holiday-2009
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Xbox Live Faux Pas of the Day: Free '2010 Glasses'
Your Avatar can celebrate the next dance around the sun by putting on some hideous 2010 glasses, now available in the Avatar Marketplace for free. Wearing the glasses will have your virtual representation come dangerously close to committing the high crime of fashion: socks and sandals (which is, sadly, also available on the marketplace). However, if you think your Avatar can rock the look, by all means, have them go for it. If you regret getting these, just remember that hindsight is 2010. Shortcut: Download "2010 Glasses" to Xbox 360 [via Xbox.com]
City of Heroes offers holiday contest
It's holiday time in both Paragon City and the Rogue Isles, and that means it's time for players of City of Heroes to celebrate the occasion. We recently discussed the game's holiday event, which is of course how the characters in the game get to enjoy the start of the winter months. But what about the players behind the keyboard, the ones who may very well have donated to charitable causes and deserve something nice themselves this holiday season? Well, perhaps if you're blessed with a spot of luck and the spirit of the season, you could win some decorations for yourself and your environment in the game's holiday contest. The contest has two categories, for most festive costume and most festively-decorated base, with three winners per category. Prizes include hero and villain pins, some of the limited-edition City of Heroes fifth-anniversary t-shirts, and a few other nice toys. All that's required for entry is to take two screenshots of your character's costume or your decorated base and submit them by January 3rd, which means that everyone in the game has both time an inclination to get into the spirit of things. Read the official rules for more details, and get a little something back for your superhuman antics being seasonally appropriate.
Joyswag: Fighting Game Holiday Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congratulations Ken B. and Jake R. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive Tekken 6 Limited Edition Wireless Fight Stick Bundle, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast, and The King of Fighters XII for PlayStation 3, and one King of Fighters figurine [note: actual figurine may differ from one pictured] (Total ARV: $340); and one first prize winner to receive Family Feud: 2010 Edition for Nintendo Wii (ARV: $40) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Fighting games are currently enjoying a bit of a renaissance, and this grand prize bundle is a nice opportunity to re-introduce yourself to the genre on PS3. Don't discount the Wii's fighting games, though -- our first-prize winner will find Family Feud features some very difficult combinations. Just you try stringing together the top five survey answers to: Name the most popular item people put in their salads. What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: Xbox 360 Music Game Holiday Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congrats Jarrod A and Victor V. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle, DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable, Band Hero, Guitar Hero 5, Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, and Lego Rock Band for Xbox 360 (Total ARV: $558); and one first prize winner to receive Lips: Number One Hits Bundle for Xbox 360 (ARV: $60) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Surely, there's at least one song in the grand prize collection that your band will agree to play together. As for the first prize, it's nothing but number-one hits! What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: PSP Go Holiday Giveaway
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congrats David G. and Soren S. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive "Piano Black" PSPgo (Total ARV: $250); and one first prize winner to receive Sega Genesis Firecore Classic Console (ARV: $50) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Two pint-sized feats of technology: Sony's PSP Go and the Firecore console -- who could have imaged the Genesis squeezed down to such proportions? Marvelous. What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: Nintendo DS Games Holiday Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congrats Andrew C. and Tom B.! To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (with bonus treasure chest, train whistle & t-shirt), Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes, and Space Invaders Extreme 2 for Nintendo DS (Total ARV: $135); and one first prize winner to receive C.O.P. The Recruit for Nintendo DS (ARV: $30) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. What better place to store the grand prize bundle than in an actual treasure chest? And how about that first prize? We're giving the winner the perfect excuse to be a bad cop! What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: PS3 Holiday Games Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congratulations Blake F. and Brian W. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive one Uncharted 2: Among Thieves: Fortune Hunter Edition, Assassin's Creed II, Demon's Souls: Deluxe Edition, God of War Collection, Modern Warfare 2, and Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time for PlayStation 3 (Total ARV: $590); and one first prize winner to receive Tony Hawk: Ride Skateboard Bundle for PlayStation 3 (ARV: $90) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Here's a good question: What's more functional? The Tony Hawk: Ride board or the replica Phurba Dagger Artifact included in the extremely rare Uncharted 2: Among Thieves: Fortune Hunter Edition? What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: Wii Games Holiday Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congrats Antonia F. and Tom B. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable, Dead Space Extraction, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Rabbids Go Home, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories for Nintendo Wii (Total ARV: $288); and one first prize winner to receive The Price is Right: 2010 Edition for Nintendo Wii (ARV: $40) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. With a strong dose of horror, this grand prize of third-party Wii games doesn't scream holiday cheer in the traditional sense -- but then, the Wii itself is nontraditional. As for the first prize, "free" is just right. What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: Xbox 360 Holiday Games Bundle
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congratulations Thomas C.H. and Dennis C. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select one grand prize winner at that time to receive one copy of Assassin's Creed II, Dragon Age: Origins, FIFA Soccer 10, Forza Motorsport 3, Halo 3: ODST, Left 4 Dead 2, and DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable, plus additional Turntable controller, all for Xbox 360, and a "Live Turns Five" wireless Xbox 360 controller (Total ARV: $568); and one first prize winner to receive Rogue Warrior for Xbox 360 (ARV: $60) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. For the grand prize we've rounded up an eclectic mix of many of the best Xbox 360 games from 2009's fall and holiday seasons and tossed in a limited edition orange controller (from 2007 -- it's vintage!). All we'll say about the first prize is: rogue [rohg] –adjective 1. Operating outside desirable controls. What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Joyswag: Wii System & Wii Fit Plus Bundles from QVC
Welcome to Joystiq's "Naughty or Nice" holiday giveaway extravaganza! It's simple: Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win. Ah, but to win what? There's always a catch, isn't there? Each "Naughty or Nice" giveaway features two prizes: a totally sweet bundle of holiday cheer and, um, a lump of coal. Winners are selected randomly, we assure you. Of course, who's to say luck isn't dependent on virtue ... Have you been naughty? Or nice? Update: The entry period has ended. Congratulations to Kevin C. and Andrew B. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling us if you've been "naughty" or "nice" this year. (Note: Your response will not affect your chance of winning any of the prizes in this giveaway.) You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. This entry period ends at 12:00 pm ET on Tuesday, December 22. We'll randomly select two grand prize winners at that time to each receive QVC's "Nintendo Wii Gaming System w/ Accessories, Case & Games" (Item #E165361; product page), "Nintendo Wii Fit Plus & Accessory Kit w/ Mat & Balance Board" (Item #E165402), and New Super Mario Bros. Wii for Nintendo Wii (Total ARV: $597); and one first prize winner to receive Bass Pro Shops: The Strike w/ Rod and Reel Controller for Xbox 360 (ARV: $80) -- please check your emails! For a list of complete rules, click here. Many thanks to QVC for our featured grand prize: A custom Nintendo Wii Gaming System Bundle and custom Wii Fit Plus & Accessory Kit Bundle. Even better? Two grand prize winners each receive both bundles. Better still? We're tossing in a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii for each winner -- call it the cherry on top. Of course, the Wii isn't your only opportunity to experience compelling motion-based gameplay. One first prize winner will receive Bass Pro Shops: The Strike with an "extremely life-like" fishing rod controller for Xbox 360. (Xbox 360 system not included.) "Whether casting, jigging, setting the hook, or reeling a fish in, you'll be amazed by the sensitivity and feedback the fishing rod controller provides." What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Massively's 2009 Winter Holiday Event Guide
It's that time of year again -- whatever holiday you are celebrating, the denizens of your favorite MMO are sure to be celebrating it too. Whether it's Festivult in Dungeons and Dragons Online, Wintersday in Guild Wars, or the Starlight Celebration in Final Fantasy XI, the theme is the same. There are presents, some sort of sugary treats, and tons of fun. Follow along with us as we check out who's partying in your favorite MMO and what you need to do to get in on the fun.
Fallen Earth free trials are back in time for the holidays
Just last week on our Fallen Earth/Wild West MMO article, many of the commenters were looking for a Fallen Earth free trial. Now we're happy to announce that the Fallen Earth team is offering a 10-day free trial straight from their main site. In addition, they're also offering a 20% discount (now $39.99 USD) on all purchases of the game through their online store. Of course the timing on this promotion is well-timed with their newest Social patch and holiday event. "We've made the process of accessing Fallen Earth much easier for players," said Jessica Orr, marketing manager for Fallen Earth. "With the addition of the free trial, we'd like to invite everyone to join in the Fallen Earth holiday festivities!" So if you're interesting in sampling the wasteland excitement, head on over to their free trial page and try it out for yourself!
The Daily Grind: Virtual worlds, real gifts
You can't really wrap up, say, a +1 sword in Dungeons and Dragons Online. But that doesn't mean it makes a bad gift. After all, for some of your friends it's cheaper to ship and more relevant to your friendship than a fruitcake. You can't always trade the important things in MMOs, but even as the games celebrate the holidays by giving us several cosmetic items, it's possible for the players to find a more personal and intimate way to share in the holiday spirit. Today, we ask you if you've given a gift to a friend in a game, whether they're an in-game buddy or a real-life chum. If so, what did you give them? Was it something that you farmed up or crafted just for them, a bit of equipment you had lying around that they always wanted, or something sentimental? If you havven't, is it something you would consider doing? Today's the right time of year for sharing these stories, so even if you've only been a giftee rather than a gifter, we'd like to hear about it. (And for safety's sake, please, don't try to wrap a +1 sword. Those things are sharp.)
Hub World: Holiday Gift Guides
Scared to warp? It's painless. Click on a pipe above to be transported to the corresponding gift guide. Each guide provides hardware, software and accessory shopping ideas for one of the major video game platforms. The guides are especially useful for designing the perfect holiday gift bundle for new console owners, or use the import guide to track down many truly unique gems. Bonus Warp: Check out our Holiday Joyswag giveaways!
Win a Runes of Magic Winter Holiday costume set
If you're feeling especially festive, and you're a Runes of Magic player, we have a special treat for you today. The good folks at Frogster stuffed our holiday stockings with 900 item keys for their newest in-game costume for the winter holidays. There are male and female version of this set, from which you can choose when you redeem your key. To grab your key, simply head on over to our giveaway page and follow the directions there. You'll want to redeem your code at this link, where you'll choose between the male or female set. Click on through the jump below to see full screenshots of both costume sets. It's first-come-first-serve on these codes, so best of luck to all, and happy holidays!
S.U.N. launches first major update
Soul of the Ultimate Nation is launching its first major content update, and spreading a little Christmas cheer while they're at it. The content update will bring a new map -- Valley of the Dragon -- for players above level 60 who are looking for a new challenge, as well as a new battle zone, AC system and quests. Finally, an elite item set option is now available, said to be the most unique item in game. While they were at it, WEBZEN decided to add another little bonus to their game, the "Holiday Spirit in Soul of the Ultimate Nation" event. From now until December 30th, you can purchase Happy Winter Packages, and part of the purchase price will go to support UNICEF. The holiday promotion is limited, but the new content is here to stay, so pick up your winter gifts and settle in to enjoy this first major content update!
Free Realms releases newest Ask a Dev video
Free Realms has released its third "Ask a Dev" video -- lead character artist Matt Case and game designer Margaret Krohn teamed up to bring information on the new content coming this month. The first order of business was fishing. This new job will have its own minigames, as well as the chance to explore new types of fish as you advance. Keep an eye out as you play, because fish aren't the only thing you have a chance at catching! December brings new pets as well. Dragons, dinosaurs, unicorns and more will be available as companions, each with a variety of colors and their own special personalities and animations. Need a place for you and your pet to go after a long day of fishing? Margaret answers questions about housing -- how you can furnish it, what is available (dance floors and rocket ships, anyone?), and how much stuff you can fit in your new digs. Finally, Matt had some information about the upcoming holiday events. There will be a nice variety of costumes available as well as a fun quest series, snowball fights and...special phone booths in Snowhill? Color us intrigued. Check out the video after the jump, and we'll see you in Free Realms!
ArenaNet offers Guild Wars holiday papercraft patterns
Remember April Fools Day in Guild Wars earlier this year when we all turned into excruciatingly cute Chibi Gwen dolls? And the Nicholas the Traveler feeding frenzy when word got around he was handing out Chibi Gwen minipets? If you love the uber-cute little figurine and just can't have enough adorableness, ArenaNet can help you out. Chibi Gwen is the first in a series of holiday papercrafts that Guild Wars fans can download the patterns for. Every Tuesday this month, ANet will release a new pattern for a special Guild Wars themed paper model. Upcoming patterns are a secret, but there is a pretty broad hint as to the last one: "We won't tell you what it is, but save room at the top of your tree!" Hmm, what winged, angelic figure would go nicely at the top of a Christmas tree? At any rate, the pattens can be found all month on the official site, and are a fun way to add a bit of Guild Wars flair to your home.
Guild Wars Wintersday 2009 art contest announced
Wintersday is approaching in Guild Wars, and with it comes grentches, snowmen, candy canes, and the frenzied hunt for the elusive Mini Polar Bear. We'll explore the festivities more later this month, but in the meantime ArenaNet has officially begun the Wintersday Art Contest. Put your creative energies to use while you wait for Wintersday to arrive and create some holiday art with a Guild Wars twist. Three top winners will receive "The Art of Guild Wars 2" signed by the development team, a signed art print from PAX 2008, and a brand new everlasting reindeer tonic. Seven more winners will receive the PAX art print and reindeer tonic, and ten honorable mentions will receive the reindeer tonic. (It should probably go without saying, but it's a good idea not to plagarize anything for this contest. It won't end well.) Full entry details can be found here, so good luck to all of you!
12-year-old Make-A-Wisher designs GameStop's holiday gift card
Rather than choosing something selfish like the opportunity to ride Donald Trump like a pony or a trip around the Moon with the original Apollo 11 astronauts, 12-year-old Make-A-Wish Foundation wish recipient Emily Adkins instead chose to give back to the foundation. In designing the Holiday 2009 GameStop gift card, Adkins secured $1 per card purchased (up to $100k) for the Make-A-Wish coffers. Though the design will be featured amongst other gift cards this year, GameStop is offering the donation deal across all card designs. Any gift cards purchased from now until December 26 will go towards the donations, though none of the proceeds will bring Emily any closer to riding Donald Trump like a pony. Isn't that just a crime?
