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[Engadget goes hands-on with ex-Valve engineer's AR glasses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-ex-valve-engineers-ar-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-ex-valve-engineers-ar-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-ex-valve-engineers-ar-glasses/#comments
When Valve let up to 25 hardware development staff go in February, Jeri Ellsworth was one of them, and she was working on a pair of 3D augmented-reality glasses at the time called Cast AR. Ellsworth continued work on them with her new company, Technical Illusions, and recently let our friends at Engadget take them out for a spin at the Maker Faire 2013 event in San Mateo, CA.

Cast AR is described as a "projected augmented reality system" on the company's site. Ellsworth said she plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign later in the year to fund the project, with the goal of each kit adding up to less than $200 for buyers. The site notes plans to include a development kit with each pair.

JoystiqEngadget goes hands-on with ex-Valve engineer's AR glasses originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented-realitycast-arhands-onjeri-ellsworthmakers-faire-2013technical-illusionsvalveSun, 19 May 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 'Robotic Boogaloo' update tangos with Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/#comments
The first community-created updated for Team Fortress 2 has rolled out: 'Robotic Boogaloo.' Continuing the robot theme of previous Team Fortress 2 updates, Robotic Boogaloo adds 57 new artisanal hats, helmets, bonnets, turbans, crowns, toppers and other headgear - all created by the community.

Robotic Boogaloo isn't all hats but, naturally, it's mostly hats. Each new Team Fortress 2 item can be found within RoboCrates - rare drops after June 3 - that can be opened with a key from the Mann Co. store, each costing $2.50. The revenue from these items will then be shared amongst all creators responsible for Robotic Boogaloo content.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 'Robotic Boogaloo' update tangos with Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitymacpcrobotic-boogaloosteamTeam-Fortress-2updatevalveFri, 17 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam: Borderlands 2 for $13.59, Mass Effect 1 and 2 for $10, CS:GO F2P weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/steam-borderlands-2-for-13-59-mass-effect-1-and-2-for-10-cs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/steam-borderlands-2-for-13-59-mass-effect-1-and-2-for-10-cs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/steam-borderlands-2-for-13-59-mass-effect-1-and-2-for-10-cs/#comments "Hear ye, hear ye," the Newellville town crier bellowed out across the crowded, bustling market. "It is by royal decree, that for the 24 hours proceeding forthwith, respectable denizens of His Highness' Great Sovereign Nation of Valve may acquire the first two entries in the Mass Effect series of merrymaking programmes for $9.99."

"Ad interim," the crier continued, "patrons may avail themselves of substantial discounts on select digital comestibles found within the Royal Steam Marketplace, making it possible to obtain a single issuance of Borderlands 2 for $13.59, or four for $40.79, until May 20. In addition, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will be free for interested parties through 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday. Should customers enjoy the experience, a 50 percent abatement will be applied to the purchase price."

JoystiqSteam: Borderlands 2 for $13.59, Mass Effect 1 and 2 for $10, CS:GO F2P weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2counter-strike-global-offensivemacmass-effectmass-effect-2pcsalesteamvalveThu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Trading Cards enter beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/steam-trading-cards-enter-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/steam-trading-cards-enter-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/steam-trading-cards-enter-beta/#commentsSteam Trading Cards enter beta Steam Trading Cards are the next 10-gallon hats from Valve. If you understand that line, then the rest of this story will make sense to you. If not, then you have every right to scratch your head and ask "Why?" to everything that follows.

In beta starting today, Steam Trading Cards allow users to earn Steam rewards for playing games. The current line-up of participating games is Don't Starve, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Team Fortress 2, Portal 2 and Half-Life 2. Users will earn game-specific trading cards that can be collected to earn "game badges, profile backgrounds, emoticons, coupons, and more."

Here's the simplest way we understand it: Create trading Card sets > craft badges > get prizes listed above. There's more details on the Steam Trading Card site.

Continue reading Steam Trading Cards enter beta

JoystiqSteam Trading Cards enter beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dont-starvepcsteam-trading-cardsvalveWed, 15 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, those Maroon 5 songs you wanted are available in Rocksmith]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/finally-those-maroon-5-songs-you-wanted-are-available-in-rocksm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/finally-those-maroon-5-songs-you-wanted-are-available-in-rocksm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/finally-those-maroon-5-songs-you-wanted-are-available-in-rocksm/#commentsFinally those Maroon 5 songs you wanted are in Rocksmith on Steam Just in case the thing that prevented you from buying Rocksmith on Steam was the lack of Maroon 5 songs, we'll just remove that musical obstacle for you right here and now. Valve reports that "Misery," "She Will Be Loved," and "Harder to Breathe" have all been added to the game.

You can buy each song for $2.99, or pick them all up together for $7.99. Once purchased, you can play through the songs with a standard electric or bass guitar, and each song also adds a new authentic tone to play with on the game's Amp mode. Sweet Maroon 5-style haircuts are, unfortunately, sold separately.

JoystiqFinally, those Maroon 5 songs you wanted are available in Rocksmith originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadabledownloadable-contentguitarmaroon-5musicmusic-gamepcrocksmithsongssteamvalveTue, 14 May 2013 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 on the Oculus Rift looks like double the trouble, fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/half-life-2-on-the-oculus-rift-looks-like-double-the-trouble-fu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/half-life-2-on-the-oculus-rift-looks-like-double-the-trouble-fu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/half-life-2-on-the-oculus-rift-looks-like-double-the-trouble-fu/#comments

Oculus Rift owner and YouTuber Vaecon recorded a 15-minute session of Half-Life 2 on Oculus Rift, and the entire experience can be summed up in a few words, spoken less than two minutes into his gameplay demo: "Whoa. This is really cool."

Valve launched official support for Half-Life 2 on the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, in beta form, on Friday. Valve programmer Joe Ludwig cautioned that this beta was "a bit more raw" than Team Fortress 2's Oculus Rift prowess, noting HUD and UI issues.

Vaecon sported some anti-motion-sickness bands during his Half-Life 2 session, since previous games on the system left him woozy. Whether because of the bands or the game itself, Half-Life 2 on Oculus Rift didn't appear to affect Vaecon's stomach.

"This is the perfect scene to show on the Oculus because there's a lot of action, jumping and - oh, I feel like I'm swimming," he said.

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 on the Oculus Rift looks like double the trouble, fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Half-Life-2HL2oculus-riftpcvalveVirtual-RealitySun, 12 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Life 2 gets official Oculus Rift support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/half-life-2-gets-official-oculus-rift-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/half-life-2-gets-official-oculus-rift-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/half-life-2-gets-official-oculus-rift-support/#commentsHalfLife 2 gets official Oculus Rift support Valve has updated Half-Life 2 with Oculus Rift compatibility, Valve programmer Joe Ludwig announced on the device's developer forums. "We just shipped a beta for Half-Life 2 that includes Oculus Rift support," Ludwig writes. "To get it, open the properties for HL2 in Steam, set your command line to '-vr,' and opt-in to the SteamPipe beta. This should ship to everybody in a few weeks."

Ludwig also cautions that Half-Life 2's Oculus Rift support is "a bit more raw" than the implementation found in Valve's other provisionally Rift-supporting game, Team Fortress 2. Specifically, he mentions slight UI issues and acknowledges that the game's HUD is difficult to read, and encourages developers to let Valve know of any issues they encounter while charging around City 17.

In other Half-Life 2 news, a Linux version of the game has been released as a beta - the client can be downloaded from your Steam Library like other Steam Play-enabled titles. Well, assuming you own Half-Life 2, of course. It's not that beta.

[Thanks, Rasmus!]

JoystiqHalf-Life 2 gets official Oculus Rift support originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaexperimentalHalf-Life-2HL2oculus-riftofficialpcValvevitual-realityVRFri, 10 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Greenlight pulls in 2 million voters, has a chat with its indies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/steam-greenlight-pulls-in-2-million-voters-has-a-chat-with-its/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/steam-greenlight-pulls-in-2-million-voters-has-a-chat-with-its/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/steam-greenlight-pulls-in-2-million-voters-has-a-chat-with-its/#commentsSteam Greenlight pulls in 2 million voters, has a chat with its indies Getting accepted through Steam's community-voting service, Greenlight, is an ongoing, complex project for many indie developers - and for Steam itself. Valve hosted a chat with Greenlight developers this week to discuss concerns, suggestions and propose what Greenlight may look like in the future.

Valve is "actively looking into" releasing the Steamworks API so developers can prepare their games prior to being Greenlit, though it has no timeframe to make that public. Currently all games go to the same Greenlight, but Valve said it would discuss the idea of separating the service by "games that are ready to go" and "games that are in development."

On May 1, Valve Greenlit a mini batch of games, and this system will most likely be the new standard, the team said: "Unfortunately, we have limited resources at the moment, so we cannot ship every game that we want. We're working toward having an open platform that Gabe has talked about, but we're not there yet."

Continue reading Steam Greenlight pulls in 2 million voters, has a chat with its indies

JoystiqSteam Greenlight pulls in 2 million voters, has a chat with its indies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdsourcinggreenlightIndieLinuxmacpcSTEAMsteam-greenlightvalveThu, 09 May 2013 20:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve measures sweat during Left 4 Dead play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-measures-players-sweat-when-they-play-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-measures-players-sweat-when-they-play-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-measures-players-sweat-when-they-play-left-4-dead/#commentsValve measures players' sweat when they play Left 4 Dead Valve tinkers with a lot of things - whatever it feels like, mostly - but has a particular interest in biometrics and direct player feedback within games. At the Neurogaming Conference last week, Valve Experimental Psychologist (seriously, whatever if feels like) Mike Ambinder described a few tests he'd recently run, as reported by Venture Beat.

In one test, Valve measured how much players sweat while playing Left 4 Dead, as correlated to their levels of arousal - just as Valve boss Gabe Newell specified back in March, concerning biometrics in the Steam Box. Another experiment gave players four minutes to shoot 100 enemies, and the game would move more quickly as the player showed signs of nervousness.

Valve also created a successful version of Portal 2 controlled with players' eyeballs, but it was necessary to separate aiming and viewpoint - where your eyes are looking and where your head is facing - for that to work properly.

The Steam Box will host some sort of biometric scheme, Newell said in that March interview.

"What we've found is you can directly measure player state and it turns out to be very useful," Newell said. "You need to be able to directly measure how aroused the player is, what their heart rate is, things like that, in order to continue to offer them a new experience each time they play."

JoystiqValve measures sweat during Left 4 Dead play originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometricbiometricsL4DLeft-4-Deadmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3STEAMvalvexboxTue, 07 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 introduces 'Interactive Compendium' tournament companion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dota-2-introduces-interactive-compendium-tournament-companion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dota-2-introduces-interactive-compendium-tournament-companion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dota-2-introduces-interactive-compendium-tournament-companion/#commentsDota 2 introduces 'Interactive Compendium' tournament companion Valve has supplemented its upcoming "The International" Dota 2 tournament with a new virtual book, the "International 2013 Interactive Compendium." Available for $10 on the official Dota 2 shop, the Interactive Compendium will deliver news on the tournament and allow players to vote on tournament-related matters, such as post-tournament competitor awards.

The Interactive Compendium also unlocks "special virtual item drops throughout the tournament," according to Valve, in addition to matchmaking tournament-minded players and letting folks make predictions on tournament match outcomes. Once the August 7 event has come to a close, players will be able to read each other's Compendiums to see how accurate those predictions ended up being.

JoystiqDota 2 introduces 'Interactive Compendium' tournament companion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-2esportsInteractive-Compendiumpcthe-internationalthe-international-2013valveTue, 07 May 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve now selling a Balloonicorn plushie, with in-game code]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-now-selling-a-balloonicorn-plushie-with-in-game-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-now-selling-a-balloonicorn-plushie-with-in-game-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-now-selling-a-balloonicorn-plushie-with-in-game-code/#commentsValve now selling a Balloonicorn plushie You can now buy a Balloonicorn Plushie straight from Valve's official Team Fortress 2 store. The cute pink union of a balloon and a unicorn is 14.5 inches from horntip to tail and comes with a code for a genuine Balloonicorn in-game item, for $24.99.

