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Project Sputnik: Dell's Ubuntu-based XPS13 laptop for developers
An internal innovation fund at Dell is helping create project Sputnik, an Ubuntu-based laptop aimed at developers. The hardware is Dell's XPS13 Ultrabook, and the OS is the latest version of Canonical's linux distro, Precise Pangolin 12.04 LTS. So far the image contains drivers and patches for hardware, key tools and utilities (emacs, Vim, Chromium etc.,) and a native tool for github repository integration is incoming soon. Dell has also worked closely with Canonical on the project to ensure maximum hardware compatibility. As for developer tools, instead of bloating the system with a complex suite of applications, Sputnik has been designed to let users go to a github repository and pull down individual developer profiles; Android, Ruby and JavaScript being available right now, with more to follow. The install image is available right now via the more coverage link, and more details on the project will follow as it develops.
Developer's Studio: Sarah Stocker and Singstar
The PlayStation.Blog's "Inside the Developer's Studio" feature continues in its run up to E3. On the 3rd of July Seth Luisi showed off SOCOM: Confrontation and yesterday Sarah Stocker hyped up the soon-to-be-released karaoke sim, Singstar.Sarah discusses the Game 3.0 aspects of the game, including how the online catalogue is the first of its kind. She also mentions the myspace-esque My Singstar page, which all users will be able to upload video footage of their performances to. This game is going to be a great party experience once it's released next month and we're looking forward to seeing what more there is to see at E3.Read the full interview over at PlayStation.Blog and keep an eye on the ever expanding Flickr account.
Developer's Studio: Seth Luisi and SOCOM Confrontation
The PlayStation.Blog's "Inside the Developer's Studio" feature continues in its run up to E3. On July 2nd Brian Allgeier was interviewed about Ratchet and Clank. On the 3rd, Seth Luisi spoke about SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation.Seth is very much enjoying the PS3's polygon pushing power, claiming that they are working on producing "intricate and highly detailed urban environments." Characters are also going to be visually impressive, with "skin shaders, cloth shaders, normal maps, and highly detailed textures" making them look scarily realistic. Seth also sings the praises of the PS3's native HDD, reiterating the argument that knowing that all consumers will have a hard drive allows them to utilise it in ways which improve the overall game experience.Read the full interview over at PlayStation.Blog for more pre-E3 hype. Also, don't forget about the PlayStation Flickr account, which is being continuously updated.
Developers Studio: Brian Allgeier and Ratchet & Clank
Just as we did before with Heavenly Sword, we've got another Developers Studio for you via the PlayStation Blog. This time, we're getting the focus on Ratchet and Clank from Insomniac's own Brian Allgeier. When he describes the game as "A Spectacularific Galactic Sci-Fi Adventure" you really start to know how they come up with such creative weaponry -- they'll all about having fun.The folks at Insomniac answer a number of questions about their upcoming PS3 exclusive (hitting shelves this Fall, no less), including their favorite part of the game and describing one of the bosses. Can we mention that the boss battles are epic, giant forces to be reckoned with? Anyway, please check out the full interview at the PlayStation Blog and leave us your thoughts. We can't wait to play this game -- it really does seem to live up to the "Toy Story quality" graphics boasted oh-so-many years ago.
Developer's Studio: Nina Kristensen and Heavenly Sword + Joystiq interview
The PlayStation.Blog's "Inside the Developer's Studio" feature continues in its run up to E3. Yesterday we got a little bit of insight into the upcoming collectable card computer game Eye of Judgment from Felice Standifer. Today Nina Kristensen, co-founder of Ninja Theory, answers Sony's questions regarding the much anticipated Heavenly Sword.As well as posting her thoughts on the PlayStation.Blog, Kristensen has also had a very interesting interview with Kevin Kelly of Joystiq. Make sure you read both interviews for some insight into the game's story, the goings-on at Ninja Theory, Nariko's mega combo attacks and the trouble with "bollocks". Also, check out the videos that were posted just a wee bit earlier. Hypetastic. We can't wait for this game.
Developer's Studio: Felice Standifer and Eye of Judgment
The PlayStation.Blog's "Inside the Developer's Studio" feature continues in its run up to E3. On the 27th we got some new info on NBA 08 from Erich Waas. Yesterday was Felice Standifer's turn to tell us a little something about The Eye of Judgment.Standifer reveals that the development team is "focused on a global launch of this title, so you can challenge players from all over the world" from its release in the autumn. Sounds great to us, we're looking forward to getting our hands on it as soon as possible. He goes on to say that "there will be over 100 different cards available with the booster packs, so you never know what creature is going to be coming at you." Sony seems to be really persuing a large amount of variety when it comes to their games. From the 350 songs available at the launch of Singstar to Eye of Judgment's plentiful collectible cards. No doubt, as Wizards of the Coast have a hand in publishing the cards, we'll be seeing even more after the first "set" is released.Be sure to read the full Q&A over at the PlayStation.Blog.
Developer's Studio: Erich Waas and NBA 08
The PlayStation.Blog's "Inside the Developer's Studio" feature continues in its run up to E3. On the 26th we had Travis Williams giving us some insight into the PSN title PAIN. Next up is Erich Waas, Senior Producer for NBA 08. Waas and the team are utilising the power of the PS3 to allow for "Full HD - 1080p and 60fps. Not up-scaled to 1080p. Not a choice to run at 1080p OR 60fps. True Full HD." This is something that they cannot do on other consoles. He goes on to say that "we have detailed sweat that you can see rolling down players' faces, head and eye tracking and facial animation for all 10 players at once. Additionally, thanks to the cell processor, we simulate cloth not just for the 10 players on the court but the bench players for each team as well." Graphics aren't all that the PS3 is good for though as, thanks to the SIXAXIS, some new gameplay innovations are being implemented. For example, "you're able to rock the SIXAXIS controller back and forth to dribble the ball between the legs" and "on defense you're able to get high or wide by tilting the SIXAXIS controller forward or backwards."Sounds like NBA 08 is shaping up to be a very technically impressive game. Be sure to read the entire Q&A to learn even more.
Developer's Studio: Travis Williams and PAIN
The PlayStation.Blog's "Inside the Developer's Studio" feature continues in its run up to E3. On the 25th we saw Cory Barlog (possibly our favourite developer, simply because his surname is so close to Balrog) discuss God of War: Chains of Olympus on the PSP. Twice. Yesterday it was Travis Williams' turn as he gives us some pre-E3 insight into PAIN, the upcoming PSN title.When asked what the developers of PAIN are doing on the PS3 that can't be done on any other consoles, Williams waxes lyrical on the virtues of the PSN and how it allows a direct dialogue between audience and developer. He says "there's a level of interaction with the game players that we couldn't achieve until now. We've got cool ideas, but I'm really looking forward to see how other people play PAIN." Speaking of cool ideas, Williams says that they're interested in developing new characters for the game before it is released. So if you have any thoughts on characters you'd like to inflict pain on by shooting them out of a giant slingshot, post a comment on the PlayStation.Blog post and, you never know, you might see it in the final version.Interestingly, the game Williams would most like to sit down in front of for an hour is Killzone 2. Apparently he's heard "it looks AMAZING". There's the pre-E3 hype we're looking for. Our own Andrew Yoon will be at the Killzone 2 official presentation, so we'll keep you updated over the E3 period. Check out the PlayStation.Blog to see all of Williams' responses to the, seemingly extended, question list.
