How loyal are you to the Playstation brand? Hirai hopes PSN will help increase it

Are you the ultimate PS3 fan? Well if not, Kaz Hirai hopes that the Playstation Network will help in boosting your loyalty to the brand. Speaking to Japan today, his remarks followed the announcement that PSN will get a premium level service.

"We want to increase the value or the brand loyalty of our products, there is no question about it," the boss said.

Question is, does brand loyalty still exists? It sure does, that's why there are so many fanboys. Anyway, are you a Sony or Microsoft fanboy? Or are you a gamer who don't really care about a particular console, but enjoy gaming in general? Share your thoughts?

11/23/09 Ernice Gilbert

Yamauchi: We could release GT5 anytime we want

Gan Turismo, for decades has been the number one racing sim hands down, it has grossed over $1 billion in sales with over 52 million copies sold from it's inception on the PS1, to Prologue on the PS3. The racing sim has left all else in its dust.

Fast forward 2009, and you have a company named 10 Turn and their recently released Forza Motor Sport 3. The title received excellent reviews across the board and countless websites have compared the two games graphically, drawing much debate from gamers the world over.

Thing is, there would not have been so much drama between said games if the guys at Turn 10 would just stop the perceived insults and the apparent need to compare their game to GT5. Recently, just before FM3 was released, product manager Amritz Lay went on record voicing, "we beat GT5 on many features." Needless to say, such wording sparked a huge outcry.

I guess nothing's wrong with 10 Turn promoting their game, and most, I believe would agree, but it's the manner by which they go about doing it that caused all the tension.

Yamauchi on the other hand has had nothing to say concerning Forza and 10 Turn, instead Polyphony Digital has remained focused on the task at hand, and although progress may be creeping along, that does not mean they couldn't release the game at anytime. On the contrary, Yamauchi can place GT5 in your hands right now as a finished product. Speaking to Famitsu (translated by 1up) the perfectionist had this is say:

"The scale of this title is just dizzying, so daily process is slow, but it's still going forward at a steady clip," he said. "All the basic stuff are complete, but we're trying to give everything that little bit extra at present."

"We could release it anytime we want, really, but I want to have that classic GT style 'did we really have to go this far?' feel going. I want to go way beyond gamer expectation."

Well my expectation is that the game be released yesterday! Can you make that happen Mr. Yamcuhi? Huh?

10/14/09 Ernice Gilbert

Gran Turismo PSP: Qore's Video Interview with Jay Leno

Jay Leno is more than just a Nightly talk show Host, the guy loves cars. So it came as no surprise when it was revealed that he'd done some voice acting for the upcoming PSP title Gran Turismo PSP. Here' Leno:

"I guess they heard I had some unusual cars and they wanted to come here and record the sounds," says Leno. "To me, it was great because as a kid, I used to buy those records ~ where other kids were playing the beatles. I would have the record of the BRM 16 cylinder," Leno says.....

"So they call me and ask (he' talking bout he cars) and I said sure it would be fun to do and they ask if I wanted to add my voice to it and I think it's a huge honor ~ and yeah, it's a big thrill."

See the full interview after the jump.

09/29/09 Ernice Gilbert

Sony struggles to name motion controller

You and I call it the wand controller, but what about the folks at Sony? Well, they're struggling, too many options I guess. Here's Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida:

"There are several candidates for the name of the controller. The SIXAXIS and the Dual Shock 3, while great product names a based on the actual tech, the name we pick for the wand controller might not be so techy," he said.

A name for the motion device has to be chosen carefully since Sony is trying to appeal to the casual gamer, and grab some of the market share from Nintendo. The names are making the rounds through various Sony departments as the Hardware giant seeks guidance and ideas internally.

I have an idea, how about the PSMii? You like? Oh, just hush, you jealous one you.

09/26/09 Ernice Gilbert

Quick, buy a PS3 Slim, there might be shortages

If you need to play Uncharted 2: Among Thieves this holiday season, you will want to rush out your house, or office, or where you are, and go to the nearest retail store, and buy a PS3. Why? You might not be able to purchase one later.

Demand for Sony's console is so high that SCEA boss Jack tretton warned of shortages occurring if demand remains consistent. Here's Tretton:

"If things continue at this pace, it is conceivable that there will be product shortages," he said, after noting the PS3's sales were up above 300 percent over last year since the price cut was issued. "We are significantly up versus last year," Tretton said.

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself some cash, and rush out the door. But before you leave I have a question. You ready? Ok, where will you get the money? Oh you work? Ah, ok, just don't go doing nothing illegal now. Be a good citizen.

09/25/09 Ernice Gilbert

Sony Confirms 250GB PS3 Slim Bundles for UK

Pay attention UK, some slim goodies are headed your way. According to SCEUK, there will be a range of 250GB PS3 console bundles available in October. Rumors point to about four bundles, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Need For Speed: Shift, Fifa 2010, and a blu-ray movie pack. There was talk of a 250GB GT5 bundle, however to the dismay of some fans, Sony killed the idea when they announced that the highly anticipated title will hit stores march 2010 for Japan.

The PS3 Slim was received extremely well in the United Kingdom, and the bundles will definitely add more value for consumers, and keep the momentum steady. Exactly what Sony needs.

09/25/09 Ernice Gilbert

Opinion: Xbox 360 will last as long as the PS3

Some say they don't think Microsoft's Xbox 360 will last two more years. They claim, it has reached its limit; therefore continuing to use the console will only stifle innovation. Well, we here at Gamesthirst beg to defer, in fact, we will dispel this myth once and for all. Follow me.

Before I delve into the factors that will surely sustain the Xbox 360 through this generation, I must voice that, although some may not like the way The Redmond company does business, there's no hiding the fact that they brought much needed competition to the gaming industry. Competition is great for consumers, and so, I hope Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft grow their brands stronger with each passing year. With that being said, I will list four reasons why Microsoft isn't going anywhere, anytime soon. Or why they won't be releasing another console until the next 3-4 years.

Exclusives: It's a long standing fact, price cuts will help for a while, marketing can only get you so far, but what really sell consoles at the end of the day are the exclusives. Some would try and convince you saying the Xbox 360 has no exclusives. That's a cold lie. Here's a list of just some of the most outstanding titles:

1. The Halo Franchise

2. Mass Effect 2

3. The Gears of War Franchise

4. Alan wake

5. Splinter Cell: Conviction

6. Forza 3

These are Just some of the exclusives that make the Xbox 360's value greater than some would have you believe.

Xbox Live: It was introduced with the original Xbox, and has gone on to revolutionize online play forever. And today, the XBL market place is booming, with no signs of slowing. Microsoft is, and will continue to innovate and lead the online arena, integrating great features, which will add even more value to its already value packed platform.

Natal: First demoed at E3 09', Microsoft's motion technology made waves in the gaming media. It's not only promising, but believe it or not, Natal is definitely a new step forward in the evolution of gaming. How it'll play out is anybody's guess, but Microsoft is planning an all out media onslaught when it's released in late 2010. In fact, they claim, it will be like a standalone console launch. Heaping even more hype to the already over-hyped motion device, is the announcement recently made at TGS by Major Nelson. He says, some of the biggest names in the gaming business, have signed on to support Natal, including the San, Hideo Kojima. Enough said.

Money: We all know Microsoft has enough money to feed the world. So much so that they lost 7 billion dollars on the original Xbox, and billions on the 360 caused by the dreaded RROD. Yet, they press on; I guarantee you, if it was another company, they'd be out of business. The software giant is rich mainly because of its Windows OS, which powers most PCs around the world. But investors are weary, so instead of going full throttle with a brand new console, they'd rather Microsoft spend less cash and push the 360 beyond its limits.

And there you have it, if you're Xbox 360 owner, be confident in your purchase, because it will be supported for years to come.

09/24/09 Ernice Gilbert

Kaz Hirai: We changed the playstation logo to strengthen the brand

Giving the Keynote address at the Tokyo Game Show, Sony's front man spoke in depth about all things concerning playstation. He mentioned the importance of "network play" and also spoke about the company's history in the gaming industry. Kaz also had a few choice words on why they changed the Playstation logo. He said:

"They did that to strengthen the brand." He had nothing to say about the Spiderman font, so my guess is, they thought the super-hero was not doing his job, and therefore pulled the plug on him?Either ways, I rather the new logo. Simple, Clean, and very recognizable. Now, come on, announce Syphon Filter. Please.

09/23/09 Ernice Gilbert

Sony's Kaz Hirai TGS Keynote Details

The Big show is here again. Tomorrow morning the event commences with Sony's front man Kaz delivering a keynote to the masses. Last year 194,288 people attended the event over the course of four days, for both business and public visitors. This year is expected to eclipes last year's turn out.

Sony promised a big show, so rest assured as the news roll in, we'll keep you updated. Microsoft will also be there, but as Aaron Greenberg said, they won't have much to say, although their presence will surely be felt with all the games that'll be available to play and view on the show floor.

Hirai's Keynote begins at 10:30am local time. That's 6:30pm PST and 9:30pm Eastern time. Europe 2:30am PST, and 3:30am CET. I'm looking forward to a new Syphon Filter, and something fresh form Microsoft. What about you, think there's a new Twisted Metal headed our way? How about something big from Rare? Share your thoughts.

Thanks eurogamer

09/23/09 Ernice Gilbert