Joystiq Xbox http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq Xbox 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[Codemasters giving Dirt 3 a Complete Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/codemasters-giving-dirt-3-a-complete-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/codemasters-giving-dirt-3-a-complete-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/codemasters-giving-dirt-3-a-complete-edition/#comments Codemasters has announced that it's releasing a "Complete Edition" of Dirt 3, due out sometime this March for Windows, Xbox 360, and the PS3. The $39.99 release will include the full game, 12 new tracks in two different new locations and lots of new cars and liveries to play around with.

The two new tracks run through the snowy mountain roads of the Alps and some urban streets in Shibuya, Tokyo, and the new cars include the BMW M3 Rally, the Ford Escort Mk II and the Mini Cooper S Gymkhana, in addition to a slew of others. You can see a few shots of the game below, and read the entire press release after the break.

Gallery: DiRT 3 Complete Edition (2/11/12)

Continue reading Codemasters giving Dirt 3 a Complete Edition

JoystiqCodemasters giving Dirt 3 a Complete Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpscodemastersdirt-3dirt-3-complete-editionmicrosoftmonte-carlopcplaystationps3shibuyaxboxSat, 11 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate employs Brian Cox, Rosario Dawson and Michael Wincott]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/syndicate-employs-brian-cox-rosario-dawson-and-michael-wincott/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/syndicate-employs-brian-cox-rosario-dawson-and-michael-wincott/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/syndicate-employs-brian-cox-rosario-dawson-and-michael-wincott/#comments In the future, your brain will be infused with special technology to unlock the massive potential within you. Also, the company you work for will be headed by a surly Scot and a beautiful wherever Rosario Dawson is from.

EA's announced both Brian Cox and Rosario Dawson will lend their voices to Syndicate, the Starbreeze reboot of the classic strategy game from the '90s. Joining them is Michael Wincott, who you may remember as the bad guy from The Crow. Gamers may better recognize his pipes as The Prophet of Truth in Halo 2, and as Death in the upcoming Darksiders 2. Dawson will play Lily Drawl, a "rising star" at EuroCorp; Cox plays Eurocorp board member Jack Denham and Wincott plays veteran agent Jules Merit.

JoystiqSyndicate employs Brian Cox, Rosario Dawson and Michael Wincott originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-coxeamichael-wincottmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3rosario-dawsonstarbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxSat, 11 Feb 2012 05:45:00 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[Xbox Live Indie Gems: Nyan Cat Adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/xbox-live-indie-gems-nyan-cat-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/xbox-live-indie-gems-nyan-cat-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/xbox-live-indie-gems-nyan-cat-adventure/#commentsCrowded as it is with farting massage simulators, it can be hard to find worthwhile titles on Xbox Live Indie Games. That's why we sift through all that rough to unearth a few gems. That way, you get the skinny on quality games and we get to indulge our secret passion for fart machines. This week, we try out Nyan Cat Adventure, a platformer from 21st Street Games.
Indie developer 21st Street Games has found a niche: bizarre platformers. Its previous offering, Techno Kitten Adventure, was a visual assault backed by a simple gameplay mechanic, and the studio's latest is no different. The Xbox Live Indie game Nyan Cat Adventure takes the popular internet meme into the realm of single-button arcade gameplay.

But the most surprising thing about Nyan Cat Adventure is the variety I found in such a simple experience. True, the game only uses one button, but what that button does constantly changes throughout the game's main mode of play, dubbed 'Party.'

Continue reading Xbox Live Indie Gems: Nyan Cat Adventure

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Gems: Nyan Cat Adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>21st-street-gamesindie-gamesmicrosoftnyan-cat-adventuretechno-kitten-adventurexboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-gemsFri, 10 Feb 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout 3 concept artist Adam Adamowicz passes away]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/fallout-3-concept-artist-adam-adamowicz-passes-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/fallout-3-concept-artist-adam-adamowicz-passes-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/fallout-3-concept-artist-adam-adamowicz-passes-away/#comments Adam Adamowicz died of cancer yesterday, and while his career may have focused on building digital worlds, his impact can be felt just as intensely in our physical lives. As the concept artist for Fallout 3 and other Bethesda titles, including Skyrim, Adamowicz shaped the reality of some of our favorite video game experiences, regardless of whether the wider world knew his name.

Awesome Robo offers an in-depth, heartfelt glimpse into Adamowicz's work and life, highlighting the hand-drawn process he used to create Fallout 3's vault jumpsuit, weapons and super mutants, among dozens of other integral pieces that made up the game's universe.

JoystiqFallout 3 concept artist Adam Adamowicz passes away originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-adamowiczBethesda-Softworkscancerconcept-artistdiedFallout-3microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This is a weekly column focusing on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
Morality systems have become role-playing. Or at least, a significant amount of people have come to believe this. To take one example, this review of The Old Republic is premised on the concept that BioWare's style of moral choices are effective character-building mechanics. It's a fine review, but it's one that I can't agree with because I find the model of game morality used in The Old Republic and many other role-playing games ineffective at creating a moral system.

