Pax East
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Fans begin PAX East line-up
There are still a few moments until the show floor for PAX East even opens, but already throngs of people just like you are lining up to get their eyes, ears and (in some rare cases) tongues on the bounty of gaming goodness -- nay, greatness -- that the floor promises. We say it in the video, but it's no exaggeration: It's so very on.
Xbox 360-branded 16GB drives from SanDisk coming in May
This morning at the PAX East Microsoft breakfast, Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb revealed the 16GB Xbox 360-branded Flash drive from SanDisk. Available in May, the not-yet-priced device comes pre-installed with the April 6 Dashboard update for those who shun the connectivity of Xbox Live. In a conversation with Joystiq, Hryb informed us that all data will be transferable to the USB device, except for installed games -- users will need to re-install those directly to the USB device once more. He assured us, however, that, "If you've got a 16GB and you only want to use 8, you can use the UI and throttle it back." Further, he reiterated to Joystiq that while this branded device is certainly one option, other Flash drives (including those larger than 16GB) will work in the same capacity.
Turbine offers PAX deals on LotRO and DDO
PAX East kicks off today, and Turbine is enjoying the giant party in their hometown of Boston. Even if you can't attend they want you to take part in the festivities, so if you're a fan of Lord of the Rings Online or Dungeons and Dragons Online check out the PAX specials that Turbine is offering. DDO fans will enjoy a hefty amount of bonus points for purchasing the largest Turbine Points bundle thanks to PAX Power Points. Spending $49.99 usually gets you 5,000 points, but between now and the 28th you'll get 6,900. We've been hearing quite a bit from Lord of the Rings Online lately, and if all the happenings in Middle-earth have made you consider giving the game a try, this is the weekend to get started. Until the 28th, Turbine is offering the complete LotRO edition all the way up to Siege of Mirkwood, for $9.99. Both offers last until Sunday night -- the same length as PAX -- so if you weren't able to attend it's a nice consolation gift to yourself. If you were able to attend, it's still a great deal, and we'll see you at PAX!
The Daily Grind: What are you most excited about seeing at PAX East?
2010 marks the first year that the Penny Arcade Expo -- PAX -- has traveled to the far east (read: Boston) to hold their gamer-friendly, geektastic convention. As you might expect, an elite squad of specially-trained Massively reporters will be on hand to extract as much crucial information as we can -- as much as possible under the limits of the Geneva Convention, of course. But before you hear our first reports from the scene of this exciting convention, we want to know: what are you most excited about seeing or hearing from PAX East? Is it the keynote speech by Star Trek: The Next Generation's Wil Wheaton? The hardcore, nailbiting Omegathon? Or perhaps -- just perhaps -- breaking news and revelations about some of your favorite MMORPGs from developers like Turbine, NCSoft, 38 Studios, EA and others? Take a gander through the official schedule and tell us what's got your attention!
PAX: Remember, Microsoft Tweetup Friday morning, free Avatar hoodie!
A reminder for all of you on a nerd pilgrimage to Boston for PAX East – Microsoft is hosting an "Xbox 360 Boston Tweetup" at its N.E.R.D. facility in Cambridge, MA this morning (that stands for New England Research & Development, in case you were wondering). Things kick off at 9:30am (remember, the show doesn't start until 2pm!) so if you're looking to kill some time in the morning, are interested in free coffee and snacks, and want to get the above pictured PAX East Avatar gear – which will only be available to the first 300 attendees at the Tweetup and those able to make it into Major Nelson's podcast panel on Saturday – you'll want to hop a train out to N.E.R.D. Here are some directions on how to get yourselves there and you can of course find more information on the good Major's site. A handful of Joystiqers will be there, so let us know if you're going to be coming in the comments. See you tomorrow morning!
Hydrophobia exclusive to XBLA, playable at PAX East
As if the thought of getting early hands-ons with Skate 3, Mafia 2, Red Dead Redemption, co-op Splinter Cell: Conviction and ... uh, well, tons of other games at PAX East wasn't enticing enough, we've just received word from Hydrophobia developer Dark Energy Digital that the game will also be available on the show floor. Moreover, the game has been announced as exclusive to Xbox Live Arcade (no word on whether the planned three-episode release will still get a retail counterpart). We'll be diving into Hydrophobia's flooded corridors this weekend and speaking with the developers, so feel free to dump a torrent of questions for us in the comment section below if you're so inclined. %Gallery-74474%
Behold, the PAX East Avatar hoodie
If you like rare Avatar gear, then this post is for you! As it did during PAX 2009, Microsoft is readying a special Avatar item for the very first PAX East. Initially revealed by Microsoft's Eric "e" Neustadt via Twitpic, Microsoft has provided us some higher fidelity images for you to enjoy. The front of the hoodie features the PAX East logo and the back sports the word "Boston" with Crackdown orbs for Os. Very spiffy. Microsoft hasn't announced how to get your digital hands on one of these babies. Assuming it works the same way as the PAX 2009 Avatar shirt, the PAX East hoodie will be given out exclusively at the event itself. Rest assured, if we come across any, we'll share the love and give them away.
Visceral Games to stream Dead Space 2 panel live from PAX East
Can't make it to PAX East this year? We feel your pain -- while there are quite a few Joystiqeurs winging their way off to the East Coast to partake with Mike and Jerry and the gang, there are almost as many of us still stranded back at home with all of you. But fortunately, our friends at Visceral Games are doing their best to share the love -- they'll be Ustreaming their Dead Space 2 PAX East panel live this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. EST. We've included the feed on this very post, so bookmark this page right now, and then come on back Saturday afternoon. Producers Steve Papoutsis and Rich Briggs will be in attendance along with Art Director Ian Milham, and the guys will "bring players up to speed on the Dead Space universe and prepare them for what's to come in Dead Space 2." They're even showing a bonus look at "the all new Isaac suit," and they'll be answering questions live from the simultaneous Facebook chat, too. Of course, a Q&A with the Dead Space 2 producers is little consolation to missing out on eating breakfast cereal with professional hugger Justin McElroy, but those of us at home this weekend will have to take what we can get.
New screens for DDO Unlimited Update 4
Ever since the recent DDO Unlimited "State of the Game" last week the fourth update really can't come soon enough. Lucky for us, Turbine has released some more screens that showcase some new content, which includes lots of fantasy sword swinging and some particularly nasty looking baddies to fight, as well. Now that we think on it, perhaps the images aren't as lucky as we thought, because now we just want patch day to be today. Well, at least April -- the scheduled month for Update 4 -- is just around the corner. And if that's not good enough for you, we'll be demoing the update this Friday during PAX East. So expect to find heaps of new images and information in short order. Until then, please enjoy the new DDO Unlimited update 4 gallery.%Gallery-88911%
Joyswag: Just Cause 2 (Xbox 360) [update]
Update: The contest is now over and two winners will be emailed, so keep an eye on your commenter-tied inboxes. We understand that, during the game flood this March, you might be forced to choose your battles (financially speaking) carefully, possibly to the detriment of a game like Just Cause 2. And while we respect your decision, we'd like to inform you politely that: A.) The game's (mostly) a lot of fun! Didn't you read our review? B.) We've got a couple of copies for the Xbox 360 that you're welcome to try and win by entering our week-long contest. All you've gotta do is let us know which of the many, many Just Cause 2 trailers was your favorite in the comments below. Next Wednesday we'll pull two of you at random and forward a copy for the Xbox 360! Does March seem a bit less stressful now? Good! Oh, and keep an eye out for us at PAX East -- we've got some JC2 swag to put in your eager hands. Leave a comment telling us which of the many, many Just Cause 2 trailers was your favorite. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per day. This entry period ends at 12:01AM ET on Wednesday, March 31. At that time, we'll randomly select two winners to receive one copy each of Just Cause 2 for Xbox 360 (ARV: $59.99). For a list of complete rules, click here. 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. %Gallery-78125%
Microsoft's wicked PAX East schedule
Microsoft has some plans for that little PAX East shindig taking place in Boston this week. Starting Thursday, the publisher will offer several events, followed by a few panels over the weekend that may be of interest to Xbox 360 users. Maybe you'll see some Joystiq folks on Friday morning at the Tweetup. Events: Thursday, March 25 from 5:30 to 6:30PM: Major Nelson will have a pre-PAX 2010 session for area college students at Microsoft NERD in Cambridge, which is easily accessible on the Red Line of the T. No fee, but you'll have to register, due to limited space. Friday, March 26 from 9:30 to 11:30AM: Tweetup, again at Microsoft NERD in Cambridge. Coffee and snacks before PAX starts at 2PM across the river. First 300 people receive "exclusive PAX East item." They'll also have a Surface, and they'll likely have Joystiq folks in attendance, as well. Sessions: Friday, 6:30PM: Traversing the Twitterverse, and Beyond! (Manticore Theatre) Major Nelson, @XboxSupport's McKenzie Eaken and Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling (@fourzerotwo) discuss professional tweeting and gaming. Saturday, 3:00PM: Xbox LIVE Group Therapy.(Wyvern Theatre) Major Nelson records his podcast live for the first time. Saturday, 5:30PM: Podcasting (f)or PR (Naga Theater) Major Nelson discusses podcasting and PR with several big-wigs. Sunday, 11:30AM: Enforcement on Xbox LIVE: Tales from the Din Part 2 (Manticore Theatre). Stephen (@Stepto) Toulouse, head of Xbox LIVE Policy and Enforcement, discusses policing Xbox Live. Yes, it's a terrifying as it sounds. We're looking forward to the Tweetup and Toulouse's presentation. If it's anything like his PAX Seattle presentation, it'll melt your face off.
Inaugural PAX East show is sold out
It can't get much clearer: With exactly one week to go before the show kicks off at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, "badges for PAX East 2010 are officially, 100 percent sold out," according to a show representative. Considering the convention center will likely be filled to capacity with "tens of thousands" of people, it's possible that just being around the show will feel like being inside. If you live in the Boston area, there's probably going to be plenty of stuff that's PAX related or co-opted going on, so even if you didn't pick up tickets -- and we totally warned you this was going to happen -- you may still be able to get your geek on.
Boston Indie Showcase participants selected for PAX East
The Penny Arcade Expo is mixing things up a bit for its inaugural east coast occurrence -- the annual showcase of independent games will now focus on local flavors. According to an update on the PAX East site, the Boston Indie Showcase (which attendees can spot on the show floor at Booth 117) will offer six games the chance to be prominently displayed at a major gaming event without "eating into their elusive indie budgets." Here's a list of the games which made the cut, along with links to additional info. Slam Bolt Scrappers - Fire Hose Games AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! - Dejobaan Games Dearth - MIT Gambit Game Lab Waker - MIT Gambit Game Lab Turba - Keith Morgado Miegakure - Marc ten Bosch
Leap into the first screens of Comic Jumper
Jump into our Comic Jumper gallery After having to endure concept videos and shaky-cam gameplay, we finally have some real, honest-to-goodness screens of Twisted Pixel's upcoming Comic Jumper for you to rest your weary eyes upon. They're all lifted from the first "comic" of the game, "The Adventures of Captain Smiley," which Twisted Pixel has described jokingly as "kind of a crappy comic." Perhaps that explains why the titular hero will be busting out? If your thirst for funny book action still hasn't been slaked, we hear you'll be able to see a demo of the game next week at PAX East. Can't make it to PAX East? We've got that very same demo in video format (direct feed this time!) after the break, along with a gallery of concept art for the game. %Gallery-88440%
PAX East 2010 Omegathon in the hands of fate
True champions of the Omegathon have always had to rely on skill to preserve them. But in the PAX East 2010 edition of the event, the oft-cruel hand of fate will play a much larger role. As revealed today, competitors will be selected (at random!) at the convention and then partnered up (purely by chance!). Once paired, the 32 combatants will be put through the following grueling trials: Round 1: Mario Kart: Double Dash Round 2: Geometry Wars 2 The Semi-Finals: A Rhythm Game The Final Round: A Mystery! The lucky duo that escapes fate's grasp will walk away with tickets, airfare and hotel accommodations for GAMESCOM and $2,500 a piece. But is that prize worth tempting chance's unpredictable wrath? ... Well, yeah, pretty much.
PAX East posts panel schedule, secret breakfast not detailed
PAX East organizers have posted the panel schedule for the practically sold-out inaugural edition of the Boston event. The sessions cover the gamut of game culture, including ... well, the gamut of game culture. Development, PR, marketing, journalism, studio culture, machinima, online etiquette -- it's all in there. Faithful followers of Joystiq will likely want to check out Get Ready For Love: The Joystiq Podcast LIVE! at the Manticore Theatre on Saturday at 8:30pm. All your favorite podcast hosts (and several less-liked Joystiq editors) will be in attendance, including the African -- who will ride in on a cheetah (unconfirmed, as of this writing). Then, on Sunday, our very own Editor-in-Chief Chris Grant will participate in the Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Game Journalism panel at 2:30pm and moderate Sequelitis Snake Oil: Quack Medicine for the Video Game Industry around 4pm -- some guy by the name of Ken Levine will also be part of that one. Other guests include Obsidian's Chris Avellone, Harmonix's Dan Teasdale, and Giant Bomb's Jeff Gerstmann. Has your head exploded yet? Just wait ... Not listed on the schedule is the super-secret First Annual Joystiq Blueberry Muffin Tops Breakfast (@JoystiqBBMT), which will occur Saturday morning. Space is limited, so be sure to prepare by checking out "the plan." We're also happy to announce that ... oh, not yet? Okay.
All about Castle Crashers Volleyball on PSN
The bad news: The Behemoth still hasn't nailed down a release date -- or even a release month -- for the PSN version of Castle Crashers (though it's still slated for this year). The good news: PlayStation 3 owners will be treated to some brand new content. Specifically, a recent entry on The Behemoth dev blog revealed that the PSN version of the game will feature a new volleyball mini-game. The mini-game will allow up to eight players (locally or online) to play a game of volleyball using any of a player's unlocked characters. It will feature new serve and spike moves and magic attacks that place one of eight status effects on the ball. The volleyball game will even include its own leaderboards. Again, it's not much to dull the pain of waiting, but at least the PSN is getting something extra in the deal. Also, if it makes you feel any better, The Behemoth will be showing off Castle Crashers and Battleblock Theater at PAX East next month.
Penny Arcade 'hoping' for Episode 3 reveal at PAX East
While it's been some time since we last heard about the third installment in the Steampunkian Penny Arcade Adventures series, a glimmer of hope resides in the coming months with PAX East. A Penny Arcade representative confirmed to Joystiq that, "They [Penny Arcade] are hoping to have something to announce by PAX East. Unfortunately, we won't have anything before then." Presumably, we'll exclaim "oooooh" when we do finally see the game, as Mike "Gabe" Krahulik explained when we last heard from the duo about the game's absence.Jerry "Tycho" Holkins further confirmed the possibility of an appearance for PAA: Episode 3 at PAX East, telling MTV Multiplayer, "Listen very closely to the announcements at PAX!" We're certainly ready to "feel the vigor in all our limbs," as Holkins claimed we would last September, but it's been so long we're not sure we'll remember that city-saving, hobo-beating, purple pantaloon-wearing protagonist of ours ... oh ... well, maybe not.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 and GTX 470 Fermi cards launching March 26th
It's okay, we understand your confusion, but the news here isn't that NVIDIA uses CoTweet as its Twitter client. What's exciting is that the GeForce GTX 480 and GTX 470 -- the company's first to use the new Fermi architecture -- are just over a month from release. Friday, March 26th, and given that also happens to coincidence with the kickoff date for Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East 2010 (of which NVIDIA is a major sponsor), we tend to think that's not just some convenient coincidence. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
City of Heroes panel to appear at PAX East
We're just over a month away from PAX East, and those planning to attend have bought their passes and are beginning to think about itineraries. The event schedule hasn't been added to the PAX site yet, but City of Heroes released an exciting piece of news today. They'll be hosting a panel titled Re-Inventing A Super-Heroic MMO,where they'll discuss keeping their game interesting and fresh after all this time, and delve deeper into Going Rogue. For those who want to hang out later, the City of Heroes team is planning a meet and greet Saturday night for fans to visit with the panel members and possibly win some raffle prizes. The location and some other details are still coming, but the date and time are set, so CoH fans can mark their calendars for both the panel and the meet and greet. Check out the full details on the official site, and we'll see you at PAX! [Update: More details have been released on the meet and greet.]
