Archive for April, 2011

30
Apr
11

Sony: “Some PlayStation Network & Qriocity services to be available this week” | Alguno servicios PlayStation Network y Qriocity a estar disponibles this week

From/De: Sony Computer Entertainment

SOME PLAYSTATION®NETWORK AND QRIOCITY™ SERVICES TO BE AVAILABLE THIS WEEK

Phased Global Rollout of Services to Begin Regionally;
System Security Enhanced to Provide Greater Protection of Personal Information

Tokyo, May 1, 2011 – Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) and Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) announced they will shortly begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStation®Network and Qriocity™ services, beginning with gaming, music and video services to be turned on. The company also announced both a series of immediate steps to enhance security across the network and a new customer appreciation program to thank its customers for their patience and loyalty.

Following a criminal cyber-attack on the company’s data-center located in San Diego, California, U.S.A., SNEI quickly turned off the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, engaged multiple expert information security firms over the course of several days and conducted an extensive audit of the system. Since then, the company has implemented a variety of new security measures to provide greater protection of personal information. SNEI and its third-party experts have conducted extensive tests to verify the security strength of the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. With these measures in place, SCE and SNEI plan to start a phased rollout by region of the services shortly. The initial phase of the rollout will include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems
    -This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games
  • Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers
  • Access to account management and password reset
  • Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
  • PlayStation®Home
  • Friends List
  • Chat Functionality

Working closely with several outside security firms, the company has implemented significant security measures to further detect unauthorized activity and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information. The company is also creating the position of Chief Information Security Officer, directly reporting to Shinji Hasejima, Chief Information Officer of Sony Corporation, to add a new position of expertise in and accountability for customer data protection and supplement existing information security personnel. The new security measures implemented include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Added automated software monitoring and configuration management to help defend against new attacks
  • Enhanced levels of data protection and encryption
  • Enhanced ability to detect software intrusions within the network, unauthorized access and unusual activity patterns
  • Implementation of additional firewalls

The company also expedited an already planned move of the system to a new data center in a different location that has been under construction and development for several months. In addition, PS3 will have a forced system software update that will require all registered PlayStation Network users to change their account passwords before being able to sign into the service. As an added layer of security, that password can only be changed on the same PS3 in which that account was activated, or through validated email confirmation, a critical step to help further protect customer data.

The company is conducting a thorough and on-going investigation and working with law enforcement to track down and prosecute those responsible for the illegal intrusion.

“This criminal act against our network had a significant impact not only on our consumers, but our entire industry. These illegal attacks obviously highlight the widespread problem with cyber-security. We take the security of our consumers’ information very seriously and are committed to helping our consumers protect their personal data. In addition, the organization has worked around the clock to bring these services back online, and are doing so only after we had verified increased levels of security across our networks,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “Our global audience of PlayStation Network and Qriocity consumers was disrupted. We have learned lessons along the way about the valued relationship with our consumers, and to that end, we will be launching a customer appreciation program for registered consumers as a way of expressing our gratitude for their loyalty during this network downtime, as we work even harder to restore and regain their trust in us and our services.”

Complimentary Offering and “Welcome Back” Appreciation Program
While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, the company is committed to helping its customers protect their personal data and will provide a complimentary offering to assist users in enrolling in identity theft protection services and/or similar programs. The implementation will be at a local level and further details will be made available shortly in each region.

The company will also rollout the PlayStation Network and Qriocity “Welcome Back” program, to be offered worldwide, which will be tailored to specific markets to provide our consumers with a selection of service options and premium content as an expression of the company’s appreciation for their patience, support and continued loyalty.

Central components of the “Welcome Back” program will include:

  • Each territory will be offering selected PlayStation entertainment content for free download. Specific details of this content will be announced in each region soon.
  • All existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.
  • Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.

Additional “Welcome Back” entertainment and service offerings will be rolled out over the coming weeks as the company returns the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services to the quality standard users have grown to enjoy and strive to exceed those exceptions.

SNEI will continue to reinforce and verify security for transactions before resuming the PlayStation®Store and other Qriocity operations, scheduled for this month.

For more information about the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services intrusion and restoration, please visit http://blog.us.playstation.com or http://blog.eu.playstation.com/.

About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $78 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

30
Apr
11

EA: “Madden NFL 12″ – Virtual Playbook – Presentation

Source/Fuente: EA Sports.

