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[Report: Rocksteady's next Batman game to be a Silver Age-based prequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/report-rocksteadys-next-batman-game-to-be-a-silver-age-based-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/report-rocksteadys-next-batman-game-to-be-a-silver-age-based-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/report-rocksteadys-next-batman-game-to-be-a-silver-age-based-p/#comments Report Rocksteady's next Batman game to be a Silver Agebased prequelRocksteady's next game could be yet another Batman adventure, albeit in a new timeline, Variety reports. According to unnamed sources speaking with the film industry publication, Rocksteady's currently at work on a "new, highly stylized" Bats prequel game "that revolves around Batman's first meeting with the Joker."

This new game - not expected until 2014 at least - is supposedly set in the Silver Age of comics. Warner Bros. has yet to confirm the news, and Rocksteady hasn't said a peep about any new projects since Arkham City wrapped last year. And as far as we know, no one's discovered any hidden rooms in Arkham City that reveal future games. Hey, it wouldn't be the first time!

JoystiqReport: Rocksteady's next Batman game to be a Silver Age-based prequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmandc-comicsreportrocksteady-studiossilver-agevarietywarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentWed, 11 Jul 2012 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar's Dan Houser still cold on 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/rockstars-dan-houser-still-cold-on-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/rockstars-dan-houser-still-cold-on-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/rockstars-dan-houser-still-cold-on-3d/#comments As Max Payne reinvents himself for the modern generation, don't expect him to lean too hard into the brave new world of 3D. Rockstar's Dan Houser told Variety he's still unimpressed with the tech (even if it's possible Max Payne 3 will include it on PC).

"I don't think anyone has solved the riddle of how you make 3D an integral part of the gaming experience," he told the publication.

We'd like to take a moment here to take a firm stance in favor of utterly non-integral gaming innovations. Isn't that the whole point of 3D, sort of a George Mallory on Everest "Because it's there" type thing? We want to say here and now that the moment 3D has a purpose, we're gonna start pushing for 4D, and just wait until you see the glasses you'll need for that.

JoystiqRockstar's Dan Houser still cold on 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-houserMax-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rockstarvarietyxboxWed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar sets Blu-ray sales record, sells 2.7 million in four days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/avatar-sets-blu-ray-sales-record-sells-2-7-million-in-four-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/avatar-sets-blu-ray-sales-record-sells-2-7-million-in-four-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/avatar-sets-blu-ray-sales-record-sells-2-7-million-in-four-days/#commentsUnsurprisingly, Avatar has done extremely well during its home video run. In fact, James Cameron's movie has claimed the honor of best-selling Blu-ray movie ever, beating the previous title-holder, The Dark Knight. According to a report by Variety, 2.7 million Blu-ray discs were sold in the four days since its retail release in the US. (In comparison, The Dark Knight took 18 months to sell 2.5 million discs.)

Perhaps a testament to the growing demand for Blu-ray content, Blu-ray accounted for 40% of total home video sales for Avatar in the four-day window. That's a significant increase from the 25% market share The Dark Knight claimed over a year ago.

Avatar will most likely represent yet another sales benchmark when it is re-released on 3D Blu-ray next year. Thankfully, PS3-owning movie fans are already equipped with one of the few Blu-ray players on the market that will be capable of playing that disc.

JoystiqAvatar sets Blu-ray sales record, sells 2.7 million in four days originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarblu-rayjames-camerons-avatarsalesvarietyTue, 27 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision couldn't help but sign on to help market 'Couples Retreat']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/18/activision-couldnt-help-but-sign-on-to-help-market-couples-ret/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/18/activision-couldnt-help-but-sign-on-to-help-market-couples-ret/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/18/activision-couldnt-help-but-sign-on-to-help-market-couples-ret/#comments
If you're anything like us, you went running out to see the latest Vince Vaughn / Jon Favreau vehicle Couples Retreat the second you heard about the exciting partnership between Activision's Guitar Hero franchise and Universal contained within. You see, Vaughn's character works as a Guitar Hero salesperson (does that exist?) -- a point that comes into play when the film features a plastic peripheral-powered GH duel between Vaughn's character and a resort staffer. According to Variety, Vaughn and Favreau wrote the music rhythm game into the film because they are fans of the series, leading Activision to sign on as one of the film's many marketing partners.

"When we heard that Vince's character is a salesperson of the video game we laughed hysterically," Will Kassoy, senior VP of publishing at Activision, told Variety. With the film opening to a $35.3 million weekend, it appears everyone involved was laughing all the way to the bank, proving that hackneyed premises can still sneak their way into just about any kind of mainstream media and work. With Favreau prepping the return of Iron Man, Kassoy said Activision "wouldn't mind" if the superhero decided to pick up a Guitar Hero controller. Now that's synergy!

JoystiqActivision couldn't help but sign on to help market 'Couples Retreat' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadvertisingcouples-retreatguitar-herojon-favreauvarietyvince-vaughnwill-kassoySun, 18 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hollywood effects studio Digital Domain getting into games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/hollywood-effects-studio-digital-domain-getting-into-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/hollywood-effects-studio-digital-domain-getting-into-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/hollywood-effects-studio-digital-domain-getting-into-games/#comments In these days when studios seem to be closing faster than we can write posts about them, it's nice to see someone new getting into the game. Digital Domain, a Hollywood effects studio that's worked on films like A Curious Case of Benjamin Button, has opened a Florida expansion (cleverly titled Digital Domain Florida), which it says (via Variety) will focus on "videogames, animation and even military simulation graphics."

DD (can we call you DD?), since you're new here, we're going to offer some free advice. A Curious Case of Benjamin Button: The Game would be a huge, huge hit. It would, as we say in the video game biz, "sell a lot of copies." ... No, you can trust us on this. We're a website.

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqHollywood effects studio Digital Domain getting into games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-domaindigital-domain-floridathe-curious-case-of-benjamin-buttonvarietyWed, 14 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock movie gets budget cut, 'in a holding pattern']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/bioshock-movie-gets-budget-cut-in-a-holding-pattern/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/bioshock-movie-gets-budget-cut-in-a-holding-pattern/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/bioshock-movie-gets-budget-cut-in-a-holding-pattern/#comments The bad economy just won't stop showing up in our news posts these days. First we get predictions of months of down sales, and now we get news that the Gore Verbinski directed BioShock film adaptation is stuck "in a holding pattern." Variety is reporting that Verbinski and production company Universal are looking at possibly moving the currently in pre-production film to outside the US to "take advantage of a tax credit," allegedly looking at moving production to London from its current Los Angeles locale.

Additionally, according to Variety's sources, some of the pre-production staff has been let go while the budget restructuring takes place. The studio (and Verbinski himself) have vowed to not allow the BioShock movie to succumb to the same fate as the perpetually on-again, off-again Halo film. As BioShock is one of the few games we could actually see making a really interesting film, we're hoping they're not just pulling our chain.

[Thanks, Aaron!]

JoystiqBioShock movie gets budget cut, 'in a holding pattern' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-daddybioshockBioShock-movieeconomygore-verbinskimoviesrecessionuniversalvarietySat, 25 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scratch: The Ultimate DJ drama continues as 7 Studios countersues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-drama-continues-as-7-studios-countersue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-drama-continues-as-7-studios-countersue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-drama-continues-as-7-studios-countersue/#comments
The tangled web of developers, publishers and the various lawsuits between them, has just gotten that much more complex as 7 Studios countersues Scratch: The Ultimate DJ publishers Genius Products. According to court documents obtained by The Cut Scene blog, 7 Studios is asking for $1 million in damages, allegedly attributed to a variety of "unlawful and unsavory business practices."

Among them, 7 Studios alleges Genius Products repeatedly delayed production of the game, didn't deliver various assets on time (music, that is), considered creating a Nintendo Wii version of the game (then subsequently canceled it), and when things didn't work out, tried to cut and run. In so many words, 7 Studios is accusing Genius of asking them to create a game without adequate support and then, when the game was nearly finished, trying to shop it out to other publishers. We've reached out to all parties involved (repeatedly) and, like the Cut Scene blog, heard nothing back. We'll update this post accordingly if we hear anything, but at this point, we're suggesting that you don't hold your breath.

[Image]

JoystiqScratch: The Ultimate DJ drama continues as 7 Studios countersues originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-studiosactivisionbreakin-the-law-2-electric-boogaloocountersuitcut-scenegenius-productslawsuitnumarkscratch-the-ultimate-djvarietyFri, 24 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety profiles video game composers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/variety-profiles-video-game-composers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/variety-profiles-video-game-composers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/variety-profiles-video-game-composers/#comments
To make up for our poor understanding of a recent GameStop post, we've taken a few finance classes and we're ready to show off the results with a little math. In a really interesting piece profiling video game composers, Variety reports that they "can make anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 per minute of music, and many games demand 80-100 minutes." So, calculation time:

($1,000 to $2,500 per minute) x (80 to 100 minutes) = Oh God, have we ever chosen the absolute wrong part of the video game industry to be involved in.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqVariety profiles video game composers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composersposts-that-mysteriously-dont-include-mentions-of-tommy-tallaricovarietyvideo-game-musicTue, 21 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The sordid history of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/17/the-sordid-history-of-scratch-the-ultimate-dj/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/17/the-sordid-history-of-scratch-the-ultimate-dj/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/17/the-sordid-history-of-scratch-the-ultimate-dj/#comments
In the pending lawsuit between DJ Hero publisher Activision and Scratch: The Ultimate DJ co-publishers Genius Products and Numark, all we've heard are each sides' allegations and condemnations of the other. What we haven't heard, however, was the long and messy tale leading up to the current state of things between former Scratch developer 7 Studios (now owned by Activision), Genius Products and, apparently, Brash Entertainment. Yes -- that Brash Entertainment.

According to The Cut Scene, Scratch began development in 2007, allegedly by 7 Studios and Brash Entertainment. In summer of the same year, Brash decided to focus on licensed properties and sold off the IP to Genius Products. The piece further alleges that by late last year, Genius Products was having financial problems and was not so much being courted by major publishers (including MTV, EA, Ubisoft and, yes, Activision) as it was trying to sell off a seemingly toxic asset. If The Cut Scene's anonymous sources are to be believed, there's a lot more going on here than it would seem.

JoystiqThe sordid history of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-studiosactivisionbrash-entertainmentbreakin-the-law-2-electric-boogaloobusinesseaElectronic-Artsgenius-productslawsuitmtvnumarkscratch-the-ultimate-djubisoftvarietyFri, 17 Apr 2009 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety: Kathy Vrabeck to take post at Legendary Pictures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/variety-kathy-vrabeck-to-take-post-at-legendary-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/variety-kathy-vrabeck-to-take-post-at-legendary-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/variety-kathy-vrabeck-to-take-post-at-legendary-pictures/#comments
Kathy Vrabeck, a very knowledgeable and experienced video game executive, is reportedly in "final negotiations" to take a job at Legendary Pictures, the geek dream financier behind The Dark Knight, 300 and Watchmen. Variety has been told by several sources that she'll apparently oversee Legendary's video game initiative. The production company is currently working on movies based upon Gears of War and Blizzard's Warcraft. Variety previously reported that Legendary is also looking to purchase Epic Games.

The news would be good for both parties, as Vrabeck bounces back from being let go leaving EA and Legendary recovers from that messy Brash Entertainment relationship. If Legendary continues its movie gold streak and is serious about pushing into the video game space, it could evolve into a major player.

JoystiqVariety: Kathy Vrabeck to take post at Legendary Pictures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kathy-vrabecklegendary-picturesvarietyTue, 24 Feb 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety: Sony may be 'too artsy for its own good']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/variety-sony-may-be-too-artsy-for-its-own-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/variety-sony-may-be-too-artsy-for-its-own-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/variety-sony-may-be-too-artsy-for-its-own-good/#commentsFiled under:


Variety's Ben Fritz ponders why Sony's PS3 hasn't been able to become more of a mainstream success. Obviously, price comes into play, but he offers another option: it may be "too artsy for its own good."

What does that mean? Fritz looks at a few examples. He looks at LittleBigPlanet, arguably Sony's biggest game of 2008. While it has been successful, it hasn't become the runaway hit that many have hoped. It seems that the game appeals largely to game critics and those that like "quality, 'artsy' games." Fritz also looks at the PlayStation Network. He notes that Sony is "the only one of the big three console makers that's investing its own money on downloadable 'indie' games." Other platforms have downloadable games, but they feature more ports and more "junk."

The PS3's XMB, he describes is "much cleaner and more Google-esque than Xbox Live, filled as it is with ads and other clutter, or the boring grid on the Wii menu." He also notes that the hardware is "smoother, prettier, quieter -- a superior work of art." However, he concludes that these superior features don't add up to a product that appeals to the mainstream. Unfortunately, that's what Sony needs in order to recreate the success of PS2.

JoystiqVariety: Sony may be 'too artsy for its own good' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artsyben-fritzps3varietyThu, 15 Jan 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Spike Video Game Awards ratings down 26%]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/spike-video-game-awards-ratings-down-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/spike-video-game-awards-ratings-down-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/spike-video-game-awards-ratings-down-26/#commentsFiled under:


Now that the Spike Video Game Awards are a faint recollection, Variety reports that the quality piece of programming was way down in the ratings. This year's event sideshow was down 26%, with about 680,000 viewers, says the high lord of television ratings, Nielsen. It's the second lowest (a little above 2006's 618k) rated year since the show started in 2004, which was its most impressive with 1.23 million viewers.

It gets worse: Spike caters to the key 18-34 male demographic, which was down 29% from the prior year, with its lowest ever figures of 229,000 viewers.* Boys 12-17 were up by 30% to 199k. Variety does note that this year's show did go against some program called the Cowboys-Giants football game on NBC, which was the highest rated Sunday Night Football game ever. Still, those Spike numbers aren't too hot in a year that could become the biggest sales year in gaming history.

*Fun fact: 34,000 women aged 18-34 watched.

JoystiqSpike Video Game Awards ratings down 26% originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>spike-vga-2008varietyWed, 14 Jan 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Paramount searching for new games honcho]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/paramount-searching-for-new-games-honcho/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/paramount-searching-for-new-games-honcho/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/paramount-searching-for-new-games-honcho/#commentsFiled under:


Paramount is in search of a new executive to head its gaming initiative. Variety reports that the studio is currently looking for someone to replace the outgoing VP of interactive and mobile, Sandi Isaacs. The movie industry site speculates that Paramount is trying to get a high-profile gaming exec. to run the publishing unit.

Games based on Iron Man and Saturday Night Fever were released on iPhone last week, with casual titles based on Pretty in Pink, Clueless and Mean Girls planned for the future. Variety has also "heard rumblings" of bigger projects beyond 2010, but no details were given.

JoystiqParamount searching for new games honcho originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>paramountpretty-in-pinkvarietyTue, 16 Dec 2008 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety: Brash to cease operations today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/variety-brash-to-cease-operations-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/variety-brash-to-cease-operations-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/variety-brash-to-cease-operations-today/#commentsFiled under:


"High-quality theatrical based games" publisher Brash Entertainment is officially dead, as of today, according to a report from Variety. The company is reportedly planning to cease operations, with investors having walked away following co-founder Thomas Tull's departure in October.

No word yet on the fate of Brash's many licensed developments, including Tale of Desperaux, Night at the Museum 2, Saw and the rumored Superman project with Factor 5. We've contacted the company for an official statement.

JoystiqVariety: Brash to cease operations today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brashbrash-entertainmentvarietyFri, 14 Nov 2008 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety: EA making Dante's 'Inferno' game, studios bidding for movie rights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/variety-ea-making-dantes-inferno-game-studios-bidding-for-mov/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/variety-ea-making-dantes-inferno-game-studios-bidding-for-mov/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/variety-ea-making-dantes-inferno-game-studios-bidding-for-mov/#commentsFiled under: ,


Variety reports that four movie studios are currently bidding for the film rights to Electronic Arts' as-yet unnannounced game based on Dante's Inferno. EA's recently been on a movie deal bender, selling the rights to films based on Army of Two (suckers) and Mass Effect, but this is the first real "cart before horse" deal we've heard about.

We've certainly seen some high-profile game-to-movie deals in recent memory, with Gore Verbinski helming BioShock and Brett Ratner taking on God of War. Maybe it doesn't matter that movie executives are bidding on the rights to a game that nobody has seen, but for our money we'd like to know if there's an audience for it first.

JoystiqVariety: EA making Dante's 'Inferno' game, studios bidding for movie rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dantedantes-infernoeaelectronic-artsvarietyFri, 31 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Army of Two set to hit the silver screen, no seriously]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/army-of-two-to-hit-the-silver-screen-no-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/army-of-two-to-hit-the-silver-screen-no-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/army-of-two-to-hit-the-silver-screen-no-seriously/#commentsFiled under:


According to The CutScene blog from Variety the EA Montreal developed co-op third person shooter Army of Two has been optioned for a feature film by Universal. Currently attached to the picture is writer Scott Z. Burns (of The Bourne Ultimatum fame) and producer Scott Stuber (who was once attached to the failed Halo movie). EA is set to produce the film, a first for the publisher who has recently sold rights for a film based on The Sims and Mass Effect.

"The ambiguity of these private military corporations lends weight to an intelligent thriller with relevance to what's going on in the world right now," Burns told Variety. "I told EA right off the bat I wasn't a gamer, and that appealed to them because they didn't want to simply replicate the game."

Isn't a gamer? Well, Burns had better stay true to the fantastic lore that was outlined in the Army of Two game. You know, the blinging out of weapons and ... other things they did in that game. Seriously though, Uwe Boll must be spinning in his grave. Oh, he isn't ... never mind.

JoystiqArmy of Two set to hit the silver screen, no seriously originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-twoeaea-montrealelectronic-artsfilm-adaptationmoviesvarietyFri, 24 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA hints at Dead Space movie and sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/ea-hints-at-dead-space-movie-and-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/ea-hints-at-dead-space-movie-and-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/ea-hints-at-dead-space-movie-and-sequel/#commentsFiled under:


Dead Space may only just be releasing in Europe today, but it seems EA's plans for the game don't stop there. Talking to Variety, Executive Producer Glenn Schofield talked about his plans for licensing the story out to other media. There are already Dead Space comics and an animated prequel movie, Downfall, but they are also "talking about novels. We don't have a toy deal yet, but we're but looking into that."

Not only novels and toys, but Schofield is also "talking with movie studios right now. We have been all along. By doing this now, we could have a movie that bridges the gap between the two games." Hold on, did he say "two games"? It's obvious they're willing to franchise the hell out of this game, but it's also clear they're not willing to compromise on quality.

Schofield goes on to say that "the difference with this is we need to go in and say, "This is not a $10 million movie." Sure somebody could make it, but that's not what we are looking for. It's an expensive movie. What we're doing, say, with movie producers is handpicking our producer. We get approval on the scriptwriter, director and those sorts of things." We're really enjoying Dead Space and would love to see a live action feature film and a sequel, as long as they're not shameless cash ins. From the looks of it, that's the last thing the dev team wants. We look forward to further developments.

In the same article EA's president, Frank Gibeau, mentions sequels for both Battlefield: Bad Company and Army of Two. No specific details were given regarding the whats and whens.

[Via GameIndustry.biz]

JoystiqEA hints at Dead Space movie and sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomedead-spacemoviesequelvarietyFri, 24 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux asks for special review consideration; we ask 'what would other industries do?']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/molyneux-asks-for-special-review-consideration-we-ask-what-wou/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/molyneux-asks-for-special-review-consideration-we-ask-what-wou/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/molyneux-asks-for-special-review-consideration-we-ask-what-wou/#commentsFiled under: ,


Reviewers received Fable 2 this week and found within the package a letter from developer Peter Molyneux asking for a few things. Variety explains one of the first things the letter asks (using the word "please" five times) is that the reviewers let a person who doesn't play games try out Fable 2 and to gauge their experience. Two paragraphs are also devoted by the designer to the game's well publicized and initially missing online co-op.

Molyneux apparently details the online co-op feature in the letter, which will be added soon after launch. Variety ponders if publications should wait until the feature comes out before reviewers write their pieces, or if outlets should make a note saying this important feature couldn't be tested at the time? So, we asked Variety (well known for its movie and music reviews): what would one of its film or music critics do if they were asked to review an unfinished product? Find out the answer after the break.

Continue reading Molyneux asks for special review consideration; we ask 'what would other industries do?'

JoystiqMolyneux asks for special review consideration; we ask 'what would other industries do?' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncriticsfable-2LionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiospeter-molyneuxreviewsRPGvarietyXbox-360Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV Games clarifies AC/DC Rock Band Track Pack details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mtv-games-clarifies-ac-dc-rock-band-track-pack-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mtv-games-clarifies-ac-dc-rock-band-track-pack-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mtv-games-clarifies-ac-dc-rock-band-track-pack-details/#commentsFiled under:


Speaking to Variety, Paul DeGooyer of MTV Games clarified a couple of elements concerning the AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack. The game will be available exclusively at Walmart. The tracks are exclusive to Rock Band for "a term" but no specific timetable has been set. AC/DC members won't appear as avatars in the game, you'll just be covering the songs.

The game will feature partial functionality when compared to the other Rock Band titles: "All four instruments (guitar, bass, drums, mic) are used, you can "tour" through all 18 songs on your own or in a group, there are score duels and tug of war. However, there's no online capability ... In addition, there's no character creator."

Now we have some good news and some bad news. The good news is, all the songs on the AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack can be ripped onto the PS3's hard drive, free of charge. They will now function like any other tracks you have downloaded from the PS Store (including online capabilities). The bad news is, you can transfer the songs once. This is done so you can't simply share the disc with your friends or resell the disc once you have transferred the tracks.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqMTV Games clarifies AC/DC Rock Band Track Pack details originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac-dcharmonixmtv-gamesrock-bandrock-band-2varietyWed, 01 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The story behind PAX's Ghostbuster lanyards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/the-story-behind-paxs-ghostbuster-lanyards/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/the-story-behind-paxs-ghostbuster-lanyards/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/the-story-behind-paxs-ghostbuster-lanyards/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ghostbusters: The Game may not have a publisher, and its fate may not be clear, but that didn't stop the title from being advertised on lanyards at PAX. Variety spoke to Penny Arcade's business guy, Robert Khoo, who said that Sierra signed to do the lanyards in January and sent them in June. It wasn't even until two weeks before the show that Sierra, the abused and neglected stepchild of Activision Blizzard, "pulled out of displaying Ghostbusters."

Khoo explains that there wasn't enough time to get a new lanyard provider, so even though Actilizzard isn't going to benefit from the promotion, they still paid the bill.

JoystiqThe story behind PAX's Ghostbuster lanyards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghostbusterspax-2008varietyFri, 05 Sep 2008 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety judge disagrees with majority of E3 award winners, loves public drunkenness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/variety-judge-doesnt-like-the-e3-awards-loves-public-drunkenes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/variety-judge-doesnt-like-the-e3-awards-loves-public-drunkenes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/variety-judge-doesnt-like-the-e3-awards-loves-public-drunkenes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ben Fritz writes about video games for Variety and was one of the E3 judges this year -- and he's not too happy with this year's winners. He calls Mirror's Edge "gimmicky" and the Gears of War 2 improvements "minor." He was really pulling for Resistance 2, which he felt offered up a lot more than the original, and we'll admit that's a good point.

However, he really laments the fact that Fable 2 didn't win anything. He hated the original Fable, but thinks that "the human interactions, from multiple gay marriages to public drunkenness, seem really fun" in the sequel. He also admits that he didn't care for last year's Super Mario Galaxy and disliked Mass Effect. Which is probably why the second comment from Just A Guy is "You suck."

