Photos: Playstation Business Brief 2006

View the REAL slides off Sony's presentation of the Sony's PS3:

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Sony Plans Digital Distribution of Games

According to development sources close to Sony Computer Entertainment the firm is planning a major digital distribution service for game content, which could be a key element of PlayStation 3.

The news comes from Gamesindustry.biz who have talked to several senior developers who have confirmed that Sony is looking into a digital distribution service.

[Several senior developers have confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that they have spoken informally with Sony about the question of digital distribution on consoles, although these discussions were described as being "purely about technology, not business models" by one source.

However, even the technology discussed could be very revealing regarding the Japanese giant's plans for the coming years - with one source from the development arm of a major third-party publisher claiming that Sony has been discussing the technical feasibility of providing PSone and PS2 titles over digital distribution with them.

This could indicate that Sony is hoping to provide a service for the PS3 similar to Nintendo's Revolution digital download system, which will allow users to access a back catalogue of Nintendo titles through the next-generation console.

In Sony's case the challenges may be significantly more difficult, since PlayStation titles were customarily several hundred megabytes in size, and PS2 titles spanned multiple gigabytes - compared to just a few megabytes or less for NES, SNES and N64 titles in the Nintendo back-catalogue.

However, as Internet connections speed up downloads of this size will be far more reasonable - already, several Xbox Live demos for the Xbox 360 are over 600Mb in size - and our sources indicated that Sony may also be investigating the possibility of remastering certain PS2 titles to allow them to stream later content over the network while the player is already playing early parts of the game.]

Read the full story at Gamesindustry.biz

Source: PS3 Today

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Analyst Predict Halo 3 and PS3 To Launch The Same Time

With the recent news of a Sony PS3 delay, some analysts believe a Halo 3 and Playstation 3 launch could happen simultaneously

A while back we reported that some industry insiders believed that Microsoft is waiting to release Halo 3 with the launch of the Sony PS3. With the recent developments, that rumor is once again making rounds.

According to Next Generation, a “lead analyst� from Tokyo believes that some blockbuster titles form Microsoft could be released around the same time as the Sony PS3 launch. The analyst added that the release of Halo 3 could be “quite damaging for Sony.�

A few months ago Peter Mooore dropped a few hints regarding the release of Halo 3, saying that for now MS will ride the “wave of success� with the launch of the 360, and will pull Halo 3 when the time is right.

"The good news is interestingly we're riding this wave of success [with Xbox 360] and Halo's still sitting in the quiver. Ready to pull out when we feel like it's done," Moore has said in an interview with GameInformer.com.

Source: PS3 News

PS3 Pre-Orders To Begin Within Days At GameStop And EB

With new news of the PS3, GameStop and EB could start pre-orders as soon as today.

With all of this official news including a release date period (November 2006) announced, it is now possible for GameStop and EB to begin taking pre-orders for the PS3, Sony's next-gen monster. Our source is reporting that they have learned that this will happen as soon as today in some locations. This will be up to the discretioin of the district managers as to whether or not they will start the pre-orders today or if they will wait a few more days to plan out the pre-order system a little more. Regardless within days, you will be able to drop some money on the PS3!

The units will be spread amongst the stores in a similar fashion to the Xbox 360 launch so it would be very intelligent to get your pre-order in as soon as possible. With the worldwide launch, it is almost a guarantee that the system will see shortages, especially since Sony couldn't even get enough systems for North America alone when the PS2 launched some years ago. Check your local GameStop and EB to see if they have begun taking pre-orders yet. The hype has begun for the PS3 now that these new details have emerged, so with that said, let the wait for the PS3 begin!

Source: PS3 News

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PS Biz Brief '06: Quick Recap

Here's some quick recaps to what happened at the Sony conference 2006 regarding the Playstation 3:

PS Biz Brief '06: PS3 is "Live"
Kutaragi continues to hype PS3's experience.

PS Biz Brief '06: PS3 Online Details
Sony finally unveils Live competition.

PS Biz Brief '06: Final PS3 Dev Kits in June
Kits coming sooner than we thought.

PS Biz Brief '06: PS3 HDD Required
It's 60GB and Linux too.

PS Biz Brief '06: Blu-ray Disc Production
PS3 to use Blu-ray exclusively - no games DVD.

PS Biz Brief '06: PS3 Worldwide Release
It's official. Details and more inside. Now updated with more info!

PS Biz Brief '06: No Games on Display
Sony focuses solely on hardware news

Sounds impressive? Why not get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!

PS Biz Brief 06: Kutaragi's PS3 Promise

Sony confirms next-gen release schedule to be explained.

A quick look at the PS Business Brief.

Sony Computer Entertainment officially kicked off its 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing just moments ago. SCE President Ken Kutaragi took to the stage almost immediately following the press conference's start and apologized for all the PlayStation 3 speculation that has taken place over the past few months.

"It is my aim," Kutaragi said, "To clear things up about the PlayStation 3 today. The PS2, the PS3, the network, and Future Cell Network, this will all be addressed."

Following his opening statements, Kutaragi also announced that more than 100 million PS2 systems have shipped worldwide in addition to more than 1 billion copies of 6700 different titles.

Source: IGN

All PS3 titles will ship on Blu-Ray discs

Sony has announced that all PS3 titles will be required to release on Blu-Ray discs in order to assist in their anti-piracy initiatives. This will not negatively impact DVD Movie playback or Backwards compatability. This will undoubtably result in higher costs for game disc production for the first year or two but should help hold off the rampant piracy that has occured on the PS2 and PS1.

Source: PS3 Portal

PS3 100% Backwards Compatible - High-Def PS2 and PSOne Games

Sony today announced that not only is the PlayStation 3 to be 100% backwards compatible, but all legacy titles played on the system will be displayed at high-definition resolutions. The Xbox 360 currently does the same thing and the result on that end is much sharper image quality for older games. Other key features of the system that the electronics giant has pointed out so far are full Blu-ray support, the latest HDMI connection, broadband and wireless connectivity and HDD support.

Source: IGN

PS Biz Brief 06: PS3 Online Details Released

Sony finally unveils Live competition.

Sony today finally unveiled info on its PlayStation 3 online plans at its PlayStation Business Briefing currently happening in Japan.

Beginning at the system's launch, currently scheduled for sometime this November, the system will feature community tools including lobby matching and voice chat, commerce features that includes bootable software via the hard drive and more.

The service was created with the help of Sony Online Entertainment. Best of all, the "basic" service will be free of charge.

Stay tuned as more is sure to turn up very, very soon.

Source: IGN

Report: PS3 delayed until November

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun claims to have confirmed that Sony has pushed back release of its console due to Blu-ray disc issues.

Coming hot on the heels of this morning's official announcement of tomorrow's Sony press conference comes unofficial confirmation of what it will be about. The Wednesday edition of the Japanese business newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun is running an article titled "PlayStation 3 Rollout Postponed Until November."

As one might expect, the article confirms that Sony's next-generation console won't arrive until the fall in Japan. Citing an anonymous source, the article says the reason for the postponement--which has been widely predicted by analysts and executives--is that the electronics giant is having issues with the Blu-ray Disc format, which the PS3 uses. Even Sony spokespersons have acknowledged that a delay was a "possiblity," should such issues arise.

"Sony Computer Entertainment will delay the release of its PlayStation 3 next-generation video game console until early November because the copy-protection technology for the Blu-ray Disc has not been finalized," reported the paper. No specific regions were mentioned, making it unclear if the delay was for the Japanese PS3 or a worldwide release.

While authoritative in tone, it must be emphasized that the Nihon Keizai Shimbun report is in no way official. Though Sony's last-minute decision to change tomorrow's event from a closed-door presentation to a full-fledged press conference augurs a major announcement, Sony is staying mum. When contacted by GameSpot, a Sony Computer Entertainment America rep declined comment, saying "we have not made any new announcements on PlayStation 3."

Source: GameSpot

Don't wait till the last minute! Why not get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!

Square Says They Are Waiting On Sony For Final PS3 Hardware

According to Joystiq, at a recent FFXI conference in Japan, fans got to ask Square questions about the MMORPG. Included in those questions was a bit about what kind of game FFXI would be on the Playstation 3. Square then proceeded to say that Sony had not even given them the final hardware yet so they were unsure what shape the game would take on the Sony next-gen console. Sony needs to step it up if they are going to make that "Spring" launch.

Source: PS3 Today

PS3 circuit boards to be manufactured in July

Sony has ordered circuit boards for the upcoming console from a Taiwanese company called COMPEQ. The company has not released any information on when production will start, but a source says that production will start in June or July - which reinforces the rumors of a PS3 release date towards the end of the year.

It is not the first time COMPEQ will work in conjunction with Sony. The company is already working on various parts for the portable game console, PSP, and hopefully the company will be able to build enough circuit boards to meet the high demand for the next generation console.

This might prove to increase PS3 sales as this means that the PS3 will be released during the Christmas season, and if Sony has learned from Microsoft’s mistakes they will release a lot of consoles right before Christmas to increase hype and sales during the holiday season.

Source: PS3 Land

Namco Says Spring PS3 Release Impossible

First off, let me just say that we realise some of you are getting very sick of all the news about the PS3 delay. But honestly, there just isn’t anything else to report about As has been said before, Sony is being completely tight lipped about the console.

Now, onto the latest news, Namco President Takeo Takasu has said it is “impossible� for Sony to start selling the PS3 in spring. He said that. “[Namco] are developing titles for PlayStation 3, but the release of the games depends on the timing of the hardware.�

However, as now seems to be a trend, conflicting comments were then made by none other than Sony. with a spokeswoman saying, “Nothing has changed with our plans,� and that Sony are still aiming for a spring release.

Confusing? Yes. Frustrating? Yes. Beneficial for the PS3? Most likely no.

Source: MAX PS3

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Variety Magazine Report PS3 Delay

Hollywood trade magazine Variety has conducted a new interview with Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer, who indicated that the PS3 will be delayed due to complications revolving the Cell processor.

Gamasutra report that the article attributes the delay to the company “fine-tuning� the console’s technology, referring to the PlayStation 3 as a “the poor man’s Blue-ray [sic]�, and suggests that the console will be released before the end of the year, but does not include a specific comment from Stringer confirming this.

Stringer also talked up the Playstation, saying that if it “delivers what everyone thinks it will, the game is up“. He further added, “Once Microsoft picked sides it was clear we were going to be in a battle royale.� and that “[Sony] won’t be stampeded� by Microsoft into rushing decisions “that are there forever.“

Source: MAX PS3

Everything We Know About the PS3

1UP have written up a feature that details everything we know about the Playstation 3 so far. The article is especially timely that Sony still refuse to reveal anything more about the console (you will note that nothing was said about it at the recent GDC). Indeed it seems that we will now have to wait until E3 in May to get any more offical information on the console, even then Sony are not guaranteed to say anything!

1UP cover such details as the hardware, price, release date, the HUB (or so called >Xbox Live killer) and also details on all the games that we know will be coming to the PS3.

“It’s easy to understand why many gamers still don’t know what to make of the PlayStation 3. To this day, Sony still swears up and down that the PS3 will be released this spring, and yet here we are in March, and much about Sony’s next-generation console remains a mystery. What will the system cost? How powerful will it be? What kind of online structure will it have? Some of the answers are still elusive, but little by little the picture is becoming clearer, and as the console’s release approaches, it seems like a good time to regroup and look over what we know, what we can speculate, and what we can only guess about the PlayStation 3.�

Source: MAX PS3

Sony Playstation 3 will be available by Christmas hopefully

In an ainterview with Variety Magazine Sony CEO Howard Stringer said that the PS3 launch will be further delayed till year end and probably will be released in time of holidays. Sony is having problems with the inclusion of the Blu-Ray drive which alone costs $ 350 and the PS3's rival Xbox 360 costs $ 399. Blu-Ray hardware and movie titles will be available in th US from May 23. Sony is touting the Playstation 3 as the poor man's Blu-Ray. However Stinger is very bullish on the PS3 and says "Sony will roll out the PS3 by year end, in time for the holidays. If PS3 delivers what everyone thinks it will, the game is up".

Analysts beleive Sony is betting a lot on the Blu-Ray even though it is advanced than HD-DVD, HD DVD is easier to manufacture and the boxes will be cheaper.

Source: New Launches

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Ten PS3’s to be Auctioned this Month

UniqueAuction.com are apparently going to be auctioning off 10 Playstation 3’s in the middle of this month. Whether they physically have the consoles as of now, or whether they will be shipped at a later date in unknown, however it is interesting to note they are holding the auctions so early when the PS3 is not expected for at least another 6 months.

Each of the 10 auctions on the site will last for one hour, and the consoles will sell to the highest unique bidder for less than one percent of the suggested retail price (which is of course unknown at this stage).

With regards to strategy, one successful site user, Roger Kim, had the following to say:

“The winning bid on one XBox I bought was $3.4UniqueAuction0, but it took about 60 bids at $1 each to win,� Kim said. “You lock down your bid. Then in the last few seconds, you try and cancel out the other bids higher then yours to become the highest unique bid.�

Source: Max PS3

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Sony Accept Launch Delay Possible

Following on from our post on the HDTV owners dilemma, it seems that the delays in getting the final specifications of the Blu-Ray format could be the cause of a delay for the Playstatipn 3 launch.

An unnamed spokesperson for SCE in Japan has told media there that the PS3 launch could be delayed for such reasons. This is a distinct change in attitude, since up until now all Sony have said is “Spring 2006″. It also follows comments made earlier by Sony’s Taiwan based contract manufacturers that the console could be delayed due to Blu-Ray.

Source: Max PS3

Does Blu-ray Disc make you more interested in the PS3? Why not get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!

Luxoflux Shifts Development To Next-Gen

So you all may have heard of the videogame company, Luxoflux. If not, they are the developers behind many titles such as Shrek 2, True Crime series, Vigilante 8, and Star Wars Demolition. Well, the company revealed on their official website in the jobs section that they have ceased development on current generation consoles to focus on next-generation.

At the very bottom of the jobs page it states

“All of Luxoflux’s upcoming titles are next-gen console only (PS3, Xbox 360).�

What do we expect? It’s not quite clear, but I’m sure we will hear more at the upcoming E3 2006 in Los Angeles the week of May 7.

Source: Gaming Horizon