Joystiq

Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]

Sinan Kubba — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST

Sony made wholesale corrections to the list of European/PAL companies confirmed as PS4 developers and publishers, reducing the list of named studios from 53 to 28. Curiouser, not one of the developers and publishers named on the previous list makes an appearance on the new roll call. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed to us the first list, sent out last week, was erroneous, and this new one is correct. There are no revisions for any other regions.

The new list removes a number of significant names, including Mojang (Minecraft), Rovio (Angry Birds), Frozenbyte, Criterion Games, and City Interactive. In their stead are some new noteworthy studios, such as CD Projekt, who've confirmed The Witcher 3 as a PS4 game. Also included are Bohemia Interactive, Deep Silver, Ninja Theory, IO Interactive, Codemasters, 2K Games, and Sumo Digital. The full list can be found after the break.

We've reached out to a number of studios for comment. Mojang's Daniel Kaplan reiterated to us the comments he gave to Gamasutra, saying his studio hasn't decided anything yet, and that the error is "confusion from Sony's side." Gamasutra's article also confirms Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer and Skulls of the Shogun creator 17-Bit, both included in the original list, as not currently working on anything for the PS4.

A spokesperson for Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess developer Mediatonic, included in the original list but not in the corrected one, told us he couldn't make any comment on his studio and PS4 development. Meanwhile, Sumo Digital's inclusion adds weight to the rumor the British studio is working on LittleBigPlanet 3, but for the PS4. When approached previously about LBP3, a studio representative told Joystiq, "No comment."

Update 1: A spokesperson for 505 Games tells us the Italian company is "definitely" planning to publish games on the PS4. 505 Games was in the original list of European/PAL PS4 developers and publishers, but not the revised list. The spokesperson noted the company's logo appears in the image showcasing PS4 partners, as shown during last week's event, as do many of the names in the revised list.

Update 2: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe informs us the list of European PS4 studios has been further revised. Two more studios are now present in the form of Criterion Games and Ghost Games (an EA studio) - both were in the original list of 53. That takes the tally of confirmed European studios up to 30.

Continue reading Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]

Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Soul Sacrifice offers trailer with puny humans fighting not-so-puny beasts

Sinan Kubba — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST

Keiji Inafune's Vita action-RPG, Soul Sacrifice, brings a mix of picturesque vistas, giant monsters, and epic combat with said monsters which rips those vistas into shreds. It arrives in North America on April 30, and in Europe on May 1.

Soul Sacrifice offers trailer with puny humans fighting not-so-puny beasts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rare veteran George Andreas leaves Microsoft, joins Sony

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:00:00 EST

Former Rare game director George Andreas left Microsoft earlier this month to join Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Andreas, who'd been with British developer Rare since 1996, is working as Creative Director at SCEE's London headquarters.

Andreas was creatively involved with much of Rare's work over the last 16 years, including the likes of GoldenEye, Banjo Kazooie, Perfect Dark Zero, and Viva Piñata. After the company was acquired by Microsoft in 2002, Andreas took on lead roles for Xbox 360 games, such as project leader and game director of launch game Kameo: Elements of Power, and creative director on Kinect Sports.

Rare veteran George Andreas leaves Microsoft, joins Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Soul Sacrifice being given up to NA April 30, EU May 1

Sinan Kubba — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST

Keiji Inafune's Comcept is relinquishing Vita action-RPG Soul Sacrifice to North America on April 30, and to Europe the day after on May 1. It'll be in both stores and on PSN on its day of release. The game received its Japanese release date of March 7 last month.

Both regions get the same pre-order bonuses, such as the two character costumes and three magical aids for battle. Those aids are the Spirits' Flamepike, which spears a fiery five-hit combo attack, the Spirits' Blightstone, which stirs up a poisonous explosion, and Spirits' Fulgurwood, which can both track enemies and cast a thunder spell.

The most curious bonus is that of Japanese voice-overs. It's always great to have the option, but tying it to pre-orders is certainly unusual. If you're not gonna sacrifice your dosh for the pre-order, take note that the voice-over pack will be sold separately.

Gallery: Soul Sacrifice

Soul Sacrifice being given up to NA April 30, EU May 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former Relentless devs open Wish Studios, prototyping new Sony IP

Mike Schramm — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 22:15:00 EST

A group of developers from the UK's Relentless Software (makers of the Buzz! franchise and the Blue Toad Murder Files) has splintered off to form a new company called Wish Studios. The developers are already hard at work on a new IP for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Relentless veterans Caspar Field, Paul Brooke, and Tom Bennett joined together to become Wish's respective CEO, CTO and CCO back in July, and are steadily working on the prototype for Sony.

The team hasn't announced anything about what the prototype is just yet, except to say that it's "playing beautifully and has enormous potential." Field, Brooke, and Bennett have plenty of experience with downloadable titles and games for Sony's EyeToy peripheral, so perhaps that's a clue. Whenever they want to tell us what the project is, we'll be listening.

Continue reading Former Relentless devs open Wish Studios, prototyping new Sony IP

Former Relentless devs open Wish Studios, prototyping new Sony IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killzone 1 goes HD in PS3 'Killzone Trilogy,' packing all three games together this Oct.

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 09:46:00 EST

Everyone's favorite yellow-eyed flunkies are returning to the PlayStation 3, albeit this time in a re-release of their greatest hits. Yes, Killzone's 1-3 - which aren't places, but games - are getting boxed and bundled for the PlayStation 3 as "Killzone Trilogy," arriving this October. The first of the three games is even getting an HD makeover for its re-release, and all the multiplayer content for the latter two games is included in the package.

The whole shebang will run $39.99/€49.99/£40.84 when it arrives on October 23 in the US and October 24 in Europe. Head past the break for all the specifics on those bonus maps.

Gallery: Killzone Trilogy

Continue reading Killzone 1 goes HD in PS3 'Killzone Trilogy,' packing all three games together this Oct.

Killzone 1 goes HD in PS3 'Killzone Trilogy,' packing all three games together this Oct. originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Vita sales topped 2.2 million worldwide as of June 30

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:35:00 EST

Sony says that its latest console, the PlayStation Vita, topped 2.2 million units sold this summer. "The latest figures we've released for Vita (as of June 30th) are 2.2. million sales worldwide," an SCEE rep told us. We reached out following a report from PlayFront.de, where German PlayStation head Uwe Bassendowski mentioned the number in the context of the Vita's marketing.

The last update we had on Vita sales was back in May, when Sony CEO Kaz Hirai said the system sold 1.8 million units worldwide - meaning the console moved around 200K units each month in May and June. For some context, before the Nintendo 3DS received its price cut to $170 - and just days after its US launch - the then $250 handheld had sold 1.41 million units more than the Vita's current lifetime sales. As of September 2011 (one month after the price drop), the 3DS was at 6.68 million units sold worldwide - or more than triple where the Vita's selling at right now. "Yikes" is the word we'd use to describe that situation.

A strong showing of Vita games at Gamescom 2012 and the subsequent launch of said games will hopefully bolster the Vita's sales numbers. We sure aren't gonna see a price cut anytime soon.

PlayStation Vita sales topped 2.2 million worldwide as of June 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red, white and silver limited edition PS3s now out in the UK

David Hinkle — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST

Back in April, retailer listings for a Scarlet Red PS3 surfaced on Amazon and Play. Today, the console launches in the UK, and is joined by two other console colors previously exclusive to Japan: Classic White and Satin Silver. Each console comes sporting a DualShock 3 controller, a 320 GB hard drive and about six years of games to catch up on.

Red, white and silver limited edition PS3s now out in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony: 'No definitive plans' for Resistance series, no games currently in the works

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST

The folks who created the Resistance series, Insomniac Games, are no longer working on it. This much we know. But what of Sony? The Japanese publishing giant owns the intellectual property rights to the Resistance series - as evidenced by the recent release of Resistance: Burning Skies on Vita, developed by Nihilistic - but is it planning on any more series entries? "We have no definitive plans," Sony Computer Entertainment Europe producer Daniel Brooke said in a recent interview.

That isn't to say the series is done, of course. Brooke's full answer was, "The Resistance franchise has been exciting to work on, but as for the future we have no definitive plans," which sounds an awful lot more couched to us than straight up saying the series is done with. Considering Sony's five games deep on the franchise and the latest entry was billed as a sell-point for the Vita, we're not counting out Resistance just yet. After all, those Chimera are awfully dexterous.

Sony: 'No definitive plans' for Resistance series, no games currently in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet 2 Vita Cross Control adds incredible griefing possibilities

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:45:00 EST

You can do a lot with LittleBitPlanet 2's upcoming Vita Cross Control patch. In a game already filled to bursting with creative opportunities, the additional Vita features are honestly a little staggering. Sure, you could make intricate levels, leveraging every touch and tilt gimmick, every unique cooperative possibility.

You could do that, but why bother when the Vita opens up a whole new world of ways to screw with your friends? Check out our demo with Media Molecule's David Dino above.

LittleBigPlanet 2 Vita Cross Control adds incredible griefing possibilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet Karting arriving in 2012 from ModNation Racers devs

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST

After briefly hearing about LittleBigPlanet Karting in early February, Sony decided to share some new details this morning on the upcoming adorable kart racer. United Front Games is handling production duties - which makes sense given the developer's track record with ModNation Racers - and the team promises the same level of dedication and attention to detail that Media Molecule lavishes on its main franchise LBP titles.

Like those main titles, LBP Karting will support a full creation system, which allows players to craft new levels, racers, and even "to modify the rules of the game itself to create completely new modes and challenges," according to UFG senior producer James Grieve. He also says that some form of "community experience" will be included, though he stops short of saying whether LBP.me will play some part in that experience.

When we first heard about LBP Karting, the game was said to feature PlayStation Move functionality as well, a la Mario Kart for Wii. However, neither Sony nor United Front Games mentions as much in this announcement. What we do know for sure is this: LittleBigPlanet Karting will launch at some point in 2012 on the PlayStation 3.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet Karting

LittleBigPlanet Karting arriving in 2012 from ModNation Racers devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wipeout 2048's intro cinematic takes us through our future past

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST

According to this intro cinematic for Wipeout 2048, which chronicles the evolution of the game's racing world and its technology, we've only got 36 years to get from out current Formula 1 racers to flying angular death rockets. Challenge accepted.

Wipeout 2048's intro cinematic takes us through our future past originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony bringing 12 first party Vita launch titles to Europe, including Uncharted and Wipeout

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST

Sony kinda has a thing for Europe, as evidenced by today's PlayStation Vita event in London. SCEE worldwide studios SVP Michael Denny took to the stage to reveal the February 22, 2012 first party launch lineup for the PlayStation Vita, which includes titles like Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Wipeout 2048.

The list of 12 games adds to the two from Namco we already expected by February 22 -- namely Ridge Racer and Touch My Katamari -- and reveals a cadre of "in development" titles, even outing a couple we'd yet to hear about. Presumably the EU's first party launch lineup isn't far off from North America's, but we'll assuredly find out more definitively in the near future.

Sony bringing 12 first party Vita launch titles to Europe, including Uncharted and Wipeout originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tamer version of Heavy Rain to be re-released in Europe [update]

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST

PEGI, the European video games rating board, recently published an evaluation for Heavy Rain Edition Modifiée, an apparently toned-down version of Quantic Dream's interactive drama which will carry a PEGI 16 rating (marked down from the original's PEGI 18 rating). Little is known about the content or reasoning behind the new, minor-friendly version of the game, but as the PEGI rating mentions an August 3 release date, it'll probably start showing up on European store shelves soon.

So, what's getting cut in the Edition Modifiée? According to the PEGI ratings, the original's "extreme violence" and "violence towards defenceless people" have been downgraded to "realistic-looking violence." We can't wait to see how this changes the game's more intense sequences. For instance, there's that one scene, during which you have five minutes to improvise a tool which you can use to cut your fingernails.

Update: Looks like the tamer edition isn't releasing Europe-wide -- a Sony representative confirmed to Eurogamer that the new version "is just a small initiative for France only."

Tamer version of Heavy Rain to be re-released in Europe [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet Vita dev signs exclusivity deal with Sony

JC Fletcher — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:50:00 EST

Sony has added another LittleBigPlanet developer to its collection. Franchise originator Media Molecule became a Sony-exclusive first party in 2010, and now PlayStation Vita LBP developer Double Eleven is joining them in the exclusive club, though through a contract and not outright ownership.

Double Eleven has signed a deal with Sony in which the developer, formed by ex-Rockstar Leeds lead engineers, will create games exclusively for SCEE. That includes LittleBigPlanet, along with "new titles for Sony platforms" -- mostly the Vita, we assume, given the studio's predilection for handheld gaming.

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet Vita dev signs exclusivity deal with Sony

LittleBigPlanet Vita dev signs exclusivity deal with Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet 2 Move DLC preview: Infinity times two

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:45:00 EST

LittleBigPlanet 2's upcoming, Move-integrated expansion can't really be classified as anything other than relentless. When Media Molecule launched the game this past January, the possibilities for prospective creator-curators were limitless -- as evidenced by the community's daily discoveries of new ways to use the core game's toolset. When the Move DLC launches this September, it's going to push the still-not-reached boundaries back even further.

During a demo led by Media Molecule's James Spafford and Christophe Villedieu, I learned that the studio's ambitions for the expansion are as straightforward as they are lofty. By adding a suite of Move-based controls to the Create tools catalog, Media Molecule hopes to give players the opportunity and the inspiration to use the orb-tipped peripheral in ways that so-called "professional" developers haven't even considered yet.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet 2 (E3 2010)

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet 2 Move DLC preview: Infinity times two

LittleBigPlanet 2 Move DLC preview: Infinity times two originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro PSN gets massive update, PS Plus members get more freebies

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:40:00 EST

Just hours after the PlayStation Network Store went back online, Sony took to its European PlayStation blog to detail both what's coming in the first major update, as well as what European PS Plus subscribers will be receiving in the coming weeks. Beyond the already detailed "Welcome Back" content, SCEE says an extra 10 days will be added to the 60 already included in the Plus "Welcome Back" package, "due to the Store coming back a little later that we hoped."

Additionally, April's Plus content and deals are being extended for two extra weeks, meaning that if you missed a chance to download Premiere Manager at 50 percent off, there's still time! June's offers have yet to be revealed, but the post does promise Plus users a free copy of Burnout Paradise as part of the month's content offerings.

The "Spring Offers" deal for all PSN users has also been extended to June 8, a sale which was unavailable during the majority of its duration as a result of the month-long PSN outage. All PSN users can also snag a free copy of FIFA 11 Ultimate Team, a soccer management game from EA, for the time being.

And finally, the EU PlayStation Store has also received a massive update, the likes of which we've never seen before. Final Fantasy VI is totally on there, as is a mess of new Hyperdimension Neptunia content and ... well, you know what? We're going to simply point you to it rather than try to wade the flood.

Euro PSN gets massive update, PS Plus members get more freebies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wipeout NGP gameplay video flies into view

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:13:00 EST

Okay, the video of Wipeout running on Sony's NGP didn't literally fly into view, but it does contain a variety of flying liveries. It also contains several game journos -- including our own Chris Grant! -- staring intently at prototype NGPs. We much prefer the racing parts. Sorry, Chris!

Continue reading Wipeout NGP gameplay video flies into view

Wipeout NGP gameplay video flies into view originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Invizimals: Shadow Zone will have you swatting at your coffee table again this fall

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 26 May 2011 21:00:00 EST

Augmented reality-based collection-RPG Invizimals never quite picked up the steam in North America that it managed to conjure up in Europe -- probably due to the fact the game came to our shores a full year after it hit PAL territories. Still, that doesn't mean we'll have to go without further iterations of the undetectable monster franchise: PlayStation Blog has announced that Invizimals: Shadow Zone, which dropped in Europe last November, will come stateside this fall.

The game throws over 100 more secret beasts into the mix, and adds a co-op component to the original title's monster-capturing mechanic. So, potentially, you could have two people working in tandem to snatch collectible apparitions from the flat surfaces of their homes. We can't tell if that's going to make them look less insane, or exponentially more insane.

Invizimals: Shadow Zone will have you swatting at your coffee table again this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony: response to PSN outage was dependent on 'forensic analysis'

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST

What happened after Sony pulled the plug on PlayStation Network, and before it finally alerted customers that their information had been compromised during an unlawful intrusion? According to SCEE head of communications Nick Caplin, writing in a post on the European PlayStation blog this morning, Sony's lackluster communication efforts were impeded because the company didn't immediately assume the worst. "There's a difference in timing between when we identified there was an intrusion and when we learned of consumers' data being compromised," Caplin says.

He goes on to explain that Sony learned of the "illegal intrusion" on April 19 and "subsequently shut the services down," though the official FAQ he links to in his post claims that Sony found the breach "between April 17 and 19." Furthermore, Caplin says that after shutting down PSN and Qriocity, "It was necessary to conduct several days of forensic analysis, and it took our experts until yesterday to understand the scope of the breach." There's your disparity.

The FAQ further notes that services will remain down until Sony can "verify smooth operation" of its network, though the company is "working hard to resume the services as soon as we can be reasonably assured security concerns are addressed." It also notes that folks looking for refunds may be out of luck for the moment, as Sony "will assess the correct course of action" regarding such requests when "full services are restored."

Beyond one US Senator politicizing Sony's info breach, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office also announced today that it would be questioning the company on the issue. "We are contacting Sony and will be making further enquiries to establish the precise nature of the incident before deciding what action, if any, needs to be taken by this office," the ICO said of its plans in a statement to Eurogamer.

Sony: response to PSN outage was dependent on 'forensic analysis' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killzone live-action short overacts the Helghan war's origins

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST

Not since Command & Conquer's Kane have we seen overacting of such brilliance as that exhibited in the new Killzone origin story clip. Two friends, one ISA and one Helghan, have their friendship torn asunder ... in the name of war. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading Killzone live-action short overacts the Helghan war's origins

Killzone live-action short overacts the Helghan war's origins originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet 2 teacher pack coming to UK PSN in May

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST

Sackboy is grabbing his trusty Trapper Keeper and heading to Avalon Elementary next semester. The LittleBigPlanet 2 "Teacher Pack" is currently being developed by Media Molecule and it's said to be packed with "demonstrations of National Curriculum, based in game levels that other teachers have made." The pack will feature PlayStation Move functionality, SCEE senior VP Ray Maguire told MCV.

"The pack will be a really useful way of starting to track and develop interest and involvement in games-based learning," Maguire noted. He also added that SCEE is aiming for a release "by the start of the summer term in May." In other news, schools in the UK have a summer term starting in May. We're so, so sorry, you guys.

LittleBigPlanet 2 teacher pack coming to UK PSN in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony 'studied the possibility' of 3D in NGP, decided against it

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST

We've covered an awful lot of Sony news over the last 15 or so hours -- 23 posts thus far and counting, including this one -- and not once did the company bring up its 3D efforts. The entire NGP announcement has remained mysteriously devoid of one of Sony's biggest talking points of 2010, and Sony Europe head Andrew House has an explanation for why that is. "We view 3D as having the greatest potential, in the near term, in what I would call a dedicated entertainment environment," he told Eurogamer.

House continued, "That's in the home, around the television, and where it's a shared experience. I think that's really important." A statement from Sony clarified that, "In the development process, we had studied the possibility of introducing stereoscopic 3D feature to NGP, but decided not to install it."

House added to that, needling Sony's handheld gaming competition a bit in the process. "We struggle a little bit to see how that 3D, shared experience translates to portable devices as they currently stand." Perhaps he was holding the 3DS at a weird angle? We can't be sure.

Sony 'studied the possibility' of 3D in NGP, decided against it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killzone 3 single-player demo packed into PSN update on Feb. 15

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:34:00 EST

By the time the Killzone 3 single-player demo pops up on the PlayStation Store, many millions of Helghan and Human alike will have fallen in the game's open multiplayer beta. According to the US PlayStation blog, a slice from the middle of the game's single-player campaign ("Icy Incursion") will arrive in demo form on February 15; PlayStation Plus members nab it one week earlier on February 8. Meanwhile, Europeans will get the demo on Feb. 9 and 16, respectively. You'll be ready for the yellow-eyed hordes by then, right?

Also of note: the demo will arrive in 3D and 2D-only iterations as separate downloads, both equipped with Move functionality but only allowing for split-screen co-op in the 2D version. We're going to take it one step further by grabbing an all-syrup Killzone 3 Slurpee from 7-Eleven, downloading the 3D demo, and playing it while losing our minds.

Killzone 3 single-player demo packed into PSN update on Feb. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take a virtual tour of Media Molecule's cozy home

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST

Finally, the reason for LittleBigPlanet 2's delay from November to January has been revealed: It's because Media Molecule's Guildford-based HQ looks like the type of workplace that's not conducive to actually doing any work. Check out a video tour of the developer's colorful digs below.

Continue reading Take a virtual tour of Media Molecule's cozy home

Take a virtual tour of Media Molecule's cozy home originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Killzone 3 to include split-screen

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST

According to an image from NicaGamerz of an alleged Killzone 3 preview build, the third Helghast murder simulator will allow for split-screen co-op -- a function that previous entries lacked. Sony of Europe gave VG247 an official "no comment" on the possibility, but also didn't deny the rumor. However, earlier this year at E3, president of SCE worldwide studios Shuhei Yoshida spoke to us about Killzone 3's 3D functionality, saying, "We were going to give players two screens anyway, for some mode ... for some gameplay anyway." Split-screen, perhaps? Given that Killzone 3 is a 3D title and its video is already being rendered twice for the 3D effect, the possibility of split-screen is a bit of a given.

As for whether the split-screen will allow friends to take the game online together is unknown, but it seems players will at least be able to shoot up yellow-eyed baddies on a couch together. Let's put it this way: we're giving today's news the "rumor" tag, but calling the possibility "very likely."

Rumor: Killzone 3 to include split-screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European developers rally to help ex-Realtime Worlds employees

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

It's when things seem at their darkest when the true light and goodness of humanity can really shine through ... or something like that. Following APB developer Realtime Worlds' decision to go into administration -- and the 75 percent staff cut the studio was forced to undergo -- fellow game developers Codemasters, The Creative Assembly, Blitz Games Studios, Activision and Sony Europe have announced recruitment events in the coming weeks to help the displaced staff get back on its feet.

There should be plenty of openings to go around for the 185 unemployed artists, writers and programmers -- Codemasters alone is reportedly looking for 150 new hires to fill its UK studios and The Creative Assembly is staffing up to work on an "unannounced AAA title" for Sega. Not to be outdone, Activision's also making a huge hiring push -- though these unfortunate souls will be relegated to the dance cages located in the foyer of Bobby Kotick's Miami-based "party palace." (Fine, we made that last part up. Please don't sue us.)

European developers rally to help ex-Realtime Worlds employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony: PSP Go 'experiment' revealed consumers' love of physical media

JC Fletcher — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Speaking to MCV, SCEE CEO Andrew House categorized the digital-only PSP Go as an experiment of sorts. "One of the reasons we launched PSP Go was to understand where that consumer behavior was going," House said. "We were getting signals from consumers that this was the kind of device that they wanted. But we need to recognize that consumers like their packaged media library."

Of course, House is omitting most of the reasons that the PSP Go isn't the best value proposition. Sure, people like to collect and display game cases and other retail bonuses. But they also like buying games on their release dates, rather than several weeks later -- or not at all -- as is the case with many digital versions of PSP games. They also like having the choice between digital and packaged versions of games, as is possible with every version of the PSP hardware but the Go. What they don't like is paying an $80 premium for the privilege of being limited only to digital releases.

We admit, we haven't commissioned as much research into consumer behavior as Sony has -- but we think we have a handle on this particular phenomenon.

Sony: PSP Go 'experiment' revealed consumers' love of physical media originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SCEE president alludes to upcoming paid PSN subscription option

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 26 May 2010 16:00:00 EST

Even though Sony officially "won't comment on rumors or speculation" regarding a paid PSN offering in the near future, Sony Europe president Andrew House gave a bit more substantial answer in a recent Q&A on the UK PlayStation site. When asked outright, "Will PlayStation Network become a paying service?", House responded, "Kaz Hirai stated a few months ago that we were looking at a premium service to sit alongside the current free service and that objective has not changed. You'll learn more about it very soon."

He went on to console potentially upset readers with the knowledge that "the current PSN as you know it will remain a free service." That said, it seems like times are a-changin' for Sony's online network, and some (if not all) of the claims in our recent report on a "PSN+" service may come to pass in the not so distant future (cross-game chat, anyone?). If we were bettin' folks, we'd bet that not so distant future will start around the time of E3.

[Via 1UP]

SCEE president alludes to upcoming paid PSN subscription option originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet 2 FAQ clears up some confusion, confirms Stephen Fry

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:30:00 EST

The debut trailer for LittleBigPlanet 2 created more questions than it answered, most of them relating to the sequel's compatibility with DLC for the first game, and how the new features promised in said trailer would function. A handful of these queries have been put to rest by a FAQ post published on the PlayStation.Blog.

For instance, the post confirms that all objects, costumes and decorations collected in the original game should carry over, except for objects using a graphical glitch or exploit. More importantly, QI host and wildlife enthusiast Stephen Fry will reprise his role as the game's omniscient narrator. However, the FAQ also references "custom Voice Acting," a feature with a capacity for hilarity that we've yet to be able to comprehend. For more answers to your burning questions, check out the full LittleBigFAQ.

LittleBigPlanet 2 FAQ clears up some confusion, confirms Stephen Fry originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Become Iron Man with new flying game on PlayStation Home

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST

This may be the greatest thing to ever happen to PlayStation Home ever. To promote the upcoming Iron Man 2 movie, Paramount Pictures and Audi have partnered up to create a brand new Iron Man-themed mini-game, exclusively for PlayStation Home. Debuting on Thursday, April 29th, the Audi Space will be updated with a game that has your avatar donning an Iron Man suit, flying through an aerial obstacle course.

The best times will be recorded on a leaderboard, and the top 10 scores by the end of June will be awarded with a virtual Iron Man suit to keep, making this one of the rarest virtual items ever offered for Sony's online community.

Unfortunately, this game is exclusive to the European PSN, meaning those of you outside of SCEE's domain won't be able to partake in the fun. To see what you're missing out on, check out the trailer after the break.

Gallery: PlayStation Home: Iron Man 2

Continue reading Become Iron Man with new flying game on PlayStation Home

Become Iron Man with new flying game on PlayStation Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former Sony Europe head David Reeves joins Capcom

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST

David Reeves, who "retired" from Sony Europe last year, will take up the Mega Buster at Capcom and charge up the publisher's European operations. Reeves states he had a "close working relationship" with Capcom during his 14 years with Sony. He will replace COO Mark Beaumont in the region, who passed away suddenly earlier this year.

Reeves was a very public and outspoken figure during his Sony days. He was also the executive who, back in 2007, kinda ~~stole~~ broke Sony's thunder by stating that the first PS3 price drop was actually a clearance sale. It'll be interesting to see how public a role Reeves takes with his new employer.

Former Sony Europe head David Reeves joins Capcom originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EyePet to support PlayStation Move, hits North America holiday 2010

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:57:00 EST

Sony announced during its GDC 2010 press conference that the upcoming US release of EyePet will feature support for its motion controller, PlayStation Move. The game will allow players to manipulate toys and also play games with their EyePets. Furthermore, it's even possible to create new toys. The promotional video during the event showed off a child using the Move to draw a car on some virtual paper, which then jumped off the page and became an object that players and the EyePet could then interact with.

In addition, Sony announced that EyePet is slated for a North American release this holiday. There was no mention of what will happen to the European version of the game, which was released last year. Presumably, Move support will be added once the peripheral launches.

EyePet to support PlayStation Move, hits North America holiday 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Media Molecule becomes a wholly-owned Sony first-party studio

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:10:00 EST

A lot of developers have earned publishing deals with Sony this generation, but only a small handful have managed to deliver a real "blockbuster." (Sorry, Lair and Heavenly Sword.) Three million copies, two million levels, and one Game of the Year edition later, Sony Computer Entertainment has decided to purchase LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule. The Guildford-based studio will join the ranks of other SCEE teams, such as London Studio, Guerrilla Games and Evolution Studios.

While Media Molecule is no longer an independent studio, Michael Denny, Senior VP of Sony Worldwide Studios promised to continue supporting the team: "Media Molecule will simply continue to make great games. Welcoming Media Molecule into the PlayStation family will allow us to better support their future titles and ambitions."

The acquisition likely guarantees that Media Molecule will continue to work on the LittleBigPlanet "platform" for years to come -- although we hope SCEE allows the team to explore creating new franchises as well. Of course, considering the ambitious plans the team has for LBP, it seems Media Molecule will have their hands full for quite a long time.

Media Molecule becomes a wholly-owned Sony first-party studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony reorganization shuffles names, but doesn't mess with the games

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:55:00 EST

You ready? Okay -- follow along: Sony announced today that the Sony Computer Entertainment subsidiary will change its name to SNE Platform (or "SNEP"), and then transfer its video game operations to a new subsidiary, named -- surprise! -- Sony Computer Entertainment. On April 1, SNEP, which will be primarily operating Sony's network services and business as a wholly-owned subsidiary, will merge with Sony, and then promptly dissolve into the parent company. Since Sony already owns all shares of SNEP, there's not going to be any market action (issuance of new shares, share capital increases or cash payments) upon the merger.

So, wait, what's happening? Essentially, Sony is moving its network business out from under the gaming wing and bringing it up to the parent company level. This is a different path than the one laid out a year ago, which suggested SCE, as then operator of the network business (think: PSN), would begin to play a larger role in the unification of the company as it pertains to an online strategy. Instead, the "new" Sony Computer Entertainment will have a slightly more narrow focus, "mainly consisting of the planning, development, manufacturing and sales of home-use/portable game consoles and software," according to the reorganization announcement; and Sony Online Service, including the proposed expansion of PSN IDs to non-gaming Sony devices, will seemingly be handled by a new division (but possibly the same personnel) within the Sony parent company.

Though listed as the "Representative Director" of the short-lived SNEP subsidiary, Kaz Hirai will presumably remain in charge of the PlayStation division now and after the April 1 merger. Sub-divisions SCEA and SCEE are unaffected by the reorganziation.

Sony reorganization shuffles names, but doesn't mess with the games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony downplays meaning of MotorStorm 3 domain purchase

JC Fletcher — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST

SCEE has registered the domain "motorstorm3.com," according to WHOIS data first found by The Gaming Liberty. The domain, which currently redirects to the UK's PlayStation site, would seem to provide a hint that a sequel to the PS3's flagship truck-dirtying simulator is on the way. Or does it?

Sony told VG247 that "It's not uncommon for us to secure the URLs containing the names of our successful IP, and those actions should not be interpreted as an announcement of a new title in a franchise." That leaves only the knowledge that MotorStorm is one of Sony's major PS3 showpieces and of course there's going to be another one.

[Via Eurogamer]

Sony downplays meaning of MotorStorm 3 domain purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Europe: Don't worry, Gran Turismo 5 will be out before Christmas. Maybe. (We hope.)

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST

The vice president in charge of "Southern Europe" (read: Spain, Portugal) at Sony Computer Entertainment isn't a man to mince words. No sir, James Armstrong answered his recent interview question from Canarias Al Dia on the subject of Gran Turismo 5's release date with rock solid certainty: "We believe that we will launch the product this Autumn, before the holiday, though this hasn't been decided yet" [our translation].

Alright, so Armstrong wasn't exactly 100 percent nailing down a date for the game that's been delayed more than a few times (Sony most recently pushed back its Japanese release to an unknown date). However, it is nice to see someone at Sony saying the sim might actually see release before the end of this console cycle. Oh, and in case you were wondering, he also puts doubt on the use of Sony's Motion Controller in the game, so at least we've got that knowledge to console us in the meantime.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5

[Via GT Planet, Videogamer.com]

Sony Europe: Don't worry, Gran Turismo 5 will be out before Christmas. Maybe. (We hope.) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Half of Studio Liverpool staff laid off

Xav de Matos — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:24:00 EST

According to a report from Develop citing inside sources, Sony has terminated half of all employees at Studio Liverpool -- the team behind the WipEout franchise. In January 2009, Sony merged Studio Liverpool (formerly Psygnosis) with Evolution Studios and last week announced plans to restructure the new team. In its report of the restructuring, GamesIndustry.biz noted redundancies "may be necessary;" however, Sony has yet to confirm how many positions were affected by the decision.

Within the comments of GI's original article, a user registered as SCEE programmer Paul Ripley wrote "I would estimate about at least 50% of Studio Liverpool has [just] been culled (myself included). Hard to work out exact numbers at the moment." Develop's inside source relayed similar information, noting Sony's layoff plans for the studio were "looking heavy."

Joystiq has reached out to Sony for comment, but has yet to hear back as of this publishing. If you work/worked for Studio Liverpool and would like to speak to us on or off the record, we're all ears.

Report: Half of Studio Liverpool staff laid off originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony 'restructuring' Studio Liverpool

JC Fletcher — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST

Things sound pretty rough for Sony's SCE Studio Liverpool. Following the merging of Wipeout HD developer Studio Liverpool (formerly Psygnosis) with Evolution Studios, Sony Computer Entertainment announced that it is "restructuring" the studio. According to GamesIndustry.biz, it is currently unknown how many jobs will be affected. Evidently, Sony is looking to relocate staff rather than lay them off, though, as GI puts it, "some redundancies may be necessary."

In a statement, SCE said that "production on a number of projects within Studio Liverpool will cease immediately due to project prioritisation," and assured that "this decision will have no impact of the role that the North West Studio Group will play in the future of all PlayStation platforms." Except, of course, for the part of its role that included making those unspecified projects.

Sony 'restructuring' Studio Liverpool originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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God of War Collection to release separately in Europe [update]

Justin McElroy — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Since it hasn't been released there, we had assumed that the only shot our friends in the UK [Update: We've been told by SCEE that this is coming to all of Europe!] would have at the God of War Collection would be contained inside the monstrous "Ultimate Trilogy Edition." However, VG247 has relayed a quote from Sony, stating that "there are plans to release the GOW Collection separately" after all.

It's uncertain just when those plans will come to fruition, but it counts as good news for people who don't want to lay out the cash for the limited edition box set ... or those who would prefer not to have a screaming visage of demonic horror on their mantles.

God of War Collection to release separately in Europe [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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