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Piracy discourages future PixelJunk PSP port plans

by James Ransom-Wiley { Oct 19th 2009 at 9:00PM }

Q-Games president Dylan Cuthbert has suggested that rampant piracy of his studio's optimized PSP port, PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe (PJMD), has deterred its plans for further PSP development. "I don't think we'll port anything else to the PSP, we have to see how PJMD does as there's a *lot* of piracy," Cuthbert tweeted over the weekend. Perhaps constrained by character limitations or simply caught up in another Uncharted 2 sesh, Cuthbert did not cite piracy estimates -- nor sales figures, for that matter. He did, however, confirm a demo is in the works; "but I don't think it makes any difference to piracy," Cuthbert lamented.

Cuthbert added in a follow-up tweet, "because Monsters is such a good fit it is being pirated I think," and then he responded to a suggestion to incorporate anti-piracy measures into the game code with: "unfortunately the pirates could just hack those kinds of things out." While the PSP Go has yet to be fully unlocked by would-be pirates and download-only PSN titles seem to be well protected from piracy, PJMD is available on UMD (in Japan and the greater Asia region), which has no doubt lead to the distribution of pirated versions of the game.

While it's somewhat naive of Q-Games to not have anticipated a piracy issue, it's no less disheartening. The PSP has long suffered from a lack of consistent third-party support because of a history of sales losses due to piracy. Q-Games is just the latest developer hesitant to commit further resources to supporting the PSP platform, and without the release of an impossibility firm firmware, it won't be the last.

Update: Cuthbert reemphasizes that PJMD sales will be the key determining factor that drives Q-Games' future in PSP development. Cuthbert's studio has not definitely dropped PSP development, but ostensibly low sales over the first three weeks of PJMD availability have Q-Games in some doubt about pursuing further PSP projects. Of course, a sales spike could certainly change that attitude.

[Via Examiner; thanks, Marcus N.]

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe gets DIY compatibility fix

by Xav de Matos { Oct 17th 2009 at 5:00PM }

Recent connection issues have marred European PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe owners from participating in rousing online games against North American and Asian players. Thankfully, the PlayStation Blog has released a two-part DIY guide to help fix the PSP game's issues. The process is simple:

Delete your game through the PSP Home Menu (select Game>Memory Stick>press the triangle button with PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe highlighted and select Delete).
Connect to PlayStation Store > Select View Downloads and re-download PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe from the Download List.

Users will still retain their previous progress and now (hopefully) be completely problem free in their quest for online Deluxe dominance.

Gallery: PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe invading PSP this week

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 28th 2009 at 1:44PM }

Q-Games' adorable tower defense title PixelJunk Monsters is getting a wee bit smaller this week with the release of its somewhat ironically named, PSP-sized adaptation, PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe. Though technically tinier in stature, the game offers all the strategic defending of the PS3 version of the title, while adding a new island, new monsters and even a few new towers into the mix. The game also gets a few multiplayer options, including a local four-player cooperative mode and an eight-player online competitive mode.

We've yet to confirm a price for the title, which will presumably appear in this week's PSN Thursday update, but we've contacted Q-Games to try to find out ahead of time.

Gallery: PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe

Cuthbert says PixelJunk Shooter coming to Japan in December

by Justin McElroy { Sep 21st 2009 at 1:50PM }

This may come as a surprise to many of you, but Twitter is actually good for something other than the distribution of DLC codes and pictures starlets take of themselves in bikinis. Every once in a great while, it's good for a tiny sliver of news, such as when Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert tweets that the company's next title, Pixeljunk Shooter, is slated to arrive in Japan this December.

Cuthbert then tweeted a picture of himself in a bikini. Yeah, it got weird.

Q-Games: Dynamic themes won't make money on PS3

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 8th 2009 at 7:00PM }

One of the cooler features of firmware 3.00 is the ability to load dynamic themes onto the PS3. Unlike traditional wallpapers, these custom XMB downloads feature animated backgrounds that respond dynamically to the time of day, analog stick movement and SIXAXIS tilt. While these backgrounds are cool, they're also quite expensive. So far, each theme has cost $2.99.

Yet, in spite of the high price, Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert explains that developers are unlikely to recoup the cost of making a dynamic theme. "Remember that we'll be lucky to sell even a few thousand themes and so the cost of developing the theme (3-4 weeks of coder/artist time, checking, testing etc) will still far exceed any money we make from it," he explained.

We have a solution for Cuthbert, though. Drop the price, and we're certain far more people would be willing to download a dynamic theme as an impulse buy.

[Via Gamasutra]

Hands-on: PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe (PSP)

by Andrew Yoon { Jun 4th 2009 at 7:30AM }

PixelJunk Monsters is certainly not the first tower defense game, but it's the game that popularized the genre on consoles. When it debuted on PlayStation Network last year, it became an instant hit. The game was easy to understand, but deceptively challenging, encouraging players to master each level to get that all-elusive rainbow.

The original PS3 game actually was playable on the PSP via Remote Play. However, Q Games is now making a proper PSP version that's optimized for the small screen. For example, the camera is now zoomed in closer to the character. While this means less of the map can be seen at once, it makes seeing the towers and choosing the right ones much easier. It may take some time for PixelJunk vets to get used to, especially when the screen scrolls trying to follow you.

The amount of content being offered in Deluxe is almost absurd, making it the most complete version of Monsters to date. Not only does the PSP game feature allt he content of the original PixelJunk Monsters, it also adds the Encore island and a brand new island exclusive to PSP. Ten new stages are added, in addition to new enemy types and towers.

Gallery: PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe

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PixelJunk's shooter officially named 'PixelJunk Shooter'

by Xav de Matos { May 25th 2009 at 5:00PM }

After opening up naming duties to fans, the next PixelJunk game (formerly PixelJunk 1-4) has officially been named PixelJunk Shooter. According to the PlayStation Blog announcement, 10,000 suggestions were submitted for the contest, which was ultimately won by Canadian Mario Paquet. For (somehow) dreaming up the name, Paquet will be included in the game's credits and receive a t-shirt with the game's logo.

After selecting the official name, runner-up winners were selected by the scientific method of placing various names into a hat. Runner-up winners (and future t-shirt recipients) included PixelJunk Depths, S.O.S!, Blaster, Caves and Atlantis.

According to Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert, one of the most popular suggestions for the game was PixelJunk Elements, but the name failed to capture the "shooting side of the game well enough." We don't think the name they ultimately selected will pose the same issue.

Gallery: PixelJunk 1-4

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe coming to PSP this Fall

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 29th 2009 at 12:45PM }

PixelJunk Monsters is coming to PSP and, as promised, features a ton of new content not found in the PS3 version. The handheld version of the tower defense game will include all the content of PixelJunk Monsters, Encore, and a bit more. Deluxe will add a new island with ten new stages, new enemies and new music tracks. Two new towers will be introduced into the game, which players can utilize in the classic stages and Q-Games will also challenge the PJM hardcore with a brand new boss as well.

Although PSP isn't getting Trophy support yet, Monsters Deluxe will feature a "Medal Challenge" mode that replicates the achievement system used on the console. In addition, unlocking Medals will give players access to unlockables, such as videos, artwork and more.

Finally, PixelJunk Monsters wouldn't be complete without a co-op mode. You'll be able to go online in both Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure modes. Nice!

Gallery: PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe

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Joystiq hands-on: PixelJunk 1-4

by Randy Nelson { Apr 29th 2009 at 12:15PM }

click to enlarge

Right about now you're probably thinking, "Cool, a compilation of the first four PixelJunk games!" followed by, "Wait a second ... there have only been three PixelJunk games." This is true. As you can no doubt tell from the above screenshot, PixelJunk 1-4 is an entirely new downloadable PS3 title from Kyoto-based Q-Games. It just doesn't have a final name yet.

We can think of some adjectives to describe this summer release based on our first hands-on. "Fun" comes to mind, as does "simple." Two staples of the PixelJunk franchise, when you think about it. Oh, and "really cool fluid dynamics." Wassat? Let us explain after the break.

Gallery: PixelJunk 1-4

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Only you can name PixelJunk 1-4

by Jem Alexander { Apr 29th 2009 at 8:00AM }

The next game in the PixelJunk series is looking to potentially be the best yet, though it is lacking something. A name. Since it was announced, the game has been referred to simply as PixelJunk 1-4 -- the fourth game in the first series. The assumption was that the name was such a giveaway to the game's style and / or gameplay that it was being kept under wraps. Now it turns out that Q-Games just hasn't decided on one yet. In fact, they're leaving it up to you.

Check out the official naming contest website for some inspiration in the form of not only full screenshots of the game, but also a video of it in action (also seen above). You have until May 11 to submit your name idea on the website and the winner will not only have the satisfaction of knowing that they named the game, but they will also be featured in the game's credits and, along with five runners up, receive a PixelJunk _____ t-shirt.

Judging by the previous PixelJunk titles, the name will need to be short and snappy, yet encapsulate the style of the game. Not an easy job. Be sure to check back here at noon EST for even more inspiration in the form of our hands-on impressions of the game. Good luck to all who enter!

PixelJunk 1-4 revealed via Facebook fan page

by Griffin McElroy { Apr 22nd 2009 at 2:28PM }

We're approaching the end of what could ostensibly be called "Early 2009," the tentative launch window for the fourth installment in Q-Games' aesthetically pleasing PixelJunk series, and details about said installment are slim. However, we were recently enlightened to the identity of the upcoming title -- albeit from an unconventional source. A recently added Facebook fan page allows you to throw your digital endorsement behind PixelJunk 1-4, which has yet to receive a catchier title.

The page includes a link to an event titled "PixelJunk 1-4 sells one million units at launch," as well as a few hilariously tiny pieces of artwork from the title, which Q-Games president Dylan Cuthbert promises to release more of as the group's membership grows. No details about the gameplay, release date or explanations of the curious moniker are included on the fan page, but now that the Pixel-ated cat's out of the bag, we expect to hear more soon.

[Via That VideoGame Blog]

[Image]

PixelJunk Eden Encore coming this week [Update]

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 13th 2009 at 10:40AM }

Update: A new trailer has been released! Check it out after the break.

The Encore expansion pack to PixelJunk Eden is coming this week. The upcoming DLC will add 5 new stages to the game, new Trophies, and will cost $5.99. According to the official site, this is a worldwide release, so everyone will be able to enjoy the game at the same time.

Gallery: PixelJunk Eden Encore

[Thanks, iddy!]

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PixelJunk Eden Encore adds 11 new Trophies

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 6th 2009 at 10:30AM }

The upcoming Encore expansion to PixelJunk Eden looks to be quite massive ... and quite fun. The Trophy list has been updated for the upcoming add-on, and the 11 new Trophies reveal some new details about the devilish new levels being added to the game. One Trophy requires a death-defying jump to get two Spectra in one go, while another asks players to open ten seeds without ever touching a plant. Ouch! We can't wait to see the new content later this month.

See the additional Trophies after the break.

[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]

Continued →

Q Games: No interest in more StarFox, Miyamoto doesn't listen to the 'core'

by Randy Nelson { Apr 4th 2009 at 5:00PM }

Q Games president Dylan Cuthbert tells G4 he's done with the StarFox franchise for now. Cuthbert lead development of the original SNES game as its unreleased sequel, and his company created StarFox Command for DS. It won't likely be involved in any eventual Wii installment in the franchise.

Cuthbert says he might be up for another StarFox "maybe in another 10 years," saying that a Wii version would "be a big project, like 100 people on the staff. It's just not something we really want to do. I'm sure someone will make it. Maybe [Nintendo] will go back to Namco." Remember StarFox: Assault? We try not to.

In a slight jab at Shigeru Miyamoto, Cuthbert told G4 that the legendary designer probably won't listen to "core" gamers' wants for a new StarFox, saying, "Miyamoto doesn't really care about that. He wants to make what he wants to make, so he just goes ahead and gets it done." Was that a snap we just heard?

Go behind the scenes at Q-Games' Kyoto office

by Majed Athab { Mar 26th 2009 at 10:30PM }

You might not have the free time to make a trip to Japan and visit the PixelJunk overlords at Q-Games' Kyoto office, but you can do the next best thing: take a guided video tour with Dylan Cuthbert. In the video posted after the break, Q-Games president Dylan Cuthbert shows us all around the dev studio, meeting the people behind the games and explaining why they all work barefoot (or in slippers -- they have a choice!).

With that in mind, Q-Games seems to have a rather quiet and relaxing work atmosphere. It could use a little spice, though, say, giant PixelJunk Monster statues at the entrance or Eden flower pots by the windows. Maybe they'll have those installed before the next tour.

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