Joystiq PSP http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq PSP 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[I Am Alive tops April 2012 PSN downloads; Escape Plan still atop PS Vita list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/#comments The full PlayStation downloads list for April - as opposed to the sneak peek we got thanks to Pulse earlier this month, where the list is not segregated by platform - has been released and Ubisoft's I Am Alive was indeed the top download. On the PS3 and PSN list, thatgamecompany's Journey followed Ubisoft's long-awaited title. Reverge Labs' debut Skullgirls managed to snag the third spot.

On the PS Vita side, Escape Plan continued to dominate - no surprise since there's not much else for the PS Vita right now, though that changes today. Modern Warfare 3's Content Collection #1 drop on PSN also did well, topping out the PS3 add-on category. Finally, Final Fantasy VII was the top PSOne Classic, but then again you already knew that because it's always Final Fantasy VII.

JoystiqI Am Alive tops April 2012 PSN downloads; Escape Plan still atop PS Vita list originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3escape-plani-am-alivejourneymoveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnpsn-downloadspspskullgirlssonyvitaWed, 16 May 2012 01:00:00 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[Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/#comments Image
Traverse the depths of Hell once again in Diablo 3...

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Continue reading Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 14-20, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GameStop discontinuing PSP games at smallest stores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/report-gamestop-discontinuing-psp-games-at-smallest-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/report-gamestop-discontinuing-psp-games-at-smallest-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/report-gamestop-discontinuing-psp-games-at-smallest-stores/#comments ImageGameStop is going to stop selling PSP titles at the smallest 25 percent of stores, Kotaku reports. A GameStop representative called this move a "consolidation" and used phrases such as "maximize the merchandising space" to justify the dropped titles, Kotaku says.

GameStop will continue to sell PSP titles at its larger stores and online -- where it's also selling the PlayStation Vita. Just saying.

JoystiqReport: GameStop discontinuing PSP games at smallest stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopplaystationpspsonySun, 13 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega earnings down in fiscal 2011, Mario & Sonic sell 3 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/#comments Sega's earnings are down in the year ended March 31, 2012, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the company's recent extreme restructuring measures. Sega reported net sales of 395.5 billion yen ($5 billion), down 0.3 percent from 2011; net income dropped 47.4 percent to 21 billion yen.

In the "consumer business" division (the one that deals with home video games), Sega reported a year-over-year drop in unit sales. Its best-performing game was Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, of course, at 3.28 million copies. Sonic Generations followed at 1.85 million; Virtua Tennis 4 sold 1.04 million across five platforms. Sega listed sales for Football Manager 2012 (710,000) and Yakuza: Dead Souls (550,000), but nothing else -- so we don't know how well Binary Domain did, except to guess that it probably didn't do very well.

JoystiqSega earnings down in fiscal 2011, Mario & Sonic sell 3 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsearningsfy-2011microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsegasonyvitawiixboxFri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony shares drop to 31-year low in Japan, 19-year low in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sony-shares-drop-to-31-year-low-in-japan-19-year-low-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sony-shares-drop-to-31-year-low-in-japan-19-year-low-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sony-shares-drop-to-31-year-low-in-japan-19-year-low-in-us/#comments ImageShares of Sony stock have dipped to their lowest number in 31 years in Japan and to a 19-year low in the US, following a dismal earnings report for the previous fiscal year. Sony shares dropped 7 percent in Japan, to 1,135 Yen ($14), and 2 percent in the US, closing at $15.37.

Sony CEO Kaz Hirai plans to lose 10,000 employees in a company-wide reorganization effort. Sony reported a net revenue loss of 9.6 percent for fiscal year 2012, dropping from $89 billion to $79.1 billion year-over-year.

JoystiqSony shares drop to 31-year low in Japan, 19-year low in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downfy-2012Japanplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsharessonystocksusvitaFri, 11 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's fiscal 2012 results: $820 million loss due to floods, earthquakes and exchange rates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/sonys-fiscal-2012-results-820-million-loss-due-to-floods-ear/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/sonys-fiscal-2012-results-820-million-loss-due-to-floods-ear/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/sonys-fiscal-2012-results-820-million-loss-due-to-floods-ear/#comments ImageSony's financial results for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2012 are in, with the Japanese giant reporting year-over-year losses in revenue and operating losses that it attributes to "the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the floods in Thailand, and deterioration in market conditions in developed countries."

