Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.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[Epic Mickey 2 and 'The Power of Next Gen']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/epic-mickey-2-and-the-power-of-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/epic-mickey-2-and-the-power-of-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/epic-mickey-2-and-the-power-of-next-gen/#comments Image
Epic Mickey's first foray was a Wii-exclusive affair. This time around, Junction Point is bringing Mickey's epic-ness to what it's calling "next-gen consoles." We might call them "7-year-old consoles," but, well, Mickey's best bud is from 1920, so we can appreciate the anachronism at play here.

JoystiqEpic Mickey 2 and 'The Power of Next Gen' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsepic-mickey-2gameplayjunction-pointjunction-point-studiosmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Respawn Entertainment's big reveal won't be at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/respawn-entertainments-big-reveal-wont-be-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/respawn-entertainments-big-reveal-wont-be-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/respawn-entertainments-big-reveal-wont-be-at-e3/#comments Respawn Entertainment employees will attend this year's E3, but no, the studio won't be showing any new project at the big show. "Some of us will be present at E3, but we won't be showing anything or doing any press related to the game," Respawn community manager Abbie Heppe told Joystiq.

Thus far, little information exists on Respawn's first project. Aside from a single, extremely blurry screen and news that it's an EA Partners title, Respawn has kept the game out of the public eye. But with a team comprising many ex-Infinty Ward folks - the same folks who helped launch Call of Duty into the world of sports playoff trailer debuts - it's hard to imagine Respawn working on anything small.

Respawn wouldn't tell us whether the mystery project will be revealed this year, nor if the studio would attend the various gaming events scattered across the next several months. We're hoping for a surprise reveal during Tokyo Game Show, just to mess with the Japanese market.

JoystiqRespawn Entertainment's big reveal won't be at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbie-heppee3-2012eaea-partnerselectronic-artsrespawnRespawn-EntertainmentWed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 3 screens both new and 'new']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/#comments ImageYou see that dude above, straight chillin'? Yeah, you've seen him before - like, a few weeks ago, when the image leaked alongside several other Crysis 3 screens. Well here he is again, but this time he's got a whole bunch more totally official screens, straight from EA. Thrilling!

Continue reading Crysis 3 screens both new and 'new'

JoystiqCrysis 3 screens both new and 'new' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconcept-artcrysis-3crytekeaea-partnerselectronic-artsgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/#comments ImageGrandma sure did like playing Rainbow Six: Vegas on that old PSP when you'd make your weekly homage for family dinner, didn't she? "Blap! Blap! Blap!" she'd shout. And things really haven't been the same since you traded up to a Vita, what with its lack of support for many PSP titles. We understand.

Thankfully, so does Sony. This morning, the US PlayStation blog announced today's launch of several PSP games on the Vita (including Grandma's fave), as well as a variety of PSP Minis (full list after the break). As usual, if you already own the games digitally for your PSP, all you'll have to do is re-download the files to your PSN-tied Vita. If not, well, you'll have to pony up some virtual cash.

Interestingly, Sony also mentioned "improved playability" for some titles beyond the up-res'd graphics - we're checking to see what exactly that means. The line has since been removed from Sony's blog post.

Continue reading Finally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!)

JoystiqFinally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitapsnpspRainbow-Six-VegassonyumdvitaTue, 15 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios whiffed last loan payment, received nearly $50 million from Rhode Island thus far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/#comments ImageThe hits keep coming for ex-baseballer Curt Schillings' 38 Studios. The company reportedly missed its latest loan payment of $1.125 million to the state of Rhode Island on May 1, effectively defaulting its $75 million loan. WPRI spoke with Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox who confirmed the news.

The loan's facilitator, Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation, called an "emergency meeting" for tomorrow morning, wherein it will discuss "an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public regarding the 38 Studios financing." As reported earlier, if 38 Studios were to fully default on its loan obligations to investors supplying the loan via the Rhode Island government, the responsibility would fall to Rhode Island's taxpayers - to the tune of $112.6 million.

Of the $75 million borrowed by 38 Studios from the state of Rhode Island, $49.8 million was received by the studio as of March 15, WPRI reports. Given that, it seems worrisome at best that 38 Studios was unable to fulfill its recent payment of $1.125 million. 38 Studios is working on the Kingdoms of Amalur MMO - the game was originally promised for a launch ahead of 2013, when 38 Studios is set to begin paying back bondholders on its $75 million loan. It's unclear what stage its MMO is at, and 38 Studios hasn't made a public statement regarding its recent issues.

[Image credit: 38 Studios]

Joystiq38 Studios whiffed last loan payment, received nearly $50 million from Rhode Island thus far originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingpcrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationTue, 15 May 2012 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/#comments
What's all this "Diablo" hubbub today, you wonder? Well, you see, "Diablo" is another name for "Devil" (Spanish!) and you're this monk/warrior/witch doctor/wizard/demon hunter who's gotta kill thousands of demons to get to the main bad demon dude and ... okay, Blizzard does a much better job laying it all out.

JoystiqBlizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacpctrailerTue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Six years in, Journey studio rewards itself with two new hires]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/six-years-in-journey-studio-rewards-itself-with-two-new-hires/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/six-years-in-journey-studio-rewards-itself-with-two-new-hires/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/six-years-in-journey-studio-rewards-itself-with-two-new-hires/#comments ImageDid you know that today is thatgamecompany's sixth birthday? It's true! In those six years, the team of approximately a dozen people created Flow, Flower, and, most recently, Journey, all the while cementing their place as heads of the art games movement. The company recently completed its contract with Sony for three exclusive titles, but that doesn't mean it's resting on past successes. For instance, TGC is already in talks with publishers for whatever's next.

Alongside its success, some big names at the studio recently moved on - co-founder Kellee Santiago and executive producer Robin Hunicke both exited in the past few months, following the launch of Journey this past March. Today, TGC adds two new employees.

In light of its big sixth birthday, thatgamecompany is announcing the appointment of two new stars: former director of marketing and business development of PowerMMO Games, Sunni Pavlovic, becomes studio manager, and taking up the new position of audio director is Cloud and Flower contributor Vincent Diamante.

In a prepared statement from TGC, Diamante said, "I'm very excited to be a part of thatgamecompany, joining forces with both friends from past projects as well as new faces. The last time around, I worked with TGC mostly as a music contractor. Things this time around will be a bit different, as I'll be dealing with all sound and music issues on their upcoming game."

Diamante related his first several weeks at TGC as akin to "tight-rope walking with chainsaws," which is, like, the exact opposite of what we imagine working at TGC to be like. Isn't it all floaty stuff and soft music? Quit ruining our illusions, Diamante! You've only just started!

JoystiqSix years in, Journey studio rewards itself with two new hires originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudflowflowerjourneykellee-santiagorobin-hunickesunni-pavlovicthat-game-companythatgamecompanyvincent-diamanteTue, 15 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/#comments Just because you're far away from Blizzard, Australia, doesn't mean that the publisher doesn't love you. Case in point: after hearing about the issue with Australia's GAME retail chain and how that could affect Diablo 3 pre-orders (it would effectively cancel them without refund), Blizzard took to action.

On its forums, Blizzard reps explained how Australians affected by the issue could submit their receipt for a GAME Diablo 3 pre-order (purchased before May 15, 2012) directly to Blizzard for a refund. That "refund" only goes through after you've purchased the game directly from the official Diablo 3 site, as Blizzard's handling refunds via whatever payment method was used for the pre-order. In so many words, after paying for the game twice, Blizzard will refund your original pre-order expenditure with GAME.

Blizzard doesn't list the final instruction, perhaps out of kindness, which is to send a sharply worded letter to GAME's Australian reps. More details on how to submit your pre-order receipt to Blizzard will be posted "as soon as possible."

JoystiqBlizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardaustraliablizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gamemacpcTue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Paramore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/rock-band-weekly-paramore/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/rock-band-weekly-paramore/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/rock-band-weekly-paramore/#comments ImageParamore's "Brand New Eyes" album may not be so brand new anymore, but Rock Band Weekly is tapping it this week for a three-pack from the operatic rock band.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Paramore

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Paramore originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixharmonix-music-systemsmicrosoftnintendoparamoreplaystationps3rbwRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 11 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-IGNer Tina Palacios replacing Bowling as Infinity Ward community manager]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ex-igner-tina-palacios-replacing-bowling-as-infinity-ward-commun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ex-igner-tina-palacios-replacing-bowling-as-infinity-ward-commun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ex-igner-tina-palacios-replacing-bowling-as-infinity-ward-commun/#comments ImageWhen Call of Duty's main public face, Robert Bowling, left his longtime spot as creative strategist at Infinity Ward earlier this year, he left a tank-sized hole in the studio. Though she's small in stature, ex-IGN/1UP community manager Tina Palacios aims to fill that spot in the coming days, IGN reports.

Palacios is taking up the job of "senior community manager" at Infinity Ward - the studio that created the Modern Warfare series, but is most recently known for a nasty legal battle involving its former creative leads.

"I can't say what my official duties are yet," Palacios told us. "But I definitely want to bridge the gap between devs and fans - making sure their voices are heard." There'll be some adjustment of course, she admitted. "The amount of comments I'll receive will probably be much larger than I've experienced at IGN or 1UP, but I'll still do my best." We imagine it won't be too long before we hear more from her. Say, oh, seven to eight months from now? Just a guess.

JoystiqEx-IGNer Tina Palacios replacing Bowling as Infinity Ward community manager originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmodern-warfare-3robert-bowlingtina-palaciostina-sanchezFri, 11 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's 'Arctic Strike' DLC due in July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ghost-recon-future-soldiers-arctic-strike-dlc-due-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ghost-recon-future-soldiers-arctic-strike-dlc-due-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ghost-recon-future-soldiers-arctic-strike-dlc-due-in-july/#comments ImageGhost Recon: Future Soldier's future soldiers had better bundle up, as Ubisoft's just-announced "Arctic Strike" DLC sounds like it'll require more than just a camouflaged windbreaker when it arrives on July 3. The DLC runs 800 MS Points or $10 on 360 and PS3 (respectively), and the PC version ... well, it seems not to exist. We've asked Ubi what's up with that.

The pack contains an unknown number of multiplayer maps, a new co-op "Guerrilla Mode" map, six new weapons, and an additional multiplayer mode. Ubi unfortunately hasn't shown anything of the content aside from the single image you see above, but presumably we'll hear more after the game's launch.

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's 'Arctic Strike' DLC due in July

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier's 'Arctic Strike' DLC due in July originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arctic-strikedlcdownloadable-contentGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnubisoftxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceFri, 11 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Republique sneaks past $500K Kickstarter goal with just six hours to spare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/republique-sneaks-past-500k-kickstarter-goal-with-just-six-hour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/republique-sneaks-past-500k-kickstarter-goal-with-just-six-hour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/republique-sneaks-past-500k-kickstarter-goal-with-just-six-hour/#comments ImageThe folks at nascent studio Camouflaj must be pretty excited right now, with their first ever project - a Kickstarted game named "République" - meeting (and exceeding) its $500,000 goal with just six hours left until the Kickstarter expires. The Kickstarter nearly met an untimely end when funders plateaued across the past few weeks, but the drive was bolstered by the addition of David Hayter (voice of Solid Snake) and Jennifer Hale (voice of female Commander Shepard) to the game's cast.

As of right now, the Kickstarter is sitting at just over $500K, but we expect it'll continue rising until time runs out at 6PM ET.

But this is just the beginning, as Camoflaj intends to raise another $500K from separate, non-Kickstarter funding. "We estimate that Republique will cost north of $1 million to complete. After months of meetings and due diligence, we believe that we can raise the necessary additional funds to complete Republique from potential outside investors, but there is some risk that our efforts will be unsuccessful," the game's Kickstarter info reads. Here's hoping that, for the sake of the folks who invested through Kickstarter, Camoflaj is able to raise that extra half million.

JoystiqRepublique sneaks past $500K Kickstarter goal with just six hours to spare originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camouflajiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrepubliqueFri, 11 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds devs reveal next game: Amazing Alex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/angry-birds-devs-reveal-next-game-amazing-alex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/angry-birds-devs-reveal-next-game-amazing-alex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/angry-birds-devs-reveal-next-game-amazing-alex/#comments ImageHot on the heels of its big franchise's 1 billionth download, Angry Birds developer Rovio is introducing its next title: "Amazing Alex." Rovio head Mikael Hed told Finnish television about the game, revealing it to be based on the recently acquired "Casey's Contraptions" property, previously owned by Snappy Touch and Mystery Coconut.

The only information about Amazing Alex thus far identifies it as part education tool, part game, featuring a boy named - you guessed it - Alex, "who loves to build." If we're going by what we've seen in Casey's Contraptions, Amazing Alex will create Rube Goldberg-esque machines to complete a variety of objectives. Take a look for yourself (at Casey's Contraptions) just below the break.

Hed told the Finnish station that "quality pressure is high" internally for Rovio's next project, especially in light of recent Angry Birds milestones. "We want to maintain the high standard Angry Birds fans have come to enjoy." Platforms and a release date for Amazing Alex are currently unknown.

[Image above is of Casey's Contraptions, not Amazing Alex.]

Continue reading Angry Birds devs reveal next game: Amazing Alex

JoystiqAngry Birds devs reveal next game: Amazing Alex originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazing-alexangry-birdscaseys-contraptionsmikael-hedrovioFri, 11 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne is moving forward (mostly toward next week's launch)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/max-payne-is-moving-forward-mostly-toward-next-weeks-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/max-payne-is-moving-forward-mostly-toward-next-weeks-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/max-payne-is-moving-forward-mostly-toward-next-weeks-launch/#comments Image
Despite Max Payne 3 not launching at retail until next Tuesday, Rockstar went ahead and released the "launch" trailer this afternoon. And despite Max's crippling addiction to painkillers and booze, he seems to be moving forward with his life, as seen in the clip. Where he's going ... that's another story entirely.

JoystiqMax Payne is moving forward (mostly toward next week's launch) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplaylaunch-trailerMax-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rockstarrockstar-gamestake-twotake-two-interactivetrailerxboxThu, 10 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Connor face down a damn bear in Assassin's Creed 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/watch-connor-fight-a-damn-bear-in-assassins-creed-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/watch-connor-fight-a-damn-bear-in-assassins-creed-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/watch-connor-fight-a-damn-bear-in-assassins-creed-3/#comments Image
You'll be doing a lot of things with Assassin's Creed 3 protagonist Ratohnhaké:ton - like chasing down Redcoats and murdering them, running away from murderous Redcoats, sneaking up to silently murder Redcoats, and engaging in open battle with Redcoats. Beyond all that, however, you'll also be fighting terrifying, wild bears, as the trailer above implies. Thankfully for you, we can confirm it: yes, you'll be fighting the bear seen in the above trailer.

The gameplay trailer for Assassin's Creed 3 - unlocked by the community this morning - shows the first Connor-on-Bear action we've seen. It also gives a first glimpse at the game's new "chain blade," but the most important part is still dude fights a bear.

JoystiqWatch Connor face down a damn bear in Assassin's Creed 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3bearmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-annecyubisoft-montrealwii-uxboxThu, 10 May 2012 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution sneaking up to retail on November 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-absolution-sneaking-up-to-retail-on-november-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-absolution-sneaking-up-to-retail-on-november-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-absolution-sneaking-up-to-retail-on-november-20/#comments ImageAgent 47 isn't doing a very good job with that whole sneaking around thing, as we found out pretty easily this morning that his next game, Hitman: Absolution, launches November 20.

Publisher Square Enix announced the date this morning alongside news that pre-orders will get access to a ... whole other Hitman title. Not too shabby!

JoystiqHitman: Absolution sneaking up to retail on November 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3q4-2012release-datesquare-enixxboxThu, 10 May 2012 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[How to buy Minecraft on Xbox 360 for $5 less than on your Xbox 360 [update: no more!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/how-to-buy-minecraft-on-xbox-360-for-5-less-than-on-your-xbox-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/how-to-buy-minecraft-on-xbox-360-for-5-less-than-on-your-xbox-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/how-to-buy-minecraft-on-xbox-360-for-5-less-than-on-your-xbox-3/#comments ImageUpdate: Best Buy's price for Minecraft is back at $20, unfortunately. Congrats to those of you who managed to snap up the lower price!

With the launch of Minecraft today on Xbox Live Arcade for the lofty price of 1600 MS Points ($20), we searched long and hard to discover a way to buy the game for a full 25 percent off. There was lava and exploding Creepers and this skeleton that kept shooting arrows - pretty harrowing stuff. Anyway, we sussed out this precise formula for snagging the game on the cheap. Follow along below ... if you dare.
  • Step 1: Go to Best Buy's website.
  • Step 2: Purchase Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition for $15 instead of the $20 it costs on Xbox Live Marketplace.
  • Step 3: Laugh and throw money in the air, you baller.

[Thanks KP!]

JoystiqHow to buy Minecraft on Xbox 360 for $5 less than on your Xbox 360 [update: no more!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j4j-studiosbest-buymicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationsxblaxblmxboxxbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-live-marketplaceWed, 09 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wedbush thinks Grand Theft Auto 5 will launch in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wedbush-thinks-grand-theft-auto-5-will-launch-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wedbush-thinks-grand-theft-auto-5-will-launch-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wedbush-thinks-grand-theft-auto-5-will-launch-in-october/#comments ImageWith this morning's announcement that BioShock Infinite will now launch in February 2013, publisher Take-Two Interactive altered more than a game's launch date. Take-Two is a publicly traded company, and one fewer gigantic product launch during the holiday season - arguably Take-Two's only holiday product launch, unless you count fall launches of Borderlands 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown as "holiday" - means that shareholders will want to know what's up. That worry is reflected in Take-Two's stock price, which took a five percent hit since the market opened this morning.

But when Infinite got pushed out of the holiday season, it opened the slot up for another high-profile Take-Two-published title: Grand Theft Auto 5. "In our view, the delay opens the window for Grand Theft Auto V to be released in October 2012," Michael Pachter of Webush Securities wrote in an email this morning, echoing a release window leak from earlier this year.

In his eyes, Infinite wasn't just delayed to make it "something even more extraordinary," as Ken Levine put it, but because the folks at Rockstar, "notified Take-Two that GTA V would be ready for October." He believes this resulted in Take-Two offering Irrational Games an extra few months to prepare BioShock Infinite. His logic? "The studio [Rockstar Games] has scheduled every prior GTA release during that month (with GTA IV delayed to April 2008, due to bugs in the PS3 version)."

Furthermore, Pachter and co. speculate we could hear more about GTA 5's launch date "as early as May 22" during a scheduled quarterly investor call, or perhaps in a few more weeks at E3 2012. We've yet to hear back from Irrational, Rockstar, or Take-Two on the subject.

JoystiqWedbush thinks Grand Theft Auto 5 will launch in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitedelaygrand-theft-auto-5gta5irrationalirrational-gamesmichael-pachtermicrosoftpcplaystationps3q4-2012release-daterockstarrockstar-gamestake-twotake-two-interactivewedbush-morganwedbush-morgan-securitieswedbush-securitiesxboxWed, 09 May 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[I Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/#comments ImageUbisoft's post-apocalypse third-person-survivor I Am Alive apparently struck a chord with PlayStation 3 owners last month, topping the PlayStation Network's download charts for April 2012, even edging out March's big PSN release, Journey.

The Walking Dead's game adaptation from Telltale managed more than a shambling start as well, taking up two spots on the top 10 with the season pass and first episode in third and fifth place, respectively. Just one Vita title landed on the list, Escape Plan, in the number 10 spot. All of this information - and more! - can be found in the latest PlayStation "Pulse" video, which we've dropped just below the break.

Continue reading I Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts

JoystiqI Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escape-plani-am-alivejourneyplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3psnpulsetelltale-gamesthat-game-companythatgamecompanythe-walking-deadtop-10ubisoftvitaWed, 09 May 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wolfenstein 3D celebrating its 20-year history by going free on browsers, iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wolfenstein-3d-celebrating-its-20-year-history-by-going-free-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wolfenstein-3d-celebrating-its-20-year-history-by-going-free-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wolfenstein-3d-celebrating-its-20-year-history-by-going-free-on/#comments ImageYesterday, Wolfenstein 3D was a measly 19 years and 364 days old. Puh-shaw, we say. Today, however, the game is a full 20 years old, and id Software is throwing the classic FPS a celebration. Rather than sending all the game's fans party hats and individual slices of cake, though, id's ported Wolf 3D to web browsers, making it totally free!

But perhaps you're not around a computer at the moment, and you'd prefer to play on the go? id's got that covered too, making the iOS port of Wolfenstein 3D free for today only (the iTunes page still reflects a $1.99 price as of this writing, but Bethesda says it'll flip to free "later today").

Or maybe you've already played Wolf 3D more than you'll ever need to? Creator John Carmack recorded a director commentary aimed at superfans of the series, which we've embedded just below the break. Let us know if he talks about rockets at all!

Continue reading Wolfenstein 3D celebrating its 20-year history by going free on browsers, iOS

JoystiqWolfenstein 3D celebrating its 20-year history by going free on browsers, iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksfreeidid-softwareiosipadiphonejohn-carmackmacmobilepcWolfenstein-3DWed, 09 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The diary of a murderous skier: Spending real money in Tribes: Ascend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-spending-real-money-in-tribes-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-spending-real-money-in-tribes-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-spending-real-money-in-tribes-a/#commentsAs free-to-play games are constantly changing, traditional reviews can't really do them justice, so we rely on a series of unscored review diaries to record our experiences with them. Today brings part two of our Tribes: Ascend diaries.
Image
I gave in. I dropped $50 on Tribes: Ascend and haven't looked back. After three weeks of loving the game in its totally free form, I decided it was time to suck it up and unlock some other classes. And not only did that $50 get me a ton of Gold, but also a mess of bonus XP. Shopping time!

For the price of a full PC game, I unlocked seven of the game's nine classes, a variety of skins, and upgrades across all my classes, and increased the rate at which I earned in-game XP (the only currency that will upgrade weapons, packs, and armor, and which thankfully cannot be purchased with real dollars). I still have some gold coins to spare (the in-game currency that's converted from real dollars, which can't be earned), but I'm saving them for ... well, I don't really know. I'd feel weird spending them all.

Continue reading The diary of a murderous skier: Spending real money in Tribes: Ascend

JoystiqThe diary of a murderous skier: Spending real money in Tribes: Ascend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rezhi-rez-studiostribes-ascendTue, 08 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 cartoon, care of Blizzard and Titmouse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/#comments Image
Thought this would be a post about the Diablo 3 cartoon short by Titmouse, and not the video itself, didn't you? Fooled again! The full, very impressive cartoon is just above. Enjoy.

JoystiqDiablo 3 cartoon, care of Blizzard and Titmouse originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcartoonDiablo-3macpctitmouseTue, 08 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend getting two new maps, custom loadouts in Tartarus update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tribes-ascend-getting-two-new-maps-custom-loadouts-in-tartarus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tribes-ascend-getting-two-new-maps-custom-loadouts-in-tartarus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tribes-ascend-getting-two-new-maps-custom-loadouts-in-tartarus/#comments Image
Tribes: Ascend continues to be both free and excellent, which is to say we were pretty excited this morning when we heard that a content update is in the works. Two crazy-looking new maps, custom loadouts, and a variety of requested player tweaks are planned for the Tartarus update, which is said to be "coming soon."

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend getting two new maps, custom loadouts in Tartarus update

JoystiqTribes: Ascend getting two new maps, custom loadouts in Tartarus update originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>content-updategameplayhi-rezhi-rez-studiospctartarustribes-ascendupdateTue, 08 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA planning upcoming layoffs, 'completed by September 30, 2012']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-planning-upcoming-layoffs-completed-by-september-30-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-planning-upcoming-layoffs-completed-by-september-30-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-planning-upcoming-layoffs-completed-by-september-30-2012/#comments EA today confirmed plans to enact a "restructuring" among its employees, resulting in an unnamed number of layoffs companywide. The restructuring is part of EA CEO John Riccitiello's move toward digital - an initiative that aims to alter the composition of EA's staff from one in eight engineers to one in two.

The California-based publisher will incur a variety of expenses related to its upcoming plans, to the tune of "approximately $40 million in total costs." Ouch! Making things more painful is the fact that $23 million of that total is planned for "severance and other employee-related costs" - a number that'll be (conveniently) reflected in next year's financials.

As recently as a few weeks ago, EA outright denied reports of upcoming layoffs. Those reports put the number at 5 to 10 percent of EA's workforce, or approximately 500 to 1,000 employees. EA corporate rep Jeff Brown told Joystiq that the restructuring "impacts a relatively small number of EA's 9,000 employees." He added, "Most importantly, EA is hiring and we expect to finish the year with more employees, not fewer."

Update: During EA's financial call this afternoon, the company got more specific on restructuring numbers. Regardless of layoffs, EA expects to grow its current headcount of approximately 9,200 employees to 9,700 by the end of fiscal 2013 (ending March 31, 2013).

JoystiqEA planning upcoming layoffs, 'completed by September 30, 2012' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsjeff-brownlayoffssecsecurities-and-exchange-commissionMon, 07 May 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's $99 Xbox 360 part of a 'pilot program,' sold exclusively at MS Stores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/microsofts-99-xbox-360-part-of-a-pilot-program-sold-exclusi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/microsofts-99-xbox-360-part-of-a-pilot-program-sold-exclusi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/microsofts-99-xbox-360-part-of-a-pilot-program-sold-exclusi/#comments Today's big Xbox 360 news isn't without tempering, it seems. "On May 7, we launched a pilot program at Microsoft Stores in the United States to test a new pricing model for the Xbox 360," a Microsoft spokesperson told Joystiq this morning when we followed up on the $99, two-year contract Xbox 360 announcement.

A pilot program, you say? Apparently the program's a "pilot" based on its extremely limited availability - the $99 Xbox 360 is only offered in "the 16 Microsoft Stores in the US." As for that two-year Xbox Live commitment, that won't include any of the rumored "various types of streaming content," as it's identical to a normal Xbox Live Gold subscription.

According to MS, the program, "aligns with our ongoing commitment to test new products and offers to understand how to best serve our customers." According to us, this is all very weird.

Continue reading Microsoft's $99 Xbox 360 part of a 'pilot program,' sold exclusively at MS Stores

JoystiqMicrosoft's $99 Xbox 360 part of a 'pilot program,' sold exclusively at MS Stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contract-xboxkinectmicrosoftpilot-programxboxMon, 07 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 3 teaser promises to make this Redcoat's coat redder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/assassins-creed-3-teaser-promises-to-make-this-redcoats-coat-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/assassins-creed-3-teaser-promises-to-make-this-redcoats-coat-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/assassins-creed-3-teaser-promises-to-make-this-redcoats-coat-r/#comments Image
New Assassin's Creed protagonist Ratohnhaké:ton (er ... Connor) isn't the smooth-talking debutant that kicked off Assassin's Creed 2. Instead, he's a brutal hunter, stalking his targets from treetops before leaping down on them for the final blow (you may already know this stuff).

Moreover, he's a crack shot with a bow, as seen in the latest teaser for Assassin's Creed 3. Ubisoft is goading fans to do its viral advertising with promises of a lengthier trailer after reaching a certain level of buzz on this Facebook page, which we totally do not support. On the other hand, we're totally down to see what happens to the flailing Redcoat. All in all, we're feeling an awful lot like Natalie Imbruglia this morning.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 3 teaser promises to make this Redcoat's coat redder originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3gameplaymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-montrealwii-uxboxMon, 07 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYC's oldest arcade re-opened as 'a cross between a Dave & Busters and a Chuck E. Cheese']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/nycs-oldest-arcade-re-opened-as-a-cross-between-a-dave-and-buste/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/nycs-oldest-arcade-re-opened-as-a-cross-between-a-dave-and-buste/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/nycs-oldest-arcade-re-opened-as-a-cross-between-a-dave-and-buste/#comments When Chinatown Fair suddenly closed early last year, the prospects for a re-opening were slim. A variety of owners of the arcade weren't able to agree to a lease negotiation with the property's owner, and the doors to Chinatown Fair in its original form closed for good in late February 2011. This past weekend, those doors re-opened, and what The Gothamist saw inside wasn't quite the same as the Chinatown Fair that shut down last year. For one, the ownership changed.

"We're kind of a cross between a Dave & Busters and a Chuck E. Cheese," new owner Lonnie Sobel said. "We're trying to do the best of both worlds." While a handful of classics were spotted - Dance Dance Revolution and Terminator: Salvation, for instance - the changes were apparent: Guitar Hero and Fruit Ninja machines sit next to skee-ball and air hockey, all dispensing redeemable prize tickets.

Sobel promises more fighting game fare in the future, and pins the current lack to "no really great fighting games" being out at the moment. We ... don't agree with that statement, but our disagreement won't change things, unfortunately.

[Image credit: Gothamist]

JoystiqNYC's oldest arcade re-opened as 'a cross between a Dave & Busters and a Chuck E. Cheese' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadechinatownchinatown-fairlonnie-sobelnycMon, 07 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio employing a growing percentage of Finland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/#comments ImageOut of the variety of numbers included in this morning's Rovio 2011 financial report, one line stuck out to us as particularly insane: the employee count. Rovio wasn't a very large company before Angry Birds exploded in late 2009, having only produced a couple dozen under-the-radar mobile titles. But by 2011, the need for expansion was clearly there.

Resultantly, employee numbers similarly exploded - from just 28 employees in early 2011 to a whopping 224 at year's end. In case that isn't a dramatic enough statement unto itself, Valve Software employs 293 people, and Valve has quite a few more things to manage. Our biggest fear - a fear that many Rovio employees likely echo - is that the massive upscaling of jobs will result in a massive downscaling should the Angry Birds franchise lose its foothold as king of mobile distractions. Not exactly a new business model in the game industry, unfortunately.

For now at least, Rovio's employing a ton of Finnish devs to craft its bird flingers and related products. Someone's gotta think of these clever marketing vices, you know!

Continue reading Rovio employing a growing percentage of Finland

JoystiqRovio employing a growing percentage of Finland originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsemployeesemploymentfinlandiosipadiphonemacmobilepcroviorovio-entertainmentrovio-mobileMon, 07 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/#comments ImageThe Angry Birds are quite a catch, it seems. Franchise creator Rovio announced this morning that earnings in 2011 topped $100 million, which it owes solely to sales of the Angry Birds franchise. "The heavy investments made in 2011 to all business areas will be seen in future products," Rovio CEO Mikael Hed noted in the press release. "To ensure continuous success we need to be creative and stay focused on entertaining our millions of fans by continuously developing new and innovative products and services." The company earned approximately $67.6 million in pre-tax profit in 2011, or about 64 percent of total revenue.

Hed doesn't necessarily mean branching out from his company's most popular franchise, of course. Especially not after such a big year for merchandising surrounding the Angry Birds - Rovio's "consumer products" unit took in "about 30 percent" of 2011's total earnings (approximately $31.9 million). That's a lot of Angry Birds gummy snacks!

Rovio's $106.3 million in revenue (not profit, mind you, but revenue) is owed primarily to growth in the Finnish company's Angry Birds games catalog, which expanded by just one game in 2011: a movie tie-in named "Angry Birds Rio." The games have been downloaded approximately 648 million times across all platforms as of Dec. 31, 2011, and have a monthly user base of approximately 200 million.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'Nearsoft']

Continue reading The Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011

JoystiqThe Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-rioearningsfinancialsfinlandiosipadiphonemacmikael-hedmobilepcrovioMon, 07 May 2012 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising or Clockwork Orange: You decide!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/metal-gear-rising-or-clockwork-orange-you-decide/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/metal-gear-rising-or-clockwork-orange-you-decide/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/metal-gear-rising-or-clockwork-orange-you-decide/#comments Image
There's a possibility that Raiden is sitting in the doctor's seat just above, like a good little droog, or it could be Clockwork Orange's Alex getting a reprogramming. We can't be sure, but it sure does seem like whoever it is isn't having a very good time. Perhaps it's time for Revengeance?

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising or Clockwork Orange: You decide! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koji-prokojima-productionskonamilive-actionmetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftplatinumplatinum-gamesplaystationps3xboxFri, 04 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto equates Vita's bumpy start with that of the 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/miyamoto-equates-vitas-bumpy-start-with-that-of-the-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/miyamoto-equates-vitas-bumpy-start-with-that-of-the-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/miyamoto-equates-vitas-bumpy-start-with-that-of-the-3ds/#comments ImageNintendo head of production Shigeru Miyamoto is a swell guy. How do we know? When baited with a chance to badmouth Sony's Vita, he chose diplomacy - even comparing its launch to the rocky launch of Nintendo's 3DS - over the usual corporate chest-pouding we're used to reading. "When we launched the 3DS hardware, we didn't have Super Mario 3D Land, we didn't have Mario Kart 7, we didn't have Kid Icarus: Uprising," Miyamoto told Edge in a recent interview. "We were striving to have all of these ready for the launch, but we weren't able to deliver them at that time," he admitted.

And though Nintendo "were kind of hoping that people would, nevertheless, buy into the product," it was quickly clear that wouldn't be the case. The resultant price drop and subsequent release of the aforementioned titles helped the 3DS build steam, and Miyamoto sees the same scenario playing out for Sony. "It's obviously a very hi-spec machine, and you can do lots of things with it. But I don't really see the combination of software and hardware that really makes a very strong product," he added.

Sony's PlayStation Vita retails for a minimum of $250 currently - the same price the 3DS debuted at - and has at least two notable first-party releases on the horizon for North America: Sound Shapes and Gravity Rush. Sony's latest Vita numbers put the system at over 2 million sold worldwide as of late Feburary this year.

[Image credit: Edge]

JoystiqMiyamoto equates Vita's bumpy start with that of the 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitashigeru-miyamotovitaFri, 04 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon's relationship with EA is much less exciting than we heard before]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/nexons-relationship-with-ea-is-much-less-exciting-than-we-heard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/nexons-relationship-with-ea-is-much-less-exciting-than-we-heard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/nexons-relationship-with-ea-is-much-less-exciting-than-we-heard/#comments US game publishing giant Electronic Arts isn't being purchased by South Korean social game company Nexon anytime soon, but the two companies are in talks. Not talks about an acquisition, mind you, but regarding Asian distribution of EA's FIFA Online series. Those two things are what we might call, "totally different," but Bloomberg's unnamed sources apparently didn't see a huge difference between the two when they informed the publication last week that Nexon was seeking a purchase of EA.

Bloomberg's backtracking on that report - which pretty much everyone called very unlikely at the time - is saying now that "three people with knowledge of the matter" tell the publication a deal is being brokered between Nexon and EA for distribution of the online-based soccer title in Asia. Specifically, EA could employ Nexon's "online servers and developers in Asia" to help bring FIFA Online to the continent. An announcement of the partnership is expected "as early as June," which, you know, would line up pretty well with E3 2012.

JoystiqNexon's relationship with EA is much less exciting than we heard before originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaeaea-sportsea-sports-fifa-onlineea-sports-fifa-online-2electronic-artsfifa-onlinefifa-online-2nexonFri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's E3 presser to stream through Xbox Live, Spike TV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/microsofts-e3-presser-to-stream-through-xbox-live-spike-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/microsofts-e3-presser-to-stream-through-xbox-live-spike-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/microsofts-e3-presser-to-stream-through-xbox-live-spike-tv/#comments ImageAre you hoping to experience the thrill and excitement of a game manufacturer E3 press conference, but lacking the credentials to attend? Microsoft thinks that's just the dumbest, so the company's blowing the doors off of its upcoming E3 presser - at least virtually - with both Spike TV and Xbox Live streaming the event for all to see. Democracy!

Spike and Xbox Live's coverage begins one day ahead of the big show on Monday, June 4 - Microsoft likes to kick things off before anyone else at E3, you see. Interested parties can tune in at 12:30PM ET/ 9:30AM PT to catch the whole thing live. Keep an eye out for us in the crowd! You can tell us apart from everyone else because we're all 11 feet tall, by the way.

JoystiqMicrosoft's E3 presser to stream through Xbox Live, Spike TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012kinectmicrosoftpress-conferencepresserspike-tvxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceFri, 04 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Riccitiello hip to EA's social failings: 'I'd say we're a distant number two']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/riccitiello-hip-to-eas-social-failings-id-say-were-a-distan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/riccitiello-hip-to-eas-social-failings-id-say-were-a-distan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/riccitiello-hip-to-eas-social-failings-id-say-were-a-distan/#comments EA's embattled CEO John Riccitiello isn't above admitting his mistakes, nor is he above admitting those of his company. That honesty was in full swing during an episode of NPR's Morning Edition today where he spoke to EA's social business. "We would like to be number one in every possible area, in every geography. That's a grand ambition. We're not there yet," Riccitiello said.

But then he got much, much more honest. "When it comes to Facebook, while we're number two, I'd say we're a distant number two. I mean, the other guys have lapped us three times," he said, referencing major social player Zynga. Riccitiello said EA is in the entertainment business, while his competition in social is in the data business, which he's had a hard time cracking. But he may not have to, according to his predictions.

"They're not really in the entertainment business. I think that will eventually die. Consumers want to be entertained, they don't want to be data managed," he said. Rather than model EA's future social business on that of the data-driven giants, Riccitiello hired up EA's first chief technology officer, Rajat Taneja, and is trying to get ahead of the Zyngas of the world before they take their next steps.

He told the Morning Edition that EA is planning to "apply techniques like machine learning and neural nets, to figure out what will happen next so that we can tailor the game and experiences to delight our customers." Wait ... what? In reality, this means using data for predictive modeling, which can help figure out what you'll like before you, er, like it.

Also in the report: Riccitiello wouldn't confirm or deny his company's plans to axe approximately 1,000 jobs in the near future, but he did say the company's internal statistics will see a shift from one of every eight employees being an engineer to one in two. Sounds like a bad time to be a concept artist at EA.

[Thanks, Curtis.]

JoystiqRiccitiello hip to EA's social failings: 'I'd say we're a distant number two' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobileelectronic-artsjohn-riccitiellorajat-tanejasocialsocial-gamingzyngaFri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne 3's multiplayer footage gets us all nostalgic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/max-payne-3s-multiplayer-footage-gets-us-all-nostalgic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/max-payne-3s-multiplayer-footage-gets-us-all-nostalgic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/max-payne-3s-multiplayer-footage-gets-us-all-nostalgic/#comments Image
The gangs of Max Payne 3's multiplayer setting make us forget all about the balding alcoholic star of Rockstar's upcoming game. Instead, they're more reminiscent of a film classic from 2002 set in Rio de Janeiro's poorest neighborhood, City of God. Take a look at the new multiplayer trailer above, then compare with a trailer for the film below the break. We think you'll see more than a few similarities.

Continue reading Max Payne 3's multiplayer footage gets us all nostalgic

JoystiqMax Payne 3's multiplayer footage gets us all nostalgic originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-godgameplayMax-Payne-3microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3rockstarrockstar-gamestake-twotake-two-interactivetrailerxboxThu, 03 May 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online being developed by ZeniMax Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-elder-scrolls-online-is-a-real-mmo-being-developed-by-zenima/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-elder-scrolls-online-is-a-real-mmo-being-developed-by-zenima/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-elder-scrolls-online-is-a-real-mmo-being-developed-by-zenima/#comments ImageThe Elder Scrolls Online was just revealed to be ZeniMax Online's long-rumored MMO. Game Informer's next cover announced the game this morning. The mag says The Elder Scrolls Online will take place across the "entire land of Tamriel," approximately one thousand years before Skyrim's place in time. The story will focus on daedric prince Molag Bal as he attempts to make Tamriel part of "his demonic realm."

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmatt-firormmopcthe-elder-scrolls-onlinezenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlineThu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third gets 'freaking super powers' this fall in 'Enter the Dominatrix' expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/saints-row-the-third-enter-the-dominatrix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/saints-row-the-third-enter-the-dominatrix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/saints-row-the-third-enter-the-dominatrix/#comments ImageIn what is now becoming an annual tradition, one April Fools' joke is turning into a real-life thing. This time it's Saints Row: The Third's "Enter the Dominatrix" expansion. According to THQ, the new standalone content, taking place after the events of Saint's Row: The Third, will add "freaking super powers" for the price of $30.

Enter the Dominatrix arrives this fall, and it'll bring a whole new angle to the world of the Saints: "alien warlord Zinyak and his malevolent race" are apparently trying to grab up all the Earth's resources and/or women. It sounds like those freaking super powers will come in handy, eh? The dubious character seen above - named "Paul," innocuously enough - will also play some role, which remains to be seen. THQ says we'll hear more about Enter the Dominatrix this summer, so keep an ear flap on your gimp mask unzipped for now.

Update: THQ confirmed to us that Enter the Dominatrix is a standalone expansion and Season Pass owners will have to pay $30 like everyone else.

Update 2: To be extra extra clear, THQ explained to us that Enter the Dominatrix is a standalone "boxed retail product" that can be played without owning the original Saints Row: The Third disc. It will be available solely at retail (on disc) at launch this fall.

Continue reading Saints Row: The Third gets 'freaking super powers' this fall in 'Enter the Dominatrix' expansion

JoystiqSaints Row: The Third gets 'freaking super powers' this fall in 'Enter the Dominatrix' expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contententer-the-dominatrixexpansionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdthqvolitionvolition-incvolition-studiosxboxThu, 03 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Workshop's Skyrim mods top over 13.6 million downloads, Macho Man is pleased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/#comments ImageBetween Valentine's Day and now, 11.6 million Skyrim mods were downloaded from Steam, totaling 13.6 million. That's a lot of hanging out with space cores and dragons modeled after Randy Savage.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5modspcskyrimstatisticsstatssteamsteam-workshopthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimzenimax-mediaThu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend isn't skiing to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tribes-ascend-isnt-skiing-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tribes-ascend-isnt-skiing-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tribes-ascend-isnt-skiing-to-consoles/#comments We've more or less known that Tribes: Ascend wouldn't be heading to consoles - as initially pitched - for a year or more now. That whole "free-to-play" thing is kinda the kiss of death for devs hoping to port to consoles (unless you're CCP, that is). Hi-Rez Studios COO Todd Harris explained it further in a recent interview.

"We do not have any plans for Tribes on console at this time," Harris said. That decision sprang from Hi-Rez's business model of choice, rather than technical limitations. "The way it went is that we wanted to do the free-to-play model, and there wasn't a clear path to that on consoles early on." Unlike CCP, the Tribes team is just 15 people, so negotiating with the big boys (Sony, Microsoft) wasn't really an option.

Harris isn't counting out console makers playing nice with free-to-play devs in the future (even the near future), but Tribes: Ascend likely won't bridge that gap. "We're still interested in free-to-play on consoles, but at this point, we have nothing specific to Tribes on console," Harris added.

Tribes: Ascend is currently available on Windows PC.

JoystiqTribes: Ascend isn't skiing to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playhi-rez-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationportps3todd-harristribes-ascendxboxThu, 03 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve not planning any product announcements for E3 2012, will be attending]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/valve-not-planning-any-product-announces-for-e3-2012-will-be-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/valve-not-planning-any-product-announces-for-e3-2012-will-be-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/valve-not-planning-any-product-announces-for-e3-2012-will-be-at/#comments At this year's E3, you can officially leave any Valve Software product announcements firmly off your pre-show bingo cards. Valve rep Doug Lombardi told Joystiq this morning, "We have no product announcements planned for this year's show," confirming a reported email exchange between a ValveTime.net forum member and Valve Software head Gabe Newell.

In the purported exchange, which Valve declined to confirm, Newell told the forum member, "We are not announcing anything at E3. Really." The email goes further than that, adding, "We are not announcing Half-Life 3 or Portal 3 or Left 4 Dead 3. We are going to be showing stuff everyone already knows about (CS:Go [Counterstrike: Global Offensive], Dota 2, 10' UI [Steam 'Big Picture Mode'])."

So, while it looks like Valve is attending E3, don't get your hopes too high for any software or hardware announcements. The other possibility, of course, is that we're being lied to (it wouldn't be the first such instance before E3). We're giving Valve the benefit of the doubt.

JoystiqValve not planning any product announcements for E3 2012, will be attending originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012gabe-newellmacpcvalvevalve-softwareWed, 02 May 2012 15:30:00 EST