PS3Scene News

Sony Patents Emotion Engine Emulation Technology For Cell Processors

XanTium — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:02:46 -0500

From siliconera.com:
[QUOTE]
PlayStation 3s without PS2 backwards compatibility are missing the Emotion Engine, a chip Sony designed as the PS2's CPU. What if the PS3's cell processor could emulate the Emotion Engine? Theoretically, all PlayStation 3s would be able to play PS2 games even if a console didn't have the proper hardware. According to a recent patent filed by Sony Computer Entertainment in the US, Sony has the code and technology ready to do this.

There are two main ways to emulate hardware. Interpretation is when target code is decoded and converted into a language the host can understand. The other strategy is to decode and recompile programs in the host's language.

Maybe the concept is better explained another way. Interpretation is like having someone constantly translating English to Japanese for you, non stop, twenty four hours a day wherever you go. Decoding and recompiling is like someone translating a sets of words and putting them in a dictionary you can reference.
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: siliconera.com

Sony placing PS3 slim manufacturing orders for delivery in July?

XanTium — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:00:28 -0500

From engadget.com:
[QUOTE]
We haven't heard much about the PS3 slim since E3, but that doesn't mean it's been entirely quiet out there -- the hot rumor today is that Sony's signed manufacturing agreements with both Foxconn and Pegatron to build the revised model in time for July delivery.
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: engadget.com

Rumored PS3 Firmware 3.0 Details Emerge

XanTium — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:24:31 -0500

From 1up.com:
[QUOTE]
The PlayStation 3 may be receiving a large firmware update this fall, according to a rumor from VG247. The firmware 3.0 update is said to be "a huge overhaul" and was compared to the Xbox 360's NXE in some respects. The new features are said to include a reputation system that will allow users to evaluate each other and view the reps of other players. No doubt aiding in the reputation system will be a "grief reporting system," allowing players to take pictures of offensive users and report them to Sony.

Other features may allow background downloads of game patches, and simultaneous HDMI and digital optical output for audiophiles. The update is reportedly planned to hit before Christmas.
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: 1up.com

Arstechnica Mole: PS3 price drops coming this fall

XanTium — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:22:41 -0500

From arstechnica.com:
[QUOTE]
Our favorite inside source has given us a heads-up on what to expect from both Sony and Microsoft this year in hardware packages and pricing.

The 80GB model is going to see some serious hardware constraints in the weeks ahead, and retailers have about 60 days worth of inventory before the systems will become hard to find. Expect to see many more 160GB units on store shelves. Those units have no constraints yet, but if the retailers sell through that supply as quickly as they did the 80GB, Sony is in a good place for the final part of its plan in 2009: dropping the price of hardware and launching the PS3 Slim in the fall.

We have absolutely no information on what to expect from that price drop, so we don't know how large it will be... yet. Still, hearing confirmation from the Mole that it's coming is great news.
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: arstechnica.com

What Happened to the PS3 Slim Rumor?

XanTium — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:11:51 -0500

From ubergizmo.com:
[QUOTE]
The Sony Press Conference was arguably as impressive as the Microsoft one (which was a huge surprise, by the way). Many PlayStation fans were ecstatic about the upcoming Sony Motion Controller and there was one last thing that they were hoping for: a price cut for the PS3. It didn't happen of course. So, what happened to the PS3 Slim rumors?

Apparently nothing, but don't dismiss it quite yet. For one, big price cuts usually come at the end of the year. Secondly, while Sony is fighting to get some market share, it would be really dumb to announce a cost-reduced version coming later in the year. In all likelihood, Sony will avoid talking about any cost-reduction to avoid stalling the sales of current PS3 models.

And because Sony doesn't want to alienate their retail partners, they will probably help them sell current models before an upcoming one shows up, so keep your eyes open for stocking/availability issues. We're not confirming that the PS3 slim exists - it is just a rumor- but it is about certain that eventually the PS3 price will come down. It is a matter of when.
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: ubergizmo.com

Sony: E3 Not Proper Venue To Announce Any PS3 Price Drop

XanTium — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:12:16 -0500

From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
Despite expectations that Sony would lower the price of the PS3 at E3, the company announced no price drop at the big show. We asked why.