Sony's fiscal 2012 ran from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012, with the company reporting net revenue of ¥6.49 trillion ($79.1 billion), down 9.6 percent year-over-year from the ¥7.18 trillion (approx. $89 billion) reported at the end of fiscal 2010. After expenses, Sony reports an operating loss of ¥67.3 billion ($820 million), which is actually a smaller loss than that reported at the end of fiscal 2011 (¥199.8 billion/approx $2 billion).

Year-over-year sales decreases were primarily due to Sony's Consumer Products & Services (CPS) and Professional, Device & Solutions (PDS) divisions, with CPS sales down 18.5 percent at ¥3.13 trillion ($38.2 billion) in 2012 vs. ¥3.84 trillion (approx. $48 billion) in 2011, resulting in an operating loss of ¥229.8 billion ($2.8 billion) - more than a 2,000 percent decrease from 2011's operating income of ¥10.8 billion (approx. $135 million). CPS encompasses Sony's consumer electronics sectors, including LCD TVs, PCs, photography solutions and, of course, gaming.

Sony partially attributes CPS' decline in sales to "lower sales of PlayStation(R)3 hardware due to a strategic price reduction and lower sales of PlayStation(R)2 due to platform migration," among other reasons like deteriorating conditions in North American and European TV markets.

JoystiqSony's fiscal 2012 results: $820 million loss due to floods, earthquakes and exchange rates originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfiscal-2012moveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaThu, 10 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/#comments The results for April are in, and things are looking a little rough out there in consumer video-game electronics land. As a whole, the gaming industry (which for our purposes includes all hardware, software and accessories sales between April 1 and April 28, 2012) brought in $630.4 million, a 32 percent decrease over the same period last year, where its various machinations resulted in collective sales of $930.9 million.

Breaking the industry down into its three major components, hardware sales accounted for $189.7 million (down 32 percent year over year), while software sales contributed $292.1 million to the cause - a 42 percent decrease year over year. Accessories, on the other hand, posted a 1 percent increase year-over-year at $148.6 million in 2012, as compared with $147.8 million in 2011.

The average amount of money spent on hardware increased year-over-year, however, due in part to the 360 Star Wars Kinect Bundle, according to NPD analyst Anita Frazier. Generally though, the period's lackluster performance is due to the month's release schedule: "Last April, the top seven titles outsold the top-selling title this year, and, simply stated, there were notably fewer new market introductions. I think it's a simple as that because when we see compelling content come into the market, the games are still selling as well as ever - we just saw a lot less this April as compared to last."

The list of April's top 10 best-selling titles can be found after the break as per usual, with newcomers Prototype 2 and Kinect Star Wars leading the charge ahead of Modern Warfare 3, Mario Party 9 and Mass Effect 3.

Update: According to Microsoft's Major Nelson, the Xbox 360 sold 236K units during April.

Continue reading April NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year

JoystiqApril NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>April-NPDkinectkinect-star-warsmicrosoftnintendoNPDNPD-Aprilpcplaystationplaystation-vitaprototype-2ps3pspsonyvitawiixboxThu, 10 May 2012 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard Q1 2012 financials: $1.17 billion in net revenue, down year-over-year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/#comments Activision Blizzard has released its financial results for the first quarter of its fiscal 2012, posting total net revenue (pre-tax income) of $1.17 billion for the period ending on March 31, 2012. This is a 23 percent drop over the same period in 2011, where Activision Blizzard posted a net revenue of $1.44 billion. Net income (post-tax/expenses profit) was also down year over year, with the pub/dev reporting a remainder of $384 million for Q1 2012, as compared with $503 million in Q1 2011.

Breaking that down a little more specifically, Activision itself was responsible for 23 percent ($271 million) of segment net revenues, down 19 percent form the $323 million it was responsible for in 2011. Blizzard accounted for 21 percent ($251 million) of segmented net revenues, down 42 percent year-over-year vs. the $357 million it posted for Q1 2011.

Many of Activision and Blizzard's major releases are still pending, including Diablo 3, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Looking forward, Activision Blizzard expects to report a "record" non-GAAP Q2 net revenue of $805 million due to Prototype 2, Amazing Spider Man and Diablo 3. As for the rest of the year, the company expects to end fiscal 2012 to the tune of $4.2 billion in net revenue.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard Q1 2012 financials: $1.17 billion in net revenue, down year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsActivision-Blizzarddsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspQ1-2012sonyxboxWed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 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[PSN Tuesday: Datura, PixelJunk sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/psn-tuesday-datura-pixeljunk-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/psn-tuesday-datura-pixeljunk-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/psn-tuesday-datura-pixeljunk-sale/#comments If you like atmospheric adventure games starring a disembodied hand, you'd best swing by the PlayStation Store to see Datura. It leads Sony's weekly content dump today, and is joined by the PixelJunk series sale and full PS3 game trials for Saints Row: The Third and Need for Speed The Run.

And if you're a PS Plus member, don't forget to snag all of your May freebies. The full list of this week's content can be found over on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Datura, PixelJunk sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daturamovepixeljunk-saleplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnpsn-storepsn-tuesdaypspsonyvitaTue, 08 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 7-13, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/#comments Image
Build, fight, and conquer this week with Starhawk...

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Continue reading Now Playing: May 7-13, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 7-13, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 07 May 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Knights History won't be published by XSEED, 'development resources' noted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/grand-knights-history-wont-be-published-by-xseed-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/grand-knights-history-wont-be-published-by-xseed-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/grand-knights-history-wont-be-published-by-xseed-development/#comments XSEED Games announced late yesterday that it will not publish turn-based RPG Grand Knights History in North America as previously announced.

"Unfortunately, it was determined that development resources required to localize the game were not available, necessitating its cancellation," the official statement from XSEED sent to Joystiq reads. "We regret not being able to bring the game to our fans, but we are committed to our 2012 lineup and look forward to sharing more on these games in the coming weeks and months."

Vanillaware, the developer of eye candy like Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Odin Sphere and the upcoming Dragon's Crown; will still see Grand Knights History published on PSP later this year in Europe by Rising Star Games.

Gallery: Grand Knights History (PSP)

JoystiqGrand Knights History won't be published by XSEED, 'development resources' noted originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-knights-historyplaystationpspsonyvanillawareXSEEDWed, 02 May 2012 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Awesomenauts, Mortal Kombat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-mortal-kombat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-mortal-kombat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-mortal-kombat/#comments Nothing can prepare you for this week's nostalgic update on the PlayStation Store ... save for a succinct summary such as this one. Awesomenauts brings a faux-retro flair to the MOBA genre today (for free, if you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber), while Mortal Kombat reduces its depraved fighting to more diminutive form on Vita.

PlayStation Plus subscribers receive some other freebies this week, including Trine 2, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Castlevania Chronicles. The PS One Classics lineup is bolstered with The Legend of Dragoon, and moving up a generation to PlayStation 2 gets you the original Max Payne.

Check the PlayStation Blog for a full list of new store items, if you please.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Awesomenauts, Mortal Kombat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautscastlevania-chroniclescastlevania-symphony-of-the-nightmax-paynemortal-kombatplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypspsonythe-legend-of-dragoontrine-2vitaTue, 01 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: April 30 - May 6, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/now-playing-april-30-may-6-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/now-playing-april-30-may-6-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/now-playing-april-30-may-6-2012/#comments Image
Team up and get blasting this week with Awesomenauts ...

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Continue reading Now Playing: April 30 - May 6, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: April 30 - May 6, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 30 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time intro is an anime time machine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-intro-is-an-anime-time-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-intro-is-an-anime-time-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-intro-is-an-anime-time-machine/#comments
Atlus stands right alongside MonkeyPaw in its overt devotion to obscure PSP role-playing games. Case in point: Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time, coming to both UMD and PSN in North America this summer. And to remind us of that impending release, Atlus sent out the opening video.

Be warned, it's the most "80s anime" thing ever. Memories of watching random movies on Sci-Fi Channel on Saturday mornings, and of playing every game ever released by Working Designs (including, but not limited to, previous Growlansers) will come flooding back.

JoystiqGrowlanser: Wayfarer of Time intro is an anime time machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusgrowlanser-wayfarer-of-timeplaystationpspsonyFri, 27 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Montreal 'reorganizing some teams,' letting a 'small number' go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/#comments EA Montreal is restructuring its workforce. Some individuals are being moved to digital projects, including mobile and social games, while others will be dismissed.

"These are routine changes which address the cyclical nature of the game industry," an EA spokesperson told GI.biz. "A very small number of employees will be impacted - many will be assigned to new projects at EA, others will leave the company."

Just last week, EA told Joystiq that it's growing and plans to hire hundreds this year. EA expects headcount to be up by the end of 2012.

JoystiqEA Montreal 'reorganizing some teams,' letting a 'small number' go originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsiosipadiphonelayoffsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why the future looks expensive for Super Robot Taisen and other Namco Bandai RPGs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-the-future-looks-expensive-for-super-robot-taisen-and-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-the-future-looks-expensive-for-super-robot-taisen-and-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-the-future-looks-expensive-for-super-robot-taisen-and-other/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
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It's gone largely unnoticed here in the U.S., but Namco Bandai is in the middle of a grand experiment with its Super Robot Taisen strategy RPG series (which has seen life stateside in the past thanks to Atlus USA). And if you like Japanese RPGs - or anything that's expensive to produce in general - you might want to pay attention, because this could be your future.

Namco Bandai's licensed strategy game series -- which teams mechs like Gundam with the likes of Voltron -- has been around for 20 years now, and in that time it's picked up a loyal audience. I know because I'm one of them. We were all excited because we wanted to see how the story would continue in the franchise's latest arc, which kicked off on the PS2.

But Namco Bandai, of course, had a curveball. Like the last two Harry Potter films, the SRT sequel would be split into two parts. It even released a boxed set that came with the first of the two games, a story digest recapping the event of the storyline so far, and a slot for the second game. The total price for just one of the games at launch was 7300 yen (about $90).

The rising prices go hand-in-hand with the decline of anime and domestic gaming in Japan, and the rise of piracy. Put simply, making a Super Robot Taisen game doesn't come cheap. The series has based its reputation on elaborate 2D animated sequences like this this one, which take time and money to create. And the robots touted in the title are all from well-known mecha series, which means ever higher licensing fees.

Continue reading Why the future looks expensive for Super Robot Taisen and other Namco Bandai RPGs

JoystiqWhy the future looks expensive for Super Robot Taisen and other Namco Bandai RPGs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeatlus-usanamco-bandaiplaystationpspsonysuper-robot-taisensuper-robot-warsWed, 25 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Skype, The Walking Dead, Battlefield 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/psn-tuesday-skype-the-walking-dead-battlefield-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/psn-tuesday-skype-the-walking-dead-battlefield-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/psn-tuesday-skype-the-walking-dead-battlefield-3/#comments ImageAs promised, Skype arrives on the Vita today in a free download. Tell your friends ... to download Skype so you can tell your friends. Other new PSN content arriving today includes Bejeweled 3, The Walking Dead, and retail-to-PSN releases Battlefield 3 and The Cursed Crusade, all on PS3. Demos are available for Ninja Gaiden 3, Dragon's Dogma, and The Walking Dead.

Old games available once again include PS2 Classic Red Faction (the first one) and Darkstalkers 3, and Future Cop LAPD on PSOne Classics. Find the full menu of downloadable PlayStation stuff on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Skype, The Walking Dead, Battlefield 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaps3psnpsn-tuesdaypspskypesonyvitaTue, 24 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS Plus offers free Awesomenauts, Rock of Ages, Symphony of the Night, more in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/ps-plus-offers-free-awesomenauts-rock-of-ages-symphony-of-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/ps-plus-offers-free-awesomenauts-rock-of-ages-symphony-of-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/ps-plus-offers-free-awesomenauts-rock-of-ages-symphony-of-the/#comments ImagePlayStation Plus members are going to be busy in May, frantically trying to play all of the free content that is being dumped on them. Awesomenauts, which hits PSN on May 1, will be free to PS+ users right away. It's accompanied by Trine 2 and Rock of Ages.

Two of the best PSOne Classics are being thrown in as well on May 1: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Castlevania Chronicles, a remake of the original 'Vania. Saints Row: The Third ... isn't free, but it is 20% off for Plus users when it comes to PSN May 15.

For more, including free Minis and discounts on more upcoming PSN games, check the PlayStation Blog. For the answer to the tough question of whether relatively cheap access to all these games is worth an ongoing subscription, when you know you'll lose them when your subscription lapses, check your heart.

JoystiqPS Plus offers free Awesomenauts, Rock of Ages, Symphony of the Night, more in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautscastlevania-chroniclescastlevania-symphony-of-the-nightplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps3psprock-of-agessonytrine-2vitaTue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canned Sony projects including The Getaway 3, Heavenly Sword 2 found in artist's reel, CV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/canned-sony-projects-including-the-getaway-3-heavenly-sword-2-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/canned-sony-projects-including-the-getaway-3-heavenly-sword-2-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/canned-sony-projects-including-the-getaway-3-heavenly-sword-2-f/#comments
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Former Sony lead artist Martin Binfield touched a few projects that never saw fruition, including The Getaway 3, and his showreel shows off bits of these before they were shelved. The Getaway 3 footage in Binfield's above reel is pulled from the game's E3 trailer, while canceled PS3 science-fiction and lifestyle projects demonstrate rocket-fueled space travel and the joys of being a single father, respectively.

Heavenly Sword 2 is listed on Binfield's CV as canceled in 2008. He was the character animation team lead on the first Heavenly Sword.

JoystiqCanned Sony projects including The Getaway 3, Heavenly Sword 2 found in artist's reel, CV originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcannedHeavenly-Swordheavenly-sword-2martin-binfieldplaystationps3pspsonythe-getaway-3Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: April 23-29, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/now-playing-april-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/now-playing-april-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/now-playing-april-23-29-2012/#comments Image
Revenge is a dish best served ... mutated?

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Continue reading Now Playing: April 23-29, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: April 23-29, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[ToeJam & Earl dev hiring for new Sony game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/toejam-and-earl-dev-hiring-for-new-sony-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/toejam-and-earl-dev-hiring-for-new-sony-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/toejam-and-earl-dev-hiring-for-new-sony-game/#comments ImageHumaNature Studios, the creator of ToeJam & Earl, appears to be working on a Sony-exclusive title, posts on Tech-Artists and the Gamasutra jobs board suggest. HumaNature is working on a title "directly for Sony," studio co-founder Greg Johnson writes in a head-hunting post on Tech-Artists.

Johnson describes the title as "cute and filled with quirky personality. It's also super innovative in the area of emotional AI and personality simulation. It's designed for both male and female players, and will be marketed in the US and in Japan." Whew -- finally a video game for male and female players. We were getting tired of all these games marketed to "people."

The Gamasutra job listing doesn't mention Sony specifically, but does provide more context for the game itself: "You should love games that create charming and believable, emotionally compelling simulated worlds; games like ICO, Beyond Good and Evil, Animal Crossing, Scribblenauts, LittleBigPlanet, and others."

HumaNature stresses the importance of creativity and innovation with this title, and we can't help but picture a Vita game coming out of all this creative ... stuff.

[Thanks, Jonah.]

JoystiqToeJam & Earl dev hiring for new Sony game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humanatureplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonysony-exclusivetoejam-and-earlvitaWed, 18 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Games Live announces Canadian tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/video-games-live-announces-canadian-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/video-games-live-announces-canadian-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/video-games-live-announces-canadian-tour/#comments If Scott Pilgrim vs. the World taught us anything, it's that Canadians really dig video games - so much so that they are imbued with super powers. Seemingly aware of the Great White North's vengeful, all-powerful gaming fans, Video Games Live has announced several new stops in Canada. This October and November, the orchestral game music tour will visit Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.

Ticket sales begin on Friday, April 27. The Video Games Live Twitch.tv channel will be streaming a press conference on April 25 at 9pm ET to announce specific pre-sale dates and take setlist requests from fans. Check out the VGL website for more information and the complete list of dates.

Continue reading Video Games Live announces Canadian tour

JoystiqVideo Games Live announces Canadian tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvideo-games-livevitawiixboxMon, 16 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: April 16-22, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/now-playing-april-16-22-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/now-playing-april-16-22-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/now-playing-april-16-22-2012/#comments Image
Perfect your stunt skills this week with Trials Evolution...

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Continue reading Now Playing: April 16-22, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: April 16-22, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 16 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study this Class of Heroes 2 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/study-this-class-of-heroes-2-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/study-this-class-of-heroes-2-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/study-this-class-of-heroes-2-trailer/#comments
You may want to support the continued localization and promotion of the JRPG genre in America - the overarching goal of the MonkeyPaw Games/Gaijinworks Kickstarter - but at the same time, you may not know a whole lot about the specific game being Kickstarted, Class of Heroes 2 for PSP.

The publishers have sought to provide that missing information, releasing a new trailer for the school-themed dungeon crawler. You'll see plenty of gameplay footage, along with character art for all the different in-game races - all of whom are teenagers in school uniforms.

JoystiqStudy this Class of Heroes 2 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-of-heroes-2gaijinworkskickstartermonkeypaw-gamesplaystationpspsonyFri, 13 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[March NPD: Mass Effect 3 tops sales, year-over-year decline continues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/march-npd-mass-effect-3-tops-sales-year-over-year-decline-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/march-npd-mass-effect-3-tops-sales-year-over-year-decline-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/march-npd-mass-effect-3-tops-sales-year-over-year-decline-cont/#comments The sales figures for March have arrived, and despite several major, AAA releases, software and hardware sales were still down compared to March of 2011, continuing the year-over-year declines seen in both January and February.

Total industry sales during March brought in $1.10 billion, 25 percent less than the same period in 2011. Breaking that total down further, hardware sales accounted for $323.5 million (down 35 percent) while non-PC software sales contributed $553.1 million (down 25 percent) and accessories chipped in $222.5 million (down eight percent).

March marked the Xbox 360's thirteenth consecutive month of accounting for over 40 percent of total console sales, selling 371,000 units. It was also the console's fifteenth month as best selling console, and eighth month as best selling overall hardware platform.

Predictably, Mass Effect 3 topped sales charts for the period, selling twice as well as Mass Effect 2 did during its January launch in 2010. [Update: It sold 943K on Xbox 360 alone, according to Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg.] BioWare's podium-finish was accompanied by two comparatively less expected releases, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City and MLB 12: The Show. As per usual, head on past the break for the list of March's top ten best selling titles.

Continue reading March NPD: Mass Effect 3 tops sales, year-over-year decline continues

JoystiqMarch NPD: Mass Effect 3 tops sales, year-over-year decline continues originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsmarch-2012march-NPDmicrosoftnintendoNPDpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsales-figuressonyvitawiixboxThu, 12 Apr 2012 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony expects biggest loss ever, 10K laid off; games a pillar for future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/sony-expects-biggest-loss-ever-10k-laid-off-games-a-pillar-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/sony-expects-biggest-loss-ever-10k-laid-off-games-a-pillar-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/sony-expects-biggest-loss-ever-10k-laid-off-games-a-pillar-for/#comments ImageSony announced today it would cut 10,000 jobs, approximately 6 percent of its global workforce, as it projects a loss of $6.4 billion for the fiscal year that ended in March. It will be the fourth straight year of losses for the company, which really needs to turn around its money pit TV business over the next two years.

"Sony will change. I've fully dedicated myself to changing Sony," said new CEO and President Kazuo Hirai to press today, as reported by USA Today.

Part of Hirai's turnaround efforts will be a fiscal pilates regimen, focused on strengthening the core businesses of mobile, digital imaging and gaming. The plan is for these groups to generate 70 percent of total sales for the company and 85 percent of income for the entire electronics business.

On the games front, the company plans to increase sales through PSN subscriptions and downloadable content, along with expanding the PlayStation Suite lineup and its compatible devices. For all of Sony's problems, the games division seems to be the least of its worries.

JoystiqSony expects biggest loss ever, 10K laid off; games a pillar for future originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kaz-hiraikazuo-hirailayoffsplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspSonyvitaThu, 12 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Understand Gungnir better with English screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/understand-gungnir-better-with-english-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/understand-gungnir-better-with-english-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/understand-gungnir-better-with-english-screens/#comments ImageAtlus is boldly sticking to its Gungs, advancing with its plan to release the PSP strategy RPG, Gungnir, in North America on June 12.

The publisher sent out the North American box art along with a fusillade of English screenshots, allowing you to read the array of stats, gauges, and tough decisions that populate every screen. If you've played any of Sting's other strategy games, then you know to expect words and numbers from all directions. We guess that's true of any strategy game in history, now that we think about it. Numbers just all over the place.

Gallery: Gungnir (4/11/12)

JoystiqUnderstand Gungnir better with English screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusgungnirplaystationpspsonystingWed, 11 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Skullgirls, Episodes from Liberty City, Persona 3 FES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/psn-tuesday-skullgirls-episodes-from-liberty-city-persona-3-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/psn-tuesday-skullgirls-episodes-from-liberty-city-persona-3-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/psn-tuesday-skullgirls-episodes-from-liberty-city-persona-3-f/#comments This week's content drop is live on PSN. Skullgirls is the headliner, and is joined by World Gone Sour -- a game about some candy making its way into your stomach. We're sure that thought won't give you nightmares at all.

In addition to the standalone PSN games, there's new Uncharted 3 DLC for download, Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes from Liberty City, and PS2 title Persona 3 FES. PlayStation Plus members get some free Minis: Canabalt and Defenders of the Mystic Garden.

Hit up the source link below for the full list of this week's content.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Skullgirls, Episodes from Liberty City, Persona 3 FES originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypspskullgirlssonyvitaTue, 10 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: April 9 - 15, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/now-playing-april-9-15-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/now-playing-april-9-15-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/now-playing-april-9-15-2012/#comments Image
Change your perspective and explore the mysterious 3rd Dimension this week in Fez...

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Continue reading Now Playing: April 9 - 15, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: April 9 - 15, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaxboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rethinking the JRPG protagonist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/rethinking-the-jrpg-protagonist/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/rethinking-the-jrpg-protagonist/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/rethinking-the-jrpg-protagonist/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
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It's been more than a decade now, but I'm pretty sure my favorite JRPG protagonist is Lenneth Valkyrie of Valkyrie Profile.

Lenneth stands out to me not just as a strong leading lady, but as a professional. She spends much of the game recruiting the world's most fearsome warriors, and she's not afraid to condemn those she doesn't like to the Nordic version of hell. Not even a love interest -- the comparatively wimpy Lucian -- is enough to dull her edge.

In the succeeding years since the original Valkyrie Profile, I've mostly been disappointed by the leading men and women of JRPGs. From Final Fantasy XIII's Lightning to Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria's Alicia, relatively empty archetypes have become the order of the day. It's no wonder critics are so consistently down on the genre.

I wonder though if we can't build a better JRPG protagonist ourselves, using Lenneth as a baseline. Given the opportunity, here are some other characteristics I might borrow from other JRPG heroes through the ages.

Continue reading Rethinking the JRPG protagonist

JoystiqRethinking the JRPG protagonist originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3pspsonyFri, 06 Apr 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Wheels of Destruction, I Am Alive, Canabalt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/psn-tuesday-wheels-of-destruction-i-am-alive-canabalt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/psn-tuesday-wheels-of-destruction-i-am-alive-canabalt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/psn-tuesday-wheels-of-destruction-i-am-alive-canabalt/#comments ImageSony's Spring Fever promotion brings Wheels of Destruction and discounts on various Mortal Kombat DLC, neither of which sound very "spring"-like to us. Outside of the promotion (but vaguely more appropriate giving its life-affirming title) is I Am Alive, out today on PS3.

In Minis news (yes, really) Canabalt is now available, though it doesn't show up on the Vita's PlayStation Store. Hopefully it can be transferred from PS3, because we would very much like to run and jump forever on the Vita's lovely screen.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Wheels of Destruction, I Am Alive, Canabalt originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canabalti-am-aliveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypspsonyvitawheels-of-destructionTue, 03 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: April 2 - 8, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/now-playing-april-2-8-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/now-playing-april-2-8-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/now-playing-april-2-8-2012/#comments
Get hands-on Force training this week with Kinect: Star Wars...

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Continue reading Now Playing: April 2 - 8, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: April 2 - 8, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 02 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Investment company buys Game, halting closures, firings, bankruptcy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/investment-company-buys-game-halting-closures-firings-bankrup/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/investment-company-buys-game-halting-closures-firings-bankrup/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/investment-company-buys-game-halting-closures-firings-bankrup/#comments This has been a quick time coming -- Game, the UK games retailer, slipped into a downward spiral early this year, and since the first public announcement of its money troubles in February, Game has closed almost 300 stores, stopped stocking major titles, cut 40 percent of its workforce and entered "administration," the equivalent of filing for bankruptcy.

The best outcome of these events would be for someone to step in and buy Game outright -- which is exactly what happened. Private investment company OpCapita's Baker Acquisitions Unlimited has purchased Game, bringing it out of administration and saving 3,200 jobs across a remaining 333 stores and administrative positions, Eurogamer reports.

Baker will provide Game with "the capital it needs to trade on a normalised basis" and will re-hire a small number of people fired from the Game head office last week. There are no plans to close more stores in the future, Baker said.

Game may have been bought for £1, after paying off an £85 million debt to Game's lenders, Eurogamer said.

JoystiqInvestment company buys Game, halting closures, firings, bankruptcy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsadministrationBaker-Acquisitions-Unlimitedbankruptcyboughtdsgamemicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspretailersonystorevitawiixboxSun, 01 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game on: NFL likeness lawsuit against EA moving forward]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/game-on-nfl-likeness-lawsuit-against-ea-moving-forward/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/game-on-nfl-likeness-lawsuit-against-ea-moving-forward/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/game-on-nfl-likeness-lawsuit-against-ea-moving-forward/#comments A motion filed by EA to dismiss a class-action lawsuit filed against it by 6,000 retired NFL players has failed, reports Gamasutra. As you'll recall, the players that filed the suit claimed that their likenesses were used in Madden 09 without permission or compensation. While the player's names and numbers were changed, vital and identifiable statistics were left unchanged.

Rather than argue that it in fact didn't replicate real-world players without authorization, EA's motion to dismiss postulated that Madden 09's use of player likenesses was covered by the First Amendment, and therefore did not require consent or compensation. Since this motion was denied, the case will move on to court. Plaintiffs are seeking legal fees, damages and all profits generated through the use of said plaintiffs' likenesses.

JoystiqGame on: NFL likeness lawsuit against EA moving forward originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-actionClass-actionLawsuitdsEAlawlawsuitlegalMadden-09Madden-NFL-09microsoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxSat, 31 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unchained Blades going to 3DS and PSP as a digital release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/unchained-blades-going-to-3ds-and-psp-as-a-digital-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/unchained-blades-going-to-3ds-and-psp-as-a-digital-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/unchained-blades-going-to-3ds-and-psp-as-a-digital-release/#comments
Over the weekend, we reported that XSEED was localizing Unchained Blades as a 3DS download. The publisher officially announced the title today, revealing that it's actually localizing both the 3DS and PSP versions of FuRyu's dungeon RPG, for digital release. It's an oddly fruitful day for first-person dungeon RPGs!

XSEED talked up the old-school Game Arts cred of the game, which is directed by Lunar writer Toshio Akashi and features a story by Grandia's Takashi Hino. That story involves a group of monster people ("cowardly golem prince," "medusa priestess," etc., all designed by different artists) questing to win back the transformative power of a "dragon emperor."

Gallery: Unchained Blades (3DS/PSP)

Continue reading Unchained Blades going to 3DS and PSP as a digital release

JoystiqUnchained Blades going to 3DS and PSP as a digital release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopfuryunintendoplaystationpspsonyunchained-bladesxseedWed, 28 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus PSP titles heavily discounted on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/atlus-psp-titles-heavily-discounted-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/atlus-psp-titles-heavily-discounted-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/atlus-psp-titles-heavily-discounted-on-psn/#comments If you've been looking to pick up some quality RPG goodness for your dingy old PSP or your shiny new PlayStation Vita, Atlus has a deal for you. Several deals, actually, as the niche publisher has dropped the PSN prices on nine of its role-playing games (and Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble, for some reason). Of particular note is the Persona series, with both the original Persona and Persona 3 Portable knocked down to $20 -- half the normal price -- while Persona 2 has been reduced to $30.

Head over to PlayStation Blog to check out the list of discounted titles.

JoystiqAtlus PSP titles heavily discounted on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusPersona-3-Portableplaystationplaystation-vitapsnpspsonyvitaWed, 28 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MonkeyPaw and Gaijinworks Kickstart a Class of Heroes 2 localization]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/monkeypaw-and-gaijinworks-kickstart-a-class-of-heroes-2-localiza/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/monkeypaw-and-gaijinworks-kickstart-a-class-of-heroes-2-localiza/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/monkeypaw-and-gaijinworks-kickstart-a-class-of-heroes-2-localiza/#comments MonkeyPaw Games and GaijinWorks, two companies dedicated to bringing classic Japanese games to the west, are testing the utility of Kickstarter for localization of Japanese games, with the most random test subject imaginable.

Class of Heroes 2 is a sequel to a PSP dungeon crawler released here by Atlus in 2009. Like the original, it's a game about first-person, turn-based dungeon battling. The two companies plan to release it digitally -- but also, for supporters, in a crazy physical limited edition that promises to outpace any of the giant boxes sold by Ireland's former company, Working Designs.

Bonuses in this Deluxe Pack include a custom box, a soundtrack, and other secret items that are still being prototyped. In addition to this, Kickstarter rewards include lapel pins, posters, plushes, pocket watches, and music boxes. Higher-level backers get things like trips to LA to go to E3 and meet with the team, and in-game credits in the placement of their choice.

The Kickstarter is designed not to sell the game, but to fund both the digital and physical releases. "Our Kickstarter project is designed to allow fans that plan to download it digitally to support the game now," the companies explain, "helping it reach the funding threshold and expand the scope and depth of localization for BOTH the digital and physical releases." If successful, the companies hope to localize other Class of Heroes releases as well. "So if you're along for the whole ride, you'll eventually have a line of awesome Class of Heroes games on your shelf."

JoystiqMonkeyPaw and Gaijinworks Kickstart a Class of Heroes 2 localization originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquireclass-of-heroes-2gaijinworkskickstartermonkeypaw-gamesplaystationpspsonyWed, 28 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Closure, final week of Spring Fever sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/psn-tuesday-closure-final-week-of-spring-fever-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/psn-tuesday-closure-final-week-of-spring-fever-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/psn-tuesday-closure-final-week-of-spring-fever-sale/#comments Headlining this week's PlayStation Store update is Closure, the winner of the 2012 Indie Game Challenge at DICE. It's joined by PS Vita game Supremacy MMA and the free video editing app, PlayMemories Studio.

This is the final week of the Spring Fever sale, so if you're looking to snag some Tom Clancy games on the cheap just about all of 'em are on sale. Hit the source link for the full list of this week's goodies.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Closure, final week of Spring Fever sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closuremoveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypspsonyspring-fever-2012vitaTue, 27 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST