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[Warren Spector, Blizzard COO to lead University of Texas game program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/warren-spector-blizzard-coo-to-lead-university-of-texas-game-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/warren-spector-blizzard-coo-to-lead-university-of-texas-game-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/warren-spector-blizzard-coo-to-lead-university-of-texas-game-pr/#commentsWarren Spector, Blizzard COO lead University of Texas game program Developer Warren Spector and Blizzard Entertainment COO Paul Sams will help oversee a new gaming academy being put into place at the University of Texas at Austin. The Denius-Sams Gaming Academy, named after co-founders Wofford Denius, Sams and his wife, will begin in 2014 with only 20 spots for students, and will award a postbaccalaureate certificate rather than a graduate degree, which the school says will help it remain industry-focused.

Spector, the creator of Deus Ex and the Disney Epic Mickey series, will put together the curriculum, which will include a 12-month intensive program where students will make a game themselves. Students selected for admission will also get a tuition waiver and a $10,000 stipend for fees and housing expenses. The program will begin next fall.

Continue reading Warren Spector, Blizzard COO to lead University of Texas game program

JoystiqWarren Spector, Blizzard COO to lead University of Texas game program originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>degreedenius-sams-gaming-academyeducationgraduatemobilepaul-samspcschooltraininguniversity-of-texasuniversity-of-texas-at-austinwarren-spectorMon, 13 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Closure for Spector: 'Junction Point had a good eight year run']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/closure-for-spector-junction-point-had-a-good-eight-year-run/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/closure-for-spector-junction-point-had-a-good-eight-year-run/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/closure-for-spector-junction-point-had-a-good-eight-year-run/#comments In an interview with GI.biz, Warren Spector says he has no regrets in the decision to sell his Junction Point studio to Disney in 2007. "Being part of Disney had its ups and downs - what doesn't? - but the last seven years gave me the very best experiences of my professional Life. Seriously. The very, very best. The opposite is true, too, but let's not go there. I want to remember only the good times."

As for the studio's eventual closure and uneven commercial success, Spector had this to say: "I don't really understand it, but it is what it is. Junction Point had a good eight year run. We built a great team. We worked on a bunch of cool stuff, even if a lot of it didn't see the light of day (Sleeping Giants... Ninja Gold... some other stuff I can't talk about). And we shipped two triple-A titles which, Metacritic notwithstanding, sold better than any games I've ever worked on and about which I received more - and more heartfelt - fan mail than I've ever received. I'm good with all that."

Spector founded Junction Point Studios in 2005. It's best known for producing two Epic Mickey games, the most recent release selling 529,000 copies in the US according to NDP data released in late-January 2013. On the same day the aforementioned sales figures were revealed, Disney shuttered the studio.

JoystiqClosure for Spector: 'Junction Point had a good eight year run' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-pointmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawarren-spectorwiiwii-uxboxFri, 05 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector dials back the panic in DICE speech]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/warren-spector-dials-back-the-panic-in-dice-speech/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/warren-spector-dials-back-the-panic-in-dice-speech/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/warren-spector-dials-back-the-panic-in-dice-speech/#comments Warren Spector says he'll and we'll survive the current industry chaosThe recently unemployed Warren Spector, former head of Disney's shuttered Junction Point Studio, dialed back the panic today at DICE. He's looking toward the future, and the industry's direction overall. The "57.33"-year-old legend (he hates that term) took the long view in his speech about an aging industry, having lived through many "sky is falling" scenarios.

"I have seen so much chaos in the last 35 years," said Spector. "This may seem like an especially chaotic time, a uniquely tumultuous time, but really not so much. A lot of us here lived through when the 'end of arcades' meant the end of games, when the 'end of Atari' meant the end of games, when the PC supplanted the Apple II as the primary gaming platform - that was the end of games."

He went on: "We've lived through a lot of changes and we'll live through whatever changes we have to deal with now. Chaos is where we live as video game developers. If you can't deal with that, go work in a bank ... no, wait, don't work in a bank. Go work somewhere else."

Continue reading Warren Spector dials back the panic in DICE speech

JoystiqWarren Spector dials back the panic in DICE speech originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dice-2013epic-mickey-2warren-spectorThu, 07 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Disney video game division lays off 50 employees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/report-disney-video-game-division-lays-off-50-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/report-disney-video-game-division-lays-off-50-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/report-disney-video-game-division-lays-off-50-employees/#comments Separate from the closure of Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios, the developers of the Epic Mickey series, 50 more employees reportedly lost their jobs at Disney Interactive yesterday, according to the LA Times. The paper's source is "a knowledgeable person not authorized to discuss the matter publicly."

Disney Interactive Studios endured huge layoffs across 2011, including the closure of Split/Second developer Black Rock. We've reached out to Disney Interactive Studios for comment on today's report.

We learned yesterday Epic Mickey 2 sold 529,000 copies in the US during 2012, with that return on investment certainly sealing the deal on Junction Point's closure. Since then, Epic Mickey creator and Junction Point founder Warren Spector posted a public goodbye to his studio on Facebook, which we've printed in full after the break.

Spector was effusive in his farewell to Junction Point, saying he's rarely worked with a "team more dedicated or harder working." While he noted the games "polarized" critics and fans, Spector said he's never been part of anything as deeply touching as his Epic Mickey series.

Will the man behind Deus Ex be back? "Let just say, now it's time to move to the next adventure," Spector wrote. "I honestly don't know what that will be yet, so don't ask."

Continue reading Report: Disney video game division lays off 50 employees

JoystiqReport: Disney video game division lays off 50 employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactive-mediadisney-interactive-studiosepic-mickeyepic-mickey-2junction-pointwarren-spectorWed, 30 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Disney shutters Epic Mickey developer Junction Point]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/disney-shutters-epic-mickey-developer-junction-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/disney-shutters-epic-mickey-developer-junction-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/disney-shutters-epic-mickey-developer-junction-point/#comments Warren Spector's Junction Point studio has reportedly been shut down by Disney. The word comes from Austin-neighbor Roberts Space Industries, who tweeted, "Second 21 gun salute for a studio in 7 days. Fare-the-well Junction Point! We hope that you all find new studios soon!"

