Tag Archive

Ubisoft Files New Beyond Good & Evil Trademark

Posted on April 2, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

Ubisoft has filed for a brand new trademark that would cover the oft thought abandoned Beyond Good & Evil franchise. This new trademark would cover game software, clothing, online components to game software and interestingly paper products. While I doubt we could be seeing a BG&E pen & paper RPG, perhaps this new filing lends some credibility to the rumor from earlier in the year that Beyond Good & Evil 2 would be revealed as a Nintendo NX exclusive at this year’s E3.

Trademark

The original reveal for BG&E 2 took play at Ubisoft’s Udays conference almost 8 years ago. After Michel Ancel reportedly left Ubisoft in 2010, this coincided with a confirmed gameplay leak that featured protagonist Jade running through an urban environment. Bringing things more closer to the present, it was reported last year that game was being play tested at Ubisoft’s Montpellier studio and whatever game Montpellier is working on, it has been confirmed to be targeted for current generation hardware (PS4, Xbox One, PC like specs).

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What do you think of this latest filing? Could BG&E 2 be on the way? Whatever happens, Broken Joysticks will have folks on the ground at E3 2016.

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The Division first expansion detailed

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Fionna Schweit

It seems like just yesterday that we reviewed The Division, (actually its today go read our review), but already Ubisoft have announced a massive free update to arrive in the later part of April. The update will include among other things: Trading in the darkzone, the first “raid” or incursion, a host of new hi end gear, and a new set of daily and weekly challenge missions.

lets talk about that incursion first, Called Falcon Lost, It will be level gated to only people with a gear level of 31 or higher. There will be matchmaking, so players who usually run solo will still be able to cover this mission. The whole mission will be a no-respawn zone, meaning that if your team dies, its the end my friend. The missions are designed to challenge the best players in the game, and if they are anything like Destinys raid content, it may be some time before a single team is even able to beat them. Falcon Lost will feature the Last Man Battalion, and will take place in the sewers of the already existing map. I for one am looking forward to dieing hundreds of times trying to complete this mission in search of good loot!

The-Division-1

The Raid is by far the thing that most people are looking forward to, but the April 12th update is also going to bring some quality of life changes that are long overdue. Trading will now be permitted among groups, so now when you get that sweet sweet gold in the Dark Zone, if you already have something better you can trade it to your buddy. Daily and weekly challenges are also getting a buff, with  more being added. This is a good move for players like me who still find that they are not geared for the challenge mission but can easily sweep through the dailies in 5-10 minutes.

This update drops April the 12th and is free to all players who own the game. Hopefully this will keep us all entertained until we get the first paid subway expansion. its good to see Ubisoft supporting their users with free content before their first major update and I can only hope that it is a trend that continues.

How are you doing on your Agent in the Division? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter

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The Division Has The Potential To Get Quite Repetitive

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

The Division

Yesterday saw the launch of one of the most anticipated new gaming IPs in some time, Tom Clancy’s The Division. Like many other eager players I set aside time in my schedule to try out the full version of the game after putting several hours into the two betas that Ubisoft held earlier in the year and I was psyched to see what the full version had to offer. I woke up yesterday morning at 4 AM and after a few false starts I’ve logged just over 4 hours in the game as of the writing of this post.Read More

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The Division’s Graffiti Enters The Real World For A Limited Time

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

The Division

Monorex, the team who designed all of the in-game graffiti that is on display throughout the streets of an infected New York City, have brought some of their designs into the real world for a limited time. The Shoreditch Art Wall in London England will play host to real world versions of several art assets from the game for the next five days to celebrate the launch of Tom Clancy’s The Division on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC.

To help further connect this art display with the game the crew at Monorex will be adding a layer of bank notes onto the Shoreditch Art Wall to draw parallels to the fictional plague spread through $1 USD banknotes  that wreaks havoc on Black Friday in The Division’s campaign.  Passersby who pluck banknotes from the Art Wall will have the chance to win copies of Tom Clancy’s The Division or even Xbox One consoles.

Regarding the artwork Project Lead on the Shoreditch Art Wall promotion, Holly Cooper, had this to say:

“First and foremost, we wanted this to be a piece of art. New York is such a familiar place; it’s this huge, shining example of a city at the height of civilisation.  That’s what makes the setting of the game in a mid-crisis Manhattan so compelling and believable”

Alongside the announcement of the Shoreditch Art Wall promotion in London Ubisoft’s YouTube Channel also posted a brief video so that all of us can see the excellent artwork on display.

[youtube id=”66zm-RjF6ls”]

Source: Ubisoft Press Release

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The Division’s Post Launch Content Revealed

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

Ubisoft has announced that three paid expansions will be coming to Tom Clancy’s The Division after the game launches. The first titled “underground” will hit the June followed by “survival” which is due out in the summer and finally “Last Stand” will come out before the end of the year on all platforms. Each of these expansions, at least based upon the descriptions provided, will differ greatly. Survival seems to have players defending themselves against waves of enemies while underground will have agents exploring the New York City subways.

Here is how Ubisoft’s press release described each add-on:

Expansion I: Underground
Available in June, this first major expansion lets players explore the uncharted underworld of New York City. Players will chase deadly enemies with up to three other Agents through an endless maze of tunnels and subways.

Expansion II: Survival
Available this summer, this expansion will challenge players to survive as long as possible by gathering essential supplies in a very hostile environment.

Expansion III: Last Stand
Next winter, a new threat rises as players and their squad must prepare to defend against a relentless foe.

Not all of the post release content will be paid, however. Ubisoft will also release at least 2 major updates to the game that will add end-game content, new features to the Dark Zone and a brand new item trading system.

Here is a more in-depth description of the Incursion and Conflict free updates:

Incursions: In April, the first free update will introduce the first incursion, a new challenging end-game activity developed specifically for squad play. Teams will be able to test their skills as they face seemingly unstoppable enemies to gain high-level weapons and equipment. This update will also add one of the community’s most-wanted feature, loot trading; allowing players in the same group to trade loot collected during a co-op game session.

Conflict: In May, the second free update will add new features to the Dark Zone and add a new incursion in the iconic Columbus Circle.

Tom Clancy’s The Division will be out next Tuesday, March 8th, for Xbox One, Windows PC and PlayStation 4.

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The division will not have microtransactions says natchai stappers

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Fionna Schweit

The Division

Ubisofts upcoming open world RPG shooter The Division is as good a candidate for monetization as the studio has ever had. Gun skins, personalized gear, and titles are all common purchases in MMO’s and Ubisoft could probably have gotten away with putting them in The Division. So you can imagine my suprise when I woke up to this tweet from Ubisoft community manager Natchai Stappers.

https://twitter.com/natchai_/status/703229905409073152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The internet has commented that the fact that he said there is no pay to win as being odd since if there are no microtransactions, then how would you pay? My self I will wait for the release in just one week to judge. We do know that Ubisoft have said before there will be no paid content in the form of microtransactions. Ubisoft told Eurogamer in January that “there will be no microtransactions at all. Not even for vanity items. Vanity items will be sold as DLC, through the regular first-party stores.”

So now we wait. The Division releases to much fanfare after two beta tests on next Tuesday March 8th. Until then I am sure the internet will erupt in flames each time anything even close to details comes out about this game because they are so excited for its release.

Will you be getting the Division? Tell us on twitter @brokenjoysticks, and be sure to follow us for all your gaming news and reviews!

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Ubisoft asks Canada to help with hostile take over by Vivendi

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Fionna Schweit

Over the weekend news surfaced that Vivendi, seemed to be attempting a take over by stock purchase (hostile take over) of Publisher Ubisoft. Now in response Ubisoft is seeking financial backing from the governments of Canada and Quebec, as well as increased investment from Canadian shareholders, as it moves to prevent that take over. While such take overs are common place for Vivendi, Ubisoft hops to be able to prevent themselves from becoming another acquisition in their portfolio.

Vivendi is already a 15% stake holder in Ubisoft, and they have quite the history of takeovers. Recently they have added Gameloft to their portfolio, and after I suppose that makes sense since Ubisoft co-founder Michel Guillemot also founded Gameloft. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot wants to “increase the number of Canadian shareholders in Ubisoft to have better control over the capital.”

So what does that mean? that little quote there, from the CEO is more than just a common please for help. Its a plea to the people of Canada (where must of Ubisoft is based) to help the studio that currently calls it home. Currently, Ubisoft has two major studios in Canada, one in Montreal and  one in Toronto, and smaller operations in Quebec City and Halifax. These offices  which collectively employ more than 3000 people might be at risk if the company was taken over. It’s unlikely that VIvendi would shut them down outright, but Guillemot said Ubisoft’s independence gives it “decision-making and operational agility, as well as the ability to make deals with any companies it wants.”  If Vivendi took over operations Ubisoft might lose those abilities.

Now dont get your pitchforks just yet, Ubisoft is already a publicly held company, it already has to deal with lots of restrictions that make it less agile than say a start up indie studio. It is also worth looking at the way the Vivendi does  business. They held for some time a 61% stake in Activision Blizzard, but recently divested them selves of that stake.  In case you dont follow the markets Activision Blizzard, Inc. (ATVI) is currently trading down, and has been for most of the the Vivendi tenure. Yet they still exist and havent been shedding jobs left and right. So perhaps this isint doom and gloom for Ubisoft? Either way, even if they were acquired with Vivendi’s track record its unlikely that most stock traders would bite, since they dont have a great record for Activision Blizzard.

The coming weeks will show us who ends up winning. Keep your eyes on that ticker, if it goes up and hte  buy volume goes up, it could be happening. Oh and dont forget to show your support for all game developers by buying their games, so the industry can avoid outside influence as much as possible.

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Far Cry Primal gets new five minute trailer

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Fionna Schweit

Ubisoft has released a new trailer for Far Cry Primal, containing all you need to know about Far Cry Primal’s weapons, powerful Beast Master abilities, and vicious human foes. The five-minute trailer features an overview of who the player character is, weapons, and the basics of the story.

You will play Takkar the Beastmaster, armed with an array of weapons; spears, clubs, and bows create the foundation of your toolkit of death. Rare materials allow for crafting even more advanced weapons, slings, and traps.

Takkar also has the ability to tame and command wild beasts. Players will start with an Owl companion and be able to find and use other animals, like bears, wild cats, and badgers. Some animals can even be ridden.

Conquer other tribes will be a core mechanic of the game, the trailer features three factions, each with its own behaviors, weapons, fighting style, and story. Survival in the wilderness will be dependent on using the resources of the world around you to rebuild your village and conquer the neighboring tribes.

The trailer also features a look at the games night, which the voice-over announcer tells us “poses many new dangers, as there is nothing more terrifying than being hunted in the dark” Far Cry Primal hits stores February 23, 2016. Hit the jump for the full trailer

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Check Out 15 Minutes of Gameplay From The Division’s Singleplayer Campaign

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

The closed beta for Tom Clancy’s The Division was so enjoyable that I thought it was more polished and better constructed than the first year of Destiny. Although the beta might be a week behind us we haven’t forgotten what a great experience it was.

I captured over 90 minutes of footage while playing and due to some intermittent internet issues wasn’t able to upload them until today. Below you’ll find 15 minutes of gameplay from the closed beta’s only story mission – the rescue of a very important doctor from the Madison Garden field hospital.

Look forward to more Tom Clancy’s The Division coverage as the game’s March release date draws near.  For those wondering this footage was captured at 720P with high settings and a 30 FPS lock on the final video for consistency’s sake.

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The Division Does A Lot of Things Right That Destiny Year One Got Wrong

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

The Division

Over the weekend, I got a chance to take part in Tom Clancy’s The Division closed beta on PC with some staff members. The three of us were lucky enough to get into to Ubisoft’s massive stress test and I’m happy to report that not only was Ubisoft’s test apparently a success but my brief few hours with The Division showed that the game has a lot of promise in areas that recent releases like Bungie’s Destiny failed to deliver upon.Read More

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Rainbow Six: Siege Operation Black Ice Released With New Trailer

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

Rainbow Six: Siege

Ubisoft have released a brand new in-game trailer to celebrate the release of Operation Black Ice, the first major expansion to last December’s Rainbow Six: Siege. Along with the new trailer they also updated their official site to outline all of the content that is about to go live in Operation Black Ice.

Here is just a brief rundown of some of the additions:

  • Brand new map that takes place in Artic Canada – Yacht
  • Two new operators from the JTF2 (Joint Task Force) – Buck and Frost
  • Spectator mode available on game modes.
  • New Weapon Skins
  • Various balance changes to existing content

It is pretty cool to see Canadian special forces represented in the game, complete with our own map! Trust me – even if parts of our country get really cold in the winter, our whole country isn’t some tundra arctic wasteland. Watch the video in the embedded player below or head on over to the official Operation Black Ice website for a list of all the changes.

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Square Enix & Ubisoft Games On Sale On PSN This Week

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

Square Enix

Square Enix and Ubisoft games headline the weekly sales available for all PSN members this week. In this latest weekly sale many games from the Final Fantasy and Far Cry series are available at a reduced price, and even more if you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription. If you missed out on the Final Fantasy XIII sequels, both are available for $15.00 USD a piece. Also if you haven’t tried Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn on PlayStation it is also available and includes 30 days game time with the software license!  Other awesome deals include a whole pile of PS1 classic FF titles from the 90s including FFVIII and FFIX.

All prices in USD, not reflective of the PS Plus discount and sales are only available in North America as far as I am aware.

PS1 Classics On Sale

  • Final Fantasy 8 – $5.00 USD
  • Final Fantasy 9 – $5.00 USD
  • Final Fantasy V – $5.00 USD
  • Final Fantasy Origins – $5.00 USD
  • Legend of Manna – $3.00 USD
  • Parasite Eve II – $5.00 USD
  • Final Fantasy VII – $5.00 USD
  • Vagrant Story – $5.00 USD

PS4 Games On Sale

  • FFXIV: A Realm Reborn (Includes 30 Day Game Time)
  • Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition – $10.00 USD
  • Tomb Raider Definitive Edition – $7.50 USD
  • Murdered Soul Suspect – $7.50 USD
  • Far Cry 4 – $19.80 USD

PS3 Games On Sale

  • Crystal Defenders – $5.00 USD
  • Space Invaders Infinity – $5.00 USD
  • Final Fantasy XIII Lightening Returns – $15.00 USD
  • Final Fantasy XIII-2
  • Far Cry 4 – $19.80 USD
  • Fary Cry Classic – $2.50 USD
  • Far Cry Blood Dragon $3.75 USD
  • Far Cry 3 – $10.00 USD
  • Far Cry 2 Ultimate $5.25 USD

PS Vita Games On Sale

  • Final Fantasy War of the Lions – $5.00 USD
  • Final Fantasy IV Complete – $10.00 USD
  • Final Fantasy III – $10.00 USD
  • Third Birthday (Parasite Eve) – $10.00 USD
  • Dissidia 012 Duodecim – $10.00 USD
  • Final Fantasy X/X2 HD Bundle – $15 USD

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Ubisoft Launches Viral Ad Campaign “Cash Contagion” For The Division

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

The Division

First spotted on the Ubisoft YouTube channel, the publisher has launched what appears to be an attempt at a viral marketing campaign for the upcoming Tom Clancy’s The Division.

If you live in Europe you can take a photograph of a British Pound of EURO bank note and input the serial number into the Cash Contagion website to supposedly see how far the bill has traveled around the world and the amount of bacteria present in the banknote.

In Tom Clancy’s The Division a contagion has spread throughout the United States of America that has caused the collapse of all vital services within the span of 5 days. As part of the Strategic Homeland Division (or the division) players must help stop the effects of the contagion and maintain order within society.

What do you think of this attempt at an (almost literal) viral marketing campaign? Currently the site only supports European currencies so we couldn’t try it out for ourselves.

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Rainbow Six Siege Launch Trailer Is GO GO GO

Posted on November 28, 2015 by Rae Michelle Richards

Rainbow Six Siege

Ubisoft has given the GO command on both the Rainbow Six Siege open beta and the game’s launch trailer.  Titled ‘the breach’ this brand new one minute trailer – narrated by a British special forces member – outlining some of the emotions members of the Rainbow team might feel when participating in one of the game’s multiplayer-centric matches.

Rainbow Siege’s open multiplayer beta went live this weekend – featuring 14 different operators and three different maps – on all major platforms (Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows PC).  The open beta was delayed by two hours on Friday and is scheduled to close tomorrow night before the final game becomes available via retail and digital distribution on December 1st.

For more Rainbow Siege coverage check out our full coverage of the game’s closed beta from earlier this fall.

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Rainbow Six: Siege Open Beta Commences Next Weekend

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Rae Michelle Richards

Rainbow Six Siege

Ubisoft has announced than an open beta for their upcoming tactical multiplayer shooter Rainbow Six: Siege will be taking place from November 25th until the 29th. If you weren’t part of the previously extended closed beta that took place last month here is your chance to try a slice of Rainbow Six’s unique take on competitive team based multiplayer before the full game blasts its way into retail.

In terms of content the open beta will offer up 14 of the final game’s 20 operators and 3 different maps. Returning from the closed beta are the maps House and Hereford with this being the public’s first chace to try out the Kanal map. It’s not just competitive team based multiplayer that’s available in the beta either: Player Vs Environment Terrorist Hunt will also be included!

Players on all platforms (Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC) will be able to pre-load the beta on November 23rd ahead of the servers going live. If you were part of the closed beta you’ll get 24 hours of additional access starting on November 24th!

We wrote a rather exhaustive piece about our experience with the closed beta last month if you need a brief on how the game plays.

More information on the beta including minimum specs (for PC Players) are available on Ubisoft’s website.

R6_beta

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