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[Skyrim 1.9 update now on Xbox, later today on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/skyrim-1-9-update-now-on-xbox-later-today-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/skyrim-1-9-update-now-on-xbox-later-today-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/skyrim-1-9-update-now-on-xbox-later-today-on-ps3/#comments Update 1.9 for Skyrim is now live on Xbox 360, with the PS3 patch expected to drop later today. Apart from numerous bug fixes, the update's hallmark features are the new Legendary difficulty setting and Legendary Skill system. In the new system, once a skill reaches level 100, it can be rolled back to level 15. As Bethesda points out in the patch notes, this technically removes the level cap from Skyrim.

The patch went live on PC last month.

JoystiqSkyrim 1.9 update now on Xbox, later today on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5microsoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatexblxblxblmxboxxbox-livezenimaxzenimax-mediaMon, 08 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Doom 4 development still rocky, Rage 2 canned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/report-doom-4-development-still-rocky-rage-2-canned/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/report-doom-4-development-still-rocky-rage-2-canned/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/report-doom-4-development-still-rocky-rage-2-canned/#comments Doom 4 is locked in development Hell - even for Doom, that's not a good thing. Since its announcement in 2007, developer id Software has completely rebooted Doom 4's development at least once and still doesn't have much to show as far as an actual game goes, Kotaku reports. The website provides the following breakdown from a series of anonymous people:

Doom 4 began as a Call of Duty-inspired shooter, with cinematic, scripted sequences, but after the lukewarm launch of Rage in 2011, id took another look at the project and started from scratch. Within that process, Rage 2 was canceled and id tried to merge the Rage and Doom teams, to focus solely on Doom 4.

By January 2012, id wanted Doom 4 to be as big as Skyrim, but the disparate teams had trouble finding a groove. Additionally, much of the project's "top talent" left id throughout 2012. This year, Zenimax, id's parent company, issued an ultimatum that could see id cleaned out to refocus on tech, two people tell Kotaku.

For now Doom 4 is still alive, though it may not be immortal. In October 2011 and February 2012, Doom 4 had two cancelation scares, each of which Bethesda refuted. The image above was part of a series that leaked in early 2012, though id Design Director Matt Hooper said it didn't represent actual Doom 4 direction. Last we heard - back in August 2012 - Doom 4 was attached to the Oculus Rift's VR push.

JoystiqReport: Doom 4 development still rocky, Rage 2 canned originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksdoomdoom-4idid-SoftwarepcRAGErage-2zenimaxzenimax-mediaWed, 03 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim v1.9 beta live on Steam, adds Legendary skills and difficulty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/skyrim-v1-9-beta-live-on-steam-adds-legendary-skills-and-diffic/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/skyrim-v1-9-beta-live-on-steam-adds-legendary-skills-and-diffic/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/skyrim-v1-9-beta-live-on-steam-adds-legendary-skills-and-diffic/#comments Skyrim v19 beta live on Steam, adds Legendary skills and difficultyThe latest version of Skyrim is up and running in beta mode on Steam, available to those who opt-in through their Steam clients now. Aside from various bug fixes, the update adds a new Legendary difficulty mode and the ability to roll skills at level 100 into Legendary status, resetting those skills to level 15 for continued development.

Console versions of Skyrim should get version 1.9 later on this month, the Bethesda Blog says. Last month, the PS3 version of Skyrim was updated to 1.8 and finally started catching up on DLC, culminating in the release of Dawnguard on February 26.

JoystiqSkyrim v1.9 beta live on Steam, adds Legendary skills and difficulty originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdateversion-1.9xboxzenimax-mediaMon, 04 Mar 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix host registers Wolfenstein, Legacy of Kain domains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/10/square-enix-host-registers-wolfenstein-legacy-of-kain-domains/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/10/square-enix-host-registers-wolfenstein-legacy-of-kain-domains/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/10/square-enix-host-registers-wolfenstein-legacy-of-kain-domains/#comments Wolfenstein and Legacy of Kainrelated domains registeredTwo domain names were recently registered by CSC Corporate Domains, a URL registration service used by publishers such as Square Enix to mask their upcoming projects while avoiding dreaded URL squatters.

So while we can't say with any certainty that Square Enix and ZeniMax ordered the domain registration, "wolfenstein-spiel.com" and "WarFornosGoth.com" now exist. The latter likely refers to the fictional land the Legacy of Kain series is set in, Nosgoth. The former is, well, you know.

JoystiqSquare Enix host registers Wolfenstein, Legacy of Kain domains originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domainlegacy-of-kainSquare-Enixwolfensteinzenimax-mediaSun, 10 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored review: A whale of a tale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/dishonored-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/dishonored-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/dishonored-review/#comments Dishonored is something special. It's a self-contained first brick in what is sure to become a larger universe; a stealth action game that lets you play as a creeping assassin, or abandon that notion and go through it as a first-person shooter with mystical powers. Don't want to kill anybody? That's a perfectly executable idea. There are so many options that revisiting the full story more than once for various outcomes is part of the experience.

You are Corvo Attano, royal protector to the unmarried Empress Jessamine Kaldwin and her daughter Emily. It is immediately apparent that extreme care and effort went into the setting of Dunwall, a fantastical city overrun by a rat-spread plague, but it's not like the city of Rapture was to BioShock. BioShock fully explores the story of Rapture, it is the story of Rapture. Dishonored, on the other hand, is not the story of Dunwall - it is merely set there.

There are many elements emphasized regarding life in Dunwall, but hardly any of them are explored in this specific story. It creates a bit of dissonance over time, since set pieces and locales you'd swear should be included are not. This is all to say that Dishonored is the specific story of Corvo Attano and his reaction to the conspiracy against Empress Kaldwin.

Gallery: Dishonored (10/8/12)

Continue reading Dishonored review: A whale of a tale

JoystiqDishonored review: A whale of a tale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arkane-StudiosbethesdaBethesda-Softworksdishonoredmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxzenimax-mediaMon, 08 Oct 2012 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlecry Studios is new Austin-based developer from Bethesda Softworks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/battlecry-studios-is-new-austin-based-studio-from-bethesda-softw/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/battlecry-studios-is-new-austin-based-studio-from-bethesda-softw/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/battlecry-studios-is-new-austin-based-studio-from-bethesda-softw/#comments Battlecry Studios is a new development house being built in Austin by Zenimax Media's Bethesda Softworks. Battlecry will be under the direction of Rich Vogel, a former VP at BioWare Austin, who most recently was an executive producer on Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Actually, for the past ten years Vogel's been working on MMOs, at both Electronic Arts and Sony Online Entertainment. Coincidentally, ZeniMax Online is working on The Elder Scrolls Online, but it would seem that's not what Battlecry is up to, since it's working on an "unannounced project." Hmm, what other major franchise does that publisher own that could be an MMO?

Battlecry is the second ZeniMax studio located in Austin, with the first being Arkane Studios, which will ship Dishonored next week.

Continue reading Battlecry Studios is new Austin-based developer from Bethesda Softworks

JoystiqBattlecry Studios is new Austin-based developer from Bethesda Softworks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlecry-studiosBethesda-Softworkszenimax-mediaWed, 03 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's 'Hearthfire' expansion tends the home September 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/skyrim-hearthfire-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/skyrim-hearthfire-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/skyrim-hearthfire-expansion/#comments
Skyrim's "Hearthfire" expansion became official this morning - an add-on allowing adventurers who took one too many arrows to the knee to become domestics (Dovamestic?). Hearthfire enables players to build their own home, create additions to said home, and help raise children. Those rooms can be profession-specific - for instance, a room dedicated to herbalism. The joys of domestic life!

"From a simple one-room cottage to a sprawling compound complete with armory, alchemy laboratory, and more," Bethesda said of the DLC. "Choose your land, customize your house, guard it from unwanted visitors, and turn your house into a home by adopting children." Apparently, in the fantasy world of Skyrim, houses aren't homes without children.

Hearthfire will be available September 4 on Xbox 360 for 400 Microsoft Points ($5), no other platforms are mentioned at this time. Skyrim's previous DLC, Dawnguard, took around a month to make its way to PC, but the PS3 version experienced some hiccups.

JoystiqSkyrim's 'Hearthfire' expansion tends the home September 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksdlcdownloadable-contentelder-scrolls-5hearthfiremicrosoftskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxzenimax-mediaTue, 28 Aug 2012 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda trademarks 'Hearthfire,' which is totally a thing from Skryim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/bethesda-trademarks-hearthfire-which-is-totally-a-thing-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/bethesda-trademarks-hearthfire-which-is-totally-a-thing-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/bethesda-trademarks-hearthfire-which-is-totally-a-thing-from/#comments Bethesda trademarks 'Hearthfire,' which is totally a thing from SkryimUpdate: Please excuse us, but we've written about this before. Like, back in May. Sorry about that, y'all! Nothing to see here! Move right along!

When Skyrim's "Dawnguard" DLC was first outed by a trademark filing back in March, we knew little aside from the name - references to the Dawnguard could be found in Skyrim, but only vague ones. It wasn't even clear that the filing was for DLC at the time - nor is it clear today that a recently unearthed trademark filing by Bethesda parent company Zenimax Media for "Hearthfire" is Skyrim's next DLC.

But it sure smells like it. The term "Hearthfire" (or "Heartfire") correlates to the ninth month in The Elder Scrolls' world of Tamriel, as well as a set of books in the 2920 series. Bethesda is staying mum for now, telling VentureBeat that the studio, "does not comment on trademark filings." The filing was made back in May, so it's always possible that the idea has since passed.

The filing is definitely game software, per the description: "Computer game software for use with computers and video game consoles; downloadable computer game software offered via the internet and wireless devices." There's also a wholly unremarkable image alongside the trademark filing, seen above.

JoystiqBethesda trademarks 'Hearthfire,' which is totally a thing from Skryim originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdlcdownloadable-contentelder-scrolls-5heart-fireheartfirehearth-firehearthfireskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtrademarktrademark-filingunited-states-patent-and-trademark-officeusptozenimax-mediaTue, 21 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim, and the case of the curious cat man Conan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/skyrim-and-the-case-of-the-curious-cat-man-conan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/skyrim-and-the-case-of-the-curious-cat-man-conan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/skyrim-and-the-case-of-the-curious-cat-man-conan/#comments Skyrim, and the case of the curious cat man Conan
Conan O'Brien's no stranger to Skyrim, and in the 11 months since the game came out, he's been exhaustively playing the game in hopes of crafting its most definitive review. The video above is the fruition of those efforts. Or something like that, at least.

JoystiqSkyrim, and the case of the curious cat man Conan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksconan-obrienelder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimteam-cocothe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxzenimax-mediaFri, 03 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim 1.7 patch headed to PS3 'in the coming weeks,' but Dawnguard is nowhere in sight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/skyrims-1-7-patch-headed-to-ps3-in-the-coming-weeks-but-dawn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/skyrims-1-7-patch-headed-to-ps3-in-the-coming-weeks-but-dawn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/skyrims-1-7-patch-headed-to-ps3-in-the-coming-weeks-but-dawn/#comments Don't fret, PlayStation 3 Skyrimmers, Bethesda says the game's 1.7 patch is heading to Sony's console "in the coming weeks." Bethesda acknowledged as much in a tweet yesterday afternoon. The game's 1.7 patch on PS3 includes the various updates from 1.6 (mounted combat, new kill cams, etc.), but it falls short of adding the Dawnguard DLC, which is still exclusive to Xbox 360.

That DLC was issued a 30-day exclusivity period earlier this year - a period which expires today, reports Kotaku - but Bethesda's VP of marketing Pete Hines stated on Twitter, "We have not announced Dawnguard for any other platform, nor given a timeline for any such news. If we have news, I promise I'd tell you." He followed that up by saying, "I was simply stating that expecting/demanding something today is unfounded. Not that news is never coming." It sounds like Dawnguard may yet head to other platforms (eventually).

We've reached out to Bethesda for further comment and will let you know if we hear back.

JoystiqSkyrim 1.7 patch headed to PS3 'in the coming weeks,' but Dawnguard is nowhere in sight originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7bethesdabethesda-game-studioselder-scrolls-5playstationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdateupdate-1.7zenimax-mediaFri, 27 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose your daring escape in latest Dishonored trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/choose-your-daring-escape-in-latest-dishonored-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/choose-your-daring-escape-in-latest-dishonored-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/choose-your-daring-escape-in-latest-dishonored-trailer/#comments
How will you get away from the bobby-esque policemen who patrol Arkane's Dishonored? As it turns out, you've got a whole bevy of options at the ready, beyond the two weapons in your hands. Take a look at just a few in the latest trailer, above.

JoystiqChoose your daring escape in latest Dishonored trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkanearkane-studiosbethesdabethesda-softworksdishonoredgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3trailerxboxzenimax-mediaThu, 26 Jul 2012 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC review: Disappointment before sunrise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-review/#comments Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC review Looking for blood in all the wrong placesIn Skyrim's "Dawnguard" DLC, I became a vampire. I feasted on the blood of the living. I propelled myself forward at super vampire speed with my leathery grey vampire lord wings. I sapped the energy of my enemies with one boney claw while raising the dead to fight for me with the other, growing my powers ever stronger. I even turned into a swarm of bats and flitted across a room.

It's not as fun as it sounds.

Gallery: Skyrim: Dawnguard (E3 2012)

Continue reading Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC review: Disappointment before sunrise

JoystiqSkyrim's Dawnguard DLC review: Disappointment before sunrise originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-SoftworksdawnguardDLCelder-scrolls-5Expansionkinectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxxbox-live-marketplacezenimax-mediaFri, 29 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored's dishonorable sneaking looks like devilishly good fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/dishonoreds-dishonorable-sneaking-looks-like-devilishly-good-fu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/dishonoreds-dishonorable-sneaking-looks-like-devilishly-good-fu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/dishonoreds-dishonorable-sneaking-looks-like-devilishly-good-fu/#comments Dishonored's dishonorable sneaking looks like devilishly good fun
In between arguments about the current value of whale oil and somehow gaining superpowers, Dishonored's main character finds time to carefully sneak into brothels for murderous acts. Or he simply guns everyone down. Hey, it's your choice.

Continue reading Dishonored's dishonorable sneaking looks like devilishly good fun

JoystiqDishonored's dishonorable sneaking looks like devilishly good fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkanearkane-studiosbethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdishonoredgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3trailerxboxzenimax-mediaThu, 28 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Doom 3 'BFG Edition' brings Hell to 360/PS3/PC 'this fall' with entire back catalog in tow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/doom-3-bfg-edition-brings-hell-to-360-ps3-pc-this-fall-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/doom-3-bfg-edition-brings-hell-to-360-ps3-pc-this-fall-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/doom-3-bfg-edition-brings-hell-to-360-ps3-pc-this-fall-with/#comments
Are you experiencing a dearth of Doom? id Software is worried about just that possibility, as evidenced by today's announcement of Doom 3 "BFG Edition." Doom 3 is getting remastered and repackaged, with the "Resurrection of Evil" expansion and seven brand new levels, which id are wrapping up as "The Lost Mission."

Beyond remastering graphics, id's also adding Achievements, Trophies, and 3D. In the gameplay department, a "new check point save system" is being added, and the ever-frustrating flashlight issue is being resolved with "the new armor-mounted flashlight." If that weren't enough, the BFG Edition includes both Doom 1 and 2, so you can truly vanquish every single last demon in all of the space hells, all in one package. Finally!

Continue reading Doom 3 'BFG Edition' brings Hell to 360/PS3/PC 'this fall' with entire back catalog in tow

JoystiqDoom 3 'BFG Edition' brings Hell to 360/PS3/PC 'this fall' with entire back catalog in tow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksbfg-editionDoom-3doom-3-bfg-editionid-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxzenimax-mediaWed, 30 May 2012 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim reference 'Hearth Fire' being trademarked by Bethesda]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/skyrim-reference-hearth-fire-being-trademarked-by-bethesda/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/skyrim-reference-hearth-fire-being-trademarked-by-bethesda/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/skyrim-reference-hearth-fire-being-trademarked-by-bethesda/#comments Zenimax Media, parent company of Skyrim developer Bethesda Softworks, has filed a trademark for "Hearth Fire," the latest in a stream of applications related to the game. Fusible picked up on the trademark, which is a reference to a conjuration skill book and part of the "2920" book series found in the lands of Skyrim. Feel free to read the book on the Unofficial Elder Scrolls wiki.

Other trademarks recently filed by the company include last month's "Dragonborn" and April's "FUS RO DAH." The first... yes, the first... piece of Skyrim DLC, "Dawnguard," will be detailed next week at the industry's mega E3 trade show.

JoystiqSkyrim reference 'Hearth Fire' being trademarked by Bethesda originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworksdragonbornelder-scrolls-5hearth-firehearthfiremicrosoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxzenimax-mediaTue, 29 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online main story will be '100 percent solo']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-online-main-story-will-be-100-percent-solo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-online-main-story-will-be-100-percent-solo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-online-main-story-will-be-100-percent-solo/#comments ImageThe main story in The Elder Scrolls Online will be a solitary experience, game director Matt Firor revealed in a video interview with Game Informer.

"In the Elder Scrolls games you're always the hero, whether you want to be or not," Firor said. "You go out there and you kill the dragons. You kill Mehrunes Dagon in Oblivion. In Morrowind, you're up there fighting the Tribunal - those are huge, global, epic things that you don't want to stand in line to do in an MMO. The last thing you want to do is have the final confrontation with Mehrunes Dagon as he's stomping across the Imperial City, and you see like 15 guys behind you waiting to kill him because they're on the same quest.

"We have a whole part of the game that is 100 per cent solo, which is the main story, where the world focuses on you. You are the hero, everything you do is solo and the world reacts to you that way," Firor said.

Previous details do include PvP matches of up to 200 players, but those are obviously separate from the main quest. The Elder Scrolls Online will be played in a third-person perspective and is attempting to be a "modern" MMO, blending The Elder Scrolls features into this new genre. Not all Elder Scrolls fans are happy with the new title's angle, but Firor said that's just fine.

"The worst situation for a game community to be in is where no one posts on the boards because they don't care," he said. "If they post on the boards, they care, even if they're not being so polite about it. But that's a fact of life: You're an Internet game, you're on the Internet, you have an Internet community. And the Internet community is always very vocal.

"So what you do is learn from it. You make sure you do the best job to deliver the best game that you can and they you go from there."

JoystiqThe Elder Scrolls Online main story will be '100 percent solo' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alonepcSolitarysolothe-elder-scrolls-onlinezenimaxzenimax-mediaFri, 18 May 2012 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[More ouroboros: The Elder Scrolls Online announcement trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/more-ouroboros-the-elder-scrolls-online-announcement-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/more-ouroboros-the-elder-scrolls-online-announcement-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/more-ouroboros-the-elder-scrolls-online-announcement-trailer/#comments
Old alliances broken, new things forged, the enemy of your enemy is your friend ... and all that faux-wise voice-over material culminates in another shot of the triple ouroboros. Enjoy this teaser for The Elder Scrolls Online that tells you less than is already known.

JoystiqMore ouroboros: The Elder Scrolls Online announcement trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworksmacpcthe-elder-scrolls-onlinezenimax-mediazenimax-online-studiosFri, 04 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online being developed by ZeniMax Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-elder-scrolls-online-is-a-real-mmo-being-developed-by-zenima/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-elder-scrolls-online-is-a-real-mmo-being-developed-by-zenima/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-elder-scrolls-online-is-a-real-mmo-being-developed-by-zenima/#comments ImageThe Elder Scrolls Online was just revealed to be ZeniMax Online's long-rumored MMO. Game Informer's next cover announced the game this morning. The mag says The Elder Scrolls Online will take place across the "entire land of Tamriel," approximately one thousand years before Skyrim's place in time. The story will focus on daedric prince Molag Bal as he attempts to make Tamriel part of "his demonic realm."

The game's director is Matt Firor. "It will be extremely rewarding finally to unveil what we have been developing the last several years," he says. "The entire team is committed to creating the best MMO ever made - and one that is worthy of The Elder Scrolls franchise." The game's July cover reveal will detail a variety of the game's possibilities: soloing, public questing, and a unique new take on player-vs-player, in which the three factions battle over sections of land or a desired position of power.

More will be revealed tomorrow in a "brief teaser trailer" of the game, GI says. We've got our double-horned helm on while we wait, just in case.

Update: Bethesda's PR says the game will launch for both PC and Mac.

JoystiqThe Elder Scrolls Online being developed by ZeniMax Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmatt-firormmopcthe-elder-scrolls-onlinezenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlineThu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Workshop's Skyrim mods top over 13.6 million downloads, Macho Man is pleased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/#comments ImageBetween Valentine's Day and now, 11.6 million Skyrim mods were downloaded from Steam, totaling 13.6 million. That's a lot of hanging out with space cores and dragons modeled after Randy Savage.

The top mods represented on Steam's Workshop as of this writing aren't adding or subtracting major things from the original game. Many extend the experience in minor ways - bolstered sound offerings, more robust map markers, new spells - while a few add whole new quests. Thankfully, Skyrim's mod community moved away from its obsession with clean faces. At least for today.

JoystiqSteam Workshop's Skyrim mods top over 13.6 million downloads, Macho Man is pleased originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5modspcskyrimstatisticsstatssteamsteam-workshopthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimzenimax-mediaThu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda teases first concept of Mikami's 'Zwei,' explains what 'pure survival horror' means]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/bethesda-teases-first-concept-of-mikamis-zwei-explains-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/bethesda-teases-first-concept-of-mikamis-zwei-explains-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/bethesda-teases-first-concept-of-mikamis-zwei-explains-what/#comments ImageAfter Tango Gameworks head and veteran game dev Shinji Mikami outed news on his current game, "Project Zwei," to Famitsu earlier this week, publisher Bethesda apparently decided to do its own big debut. In an email missive early this morning, Bethesda announced Mikami's project as "the realization of *pure* survival horror" (Bethesda's asterisks, not ours), and included a collage of various environments in Zwei, "that communicate the tone and direction that the production is taking."

Mikami said true survival horror is a situation "in which the player confronts and overcomes fear." From that note, we can only assume that the Black Eyed Peas must play some role in Zwei. Mikami added, "I've found my focus and once again I'm striving for pure survival horror. I am being very hands-on in the development of this game to ensure that the quality is there. Rest assured."

As reported earlier, the game is still in the initial stages of development (as evidenced by the collage of environments above). It's expected to launch on "HD consoles" at some point in 2013.

JoystiqBethesda teases first concept of Mikami's 'Zwei,' explains what 'pure survival horror' means originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksconcepthorrormicrosoftplaystationproject-zweips3shinji-mikamisurvival-horrortangotango-gameworksxboxzenimax-mediazweiThu, 26 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[QuakeCon 2012 pre-registration opens Wednesday, bonuses announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/quakecon-2012-pre-registration-opens-wednesday-bonuses-announce/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/quakecon-2012-pre-registration-opens-wednesday-bonuses-announce/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/quakecon-2012-pre-registration-opens-wednesday-bonuses-announce/#comments ImagePre-registration for QuakeCon 2012 begins this Wednesday, April 25, with goodies for the early angry birds. General admission is still free, but those looking to lock a seat to bring their own computer or get a "fast pass" for the four-day event will want to plunk down a bit of dough.

The three pre-order packages include: the "Swag Pack," which includes the official QuakeCon 2012 shirt (pictured), a Dishonored Tallboy T-shirt and a limited edition poster for $40; the "BYOC Select-a-Seat" is $30, with a limit of 1,500 packages, and includes the QuakeCon 2012 shirt and the ability to select and reserve a seat in the "bring your own computer" (BYOC) room.

Finally, "QuakeCon done Quick" is $50, includes the "BYOC Select-a-Seat" package, along with a "fast pass" for BYOC registration and access to every speaker, panel and public event at the show. There is a limit of 350 packages available.

QuakeCon 2012 will take place at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas, from August 2 - 5.

Continue reading QuakeCon 2012 pre-registration opens Wednesday, bonuses announced

JoystiqQuakeCon 2012 pre-registration opens Wednesday, bonuses announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworksdishonoredpcQuakeConQuakeCon-2012zenimax-mediaTue, 24 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prey 2 delayed beyond 2012, has 'not been canceled']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/prey-2-delayed-beyond-2012-has-not-been-cancelled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/prey-2-delayed-beyond-2012-has-not-been-cancelled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/prey-2-delayed-beyond-2012-has-not-been-cancelled/#comments Prey 2 "will not be released in 2012," Bethesda Softworks announced this morning. The game has apparently "not been canceled," but at this point doesn't match Bethesda's "quality standards."

Bethesda released a statement this morning revealing the delay. "The delay is due to the fact that game development has not progressed satisfactorily this past year," it reads. Despite the game showing "great promise," the publisher is "unwilling to compromise our quality standards to meet a release schedule."

The Human Head-developed sequel to 2006's Prey suffered rumors regarding its cancellation earlier this year - rumors which Bethesda refused to engage at the time. Given Bethesda's track record with shooting down cancellation rumors, that put Prey 2 in a nebulous place for the past month.

Update: Bethesda declined to comment "beyond anything that's in the statement."

Continue reading Prey 2 delayed beyond 2012, has 'not been canceled'

JoystiqPrey 2 delayed beyond 2012, has 'not been canceled' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdelayhuman-headhuman-head-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationpreyprey-2ps3release-datexboxzenimax-mediaThu, 19 Apr 2012 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's voice-enabled Dragon Shouts arrive 'the week of April 23']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/skyrims-voice-enabled-dragon-shouts-arrive-the-week-of-april-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/skyrims-voice-enabled-dragon-shouts-arrive-the-week-of-april-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/skyrims-voice-enabled-dragon-shouts-arrive-the-week-of-april-2/#comments
When Skyrim's Kinect functionality arrives some time during "the week of April 23," it'll come in five different languages (English, Italian, Spanish, German, and French). Bethesda revealed said details to CNN in an exclusive interview, wherein the concept was referred to as "Project Adam" and outed as having begun "shortly after the game's release in November."

Despite the addition of Kinect to Skyrim in a voice-based way, Bethesda VP of marketing and PR Pete Hines said replacing any combat with physical actions in front of a Kinect sensor wouldn't make a lot of sense. "Doing combat and swinging your sword and all that stuff without a controller would dramatically change the game. We're trying to enhance the experience as we designed it with some additional functionality." We can't help but agree, Mr. Hines.

Take a look at the upcoming Kinect support for Skyrim in the video just above.

JoystiqSkyrim's voice-enabled Dragon Shouts arrive 'the week of April 23' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5kinectmicrosoftpatchpete-hinesq2-2012release-dateskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatexboxzenimax-mediaFri, 13 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim adds Kinect support for 'more than 200' voice commands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/skyrim-adds-kinect-support-for-more-than-200-voice-commands/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/skyrim-adds-kinect-support-for-more-than-200-voice-commands/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/skyrim-adds-kinect-support-for-more-than-200-voice-commands/#comments
Bethesda Softworks announced this morning that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is getting Kinect support for "more than 200 voice commands" at some point this month via a title update. The developer promises the commands will apply to a variety of verbs across the world of Skyrim, from Dragon Shouts (Fus Roh Dah!) to follower instructions, and a mess of other voice-activated actions.

The Kinect functionality for Skyrim is the latest product of Bethesda's internal Skyrim game jam, following on the heels of the 1.5 update that enabled kill cams. There's an adorable video showing off how it'll all work just above.

Update: A Bethesda rep told Joystiq that the update is exclusive to the Xbox 360, despite Kinect existing on PC.

Continue reading Skyrim adds Kinect support for 'more than 200' voice commands

JoystiqSkyrim adds Kinect support for 'more than 200' voice commands originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5kinectmicrosoftpatchskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatevoice-commandsxboxzenimax-mediaThu, 12 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zenimax files 'FUS RO DAH' trademarks, USPTO cowers behind desk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/zenimax-files-fus-ro-dah-trademarks-uspto-cowers-behind-desk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/zenimax-files-fus-ro-dah-trademarks-uspto-cowers-behind-desk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/zenimax-files-fus-ro-dah-trademarks-uspto-cowers-behind-desk/#comments
There's little we like more than some good ol' fashioned wind shouting, Dragonborn-style, and it looks like Bethesda Softworks parent company Zenimax Media agrees with us. The company recently filed a sextet of trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the term "Fus Roh Dah" - a trio of words that originate with Skyrim.

In particular, the filings pertain to everything from the typical computer game trademark to a variety of merchandising and "entertainment services." Though it's fun to fantasize about the ridiculous merchandizing possibilities, it's likely that Bethesda's parent company is just locking up said trademarks against potential profiteers. Now, if you'll excuse us, we'll get back to dreaming about "Fus Roh Dah"-themed sporting equipment (covered by filing number 85589296).

JoystiqZenimax files 'FUS RO DAH' trademarks, USPTO cowers behind desk originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5fus-ro-dahfus-roh-dahskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtrademarkusptozenimaxzenimax-mediaWed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda has no comment on Prey 2 cancellation rumor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/bethesda-has-no-comment-on-prey-2-cancellation-rumor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/bethesda-has-no-comment-on-prey-2-cancellation-rumor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/bethesda-has-no-comment-on-prey-2-cancellation-rumor/#comments Publisher Bethesda has no statement on the rumor that Prey 2 has been canceled, a story which gained significant traction yesterday. Dutch site PSFocus reported that the game, in development at Human Head Studios, was kaput and that an official announcement would be made next week.

The last time Prey 2 showed up on our radar in a significant capacity was around GamesCom last August. As IGN notes, GDC talks planned for the game were cut a few weeks before the show.

This isn't the first time this year a high-profile Bethesda title made its way into the rumored cancellation mill, as DOOM 4 went through the experience twice in six month. The difference? Bethesda flat-out stated "DOOM 4 isn't cancelled."

Gallery: Prey 2 (Gamescom 2011)

JoystiqBethesda has no comment on Prey 2 cancellation rumor originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkscanceledcancellationhuman-head-studiosprey-2zenimax-mediaSat, 24 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Dishonored screens depict Steam Punk X Dickens crossover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/latest-dishonored-screens-depict-steam-punk-x-dickens-crossover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/latest-dishonored-screens-depict-steam-punk-x-dickens-crossover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/latest-dishonored-screens-depict-steam-punk-x-dickens-crossover/#comments If "Dishonored" doesn't pick up steam as a marketable title, they can always fall back on "Steam Punk X Dickens."

Continue reading Latest Dishonored screens depict Steam Punk X Dickens crossover

JoystiqLatest Dishonored screens depict Steam Punk X Dickens crossover originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkanearkane-studiosbethesdabethesda-softworksdishonoredmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxzenimax-mediaTue, 20 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang can't use 'Scrolls' in any sequels to 'Scrolls,' lawsuit dictates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/#comments Notch seems to be happy with the outcome of Mojang's legal tussle with Bethesda, which allows Mojang to use Scrolls as the title of a coming game that looks and plays nothing like anything in the Elder Scrolls series. Bethesda retains the trademark for "Scrolls," but Mojang can use it for its title, a result that had Notch beaming -- but as with all legal battles, it's not that simple.

After the celebratory "Yaaaay! <3" Notch tweeted, "The actual document I signed was like a billion pages, so at least we know a bunch of lawyers got rich. Good, wouldn't want them to starve." Within those billion-odd pages comes an interesting deal that prohibits Mojang from using "Scrolls" in the title of any sequels to Scrolls:

"ZeniMax has licensed the 'Scrolls' mark to Mojang to be used solely in conjunction with its existing Scrolls digital card game and any add-on material it makes to that game," a Bethesda statement reads. "The terms of the settlement bar Mojang from using the Scrolls mark for any sequel to the current card game, or any other video game."

Either Notch doesn't plan on making more than one iteration of Scrolls, or the subsequent titles will be called "Reams," "Parchments" or "Ancient Paper that One Rolls Up and can Unravel to Read From, Such as a Decree."

JoystiqMojang can't use 'Scrolls' in any sequels to 'Scrolls,' lawsuit dictates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworkslawsuitlegalMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchpcscrollssequelTrademarkzenimax-mediaMon, 12 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Id responds to alleged DOOM 4 image leak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/id-responds-to-alleged-doom-4-image-leak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/id-responds-to-alleged-doom-4-image-leak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/id-responds-to-alleged-doom-4-image-leak/#comments Rumors began swirling earlier this week that Doom 4 had been canceled. Accompanying said rumors was a batch of supposed screenshots or artwork, one of which you can see above. In addition to refuting the cancellation rumors, id has now responded to the images as well.

While not directly denying their relationship to Doom 4, id's Matt Hooper, design director of Rage, tweeted that the images "have nothing to do with what you're gonna see in Doom 4." Hooper added, "When we officially show things you'll see awesome." Responding to another tweet, Hooper noted that when the official reveal is made, "fans will be happy." For what it's worth, the leaked images show what appears to be a ravaged planet Earth, perhaps giving a nod to Doom 2: Hell on Earth.

JoystiqId responds to alleged DOOM 4 image leak originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doom-4idid-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxzenimax-mediaFri, 02 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda settles all Fallout IP related lawsuits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/bethesda-settles-all-fallout-ip-related-lawsuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/bethesda-settles-all-fallout-ip-related-lawsuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/bethesda-settles-all-fallout-ip-related-lawsuits/#comments Bethesda Softworks and Interplay have reached a settlement in their protracted dispute over the rights to the Fallout IP, specifically in regards to an MMO, which Interplay announced five years ago. Bethesda states that as part of the settlement the "license granted to Interplay to develop the Fallout MMO is null and void, and all rights granted to Interplay to develop a Fallout MMO revert back to Bethesda, effective immediately."

Bethesda parent company ZeniMax will pay Interplay $2 million "as consideration in the settlement," each side will pay its own legal fees, and Bethesda will retain rights to the Fallout intellectual property. Interplay has no ongoing right to the Fallout brand nor any Fallout intellectual property.

Finally, Interplay's rights to sell Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics will expire in December 2013, along with any other merchandising rights it had in association with those properties.

Continue reading Bethesda settles all Fallout IP related lawsuits

JoystiqBethesda settles all Fallout IP related lawsuits originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-softworksfallout-onlineinterplaylawmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxzenimax-mediaMon, 09 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Quake now acceptable in Germany]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/quake-now-acceptable-in-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/quake-now-acceptable-in-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/quake-now-acceptable-in-germany/#comments Quake, id Software's 1996 classic, has been removed from Germany's list of indexed titles, a category created by the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons (BPjM) which makes games commercially equivalent to porn.

A historically significant milestone of technical and game design, Quake's freedom follows in the footsteps of the recently rated DOOM and DOOM 2.

Bethesda Softworks, whose parent company acquired id Software in 2009, told us after the DOOM titles passed the BPjM that an appeal of indexing is allowed after 10 years.

[Thanks, Timo]

JoystiqQuake now acceptable in Germany originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>quakequake-livezenimax-mediaWed, 30 Nov 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Prepare to be psychologically overburdened by Skyrim's fully detailed locations map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/prepare-to-be-psychologically-overburdened-by-skyrims-fully-det/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/prepare-to-be-psychologically-overburdened-by-skyrims-fully-det/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/prepare-to-be-psychologically-overburdened-by-skyrims-fully-det/#comments We forgive you if you're already overwhelmed by Skyrim's ongoing notifications of new discoveries -- there's kind of a lot of stuff to do in Bethesda's latest Elder Scrolls realm. But for the rest of you fearless wanderers, the un-overwhelmable, Gamebanshee.com has put together this highly detailed, totally printable map of Skyrim's many, many locations.

And if you should be so inclined to, say, print out a giant version of said map and adorn your wall with it, the cartographers responsible also have you covered (.ZIP link). If it weren't already clear that you've still got plenty left to explore in Skyrim, this map should handily clarify that. Just look at all that tiny writing! Those are all places!

JoystiqPrepare to be psychologically overburdened by Skyrim's fully detailed locations map originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5mapmicrosoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxzenimaxzenimax-mediaMon, 28 Nov 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim review: Paths of desire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/skyrim-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/skyrim-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/skyrim-review/#comments
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

We live in a world of pre-blazed trails, of Google Maps and endless shelves of travel books detailing every motel, every restaurant. The most amazing discovery most of us are likely to make is a great new burrito place, and even that we would have heard about if we checked Yelp more often.

Whether or not you know it, that same wanderlust that whispered into the ears of your ancestors and led them into the forests, into the oceans, still calls out to you. In those moments when all seems at peace, all seems safe, it's that persistent, ceaseless call of "Yes, but what else?"

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is the answer to that call.

Gallery: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (11/10/11)

Continue reading The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim review: Paths of desire

JoystiqThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim review: Paths of desire originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5microsoftplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxzenimax-mediaThu, 10 Nov 2011 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang wins interim injunction battle, can keep using 'Scrolls' name for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/mojang-wins-interim-injunction-battle-can-keep-using-scrolls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/mojang-wins-interim-injunction-battle-can-keep-using-scrolls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/mojang-wins-interim-injunction-battle-can-keep-using-scrolls/#comments
As ZeniMax and Mojang begin their back alley knife fight, it seems that Notch and Co. has drawn first blood. The indie studio won the right to continue to use the "Scrolls" name -- which Bethesda claims infringes on its Elder Scrolls copyright -- until the case goes to trial. The decision, as Notch pointed out in his Twitter feed, can still be appealed by Bethesda parent company ZeniMax.

Should that go badly, we've prepared some less contentious names that will still really irritate Bethesda.

JoystiqMojang wins interim injunction battle, can keep using 'Scrolls' name for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrollslegalMojang-Specificationsnotchscrollszenimax-mediaTue, 18 Oct 2011 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored is Arkane's next title, with Deus Ex and Half-Life 2 veterans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/dishonored-is-arkanes-next-title-with-deus-ex-and-half-life-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/dishonored-is-arkanes-next-title-with-deus-ex-and-half-life-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/dishonored-is-arkanes-next-title-with-deus-ex-and-half-life-2/#comments Bethesda announced its acquisition of Arkane Studios at last year's QuakeCon in August, and Arkane CEO Raphael Colantonio promised to reveal the game in the future, "including at QuakeCon." While we may have been incorrect in thinking Colantonio meant last year's QuakeCon, we're pretty sure this year's event will have more info. You see, it's the cover of Game Informer's August issue.

Meet Dishonored, the latest project from the studio that delivered Arx Fatalis, Dark Messiah of Might & Magic, and the never-released The Crossing. With a creative team that includes Colantonio, Harvey Smith, of Deus Ex fame, and Viktor Antonov, the artist behind Half-Life 2's celebrated City 17, it's going to be tough to remain journalistically impartial. Want to know what it's all about? We'll let Game Informer do the talking here since, well ... they've actually seen it:
Dishonored is the antithesis of a edge-of-your-seat roller-coaster ride. It's a game about assassination where you don't have to kill anyone. It's a game about infiltration where you can set up traps and slaughter the entire garrison of an aristocrat's mansion rather than sneak in. It's a game about brutal violence where you can slip in and out of a fortified barracks with nobody ever knowing you were there. It's a game about morality and player choice where the world you create is based on your actions, not navigating conversation trees.
Okay, that's hitting all our spots, but years of chronic disappointment have taught us to temper our expectations. Deus Ex designer coupled with Half-Life 2 artist backed by Bethesda's deep pockets? Nope, we're not going to budge.

[Update: The press release just hit the wires, and has a few more details. Dishonored is being developed for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. Like many of Bethesda's other games, the PC release will support Games for Windows. Finally, it's scheduled for release sometime in 2012. Full presser can be found after the break.]

Continue reading Dishonored is Arkane's next title, with Deus Ex and Half-Life 2 veterans

JoystiqDishonored is Arkane's next title, with Deus Ex and Half-Life 2 veterans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkane-studiosbethesda-softworksdishonoredmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxzenimax-mediaThu, 07 Jul 2011 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA['Honest Hearts' make for next Fallout: New Vegas DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/honest-hearts-make-for-next-fallout-new-vegas-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/honest-hearts-make-for-next-fallout-new-vegas-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/honest-hearts-make-for-next-fallout-new-vegas-dlc/#commentsFallout fansite Duck and Cover has obtained alleged screenshots from an unpublished New Vegas DLC trailer, reportedly confirming that the next add-on will be titled "Honest Hearts." Bethesda previously announced that three DLC packs would follow "Dead Money," and each would be released simultaneously for the game's three platforms.

The "Honest Hearts" phrase has been trademarked by Bethesda parent ZeniMax and is part of the filename of an in-game graffiti asset for New Vegas (pictured), which references the Fallout city of New Canaan and character Joshua Graham (a.k.a. the Burned Man). Both were elements of Black Isle's canceled Fallout 3 project, codenamed Van Buren, and it's been speculated that New Canaan and Graham will make their long-overdue appearances in an upcoming New Vegas add-on.

Following DAC's posting of the supposed trailer images, New Vegas lead designer J.E. Sawyer teased fans when he tweeted, "every time someone asks me about future DLC announcements, the ghost of joshua graham sighs in the desert and scares a tribal to death." In the Fallout universe, Graham was a former Mormon missionary and later the first legate of New Vegas antagonist Caesar. Graham led Caesar's Legion in the First Battle of Hoover Dam and was defeated. Infuriated, Caesar ordered his execution, and Graham was set ablaze and tossed into the Grand Canyon.

Bethesda has a media event scheduled for this week in Utah, where the (fictional) New Canaan is also located. Sawyer has hinted that "Honest Hearts" is a reference to a quote by the Mormon leader Brigham Young: "Honest hearts make for honest actions."

[Image source: Fallout Wiki]

Joystiq'Honest Hearts' make for next Fallout: New Vegas DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-softworksdlcfallout-new-vegashonest-heartsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnxblmxboxzenimax-mediaMon, 11 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop saves you a fortune with $20 Fallout: New Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/gamestop-saves-you-a-fortune-on-fallout-new-vegas-at-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/gamestop-saves-you-a-fortune-on-fallout-new-vegas-at-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/gamestop-saves-you-a-fortune-on-fallout-new-vegas-at-20/#comments Miss Fortune is smiling on you, friend, and motioning towards your local GameStop with her gleaming silver revolver. That's where you'll find almost all versions -- PS3, 360, PC -- of Bethesda's mighty fine post-apocalyptic RPG, Fallout: New Vegas, on sale for $20. It's probably best to act quickly if you've been wanting a copy, as there's no mention of when this 66 percent markdown expires.

Wait, did we say almost all versions? That's right: the downloadable PC version is still 60 bucks. Some would call that extra $40 for a version that doesn't even have packaging a silly mistake; GameStop would probably call it a "convenience fee."

[Thanks, Eric K.]

JoystiqGameStop saves you a fortune with $20 Fallout: New Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworksfalloutFallout-New-Vegasgamestopmicrosoftpcrpgxboxzenimax-mediaWed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prey 2 announced for 2012, in development at Human Head Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/prey-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/prey-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/prey-2/#comments Back in 2009, Bethesda parent company Zenimax picked up the Prey trademark. Since then, we'd heard nothing -- until just now, of course. A sequel is confirmed to be in the works at Human Head Studios, developers of the first game, and is being built on the id Tech game engine. Prey 2 is slated to launch some time in 2012.

The press release (in full after the break) offers few additional details about the game, other than that it's in development for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC; though Bethesda did toss out one small, barely satisfying bone: More details will be in the May issues of OXM and PlayStation: The Official Magazine, in addition to unnamed European publications. With E3 coming up in June, we bet there will be more info there, as well.

Continue reading Prey 2 announced for 2012, in development at Human Head Studios

JoystiqPrey 2 announced for 2012, in development at Human Head Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012bethesdaBethesda-Softworkshuman-head-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationprey-2ps3release-datexboxzenimaxzenimax-mediaMon, 14 Mar 2011 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Rage prequel comic inbound from Dark Horse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/rage-prequel-comic-inbound-from-dark-horse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/rage-prequel-comic-inbound-from-dark-horse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/rage-prequel-comic-inbound-from-dark-horse/#comments There's evidently enough of a story to id Software's upcoming Rage beyond mutants and, er, shooting to warrant a three-issue prequel comic from Dark Horse Comics. With its first issue set to hit shelves on June 22, the limited series is being written by Arvid Nelson, whose comic Rex Mundi, a murder mystery about the quest for the Holy Grail, was also published by Dark Horse.

The book is being drawn by Andrea Mutti, known for his work on Vertigo's DMZ. The three covers will be provided by Preacher and Hellblazer artist Glenn Fabry, who, like us, continues to draw inspiration from the cover of Dead Space: Extraction. You can see the full issue one cover after the break, startled female character and all.

Continue reading Rage prequel comic inbound from Dark Horse

JoystiqRage prequel comic inbound from Dark Horse originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrea-muttiarvid-nelsonBethesda-Softworkscomicsdark-horse-comicsfpsglenn-fabryid-Softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3ragexboxzenimax-mediaFri, 11 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Game companies raise record $1.05B in 2010, up 58 percent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/report-game-companies-raise-record-1-05b-in-2010-up-58-percen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/report-game-companies-raise-record-1-05b-in-2010-up-58-percen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/report-game-companies-raise-record-1-05b-in-2010-up-58-percen/#comments VentureBeat estimates game funding by venture capital broke $1.05 billion this year, a 58 percent increase from last. It's also a significant growth from the previously recorded high of $936.8 million in 2008. The video game industry - which is now spread across boxed, digitally distributed, mobile and social (i.e. Facebook) products - has obviously given VC firms plenty of places to gamble, er, strategically invest millions of dollars.

Big winners this year (at least, those that revealed investments) were Zynga (Farmville) with $150 million from SoftBank (with, possibly, significantly more from Google). Also, ZeniMax Media (Fallout, Elder Scrolls, id Software), also received $150 million. There were also major investments in Gazillion, OnLive and Playdom. Head on over to VentureBeat to see the millions of dollars going to game companies you'll likely never hear of... ever.

JoystiqReport: Game companies raise record $1.05B in 2010, up 58 percent originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gazilliongazillion-entertainmentmobileOnLivepcPlaydomvcventure-capitalzenimax-mediazyngaFri, 24 Dec 2010 01:30:00 EST