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[Rhode Island owns Amalur, all other 38 Studios intellectual property if studio defaults]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rhode-island-owns-38-studios-intellectual-property/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rhode-island-owns-38-studios-intellectual-property/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rhode-island-owns-38-studios-intellectual-property/#comments If 38 Studios does shutter, beyond Rhode Island taxpayers having to pay off the $75 million bond (plus interest) through 2020, it appears the state will also own the intellectual property of the developer as a parting gift. Reviewing updated documentation released by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) today, it appears 38 Studios put up all present and future IP by the company as collateral.

According to the documentation, 38 Studios' intellectual property rights and other collateral were pledged to the RIEDC and assigned to a trustee, which we've confirmed by pulling Uniform Commercial Code documentation. Any proceeds made from the sale of the collateral would go back to the bondholders. This covers "all rights, title and interest in any projects, including video game projects," such as Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and "Project Copernicus" - the title currently in development at 38 Studios.

"Based on what information I've been able to review on the 38 Studios situation, it appears that the funds they received from the RIEDC were secured by collateral that amounts to all of 38 Studios assets, including all of their intellectual property," attorney and Law of the Game editor Mark Methenitis told Joystiq this afternoon. "That would include all the rights to Kingdoms of Amalur and any other games they may have in development, even if no information about those titles has ever reached the light of day."

Continue reading Rhode Island owns Amalur, all other 38 Studios intellectual property if studio defaults

JoystiqRhode Island owns Amalur, all other 38 Studios intellectual property if studio defaults originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios, Schilling ask Rhode Island for more money; state officials freeze]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/38-studios-schilling-ask-rhode-island-for-more-money-state-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/38-studios-schilling-ask-rhode-island-for-more-money-state-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/38-studios-schilling-ask-rhode-island-for-more-money-state-off/#comments ImageToday's emergency meeting by Rhode Island officials to determine what they are going to do about Curt Schilling's 38 Studios has concluded with officials freezing like deer in headlights. Nothing happened.

Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation will take no immediate action to aid the developer, following a closed-door meeting attended by Governor Lincoln Chafee and Schilling, who asked for additional help to save the company. Schilling refused to answer press inquiries and officials wouldn't declare how much money the studio is seeking.

"How do we avoid throwing good money after bad?" Chafee is quoted by the Associated Press as saying after the three-hour emergency meeting finished.

"The company still has the option to cure the existing default by paying the $1,125,000 guaranty fee that is past due," reads an official statement by the EDC board. "In the meantime, we will continue to talk with 38 Studios and develop additional information, and will resume the Board meeting at our regularly scheduled meeting on May 21. The members of the Board may not discuss the confidential information received and discussed today."

If the studio doesn't receive assistance, it appears Rhode Island taxpayers may very well be on the hook for the $75 million 38 Studios loan that, after interest, would require paying back $112.6 million through 2020.

Continue reading 38 Studios, Schilling ask Rhode Island for more money; state officials freeze

Joystiq38 Studios, Schilling ask Rhode Island for more money; state officials freeze originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rhode-islandxboxWed, 16 May 2012 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend pulled down 1.2 million times thus far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tribes-ascend-pulled-down-1-2-million-times-thus-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tribes-ascend-pulled-down-1-2-million-times-thus-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tribes-ascend-pulled-down-1-2-million-times-thus-far/#comments Free-to-play shooter Tribes: Ascend has been downloaded 1.2 million times, a significant boost from the debatably framed 800K registered accounts from a month ago.

"It is truly the player support of the title that has driven the population growth and fuels our team to deliver updates," said Hi-Rez Studio COO Todd Harris. "We see the community expanding primarily thru positive word of mouth."

Hi-Rez Studios also noted over 110,000 people have joined Tribes: Ascend through the company's referral system. Our experience with the game since launch has been chronicled by our "Murderous Skier."

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend pulled down 1.2 million times thus far

JoystiqTribes: Ascend pulled down 1.2 million times thus far originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rezhi-rez-studiospctribes-ascendWed, 16 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 adds Manga, MUZU apps; upgrades Aussie FOXTEL with Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xbox-360-adds-manga-muzu-apps-upgrades-aussie-foxtel-with-kine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xbox-360-adds-manga-muzu-apps-upgrades-aussie-foxtel-with-kine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xbox-360-adds-manga-muzu-apps-upgrades-aussie-foxtel-with-kine/#comments ImageThe Xbox 360 has added a couple new entertainment apps for your audio-visual pleasure. Starting things off, in the States, there's the Manga app, which enables users to view full length episodes, movies and clips from the Manga Entertainment catalog.

For the northern parts of North America, MUZU.TV will we available to Xbox Live customers in the United States and Canada. MUZU is a ... (*googles*) apparently, it's a music video site, with over 40,000 mini musicals on demand.

Finally, Australians have upgraded FOXTEL with Kinect functionality. The virtual controls on that stuff aren't what one would call efficient, but Kinect compatibility is still worth it for the joys of "Xbox Pause" and "Xbox Play" functionality.

Continue reading Xbox 360 adds Manga, MUZU apps; upgrades Aussie FOXTEL with Kinect

JoystiqXbox 360 adds Manga, MUZU apps; upgrades Aussie FOXTEL with Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foxtelmangamanga-entertainmentmicrosoftmuzumuzu-tvxboxWed, 16 May 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter X Tekken sales fall short of Capcom expectations, 'cannibalism' blamed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/street-fighter-x-tekken-sales-fall-short-of-capcom-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/street-fighter-x-tekken-sales-fall-short-of-capcom-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/street-fighter-x-tekken-sales-fall-short-of-capcom-expectations/#comments ImageStreet Fighter X Tekken may have sold over a million units since launch, but Capcom recently declared that the game didn't hit internal expectations.

"Sales of Street Fighter X Tekken have fallen short of our plan. We believe one of causes is cannibalism because of the large number of other games in this genre that were launched within a short time," Capcom stated in a Q&A following its earnings release.

Although such a quote could be directed at companies like Warner Bros.' Mortal Kombat, Namco Bandai's Soulcalibur 5 or indie titles like Skullgirls, we prefer to imagine Capcom speaking that quote into a mirror.

As Eurogamer notes, since bringing back the fighting genre to popular consciousness with Street Fighter 4 in 2008 (consoles in 2009), the company itself has launched: Super Street Fighter 4, Super Street Fighter 4 Arcade Edition, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars, Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Street Fighter x Tekken, along with PSN and XBLA re-releases of fighters from its back catalog.

JoystiqStreet Fighter X Tekken sales fall short of Capcom expectations, 'cannibalism' blamed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcommicrosoftplaystationps3street-fighter-x-tekkenxboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row franchise ships 11 million units, SR: The Third expansion due in Sept.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/saints-row-franchise-has-shipped-11-million-units-sr-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/saints-row-franchise-has-shipped-11-million-units-sr-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/saints-row-franchise-has-shipped-11-million-units-sr-the-third/#comments As part of today's year-end financials, THQ announced that the Saints Row franchise has shipped 11 million units globally. Speaking specifically to the latest installment, Saints Row: The Third, the company revealed it has shipped over 4.25 million units and that "the game has generated the highest digital revenue of any console title in the company's history."

That's not the conclusion of Saints Row for the year. Saints Row: The Third: Enter The Dominatrix is expected to launch this September. The game is a standalone product that does not require the third installment to play and started life as an April Fool's gag.

JoystiqSaints Row franchise ships 11 million units, SR: The Third expansion due in Sept. originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3Saints-RowSaints-Row-2saints-row-the-thirdTHQvolition-incxboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[If 38 Studios collapses, Rhode Island taxpayers owe $112.6 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/#comments ImageWith Rhode Island politicians and 38 Studios silent on the precarious financial condition of the developer, the potential cost of the doomsday scenario to taxpayers has come to light. WPRI reports that if 38 Studios can't pay the bonds it received from the state, taxpayers will actually be responsible for paying back $112.6 million through 2020.

The math works a little something this this: The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation borrowed $75 million from private investors for 38 Studios, at interest rates between 6 - 7.75 percent, with the expectation that 38 Studios would pay it back with the sale of games.

For the record, 38 Studios has only launched one product, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, which it only had due to its acquisition of developer Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games was already working on an RPG prior to the sale, but altered it to fit the Amalur world after the purchase.

If 38 Studios can't pay, the governor is required to ask the General Assembly to repay bondholders.

Game industry sources tell Joystiq that if 38 Studios does collapse, despite this specific deal having been widely criticized from the start, it could have wider repercussions for the industry trying to obtain tax breaks in other states. The silence out of Providence right now is deafening.

JoystiqIf 38 Studios collapses, Rhode Island taxpayers owe $112.6 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingEAElectronic-Artskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island gov working hard at 'keeping 38 Studios solvent']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rhode-island-gov-working-hard-at-keeping-38-studios-solvent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rhode-island-gov-working-hard-at-keeping-38-studios-solvent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rhode-island-gov-working-hard-at-keeping-38-studios-solvent/#comments Reckoning, indeed! A developing story out of Rhode Island has Governor Lincoln Chafee talking in uncertain terms about the financial condition of Curt Schilling's 38 Studios, which the state gave a controversial $75 million loan to a couple years back to move down to Providence.

The Providence Journal reports Gov. Chafee, who was against the loan during his election, spent a "weekend of work on this subject," but wouldn't go into specifics. "We're doing everything possible, like I would for any Rhode Island company," he said this afternoon. The Journal reports he added the work was about "keeping 38 Studios solvent."

"We're concerned and just doing everything possible to ensure that 38 Studios stays part of the Rhode Island community," Governor Chafee told WPRI.com. "We're working on different issues with them." Asked if 38 Studios' issues could be resolved, Chafee said, "We're working on it."

Continue reading Rhode Island gov working hard at 'keeping 38 Studios solvent'

JoystiqRhode Island gov working hard at 'keeping 38 Studios solvent' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-Studioscurt-schillingGovernor-Chafeekingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningLincoln-Chafeemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rhode-IslandxboxMon, 14 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Max Payne 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/metareview-max-payne-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/metareview-max-payne-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/metareview-max-payne-3/#comments
Max, dearest of all my friends. So good to have you back. You look a little tired, friend. Is it all that leaping and shooting, or is it something more? Sit down, sip a little vodka and look at what they're saying about you. Joystiq feels you make "people die real good." What about everyone else? Take a look...
  • G4 (100/100): "The performances are top notch, the action plays out with unrivaled fluidity, and the multiplayer is deep and rewarding. Silly distractions aside, Max Payne 3 is an action lover's wet dream that also happens to employ some of the slickest direction and transitional trickery this side of a David Fincher box set. Lock and load. It's bullet time...time."
  • Game Informer (93/100): "The same great gunplay from the campaign is replicated in the multiplayer modes, and immense depth is tied to the ranking system (with a level cap of 50) and slew of unlockable guns, skins, and items. Rockstar also provides a crew system that tracks world ranks, kill-to-death ratios, and first place finishes for ­each ­crew."
  • Giant Bomb (4/5): "Rockstar has taken a lot of risks in the ways it has reshaped the series with Max Payne 3, and there's something to be said for opting out of the easy route. The aesthetic overhaul is certainly the most noticeable, though there's no understating the impact that certain gameplay modernizations have had on the experience. While fans might have a hard time processing the dramatic change in tone, it's approached with a seriousness and conviction that I respect, and frankly, have come to expect from Rockstar."
  • Edge (70/100): "Max Payne 3 might solve the problem of how you manage to reload when carrying more than one gun, but detailing alone can't change the fact that this is a surprisingly conservative game from Rockstar. Its absorption of cover mechanics makes Payne feel more familiar than he should, but even then his signature tricks are over a decade old. This is a game about a world-weary killer doing the only thing he knows how to, and for all its spectacular action beats there's something apt about Max's fatigue."

    Gallery: Max Payne 3 (5/14/12)

JoystiqMetareview: Max Payne 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Max-Payne-3Metareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3RockstarRockstar-GamesTake-Two-InteractivexboxMon, 14 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME Australia enters voluntary administration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/game-australia-enters-voluntary-administration/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/game-australia-enters-voluntary-administration/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/game-australia-enters-voluntary-administration/#comments ImageRetailer GAME's Australian arm has entered voluntary administration (i.e. "bankruptcy"), with stores continuing to operate as normal for the time being.

The company wrote on its Facebook page: "We are still trading in all stores and will operate in a business as usual mode while the Administrators obtain a clearer understanding of the current state of the business and actively pursue options to secure its future."

According to VG247, GAME has approximately 500 employees in Australia. GAME's immediate troubles in the UK concluded last month when the company was bought, but that was after it shut nearly 300 stores and cut thousands of jobs.

JoystiqGAME Australia enters voluntary administration originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaGameMon, 14 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Wallet exclusive to GameStop, doesn't change company investment in Impulse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-exclusive-to-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-exclusive-to-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-exclusive-to-gamestop/#comments ImageOn the surface, GameStop providing Steam Wallet cards would seem like a white flag, a sign of surrender by the old brick-and-mortar giant to the king of digital distribution. Business is never so simple. Frenemies they may be, both sides will profit greatly from this deal. Valve's Steam service just obtained access to thousands of GameStop stores (and its army of associates) across North America, and GameStop gets a cut of Steam, particularly from Steam users without credit cards or access to electronic payment methods.

"We are currently the only retailer with it," Steve Nix, manager of PC digital distribution for GameStop told us today. He expressed there's no specific exclusivity window for the company, but that GameStop's proprietary tech for selling DLC, which allows the company to go directly to digital distribution holders instead of going through a third-party vendor, helped make the deal possible.

Nix explains that he went to Valve with the deal a few months ago, with factoids like 84 percent of GameStop customers claim to play PC games, and made his case for this deal to occur. Nix's background probably helped grease the wheels. The executive was formerly an early supporter of Steam as the CEO of Ritual Entertainment (SiN Episodes) and director of business development and digital platforms at id Software, adding the company's catalog to Steam in 2007.

Nix also told us the Steam deal will not alter the company's plans for its own digital distribution service, Impulse. He also mentioned the company already sells Origin points and is open to doing something similar with GoG.

"Really, this doesn't affect anything we're doing with Impulse," Nix said. "We doubled the PC download business with the Impulse technology we acquired. We're happy with that. We're now online over 1600 SKUs, we'll continue to grow that and continue to invest in that."

"We're just offering options for customers. This in no way changes our investment or what we're doing with that business."

JoystiqSteam Wallet exclusive to GameStop, doesn't change company investment in Impulse originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameStopmacpcsteve-nixMon, 14 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sniper Elite V2 maintains elevated UK position for second week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/sniper-elite-v2-maintains-elevated-uk-position-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/sniper-elite-v2-maintains-elevated-uk-position-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/sniper-elite-v2-maintains-elevated-uk-position-for-second-week/#comments
Thanks to another week of minimal competition, Sniper Elite V2 maintains its vantage point atop the UK charts for a second week. The game may have seen sales drop 38 percent, but none of the new entries made any type of shakeup on the charts, with the regular motley crew holding the top ten.

The EA triplets of FIFA 12, FIFA Street and Mass Effect 3 find themselves in second, third and fifth place, respectively. Nudging in there for some cuddle time in fourth is Prototype 2.

Sony's Starhawk is the only new title to crack the top 40, flying in at spot 17 for its debut. March on past the break for the UK top ten.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2: Single-Player (03/23/2012)

Continue reading Sniper Elite V2 maintains elevated UK position for second week

JoystiqSniper Elite V2 maintains elevated UK position for second week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-streetmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3sniper-elite-v2UKxboxMon, 14 May 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ won't have Gamescom booth either]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/thq-wont-have-gamescom-booth-either/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/thq-wont-have-gamescom-booth-either/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/thq-wont-have-gamescom-booth-either/#comments ImageTHQ won't have a booth at Gamescom, the world's largest gaming show this August in Germany, but it may have a minimal presence. As GamesIndustry reports, the situation could be similar to THQ's presence at E3. The publisher plans to have meetings in the expo's conference rooms, but no presence on the show floor. A THQ representative tells GamesIndustry International that "the team is still discussing options" for Gamescom.

THQ's Darksiders 2 was recently delayed until August. Gamescom is easily the largest video game consumer and trade show in the world, welcoming 275,000 visitors in 2011. THQ is currently going through some serious financial difficulties.

[wavebreaklimited via Shutterstock]

JoystiqTHQ won't have Gamescom booth either originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GamescomTHQSat, 12 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Path of Exile free this weekend during stress test]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/path-of-exile-free-this-weekend-during-stress-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/path-of-exile-free-this-weekend-during-stress-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/path-of-exile-free-this-weekend-during-stress-test/#comments Path of Exile, the upcoming free-to-play Diablo-esque dungeon crawler, is currently going through its second public stress test. The game is available to download and play right now through the next day and a half. Developer Grinding Gear Games began its closed beta back in August and is planning to go open beta sometime this summer (or winter, since the team is in New Zealand).

Path of Exile was easily responsible for one of our oddest preview "appointments" ever and you can learn a lot more on the developer's detailed public stress weekend FAQ.

[Thanks, Repeats]

Gallery: Path of Exile

JoystiqPath of Exile free this weekend during stress test originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grinding-gear-gamespath-of-exilepcSat, 12 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes worth every penny at $2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/#comments This weekend, following the official announcement of the sequel, the Company of Heroes franchise is 80 percent off on Steam. The original game, which helped breathe new life into a tired genre and setting, is a mere $2. Two bucks! Two smackers! Dos dollars!

Got a little buffer in the budget to spend more? Well, the Opposing Fronts expansion can be bundled with the original game for $6, with the Tales of Valor expansion added for a total of $10. The deal lasts until May 14 and you don't want to miss out on these 1940s prices for video games. Don't think about that previous line too long.

JoystiqCompany of Heroes worth every penny at $2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Company-of-HeroespcRelicRelic-EntertainmentSteamTHQSat, 12 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Good morning, starshine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/wrup-good-morning-starshine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/wrup-good-morning-starshine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/wrup-good-morning-starshine/#comments ImageWakey-wakey, eggs and bakey. After a hearty breakfast (while listening to the new Super Joystiq Podcast), what's everyone playing?

[Olga Mitsova via Shutterstock]

Continue reading WRUP: Good morning, starshine

JoystiqWRUP: Good morning, starshine originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>what-are-you-playingwrupSat, 12 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tropico 4 free this weekend on Steam, deep discount on full import]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/tropico-4-free-this-weekend-on-steam-deep-discount-on-full-impo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/tropico-4-free-this-weekend-on-steam-deep-discount-on-full-impo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/tropico-4-free-this-weekend-on-steam-deep-discount-on-full-impo/#comments This weekend, everyone can be El Presidente! Tropico 4, easily one of the most charming and polished simulation games in recent memory, is free to play on Steam until Sunday at 1PM Pacific.

The game's enjoyable campaign is looooong, so if you like your taste of Tropican life and want to continue, the full game is going for $13.59. If you find yourself plowing through the campaign, the lengthy Modern Times expansion is also on sale for $14.99.

JoystiqTropico 4 free this weekend on Steam, deep discount on full import originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Haemimont-GamesKalypso-mediapctropico-4Fri, 11 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GameStop to start selling Steam vouchers next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/report-gamestop-to-start-selling-steam-vouchers-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/report-gamestop-to-start-selling-steam-vouchers-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/report-gamestop-to-start-selling-steam-vouchers-next-week/#comments ImageGamestop will reportedly begin selling Steam gift cards next week, according to a Kotaku source. Sweetening the legitimacy of this bizarre reality, the source also snapped a photo of the packaging (pictured). The cards will allegedly go on sale starting May 15.

Valve has yet to respond to our query on the subject. Gamestop tells us: "As a rule, the company does not comment on rumor and speculation."

Although this may all seem counter-intuitive (and it is when you think about Gamestop's Impulse digital distribution system), it's more like an agreement between frenemies. Valve can make money off people who don't use credit cards or other digital purchasing options, while Gamestop keeps making crazy amounts of cash off digital products in stores.

JoystiqReport: GameStop to start selling Steam vouchers next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GamestopmacpcSteamValveThu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Lord of the Rings listed on retail site, reportedly on Lego toy boxes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/lego-lord-of-the-rings-listed-on-retail-site-reportedly-on-lego/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/lego-lord-of-the-rings-listed-on-retail-site-reportedly-on-lego/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/lego-lord-of-the-rings-listed-on-retail-site-reportedly-on-lego/#comments A Lego Lord of the Rings video game is in the stars for later this year. AllGamesBeta and Gamespot both have images from UK retailer ShopTo with pre-order details, along with an October placemark launch. Meanwhile, MCV reports that packaging for the physical Lego Lord of the Rings toy sets mentions a game is in the works by Warner Bros.' Traveller's Tales.

A Warner Bros. Interactive rep told Joystiq, "We do not comment on speculation or rumors."

The Lego Lord of the Rings series first popped up on radar late last year, which ended up officially being a teaser for the physical sets... or not, as the current case may play out.

JoystiqLego Lord of the Rings listed on retail site, reportedly on Lego toy boxes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lego-lord-of-the-ringsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Warner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwiixboxThu, 10 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[1.8 million Vitas getting covered in fingerprints worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/1-8-million-vitas-getting-covered-in-fingerprints-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/1-8-million-vitas-getting-covered-in-fingerprints-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/1-8-million-vitas-getting-covered-in-fingerprints-worldwide/#comments
Sony has sold 1.8 million PlayStation Vitas, according to CEO Kaz Hirai. The executive announced the latest tally during the company's fiscal earnings call. Gamasutra reports Hirai thinks this is a "good start," but he did say, "We have to reinforce the software area in order to improve the business, that is the basic line."

Hirai added, "This is a very important product indeed for us, and therefore we still have a very high motivation to develop this further. There is no change."

The latest update we had on Vita sales came in late February, where the company stated the portable gaming device had sold 1.2 million units.

Joystiq1.8 million Vitas getting covered in fingerprints worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kaz-hiraiplaystationplaystation-vitasalesvitaThu, 10 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored exacts revenge on October 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/dishonored-finds-honor-in-october-9-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/dishonored-finds-honor-in-october-9-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/dishonored-finds-honor-in-october-9-release-date/#comments ImageBethesda's steampunk-ish assassin action game, Dishonored, will make its way to North American and European retailers on October 9 and 12, respectively.

We'll find out more about Dishonored - this fall's other assassin game and best summed up as BioShock + Assassin's Creed + Dickens - and get some hands-on time with it at E3 in a few weeks.

Gallery: Dishonored (4/26/12)

JoystiqDishonored exacts revenge on October 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arkane-StudiosBethesda-Softworksdishonoredmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 10 May 2012 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA['Hitman: Sniper Challenge' official, only available as GameStop pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-sniper-challenge-official-only-available-as-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-sniper-challenge-official-only-available-as-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/hitman-sniper-challenge-official-only-available-as-gamestop/#comments
Confirming the leak from Tuesday, Square Enix has announced the Hitman: Sniper Challenge as a pre-order bonus for Hitman: Absolution. The challenge will be available beginning May 15 at GameStop for those who pre-order Absolution, which will take its shot at retail on November 20. A Steam version of the Sniper Challenge will be available August 1, with details on how to gain access coming later.

The Sniper Challenge is a standalone experience, with Agent 47 tasked with taking out a mark and all his bodyguards from a rooftop. Efficiency is key and will grant score multipliers and unlock equipment upgrades (some which will transfer to Absolution). Progress of the best snipers will be tracked on a leaderboard and the best of the best snipers in North America will win a trip for two to Copenhagen, Denmark, where they will meet the Hitman development team.

...or they'll be drafted by the CIA into some La Femme Nikita situation.

Gallery: Hitman Absolution (Hitman: Sniper Challenge)

Continue reading 'Hitman: Sniper Challenge' official, only available as GameStop pre-order

Joystiq'Hitman: Sniper Challenge' official, only available as GameStop pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestophitman-5hitman-absolutionHitman-Sniper-ChallengeIO-Interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxThu, 10 May 2012 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds downloaded a billion times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/#comments
The Angry Birds franchise has hurtled past a billion downloads. The number covers free and paid downloads of Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Space. The news comes a couple days after Rovio revealed revenues of $106.3 million in 2011, with approximately $67.6 million in pre-tax profit.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcRovioWed, 09 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Inside Xbox also ends in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/inside-xbox-also-ends-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/inside-xbox-also-ends-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/inside-xbox-also-ends-in-europe/#comments ImageAlthough Microsoft was a little cagey about the fate of Inside Xbox content in Europe last week, the company announced today that it will "effectively be retired in Europe." That means first-party content will no longer be produced, with everything transitioning to a third-party content model.

"So, to be clear and succinct: Inside Xbox is no more, as are our jobs," Dan Maher, Xbox Live Editor and host of SentUAMessage wrote on Twitter. "Your support during the last four years has meant the world to us."

The European shutdown comes a week after Microsoft announced the closure of first-party Inside Xbox production in the States and other territories.

JoystiqInside Xbox also ends in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inside-xboxmicrosoftsentuamessagexboxWed, 09 May 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Outernauts is new Facebook game from Insomniac and EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/outernauts-facebook-insomniac-and-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/outernauts-facebook-insomniac-and-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/outernauts-facebook-insomniac-and-ea/#comments
Insomniac Games (Ratchet and Clank, Resistance series) and Electronic Arts have teamed up on Outernauts, an adventure role-playing Facebook game. Outernauts are sent out into the galaxy to capture and train "exotic alien beasts" and unlock the secrets of the ancients while fighting in asynchronous battles.

"As we have demonstrated for nearly twenty years in the console games space, we're confident we can help evolve the definition of a game experience on Facebook," said Insomniac prez Ted Price. "With Outernauts, we are delivering a deep story with real RPG strategy, coupled with Insomniac's signature sense of humor."

The game popped up across galactic radar relays this past February following copyright registrations, and could be seen in stars after the creation of Insomniac Click. Outernauts will launch this summer and is currently in closed beta.

Gallery: Outernauts

JoystiqOuternauts is new Facebook game from Insomniac and EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsFacebookInsomniacmacOuternautspcWed, 09 May 2012 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite delayed to February 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/bioshock-infinite-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/bioshock-infinite-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/bioshock-infinite-delayed/#comments Take-Two has delayed BioShock Infinite until February 26, 2013.

"When we announced the release date of BioShock Infinite in March, we felt pretty good about the timing. Since then, we've uncovered opportunities to make Infinite into something even more extraordinary," said Irrational Games Creative Director Ken Levine. "Therefore, to give our talented team the time they need to deliver the best Infinite possible, we've decided to move the game's release to February."

Levine also mentioned in a separate statement that the game will be going dark from here on out, noting it will not be shown at mega events E3 and Gamescom.

"That way, the next time you see our game, it will be essentially the product we intend to put in the box. Preparing for these events takes time away from development, time we're going to use instead to get the best version of Infinite into your hands in February."

Gallery: BioShock Infinite (Propaganda Posters)

JoystiqBioShock Infinite delayed to February 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Two-InteractivexboxWed, 09 May 2012 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Combat Wings landing on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/rumor-combat-wings-landing-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/rumor-combat-wings-landing-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/rumor-combat-wings-landing-on-xbla/#comments ImageThe Xbox Marketplace currently has a placeholder for Combat Wings, but there is some curiosity over the listing. XBLAFans first took note of the addition, but it's unclear if this XBLA game is a spin-off of the formerly retail product, Combat Wings: The Great Battles of World War II, or a downloadable replacement after the game missed its March launch.

City Interactive recently stated on its Facebook wall that the retail game had not been canceled, but was going digital instead. We were able to get in contact with the US representatives for the Polish publisher, but they needed to check with base camp before providing further clarification. We'll let you know as soon as we hear more.

Continue reading Rumor: Combat Wings landing on XBLA

JoystiqRumor: Combat Wings landing on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-interactiveCombat-Wingscombat-wings-the-great-battles-of-wwiimicrosoftxblaxboxTue, 08 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony E3 press conference will not be televised (or maybe it will be)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sony-e3-press-conference-will-not-be-televised-but-it-will-be-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sony-e3-press-conference-will-not-be-televised-but-it-will-be-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sony-e3-press-conference-will-not-be-televised-but-it-will-be-s/#comments ImageSony will stream its E3 2012 press conference through the internets in a little under a month, having already established the obligatory site with a large countdown clock. Be sure to have a Big Gulp and popcorn ready on Monday, June 4, for all the highs and spectacularly awkward lows.

Nintendo has yet to announce its streaming plans for the show, but Microsoft will have its press conference broadcast on the Spike TV network in the States and distributed through Xbox Live streaming. So, watch along at home, and join us on here as we deliver the sights, sounds and smells not fit for screens.

Update: US network G4 informs us it will broadcast Sony's 2012 E3 press conference "live and commercial free."

JoystiqSony E3 press conference will not be televised (or maybe it will be) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3-2012playstationplaystation-vitaps3SonyvitaTue, 08 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls sells 1.19 million copies across North America and Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/dark-souls-sells-1-19-million-copies-across-north-america-and-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/dark-souls-sells-1-19-million-copies-across-north-america-and-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/dark-souls-sells-1-19-million-copies-across-north-america-and-eu/#comments One man's pain is another's pleasure. Never has this been more true than in the case of Dark Souls, as the sadistically difficult RPG continues a slow creep toward two million sales. As part of today's Namco Bandai financials, the company revealed sales in the United States and Europe reached 1.19 million copies.

Publishing in Japan was handled by From Software, which revealed last November that the game had shipped 370,000 units in the region.

Having punished console players within an inch of their sanity, Namco Bandai will launch Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition on PC August 24.

JoystiqDark Souls sells 1.19 million copies across North America and Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-SoftwaremicrosoftNamco-Bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3xboxTue, 08 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'Kinect Play Fit' and 'Joule' are Kinect-ercise tools]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/report-kinect-play-fit-and-joule-are-kinect-ercise-tools/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/report-kinect-play-fit-and-joule-are-kinect-ercise-tools/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/report-kinect-play-fit-and-joule-are-kinect-ercise-tools/#comments ImageMicrosoft is prepping for Kinect Play Fit and releasing hardware codenamed "Joule" to accompany it, according to sources speaking to The Verge. Kinect Play Fit will track exercise across "most Kinect games," providing metrics that'll be stored in the cloud. Joule is expected to be a heart-rate monitor, allowing wireless monitoring to keep exercise "within a target goal for weight loss, strength, or cross-fitness workouts."

Joule and Kinect Play Fit are compatible, but are two separate products. There is no expected launch window, but Verge sources also claim a future dashboard update will introduce the system. We're checking with Microsoft if it has any comment, but most of this (if true) will likely be revealed at E3 in a month.

Update: "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation."

JoystiqReport: 'Kinect Play Fit' and 'Joule' are Kinect-ercise tools originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exerciseexergamingJoulekinectKinect-Play-FitmicrosoftxboxTue, 08 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PixelJunk series goes on sale today, many for $1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pixeljunk-series-goes-on-sale-today-many-for-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pixeljunk-series-goes-on-sale-today-many-for-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pixeljunk-series-goes-on-sale-today-many-for-1/#comments
The PixelJunk collection goes on deep discount today later today on PSN, with some games on sale for a mere dollar. If you don't already have Racers, Monsters, Eden and Shooter, you absolutely should pick them up for a buck each.

PixelJunk Shooter 2 and SideScroller are both half-off for $5. The sale will conclude on May 15, when PixelJunk 4am will launch in a swirl of sounds and we can all taste the purple.

Those who live in the San Francisco area can attend the PixelJunk 4am Event this Thursday, May 10, at the Harlot. The first 75 attendees will receive a code for the game that they can activate when it goes live next week.

Gallery: PixelJunk 4am

JoystiqPixelJunk series goes on sale today, many for $1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PixelJunkPixelJunk-Edenpixeljunk-monsterspixeljunk-racerspixeljunk-shooterPixelJunk-Shooter-2playstationps3q-gamesTue, 08 May 2012 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Spec Ops: The Line demo breaches today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/spec-ops-the-line-demo-breaches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/spec-ops-the-line-demo-breaches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/spec-ops-the-line-demo-breaches-today/#comments Spec Ops: The Line's demo is available now on Xbox 360 for Gold subscribers and later today, following the PSN update, on PlayStation 3. It will be available to all Xbox Live members on May 15.

The sampler will feature a snippet of the single-player campaign, covering two early chapters in the game, as players search for a target through the sand-ravaged streets of Dubai and add more destruction. You'll have plenty of time to play the demo and practice, Spec Ops: The Line won't storm retail shelves until June 26.

Update: Removed mention of multiplayer as being part of demo. It's not.

Gallery: Spec Ops: The Line (Demo)

JoystiqSpec Ops: The Line demo breaches today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demomicrosoftplaystationps3Spec-Ops-the-LinexboxTue, 08 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[May's Dance Central 2 DLC here to spice up your life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/mays-dance-central-2-dlc-here-to-spice-up-your-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/mays-dance-central-2-dlc-here-to-spice-up-your-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/mays-dance-central-2-dlc-here-to-spice-up-your-life/#comments Every boy, every girl, spice up your life with this month's DLC tracks for Dance Central 2. The saucy selection begins today, May 8, with the Spice Girl's 1997 hit "Spice Up Your Life." Don't waste any thyme grabbing that track.

Over the next three Tuesdays, you'll also have the option of moving to the beat of "Hello Good Morning" by Diddy-Dirty Money, A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario" and Flo Rida's "Low."

All tracks are 240 MSP ($3). Remember, to be like shawty, you need the apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur and then get low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low.

Continue reading May's Dance Central 2 DLC here to spice up your life

JoystiqMay's Dance Central 2 DLC here to spice up your life originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-central-2DLCHarmonixkinectmicrosoftxboxTue, 08 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sniper Elite V2 shoots straight to top spot in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sniper-elite-v2-shoots-straight-to-top-spot-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sniper-elite-v2-shoots-straight-to-top-spot-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sniper-elite-v2-shoots-straight-to-top-spot-in-uk/#comments Sniper Elite V2 is naturally going to want a position at the top of Chart-Track's UK charts... it's the best vantage point. Thankfully, there wasn't very much competition around, as evidenced by what is probably the shortest overview of last week's sales activity by the stat tracking company in recent memory.

The prior week's top performer, Prototype 2, fell one spot into second. It was followed by the EA triplets that never seem to be apart: FIFA 12, FIFA Street and Mass Effect 3. Beyond that, no new games to report making moves, no major shuffling of the status quo. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2: Single-Player (03/23/2012)

Continue reading Sniper Elite V2 shoots straight to top spot in UK

JoystiqSniper Elite V2 shoots straight to top spot in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3sniper-elite-v2ukwiixboxTue, 08 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Stores offering $99 Xbox 360 with contract now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/99-xbox-360-with-contract/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/99-xbox-360-with-contract/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/99-xbox-360-with-contract/#comments ImageThe rumored $99 Xbox 360 with two-year $15 a month contract is official. It includes a Kinect, Xbox Live Gold service and a two-year warranty. The offer is now available on the Microsoft Store site.

The math works out to roughly $460 for the bundle over the next two years. Currently the 4GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle has a suggested retail price of $299 (although it can be found for less), with Xbox Live Gold subscriptions costing about $50 a year, for a grand upfront total of $399 (or less) if you bought today.

JoystiqMicrosoft Stores offering $99 Xbox 360 with contract now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contract-xboxkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft-storexboxXbox-360Mon, 07 May 2012 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes 2 officially announced, arrives 'early 2013']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/company-of-heroes-2-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/company-of-heroes-2-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/company-of-heroes-2-2013/#comments ImageTHQ announced this morning that Company of Heroes 2, the sequel to its critically-acclaimed 2006 real-time strategy title, will storm retail in "early 2013." The sequel parts ways with the commonly covered Western Front of World War 2 and has players taking control of the Russian Red Army to the east, as they repel the Nazis.

Relic will utilize the "state of the art" Essence 3.0 Engine for prettier environmental destruction and graphicalizations.

"Company of Heroes 2 is a true successor, introducing a new front, new protagonists and new technology," said Greg Wilson, producer at Relic. "While retaining the unique mix of strategic gameplay and competitive multiplayer that made the original Company of Heroes such a success."

Due to its current financial condition, THQ won't be showing Company of Heroes 2 on the E3 show floor, but will hopefully be giving a taste of the title in meeting rooms upstairs at the show in a month.

JoystiqCompany of Heroes 2 officially announced, arrives 'early 2013' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroes-2pcRelicRelic-EntertainmentTHQMon, 07 May 2012 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine deals found in the Amazon, Psychonauts and Costume Quest under $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/double-fine-deals-found-in-the-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/double-fine-deals-found-in-the-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/double-fine-deals-found-in-the-amazon/#comments ImageAmazon's PC digital distribution service has a few Double Fine titles on discount this week. Psychonauts -- the original Inception -- is available for $3.99, Costume Quest is a treat at a mere $2.99 and you can nest at ease with Stacking at $7.49.

If you've yet to play or own any of these games (for shame!), then pick 'em all up for $10 with the "Oh So Fine" bundle.

JoystiqDouble Fine deals found in the Amazon, Psychonauts and Costume Quest under $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Costume-QuestDouble-FinepcPsychonautsStackingMon, 07 May 2012 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle Chess remake moves to Kickstarter for multiplayer funding]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/battle-chess-remake-moves-to-kickstarter-for-multiplayer-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/battle-chess-remake-moves-to-kickstarter-for-multiplayer-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/battle-chess-remake-moves-to-kickstarter-for-multiplayer-funding/#comments ImageThe studio developing the licensed remake of Battle Chess has begun a Kickstarter to fund a full featured multiplayer system for the title before its launch later this year. Expected to launch last year, Subdued Software, which received no funding from Battle Chess rights holder Interplay, has been working on the project between contracts.

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battle-Chessbattle-chess-2011iosipadiphoneKickstartermobilepcSubdued-SoftwareMon, 07 May 2012 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Joystiq, assemble!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/wrup-joystiq-assemble/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/wrup-joystiq-assemble/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/wrup-joystiq-assemble/#comments ImageOkay, we all know what movie everyone is seeing this weekend, so just tell us this: Which Avenger are you? (Oh, and what are you playing?)


[Lev Radin via Shutterstock]

Continue reading WRUP: Joystiq, assemble!

JoystiqWRUP: Joystiq, assemble! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>what-are-you-playingWRUPFri, 04 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Rage Against the Machine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/rock-band-weekly-rage-against-the-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/rock-band-weekly-rage-against-the-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/rock-band-weekly-rage-against-the-machine/#comments ImageSo much rage! How much rage? Over 9000! What? OVER 9000! That's how much raging against machines there is in next week's Rock Band DLC. Tracks include classic rage like "Bombtrack" and "Killing in the Name," which even if you think you've never heard these songs before, the minute it starts you'll be all "I do know that!"

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Rage Against the Machine

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Rage Against the Machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Harmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rage-against-the-machineRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 04 May 2012 19:30:00 EST