Rockstar announce Agent exclusive game for PlayStation 3

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, announce Agent.

Developed by the people behind Grand Theft Auto, Rockstar North, Agent will be available exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

"We have always enjoyed making action games, and with Agent we are making what we believe will be the ultimate action game," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "Agent is a game we have wanted to make for a long time. The team in Edinburgh is doing an amazing job combining intense action, atmosphere and story in a great period setting to create something that feels quite unique. We cannot wait for people to experience this game."

Agent takes players on a paranoid journey into the world of counter-intelligence, espionage and political assassinations during the height of the Cold War at the end of the 1970s.

Karaoke Revolutionvideo game on Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced it will return to the singing genre, with the advent of Karaoke Revolution, an all-new sing-along title for PLAYSTATION 3 and Wii which will be released in November.

Developed by Blitz Games, Karaoke Revolution allows up to 16 players to get together and take each other on in singing contests in an ongoing quest for fame! Perfect as either a solo game or a multi-player get-together, the new game offers 50 licensed tracks, with players charged with hitting a range of notes and earning points as they do so. The better they sing, the more they are rewarded, and the more opportunities are available to them.

Karaoke Revolution offers a number of key game modes, including a Party option for 16 users, which allows participants to compete against each other and create bespoke playlists. The PLAYSTATION®3 version will also feature wide-ranging online play, allowing users to compete with rival singers all over the globe and can also download additional tracks in the future. Similarly, Karaoke Revolution’s online elements also allow users to download additional venues, plus new clothes and accessories.

Solo players can also enjoy Career Mode, wherein players can create their on-screen persona and lead them to singing glory. During the user’s career, players start in a series of smaller venues, before unlocking bigger stages and accessories. Karaoke Revolution has ten new venues, each boasting elaborate themes and special effects, with amazing pyrotechnics and visual effects designed to complement the onscreen action. Similarly, players can customize up to six venues, and even play music videos behind their character on a jumbo screen!

Karaoke Revolution enjoys compatibility with all available wireless and USB microphones, and the PLAYSTATION®3 version enjoys full use of the EyeToy camera.

ModNation Racers video game PlayStation 3 E3 Fact sheet

Exclusive to the PLAYSTATION 3 system and developed by United Front Games, ModNation Racers is the newest installment to PlayStation’s innovative Play, Create and Share genre. ModNation Racers is a thoroughly fresh take on classic kart racing that empowers the player to personalize their entire game. Players can express themselves by creating their own Mod character, styling their own racing kart and even building – in just minutes – an imaginative track that can be shared with the rest of the PlayStation community via the free PlayStation Network service.

The easy-to-use editing studio tools make this creative process accessible to players of all levels. Not feeling creative? ModNation Racers presents a humorous story with a wealth of pre-made characters, karts, tracks and challenges for all players.

Race It
ModNation Racers is fun and competitive kart racing re-imagined. Redefining the kart racing genre, the processing power of PS3 allows for interaction with dynamic obstacles in the surrounding environment, the fun of real-time physics and handling in a speedy kart, free online play and more. Drive your kart against enemy AI, friends in your living room, or friends and foes online on the PlayStation®Network. The team at United Front Games’ successful history with racing games ensures the core racing game play is best in class.

Mod It
Players can express themselves in ModNation Racers by designing an imaginative Mod character and crafting a cool kart that insures a stylish drive around the track. Additionally, players are given simple and accessible tools to create any track they can dream up. They can spend mere minutes designing a circuit or hours perfecting it with the same tools the developers used to design the pre-made tracks. To start creating, players simply drive their kart and watch the track created in real-time behind them. They can add hairpin turns, rickety bridges or other elements to the race track, or even include environmental components like a stunning sunset, full mountain ranges and more.

