The launch of the new 40GB model and 60GB price drop sees sales of the console nearly triple.
On October 10, the 40GB PlayStation 3 went on sale in the UK, along with a new Value Pack for the 60GB machine, which includes two first-party games, and costs £349 (approx $710)--a £76 ($155) drop.
Sony's holiday push seems to be working. For the week ending October 13, there was a 178 percent increase in sales of the console over the previous week, according to Chart Track, the official UK game industry sales tracking body.
The week was the third biggest week for PlayStation 3 hardware since it was launched in the UK on March 23--the first and second being the two weeks after it was launched. However, the figures weren't enough to get the PS3 the top slot--the DS Lite sold the most number of units, followed by the Wii, then the PS3, and then the Xbox 360.
Chart Track director Dorian Bloch commented, "The PS3 60GB is proving very popular, even with the introduction last week of the 40GB model. Eighty-nine percent of purchasers opted for some form of 60GB model, since this is sold with at least two games for only £50 ($102) more than the 40GB model, and sometimes other extras...check some retailer Web sites and you'll find Blu-ray discs also included for £350".
Source
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
EU & US Playstation Store Update 11th Oct 2007.
EU PlayStation Store Update:
Game Demos:
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08
Fifa 08
The Simpsons
Game Add-Ons:
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Speed master £2.99
Video:
Fallout 3 Teaser Trailer
Lair - Mastering the Beast
Lair - Call of the Beast
Lair - World in Chaos
Lair - When Dragons Attack
Pixel Junk Racers
Blu-ray Trailers:
Men of Honour
Planet of the Apes
Wallpapers:
Pixel Junk Racers Box
Pixel Junk Racers Neon
Folklore
Lair Bad Dragon
US PlayStation Store Update:
Full Games:
Everyday Shooter = $9.99
Game Demos:
Ratchet & Clank
NHL 2K8
Conan
Videos:
Uncharted Behind The Scenes II
Folklore Launch Trailer
Fallout 3 Teaser Trailer
Movie & Blu-ray Trailers:
The Assassination of Jesse James
Spiderwick Chronicles
Walk Hard
PS3 Wallpaper:
Ratchet & Clank
Everyday Shooter
Game Demos:
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08
Fifa 08
The Simpsons
Game Add-Ons:
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Speed master £2.99
Video:
Fallout 3 Teaser Trailer
Lair - Mastering the Beast
Lair - Call of the Beast
Lair - World in Chaos
Lair - When Dragons Attack
Pixel Junk Racers
Blu-ray Trailers:
Men of Honour
Planet of the Apes
Wallpapers:
Pixel Junk Racers Box
Pixel Junk Racers Neon
Folklore
Lair Bad Dragon
US PlayStation Store Update:
Full Games:
Everyday Shooter = $9.99
Game Demos:
Ratchet & Clank
NHL 2K8
Conan
Videos:
Uncharted Behind The Scenes II
Folklore Launch Trailer
Fallout 3 Teaser Trailer
Movie & Blu-ray Trailers:
The Assassination of Jesse James
Spiderwick Chronicles
Walk Hard
PS3 Wallpaper:
Ratchet & Clank
Everyday Shooter
Blu-ray Showing Impressive Gains.
At the DisplaySearch conference held yesterday, attendees were treated to the latest information regarding the format war. Warner announced that '300' has sold over 250,000 copies on Blu-ray since it was released in July, twice as many as has sold on HD DVD. Sony also announced that the PS3 would soon be receiving a firmware upgrade to boost its Blu-ray interactivity functions.
On the whole, HD players have increased their market share, now at 5%, since August when it was only 1.3% of total DVD player sales. Additionally, HD players accounted for 27% of the revenue in the DVD player market. This trend is expected to continue through the upcoming holiday season.
Source
On the whole, HD players have increased their market share, now at 5%, since August when it was only 1.3% of total DVD player sales. Additionally, HD players accounted for 27% of the revenue in the DVD player market. This trend is expected to continue through the upcoming holiday season.
Source
MGS4 In Europe Before Easter; Bundle Planned.
Metal Gear Solid 4 could well be appearing in Europe before Easter, with Sony and Konami planning a console-and-game bundle as well.
Speaking to Spanish website MeriStation.com, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe vice president James Armstrong said: “We are working on a PlayStation 3 bundle that includes Metal Gear 4 Solid and the new DualShock. We want it to hit the high street before Easter. That’s what we’re pushing for at the moment".
If true, it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise. With MGS4 easily being one of the most high profile games set to appear in 2008 and exclusive to the PS3, it’s only logical that Sony will be looking to cash in on this in the biggest way possible – and a bundle deal would almost certainly help to shift consoles.
No price was mentioned, but with the 60GB value pack now retailing for £349 and the new 40GB console (which is almost certainly going to be the only one left on offer by the time MGS4 is ready to roll here) costing £299, we suspect the price point to fall somewhere in between the two.
Source
Speaking to Spanish website MeriStation.com, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe vice president James Armstrong said: “We are working on a PlayStation 3 bundle that includes Metal Gear 4 Solid and the new DualShock. We want it to hit the high street before Easter. That’s what we’re pushing for at the moment".
If true, it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise. With MGS4 easily being one of the most high profile games set to appear in 2008 and exclusive to the PS3, it’s only logical that Sony will be looking to cash in on this in the biggest way possible – and a bundle deal would almost certainly help to shift consoles.
No price was mentioned, but with the 60GB value pack now retailing for £349 and the new 40GB console (which is almost certainly going to be the only one left on offer by the time MGS4 is ready to roll here) costing £299, we suspect the price point to fall somewhere in between the two.
Source
Sony Paid £16 Million For Evolution Studios.
Chief exec Martin Kenwright earned GBP 12m from sale
Sony's acquisition of MotorStorm developer Evolution Studios and its PSP satellite Bigbig Studios cost the company £16 million (EUR 22.9m / USD 32.6m).
According to a report by the Liverpool Daily Post, chief executive and co-founder Martin Kenwright held a 75 per cent stake in the company, netting him GBP 12 million from the sale. Ian Hetherington, chairman and co-founder, held most of the rest of the shares.
The MotorStorm developer was snapped up by Sony last month, after the racing studio delivered one of the most critically acclaimed and best-selling titles for the PlayStation 3.
At the time, Michael Denny, vice president of SCE Worldwide Studios told GamesIndustry.biz, "We've enjoyed a highly productive and commercially successful relationship with Evolution and now there's a great opportunity in bringing them into part of the family to share further in terms of technology, production methodology and creative goals to make the experiences that these teams are creating even better".
Evolution was established in 1999, but co-founders Kenwright and Hetherington decided to leave the business following the acquisition.
Evolution is currently working a disc-based sequel to MotorStorm as well as further downloadable content, while Bigbig Studios is putting the finishing touches to Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice for the PSP.
Source
Sony's acquisition of MotorStorm developer Evolution Studios and its PSP satellite Bigbig Studios cost the company £16 million (EUR 22.9m / USD 32.6m).
According to a report by the Liverpool Daily Post, chief executive and co-founder Martin Kenwright held a 75 per cent stake in the company, netting him GBP 12 million from the sale. Ian Hetherington, chairman and co-founder, held most of the rest of the shares.
The MotorStorm developer was snapped up by Sony last month, after the racing studio delivered one of the most critically acclaimed and best-selling titles for the PlayStation 3.
At the time, Michael Denny, vice president of SCE Worldwide Studios told GamesIndustry.biz, "We've enjoyed a highly productive and commercially successful relationship with Evolution and now there's a great opportunity in bringing them into part of the family to share further in terms of technology, production methodology and creative goals to make the experiences that these teams are creating even better".
Evolution was established in 1999, but co-founders Kenwright and Hetherington decided to leave the business following the acquisition.
Evolution is currently working a disc-based sequel to MotorStorm as well as further downloadable content, while Bigbig Studios is putting the finishing touches to Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice for the PSP.
Source
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
New PS3 SKU's Hit Retail.
40GB Model and new 60Gb bundles arrive on the high street
After the numerous price reductions and new SKUs that Sony has introduced in its PS3 hardware range across all its global territories, today marks the arrival of the new-look PS3 offer at UK retail.
Gamers looking to snap up Sony’s console can from today can choose between the 40GB model at £299.99 and the reduced price 60GB model at £349.99 – down from its previous price of £424.99.
For those who need reminding, the new 40GB model is slightly different to the previous machine Sony had on the market – as well as the reduced storage space, it also lacks the integrated memory card reader, two USB ports and its PS2 backwards compatibility.
The 60GB model remains fully-featured, and depending on which retailer gamers visit will come bundled with two games from a large selection of titles including Motorstorm, Heavenly Sword, Formula One: Championship Edition and Resistance: Fall of Man.
Source
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
In-Game Advertising To Keep PlayStation Home Free
For those of you who've been living under a rock for the past year or so, there's this new online service called Home that's coming to PS3's around the world early next year.
With all its fancy graphics and mountains of features, you'd expect Home to cost you a pretty penny. On the contrary, when Phil Harrison first announced it back in March at the 2007 Game Developers Conference, he informed the masses it would be absolutely free of charge.
How can Sony afford such a thing? Small micro-transactions were always cited as a way to counter development and upkeep costs of the online universe, but we were skeptical as to whether they could fully support Home. However, it appears in-game advertising will have a far greater impact (and therefore greater presence). In fact, in-game advertising is what is keeping Home free.
Darlene Kindler was recently appointed SCEA's head of in-game advertising strategies. She'll work in conjunction with Nielsen Media Research on the type of ads we'll be seeing in Home (and possibly future online PSN fare).
Don't worry, the ads won't be ludicrous and out of place - no coca-cola ads engraved in trees in the Fairy Realm of one of Home's online game rooms. We'll be seeing ads that are both "dynamic, [and] relevant".
What's your take on all of this? Would you rather pay for Home, or have to walk past a GAP billboard on the way to and from your Home Space?
Let us know in the comments section. As always, we'll keep you updated on all things PlayStation Home.
Source
With all its fancy graphics and mountains of features, you'd expect Home to cost you a pretty penny. On the contrary, when Phil Harrison first announced it back in March at the 2007 Game Developers Conference, he informed the masses it would be absolutely free of charge.
How can Sony afford such a thing? Small micro-transactions were always cited as a way to counter development and upkeep costs of the online universe, but we were skeptical as to whether they could fully support Home. However, it appears in-game advertising will have a far greater impact (and therefore greater presence). In fact, in-game advertising is what is keeping Home free.
Darlene Kindler was recently appointed SCEA's head of in-game advertising strategies. She'll work in conjunction with Nielsen Media Research on the type of ads we'll be seeing in Home (and possibly future online PSN fare).
Don't worry, the ads won't be ludicrous and out of place - no coca-cola ads engraved in trees in the Fairy Realm of one of Home's online game rooms. We'll be seeing ads that are both "dynamic, [and] relevant".
What's your take on all of this? Would you rather pay for Home, or have to walk past a GAP billboard on the way to and from your Home Space?
Let us know in the comments section. As always, we'll keep you updated on all things PlayStation Home.
Source
GT5 Quiz- Can You Tell The Difference Between The Game And Real Life?
Do you think you tell the difference between real life and Gran Turismo 5? A comparison test has been created of 15 screens and their real life equivalents.
Take the test here. Its not as straightforward as you might think.
Take the test here. Its not as straightforward as you might think.
Netherlands's Largest Home Entertainment Retailer Goes Blu-Ray.
Free Record Shop, the Netherlands's largest home entertainment retailer, has announced that they have officially endorsed Blu-ray as the successor to DVD. Since Blu-ray has launched in the Netherlands, it has outsold HD DVD on an average of 4-to-1, showing business owners that the buying public is demanding high definition content, and they want that content on Blu-ray.
Source
Source
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Epic: PS3 UT3 Could Release In December, With Extra Content.
Speaking on the UT forums, Epic' Mark Rein said:
"Yes, there is a chance it will come out in December.
In addition there is some good news as well. A little extra time in development means that now the PS3 version will have all of the same maps as the PC version which wasn’t previously expected to be the case".
"Yes, there is a chance it will come out in December.
In addition there is some good news as well. A little extra time in development means that now the PS3 version will have all of the same maps as the PC version which wasn’t previously expected to be the case".
Monday, October 01, 2007
Sony Financial IPO Raises £1.35 billion.
Investors pay the highest price in the available range
Shares for Sony Corporation's subsidiary, Sony Financial Holdings Inc, went on sale in Japan today, with a total of 800,000 shares traded at a price of JPY 400,000 (GBP 1692, USD 3462) each.
That's the top line in a possible range, the lowest price of which was JPY 380,000 (GBP 1608, USD 3289) each, demonstrating demand for what was on its announcement initially received with limited interest.
Following a pre-offering cut from JPY 415,000 (GBP 1756, USD 3592) the shares raised JPY 320 billion (GBP 1.35 billion, USD 2.77 billion) with the proceeds thought to be heading towards the corporation's electronics division.
Specifically that means a boost for the manufacture of Bravia televisions, and help for the Playstation department as well - a move which was previously thought to have been indicative of an impending price cut for the Playstation 3.
However, no such news was forthcoming at Sony's price-related announcement event, the Tokyo Games Show.
Source
Shares for Sony Corporation's subsidiary, Sony Financial Holdings Inc, went on sale in Japan today, with a total of 800,000 shares traded at a price of JPY 400,000 (GBP 1692, USD 3462) each.
That's the top line in a possible range, the lowest price of which was JPY 380,000 (GBP 1608, USD 3289) each, demonstrating demand for what was on its announcement initially received with limited interest.
Following a pre-offering cut from JPY 415,000 (GBP 1756, USD 3592) the shares raised JPY 320 billion (GBP 1.35 billion, USD 2.77 billion) with the proceeds thought to be heading towards the corporation's electronics division.
Specifically that means a boost for the manufacture of Bravia televisions, and help for the Playstation department as well - a move which was previously thought to have been indicative of an impending price cut for the Playstation 3.
However, no such news was forthcoming at Sony's price-related announcement event, the Tokyo Games Show.
Source
Friday, September 28, 2007
Sony To Sell New PES 2008 PS3 Bundle.
The Chairman of Playstation France has confirmed that Sony is to sell a new PS3 PES 2008 bundle from November, althought it is not clear whether this bundle will go beyond France. However, given the immense popularity of PES within Europe, it would be unsurprising not to see the bundle head to all major European regions.
Ratchet & Clank Goes Gold, Updated E3 Demo Coming To PSN.
Greg Phillips a Line Producer from SCEA has confirmed that Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction has gone gold. The game is now finished and will be ready for purchase from stores from October 30th which is a week later than initially planned.
A demo should also be made available on PSN from October 11th.
A demo should also be made available on PSN from October 11th.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Home Goes Open Beta In Late Nov/Early Dec.
GameSpot conducted an interview with Phil Harrison at the Tokyo Game Show this week. In it, he confirmed that Home (although, delayed) will be seeing an open beta in late November/early December. So, no need to fret about the delay, at least, entirely.
"We will still be opening in late November/early December for general beta testing. So, the commercial start of Home will be pushed out later, but you will still get the experience this year," explain Harrison.
We'll keep you updated.
Source
"We will still be opening in late November/early December for general beta testing. So, the commercial start of Home will be pushed out later, but you will still get the experience this year," explain Harrison.
We'll keep you updated.
Source
Thursday, September 20, 2007
TGS 2007: Dual Shock 3 Officially Announced.
Sony finally adds rumble to its PlayStation 3 controller.
During its press conference at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, Sony Computer Entertainment finally announced the worst-kept secret in gaming - the Dual Shock 3. The new controller looks exactly like the Sixaxis from the outside, with the only difference being that it now says Dual Shock 3 instead of Sixaxis on the top.
Sony announced that a number of games that are appearing at TGS already support the rumble functionality, including Metal Gear Solid 4 (and MGS Online), Devil May Cry 4, echochrome, Ratchet & Clank Future, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Dynasty Warriors 6. And as we reported yesterday, Burnout Paradise looks to also support the new controller.
Along with its new rumble functionality, the Dual Shock 3 will still support the motion sensing function of the Sixaxis.
The Dual Shock 3 will launch this November in Japan, while the US and Europe will receive the new controller in the spring of 2008.
Source
During its press conference at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, Sony Computer Entertainment finally announced the worst-kept secret in gaming - the Dual Shock 3. The new controller looks exactly like the Sixaxis from the outside, with the only difference being that it now says Dual Shock 3 instead of Sixaxis on the top.
Sony announced that a number of games that are appearing at TGS already support the rumble functionality, including Metal Gear Solid 4 (and MGS Online), Devil May Cry 4, echochrome, Ratchet & Clank Future, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Dynasty Warriors 6. And as we reported yesterday, Burnout Paradise looks to also support the new controller.
Along with its new rumble functionality, the Dual Shock 3 will still support the motion sensing function of the Sixaxis.
The Dual Shock 3 will launch this November in Japan, while the US and Europe will receive the new controller in the spring of 2008.
Source
TGS 2007: Home Launch Delayed.
You can't go Home just yet.
We just got word from the Sony press conference that Home, which was originally scheduled to be released at the end of this year, has been rescheduled to release sometime this spring. According to the news at the press conference, this shift comes as a result of Sony's desire to react to feedback from users, and Sony will provide additional details in the future.
Home, Sony's eagerly anticipated social networking service for the PS3, has been in development for quite a while. Hopefully, this delay only means further tweaking for the software, which will then herald in Sony's future plans for online support. Check back with us soon for further updates.
Update: Sony was just asked to elaborate on the Home delay during their press conference Q & A session. Hirai comments that the primary issue responsible for the delay is because Home is a worldwide service, and Sony would like to appeal to as broad of an audience as possible, by offering a wide variety of services. This will be accomplished by responding to the feedback and testing that has been happening recently with the software.
Source
We just got word from the Sony press conference that Home, which was originally scheduled to be released at the end of this year, has been rescheduled to release sometime this spring. According to the news at the press conference, this shift comes as a result of Sony's desire to react to feedback from users, and Sony will provide additional details in the future.
Home, Sony's eagerly anticipated social networking service for the PS3, has been in development for quite a while. Hopefully, this delay only means further tweaking for the software, which will then herald in Sony's future plans for online support. Check back with us soon for further updates.
Update: Sony was just asked to elaborate on the Home delay during their press conference Q & A session. Hirai comments that the primary issue responsible for the delay is because Home is a worldwide service, and Sony would like to appeal to as broad of an audience as possible, by offering a wide variety of services. This will be accomplished by responding to the feedback and testing that has been happening recently with the software.
Source
TGS 2007: PlayStation Store Now On PC.
Sony announced today at its TGS 2007 press conference that users will now be able to access the PlayStation Store via their PC. While you obviously won't be able to play demos this way, videos and such will all be accessible. Also, PSP users will now be able to download content to their system by way of their PC without having to go through a PS3, helping those who don't own Sony's latest console.
We'll have more information on this as it becomes available, including the unannounced URL.
We'll have more information on this as it becomes available, including the unannounced URL.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
TGS 07: Metal Gear Solid 4 To Include Online Starter Pack.
Metal Gear Solid 4 will include a small taste of the Metal Gear Online experience through an included "Starter Pack" mode, Hideo Kojima revealed at the Konami press conference today in Tokyo.
A new trailer highlighted the game's sharp graphics, which nearly match the visual fidelity of its single-player counterpart. In addition, fun gameplay bits, such as the ability to roll down enemies in a barrel were shown. The trailer ended with a soldier launching himself helplessly into the air by using a massive cannon device.
Both Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Online will be playable at TGS. Stay tuned for more.
A new trailer highlighted the game's sharp graphics, which nearly match the visual fidelity of its single-player counterpart. In addition, fun gameplay bits, such as the ability to roll down enemies in a barrel were shown. The trailer ended with a soldier launching himself helplessly into the air by using a massive cannon device.
Both Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Online will be playable at TGS. Stay tuned for more.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Ratchet & Clank PSN Demo On October 4.
Sony's told IGN that a demo of upcoming Ratch & Clank: Tools of Destruction will hit PSN on October 4.
Source
Source
Monday, September 10, 2007
Rumor: $400 40GB PS3 With Spidey 3 Blu-ray Pack-in Coming This Holiday Season.
A retail mole who Arstechnica claims to have a great track record (got it right about the wired Rock Band controllers and 360 HDMI) has come forward to say that Sony will be introducing a 40GB PS3 at a price of $399 complete with a Spider Man 3 Blu-ray pack-in. Further to this the 80GB SKU will receive a price drop and be lowered to $499 this Holiday season.
Source
Source
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