Joystiq Mobile http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq Mobile 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[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/#comments ImageSearching for the proper metaphor for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2, the best I can conjure is a glass of milk. There's nothing really wrong with it per se, but it's not exactly exciting either. It has some good qualities and is mildly refreshing, but when's the last you time you raved about a glass of milk?

Gallery: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 (5/15/12)

Continue reading Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2windows-phonexboxWed, 16 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gas up the MotoHeroz iOS truck for free right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/gas-up-the-truck-for-free-in-motoheroz-ios-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/gas-up-the-truck-for-free-in-motoheroz-ios-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/gas-up-the-truck-for-free-in-motoheroz-ios-right-now/#comments If there's a serious dearth of racers on your iDevice, RedLynx is looking to fill that void with a free download of MotoHeroz. Originally debuting on WiiWare, this game is - well, it's basically Trials. If you haven't heard of Trials, then you really need to start reading our site more.

In short, MotoHeroz is a physics-based side-scrolling racer with platforming elements and a really depressing leaderboard where your friends show you how much better they are at the game. MotoHeroz is free to download on all iOS devices running version 4.1 or greater.

JoystiqGas up the MotoHeroz iOS truck for free right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilemotoherozredlynxWed, 16 May 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/#comments ImageTHQ saw a net revenue loss of $239.9 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, $100 million more than the previous fiscal year's loss of $136.1 million.

"We have made significant changes to our business, and are on track to execute our strategy of delivering quality connected core gaming experiences, beginning with the sequel to the award-winning Darksiders in August," president and CEO Brian Farrell said in a THQ earnings statement.

THQ has seen a rough year, with plummeting revenue despite the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12. THQ laid off 240 employees, slashed the salaries of its head honchos and cut its "kids' licensed video games" department earlier this fiscal year, following quarter losses of nearly triple the previous period.

THQ has sold through 84 percent of its shipped uDraw tablets and expects to sell its remaining inventory in fiscal 2013. The company's "future kids' license commitments" have been reduced by $30 million, THQ reports.

THQ describes its emergency layoffs, salary cuts and company rehashing as follows: "The company exited the traditional kids' licensed games business, and streamlined its product line, organization and cost structure to support a smaller company positioned for sustained profitability."

JoystiqTHQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2012kinectlossmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationps3THQwiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/#comments Square Enix's financial results for fiscal 2012 have been posted, and thanks to the releases of Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Final Fantasy XIII-2, the developer has ended the year in the black, to the tune of a ¥6.06 billion (or $75.9 million) profit.

Total income from sales for the fiscal year, which for Square Enix ran from April 2011 through March 2012, totaled up to ¥127.89 billion ($1.6 billion) - a 2.1 percent year-over-year increase. After subtracting taxes and operating costs, the company was left with over ¥6 billion in profit, which must be welcome news for stockholders still feeling the sting from Square Enix's ¥12.04 billion ($150.86 million) loss in fiscal 2011.

"In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, we continued our efforts aimed at increasing profitability, including establishing best practices for the content in said growth areas, improving quality of our major online game, and strengthening our global structure," said Square Enix president Yoichi Wada in a statement accompanying the financial report. "We are accelerating the reformation to generate a substantial earnings improvement in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 and beyond."

JoystiqSquare Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfiscal-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxMon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rez/Lumines vets release iOS game 'Kotomon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rez-lumines-vets-release-ios-game-kotomon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rez-lumines-vets-release-ios-game-kotomon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rez-lumines-vets-release-ios-game-kotomon/#comments ImageIt's hard to imagine a job with more creative freedom than working on games like Rez and Child of Eden, but some former Q? Entertainment staffers have found it, breaking off to form their own indie developer.

Monstars Inc., a company founded by Rez programmer, Lumines designer, and Child of Eden programming lead Osamu Kodera, just released its first game, Kotomon for iOS. Despite breaking with Q?, Kotomon shows that Kodera and co. haven't broken with everything they know - Kotomon promises "Dancing! Monsters! Shooting! Action!" as you slide to collect monsters and then fire them at enemies, with each attack creating new beats in the music.

Kotomon is out today at a promotional $2.99 price; it'll go up to $3.99 after May 31.

JoystiqRez/Lumines vets release iOS game 'Kotomon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonekotomonmobilemonstars-incMon, 14 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Finger Puppet Frenzy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-finger-puppet-frenzy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-finger-puppet-frenzy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-finger-puppet-frenzy/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, iOS title Finger Puppet Frenzy gives your kids something to do, which gives you the free time to do your own things. Like mix a martini. Or two.
Image
What's your game called and what's it about?

Our first release is a kids' game, Finger Puppet Frenzy, where you tap puppets in a whack-a-mole style and you can find rare puppets who help you increase your score and stay alive. Surprisingly enough it seems to require a significant level of concentration - this is not the kind of game you can daydream while you play.

Does Finger Puppet Frenzy appeal to hardcore gamers, or are you not interested in tapping that market with this title?

No, Finger Puppet Frenzy is not targeted to the hardcore gamer market. It is specifically designed for the "I Seldom Play Games" market. The simplicity of the game appeals to the young and will likely just frustrate hardcore gamers who often require a more complicated level of gameplay.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Finger Puppet Frenzy

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Finger Puppet Frenzy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Finger-Puppet-FrenzyiosipadiphonekidsmobileNeonBlueSun, 13 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[You can still buy into Double Fine Adventure through PayPal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-can-still-buy-into-double-fine-adventure-through-paypal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-can-still-buy-into-double-fine-adventure-through-paypal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-can-still-buy-into-double-fine-adventure-through-paypal/#comments
The Kickstarter may have ended, but you still have a chance to throw money into Double Fine's impressive coffers, and guarantee yourself access to both the game and its ongoing documentary. Double Fine has opened up a PayPal account to which you can contribute now -- you can find it on this very slow-loading page.

For $15, you get a Steam code for the PC or Mac version (when it's done), beta access, backer forum access, and HD streaming documentary videos as they finish. Double Fine graciously released the first episode of the documentary, which we've placed at the top of this post so you can have something to do while the PayPal page loads.

JoystiqYou can still buy into Double Fine Adventure through PayPal originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedouble-fine-adventureiosipadiphonemobilepcFri, 11 May 2012 15:35:00 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[Kickstart Steam/XBLA/PSN shmup Redux to get a Dreamcast version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/kickstart-steam-xbla-psn-shmup-redux-to-get-a-dreamcast-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/kickstart-steam-xbla-psn-shmup-redux-to-get-a-dreamcast-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/kickstart-steam-xbla-psn-shmup-redux-to-get-a-dreamcast-version/#comments Image
Redux: Dark Matters is the sequel to Dux, a 2009 shooter you may not have played ... because it came out on Dreamcast. However, developers Rene Hellwig and KTX Software want to bring the side-scrolling followup to PSN, XBLA, and Steam, and have posted a $25,000 Kickstarter drive toward that goal.

But the developers haven't forgotten their insane drive to keep the Dreamcast alive. If you contribute $65 or more, you'll get a limited-edition Dreamcast copy of Redux, exclusive to the Kickstarter campaign. This is all we needed to clear up our mixed feelings about the Kickstarter phenomenon; anything that leads to more Dreamcast games can only be a good thing.

JoystiqKickstart Steam/XBLA/PSN shmup Redux to get a Dreamcast version originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamcastiosiphonekickstartermicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3reduxxboxThu, 10 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leisure Suit Larry creator talks dirty about the past and future of the mature series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/leisure-suit-larry-creator-talks-dirty-about-the-past-and-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/leisure-suit-larry-creator-talks-dirty-about-the-past-and-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/leisure-suit-larry-creator-talks-dirty-about-the-past-and-future/#comments ImageAfter seeing success, both Leisure Suit Larry and his creator Al Lowe fell upon dark times. Lowe and his polyester-clad protagonist have lived through the rise and fall of Sierra On-Line, multiple intellectual property changes, and two very poor attempts at bringing Larry to a new generation of gamers.

"It was like seeing a video from your son's kidnappers!" Lowe told Joystiq. "On one hand he's still alive but it's like, 'Oh God, what are they doing to him!' And it just pained me to watch it happen. You know I put ten years of my life into that guy and he was very good to me."

Leisure Suit Larry starred in seven titles under the Sierra banner, turning it into a billion dollar business for founders Ken and Roberta Williams. But success would be bittersweet for both Lowe and the Williams family, as Sierra On-Line found itself ensnared in the middle of a hostile takeover that would evolve into one of most infamous scams in video game business history.

Continue reading Leisure Suit Larry creator talks dirty about the past and future of the mature series

JoystiqLeisure Suit Larry creator talks dirty about the past and future of the mature series originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Al-LoweandroidiosipadKickstarterleisure-suit-larrymobilepcSierra-OnlineVivendi-UniversalWalter-ForbesThu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds downloaded a billion times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/#comments
The Angry Birds franchise has hurtled past a billion downloads. The number covers free and paid downloads of Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Space. The news comes a couple days after Rovio revealed revenues of $106.3 million in 2011, with approximately $67.6 million in pre-tax profit.

There's one curiosity in today's video announcing the milestone: the closing moments highlight physics-based Rube Goldberg puzzler Casey's Contraptions. As Gamasutra notes, Rovio has not officially purchased Snappy Touch or Mystery Coconut, the developers of the game. The connection between Rovio and the Casey's Contraptions team is currently unclear.

JoystiqAngry Birds downloaded a billion times originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcRovioWed, 09 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Death Rally goes free on iOS for a limited time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/death-rally-goes-free-on-ios-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/death-rally-goes-free-on-ios-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/death-rally-goes-free-on-ios-for-a-limited-time/#comments ImageIf you've been waiting to check out Remedy's successful racer, Death Rally, now is probably the time to do it. The car-combat title is currently free on the Apple App Store. It's only free for "a limited time" however, so get it while the gettin's good.

Remedy is also giving away an iPad via the Death Rally Facebook page. To enter the giveaway, users have to simply "like" Death Rally on Facebook. You should probably actually try the game first, of course. Not that we're suggesting anyone would ever "like" something dishonestly.

Continue reading Death Rally goes free on iOS for a limited time

JoystiqDeath Rally goes free on iOS for a limited time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death-rallyiosipadiphonemobileremedyWed, 09 May 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/#comments Causing mass destruction is easily the best part of Prototype 2, and a new batch of DLC should help you do that with a little more panache. The "Colossal Mayhem" pack adds a number of new goodies, including a "Thermobaric Boom-Stick" weapon and a number of new powers and skins for Heller, the game's protagonist. The pack is available now for $5 on PSN and Xbox Live.

The next round of DLC, available May 29, has already been announced as well. The "Excessive Force" pack will include a "Viral Infector" grenade launcher and yet more powers and skins. It will also sell for $5.

In other Prototype 2 news, a companion app has been released for Android and iOS. The app allows users to keep track of achievements and in-game collectible thanks to some handy maps that have all collectibles marked. The app itself is free, though it only includes one map, the Yellow Zone. The remaining two maps can be purchased for $2.

Continue reading Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps

JoystiqPrototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroiddlciosiphonemicrosoftmobileplaystationprototype-2ps3psnRadical-Entertainmentxboxxbox-liveWed, 09 May 2012 11:45:00 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[Two Guys from Andromeda Kickstart their 'SpaceVenture']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/two-guys-from-andromeda-kickstart-their-spaceventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/two-guys-from-andromeda-kickstart-their-spaceventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/two-guys-from-andromeda-kickstart-their-spaceventure/#comments ImageWhen the "Two Guys from Andromeda," designers of the Space Quest series, announced their plans to reunite for a new sci-fi adventure game, we noted the surprising lack of a Kickstarter drive. Well, surprise! There's a Kickstarter drive now.

The Guys (Mark Crowe and Scott Murphy) are seeking the increasingly industry-standard $500,000 for their PC, Mac, Linux, iPad, and Android Tablet game. They've already gathered an impressive array of voice actors they'd like to be able to pay, including narrator Gary Owens, Rob Paulsen ("NARF!") and Ellen "GLaDOS" McLain.

Rewards for the drive include phyical "special edition" boxes, your name in the credits, t-shirts, collectible Buckazoid coins, and, in the highest tiers, your likeness in alien form on the box and/or in the game. You can even vote on hilarious death sequences.

[Thanks, Jess]

JoystiqTwo Guys from Andromeda Kickstart their 'SpaceVenture' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadkickstartermacmobilepcspaceventuretwo-guys-from-andromedaWed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/#comments ImageBefore there was, uh, that other game called Alien Hominid (and Castle Crashers), there was the original Alien Hominid, a free browser run-and-gun game that debuted on Newgrounds. And that original game has now surpassed 20 million play sessions, The Behemoth has announced.

The brain child of Tom Fulp and Dan Paladin, Alien Hominid was built in Flash and released on Newgrounds way back in 2002. It would eventually be ported to the GameCube and PS2 in 2004 (and Europe would see Xbox and GameBoy Advance ports), then to Xbox Live Arcade in 2007. Currently, The Behemoth is working on Battleblock Theater.

JoystiqAlien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAlien-Hominidandroiddsfree-to-playgamecubeiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenewgroundsnintendopcplaystationps3the-behemothwiiwii-uxblaxboxWed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai has solid fiscal year thanks to Dark Souls, arcade sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/#comments ImageNamco Bandai saw a net income of 1.9 billion yen ($24 million) in its fiscal year 2012, with help from strong US sales of Dark Souls and Ace Combat Assault Horizon. Dark Souls sold 1.19 million units across the US and Europe, while Ace Combat Assault Horizon sold 1.07 million units in Japan, the US and Europe.

Across all platforms, Namco sold 23.3 million software units, led by 8.5 million for PS3, 4.2 million for PSP and 3.2 million for Xbox 360. Revenue from Namco's mobile sector increased, although number of paid subscribers dropped from 3.34 million to 2.15 million year-over-year. Sales of Namco's arcade game machines grew from 56 billion yen ($701.3 million) in FY 2011 to 73.4 billion yen ($919.2 million) in FY 2012.

JoystiqNamco Bandai has solid fiscal year thanks to Dark Souls, arcade sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-combat-assault-horizondark-soulsfinancialsfy-2012microsoftmobileNamco-Bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3pspsonyxboxWed, 09 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portable gaming's 'Race to Zero']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/#comments Despite their occasional protests to the contrary, both Nintendo and Sony have seen the pervasive mobile market take chunks of the portable gaming industry. The mobile app space burgeoned as game developers undercut each other constantly, in a race toward 99 cents that set a buck as the de facto price point for the new marketplace. This, in turn, made a massive price disparity between mobile games and their handheld competition, which tends to retail for much more. Why buy a $30 DS game, when you can buy 30 games for the same price?

However, we're now seeing yet another race all the way to the bottom: free. Even as the PC space is largely adopting a free-to-play, microtransaction-driven business model, the shift is similarly occurring in the mobile market. Recent F2P hits have started a run of similar titles, with some paid apps adopting a free-to-play option.

The change began subtly. Rovio's breakout hit Angry Birds may have stuck near the top of the Top Paid Apps charts, but the Top Grossing arena was ruled by little blue men early last year. Smurfs Village spent months as the Top Grossing app, no doubt bolstered by co-marketing for the then-upcoming film. Still, the free app had an inviting price point, and even a few 99 cent purchases per user would easily push it above the revenue for a one-time dollar fee. Then, Tiny Tower became the talk of the iOS App Store blogosphere, using a similar model inspired by social gaming on Facebook, even garnering recognition as Apple's official Game of the Year.

Continue reading Portable gaming's 'Race to Zero'

JoystiqPortable gaming's 'Race to Zero' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidandroid-marketapp-storeblackberry-app-worldiosipadiphonemobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitavitawindows-phone-7Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Regulation rumors drop GREE founder's shares by $700m]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/regulation-rumors-drop-gree-founders-shares-by-700m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/regulation-rumors-drop-gree-founders-shares-by-700m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/regulation-rumors-drop-gree-founders-shares-by-700m/#comments GREE founder Yoshikazu Tanaka lost about $700 million over the past two days when shares of GREE plunged 23.3 percent on Monday, then another 0.1 percent today. The rapid decline was caused by a Yomiuri report stating that Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency was considering regulating the Japanese social games industry.

The aspect of Japanese social games that the agency is rumored to disapprove of is the "complete gacha" style of microtransaction, in which players pay for randomized items, earning additional in-game rewards for completing a set. This could be construed as a form of lottery, which is illegal as a sales incentive in Japan.

GREE officially declined to comment to the Wall Street Journal about the potential impact of a ban on these microtransactions, noting that there were other ways to build revenue. However, we suspect Tanaka himself has a different view on the potential financial impact, having already seen it happen. GREE and other social gaming companies have announced plans to self-regulate their games, creating industry guidelines and imposing spending caps.

This (what's the opposite of a windfall?) happened just a week after GREE announced its purchase of Funzio, developer of social games including Crime City.

JoystiqRegulation rumors drop GREE founder's shares by $700m originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funziogreeiosipadiphonemobilesocial-gamesyoshikazu-tanakaTue, 08 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play passes 15 billion downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/google-play-passes-15-billion-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/google-play-passes-15-billion-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/google-play-passes-15-billion-downloads/#comments ImageGoogle Play, the download service formerly known as Android Market, crossed 15 billion downloads "a few weeks ago," Google told TechCrunch.

There's no information about what percentage of that 15 billion is games, but we can at least look at this as a handy comparison to the nearest competitor: Google has served up 15 billion since October 2008, while iOS apps have been downloaded (as of March) 25 billion times since July 2008.

There's also no information on how many of those downloads have been since the rebranding - we hope the name change hasn't been too confusing for Android users, leaving them desperately searching for the Android Market.

JoystiqGoogle Play passes 15 billion downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglegoogle-playmobileTue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man Kart Rally out now on Windows Phone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pac-man-kart-rally-out-now-on-windows-phone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pac-man-kart-rally-out-now-on-windows-phone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pac-man-kart-rally-out-now-on-windows-phone/#comments ImagePac-Man Kart Rally, a 3D multiplayer racing game for Windows Phone, is available now via the Windows Phone Marketplace for $2.99. Pac-Man Kart Rally features 10 classic characters and 17 tracks from Namco Bandai's repertoire, including the Fighter from Galaga, the Prince from Katamari Damacy and Pac-Man, of course.

This is the first Windows Phone game to support real-time, four-player multiplayer over Wi-Fi, and it includes Xbox Live Achievements and leader boards. A trademark for Pac-Man Kart Rally was first spotted in 2010, along with Pac-Man Rally Kart. We assume the second will be an iOS-only title that looks just like Kart Rally, but is published by a group of shady con artists in Wisconsin and crashes at the start menu every time.

JoystiqPac-Man Kart Rally out now on Windows Phone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DmobileNamco-Bandaipac-man-kart-rallypac-man-rally-kartwindows-phonewindows-phone-7Tue, 08 May 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders Cloud Patrol now supports more Skylanders, Retina Display for new iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/#comments A new update for Skylanders Cloud Patrol, the arcade shooting gallery tie-in for iOS, is available for download right now. The biggest feature of this new update is Retina Display support for the latest iPad.

The other major feature of this update is allowing more Skylanders. Activision specifically calls out "Warnado, Wham-Shell, Camo and all of the Legendary Skylanders collection" in the update notes, though the full list of now-supported Skylanders is something we're trying to track down right now.

JoystiqSkylanders Cloud Patrol now supports more Skylanders, Retina Display for new iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroidiosipadiphonemobileskylanders-cloud-patrolupdateMon, 07 May 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The first taste of Super Meat Boy mobile art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-first-taste-of-super-meat-boy-mobile-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-first-taste-of-super-meat-boy-mobile-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-first-taste-of-super-meat-boy-mobile-art/#comments ImageEdmund McMillen of Team Meat has so far been coy about what the mobile version of Super Meat Boy is, but he's fairly vocal about what it isn't. Super Meat Boy: The Game won't be a shallow, easy-to-play money-making machine like so many other mobile titles today, McMillen writes in his latest update. He even tells us a little bit about what it will be:
"We want to make a game that WE would love to see on the platform, a feature-length reflex-driven platformer with solid controls that doesn't manipulate you with business bullshit in order to cash in. We want SMB:TG to show the player we respect them, not only by not manipulating them, but also by understanding they want a real challenge and they want a real sense of fulfillment when they have achieved something that's difficult... you know, like real games do."
Team Meat has also revealed the first bit of art from Super Meat Boy: The Game, the chapter screen for The Green Hills you can see above. McMillen assures us that even though there are only eight visible level pads, the mobile title "will rival the original" and have dark worlds.

JoystiqThe first taste of Super Meat Boy mobile art originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmund-mcmillenmobilesuper-meat-boyteam-meatMon, 07 May 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed and Dead Space titles coming by March 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/#comments ImageEA has new Dead Space and Need for Speed titles in the works for the coming year, ending March 31, 2013, it announced during a financial call today. "Need for Speed" is listed on EA's financial results slideshow scheduled for Q3 of FY 2013, which places it around October 2012. EA mentioned Dead Space among its coming "blockbuster" titles for the year.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2 and Dead Space 3 were listed in April by South African retailer BT Games.

JoystiqNeed for Speed and Dead Space titles coming by March 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-3EAElectronic-ArtsmobileNeed-for-SpeedpcMon, 07 May 2012 17:25:00 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[Tiny Wings creator's next game to be finished 'in less than three weeks']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tiny-wings-creators-next-game-to-be-finished-in-less-than-thre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tiny-wings-creators-next-game-to-be-finished-in-less-than-thre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tiny-wings-creators-next-game-to-be-finished-in-less-than-thre/#comments Andreas Illiger, creator of iOS sensation, Tiny Wings, is on the verge of releasing his next game. The project should be finished "in less than three weeks," Illiger has told Flow Studio. Unfortunately, that's about all we know. Illiger noted that the game will be for iOS but, "otherwise it's a big secret, I am not telling anything to anyone."

Regarding the development of Tiny Wings, Illiger noted that he wanted to create a positive game about the dream of flying. "There are many destructive and negative games," said Illiger, "so I wanted to figure out if it is possible to make a game which makes you feel happy." Dude, mission accomplished.

[Thanks, Sarah!]

JoystiqTiny Wings creator's next game to be finished 'in less than three weeks' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andreas-illigeriosipadiphonemobiletiny-wingsMon, 07 May 2012 11:30:00 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[Battle Chess remake moves to Kickstarter for multiplayer funding]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/battle-chess-remake-moves-to-kickstarter-for-multiplayer-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/battle-chess-remake-moves-to-kickstarter-for-multiplayer-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/battle-chess-remake-moves-to-kickstarter-for-multiplayer-funding/#comments ImageThe studio developing the licensed remake of Battle Chess has begun a Kickstarter to fund a full featured multiplayer system for the title before its launch later this year. Expected to launch last year, Subdued Software, which received no funding from Battle Chess rights holder Interplay, has been working on the project between contracts.

"The Kickstarter will allow us to focus and finish the game," Subdued Software President Mike Terlecki told Joystiq. "If we get the funding we're looking at a September launch window."

The company's Kickstarter is seeking $100,000 for an online experience that'll include "skilled based matchmaking, statistics, leaderboards, achievements and in-game chat." The company also learned a lesson from the Star Command Kickstarter, factoring the cost of fulfilling rewards and running this campaign.

"We have carefully planned out the costs of staffing the programmers, artists and testers necessary to complete online multiplayer feature and arrived at this amount."

JoystiqBattle Chess remake moves to Kickstarter for multiplayer funding originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battle-Chessbattle-chess-2011iosipadiphoneKickstartermobilepcSubdued-SoftwareMon, 07 May 2012 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space iOS on sale, first episode free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/sam-and-max-beyond-time-and-space-ios-on-sale-first-episode-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/sam-and-max-beyond-time-and-space-ios-on-sale-first-episode-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/sam-and-max-beyond-time-and-space-ios-on-sale-first-episode-free/#comments Sam and Max may have gone beyond the boundaries of time and space in their latest series of episodic adventures, but does that mean they must also travel beyond the boundaries of your budget?

Nay, says Telltale Games, and to prove it the developer has made the first episode of Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space on iOS totes free, and discounted the other four episodes to $2.99 a piece. These aren't permanent pricing changes, of course, so anyone looking to get their adventuring feet wet with something a little more family friendly than the alternative should take note.

Continue reading Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space iOS on sale, first episode free

JoystiqSam & Max: Beyond Time and Space iOS on sale, first episode free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneiTunesmobilesam-and-maxSam-and-Max-Beyond-Time-and-Spacetelltale-gamesSat, 05 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Draw Something wants you to draw ads with latest update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/draw-something-wants-you-to-draw-ads-with-latest-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/draw-something-wants-you-to-draw-ads-with-latest-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/draw-something-wants-you-to-draw-ads-with-latest-update/#comments If you've noticed a lot of a hockey-themed subjects cropping up during your Draw Something playtime lately, it's not just because its hockey season and Zynga is trying to stay topical. Rather, it's all part of Draw Something's new advertising initiative, which allows sponsors to insert their brand/product/whatever into the game's list of drawable somethings.

The NHL is the first major sponsor to hop onboard, posting hockey-related doodles to an official Pinterest board. The concept was tested using recognizable brand names like KFC, Doritos and Nike, with the response being positive enough to implement the system for real. Whether this type of integrated, subtle advertising experience is preferable to banner ads remains a matter of personal preference, but we do love the idea of drawing a box of Toaster Scrambles(R).

This post fictionally brought to you by Pillsbury(R) Toaster Scrambles(R). "They're practically food!"

JoystiqDraw Something wants you to draw ads with latest update 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]]>advertisementsdraw-somethingin-game-advertisingiosipadiphonemacmobilepcsponsorshipzyngaFri, 04 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun dev becomes '17-BIT']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-dev-becomes-17-bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-dev-becomes-17-bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-dev-becomes-17-bit/#comments Image"It's 16-bit, plus a bit more," says CEO Jake Kazdal, who can now add "ghostbuster" to his job title. Formerly "Haunted Temple Studios," the developer behind stylized strategy-fest Skulls of the Shogun has officially changed its name to "17-BIT." The old-school alteration is meant to reflect the studio's "classic gameplay ideals," and comes after a successful trial run on the PAX East show floor.

"The new name sums up our goal perfectly -- taking your best memories of the 16-bit era, and making new experiences that look as good and play as well as you remember," Kazdal says.

You'll get to see the studio's snazzy -- make that SNES-y -- badge tattooed on the Skulls of the Shogun, which launches on Xbox Live Arcade, Windows Phone and Windows 8 just as Microsoft pushes out its new OS (currently speculated to happen in October). The 17-BIT art itself came about with the aid of Cory Schmitz, who is quickly becoming the Nolan North of nifty logos.

Continue reading Skulls of the Shogun dev becomes '17-BIT'

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun dev becomes '17-BIT' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bithaunted-temple-studiosjake-kazdalmicrosoftmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunxboxFri, 04 May 2012 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Republique gets vocal support from David Hayter and Jennifer Hale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/republique-gets-vocal-support-from-david-hayter-and-jennifer-hal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/republique-gets-vocal-support-from-david-hayter-and-jennifer-hal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/republique-gets-vocal-support-from-david-hayter-and-jennifer-hal/#comments
Ambitious stealth game République has a long way to go before meeting its Kickstarter goal of $500,000 in its last eight days, but it hasn't stopped the folks at Camouflaj from adding some big names to the game's cast. Today's update reveals both David Hayter and Jennifer Hale will contribute their vocal talents.

"Hayter will play the role of the head revolutionary in the world of République, and Hale will voice the role of 'The Mentor' - a complex character who knows Hope better than anyone," the Kickstarter page reveals. Hayter is probably best known for voicing Solid Snake in the Metal Gear Solid games, while Jennifer Hale was the voice behind the female Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series and every other speaking female in video games ever.

Continue reading Republique gets vocal support from David Hayter and Jennifer Hale

JoystiqRepublique gets vocal support from David Hayter and Jennifer Hale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camouflajdavid-hayteriosipadiphonejennifer-halemacmobilepcrepubliqueThu, 03 May 2012 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 conjures up iOS port]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-conjures-up-ios-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-conjures-up-ios-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/lego-harry-potter-years-5-7-conjures-up-ios-port/#comments
Just in time for Hogwarts summer break, Warner Bros. has released Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 on the iTunes App store. The new universal app for iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch will set eager Expelliarmus users back $4.99.

In addition to the base game, the iOS port features a Dueling Club expansion where players can take on famous Harry Potter characters like Professor Snape, Lord Voldemort and more.

Gallery: Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (iOS)

JoystiqLego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 conjures up iOS port originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harry-potteriosipadiphonelego-Harry-Potterlego-harry-potter-years-5-7mobilett-gameswarner-brosThu, 03 May 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Rock Band iOS cancellation prompt made in error, more info soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/rock-band-ios-not-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/rock-band-ios-not-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/rock-band-ios-not-canceled/#comments ImageElectronic Arts has informed Joystiq that Rock Band for iOS will remain active for mobile rock stars. There was a panic at the disco yesterday after users of the app received a prompt telling them it would "no longer be playable" after May 31.

"Rock Band for iOS will remain live - the in-app message users received yesterday was sent in error," a representative for EA told us. "We apologize for the confusion this caused. We're working to clarify the issue that caused the error and will share additional information as soon as possible."

And the band played on.

JoystiqEA: Rock Band iOS cancellation prompt made in error, more info soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsiosiphonemobileRock-BandThu, 03 May 2012 07:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band iOS unplugged May 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/rock-band-ios-unplugged-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/rock-band-ios-unplugged-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/rock-band-ios-unplugged-may-31/#comments ImageElectronic Arts' Rock Band for iOS "will no longer be playable" after May 31. RockBandAide took note of a prompt in the app, which informs owners that the band is breaking up at the end of the month. At this time, there is no indication that a similar fate is in store for the more recent Rock Band Reloaded app.

Harmonix communications guru John Drake tweeted out that the developer was not the publisher of the title and is "working to better understand what's up ASAP."

Electronic Arts has yet to comment on the situation.

JoystiqRock Band iOS unplugged May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsiosiphonemobileRock-BandWed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Draw Something daily users declining rapidly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/report-draw-something-daily-users-declining-rapidly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/report-draw-something-daily-users-declining-rapidly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/report-draw-something-daily-users-declining-rapidly/#comments ImageDraw Something users may be finding a new distraction, according to conclusions drawn by a new report from WebMediaBrands. As reported by the BBC, WebMediaBrands tracks Facebook usage as it relates to mobile applications. According to the data, the number of daily users that log in to Draw Something via Facebook dropped from 14.3 million 10.4 million from April 2 to May 2, suggesting that the game may be losing its death-like grip on the masses.

Zynga acquired Draw Something developer OMGPOP in March for a cool $200 million. It's important to note that the report doesn't include all Draw Something users, as it's also possible to connect with just an email address. Still, assuming the report is accurate, a decline of nearly 4 million daily users probably isn't the best news for the company after making such a large investment.

JoystiqReport: Draw Something daily users declining rapidly originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddraw-somethingiosipadiphonemobileWed, 02 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai and Wikipad team for game streaming to tablet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/gaikai-and-wikipad-team-for-game-streaming-to-tablet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/gaikai-and-wikipad-team-for-game-streaming-to-tablet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/gaikai-and-wikipad-team-for-game-streaming-to-tablet/#comments ImageGame streaming service Gaikai has teamed up with Wikipad to integrate its service into the "first tablet to offer an attachable, console-quality gamepad controller." Competitor OnLive offers a tablet option for game streaming, albeit via touch controls or a compatible gamepad.

Never heard of Wikipad? Join the club! The device was revealed at CES, but has already gone through some changes since the original concept: replacing the 8.1" version with a 10.1" screen, and adding a quad core processor, lighter body and optional 3G for mobile. The launch date for the device is still a mystery.

As for Gaikai, it's still doing its thing on PC and working on Facebook.

JoystiqGaikai and Wikipad team for game streaming to tablet originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GaikaimobileWikipadWed, 02 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry making games catalog fruitful with Jetpack Joyride, Sonic, and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/blackberry-making-games-catalog-fruitful-with-jetpack-joyride-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/blackberry-making-games-catalog-fruitful-with-jetpack-joyride-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/blackberry-making-games-catalog-fruitful-with-jetpack-joyride-s/#comments ImageBlackBerry is leaping into the gaming ring with the announcement of major additions to its games catalog. Along with yesterday's launch of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light on PlayBook, RIM is adding Jetpack Joyride (and four more titles from Halfbrick), Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, Smash Cops, Star Marine, Kami Retro and Galaxy on Fire 2 to PlayBook and BlackBerry 10.

The announcements come from the BlackBerry World 2012 conference, running this week in Orlando.

JoystiqBlackBerry making games catalog fruitful with Jetpack Joyride, Sonic, and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerryblackberry-10blackberry-world-2012jetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobileplaybookRIMWed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: The 7th Guest free on iOS and Mac App store today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psa-the-7th-guest-free-on-ios-and-mac-app-store-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psa-the-7th-guest-free-on-ios-and-mac-app-store-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psa-the-7th-guest-free-on-ios-and-mac-app-store-today/#comments In 1993, we were too busy getting our chat room trolling on to play classic adventure games like The 7th Guest. Thankfully for us, modern technology lets us revisit older works via new platforms. The 7th Guest, for instance, has been available for quite some time on iOS and OS X.

But hey, maybe you - like us - have yet to purchase Trilobyte's seminal work? You'll be glad to hear, then, that the OS X and iOS versions of The 7th Guest are totally free today in celebration of May Day. We're not second-guessing it either! Free game!

JoystiqPSA: The 7th Guest free on iOS and Mac App store today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneitunesmacmac-app-storemobileos-xosxthe-7th-guesttrilobytetrilobyte-gamesTue, 01 May 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light ported to the BlackBerry PlayBook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ported-to-the-blackberry-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ported-to-the-blackberry-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ported-to-the-blackberry-pl/#comments ImageLara Croft and the Guardian of Light has been generally recognized as a great downloadable game that should be played by as many people as possible, which is why we're confused about its launch on the BlackBerry PlayBook. Get it? Because no one owns a PlayBook.

That's not true, we realize, but all is fair in love and bad comedy. Already a few happy PlayBookers and/or RIM and Square Enix employees have left gushing reviews on Guardian of Light's App World page, suggesting it's a solid experience even two years out and even on PlayBook. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is available now for $3.99 via the BlackBerry App World.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light ported to the BlackBerry PlayBook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerrylara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmobileplaybookSquare-EnixtabletTue, 01 May 2012 07:30:00 EST