Finally for the last conference of the day Sony’s pre-show begins at 5:30 PM and the show proper starts at 6 PM. Watch the PlayStation E3 Press Conference live on www.ustream.tv/ps4 and us.playstation.com.
via E3 2014 Press Conferences | GEEKOHOLICS.
By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF
Today at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), Sony announced how they are planning to utilize the cloud streaming service Gaikai that they purchased previously. They will be creating what they are calling Playstation Now, and it will allow streaming of Playstation games across all sorts of mediums, starting obviously with the PS3, Vita and PS4 game systems, but also going on to be used on tablets, smartphones and even Sony’s own line of Bravia TV’s. This new game streaming will be tied in with Sony’s new IPTV Service that they announced at CES as well
Big news from Andrew: Today Sony will introduce a new cloud-based TV service that combines live TV content with digital media #CES2014
— Sony Electronics USA (@SonyElectronics) January 7, 2014
Sony has stated that this new streaming service will be either rental or subscription based and that PSN features like trophies, online multiplayer and messages will be making their way to it as well, even when you are on the go. This is starting to look like a very promising idea from Sony and would allow PS4 users access to the back catalog of PS3 games that they may have missed. The idea that this may end up being a “Netflix” for games is a very interesting idea, especially when we start talking about streaming and playing these games with just a Bravia TV.
Sony has announced that they will be having a PS3 beta for this service towards the end of January, followed by a larger US rollout in the summer. If you are interested in being a part of the beta, you can head over to Sony’s website Here and signup for more info.
We will be keeping an eye on this story, but so far, this is looking like a very promising idea from Sony and personally, I am very excited to see how this turns out.
Via Sony
By Dayne “Anjel Cody
@DayneCody
PlayStation Plus is without a doubt the best value in gaming, even at full price its worth every penny. Amazon has an amazing Boxing week deal on right now, get a year of PlayStation Plus for 40% off! Hurry and get yours now, use the link below:
PlayStation Plus 12 Month Subscription Card – $29.99 + FREE Shipping!
By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF
Just in time for the PlayStation 4 launch, Sony has just released the official PlayStation App. Now you can officially message your friends, download purchases to your PlayStation systems, track trophy progress and much more. Check out the features listed below and download the app now.
With the PlayStation App installed on your mobile device, you can:
· See what your friends are playing, compare trophies, and view your profile or recent activity.
· Chat with your friends; receive notifications, game alerts, and invitations, and then use your mobile device as an on-screen keyboard for your PS4 system.
· Browse PlayStation Store, pick-up the latest hit games and add-ons, and then push them to your PS4 system so they are ready when you get home.
· Take advantage of the in-app second-screen features, when available, for greater challenges and control.
· Quickly access PlayStation system guides, manuals, and PlayStation.Blog.
iTunes Download: PlayStation®App on the App Store on iTunes
Google Play Download : PlayStation®App on Google Play
So, our friend Tom Ohle from Evolve PR and Khaled Ibrahimi, Cinematic Producer of Killzone 3 and longtime developer, have started a new Indie Publishing Studio called Renegade Machine. They have created this new studio to help indies find success. Using Tom’s knowledge of media and PR and Khaled’s knowledge of development, they intend to be the publisher that can help indies in whatever manor they may need it. As Tom puts it,
Perhaps a better answer is that we want ultimately want to help developers wherever we’re needed. I’ve spent a long time in video game PR/marketing — 12 years and counting — so certainly we’re able to help devs on the promotional side. My cohort Khaled Ibrahimi has spent his career on the other side of the coin — development, that is — and as such we’re able to help with production issues, dev pipelines, managing a virtual team and everything else you need to do to get a game out the door. We’ve also both been around the block enough times to be able to consult on business matters, make connections, help with distribution and so on.
We realize that developers often have a negative image of publishers: they force ideas on you, take too much money or just plain suck. We want to use our experience in working with publishers to build an appealing publishing option for a wide range of indie needs. To that end we’ve pulled together a survey. If you’re an indie dev, we’d really appreciate a few minutes of your time so we can truly understand what you’re looking for in a partner.
These guys are looking to change how publishers work with studio’s, bring new exciting games to market, and to really change the gaming landscape. If you want to learn more or are a developer looking to get in touch with these guys, head over to their website – Renegade Machine.
You can also follow them on Twitter:
Tom Ohle
Khaled Ibrahimi
Renegade Machine
I can’t wait to see the games that come out of this, it sounds exciting, and we wish them the best of luck!
By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody
Sony has released a MASSIVE 160+ answer FAQ that answers pretty much any question you may have before the upcoming launch on Nov 15 here in North America. Touching on everything from system specs, and game lineup at launch, to remote play with Vita, and gameplay sharing. Pretty much if you have a question, changes are, the answer can be found in this FAQ. You can head over and read it all here- MASSIVE PS4 FAQ.
By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody
So our friends over at SteelSeries are just about to release their newest headset, the 9H.
The 9H features three different Dolby® technologies, a double enclosure design, SteelSeries signature retractable microphone, and a swappable cable system to allow for cross platform usage on PC, Mac, handheld consoles or tablets and smartphones. The 9H also features thick leather ear cups for extended use comfort, during those long gaming sessions. Like all of SteelSeries Products, the 9H was designed alongside professional gamers to create the most balanced and linear tournament-grade soundscape. To get a better idea of how they did this take a look at this video below
I had a chance to get some hands on time with this headset at PAX, and I have got to say, what a sweet, sweet headset. They are very comfortable, and fit very nice on the head, I could easily see gaming in them for long periods of time. The sound quality from them was honesty jaw dropping. I never expected a pair of gaming headphones to sound so good. I didn’t get an opportunity to test the Dolby® Technologies in them, but here is hoping I can get my hands on a pair and see how they sound for you guys. I really liked the style, it is a lot more low key then a lot of gaming headsets and with the retractable Mic I could definitely see myself using them outside of the house. The swappable cable system has in line controls, but also can be disconnected on the go for a more streamlined “on the go” headset. Honestly I will be following this closely and I would highly recommend if you are in the market for a new pair of headphones to give the 9H a look.
Equipped with an advanced USB soundcard, the SteelSeries 9H provides users with Dolby® Technology that works together to create incredible sound:
· Dolby Digital – reproduces multichannel audio to deliver a cinematic audio experience
· Dolby Headphone – allows up to 7.1 channels of realistic multi-channel surround sound
· Dolby Prologic IIx – provides the smoothest surround sound experience allowing for multiple listening modes and a more realistic sound
The 9H is up for preorder from SteelSeries as well as other fine electronics retailers for 159$. For more information you can head over to SteelSeries.
By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody
From the creators of Cthulhu Saves the World, Zeboyd Games, comes an RPG inspired by such great works as Chrono Trigger, Phantasy Star & Suikoden. Cosmic Star Heroine is a Turn Based, Japanese style RPG, being created for PC/Mac/PS4/Vita. Currently in Kickstarter, and closing on their goal, Cosmic Star Heroine is a game that deserves your attention.
Currently they have 23 days left to go, and I urge you, if this is your kind of game, head over to their Kickstarter and help them cross the goal and get this great game made.
Cosmic Star Heroine on Kickstarter
By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody
So I happened to be walking through my local London Drugs (sorry guys Canada only) and saw something that wasn’t quite right. Sitting there on the shelf was a copy of Killzone Mercenary for sale a whole 4 days before release. Obviously I had to buy it, when I was at the til though I was expecting to get shot down as their system would probably warn them about the street date. Well lucky me their system didn’t notice the slip up and I’m now the proud owner of an early copy of Killzone Mercenary. Your milage may vary but if you’re in Canada you might be able to find your own copy of Killzone early at London Drugs, good luck.
By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF
Hey guys and gals, sorry this update has taken so long but its been pretty crazy here on the show floor. Obviously both Sony and Microsoft booths are standing room only as everyone is eager to get a glimpse of the next generation of console gaming. I started my day by hanging out in the Sony booth and played most of the confirmed launch titles for the PlayStation 4. Unfortunately Watch Dogs, and Infamous Second were only theatre demos and no recording was allowed. However I did get a chance to play Killzone Shadow Fall behind the scenes with the Lead Designer of the game. I was impressed, obviously it looks stunning and learning from the competition Killzone has adopted new methods of traversal and enemy takedowns that break up the monotonous gameplay that has hampered many shooters lately. Also the environments have been opened right up with multiple side objectives that help alleviate the feeling of alway being in a corridor or shooting gallery. Killzone also introduces a new drone sidekick that you can use to setup up zip lines accross the environment, hack computer terminals or simply attack your enemies, just to name a few of its abilities. I can easily say that Killzone Shadow Fall will be a day one purchase for me. I also had a chance to try out the Vita version of Killzone Mercenary and I can say that Vita will finally be getting the quality shooter we’ve been looking for. Tearaway for Vita was another stand out title that I got to spend some time with and it looks to be a great little adventure platformer.
After spending a better part of 4 hours playing around in the Sony booth I moved onto Microsoft and the PR mess that is Xbox One. Honestly I’m pretty excited for Xbox One regardless of some terrible choices they’ve made in terms of DRM, I’m sure the Xbox will have some great features and of course exclusive software. Unfortunately Microsoft didn’t want to talk about anything but games so little was learned about the console itself that we don’l already know. In their booth I got play RYSE, Forza 5, and Killer Instinct. I had a blast playing Killer Instinct except that I couldn’t combo worth shit, but it was still great. I uploaded a video and you can for yourselves, a nice side effect of all the power in these new consoles can be seen in all the lighting and particle effects.
Forza 5 looked pretty impressive as well but I’m not much of a car guy so I can’t really speak to any of the improvements. A cool feature Forza demoed though were the new triggers in the Xbox One controller which have rumble built in. With this extra level of rumble added things as simple as starting the engine or the skidding of the tires added a new dimension which was pretty neat. We also got to see the Mclaren P1 which was pretty sweet, now wheres that extra million I had hidden away?
Finally I ended my day with a pretty lengthy play through of the RYSE demo aka QTE the video game. All jokes aside, RYSE is still pretty sweet and had a real gritty feel. the combat system was very similar to the most recent Batman games with parrying attacks and building up chains. The graphics were unbelievable and I felt like I was killing with the best of the Spartans though it remains to see if much is added otherwise it could probably get pretty repetitive. So thats about it for my late day 2 recap, things have been pretty crazy and I”l be back with more soon.
By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF
GEEKOHOLICS 
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