Rock Band Weekly: Bush
Breathe in, breathe out, and everything's zen, because next week's Rock Band DLC is a three-pack from alt rockers Bush. All the tracks are off the band's hit 1994 debut album "Sixteen Stone."

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Bush

Rock Band Weekly: Bush originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10
If you're near Los Angeles on February 10, and you're eager to celebrate the upcoming release of Rhythm Heaven Fever, you can party with other like-minded people at the iam8bit gallery.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments

European retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound
Earlier this week Game met with lenders to discuss its credit problems and options for staying in business, and now Game reports it will operate "with lower limits" and under "revised terms for its facilities." As of November 2011, Game had 1,275 stores in Europe and Australia, but has hinted that it could sell off more than half of its overseas locations, and it plans to close 60 stores by 2013. It closed 39 locations last year.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot
Sega's "Game Contents" division (i.e. home video games) was down 5.1% for the nine-month period ending December 31, with the company reporting 63.5 billion yen ($833 million) in net game sales from the division ... and 5.5 billion yen in total losses. As for reasoning, Sega said only that "in the overseas markets, sales of the new titles remained slow as affected by adverse market condition." Best we can tell, that "adverse market condition" refers to our economies all being really, really terrible.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments

THQ reveals $56 million loss in Q3
THQ CEO Brian Farrell started yesterday's third quarter earnings call with investors by saying, "On our last call we told you we anticipated that our third quarter would be the largest in our company's history. Unfortunately, we were wrong."

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments

THQ no longer manufacturing uDraw hardware
THQ will no longer manufacture uDraw hardware, according to its fiscal 2012 third quarter financial report. "Sales of the uDraw GameTablet and related software, and other titles in the kids, family and casual category were far weaker than anticipated, substantially reducing our financial results for the quarter," reported THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell.

The uDraw is seemingly out of picture at this point, as the publisher "has no future commitments or plans to manufacture uDraw hardware." The Wii version of the tablet proved to be a success for THQ in 2010, leading the company to produce versions for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Sales of uDraw on Sony and Microsoft's platforms were underwhelming, however, leading the company to lower financial forecasts at the end of 2011.

THQ now plans to focus on "premium core and fighting franchises." The report doesn't specify whether or not THQ will continue to produce software for uDraw, though it seems unlikely given the transition away from children's products. Unless someone is working on a Saints Row art game, of course.

THQ no longer manufacturing uDraw hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Go buy more Skylanders toys now

New Skylanders toys are available at retail today, which roughly translates to new DLC for the video game. The "Empire of Ice" Adventure Pack includes a new ice-themed area, along with a new Water-element toy (and character), Slam Bam.

Additionally, new standalone figures are available of the undead dragon Cynder, who has a "difficult past," and Double Trouble, an inept wizard. What's that? You want to know more about Cynder? According to Activision, "Cynder is a dragon of the undead element. Dark powers flow through her due to her difficult past, but she's trying to make amends with the other Skylanders."

Continue reading Go buy more Skylanders toys now

Go buy more Skylanders toys now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

EA sees $205 million net loss in Q3, rise in social-games users
EA recorded a net loss of $205 million, but its highest operating cash flow in 31 quarters for the fiscal third quarter ending December 31, 2011. In Q3 2011, EA generated $1.06 billion in net revenue, which is up from the previous Q3, with a net revenue of $1.05 billion. EA's cash flow from operations is recorded at $475 million.

EA's Battlefield 3 and FIFA 12 have each sold more than 10 million units, while Madden 12 sold almost 5 million. PopCap, which EA acquired in August, grew revenue 30 percent on a trailing 12-month basis, and its monthly active users for social games rose to 52 million, up from 39 million the previous year.

EA sees $205 million net loss in Q3, rise in social-games users originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

EA: Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 sell over 10 million units each, Madden 12 over 5 million
EA has revealed the sales numbers of a handful of its major titles, including FIFA 12 and Battlefield 3, which have both sold through over 10 million units since their respective launches in September and October. Meanwhile, Madden NFL 12 has sold through over five million units since launching last August.

Remember that "sold through" actually refers to copies that have been sold to consumers -- as opposed to copies sold to retailers -- meaning that it's probably safe to call all three titles "hits" at this point.

EA: Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 sell over 10 million units each, Madden 12 over 5 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Club Nintendo swaps downloadable games, adds Mario Party 2, Art Academy
With a new month comes a new selection of downloadable games for which you can exchange your Club Nintendo Coins. The new lineup is half as varied as those of previous months, offering only one DSiWare download and one Wii Virtual Console game.

