additional charge for online play of used games

The IGN (Imagine Games Network) website has posted an interview with the Hardware Marketing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment America, John Koller.

The future of purchasing used games, and needing to pay additional fees afterwards for online play, was discussed...

John Koller: "...As with many programs, we're investigating future opportunities...

"...We will continue to explore this as an opportunity for the platform going forward...

"...We're continuing to take proactive steps in the fight against piracy and believe this new initiative will be of benefit to the gaming industry."

IGN: How will fans react to this anti-piracy feature?

John Koller: "From our research, this will be received quite positively...

You have been warned.

Before you purchase any game, new or used, check to see if you will be allowed to play online for free.

be a game tester for Sony Playstation

There is an open casting call for a program that where gamers will compete for a job as a game tester for PlayStation...

The show will be on the PlayStation Network, and it will be called "The Tester". The job will be in San Diego, California in the Sony Computer Entertainment's Quality Assurance department.

You must be at least 21 years old, and legally eligible to work in...and a current resident of...the United States of America. There's an online form that needs to be completed at http://www.us.playstation.com/PSN/thetester

In addition, you need to upload a video (MP4 or MOV, under 100 MB max, under 5 minutes long, and at least 640 x 480) and a picture (JPEG/JPG, and under 5 MB).

If you become a contestant, let us know!

new PS3 news

September 1st, a new system software update (version 3) will be available for the PlayStation 3 (via "System Update" on the XMB/XrossMediaBar). It will add screens for “What’s New" in the PlayStation Store, and recently played games on the XMB.

The price of the 80 GB PS3 is now $299, and the 160 GB version is $399 because...

The newest PS3 is to be in stores September 1 for $299 with a 120 GB hard drive. Per Sony, "...users will not be able to install other Operating Systems to the new PS3 system".

Some upcoming new titles (from SCE Worldwide Studios) are:
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
EyePet
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
Heavy Rain
God of War 3
MAG
ModNation Racer
and Gran Turismo 5.

E3 press conferences

They're streamable and downloadable...