playstation-network posts (Subscribe to this feed)
Shoot on sight: PixelJunk Shooter's first level
by Xav de Matos 
{ Nov 26th 2009 at 6:30PM }
Sadly the game isn't set to hit the PSN until December 10, according to VG247. So for now, all we can do is wait... and dream of a brighter future. Check out the game in action after the break.
Gallery: PixelJunk Shooter
Critter Crunch dev praises Sony's support of indie games
by Andrew Yoon { Nov 20th 2009 at 6:30PM } 
Vella's praise echoes similar sentiments from other PSN developers, like Shatter's Mario Wynands. In addition to free development tools, Vella noted other benefits by partnering with Sony. Critter Crunch was promoted heavily on the PlayStation Network via the PlayStation.Blog, Pulse and banners on the PlayStation Store. Most importantly, though, Sony "treated us like we weren't a small nobody developer from Toronto."
In spite of Sony's best intentions, though, Vella notes that sales aren't quite where they should be on the PSN. "It's still a fraction of what XBLA is doing, and we know that," he admitted. "But that's okay for us because they let us do what we wanted to do." Apparently what they want to do now is work on a zombie game.
Blue Toad Murder Files first trailer warns of big mystery in Little Riddle
by Ben Gilbert { Nov 19th 2009 at 5:40PM }
The game's developer promises two more trailers before it releases in a few weeks, but we suggest you head after the break and check out this one right now. Beyond getting a look at the game's art style in action, it features a British narrator repeatedly saying "Muuurder." How could you go wrong?
Gallery: Blue Toad Murder Files
Congratulations to Andrew on being the first to comment. You've been emailed a free Battlefield: Bad Company 2 beta code. Click here, for more information on this giveaway. Official rules apply.Sony to release 'non-game' dev kits in Q2 2010
by Andrew Yoon { Nov 19th 2009 at 12:15PM }
Last night's 6.20 firmware update for PSP lays down the framework for additional non-gaming content. The PSP update adds a new category to the XMB called "Extras," which allows users to launch the web browser to download third-party apps on the PSP. The PlayStation Network Digital Comics Reader is the first official "Extra" to appear on the XMB, with more sure to come in 2010.
A wide release of non-game dev kits may attract the active homebrew community to release official programs on the PSP and PS3. We'll be chatting with SCEA soon to get further details. Until then, we'll be dreaming of a native YouTube application for our PSPs.
[Via VG247]
Congratulations to StevenMichael on being the first to comment. You've been emailed a free Battlefield: Bad Company 2 beta code. Click here, for more information on this giveaway. Official rules apply.PSA: PlayStation Video Service expands to Europe today
by Andrew Yoon { Nov 19th 2009 at 6:00AM }
For a limited time, the PlayStation Store will be running a special promo. Anyone that purchases Angels and Demons from the newly launched service will get a free copy of The Da Vinci Code. New registrants of the PlayStation Network will also be able to get a free download of Transformers if they create an account before November 30.
"The launch of the PlayStation Network video delivery service extends our entertainment offering and provides consumers with another way to access their favorite movies, whether at home or on the go," SCEE's Andrew House wrote in a press release. SCEE's Jem Alexander also shared his enthusiasm with us, saying the service will be "amazing" and that "biscuits are brilliant."
Happy 3rd birthday, PlayStation 3!
by Ben Gilbert { Nov 18th 2009 at 2:45PM }
These days, we have hilarious commercials, a smattering of great exclusive games both on disc and through the PlayStation Network – hell, the system even lost some weight (and half its original price)! We're spending the day celebrating the PS3s lifespan by ... folding proteins like mad! If you're so inclined to join along, we've got this convenient 300 person strong team set up. It's a celebration foldathon, folks – ya dig?
Peggle and Peggle Nights coming to PSN on Nov. 19
by Andrew Yoon { Nov 16th 2009 at 8:00PM }
Sure, it's been a long time coming, but the PS3 will have one exclusive feature to make up for the delayed release: Built-in YouTube support. With this feature, players will be able to upload and share replays directly from the PS3. If you've played Peggle before, you know you're bound to have some "OMG did that really happen" moments you'll want to save forever.
First Brutal Legend DLC dated Nov. 3, initially free on PS3
by Ben Gilbert { Oct 27th 2009 at 11:41AM } 
($5) on Xbox 360. If you're a PS3 owner, however, the map pack will be free of charge for the first two weeks. "We love the PS3," EA's Brent Dady said over on PlayStation Blog, speaking on the publisher's decision to offer the DLC for free on PSN until November 19. Those who get the DLC on either console will also get a free in-game axe -- the intimidating "Blade of Ormagöden." We suggest you start looking for the game's creative lead Tim Schafer, who claims in the release that he plays online "every night." Get him Joystiq Biomass! Get him.
