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Xbox will host another indie games showcase on August 10th
Expect game reveals and a look at titles such as 'OlliOlli World' on the Twitch stream.
'Virtual' studios could offer a real alternative to green screen special effects
'Percival' is a short film that was filmed entirely on a virtual studio. Here's why that could be a really big deal for the future of big-budget filmmaking.
Fight Zombies in a 1930s adventure serial with 'Strange Brigade'
There was a time when video games about surviving a zombie horde was novel. They presented an exciting challenge wherein the player was pitted against a seemingly endless stream of mindless enemies. The Resident Evil series, the original Dead Rising and the Left 4 Dead games were hits for a reason -- but the idea eventually grew stale. The Last of Us and The Walking Dead overcame that zombie fatigue by offering strong, character-driven stories. Rebellion games' Strange Brigade takes another approach: throw in a silly announcer inspired by 1930s British newsreels.
Old-school tank shooter 'Battlezone' comes to Oculus and Vive
If you grew up in the age of arcades, you probably played Atari's seminal first-person tank game, Battlezone. In the arcade version, you'd play the game with your face stuck into a set of faux goggles that helped you feel like you were in the sweaty confines of an actual tank. It felt like stepping into a virtual world. When developer Rebellion rebooted the classic for PSVR, that 1980 promise of actual virtual reality was fulfilled. Battlezone is now making the leap from PlayStation to the PC via the VR goggles of the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive.
Battlezone's PSVR reboot is the ultimate fan service
It could be argued that Atari's 1980 arcade classic Battlezone was the first virtual reality game. In a simple duel of tanks, players looked through a small opening in the cabinet to maneuver their lumbering vehicle, firing at a single enemy and avoiding being struck by projectiles. The game's wireframe design was graphically simplistic, but stenciled in thin green lines on the horizon was a single object that drew the attention of fans: an erupting volcano. Rumors swirled of a secret route that would lead players to the volcano's crater where a castle lay awaiting brave explorers. "Of course, none of this was true," Atari engineer Lyle Rains pointed out in Van Burnham's 2001 book Supercade. But that didn't stop the dreamers. In one case, a fan even wrote to Atari to tell the company he'd reached the mythical castle. After decades of speculation, developer Rebellion, best known for the Sniper Elite series, is rebooting Battlezone for Sony's PlayStation VR and taking players into the heart of the volcano.
Cult film 'Hawk the Slayer' gets a sequel with help from Rebellion
When Hawk the Slayer came out in 1980, Jason Kingsley became an instant fan. The film features magic swords, elven mindstones, giants, dwarves, sorcerers and a massive battle between pure evil and noble good. Think Dungeons & Dragons in real life, on the big screen. For weeks after Hawk the Slayer's release, Kingsley would borrow his dad's wind-up 8mm cine camera and attempt to recreate the movie in the woods of his hometown. Now, as CEO of UK video game company Rebellion, Kingsley has the opportunity to produce Hawk the Hunter, the official sequel to Slayer. If the movie's Kickstarter succeeds, Kingsley will be working with original director Terry Marcel and actor Ray Charleson (above). It's a fantasy come true.
The 1998 'Battlezone' remake is getting remastered
The trends of remaking and remastering classic games just kicked into overdrive. Rebellion (best known for its Sniper Elite games) has revealed that it's developing not just a virtual reality version of the original Battlezone, but a refresh of the 1998 Battlezone title for PCs -- yes, it's a remake getting a remaster. It's too soon to know what this new version will entail, although it'll probably be fun if it maintains the 'original' mix of tank-based action, real-time strategy and an alternate-history space race. Let's just hope that someone doesn't try to re-do the remaster a decade from now... that would be a bit much.
Zombie Army Trilogy announced for PC, PS4, Xbox One
British developer Rebellion revealed a revamped third-person shooter bundle for PC, PS4 and Xbox One today, Zombie Army Trilogy. As the studio hinted in February 2014, the collection features both Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army and its sequel, stand-alone expansions of the developer's tactical shooter, Sniper Elite V2. The package also includes "the never-seen-before third installment in the series and a brand new horde mode." Both Nazi Zombie Army and the second expansion launched in 2013 for PC. Zombie Army Trilogy will include 15 missions that span three campaigns and five horde maps with up to four-player cooperative multiplayer options. The trilogy is available for pre-order on Steam for $45, and Rebellion is "offering an exclusive loyalty discount to owners of the first two Nazi Zombie Army games via Steam before launch," though it did not specify how sizable the discount will be. According to the bundle's Steam page, the trilogy is expected to launch on March 6, though Rebellion only noted that the game will launch in "early 2015." Head past the break to see Zombie Army Trilogy's first gruesome trailer. [Image: Rebellion]
Just when you thought it was safe: Missing Aliens games back on Steam
It's like that bit at the end of Alien. You're finally able to relax in the knowledge that it's all over, you're safe. You give Jones a hug, put him in the cryotube, get undressed down to your skimpy underthings, all ready to chill. Then suddenly... OH CRAP. You aren't safe. You never were. You thought you'd escaped, but Aliens: Colonial Marines and Aliens vs. Predator 2010 are... Still. On. Steam. And you're in nothing but your undergarbs. The two Aliens games mysteriously left the Steam station last week, but now they've returned with just as little explanation. The new year timing suggests licensing issues played their part, but there's not been any official comment on the matter - we've reached out to publisher Sega to find out more. In any case, the important thing is they're back, everything appears to be in order, and you should probably get some clothes on. Update: Sega had no comment for Joystiq, perhaps lest the Aliens hear it. [Image: Sega]
Aliens: Colonial Marines, AvP (2010) vacate Steam's air ducts
The age of digital distribution brings with it many joys: sales are frequent, there's less clutter around the home, and no more blowing into cartridges. Unfortunately, it also brings unique disadvantages, such as games suddenly disappearing from digital marketplaces. Such is the tale of Aliens: Colonial Marines and Alien Vs. Predator (the 2010 version) on Steam. It's likely that the games being removed from Steam is due to a licensing issue, considering that the games (which utilize properties owned by 20th Century Fox) were available right up until 2015 started. However, it's interesting to note that Aliens: Colonial Marines is still available as a digital purchase on both PSN and the Xbox Marketplace, while AvP is available not on the former, but the latter. Alien: Isolation is still available on all fronts, and the original version of Aliens Vs. Predator from 2000 is also still up for grabs on Steam. We've reached out to publisher Sega for more information, and will update if we hear back. In the meantime, stay frosty. [Image: Sega]
Save Churchill in part one of Sniper Elite 3 DLC
Save Churchill Part 1: In Shadows is the first of a three-part DLC package for Sniper Elite 3, available now on Steam for $7 and "coming soon" to Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4 and PS3, Rebellion announced in a video. A new, free multiplayer map, Airfield, is heading to all platforms, and it's the first in a series of free multiplayer maps due out this summer. The other maps include a dense tropical landscape, a high-altitude map with three spires surrounded by ancient ruins and crumbling infrastructure, and a dusty battlefield surrounded by the sea. [Image: Rebellion]
Sins of a Solar Empire dev discusses 'Rebellion' lawsuit
Following two years of legal battles, Ironclad Studios has been granted the right to use the word "Rebellion" in the title of its latest space exploration epic, a decision it hopes will set a precedent for the increasingly litigious gaming industry. "Rebellion Developments [developer of Alien vs Predator] and its founders (Chris and Jason Kingsley) have aggressively opposed or petitioned to cancel trademarks containing the word 'Rebellion' and have been very successful in preventing third party use of the word 'Rebellion' in conjunction with video-games in the U.S. and Europe," Ironclad stated in a recent blog entry. In court, Rebellion attempted to argue that the title Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion was an attempt by Ironclad to trade on Rebellion's success as a developer, but Judge Victoria Roberts saw things differently. "...Defendants' use of REBELLION is expressive speech and is protected under the First Amendment," Roberts stated in her judgement. "Plaintiffs cannot satisfy the Rogers test; they cannot establish that REBELLION has no artistic relevance to Defendants' computer game, or that it is explicitly misleading as to source or content. Defendants' Motion to Dismiss is GRANTED." Though this is good news, Ironclad isn't out of the woods just yet. The studio recently learned that Rebellion has filed to oppose Ironclad's trademark in Canada, and there have been "unconfirmed reports that [Rebellion] issued a cease and desist order to our partner in the United Kingdom." [Image: Stardock]
Sniper Elite 3 camps at the top of the UK charts
Sniper Elite 3 leads the UK charts for a second week, as Brits continue to enjoy shattering various body parts in slow-mo. Maybe it's a form of relief following England's dismal World Cup and Andy Murray's struggles at Wimbledon. In fairness, there are few things that ease the pain like sending a virtual bullet through some virtual fool's virtual gut. As you might have guessed, it's another quiet week for the UK charts with no real new releases to talk about. Instead of worrying about that, you can head below the break for the full top 10 and a window into happier times for English football.
Over 7,000 stolen Sniper Elite 3 Steam keys revoked
Valve has removed Sniper Elite 3 from the Steam libraries of a large number of players who purchased stolen keys from unlicensed vendors, developer Rebellion reports. A total of 7,050 Sniper Elite 3 Steam keys were stolen and given to resellers, who then passed them on to unknowing buyers. Neither Rebellion nor publisher 505 Games saw revenue from the sale of these keys, and Steam revoked access for users with stolen keys when informed. While affected players will have to seek refunds directly from their chosen vendors, Rebellion is offering the "Target Hitler" pre-order DLC for free to anyone who can provide proof of purchase of an illegitimate key. The offer requires an e-mail submission and receipt from the blocked vendor, and ends on July 4. [Image: Rebellion]
Sniper Elite 3 zooms up UK charts
EA Sports' UFC managed one week as the British king of the ring, but it failed to spot Sniper Elite 3 lurking in the audience. Rebellion's shooter displaced the fighter this week, marking the series' second time on top of the UK charts. Incidentally, how would you camouflage at a UFC event? What would you disguise the rifle as? Inquiring minds want to know. Anyway, UFC slipped to third with Watch Dogs resuming its watch in second place. GRID Autosport was the other new release to make the top ten, placing 7th, while Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark fell just short in 12th. Also outside the top ten and for the first time are 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil and Mario Kart 8, dropping to 11th and 13th respectively.
PSA: Rebellion revoking stolen Sniper Elite 3 keys
UK development studio Rebellion claims that a batch of Steam keys for Sniper Elite 3 has been stolen, and access to the game from accounts which purchased the ill-gotten goods has been revoked. "One of our PC retail distributors informed us that some of their allotted Steam keys were stolen," the company wrote on its Steam Community page. "We believe these keys were then resold to multiple companies, with no payments going to either Valve or the retail distributor. Steam were immediately informed and have now revoked that set of keys." Rebellion acknowledged that those affected may not have been aware that the key they purchased was illegitimate, and is thus offering the game's "Target Hitler" DLC for free. Rebellion themselves could not offer refunds, but strongly encouraged those who have found their access revoked to contact their seller to receive one. For more details on how to get the free DLC and the full post of Rebellion's explanation, check the game's Community page. [Image: Rebellion]
PSA: Sniper Elite 3 has a 16GB day-one patch on Xbox One
Rebellion's Sniper Elite 3 hits store shelves in North America next Tuesday, but Xbox One players will have to queue up one of the largest day-one patches in recent memory the first time they boot it up. Upon its launch in Europe earlier this week, the retail Xbox One version of Sniper Elite 3 prompted players to download a 16GB patch at startup, Videogamer reports. Speaking to Eurogamer, a Rebellion representative noted that the patch addresses data sync issues between the retail and downloadable versions of the game and ensures DLC compatibility in its multiplayer modes. The patch only applies to the retail Xbox One edition of Sniper Elite 3, as the downloadable Xbox Marketplace version already includes all patch data. The PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions will see a much smaller day-one-update. [Image: Rebellion]
You have 24 hours to get Sniper Elite V2 for free
For the next 24 hours, Rebellion's World War 2 shooter Sniper Elite V2 will be free to download on Steam. The better news is that once you're done playing, you don't even need to return it - it's yours, forever. And why is Rebellion doing this? The company hopes that making V2 free will give newbies and those curious a chance to check out the series before the July 1 release of Sniper Elite 3. Well, that and because you're sooo good-lookin'. "In the end, independent studios like Rebellion know that players are more important than money," said Rebellion Co-founder Jason Kingsley. "If you can delight them and build that word of mouth, that buzz about your game – it's worth everything. We want people to interact with our studio and our games for years, not just launch week." The special promotion ends tomorrow at 1 p.m. EST / 10 a.m. Pacific. [Image: Rebellion]
Sniper Elite 3 will give UK satirist chance to snipe himself
When most people really, really like a game, they might display it prominently via posters, collectibles or even a stand for the game itself. When British satirist and former games journalist Charlie Brooker really likes a game - in this case, the Sniper Elite series - he gets invited to appear in Sniper Elite 3 by developer Rebellion. Before you get too jealous, it sounds like Brooker's cameo will be as an NPC, and Brooker will more likely be a snipe-ee than a sniper. Rebellion founder Jason Kingsley spoke highly of Brooker in an associated press release, and said his inclusion will be a way to thank Brooker for being such a vocal fan. "At one stage it seemed like Charlie mentioned Sniper Elite every few weeks in his Guardian columns and we're incredibly grateful for his support, so this seemed like the perfect way to say 'thanks,'" Kingsley said. "We really appreciate Charlie championing a British-made game series." Lest that sound like celebrity endorsement money talking, Kingsley was quick to downplay such corporate motivations. "You can buy endorsement all you want, but gamers can tell the difference between a genuine fan and a celeb that is happy to get a payday." [Image: Rebellion]
A bullet and bad guy love affair in Sniper Elite 3
Bullets soar in slow motion once again in Sniper Elite 3, a new installment of Rebellion's third-person shooter coming to PS4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 this summer. Continuing the franchise's tense action through the second World War, Sniper Elite 3 focuses its efforts on the mountainous regions of North Africa. What fascinates and still disturbs me about the Sniper Elite series is its relationship with bullets. Sometimes, you fire away and the ammunition is simply disposable destruction, but every so often the game becomes enamored with a single shell. It lovingly slows the camera down and sways as the killing shot exits your rifle's chamber, triumphantly careening toward its new owner (also known as the guy you just shot). As the bullet hits, the enemy's body contorts; in a single cut, the camera pans around both the baddie and the bullet in an eloquent and disturbing dance of death. Get a room, you guys.
