Cost of making PlayStation 3 drops 70% say Sony

The manufacturing costs of the PlayStation 3 have dropped by 70 per cent, Sony Corp CEO and executive vice president Nobuyuki Oneda has revealed.

Speaking during a conference call for overseas investors following Sony's Q1 2009 results, Oneda revealed the company is on track to meet its cost reduction forecasts.

"The cost reduction since we introduced the PS3 is very substantial and this is on schedule," said the exec when questioned on the console's manufacturing figures. "We don't disclose how much of the PlayStation 3, specifically the cost deduction, was achieved during the past two years. But that is on schedule."

When pressed further for specific figures, Oneda replied: "About 70 percent, roughly-speaking."

Exact manufacturing costs for the PlayStation 3 haven't been made public by the company, however it was estimated the console originally cost Sony $800 (£485) per unit when released, resulting in a loss on every one sold.

In January 2008, reports indicated that manufacturing costs had been reduced by 50 per cent to around $400 (£243).

A further 70 per cent drop on this figure would suggest costs now sit at around $240 (£146) per unit. A figure which could indicate room for the widely rumoured price cut due later this year.

The 80GB PlayStation 3 currently retails for £299.99; $399.99 (£243) in the US.

Source: GamesIndustry

Justu Attacks for Naruto Shippuden Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 gameplay trailer

TOMY unveil the first gameplay trailer for NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 revealing footage of the new special jutsu attacks for Naruto and Temari as well as previously unseen special jutsu for new characters Deidara and Granny Chiyo, as featured in the game. Each character within the game comes equipped with unique special jutsu attacks, enhancing the lightning-speed versus fighting action with beautifully rendered cinematic finishing moves.



Exclusively for the Nintendo Wii, the classic 3D fighting game features new and improved gameplay mechanics, more than 35 characters, multiple gameplay modes, and for the first time, Wi-Fi multiplayer functionality.

About NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3
NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 is an exciting new fighting game based on the hit NARUTO Shippuden animated series from VIZ Media. Exclusively for Wii, the 3D fighting game features new and improved gameplay mechanics, a plethora of gameplay modes, and for the first time, Wi-Fi multiplayer capabilities. The game follows the storyline of NARUTO Shippuden and features more than 35 characters who have been upgraded with new looks and character-specific jutsu moves. The game also offers 40 3D environments to choose from, including nine completely new stages.

NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 hits stores November 16, 2009 for the Nintendo Wii for $39.99 SRP.

This is Spinal Trap comes to Rock band Plus tracks from Black Sabbath and Foo Fighters for Wii and songs from Jane's Addiction and Styx for Rock Band

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced they will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the theatrical release of This is Spinal Tap, by making available newly recorded versions of the songs featured in the cult classic film and its 1984 soundtrack album. The songs will be available in the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content next week on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii system. With the addition of the Spinal Tap tracks, the Rock Band music platform now offers more than 800 songs to consumers via disc and download, and has surpassed more than 50 million paid downloads to date.

Additional tracks from Black Sabbath and Foo Fighters will be available in the Nintendo Wii Rock Band Music Store, and tracks from Jane’s Addiction and Styx will be available for Rock Band Unplugged.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 Systems and Wii Console

The 11 songs that comprised the film’s original soundtrack were recently re-imagined and newly interpreted by the band for its latest CD Back From The Dead. The end result is that England’s Loudest Heavy Metal Band, Spinal Tap, has never sounded better. Back From The Dead also features six brand new songs including “Back from the Dead,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Nightmare” and “Warmer Than Hell” which are already available in the Rock Band Music Store and an hour-long DVD featuring band commentary. This is Spinal Tap is now available on Blu-Ray from MGM Home Entertainment.

Tracks available on Xbox 360 and Wii (Aug. 4) and PLAYSTATION 3 system (Aug. 6):

Spinal Tap “(Funky) Sex Farm”
Spinal Tap “(Listen to the) Flower People (Reggae Stylee)”
Spinal Tap “America”
Spinal Tap “Big Bottom”
Spinal Tap “Cups and Cakes”
Spinal Tap “Gimme Some Money”
Spinal Tap “Heavy Duty”
Spinal Tap “Hell Hole”
Spinal Tap “Rock ‘n’ Roll Creation”
Spinal Tap “Stonehenge”
Spinal Tap “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight”

(All tracks are original master recordings from Back From The Dead recording sessions.)

These tracks will be available for purchase as part of the “Spinal Tap’s TAP TEN” or as individual tracks on Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems.

Price: $1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track
$17.99 (1440 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for “Spinal Tap’s TAP TEN”
$2.00 USD, (200 Wii Points) per track

Wii Back-Catalog Additions
Additionally, tracks from Black Sabbath and Foo Fighters will be available Aug. 4 in the Wii Rock Band Music Store. These tracks come from the catalog of Rock Band music already released to owners of Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system. With the addition of these tracks, there are now more than 450 tracks in the Wii Rock Band Music Store.

Additional tracks available for Wii (July 28):

Black Sabbath “N.I.B.” *
Black Sabbath “Sweet Leaf” *
Black Sabbath “War Pigs” *
Foo Fighters “Doll”
Foo Fighters “Enough Space”
Foo Fighters “February Stars”
Foo Fighters “Hey, Johnny Park!”
Foo Fighters “Monkey Wrench”
Foo Fighters “My Hero”
Foo Fighters “My Poor Brain”
Foo Fighters “New Way Home”
Foo Fighters “See You”
Foo Fighters “Up in Arms”
Foo Fighters “Walking After You”
Foo Fighters “Wind Up”

(* Denotes cover version)

Price: $2.00 USD, (200 Wii Points) per track

Rock Band Unplugged Tracks for PSP System
Rock Band Unplugged fans will enjoy the addition of Jane’s Addiction’s “Had a Dad” and Styx’s “Renegade” to the 25 tracks already available via the Rock Band Unplugged in-game music store for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Tracks available for Rock Band Unplugged (July 30):

Jane’s Addiction “Had a Dad”
Styx “Renegade”

Price: $1.99, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU per track on the PSP system

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change.

The Conduit video game out now on Nintendo Wii - with videos

Be the first to crack the conspiracy exclusively on Nintendo Wii with The Conduit Special Edition.

Set in the near-future of a fictional America, this fast paced shooter action allows you to battle a range of devious and cunning enemy forces in a highly detailed 3D world, using a dynamic control scheme only possible on Nintendo Wii.

For the collectors among you, the special edition comes in an exclusive embossed, metallic slipcase and includes a secret agent in-game multiplayer skin, unlockable Drone single player skin and a unique All Seeing Eye.

WET video game Highly-Stylized Shooter for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 release date September 18

Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, announce that WET will hit European retail shelves on September 18th for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The game’s highly-stylized mix of action and acrobatics is showcased on the newly revamped web site that can be found at http://wetthegame.com.



“We are extremely excited to bring WET to gamers on September 18th,” said Vlatko Andonov, president of Bethesda Softworks. “A2M has created an explosive gaming experience and the action is non-stop from start to finish.”

Developed at Artificial Mind and Movement, WET throws players into a heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping adventure of double crosses and paybacks in which they’ll take on the role of problem fixer, Rubi Malone. Use Rubi’s dual pistols or samurai sword during any acrobatic move as you take on countless enemies in a number of exotic locations around the globe.

“We’ve worked really hard to make WET different from any other action game available”, said Patrick Fortier, Creative Director at A2M. “When players experience the game’s unique blend of gunplay, sword combat and acrobatics, they won’t want to put the controller down.”

On a mission to find the man that left you for dead, you’ll master the controls that will allow you to create the most incredible fight sequences - limited only by your own imagination. Once you are able to chain together a number of moves, including sliding down ladders, running on walls, jumping and flipping, you will be rewarded with auto-lock and slow motion advantages. Featuring the perfect mix of humor and violence, WET is a third-person shooter experience unlike any other.

WET is a highly-stylized third person shooter that seamlessly blends gun play, sword kills and over-the-top acrobatics to create the ultimate interactive action experience. The game allows you to shoot anywhere, anytime. You will have the freedom to shoot while running, sliding down ladders, sliding across the floor, or performing any number of acrobatic moves. Featuring an ironic mix of humor and violence, unique retro film visual treatment, and original 70’s inspired music, WET is a third- person shooter experience unlike any other.

STORY:
When Rubi Malone, a gun-for-hire, agrees to fix a wealthy man’s problem by finding and bringing back his wayward son, she thinks the job is going to be cut and dry. She thought wrong. The job turns out to be more complicated than expected and the man who hired her isn't who he appears to be. On the run and looking for the man who betrayed her, Rubi is leaving a massive body count in her wake.

KEY FEATURES:

Three Types of Gameplay – Seamlessly combines three types of gameplay: 360 degree slip-aiming mechanics, sword fighting and acrobatic abilities.

Acclaimed Writer Duppy Demitrius – Written by Demitrius who is best known for his work on the action-packed TV series 24.

Ultimate Interactive Action Experience – Over-the-top acrobatics with constant action that features aerial sword attacks, fantastic sword skills and high body count.

Cinematographic Style – Unique retro film visual treatment with stylized over-the-top characters, an original 70’s inspired soundtrack and locations that span three continents.

New Iconic Character – Rubi combines attitude, style and killer instinct!

Madden NFL 10 East Team and Players ratings released

NFL training camps are in full swing and the release of Madden NFL 10 is only two weeks away! Will Tom Brady return to his MVP level? Will the Dolphins build on last year’s success? How will T.O. affect the Bills? Will new coach Rex Ryan lead the Jets to the post season? See how your favorite team and players will fair – according to the Madden NFL 10 Season Preview.

We continue our look at each team’s overall rating and individual player ratings with a focus on the extremely competitive AFC East division. In addition to the player ratings, a wealth of team-specific assets are now available, for both the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, and Wii versions of Madden NFL 10.

Everything culminates next week, where Madden NFL 10 will predict the 2009 NFL division winners, season MVP, and more.

To view the overall team ratings for the Jets, Dolphins, Patriots, and Bills, as well as download the complete team roster ratings, visit the official Madden NFL 10 website below:

• Madden NFL 10 Season Preview

Up next week: The Madden NFL 10 Season Preview

Madden NFL 10 will be available on the Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems, Wii, PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

My Friends! Video game on Nintendo DS Create your own world of friends with My Friends!

Create your very own 3D character and then go and explore your new fun environment. You can then create your own 3D friends and keep them happy by playing games with them and giving them gifts! The happier your friends are, the more games you will unlock… you will even unlock new locations to go and explore and play games in!

You can share gifts and friends, and also chat with up to three friends via DS Wireless Communications. Will you be able to keep your friends happy and be the best friend ever?!

This summer, let My Friends take you to a whole new world of fun & games!

My Friends for the Nintendo DS is out now!

12 must-own games for iPhone or iPod touch Essential games no Apple handheld gamer should be without

Apple gaming has come a long way in a short time, and estimates suggest there are over 13,000 games on the App Store. This means if you've just got yourself a new iPhone 3GS, 3G or iPod touch, the choice may be overwhelming.

Here is our pick of the best iPhone and iPod touch blockbuster games so far, with direct links to the App Store should a game take your fancy.

Link to games and full post here...

Disney plan epic Mickey game for the Nintendo Wii

Evidence has emerged that Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios is working on a game codenamed "Epic Mickey" for the Wii, offering a dark, steampunk-style take on Mickey Mouse and the Magic Kingdom.

Most of the evidence comes from the rumour-hunter's faithful friend - concept artists' websites - and appears to corroborate a Gamasutra report from late last year that first identified the "Epic Mickey" codename.

Tireless digger Superannuation has turned up the website of concept artist Tony Pulham, whose resumé reveals he recently joined Junction Point to work on "Epic Mickey", and identifies it as a Wii game.

Another Superannuation post unearthed some beautiful concepts for "Epic Mickey" on the website of artist Fred Gambino. Pictures show the Mickey Mouse ears adorning a gigantic, crumbling paddle-steamer, the spires of the Magic Kingdom castle perched atop a twisted tower of rock, and a semi-mechanical "Zombie Goofey" [sic].

Meanwhile, a poster on the NeoGAF forum has found what appear to be the same concepts described in the original Gamasutra report, showing more distorted, nightmarish, mechanical versions of classic Disney characters, including the Seven Dwarves. They come from the artist Gary Glover's site.

Disney Interactive Studios bought Junction Point - which Deus Ex mastermind Spector formed with several other Ion Storm alumni - two years ago. Not long after, it was rumoured - notably in American gaming magazine EGM - that Spector was working on a Mickey Mouse platform game intended to rival Mario.

Last year, Spector said that he was "tired of making games about guys in black leather carrying guns" and that "100-hour games are on the way out". He also revealed that Disney Feature Animation and Pixar were collaborating on Junction Point's game.

And there's more. In an archived Edge interview from E3 2006 - before the Disney acquisition - Spector said: "I want to do a cartoon game really bad - well, really good. People don't realise that I did my Masters thesis on Warner Brothers cartoons, you know - I used to teach animation classes, I've been a Disney stockholder since I was 19. I'm a cartoon freak, I've met a bunch of the old WB directors, and did Toon, the cartoon [pen-and-paper] RPG… And I've been trying to get somebody to let me do a cartoon game for the entire time I’ve been in the videogame business."

In that same interview, Spector even alluded to a project that sounds an awful lot like "Epic Mickey". "I did some concept work on a license with a media company that was very cartoony, and boy, we did some great work," he said. "It was the most fun I've had in a long time, maybe since Deus Ex. The work was phenomenal, and I'll never be able to show it or talk about it with anybody. But hopefully the project will happen. We were gonna let people live in a cartoon world, and it was going to be wacky."

A friend of Eurogamer also once spotted Warren Spector wearing a Mickey Mouse backpack and hoodie in public. True story.

Here's hoping Spector's paymasters at Disney allow him to realise some of the extraordinary vision hinted at by those concept images, because it's mouth-watering stuff. And a long way from the Castle of Illusion...

Source: EuroGamer

SEGA release - Aliens v Predator video game - Marine reveal trailer

Aliens vs Predator is an entirely new title for PC and high-definition consoles from acclaimed British developer Rebellion, the team behind the 1999 original PC gaming classic.

Bringing the most intense war between two of science-fictions most popular characters FPS fans, AvP delivers three outstanding single player campaigns and provides untold hours of unique 3-way multiplayer gaming.



Experience distinctly new and thrilling first person gameplay as you survive, hunt and prey in the deadly jungles and swamps surrounding the damned colony of Freyas Prospect.