We've reached out to Disney for an official statement.

Industry veteran George Broussard notes, "The Junction Point rumors have been circulating a while. Warning signs when you give employees 2 months off after shipping."

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two was not a critical nor financial win for Disney, reportedly selling 270,000 copies in North America by the end of 2012.

Update: Roberts Space Industries has deleted its previous tweet stating it has "no insider info" on Junction Point's status. Oddly, the site it sources as having provided the info links back to the exact same tweet from RSI regarding the shut down. Disney corporate communications has still not responded to numerous requests for comment.

Update 2: Disney confirms closure.

JoystiqRumor: Disney shutters Epic Mickey developer Junction Point originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>junction-pointjunction-point-studioslayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiiwii-uxboxMon, 28 Jan 2013 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Hit List Q&A: Warren Spector, Creative Director and Founder of Junction Point]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/hit-list-qanda-warren-spector-creative-director-and-founder-of-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/hit-list-qanda-warren-spector-creative-director-and-founder-of-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/hit-list-qanda-warren-spector-creative-director-and-founder-of-j/#comments In the "Hit List" from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the video game industry's top talents describe their current gaming addictions, their most anticipated releases and more. This week: Junction Point's Warren Spector.

Hit List Q&A Warren Spector
Warren Spector, veteran electronic game designer/producer, heads up video game developer Junction Point Studios, a division of Disney Interactive. Warren has worked in the game industry since 1983. After six years at Steve Jackson Games and TSR, creating pen-and-paper games, he joined computer game developer Origin Systems where he produced several games including Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss, Ultima Underworld 2: Labyrinth of Worlds, System Shock, Ultima VII: Part 2, Serpent Isle, Wings of Glory, Bad Blood, Ultima Worlds of Adventure: Martian Dreams, Cybermage and others.

After seven years with Origin, Warren did a brief stint with LookingGlass Technologies before founding Ion Storm's Austin, Texas studio in 1997. At Ion Storm, he produced and directed the award-winning, genre-bending Deus Ex. He later oversaw development of Deus Ex: Invisible War, released in 2003, and Thief: Deadly Shadows, released in 2004. That year, he left Ion Storm to found Junction Point Studios, developing concepts for a variety of video game and motion picture partners before being acquired, in 2007, by The Walt Disney Company. There he directed Disney Epic Mickey, released in 2010. A sequel, Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, was released in November 2012.

In his forthcoming 2013 D.I.C.E. Summit session, Warren will be speaking on "Hey, You kids! Get Outta My Yard! or The Graying of Gaming."

"Used to be, games were largely the domain of youngsters - kids played them and 'kids' (relatively speaking) made them," Spector says. "Nowadays, things are different. Gamers are everywhere, coming in all ages and genders, and developers have grown up, too. In this talk, I will address the impact of aging on gamers, on developers and on our medium. How does the graying of gaming affect Game Content, Player Commitment, Design Philosophy, Gaming Platforms, Mainstream Media Interactions and, generally speaking, The Future. This talk will be a personal look backwards and forwards that will, I hope, offer something for kids and adults, boys and girls, men and women, whatever their relationship may be with games as pastime, as art or as business."

Continue reading Hit List Q&A: Warren Spector, Creative Director and Founder of Junction Point

JoystiqHit List Q&A: Warren Spector, Creative Director and Founder of Junction Point originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiashit-listjunction-pointmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiiwii-uxboxThu, 10 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector would love to see more Epic Mickey games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/warren-spector-would-love-to-see-more-epic-mickey-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/warren-spector-would-love-to-see-more-epic-mickey-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/warren-spector-would-love-to-see-more-epic-mickey-games/#comments Warren Spector wants to make more Epic Mickey gamesWarren Spector, the (mad)man behind Disney's Epic Mickey, would like to continue making games in the series, he tells Red Bull for some reason. He and the development team at Junction Point have troves of ideas for follow-ups:

"I'd love to see the Disney Epic Mickey series continue - there are plenty of stories still to tell about Wasteland and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse," Spector says. "I'd love to see some Oswald games, where he's on his own. He deserves a shot at solo stardom. Then there are the 'duck' games - Donald, Scrooge, etc. - that are just waiting to be made. And a bunch of us at Junction Point have thoughts about Goofy and the Gremlins and a hundred others."

More than just wanting to create one extra game, Spector says there is enough material in the past 80 years of Disney history to make 80 more Epic Mickey games.

"I should probably keep some secrets, but I'd love to do something with all the rejected versions of Tinkerbell [from Peter Pan] we saw in the archives - I think fans would get a huge kick out of that."

Yes, Spector retains this enthusiasm even after our review of Epic Mickey 2.

JoystiqWarren Spector would love to see more Epic Mickey games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyepic-mickey-2microsoftnintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiiwii-uxboxThu, 20 Dec 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey 2 - The Power of Two review: Of mice and meh]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/disney-epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-two-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/disney-epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-two-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/disney-epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-two-review/#comments Keep track of all of Joystiq's Wii U launch coverage on our Wii U hub page!

When an earthquake rattles the denizens of Wasteland, a melancholic dumping ground for Disney creations long forgotten, the Mad Doctor emerges with evil mustache intact - but a nicer public act. He's changed his tune, he says and sings, convincing all within earshot that he's due for a second chance. And never mind that he just burst forth from the earth on a gigantic robot, just as the town broke in half. That's no cause for suspicion, surely.

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is something of a second chance for Junction Point's series, at least to my mind. The first game was tinged with a strange sadness as it caught up with characters discarded by their creators, though what empathy there was came in cutscenes more often than play. Mechanically, Mickey Mouse's house wasn't in order.

The sequel promises an improved camera, more elaborate choices, a musical flair, a playable partnership with Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and the same exquisite appreciation and restoration of Disney's dusty history. Sadly, these claims of a better game are about as believable as the Mad Doctor's sudden turnaround, and Epic Mickey 2 slides into mediocrity after just a few steps.

