25w ago - Following up on the previous rumor and PS4 (Orbis) details, IGN has shared some video footage and details on Version 2 of the PlayStation 4 (PS4) Developer Kits below.

According to their source, a new version 2 of the PlayStation 4 dev kit is currently being distributed to developers with the final version expected next year.

To quote from their page (linked above): Anonymous sources have reportedly told VG247 that new versions of the Orbis kit are winging their way to developers, replete with Blu-ray support and housed in the humble cases of normal PCs.

This is apparently the second iteration of the dev kit; the first, which appeared earlier this year, was in essence just a graphics card, while this version is now a "modified PC". The report asserts that the next update will come in January, when it'll be close to final specifications, with the ultimate version landing with devs next summer.

The shipping of the Orbis kit apparently follows a series of meetings held by Sony...

25w ago - Vehicles Lead Designer Ryan Thornton shared a video today which takes a closer look at the Dust 514 free-to-play FPS' vehicles as part of their PS3 developer diary below.

To quote: Enter the EVE Universe, where intergalactic conflict among immortal spaceship pilots has spilled from the vast, empty expanse of space onto the surfaces of the planets themselves.

These ground conflicts are waged in the battle zones of DUST 514, where you, the boots on the ground, are empowered to take the war effort to a whole new level. As a mercenary in DUST 514, you are the frontline against other intrepid soldiers of fortune.

At your disposal you have a large arsenal of weaponry and a range of vehicle classes, from ground-based light attack vehicles and heavy attack vehicles, to imposing aerial-based dropships.

In this video, you'll see how vehicle classes provide a rock-solid foundation for exploring specialized roles. As your persona in DUST 514 progresses, you have the choice of unlocking advanced vehicle variants that fill unique roles on the battlefield.

Some of these include Logistical Dropships to provide a support presence on the battlefield, and Marauder HAVs, which are well-rounded armored units that pack a punch while maintaining a fair amount of damage protection.

27w ago - Following up on the PlayStation 3 Appldr, Dev_Flash and Keys from PS3 Firmware 4.31, today the Viper Pegasus Dev Team have released PS3 4.31 LV1, LV2 and IDA files both decrypted and encrypted for use with Interactive Disassembler alongside the ISO / SPU files below.

Download: PS3 4.31 LV1, LV2 & IDA Files Decrypted / Encrypted / PS3 4.31 LV1, LV2 & IDA Files Decrypted / Encrypted (Mirror) / PS3 4.31 ISO / SPU Files / PS3 4.31 ISO / SPU Files (Mirror)

PS3 Firmware Version: 4.31

ZIP Files:

• lv1.elf // LV1.elf decrypted
  
• lv1.self // LV1.self
  
• lV2_kernel.elf // LV2_kernel.elf decrypted
  
• lv2_kernel.self // lv2_kernel.self
  
• lv1.idc // IDA script
  
• sc_iso.elf // sc_iso.elf...

30w ago - Similar to Shark Week, this appears to be PS3 Key week with the latest additions being the PS3 3.70 Appldr (VSH.elf) Keys surfacing while a list of the PlayStation 3 version 3.65 to 4.30 Appldr Keys in SCETool format is also in development.

Download: PS3 3.70 Appldr Keys (VSH.elf) Decrypted by ItsKamel / PS3 3.70 Appldr Keys (VSH.elf) Decrypted (Mirror) / PS3 3.70 Appldr Keys (Mirror #2) / PS3 3.70 Appldr Keys (Mirror #3) / PS3 4.25 Keys by razorx / PS3 lv0 key + 3.60 + 3.70 key by Mistawes / Battlefield 3 EBOOT Decrypted by lewy20041 / Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City (REORC) Decrypted by windrider (Password: SupLeechers) / multiMAN 3.70 [EBOOT_FIX] by slarty1408

This adds to the recent PS3...

31w ago - Giant Sparrow Game Designer Ben Esposito has shared a video today spotlighting the art and design as part of their The Unfinished Swan developer diary.

To quote: Like a lot of folks, I first saw the tech demo for The Unfinished Swan when it made the rounds online in 2008. The idea stuck in the back of my head but it wasn't until later when Giant Sparrow put up a job posting that I decided: I had to make that game.

I had just graduated from college without much professional experience, so I did what I do best and made a game for them. You can check it out here if you'd like. The video cuts off because the end of the game says "Call me" and has my phone number on it.

It got the attention of the Giant Sparrow team, and I ended up flying out to Los Angeles to work on the game. I was elated and a little shocked, but I came to learn that at Giant Sparrow, the player experience always comes first - and my little game was designed to create a very specific experience.

Now, in October 2012, The Unfinished Swan is out in the wild (well, to PlayStation Plus members) and we're proud that we were able to make a truly experiential game.