Gallery: Brutal Legend
Banned PSN player appeals court decision, sues Sony again for $180k
by Andrew Yoon { Oct 27th 2009 at 9:21AM }
Estavallo isn't going to be stopped by a mere district judge's ruling, though. In addition to filing an appeal, Estavillo is also filing another lawsuit against Sony -- this time, a civil suit seeking $180,000 in damages; more than three times the amount of his original, dismissed suit. According to GamePolitics, Estavillo will once again opt out of using a lawyer, choosing to represent himself for both upcoming cases. We wish Estavillo the best of luck.*
*Ed.'s Note: While we'd normally end on a punchline, our fear of irrational and baseless lawsuits prevents us from doing so.
Netflix is coming to the PS3 [update]
by Andrew Yoon { Oct 26th 2009 at 12:19AM }
It looks like you'll also be able to manage your Netflix streaming queue directly from your PS3; no need to have accessed the site via computer first. It'll be interesting to see how Microsoft responds to the loss of Netflix exclusivity -- perhaps it will open up the service to free Xbox Live Silver accounts? And will Nintendo ever join the fray?
Update: Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities noted that the Blu-ray disc required for Netflix playback on the PS3 may circumvent exclusivity clauses instituted by Microsoft. "We believe that the exclusive arrangement limits Netflix's ability to appear on the 'dashboard' for the PS3 or the Wii." Additionally, Pachter believes Netflix streaming will expand to Nintendo's console next year. "We anticipate that a similar arrangement will be announced for the Wii in the next 12 months."
Third parties not required to release PSP games on PlayStation Store
by Andrew Yoon { Oct 16th 2009 at 9:15AM }
Once again, Sony's hands-off approach to the PlayStation Network means third parties are responsible for getting their content on both UMD and the PlayStation Store. "It's up to individual third parties to decide if and when to publish their UMD releases on PSN. Most, if not all, are on board, as this is a revenue opportunity for them," we were told by Eric Lempel, SCEA's director of PlayStation Network operations. Namco, the one publisher that returned our request for comment, noted specifically that "there are currently no plans to release Akatsuki Rising on PSN right now," despite its October 6 release on UMD.
We highly encourage Sony to make simultaneous digital releases of PSP games a requirement for publishers, not merely a suggestion. The company previously issued a mandate for PS3 games to include trophies in 2009 -- a similar policy must be enforced on the PSP. Without it, there's no guarantee that all future PSP games will ever be playable on the PSP Go.
Interview: SCEA's Eric Lempel on Amazon's PSN offerings
by Andrew Yoon { Oct 8th 2009 at 2:30PM }
Joystiq: Is Amazon.com an exclusive retail partner with Sony, or will we see this program expand to other retailers?
Eric Lempel: Amazon offers a lot of great benefits, but we're definitely open to exploring other retailers in the channel. There's nothing exclusive about this. If it makes sense, and works for both sides, yeah, we'd definitely be open to exploring this with other retail partners.
Which party was responsible for getting the project rolling? Was it Sony, or was it Amazon?
We have a lot of meetings with [Amazon] on a regular basis, because they are one of our customers for all of the physical product. So, we're talking with them all the time. I've been in meetings with them for years, so I can't really say who brought this up but we've all been talking about this for a long time. And I will say we've been talking about this way before the Xbox integration as well, so it wasn't one of these, "Hey, we're doing this, do you guys want to do this as well?" We've thought about this, we've been talking about it. We've kind of had to get the right timing where all of us can do the implementation. We thought now would be a great time just in light of PSP Go being released and the surge of digital content that's become available over the last few months.
PSN Thursday: In time with Turtles, Silent Hill and George Takei
by Alexander Sliwinski { Sep 10th 2009 at 5:49PM }
Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
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(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
Sony seeks participants for PSN reality show, 'The Tester'
by Ludwig Kietzmann { Sep 3rd 2009 at 3:30PM }
Those looking to put this wacky and mildly voyeuristic job interview on their resumes are encouraged to submit their details and a short video to Sony's official website. To be considered, you must be older than 21, a resident of the United States and have an unflappable desire to tell someone that they need to tighten up the graphics on level three. The series, which will eventually comprise eight HD episodes, will debut this winter on PSN -- at an unannounced price. How's that for reality?
74% of you have watched a Blu-ray movie
by Andrew Yoon { Sep 1st 2009 at 8:00PM }
Yes, the "17 Again" Blu-ray promotes that it is "Packed with Zac!" We don't make this stuff up.
SCEA's Eric Lempel spoke with Variety's Video Business, and he said that a significant majority of PS3 owners have tested its Blu-ray capability. "Right now, 74% of the users who have PS3s have spent time watching Blu-ray movies," he said. However, while PS3's key demographic of 20-something year old males may be allured by the 1080p boobs and explosions, Lempel says that PS3 can expand its audience through the PlayStation Network.
"Ever since we've introduced services like the video download service, we're getting more of the household on the PlayStation Network. Some of the top rentals and sales on the video side have been content that probably doesn't appeal exactly to that 28-year-old male. It's more those movies that are geared toward women," Lempel added. Perhaps that explains the success of the Zac Efron vehicle "17 Again" on the PlayStation Store versus the Blu-ray -- although who wouldn't want to see Efron's dreamy eyes in 1080p?
[Via Kotaku]