Gallery: Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (Wii U)

Continue reading Disney Epic Mickey 2 - The Power of Two review: Of mice and meh

JoystiqDisney Epic Mickey 2 - The Power of Two review: Of mice and meh originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyepic-mickey-2junction-point-studiosmicrosoftmovenintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiiwii-uxboxWed, 21 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spector still wants Epic Mickey HD, needs your help]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/spector-still-wants-epic-mickey-hd-needs-your-help/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/spector-still-wants-epic-mickey-hd-needs-your-help/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/spector-still-wants-epic-mickey-hd-needs-your-help/#comments Warren Spector, long-term industry survivor and creative director of Disney's Junction Point Studios, still wants to do a high definition version of Wii-exclusive Epic Mickey for other consoles.

"It's been about four or five days since I've asked to get that project greenlit. It's not my call to make. I can't even tell you how much I want to see the first game with all the enhancements and improvements we've made on Xbox 360 and PS3," Spector told us today at Gamescom. "Just have all of your readers send emails to Disney corporation and say: 'Warren should make this game.'"

Spector told us there are two things he very much wants: "I want to make a duck game and I want to see Epic Mickey on next-gen platforms."

But this is Warren Spector we're talking about. Can't he just wave a magical paintbrush and make his dreams come true? He may not have his duck game, but he's got his duck comic.

"There's only so much clout," he admitted. "When you're talking about the kind of money games cost now, there's only so much you can do."

Well, what we can do is just slide the Disney Twitter over to you fine folks reading and you can decide whether to let them know if you want Epic Mickey on HD consoles.

JoystiqSpector still wants Epic Mickey HD, needs your help originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Epic-MickeyEpic-Mickey-2gamescomgamescom-2012junction-pointjunction-point-studiosmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiixboxFri, 17 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Critical Path' trailer is loaded with games industry talent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/critical-path-trailer-is-loaded-with-games-industry-talent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/critical-path-trailer-is-loaded-with-games-industry-talent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/critical-path-trailer-is-loaded-with-games-industry-talent/#comments 'Critical Path' trailer appears, loaded with industry talentA trailer for Critical Path, a "transmedia project exploring the art, philosophy, politics and psychology of video games" recently surfaced. The trailer, created by a Los Angeles-based studio named Artifact, shows dozens of game designers talking about their craft and the place games take in the history of expressive media. The project aims to "give game designers their due as innovators and influencers of culture."

Critical Path is described as the culmination of "two years of filming and archiving" interviews, according to Artifact's site. "User feedback will influence future interviews, which will be added to the archive on an ongoing basis."

Among the 37 names listed at the end of the trailer are Warren Spector, Jenova Chen, John Carmack, David Cage, Cliff Bleszinski, Ken Levine, Peter Molyneux, Tim Schafer and Hideo Kojima. You can watch the trailer here.

Joystiq'Critical Path' trailer is loaded with games industry talent originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artifactartifact-studioscliff-bleszinskicritical-pathdavid-cagehideo-kojimajenova-chenJohn-CarmackKen-LevinePeter-MolyneuxTim-Schafertrailerwarren-spectorSun, 22 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@Comic-con: A nerd walks into a video game store...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/overheard-comic-con-a-nerd-walks-into-a-video-game-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/overheard-comic-con-a-nerd-walks-into-a-video-game-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/overheard-comic-con-a-nerd-walks-into-a-video-game-store/#comments OverheardComiccon A nerd walks into a video game storeAs the man behind titles such as System Shock, Thief and Deus Ex, it's no surprise Warren Spector has a slightly warped sense of humor. For example, when naming Deus Ex, Spector thought it would be funny to pick a title that some people would be hesitant to pronounce, and he still thinks it's funny, even though that name ultimately cost Eidos sales. Spector knows exactly why:

"People don't want to go into their game store and ask for the 'Do Sex' game," Spector said, still chuckling.

JoystiqOverheard@Comic-con: A nerd walks into a video game store... originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Deus-Exdeus-ex-human-revolutionEidosEidos-Interactivepcwarren-spectorFri, 13 Jul 2012 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey 2 also coming to PC and Mac on Nov. 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/epic-mickey-2-also-coming-to-pc-and-mac-on-nov-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/epic-mickey-2-also-coming-to-pc-and-mac-on-nov-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/epic-mickey-2-also-coming-to-pc-and-mac-on-nov-18/#comments The plan is for Disney's Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two to launch on Xbox 360, PS3 with Move, Wii, PC and Mac on November 18, Junction Point founder Warren Spector said today at San Diego Comic-Con. The launch date was previously confirmed for consoles alone, including the 3DS tie-in title, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Illusion, which is also slated to drop on November 18.

The Power of Illusion will pay homage to forgotten and rejected gaming features, drawing inspiration from 16-bit graphics and the 1990 Sega game, Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse.

Spector said it was "totally dumb" that he had none of the characters speak in the first Epic Mickey, and he's rectifying that by having characters not only talk, but sing in Epic Mickey 2. Actor Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride, Robin Hood: Men in Tights) voices Gus, while Frank Welker (Nibbler in Futurama, at least one character in every cartoon you ever loved) plays Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

Epic Mickey 2 is mature on a level comparable to one of Spector's earlier titles, Deus Ex, backed up by the fact that 54 percent of Epic Mickey players were 18 or older, he said.

A second iteration of the Epic Mickey digital graphic novel series, penned by comic veteran Peter David (The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man 2099), is due out this fall.

JoystiqEpic Mickey 2 also coming to PC and Mac on Nov. 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyepic-mickey-2junction-point-studiosmacmicrosoftmovenintendopcpeter-davidplaystationps3sdcc-2012warren-spectorwiiwii-uxboxFri, 13 Jul 2012 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector: 'Ultraviolence' in games going too far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/warren-spector-ultraviolence-in-games-going-too-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/warren-spector-ultraviolence-in-games-going-too-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/warren-spector-ultraviolence-in-games-going-too-far/#comments Warren Spector Ultraviolence becoming a problem in gamesEpic Mickey producer Warren Spector had only a limited view of E3 from within meeting rooms, but he still saw plenty of gruesome violence. "The ultraviolence has to stop," Spector told GI.biz. "We have to stop loving it. I just don't believe in the effects argument at all, but I do believe that we are fetishizing violence, and now in some cases actually combining it with an adolescent approach to sexuality. I just think it's in bad taste. Ultimately I think it will cause us trouble."

