PlayStation touts virtual reality and big name games

LOS ANGELES - Sony late Monday proclaimed a "new era" of PlayStation gaming complete with big-name games and the dawn of virtual reality on its powerful PlayStation 4 consoles.

The Japanese entertainment titan boasted an array of beloved games for exclusive play on PlayStation 4, along with behind-closed-doors demonstrations of video games tailored to immerse players in fantasy worlds using Sony's Project Morpheus virtual reality head gear.

"I believe we are witnessing an historic evolution in gaming," Sony Computer Entertainment America chief Shawn Layden said as he kicked off a glitzy media event on the eve of the official start of the Electronic Entertainment Expo extravaganza.

As Microsoft did in a grand event earlier, Sony spotlighted exclusive content and early access to some keenly awaited new games in an effort to be the preferred console for die-hard players.

PlayStation is the new home for the blockbuster "Call of Duty" franchise due to an alliance with video game publisher Activision, according to Sony Computer Entertainment president Andrew House.

"This is the start of a new era for PlayStation and this famed franchise," House said.

 Sony Studios is also expanding the massive science fiction shooter world of its successful new "Destiny" video game centered on seemingly limitless online play.

Some 20 million people have played "Destiny" in its first year, and a "Taken King" sequel is on its way, according to Adam Boyes of PlayStation.

Other blockbuster titles promised PlayStation 4 lovers included "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End" due out early next year along with a resurrected Last Guardian, Hitman, Star Wars, and a Final Fantasy Seven remake.

Also teased was a new video "Horizon Zero Day" video game set in a future where cities have died, nature has reclaimed the world, and tribes of people fight robotic foes.

House boasted that developers were embracing crafting games that give players 360-degree perspectives in worlds visited using Morpheus virtual reality head gear Sony is readying for market.

He showed off a "Rigs" arena battle game and touted others that visitors to the PlayStation booth at E3 will get to play.

"Project Morpheus is real, evolving, and continues to capture the imagination of developers," House said.

"We are committed to bringing the biggest titles and the best experiences to PlayStation."

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

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

PS4 tops list as US videogame console sales climb

SAN FRANCISCO - US videogame hardware sales surged in January, with Sony's new-generation PlayStation 4 consoles leading the charge, according to figures released on Thursday.

People spent $241 million on videogame hardware, predominately consoles, in January compared to $205 million in the same month a year earlier, when a fifth "leap week" gave figures a particular boost, according to industry tracker NPD Group.

Sony's PS4 led overall hardware sales, followed by Microsoft new-generation Xbox One consoles, NPD reported.

PS4 sales were nearly double that of Xbox One in the month, Sony said citing the NPD report.

"Demand for PlayStation 4 remains incredibly strong," Sony PlayStation brand marketing senior VP Guy Longworth said in a release.

"It's clear gamers are choosing PlayStation as the best place to play."

Membership in the PlayStation Plus subscription service for games, films, and other digital entertainment has nearly doubled since the PS4 launched in November, according to Sony.

Meanwhile, videogame software sales sank about 40 percent in November to $224 million, down from $373 million in January of 2013.

The decline was due to a big drop in the number of new titles released for play, said NPD analyst Liam Callahan.

Activision's military shooter game "Call of Duty: Ghosts" was the best selling game on a "top 10" list that included "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" and "Grand Theft Auto V."

Traditional format videogame sales overall for January were $664 million, down 21 percent from the prior January but nearly flat if the extra "leap" week is factored in, according to NPD.

When money spent on mobile games, rentals, digital downloads, subscriptions and social network play are added in, sales for January tallied $1.05 billion, NPD reported.

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

PlayStation 4 now sold in PH

MANILA – The much awaited PlayStation 4 gaming console is now available in the Philippines through the gaming and multimedia store chain DataBlitz.

In a post on its Facebook page on Friday, DataBlitz announced that it is now selling the PlayStation 4 for P24,595.

The gaming console may also be bundled with a PlayStation camera or with the “Killzone Shadow Fall” game, with each package priced at P26,595.

“Greatness comes with the number ‘4’! The PlayStation 4 will be available today at DataBlitz!” DataBlitz said as it uploaded photos of the console on its Facebook page.

“Release of the item may vary in different branches depending on their location and schedule of delivery,” it added.

Sony Philippines recently revealed its pre-order page for the PlayStation 4 ahead of its formal launch in the country on January 14, 2014.

Here, the PlayStation 4 console is priced at P24,999, and P26,999 with the camera. Sony Philippines also offers bundles with the “Killzone Shadow Fall” game (P26,899) and “Battlefield” (P27,399).

Pre-orders may be made until January 10 at selected Sony Philippines stores.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sony says PS4 sales exceed 2.1-M units

TOKYO - Sony said Tuesday it has sold more than 2.1 million PlayStation 4 consoles after less than three weeks on the market, as it battles Microsoft and Nintendo for supremacy in the lucrative gaming sector.

The eagerly-awaited PlayStation sold more than one million units in just one day after its November 15 debut in North America and Sony said Tuesday it was on track to hit a worldwide target of 5.0 million units by March.

The latest PlayStation, which will be released in its home market Japan in February, is now being sold in 32 countries.

"PS4 delivered the best launch in PlayStation history with the North American release and we've continued this incredibly successful start in Europe, Australasia and Latin America," Andrew House, President of Sony Computer Entertainment, said in a statement.

Sony's latest sales figures come after Microsoft said its new Xbox One console also sold over one million units in 24 hours following its November 22 release.

Rival Nintendo launched its new Wii U console late last year.

Sales have lagged the company's expectations, but Nintendo said in October it was keeping its forecast for the new Wii console at 9.0 million units for the year to March 2014.

A forecast by the research firm Gartner shows game console sales of hardware and software are likely to grow to $44 billion worldwide in 2013 from $37 billion last year.

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