Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that it will expand the Closed Beta testing for PLAYSTATION®Home in Summer 2008, inviting a further number of registrants from the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) users. Following completion of the Expanded Closed Beta test, the PLAYSTATION Home Open Beta service will commence in Fall 2008.

“We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today,” said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.     Read the rest of this entry »

EA revolutionized boxing games with Fight Night. Not wanting to let a good thing rest for too long, EA is stepping back into the ring, announcing Fight Night Round 4 for PS3 and Xbox 360. Though Round 4 won’t be hitting store shelves until 2009, EA is starting the hype train early.

“The EA Sports Fight Night franchise has always been synonymous with quality and innovation that raised the bar for the sports videogame genre,” said Kevin Wilkinson, Executive Producer, EA Sports. “EA Sports Fight Night Round 3 was a platform defining game as the industry transitioned to next generation consoles. EA Sports Fight Night Round 4 will change how boxing games are played and measured in the future.”      Read the rest of this entry »

Take-Two sent out word today that Grand Theft Auto IV topped the $500 million mark in retail sales for its first week. This comes with sales of approximately 6 million units globally. The game reportedly sold 3.6 million units on its opening day, bringing in approximately $310 million globally. The company is claiming both sales marks as all-time entertainment sales records.

“We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player’s experience, with its compelling story line, extraordinary gameplay and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas. Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well. Grand Theft Auto IV’s first week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and we believe these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two.