153w ago - Update: According to both PSU.com and VG247.com, Sony has confirmed that cross-game voice chat is currently not part of PlayStation Plus.

Today a sleuth from TheGamerAccess.com (linked above) has spotted as part of an E3 2010 press release confirmation by Sony that the rumored PS3 Firmware 3.40 update will arrive on June 22, 2010 and likely will include the long-awaited PS3 cross-game voice chat!

To quote from the Press Release: "PlayStation users can purchase PlayStation Plus membership through PlayStation Store on PS3 only.

Users need to install PS3 system software version 3.40, which will be released on June 22nd, to enjoy PlayStation Plus."

Finally, to further substantiate this news, on Sony's official Portugese Web site it states: "Cross-game Voice Chat: invite your friends to chat online no matter what game you're all playing,...

153w ago - Today Sega of America's Assistant Community Manager Aaron Webber has confirmed that Yakuza 4 is coming exclusively to PS3 in Spring, 2011.

To quote: After some amazing passion seen across the board from fans regarding the release of Yakuza 3, SEGA is proud to announce that the fourth installment of the Yakuza series is heading West, and will be releasing exclusively on the PlayStation 3 in the spring of 2011!

Yakuza 4 also builds on the style of the original Yakuza foundation by adding three new playable characters, each with a distinct personality and fighting style.

They all have connections to the Tojo clan -- but what those connections are, and what they mean with regard to a man named Kazuma Kiryu, is just one part of what will truly make things interesting.

We'd also like to confirm what we feel is important news for our fans: the Hostess Clubs will be returning in Yakuza 4!

Finally, we'd like to let you guys field questions to the man whose name goes hand in hand with the Yakuza (or Ryu Ga Gotoku in Japan) series himself: Nagoshi-san!...

156w ago - Microsoft has confirmed to Kotaku (linked above) that both Robbie Bach, the current head of all things entertainment for Microsoft, and J. Allard one of the top men behind the Xbox and Xbox 360, are leaving Microsoft.

In a memo this morning to Microsoft employees obtained by Kotaku, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced that the two were "retiring" from the company.

Ballmer says that after 22 years with Microsoft, Bach, the president, of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, is leaving Microsoft on a high note.

To quote: "This has been a phenomenal year for E&D overall, and with the coming launches of both Windows Phone 7 and "Project Natal," the rest of the year looks stupendous as well." He will remain with Microsoft until the fall.

"At Microsoft, I've been so fortunate to spend more than two decades of my life working with incredible people and doing amazing things like launching Office, Xbox and Xbox Live, the 'Halo' franchise, Windows Phones, Zune and more," Bach said in a prepared statement.

"I'm at the time in my life where I want to dedicate more time to my family and my nonprofit work, including my work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. I have the utmost confidence in Steve, Don and Andy and their ability to see through...

156w ago - Today Sony's Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein has confirmed previous reports that KillZone 3 is coming to the PlayStation 3 console and will indeed be playable in PS3 3D, and SCEE's James Gallagher hints the first KZ3 PS3 trailer is likely to arrive for E3 if not before!

To quote: Our friends in Europe recently held an event where journalists went hands-on with Killzone 3... in 3D. SCEE's James Gallagher was there, and he's got what you want to know: details.

Earlier this month I made my first trip to Amsterdam and while I didn't get chance to visit the Van Gogh Museum, I did get a different sensory treat: I got to play Killzone 3 in 3D.

The select group of journalists invited had little idea of what to expect as they climbed the stairs to a private cinema in Amsterdam's Melkweg, but soon Hermen Hulst, Managing Director of Guerrilla Games, took to the podium and revealed all.

Killzone 3 picks up where its predecessor left off and it's a much...

156w ago - Today SystemLink (linked above) has shared a scan from the latest Official PlayStation Magazine (OPM issue #45) which confirms the upcoming PS3 3D Firmware update will indeed arrive this June (likely around June 10, 2010) as previously reported.

However, as expected, this PlayStation 3 Firmware update will only bring Sony fans 3D games for the PS3, not 3D Blu-ray just yet.

To quote: "In Issue 45, on sale now, OPM reveal that a new Firmware, possibly 3.40, is coming to PS3 in June, during or shortly after E3.

The only other information given is that this update will prepare your PS3 for 3D games, and another firmware update later in the year will add the same functionality to Blu-rays."