Edric Stanley, digital artist and all around space cadet, began to pout over the public outcry that ensued when Kotaku brought his “Space Invaders blows up the World Trade Center” art to the attention of the internet masses.

Upset with what the artist deemed an “immature” response to his work, Stanley has requested that his work be removed from the Leipzig Games Convention show floor.  The image above is a photo of the letter he wrote which now stands in the spot his art once was.

In this he claims that he was not pressured to remove his work, and states that:

“Due to these profound misunderstandings, I simply feel that from an artistic point of view, the work has lost the ability to have any valuable impact, poetic or otherwise.”

Wow, someone is definitely not taking his meds.

Source: Kotaku

The highly anticipated and long awaited PlayStation Home online virtual service has been delayed several times, but it seems that a launch date may finally be in sight.

Home producer, Martijn Van Der Meulen, commented at the Leipzig Games Convention about the release date of Home, guaranteeing that it would come out this year.

In an article published by IGN UK, Ryan Clements had the following to say:

“First and foremost, Meulen told me (without hesitation) that it is a 100 percent guarantee that Home will be released by the end of this calendar year. He has absolutely no doubt that this will be the case, so it looks like the long wait to come Home is finally reaching its conclusion.

Meulen also assured me, quite adamantly, that Home will always be a free service — only premium content will need to be purchased. I know some gamers were concerned that once Home reached a certain user base, a fee might be applied to the service, but this is not the case. Meulen says that there are no plans to charge for Home, even in the far future.”

That’s really good to know, but I’m still a bit skeptical. Let’s hope he’s referring to the actual full service and not the beta … that would just be a tease.

Source: uk.ps3.ign.com

The new face of Lara Croft, 23 year old Alison Carroll, has been spotted making her rounds at Leipzig. Can you tell which one is Alison?

We know it’s hard, but try anyway. If you guess correctly, you may click the jump and see another photo of the British beauty taken at the show.

If these two photos are not enough to quench your unhealthy Lara Croft obsession, feel free to check out the gallery we published a little over a week ago.

Source: GoNintendo

The Socom Confrontation booth at E3 consisted of — well, it didn’t exist. It was a single kiosk surrounded by several others running various Sony games.

At Liepzig however, those looking to play SOCOM won’t have the luxury of standing at a kiosk, in fact, they won’t be able to stand at all.

If you want to play the game, you will have to hit the ground, shimmy your way onto a sandbag, and duck under a low lying wooden structure covered in camouflage. Creative? Yes. Comfortable? Not so much.

Source: Kotaku

“What do you think would be best to celebrate 30 years of Space Invaders? Oh I know, let’s go to Leipzig and parody the destruction of the World Trade Center!”

How I would love to have sat in on that meeting when Taito decided that this was a good idea, let alone a fitting tribute to a classic title. But they did, and according to Kotaku you can see a non-interactive display of typical Taito invaders zapping the Twin Towers at Leipzig right now, apparently replete with leapers in all their 8-bit glory.

Yet it’s not meant to be a game – it’s an art exhibit.

It’s the work of French-American artist Douglas Edric Stanley, who sees Space Invaders as a “social tale that can be related to historical tales without losing its poetic power.”

Actually, I wish I was making this up. Taito have yet to comment. More on Stanley here.

We managed to nab a video of the newest Velvet Assassin trailer that was show at the Leipzig Games Convention today. Of course, when I say “we managed to nab” I mean that Gamecock provided it for us. Looks to me like “The Chronicles of Splinter Gear British Girl”. Could be interesting…

Straight out of Games Convention 2008 in Leipzig comes three minutes of Mirror’s Edge in-game footage. All the previous video has been above ground, featuring a bright cityscape, as you jump from building to building.

The new footage takes us inside of what appears to be an underground plant of some sort, and offers a stark contrast to the sunny rooftop footage shown at E3. Have at the video after the jump.

I am absolutely in love with this fucking game. Did I just type that out loud? Oh well.

Ubisoft has released a new seven minute video walkthrough and several new in-game screens available after the jump. If you enjoy them as much as I did you may need to take a short nap afterwords.

Prince of Persia

15 Photos

 

These days we’re awash in a flood of virtual pets (or should I say…petz) designed to capitalize on the booming casual games market. Sony has just revealed their take on the phenomenon, a PlayStation Eye utilizing game they call EyePet.

Here’s how it works: the Eye takes realtime, second-by-second footage of your living room, and displays it on screen – in a digital replica of your house where an adorable little monkey-puppy critter hybrid lives. The camera then magically provides seamless interaction between your “irl” room and your digital one. Move your hand to where your EyePet is and start tickling it, roll a ball at the camera and the thing will leap over it.

Scope the trailer after the jump to see all the simian-tastic cuteness and customization (you can give it a mohawk!) Full press release is waiting for you as well.

What makes a pet real? Introducing EyePet, the virtual pet that follows your every movement and command…

Leipzig Games Convention, 20th August 2008: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) introduced the availability of EyePet for PAL region. It won’t make a mess on the floor or claw at the curtains – EyePet is the ultimate pet for modern living. Forget the hamsters and guinea pigs and get the perfect first pet for kids and adults alike. Developed by SCEE, EyePet is the responsive virtual pet who reacts to your every move and brings entertainment and fun for the whole family; plus it’s pretty cute as well.

EyePet comes with an impressive array of abilities all made possible by PLAYSTATION®Eye, the next-generation camera for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™). A loveable, simian-like pet, EyePet lives in an on-screen picture of your sitting room as captured second by second on PLAYSTATION Eye. Working in ‘Augmented Reality’, EyePet is fully aware of people in the room and will interact with you and your environment. Place an object in front of the camera that EyePet hasn’t seen before and it’ll know exactly what to do with it, give it something new and it’ll examine it thoroughly. Tickle it by waving your fingers in front of the camera: it laughs, poke it: it jumps, roll it a ball: EyePet chases around the screen after it.

An incredibly lifelike little critter, EyePet gives you all the lovable benefits and interaction of a real-life pet without tearing up your sofa or making a mess on the rug. Kids and adults alike will love to customise, dress it and watch its facial expressions that range from the sweet to the cheeky to the hilarious. It’s all made possible by the power of PS3 which has enabled EyePet’s developers to achieve incredible graphics and animation in its facial reactions, lifelike fur and incredibly intelligent interaction with you, your environment and anything you choose to place in front of it.

EyePet will be available in late 2009, so prepare to bring a furry ball of mischief into your home and a new friend into your life.

Sony has released new details on their new PSP model, currently coined the PSP 3000.

The device (shown above) is said to have anti-reflection technology, better on-screen contrast, and deeper, more vibrant color. Additionally, the new PSP will come with a built in microphone catering to multiplayer gaming and in-game Skype calls.

In addition to being available as part of the “Ratchet & Clank Size Matters Entertainment Pack”, announced at E3, it will also be available as part of a $199 “PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack”, containing the updated unit, a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, and a PSN voucher to download Everyday Shooter for the system.

The PSP 3000, bundled with Ratchet & Clank Size Matters for $199, is slated for US release on October 14th, with the Memory Entertainment Pack scheduled for release in November at the same price. Those looking to purchase the system alone will get their chance later in the year via the “Core Pack”, at$169.99.

Official press release available after the jump.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces North American Availability of Updated PSP(R) (Playstation(R)Portable) System

Updated PSP – Featuring New LCD Screen and Built-in Microphone – Will Be Included in Ratchet & Clank(R) PSP Entertainment Pack and PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ — In conjunction with a global announcement by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the North American availability of the updated PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) system (PSP-3000). Available on October 14 in the previously announced Ratchet & Clank(R): Size Matters(TM) PSP Entertainment Pack, the updated PSP will feature a new LCD screen with a wider color gamut and anti-reflection technology, as well as a built-in microphone to enhance both multi-player gaming and Skype(TM) calls. The form factor and overall functionality of the current, slimmed-down PSP-2000 will remain the same with the updated PSP system. SCEA today also announced the PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack ($199.99 MSRP), which will include the updated PSP, a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) and a PLAYSTATION(R)Network voucher to download Everyday Shooter for PSP system. In addition to the bundles, the updated PSP will be available as a stand-alone product later this year.

“As we head into the holiday shopping season, both of these new Entertainment Packs represent a significant value for gift-givers, combining the updated PSP and its enhanced screen with content that showcases the PSP’s gaming and entertainment functionality,” said Peter Dille, senior vice president, marketing and PLAYSTATION Network, SCEA. “The 4GB Memory bundle is geared toward the digital entertainment enthusiast who likes to bring their media files on-the-go and download content from the PLAYSTATION Network. The Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters bundle is a great family-friendly option centered on one of the most beloved PlayStation franchises.”

As announced at the E3 Media & Business Summit, the Ratchet & Clank PSP Entertainment Pack will be available for $199.99 (MSRP) on October 14. The Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack includes:

— Updated Mystic Silver PSP system; the first updated PSP available on store shelves

— Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters — In this PSP Greatest Hits title, Ratchet and Clank go back to the franchise’s roots with classic Ratchet & Clank(R) gameplay. While on a much needed vacation, Ratchet and Clank’s rest and relaxation time is suddenly cut short as they soon find themselves lured into a mysterious quest.

— “National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets” UMD(R) video — Join Nicolas Cage on a heart-pounding adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat in a race to find the Lost City of Gold. Grounded in history, imbued with myth and mystery, Disney’s “National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets” takes you on a globe-trotting quest full of adrenaline-pumping twists and turns — all leading to the final clue in a mysterious and highly guarded book containing centuries of secrets.

— echochrome(TM) PLAYSTATION Network voucher* — Featuring an elegant black and white art design, echochrome is a puzzle game unlike any other. With gameplay based on optical illusions, players must utilize five simple laws of perspective to join walkways, hide dangers, and create new paths to reach the “echos,” or shadow guides. Download echochrome for PSP from PLAYSTATION(R)Store (http://store.playstation.com) to your Memory Stick PRO Duo with the included voucher.

— 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo — Store your photos, music, videos, downloadable games and game saves.

The PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack will be the first bundle to feature a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, offering plenty of storage for saving movies and TV shows downloaded from the recently launched PLAYSTATION Network video delivery service. The bundle will be available in November for $199.99 (MSRP).

The PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack includes:

— Updated Piano Black PSP system

— 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo — Store more photos, music, videos,downloadable games and game saves.

— Everyday Shooter PLAYSTATION Network voucher* — A colorful and music-driven arcade shooter, Everyday Shooter won three awards at the Independent Gaming Festival at the 2007 Game Developers Conference. Unlike traditional arcade shooters, in Everyday Shooter each on-screen interaction is a note, chord, or riff that plays in harmony with each level’s unique music track. The title is available for PLAYSTATION(R)3 and will be making its debut for PSP. Download Everyday Shooter for PSP from PLAYSTATION Store to your Memory Stick PRO Duo with the included voucher.

In addition to the new PSP Entertainment Packs, an updated PSP in Piano Black will be available later this year as part of the PSP Core Pack, which includes an AC adaptor and battery pack for $169.99 (MSRP).

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable) handheld entertainment system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its online and network services PLAYSTATION(R) Network and PLAYSTATION(R) Store.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Qwerty FTW! Straight out of the Leipzig Games Convention today, Sony has taken steps to make typing out invitations for your Home house warming party a little easier.

The company has confirmed that they are launching a bluetooth-enabled wireless keypad attachment with full support for all typing related actions in the console’s line up of games.

The device features a “touchpad mode” for mouse input along with two additional short cut buttons giving easy access to XMB presets such as “Friends” and “Message Box”. Connecting the keypad to your controller will be simple, as it snaps onto the top of a SIXAXIS or DualShock3 controller via the mini-USB port.

The keypad will ship with eight different flavors to support multiple languages. No word on pricing yet, but we can expect to see the device in the US and Japan by the end of November, and in Europe before the end of the year.

Full specs available after the jump.

Wireless Keypad for PLAYSTATION(R)3 to Be Introduced This Holiday Season Worldwide

TOKYO, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it would release the Wireless Keypad, a new peripheral for SIXAXIS(TM) and DUALSHOCK(R)3 wireless controllers for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)), this holiday season throughout the world. It will be introduced in North America in late November. It will be also introduced in Japan, Europe and Asia by the end of this year.

The highly anticipated Wireless Keypad is designed to fit precisely into the unique shape of SIXAXIS and DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controllers, and can be easily attached or removed. By using the product instead of the on-screen keyboard, users will be able to enjoy text chat communication more easily and comfortably in their hands, just as they would use familiar portable communication devices. It supports text chat in PlayStation(R)Home as well, and enables users to enjoy interactivity playing on-line titles and enjoying entertainment content more smoothly.

Equipped with Bluetooth(R) functionality, the Wireless Keypad can be paired to PS3 by simply connecting the keypad to the USB cable that comes bundled with the PS3 system. Also, two shortcut buttons, a Communication Button and a Message Box Button, are placed on the lower part of the Wireless Keypad, enabling users to jump to pre-set features on XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar) such as “Friends” and “Message Box” during game play, which help PS3 users to smoothly communicate with each other. Additionally, a Touch Pad Button allows PS3 users to use the entire surface of the keypad as a touch pad, allowing them to easily maneuver the pointer while web browsing, simply by sliding their finger on the keypad surface.

More and more exclusive software titles that will support text chat feature are scheduled for release towards the end of the year including LittleBigPlanet(TM) (SCEI).

SCEI will vigorously promote various measures to introduce new entertainment world that can be further enriched through the network, including PlayStation Home.

Release date and price of this product will be announced later in each region.

Wireless Keypad Product Overview
Product Name Wireless Keypad
Product Code CECHZK1JP (For Japanese market)
Product Color Black
Hardware Specification Weight : Approx 60g
Voltage: DC 3.7V
Operating Temperature:
5 degrees C ~ 35 degrees C
Built-in Bluetooth(R) Ver.2.0
Keypad Layout: QWERTY layout
Battery Specification Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Battery
Battery Capacity: 610mAh

An 80GB PS3 will be available to European buyers this Friday. At a healthy price of 399 Euros it’s certainly attractive, but Sony have more in store for us. At the Leipzig Games Convention, Sony have announced the release of a 160GB PS3 for 449 Euros.

50 Euros for 80GB’s? Not bad…but you’ll also got 70 Euros of spending money to buy downloadable content on the PlayStation Store. Nice. Then again, I still don’t like new skus.

The 160GB will have the very same specs as the 80gb model and will launch on October 31st.

Source: IGN

[Update] – We’re unsure whether the 70 Euros can be spent on downloadable content, which sounds too good to be true. Instead, we predict that 70 Euros might be the total value of the games, both downloadable and disc, included with the console. This cemented by the following Sony PR announcement detailing an Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune 160GB PS3 bundle for the US.  Yes, America gets more gigabites too:

The Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune PS3 bundle includes the following components:

- 160GB PS3 system – The 160GB PS3 is a complete entertainment system comprising a Blu-ray(TM) Disc player, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, and Cell Broadband Engine(TM).
- Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune – A 400-year-old clue found in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake sets a modern-day fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, on an exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
- PAIN PLAYSTATION Network Voucher* – PAIN boldly tackles a rarely explored area of video-gaming … comedy. The unique mechanic of the game allows the player to load a character into a human-sized, ultra-powerful slingshot, and fire the character into an active, physics-controlled environment, filled with precarious and humorous situations. Download PAIN from PLAYSTATION Store (http://store.playstation.com) to your PS3 system with the included voucher.
- DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller – DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller provides the most intuitive game play experience with pressure sensors in each action button and the inclusion of the highly sensitive SIXAXIS(TM) motion sensing technology.

Reports have surfaced, and it appears that Sega will be announcing a new Nintendo Wii title tomorrow at Leipzig. At this point we know that the game is being developed by Headstrong, and as we reported a few days ago, Sega recently renewed the trademark on Jet Grind Radio.

JET GRIND RADIO
Standard Character claim: Yes
Current Status: Newly filed application, not yet assigned to an examining attorney.
Date of Status: 2008-07-30
Filing Date: 2008-07-24

Armed with that information, if we had to guess, we would have to lean in that direction as of now, but final word will be coming your way tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Anyone who has played a Blizzard game knows that one of their most signature features are their masterful cinematics. Blizzard will be revealing their opening cinematic for Wrath of the Lich King at this years GC with a Q&A session to follow. We will report details from the event to you as soon as they happen.

In the mean time, several of us here are exploring the Lich King beta with every intention of sharing our feedback with you in the form of a podcast as soon as we get the green light to do so. I will say that Northrend is gigantic and the two five mans we had the chance to run looked very nice. Stay tuned.

The infamous SackBoy and his LittleBigPaintbrush have painted their way onto the German cityscape just in time for this years GC in Leipzig. While I’m sure that SB himself created the masterpiece, something tells me that Sony and Media Molecule sprung for the paint.

See the mural from a few different angles by visiting the Official GC 08 Blog.

Source: gc-blog.de