The Walking Dead: Episode 1 review: The value of people

In the zombie apocalypse, we'll all be human resource managers. We'll need to make harsh critiques on the value of one human against another in a post-apocalyptic scenario. At least, that's what the first episode of Telltale's The Walking Dead adaptation has taught me.

As someone who's mapped out his strategy for the zombie apocalypse countless times, I always told myself I'd keep my humanity; I wouldn't become the monster I was trying to survive. And then I chose to rescue a grown man over a helpless child.

Gallery: The Walking Dead

Continue reading The Walking Dead: Episode 1 review: The value of people

The Walking Dead: Episode 1 review: The value of people originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Q3 results: 1.4 million 360s sold, Entertainment division revenue down year-over-year

Despite being the number one best-selling console in America for fifteen months running, the 360's success wasn't enough to prevent Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division from being the only section of the company to post a year-over-year decline in revenue during the third quarter of fiscal 2012.

The Entertainment and Devices Division, which includes Microsoft's gaming businesses and the Windows Phone platform, finished the period ending on March 31, 2012 with $1.62 billion in revenue - a 16 percent drop over the same period in fiscal 2011. During Q3 2012, Microsoft sold 1.4 million 360s, a 48 percent drop year-over-year.

When the entirety of fiscal 2012 is taken into account, however, the Entertainment and Devices Division is actually up as far as revenue is concerned: $7.84 billion so far in fiscal 2012 as compared to $7.42 billion by this time in fiscal 2011. The devision's operation income, on the other hand, is down year-over-year, posting at $627 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2012, compared to $1.24 billion for this time last year.

Otherwise, Microsoft's Q3 performance was strong across all fronts: Overall quarterly revenue rang up at $17.41 billion, a six percent increase over Q3 2011, with a business-wide operating income of $6.37 billion, a 12 percent year-over-year increase.Microsoft Q3 results: 1.4 million 360s sold, Entertainment division revenue down year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook under fire over virtual currency architecture; lawsuit seeks $5 million

Glynnis Bohannon is none too happy with Facebook right now. She argues her son - who purchased Facebook Credits for use in social games - did not know he was spending real-world money, and is looking for a refund. She's also trying to get Facebook to give back money to all the minors in the US who had laid down cash, and is looking for funds exceeding $5 million, court documents show.

Bohannon says Facebook's currency system goes against consumer protection laws in California. Minors from the age of 13 on can create an account on Facebook and purchase Facebook Credits, though there are warnings that individuals under the age of 18 must have permission from a parent. No specific apps were mentioned in the filing.Facebook under fire over virtual currency architecture; lawsuit seeks $5 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Minke Rescue

Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Leigh Marlow of The Apptivist Studio presents a game with a greater purpose -- to stop the violent whaling in Antarctic waters -- named Minke Rescue. What's your game called and what's it about?

Minke Rescue is a new iPhone game. You play the part of a minke whale in the beautiful and harsh Antarctic Ocean. Best of all, it's only $0.99 -- and 30 percent from every game purchased goes directly to Sea Shepherd.

What inspired you to make Minke Rescue?

I wanted to raise awareness and funds for specific causes that I'm passionate about. However, I'm not noted for my cake making, t-shirt designing or car washing, nor do I have a sufficiently cashed-up network of friends to host a (successful) charity ball.

In early 2010, after acquiring my first iPhone, I soon discovered the power of apps -- how regularly I was willing to spend small amounts of money -- and how addictive the very best apps can be. An ah-ha moment occurred and my direction was set -- to create a cool little iPhone game that benefited Sea Shepherd. The key ingredients were that the game had to be fun, addictive and not too preachy.

The best part is I get to combine my passion for gaming and my passion for the environment.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Minke Rescue

The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Minke Rescue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call of Duty's Robert Bowling opens game studio for next gen, Robotoki

This is an unexpected respawn. Robert "FourZeroTwo" Bowling, creative strategist and hype man for Call of Duty at Infinity Ward, who abruptly quit a month ago, is running the show at his own game development studio called Robotoki.

Bowling tells Game Informer that Robotoki is focused on being a "developer development studio that just happens to make games." What? He continues, "We are focused on our team first and everything else second, because I believe as an industry, we have a lot to learn on how to treat talent. While we continue to out stride film and music entertainment in other areas, we are falling severely behind in how to properly inspire and support our creative talent."

What about making money?

Bowling said Robotoki is self-funded, working only with partners who support that model, where creative vision holders have complete control over the work. The company's first project will be revealed later this year and is targeted for next generation console, PC and mobile devices. Oh, Bowling is also hiring.Call of Duty's Robert Bowling opens game studio for next gen, Robotoki originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Max Payne Mobile now available

Turn that frown upside down, Max - you're on the App Store. Rockstar's mobile port of Max Payne is now available for download for $2.99. It's a universal app, designed for both the iPad and iPhone. Android users must wait two weeks until they can dive in.

Max Payne Mobile was developed by War Drum Studios and features "HD quality resolution and textures," customizable controls, a touch-screen interface and retina support for Apple's new iPad.

Gallery: Max Payne Mobile (iOS)

PSA: Max Payne Mobile now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camouflaj Kickstarting iOS stealth game 'Republique,' see the first trailer

The first project from Ryan Payton's Camouflaj is Republique, an iOS action/stealth game of sorts in which you control a network of cameras, lights, and everything else electronic to keep a woman named Hope safe from pursuers. It's like a serious Night Trap.

"Last year, I decided I was going to stop complaining about the lack of real games on mobile," Payton said in the above trailer, "and start making one." For help making that real game, Camouflaj has turned to Kickstarter, because it's 2012.

The developer is seeking $500,000 from backers, with bonuses including the game, a fancy journal designed as a "game companion," and, for the truly wealthy, your likeness in the game and a trip to Camouflaj HQ.Camouflaj Kickstarting iOS stealth game 'Republique,' see the first trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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