Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile DLC announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/serious-sam-3-jewel-of-the-nile-dlc-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/serious-sam-3-jewel-of-the-nile-dlc-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/serious-sam-3-jewel-of-the-nile-dlc-announced/#comments Serious Sam 3 Jewel of the Nile DLC announcedDevolver Digital announced DLC for Serious Sam 3: BFE today by the name of Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile. The DLC features three new missions set in the middle of the game's storyline, in which Sam explores the Temple of Isis on the island of Philae.

Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile will launch on PC in October 2012 for a currently unannounced price. Check out our gallery of the DLC below!

Gallery: Serious Sam 3: BFE (Jewel of the Nile DLC)

Continue reading Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile DLC announced

JoystiqSerious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile DLC announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CroTeamdevolver-digitalDLCpcserious-samserious-sam-3serious-sam-3-bfeMon, 09 Jul 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LucasArts hiring for unannounced FPS project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/lucasarts-hiring-for-unannounced-fps-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/lucasarts-hiring-for-unannounced-fps-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/lucasarts-hiring-for-unannounced-fps-project/#comments LucasArts hiring for unannounced FPS projectLucasArts recently posted multiple openings for a team dedicated to an unknown first-person shooter game. One job description, that of the Senior Core Engineer position, listed the task of implementing "features and optimizations on current and Future Generation console and PC hardware." Still, it might be a stretch to assume that the finished product will land on any next-gen consoles.

The company posted four total positions to its recruiting page related to the FPS title: Senior AI Engineer, Senior Animator, Senior Core Engineer, and Gameplay Engineer, the last of which requires proficiency in Unreal Engine 3 and UnrealScript.

JoystiqLucasArts hiring for unannounced FPS project originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsfuture-generationhiringLucasArtsMon, 09 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCAA Football 13 review: Heisman pose]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/ncaa-football-13-review-heisman-pose/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/ncaa-football-13-review-heisman-pose/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/ncaa-football-13-review-heisman-pose/#comments NCAA Football 13 reviewEA Sports' latest in the NCAA Football series pays tribute to Heisman Trophy winners of the past. One name that stands out is quarterback Matt Leinart, former USC great and current NFL flop. Leinart's college career was magnificent, but he's since struggled at the professional level and has already landed with his third NFL team since he was drafted in 2006. By all accounts, his moment in the sun is sometimes overshadowed by his moments on the bench in recent years.

NCAA Football 13 is just that, a "Matt Leinart" of sports games; there's much to celebrate and much to despise.

Gallery: NCAA Football 13 (E3 2012)

Continue reading NCAA Football 13 review: Heisman pose

JoystiqNCAA Football 13 review: Heisman pose originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmicrosoftncaa-football-13playstationps3xboxMon, 09 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, June 25 - July 1: Grim Fandango edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/stiq-figures-june-25-july-1-grim-fandango-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/stiq-figures-june-25-july-1-grim-fandango-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/stiq-figures-june-25-july-1-grim-fandango-edition/#comments Welcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter. Every week, we take a look at, uh, something - meanwhile, the previous week's Japanese hardware sales figures are posted after the jump, and a discussion of said figures takes place in our comments. It may not be conventional, but it's a time-honored Joystiq tradition.
Stiq Figures, June 25 July 1 Grim Fandango edition

Before Tim Schafer hit the jackpot in a Kickstarter campaign, he had a storied career as a designer for games such as Grim Fandango, a 1998 LucasArts adventure title for PC. The game, as seen above, follows the hilarious and creative journey of Manny Calavera, a travel agent uncovering corruption in the Land of the Dead.

Grim Fandango borrows distinct style elements of film noir, which explains why many of the characters in the game smoke cigarettes. Interestingly enough, Schafer and company address the dirty habit in a footnote in the game's manual, seemingly to put the minds of players and parents at ease:

"For those who are disturbed by the amount of smoking in Grim Fandango, we offer two reasons: 1) we wanted to be true to the film noir atmosphere, and 2) everybody in the game who smokes is DEAD. Think about it."

Continue reading Stiq Figures, June 25 - July 1: Grim Fandango edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, June 25 - July 1: Grim Fandango edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JapaneseHardwareSalesstiqfiguresSun, 08 Jul 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: War of the Roses beta now open for registration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/psa-war-of-the-roses-beta-now-open-for-registration/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/psa-war-of-the-roses-beta-now-open-for-registration/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/psa-war-of-the-roses-beta-now-open-for-registration/#comments War of the Roses is now open for beta registration, Paradox Interactive recently announced. The medieval combat game for PC went through a private alpha stage before hitting its beta test period, with the full game set to launch in Q3 2012.

Those interested in signing up for the beta program can do so here. The entry form notes that by referring five friends to the program, you are guaranteed access to the beta version of the game.

Show full PR text
Paradox Lowers The Drawbridge For Beta Testing War of the Roses
Medieval Multiplayer Accepting Applications for Early Access

NEW YORK - July 6, 2012 - Paradox Interactive and Fatshark announced that, after recently completing a successful closed alpha, sign-ups for a chance to participate in beta testing for upcoming medieval multiplayer combat title War of the Roses has now opened to the public. Starting today, players can enroll to be a Knight in the King's army and help restore order to England by visiting the following link: http://www.waroftherosesthegame.com/

When signing up to guarantee their access to enter the beta, future knights will obtain a unique referrer URL from the King that can be shared across social media channels. When five friends use this player-specific link to sign up for the beta, the player who is linked to the URL will be granted a secure spot in the beta.

JoystiqPSA: War of the Roses beta now open for registration originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaFatSharkparadoxParadox-Interactivepcpsawar-of-the-rosesSun, 08 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Portal gun doesn't have enough features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/lego-portal-gun-doesnt-have-enough-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/lego-portal-gun-doesnt-have-enough-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/lego-portal-gun-doesnt-have-enough-features/#comments LEGO Portal gun doesn't have enough features
This Portal gun model created out of LEGO bricks features movable prongs and a few lights. The creator of this slick model, a Minneapolis LEGO Store employee seen in the video above, says it took a few weeks to build the gun after designing it for over a year. Sadly, the gun doesn't shoot adorable brick portals for minifigures to pass through.

Knowing that nearly 8,000 people want a Portal-themed LEGO set, Valve should definitely understand that a LEGO Portal game needs to be a reality.

JoystiqLEGO Portal gun doesn't have enough features originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LEGOlego-portalportalportal-2portal-gunSun, 08 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMOFPS Survarium gets new screens, story details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/mmofps-survarium-gets-new-screens-story-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/mmofps-survarium-gets-new-screens-story-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/mmofps-survarium-gets-new-screens-story-details/#comments MMOFPS Survarium gets new screens, story details
Vostok Games, composed of developers from the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, elaborates on its coming free-to-play MMOFPS Survarium in a new developer diary video. The game is set in the near future, after a "mass-scale ecological catastrophe" leaves Earth a wasteland.

As seen above, the video details the five skills that players level up by completing faction missions. Survarium will require a constant connection to the Internet and will not include a single player mode. The game is expected to launch on PC at the end of 2013, just a few years before the world goes to hell (according to Survarium, of course).

Gallery: Survarium (First screens)

JoystiqMMOFPS Survarium gets new screens, story details originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diaryfree-to-playmmofpspcStalkerSurvariumvostokvostok-gamesSun, 08 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: How Homefront's developer crumbled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/how-homefronts-developer-crumbled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/how-homefronts-developer-crumbled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/how-homefronts-developer-crumbled/#comments The slow demise of Kaos Studios leading up to its June 2011 closure has been attributed to poor management and a misallocation of resources, according to conversations anonymous ex-staff members had with Gamasutra. One of the Homefront developers believed THQ's "plan was to close the studio regardless."

Management issues reportedly stemmed from inexperienced team members leading more qualified peers during Homefront's development. One ex-staff member said the studio "had this level of leads with tons and tons of experience, and you had the directors with much less." Those directors "didn't listen to the very talented team they hired."

Former THQ Executive VP of Core Games Danny Bilson was also the target of former team members' frustrations. Ex-staffers spoke of Bilson's heavy involvement in Homefront's development and his tendency to "hand out mandates on high and then disappear," adding that "he's not qualified to talk about game mechanics."

We've contacted THQ for comment on this story.

JoystiqReport: How Homefront's developer crumbled originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Danny-Bilsonhomefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxSun, 08 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne Mobile update adds iCloud support, tweaks controls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/max-payne-mobile-update-adds-icloud-support-tweaks-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/max-payne-mobile-update-adds-icloud-support-tweaks-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/max-payne-mobile-update-adds-icloud-support-tweaks-controls/#comments A recent update for the iOS version of Max Payne Mobile added cloud saving support via Apple's iCloud service. Additionally, players will now be able to move while shooting by using the virtual right analog stick. The game's iCloud integration allows for "seamless progression" across multiple iOS devices.

The Android version of Max Payne Mobile hasn't been updated yet to reflect the new control options. Both versions are available on their respective marketplaces for $2.99.

JoystiqMax Payne Mobile update adds iCloud support, tweaks controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>icloudiosipadiphonemax-paynemax-payne-mobilemobileupdateSun, 08 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is building a dynasty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-building-a-dynasty/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-building-a-dynasty/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-building-a-dynasty/#comments

I'm addicted to NCAA Football 13's Dynasty mode. Granted, you'll hear all about it when our review of the game goes up early next week, but something occurred to me while I was indulging in the game's fairly deep recruiting process: I love side quests and meta-games.

While the root of NCAA 13 is the game's on-field football action, players are destined to spend more time meticulously building a star-studded roster of young talent for their school in Dynasty mode. Playing "GM" in sports games can be a fun, strategic time sink, but finding joy outside of a game's primary source of action isn't limited to this genre.

In fact, when I think back to my time spent in my favorite PlayStation RPGs, Final Fantasy VII/VIII and Star Ocean: The Second Story, I recall my favorite moments in racing chocobos, engaging in card game battles and combining materials to make weapons. The argument can be made that any single game isn't necessarily based around one type of play mechanic.

This also means that as video games continue to evolve, facets of each one could click with players in an exciting and varying way, making it less realistic for players to expect their peers to experience games the same way they do. Since not every artist creates their work for the same "purposes" then, we encourage you to check out last week's batch of webcomics to find what you connect with and vote for your favorite after the break!