Update: Ben Fritz actually contacted us to let us know he didn't hate Super Mario Galaxy, he just "didn't lavish superlatives" on it. He goes on to tell us that the review he wrote of the game was "positive," but you can judge for yourself right here. With friends like that, who needs negative reviews? However, he did point out (and rightly so) that the headline implied that he doesn't like the E3 awards. In actuality, "I just personally disagree with the majority of the winners." Our bad, and we've fixed that.

JoystiqVariety judge disagrees with majority of E3 award winners, loves public drunkenness originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAwardsBen-FritzE3Fable-2judgeLionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRPGVarietyTue, 12 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney's games and internet divisions merging]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/disneys-games-and-internet-divisions-merging/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/disneys-games-and-internet-divisions-merging/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/disneys-games-and-internet-divisions-merging/#commentsFiled under:


Disney Interactive Studios and the company's Internet Group will merge into one unit, named Disney Interactive Media Group. Disney Interactive Studios has published games like Hannah Montana, High School Musical and Turok; meanwhile, the internet division was responsible for hundreds of online casual games and Pirates of the Caribbean Online. Clearly, the merger makes sense, and can be likened to when Sony Online Entertainment became part of SCEI.

Variety speculates the merger is so that Disney can report all its digital revenues in one spot, instead of games being lumped in with the consumer products. It doesn't appear many (if any) pink slips will be handed out in the unification, as these seemingly offline and online games divisions continue doing their separate things.

Source -- Disney Merging WDIG Group With Games Unit
Source -- AllThingsD Iger memo

JoystiqDisney's games and internet divisions merging originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allthingsddisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-mediadisney-interactive-media-grouppaidcontentvarietyThu, 05 Jun 2008 20:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty 4 maps coming to PC June 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/call-of-duty-4-maps-coming-to-pc-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/call-of-duty-4-maps-coming-to-pc-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/call-of-duty-4-maps-coming-to-pc-june-5/#commentsFiled under: ,


Those on active virtual duty in Call of Duty 4 have seen combat in all manner of locales during their tours -- though earlier this year, their theater of operations saw a major expansion with the "Variety" map pack, allowing them to get their war on in four new exotic, terrorist-rich locations. Unfortunately, these lush warzones were only available to those playing the game's console iterations, and devout WASD-ers were left out of the new territories.

Fear not, mousegrabbers, your day has come -- or rather, it is coming on June 5, according to Infinity Ward figurehead fourzerotwo. As expected from a map pack that's been available on other formats for nearly two months, the pack will be free to download on PC thanks to a sponsorship from NVIDIA. Little has changed for the PC versions of the four maps, though we find it regrettable that "Chinatown" is now known as "NVIDIAtown" and the Spetsnaz have been renamed the "GeForce Freedom Fighters".

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqCall of Duty 4 maps coming to PC June 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 May 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-4CallOfDuty4cod4dlcfourzerotwoinfinitywardmappackmapspcvarietySat, 31 May 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No GTA IV effect on Iron Man opening]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/no-gta-iv-effect-on-iron-man-opening/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/no-gta-iv-effect-on-iron-man-opening/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/no-gta-iv-effect-on-iron-man-opening/#commentsFiled under:


Talk of Grand Theft Auto IV possibly hurting Iron Man's opening was clearly wrong. According to Variety, the movie made $104.2 million during its opening weekend, proving Paramount's Rob Moore right when he said that young males can carve out two hours to see Iron Man.

Variety did explore GTA IV's impact on the home video market recently, which showed no major releases targeted at the young male demo for the week. Probably the best comparison would be to see how the Iron Man video game did in sales when NPD comes out next month, and we know we're going out on a limb on this one, but we're pretty sure GTA IV won that battle.

JoystiqNo GTA IV effect on Iron Man opening originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-ivgrandtheftautoivgta-ivgtaiviron-manironmanvarietyMon, 05 May 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN responds to concerns over exclusive GTA IV review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/ign-responds-to-concerns-over-exclusive-gta-iv-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/ign-responds-to-concerns-over-exclusive-gta-iv-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/ign-responds-to-concerns-over-exclusive-gta-iv-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Earlier this week, Variety's Ben Fritz expressed concern over IGN's exclusive first review of Grand Theft Auto IV, asking rhetorically, "How can we trust a videogame review when the outlet running it has been given a major commercial favor ... from the publisher of the game?" Well, GameDaily Media Coverage Columnist Gus Mastrapa went the extra mile and asked that very question to some people at IGN. And he even got an answer!

"We in no way trade scores for an exclusive," said IGN VP Tal Blevins, adding that publishers have no access to or say in the text of a review before it goes live. That doesn't mean IGN didn't make any concessions to secure the exclusive, though. IGN Xbox editor Hilary Goldstein admitted the site used promotional placement on the site's top feature bar to secure the exclusive. "Our bargaining chip is to basically say, 'I will put it here if you let me have this,'" Goldstein said. Mastrapa likened the practice to an "exclusive cover story" in a game magazine.

As for Variety and Fritz, Goldstein seemed unimpressed with with his journalism bona fides. "Nobody from Variety called us and said, 'Hey, would you like to comment about this?'" he said. "He says in blog post, 'If I had the game right now I would have broken the embargo.' To me that goes against your ethics." Nothing like an I'm-more-ethical-than-thou battle to get your heart racing in the morning.

JoystiqIGN responds to concerns over exclusive GTA IV review originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 May 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-Fritzcontroversyexclusivegta4Hillary-GoldsteinIGNjournalismPS3reviewTal-BlevinsVarietyXbox-360Fri, 02 May 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety discusses ethics of 'exclusive' reviews]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/variety-discusses-ethics-issue-with-exclusive-reviews/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/variety-discusses-ethics-issue-with-exclusive-reviews/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/variety-discusses-ethics-issue-with-exclusive-reviews/#commentsFiled under:


Sometimes it's interesting to see the industry through fresh eyes again. Variety has an editorial up about the "ethically troubling" industry standard of exclusive reviews. The editorial specifically discusses IGN's GTA IV "exclusive," as the review site didn't get a "scoop" by finding some early copy of the game and posting a review, but by being given permission by Rockstar to break embargo. Every other outlet had to wait until this past Sunday.