Spector said he left Eidos in 2004 because of the over-the-top violence he saw overwhelming that company's lineup. "We've gone too far," he said. "The slow-motion blood spurts, the impalement by deadly assassins, the knives, shoulders, elbows to the throat. You know, Deus Ex had its moments of violence, but they were designed - whether they succeeded or not I can't say - but they were designed to make you uncomfortable, and I don't see that happening now." To call Spector's newer efforts "Mickey Mouse games" would be taken as a compliment in multiple ways, we expect.

The other troubling trend Spector saw is an increased emphasis on non-game apps at E3, including services like Netflix. "When the games are the least interesting part, there's a problem."

JoystiqWarren Spector: 'Ultraviolence' in games going too far originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012epic-mickey-2junction-point-studiosviolencewarren-spectorFri, 15 Jun 2012 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[How the power of 700 goes into one Epic Mickey 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/how-the-power-of-700-goes-into-one-epic-mickey-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/how-the-power-of-700-goes-into-one-epic-mickey-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/how-the-power-of-700-goes-into-one-epic-mickey-2/#comments Warren Spector recently told GamesIndustry.biz that over 700 people worldwide were working on his next game, which of course turned out to be Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. To us, that seemed unfathomably vast -- it's larger than Capcom's estimate for Resident Evil 6 by 100 heads. So, in order to get a handle on it, we asked Spector how that roster breaks down.

"'Breakdown' is a good word for it, actually," he joked. "The internal team size at Junction Point is about the same as it was on the first game. To have any chance [with an AAA game] -- I'm not saying we did succeed or will succeed, that's for you guys to decide -- you need 150-200 people these days. You just can't do it with less."

Continue reading How the power of 700 goes into one Epic Mickey 2

JoystiqHow the power of 700 goes into one Epic Mickey 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-mickey-2junction-point-studiosmicrosoftmovenintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiixboxFri, 23 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The power of inclusion in Epic Mickey 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-power-of-inclusion-in-epic-mickey-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-power-of-inclusion-in-epic-mickey-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-power-of-inclusion-in-epic-mickey-2/#comments In retrospect, it's obvious that Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two would be a musical. It's the natural path toward making the Disneyest thing possible, and that's where Junction Point creative director Warren Spector's interests lie. Before I played a demo, I and other press were presented with a cutscene setting up the story.

The Mad Doctor makes a dramatic return to Os Town, amidst rumbling earthquakes (thanks for physically making my seat rumble in the theater, Disney), claiming to be reformed and seeking a hero to help him save the people from some unknown calamity.

And all this claiming and seeking is done in song. "Help ME, help YOU!" he sing-talks in heavily accented English. It works to convince Oswald to join him, and it worked to convince me that Warren Spector is all about the principles of Disney. I guess I didn't need much convincing there anyway.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (360/PS3)

Continue reading The power of inclusion in Epic Mickey 2

JoystiqThe power of inclusion in Epic Mickey 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-twoEpic-Mickey-2junction-point-studiosmicrosoftmovenintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiixboxFri, 23 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See Epic Mickey 2 in motion and in Warren Spector's words]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/see-epic-mickey-2-in-motion-and-in-warren-spectors-words/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/see-epic-mickey-2-in-motion-and-in-warren-spectors-words/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/see-epic-mickey-2-in-motion-and-in-warren-spectors-words/#comments
In the foreground of this video, you see Warren Spector talking about Oswald's role in Epic Mickey 2, and his enthusiasm for musicals; in the background, you can see footage of the new game for the first time. The two elements cooperate, just like Mickey and Oswald.

JoystiqSee Epic Mickey 2 in motion and in Warren Spector's words originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-pointmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiixboxThu, 22 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector (note: not 'War Inspector') GDC Lifetime Achievement award video loosed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/warren-spector-note-not-war-inspector-gdc-lifetime-achievem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/warren-spector-note-not-war-inspector-gdc-lifetime-achievem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/warren-spector-note-not-war-inspector-gdc-lifetime-achievem/#comments
During GDC this year, Warren Spector was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award for ... uh ... his life, and Mega64 was there with an amazing video to celebrate as much. Starring Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinski, you'll find out that Spector's name isn't just a guise for his secret job as a "War Inspector." Finally! The truth!

JoystiqWarren Spector (note: not 'War Inspector') GDC Lifetime Achievement award video loosed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdcgdc-2012junction-point-studioslifetime-achievement-awardwarren-spectorMon, 19 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector writing new monthly DuckTales comic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/warren-spector-writing-new-monthly-ducktales-comic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/warren-spector-writing-new-monthly-ducktales-comic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/warren-spector-writing-new-monthly-ducktales-comic/#commentsIt may not be the DuckTales game he wants to make, but Warren Spector is getting the opportunity to write some stories in the DuckTales universe after all.

BOOM! Studios revealed that the Epic Mickey designer has signed on to write an ongoing DuckTales comic series, in which he will most likely solve a mystery and/or rewrite history as he chronicles the ongoing adventure of a rich Scottish duck and his nephews. This proves that yes, Spector loves Disney enough to step outside of his game design job to tell Disney stories.

Art for the monthly series will be provided by longtime Disney comic artist Miquel Pujol. The first issue will be out in May.

[Thanks, Edward O]

Continue reading Warren Spector writing new monthly DuckTales comic

JoystiqWarren Spector writing new monthly DuckTales comic originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boom-studiosComicsDucktalesJunction-point-studiosWarren-spectorFri, 18 Feb 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive implements mass layoffs; status of Junction Point, Black Rock currently unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/disney-interactive-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/disney-interactive-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/disney-interactive-layoffs/#comments Beyond Disney Interactive's layoffs today at Junction Point and last week's closure of Propaganda Games, sources tell Joystiq that the division's job cuts go much deeper. We've been informed in this "first round" of layoffs that 250 people have been let go.

