Sony and Amazon Collaboration
Sony Playstation 3 Games Digital Downloads Via Amazon
Sony is collaborating with online retailer Amazon to offer fans of both classic and new video games access to digital downloads.
According to the website, PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation Portable users will have access to more than 200 PlayStation Network games and game-related content through the deal.
Access codes for games including Twisted Metal: Head On, Eden and Wipeout Pure should all be available.
Paul Ryder, vice-president of consumer electronics for Amazon.com, said the two organizations are excited to be working together.
"PlayStation Network games are an important addition and we plan to continue making it easier for customers to instantly enjoy new content as well as their favorite games from the comfort of their living rooms."
Access to the games will be via a code-redemption system which will allow Amazon customers to make purchases using a US PlayStation Network account.
Customers using the website will receive a code as soon as they have made the purchase or they can choose to store it as a gift. Read More»
PS3 Total Sales Over 1m Units Globally
The Playstation 3 (PS3) has sold one million units across the globe in the three weeks since the video game player was launched, its manufacturer has announced.
According to Sony Computer Entertainment (SEC), the sales come as it is looking to develop the PlayStation Network and expand the platform by launching new software titles.
The PS3's attractive price of $299 has helped sales while other "cutting-edge" functions have enhanced its appeal, the company explained.
Users can play video games but also enjoy other features including watching content from Blu-ray discs and accessing content from the PlayStation Network.
Other extras on the new model of the PS3 include a streamlined form, 120GB hard disk drive and the reduction of fan noise and power consumption to increase energy efficiency.
Meanwhile, Shuhei Yoshida, Sony's head, alternative names for the new motion controller are being discussed within the organisation.
Mr Yoshida, who made the comments at the Tokyo Game Show, claimed that Wand Controller had been initially suggested but alternatives are being debated by company executives. Read More»
Order of War Coming to the US
Order of War, a new strategy game for PCs, is to be launched in the US on September 22nd.
The real-time strategy (RTS) game, which is set during the Second World War, will see players take control of the US military to take on the German army on western and eastern fronts.
Players will be able to compete against others or in single player mode and can direct tanks, troops, artillery divisions and aircraft in full-scale assaults and battles, many of which are based on historic events and actual battles from 1944.
Developer Square Enix said that the game offers a "unique dynamic camera that allows players to command troops over huge geographical scale whilst maintaining movie-like vistas and detail".
Order of War is the company's first release outside of its native Japan and debut foray into the world of RTS gaming.
Wargaming.net is responsible for the development of the game and has previously worked on the Massive Assault series including Massive Assault: Phantom Renaissance and Massive Assault Network 2. Read More»
50 Cent to Provide Voiceover to New Game
Hip hop star 50 Cent is to make an appearance in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, according to the game's developer.
The G Unit rapper will provide a voiceover for the war simulator, Infinity Ward confirmed.
Photos of 50 Cent playing a game at the Infinity Ward offices with members of rock band Good Charlotte were recently unveiled on the star's blog.
He will provide the multiplayer voice role for the game, which is due to be released later in the year.
Robert Bowling, Infinity Ward's director of communications, said: "He is one of quite a few casual cameos in the game, none of which I can name at this point."
He told Kotaku that the rapper will be heard giving orders and updates including Reloading, Watch your fire, I'm down, get me up and Tango Down.
The new game is one of 2009's most anticipated releases.
50 Cent has previously featured in his own video games, Bulletproof and its sequel, Blood On The Sand.
Actors Gary Oldman and Kiefer Sutherland also lent their voices to Call of Duty:World at War. Read More»
Sony’s EyePet to be Released in US
Sony Computer Entertainment has revealed that its new virtual game EyePet will be available to buy in the US before the end of the year.
The new concept allows gamers to use the Playstation (PS) Eye camera to bring a digital pet to life.
Users can interact with the PS pet on their screens by making movements and sounds, which the PS Eye is able to detect.
The style of an EyePet can be changed by colouring the fur and providing new clothes, while challenges can be completed to help virtual pets' intelligence and athletic ability increase.
Sony explained: "EyePet players will learn to care for their new pet, including teaching, feeding, and playing with them."
Although a release date or price has not yet been set, it is expected that the manufacturer will launch the product in time for Christmas.
The game will be available as a stand alone product as well as part of a bundle with the PS Eye.
Mark Rodgers, Sony Computer Entertainment America's senior producer, recently told Joystiq that the most popular online games for the PS3 is Confrontation. Read More»
Portable Sega Mega Drive Launched in the US
Sega is to launch a portable version of its classic Mega Drive console in the US.
Based on the computer company's Nomad and Genesis device from 1995, the new Retro-Gen entertainment system is also handheld and will allow users to play old Mega Drive cartridges while on the go.
Gamers looking for a further nostalgia fix will also be able to access classic games through using development cartridges.
Licensed games will be available to download over the internet, which users will be able to save on to the cartridge before plugging into the console and playing.
Video Game Central reported that ten publishers have been signed up to produce games for the new product although a list of titles has yet to be unveiled.
The new system will also have a TV-out function and a rechargeable battery via USB.
While no European release for the product is planned, gamers on the other side of the Atlantic will be able to purchase a Retro-Gen device for $59.99.
Earlier in the month, Sega launched a collection of vintage Mega Drive games available for the Xbox Live Arcade.
Altered Beast, Comix Zone, Gunstar Heroes, Phantasy Star II, Shinobi and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 were the recently launched games. Read More»