A document has emerged on the internet showing the full transcript of a meeting between SEGA and SCEA at the highest level on the 5th of August and showed details of forthcoming plans for a PS2 Emulator on the PS3 and much more.
According to French website, Objectif-Sega, which got hold of the document, the old Playstation 2 games, which are not compatible with the new Playstation 3 Slim, will be available as digital downloads on Sony’s Playstation 3 console via PSN.
Microsoft has already done that through the Xbox Originals scheme and so did Nintendo with the Wii and the Nintendo DS. The document was actually leaked by SEGA admins who let a Microsoft Word Document on their public FTP for Google to spider and cache.
It has already been pulled down from the FTP site and from the French website at the request of SEGA France.
The document also revealed that the Sony may release a motion controller in March 2010 and expects five million of them to be sold. Furthermore, it looks likely that SEGA will be bringing in Dreamcast games exclusively to the PS3, shutting the door on the Xbox and the Wii.
Coincidentally, a few weeks ago there were rumours about a potential revival of SEGA’s revered gaming console which turned 10 years at the beginning of this month.
Source: http://www.itproportal.com
September 23rd, 2009
Sony’s PlayStation 3 games console is the second most popular platform for watching shows on iPlayer, the BBC has revealed.
It means that the games console is now a more popular way of catching up with missed television shows than Apple Mac computers.
A recent PS3 firmware update added improved iPlayer functionality to the console, and bought with it an increase in users. Anthony Rose, head of future media and technology at the BBC, said that PlayStation 3 users accounted for 10 per cent of all iPlayer in the week after the firmware update. Mac users accounted for 8.5 per cent of views, while PC users accounted for around 70 per cent.
He described the picture quality of the PS3 iPlayer as “almost as good as broadcast television”, and said that the “amazing” user numbers showed a real desire for on-demand television services in the living room.
“We’ll have to wait and see whether this holds up in the coming weeks, but this enthusiastic reception makes it clear that users do want iPlayer on their TV,” said Rose. “That bodes well for Canvas and other IPTV propositions.”
Games consoles, set-top boxes and mobile devices are playing an increasingly important role, as broadcasters seek new ways to deliver on-demand content to viewers. The iPlayer is already available on a number of platforms, including the Nintendo Wii and Nokia phones, and other content providers are keeping a close eye on how these services perform.
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
September 12th, 2009
Whilst sifting through the huge amounts of spam comments from my different blog posts i accidentally managed to delete those comments which were from people giving normal informative replies! I apologise over that and have now set up ‘Akismet’ which apparently blocks spam comments or something like that so approving comments should be a lot easier and quicker! Think that’s all i have to say here!
Thanks,
Ben
May 30th, 2009
Just to say that I have recently updated quite a lot on FreebieHome so that everything looks a lot more professional and also because a lot of updates needed to be made on various things on the website. I have added things like contact email, new images and other subtle changes have been made. I hope you like them and current feedback received on it all is very good so thanks to all those who have given me that and also to those who have identified grammatical/spelling errors or just general errors with the site, all of that is really appreciated!
Anyway just to add i have also created a new site called www.ipodfree.co.uk which is based on iPods you might be surprised to hear! The different iPods are the iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPod Touch, iPhone 3G so if you want to give me feedback on that too please do so!
Thank you for reading,
Admin (Ben)
May 28th, 2009
There are no plans to release the free game on either of the 2 consoles. So disappointing news for those who had their fingers crossed for release on Xbox 360 and PS3.
DICE executive producer Ben Cousins has shot down rumours that upcoming free multiplayer action title, Battlefield Heroes, is heading to Xbox 360 and PS3.
“Contrary to rumours spreading around the internet in the weekend we have no plans to release Battlefield Heroes on either PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360,” explained Cousins.
He added: “Battlefield Heroes’ mixture of free download (funded by micro-transactions and advertising) and our extensive use of the web for social features means that Heroes is tailor-made for PC.”
Battlefield Heroes is currently in a beta phase. No firm release date has been announced.
Source: http://www.videogamer.com
May 19th, 2009
Sony is trimming the cost of Playstation 3 (PS3), a home video game console, by Rs 2,000 and is also giving away free game software worth Rs 1,600. This move, hopes Sony, will take its console base from 25,000 to 30,000 by January.
Its competitor, Microsoft, claims to have a current installed base of around 25 million worldwide. Currently in India, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Core console is priced at Rs 14,990 and comes with two free games — Xbox 360 Pro and Xbox Elite. Xbox 360 Pro is priced at Rs 23,990 and comes with four free games while Xbox Elite is priced at Rs 34,990.
Microsoft has not retaliated with any price cuts, so far.
Atindriya Bose, country manager, Sony Computer Entertainment, hopes this cost reduction would quadruple PS3 sales on a month-on-month basis. “The PS3 that was priced at Rs 24,990 will now sell at Rs 22,990 with immediate effect,” said Bose.
PS3 was reportedly lagging in market due to its higher price tag and no one seemed to care that it plays Blu-Ray. “Blu-Ray is on the up with each passing month since the HD format pulled out and prices are very competitive now,” feels Bose. In January, Sony plans to launch an 80 GB Playstation console which will be at a “premium price.”
Microsoft, in a recent official communiqué, had claimed that the Xbox 360 globally outsold the PS3 by 2:1 in November sales.
Ashim Mathur, national marketing manager, entertainment and devices division, Microsoft India, says, “We have continuously introduced innovative promotions on the Xbox 360 as part of our efforts to make gaming an accessible entertainment option in India. Our pricing strategy is sensitive to regional market needs and requirements.”
Source: Business-Standard
December 21st, 2008
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) has announced that its PlayStation Home Beta service for PlayStation 3 video game console will become available for all PS3 users around the world. Following the successful completion of the closed beta service, PlayStation Home’s open beta service will continue to evolve with new features and functionality.
“PlayStation Home is truly a promising network community service on the PlayStation platform, made possible with the powerful combination of PS3’s overwhelming computational power and PlayStation Network that covers many countries around the globe,” said Kazuo Hirai, president and group chief executive officer of SCEI.
PlayStation Home is a 3D social gaming community available on PlayStation 3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming or even movie experiences. Within PlayStation Home, users can create and customize their own unique avatars and explore virtual community in real time where they can communicate freely through text or voice chat. PlayStation Home users will not only be able to enjoy variety of entertainment content such as mini-games, videos and special events along with their friends, but will also be able to create their own community by using the “Club 2” feature to create clubs with other PlayStation Home users who share the same interests. Sony’s Home has no analogues on competing new-generation video-game consoles - Microsoft Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.
PlayStation Home is available as a free download and will launch directly from the PlayStation Home icon on the PlayStation Network column of XMB (XrossMediaBar) on the PS3. Users will be able to experience basic features and services of PlayStation Home, free of charge.
Sony promises that PlayStation Home will allow open interaction among users, business partners and SCEI, and will evolve with additional features including dedicated game spaces, special events and exclusive themed items.
“We are committed to providing PS3 users with exciting gaming experiences with PlayStation Home and together with our partners and users, expand the new world of interactive entertainment as we move forward,” Mr. Hirai added.
Source: X-bitLabs
December 13th, 2008
Today, Sony announced that its PlayStation 3 virtual world Home will be officially opened tomorrow, two years after it was initially announced. The free online service is the first console-based metaverse.
Creating a whole world for PlayStation 3 users is no small undertaking. First unveiled nearly two years ago, Sony’s Home attempts to combine the online metaverse concept with the entertainment of console-based network gaming. Users create 3D avatars and home spaces where they can customize content, socialize, or play games.
After several delays, and the passing of E3 with no major announcements, the final rounds of the service’s beta testsbegan in October. Home becomes available to all PS3 users as a free download from the PlayStation Store tomorrow, but will remain in beta, according to Sony.
The ultimate point behind creating the first virtual world for a console wasn’t to compete with existing services like Second Life, or even to attract new users, according to SCEJ Vice President Junji Shoda. Like Microsoft’sNew Xbox Experience, Home is part of the gradual move toward a perpetually connected gaming environment for consoles.
Home opens on Thursday in Japan, Europe, and North America, and will be offered in eight languages with region-exclusive content and partners. In North America, for example, the service will launch with game-themed environments for Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, and Far Cry 2 spaces where users can gather and share information about those games. With partners Activision, Disney Eidos, Electronic Arts, Lucas Arts, THQ, and Ubisoft, spaces for the Warhawk, Resistance, Guitar Hero and SOCOM series will be available. In Europe, video content from Hexus TV and Eurogamer will be available. Like other metaverses, not all content in Home will be free.
Source: BetaNews
December 10th, 2008
Retailer Amazon.com on Tues. began offering a free copy of The Dark Knight Blu-ray disc and Resistance 2 Collector’s Edition with the purchase of Sony Corp.’s 80GB Playstation 3 SKU.In the one-day offer, customers who purchase the 80GBPS3, The Dark Knight Blu-ray disc, and Resistance 2 Collector’s Edition together will receive a discount of $83.95 instantly.
Retailers this month began aggressive video gamediscounts to spur holiday sales.
Circuit City Stores Inc. this week began offering a $44.99 sale on select PS3 game titles.
Amazon.com is offering $50 off the purchase of Sony Corp.’s Playstation 3, game, Blu-ray disc, and remote in a new high-definition promotion.
It is also offering a ‘Buy 2 Get 1 Free‘ Blu-ray disc promotion.
Sony released the 160GB PS3 SKU in Nov. The bundle includes a new 160GB PS3, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, PAIN downloadable game voucher, and a Dualshock 3 controller for $499.
Source: PunchJump
December 9th, 2008
A feature written by yours truly on the potential dangers of Sony’s imminent release of PlayStation Home caused a little bit of a stir among gamers. Our comments bulged with passionate and well reasoned musings that I’d like to share and discuss with you today.
What some people appeared to miss was the fact that I wasn’t criticising PlayStation Home itself, but highlighting the importance of Sony properly advertising the feature to make it a PlayStation 3 success. Gamezine reader Nick agrees;
“It’s obvious that they need to start pimping their product a lot better. More public demo’s, a lot more advertising, and possibly more included in the hardware bundles. They do those three things, I guarantee they’ll end up almost neck and neck with their competition despite the price difference.
“There’s just way too much out there for everyone to be pulled into using Home as well as the console itself. They gotta add a voice to that quiet powerhouse.”
The potential is certainly there, featuring an experience not found on other consoles. But it’s important that the service is marketed as a popular and useful “facebook” extension of PlayStation 3 gaming, rather than an avatar strolling sim that adds no value. Lia from the States hits the point head-on;
“Home can be successful if Sony advertises it properly as an extension with the PS3. I’m in the Beta and I see the potential. It’s a socializing network. Facebook and MYSpace didn’t become successful overnight. It took people to make it as successful as it is today.”
And just like MYSpace and Facebook, the service is free, simple to use and could bring gamers together. Gamezine reader Mog instils a hopeful attitude;
“I can see why people who haven’t experienced Home yet would seem a little naive about it, but I have been on the BETA now for quite some time and you can generally see limitless possibility.
“I am especially looking forward to open BETA and full release as the current closed BETA is a tiny pin point on the virtual Home world [...] I for one am looking forward to the full release and especially seeing where Home will lead over the next few years.”
Brendan from Belfast also expresses his hopes for PlayStation Home;
“I am also in the Beta and the signs are promising. I was very impressed with what is available so far. The potential is massive! And it can only get better. Lets see what happens perhaps Sony’s sleeves are not as empty as most people think.”
And yes, PlayStation Home could be a card up Sony’s sleeve if they play the hand right. Many Gamezine readers pointed out that Home’s Beta is only a small portion of what will eventually be available. If Sony correctly expands the service it could become something even more special. Gamezine reader Bob muses over an exciting proposition;
“[W]hat would be cool is if they did the Mii type thing, where the character you create can play different games. Can you imagine creating your lifelike…character, then having a game come along that lets you use that character in a first person shooter, a sports game and so on, I think it would be neat, if they can pull it off.”
Get this ready for the US and UK release of Afrika and you could take your Home avatar on a Safari trip, take some snaps and decorate your apartment with them. If Sony doesn’t expand the service, the service could fall flat, as expressed by Paul Megara;
“I am also in the Home beta and I was impressed the first day I played it. I had a blast creating my character then walking around my empty ’space’ and finally I loved walking around the central plaza with other PS3 owners.
“But over the next day or two the hype, the fun, the excitement died and I mean it just fell flat. I know its in Beta form and GOD HELP Sony’s PS3 if Home releases anything like the Beta form. Its Boring, there are not enough items to use, the stores to buy these items are like your local Grocery store the day before the blizzard of the century arrives its empty.
Sony needs to release Home soon, they only have a few more days left in December to do so and when they do Home must be fully open meaning all the clothing, all the items and all the features that we’re promised. If not then mark my words Home will die a slow and painful death from user abandonment and boredom.”
And what about that nickle and diming I mentioned? Not everything is going to be free, such as furniture, clothes and new apartments. Spoririggers compares Sony’s model to its competitors;
“What people don’t realize that have knocked the delays of Home is that Sony has the potential to leapfrog what Live has done in 6 years. We’re talking 2 years. NXE is great, but it’s not even close to the complexity of Home. It’s really not even close. NXE brags about a party system, but it’s capped at 7 other friends? How about Home with 32 friends per party? How about rooms for games with 3D interactive maps for planning?
“You talk nickel and diming? How about NXE that costs $50 a year, STILL has sh*tloads of advertising, and STILL is charging for themes, costumes, and so on. Considering Sony is doing everything for free, I think it’s fine for them to have the SAME level of charging for extras JUST like NXE.”
Sony must make money on the service, since keeping it free is crucial to its success. David Macphail from Scotland points out that advertising and third-party support could be critical to keeping PlayStation Home free;
“Home’s success all depends on third party support, IMO. I know a lot of people may disagree with me but in-game advertising in Home is CRUCIAL to it’s success. Sony NEED the money generated from having advertisements splattered all over the place in order to keep this a free service. As long as it’s free, it’ll be successful.”
Source: GameZine
December 8th, 2008
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