"From our perspective, this show is all about content," Sony's head of PlayStation marketing in the U.S., Peter Dille, told Kotaku in an interview yesterday. "We believe that our content story is unrivaled. It's really a relentless line-up of great exclusive games that will speak volumes to the value inherent in the PS3. Obviously people come to E3 expecting all sorts of announces. We've got a plan in place for the platform. A price drop at the show wasn't part of it."
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: kotaku.com

E3: It's official - Metal Gear Solid Rising confirmed for PS3 and PC

XanTium — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:59:01 -0500

From bigdownload.com:
[QUOTE]
It was just a rumor earlier this week but now it's official. During Konami's E3 2009 press conference this week they indeed confirmed that Metal Gear Solid Rising will be released for the PC as well as the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles. Other than the fact that the game will feature Raiden as the main character no other info on the title was announced (no release date either).
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: bigdownload.com

Things Unmentioned At The Sony Press Conference

XanTium — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:58:35 -0500

From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
These are the things we thought Sony would or should mention at their E3 2009 press conference, but didn't:

* PS3 Slim: If you're going to show all the other things that leaked in the weeks before the Sony press conference then why not show us the rumored PS3 Slim? Or was that the one leak that was fake?

* Metal Gear Solid Rising: Unless we were supposed to think that Metal Gear Solid Rising was an Xbox 360 exclusive, then why not mention or show clips or even a logo of Kojima Productions' newly-announced game?

* Price Drop: No? Not yet?
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: kotaku.com

PSN Expands Digital Offering with a Variety of Entertainment

XanTium — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:56:29 -0500

From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. (SCEA) announced today major enhancements to PlayStation�Network, expanding on SCEA's commitment to give users a comprehensive entertainment experience. The video delivery service for the PSP� (PlayStation� Portable) system launches today in coordination with a new line-up of premier Hollywood, Anime and Sports partners. In addition, Media Go, a free application that makes it easier to manage digital content including games, photos, videos and music for the PSP system through a PC will also become available. These enhancements give new entertainment possibilities for PSP system owners, providing direct downloadable access to games, demos and trailers, as well as movies and television shows via the PlayStation�Store on PlayStation Network. New game content will also be added to an existing library of more than 200 downloadable games on the PlayStation Store today, including much anticipated titles Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake, Gravity Crash�, Hustle Kings� and more than 60 PS one� Classics hitting the PlayStation Store by the end of the year.

"PlayStation Network has experienced a high growth year and today we're excited to add new content partners such as Showtime, G4 & E!, Magnolia Films, and TNA to our family. In addition to extending our content offerings and expanding with new features like Media Go, we continue to bring relevant and compelling content via original games and programming to our users," said Peter Dille, senior vice president marketing and PlayStation Network, SCEA. "Gamers will be pleased to find new games for all genres and interests with original titles Fat Princess and Gravity Crash, in addition to many PS one Classics such as Final Fantasy VII coming to PlayStation Network this year."

* Video Delivery Service
PSP system users now have direct access to PlayStation Network's video delivery service, where they can download their favorite movie and television programs and take with them on-the-go. In addition, the video delivery service is announcing content from 16 new premier partners in Hollywood, anime and sports. Hollywood content partners include Showtime Networks Inc., Starz Media, - for Film, TV and Manga Anime, G4 and E!, Summit Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, HDnet and Magnolia Pictures. Anime partners include, Anime Network, Media Blasters, Right Stuf's Nozomi Entertainment, Starz Media's Manga Entertainment, Toei Animation, Viz Media and WEP. FUNimation Entertainment will also be a part of a new anime category on the video delivery service. Sports partners include HDNet Fights, UFC, Wrestling from TNA and Video Action Sports.

Premier Hollywood content will include hit films such as Overture Films "Righteous Kill," Summit Entertainment "Twilight" and The Weinstein Company "Zack & Miri Make a Porno." PlayStation Store will also feature TV shows such as Showtime Networks Inc.'s "Dexter," E!'s "The Soup," G4's "X-Play" and Starz Media's "Painkiller Jane." A new anime channel will also launch in both the TV and film sections of the video store and will feature the best in anime content, including Anime Network's "Appleseed," Starz Media Manga Entertainment's "Dead Space." Toei Animation's "Fist of the North Star," Viz Media's "Naruto" and WEP's "Voltron." Some of the new sports content will include bouts from HDNet Fight's "Inside MMA," wrestling from TNA's "iMPACT!," UFC PPV events and Video Action Sports' "That's It, That's All."

With the addition of these new partners, the video delivery service will have nearly 1900 movies and 9400 TV episodes, covering reality, mixed martial arts, sports, anime, manga and animation genres. For one price, PlayStation users can watch standard definition (SD) video content from the comfort of their home television on the PS3 system or at their convenience on-the-go with the PSP system. PlayStation Store offers a combined total of nearly 9,000 hours of video content, with more than 35 % percent of the movies in High Definition. Through the PS3 and PSP systems users can access a unique three-in-one entertainment package unlike any other - the ability to enjoy high-definition Blu-ray movies, groundbreaking games, and downloadable video content from one platform and one service.

With the launch of the video delivery service for the PSP system, Media Manager for PC is being replaced with Media Go. Media Go is a free application that makes it easier and more convenient for consumers to manage their PSP games, photos, videos and music on their PC and provides access to PlayStation Store.

* Games
Several PlayStation Network titles for both the PS3 and PSP systems were announced at E3, adding to the robust lineup of over 200 downloadable games available for PlayStation Store. For the PS3 system, Gravity Crash from developer Just Add Water melds a vintage gravity based arcade shooter with High Definition (HD) graphics, and Hustle Kings, from VooFoo Studios, is the PS3 system's first photorealistic billiards simulator. For the PSP system, Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake brings a fun and strategic medieval battle royale unlike anything seen before on the portable system. In addition, the PlayStation Store will deliver more than 60 PS one Classics by the end of the year and will launch Final Fantasy VII and Medal of Honor on PlayStation Store today.
Starting this fall, many PSP titles that will be launched on UMD will also be offered digitally on PlayStation Store in North America. This will add nearly 300 games from the PSP system's library available for download through PlayStation Network.

PlayStation Network is built on a legacy of gaming and continues to expand into a premier entertainment platform with innovative and compelling content options for people to enjoy on multiple devices.
[/QUOTE]

Full PS3 Games List From Sony's E3 2009 Press Conference

XanTium — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:47:06 -0500

Multiplatform:
* Assassin's Creed 2
* Final Fantasy XIII

PlayStation 3 Exclusives:
* Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
* MAG
* Agent
* Final Fantasy XIV Online (or maybe not so exclusive)
* Motion Controller
* ModNation Racers
* The Last Guardian
* Gran Turismo 5
* God of War III

E3: PS3 motion control confirmed, Video

XanTium — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:13:44 -0500

From mcvuk.com:
[QUOTE]
Sony has joined Microsoft in launching its own motion-sensing controller at E3 - a wand-like device for PS3 which will hit stores in spring 2010.

The prototype of the unnamed device was demo'd live on-stage by its creators. The stick-like pad - which has a 'magic ball' on the end that allows the PS Eye to triangulate its position - is held in the gamer's palm.

SCEA boss Jack Tretton called it: "Technology that's much closer to real life than anything you've ever seen."
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: mcvuk.com

Arstechnica Mole: Smaller PS3 is on the way

XanTium — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:00:36 -0500

From arstechnica.com:
[QUOTE]
With E3 only a few days away, the rumors and speculation have begun to filter around the Internet; all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see what Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft have up their respective sleeves. Luckily, we don't have to guess, as we have the support of our very well-informed mole. His information? Not only is the PSP Go real, but we'll be seeing a slimmed-down PS3 in August or September. However, this news likely won't be announced during E3.

Allow us to explain. There are plenty of PS3 systems sitting on store shelves right now, and Sony is planning on sitting back and allowing the supply of those units to dry up over the summer. We shouldn't expect a price cut, but the possibility is certainly there. After retailers are ready for new stock, Sony will begin releasing the slimmer units to retail, although what features have been taken away or added is still anyone's guess.

This isn't breaking news, as Engadget came into possession of supposedly leaked pictures of a smaller PS3 a few weeks ago; the story ran around the tech press quickly. The existence of a smaller PS3 seemed rather unlikely, until the sites that ran the picture received a cease and desist letter from a Chinese company saying that pictures contained "confidential information."
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: arstechnica.com

8bitjoystick's E3 Expo 09 Predictions : Sony PlayStation Edition

XanTium — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:04:41 -0500

From 8bitjoystick.com:
[QUOTE]
I only have a few good theories and hunches about what will be announced by Sony:

* PlayStation Portable Go!
* PS3 Hardware and Price Cuts
* Cross game voice chatting on PS3 games and better cross game invites. I think Sony is going to embrace the PlayStation Network and look at redesigning the PS3 user experience via software changes like Microsoft was able to do with NXE.
* Little Big Planet PSP shown off.
* Sony publishes and translates Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 as "Yakuza: Gangster's Paradise" (I made up that name) with subtitles. It would be a GTA-like PS3 exclusive. Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 was a HUGE hit in Japan.
* MAG is going to blow people away.
* God of War 3 talked about but not shown.
* Sony announces a new SDK API set to port PS2 and PSOne games to PS3 for compilations and collections. It would help recompile and retarget code developer for the PS2 chipset to the PS3 Cell/Nvidia chipset. But GDC or Tokyo Game show might be a better place to announce this. How cool would it be if Square could release all the Final Fantasy games 1-XII on a single Blu-Ray disc?
* Patapon for PS3 announced.
* Hulu.com player application for PS3.
* Netflix Streaming for PS3.
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: 8bitjoystick.com

Sony Reports 1 Billion USD Annual Loss

XanTium — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:10:21 -0500

From edge-online.com:
[QUOTE]
Sony Corporation has reported a 98.9 billion yen ($1 billion/�685 million) loss for the financial year ended March 31, 2009.

Game division sales were down 18 percent to 1053.1 billion yen ($11 billion/�7.3 billion), primarily due to "the impact of the appreciation of the yen and a decrease in unit sales of PS2."

However, the segment's operating losses more than halved from 124 billion yen to 58.5 billion yen ($612.4 million/�404.6 million), due largely to PS3 hardware cost reductions and increased sales of PS3 software.

10.06 million PS3 consoles were sold during the year, representing a ten percent increase. PSP sales increased from 13.81 million to 14.11 million, while PS2 sales decreased from 13.66 million units to 7.91 million.
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: edge-online.com

PS3 Firmware v2.76 Update

XanTium — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:06:03 -0500

From blog.us.playstation.com:
[QUOTE]
Hello, I just wanted to provide everyone with a head's up that the next PLAYSTATION 3 system software update (v.2.76) will be coming soon. This is a minor update that improves the playback quality of some PS3 format software.
[/QUOTE]

Analyst: 100USD PS3 Price Cut By Summer's End

XanTium — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:04:59 -0500

From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
Sony's planning for a 30 percent boost in PlayStation 3 sales for its fiscal 2010 -- and that could mean the company's planning for a price cut soon, says Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian.

Sebastian says Sony could reduce the console's $399 price "likely at some point between the E3 industry conference in June and the end of the summer, as Sony is able to reduce PS3 production costs."

The amount by which Sony would price down the console is still in debate, but Sebastian joins other analysts, retailers like GameStop and publishers in suggesting that it must be a $100 reduction to "provide the PS3 with a needed shot in the arm." The analyst also says the "sweet spot" for console sales is below $300, so any less than a $100 price cut "would likely be perceived negatively by the market."
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: gamasutra.com

Rumor: Redesigned PS3 to be Revealed at E3

XanTium — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:10:04 -0500

From playstationlifestyle.net:
[QUOTE]
Of course this is just yet another rumor, as there is no official confirmation. But we caught word that Sony is set to not only reveal the PSP Go at E3, but another hardware redesign will be debuted as well.

We didn't get any specifics, but we speculate that it could be one of a couple different options. First off, it very well could be as simple as a white or a silver PS3, to go with the white and silver Dualshock 3's that have been made available. This makes sense, as most people would want their controllers to match their consoles.

The other option, and the one we are leaning toward is a slimmed down, model. Maybe with some updated specs. Nothing major of course as to not alienate current PS3 owners, but there is an off chance they could add something small like bluetooth 3.0 support. When we caught wind of this, the exact word "redesign" was used, which leaves me to believe that it is indeed a PS3 slim. Announcing a different color wouldn't exactly warrant the term "redesign".
[/QUOTE]

Full Story: playstationlifestyle.net

NPD Reaction: Sony Looks To the Future, Not The Present

XanTium — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:32:41 -0500

From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
Sony's NPD reactions highlight the company's success with first-party exclusive PlayStation 3 titles while attempting to draw attention toward the company's future, rather than its present, hinting at strong launches of future exclusives and an upswing in sales of the discounted PlayStation 2.

The company had three titles in the NPD top 10, as its competitor Microsoft did. No comments were made on how far behind sales of Resident Evil 5 lag, at fourth place overall compared to the Xbox 360 version's first place finish.

