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They mean it this time: flOw is coming in February
We nearly had an ice storm in Athens. It got very cold, very fast. In fact, some of us living here have windows that aren't built right, so they don't close all the way... making their room incredibly frigid and they're having trouble typing posts with fingers that are as pliable as a crowbar. That aside, no snow. Which is sad, but completely irrelevant to the news at hand. Yeah, we've also been waiting around the PS-Store, looking for flOw, since we were told it was coming out. Seems we didn't get the memo that the game was delayed another month. Yep, the game is now due out at the end of February. Sony representatives said this about the release: "We'll be posting a trailer at the end of this month [January] / beginning of next. As for the game itself, we'll be releasing near the end of February." So, that's like, what, February 30th? Teehee, teehee... if you thought I was serious, come on. Come. On.
Where's flOw?
ThatGameCompany's PlayStation 3 version of flOw missed the console's launch, and then failed to arrive in December, as promised. Recently, we heard flOw would hit PlayStation Store in early January. Well, that never happened, so IGN went knocking on SCEA's door ... and someone actually answered: "We'll be posting a trailer at the end of this month [or] beginning of next," clarified Sony. "As for the game itself, we'll be releasing near the end of February." Alas, another vaguely stated delay. Patience.
Rumor: Warhawk to become PS3 download [update 2]
Rumor Reporter has confirmed that Incognito's Warhawk is the subject of the site's ominous story posted early this morning. An anonymous source working on the title has allegedly told Rumor Reporter that development has "stalled completely." Supposed "infighting and lack of clear direction" have led to a swelling budget; in turn, prompting layoffs and employee migration.SCEA has apparently brought in a new director who may be considering a significant change of direction for Warhawk. What was once a high profile title (the first to utilize functioning Sixaxis motion control), may now become a simple downloadable game. Rumor Reporter suggests that Warhawk's four complete missions could be destined for PlayStation Store. Another Gran Turismo HD? Perhaps. But, for now, this is strictly rumor.We did contact Sony for a statement. Here's the predictable reply: "We haven't made any official announcements regarding Warhawk since last year. At this time, we have nothing new to report regarding this title."Update 1: David Jaffe weighs in on the rumor; here and here. [Thanks, Kiel & Robert]Update 2: New info from Rumor Reporter.
PS3 shipments hit 2 million worldwide
Better late than never, right? Though Sony missed their initial goal of shipping 2 million Playstation 3 consoles by the end of 2006, two weeks spent in the new year brings them up to speed. According to a GameDaily Biz report, Sony Computer Entertainment has announced a 1 million shipment milestone in Japan, thus bringing the global total to 2 milllion. Officials point out that in the Playstation family, the PS3 has been the quickest in reaching this number.Next up, Sony will tackle a lofty 6 million shipment target for the end of March, with success largely depending on how the system fares in Europe when it launches in the same month. Japanese analysts aren't particularly optimistic, with Nomura Securities predicting that only 4.5 million units will ship by then. Further numbers revealed by Sony are the 5 million in collective PS3 software shipments, 500,000 Playstation network users and the over 300,000 downloads enjoyed by the Gran Turismo HD demo.
MotorStorm 720p, 30fps (not True HD)
The 'True HD' concept is certainly off to a rocky start on Sony's console that could. Despite confirmation from SCEA senior VP of marketing Peter Dille that MotorStorm would rocket to the US at 60fps in glorious 1080p, Sony today rescinded that remark. MotorStorm, alas, will be presented in lowly 720p, chugging along at 30fps.Seriously though, those numbers will keep MotorStorm competitive -- and in HD. We just couldn't miss out on an opportunity to muffle the True HD buzz.[Thanks, Jonah]
Preliminary: Sony missed 2M shipment target in '06
According to a market survey released yesterday by Japanese game publisher, Enterbrain Inc., Sony is falling short of both its Japanese and global shipping targets. Having shifted 466,716 Playstation 3 units since the November 11 launch, the electronics giant appears to be missing its goal of shipping 1 million units in Japan by a considerably wide margin. An ABC News report notes the more successful situation in North America, where Sony hit their 1 million unit target, but concludes that the combined results fail to satisfy Sony's desire to ship 2 million consoles worldwide before the end of 2006. Production woes and steep competition from Nintendo's Wii, which sold close to a million units in Japan since early December, are the chief culprits cited. Sony is expected to release their own shipping estimates soon and warn that there may be discrepancies between their data and the results obtained by Enterbrain.See also: Japanese hardware sales charts
CES: Sony ships 1mil PS3s in NA, targets 6mil worldwide by March '07
SCEA's Senior Vice President of Marketing, Peter Dille, took the stage at Sony's CES press conference to announce that Sony has met their goal of shipping 1 million PlayStation 3s in North America before the end of the year, in addition to imposing another goal on themselves: 6 million worldwide by March 2007. Even though they remind us that the PS3 reached 1 million units shipped (not sold) faster than either the PS1 or PS2 (check their math), we still think hitting 6 million units is ambitious. To put things in perspective, the Xbox 360 sold 1.5 million units worldwide in its first holiday season, with 900K sold in North America.[Update: clarified the regions in question. Thanks, Steve2.]
Which publisher is the PSP's biggest supporter? [Update 1]
The other day I got to thinking about how many antelope it would take to kill a professional wrestler. After I was done thinking about that, I wondered which publisher is the biggest supporter of the PSP. Then I remembered that I have no life and also blog on a PSP site, so I decided to get an answer to that question. Before I started looking into it, I assumed Capcom would be in first or second place for supporters just judging my library and what I typically see in stores.Surprisingly, they weren't even the third biggest supporter with only ten games on the system. My next hunch was that either EA or Ubisoft (being the giant companies they are) must have the most games on the PSP. They do have a lot of games out, but at eleven games each, they can't take the crown of biggest supporter. Activision did beat out many contenders with their number of games totaling fourteen, but they also were not the winner. So who is the PSP's biggest supporter? While this may or may not be surprising, it's Sony themselves. SCEA has at least twenty-six games on their own platform and easily bested all comers with their release library. While a first-party publisher winning may be obvious, to many PSP fans (including myself), I often think Sony isn't doing enough to support their portable. While that may or may not be true, they still have by far the most games out on the platform. Let's just hope that Sony as well as other publishers continue to be kind to our beloved portable in this new year. [Via Gamespot][Update 1: Fixed font error.]
Downloadable content is coming our way!
You know you're tired of looking at the same fugly outfit your character in Genji is clad in. You know you're sick of handing off the controller when you die in Blast Factor. So what're you going to do about it? Initiate some microtransactions, that's what! Coming soon to the PlayStation Store are: Genji: Days of the Blade costume pack Blast Factor co-op play download pack flOw game and demo Granted, flOw might take a litter longer than the rest. Heard rumors of a January release, though, so maybe they'll all hit at once. In any case... gentlemen, start your engines! Ready, set, down...load? Damn. Wanted a clever download phrase/cliche, but alas. Next time, surely.
flOw stalled until 2007
flOw won't arrive on PlayStation Store today. Despite recent confirmation that thatgamecompany's console debut (a remake of the studio founders' free Flash-based title) would be available for download in the coming hours, Sony has announced that flOw will [*fingers crossed*] be released in early January. No explanation for the delay was given. The PlayStation 3 version of flOw has been enhanced with motion control and improved audio and visuals. The core concept of evolution has also been expanded from a simple gameplay dynamic to the broader foundation of the game itself. thatgamecompany is planning a series of updates that will change flOw considerably, adding new layers, like a multiplayer mode; an alluring experiment that is poised to invigorate PS3's downloadable games service.
flOw on Dec. 19 for PS3, 2 more titles from USC devs in the works
thatgamecompany's expansion of flOw onto PlayStation 3 has finally been targeted for release on December 19*. Coinciding with this announcement is word of a three-game deal signed between Sony and the former USC Interactive Media Division students who founded thatgamecompany. Details about the two additional games have not been provided, but Sony has reserved a space for the team at its Santa Monica base. "This is a watershed moment in the history of the school," recognized USC Dean Elizabeth M. Daley, "It builds on our tradition of expanding relationships with the professional community, and opens the door for our students and graduates to showcase their creative talents in an incredibly dynamic market." Guess the gang is sorta like the Bushes and Leinharts of the Interactive Media Division. Go Trojans! *flOw will be offered as a premium downloadable title on the PlayStation Store. Play flOw now.
Kutaragi gets shoved in Sony reshuffling
You can expect to see more from SCEA's chief Kaz Hirai (of Riiidge Racer fame), as he's moved on up on the corporate ladder. He'll be replacing "you-can-experience-4D" Ken Kutargai, who's been criticized by his rivals as being too "arrogant." There's been speculation that the slow sales of PSP, the disastrously delayed PS3 launch, and the loss of potential PS3 exclusives, like Grand Theft Auto IV and Assassin's Creed, are behind this shuffling.Regardless, Kutaragi will remain in Sony's corporate arms as chairman and group CEO. While this theoretically is a promotion, it will certainly free up Kaz and new SCEA chief Jack Tretton from correcting the mistakes of a potentially senile leader. Hey, it worked for Nintendo when they got rid of even-more-insane Yamauchi.[Via Joystiq]
Sony recreates Management Team -- here comes Krazy Kaz!
Our two favorite people, Ken Kutaragi and Kaz Hirai, Krazy Kaz and Ken if I may, have moved up in the world! Maybe not the world as a whole, but the world of Sony. The two men, who have a tough time not making fools of themselves (a few exceptions, but they elude me), have indeed garnered new seats in Sony. Kutaragi, formerly the President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., is now the Chairman and Group CEO. Kaz Hirai was formerly President and CEO of SCE America is now President and COO of SCE Inc. At least he's not in charge of Sony America anymore? Whatever. You can check out other managerial movements if you'd like, but really, it's interesting how people more or less mocked by the public continue to move up in the world.
Sony shuffles PlayStation management, Ken on the outs?
We're still waiting for the dust to settle here, but it looks like the "Father of the PlayStation," Ken Kutaragi, has been bumped out of his top spot as President of Sony Computer Entertainment, to be replaced by Kaz Hirai, the President of CEO of SCE America. Ken will now be Chairman and Group CEO, while Kaz while take on the role of President and Group COO, effective December 1st. While Ken will have oversight of the PlayStation in his new roles, it sounds like he's been largely been removed from the day-to-day operations to make way for the talented Kaz to do his thing. Speculation is rampant as to whether this is a "promotion" for Kutaragi, in order for him to think "big picture" for his console prodigy, or a demotion in response to the numerous PS3 launch foibles -- we're guessing the latter. What we do know that SCEA will, for the first time, be helmed by an American: Jack Tretton, who we're sure to be seeing plenty of over the next few years.[Via Joystiq]Read - SCE Press Release [Warning: PDF file]Read - SCEA Press Release
Killzone returns: "biggest multimedia project in Dutch history"
Dutch newspaper de Volksrant brings word of PlayStation 3's reclusive shooter Killzone, in an article titled, "A video game more expensive than the most expensive film." Guerrilla Games has allegedly hired some 120 developers to complete the project, which made its dubious debut at E3 2005 and promptly disappeared from the public eye.According to de Volksrant, the next-gen Killzone sequel will cost more than Black Book (Zwartboek), Paul Verhoeven's World War II thriller and the most expensive film in Dutch history (totaling roughly $21 million). Killzone director Arjan Brussee would not quote a specific figure, but did confirm that the bill would exceed Black Book's budget; driven in part by large-scale localization, which will see Killzone translated into 20 different languages.Brussee also hinted at the possibility of downloadable episodic content, telling de Volksrant, "The Killzone that is in stores is only the beginning." Indeed, the article suggests that additional "chapters" will be added after the game's initial release. *Sniff, sniff* Smell that? Halo-killer? Nah, couldn't be...
PS3 launch: Blast Factor impressions
Comparisons between Blast Factor and Geometry Wars are unavoidable. In truth, Sony's downloadable games service launch title is more akin to PomPom's Mutant Storm Reloaded (Xbox Live Arcade) both in gameplay and price. We will say, of the three (Blast Factor, Geometry Wars, and Mutant Storm), Bizzare's $5 gem still trumps all in aesthetic and pace. Where Blast Factor lacks style it makes up for with dynamic gameplay elements, including the most effective usage of Sixaxis's motion capabilities to date. While deceptively simple, the act of jerking the controller left or right to slosh around the liquid within each stage (corralling the enemies) typifies a clear advantage PS3 could have over Xbox 360 -- though the lack of rumble certainly damages the game's 'blast' factor. Other noteworthy devices include Blast Factor's auto-adjusting difficulty and enemy variation (players must discover how each class of baddie is defeated). There are some quibbles that make Blast Factor's $9.99* price tag difficult to swallow. That each level (there are seven) contains an identical stage map, with each stage bordered by the same hexagon, is disappointing; that each level's boss is essentially identical is even more disappointing -- and puzzling, given that Bluepoint designed a decent range of non-boss foes. Still, we would have be willing to look past these faults if Blast Factor sustained that frantic whirlwind of action so elegantly composed in Geometry Wars. But it doesn't. *Blast Factor is currently on sale for $7.99.
