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Team Ico Project Trico Unveiled?

Solomon Lee — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:44:53 -0500

An early trailer showing Team Ico's third project is available due to an exclusive video posted by the PlayStation Lifestyle website. The video shows a young boy who bears a striking resemblance to the lead protagonist from the game, Ico.

Sony has offered no comment on the video at this time. Those that wish to visit the site can do so here.

Rumor: PS4/Wii HD Planned for 2011.

Ryan Fulton — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:41:01 -0500

I never thought I would say this, but I think technology is moving too fast. Perhaps I'm growing old, but it seems as if this generation has hardly learned to crawl and already there are rumors of the next generation of consoles due in 3 years.

Within the last 24 hours, rumors for both the PS4 and Wii HD have surfaced on the web. Just for safety's sake, they're rumors, again, rumors. That being said, it's not implausible that both are interested in getting onto the market first after seeing how much having a first place spot helped the Xbox 360 and PS2 (Let's ignore Dreamcast for argument's sake.)

The PS4 is said to use a similar cell architecture with slight improvements and will be ditching the faster XDR RAM in favor of a more conventional form of RAM. Supposedly Sony has been mentioning the proposed specs to third parties. Other than that details are scant.

The Wii HD rumor is slightly more fleshed out citing rising R&D expenditures and various other tidbits. The tech end of it leaves much to be desired.

Maybe I'm just being cynical, but I'm not sure these tired bones can hope to keep up at this rate. The world seems to have gotten itself into a big damned hurry. Maybe the companies should work on maxing our their current product or providing enough to meet demand before they get too involved in producing what's next.

Thanks for both goes to NeoGAF for finding the information, and the respective sources found therein.

Next Team Ico Project Unveiling?

Solomon Lee — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:20:20 -0500

There's been no word of Team Ico's next project for the Playstation 3 for the longest while. However, Sony Worldwide Studios Head, Shuhei Yoshida recently spoke with VG247 by stating that they have been "working very hard since the release of Shadow of the Colossus."

Aside from the screenshot above, no other details are available for this highly anticipated title. In response to the lack of public information surrounding this game, Yoshida is quoted as saying, "Soon you'll see."

E3 2008: Miyamoto Hints At Possible Pikmin, Mario Games

Zach Lott — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:47:43 -0500

Gamers' reactions to Nintendo's press conference haven't been pretty, as many have expressed disappointment on message boards about the lack of announcements for the core titles that Nintendo is known for.

However, IGN may have the answers that gamers have been searching for, as their interview with Nintendo's design genius Shigeru Miyamoto has yielded a ray of hope for the future.

When asked about the possibility of Pikmin 3, Miyamoto said that there wasn't anything that could be announced now, but that Nintendo would "probably do something with it" and that the Pikmin team would perhaps "have something to talk about before too long."

IGN then asked about a sequel to New Super Mario Bros., with Miyamoto commenting that the game's team is hard at work on something. However, he also said that Nintendo's tendency to refrain from announcing largely unfinished products prevents him from sharing information about the team's project. It may be a New Super Mario Bros. 2, but there's no way to know for now.

It should be interesting to see what comes of this information, as a new Pikmin and Mario game could easily help relieve gamers who are worried about Nintendo's dedication to their core franchises. If and when Nintendo announces these games, we'll let you know.

E3 2008: Nintendo To Announce Animal Crossing Wii, Punch-Out!!?

Zach Lott — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:51:55 -0500

Nintendo may soon be announcing some long-awaited titles, as Joystiq reports that European magazine NGamer is saying that Animal Crossing Wii and Punch-Out!! Wii may be revealed at E3 next week. Animal Crossing is supposedly done and will make heavy usage of Wi-fi while Punch-Out!! may allow players to use the Wii Balance Board to dodge their opponents' punches.

Stay tuned, as we'll surely be able to confirm or deny this in the coming days.

Banjo Kazooie 3 Coming In 2008?

Solomon Lee — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:43:22 -0600

According to CVG, Banjo Kazooie 3 is rumored to be scheduled for a 2008 release following an earlier discussion between Microsoft Game Studios head, Shane Kim and MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo at this year's DICE summit.

Quoth directly from the news story, a Microsoft spokesperson issued this comment:

"As announced at E3 last year, the next installment in the popular Banjo franchise is still on target for 2008."

Those that wish to read the full interview can do so here.

Resident Evil 5 Due in 2008... most likely

Shiva Stella — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:07:51 -0600

Here's a little something interesting for Resident Evil fans this morning. According to the latest podcast featuring Chris Kramer, Senior Director of Communication and Community for Capcom (I imagine that he handles the hate mail and forums), over at Major Nelson's place, it's highly possible that Resident Evil 5 will see release this year.

And I quote:

We have a really fantastic year ahead of us... a year that's going to include games like Bionic Commando, Resident Evil 5, Street Fighter IV is going to be making its arcade debut next week in Japan. We've got a new game that we're working on in the US called Dark Void...

If you'd rather skip the radio-like melodrama you'll find the above comment at the 30.00 mark.

3D Realms Denies Duke Nukem Reports

Solomon Lee — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:03:22 -0600

Following a news article in the Dallas Business Journal stating Duke Nukem Forever's release date as confirmed, 3D Realms has slammed the report and declared the claims that DNF is scheduled for a 2008 release to be false.

George Broussard, 3D Realms President, has issued this statement in response:

"The release date is still 'when it's done', and will be until the appropriate moment. Platforms have not been finalized or announced. You can rest assured that we are moving toward a goal and that the recently released teaser trailer is the start of that process and seeing more of the game, sooner than later."

Those that wish to read the full statement can do so here.

Epic Dismisses Gears of War 2 Reports

Solomon Lee — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:53:09 -0600

Following the latest issue of GamePro magazine displaying a customized Gears 2 logo, Epic Games VP, Mark Rein has shot down rumors of an expected Gears of War 2 announcement by declaring the reports to be "complete nonsense."

Mark Rein has issued this comment in the official forums:

"We have not announced a sequel to Gears of War to GamePro or anyone else for that matter."

Much speculation has arisen regarding the possibility of the unannounced sequel making an appearance at this year's Game Developers Conference.

Next Team Ico Project Unveiled?

Solomon Lee — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:07:07 -0600

Kotaku has reported that Sony Japan has updated their employment page with several job postings and an image that is possibly associated with their next Team Ico project. Team ICO Gamers has declared this imagery to be the very first screenshot of Ico 3.

Those that wish to visit the site can do so here.

Far Cry 2 Rumors Shot Down, No PS3 Exclusivity

Shiva Stella — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:00:11 -0600

Recent rumors sparked by Edge Magazine's report that Far Cry 2 will feature mutating foes, a mutating character (with mutant powers), and will be a PlayStation 3 exclusive have been shot down by the game's creative director, Clint Hocking, via this videoblog.

Hocking states that "there are no mutants of any kind in Far Cry 2 and we are releasing simultaneously on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360!"

You can view the video below.

Rez HD Coming to XBLA Next Week?

Solomon Lee — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:47:06 -0600

According to Kotaku, rumors are circulating that Rez HD is coming to Xbox Live Arcade on January 30.

The game was previously released on the Dreamcast and PS2 and is expected to cost Live users 800 Microsoft Points.

Here's to hoping that Rez HD appears on Xbox Live Arcade next week.

Super Smash Bros. Coming To Wii Virtual Console?

Solomon Lee — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:53:23 -0600

According to CVG, rumors are circulating on the possibility that the original Super Smash Bros. may be coming to the Wii's Virtual Console. The release date is expected to coincide with the release for the upcoming Smash Bros. Brawl for the Wii.

Smash Bros. Brawl has recently received a favorable review from the popular Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu.

Nintendo has not issued a comment in response at this time.

PlayStation 4 Development Farther Along than We Thought?

Shiva Stella — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:37:45 -0600

Though the dust has yet to settle on this current generation of consoles (all three have only experienced one holiday season together on store shelves), rumors of next-generation development inevitably spring up here or there.

Popular German site, Gamefront, is reporting that Sony (Japan) is currently seeking a software engineer to work on backward compatibility for the PlayStation 3 and an un-named next-generation system (which as far as we know would be the PlayStation 4). The engineer would implement and improve emulation of PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP (also for PS3) for this next-generation hardware.

If one believes the rumor then PS4 development must be much farther along than seems reasonable, as all three companies have expressed a desire to extend this generation's life-span as long as possible (remember that ten-year mark that Sony set for the PS3?)

One would also have to believe that it'd be a great bonus for the PS4 to feature backwards compatibility all the way back to the original PlayStation, taking advantage of Sony's extensive lineup throughout the years. Of course, it's just as likely that this is a mistranslation blown out of proportion.

The rumor follows a recent Microsoft rumor regarding the Xbox 3.

You can check out an image of the job listing text here.

Devil May Cry 4 Demo Release Confirmed?

Solomon Lee — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:01:20 -0600

According to reports, the highly anticipated demo for Devil May Cry 4 is expected to arrive within the upcoming weeks on the Playstation Network and Xbox Live.

Information from Capcom's teaser sites suggest the possibility of the demo arriving on January 31. However, it should be noted that Capcom has not officially confirmed the release date for the Devil May Cry 4 demo at this time.

Those that wish to visit the sites can do so here or here.

2K Seeking Tools Programmer for 'AAA' Title, Bioshock 2 Anyone?

Shiva Stella — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:10:45 -0600

Here's something that gives a little more credence to the Bioshock 2 rumors, as this 2K Games (2K Boston) job listing page now boasts several position openings (the newest being a tools programmer) that all just happen to mention the success of Bioshock and that the team is in the pre-production stage of their next "AAA" title... which may or may not be the anticipated Bioshock 2.

Also note that they're interested in people with Unreal/PlayStation 3 production experience which isn't unusual in itself but does leave the mind to wonder if this next game could be a surprise PS3 exclusive (highly unlikely) or if they're just looking to improve the PS3-side of their newest gem.

I know it's a huge leap, but one can certainly ponder the possibilities.

Nintendo to Announce New Wii Colors Soon?

Shiva Stella — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:14:03 -0600

A Go Nintendo reader recently sent in an interesting tidbit regarding the Wii featuring a new array of colors.

Reader Andy works at a SuperTarget and has noticed that while the Wii's SKU (what the guy at the register scans to tell you how much you owe The Man) used to read "Wii Console" it now reads "Wii White". Similar scanning of the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 does not include color options, leading one to believe that Nintendo just might be planning on announcing new color options for the much-sought-after Wii.

Here's the email that Andy sent in:

I work in the Electronics Department at a SuperTarget. Everything in Target has a DPCI number, which is kind of like a sku number. (For example, The number for the Wii is 207-25-0001) When an employee enters this number (either by hand or by scanning a barcode), it will give them the name of the item, price, location in the store, and a number of other details.

Here is what I find interesting: Before Christmas, when an employee would scan the Wii, Wii Console would come up as its title. However, I noticed that when scanning the Wii barcode, that, instead of Wii Console, Wii White would come up as the title instead. Attached is a picture of a location print-up which illustrates the Wii White title. I find this interesting because what made Target change the title from Wii Console to Wii White, unless there is another color coming soon. When a Playstation 3 is scanned, it doesnt say Playstation 3 40GB Black, it just says Playstation 3 40GB. Ive found Target to know about many things before they are released, such as having the iPods listed as Discontinued a week before the new ones were announced.

We all know that Nintendo has a habit of re-releasing hardware in snazzy new colors and "liter" designs to boost sales, and though we also know that it's a gimmick it's one thing to walk away from a Wii in white and quite another to pass on a black Wii with hot-pink trim and matching accessories.

My question is: if an announcement is impending, is that why Nintendo has had problems in getting Wiis to store shelves? Is a portion of the "so many Wiis made a month" figure going to, dare I say it, Wiis in different colors? Does this mean I'll have to get up at the crack of dawn to head to Target for a Wii either way?

I am simultaneously happy and depressed.

LittleBigPlanet Release Date Confirmed?

Solomon Lee — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:07:35 -0600

Following the release of several trailers, various reports indicate that LittleBigPlanet is scheduled for September release. The game still remains a highly anticipated title as earlier news of the demo being delayed disappointed many eager fans.

Let's hope that LittleBigPlanet suffers no further delays for this upcoming year.

Bioshock Film in the Works?

Shiva Stella — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:00:01 -0600

Following word of a Bioshock 2-prequel being in development, it now seems that a Bioshock film is also under consideration at a "major film production company".

If the film is a go, according to a secret inside source, it'll rely on advanced green screen technology to animate the physically (and mentally) corrupted denizens of Rapture. Sounds wicked.

No word on a storyline or where the project would fit into the actual timeline of events (assuming that Bioshock 2 rumor is correct), but we're all ears.

Paramount Not Ditching HD DVD... yet?

Shiva Stella — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:34:55 -0600

Though yesterday we reported that The Financial Times broke a story on Paramount abandoning the HD DVD camp in favor of Sony's Blu-ray format, Paramount has since declared that "[its] current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format."

Funny, because it looks like the "current plan" is changing and that Universal Studios will be left as the sole film studio backing HD DVD.

Microsoft Developing Xbox 3 Already?

Shiva Stella — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:15:50 -0600

Though this tidbit of information feels undoubtedly incorrect, rumors are surfacing that Microsoft is already working on its next Xbox unit, having scrapped a big, unannounced project for the Xbox 360 while simultaneously repositioning it for the company's next console.

Seems crazy considering that all three companies have expressed desires to expand the life-span for this console generation, but you never know.

Blu-ray, HD DVD Format War Coming to an End?

Shiva Stella — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:48:43 -0600

Various sources, including the Financial Times, are reporting that Paramount will soon be following Warner in abandoning HD DVD support whilst turning to Sony's Blu-ray format.

The rumor goes that Paramount is relying on a "get out" clause in its exclusivity deal with the HD DVD camp - a similar clause to the one Warner used in making its switch.

From the article, "Paramount is poised to drop its support of HD DVD after Warner Brothers recent backing of Sony's Blu-ray technology, in a move that will sound the death knell of HD DVD and bring the home entertainment format war to a definitive end."

The news follows Sony's holiday sales announcement and lots and lots of PlayStation 3s getting off those shelves and joining the user-base since Christmas.

CNET: Target of Hostile Takeover?

Solomon Lee — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:48:30 -0600

According to the rumor mill, reports have surfaced that CNET is being targeted by a consortium group (with a 21 percent stake) seeking to establish majority rule over CNET's board and to remove the company's directors in a hostile takeover bid.

This consortium group, led by Jana Partners and Sandell Asset Management, has been heavily criticized by Wall Street analysts with CNET stating the group's intention to control the company's board to be in direct violation of its bylaws. CNET has not commented on the specific details at this time.

CNET is the owner of the Gamespot and GameFAQs websites.

Bioshock 2 In Development... and it's a prequel?

Shiva Stella — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:57:40 -0600

Those of you who enjoyed Bioshock will be interested to know that rumors are now flying that Bioshock 2 is both currently being developed by 2K Games and is a prequel, rather than a sequel, to this popular Game of the Year title.

According to the rumor now being reported on forums across the Net, a source within 2K is confirming the game's development. While it's only a rumor, considering the huge success Bioshock was for 2K it wouldn't surprise me in the least if it were true.

The original Bioshock received runner-up for GameBump's own Best Shooter of 2007 award.

Queen Well on Her Way to Becoming a 'Nintendo Addict'

Shiva Stella — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:00:15 -0600

The face of Nintendo's widening target audience?

Here's a bit of odd news for Nintendo fans who also appreciate a good read on the British monarchy once in awhile. The People is reporting that the Queen has "become hooked" on Prince William's Nintendo Wii, which the Prince received from his girlfriend for Christmas.

The article claims that the Queen "saw William playing a game after lunch at Sandringham she thought the Nintendo looked tremendous fun and begged to join in... She played a simple ten-pin bowling game (a la Wii Sports) and by all accounts was a natural."

The People's inside source goes on to describe the Queen as "[showing] all the signs of becoming a Nintendo addict... [William's] only difficulty now is prying [the Wii] away from the Queen's clutches."

If I were feeling snippety I could comment that apparently you have to be in line for the throne in order to find a Wii, but I'll let it slide.

Best Buy Leaks PlayStation 3 2008 Release Dates?

Shiva Stella — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 02:30:22 -0600

According to the sixth axis some fellow was able to waltz into Best Buy and then waltz out with a 2008 release schedule for PlayStation 3 titles. While all dates are tentative at best, the list does look impressive.

Army of Two: 4 March
Battlefield Bad Company: 24 March
Borderlands: 1 September
Bourne Conspiracy: 3 June
Brothers In Arms: 8 April
Brutal Legend: 3 November
Burnout Paradise: 14 January
The Club: 19 February
Condemned 2: 26 February
Conflict: Denied Ops: 12 February
Dark Sector: 25 March
Dead Space: 8 October
Destroy All Humans 3: 4 March
Devil May Cry 4: 5 Feburary (and Special Edition)
Dynasty Warriors 6: 19 February
End War: 1 April
Fall Out 3: 9 September
Fatal Inertia: 1 May
FIFA Street 3: 18 February
Frontlines: 5 May
Ghostbusters: 7 October
Golden Axe: 8 September
GTA IV: 1 April (and Special Edition)
Haze: 18 March
Heist: 13 May
Hellboy: 24 June
History Channel: Battle for Pacific: 19 February
Hot Shots Golf 5: 18 March
Incredible Hulk: 3 June
Iron Man: 22 April
Karaoke Rev: American Idol: 3 March
Killzone 2: 7 April
LittleBigPlanet: 7 April
Lost: 26 February
Lost Planet: 3 March
Major League Baseball: 3 March
Mercenaries 2: 8 April
Metal Gear Solid 4: 17 June
Midnight Club: 1 April
MLB 08: 4 March
Monster Madness: 8 April
NFL Tour: 8 January
Pro Evo Soccer 2008: 11 March
Prototype: 15 September
Rainbow Six Vegas 2: 11 March
Rogue Warrior: 10 November
Sega Superstars Tennis: 4 March
Sid Meier's Civilisation: 1 April
SingStar: 13 May
Soul Calibur IV: 2 June
Star Wars Force Unleashed: 8 April
Tiberium: 2 September
Turning Point: 26 February
Turok: 5 February
Two Worlds: 1 August
UEFA Euro 2008: 15 April
Viking: 4 March
WET: 1 October
Wheelman, The: 1 September

Microsoft Designing Motion-sensor Controller for 360?

Shiva Stella — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:39:55 -0600

Here's an interesting tid-bit for Xbox 360 owners: rumor has it that Microsoft is currently looking into implementing motion-sensor technology in a new controller either for the Xbox 360 or the next console in Microsoft's hardware family. The word is that Microsoft is working with Gyration, the same company behind the Wii's motion-sensor technology, in designing this new Xbox controller.

Of course Microsoft remains silent on the issue, although fans are left to wonder when - or even if - Microsoft will join the motion-sensor bandwagon as both Sony and Nintendo have already implemented the technology into their controllers, though admittedly the PlayStation 3's sixaxis feature is rarely used (or even if it is used it's a bit hit or miss).

I've always found the feature to be a tad gimmicky and much prefer my precision controls provided by buttons that you actually push to do the job, but if Microsoft can do it better then they've got my attention.

Quick show of posts: how many of you think this motion-sensor business is the future of gaming?

Haze Releasing in August 2008 for PlayStation 3?

Shiva Stella — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:20:00 -0600

Here's a little something interesting if you've been watching Ubisoft's development of Haze for the PlayStation 3.

While other sources (including GameStop) list Haze as shipping on January 15, 2008, Ubi's own shop listing has the game set for launch sometime in August 2008 - quite a leap ahead from January. No word from Ubisoft on the possible delay.

Gears of War Franchise Heading to PlayStation 3?

Shiva Stella — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:20:42 -0600

According to industry analyst Michael Pachter, Epic's widely popular Gears of War franchise (currently an Xbox 360 exclusive, with allowed PC ports) is probably headed to the PlayStation 3... eventually.

Pachter recently stated to Game Trailers that "we ('we' apparently meaning Patcher and his analyst pals) pretty much know that Gears of War 3 is probably gonna' come out on PS3." Pretty much, eh? Sounds scientific.

Pachter assumes that Microsoft has a two-game deal with Epic Games and that, barring any extension of that deal, afterward Epic is free to release GoW games on any platform it chooses. Considering the PS3's current lackluster offering of online titles (with the exception of Call of Duty 4 and Resistance: Fall of Man), a Gears of War game on Sony's catch-up console might definitely get some units sold - especially if it were a PS3 exclusive.

Meanwhile the rest of us anxiously await Gears of War 2.

Tipster Says COD5 to Feature Pacific Theater... Yes, of WWII

Aaron Dunlap — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:12:24 -0600

Did you know that World War II took place in more locations than Europe? Modern video gaming and filmmaking sure don't.

We reported earlier about a rumor that Activision had handed Call of Duty 5 to Treyarch, makers of the certainly sub-stellar Call of Duty 3, and that it'll be set in WWII again.

According to a tipster at Kotaku, the above is all true with the addition that the focus will be of the Pacific theater (we were at war with Japan, too).

That softens the blow a little bit. If COD 5 would have been another muddy Normandy game I might've just scratched my eyes out. The entire Pacific campaign of the war has been tragically ignored in gaming, perhaps because of gaming's strong ties with modern Japan. If it's done well, it could be pretty interesting.

That means carpet-bombing paradisal islands and launching artillery attacks from giant Navy battleships, nothing less.

Back to WWII For Call of Duty 5? Probably Not

Aaron Dunlap — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 19:20:04 -0600

This is just rumormongering, but Gamer.tm got word from a tipster that the job postings at Treyarch (makers of Call of Duty 3) include a level designer position. The description for the posting includes, if youre a fan of World War 2 shooters, then even better!

Let's see. Treyarch has made more than zero Call of Duty games, and they say they want a level designer who likes World War II games... it all adds up!

It's a pretty flimsy premise, in the same way as the notion that there's a treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independence. Infinity ward's Call of Duty 4 got lots of praise for shirking the tired WWII premise, and if Activision has indeed tapped Treyarch to make yet another WWII shooter, well, I don't know what's become of the world.

Elder Scrolls Online Rumor Resurfaces

Shiva Stella — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:00:00 -0600

Remember that Elder Scrolls Online rumor that recently surfaced? It's back, now that ZeniMax Online (a development studio created by ZeniMax Media Inc, which is the parent company of Bethesda Softworks) has announced that it has acquired the rights to use Simutronics' HeroEngine, which is designed specifically for crafting MMO titles.

ZeniMax Online was launched on August 1 of this year with the intention of focusing on the MMO market, so the company's use of the HeroEngine definitely makes sense. As for what MMO the team is working on, if it's going to compete with the likes of World of Warcraft it had either better be a bloody good, original franchise or an Elder Scrolls game. I will take either at this point.

Eidos Confirms Deus Ex 3 Rumors, First Teaser Trailer

Solomon Lee — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:03:56 -0600

Eidos Interactive has announced that Deus Ex 3 is, in fact, being developed for the PC.

Eidos Montreal's general manager, Stéphane D'Astous, has stated that the company is "only working on AAA, major titles. We're going to be developing only major AAA games, using only next-gen technology."

The release date is unconfirmed at this time.

Sony Squashes the PlayStation Phone Rumor

Shiva Stella — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:20:00 -0600

A recent rumor detailing the plausibility of a PlayStation Portable phone device has been undeniably killed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, which has stated that Sony is "not currently working with Sony Ericsson (or anyone else, apparently) on any form of PlayStation phone."

Here's the full quote, courtesy MCV:

We feel that [SCE co-chief operating officer] Jim Ryan has been misquoted [in saying the idea is "definitely plausible"]. Weve already lodged a complaint with the publication that ran these quotes. We hold constant dialogue with Sony partners Sony Pictures, the hardware team and Sony Ericsson but there are no collaborations happening between us on a PSP or PlayStation phone. Thats totally untrue and goes for now and the foreseeable future.

The statement comes after Jim Ryan commented to The Economic Times that "Convergence with the two arms (gaming and phone branches) working together is definitely plausible. It is hugely intellectually seductive to have a console oriented phone. While the Cybershot and Walkman are better selling brands from the Sony fold, Sony Ericsson and PlayStation would make a strong success story for Sony."

I don't know about that, though. Reminds me of Nokia's N-Gage...

No More Oblivion for PSP?

Shiva Stella — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:40:00 -0600

PSP owners who were looking forward to purchasing a handheld version of Bethesda's Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion already available on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC (in both regular and expansion formats) may be disappointed to learn that US retailer, GameStop, has removed the PSP version's listing.

Other sites and forums are reporting that as opposed to being canceled, it's also possible that the game was delayed or is merely being considered for cancellation. We'll keep you updated if Bethesda comments.

God of War III Officially Confirmed for PS3, And Soon?

Shiva Stella — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:50:00 -0600

Here's a wonderful and strange bit of news for God of War and PlayStation 3 fans this morning, as reports are coming in that Sony has officially confirmed that God of War III for the PS3 is indeed being developed at the company's Santa Monica studios.

In related news, Cory Barlog, the franchise's original director who let hints at the title's development slip last March, is leaving the studio for currently unknown reasons; you can view his personal blog here but he's yet to comment on his departure or the GoW3 official confirmation.

This next bit is because I can't resist and is most assuredly untrue, but JeuxFrance is also reporting that the game will release "in the next few months" - this may be due to a mistranslation on their part (or mine, as I'm not exactly fluent in French), but the words are currently still up on their version of the story, viewable here. If this rumor were in fact true, though, it'd be the miracle Sony needs to sell as many PS3s as possible this holiday season, especially considering the new 40GB version's availability.

So what do we think?

Elder Scrolls Series Going Online?

Shiva Stella — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:00:06 -0500

Voodoo Extreme noticed yesterday that the parent company of Bethesda (Elder Scrolls: Morrowind, Oblivion, etc) - ZeniMax Media - has purchased the domain name "elderscrollsonline.com."

The company has yet to comment on the possibility of an Elder Scrolls MMO (or even just an Elder Scrolls game with a multiplayer feature - you never know) but the purchase is interesting to say the least.

Hit the link for more info. I for one think it'd be a worthwhile venture, even with a saturated MMO market (it might be time to replace that annoying experience grind that is how old now?)

GameStop Ending Product Replacement Plans for 360?

Shiva Stella — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:33:06 -0500

There's a rumor floating that GameStop is going to cease offering product replacement plans for its Xbox 360s sold, according to a company memo that was leaked by Gamersreports.

As for why GameStop is resorting to this action, it's suggested that the company is losing too much cash on the deal, as Xbox 360s have been known to suffer some serious blips on occasion. At the link you'll find imagery of the memo, courtesy Gamersreports. The memo does state that the 1 year manufacturer's warranty offered by Microsoft is still in effect (though why wouldn't it be?)

The memo is a touch difficult to read as it was taken via cell phone.