RipTen Videogame Blog » Take-Two

Max Payne 3 Out on May 15 for Consoles, May 29 for PC

Justin Carter — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:15:02 +0000

Rockstar has been hard at work on Max Payne 3, delaying it for the past few years. That’s no longer the case.

In their latest earnings report, publisher Take-Two announced that you’ll step into Max’s tormented boots on May 15 for the Xbox 360 and PS3. The PC version will arrive two weeks later on the 29th. And, if you’re lucky, you may end up in the game!

Max Payne 3 Special Edition Available for a Limited Time Only (Details)

Dave Oshry — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:55:23 +0000

What’s so special about this special edition? Lots of things.

Check it:

The contents of the Max Payne 3 Special Edition will be available from November 21 to January 15 and will include:

A copy of Max Payne 3; (NO WAY?!)

10 tall Collectible Max Payne Statue created in a
collaboration between TriForce and Rockstar Games; (SWEET)

Series of game-inspired Original Still Life Art Prints that
depict some of Max Payne s inner demons and vices; (ALSO SWEET)

Copper and brass-plated iron, bullet-shaped Bullet Keychain
featuring a screw-off back; (I’D USE IT)

Classic Multiplayer Character Pack of eight playable
multiplayer characters for Max Payne 3 Multiplayer,
including fan favorites from the original Max Payne and Max
Payne 2 like Max Payne from Max Payne 2, Mona Sax and Vladimir
Lem; (TYPICAL SPECIAL EDITION)

Disorderly Conduct Multiplayer Weapons Pack for Max Payne
3 Multiplayer that includes the Hammerhead Auto Shotgun, G9
Grenade Launcher and Molotov cocktail; (YOU KNEW THAT WAS COMING)

Max Payne 3 Official Soundtrack featuring the game’s instrumental score. (WORD)

The Max Payne 3 Special Edition is ideal for fans andplayers looking for premium and collectible Max Payne content, including digital character and weapon packs not found anywhere else. MaxPayne 3 Special Edition will retail for $99.99 in North America and is available for pre-order from now until January 15, 2012 whilesupplies last.

I dig it.

In other news, DAT BOX ART!!

Max Payne 3 Coming March 2012

Chris Carlson — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:00:48 +0000

Rockstar Games have announced today that Max Payne 3 will finally be hitting store shelves early next year. Come March 2012, Max Payne 3 will hit Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Founder of Rockstar Games, Sam Houser stated today:

“Max Payne 3 gave us an amazing creative opportunity to
evolve one of our most iconic characters. We’re excited to show fans a modern version of Max that pulls them back into his dark and twisted story.”

In addition to an expansive single-player campaign, Max Payne 3 will be the first title in the series to introduce an addictive multiplayer experience. Max Payne 3‘s multiplayer aims to deliver a compelling experience that dynamically alters maps and mode progression for all players in a match. Along with traditional multiplayer modes, Max Payne 3 will also include a deep reward and leveling system, persistent clans and multiple strategic load-out options.

Yes, Agent Is “Still in Development”

Sam Naylor — Tue, 24 May 2011 21:30:28 +0000

Take-Two Interactive has said that Agent is still in development, despite a huge lack of information regarding the title as of late.

During a fiscal earnings conference call that we were on today, Take Two answered a listener’s question about Agent saying that it is indeed still in development. So don’t lose all hope, anyone who was looking forward to it.

Yes, we know that this is skimming about as close to “not news” as is possible, but don’t forget that we’re a gaming blog. It’s our job to trigger gaming-related endorphins in your minds. Hopefully I’ve facilitated that for some of you.

Stay tuned to RipTen for more on Agent and Take-Two Interactive.

Take Two Proud To Be Profitable Without Grand Theft Auto

Dave Oshry — Tue, 24 May 2011 21:26:40 +0000

During a conference call today, Take Two Interactive has stated that it is very proud to have had a profitable year without a Grand Theft Auto title.

They saw strong sales performance from titles like Red Dead Redemption, Mafia II and NBA 2K11 (which is now the best selling 2K Sports game of all time) in addition to popular DLC releases like RDR: Undead Nightmare as well as Borderlands add-on content.

Sales from L.A Noire are also off to an amazing start with a reported 1.6 million copies already being sold within the first week of release.

Does Take Two need Grand Theft Auto to be profitable? It seems not, but I think they definitely need Rockstar Games.

In fact, it was also just announced that Rockstar has renewed their agreement with Take Two, so it doesn’t look like this gravy train is going to stop rolling any time soon.

Spec Ops: The Line Finally Coming in 2013

Dave Oshry — Tue, 24 May 2011 20:51:16 +0000

Today, Take Two Interactive has let it be known that 2K games Spec Ops: The Line will finally be coming in the first half of 2013… that’s right 2013.

The game has been long delayed, but it is coming… in two years.

Stay tuned for more, if anyone still cares by then :-p

Rockstar Games Renews Long Term Contract With Take-Two Interactive

Dave Oshry — Tue, 24 May 2011 20:29:23 +0000

On today’s episode of “No-Brainers” Take-Two Interactive has announced that Rockstar Games has renewed it’s long term contract with the company.

This comes, of course, on the heels of Rockstar’s latest hit for Take Two, L.A Noire, which is already a critical and financial success.

Rockstar has been a critical factor in Take-Two’s earnings over the years, and launches of Rockstar Games such as Grand Theft Auto 4 have been known to nearly double the stock price of TTWO in less than one week.

Here is what Take Two had to say:

Sam Houser, Dan Houser and Leslie Benzies, key members of the creative team of Rockstar Games, have agreed to renew their long-term employment agreements with the Company on substantially similar economic terms. This team has been instrumental in the development and success of Take-Two’s extensive portfolio of multi-million unit internally-owned franchises.

Stay tuned to RipTen for continued coverage of Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games.

Also, check out our review of Rockstar’s latest hit, L.A Noire.

75% Off Grand Theft Auto Classics On Steam

Aaron Alexander — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 22:11:15 +0000

2K have had specials on Steam all week, not only could you secure the Bioshock and Max Payne series dirt cheap, you can now buy the classic Grand Theft Auto Collection for a nickel.

Well, maybe not an actual nickel, but $7.49 for 5 incredible games is an unmissable deal. Unfortunately for the Oceanic RipTen readers, you may not have access to the full catalogue (I myself could only purchase 3 & San Andreas), but for the rest of you, there is no excuse not to buy this marvelous collection. Get out there and start bangin’ on fools Grove Street OG!

Let us know what you think of this discounted collection in the comments below, and tell me directly via Twitter -@iamaaronalex

Has This Star Studded GTA V Casting Call Been Leaked?

Aaron Alexander — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 06:55:25 +0000

Take 2 have put out a private casting call, presumably to bring in voice actors for a brand new game. The full casting call can be found here, or you can check out the list below. One Character in particular stands out from the rest, entitled “James Pedeaston”;

James Pedeaston was often featured on the radio channel “WCTR” in Grand Theft Auto IV, talking about his desires to make love with young tribal boys. One quote featured on the Call also reassures us that this James is the very same.

James Pedeaston is a child molester wanted in Malaysia and is being investigated by the FBI. He hosted The Wild Traveler show on WCTR in 1992, although it is apparently syndicated to nine other stations (not heard in-game). He enjoys traveling the world and logging some of his most ‘exotic’ encounters in his travelogue, some of which he accidentally reads on-air to the disgust of the listeners. His favourite memory seems to be a relationship with a boy named Avrindar in Sri Lanka. His show appears to be so reviled by his listeners that at one point, he receives few calls which are not supportive. For example, a caller tells him to stop droning on about other countries and focus on talking about where he lives. At one point he received a phone call from a suicidal man in Verdant Bluffs who wanted to go to hell. Pedeaston replies with “Me too! Buy me a refrigerator magnet when you get there”. In GTA IV, he was arrested by the Indonesian police after being suspected of child molesting in Bali, Indonesia in 2003.

Viral Campaigns possibly related with the next Grand Theft Auto have already surfaced, but when you add a casting call with a familiar Character, it’s a safe bet that this casting call is indeed for the next Grand Theft Auto. Let us know what you think of this casting call in the comments below and tell me directly via Twitter – @iamaaronalex

Source: Revolt-tech

Gearbox: Making Pigs Fly, Robots Dance, and Why They’re Just Getting Started

Dave Oshry — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:33:19 +0000

On Friday, September 3rd, Gearbox Software dropped a bomb on the gaming world when they announced that they had shown up to PAX 2010 with Duke Nukem Forever. So naturally, Ripten cancelled all of our appointments so we could talk to some of the men who are bringing back Duke.

I had already played the demo that Friday, but it was not until Sunday that I got to sit down with Gearbox and talk to them about it. I was ushered into a small room with Mikey Neumann, creative director at Gearbox; also present was Markus Wilding, Global PR director for 2K games. Markus was helpful in answering a few questions and giving some insight, but I’m pretty sure he was just there to make sure I didn’t stab Mikey and run off with the game.

Mikey and Markus gave me some great insight into Gearbox, 2K, Duke, and even a little bit of Borderlands . . . I also got the chance to speak with CEO Randy Pitchford later on that day.

DO: First of all, I just want to say thank you, thank you , fucking … thank you. Words can’t express . . .

MN: Haha, you’re welcome sir.

DO: How in the hell did you manage to keep this under wraps for so long?

MN: Man, it’s crazy how many people knew about this and were able to keep it quiet . . .

DO: Yeah, because we all kind of knew that it was coming, but nobody could fucking confirm it!!

MN: Honestly, at Gearbox, everyone is so busy that there’s no time to even leak this kind of info. It’s been a crazy year watching this game come together into a game you can actually play through all the way. I think everyone has kind of lived through the shock of playing it at PAX . But we’ve had a year of being in shock from it. You’ve gotta trust the people you work with and you’ve gotta be able to trust the people in charge not to fuck that up, and I think we did pretty good.

DO: Oh yeah, so when did this whole thing come together, how did the transition go from 3D realms shutting down, to you picking it up, to 2K getting behind you. I mean, who spearheaded that, was it Randy … ?

MN: Oh yeah. I definitely think Randy Pitchford was at the center of that. I mean, he’s the one link between everybody. We have a great relationship with Take-Two and 2K, they’re awesome (Markus nods), and Borderlands was hugely successful for all of us, so it was kind of a no-brainer to work with them again. So, we kind of put the feelers out there to see what would happen. We said, “Lets talk to George (Broussard) and 2K and see if we can get everyone on the same page because we’ll all benefit, right?” If this doesn’t happen, then everyone kind of loses, the gamers especially. We can all profit and all be friends if we made this happen and it was really a no brainer I think. After that it all just came together.

DO: So how much of an actual transition was there? How much of the game is their game (3D Realms) and how much of the game is your game?

MN: Well, I don’t think we’re adding a whole lot content-wise because after 15 years there is plenty of content. I mean, there’s a lot, a lot of game there. It’s funny that we’re only playing 15 minutes at PAX, that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of this game. But yeah, Gearbox is really good at producing and putting games together and pacing them and making sure all the story works. So I think mainly in that capacity we really came in and fit it all together as a complete game as opposed to a series of vignettes and cool moments.

DO: So was the game almost done at 3Drealms?

MN: Heh, well I dunno. We definitely fit it all together … I don’t have a lot of specifics offhand, but for us it was really an exercise in taking a bunch of awesome stuff and fitting it together into one really cool game.

DO: How much game are we looking at here? 20+ hours?

MN: Oh man, it’s a lot, probably a lot more than games you’ve played lately if that says anything . . . I’m not gonna get into specifics, but it’s longer than most of the games you can pick up on shelves right now.

Read on as we talk about what a thrill it is to be bringing back Duke, and why Gearbox is the right developer to do it.

<<<< GOTO RIPTEN | GOTO PART II >>>>

Gearbox: Making Pigs Fly, Robots Dance, and Why They’re Just Getting Started (III)

Dave Oshry — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:38:09 +0000

DO: How much collaboration has there been between all the companies that have worked on this game? I noticed a few extra names in there during the trailer and in the demo.

MN: Right, we brought in some side companies to help with the production. Because there’s a lot of factors to getting that all put together, and you need a lot of people to make a game this big. I think that’s a lot of the reason the game never came together over all these years, you’ve got all these creative people like Allen Blum, but making a next gen game takes a lot of grunt work. So, we’ve got a lot of people helping out.

DO: Well, who are these other companies? For people who may not know these other companies.

MN: Markus you want to answer that one?

MW: Well the 3DRealms logo is there out of respect. Triptych is a company that was actually formed by 3drealms that was also working on the game that is part of the Gearbox family now, they live on the 10th floor. (In the same building as Gearbox) The only other one is Pirhana, and we’re not talking abut what they do, right now. But they’re … they’re involved.

DO: Very interesting … (I stroke my non-existent beard)

MN: (Laughs)

DO: Very cool, so what are some of the best fan reactions you’ve seen since setting this booth up, after you dropped this bomb on us Friday morning?

MN: Well, you know Wired Magazine has been doing this, “Vaporware of the Year” thing for a long time. And they gave Duke Nukem Forever the award like five times or something, then they finally gave it the lifetime achievement award so they wouldn’t have to do that anymore. So Randy had the guy from Wired in yesterday … and I heard he had tears I his eyes.

DO: Wow …

MN: I mean, I can’t confirm that, but that’s what I heard (Randy later confirmed this to me … sorta) I mean, that’s a lot of life to live with this thing and never have it happen. If you’ve been writing articles about a game for over a decade, then to finally see it, it’s understandable. I’ve seen a lot of people who are just overwhelmed by the whole thing just actually being a reality.

DO: Oh yeah, I mean I literally could not stop fucking grinning the whole godddamn time I was playing the demo (I mimic myself holding a 360 controller while grinning like an idiot)

MN/MW (Laughter)

MW: My favorite moment was Friday at 10:01 am when they opened the gates, and we were just standing here watching people walk by and just stop and do double-takes, and go, “What the fuck … is this for real? Is this a joke?”

DO: Yeah I saw two guys walk by and one guy hits his friend and points at the booth and goes, “Holy shit, what the fuck, does that say Duke Nukem forever!?”

MW: Yeah, so they started to line up not knowing anything, and the first group to go in, we show them the trailer, and then we’re like … “So you wanna play the game maybe?” And they were all like, “Haha yeah right whatever.” And we were like, “No, we’re serious, go next door and fucking play it.” Then they were all like, “What the fuuuuuuuccckkk.” I talked to the first guy who went through and I told him, “Dude, you’re the first person in the world outside of Gearbox and 2K that has played this game” He was almost in shock.

DO: So, When it’s Done is now 2011. It’s definitely 2011? No more pushbacks?

MN: It’s 2011. Gearbox and 2K don’t do the pushback thing, when we say a date, we mean that fuckin’ date.

Read on as we talk about the possibility of Duke getting an AO rating and why Duke Nukem Forever is a true Duke Nukem game

<<<< GOTO PART II | GOTO PART IV >>>>

Gearbox: Making Pigs Fly, Robots Dance, and Why They’re Just Getting Started (V)

Dave Oshry — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:03:46 +0000

DO: Is this the culmination of everything Gearbox has ever aspired to be as a developer?

MN: Well it’s definitely the culmination of Randy Pitchford’s career in some way . . . I hope he can still go up, but this is gonna be tough to top. I plan to just take over the world, so . . .

MW: I think he’ll go down in history as the man who brought Duke Nukem back.

MN: Oh yeah, he will . . . he will

MN: To get back to your question . . . yes and no . . . if you ever talk to Randy about what Gearbox is, as an independent developer you have to make decisions of IPs you own, and IPs you wanna touch, and we love touching other peoples franchises. So, I think that if you look at Borderlands, through all the DLC, and now with Duke Nukem, that encases everything Gearbox wants to be. It’s like here’s this thing that’s ours and here’s this other thing that we want to add something to …

DO: Yeah, if you can make a completely original game like Borderlands, and have it be hugely successful and have DLC that sells extremely well, then also revive an old IP like Duke Nukem and have it turn out just as big, who could ask for more as a developer?

MN: Exactly . . . next is Galaga. :-p

We had to stop here because soon after this interview it was time for the Gearbox Panel. During which, they made some new announcements. We covered them immediately:

Free Borderlands Patch Will Raise Level Cap to 69

Gearbox announces: “We Own Duke Nukem”

One other thing they talked about at the panel that you may not have known … the first two people outside of Gearbox to play Borderlands were George Broussard and Cliffy B. Apparently Cliff then said he was going to add RPG stuff to Gears of War . . . to which Gearbox replied, “Oh no you’re not motherfucker!”

During the panel, Mikey also said … “I got asked an interview question today … could this have happened any other way? . . . and it’s because of this guy right here man.” (points to Randy Pitchford)

At this point Randy starts to tear up and ends up getting a group hug from everyone on the panel.

Mikey then said, “Well, it’s a big fuckin’ deal.”

Mikey later said that it was me who had asked him that question (I didn’t ask it exactly like that, but I was glad to have made an impression anyway)

So, after a great panel, it was time to catch up with Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. We spoke for a bit after the panel and then a bit more as I followed him and Mikey back the convention center.

<<<< GOTO PART IV | GOTO PART VI >>>>

Gearbox: Making Pigs Fly, Robots Dance, and Why They’re Just Getting Started (VI)

Dave Oshry — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:03:17 +0000

DO: I was speaking to Mikey before and I have to know … You will forever be known as the man who brought Duke Nukem back . . . what’s that like?

RP: I don’t know about that. To me, Duke Nukem is Allen Blum . . . I’m just doing the best I can, and I happen to be in a spot where I can help.

DO: But everyone around you says that it’s your passion and desire that brought this game and this franchise back. (Mikey nods)

RP: The reality is though, that it’s a lot of people’s passion, it’s a team effort man. I know I’m the face of Gearbox, so I get put out there, but the reality is, I wouldn’t even have a career if it wasn’t for Allen. So honestly, it feels like it’s undeserved.

DO: Really? I don’t agree. I think you’re gonna have to accept the praise and accept the fact that you made this happen. It’s ok to be the new face of Duke Nukem, it’s ok to carry the torch from 3DRealms. I think you’ve earned it man.

RP: Well, It’s gonna be hard for me to accept it, because I know so many of the guys that made it happen, they’re my friends, I didn’t make this happen alone.

DO: Well touching on that, what’s it like to have everyone’s blessing with this? With everyone saying yes Randy, yes Gearbox, go go go ?

Randy's Back Wall is Literally Made of Win.

RP: I think what’s happening is that people believe in Duke. They kinda need Duke to be triumphant. We happen to be in a spot where we can help . . . but we all kinda want Duke to make it through this and become the sort of triumphant hero. So, to me that feels great that people are behind us so much. But some guys have worked on this thing for over a dozen years . . .

Randy gets cut short as we’re approached by a homeless man begging for change . . . Randy reaches into his wallet and gives him a dollar.

DO: I mean, gamers and journalists are so critical. But when we all found out that you had taken on Duke, nobody said no. Nobody said, “Gearbox!? Ughhhh” What’s it like to have that kind of validation from the gaming community?

RP: Well, I appreciate that. It’s surreal. You just do the best you can. You want to reach people and you want to give them a good time. Honestly, I feel like I’m still getting started, I feel like I’ve still got so much to prove and so much to learn . . . but the support feels good and the support feels needed, and Duke needs the support.

DO: Definitely … so why do you think it is that Duke transcends all other action heroes and all other bad ass motherfuckers in the world?

RP: Haha, I don’t know man.

MN: You always bet on Duke, right?

RP: That’s a hard one to answer, I dunno man, he’s like this crazy action hero that kind of embodies this impossible character that we all wish we could be. I think George (Broussard) has kind of figured it out … He’s this personality that in some weird way we all wish we could be. All the girls love him, all the bad guys fear him, and he’s the savior of the earth, I mean . . . who wouldn’t want to be this guy?

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Duke Nukem Forever is coming when it’s done . . . in 2011. Get ready to Get Some!!

Want to know more or just talk Duke with me!? Email me at Dave@ripten.com

get @DaveOshry on Twitter

<<<< GOTO PART V | GOTO RIPTEN >>>>

L.A. Noire Coming First Half of 2011

Dylan Duarte — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:14:22 +0000

While it comes as no surprise to many, Take Two announced today that Rockstar’s upcoming action title L.A. Noire has in fact been delayed until next year.

L.A. Noire is now looking at a release date somewhere in the first half of 2011. That’s a whole lot of release dates, so hopefully we’ll get something more concrete soon. After blowing through Mafia II, I’m itching to take my 1940s-era action to the west coast. In the game, players will experience “an open-ended challenge to solve a series of murders.”

Boy, I hope there are dames involved. Saucy dames.

UNICO Calls Mafia II “racist nonsense,” Take-Two Responds

Dylan Duarte — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:48:39 +0000

UNICO National, the largest Italian American service organization in the USA, has lashed out at the upcoming Mafia II, calling it “a pile of racist nonsense” and asked that the game be not be released. Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick has responded.

UNICO claims that Mafia furthers the stereotype of, “organized crime being the exclusive domain of Italians and Italian-Americans.”

Zelnick, despite being told to “fuggedaboutit,” (just kidding, I made that part up), responded by saying that steps were taken to avoid stereotyping and that he’s fully behind the game.

“Mafia II tells a compelling story about organized crime in America – a subject that for decades has been featured in movies, television shows and novels.”

UNICO president Andre DiMino originally said:

“Why would [Take-Two] foist a game on their targeted audience of young people wherein they will indoctrinate a new generation into directly associating Italians and Italian-Americans with violent, murderous organized crime, to the exclusion of all of the other ‘mafias’ run by other ethnic and racial groups?.”

He then demanded that they delay the game to remove all references to Italians.

Racism and stereotyping of any kind is disgusting, but is that really what Take-Two is doing? Of course organized crime is not exclusive to Italians, but nobody can deny the effect the Italian Mafia has had. And like Zelnick himself said, it’s a subject that’s been covered for decades, and there’s a reason for that: it’s incredibly fascinating.

And I find it funny that DiMino thinks Mafia 2 is the thing that will “indoctrinate a new generation into directly associating Italians and Italian-Americans with violent, murderous organized crime,” when, after almost 40 years, The Godfather is still one of the most popular films of all time. The concept of the all-powerful La Cosa Nostra isn’t going away anytime soon, if ever.

And on top of all of this, Mafia II convincingly recreates the post-World War II world and nothing about the game feels remotely modern. If gamers were to somehow take away negative ideas about Italians, they would only be applicable if they were transported sixty years into the past. We’ll deal with time-traveling racism when it happens.

In fact, on a recent conference call with the developers of Mafia II (which Ripten was in on) 2k stated this in reply to a question about the future of the Mafia franchise:

“The Mafia has been around for hundreds of years and has become this sort of generalized term for organized crime, It doesn’t have to be the Italian mafia, we’ve all heard of the Russian Mafia or the Yakuza … so the franchise could go anywhere or do anything, really.”

2k didn’t set out to make a game about Italian stereotypes, they set out to make a game about an authentic time and place in American history, do you think if they made a game about the Russian mafia that similar organizations would be as upset? Have we seen any public outcry over the Yakuza franchise?

I fully support organizations like UNICO, I just think they’re making something out of nothing. They should save whatever energy they’re expending over Mafia II and direct it towards Jersey Shore.

Is Duke Nukem Forever Back In Production?

Brandon Fenty — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:29:42 +0000

Duke Nukem forever is now a legendary title, mostly because it has been worked on since 1997 but never released. Hopes of the game ever surfacing were crushed when 3D Realms, the developer of Duke Nukem 3D, was disbanded last year. However, all hope may not be lost.

According to Kotaku, the title is now in the hands of Borderlands developer Gearbox. This is great news for anyone holding out for the Duke’s return: an amazing studio that’s made several bestselling games, and a rumored demo to be released late this year? Almost sounds too good to be true. However, there’s a lot of evidence pointing to this happening.

First, Take-Two Interactive still retains publishing rights for the title, however a company spokesperson declined to comment about the status of the project and whether it is in the works at Gearbox. Mikey Neumann, the Creative Director at Gearbox, even tweeted this morning: “Preemptive: no comment”. As a matter of fact, it seems that no one wants to say anything about it. The most information came from Gearbox Software President Randy Pitchford, who indicated that he might be able to clarify the situation at this year’s Penny Arcade Expo. The complete lack of comments all around seems in itself to be evidence, doesn’t it?

On top of that, a tweet from Jon St. John, the voice of Duke Nukem, implied he’s been working on a project called DotA with Valve Software:

Had a great time in Seattle last week recording for DotA. The guys at Valve Softwareare awesome! Going to PAX? Might see you there – Sept3-5

That tweet is referring to Defense of the Ancients, but could the Duke be hinting at something else for PAX? Take Two and Valve have a history together, so we might even be seeing a Steam release. At any rate, the Duke is hinting at a big reveal at PAX, Gearbox President is talking about an announcement at PAX, and anonymous sources are claiming that Duke Nukem Forever is alive and well. Of course, all of this is just speculation really, but you can bet we’ll be watching PAX extra closely this year.

More Borderlands DLC On the Horizon?

Bryce Wilson — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:50:40 +0000

After the launch of Borderlands and the first two pieces of downloadable content were released, Gearbox Software launched a marketing campaign via Twitter to promote the third piece of downloadable content titled; “The Armory of General Knoxx”.

Well after the launch of the content the Twitter account went into a slumber and wasn’t updated anymore, up until today. For the first time in almost four months General Knoxx tweeted;

“tap. tap. is this on? had to turn my tweetergramming machine back on. just got some new orders. (sent from the future.)”

This is merely speculation at the moment, but it follows Ben Feder announcing during Take Two’s March fiscal reports that he’d like to continue supporting the game with more downloadable content. If the Twitter account fires off anything worth posting we will keep you informed.

Four lots of Red Dead Redemption DLC Announced – Information Inside

Bryce Wilson — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:29:52 +0000

For those of you who’ve managed to explore all of the huge free-roam world in Read Dead Redemption, no doubt you’re clamouring for more of the Wild West and all it has to offer. Rockstar has answered your call, and they plan on releasing four lots of unique downloadable content starting at the beginning of August 2010. Curious? Well so am I, so sit down and read the information that follows;

Legends and Killers Pack

Set for release at the beginning of August 2010, The Legends and Killers pack will give players the world over access to nine new multiplayer areas, which more than doubles the amount of territories in each competitive game mode. There is a new Tomahawk, a throwing axe of sorts that will have its own challenges and trials. There is also eight brand new characters from Red Dead Revolver, and alongside this is new achievements for the Xbox 360 and new Trophies for the Playstation 3. It will set you back $10 USD or 800 MSP on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Liars and Cheats Pack

With no rough release date, the Liars and Cheats pack is set to include a new “Attack and Defend” gametype, as well as new horse races and mounted combat races. Once again players have access to eight new characters, this time from the main story line of Red Dead Redemption. Rockstar is also including a new version of Liars Dice and Poker, and a new rifle titled the “Explosive Rifle” will make its way onto the scene. All of this can be yours for $10 USD on PSN and 800 MSP on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Free Roam Pack

Once again, no rough release date, but players can look forward to new and additional free roam challenges, as well as new gang hideouts and defensive emplacements. Also, and about damn time, Rockstar is introducing new anti-griefing elements to stop arsehole posses camping your body until you rage quit and smash your house Hulk style. There is no confirmed price for this DLC.

Undead Nightmare Pack

No confirmed release date, the Undead Nightmare Pack gives players access to a brand new single player campaign in which ghost towns and cemetaries come to life and attack the player. To accompany the single player add-ons, players will also get access to eight new Zombie skins for multiplayer, and new animals will also be roaming the wilds. This DLC will set you back $10 USD on PSN or 800MSP on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Anything take your fancy? Sound off in the comments below.

Take-Two Interactive Wants One New IP Every Year

Dylan Duarte — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:02:55 +0000

Despite being constantly hammered about the next installment of Grand Theft Auto, Take-Two’s Alan Lewis says that the company has several important franchises and wants a new one each year.

“Every year we’re going to try to introduce at least one new IP that we hope over the long term will work well for us.”

They did just that with Red Dead Revolver, which was released in 2004 to mixed reviews, but paved the way for 2010′s smash hit Red Dead Redemption. And Mafia II, the sequel to the 2002 hit, looks like it could be one of the best games of the year when it hits in August.

And then throw in BioShock, Max Payne, Civilization, and Midnight Club, among others, and yeah, you have quite a bit of hit franchises, which obviously isn’t stopping Take-Two from creating more. And while all these new franchises will just lead to more and more sequels flooding the market, as long as they keep up their “one new IP per year” mission, I’ll be pretty happy with them.

(Gamasutra)

2K Boston Reverts to Irrational Games Name, Patriots Inevitable Fourth Super Bowl Win Incoming

Chad Lakkis — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 07:28:42 +0000

Two years before I moved to Boston in 1999, a quaint little studio called Irrational Games was formed by three former members of Looking Glass. Irrational plugged away winning awards while their NFL counterpart, the New England Patriots, racked up Lombardi trophies. All was well in Bean Town until a 2K Games acquisition rebranded the prospering studio “2K Boston” prior to the launch of their new IP BioShock in 2006. Though the studio continued its success over the next four years, Brady and the boys (currently in the NFL Playoffs) didn’t. Realizing the obvious connection between the two events, 2K Boston put the hopes and dreams of New England fans squarely on their shoulders and announced the resurrection of their Irrational Games name in an interview with Game Informer.

The news couldn’t have come at a better time for three time Super Bowl winning team, as they play their first playoff game tomorrow at 1PM EST. In the mean time, you’re going to want to add irrationalgames.com to your favorites. The site is currently nothing more than a timer counting down to a point in time two days from this post. [Spoiler] Upon completion, the page will reveal a giant photo of Tom Brady in the nude.[/Spoiler]

You can read the full Irrational Games interview (containing genuine information such as the real reason behind the studio name change) in the February issue of Game Informer.