The Variety writer states that he doesn't personally trust any review labeled "exclusive," pointing out "reviews are entirely subjective, so if a critic is being influenced inappropriately in any way, the whole thing is worthless even though we as readers can't prove there's anything 'wrong.'" The piece concludes by saying that any self-respecting publication with a GTA IV review should have run it the minute IGN released its review. It's a lovely thought, but the last thing any review outlet wants is a reputation with PR firms for breaking embargo. In a worst case scenario, if any of these outlets signed legally binding non-disclosure agreements for these reviews, they'd have to face the possibility of being sued.

JoystiqVariety discusses ethics of 'exclusive' reviews originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-ivgrandtheftautoivgta-ivgtaivignvarietyMon, 28 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blockbuster putting GTA IV on the 'new release' wall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/blockbuster-putting-gta-iv-on-the-new-release-wall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/blockbuster-putting-gta-iv-on-the-new-release-wall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/blockbuster-putting-gta-iv-on-the-new-release-wall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Starting with Grand Theft Auto IV, Blockbuster Video will begin adding video games to the "sacred" outer new release wall. Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes tells Variety that the GTA IV launch is a "real springboard" for the company and it plans to use it as a centerpiece for moving games to where only the latest Hollywood releases used to tread.

Now, granted, if this were before the advent of Gamefly this news would be much more exciting -- although, we'd still have to worry about pesky late fees. Blockbuster has been hurting in recent years as if faces competition from many angles, not the least of which is Netflix. This move for video games in Blockbuster doesn't seem so much like a sign of respect for the growing games industry, but as another desperate move by a company that's struggling to survive.

JoystiqBlockbuster putting GTA IV on the 'new release' wall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockbustergameflygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgrandtheftautoivgta-ivjim-keyesPS3varietyXbox-360Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Viva variety]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/ds-daily-viva-variety/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/ds-daily-viva-variety/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/ds-daily-viva-variety/#commentsFiled under:

Tell us about your games library -- well, the DS portion.

Is it full of variety? Do you own a whole different assortment of games? (Perhaps some rhythm ones, some sports titles, a few RPGs, etc?) Or, can the games you own be lumped into one or two general categories?

Extra credit will be given to anyone who sends us their answer in graph and spreadsheet form. (Note: Not really! In fact, don't do that.)

JoystiqDS Daily: Viva variety originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>libraryvarietySat, 29 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety: Sierra devs need to justify games after Activision merger]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/variety-sierra-devs-need-to-justify-games-after-activision-merg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/variety-sierra-devs-need-to-justify-games-after-activision-merg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/variety-sierra-devs-need-to-justify-games-after-activision-merg/#commentsFiled under:


Blizzard might get a free pass when Activision officially takes over Vivendi Games, but the Sierra branch of the company isn't so lucky. Variety reports that Sierra developers will have to justify their games currently in development to Activision executives once the merger is complete and re-pitch their work to survive.

Variety believes games expected this year like Bourne, Prototype, Brutal Legend and Ghostbusters are safe, but that games for '09 (titles that we'd probably hear about for the first time at E3) are all in limbo. For example, will there be another Bourne game when it conflicts with Activision's James Bond license? The fate of Sierra titles now lies in the whims of Activision execs.

*In case you're justifiably young enough not to know who Roberta Williams is, here's a link.

JoystiqVariety: Sierra devs need to justify games after Activision merger originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardmergersierravarietyvivendi gamesVivendiGamesWed, 19 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Katzenberg: Video games hurting 'overall home video market']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/katzenberg-video-games-hurting-overall-home-video-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/katzenberg-video-games-hurting-overall-home-video-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/katzenberg-video-games-hurting-overall-home-video-market/#commentsFiled under: ,


Variety's video game blog Cut Scene reports that during a conference call yesterday with analysts that DreamWorks Animation CEO and industry veteran, Jeffrey Katzenberg, partially blamed video games for the paltry performance of Shrek the Third on DVD. Now, let's ignore for five seconds that the third Shrek film was a soulless shell compared to the other installments and take note of a mega Hollywood player like Katzenberg joining the chorus that video games are to blame for an industry's slumping sales.

Don't feel too bad for DreamWorks, it stands to gain a nice chunk of change from its licensing deal with Activision for games based on Kung Fu Panda and the sequel to Madagascar. There is also a second Kung Fu Panda game slated for release in the fall tied to the DVD release. As much as there are mumblings of video games cutting into other media's revenue, Shrek the Third's DVD sales are easily blamed on it being a mediocre film -- but nowadays blaming video games is so much sexier.

JoystiqKatzenberg: Video games hurting 'overall home video market' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvdkatzenbergvarietyWed, 27 Feb 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety: Grand Theft Auto movie almost happened]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/variety-grand-theft-auto-movie-almost-happened/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/variety-grand-theft-auto-movie-almost-happened/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/variety-grand-theft-auto-movie-almost-happened/#commentsFiled under:


Starting its new video game blog off with a bang, Variety reports that last spring a Grand Theft Auto movie was almost ready to roll into full production. The story goes that after years of trying, some studio actually navigated the bureaucracy of Take-Two/Rockstar and was ready to start production -- "quite possibly" with Eminem as the star. The reason this even came to be after so many years of stonewalling by GTA's rights holders is that current Take-Two chair, Strauss Zelnick, comes from traditional media at BMG music and 20th Century Fox.

Variety goes on to say that the movie was so close to being finalized that its own reporters were prepping stories, with sources at Take-Two saying it was a done deal. At the last moment though, the whole thing fell allegedly apart after the publisher couldn't finalize terms with the studio. Whether it was an issue about money or giving away the movie rights (Rockstar is very protective of its brand) is still an unanswered question. Oh well, we've gotten used to movies based on modern mega-franchise games falling apart.

JoystiqVariety: Grand Theft Auto movie almost happened originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grandtheftautogtamovievarietyTue, 05 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety says Mario Galaxy shows Wii's weaknesses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/variety-says-mario-galaxy-shows-wiis-weaknesses/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/variety-says-mario-galaxy-shows-wiis-weaknesses/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/variety-says-mario-galaxy-shows-wiis-weaknesses/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Here at Joystiq, we like to have some fun with our Nega-reviews. When the critical apparatus tells us almost unanimously that a game is undeniably good, we like to pick apart their words and find out what small negatives can be found in the overwhelmingly positive whole. This was a bit tough for Super Mario Galaxy, a game that got high praise all around. It wouldn't have been nearly as tough if we'd had access to Variety's review of the game, which went up on Monday.