The Balloonicorn serves as the "Municipal Ombudsman" of Pyroland, which is the cute and creepy world as seen through the Pyro's eyes. Like the best things in life, it's adorable yet horrifying.

JoystiqValve now selling a Balloonicorn plushie, with in-game code originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balloonicorncollectiblefunmeet-the-pyropcplushieTeam-Fortress-2toyvalveTue, 07 May 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve weekly deals: The Bridge, Special Forces: Team X, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-weekly-deals-the-bridge-special-forces-team-x-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-weekly-deals-the-bridge-special-forces-team-x-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-weekly-deals-the-bridge-special-forces-team-x-more/#commentsValve weekly deals The Bridge, other stuff Today through May 13 at 10 a.m. PT, grab the following games for up to 75 percent off their standard asking prices: Avencast: Rise of the Mage, Ankh: Heart of Osiris, Ankh: Battle of the Gods, Jack Keane, Trainz Simulator 12, The Bridge, Blue Toad Murder Files and Special Forces: Team X.

We're particularly tickled to see The Bridge, an indie puzzler with M.C. Escher twists (literally) on this list, available for 33 percent off, or $10. Special Forces: Team X is also notable this week for its permanent price drop to $10 following this sale, which puts the game at $5 - that's a 67 percent discount from its current price of $15. But don't worry about the math and take a look at the Steam sale games right here.

JoystiqValve weekly deals: The Bridge, Special Forces: Team X, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcsalespecial-forces-team-xSTEAMThe-BridgevalveTue, 07 May 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Source Filmmaker strikes again with fan-created Futurama fun times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/source-filmmaker-strikes-again-with-fan-created-futurama-fun-tim/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/source-filmmaker-strikes-again-with-fan-created-futurama-fun-tim/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/source-filmmaker-strikes-again-with-fan-created-futurama-fun-tim/#comments

Stop us if you've seen this one before. YouTuber MisterMulluc took the song from "Hell is Other Robots," the ninth episode ever of Futurama, and gave it a Source Filmmaker twist. Mr. MisterMulluc has some serious skills, even one week after the video was posted.

JoystiqSource Filmmaker strikes again with fan-created Futurama fun times originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futuramamacpcrobot-hellsfmsource-filmmakerTeam-Fortress-2tf2valveSun, 05 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 Linux beta is live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/left-4-dead-2-linux-beta-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/left-4-dead-2-linux-beta-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/left-4-dead-2-linux-beta-is-live/#commentsLeft 4 Dead 2 Linux beta now live Valve has announced a beta build of Left 4 Dead 2 for Linux is now live. Left 4 Dead 2 owners should see a special beta version of the game in their Steam library; if not, a client reboot is required.

The Linux beta offers access to the Extended Mutation System, authoring tools and dedicated servers - on par with what's been available to PC and Mac versions of the title. This latest beta build also offers updates for Windows and Mac users, plus cross-play between all three platforms.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 Linux beta is live originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaL4D2Left-4-Dead-2left-4-dead-2-betalinuxsteamsteam-for-linuxsteam-linuxvalveSat, 04 May 2013 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam deals: Stealth Bastard, Closure, Snapshot, more this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/steam-deals-stealth-bastard-closure-snapshot-more-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/steam-deals-stealth-bastard-closure-snapshot-more-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/steam-deals-stealth-bastard-closure-snapshot-more-this-week/#comments This week, Steam is discounting a dozen different indie games. Stealth Bastard Deluxe, a fast-paced 2D stealth game from Curve Studios, is a tempting $4.99. Closure, the dark platformer from Eyebrow Interactive, is a mere $3.39 - definitely worth the pittance. Snapshot is also $3.39, a puzzle platformer from Kyle Pulver built upon an inventive photography mechanic.

Retrovirus is half-off at $10, a shooter where players guide a ship through a computer system to eradicate a virus. Turret-based strategy game Sol Survivor is next on the list, down to $2.49 for the remainder of the sale. Spark Unlimited's Legendary, a shooter based on the Pandora's Box myth, joins the sale soiree for $1.24; Nikopal: Secrets of the Immortals is also $1.24, a 3D adventure game set in France during the year 2023. BC Kings, also $1.24, is s a strategy game set in the stone age.

The final three games rounding out the list are: Puzzle Kingdoms for $3.74, a game from the creators of Puzzle Quest in very much the same vein; 4 Elements, a color-matching game from Playrix Entertainment set in a fantasy world, for $2; and Cave Story+ for $4.99, Nicalis' port of Daisuke Amaya's lauded platform-adventure game. All of these games are on sale until May 6 at 10am PT.

JoystiqSteam deals: Stealth Bastard, Closure, Snapshot, more this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cave-storyclosurelegendarymacpcsnapshotsol-survivorstealth-bastardstealth-bastard-deluxestealth-bastard-tactical-espionage-arseholesteamvalveTue, 30 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Counter-Strike: Global Offensive map makers rewarded with cash in Operation Payback]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/counter-strike-global-offensive-map-makers-rewarded-with-cash-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/counter-strike-global-offensive-map-makers-rewarded-with-cash-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/counter-strike-global-offensive-map-makers-rewarded-with-cash-i/#comments CounterStrike Global Offensive map makers rewarded cash in Operation Payback
Operation Payback is a new Counter-Strike: Global Offensive promotion from Valve to compensate prominent map makers, running from now until July 31 on Steam. Seven of the top-voted maps are gathered here, playable on dedicated servers through the purchase of a pass on sale now for $3, normally $6.

Purchasing a pass not only gives you access to these maps on official servers, it also allows you to drag your friends without passes along into Operation Payback matches. Or you can simply leave them to their Super Mareo Bruhs.

We're not sure how the revenue-sharing aspect of Operation Payback breaks down, so we've inquired with Valve for the necessary info. Valve says Operation Payback is the first in "an ongoing series of limited-time updates."

Continue reading Counter-Strike: Global Offensive map makers rewarded with cash in Operation Payback

JoystiqCounter-Strike: Global Offensive map makers rewarded with cash in Operation Payback originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycounter-strike-global-offensivemacoperation-paybackpcsteamvalveFri, 26 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2's The International tournament will return August 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/#comments Dota 2's The International tournament will return August 7The Dota 2 tournament called "The International" is set to return for a third round this year, with two different qualifiers leading up to a championship on August 7. The West Qualifier will run May 13-19, and be hosted by eSports outfit GDStudio, and the East Qualifier, hosted by BeyondtheSummit, will go from May 20-26.

Those two qualifier winners will be joined by last year's winners from Invictus Gaming, twelve other contenders, and a special Wild Card contender, to be determined from the qualifier runner-ups right before the final showdown.

The contest itself will take place at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA, and all of the matches will be broadcast online to watch for free. No official prizes have been announced yet, but traditionally The International boasts a $1 million payout for the winner, so the stakes will undoubtedly be high.

JoystiqDota 2's The International tournament will return August 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augustcontestdota-2invictus-gamingpcqualifiersseattlethe-internationaltournamentvalvewinnersFri, 26 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This is what playing TF2 with an Oculus Rift and an omni-directional treadmill looks like]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/this-is-what-playing-tf2-with-an-oculus-rift-and-an-omni-directi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/this-is-what-playing-tf2-with-an-oculus-rift-and-an-omni-directi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/this-is-what-playing-tf2-with-an-oculus-rift-and-an-omni-directi/#comments
In order to demonstrate the functionality of its "Omni" prototype treadmill, which the company calls a "natural motion interface for virtual reality applications," technology start-up Virtuix has released the above video of the contraption being used in conjunction with an Oculus Rift and Team Fortress 2.

The setup essentially works like this: The Oculus Rift handles head tracking and display duties, while a Kinect tracks how the player walks/runs on the the Omni, and then converts that input into in-game commands. The Kinect is an in-development solution, however, and Virtuix says the Omni will include its own sensor when/if it ships to consumers.

The company plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in May, with final production units costing somewhere between $400 and $600, sans shipping. A second example video, this time showing a better look at a prototype of the device while in use, has been tucked away beyond the veil.

Continue reading This is what playing TF2 with an Oculus Rift and an omni-directional treadmill looks like

JoystiqThis is what playing TF2 with an Oculus Rift and an omni-directional treadmill looks like originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Oculus-RiftOmniomni-directional-treadmillOmni-VirtuixpcTeam-Fortress-2Valvevirtual-realityVirtuixVRSat, 20 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Thirty minutes of Team Fortress 2 in virtual reality caught on camera]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/thirty-minutes-of-team-fortress-2-in-virtual-reality-caught-on-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/thirty-minutes-of-team-fortress-2-in-virtual-reality-caught-on-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/thirty-minutes-of-team-fortress-2-in-virtual-reality-caught-on-c/#comments

The team at Tested got a chance play around with Team Fortress 2 using the upcoming Oculus Rift headset, and they recorded half an hour of gameplay for us to virtually enjoy. Not "virtually" as in we'll "almost" enjoy it, but "virtually" as in "virtual reality"-based enjoyment. Just watch the video.

Kickstarter backers should receive their Oculus Rift dev kits by mid-April, with pre-orders hitting a little later in the month. For those expecting a kit, check out Valve's list of handy tricks for setting up VR in TF2.

JoystiqThirty minutes of Team Fortress 2 in virtual reality caught on camera originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>oculus-riftpcTeam-Fortress-2TestedvalveVirtual-RealityvrMon, 08 Apr 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2's Atlas and P-Body get fresh, filthy coats of paint from ThreeA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/portal-2s-atlus-and-p-body-get-fresh-filthy-coats-of-paint-fro/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/portal-2s-atlus-and-p-body-get-fresh-filthy-coats-of-paint-fro/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/portal-2s-atlus-and-p-body-get-fresh-filthy-coats-of-paint-fro/#comments Check out ThreeA's Portal 2 and Lost Planet figuresPortal 2's multiplayer pawns, Atlas and P-Body, have seen some tough times and even tougher test chambers, as highlighted by ThreeA Toys' latest figurines. ThreeA revealed the prototypes for Atlus and P-Body last year, as smooth, gray statuettes. Now, the figures have a dinged-up coat of paint and classy lens details, along with a pair of Portal guns, and they're looking fly.

ThreeA showed off the new prototypes during an event in Taiwan, as spotted and photographed by Tomopop. It's still unclear if Atlas and P-Body will include any LEDs or flashier add-ons, or when they'll be available for collectible consumption.

In other video game toy news, ThreeA announced a partnership with Capcom to make mecha figures straight out of Lost Planet. Check out Tomopop's gallery of the ThreeA show here.

JoystiqPortal 2's Atlas and P-Body get fresh, filthy coats of paint from ThreeA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlasfiguresfigurinesmicrosoftp-bodypcplaystationportal-2ps3statuesThreeAthreea-toystoysvalvexboxSun, 07 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 6's 'Napad' enters Left 4 Dead 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/resident-evil-6s-napad-enters-left-4-dead-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/resident-evil-6s-napad-enters-left-4-dead-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/resident-evil-6s-napad-enters-left-4-dead-2/#comments
While we've seen the Left 4 Dead 2 gang holding their own in Resident Evil 6, we've yet to see Valve's side of this crossover event on PC. Above you can see the Napad in Left 4 Dead 2, a tank variant you can add to your game through Steam Workshop. The Napad is a fusion of infected corpses, all mashed together in some horrifying, Akira-like monstrosity.

The PC version of Resident Evil 6 launched on March 22. The Left 4 Dead 2 cast will be playable through a free update, available for download this Friday.

Gallery: Resident Evil 6 x Left 4 Dead 2 Crossover

JoystiqResident Evil 6's 'Napad' enters Left 4 Dead 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcrossoverL4D2Left-4-Dead-2nepadpcresident-evil-6steamvalveThu, 04 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Left 4 Dead 2's Ellis bust out the martial arts in Resident Evil 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/watch-left-4-dead-2s-ellis-bust-out-the-martial-arts-in-residen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/watch-left-4-dead-2s-ellis-bust-out-the-martial-arts-in-residen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/watch-left-4-dead-2s-ellis-bust-out-the-martial-arts-in-residen/#comments
Sure, you've written countless fan fiction about how Ellis learned martial arts during his summer in Tibet, before coming back home to work as a mechanic, but thanks to the Resident Evil 6 X Left 4 Dead 2 crossover, you can actually see his training in action.

Continue reading Watch Left 4 Dead 2's Ellis bust out the martial arts in Resident Evil 6

JoystiqWatch Left 4 Dead 2's Ellis bust out the martial arts in Resident Evil 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomleft-4-dead-2pcresident-evil-6valveFri, 22 Mar 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam introduces 'Early Access:' Buy and play games still in development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/steam-introduces-early-access-buy-and-play-games-still-in-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/steam-introduces-early-access-buy-and-play-games-still-in-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/steam-introduces-early-access-buy-and-play-games-still-in-dev/#comments Steam introduces 'Early Access' Buy and play games still in developmentValve's Steam platform has initiated a new "Early Access" program, which allows players to purchase and immediately begin playing select games that are still in development. The full list of titles currently available under the initiative include Arma 3 and StarForge, among others, though the selection will be increasing "over time," according to the new service's FAQ.

Mechanically, purchases through Early Access will function the same as buying a full, completed game, with the only difference being that, you know, the game isn't finished yet. Theoretically, free-to-play games could also become part of Early Access, in which case there would be no purchase price for participation in the pre-launch play time.

JoystiqSteam introduces 'Early Access:' Buy and play games still in development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arma-3Early-AccessmacpcStarForgeSteamValveWed, 20 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve offers Team Fortress 2 'VR mode' tips and tricks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/valve-offers-team-fortress-2-vr-mode-tips-and-tricks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/valve-offers-team-fortress-2-vr-mode-tips-and-tricks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/valve-offers-team-fortress-2-vr-mode-tips-and-tricks/#comments Team Fortress 2 turns on VR mode, not that you can use it yetIn anticipation of VR mode in Team Fortress 2, Valve has put together some resources on how to activate VR mode.

Before you boot up Team Fortress 2, hook up your Oculus Rift, add "-vr" to your command line options in Steam and you should be good to go. You can save shortcuts to your desktop with or without the modified command line for quick-launching in VR or vanilla modes.

You can find all of the above and more on Valve's Oculus Rift user guide. The Oculus Rift will have its first dev kits shipped this month; Kickstarter backers should expect theirs around mid-April. Pre-orders are currently open on the Oculus site, though these folks are last in line to receive their goggles sometime near the end of April.

JoystiqValve offers Team Fortress 2 'VR mode' tips and tricks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macoculus-riftpcsteamTeam-Fortress-2valvevirtual-realityvr-modeWed, 20 Mar 2013 04:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam weekly sales: Secret World, Lucius, Monday Night Combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/steam-weekly-sales-secret-world-lucius-monday-night-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/steam-weekly-sales-secret-world-lucius-monday-night-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/steam-weekly-sales-secret-world-lucius-monday-night-combat/#comments Steam weekly sales The Secret World, Lucius, Monday Night CombatSteam's week-long deals this time around are a mix of horror, action and doughuts, with up to 75 percent off of Grotesque Tactics 2: Dungeons and Donuts, Binary Domain, Cities XL Platinum, Lucius, Monday Night Combat, Disciples 3: Renaissance Steam Special Edition, Jagged Alliance 2 Gold and The Secret World.

The Secret World, a modern MMORPG from Funcom, is on sale for $22.50, down from $30. Indie horror fest Lucius is discounted 66 percent (fitting, really) to $8.50 and Monday Night Combat is half off, $2.50. Check out all the sales (and doughnuts) right here.

JoystiqSteam weekly sales: Secret World, Lucius, Monday Night Combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>binary-domaincities-xldisciples-3grotesque-tactics-2jagged-alliance-2luciusmacmonday-night-combatpcSTEAMthe-secret-worldvalveMon, 18 Mar 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve experimented with VR in other games, Team Fortress 2 'obvious choice' for Oculus Rift]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/valve-experimented-vr-other-games-team-fortress-2-oculus-rift/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/valve-experimented-vr-other-games-team-fortress-2-oculus-rift/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/valve-experimented-vr-other-games-team-fortress-2-oculus-rift/#comments Valve revealed that Team Fortress 2 will be the official first game to support Oculus Rift's VR headset, something Valve programmer Joe Ludwig told Engadget was an "obvious choice" for Valve - not only because of the size of the community, but because of how rapidly Valve is updating the game, meaning the community is used to being sort of a test group for new concepts.

"Team Fortress was sort of the obvious choice for this," Ludwig said. "The Team Fortress community is large and healthy. There are millions of people playing TF every week, but they're also used to us shipping a lot of updates." Team Fortress 2 receives updates nearly on a weekly basis, but it's not uncommon for players to see multiple updates to the free-to-play shooter in one week.

Ludwig said Valve is currently experimenting with VR in its other games, but is hardly committing to anything beyond testing at this point. "We've played a bit in Left 4 Dead; we've played a bit in Half-Life 2. We haven't taken any of those other games to the point where they're anywhere close to being ready to be shipped; we've just sort of experimented with head tracking a little bit."

Valve chose to partner with Oculus as opposed to creating its own display simply because it made more sense to go that way - the two companies each had something the other wanted. "We've done a bunch of experiments with various bits of hardware, but we don't have a display that we can ship. Oculus is actually out there doing this, and so we're partnering with them because they have the hardware and we have the software and we can help each other out. And we can both learn a lot in the process."

"We don't know how strongly people will react to VR," Ludwig concluded. "We don't know how popular it will be, what people wanna see. It might be that we need to learn a lot more from TF before we move on to other titles. We just don't know what's gonna happen."

JoystiqValve experimented with VR in other games, Team Fortress 2 'obvious choice' for Oculus Rift originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joe-ludwigoculus-riftpcTeam-Fortress-2valvevirtual-realityvrMon, 18 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 is Oculus Rift's first official game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/team-fortress-2-is-oculus-rifts-first-official-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/team-fortress-2-is-oculus-rifts-first-official-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/team-fortress-2-is-oculus-rifts-first-official-game/#comments
Our pals at Engadget toured the Valve offices last week to check out virtual reality support in Team Fortress 2, something Valve programmer Joe Ludwig has been working on for quite a while now. Ludwig reveals that Team Fortress 2 will be Oculus Rift's first official game and that Valve will push a VR mode update to players "sometime within the next couple of weeks."

"This is a mode that everybody who has a Rift dev kit and access to Team Fortress 2 will be able to play, just on public and in the same servers that everybody else is playing in," Ludwig told Engadget. Initially, VR mode will be available to only Windows PC players - Mac OS X and Linux platforms are a possibility down the line, after Valve gets access to SDKs for those platforms. "We don't have a Mac or Linux SDK from Oculus quite yet, but once we get those, we'll get it ported over to those other platforms."

Ludwig will provide a talk on Valve's hurdles porting the free-to-play shooter over to virtual reality at GDC in San Francisco in two weeks. The Oculus Rift is an upcoming VR headset that was successfully funded through Kickstarter and ships to backers in April. Oculus Rift's 40 "pilot" dev kit prototypes will begin shipping this month and pre-orders are currently open through Oculus Rift's website.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 is Oculus Rift's first official game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joe-ludwigoculus-riftpcTeam-Fortress-2valvevirtual-realityvr-modeMon, 18 Mar 2013 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 6 and Left 4 Dead 2 cross over at 0 additional cost]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/resident-evil-6-and-left-4-dead-2-cross-over-at-0-additional-cos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/resident-evil-6-and-left-4-dead-2-cross-over-at-0-additional-cos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/resident-evil-6-and-left-4-dead-2-cross-over-at-0-additional-cos/#comments This spring, Left 4 Dead 2 characters, including the survivors and the Witch and Mini Tank infected, will make their way into Resident Evil 6's The Mercenaries No Mercy mode, while enemies from RE6 (Lepotitsa, Napad, and Ogroman) will appear in Left 4 Dead 2. Both crossovers occur in the PC version only.

RE6 owners will get to play the new content in that game starting April 5, while the L4D2 update will arrive in a more Valve Time-compliant "spring" release window. Both crossovers will be free to download for owners of either game.

There, now the stuff with the Xi3 computer is no longer the most baffling news to come out of Valve in the last month.

Gallery: Resident Evil 6 x Left 4 Dead 2 Crossover

Continue reading Resident Evil 6 and Left 4 Dead 2 cross over at 0 additional cost

JoystiqResident Evil 6 and Left 4 Dead 2 cross over at 0 additional cost originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomleft-4-dead-2pcresident-evil-6steamvalveFri, 15 Mar 2013 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Xi3 says Piston is 'something more' than Steam Box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/xi3-blasts-back-at-valve-says-piston-is-something-more-than-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/xi3-blasts-back-at-valve-says-piston-is-something-more-than-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/xi3-blasts-back-at-valve-says-piston-is-something-more-than-s/#comments Piston creator Xi3 issued a stark response this morning to Valve publicly distancing itself from the company. In a press release, Xi3 founder, president, and CEO Jason A. Sullivan reaffirmed the investment Xi3 received to build a device "specifically for Valve" earlier this year, before launching into an aggressive counter, stating Xi3's Piston is perceivably "something more" than Valve's Steam Box. The Xi3, "contrary to Valve's vision" according to Sullivan, won't be limited to supporting particular platforms and game stores.

"We reaffirm the fact that we received an investment from Valve Corporation (as we previously disclosed during the 2013 International CES trade show), and we did so with Valve's written permission," Suillvan wrote in today's statement. "Second, we were asked to build a product specifically for Valve, and both companies showcased this product - the Piston console - in their respective booths at CES 2013."

Sullivan noted Valve boss Gabe Newell "personally asked" him to not disclose further information on Xi3's relationship with Valve. While, according to Sullivan, Xi3 continues to honor that arrangement, Newell's statement clearly caused (or added to) friction between the two companies, with Sullivan going on to state arguments for why the Xi3 is a stronger proposition than the Steam Box.

Continue reading Xi3 says Piston is 'something more' than Steam Box

JoystiqXi3 says Piston is 'something more' than Steam Box originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcpistonsteam-boxvalvexi3Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve disassociates itself from xi3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/valve-disassociates-itself-from-xi3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/valve-disassociates-itself-from-xi3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/valve-disassociates-itself-from-xi3/#comments Valve declared it's not working on any current projects with Piston creator Xi3. Speaking to Eurogamer, Valve's Doug Lombardi said his company "began some exploratory work with Xi3 last year, but currently has no involvement in any product of theirs."

Alongside the Piston's reveal earlier this year, the device designed specifically with Steam support in mind, Xi3 announced Valve had invested in the PC company, which may in part be what Lombardi referred to in his statement. However, Valve later made it clear Xi3's Piston is not its own much-anticipated Steam Box, of which boss Gabe Newell said Valve aims to have prototypes for customer evaluation in the next three to four months.

As for Xi3's $999 Piston, the shiny miniature box is available for pre-order now, with the device expected to ship "in time for" the holiday season this year.

JoystiqValve disassociates itself from xi3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcpistonsteam-boxvalvexi3Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Natural Selection 2 credit card scam sees developer out $30,000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/natural-selection-2-credit-card-scam-sees-developer-out-30-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/natural-selection-2-credit-card-scam-sees-developer-out-30-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/natural-selection-2-credit-card-scam-sees-developer-out-30-000/#comments Valve has deactivated 1,341 Steam keys for Natural Selection 2, a result of a scam that saw developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment out a total of $30,000. These 1,341 keys were purchased through the developer using stolen credit cards. The real credit card owners made chargeback claims on the fraudulent charges, and as a result the developer never received its money and was instead hit with the $30,000 fee to recoup the stolen funds.

It seems someone "purchased" keys through Unknown Worlds, sold them to third parties at a discount and then vanished once original credit card holders disputed the charges to Unknown Worlds. As a result, Unknown Worlds has temporarily closed its store, making Steam the only eligible place to purchase Natural Selection 2 at the moment.

As of today, anyone who purchased those illegitimate keys will find their game deactivated. Unknown Worlds suggests contacting the site you purchased the key from for a full refund - good luck with that.