In order for a moral choice to have weight, it needs to have two components. First, meaningful choices have to cause the player to lose something in order to gain power. Something has to change, or be expected to change, within the game in order for the decision to matter. In Mass Effect, at one point in the game, you have to choose which of two party members to rescue - the other dies. Or, in Fallout: New Vegas, working with Caesar's Legion turns the New California Republic into an enemy, and vice versa.

Second, a moral choice has to be a difficult choice. The old adage "If doing the right thing were easy, everyone would do it" applies here. This is where games usually fail. They can do it with little choices, like with stealing even when you won't get caught in New Vegas. Take the owned items and you'll lose karma, which might be a small hit compared to the benefits of a new weapon. Alternately, in some games, honorable characters will simply refuse payment for quests, forcing money to be acquired by other means.

Continue reading Dark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games

JoystiqDark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columndragon-age-originsfallout-new-vegasmass-effectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rpgstar-wars-the-old-republicThe-Old-RepublicxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Meat Boy's super boys explain what it means to go mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/super-meat-boys-super-boys-explain-what-it-means-to-go-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/super-meat-boys-super-boys-explain-what-it-means-to-go-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/super-meat-boys-super-boys-explain-what-it-means-to-go-mobile/#comments Yesterday Edmund McMillen and Tommy Refenes of Team Meat dropped a gigantic, raw bomb on Twitter (gross), announcing their intent to strip down Super Meat Boy and rebuild it completely for mobile touch devices. They were vague on details apart from an intent to create a brand new game in the Super Meat Boy universe, and that they definitely wouldn't use "shitty touch controls."

We thought they were being coy, but it turns out they don't know much more about the touchscreen version than we do. It's still in the engine phase of development, McMillen told Joystiq, and they're pretty much winging it, playing with things that work and throwing out ideas that don't -- even if that includes the entire game.

"I mean, honestly, this is simply a challenge for us," McMillen said. "It's easy to poo-poo a new system because of its horrible use of touchscreen on ported titles; it's harder to attempt to try and figure out a design that works and make something worth checking out.

"So that's basically what we are doing -- no idea how it will turn out -- but Tommy and I wanted to jump back into dev again with something that isn't going to take a year-plus to make, so prototyping this idea seemed most appropriate and inspired."

Continue reading Super Meat Boy's super boys explain what it means to go mobile

JoystiqSuper Meat Boy's super boys explain what it means to go mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidedmund-mcmilleniosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcprototypesuper-meat-boyteam-meattommy-refenestouchscreenxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[So what's up with that disembodied head in Lollipop Chainsaw, anyway?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/so-whats-up-with-that-disembodied-head-in-lollipop-chainsaw-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/so-whats-up-with-that-disembodied-head-in-lollipop-chainsaw-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/so-whats-up-with-that-disembodied-head-in-lollipop-chainsaw-an/#comments
When looking at screens of Lollipop Chainsaw, we're certain your eyes drift naturally to one of Juliet's most eye-catching features ... the severed head strung to her hip. This new trailer tells the romantic story of how she cut her boyfriend's head off, as an act of love.

JoystiqSo what's up with that disembodied head in Lollipop Chainsaw, anyway? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lollipop-chainsawmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[South Korean rating outs Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/#comments Game Rating Board, South Korea's premiere games rating board, has listed another entry in the Magic: The Gathering series of games, presumably for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 again. As things look, Stainless Games and Wizards of the Coast have no plans of stopping the annual installments.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-rating-boardgrbkoreamagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3ratingsouth-koreaStainless-Gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake's second dev diary for his American Nightmare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/alan-wakes-second-dev-diary-for-his-american-nightmare/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/alan-wakes-second-dev-diary-for-his-american-nightmare/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/alan-wakes-second-dev-diary-for-his-american-nightmare/#comments
The latest developer diary for Alan Wake's American Nightmare sheds a little light on the downloadable title's new tone. This time around, the game takes on a "pulp action" feel with elements of B-movies, sci-fi and urban legends, according to Remedy's Sam Lake. See for yourself in the video above.

JoystiqAlan Wake's second dev diary for his American Nightmare originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakes-american-nightmaremicrosoftRemedyxblaxboxxbox-liveFri, 10 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai co-publishing Star Trek in Q1 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/namco-bandai-co-publishing-star-trek-in-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/namco-bandai-co-publishing-star-trek-in-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/namco-bandai-co-publishing-star-trek-in-q1-2013/#comments The co-op-centric Star Trek title unveiled at last year's E3 has found itself a publisher. Namco Bandai will be "co-publishing" and distributing the Digital Extremes-developed space romp alongside Paramount Digital Entertainment sometime during the first quarter of 2013.

The Q1 2013 window puts this immediately before the May 17 theatrical release of the next Abrams Trek film -- marketing synergy that may explain the game's quiet delay from its original 2012 release window. We like Abrams' take on the Trek universe just fine, but we can't help but wish for someone to throw this much money at remaking Star Trek 25th Anniversary for the NES.

Gallery: Star Trek (2/10/12)

Continue reading Namco Bandai co-publishing Star Trek in Q1 2013

JoystiqNamco Bandai co-publishing Star Trek in Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-extremesmicrosoftnamco-bandaiparamount-digital-entertainmentpcplaystationps3star-trekxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[See some stupid alien get curbstomped in the latest Mass Effect 3 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/see-some-stupid-alien-get-curbstomped-in-the-latest-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/see-some-stupid-alien-get-curbstomped-in-the-latest-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/see-some-stupid-alien-get-curbstomped-in-the-latest-mass-effect/#comments
We don't know about you, but whoever that dude was in the previous Mass Effect 3 trailers sure looked out of place. We're feeling much better about this latest one, but that's at least in part due to an alien getting his face straight stepped on near the end. See for yourself!

JoystiqSee some stupid alien get curbstomped in the latest Mass Effect 3 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareea-biowareelectronic-artsfemale-shepardgameplaymass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3trailerxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne 3 shots pit Max against gravity, despicable pickup trucks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/max-payne-3-shots-pit-max-against-gravity-despicable-pickup-tru/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/max-payne-3-shots-pit-max-against-gravity-despicable-pickup-tru/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/max-payne-3-shots-pit-max-against-gravity-despicable-pickup-tru/#comments Max Payne's seen a lot in his day: Bull Bullets, garish Hawaiian shirts, delays. And now he's got a few more items to cross of his list, such as "angry man in pickup truck" and "face off against gravity -- and win," as you'll see in the latest volley of screens, just below.

Continue reading Max Payne 3 shots pit Max against gravity, despicable pickup trucks

JoystiqMax Payne 3 shots pit Max against gravity, despicable pickup trucks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Max-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rockstarrockstar-gamestake-twotake-two-interactivexboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank 2 review: Refined brutality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/shank-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/shank-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/shank-2-review/#comments
Evidence would suggest that the developers at Klei got together in a board room and said, "Shank was really good. We should do another game exactly like it, only a little bit better." And wouldn't you know it, that's exactly what they did. Shank 2 could be mistaken for its predecessor at first glance, with similar 2D visuals and fast-paced violence. But look a little deeper and you'll find a little more meat, a little more nuance and, somehow, even more brutality.

Gallery: Shank 2 (2/8/12)

Continue reading Shank 2 review: Refined brutality

JoystiqShank 2 review: Refined brutality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsklei-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shank-2xboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocksteady's Sefton Hill shares Arkham recipe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rocksteadys-sefton-hill-shares-arkham-recipe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rocksteadys-sefton-hill-shares-arkham-recipe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/rocksteadys-sefton-hill-shares-arkham-recipe/#comments
Rocksteady Studios co-founder and game director Sefton Hill shared his recipe for making Arkham games at DICE 2012. Beyond the basic ingredients listed, all you'll need is a major license, a supportive publisher and millions to fund the project.

Sefton's Arkham recipe:
  • Make the game instantly fun and accessible. "We believe it's our job to entertain," Hill said, adding that the free-flow combat of Arkham was meant to instantly convey the feeling of being Batman.
  • Deep core mechanics, with a contant, incremental challenge to maintain engagement. "We developed combat by introducing new enemy types ... it keeps giving you more, it keeps challenging you."
  • Complementary Orthogonal Design. Boiled down, it's that systems like navigation, combat and story "all have their own distinct and strong uses." Essentially, he encouraged designing complementary design elements that don't step on each other.
  • Authenticity. "The restraints of the character define the character." Hill said certain elements may seem like a pain the ass, but that one must embrace those constraints. The fact that Batman can't kill anyone was something the team had to maintain at all times. "It stops us from falling back on a lot of game cliches." Takeway: Celebrate and explore the limitations of characters and what makes them unique.

So, there you go. Oh, you'll also need an engine. We're sure if you write a really nice letter to the guys at Epic, they'll let you license the Unreal Engine at a good price.

JoystiqRocksteady's Sefton Hill shares Arkham recipe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftpcplaystationps3rocksteadyRocksteady-StudiosSefton-HillxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shiny Mass Effect 3 website launches 5 feature videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/shiny-mass-effect-3-website-launches-5-feature-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/shiny-mass-effect-3-website-launches-5-feature-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/shiny-mass-effect-3-website-launches-5-feature-videos/#comments

We expect Mass Effect 3 to have action, a rich story, customizable weapons, co-op mode and intelligent enemies -- but that doesn't mean we don't want to see these things in action, right now. With the launch of a new website, Mass Effect 3 is showing off some of its core features in five new videos, with "Adrenaline Pumping Gameplay" shown above, and the other four below.

If you weren't expecting Mass Effect 3 to have things like "a story" or "enemies," maybe don't watch the videos and save the surprise for the game's release. Also, retroactive spoiler alert.

Continue reading Shiny Mass Effect 3 website launches 5 feature videos

JoystiqShiny Mass Effect 3 website launches 5 feature videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-Artsmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3videoxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision revenues up in 2011, claims #1 publishing spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/#comments The world hasn't converted entirely to a Kickstarter-based economy yet -- Activision's fiscal 2011 earnings are up again, with net revenues at $4.76 billion dollars (vs. 2010's $4.45 billion), exceeding its most recent outlook. Activision claimed the number one console and handheld publishing spot in both its fiscal Q4 (ending December 31) and the year of 2011.