Numerous attempts to obtain an official statement from Disney have gone unanswered. There is currently no word on the overall status of Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios nor Warren Spector's Junction Point, which recently released Disney Epic Mickey, a title we've been told has not sold as well as expected. Sources also tell us that the fate of Spector could be separate from that of the studio.

Massive changes at the division have come at a steady clip ever since Disney bought social game developer Playdom for upwards of $563.2 million. Then there was the double-barreled resignation of longtime boss Graham Hopper and bigwig Steve Wadsworth. It is currently the era of James Pitaro and former Playdom CEO John Pleasants, who are seeking not to repeat the division's $234 million loss this fiscal year.

Update: Disney's terse official statement: "As part of setting a strategic direction for future success in the digital media space, the Disney Interactive Media Group today began a restructuring process"

JoystiqDisney Interactive implements mass layoffs; status of Junction Point, Black Rock currently unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studiosDisney-Interactivedisney-interactive-studiosjunction-pointjunction-point-studioslayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiixboxMon, 24 Jan 2011 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Source: Epic Mickey dev suffering layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/source-epic-mickey-dev-suffering-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/source-epic-mickey-dev-suffering-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/source-epic-mickey-dev-suffering-layoffs/#comments Despite a number six debut on December's NPD charts, Epic Mickey apparently can't save Junction Point Studios from post-launch staff cuts. Sources speaking with Joystiq confirm that Disney Interactive issued layoffs at the Warren Spector-helmed studio today, though exact numbers are unknown -- we've contacted Disney for comment, but we imagine those plans for sequels to Epic Mickey aren't looking so solid right now.

Following last week's closure of Disney Interactive-owned Propaganda Games, today's layoffs represent further steps back for the publisher in terms of "core" game development endeavors, and, we fear, may not be the last of Disney's cuts. Disney also owns Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios, and most recently acquired social game developer Playdom.

Update: Layoffs hit entire Disney Interactive division.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'junctionpoint']

JoystiqSource: Epic Mickey dev suffering layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosEpic-Mickeyjunction-pointjunction-point-studioslayoffsnintendosourcewarren-spectorwiiMon, 24 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector says reviewers 'misunderstood' Epic Mickey's camera]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/warren-spector-says-reviewers-misunderstood-epic-mickey-camera/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/warren-spector-says-reviewers-misunderstood-epic-mickey-camera/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/warren-spector-says-reviewers-misunderstood-epic-mickey-camera/#comments Though plenty of reviewers (our own included) were swept up by the enchanting world of Epic Mickey, its shoddy camera has been pretty much universally maligned. Creator Warren Spector leaped to his team's defense while speaking with MTV, saying, "First, there has never been a game that I couldn't break if you give it to me for 30 seconds. I mean, I will break a camera in any game ever made. [Ed.'s note: Well, clearly.] Third-person camera is way harder than I even imagined it could be. It is the hardest problem in video game development. Everybody gets it wrong. It's just a question of how close to right do you get it."

Spector went on to claim that the issue stems from the fact that his game isn't a pure platformer, so the camera couldn't be tuned just for that purpose. "If reviewers want to give us a hard time about it because they're misunderstanding the game we made, it's not for me to tell them that they're wrong," he continued, "absolutely not."

Listen, we love Warren Spector, and Epic Mickey has plenty of good points, for sure. But "We tried to do something that was crazy hard and it didn't work" is not a suitable excuse -- unless you're going house to house and explaining the "right" way to play. (P.S. If Spector does start doing that, you probably shouldn't let him near your cameras.)

JoystiqWarren Spector says reviewers 'misunderstood' Epic Mickey's camera originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameradisneydisney-epic-mickeyEpic-Mickeynintendoreviewswarren-spectorwiiWed, 08 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deus Ex: Game of the Year just 99 cents today on Games For Windows]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/deus-ex-game-of-the-year-just-99-cents-today-on-games-for-windo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/deus-ex-game-of-the-year-just-99-cents-today-on-games-for-windo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/deus-ex-game-of-the-year-just-99-cents-today-on-games-for-windo/#comments It seems the Games for Windows Marketplace is trying its darndest to establish itself as the premiere source of awesome games that cost less than a 20 oz. bottle of soda. For example, today, you can pick up Warren Spector's epic FPSRPG Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition for just 99 American cents.

Continue reading Deus Ex: Game of the Year just 99 cents today on Games For Windows

JoystiqDeus Ex: Game of the Year just 99 cents today on Games For Windows originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-exeidosGames-for-Windowsgames-for-windows-liveion-stormpcwarren-spectorThu, 02 Dec 2010 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Disney Epic Mickey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/metareview-disney-epic-mickey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/metareview-disney-epic-mickey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/metareview-disney-epic-mickey/#comments Disney Epic Mickey has received no small amount of praise for receiving the kind of TLC rarely visited upon third-party Wii titles -- but did that attention actually translate over to, you know, becoming a good game? Or was that TLC simply wasted upon a mediocre platformer? More importantly, why do we find ourselves suddenly overwhelmed by a powerful urge to listen to "Waterfalls" on repeat?

You've heard our take on Junction Point's paint-splattered vision of Disney's timeless mascot; now let's see what the rest of the peanut gallery has to say:
  • GamesRadar (9/10): "It's a life-affirming tribute to both forgotten characters and game genres well worth remembering, with an all new added twist. And contrary to how it looks, there's a startling amount of maturity and replayability wrapped within this family-friendly package."
  • IGN (8/10): "Ultimately, the positive elements of Epic Mickey do manage to make this worth a shot. Going in with the proper level of expectation should manage to keep some of the WiiMote throwing to a minimum... just keep that wrist strap tight."
  • CVG (7.5/10): "Disney Epic Mickey, with its freeform nature and deep exploration, has plenty of appeal - and completists and adventure fans may even adore it. But its rough edges ultimately dampen its potential. If only it had been given an extra lick of paint..."
  • Game Informer (7/10): "Epic Mickey goes out of its way to show gamers Walt Disney's body of work, but rarely fires on a level that turns this beloved content into exciting gameplay."
  • Eurogamer (6/10): "Fundamentally, Epic Mickey misunderstands what people love about Mickey Mouse. He simply doesn't fit in this grim, post-modern dystopia, dripping with bitter-sweet nods to forgotten corners of Disney lore, nor does he need to confront his dark commercial heart to stay relevant in 2010."

JoystiqMetareview: Disney Epic Mickey originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyEpic-Mickeyjunction-point-studiosmetareviewnintendowarren-spectorwiiTue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey review: A brush with greatness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/disney-epic-mickey-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/disney-epic-mickey-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/disney-epic-mickey-review/#comments The unlikely creation of Deus Ex designer and industry legend Warren Spector and his imagineers at Junction Point, Disney Epic Mickey is the single most ambitious Wii exclusive outside of Nintendo's own releases. "Epic" is not a misnomer -- from the quality of the art and animation, to the level design, scale and even score of the game, it's clear that massive amounts of resources, both of the creative and financial variety, were lavished on it. There are moments in Epic Mickey that are so good, so polished and so full of charm I would have sworn that I was playing a game Shigeru Miyamoto had a hand in.

If only the whole game was like that.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey

Continue reading Disney Epic Mickey review: A brush with greatness

JoystiqDisney Epic Mickey review: A brush with greatness originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-InteractiveEpic-Mickeyjunction-point-studiosmickey-mousenintendoplatformerwarren-spectorwiiMon, 29 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey trailer dives into the Disney archives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/disney-epic-mickey-trailer-dives-into-the-disney-archives/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/disney-epic-mickey-trailer-dives-into-the-disney-archives/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/disney-epic-mickey-trailer-dives-into-the-disney-archives/#comments The latest Disney Epic Mickey trailer shows developer Junction Point diving into the Disney archives for game ideas and feeling overwhelmed by the rich content. Is this the first time we've been excited for a history lesson?

Continue reading Disney Epic Mickey trailer dives into the Disney archives

JoystiqDisney Epic Mickey trailer dives into the Disney archives originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-epic-mickeyEpic-Mickeyjunction-pointjunction-point-studiosnintendowarren-spectorwiiTue, 23 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey's 'Tomorrow City' revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/disney-epic-mickeys-tomorrow-city-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/disney-epic-mickeys-tomorrow-city-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/disney-epic-mickeys-tomorrow-city-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

G4 recently spoke with Warren Spector about Tomorrow City, a newly-revealed level in the upcoming Epic Mickey, and you can watch the interview after the break. Tomorrow City is based on Disneyland's Tomorrowland and features landmarks including the Moonliner Rocket, the Carousel of Progress and the PeopleMover.

The video also shows off more 2D gameplay, plus some solid platforming challenges. "The structure of the game is very Zelda-like," says Spector, "but once you get into those action spaces, we really wanted more platforming action." Epic Mickey will be out on Wii on November 30.

Continue reading Disney Epic Mickey's 'Tomorrow City' revealed

JoystiqDisney Epic Mickey's 'Tomorrow City' revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyEpic-Mickeyg4nintendotomorrowlandvideowarren-spectorwiiThu, 14 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey developer diary explores the plight of Oswald]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/epic-mickey-developer-diary-explores-the-plight-of-oswald/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/epic-mickey-developer-diary-explores-the-plight-of-oswald/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/epic-mickey-developer-diary-explores-the-plight-of-oswald/#comments In an alternate universe, we could be anxiously anticipating the release of Warren Spector's upcoming platformer, based on the world's most recognizable cartoon character, Epic Oswald. Check out the developer diary below to see how we ended up with that round-eared sopranist instead.

Continue reading Epic Mickey developer diary explores the plight of Oswald

JoystiqEpic Mickey developer diary explores the plight of Oswald originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-InteractiveEpic-Mickeyjunction-point-studiosnintendooswaldwarren-spectorwiiTue, 12 Oct 2010 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey trailer goes behind story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/disney-epic-mickey-trailer-goes-behind-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/disney-epic-mickey-trailer-goes-behind-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/disney-epic-mickey-trailer-goes-behind-story/#comments Disney Epic Mickey has a heavy emphasis on storytelling. If the seven minutes of previously released cutscenes didn't already bang that over your head like an Acme anvil (mixed cartoon metaphor), here's Junction Point's Warren Spector to tell you more.

Continue reading Disney Epic Mickey trailer goes behind story

JoystiqDisney Epic Mickey trailer goes behind story originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disneydisney-epic-mickeyDisney-InteractiveEpic-Mickeyjunction-pointjunction-point-studiosnintendowarren-spectorwiiTue, 05 Oct 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector: diversity puts video game industry in a 'great place']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/warren-spector-diversity-puts-video-game-industry-in-a-great-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/warren-spector-diversity-puts-video-game-industry-in-a-great-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/warren-spector-diversity-puts-video-game-industry-in-a-great-p/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Choice has been a crucial and critically acclaimed component of games benefiting from Warren Spector's involvement, and this November's Disney Epic Mickey is no exception. It pervades the entire industry, an optimistic Spector believes, telling VideoGamer that the diversity on offer, both for consumers and developers, puts us in a "great place."

"Actually, I think that this is kind of a Golden Age," Spector said in a Gamescom interview. "I can make a Wii-exclusive game featuring Mickey Mouse. Someone else can make an all-original $100m MMO. I've got friends who are literally working alone on indie games that have no prospect of profit or commercial success. I've got guys working on iPhone games." Spector noted that a widening audience and abundance of platforms makes it easier to find a fit. "There's something for everyone, which means there's something for every developer to do that's meaningful for them, that will ignite their passion."

And while Spector admitted to not quite getting social games, he wouldn't succumb to the unfortunate tendency to cast judgment on their audience. "Gaming is in a very special place right now and we should be reveling in it, enjoying the parts that we love and letting other people enjoy the parts that they love. The more people who game, the better for everyone." If anybody should be pleased to hear an even-handed, inclusive opinion on today's multifaceted gaming, it's those Farmville weirdos.

JoystiqWarren Spector: diversity puts video game industry in a 'great place' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywarren-spectorwiixboxTue, 14 Sep 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector pitched Deus Ex 'spiritual successor' to Disney]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/warren-spector-pitched-deus-ex-spiritual-successor-to-disney/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/warren-spector-pitched-deus-ex-spiritual-successor-to-disney/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/warren-spector-pitched-deus-ex-spiritual-successor-to-disney/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Square Enix Europe may be working on an official Deus Ex sequel, but that didn't stop Warren Spector -- one of the creators of the original game -- from pitching a "spiritual successor" to his new employer, Disney. According to Develop, Spector delivered a presentation for a new "futuristic sci-fi game," one that he believed Disney wouldn't be interested in.

Spector walked out of that meeting with a new game deal, but not on the project he expected. "We have a concept for Mickey, we want to show you our idea," the designer recalls the execs telling him during that meeting. "And they gave me this pitch." That pitch ended up being Epic Mickey, an unexpected (but certainly not unwelcome) departure from Spector's earlier, more mature works.

With Spector's Junction Point studio nearing the end of Epic Mickey's development, we can't help but wonder if the team will move on to the pitched (but seemingly ignored) sci-fi idea. Spector doesn't offer an answer, but there's clearly some interest from the Disney higher-ups. "Disney now owns the IP to it," Spector said. "So who knows?"

JoystiqWarren Spector pitched Deus Ex 'spiritual successor' to Disney originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-exdisneyEpic-Mickeyjunction-point-studioswarren-spectorTue, 07 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey preview: Small mouse, big decisions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/epic-mickey-preview-small-mouse-big-decisions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/epic-mickey-preview-small-mouse-big-decisions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/epic-mickey-preview-small-mouse-big-decisions/#comments Mickey Mouse isn't supposed to be in situations like this.

Though I'd been having a great time spraying paint on enemies and wiping out obstacles with magical paint thinner in my PAX demo of Epic Mickey , I found myself absolutely stymied during a crucial moment. Here on my one hand was a helpless gremlin in a cage, begging for rescue. On the other, a treasure chest full of the game's currency, E tickets.

The tickets were counter-balancing the catapult in which the gremlin was confined, so snatching them would lead to his doom. But I was told that the tickets would be lost if I freed the gremlin. I had to get one of the two, but as soon as I did, the other would be lost forever.

Gallery: Epic Mickey (PAX 2010)

Continue reading Epic Mickey preview: Small mouse, big decisions

JoystiqEpic Mickey preview: Small mouse, big decisions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Epic-Mickeyjunction-point-studiosnintendopax-2010warren-spectorwiiTue, 07 Sep 2010 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Part two of Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/04/part-two-of-disney-epic-mickeys-opening-cinema/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/04/part-two-of-disney-epic-mickeys-opening-cinema/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/04/part-two-of-disney-epic-mickeys-opening-cinema/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During his keynote speech at PAX yesterday, Warren Spector revealed the second half of Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic, which you can find and watch right after the break. The first half, you'll remember, set Mickey up as a mischievous type who'd played around with a magical paintbrush and eventually fallen into a spinning vortex of darkness.

In this half, Mickey is dropped into a mad scientist's castle in the Wasteland, where we get to meet Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the Phantom Blot and a cast of other characters who will undoubtedly appear elsewhere in the game. And just like the first half, this one is presumably full of old school Disney animation references and in-jokes, none of which we actually get (although Google helped us out with this one). Any Disney scholars want to call out Spector for showing off?

Continue reading Video: Part two of Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic

JoystiqVideo: Part two of Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-epic-mickeyEpic-Mickeynintendopax-2010trailerwarren-spectorwiiSat, 04 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector says game devs are 'still making cartoons']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/warren-spector-says-game-devs-are-still-making-cartoons/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/warren-spector-says-game-devs-are-still-making-cartoons/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/warren-spector-says-game-devs-are-still-making-cartoons/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When Warren Spector told Gamescom attendees that the denizens of his chosen profession are "still making cartoons," he wasn't referring to his upcoming illustrated opus, Epic Mickey. Rather, he was voicing his opinion on what he sees to be one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today: game developers' proclivity for attempting (and ultimately failing) to mimic the storytelling techniques of movies, comics and other forms of popular media.

Of course, one of his main problems with games' stories is their tendency to be dude-centric -- he warned the Gamescom crowd "if we don't break out of big buff guys with swords and guys in tights and space marines in armor, we're going to get marginalized in the way comics have been in the United States." He also warned about attempting to ape blockbuster films by filling games with obscenely expensive visuals, as "we still fall far, far short of what people expect from a movie."

Ultimately, the only form of storytelling Spector thinks games should attempt to emulate is oral conversation, as the person interacting with the game is equally responsible for shaping its story. "Player experience comes first," Spector explained, "we have to allow them to show their creativity. No other medium has allowed them to do this. We are unique in the history of humankind. Every player becomes an author when they play a game."

JoystiqWarren Spector says game devs are 'still making cartoons' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Epic-Mickeygamescom-2010industrynintendowarren-spectorwiiWed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic is probably over your head]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/disney-epic-mickeys-opening-cinematic-is-probably-over-your-hea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/disney-epic-mickeys-opening-cinematic-is-probably-over-your-hea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/disney-epic-mickeys-opening-cinematic-is-probably-over-your-hea/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Finally, with the release of the opening cinematic for Disney Epic Mickey, we're getting a bigger look at the story going on behind Warren Spector's ode to Disney animation. As expected, it involves some shenanigans with Mickey and a sorcerer (Yen Sid from Fantasia), a magic paintbrush, some paint and paint thinner. But even more intriguing are the many nods to old-school Disney cartoons, from all of the hats and objects placed on the walls to the dates and movie stills flying past in the quick montage near the end.

Of course, it would probably take a Disney aficionado like Spector to catch all of those references zipping by, but even if you don't get everything, you can at least see that Mickey has unintentionally created the Phantom Blot, and has caused a little bit of chaos in Yen Sid's alternate reality, turning it into the Wasteland that the big-eared hero gets tossed into. Hopefully the game will be just as fun without knowing why that calendar above says "March 25."

Continue reading Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic is probably over your head

JoystiqDisney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic is probably over your head originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-epic-mickeyEpic-Mickeyhistorymickey-mousenintendovideowarren-spectorwiiTue, 17 Aug 2010 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector really wants to make a DuckTales game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/warren-spector-really-wants-to-make-a-ducktales-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/warren-spector-really-wants-to-make-a-ducktales-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/warren-spector-really-wants-to-make-a-ducktales-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When we talked to Warren Spector back at E3 this year, he specifically named the Capcom's DuckTales as one of his favorite Disney games. In a new interview with Industry Gamers, he now says that, "A day does not go by where I don't tell somebody at Disney: 'Uncle Scrooge, come on! Donald! Huey, Dewey, and Louie! Come on, let me do a duck game!' So yeah, I would love to do a duck game."

Of course, being the animation geek that he is, Spector prefers the Carl Barks version of Uncle Scrooge and the nephews, so we probably won't get any Fenton Crackshell cameos (even though that would be awesome). If Epic Mickey does take off, you never know what franchise Disney may let Spector put his own spin on next.

JoystiqWarren Spector really wants to make a DuckTales game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carl-barksEpic-Mickeynintendowarren-spectorwiiFri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector will keynote at PAX Prime 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/warren-spector-will-keynote-at-pax-prime-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/warren-spector-will-keynote-at-pax-prime-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/warren-spector-will-keynote-at-pax-prime-201/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The official Twitter account for the Penny Arcade Expo has announced that this year's PAX Prime keynote speaker will be none other than Warren Spector, driving force behind the classic Deus Ex and System Shock games, and current boss behind the upcoming Disney Epic Mickey. Spector's no stranger to the keynoting game, having spoken at GDC and other conferences before. We got to talk to him back at E3 this year, and he's right in the thick of Epic Mickey, thinking about accessible gameplay and how to build very famous and licensed characters into his game in a fun way.

Spector will also be at Comic-Con later this week, speaking at a panel with writer Peter David about bringing Mickey and his less famous friends to life in the video game medium. PAX Prime is going down the first week of September up in Seattle, WA, and tickets are still (barely) available.

JoystiqWarren Spector will keynote at PAX Prime 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-epic-mickeykeynotepax-2010pax-prime-2010penny-arcade-expo-2010warren-spectorMon, 19 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector: 'The 3DS changed my life']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/warren-spector-the-3ds-changed-my-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/warren-spector-the-3ds-changed-my-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/warren-spector-the-3ds-changed-my-life/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've read (and written!) some positive write-ups on Nintendo's recently revealed, extra-dimensional handheld, but nothing quite so glowing as the latest blog post from developer extraordinaire Warren Spector. "The 3DS changed my life," Spector explained on his personal blog. We're still trying to tell if he was being sincere, or if he was just trying to come up with a title for the nerdiest Lifetime Original Movie ever made.

"I can be pretty stubborn and when I decide I know something or I'm right about something, I don't often change my mind," he added. "Well, I just want to say I've been completely wrong about 3D all my life. I never got it before. Until now." The reason behind Spector's lack of 3D experience? He lost his ears in a tragic childhood biking accident, and has had no appendages upon which to perch special spectacles. Now we totally understand his enthusiasm.

JoystiqWarren Spector: 'The 3DS changed my life' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsJunction-Point-Studiosnintendowarren-spectorThu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Warren Spector]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/interview-warren-spector/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/interview-warren-spector/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/interview-warren-spector/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Warren Spector is here at E3 this week showing off his Disney Epic Mickey project for the first time, and we got to sit down with the creator of System Shock and Deus Ex to talk about his new gig with the House of Mouse.

After the jump below, Spector answers our questions about why he decided to do a Disney game in the time and place that he did, his favorite Disney properties, and how hard it is to make a platformer game. Read on for more.

Continue reading Interview: Warren Spector

JoystiqInterview: Warren Spector originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-epic-mickeye3-2010Epic-Mickeyinterviewmickey-mousenintendowarren-spectorwiiThu, 17 Jun 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Interview: Eidos Montreal producers talk Deus Ex: Human Revolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/video-interview-eidos-montreal-producers-talk-deus-ex-human-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/video-interview-eidos-montreal-producers-talk-deus-ex-human-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/video-interview-eidos-montreal-producers-talk-deus-ex-human-re/#comments Eidos Montreal producer and lead game designer David Anfossi and Jean-François Dugas may have difficult-to-pronounce names (see the beginning of our video) but they've got an even more difficult job, convincing gamers that the Deus Ex franchise can work without designer Warren Spector.

The duo chatted with us about that challenge, plus how Deus Ex: Human Revolution differentiates itself, in the video interview you'll find just after the break.

Continue reading Video Interview: Eidos Montreal producers talk Deus Ex: Human Revolution

JoystiqVideo Interview: Eidos Montreal producers talk Deus Ex: Human Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutione3-2010EidosEidos-MontrealWarren-SpectorWed, 16 Jun 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Disney Epic Mickey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-disney-epic-mickey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-disney-epic-mickey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-disney-epic-mickey/#comments I've actually been lucky enough to see Epic Mickey twice now, once at a pre-E3 event a few weeks ago and then again this week at E3. And while my first reaction to the game was twinged with disappointment (which I'll explain in just a minute), after seeing it a second time, and talking with Warren Spector himself, I think the game will turn out to be something really special.

What changed in between then and now? Honestly, I don't think they're showing the right demo. The Epic Mickey you can see on the floor of E3 this week shows a middling-to-above-average platformer, with few simple stages and a paint/thinner mechanic that allows you to draw and erase various walls and platforms. But I am convinced anyway (perhaps wrongly, I'll admit) that there's a lot more to this game than that.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey (E3 2010)

Continue reading Preview: Disney Epic Mickey

JoystiqPreview: Disney Epic Mickey originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-epic-mickeydisney-interactivee3-2010epic-mickeyjunction-point-studiosmickeynintendopreviewwarren-spectorwiiWed, 16 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST