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Report: Developers told of PSP rental plans at GDC
It looks like Sony's been thinking of doing a PSP games rental service for quite some time now. A consumer survey we discovered yesterday gauged interest in a PSN-powered games rental service for the PSP. Through the hypothetical service, PSP owners would pay a monthly fee to gain access to a library of new and archived games on the PlayStation Store.According to a report by Develop, Sony pitched plans of a rental service to developers at GDC last March. Certainly, a PSN-centric PSP would be far more attractive to developers that have shied away due to piracy concerns. Offering a rental service would be yet another nail in UMD's coffin, and would perhaps incentivize PSP development once again.
UMD-less Patapon 2 officially released for PSP, another brick in the wall?
Joystiq reported back in April that Patapon 2's release would be a UMD-less affair, and now it's officially here. The followup game is now available as a digital download on the PSN, and as a redemption code voucher in retail locations. The sans-UMD format is a United States only test for Sony, and certainly leads us to wonder if that UMD-less PSP could possibly, potentially be in the works. The $19.99 title is available today, disc-less PSP available in your wildest dreams.
Capcom preparing to release between 20 and 40 PS1 and PSP titles via PSN
Capcom is going to make its PlayStation Network presence a lot more robust as it begins releasing ports of PS1 titles and providing downloadable versions of previous PSP titles throughout the year. We spoke with Capcom's Chris Kramer, who let us know that the company would be listening to what the community wants and figuring out internally what titles to release -- but don't expect any of them to involve licensing shenanigans along the lines of Marvel vs. Capcom. "We'll definitely be looking at a lot of titles that have things like Street Fighter and Resident Evil in the title," Kramer said. "We're thinking about putting together a long list of the titles we're looking at, and then releasing it on Capcom Unity and having people vote on them. Ultimately we're looking at bringing between 20 and 40 titles to the PSN over the next several months."
Joystiq impressions: MotorStorm Arctic Edge (PSP)
click to enlarge MotorStorm is about to roll onto the PSP for the first time with a new title -- and it's not even a port! MotorStorm Arctic Edge, developed by Bigbig Studios (the guys responsible for Pursuit Force), made an appearance at the recent Sony Gamers Day event and took us for a ride through its chilly environments. If all those word things after the break aren't your thing, be sure to give the screenshots in our gallery a long, cold stare.%Gallery-51347%
Fate/unlimited codes also download-only in Europe, but Capcom isn't giving up on UMD
Just like in North America, Capcom will release the PSP fighting game Fate/unlimited codes in Europe as a download. But that doesn't mean the publisher is abandoning UMD. The Capcom Europe rep who confirmed the European release of the game to MCV also said, "We certainly do not intend to stop supporting UMD." The representative went on to say, "Certainly for us PSP is very important – more so with Monster Hunter coming – than maybe any other publisher." Of course, Capcom may have to end up dropping UMD if Sony does.It's no surprise that Capcom would be hesitant to do anything to downplay the upcoming release of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, including speak ill of its format. It was the best-selling game in Japan last year, and thus is probably pretty important to Capcom.%Gallery-51294%
Sony's John Koller says 'tangible disc' still important
In the latest assault in what we've come to think of as "Operation: Spite David Perry," Sony's John Koller is still insisting that the UMD disc is a valued member of team PSP, telling Gamesindustry.biz, "We look to the tangible disc as continuing to be very important. I think there's certainly a consumer out there who values tangibility. We say that alot [sic] in our research." We're hoping he means "see that a lot," or we're not sure they understand exactly how research works.We've had our top decoders working on Sony's UMD message, and we think we've got it just about cracked: "We're going to keep telling you to buy UMDs until the moment we tell you our next system won't play them." We may not like it, but dammit if we don't respect it.
Sony blames legal hurdles for lack of downloadable UMD games in America
The PlayStation Store in Japan is completely different than the one featured here in the States. Not only is it filled with classic PSone content, PSP owners can digitally download most modern games such as Loco Roco 2, Patapon 2 and even Resistance Retribution. The US Store features none of this content.John Koller explains that the ultimate goal of SCEA will be to mirror the content available in Japan. "What's coming out of Japan echoes the way that we look at the world here in North America. They have decided to go full-bore with digital content, and we have as well. All of that's going to happen," he told Wired. Koller blames legal issues for the current dearth of content on the PlayStation Store. "There are a few hurdles you need to jump through. A lot of them are legal, so if you have a music game, for example, you have to clear all those rights. The same goes for any other type of game, there are certain negotiations that still need to be done."We're not entirely certain what legalities get in the way of digital distribution, but with Apple making a big splash with the iPhone, and Nintendo readying the DSiWare lineup, Sony will have to act quickly. Strange that it seems the company is playing catch-up, when PSP offered this opportunity for years.
Sony VP Ray Maguire claims UMD 'wasn't brilliant' for third parties, forgets we're living in the present
Apparently the folks at Sony Computer Entertainment UK are experiencing some time anomalies of late, with Senior VP Ray Maguire talking about PSP's much-abused UMD format in the past tense. It might not be the biggest blunder on earth -- he stated that "The UMD model wasn't brilliant for third parties," and it certainly hasn't been -- but with rumors all over about Sony dropping the format in the near future, it's not looking good for those little ill-fated discs. Maguire went on to add, "The downloads side of it will increasingly become a bigger part of its future," so it looks like either way we know where Sony's emphasis lies, and we won't be shedding too many tears if / when it comes to pass.[Via Joystiq]
Sony's Maguire: UMD 'wasn't brilliant' for third parties
One of the most important classes in blogger college is Learning to Decipher Executive Quotes 101. So, for example, when Sony responded to Dave Perry's claims of a UMD-less PSP 2 with a, "Can't comment either way," we knew that meant, "We're not ready to announce that yet, but yeah, totally." Now, SCE UK's senior VP Ray Maguire has given us a new assignment, to which we'll now apply our 6-hours of LDEQ.So when Maguire says, "The UMD model wasn't brilliant for third parties," what he's really saying is, "When we do announce that we're dropping UMD, remember that no one, not you, not anybody liked that thing, except maybe pirates." And when he goes on to add, "The downloads side of it will increasingly become a bigger part of its future," he's actually saying, "No, seriously, this is totally happening." No, no, don't thank us. Thank Prof. Steinburg and the rest of the St. Vincent's Community Blogging College faculty. We couldn't have done it without them.
Dave Perry challenges Sony to confirm UMD in PSP 2
Wow, son, this s**t just got real. Wait wait, let us get you up to speed with a fictionalized one act play.Dave Perry, Acclaim COO: The PSP 2 totally isn't going to have a UMD drive.Sony spokesperson John Koller: Huh? Wha? PSP 2? Dave Perry, game industry veteran: Exactly.Now, DP has gone one step further to extend the beef. He just dispatched a Twitter message (or, as they say on the streets, a "tweet") saying, "John Koller is publically questioning my post about PSP 2. So I confirmed with Top PSP 2 developers. John, state that PSP 2 WILL have UMD." Oh snap! Dave, how about you stop sweating the contents of the PSP 2 and make us another Wild 9 for it? Please?
PSP 2 is ready and UMD-less, claims Earthworm Jim developer
We've lost count on the number of times we've heard from a friend of a coworker of a cousin whose girlfriend's stepfather happens to work at Sony and they're all but ready to launch a UMD-less PSP in 17 different color options bundled with a portable version of Street Fighter IV. Typically, we remain skeptical, but when it's veteran developer David "I made MDK and Earthworm Jim" Perry, we'll give him the floor to speak. Earlier this week, his Twitter account updated to say he's heard the PSP 2 is done and minus that disc drive. He later reaffirmed that comment to GameDaily, saying he can't reveal his source (naturally), but he feels certain UMD is gone. Is his source bunk? He's certainly a guy who'd know a guy, but we've heard this story far too many times to take a leap of faith now.[Via Joystiq]Read - David Perry's TwitterRead - GameDaily
Atari focused on downloadable PSP games
While the PSP may be suffering from a drought of UMDs worth your holiday dollar, Atari's Phil Harrison is convinced that Sony's sexy portable remains a "very vibrant platform," at least when it comes to downloadables. Despite a lack of PSP titles in its upcoming catalog, Eurogamer reports that the former Sony exec is "looking to explore" the platform's digital goodies down the line.Hardly a shock, especially given Harrison's notion that kids of tomorrow will turn their noses up at the idea of owning physical media. However, without any of those big-budget, single-player games to fall back on we doubt we'll be busting ghosts or assaulting Dark Athena while waiting for the bus any time soon.
New CG Resident Evil flick also releasing on UMD
If you read PS3 Fanboy (and we suggest you should; we're big fans of those boys), you might have heard about the direct-to-home-video and full CG movie, Resident Evil: Degeneration. We knew previously that this zombie flick that reunites RE2's Claire and Leon would be getting a release on DVD and Blu-ray, but are only finding out now (via Siliconera) that the title will also be out on UMD.The UMD version, thus far, will be available in Japan for ¥3,990 ($40.34) on December 17. The film will be brought over to North America, but it's not certain if the UMD release will make it over as well.[via Siliconera]
Dissidia may be a downloadable title too
Back at TGS, we reported that all of the Sony's upcoming first-party titles in Japan were being made available as a download -- even high-profile ones like Resistance Retribution. The price point for at least some of the downloadable versions will also be lower. No plans were announced regarding third-party titles.However, a reader over at Siliconera noticed a listing on Sony's official website that might suggest otherwise: Dissidia: Final Fantasy is categorized as both as a UMD and downloadable release on the site. If this is proven to be true, it could be great news for Final Fantasy fans with access to the Japanese PS Store -- you can just download the title directly.[Via Siliconera]
Puzzle & Power Packs: PSN-only games on UMD this Oct.
Despite a higher percentage of broadband penetration in Europe, and the introduction of a PC-based PlayStation Store for the PS3-less, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has still opted to wrangle up the bits of some of the PSP's download-only titles for UMD distribution in themed "packs".The first two packs (there are "more Collection Packs to be released throughout 2009") are the Puzzle Pack – cramming the mischievous Lemmings with the excitable Go! Sudoku and Go! Puzzle – and the Power Pack – an odd grouping of Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, the more contemplative stylings of flOw, and the rhythm-happy Beats. The Puzzle Pack is slated for a European debut in "mid" October while the Power Pack will come along right behind it, in "late" October. We've asked the fine folks at SCEA to comment on a North American release so, until then, let's just assume this is Europe-only.
Sony attempts to release at least 5 UMD movies each quarter, for less than $15 each
Wait, Sony. Didn't we come to an agreement? We'd stop buying UMD movies and you'd stop making them. We thought that the introduction of the PSP Video Store at E3 would signal the final "official" death of UMD -- but in a showcase of true unyielding corporate stubborness, Sony still plans on continuing its support for the failed proprietary movie format. According to a report by Video Business, Sony plans on releasing 5-7 movies from various studios each quarter. Each movie would be $10-15, a significantly lower price than when UMD movies first launched on the system years ago."We want to provide a legal offering from the studios, ... and it's an easier conversation to have with them now," said John Koller, director of hardware marketing at Sony Computer Entertainment America. According to Koller, "there's a lot of positive momentum with the PSP." But, will plans to continue UMD really meet any success? Only time will tell.[Via Sony Insider]
Clearance: Buy 1 UMD, get 1 free
Looks like amazon.com is finally getting rid of its UMD stock. They're holding a great BOGO deal on their UMD selection. Considering how many of these discs are already only $10, you should be able to pick up some good deals along the way. In fact, with prices like these, it's actually cheaper to buy these UMD discs than download these through the PS Store.
UMD-nied: Echochrome PSP goes download-only in NA
At last, the PSP version of Sony's Escher-esque puzzler, Echochrome, is no longer "up in the air" for the North American market. When it comes down to earth, however, it'll strictly be in the form of a digital download. Newsweek's N'Gai Croal confirms that the game will only be available through the PlayStation Network store, thereby ruling out a retail-bound UMD like that released in Japan. The PSP version will come with 56 unique levels, a number roughly in line with the (PSN-only) PlayStation 3 version. So, what about those 100 levels on the Japanese Echochrome UMD? For now, it looks like they'll only be obtainable if you import the game. Echochrome is out in North America this May.
Carry four extra memory sticks with UMEMD
We all know that just one memory stick isn't enough for our PSP gaming and multimedia needs. That's exactly why a group called Team Xecuter came up with this UMEMD carrying case that can hold up to four memory stick pro duos. The case is shaped like a UMD. The reason for this is that it will save pocket space by fitting right inside the PSP where the usual UMD game would go. Only drawback is that the case is only good for PSP-1000s. Also, it is obviously not as useful if you're planning to play a UMD-based game. It is, however, great for playing PSN downloaded games saved on the memory stick, storing that humongous music library of yours, and/or keeping your entire photo album with you on the go. So far, no price has been set. Team Xecuter plans on selling these little babies in two weeks time.[Via DCEmu Forums]
DS Daily: The better fit
We know that some of you (like this blogger) have love for both the DS and PSP, while others find that the DS meets all your handheld needs. No matter where you stand, though, you've probably thought at one point or another that some game on the PSP would be better suited for the DS, and vice versa. If so, share your thoughts with us. What PSP games would benefit from the DS's features, like its dual screens and touchscreen? And what DS games would be better on UMDs, with better graphics and more space for things like elaborate cutscenes?
