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[Magic 2014 launches June 26, according to Steam [Update: Trailer]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/magic-2014-launches-june-26-according-to-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/magic-2014-launches-june-26-according-to-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/magic-2014-launches-june-26-according-to-steam/#comments
Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers, the next installment in the Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers series, is set to launch on Steam June 26, according to the game's product page.

Magic 2014 is priced at $10, which falls in line with every other entry in the series. A special edition, which includes the game, soundtrack, five desktop wallpapers, a "Return to Ravnica" eBook and ten foil conversions, is also listed on the Steam page. Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers will launch on PC, Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, iOS and Android this summer - this marks the first time the series will be available on Android.

[Thanks, Mitch]

JoystiqMagic 2014 launches June 26, according to Steam [Update: Trailer] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemacmagic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalkersmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3stainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxTue, 11 Jun 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kaiju Combat Kickstarter on hold over Wizards of the Coast trademark dispute]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/kaiju-combat-kickstarter-on-hold-over-wizards-of-the-coast-trade/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/kaiju-combat-kickstarter-on-hold-over-wizards-of-the-coast-trade/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/kaiju-combat-kickstarter-on-hold-over-wizards-of-the-coast-trade/#comments A Kickstarter project for an indie game called Kaiju Combat: Giant Monsters has been put on hold, due to a trademark disagreement with game publisher Wizards of the Coast. Soon after raising $112,513 for its $100k goal, developer Sunstone Games received an infringement notice from Wizards of the Coast. The notice claimed the name of Sunstone's game violated Wizard's "Kaijudo" trademark, which refers to a collectible card game based on a Hasbro TV show.

Sunstone says its lawyer contacted Wizards last December to argue that "Kaiju" (a Japanese word that means "monster") had nothing at all to do with "Kaijudo," and they believed the matter had been settled. But this past week Wizards took the matter to Kickstarter directly, which took the project offline, claiming it was "the subject of an intellectual property dispute."

Sunstone's owner Simon Strange says he's working as quickly as possible to get the project reinstated. Going through court costs, he says, would be prohibitive on the company's "limited development budget." Strange adds he's "hopeful" that Sunstone won't have to change the game's name.

JoystiqKaiju Combat Kickstarter on hold over Wizards of the Coast trademark dispute originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kaijukaiju-combatkaijudokickstarterpcsunstone-gamestrademarktrademark-disputewizardswizards-of-the-coastFri, 22 Mar 2013 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers summoned this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/magic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-gets-summoned-on-most-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/magic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-gets-summoned-on-most-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/magic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-gets-summoned-on-most-pla/#comments
Wizards of the Coast has announced that Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers is coming to PC, Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, iOS, and (for the first time) Android devices this year. The new game will contain all of the cards from the Magic 2014 Core Set, as well as a new storyline teaming the player up with Planeswalker Chandra Nalaar.

Neither the press release or the short teaser trailer for the game (seen below and above) mentions developer Stainless Games, but Wizards of the Coast has confirmed to Joystiq that the same team that made Duels of the Planeswalkers versions is indeed on the job again. Wizards has a demo planned at PAX East this weekend. and Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers will see release later on this summer.

Gallery: Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers (PAX East 2013)

Continue reading Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers summoned this summer

JoystiqMagic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers summoned this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemagic-2014magic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalkersmicrosoftmobilepax-eastpax-east-2013pcplaystationps3releasestainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxThu, 21 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 taps final two DLC decks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-taps-final-two-dlc-decks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-taps-final-two-dlc-decks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-taps-final-two-dlc-decks/#comments The third and final content update for Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 is available today, a double dose of new decks. The first deck is a blue-and-black hybrid called Rogue's Gallery, while the other is a five-colored collection called Mana Mystery.

Both decks will set spell slingers back a cool $3 (240 MS Points) on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and PC through Steam today; however, iPad owners will have to wait until tomorrow before they can download these final decks.

Continue reading Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 taps final two DLC decks

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2013 taps final two DLC decks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013iosipadmagic-the-gatheringmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3wizards-of-the-coastxboxWed, 09 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 gets two new decks on Nov. 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-gets-two-new-decks-on-nov-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-gets-two-new-decks-on-nov-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-gets-two-new-decks-on-nov-7/#comments The second booster pack is set to grace Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 on Wednesday, November 7. Major Nelson has priced the DLC pack - which follows September's five new decks - at 240 MS Points ($3).

Top Tier Tactics got the exclusive on two of the upcoming decks in this planned five-deck pack. The first is a white-and-red "Act of War" deck that is a modified version of "March to War" that was introduced in the first DLC pack for Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012. The other deck is a hybrid green-and-blue deck called "Sky and Scale."

We followed up with a Wizards of the Coast rep who confirmed all of the details. The DLC will extend to these two decks alone for 240 MS Points ($3).

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2013 gets two new decks on Nov. 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013iosipadmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3stainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxMon, 05 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/wizards-of-the-coast-sued-over-electronic-trading-card-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/wizards-of-the-coast-sued-over-electronic-trading-card-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/wizards-of-the-coast-sued-over-electronic-trading-card-patent/#comments Wizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringementWizards of the Coast is being sued by Texas-based Wildcat Intellectual Property Holdings over an alleged patent infringement. Courthouse News reports Wildcat believes Wizards of the Coast's 2002 game Magic: The Gathering Online infringes upon the former's 'Electronic Trading Card' patent, and is seeking an injunction to prohibit the transgression.

The patent in question, US Patent No 6200216, was filed by Wildcat on March 6 1995 and issued on March 13 2001. It describes. among other components, "taking the traditional trading card metaphor and uniquely updating and enhancing it for application in consumer digital media." Wildcat claims the patent applies to its game 'Unit Commander' which it calls "the ultimate mercenary trading card game."

Wildcat's allegations seem to date back to a lawsuit filed last year against Wizards of the Coast and 11 other companies, including Nintendo, EA, Sony Computer Entertainment America, Sony Online Entertainment, Konami, and Zynga. The complaint pertains to the same patent infringement Wildcat is presently suing Wizards of the Coast over.

According to The Cardboard Connection, as of August 2 of this year Chaotic USA and Nintendo were dismissed without prejudice, leaving both open to being sued by Wildcat again separately. It's unclear if Wildcat's present case against Wizards of the Coast is a retooling of the previous one following a similar dismissal.

Continue reading Wizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringement

JoystiqWizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAkonamilawsuitpatentpcSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americasony-online-entertainmentwildcatwizards-of-the-coastzyngaMon, 05 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 summons first DLC decks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-summons-first-dlc-decks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-summons-first-dlc-decks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-summons-first-dlc-decks/#comments Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013's first DLC decks now availableThe first supplementary decks have been added to Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013, with five new packs in total. This first expansion is available for 400 MS Points ($5) on Xbox 360, and $4.99 on PS3 and iOS.

In addition to the new decks, this expansion adds 10 new campaign levels, five new puzzle challenges, five foil conversions and five deck key add-ons for the expansion decks. There are also some more specific tweaks to individual cards that address certain balance issues, like Serra Ascendant - the card essentially broke Two-Headed Giant games and has had its lifelink ability removed in the mode.

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2013 summons first DLC decks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013expansion-packiosipadmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3stainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxThu, 20 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 gives returning players free deck key]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-gives-returning-players-free-dec/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-gives-returning-players-free-dec/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-gives-returning-players-free-dec/#comments As a bonus to returning Magic: The Gathering players, a free deck key will be granted in Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013. I discovered this when first booting up my review copy from Microsoft, discovering a message of thanks for my continuing patronage.

You can use the key to unlock a full deck right away, including all of its 30 unlockable cards, or you can turn all of your cards in one particular deck into foils.

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2013 gives returning players free deck key originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013magic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3stainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxWed, 20 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 adds manual mana tapping]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-adds-manual-mana-tapping/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-adds-manual-mana-tapping/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-adds-manual-mana-tapping/#comments One of the big improvements in Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 is manual mana tapping, which lets players pick which exact lands they want to tap to play any given card. In previous games, this was something the game automatically decided, much to the dismay of advanced players the world over.

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2013 adds manual mana tapping originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013iosipadmicrosoftmobileplaystationps3Stainless-Gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxThu, 07 Jun 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 launches on June 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-launches-on-june-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-launches-on-june-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013-launches-on-june-20/#comments Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 launches on June 20Time to break out your good staff of summoning because Wizards of the Coast will launch the next installment in its Duels of the Planeswalkers series later this month. Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 will launch worldwide on June 20 for Xbox Live Arcade, PSN, Steam on PC - and, for the first time, iPad.

As for pricing, it's not necessarily a given that Duels 2013 will be a $10 title - Wizards reps would not confirm pricing.

Gallery: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 (E3 2012)

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2013 launches on June 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013microsoftmobilepcplaystationps3psnrelease-dateStainless-Gamessteamwizards-of-the-coastxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeTue, 05 Jun 2012 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition arrives this summer [update: more news!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-arrives-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-arrives-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-arrives-this-summer/#comments Nope, we still don't really know what this Baldur's Gate announcement business is, but we sure do know its name now: "Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition." Huzzah! As previously reported, Beamdog is working on the Baldur's Gate project, though the developer's Overhaul Games division is taking lead. Atari is handling publishing duties, and Wizards of the Coast is licensing its (D&D-based) IP.

From the few details we have, the project sounds an awful lot like an HD remake to us - especially given the fancier logo and "Enhanced Edition" subtitle. We've reached out to Beamdog for clarity on what the game actually is, and what platforms it'll end up on (among other things). For now, know that Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition will land on whatever those platforms are at some point this summer. We're gonna take a wild guess that it'll be on PC at the very least.

Update: Beamdog reps tell us that the team at Overhaul is adding "new, original content" to the original game to make up the Enhanced Edition. "This is the Enhanced Edition, it's not a repackage. We have the original source code and are doing a significant update." He also confirms that no platforms have been announced just yet.

Update 2: A Beamdog rep also confirms that the company is self-publishing. Though he wouldn't go into detail regarding the new content, he says that "it's being lovingly crafted in the spirit of the original with the help of some of the original developers." Additionally, Cameron Tofer and Trent Oster have been working on the project ("planning and organizing") for "over a year now." We'll also hear more soon, as the team is planning "regular announcements every week with more details."

Continue reading Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition arrives this summer [update: more news!]

JoystiqBaldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition arrives this summer [update: more news!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribaldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-enhanced-editionbeamdogoverhaul-gamesremakewizards-of-the-coastThu, 15 Mar 2012 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[South Korean rating outs Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/#comments Game Rating Board, South Korea's premiere games rating board, has listed another entry in the Magic: The Gathering series of games, presumably for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 again. As things look, Stainless Games and Wizards of the Coast have no plans of stopping the annual installments.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise: both the original Duels of the Planeswalkers and Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 performed well, the former having sold over 500,000 copies on XBLA, while the latter was one of PSN's top performers last year. Considering both previous installments launched in the summer, we're betting we'll be hearing about Duels 2013 soon.

JoystiqSouth Korean rating outs Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-rating-boardgrbkoreamagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3ratingsouth-koreaStainless-Gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes of Neverwinter brings D&D combat to Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-brings-dandd-combat-to-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-brings-dandd-combat-to-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-brings-dandd-combat-to-facebook/#comments
The actual Neverwinter MMO isn't set to come out until later on next year, but Heroes of Neverwinter is a new social game that's available to play right now on Facebook. According to the trailer above, it offers the "deepest RPG experience Facebook has ever seen," with some strategy-accented, turn-based combat based on the D&D system, and even a dungeon creation tool to play with. As you might imagine, the game is heavily microtransaction-based, so your journey through the Forgotten Realms will likely be punctuated with plenty of pitches to spend some real-life dough on the title.

But if you've been waiting for Facebook games to actually show a little more complexity (more complexity, at least, than those wooden animations in the trailer), Heroes of Neverwinter does up the ante. It's available for free right now on the big blue social network.

JoystiqHeroes of Neverwinter brings D&D combat to Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridungeons-and-dragons-heroes-of-neverwintergameheroes-of-neverwintermicrotransactionspcsocialwizards-of-the-coastTue, 11 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 gets 'Ascend into Darkness' expansion on Sept. 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-gets-ascend-into-darkness-expa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-gets-ascend-into-darkness-expa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-gets-ascend-into-darkness-expa/#comments Done did all the dueling you could in Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012? Wizards of the Coast is looking to inject some new life into the downloadable title with a new expansion pack come September 14. Titled "Ascend into Darkness, the DLC will include fresh art, new cards for each deck, three new playable decks and several new campaign levels - six single-player levels and eleven Archenemy levels in all.

On top of that, players will also be able to take up the titular role of Archenemy - both locally and via online multiplayer match. Archenemy mode, for the unaware, pits three players against an overpowered opponent. Ral Zarek, a new Planeswalker, will also be included in the DLC.

The only thing we don't know right now is the price, but given that the expansion will be playable at PAX Prime later this month, we'll be sure to bug the guys at the booth.

Gallery: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 (Ascend into Darkness)

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2012 gets 'Ascend into Darkness' expansion on Sept. 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascend-into-darknessdlcduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012expansionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnstainless-gamessteamwizards-of-the-coastxblaxboxWed, 17 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012's first DLC pack revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/rumor-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012s-first-dlc-pack-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/rumor-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012s-first-dlc-pack-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/rumor-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012s-first-dlc-pack-revealed/#comments The source code for Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 supposedly outs the first DLC pack for the game, according to MTG Salvation forum user "luminum can". It's a triple pack of decks -- standard fare for all you mana tappers out there, including a red/blue, white/green and mono black deck. And if you fear change (hey, we get it -- just thinking about David Bowie gives us the chills), the original decks will each be bolstered by four new cards each.

If you're looking to do some recon, a majority of the cards can be looked up through Gatherer, Wizards of the Coast's search utility for Magic: The Gathering. For the full list of cards found in the files, hit up the source link below.

JoystiqRumor: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012's first DLC pack revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012magic-the-gatheringmicrosoftpcplaystationps3stainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxWed, 29 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale lands on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-limps-onto-the-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-limps-onto-the-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-limps-onto-the-pc/#comments Atari has announced that Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale is now available for the PC. We didn't really like the hack-and-slash title, calling it "a terrible use of Wizards of the Coast's timeless license" (ouch), but hey, maybe you're a huge completist and absolutely must play through anything and everything having to do Forgotten Realms. If that's the case, you can pick up the game for $14.99 at a fine e-tailer near you.

Continue reading Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale lands on PC

JoystiqDungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale lands on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridDdungeons-and-dragons-daggerdalepcretailwizards-of-the-coastTue, 28 Jun 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 review: All decked out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-review/#comments
Last year's Magic: the Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers was an unforeseen success for Wizards of the Coast and developer Stainless Games. Planeswalkers 2012 is an attempt to capitalize on that newfound audience and bring them into the tangible Magic: the Gathering TCG fold -- a goal it ambitiously reaches for with improvements to last year's model, such as a more robust campaign, and more cunning AI -- a much-needed fix for the previous game's pushoverable foes.

Another key feature is, of course, the addition of more modern cards that will release as part of the 2012 Magic: the Gathering core set. Yes, even in the virtual world, you can't avoid the good old fashioned (and costly!) pattern of trading card game iteration.

Gallery: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012

Continue reading Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 review: All decked out

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2012 review: All decked out originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012magic-the-gatheringmicrosoftpcplaystationps3stainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxTue, 14 Jun 2011 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes of Neverwinter preview: Facebook fantasy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-preview-facebook-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-preview-facebook-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-preview-facebook-fantasy/#comments I didn't see a Facebook game on the E3 show floor that I would consider passing along to you, honored readers, whose time I value more than my own -- with one noteworthy exception. Dungeons and Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter represents a project which fans of its tabletop predecessor have been pulling for for a good, long time: An actual adaptation of the game's 4th Edition, complete with dungeon tiles, character progression and the move/minor/standard turn layout.

It is, of course, a simplified version of the robust RPG -- most of the series' constituent features are represented in some form or another, but in a limited capacity. Still, even with this one conceit, Heroes of Neverwinter looks like one of the beefiest titles on the platform; not to mention a dungeoneer's dream come true.

Gallery: Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter (E3 2011)

Continue reading Heroes of Neverwinter preview: Facebook fantasy

JoystiqHeroes of Neverwinter preview: Facebook fantasy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridungeons-and-dragons-heroes-of-neverwinterfacebookheroes-of-neverwinterliquid-entertainmentpcsocial-gameswizards-of-the-coastSat, 11 Jun 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalker 2012 preview: Scheming on the archenemy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/duels-of-the-planeswalker-2012-preview-scheming-on-the-archenem/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/duels-of-the-planeswalker-2012-preview-scheming-on-the-archenem/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/duels-of-the-planeswalker-2012-preview-scheming-on-the-archenem/#comments When it came to Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers, I was in the minority. The fact that I couldn't fully edit a deck never really bugged me -- I enjoyed the structure. So, for me (and I imagine a lot of you), the biggest question going into my Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 preview session was how customization would work in the sequel.

It's still structured, but not so much that you can't play around with those initial 60 cards in each deck. While lands are set in stone, any other card in that base deck list can be swapped out for another -- outside of the restriction that a deck must be at least 60 cards, you're free to mingle cards in and out that fit the parameters of that deck (e.g. color and creature themes).

Gallery: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012

Continue reading Duels of the Planeswalker 2012 preview: Scheming on the archenemy

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalker 2012 preview: Scheming on the archenemy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012magic-the-gatheringmicrosoftpcplaystationps3stainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxFri, 27 May 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale review: Critical miss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-review/#comments Dungeons & Dragons: 4th Edition represents one of the most drastic facelifts the long-running tabletop RPG franchise has ever undergone. The game's once ethereal elements have been turned tangible, its mechanics made far less punishing for new players, and its every component finely tuned to a state of balance that few other tabletop developers can match. It is as accessible as the game has ever been -- and, as a result, as adaptable as the game has ever been.

Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale has been promoted as an opportunity for Bedlam Games and Atari to bring "an accessible version of Dungeons & Dragons: 4th Edition to life," a task at which they have failed in a huge, huge way. Some of the tabletop game's terminology and a few superficial concepts show up in Daggerdale, but the rest has been sacrificed to create a monotonous, hideously buggy hack-and-slash RPG.

Gallery: Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale

Continue reading Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale review: Critical miss

JoystiqDungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale review: Critical miss originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribedlam-gamesdungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-daggerdalemicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsteamWizards-of-the-CoastxblaxboxWed, 25 May 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 launches June 15 on XBLA, PSN and Steam for $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-release-date/#comments Anxious planeswalkers waiting to slap on their favorite pair of Nikes and make with the strutting of their stuff will be delighted to hear that Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 is set for launch on Wednesday, June 15, across Xbox Live Arcade, Steam and PlayStation Network. Wizards of the Coast confirmed the launch date (which we assume will actually be Tuesday, June 14, on PSN) today, along with a $10 price point for the sequel to 2010's surprise hit, Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers.

Each version of Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 will also include a rare paper card bonus (while supplies last!), which can be acquired at your local card shop by producing a unique in-game code. Check out an image of all three cards just past the break.

Gallery: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012

Continue reading Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 launches June 15 on XBLA, PSN and Steam for $10

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2012 launches June 15 on XBLA, PSN and Steam for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkersduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012magic-the-gatheringmicrosoftpcplaystationpricingps3psnrelease-datestainless-gamessteamwizards-of-the-coastxblaxboxTue, 24 May 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 tapped for XBLA, PSN, PC this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-tapped-for-xbla-psn-pc-this-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-tapped-for-xbla-psn-pc-this-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-tapped-for-xbla-psn-pc-this-su/#comments Card tapping aficionados can take on other summoners this summer through the magic of the internet with Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 on XBLA, PSN and PC/Steam.

The new standalone game will add "new game modes, Planeswalker opponents, decks, puzzle challenges" and more. The title will feature a tutorial to ease new players into the potentially overwhelming card game, along with a "new-to-digital" multiplayer mode called Archenemy, where two allies take on an AI.

PAX East attendees can check out the new Archenemy game mode for Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 at the Magic booth (#648) on the show floor.

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2012 tapped for XBLA, PSN, PC this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012magic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3Wizards-of-the-CoastxboxThu, 10 Mar 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering - Tactics trailer taps its Blue Mana reserves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/magic-the-gathering-tactics-trailer-taps-its-blue-mana-reserv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/magic-the-gathering-tactics-trailer-taps-its-blue-mana-reserv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/magic-the-gathering-tactics-trailer-taps-its-blue-mana-reserv/#comments Curious to see what Magic: The Gathering - Tactics' most cerulean characters are going to look like once freed from the burdensome confines of their flat, glossy prisons? Check out the trailer for the card-strategy title (which is due out in a scant three days) below to see Blue Mana in motion.

Continue reading Magic: The Gathering - Tactics trailer taps its Blue Mana reserves

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering - Tactics trailer taps its Blue Mana reserves originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardsmagic-the-gathering--tacticspcSony-Online-EntertainmentWizards-of-the-CoastSat, 15 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers summons third DLC pack on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summons-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summons-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summons-third/#comments While the console versions of Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers are stuck waiting on that third DLC pack, PC users can now boost their virtual card collection through a Steam update today. The third content pack will set budding planeswalkers back $4.99, for which they get two new decks, a plethora of new cards to unlock, new challenges to conquer and, of course, a new single-player campaign to tackle. If you've checked out either of the previous two DLC packs, then you know this is pretty much par for the course.

There's still no timetable for when the DLC will be available on consoles, though we've contacted both Wizards of the Coast and Stainless Games for comment. In the meanwhile, feel free to tap our gallery below for some magical screens.

Gallery: Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers (Expansion Three)

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers summons third DLC pack on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcexpansionexpansion-packexpansion-pack-3expansion-pack-threemagicmagic-the-gatheringMagic-the-Gathering-Duels-of-the-Planeswalkerspcstainless-gamesstrategyWizards-of-the-CoastThu, 04 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari and Cryptic teaming up on new Neverwinter RPG [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/atari-and-cryptic-teaming-up-on-new-neverwinter-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/atari-and-cryptic-teaming-up-on-new-neverwinter-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/atari-and-cryptic-teaming-up-on-new-neverwinter-rpg/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hey, die-hard fans of fantasy fiction, right about now would be a good time for you to make a saving throw against having your head explode. Atari and Cryptic, whose former unions resulted in Star Trek Online and Champions Online, have announced their next joint effort: A new online RPG set in the frequently game-adapted Dungeons and Dragons universe, Neverwinter.

The PC game allows up to five players (or one player with AI companions) to select between five classes from the pen-and-paper RPG's roster, and play through an all new campaign, the story for which was developed in collaboration with Wizards of the Coast and author R.A. Salvatore. Also, much like previous games in the Neverwinter franchise, this one will include a tool, tentatively named "Forge," that allows players to create their own campaigns. The game's currently set for Q4 2011, but a Salvatore-penned prequel book, titled Gauntlgrym, will hit store shelves on October 5 of this year.

Update: Gamespot recently sat down with Cryptic CEO Jack Emmert to divine a few details about the game, including its five classes (Fighter, Wizard, Rogue, Ranger and Cleric), what the Forge tools will be capable of, and how Neverwinter will adapt the tabletop game's 4th Edition gameplay mechanics. If any of that means anything to you, give the interview a look.

JoystiqAtari and Cryptic teaming up on new Neverwinter RPG [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosdungeons-and-dragonsneverwinterpcra-salvatoreWizards-of-the-CoastMon, 23 Aug 2010 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers summoned to PC June 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summoned-to-pc-june-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summoned-to-pc-june-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summoned-to-pc-june-15/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Our compatriots at Big Download report that Wizards of the Coast has nailed down a release date for the PC version of Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers. The game is slated to hit Steam on June 15 and is currently available for pre-order. If you plan on summoning Duels of the Planeswalkers, be prepared to tap 10 Green Monies.

JoystiqMagic: Duels of the Planeswalkers summoned to PC June 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Magic-the-Gathering-Duels-of-the-PlaneswalkerspcSteamWizards-of-the-CoastFri, 11 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering on deck for Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/magic-the-gathering-on-deck-for-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/magic-the-gathering-on-deck-for-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/magic-the-gathering-on-deck-for-steam/#comments Wizards of the Coast has announced that it plans to release Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers on Steam. Unfortunately an actual release date has not yet been confirmed by WOTC. We're guessing the date isn't too far off, as the game will be available for pre-purchase on Steam starting June 1. Those who pre-order Planeswalkers for $9.99 will receive both the original game as well as its first expansion pack, which was released last year on XBLA.

The release will also support future content. A second DLC pack is already available on XBLA, with a third pack expected this summer.

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering on deck for Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersStainless-GamessteamWizards-of-the-CoastFri, 28 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Magic: The Gathering DLC pack out tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/second-magic-the-gathering-dlc-pack-out-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/second-magic-the-gathering-dlc-pack-out-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/second-magic-the-gathering-dlc-pack-out-tomorrow/#comments Wizards of the Coast is set to shuffle things up once again, having announced that the second Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers expansion will arrive tomorrow, May 12. The DLC will include three new decks and a new single-player campaign. It will also come packing three new cards for each original deck and the three decks from the first expansion. Finally, the DLC will also offer five new challenge levels, three new Achievements, multiplayer host migration and even some Avatar attire awards.

The second expansion will set you back 400 ($5).

JoystiqSecond Magic: The Gathering DLC pack out tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersStainless-Gameswizards-of-the-coastxblaxblmxbox-liveTue, 11 May 2010 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Bring Dungeons and Dragons to your $15,000 game table]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/bring-dungeons-and-dragons-to-your-15-000-game-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/bring-dungeons-and-dragons-to-your-15-000-game-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/bring-dungeons-and-dragons-to-your-15-000-game-table/#commentsWhat happens when you marry board games and video games? The electrical pixel explosion of that chocolate into peanut butter hasn't been fully realized yet, so besides a handful of Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne and Hasbro Family Game Nights, there's not a heck of a lot going on. However, what happens when you force role-playing games and video games into a shotgun wedding? Pure magic for rich people.

During GDC we took a look at a student project called SurfaceScapes that brings D&D to the Microsoft Surface. It's not just a simple "Ooooh, touch the screen to activate your character sheet!" port of the pen and paper game, but a touch-tastic experience that will blow your mind. Plot a miniature down on the Surface, and it recognizes your character. You can pull up radial menus for actions, spells, and attacks, see your line of sight, move your character, and run the entire game just using your power of touch.

Continue reading Bring Dungeons and Dragons to your $15,000 game table

JoystiqBring Dungeons and Dragons to your $15,000 game table originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DDDungeons-and-DragonsGDC2010RPGSurfaceSurfaceScapesWizards-of-the-CoastSat, 27 Mar 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Magic the Gathering expansion DLC detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/second-magic-the-gathering-expansion-dlc-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/second-magic-the-gathering-expansion-dlc-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/second-magic-the-gathering-expansion-dlc-detailed/#comments Jonesing for a few handfuls of new decks for Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers? You could try throwing your real-life Magic cards at the screen as hard as you possibly could, hoping they'll somehow break into the virtual plane of existence. Or, you could take the more intelligent route and wait for the next batch of DLC to drop -- GamerBytes reports the expansion will add three new decks and "a slew of new cards" to the XBLA title.

In addition, the DLC will feature a new single-player campaign (in which two of the new decks will be unlocked), as well as new challenges, personas, Achievements and Avatar Awards. There's no release date on the new content, but we'd previously heard a Spring launch window. Oh, hey -- it's Spring right now!

JoystiqSecond Magic the Gathering expansion DLC detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardsdlcexpansionmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkerswizardswizards-of-the-coastxblaxblmMon, 22 Mar 2010 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizards of the Coast signs new deal with Stainless Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/wizards-of-the-coast-signs-new-deal-with-stainless-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/wizards-of-the-coast-signs-new-deal-with-stainless-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/wizards-of-the-coast-signs-new-deal-with-stainless-games/#comments Wizards of the Coast today announced that it has signed a new deal with the developer of Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers, Stainless Games (also responsible for the upcoming Risk: Factions). The press release states that Duels of the Planeswalkers has been a great success for Wizards of the Coast, noting that it has been among the top 10 Xbox Live Arcade games since it was first released in June 2009. No specifics are given regarding the deal, so we'll have to wait to see what projects Stainless has going, though it's probably safe to assume there is more Magic on the way.

Wizards of the Coast has already confirmed that versions of Planeswalkers are headed to both the PS3 and PC later this year. Given the collectible nature of Magic, it wouldn't be surprising to see Stainless produce more DLC for all platforms, either. Of course, Wizards of the Coast also has some other lucrative properties under its belt, notably Dungeons & Dragons and Star Wars, both of which could easily be turned into video game properties.

We know, the idea of a Star Wars video game sounds crazy, but it just might work.

JoystiqWizards of the Coast signs new deal with Stainless Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersMicrosoftstainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastXbox-360Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live deal of the week taps Magic: The Gathering for $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-taps-magic-the-gathering-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-taps-magic-the-gathering-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-taps-magic-the-gathering-for-5/#comments Magic: The Gathering, with its power to summon high school social ostracism, is now available for a mere $5 (400) on XBLA to gold members. Football quarterbacks and members of the Young Republicans can now participate or learn the monumentally successful card game in relative anonymity and at a great price -- especially if you factor in the cost of the real card game. Veterans may find the well-crafted XBLA version to be for "beginners," due to its lack of fully customizable decks, but there is an incredible amount of value stacked in there for $5.

Another great and relatively overlooked feature is the game's two-player co-op, which allows you to cut a spouse or friend into the deal. Once all the social stigma is stripped away, it's pretty easy to see why the game has had the staying power of a Drudge Skeleton.

Shortcut: Add Magic: The Gathering to your download queue

JoystiqXbox Live deal of the week taps Magic: The Gathering for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekmagicmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersMicrosoftwizards-of-the-coastxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeMon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hasbro suing Atari over alleged breach in D&D licensing agreement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/hasbro-suing-atari-over-alleged-breach-in-dandd-licensing-agreemen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/hasbro-suing-atari-over-alleged-breach-in-dandd-licensing-agreemen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/hasbro-suing-atari-over-alleged-breach-in-dandd-licensing-agreemen/#comments It seems the Dungeons & Dragons franchise has brought more legal troubles upon Atari than it's probably worth. In August, Turbine Entertainment, developer of the MMO based on the tabletop game, sued the publisher for failing to "devote the necessary resources" to promoting and distributing the online RPG. Now, Hasbro, owner of subsidiary company Wizards of the Coast, which is the current owner of the D&D franchise, is suing Atari for allegedly breaching a licensing agreement the two parties struck up concerning Atari's use of the popular role-playing brand.

Hasbro's main complaint in the suit is that Atari might have taken part in an "unauthorized sublicensing relationship" with Namco Bandai during the latter's purchase of Atari's European distribution company this past March. According to the suit, Namco Bandai is a direct competitor to Hasbro and Wizards, and allowing them any access to the D&D license is a violation of the contract agreed to by Atari. Hasbro seeks compensatory damages, and also to terminate the allegedly violated licensing agreement, denying Atari further access to the brand.

In a press release statement, Wizards of the Coast president Greg Leeds said, "while unfortunate that we had to take this action, it is crucial for us to protect the Dungeons & Dragons brand." Leeds later added, "we have been working for several months now to reach resolution with Atari, and they have left us with no other choice than to pursue legal action."

Atari isn't taking these complaints lying down -- the publisher just distributed its own statement through PRNewswire, claiming, "Hasbro has resorted to these meritless allegations, in an apparent attempt to unfairly take back rights granted to Atari." The statement goes on to say, "we regret that our long-time partner has decided to pursue this action. Atari will respond appropriately through its legal counsel in court."

JoystiqHasbro suing Atari over alleged breach in D&D licensing agreement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinehasbrolawlawsuitlegallicensewizards-of-the-coastThu, 17 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers on PS3, PC in 2010, XBLA getting more content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-on-ps3-pc-in-2010-xbla-getti/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-on-ps3-pc-in-2010-xbla-getti/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-on-ps3-pc-in-2010-xbla-getti/#comments Wizards of the Coast has announced that PC and PS3 gamers have more to look forward to than just Magic: The Gathering Tactics. In spring 2010, Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers will hit PCs, followed by a PS3 version in the fall. Previously available only on Xbox Live Arcade, Duels of the Planeswalkers features traditional Magic gameplay with plenty of unlockable cards as well as online versus and co-op play. The PS3 and PC versions will include similar gameplay, though the press release notes that the PC version will include "an extra bonus." It's up in the air as to what this bonus might be, though more complex deck building would certainly be welcome.

Meanwhile, the XBLA version of Planeswalkers will also receive two more expansion packs in spring and summer 2010. These expansions -- like the first, released earlier this year -- will include new cards, characters and some "surprises" as well.

JoystiqMagic: Duels of the Planeswalkers on PS3, PC in 2010, XBLA getting more content originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersMicrosoftwizards-of-the-coastXbox-360Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering Tactics to have PC/PS3 connectivity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/magic-the-gathering-tactics-to-have-pc-ps3-connectivity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/magic-the-gathering-tactics-to-have-pc-ps3-connectivity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/magic-the-gathering-tactics-to-have-pc-ps3-connectivity/#comments Relations between Sony Online Entertainment's John Smedley and the guys from Penny Arcade have clearly improved since the Donut Debacle of 2006. Smedley recently took a moment to talk to Jerry "Tycho" Holkins about Magic: The Gathering Tactics, revealing a few savory tidbits about the title -- the most delightful of which being the fact that the PS3 and PC versions of the game will be interconnected, allowing a player to use his account (and all his meticulously crafted decks) on both platforms.

Basically, if you've got a laptop, a PS3 and an unslakable hunger for thin, rectangular artifacts imbued with immeasurable power, then your social life and work ethic are about to be assaulted on all sides. Good luck with that!

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering Tactics to have PC/PS3 connectivity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interconnectmagicmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-tacticspenny-arcadesony-online-entertainmentwizards-of-the-coastWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering - Tactics tapped for PC and PS3 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/magic-the-gathering-tactics-tapped-for-pc-and-ps3-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/magic-the-gathering-tactics-tapped-for-pc-and-ps3-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/magic-the-gathering-tactics-tapped-for-pc-and-ps3-release/#commentsSony Online Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast have announced a new collaboration: Magic: The Gathering - Tactics, a new turn-based strategy game for PC and PS3 set in the universe of the card game. Tactics puts players in control of "dramatic 3D figures" in single-player or online battles, with spell cards taken from the Magic series.

Of course, it's not Magic without frequent, additional purchases, and SOE promises "regular content expansions," which will no doubt become a de facto requirement for highly competitive tournament play. The game is being developed by SOE's Denver studio, and will be out on PC in early 2010, with the PS3 release to follow.

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering - Tactics tapped for PC and PS3 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-tacticssony-online-entertainmentstrategywizards-of-the-coastMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[D&D rolls with the changes, ported to Microsoft Surface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/dandd-rolls-with-the-changes-ported-to-microsoft-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/dandd-rolls-with-the-changes-ported-to-microsoft-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/dandd-rolls-with-the-changes-ported-to-microsoft-surface/#comments By the time your average Dungeons and Dragons player has failed his third death save and gone off to that great dungeon in the sky, he or she's spent nearly $800,000 on miniatures and various-sided dice. (Trust us, it adds up.) Keeping that number in mind, we'd like to turn your attention to an alternative to tangible tabletop gaming: Surfacescapes, an in-development application for the Microsoft Surface, which attempts to recreate the D&D experience on an outrageously large touch screen. As the Surface currently costs $12,500, the lifetime savings would be abundant.

Sure, there's a few kinks to work out -- the dice roll a little slow for our tastes, though this would make saving throws infinitely more dramatic. There's also the small matter of how introducing this technology into the game might diminish the whole "role-playing" element. If used just for combat encounters, it could be a powerful streamlining tool. For everything else, it would need to be fitted with an Imagination Manifestation Drive[TM], and those don't exist yet.

Check out a demo of Surfacescape's proof of concept in the video after the jump.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading D&D rolls with the changes, ported to Microsoft Surface

JoystiqD&D rolls with the changes, ported to Microsoft Surface originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d-and-ddungeons-and-dragons-onlinemicrosoftMicrosoft-SurfaceRolePlayingrpgsurfacesurfacescapestabletoptabletop-gamingwizards-of-the-coastTue, 20 Oct 2009 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering DLC summoned Oct. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/magic-the-gathering-dlc-summoned-oct-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/magic-the-gathering-dlc-summoned-oct-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/magic-the-gathering-dlc-summoned-oct-21/#comments Wizards of the Coast -- the company, not actual wizards -- has sent word that the previously revealed Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers DLC will hit Xbox Live Marketplace on October 21 (next Wednesday, to be specific). The expansion will include three new decks, three new cards for each of the original decks, new co-op levels and three new challenge levels. The DLC also contains a new single-player campaign. Those who wish to partake of the expansion will have to summon 400 ($5).

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering DLC summoned Oct. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcDuels-Of-The-Planeswalkersmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersstainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxblaWed, 14 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/#comments
Duels of the Planeswalkers was released at the beginning of summer on Xbox Live Arcade, and it's a surprisingly competent take on the traditional Magic card game. The XBLA game is immediately familiar and also easy enough for first-timers to jump in and learn the ropes. There's a robust tutorial, all of the cards are real Magic cards, and the multiplayer features multiple modes of play, including four-on-four battles and "Two-Headed Giant," where a team of two faces off against another team of two. In short, it's addictive.

We recently spoke with Worth Wollpert, senior business manager for Magic Online, and Mark Purvis, associate brand manager, both at Wizards of the Coast. The subject at hand was all things Duels of the Planeswalkers: there's some DLC on the way, and possibly other changes to the game -- but no deck customization (boo!). For now, the team is happy to let the game bring lapsed players back into the fold, and to introduce new players to the tapping and shuffling of Magic: The Gathering. Continue reading for the full interview.

Gallery: Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers

Continue reading Interview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers

JoystiqInterview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Duels-of-the-PlaneswalkersinterviewMagicMagic-the-GatheringStainless-GamesTCGWizards-of-the-CoastWotCXBLAWed, 29 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Magic the Gathering, Sam & Max hit the XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/this-wednesday-magic-the-gathering-sam-and-max-hit-the-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/this-wednesday-magic-the-gathering-sam-and-max-hit-the-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/this-wednesday-magic-the-gathering-sam-and-max-hit-the-xbla/#comments
This week, Xbox Live Arcade gets not one, but two genres that rarely see the light of day on consoles. First, we've got the collectible card game, Magic the Gather: Duels of the Planeswalkers. Unlike the weird Magic title on the original Xbox -- which played something like a weird monster summoning / volleyball hybrid -- Planeswalkers sticks to the traditional card game, which should make fans mighty happy. The game will deal 800 ($10) damage to your wallet.

Next, we have the XBLA debut of the Sam & Max adventure series, Sam & Max Save the World. Save the World is actually the first season of the Sam & Max episodic series that has been available on PC and Wii for some time now. That's six episodes of comedy gold for 1600 ($20). For those keeping score, that's the same price as the PC version and $10 cheaper than the Wii version.

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Magic the Gathering, Sam & Max hit the XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkersmagic-the-gatheringMicrosoftsam-and-maxstainless-gamestelltaletelltale-gameswizards-of-the-coastxblaxbla-wendesdayXbox-360Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:43:00 EST