Share It
Once players are happy with their track designs, Mod character or tricked-out kart, they can share and race these creations with the rest of the world online via PSN. Furthermore, players can download others’ unlocked creations, mod them, and then re-upload to the ModNation Racers community. ModNation Racers gives players the ability to rate and comment on others’ creations, and see how their track ranks within the community. With all this accessible editing and re-editing, players will have access to a constantly changing array of user generated characters, karts and tracks. Sophisticated social networking components, filters and leaderboards ensure the community’s best and favorite creations rise to the top and are easy to find.

KEY FEATURES

Customized Karting Experience – Whether the player is a race car driver, a newcomer to videogames or an aspiring game developer, they can show their talents off in ModNation Racers. The power of creation is in the player’s hands.
Accessible Creation Tools – ModNation Racers includes easy creation tools in the Track Studio, Character Studio and Kart Studio that allow the player to design something comprehensive and fun in a matter of minutes. Players can invest minimal time and enjoy basic creating, or they can invest more time and make sure every lake, mountain, banked turn and power-up is placed perfectly.
Classic Kart Racing Action – ModNation Racers delivers exceptional kart handling and physics technology on PS3 that makes for fast and fun racing. Players can drift their karts around corners, boost for more speed, attack opponents with weapons and interact with the world around them.
Story Campaign – The humorous story of ModNation Racers sees the player rise up to become an elite racer. The narrative, tutorials, challenges, and rewards reveal all the key features.
Game Modes – In addition to the Story Campaign, other single and multiplayer player modes will let players show off their skills in varied challenges with their favorite characters and karts.
Extensive PlayStation Network Options – Features include matchmaking, detailed stats and leaderboards, Friends List management, communication tools, etc.
Vinyl Art Style – Inspired by urban vinyl art, ModNation Racers sports a stylish and attractive look and design for young and old players alike.
User-Generated Content – User generated content in ModNation Racers will keep this karting world fresh and alive so that every race is a new and fun experience.
Vote for the Best – Players can participate in the karting community in ModNation Racers by voting on any creation as they view it and race it
Attacking and Offensive Driving – Winning the race is only half of the fun! Players can use combat-like racing strategies to attack other karts with an array of dramatic weapons. For those interested in focusing solely on racing, ModNation Racers has a Pure Race mode.
Trophy Support – ModNation Karting supports a host of fun and challenging trophies to collect along the way.


Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: United Front Games
Platform: PLAYSTATION®3 system
Genre: Arcade Racing / Play, Create and Share
Players: 1-2 (offline), 2-12 (online)
Launch Year: 2010
Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

PSP software development Providing a Lower-cost Game Development Environment

Sony Computer Entertainment announce that it is reducing the price of the Development Tool models DTP-T2000A and DTP-T2000, the hardware necessary for developing PSP (PlayStation Portable) software titles, to JPY150,000 in Japan, US $ 1,500 in North America and €1,200 in Europe/PAL territories effective immediately. By offering PSP Development Tools at a very attractive price, SCE will provide a more affordable game development environment for a broader range of developers and publishers, further enhancing the software lineup for the PSP system.

As of March 2009, cumulative worldwide sell-in units of the PSP system exceeded 51.6 million units, a remarkable milestone for the first handheld platform from the PlayStation® family. To further grow the installed base of the PSP system and to enhance its software line-up, SCE will also provide ProDG for PSP, a highly acclaimed powerful programming tool which helps to improve productivity of software development, as part of PSP Software Development Kit*1 without an additional charge. Also effective today, Testing Tool models DTP-H2500A and DTP-H2500, the tools utilized for quality assurance for PSP titles under development, will also become available at an affordable price of JPY100,000 in Japan, US $ 1,000 in North America and €800 in Europe/PAL territories. By providing a lower-cost game development environment, SCE will contribute to meet the needs of various game development styles and accelerate software development for the PSP system.

As part of the measures to support a broader range of developers and publishers to create varieties of small software titles, SCE will aim to provide a development environment within this calendar year that will allow creators to develop more casual, exciting and attractive content to be made available for the ever growing PlayStation®Network users around the world by streamlining the process from license agreement to publishing for small, download exclusive software titles.

SCEI will deploy various measures to further reinforce game development for PSP and will continue to expand the platform to offer attractive interactive entertainment experiences only available on PSP.

*1 Software Development Kit is a set of development tools and software libraries. Developers are able to obtain this SDK by signing a license agreement with SCE and by purchasing tool products.

God of War III video game E3 Fact sheet

Developed exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) system, God of War III is the final installment of the multi-million unit-selling trilogy.

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Santa Monica Studios, God of War III will bring epic battles to life with stunning graphics and an elaborate plot that puts Kratos at the center of carnage and destruction as he seeks revenge against the Gods who have betrayed him.

Set in the realm of brutal Greek mythology, God of War III is a single-player game that allows players to take on the climatic role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos.

As he scales through the intimidating heights of Mt. Olympus and the dark depths of Hell to seek revenge on those who have betrayed him. Armed with double-chained blades, and an array of new weapons and magic for this iteration of the trilogy, Kratos must take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest to destroy Olympus.

Utilizing a new game engine built from the ground up and state-of-the-art visual technologies, the development team behind God of War III has made standard-setting strides in giving players the realistic feel of actually being on the battlegrounds. With texture resolutions quadrupling since God of War II on PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, God of War III, in its debut on the PS3 system, will feature fluid, life-like characters, as well as dynamic lighting effects, a robust weapon system, and world-changing scenarios that will truly bring unmistakable realism to Kratos’ fateful quest. Players will have a chance to join battles on a grand scale that is four times larger than its predecessor.
FEATURES
ONLY ON THE PS3 SYSTEM - The award-winning development team leverages the processing power and technology of PLAYSTATION 3 system to make God of War III one of the most-graphically advanced next gen titles available, with even the dramatic cut screens running off the in-game engine.
GROUNDBREAKING DEPTH OF SCALE – Kratos will explore areas up to 4 times larger than those found in God of War II, as well as carve through entire armies while navigating on the back of Titans - living, moving, breathing levels as tall as the Empire State Building.
STYLIZED REALISM – Players will battle in detailed and unique 3D worlds lit by thousands of dynamic lights and textures with quadruple the resolution, which allows for realistic muscle striations, detailed facial expressions, and new heightened levels of brutality and gore.
SIGNATURE GAMEPLAY - Brutal combat, intricate puzzles, exploration of awe-inspiring worlds, and a compelling and satisfying ending to Kratos’ epic story.
SOPHISTICATED STORYLINE – The God of War III storyline is the epic conclusion to the triology; the storyline will be told in a way that is true to traditionalist roots in Greek mythology, from moral consequences to brutal battles against the Gods.
RIDEABLE CREATURES – Several of the menacing creatures of Greek mythology in God of War III can now be manipulated against their will, as Kratos uses them to cross chasms, inflict blind rage against enemies, reveal puzzles and secrets, and as tools of complete annihilation.
NEW WEAPONS AND COMBAT SYSTEM - New deadly weapons such as the Cestus - powerful metal gauntlets with devastating strength - and other brutal instruments of war that will allow Kratos to learn ruthless new techniques such as grappling with enemies and launching explosive wall-to-ground attacks.
LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES – The dynamic lighting solution employed in GOW III is only feasible through the computing power provided by the Cell SPUs. For example, using the High Dynamic Range Lighting (HDRL) technology, the camera – when using Krato’s sightline - will emulate the human retina, causing players to feel a sharp brightness when Kratos exits a dark area and enters a sunlit area, similar to how the human eye would need to adjust.

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA)
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studios
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3)
Genre: Action-Adventure
Players: Single-Player
Release: March 2010
Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

PlayStation network expands - Video and Game Content for the PSP PlayStation Portable) and PLAYSTATION 3 systems

Sony Computer Entertainment announce a major enhancements to PlayStation Network, expanding on SCEA’s commitment to give users a comprehensive entertainment experience.

The video delivery service for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system launches today in coordination with a new line-up of premier Hollywood, Anime and Sports partners.

In addition, Media Go, a free application that makes it easier to manage digital content including games, photos, videos and music for the PSP system through a PC will also become available. These enhancements give new entertainment possibilities for PSP system owners, providing direct downloadable access to games, demos and trailers, as well as movies and television shows via the PlayStation Store on PlayStation Network. New game content will also be added to an existing library of more than 200 downloadable games on the PlayStation Store today, including much anticipated titles Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake, Gravity Crash, Hustle Kings and more than 60 PS one® Classics hitting the PlayStation Store by the end of the year.

“PlayStation Network has experienced a high growth year and today we’re excited to add new content partners such as Showtime, G4 & E!, Magnolia Films, and TNA to our family. In addition to extending our content offerings and expanding with new features like Media Go, we continue to bring relevant and compelling content via original games and programming to our users,” said Peter Dille, senior vice president marketing and PlayStation Network, SCEA. “Gamers will be pleased to find new games for all genres and interests with original titles Fat Princess and Gravity Crash, in addition to many PS one Classics such as Final Fantasy VII coming to PlayStation Network this year.”
Video Delivery Service

PSP system users now have direct access to PlayStation Network’s video delivery service, where they can download their favorite movie and television programs and take with them on-the-go. In addition, the video delivery service is announcing content from 16 new premier partners in Hollywood, anime and sports. Hollywood content partners include Showtime Networks Inc., Starz Media, – for Film, TV and Manga Anime, G4 and E!, Summit Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, HDnet and Magnolia Pictures. Anime partners include, Anime Network, Media Blasters, Right Stuf's Nozomi Entertainment, Starz Media’s Manga Entertainment, Toei Animation, Viz Media and WEP. FUNimation Entertainment will also be a part of a new anime category on the video delivery service. Sports partners include HDNet Fights, UFC, Wrestling from TNA and Video Action Sports.

Premier Hollywood content will include hit films such as Overture Films “Righteous Kill,” Summit Entertainment “Twilight” and The Weinstein Company “Zack & Miri Make a Porno.” PlayStation Store will also feature TV shows such as Showtime Networks Inc.’s “Dexter,” E!’s “The Soup,” G4’s “X-Play” and Starz Media’s “Painkiller Jane.” A new anime channel will also launch in both the TV and film sections of the video store and will feature the best in anime content, including Anime Network’s “Appleseed,” Starz Media Manga Entertainment’s “Dead Space.” Toei Animation’s “Fist of the North Star,” Viz Media’s “Naruto” and WEP’s “Voltron.” Some of the new sports content will include bouts from HDNet Fight’s “Inside MMA,” wrestling from TNA’s “iMPACT!,” UFC PPV events and Video Action Sports’ “That’s It, That’s All.”

With the addition of these new partners, the video delivery service will have nearly 1900 movies and 9400 TV episodes, covering reality, mixed martial arts, sports, anime, manga and animation genres. For one price, PlayStation users can watch standard definition (SD) video content from the comfort of their home television on the PS3 system or at their convenience on-the-go with the PSP system. PlayStation Store offers a combined total of nearly 9,000 hours of video content, with more than 35 % percent of the movies in High Definition. Through the PS3 and PSP systems users can access a unique three-in-one entertainment package unlike any other – the ability to enjoy high-definition Blu-ray movies, groundbreaking games, and downloadable video content from one platform and one service.

With the launch of the video delivery service for the PSP system, Media Manager for PC is being replaced with Media Go. Media Go is a free application that makes it easier and more convenient for consumers to manage their PSP games, photos, videos and music on their PC and provides access to PlayStation Store.

Games
Several PlayStation Network titles for both the PS3 and PSP systems were announced at E3, adding to the robust lineup of over 200 downloadable games available for PlayStation Store. For the PS3 system, Gravity Crash from developer Just Add Water melds a vintage gravity based arcade shooter with High Definition (HD) graphics, and Hustle Kings, from VooFoo Studios, is the PS3 system’s first photorealistic billiards simulator. For the PSP system, Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake brings a fun and strategic medieval battle royale unlike anything seen before on the portable system. In addition, the PlayStation Store will deliver more than 60 PS one Classics by the end of the year and will launch Final Fantasy VII and Medal of Honor on PlayStation Store today.
Starting this fall, many PSP titles that will be launched on UMD will also be offered digitally on PlayStation Store in North America. This will add nearly 300 games from the PSP system’s library available for download through PlayStation Network.

PlayStation Network is built on a legacy of gaming and continues to expand into a premier entertainment platform with innovative and compelling content options for people to enjoy on multiple devices.

About PlayStation Network
PlayStation Network is an entertainment network that unites people and innovative entertainment to deliver captivating experiences worldwide. In addition to offering new and original forms of entertainment, PlayStation Network supports free and community-centric online gameplay, communication tools, and PSP (PlayStation Portable) and PLAYSTATION 3 systems connectivity. As of the end of May 2009, PlayStation Network has more than 24 million registered accounts worldwide.

Gran Turismo video game E3 PSP Fact sheet

From the development powerhouse that has shipped more than 52 million units worldwide.

Polyphony Digital Inc.(PDI), the award-winning Gran Turismo franchise is now on PSP(PlayStation Portable) for the first time.

Developed exclusively for PSP by the internal team of designers and engineers at PDI, Gran Turismo is built for optimal performance and fun racing excitement on the portable platform. Consistently setting the bar in terms of quality of design and physics technology with every product release, Gran Turismo on the PSP is no exception and offers an authentic and accessible racing product for the series’ millions of fans and newcomers alike.

Gran Turismo features more than 800 vehicle models from the world’s top manufacturers (over 4,500 total paint variations) and more than 30 tracks (60+ total layouts), including famous world circuits, city courses and other environments. Featuring exciting gameplay and game modes to suit all levels of play, Gran Turismo is a great introduction to the best-selling series for newcomers. Additionally, seasoned Gran Turismo fans will recognize the depth of content and unparalleled visuals the series is known for, including graphics running at a stunning 60 frames per second. Gran Turismo is truly a next generation PSP title.

Players can progress and acquire cars in Challenge Mode throughout more than 100 events in, or they can explore different tracks and circuits in Arcade Mode. Additionally, players can race online in Ad Hoc Mode against up to 3 others (4 total) via the PSP’s built-in ad hoc functionality. The first in the Gran Turismo series is the ability to trade and share unlocked vehicles with others online via ad hoc mode. This feature is not available in any other racing game on PSP.

Available on UMD® and as a downloadable product via PLAYSTATION®Network, Gran Turismo will be available in North America just after the October 1, 2009 release of the newest member of the PlayStation®Portable family, the PSP go. The PSP go is the smallest and sleekest PSP system to date and leverages PlayStation Network and digital content exclusively. UMD support guarantees that all PSP owners can play Gran Turismo on the go.

KEY FEATURES
• Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. for PSP – Gran Turismo’s debut on PSP is developed by the internal team behind the world’s best-selling racing series.
• Over 800 vehicle models – Players can race their favorite vehicles from the top manufacturers around the globe, including Ferrari, Nissan, and more. The vehicle model count climbs to over 4,500 when the various paint configurations are included.
• Over 30 Tracks from Around the World – Famous circuits and some of the favorite environments from the Gran Turismo series have been optimized for racing on PSP.
• Share and Trade Vehicles with Others – For the first time in the Gran Turismo series, players can share and trade the vehicles they have acquired throughout the game with others via PSP’s ad hoc mode. Certain vehicles will be acquired by trade only, so players will want to trade and share in order to virtually drive all of the meticulously designed vehicle models.
• Dynamic Vehicle Roster – Based on the amount of time Gran Turismo is played, the in-game calendar will change the dealer car lineup seasonally.
• Available via UMD and PlayStation Network – Offering convenience, choice and options for owners of the original PSP or the newly announced PSP go.

About Gran Turismo™
With more than 52 million units shipped worldwide, the award-winning Gran Turismo™ franchise for the PlayStation®, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 and now PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) is regarded as the best and most authentic driving simulator ever created due to its true-to-life graphics, authentic physics technology and design. Since the inception of the Gran Turismo franchise, famed creator Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony Digital Inc. in Japan have revolutionized the racing category as we know it today. His offerings provide the most realistic driving simulation in the industry and a unique medium for automotive manufacturers to showcase their products.

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: Polyphony Digital Inc.
Platform: PSP(PlayStation Portable) system
Genre: Racing / Driving Simulator
Players: 1 -4 players
Release: October 1, 2009
Rating: “E” for Everyone

Dark Void video game Fact Sheet

Dark Void is a sci-fi action-adventure game that combines an adrenaline-fuelled blend of aerial and ground-pounding combat. Set in a parallel universe called "The Void," players take on the role of Will, a pilot dropped into incredible circumstances within the mysterious Void. This unlikely hero soon finds himself swept into a desperate struggle for survival, joining forces with a rebel human group called The Survivors. Trapped in the Void, these resistance fighters are battling to hold off a mysterious alien race that plans to threaten Earth.

Dark Void's unique combination of jetpack-booster aerial dog fighting and third-person combat creates a thrilling new gameplay dynamic to the third-person shooter experience. Taking 3D action to a whole new level, Dark Void's unique vertical combat system allows players to dangle from thousand foot drops as they take cover and hurl enemies to their doom, bringing a whole new sense of tension and thrill to the player. Will is also equipped with a powerful rocket pack which allows for fierce in-air combat, hurtling through the Void at blistering speeds while shooting down anything that gets in his path.

Features

* Sci-Fi action/adventure combines aerial and on-foot combat for a totally unique third-person shooter experience
* Will's jetpack delives total freedom of movement allowing players to race against UFOs in high-speed chases and rain death from above onto unsuspecting otherworldly foes
* Speed and scale unmatched by any other action title: send Will zipping through tight corridors and then out into immense canyons and futuristic geoscapes
* Gravity-defying vertical combat system, where moving up is the only way to bring your enemies down
* Seemless transition between jetpack flight, ship-to-ship dog fighting and third-person shoot-'em-up action all exists within the same level not broken up into different "areas"
* Unique grip system that allows the players to scale walls by jumping from surface to surface and hijack UFO's while in mid-air
* Huge bosses that require fast reflexes and aerial barnstorming manoeuvres to defeat
* Developed by Airtight Studios, a new group featuring team members from the Crimson Skies series of video games

Just Cause 2 - It's Rico Time! video game Xbox 360 and PS3

The is no such thing as a vertical limit

Just Cause 2, from Avalanche Studios, will be showcasing the latest code demo of the hotly tipped action sequel. Set on an Island Paradise, Just Cause 2 is an explosive open-world adventure of insane, adrenaline-fuelled stunts and action. Using the grapple and parachute combo, Just Cause 2 has no vertical limit and takes to the air like no other game. Just Cause 2 will be behind closed doors and strictly by appointment only.



Rating pending, Just Cause 2 will be available on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows, and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

XBOX Live Awarded with Guinness World Record for the Most Popular Online Console Gaming Service

Los Angeles-Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition's editors Gaz Deaves and Matt Boulton attended the Microsoft party at The Standard Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on Monday evening, to award XBOX Live with the official record for the Most Popular Online Console Gaming Service, with 20 million active subscribers, representing 67% of the total install base as of May 2009. The certificate was presented to XBOX Live's Director of Programming, Major Nelson and General Manager, Mark Whitten.

This record is set for inclusion into the 2010 Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition which launches early next year. The book itself contains a comprehensive guide to gaming and will feature the latest gaming records, the history behind gaming, and interviews with key figures in the industry.

The presentation marks the beginning of a series of record attempts and certificate presentations at E3 Expo which will all be going into the 2010 Gamer’s Edition.