Home Gaming Gamescom 2013 – PlayStation Press Conference round-up

Gamescom 2013 – PlayStation Press Conference round-up

7 min read
18

Sony gave their PlayStation press conference yesterday, and it was filled with all kinds of interesting news. So, here it is – all in one place!

After showing some sexy closeups of the PS4 to music, the lights center on Yoshida sitting in a comfy looking arm chair. After looking at a blank screen for a while, he moves through the sexy and smooth looking PS4 UI. It is really pretty impressive – after watching others play Killzone, he is able to join the game, no problem. Very cool.  He finishes showing off the PS4’s UI by tweeting a picture from the game. That UI certainly looks awesome.

Lights go out, and we get to hear from a bunch of developers talking about how awesome PlayStation is – great innovation, built for gamers, going back to the roots of gaming. All those things that we love to hear.

Enter Jim Ryan. After touting the UI and buttering up the Europeans in the audience, he kicks off with the PS3.  Despite being in its 8th year, it still has some cool exclusives, such as Gran Turismo.  Shame, I think Ryan was expecting more spontaneous applause… Oh well, on with the show!

Plenty of pretty car porn in the Gran Turismo 6 trailer. It is nice to see all the concept cars and plenty of brand names. The game looks pretty polished and pretty, but here, check it out:

It will launch globally on 6 December 2013 (the same date South Africa will get the PS4). Plus, we’re gonna see a feature film for Gran Turismo.

Time for Little Big Planet! In fact, Little Big Planet Hub is a new free to play service launching this year. It looks like a whole new world of Little Big Planet micro transactions, but call me jaded. Sure, it looks cute, and I’m sure it will be hugely popular. Here’s the trailer for those of you who love the LBP:

Which brings us right to… GTA V? Bit of a strange segue, but okay. GTA V will also be launching on PS3, and will even get a PS3 Bundle. Those who pre-order GTA V through the PSN will also get 75% off on future Rockstar purchase, including DLCs.

On to the Vita – hey look, tons of games for the European market in mega packs. Coming up for Vita: Batman Arkham Origins, Lego Marvel, Football Manager classic, and Borderlands 2. Wow, what a lineup for the little Vita. Plus plenty of indie games are coming. Oh, and the Vita got a pretty little price drop to recommended retail price of $199, as did the memory cards. Looking much more affordable.

Next up, Michael Denny with all our first-party game news. First up, Murasaki Baby for the Vita. It looks creepy and unique with platforming and puzzle elements. Here is the trailer:

This was followed by a free-to-play game, Big Fest. Discover bands and promote them for your festival. So, Sims music festival for the Vita? It uses real bands – big names and undiscovered talent. It may be silly, but I actually think it’s pretty cool – looks like an interesting concept. Check it out:

Here come the indie games! Cue the videos of developers raving about the PS Vita. Yup, the PS Vita has plenty of processing power and is way better than developing for a phone.

Here comes Mark Cerny! He tells us all about the collaborative approach used to architect the PS4, from processing power to the controller. In fact, PS4 is seeing a great set of launch titles, plus there’s easy accessibility for indie gamers. Cerny is looking forward to a renaissance of gaming on the PS4.

Shahid Ahmad arrives to tell us all about these cool titles. Yay for indies!  PS loves indies! Okay, we get it, hipsters. Plenty of indie games making their exclusive debuts on the PS4 and PS Vita. Thomas was Alone’s creator is making the new game, Volume, exclusively for PS4 and PS Vita. Guns of Icarus also exclusively for PS4. Finally, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number will be making its console and handheld debut on PS4 and PS Vita. Love those indie games, LOVE THEM!

Back to Michael Denny. Yup, PlayStation has a bunch of first-part developers, plus close ties with plenty of indie developers. Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is an eery and strange post-apocalyptic game with this teaser:

Next up, Rime from Tequila Works. Another indie-looking game that seems pretty and eery. Is that the new theme or something?

Now for cross-platform play, with Helldivers. Pew pew, it looks cool.

Resogun is an action shooter for next-generation gaming from the guys who brought you Super Stardust HD. So much pew pew!

Next up, Shadow of the Beast. Yup, it’s been re-imagined for PS4 and looks so pretty.

Now for games already announced, such as the PlayStation Play Room. Look, PlayStation has a camera!  If you buy it, you can play with Play Room. Working together with the DualShock 4, it creates an interactive experience with augmented reality. Still creeps me out.

Next up, Infamous: Second Son, with an all new trailer. The game seems to be coming together nicely – nice video but no real game play. So it remains to be seen.

Drive Club, Knack and The Order:1886 were glossed over so we could hear more about Killzone Shadow Fall. Yup, plenty of new features and some multiplayer action.  Different types of Warzones give players a variety of game play options.  

Back to Jim Ryan to tell us about the other stuff you can do on PS4. Twitch is coming to PS4 – here comes spectating on the PlayStation! Music Unlimited service will be available on day one. Now you can listen to your music in the background while playing games.  

Meanwhile, PlayStation is looking to enter into strategic partnerships with broadband providers. I hope SA ISPs get in on this – will be great to have extra access for gamers. Additionally, PlayStation Plus already offers plenty of value, and will be available for free for 14 days when people buy a new PS4. Oh great, AC III is coming to PS Plus. PS4 owners can play with Connor for free, is that supposed to win them over?

Now for third-party games. First up, Assassin’s Creed IV – we get to watch it on PS4 and then switch to PS Vita using remote play. The game is certainly coming together – that naval battle looks impressive! I hope that cross-play is as seamless as they show – will be much easier to share the TV with this!

Plus, PlayStation will be getting exclusive content in AC IV, with a woman! Now, here comes Yves Guillmot to talk Ubisoft. I just wish these two could agree on a pronunciation of Ubisoft. Guillemot announces the Watch Dogs movie. Really? A movie? We haven’t even gotten the game yet! But at least we get a new Watch Dogs trailer:

More announcements: Minecraft is coming to PlayStation at launch; as is War Thunder – a free-to-play combat game focused on WWII battles.  There just isn’t enough time to show us all the games, apparently. But the War Thunder trailer looks cool for people into that sorta thing:

Here’s Andrew House to close things off. He comes bearing a price cut for the 12 GB PS3 to a recommended retail price of 199 Euros – so the same as the Vita. Also, major releases such as Call of Duty: Ghosts, Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed IV will get a limited-time discount on PS4 for those who already purchased the game on PS3. This is meant to reward loyalty when transferring from PS3 to PS4.

Oh look, a blow at Microsoft – making fun of them for changing their tune while PlayStation has been consistent with their message. PlayStation confirmed launch in 32 countries in November. Hmm, I thought we were getting a global release. At least South Africa is still getting it, even if only in December – just in time for Christmas chaos!  If you would still like to watch the entire conference, you can do so, here. Just remember the main point of the conference – PlayStation is in love with the indies.

Last Updated: August 21, 2013

18 Comments

  1. Argentil

    August 21, 2013 at 14:49

    Sony’s tone comes across as such:
    We <3 Indies guys! OMg, we love you indies so much *Hugs* Squee! BFF, right???

    But hey gamer bros, we cool too. No homo.

    Reply

    • Lourens Jordaan

      August 21, 2013 at 14:54

      But what about the west indies?

      Reply

  2. RinceThisandbacktoreality

    August 21, 2013 at 14:50

    So they aren’t going to support any indies? Bit shitty of them don’t you think?

    Reply

    • ElimiNathan

      August 21, 2013 at 14:51

      ….

      Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      August 21, 2013 at 14:56

      Gamescom was all about the indies for PS4.. so much so that I have dubbed the Playstation 4 the Indiestation 4

      Reply

      • RinceThisandbeAbsurd

        August 21, 2013 at 15:06

        You get a thumbs up for that! Must say though, MS have also pulled out all the stops for our Hipster friends.

        Reply

      • Sageville

        August 21, 2013 at 16:13

        Hmmm, you’re forcing it dood!

        Reply

  3. Pieter Kruger

    August 21, 2013 at 14:58

    MS”tvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtvtv”
    Sony”indieindieindieindieindieindieindieindieindieindieindie”

    Reply

  4. Hammersteyn

    August 21, 2013 at 15:02

    War Thunder looks like a Planetside 2 type game. Very intriguing. December 2013! My preorder is ready! My money is ready! My summer vacation is ready!

    Reply

    • matthurstrsa

      August 22, 2013 at 07:16

      War Thunder is already out on Steam.

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        August 22, 2013 at 09:07

        Great! I started steaming yesterday. Is that a word. Steaming?

        Reply

  5. Umar Kiiroi Senk?

    August 21, 2013 at 15:21

    If remote is really that smooth ….. WOW zo my GOSH!

    Reply

  6. Epicness

    August 21, 2013 at 15:57

    It only does Indie gaming.

    Reply

    • Jakster

      August 21, 2013 at 15:57

      Indie vs Indy. What the difference?

      Reply

  7. Wordup

    August 21, 2013 at 16:05

    This was the most boring press conference in history. Sony gloated about the failures of the Vita like it’s selling well and they continue with their ignorant stance on handheld gaming. Right now I would feel stupid if I have purchased that soon to be Indie pile of crap.

    Reply

  8. Rock789

    August 21, 2013 at 16:08

    Um… Is it just me or did the PSVita suddenly seem a whole lot more appealing? Starting to get that “gotta have one” itch.

    With all I’ve seen, I’m still happy that I have a PS4 safely pre-ordered… MS, it’s been great this generation, but I’m afraid you gonna have to wait your turn in the next one…

    Reply

  9. Admiral Chief Raider of Tombs

    August 22, 2013 at 09:17

    Helldivers makes me think of Alien Swarm, only better

    Reply

  10. Zubayr Bhyat

    August 22, 2013 at 14:15

    GT6 is my pick of the Sony bit hey. That shot of the Fiesta ST oversteering through the chicane <3

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Uncharted Movie Passes $100 Million – Sony set to Make a Franchise

After 14 years Sony finally released the Uncharted movie to medium reception. The movie ha…