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[Windows 8 sells over 100 million copies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/windows-8-surpasses-100-million-copies-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/windows-8-surpasses-100-million-copies-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/windows-8-surpasses-100-million-copies-sold/#comments Over 100 million individuals have purchased Windows 8 licenses from Microsoft in roughly six months.

Tami Reller, co-head of Microsoft's Windows division, told Reuters an OS update is due by the end of the year, code-named Windows Blue. "We've considered a lot of different scenarios to help traditional PC users move forward as well as making usability that much better on all devices," she said. One thing the update will do is make Windows 8 more friendly to smaller tablets, such as seven and eight-inch models.

Reller couldn't say exactly what would be in the update, nor could she confirm if Microsoft would manufacturer a smaller version of its Surface tablet. In the first quarter of 2013, Microsoft has sold 900,000 Surface tablets, compared to 19.5 million iPads and 8.8 million Samsung tablets.

JoystiqWindows 8 sells over 100 million copies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft-surfacepcsalessurfacewindows-8windows-blueWed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A World of Keflings breaks ground on Windows 8; Wii U 'later this year']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/a-world-of-keflings-breaks-ground-on-windows-8-wii-u-later-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/a-world-of-keflings-breaks-ground-on-windows-8-wii-u-later-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/a-world-of-keflings-breaks-ground-on-windows-8-wii-u-later-thi/#comments A World of Keflings now populating Windows 8 Wii U 'later this year'A World of Keflings has expanded its borders to Windows 8 today, providing your Avatar a passport to the PC for $6.99 starting today. The press release announcing the news past the break also mentions an impending Wii U port, due "later this year."

A World of Keflings is a city-building game from Utah-based NinjaBee that originally launched on Xbox Live Arcade in 2010. Our own review lauded its "steady dopamine drip of sweet accomplishment" but recommended short play sessions over extended hours of construction.

Continue reading A World of Keflings breaks ground on Windows 8; Wii U 'later this year'

JoystiqA World of Keflings breaks ground on Windows 8; Wii U 'later this year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-world-of-keflingscity-buildingninjabeenintendopcsimultationwii-uwindows-8Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rayman Jungle Run makes the jump to Windows 8, RT]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/rayman-jungle-run-makes-the-jump-to-windows-8-rt/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/rayman-jungle-run-makes-the-jump-to-windows-8-rt/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/rayman-jungle-run-makes-the-jump-to-windows-8-rt/#comments
Adorable auto-runner Rayman Jungle Run is now available on the Windows Store, downloadable on Windows 8 and RT devices. The Windows version includes the original 40 levels plus the 10 levels thrown in for free late last year. It's priced $2.99.

Ubisoft's classy downloadable evolution of Rayman Origins was a big hit last year, not just with us, but with the App Store itself, which gave it the coveted Game of the Year nod.

Gallery: Rayman Jungle Run (Windows 8)

JoystiqRayman Jungle Run makes the jump to Windows 8, RT originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilepcrayman-jungle-runubisoftwindows-8windows-rtThu, 07 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Pinball experiences issues on Windows 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/star-wars-pinball-experiences-issues-on-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/star-wars-pinball-experiences-issues-on-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/star-wars-pinball-experiences-issues-on-windows-8/#comments

Zen Studios is currently having issues with the recently released Star Wars Pinball on Windows 8 machines. Following up with the developer after receiving several tips this morning about a "Not_Yet_Localized" error on the Microsoft operating system, the company tells us it's working with MS to resolve the issue.

"Zen Studios rarely has release issues, and we really feel terrible whenever players spend their time and energy having to report issues instead of playing games," a company spokesperson told Joystiq. "Fixes are coming soon! Apologies to the players trying to play Star Wars Pinball on Windows 8!"

The issue appears to be platform specific and we haven't heard about the problem on consoles or other operating systems.

JoystiqStar Wars Pinball experiences issues on Windows 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftpcpinball-fx-2star-wars-pinballwindows-8zen-studiosThu, 28 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CastleStorm makes a run at Xbox Live Arcade, Windows 8 in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/castlestorm-makes-a-run-at-xbox-live-arcade-windows-8-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/castlestorm-makes-a-run-at-xbox-live-arcade-windows-8-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/castlestorm-makes-a-run-at-xbox-live-arcade-windows-8-in-april/#comments
Zen Studios has been working on its tower-defense game CastleStorm for well over a year now. During an appointment with the developer, Joystiq has learned the game is currently set for launch on Xbox Live Arcade and Windows 8 sometime in April.

CastleStorm is essentially a 2D, physics-based destruction game with tower-defense elements tossed in. As the Knights, you defend your castle from waves of attacking Vikings; players can defend with ranged weapons such as ballistas, or choose to put their boots on the ground and get right into the conflict as a hero.

There will also be a host of other modes to play outside of the campaign's 12 different environments, including online multiplayer and co-op, plus a castle editor - you can set up your own look and weapon loadouts for your castle, and test weapons within the editor to see how they'd bring it down.

Zen Studios hasn't announced a price for CastleStorm yet, but with only around a month left until launch, we're sure the developer will lob a price point over toward us soon.

JoystiqCastleStorm makes a run at Xbox Live Arcade, Windows 8 in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlestormmicrosoftpcwindows-8xblaxboxxbox-live-arcadezen-studiosTue, 05 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take control of an 80s arcade with Arcadecraft, out now on XBLIG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/take-control-of-an-80s-arcade-with-arcadecraft-out-now-on-xblig/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/take-control-of-an-80s-arcade-with-arcadecraft-out-now-on-xblig/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/take-control-of-an-80s-arcade-with-arcadecraft-out-now-on-xblig/#comments Arcadecraft is out on XBLIGArcadecraft, the 80s arcade management sim from Firebase Industries, is available now on Xbox Live Indie Games for 240 MS Points ($3). In Arcadecraft, players must dig themselves out of debt with the latest craze in entrepreneurship, starting an arcade. As owner and manager, players purchase arcade machines, position them around the space, name their arcade, paint the walls, change the floors, and add graphics and neon wherever they deem necessary.

Arcadecraft has almost 80 arcade machines of different design, each with adjustable difficulty and price settings, and some games will jam, break down and need servicing as customers use and abuse them.

Firebase Industries, the team behind Orbitron: Revolution, has Arcadecraft on Steam Greenlight and is working on a touch-based Windows 8 version.

JoystiqTake control of an 80s arcade with Arcadecraft, out now on XBLIG originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecraftFirebase-IndustriesgreenlightIndiemicrosoftmobilepcSTEAMsteam-greenlightwindows-8xbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesSun, 03 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun review: See you in Hell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-review/#comments Full disclosure: I've never died before. I have no idea what the afterlife looks like, where it's located, who runs its admissions process or if it even exists. I just don't. However, if an afterlife does exist, I'd be totally fine if it resembled the fantastical environment in Skulls of the Shogun.

The entire game takes place in a Japanese warrior's afterlife, with bright Asian line art, a cast of mystical characters and a betrayed general out for revenge. Somewhere along the development process, Skulls of the Shogun could have transformed into a gritty, deep commentary on the futility of life and honor, but thankfully its cheerful, Saturday-morning art style saves it from tumbling too far down that dark rabbit hole. In the end - and I do mean the end - Skulls of the Shogun is joyful, cheeky, and like most memorable experiences, it's best with friends.

So the next time you see your best buddy, clap a hand on his shoulder, look deep into his eyes and say, "We're going to the afterlife." And don't forget to smile.

Gallery: Skulls of the Shogun

Continue reading Skulls of the Shogun review: See you in Hell

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun review: See you in Hell originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitmicrosoftmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunwindows-8windows-phonexboxThu, 31 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun cuts down Windows pricing at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/skulls-of-the-shogun-cuts-down-windows-pricing-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/skulls-of-the-shogun-cuts-down-windows-pricing-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/skulls-of-the-shogun-cuts-down-windows-pricing-at-launch/#comments Skulls of the Shogun will launch at a special introductory price on January 30. Both the Windows 8 and Windows Surface versions will launch at a reduced $10 (normally $15), while the Windows Phone version will be available for $5, down from its normal $7.

The timing on the promotional launch place is vague at the moment - the press release past the break says the discounts will last for a "limited time." A day in dog years? Less than 12 parsecs? The length of the Japanese feudal period, roughly seven centuries?

(Don't worry, we'll let you know when it's over.)

Continue reading Skulls of the Shogun cuts down Windows pricing at launch

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun cuts down Windows pricing at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunwindowswindows-8windows-phonewindows-surfaceWed, 23 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man Championship Edition DX surfaces on Windows 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/pac-man-championship-edition-dx-surfaces-on-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/pac-man-championship-edition-dx-surfaces-on-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/pac-man-championship-edition-dx-surfaces-on-windows-8/#comments Originally due in November, the Windows 8 and Windows RT version of Pac-Man Championship Edition DX are available now. Being compatible with both Windows 8 and Windows RT, you don't have to try to remember exactly which Surface tablet you bought; it'll work on any of them.

Pricing on the Windows 8 version is consistent with the XBLA and PSN versions, at $9.99/8.49€. We assume the ghost count is also consistent, at so many ghosts.

Continue reading Pac-Man Championship Edition DX surfaces on Windows 8

JoystiqPac-Man Championship Edition DX surfaces on Windows 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilepacman-championship-edition-dxpcrelease-datesurfacewindows-8Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wavy Tube Man Chronicles time-travels to Windows 8 today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/wavy-tube-man-chronicles-time-travels-to-windows-8-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/wavy-tube-man-chronicles-time-travels-to-windows-8-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/wavy-tube-man-chronicles-time-travels-to-windows-8-today/#comments The live-action Gunstringer spinoff The Wavy Tube Man Chronicles is now available on Windows 8 PCs and tablets, providing an awfully idiosyncratic endorsement for the new platform.

If all you want is to spend $1.49 on a live-action time-travel pseudo-Western b-movie shooting game, Windows 8 is suddenly the best platform for your needs.

Continue reading Wavy Tube Man Chronicles time-travels to Windows 8 today

JoystiqWavy Tube Man Chronicles time-travels to Windows 8 today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilepcthe-wavy-tube-man-chronicleswindows-8Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ilomilo plus finds a companion in Windows 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/ilomilo-plus-now-on-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/ilomilo-plus-now-on-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/ilomilo-plus-now-on-windows-8/#comments ilomilo plus now on Windows 8Southend Interactive's adorable bipartisan platformer/puzzle game, ilomilo, has made its way to Microsoft's latest operating system, in the form of ilomilo plus. Available on the Windows 8-centric Windows Store for $6.99, plus is an enhanced port of the XBLA version of the game, with two new characters, additional creatures, new cubes, more chapters and support for keyboard, touchscreen and gamepad control schemes.

That last bit means you'll be able to play ilomilo plus on your new Surface for Windows RT and/or Surface Pro without shelling out $100-plus for one the available hardware keyboards.

Joystiqilomilo plus finds a companion in Windows 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ilomiloilomilo-plusMicrosoftmicrosoft-studiospcrelease-dateSimogoSouthEnd-InteractiveWindows-8Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Surface Pro launching in January starting at $899]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/microsoft-surface-pro-launching-in-january-starting-at-899/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/microsoft-surface-pro-launching-in-january-starting-at-899/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/microsoft-surface-pro-launching-in-january-starting-at-899/#comments Microsoft Surface Pro starting at $899, launching in JanuaryMicrosoft has pinpointed the price points for both versions of its forthcoming Surface Pro tablet, which is set to release sometime in January. When the new year does roll around, the 64GB Surface Pro will cost $899, while its 128GB twin will go for $999.

Both versions come with a stylus and otherwise identical internal specifications, although neither SKU includes a Touch/Type Cover, which costs an extra $120/$130 respectively. What your money does net you, however, is a higher-resolution screen than the Surface Pro's baby sister, a Core i5 processor, Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics thingy, 4 gigs of RAM and (most importantly) the full version of Windows 8 Pro.

Due to its upgraded internal doohickies, the Pro's battery life is expected to be around half of that enjoyed by the Surface RT, which translates to a little over four and one-half hours of doin' stuff, according to our friends at Engadget. Which, should be plenty of time for the person you're sitting next to on that business flight to ask what kind of iPad you're using.

JoystiqMicrosoft Surface Pro launching in January starting at $899 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftMicrosoft-Surfacepcpriceprice-pointpricingrelease-windowsurfacesurface-prosurface-RTwindows-8Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Skulls of the Shogun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-skulls-of-the-shogun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-skulls-of-the-shogun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-skulls-of-the-shogun/#comments

Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We like that. This week, Skulls of the Shogun lead designer Jake Kazdal discusses developing a game for four platforms at once, and what happened to that "launch alongside Windows 8" promise.

The Joystiq Indie Pitch Skulls of the Shogun
What's your game called and what's it about?

Skulls of the Shogun is an arcade-strategy game coming to XBLA, Windows Phone, Windows 8 and Windows RT (Surface) very soon. It's an original title, developed by a small team of highly experienced AAA developers over the past 3.5 years. It's a mash-up of tactical turn-based strategy, with a feel that is very arcade-like and action-packed. No grids, very few menus and quick, snappy rounds give it a very unique and charming aesthetic, easy for action gamers to adapt to, but with all the depth a good strategy game lover needs.

Why did you choose to go exclusively Microsoft? Is there any chance of Skulls of the Shogun launching through Steam or anywhere else?

Microsoft's XBLA group is full of old friends and co-workers from my past in this industry, they're close by so we can zip over there for lunch and meetings, and they have my favorite game console, along with a phone and a tablet and a new operating system.

For a micro-studio like us to be able to launch on four platforms simultaneously was a huge incentive. We own the IP and would like to do more with it in the future (not only gaming) but Microsoft is the publisher for these versions and that has kept our hands quite full for now.

Gallery: Skulls of the Shogun

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Skulls of the Shogun

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Skulls of the Shogun originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitjoystiq-indie-pitchmicrosoftmobileskulls-of-the-shogunsurfacewindows-8windows-phone-8windows-rtxboxMon, 26 Nov 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG adds Windows 8 support, 431 games compatible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/gog-adds-windows-8-support-431-games-compatible/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/gog-adds-windows-8-support-431-games-compatible/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/gog-adds-windows-8-support-431-games-compatible/#comments GOG adds Windows 8 support, 431 games compatibleGOG.com announced today it will officially support Windows 8. The digital distribution service stated 431 games (out of 486 available on the service) have been "fixed, tested, and reported" to work on Windows 8.

"Note that most of these have not had the master builds updated, so you shouldn't need to redownload the installer or anything," GOG's announcement noted. "Some of the titles, our build ninjas performed their usual magic on, and they'll work now in Windows 8 - and we're even adding Windows 7 support to a few. We'll also be adding more Windows 8 games as time goes by and we've got time to apply some fixes to more of the classic games in the catalog."

We reached out to GOG for an official list of the 431 compatible games, but they told us it's easier to list the games that aren't Windows 8 compatible. We've dropped that list after the break.

Continue reading GOG adds Windows 8 support, 431 games compatible

JoystiqGOG adds Windows 8 support, 431 games compatible originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goggog.compcwindows-8Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man Championship Edition DX wakes up on Windows 8 this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/pac-man-championship-edition-dx-wakes-up-on-windows-8-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/pac-man-championship-edition-dx-wakes-up-on-windows-8-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/pac-man-championship-edition-dx-wakes-up-on-windows-8-this-month/#comments
Despite the trailer saying Pac-Man Championship Edition DX is "now available from Windows Store," the official release date for the Windows 8 version, according to Namco Bandai, is "November 2012."

In any case, this impending Windows 8 release provides one more venue from which the excellent game can be acquired. If you don't have any of the other platforms on which it's been released, and you have a Windows 8 device, we encourage you to sneak past the line of sleeping ghosts and check it out.

JoystiqPac-Man Championship Edition DX wakes up on Windows 8 this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>namco-bandaipacman-championship-edition-dxpcrelease-datewindows-8Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gunstringer's 'Wavy Tube Man Chronicles' coming to Windows 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/gunstringers-wavy-tube-man-chronicles-coming-to-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/gunstringers-wavy-tube-man-chronicles-coming-to-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/gunstringers-wavy-tube-man-chronicles-coming-to-windows-8/#comments Gunstringer's 'Wavy Tube Man Chronicles' coming to Windows 8"The Wavy Tube Man Chronicles," the bizarre full-motion-video episode originally released as downloadable content for The Gunstringer, has been uncoupled for standalone release on Windows 8 PCs and tablets.

The Chronicles, which feature both a "Troma Team" credit and an acting role by Troma Studios co-founder Lloyd Kaufman (as "Doc Lloyd"), stars Wiley Wiggins as "Future Buddy." He joins your fight to protect a relatively Old West-ish town from Wavy Tube Man Jr., who has traveled back in time to prevent the death of his father, Wavy Tube Man.

The Windows 8 version will be released "soon" for $1.49, a price low enough that we can just buy it again and confirm we didn't imagine the existence of this thing the first time around.

Gallery: The Wavy Tube Man Chronicles

Continue reading Gunstringer's 'Wavy Tube Man Chronicles' coming to Windows 8

JoystiqGunstringer's 'Wavy Tube Man Chronicles' coming to Windows 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcthe-gunstringerthe-wavy-tube-man-chroniclestwisted-pixel-gameswindows-8Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pinball FX 2 ricochets onto Windows 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/27/pinball-fx-2-ricochets-onto-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/27/pinball-fx-2-ricochets-onto-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/27/pinball-fx-2-ricochets-onto-windows-8/#comments Pinball FX 2 ricochets onto Windows 8Windows and free pinball games go together like computer labs and bored high-school students, and Microsoft's shiny new Windows 8 platform will be no exception to that rule, as Zen Studios has launched Pinball FX 2 on the new OS' Microsoft Store app repository.

The free download includes one table ("Mars," specifically), with 18 other tables available for $2.99 each, including Marvel-branded jams such as "Thor," "The Infinity Gauntlet" and "Marvel's The Avengers." Zen plans to support the Windows 8 version with new DLC just as it has the XBLA version, though no amount of DLC will complete that essay on Uncle Tom's Cabin that you're supposed to be working on.

JoystiqPinball FX 2 ricochets onto Windows 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freeMicrosoftMicrosoft-StoreMicrosoft-Windows-8pcpinball-fx-2Windows-8Zen-StudiosSat, 27 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox SmartGlass launches for Windows 8 tablets October 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/xbox-smartglass-launches-for-windows-8-tablets-october-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/xbox-smartglass-launches-for-windows-8-tablets-october-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/xbox-smartglass-launches-for-windows-8-tablets-october-26/#comments
Microsoft confirmed today SmartGlass will launch alongside Windows 8 tablets on October 26, with Dance Central 3 and Forza Horizon among the first games to support it. The Xbox 360 app, which turns devices into secondary screens for the console, will be available for Windows 8 phones at launch on October 29. SmartGlass is expected to arrive on iOS and Android in 2013.

SmartGlass is implemented in the latest Xbox dashboard update, which Microsoft tells us it's rolled out to 3 million users so far. Another wave will receive the dashboard update today, so more users should have access to SmartGlass when the companion app becomes available for Windows 8 tablets on Friday.

Continue reading Xbox SmartGlass launches for Windows 8 tablets October 26

JoystiqXbox SmartGlass launches for Windows 8 tablets October 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddance-central-3forza-horizonhalo-4home-run-starsiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilerelease-datesmartglasswindows-8windows-rtxboxTue, 23 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Microsoft Points no longer the only way to pay with Windows 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/report-microsoft-points-no-longer-the-only-way-to-pay-with-wind/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/report-microsoft-points-no-longer-the-only-way-to-pay-with-wind/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/report-microsoft-points-no-longer-the-only-way-to-pay-with-wind/#comments Report Microsoft Points no longer the only way to pay with Windows 8Microsoft Points may no longer be the only form of payment in Windows 8. According to Polygon's experience with Zune Marketplace on a final build of Windows 8, users can pay using actual money rather than being forced to use Microsoft's oft-maligned currency. In Windows 8 preview builds, Microsoft Points were the only form of payment. Now, they apparently aren't even the default.

A rumor surfaced earlier this year suggesting Microsoft Points are being phased out completely, including from the Xbox Live platform they launched on. Two months ago, real money options briefly showed up on the Xbox Marketplace, though Microsoft claimed they were an error. The change to Windows 8 may be the signal of further changes across Microsoft's platforms, but for now the space bucks live on Xbox Live to fight another day.

JoystiqReport: Microsoft Points no longer the only way to pay with Windows 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft-pointsmobilepcwindows-8XBLMxboxxbox-livezune-marketplaceMon, 08 Oct 2012 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Xbox Music launches this month with free ad-supported streaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/report-xbox-music-launches-this-month-with-free-ad-supported-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/report-xbox-music-launches-this-month-with-free-ad-supported-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/report-xbox-music-launches-this-month-with-free-ad-supported-st/#comments Microsoft's Xbox Music service will reportedly launch alongside Windows 8 on October 26, according to anonymous sources speaking with Polygon.

The service will supposedly provide both subscription-based and free ad-supported streaming music plans for Xbox 360, Windows 8 and Windows Phone users. Microsoft SkyDrive integration is also said to factor heavily into the service's functionality, allowing for synced playlists and music libraries across all supported devices.

These claims match an earlier report from last June, in which Bloomberg claimed that Xbox Music would launch with Spotify-like streaming options and cloud storage capabilities. Microsoft did state shortly thereafter that reports of it "launching a new music service on Xbox this fall are inaccurate," only to discontinue certain Zune services the following month.

Personally, all we care about is whether we'll be able to use this new service to watch Girls' Generation videos, regardless of when it actually comes out.

JoystiqReport: Xbox Music launches this month with free ad-supported streaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freemicrosoftmobilepcreportspotifystreamingsubscriptionwindows-8windows-phonexboxxbox-musiczuneSat, 06 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch refuses to 'certify' Minecraft for closed Windows 8 platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/notch-refuses-to-certify-minecraft-for-closed-windows-8-platfo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/notch-refuses-to-certify-minecraft-for-closed-windows-8-platfo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/notch-refuses-to-certify-minecraft-for-closed-windows-8-platfo/#comments Notch I'd rather scrap Minecraft for Windows 8 than help with certificationMarkus 'Notch' Persson slammed Microsoft this morning for asking him to "help 'certify' Minecraft" for Windows 8. The Minecraft creator berated the company for, in his words, ruining the PC as an open platform. In his next tweet, Notch stated he'd prefer to not have Minecraft run on Windows 8 than to "play along," hoping such action might sway people away from the new OS.

While Notch being outspoken on his Twitter feed is nothing new, his outburst contrasts with the love he showered on Microsoft when Minecraft launched on Xbox Live Arcade. However, Notch made his views on Windows 8 known last month in a Reddit Q&A:
"I hope we can keep a lot of open and free platforms around. If Microsoft decides to lock down Windows 8, it would be very very bad for Indie games and competition in general.

"If we can keep open platforms around, there's going to be a lot of very interesting games in ten years, mixed in with the huge AAA games that we all love."
Windows 8 launches next month with a burly enough line-up, but now doubt hangs over whether or not Mojang's game will be compatible with the platform anytime soon.

JoystiqNotch refuses to 'certify' Minecraft for closed Windows 8 platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>certificationmicrosoftMinecraftnotchpcwindows-8Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 8's Gunstringer: Dead Man Running developed by Other Ocean]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/windows-8s-gunstringer-dead-man-running-developed-by-other-oce/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/windows-8s-gunstringer-dead-man-running-developed-by-other-oce/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/windows-8s-gunstringer-dead-man-running-developed-by-other-oce/#comments Gunstringer Dead Man Running detailsThe Gunstringer: Dead Man Running is a significant departure from the original game. For one thing, it's not a Kinect game for Xbox, but rather a Windows 8 game for PCs and tablets. For another, development is taking place not in Austin, but up north in Canada at Other Ocean Interactive.

Most significantly, Dead Man Running is now an auto-running game with shooting challenges, in both a Story Mode and three "endless runner" stages. It's free-to-play, with customization items available through in-game currency and unspecified content available through in-app purchases.

Dead Man Running will begin its marathon across Windows 8 devices in November.

Continue reading Windows 8's Gunstringer: Dead Man Running developed by Other Ocean

JoystiqWindows 8's Gunstringer: Dead Man Running developed by Other Ocean originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobileother-ocean-interactivepcthe-gunstringerthe-gunstringer-dead-man-runningwindows-8Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2's PC specifications herald end of Windows XP support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/black-ops-2s-pc-specifications-herald-end-of-windows-xp-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/black-ops-2s-pc-specifications-herald-end-of-windows-xp-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/black-ops-2s-pc-specifications-herald-end-of-windows-xp-support/#comments Black Ops 2 heralds end of XP supportIf you're excited to get Black Ops 2 for your Windows XP PC, prepare for disappointment. The FAQ page for the game's PC specifications reveals it's the first Call of Duty to not support the aged operating system.

Black Ops 2 is by no means the first major PC game not to support XP. Sleeping Dogs, which was released last month, is a recent example of another game to spurn the OS. Most high-profile games, however, do still support Windows XP, mainly because a significant number of gamers still use it. Steam's August Hardware and Software Survey reveals 13% of its audience ran their games on Windows XP, although that's compared to the 71% who used Windows 7.

The Black Ops 2 news coincides with Windows 7 narrowly overtaking XP as the most used desktop OS, according to NetMarketShare (not forgetting, of course, the launch of Windows 8 next month). XP is just coming up to its 11th birthday, but the overall picture suggests the venerable OS may be on its last legs, at least when it comes to gaming.

JoystiqBlack Ops 2's PC specifications herald end of Windows XP support originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2pcsteamtreyarchwindows-7windows-8windows-xpTue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun playable at PAX Prime, trailer visible right here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-playable-at-pax-prime-trailer-visible-righ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-playable-at-pax-prime-trailer-visible-righ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-playable-at-pax-prime-trailer-visible-righ/#comments Skulls of the Shogun gets new trailer, playable at Pax Prime
Skulls of the Shogun is coming to just about everything Windows 8; Windows 8 PCs, Windows 8 phones, Windows 8 tablets. Oh, and Xbox. The turn-based strategy game supports cross-platform play across all those Windows, a nifty feature PAX Prime attendees can sample for themselves this weekend.

Skulls of the Shogun comes crashing through all those Windows on October 26.*

*when Windows 8 launches

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun playable at PAX Prime, trailer visible right here originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitmicrosoftmobilepax-primepax-prime-2012pcskulls-of-the-shogunwindows-8windows-phone-8xboxFri, 31 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's first wave of Xbox Live games for Windows 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/microsofts-first-wave-of-xbox-live-games-for-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/microsofts-first-wave-of-xbox-live-games-for-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/microsofts-first-wave-of-xbox-live-games-for-windows-8/#comments http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2012/08/gunstriner831.jpgMicrosoft revealed its first wave of Xbox Live games coming to Windows 8, with 29 games from Microsoft Studios. The first batch will be available October 26 and will span "Windows 8 PC, laptop, or tablet."

Some curious titles that jump out to us in this list are Gunstringer: Dead Man Running and Hydro Thunder Hurricane. There are also some cool ports like ilomilo, Pac-Man Championship Edition DX, Toy Soliders: Cold War, Pinball FX2 and... BlazBlue Calamity Trigger?

Continue reading Microsoft's first wave of Xbox Live games for Windows 8

JoystiqMicrosoft's first wave of Xbox Live games for Windows 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcwindows-8xboxxbox-liveXbox-Live-ArcadeFri, 31 Aug 2012 09:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari classics go HTML5 for Windows 8 tablets and browsers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/atari-classics-go-html5-for-windows-8-tablets-and-browsers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/atari-classics-go-html5-for-windows-8-tablets-and-browsers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/atari-classics-go-html5-for-windows-8-tablets-and-browsers/#comments A new platform means a new chance for Atari to sell its classics. For Windows 8 tablets, it's partnered with Microsoft for a browser-based "Atari Arcade," featuring updated, remade games like Pong, Missile Command, and Centipede, done in HTML5.

They're designed to work in all "modern" browsers, but have extra features on multitouch Windows 8 devices. Extra features ... and no ads. In addition, the Atari Arcade allows devs to create and publish their own Atari Arcade games through Atari's interface.

Pong seems like an odd way to emphasize the future-tech of your tablet, but hey, free Pong! Plus, a new development environment!

JoystiqAtari classics go HTML5 for Windows 8 tablets and browsers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari-arcadecentipedemissile-commandmobilepcpongwindows-8Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 3 now on Windows 8 and Windows RT]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/unreal-engine-3-now-on-windows-8-and-windows-rt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/unreal-engine-3-now-on-windows-8-and-windows-rt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/unreal-engine-3-now-on-windows-8-and-windows-rt/#comments Unreal Engine 3 now on Windows 8 and Windows RTIf you still have the capacity to be surprised by learning that Unreal Engine 3 now runs on a new thing, prepare to be surprised. Unreal Engine 3 now runs on both Windows 8 and Windows RT, Epic has announced. It's not exactly shocking that Epic's workhorse engine is on Windows 8, though the news is certainly good for anyone looking at the upcoming line of Windows RT tablets.

Epic showcased the engine running on just such a tablet, the Asus Vivo Tab RT, which you can see in the video above. The demo in question is "Epic Citadel," which was first used to showcase UE3 on the iPhone back in 2010. Epic VP Mark Rein noted that this is the full Unreal Engine 3, using the "full DirectX 9 pipeline, with shaders and materials," and not a "modified mobile version"

Continue reading Unreal Engine 3 now on Windows 8 and Windows RT

JoystiqUnreal Engine 3 now on Windows 8 and Windows RT originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asus-vivo-tab-rtepicepic-citadelmobilepcue3unreal-engineunreal-engine-3windows-8windows-8-rtWed, 29 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft unveils new logo for the first time in 25 years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/microsoft-unveils-new-logo-for-the-first-time-in-25-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/microsoft-unveils-new-logo-for-the-first-time-in-25-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/microsoft-unveils-new-logo-for-the-first-time-in-25-years/#comments HIT 1ST Microsoft trying on a new logoMicrosoft unveiled a new logo for the first time in 25 years today. The company's name now appears in the smoother, more modern Segoe font, and next to it is Window 8's 'flag', but with four colored squares. Going by the video after the jump, the blue square appears to represent Windows, the red square Office, the green square Xbox (whose logo remains unchanged), and the yellow square ... something new, maybe?

For the last quarter of a century, Microsoft has used the "Pacman logo", as designed by Scott Baker in 1987. The slash between the o and s was supposed to represent the motion and speed of the company and its products. Microsoft chose to change the logo to "visually accentuate" a new beginning in the form of Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, the next version of Office - and maybe the next version of Xbox?

Take a look at an intro video from Microsoft below the break.

Continue reading Microsoft unveils new logo for the first time in 25 years

JoystiqMicrosoft unveils new logo for the first time in 25 years originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>logologosmicrosoftpcwindows-8xboxThu, 23 Aug 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Unity 4 bringing code together on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 as well]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/unity-4-bringing-code-together-on-windows-8-and-windows-phone-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/unity-4-bringing-code-together-on-windows-8-and-windows-phone-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/unity-4-bringing-code-together-on-windows-8-and-windows-phone-8/#comments Unity to support Windows 8, Windows Phone 8
Stop being all worried that the Unity development engine won't support Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 devices - it totally does. Er, it will at least, whenever Unity 4 launches (currently unknown). Unity Technologies announced intentions to support Microsoft's flagship operating systems during this week's Unite 2012 conference in Amsterdam, and only said it would become available "during the Unity 4 release cycle."

Unity is supported by pretty much everything that can play a game - from your browser window to Android devices to the Nintendo Wii and everything in between - so it's not entirely unexpected that Unity's next upgrade will work with Microsoft's next big OS.

"Our mission at Unity has always been to provide solutions for developers to effortlessly bring their work to as many different platforms as possible," Unity CEO David Helgason said of the move. Microsoft is similarly stoked. "We are excited that the Unity community will now be given the opportunity to develop world class titles for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8."

Unity developers are hopefully also stoked, but they didn't get a blurb in the press release. Perhaps you're a prolific Unity developer who thinks this is just the worst? The best? Just okay? Let us know!

JoystiqUnity 4 bringing code together on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 as well originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amsterdamdavid-hegalsonmobilepcunite-2012unity-4unity-technologieswindowswindows-8windows-phone-8Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 8 gets 'Xbox Windows' games; Minesweeper, Solitaire and Mahjong getting achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/windows-8-xbox-windows-games-minesweeper-solitaire-mahjong-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/windows-8-xbox-windows-games-minesweeper-solitaire-mahjong-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/windows-8-xbox-windows-games-minesweeper-solitaire-mahjong-achievements/#commentsFinally, you'll receive real, tangible rewards for your mad Minesweeper skills soon enough - that is, if you upgrade to Windows 8. According to Xbox 360 Achievements.org, Minesweeper, Solitaire and Mahjong are all getting achievements akin to those seen in current Xbox 360 and Games For Windows Live-compatible games when Windows 8 launches on October 26.

These games will also fall into the new "Xbox Windows" family, evidenced by some packaging discovered by Xbox 360 Achievements.org. Look familiar? It's basically the same packaging seen on Xbox Live Arcade games, except for the header coloring at the top and inclusion of Windows branding.

We've contacted Microsoft for an official statement and will update accordingly.

JoystiqWindows 8 gets 'Xbox Windows' games; Minesweeper, Solitaire and Mahjong getting achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mahjongmicrosoftminesweeperpcsolitairewindowswindows-8xboxWed, 08 Aug 2012 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Surface launching alongside Windows 8 this October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/microsoft-surface-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/microsoft-surface-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/microsoft-surface-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/#comments Microsoft Surface launching alongside Windows 8 this OctoberMicrosoft's Surface is launching on (or near) October 26, according to a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing. "The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices," the report reads.

The Surface launches in two flavors: Surface for Windows RT and Surface for Windows 8 Pro, the latter carrying beefier specs. It's unclear if both will launch simultaneously, and no pricing has been set on the two varieties of Surface. At least one game will be available at launch - Skulls of the Shogun - with others expected alongside it.

JoystiqMicrosoft Surface launching alongside Windows 8 this October originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft-surfacemobilepcq4-2012release-dateskulls-of-the-shogunsurfacewindowswindows-8windows-rtMon, 30 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabe Newell: Windows 8 is a 'catastrophe,' Adobe should try 'free-to-play' equivalent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/gabe-newell-windows-8-is-a-catastrophe-adobe-should-try-hat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/gabe-newell-windows-8-is-a-catastrophe-adobe-should-try-hat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/gabe-newell-windows-8-is-a-catastrophe-adobe-should-try-hat/#comments Gabe Newell on Linux and the 'catastrophe' of Windows 8Valve head honcho Gabe Newell stepped away from his desk - or, pushed his desk away from him, since apparently it has wheels so he can maneuver it around the office - to discuss the future of open platforms, Linux and wearable computing at Seattle's Casual Connect conference last night. Newell even weighed in on Windows 8, calling it a "catastrophe," All Things D reported.

"I think Windows 8 is a catastrophe for everyone in the PC space," Newell said. "I think we'll lose some of the top-tier PC/OEMs, who will exit the market. I think margins will be destroyed for a bunch of people. If that's true, then it will be good to have alternatives to hedge against that eventuality."

Newell's alternative is Linux, and he hopes to have all 2,500 games on Steam running on Linux as part of a "hedging strategy."

Newell also sees open, free-to-play-inspired platforms as critical to building healthy markets in the future - not just in gaming, but across all of technology. One Steam user in Kansas makes $150,000 a year making hats for TF2, Newell reported, and the same system can be implemented within services such as Photoshop, if only software companies could see its potential.

"That causes us to have conversations with Adobe, and we say the next version of Photoshop should look like a free-to-play game, and they say, 'We have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, but it sounds really bad,'" Newell said.

Valve predicts the future of computing mechanics lies within wearable computing in a post-touch world. It has so far built a $70,000 wearable rig that overlays information on physical objects, and Newell thinks "we will have bands on our wrists, and you'll be doing something with your hands, which are really expressive."

Maybe our hands will do something like hold a real-life, working portal gun. Maybe? Please?

JoystiqGabe Newell: Windows 8 is a 'catastrophe,' Adobe should try 'free-to-play' equivalent originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobegabe-newellLinuxmobilepcphotoshopSTEAMvalvewearable-computingwindows-8Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun launching alongside Windows 8 this October [Update: Delayed]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/skulls-of-the-shogun-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/skulls-of-the-shogun-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/skulls-of-the-shogun-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/#comments Skulls of the Shogun launching alongside Windows 8 this October
Skulls of the Shogun isn't just an Xbox Live Arcade game, y'all. It's also a Windows 8 game, a Windows Phone 7 game, and a Surface game. So when Microsoft announced the launch date for Windows 8 yesterday, we couldn't help but wonder if that meant Skulls of the Shogun would launch alongside it. "The plan is to sim-ship on Win 8 (desktop, and both versions of Surface), Windows Phone 7 and XBLA in the same week," 17-bit's Jake Kazdal told us. So, uh, sounds like it!

He added one caveat. "We're certainly shooting for day one release with Win 8, and it looks very likely, but nothing is set in stone yet," he said. Windows 8 launches on October 26, meaning you'll likely have your hands on those shogun skulls ahead of Halloween. And considering the dev studio's former name is Haunted Temple, that seems rather fitting, no?

Update: Skulls of the Shogun missed its Windows 8 launch, but is now scheduled to hit on January 30 for XBLA, Windows 8, Windows Surface and Windows Phone.

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun launching alongside Windows 8 this October [Update: Delayed] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bithaunted-temple-studiosjake-kazdalmicrosoftmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunsurfacewindows-8windows-phone-7xblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 19 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 8 to be launched on October 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/windows-8-launching-october-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/windows-8-launching-october-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/windows-8-launching-october-26/#comments Microsoft's Windows 7 successor will be available to both new and upgrading customers on October 26, Microsoft has announced. Windows 8, in addition to doing all that productivity stuff people buy operating systems for (yawn), is also replete with a suite of new features that make life more interesting for Xbox and Windows Phone gamers.

SmartGlass, for instance, blasts ancillary information about the game/tv show/movie your Xbox is playing to your mobile device or tablet, and allows for continuous playback of movies and shows between devices. All first-party 360 games will support SmartGlass going forward, so you may want to keep an eye out for new Windows 8 devices if expanded Halo experiences are your jam.

JoystiqWindows 8 to be launched on October 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmobilepcrelease-datesmartglasssurfacewindows-8xboxWed, 18 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun gives asynchronous, cross-platform play a turn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/skulls-of-the-shogun-gives-asynchronous-cross-platform-play-a-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/skulls-of-the-shogun-gives-asynchronous-cross-platform-play-a-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/skulls-of-the-shogun-gives-asynchronous-cross-platform-play-a-t/#comments Skulls of the Shogun gives asynchronous, crossplatform play a turnSkulls of the Shogun will feature Skulls Anywhere mode, which offers cross-platform play and asynchronous multiplayer across all of its launch platforms: XBLA, Windows Phone, Windows 8 PC and Windows 8 tablet, a la Microsoft Surface. Players with the required devices will be able to take turns independently of one another, for up to four players, and the single-player campaign will be accessible across all Windows platforms through cloud saves.

"The turn-based nature of the game makes for perfect asynchronous play across every platform we're shipping on," 17-BIT's Jake Kazdal says. "You can start playing a game at home on your Xbox, then head out and play a few turns from the same game on your phone. You might be playing against someone on a PC or a tablet - everyone's connected via Xbox Live. And regardless of platform, everyone's having the same great experience, because it's the exact same game across all those devices."

Skulls of the Shogun will still feature online, real-time multiplayer, called Skulls Online, and the standard local multiplayer matches.

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun gives asynchronous, cross-platform play a turn originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitasynchronouscross-platformmicrosoftMicrosoft-Surfacemobilepcskulls-anywhereskulls-of-the-shogunsurfacewindowswindows-7windows-8xboxThu, 28 Jun 2012 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft to announce AirPlay-esque 'Smart Glass' app at E3 for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/microsoft-to-announce-airplay-esque-smart-glass-app-at-e3-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/microsoft-to-announce-airplay-esque-smart-glass-app-at-e3-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/microsoft-to-announce-airplay-esque-smart-glass-app-at-e3-for/#comments ImageAn internal presentation from Microsoft to content partners reveals a soon-to-be announced Apple AirPlay-style app. Engadget got its eyes on a presentation that shows off the app, named "Smart Glass," which will enable AirPlay-style functionality on your Xbox 360 via iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 7 devices.

Said app will allow 360 owners to seamlessly "push" various media from the aforementioned platforms to the 360, and thusly living room televisions everywhere. From the sound of things, we'll be hearing a lot more about Microsoft's "Smart Glass" next week when E3 kicks off.

JoystiqMicrosoft to announce AirPlay-esque 'Smart Glass' app at E3 for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androide3-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilesmart-glasswindows-8windows-phone-7xboxxbox-smart-glassFri, 01 Jun 2012 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Pinball FX 2 included in Windows 8 consumer preview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/pinball-fx-2-included-in-windows-8-consumer-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/pinball-fx-2-included-in-windows-8-consumer-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/pinball-fx-2-included-in-windows-8-consumer-preview/#comments Windows 8 isn't even really available yet, but you can already play Pinball FX2 on it. That's what we would call being "on the ball" ... if we were interested in terrible puns, which of course we aren't.

Windows 8 is available today in a consumer preview build, and Zen Studios' pinball game is included in the download, with the "Sorcerer's Lair" table. Of course, more tables will be sold as DLC. It's only fitting that this version of Windows, which touts some kind of Xbox Live functionality, will include one of Xbox Live's most popular games. To put it another way: free pinball!

Continue reading Pinball FX 2 included in Windows 8 consumer preview

JoystiqPinball FX 2 included in Windows 8 consumer preview originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcpinballpinball-fx-2pinball-fx2windows-8zen-studiosWed, 29 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[A tour of Windows 8's Xbox 360 integration, as hosted by Engadget]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/a-tour-of-windows-8s-xbox-360-integration-as-hosted-by-engadge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/a-tour-of-windows-8s-xbox-360-integration-as-hosted-by-engadge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/a-tour-of-windows-8s-xbox-360-integration-as-hosted-by-engadge/#comments
How will your Xbox Live account integrate into Microsoft's upcoming operating system update? Engadget EIC Tim Stevens is here to show you, touring the Windows 8 consumer preview build ahead of today's big launch. The long and the short of it? It's basically Xbox Live as you already know it. The thrill!

JoystiqA tour of Windows 8's Xbox 360 integration, as hosted by Engadget originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>engadgetmicrosoftpcwindows-8xbox-liveWed, 29 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Next Xbox to be Windows-powered, going 'Apple route']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/rumor-next-xbox-to-be-windows-powered-going-apple-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/rumor-next-xbox-to-be-windows-powered-going-apple-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/rumor-next-xbox-to-be-windows-powered-going-apple-route/#comments So svelte With the Xbox 360 now six years old, rumors are swirling about its inevitable successor. After last month's report of a 2013 or even early 2014 launch for the next Microsoft console, a pair of new rumors place it back in 2012 and predict some of its inner workings.

First up, the insidery, anonymous MS Nerd blog is reporting that the next Xbox, codenamed loop, will run on a modified version of Windows 9 and use ARM architecture. The custom designed hardware will supposedly feature "a 'main' processor with multiple dedicated assistive cores for graphics, AI, physics, sound, networking, encryption and sensors." The blog adds that the device will be "cheaper" and "far smaller" than the Xbox 360.

Meanwhile, on a recent episode of TWiT's Window's Weekly netcast (at 1:28:15), Paul Thurott of Supersite for Windows offered a slightly different take on the console's prospects. First of all, based on his own sources, Thurott is expecting a holiday 2012 launch, meaning Microsoft "would almost have to announce this at CES" in January. Further, the system will utilize the same Metro UI design as Windows Phone 7 and will feature "embedded Silverlight." Furthermore Thurott says the console will go "the Apple route" and will "integrate very tightly" with Windows Phone and Windows 8.

In summation: The next Xbox will release in 2012, 2013 or 2014, it will have processors, run Silverlight and will use either Windows 8 or Windows 9. Hopefully that clears everything up.

JoystiqRumor: Next Xbox to be Windows-powered, going 'Apple route' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARMmicrosoftwindows-8windows-9xboxxbox-720Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live for Windows 8 shown at Build 2011, is basically Xbox Live for Windows 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/xbox-live-for-windows-8-shown-at-build-2011-is-basically-xbox-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/xbox-live-for-windows-8-shown-at-build-2011-is-basically-xbox-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/xbox-live-for-windows-8-shown-at-build-2011-is-basically-xbox-l/#comments
As was revealed by the Major earlier this week, Windows 8 touts heavy Xbox Live integration among its Metro layer's key features, but beyond the fact that it exists, little else was mentioned about the PC implementation of the console ecosystem. Thankfully, Microsoft's Build 2011 developer's conference has shed some light on the app, and it's pretty darn Xbox Live-y from what we can tell.

The app utilizes the Metro UI found on Windows Phone devices and features pretty much what you'd expect: friends lists, leaderboards, fauxhawk-sportin' avatars, etc. Music and Video tabs were spotted but not demoed, and while real-time cross-platform multiplayer is still anyone's guess, Microsoft did laud the architecture's asynchronous multiplayer "between two Windows PCs, between Windows and a phone or between Windows and the Xbox 360." Pretty slick stuff for those out there who've had to suffer the slings and arrows of Games for Windows Live.

JoystiqXbox Live for Windows 8 shown at Build 2011, is basically Xbox Live for Windows 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BUILDBuild-2011Build2011microsoftmobilepcwindows-8xboxxbox-livexbox-live-for-windows-8Sat, 17 Sep 2011 21:30:00 EST