Kotaku: Scee

We, The PlayStation Underground, Are Now Beta Testing Home

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:00:18 MST

If you're a PlayStation Underground member, you'll likely be sending your membership in the program off in style this weekend as it appears everyone in good standing is now a PlayStation Home beta tester. Sony is conducting a load test of Home's servers tonight (6 PM to 8 PM PST) to celebrate the release of the service's graduation to version 1.0. Yes, do check you inboxes now to see if you got in. The rest of the Kotaku readership has, it seems, and has lovingly tipped us off already.

With less than six weeks until the end of the year, will Sony actually get Home out as (most recently) promised? Will I be able to solve my current router problems and actually rub virtual elbows with you all in Home? Stay tuned!

Jilted Lovers, Mullets and Exploding Dogs - The LittleBigPlanet Euro Ads

Stuart Houghton — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:20:00 MST

This is how Sony will be flogging LittleBigPlanet across Europe - three short TV spots showing off some of the more creative uses of the level creation tools.

In The Cullen Family Planet, Murray shows us the LBP level he made for his two sons. Remember - the family that explodes dogs together, stays together.

Two more after the jump.

The Janice Planet could spawn a new genre - revenge modding. "We start off inside Janice's heart, which as you can see is mostly frozen..."

With The Heavy Metal Mullet Planet, the clue is very much in the title. Guide a hair-metal Sackboy to the stage by SWINGING ON THE MULLET OF A ROBOT DINOSAUR GUITARIST.

Just take a few moments to savor that last sentence.

Euro PS3 Bundle Includes Four PSN Games

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:30:00 MST

While Microsoft Europe seem intent on releasing a bundle to coincide with every single game released on the console over the next two months, Sony Europe are playing things a little more casual. Not so many bundles from them. Here's one they are releasing, though, and it's one that takes a slightly different approach to the standard throw-in-a-free-game deal. Seemingly destined for the Scandinavian market - having turned up unannounced on Norwegian online store Komplett, and having only Scandinavian languages on the box - this pack includes a 160GB PS3, a DualShock 3 and vouchers for four PSN games (GT5: Prologue, Quest for Booty, Last Guy & Super Stardust HD). You get all that for 4500 Krone, which is around USD$675.

LittleBigPlanet To Add Sticker Import From Hard Drive

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:00:42 MST

As of right now, the only way to import images that one can plaster upon the levels of LittleBigPlanet is courtesy of the PlayStation Eye, EyeToy or "other compatible USB camera." Great for capturing one's nether regions, but less great for transferring one's original artwork and digital photos. Fortunately, that's about it change, according to Media Molecule's Alex Evans and, oddly enough, the developer's Flickr photo stream.

PS3 Attitude wrote that Evans said to expect a proper image import tool by the end of the year. Speaking at GameCity in jolly old Nottingham, Evans reportedly said the feature was cut due to time constraints.

Word from the official PlayStation forums, however, places some doubt on that claim, with SCEE's Senior Community Development Manager Sam "Protagonist" Bennett writing there are "currently no plans to introduce it for a variety of reasons." That's right. "No plans."

But... a newly uploaded pic of said image import tool just popped up on Flickr today, noting that it's a "work in progress." It's pretty clearly noted that LittleBigPlanet will let you "import images from your PlayStation Hard Drive to use as stickers." It even notes it thrice, for extra emphasis. File it under safe bet.

Work In Progress [Flickr - thanks, Justin!]

Sony Says "Nothing Is Ever Exclusive"

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:40:42 MDT

Sony Computer Entertainment UK director Ray Maguire gives fans of Grand Theft Auto IV, Fallout 3 and Tomb Raider: Underworld hope for the future of "exclusive" downloadable content on the PlayStation 3 platform. Each has promised DLC only for Microsoft's Xbox 360, but Maguire tells VideoGamer that "One thing to remember, nothing is ever exclusive."

He has a point. We've watched exclusivity deals dissolve more than once during this generation (BioShock, Final Fantasy XIII).

Maguire, who's been chatty lately, explains to the less big business strategically inclined, "Things get wrapped up for a period of time for a large amount of money and if it's a strategic decision by competition to do that then we have to live with that."

Sony, Mr. Maguire says, has better things to do with its money.

"I would much rather that we were investing money into making sure that we've got great R&D and we start producing games like LittleBigPlanet," he adds, "rather than paying other people a huge amount of money to stop people playing their product."