While the Variety review praises the game's original level design and gravity-based gameplay, the majority of the writing picks apart the game's weak story, limited two-player mode and awkward camera controls. What's more, a large portion of the review seems targeted at the Wii itself, from blanket condemnation of the two-handed controller ("Holding the nunchuk, ... and the Wii-mote ... in separate hands, is an awkward arrangement") to criticism of the system's graphical prowess ("Fans may claim that the graphics are good 'for the Wii,' ... but given the vastly superior quality of the graphics in a game like Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction ... Galaxy looks old fashioned and lifeless.")

While we can't say we agree with all the criticisms, it's always interesting to see a major outlet going against the tide of positive opinion to create a negative review. You know, a real one.

Previously:
Variety praises writing in The Simpsons Game
Variety takes flak for negative Metroid Prime 3 review

JoystiqVariety says Mario Galaxy shows Wii's weaknesses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marionegativepanPS3Super-mario-galaxyVarietyWiiWed, 14 Nov 2007 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[The Simpsons Game: Glancing a mainstream review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/the-simpsons-game-glancing-a-mainstream-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/the-simpsons-game-glancing-a-mainstream-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/the-simpsons-game-glancing-a-mainstream-review/#commentsFiled under:

Reading entertainment trade publication Variety's review of The Simpsons Game makes it pretty obvious that as video games evolve, and mainstream publications start doing more reviews, so too do the methods of evaluating them. The Simpson's Game seems to be one of those anomalies we're running into more frequently, where the game may not be all that to typical game review publications (and certainly not worth $60), but still presents an experience worth having (Heavenly Sword says "hello"). The games are neither evolutionary nor revolutionary for the hardcore, and so the reviewers give it a whatever score and move on to the next game they have to rate and berate.

Variety got a lot of flak for their Metroid Prime 3 review because it was written from a mainstream perspective. They pointed out to their average mainstream audience that Metroid probably isn't the Wii game for them if they don't know "the rules" of a Metroid game -- just think of trying to teach a non-gamer how to play Metroid compared to Wii Sports. In the case of The Simpsons Game, Variety goes and recommends an average game because they believe the writing could sustain their mainstreamer through the experience. While we frequently put gameplay above story, Variety and more mainstream pubs might see things reversed. It may not be all that simple, but it's plain to see that reviews can be influenced by the audiences they're written for.

JoystiqThe Simpsons Game: Glancing a mainstream review originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAmaze-EntertainmentDSEAEA-Redwood-ShoresElectronic-ArtsmainstreamMicrosoftNintendoPlatformerRebellion-DevelopmentsThe-SimpsonsThe-Simpsons-GamevarietyXbox-360Fri, 09 Nov 2007 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo film NOT still in production at WETA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/halo-film-still-in-production-at-weta/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/halo-film-still-in-production-at-weta/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/halo-film-still-in-production-at-weta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Update: The source article cited by 1UP is outdated and concerns the studios' now dashed prospects at the time the Halo film was originally canned. Joystiq regrets the error.

The Halo film is not "entirely dead" as director Neill Blomkamp said earlier this month. In fact, preparation for the movie continues at Peter Jackson's WETA Studios while Microsoft pursues new distribution partners, according to a report in Variety (via 1UP).

Concerning the previous deal that went sour, Ken Kamins, a representative for Jackson and partner Fran Walsh, told Variety that Universal had a meeting on behalf of both studios with the filmmakers just prior to a significant payment due date.

"Basically, [the studios] said that in order to move forward with the film, the filmmakers had to significantly reduce their deals," said Kamins. "They waited until the last minute to have this conversation. Peter and Fran, after speaking with their producing partners and with Microsoft and Bungie, respectfully declined."

"We're very confident this film will move forward with the creative partners intact, who will take the film to production," said Kamins, who also noted that everyone involved is still confident with Blomkamp as the director.

JoystiqHalo film NOT still in production at WETA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalomicrosoftNeill-Blomkamppeter-jacksonuniversalvarietywetaXboxXbox-360Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety's Metroid Corruption review highlights message conflict]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/varietys-metroid-corruption-review-highlights-message-conflict/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/varietys-metroid-corruption-review-highlights-message-conflict/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/varietys-metroid-corruption-review-highlights-message-conflict/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Variety review of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption just goes to show the ramifications Nintendo's message that the Wii is a casual system can cause a title like Metroid. Just forget the debate if Nintendo abandoned hardcore gamers, or gamers abandoned Nintendo, for just a little bit. Like we went over in Joystiq podcast #14, whoever did what to whom, the two are currently experiencing what professionals might call "marital issues." The thing this review by Variety showed is that a mainstream publication notices something wrong with a non-casual title on a perceived casual system. Variety ends the first paragraph of the review saying, "Ultimately, gamers looking for a well paced, thrill-a-minute shooter with a compelling narrative are going to be disappointed. 'Halo' this ain't."

The Variety review has some kind words for the game, but it seems so clearly written with the realization that the marketing of the Wii console as a casual system doesn't click with this game. Another scathing point they make is Metroid is more "tedious than epic," they say the boss battles are "exhaustive affairs requiring dedication, patience, and most importantly, a familiarity with the vocabulary of videogames: double jumping, circle strafing, shooting weak points for massive damage, etc. Those who previously used the Wii only for party games will need a 13 year-old boy to explain it all." Whether this analysis is right or wrong isn't the point, 10 million people may own a Wii, but how many of those people actually move beyond the casual titles or would purchase a game like Metroid? The Wii was sold on casual fun, Metroid is not -- to an outside consumer -- a Wii title.

JoystiqVariety's Metroid Corruption review highlights message conflict originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementmessagemetroidvarietywiiWed, 29 Aug 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Variety - is it really the spice of life?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/27/ds-daily-variety-is-it-really-the-spice-of-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/27/ds-daily-variety-is-it-really-the-spice-of-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/27/ds-daily-variety-is-it-really-the-spice-of-life/#commentsFiled under:

We're curious ... when you're not playing the DS, what are you playing instead? Are you filling your non-handheld time with the Wii, or even -- gasp -- another system? That's where this blogger tends to fall of late; between the Halo 3 Beta and the recent release of Catan on the Xbox Live Marketplace (we love the boardgame), there's a little variety in the gaming schedule of late. After all, for those of us who aren't Poké-fiends, the last few weeks have been a little more on the mediocre side of things ... which, considering our continuing obsession with Puzzle Quest, is probably a good thing for the ol' wallet.

But we do wonder what other games take your fancy. Perhaps World of Warcraft or another MMO? Are you one of the seven people who've bought a PS3? Next week, we figure Mario Party 8 will suck up tons of free time, so we're getting that non-Nintendo gaming in now. How about you? Are you sticking with your beloved DS, or do you sometimes branch out a little?

JoystiqDS Daily: Variety - is it really the spice of life? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catandsdhalo 3Halo3mario party 8MarioParty8puzzle questPuzzleQuestsettlers of catanSettlersOfCatanvarietyxbox 360Xbox360Sun, 27 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How did various media outlets report the FTC gaming report?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/how-did-various-media-outlets-report-the-ftc-gaming-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/how-did-various-media-outlets-report-the-ftc-gaming-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/how-did-various-media-outlets-report-the-ftc-gaming-report/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here's some light weekend reading about politics, the media and gaming. Earlier this week the U.S. Federal Trade Commission released a report about the gaming industry. The real fun for industry folk was seeing how all the various media outlets would report the news and what their headlines would be. Below is the list, shamelessly ripped-off from Dennis McCauley over at GamePolitics, of various media outlets and their take on the report:
  • FTC says content curbs fall short - L.A. Times
  • Report says the young buy violent games and movies - NY Times
  • FTC: self-regulation of violent content working - Beta News
  • Children still see ads for violent content - Advertising Age
  • FTC scolds marketers about violent content - AdWeek
  • FTC: violence still marketed to youths - Hollywood Reporter
  • Report: Violence still aimed at kids - Variety
  • FTC violence marketing report show general compliance - Broadcasting & Cable
  • FTC Report: Violence Still a Problem in Marketing - TV Week
  • FTC: game industry self-policing improving - GameSpot
  • FTC: M-rated games still marketed to minors - Next Generation
  • FTC: games are better regulated than music, movies - Ars Technica
  • FTC report: mixed reviews on industry's ability to self-regulate - Joystiq
  • FTC: game industry stricter than movies, music - Kotaku
  • FTC report praises, spanks video game industry - GamePolitics
As McCauley asks in his headline accompanying the list above, "Were these media outlets reading the same report?" The various headlines make us think of the classic question: If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is around to see it, does it make a sound? Some say yes, some say no, some say it explodes into various pieces, some say the Earth Mother picked it back up, some say there is no tree. The various headlines and the stores with them is a good read on the diversity of voice in the media -- especially when it comes to gaming.

JoystiqHow did various media outlets report the FTC gaming report? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Apr 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertising agears technicaftcgame politicsgame spotjoystiqkotakulat timesmedianew york timesnext generationreportsvarietySat, 14 Apr 2007 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Marketplace tops similar services]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/22/video-marketplace-tops-similar-services/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/22/video-marketplace-tops-similar-services/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/22/video-marketplace-tops-similar-services/#commentsFiled under: ,


Variety -- our go-to source for gaming journalism -- praises Microsoft's Xbox Live Video Marketplace in a recent article. While no specific numbers are mentioned, the article claims that sources have confirmed that Microsoft's download service is outperforming several similar services -- in particular, Amazon's Unbox service. The article further notes that this is from a user base of only 3.5 million Xbox 360s in the US, versus other services that can be used by anyone with a broadband connected PC. Another interesting note, HD versions of movies are downloaded far more than standard versions. What's the big difference between other download services and Video Marketplace? It's simple, Video Marketplace puts movies right on your TV. Other services allow users to download movies to their PC, which isn't exactly optimal for movie viewing. Sure, some people have the know-how and the hardware to get PC movies onto a TV, but it can be daunting for the average viewer. Variety expects that the movie download boom won't really begin until more services offer the same easy functionality -- something Apple's upcoming iTV claims to do.

We have to admit, we were skittish when the Video Marketplace launched. However, as new content keeps rolling in (The State FTW!) we're finding more reasons to skip the video store. How often do you use the Video Marketplace?

[Via Planet Xbox 360]

JoystiqVideo Marketplace tops similar services originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>varietyvideo marketplaceVideoMarketplacexblvmxbox live video marketplaceXboxLiveVideoMarketplacexbvmFri, 22 Dec 2006 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety.com PS3 report confirms absolutely nothing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/06/variety-com-ps3-report-confirms-absolutely-nothing/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/06/variety-com-ps3-report-confirms-absolutely-nothing/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/06/variety-com-ps3-report-confirms-absolutely-nothing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


OMFG, Variety scooped the PS3 release date?! There's a deceptive rumor circulating various gaming sites that Variety.com's profile of Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer reveals official information about the PlayStation 3 release date. Numerous claims report that within the article Stringer confirms that the PS3 has been delayed until the holiday 2006 season. Let's take a closer look:

"Sony's new PlayStation 3 was widely expected to be introduced this spring, but will be delayed as the company fine-tunes the chips that are crucial to the success of the console's Blu-ray function... Sony will roll out the PS3 by year end, in time for the holidays. If PS3 "delivers what everyone thinks it will, the game is up," Stringer boasts."

Stringer has said absolutely nada (on record) to Variety.com about the PS3 release date. Instead, the article simply offers further speculation about the console's debut. Sorry folks, we're still in the dark. The question is, why does Sony want it that way?

JoystiqVariety.com PS3 report confirms absolutely nothing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Howard StringerHowardStringerPS3PS3 release datePs3ReleaseDateSonyvarietyVariety.comMon, 06 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST