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PS3 European launch helped sell over 180,000 Blu-ray movies
The HD war over real estate in your living room just hit a new milestone with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's recent claim of just how successful the European launch of the PS3 was. Citing a 1000% increase in Blu-ray movie sales since the European launch of the PS3 in March, the boys (and girls) in the Sony camp are certainly smiling. Sony Pictures also mentioned sales of their movies account for 50% of all Blu-ray movies sold in Europe, thanks in large part to the permeation of their strongest release to date, Casino Royale. Other top-selling HD discs include The Departed, which previously enjoyed the top-selling Blu-ray movie slot prior to Casino Royale's runaway truck-like sales growth, and the fantastic BBC documentary Planet Earth. Both highly recommended, no matter what side of the HD fence you happen to fall on.
PS3 kicks off most successful home console launch in UK... ever
MCV confirms the news that will send many a fanboy into a sequence of uncontrollable convulsions: The Playstation 3 has officially become the fastest-selling home console in the UK over its launch weekend. A reported 165,000 PS3 units were snatched from shelves, besting the Wii's 105,000 launch units and the Xbox 360's 70,000. The PSP still holds the top speed record (185,000 units) as a handheld, but we doubt that's the sort of caveat that will bother the folks at Sony.With plenty of consoles left in the 220,000 strong initial shipment, it would appear that a strong supply is the key to launch victory. Will sales remain brisk in the foreseeable future? We'll find out soon enough, but until then, expect some elaborately spun responses from Sony's competitors. Perhaps UK journalists ought to return those stacks of beer to Microsoft -- then again, alcohol already seems a likely explanation for steering the Xboat to the wrong continent.
Poll: PlayStation 3 vs. Europe
It's a few minutes past midnight in London and the PlayStation 3 has finally launched in the UK and the rest of Europe. Were you among the throbbing midnight masses? Were there even masses, throbbing or otherwise? Did you get a PS3? Did you stay at home in order to vote in online polls? How many more questions could we possibly ask? Two more? How about one more? Is this the last one? Hey Europe, tell us about your PS3 launch! My hands are stained with blood, but I got a PS3! My store was dead. I just waltzed in and bought one. What do you mean you're out of stock!? Online ordering FTW, colon close bracket! Actually, I bought a PS2 or somesuch thing. I live in Italy and got one several days ago, losers. PS3 launch? More like BS... 3... haunch! Yeah! Why isn't there a poll option for Australians? Free polls from Pollhost.com Technical mumbo jumbo: this is not a scientific or rigorous poll and is only intended to capture the general consensus of Joystiq readers. Results will be posted approximately one week after the poll is opened for votes. Sure, you probably could hack this poll if you worked at it, but it's more fun for everyone if poll results accurately reflect the opinions of all readers, so please refrain from tampering with poll results.
PS3 locked and loaded for Oz and Europe launch
In just a few short hours, the PS3 will finally see its European debut. In the usual fashion, the hardcore gaming elite-and-freak are lining up outside stores in a rolling launch hitting Australia first before making its way to Europe. Some lucky Italians have already received theirs as a few retailers have broken the March 23 street date and sold the console early. In London, police have cracked down on midnight openings for fear of repeating the crime infested US launch. A notable exception is the Virgin Megastore on Oxford street which is moving ahead with plans to facilitate a midnight launch by offering a makeshift campsite on its lower floor to keep fans "comfortable and safe." Oh the humanity!Read -- UK launch parties canceled Read -- Italy breaks rank Read -- Virgin Megastore
Sony unveils launch lineup for Euro PlayStation Network
The PS3's launch day in Europe is set to be filled with wanton punching, devastating explosions and utterly callous driving -- and when new PS3 owners finally get home, they can experience even more of that. Sony has announced a trio of downloads that will greet European PlayStation Network users on March 23, namely Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection (costing £6.99), Blast Factor (£3.49) and the Gran Turismo HD trial (£0). Other games slated for the online network are: 30 March: Super Rub-A-Dub, a touching study of the social intricacies found in a group of inanimate ducks! 6 April: flOw, a relaxing aquatic adventure with many a mingling microorganism! 13 April: Go! Sudoku, a game stunningly devoid of ritualistic suicide! 20 April: Go! Puzzle, a gripping crime thriller following a fugitive jigsaw piece! If all that isn't worth registering on PSN, perhaps James Bond will talk some sense into you. He has a gun, you know.
Sony prices first-party PS3 games for Euro launch
Those walking out of a UK store next month with a PS3 under the arm will no doubt be concerned about the retail price of launch games -- doubly so if they actually paid for the console on their way out. Sony has announced a £39.99 (€59.99) price point for first-party launch games, placing the likes of Motorstorm and Resistance: Fall of Man in the same bracket as Wii and first-party Xbox 360 titles. Presumably, the games will contain all of the content from their American and Japanese releases. Sony also notes that an "introductory period" will see PlayStation Network games priced between €2.99 and €9.99, with game-specific downloadable content starting at €0.99 and increasing depending on the product's scope. Previously: European PS3 not so backwards compatible Sony incentivizes Euro PS3 with Casino Royale Blu-ray Sony UK sales boss quits before impending PS3 launch
Online retailer says PS3 is 'most pre-ordered console yet'
According to a Gamesindustry.biz article, the UK's online retailer, Play.com, is currently taking six times more PlayStation 3 pre-orders than it did for the Xbox 360 and 15 times more than it did for the Nintendo Wii. The retailer offers a £524.99 console bundle that includes Motorstorm, Genji 2 and Resistance: Fall of Man. Sony adds that, "Woolworths, Amazon and Play, to name a few, are reporting record breaking pre-orders and an overwhelming demand for PS3." Though this record pre-order pace is somewhat misleading when taking into account the stock shortages experienced by both the Wii and Xbox 360 -- being allocated more units obviously means you can accept more pre-orders -- the truly good news here is intended for consumers. With Sony promising one million PS3 units for the European launch and retailers accepting a greater number of pre-orders, gamers that want a system on day one (and can tolerate bundle deals) stand a good chance of avoiding the usual frustration that accompanies supply issues. Not to mention the fact that the added wait until March 23 has, at the very least, provided some consolation in the form a much better selection of launch titles.See also: Sony incentivizes Euro PS3 with Casino Royale Blu-ray Sony UK sales boss quits before impending PS3 launch [Thanks, Keith.]
Sony UK sales boss quits before impending PS3 launch
Man overboard! MCV reports that Kevin Jowett, head of sales for Sony UK, has resigned in order to pursue a career outside of the games industry. With the March 23 Euro PS3 launch just over five weeks away, his timing has likely caused quite a stir, with MCV commenting that the move may briefly disrupt negotiations between Sony and UK retailers. A UK high street executive is noted as saying, "Kevin is going just as Sony is talking to everyone about terms and arranging pre-orders and in-store marketing campaigns. Obviously, Sony is a big organisation and there will be people there who can fill Kevin's position. But this can't be helpful to them."Though the launch is unlikely to be overtly affected, you can be sure that an already challenging task just became tougher for those behind the curtain.
Sony incentivizes Euro PS3 with Casino Royale Blu-ray
He's dashing, he's debonair and most importantly, he's packing a very large gun. Clearly, this is exactly the kind of man you need to persuade gamers to pick up a PlayStation 3 when it launches in Europe next month. His name is James Bond, and according to GamesIndustry.Biz, his latest outing on Blu-ray will make its way to the first 500,000 gamers who register their consoles on the PlayStation Network.Sony's VP of brand and consumer marketing, Darren Carter, calls Casino Royale a "phenomenal incentive" for gamers to join the PS3's online service, no doubt drawing attention to the fact that it's a hell of a lot better than Talladega Nights. Catch all the reckless driving, lustful double-crossing and unashamed Daniel Craig-ery on your European PS3 when it launches on March 23.
Ireland sees PS3 price increase [update 1]
"Surely he meant to type decrease" news now, with Sony's official website indicating that the European PS3 launch may arrive in Ireland with a somewhat higher price tag. According to a report on Gamesindustry.biz, the Irish section of "This is Living" lists a price of 629.99 Euros, an increase over the originally announced 599 Euros. Now, before the internet's collective knee flies upward and concludes that the entirety of Europe will see a price increase, consider that residents of Ireland are the only ones faced with a higher price at this time (and the poor guys aren't even getting the 20GB model at launch). The United Kingdom's page still lists the original EUR 599 price. One theory is that the Irish page was merely the first to be updated, but it remains a theory until Sony officially announces a price increase. That seems unlikely, if not entirely inconceivable given consumers' current attitude towards the PS3.[Update: Sony has confirmed the higher price is for Ireland only, due to its higher VAT rate. The 60GB PS3 is still set at EUR 599 for the rest of Europe, GBP 425 for the UK.]
Sony pleased as Punch with PS3 launch
And do note the capital "P" in the headline. Quite surprisingly, the true origin of the phrase has more unintentionally amusing connotations than was previously expected -- the thought of a bowl of pineapple party punch being simply delighted as drunk teenagers scoop out its innards never did make any sense. Now we know better and, thanks to Sony's neck crushing PRm (as in PR arm, you see), we even know that Sony is satisfied with the events that comprised the PS3 launch. Then again, who isn't? Right?According to Dave Karakker, senior director of corporate communications for SCEA, the primary points of interest are as follows: Good news, everybody! The initial allocation of consoles sold out within hours. And by everybody, we don't mean consumers. The best-selling game was Insomniac's Resistance: Fall of Man, followed by some angry football guy. Neither of these games manages to live up to the excitement generated by being shot while waiting in line or engaging in gladiatorial combat over that last PS3. The $599 PS3 model outsold the cheaper version. The "buzz" around the PS3 launch had a halo substitute effect on other Sony products, giving the PSP and PS2 healthy sales boosts of over 20% each. Furthermore, Sony remains committed to pumping out a million PS3 units before the end of the year. The sooner we get this launch nonsense out of the way, the sooner we can switch on our consoles and start playing some games. That's the medal that awaits us once we leap over the launch hurdle. (Feel free to interpret that phrase a bit more literally.) Sony's official launch statement is after the break.
The mind of a PS3 scalper (hint: it's not pretty)
We know those waiting on the PS3 were a vicious lot. We've seen them -- or actually experienced -- these hoards mob game stores and act in a generally violent manner. Some of these gathering Huns actually wanted the PS3 for themselves, but others did it for the eBay markup. "Charlie", or so he identified himself to The Escapist, is one of those people giving those buying a PS3 today a bad worse image. Charlie is a scalper and he is not afraid to admit it. Charlie had a good night's sleep, showed up 30 minutes before the store opened, cut right in line, and helped himself to a pair of PS3s with the assistance of an employee friend. He brazenly boasts that "any true gamer who wanted it would have been waiting in line for three days." While we weren't really crying for the PS3 campers, we can certainly feel for hopefuls who waited hours in the elements just to have someone show up and snatch the PS3 right from under their (no doubt very cold) nose. Charlie plans to flip the units on eBay for mad profits. Is he -- and those like him -- an enterprising entrepreneur or just some jerk who stole a legitimate gamer's fun? [Thanks, Rob Salvore]
Surviving Sony Gamer's Day
I set my alarm yesterday morning. I had a date with Sony Gamer's Day, 2006. And yes, Grammar Rodeo champions, that apostrophe means that it was just for me. Also, about 100 to 200 other journalists and analysts showed up, but I let them stay.Sony's annual all-day press event held few surprises. Instead, it was the last big event before the PS3 retail launch, and we reporters got to play more games, eat fancy hors d'oeuvres, and talk to Sony executives. In the late morning, I attended a lunch that was supposed to be with developers but occurred without them; a roundtable discussion had been canceled. Instead, I got to listen to analysts at my table spout lots of semi-confidential numbers off-the-record. Numbers like "40%," and "5,000,000." (Yes, commenters, those are completely out of context; don't start any rumors.) After eating fancy food that may have been prepared entirely by a team of Cell processors -- it was that good -- I headed to San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood for the presentations.
PS3 pre-orders open tomorrow at EB Gamestop
And they'll likely close 10 seconds after. In what is sure to result in a pulsating mass of pushy gamers waving their hundred dollar bills in the air, PS3 pre-orders are opening at Gamestop and EB Games stores tomorrow. According to an e-mail sent to online customers, Tuesday, October 10 will be the supply and demand doomsday that has been anticipated and dreaded by countless gamers across the world -- Europe excluded, of course (not that they mind).The message goes to great lengths (it has bolded text) to point out that supplies are "extremely limited" and that you'll have to part with $100 in cash, credit or trade in order to secure your PS3. And by "secure," we mean "a reservation deposit does not guarantee receipt of a system available to purchase at launch." The full e-mail text: "GameStop and EB Games will begin accepting limited pre-orders for the PlayStation 3 console on Tuesday, October 10, on a first come, first served basis. Due to extremely limited supply, we expect to deplete this allocation very quickly, most likely in minutes. We will not accept additional pre-orders at this time. To avoid an unnecessary trip we strongly recommend you call your local store to determine availability. A $100 reservation deposit is required, which can be funded with cash, credit or trade. As we cannot control production and shipping issues by the manufacturer, a reservation deposit does not guarantee receipt of a system available to purchase at launch. Reservations/Purchases are limited to 1 per household.Our limited online pre-order program will be announced at a later date, after software and accessory availability dates are confirmed. Online product pricing and availability will vary and will be fulfilled independent of store reservations."Good luck.[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]
Mysterious PS3 launch title is Oblivion
Remember when the folks at the Official Playstation Magazine declared than an upcoming issue would reveal a surprise PS3 launch title? A game so magnificently obscure and unexpected, a launch game "that you have not heard of?" The answer has finally come in the editorial team's latest podcast -- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Don't worry, we've never heard of it either. Sounds rather pretentious.The podcast does provide some clarification with regards to how Bethesda's in-your-face epic could possibly have been labeled as a game you've been completely oblivious (har har) to. Correction: it's a launch game you've never heard of, in the sense that you've never heard of it being a PS3 launch game. Obviously, Halo 3, Space Channel 5 and Pikmin would all have been fair guesses. Ah, we jest.According to OPM, the PS3 version of Oblivion will include new content and enhancements, likely referring to a bevy of equine protection items and the vicious eradication of problematic insects seen in the Xbox 360 and PC versions. 1UP specifically mentions a new faction, the Knights of the Nine, entering the world of Cyrodiil and providing the player with new quests. In addition, they also confirm a PSP game, Elder Scrolls Travels: Oblivion. More information on both titles will surely arrive in the next few weeks.Listen -- about three quarters of the way inRead -- a new faction and a PSP OblivionBehold -- the first batch of PS3 screenshots[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Rein reckons PS3 "in a better place" for launch than 360
In an interview with Eurogamer, Epic's Mark Rein makes an interesting observation in stark contrast to the doom and gloom murmurings (and memes) that have recently surrounded the impending PS3 launch. Rein notes that developers were just receiving final developments kits when E3 rolled around, whereas the Xbox 360 units were not yet available during the expo a year before. "So Sony's actually maybe in a better place vis-a-vis Microsoft in relation to launch."Coupled with news of 10,000 development kits being shipped off to eager programmers, it would appear that the PS3 is indeed in a good place for developers. Of course, that only amplifies the importance of having companies like Epic use the tools and the time given them to craft excellent experiences. After all, the best place for the PS3 to be in would be someone's living room, and the only way it's going to get there initially is with the aid of some killer launch titles. Where are they?In Mark Rein's house, apparently. "I know we're getting some great results with it back at our house, so I would expect other developers will be as well." Once Sony announces the PS3's full launch lineup, we'll be in a better position to see how pronounced the development kit advantage really is.
$40 XBL Vision camera & UNO bundle detailed by MS source along with prices & dates for other 360 accessories
Our friendly anonymous source at Microsoft has provided us with a few more details concerning the 360 accessories announced back at E3.Perhaps the most important involves the bundling of the Xbox Live Vision camera with a wired headset, the popular Live Arcade title UNO, and a month of Live Gold service for $39.99 when it releases in the States on September 19, 2006.Granted, this is still an unofficial report (based on a leak of "official" info), so understand that you're probably not gonna get much confirmation from MS until they're good and ready to give it. If you'd like information on what other peripherals are coming out "Holiday 2006" (so sometime in the 4th quarter) and at what price, read on for more.
Halo 3 possibly back in PS3 launch frame, says analyst
With all the PS3 delay news flying around lately, it seems that a certain big sequel for the Xbox 360 may have creeped back onto the 2006 release window.According to Next Generation, a "lead analyst" from Tokyo is claiming that "big-hitting titles" for the first-moving 360 could be targeted at the PS3 launch "just to sabotage it." He stated that the release of Halo 3 ("timed to PS3") would be "quite damaging for Sony" as well.Well, a preemptive launch of Halo 3 would certainly serve as a distraction to Sony's next-gen launch plans, but people who really want a PS3 probably won't be deterred by Microsoft's premiere FPS appearing around the same time their favorite console does. Gears of War most likely won't stop PS3 fanboys, either. An unexpectedly early release (of either title) would certainly prove to be a perfect holiday present for 360 owners, however. Competition is grand.See also: Halo 3 could be released in '06 according to MS Game Studios GM Halo 3: speculation roundup PS3 worldwide in November Breaking News: PS3 delayed until November!