We're glad that Sony is investing internally, even if it means things like EyePet get greenlighted, but we'd bet some PS3 owners certainly wouldn't mind a well-secured exclusive or two of their own. For the record, we're 99.44% sure this doesn't apply to Metal Gear Solid 4, give or take a few percentage points. Haze, maybe. Definitely maybe.

Sony UK boss on DLC: 'Nothing is ever exclusive' [VideoGamer]

Europe's Version Of Qore: The Details

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:30:00 MDT

Like we told you last month, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe are putting together their own version of Qore. Presumably because European PlayStation owners haven't suffered enough. The program will be called Official PlayStation Magazine HD, will of course be a premium (ie you pay for it) service, and will be distributed weekly over the various European PlayStation stores. A job listing for the program says that the show will feature "hi-def video, game demos and other content", so basically, expect Qore, but with a much longer name.

Content Producer - Official PlayStation Magazine HD - Bath [Future, thanks Matt!]

LittleBigPlanet Will Be Out "No Later Than" Nov 7 For PAL Users

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:30:00 MDT

SCEE just sent out a statement in response to the you-may-have-heard-of-it-by-now LittleBigPlanet delay. In short: if you're a PAL user, don't panic. The game will be out "no later than the week commencing Monday 3rd November", with the title rolling out across Europe, Australasia and the Middle East throughout that week. The wording seems to rule out any hope of a firm release date for any of the regions, so feel free to badger the shit out of your local game store until their stock turns up.

LittleBig Planet Facing European Delay

Mike Fahey — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:20:00 MDT

While Sony's eagerly anticipated PS3 title LittleBigPlanet is seeing a rash of unofficial early releases here in North America, European retailers are experiencing the exact opposite. While the game was originally set for an October 24th release, retailers are now expecting delays of up to three weeks. UK retailer Game's website now lists the title's release date as simply 10/2008, while Gamestation's release date simply TBC.

For the sake of our European friends we certainly hope the three weeks estimate is overblown. GamesIndustry.biz seems to think the delay won't be nearly as bad, and expects that Sony will issue an official updated release date shortly. We'll keep an eye out.

LittleBigPlanet release delayed in Europe [GamesIndustry.biz]

WipEout HD Leaves The Garage A Bit Buggy

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:00:03 MDT

The release of WipEout HD was a long time a-comin' and, unfortunately, its launch on the PlayStation Store is not without its problems. PlayStation 3 owners are reporting that their copies of the SCEE developed hoverracer are locking up, with users pointing to larger friend lists as a potential source of the problem. We contacted Sony PR to find out more.

"Following the release of WipEout HD on PLAYSTATION Store yesterday, we’ve been following the reports by some members of the community regarding problems with game freezes," SCEA reps confirmed. "We’d like to reassure you all that the WipEout team is working hard to resolve this issue as quickly as possible."

As far as the cause, SCEA tells us that anything we might have read about the source of the issue is, at this point, "rumor and speculation." It is worth noting though, that some WipEout HD players are noting that they're having better luck with a leaner friend list. Just sayin'.

European PSN Gets Qore (Well, Sort Of) As Well

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:20:00 MDT

SCEA has the PlayStation.Blog, it's great, Europe sadly hasn't followed suit. SCEA has Qore, it's rubbish, and whaddya know, Europe is following suit! SCEE have signed a deal with Future Publishing that will see an "on-console, weekly digital magazine available exclusively through the PlayStation Network". Before you ask, yes, they're claiming the content will be editorial in nature, with demos and DLC - concerningly for people hoping the PSN remains "free" - also on the menu. It'll be offered in the UK first, in early 2009, with other European territories to follow.

Pioneering interactive high definition magazine to launch on PlayStation Network

Future, the special-interest media group, today announces that it has signed an agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment UK (“SCE UK”) to create an on-console, weekly digital magazine available exclusively through the PlayStation®Network.

The digital magazine will enable gamers in the UK to download interactive, high definition editorial content directly onto their PlayStation 3 consoles from the PlayStation Network - a first for the UK games industry. The pioneering weekly product will be available to UK PlayStation 3 owners in early 2009 and is expected to subsequently roll-out to other European territories.

The deal further strengthens the publishing partnership between SCE UK and Future, which began in 1995 with one Official magazine and today operates on both sides of the Atlantic with a portfolio of print titles and digital content. Earlier this year, Future teamed up with Sony Computer Entertainment America to produce Qore™– a monthly digital programme for North American users of the PlayStation Network which has attracted Burger King, Universal Pictures, Activision and Codemasters among its advertisers.

Packed with high definition video content, the digital magazine will include news, reviews, features and downloadable content on games, movies and more. Future and SCE UK will work with third parties to incorporate exclusive content – only available to subscribers who purchase the weekly digital magazine.

It will also offer advertisers the opportunity to promote their products to millions of UK gamers who are registered to the PlayStation Network in the UK. It will provide advertisers with exclusive branded areas, product showcases and high definition media.

Ray Maguire, senior vice president and managing director of SCE UK said:

"As PlayStation 3 moves the gaming experience to a more social and competitive online environment, so the natural development in line with our consumers’ choice of media is to produce a companion publication in the digital realm. Future is best placed to meet this challenge and produce a perfect partner to the Official PlayStation magazine delivered via the PlayStation Network."

Robert Price, Future’s UK Chief Executive added:

“We are very excited to further strengthen our relationship with Sony, working together on this ground-breaking product. As the publisher of Official magazines and digital content for Sony PlayStation in the US and UK, we are creating powerful integrated media solutions for readers and advertisers across different platforms, in print and online. This product will provide a unique way for advertisers to connect directly with gamers through their consoles using the very latest high definition content.”

Cancelled Eight Days Had Awesome Animation, Makes Us Angry At EyePet

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:00:34 MDT

It doesn't look like we'll ever see Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's Eight Days. The project was apparently scrapped, with SCE Worldwide Studios bossman Shuhei Yoshida instead dedicating resources to projects like the recently announced EyePet. Fiscally, probably not a horrible idea, as Eight Days may have ultimately been a big-budget third-person shooter, something we're not exactly lacking in these days.

Still, this recently uploaded look at Eight Days' animation tests, via our good friends at NeoGAF make us a little misty-eyed. Poor thing never had a chance... and it was so nicely animated, too. Here's to hoping this cover system tech can be put to use elsewhere.

Here's A LittleBigPlanet Release Date

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:10:00 MDT

Sony Europe just sent through official word that LittleBigPlanet has a release date. And that date is Friday, October 24. Just over a month away. Seems strange that something we've been following so closely for so long as a "it's coming sometime in the distant future" will actually be with us, but hey, if Spore can do it, LBP can do it too. Bear in mind this was a European announcement, so there's no cast-iron guarantee that the US date will be the same. Though it probably/hopefully is.

PlayStation Network Games Getting UMD Bundle Treatment

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:00:00 MDT

European PSP owners are going to get a few former PlayStation Network only titles in cold, hard physical media format, as SCEE is planning on releasing two collections of PSN titles on UMD. The PlayStation Network Collection releases, unearthed by Siliconera, consist of one Power Pack, containing flOw, Syphon Filter: Combat Ops and Beats, and the Puzzle Pack, featuring Lemmings, Go! Puzzle and Go! Sudoku.

Handy, even if one of those is a very odd mix of genres, but we thought we'd be seeing less UMDs, not more. No pricing yet, so try not to get too excited about the big big savings.

PSP PSN downloadable games get UMD collections [Siliconera]

Your PlayStation 2 Trash Becomes Furniture Treasure

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:00:10 MDT

With over 140 million PlayStation 2s walking the earth, surely their must be one or two that have broken down. Maybe even three. Possibly even more than that, as there are apparently enough to establish a product made from recycled PS2s.

UK based Pli Design is taking advantage of all those unwanted consoles with its Reee chair, which features 100% recycled PlayStation 2 plastic. Sound familiar? It might, as we wrote about Pli's PlayStation product last year. Seems Pli is just getting around to "launching" it next week.

If you're worrying about compromising "environmental credentials", look no further than the Reee. You've never sat this green before.

Recycled PlayStation®2 chair is a UK first [Pli]

Europe Gets A LittleBigPlanet PS3 Bundle

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:00:00 MDT

Sony think LittleBigPlanet will be a system-seller. And what better way to find out than with this European market LittleBigPlanet/PS3 bundle, spotted on the website of French retailer Fnac. It includes an 80GB PS3, a copy of LittleBigPlanet and a DualShock 3, and is going for €400 (USD$585). Fantastic box art free of charge.

LittleBIgPlanet PS3 [Fnac, via VG247]

Hey Britain, No New PS2 For You

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:00:00 MDT

Like the look of that shiny new PS2, Britain? Bet you do. Better keep on looking, too, because you cannot touch. The 9000 series consoles that are already out in Japan - and the US as well - won't be coming to the UK. Some other European territories, yes, but Britain, no dice. No reason was given for the move, so feel free to come up with your own.

No super-slim PS2 for the UK News [Eurogamer]

Two New PS3 Bundles For Europe

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:30:00 MDT

SCEE have announced two new PS3 bundles for Europe, to mark the launch of the new 80GB console. The first, to be released on September 10, will include the 80GB unit, two DualShock 3 pads and a copy of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. A decent bundle, that, because consoles with two included controllers are a rare and precious thing these days. But the second bundle? Won't exactly have you begging "oh man, when does [your relevant market] get this?". Due for release on October 29, it'll include an 80GB PS3, one DualShock and...and...

...a copy of Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis on Blu-Ray. Which we're guessing is just for the French-speaking market. Nothanks.jpg.

Two new packs PlayStation 3 [Gamekyo]

Sony See Exclusivity With Developers, Not Publishers, As The Way Forward

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:20:00 MDT

Ah, exclusivity in the current hardware generation. Let's discuss it again, shall we? Speaking at last week's Leipzig Games Convention, SCEE boss David Reeves said he believes that the days of a platform holder negotiating exclusives with a publisher are long gone.

We have to accept more and more that platform holders themselves cannot have exclusives unless they're given millions and millions of dollars not to develop a particular game for one particular platform.
But for developers, and you could take someone like Quantic Dream for example - a great game, it takes a lot of time to develop, they need a little bit of funding, external development. In exchange, it's exclusive - that works. So exclusivity possibly with developers is more likely that exclusivity with publishers.

In other words, don't expect something like Metal Gear Solid 4 to happen ever again. Ever.

Sony: Publisher exclusivity probably "a thing of the past" [GI.biz]

Wipeout HD One-Year Anniversary Impressions

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:40:00 MDT

It's been a year since we first went hands on with Wipeout HD, the (eventual) PlayStation Network release that acts as a sort of remastered greatest hits comp from the series' past decade. The SCEE developed racer may have looked pretty sharp the last time we saw it, but it looks light years beyond that now.

So, happy anniversary Wipeout HD! We got you the traditional gift — hands-on impressions!

The presentation has received a noticeable amount of polish over the past year, with a more informative heads up display, slick new menus, a feature rich photo mode and additional graphical effects. Lighting and shadows look softer and more realistic, with ships more layered in sci-fi eye-candy than before.

When we played Wipeout HD at the previous Games Convention, we were limited to just a few racing teams and tracks. This year, we had access to the first portion of the campaign mode, with a broader selection of vehicles and paint jobs.

The campaign is stuffed with opportunities to win medals, with challenges based on lonely time trials — full race or a single lap — and competitive races against a line-up of CPU opponents.

Splitscreen is also in, with both horizontal and vertical layouts that should make every Wipeout fan happy.

Gameplay was largely the same, given that the Wipeout HD is a remake. That said, the game feels like more of a full-fledged release, now that it's been given additional time in the incubator. It's looking like it's going to be worth the wait.

Check Out Phil's Going-Away Present From Sony

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:30:00 MDT

Phil Harrison didn't just work at Sony, the dude was Sony. Cut him and he'd bleed PlayStation. So when he upped and left for Atari earlier this year, there's no way all he was going to get was a pat on the back and a "thanks for your time". No, he was due something nice. Nicer than a gold watch, even. Something like this snazzy PlayStation-themed plaque, which SCE commissioned for him so he could hang it on his wall at Atari and remember the good old days, when he got to talk about games people actually gave a hoot about.
[via UK:R]

David Reeves: No PS3 Price Cuts In 2008, OK?

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:30:00 MDT

How many times do Sony need to say it? There Will Be. No. PS3 Price Cuts. At least not for the foreseeable future, anyways. They’re too busy cutting back on the cost of making the thing to worry about passing on any savings to you lot. The latest Sony man to beat that particular corporate drum is SCEE’s David Reeves, who has said there won’t be a PS3 price cut for the rest of the year. Not even for Christmas. Bah humbug!

Reeves: There will be no PS3 price cut this year [VG247]

Sony Announce SingStar: Queen

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:30:00 MDT

This was kinda lost in the maelstrom of Sony news from yesterday, but is worth pointing out today; Sony have announced two new PS2 SingStar games. One is SingStar: Singalong With Disney, but the second? It's SingStar: Queen. That's not some corny title for a "queens of pop" collection or something, either, it's the literal application. Queen. Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon. It'll be out later in the year, and will be accompanied by two Queen song packs for the PS3 SingStore, though these will probably just be ten of the better tracks from the PS2 version. Sony, listen, let's make a deal: you put "Who Wants To Live Forever" on there, and I'll take back almost everything bad I've ever said about SingStar.

PS3 SingStore: 2.2 Million Served

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:30:00 MDT

Sony's PS3 SingStore hasn't exactly set our great balls on fire (yet!). It functions superbly, but the majority of updates are old songs we've already seen on PS2, and even then, are usually the crummy PS2 songs. But anyway. Maybe we're just mean, bitter old cynics, because Sony announced yesterday that for all its flaws, the PS3's SingStore has still sold 2.2 million tracks since it launched late last year. Which is nothing but money in the bank for SCEE.

Over 2.2m songs downloaded via SingStore [GI.biz]

GC Presser Round Up: Sony

Adam Barenblat — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:40:00 MDT

We had lots of news from Sony today since they held their press conference at Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, from a new 160GB Playstation 3 to a touch-sensitive keypad and a new Playstation Portable. Here's what you might have missed.

New Official Details, North American Date For PSP 3000
PlayStation 3 Controller Getting Wireless Keypad
PS3 Firmware Update Lets SingStar Owners Rip PS2-Only Tracks
EyePet Brings Virtual Monchichis To PlayStation 3
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune 160GB PS3 Priced, Dated for North America
PS3 Wireless Keypad Ships This Holiday Season
Free Realms MMO Coming to PlayStation 3
EyePet Brings Virtual Monchichis To PlayStation 3
SCEE Announces VidZone Service for PS3
PlayStation 3 160GB Model Coming To Europe
Sony Announces New PSP Model
'SingStar: Singalong With Disney' Announced For PS2, Exclusive to PAL Territories
Buzz!: Brain Bender announced for PSP

EyePet Brings Virtual Monchichis To PlayStation 3

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:20:43 MDT

Sony's Games Convention press conference saw the announcement of one brand new and rather interesting title, one that takes advantage of the PlayStation Eye in impressive new ways. EyePet, a virtual pet game for the PlayStation 3, lets players customize and interact with the "simian-like" titular beast, a furry digital companion that responds to user commands via the camera accessory.

EyePet takes advantage of technology we've seen previously in PS3 demos, allowing users to draw and scan in objects that the in-game creature will play with. The EyePet is said to remember objects it is shown and modify its behavior for objects that it is unfamiliar with.

Announced only for PAL markets so far, EyePet is said to ship in late 2009, giving us ample time to learn more about it.

What makes a pet real? Introducing EyePet, the virtual pet that follows your every movement and command…

Leipzig Games Convention, 20th August 2008: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) introduced the availability of EyePet for PAL region. It won’t make a mess on the floor or claw at the curtains – EyePet is the ultimate pet for modern living. Forget the hamsters and guinea pigs and get the perfect first pet for kids and adults alike. Developed by SCEE, EyePet is the responsive virtual pet who reacts to your every move and brings entertainment and fun for the whole family; plus it’s pretty cute as well.

EyePet comes with an impressive array of abilities all made possible by PLAYSTATION®Eye, the next-generation camera for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™). A loveable, simian-like pet, EyePet lives in an on-screen picture of your sitting room as captured second by second on PLAYSTATION Eye. Working in ‘Augmented Reality’, EyePet is fully aware of people in the room and will interact with you and your environment. Place an object in front of the camera that EyePet hasn’t seen before and it’ll know exactly what to do with it, give it something new and it’ll examine it thoroughly. Tickle it by waving your fingers in front of the camera: it laughs, poke it: it jumps, roll it a ball: EyePet chases around the screen after it.

An incredibly lifelike little critter, EyePet gives you all the lovable benefits and interaction of a real-life pet without tearing up your sofa or making a mess on the rug. Kids and adults alike will love to customise, dress it and watch its facial expressions that range from the sweet to the cheeky to the hilarious. It’s all made possible by the power of PS3 which has enabled EyePet’s developers to achieve incredible graphics and animation in its facial reactions, lifelike fur and incredibly intelligent interaction with you, your environment and anything you choose to place in front of it.

EyePet will be available in late 2009, so prepare to bring a furry ball of mischief into your home and a new friend into your life.

