Crytek Purchases Free Radical
Crysis developer making acquisitions.
by Charles Onyett
February 4, 2009 - Crytek officially confirmed its purchase of Free Radical Design today, following early reports that broke yesterday. According to the official press release, Free Radical "will now be integrated into Crytek's network."
"We're very excited about this step to expand Crytek into the UK with such an experienced and highly talented team," said Avni Yerli, Managing Director of Crytek. "Free Radical Design is a great fit to Crytek and its culture, given that Free Radical has a proven track record on delivering high quality games. The combination of this team, the Crytek network and our CryENGINE technology will be a foundation for outstanding gaming experiences and a magnet for the best talent in the UK."
We've got word into Crytek for further clarification on what this means.
Based in Nottingham, England, Free Radical recently lost a large portion of its workforce, though retained 40 employees. The studio is responsible for Timesplitters back in 2000 as well as the more recent PlayStation 3 exclusive Haze in May of 2008. The purchase was confirmed to 1up by Free Radical's writer Rob Yescombe.
Crytek, operating primarily out of Germany, is the studio responsible for the original Far Cry back in 2004, and more recently Crysis in 2007 and Crysis Warhead in 2008, as well as its CryEngine and CryEngine 2 game engine technology.
Nothing at this point is known for sure what may happen with Free Radical or its IPs beyond what we've been told so far.
Kamis, 05 Februari 2009
Sony Slimming Down PS3 Chip Size
Sony Slimming Down PS3 Chip Size
Sony aims to cut PS3 production costs with new chips.
by Scott Lowe
February 5, 2009 - In an interview with The Guardian, Sony Europe president Sony Computer Entertainment Europe revealed that the company will swap out cell chips in the PlayStation 3 to reduce production costs later this year. In lieu of huge quarterly losses, Sony has already begun to slim down its staff and manufacturing base by cutting over 16,000 jobs and closing six production centers.
As one of the company's most notable products, the PlayStation 3 represents a significant portion of the company's manufacturing operations, and according to Reeves, will likely be undergoing some revisions later this year. Among the revisions will be a swap from the PS3's current 65 nanometer cell chip with a smaller, more cost effective 45 nanometer cell chip.
"We're always looking at ways to reduce costs," said Reeves. "Replacing the current 65 nanometre cell chip with a 45 nanometre one probably in middle of year."
What does the new chip mean for the system? Well, the 45 nm chip has a higher energy efficiency and runs cooler than the current 65 nm chip. Additionally, the chip will make the overall production costs lower on the system, potentially paving the way for future price reductions. But don't get too excited, PS3 price reductions won't be happening anytime soon, during the interview Reeves maintained that resisting the urge to cut prices is crucial to Sony's economic rebound.
Sony aims to cut PS3 production costs with new chips.
by Scott Lowe
February 5, 2009 - In an interview with The Guardian, Sony Europe president Sony Computer Entertainment Europe revealed that the company will swap out cell chips in the PlayStation 3 to reduce production costs later this year. In lieu of huge quarterly losses, Sony has already begun to slim down its staff and manufacturing base by cutting over 16,000 jobs and closing six production centers.
As one of the company's most notable products, the PlayStation 3 represents a significant portion of the company's manufacturing operations, and according to Reeves, will likely be undergoing some revisions later this year. Among the revisions will be a swap from the PS3's current 65 nanometer cell chip with a smaller, more cost effective 45 nanometer cell chip.
"We're always looking at ways to reduce costs," said Reeves. "Replacing the current 65 nanometre cell chip with a 45 nanometre one probably in middle of year."
What does the new chip mean for the system? Well, the 45 nm chip has a higher energy efficiency and runs cooler than the current 65 nm chip. Additionally, the chip will make the overall production costs lower on the system, potentially paving the way for future price reductions. But don't get too excited, PS3 price reductions won't be happening anytime soon, during the interview Reeves maintained that resisting the urge to cut prices is crucial to Sony's economic rebound.
EA Accelerates Online Growth In Asia With Need For Speed World Online
EA Accelerates Online Growth In Asia With Need For Speed World Online
First phase of technical testing for popular racing franchise to begin in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
February 5, 2009 - Taipei, Taiwan – Feb 5, 2009 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that EA Asia will publish Need for Speed World Online in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Jointly created by EA Black Box, the developer of the Need for Speed franchise, and EA's online studio in Singapore, EA's blockbuster racing franchise comes to Asia with a free to play, multiplayer PC-only online game The first phase of technical testing is scheduled to start in March 2009.
The game offers numerous race tracks and game modes where players are able to form teams to take on the competition and the police. Players can collect and customize racing characters alongside authentic real-world licensed cars and will be able to track their progress via online leaderboards, all in the largest free roaming environment in Need for Speed history. Need for Speed World Online is a new entertainment experience that delivers excellent gameplay, stunning graphics and sophisticated online matchmaking features that emphasize social interaction between players.
"Need for Speed is one of the world's best-selling franchises, and is especially popular among gamers in Taiwan and Hong Kong. We're thrilled to bring this EA-owned property to Asia and to begin our self publishing model in Taiwan and Hong Kong. We look forward to the results of this testing phase for continued improvement in providing the best service to online gamers across Asia," said Jon Niermann, President of EA Asia.
Need For Speed World Online is a multi-player PC game jointly developed by Black Box, the developer of the Need for Speed franchise, and EA's online studio in Singapore. Need for Speed World Online joins EA's roster of online games in Asia including the successful launches of EA SPORTSTM FIFA Online 2 in Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, and Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
First phase of technical testing for popular racing franchise to begin in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
February 5, 2009 - Taipei, Taiwan – Feb 5, 2009 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that EA Asia will publish Need for Speed World Online in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Jointly created by EA Black Box, the developer of the Need for Speed franchise, and EA's online studio in Singapore, EA's blockbuster racing franchise comes to Asia with a free to play, multiplayer PC-only online game The first phase of technical testing is scheduled to start in March 2009.
The game offers numerous race tracks and game modes where players are able to form teams to take on the competition and the police. Players can collect and customize racing characters alongside authentic real-world licensed cars and will be able to track their progress via online leaderboards, all in the largest free roaming environment in Need for Speed history. Need for Speed World Online is a new entertainment experience that delivers excellent gameplay, stunning graphics and sophisticated online matchmaking features that emphasize social interaction between players.
"Need for Speed is one of the world's best-selling franchises, and is especially popular among gamers in Taiwan and Hong Kong. We're thrilled to bring this EA-owned property to Asia and to begin our self publishing model in Taiwan and Hong Kong. We look forward to the results of this testing phase for continued improvement in providing the best service to online gamers across Asia," said Jon Niermann, President of EA Asia.
Need For Speed World Online is a multi-player PC game jointly developed by Black Box, the developer of the Need for Speed franchise, and EA's online studio in Singapore. Need for Speed World Online joins EA's roster of online games in Asia including the successful launches of EA SPORTSTM FIFA Online 2 in Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, and Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Aussie MMO Status Update
Aussie MMO Status Update
Blizzard adds its comments on AU MMO situation.
by Patrick Kolan, IGN AU
Australia, February 5, 2009 - After news media picked up the scent of strange retail happenings surrounding the legalities of selling unrated MMOs in Australia several days ago, IGN sought comment from Activision Blizzard - publishers of World of Warcraft. IGN today received an update from the US arm of the company with a prepared statement aimed at addressing any perceived confusion.
According to the Public Relations Manager at Blizzard Entertainment:
"Blizzard Entertainment and its affiliates work very closely with the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia to ensure that we are in full compliance with Australian law as it relates to the distribution and operation of our games, including World of Warcraft. We'd like to reassure all of our players that World of Warcraft is currently, and has always been, distributed and operated legally in Australia."
We wish Blizzard and other publishers in the MMO field our best of luck as they sort out the often confusing legalities of the Australian Classifications system.
Blizzard adds its comments on AU MMO situation.
by Patrick Kolan, IGN AU
Australia, February 5, 2009 - After news media picked up the scent of strange retail happenings surrounding the legalities of selling unrated MMOs in Australia several days ago, IGN sought comment from Activision Blizzard - publishers of World of Warcraft. IGN today received an update from the US arm of the company with a prepared statement aimed at addressing any perceived confusion.
According to the Public Relations Manager at Blizzard Entertainment:
"Blizzard Entertainment and its affiliates work very closely with the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia to ensure that we are in full compliance with Australian law as it relates to the distribution and operation of our games, including World of Warcraft. We'd like to reassure all of our players that World of Warcraft is currently, and has always been, distributed and operated legally in Australia."
We wish Blizzard and other publishers in the MMO field our best of luck as they sort out the often confusing legalities of the Australian Classifications system.
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