EA Purchase Bioware And Pandemic Studios

EA have further broadened their scope for the take over of the gaming industry, with their purchase two major developing studios; Bioware Corp. and Pandemic Studios.

EA will pay up to USD 620 million in cash to the stockholders of VG Holding Corp. and will issue up to an additional USD 155 million in equity to certain employees of VG Holding Corp., subject to time-based or performance-based vesting criteria.

EA will also assume outstanding VG Holding Corp. stock options and has agreed to lend VG Holding Corp. up to USD 35 million through the closing of the acquisition.

Bioware are due to release Mass Effect for the 360 this November, and will be published by Microsoft. Pandemic are currently developing Mercenaries 2 and Saboteur.

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Ratchet Demo On PS3 Store

The American's always get stuff before us, and this time it is in the form of Ratchet & Clank 3 demo, a great reason to clean off the dust and boot up the console.

If you can't afford to move to the US and download this demo, then I suggest you create another account to sample the greatness of this franchise.

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BBFC Reject Revised Manhunt 2

The BBFC have rejected the revised version of Manhunt 2. Rockstar's appeal for the initial rejection was suspended, pending the outcome of the classification for the revised version.

David Cooke, Director of the BBFC had this to say:

“We recognise that the distributor has made changes to the game, but we do not consider that these go far enough to address our concerns about the original version. The impact of the revisions on the bleakness and callousness of tone, or the essential nature of the gameplay, is clearly insufficient. There has been a reduction in the visual detail in some of the ‘execution kills’, but in others they retain their original visceral and casually sadistic nature.

“We did make suggestions for further changes to the game, but the distributor has chosen not to make them, and as a result we have rejected the game on both platforms. The decision on whether or not an appeal goes ahead lies with the distributor"

This comes after the game was allowed to be released, alebiet with the AO rating, meaning it will not be stocked by "family-friendly" retailers such as Blockbuster and Walmart.

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PSN Gets The Simpsons Demo

If you want to give EA's new Simpsons Game a try, then you better have a Playstation 3, as there is currently a playable demo for it on the US Playstation Store, sizing in at just under 700MB.

It's the first time that the Playstation 3 has landed a significant third-party demo before Microsoft's Xbox 360.

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Sony Cut Price of PS3 Again, Introduce 40GB Unit

Sony have confirmed that they will be slashing the pice of their Playstation 3 console yet again, this time down to the price of £349 for the 60GB "Full" unit, and will still come with a Sixaxis pad and 2 first-party games.

They also announced the long speculated introduction of yet another SKU, the 40GB version for only £299. This will include just the console and a Sixaxis pad, but expect retailers to start bundling games and random Blu-Ray movies to make it look more attractive, as you will definitely need persuading if you wish to buy this console, seeing as Sony have removed a few features from this unit.

The first is not major, but still a loss - 2 USB ports from the front of the console. Next, the memory card reader (which was able to read a handful of various cards) has also been taken out. The most surprising loss to the new unit is the ability to play backward compatible games (PS1 and PS2), and will make owners of the PS2 hesitate at the idea of not being able to play their older games.

All in, the prices are very attractive, and if yo have no inclination of playing last generation games, and want a Playstation 3 then this price is very attractive. Comparing it to the Elite, which is the same price as the 40GB version it seems like a bargain, especially considering that the Playstation 3 also comes with a built-in Blu-Ray player.

The price drop and 40GB unit will start rolling out on October 10th. Now if only the console had some good games.

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LocoRoco Cocoreccho available on PSN

If you have a PS3 and have nothing to play, head over to the Playstation Store and download Locoroco Cocoreccho.

It costs only £1.99 and lets you roll over 200 different Loco's around the artistically styled setting of the Loco world.

LocoRoco Cocoreccho is basically a glorified screensaver which uses the Sixaxis motion sensing capabilities to allow you to move the Loco's around. And for the barganious price of £1.99, no PS3 owner should refuse!

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PS3 Rumble Controller Confirmed

IGN have confirmed that they have been using a rumble version of the Sixaxis PS3 Controller at EA's Press Event prior to the start of the Tokyo Game Show (which opens tomorrow).

The controller is exactly the same as the Sixaxis, except that it is obviously a bit heavier and has a "RUMBLE" sticker at the bottom.

No name has yet been announced for the device, but a formal announcement is expected by Kaz Hirai at Sony's Conference tomorrow.

It's a big u-turn since Sony stated that rumble was a 'last generation' feature back in February.

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Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Details

Sony and Polyphony have announced details of the forthcoming Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. The prequel to the full game will be released on both Blu-Ray as well as through the PSN by the end of this year.

It will include forty cars including vehicles by Lotus, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Ferrari for you to race on tracks Eiger Nordwand, the London City Track and Suzuka.

More importantly though, Prologue will be the first Gran Turismo to go online, with support for up to 16 players alongside worldwide leaderboards and a newly announced feature, Gran Turismo TV, which allows you to watch motorsport and manufacturers content. You will also be able to access information on cars and manufacturers through the Online Dealership, all done exclusively through the PSN.

This certainly sounds interesting, and it seems to be that Polyphony are taking Gran Turismo 5 in a whole new direction, and making it the definitive car game.

Hit the jump to watch a trailer of the game.

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PlayTV Coming To PS3

Sony have announced a new accessory for the PS3, which brings the console closer to the companies hopes of it being an entertainment hub. Aptly named PlayTV, the accessory allows you to watch, record and replay digital television, all in high definition video.

If that wasn't enough, if you have a PSP, you will be able to use the Remote play function of the console to stream your recorded videos on the move.

PlayTV is currently only announced for European territories, and will be available sometime next year.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

PlayTV Unlocks Free Digital TV On PlayStation 3

Watch, record and replay TV shows on demand

Turn PS3 into a digital personal video recorder and record programmes to watch anytime, anywhere

Leipzig, 22 August 2007. At Games Convention today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced the introduction of PlayTV, a combined TV tuner and Personal Video Recorder (PVR) for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™). PlayTV will be available in UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain early in 2008, with other PAL territories to follow in due course.

Designed to reinforce PS3's rightful place in the Living Room at the heart of the home entertainment needs, the twin channel TV tuner peripheral and PVR software turns PS3 into a state of the art TV recorder, allowing users to watch, pause and record live TV. PlayTV will also record individual programmes or whole series1 to the PS3 hard drive for viewing later on the family TV, or for transferring to the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) for remote viewing outside of the home.

Operating on the widely available Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T) format, PlayTV uses an incredibly quick and easy to use 7-day Electronic Programme Guide EPG2. that provides the navigation for programming the PVR features of PlayTV.

In line with PlayStation's focus on advanced technology made easy, PlayTV provides a host of added value features seldom seen on anything but the highest cost standalone PVRs:

· PlayTV's two TV tuners are High Definition ready and are able to view, record and play back High Definition signals in full HD1080P to fully complement PS3's already impressive High Definition credentials.

· Unlike the electronic programme guides found on conventional satellite and cable services, PlayTV's EPG is lightning fast, and simple to use with either PS3's SIXAXIS™ wireless controller or the BD remote control to really enhance viewing pleasure.

· Intuitive controls, single button help features, tutorial videos and simple navigation make PlayTV a positive joy to use compared with the complexity of some standalone PVR models

· Seamless connectivity with PSP allows you to set recordings, watch Live TV and recorded TV programmes remotely on PSP via a Wi-Fi connection (using Remote Play feature). Alternatively, quickly transcode recorded TV shows for high quality viewing to PSP by USB cable for remote viewing away from the home.

· Optional on-screen graphical display provides a wealth of information about the status of PlayTV and provides quick access to programme information, stored TV programmes and the controls to pause or record live TV. PlayTV will also set the correct interface for either Standard Definition or High Definition displays, maximising the viewing experience.

· PlayTV will evolve with time, with great added value functionality being updated via PLAYSTATION®Network; a feature that sets it above all other set top boxes. PlayTV will never be out of date.

"The introduction of PlayTV really will extend the already broad entertainment credentials of PS3, and makes it an exceptionally attractive proposition for the whole family," said David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. "PS3 already provides High Definition gaming, Blu-ray Disc movies, music, video, photo album, web browsing and PLAYSTATION Network support. With the introduction of PlayTV's state of the art TV tuner and PVR functionality, PS3 is now the best choice of home entertainment hub for the whole family.

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2KGames Announces Mafia 2

2KGames announced today that they will be releasing a sequel to the popular gangster game Mafia, on "next generation consoles".

The game will be set in the same era as the original, a 1940-50's fictional city filled with gun-fights, car chases and everything else you associate with gangsters, just don't expect the Godfather to bail you out of jail.

The game will feature a deep cinematic experience, a kin to a Hollywood movie, the President of 2KGames said.

We've been looking over the screenshots released and the game is looking really nice. Hit the jump to examine them yourself.

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Skate Out In September, Demo This Month

EA have announced that their new skateboarding game, Skate, will be released September 14th in Europe on Xbox 360, and on October 5th on Playstation 3.

For those who can't wait that long for it, you can grab the demo from Live Marketplace on August 15th. The demo features tutorials and gameplay challenges in San Vanelona’s community center skatepark to introduce gamers to Skate’s Flickit controls. The demo also includes the skate.reel feature where gamers can capture video footage of their skate session at any time during the demo and share the footage online at www.skate.ea.com for other players to view, rate and comment on.

Hit the jump for some new screenshots.

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GTA IV Delayed Until 2008

Some killing news just came in, the most anticipated game of 2007 (alongside Halo3), has been pushed back to the fiscal second quarter of 2008 according to Take-Two. So that's anytime between February and April 2008.

You can go read the press release after the jump if you want, but we are going to go sob in the corner.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today announced revised revenue and earnings guidance for fiscal 2007.

Take-Two is reducing its fiscal 2007 guidance primarily to reflect the movement of the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008, due to additional development time required to complete the title. The title is now planned for release in the Company's second quarter of fiscal 2008. Additionally, Take-Two is updating third quarter and fiscal year 2007 guidance to reflect the movement of Manhunt 2 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and the Wii™ out of the third quarter and the fiscal year.

Take-Two's revised guidance is as follows:

* For the fiscal year ending October 31, 2007, revenue in the range of $950 million to $1.0 billion with a net loss per share in the range of $1.25 to $1.35, excluding stock-based compensation expense of $0.25 per share; and excluding approximately $0.61 per share of charges related to the Company's reorganization expenses (reorganization expenses include $0.03 per share of stock-based compensation expense that is included in the $0.25 per share stock-based compensation expense number above), restructuring initiatives, legal expenses and other professional fees associated with the investigation of stock option grants and responses to the New York County District Attorney's subpoenas, and expenses related to other unusual legal matters. GAAP net loss per share for fiscal 2007 including all charges noted above is expected to be in the range of $2.10 to $2.20. Fiscal 2007 estimates reflect no tax benefit.
* For the third quarter ended July 31, 2007, revenue in the range of $195 million to $205 million, with a net loss per share in the range of $0.65 to $0.70, excluding stock-based compensation expense of $0.05 per share; and excluding approximately $0.15 per share of charges related to the Company's reorganization expenses, restructuring initiatives, professional fees associated with responses to the New York County District Attorney's subpoenas, and expenses related to other unusual legal matters. GAAP net loss per share for the third quarter including all charges noted above is expected to be in the range of $0.85 to $0.90.
* For the fourth quarter ending October 31, 2007, net revenue in the range of $275 million to $300 million, with a net loss per share in the range of $0.05 to $0.10, excluding stock-based compensation expense of $0.08 per share; and excluding approximately $0.08 per share of charges related to the Company's reorganization expenses, restructuring initiatives, professional fees associated with responses to the New York County District Attorney's subpoenas, and expenses related to other unusual legal matters. GAAP net loss per share for the fourth quarter including all charges noted above is expected to be in the range of $0.20 to $0.25.

Ben Feder, Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two, commented, "Obviously, we are very disappointed to reduce guidance after having previously reaffirmed it. Other than a matter of timing, the movement of Grand Theft Auto IV does not compromise Take-Two in any way. We are in sound financial condition and have a great product line up. Grand Theft Auto IV is going to be the defining next generation video game action adventure."

Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two, stated, "With Grand Theft Auto IV, Rockstar is setting a new standard for next generation video games. Certain elements of development proved to be more time-intensive than expected, especially given the commitment for a simultaneous release on two very different platforms. We all recognize that perfecting the game is vital and I can assure everyone it will be worth the wait. We owe it to the game's millions of fans, to our dedicated development team, and to our shareholders to make sure that Grand Theft Auto IV is a groundbreaking gaming experience that takes maximum advantage of next generation technology."

Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games, added, "The new consoles are allowing us to create the Grand Theft Auto game we always dreamed about. Every aspect of the game and its design has been completely transformed. The game is huge and is pushing the hardware platforms to their absolute limits. The top engineers from Sony and Microsoft are working closely with the team in Edinburgh right now, helping us to fully leverage the power of both platforms. As always, our goal is to surpass even the wildest expectations of the game's fans, and to create the ultimate high definition video game experience."

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Heavenly Sword Demo on PSN

One of the most anticipated and freshest Playstation 3 games, Heavenly Sword, has finally been given a playable demo to download over the Network.

It weighs in at just under 950MB and gives you a taster of what to expect from this hack and slash action game. You take control of Nariko, a Goddess of War if you will, who is the holder of the 'Heavenly Sword', which drains the life-force of the holder. She embarks on a journey to defeat King Botan and his army before the Sword kills her.

Hit the jump to see the extended E3 trailer.

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Real Metal Gear Solid 4 Action

After what seems like forever, we are finally shown some real footage of someone playing Metal Gear Solid 4. And there is just one word that describes it: OMG.

Yes it really is that awesome.

And if you thought that the picture above is of Cyborg Ninja touching a statues parts, then you deserve a slap, as it is actually Solid Snake in camouflage.


If you don't have the capability to watch the amazing 15-minute long footage, then take a gander at a plethora of screenshots after the jump.

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Metal Gear Online

Konami have revealed more information on Metal Gear Online, which was hinted at by Hideo Kojima at E3. Well now it is official and Konami have revealed a few details about the game.

The new game showcases the all-new proprietary SOP system: a cornerstone gameplay mechanic that encourages players to link together with team-mates' nanomachines to build a matrix of real-time information that includes compatriots' whereabouts, battle condition, and location of nearest enemy.

Yes you read that right. It will allow a team of up to 16 players sneak away against each other.

There will be a closed Beta for the online game at starting August 20th through to September 3rd, where 3000 lucky guys (and maybe gals) will get their mitts on the demo Beta.

The application has already started, but my lack of Japanese skill has stopped me from applying. Feel free to head over to the site and apply.

No release date was given for Metal Gear Online, but 2008 would be a good year to expect it.

Hit the jump for a few screenshots of the online mayhem.

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GT5 Prologue released in October

Polyphony Digital announced at the Tokyo PlayStation Premier event today that the Japanese version of GT5 Prologue will hit PSN in October.

They showed off a few cars that will feature in the Prologue, and confirmed that it will include online play. However, the cost of the game was not revealed, but hopefully it will follow in GT:HDs steps and be a free download for all to play.

We also have a new trailer, showing more gameplay and cars, and it really is amazing to look at.

Hit the jump to see the trailer.

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E3 2007: No PS3 Price Cut for Europe, Starter Pack instead

After having slashed the price of the PS3 in America by $100 on Monday and also announcing the 80GB pack, we all thought that Sony would have a similar plan for Europe. Well, they don't. Instead, Europeans will be given a Starter Pack instead, which consists of the PS3, two controllers, Resistance and Motorstorm, all for the price of £425.

It may sweeten the purchase of a PS3, but what if you don't want those games? And what if you only need one controller?

Don't see why Sony couldn't have just cut the price instead of forcing these extras onto the consumer.

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E3 2007: Infamous Trailer

Here is the trailer of Sony's new IP, Infamous, a dark, moody third-person sandbox game from Sucker Punch. The main protagonist who's actions decide whether he turns out to be a hero or baddie, has a wooden-leg, so how on earth he can run and jump with acrobatic skill is beyond me.

Watch it after the jump and see if you can notice the similarities to another third-person action game.

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E3 2007: Resident Evil 5

Not much is known about this game, and Capcom kept all its cards hidden, except for a short teaser trailer, shown below, which shows the game being set in an African village, with African zombies. The game has been given a 2008 release, the only game shown at the Microsoft conference that will not be out by the end of the year.

Hit the jump to see the teaser.

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