What drove this success? Like you don't know, but: Call of Duty. Modern Warfare 3 was the best-selling game in terms of dollars, and Black Ops was #5. Skylanders also contributed, as it was the #8 best-selling game in the fourth quarter, and best-selling kids' game of 2011.

Digital revenue broke records again, with over 34 percent of that $4.76 billion net coming from "digital channels." No, you aren't forgetting some breakout XBLA hit from Activision -- those digital channels are COD map packs and WoW.

JoystiqActivision revenues up in 2011, claims #1 publishing spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3fy-2011microsoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3q4skylanders-spyros-adventurexboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[January NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/#comments Both hardware and software video game sales were down by a great deal in January, according to the latest report from NPD. Both categories dropped 38% year over year in the US, and video games sales in total dropped from $1.14 billion in January of 2011 to $750 million this past month. NPD's Liam Callahan attributes the drops to a lack of new launches: Last January, Microsoft's Kinect propped up hardware sales, and Dead Space 2, LittleBigPlanet 2, and DC Universe Online did the same for software, but there weren't equivalent launches in the market this year.

The full list of the top ten titles is after the break. Just Dance 3 held down the number two spot, again landing in front of the very popular Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Zumba Fitness 2 also made it into the top ten, but Activision's Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is likely the most important game for January.

In addition to landing on the list at 8th, Skylanders is seeing huge sales in the accessories category, making up 22% of total accessory sales overall. The game's single character pack was also the best selling accessory during the month of January, and these numbers should bode well for the series and its future iterations.

Finally, despite that big drop in hardware sales, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg points out that the Xbox 360 has remained the highest-selling console on the market, selling 270,000 units with a 49% market share.

Continue reading January NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories

JoystiqJanuary NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwarejanuary-2012microsoftnpdplaystationps3salesskylanders-spyros-adventuresoftwaretop-10video-game-salesxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ghost-recon-future-soldier-brings-information-warfare-to-the-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ghost-recon-future-soldier-brings-information-warfare-to-the-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ghost-recon-future-soldier-brings-information-warfare-to-the-fr/#comments The signs of a good interface aren't always visible. An elegant in-game display susses out the sweet spot between education and economy, making it an art that is often overlooked by design. And when games aim, claim or clamor to be cinematic, life bars and scores tend to be the first things tossed out as distracting clutter. The traditional HUD is fading from view.

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier occupies the same fictional space as Call of Duty, adding a glossy veneer to war and sexing things up with tantalizing gadgets. But Ubisoft's take on modern warfare isn't about seeing -- it's about reading. Oh, there's no shortage of cover-based shooting and GET-TO-THE-RPG-ing in here, but those actions are informed throughout by a busy interface. In comparison to many "immersive" blockbusters, you're getting a library and not a pamphlet.

In practice, this means Ghost Recon is about learning to decipher information quickly, and drafting attack blueprints on the fly. Despite being on the action-heavy -- pardon me, streamlined -- spectrum of console games, Future Soldier uses its hologram-heavy premise as an excuse to fill the screen with data. Warning: It requires reading comprehension, which is a rather extravagant demand when some of the most popular games just want you to strap in and see the pretty sights whizzing by.

Gallery: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier (2/2/12)

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ghost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftpcplaystationps3Red-Storm-EntertainmentubisoftUbisoft-MontrealxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Kotick: New Call of Duty planned for 2012, Diablo 3 still launching this year [Update: Diablo 3 in Q2!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/kotick-new-call-of-duty-planned-for-2012-diablo-3-still-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/kotick-new-call-of-duty-planned-for-2012-diablo-3-still-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/kotick-new-call-of-duty-planned-for-2012-diablo-3-still-launch/#comments As far as the first part of that headline goes, yeah, we know -- truly gasp-worthy. Activision head honcho Bobby Kotick revealed plans for a new Call of Duty in the company's quarterly financial report, and that Activision is aiming to grow the Call of Duty Elite service year. Activision is "hard at work on Elite 2.0 with several features to be included in the next Call of Duty release," Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg added.

Kotick also reiterated that Diablo 3 would launch this year -- though we're assuming it won't make its previous "early 2012" date, unless Activision's idea of early in the year is within the first six months. Diablo 3 has undergone a substantial beta run, and it's still underway.

"Our extraordinary employees around the world are focused on making 2012 another great year for our audience and stakeholders," Kotick said. "Blizzard Entertainment plans to have multiple highly-anticipated titles to release, including Diablo 3, and Activision Publishing expects to release a new Call of Duty game. In addition, Activision Publishing expects to continue to grow Call of Duty Elite and launch Skylanders Giants."

Update: A slide in Activision's presentation (seen above) shows the company is aiming for a Q2 launch for Diablo 3.

JoystiqKotick: New Call of Duty planned for 2012, Diablo 3 still launching this year [Update: Diablo 3 in Q2!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardbobby-kotickcall-of-dutyDiablo-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Elite pulls in 7 million users, 1.5 million paid memberships]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/call-of-duty-elite-pulls-in-7-million-users-1-5-million-paid-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/call-of-duty-elite-pulls-in-7-million-users-1-5-million-paid-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/call-of-duty-elite-pulls-in-7-million-users-1-5-million-paid-me/#comments Call of Duty Elite, the community portal for Activision's perennial shooter is apparently doing gangbusters, according to the publisher's 2011 earnings report. The report states that Elite has pulled in over 7 million members as of January 31.

Even more impressive: over 1.5 million of those are premium subscriptions, available as part of the $100 Hardened Edition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 or as a separate $50 purchase. Paid membership grants a few benefits, most notably a free pass and early access to Modern Warfare 3 DLC.

We'd say the service probably qualifies as a success at this point, at least from Activision's perspective.

JoystiqCall of Duty Elite pulls in 7 million users, 1.5 million paid memberships originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3playstationps3Raven-Softwaresledgehammer-gamesxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Meat Boy to be torn apart, rebuilt for touchscreen devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/super-meat-boy-to-be-torn-apart-rebuilt-for-touchscreen-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/super-meat-boy-to-be-torn-apart-rebuilt-for-touchscreen-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/super-meat-boy-to-be-torn-apart-rebuilt-for-touchscreen-devices/#comments Super Meat Boy has seen success on Xbox Live, PC and Mac, but as is often the case while playing SMB, Team Meat have decided that's not good enough. Edmund McMillen and Tommy Refenes of Team Meat announced via Twitter today that they're rebuilding Super Meat Boy from scratch for a potential launch on mobile touch devices.

In a six-part tweetfest, Team Meat disclosed the following details: The touch title will be remade from scratch and won't play like Super Meat Boy; it will be a larger, more traditional game, unlike titles such as Doodle Jump; and they promised it won't use "shitty touch controls."

"if you liked SMB im sure you will enjoy this (if its good enough to continue on :) ) we just had a few cool ideas and wanted a challange," one of Team Meat's tweets reads.

Team Meat said that if the project fails and turns out to not be any fun, they'll scrap it and move on to the next idea, which we can only assume is a Super Meat Boy live-action point-and-click adventure title in 3D. Those adventure things are all the rage these days, we're told.

JoystiqSuper Meat Boy to be torn apart, rebuilt for touchscreen devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmund-mcmillenmacmicrosoftmobilepcprototypesuper-meat-boyteam-meattommy-refenestouchtwitterxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Skyrim patch 1.4 now up on 360, PS3 coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/psa-skyrim-patch-1-4-now-up-on-360-ps3-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/psa-skyrim-patch-1-4-now-up-on-360-ps3-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/psa-skyrim-patch-1-4-now-up-on-360-ps3-coming-soon/#comments The latest patch has been applied to the wide open world of Skyrim on Xbox 360. The 1.4 update -- out on PC since last week -- squashes some bugs and fixes issues with a number of quests. You can find a full list of fixes and changes right here.

Bethesda is still awaiting word from Sony regarding the PS3 patch. It will hopefully go live today as well.

JoystiqPSA: Skyrim patch 1.4 now up on 360, PS3 coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4bethesdaelder-scrolls-5microsoftpatchplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatexboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Remedy not done with Alan Wake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/remedy-not-done-with-alan-wake/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/remedy-not-done-with-alan-wake/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/remedy-not-done-with-alan-wake/#comments Remedy believes in a future for Wake.

Matias Myllyrinne, CEO of Remedy, told us at DICE 2012 that the studio isn't done with its literary protagonist after launching Alan Wake on PC and Alan Wake's American Nightmare on XBLA later this month.

"We're crowd pleasers, we'll do what the audience wants, 'cause usually that's the good business move as well," Myllyrinne responded when we asked what's next for Wake. He also reconfirmed the studio owns the IP, so the future of Wake is theirs to write.

"Hopefully, we'll have one or two surprises. I don't know, I'm loving the digital [distribution] side and we'll see how that evolves, but just being able to give people quick access to bite-size chunks of gaming is maybe more fun than working for years and years -- taking the phone offline and closing the shutters-- at least, this way, you're able to react much more quickly to people's desires and wishes."

With Remedy directly publishing Alan Wake on Steam, we wanted to know if the studio had an internal figure for sales that would dictate resources being put into a full-blown sequel.

"I don't know. I don't know if that would dictate it. If it bombs [laughs], then that's certainly a signal, but we're fairly confident that it'll do well. We'll certainly continue with Wake. Right now we're focusing on getting the PC out next week, then getting American Nightmare out. And it's too early to talk about what our next move is, but we've obviously put things into motion."

JoystiqRemedy not done with Alan Wake originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakedice-2012Matias-MyllyrinnemicrosoftpcRemedyxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Bethesda's 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel right here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/#comments
Skeleton butlers? Seasonal foliage? Skyrim knows not these things, but it maybe perhaps we sure hope could according to a seriously noncommittal Todd Howard speaking at the beginning of the video above, shot at his DICE 2012 keynote last evening in Las Vegas.

JoystiqWatch Bethesda's 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel right here originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdicedice-2012elder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimskyrim-game-jamthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtodd-howardxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GANG announces nominations for 10th annual awards in game audio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gang-announces-nominations-for-10th-annual-awards-in-game-audio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gang-announces-nominations-for-10th-annual-awards-in-game-audio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/gang-announces-nominations-for-10th-annual-awards-in-game-audio/#comments The Game Audio Network Guild (which translates to the convenient acronym of GANG) has announced its nominees for the 10th annual GANG Awards to be held at GDC, honoring the best music and audio in interactive entertainment over the last year. You can see all of the nominees in the press release after the break. As you might imagine, Battlefield 3, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Portal 2 are all nominated, all of which boasted very excellent and memorable aural experiences.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, however, leads the pack in nominations, with nine total, including Audio, Music, and Sound Design of the Year. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary also got a nod for Best Soundtrack Album, despite the fact that most of the music is as old as the awards ceremony itself. And while most of the choices are obviously worthy, there's one more worth mentioning: Bastion was only nominated for one category, for Best Audio in a Casual/Indie/Social Game. Shame that it's relegated to just that category -- <a aiotitle="Build that Wall" "="" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8cELTdtw6U" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8cELTdtw6U">"Build that Wall"</a> is one of the best listens our ears have had all year, video game-related or otherwise.

Continue reading GANG announces nominations for 10th annual awards in game audio

JoystiqGANG announces nominations for 10th annual awards in game audio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbattlefield-3game-audio-network-guildganggang-awardsgdcgdc-2012halomicrosoftplaystationps3uncharted-3xboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy MLB 2K12 alone or bundled with NBA 2K12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/buy-mlb-2k12-alone-or-bundled-with-nba-2k12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/buy-mlb-2k12-alone-or-bundled-with-nba-2k12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/buy-mlb-2k12-alone-or-bundled-with-nba-2k12/#comments You know, baseball's been missing something as of late, wouldn't you agree? Good thing 2K Games has come to the rescue by adding more sports to our sports!

When MLB 2K12 launches in March, you'll be able to pick it up for the annual asking price of $60. If you spend $10 more, you can snag a combo pack including NBA 2K12, a game we're totally comfortable telling you is not too shabby. Outside of the inclusion of NBA 2K12, there are no differences between the separate SKUs.

2K Games has also announced the return of the annual perfect game pitching challenge, awarding one lucky virtual hurler (professional wrestler or not) a cool $1 million check. Hit the break for more details on this year's contest.

Continue reading Buy MLB 2K12 alone or bundled with NBA 2K12

JoystiqBuy MLB 2K12 alone or bundled with NBA 2K12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportsmicrosoftmlb-2k12nba-2k12playstationps3take-twoxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 05:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Darkness 2 wraps its tentacles around Gaikai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-darkness-2-wraps-its-tentacles-around-gaikai/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-darkness-2-wraps-its-tentacles-around-gaikai/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-darkness-2-wraps-its-tentacles-around-gaikai/#comments The thing about video games as a hobby and fascination is that they can be quite expensive. Some may employ unscrupulous means to whet their appetite, but you won't have to do the same for a free taste of The Darkness 2.

Gaikai has added the demo to its list of streaming titles, joining the ranks of Dead Rising 2, Orcs Must Die!, The Witcher 2, Spore and others. It's all part of Gaikai CEO and industry veteran Dave Perry's goal to offer pre-release demos of major titles to all (with good internet connections).

JoystiqThe Darkness 2 wraps its tentacles around Gaikai originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesgaikaigaikai-game-servicemicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-darkness-2xboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 04:15:00 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[Halo: Archetype fan-film teaser introduces the first Spartan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/halo-archetype-fan-film-teaser-introduces-the-first-spartan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/halo-archetype-fan-film-teaser-introduces-the-first-spartan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/halo-archetype-fan-film-teaser-introduces-the-first-spartan/#comments
Usually, being the first to do something is a good thing. In the case of Halo: Archetype, a fan-film chronicling the first Spartan to don the MJOLNIR armor, it just means you're the guy who gets shot at most.

JoystiqHalo: Archetype fan-film teaser introduces the first Spartan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-4kinectmicrosoftpcxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gets Weapon Expert costume pack, including Mega Man X]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-gets-weapon-expert-costume-pack-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-gets-weapon-expert-costume-pack-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-gets-weapon-expert-costume-pack-in/#comments
Keep your cool, Mega Man fans -- as previously announced, that version of Mega Man X above still isn't a new character in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Nope, it's just Zero dressed up in a Mega Man costume, one of the new looks seen in the "Weapon Expert" costume pack available now.

Elsewhere in the pack, Devil May Cry's Trish gets a new costume for her "Gloria" look, Hawkeye gets a makeover from the time he spent in the Marvel Universe as "Ronin," and Taskmaster also gets a new look, from Udon Entertainment's comic art. Interested players (or anyone who just wants to pretend Mega Man is playable) can grab the pack right now for 320 Microsoft Points, or $3.99 on PSN.

JoystiqUltimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gets Weapon Expert costume pack, including Mega Man X originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costume-packdlcmarvel-vs-capcommega-manmicrosoftplaystationps3psaultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3xboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Internal Bethesda 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel features dragon mounts, giant mudcrabs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/internal-bethesda-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-features-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/internal-bethesda-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-features-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/internal-bethesda-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-features-dragon/#comments Let's pretend you work at Bethesda Game Studios. Congratulations! You've just shipped The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a game that would go on to win multiple 'Game of the Year' awards. You're tired, probably haven't seen your family in months, and you have a week off. What do you do? Work on Skyrim, of course!

During his DICE 2012 keynote, Bethesda Games Studios game director and executive producer Todd Howard discussed an annual tradition at the company: a game jam, where staff are allowed to create anything they want on company time for one week. This year, the only stipulation was creating something within the recently released Skyrim.

In a sizzle reel presented to attendees, the public was shown what the minds at Bethesda could create. On the list? Mountable dragons, epic mounts (like flaming horses), giant mudcrab bosses that rival any other games, a new skill tree focused on lycanthropy, Kinect-enabled shouts (like this!), the ability to build homes, adopt children, use spears, and much more.

Howard was quick to note that the features shown in the video -- which were all running within the game -- were experiments. "How much of this stuff sees the light of day? To be determined. Could it be in a future DLC? We don't know. Could various parts of it just be released for free? We don't know."

And what was id Software's John Carmack doing that week? "[He] shot a rocket into f***ing space!" Howard said, showing actual footage of a rocket Carmack sent out of the earth's orbit. We'd still rather have dragon mounts. Check out the list of 'Game Jam' features after the break.

Continue reading Internal Bethesda 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel features dragon mounts, giant mudcrabs

JoystiqInternal Bethesda 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel features dragon mounts, giant mudcrabs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DICE-2012elder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimTodd-HowardxboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Spark Unlimited producing sci-fi sequel, speculation says Battlefront 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/rumor-spark-unlimited-producing-sci-fi-sequel-speculation-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/rumor-spark-unlimited-producing-sci-fi-sequel-speculation-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/rumor-spark-unlimited-producing-sci-fi-sequel-speculation-says/#comments Remember Star Wars: Battlefront 3? It was never really made, but was never officially canceled either, and the idea faded into the background some time in 2010. Not everyone is ready to let the dream go, as PlayStation Lifestyle is reporting a slew of data that it says suggests developer Spark Unlimited is working on Battlefront 3.

Lifestyle's evidence includes a job opening at Spark listing "a 3rd Person Action/Adventure sequel in a high-profile science fiction franchise currently greenlit for full production development for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC markets;" a Spark employee's LinkedIn profile that describes a sword-fighting game for a well-known IP; and another that lists a triple-A third-person shooter that's been in development for three years.

Spark Unlimited's previous projects include 2008's Legendary and Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, and 2004's Call of Duty: Finest Hour. Battlefront 1 and 2 were developed by Pandemic Studios, which was bought by EA and eventually shuttered in 2009. Before closing, Pandemic said it was not working on Battlefront 3, and no developer has officially claimed it since.

Spark's coming title could be one of many unannounced sci-fi sequels, such as Star Wars: Jedi Knight 3, yet another XCOM revamp (why not?) or Asteroids 3D: When Spinning and Shooting Doesn't Work. Spark says it plans on publicly announcing its sci-fi secret this year.

JoystiqRumor: Spark Unlimited producing sci-fi sequel, speculation says Battlefront 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefrontmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sequelspark-unlimitedStar-Warsstar-wars-battlefront-3xboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City shipped 6 million in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/batman-arkham-city-shipped-6-million-in-2011/#comments Tucked away in the dark, crowded bowels of Time Warner's financial results statement for fiscal 2011 is news that Rocksteady's blockbuster, bat-centric beat-em-up (that would be Batman: Arkham City) has shipped 6 million units, as of December 31, 2011. Now, "shipped" is a much different statistic than "sold," but it's a strong figure nonetheless.

It's difficult to tell how Warner Bros. Interactive did on its own in 2011, since its financial results are lumped in with two other Time Warner subsidiaries, (Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Television), both of which brought in astounding amounts of money with their respective Harry Potter and Big Bang Theory licenses. Overall, Time Warner's "Filmed Entertainment" (tv, movies and gaming) reported revenues of $12.6 billion; a 9 percent year-over-year increase.

The statement also mentions Mortal Kombat and "several LEGO titles" as key contributors to the division's successful year.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City shipped 6 million in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftmortal-kombatMortal-Kombat-2011pcplaystationps3Rocksteady-Studiostime-warnerwarner-brosWarner-Bros-Interactivewarner-bros-pictureswarner-bros-televisionxboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 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[SSX soundtrack surprisingly doesn't feature The Avalanches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/ssx-soundtrack-surprisingly-doesnt-feature-the-avalanches/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/ssx-soundtrack-surprisingly-doesnt-feature-the-avalanches/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/ssx-soundtrack-surprisingly-doesnt-feature-the-avalanches/#comments True, SSX's soundtrack may not include any songs by The Avalanches, an appropriately named and incredibly talented Australian breakbeat group, but it does include 36 licensed tracks and 10 original songs produced specifically for the title by Amon Tobin, Camo & Krooked, Raffertie, and The Qemists.

There's a complete list of artists featured in the game after the break, but let us save you some time by telling you that yes, it does include Skrillex. Not only is it Skrillex, but it's our favorite song from his first EP: "Scatta," which features sick verses by Foreign Beggars and a drop so heavy that it may cause a few avalanches of its own. A new version of Run-DMC's "It's Tricky" also returns for old time's sake, remixed by soundtrack compatriots Pretty Lights, as well as cuts from DJ Shadow and a Lateef the Truthspeaker joint featuring Hiero-hero Del the Funky Homosapien.

Continue reading SSX soundtrack surprisingly doesn't feature The Avalanches

JoystiqSSX soundtrack surprisingly doesn't feature The Avalanches originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EA-CanadaEA-Sportsmicrosoftplaystationps3skrillexsoundtrackssx-2012xboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Protect your console from Reapers with the Mass Effect 3 Vault]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/protect-your-console-from-reavers-with-the-mass-effect-3-vault/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/protect-your-console-from-reavers-with-the-mass-effect-3-vault/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/protect-your-console-from-reavers-with-the-mass-effect-3-vault/#comments Assuming you haven't already hung a hand grenade on your console of choice, Calibur11 is ready to encase it with yet another game-themed vault. This time around it's a nod to Commander Shepard and friends with an "exclusive" Mass Effect 3 vault.

The vault sports Shepard's chest armor, complete with light up N7 logo, and the requisite controller cradle (what, no sweet ray gun?). Like other vaults, the unit is purported to actually improve airflow by lifting the console off the ground. The vault will be available in the UK starting March 9 for both the Xbox 360 and PS3, commanding a price of £70. The press release makes no mention of the North American release, though GameStop currently lists both versions for a March 1 release at $90.

Update: It seems our subconscious desire for BioWare to create a FireFly game led to the use of the word "Reavers" in the original headline. The mistake has been fixed, though our hearts remain hopeful.

Gallery: Mass Effect 3 Vault (360/PS3)

Continue reading Protect your console from Reapers with the Mass Effect 3 Vault

JoystiqProtect your console from Reapers with the Mass Effect 3 Vault originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calibur11eaelectronic-artsmass-effect-3microsoftplaystationps3vaultxboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect sells a half-million copies; Jetpack Joyride reaches 14 million downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-half-million-copies-jetpack-joyride/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-half-million-copies-jetpack-joyride/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-half-million-copies-jetpack-joyride/#comments Australian developer Halfbrick is flying high on the success of its Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride franchises. Chief Marketing Officer Phil Larsen told us at the DICE conference in Las Vegas today that Fruit Ninja Kinect has reached a half-million sales and has been a very successful console experiment for the company. The company also plans to continue supporting Fruit Ninja on iOS with more updates rather than cannibalize its momentum with a sequel.

As for Jetpack Joyride, which went free to play in mid-December, Larsen notes the game has seen significant growth since the change.

"There's an update coming in the next month," Larsen said about Jetpack Joyride. "It's the biggest one we've done so far."

He told us the previously $1 app reached about 1 million paid sales before going free and has since seen 13 million downloads as a free product. He estimates about 5-10 percent of customers will spend at least a dollar on the app through its in-game store, so revenue has been higher since the game went "free."

JoystiqFruit Ninja Kinect sells a half-million copies; Jetpack Joyride reaches 14 million downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DICE-2012fruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosiphonejetpack-joyridemicrosoftmobilePhil-LarsenxboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/metareview-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/metareview-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/metareview-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/#comments
Let's be honest, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's quality came as the first nice surprise of 2012. Our quibbles with this first installment in what we hope to be a lasting series didn't detract from it being a great fantasy RPG. Although other outlets weren't as smitten as us, the RPG from Big Huge Games, a studio that built its rep on real-time strategy series Rise of Nations, is getting some solid reviews.
  • IGN (90/100): "Its random technical hiccups and inconsistent art style certainly holds it back from even higher levels of greatness. But no matter what you're looking for, whether it be amazing gameplay, immersive storytelling or perhaps a riveting new world to explore as you fully customize and re-customize your character at will, Reckoning has it all."
  • Escapist (80/100): "Reckoning surprised me with its energetic combat, rich story, and dazzling visual style. The weight of all its parts threatens to pull it down, but the rigid skeleton holds strong. ... Don't pass on Amalur just because it's a new IP from a new company. Fans of RPGs with a focus on action won't be disappointed."
  • Giant Bomb (80/100): "But it's hard not to be at least a little disappointed when you start seeing the various spots where the game doesn't live up to the high bar set by its best content. If you finish it fast enough to prevent those doldrums from setting in, you'll have a much better time than the person who digs through every nook and cranny to finish every single side quest."
  • Eurogamer (80/100): "It's an unglamorous kind of success story, admittedly. And perhaps it's worrying for 38 Studios that the bland fantasy world it's hanging its future on is the least enticing aspect of its debut game. But it's not all elbow grease - Kingdoms of Amalur adds a splash of color and a lick of polish to the open-world RPG, and they couldn't be more welcome."
  • Edge (60/100): "At its heart, Reckoning is an interesting tale about disrupting cyclical fate - ironic, considering the game's largely repetitive nature - and when the story gets to shine, 38 Studios and Big Huge Games' friendlier design presents a welcome change of pace."

JoystiqMetareview: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-StudiosBig-Huge-Gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningMetareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 11:30:00 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