As if you don't waste enough of your time in a gamer's haze, here's Kotaku: a gamer's guide that goes beyond the press release. Gossip, cheats, criticism, design, nostalgia, prediction. Don't get a life just yet.
Last Updated: November 7, 2008 at 10:20 AM PST
Take-Two Boss Claims GTA IV Is Glitch Free [Strauss Zelnick]  Strauss Zelnick, Take-Two Interactive Chairman, may have enviable cheekbones and impressive compensation, but what he does not have is a grasp on the software issues surrounding Grand Theft Auto IV. With Xbox 360s and PlayStation 3s locking up during GTA IV play sessions, a twelve step "fix" from Rockstar Games support and a host of anecdotal solutions that aren't yet a cure-all, you might wonder where Strauss has been this past week.
He answers CNBC's Michelle Caruso Cabrera's question about any post release GTA IV glitches very confidently—and incorrectly—saying "No, you know, no, none whatsoever. I'd say the only issue is that someone came up to me yesterday in a restaurant and said my thumbs were hurting from the weekend!"
Tee hee! Oh, Strauss! Are you the chairman of fun, too? At least I'm not the only one suffering from stabbing thumb pain born of constant sprinting.
We're not sure if Strauss is being shielded from technical issues or doesn't want the CNBC viewership to know about GTA IV's mysterious freezing problem, but with multi-thousand post forum threads continuing without an official working solution it's hard to swallow this from senior management. GTA IV's performance problems may be limited to a small minority of its owners, but to claim that it's free totally free from technical issues makes you either dishonest or woefully uninformed.
Take Two's Grand Theft Auto IV [CNBC via MaxConsole]
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 11:00 PM PDT
Are We Going To Get An Uncharted Movie? [Uncharted] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 10:30 PM PDT Will The Wii Remote Blend? [Wii Blend] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 9:30 PM PDT
Why 360 HDDs Are So Ridiculously Expensive [360 HDD Follies]  Hands up who's bought a new HDD for their 360. Anyone? Anyone? No, didn't think so. $180 for a 120GB hard drive isn't pricey, it's taking the piss. So just why, exactly, do they cost so much money? MTV's Patrick Klepek contacted tech analysts iSuppli (who you may know from their console breakdowns) to find out.
As you can probably surmise, they found much of the cost is taken up by the needless packaging and design required by Microsoft in order to ensure the drive works only in your 360 console. Some the biggest contributors to its inflated price (ie prices beyond the HDD itself) include:
- The HDD ships not only with pre-installed software (demos and/or XBLA games), but part of the console's OS itself. This = increased costs.
- The HDD must be coloured and shaped to fit inside the specially-designed housing that ensures only your 360 can use the unit. That's more extra expenditure. This is done by a "Value Added Reseller", who also take care of the HDD's retail packaging.
- Microsoft have at this point paid an estimated $100 (iSuppli can only go estimates, though as specialists in this stuff their numbers won't be far off), and then split the remaining $80 profit with retailers and distributors (a 120GB HDD retails for $180).
Now you know why they're overpriced, feel free to keep on avoiding them.
Hardware Analyst Breaks Down Cost Of Xbox 360's 120GB Hard Drive [MTV]
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 8:40 PM PDT Kaz: "Customers Were A Little Underwhelmed" By PS3 Launch [Playstation 3]  The PS3 had a rough launch. No. Bones. About it. And we were tough on them! Last few months (from the launch of Uncharted and a version of CoD4 that was surprisingly excellent onwards), though, they've been picking up steam, and seem well on the road to recovery. First step down that road? Admitting past mistakes. Kaz Hirai told journos at the SCEE event today:
I think it's fair to say that the first year of PlayStation 3 was somewhat a difficult one. There were some teething problems, success from our competitors, and our customers were a little underwhelmed by the range of titles that were available.
Well, it's nice of you to admit it, Kaz. Onwards and upwards!
Hirai: PS3 "Underwhelmed" in Year-One [Next-Gen]
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 8:20 PM PDT
The Wu-Tang Clan Returns (Unofficially) With The Sewer Goblet [Freeware]  Tales of Game, the team behind Charles Barkley Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden have released their latest freeware roguelike The Sewer Goblet: The Wu-Tang Clan and the Wu-Tang Baby, a dungeon crawling adventure starring GZA, RZA, the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon and the rest of the Wu-Tang crew. And for maximum appeal, Tales of Game has introduced the Wu-Tang Baby, a "tiny but majestic baby with a mysterious pendant" adopted by the seminal rap group.
You'll need to protect ya neck as you explore the 36 chambers of the sewer, reclaiming the Wu-Tang Baby from the Cheese Panda. You'll find the freely downloadable The Sewer Goblet: The Wu-Tang Clan and the Wu-Tang Baby, should you be so inclined to take the low fidelity, high concept adventure.
The Sewer Goblet - The Wu-Tang Clan and the Wu-Tang Baby [Gaming World Forums via Waxy]
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 7:40 PM PDT Some New Killzone 2 Screens [Killzone 2] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 7:20 PM PDT
Dead Space Devs Talk Story [Behind The Scenes] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 7:00 PM PDT UK Gamers Snap Up Nearly 1 Million Copies Of GTA IV First Week [Only In The UK]  Grand Theft Auto IV broke records in its debut week in the UK, with sales watchers Chart Track calling the "biggest All Formats" number one title ever, with 926,000 units solid in just five days on sale. On day one, Chart Track estimates over 630,000 copies sold. It replaces Wii Fit as the best-selling title in the UK.
According to further details from GamesIndustry.biz, 514,000 of those copies were of the Xbox 360 variety, 413,000 copies for the PlayStation 3, with hardware sales up for both consoles at about the same ratio. We should have Canadian and U.S. GTA IV sales data soon, courtesy of the NPD group, for maximum press release boasting material. We can't wait!
GTA IV Rewrites Record Books [Chart Track]
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 6:40 PM PDT
Wii Fit Swallows Woolworths [Nintendo] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 6:20 PM PDT The Onion Outlines GTA IV's New Features [Gta Iv]  When I say that every major news outlet had stories about Grand Theft Auto IV last week, I mean every major news outlet, including venerable parody news site and internet staple The Onion, who took some time to inform their readers of the new features in Rockstar's latest entry in the series. My personal favorite, which hits quite close to home...
Though it doesn't affect the game at all, your character is severely afraid of spiders See, before I couldn't identify with Nico, but now it's like we were separated at birth or something. Also, great news for those of you who don't enjoy all of the violent combat... You have the choice to stay in Liberty City or drive to the suburbs of New Jersey, where you can earn a degree or learn a trade See? GTA IV has something for everyone!
Grand Theft Auto IV Hits Stores [The Onion via TBBPS]
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 6:00 PM PDT
This Hands-Free Super Mario World Level Plays Sweet, Sweet Music [Clips] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 5:40 PM PDT Audiosurf Update Adds New Awesome [Audiosurf]  Dylan Fitterer's Audiosurf—which joined Steam in February—has been on the receiving end of a batch of new features, the kind that makes your ten dollar purchase of the music riding racer that much more of a value and is the very definition of marketing via software version updates. Audiosurf has added new Last.fm support for "audioscrobbling", the ability to use the game as a music visualizer and mod support. A press release is pretty upbeat about the whole thing, but the list of new features should bring Audiosurfers back for another go.
Audiosurf FM Update Available Now!
May 5, 2008 - Dylan Fitterer has issued a massive new release of features for his runaway indie title,
Audiosurf. The release, simply called the FM Update, is now available free via Steam to owners of the
innovative and award-winning title that allows gamers to "ride their music."
The FM update introduces a host of new features and content including last.fm audioscrobbling, the
ability to run Audiosurf as a music visualizer, scoreboard comments, and much more. Many of these new features were produced as a direct result of community requests and feedback.
In addition, this update introduces a Mod interface for developers. The interface was made available
during its beta phase and several Audiosurf extensions are already available. These include Shuffle
Play, an MSN Messenger status writer, and a context menu that can launch Audiosurf directly into a song by right-clicking it in Windows Explorer. A full list of the Audiosurf extentions is available here: http://www.audio-surf.com/mods
In other Audiosurf news, Kyle Gabler (of 2D Boy and World of Goo) is making his musical debut on
Audiosurf Radio today. Techno music he produced years ago, before putting his efforts into incredible
indie games, is now available for the first time anywhere.
Owners of Audiosurf will automatically receive the free FM Update by connecting to Steam, where
Audiosurf is offered for just $9.99, including The Orange Box Soundtrack.
Audiosurf is a music-adapting puzzle racer where you use your own music to create your own experience. The shape, the speed, and the mood of each ride is determined by the song selected. Points are earned for clustering together blocks of the same color on the highway. The game also allows gamers to compete with others on the Internet for the highest score on any song they own.
The title was created by solo developer Dylan Fitterer, who came up with the design for Audiosurf after
six months of running BestGameEver.com, where Fitterer released a new game every Friday. Fitterer's
favorite design produced during this period was Tune Racer, which was iterated and evolved into
Audiosurf.
For more information, please visit www.steamgames.com
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 5:20 PM PDT
Two-Face Joins Lego Batman's Rogues Gallery [LEGO BATMAN] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 5:00 PM PDT Mass Effect Copy Protection An Opportunity To Use The Adjective 'Draconian' [PC]  EA and BioWare are employing SecuROM for the PC release of Mass Effect, a copy protection scheme you may recall from its universally loathed inclusion in 2K's BioShock. The Mass Effect SecuROM annoyance factor may be much more extreme, as the game requires that the owner authenticate the copy every ten days, meaning that an internet connection is required to play the game from the get-go and until eternity. In other words, if you paid for your copy of Mass Effect, expect to remind EA's authentication servers every week and a half that you aren't stealing it.
The official Mass Effect FAQ explains it all.
For instance, you can install your copy of Mass Effect on three separate machines, but all must be internet enabled if you expect to play the game you paid for, as SecuROM will check every time you run MassEffect.exe. This sort of overprotection is nothing new, as "Neverwinter Nights, Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, and Mass Effect all use SecuROM in some manner" says the FAQ.
Concerned? Pssh! Don't be! The Mass Effect PC FAQ says EA Support is ready for a beating.
EA is ready and we are confident there will be no server problems. EA has assured us that they have their authorization systems and customer support staff in place and ready for the launch of Mass Effect for PC. Anyone having issues with getting the game activated will be able to contact EA Support and get their problem resolved.
Spore is similarly planned to take advantage of the SecuROM copy protection system, one that we're sure is going to eliminate every illegitimate copy of the game from appearing on torrent trackers for at least 48 hours. Take that, piracy! RIP! Owned! Etc!
Mass Effect for PC System Specs, SecuROM and FAQ [Mass Effect Community via The Angry Pixel]
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 4:40 PM PDT
Day Note: A Rare Look At Mundanity [Note] To: Ash
From: McWhertor
Re: You Enjoying Golden Week
The most exciting thing to happen to me today, Ash? After photographing my "Greaser" linen field jacket, the one with a busted cuff button, I awaited response from a customer service rep on the resolution of my defective article of clothing. Would I have to take it to a tailor? Would they be able to exchange it?! Would I get store credit?!? :O It's the kind of drama that one can only express via emoticon.
I really need a kid, one who will barf on various things in my house in case I need to write a spicier Day Note again...
Actually, Crecente and I went back and forth on his Boom Blox review, arguing the finer, more limiting points of our review system and realized how swamped June is with big game releases. We also kvetched about pre-E3 plans, with a relationship-straining cluster of events from Microsoft, EA, SCEA, Konami, Capcom and others just around the corner. Sony, of course, just had a big one.
Anyway, here's some stuff you missed.
Boom Blox Reviewed, Mostly Good
Mirror's Edge Pretty, Lacking In Green, Brown
Resistance 2 To Features Lots Of People
Killzone 2, LittleBigPlanet Pushed Back
Stephen Colbert Takes On... Rain!!!!!
Dave Reeves Declares PS3 Outsells 360 (In Europe)
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 4:20 PM PDT EA Sports Kicks It Freestyle [Ea]  Electronic Arts announced today the latest "sub-brand" of its EA Sports label, a division it calls EA Sports Freestyle. Freestyle is described as representing the "lighter side" of sports, with "no rules, just fun." Yes, I know what you're thinking, "I liked it the first time, when it was called EA Sports BIG." But this is slightly different!
Freestyle is pitched as a more casual, more inclusive, pick up and play brand, one that Peter Moore says is "an easier entry point into EA Sports." Brilliant! Look at Peter shakin' things up!
The first title to fall under the EA Sports Freestyle sub-brand will be Facebreaker, EA's take on Punch-Out!! and Ready 2 Rumble. Two more titles are planned as Freestyle releases in the next year. Press release proof is right after this. EA Unveils New 'EA SPORTS Freestyle' Sub-Brand
EA SPORTS Freestyle to Represent the Lighter Side of Sports: No Rules, Just Fun.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq:ERTS) today launched EA SPORTS Freestyle™, a new sub-brand aimed at a growing, more casual sports gaming audience. EA SPORTS Freestyle games, while based in sports, will be playful, inclusive, casual, and easy to pick up and play for kids and parents, women and men, and casual and hardcore sports fans of all ages.
"The launch of EA SPORTS Freestyle is an exciting milestone in the evolution of the EA SPORTS brand," said Peter Moore, president, EA SPORTS. "EA SPORTS Freestyle will be a perfect complement to our core portfolio of games that our loyal fans are deeply passionate about, and will provide compelling opportunities for new audiences looking for a lighter gaming experience and an easier entry point into EA SPORTS."
EA SPORTS Freestyle will be the home for innovative new intellectual properties from the EA SPORTS label, including three new games in development and slated for release in the next 12 months. The first title to launch under the new sub-brand will be FaceBreaker™, an arcade-style boxing title set for release in September 2008 and the first new console IP from EA SPORTS since 2002.
EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.
Media can find the new EA SPORTS Freestyle logo and the latest screenshots from FaceBreaker™ at info.ea.com.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS Freestyle™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2007, EA posted revenue of $3.09 billion and had 24 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 3:40 PM PDT
GTA IV Claims Top Spot On Xbox Live [Grand Theft Auto IV]  From the Obvious Files comes news that Grand Theft Auto IV has unseated Xbox Live chart topper Call of Duty 4 as the title with the most unique users on the service. That's a lot of dead pedestrians! Liberty City has never heard this many racial slurs and synonyms for "homosexual" in such a short timeframe, we guarantee it. Former Live activity darling Halo 3 settles for third place from April 28 to May 5—and we predict for months to come—as the GTA IV masses flood the service in its debut week.
Taking the number one spot in the Xbox Live Arcade top ten? Brain Challenge! Who didn't see that one coming? Probably someone who was unaware that Brain Challenge was released, just like me.
LIVE Activity for week of 4/28 (GTA is #1) [Microsoft]
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 3:20 PM PDT THQ: "Fiscal Year 08 Was A Very Tough Year" [Hard Times]  Despite reporting modest revenue growth for its 13th consecutive year, THQ reported a net loss of $35.3 million for the fiscal year ending March 2008. The company's sales totaled $1030.5 million, relatively little change from last year's $1,026.9 sales.
THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell said that most of its struggles were due to a crowded and competitive market for kids' games, as well as key franchises — Juiced, Stuntman and Conan that ultimately "were simply not competitive." "Insufficient game quality led to inadequate sellthrough, resulting in markdowns at retail," Farrell said.
Farrell said the company spent heavily to promote Juiced and Stuntman, and had to take a loss when those titles fail to perform. What growth THQ did see, Farrell credited to Frontlines: Fuel of War, MX vs. ATV Untamed and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, all of which exceeded expectations.
Farrell also said the kids' market, in which THQ has several franchises, was the most competitive in years, and that the company's currently struggling to compete with music games and Nintendo first-party titles.
Nonetheless, THQ appears to have placed its faith in the Wii, concentrating much of its upcoming original IP there. Although Saints Row 2 and Red Faction Guerrilla are still the "anchors" of its lineup, Darksiders, De Blob, Deadly Creatures, Big Beach Sports and All Star Cheer look likely to be slated for Wii along with other unannounced projects, though the company did not announce specific platforms.
New installments in existing franchises for fiscal 2009 include WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, Disney/Pixar's Wall-E film tie-in, and its previously-revealed Nickelodeon portfolio. The company will publish a game based on DreamWorks' Animation's unannounced 2010 fall film, and has slated WWE: Legends of Wrestlemania for 2009.
Notably, the company seems to have an eye on the free-to-play, microtransactions-driven online gaming market in Asia, highlighting the co-publishing agreement it's signed with Shanda Interactive to bring Company of Heroes Online to China in 2009.
THQ is more confident about the year to come, with three new initiatives in place: "We are rolling out a stronger slate of products. We have put in place and are executing against initiatives to improve our product quality and competitiveness. We are also realigning our cost structure to generate significant operating leverage in fiscal 2009. We believe these initiatives will restore profitable growth and improve value for shareholders," said Farrell.
"We faced a number of challenges, but I believe we have the right strategy to overcome these challenges and achieve significant growth."
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 2:40 PM PDT
Street Fighter The Movie's Det. Maya Sunee Revealed! Uh, Who? [Hollywood]  Here it is, the first long awaited look at Detective Maya Sunee, from the in-production Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. Yes, exactly. Who? According to the official Street Fighter movie blog, she's "Bangkok gangland homicide detective. More specifically, "A no-nonsense, fast-talking, half-Thai cop who rocks a Ducati and a set of gold cuffs."
Coincidentally, I just had a half-Thai lunch! A full sized pic on Ms. Sunee, played by actress Moon Bloodgood, which I wish was my name, is over at the official site.
Swingin' In The Rain [Street Fighter Movie Blog]
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 2:20 PM PDT Sony PlayStation Day London '08 Roundup [Sony PlayStation Day 08 London] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 2:00 PM PDT
Boom Blox Review: Explosive Casual Play [Review]  Boom Blox is an odd creation. It's a casual game created with the help of a director known for the stories his movies tell. So what happens when Stephen Spielberg teams up with Electronic Arts to make a game for the Wii? Lots of explosions of course. The game has you throw, grab, shoot and explode "blox" in such a myriad of mind-bending puzzles that you might actually forget you're playing a "casual" game. Boom Blox includes ways to play with friends or on your own, through a story or just for fun.
But is it all of that enough to shake off the stink of Wii shovelware and live up to the expectations of a game created by the man behind E.T., Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Loved
Eclectic Gameplay: With more than 300 levels, a myriad of ways to play (from blasting and throwing to pulling and stacking), Boom Blox is a virtual toy story of Wii gaming. Each facet of the game manages to deliver, with little to none of the technical issues that have marred other remote-heavy Wii titles.
Great Character Design: What's a game without character? While Boom Blox is loaded with plenty of entertaining character design, it's in the adventure mode that the funky characters really shine. The four themed worlds were "creatively directed" by Spielberg himself and some of the sizzle seems to have made it through the process. Also, it's hard to go wrong with mini-fig like monkeys, cows and kittens in my book.
Deep Pick-Up and Play: None of the many games and modes in Boom Blox are hard to understand or to master, but the level of depth, the sheer number of puzzles included in the game are staggering. Many may take you only a minute or two to whip through, but all of them are satisfying.
Level Editor: The game's mix of multiplayer, single player, co-op, competitive, story and play is nicely augmented with a surprisingly innate level designer that, once the game is fully played through, grants you access to just about everything you come across in the packaged game. Building levels in the editor is so quick and easy to test out that it's almost as fun as playing them.
Sense of Fun: Boom Blox is a charming toy, a game imbued with a sense of fun that somehow makes it greater than it's many parts.
Hated
Weak Co-Op Gaming: After playing through the addictive adventure mode, I was looking for a similar experience to share with my son. Unfortunately I didn't get one. The co-op levels felt more like something meant for training or to show off the tech than for fun.
Shallow Competitive Gaming: While a bit better than co-op, the game's relatively shallow competitive mode feels like what I thought Boom Blox was going to be before I played it: A one trick pony.
Gimped Level Sharing: There's nothing more disappointing then being given a surprisingly robust tool with which to create your own fun and then being told you can't really share it with many people. Boom Blox level sharing relies on the Wii's innately flawed online support, which is so protective it throws down roadblocks to fun. In this case, you can, at least for now, only share them with a select group of friends. Perhaps a new channel will pop up on the Wii for level sharing down the line, but until then it's not very useful.
Boom Blox is, at it's heart, a puzzle game; you have to move, blow-up or shoot away blox to score points, save little blox characters, or defend buildings, but with so many different things to do and so many different ways to do them, it's easy to forget that. Add to the absurdly large number of puzzles and modes the game's four adventures, each with its own story and distinct look, and you've got a game that's sure to entice.
While Boom Blox isn't without its issues and moments of tedium, the main thing that prevents this title from realizing its full potential is the lackluster multiplayer. A game about fun should make multiplayer a top priority, not something that feels so tacked on.
Boom Blox was developed by Electronic Arts LA, published by EA and was released on May 6. Retails for $49.99. Available on Wii. Played single player Adventure mode to completion. Played single player Explore and all multiplayer modes and tested level creation.
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 1:20 PM PDT Mirror's Edge In Motion [Sony Playstation Day London 08] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 12:00 PM PDT
PlayStation 3 Outsells 360 In Europe [Sony Playstation Day London 08]  During his keynote speech at Sony PlayStation Day London '08, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe head David Reeves announced that the PS3 had officially overtaken the Xbox 360 in European sales.
I am delighted to be able announce today that we have sold more PlayStation 3s throughout Europe than Xbox 360 - even though they launched sixteen months before PS3. More than 5 million PS3 systems have been sold across Europe, with PS2 and PSP numbers equally as impressive at 48 million and 12 million respectively. These numbers are a testament to the strength of the PlayStation brand throughout our region, the ever-increasing number of titles being launched, the rich content on offer and its appeal to different demographics and cultures. Different demographics and cultures that will likely viciously savage each other in the comments section following this news.
PS3 has outsold Xbox 360 in Europe [Eurogamer]
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 11:30 AM PDT Wii Fit Invades Central Park Later This Month [Event]  Nintendo and celebrity trainer Ashley Borden will be taking over a chunk of Central Park on May 19 to celebrate the release of Wii Fit.
Nintendo plans to have a slew of Wii Balance Boards on hand to do live demos and for everyone person who goes through the demo, Nintendo will make a $5 donation (up to $25,000) to the American Heart Association.
The event will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Merchants' Gate in Central Park, at the intersection of Central Park West, Central Park South, Columbus Circle and Broadway.
The Wii Fit party will also double as a celebration of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, which happens to be in May.
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 11:00 AM PDT
Resistance 2 Gameplay, Killzone 2 Vid [Sony Playstation Day London 08] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 10:24 AM PDT SCEE Plays Up Social Gaming At Gamer's Day 08 [Social Gaming]  At Sony Europe's Gamers Day event, the company took care to emphasize the "social gaming" angle it's pursuing. The company focused on "games where players of all ages socialize through gaming," pointing out EyeToy products, puzzle titles and Buzz!: Quiz TV, where groups can play trivia games on a variety of topics over PlayStation Network.
The overall message seems to highlight the PS3's diversity as an entertainment device, with the aim of appealing to an all-ages audience.
Full release follows the jump:
06/05/2008 17:30
Get closer to friends and family with PlayStation
London, 6th May 2008- With PlayStation, games have never been more family-friendly. We've created up the genre of 'social gaming': games where players of all ages socialise through gaming. For the kids and the young-at-heart, there are EyeToy® games that burn physical as well as mental energy. We've got puzzle games that everyone will want to try- whether at home or in the car - and we're also allowing you to take TV on the move. You can even team up as a family to challenge your overseas relatives to a round of online quizzing over PLAYSTATION®Network (PSN) - and when it comes to keeping in touch further, we've just given PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) video and voice chat capabilities.
PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™): the next generation system that brings you High Definition gaming, Blu-ray movies, internet browsing, music, TV and entry into the online community of PLAYSTATION Network.
Buzz!™: Quiz TV (PS3)
Buzz!: Quiz TV for PS3™ is the next-gen game that takes the Buzz! experience into the future and across the world via the online PLAYSTATION Network. Arriving this June, it'll give you instant access to quizzes on almost any subject you can think of, and will be supported by vast downloadable and user-generated content. The game's Blu-ray disc comes with wireless buzzers and contains a whopping 5000 questions, divided into five selectable channels to suit every quiz fanatic - it's a quiz where you choose the content. Not enough questions on your subject of choice? Write your own. New online quiz community MyBuzz!™ links directly from the internet to the game and allows players to write and upload personalised quizzes plus download quizzes created by other online players which suit their questioning needs. The disc is also your gateway to online gaming and content, connecting you to Sofa vs Sofa mode, in which you can team up with everyone at home to challenge up to three other teams of gamers online, as well as to extra downloadable quiz packs and quizzes written by other Buzz! users.
echochrome (PSP and PS3)
In echochrome, it's not what you see, it's the way that you see it - and the more pairs of eyes involved, the better your chances of solving the dozens of fiendish puzzles ahead. The world of echochrome consists of a series of crazy mazes inhabited by the endlessly wandering Walker, and your goal is to help him get where he wants to go - despite being faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles and hazards. The trick is to open your mind and let your imagination run riot: by rotating each maze and changing your perspective on the action, you might just be able to change reality... A brand new and brain-busting puzzle experience, echochrome will have you asking everyone you know: "Can you see the answer?"
PlayTV™ (PS3)
Television how, when and where you want it; Play TV lets you pause, rewind and record free-to-air digital television using your PS3 and, best of all - after a one-off payment for the peripheral, the service is completely free. End family squabbles as you watch one channel while recording another through a dual TV tuner, stream television anywhere using a wi-fi connected PSP or pause television should household events demand your attention - Play TV offers access to great TV without the pocket-punching bills this later this year.
Folding@home (PS3)
Developed by Stanford University, Folding@home uses the combined power of interlinked computers around the world to perform mathematical calculations that help with research into protein folding - research that could lead to breakthroughs in the fight against diseases such as Alzheimer's, CJD, Parkinson's and various forms of cancer. In 2006, it was realised that a network of interlinked PS3 processors could boost the project's output to unprecedented levels thanks to the power of the PS3's Cell processor. All you need to do to play a part in Folding@home is to select the project's icon in the Network column of the Cross-Media Bar (XMB), then leave your machine running.
PLAYSTATION®Network (PSN)
The online home of PS3, PLAYSTATION®Network is where you'll find some of PlayStation's most innovative and fun games for you to download at wallet-friendly prices. You'll also find downloadable extras, free online gaming, voice chat, video chat, web surfing and more.
Elefunk™ (PSN for PS3)
A herd of elephants needing safe guidance through a series of perilous levels requires a guide, so help steer the jungle giants to safety this May. Across 20 levels, create safe passage across ravines, rivers, fires, pits and swamps with the materials available to you. Plus, swap construction for Deconstruction in a specially designed multiplayer game where players must disassemble a structure as carefully as possible without letting the structure, or imperilled elephants, fall...
Buzz! Junior™ (PSN for PS3)
This summer, we're bringing the fun of the children's Buzz! Junior range to PSN with bundles of mini-games for PS3 owners to download at pocket money prices. Buzz! Junior titles offer all the fun, easy play of Buzz! controllers, but with wacky mini-games of skill and speed rather than trivia-based play - they're perfect for youngsters to play with friends and family. Buzz! Junior: Jungle Party will be the first to arrive on PSN in a download featuring five great mini-games from the original PS2 version - now in 720p High Definition; it'll be followed by similar downloads from Buzz! Junior: RoboJam and Buzz! Junior: Monster Rumble.
PixelJunk™ Eden (PSN for PS3)
After sowing seeds with its Racers and Monsters, PixelJunk puts down roots on PLAYSTATION®Network with PixelJunk Eden. Leap and swing between lush alien vegetation in a truly innovative platform game which constantly evolves over time as you move through the perfectly realised undergrowth, hunting treasures and smashing enemies from his path. Destroyed enemies scatter pollen across the landscape, which the player must collect and use to pollinate seed pods before using the new growth to progress further.
PlayStation®2 (PS2™): the world's best-selling entertainment system that offers you great gameplay and the biggest social gaming brands
EyeToy® Play: PomPom Party (PS2)
Limber-up for the first cheerleading game for PS2, which comes bundled with real pompoms to help every wannabe-cheerleader pull off some groovy moves. As you follow the directions on-screen and shake your pompoms to the music, the EyeToy Camera will detect your movements and score your routines. So keep that rhythm going, and soon the whole block will be bouncing to your cheers in EyeToy Play: PomPom Party - it's arriving in time for Christmas in late 2008.
EyeToy® Play: Hero (PS2)
The ultimate quest for all budding adventurers - embark on a fantastic journey through a colourful, exciting fantasy world. EyeToy Play: Hero includes its own toy sword for you to wield; the EyeToy Camera will detect your sword's movements as you perform feats of bravery throughout the land. Watch your adventure unfold on-screen, hone your swordplay, and maybe one day you'll be considered a true hero of the kingdom! It's arriving in time for Christmas in late 2008.
PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable): the handheld entertainment system that offers games, music, film, TV, communications, GPS mapping and more
Buzz!™: Master Quiz (PSP)
Turning PSP into the ultimate social gaming experience, Buzz! makes his handheld debut in Buzz!: Master Quiz. Keep friends and family amused and entertained on the move, on holiday or on the bus as Buzz! hits the road, free from its front-room beginnings. Play solo or get involved with new multiplayer rounds such as Pass Around (which enables six players to play Buzz! with just one PSP!). The ultimate PlayStation quiz experience has hit the road - are you along for the ride this July?
Go!Messenger™ (PSP)
Keep in touch using your PSP with a revolutionary new addition, which turns your handheld system into a wireless communication tool featuring video chat, voice chat and instant messaging. It allows PSP owners to instant message each other- then, just add a headset and voice messaging and voice calls become possible. Add Go!Cam, the USB camera for PSP, and video calls and video messaging become a possibility. Go!Messenger is out now - it's another reason why PSP is becoming a travel essential.
SKYPE™ (PSP)
Skype, the online communication software that allows Internet users to call each other free of charge*, has now arrived on the new Slim and Light PSP. Talk to any one of the hundred million Skype users worldwide with free voice calls, managing your contacts list and checking which of your friends are online via your PSP. You can opt into the SkypeOut and SkypeIn features, which connect Skype callers with landline and mobile users - and you can do all of this from any wireless hotspot - anywhere in the world.
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 10:20 AM PDT
Europe Getting MGS4 Bundle After All [Sony Playstation Day London 08]  Aww Europe, did you really think Sony would leave you out of the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PlayStation 3 bundle loop? Of course not! Come June 12th, European gamers will be able to get their hands on their own MGS4 bundle, complete with PlayStation 3, SixAxis controller, and of course, a copy of the game. Not the most exciting bundle really, but hey, it's a bundle allright. The pack will be priced at 439.99 Euros, perfect for any fan of the series who managed to hold out on picking up the console until now.
A Snake-Skinned Package with Real Veno
London - 6th May 2008: One of the legends of the PlayStation® generation has taken his partnership with the platform to the next level. Solid Snake, the hero of the Metal Gear Solid® (MGS) franchise, is, this summer, being bundled with PLAYSTATION®3 and a SIXAXIS controller offering millions of PS3 and MGS fans around the world the ultimate gaming combo.
Concluding Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid saga, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is set in a battle-scarred future where huge conglomerates fight for supremacy using armies of hand-picked mercenaries. This devastated world is seen through the battle-weary eyes of an older Solid Snake who has been charged with infiltrating a number of key locations across the globe, including the Middle East and South America. As such, the epic end to Snake's story offers ground-breaking combat elements, a refined control system that offers unprecedented control over the aged hero, and the tying up of key plot lines and loose ends.
Similarly, the accompanying Metal Gear Online features all the stunning stealth and combat elements of Guns of the Patriots, as it drops the player into a series of war zones and game options. With all-out 'Last Man Standing' battles to rescue and protection missions, Metal Gear Online effortlessly transfers the sublime control system of the series to an online competition, creating an absorbing battle between like-minded fans.
Available from June 12 and priced at 439,99 Euros this offer is one of the most exciting bundles to date - bringing two great servants of the games industry together for the conclusion of what has been one hell of a ride!
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 10:10 AM PDT Sony Brings Indie Music to PSN via Movement [Sony Playstation Day London 08] It looks like SCEE is getting into the video making business. The company announced today that they will begin touring Europe in search of the best in international music. The best groups will show up on episodes of Movement, on the Playstation Network, hosted by Spencer and Martin who will be driving around the continent in a VW Camper.
Movement (PSN)
Seeking out the greatest unsigned bands from across Europe, Movement is an exclusive PSN music experience which will open your ears, your PS3 and PSP to the best in international music. From French electronica to London grindie via melody driven rock from Germany, you’ll hear it all courtesy of hosts Spencer and Martin who are tracking down the sweetest sounds across the continent in their VW Camper. With exclusive downloads on PSN and performances at PlayStation Day, movement will culminate with one band being selected by Spencer and Martin to have a professional promo video made. Look out for the entire madcap adventure on PSN soon.
This is an interesting concept. I wonder if PSN is going to start producing other original video content.
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 10:05 AM PDT
Take-Two: CTA Won't Talk GTA [Ad Buzz]  "We can confirm that Take-Two Interactive has filed suit against the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)," a Take-Two spokesman said this morning. "Although we prefer to resolve these issues amicably, the CTA has refused to discuss with us its outrageous decision to pull advertising for the critically acclaimed game Grand Theft Auto IV while running ads for other forms of popular entertainment with similar content, including mature-themed TV shows and R-rated movies."
As reported last night, Take-Two's suing the Chicago Transit Authority and its ad agent, Titan Outdoor, for $300,000, in addition to insisting they run the ads. The ads were pulled just prior to GTA IV's release date after a Fox News report suggested a link between the game ads and violence in Chicago. Why was GTA IV's advertising handled differently, as Take-Two claims, from the ads for other mature entertainment, like R-rated films and adult TV? And what role did the Fox News broadcast play in the decision?
A spokesperson for the CTA said it would need more time before it's able to answer these questions. "As of last night we had not received a copy of the suit you're asking about," said communications VP Noelle Gaffney. "Until our lawyers receive it and have an opportunity to review it, we won't have any comment."
Rockstar did not address requests for comment.
Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 10:00 AM PDT Episodic Siren Blood Curse Hits PS3 This Summer [Sony Playstation Day London 08] Posted On: May 6, 2008 at 9:54 AM PDT
Men In Black Becomes First International BD-Live Title [Sony Playstation Day London 08]  PlayStation owners around the world were treated to a Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 update in firmware 2.20, which enabled the special features of BD-Live titles on the PlayStation 3, but outside of the U.S. that really didn't mean much...until now. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment have found a way to make you buy Men in Black again as they announce the Will Smith / Tommy Lee Jones sci-fi classic (is it too early?) as the first BD-Live release for the international market.
"SPHE is delighted to bring BD-Live to International markets for the first time," stated Matt Brown, EVP, International, SPHE, "This follows a successful launch in the US in March and is just the start of the exciting possibilities that will soon be available on high definition Blu-ray Disc." Interactive features include a BD-Live multiplayer interactive trivia game and exclusive downloadable theatrical previews. Finally, interactive trivia on Blu-ray. Hopefully they'll be kicking things up a notch with future interactive releases. Men in Black the You Might As Well Buy It Again On Blu-ray version will be out June 17th. PlayStation Day '08
Men In Black To Be First Blu-ray Title With BD-Live For International Market
London, (06/05/08) - Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) announced today that it will launch its first BD-Live enabled Blu-ray title outside the US market, with the release of Men In Black in selected international territories* beginning 16th June 2008.
This release follows the recent Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 software update for PLAYSTATION®3 (Version 2.20), which made the PS3™ the first Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player available on the market.
Blockbuster hit Men In Black will bring network connected features to international territories for the first time. These features include a BD-Live multi-player Interactive Trivia Game, as well as exclusive downloadable theatrical and home entertainment previews and a FAQ about BD-Live functionality.
Men in Black follows the exploits of agents Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) and Jay (Will Smith), members of a top-secret organization established to monitor alien activity on Earth. The two MiB find themselves in the middle of the deadly plot by an intergalactic terrorist (Vincent D'Onofrio) who has arrived on Earth to assassinate two ambassadors from opposing galaxies.
"SPHE is delighted to bring BD-Live to International markets for the first time," stated Matt Brown, EVP, International, SPHE, "This follows a successful launch in the US in March and is just the start of the exciting possibilities that will soon be available on high definition Blu-ray Disc."
BD-Live allows consumers to experience a variety of network connected options. In addition to exclusive content, BD-Live titles can enable an exciting slate of next generation possibilities, such as ring tones/wallpaper downloads, peer to peer interactions, live events and gaming activities.
BD-Live titles are compatible with the latest Profile 2.0 BD players. These models also support Blu-ray's "Bonus View" picture-in-picture feature that was available on previous Profile 1.1 BD players.
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A "source" speaking with Joystiq seems to think so. According to this source - who is "close to the deal" - developers Naughty Dog have already agreed to option the rights to a movie based on their 2007 hit (and 
Fresh from their big PR event today in London, Sony have released some new screenshots from their 
The rolling thunder of the Wii Fit marketing program hits another target, as UK high street chain Woolworths gets re-branded as "Wiiworths" and plastered with the game's trademark color scheme. It's not the only getting Fit, as our friends at Nintendo tell us the Hyatt Hotel in the heart of the LA's Sunset Strip is also going to be a shining beacon of promotion. We're heading down to snap a pic—unless you've got one already, readers—so we can bask in the glory of giant advertising. We expect to see a Wii Fit tattoo by next Wednesday.
By now, you must have seen the custom made Super Mario World levels that require no player, no controller to pass. They simply let Mario and Yoshi do their thing, as buttons, switches and blocks boost them through each level. None of those user created levels are as impressive as this 11-minute monster, which uses the sound effects from those switch-hits and Koopa Troopa stomps to make beautiful music. My untrained ears can pick out but a few recognizable tunes—Mega Man 2 and Super Mario World, I don't know from Haruhi and Lucky Star—but song list help in the comments is more than welcome. Thanks to Spann for pointing us in its direction.
In case you're just joining us this afternoon, today saw a whole slew of news coming out of the UK from the Sony PlayStation Day London '08 event. From the delay of Killzone 2 to early 2009 to the PlayStation 3 outselling the Xbox 360 in Europe, here's a rundown of the stories from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's big event.
Siren Blood Curse is coming to the Playstation Network in twelve "TV-style, suspense-packed" downloadable episodes this summer, SCEE announced today.