by Rainier on Feb. 27, 2006 @ 9:11 p.m. PST | Filed under
News
An article on the
Japanese Sankei website has a quote from an unnamed Sony spokesperson that possible problems with the mass production of the Blu-ray drive could delay the PS3 launch. "The highest quality picture is vital to the PS3. There is a possibility of delay if delivery of parts is delayed." If that delay occurs, the new launch would happen in October, to take advantage of the holiday season. Delay rumors have been rampant since Wall Street stock-brokerage firm Merrill Lynch speculated the new console wouldn't launch before the end of the year.
by Rainier on Feb. 27, 2006 @ 2:23 p.m. PST | Filed under
News
The
San Fransisco Chronicle reports that Sony is selling off its mall/movie complex Metreon in downtown SF. The 300,000-square-foot Metreon building is being acquired by Shopping mall developer the Westfield Group and real estate company Forest City Enterprises for an undisclosed sum, although industry analyst estimate it is worth around 70million dollar. The Metreon never really took off the way Sony wanted, and in light of reviewing its corporate strategy it decided to focus more on electronics, entertainment and games.
by Rainier on Feb. 16, 2006 @ 2:37 p.m. PST | Filed under
News
The keynote, titled "PlayStation 3: Beyond the Box," will demonstrate the creative and technical opportunities that will be made available via next-generation consoles. More specifically, Harrison will outline SCE's current plans for the PlayStation 3 and how certain development strategies will help increase consumer interest.
by Rainier on Feb. 9, 2006 @ 3:19 p.m. PST | Filed under
News
An article in the Chinese-language Commercial Times seems to think so. After initially announcing it at last year's E3, and some footage at TGS 2005, PS3's first appearance could be next week at the Taipei Game Show (TGS) 2006, which takes place between February 16-20. Sony’s exhibit will occupy a total of 80 booths, including 20 booths allocated exclusively for the PS3. The unveiling could be a countermove against Microsoft's Xbox 360 launch in Taiwan, starting March 16, 2006.
by Rainier on Feb. 3, 2006 @ 5:39 p.m. PST | Filed under
News
Codemasters announced today that Chris Deering, has joined the company's Board of Management as non-executive Chairman. Mr. Deerings, a 25 year industry veteran, was President of Sony Europe, Consumer Electronics Division, (2004-2005) as well as Chairman and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe,
by Rainier on Jan. 31, 2006 @ 1:28 a.m. PST | Filed under
News
Since its launch Everquest II has grown to 36 servers and expanded from its initial 369 zones to over 600. To make sure users frequent populated areas and make the gameplay more continuous,
Sony Online decided to combine a few of its existing servers. On Feb 2, 2006, people will be allowed to move their character for free, while at the same time, Update #19 will be going live, and some database maintenance will occure to prepare for the server moves.
by Rainier on Jan. 27, 2006 @ 7:18 p.m. PST | Filed under
News
SOE announced their preparations for the 19th update to EverQuest II, slated to launch on game servers Feb 2. This update will bring significant changes to the game, and is a precursor to the launch of the new Player vs. Player game servers, scheduled for late February. Read more for more details and massive fix list.
by Rainier on Jan. 24, 2006 @ 11:13 a.m. PST | Filed under
News
Sony Computer Entertainment announced today that its has acquired SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs developer Zipper Interactive which now joins its newly formed global development operation, SCE Worldwide Studios. This marks the second studio acquisition by SCE following Guerrilla B.V. in December 2005.
by Rainier on Jan. 1, 2006 @ 1:30 a.m. PST | Filed under
E3 - Pre - E3 2003
Sony Online introduced several new video games and provided details on soon-to-be-released titles during the 2003 E3. The new games announced include Lords of EverQuest, a real-time strategy game for the PC and EverQuest Online Adventures: Frontiers, an expansion for North America's only massively multiplayer online game for the PlayStation2. Additionally, SOE provided new information for upcoming titles PlanetSide, the first massively multiplayer action game set in a persistent world and EverQuest II, the parallel universe to the original EverQuest PC MMO role-playing game.
"The coming year is going to be huge for us," said John Smedley, president, Sony Online Entertainment.
by Rainier on Jan. 1, 2006 @ 1:30 a.m. PST | Filed under
E3 - Pre - E3 2003
Enhancing its strong platform strategies, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (SCEI) announced today plans to expand its in-home entertainment to outside the home with a new, all-in-one portable entertainment platform, "PSPTM."
Scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2004, the company's goal is to extend the reach of PlayStation to a broader audience, allowing consumers to enjoy gaming and other entertainment content anytime, anywhere. Specific details on release plans and pricing will be disclosed at a later date.
The introduction of "PSP" highlights the company's long-awaited foray into the portable entertainment market. With unmatched advantages of the Sony Group, such as global
by Rainier on Jan. 1, 2006 @ 1:30 a.m. PST | Filed under
E3 - Pre - E3 2003
In an attempt to boost sales and lure more video-game players online, Sony Corp. plans on giving buyers of its PlayStation 2 system a free modem device that previously cost $40.
Sony will now sell its PlayStation 2 standard with its Network Adapter, which allows video-game players to hook up via the Internet to compete with each other. The company didn't specify an exact start date for the promotion, but said it would happen over the summer.
Industry watchers had been uncertain whether Sony would offer any promotion, since PlayStation 2 sales have eclipsed competitors in the game-console arena, Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox
by Rainier on Jan. 1, 2006 @ 1:30 a.m. PST | Filed under
E3 - Pre - E3 2003
- Grand Theft Auto 4 has been confirmed and Sony announced that the title will debut exclusively on the Playstation II.
- Final Fantasy XI will be published by Sony in all territories at some point in 2004. The reason for Square Enix not publishing the title is unknown at this point in time.
- The Sony press conference is taking place right now, and Sony has announced that Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, will be a Playstation 2 exclusive.
- Sony has released new details pertaining to Gran Turismo 4. The game will feature new and improved graphics, better sound, more realistic physics and... online
by Rainier on Jan. 1, 2006 @ 1:30 a.m. PST | Filed under
E3 - Pre - E3 2005
Genre: Console
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Sony & IBM
Release Date: Spring 2006
I can hear the system fanboys out there sharpening their knives after reading that teaser, but trust me, fannishness doesn't motivate this assessment of the situation. I don't really believe in system loyalty, since ultimately a console is just a computer and only as good as the software that gets made for it. I loved Nintendo's booth this year, but unless the Revolution actually shoots holograms out of your TV and, I don't know, can fit on the head of a pin as promised, then we're about to look
by Rainier on Jan. 1, 2006 @ 1:30 a.m. PST | Filed under
E3 - Post - E3 2003
by Rainier on Dec. 19, 2005 @ 1:20 a.m. PST | Filed under
News
Reuters is reporting that Sony is on track to double the number of PSP's sold in North America to around 6 million at the end of its first holiday season this year. Although nowhere near the appeal of Apple's iPods, the paperback-sized video game device has increasingly won over movie fans, citing its long load times and akward mini joystick as drawbacks.
by Rainier on Dec. 9, 2005 @ 1:25 a.m. PST | Filed under
News
Despite rampant rumors of delay, Sony said on Thursday that it remained on track to roll out its new PlayStation 3 by spring 2006. The timing is of particular importance, as the PS3 will include Sony's new Blu-ray next-generation DVD technology. Having the console ready simultaneously as the Blu-ray would mean a great advantage, as it provides them with an instant user base.
by Rainier on Dec. 7, 2005 @ 8:32 a.m. PST | Filed under
News
Sony Computer Entertainment today announced that it has acquired leading developer Guerrilla Games to further expand its development capability as part of Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS). In a strategic move to secure long term excellence in game development for current and future PlayStation platforms, the acquisition of Guerrilla has formalised the already close working relationship between SCE and the studio.
by Rainier on Nov. 29, 2005 @ 3:17 a.m. PST | Filed under
News
Sony has released yet another new update for its PSP firmware, bringing it to v2.60 for the Japanese, North American and European PSP editions. The new v2.60 update adds Windows Media Audio (WMA) audio support, RSS Channel has been added as a feature under Network, copyright-protected video data can now be downloaded directly to a Memory Stick Duo, and volume adjustment has been added.
by Rainier on Nov. 21, 2005 @ 11:21 a.m. PST | Filed under
News
The state of
Texas sued Sony music label BMG under its new anti-spyware law, saying Sony's anti-piracy XCP technology used on music CDs leaves huge security holes on consumers' computers. The music CD automatically installed a copy-protection program when discs were put into a PC, to restrict the user from copying a single cd more than three times. Online webuser discovered that the application, and its subsequent removal tool, left computers wide open for virus attacks. After a storm of criticism, Sony recalled the discs last week.
by Rainier on Oct. 28, 2005 @ 3:42 p.m. PDT | Filed under
News
At the Austin Game Conference Sony Online Entertainment President John Smedley revealed that SOE is looking to break from its traditional subscription-based MMO formula. Plans are on the board to release a game by next fall that can be played free of its monthly charges. With this new approach SOE hopes to make up for the steady cash flow by attracting more people to the game and make up revenue by continuously adding new weapons, levels and special items.
by Rainier on Oct. 21, 2005 @ 12:55 p.m. PDT | Filed under
News
Sony Computer Entertainment announced today that the cumulative production shipment of its PSP player had reached 10 million units worldwide, as of October 21st, 2005, the fastest penetration speed in the PlayStation platforms introduced in the past.
by Rainier on Oct. 20, 2005 @ 4:02 p.m. PDT | Filed under
News
With a 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo included, the PSP Giga Pack provides exceptional storage opportunities for a combination of movies, music, and photographs, allowing PSP owners to enjoy a full range of entertainment options wherever they may be. The PSP Giga Pack also contains an added value package of accessories, including the PSP System, a 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, battery pack, AC Adaptor, USB cable and an all-new PSP stand for easy hands-free viewing.
by Rainier on Oct. 14, 2005 @ 8:10 a.m. PDT | Filed under
News
Sony has released yet another new update for its PSP firmware, bringing it to v2.50. Currently only valid for Japanese PSP's, Sony did release the previous v2.01 for its North American version. Unlike the previous update, the v2.50 does address more than just security flaws, and allows you to watch TV and movies remotely over the net through their LocationFree Base Station, view DRM protected files saved on Memory Stick Duos, save text from the Internet browser, and also set the date and time via the net.
by Rainier on Oct. 3, 2005 @ 12:45 p.m. PDT | Filed under
News
Today Sony has released a new v2.01 update for its PSP firmware for the, currently only Japanese, PSP, in reponse to a v2.0 security loophole discovered by an amateur programmer. While the v2.0 crack was not intended to be malicious another group of PSP users quickly jumped on the bandwagon and released a a fake patch which will "brick your PSP and void the warranty," according to
PSPUpdates.
by Rainier on Sept. 14, 2005 @ 6:05 a.m. PDT | Filed under
News
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. announced today that it had combined all of its games development studios around the world to form SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), effective September 1, 2005.