29
Apr
11

EA: “Need for Speed The Run” – First Trailer, Release Date | Primer Tráiler, fecha de lanzamiento

[http://wp.me/pi7rs-4e7]
From/De: EA

EA Takes Gamers on the Race of Their Lives in Need for Speed The Run

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Get ready to rip up the road! Adrenaline junkies and speed fiends will find themselves on the wrong side of the law this November when they race for their lives in Need for Speed™ The Run from Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS). The hottest blockbuster this holiday is a game that takes players on a heart-pounding cross-country race from San Francisco to New York. Launching on November 15, Need for Speed The Run lures players into an underground world of illicit, high-stakes racing. The heat is on – and it isn’t just the fuzz who are after you. Entering the race is just the beginning as you blow across borders, weave through dense urban traffic, rocket down icy mountain passes and navigate narrow canyons at breakneck speeds. Powered by DICE’s state-of-the-art Frostbite 2 engine, Need for Speed The Run takes the action racing genre to new heights with stunning visuals and car physics that hug the road even at top speeds all built around a gripping storyline. The cars are hot, the racing is intense and the story will have you at the edge of your seat… all the way from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Empire State building.

“This is the year that Need for Speed goes to the next level,” said Jason DeLong, Executive Producer at EA. “We think that Need for Speed The Run is going to surprise people with its intense, thrilling story and big action feel. But the game would be nothing without hot cars and crazy-fast chases. So that is what we’re delivering — explosive racing that will have players flirting with disaster at 200-miles an hour.”

Using the groundbreaking Frostbite 2 engine, Need for Speed The Run will set the bar with unparalleled visual quality and enhanced physics. Need for Speed The Run will also take immersive storytelling to a new level with cutting edge performances that will draw the player into a world with no speed limits, rules or allies. Autolog, the Need for Speed franchise’s revolutionary social competition functionality, is back and better in Need for Speed The Run as it will continue to reinvent how people play games, track career progression and compare game stats.

Developed by Black Boxa studio of Electronic Arts, Need for Speed The Run will be available November 15, 2011 in North America and November 17, 2011 in Europe for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PC, Wii™ and Nintendo 3DS™. For more information on Need for Speed, visit http://www.needforspeed.com or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/needforspeed and follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/needforspeed.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA Mobile™ and POGOTM. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO, Need for Speed and Need for Speed The Run are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. The names, designs, and logos of all products are the property of their respective owners and used by permission. Microsoft and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

28
Apr
11

Beeline/Mediatonic; “Who’s That Flying?!” [iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch]

From/De: Capcom

BEELINE BRINGS MEDIATONIC’S ACCLAIMED SHOOTER, WHO’S THAT FLYING?! TO THE IPHONE, IPOD TOUCH AND IPAD

LOS ANGELES, CA – April 28, 2011– Beeline™ Interactive, Inc., a leading developer and publisher of video games, today released Mediatonic’s highly acclaimed superhero-themed side-scrolling shooter, “Who’s That Flying?!,” onto the Apple App Store.

In the game you take control of the mysterious and powerful “Guardian of Earth.” Equipped with your trusty hyper-powered laser arm and the power of flight, you’ve kept the citizens of Earth safe for generations. All that changes when a hoard of Doom Beasts descend on the planet intent on sowing destruction. Now you must overcome impossible odds and defeat the Doom Beasts while defending yourself against accusations of gross incompetence from the Galactic Council of Justice!

Battle through 15 story-driven levels over five unique stages and triumph in five epic boss battles. Once you power though the Story Mode the game offers 24 Challenge Mode levels and five Infinite Mode levels. Players can also connect with friends and unlock achievements in Gamecenter and OpenFeint. Rounding out the list of features are crisp Retina Display graphics and a universal binary that supports iPhone, iPod and iPad graphics natively.

“Who’s That Flying?!” is available on the Apple App Store for $2.99.  For more information, visit our press page at www.press.capcom.com or visit www.Beeline-i.com.

Follow Beeline on Twitter and Facebook:
www.twitter.com/BeelineGames
www.facebook.com/BeelineGames

Follow Mediatonic on Twitter and Facebook:
www.twitter.com/mediatonic
www.facebook.com/mediatonic

About Mediatonic:
Formed in 2005, Mediatonic is an independent developer focused on producing high quality original games on a variety of platforms including social networks, iPhone and PSP. Based in the west end of London, England, Mediatonic’s team of 30 is dedicated to creating the best games they can, packing each release with passion, love and the utmost attention to detail. For more information, visit www.mediatonic.co.uk.

About Beeline Interactive, Inc.
Beeline is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of games for smartphone platforms. A wholly owned subsidiary of Capcom, Beeline was formed with the mandate of creating original and licensed games specifically designed for unique play style of the smartphone gamer. Beeline counts the hits Smurfs’® Village, Zombie Cafe™ and Lil’ Pirates™ among its portfolio and brings a solid foundation of strong brands, innovation and compelling social gameplay to the market. For additional information on the company and its offerings, please visit  www.Beeline-i.com.

27
Apr
11

Sony: Credit card data encrypted, not so for personal info | Datos de tarjetas de créditos encriptadas, pero no los de información personal

English

In a recent blog post on its web sites, Sony Computer Entertainment America got to share more info about the criminal intrusion to the Playstation Network that worries many users about the illegal access to clients’ personal info.

One of the statements on Sony’s web site may give a bit of comfort, at least when it’s about access to credit credit info: “All of the data was protected, and access was restricted both physically and through the perimeter and security of the network. The entire credit card table was encrypted and we have no evidence that credit card data was taken.”

However, the same cannot be said about other yet important info: “The personal data table, which is a separate data set, was not encrypted, but was, of course, behind a very sophisticated security system that was breached in a malicious attack.”

Sony has asked for cooperation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in San Diego, CA, to solve this serious problem. Meanwhile, some politicians have asked for an explanantion in the US and UK. The subject of electronic data is a very delicate one and of utmost importance for the British people, and they can count on the Data Privacy Act for support.

Source: Q&A #1 for PlayStation Network and Qriocity Services [http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/04/27/qa-1-for-playstation-network-and-qriocity-services/]; Sony enlists FBI as US, Canadian authorities look into PSN breach [http://www.gamespot.com/news/6310487.html?tag=topslot;title;1].

Español

En un reciente comunicado publicado en sus sitios web, Sony Computer Entertainment America comparte más información acerca de la intrusión criminal a la PlayStation Network que preocupa a varios de sus clientes por el acceso illegal a información personal.

Una de las declaraciones de Sony puede dar un poco de calma, por lo menos al tratarse de acceso a info de tarjetas de créditos: “todos los datos estaban protegidos, la tabla de los datos de tarjetas de crédito estaban encriptados y no tenemos evidencia que esos datos han sido robados.

Sin embargo, lo mismo no se puede decir de otra información: “la tabla de datos personales que se encontraba en otro set de datos no estaba encriptada pero sí se encontraba bajo un sistema de seguridad sofisticado que fue penetrado en este ataque”, señalo Patrick Seybold.

Sony ha pedido la cooperación de la Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) en San Diego, CA, en este serio problema por el que atraviesa. Mientras tanto, unos políticos han pedido una explicación en los Estados Unidos y en el Reino Unido. El tema de datos electrónicos es de suma importancia y ahora preocupación para los ingleses, y cuentan con el respaldo del Acta de Protección de Datos.

Fuente: Q&A #1 for PlayStation Network and Qriocity Services [http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/04/27/qa-1-for-playstation-network-and-qriocity-services/]; Sony enlists FBI as US, Canadian authorities look into PSN breach [http://www.gamespot.com/news/6310487.html?tag=topslot;title;1].

26
Apr
11

User data stolen from PlayStation Network | Datos robados de la red de videojuegos “PlayStation Network”

English | En español: Impre.com – Datos robados de la red de videojuegos “PlayStation Network” [http://blogs.impre.com/piensa-digital/2011/04/26/datos-robados-de-la-red-de-videojuegos-playstation-network/].

According to a recent post on PlayStation.Blog, Sony Computer Entertainment America revealed more specific info about what happened to its gaming network on Wednesday, April 20th.

“We have discovered that between April 17 and April 19, 2011, certain PlayStation Network and Qriocity service user account information was compromised in connection with an illegal and unauthorized intrusion into our network.” said Patrick Seybord, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications & Social Media at SCEA.

Due to this intrusion, SCEA decided to close access to both services, conduct an investigation with firm specializing in security, and enforce and rebuild the infrastructure of the network with greater protection of personal information.

Users’ basic info, such as name, address, country, email address, date of birth, username and password may have been acquired by a person with unauthorized person. Sub-accounts may have also been affected. History of purchases and billing addreses may have been obtained as well. Besides this info, “while there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, we cannot rule out the possibility,” says SCEA.

This is more delicate: “If you have provided your credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, out of an abundance of caution we are advising you that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained.”

Sony recommends users to be careful of emails and calls that could be asking for personal info. Sony never asks for such infor by phone or email.

Once access to the PlayStation returns to normal, Sony also recommends to change your password’s account as well as of those associated with the same email address.

Sony concludes its message with: “We thank you for your patience as we complete our investigation of this incident, and we regret any inconvenience. Our teams are working around the clock on this, and services will be restored as soon as possible. Sony takes information protection very seriously and will continue to work to ensure that additional measures are taken to protect personally identifiable information. Providing quality and secure entertainment services to our customers is our utmost priority. Please contact us at 1-800-345-7669 should you have any additional questions.”

The PlayStation Network is mainly composed of over 70 million users. It offers games, TV shows, films, a gaming network to play games with others via the Internet, as well as other services such as MLB.TV, Hulu Plus and Netflix.

For more info: PlayStation.Blog: [http://blog.us.playstation.com/]; in Spanish: [http://blog.latam.playstation.com].

Source: PlayStation.Blog: Update on PlayStation Network and Qriocity[http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/04/26/update-on-playstation-network-and-qriocity/]; in Spanish:
Actualización en el servicio de PlayStation Network [http://blog.latam.playstation.com/2011/04/26/actualizacion-en-el-servicio-de-playstation-network-2/];

26
Apr
11

Activision: Cast for Black Ops Escalation’s “Call of the Dead”

From/De: Activision

Call of Duty(R): Black Ops Escalation Announces All-Star Cast for ‘Call of the Dead’ Legendary Director, George Romero, to Star with Robert Englund, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michael Rooker and Danny Trejo in Blockbuster DLC Release Hitting in Seven Days

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Treyarch revealed today that famed horror and action stars Robert Englund, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michael Rooker and Danny Trejo have joined the cast of Call of Duty®: Black Ops Escalation’s zombie level, Call of the Dead.  The Call of the Dead zombie level and four all new multiplayer maps make up the second content pack, Escalation, for the record-setting game Call of Duty: Black Ops, launching first on Xbox LIVE® on May 3rd.  Dedicated to creating a Zombie experience like never before, the Call of the Dead storyline is inspired by none other than legendary horror writer and director, George A. Romero, who also stars as himself in the new level.

“Our latest zombie creation, Call of the Deadis unreal!” says Mark Lamia, Studio Head of Treyarch. “We set out to create an exciting new zombie experience for fans of the genre that takes Zombies to an insane new level.”

“This is Treyarch’s tribute to the legendary George Romero, who truly defined the zombie genre and whose incredible work has been such an inspiration to our team,” says Dave Anthony, Call of Duty: Black Ops Director.  ”It was an absolute honor to work with such an amazing and talented cast whose passion and energy brought their characters instantly to life.  Fans are going to love this.”

In addition to George A. Romero, whose credits include Night of the Living DeadDawn of the Deadand Land of the Dead, he is joined by Sarah Michelle Gellar, whose credits include the hit TV series,Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Cruel Intentions; Robert Englund, best known for originating the role ofFreddy Krueger in the successful Nightmare on Elm Street franchise; Michael Rooker, most recently acclaimed for his work on AMC’s horror drama The Walking Dead; and Danny Trejo, who starred in 2010′s action-thriller Machete.

Published by Activision and developed by Treyarch, Call of Duty: Black Ops is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence and Strong Language.  Call of Duty: Black Ops Escalation content pack will launch first on Xbox LIVE on May 3rd.  For additional Call of Dutyupdates and information, visit us on the web at www.callofduty.com/blackops,www.facebook.com/codblackops, and also via Twitter @Treyarch.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland,Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

Call of Duty and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE Activision Publishing, Inc.

26
Apr
11

Microsoft: “Kinect SDK for Windows Preview”

Source/Fuente: Microsoft.

25
Apr
11

Nintendo confirms the launch of its next console | Nintendo confirma el lanzamiento de su próxima consola

English | En español: [http://blogs.impre.com/piensa-digital/2011/04/25/nintendo-confirma-el-lanzamiento-de-su-proxima-consola/].

A few hours ago in Japan, Nintendo confirmed what many people had been expecting. After days of what were only rumors and unsubstantiated alleged information, the Japanese company said it will demonstrate its upcoming game console during E3 2011 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) from June 7th to 9th.

Nintendo said its next gaming console, according to rumors called Project Café (like the Wii was first called Revolution), will be available next year. There’s still no definite date for its launch, however, it will be available according to the company after April 2012 due to the lack of inclusion of sales of a new console ending March 2012.

The early arrival of a next-generation console may cause some changes at Microsoft and Sony. It is thought that the next console will be more powerful than the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and be accompanied by a new controller that includes a large touch screen, and that future consoles from Sony and Microsoft may not be available until 2014. More specifications of the next Nintendo console will be revealed during E3.

Source: Nintendo confirms Wii successor [http://kotaku.com/5795241/nintendo-confirms-wii-successor].

24
Apr
11

Sega: “Phantasy Star Online 2″ – Debut Trailer

Source/Fuente: Andriasang.com: Phantasy Star Online 2 — First Video Footage [http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/04/25/pso2_trailer/].




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