Joystiq Wii http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq Wii 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[Nintendo launches Rhythm Heaven Fever with a party at iam8bit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/nintendo-launches-rhythm-heaven-fever-with-a-party-at-iam8bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/nintendo-launches-rhythm-heaven-fever-with-a-party-at-iam8bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/nintendo-launches-rhythm-heaven-fever-with-a-party-at-iam8bit/#comments
Los Angeles' iam8bit gallery played host to Nintendo last night, as the two companies launched Rhythm Heaven Fever with a full scale party. There were plenty of demos of the game on display, live painting by artists Yoskay Yamamoto and Mari Inukai, a live DJ spinning tunes, and a few photo booths where players could dress up and pose, or even dance for a video running on Nintendo's own site.

The event was a lot of fun, and you can pretend you were able to be there by browsing through the gallery below. iam8bit always does a great job with these events, and co-founder Jon Gibson promised us there's lots more on the way: He's currently working hard on the leetUP event that iam8bit is co-hosting at the beginning of next month, and says VIP tickets for that one have sold out already. We'll be in attendance, so stay tuned for more.

Gallery: Rhythm Heaven Fever Launch Event at Iam8bit

JoystiqNintendo launches Rhythm Heaven Fever with a party at iam8bit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeventgamesiam8bitjon-gibsonleetuplos-angelesnintendopartyrhythm-heaven-feverwiiSat, 11 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Poison, Mr. Big, Heart, Rick Astley]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rock-band-weekly-poison-mr-big-heart-rick-astley/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rock-band-weekly-poison-mr-big-heart-rick-astley/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rock-band-weekly-poison-mr-big-heart-rick-astley/#comments Tuesday is Valentine's Day, and in addition to being a day full of expectations and guilt, it's now a day where you can be rick-rolled by a damn video game in the sanctity of your own home. The "Gold Star My Heart" Pack drops Tuesday in North America and Wednesday for European PS3 users, and includes four love-centric tracks to get you into (or very quickly out of) the mood.

Peep the full track list after the break, and see if you're the kind of person who'd rather be playing Rock Band 3 on Valentine's Day. (Please invite us.)

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Poison, Mr. Big, Heart, Rick Astley

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Poison, Mr. Big, Heart, Rick Astley originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gold-star-my-heartharmonixheartmicrosoftmr-bignintendoplaystationpoisonps3rick-astleyRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: BurgerTime World Tour, Maru's Mission]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/nintendoware-weekly-burgertime-world-tour-marus-mission/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/nintendoware-weekly-burgertime-world-tour-marus-mission/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/nintendoware-weekly-burgertime-world-tour-marus-mission/#comments The XBLA/PSN reimagining of BurgerTime needed a little more time on the grill before hitting WiiWare, but now MonkeyPaw Games is ready to serve BurgerTime World Tour to a hungry audience on a plastic tray all right these food metaphors are falling apart.

We'll have to warn you about this week's 3DS eShop game, lest you get unreasonably excited. Maru's Mission is not about Maru the cat. It is a cute-looking ninja action game, though. But not about Maru. Sorry!

Gallery: BurgerTime World Tour (WiiWare - 2/9)

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: BurgerTime World Tour, Maru's Mission

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: BurgerTime World Tour, Maru's Mission originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds40-in-1-explosive-minigamesburgertime-hdburgertime-world-tourdsdsiwareeshopmarus-missionnintendonintendoware-weeklyvirtual-consolewiiwiiwareThu, 09 Feb 2012 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhythm Heaven Fever review: Crazy into you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/rhythm-heaven-fever-review-crazy-into-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/rhythm-heaven-fever-review-crazy-into-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/rhythm-heaven-fever-review-crazy-into-you/#comments I hold Rhythm Heaven games to a high standard. The DS game became such a fixture in my life that it permanently wired rhythms into my brain. Months after the last time I picked it up, I'll still randomly "scratch-o, hey" or hit imaginary taiko drums in my head. I'm predisposed to seek music games with original music anyway (Parappa, Gitaroo-Man) as it is, and Rhythm Heaven is among the most replayable and content-rich of the genre.

So when I say Rhythm Heaven Fever doesn't quite measure up to its predecessor, please understand that's not a condemnation. I just mean it's merely wonderful instead of the most wonderful.

Continue reading Rhythm Heaven Fever review: Crazy into you

JoystiqRhythm Heaven Fever review: Crazy into you originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendorhythm-heavenrhythm-heaven-fevertnxwiiThu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EU could lose tax breaks for game developers, threatens talent exodus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/#comments The European Union provides us a small-scale glimpse into the potential functions of a truly global society -- and more recently, a global society in crisis. The unified currency of the EU, the Euro, was on the brink of collapse recently and all of its member countries are still running damage control.

Now, France in particular is facing another monetary hurdle, as its tax incentive for game development has expired and casued "genuine concern" the EU may not renew the exception that would reinstate it. State aid is normally forbidden under EU law, but in some cases it is allowed -- without an exception, game-development tax incentives would be banned in all EU countries, including France and the UK, Develop reports.

French developer Quantic Dream (Heavy Rain) said that if the tax break is not reinstated it would relocate its operations to Canada, which does offer incentives for development companies, Develop adds. And according to TIGA, The UK's game-development workforce -- which sees no tax breaks -- fell 10 percent between 2008 and 2011, with 41 percent of its workers relocating overseas to countries such as Canada.

JoystiqEU could lose tax breaks for game developers, threatens talent exodus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaEUeuropeEuropean-UnionfranceHeavy-Rainmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3quantic-dreamtax-breakstaxesvitawiixboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage trailer teases 'big news']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/retro-city-rampage-trailer-teases-big-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/retro-city-rampage-trailer-teases-big-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/retro-city-rampage-trailer-teases-big-news/#comments
Enjoy a sample of tiny mayhem in the latest trailer for Retro City Rampage, a game we hope developer Vblank is going to stop working on soon (for the sake of his own sanity). Then at the end, note that the developer teases some "BIG NEWS" to be announced February 20. Please, please let it be a release date.

JoystiqRetro City Rampage trailer teases 'big news' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoretro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentwiixboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battleship movie adapted into FPS by Double Helix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/battleship-movie-adapted-into-an-fps-by-double-helix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/battleship-movie-adapted-into-an-fps-by-double-helix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/battleship-movie-adapted-into-an-fps-by-double-helix/#comments Activision and Double Helix have announced a video game adaptation of Battleship, the Hasbro Studios/Universal Films adaptation of Milton Bradley's Battleship. Set for an April European release and a May North American release, Battleship will combine aspects of the classic board game with FPS gameplay. It will be available on PS3 and 360, with "uniquely designed versions" released for the Wii, DS and 3DS.

The player takes on the role of demolitions expert Cole Mathis, who somehow finds himself in charge of an entire naval fleet and must use said fleet to defend the Hawaiian archipelago from underwater space aliens. This is a separate storyline from the film -- however, given the abundance of extraterrestrials and a severe lack of white and red pegs, we figure it's still set in the movie's universe. Gameplay is split between FPS sections and a "Battle Command" map, which is somewhat akin to the classic Battleship grid we're all familiar with. Here's hoping for Electronic Talking DLC on day one.

Gallery: Battleship (2/8/12)

Continue reading Battleship movie adapted into FPS by Double Helix

JoystiqBattleship movie adapted into FPS by Double Helix originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionbattleshipdouble-helixdsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Bungie president, Alex Seropian, leaves Disney Interactive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/#comments Alex Seropian -- who helped found developer Bungie in the 1990s -- has left Disney Interactive, where he was head of game development. After helping create the Halo franchise at Bungie, Seropian started his own studio, Wideload Games, which was then acquired by Disney when it hired Seropian in 2009 as a creative-development lead.

Disney has confirmed Seropian's departure and said he will be replaced by former Blizzard vice president Bill Roper, Game Informer reports. In 2003 Roper left Blizzard and founded Flagship Studios, which busted in 2008, and he was picked up by Cryptic Studios. In 2011, Roper left Cryptic to join Disney Interactive as vice president of the Marvel Franchise, which recently announced Marvel: Avengers Alliance coming to Facebook in Q1 this year.

JoystiqFormer Bungie president, Alex Seropian, leaves Disney Interactive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-Seropianbill-roperBlizzardBungiedisneyDisney-InteractiveHalomicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3WideloadwiixboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders Giants will not require new Portal, mobile apps coming, Toys R Us to have exclusive figures [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skylanders-giants-will-require-new-portal-mobile-apps-coming-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skylanders-giants-will-require-new-portal-mobile-apps-coming-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skylanders-giants-will-require-new-portal-mobile-apps-coming-t/#comments More details about Skylanders Giants are coming in from the event currently taking place in New York. First and foremost, the new game will require a new Portal (i.e. "the thing you put Skylanders toys on") in order to recognize the new giant characters. Said Portal will accommodate up to two giant figures at a time. In addition to the giant figures, 12 more normal Skylanders figures are in the works, though it's unclear if they will work exclusively with Giants or if they will be compatible with Spyro's Adventure.

Furthermore, dedicated Skylanders mobile apps are planned for the future, though no further details have were given. The press release announcing the title did, however, promise "advanced integration across console, handheld, mobile and online."

Finally, Toys R Us CEO Jerry Storch revealed an exclusive partnership with Activision going forward. The retailer will sell exclusive figures this year, including "Legendary Trigger Happy" and "Iridescent Blue Bash," both of which are stronger than their normal versions and feature new abilities. In March, Toys R Us will also have a 30-day exclusive on the "Dragon's Peak" adventure pack. See pictures of the new figures in the gallery below.

More details as we get them.

Update: Skylanders Giants will not require a new portal, as it turns out. The new technology referred to at the event will be contained in the figures themselves. Specifically, new figures will light up when placed on the portal, as mentioned in our previous post. We apologize for the confusion.

Gallery: Skylanders (Toys r Us exclusive)

JoystiqSkylanders Giants will not require new Portal, mobile apps coming, Toys R Us to have exclusive figures [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3skylanders-giantstoys-for-bobwiixboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision announces Skylanders Giants, featuring giant Skylanders [update: Trailer, screens and figures]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/activision-announces-skylanders-giants-featuring-giant-skylande/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/activision-announces-skylanders-giants-featuring-giant-skylande/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/activision-announces-skylanders-giants-featuring-giant-skylande/#comments
Last month, domains for "Skylanders Giants" appeared, followed by a lot of cryptic teases from a "SkylandersGiant" Twitter account. Today, Activision and developer Toys for Bob have revealed that Skylanders: Giants is actually a full sequel to the game released last year. Alongside the new game come brand new figures to collect and, as the name implies, they are much larger than the toys released so far.

Specifically, eight new characters will be released, all of them "more than twice the size" of normal Skylanders both out of the box and inside the game world itself. New figures will also feature integrated lights that illuminate when a character is placed on or near the Portal of Power. Finally, Skylanders Giants will be compatible with previous Skylanders figures and, what's more, figures will retain all the stats earned in Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.

Skylanders Giants will officially debut at the American International Toy Fair later this month. Presumably, we'll have more details, including a price and release date, by then. A Skylanders event is about to take place in New York, we should have more details and media shortly.

Update: We've added a new trailer and galleries of screenshots and the new figures. Also, according to the trailer, Skylanders Giants is coming this fall.

Gallery: Skylanders: Giants


Gallery: Skylanders: Giants (Toys)

Continue reading Activision announces Skylanders Giants, featuring giant Skylanders [update: Trailer, screens and figures]

JoystiqActivision announces Skylanders Giants, featuring giant Skylanders [update: Trailer, screens and figures] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3skylandersskylanders-giantstoystoys-for-bobwiixboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge Xenoblade Chronicles by its (inside) cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/judge-xenoblade-chronicles-by-its-inside-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/judge-xenoblade-chronicles-by-its-inside-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/judge-xenoblade-chronicles-by-its-inside-cover/#comments Xenoblade Chronicles "the game" is definitely coming to the US Wii on April 3, but Xenoblade Chronicles "the box art" is more of a vague idea at this point. Nintendo is allowing fans to choose the inside portion of Xenoblade's reversible box art via a Facebook photo poll -- of the four photos shown below, whichever has the most "Likes" will become the US game's reversible image:

Continue reading Judge Xenoblade Chronicles by its (inside) cover

JoystiqJudge Xenoblade Chronicles by its (inside) cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coverfacebooknintendopollreversiblevotewiixenoblade-chroniclesMon, 06 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: February 6-12, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/#comments
Destiny awaits this week in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: February 6-12, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: February 6-12, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[IndieCade's 2012 'Festival of Independent Games' accepting submissions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/#comments Indie devs take note, submissions for IndieCade's 2012 "Festival of Independent Games" are now open on the event's official website.

IndieCade's track record is stellar, giving budding designers and developers the exposure their hard work deserves and the money their growing debt so richly desires. Past winners include darlings like Limbo, VVVVVV, and Superbrothers' Sword and Sworcery EP. Of course, bills only get paid if the games launch -- unlike Fez, which by our heart's count has been in development for the last seven hundred years.

Teams that submit a game will receive a main festival pass and an invitation to a day-long networking and workshop event. Games selected are set to be featured during the annual IndieCade Festival from October 4 through October 7.

JoystiqIndieCade's 2012 'Festival of Independent Games' accepting submissions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsIndieCadeindiecade-2012iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Collection debut atop UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/#comments Three new titles entered Chart-Track's UK sales top ten last week, led by Final Fantasy XIII-2. Sneaking the silver was the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, which includes MGS2: Sons of Liberty (2002), MGS3: Snake Eater (2005) and MGS: Peacewalker (2010). Rounding out the top three is Battlefield 3, up two spots, as FIFA 12 slides from first to fourth.

Another new addition to the top ten, SoulCalibur 5, premieres in fifth. Chart-Track notes that the prior SoulCalibur debuted in the top spot back in August of 2008.

The solid debut last week of 3DS action horror title Resident Evil: Revelations finds the game retreating from sixth to 19 on the latest chart. Wander past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Collection debut atop UK charts

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Collection debut atop UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-3Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12final-fantasy-xiii-2metal-gear-solid-hd-collectionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3soulcalibur-5UKwiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Bush]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/rock-band-weekly-bush/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/rock-band-weekly-bush/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/rock-band-weekly-bush/#comments Breathe in, breathe out, and everything's zen, because next week's Rock Band DLC is a three-pack from alt rockers Bush. All the tracks are off the band's hit 1994 debut album "Sixteen Stone."

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Bush

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Bush originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bushdlcharmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rock-band-weeklywiixboxSat, 04 Feb 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/play-rhythm-heaven-fever-early-in-la-feb-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/play-rhythm-heaven-fever-early-in-la-feb-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/play-rhythm-heaven-fever-early-in-la-feb-10/#comments If you're near Los Angeles on February 10, and you're eager to celebrate the upcoming release of Rhythm Heaven Fever, you can party with other like-minded people at the iam8bit gallery.

Nintendo, Giant Robot, and iam8bit are teaming up for a launch event, at which attendees will be able to play the game (with headphones, hopefully!) and pick up custom swag. Go find out who else in the world dares to play a rhythm game about interviewing wrestlers and playing airplane badminton!

Continue reading Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10

JoystiqPlay Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giant-robotIAm8bitlaunch-partylos-angelesnintendorhythm-heaven-feverwiiFri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/#comments Earlier this week Game met with lenders to discuss its credit problems and options for staying in business, and now Game reports it will operate "with lower limits" and under "revised terms for its facilities." As of November 2011, Game had 1,275 stores in Europe and Australia, but has hinted that it could sell off more than half of its overseas locations, and it plans to close 60 stores by 2013. It closed 39 locations last year.

Game's economic problems aren't an issue solely for retailers, but can affect the larger gaming industry as well -- both EA and Take-Two discussed Game's position during their Q3 financial calls.

JoystiqEuropean retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaclosuredseuropefinancialgamemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspretailsonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/#comments Sega's "Game Contents" division (i.e. home video games) was down 5.1% for the nine-month period ending December 31, with the company reporting 63.5 billion yen ($833 million) in net game sales from the division ... and 5.5 billion yen in total losses. As for reasoning, Sega said only that "in the overseas markets, sales of the new titles remained slow as affected by adverse market condition." Best we can tell, that "adverse market condition" refers to our economies all being really, really terrible.

The publisher shared sales numbers for its major releases. Sonic Generations sold 1.63 million copies across four platforms (Wii, PS3, PC, and the 3DS Generations game). Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games outsold it with 2.39 million copies -- despite not being released in Japan yet, and only being on one platform at the time, the Wii. And, uh, despite being a Mario & Sonic Olympics minigame collection. Hatsune Miku Project Diva Extend for PSP (released in Japan only) was the other named hit, with 290,000 copies.

Looking up at Sega's sales by platform, it's worth noting that Sega's single PlayStation Vita release, Virtua Tennis 4 (called Power Smash 4 in Japan) sold just 10,000 copies between the Vita launch date of December 17 and the end of the year. That ... doesn't seem very good.

JoystiqSega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfy-2011fy-2012mario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsegasega-sammysonic-generationssonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ reveals $56 million loss in Q3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/thq-reveals-56-million-loss-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/thq-reveals-56-million-loss-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/thq-reveals-56-million-loss-in-q3/#comments THQ CEO Brian Farrell started yesterday's third quarter earnings call with investors by saying, "On our last call we told you we anticipated that our third quarter would be the largest in our company's history. Unfortunately, we were wrong."

The company announced a $56 million loss for the quarter ending December 31, 2011, nearly triple the loss of the same period last year. Sales also slumped slightly from $314.6 million to $305.4 million

Despite the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12, the discontinued uDraw tablet took a majority of blame for the company's ill condition.

"Revenues were lower by about $100 million," Farrell explained. "We've got 1.4 million [uDraw units] still in inventory we haven't sold that we planned on selling." He estimated about $80 million of the lost revenue was from units the company didn't sell, and the other $20 million was from lowering the price of what they did sell. He concluded on the topic, "We would have doubled the profitability in the quarter were it not for uDraw."

THQ is currently attempting to make itself a leaner, more efficient entity. Part of its announced realignment includes pay cuts for the top brass, layoffs of 240 people and seeking help for big-ticket items like the Warhammer 40K MMO. The company didn't provide estimates for its expected financial condition for the final quarter of the year.

JoystiqTHQ reveals $56 million loss in Q3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoplaystationps3Q3saints-row-the-thirdTHQwiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ no longer manufacturing uDraw hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-no-longer-manufacturing-udraw-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-no-longer-manufacturing-udraw-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-no-longer-manufacturing-udraw-hardware/#comments THQ will no longer manufacture uDraw hardware, according to its fiscal 2012 third quarter financial report. "Sales of the uDraw GameTablet and related software, and other titles in the kids, family and casual category were far weaker than anticipated, substantially reducing our financial results for the quarter," reported THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell.

The uDraw is seemingly out of picture at this point, as the publisher "has no future commitments or plans to manufacture uDraw hardware." The Wii version of the tablet proved to be a success for THQ in 2010, leading the company to produce versions for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Sales of uDraw on Sony and Microsoft's platforms were underwhelming, however, leading the company to lower financial forecasts at the end of 2011.

THQ now plans to focus on "premium core and fighting franchises." The report doesn't specify whether or not THQ will continue to produce software for uDraw, though it seems unlikely given the transition away from children's products. Unless someone is working on a Saints Row art game, of course.

JoystiqTHQ no longer manufacturing uDraw hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialfy-2012microsoftnintendoplaystationps3q3thqudrawudraw-studiowiixboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 17:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Go buy more Skylanders toys now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/go-buy-more-skylanders-toys-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/go-buy-more-skylanders-toys-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/go-buy-more-skylanders-toys-now/#comments
New Skylanders toys are available at retail today, which roughly translates to new DLC for the video game. The "Empire of Ice" Adventure Pack includes a new ice-themed area, along with a new Water-element toy (and character), Slam Bam.

Additionally, new standalone figures are available of the undead dragon Cynder, who has a "difficult past," and Double Trouble, an inept wizard. What's that? You want to know more about Cynder? According to Activision, "Cynder is a dragon of the undead element. Dark powers flow through her due to her difficult past, but she's trying to make amends with the other Skylanders."

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Cynder, Double Trouble, and Slam Bam)

Gallery: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (Toys: Cynder, Double Troubl, and Slam Bam)

Continue reading Go buy more Skylanders toys now

JoystiqGo buy more Skylanders toys now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdlcempire-of-icemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3skylandersskylanders-spyros-adventurewiixboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA sees $205 million net loss in Q3, rise in social-games users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/#comments EA recorded a net loss of $205 million, but its highest operating cash flow in 31 quarters for the fiscal third quarter ending December 31, 2011. In Q3 2011, EA generated $1.06 billion in net revenue, which is up from the previous Q3, with a net revenue of $1.05 billion. EA's cash flow from operations is recorded at $475 million.

EA's Battlefield 3 and FIFA 12 have each sold more than 10 million units, while Madden 12 sold almost 5 million. PopCap, which EA acquired in August, grew revenue 30 percent on a trailing 12-month basis, and its monthly active users for social games rose to 52 million, up from 39 million the previous year.

JoystiqEA sees $205 million net loss in Q3, rise in social-games users originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsfinancialsfy-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspQ3q3-2012salessonywiixboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 sell over 10 million units each, Madden 12 over 5 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/#comments EA has revealed the sales numbers of a handful of its major titles, including FIFA 12 and Battlefield 3, which have both sold through over 10 million units since their respective launches in September and October. Meanwhile, Madden NFL 12 has sold through over five million units since launching last August.

Remember that "sold through" actually refers to copies that have been sold to consumers -- as opposed to copies sold to retailers -- meaning that it's probably safe to call all three titles "hits" at this point.

JoystiqEA: Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 sell over 10 million units each, Madden 12 over 5 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3fifa-12iosipadiphonemadden-nfl-12microsoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo swaps downloadable games, adds Mario Party 2, Art Academy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/club-nintendo-swaps-downloadable-games-adds-mario-party-2-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/club-nintendo-swaps-downloadable-games-adds-mario-party-2-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/club-nintendo-swaps-downloadable-games-adds-mario-party-2-art/#comments With a new month comes a new selection of downloadable games for which you can exchange your Club Nintendo Coins. The new lineup is half as varied as those of previous months, offering only one DSiWare download and one Wii Virtual Console game.

For 150 Coins each, you can choose Art Academy: First Semester for DSiWare (but only available on 3DS through this offer) or Mario Party 2 for Wii. If you get that one, use the money you saved by buying it with Club Nintendo money to buy some extra controllers, either for friends or to replace the ones ruined by Mario Party.

For fans of physical, tangible goods, there's also this new 3DS card case. It holds 18 games and includes four "double-sided card covers." And it looks really nice.

JoystiqClub Nintendo swaps downloadable games, adds Mario Party 2, Art Academy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsart-academyart-academy-first-semesterclub-nintendodsiwaremario-party-2nintendovirtual-consolewiiWed, 01 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What? Game Music is Evolving!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/what-game-music-is-evolving/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/what-game-music-is-evolving/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/what-game-music-is-evolving/#commentsFiled under:

This is a column by Jesse Gregory all about his primary obsession, video game music. He feels that despite how core to the experience soundtracks often are, they aren't as large a part of gaming discussion as they should be. Let the discussion begin!
While just another game to some, last year's Sonic Generations was a review course of Sonic's varied musical history. With a wealth of classic and modern remixes and an even larger vault of unlockable originals, the game laid out in plain sight just how much the music of a single series can change over the course of two decades.

While hardware limitations can breed highly focused creativity, the lack thereof allows for unrestrained experimentation. From the Genesis to the Dreamcast, we witnessed Masato Nakamura's unforgettable themes replaced by a wide variety of tracks featuring live performances in a vast array of genres.

It sounds pretty good on paper. Sure, we got some enjoyable instrumental rock and jazz, but songs that sing about following rainbows and rap about chaos emeralds can make these games embarrassing to revisit. Still, I have to admire the many directions Sega was willing to explore with the series' music. Sonic Rush in particular really shook things up thanks to Hideki Naganuma. His unique brand of sample slicing threw many disparate genres into a blender to make something really special.

Continue reading What? Game Music is Evolving!

JoystiqWhat? Game Music is Evolving! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscolumngame musicjesse-gregorymicrosoftmusicnintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/#comments
Repair time this week in Final Fantasy XIII-2...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance 3 DLC gets the power]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/just-dance-3-dlc-gets-the-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/just-dance-3-dlc-gets-the-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/just-dance-3-dlc-gets-the-power/#comments Starting tomorrow, you'll be able to Just Dance to one of the early most ubiquitous dance tracks for the early '90s ... and three other songs. Snap's "The Power" will be available for the Xbox version of Just Dance 3 tomorrow, Jan. 31, along with Bollywood's "Katti Kalandal", Love Letter's "Why Oh Why" and Sweat Invaders' "Skin to Skin," all of which we're sure are totally energetic. Each track sells for 240 MSP ($3) each.

They'll be released for the Wii version the next day, Feb. 1, at a comparatively cheap 250 Wii Points ($2.50).

Gallery: Just Dance 3 (DLC 1/30)

Continue reading Just Dance 3 DLC gets the power

JoystiqJust Dance 3 DLC gets the power originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcjust-dance-3kinectmicrosoftnintendoubisoftwiixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/resident-evil-revelations-debuts-strong-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/resident-evil-revelations-debuts-strong-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/resident-evil-revelations-debuts-strong-on-uk-charts/#comments Resident Evil: Revelations for 3DS is the first launch of the new year to break the UK Top 40, debuting in sixth on this week's chart. According to Chart-Track, it is also the seventh largest launch for a 3DS title.

The top five this week are a shuffle of the standard. FIFA 12 defends its top position for a sixth straight week, with Modern Warfare 3, Skyrim and Just Dance 3 consecutively in step behind it.

Looks like folks of the kingdoms united are still trying to lose those holiday pounds, as the Zumba hit parade goes on with Zumba Fitness slipping to seven and Zumba Fitness 2 taking tenth. The UK top ten can be found after the break.

Continue reading Resident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts

JoystiqResident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbritainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-soccer-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3UKwiixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NMA TV's breakdown of Nintendo's financial situation is as zany as you'd expect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/nma-tvs-breakdown-of-nintendos-financial-situation-is-as-zany-as-youd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/nma-tvs-breakdown-of-nintendos-financial-situation-is-as-zany-as-youd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/nma-tvs-breakdown-of-nintendos-financial-situation-is-as-zany-as-youd/#comments
Nintendo is coming off of a pretty rough fiscal year, posting an anticipated loss of ¥65 billion ($839M) despite strong sales for Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. They're optimistic for the future, naturally, with the 3DS performing well since the price drop and the Wii U right around the corner, but that enthusiasm hasn't been enough to repair the company's trading value.

It's a serious situation with meaningful implications both for stockholders and the industry as a whole, so who better to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the situation than the incomprehensibly bizarre and often disturbing creative powerhouse that is NMA TV. If you've seen any of their other videos, you've got a good idea of what to expect in the media briefing above. If not, you'd better sit down.

JoystiqNMA TV's breakdown of Nintendo's financial situation is as zany as you'd expect originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnext-media-animationnintendoNMA-TVNMATVwiiwii-uSat, 28 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Tears for Fears, Sum 41]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/rock-band-weekly-tears-for-fears-sum-41/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/rock-band-weekly-tears-for-fears-sum-41/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/rock-band-weekly-tears-for-fears-sum-41/#comments When they weren't shouting it all out or expressing how everybody wants to rule the world, English pop rock band Tears for Fears were wasting our time with "Head Over Heels," available next week as Rock Band DLC. There will also be a pair of tracks from Canadian band Sum 41.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Tears for Fears, Sum 41

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Tears for Fears, Sum 41 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Harmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklySum-41Tears-for-FearswiixboxFri, 27 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario 3D Land breaks 5 million sold, Skyward Sword at 3.4 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/super-mario-3d-land-breaks-5-million-sold-skyward-sword-at-3-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/super-mario-3d-land-breaks-5-million-sold-skyward-sword-at-3-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/super-mario-3d-land-breaks-5-million-sold-skyward-sword-at-3-4/#comments Nintendo elaborated on the "strong sales" for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Super Mario 3D Land today, in its list of million-selling titles for the last nine months. The Wii adventure sold 3.42 million units worldwide, of which 3.04 million took place outside of Japan.

That makes it the best selling Wii game for the period, right? Nope! That's Mario Kart Wii, which sold 4.91 million copies between April and December, for a life-to-date total of 31.91 million copies. New releases Kirby's Return to Dreamland and Wii Play Motion squeaked into the million-seller club with 1.21 million and 1.12 million respectively.

On 3DS, Super Mario 3D Land sold 5.03 million in total -- 3.68 million "overseas" and 1.36 million in Japan. Mario Kart 7 sold almost as many, at 4.54 million. Even the good old DS managed to have some million-selling new releases: Professor Layton and the Last Specter (1.19 million, all outside of Japan) and Kirby Mass Attack (1.01 million).

JoystiqSuper Mario 3D Land breaks 5 million sold, Skyward Sword at 3.4 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskirbys-return-to-dreamlandLegend-of-Zelda-2010nintendoprofessor-layton-and-the-last-spectersalessuper-mario-3d-landThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-SwordwiiFri, 27 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ghost-recon-future-soldier-screens-reconnoitered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ghost-recon-future-soldier-screens-reconnoitered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ghost-recon-future-soldier-screens-reconnoitered/#comments The futuristic apparitions of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier can indeed be photographed. Ubi shared a fresh batch of assets this morning, and we'll have a full preview of the game for you later this week.

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftnext-levelnext-level-gamesnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyubisoftubisoft-parisubisoft-red-stormvirtuoswiixboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ incurs more layoffs, five internal studios not affected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/thq-incurs-more-layoffs-five-internal-studios-not-affected/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/thq-incurs-more-layoffs-five-internal-studios-not-affected/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/thq-incurs-more-layoffs-five-internal-studios-not-affected/#comments THQ went through another wave of layoffs today, which affected its administrative and publishing departments. The company would not share details about how many people lost their jobs, but stressed that this did not affect its five internal studios: THQ San Diego, Relic, Volition, Vigil and THQ Montreal.

"As recently announced, the company is exiting the kids' licensed games category, and is focusing on its core game franchises and developing its digital initiatives," THQ stated on the issue. "The company will provide greater financial detail regarding the costs and organizational benefit on its third quarter 2012 conference call scheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2012."

THQ announced a new strategic realignment earlier this week, shutting down its children's properties and focusing on "core games," like those provided by the unaffected studios.

JoystiqTHQ incurs more layoffs, five internal studios not affected originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Layoffsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3THQwiixboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Mutant Mudds, Mario & Sonic, Flush the Goldfish]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendoware-weekly-mutant-mudds-mario-and-sonic-flush-the-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendoware-weekly-mutant-mudds-mario-and-sonic-flush-the-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendoware-weekly-mutant-mudds-mario-and-sonic-flush-the-gold/#comments As promised, another 3DS demo is available on the eShop, this time for Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. It may not have zombies, but then, it may have Waluigi. Renegade Kid's Mutant Mudds, its first self-published project, is also up on the eShop this week, offering challenging platforming and shooting and some dramatic 3D effects.

DSiWare features a sequel to the indie game Flipper; though if you played it, you still won't recognize Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish. The original was an isometric puzzle game about reshaping environments ... and the sequel is a side-scrolling action game that uses one contextual button!

Gallery: Mutant Mudds (3DS eShop)

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Mutant Mudds, Mario & Sonic, Flush the Goldfish

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Mutant Mudds, Mario & Sonic, Flush the Goldfish originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdemodsdsiwareeshopflipper-2-flush-the-goldfishlolas-alphabet-trainmario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmutant-muddsnewton-vs-the-hordenintendonintendoware-weeklywiiwiiwareThu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo enhances expected loss; 15 million 3DS units sold since launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-enhances-expected-loss-15-million-3ds-units-sold-since/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-enhances-expected-loss-15-million-3ds-units-sold-since/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-enhances-expected-loss-15-million-3ds-units-sold-since/#comments Nintendo has once again revised its expected loss for the fiscal year ending in March, widening its forecasted financial misfortune from ¥20 billion ($258M) to ¥65 billion ($839M). The increased loss comes a quarter after Nintendo switched its forecast from a ¥20 billion profit to loss.

For the first nine months of the fiscal year ending December 31, Nintendo had sales of ¥556 billion ($7.2B), a 31 percent decrease from the same period last year. Overall, it posted a loss of ¥48.4 billion ($620M).

"Nintendo 3DS hardware during the nine months ended December 31, 2011, were 11.43 million units, and the total worldwide sales since its launch exceeded 15 million units," the company stated. Both Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 have gone on to become million-selling titles.

The company also mentioned that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for Wii recorded "strong sales, especially in the United States." Worldwide Wii sales over the nine-month period hit 8.96 million units, with software selling 89 million units.

Nintendo's financial woes, coupled with mobile gaming's increased portion of the handheld market, are not sitting well with investors. The House of Mario continues to see its stock sitting at a five-year low.

JoystiqNintendo enhances expected loss; 15 million 3DS units sold since launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfinancialfinancialsnintendoQ3wiiwii-uThu, 26 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix drops plan to offer video games like it was Qwikster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/netflix-drops-plans-to-offer-video-games-like-they-were-qwikster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/netflix-drops-plans-to-offer-video-games-like-they-were-qwikster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/netflix-drops-plans-to-offer-video-games-like-they-were-qwikster/#comments Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who you may remember from his Match.com profile video explanation video of Netflix's aborted split into two companies, said Netflix has no plans to offer video games right now, speaking in a Q4 investor meeting today. Hastings didn't offer more details on far-future plans, but he did confirm Netflix is investigating 3D streaming options to supplement its Blu-ray 3D disc service.

For now, it looks like gamers all will be getting is digital and physical disservice.

JoystiqNetflix drops plan to offer video games like it was Qwikster originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftNetflixnintendoplaystationps3reed-hastingsstreamingwiixboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop shuttering Northern Ireland and Portuguese stores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/gamestop-shuttering-northern-ireland-and-portuguese-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/gamestop-shuttering-northern-ireland-and-portuguese-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/gamestop-shuttering-northern-ireland-and-portuguese-stores/#comments GameStop continues its closure of brick-and-mortar stores and conversion to a digital business in certain European markets, with recent moves in Portugal and Northern Ireland.

"GameStop plans to close our 13 stores in Portugal due to macro economic conditions," a company spokesperson told Joystiq. "Customers in Portugal can visit www.gamestop.es -- our E-commerce site in Spain -- for their gaming needs.

"And as announced last summer, GameStop is closing our four remaining UK stores -- thus finalizing our plans to exit the UK market. Our focus is to run an e-commerce only operation in the UK. Customers can redeem outstanding trade credits and gift cards on line at www.gamestop.com/uk."

Don't take this to mean the company is closing up storefronts on the continent. GameStop added 25 stores to "better performing" markets, such as Italy and France, during the last quarter.

JoystiqGameStop shuttering Northern Ireland and Portuguese stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameStopmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Alleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/alleged-former-thq-staffer-sends-furious-note-to-board-press/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/alleged-former-thq-staffer-sends-furious-note-to-board-press/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/alleged-former-thq-staffer-sends-furious-note-to-board-press/#comments An anonymous letter sent to media and THQ's board of directors, allegedly written by a former employee of THQ, rains fire on the company's management and, specifically, CEO Brian Farrell. The letter arrives the same day as THQ announces another strategic realignment, a little over a week after the company had to spin a major cancellation rumor and over a month after THQ's stock dropped below $1.

"It is to the point where having [THQ] on your resume is not a point in your favor. And that shouldn't be the case," the "Formerly Mismanaged" writes. "I'm/We're sending this note anonymously because some of us are still awaiting final checks and others know how little corporations like employees who air their dirty laundry. We feel the need to say something to combat the partial misinformation being written."

The Formerly Mismanaged lays out its belief that the beginning of the end came when the cash rich company went on an acquisition spree years ago, allegedly "with no plan" -- many of those studios have since been shuttered or sold off. Then came what the accuser(s) call bad licensing deals and the most recent business miscalculation with the uDraw tablet, which caused the company to lower its fiscal outlook for the year.

The scope of THQ's problems is expected to come into slightly better focus when it announces its current financial position on February 2. Wedbush Morgan Financial Analyst Michael Pachter has pointed out he believes THQ will generate a "substantial loss" at the end of its fiscal year and that "THQ is at risk of running out of cash by the June 2012 quarter."

You can read the entire letter by "The Formerly Mismanaged" after the break.

Continue reading Alleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press

JoystiqAlleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymousBrian-FarrellFormerly-Mismanagedlayoffsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdTHQwiiwii-uxboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Samus morphs into an incredible action figure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/samus-morphs-into-an-incredible-action-figure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/samus-morphs-into-an-incredible-action-figure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/samus-morphs-into-an-incredible-action-figure/#comments We agree with Samus's sentiment. The new Figma Samus Aran action figure, due out in Japan this June, easily earns a rating of "thumbs up" by our standards. The 150mm (roughly 6") figure, modeled on Samus's appearance in Metroid: Other M, includes a base, two "beam effect" accessories, five alternate hands, and even a Morph Ball version of Samus.

If you have a shelf you'd like to keep Space Pirate-free, you can pre-order your own mini-Samus from toy importer AmiAmi for around $36. While you're at it, you can also pre-order this less posable, less clothed Zero Suit Samus statuette. If you're into that kinda thing, that is.

JoystiqSamus morphs into an incredible action figure originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figureamiamifigmaMetroid-Other-MnintendotoyswiiTue, 24 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deals on fitness, Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/deals-on-fitness-modern-warfare-3-dead-island-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/deals-on-fitness-modern-warfare-3-dead-island-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/deals-on-fitness-modern-warfare-3-dead-island-on-amazon-today/#comments It's deadAmazon has a load of deals on games lined up for today. First up, Dead Island is the deal of the day and will no doubt quickly shamble off the shelves at only $25. Today's Lightning Deals are all game-themed as well, with the current deal being LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean on the DS for $15. As of this writing, the deal has about an hour to go.

Find a list of the remaining deals' start times (and our best guesses as to what the deals actually are) after the break.

Continue reading Deals on fitness, Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island on Amazon today

JoystiqDeals on fitness, Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondead-islanddeal-of-the-daydslightning-dealsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 24 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST