Dragon Age 2 is happening. Then again, we already knew that; the first game was called "Origins." The Game Informer cover doesn't reveal much, but here's what we're able to glean from its meager frame: The game is called Dragon Age 2, it features a new champion (what about importing Sneakblayde, our elf rogue?), a different part of the world (see ya, Ferelden!) and it's "breathtaking."
We're not sure what's breathtaking here, but if the game looks anything like the art style on the cover, we're going to imagine that's what GI's talking about. Remember, Greg Zeschuk told us they were working to make the Dragon Age engine look, his words, "visually super hot." Is this what BioWare was teasing for February 1, 2011? With a 10-page cover story, it sounds like BioWare and EA are ready to talk about this thing, so we're guessing in the affirmative. Watch that mailbox (or F5 Joystiq) to learn more.
#shuheiyoshida
Game studio Insomniac Games has created a slew of exclusive titles for the PlayStation platform. Franchises like Ratchet & Clank and Resistance are PlayStation hallmarks. The day of Insomniac making only PS games are over. More »
#history
The release this week of Monkey Island 2: Special Edition has many people revisiting the lighter side of piracy in the Caribbean. If only real pirates had been that funny! More »
#loveplus
This summer, Konami is offering fans of its Nintendo DS love simulator Love Plus the chance to do something very special: Pay lots of money to go on vacation with their virtual girlfriend. More »
Previously, the operation of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning in Europe was handled by GOA, a division of France Telecom. Today, EA has announced that BioWare Mythic, the developer behind WAR, will now take over "publishing, operating and subscription service rights" in the region.
During the transition, BioWare Mythic will shut down the European servers for 48 to 72 hours as it works to bring the new servers online. To celebrate the transition, existing and former players will all receive 14 days of free play, while new players will gain the option of installing an Endless Trial mode, which gives players the option to enjoy the trial version of the game for as long as they like. You can check it out for yourself here.
#wow
World of Warcraft developer Blizzard's decision to force users to use their real names on the game's forum has some people in an uproar. Maybe those upset by the move should take it up with Korean lawmakers. More »
In the video overview after the break, NHL Slapshot producer Joe Nickolls introduces features of EA's Wii-exclusive hockey game, including the new "Peewee to Pro" mode that allows you to play as Wayne Gretzky from childhood through the NHL. There's also plenty of in-game footage.
#rumor
Curiously, a new rating turned up yesterday on Australia's Classification Board website for a game that was first released nearly eight years ago. Wonder why that would be? More »
#clips
Upcoming Wii game The Last Story is being designed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the man responsible for Final Fantasy. No, he is not a nihilist, and from the looks of this trailer, neither is The Last Story. More »
This coming weekend, from July 8 until July 11, Steam will play host to a free-for-all multiplayer event for Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter. Additionally, the game will also be 50% off -- only $10. The only problem is that apparently nobody told Devolver Digital's boss, Fork Parker.
"This is total bullshit," he said. "How are we supposed to make any money by giving away our sweet multiplayer juice for free?" Well, we're no businessologists, but maybe make another game?
Show full PR text
SERIOUS SAM HD: SECOND ENCOUNTER MULTIPLAYER FREE-FOR-ALL IS FREE FOR ALL THIS WEEKEND ON STEAM
Gamers Get a Delicious Taste of Multiplayer Madness and 50% off Purchase
Zagreb, Croatia, July 8, 2010 - In an effort to spread the Gospel of Sam to those non-believers who still haven't bathed in the redeeming light of high-definition, Croteam has decided to allow the few remaining heathens to partake in the visual delights of Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter's over-the-top multiplayer modes. From July 8 through July 11, Steam users around the world will be able to play all the brilliant new modes of multiplayer fun with up to 16-players. New converts will be able to experience divine gameplay modes like Co-Op Survival, My Burden and Beast Hunt along with classic deathmatch and campaign co-op modes.
"This is total bullshit," said Fork Parker, Chief Financial Officer at Devolver Digital. "How are we supposed to make any money by giving away our sweet multiplayer juice for free?"
Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter will also be discounted by 50% during the promotion. Seriously. Half off a game that already costs less than $20. That's $10 sucka.
"Goddamnit," replied Fork when asked for further comment.
About Croteam
Croteam are the creative force behind the massively successful Serious Sam series, which is recognized across the globe for its all-action and entertaining game design and its powerful Serious Engine technology. Founded in Zagreb, Croatia in 1993, Croteam has grown to become one of the most successful and respected developers in Eastern Europe.
More information about Croteam can be found online at www.croteam.com.
About Devolver Digital
Devolver Digital is a small, laser-focused production and publishing company based in Austin, Texas, (also with one very lonely desperado in London) from an unnamed group of industry veterans/outlaw refugees. The company aims to take large wads of fun created by great game developers worldwide, and help create large wads of cash from it by getting it into the hands of rich, entertainment-starved gamers around the world, wherever they happen to be hanging out, and for whatever currency is handy. Our Twitter handle is @DevolverDigital so hook it up.
#japan
This month, Japanese online retailer Rakuten.com decided the language that was used internally by the company would no longer be Japanese. More »
If your gut response to the Mega Man 8-Bit Deathmatch mod for Doom 2 revealed last November was one of overwhelming desire, prepare to be satisfied. A demo for MM8BDM was recently released by its creator, Mike Hill, and is now downloadable for free through the mod's official website.
The download comes with four pixelated maps, five character skins and over 10 different weapon attachments based on actual powers from the Mega Man series. Unfortunately, these weapons can be picked up from set locations on each map -- we're not sure we'll appreciate them as much as we did when we were forced to pry them from the cold, dead hands of a bested Robot Master.
#pc
Microsoft's "Project S", a secret strategy game that we uncovered earlier today, isn't a Halo title. It is, however, being worked on by by former Age of Empires developers. More »
