Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mad Catz reveals teased Super Street Fighter IV accessories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mad-catz-reveals-teased-super-street-fighter-iv-accessories/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mad-catz-reveals-teased-super-street-fighter-iv-accessories/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mad-catz-reveals-teased-super-street-fighter-iv-accessories/#comments After teasing us with half an image last night, Mad Catz and Capcom have announced a new "Tournament Edition" arcade stick is in development, branded with new art featuring Super Street Fighter IV. The stick will be made available in two flavors (check them out below!) for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Alongside the "Tournament Edition S" sticks, Mad Catz "anticipates" releasing four new FightPads for consoles, branded with new art. Considering the supply and demand issues the original batch of controllers saw, we "anticipate" Mad Catz will flood the market with the new batch of peripherals.

Unfortunately, Capcom recently pulled Super Street Fighter IV from its Q1 release window; however, we can only presume the controllers will be made available within the same time frame as the game itself. When we pried a Mad Catz rep for a release window on the new controllers they would only confirm it's slated for a release this spring. Hopefully that means we'll get our hands on both items in time to shield us from the April showers.

Gallery: Super Street Fighter IV arcade stick from Mad Catz

JoystiqMad Catz reveals teased Super Street Fighter IV accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-stickcapcomcontrollersmad-catzperipheralsstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivsuper-street-fighter-ivThu, 07 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Glen Schofield on Dead Space, Sledgehammer Games and the transition from EA to Activision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/interview-glen-schofield-on-dead-space-sledgehammer-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/interview-glen-schofield-on-dead-space-sledgehammer-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/interview-glen-schofield-on-dead-space-sledgehammer-games/#comments We don't have to tell you who Glen Schofield is. The guy's been cementing his name in the industry for years now, and considering his recent realignment from EA's banner to Activision's, starting a new studio in Sledgehammer Games, we all have a lot of questions. Let's get to it:

You were one of the individuals most responsible for bringing Dead Space to fruition -- one of Joystiq's best games of 2008. How difficult an endeavor was conceptualizing that game, and how willing -- in the way of providing resources -- was EA to create the game?

Dead Space was an idea I wanted to pursue for quite a few years while at EA. I brought the idea to the previous president when I believed the window was right for the game to fit within EA's portfolio. At the time, EA was largely leveraging licensed IPs, and getting support for a new IP concept was tough. I really appreciated the opportunity he gave us. Fortunately, we had a passionate team of developers who poured a ton of energy into converting our skeptics into believers. In the end, the critical response by fans and the press is something myself and the entire team are very proud of.

Visceral Games (formerly EA Redwood Shores) is still an EA studio, currently wrapping up Dante's Inferno. When you began Dead Space, Game Informer #174 -- the official unveiling -- called you guys a "renegade team." Who was on that team, and how did you earn that "renegade" status?

Continue reading Interview: Glen Schofield on Dead Space, Sledgehammer Games and the transition from EA to Activision

JoystiqInterview: Glen Schofield on Dead Space, Sledgehammer Games and the transition from EA to Activision originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioneaglen-schofieldinterviewsledgehammersledgehammer-gamesvisceralvisceral-gamesThu, 07 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 deployed February 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/socom-fireteam-bravo-3-deployed-february-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/socom-fireteam-bravo-3-deployed-february-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/socom-fireteam-bravo-3-deployed-february-16/#comments Hopefully, the third time is the charm for SOCOM Fireteam Bravo. After two delays, the Slant Six-developed co-op shooter is finally making its way to PSP on February 16 on both UMD and PlayStation Network.

As per usual, online multiplayer is central to the upcoming SOCOM sequel. Fireteam Bravo 3 will not only support sixteen player Infrastructure play, it also features four-player co-op -- a first for the franchise. Considering Slant Six's track record, it'll either play like the brilliant SOCOM Tactical Strike ... or like SOCOM Confrontation.

JoystiqSOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 deployed February 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>psnrelease-dateslant-sixsocomsocom-fireteam-bravo-3umdThu, 07 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Video Marketplace coming to 10 more countries 'this fall']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-live-video-marketplace-coming-to-10-more-countries-this-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-live-video-marketplace-coming-to-10-more-countries-this-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-live-video-marketplace-coming-to-10-more-countries-this-fa/#comments As far as we know, the kind of laziness which prevents you from visiting the nearest Blockbuster Video is a worldwide phenomenon. According to a press release (.doc link) dropped just in time for CES, Microsoft is catering to this global lethargy by opening up the Xbox Live Video Marketplace to ten more countries this fall: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Australia and New Zealand.

Basically, if the Xbox Live Video Marketplace was playing Risk, it'd have a kickass lock on the Eastern Hemisphere.

JoystiqXbox Live Video Marketplace coming to 10 more countries 'this fall' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustriabelgiumces-2009denmarkeuropefinlandnetherlandsnew-zealandnorwayswedenswitzerlandvideo-marketplacexbox-liveThu, 07 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 figures feature Shepard, if not your Shepard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mass-effect-2-figures-feature-shepard-if-not-your-shepard/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mass-effect-2-figures-feature-shepard-if-not-your-shepard/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mass-effect-2-figures-feature-shepard-if-not-your-shepard/#commentsWe already know what you're going to say. While DC's upcoming Mass Effect 2 figure series includes decent likenesses of Thane, Grunt and Tali, the company is way off on its version of Shepard. In DC's defense, however, the company has no idea what your Shepard looks like, so it was stuck with a mold for Default Shepard instead of the real Shepard -- who everyone knows is vaguely Asian and female.

According to the scans of DC's solicitation book, posted by Gamervision, the figures are still pending approval, but are due for release August 25 of this year. By then, you may be done with Mass Effect 2, so you can use these action figures to stage your own adventures on Planet Your Shelf.

JoystiqMass Effect 2 figures feature Shepard, if not your Shepard originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresbiowaredcdc-directdc-unlimitedeafiguresfigurinesmass-effectmass-effect-2rpgtoysThu, 07 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Awakening expansion detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/dragon-age-awakening-explansion-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/dragon-age-awakening-explansion-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/dragon-age-awakening-explansion-detailed/#comments This March, fans of Bioware's epic RPG, Dragon Age: Origins, will be able to extend the experience through 'Awakening,' the hefty retail expansion bearing an equally hefty $40 price tag. While the new trailer coinciding with the announcement was gripping in its own right, many gamers are likely wondering what is deserving of so much coin. Sure, we know it takes place after Origins, we know players will be fighting new Darkspawn baddies and we know there's new items and a raised level cap, but what else should gamers look forward to spending another gazillion hours on?

Well, in a recent interview with IGN, Bioware's Fernando Melo put it all on the line. Basically, the Darkspawn haven't retreated underground after Origins' Blight -- as was the case following previous Blights -- and in the land of Amaranthine, one Darkspawn in particular has evolved to the point where it can talk and reason: the Architect. And if you haven't played through Origins at all and have no character to import, you'll have the option to create a new one that will automatically be placed somewhere between level 17 and 20, around the toughness of Awakening's roster of bad guys.

Then there's the raised level cap. Melo couldn't confirm where it would be when Awakening releases in March, but said it will "probably end up in the mid to high 30s." Also, you'll gain access to a bunch of new followers, complete with all-new banter and micro-managing. This will have a greater affect on imported characters, as Melo says a lot of the choices you've made in Origins carry over and, depending on what point you're currently at in the main game, characters will act accordingly. And if you choose to play Awakening first, decisions there will transfer back to Origins in the same way.

Melo even detailed a bit of the "re-spec" ability you'll have in Awakening. You'll be able to force a reboot of your character's skill points through a tome, allowing you to retain whatever level your Origins character is at, but have a fresh start in terms of where you want to place your points. Obviously, if you choose not to import a character, this feature is moot because you'd be spending all of the points you'll get from starting at the high level Awakening begins.

It's a lot to process and IGN's interview is three very lengthy pages, so if you want to read the rest, head on over and check it out. Just beware of spoilers.

Gallery: Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening (Retail Expansion)

JoystiqDragon Age: Awakening expansion detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awakeningbiowaredragon-agedragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningearpgThu, 07 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Call of Duty 7 coming in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/rumor-call-of-duty-7-coming-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/rumor-call-of-duty-7-coming-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/rumor-call-of-duty-7-coming-in-november/#comments According to a "senior UK trade source" who allegedly spoke with CVG, the next Call of Duty game from Treyarch will be set in Vietnam and arrive at retailers this November. "It's going to be November again - just as with World At War and Modern Warfare 2," the source was quoted as saying.

We heard as much back in May of last year, when Treyarch was said to be looking for "Vietnam War era tunes." Add to that the fact that Activision's Noah Heller explicitly said Treyarch would no longer be working on WWII-based Call of Duty games and you've got yourself a more reasonable sounding rumor. We've asked Activision for comment and will keep you updated as we hear more.

JoystiqRumor: Call of Duty 7 coming in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanonymous-sourcescall-of-dutycall-of-duty-7noah-hellerrumortreyarchukvietnamThu, 07 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Darksiders to never see the light in the UAE, kept 'under the table']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/darksiders-to-never-see-the-light-in-the-uae/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/darksiders-to-never-see-the-light-in-the-uae/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/darksiders-to-never-see-the-light-in-the-uae/#comments With little explanation offered (alright, so, basically no explanation whatsoever), the United Arab Emirate states have reportedly banned the distribution and sale of THQ and Vigil's Darksiders: Wrath of War. According to UAE-based GamesLatest, the game was deemed to "contradict with the UAE's customs and traditions" -- a standard phrase used to near-universally describe banned games in the Middle Eastern states.

Unfortunately, that task of enforcing such a ban can be a mighty difficult one. Many retailers in the UAE simply order from wholesalers, bypassing importing laws altogether, and sell their games under the table (and untaxed, might we add). And then, of course, there's always the internet -- we hear you can buy stuff through it.

Gallery: Darksiders


[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqReport: Darksiders to never see the light in the UAE, kept 'under the table' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandarksidersdarksiders-wrath-of-warthquaeunited-arab-emiratesvigilvigil-gamesThu, 07 Jan 2010 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: January DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-january-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-january-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-january-dlc/#commentsIf you've been jonesing to play along to a song performed by a fictional, cartoon heavy metal band, then look no further: Activision has announced a downloadable Dethklok song coming this month to the Guitar Hero line, as part of a metal track pack.

On the opposite extreme, January will see a Vampire Weekend collection released for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero to coincide with the band's new album, as well as a three-track Creedence Clearwater Revival set and a collection of songs from "up-and-coming blues masters." (We assume that these so-called masters are real people and not cartoon characters.)

All tracks packs will be available for $5.49 on PS3, 550 Wii Points, or 440 on Xbox 360. In addition, all songs will be available a la carte for $1.99, 200 Wii Points, or 160. Head past the break for the complete January DLC lineup.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: January DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: January DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amon-amarthband-herocreedence-clearwater-revivaldethklokdlcguitar-heroguitar-hero-5shadows-fallvampire-weekendThu, 07 Jan 2010 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Natal to use 10-15 percent of Xbox 360 CPU power]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/natal-to-use-10-15-percent-of-xbox-360-cpu-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/natal-to-use-10-15-percent-of-xbox-360-cpu-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/natal-to-use-10-15-percent-of-xbox-360-cpu-power/#comments A few details about Project Natal's technical capabilities slipped out alongside the holiday 2010 release window at Microsoft's CES press conference. The most revealing of these specifics is that the hardware will only siphon 10 to 15 percent of the 360's CPU power, according to a statement from Natal lead developer Alex Kipman. "Natal has to work on the existing hardware without taking too much hardware processing away from the games developers," Kipman added.

However, according to a report obtained by GamesIndustry, the processing power could have been further reduced. The original build for Natal included a chip that processed the "bone system," assumed responsible for creating a skeleton of the player in front of the device's glossy eye. However, in an attempt to lower costs, the chip was removed from the device's final build, putting that processing onus on the software that will utilize Natal.

In other words, it's extremely unlikely that any software will be able to have Natal support patched into it -- a fact that Digital Foundry's Richard Leadbetter says could help "serve to focus developers on Natal-specific concepts as opposed to revisiting old classics."

JoystiqNatal to use 10-15 percent of Xbox 360 CPU power originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2010compatibilitycpudevicehardwaremicrosoftnatalperipheralproject-natalThu, 07 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom backpedals from unfavorable Wii comments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/capcom-backpedals-from-unfavorable-wii-comments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/capcom-backpedals-from-unfavorable-wii-comments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/capcom-backpedals-from-unfavorable-wii-comments/#comments Following Capcom France head Antoine Seux's uncertainty about the Wii as a profitable platform for the company going into 2010, it would appear that the Capcom mothership would like to carefully rephrase the sentiment. As such, HQ has issued a statement reconfirming the Japanese publisher's "commitment as a multiplatform developer and publisher of interactive software."

There's no word on just how many lashes Mr. Seux is to receive.

JoystiqCapcom backpedals from unfavorable Wii comments originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antoine-seuxcapcomcorporateThu, 07 Jan 2010 11:38:00 EST<![CDATA[DSi motion control demoed by Engine Software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nintendo-dsi-motion-control-demoed-by-engine-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nintendo-dsi-motion-control-demoed-by-engine-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nintendo-dsi-motion-control-demoed-by-engine-software/#comments Netherlands-based handheld gaming studio Engine Software has developed a cool new piece of tech for the DSi: motion sensitivity. To show off this breakthrough, the company has developed a brief demo video of TILT, a kind of Marble Blast Ultra clone where the player guides a ball around the gameworld by tilting the DSi. It's not the first we've heard of this kinda tech, and it won't be the last.

Engine Software isn't stopping with just this tech demo, however. The company is currently working on a full DSiWare game that will incorporate this new technology; though it likely won't be a full version of TILT, but rather an entirely new game. Head past the break to check out a brief video showcasing the tech.

Continue reading DSi motion control demoed by Engine Software

JoystiqDSi motion control demoed by Engine Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsidsiwareengine-softwaremotion-controlmotion-sensingnetherlandsnintendo-dsitiltThu, 07 Jan 2010 11:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko reveals Wii Wand with built-in MotionPlus, more at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nyko-reveals-wii-wand-with-built-in-motionplus-more-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nyko-reveals-wii-wand-with-built-in-motionplus-more-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nyko-reveals-wii-wand-with-built-in-motionplus-more-at-ces/#comments
Last year at CES, Nyko unveiled the Wand, its take on Nintendo's Wiimote. This year, the peripheral maker's big item is ... abracadabra ... the Wand -- with one exciting addition! The $40 Wand+ is a single, self-contained unit that includes MotionPlus compatibility. The device still supports the crazy Trans-Port stuff, like the original Wand does, which means that Wiimote buttons can be automatically remapped to buttons on other Nyko accessories, including its gun controller.

Nyko has also introduced two variants of its cookie-inspiring Charge Base IC remote charger: a version of the original in black and a new one that can accommodate four Wiimotes.

For PS3, the company has designed a new version of its Intercooler made to bulk up Sony's Slim model, and the Media Hub Slim, a combination of a tiny remote control and a USB hub.

The Wand and Charge Base Quad IC are due in stores this March. The Intercooler will be available next month for $19.99, and the Media Hub Slim will retail for $19.99 when it's released in April.

Gallery: Nyko CES 2010 lineup

JoystiqNyko reveals Wii Wand with built-in MotionPlus, more at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2010charge-base-iccharge-base-quad-icintercoolerintercooler-slimmedia-hubmedia-hub-slimmotionplusnykonyko-wandwand-plusThu, 07 Jan 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/#comments The pricing structure for Microsoft's newly announced Avatar-occupied Game Room has been detailed in an online fact sheet, and we'd suggest you stock up on Microsoft funny money. Players have three options: 400 ($5) grants a dual-platform license for one game (for unlimited play on Xbox 360 and PC), 240 ($3) gets you the virtual arcade cabinet on one platform (Xbox 360 or PC), or, for the old-fashioned types, 40 ($0.50) is just "two quarters" worth of playtime on a select title -- for the authentic arcade experience, minus the sticky floors. Additionally, when visiting friends' game rooms, you can "try" their games before you pump in Microsoft Points of your own.

The Game Room itself -- developed by third-party outfit Krome Studios (Viva Piñata: Party Animals, Star Wars: Republic Heroes) -- will be free for users to download. Customization options are mentioned in the fact sheet, but pricing for these features is not addressed. At launch the service will include 30 original arcade titles -- with "over 1000" planned for the future -- from multiple publishers, including Atari, Activision, Intellivision, and Konami. (A list of 31 confirmed titles is posted after the break.)

Games will be presented in 1080p (because that's why you bought that HD set) and will support multiplayer for up to two players, as well as cross-platform leaderboards and Achievements. Microsoft's Home Game Room is slated to launch this spring.

Gallery: Xbox Game Room


Source - "Game Room" Fact Sheet [.doc]

Continue reading Xbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed

JoystiqXbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsarcadeavatarsces-2010game-roomgames-for-windowsgfwgfwlivekrome-studiospricingxblaxbox-game-roomxbox-liveThu, 07 Jan 2010 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus uses the Hexyz Force on PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/hexyz-force-psp-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/hexyz-force-psp-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/hexyz-force-psp-rpg/#comments Atlus sure does love the PSP, announcing two games for Sony's handheld in just as many days. Hexyz Force is a new RPG from Sting, creator of Riviera: The Promised Land and Yggdra Union. This classically-styled JRPG features two different adventures, each about (what else?) the end of the world. Atlus promises each adventure will take about 25 hours, totaling 50 hours of dungeon crawling and grinding for RPG fans.

PSP owners are all too familiar with the lengthy load times for many of the system's RPGs. Thankfully, Atlus is promising "virtually no load times" for Hexyz Force. Like a console JRPG, the game will also feature twenty minutes of anime cutscenes. The UMD version is scheduled for release on May 25th, while a PSN version should follow shortly thereafter. Check out a video preview after the break.

Continue reading Atlus uses the Hexyz Force on PSP

JoystiqAtlus uses the Hexyz Force on PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlushexyz-forceJRPGPSNstingThu, 07 Jan 2010 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Austin Independent School District makes deal to buy more video games for classrooms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/austin-independent-school-district-makes-deal-to-buy-more-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/austin-independent-school-district-makes-deal-to-buy-more-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/austin-independent-school-district-makes-deal-to-buy-more-video/#comments
We've seen educational video games show up in the classroom before, and it looks like one school district is coming back for more. The Austin Independent School District has ordered up another set of edu-games from a company called Tabula Digita that provides 3D, first-person action-based games to teach students how to do basic math and algebra. One sample scenario in the games has students calculating the location of an in-game weather station on a graph, and then using the data found there to make charts and track down alien creatures.

The press release doesn't mention costs, but according to its website, 15 single-user licenses to the games cost the school $1049.25 each, making up a cost of just over $24,000 for the entire 350 student program. The students, who were part of a 10-day JumpStart program and had previously failed a math retest, were allowed to play the games for 30 minutes a day, and, afterwards, 82% of the kids said they had improved their understanding of the concepts. No word on how their k/d ratio came out.

JoystiqAustin Independent School District makes deal to buy more video games for classrooms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dalgebraaustinchartclassroomclassroom-gamesdimension-meducationfirst-persongames-in-the-classroomgaminggaming-in-the-classroomgraphindependentkd-ratiolearningmathschool-districtschoolsThu, 07 Jan 2010 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[More Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce media than you can shake a Dragon Sword at]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/more-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-media-than-you-can-shake-a-dra/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/more-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-media-than-you-can-shake-a-dra/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/more-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-media-than-you-can-shake-a-dra/#commentsIf you only play games with Ryu Hayabusa in them, then Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce is likely to be your first experience with Koei's historical-ish brawler franchise. If you only play games with the ancient Chinese ruler Fu Xi in them, however, you're likely to be much better versed in the series. In either case, there's a Strikeforce for you: as reported, Fu Xi (and other characters from the Warriors Orochi series) appear in the Xbox 360 version, and Ryu in the PS3 version, both with exclusive missions that grant you the use of their "signature weapon" when completed.

New galleries give you a look at Fu Xi and the extra-beefy crossover ninja. And a new trailer (above) does what it can to get you pumped about Strikeforce, the Dynasty Warriors game with not only characters from other franchises, but giant tigers in it!

Gallery: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (Fu Xi)


Gallery: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (Ryu)

JoystiqMore Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce media than you can shake a Dragon Sword at originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-strikeforcekoeininja-gaidenwarriors-orochiThu, 07 Jan 2010 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Army of Two infiltrates GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/the-army-of-two-infiltrate-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/the-army-of-two-infiltrate-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/the-army-of-two-infiltrate-gamestop/#comments Army of Two: The 40th Day's Salem and Rios are no strangers to the modern world. Sure, they may have acted a bit ... out of place during previous visits to EA Montreal and EA Headquarters, but that doesn't mean they're not fit for retail life. Take, for instance, the video above of the two trying their best to lend a hand to the fine folks at GameStop.

They might be a bit rough around the edges, but that doesn't mean that they didn't get the most magazine upsells for the month of December (they did!) or that they aren't capable of re-alphabetizing the used PS2 section six or seven hundred times a day (they are!). Give them a chance, folks. Under the inhuman terror mask and bullet-proof chest padding beats the heart of a human being.

Gallery: Army of Two: The 40th Day

JoystiqThe Army of Two infiltrates GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementarmy-of-twoarmy-of-two-the-40th-dayeaea-montrealgamestoplive-actionsalem-and-riosThu, 07 Jan 2010 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario plus Tetris equals one fun game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mario-plus-tetris-equals-one-fun-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mario-plus-tetris-equals-one-fun-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mario-plus-tetris-equals-one-fun-game/#comments And here we thought Tetris DS was the best blend of the Russian puzzler and Nintendo's classic platforming game Super Mario Bros., but Tuper Tario Tros. is a quite imaginative combination of the two. In fact, we haven't seen Tetris go so well with something since we were introduced to the conflict resolution capabilities of Tresling.

Already the culprit behind a sharp downturn in Joystiq productivity today, we now offer it to you. Just, uh, don't play it as much as we did. We can get away with it since, y'know, it's kinda our job.

[Via digg]

JoystiqMario plus Tetris equals one fun game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>super-mario-brosswing-swing-submarinetetristuper-tario-trosThu, 07 Jan 2010 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 getting Mediaroom IPTV 'later this year' via AT&T U-verse ... just three years late]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-360-getting-mediaroom-iptv-later-this-year-through-atandt-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-360-getting-mediaroom-iptv-later-this-year-through-atandt-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-360-getting-mediaroom-iptv-later-this-year-through-atandt-u/#comments Just three short years after the CES 2007 announcement that Microsoft's Mediaroom software would turn your Xbox 360 into an IPTV set-top box, Microsoft is finally ready to deliver on that promise (and no, the 2008 BT rollout doesn't count). "I'm happy to announce that later this year AT&T will also enable subscribers to U-verse to enjoy [the new Mediaroom 2.0] service on their Xbox 360 consoles," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told his keynote audience. This was in addition to U-verse support for Windows 7 and Windows Mobile, though the details on all three platforms end there.

We'll be digging for more details at CES this week, but this is certainly promising news for the country's 2 million U-verse subscribers (and the "more than 20 million living units" that the service is purportedly available in).

JoystiqXbox 360 getting Mediaroom IPTV 'later this year' via AT&T U-verse ... just three years late originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATTCESCES-2010IPTVMediaroomMediaroom-2MicrosoftU-verseThu, 07 Jan 2010 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PlayStation 3 sales 'exceed 3.8 million' worldwide over the holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-playstation-3-sales-exceed-3-8-million-worldwide-over-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-playstation-3-sales-exceed-3-8-million-worldwide-over-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-playstation-3-sales-exceed-3-8-million-worldwide-over-the/#comments On the heels of its CES 2010 keynote speech, Sony released a chest-pounding press release declaring worldwide sales "exceeding 3.8 million" of the PlayStation 3 during the 2009 holiday season. According to the company, "during the five weeks following the last week of November 2009" (ending on January 3, 2010), the console sold more than during any previous holiday season -- a 76 percent increase over last year's numbers.

Alas, the PSP and the PSP Go were neglected a mention in the presser, though Sony did reiterate the 38 million PSN user number we'd heard a bit earlier. We'll have a clearer picture of what exactly the sales shook out to for North America when the latest NPD numbers arrive next week.

JoystiqSony PlayStation 3 sales 'exceed 3.8 million' worldwide over the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2010holiday-2009holiday-salesplaystation-networkpsnpsp-gosalessonyWed, 06 Jan 2010 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake will stay up late with post-launch DLC 'episodes']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/alan-wake-will-stay-up-late-with-post-launch-dlc-episodes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/alan-wake-will-stay-up-late-with-post-launch-dlc-episodes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/alan-wake-will-stay-up-late-with-post-launch-dlc-episodes/#comments Remedy's Xbox 360-exclusive Alan Wake, described as "the TV show Lost, as written by Stephen King, and filmed by David Lynch," by Microsoft Entertainment & Devices head Robbie Bach will -- much like Fable II -- be expanded upon via additional downloadable episodes. Bach made the announcement concerning the long-in-development title during the company's CES 2010 keynote this evening, saying, "story-driven like a TV series, Alan Wake will be told in episodes with even more episodes available on Xbox Live after its launch this year."

Let's just hope Remedy isn't taking cues from The Sopranos when deciding how long it will be between the release of the game's episodes.

JoystiqAlan Wake will stay up late with post-launch DLC 'episodes' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakeces-2010dlcmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosRemedyRobbie-BachWed, 06 Jan 2010 23:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox by the numbers: 20m Xbox Live users, 10m nongaming, 39m Xbox 360 consoles worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-by-the-numbers-20m-xbox-live-users-10m-nongaming-39m-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-by-the-numbers-20m-xbox-live-users-10m-nongaming-39m-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-by-the-numbers-20m-xbox-live-users-10m-nongaming-39m-xbo/#comments While Microsoft's CES announcement that Xbox Live "is now an active community of over 20 million people" is somewhat blunted by Sony's claim of 38 million PlayStation Network accounts (though if our dozens of collective PSN accounts are any indication, some of us have more than one), Redmond did have some other numbers to share regarding Xbox and Xbox Live during tonight's CES keynote. First, "Nearly 10 million people have logged into Xbox Live's nongaming applications" including "Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, Sky, Canal and Zune." We'll do the math for you: that's 50% of the Xbox Live audience, and those are all paying Gold users.

More numbers: "Between Christmas and New Years Day, Xbox Live experienced its busiest week ever, adding a new member every second and a record of more than 2.2 million concurrent members online." And not a network failure in sight! Congrats, Microsoft! Lastly, "there are now over 39 million Xbox 360 consoles around the world," "more than 500 million games have been sold" and "$20 billion spent in retail." Feel free to bookmark this post for frequent consultation in your comment debates.

JoystiqXbox by the numbers: 20m Xbox Live users, 10m nongaming, 39m Xbox 360 consoles worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2010Xbox-LiveWed, 06 Jan 2010 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft says Project Natal coming 'holiday season 2010']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-says-project-natal-coming-holiday-season-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-says-project-natal-coming-holiday-season-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-says-project-natal-coming-holiday-season-2010/#commentsAccording to a press release summing up Microsoft's CES 2010 keynote that dropped just before Ballmer took the stage, the company will be releasing Project Natal in "holiday season 2010." We heard earlier today about what year the future controller would be arriving, but now, folks, now we know during which group of months it'll be arriving at retail.

The release explicitly states that the still-codenamed Natal project is "scheduled to be available in holiday season 2010," adding that Natal "is only the most recent example of Microsoft's work creating natural user interfaces." With any luck, by E3 we'll have an actual name and maybe even a specific month for when we'll get to check it out at home! Until then, we'll have to get by with the inspirational video about Natal's origins created for today's release, embedded above.

JoystiqMicrosoft says Project Natal coming 'holiday season 2010' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2010ces2010microsoftnatalproject-natalrelease-datesteve-ballmerWed, 06 Jan 2010 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Game Room bringing arcades back to Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live users [update 3]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-game-room-bringing-arcades-back-to-xbox-360-and-games-for-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-game-room-bringing-arcades-back-to-xbox-360-and-games-for-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-game-room-bringing-arcades-back-to-xbox-360-and-games-for-w/#comments
Update 3: An online fact sheet [.doc link] from Microsoft reveals that the Game Room itself will be free, while games will range in price from 400 ($5) for a dual-license purchase of arcade classics, 240 ($3) for a single-platform license or 40 ($0.50) for "two quarters" worth of play. Users can try arcade titles for free within a friend's room. For full details, check out our follow-up post.

Update 2: According to Major Nelson, Game Room users will have the ability to purchase games for their virtual arcade and play them on both their Xbox 360 and Windows PC. Additionally, new Game Room titles will be made available every week. Users will be able to invite Xbox Live friends into their respective (and customizable) rooms to show off their arcade collection. Stock up on Microsoft Points, kids.

Update 1: During its CES 2010 keynote, Microsoft's Robbie Bach announced 30 arcade titles will be available in the Xbox Game Room when the service launches this spring for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live.

Original: Hours following a leaked interview featuring Robbie Bach, Microsoft has confirmed the existence of a virtual arcade room for Xbox Avatars via this trailer unveiled at CES 2010. The Xbox Game Room is slated to hit the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live this spring, allowing players to visit a virtual room filled with classic arcade titles. According to the video, users will be able to customize their arcade rooms (presumably for Microsoft funny money) and challenge friends to a plethora of original arcade versions of games such as Centipede, Outlaw, and Star Raiders.

The news that Game Room will also launch for Games For Windows Live raises the question, will the service see Avatars added in the near future? As the upcoming arcade is centered around entertainment for your virtual identity, we'd hope the service would see an interface upgrade bringing it closer to the Xbox's current NXE, rather than locking our poor Avatars up inside of an executable program.

JoystiqXbox Game Room bringing arcades back to Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live users [update 3] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsces-2010game-roomgames-for-windows-livegfwlgfwlivexbox-game-roomWed, 06 Jan 2010 22:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom teases Super version of SFIV Tournament Edition joystick [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/capcom-teases-super-version-of-sfiv-tournament-edition-joystick/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/capcom-teases-super-version-of-sfiv-tournament-edition-joystick/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/capcom-teases-super-version-of-sfiv-tournament-edition-joystick/#comments
click to embiggen
Update: Capcom's Twitter feed got a bit more informationey later on this evening, showing off the Capcom suite at CES, complete with "new hotness from Mad Catz." Though the shot is significantly more blurry, it certainly seems to indicate a new arcade stick coming from Mad Catz for Super Street Fighter IV.

Considering the Consumer Electronics Show is happening right this minute in Las Vegas, it's no surprise that Capcom's Twitter account is busy teasing pictures of yet-to-be-revealed arcade sticks for the upcoming sorta-sequel Super Street Fighter IV. As you can see in the image above, an inky outline of Ryu overlooks a more colorful button set than the previous game's stick. Additionally, the shape of the controller's box certainly bears a striking resemblance to the Street Fighter IV Tournament Edition joysticks from Mad Catz that were in such short supply last year. We've followed up with Capcom but were told there's no official comment just yet.

JoystiqCapcom teases Super version of SFIV Tournament Edition joystick [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcom-unitycesces-2010mad-catzmadcatzstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivsuper-street-fighter-ivtwitterWed, 06 Jan 2010 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft 2010 CES press conference, live at Engadget]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/#comments Just like Sony earlier this evening, we're not going to be detailing all of Steve Ballmer's 2010 CES press conference, that's really Engadget's thang. Instead, we'll be bringing more details on all things gaming (think: leaked Xbox Game Room and Project Natal deets, anyone?) right back here. If you want the total experience, including lots of non-gaming stuff, venture forth, dear reader.

Engadget - Live from Steve Ballmer's CES 2010 keynote

JoystiqMicrosoft 2010 CES press conference, live at Engadget originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2010MicrosoftSteve-BallmerWed, 06 Jan 2010 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Score $5 million in funding for Gaikai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/score-5-million-in-funding-for-gaikai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/score-5-million-in-funding-for-gaikai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/score-5-million-in-funding-for-gaikai/#comments David Perry's "It's not OnLive" service, Gaikai, recently gained $5 million in venture capital, a Security and Exchanges Commission filing shows. For the uninitiated, basically Perry wants to beam games directly into your house. We imagine the tech behind it is kinda like that crazy set-up the Riddler had running all over Gotham, hence the need for such a large sum of money.

All kidding aside, Perry's been very tight-lipped about Gaikai, offering up little via his Twitter account and the usual channels. However, back in July, he did offer the first sneak peek at the game streaming service, which looks like it's coming along nicely.

[Via Big Download and Venture Beat]

JoystiqScore $5 million in funding for Gaikai originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-perryfundinggaikaigame-streaminginvestorsWed, 06 Jan 2010 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony confirms expansion of PlayStation Network ID, wallet to other Sony devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-confirms-expansion-of-playstation-network-id-wallet-to-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-confirms-expansion-of-playstation-network-id-wallet-to-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-confirms-expansion-of-playstation-network-id-wallet-to-oth/#comments Chances are you represent one (or 12) members of the 38 million-strong PlayStation Network community. At CES in Las Vegas, Kaz Hirai confirmed Sony's intention to expand the PSN well beyond the PS3 and PSP. As the above slide shows, Sony's premium video offerings will expand to some of Sony's other products, including Bravia televisions and VAIO laptops. Taking a page from Microsoft's Live Anywhere philosophy, a single user ID and password will work across all Sony products and services. Going a step further, the PSN virtual wallet can be used universally across Sony's services.

To help facilitate the cross-proliferation of content across Sony's multiple devices, Hirai also announced the creation of a new division within Sony: the not-very-creatively named Sony Network Entertainment, Inc. With this new initiative, expect the PSN logo to be far more ubiquitous than ever before.

JoystiqSony confirms expansion of PlayStation Network ID, wallet to other Sony devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2010ces2010kaz-hiraiplaystation-networkpsnsonyWed, 06 Jan 2010 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 DLC on PSN was a 'limited time offer']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/activision-marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-dlc-on-psn-was-a-limite/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/activision-marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-dlc-on-psn-was-a-limite/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/activision-marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-dlc-on-psn-was-a-limite/#comments Last week, PSN users found that the DLC for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 -- items that included new characters such as Carnage, Psylocke and Cable -- went missing from the PSN Store. Well, after navigating the intricate web of Activision PR, Joystiq can now confirm the DLC simply expired at the end of last year. An Activision rep told us: "The Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Downloadable Content was a limited time offer, expiring on December 31, 2009."

Sorry, PSN users -- if you managed to snag the content already, have fun. For the rest of you would-be heroes and villains, looks like you're out of luck, because the DLC isn't coming back.

JoystiqActivision: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 DLC on PSN was a 'limited time offer' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlcmarvelmarvel-ultimate-allianceMarvel-Ultimate-Alliance-2mua2psnWed, 06 Jan 2010 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom France head wary of Wii, says 2010 will be a 'difficult year' for DS and PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/capcom-france-head-wary-of-wii-says-2010-will-be-a-difficult-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/capcom-france-head-wary-of-wii-says-2010-will-be-a-difficult-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/capcom-france-head-wary-of-wii-says-2010-will-be-a-difficult-y/#comments Though we've yet to see official numbers on November's Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, Capcom France head Antoine Seux told Gamekult in a recent interview that sales of the game were "below what we had hoped." The English translation of the interview indicates that just 16,000 units were sold worldwide as of December 23, something that has Seux feeling "concerned" as Capcom continues to develop for Nintendo's consoles.

"Indeed, the Wii is becoming complex," he says. Seux believes that high-profile games like Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games and New Super Mario Bros. Wii -- games that were "strongly supported" by "massive advertising campaigns" -- are the only ones that stand a chance. "For us, Capcom, the future is the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360," he finishes up with, couching that in his belief that "This will be a difficult year for the handheld in general, DS or PSP." Perhaps he's been borrowing Pachter's sorcery ball?

[Via Nintendo Everything]

JoystiqCapcom France head wary of Wii, says 2010 will be a 'difficult year' for DS and PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antoine-seuxcapcomcapcom-francemario-and-sonic-at-the-olympic-gamesnew-super-mario-bros-wiiresident-evilresident-evil-the-darkside-chroniclesWed, 06 Jan 2010 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony 2010 CES press conference, live at Engadget]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/#comments While we're camped out right next to them, we won't be liveblogging the entirety of Sony's mostly-not-game-related 2010 CES press conference - we'll leave that duty in the capable hands of our friends at Engadget. Head over there to follow along minute by minute or stick around at the 'stiq while we break off just the tastiest bits of gaming news for you here (spoiler alert: There will be discussion of 3D gaming, if Sony's booth is any indication). Either way, you're the big winner.

Engadget - Live from Sony's CES 2010 press event

JoystiqSony 2010 CES press conference, live at Engadget originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2010pspSonyWed, 06 Jan 2010 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter predicts 'solid' holiday for GameStop, industry sales 'rebound' in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/pachter-predicts-solid-holiday-for-gamestop-industry-sales-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/pachter-predicts-solid-holiday-for-gamestop-industry-sales-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/pachter-predicts-solid-holiday-for-gamestop-industry-sales-r/#comments In a recent sales projection sent to Joystiq centering around GameStop, everyone's favorite games analyst, Michael Pachter, offered some viewpoints on December sales for GameStop, taking care to also paint his own portrait on industry sales as a whole for 2010. He points to Modern Warfare 2 and hardware sales (thanks, price drops!) as top earners for GameStop.

Pachter is hopeful for 2010, expecting a full-on rebound in game sales starting January. He points to the great exodus of fourth quarter 2009 as a factor behind the increased game sales, with first quarter releases of Bioshock 2, Splinter Cell: Conviction and Army of Two: The 40th Day mentioned as expected top earners. He says this uptick in sales will benefit GameStop, which he surmises will have about 30 percent share of the software market in January -- something that will insulate against what he expects to be a year of gradual decline in Wii hardware sales.

JoystiqPachter predicts 'solid' holiday for GameStop, industry sales 'rebound' in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystgamestopmichael-pachtersales-analysisWed, 06 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion glitch makes players trillionaires [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/aion-glitch-makes-players-trillionaires/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/aion-glitch-makes-players-trillionaires/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/aion-glitch-makes-players-trillionaires/#comments Update: NCsoft has informed us the issue has been resolved.

Players on the Azphel server of Aion found quite the surprise recently, as their virtual coin pouch swelled to ridiculous proportions out of nowhere. The culprit: a glitch accidentally awarding players with 30 trillion Kinah. We're not sure about the conversion rates to real money, but when you can tell people you have 30 trillion of anything, we imagine it's impressive nonetheless.

As a result of the glitch, the server's being restored to an earlier point right now, hopefully resolving the newfound financial success of those affected in the game. We'll update you all when the server's back online.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqAion glitch makes players trillionaires [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionglitchmmoncsoftWed, 06 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN survey hints at upcoming subscription-based features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psn-survey-hints-at-upcoming-subscription-based-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psn-survey-hints-at-upcoming-subscription-based-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psn-survey-hints-at-upcoming-subscription-based-features/#comments Sony's European team has sent out a survey to some of its UK PSN members asking them yet again about possible subscription models for the service. The survey is run by a market research company called Ipsos, and appears to offer up a list of possible member benefits for a few different plan tiers, along with pricing for each. The benefits range from more tame ideas like exclusive and early access to content to more interesting options like "free title trials" (first hour of a game for free), user-to-user challenges, "token wagering" and a service called "catch-up TV." Oh, and since it's Sony we're talking about, there's even a listed option for "cloud storage space for games." You can find the full list of possible features after the jump.

The price options differ from plan to plan, but they go as cheap as £2.99 (about $5 U.S.) up to £14.99 (about $25) for monthly fees, with annual fees also listed for 55% less than you'd pay month to month (so around £19.99 up to £99.99, or $32 to $160). Note that just because all of these things are on a survey doesn't mean that Sony has them up and running -- it only means that they're testing the water in terms of what UK members are willing to pay for certain features. But you can just add this to the growing mountain of evidence that Sony is planning some sort of premium subscription service.

[Thanks Marc and everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading PSN survey hints at upcoming subscription-based features

JoystiqPSN survey hints at upcoming subscription-based features originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-storageeuropeanevidencefeaturesfree-title-trialsgamesipsosmarketingnetworkpoundspricingpsnresearchsceeservicesonysubscriptiontiersukWed, 06 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: No Heavy Rain Collector's Edition for US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/report-no-heavy-rain-collectors-edition-for-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/report-no-heavy-rain-collectors-edition-for-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/report-no-heavy-rain-collectors-edition-for-u-s/#comments
 U.S. gamers looking to get their grubby mitts on that ridiculously ornate version of Heavy Rain won't, it turns out. One of SCEA's reps confirmed to VG247 that the pricier version won't make the trip across the pond. We're so sorry to upset you with this news, but feel quite fine saving your wallet's soul: money.

Sadly, SCEA wasn't willing to offer anything on a U.S. release date for the game proper, something we've all been waiting on since retailers pointed to potential Japanese and European release dates. Come on, guys! Throw us a bone we can actually chew on here!

JoystiqReport: No Heavy Rain Collector's Edition for US originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editionheavy-rainquantic-dreamsceaWed, 06 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Xbox Game Room' and 2010 Project Natal launch leaked in CES interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/rumor-xbox-game-room-and-2010-project-natal-launch-leaked-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/rumor-xbox-game-room-and-2010-project-natal-launch-leaked-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/rumor-xbox-game-room-and-2010-project-natal-launch-leaked-in/#comments [Update, 5:30pm: And off comes the rumor tag! Microsoft may have pulled the post but the original video is still live on its own servers, which you can find right here! We'll scrub through it for more information. Update, 5:47pm: Full transcript after the break.]

Microsoft's Channel 9 developer community site accidentally posted a video interview with Robbie Bach, President of the Entertainment & Devices Division, several hours before the company's annual CES press conference. Initially tweeted by @ch9, the video was pulled, as evidenced by this tweet from none other than @microsoft: "Sorry, spoke too soon, or, tweeted too soon. This video later tonight."

Vigilant tipster Iced_Eagle wrote us just after the video was pulled, giving us a quick breakdown. "Go to the 11:53 mark in the video to hear them start discussing Game Room," our tipster writes. "They aren't totally concrete on the details, but they talk about how this is supposed to bring back that retro fun to gaming." That sounds an awful lot like that consumer survey we spotted in October for a virtual Avatar arcade, one of the potential titles of which was "Game Room." You don't say ...

Iced_Eagle also unsurprisingly reports, "In the video they confirm Natal is on for this year." Considering everyone from Ubisoft's Yves Guillemot to Microsoft's own Steve Ballmer have alluded to a 2010 release, we're not the least bit surprised. But if they're still calling it Project Natal in this video, that means we're probably looking to E3 for an official reveal, with branding and all.

Microsoft's CES keynote begins at 9:30pm Eastern and we'll be delivering all the news straight from Las Vegas.

[Thanks for the great tip, Iced_Eagle!]

Continue reading 'Xbox Game Room' and 2010 Project Natal launch leaked in CES interview

Joystiq'Xbox Game Room' and 2010 Project Natal launch leaked in CES interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeces-2010game-roomProject-NatalretroRobbie-Bachxbox-360-game-roomXbox-Game-RoomWed, 06 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet Mass Effect 2's Vanguard class: for those who love to rush 'n attack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/mass-effect-2-vanguard-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/mass-effect-2-vanguard-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/mass-effect-2-vanguard-class/#comments Maybe, "if you love intense close-range combat," you should be looking elsewhere to release your pent-up rage. However, if you love intense close-range combat using an extremely tactical power -- and don't mind taking breaks for drawn-out conversation -- then perhaps Mass Effect 2's Vanguard combat class fits well with your particular proclivities.

Still not clicking? Have you tried the Engineer? He, uh, fixes stuff ... with his killer robots.

Gallery: Mass Effect 2: Engineer Class

JoystiqMeet Mass Effect 2's Vanguard class: for those who love to rush 'n attack originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareclasseseamass-effectmass-effect-2trailervanguardvideoWed, 06 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr Pepper giving away free EA DLC with every purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/dr-pepper-giving-away-free-ea-dlc-with-every-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/dr-pepper-giving-away-free-ea-dlc-with-every-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/dr-pepper-giving-away-free-ea-dlc-with-every-purchase/#comments We can only imagine the planning meeting at Dr Pepper HQ, during which someone shouts "We must garner that critical gaming demographic! How will we ever best something as inimitable as Game Fuel?! It's got 'game' right there in the title!" Instead of copycatting the naming idea, though, Dr Pepper recently detailed an already announced partnership with EA to give away codes for downloadable content. The promotion details lists a handful of games -- Mass Effect 2, Battlefield Heroes, The Sims 3, Spore, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 -- which have "unique DLC" tied to them.

Rather than forcing an unknown amount of soda purchases out of its customers, we were told this afternoon by a customer service rep that "Every bottle wins." More specifically, each bottle contains a code that can then be redeemed on the Dr Pepper website, thus allowing participants to choose their system and DLC from an available list. We flatfooted to the local AM/PM and didn't spot the prize-bearing bottles, but we'll update this post with more information as we get it.

JoystiqDr Pepper giving away free EA DLC with every purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2battlefield-heroesdigital-distributiondlcdownloadable-contentdr-peppereagame-fuelmass-effect-2promotionsporethe-sims-3Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Add Mii to Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/add-mii-to-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/add-mii-to-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/add-mii-to-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/#commentsYou might not be able to play as Banjo and Kazooie in the Wii version of Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing, but you will be able to play as ... The Notorious B.I.G.! No, Sega hasn't added a selection of deceased rappers to the game's playable cast (no matter how many times we ask) -- the publisher has merely announced Mii support.

Much like the racing Avatars in the Xbox 360 version, the Wii version of Sega All-Stars Racing allows your Miis to compete against Sonic, Knuckles, Ryo Hazuki, and the rest of the assembled Sega crew. Hey, this is one way to get Segata Sanshiro back in the game -- where he belongs.

JoystiqAdd Mii to Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miiracingsegasonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalWed, 06 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST