Good news for fans of print media today! EGM will be back on newsstands beginning March 2010 thanks to a distribution deal with Time/Warner. Even then, it’ll push the online portion too with “a special code included in each newsstand copy that upgrades each reader’s access to the new weekly interactive version of the magazine. This enhanced version of the digital publication, called EGM[i]: The Digital Magazine contains exclusive article extensions and original content throughout each issue.”
This premiere issue will “boast game previews, a new Review Crew featuring the return of Sushi-X, and commentary from a host of columnists including EGM personalities such as Quartermann, Dan “Shoe” Hsu, Sean “Seanbaby” Reiley, and many others.”
This has all the making of a awesome comeback a la Rocky, though maybe with less meat tenderizing.
It’s really easy to tell what time of year it is just by the pile of games hitting shelves lately. Here’s your update for today, Tuesday, October 20, 2009:
Racing fans have been waiting for this official announcement for a long time.
Today, SCEA announced that Gran Turismo is now available for PSP! A quick synopsis:
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the North American release of Gran Turismo®exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, representing the first time the Gran Turismo® franchise has raced onto the portable platform. Developed from start to finish by the award-winning studio Polyphony Digital Inc (PDI), which has shipped more than 52 million units worldwide from the Gran Turismo series, Gran Turismo,built for optimal performance on a portable platform, delivers its signature realism and high quality of design.
This out of Tokyo Game Show, Sony has announced that the Playstation 3 “Motion Controller” (working title) will hit retail Spring 2010-ish. The technology made its debut at E3 2009 to mixed response but it’s great to see Sony following through with this technology so quickly.
Sony’s missing a great chance for a contest though. “Name our Motion Controller!” Could be a neat contest to run. My entry is Wands of Death.
Full release below:
TOKYO, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that it will release a new Motion Controller (unofficial name) for PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system in Spring 2010. The new controller, equipped with high-precision, highly accurate motion sensors, can deliver a whole new entertainment experience on PS3 when combined together with the PlayStation®Eye camera(*1). Capable of recognizing and tracking a user’s face and voice as well as body motion, PlayStation Eye can also output the player’s image onto the TV screen. SCE will vigorously promote the expansion of this new experience only possible on the PS3 platform.
The newly announced Motion Controller is equipped with two motion sensors, three axes gyroscope and three axes accelerometer that can detect the controller’s angle and movement held in the user’s hand. Together with the PlayStation Eye camera for PS3 which can accurately track the absolute position of the controller, the controller can detect the natural and intuitive movement of the hand and reflect the precise movement on to the game. The sphere placed on the top of the controller is not only used to track the absolute position but can also give visual feedback to users by changing the colors or the illuminating patterns of the sphere. Furthermore, the new controller is also equipped with a rumble feature, familiar to the PlayStation® DUALSHOCK® series controller, delivering an immersive gaming experience to users.
Further expanding the new experience on PS3, SCE Worldwide Studios will deliver many exciting software titles for the Motion Controller in 2010(*2). SCE, with strong support from software developers and publishers, will deploy various measures to enhance the software title line-up for the new Motion Controller and vigorously promote the PS3 platform.
* Motion Controller is a tentative name.
*1 Users will need to use the PlayStation Eye camera to enjoy Motion Controller on PS3.
*2 Please see below for software titles to be released in 2010.
Product Outline
Motion Controller (Tentative)
Product name Motion Controller (tentative)
Release date Spring 2010
Recommended Retail Price To be decided.