A Game of Skyrim Tag (Dorkly)
Toilet Science (The Gamercat)
Rabbit Rock-Out! (Life in Aggro)
Evo Time (Nerf NOW!!)
Cold Dead Hands (Virtual Shackles)
Ship Parts (Brawl in the Family)
Ionosphere (Penny Arcade)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is building a dynasty

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup is building a dynasty originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSat, 07 Jul 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Teaser site reveals High Moon-developed 'Hit Monkey']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/teaser-site-reveals-high-moon-developed-hit-monkey/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/teaser-site-reveals-high-moon-developed-hit-monkey/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/teaser-site-reveals-high-moon-developed-hit-monkey/#comments Teaser site reveals High Moon and Marveldeveloped 'Hit Monkey'A teaser site for a game by the name Hit Monkey surfaced recently, and listed High Moon Studios, Marvel, and Activision on the project set to launch in 2013.

The Hit-Monkey series of comics from Marvel, the obvious source material for the game, dates back to 2010. "Bullets will fly, killers will die...and a soulful simian will, for the first time, don his trademark suit and tie," the description of the first comic reads.

Using advanced powers of deduction, we think Hit Monkey might be the game Activision and High Moon Studios plan to announce at the Marvel Video Games panel at San Diego Comic Con. Maybe.

JoystiqTeaser site reveals High Moon-developed 'Hit Monkey' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionhigh-moonhigh-moon-studioshit-monkeyMarvelSat, 07 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead Season 2 insinuated by Telltale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/the-walking-dead-season-2-insinuated-by-telltale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/the-walking-dead-season-2-insinuated-by-telltale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/the-walking-dead-season-2-insinuated-by-telltale/#comments

Telltale confirmed that more games in its The Walking Dead series will be developed after the launch of the fifth and final episode in the current season.

The company's Senior VP of Marketing Steve Allison said the "first episodic game series based on The Walking Dead has sold nearly 1.7 million episodes to consumers in just our first 8 weeks with no signs of slowing down," in a statement to Polygon. Telltale plans on launching the third episode of its current The Walking Dead season in August.

Allison added, "Following the digital release of our fifth episode we will also be coming to North American retail shortly thereafter and this will not be the last The Walking Dead game series that we do."

JoystiqThe Walking Dead Season 2 insinuated by Telltale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3TelltaleTellTale-Gamesthe-walking-deadxboxSat, 07 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Worms Revolution dev diary explains landscape models, water physics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/worms-revolution-dev-diary-explains-landscape-models-water-phys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/worms-revolution-dev-diary-explains-landscape-models-water-phys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/worms-revolution-dev-diary-explains-landscape-models-water-phys/#comments Worms Revolution dev diary explains landscape models, water physics
The latest developer diary video from Team 17 for Worms: Revolution has Lead Programmer Ian Lindsey explaining the game's dynamic water physics and environments. The game will head to PC, XBLA, and PSN in Q3 2012.

JoystiqWorms Revolution dev diary explains landscape models, water physics originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3PSNteam-17team-17-softwareWormsworms-revolutionXBLAxboxSat, 07 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Documenting the changes in Mass Effect 3's Extended Cut DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/cataloguing-the-changes-in-mass-effect-3s-extended-cut-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/cataloguing-the-changes-in-mass-effect-3s-extended-cut-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/cataloguing-the-changes-in-mass-effect-3s-extended-cut-dlc/#comments Following the launch of the long-anticipated Extended Cut DLC for Mass Effect 3, we ran through the original and updated endings a few times to note some of the differences between the two. For those of you unable to access a convenient autosave or play through the game again, we've written up a summary of the differences between the new versions of the endings and the originals, which you can find after the break.

We won't ruin all the fun for players, but the following definitely contains major spoilers for the ending of Mass Effect 3.

Continue reading Documenting the changes in Mass Effect 3's Extended Cut DLC

JoystiqDocumenting the changes in Mass Effect 3's Extended Cut DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcextended-cutmass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxThu, 05 Jul 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, June 18 - 24: Crash n' Burn edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/stiq-figures-june-18-24-crash-n-burn-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/stiq-figures-june-18-24-crash-n-burn-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/stiq-figures-june-18-24-crash-n-burn-edition/#comments Welcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter. Every week, we take a look at, uh, something - meanwhile, the previous week's Japanese hardware sales figures are posted after the jump, and a discussion of said figures takes place in our comments. It may not be conventional, but it's a time-honored Joystiq tradition.

Stiq Figures, June 18 24 Crash n' Burn edition

Just a few short weeks ago, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said he was "skeptical" of Nintendo's upcoming Wii U console. However, he did note that in regards to console launches, "if you get it right, it's a terrific time to launch a new IP."

Eighteen years ago, Strauss Zelnick would have likely agreed with himself that launching a new IP on a new console was a good bet. At the time, Zelnick was CEO of Crystal Dynamics, a company that placed a significant amount of resources in Panasonic's 3DO video game console. In a February 1994 interview with the New York Times, Zelnick said that "one of the benefits of getting in early in the 32-bit environment is we have been able to achieve a position of market dominance, which has been quite profitable for us, not a disappointment."

This was prior to Zelnick leaving Crystal Dynamics after the 3DO system launch was deemed a massive failure. One of the company's games that released for 3DO was Crash n' Burn (seen above), a combative racing title akin to the Twisted Metal series. Zelnick said Crash n' Burn "stops short of graphic violence," when asked about violence in video games.

He added that "every editor, and I consider myself an editor, has a responsibility to society, and I realize that our games are sold to kids." Years later, Zelnick would become CEO of Take-Two, which is responsible for the Grand Theft Auto, Manhunt, and BioShock series of games.

Continue reading Stiq Figures, June 18 - 24: Crash n' Burn edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, June 18 - 24: Crash n' Burn edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JapaneseHardwareSalesstiqfiguresSun, 01 Jul 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Potential OnLive integration in Sony Internet player]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/potential-onlive-integration-in-sony-internet-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/potential-onlive-integration-in-sony-internet-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/potential-onlive-integration-in-sony-internet-player/#comments Potential OnLive integration in Sony Bluray playerSony's Internet Player with Google TV lists "OnLive Gaming Controller/USB dongle" as compatible with the streaming device, according to its hardware product page. OnLive has yet to announce any partnership with Sony, though the addition of OnLive controller compatibility infers (but doesn't confirm) support of the service in this product.

While categorized with the company's Blu-ray player offerings, the Internet Player with Google TV doesn't appear to support the standard hi-def disc format. The inclusion of OnLive in a Google TV player doesn't come as a huge surprise either, as OnLive planned to bring its service to all Google TV devices, Engadget reported back in January.

Additionally, OnLive recently popped up on Vizio's Co-Star, which means in streaming device terms, it gets around.

JoystiqPotential OnLive integration in Sony Internet player originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>google-tvinternet-playerOnLiveonlive-game-serviceSONYstreamingSun, 01 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection just wants to dance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-just-wants-to-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-just-wants-to-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-just-wants-to-dance/#comments
This trailer for Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection shows just how fun it is to let loose and dance. It's also a warning that busting moves instead of skulls won't help you survive the zombie apocalypse.

JoystiqResident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection just wants to dance originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancingjust-dancemoveplaystationps3PSNresident-evilresident-evil-chronicles-hd-collectiontrailerSun, 01 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Collection spotted for PC, launching July 17 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-collection-spotted-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-collection-spotted-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-collection-spotted-for-pc/#comments Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic Collection coming to PC July 17It appears an as-yet-unannounced Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Collection will launch on July 17, according to a GameStop listing. We called a store representative and confirmed that a KOTOR collection is in their system, and is listed as a PC-exclusive title for $20.

The first game in the series (developed by BioWare) was released to critical acclaim in July 2003 for Xbox, and later for PC. KOTOR came to Mac via Steam just a few months ago. Obsidian developed the game's sequel, which launched on Xbox in December 2004.

We've reached out to LucasArts for more details on the collection.

Update: The game is listed on Amazon as Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic I and II PC Bundle Pack, and is available for preorder. We are still confirming details with LucasArts.

Thanks for keeping those eagle eyes sharp!

[Thanks, Josh!]

JoystiqStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Collection spotted for PC, launching July 17 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectionkotorLucasArtspcstar-wars-collectionstar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicstar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-collectionSun, 01 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is vaguely in love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-vaguely-in-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-vaguely-in-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-vaguely-in-love/#comments Wrapup devotees might notice that this week's post is a day late. That would be inexcusable if I weren't celebrating the love two of my best friends share at a their joint bachelor party (which involved relaxing on a boat for a lengthy period of time followed up by a baseball game). Apologies to our readers, but love conquers all.

I wish there were a great way to convey this in video game form. Lust and infatuation are fairly common in video games, but what about true love? Some JRPGs approach the matter in an intriguing way, where the bonds between teammates grow stronger as their adventure intensifies. But is it love? I get the impression that some of the emotions shown are vague, fleeting fits of joy that lack the depth of true love.

Love is a difficult emotion to get across in games, as players can only be told about the feelings shared by characters. Without really "feeling" and understanding that connection themselves, players don't get the full effect of witnessing something powerful and honest. To me, that means it's more than likely these games exist, but are also dependent on other factors to make that emotion shine. Maybe more characters need to invite the player to celebrate their love firsthand. That means we need more parties on boats in video games.

I encourage you to show last week's webcomics a little love, and then vote for your favorite after the break!

Beleaguered (Awkward Zombie)
Magic 2k13 (Legacy Control)
Abobo (Magical Game Time)
Form of: Flying Potato Squid! (Manly Guys Doing Manly Things)
Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe (Blow the Cartridge)
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 (GG-Guys)
Innovation (Penny Arcade)
Welcome to the Neighborhood (Virtual Shackles)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is vaguely in love

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup is vaguely in love originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSun, 01 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nathan Drake is the devil in this spoof on respawning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/nathan-drake-is-the-devil-in-this-spoof-on-respawning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/nathan-drake-is-the-devil-in-this-spoof-on-respawning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/nathan-drake-is-the-devil-in-this-spoof-on-respawning/#comments
A new video from the Fat Awesome Films YouTube channel shows just how bad the bad guys have it (really bad). It might make you feel bad for the bad guys, and not so bad for Nathan Drake, who is the devil.

JoystiqNathan Drake is the devil in this spoof on respawning originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-guysfat-awesome-filmsnathan-drakespoofsSun, 01 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us revamps loyalty rewards program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/toys-r-us-revamps-loyalty-rewards-program/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/toys-r-us-revamps-loyalty-rewards-program/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/toys-r-us-revamps-loyalty-rewards-program/#comments Toys R Us' loyalty program will undergo a few changes starting July 1, as announced in a press release today. The Rewards "R" Us system rewards buyers with points for each dollar spent online and in stores. Points no longer expire in the revised system, and there are no more exclusive periods of time (like holidays) where points cannot be earned.

In the new program, every dollar spent on entertainment products (such as video games) is rewarded with one point. Members receive a $5 certificate every time they reach 500 points earned.

To put that into perspective, rewards program members get $5 in "R"Us reward money for purchasing 17 Nintendo DS games at $30 apiece. Totally worth it, right?

Continue reading Toys R Us revamps loyalty rewards program

JoystiqToys R Us revamps loyalty rewards program originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>loyalty-programpointsrewards-programrewards-r-ustoys-r-usThu, 28 Jun 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports partners with UCF to create Innovation Lab program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/ea-sports-partners-with-ucf-to-create-innovation-lab-program/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/ea-sports-partners-with-ucf-to-create-innovation-lab-program/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/ea-sports-partners-with-ucf-to-create-innovation-lab-program/#comments EA Sports partners with UCF to create Innovation Lab program

EA Sports partnered with the University of Central Florida's FIEA (Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy) to create an "innovation lab" for students to work on projects in the games industry. EA Sports will offer additional internships for students, in which they will work on "the latest products for the latest platforms, using the latest tools and technologies."

"By establishing pipelines directly into existing Orlando-based digital media businesses, including our local EA SPORTS studio, EA-Tiburon, we can keep creating jobs in the state of Florida," EA Sports VP and COO Daryl Holt said in the announcement.

Florida Governor Rick Scott echoed Holt's sentiments. "Preparing Florida students for high-tech jobs, along with our state's competitive economic incentives, gives Florida an advantage over other states and ensures high-value businesses open their doors in our state, instead of somewhere else," he said.

The relationship between EA Sports and FIEA dates back to March 2005, when former EA VP and COO Ben Noel became the executive director of the academic program.

JoystiqEA Sports partners with UCF to create Innovation Lab program originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-noeldaryl-holtEA-Sportsea-tiburonfieaflorida-interactive-entertainment-academyrick-scottucfuniversity-of-central-floridaThu, 28 Jun 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 'Leviathan' is coming in future Mass Effect 3 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/rumor-leviathan-is-coming-in-future-mass-effect-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/rumor-leviathan-is-coming-in-future-mass-effect-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/rumor-leviathan-is-coming-in-future-mass-effect-3-dlc/#comments It feels like it was only yesterday that Mass Effect 3 producer Mike Gamble teased a new installment of DLC for the final game in BioWare's epic trilogy (oh wait, it was). Rather than wait for official word, some crafty folks from the BioWare Social Network cracked open the Mass Effect 3's Extended Cut DLC and found a file that may shed light on upcoming content for the game. Reportedly, what they found makes reference to a character by the name of "Leviathan."

While the file in question didn't describe Commander Shepard summoning an enormous water serpent to his crew's aid (we wish!), it noted that Leviathan is a traitorous Reaper that indoctrinated a Batarian colony for an entire decade.

Whether details on this DLC pack are legitimate remains to be seen. As always, we advise taking leaks like this with a grain of red sand. Joystiq has contacted BioWare to get their side of the quest line.

JoystiqRumor: 'Leviathan' is coming in future Mass Effect 3 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batarianDLCextended-cutextended-cut-dlcLeviathanmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rumorxboxWed, 27 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Pong Tournament' among finalists in Atari Pong development challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/pong-tournament-among-finalists-in-atari-pong-development-chal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/pong-tournament-among-finalists-in-atari-pong-development-chal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/pong-tournament-among-finalists-in-atari-pong-development-chal/#comments Atari announces indie finalists in Pong challenge
The finalists in Atari's iOS Pong Indie Developer Challenge have been announced, and all seven game submissions look suspiciously like variations of Pong. The finalists in the competition are PegPeg's Retro Pong, Delusions' Pong Tournament 2012, Island Officials' Pong EVO, Fishbowl Productions' Pong 4033, zGames' Pong World, Eppy Games' Fong, and Mad Ruse Games' Pong Tournament.

The first-place team wins $50,000, the second-place team gets $37,500, third place gets $15,000, and the rest of the finalists automatically win $5,000 and a long-term publishing agreement with Atari to split revenue on the finished apps.

In January, Atari claimed copyright infringement on "hundreds" of games on the iOS App Store, as part of the company's plan to "vigorously protect its intellectual property."

Final submissions to the challenge are now being put to a public vote, with the winning game set to be announced on August 2. One of the submissions, Pong Tournament by Mad Ruse Games, can be viewed above.

Joystiq'Pong Tournament' among finalists in Atari Pong development challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atariindie-challengeiosipadiphonemobilepongWed, 27 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs receives adults-only rating in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/sleeping-dogs-receives-adults-only-rating-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/sleeping-dogs-receives-adults-only-rating-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/sleeping-dogs-receives-adults-only-rating-in-japan/#comments Sleeping Dogs, the upcoming Hong Kong-based gritty action title from Square Enix received a Z rating from the Japanese rating organization CERO (the equivalent of an AO rating from the ESRB). As a result, the game will be modified for Japanese audiences, particularly to penalize players for attacking civilians, according to CVG.

Additionally, a sex scene in the game will be softened, and the game won't include a character that signals the start of a street race. Z-rated games in Japan are not displayed on store shelves, so buyers will have to ask for the game by name at retail store counters (much like the Xbox 360 version of No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise). The practice of adapting a game for Japanese audiences isn't uncommon, as THQ's Homefront shipped without Kim Jong-il images in 2011.

Sleeping Dogs received a Mature rating from the ESRB, and is set to launch on August 14 in North America.

JoystiqSleeping Dogs receives adults-only rating in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adult-onlycerocero-zHong-Kongmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsSquare-EnixxboxWed, 27 Jun 2012 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[How to cut to Mass Effect 3's 'Extended Cut' even sooner]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/how-to-cut-to-mass-effect-3s-extended-cut-even-sooner/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/how-to-cut-to-mass-effect-3s-extended-cut-even-sooner/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/how-to-cut-to-mass-effect-3s-extended-cut-even-sooner/#comments While BioWare said that loading a save file that places Commander Shepard roughly two missions before the actual ending of Mass Effect 3 is necessary to experience the Extended Cut downloadable content, players can view the new ending of the game even more quickly.

To cut out the middleman (and potentially any fresh content included in the missions prior to the end of the game), players who have completed the game can load up an auto-save that zips Shepard to the end of the game, labeled (spoilers!) "Citadel: The Return." Again, while you might miss added scenes during the final missions in the game, you'll go straight to all the explanatory stuff at the end.

It's worth noting that we performed this act of trickery on Xbox 360, so we can't confirm that this works on PS3 or PC just yet.

JoystiqHow to cut to Mass Effect 3's 'Extended Cut' even sooner originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>extended-cutextended-cut-dlcmass-effectmass-effect-3ME3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 26 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, June 11 - 17: Play it loud edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/stiq-figures-june-11-17-play-it-loud-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/stiq-figures-june-11-17-play-it-loud-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/stiq-figures-june-11-17-play-it-loud-edition/#comments Welcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter. Every week, we take a look at, uh, something - meanwhile, the previous week's Japanese hardware sales figures are posted after the jump, and a discussion of said figures takes place in our comments. It may not be conventional, but it's a time-honored Joystiq tradition.
Stiq Figures, June 11 17 Play it loud edition

Nintendo announced a new, much larger 3DS system this week, the Nintendo 3DS XL. For North America, the system will come in red and blue. The announcement was informative, but also boring. Nintendo has never shied away from flooding the market with colorful systems, but there was once a time when they did it with charisma.

That time was during their "Play it Loud!" marketing campaign of the mid-90's. Nintendo showed its edgy side when advertising a variety of colored Game Boy systems. Commercials showed rebellious kids giving each other wedgies between skateboarding sessions, all set to Butthole Surfers tunes. Nintendo even suggested that kids should "give the world a wedgie." It was chaos, and it was awesome.

Maybe we're stuck in the 90's, but who wouldn't want to play today's games as loud as the commercial seen above?

Continue reading Stiq Figures, June 11 - 17: Play it loud edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, June 11 - 17: Play it loud edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Japanese-Hardware-Salesstiqfigureswedgie-fils-aimeSun, 24 Jun 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario crossover developer launches Super Retro Squad Kickstarter project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/mario-crossover-developer-launches-super-retro-squad-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/mario-crossover-developer-launches-super-retro-squad-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/mario-crossover-developer-launches-super-retro-squad-kickstarter/#comments Mario crossover developer launches Super Retro Squad Kickstarter projectExploding Rabbit, the development team behind Super Mario Bros. Crossover, recently hopped on the Kickstarter train to seek funding for its next game, Super Retro Squad. The game shares the 2D platforming qualities of the aforementioned crossover game, but uses original art and music this time around.

The game will feature "40+ levels that will be spanned across 8 worlds," and each world will be "based on one of the characters, so there will be plenty of variety found in the environments and enemies." The project also aims to include equipment and character upgrading, as well as hidden items in levels that can only be found with specific characters.

A $15 pledge to the project earns fans a digital copy of the game upon its tentative March 2013 release for Mac, PC, Linux, Android, and iOS. Super Retro Squad will be fully funded if it reaches the $10k mark by July 19.

[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]

JoystiqMario crossover developer launches Super Retro Squad Kickstarter project originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d-platformerandroidexploding-rabbitiosipadiphonemacmobilepcPlatformingsuper-mario-bros-crossoversuper-mario-bros-crossover-2super-retro-squadSun, 24 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Tactics developer snags social studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/mechwarrior-tactics-developer-snags-social-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/mechwarrior-tactics-developer-snags-social-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/mechwarrior-tactics-developer-snags-social-studio/#comments MechWarrior Tactics developer snags social studioRoadhouse Interactive, developers of MechWarrior Tactics, recently announced the acquisition of social game developer Embassy Interactive in a press release. Now known as Roadhouse Game Studios, the newly-obtained Vancouver team "will focus on new product development for Facebook, smartphones and tablets."

Embassy Interactive developed the UFC Undisputed Fight Night game for Facebook and Tangram Puzzle Pro for iOS.

Continue reading MechWarrior Tactics developer snags social studio

JoystiqMechWarrior Tactics developer snags social studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionembassy-interactiveroadhouseroadhouse-game-studiosroadhouse-interactivesocial-gamesSun, 24 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project X Zone has more than 200 characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/project-x-zone-has-more-than-200-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/project-x-zone-has-more-than-200-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/project-x-zone-has-more-than-200-characters/#comments The Capcom, Sega, and Namco 3DS crossover game Project X Zone will feature over 200 characters, according to a post on the game's official blog, as translated by Andriasang. This number refers to a combination of allies and enemies, and doesn't account for event scene-only characters, all of which will reportedly come from franchises spanning the three brands.

Project X Zone is being developed by Nintendo-owned Monolith Soft, which created the spiritual precursor to the game for PS2, Namco X Capcom.

JoystiqProject X Zone has more than 200 characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCapcomMonolithmonolith-softNamcoNamco-Bandainintendoproject-x-zoneSegaSun, 24 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fez patch pulled by Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/fez-patch-pulled-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/fez-patch-pulled-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/fez-patch-pulled-by-microsoft/#comments A recent patch for Fez that fixed exploits but also corrupted save files was pulled from Xbox Live by Microsoft, according to an update on developer Polytron's blog. The issues caused by the title update could potentially be resolved by clearing the Xbox 360 cache, though now new players shouldn't be affected.

We reached out to Polytron for comment, and were told the developer will "have more details as we work things out with [Microsoft] after the weekend."

JoystiqFez patch pulled by Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fezmicrosoftpatchpolytronpolytron-corporationtitle-updateXBLAxboxSun, 24 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NHL 13 to feature Flyers' Giroux on cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/nhl-13-to-feature-flyers-giroux-on-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/nhl-13-to-feature-flyers-giroux-on-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/nhl-13-to-feature-flyers-giroux-on-cover/#comments NHL 13 to feature Flyers' Giroux on coverClaude Giroux was declared the winner of the NHL 13 cover vote, and was announced as the game's featured cover athlete earlier this week by EA Sports. The Philadelphia Flyers forward beat Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne to win the cover tournament.

This was the first cover vote for the NHL series, which EA Sports said resulted in over 26 million votes. Unlike the Madden cover votes in the past, tournament voting was hosted directly on the league's website, underscoring the sense of value both the NHL and players have for the opportunity to grace the cover of the game.

NHL 13 will launch September 11 in North America for Xbox 360 and PS3, and September 14 in Europe.

JoystiqNHL 13 to feature Flyers' Giroux on cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>claude-girouxcover-athletecover-voteflyershockeymicrosoftnhl-13philedelphia-flyersplaystationps3xboxSun, 24 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is fully kick-started]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-fully-kick-started/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-fully-kick-started/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-fully-kick-started/#comments By now, everyone knows what Kickstarter is. Crowd-funded video games are all the rage nowadays, and unsurprisingly, I've found that some gamers are sick of reading about them.

Let's take a moment to appreciate just how wonderful crowd-funded gaming is. When indie developers take to Kickstarter to fund their projects, the relationship between the consumer and producer is a personal one. Players can pay up-front for developers to create expressive content free from any potential ties a publisher could bestow on said creators. A crowd-funded game creates a clear path of communication between producers and players, cutting out the middle-man.

Better yet, funding projects also shines a spotlight on individual designers. The intimate feeling of the crowd-funded indie scene results in talented developers being rewarded for their work. Personally, I'd rather know an artist by name than shake my fist at a monolithic company. There are some amazing video game projects in the crowd-funding space right now, and many could be considered "risky" by the industry's standards. Supporting the crowd-funding initiative might be just as important as supporting the games themselves.

I encourage you to support our featured webcomic artists by checking out last week's comics and voting for your favorite after the break!

Survive (Ctrl+Alt+Del)
Battletoads 2013 (No Line of Sight)
Going Bananas (The Gamercat)
Nintendo Fun Club (Magical Game Time)
Drop on in (Virtual Shackles)
Dichotomy (Penny Arcade)
Great Debate (Legacy Control)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is fully kick-started

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup is fully kick-started originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSat, 23 Jun 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ringbow Kickstarter project puts a D-pad on your finger]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/ringbow-kickstarter-project-puts-a-pad-on-your-finger/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/ringbow-kickstarter-project-puts-a-pad-on-your-finger/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/ringbow-kickstarter-project-puts-a-pad-on-your-finger/#comments Ringbow Kickstarter project puts a Dpad on your fingerA mobile gaming peripheral by the name of "Ringbow" hit Kickstarter recently. The bluetooth-enabled device features a D-pad on its surface, potentially solving the "pesky touchscreen D-pad" crisis plaguing some mobile games, such as platforming titles.

A $45 pledge will put one of these Android and (soon to be) iOS-compatible rings on your finger, along with a small collection of games developed around the peripheral. Pledging $55 grants developers early access to the device's API. Ringbow will go into production if the project meets its $100k goal by July 22.

JoystiqRingbow Kickstarter project puts a D-pad on your finger originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidd-padIOSmobilePeripheralringbowSat, 23 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Marathon 5 raises over $43k for Child's Play (and counting)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/super-mario-marathon-5-raises-over-43k-for-childs-play-and-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/super-mario-marathon-5-raises-over-43k-for-childs-play-and-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/super-mario-marathon-5-raises-over-43k-for-childs-play-and-co/#comments Super Mario Marathon hits one day, over $40k to Child's PlaySuper Mario Marathon 5 is streaming live from a Mario-themed living room in Indiana, where a group of gamers are playing select levels from a variety of Mario games. The levels they play are determined by the amount of money donated, with 800 total levels across ten Mario games available for them to complete.

Donated money goes directly to the Child's Play foundation, which aims to improve "the lives of children with toys and games in [its] network of over 70 hospitals worldwide." Last year's event raised over $112k in donations to the foundation. Donations can be made here, and the stream can be viewed on the Mario Marathon site.

[Thanks, Stefan!]

JoystiqSuper Mario Marathon 5 raises over $43k for Child's Play (and counting) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playdonatemarathonmario-marathonsuper-mario-marathon-5Sat, 23 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed now officially Criterion's baby]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/need-for-speed-now-officially-criterions-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/need-for-speed-now-officially-criterions-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/need-for-speed-now-officially-criterions-baby/#comments Criterion VP Alex Ward revealed that the company took over the Need for Speed series in an interview at E3 with GameInformer. Noting that the franchise will see "strong Criterion involvement" going forward, Ward said that he will be "personally involved in how the cars drive, how the game will play out, how connected they are, and what the features are."

"It's not going to be spread anymore across different companies. Different studios have had a crack at it - it's definitely a Criterion gig now," he said.

Regarding the variety in Need For Speed titles and features (such as Hot Pursuit, Shift, and Most Wanted), Ward added, "I think it would be amazing in the future if there was one big game that had all of these in it. That would be amazing."

JoystiqNeed for Speed now officially Criterion's baby originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-wardcriterionNeed-for-SpeednfsSat, 23 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DeMartini: Origin to be a better version of Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/demartini-origin-to-be-a-better-version-of-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/demartini-origin-to-be-a-better-version-of-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/demartini-origin-to-be-a-better-version-of-steam/#comments DeMartini Origin to be a better version of SteamDavid DeMartini, EA's senior vice president of global ecommerce, said the goal of EA's Origin service is to be a better version of its competition. DeMartini noted that "the only way you get to the innovation is to have other people try and do a better version of what someone has previously done," singling out Valve's Steam platform in an interview with MCV.

"I didn't expect to be able to out-feature Steam within the first 12 months. But I'm quite optimistic we will differentiate ourselves as a service. We've built the foundation and now we are starting to add value to the service off of that foundation," he added.

DeMartini drew comparisons to social networking platforms when talking about innovation in the digital distribution space. "If MySpace had stayed the one answer in social networking and no one switched to Facebook, then we'd all be stuck on MySpace right now and we wouldn't have had the Facebook phenomenon," he said.

Don't expect Origin to start running huge mark-down sales like Steam does though, as DeMartini recently criticized the massive sales practice.

JoystiqDeMartini: Origin to be a better version of Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-demartiniEAElectronic-ArtsoriginSTEAMstoriginvalveSat, 23 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Go Home Dinosaurs open beta live on Chrome Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/go-home-dinosaurs-open-beta-live-on-chrome-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/go-home-dinosaurs-open-beta-live-on-chrome-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/go-home-dinosaurs-open-beta-live-on-chrome-store/#comments
Go Home Dinosaurs entered open beta this week for Google Chrome users. The BBQ tower defense game has players fending off hungry dinos with their gopher troops, all within the comfort of their browser.

Better yet, developer Fire Hose Games launched the beta for free. After all, free BBQ is the best kind of BBQ.

JoystiqGo Home Dinosaurs open beta live on Chrome Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbqchrome-storedinosaursfire-hose-gamesgo-home-dinosaursgoogle-chromegopherspcSat, 23 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2013 SRT Viper GTS rolls into Forza 4 as free DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/2013-srt-viper-gts-rolls-into-forza-4-as-free-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/2013-srt-viper-gts-rolls-into-forza-4-as-free-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/2013-srt-viper-gts-rolls-into-forza-4-as-free-dlc/#comments 2013 SRT Viper GTS rolls into Forza 4 as free DLCThe common man can't afford an ultra-sexy car like the 2013 SRT Viper GTS, now available for download in Forza Motorsport 4. A vehicle like the Viper is the equivalent of car porn on wheels, loaded with elegant curves and 640 horsepower under the hood.

Still, anyone can play Forza 4 and download this DLC pack for the Viper free of charge, but will have to dole out in-game credits or car tokens to obtain this beast in career mode.

Joystiq2013 SRT Viper GTS rolls into Forza 4 as free DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013-srt-viperforza-4forza-motorsport-4kinect-forzamicrosoftturn-10turn-10-studiosViperxboxSat, 23 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yuke's acquires Lingerie Football League license]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/yukes-acquires-lingerie-football-league-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/yukes-acquires-lingerie-football-league-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/yukes-acquires-lingerie-football-league-license/#comments Yuke's acquires Lingerie Football League licenseYuke's recently obtained the Lingerie Football League license to develop a video game based on the "aggressive yet sexy" sport. The studio developed the WWE series as well as the UFC Undisputed series, so it is experienced with scantily clad individuals in video games.

The LFL is a league of under-dressed women playing 7-on-7 indoor American football, with 12 teams and 14 more to come in the next four seasons. The sport is often criticized for its portrayal of female athletes, as women wear little more than protective pads on the field.

Yuke's has not announced information on which platforms it is developing the game for. We're hoping there's no mention of "jiggle physics" in future updates.

JoystiqYuke's acquires Lingerie Football League license originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballlfllingerie-football-leagueYukesWed, 20 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST