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Devs show Steam love as Pitchford defends his criticism
Just under two weeks ago, Gearbox Software's Randy Pitchford let out his less than pleasant feelings regarding digital distribution platform Steam and its owner, Valve Software. Today, Ars Techinca posted a rundown of developers from World of Goo's 2D Boy to Sam & Max's Telltale Games who all feel ... the exact opposite of Pitchford. "If this is exploitation, more please," Audiosurf creator Dylan Fitterer said.According to Telltale CTO Kevin Bruner, "Steam may be one the greatest things to happen recently ... we put Steam as one of the A-list distribution channels; up there with XBLA and WiiWare." The praise doesn't stop there -- Ars points out that it was unable to find even one developer who would "admit to feeling exploited" by Valve's business practices concerning Steam. We reached out to Pitchford, who told us, "As a gamer, I love Valve ... as a customer, I love Steam." He clarified, "From an industry perspective, Steam would be even better off if it were a separate company ... trust issues that result from conflict of interest could be mitigated." To Pitchford, it's a question of appearances rather than actual impropriety. "It's just perception within segments of the publishing and development community that, I guess, no one is really talking about."We've posted Pitchford's entire (and quite lengthy) response after the break. Hopefully we're not alone in hoping everyone will just hug it out.
Canadians can enter the Borderlands for $40
Much like Batman: Arkham Asylum's sale price during its initial release, Canadian retailers are giving players a break with the upcoming shooter Borderlands. For a limited time, Futureshop, Walmart and Best Buy are offering the Gearbox title for the discounted price of $39.96 on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Borderlands hits stores on October 20, giving Canadians plenty of time to dig out of their snow covered homes.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Borderlands devs heading out for midnight launches in Texas
So, Gearbox and 2K may not have the pull to grant Borderlands a nationwide mega midnight launch, but gosh-darn-it, they're gonna keep a couple GameStops open late on October 19! For those in the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth, holla!), the developers will be showing up to sign copies (at least "five guys with sharpies") -- and they'll bring some posters and T-shirts along, too. 2201 Preston Rd Plano, TX 75093-2306 6245 Rufe Snow Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76148-3321 The Plano location will have a "four-player LAN setup available to play starting around 9PM." A Gearbox representative tells us they'll "hopefully" have something set up at the Ft. Worth location as well.
Borderlands gameplay ad flaunts art style
Borderlands is working its art style to the max -- so strange to look back at the original design now -- in this TV spot for the FPS-RPG lovechild. And how about all that actual gamepley footage, huh? Imagine selling a game based on that ... How risqué!With five days to go until launch, the game's success is one of the bigger question marks this holiday season. Thankfully, for Borderlands' sake, so many big games have left the arena that a new IP (no, not internet protocol) just might stand a better-than-average chance in the marketplace. At the very least, the box art is sure to grab attention on retail shelves. Go on, Claptrap, we believe in you. %Gallery-70490%
Randy Pitchford on Steam: 'Valve is taking a larger share than it should'
Randy Pitchford has a thing for making headlines. Referring to the hugely popular Steam digital distribution platform, the Gearbox boss recently told Maximum PC "I don't trust Valve." Having started his company making Half-Life expansions, Pitchford quickly couched that statement saying, "I, personally, trust Valve. But I'm just saying, honestly, I think a lot of the industry doesn't." Of course, the idea that an independent video game developer would perceive one of the most successful digital distribution platforms for PC games in existence being controlled by essentially a competitor as troubling is ... well, it's enormously understandable. The question then is, why haven't more developers spoken out? While Apple's iTunes Music Store regularly gathers plenty of music industry grumping, Steam has coasted by on a wave of industry support. The solution? Says Pitchford, "It would be much better if Steam was its own business." If Valve spun off the content delivery system, it would also remove the perceived conflict of interest Pitchford takes umbrage with. "Steam helps us as customers, but it's also a money grab, and Valve is exploiting a lot of people in a way that's not totally fair," Pitchford says. "Valve is taking a larger share than it should for the service it's providing. It's exploiting a lot of small guys." Yeah. We expect to hear more on this all week long.
Watch a co-op killing spree through Borderlands
We're only a few scant weeks away from the release of Gearbox Software's Mad Max–inspired FPS Borderlands, but that doesn't mean we're fully sated in the way of gameplay trailers. No sir, we were more than happy to watch the split-screen co-op above, all the while envisioning a future couch being sat on, whiling away hours with a buddy by shooting raiders in the face. Speaking of which, what do future couches look like ...Anyway! We understand that everyone isn't lucky enough to have a roommate or friends to enjoy games with, so we should point out the co-op above can also be played via the internet, as well -- just, you know, not split-screen. You could do that, but then who would you punch for not having your back? Yourself? Come on! Think, people.%Gallery-70490%
WTF: Fable characters in Sonic Racing and other oddities from alleged Sega leak
Among the truckloads of possibly legit megatons included in the alleged leaked minutes from a meeting between Sega of America and Sony Computer Entertainment America, a number of notable gaffes and oddities can be found. Besides wondering if "characters from [the] Rare or Fable universes" should be included in Sonic Racing, it appears that Sega may be interested in assigning all of its properties a PlayStation Home-room. Oh, and a product evaluator thought Alpha Protocol felt "barely RPG" -- final analysis: make it even more Mass Effect-y.Additionally, the mention of PS2 games as downloadable content on PSN makes us reminisce all the way back to mid-2006 when the idea first popped up on our radar --- surely, this isn't why Sony removed built-in backwards compatibility? And either the person taking minutes was daydreaming or knows something we don't, as reference is made to "Eidos' Batman" featuring "PS3/PSP interoperability" support -- a Batman or related DC Comics PSP game then? Juicer still, that little mention comes right after talk of a project named "Vanquish" and a possible PSP iteration of the currently shelved Aliens: Colonial Marines that Gearbox Software is working on. Also, Sony is eager to check out that hopefully not-so-crappy Thor game soon (suggestion: make it less Iron Man 2-y).The cherry on top comes in the form of what we've been calling around the Joystiq water cooler: "Sonic and the Inverted Castle." Found under the "Sonic Anniversary" subhead, the note taker jots down, "SCEA would love PSN exclusive power ups/different game modes (like Castlevania's flip it over/backwards)." Actually, we believe that's Missy Elliott who puts the thing down, flips it and reverses it, thank you very much.
Borderlands trailer introduces us to gun-toting 'fools'
Sure, the dreary environments in Gearbox's upcoming FPSRPG Borderlands may lack any sort of natural beauty -- but at least its inhabitants are charming as all get out. The latest trailer for the title introduces us to the four playable classes in the game: Mordecai the Hunter, Lilith the Siren, Roland the Soldier and Brick the ... Brick. We also witness a man with extremely pointy, spike-like nipples, forcing us to believe that the titular Borderlands are not only unwelcomingly ugly, but also cold as a well-digger's behind in January. %Gallery-51471%
Christian Bale would get pissed off at this Borderlands video
Looks like someone at Gearbox Software watched a bit too many YouTube videos this summer. This "behind the scenes" video of the upcoming Borderlands reveals almost nothing of the game's development process. Instead, we get to see the game's robotic mascot, Claptrap, live up to his namesake by going on a rant that would make the Terminator Salvation star proud. Or really pissed off. That guy is crazy.
What's in a Name: Gearbox Software [update]
If you looked at the Joystiq calendar, you would have seen a bright red circle drawn around today with something like 17 little smiley faces around it. Sure, that was in part because it's taco salad day in the cafeteria, but also because we couldn't wait to share this new What's in a Name with you. So, straight from boss Randy Pitchford, check out the totally epic story of how [Randy says] Gearbox Software got its name.Update: Valve has informed us that Randy and Gabe didn't meet until after Valve had shipped Half-Life, making Randy's story seem ... well, unlikely. We're trying to find out what happened right now.Update 2: Well, we just heard from PR and they confirmed that the story is a fabrication. Pitchford is apparently going to get in contact to explain what happened. We can't wait to find out his excuse for taking advantage of our Pollyanna-esque faith in the inherent goodness of people, and, by extension, telling tall tales to you, the people who are buying his games. "This is interesting because I've never been asked about how we got the name 'Gearbox' before, but there is a bit of a story to it. Given everything that's happened over the past 10 years or so, the story seems a little hard to believe now that I'm telling it!
Pitchford on Borderlands cover: The game 'will blow your mind'
Gearbox Software prez Randy Pitchford says upcoming post-apocalyptic shooter Borderlands will "blow your mind." After issuing the game's daring cover this past week, the development studio head talked to IGN about it and claimed, "The motive is about the goals of a box cover – you want to evoke something, get attention and have something honest to say about the promise of the game." Though he admits some were worried at Gearbox as well as at publisher 2K Games, he believes it was the right decision to choose that cover in the end. "Judging from the response so far, it looks like it was the right call." We absolutely agree, Mr. Pitchford. Will gamers pick it up at the store this October next to Brütal Legend and other AAA titles? That remains to be seen -- but all these games that have been pushed back to 2010 couldn't hurt, right?%Gallery-69817%
Gearbox gives up on Heat, says IP is up for grabs ... kinda
Ever since Heat's 1995 cinematic debut, aggression-soaked psychos (like ourselves) have been clamoring for a game adaptation of the crime drama. Gearbox Software prez Randy Pitchford agreed as well, optioning the rights to develop a game back in the mid-oughts. Fast forward to 2009, and GameSpot drops the hammer on him during a Borderlands press tour. "So what is the current status of the Heat game?" In so many words: Kaput. "In a nutshell, we're nowhere," Pitchford said. And it's not for a lack of trying, as "filmmakers, game makers, and publishing partners" are all still apparently on board. He says, more or less, it's a matter of time -- or lack thereof. Due to time constraints, Pitchford says that his studio won't be keeping the rights to the game adaptation of Heat any longer. "We're not keeping the IP locked down anymore ... if somebody else were in a spot where they could do it, and everybody was comfortable with that, then conceivably that could happen." So, how about it, aggression-soaked entrepreneurs? Hmmm?
'Gearbox is NOT working on a Halo title for Microsoft'
Hey guys and gals, have you been keeping up with this Gearbox/Halo thing? Yesterday, we heard Gearbox president Randy Pitchford kind of stumble over himself in response to the rumored Halo game. Today, it's a different story, with the Halo Waypoint Twitter account declaring, "For the record, Gearbox is NOT working on a Halo title for Microsoft."Before you start going crazy with cries of, "But, it's Twitter!" and "It's probably a fake!" realize that we've confirmed with Microsoft's Major Nelson that it is, in fact, a legitimate account. Is that the end of that, then?
More images from the Borderlands
click to admire the fancy new graphics With so many games being delayed until 2010, it's good to see that at least some high-profile titles not involving modern warfare or "teh haloz" still expect to release this year. 2K Games has released several new screenshots for Borderlands, which is still planned for an October 20 release. So, we agree, it's really pretty ... now can we play it a little? %Gallery-68976%
Gearbox doesn't deny Halo involvement, speculation ensues
It's no secret: Gearbox and Bungie have been rumored to be in cahoots on a Halo project for some time now. Eurogamer is the latest to try and pry loose some info, speaking recently with Gearbox's Randy Pitchford on the matter. Pitchford seemed to have slipped up during the interview, not necessarily confirming the game's existence, but not really denying it either. When asked, Pitchford apparently replied, "Haha! We're not going to talk about anything ..." It was then that a PR rep interjected, stating that Gearbox could not "talk about that." Talk about what? What's "that"? If this is your denial, Gearbox, we're not convinced. We'd like to take this at face value, but then we wouldn't be very good at our job. So, we've contacted Gearbox to get word straight from the horse's mouth and will be sure to update you all if and when we hear anything.
Gearbox assures it's hard at work on Aliens: Colonial Marines
Gearbox Software is apparently still working on Aliens: Colonial Marines. This update seems necessary to convey after Sega did its best Sigourney Weaver impression and told Obsidian to "get away from the Alien RPG, you [censored]." Gearbox head Randy Pitchford tells CVG that the company is definitely working on the first-person title and, when the time is right for publisher Sega, it will share more details.We're not expecting to hear too much more about Aliens: Colonial Marines until Sega gets Aliens vs. Predator out the door -- which we appreciate, because there's no telling how many times we'll mix the two up in the meantime.
Duke Begins developer revealed to be Gearbox Software
Shacknews reports that the developer of Duke Begins -- the Duke Nukem prequel project being developed not by 3D Realms, but rather by publisher Take-Two and a "well-known videogame developer" -- was, in fact, Gearbox Software. If that name sounds familiar that's because – like coffee shops and mysterious rashes – the Texas-based developer pops up all over the place, whether in reference to the long-overdue Aliens: Colonial Marines; the recently re-skinned Borderlands; or the oft-rumored Halo 4. As revealed by recent court documents, Gearbox was brought on to develop Duke Begins following a 2007 agreement between 3D Realms and Take-Two. In exchange for the rights to make another Duke game, 3D Realms received a cool $2.5 million advance to help fund the ongoing development of Duke Nukem Forever (and, in turn, extend the practice of wondering aloud, "How on Earth can 3D Realms afford to keep making this game?"). 3D Realms claims that the "halted" development of Duke Begins in April 2009 "materially harmed Apogee and/or will necessarily delay the commercial release of the Duke Begins game." They claimed that any such delay in release would "delay any royalty payments ... from sales of the Duke Begins game and prevent Apogee from being able to repay the [$2.5 million] advance when it becomes due in 2012." And now you begin to see where all this talk of lawsuits came from. We've put word into Gearbox and Take-Two and will let you know what we hear.
Gearbox confirms 'War Hero,' says it's 'down the road'
Gearbox Software President Randy Pitchford has confirmed that the company's new "War Hero" trademarks are for "something down the road." In a statement sent to outlets, including ShackNews, Pitchford states the War Hero series isn't signed to a publishing partner yet, nor has the developer even talked to any potential partners. We couldn't help but ask the company if the title had any involvement with Activsion and would use some sort of plastic peripheral? A company spokesperson said, "This has no relation to Guitar Hero." But, but, it has hero right in the title! Doesn't Activision Blizzard own the word by this point?
Gearbox CEO wants Bungie & Infinity Ward to move beyond established brands
Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford wants Bungie and Infinity Ward to leave behind the Halo and Call of Duty/Modern Warfare brands and create something new. While he prefaced his comments by showering both devs with celestial praise, Pitchford said he is eagerly anticipating new intellectual properties from each team."I keep waiting to hear what Bungie is going to do that's not Halo," Pitchford told VideoGamer at E3. "Same with Infinity Ward. It's like, dude I'm totally psyched to get my Call of Duty fix every year, but you guys are amazing! What else have you got? Can you give me something I haven't seen before?"Pitchford does admit it's difficult to walk away from established brands when the risk of creating a new IP is so high, but says innovators need to be rewarded so that teams "making big bets can take that risk."Gearbox Software itself is no stranger to established brands. After porting Halo: Combat Evolved to PC in 2003, Gearbox developed the Brothers in Arms series, which has seen 10 titles released across 11 platforms since its debut in 2005. Gearbox is currently developing the new IP Borderlands, which is set to hit the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC this fall. [Photo Credit]
Sega: game not over for Aliens: Colonial Marines, Aliens RPG
The big, green gooey eggs containing Sega's long in development Aliens: Colonial Marines and Aliens RPG are going to hatch -- just not soon. When we asked why the games were absent from this year's E3, Sega replied, "Aliens vs. Predator will be the first to ship out of our triplet of Aliens titles; hence it was shown at this year's E3. We'll have more news to share about the other two games in the near future so stay tuned." Rumors of both titles being jettisoned out an airlock have been swirling since earlier this year.In addition, Gearbox Software prez Randy Pitchford has confirmed to Kotaku that Colonial Marines lives on in now-gen console and handheld form on DS. Pitchford told the site that Gearbox is not developing the portable title, lending more credence to purported footage of a WayForward-developed Colonial Marines that leapt out of the darkness last month. We've put word into Obsidian, developers of Aliens RPG, for confirmation of that title's status.
