Tag Archives: Sony

Train2Game hands it to Sony over Vita development gifts for indies

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It’s entirely possible that some Train2Game students could end up developing games for the upcoming PlayStation Vita in future.

At least that’s the case if one or more students end up working for an indie studio looking to develop on the handheld console.

Indie studio Rubicon has confirmed to Gamasutra that Sony are handing PlayStation Vita dev kits to small game developers.

“I can confirm that Sony was generous enough to loan us some kit, and that’s one of the many reasons why I big them up every opportunity I get.” said Managing Director Paul Johnson.

“They really do seem to have gotten behind smaller developers, based on my own experience and from talking with other small devs, and I think they should be saluted for it.”

“We’re entering a new era in which digital downloads can be translated into mass market sales for smaller operators – once only the preserve of the big boys.”

Johnson noted that the PlayStation Vita dev kits aren’t for keeps but “are just loaners – we have to give them back when we’re done.”

Last month the Train2Game blog reported that Sony wanted to see more support for indie developers.

As an industry, we have to support those smaller teams, and let them try out their ideas, without doing so, the whole industry will stall, in terms of innovation.” Said Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida.

The PlayStation Vita – previously known to Train2Game blog readers as the NGP – featured prominently in Sony’s E3 conference.

“PlayStation Vita will revolutionise the portable entertainment experience,” said Sony CEO and Exeuctive Vice President Kaz Hirai  “It gives you the most complete entertainment package in the palm of your hands.”

For more information about the PlayStation Vita, see the full report on the Train2Game blog.

So Train2Game, is it a positive move that Sony are loaning dev kits to indies? Would you like to develop for a handheld such as the PlayStation Vita in future?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Gamasutra]

Train2Game news: Sony want industry support for indie devs

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Tran2Game students may be pleased with the latest comments to come from Sony; they are that the games industry should do more to support digital indie developers.

The comments come directly from Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida.

As an industry, we have to support those smaller teams, and let them try out their ideas, without doing so, the whole industry will stall, in terms of innovation.” he told Develop.

Speaking about how Sony have already provided digital platforms for indies with the PlayStation Network, Yoshida said

“Having the capability to sell their games on the network is key to giving those smaller teams an opportunity to come up with ideas, and sometimes invest their own money to come up with something special and have their projects meet with millions of users.”

Encouragement from one of the top people in the games industry is sure to please Train2Game students, but he isn’t alone in saying indies should be supported by bigger developers.

Earlier this year, the Train2Game blog reported that Peter Molyneux wants up and coming game developers to receive more support.

“I wish people in the press would focus on some of that up and coming talent, because there isn’t enough focus on it in my opinion” he said.

“People like Marcus Persson who did Minecraft, he’s a fantastic person to talk to, and I think Minecraft is a complete work of genius.”

People like Marcus – and there are some people in the social side – I feel there’s a real talent there. I think the triple AAA titles will continue to improve, but I dearly wish that things like the [Develop] 30 under 30, that pull people out of obscurity, were noticed a bit more.” Molyneux added.

So Train2Game, are you encouraged by Sony stating they want to support digital developers? Can you see yourself producing games for a Sony platform in future?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Develop]

Train2Game E3 news: Sony offer the hardcore

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PlayStation VitaWhile the Train2Game blog reported that Microsoft’s conference focused on Kinect and the more casual audience, Sony very much focused on the core audience.

The biggest news to come from the event – despite the being leaked beforehand – were details on Sony’s new handheld, the PlayStation Vita, previously known to Train2Game blog readers at the NGP.

The news was confirmed by Sony CEO and Exeuctive Vice President Kaz Hirai who not only revealed the official name for the PS Vita, but also that the handheld console will launch in time for Christmas.  Two models will be available, a Wi-Fi only version of PS Vita for €249, while a Wi-Fi and 3G version will retail for €299. There are no UK specific prices as of yet.

“PlayStation Vita will revolutionise the portable entertainment experience,” said Hirai. “It gives you the most complete entertainment package in the palm of your hands.”

Sony confirmed that there are ‘more than 80 titles’ in development for the PS Vita, with big name titles including Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Bioshock and a handheld version of Street Fighter vs. Tekken. Train2Game students may very well be excited by the hardcore nature of games for Sony’s handheld.

The Sony E3 conference also saw the company push their other new technology: 3D Television and specifically 3D gaming.  The company revealed a (relatively when compared to others) low cost PlayStation branded 3D TV with a 24 inch monitor. The PlayStation TV will allow two players to see separate images on a full screen.

The PlayStation branded 3D TV will cost $499, with the price including cables, 3D glasses and Resistance 3.  Sony obviously have a vested interested in 3D – given that they produce the televisions! – but earlier this month proclaimed that Uncharted 3 will be a huge step towards gaming becoming mainstream, as reported by the Train2Game blog.

Bioshock Infinite will be PS Move compatible

Uncharted 3 was one of a number of PlayStation exclusive titles that was demonstrated during the Sony show.  God of War and Team Ico HD collections were dated for later this year, while Sly Cooper will also return after a seven year absence.

Sony’s conference however wasn’t completely free of motion control news, with PlayStation Move implementation being announced for a number of titles.  Perhaps most sensationally, Irrational Games KenLevine himself revealed that Bioshock: Infinite will be PlayStation Move compatible.

The development came after Levine had previously criticised motion control. Unfortunately, there are no details as of yet how Bioshock: Infinite will use PlayStation Move.

Sony also revealed that LittleBigPlanet 2 – a game that many Train2Game students should be familiar with – will receive ‘deeper integration’ for PlayStation Move later this year.  SCEA boss Jack Tretton said that the Move controller will be able to be used to both create and play LittleBigPlanet 2 levels, but didn’t reveal how this would be done.

And in other Sony news, it’s been revealed that in a world first, Eve-connected shooter Dust 514 will be a download only PlayStation 3 exclusive that’s free to play.  The Triple-A title will be connected to PC game Eve in real time and it’ll be supported by a microtransaction based system.

“The ability for Sony Computer Entertainment to partner with a developer like CCP, known for pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the MMO genre, holds tremendous potential for the PlayStation 3 community,” said SCEA SVP Rob Dyer.

“We anticipate that Dust 514 will transform the landscape across PlayStation 3 and the PC, ushering in a new era of shared cross platform gaming.”

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Sony conference? Are you pleased with the focus on the hardcore? Are you impressed by the PlayStation Vita or PlayStation monitor? How do you think Bioshock: Infinite will implement move? And are you interested by the free Dust 514?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Ubisoft want next-gen consoles ‘sooner rather than later’

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Earlier this year, the Train2Game blog reported that job listings suggested that Microsoft was looking to start work on their next console.

Now, while there’s still no information at all about anything called an Xbox 720 – as much as those on Train2Game courses want news! – Ubisoft want the next generation of games consoles to come ‘sooner rather than later’

“I’ll leave that up to Microsoft and Sony to say for certain.” Said Ubisoft UK boss Rob Cooper when asked by MCV when Sony and Microsoft may reveal the PlayStation 4 or Xbox 720.

“But I’d echo something Yves said earlier this year: there have been tons of technological advances since the last round of consoles was released, and we’d love to see those advances included in new consoles sooner rather than later.” He said

“That’s because the sooner we have the next generation of consoles to build on, the sooner we can leverage those advances to create the next generation of video games.

“The peripherals and the updates to the existing generation have been great, but it’s typically new consoles that really spark innovation from publishers and the demand from customers.” The Ubisoft publishing boss added.

In March, the Train2Game blog gave you a taste of what the next-gen might look like thanks to the Unreal Engine ‘Samaritain’ demo. Any Train2Game student interested in the future of gaming (That’s all of you) should have a look.

So Train2Game, do you think we’ll see the next generation of consoles in the next few years? Are they needed to spark innovation? Or is there enough excitement in the games industry right now?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: MCV)

Dragons Den: The Official Game launched on iPhone and iPad

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Train2Game course providers DR Studios, in conjunction with Sony Pictures Television’s formats arm, 2waytraffic, have launched the first ever mobile game to be based on hit reality TV show Dragons’ Den.

Designed for Apple devices, the Dragons’ Den game will launch internationally via the Apple App Store on April 21 2011, priced at $1.99/€1.99/£1.79 for iPhone and iPod Touch, and $2.99/€2.99/£2.79 for iPad.

The Dragons’ Den game will offer budding business minds the chance to experience what it’s like to be a Dragon by watching virtual pitches for real life inventions and working out the goldmines from the flops. The game also replicates the rivalry of the show as players compete against virtual Dragons for their chance to sign the next big deal.

Stephan Zingg, VP of Interactive and Consumer Products at 2waytraffic, said: “We are very proud to release the first mobile product based on this high profile show. Developing new ways for audiences to interact with their favourite television series is crucial to brand building and this game replicates the Dragons’ Den experience perfectly.”

Clive Robert, Managing Director of DR Studios, added:  “We’ve always been huge fans of the show, so the opportunity to create an official Dragons’ Den game was something we just had to do, we’re really looking forward to the launch of the game as we’ve created some really neat features but have stayed faithful to what Dragons’ Den is all about: entrepreneurialism at its very best.”

Dragon’s Den is a television brand distributed globally by 2waytraffic on behalf of Japanese creator NTV. More than 30 international versions of the television series have now been produced including in the UK, Canada, Ireland, The Netherlands, Poland and the US, where ABC has just launched its second season (known locally as Shark Tank). The format features entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas in order to secure investment finance from a panel of venture capitalists.

Other product lines developed by 2waytraffic for the Dragons’ Den format include books and board games.

‘PlayStation Phone’ coming in April

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Train2Game PlayStation Phone blog image

Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Play – previously known to Train2Game students as the PlayStation Phone – will be launched in the UK this April.

Mobile phone providers Orange, T-Mobile, O2 and Vodafone all say they’ll be selling the Sony branded phone which is powered by Android. Inside sources quoted by technology blog Pocket Lint point to an April release for the device. PR Manager for Orange UK Conor Maples confirmed the news via Twitter.

“Yes we are due to take the Xperia Play in April” he said.

The Xperia Play features PlayStation branded buttons and is reported to run the PlayStation Suite platform, allowing users to download PSone and Android games.

The PlayStation Suite was revealed last week alongside the NGP, the device formerly known as the PSP2.  The Xperia Play and NGP are separate devices but will both run on Android.

Sony has confirmed the Xperia Play will get an official unveiling, along with full technical details, on Sunday February 13th at 18:00 during the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona.

However, you can check out the ‘PlayStation Phone’ in action in these videos on the Thoughts of Train2Game blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Sony Xperia Play? Are you interested in the device? Will you get one come April? Or are you perfectly happy with your current smartphone, be it an Apple or Android system?

As usual, you can leave your thoughts here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum. Alternatively, you can leave your comments on the Train2Game Twitter account.

Train2Game, in association with DR Studios and the University of Bedfordshire, will be holding a Game Jam at the end of March. For more information, see the official Train2Game Game Jam website or the Train2Game Game Jam Facebook page. Alternatively, keep an eye on the Train2Game Game Jam Twitter account.

Sony want NGP to ‘match install base’ of PSP

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Sony has stated they expect the upcoming NGP – formerly know to Train2Game students as the PSP2 – to equal the sales of its predecessor. That’s according to Sony Computer Entertainment President Kazuo Hirai who told the PlayStation Blog:

“One of the things we want to accomplish with the NGP is match the install base that we have on PSP worldwide.”

“Over and above that try to go beyond that. The fact that we’re working hand in hand with the worldwide studios internally but also with a lot of the third party publishing partners already. That, combined with some of the exciting features, is a really strong combination to really match the install base we have for PSP and certainly go beyond that as well.”

Hirai also told the PlayStation blog that Sony have long term plans in place for the handheld.

“Whether it’s a homebased console like the PS2 or PS3 or a handheld like the NGP, it’s very important that we have a stable platform that is in it for the long haul.

“Once [the consumers] invest in our products, it doesn’t go by the wayside in two years or three years, but they are able to really enjoy that particular console for a very long time.

“It’s my expectation that NGP is going to have a similar sort of lifespan in the portable space as well.”

The President added Call of Duty would be a big thing for the NGP.

Train2Game blog readers can watch the interview with Kazuo Hirai below.

Sony are also keen to use the NGP to break into the casual gaming market. Train2Game blog readers will know that social gaming is set to pass the $1 billion mark this year!

The NGP was officially revealed last month, and you can take an in depth look at Sony’s new handheld on the Thoughts of Train2Game blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Sony NGP? Will it surpass the sales of the PSP? Do you think the new handheld will have a long lifespan?

As usual, you can leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum. You can also let us know your thoughts via the Train2Game Twitter account.

Train2Game, in association with DR Studios and the University of Bedfordshire, will be holding a Game Jam at the end of March. For more information, see this Train2Game blog post or the Train2Game Game Jam Facebook page. Alternatively, keep an eye on the Train2Game Game Jam Twitter account.

Kinect can’t do a good lightsaber game says Sony engineer

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Lightsaber battle

The man behind the PlayStation Eye thinks the upcoming Star Wars game for Kinect won’t be up to much.

SCEE Software Engineer Anton Mikhailov told Eurogamer that “There’s no way Kinect can do a good lightsaber game”.

And while Sony and Lucasarts have yet to announce a Star Wars compatable game for the PlayStation move, Mikhailov boldly claims “It’ll be damn better than Kinect’s.”

When asked about the possibility of a PlayStation Move Star Wars game, the SCEE Software Engineer replied: “I’m not in the product planning division so unfortunately I can’t tell you much more about that, but technologically it’s 100 per cent feasible.

“We can overlay objects over the controller in AR. You’ve seen that in Start the Party, and swords are a really popular one. The fidelity is certainly there to do all sorts of Star Wars kid-style action. You can very well do the lightsaber.”

He went on:

I’m usually not very aggressive, but I will say it’ll [Move’s Star Wars game] be damn better than Kinect could ever do.

“There’s no way Kinect can do a good lightsaber game. Just never. Unless they give you a stick. If they give you a stick then they can do OK, but then they’re going to ruin their whole no controller motto.

“I’ve seen the demo but it’s so scripted, and wasn’t it like, faked?

“Technologically I find it hard how you can do a lightsaber, because there are so many ambiguities, and it’s nearly impossible to track the angles of your wrists.

“I can sort of see them doing it, like hold your hands together and move like this [holds them out in front of his body], and then from the x, y, position and for the angle. If anyone’s listening, you guys should try that. That would probably work all right.”

Earlier this month, Sony said that the PlayStation Move has greatly exceeded expectations.

So Train2Game, what do you think about the Sony mans comments? Is he right? Is the PlayStation Move naturally more suited to the motion control required for swinging a lightsaber around? Or is this just pure trolling of Microsoft and the Xbox 360?

You can leave your thoughts on a PlayStation Move Star Wars game here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

LittleBigPlanet 2 Controlinator Featurette

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LittleBigPlanet 2

Media Molecule has released another trailer for LittleBigPlanet 2, and once again it introduces a new feature.

This latest trailer introduces The Controlinator, which is arguably looks like the most important new feature in LittleBigPlanet 2. It’s a new gadget that lets Sackboy steer and control any new creation or mechanical object in a variety of different ways. In LittleBigPlanet 2, the controlinator will let sackboy drive, race, dig and fly any creation. The controlinator looks to be a key feature not just in the creation of levels, but in making whole new games.

You can check out the 1960’s style science programme controlinator featurette below.


The controlinator is just one of many new features that has been added to LittleBigPlanet 2. Previously we’ve seen how the Creatinator will allow Sackboy to shoot or spawn any item, while Bounce Pads give him a whole new way to move around levels.

LittleBigPlanet 2 will also see the introduction of Sackbots, which can be used to help or hinder the player in community created levels.  The game is truly shaping up to offer players plenty of scope for creating not only unique levels, but whole new games.

Interesting creations we’ve seen during the LittleBigPlanet 2 beta test include re-imaginings of games from classics like Dogfight and Street Fighter, but also more recent titles including Portal.

Train2Game students would be well advised to pick up a copy of LittleBigPlanet 2, not only to help their creative juices flow, but because Media Molecule have a record of hiring community designers who’ve made outstanding levels.

You can get an insight into what working for LittleBigPlanet 2 creators Media Molecule is like, by taking a look at the development of Sackboy.

LittleBigPlanet 2 is scheduled for release on January 18th and will be PlayStation Move compatible.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the controlinator? Do you think it’s the biggest new addition (so far…) to LittleBigPlanet 2? How do you think you’ll use it?

You can leave your thoughts about LittleBigPlanet 2 here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Gran Turismo 5 ‘can’t match adrenaline rush of F1 2010’ say Codemasters

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Gran Turismo 5

You may have noticed that Gran Turismo 5 has finally been released today, but Codemasters say it can’t match up to the adrenaline rush of their own F1 2010.

Codemasters CEO Rod Cousens told CVG that while Gran Turismo 5 is a “phenomenal product” the realism could take away from the excitement of the game.

“GT5 is going to be a phenomenal product, with the time and investment Sony have made in it, You can have a technically phenomenal game, but you can also have a game concept that doesn’t really appeal [to some racing fans] and could be accused of – and you have to be careful how you write this – of being boring.”

“We don’t have that problem. We feel the adrenaline rush that we’ll always provide in F1 will not be matched by anyone else. You’re going to have all the cars, all the tracks and all the worldwide locations – not to mention the best strategy, and the best damage, as far as we can. If you’re an F1 fan, you don’t need to go anywhere else for that.”

HMV are currently offering Gran Turismo 5 for just £4.99 if you trade in a copy of F1 2010, could this be an attempt and trying to stop gamers trading Codemasters product in for one of their rivals?

F1 2010 took the top spot in the UK Charts when it was released towards the end of September.

So Train2Game, do you think Cousens comments are true? Has too much effort been put into making Gran Turismo 5 a simulation, and therefore making it less fun?

Can passing a faceless driver in a Nissan be as thrilling as overtaking Michael Schumacher or Fernando Alonso at one of the famous F1 circuits? And are you still playing F1 2010?

You can leave your thoughts about Gran Turismo 5 and F1 2010 here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum