Kotaku: Playstation

Gran Turismo: 50 Million Served

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:30:00 MDT

Sony just rattled our mailbox to let us know that, presumably just as a single copy of GT5 Prologue was slid into a plastic bag and handed to a customer somewhere in Japan, that the combined sales from the Gran Turismo series have now reached 50 million units in the ten years since the series debuted on PS1. Attached to the press release is a handy guide to just how many copies of each game have been sold, but if you simply must know now, the highest-selling title (by a fairly comfortable margin, too) is GT3, with the god-awful GT4: Prologue registering as the poorest-performing of the lot.

Tokyo, May 9, 2008 - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that the cumulative worldwide shipment of the Gran Turismo™ franchise, a genre-defining racing and car-life simulator available on PlayStation®, PlayStation®2, and PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment systems, has exceeded 50 million units as of April 30, 2008. This remarkable sales figure was achieved in just 10 years and 4 months since the launch of the first title in the franchise - Gran Turismo, in December 1997.
The Gran Turismo franchise, from the original Gran Turismo to the latest Gran Turismo™ 5 Prologue, has continued to evolve alongside the PlayStation platforms. With its outstanding game play, beautiful graphics and the true to life driving feel, the franchise is recognized as the world's number one automotive game title on the PlayStation format, receiving high regard not just from game fans, but also from professional racing drivers and people in the automobile industry.

The seventh installment of the world's best-selling racing franchise, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue introduces entirely new entertainment modes by taking advantage of the broadband network, such as online head-to head racing for up to 16 players, "GRAN TURISMO-TV"; a new in-game online channel that delivers automotive video contents from around the globe, and downloadable additional contents including new cars and courses, only possible on PS3. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has recorded strong sales since the first launch in Japan in December, 2007, followed by North America and Europe in Spring of 2008, with more than 2 million units of cumulative shipment worldwide and contributing to the further expansion of the PS3 platform.

For all Gran Turismo fans around the world, SCEI and the developer of the Gran Turismo series - Polyphony Digital Inc., will continue hereon to vigorously promote development of the Gran Turismo series, which can be expected to evolve even further through the PS3 platform and broadband network environment.

"Initially, "Gran Turismo" was an "alternative" racing game, kind of an outsider in the genre." said Kazunori Yamauchi, Producer of Gran Turismo on a press release on Kotaku."And we made it thinking that it would be okay as long as it reached out to "the select few who would agree with us". So this figure, 50 million units - is simply astounding. If you go to a game store and look for a particular package, and pay for it at the cash register, though the time may be very brief, it still takes at least 3 minutes or so. It's simply mind boggling and hard to believe that this has been repeated 50 million times all around the world in the last 10 years. I would really like to thank all the fans who have supported the Gran Turismo series over the years, for all their passion and love of the game. We'd like to continue making every effort to create cutting edge, high quality games, so that we don't disappoint anyone's expectations.

Suikoden Coming To PlayStation Store

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:40:42 MDT

The latest batch of video game ratings by the ESRB reveals a listing for Konami's classic RPG Suikoden that may indicate the title is destined for a PlayStation Store re-release. Suikoden is rated as released—or to be released—for both the PlayStation 3 and PSP, as with other PSN releases. We don't know when it's coming—PS One Classic releases are few and far between in North America—but it's most likely coming. You may be able to secure a hard copy for the standard asking price in the meantime anyway, so act accordingly.

ESRB Game Ratings

Rumor: Sony Starting Online Games Mag?

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:40:00 MDT

Sony Computer Entertainment America recently filed a trademark for a product named "Qore," but we don't expect to necessarily see a game coming to the PlayStation 3 or PSP with that name. Instead of the standard description "computer game software and video game software" services—as in the case with the recent filing for The Last Guy, a planned PlayStation Network release—the trademark filed for Qore protects against "computer services, namely, providing interactive online magazine and entertainment services in the field of video games."

Whatever it is, it's almost certainly PlayStation related—and one could speculate that a more polished digital delivery of approved info via the PlayStation Network might be a compelling service, from a marketing perspective. We'll be digging around for more info, but your best guesses in the comments are welcome.

Qore [USPTO]

Happy 10th Birthday, DualShock

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 02 May 2008 21:40:00 MDT

Ten years ago this week, the DualShock controller was first released. Sure, it wasn't the first controller to feature rumble, nor was it the first to feature analogue sticks, but what it lacked in innovation it's more than made up for in perseverance. After all, how many control pad designs make it to their second hardware generation, let alone - albeit belatedly - a third?
DualShock's 10th Anniversary [IGN]

Ken Kutaragi Offers His International Business Skills

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:00:00 MDT

Ever wonder what PlayStation father Ken Kutaragi is up to? After that messy, messy PS3 launch, Kutaragi was elbowed out of the limelight in favor of Sony Computer Entertainment of America honcho Kaz Hirai. Still connected with Sony Computer Entertainment, Kutaragi no longer works for SCE in any active function.

According to a recent Kadokawa Group Holdings financial statement, Kutaragi will be taking on the role of an outside director, making him on the board of directors. This will be approved at the June 22nd shareholder meeting. Kadokawa Shoten publishes many manga (Lucky Star, Cowboy Bebop) as well as magazines (Newtype). Apparently Kadokawa is hoping to tap into Kutaragi's international business savvy. M'kay.

As IGN points out, here's where it gets interesting: Enterbrain is under the Kodokawa Group Holdings umbrella. Enterbrain publishes Famitsu, Japan's most influential game magazine. Let the conspiracy theories begin!
Ken Kutaragi's New Digs [Famitsu]

Inside The High-Flying World Of Sony Computer Entertainment America

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:30:00 MDT

SCEA, it's all coke parties, celebrity golf tournaments and laser-etched PS3s, right? Not in the mid-90s it wasn't. Especially if you worked in testing or "consumer service" like these poor souls. Worth watching as much for the appalling haircuts and overwhelming dorkiness as it is for the neat interview with Warhawk and Twisted Metal producer Mike Giam.
PlayStation Museum [via DMczaf @ NeoGAF]

Games With the Best Stories Ever

ogood — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:00:00 MDT

These evergreen features are made for weekends: GamesRadar has a list of the 15 best video game stories of all time. It's good for a midafternoon bull session between the hours of whatever you're playing (still hammering on Bully, myself.)

I haven't played many on the list to be quite honest, as lots are PC games and I am one of those lifelong Mac users (sue me). In fact, the only Portal I played was the interactive novel on a Macintosh Plus back in 1987. Not sure if interactive novels qualify, they might be more novel than game, but that one was outstanding.

I'm also a little surprised that neither Sam & Max nor, for that matter, Full Throttle (an extremely underrated game) didn't make the list. Throttle especially, as it had one of the great finales of all time, when Ripburger goes into the chasm clutching a "Can't beat a Corley" license plate. Indeed.

I've put the full list after the jump, if you want to see what made it without going through the whole article, which has some nice YouTube and flash videos of game highlights.

In no order, the 15 best are:

Metal Gear Solid (1998, PlayStation, PC)
Grim Fandango (1998, PC)
The Longest Journey (2000, PC)
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2, Xbox, PC, 2004)
Beyond Good & Evil (PS2, Xbox, GameCube, PC, 2003)
Astro Boy: Omega Factor (Game Boy Advance, 2004)
Portal (Xbox 360, PC, PS3, 2007)
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers (PC, 1993)
Bioshock (Xbox 360, 2007)
Planescape: Torment (PC, 1999)
Fallout 2 (PC, 1998)
God of War (PS2, 2005)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Xbox, PC, 2003)
Final Fantasy VI (Super Nintendo, 1994)
Silent Hill 2 (Xbox, PS2, PC, 2001)

The Best Video Game Stories Ever [GamesRadar]

Do Gaming Skills Develop Like Other Childhood Skills?

ogood — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:00:00 MDT

Brandon Erickson at Gamecritics puts forth an interesting question. Is there a "critical period" in children for learning video game skills, the same as there is for language? It doesn't preclude the learning of languages, or the innate hand-eye coordination specific to video games, later in life, but it may explain why younger kids who grow up using controllers second nature will, depending on the game, always whip the ass of an adult who learned on that stupid Colecovision phone-looking thing.

Using Super Smash Bros. Brawl as an example, Brandon tells us his brother, with little current gaming experience, utterly thrashed him. On a more complex game like Call of Duty 4, Brandon had the upper hand.

This makes me wonder if gaming skill operates similarly to language acquisition. Maybe my brother's early-life exposure to previous Smash Bros. games gives him a built-in advantage that my practice will never overcome. It could be that after age 12 our brains can't instinctively master certain gameplay styles that we weren't previously exposed to, hence my suckiness at newer fighting games. I'm not saying older people can't master new gameplay styles, but rather that there might be a developmental cutoff after which achieving such mastery becomes much harder.

That's a pretty good question, and I'm disappointed I didn't think of it first. So I'm linking to it. I'd like to think this hypothesis could be supported by child development experts, if only to level the competitive imbalance with my father, who is 58 and can still kick my ass in driveway hoops. (Thanks for teaching me a jump shot during that "critical period," Pops.)

Is there a "critical period" for videogame skill acquisition? [Gamecritics.com]

MGS4 Double-Secret Hands On

ogood — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:50:00 MDT

GamePro got a hands-on with Metal Gear Solid 4, with some other "gaming insiders" (not us) at some Cheyenne Mountain-style hole-up for Konami and Kojima over in Japan. It's a comprehensive look at an A-list game for 2008, and I know a lot of you can't wait to get your hot little hands on it.

By all means, check it out, and the screen grabs, and the gameplay movies. Following the overblown, knocked-down Gears of War 2 debacle, I'm not thrilled to be touting GamePro with the first crack at it. But this isn't like the days at the Rocky Horror Mountain News, when The Denver Post would beat us on something and our editors would pretend it didn't exist. GamePro did get the exclusive, and you want to know about it. So here we are:

Hands-On: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots [GamePro]

And folks, I want to apologize for purely fucking up the publication of this story, if you saw it on the site and then it vanished. My first big screwup.

The Force Unleashed Experience

ogood — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 13:00:00 MDT

I don't mean to make anyone uncomfortable, but good Lord, this gets me hard:

Whatever your console, this trailer will convince you it's going to be awesome. Exclusive content and gameplay for all of them. God, now I want to buy a Wii. Right after I take a cold shower.

Ken Kutaragi To Be Hall of Famed By CEA

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:00:07 MDT

Ken "the Father of the PlayStation" Kutaragi is set to score another industry honor this year, dragging the former Sony Computer Entertainment exec from the comfort of his pajamas and back onto North American soil for another round of fawning. The Consumer Electronics Association announced that it would induct Ken into the CE Hall of Fame in October, along with 11 of his industry peers, according to a report from GameSpot.

After receiving similar accolades from the Entertainment Software Association and Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, we're worried Ken might let this all go to his head. Who knows what engineering insanity he could devise if he ventures into mad scientist mental territory?

Kutaragi finds fame with CEA [GameSpot]

Sony Signs On For Am Jam Tour

Brian Crecente — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:00:00 MDT

Sony today announced that it's teaming up with Woodward Camp for the fifth annual Playstation Am Jam Tour. The tour hits skateparks across the country, giving amateur skateboarders and BMXers a chance to compete for $5,000 and some Playstation prizes.

The tour, which oddly enough begin back on March 14, hits 14 stops including Las Vegas, Nevada; Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Rye, New Hampshire; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia and wraps up on May 25th in Orlando, Florida. The finals will be held in Woodward, Pennsylvania in August.

Participants have at each stop have a chance to win a Playstation prize package that includes a PSP and some games as well as some clothes and an expense-paid, week-long stay at Woodward Camp, where they will compete in the finals. Winners at the finals will receive $5,000, a free summer at Woodward Camp, a Playstation 3 and a Playstation prize pack.

"PlayStation is committed to strong youth brands and action sports programs that offer kids access to fun, supportive and collaborative environments," said Ginger Kraus, director of promotions at SCEA. "Woodward exemplifies a brand that truly empowers young people. We are proud to align with them for the fifth annual PlayStation AM JAM tour, providing opportunity and exposure for talented young athletes rising to the top in their respective sports."

Am Jam

Sony Computer Entertainment America Teams Up With Woodward Camp For Annual
PlayStation(R) AM JAM Tour

Action Sports Event Recognizes Exceptional Young Talent Across the United
States

FOSTER CITY, Calif., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer
Entertainment America (SCEA) today announces it is aligning with Woodward Camp
for the fifth annual PlayStation(R) AM JAM tour, demonstrating the company's
commitment to kids and action sports. PlayStation AM JAM takes place in
skateparks across the country and provides amateur skateboard and BMX athletes
with the opportunity to compete for $5,000 and PlayStation prizes. Past
winners of the PlayStation AM JAM have continued on to become professional
athletes in their respective sports including Mike Spinner.
The PlayStation AM JAM tour began on March 14th at the Woodward skate park
in Dallas, Texas. The tour continues with 14 different stops that include
Tehachapi, Los Angeles, San Diego and Petaluma, California; Las Vegas, Nevada;
Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minneapolis,
Minnesota; Rye, New Hampshire; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia
and concludes on May 25th in Orlando, Florida. At each event, participants,
ages seven to eighteen years of age, compete in skate and bike events judged
by professional athletes and Woodward Camp staff members. Skateboarders will
compete in two age groups, 13 and under and 14 and over, while the skateboard
vert and BMX events each have one age division.
Selected qualifiers at each stop will receive a PlayStation prize package
including a PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, PSP
software titles, t-shirts and hats as well as an expense-paid, week-long stay
at Woodward Camp, where they will compete in the finals. Woodward Camp is a
popular recreational youth summer camp located in Pennsylvania and widely
known in the action sports community for its instructional programs. Winners
at the PlayStation(R) AM JAM Finals, during the week of August 10th-16th,
2008, will receive $5,000, a free summer at Woodward Camp, a PLAYSTATION(R)3
(PS3(TM)) and a PlayStation prize pack.
"PlayStation is committed to strong youth brands and action sports
programs that offer kids access to fun, supportive and collaborative
environments," said Ginger Kraus, director of promotions at SCEA. "Woodward
exemplifies a brand that truly empowers young people. We are proud to align
with them for the fifth annual PlayStation AM JAM tour, providing opportunity
and exposure for talented young athletes rising to the top in their respective
sports."
"The high level of talent we have found the last four years on the
PlayStation AM JAM has been terrific," stated Gary Ream, Woodward's President.
"We might have missed some of this incredible talent had PlayStation not
provided this extraordinary opportunity. The PlayStation AM JAM is a premier
event for finding the new stars in Skateboarding and BMX Freestyle."
Open to legal U.S. citizens between the ages of seven (7) and eighteen
(18). Competitions begin March 14, 2008 and end May 25, 2008. For more
information regarding tour stops, dates and official rules, go to
http://www.campwoodward.com

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, the 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.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com

Sony Planned A PSOne "Facebook", PS2 "YouTube"

Mark Wilson — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:40:00 MDT

Former Sony Entertainment President Chris Deering has recently dished out two pieces of fascinating gossip about Sony development for those interested in the "woulda, coulda, shoulda" points in the company's history. The first such program was a social networking platform for the PSOne ala Facebook or MySpace.

We had a secret test program in Europe back in 1997 on PSOne, running a black and white text-based, moderator-led community chat group with a special box called 'Net-Station' that hooked up PCs to the TV. Nick Parker ran it. The project codename was 'Moccasin 5'. I have no idea where it came from.

The second was a YouTube-esque video service for the PS2.

Then, at Sony Europe, we worked on a PS2 concept called 'Central Station' which was planned to stream its own PlayStation TV channel, back in 2002. This was four years ahead of YouTube. But uptake in broadband and wireless routers took longer to reach mass market levels than we expected, and we couldn't get other regions of the Sony PlayStation world to buy in.

These stories are reminiscent of Sony mentioning not too long ago that they had the technology for the iPod in the 90s, but didn't understand how to package it for consumers.

It just goes to show, success isn't just about having a great idea or the ability to pull it off. In many ways, timing really is everything. And I'm guessing that actually releasing the product has something to do with it too.

Sony beat Facebook... to Facebook [MCVUK]

Watch Blu-ray on Your PSP with Latest PS3 Update

Brian Crecente — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:06:24 MDT

Despite no mention of the feature on the official Playstation Blog or press release, PC World is reporting that the Playstation 3's next update, firmware 2.20, will include support of Portable Copy.

Portable Copy will give Playstation 3 and Playstation Portable owners the ability to buy a Blu-Ray movie, insert it into their PS3 and download a standard res version to their PSP.

While this would be pretty exciting news the fact that Sony has yet to mention it will be on this latest firmware update leaves me a little dubious about the whole thing. We know it's coming, I'm just not sure it will be with this firmware.

I guess we'll know soon enough, when the firmware hits.

PS3 Firmware Update Enhances Blu-ray Capabilities [PC World]

UPDATE: Turns out the rumors were wrong. Portable Copy isn't coming with 2.2.

FlatOut: Head On PSP Demo Now Available

fdemarco — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:40:00 MDT

Six by Nine's Flat Out: Head On demo is nox available for your downloading pleasure at the Playstation store for your PSP. The demo contains three game modes: Carnage Race, Deathmatch Derby and a Ragdoll stunt. Here's a little bit about each mode:

In 'Carnage Race' players fight against the clock to score points within the given time period by causing as much damage as possible to their environment and opponents. 'Deathmatch Derby' is an arena-based derby with one simple objective - destroy or be destroyed. And finally, Ragdoll stunts take center stage in 'High Jump,' where players must drive their car down the ramp as fast as possible to launch the driver through the windscreen high into the sky to slam into the metal net.

Sounds like a smashing good time! Anything with the words deathmatch and carnage in it is always intriguing to me. Want it now? Download it here.

Thief Goes on Playstation Shopping Spree

Brian Crecente — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:00:17 MDT

Sure Michael Pachter says that the Playstation 3 is making a 2008 come-back. Sure NPD shows that Sony's console sales are on the rise, but a console isn't really on the mend until criminals start thinking about them.

Police say a North Carolina woman used several stolen credit cards to buy up a Playstation 3 and four video games at a local Target before moving on to a Best Buy to purchase a computer and four more games, along with an iPod Touch.

You see that Sony, Playstation and iPod in the same sentence... um, paragraph.

Police: Suspect used stolen cards to purchase PlayStation, iPods [News 14]

Sony Employee Gets PS3-Themed Tattoo

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:00:14 MDT

Another PS3 tattoo! Not as crappy! Still kooky! While man who goes by the handle MobileTone may be the first person with ~~P53~~ PS3 inked on his bodice, that doesn't mean he's got the first PLAYSTATION 3-themed tat. It seems that SCEE Omar Siu claims that prize (lucky him) with his "This is Living" shoulder art. Fingers crossed he doesn't ever changed companies! He got the tattoo on December 22, 2007 — coincidentally, the same day that Omar apparently changed medication.
Another PS3 Tattoo [PS3 Fanboy]

Should Video Game Patents Be Legal?

Mark Wilson — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:40:53 MST

Over on Gamasutra, designer Ernest Adams has posted an interesting piece on video game software patents. He argues that not only are such patents morally gray, but that they are too encompassing—citing an example from Namco's PSOne version of Ridge Racer in which they patented, we kid you not, load-time minigames. He explains:

The US Patent and Trademark Office has taken a much more vague approach to determining what may or may not be patented. Its guidelines for patent examiners requires that the invention produce a concrete, useful, and tangible result, and gameplay patents are being allowed.

Then he later continues:

[Video games] are not inventions at all in the normal sense of the word. They are imaginary systems. Unlike mathematical theorems (which cannot be patented), game rules don't even have to be coherent — though obviously they should be for playability reasons.

It's an interesting point. And even from my limited perspective on programming, patenting any software-level features distinctly tied to gameplay (like the Namco example) feels like a canvas manufacturer patenting the use of certain paints on their material.

The Designer's Notebook: Damn All Gameplay Patents! [Gamasutra][image]

SCEA Hires Three New Execs

torif — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:00:00 MST

Looks like Sony's doing a little bit of a reshuffling song-and-dance, as Sony Computer Entertainment America welcomes three new executives to its team. Robert Dyer, Ian Jackson, and Sally Buchanan have all been brought on to help head up SCEA, reporting directly to the SCEA President and CEO himself, Jack Tretton. Dyer will be assuming the position of Senior Vice President, Public Relations, replacing Riley Russell, who will now be Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development.

Following so far?

Ian Jackson will be taking over duties as Vice President, Sales. Currently, Phil Rosenberg is listed on the SCEA corporate website as Vice President of Sales and Business Development, no word yet on whether his responsibilities are being split, or if he's headed off somewhere else.

Finally, Sally Buchanan has been appointed Vice President, Human Resources, a title that isn't currently listed on the SCEA website. Lots of executive changes going on in the Sony camp right now, what with the Phil Harrison resigning from his position at SCEE WWS, it will be interesting to see if any other changes are happening up top at Sony in the near future.

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA EXPANDS EXECUTIVE TEAM WITH APPOINTMENTS OF THREE INDUSTRY VETERANS TO KEY MANAGEMENT ROLES
Appointments Include Industry Veterans Robert Dyer to Senior Vice-President, Publisher Relations, Ian Jackson to Vice-President, Sales and Sally Buchanan to Vice-President, Human Resources

FOSTER CITY, Calif., February 25, 2008 - Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the executive appointments of Robert Dyer to Senior Vice President, Publisher Relations, Ian Jackson to Vice President, Sales and Sally Buchanan to Vice President, Human Resources. Buchanan, Dyer and Jackson, who bring nearly 50 years of combined industry experience, will add further depth and experience to an already stellar executive team. These three key positions, which take effect in March and April 2008 and report directly to SCEA President and CEO Jack Tretton, will help further lead the company's efforts in sales, merchandising, cooperative marketing, recruiting and publisher relations.

"Rob Dyer, Ian Jackson and Sally Buchanan's proven records of strategic leadership and innovation, combined with their extensive industry experience re-enforce their new roles as a great fit for our organization," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "These three appointments augment an already strong executive staff at SCEA and provide the company with additional leadership to focus on key relationships with some of the most important constituencies, our publishing partners, retail community, and internal employees, as we continue to build on the momentum generated in early 2008 by the PlayStation family of products."

Dyer will be responsible for executing the strategy and vision for SCEA's industry partnerships with external developers and publishers as well as oversee strategic co-marketing programs. Dyer, who has more than two decades of senior leadership experience in the game and entertainment industry, joins SCEA from Crave Entertainment Group, where he served as President and COO since 2004, and helped to direct the game and publishing company to secure more than $300 million in revenue in 2007. Prior to joining Crave Entertainment Group, Dyer managed all areas of operations as President of Eidos Interactive and Crystal Dynamics, two of the industry's leading developers and publishers of entertainment software.

With Dyer's appointment, Riley Russell will move into a more focused position as Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development including the additional responsibility of managing licensee relations for first-party intellectual properties.

Jackson will oversee strategic sales and promotional initiatives across all PlayStation platforms in North America. Bringing extensive sales and marketing experience from some of the largest digital entertainment companies in the industry, Jackson most recently held the role of Managing Director for Sony Computer Entertainment Canada and was responsible for maintaining the company's leadership position in the Canadian market. Previously, Jackson also held strategic sales and marketing positions at Electronic Arts, Panasonic and Microsoft where he worked closely with retailers, distributors and channel partners to execute product launches and sales activities. To build on the strong management team already in place for SCE Canada, Steve Turvey will replace Jackson as General Manager.

Buchanan, who has been with SCEA since 1994, will oversee the strategic Human Resources initiatives including career planning, leadership development, succession planning and talent acquisition, and retention strategies for SCEA. Prior to joining SCEA, Buchanan held varying roles in Human Resources within the technology and staffing industries.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services PLAYSTATION®Network and PLAYSTATION®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.

Learn About Japan's Gaming Grannies

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:00:19 MST

It's numbers time! That's right, we've got a post full of data that provides insight into people who answered survey questions. Hooray. In this case, it's over a thousand old Japanese ladies between the ages of 50 and 69. Findings include: 41.3 percent have a game console. What's more, 12.4 percent play their game console "often," while 33.6 percent play it "sometimes" and 23.4 percent play it "occasionally." The most common consoles?

Nintendo DS 65.5 percent
PlayStation (any model) 61.5 percent
Super Famicom (SNES) 36.5 percent
Famicom (NES) 28.2 percent
GameBoy (including Micro) 25.5 percent
GameBoy Advance 17.8 percent
Wii 17.6 percent
PSP 14.2 percent
Nintendo 64 12.8 percent
Sega Saturn 5.0 percent
Xbox (doesn't specify) 4.5 percent
Dreamcast 4.5 percent
Other 2.9 percent

Popular games include study games, puzzle games and simulation titles. Though, 13 percent do like "action, shooting" games! And who do they game with? Almost half play by themselves, around 25 percent play with their children, and the rest with husbands, grandchildren, etc.
Granny Gamers [goo Research via What Japan Thinks]

PlayStation Party: Come For the Q-Tip, Stay For The Free Haircuts!

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:20:31 MST

Mark Wilson and I hit up the PlayStation "Block Party" last night to enjoy an evening packed with drinks, developers and white dudes getting down to the hip-hop stylings of Guru and Q-Tip. We came hoping that Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Phil Harrison would join the Rock Force Crew in a b-boy throwdown after dropping details on Home and LittleBigPlanet, but nothing of the sort happened. While the aroma of the room was definitely appropriate, one thing that stood out as an odd fit was the barber shop on the second floor of The Mezzanine. There were plenty on hand that thought it was a fine idea, though, with a grotesque mountain of hair amassing by evening's end. I'll spare you the photo of that one.

Morph PSP Slim Into PlayStation Controller

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 07:00:04 MST

For those who feel more comfortable, at home even, with the PlayStation controller, take heart. Kyoto online retailer Vis-a-Vis has you covered. It's got a "Flexible Hand Grip Pad Advance" for the Slim & Lite PSP. (There's a model for the original PSP as well!) The add-on is only ¥980 (US $9.20) and perfect for people with gianormous hands.
Product Page [Vis-a-Vis via Famitsu]

iPhone Playstation Emulator Goes Public

Brian Crecente — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 13:00:51 MST

The PSX4iPhone Playstation emulator for the iPhone we've been talking about for a few weeks now has finally gone into its public beta. That means if you've got an iPhone or an iPod Touch and more than just a pinch of patience you can hop on over to ZodTTD's site to download and check out the public beta.

After you transfer the application to your phone or pod the software will theoretically allow owners to download ISO, IMG, BIG Z and ZNX files to your phone to play Playstation games. Of course you'd need to already own the game to do this legally.

Reading through the comments over on the site it's apparent that, as with all betas, things are entirely smooth yet. Not all games, for instance, play on the emulator and some work but have missing sound or messed up graphics.

Make sure to check out this thread to watch a bunch of different videos showing off PSOne games in action.

iPhone Playstation Emulator [ZODTTD]

Man Stabbed in Fight Over Game

Brian Crecente — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:00:11 MST

A 37-year-old Tennessee man was arrested yesterday for allegedly stabbing his uncle in the head and stomach after the two got into a fight over a video game, Chattanooga Police say.

Antonio Castillo is charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant out of Philadelphia for aggravated assault. His uncle, Luis Alberto Santana, was listed in critical condition Thursday night.

Reports of the fight don't mention what game they were fighting over, referring to it just as a "Playstation game", or what started the argument. Brilliant reporting, screw the details, sensationalism full-steam ahead.

Man stabbed in fight over PlayStation [Times Free-Press]

psx4all PS Emulator for iPhone Is Almost Complete

Mark Wilson — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:20:51 MST

iPhone owners will soon have more to look forward to than their standard, day-to-day walking around like they're better than everyone else. Because psx4all, a PlayStation emulator for the iPhone, will be entering beta testing any day now. Promising to play around 75% of PSOne titles, there is definitely some work to be done on the touch controls (as seen in this photo), but from what the developer says, those nasty-looking outlines are quite different than what we'll see in the final product.

Only donors of the developer's last projects will be invited to the early beta, but we'll keep an eye out for the final release so you can spend your time worrying about other things, like "do these shoes look good with this phone, or do I need to burn them immediately?"

[psx4all NEWS] Playstation has arrived on the iPhone and iPod Touch! [via infiniteloop]

Criterion Shows Off Paradise Demo Map

Brian Crecente — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:00:40 MST

Starting Thursday, gamers will be able to grab the Burnout Paradise demo on the Playstation Network and Xbox Live Marketplace, but why wait until then to start studying what you'll be playing with?

Criterion Games posted a "glance" at their demo map today, showing off a wedge of Paradise City and some of the routes taken along the coastline including Motor City, Big Surf Beach and Ocean View. The demo will also include three events.

I can't wait to see the plethora of "O faces" that flood the net once the game, and it's auto snapshot ability, hits stores on Jan. 22.

GRAB A SLICE OF PARADISE ON THE 13TH OF DECEMBER [Criterion Games]

The Future of the PC PlayStation Store

Mark Wilson — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:40:19 MST

The PC-based PlayStation Store hasn't taken the world by storm yet—a PC-based system that allows users to download content to their PSP—but the possibilities seem promising, especially if it gives us a greater chance to get rid of pesky media like UMD. MTV's Stephen Totilo sat down with Eric Lempel, PlayStation director of network operations in charge of the store and asked him if we could expect more digital delivery on the platform ala iPod.

I don't think we're ready to look at that and say, "This is the way it should go right now." But we're at an interesting point in the industry where consumers know they can get things fast and they're getting used to it with other devices from other companies. So it's something we always wanted to do.

So what about the future?

...we want to start opening up some of these channels and getting consumers used to that and experimenting with it...I would say it's a glimpse towards the future. Definitely just by releasing a UMD title in the store it definitely puts ideas in people's heads, but no I wouldn't categorize this as a shift in business model at this point.

Why shift the business model? Why not just offer both options to consumer: hard media or digital download? And do it wirelessly on the PSP's Wi-Fi and make lots of money. The PSP Online Store - 'A Glimpse Towards The Future' [mtvmultiplayer]

Celebs Gaming Demands

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 04:00:49 MST

Celebrities are sure wacko! Well, we think they're wacko. A list of outrageous celeb demands for when they stay in hotels and whatnot shows just how cuckoo they apparently are. Cuckoo for gaming! Let's dive in:

• Eminem demands a PlayStation, a ping-pong table, a basketball hoop, a flat-screen TV, a personal masseur and "whatever kind of fast food exists on the continent."

• Justin Timberlake requires the entire floor of a hotel, a private fitness studio, an extra-large stereo, a Nintendo and a PlayStation. What's more, the entire floor's air conditioning filters must be changed on his arrival. Door handles need to be disinfected every few hours.

Kooky! The original list isn't console specific, so we imagine that they demand the latest version of the consoles. We also imagine that they are batshit insane.
Outrageous Demands [Huliq via Go Nintendo] [Image]

EA: Black Friday Completed Console Transition

Mark Wilson — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:20:02 MST

EA chief exec John Riccitiello has been talking a lot to Reuters lately. But we couldn't pass up posting a little more on Riccitello as he reflects on the transition to the newest generation of consoles, and claiming that Black Friday sealed the deal on the new market.

"It's been the longest, hardest transition in the history of the industry...Last Friday marked one of those points where you can say something's changed...Around the world, based on the data I've got, it was pretty clear that the transition is now over.

What about Sony?

It looked like it might have been a two-horse race, but it's clearly a three-horse race...I think from this point, pleasantly for me, it's sort of fat city in the game industry.

And they love horses in fat city. Surprisingly good eating, apparently.

Video game industry has turned corner: EA [via gamesradar] [image]

Sony Won't Shut Up About The Damn PlayStation Phone

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:40:00 MST

The gang at Sony and Sony Ericsson are almost definitely working on some sort of PlayStation branded phone. It might even be announced in February. At least, that's what we've been led to believe, despite SCEE boss David Reeves smokescreen denial of its existence. Now, Sony Computer Entertainment co-COO Jim Ryan is telling the Economic Times that it's "definitely plausible", indicating that the company is pursuing the idea actively. He calls a console phone convergence "hugely intellectually seductive."

Ryan curiously says "PlayStation almost enjoys cult status" amongst the 200 million-plus who have purchase PlayStation consoles, envisioning a product that is primarily a gaming device and secondarily a phone.

Sony to introduce Playstation phone [Economic Times via CVG]

Playstation Heist In Belgium

fdemarco — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 13:00:00 MST

Kotakuite Bargo sends in this little story from Belgium via De Standaard Online. Thankfully he translated because I couldn't read a word of the original source myself. Apparently, two thieves entered a warehouse with automatic weapons and tied up the warehouse manager. They then proceeded to load a truck with three hundred Playstations which must have been grueling as it is reported that it took them two hours to haul in their purloined booty. The estimated cost of the incident rolls in around 150,000 Euros. Ouch! No leads on the robbers or their whereabouts, but fortunately the warehouse manager was unharmed. Looks like the Belgian PS3 black market is about to get very full.

Overvallers stelen 300 Playstation-consoles in Vorst [De Standaard Online]

David Jaffe: GOW3 Promises To Be Best In Series

geoff — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:00:00 MST

David Jaffe was stuck in the San Francisco Airport yesterday so what did he do? Read Kotaku of course. And even better, he took a photo of Kotaku on his MacBook. (But one of my posts isn't featured in the photo....it's ok Jaffe, I get the hint). But he does say Kotaku "never lets [him] down with the goods." Well Jaffe you never let us down either. Yesterday he also posted an entry about the departure of Cory Barlog from the God of War team. His take? It's a good move for Cory and he thinks God of War 3 "promises to be the best game in the series." Read more over at Jaffe's blog.

Uncharted: The Press Collector's Edition

geoff — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:00:00 MST

One of the coolest parts of being a member of the gaming press is waking up every morning and getting new copies of pre-release games at your doorstep. Some companies just send you the game disc in a jewel case. Others make the arrival of their game into more of an event. Take Uncharted: Drake's Fortune as an example. This morning the final review code arrived in a book called The Chronicles of Sir Francis Drake, which opens up to contain a whole wealth of goodies. There's a letter from Nathan Drake, a few pages of diary entries, a soundtrack CD, a remix CD from DJ Shadow, and of course the Blu-Ray disc of the game. It's a well put together package that ties into the game in a meaningful way. Believe me, it's so much better than getting the game disc wrapped in a Hanes XL white t-shirt with the game logo slapped on the front. (You'd be surprised how often this happens). While we aren't yet allowed to post impressions or reviews of the game, I wholeheartedly recommend the press kit. More images of it after the jump.

Let's Compare Dragon Quest IV Ads

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 03:30:49 MST

Dragon Quest IV hasn't been remade once, but twice. The NES game's first remake was for the PlayStation back in 2001, and it's latest is for the Nintendo DS. (It also spanned a bunch spin-offs, but that's neither here nor there!) So, instead of comparing the game's graphics, we're comparing the games' Japanese tv ads. Which one is the best? Like most things, the original. PlayStation version. Famicom version. Love that hair. LOVE IT.

Dragon Quest IV Ads [Siliconera]

MGS4: 5 Locations and Live Action Open?

geoff — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:00:37 MST

As Luke reported last week, we now know three of the locations in Metal Gear Solid 4: the Middle East, South America and Eastern Europe. But there's more: When I was interviewing Ryan Payton for last week's Game Head at the E For All Expo, he also let slip that there are two other top-secret locations.

Any guesses as to the other two locales? Here's one comment from Ryan that didn't make the Game Head show: "The last location is a place you've been waiting to visit for 20 years."

Also, Ryan mentions that the opening sequence for the game will include live action footage mixed with CGI. It's being created by Logan, the design firm behind the iPod ads and the Metal Gear Solid 4 logo.

Nintendo Snatches Software Sales Lead From Sony

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:20:32 MDT

You may have heard that Nintendo is doing alright for themselves lately. They've sold a few Wiis, a handful of Nintendo DS handhelds, given themselves a little walking around money, put a new coat of paint on the headquarters. The company's good news alert comes today from analyst group iSuppli, via Gamasutra, who add up the software sales revenue numbers, putting third quarter sales at $1.2 billion for Nintendo, some $200 million more than Sony's take.

That change in software sales leadership can be chalked up to stellar Nintendo DS and Wii game sales, combined with a drop in PlayStation 2 software purchases. Unsurprisingly, iSuppli pegs Sony's woes on a lack of PlayStation 3 software and the high price of the console. With no legacy hardware or handheld to help its numbers, Microsoft remains in third place, despite its high software attach rate.

It should come as no surprise to anyone paying attention to sales trends, but an official change in the order of things must be at least somewhat troubling to Sony's games division (and inversely thrilling to UK: Resistance).

iSuppli: Nintendo Leads Console Software Market [Gamasutra]

Sony Hasn't Forgotten About Poland

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:40:07 MDT

Welcome, Polish PlayStation contingent! SCEE has announced today the formation of Sony Computer Entertainment Polska Sp. z.o.o., an attempt to cater the PlayStation business to the "rapidly growing Polish market." As of April 1, 2008, it will be official, giving Polish PlayStation fans a more complete Polish experience with a Polish PlayStation Store and more games localized in the Polish language. Remember the name Marcin Ziobrowski, because he'll be our go-to-guy for all things PlayStation and Polish.

As a person of Polish descent, I can definitely say I'm exactly 25% more excited about this news than I would normally be upon hearing of a new wholly owned SCEE subsidiary. Nieźle!

Test Your Playstation Knowledge, Win PS Schwag

Brian Crecente — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:00:53 MDT

Over at the official Playstation blog, SCEA is running a little trivia contest to giveaway and collection of Playstation schwag. I can't quite make out what all is in the photo but it looks like a ballcap, a beanie, a notebook, a pen, a luggage tag, a jacket or shirt, a wallety looking thing and perhaps a huge gold belt buckle, or maybe I'm making that last one up.

The questions are:
1. What was the date of the launch of the first PlayStation in the U.S.?
2. What PlayStation launch title 'shot fireworks' into the industry?
3. On what date were plans for PlayStation 3 first shared?
4. Name one team that is playing in the NHL FaceOff section of the U R Not E commercial?
5. What was the name of the first PlayStation title from these developers?

a. Naughty Dog
b. Insomniac
c. Eidetic

6. What is the full name of the female member of Interpol in Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus?
7. What game is this character from?

8. How many power cells and precursor orbs were there to collect in Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy?
9. According to the famed PS9 commercial, PS9's electronic spores do what?
10. What is the weight difference between the original PSP and the recently announced PSP-2000?

Hop on over to their site to read the rules and how to enter.

A Bounty of PlayStation Schwag Awaits You ... Maybe [Playstation Blog]

Sony Doubling PlayStation Store Archive Updates

Mark Wilson — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:20:50 MDT

It looks like Sony finally stoked the fires hot enough to boil the water to make the steam to run the engine that is PSN. Because starting this October, Sony is doubling their monthly PSOne game updates in Japan. That means users will be getting two updates a month—hopefully not with just half the games each. While the effect has yet to trickle down to the US market, we'll be waiting. Right here.

Hit the jump for the full list of classics coming today to Japan. King's Field III may be a necessary download. I purchased my original Playstation just to play King's Field II, but was lured in by the Twisted Metal series and never got around to it. Yeah...I played a lot of TM2...

Sanwa Pachinko Paradise (Irem) Sanwa Pachinko Paradise 2 (Irem) Alundra (Sony) XII Jumbo (Sony) Popologue (Sony) Hanafuda Graffiti Koikoi Monogatari (Hamster) Echo Night #2 (From Software) King's Field III (From Software)

Sony Doubling Archive Output in Japan [ign]

Sega's Steinberg Moves to SCEA

Mike Fahey — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:00:01 MDT

Scott A. Steinberg has been marketing the hell out of the electronic entertainment sector for over 20 years, having worked with Sega, Roxio, Liquid Audio, Eidos, and Crystal Dynamics. Now he's leaving his current VP of marketing position at Sega to jump onboard the Sony Computer Entertainment America train as the Vice President of Product Marketing, a newly created position responsible for all PlayStation marketing in North America. Steinberg will report directly to Marketing and PSN senior VP Peter Dille, who had lovely things to say about him.

"We are thrilled to have Scott join our team as he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the PlayStation marketing staff and the management group here at SCEA," said Dille. "Scott has an ideal blend of experience in digital entertainment and content delivery as well as a proven track record for strategic innovation and implementation within this industry.

Some would say Steinberg has been marketing the PS3 since June, when he famously dissed the Wii in an interview with Reuters. The only difference now is he gets paid for it! Grats, Scott!

Sony Computer Entertainment America Appoints New Vice President of Product Marketing
Scott A. Steinberg, Digital Entertainment and Industry Veteran, Joins SCEA Management Team

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the appointment of 20-year industry veteran Scott A. Steinberg to the newly-created role of Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA. Steinberg will report to Peter Dille, Senior Vice President, Marketing and PlayStation Network. Steinberg, who will be responsible for all hardware, software and channel marketing for PlayStation in North America, will join SCEA officially on October 1st.

Steinberg brings to SCEA more than 20 years experience marketing entertainment and technology products at companies such as SEGA, Roxio/Napster, Liquid Audio, Eidos Interactive and Crystal Dynamics. He joins SCEA from SEGA of America where he was Vice President of Marketing, responsible for all of SEGA's consumer brand and digital commerce efforts in North America. Originally at SEGA during the height of the popularity of the Genesis platform in the early 1990s, Steinberg also worked hand in hand with the sales organization and participated in SEGA's global product planning group designed to evaluate development and licensed properties. In addition, Steinberg brings to SCEA a wealth of experience after leading Roxio's marketing and digital commerce efforts and orchestrated the marketing re-launch of the company's digital music subsidiary, Napster, as a legal digital music service in 2003.

"We are thrilled to have Scott join our team as he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the PlayStation marketing staff and the management group here at SCEA," said Dille. "Scott has an ideal blend of experience in digital entertainment and content delivery as well as a proven track record for strategic innovation and implementation within this industry. He will be a critical component for the success of our marketing efforts across the PlayStation brand moving forward."