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

Grand Theft Auto maker says Lindsay Lohan sued to get attention

The maker of the popular Grand Theft Auto video games said Lindsay Lohan's lawsuit accusing it of basing a character on her without permission is frivolous and an effort by the actress to attract attention.

In papers made public on Tuesday in a New York state court in Manhattan, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc called Lohan's claim "so legally meritless that it lacks any good-faith basis and can only have been filed for publicity purposes."

Take-Two wants to dismiss the July 1 lawsuit and have Lohan pay its legal fees.

A lawyer for Lohan did not immediately respond on Wednesday to requests for comment.

The 28-year-old "Mean Girls" star accused Take-Two and its Rockstar Games unit of basing the Lacey Jonas character in "Grand Theft Auto V" on her.

She said Jonas had a similar voice, image and clothing, and was also chased by paparazzi, and that "multiple people" had noticed a resemblance. Lohan's lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

Take-Two countered that Jonas did not look like Lohan, apart from being young and blond.

It also said "expressive works" such as video games are "fully protected" under the US Constitution.

Lohan has starred in a number of hit movies including "The Parent Trap" and "Mean Girls," but has in recent years become known for multiple legal woes and visits to rehab clinics.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Grand Theft' game comes to Apple screens

SAN FRANCISCO, California - The maker of the popular "Grand Theft Auto" videogames said Thursday that a version of the game was being offered for users of Apple's iPhone and iPad devices.

Rockstar Games said "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 10th Anniversary Edition" was available for download.

It is the successor to Grand Theft Auto III and "is everything we loved about the 80s packed into a sprawling open world action game," said Sam Houser, founder of Rockstar Games.

"We're thrilled to let mobile and tablet players experience everything Vice City has to offer."

The franchise has sold more than 114 million copies since its debut in 1997.

Rockstar is coming out with "GTA V" for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 videogame consoles or personal computers sometime between March and July.

The videogame franchise has won legions of fans and cadres of critics with game play in which triumph depends on acts such as carjacking, gambling and killing.

Play in Grand Theft Auto games has included simulated sex with prostitutes and drunken driving.

The franchise's appeal is fueled by captivating story lines and an open-world format that lets players go wherever they wish in game worlds.

source: abs-cbnnews.com