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Rumor: FarmVille 2 revealed by resume

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A San Francisco copywriter's resume appears to hint that Zynga has given the green light to making a sequel to its popular flagship Farmville title. Writer Alex Harvey, while listing out his work for "communications agency" Isobar, says he participated in the "successful" pitch for Farmville 2. That tells us that Farmville 2 was at one point a suggested thing, and that Zynga has said yes to it becoming a real thing.

For now, that's all we know. It's probably fair to say, however, that there will be cows, and you will click them.

Update: We reached out to Zynga to ask if there was any news on this front, but the company declined to comment on "rumors and speculation." Fair enough.

The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Droopy Blocks

Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Casey Holtz of Mechanical Butterfly Studios discusses how making a game that sucks is actually a good thing with his iOS title Droopy Blocks.


What's your game called and what's it about?

The game is called Droopy Blocks. It is a puzzle game designed to test your dexterity, timing and spatial abilities while having as much fun as possible getting your fingers into twisted positions.

The goal of the game is to get these living blocks of goo, called Droopy Blocks, back into their original shapes since they have melted in an accident at a secret underground lab. The game takes place on a 5x5 grid, with creatures called Suckers on each side of the grid. To get the blocks back into their shapes you need to use these Sucker creatures to pull them around the game area while holding the parts of the blocks that you do not want to move in place with your fingers.

There are 80 puzzles set in 4 locations and also a championship mode for people to set high scores in and compete.

What's the coolest aspect of Droopy Blocks?

The coolest part of the game is that it is the only game like it. It is the first game to use this type of multi-touch puzzle mechanic. I personally seek out new and different games because I am tired of playing the same types of games constantly, so it was a core design pillar for me to make it different.

I also think the Droopy blocks turned out pretty cool. I wanted the blocks to have some charm and character, so they will make little noises and animate when you poke them. My favorite thing is that they will look at where you are pressing your finger on the screen.

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Sam & Max: Beyond Time & Space Episode 4 now on iOS

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The fourth episode of Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space is now available on your iDevice, granted you have an iPhone 3GS and above. Episode 4: Chariots of the Dogs includes a playable Whack da Ratz mini-game and a Sam & Max soundboard. (Because ordering a large pepperoni from Domino's is less depressing when you do it as Max.)

It'll set you back $4.99 – about three quarters the cost of that Domino's pizza.

GameFly looking to 'help good games get made' via mobile publishing

GameFly, which stopped being a mere rental portal ages ago, is expanding once again into mobile publishing. On the most recent edition of the company's Weekend Confirmed podcast, GameFly editorial director Garnett Lee said, "We're going to be doing some pub-funding."

Lee mentions he wants to "help good games get made" and requested iOS and Android developers get in touch.

GameFly tells us it has no further comment on the project at this time.

Death Rally peels out on Android worldwide

After a preliminary launch in Canada earlier this year, Death Rally is now available on Android worldwide (a bit later than expected). Android users can grab Remedy's little racer that could from Google Play for the reasonable price of no dollars. Should you desire, upgrades and the like are available via in-app purchases.

Check out Death Rally's device requirements after the break.

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PSA: Max Payne Mobile now available

Turn that frown upside down, Max – you're on the App Store. Rockstar's mobile port of Max Payne is now available for download for $2.99. It's a universal app, designed for both the iPad and iPhone. Android users must wait two weeks until they can dive in.

Max Payne Mobile was developed by War Drum Studios and features "HD quality resolution and textures," customizable controls, a touch-screen interface and retina support for Apple's new iPad.

Miyamoto enjoys Angry Birds, sees inspiration to create 'unexpected new things'

Shigeru Miyamoto loves Angry Birds, telling Edge that the 2009 mobile slingshot game is his favorite of the past year – which may come as a shock to those who consider smartphone games a dangerous threat to systems like Nintendo's 3DS.

"What I like about Angry Birds is that it has a traditional videogame [feel] to it, but also a very creative side," Miyamoto said. "And you can really feel that they're having fun developing the game. That's what I like about it." Miyamoto admitted that he doesn't typically talk in interviews about non-Nintendo games he's enjoying.

Rather than express deep fear about the fact that phone games can be enjoyable, Miyamoto said he pays little attention to the medium. "I check up on them sometimes, but I don't have a lot of time," he said, before comparing the medium to his company's work. "I think we also have a history of having certain fun ideas and making a game out of it, and there's lots of other people also doing this [now]. This kind of environment inspires us to try even harder, and create even more unexpected new things."

The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Minke Rescue

Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Leigh Marlow of The Apptivist Studio presents a game with a greater purpose -- to stop the violent whaling in Antarctic waters -- named Minke Rescue.

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What's your game called and what's it about?

Minke Rescue is a new iPhone game. You play the part of a minke whale in the beautiful and harsh Antarctic Ocean. Best of all, it's only $0.99 -- and 30 percent from every game purchased goes directly to Sea Shepherd.

What inspired you to make Minke Rescue?

I wanted to raise awareness and funds for specific causes that I'm passionate about. However, I'm not noted for my cake making, t-shirt designing or car washing, nor do I have a sufficiently cashed-up network of friends to host a (successful) charity ball.

In early 2010, after acquiring my first iPhone, I soon discovered the power of apps -- how regularly I was willing to spend small amounts of money -- and how addictive the very best apps can be. An ah-ha moment occurred and my direction was set -- to create a cool little iPhone game that benefited Sea Shepherd. The key ingredients were that the game had to be fun, addictive and not too preachy.

The best part is I get to combine my passion for gaming and my passion for the environment.

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Star Command teaser trailer intercepted

Image Star Command received its first public showing this past weekend at PAX East, and we're now looking forward to when the game beams out to mobile devices this summer. This teaser trailer, shown at the PAX East booth, conveys the game's art style, music and internal/external starship combat. ... Continue Reading

Molyneux: Microsoft was a 'creative padded cell;' 22 Cans will see his 'best' game ever

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Peter Molyneux, creator of Fable and famously parodied developer, left Microsoft and Lionhead Studios last month to establish 22 Cans, a brand new development house. 22 Cans marks Molyneux's fifth studio founding, but there's something different about this one, he told Develop:

"I believe it has all led me to this point. I believe the greatest game I've ever made is still ahead of me."

Molyneux is adamant that he is building something special with 22 Cans, in both the structure of the company and the games it will produce. So far he has co-founder and former Lionhead programmer Dimitri Mavrikakis, data miner Paul Knight and IT director Tim Rance on board, but Molyneux is looking to have 22 people total from various industries, including architects, veterans, fresh faces and people who know nothing about the video game world.

These people will help Molyneux make his "best" game ever; a game he couldn't create while at Microsoft. "I was in a creative padded cell," Molyneux said. "Microsoft was so safe. Microsoft was so nice. You're so supported. Everything I did couldn't hurt me, both creatively and physically. The danger was long gone. I had this huge desire to make something truly special, and I felt like I was being suffocated creatively a little bit."

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Sonic 4 Episode 2 'locks on' to Episode 1 to add Metal Sonic

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If you own Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, you'll be able to unlock extra content in Episode 2. Owners of both get free access to "Episode Metal," which adds four new levels and a playable Metal Sonic character.

This functionality recalls the "Lock-On" technology in Sonic & Knuckles, which allowed Sega Genesis owners to connect previous Sonic games to the cartridge and replay them as Knuckles the Echidna. The difference now, of course, is that there's no cartridge to connect.

American McGee takes on Red Riding Hood with Akaneiro

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After all the madness Alice could muster and social action game Bighead Bash, it look's like American McGee's Spicy Horse studio is ready to move on to another new project. Entitled Akaneiro: Demon Hunters, the action role-playing game retells the story of Little Red Riding Hood with a feudal Japanese twist, reports Kotaku. As part of the Order of Akane, players are charged with putting an end to a Hokkaido village's demon problem. Akaneiro uses mid-19th century Japan as a backdrop, as tensions arose and the country reluctantly opened itself to western trade.

The game will be free-to-play and will be playable on PC, tablets and via the web. Early screenshots suggest gameplay similar to Diablo, Torchlight and other dungeon crawlers. A beta is planned for later this year.

Camouflaj Kickstarting iOS stealth game 'Republique,' see the first trailer

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The first project from Ryan Payton's Camouflaj is Republique, an iOS action/stealth game of sorts in which you control a network of cameras, lights, and everything else electronic to keep a woman named Hope safe from pursuers. It's like a serious Night Trap.

"Last year, I decided I was going to stop complaining about the lack of real games on mobile," Payton said in the above trailer, "and start making one." For help making that real game, Camouflaj has turned to Kickstarter, because it's 2012.

The developer is seeking $500,000 from backers, with bonuses including the game, a fancy journal designed as a "game companion," and, for the truly wealthy, your likeness in the game and a trip to Camouflaj HQ.

Star Command beams in this summer

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Star Command is estimated to launch this July or August, according to the co-founders of developer Warballoon. The game, which had its first public showing this past weekend at PAX East, will launch with the "Rise of Antorians" story, followed by the "Cortexian Campaign" in October.

Warballoon co-founders Justin and Jordan Coombs told us updates will be free for the game, as they plan to expand the Star Command universe and want to bring everyone along for the ride.

The PAX East demo for the starship simulation showed off how combat in the game works, as Antorians (a humanoid ant race) invaded the ship and started a blaster fight with the crew. The Antorian ship also got into the action and attacked, while members of the engineering crew had to handle fires and loss of cabin pressure. The Warballoon team already told us they are switching to a far more context-sensitive interface system after observing players at PAX East.

The game is also officially heading to iPad, since the team ported it to the platform after realizing they didn't want to pass around their personal phones to demo the game at the show.

Infinity Blade 2 update drops next week, introduces ClashMobs

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Having received an iPad 3 update recently, Infinity Blade 2 has a new, more substantial upgrade coming on Thursday. It will tweak the gem interface and let you meld together three gems, creating a single, more powerful jewel. There's also a new game mode, called ClashMob.

ClashMob is a global social game mode where hundreds or thousands of players can come together to take on enemies with massive health pools for the chance to unlock in-game goodies. By recruiting friends into your "Mob," you'll increase your odds at getting some sweet gear, cash, or whatever that particular challenge awards you. You'll be able to enlist folks in your Mob by importing your friends from Facebook and Game Center.

Gabriel Knight writer Jane Jensen opens new studio Pinkerton Road

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It's a good time to be a classic adventure game fan, in case you hadn't noticed. Between Double Fine's recent success story and this week's announcement of a brand new adventure studio from Gabriel Knight writer Jane Jensen, the next few years are gonna be rife with pun-laden puzzles.

Jensen's new studio, Pinkerton Road, is being co-opened with composer Robert Holmes (also of Gabriel Knight fame) and will focus on "third-person adventure games for PC and tablet with rich stories, gorgeous art, and seamlessly fun play." Rather than following the traditional developer model of seeking funding via publishers, Pinkerton Road will be using a model based on community supported agriculture. Yes, really.

Jensen's calling it "Community Supported Gaming," and says fans will essentially pay for year-long seasons of access to the studio's games (a la CSAs). A smattering of ideas are already in the works for the studio's first year, and Kickstarter is facilitating the funding. If you'd like to support the project, there are still 42 days to go on the funding goal.

Max Payne comes to iOS April 12, Android two weeks later

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You'll be able to play Max Payne on a minimal screen next week. The mobile version of Remedy's squint-em-up will be out on iOS April 12, publisher Rockstar reported today. Androids will gain the ability to enter bullet time when Max Payne mobile lands on that platform on April 26.

The mobile port features HD graphics and customizable controls, though you won't be able to customize the controls off of the screen and onto physical buttons.

Sliding and 'sploding with Ms. 'Splosion Man on iPad

Rather than create an all new experience tailored to touch screens, the iOS version of Twisted Pixel's excellent Ms. 'Splosion Man attempts to replicate the console experience -- and, yes, that means virtual buttons. So, many people have already stopped reading.

If you're still here, stick around to read about Ms. 'Splosion Man's portable outing and the future of Twisted Pixel on Mobile devices.

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AirMech is a hardcore browser game for Chrome (with more platforms to come)

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The team at Carbon Games is basking in its newfound freedom as an indie studio after its first development endeavor, Fat Princess creator Titan Games, dissolved under Epic Games China. Carbon Games' first project is AirMech, a free-to-play RTS-action hybrid debuting as a browser and PC title, most notably via Chrome.

AirMech is currently in alpha, but it's existed metaphysically since 2009 at least, before Fat Princess was even pitched to Sony.

"AirMech is my baby," game director James Green told Joystiq on the PAX East show floor, where Carbon Games is one-sixteenth of the Indie Megabooth. "We pitched it to Sony before Fat Princess, but they didn't get it."

The world may not have been ready for AirMech in 2009, but now, after the success of League of Legends and other accessible, hardcore hybrid titles, publishers are interested in a solid RTS-action blend that translates to multiple platforms and gameplay styles, Green said.

There are more than 60,000 players in the Chrome alpha for AirMech, and at least 5,000 playing the PC version -- but Carbon isn't stopping there. Green pulled out an Android tablet running an early, mobile version (without virtual joysticks as a default, he was sure to note) and Carbon plans to announce a beta version for Steam this summer. Carbon would love to see a version on consoles as well, maybe even with a single-player mode, production coordinator Chris Merritt said.

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Ms. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone


Like playing Ms. Splosion Man, but have an intractable grudge against your Xbox 360? Twisted Pixel is bringing its concussive platformer to several new platforms, including PC (on both Steam and Games for Windows Live), iPhone, iPad, and Windows Phone 7. The porting process is a multi-studio endeavor, requiring the talents of not only Twisted Pixel, but Iron Galaxy, Fire Hose Games, and Panic Button Games as well.

The PC version appears identical to the XBLA release, but the mobile game is a "unique experience" designed specifically for touchscreens -- using a virtual d-pad. You'll be able to find out how well these new containers withstand explosive force this summer.

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The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Droopy Blocks

Posted on Apr 15th 2012 10:30PM

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The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Minke Rescue

Posted on Apr 11th 2012 10:30PM

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