Key Features: – Three axes gyroscope, three axes accelerometer
– Bluetooth(R) 2.0
– Lithium-Ion rechargeable internal battery
Software Titles for Motion Controller from SCE Worldwide Studios(*1)
(2010 release, includes both Motion Controller dedicated and compatible titles)
Title name
———-
Ape Escape (Working Title)
Echochrome 2 (Working Title)
Eccentric Slider (Working Title)
Sing and Draw (Working Title)
Champions of Time (Working Title)
Motion Party (Working Title)
The Shoot (Working Title)
Tower (Working Title)
PAIN(*2)
Flower(*2)
Hustle Kings(*2)
High Velocity Bowling(*2)
EyePet(*2)
TOKYO, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that it will release a new Motion Controller (unofficial name) for PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system in Spring 2010. The new controller, equipped with high-precision, highly accurate motion sensors, can deliver a whole new entertainment experience on PS3 when combined together with the PlayStation®Eye camera(*1). Capable of recognizing and tracking a user’s face and voice as well as body motion, PlayStation Eye can also output the player’s image onto the TV screen. SCE will vigorously promote the expansion of this new experience only possible on the PS3 platform.
There are some press releases that are just plain fun to read because there are four or five levels of subtext going on, plus I can hear a million voices echoing from gaming forum trolls. The information in the release — full text below — is obviously good news for Sony and the Playstation brand. Since the re-launch of the PS3 with the new look and compact design (and lower price) three weeks ago, Sony is reporting that they’ve sold* a further 1 million PS3’s worldwide.
Ah, but the “sold” has that pesky asterisk beside it, really I hate those. In this case it’s “based on SCEI’s estimation.” So, we won’t have a clearer picture on the numbers until next month when the NPD’s are released. Still good news for Sony!
Full release:
TOKYO, Sept. 24 / — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. today announced that retail sales of its new PlayStation®3 (PS3®) (CECH-2000A) computer entertainment system achieved a total of 1 million units(*1) worldwide in the 3 weeks since its launch on September 1, 2009(*2). The expansion of the PS3 platform is being accelerated along with the introduction of more and more new and exciting software titles as well as the enhancement of PlayStation®Network.
While maintaining cutting-edge features and functions, such as the ability to enjoy high quality interactive entertainment content including Blu-ray Disc™ games and movies as well as various content and services downloadable through PlayStation Network, the new PS3 is available at a highly attractive recommended retail price of 29,980 yen (including tax), US$299 and euro 299, with an extremely streamlined form factor and a pre-installed 120GB Hard Disk Drive. Furthermore, the reduction of power consumption and fan noise as well as the casual appearance have also become drivers in attracting a larger and broader range of users.
Along with the vast line-up of attractive and exciting entertainment content to be released this holiday season from third-party game developers and publishers as well as from SCE Worldwide Studios, SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment.
TOKYO, Sept. 24 / — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. today announced that retail sales of its new PlayStation®3 (PS3®) (CECH-2000A) computer entertainment system achieved a total of 1 million units(*) worldwide in the 3 weeks since its launch on September 1, 2009. The expansion of the PS3 platform is being accelerated along with the introduction of more and more new and exciting software titles as well as the enhancement of PlayStation®Network. (more…)
Serving as another example of why it’s hard being an independent developer, Deadline Games declared bankruptcy today after it couldn’t acquire new funding after their latest project, Watchmen. The company was also responsible for Chili Con Carnage and Total Overdose. From Gamesindustry.biz:
The company, which issued a warning in March that bankruptcy might be inevitable if it failed to land a new contract, took the decision on Monday after coming to the conclusion that could no longer meet its financial obligations.
They saw it coming, which must created some awful feelings over the last few months. With so much focus this week on E3, it’s worth drawing everyone’s attention to the fact the games industry isn’t quite as healthy as the return of “E3 Proper” might lead the population at large to believe.
EA’s one of the biggest video game companies out there so it’s really no surprise that they’ll be presenting a massive line-up of titles at E3, many of which will be launching in Winter/Fall 2009, but a few are shipping in 2010 and a handful are shipping within the next two weeks. Here’s the official line-up that’ll be shown at E3 either behind closed doors or on the show floor: ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Brütal Legend, Dante’s Inferno, Dead Space Extraction, Dragon Age: Origins, EA SPORTS Active, EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis, FIFA 10, Fight Night Round 4, G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, LITTLEST PET SHOP ONLINE, Madden NFL 10, Mass Effect 2, MySims Agents, NCAA Football 10, NHL 10, Need for Speed NITRO, Need for Speed SHIFT, Spore Hero, Spore Hero Arena, The Sims 3, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10, Battlefield 1943, and The Saboteur
This news actually manages to annoy me. It’s not “fanboi” anger or anything, just annoyance, simply because Ghostbusters has been getting such positive buzz lately for all platforms. Gamesindustry.biz is reporting that Sony has made Ghostbusters an exclusive for their platforms (Playstation 3 and PSP).
The game is set for a June 19 release alongside the Sony Pictures film, but only on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 platforms, which will have a period of exclusivity lasting several months until the PlayStation Portable edition is launched.
It is unclear exactly what will happen to the Xbox 360, DS and Wii versions of the game, although GamesIndustry.biz understands that Atari may look to publish them at a later date.
The bolded parts of the quoted part of the article are being followed up for clarification. CLARIFICATION: This news holds for the European region only. Ghostbusters in North America is still coming to Xbox 360, Wii, and DS.
Source: Sony picks up Ghostbusters from Atari
There must be something about being President and Group Chief Operating Officer of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. that suddenly starts gums flapping because the current position holder Kaz “Ridge Ra-a-a-acer” Hirai has been saying stuff that simply boggles my mind.
It’s worth showcasing some of the comments he made to Official Playstation Magazine, which Gamesindustry.biz and Eurogamer brought to my attention.
On being the “official” industry leader:
“This is not meant in terms of numbers, or who’s got the biggest install base, or who’s selling most in any particular week or month, but I’d like to think that we continue official leadership in this industry.”
In this case, Kaz is 100% incorrect. The official leader of gaming industry is me. True, the swearing in ceremony was poorly attended, the only witness being a half-consumed bottle of scotch, but I’m the leader, not Sony.
On the competition:
“It’s difficult to talk about Nintendo, because we don’t look at their console as being a competitor. They’re a different world, and we operate in our world – that’s the kind of way I look at things.
“And with the Xbox – again, I can’t come up with one word to fit. You need a word that describes something that lacks longevity.”
First, Kaz should finish his own crossword puzzles. “Something that lacks longevitiy” is 18 down and depending on 4 across, the answer might be “spent.” But I digress. Nintendo has already come out and said they don’t consider Microsoft or Sony as competition. Kaz must really be operating in his own world to not have heard that bit of news. (more…)
Koei’s latest action game has just gone gold for the PSP and PC. Warriors Orochi takes the characters from Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors, and pits them against the Serpent King for copious amounts of hacking and slashing. Here’s the press release:
Burlingame, CA — March 18, 2008 — KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, announced today that Warriors Orochi™ for PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system, and Windows-based PC has reached gold status. Warriors Orochi for PSP ships to retailers on March 25, 2008 and will be available for Windows-based PC in March 2008 exclusively through digital download. (more…)
Last week, news came out that Phil Harrison was frustrated with some of what was going on with Sony Japan, and now word has come in that he has resigned from Sony all together. According to Gameindustry.biz, he will be heading over to Atari to try and rebuild that ailing company.
Despite expressing his frustrations, it would seem that it was all smiles for his official statement on leaving the company:
Harrison, who has not yet confirmed his possible move to Atari, added: “The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far.
“I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis.
“I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.”
A while back, it was announced that Irem was working on a turn-based strategy game based on R-Type for the PSP. Many feared that it would only ever be released in Japan, but now Atlus has sent word that they will be bringing the game to North America on May 6th for about $40. Here’s the press release:
IRVINE, CA – FEBRUARY 13, 2008 – Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that R-Type Command, a bold new turn-based strategy entry in the long-celebrated series of side-scrolling shooters, is coming exclusively to the PlayStation Portable. R-Type Command hits store shelves May 6th with an MSRP of $39.99.
About R-Type Command
In a desperate war against the mysterious alien race known as the Bydo, humanity sends wave after wave of fighters into Bydo space — none of which are ever heard from again. Mankind’s main hope now resides with a lone commander, sent to lead a small armada on a perilous mission into the heart of the Bydo Empire. Low on fuel and forced to scavenge resources and equipment from his surroundings, the commander must use all his cunning and wits if he hopes to succeed, let alone make it home alive.
Key Features:
- R-Type reborn – The highly acclaimed franchise moves into the strategy genre with exciting tactical gameplay!
- Control the Bydo forces – For the first time in the series, take command of the Bydo forces as they launch their assault on Earth!
- Intense strategy gameplay – With nearly 100 different units at your disposal, it’s up to you to choose the best fleet for battle. Upgrade your existing units or purchase new ones!
- Head-to-head local multiplayer – With the PSP wireless communication feature, play against a friend in Wireless Ad Hoc mode for a one-on-one strategy battle!
R-Type Command has been rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) with Animated Blood and Mild Fantasy Violence by the ESRB.
About Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Located in Irvine, California and founded in 1991, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. is a publisher of compelling video games for a variety of platforms, including Nintendo DS, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, Wii, Xbox 360(R), and PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. The Atlus library of critically acclaimed video games includes Odin Sphere, Trauma Center series, and the Shin Megami Tensei series. For more information, visit http://www.atlus.com.
Looks like Sony’s mic for the PSP isn’t up to snuff with the folks at Skype, resulting in the service being delayed indefinitely for the PSP:
Tokyo, January 23, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) responsible for business operations in Japan, today announced that it would postpone the release of two microphone products for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), SINGLE PACK (with one microphone, PSPJ-15010) and TWIN PACK (with two microphones, PSPJ-15011), scheduled to be released in Japan on Thursday, January 24th, 2008.
SCEJ planned to release the microphone along with the introduction of Skype™ features for the new slim and light PSP (PSP-2000). However, it was found that the microphone did not meet the Skype specifications in part to obtain certification and SCEJ has determined to postpone the release of the microphone. New release date will be announced as soon as decided.
With this, SCEJ has also reached a decision to postpone the introduction of the Skype features and services in Japan, scheduled in late January as part of the system software update for PSP. Solutions to enable users to start using Skype features and services on their PSP are being sought for and will be announced in due course.
Soon PSP owners will be able to make free phone calls with Skype users, as the handheld will be supporting the software later in January via a scheduled software update for the PSP. When owners of the portable system get the update they’ll be able to do the following via Skype:
- Free voice calls between Skype users
- Skype contact list management (view existing contacts, add new ones)
- Skype presence (see which friends are online and available to talk)
- SkypeOut™ calls to make calls to landlines and mobile phones anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of Skype credit)
- Optional SkypeIn™ number that lets users receive calls on Skype from landlines and mobiles anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of Skype credit)
- View and modify Skype settings and account details (including username creation, SkypeOut settings, voicemail settings and call forwarding)
Sony is busy tooting its own horn right now after a respectable performance by its PlayStation 3 in the final weeks of 2007. According to the company, 3.9 million units were sold between the PS2, PS3, and PSP. This was broken down into 1.2 million PS3s, 1.3 million PS2s, and 1.4 million PSPs sold between November 23rd and December 31st.
“The PlayStation brand ended the year in a very strong position and clearly indicates more positive momentum going into 2008,” SCEA CEO Jack Tretton stated.
“We are particularly pleased to have sold through 1.2 million units of PS3 during the holiday selling season. Consumers are clearly responding to the expanding multimedia capabilities and a great line-up of over 200 games.”
Talking with Reuters, SCE head, Kaz Hirai is hopeful that the PS3 can start to turn a profit soon:
“The next fiscal year starts in April and if we can try to achieve that in the next fiscal year that would be a great thing. We are going through the budgets right now. That (profitability) is not a definite commitment, but that is what I would like to try to shoot for.”
“Component costs are coming down, and the number of components … we are seeing a reduction,” he said. “The 40 gigabyte PlayStation 3 obviously has fewer components (than more powerful models), and uses less power, which means that components required to dissipate heat, for example, can be smaller, so there is some cost reduction there.”
