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Wipeout HD and Fury come to Vita as 2048 DLC, free if you already have them on PS3
Wipeout HD and its Fury expansion are moving (at futuristically high speeds, we assure you) from PS3 to Vita today, in the form of two DLC packs for Wipeout 2048.The $7.99 "Wipeout HD Add-On Pack" adds the single-player mode from that game along with all the online tracks, 12 new ships, and PS3/Vita cross-play for 12 tracks not previously included in 2048. The $7.99 "Wipeout HD Fury Add-On Pack" adds 12 more tracks, another campaign, and 24 more ships.If you want to buy them both together, you can do so in a $12.99 bundle. Or, if you already happen to own one or both games on PS3, you can just download the Vita DLC for free. Conversely, if you buy one or both of these, you can get the PS3 versions for free.
Sony incentivizes Vita Cross Play with free PS3 DLC, and vice versa
In the expensive, devious world of advertising, a successful word of mouth campaign is worth its weight in gold. Building something into your product that's fun to show off and talk about makes the purchase feel justified to the buyer, and instills a sense of "Dude, I want this" in the buyer's friends. You've got to give them something to talk about, though, which is why Sony is making the Vita's Cross Play functionality easier to jump into via free DLC for two of its titles.Well, free with purchase, we should say. Anyone who buys Hustle Kings for the Vita will be able to download the PS3 version of the game for free, and vice versa. Wipeout 2048 pilots that already own Wipeout HD and its "HD Fury" pack will receive the Vita DLC versions of both at no charge when they're released this spring. Sony describes this as "promotional" pricing, so we doubt free cross-platform transference will always be the norm. For now though, it's a good step towards establishing Cross Play as more than a gimmick in the minds of Vita owners and their friends.
Sony NGP soaks up the pre-E3 glitz in official demo videos
With E3 2011 just around the corner, expectations for Nintendo announcements are mighty high, but you can get a glimpse at the heat Sony's packing before another day goes by. The official PlayStation.Blog spat out some footage of the quad-core NGP in action, and it's not just playing last-gen games; rather, there's yet another glimpse at Uncharted, a brand new platformer called Sound Shapes where you build levels with a music sequencer (and which procedurally generates tunes as you play) and a taste of the cross-platform PS3 vs. NGP wireless racing you can expect in Wipeout HD. There's definitely a lot of dual-analog action here, but demonstrators are also taking advantage of that five-inch touchscreen, and Wipeout will apparently use the front-facing camera to beam taunt-filled pictures and video of the victor to the losers in each race.You'll note that Sony's focusing on software over hardware here, and that's not by accident -- the company's careful to state that we're looking at early dev units. "They're the right size, but they don't possess that final PlayStation-quality fit and finish," says the official blog, "What you'll eventually be able to pick up in a store will look a heck of a lot better." Two more vids after the break.
PlayStation Home 'Wipeout Museum' preserves futuristic racing history
Have you taken the time to familiarize yourself with some of the biggest moments in the history of the Wipeout franchise? The original game's ship date? The day Psygnosis was acquired and rebranded SCE Studio Liverpool? How about the time young Billy Caruthers first traveled fast enough in Wipeout 64 to break the sound barrier, causing the speakers of his 17-inch television and his left eardrum to disintegrate? You can learn all about these momentous occasions by visiting the "Wipeout Museum" space, which recently opened in PlayStation Home. The space celebrates the franchise's 15th birthday with a few scale models of the game's hovercrafts and a couple of interactive minigames -- you know, games like Wipeout Shooter, which recreates all the thrilling shooting gallery action for which the core series is known.
PlayStation 3 in 3D impressions: almost, but not quite
There are plenty of opinions to be had on 3D, and while many of the staff at Engadget could take it or leave it, this particular writer is a pretty firm fan of the concept. Notice the word "concept." 3D is hard to pull off well. We've all had to come to grips with the dimming effect of most 3D tech, due to the fact that we're only seeing about half the potential brightness of a display, and 3D gaming presents a whole different ream of problems. Follow after the break as we walk through some of our experiences with the PlayStation 3 in 3D and see if it can measure up to our hopes and dreams for a world with one extra dimension. %Gallery-95475%
US PlayStation 3 gets four 3D titles starting tomorrow
Perhaps the PlayStation Network needed to be down in order to add extra dimensions -- whatever the case, Sony just announced that tomorrow will usher in the first quartet of PS3 titles to support stereoscopic 3D. Not too shocking, as it happens to be the same day Japanese gamers get the same deal. Entrees include WipEout HD, Super Stardust HD, Pain, and a demo of MotorStorm: Pacific Rift. Looking to the future, PlayStation Move title The Fight: Lights Out will support 3D at launch. Of course you'll need a 3DTV to join the fun, but hey, looks like Sony's got you covered there, too.
PlayStation 3's first 3D title updates coming June 10th to Japan
Good news / bad news, folks. First with the smiles: PlayStation 3's first 3D-enabling updates are due out on June 10th for downloadable titles Super Stardust HD, WipEout HD, and Pain. The first two games get the added dimension for gratis, but Pain lovers (who should be accustomed by now to its abundant premium add-ons) will need to fork over ¥300 (approximately $3.28) for the benefit. The other stickler is that these updates are so far only announced for Japan -- and by merit of a Bravia promotion, Europe as well. So what's a North American gamer with a penchant for wearing special glasses to do? Keep waiting, true believers.
First PS3 3D game updates available in Japan on June 10
Sony Japan has announced the first games to be updated for 3D in that region -- a set of games corresponding to those included with Sony Europe's Bravia promotion. Super Stardust HD, Pain, and WipeOut HD will all be patched to support 3D for those in Japan with fancy enough TVs on June 10. Like in Europe, new Bravia buyers in Japan will be treated to all three of these 3D games for free, along with a 3D MotorStorm Pacific Rift demo. For those not buying a new TV, the 3D update for WipeOut and Super Stardust will still be free (even if the games aren't). Pain, however, lives up to its name with a ¥300 ($3.28) charge to add the new 3D mode. Now that near-identical details and launch dates have been released for 3D support in Japan and Europe, we can safely guess that a similar promotion will be on the way in North America. [Via Andriasang]
PlayStation 3's 3D implementation explained, may require upscaling and reduction in detail to work
It was only a couple of days ago that Sony flicked the switch on 3D compatibility for the PS3 -- albeit without retail games that can yet exploit it -- so what better time to dig into the nitty gritty details of the company's implementation of the third dimension? Digital Foundry have done just that, starting off with a discussion of how Sony translated WipEout HD from 2D into 3D. Noting that the original version ran at 1080p, Sony's senior development manager Simon Benson explains that notching resolution down to 720p opened up some pixel processing overhead (one 1080p stream requires nearly 2.1 million pixels, whereas a duo of 720p images is around 1.85 million in total), while reducing the refresh rate to 30Hz allowed the devs the breathing room to complete the extra geometric calculations required by 3D. That's certainly not the 1080p video at 100Hz per eye that we were hearing about at IDF last year, but at least it shows that games that haven't been coded for 3D can be translated, albeit at more demure settings. In the case of Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, the game already ran at a 720p / 30fps clip, so the solution was to generate it at a lower resolution and to use hardware upscaling and a few optimizations to make 3D work. Lest you think the transition was all bad news on the graphical immersion front, the SCEE devs also mention that quite a few field-of-view and motion-illustrating effects could simply be disabled in 3D, as in that mode "you get [them] for free." Of course, we're still only talking about retrofitting 3D, and Sony's big hope is that developers will code for the new format right from the start, resulting in visually richer and technically more efficient implementations. Hit the source for more.
3D PS3 games coming to PSN in June, 4 free with Bravia purchases
If you're looking to ditch your old HDTV in favor of Sony's HX803-series Bravia 3D TV, due to arrive in Europe this June, you'll receive four free 3D PlayStation 3 games. It's not explicit whether the "free collection" will be comprised PSN codes or compiled on a disc, but the promotional titles, including WipEout HD, MotorStorm Pacific Rift, PAIN and Super Stardust HD, will also be made available on PSN at the same time. We're following up with Sony America about whether it plans to have a similar promotion in the same timeframe. We'll be sure to update in glorious 2D text if it does.
Report: Half of Studio Liverpool staff laid off
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.
Sony 'restructuring' Studio Liverpool
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.
WipEout HD in-game ads return, still affect load times
Fans of Sony's blistering anti-grav racer WipEout HD will no doubt recall the game's update to version 2.0 back in August. That's because one of the additions came in the form of advertisements that would play during race loading screens. Having to see ads in a game you've paid full price for is one thing, the fact that they nearly doubled load times is another. Thankfully, Sony responded to an outpouring of ire over the ads by yanking them. Well, as we were warned last month, they're back. The 2.10 update for WipEout HD boldly proclaims that "Changes have been made so that any adverts shown during loading screens will not adversely affect the loading times" upon first launch. OK, ads are back, but at least they don't increase load times -- right? Not so fast. When loading a particular race, we perceived some degree of delay while the ad (in this case for Fat Princess) played. Wanting to make sure it wan't just in our ads-in-our-games-can-leave-now-please heads, we timed it. Lo and behold, the same course loads in 16.9 seconds without the ad and 21.7 with it -- an almost five second difference. The results were more or less the same for every track we tried, with smaller venues loading faster, naturally. So, despite assurances otherwise, load times are being affected by the re-instated ads. We're working to get in touch with Sony and the game's developer, SCEE Studio Liverpool, to find out exactly what gives. [Thanks, Ken!]
New in-game ads speeding towards WipEout HD
WipEout HD (and Fury) will be receiving a 2.10 patch soon. In addition to "small improvements to front-end functionality" and some minor fixes, the 2.10 patch will change the way in-game advertisements are displayed. You'll recall, Sony was largely criticized for the game's State Farm ads which increased load times – a "no no" for the in-game ad model. SCEE marketing executive Mikel Arrien says they've learned from the controversy: "We have therefore focused on ensuring that the advertising is embedded as sympathetically to the overall experience as possible." That doesn't mean ads have been completely removed from the picture with 2.10! In fact, more advertising is about to hit the game -- at least in European territories. "WipEout and in-game advertising and sponsorship have gone hand-in-hand since 1996, when a now famous energy drink appeared in the seminal Wipeout 2097 and over the years many brands and products have been associated with the series," Arrien said, trying to explain why the WipEout HD platform seems so ripe for commercialization.
Wipeout HD, Fury expansion bundled for Blu-ray in Europe
PSN's WipEout HD and WipEout HD: Fury wiLl relEase In a retAil bunDle tHis OctoBer in EuRope. The £20 package will hit the shopping circuit on the 16th, just over a month from today. We've followed up with Sony America about whether the disc will release in North America -- but don't get too hopeful. We're not sure if any of the Blu-ray compilations of PSN titles released in Europe have ever made it across the pond (or the Pacific). However, if you're adamant about owning the game on a disc, there's always the option of importing, thanks to the PlayStation 3's dismissal of region locking. Update: A Sony representative let us know the company has "no plans to release this in NA at this time." %Gallery-17035% %Gallery-64658%
PS3's new 3D mode captured on video, coming in 2010 to all existing games
You know what's absolutely useless? A video of Wipeout HD being played in 3D, with some schmuck wearing 3D glasses and babbling on about how much fun he's having. Well, that schmuck is this Engadget editor, the video can be found after the break, and we've gotta say: we loved it. Especially for something like Wipeout HD, whose neon-infused tracks make for an almost too convenient example of rapidly approaching vanishing points, we'd say 3D could really be a quasi-"killer app" for consoles going forward -- especially if those fancy new motion controllers don't catch on for Microsoft and Sony. In many ways, 3D just seems to make more sense in a video game than for a movie, and the whole problem of finding content to deliver in the format has already been solved: a software update for the PS3 sometime in 2010 will enable it to provide a 3D viewing experience to "all" existing games on the system. We're sure there will be some exceptions, but it sounds very promising. The console itself pumps out a quite regular signal over HDMI, which the TV syncs up with your 3D glasses. A 200Hz TV, for instance, alternates 1080p frames, with 100Hz for each eye. Of course, you'll need a brand new TV, but at least it won't be restricted to just Sony televisions. Start saving those pennies!
Sony wipes out interfering ad from WipEout HD
Sony has removed a controversial in-game ad from WipEout HD, which slammed the hover brakes on the futuristic racer by increasing load times. A Sony representative informed GI.biz that the commercial was removed while the company attempts to make sure that ads do not affect gameplay. The obtrusive commercial was part of a new deal between Sony and Double Fusion, an in-game advertising firm. It's definitely not a good sign when the first ad out of the gate ends up being a picture-perfect example of consumers' worst fears about in-game advertising.
Double Fusion slows down WipEout HD with ads
The latest WipEout HD patch did more than just add Fury content to the game. No, it also introduced advertising courtesy of Double Fusion, "the leading in- and around-game advertising and gaming audience network." While in-game ads are nothing new, the implementation of WipEout's ads are causing quite a bit of grief for PS3 owners. Why? They slow down the game significantly.Players have become accustomed to load screens, but now they must also wait for an advertisement to play before beginning a new race. As demonstrated by a user-captured video, the standard load time for WipEout HD is about eight seconds long. If an advertisement plays, the load time increases more than twofold: to nineteen seconds.Most in-game advertisements appear as unobtrusive and non-interactive billboards. However, slowing down a game's performance to present ads in a program gamers have already paid for is far too intrusive. Jonathan Epstein, CEO of Double Fusion, stated that "Double Fusion is responding to advertiser demand and offering an engaging ad format while pushing in-game ad innovation to a new level." It's unfortunate that we have to wait while that new level loads.[Thanks, Chris!]
Hands-on: WipEout HD Fury
If you haven't heard, WipEout HD's first expansion pack is coming to the PlayStation Network next week. The Fury pack doesn't come cheap -- at $9.99, it costs almost as much as the initial game itself. However, Fury goes beyond the norm, offering more than just new tracks. The addition of brand new gameplay modes makes for an experience that seems well worth the price of entry.Almost immediately, it's apparent that Fury is a game's worth of content by itself. After installing the pack, players will choose the content they'd like to access. Selecting Fury will bring a drastic change to the interface, with its black background and intense red HUD. From there, players will be able to go through the Racebox and Grid as usual.The single player grid repeats the same progression structure found in HD and PSP's Pulse. The grid in Fury will take players through the 12 new tracks. Once again, players will have to place in single races, fastest lap challenges, and Zone levels. However, in addition to the challenges found in the original game, Fury introduces three new modes: Eliminator, Zone Battle, and Detonator.%Gallery-64658%
WipEout HD Fury expansion dated July 23, priced
Zico Liu, programmer (and Trophy) on WipEout HD, recently dropped by the European PlayStation Blog to confirm a price and date for the game's latest expansion: Fury. Psychedelic speedsters in Europe can get their greasy mitts on this new content come July 23 for £7.99 (€9.99). US gamers won't miss out, as Fury will also be available on the US store for $9.99 that day. For those of you not in the brightly-colored loop, Fury adds a whole lot of new content, including game types, tracks and ships, to Sony's futuristic racer.Source - Playstation.Blog.EuropeSource - Playstation.Blog [US]%Gallery-64658%
