Serious playtime with Sony Computer Entertainment

LOS ANGELES, California, Philippines  — They came by the thousands — retailers, developers, journalists, and bloggers from all over the world, and most importantly (and also the most enthusiastic of them all), serious gamers who cheered the loudest and played the longest at the recently concluded 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Each year major players in the electronic entertainment industry converge to show off the latest and greatest hardware and software that will wow the crowds and bring in the big bucks. And why should not they? With the console and handheld device nearly as commonplace as the television in developed markets, a successful release is nearly as anticipated and just as important as the premiere of a Hollywood blockbuster.

That feeling of unabashed anticipation was evident at Sony Computer Entertainment America’s two-hour-long press launch a day before E3, where the entertainment giant made a series of announcements that positively sent the audience into rapture.

“For more than 17 years, PlayStation has stood for everything gamers love — exhilarating experiences that transcend entertainment. When you play in our world, there are no limitations of the imagination,” said Jack Tretton, CEO and president of SCEA.

The PlayStation booth

“Powerful new gameplay experiences delivered on PS Vita, a deep and exclusive software lineup for PS3 that is the benchmark of the industry, and entertainment services that have the gamer at heart, demonstrate that the PlayStation ecosystem is more vibrant than ever. Our commitment to innovation and jaw-dropping entertainment for gamers is at the core of the experiences that you will continue to see from PlayStation in 2012 and beyond,” he added.

Among the major developments with Sony entertainment products are the following:

PlayStation 3

Even in its sixth year, the PS3 system continues to experience great success with its versatility and robust capabilities. There are now more than 63.9 million PS3 units all over the world, and more than 3,100 games available.

SCEA presented a selection of new entries with full stereoscopic 3D support, including God of War: Ascension, and Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. Upcoming titles also include BEYOND: Two Souls, The Last of Us, LittleBigPlanet Karting, and PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, along with unique PlayStation Network and indie games, including Sound Shapes, When Vikings Attack, Journey Collection, and The Unfinished Swan.

LittleBigPlanet 2 owners can now use the PS Vita system as an enhanced controller for the PS3 system.

PlayStation Move

Harry Potter fans should look forward to Wonderbook: Book of Spells. The first title to use the Wonderbook PS3 peripheral, the game brings wizardry to life with exclusive content written by J.K. Rowling and introduces players to the Harry Potter universe using the PS Move and PlayStation Eye camera.

SCE also unveiled the upcoming PlayStation Move Racing Wheel designed to work with the PS Move motion controller. It features folding motorcycle handlebars with twist grip throttle, fast access paddle shifters, and enhanced vibration feedback.

God of War: Ascension

PlayStation Plus

 Gamers with PlayStation Plus premium membership can now have an instant game collection for less than $5 a month. Popular titles such as Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, inFAMOUS 2, LittleBigPlanet 2, and many more will be instantly available to PlayStation Plus members. With new games added regularly, subscribers will never get bored.

Cross-Play

PlayStation platforms will allow PS2 and PS Vita users to enjoy match or collaborative gameplay. This groundbreaking experience leverages the capabilities of both systems and enables users to enjoy gaming experiences more comprehensively.

Cross-Controller

This new feature allows players to use PS Vita as a controller for games on the PS3, enabling the use of its touch screen, rear touch pad, six-axis motion sensing system, and camera. With Cross-Controller, users can enjoy games on a large screen TV and the PS Vita display.

Cross-Save

This feature enables users to manage saved data between PS3 and PS Vita.

PS One Classics

 PS Vita users will soon be able to enjoy PlayStation 1 classics through a system software update. The enhancement will enable users to enjoy legendary titles such as Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil Director’s Cut, and Crash Bandicoot.

Wonderbook: Book of Spells

God of War

The ultraviolent, award-winning franchise has now surpassed 21 million units sold as of May 30, 2012.

This achievement comes only seven years after the series made its debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2005 with the first title released in the franchise, God of War. Developed by SCE’s Santa Monica Studio, the God of War series has continued to evolve alongside various PlayStation platforms.

Since 2005, seven titles have been released across the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PSP systems, with the newly announced PS3 exclusive God of War: Ascension currently in production.

Known for its stunning graphics, cinematic storytelling, and visceral battles, the God of War series has been acknowledged by the videogame industry’s key publications and influences as one of the most critically acclaimed franchises, as well as a series that continues to set the bar for the action-adventure genre.

The franchise has won the Editor’s Choice Award by PlayStation: The Official Magazine, Action/Adventure Game of the Year and Handheld Game of the Year Award by Game Informer, Best PS2 Game by Electronic Gaming Monthly, Editor’s Choice Award and Game of the Year Award by IGN.com, and has garnered four nominations in the annual Interactive Achievement Awards, including overall Game of the Year and Console Game of the Year.