We want it now! (PS3 annoyance #003)
Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade has spoiled us. After a downloadable game trial ends we expect to be able to press a button, unlock the full version, and keep on blastin'. Sony has got it all wrong. If the Blast Factor teaser manages to tempt your wallet, you'll have some work to do before the $7.99 launch title is yours. Don't be fooled by the "Buy Blast Factor" option in the demo's menu; that simply launches a message directing you back to the PlayStation Store, where, once there, you'll have to sit and wait for the game (93 MB) to download and install again. Oy! PS3 delights vs. PS3 annoyances Wii delights vs. Wii annoyances Xbox 360 delights vs. Xbox 360 annoyances
The Engadget Interview: Peter Dille, Sony Computer Entertainment's SVP of Marketing
Last week, between extended PS3 sessions, we got a chance to sit down with Sony Computer Entertainment America's Senior Vice President of Marketing, Peter Dille, who chatted candidly with us about Sony's ambitions (and failures) in the market, design decisions made with the console, and where the PlayStation platform is going both handheld and console.Thanks for meeting with me today. So I think maybe my biggest question right now is the amount of consoles that are coming in to the States and Japan. I mean, they've been getting cut and on launch day and we're now down to 480,000 worldwide?I don't know that there's anything new to talk about there. I'm trying to recall the last public statement about the launch number.Last one, I think, was last week. Japan went down by something like 20,000 units.Yeah, I think that's right. There's not a whole lot to add in terms of the public position there. We've kinda gone on record to say Blu-ray has been a challenge to manufacture. I think Jack [Tretton, co-chief operating officer of Sony Computer Entertainment of America] had some comments about that recently. I think the good news is we'll focus on day one, and then making sure there's a steady flow of hardware in weeks two, three, and four, and consumers don't have any big draws out of stock. So, that's kinda what we'll focus on, and as I said, we're gonna monitor that on a day by day, week by week basis, and steer the production based on each territory. What we know is that demand is going to outstrip the supply for some time.So, it's really -- it's a high class problem, and we'd rather have this than the alternative. But it's still something that we'll have to deal with, and we don't want consumers to be put off by this. It's one of the reasons we're not encouraging retailers to do reservation lists -- because if we did, we'd probably have situations where a consumer couldn't even get a shot or get in with these things for six or eight months, and that's something that we'd like to avoid.
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.
Sony's Geometry Wars (and other e-Distributed titles) leaked
While Sony is poised to break their media silence this Thursday at their "Gamer's Day" event in San Francisco (we'll be on hand, eagerly awaiting something), that didn't stop some of their secrets from sneaking their ways onto the web. A tipster clued us into a survey to gauge future interest in downloadable games on a certain unnamed gaming console featuring motion sensitive controllers (hrmmm) as well as "HD and surround sound" (well, that narrows it down). They describe Blast Factor (pictured above) as "an up-to-date version of Asteroids or Geometry Wars." We'll gloss over that Geometry Wars not up-to-date jab, and concentrate on what it offers: 1080p, motion control support, online rankings, and a potential $5 price point (one of their surveyed price points, and the equivalent of GW's 400 MS points). A quick look at the screens will reinforce the title's close relationship to Xbox Live Arcade's super-hit, Geometry Wars. But that wasn't it. In addition to our tipster's images, a PS3 Forums member posted an extensive list of screenshots and images of several upcoming e-Distribution titles including: Blast Factor, flOw, Go Sudoku, Lemmings 2, and Swizzleblocks. Games without images or info include: Gripshift, Crash Carnage Ciaos, and Wheel of Fortune. Our tipster also managed to get an image of one additional game, titled Criminal Crackdown, with a tentative price of $14.99. We'll probably know a whole lot more about these titles come Thursday. That wasn't so hard, was it Sony? Additional images and text from our tipster after the break. Note, PS3 Forums is getting hammered, so check out a (not quite up-to-date) mirror at NeoGAF. [Thanks, Cabrill and Meh]