Sony pointed to the success of its PlayStation Network service, noting that its Home virtual world now has over 5 million global users, revealing also that the top game of the month of March was thatgamecompany's Flower.
[/QUOTE]

NPD sales for March 09 are as follow:
* Nintendo Wii - 601,000
* Nintendo DS - 563,000
* Xbox 360 - 330,000
* PlayStation 3 - 218,000
* PlayStation Portable - 168,000
* PlayStation 2 - 112,000

Full Story: gamasutra.com

Andrew House Named New President and CEO of SCEE

XanTium — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:38:48 -0500

From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that Andrew House, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Group Executive of Sony Corporation, has been named President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Chief Operating Officer (Co-COO) of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) as of May 1, 2009.

In his new role, House will be responsible for managing the PlayStation business across nearly 100 countries in the Europe/PAL territories, including the company's PlayStation�2, PSP� (PlayStation�Portable) and PLAYSTATION�3 platforms as well as PlayStation�Network.

House joined Sony Corporation in 1990, where he worked in corporate communications for Sony Corporation (Japan) for five years. In April 1995, he was assigned to the marketing and communications division of SCEI, contributing to the marketing and promotion of the original PlayStation� computer entertainment system as well as its game titles. In March 1996, House was promoted to Vice President, Marketing of Sony Computer Entertainment America, where he led SCEA's marketing efforts to establish the North American market for the original PlayStation as well as formulating and executing the market strategies which led to the successful launch of the PlayStation 2 and PSP businesses. House was also instrumental in developing the PlayStation brand into a household name in North America. In addition to his marketing responsibilities, he also led the Third Party Relations and Developer Support divisions from 2000, making sizeable contributions in establishing and maintaining firm relationships with third party game developers and publishers in North America as well as growing content alliances.

Acknowledged for his invaluable contribution to the expansion of the PlayStation business and to the company's marketing and brand management efforts, House was appointed CMO of Sony Corporation in 2005, with global responsibility for corporate marketing across all of Sony's businesses with primary emphasis in building value in the Sony brand.

"I'm very happy to welcome Andrew back to the PlayStation business and to work closely with him again" said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment. "I'm confident that the skills and expertise Andy has gained over the years working as Sony's CMO will contribute enormously in leading the PlayStation business in Europe/PAL countries and regions and to bring new initiatives in managing the business in the coming networked era."
"I'm delighted to return to the PlayStation fold and excited to take on this new challenge," said Andrew House, "I have strong ties to the interactive entertainment industry and I believe there is huge potential for further growth of our business in the Europe/PAL countries and regions, particularly in the area of networked entertainment. I'm looking forward to working with everyone at SCEE and with other groups in Sony to help achieve this potential."
[/QUOTE]

David Reeves to Retire from SCEE

XanTium — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:34:15 -0500

From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that David Reeves, President, CEO and Co-Coo, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), and Deputy President, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., will retire from Sony Computer Entertainment Group as of April 30, 2009.

David Reeves joined SCEE in 1995, where he was responsible for establishing and managing the regional offices of SCEE in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. He moved back to the United Kingdom in 1999 and leveraging his talent and skills in the broad areas of sales, marketing and operations, Reeves contributed immensely in selling millions of the original PlayStation�, PlayStation�2, PSP� (PlayStation�Portable) and establishing the PlayStation name as the number one brand in the home digital entertainment industry in the countries and regions across the Europe/PAL territory. In 2003, Reeves was appointed President and COO of SCEE and CEO 2 years later, and while having nearly 100 countries in the Europe/PAL territories reporting to him and managing the vast market of diverse cultures and different business customs, he provided strong leadership in successfully launching PLAYSTATION�3 in the growing competitive landscape.

"David's contribution in firmly establishing the PlayStation brand and expanding the business in Europe/PAL territories in his 14 year tenure at SCEE is immeasurable," said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment. "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to David for the many accomplishments he made to the PlayStation business and wish him the best luck in his future endeavours."

"It has been a wonderful ride with PlayStation," said David Reeves. "I never got to visit all 106 countries but managed 66. I have just two things to say on leaving: I want to thank all of those people who have supported SCEE and me personally in the past 14 years; you have been magnificent! Secondly, I am going to spend my time now trying to repay society for all I have taken from it. If your children are having physics lessons at the local school or wondering why their ski instructor is very elderly, your car mechanic has a bad back, or the social worker keeps bringing you PSP games, then it could just be me! Good luck to everybody at SCEE and everybody who continues to support us."
[/QUOTE]