut3Xbox-360Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Tournament 3 not using Games for Windows Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/unreal-tournament-3-not-using-games-for-windows-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/unreal-tournament-3-not-using-games-for-windows-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/unreal-tournament-3-not-using-games-for-windows-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Xbox 360 users who want to shoot up their PC counterparts in Unreal Tournament 3 are out of luck -- Epic vice president Mark Rein has confirmed on the developer's forums that the first-person shooter will not use Games For Windows Live and will therefore not feature cross-platform play between Microsoft's console and the PC.

Rein said that they have not decided about cross-platform play between PC and the PlayStation 3. "We're not 100% sure that users want that feature but if we get time we'll play around with it and see how it works," he said. Sony's console will have the ability to share PC mods, so the the logistics of PC vs. PS3 play shouldn't be too hard.

No release date has been given but Unreal Tournament 3 has been confirmed as a timed exclusive for the PS3.

Gallery: Unreal Tournament III (PS3)

JoystiqUnreal Tournament 3 not using Games for Windows Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepicgamesmarkreinPCPS3unrealunrealtournamentunrealtournament3Xbox-360Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic unsure of cross-platform play with Unreal Tournament 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/epic-unsure-of-cross-platform-play-with-unreal-tournament-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/epic-unsure-of-cross-platform-play-with-unreal-tournament-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/epic-unsure-of-cross-platform-play-with-unreal-tournament-3/#commentsOne of the main reasons why Epic decided to stick Unreal Tournament 3 exclusively on the PS3 until the end of the year (we think Sony meant fiscal year, so really, until the end of March) was because of Sony's willingness to allow modifications of the game via the PC build. They call these "mods" in the crazy land of hardcore gamers, or so we've heard. It's sort of a mystical place -- a place no one has ever truly been here in Consolevania. Even with the promise of having mods on the PS3 version of the game, Epic has not decided to allow cross-platform play yet.

Everything isn't dark and gloomy, though. Mark Rein of Epic gives us hope that they will probably consider it in the future: "We're not 100% sure that users want that feature but if we get time we'll play around with it and see how it works. In the mean time we plan to be able to serve the PS3 from PC servers so that should help us gets lots of great servers going." No word on any cross-platform play between the PS3 and 360, let alone the Games for Windows LIVE service. Just the PS3 and PC at this point. Would you guys like cross-platform play, since the PS3 version does, in fact, support keyboards and mice?

JoystiqEpic unsure of cross-platform play with Unreal Tournament 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicEpicGamesUnrealTournament3UT3Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on Unreal Tournament III]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/hands-on-unreal-tournament-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/hands-on-unreal-tournament-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/hands-on-unreal-tournament-iii/#comments
We got to see Unreal Tournament III running side by side on PC and PS3. Both versions obviously looked fantsatic, and it was great to see how nearly identical they look. However, the incredible resolution of the PC version made it the clearly superior offering. A representative from Epic told us that the PS3 version is still being tweaked, and that details about the resolution and framerate it will run at won't be revealed yet as they're still trying to optimize the performance for the console.

UTIII will feature the return of many fan-favorite weapons, but we saw a couple of a new additions. Of particular note had to be a weapon that generated a time-warping field. A cube can be created, and within that cube, all time gets slowed down significantly. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the field, we saw the Flak Cannon shoot into the field. As the spray entered the field, it came to a crawl, and the player was able to run past the flak and see it exit the other side, at full momentum. We don't know if this will make a significant change to battles, but it certainly was a cool effect, nonetheless.

In addition, UTIII will feature a greater variety of vehicles. The coolest addition has to be the hoverboard, which is readily accessible at all times. This allows players to move much more quickly, and can be used while holding a CTF flag. A new single player mode was briefly demonstrated, and it shows a lot of potential. The offline single player from previous Unreal Tournament titles were slim on story and options. In the newly updated single player campaign, players will be able to watch a story unfold, and choose a non-linear path through various missions.

Gallery: Unreal Tournament III (PS3)

Continue reading Hands-on Unreal Tournament III

JoystiqHands-on Unreal Tournament III originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e307epicunrealengineunrealtournamentunrealtournament3Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Unreal Tournament III]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-impressions-unreal-tournament-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-impressions-unreal-tournament-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-impressions-unreal-tournament-iii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We got to see Unreal Tournament III running side by side on PC and PS3. Both versions obviously looked fantsatic, and it was great to see how nearly identical they look. However, the incredible resolution of the PC version made it the clearly superior offering. A representative from Epic told us that the PS3 version is still being tweaked, and that details about the resolution and framerate it will run at won't be revealed yet as they're still trying to optimize the performance for the console.

UTIII will feature the return of many fan-favorite weapons, but we saw a couple of a new additions. Of particular note had to be a weapon that generated a time-warping field. A cube can be created, and within that cube, all time gets slowed down significantly. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the field, we saw the Flak Cannon shoot into the field. As the spray entered the field, it came to a crawl, and the player was able to run past the flak and see it exit the other side, at full momentum. We don't know if this will make a significant change to battles, but it certainly was a cool effect, nonetheless.

In addition, UTIII will feature a greater variety of vehicles. The coolest addition has to be the hoverboard, which is readily accessible at all times. This allows players to move much more quickly, and can be used while holding a CTF flag. A new single player mode was briefly demonstrated, and it shows a lot of potential. The offline single player from previous Unreal Tournament titles were slim on story and options. In the newly updated single player campaign, players will be able to watch a story unfold, and choose a non-linear path through various missions.

Gallery: Unreal Tournament III (PS3)

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Unreal Tournament III

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Unreal Tournament III originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e307epicPCPS3unrealengineunrealtournamentunrealtournament3Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Games, Unreal Tournament 3 sign exclusivity deal with Sony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/epic-games-unreal-tournament-3-sign-exclusivity-deal-with-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/epic-games-unreal-tournament-3-sign-exclusivity-deal-with-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/epic-games-unreal-tournament-3-sign-exclusivity-deal-with-sony/#commentsFiled under: ,


Right alongside NC Soft, Epic signed a multi-stage exclusivity agreement with Sony to optimize use of the Unreal Engine 3 for the PS3. The big idea behind this was Unreal Tournament 3. Namely, making it a PS3 exclusive for this financial year. That's right -- the devs responsible for Cogs of Battle want to try their hand at making the PS3 the leading platform for their hot, hot, hotly anticipated UT3. What's really impressive about this announcement isn't necessarily the exclusivity agreement, but the fact Jack Tretton promised us the ability to bring user-created PC mods into the console version of the game via the PlayStation Network. Homebrew is happening, little by little, and we're very happy about that.

JoystiqEpic Games, Unreal Tournament 3 sign exclusivity deal with Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e307epic gamesEpicGamesplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyunreal tournament 3UnrealTournament3Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EST