Joystiq PC http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq PC http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[I can never play Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/#comments It's not because I lack the requisite memory blocks and quantum computers to run Blizzard's latest, Diablo 3 - it's personal. You see, I'm genetically predisposed to Diablo. It's something I think about each and every day.

Diablo is a proper addiction to me. Diablo 2 is something I associate with the darkest moments of my life, when I skipped showers and seriously lived on Pop Tarts. My only comfort back then was the dim glow of the monitor and the random piece of treasure the game would occasionally drop for me as I toiled away hours doing nightmare-level Meph runs.

I have an addictive personality, as many of those who have met me in real life can attest. I eat horribly, can't seem to quit smoking cigarettes and have drunk to excess on occasion. The Diablo experience is like some kind of magical talisman created by the wizards of southern California that is meant to poke and prod that dark place inside me I actively ignore and deny every day of my life. Diablo brings out my greed and disdain for everything other than myself in the worst way.

But again, these are just words. They don't mean anything without examples, so I'm going to take you back to when I was in college and Diablo 2 ruined my life.

Continue reading I can never play Diablo 3

JoystiqI can never play Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionaddictionblizzardDiablo-3macpcWed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 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[Crysis 3 screens both new and 'new']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/#comments ImageYou see that dude above, straight chillin'? Yeah, you've seen him before - like, a few weeks ago, when the image leaked alongside several other Crysis 3 screens. Well here he is again, but this time he's got a whole bunch more totally official screens, straight from EA. Thrilling!

Continue reading Crysis 3 screens both new and 'new'

JoystiqCrysis 3 screens both new and 'new' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconcept-artcrysis-3crytekeaea-partnerselectronic-artsgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[U4iA rips the wrap off free-to-play FPS Offensive Combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/u4ia-rips-the-wrap-off-free-to-play-fps-offensive-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/u4ia-rips-the-wrap-off-free-to-play-fps-offensive-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/u4ia-rips-the-wrap-off-free-to-play-fps-offensive-combat/#comments ImageBrowser-based FPS Offensive Combat is the new game from U4iA, a studio formed last year by Activision expats. It's an FPS with a mobile/tablet sidearm, described as working together "unlike any game before," though no further details beyond that were provided. The only other aspect U4iA revealed is customization, which we figure is the awesome lizard hat seen in the screenshot above.

U4iA was founded by Chris Archer and Dusty Welch, former Activision and Call of Duty vets. With Offensive Combat, the two hope to deliver "the most competitive multiplayer action ever seen within a browser." A beta for Offensive Combat kicks off this summer.

Continue reading U4iA rips the wrap off free-to-play FPS Offensive Combat

JoystiqU4iA rips the wrap off free-to-play FPS Offensive Combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macoffensive-combatpcu4iaWed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 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[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-review/#comments ImageSearching for the proper metaphor for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2, the best I can conjure is a glass of milk. There's nothing really wrong with it per se, but it's not exactly exciting either. It has some good qualities and is mildly refreshing, but when's the last you time you raved about a glass of milk?

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2windows-phonexboxWed, 16 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia's GRID platform hopes to dramatically improve cloud gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/nvidias-grid-platform-hopes-to-dramatically-improve-cloud-gamin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/nvidias-grid-platform-hopes-to-dramatically-improve-cloud-gamin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/nvidias-grid-platform-hopes-to-dramatically-improve-cloud-gamin/#comments ImageUsing words we don't quite understand, Nividia has announced a new platform that will conceivably make cloud gaming a much more viable prospect. The Geforce GRID platform features "dedicated ultra-low-latency streaming technology and cloud graphics software" and the company believes it will "fundamentally change the economics and experience of cloud gaming."

A single GRID unit houses two GPUs based on Nvidia's Kepler technology, which the company says are capable of maintaining eight separate game streams simultaneously, an attractive prospect for gaming service providers. Additionally, "fast streaming technology" will supposedly drop server latency to "as little as 10 milliseconds," which, as we understand it, is pretty fast. So fast that GRID could potentially stream very high-end games to virtually any device, from phone to TV to toaster. Furthermore, Nvidia is working with smart TV manufacturers to reduce ethernet input lag so that, in theory, Gaikai could have latency on par with a console connected via HDMI (or slightly lower latency, if you believe the graph above).

Of course, we'll have to wait and see how everything works out in practice, but the possibilities are, in a word, crazypants.

JoystiqNvidia's GRID platform hopes to dramatically improve cloud gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geforcegeforce-gridgpunvidiapcWed, 16 May 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dear Esther comes to Mac on Steam, is half off through Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/#comments ImageDear Esther has finally wandered across the barren PC wasteland to end up on Mac as part of the larger Steam island system. Dear Esther, developed by current Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs team thechineseroom, now supports SteamPlay and is half off for Midweek Madness, through May 17.

JoystiqDear Esther comes to Mac on Steam, is half off through Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dear-esthermacpcSTEAMSteamPlaythechineseroomTue, 15 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom re-evaluating on-disc DLC, is 'listening']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/capcom-re-evaluating-on-disc-dlc-is-listening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/capcom-re-evaluating-on-disc-dlc-is-listening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/capcom-re-evaluating-on-disc-dlc-is-listening/#comments ImageCapcom is revising its DLC strategy to include less content on-disc at launch, senior vice president Christian Svensson writes in a post in the Capcom forums. "We would like to assure you that we have been listening to your comments and as such have begun the process of re-evaluating how such additional game content is delivered in the future," Svensson says.

This introspection follows vicious complaints about Street Fighter X Tekken's on-disc DLC, to which Capcom responded that it sees no distinction between on- and off-disc DLC. A few titles currently in production will ship with on-disc DLC, including Dragon's Dogma, Svensson writes.

Capcom decided to add DLC on Dragon's Dogma discs "at the beginning of the game's development cycle as at the time this was determined to be the most efficient way of ensuring certain content was made available," according to Svensson. "You are being heard," Svensson concludes.

JoystiqCapcom re-evaluating on-disc DLC, is 'listening' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomDLCmicrosofton-disc-dlcpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3street-fighter-x-tekkenvitaxboxTue, 15 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 servers are now back online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/#comments According to the latest update on the Blizzard forums, the Diablo 3 servers for North America are up and running. The servers went down for maintenance earlier today - the launch has suffered some hiccups - but now you should be able to log in and take a hit of that sweet, sweet Diablo 3, no problem. Happy looting!

JoystiqDiablo 3 servers are now back online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3macpcTue, 15 May 2012 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/#comments ImageTranslating the tome that is author George R.R. Martin's masterwork A Song of Ice and Fire is a task that must be both daunting and erratic. In its second season on HBO, the television adaptation of the series has been lovingly crafted into a marvelous weekly hour of television. In the video game world, developer Cyanide Studio has stumbled in its task thus far, releasing an abysmal strategy game that seemed to be created less in devotion to the source material and more in reaction to the franchise's new mainstream spotlight. With the studio's second effort at the series, the French developer has brought the Seven Kingdoms to life in a new, role-playing adventure.

Unlike the strategy title A Game of Thrones: Genesis, the RPG Game of Thrones feels like it was cobbled together by people who have genuine affection for the series. But Cyanide's ideas themselves seem more grand than the company is capable of delivering, showing stitches of the small studio's limitations throughout. It's the intention of the HBO series - with the budget of a SyFy original movie.

Gallery: Game of Thrones (4/25/12)

Continue reading Game of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken

JoystiqGame of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgAtluscyanide-studiocyanide-studiosgame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 15 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios whiffed last loan payment, received nearly $50 million from Rhode Island thus far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/#comments ImageThe hits keep coming for ex-baseballer Curt Schillings' 38 Studios. The company reportedly missed its latest loan payment of $1.125 million to the state of Rhode Island on May 1, effectively defaulting its $75 million loan. WPRI spoke with Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox who confirmed the news.

The loan's facilitator, Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation, called an "emergency meeting" for tomorrow morning, wherein it will discuss "an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public regarding the 38 Studios financing." As reported earlier, if 38 Studios were to fully default on its loan obligations to investors supplying the loan via the Rhode Island government, the responsibility would fall to Rhode Island's taxpayers - to the tune of $112.6 million.

Of the $75 million borrowed by 38 Studios from the state of Rhode Island, $49.8 million was received by the studio as of March 15, WPRI reports. Given that, it seems worrisome at best that 38 Studios was unable to fulfill its recent payment of $1.125 million. 38 Studios is working on the Kingdoms of Amalur MMO - the game was originally promised for a launch ahead of 2013, when 38 Studios is set to begin paying back bondholders on its $75 million loan. It's unclear what stage its MMO is at, and 38 Studios hasn't made a public statement regarding its recent issues.

[Image credit: 38 Studios]

Joystiq38 Studios whiffed last loan payment, received nearly $50 million from Rhode Island thus far originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingpcrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationTue, 15 May 2012 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/#comments Some of you may have experienced this first hand, but if you've yet to suddenly go offline while playing Diablo 3, here's what happens. First, your game will lock up for a minute or so, then you'll be sent back to the character selection screen.

According to Eurogamer, at this point you'll log back in and find that you've retained all gold, experience and items - no penalties there. Once you get back into the game, you'll start from your last checkpoint.

The decision to require a constant internet connection initially received some blowback from the community, but it would seem it's not as bad as initially thought, at least in one regard. Eurogamer even notes that being booted back to the character selection screen didn't happen every time - occasionally the game would resume as if no disconnect even occurred.

JoystiqDiablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalways-on-drmbattle-netblizzardDiablo-3drmmacpcTue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 rides into retail August 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/darksiders-2-rides-into-retail-august-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/darksiders-2-rides-into-retail-august-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/darksiders-2-rides-into-retail-august-14/#comments Image"We look forward to launching Darksiders [2] beginning on August 14 in North America," announced THQ CEO Brian Farrell during an investor conference call today. Farrell said that the delay from the previous June date was a "demonstration of our commitment to quality" - and that, after discussions with retailers, the publisher determined that "mid-August is a more favorable release window."

Pre-orders for Darksiders 2 are more than five times what they were for the first game at the equivalent point before release, Farrell noted. THQ is accompanying this release with double the marketing spend of the first game as well - it needs a hit game, and badly.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 rides into retail August 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3q3-2012release-datewii-uxboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/#comments ImageTHQ saw a net revenue loss of $239.9 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, $100 million more than the previous fiscal year's loss of $136.1 million.

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2012kinectlossmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationps3THQwiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park: The Game delayed to early 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/#comments ImageSouth Park: The Game was originally announced with a launch in the second half of 2012, but it has been pushed to Q4 of FY2013, THQ's financial statement reveals. THQ's financial years run April through March, putting the new launch window in early 2013 territory.

Developer Obsidian Entertainment was hit with layoffs in March, with a few losses coming from the South Park: The Game development team.

JoystiqSouth Park: The Game delayed to early 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delayfy-2012microsoftObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gameTHQxboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:38:00 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[Blizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/#comments
What's all this "Diablo" hubbub today, you wonder? Well, you see, "Diablo" is another name for "Devil" (Spanish!) and you're this monk/warrior/witch doctor/wizard/demon hunter who's gotta kill thousands of demons to get to the main bad demon dude and ... okay, Blizzard does a much better job laying it all out.

JoystiqBlizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacpctrailerTue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/#comments ImageMercenary Ops is something of a rarity. While there are quite a few Western-developed games being published in Asia by Chinese and Korean companies, there aren't a lot of Chinese-developed online titles being published by Western companies.

Developed in China by Yingpei Games, which used to be called Epic Games China, the shooter is being distributed by the San Francisco-based outfit Kalends, a group of developers who've decided to try their hand at publishing on their own.

As for the game itself, Kalends has announced that Mercenary Ops will be released as a free-to-play, microtransaction-based title - a business plan that has deep roots in China, but is only just breaking ground stateside.

Gallery: Mercenary Ops

Continue reading Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops

JoystiqBringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabetaeasternfree-to-playjason-sharpkalendsmarketsmercenary-opspcshooterthird-personuswesternying-peiTue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Somebody finished Diablo 3 in 12 hours [Update: Others did it in 7]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/somebody-finished-diablo-3-in-12-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/somebody-finished-diablo-3-in-12-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/somebody-finished-diablo-3-in-12-hours/#comments ImageWe wonder - when someone finishes an epic, sprawling title such as Diablo 3 in a matter of hours, does he experience the years of excitement, adrenaline and joy had by unrushed players as a super-compressed ball of electric hype? And if so, how does his heart not explode?

Diablo 3 player Yoshichan would know the answers to these questions, as he posted final stats from Diablo 3 showing that he finished the entire game in 12 hours and 29 minutes. Yoshichan played as a Barbarian on Normal difficulty, reached level 32, had 8,368 Lifetime Kills, 412 Elite Kills and collected 168,481 gold during his run. He obviously didn't run into many Templar followers.

We suggest Yoshichan pop an aspirin and give Diablo 3 another, heartier go, but only if he promises to stop and smell the brimstone along the way.

Update: It appears a few more players have gotten past this dreaded "Error 37" monster we keep hearing so much about to finish Diablo 3 in just seven hours. A group of four Korean players ran through the entire title in seven hours on Normal difficulty, and a group of Chinese players did the same, Tom's Hardware reports. [Thanks, AlexLiebensfeld.]

JoystiqSomebody finished Diablo 3 in 12 hours [Update: Others did it in 7] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-hoursBlizzardDiablo-3finishedpcTue, 15 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft profits in 2012, 'core gamers' drive rise in sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/#comments ImageUbisoft ended the 2012 financial year on the up, reporting a gross profit of €718 million ($917 million) and sales up 2.1 percent to €1 billion ($1.4 billion) year-over-year, according to its financial results for 2011-2012.

Ubisoft ended fiscal 2011-12 with net income of €37.3 million ($47.6 million), up from a net loss of €52.1 million ($66.5 million) in the 2011 fiscal year.

Sales from "core gamers" in Assassin's Creed Revelations, Rayman Origins, Driver San Francisco and free-to-play title The Settlers Online generated €578 million ($738.1 million) in revenue, Ubisoft reported. Casual games brought in €483 million ($616.8 million) in revenue, mainly from Just Dance, Rocksmith and free-to-play title Howrse.

Core and casual titles contributed to a 110.8 percent jump in online and digital sales, bringing that figure to €80 million ($102.1 million), Ubisoft reported.

Ubisoft's net cash position is down from €99.2 million ($126.6 million) in 2011 to €84.6 million ($108 million) in 2012, while current operating income rose 90 percent to €56 million ($71.5 million) year-over-year.

JoystiqUbisoft profits in 2012, 'core gamers' drive rise in sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfy-2012kinectmicrosoftmovenintendopcplaystationps3UbisoftwiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 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[Blizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/#comments Just because you're far away from Blizzard, Australia, doesn't mean that the publisher doesn't love you. Case in point: after hearing about the issue with Australia's GAME retail chain and how that could affect Diablo 3 pre-orders (it would effectively cancel them without refund), Blizzard took to action.

On its forums, Blizzard reps explained how Australians affected by the issue could submit their receipt for a GAME Diablo 3 pre-order (purchased before May 15, 2012) directly to Blizzard for a refund. That "refund" only goes through after you've purchased the game directly from the official Diablo 3 site, as Blizzard's handling refunds via whatever payment method was used for the pre-order. In so many words, after paying for the game twice, Blizzard will refund your original pre-order expenditure with GAME.

Blizzard doesn't list the final instruction, perhaps out of kindness, which is to send a sharply worded letter to GAME's Australian reps. More details on how to submit your pre-order receipt to Blizzard will be posted "as soon as possible."

JoystiqBlizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardaustraliablizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gamemacpcTue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 PSA: Don't give a Templar follower a shield]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/#comments Having fun with Diablo 3? If you hope to keep having fun, you might want to avoid the game-breaking bug discovered by fellow players. According to many posts on the Blizzard forums, equipping a Templar follower with a different shield may result in the game desynchronizing from Blizzard's servers. Users are also reporting that they are unable to log back into Diablo 3 - specifically encountering timeout error 3006 - even after restarting the game.

As noted by Eurogamer, the issue may be restricted to the Demon Hunter class. Blizzard is currently looking into the problem. In the meantime, regardless of your class, you should probably avoid swapping equipment with the Templar follower.

Update: Apparently the issue arises specifically if you swap items that you currently have equipped with the Templar. Still, probably safer to not mess with a Templar's equipment at all for now..

JoystiqDiablo 3 PSA: Don't give a Templar follower a shield originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardbugDiablo-3glitchmacpcTue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision pays $42 million to Infinity Ward Employee Group]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/activision-pays-42-million-to-infinity-ward-employee-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/activision-pays-42-million-to-infinity-ward-employee-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/activision-pays-42-million-to-infinity-ward-employee-group/#comments Activision has paid out $42 million to the "Infinity Ward Employee Group," which sued Activision in 2010 seeking profits from Modern Warfare 2. A source speaking to Polygon said that the payment was not a settlement; rather, Activision's discovery phase (for its own lawsuit against former Infinity Ward leads Jason West and Vince Zampella) found no evidence that the Employee Group members were complicit in the breach-of-contract issues for which Activision is suing, and so Bobby Kotick and Activision agreed to pay them.

That group sought $75 million to $125 million, plus punitive damages. IWEG attorney Bruce Isaacs told Polygon that "although it is a meaningful payment it is only a small portion of what we are seeking in litigation." And it is still going forward with said litigation. Isaacs said the payment was a "cynical attempt to look good before the jury trial."

JoystiqActivision pays $42 million to Infinity Ward Employee Group originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsinfinity-wardinfinity-ward-employee-grouplawsuitmicrosoftModern-Warfare-2nintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lamia says Black Ops 2 visuals a priority, downplays age of engine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/#comments At this point, a portion of the current conversation surrounding Black Ops 2 is in regards to the engine powering it, version 3.0 of the Infinity Ward (IW) engine - IW 3.0 powered Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: World at War and the original Black Ops. If you're worried the visuals in Black Ops 2 won't be up to snuff, Treyarch head Mark Lamia assures us all the engine has seen numerous tweaks, downplaying its age in a recent audio interview summed up over on One of Swords.

Lamia said "a pretty significant amount of work" in Black Ops 2 is going into the graphics and the lighting. "I think what people are asking for is for us to push. They want us to make a better-looking game; they want things. I don't think those are things people can't ask for. We asked ourselves that very same question - we wanted to advance the graphics. I think the questions are valid. The answer may not need to be an entirely new engine, but you might need to do an entire overhaul of your entire lighting system. The trick is, we're not willing to do that if we can't keep it running at 60 frames per second - but we did that this time."

Lamia gave an analogy akin to remodeling a home - not with a rocket launcher, but rather he talked about sectioning off parts of the metaphorical house for more local improvements. "There's a lot of good still in that foundation that you wouldn't get rid of, and we don't. We look to advance in the areas that support our game design. Engines, each time they get touched, they change. The creators alter them; they don't modify what they don't need to, and then they alter what they need to. You can't make a competitive product if you're not upgrading that engine along the way."

JoystiqLamia says Black Ops 2 visuals a priority, downplays age of engine originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2iw-3iw-3.0mark-lamiamicrosoftpcplaystationps3treyarchxboxTue, 15 May 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Knights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight 2 now on Mac via Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/#comments ImageMay the fourteenth be with you: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast are each available on Mac and are 25 percent off on Steam today, in celebration of "May the 10 days after May the fourth be with you" day or something. Each title costs $7.50 with the sale, which ends May 21 at 10 a.m. PST.

Both games first dropped in 2003 but they hold up pretty well nine years on, especially at less than $10 -- at least they've aged better than we imagine The Old Republic will have by 2020.

JoystiqKnights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight 2 now on Mac via Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KOTORmacpcStar-WarsStar-Wars-Jedi-Knight-2star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicSTEAMTue, 15 May 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Free DLC brings Arkham Asylum into Gotham City Impostors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/#comments Image
Prepare to be slightly, mildly confused. Gotham City Impostors, the non-Batman Batman game, is getting a free map based on Arkham Asylum, setting for a different recent Batman game. There's probably a way we could present that information that would be confusing, like "Batman game to be set in Arkham Asylum" or "You've never been to Arkham in this Batman game" but really it's not a big deal. Can you tell we started this post planning to play up the confusion angle and then stopped ourselves?

Speaking of confusion, this free map launched on the North American PSN last week by accident, in place of the Rodeo Pirate Pack. It will launch as planned on Xbox May 16, and PC at an unspecified date soon after.

JoystiqFree DLC brings Arkham Asylum into Gotham City Impostors originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkham-asylumdlcgotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnxblaxboxMon, 14 May 2012 22:15:00 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[Rumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/#comments Electronic Arts is prepping its own subscription-based companion service for its flagship military-centric first person shooter, according to a "very reliable source" belonging to Battlefieldo. The service (dubbed Battlefield[TM] Premium) would be to Battlefield 3 what Activision's Call of Duty Elite program is to Modern Warfare 3, granting access to "a number of content drops with unique in-game items not available anywhere else," so sayeth the allegedly leaked press release.

"First out is the one-of-a-kind Premium knife and black dog tag," the missive continues, "plus a set of soldier camos, weapon camos, dog tags and Assignments that will make sure you stand out and get more personalization options." Should this all pan out, Battlefield Premium will be officially announced during E3, specifically on June 4. We've reached out to EA for comment and will update if/when we hear back.

JoystiqRumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefield-3Battlefield-Premiumcall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dreadline: a game about killing soon-to-be-dead people from ex-Irrational and Harmonix devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/dreadline-a-game-about-killing-soon-to-be-dead-people-from-ex-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/dreadline-a-game-about-killing-soon-to-be-dead-people-from-ex-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/dreadline-a-game-about-killing-soon-to-be-dead-people-from-ex-i/#comments Image
As individuals whose chief export is words on the page, we know full well the power of a looming deadline - oh, wait, it's Dreadline? Well, that ruins our analogy.

Dreadline is a hybrid RPG, real-time strategy title from Eerie Canal, a new studio formed by individuals who have worked at Irrational Games, Harmonix and Iron Lore. In Dreadline, players control a group of monsters who travel back through time to human disasters and kill the humans who are doomed to die in the disaster - one level centers around the Titanic, for example.

Dreadline has been in the works for six months now and is slated for launch in the first half of 2013 on PC.

JoystiqDreadline: a game about killing soon-to-be-dead people from ex-Irrational and Harmonix devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013dreadlineeerie-canalpcrelease-dateMon, 14 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Sleeping Dogs trailer is pretty violent, you guys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/this-sleeping-dogs-trailer-is-pretty-violent-you-guys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/this-sleeping-dogs-trailer-is-pretty-violent-you-guys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/this-sleeping-dogs-trailer-is-pretty-violent-you-guys/#comments
We're all for a good bit of Hong Kong-style fisticuffs, but why would you ever slam a guy's face into an active table saw? That's totally uncalled for, Sleeping Dogs guy!

JoystiqThis Sleeping Dogs trailer is pretty violent, you guys originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogssquare-enixunited-front-gamesxboxMon, 14 May 2012 18:30:00 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[Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/#comments Image
Traverse the depths of Hell once again in Diablo 3...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch the entire Ghost Recon Alpha short film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/watch-the-entire-ghost-recon-alpha-short-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/watch-the-entire-ghost-recon-alpha-short-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/watch-the-entire-ghost-recon-alpha-short-film/#comments
Image

If you appreciate violent art in forms other than gaming, you'll probably enjoy the desaturated bullet frenzy of Ghost Recon Alpha. If you think gaming is the only pure way to portray murderous creativity, wait until Ghost Recon: Future Soldier drops May 22 and silence the critique.

JoystiqWatch the entire Ghost Recon Alpha short film originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-recon-alphaGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftpcplaystationps3short-filmUbisoftxboxMon, 14 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Murderer's Row: Max Payne 3's Classic Multiplayer Character Pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/murderers-row-max-payne-3s-classic-multiplayer-character-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/murderers-row-max-payne-3s-classic-multiplayer-character-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/murderers-row-max-payne-3s-classic-multiplayer-character-pack/#comments ImageThe newest installment in the Max Payne series hits tomorrow, and with all those new features, altered characters and updated graphics, some players may crave the explosive stability of the original cast. The Max Payne 3 Classic Multiplayer Character pack allows players to control eight beloved killers in the online Deathmatch mode, and comes standard in the Special Edition. The pack will be available for stand-alone purchase later on.

The Classic Multiplayer Character pack includes Vladimir "Vlad" Lem, Vincent "Vinnie" Gognitti, Jack Lupino, Alfred Woden, Mona Sax, Valerie Winterson, Nicole Horne and Max Payne 2's NYPD detective version of Max Payne.

JoystiqMurderer's Row: Max Payne 3's Classic Multiplayer Character Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charactersclassicDLCMax-Payne-3microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3RockStarspecial-editionxboxMon, 14 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/#comments Square Enix's financial results for fiscal 2012 have been posted, and thanks to the releases of Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Final Fantasy XIII-2, the developer has ended the year in the black, to the tune of a ¥6.06 billion (or $75.9 million) profit.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfiscal-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxMon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 'Starter Edition' is a quickfire demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/diablo-3-starter-edition-is-a-quickfire-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/diablo-3-starter-edition-is-a-quickfire-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/diablo-3-starter-edition-is-a-quickfire-demo/#comments ImageDiablo 3's Starter Edition gives hesitant players a free trial of the game, available for a limited audience for 30 days following its launch tomorrow. The Starter Edition will first be accessible with a Guest Pass key, which can be found in all boxed versions of Diablo 3, and without a Guest Pass after one month. It includes the same contents as the beta: Play up to the Skeleton King in Act 1, and to character level 13. Starter Edition players won't be able to access the real-money auction house and will be able to use Matchmaking only with other Starter Edition players.

The Starter Edition was leaked during the beta in April, but the hole was patched before we discovered if it was a demo, trial or nuclear launch code.

Blizzard has also detailed the Character Profiles feature, which will populate the official Diablo 3 website and allow players to read character stats and track their progress.

JoystiqDiablo 3 'Starter Edition' is a quickfire demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardDemoDiablo-3diablo-3-starter-editionpcstarter-editiontrialMon, 14 May 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne 3 review: Nature of the beast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/max-payne-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/max-payne-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/max-payne-3-review/#comments Max Payne can't even find peace in a graveyard. A quiet moment of remembrance, dour and dusted in snow, is soon buried beneath the sound of gunfire. This man exists to kill, and the tombstone that names his murdered wife and daughter is there to provide cover.

The transition from emotionally tinged burial ground to functional battleground is at once touching and tasteless, presented in that kind of awkward, bittersweet combination that video games have gotten down to an art form. Can you really argue with the outcome? The cemetery perfectly recalls the birth of Max, the cynical, disheveled vigilante - and what better playground for Max, the cover-based shooter, than a plot of land filled with upright granite slabs? Rockstar can't outrun the nature of the game, no more than its wrecked anti-hero can escape his nature as problem solver via midair shooting.

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

Continue reading Max Payne 3 review: Nature of the beast

JoystiqMax Payne 3 review: Nature of the beast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Max-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3Rockstar-Gamesrockstar-studiosxboxMon, 14 May 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard explains why it's hiring for console Diablo, but not making console Diablo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/blizzard-explains-why-its-hiring-for-console-diablo-but-not-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/blizzard-explains-why-its-hiring-for-console-diablo-but-not-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/blizzard-explains-why-its-hiring-for-console-diablo-but-not-ma/#comments The situation around the potential console release of Diablo 3 has been strangely half-secret. Blizzard has openly hired for console development, and company representatives have said that they are "investigating" and "exploring" console Diablo projects. They've talked about console controllers and their advantages. But it never got to the point of actually announcing anything.

"Yeah. We haven't officially announced it, because we're not 'experimenting,'" Diablo 3 director Jay Wilson told Gamasutra. "We tell people that basically we're experimenting, because it helps us hire people. The better people we hire, the better chance we have to actually make it."

In other words, there's no concrete plan, but Blizzard is bringing in people to try things to see if they will work - which, yes, sounds a lot like experimenting. "That's why we haven't kept it super secret, but we also haven't confirmed it, because we're not sure yet whether we think it will work, and whether we think we have the resources to do it," Wilson said.

This bit comes at the end of a lengthy interview, during which Wilson also provides a lot of background on the development process - like how a PowerPoint presentation substituted for a design document.

JoystiqBlizzard explains why it's hiring for console Diablo, but not making console Diablo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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