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[Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/play-rhythm-heaven-fever-early-in-la-feb-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/play-rhythm-heaven-fever-early-in-la-feb-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/play-rhythm-heaven-fever-early-in-la-feb-10/#comments If you're near Los Angeles on February 10, and you're eager to celebrate the upcoming release of Rhythm Heaven Fever, you can party with other like-minded people at the iam8bit gallery.

Nintendo, Giant Robot, and iam8bit are teaming up for a launch event, at which attendees will be able to play the game (with headphones, hopefully!) and pick up custom swag. Go find out who else in the world dares to play a rhythm game about interviewing wrestlers and playing airplane badminton!

Continue reading Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10

JoystiqPlay Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giant-robotIAm8bitlaunch-partylos-angelesnintendorhythm-heaven-feverwiiFri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA in Vancouver sees 'small number' of layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ea-in-vancouver-sees-small-number-of-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ea-in-vancouver-sees-small-number-of-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ea-in-vancouver-sees-small-number-of-layoffs/#comments EA's studio in Vancouver, home to EA Canada and Black Box, was hit with layoffs while the studio goes through a "transformation." Apparently it's a lot of transforming, since variants of "transform" show up a lot in the following statement about the transformational studio.

"EA in Vancouver is transforming its studio to align with EA's transformation to high-growth digital formats, including online, social gaming and free-to-play," an EA spokesperson told IndustryGamers. "The Need for Speed World team in Burnaby is leading the digital transformation with 11 million registered players. As the BC studio makes this transformation, a small number of employees are being impacted while most others are being retrained, redeployed and rolling-on to new projects."

EA recently reported a net loss of $205 million in the third quarter, but is seeing significant positive transformation in increased digital product sales.

JoystiqEA in Vancouver sees 'small number' of layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxEAEA-CanadaElectronic-ArtsElectronic-Arts-Vancouverlayoffsneed-for-speed-worldFri, 03 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/#comments Sony may have been caught in the same handheld wavelengths as Nintendo in 2010. A patent uncovered by Games Beat shows Sony considering a handheld, touchscreen device that would function similarly to Nintendo's Wii U. Titled the "Position-dependent gaming, 3-D controller, and handheld as a remote," the device would track its own location as "input to a video game" and render "an avatar on a mobile device such that it appears to overlay a competing user in the real world."

Sony's Vita can share saves and transfer data with the PS3, and even has the capability to be used as a controller for compatible PS3 games, meaning this patent could simply be a tale of what might have been. Inspect some more images of Sony's device below.

Continue reading Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it

JoystiqSony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerhandheldnintendopatentplaystationplaystation-vitaSONYtabletvitawii-uFri, 03 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keep your Mass Effect 3 save files, BioWare suggests]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/keep-your-mass-effect-3-save-files-bioware-suggests/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/keep-your-mass-effect-3-save-files-bioware-suggests/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/keep-your-mass-effect-3-save-files-bioware-suggests/#comments We know you're used to coveting Mass Effect save files, so this should come as no surprise: you'll probably want to hold onto your Mass Effect 3 saves. In an interview with GamerZines, associate producer Mike Gamble said it "wouldn't be a bad idea" to keep them.

Of course, Gamble didn't go into any specifics -- the save files could affect future DLC or any potential entries in the Mass Effect series beyond the third and final Shepard-focused game. Or maybe it's just so BioWare can forever track those monsters who decided to shoot Wrex in the face. You know who you are and you should be ashamed.

JoystiqKeep your Mass Effect 3 save files, BioWare suggests originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeakinectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCSoft's iOS Gem Keeper goes free for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ncsofts-ios-gem-keeper-goes-free-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ncsofts-ios-gem-keeper-goes-free-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ncsofts-ios-gem-keeper-goes-free-for-now/#comments Perhaps our recommendation of NCSoft's Gem Keeper last year piqued your interest -- but your interest didn't reach a 99-cent level of piquedness. Luckily, thanks to a Free App a Day partnership, you can now download the iOS tower defense title for free!

JoystiqNCSoft's iOS Gem Keeper goes free for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-app-a-daygem-keeperiosiphonemobilencsoftFri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 'Revelaitons' misprint makes it to retail [Update: Capcom offers statement, replacement]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/resident-evil-revelaitons-misprint-makes-it-to-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/resident-evil-revelaitons-misprint-makes-it-to-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/resident-evil-revelaitons-misprint-makes-it-to-retail/#commentsCapcom made an embarrassing printing error on the spine of the Resident Evil: Revelations box sent to reviewers -- one made more embarrassing by the "revelaiton" today that it's still on the version of the art sent to retailers in advance of Tuesday's release.

Reader Zach shared this picture of the stock at the Prescott, AZ store, showing "Revelaitons" all the way down -- Joystiq has since confirmed the error with the store. For some, we're sure this mistake will be at worst a slight deterrent to purchase. For others, what was once a reasonably interesting 3DS item now seems like a fascinating rare collectible.

Update: A Capcom representative offered us the following statement: "The initial shipment of Resident Evil Revelations had been sent to retailers in North America with the spelling error. Subsequent shipments of the title are being repackaged and will have the corrected spelling. Customers who have been affected by the misspelling on the Resident Evil Revelations packaging can contact Capcom Customer Service at 650-350-6700 or accounts@capcom.com and a new insert for the front of box will be sent." So, like the previous Okami snafu, Capcom will offer replacement packaging to any who want it.

JoystiqResident Evil 'Revelaitons' misprint makes it to retail [Update: Capcom offers statement, replacement] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcommisprintnintendooopsresident-evil-revelaitonsresident-evil-revelationsFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/#comments You'd have to be a fus-ro-dummy to think that Skyrim would be through with receiving accolades. At last night's New York Video Game Critics Circle Awards, the Bethesda Game Studios-developed RPG took home yet one more, earning the "Big Apple Award for Best Game" as decided by a cabal of NY-based game journos from various outlets.

Other winners include two apiece for Bastion and Portal 2, portable love for Super Mario 3D Land and Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP, and explosive nods to both Crysis 2 and Saints Row: The Third. Harold Goldberg's "All Your Base Are Belong To Us" took home the "Algonquin Roundtable Award for Best Book" and Sony's "Michael" commercial won the "Mad Men Award," mysteriously beating out Robin Williams' luxurious beard. Frankly, we were baffled. The full list of winners can be found below the break.

Continue reading Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards

JoystiqSkyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsall-your-base-are-belong-to-usbastionbethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkscantor-film-centercrysis-2elder-scrolls-5game-centerharold-goldbergiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenew-york-citynew-york-game-critics-circlenew-york-game-critics-circle-awardsnew-york-game-critics-circle-awards-2012new-york-universitynintendonyu-game-centerpcplaystationportal-2ps3saints-row-the-thirdskyrimsuper-mario-3d-landsuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gets new Ability Cards, new trailer for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-gets-new-ability-cards-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-gets-new-ability-cards-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-gets-new-ability-cards-new-trailer/#comments
Is it just us, or is the trailer above for the Vita version of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 uncommonly smooth? It makes a pretty convincing showpiece for the portable fighter, even if you do have to squint to see the tiny gameplay screen on the tiny Vita within the window.

Kotaku noticed that the Vita version has additional "Ability Cards," which provide stat boosts in Heroes & Heralds mode, including X-Men's Nightcrawler, Green Goblin, and Ulik, a Thor villain we definitely didn't have to look up just now.

Gallery: Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 Vita (2/2/12)

JoystiqUltimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gets new Ability Cards, new trailer for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomplaystationplaystation-vitaultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3vitaFri, 03 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oklahoma attempts violent-game tax, ESA responds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/oklahoma-attempts-violent-game-tax-esa-responds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/oklahoma-attempts-violent-game-tax-esa-responds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/oklahoma-attempts-violent-game-tax-esa-responds/#comments O-K oy vey -- some States just never learn. Oklahoma State Representative William Fourkiller has proposed a 1 percent tax on Teen, Mature and Adults Only-rated games.

Fourkiller says, "Violent video games contribute to some of our societal problems like obesity and bullying, but because they raise a lot of revenue, they can also provide part of the solution." The proposed bill would have half of the money go to a bullying prevention fund and the other to get kids out of the house.

You can imagine the Entertainment Software Association, which just last week got the State of California to agree to reimburse it $950,000 in legal fees (on top of another check back in 2008) for fighting Brown v. EMA up to the Supreme Court, has something to say on this subject.

"We are disappointed that even in the wake of an overwhelming decision in the United States Supreme Court finding proposals such as this to be patently unconstitutional, there are those who still try to attack video game with outdated notions of our industry," the ESA told Joystiq. "Taxing First Amendment protected material based on its content is misguided."

California will have paid the ESA more than $1,327,000 to reimburse legal fees, while other states have also had to pay back the industry's lobbying and political arm for fighting similar bills. Turn back now, Oklahoma. Turn back now while you still can!

JoystiqOklahoma attempts violent-game tax, ESA responds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billoklahomataxviolent-video-gamesWilliam-FourkillerFri, 03 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The enduring web of indie veteran Spiderweb Software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-enduring-web-of-indie-veteran-spiderweb-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-enduring-web-of-indie-veteran-spiderweb-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-enduring-web-of-indie-veteran-spiderweb-software/#comments

Spiderweb Software is one of the oldest independent development studios in existence. Founded in 1994 by Jeff Vogel, Spiderweb has been developing RPG gems for close to 18 years, beginning with the Exile series, and more recently launching the first of its new Avadon trilogy, titled The Black Fortress.

Today the indie industry is regarded as a true form of gaming and art, producing superstars, millionares and rabid fanbases, all within a cool bubble of hipster trendiness. As Vogel tells Joystiq, it didn't start out that way.

"When I started, there was no indie culture," Vogel says. "We were writing what was called 'shareware' and everyone thought that we were losers. The whole thing about indie developers being respectable and able to make real money on Steam and iTunes is a very new development. And it still makes my head spin."

Vogel is lucky -- he found a loyal, niche market in the indie RPG genre -- but he's also displayed a lot of dedication to have survived on his own for almost two decades, longer than many in the latest wave of indie developers have been alive.

"I'm proud of survival," Vogel says. "I've been doing this for seventeen years, working for the same company and making the same genre of game in the same way. The list of people who have done that is very short."

Continue reading The enduring web of indie veteran Spiderweb Software

JoystiqThe enduring web of indie veteran Spiderweb Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avadonavadon-the-black-fortressexileIndieiosipadjeff-vogelmacmobilepcspiderweb-softwareFri, 03 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim Creation Kit out on PC this Tuesday, with a 'surprise']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-creation-kit-out-on-pc-this-tuesday-with-a-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-creation-kit-out-on-pc-this-tuesday-with-a-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-creation-kit-out-on-pc-this-tuesday-with-a-surprise/#comments The Skyrim Creation Kit will be available for the PC version this Tuesday, according to a tweet from Bethesda VP of Marketing Pete Hines. It'll be available through Steam under "Tools," for free.

As if the ability to generate infinite, free Skyrim content through mods weren't enough, Hines also teased a "special surprise" that would be coming along with it. We'll have to wait until Tuesday to see what that is, but we're guessing dragons. That game would be awesome with some dragons in it.

JoystiqSkyrim Creation Kit out on PC this Tuesday, with a 'surprise' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creation-kitelder-scrolls-5modspcskyrimskyrim-creation-kitthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimFri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/#comments Earlier this week Game met with lenders to discuss its credit problems and options for staying in business, and now Game reports it will operate "with lower limits" and under "revised terms for its facilities." As of November 2011, Game had 1,275 stores in Europe and Australia, but has hinted that it could sell off more than half of its overseas locations, and it plans to close 60 stores by 2013. It closed 39 locations last year.

Game's economic problems aren't an issue solely for retailers, but can affect the larger gaming industry as well -- both EA and Take-Two discussed Game's position during their Q3 financial calls.

JoystiqEuropean retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaclosuredseuropefinancialgamemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspretailsonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How Death Rally became a hit with little marketing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/how-death-rally-became-a-hit-with-little-marketing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/how-death-rally-became-a-hit-with-little-marketing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/how-death-rally-became-a-hit-with-little-marketing/#comments Alan Wake wasn't the biggest hit at retail. Developer Remedy needed to refill its coffers after that expensive project. Death Rally achieved just that, recouping its own development costs in three days and going on to build an audience of millions.

A new Forbes feature details just how Remedy got Death Rally to take off. The developer spent only $10,000 on marketing, the article notes -- $5,000 on PR, and $5,000 on a FreeAppADay offer. Two months later, the price dropped to $0.99, at which point the game hit a worldwide #1 on the App Store.

Then the game went free, and any losses have been offset by in-app purchases.

The rest of the story is familiar for iOS hits -- frequent updates and expansions, and a potential Android release. Remedy EVP Aki Järvilehto told Forbes that he estimated Android gamesto generate roughly 30% of the revenue of the same iPhone game.

JoystiqHow Death Rally became a hit with little marketing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death-rallyiosiphonemobileremedyFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 will have Worms: Ultimate Mayhem on Feb. 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ps3-will-have-worms-ultimate-mayhem-on-feb-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ps3-will-have-worms-ultimate-mayhem-on-feb-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/ps3-will-have-worms-ultimate-mayhem-on-feb-14/#comments PS3's got WormsThe PS3 version of Worms: Ultimate Mayhem will finally crawl into the light later this month. Developer Team 17 has announced that the PSN title will be released in North America on Valentine's Day, February 14, just in time to share some annelid warfare with your better half. Europe will see the game arrive on February 15, which gives single people something to look forward to, we guess?

Worms: Ultimate Mayhem will be available for $14.99 in North America, £9.99 in the UK and €12.99 in the rest of Europe. PlayStation Plus subscribers will also receive an unspecified "launch discount."

Continue reading PS3 will have Worms: Ultimate Mayhem on Feb. 14

JoystiqPS3 will have Worms: Ultimate Mayhem on Feb. 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3psnrelease-dateteam-17worms-ultimate-mayhemFri, 03 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kill Screen on the legality of cloning game design]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/kill-screen-on-the-legality-of-cloning-game-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/kill-screen-on-the-legality-of-cloning-game-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/kill-screen-on-the-legality-of-cloning-game-design/#comments With the recent spate of cloned game stories -- namely those alleged to be the work of Zynga -- Kill Screen has put together an interesting article about the legality of the practice and its effects on the industry. In short, cloning an entire game and stealing its assets is illegal. However, cloning a game's ideas is not -- see Scrabble vs. Words with Friends -- and, while it can be morally repugnant, it can also be healthy for the industry.

Game designers "borrow" from one another all the time, taking mechanics from successful games and implementing them elsewhere -- think stealth, cover-based shooting, power meters, triple jumps. That said, outright cloning is still a problem, one Kill Screen asserts we can address with education and a few notes from the fashion industry. In other words, teach consumers how to tell the difference between a knock-off and the real thing.

JoystiqKill Screen on the legality of cloning game design originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloneclonescloningdream-heightsnimblebittiny-towerzyngaFri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video review: Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Soul Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/video-review-mad-catz-arcade-fightstick-soul-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/video-review-mad-catz-arcade-fightstick-soul-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/video-review-mad-catz-arcade-fightstick-soul-edition/#comments
A few weeks ago, Mad Catz sent me one of its latest arcade sticks, the SoulCalibur 5 branded Soul Edition arcade fightstick. After daily testing on SC5, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Mortal Kombat, the Soul Edition not only met my expectations, but exceeded them, as you can tell from the review video above.

The company's Tournament Edition sticks have always been excellent pieces of hardware, and the Soul Edition is no exception. It's solidly constructed from arcade-quality parts and is heavy enough to stay in place, regardless of whether you fight on a table-top or your lap. The stick's striking motif and subtle design elements set it apart from every other mass-produced arcade stick on the market; if you want to stand out at your local Ranking Battles without incurring the cost of a custom-made stick, you'd be hard pressed to find a piece of fighting tech that's this unique, right out of the box.

JoystiqVideo review: Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Soul Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-stickfightstickjoystickmad-catzmicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3sanwasanwa-denshisoul-editionsoulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vxboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Stephen Toulouse to resign in mid-February, destination unknown [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/microsofts-stephen-toulouse-to-resign-in-mid-february-destinat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/microsofts-stephen-toulouse-to-resign-in-mid-february-destinat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/microsofts-stephen-toulouse-to-resign-in-mid-february-destinat/#comments One day after his 17th Valentine's Day with Microsoft, director of Xbox Live policy and enforcement Stephen "StepTo" Toulouse will step down from his current position and head out into the unknown. "On the 16th, I'm going to head down to Dallas to visit my family. Then I'm off to JocoCruiseCrazy! I have no other plans beyond that. I'm a free agent!" he said on his personal website today.

Toulouse says the split is amicable, and that he's moving on for "complex and personal" reasons. He's been a Microsoft employee for just under 18 years, starting full-time on April 11, 1994 at the age of 21 (which is a lot more impressive than what most of us were doing at age 21).

It's unclear who will fill his shoes, but we've reached out to Microsoft for comment.

Update: Microsoft has issued the following comment to Joystiq regarding the departure of Stephen Toulouse, and declined to name his replacement: "As you know, after more than 17 years at Microsoft, Stephen Toulouse has decided to leave the company. We thank Stephen for his years of contributions and wish him all the best. We do not have any details to share around a potential successor for Stepto at this time, but can assure you that the Xbox LIVE Enforcement Squad will continue their work to help ensure a safer and more secure experience on Xbox LIVE for our nearly 40 million members."

JoystiqMicrosoft's Stephen Toulouse to resign in mid-February, destination unknown [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftstephen-toulousesteptoxboxxbox-liveFri, 03 Feb 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Join the riverside community of ... Riverspring in Game of Thrones on May 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/join-the-riverside-community-of-riverspring-in-game-of-thron/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/join-the-riverside-community-of-riverspring-in-game-of-thron/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/join-the-riverside-community-of-riverspring-in-game-of-thron/#comments
Are you ready to brood like you've never brooded before this coming spring? Cyanide Studio and Atlus are banking on that possibility, announcing a May 15 launch date for the upcoming Game of Thrones RPG for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

Beyond the launch date, a handful of new media was handed over to sate fans in the three months between now and mid-May. If you're looking for an early taste at some serious brooding, look no further!

Gallery: Game of Thrones (2/2/12)

Continue reading Join the riverside community of ... Riverspring in Game of Thrones on May 15

JoystiqJoin the riverside community of ... Riverspring in Game of Thrones on May 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgatlusatlus-gamescyanidecyanide-studiocyanide-studiosfocus-home-interactivegame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q2-2012release-datexboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA spent over $1m last quarter, partially for SOPA/PIPA lobbying]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/esa-spent-over-1m-last-quarter-partially-for-sopa-pipa-lobbyin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/esa-spent-over-1m-last-quarter-partially-for-sopa-pipa-lobbyin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/esa-spent-over-1m-last-quarter-partially-for-sopa-pipa-lobbyin/#comments Between October 1 and December 31, 2011, when the Entertainment Software Association wasn't having its quartet of lobbyists pushing lawmakers on subjects such as international trade, constitutional rights, immigration policy, and STEM initiatives, it was petitioning in favor of "copyright/patent/trademark" issues. More specifically, it was supporting SOPA and PIPA in the two Congressional houses up until January 20 when lawmakers pulled support.

And all that lobbying can add up, as the association's disclosure filing reveals expenditures of $1,082,167 across all lobbying initiatives in the fourth quarter -- that figure also includes regular overhead expenses, to be clear. How much of that was spent on SOPA/PIPA is unknown, but by comparison, the Motion Picture Association of America spent $850K during the same period, which also includes its own support for SOPA/PIPA.

The ESA collectively spent $4,391,201 last year, and declined a request for specifics regarding its spending in 2011.

JoystiqESA spent over $1m last quarter, partially for SOPA/PIPA lobbying originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disclosureentertainment-software-associationesalegallobbyingpipaprotect-intellectual-property-actsopastop-online-piracy-actFri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Playable Vita demo units now at Gamestop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/playable-vita-demo-units-now-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/playable-vita-demo-units-now-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/playable-vita-demo-units-now-at-gamestop/#comments Drake? Drake!? Draaaaaaaake!!If you're just dying to get your hot little hands on a PlayStation Vita, you may want to hit up your local GameStop. Keep in mind that said unit will be securely bolted down, because its a demo unit, of course!

The retailer has announced that it now has demo units at over 3,300 of it's locations, allowing customers to try out several games, including Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Little Deviants, Modnation Racers: Road Trip, WipeOut: 2048 and more.

Just remember: Wash your hands. It's flu season, after all.

JoystiqPlayable Vita demo units now at Gamestop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demogamestoplittle-deviantsmodnation-racers-road-tripplaystationplaystation-vitauncharted-golden-abyssuncharted-ngpvitawipeout-2048Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/#comments Sega's "Game Contents" division (i.e. home video games) was down 5.1% for the nine-month period ending December 31, with the company reporting 63.5 billion yen ($833 million) in net game sales from the division ... and 5.5 billion yen in total losses. As for reasoning, Sega said only that "in the overseas markets, sales of the new titles remained slow as affected by adverse market condition." Best we can tell, that "adverse market condition" refers to our economies all being really, really terrible.

The publisher shared sales numbers for its major releases. Sonic Generations sold 1.63 million copies across four platforms (Wii, PS3, PC, and the 3DS Generations game). Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games outsold it with 2.39 million copies -- despite not being released in Japan yet, and only being on one platform at the time, the Wii. And, uh, despite being a Mario & Sonic Olympics minigame collection. Hatsune Miku Project Diva Extend for PSP (released in Japan only) was the other named hit, with 290,000 copies.

Looking up at Sega's sales by platform, it's worth noting that Sega's single PlayStation Vita release, Virtua Tennis 4 (called Power Smash 4 in Japan) sold just 10,000 copies between the Vita launch date of December 17 and the end of the year. That ... doesn't seem very good.

JoystiqSega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfy-2011fy-2012mario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsegasega-sammysonic-generationssonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Show - 023: The Xav still burns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-joystiq-show-023-the-xav-still-burns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-joystiq-show-023-the-xav-still-burns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-joystiq-show-023-the-xav-still-burns/#commentsFiled under:

We promised a surprise last week, and it is here, in Canadian form -- Xav de Matos is back. Xav joins the show to discuss his new role as Feature Content Director, and touches on the kinds of new content in the pipeline. Then Alexander is full-up on bad news, but it's okay, did you hear that Ghost Trick is out on iOS?

Final Fantasy XIII-2 kicks off games this week with newly minted Kotaku reporter Jason Schreier talking about his review. Jordan is back talking about his favorite genre and why SoulCalibur V is both awesome and not so awesome, and Richard wraps up the show with how NeverDead is almost completely not awesome.

Part 1 (1:15) - Xav's return and news
Part 2 (22:35) - Games (Final Fantasy XIII-2, SoulCalibur V, and NeverDead)

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Joystiq Podcast in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Host: Richard Mitchell (@SenseiRAM)
Producer: Jonathan Downin (@jonathandownin - Game Thing Daily)
Production Coordinator: Richard Mitchell
Music: Trash80 and Broke for Free

View the full guest list, games played, news topics, and stream the show after the break.

Continue reading The Joystiq Show - 023: The Xav still burns

JoystiqThe Joystiq Show - 023: The Xav still burns originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-podcastjoystiq-showpodcastsFri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00:00 ESTThe Joystiq Show - 023: The Xav still burnsJoystiq1:13:06podcasts<![CDATA[Twisted Metal launch stalled in Europe, pushed back to March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/twisted-metal-launch-stalled-in-europe-pushed-back-to-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/twisted-metal-launch-stalled-in-europe-pushed-back-to-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/twisted-metal-launch-stalled-in-europe-pushed-back-to-march/#comments Localization issues are holding up the launch of Twisted Metal in Europe, David Jaffe confirmed in a NeoGAF post today. Though he couldn't say exactly when the title would launch in March, it seems the whole month is in play -- it could pull into retail as early as March 1 or at the end of the month. Twisted Metal is still on board for a Valentine's Day launch on February 14 in North America.

In addition to the delay, the European version will be modified. Jaffe says SCEE censored certain portions of cutscenes and minor gameplay elements have been tweaked. "99 percent of the cuts were in the movies and the movies are still intact and I sat with the editor -- who was the same editor of the American movies -- and we went thru and addressed the notes from Europe and made sure the stories still worked," Jaffe wrote in his post. As for the gameplay edits, Jaffe only spoke of one minor change: the guy laying on the gurney from Meat Wagon is now a cadaver rather than a live, screaming corpse. Yep, we're furious too.

Oh well, at least you've got that demo to keep you company in the meanwhile.

JoystiqTwisted Metal launch stalled in Europe, pushed back to March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydelayseat-sleep-playeuropeplaystationps3sceetwisted-metal-2011twisted-metal-2012Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scope out this Ghost Recon: Future Soldier gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/scope-out-this-ghost-recon-future-soldier-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/scope-out-this-ghost-recon-future-soldier-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/scope-out-this-ghost-recon-future-soldier-gameplay/#comments
Like headshots in slo-mo with artistic blood spurts? Boy, do we have the video for you! This trailer for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier offers gadget porn, stylish state-sanctioned murder and lines that could only come from the future -- "one bullet, two dead."

Continue reading Scope out this Ghost Recon: Future Soldier gameplay

JoystiqScope out this Ghost Recon: Future Soldier gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ghost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 Xbox Live demo temporarily bumps Silver subs to Gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/mass-effect-3-xbox-live-demo-temporarily-bumps-silver-subs-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/mass-effect-3-xbox-live-demo-temporarily-bumps-silver-subs-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/mass-effect-3-xbox-live-demo-temporarily-bumps-silver-subs-to-go/#comments If you're a Silver subscriber on Xbox Live, downloading the Mass Effect 3 demo will allow you to cease being that one weirdo in your group who can't ever play with his friends online because he's a cheapskate. Upon downloading the demo, all Silver members will be automatically bumped up to Gold level until Mass Effect 3 launches on March 6.

The demo will be available on February 14 not only for Xbox 360 users, but also PC and PS3. Players will get a taste of the multiplayer component and sample the Reaper attack on Earth that opens the game.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 Xbox Live demo temporarily bumps Silver subs to Gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredemoeamass-effect-3microsoftxboxxbox-livexbox-live-goldFri, 03 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gene Simmons of Kiss teases Angry Birds game, makes total sense]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/gene-simmons-of-kiss-teases-angry-birds-game-makes-total-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/gene-simmons-of-kiss-teases-angry-birds-game-makes-total-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/gene-simmons-of-kiss-teases-angry-birds-game-makes-total-sense/#comments While we've been blissfully ignoring Kiss frontman Gene Simmons since his last appearance on The Simpsons, he's been busy transitioning his band from 1970s stadium rockers into a crosspromotional love gun. Take, for example, Kiss Hello Kitty (which is apparently a thing?). We're not quite sure what to make of it either.

And when asked about the band's movement in the video game world, Simmons sounds ready to jump in. "We're talking with Sony games now. We are really trying to take it in areas that haven't been done before," Simmons told Industry Gamers. "[We] have stayed out of the marketplace because the ideas simply weren't exciting enough." Sounds like somebody's never played hit Aerosmith crossover Revolution X. Perhaps he's more of a Paul of Duty kinda guy?

But while the likes of Skyrim and Mass Effect haven't convinced Simmons, apparently Rovio's Angry Birds was just thrilling enough. "We're talking with Angry Birds ... Kiss and Angry Birds, which will become a deal," Simmons revealed. But despite upcoming Kiss-branded Archie comics and golf courses in Las Vegas, Simmons added, "Just because there are games, and just because there's this or that out there, unless the deal is right and unless the content is exciting to our fans, we don't do it." We imagine he winked at the interviewee a bunch after saying that, though. He had to, right?

JoystiqGene Simmons of Kiss teases Angry Birds game, makes total sense originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsgene-simmonskisskiss-psycho-circus-the-nightmare-childrevolution-xsonyFri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ reveals $56 million loss in Q3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/thq-reveals-56-million-loss-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/thq-reveals-56-million-loss-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/thq-reveals-56-million-loss-in-q3/#comments THQ CEO Brian Farrell started yesterday's third quarter earnings call with investors by saying, "On our last call we told you we anticipated that our third quarter would be the largest in our company's history. Unfortunately, we were wrong."

The company announced a $56 million loss for the quarter ending December 31, 2011, nearly triple the loss of the same period last year. Sales also slumped slightly from $314.6 million to $305.4 million

Despite the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12, the discontinued uDraw tablet took a majority of blame for the company's ill condition.

"Revenues were lower by about $100 million," Farrell explained. "We've got 1.4 million [uDraw units] still in inventory we haven't sold that we planned on selling." He estimated about $80 million of the lost revenue was from units the company didn't sell, and the other $20 million was from lowering the price of what they did sell. He concluded on the topic, "We would have doubled the profitability in the quarter were it not for uDraw."

THQ is currently attempting to make itself a leaner, more efficient entity. Part of its announced realignment includes pay cuts for the top brass, layoffs of 240 people and seeking help for big-ticket items like the Warhammer 40K MMO. The company didn't provide estimates for its expected financial condition for the final quarter of the year.

JoystiqTHQ reveals $56 million loss in Q3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoplaystationps3Q3saints-row-the-thirdTHQwiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a tour of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13's Kinect functionality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/take-a-tour-of-tiger-woods-pga-tour-13s-kinect-functionality/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/take-a-tour-of-tiger-woods-pga-tour-13s-kinect-functionality/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/take-a-tour-of-tiger-woods-pga-tour-13s-kinect-functionality/#comments
Ever since Kinect was announced, we've wondered why EA has taken its sweet time to implement the tech in its Tiger Woods PGA Tour series. Why fake-golf with a controller when you could fake-golf as the controller, right? Finally, Kinect comes to the series in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13.

A series of vignettes shows off some of the Kinect features, from the obvious such as miming a golf swing, to the more impressive like using voice and hand gestures to set up shot approach. Another video after the break shows Tiger fiddling with Kinect in an earlier build of the game -- turns out being amazing at golf in real life doesn't necessarily guarantee success in-game, as you can see when Tiger slices a shot into a bunker right off the green.

Gallery: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 (Kinect Integration)

Continue reading Take a tour of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13's Kinect functionality

JoystiqTake a tour of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13's Kinect functionality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsgolfkinectmicrosoftmotion-controltiger-woodstiger-woods-pga-tour-13xboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Quest coming to Zen Pinball, Pinball FX2 this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/epic-quest-coming-to-zen-pinball-pinball-fx2-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/epic-quest-coming-to-zen-pinball-pinball-fx2-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/epic-quest-coming-to-zen-pinball-pinball-fx2-this-month/#comments
Zen Studios, the developer of Pinball FX2 and Zen Pinball, did say it was going bigger this year with different ideas, which leads us to pinball-meets-RPG hybrid: Epic Quest. The new table will be available through your Zen pinball platform of choice on XBLA, PSN, Apple iOS and Android this month.

"It is our quest to deliver the most entertaining and original pinball tables, and Epic Quest delivers on both fronts," said Mel Kirk, Zen's VP of Marketing and Public Relations. "With a wink and a nudge towards classic RPG tropes, Epic Quest blends frantic pinball action, obsessive character building, and liberally applied tongue-in-cheek humor."

What also makes this table different is experience and loot carry over from one game to the next. Players will be able to dress up the knight Max and defeat monsters to collect epic gear. It's an interesting hook to the classic fail state of any other pinball table.

Gallery: Pinball FX 2 (Epic Quest Table)

Continue reading Epic Quest coming to Zen Pinball, Pinball FX2 this month

JoystiqEpic Quest coming to Zen Pinball, Pinball FX2 this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidepic-questiosiphonemicrosoftmobilepinball-fx-2playstationps3xboxzen-pinballZen-StudiosFri, 03 Feb 2012 06:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The 7th Guest and The 11th Hour re-released for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-7th-guest-and-the-11th-hour-re-released-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-7th-guest-and-the-11th-hour-re-released-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/the-7th-guest-and-the-11th-hour-re-released-for-pc/#comments

Retro-game host DotEmu has released, in classic horror-puzzle form, The 7th Guest and The 11th Hour, further supporting our theory that both titles were an extensive viral ad campaign for red Slurpees at 7/11. Both titles are $10 each and available for download here and -- look out there's something over there!

JoystiqThe 7th Guest and The 11th Hour re-released for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dotemupcThe-11th-Hourthe-7th-guesttrilobyteFri, 03 Feb 2012 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Ubisoft server migration means temporary offline time for some games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/psa-ubisoft-server-migration-means-temporary-offline-time-for-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/psa-ubisoft-server-migration-means-temporary-offline-time-for-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/psa-ubisoft-server-migration-means-temporary-offline-time-for-s/#comments Beginning February 7, Ubisoft will transition all of its data from one third-party server farm to another, and as a result online functionality in most Ubisoft titles will be disabled during that time. Some Ubisoft games won't be playable at all, but that list is rather short and will only affect Mac and PC gamers.

Ubisoft's most recent triple-A titles will thankfully be unaffected: Anno 2070, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Driver: San Francisco, and Just Dance 3 will all remain playable (both online and offline) during the transition. The OSX version of the original Assassin's Creed, however, will be completely unplayable, as will the OSX version of Splinter Cell: Conviction and the PC versions of Might and Magic: Heroes VI and Tom Clancy's HAWX 2.

The online portions of all other Ubisoft games will be disabled during the transition, although offline modes should still function normally. Ubisoft has yet to provide an estimated completion date for the move, recommending instead that people follow its official Twitter account for updates.

[REDMIRAGE via Shutterstock]

JoystiqPSA: Ubisoft server migration means temporary offline time for some games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anno-2070Assassins-CreedAssassins-Creed-RevelationsdowntimeDriver-San-FranciscoJust-Dance-3macmicrosoftOSXpcplaystationps3Splinter-Cell-ConvictionUbisoftxboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Scribblenauts Remix tops a million downloads, Valentine's Day update now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/scribblenauts-remix-tops-a-million-downloads-valentines-day-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/scribblenauts-remix-tops-a-million-downloads-valentines-day-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/scribblenauts-remix-tops-a-million-downloads-valentines-day-up/#comments Soon after launching in October, Scribblenauts Remix soured to the top of the charts in the App store. Today, Warner Bros. celebrates one million downloads to date for the iOS title with a new Valentine's Day-themed update.

Players will find a free new Valentine's Day playground in which to conjure up objects -- the press release offers a few suggestions for odd items, including a "loving, polka-dotted charonosaurus" or "giant, pink, flying chocolate box." If we didn't read heavy, leather-bound books, like, every day, we'd think WB was trying to pull a fast one on us with that charonosaurus business, but we assure you it is a real animal. It is, in fact, the ancestor of charizard.

Continue reading Scribblenauts Remix tops a million downloads, Valentine's Day update now available

JoystiqScribblenauts Remix tops a million downloads, Valentine's Day update now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-celliosiphonemobilescribblenauts-remixvalentines-daywarner-broswarner-brothers-interactive-entertainmentwbieThu, 02 Feb 2012 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (3DS eShop)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/portabliss-sakura-samurai-art-of-the-sword-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/portabliss-sakura-samurai-art-of-the-sword-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/portabliss-sakura-samurai-art-of-the-sword-3ds-eshop/#comments Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword.
Within ten minutes of starting up Sakura Samurai, I was sure that I hated it. It was simplistic, finicky, and frustrating. And then I kept playing it. A week later, I still felt like I hated the eShop action game, but I sure did finish it and start right back again in a higher difficulty.

It is at this point that I grudgingly accepted that I had actually been having a good time.

Gallery: Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (3DS)

Continue reading Portabliss: Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (3DS eShop)

JoystiqPortabliss: Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (3DS eShop) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopnintendoportablisssakura-samuraisakura-samurai-art-of-the-swordThu, 02 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last of Us screens put Joel and Ellie in Pittsburgh]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/#comments
How can you tell Naughty Dog is serious about the infectious danger in The Last of Us? Because while Uncharted's Nathan Drake made the half-tuck famous, Last of Us' Joel has apparently gone full untuck in these screenshots over on Game Informer. Not. Kidding. Around.

Elsewhere in the screenshots, we can see that part of the game takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so steel yourself for that (sorry). Weapons will break after being used in combat, so part of the challenge in wandering around the lush world is just staying armed. And that girl in the image above is Ellie, a teenager who will be following Joel around for part of his journey. Naughty Dog is working hard on her AI, and says she won't require a lot of micro-management while being escorted.

Game Informer promises 20 images of the game in its upcoming issue, but you can head to the website right now to see the other two shots on display. Full untuck, guys!

JoystiqThe Last of Us screens put Joel and Ellie in Pittsburgh originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elliefull-untuckjoellast-of-usnaughty-dogplaystationps3sonythe-last-of-usThu, 02 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 'Mission Command' Facebook app offers in-game goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/mass-effect-3-mission-command-facebook-app-offers-in-game-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/mass-effect-3-mission-command-facebook-app-offers-in-game-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/mass-effect-3-mission-command-facebook-app-offers-in-game-good/#comments Microsoft has launched a Facebook app called Mass Effect 3 Mission Command, that both serves as promotion for the upcoming Mass Effect 3, and an opportunity to get some in-game items. You "log in" to Mission Command (which grants EA access to your Facebook account and email), and then you have to fulfill missions like recruiting your friends, posting pickup lines for Liara, downloading the demo, or sharing movies of you pretending to be in the game.

The first prize on offer is an Xbox Live avatar prop of the Normandy (presumably the same one found in the Xbox 360 Collector's Edition), and later missions will give away an Xbox 360 console complete with the game and Kinect. Sure, doing missions for EA's promotional gain might not be quite as heroic as saving the universe from the reapers, but even Commander Shepard finds the time to sell out occasionally.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 'Mission Command' Facebook app offers in-game goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commander-shepardeafacebookkinectmass-effect-3microsoftpromotionsweepstakesxboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Rhythm Of The Quest in Fallout 3 and New Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-rhythm-of-the-quest-in-fallout-3-and-new-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-rhythm-of-the-quest-in-fallout-3-and-new-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-rhythm-of-the-quest-in-fallout-3-and-new-vegas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This is a weekly column focusing on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
Have you ever been horribly frustrated by one part of a game, only to think of it as the best and most memorable section of that game in retrospect? It's the ruins of D.C. for me. I played Fallout 3 on the PC a year or so after release, so the first thing I did was load up on mods, introducing different play balance, graphics, more weapons, and most motivating of all, more music for Galaxy News Radio. But at the start of the game, GNR is in trouble and the station's signal is weak. So I went to fix it as soon as I could.

When I went into the ruins of D.C., I wasn't ready. By heading in that direction almost immediately, I skipped doing smaller-scale quests, which would have provided more experience and better equipment. D.C. was a slog. I scrambled for ammo, for health. I explored nooks and crannies that I didn't need to, because I hadn't even really figured out the game's compass yet. It was nail-bitingly tense, it was fresh, it was new, it took me hours. It was a pain, too. I died multiple times, but oh was it magnificent.

Continue reading The Rhythm Of The Quest in Fallout 3 and New Vegas

JoystiqThe Rhythm Of The Quest in Fallout 3 and New Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fallout-New-Vegasmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rowan-kaiserrpgxboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch the first annual NY Game Critics Circle Awards live!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/watch-the-first-annual-ny-game-critics-circle-awards-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/watch-the-first-annual-ny-game-critics-circle-awards-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/watch-the-first-annual-ny-game-critics-circle-awards-live/#comments
Interested in attending tonight's New York Game Critics Circle Awards event in Manhattan, but were too slow with your RSVP? Or perhaps you live in Sri Lanka? No worries, we've got this handy livestream for you, should you still want to follow along.

JoystiqWatch the first annual NY Game Critics Circle Awards live! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new-york-game-critics-circlenew-york-game-critics-circle-awardsnew-york-game-critics-circle-awards-2012nygccnygcca-2011ustreamThu, 02 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo card case is worth the fake money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/club-nintendo-card-case-is-worth-the-fake-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/club-nintendo-card-case-is-worth-the-fake-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/club-nintendo-card-case-is-worth-the-fake-money/#comments Nintendo's never sent me a Club Nintendo bonus for review before, and I thought it was kind of odd when one arrived. But I don't think there's ever been a Club Nintendo bonus this nice. The 3DS Game Card Case is both beautiful and genuinely useful, holding 18 DS or 3DS games in a case the size of a single DS game box. That's a rarity among DS game cases.

The transparent case comes with four reversible covers, for a surprisingly versatile look. I grabbed some random DS and 3DS cartridges from my desk, stored them in the case, and took some pictures so you can see for yourself.

Gallery: 3DS Card Case (Club Nintendo)

Gallery: Club Nintendo 3DS Card Case (official shots)

JoystiqClub Nintendo card case is worth the fake money originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscaseclub-nintendodsnintendoThu, 02 Feb 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ 'actively seeking a partner' for Warhammer Dark Millennium Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-actively-seeking-a-partner-for-warhammer-dark-millennium-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-actively-seeking-a-partner-for-warhammer-dark-millennium-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-actively-seeking-a-partner-for-warhammer-dark-millennium-o/#comments Good news! THQ is back to "making decisions regarding the planned MMO" -- like, for example, the decision to look for help. During the Q&A portion of its investor conference call, THQ CEO Brian Farrell revealed that THQ is looking for a partner for the development of the expensive Dark Millennium Online.

"While the game in development promises to be a high-quality consumer offering," Farrell said, "because of the large financial commitment and associated risks, we are being realistic about our resources and we are actively seeking a partner for this compelling MMO."

It would seem that the publisher is trying its best not to cancel the MMO, despite being short of resources.

JoystiqTHQ 'actively seeking a partner' for Warhammer Dark Millennium Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcthqvigil-gameswarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineThu, 02 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Snag this crazy iOS peripheral, get free ride in a police car]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/snag-this-crazy-ios-peripheral-get-free-ride-in-a-police-car/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/snag-this-crazy-ios-peripheral-get-free-ride-in-a-police-car/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/snag-this-crazy-ios-peripheral-get-free-ride-in-a-police-car/#comments This happens to us every time: We walk into the cell phone store, search the displays excitedly, and are immediately disappointed by the lack of small firearms for sale. Every time. Mobile games developer Metal Compass is looking to change this depressing experience with the Xappr, a gun-shaped smartphone peripheral for a selection of augmented-reality and shooting apps, including AR Invaders and Spray'Em. Xappr is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows devices, although no Windows games are available at the moment.

Metal Compass will be showing off the Xappr at the Nuremberg international toy fair, which runs February 1-6, and expects to begin shipping it in June. Xappr is available for pre-order now, at the lowest price you'll ever pay for a gun you didn't steal: $30 (plus $15 shipping in the US).

JoystiqSnag this crazy iOS peripheral, get free ride in a police car originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaugmented-realitygunGunsiosipadiphoneMetal-Compassmobilenuremberg-toy-fairperipheralssmartphoneXAPPRThu, 02 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST