Sony takes aim at Microsoft with PlayStation 4

By LOU KESTEN, Associated Press

Sony Computer Entertainment president and CEO Andrew House introduces the new PlayStation 4 at the Sony PlayStation E3 media briefing in Los Angeles, Monday, June 10, 2013. Sony is giving gamers their first look at the PlayStation 4 and it's a rectangular black box, just like all the previous PlayStations. Photo: Jae C. Hong

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sony broke out the heavy ammunition Monday against Microsoft, announcing its forthcoming PlayStation 4 will cost $399 — $100 less than the competing Xbox One.
"The gaming landscape is changing with new business models and new ways to play," said Andrew House, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment.

Sony Computer Entertainment president and CEO Andrew House addresses the media as he stands in front of a display showing the images of the new PlayStation 4 at the Sony PlayStation E3 media briefing in Los Angeles, Monday, June 10, 2013. Sony is giving gamers their first look at the PlayStation 4 and it's a rectangular black box, just like all the previous PlayStations. Photo: Jae C. Hong

The price announcement wasn't the only shot fired at Microsoft during Sony's presentation at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the gambling industry's annual U.S. trade show. The loudest applause at the company's event show came when Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America, announced that the company would not try to restrict used game sales. Tretton also said the PS4 would not require a persistent online connection.
"PlayStation 4 disc-based games don't need to be connected online to play or any type of authentication," said Tretton. "If you enjoy playing single-player games offline, PS4 won't require to you check in online period and it won't stop working if you haven't authenticated in 24 hours."

A gamer plays a video game at the Sony PlayStation E3 media briefing in Los Angeles, Monday, June 10, 2013. Sony is giving gamers their first look at the PlayStation 4 and it's a rectangular black box, just like all the previous PlayStations. Photo: Jae C. Hong

Microsoft has been criticized for its vague statements about whether it will allow buyers of its Xbox One to play secondhand software, as well as its requirement that the new console be connected to the Internet at least once every 24 hours.
Beyond those issues, Sony gave potential PS4 buyers plenty of games to look forward to later this year. The company's Santa Monica Studios, the developer of the "God of War" franchise, introduced the steampunk thriller "The Order: 1866." Quantic Dream, the French studio behind "Heavy Rain" and the upcoming "Beyond: Two Souls," provided a comical glimpse at the fantasy "The Dark Sorcerer."
Shu Yoshida, president of Sony Worldwide Studios, said the company's studios have more than 30 PS4 games in development, including 12 brand new intellectual properties.
Sony also showed new footage from previously announced PS4 games like the superhero adventure "InFamous: Second Son," the auto racing simulator "Drive Club" and the sci-fi shooter "Killzone: Shadow Fall."

PlayStation 4 is unveiled for the first time by Andrew House, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., at the PlayStation E3 Press Conference on Monday June 10, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision for SCEA/AP Images) Photo: Jordan Strauss, Associated Press

Several third-party developers also debuted next-generation titles at Sony's event. Bungie, the creator of the blockbuster Xbox series "Halo," showed the first in-game footage of its highly anticipated first-person shooter "Destiny." Warner Bros. showed a clip from a new "Mad Max" game, while Square-Enix announced the long-awaited "Kingdom Hearts III" and "Final Fantasy XV." Overall, Tretton said, more than 140 PS4 titles are in the pipeline.
That includes an assortment of games from smaller, independent developers, which Sony featured onstage next to giant publishers like Activision and Ubisoft. The processing chips in the PS4 are similar to those in PCs rather than the complex, idiosyncratic "Cell" architecture used in the PS3. That should make it easier for developers of all sizes to build games for Sony's new console.
Like Microsoft, Sony is betting big on social networking features. The new version of its DualShock controller includes a "share" button that allows you to post gameplay footage and screenshots.
Friends can watch as you play a game, and you'll even be able to let a pal take control of your game from afar if you can't get past a tough battle. The controller also includes a touchpad and a Move motion sensor that works with a camera placed near the TV set.

source: sfgate.com


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Microsoft's Xbox One to carry £429 price tag

Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Monday 10 June 2013 23.24 BST

Details about new console revealed at E3 electronic entertainment trade show in Los Angeles

Microsoft president Don Mattrick at the E3 electronic entertainment trade show in Los Angeles. The new Xbox One will cost £429. Photograph: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
Microsoft has revealed that its new Xbox One games console will carry an expensive price tag of over £400 when it is launched in November.

The US firm announced at the E3 electronic entertainment trade show in Los Angeles that its latest piece of hardware will set gamers back £429.

It came just hours before Microsoft's rival Sony was set to raise the curtain on its new PlayStation 4, pushing the next-gen console wars between both tech giants to fever pitch.

Microsoft's presentation saw the unveiling of Xbox One games, with a mix of legendary franchises such as Metal Gear Solid and Halo together with a clutch of new titles.

It also introduced new features such as Twitch, which will allow players to broadcast their gaming sessions live online.

Video games expert Daniel Krupa, who writes for entertainment website IGN, said: "At £429, the Xbox One will be an expensive investment when it launches in November – but Microsoft's wide array of games was a clear statement of intent for those who worried it might focus too heavily on the entertainment features.

"They have significantly invested in a wide range of gaming experiences, from triple-A blockbusters to quieter indie titles, and games for kids.

"From what we've seen so far, both Microsoft and Sony want to make next-gen gaming a more social experience, even allowing you to broadcast your gaming session live to the internet.

"The price is high, but the Xbox One right now has bags of functionality and promise.

"All eyes are now on Sony to see what they have up their sleeves for round two."

The Xbox One, described as an "all-in-one system" for games, live television, films and music, was first unveiled at Microsoft's US headquarters in Redmond, Washington, last month.

It incorporates a Blu-ray drive, the use of video calling service Skype, and an upgraded Kinect camera which allows the device to better analyse body movements.

Sony is due to offer gamers a first complete view of its new PS4 at E3 later in the day, following a sneak preview revealed some details earlier this year.

It is the first major games machine the Japanese firm has built since the PlayStation 3 went on sale in 2006.

New features are expected to focus on social networking and remote access, and Sony's device also includes a button allowing users to broadcast video of play to friends.

Meanwhile, Apple also made a third major tech revelation on the day as it showcased its newest operating system at a developers conference in San Francisco, California.

Microsoft also unveiled new games for its Xbox 360, which was first released in 2005, after the company said it cared about gamers' investment in the console.

Stuart Miles, who runs tech website Pocket Lint, said he had been surprised by the sheer number of games that Microsoft presented.

"They are still relying on the Halos of this world, but there are also nicer, smaller titles which shows they are not just regurgitating sequel after sequel," he said.

Asked about the pricing of the Xbox One, he said: "Whether they are pushing the outer limits of what people can accept is debatable, but there is a lot of tech in there so they have to price it that way.

"It is a tough sell but the reality is, if you want it you want it, and that is probably the price it should be – and there is the appetite and the games to go with it."

Referring to the "console wars", Miles said: "I think Sony's is the more exciting presentation because they have got the new box to launch and there is more still to come, whereas people kind of feel they know everything about the Xbox One by now.

"But that could all change in a matter of hours."



source: Press Association
guardian.co.uk

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