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GameStop starts its own game publishing wing
Now that GameStop has dipped its toes into game publishing, it's ready to jump in with both feet: the retailer has launched GameTrust, its own publishing division. The new wing will initially handle titles from existing partner Insomniac Games (of Ratchet & Clank fame) as well as Frozenbyte (Trine), Ready At Dawn (The Order: 1886) and Tequila Works (Deadlight). As you might guess, this isn't a traditional publishing business. GameStop is taking a hands-off approach to the actual content. Instead, it wants to create "exclusive real estate" online and in physical stores to help people discover indie games that might otherwise get missed.
Trine developer launches iOS platformer Splot
Frozenbyte, developer of co-op platformer Trine, has created one of the most mobile-looking mobile games in Splot. The platformer is available today on the App Store for $3.99 (€3.59 / £2.49) and features a blob that must capture "birdlings" within a time limit. It's the fast-fingers type of game that's better suited for pretending you're watching reality television than on the morning commute. The game includes 56 levels and over 150 Splots to collect, as well as seven types of worlds to bounce around in. The developer has certainly shown it has chops when it comes to making platformers, as the Trine series has over 7 million sales.
Trine series tops 7 million sales, shares its level editor
The Trine series has surpassed 7 million sales worldwide, Frozenbyte announced today. That includes sales of Trine and Trine 2 across PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Mac, Linux and Android. To celebrate seven figures, Frozenbyte has launched the level editor for Trine Enchanted Edition and Trine 2: Complete Story on Steam. "The editor for the Trine games gives users a first-hand look at the development process," Frozenbyte says in a press release. "Players can now do the same things to Trine or Trine 2 as the developers; they can edit existing maps to their liking, create entirely new ones from scratch, or even create a completely different game." Both Trine and Trine 2 are free to play this weekend as part of Valve's biggest free weekend ever. Trine wasn't listed in the original free weekend announcement, so that's a nice surprise. Games in the deal are free through Sunday, October 19, at 1PM PT, and they're on sale through Monday, October 20 at 10AM PT.
Frozenbyte's 'Huge Seal' promotion discounts 35 indie games, gives away Steam keys
Trine 2 developer Frozenbyte kicked off a "Huge Seal" promotion, joining up with more than two dozen other indie developers to offer discounts on 35 PC and Mac games. To take advantage of the "build your own indie sale," buyers need to log in to the sale's site with their Steam accounts to access five coupons from the list of participating games, seen after the break. Among the indie games on sale are Mark of the Ninja ($7.50), Monaco: What's Yours is Mine ($6.60), FTL: Faster than Light ($5.00), Terraria ($5.00) and Thomas Was Alone ($2.50). For every purchase, buyers can pick another game from the list to buy at a discounted rate. Buying three games grants players one free Steam key from the discounted games at random. The sale is good until Sunday, November 24.
Trine 2 to tell its Complete Story on PS4
Frozenbyte is self-publishing Trine 2 on PS4, with the announcement coming after Finnish gaming convention DigiExpo let the next-gen cat out of the bag. The indie studio didn't note a release window, but did confirm the PS4 version is the Complete Story edition. As per the updated Steam version, that means the PS4 port features the Goblin Menace expansion and the previously Wii U-exclusive Dwarven Caverns level. Frozenbyte also revealed the PS4 version runs at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, and comes with stereoscopic 3D support, just to be extra pretty. Trine 2's gorgeous worlds caught the eye in 2011, but Richard found its puzzles a little bit wanting in his three-and-a-half-stars review. That said, being able to solve them with friends helped make the game's fantastical adventure enjoyable, if not quite fantastic.
Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]
Sony made wholesale corrections to the list of European/PAL companies confirmed as PS4 developers and publishers, reducing the list of named studios from 53 to 28. Curiouser, not one of the developers and publishers named on the previous list makes an appearance on the new roll call. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed to us the first list, sent out last week, was erroneous, and this new one is correct. There are no revisions for any other regions.The new list removes a number of significant names, including Mojang (Minecraft), Rovio (Angry Birds), Frozenbyte, Criterion Games, and City Interactive. In their stead are some new noteworthy studios, such as CD Projekt, who've confirmed The Witcher 3 as a PS4 game. Also included are Bohemia Interactive, Deep Silver, Ninja Theory, IO Interactive, Codemasters, 2K Games, and Sumo Digital. The full list can be found after the break.We've reached out to a number of studios for comment. Mojang's Daniel Kaplan reiterated to us the comments he gave to Gamasutra, saying his studio hasn't decided anything yet, and that the error is "confusion from Sony's side." Gamasutra's article also confirms Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer and Skulls of the Shogun creator 17-Bit, both included in the original list, as not currently working on anything for the PS4.A spokesperson for Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess developer Mediatonic, included in the original list but not in the corrected one, told us he couldn't make any comment on his studio and PS4 development. Meanwhile, Sumo Digital's inclusion adds weight to the rumor the British studio is working on LittleBigPlanet 3, but for the PS4. When approached previously about LBP3, a studio representative told Joystiq, "No comment." Update 1: A spokesperson for 505 Games tells us the Italian company is "definitely" planning to publish games on the PS4. 505 Games was in the original list of European/PAL PS4 developers and publishers, but not the revised list. The spokesperson noted the company's logo appears in the image showcasing PS4 partners, as shown during last week's event, as do many of the names in the revised list. Update 2: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe informs us the list of European PS4 studios has been further revised. Two more studios are now present in the form of Criterion Games and Ghost Games (an EA studio) - both were in the original list of 53. That takes the tally of confirmed European studios up to 30.
Finnish composer Pulkkinen working on 'unannounced PS4 game'
Composer Ari Pulkkinen, known for his work with Finnish developers Housemarque, Rovio and Frozenbyte, is providing the soundtrack and sound design for an "unannounced PS4 game," according to his LinkedIn profile. Under his 'Experience' tab, Pulkkinen says he's also providing soundtracks for an iPad game and PSN game, both also unannounced.While Pulkkinen's experience is diverse - he's composed soundtracks for several entries in the Angry Birds and Trine series - the majority of his PlayStation-based work has been for Housemarque. Pulkkinen provided the soundtracks for Super Stardust HD, Outland, Dead Nation, and Super Stardust Delta.Earlier this month, Housemarque responded to a leak of concept art that included Dead Nation 2, as well as tie-ins to Superman and Walking Dead games. In an official statement, the studio said, "As for the artworks on display, they belong to a discarded batch and are not representative of projects we might or might not be working on."
Spot the differences in this Trine 2 graphics comparison video
This video for Trine 2: Director's Cut shows the graphics for the Wii U game before and after its January update. The update also added Pro Controller support and online multiplayer voice chat.Since the game was updated, the graphics have to be substantially better, right? You tell us. %Gallery-165416%
Wii U's 'Trine 2: Director's Cut' updated in Europe, Aussie launch Jan. 31
Trine 2: Director's Cut for Wii U will be available on the eShop in Australia and New Zealand on January 31. The game also received an update in Europe, adding support for the Pro Controller, online multiplayer voice chat, improved graphics rendering, minor fixes, and if you really need it, German vocals. Developer Frozenbyte's CEO said Lauri Hyvarinen said, "We're happy that the update is finally out, and I apologize for the delays we put gamers through during these past few weeks. Hopefully the new features make up for it!"%Gallery-157219%
Trine 2's Wii U-exclusive Magic Mayhem mode 'not a likelihood'
Trine 2 developer Frozenbyte recently told GamingBolt that the Wii U-exclusive Magic Mayhem DLC is "still a possibility, but not a likelihood." The mini-game mode was planned for the Director's Cut version of the game, which Frozenbyte said is the best version it can make."The idea was to have small mini games that would really make use of the Wii U Gamepad," the developer said. "In the end we had a lot of work with bringing the DLC up to the level of quality that we intended, so scrapping the Magic Mayhem for the launch window made sense."As for the company's plans for another game in the series, a third game was said to be a "no brainer." Still, the developer doesn't want it to "feel like Trine 2.5, but rather a large leap and something even more awe inspiring.""We will be moving on to other IP as we feel this is the best way for us to grow as a company. 2013 will be quite a year for us and we aim to please with some cool announcements," Frozenbyte said.
Trine 2: Director's Cut gets Wii U launch trailer
This trailer shows off a few of the 20 levels players will encounter in Trine 2: Director's Cut, Frozenbyte's launch title for Wii U. The game is available now on Nintendo's eShop for $20.
Frozenbyte: Wii U indies set their own eShop prices, sale dates
Nintendo overhauled more than just its controller with the Wii U – it also revamped how it handles indie developers and eShop games. Frozenbyte (Trine 2) marketing manager Mikael Haveri tells IGN that Nintendo's foray into modern distribution puts it on par with established companies such as Steam and Apple."We have the power to price our products as we please, with just some basic guidelines from the big guys," Haveri says. "The step to this is purely from Nintendo's side and they clearly see that [their] previous installments have not been up to par. We can set our own pricing and actually continuing on that by setting our own sales whenever we want. It is very close to what Apple and Steam are doing at the moment, and very indie friendly."Developers don't need to pay to patch their games on Wii U, either. Recently Fez developer Polytron called out XBLA for charging "tens of thousands of dollars" for patches following the first, free one. Nintendo's infinitely free patching could be a large draw for indies."Simply put, they've told us that there are no basic payments for each patch (which were pretty high on most platforms) and that we can update our game almost as much as we want," Haveri says. "For indie developers this is huge."
Trine 2: Director's Cut is a Wii U eShop launch game
Trine 2: Director's Cut is available now on the Wii U eShop, on this, the blessed day of our Nintendo savior's launch. Director's Cut is a Wii U exclusive game that we knew would hit the eShop some time during Nintendo's launch window; we just didn't know how good Frozenbyte's aim was.Director's Cut is $20 and has 20 levels, including the new Goblin Menace expansion and a stage exclusive to Wii U, Dwarven Caverns. The download is less than 2GB, which will fit comfortably on both the 8GB and 32GB Wii U models without USB expansions. Director's Cut includes a new, "more challenging" multiplayer mode created specifically for the Wii U, called Magic Mayhem.All you wizards who managed to make a Wii U materialize in your homes today, enjoy.
TUAW's Mac Game of the Week: Trine 2 is a beautiful puzzle adventure game for $4 right now
Trine is a terrific puzzle/adventure game that's akin to Blizzard's old The Lost Vikings title, if you remember that one. It features three different characters (a thief, a knight and a wizard) all controlled by one player, each with different abilities that are used to navigate various physics-based puzzles and traps. It was a solid indie title, and did well enough to inspire a sequel in Trine 2. Trine 2 took the same concept even further, featuring updated graphics and the addition of a co-op mode, in which three different players could take over the three different roles and upgrade them as you play along together. Just like the first title, Trine 2 offers physics-based puzzles, and a really gorgeous mix of action and intellectual gameplay. This is a true indie gem -- you can tell there's a lot of love put into this one, and while it falls down in parts, the overall package shines with polish and ingenuity. You can get Trine 2 on Steam or from the company's main website, but it's currently on sale on the Mac App Store for just US$3.99, 75 percent off of the usual cost. Note that you will need to have a fairly new Mac (basically 2010 on) to play it, as the game can get graphically intensive at times. But if you do have a newer graphics card, this game is a no-brainer for just $4, and the ability to play online co-op with friends is icing on the cake. There's also an expansion pack called Goblin Menace that's out on Steam right now -- presumably that's headed to the Mac App Store version soon as well.
Trine 2: Goblin Menace expansion hits Steam on Sept. 6
Trine 2's upcoming expansion, "Goblin Menace," will be available to PC and Mac users who purchased the game through Steam on Thursday, September 6 for $7.99/€6.99. Steam customers who purchased the Collector's Edition, however, should already have access to beta versions of the expansion's first two levels, though the beta will end once the final product is available.App Store and Linux versions on Trine 2 will receive Goblin Menace at a later date, while the game's Wii U port will ship with the new content included. The DLC is accompanied by a two-gig update to the game itself, which ensures that both expanded and non-expanded copies of the game behave properly in multiplayer.Smaller gameplay updates are also being implemented, such as arrows that show a player's location while in multiplayer, in addition to other miscellaneous adjustments and fixes. Frozenbyte encourages all Collector's Edition kids to contribute their feedback to the game's Steam forum.
Trine 2 expansion 'Goblin Menace' revealed, included in Wii U version
Using Gamescom as its platform, Finnish developer Frozenbyte unveiled the continuing adventures of its three amigos by announcing 'Goblin Menace,' an expansion for Trine 2.Other than being completely gorgeous (seriously, just look at it!), the Goblin Menace expansion adds six fresh levels in an all-new campaign along with new skills that are also available for use in the original Trine 2 campaign.Trine 2: Goblin Menace will debut on Steam this fall before being included in the Trine 2: Director's Cut for Wii U this holiday season. More info, including additional platforms for the content and pricing, is set to come at a later date. In the meantime ... dat graphics!%Gallery-162649%
Trine 2 half off for XBLA Gold Members through July 2
Atlus sends word that Frozenbyte's vibrant puzzle-platformer, Trine 2, is being sold at half price on Xbox Live Arcade for Gold Members this weekend. That means you can pick it up for 600 Microsoft Points ($7.50) through July 2nd.Before you do that, though, remember that the time has almost come for another Steam Summer Sale, and your wallet's almost certain to take a beating. Trine 2 is a great game, and if you want to play it on Xbox this is a solid deal. We're just looking out for you, man.
Trine 2: Director's Cut is the 'best' version Frozenbyte can make
Trine 2: Director's Cut, a Wii U-exclusive title announced today at Nintendo's E3 press conference, is set for a holiday launch, Frozenbyte says. Director's Cut features the "developers' vision of Trine 2 fully formed," including the original game with "numerous enhancements," such as the new party mode, Magic Mayhem. Magic Mayhem was designed specifically for Wii U and creates a more challenging atmosphere for the existing multiplayer mode. Frozenbyte is also working on an expansion for Trine 2, adding five new levels and new skills for each character; it will also be available on the Wii U.%Gallery-157219%
Trine 2 DLC brings six new stages this summer; Frozenbyte's next project a new IP
A fresh batch of Trine 2 DLC is dropping this summer, and it will include six new stages, a shiny new story and new skills. XBLA Fans picked up the news from Frozenbyte marketing director Mikael Haveri during a GDC 2012 panel this week. Haveri also said there would be a lot of puzzles based on light, water, low gravity and magnetic elements.Frozenbyte's next project is an original IP set to launch at $15 for unannounced platforms, Haveri teased to XBLA Fans. At that price, we feel confident expecting a downloadable release.
Trine 2 hits PSN in Europe after delay
You can finally download Frozenbyte's well-received sequel, Trine 2, from the European PlayStation Store. Since SCEE took longer than expected to get the game through QA, it will initially be offered at a 30 percent discount for €7.99. After two weeks, Trine 2's price will be set at €11.25.European PS Plus members can download Trine 2 for free right now. Here on the other side of the Atlantic we're getting some free Sly Cooper.
