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From Dust migrating to Google Chrome in April
Ubisoft will debut From Dust -- the latest joint from Eric Chahi, creator of Out of this World -- on Google Chrome some time in April, the publisher's Facebook page revealed. The Google Chrome version will feature new controls and full HD graphics.We've contacted Ubisoft for pricing info, and whether or not players will be able to sample the Chrome version for free before buying, just like the Google Chrome port of Bastion. Stay tuned!
Ubisoft: From Dust moved over 500K on PSN and XBLA
In an interview with MCV, Ubisoft digital publishing manager for EMEA Thomas Paincon spoke about the strengths of digital distribution for the introduction of new video game IP. The publisher's no stranger to taking risks with downloadables, as it's currently doing so with I Am Alive, Babel Rising and Shoot Many Robots. It also gambled on Eric Chahi's From Dust earlier this year, which Paincon said has paid off on XBLA and PSN to the tune of "half a million units." Paincon added some insight into Ubisoft's strategy, specifically chalking From Dust's sales up to the fact that "the prices were lower, but also because it was a new experience and people using digital platforms are more willing to test a new IP." Hey, as long as we keep getting good games for $15 or less, you're not going to see us complaining. Now, how about that multiplayer and level editor update?
Chahi: No plans for From Dust 2, new game will take a year or two
In a recent postmortem interview with Eurogamer, Eric Chahi spilled his guts about his world-shaping strategy-esque downloadable, From Dust. While development on the game had its share of highs -- Chahi said he was "very touched" after getting an endorsement from fellow gaming industry icon Peter Molyneux -- and lows, Chahi was happy with the finished product. Of course, it doesn't hurt that "it sold very well." We'd be pretty happy about that, too. Despite his exuberance for the game, Chahi told Eurogamer that "right now there is no plan" to do a From Dust sequel. He explained he wants to do something "very original," and that he has a few ideas as to what that could be. Don't worry about him taking a 13-year break (as he did after his last game, Heart of Darkness) -- Chahi said that work on his next game will take "something between one year and two years, maximum." Godspeed, Eric. (No, seriously. Pick up the pace.)
From Dust PSN debut moved to Sep. 13 in North America
Good news! The village chant worked, and the PSN version of From Dust will flood North America two weeks sooner than expected. The god sim will now arrive this coming Tuesday, September 13. The European release is still set for the following day, September 14.
PSA: From Dust patch now available on PC, removes Ubi DRM
Once again, Ubisoft has acquiesced to consumers' demands, with a DRM-removing patch for From Dust now available via Steam. The patch quite literally does nothing else, as the Steam notes describe in extreme specificity that the "Title can be played in offline mode (no connection to the Internet is required after installing the patch)," and that the "Save file is moved from the Uplay/Ubisoft server to the local machine." Reports confirm that the patch does, in fact, allow for offline play, presumably leaning on Valve's Steam service for DRM in place of Ubisoft's own, highly controversial version. Now if only Ubisoft could patch its studio heads to stop defending the damn thing.
From Dust to PSN: Sept. 14 in EU, Sept. 27 in NA
Eric Chahi's From Dust is blowing over to PSN next. The deity delight arrives in Europe and North America for Sony's console on September 14 and 27, respectively. The game launched smoothly in early August as part of Microsoft's Xbox 360 "Summer of Arcade" promotion and then decided, like a spontaneous piece of performance art, to simulate a disaster for its PC launch.
Report: Steam offering refunds to From Dust customers
Ubisoft has authorized Valve to offer refunds to Steam customers who are unhappy with their purchase of the troubled From Dust PC port. Rock Paper Shotgun reports that some of their readers have received emails from Steam support that note: "If you don't want to wait for the patch or if you haven't played the game, per Ubisoft's request, we will issue refunds this title." Ubisoft's From Dust PC port has been a (dark) comedy of errors. The game suffered though the usual eleventh-hour delay, mixed messaging about DRM, and then bugs and technical issues in the final release. It's quite a shame, since it's actually a pretty good game.
From Dust PC online authentication to be patched out
The latest move in Ubisoft's spiteful relationship with PC players will see the company lessen its controversial DRM measures from the PC version of From Dust. The publisher stated on official forums that it's currently working on a patch, which should be available in two weeks, that will remove the need for needy online authentication. "This development time is required as we are working to ensure that those who have already started the game, and who's progress is currently saved on our servers, will receive and save their game information locally," the statement reads. "Once the patch is ready, players who already have the game will automatically receive the update on their next login and subsequent game sessions will be 100% offline." The problems with From Dust on PC don't end with DRM, with users reporting plenty of bugs and technical issues, which Ubisoft didn't directly address in its statement. It's hard to watch PC players being treated like this by Ubisoft -- we're available for comforting bro hugs, guys.
Ubisoft: From Dust PC will not require constant internet connection
You can expect Ubisoft's PC DRM scheme to remain in the news for as long as it requires a consistent online connection to play, and for as long as its implementation remains inconsistent. The upcoming PC version of Driver: San Francisco will require an importunate online link if you want to keep going, but world-shaper From Dust will not. Speaking to Joystiq, a Ubisoft representative confirmed that the PC version of From Dust, which should be out on August 17, won't have the DRM cranked to maximum level. "Constant internet connection won't be necessary when playing From Dust's campaign and challenge mode on the PC." You'll note the specific language there, which may refer to a potential multiplayer mode that was mentioned by From Dust designer Eric Chahi last year. For now, though, we're happy to report that you can keep playing god, even if your connection to our modern deity has faltered.
From Dust triggers highest day-one sales in Ubisoft XBLA lineup
Ubisoft has been on a roll in the download space, peaking with the release of From Dust, an environmental manipulation strategy title from designer Eric Chahi. The publisher has announced that day-one sales of From Dust exceeded that of any Ubisoft-published Xbox Live Arcade title before. Publishers are notoriously hesitant to part with proper download numbers (the Xbox Live activity chart is a relative measure), but From Dust's noteworthy impact may still impart some idea of what to expect next. Speaking to Joystiq late last year, Eric Chahi hinged his expansion plans on the first game's presumed success. "We plan to have a major release where we can enhance the experience by adding an editor and a multiplayer mode," he said, "if the success is there." Though From Dust garnered some mixed reviews, it fits in well with a recent streak of well-received Ubisoft titles on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, including Beyond Good & Evil HD, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes and Outland. The company also wins bonus points for constructing this latest press release without writing "digital download."
From Dust breathes life into XBLA activity charts, followed by Bastion
With a little help from the Summer of Arcade promotion, not to mention the involvement of gaming industry legend Eric Chahi, Xbox Live Arcade's From Dust managed to top Major Nelson's XBLA activity charts during its release week, followed by the previous week's offering, Bastion. It's so nice of them to fall in line like that! Like a bunch of obedient ducks, who are also downloadable video games. As is usually the case with the activity charts, we don't know exactly how many full purchases From Dust managed to pull in. We can't be the only ones that enjoy destroying the whole world with a thousand natural disasters at once.
From Dust PC gets Ubisoft DRM, Steam pre-purchase bonus
For being such wildly different games, From Dust and Driver: San Francisco sure have a lot in common. They were both recently delayed, for example, and now news has hit that From Dust will follow Driver's lead by making use of Ubisoft's ubiquitous "Ubisoft Online Service" digital rights management platform. Unlike Driver, however, no announcement was made regarding From Dust's DRMyness; Steam's now-live pre-purchase page unceremoniously broke the news to the PC gaming community. The controversial DRM platform requires a permanent internet connection in order to play any game it governs, and while the company has loosened restrictions on high-profile games in the past, it's unclear whether or not history will repeat itself. For now, take solace in knowing that your pre-purchase will net you a "Mask of the Shaman" item for Team Fortress 2.
Get From Dust a day early, snag The Maw for free [update: ITSP and Fruit Ninja pulled]
Much the same as the Microsoft Store deal last week, those who use the store to purchase this week's Summer of Arcade entry, From Dust, will also receive The Maw for free. That's not surprising. What is surprising, is that Microsoft Store purchase of From Dust can be redeemed right now, the day before it officially arrives on Xbox Live Arcade. Even though we already own The Maw, we decided to give it a try -- so deep is our love for you -- and, sure enough, we successfully redeemed a code for From Dust. Those wishing to hop on the XBLA God-simulator bandwagon a little early can do so right here. Update: Reader Tom pointed out that Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet and Fruit Ninja Kinect are also available early from the MS Store, and also come with free copies of The Maw. Want proof? Here you go: ITSP, Fruit Ninja Kinect. We're going to look really foolish when Microsoft takes those down, but they both work as of right now. Update 2: Microsoft has pulled both Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet and Fruit Ninja Kinect from the Microsoft Store. [Thanks, Andy K.]
From Dust review: It's hard out here for a god
"Why does God let bad things happen?" It's perhaps the toughest question for people of faith to answer. How is it that a loving deity, who cares equally about all his creations, let some of them suffer so terribly? For whatever strengths or faults it has, From Dust has allowed me to find the answer to this most vexing of issues. I would like to share that answer with you now. God lets bad things happen because he honestly forgot he put the exploding tree there. %Gallery-124652%
From Dust PC launch delayed one month, available Aug. 17
Eric Chahi's upcoming experiment in nature manipulation, From Dust, won't arrive on PCs until mid-August. The company confirmed as much to Joystiq this afternoon, specifically noting, "From Dust will hit XBLA this Wednesday and will release on PC on Wednesday, August 17." That's just three weeks until the game arrives on PC -- more than enough time to practice your lava redirection and bridge carving techniques with a mouse.
From Dust moves From Xbox Live to PC on July 27
PC gamers have cut their teeth on world-building strategy titles since the dawn of time -- it makes sense, then, that Out of this World creator Eric Chahi's upcoming god game, From Dust, will arrive on the PC day-and-date with its Xbox Live counterpart. If you've got a hankering for cultivating a tribal island paradise and then volcanoing it to the ground -- or, more likely, a hankering for more Chahi -- you can grab the game from the usual digital vendors on July 27 for $14.99. If you're still confused about what From Dust actually is, we can't say we blame you. Check out the developer diary above to get a brief tutorial of how your Godlike powers operate. We didn't see any plagues of locusts in said video, but we're assuming that particular ability unlocks later in the game.
OnLive Player App for iPad and Android brings tablet/TV integration, ala Wii U
Cloud gaming poster child OnLive took the opportunity at E3 to show off its tablet-bound OnLive Player application, coming to both iPad and Android devices "later this year," while providing "far higher performance, richer gameplay and deeper social integration than any console announced for 2012." Yeah, that's a not-so-subtle dig at the Wii U. While the OnLive Viewer app currently available doesn't allow for actually playing OnLive on a tablet, the upcoming Player app "will enable gameplay of virtually all OnLive games on an iPad and Android tablet with touch or OnLive's new Universal Wireless Controller." Demoed in the video below is Ubisoft's From Dust, which accepts touch-based input on the tablet applications. Even more notable, considering Nintendo's latest console announcement, is news that the OnLive Player app will allow "the tablet to be used as a touch and motion controller combined with an HDTV (or PC/Mac if preferred)." The tablet can even enable "both synchronized or independent video on the tablet and HDTV screen, enabling combined gameplay with tablet and HDTV" or, more like the concepts we saw of Wii U, "separate gameplay on tablet and HDTV." Take a tour with OnLive prez Steve Perlman after the break; we'll stop by OnLive's E3 booth tomorrow for a tour of our own.
Xbox Live Summer of Arcade 2011 kicks off July 20
Can't have summer without hot new Xbox Live games, right? Microsoft has announced its line-up for the warmer months, kicking off July 20 -- strangely, in an email and not, you know, during its E3 2011 press conference. Regardless, a total of five games will be on offer. No exact time table for the games was announced nor prices but, hey, at least we know what's coming. The first game listed is Toy Soldiers: Cold War, a sequel to one of 2010's most lucrative Xbox Live Arcade games. The next game listed is Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, Fuelcell's stylish UFO simulator, followed by Fruit Ninja Kinect, a flail-tastic port of Halfbrick's darling mobile (and soon, Facebook!) title. Next we have Bastion, a game we suggest you all should keep an eye on. Finally, rounding out the list of games is From Dust, Eric Chahi's god game. An impressive list, to say the least. It's important to know that this is simply how Microsoft listed the games in its press email and not indicative of when each title will launch throughout the promotion.
From Dust videos are molten hot
From Dust presents a tropical world full of pristine waters and undulating sands, populated by a tribe bedecked in starkly abstract masks. All of which can get wrecked by a volcano at any moment, as demonstrated after the break. Eric Chahi loves volcanoes.
Sales will dictate if From Dust gets multiplayer, level editor
Eric Chahi, designer of the action-adventure classic Out of This World and Ubisoft's upcoming downloadable god game From Dust, has told Joystiq that sales of his latest creation will determine if it receives additional modes and content. "For the first release, it will be a solo experience," Chahi told us, explaining that, "We plan to have a major release where we can enhance the experience by adding an editor and a multiplayer mode, if the success is there." "Xbox Live Arcade, PSN and Steam are good for us because we can offer the solo experience priced around 15 Euros or so," he added. "Then if it works we can enhance it in those ways I mentioned." Chahi confirmed that he has "many ideas" for how to expand From Dust, and that multiplayer and others already exist in some stage of development. It's good to know we weren't alone in thinking there's nothing wrong with a volcanic eruption or tsunami between friends. Chahi's latest game hits in 2011.