JoystiqNatural Selection 2 credit card scam sees developer out $30,000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>natural-selection-2pcscamsteamunknown-worldsunknown-worlds-entertainmentvalveFri, 08 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Newell: Valve sharing Steam Box prototypes within four months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/newell-valve-sharing-steam-box-prototypes-within-four-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/newell-valve-sharing-steam-box-prototypes-within-four-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/newell-valve-sharing-steam-box-prototypes-within-four-months/#comments Newell Valve to ship Steam Box prototypes within the next four monthsValve will give Steam Box prototypes to "customers" within the next three or four months, bossman Gabe Newell told the BBC. Newell didn't specify if these customers were developers, anyone in the gaming public or your cat, but he suggested that Valve is focused on the Steam Box's development.

"We're working with partners, trying to nail down exactly how fast we can make it. We're also working hard on the input side to try to take a step forward in terms of the kinds of games you can play," Newell said. "We'll be giving out some prototypes to customers to get their reactions, I'd guess in the next three or four months."

Valve has a few controller prototypes now and will ship those along with the Steam Box. We've long heard of Valve's love affair with biometrics, and some form of player feedback will be implemented with the hardware.

"What we've found is you can directly measure player state and it turns out to be very useful," Newell said. He continued, "You need to be able to directly measure how aroused the player is, what their heart rate is, things like that, in order to continue to offer them a new experience each time they play."

JoystiqNewell: Valve sharing Steam Box prototypes within four months originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellpcSTEAMsteam-boxvalveTue, 05 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The War Z returns from the dead on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/the-war-z-returns-from-the-dead-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/the-war-z-returns-from-the-dead-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/the-war-z-returns-from-the-dead-on-steam/#comments Back in December, The War Z was pulled from Steam amidst allegations of false advertising and inaccuracies on the game's Steam page - well, these were less allegations and more total lies right there on the page for everyone to see. After a few months of downtime, developer Hammerpoint Interactive's The War Z has returned to Steam.

On top of the corrected Steam page for The War Z, there's also a new update available today for existing owners that brings the game up to release-quality status. If you wanted to get in on Valve's apology (see: refund) for selling the game prematurely, that window has now closed.

The War Z can be purchased through Steam for $15 on its own right now - or in two more expensive bundles that each toss in varying levels of in-game currency, for $25 and $50.

JoystiqThe War Z returns from the dead on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hammerpoint-interactivepcsteamthe-war-zvalveTue, 26 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve economist breaks down hiring, firing and in-between]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/valve-economist-breaks-down-hiring-firing-and-in-between/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/valve-economist-breaks-down-hiring-firing-and-in-between/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/valve-economist-breaks-down-hiring-firing-and-in-between/#comments Valve economist breaks down hiring, firing and inbetweenValve tends to keep as hush-hush as possible on a number of things, not least of which are matters of personnel. So EconTalk's chat with the company's economist, Yanis Varoufakis, in which he explains in elucidating detail how the company hires, fires, and pays its employees, is particularly enlightening. It's Valve's "flat hierarchy" approach which makes these processes interesting, and more than a little unconventional, as Varoufakis demonstrates when discussing the studio's hiring policy.

"The way it works is very simple," Varoufakis told EconTalk. "Let's say you and I have a chat in the corridor, or in some conference room, or wherever, and the result of this chat is that we converge to the view that we need an additional software engineer, or animator, or artist, or hardware person, or several of them. What we can do is we can send an email to the rest of our colleagues at Valve, invite them to join us in forming a search committee that actually looks for these people without seeking anyone's permission in the hierarchy, simply because there is no hierarchy."

This results in a free-for-all interview process, first by Skype, then "if they pass that test" in person, with anyone who wants to participate able to. After that, a consensus is eventually reached, and the hire is made.

Firings at Valve came under scrutiny recently after the company laid off an undisclosed number of employees, including hardware engineer Jeri Ellsworth. Varoufakis noted "in many occasions" it's a failure to adjust to the company's lack of hierarchy that leads to an employee's dismissal, with a similar consensus reaching the final decision. This Online MBA video and article from earlier this year neatly summarizes Valve's consensus-driven but case-by-case approach to firing.

The rewards for remaining employed by Valve, however, can be lucrative, as company bonuses don't have an upper limit. "Bonuses can end up being five, six, ten times the level of the basic wage," Varoufakis said.

Varoufakis goes to into greater detail on these processes and a lot of what's in between in the EconTalk podcast.

JoystiqValve economist breaks down hiring, firing and in-between originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamasutralayoffsvalveyanis-varoufakisTue, 26 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 adds Helm's Deep Reborn to official servers list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/left-4-dead-2-adds-helms-deep-reborn-to-official-servers-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/left-4-dead-2-adds-helms-deep-reborn-to-official-servers-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/left-4-dead-2-adds-helms-deep-reborn-to-official-servers-list/#comments Left 4 Dead 2 adds Helm's Deep Reborn to official servers listThe fanmade map Helm's Deep - wherein Left 4 Dead 2 players attempt to defend the iconic Lord of the Rings castle fortress from relentless hordes of the undead - is now an officially supported map.

It's part of the latest update to Left 4 Dead 2, which addresses consistency issues when playing on dedicated servers - Valve also decided to add Helm's Deep to the official servers list. If you want to add the map to your game, all you have to do is head to the Steam Workshop page for Helm's Deep Reborn and click to subscribe to download the map.

The Steam beta version of Left 4 Dead 2 recently added an Extended Mutation system, where players could tweak existing game types and maps or come up with entirely new ones of their own design. To date, the Left 4 Dead series has sold more than 12 million copies.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 adds Helm's Deep Reborn to official servers list originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4D2Left-4-Dead-2macpcsteamsteam-betaupdatevalvevalve-softwareMon, 25 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam for Linux sale: Amnesia, FTL, TF2, Sword and Sworcery, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/steam-for-linux-sale-amnesia-ftl-tf2-sword-and-sworcery-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/steam-for-linux-sale-amnesia-ftl-tf2-sword-and-sworcery-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/steam-for-linux-sale-amnesia-ftl-tf2-sword-and-sworcery-mor/#comments Steam for Linux sale Amnesia, FTL, TF2, Sword and Sworcery, moreSteam for Linux is live and celebrating its own existence with some cartoon cake and a week-long, 50 - 75 percent off sale on Linux games. The sale covers Steam's entire Linux catalog, running now through February 21 at 10 a.m. PST.

