Uncharted

If there has been one PlayStation franchise that’s made PS3 a viable buy, and there have been many, Naughty Dog’s Uncharted must be counted atop the bunch. The franchise has sold over 14 million units on PS3 alone, making it the most successful exclusive Sony’s seen in the seventh generation of gaming. The game has also helped move millions of PS3s, while helping the console find its identity.

Uncharted 4: Drake’s New Beginning should be a PlayStation 4 launch title.

Metal Gear Solid 5

When PS3 was being lambasted by journalists in its early 2006-2007 years for being too expensive and not having enough games to support a purchase, there was only one game Sony could turn to: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots. The game was, at that time, Sony’s killer punch, a secret weapon of sorts to calm the building storm, and that’s exactly what it did.

MGS4: Guns Of The Patriots sold almost 6 million units in lifetime sales, helping Sony move over 200,000 consoles immediately upon its release, and thousands more thereafter. If you’re going to release PS4, then Metal Gear Solid 5 must be an exclusive on said console, just like its predecessors before.

Killzone 4

Every console needs a strong shooter. Xbox 360 has Halo, so will Xbox 720. PS4 needs Killzone 4 – even as a launch title.

Killzone 3 was, and still is the best looking game on consoles although it was released way before Battlefield 3 and many other top shooters. If Sony hopes to wow crowds at E3 next year, the firm should have Killzone 4 running, and ready for release alongside PS4.

Although the last installment was received differently by varying fans, it sold 2.2 million units life-to-date, a number I believe could rise substantially if Guerrilla Games stuns us at E3 2013 with KZ4, and if it’s released as a launch title – Killzone 2 sold almost 3 million.

Gran Turismo 6

There is no doubt in my mind that Polyphony Digital is already laboring away on Gran Turismo 6 for PlayStation 4, and why wouldn’t they? Gran Turismo 5′s demo (Gran Turismo 5: Prologue), sold a stunning 4.10 million units. Did you get that? A demo sells more units than top shooter Killzone 3, Sucker Punch’s inFamous 1 and 2, Media Molecule’s LittleBigPlanet 2, and the same amount as God of War 3? The game itself has sold almost 8 million copies life-to-date, more than any other PS3 exclusive, ever. It was also a system-seller for Sony. Just imagine what GT6 will accomplish once released on PlayStation 4.

LittleBigPlanet 3

Every console needs a family game because parents are the ones with the money. Why do you think Kinect sold 18 million units in two years? Or do you think guys were the ones purchasing Wii Fit causing it to sell over 22 million units worldwide? No, mothers were the ones purchasing the game, and Sony knows it needs a family title to answer this problem. It already has one.

LittleBigPlanet is one of those games where everyone can pick up a controller and have at it. It’s fun, silly, rewarding, makes people laugh and can bring the whole family together to play. The game’s also sold a respectable 5 million units life-to-date, while the second title sold 2.5 million. Not bad for a new IP showing up to the game rather late.

There are other titles we believe will help PlayStation 4 but are not necessarily needed and we’ll talk about them in another thread. But these are the titles Sony’s next console, codenamed Orbis, simply can’t do without.

Video Thirst: PlayStation Meeting 2013 – New York City - Hammerstein Ballroom

Live stream by Ustream

We’ll also be bringing relentless news as it happens, and once videos, trailers and anything PlayStation-related news is made known, you’ll be able to quench it all here.

We won’t interrupt the video, of course, but open a few other browsers to check out the posts as they happen. As you may know, PlayStation 4′s controller was leaked on gaming’s web recently, and the feeling I get, while traversing the internet, is that although many are not thrilled about it, there’s not this massive negative sentiment towards the controller. In fact, I find many like it.

Long lines as people gather for Sony’s PlayStation Meeting In New York City

Times:

For US gamers, PlayStation Meeting becomes a thing at 3 p.m Pacific Standard Time (PST) and 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

For EU/UK Gamers, the event goes heavy from 11pm GMT.

What to Expect

Expect Sony to make a few PS3 and PS Vita-related announcements. The latter might get a rumored redesign, and even a price cut at the event.

Sony will also talk about PS3 and the exclusive games coming to it, like God of War: Ascension and The Last Of Us, the latter releasing in June.

And then, the event’s expected to go mental with the PlayStation 4′s announcement, and the games coming to it. We should hear about specs, see games like Killzone 4, new IPs and even Uncharted 4, so all-in-all, New York City should be ablaze Wednesday evening.

The Importance Of The Meeting

Make no mistake, Wednesday’s PlayStation Meeting will be Sony’s most important event in a long time, and it was a smart move to step away from the noise of E3 and host a PlayStation-only occasion, where all the focus will be on one brand. It’s a strategy Apple has used successfully over the years to usher in their new products.

Sony, like it or not, is not at a good place. They firm was once one of the most powerful companies in the world, and although the brand remains strong, a rising yen and competition from fellow orient companies Samsung and LG, has left the giant reeling to find its path.

PlayStation 3, because of the firm’s arrogance, saw a launch disaster, causing the brand to take a tremendous hit, losing much of its ground to Xbox 360, a console that wouldn’t have stood a chance had Sony played humble, release PS3 at a decent starting price, and not launch one year later.

That’s not happening this time around. Sony’s looking to go first, and from what I’ve heard, Kaz Hirai and his gang have learnt many lessons.

PlayStation, believe it or not, must prove to be the great brand it is all over again, and it must put a stop to Microsoft’s prolific rise.

This is quintessentially a once in a lifetime opportunity. It cannot be wasted, and that cannot be overstated.

We’re ready.

Guerrilla Games has released Killzone games at the launch of new generations, including Killzone 2 for PS3, and a Killzone game was announced for Vita when the console was unveiled. It’s also believed that Guerrilla Games are currently at work on a new IP.

Sony Europe declined to respond when reached for comment.

Anybody ready for some Killzone 4 on PS4? Imagine how that game’s going to look…. Think about the story that awaits… The online play! The fun! The Wars! Eh, I’m sorry, I must learn to contain my excitement…

This rumor comes to us via Dual Pixels, citing an anonymous source who’d already leaked two pieces of news to the site, the first being about a Castlevania sequel, the other a reveal of Kingdom Hearts HD Collection. Both rumors, Dual Pixels claim, came to pass courtesy Geno, a Nostradamus in disguise.

But the details of the rumor are quite possible and extremely exciting. I’ll allow ‘Geno’ to speak for himself, here. Read the full quote below:

Sony is near the middle end part of their Project Orbis, their next generation PS4. It will not be called Playstation 4, teams have started to call the final name as Omni. Omni will reflect their new hardware and content delivery philosophy. Omni will be “very capable” of doing modern day graphics compared to a Direct X 11 level of technology like Unreal Engine 4 and Frostbite 2. Compared to Wii U, it is better, but not the biggest leap in the world according to developer friends of mine. The key is the Omniviewer, a thin, lite and slick head mounted autostereoscopic display that can track the users head and present a 360 image view with semi transparent AMOLED screens. This can turn any TV into a 3D TV, as well as add extra augmented reality information outside of the TV screen.

One application from an entertainment perspective is seeing movies in 2k, 4k or IMAX resolutions as their original size where you have to move your head to look at the full picture being displayed. The tech can also synch with the Vita. The new controllers whether it’s the Duo-Moves or the Classic DuoShock will have pulse sensors in the grips for biofeedback gameplay. Plans are a Basic Unit with 160 gigs and just the system with controller at $350-$399, and one with the Omniviewer bundled with a game for $450-$499. Aims are for a September 2013 launch.

Omni is also part of their philosophy with the new OmniCloud, the new version of Gakai. This service will not only cloud stream PS1, PS2 and select PS3 games to Playstation Certified devices, but will also allow every digital and retail purchase to have access to a copy on the cloud. Basically, you buy one game, you can use it on any Plyastation device. Direct hardware Backwards Compatibility will be available by a $70 – $99 dongle that is plugged into the Omni that contains a PS3 on a chip with Cell to run games.

Known first party games in development for Playstation Omni are: Next Gen Uncharted, Next Gen Siren, The Boydguard, Wipeout Omni, Bump In the Night, Killzone 4, Gran Turismo Prologue, Next Gen Media Molecule, Omni Fitness.

Again, folks, keep in mind these details are all rumors, but it could all be true – we actually hope it is! And it truly sounds exciting. Fingers crossed, then.

Sony is currently recording a teaser for the next Killzone game which takes place after the events of Killzone 3, sources have told Siliconera.

Here’s some portions of the script:

“My sons and my daughters, today we take the first step toward our imperial future.

For years, this once-great nation has stagnated in the shadow of its enemies. Governed by scoundrels who flaunted the ideals established by my father, these traitors… these enemies of our race have diluted and exploited the triad of Duty, Obedience, and Loyalty.

This regime, this corrupt regime, has been dissolved. In its place does rise an era of stability and strength. A time of opportunity born from a promise that we shall return our people to their proper sphere of dominance.”

‘Duty, Obedience, and Loyalty’ are the three virtues of the Helghast Triad, and the lines were written for a woman, who has ties to a Helghan Autarch, the sources claim.

I’m thinking this is Visari’s daughter who’s briefly shown at the beginning of Killzone 3. If true, I’m more pumped than I’ve ever been for E3 2012.

That’s what GG art director Jan-Bart van Beek said at GDC, as reported by IGN, but in what way the support will continue, whether it’d be DLC or just patches, the developer didn’t mention.

Apart from the new IP that’s now being worked on, van Beek also confirmed that the team working on Killzone for PS Vita has now been integrated into Guerrilla Games.

As for continuing the Killzone franchise on PS3, Guerrilla Games has already confirmed that they’re working on a title, but whether it’s Killzone 4, or spin off is yet unknown.

van Beek also delved into the process of making a new IP at Guerrilla Games, revealing that several ideas were pitched, including one that was fully thought out and planned, however Sony turned it down.

It was called Dark Science, “a retro-futuristic ’70s-punk title. Players would be Jake Crowbar, a Dirty Harry type, who takes on all sorts of monsters.”

The info will be released in the magazine’s March 2012 issue.

What are your guesses?

Thanks, AGB.

A replay of one of Gamesthirst’s most popular articles:

You’ve heard the talk haven’t you? About how Sony will not allow Microsoft to release its next generation console before they do, and so, with the fear of losing its user base pounding incessantly at the thoughts of its executives, Sony will leave the PS3 behind and delve head first into the eighth and last generation of gaming consoles.

This won’t happen.

If Sony has learned one thing about gamers, is that they’re suckers for new “toys”. Doesn’t really matter what year they release a console, as long as the price is right, and the PlayStation logo is on there, it’ll sell like hot cakes. And now, with the advent of PSN, Sony’s base will most likely stay faithful to its service until the next PlayStation home console comes along.

Even one of Sony’s main bosses uttered this very thing.

Sony’s Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida:

“Naturally, in my opinion, Microsoft will make the first move. Or, because Nintendo’s approach was not to upgrade much on its basic hardware – Wii doesn’t even support HD resolution – so they might be the first to move,” Yoshida told industry Magazine, Develop, when asked why Sony hadn’t discussed the PS4 publicly as yet.

“Probably we should watch these companies, in my opinion. Because PS3 was later than Xbox, and is more powerful, so it has a longer lifespan.”

And I agree with him fully. Microsoft and Nintendo are most likely planning a 2012 release for the their next generation consoles, and for them, I think it’s right timing. Think about it: Although Nintendo launched around the same time with Sony, the Wii is basically a GameCube with Motion Control technology; the legendary company badly needs an upgraded system. And so it’s a veritable venture to release one soon, all the while boosting revenues and shareholder confidence.

Microsoft, too, must be eying 2012 seriously for many reasons. Although Redmond only recently released the Xbox 360 Slim, it knows, without doubt, that the days of its controversial console is coming to an end. Evidently, the PS3 is beginning to embarrass the Xbox 360. Especially technically, where the PS3′s raw power is beginning to outstrip by far, even the best efforts of developers who make exclusive games for Microsoft’s console.

Also, when 2012 arrives, it will be eight years since the Xbox 360 first came on the market. That’s well beyond the time period console makers release their next gen systems. Remember, Sony launched the PS2 in 2000 and six years later, the PS3 came on the scene. It would not only be a bad marketing move if Microsoft doesn’t release its new console in the next year and a half, it would also seriously damage the Xbox 360′s image. Why? Well, considering the PS3′s ahead of the Xbox 360 technically, it would literally render Microsoft’s console “old gen” by that time. Perhaps you’re aware that it’s already showing, therefore things will only go down hill rapidly in the coming years.

So Sony will be the only company left in the seventh generation of consoles.

For a while.

Suddenly, without warning, 2014 comes crashing in on the gaming world like a massive truck that just lost all bearings. The driver pumps hard, looking for brakes, hoping to stop. He finds none. All that’s left is a gaming world bewildered, awestruck, dumbfounded and amazed.

Sony just crashed everyone’s party. For a while there, Nintendo and Microsoft were hoping against hope that the company from the land of the rising sun would just quit gaming and allow the two to play chess. Stay away, Sony. Not so.

PS4′s now on the scene. Priced right, more future proof than any other on the market. Sexy. Millions starts disappearing off store shelves, etailers like amazon can’t keep up. Even the monster that is Walmart can’t keep the console in stuck.

But why’s it selling out so fast? For one, Sony learned an almost crippling lesson back in the PS3′s gloomy days. The console was priced at over $650 at launch, a turnoff for many gamers who then set their sights on Microsoft’s Xbox 360, which, by the way, managed to outsell Sony’s PS3 before its younger brother would step in: Xbox 720.

The other reason was the many PS3 exclusive titles that launched with the system.

Killzone 4:

Killzone is one of the most recognizable titles on the PlayStation, and in gaming for that matter. After Sony unleashed the third installment on the PS3, the giant allowed Guerrilla Games, Killzone’s developer, to go after new ventures. And so the prospect of the next Killzone launching on PS3 faded. Time ran out but it benefited the PS4.

As soon as the game’s fans heard the news, they couldn’t resist. “Where is the nearest GameStop?” Zack asked, he’d already made his decision.

Resistance 4:

By the time Resistance 3 came out, it was already late 2011. Its developer, Insomniac Games, had recently signed a deal with EA Partners affording them to do multiplatform games. Sony knew when that happened they’d have to wait longer for Resistance installments. Part four would not see a PS3 release.

It did, however, release on the PS4 at launch, and again, just like the killzone fans, Resistance supporters bought the console for their beloved franchise.

God of War 4:

Many had thought that God of War 4 would come to life on PS3, it did not. Apparently they’d forgotten how long it took Santa Monica to release the last: four years.

Did Sony strategically planned the game’s PS4 release? It was hardly a tough question to answer. Of course they did. God of War is a system seller; God of War III had once again proven that point, and Sony wasn’t about to mess up the tradition.

When the game landed a month later on the PS4, you could hardly find the console anywhere. It had proven to be the best hardware sales boost Sony had ever received from a game.

In the end, not Microsoft, nor was it Nintendo who won the eighth generation of consoles install base battle. Sony’s planning had proven successful. They didn’t follow the other two companies down the tempting path, it was their destiny not Sony’s. And although the media was once again spelling the hardware giant’s doom, Sony never budged. It was already accustomed to the judgments. Instead, a game plan formulated by the company’s top executives, developers, and fans alike, was followed precisely. No wavering, not even when it looked tough.

And so it was in the eighth generation of consoles.

For ExclusivesMostly, one of Games Thirst faithful users.

According to the latest magazine issue of Edge, the “bulk” of Guerrilla Games staff is working on Killzone 4, while Killzone 2 and 3 senior producer Steven Ter Heide is reportedly directing the game.

“We’ve got to continue the Killzone franchise,” Guerrilla Games recruiter Adrian Smith is quoted as saying.

You’ll remember earlier this week Edge reported that a certain Sony studio has already left PS3 behind to do work on PS4, and said studio’s also helping to build PS4′s visuals structure.

It just might be Guerrilla Games.

Things are starting to get really interesting around internet land.

Thanks, Gamerzines.

Can you feel it? Can you feel the gentle breeze of excitement blowing through the air? Well, I can. I know the gaming world’s awaiting the arrival of Battlefield 3, Uncharted 3 and Modern Warfare 3, but there’s something even more exciting happening. It’ll change the way we play forever, and some of the biggest games of all time will be there to help bring the vision to life.

Gears of War 4, Uncharted 4, Battlefield 4 and Modern Warfare 4 will usher in a brand new way of play – but don’t expect them on this generation of consoles. No. Expect a new world order nwhen PS4 and Xbox 720 come out.

Follow me.

Caribbean Clank and ExclusiveMostly were having a rather enveloping discussion. “Man, I can’t wait for Tuesday!” Clank proclaimed, referring to Battlefield 3, and ExclusivesMostly nodded in agreement. “It’s going to be the biggest day in gaming! I can feel it,” Clank’s tone was almost tearful, it’s like he’d never been so excited in his life. ExclusivesMostly continued to nod in agreement, although he himself couldn’t muster the that level of excitement. Work was on his mind.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the GT lounge, Ghost250 and Nick were having a rather heated debate, and for the first time they could agree on one thing: Uncharted 3 will be mental. “It will be!” Nick agreed, bewildered he’s in agreement with Ghost250, “gaming’s never been better.”

Sitting gently were rpatricky and his brother, bobromines77 talking about Modern Warfare 3, and how many friends they could garner to form a formidable squad. Benzo couldn’t care less. He would play all the games.

The mood all over Gamesthirst was the same except for one person: Ernice Gilbert.

I’m excited about the aforementioned titles, but I can’t help but burst with joy when I think about PS4 and Xbox 720. Think about it: the new consoles will most likely come out in 2013 – just in time for Uncharted 4, Gears of War 4, Battlefield 4 and Modern Warfare 4. Now think about how much things will have changed by then. Think about the ultimate experience: immersion like never before, 3D in all its glory, visuals real as life itself, walking, talking avatars, backwards compatibility, cross-video chat – and so much more.

In fact, you’ll forget instantly about what’s taking place now, because like PSone gave way to PS2, and Xbox gave way to Xbox 360, so too will PS3 make room for PS4, and we’ll all be looking back at the “old games” saying, “man, this looks terrible!!”

But my mom taught me a simple thing: in life, it’s good to be patient and bask in the here and now. In essence, live for today, not tomorrow. So like all of you, I’ll enjoy the upcoming blockbusters, but my mind will be on the inevitable goodness.

For All Gamesthirst users.

It would seem so, as Guerrilla Games are already hiring folks for, guess what: Another FPS title. I’m not complaining, though, Killzone 3 is my favorite shooter this generation.

The firm is looking for an “expert knowledge and understanding of current multiplayer trends both in First-Person Shooters as well as Online/Multiplayer in general.”

We don’t know what it is for sure, but Guerrilla Games are a competent bunch.

It was becoming a trend, so it’s nice to know that Sony’s come clean and confirmed that all its first-party titles will require an online pass moving forward.

The confirmation came shortly after it was revealed Uncharted 3 would require the pass.

“Online Pass will be incorporated into Uncharted 3 and future Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) games with online functionality,” said a Sony rep in a statement to D’toid.

“We will provide further information in the future.”

Thanks, TVGB.

With recent news that Guerrilla Games is actually hard at work on a new IP, more evidence has surfaced suggesting we won’t see another Killzone game until the release of PlayStation 4.

Sales for Killzone 3 now stand at 1,631,432 worldwide. Many had thought the shooter would perform better given the former’s performance and the hype surrounding it as a topnotch first-party exclusives. So although the numbers are not bad, they’re somewhat disappointing.

Now it seems Guerrilla Games are giving the franchise a break to focus on something new, saying in a job posting on their official site that they’re on an “epic quest for a Concept Artist with an architectural or industrial design background. Like a modern-day Daedalus, you will design complex environments to contain the monsters and ensnare the heroes of our flagship titles.”

So it’s obvious that the company’s giving Killzone a rest at the moment. So, when will we see Killzone 4? Guerrilla Games will not abandon such a power franchise, so expect the next Killzone game on PS4. In fact, Killzone 4 could be a prequel, taking us back to how Helghast turned into what it is now, and more background on the ISA.

Killzone 3 fans should not worry, however, as the developer’s also looking for a Senior Java Developer, who’ll be responsible for “designing and developing the server backend for Killzone 3 and future products”, so the title should be well supported throughout its lifetime.

What do you think Killzone 4 should be about? Share your thoughts.

Although we didn’t see Killzone 3 in the NPD’s top 10 selling games for the month of March, the group has said that Guerrilla Games latest effort did sell well, and would have made the top ten had it been ranked on a SKU unit sales ranking basis.

“Now that we’re reporting on games at the title rather than SKU level, it’s important to note several that sold well and would have made the top 10 on a SKU unit sales ranking basis. Those include Just Dance 2 on Wii, Killzone 3 on PS3, and Zumba Fitness on Wii,” said David Riley in the monthly release.

So sales should be heading towards the 2 million sold mark soon, a number that should secure fans another sequel.

Killzone 2 sold 2.5 million copies worldwide, and expect the latest installment to surpass that number.