Tag Archives: PlayStatioN 3

The new Kevin Butler PlayStation Move advert is awesome

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Sony have released another new Kevin Butler ad ahead of next weeks much anticipated release of PlayStation Move.

This time Kevin Butler is the Sony VP of Family Funterventions (with his very own awesome looking PlayStation VP-ehicle) and he’s promoting what the PlayStation Move can do – which in a dig at Microsoft Kinect includes ‘sitting gaming.’

Oh, and Kevin Butler also announces that he’s moving in with the family featured in the PlayStation Move ad…not that they’re keen on it. Hopefully our favourite PlayStation Exec won’t be starting anymore fires…

You can watch the new Kevin Butler PlayStation Move ad – Kevin Butler Moves In- below.


The video release comes after Sony say they’ve ‘adapted a more international perspective’ with their gaming marketing strategy than they have in the past. President and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Computer Entertainment Kaz Hirai said:

“This is a very much overseas market driven organisation. So our new perspective is very important.”

However, The PlayStation Move is likely to have slower but more sustained sales than a traditional gaming property, according to an expert Christopher Dring, Deputy Editor at trade publication MCV.

The PlayStation Move motion controller is released on September 15th in Europe then September 17th in North America.

So Train2Game, what do you think of the new Kevin Butler ad? Will you be buying a PlayStation Move? If so is it a day one purchase, or are you going to be biding your time?

You can leave your thoughts on the Kevin Butler ad, or the PlayStation Move here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

250 GB Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle confirmed

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250 Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle Microsoft has announced a 250 GB Xbox bundle, complete with their new motion controller Kinect, will be released on November 10th.  That’s means the 250 GB Xbox bundle will be the released the same day Microsoft Kinect is released in Europe, and…say it through gritted teeth… just in time for Christmas.

The 250GB Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle – complete with game Kinect Adventures – will cost £299.99. The bundle of course contains a camera for the 250GB Xbox 360 slim that you’ll get with it too.

Microsoft say the 250GB Xbox 360 Slim and Kinect bundle will be limted edition, so if any Train2Game students want to get their hands on one, well you may have to be quick about it.

Of course, if you already own an Xbox 360 or an Xbox 360 slim, you’ll be able to buy Kinect hands free motion controller for £130 in the UK.

Some launch titles for Kinect for Xbox 360 include Kinect Sports, Kinect Adventures, Kinectimals and Kinect Joy Ride.

Microsoft will be hoping the Xbox 360 250 GB console and Kinect bundle will prove successful enough to catch up to PlayStation Move sales, with the Sony motion controller being released on September 15th. Reviews for PlayStation Move have generally been positive.

So Train2Game, are any of you buying Kinect when it’s released on November 10th? Could the 250GB Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle tempt you? Perhaps you’re planning to buy PlayStation Move instead?

Or are just not interested in any type of motion controller at all, be it for the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3? Would you rather get your hands one of the recently announced new Xbox 360 controllers?

You can leave your thoughts on the 250 GB Xbox 360 & Kinect bundle, or motion controllers in general here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Microsoft announce Xbox Live price increase

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Microsoft has confirmed that subscription prices for Xbox Live will be going up from November 1st.  The price increase for Xbox Live was confirmed by Major Nelson in a blog titled Price change for Xbox LIVE Gold subscription

The good news (sort of) for UK Xbox Live subscribers is that the price will only be increasing if you pay for your Xbox Live membership on a monthly basis. Does anyone actually pay for Xbox Live every month?

From November 1st, Xbox Live members who buy pay buy their Xbox Live Gold subscriptions monthly will see the price increase from £4.99 a month to £5.99 a month. That’s a whole £1 people. Does anyone actually pay for their Xbox Live membership on a monthly basis?

The good news for every other Xbox Live subscriber in the UK is that Xbox Live membership costs for 3 month Live subscriptions and yearly subscriptions won’t be changing and remain unchanged.

If you’re an Xbox Live subscriber in the United States, you’ll see the biggest price rises with monthly Xbox Live subscription costs rising from $7.99 to $9.99, Three month Xbox Live Gold membership fees rising from $19.99 to $24.99, while the yearly cost for Xbox Live Gold membership goes up from $49.99 to $59.99.

The increase in Xbox Live  Gold membership fees is the first price increase since Xbox Live was introduced onto the original Xbox all the way back in 2002.

So Train2Game students, how do you feel about the increase in price of a subscription to Xbox Live? If you’re paying a monthly fee, will this encourage you to pay for a yearly membership? Or do you think this is a money making ploy by Microsoft?

Could it push you towards the free PlayStation Network?

Leave your thoughts about the increase in Xbox Live subscription costs here on the Train2Game blog or on the Train2Game forum.

Gran Turismo 5 & New PlayStation 3 models release dates revealed by Sony at GamesCom

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Sony have revealed the release date of Gran Turismo 5 and announced new 160GB and 320GB PlayStation models during their GamesCom 2010 Press Conference. We also got a surprise Resistance 3 announcement among plenty of other PlayStation 3 related reveals.

The long awaited Gran Turismo 5 will finally be released in the UK and Europe on November 3rd. Gran Turismo 5 will feature over 1,000 fully licensed cars and over 70 racing circuits – including the Top Gear  test track! The release date of November 3rd means Gran Turismo 5 will be released in the UK and Europe one day after it’s available in the United States.

The US release date of Gran Turismo 5 was announced earlier this year at E3, where we also found out that Gran Turismo 5 would also be fully 3D compatable.

The November release date of Gran Turismo 5 means that the much anticipated racing title will be out shortly after the new 160GB and 320GB PlayStation 3 models which have been revealed during the Sony GamesCom presentation.  The massive 320GB PlayStation 3 will be available in Europe from September 15th at a price of £284.99 which will include a PlayStation Move starter pack. The 160GB PlayStation 3 will be available in October for £249.99.

The question has to be asked, why would you buy the 160GB model when you can have a 320GB PlayStation with double the hard drive space AND a PlayStation Move starter pack for just £35 extra!

In other news, Resistance 3 has been revealed thanks to a trailer during the Sony Press Conference. Unfortunately, the live action footage doesn’t really tell us anything except that Resistance 3 is currently in development. Other game trailers revealed by Sony included big titles in the form of  Infamous 2, LittleBigPlanet 2, and Killzone 3.

We were also treated to other announcements including a new four player cooperative Ratchet & Clank game and the fact that MAG will be PlayStation Move compatible.

So Train2Game, what are your highlights of the Sony GamesCom press conference? Is it Gran Turismo 5 finally getting a release date? The new 160GB and 320GB PlayStation 3 models? Resistance 3 perhaps? Or maybe it’s something completely different?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum

EA’s GamesCom Presentation: The Big Announcements

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EA have made several big announcements and revealed some impressive trailers during their presentation at GamesCom 2010.

The big news is that Mass Effect 2 will be released on the PlayStation 3 in January next year, while Bioware also showcased an impressive looking Dragon Age 2 trailer. Dragon Age 2 is due for release on March 11th 2011, will apparently be more responsive to players controls and will be featuring a revamped artistic direction.

EA also revealed that The Sims 3 will be released on the PlayStation 3 on October 26th and will include new ‘karma’ features and an achievement system.  Not only that, but The Sims Medieval, an all new stand alone Sims title is scheduled for release in March next year.

The Sims Medieval will allow life simulation enthusiasts to give their Sims quests and even partake in duels.

We also discovered that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be Kinect compatible. (Kinect’s UK launch date was earlier confirmed as November 10th) The announcement was made through making the guys who play the Weasley twins in the film demonstrate the game. The motion controller was used to cast different types of spells and looks like it could be the first ‘hardcore’ Kinect title on the Xbox 360. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released in November.

There were also gameplay Demos for Dead Space 2 and Need for Speed Hot Pursuit which were both rather intense. EA also showcased a Medal of Honor video which featured elite soldiers explaining how their work as consultants is helping develop the war themed first person shooter. Medal of Honor is released on October 15th 2010.

So Train2Game, that’s a quick round up of the big announcements from EA’s GamesCom presentation. What news stands out from the news? Is it Mass Effect 2 on PlayStation 3? Dragon Age 2? Or perhaps it’s The Sims Medieval or even Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows being Kinect compatible!

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

New LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer released…and it looks adorable.

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Sony has revealed a new LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer on the PlayStation Blog, and it looks very promising indeed.

The Adventure trailer – for that is its name – shows some of the new tools and abilities at Sackboy’s disposal which includes commanding Sackbots, flying a spaceship, throwing enemies and using bouncy jump pads. You’ll need to use them all as you play through 50 levels in order to save Craftworld from the evil Negativitron.

Of course, the customisation tools available meant, LittleBigPlanet was more than just a platformer, and Media Molecule’s sequel just gives players even more options in this area. Not only can you create your own levels, you can create your own games. It’s something that every PlayStation 3 owning Train2Game student – especially the Games Designers – really should be looking into.

LittleBigPlanet 2 is due for release in the USA on November 16th, with a European release date rumoured to be coming at the upcoming GamesCom.

Still not convinced by it? Then check out the LittleBigPlanet 2: Adventure Trailer here below. If you don’t feel all warm inside then you probably have a heart made of stone.

So Train2Game, what do you think of the video? Of course, you like what you see, but what is your favourite new feature? And do you have any ideas for LittleBigPlanet2 levels or games?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

Microsoft defends Kinect price

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The Kinect motion controller is ‘very competitively priced.’ That’s according Microsoft UK Marketing Manager Brett Siddons who also says out that Xbox 360 device offers a full multiplayer experience when compared to its rivals.

Speaking at the Kinect stand at an Amazon event, Siddons told Techradar:

“The price thing itself depends on how you look at it, its £129.99 RRP but it comes with a game within that price – so Adventures will be packed in with the camera.”

“If you buy it with the console which normally costs £149.99, [the package price is] £249.99 with the Kinect and the games – another 100 pound on top.

“The camera tracks six people – with two active gamers – you don’t have to buy anything else.

“I’ll let you do the maths but when you say Nintendo Wii or PlayStation Move you buy this and this, even for a two player games.

“What do you need and what do actually have to spend for a two player game for this device versus that device. You actually find that [Kinect] is very competitively priced.”

TechRadar helpfully do ‘the maths.’  They point out that while a basic PlayStation Move pack consisting of a controller and a PlayStation Eye costs just £49.99, buying another motion sensor controller and two sets of navigation controllers for multiplayer games brings the PlayStation Move price up to £150. Of course, Sony could still announce other packages before Move is released.

It appears Mr Siddons wasn’t asked why Kinect costs more in the UK than in the United States. If the price was directly converted from the $150 US price, Kinect would cost £95. It’s very unlikely that VAT on its own adds the additional £35.

So, Train2Game universe, do you agree with the Microsoft UK Marketing manager that Kinect is competitively priced. Or do you think the PlayStation Move, or indeed, Nintendo Wii offers more value for money? And what do you think of the difference between the UK and US prices?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

Why LittleBigPlanet 2 could be the Train2Game students dream.

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LittleBigPlanet 2 will launch in the United States on November 16th. Sony have yet to announce when it’ll be released in Europe but it’s likely to be in the same mid-November slot. The follow up to the highly successful 2008 original will most likely be on the wish list of many PlayStation 3 owning Train2Game students.  Why? Well, a little lesson about the concept behind LittleBigPlanet will reveal all.

To the outsider, LittleBigPlanet may just look like your standard – if beautiful looking – 2D platformer. However, the story mode formed part of the game with, Guildford based indie studio Media Molecule focusing major parts of it around user generated content.

You see, LittleBigPlanet’s tagline was (and still is) ‘Play. Create. Share.’ and symbolised how the game was designed around the sharing of content. The simple to use, but effective, level designer allowed gamers to create their own levels and share them with the rest of the LittleBigPlanet community online. There are some amazingly creative level designs out there, with fans creating levels based upon almost anything you could possibly think of. You’re highly cute – and customisable – Sackboy could one minute be running and jumping through an impressively rendered version of the Mushroom Kingdom, before you load another community level and put him through his paces in Sonic’s Green Hill Zone. (Of course, the latter looks just that little bit better while using outfits from the official Sonic costume pack)

LittleBigPlanet’s sharing ethos meant that aspiring Game Designers – like Train2Game students – could put a level together for fun, then if it was successful, seeit played on and rated by thousands of fellow gamers. LittleBigPlanet 2 looks set to allow gamers to be even more ambitious through not only letting them design their own levels, but entire games. Demos have shown the LittleBigPlanet 2 creation tools being used to create real-time strategy, role-playing, puzzle, and racing games.

Being able to use LittleBigPlanet 2 to create whole games is something every Train2Game student – be they Game Designer, Game Developer or Game Artist & Animator – should probably be taking an interest in. For a start, using the LittleBigPlanet 2 creation tools would provide students with some great practice in building games. But that’s just the start, if someone just happens to build an excellent game that gets positive reviews from other players, it could be the start of something big. Adding ‘Created game played by over 100,000 people’ to your CV can only be a good thing, right?

So when LittleBigPlanet 2 is released – presumably in November – will you be using it to create games? Do you think it’s possible an aspiring Games Developer could use it to catapult themselves to the big time? Did you create any levels using the creation tools of the original?

As usual, leave your comments here or on the Train2Game forum. We’ll leave you with a LittleBigPlanet 2 video that was shown at Comi-Con. Are you impressed?

Want to make games for PlayStation Home?

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You'll be able to do much more than this soon.

Sony has formed a partnership with independent game label Codename which will see a series of indie titles released exclusively on PlayStation Home. Some of these new games are being produced by ‘undiscovered first-time developers’

Therefore, perhaps it’s possible that a studio formed by Train2Game Games Designers, Games Developers and Games Artist & Animator students could be released through PlayStation Home in future? It could happen you know.

Of course, some of you may be completely unfamiliar as to what PlayStation home actually is. So what is it? Well it’s designed for online social gaming on the PlayStation 3. You design your own avatar  – and their house – wander around the environments, meet people and play social games like bowling and chess for example. Cynics might say it’s just an attempt to mix Second Life and the popularity of Xbox Live avatars. What do you think of PlayStation home?

Personally, I haven’t used Home since it was introduced in 2008, and generally prefer to use a PC over a PlayStation 3 console for online games. However, there are large numbers of people that use PlayStation Home, with Sony stating there are over 14 million active users.

Anyhow, back to the games. They’ll be made by indie developers – which could be you in future – from all over the world, and there are four titles that’ll be released in the coming months:

Dueling Gentlemen, created by Odd Gentleman, players strategize the right moves on a giant stage in Home’s Plaza, to outsmart opponents and win this old-time battle for honor and prestige.

Minor Battle, created by Peanut Gallery, winner of the IndieCade 2010 Audience Award, a team-based game where two teams run around a cube of four screens to beat each other in a capture-the-flag style platformer.

Super Awesome Mountain RPG, created by Codename, a blend of tabletop board games and fantasy RPGs, where players ascend a fantastical mountain in Home’s Central Plaza using a custom animated figurine.

Cogs in 3D multiplayer, a multiplayer version of Lazy8’s diabolically clever Steampunk-style game, this gear-based puzzler will also be a dynamic public spectacle in Home’s Central Plaza.

They sound quite interesting don’t they? And they’re just the first of many that will become available to PlayStation Home users in future. Founding Codename partner Jesse Vigil is excited by the new partnership with Sony.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with PlayStation Home to create and develop games that step outside the parameters of traditional game development and we’re really looking forward to the creative opportunities that lie ahead.”

“Our model of pulling together teams of developers and allowing them to make their creative dreams a reality has only one main tenet — any game created for PlayStation Home is graphically and visually entertaining to both play and watch, at the same time.”

So Train2Game students, would you jump at an opportunity to develop games for the PlayStation home? Do you think it has the possibility to provide an indie developer with their big break? Or do you think that the whole scheme will be forgotten about in the near future?

As usual, you can leave your comments here or on the Train2Game forum.

Sony E3 Press Conference – The key announcements

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Like  Microsoft’s presentation before it, Sony’s press conference not only saw key titles get release dates, but also full details on their own motion controller – the PlayStation Move.

In surprising – but welcome on this side of the Atlantic – twist, the PlayStation Move will be available in Europe on September 15th this year, four days before it’s released in the United States. The motion controller and PlayStation eye will be available in a bundle for €59.99 – a price in pounds sterling is yet to be revealed, but it’ll be much lower in cost than Microsoft’s Kinect.

Speaking at the E3 press conference, Sony President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America Jack Tretton, added that 40 developers are currently working on Move titles. Hopefully some of these will be innovative games, and the type that Train2Game students – be they a Games Designer, Games Developer, or Games Artist & Animator – would be proud to work on.

In non-Move related news, several of the PlayStation 3’s flag ship titles we’re given release dates including the long awaited – and long delayed lest we forget! – Gran Turismo 5. The racer will be available in the USA from Novemer 2nd with a trailer revealing the Top Gear test track as one of the circuits. Jack Tretton also revealed that the game will be fully 3D compatible.

In other PlayStation 3 games news, Killzone 3 will be released in February 2011 – slightly earlier than thought, while it was announced there will be PS3 exclusive content for Assassin’s Creed’s Brotherhood, Medal of Honour and Dead Space 2. There were also new details about the much anticipated Little Big Planet 2.

However, perhaps the biggest surprise of the show so far, was that Valve’s Gabe Newell himself appeared on stage to announce that Portal 2 will be coming to the PlayStation 3. It’ll be connected to Valve’s powerful Steamworks service with the PlayStation 3 being the only system doing so. It represents a huge turnaround for Gabe Newell – previously one of Sony’s consoles biggest critics. While on stage he joked “I’d like to thank everyone at Sony for their hospitality and not repeatedly punching me in the face.”

So, that’s a quick round up of Sony’s E3 Press Conference? Are you impressed? If so what are you looking forward to? As usual, leave your comments here or on the Train2Game forum.