Ken Levine, when talking with Joystiq, unveiled a few more details about the Bioshock title that was announced back at E3 for the PlayStation Vita. According to Levine, the Vita game will be an entirely new entry into the series, something with it’s “own voice” on the platform. However, due to the small employee base (110) for the Massachusetts-based company, […]

Back in March, Sony stated that the digital equivalents of all software titles for the NGP — now known as PS Vita, would release simultaneously. SCEA senior staff developer support engineer Chris Norden reaffirmed this approach in a recent GDC Online session, confirming that all retail titles will be available through PSN on a day one basis. It is refreshing to […]

PS Vita owners will be able to purchase and download hits from the PSP’s backcatalog — possibly at a discount price if you own the UMD. What’s still up in the air is whether save data between the two portables will transfer over. To that end, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has said it is ‘looking into’ save data transfer, further […]

Sony’s Chief Information Security Officer released a statement today warning users that it has detected attempts to brute force username and password combinations on PSN and associated Sony Online Entertainment services. While PSN itself remains safe, Sony noted that the attackers successfully matched credentials with approximately 93,000 user accounts using data stolen from outside sources. Around 66K are tied to […]

While Sony was planning a UMD to digital download initiative with the PSPgo, it never got off the ground. With PS Vita, the company seems to be taking things a bit more seriously. Although nothing is set in stone yet, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan is considering to let UMD owners purchase digital conversions on PlayStation Network at a discount rate, reports Dengeki […]

It’s long been rumored that BioWare has been working on spicing up its Mass Effect series with a multiplayer component. Today, executive producer Casey Hudson let the cat of the bag: ME3 will feature co-op missions. “Yes, co-op MP missions for #ME3: they’re real, and they’re spectacular. Rest assured it’s nothing of what you’ve feared. More soon,” tweeted Hudson. Beyond […]

Adding to the growing list of titles that require a persistent connection to the internet is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Although the title is still quite early in development, GSC Game World have decided to adopt a strategy similar to that of the approach Blizzard took with Diablo III to fight piracy. Essential game resources — such as scripting routines for quests […]

Reinforcing Sony’s commitment to online and social gaming, the PS Vita will include several pre-installed apps on day one. These range from an internet browser to PSN group messaging. While additional features will be added over time, it’s certainly a step up from the PSP, which initially launched with a fairly bare-bones firmware. It’s also refreshing to see that Sony is ensuring […]

Valve’s sent word that the first bout of substantial DLC  for Portal 2 will hit Xbox Live, Steam, and PSN on October 4. Entitled ‘Peer Review,’ it’s free across all platforms. Yes, even XBL. From the announcement: In “Peer Review”, you and a friend will continue the story of loyal bots P-Body and Atlas as you puzzle your way through a mysterious new […]

Restrictive bandwidth caps are the norm when it comes to 3G connections, and the Vita is no exception. In a recent interview with ASCII, an SCEJ rep confirmed that downloads on Vita are limited to 20MB per file. It was stressed that this is a initial limit, meaning it could be raised in the future, presumably as infrastructure improves. The artificial limitation […]

This generation Epic Games has become a leading force in licensing out engine tech — more specifically its Unreal Engine 3 middleware. Work has already begun on UE4, which comes as little surprise considering the company did offer a tease at what it called UE 3.5 back in March. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says UE4 will “probably” be ready […]

Infinity Ward decided to take a step back to familiar territory with the PC release of Modern Warfare 3 — forgoing its in-house IWnet system in favor of dedicated servers, a move Call of Duty community chief Robert Bowling says was prompted by fan feedback. In a recent interview, Bowling discussed the shortcomings of IWnet, and why it failed to succeed. In […]

Dead Space 3 will take place on Tau Volantis – a planet enveloped in snow, forgoing the tight, dark corridors of past entries – according to a Siliconera report. It’s surmised that developer Visceral Games may use weather to conceal hideous foes and instill fear as players trek through “white-out blizzard conditions.” Sounds like some inspiration from 1982’s horror classic The […]

Sony’s released a new live-action teaser trailer dubbed ‘Beyond the Doors,’ featuring a conglomeration of references from several PlayStation titles. You’ll need a keen eye to spot them all, though the Killzone nod is obvious. Take a glimpse after the break. There’s a date stamped near the tail end of the teaser – October 5. It’s presumed that Sony may be […]

In a move no doubt prompted by Microsoft’s close relationship with Activision for Call of Duty DLC, Sony has retaliated by inking a deal with EA and DICE, securing upcoming Battlefield 3 DLC Back to Karkand one week ahead of the competition. All future expansion packs will appear on the platform one week early as well. DICE product manager Tommy […]

According to a Nikkei report, Niwango, the outfit behind Japanese video sharing site Nico Nico is working on software that will allow developers to incorporate live broadcast functionality into PS Vita titles. Currently, the underlying Nico Nico API can broadcast a player’s face using the front-facing camera. Next year, the company plans on updating the API to transmit gameplay footage. The […]

SCE Santa Monica Studio, best known for spearheading the God of War franchise, is hiring for “an unannounced new IP.” While no details on said IP were spared, the listing calls for a Sr. Level Designer, further noting that “experience in designing or contributing to the development of an open world game” is a plus.

Sony’s frequent firmware updates are praised when new features are added. Sometimes, however, they can be a bit of a nuisance when your game time is interrupted by a 100MB security and stability update. The company has rectified this to a degree — on PS3, there are times when the firmware is delivered via a small patch. With the Vita, however, Sony […]

Sony’s released a new system software update for PS3 – firmware 3.72. As perhaps evidenced by the incremental version bump, there’s not much new here, other than behind-the-scenes changes. According to Sony, the update improves system stability during use of PS3 format software and network services. Download PS3 Firmware 3.72 (US)

The impending release of PS Vita will continue the trend of import-friendly Sony gaming devices. Responding on Twitter, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida confirmed that Vita is region free. This has been rumored for far too long, so it’s great to finally receive official word. That means you’ll be able to import a Vita when it releases […]