Sony PlayStation Now to run on customised PS3 hardware
Sony is reportedly using custom-designed PlayStation 3 hardware to support the company's recently announced PlayStation Now game streaming service. Cloud platform server units will feature eight consoles built into a single rack server.
"Gaikai was primarily a software team, but once it was bought up...
Nintendo cuts forecasts sharply, predicts 35B JPY FY loss
Nintendo has lowered annual worldwide sales projections for the company's Wii U games console sharply down from an earlier 9 million units to 2.8 million units, and estimates for global 3DS sales from 18 million to 13.5 million units. Nintendo also expects a third...
Tecmo Koei confirms overseas release dates for Deception 4: Blood Ties
Japan's Tecmo Koei has announced that the newest sequel in the publisher's strategy-action Deception series, Deception IV: Blood Ties (Kaero: Dark Side Princess in Japan) will launch for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita in North America on 25 March and on 28 March in...
Unity engine updated to support PS Vita
The popular Unity game engine from Denmark's Unity Technologies will now support titles developed for the Sony PlayStation Vita handheld console.
The multi-platform engine is used in video games for web plug-ins, PCs, consoles and mobile devices. Unity Technologies first launched the platform for OS...
JP to tax overseas DLC as early as next year
Lawmakers in Japan will reportedly implement a sales tax on content downloaded from abroad as early as 2015.
Japan collects a five percent tax on physical products purchased from overseas, as well as domestic firms’ sale of DLC. No duty collection system currently exists for...
Tommo/SNK battle over Neo Geo X sales continues
The conflict over the Neo Geo X Gold handheld console and Neo Geo X games software between Japan's SNK Playmore and US publisher and distributor Tommo continues, with Tommo now planning to take legal action against SNK, the US firm has announced.
According to a...
Mobile growth and market disruption for Asia in 2014
The Asian region is becoming the biggest growth driver of economic value in mobile/online games, with OTT messaging platforms also disrupting mobile game markets as Kakao Talk (KR), WeChat (CN) and Line (JP) take significant shares of top app store rankings in Asia, according...
CN studio Substantial Games developing new RTS for tablets
Beijing-based start-up Substantial Games is working on the studio's first title, a multi-player RTS called Ember Conflict, designed especially for tablet/touch-screen gameplay.
“(Ember Conflict) is a real-time competitive strategy game designed from the ground up for tablets,” said Substantial Games' Pin Wang.
Wang also credits Touch...
PS4 launches in the Philippines
PlayStation 4 is now available in the Philippines. The base price for Sony's next-generation console is 24,999 PHP.
Sony Philippines began accepting PS4 pre-orders last December, and is also offering a one-year regional warranty honoured in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
As reported earlier,...
Toshiba to launch streaming-ready TV line
Japanese electronics firm Toshiba has partnered with Taiwanese streaming technology provider Ubitus to develop a line of smart televisions that support cloud-based gaming. The new models (L3400U, L5400U, L7400U) will launch in North America in Q1 2014.
The Ubitus GameNow service on Toshiba's new TVs...
Virtuos secures FF X/X-2 HD development contract
Shanghai-based outsourcing studio Virtuos has partnered with Square Enix to remaster the upcoming HD re-release Final Fantasy X and X-2.
Virtuos develops games for console, online and mobile platforms, and recently produced the PSP version of Ghost Recon: Predator and Crash: Mind over Mutant.
As reported...
Nintendo reports strong US 3DS sales, lowers Wii U forecast
Nintendo reports lifetime 3DS/3DS XL/2DS sales of over 11.5 million units, with more than 16 million combined packaged and digital Nintendo 3DS titles sold in 2013, up 45 per cent from 2012.
“Nintendo 3DS is a powerhouse with games and experiences that appeal to all...
Nintendo signs exclusive dev deal with CA studio Next Level
Nintendo has entered an exclusive development partnership with developer Next Level Games, according to the Canadian studio.
“We are doing only Nintendo products now. We’re super happy with our relationship with Nintendo. There’s no reason to look anywhere else,” said Next Level Games' Jason Carr.
The...
Major console makers studying options for CN after ban suspension
After the recently announced lifting of a thirteen-year ban on the manufacture and sale of overseas game consoles in China, the major console manufacturers are already exploring the potential of the Chinese market.
Sony is reportedly looking at China with renewed interest. "The Chinese market...
Nintendo confirms NA release for Yoshi’s New Island 3DS
Nintendo has announced the North American launch for the sequel to Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island and Yoshi's Island DS.
Packaged and digital editions of new 3DS title, Yoshi’s New Island, will go on sale for US$40 on 14 March. The first game...
Sega releases Rhythm Thief & the Paris Caper for iOS
Sega has launched Rhythm Thief & the Paris Caper worldwide for iOS devices, an updated mobile edition of Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure (Rhythm Thief R: Emperor Napoleon's Legacy in Japan) released for Nintendo 3DS in 2012.
“Rhythm Thief & the Paris Caper fits...
COD championship finals for ANZ announced
Major League Gaming has confirmed this year's Call of Duty Championship for Australia and New Zealand. Online and LAN qualifiers are scheduled for February, and the ANZ COD Championship Final is set for Sydney on 1 March.
Three Australian online qualifier teams will join one...
Tamisoft confirms development of three new Senran Kagura titles
Tamisoft's Kenichiro Takaki, game producer for the popular Senran Kagura ninja action games, has confirmed three new titles in production for the franchise.
The Tokyo-based studio is currently developing a side-scrolling 3D action title called Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson for Nintendo 3DS, and is...
Huawei announces Tron game console for Android
China's Huawei has unveiled the Tron games console at CES in Las Vegas. The micro-console includes a custom control pad and is designed to play Android games on televisions.
The Huawei Tron uses the Android 4.2.3 Jelly Bean operating system, and features Nvidia’s Tegra 4...
Alibaba to launch mobile gaming platform
Hangzhou-based Alibaba has revealed plans to launch a mobile games platform in China. The new platform will distribute third-party mobile games, led by a new Alibaba subsidiary that will focus on mobile games and digital entertainment.
According to a company statement, developers with titles featured...