PlayStation 3 Controller Getting Wireless Keypad

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:40:00 MDT

Sony showed off a new wireless keyboard for the PlayStation 3 controller, intended to help with in game text messaging and PS3 browser navigatoin. The black keyboard clips on over the front of the DualShock 3/SIXAXIS with the keyboard located above the main controller area.

The wireless keyboard also features a touchpad mode to allow for mouse input. David Reeves, president of SCEE, said that this touchpad control mode may be used in future game development.

The keyboard will ship in eight configurations in Europe to support the numerous languages and keyboard types in the continent.

PlayStation 3 160GB Model Coming To Europe

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:30:49 MDT

Sony will be bringing one more SKU to the PlayStation 3 family this Fall, doubling the storage of the soon to be offered 80GB model. While the functionality of the console remains the same, the hard drive size will be doubled when the 160GB model ships out to European gamers on October 31.

Price? Just 499 Euro, with 70 Euro worth of downloadable content out of the box.

Sony Announces New PSP Model

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:21:39 MDT

SCEE president David Reeves announced at the company's Games Convention press conference that the PSP-3000 would being shipping this Fall, boasting new hardware features over the current PSP Slim and Lite. Featuring a built-in microphone, a new, brighter LCD screen and Skype out of the box, the PSP-3000 is expected to ship to Europe in October.

Visually, the new PSP 3000 is nearly identical to previous iterations.

It will ship with eight bundles, with pack-ins featuring Harry Potter, Buzz Master Quiz and more. Each bundle will be priced at 199 Euros.

Hear David Reeves, Cornered At A Party, Say Silly Things

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:30:00 MDT

Yes, time for the latest instalment in the long-running "David Reeves tells the press things he wishes he hadn't" series! This week, the SCEE boss sits down with Kiwi site Buttonmashers, and - amidst the din of what's obviously the SCEE's PAL-only party at E3 - proceeds to say a bunch of stuff. Like...when asked about PAL delays in localising PS3 games, he says "...well, the New Zealand office could ask to report to the US instead of Europe, and if you report to the US office, you’ll become an even smaller fish in a big pond… I think you sometimes have to put up with it".

Put up with it? Practical advice, perhaps, but it's not really what disgruntled Euros and Australasians want to be hearing. But don't worry! Growing clearly frustrated at the line of questioning, Reeves exhales that if the delays are getting you down, you've always got options:

We are a PAL market and we are going to do it in PAL and we are going to do [localisation] properly, you can wait for it and you can have it in good quality. You know you can get the stuff from Bittorrent if you want to and download PSP games, it’s up to you.

If you're still here this time next year complaining about delays, PAL users, don't say David Reeves never gave you an out.

David Reeves on PAL and Bittorrent [ButtonMasher]

Sony Says "Home Is Not A Social Network"

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:00:42 MDT

Speaking at the Develop Conference, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe reps Darren Cairns and Liam Wickham set the record straight on what Home is, exactly. Perhaps distancing it from services like Second Life, the pair proclaimed Home is "focused on games" referring to it as "a visual representation of the PlayStation community."

Yes, sitting by the virtual fire in your virtual log cabin pretty much sums up the PlayStation community in our book.

According to a report from Develop, the two talked most about Home's game launching capabilities, touted by Sony at E3 for titles like Warhawk and Resistance. The technical details of Home's lobby and matching system are explored more in depth in the full report, but our take is that, whenever Home is released (or sent into perpetual beta) it sounds like the bee's knees.

Sony: "Home is not a social network" [Develop]

Sony UK Boss Says E3 Was Like A Plumber's Convention

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:40:00 MDT

More E3 navel-gazing! Can you stand any more? Do try, because this has got to be the last one. Asked for his thoughts on the validity of E3's "new" format, SCE UK's Ray Maguire said:

I think we felt that E3 suffered by not having that grandeur and the theatrical shows that demonstrate this is a business that generates billions of Euros. It was more like a convention for plumbers. But behind closed doors, there was a decent amount of business going on.

If that's a comment on the amount of visible ass-crack on show, Ray, I can assure you, it's all the rage with the kids these days.

Interview: Ray Maguire, MD of SCE UK [TechRadar]

PS3 Platinum Range Detailed For PAL Regions

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:00:00 MDT

More news from Sony's secret, PAL-only event in Santa Monica: the region's "Platinum" games range for the PS3 have a release date, as well as pricing info. The first batch of Platinum games will be appearing on August 1, and titles mentioned specifically included MotorStorm, Resistance, Uncharted, Assassin's Creed and Virtua Tennis 3 (with Heavenly Sword and Ratchet & Clank surely there as well). As for pricing, they'll be *deep breath* €30/£20/AUD$50/NZD$60.

R&C: Quest For Booty Getting Blu-Ray Release

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:30:00 MDT

Ratchet & Clank: Quest For Booty is, at its heart, a PSN game. It's meant to be short, it's meant to be downloaded. And in the US, that's how it'll stay. As a PSN title. But in Europe, consumers will have a choice. They can download the game from the PSN, or they can buy it on Blu-Ray, as a disc-based version of the game will also be released. No reason given, but our guess is one of the versions will ship with only a handful of major languages, so it hits the market quicker.

Ratchet Booty coming to Blu-ray [Eurogamer]

Sony Video Service Not Hitting Europe, Australia Until 2009 (At Least)

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:30:00 MDT

That new Sony video download service sure looks neat! I wouldn't know, though. Not American, you see. Seems I might not know for a while yet, either, with Sony's David Reeves announcing that PAL territories won't be downloading movies on their PS3s in 2008.

This will not come to the PAL markets this year, but Sir Howard Stringer has made the commitment that non-games will come to all regions in due course and it will. The dates for video content will come later this year. For us, and I think you appreciate most of you European, that local content is important, and that's what working on right now.

A shame, but not a surprise, given the legal issues Microsoft faced with their service (which, incidentally, Australia still doesn't have).

80GB PS3 coming to Europe, Australia on August 27 [GameSpot]

80GB PS3 To Hit "All PAL Territories" On August 27

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:15:00 MDT

Chatting at a secret Europeans-only gig in Santa Monica, SCEE boss David Reeves has announced that the 80GB PlayStation 3 - unveiled at Sony's E3 address yesterday - will be released simultaneously "across all PAL territories" (yes, that includes Australia) on August 27. It'll be priced at £299/€400, and as in the US, it'll be straight-up replacing the 40GB unit (which Reeves says is almost out of stock, and will not be seeing a temporary price cut).

E3 08: 80GB PS3 coming to Europe [MCV]

SCEA: "PS3 Is Open For the Ad Business"

Brian Crecente — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:00:00 MDT

Sony Computer Entertainment of America and Europe announced a partnership with in-game ad company Double Fusion today, saying that the Playstation 3 is open for the ad business.

Weird, I thought they were open for the ad business last month when they announced their deal with Double Fusion rival IGA.

Either way, I don't see adding in-game ads as something they or any company should be bragging about. Until I see a dip in game prices or service costs, it doesn't give me anything but an opportunity to help an international company rake in more dough.

Sony Computer Entertainment America and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Announce Double Fusion as In-Game Advertising Partner

Double Fusion to Work with Publishers and Marketers to Deliver In-Game Advertising On PLAYSTATION(R)3

FOSTER CITY, Calif. and LONDON, July 10 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced a partnership with Double Fusion to deliver dynamic in-game advertising on PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)). Double Fusion will leverage its expertise, technology and sales force, working with publishers and advertisers to create effective marketing programs for brands targeting PS3's coveted gamer demographic.
"PS3 is open for the ad business," said Phil Rosenberg, Senior Vice President, SCEA. "We are very excited about hosting contextually relevant and well-crafted creative advertising on PS3. PlayStation is taking a major role in enabling this fast-developing sector that is both positive and inevitable for the games medium."
PS3 provides advertisers with a direct avenue to reach the highly targeted, sought after gaming demographic, and has sold more than 13M units worldwide. DFC Intelligence forecasts that sales for the current generation of game systems including portable devices will pass the 180 million mark by 2011, reiterating the potential for the in-game advertising market. The worldwide in-game advertising industry is expected to grow 1,150 percent to $971.3 million between 2006 and 2011 according to the Yankee Group.
"We have already received tremendous support from publishers who want to incorporate ads into their PS3 games, across all of the regions of the world," Jonathan Epstein, president and CEO, Double Fusion, said. "We are very excited to work with SCE on this and PS3 will add a vast number of players to our already robust network. SCE's participation strengthens the in-game advertising ecosystem."

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its online and network services PLAYSTATION(R)Network and PLAYSTATION(R)Store.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PLAYSTATION(R)3, PlayStation(R)2, PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and PLAYSTATION(R)Network software and hardware in 102 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories.

About Double Fusion
Double Fusion reaches more consumers across the broadest range of demographics than any other game advertising network. Utilizing their award-winning fusion.sdk tm and fusion. runtime tm dynamic in-game ad serving technologies originally developed for AAA hard core graphics-intensive video games, the company has successfully expanded the idea that any game type, genre, or platform can harness the power of advertising. Double Fusion currently boasts over 30 top-tier game publishers in a portfolio reaching gamers from 12 to 49 years old. The network's acclaimed integrated marketing solutions continue to inspire Fortune 500 companies to get in the game with groundbreaking advertising campaigns. Privately held and headquartered in San Francisco, Double Fusion has offices in Chicago, New York, Jerusalem, London and Tokyo. More information about Double Fusion is available at http://www.doublefusion.com.
Advertisers interested in opportunities within the Double Fusion Network; and developers and publishers interested in increasing their per-title revenues through integrated and dynamic ad placement opportunities should visit http://www.AdvertisingInPlay.com

Box Art Time: Europe's PS3 Platinum Range?

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:20:00 MDT

There are of course different names for them in the US and Japan, but in Europe and Australia, when games for a Sony console are re-released in a budget line, they're called Platinum games. We've had a fair idea of the titles that would make up the first batch of releases for a few months now, but were missing the most important piece of information: what the box art looked like. It's a delicate thing for these kind of releases! Too classy and you're not drawing the eye to the fact it's budget. Too budget and picky consumers won't keep the cases on their game shelves. So where, dear reader, do these (unconfirmed, but terribly legit-looking) PS3 boxes fit on that scale?

Primeros Títulos Platinum [ElOtroLado, via VG247]

Sorry Europe, No Metal Gear Database For You

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:30:00 MDT

If you're European, and ran to your PS3 this morning, clawing like a madman for the Metal Gear database that Japan and the US got, you'll no doubt already be sitting in a puddle of your own anguish, wondering aloud why SCEE couldn't follow suit and make it part of this week's downloads. Which they didn't. No doubt it's got something to do with translating Kojima's tangled storyline into 17 languages. If you've bothered setting yourself up with an American (or Japanese, it has an english-language option) PSN account, you'll have to jump in and grab it from there.

SCEE: We're Dedicated To Our First Party Studios, No Problems Here

Leigh Alexander — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:40:00 MDT

Following a rumor this morning that Heavenly Sword 2 had gotten the ax at Sony Cambridge, and that Ninja Theory might be primed for a break away from Sony Europe, Kotaku checked in with SCEE to see if the studio could be undergoing a change of strategy - or whether it might be facing some issues. After all, if what our inside source said about HS 2 is true, then it'd be the third project to get the kibosh recently, after Eight Days and Getaway 3.

"I think it is fair to say that we do not comment on rumour and speculation, especially about games that have never been announced," said SCEE corporate PR manager Nick Caplin.

Caplin did tell us, though, some detail behind why Eight Days and Getaway 3 were scrapped, and why we oughtn't worry about SCEE:

"Regarding 8 Days and The Getaway, we review the progress and viability of games on a regular basis taking into account feedback from within WWS [worldwide studios] and all the RHQs [regional headquarters], and at our latest review, felt that the budget and resources required to complete these games could be more beneficial elsewhere."

Moreover, Caplin said there's no trouble on the European front. "We are still dedicated to our first-party studios and are very excited about the fantastic exclusive titles coming this year, such as LittleBigPlanet, Resistance 2 and Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, as well as some very exciting titles coming in the near future."

" Please note that LBP, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift and Killzone 2 are all from European studios," said Caplin.

Heavenly Sword 2 Axed, Ninja Theory Moving

Brian Crecente — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:02:44 MDT

Chalk this up as pure rumor for now.

An inside UK source tells us that Heavenly Sword 2 has been canned by Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe. The game was axed after months in development because it is no longer seen as commercially viable, our source tells us.

The news came during an emergency meeting set up for the Sony Cambridge team which was working on the game.

On a side note, Ninja Theory, who have already said they weren't working on the sequel to their Playstation 3 exclusive, have grown increasingly bitter about their treatment at Sony's hands, our source tells us. I'm told that the development studio, which once had offices in the same building as Sony Cambridge, have started packing up to move to a new location.

I guess when they said they wanted to move away from Sony and get into multi-platform development they weren't kidding.

If true, this marks the third major project, counting Eight Days and Getaway 3, that has been canned by SCEE. Is the Europe arm of Sony in trouble? No clue, but we've asked for comment.