Force feedback comes to the PS3

We've always been pretty sure that someone, somewhere would bring force feedback to the PS3. Today, the first 3rd party vendor has stepped up to the plate vacated by Sony. Splitfish, the developer of the new tech, calls it the Sensor FX "tactile response' system. The new system uses no moving parts to produce meaningful sensory feedback.

 

"A broad range of intensity and sensation compliment the ability to derive feedback sensations from isolated areas on the controller, one side or the other, movement from front to back or all areas at the same time. As an example, a gamer playing a race game can feel variations in pulse, strength and location allowing them to feel intensity differences between a smooth guardrail swipe and a full frontal slam into a wall."

 

If you have any idea what that meant, please let us know. Other interesting notes are that the Sensor FX can function either as an attachment to the SIXAXIS or be embedded in a third-party version of the controller and that the technology has two modes: one for games with existing force feedback and one for those who do not.

 

We're looking forward to seeing how this pans out. Don't expect to see these on the shelves anytime soon, though. Splitfish appears to be looking to license the rights to use Sensor FX to other manufacturers. Psst, SplitFish, call Sony!

Saint’s Row for PS3 Confirmed

I reported a couple of weeks ago about the possibility of Saint's Row coming to the PS3. According to the latest PSM, Saint's Row is indeed in the works to come out for Sony's console. The question is, when will it be released? If it comes out around the time GTA4 comes out in October, then I think THQ has a really big problem on their hands since most GTA fanatics will go for the genuine GTA experience and not Saint's Row. Don't get me wrong though, Saint's Row was a great game…but if people go to the store and have to choose between GTA4 and Saint's Row, I can guarantee they'll go for GTA4.

[Update:THQ has made the announcement on their website this morning, come back after the break for the official press release.]

Sony, Playstation 3, PS3, Saint's Row, confirmed, PSM

THQ to Bring Award-Winning Saints Row(TM) to PLAYSTATION(R)3 System

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) today announced its critically acclaimed, next-generation property Saints Row(TM) is scheduled to make its PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system debut this spring, featuring stunning next-generation graphics, extensive customization options and unparalleled player choice. Developed by renowned internal studio Volition, Inc., Saints Row brings the hugely popular open-world genre to Sony's new console for the first time and will mark the first open world online experience available through the PLAYSTATION(R) Network.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041118/LATH093LOGO )

"Saints Row has established itself as one of the most successful original properties in next generation gaming, and we're excited to bring the groundbreaking experience to PLAYSTATION 3 system fans worldwide," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. "Bringing the open-world genre to the PLAYSTATION 3 system for the first time will help grow the Saints Row fan base and expand the open-world online community."

About Saints Row

In Saints Row, players begin the game as a member of the 3rd Street Saints, battling rival gangs and corrupt officials while attempting to conquer the city of Stilwater. Gamers personalize their experience through an unparalleled level of character customization and the freedom to progress through multiple storylines in any order they choose. Unique activities such as Insurance Fraud and Snatch help a player earn respect, which in turn open up missions that stretch through a vast, fully dynamic game world. Saints Row will also bring open world gaming to the PLAYSTATION 3 system for the first time, allowing gamers to battle rival gangsters in a variety of single and multi-player modes. The game will support players online via the PLAYSTATION(R) Network.

More information about Saints Row can be found at http://www.saintsrow.com.

About THQ

THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless, Volition, Inc., Red Faction, Summoner, Saints Row and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

About Volition, Inc.

Located in Champaign, Illinois, Volition, Inc. is one of THQ's premier internal game development studios responsible for high-end creations on next generation systems and Windows PC. Its credits include best-selling console and PC franchises, including Saints Row, The Punisher, Red Faction(R), Summoner(R) and Freespace as well as the award-winning Descent as a part of Parallax Software.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "THQ"), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the Saints Row video game, and are based upon management's current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ's financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2006, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

PS3 Prices To Be Cut 25% 12 Months from Launch

Tony Smith of Reg Hardware is reporting that Sony is planning on cutting up to 25% off the price of the new Playstation 3 within 12 months of its March 23rd European launch. The forecast is for Sony to cut up to or more than 150 Euros off of the 599 Euro starting price for the console.

 

Although the news is from Europe a similar price cut can probably be expected here. The PS3's large price tag and stiff competitors have dampened Sony's sales outlook for the console. Playing a large part in the poor sales of the PS3 has been the emergence of the Wii as perhaps the top console in the next gen wars.

 

It appears Europe will be getting 1 million consoles for the lauch and they are expected to be sold out within one month. The price drop may coincide with the release of a 20 GB model expected in late 2007.

Earnings: Sony’s Profit Falls Due To PS3 Costs

The cost of launching its Playstation 3 video game console caused Sony (NYSE: NSE) to report a 5 percent drop in profits for 3Q FY 2006, even as its sales of flat screen TVs, digital cameras another electronics saw strong sales during the holiday shopping season. In particular, however, it was Sony's game division that held back earnings. Sony Computer Entertainment, the gaming unit, posted a $443 million operating loss for the quarter ending Dec. 31, mostly attributed to startup costs for the PS3, according to a company release. Other highlights from Sony's presentation:
-- Net profit fell to 159.9 billion yen ($1.3 billion) from 168.9 billion yen the same period a year earlier, representing a 5.3 percent decrease, the company said in a statement.
-- Quarterly sales jumped 9.8 percent to $21.4 billion.
-- The electronics unit reported record sales for the quarter and an operating profit of $1.5 million, double from a year ago.
-- Sony experienced a $276 million gain from its investment in London-based Sony Ericsson.
-- Sales were up 47 percent at Sony's movie division, where it returned into the black from losses the same period a year earlier, on healthy DVD sales.
-- The company raised its profit forecast for the full fiscal year through March to $903 million, from the previous $657 million. Its fiscal 2006 sales target remained unchanged at $67.6 billion.
The Tokyo-based company said it shipped 1.84 million PS3 machines worldwide during the quarter. The machine has already gone on sale in the U.S., Japan and some other countries, but its sale has been delayed to later this year in Europe. The Earnings release is available here as a PDF

Analyst: Nvidia Hurting From Slower PS3 Demand

 

 

High prices and a drought of killer app software isn't just hurting PLAYSTATION 3 owners and the upper lips of Sony public relations folks, but component suppliers as well. Michael McConnell, Pacific Crest analyst, said that graphics supplier Nvidia is expected to take a swift kick in the share price due to decreased royalties from weaker consumer interest in the PS3.

The bad news for Nvidia and its shareholders:

Although poor manufacturing yields on Blu-Ray diodes were the initial cause of PS3 unit constraints at retailers, we have seen evidence of weaker-than-expected consumer demand as availability has improved, likely stemming form overly high prices at retailers and a lack of compelling game titles.

I hear you, McConnell. As we stalked the streets of NYC, we all lamented how much we love our PS3s, but really want to play some games on the damn thing. Maybe a downloadable Nvidia demo girl Dawn model viewer might help to ease the pain

Splinter Cell: Double Agent PS3 Q&A

1. What are the main changes between the Xbox 360 version of SCDA and the PS3 version? Both for the single player and the multiplayer.

 

The PlayStation 3 version of SCDA is based on the Next-Gen design of the game, which has already been released on Xbox 360 and PC. However, this version features significant improvements and exclusive content.

 

The Multiplayer features an additional new spy character (a spy girl), 2 extra maps based on completely new environments and a new set of coop. challenges.

 

Moreover, the additional time allowed us to increase the polish of both parts of the game.

 

Overall, the improved accessibility, the multiplayer exclusive content and the motion sensor support are the advantages that make the PS3 version the ultimate version of Splinter Cell: Double Agent.

 

2. Is SCDA using the Sixaxis feature that makes PlayStation 3 unique?

 

The SIXAXIS sensor has been implemented in both part of the game as well.

 

In the Single Player mode, we were free to experiment various designs for the motion sensor implementation. It is used from time to time to operate various gadgets like picking doors or hacking security systems, or for Sam's special moves like swimming or paragliding.

 

In the Multiplayer mode, the player controls the Drone with the tilt function.

 

We implemented the SIXAXIS control when it was fun to play or adding value to the game play experience.

 

3. What was the big reason to implement a hot female multiplayer skin?

 

Having a female playable character in the game is something we wanted to have since we started working on Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow!

 

On Double Agent, this idea was still present, but we didn't have the chance to implement it on time for the first versions. Therefore, when we started working on the PS3 specific content, the spy girl was on top of our list.

 

We really liked the idea because it really embraces the fact that the spy should be cat-like, very nimble. And for players like me, it's always more pleasant to follow the acrobatics of a female character, supple and elegant, than those of a born-to-kill-guy!

 

4. And last, but not least, the PlayStation network has a different setup than Microsofts Xbox Live. Can we expect the same fluid play on Ubisoft's own servers?

 

The title uses a network middleware solution already successfully used on PC and PS2. The PlayStation Network Platform provides all the required services to match the Xbox live quality. The online part of the game has been on beta test since November 2006 on PS3 and we are 100% confident to provide a quality online experience.

 

5. Is there anything else you would like to share with gamers about SCDA for PS3?

 

Yes, we are very happy with the multiplayer's extra content we developed specifically for the PS3 version. Rather than just more of the same, the NSA training centre and Kinshasa multiplayer maps are really different than the original multiplayer maps. Those maps have been produced with Ubisoft Milan, Italy, the studio which previously worked on the PS2 Multiplayer maps and we hope the PS3 players will enjoy playing them just as much as we did.

People are down on PS3 for no reason

That's the view of Epic Games VP Mark Rein who believes people should be praising Sony for meeting demand for the PS3.

Epic Games VP Mark Rein believes that people have become overly negative about all things, and this has resulted in an unwarranted backlash towards the PlayStation 3.

"People think it's bad if they can't ship enough, and then they think it's bad if they can ship enough. It's like, which is it?" Rein told Game Informer. "Either they can't fulfil your order or they can, and they're both good. Being able to fulfil your order is good news, right? Go out and buy your PS3 now. You can get one. That's miraculous."

Rein also has no concerns over the success of the PlayStation 3.

"So as long as people are willing to pay the price for the machine - and I'm sure lots of people are - I think they're hopefully in a good situation," said Rein.

He also believes people are now generally much more down, always looking on the negative side of things.

"I've really noticed this over the last couple of years. It's really turned a corner from positivity to negativity, and it's overwhelming sometimes. It makes you want to kill yourself. It's just crazy," expressed Rein. "I don't get it. I don't understand why people want to be so negative about everything. Like I said, I think there's some really good news there and it's a great machine, and people just want to beat them up. Same with Xbox. It doesn't matter which one it is."

PS3 may cause 50 percent plunge in Sony profits

Bloomberg on Mon. reported that profits at Sony Corp. may plunge 50 percent due to production delays and price cuts for the Playstation 3.

The losses from the game division are expected to drive down net income to 84.1 billion yen ($691 million) from 168.9 billion yen the year prior.

In addition, the games division is expected to lose 191.9 billion yen, compared to a profit of 8.7 billion yen a year earlier.

The third-quarter estimates are the result of a median estimate of five analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

In Jan., Sony announced that it had shipped 1 million PS3 units to the U.S. In mid-Jan. it had shipped an additional 1 million to Japan, missing a worldwide year-end goal by two weeks.

The PS3 has encountered strong competition from rival game offerings like Nintendo Co.'s Wii and Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360. Both machines outsold the PS3 during the key holiday sales period in the U.S.

Sony currently maintains a shipment forecast of 6 million PS3 units sold worldwide by Mar. 2007.

PS3 price will fall

Analyst contradicts Sony itself!

by Chris Ford

29 January 2007 - Having brought you news of the pricing difficulties that Sony are having with the PS3 a few days ago, a securities analyst has stepped in to say that prices will fall, and within 12 months!

Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter predicts that the PS3 will sell out in Europe by May, and a price cut of more than EUR 150 will come inside a year.

"I'm actually surprised that consoles are not priced more like other consumer electronics, with early movers charged a bunch and the mass market charged less", Pachter said, using the example of DVD players, which are now available for much lower prices than when they first launched.

He continued to debate whether the high price will impact sales, stating, "The PS3 can command £425 from the hardcore and I think you'll see price cuts a year from now, probably to £300".

Pachter reckons the PS3 will sell out double quick time in the UK with the rest of Europe following.

"There will be a few more games by then, with several great games announced for release in May and beyond, so I expect a full sellout by the end of April", he said.

He went on to say that being beaten to the post both by Wii and Xbox360 won't dampen the PS3's performance.

"March is not too late, given Sony's production problems and only 800,000 Wiis sold in Europe last quarter", he stated.

"My guess is that the Wii will be up to near 1.6-2 million by March 23, but that is far from an insurmountable head start."

Pachter also commented on the PS3's graphics and that the cost of using one in conjunction with a 1080p monitor is "worth every penny".

"I think that games like Gears of War on the 360 look every bit as good, but given that PS3 game development was rushed, I fully expect next year's games to look better on the PS3", Pachter summed up.

Mono brings everything together - MythTV, PS3, Nokia 770

MythTV finally runs on a Playstation 3. Linux has been running on PS3s for a while doing all sorts of cool things. Well Takeshi Yaegashi has now got a USB TV tuner working for it making MythTV essentially complete.

 

So where does Mono come into this? Well Mono runs on a PS3 as well. Actually that's not the link. In a cool coincidence, I first found out about MythTV on a PS3 after subscribing to a Mono RSS feed.

 

And the Nokia 770? Well the very next entry on said RSS feed was about Mono running on a Nokia 770 (and a Nokia N800 and Windows XP and Linux - all with one executable).

 

It's a small world…

The PS3 hardware scaler: it exists, but Sony may not want it used - Ars Technica

The PS3 hardware scaler: it exists, but Sony may not want it usedArs Technica, MA - 4 hours agoThe talk about Sony's lack of scaling in their PS3 games has been going since the system was released. While it's arguable how many peop...

 

 

Developer: Working With PS3 A "Journey"

If there's one thing Sony doesn't do, it's create easy-to-use and what developers might call "accessible" hardware. The PS3 is no exception, and while the system has received plenty of praise and admiration for its inherent capabilities, it's been widely reported that developers are tearing their hair out attempting to design games for the PS3.

In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Ninja Theory co-founder Mike Ball voiced his opinion on the process. Ninja Theory is currently putting the finishing touches on the upcoming PS3 RPG, Heavenly Sword, and many PS3 owners are hoping the title will be the first great RPG on the system.

"The PS3 hardware is a bit like a journey into the Marianas trench," said Ball. "There's lots to explore and the deeper you get the more varied the life forms - sometimes horrific, sometimes beautiful."

It's a great quote, because it summarizes both the potential of Sony's next-gen console and the difficulty in illuminating that potential. It's just the start of another development cycle for a Sony platform, as essentially the same thing happened with the PS2: system launches, developers are mostly clueless, and 6 years later, we find titles that make those launch games look like trash. Therefore, taking that into account, and seeing how good the earliest PS3 titles have looked so far, we'd have to assume we'll see some truly amazing games in the years to come.

But of course, it won't be easy. And that's half the fun, right devs? As Ball concludes- "...PS3 exploration is an interesting ride for developers and that can only result in amazing games for players."

Rumor Smashed: Sony Did Not Raise PS3 Prices

Best Buy and Future Shop may have jacked up the price of a PS3 on our northern neighbors from C$659.99 to C$699.99, but it wasn't an ill-advised cash grab on Sony's part. An SCEC representative confirmed that Sony didn't nudge the price skywards; individual retailers made the choice to do so. I never thought I'd tell someone to buy anything at GameStop—who's maintaining the MSRP—but the PS3 makes us all do strange things. – Matt Buchanan

IBM Tutorial on Installing Linux on the Sony PS3

IBM has a wealth of great programming tutorials under there developerWorks program. Recently they published a tutorial on how to install Linux on the Sony PS3. We already reported about how to install the Yellow Dog Linux distribution on the PS3 last year, but the fact that IBM tells you how to do it is interesting. IBM's Tutorial also tells about how to get started developing for the Cell BE processor on the PS3.

Sony names PS3 date

SONY has named March 23 as the day its PlayStation 3 games console goes on sale in Australia, confirming a list price of $999.95, making it easily the most expensive console in the market.

 

The PS3 will initially be available only with a 60GB hard disk, with the planned 20GB model held over till later in 2007. The 20GB model will only be launched if Sony believes there is sufficient demand to warrant its inclusion in the line-up.
The PS3 will go on sale in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and New Zealand - regions which also use the PAL television standard used in Australia - on the same date.

 

Sony said it would make around 1 million units available for the launch, which is expected to be accompanied by 30 game titles.

 

"We will endeavour to get enough stock to ensure that no consumer is left wanting," Sony Computer Entertainment Australia spokesman Adrian Christie said.

 

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However, shortages could not be ruled out, and consumers were encouraged to pre-order machines, he said.

 

While the price of the PlayStation 3 was greater than other games consoles, it also offered many features over and above gaming, Mr Christie said.

 

"For the product offering, assessed by features, I don't think it's a high price," he said.

 

Sony would continue to sell the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable for customers looking for lower-priced games machines, Mr Christie said.

 

The PS3 will compete against Microsoft's Xbox 360, which first appeared in November 2005, and Nintendo's Wii, which debuted in December.

 

The fully-specified version of the Xbox 360 costs $649. The Wii, while lacking the technological firepower of its two rivals, was a surprise hit with Christmas shoppers, thanks to its innovative game-play and $399 pricetag.

 

Microsoft welcomed the new competition.

 

"I really want to welcome PlayStation 3 to the ANZ market," Microsoft entertainment division regional director David McLean said.

 

"After all the talk, Australian gamers will finally have the chance to compare the consoles side-by-side and more importantly decide for themselves what's the best all round experience."

 

In addition to the basic console, Sony also announced details of several add-ons that will be available for the PS3.

 

These include a wireless controller priced at �49.99 ($83), a DVD remote control for �24.99 and a range of cables priced between �16.99 and �24.99. Local pricing for the additional components has not been announced, but is expected to be equivalent to pricing for Europe.

 

The PlayStation 3 went on sale in the US in November. PAL-standard markets were originally scheduled to make the PS3 available at the same time, but shortages of components for the Blu-ray DVD player included in the machine forced its debut to be held over to March.

 

 

Blame Gaming - Is the Blinking PS3 Sony's Fault?

mattnyc99 writes
"After discovering a blinking problem associated with the HDCP handshake from an HDMI cable to the PlayStation 3, then solving it, Popular Mechanics has now set off a mini-war between Westinghouse and Sony. The 1080p TV set maker appears to be blaming Sony as the source of the blinking PS3, and the two powerhouse companies have organized a meeting to settle the score. >From the article: '[Westinghouse had] one suggestion for PS3 owners with blinking Westinghouse televisions: Purchasing an HDMI to DVI adapter to bypass HDCP. Average cost of an adapter: $30. As we reported last week, Popular Mechanics has found an even easier solution: Unplugging the HDMI cable, and then plugging it back in'"