Today MCV (linked above) has published a number of quotes from UK industry leaders who all reach the same conclusion - the PS2 is standing on its last legs and is effectively dead.
The MD of MasterSonic noted that the PS2 market has been virtually killed overnight, while a major international publisher noted this will be the last Christmas for the PS2 and the company won't support it next year.
To quote: MD of Mastertonic Andy Payne – whose Blast label has enjoyed impressive sales during the PS2’s twilight years – believes the system is on its last legs, thanks to limited space on the High Street.
He told MCV: “The PS2 market has been virtually killed overnight. There’s been no real run-off like with the PSOne, and that’s because retail just does not have the space.”
Do you still have a PlayStation 2, and if so do you still play it? Feel free to comment below!
According to 1UP (linked above), Sony has confirmed that developers will no longer need to submit a game for content approval, which essentially makes the PlayStation 2 an open platform.
Sony believes that now Russian and Indian developers can create low-cost titles and release them in their own markets as one of the benefits in the removal of the certification process.
To quote: For developers and publishers hoping to release their titles to the console market, the content approval process can be notoriously stressful. Having a game bounced back by Sony, Nintendo, or Microsoft indicates that changes need to be made to the near-finished product.
Sometimes this causes more errors to surface, potentially pushing the release date back. But what if the certification processes were to be removed entirely?
Per Kristin Neirinckx (Associate Product Manager, SCEA) today:
Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that the limited-edition LEGO Batman: The Videogame PlayStation 2 bundle is now available at retail. You can find it at all major retailers for $149.99 (MSRP).
We are excited to team up with fun, exciting partners such as LEGO Batman and Justice League to offer a bundle that is perfect for families and comic enthusiasts alike.
The bundle includes:
- The Black PlayStation 2 system
- DUALSHOCK 2 Controller
- LEGO Batman: The Video Game - The fun of LEGO, the drama of Batman and the uniqueness of the combination make for a comical and exciting adventure to save Gotham City. Fight the mayhem as super-heroes Batman and Robin, or spread anarchy as one of the city’s many super-villains…all in LEGO form.
- Justice League: The New Frontier (DVD video) - Based on Darwyn Cooke’s award-winning graphic nove... More »
Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd (HES) announced today the development of Rugby League 2: World Cup Edition for Sony PlayStation®2, by leading games developer Sidhe Interactive.
The game builds on the highly successful 2005 release of Rugby League 2, bringing updated and new content in time for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
Press Release: “Rugby League 2 was a massive success and gamers had been asking for an updated version for a long time,” said David Robles, Business Development Manager for HES.“By working with Sidhe to deliver a new version of the game, with updated features, and rosters, we’re giving the fans what they want on the platform they want it most.”
Rugby League 2: World Cup Edition includes a host of features and new updates for Rugby fans including:
- All New World Cup Mode
- Squad and Jersey updates for the 2008 NRL, Super League and World Cup International Teams
- Addition of new NRL f... More »
Update: This morning we have been in touch with Square-Enix Europe in an attempt to confirm a European release of the PS2 remake of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, originally a GBA title.
We reported yesterday that Square-Enix USA has confirmed to managers at the Gamestop Convention that the game will be landing this fall with a budget price.
Confimation of a UK and EU release is at this moment in the words of a Square-Enix rep "tbc." The representative went on to state that they were "unaware" of any plans to bring the game to EU shores, and that it would be "near impossible before Christmas." It was noted that since a US release was happening, a European equivalent would "Probably happen", even if it is a limited release similar to the GBA Final Fantasy remakes.
It seems an international release is unlikely. Europeans should begin praying to the release god now that they see Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories PS2 in 2009.
Researchers believe that our brains contain navigation systems much like satellite navigation with grids, compasses and in-built maps.
Recently, two researchers used the PS2 game 'The Getaway' to analyse how taxi drivers use their brain areas to navigate.
To quote: In a follow-up study, Dr Spiers and Professor Maguire used the PlayStation 2 video game "The Getaway" to examine how taxi drivers use their hippocampus and other brain areas when they navigate. Taxi drivers used the virtual reality simulation to navigate the streets of London whilst lying in an fMRI brain scanner.
The researchers found that the hippocampus is most active when the drivers first think about their route and plan ahead. By contrast, activity in a diverse network of other brain areas increases as they encounter road blocks, spot expected landmarks, look at the view and worry about the thoughts of their customers and other drivers.
SCEE has launched its new, slimmer PS2 model in India, hoping to take advantage of Diwali. The machine is being offered at 6490 rupees (£82), with games starting at 499 rupees (£6.28).
“We are excited to introduce the new PlayStation 2 at an attractive and accessible price point for the Indian gamers,” said PlayStation India boss Atindriya Bose.
“For a country like India where there are many gamers just starting on consoles, PS2 indeed plays an important role as the best entry level gaming console.”
Press Release: PlayStation prepares for the festive season sales: brings in the new PlayStation 2 at an attractive price point
Mumbai, 10th September, 2008: Encouraged by the increasing sales and widening distribution, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has just rolled out the new series of the PS2 in the Indian market to capture the sales opportunity during the Diwali sales. The new PS2 model comes in an attractiv... More »
SCEA has teamed up with leading country music label group and sister company, Sony BMG Nashville, in order to bring country fans the most authentic music experience possible by allowing them to sing along to their favorite artist music videos.
As a result, SingStar Country will be the first title in the franchise to feature artists on the cover, including popular Sony BMG Nashville country stars Brad Paisley, Gretchen Wilson and Alan Jackson. “It’s great to be one of the first SingStar Country artists,” comments Wilson. “This game lets me reach out to all country fans in a whole new way, not only giving them the chance to hear my music, but also to become a part of it.”
Press Release: SINGSTAR® COUNTRY TAKES CENTER STAGE ON THE PLAYSTATION®2 SYSTEM THIS OCTOBER
New Edition to the Multi-million Selling Global Singing Franchise Features Leading Country Stars Brad Paisley, Gretchen Wilson and Alan Jackson on the Cover
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