Some notable games include Amnesia: The Dark Descent, FTL: Faster Than Light, Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45, Postal 2 Complete, Killing Floor, Team Fortress 2, Dungeons of Dredmor, Trine 2, Counter-Strike: Source, Sword and Sworcery, Waveform, World of Goo, Frozen Synapse, Half-Life, Splice, and many more, all for half off at least.

As a bonus, play TF2 in Linux through the end of February and get a free in-game Tux (the Linux mascot) item. Get it? Because penguins look like they're always ready for a fancy party.

Continue reading Steam for Linux sale: Amnesia, FTL, TF2, Sword and Sworcery, more

JoystiqSteam for Linux sale: Amnesia, FTL, TF2, Sword and Sworcery, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Linuxpcsalesteam-linuxvalveThu, 14 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 Steam beta introduces 'Extended Mutation System']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/left-4-dead-2-steam-beta-introduces-extended-mutation-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/left-4-dead-2-steam-beta-introduces-extended-mutation-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/left-4-dead-2-steam-beta-introduces-extended-mutation-system/#comments Left 4 Dead 2 Steam beta introduces 'Extended Mutation System'The Left 4 Dead 2 beta program has added the Extended Mutation System, an expanded toolset for modders to author custom scripts controlling enemy behavior, spawn points and custom game types. A Valve-created survival variant, called Holdout, is included as a Mutation example.

Valve has published a wiki page detailing everything possible with the Extended Mutation System for budding directors, explaining the scripting language used in the game and some of the finer points of Mutation modding. Throughout this test phase, Valve will monitor what Mutations players come up with, fix bugs when needed and keep a close eye out for any features that may be missing.

If you're in the Left 4 Dead 2 beta program - if you want in, this is probably the best place to ask for an invite - you can get cracking on your own custom Mutations right now.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 Steam beta introduces 'Extended Mutation System' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaextended-mutation-systemL4D2Left-4-Dead-2macmutationpcsource-enginesteamvalveWed, 13 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newell on reported layoffs: Valve isn't canceling any projects]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/newell-on-reported-layoffs-valve-isnt-canceling-any-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/newell-on-reported-layoffs-valve-isnt-canceling-any-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/newell-on-reported-layoffs-valve-isnt-canceling-any-projects/#comments Newell on reported layoffs Valve isn't canceling any projectsValve co-founder Gabe Newell provided Engadget a comment regarding today's reports of layoffs at his company, confirming that Valve saw some changes recently, but not specifying any job losses.

"We don't usually talk about personnel matters for a number of reasons," Newell said. "There seems to be an unusual amount of speculation about some recent changes here, so I thought I'd take the unusual step of addressing them. No, we aren't canceling any projects. No, we aren't changing any priorities or projects we've been discussing. No, this isn't about Steam or Linux or hardware or [insert game name here]. We're not going to discuss why anyone in particular is or isn't working here."

Hardware designer Jeri Ellsworth tweeted today that she was fired, and Valve's employee page has eight former-employee-shaped holes, including director of business development Jason Holtman. Early reports put the number of employees let go at 25, though Valve has yet to confirm anything.

JoystiqNewell on reported layoffs: Valve isn't canceling any projects originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newelllayoffsmacpcSTEAMvalveWed, 13 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Valve fires dozens of hardware, Android staff [Update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/report-valve-fires-dozens-of-hardware-android-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/report-valve-fires-dozens-of-hardware-android-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/report-valve-fires-dozens-of-hardware-android-staff/#comments Valve hardware designer outValve let go "several" employees on Tuesday, Gamasutra reported, following a tweet from hardware designer Jeri Ellsworth that read, "Yup. Got fired today. Time for new exciting projects."

Initial reports from employees included the phrases "great cleansing" and "large decisions," and a few claimed as many as 25 people were affected, though this number is unconfirmed, Gamasutra reported. The layoffs hit more than one department, including Android and hardware staff.

Ellsworth, at least, confirmed her own firing. She began working on next-gen gaming hardware at Valve, specifically living room PC controllers, in 2012. Ellsworth was concerned with transforming keyboard and mouse controls to a gamepad in a way that wouldn't interfere with current Steam game designs, or turn off those more comfortable with a traditional controller.

Valve's recent focus has been on the Steam Box, a hardware system that allows PC streaming and gaming on living room TVs. Ellsworth worked on controller prototypes alongside the launch of Big Picture Mode, a Steam interface designed for controller navigation.

We've contacted Valve for more information about the layoffs.

Update: Develop reports that Valve's Director of Business Development, Jason Holtman, left the company. Valve has yet to respond to requests for comment.

Update 2: Valve's employee page changed significantly sometime in the past month, as demonstrated by this comparison from Garry's Mod creator Garry Newman. There are eight names gone in the latest version: TF2 art lead Moby Francke, former Weta man Keith Huggins, Half-Life 2 programmer Tom Leonard, Portal team member Realm Lovejoy, Half-Life man Marc Nagel, ex-Lord of the Rings animator Bay Raitt, engine programmer Elan Ruskin, and Jason Holtman, mentioned above.

JoystiqReport: Valve fires dozens of hardware, Android staff [Update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerfiredhardwarejeri-ellsworthlayoffsmacpcSTEAMsteam-boxvalveWed, 13 Feb 2013 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Week-long deals join Steam rotation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/week-long-deals-join-steam-rotation/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/week-long-deals-join-steam-rotation/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/week-long-deals-join-steam-rotation/#comments Weeklong deals on SteamSteam will now hold week-long deals in addition to daily deals, midweek madness and weekend deals. All of these deals, naturally, are designed to make one's wallet implode in on itself in a singularity of savings.

The first batch of games on discount for a week include FlatOut ($1.87), Steel Storm: Burning Retribution ($2.49), Alpha Prime ($1.25) and Karateka ($4.99). We now await the inevitable month-long Steam sales and blue moon specials.

JoystiqWeek-long deals join Steam rotation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-primeFlatOutkaratekapcsteamvalveMon, 11 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST