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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Unit 13's debut trailer introduces the usual operatives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/unit-13s-debut-trailer-introduces-the-usual-operatives/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/unit-13s-debut-trailer-introduces-the-usual-operatives/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/unit-13s-debut-trailer-introduces-the-usual-operatives/#comments
When Unit 13 arrives "near" the PlayStation Vita's February 22 launch date, it'll come with a quartet of selectable, familiar operatives. Can you spot the tank?

Continue reading Unit 13's debut trailer introduces the usual operatives

JoystiqUnit 13's debut trailer introduces the usual operatives originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayplaystationplaystation-vitasceasony-computer-entertainment-americatrailerunit-13vitazipperzipper-interactiveWed, 23 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 launch trailer is going to sneak up and stab you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/socom-4-launch-trailer-is-going-to-sneak-up-and-stab-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/socom-4-launch-trailer-is-going-to-sneak-up-and-stab-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/socom-4-launch-trailer-is-going-to-sneak-up-and-stab-you/#comments Sure, there are plenty of guns in the launch trailer for SOCOM 4, but there are just as many (if not more) lethal sneak-up-and-stabs going on. There's also something about a "story" or whatever, but we're much more interested in clandestine assassinations.

Continue reading SOCOM 4 launch trailer is going to sneak up and stab you

JoystiqSOCOM 4 launch trailer is going to sneak up and stab you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayplaystationps3sceasocom-4sony-computer-entertainment-americatrailerzipperzipper-interactiveWed, 20 Apr 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[MAG joins PS3 'Greatest Hits' library this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/mag-joins-ps3-greatest-hits-library-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/mag-joins-ps3-greatest-hits-library-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/mag-joins-ps3-greatest-hits-library-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Haven't picked up a copy of PS3's massively multiplayer first person shooter, MAG? If you wait just a few more days, you'll be able to get the Greatest Hits version for only $29.99. Available on September 28th, the budget re-release comes just in time for the big 2.0 patch, which adds support for PlayStation Move motion controls and a whole slew of online fixes and tweaks. Considering Zipper's upcoming game, SOCOM 4, won't be available until 2011, this may be a good way of satiating your tactical shooting urges.

[Thanks, frank!]

JoystiqMAG joins PS3 'Greatest Hits' library this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetgreatest-hitsMAGplaystationps3zipperZipper-InteractiveSat, 25 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New SOCOM 4 screens released, Operations Commander detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/new-socom-4-screens-released-operations-commander-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/new-socom-4-screens-released-operations-commander-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/new-socom-4-screens-released-operations-commander-detailed/#comments Operation Commander Cullen Gray has been through a lot. In his 36 years, he's seen military action the world over, been field-trained with various Special Operations units, worked with NATO and now he's about to star in a popular war-based video game franchise. SOCOM 4 has the fictional Cullen Gray acting as an addled operation commander who "will pursue success at all costs."

The EU PlayStation blog has a rundown of Gray's entire dossier and a handful of new images (seen in the gallery below). And if you're wondering who it is that he resembles while you're browsing the images, it's obviously Lost's Matthew Fox. WE HAVE TO GO BACK, CULLEN!

Gallery: SOCOM 4 (Operation Commander Cullen Gray)

JoystiqNew SOCOM 4 screens released, Operations Commander detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 May 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cullen-graylostmatthew-foxnatooperation-commandersocomsocom-4zipperzipper-interactiveSun, 02 May 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: SOCOM 4 (with PlayStation Move!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/hands-on-socom-4-with-playstation-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/hands-on-socom-4-with-playstation-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/hands-on-socom-4-with-playstation-move/#comments There are two questions I'll try to answer with this quick hands-on preview. Firstly, is SOCOM 4 the true sequel to the SOCOM franchise we've been waiting for? Secondly, does the PlayStation Move controller work as intended?

It's hard to answer the first question, especially within the constraints of a ten-minute demo. What I can say is that even in this early state, SOCOM 4 looks very good, sporting incredibly detailed environments. While the early code has a noticeably choppy framerate, there was already a large number of objects in the environment. Whether it's a car, a trash can, a thrown-out mattress, there are tons of objects to take cover behind in the world.

Controlling your squad should be familiar to anyone that's played a recent SOCOM game. Holding L1 on the Move allows you to slightly slow down time and direct your team to move to position and await orders. You can even call in an airstrike by holding down the Move button and holding Down on a target. After sneaking down an alley, we were able to catch a large squad of soldiers lounging in an open field. They had no idea what hit them as the bombs dropped.

Gallery: SOCOM 4

Continue reading Hands-on: SOCOM 4 (with PlayStation Move!)

JoystiqHands-on: SOCOM 4 (with PlayStation Move!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2010moveplaystation-movesocomsocom-4zipperzipper-interactiveWed, 10 Mar 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MAG: Massive Amount of Game data]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/mag-massive-amount-of-game-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/mag-massive-amount-of-game-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/mag-massive-amount-of-game-data/#comments
Click to MAG-size. There's been some confusion about MAG, Zipper Interactive's 256 player super-multiplayer game. Some had wondered if the game would be made available as a PSN download, similar to Sony's other online efforts, like Warhawk and SOCOM Confrontation. However, Jeremy Dunham replied on the PlayStation.Blog confirming that the game will be "disc-based only." Dunham also added that "the game is so huge when moving everything off-disc, your hard drive is secretly thanking us."

Anyone that participated in the beta will likely complain about the massive amounts of data that had to be downloaded during each game update. Considering the beta is but a taste of what's to come in the full game, the necessity for a retail-only release seems all the more evident.

Gallery: MAG

JoystiqMAG: Massive Amount of Game data originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raybox-artmagzipperzipper-interactiveFri, 11 Dec 2009 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest MAG trailer airdrops televisions into battle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/newest-mag-trailer-airdrops-televisions-into-battle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/newest-mag-trailer-airdrops-televisions-into-battle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/newest-mag-trailer-airdrops-televisions-into-battle/#commentsThere's nothing quite like seeing thousands of home theater setups falling from the sky, as evidenced above by the latest trailer for PS3-exclusive MAG. Aside from reminding us of the not-quite-an-MMOs impending release date, the video shows off a variety of different gameplay types, and asks if we have it in us to earn our fellow players' trust. We suggest that those of you looking to enroll with the toughest, most ragtag group of rumblers this side of the Colorado sign up right here. Can you earn our trust?

(Hint: You earn our trust by leaving friendly comments ... and maybe sending us booze. Maybe.)

JoystiqNewest MAG trailer airdrops televisions into battle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsgameplaymagmassive-action-gameonlinetrailervideozipperzipper-interactiveFri, 04 Dec 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Face off against Zipper Interactive in MAG beta's closing ceremonies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/face-off-against-zipper-interactive-in-mag-betas-closing-ceremo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/face-off-against-zipper-interactive-in-mag-betas-closing-ceremo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/face-off-against-zipper-interactive-in-mag-betas-closing-ceremo/#comments Got some complaint about MAG that you'd like to directly file with the game's creators? You'll have your chance to do so this Friday, when a number of Zipper Interactive staffers will join in the Shadow War as part of the beta's closing ceremonies. All you have to do is join in a fight, and keep an eye out for squads using the clan tag [ZIP]. According to the developer's blog, they'll be playing for two hours starting at 9 p.m. EST.

Remember, present your suggestions in a courteous, congenial manner. For instance, "hello, Zipper Interactive employee. I think the game would be improved by limiting the number of times a first aid kit can be used in a single spawn. Thank you so much for listening. I'm going to fire bullets at you now, okay?"

[Via CVG]

JoystiqFace off against Zipper Interactive in MAG beta's closing ceremonies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafpsmagonlinesonyzipperzipper-interactiveThu, 03 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony accepting applications for European MAG Beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/sony-accepting-applications-for-european-mag-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/sony-accepting-applications-for-european-mag-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/sony-accepting-applications-for-european-mag-beta/#comments PlayStation.Blog recently dropped an announcement that will send European fans of acronyms and large-scale combat through the roof. Zipper Interactive is going to be handing out 16,000 beta codes for MAG to those living in Europe over the course of the next few weeks. To apply, go to the blog's "Competition" page and fill out the appropriate info. It's first come, first serve, so ... come! Be served!

If you're not fortunate enough to live on the West-Eurasian Peninsula, take solace in the fact that Zipper's going to eventually need to enlist everyone on the planet to test out the game's enormous server load. Also, remember that we've got freedom and liberty and stuff.

JoystiqSony accepting applications for European MAG Beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-inviteeuropefpsmagsonyzipperzipper-interactiveTue, 15 Sep 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony details MAG pre-order bonuses: where to get what]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/sony-details-mag-pre-order-bonuses-where-to-get-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/sony-details-mag-pre-order-bonuses-where-to-get-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/sony-details-mag-pre-order-bonuses-where-to-get-what/#comments
Following a weekend of 256-player mayhem at PAX '09, Sony has unloaded more details on the pre-order campaign for its "massive action game," MAG, which releases on January 26, 2010. First up are three exclusive in-game characters, each corresponding to one of the game's three PMC armies -- with custom gear -- and available via a different retailer. GameStop has the S.V.E.R. soldier contractor for offer while Game Crazy is offering the Raven recruit -- we're not sure why, but Sony's keeping the wraps on where you can pre-order to receive a Valor grunt.

Reserving the game via Amazon will grant you access to your very own S.V.E.R. "personal space" (read: apartment) in PlayStation Home. If you want the most alluring incentive, however, it's back to GameStop for access to the public beta of MAG beginning October 10. (Qore subscribers will be let in on September 17.) Initially, the beta servers will only be online during specific play windows, but Sony has confirmed that they'll be up-and-running 24/7 after November 9.

If you want all of the goodies, you're going to need to mount your own MPC ("massive pre-order campaign").

JoystiqSony details MAG pre-order bonuses: where to get what originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betamagplaystation-homepre-ordersceasonySony-Computer-Entertainment-Americazipperzipper-interactiveWed, 09 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: MAG's 256-man multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/hands-on-mags-256-man-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/hands-on-mags-256-man-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/hands-on-mags-256-man-multiplayer/#comments
I, like most people, have never participated in a 256-player virtual battle (or, due to its uncannily enormous amount of participants -- is it a war?). Though Zipper Interactive's MAG is built on incredibly strong first-person shooter foundations, incorporating fast-paced combat and a plethora of unlockable character modifications, the takeaway impression from my recent time with the game during a Sony preview event at PAX is, as you might guess, it is enormous.

The game does an excellent job of partitioning players off into smaller, 8-man squads. Though most of your contact is with your immediate teammates, there's a constant sense that you're part of something bigger. There's nothing intangible about the cause for that feeling -- you are a cog in a much larger military machine, rewarded for spinning in accordance with your higher-ups' orders.

Continue reading Hands-on: MAG's 256-man multiplayer

JoystiqHands-on: MAG's 256-man multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onmagmassive-action-gamepaxpax-2009sonyzipperzipper-interactiveSat, 05 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MAG Public Beta enrollment begins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/mag-public-beta-enrollment-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/mag-public-beta-enrollment-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/mag-public-beta-enrollment-begins/#comments
A lucky few individuals will discover this invite for the MAG beta in their inboxes. The e-mail includes a unique code used to access a closed application form. According to the beta enrollment page, Sony "will be adding people in waves." If you don't see an invite in your inbox right now, don't worry: you may be invited later. "If you do not receive an invite for the first wave you may still be invited in a following MAG Public Beta wave."

Sony has already conducted a closed beta for MAG for over a month. The expansion of the beta to the public gives us hope that maybe -- just maybe -- we'll be able to see MAG's 256-player online battles hitting the PS3 sooner rather than later.

JoystiqMAG Public Beta enrollment begins originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betainvitemagpublic-betasceasonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericazipperWed, 12 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony conducting MAG beta, you'll never get in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/sony-conducting-mag-beta-youll-never-get-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/sony-conducting-mag-beta-youll-never-get-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/sony-conducting-mag-beta-youll-never-get-in/#comments
With the grand scope of the battles featured in Zipper Interactive's MAG, you'd think it'd require a hefty, server-straining beta test. For now, though, it seems Sony's keeping it small -- a few people have seen their PSN friends participating in a MAG beta (as evidenced by the image above). All of these friends have something in common -- they're all on Sony's payroll.

Sony confirmed to CVG that an internal MAG beta is being conducted. Sure, this news has no bearing on you (unless Kaz Hirai signs your paychecks) -- still, it looks like we're that much closer to getting to play the game ourselves.

JoystiqSony conducting MAG beta, you'll never get in originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betafpsmagonlinezipperThu, 30 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers say not to expect MAG until early 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/retailers-say-not-to-expect-mag-until-early-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/retailers-say-not-to-expect-mag-until-early-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/retailers-say-not-to-expect-mag-until-early-2010/#comments Various US retailers have changed their estimated release date for upcoming PS3-exclusive shooter MAG. The general rule of thumb is that if a single retailer has a funky listing, it's usually an error -- but when two or more retailers have MAG listed as releasing in January, something begins to smell fishy. Of note is the fact that both GameFly and GameStop are listing different January dates.

While Sony hasn't "made any announcements in regard to a date for MAG" and is "assuming that the retailers are speculating in an effort to start preorders," we were told by a Sony rep at E3 that MAG would be part of the company's Christmas lineup. Without it, we're looking at Ratchet and Uncharted having the entire Christmas stage to themselves.

Another interesting thing to note is that European retailers Play and Game have the game listed for a November release. In short, we have no idea when this game is coming out, but at least we're not the only ones.

JoystiqRetailers say not to expect MAG until early 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MAGMassive-Action-GameZipperWed, 15 Jul 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MAG dev diary takes a look into the Shadow War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/mag-dev-diary-takes-a-look-into-the-shadow-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/mag-dev-diary-takes-a-look-into-the-shadow-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/mag-dev-diary-takes-a-look-into-the-shadow-war/#comments By now, you must have heard about MAG -- an ambitious 256-player online shooter. We've seen it in action and have even tried it out for ourselves, but what's it all about, and what's this Shadow War we keep hearing of? Luckily, this developer video diary (posted after the break) gives us a look into the storyline of MAG and its fictional Shadow War backdrop and answers all those questions.

We get a closer look at the maps, weapons and characters seen in the game, while Zipper details the various PMC groups vying for power in the Shadow War. The clip also shows off some all-new gameplay footage, so make sure you don't miss it.

Continue reading MAG dev diary takes a look into the Shadow War

JoystiqMAG dev diary takes a look into the Shadow War originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magmassive-action-gamemultiplayeronlineshooterzipperzipper-interactiveWed, 17 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Zipper Interactive's Russ Phillips on MAG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/joystiq-interview-zipper-interactives-russ-phillips-on-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/joystiq-interview-zipper-interactives-russ-phillips-on-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/joystiq-interview-zipper-interactives-russ-phillips-on-mag/#comments
(click to massive size)
Last week we had the honor of being some of the first people outside Sony to try out MAG, Zipper Interactive's first game on the PS3. While you can find out a lot of information from our hands-on report, we wanted a bit more insight into one of the most ambitious shooters to come along in recent memory. Russ Phillips, art director for MAG, was kind enough to answer some of the questions that came up during our extended demo of the game. Hit the jump for the full interview.

With competitive shooters these days, one of the things that really drives the community is online integration. The ability to log on, see your character and his stats, see how your clan is doing, etc. Is that something that you guys are looking at integrating into MAG?

Definitely! We want you to be able to follow your character, build a career with him, and be able to get on any time of the day -- especially to follow your Faction's progress and what is actually going on in the 'Shadow War' so we'll have websites dedicated to providing this information. I think any player that has played a game like this will want to know where they sit and and where their faction sits. So yeah, we've given a lot of thought to that.

Gallery: MAG

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Zipper Interactive's Russ Phillips on MAG

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Zipper Interactive's Russ Phillips on MAG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsinterviewmagmassive-action-gamemmoruss-phillipszipperzipper-interactiveThu, 30 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: MAG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/joystiq-hands-on-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/joystiq-hands-on-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/joystiq-hands-on-mag/#comments Little has been heard about MAG, Sony's ambitious 256-person online shooter that was announced during last year's E3. In fact, other than the CG trailer shown at the conference, there has been an almost total lockdown on any information related to the game. Last week, however, all that changed during Sony's Seattle Gamers Day event.

The event was held at developer Zipper Interactive's Redmond, Washington headquarters, where studio heads Jim Bosler and Brian Soderberg took the stage to explain MAG, the technology behind it, and how the game actually works with 256 people.

With a long history of making online shooters (the developer was the first to bring an online game to the PS2 with the first SOCOM), Zipper has been working hard to make sure that players will experience a smooth and pleasant experience, even when playing against a couple hundred other people. In fact, it's been running weekly 256-player tests since late last year with SCEA folks in California in order to test the network technology -- Zipper says it's already achieved smooth gameplay.

Concept-wise, the idea behind MAG was to be able to re-create battles on the scale of Blackhawk Down, with hundreds of well trained soldiers engaging in highly coordinated battles across large areas. In order to do this, the developer has created one of the most robust command systems we've ever seen in a videogame.

Gallery: MAG

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: MAG

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: MAG originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magmassive-action-gamemmosony-gamers-day-09zipperzipper-interactiveWed, 29 Apr 2009 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Official MAG site launches, hides secrets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/official-mag-site-launches-hides-secrets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/official-mag-site-launches-hides-secrets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/official-mag-site-launches-hides-secrets/#comments
Looks like Sony is slowly starting to promote its upcoming Zipper-developed follow-up to the SOCOM franchise. MAG, or Massive Action Game, promises online multiplayer action for up to 256 players. The official website for MAG has just launched, and it's definitely hiding some secrets. Look around the map for a few hotspots. Pinpoint a certain location and you might get a very small glimpse into the upcoming game. If you find any cool tricks with the site, definitely let us know in the comments section.

[Via PS3center.net]

Continue reading Official MAG site launches, hides secrets

JoystiqOfficial MAG site launches, hides secrets originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magmassive-action-gamezipperzipper-interactiveTue, 07 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: MAG screenshots leaked onto Flickr]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/rumor-mag-screenshots-leaked-onto-flickr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/rumor-mag-screenshots-leaked-onto-flickr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/rumor-mag-screenshots-leaked-onto-flickr/#comments
The pickin's have been mighty slim regarding details and sneak peeks for Sony and Zipper Interactive's upcoming 256-man shooter, MAG: Massive Action Game (the only official screenshot we've seen thus far is posted above), so we thought we'd bring your attention to some screenshots that would normally fall below our threshold of dubiousness. Flickr user 1337guyzorz recently posted 28 supposed images involving the title, including a number of in-game screencaps and a few character models.

The images are fairly attractive, though they may leave the viewer with a number of unanswered questions. Namely, where did they come from? Are they leaked from a Sony FTP server? An exclusive from some gaming journalism outlet? Summoned by some sort of ominous pact with a screenshot demon? More importantly, are they even real? They certainly seem massive, and the pictures contain elements of action, and, well, it looks like a game. The shoe seems to fit -- but where did the shoe come from? We may never know.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqRumor: MAG screenshots leaked onto Flickr originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flickrleakmagmassive-action-gamescreenshotssonyzipperSat, 04 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Survey gauges MAG subscription possibilities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/rumor-survey-gauges-mag-subscription-possibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/rumor-survey-gauges-mag-subscription-possibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/rumor-survey-gauges-mag-subscription-possibilities/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sony has refused to comment on the "rumor and speculation" surrounding a possible monthly or yearly fee for PS3's Massive Action Game, reports VideoGamer. The rumor originates from website Bitbag, which cites a PlayStation Undergroud survey asking "15 questions related to payment plans" for MAG.

MAG is the 256-player online game by SOCOM developer Zipper Interactive. Considering surveys are designed to elicit feedback, Sony is probably getting an earful about this issue already.

Source - Sony to charge monthly/yearly fee for MMO MAG
Source - Sony refuses to comment on pay to play MAG reports

JoystiqRumor: Survey gauges MAG subscription possibilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magmassive-action-gamePS3sonysurveyzipperMon, 29 Sep 2008 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First real, tiny screen of Sony's 'Massive Action Game']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/first-real-tiny-screen-of-sonys-massive-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/first-real-tiny-screen-of-sonys-massive-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/first-real-tiny-screen-of-sonys-massive-action-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here, in all its compressed glory, is the first actual screenshot of Sony and Zipper Interactive's 256-player MAG: Massive Action Game. We say "actual" because it was clear to anyone with eyes that Sony had pulled another Killzone 2 with the MAG video debuted during its pre-E3 press conference. In other words, it was all pre-rendered.

MAG senior producer Rade Stojsavljevic posted the shot to the official PlayStation blog, calling it "a sneak peak from one of [Zipper's] internal play sessions." Stojsavljevic also said that the dev has used its experience working in online games with the SOCOM franchise to create an entirely new server architecture for MAG capable of supporting its, well, massive amount of players.

JoystiqFirst real, tiny screen of Sony's 'Massive Action Game' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magmassive-action-gamePS3socomsonyzipperTue, 22 Jul 2008 22:58:00 EST<![CDATA[One real (low-res) pic of MAG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/one-real-low-res-pic-of-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/one-real-low-res-pic-of-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/one-real-low-res-pic-of-mag/#commentsFiled under:


Well, here it is. The very first real-time screenshot of Zipper's upcoming massively multiplayer PS3 game, MAG. The creators of SOCOM up the ante for their first PS3 game, creating a battlefield that supports 256 players. For now, that's all the info we have. Undoubtedly, we'll find out more before its 2009 debut.

JoystiqOne real (low-res) pic of MAG originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e308magzipperTue, 22 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[So this is MAG: Massive Action Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/so-this-is-mag-massive-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/so-this-is-mag-massive-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/so-this-is-mag-massive-action-game/#commentsFiled under:

MAG was Sony's final item at the company presser yesterday. You know, it's that game that supports over 256 players. While its features are quite astounding, its name however leaves little to desire over. MAG equals Massive Action Game; it's rather straightforward don't you think? It sounds more like it's its own genre. Anyway, check out footage captured at the conference.

JoystiqSo this is MAG: Massive Action Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e308magzipperWed, 16 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MAG: Massive Action Game, massive action trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/mag-massive-action-game-massive-action-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/mag-massive-action-game-massive-action-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/mag-massive-action-game-massive-action-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You'll need to decide for yourself if you're massively excited about Sony's 256-player online shooter, MAG. Thankfully, you now have the above video - along with our liveblog info - to reference during your decision making process.

It should be noted that developer Zipper Interactive has seemingly taken a cue from Guerilla (with its infamous E3 2005 trailer for Killzone 2) and decided to saunter down the entirely pre-rendered CGI route with this trailer. We're fairly confident that the visual style will carry over to the final product, but everything else? The label reads: "Take with one very large grain of salt."

Oh, and 256-player online? We don't doubt it will work ... we just doubt our brains' ability to process 255 racial slurs and/or homophobic remarks simulatenously.


JoystiqMAG: Massive Action Game, massive action trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E3-2008MAGPS3SonyZipperWed, 16 Jul 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zipper announce MAG, supports up to 256 players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/zipper-announce-mag-supports-up-to-256-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/zipper-announce-mag-supports-up-to-256-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/zipper-announce-mag-supports-up-to-256-players/#commentsFiled under:

Zipper, the developers of the PS2 SOCOM games, has a new IP in the works. It's titled MAG and is a massive online squad-based shooter that will support up to 256 players. Skirmishes will occur with teams divided up into squads of eight.

JoystiqZipper announce MAG, supports up to 256 players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e308magzipperTue, 15 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony unveils 256-player MAG: Massive Action Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/sony-unveils-256-player-mag-massive-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/sony-unveils-256-player-mag-massive-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/sony-unveils-256-player-mag-massive-action-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,


At their E3 press conference today, Andy Beaudoin from Zipper Interactive (known for the SOCOM series) revealed a new project called MAG, short for Massive Action Game. The game will break up to 256 human players into eight-man squads fighting each other simultaneously in a total free-for-all. Characters will be able to advance their statistics as they play. More as we get it.

Continue reading Sony unveils 256-player MAG: Massive Action Game

JoystiqSony unveils 256-player MAG: Massive Action Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsE3e3-2008MAGmassive-action-gamePS3SOCOMZipperTue, 15 Jul 2008 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[A second SOCOM to come from original developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/19/a-second-socom-to-come-from-original-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/19/a-second-socom-to-come-from-original-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/19/a-second-socom-to-come-from-original-developers/#comments
Reaction to the newly unveiled SOCOM Confrontation was mixed at best. The multiplayer-only title is being developed by Slant Six Games (also responsible for the new PSP title SOCOM: Tactical Strike). While the prospects of playing on a 32-player online battlefield is exciting enough, many commented on the barren, uninspired look of the game.

Worry not -- there's yet another SOCOM game in the works from the series' original creators. Zipper is starting work on its own SOCOM title, but as 1UP points out, it's going to be a long way off -- most likely late next year. Unlike Confrontation, which will launch this November, Zipper's own title will feature a single-player campaign in addition to the requisite multiplayer modes. While we hope Confrontation turns out to be a worthy addition to the SOCOM franchise, we're somewhat relieved to know that a true sequel is still in the works.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqA second SOCOM to come from original developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upslant sixslant six gamesSlantSixSlantSixGamessocomsocom confrontationSocomConfrontationzipperSat, 19 May 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zipper developing another PS3 SOCOM title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/zipper-developing-another-ps3-socom-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/zipper-developing-another-ps3-socom-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/zipper-developing-another-ps3-socom-title/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although there are already two SOCOM titles coming out -- Confrontation for PlayStation 3 and Tactical Strike for PSP -- Zipper Interactive, the original developer of the series, is working on yet another SOCOM title for the PS3, 1UP confirmed.

Unlike Confrontation, which is multiplayer-only, Zipper's title will include both single and multiplayer aspects, much like the series has done so far. The two previously-announced titles are being developed by Slant Six but is reportedly working closely with Zipper on them.

Gallery: SOCOM Confrontation



Gallery: SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike (PSP)

JoystiqZipper developing another PS3 SOCOM title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PS3socomzipperFri, 18 May 2007 15:58:00 EST