For 150 Coins each, you can choose Art Academy: First Semester for DSiWare (but only available on 3DS through this offer) or Mario Party 2 for Wii. If you get that one, use the money you saved by buying it with Club Nintendo money to buy some extra controllers, either for friends or to replace the ones ruined by Mario Party.

For fans of physical, tangible goods, there's also this new 3DS card case. It holds 18 games and includes four "double-sided card covers." And it looks really nice.

Club Nintendo swaps downloadable games, adds Mario Party 2, Art Academy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

What? Game Music is Evolving!

Filed under: Features

This is a column by Jesse Gregory all about his primary obsession, video game music. He feels that despite how core to the experience soundtracks often are, they aren't as large a part of gaming discussion as they should be. Let the discussion begin!

---

While just another game to some, last year's Sonic Generations was a review course of Sonic's varied musical history. With a wealth of classic and modern remixes and an even larger vault of unlockable originals, the game laid out in plain sight just how much the music of a single series can change over the course of two decades.

While hardware limitations can breed highly focused creativity, the lack thereof allows for unrestrained experimentation. From the Genesis to the Dreamcast, we witnessed Masato Nakamura's unforgettable themes replaced by a wide variety of tracks featuring live performances in a vast array of genres.

It sounds pretty good on paper. Sure, we got some enjoyable instrumental rock and jazz, but songs that sing about following rainbows and rap about chaos emeralds can make these games embarrassing to revisit. Still, I have to admire the many directions Sega was willing to explore with the series' music. Sonic Rush in particular really shook things up thanks to Hideki Naganuma. His unique brand of sample slicing threw many disparate genres into a blender to make something really special.

Continue reading What? Game Music is Evolving!

What? Game Music is Evolving! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012

Continue reading Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012

Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Just Dance 3 DLC gets the power
Starting tomorrow, you'll be able to Just Dance to one of the early most ubiquitous dance tracks for the early '90s ... and three other songs. Snap's "The Power" will be available for the Xbox version of Just Dance 3 tomorrow, Jan. 31, along with Bollywood's "Katti Kalandal", Love Letter's "Why Oh Why" and Sweat Invaders' "Skin to Skin," all of which we're sure are totally energetic. Each track sells for 240 MSP ($3) each.

They'll be released for the Wii version the next day, Feb. 1, at a comparatively cheap 250 Wii Points ($2.50).

Continue reading Just Dance 3 DLC gets the power

Just Dance 3 DLC gets the power originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Resident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts
Resident Evil: Revelations for 3DS is the first launch of the new year to break the UK Top 40, debuting in sixth on this week's chart. According to Chart-Track, it is also the seventh largest launch for a 3DS title.

The top five this week are a shuffle of the standard. FIFA 12 defends its top position for a sixth straight week, with Modern Warfare 3, Skyrim and Just Dance 3 consecutively in step behind it.

Looks like folks of the kingdoms united are still trying to lose those holiday pounds, as the Zumba hit parade goes on with Zumba Fitness slipping to seven and Zumba Fitness 2 taking tenth. The UK top ten can be found after the break.

Continue reading Resident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts

Resident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

NMA TV's breakdown of Nintendo's financial situation is as zany as you'd expect

Nintendo is coming off of a pretty rough fiscal year, posting an anticipated loss of ¥65 billion ($839M) despite strong sales for Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. They're optimistic for the future, naturally, with the 3DS performing well since the price drop and the Wii U right around the corner, but that enthusiasm hasn't been enough to repair the company's trading value.

It's a serious situation with meaningful implications both for stockholders and the industry as a whole, so who better to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the situation than the incomprehensibly bizarre and often disturbing creative powerhouse that is NMA TV. If you've seen any of their other videos, you've got a good idea of what to expect in the media briefing above. If not, you'd better sit down.

NMA TV's breakdown of Nintendo's financial situation is as zany as you'd expect originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rock Band Weekly: Tears for Fears, Sum 41
When they weren't shouting it all out or expressing how everybody wants to rule the world, English pop rock band Tears for Fears were wasting our time with "Head Over Heels," available next week as Rock Band DLC. There will also be a pair of tracks from Canadian band Sum 41.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Tears for Fears, Sum 41

Rock Band Weekly: Tears for Fears, Sum 41 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Super Mario 3D Land breaks 5 million sold, Skyward Sword at 3.4 million
Nintendo elaborated on the "strong sales" for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Super Mario 3D Land today, in its list of million-selling titles for the last nine months. The Wii adventure sold 3.42 million units worldwide, of which 3.04 million took place outside of Japan.

That makes it the best selling Wii game for the period, right? Nope! That's Mario Kart Wii, which sold 4.91 million copies between April and December, for a life-to-date total of 31.91 million copies. New releases Kirby's Return to Dreamland and Wii Play Motion squeaked into the million-seller club with 1.21 million and 1.12 million respectively.

On 3DS, Super Mario 3D Land sold 5.03 million in total -- 3.68 million "overseas" and 1.36 million in Japan. Mario Kart 7 sold almost as many, at 4.54 million. Even the good old DS managed to have some million-selling new releases: Professor Layton and the Last Specter (1.19 million, all outside of Japan) and Kirby Mass Attack (1.01 million).

Super Mario 3D Land breaks 5 million sold, Skyward Sword at 3.4 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered
The futuristic apparitions of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier can indeed be photographed. Ubi shared a fresh batch of assets this morning, and we'll have a full preview of the game for you later this week.

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier screens reconnoitered originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

THQ incurs more layoffs, five internal studios not affected
THQ went through another wave of layoffs today, which affected its administrative and publishing departments. The company would not share details about how many people lost their jobs, but stressed that this did not affect its five internal studios: THQ San Diego, Relic, Volition, Vigil and THQ Montreal.

"As recently announced, the company is exiting the kids' licensed games category, and is focusing on its core game franchises and developing its digital initiatives," THQ stated on the issue. "The company will provide greater financial detail regarding the costs and organizational benefit on its third quarter 2012 conference call scheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2012."

THQ announced a new strategic realignment earlier this week, shutting down its children's properties and focusing on "core games," like those provided by the unaffected studios.

THQ incurs more layoffs, five internal studios not affected originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

NintendoWare Weekly: Mutant Mudds, Mario & Sonic, Flush the Goldfish
As promised, another 3DS demo is available on the eShop, this time for Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. It may not have zombies, but then, it may have Waluigi. Renegade Kid's Mutant Mudds, its first self-published project, is also up on the eShop this week, offering challenging platforming and shooting and some dramatic 3D effects.

DSiWare features a sequel to the indie game Flipper; though if you played it, you still won't recognize Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish. The original was an isometric puzzle game about reshaping environments ... and the sequel is a side-scrolling action game that uses one contextual button!

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Mutant Mudds, Mario & Sonic, Flush the Goldfish

NintendoWare Weekly: Mutant Mudds, Mario & Sonic, Flush the Goldfish originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nintendo enhances expected loss; 15 million 3DS units sold since launch
Nintendo has once again revised its expected loss for the fiscal year ending in March, widening its forecasted financial misfortune from ¥20 billion ($258M) to ¥65 billion ($839M). The increased loss comes a quarter after Nintendo switched its forecast from a ¥20 billion profit to loss.

For the first nine months of the fiscal year ending December 31, Nintendo had sales of ¥556 billion ($7.2B), a 31 percent decrease from the same period last year. Overall, it posted a loss of ¥48.4 billion ($620M).

"Nintendo 3DS hardware during the nine months ended December 31, 2011, were 11.43 million units, and the total worldwide sales since its launch exceeded 15 million units," the company stated. Both Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 have gone on to become million-selling titles.

The company also mentioned that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for Wii recorded "strong sales, especially in the United States." Worldwide Wii sales over the nine-month period hit 8.96 million units, with software selling 89 million units.

Nintendo's financial woes, coupled with mobile gaming's increased portion of the handheld market, are not sitting well with investors. The House of Mario continues to see its stock sitting at a five-year low.

Nintendo enhances expected loss; 15 million 3DS units sold since launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Netflix drops plan to offer video games like it was Qwikster
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who you may remember from his Match.com profile video explanation video of Netflix's aborted split into two companies, said Netflix has no plans to offer video games right now, speaking in a Q4 investor meeting today. Hastings didn't offer more details on far-future plans, but he did confirm Netflix is investigating 3D streaming options to supplement its Blu-ray 3D disc service.

For now, it looks like gamers all will be getting is digital and physical disservice.

Netflix drops plan to offer video games like it was Qwikster originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameStop shuttering Northern Ireland and Portuguese stores
GameStop continues its closure of brick-and-mortar stores and conversion to a digital business in certain European markets, with recent moves in Portugal and Northern Ireland.

"GameStop plans to close our 13 stores in Portugal due to macro economic conditions," a company spokesperson told Joystiq. "Customers in Portugal can visit www.gamestop.es -- our E-commerce site in Spain -- for their gaming needs.

"And as announced last summer, GameStop is closing our four remaining UK stores -- thus finalizing our plans to exit the UK market. Our focus is to run an e-commerce only operation in the UK. Customers can redeem outstanding trade credits and gift cards on line at www.gamestop.com/uk."

Don't take this to mean the company is closing up storefronts on the continent. GameStop added 25 stores to "better performing" markets, such as Italy and France, during the last quarter.

GameStop shuttering Northern Ireland and Portuguese stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Alleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press
An anonymous letter sent to media and THQ's board of directors, allegedly written by a former employee of THQ, rains fire on the company's management and, specifically, CEO Brian Farrell. The letter arrives the same day as THQ announces another strategic realignment, a little over a week after the company had to spin a major cancellation rumor and over a month after THQ's stock dropped below $1.

"It is to the point where having [THQ] on your resume is not a point in your favor. And that shouldn't be the case," the "Formerly Mismanaged" writes. "I'm/We're sending this note anonymously because some of us are still awaiting final checks and others know how little corporations like employees who air their dirty laundry. We feel the need to say something to combat the partial misinformation being written."

The Formerly Mismanaged lays out its belief that the beginning of the end came when the cash rich company went on an acquisition spree years ago, allegedly "with no plan" -- many of those studios have since been shuttered or sold off. Then came what the accuser(s) call bad licensing deals and the most recent business miscalculation with the uDraw tablet, which caused the company to lower its fiscal outlook for the year.

The scope of THQ's problems is expected to come into slightly better focus when it announces its current financial position on February 2. Wedbush Morgan Financial Analyst Michael Pachter has pointed out he believes THQ will generate a "substantial loss" at the end of its fiscal year and that "THQ is at risk of running out of cash by the June 2012 quarter."

You can read the entire letter by "The Formerly Mismanaged" after the break.

Continue reading Alleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press

Alleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Samus morphs into an incredible action figure
We agree with Samus's sentiment. The new Figma Samus Aran action figure, due out in Japan this June, easily earns a rating of "thumbs up" by our standards. The 150mm (roughly 6") figure, modeled on Samus's appearance in Metroid: Other M, includes a base, two "beam effect" accessories, five alternate hands, and even a Morph Ball version of Samus.

If you have a shelf you'd like to keep Space Pirate-free, you can pre-order your own mini-Samus from toy importer AmiAmi for around $36. While you're at it, you can also pre-order this less posable, less clothed Zero Suit Samus statuette. If you're into that kinda thing, that is.

Samus morphs into an incredible action figure originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Deals on fitness, Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island on Amazon today
Amazon has a load of deals on games lined up for today. First up, Dead Island is the deal of the day and will no doubt quickly shamble off the shelves at only $25. Today's Lightning Deals are all game-themed as well, with the current deal being LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean on the DS for $15. As of this writing, the deal has about an hour to go.

Find a list of the remaining deals' start times (and our best guesses as to what the deals actually are) after the break.

Continue reading Deals on fitness, Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island on Amazon today

Deals on fitness, Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Activision grabs 'Skylanders Giants' domains
The land of Skylanders may be getting giant-sized in the coming months, as a smattering of domain registrations bearing the name "Skylanders Giants" recently popped up. A few of said domains even go as far as to call it a full on "game" rather than just an expansion to last October's magical character-swapping action game slash collectible addiction. Just imagine a giant Drobot! The possibilities!

The registrations are still fairly recent according to Fusible, only dating back to January 19, and none are tied directly to Activision. That said, it's common for publishers to register domains for unannounced projects via proxy, which is exactly how these were handled. We've reached out to Activision for comment, as well as Drobot, but don't expect to hear much from either.

Update: Activision offered no comment and neither did Drobot.

Activision grabs 'Skylanders Giants' domains originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gaikai full-game streaming to start 3 months after launching on Facebook
Gaikai is set to launch full-game streaming services on its network of gaming and entertainment websites, ramping up its current demo-only model, GamesIndustry reports. After launching its cloud service on Facebook, Gaikai will roll out full-game streaming on retailer sites such as YouTube, Best Buy and Walmart, and on publisher sites such as EA and Ubisoft.

Full-game streaming will go live about 90 days after the Facebook service begins, which should be soon, Gaikai head Dave Perry says. Gaikai's main competition is OnLive, but Perry says there is a huge difference between the two companies. "They have to modify the game; they have to get the source code to the game," Perry said. "Gaikai doesn't require modification of the game."

There are no direct plans to put Gaikai on console, but Perry can see the need for cloud services on all platforms: "You do not want to be the console that can't do this," he said. "You do not want to be the retail website that doesn't have playable games on it. You don't want to be the gaming website that you can't buy a game from.

"I don't want to take your console from your cold dead hands, that's not the case at all. You're going to continue to play the way you play, but just imagine that you could have an opinion on all games because you've been able to try all of them."

Gaikai full-game streaming to start 3 months after launching on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hudson name will live on after Konami takeover
We're still not sure if Konami will take the Hudson bee out back and put two tiny bullets into its brain, Old Yeller style, but Konami at least plans to keep the Hudson name around. According to a notice spotted on the company's site by Andriasang, Hudson branded products and services will continue to be developed post-acquisition.

The Hudson website will also stay open after Konami takes over the company on March 1. And while the last few years haven't given us much cause to celebrate Hudson, we're sure there are a few people out there who'd like to see the bee stick around -- one of them is a person we actually know!

Hudson name will live on after Konami takeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Now Playing: January 23-29, 2012

Continue reading Now Playing: January 23-29, 2012

Now Playing: January 23-29, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

FIFA 12 defends its UK sales championship, Rayman ascends
FIFA 12 ain't goin' nowhere, as the footie phenom holds the top spot on the UK sales charts for a fifth consecutive week. Chart-Track notes the title has already made more money than any other FIFA title to date, and is now tied for the second best chart-topping run of the franchise. It still has a bit to go though to beat FIFA World Cup 98, which had a record 11-week run.

Skyrim flies up one spot into second, spinning Just Dance 3 into third. The Zumba hit parade keeps stomping along, with Zumba Fitness maintaining sixth and Zumba Fitness 2 sliding down one spot to eighth, making room for Saints Row: The Third. Holla!

Thanks to some price promotion, the criminally ignored Rayman: Origins finally finds a spot in the top ten, spinning up eight spots into ninth place. Dubstep past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading FIFA 12 defends its UK sales championship, Rayman ascends

FIFA 12 defends its UK sales championship, Rayman ascends originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rock Band Weekly: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Next week's Rock Band DLC features a triple-pack from classic American rock troop Creedence Clearwater Revival. Don't panic if these tracks aren't your favorites, because those are likely found in the first CCR pack from 2010.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Rock Band Weekly: Creedence Clearwater Revival originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Why silly JRPG dialogue may not be a problem
This is a column by Jason Schreier dedicated to the analysis (and occasional mocking) of his favorite genre, the Japanese role-playing game. Whether it's because they're too antiquated or just too niche, he believes JRPGs don't get enough attention in the gaming industry today. It's time to change that.
I've been playing a lot of Final Fantasy XIII-2 lately. I can't post my full thoughts until the embargo's up (January 30), but there's one question I've been pondering ever since I popped in the disc: What's up with this dialogue?

Thanks to a lot of silly jargon and awkward phrasing, a large chunk of Final Fantasy XIII-2's conversations elevate it into the "wouldn't want anyone to watch me playing this" category, alongside titles like Star Ocean: The Last Hope and any Tales game.

"Become an arrow through time and speed your way to Serah," one of the game's characters says in the game's intro sequence. Other bits of dialogue are similarly awkward, mixing metaphors, dropping strange proper nouns and completely confusing whoever's playing (read: me).

(Another choice line: "If the paradox is eliminated, spacetime will return to normal.")

Of course, it'd be unfair to only pick on the latest Final Fantasy for this issue. Japanese role playing games -- even moreso than other game genres -- are not known for their fluid, witty dialogue. JRPG scripts are more infamous for mistranslations ("This guy are sick.") than smart or clever bits of writing.

But does it matter? Can a JRPG still be awesome even if its dialogue sucks?

Continue reading Why silly JRPG dialogue may not be a problem

Why silly JRPG dialogue may not be a problem originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

NintendoWare Weekly: Resident Evil Revelations demo, Stonekeep
3DS demos have finally arrived in North America! Or, at least, they will in a couple of hours when the eShop updates. You'll have the opportunity to check out Capcom's classic-style Resident Evil Revelations at no risk -- other than the usual risk of terror-soaked pants, we suppose.

In WiiWare news, remember when Interplay was going to revive Stonekeep for WiiWare? Well, that's happened. You can see the results above.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Resident Evil Revelations demo, Stonekeep

NintendoWare Weekly: Resident Evil Revelations demo, Stonekeep originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VideoGamesPlus.ca investigating 'security issue,' recommends password change
Earlier today it was reported that VideoGamesPlus.ca had been hacked and 21,000 customers' account details were posted for all to see. Eurogamer obtained an email from the company to customers saying the site is "currently investigating a security issue" and is recommending folks to change their passwords.

The problems started when a hacker claimed he had the account details and posted them (since removed) on a file-sharing site. The details included customer names, dates of birth, email addresses, phone numbers and encrypted passwords.

Short version: If you're a VGP customer, change the password for any accounts that shared the same password.

VideoGamesPlus.ca investigating 'security issue,' recommends password change originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Zumba Fitness franchise sells 6M units, Majesco profits
Majesco continues to stave off oblivion, getting lucky with Cooking Mama a couple years back and now living off the sweat equity of Zumba Fitness. The company announced the Zumba Fitness franchise has sold more than 6 million units worldwide, with Zumba Fitness 2 surpassing 1 million sales.

"In 2011, we experienced the successful launch of a brand new franchise for Majesco; Zumba Fitness has quickly become the fastest selling title in the company's history and the world's number one fitness title of 2011," Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton said. "We grew revenues over 65 percent in 2011 ... Zumba Fitness has taken the fitness category by storm, selling over four million units worldwide in its first 12 months, and topping the charts as the number one fitness title of the year in the US and UK."

For the fourth quarter, ending October 31, 2011, Majesco experienced a net loss of $3.9 million, versus a loss of $1.5 million in 2010. For the year, however, Majesco's revenue increased 66 percent to $125.3 million, ending with an operating income of $11.4 million, compared to the $2.1 million loss the prior year.

Majesco could always combine its top franchises for mega profits: Cooking Mama's Zumba Fitness: Work Out & Eat Well.

Zumba Fitness franchise sells 6M units, Majesco profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ubisoft shutters Vancouver studio
Ubisoft's studio in Vancouver, previously known as Action Pants, has been shut down by the publisher. The Vancouver studio was responsible for the publisher's Pure Futbol and Academy of Champions: Soccer. Don't feel bad if you've never heard of either before -- we had to dig deep to find a mention.

"Unfortunately, we haven't found the right formula for success for the talented team there," Ubi told Game Informer. "We thank our Vancouver team for their hard work and the projects that they have delivered."

Ubi said team members will have the opportunity to consider positions at other Ubisoft studios. We're sure Toronto, Quebec or Montreal could always use the help pushing out this year's Assassin's Creed (with soccer-based tower defense minigame).

Ubisoft shutters Vancouver studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Super Mario Bros. Crossover gets a makeover in Version 2.0

The 2.0 update for Super Mario Bros. Crossover, coming in Q1 2012, gives the homemade blend-em-up a bit more flash and a wider spectrum of nostalgia. And the new SNES and Gameboy visuals don't detract from the game's real purpose, which is to destroy that aloof minion Lakitu in new and interesting ways.

Super Mario Bros. Crossover gets a makeover in Version 2.0 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011
The top two spots in Japan's 2011 list of best-selling games are taken by a pair of Nintendo 3DS games: Mario Kart 7, with more than 1.6 million sold, and Super Mario 3D Land with more than 1.08 million sold. In third is Capcom's Monster Hunter Tri-G for 3DS, followed by 27 more titles for 3DS, DS PSP, Wii and PS3. These include From Software's Dark Souls and Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIII-2.

Check out the entire list, provided by Media Create of Japanese Hardware Sales fame, below!

Continue reading 3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011

3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

FIFA spends fourth week atop UK charts, exercise games perform well
FIFA 12 remains at the top of the UK chart for a fourth straight week, despite a 54 percent drop in sales. Nearly all the games on this week's top ten saw double-digit percentage drops in sales, as consumers adjust to the post-holiday rhythm. For example, Just Dance 3 had a 21 percent reduction, but moved up two spots into second. Skyrim had similar falling upwards, as it moved up two spots into third, with a 23 percent sales drop. It's currently a race of stamina on the charts.

Continue reading FIFA spends fourth week atop UK charts, exercise games perform well

FIFA spends fourth week atop UK charts, exercise games perform well originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments