VIRAL: 'Scariest' video game ever made

Warning: This video may not be for the faint of heart.

Alex Heath of Tech Insider tried playing “PT” or Playable Teaser, a horror video game developed by Hideo Kojima of “Metal Gear” fame. The game requires the player to find a series of hidden clues so they can unlock a trailer for another game titled “Silent Hills.”

Unfortunately, “Silent Hills” was canceled last April, Tech Insider noted, so the demo was only available for a brief period.

Tech Insider referred to “PT” as the “scariest” video game ever made in this video, which has been viewed over 914,000 times on Facebook, with more than 15,400 shares.

 

Scariest game ever We got a copy of the scariest game ever made — here’s what it’s like.
Posted by Tech Insider on Saturday, October 31, 2015

 source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

China finally gets official PlayStations, minus some games

SHANGHAI - Japanese electronics giant Sony on Friday launched its PlayStation gaming console in China, where authorities impose strict controls on content, but some popular titles including "Grand Theft Auto" and "Call of Duty" were not available.

China last year authorised the domestic sale of game consoles through its first free-trade zone (FTZ) in Shanghai, ending a 2000 ban that authorities argued was aimed at protecting the country's youth.

The start of Sony's PlayStation 4 consoles, originally planned for January, makes it the second foreign company into the Chinese market after rival Microsoft, which launched its Xbox One in September.

Gaming consoles brought into mainland China through unofficial channels were already widely available online and at the country's many electronics markets.

At a Sony store in downtown Shanghai, around 50 people waited in line to enter by small groups and buy consoles, games and the hand-held PlayStation Vita.

"It's quite exciting that we can have this in China now," said Gu Chunhua, an engineer.

Sony is selling PlayStation 4 in China for 2,899 yuan ($471) and PlayStation Vita for 1,299 yuan ($211), said a store clerk.

But some customers showed disappointment over the small selection of games on offer initially.

"It is quite embarrassing that there are only a few titles available because of government censorship," Gu said.

Games must pass inspection by China's cultural authorities, according to FTZ rules, in line with government restrictions on content it deems to be obscene, violent or politically sensitive.

Only four PlayStation 4 titles were available at Sony's flagship Shanghai store on Friday: fantasy adventure "Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends", motorcycle racing game "Trials Fusion" and youth-oriented "Knack" and "Rayman Legends".

Analysts said a broader selection of games is the key to longer-term success in China's multi-billion-dollar market.

"Just having the console is only the first step, access to high-quality games remains the biggest driver for console sales," said Jack Chuang, associate partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants Greater China.

"For the average gamer, access to major titles with Chinese subtitles or dubbed in Mandarin will be vital," he said in a statement to media.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sony virtual reality head gear set for 2016 release

SAN FRANCISCO - Sony was at a major game developers' gathering Wednesday showing off a prototype of "Morpheus" virtual reality head gear set for release next year.

The Japanese consumer electronics titan did not disclose how much it planned to charge for the virtual reality (VR) system synced to work with its popular PlayStation 4 video game consoles.

"With the technical specs achieved on the new prototype, we are one step closer to realizing our vision for making amazing VR experiences on PS4, and ultimately to deliver a real sense of presence to players," said Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida.

"We believe that the near-final technology of Morpheus, combined with the power of PS4, will provide a standard for game developers to target as they build on their creative ideas and turn them into VR games and experiences."

Sony is among several companies developing VR head gear and pitching their technology at a Game Developers Conference in San Francisco this week.

Facebook-owned Oculus VR and Sony were each headlining Wednesday sessions likely to be packed with game makers.

A crowd was also expected at a session Wednesday featuring the head of the Xbox team at Microsoft, who is likely to tout gaming potential of HoloLens augmented reality visors that the US technology titan is developing.

Future of gaming

Sony billed VR as the future of gaming while introducing the latest prototype from Project Morpheus, which was unveiled in March of last year.

Sony said that, since then, it has been listening to feedback and making enhancements "that will further the capability of Morpheus to deliver a sense of presence and push the boundaries of play."

Prototype improvements included a screen with a larger field of view to remove blur and flicker, along with faster frame rates for smoother visuals, according to Sony.

Sony said it has sold more than 20.2 million PS4 consoles since they hit the market in late 2013.

As GDC got under way this week, Valve and Taiwan-based smartphone maker HTC announced they are working together on Vive virtual reality head gear on track for release by the end of this year.

"Vive creates an exciting opportunity for all developers and content creators, to help us bring virtual reality into the mainstream with an end-to-end solution that completely redefines how we entertain ourselves, communicate with each other, learn and, eventually, how we become more productive," HTC chairwoman Cher Wang said in a release.

"HTC Vive is real, it's here and it'll be ready to go before the start of 2016."

Targeting billions

Oculus chief technology officer John Carmack told a packed room of developers at GDC that the company is working with South Korean consumer electronics colossus Samsung on a next-generation Gear VR device likely to be released late this year.

"We've got a plan now; we've got a date," Carmack said while encouraging game makers to hop of the virtual reality band wagon.

"Oculus is going forward as hard as we can, trying to sell as many units as we can with the next Gear VR."

Carmack said he is most excited about the future of virtual reality that lets users unplug from personal computers and go mobile. He envisioned the future of virtual reality as running on mobile technology, but said the "headset of our dreams" remained years away.

Being acquired by Facebook last year in a $2 billion deal is turning out to be a good thing for the Oculus platform, bringing with it talent, resources and expertise at building infrastructure capable of serving people around the world, according to Carmack.

"I want to see a billion people in virtual reality; Zuck wants to see a billion people in virtual reality," Carmack said, referring to Facebook chief and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg.

"There is not a step-by-step plan," he told the game makers. "But, we plan to sell enough units to make it worth your while."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sony announces release dates for Bloodborne, The Order: 1886

MANILA ─ The Singapore office of Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Ltd. announced on Wednesday that the PlayStation4 exclusive title Bloodborne will be available in Asia on March 24.

The Japanese technology giant said FromSoftware and SCE Japan Studio, the companies that developed the revolutionary gameplay of the PlayStation3 software Demon’s Souls, promised to introduce innovations on PlayStation4.

The company also noted that the completely unique Japanese-made action role playing game (RPG) has earned many accolades already, and is sure to gain more fans around the globe.

The game will be available in a “Limited Hunter Edition,” which comes with a special artbook and collectible steelbook. The PlayStation4 bundle pack will also be available on March 24.

Pre-orders will start from February 18 to 23 and the whole of March at all PlayStation authorized dealers and Sony stores.

Gamers who pre-order any version of the game will be given a limited Sword-Hammer Letter Opener, while stocks last.



Meanwhile, Sony also announced that the PlayStation exclusive title The Order: 1886 will be available in the Philippines on February 20.

A PlayStation4 bundle pack will also be available for gamers who are waiting for this opportunity to purchase a PlayStation4.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Call of Duty' soldiers battle villain Kevin Spacey

SAN FRANCISCO -- The newest installment to blockbuster video game "Call of Duty" hits the streets on Tuesday, pitting soldiers of the future against a Machiavellian villain played by actor Kevin Spacey.

Activision Publishing set out to reload the multi-billion-dollar franchise, bringing in studio Sledgehammer Games to put its spin on the title and taking advantage of advanced capabilities in new-generation PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles.

"We've really approached this game differently," said Activision chief executive Eric Hirshberg. "We're shaking up the formula in several ways."

Sledgehammer modified mechanics of playing the military shooter game by adding "exoskeleton suits" that give characters super-soldier abilities.

A "riveting new story" was woven into the game, along with "an iconic new character" played by Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey.

Special gear was used to capture Spacey's movements, expressions and more to create a realistic virtual version of him playing the part of Jonathan Irons, a private military contractor intent on ruling the world.

"It's been a lot of fun working with the team to bring Jonathan Irons to life," the Academy Award-winning actor said in a release. "The technology is truly remarkable and unlike anything I've done before. I'm excited to see where this goes."

Spacey has been quoted saying "Call of Duty: Advance Warfare" is likely to become the first video game he ever plays.

Future soldiers

The game is set in the year 2054, when a private military corporation run by Spacey's character is the dominant power.

Players take on the roles of soldiers with advance combat abilities due to exoskeleton suits and other equipment.

"From the endless research and thousands of production designs, to our incredible focus on the narrative and amazing attention to detail - we're taking nothing for granted," said Sledgehammer co-founder and game director Glen Schofield.

"Call of Duty connects with the fans on such a deep level, and crafting a new vision for the next generation has been so inspiring for us."

Versions of "Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare" will be available at stores starting Tuesday priced at $60 each. Copies of the game have been tailored for the latest Sony and Microsoft consoles as well as for personal computers powered by Windows software.

Those who pre-ordered "Day Zero" editions get to start playing the game a day early, and enjoy some digital perks.

Activision promised players "a groundbreaking experience that's ripped-from-the-headlines-of-tomorrow."

Stories in the blockbuster "Call of Duty" military shooter franchise are inspired by historical events, according to Activision.

Dictator suit shot down
A California judge recently shot down a lawsuit filed by former Panama dictator Manuel Noriega after his likeness appeared in a "Call of Duty" video game.

State Judge William Fahey sided with video game publisher Activision Blizzard, dismissing a lawsuit that creators of the game had decried as "frivolous."

Activision had asked the judge in September to toss out the lawsuit on the grounds that giving a small part to a Noriega character in "Call of Duty: Black Ops II" was protected under the law as free speech.

The suit filed by Noriega two months earlier accused those behind the video game of exploiting his likeness without permission by making him a traitorous on-screen villain.

"This was an absurd lawsuit from the very beginning and we're gratified that in the end, a notorious criminal didn't win," said former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was part of the legal defense team.

Activision touted the ruling as a victory for "the 40 million dedicated members of our Call of Duty community."

Instalments of the game have featured Fidel Castro, John F. Kennedy, and Noriega.

Hordes of excited gamers descended on shops across the globe a year ago for the launch of the previous installment of the game, "Call of Duty: Ghosts."

"Every year the launch of 'Call of Duty' is more than just another product launch; it's a cultural event that draws millions of people together from all over the world," said Activision chief marketing officer Tim Ellis.

The franchise has moved more than 100 million units since the original version was released in late 2003.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Global sales of Sony PlayStation 4 top 6 million units

TOKYO - Global sales of the PlayStation 4 home gaming console have topped 6 million units in less than four months since its launch, Sony Corp.'s gaming unit said Tuesday.

The figure eclipses the company's original sales target of 5 million units in fiscal 2013 through March 2014 and the pace of PS4 sales has been faster than that of its predecessor PS3, which sold 3.55 million units from its launch in November 2006 through March 2007.

The PS4, which features enhanced connectivity with social networks and mobile phones, is now available in 57 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, according to Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

The latest game console hit the Japanese market on Feb. 22 and sold 370,000 units in the country as of March 2.

"I am absolutely delighted that PS4 is off to such a great start in Japan," Sony Computer Entertainment President Andrew House said in a statement. "The responses we have received for the PS4 system's integrated social capabilities have been phenomenal, and I could not be more thrilled that gamers are utilizing these unique features to engage, share, play and connect with users around the world."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

PlayStation 4 officially arrives in PH

MANILA -- The much-awaited Sony PlayStation 4 is now officially available in the country.


To kickstart a "new era" in Filipino gaming, Sony Philippines launched its next generation console at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati on Tuesday.

“Sony has always been in touch with what the gaming community needs and wants. It is with great pride that we bring the newest PlayStation 4 in the market today,” Sony Philippines president and managing director Yasushi Asaoka said during the launch.

Prices for the PlayStation 4 console start at P24,999 and P26,999 with the camera. The console could also be bought bundled with the "Killzone Shadow Fall" game (P26,899) or "Battlefield" (P27,399).

"PlayStation 4 should be available to all gamers in the Philippines because this is one of the best products of Sony right now," said Larry Secreto, senior director of sales and marketing for Sony Philippines.

Secreto revealed that Sony has already sold around 1,000 units in the country through its pre-order service late last year. He also said the limited stock currently available in the country is "not enough" to meet the demand from Filipino fans.

Despite this, units should still be available with warranty and support in all official Sony centers in the country, as well as partner establishments.

The console has been locally available since December through gaming store Data Blitz.

Last year, Sony announced that it has sold 4.3 million PlayStation 4 units. In comparison, Microsoft sold 3 million units of its XBox One foe 2013.

Sony Philippines considers 2014 to be the perfect time to launch the console in the country, citing recent strong economic growth and the relatively young population.

"The potential is there. We have more young people. The fans are readily available and with the way the economy is growing, Japan really sees a lot of potential here in the Philippines," said Zhorida Lipayon, head of marketing for Sony Philippines.


To complement the PS4 launch, Sony Philippines also officially made available in the country its handheld console PSVita for P11,999 and announced the PSVita TV.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sony sells 1-M PlayStation 4 units in first 24 hours

Sony Corp said on Sunday it had sold 1 million units of its new PlayStation 4 gaming console in the first 24 hours that it was available in the United States and Canada.

The console, which Sony is counting on to kick-start a revival of its consumer electronics business, went on sale on Nov. 15.

Andrew House, the head of Sony Computer Entertainment, the unit of Sony that oversees PlayStation, said in a statement that "sales remain very strong in North America."

"We expect continued enthusiasm as we launch the PlayStation 4 in Europe and Latin America on November 29," House said.

Sony Corp had previously announced it had received more than 1 million advance orders for the console. Still, the initial sales figures are Sony's first salvo in a battle brewing with Microsoft Corp's Xbox One console, which goes on sale Nov 22. Sony is also hoping its console can help build a platform for recovery at the Japanese company's money-losing consumer electronics operations.

Sony is aiming to sell 5 million PS4 units by the end of its fiscal year that ends on March 31. Robert W. Baird & Co analyst Colin Sebastian has said he expects 2.5 million to 3 million PS4 shipments in the fourth quarter in North America.

Both the PS4, priced at $399 in the United States, and the Xbox One, with a price tag of $499, offer improved graphics for realistic effects, processors that allow faster game play and a slew of exclusive video games.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoys wait in line for Sony PS4 in Las Vegas

NEVADA - The world of gaming technology has an exciting view of the much anticipated launching of Sony Playstation 4 (PS4) for gamers, and among them are Pinoys in Las Vegas.

There's a long queue of people patiently waiting for hours all for one goal: to get the Playstation 4 first hand Thursday when the clock strikes midnight.

PS4 game enthusiasts camped out just outside this store.

"I've seen people line up since yesterday,” said Pinoy gamer, Mark Nuguid.

Nuguid added that pre-orders for PS4 have been sold out for months.

PS4 gamers said that they are expecting a new generation close-to-real life experience kind of game since it took the Sony company seven years before they launched a new home gaming system.

"I'm expecting something a lot better from PS3. Hopefully, it's a better upgrade. Hopefully, it's a lot faster. We are just waiting for something that's like new generation gaming. Something that's really new, probably like 3D graphics like detailed gaming close to real life," said Steven Lee.

Another PS4 gamer Roger Sanchez added, "It's a new generation of gaming so people are trying to see what's the new console, just the new consoles like the game systems if there's a drastic change to it.“

Jorge Garcia, 56, patiently waited and brought his own chair to sit outside the store. He said that it's worth the wait and the price of $399.

"Para siyang real time talaga. Para siyang katabi mo lang. I think this is the best one na talaga," he said.

"I'm expecting something big because we've been waiting here, so I just want it really nice," said Josh Garcia.

According to Sony, the 300 MB update has several features, which include: remote play, second-screen screenshots, and gameplay recording.

PS4 constantly records the last 15 minutes of gameplay, which can be shared on twitter and Facebook by just hitting the share button on the Dualshock 4 controller. Spectating and live streaming gameplay play as you download are some of the other features.

While techies and gaming trades are buzzing about the next generation consoles, the Playstation 4 will be launched in the Southeast Asian countries in December of this year.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sony to charge fees for multiplayer games on PS4

Sony Corp plans to charge a monthly fee of $9.99 in the United States and 6.99 euros ($9.40) in Europe for playing multiplayer online games on its PlayStation 4 (PS4) console scheduled to debut this month, the Nikkei business daily reported without citing sources.

Multiplayer games can be played for free on PlayStation 3.

Sony plans to charge 500 yen ($5.00) a month for multiplayer games in Japan when the new console debuts in February, the Nikkei said.

Sony plans to make PS4 more attractive by including more social networking functions, such as the ability to chat with fellow players, the business daily reported.

Microsoft Corp's Xbox One will also launch this month.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com