Sony Sued Again For Removing PS3 Linux Feature

Two more class action lawsuits have been filed against Sony Computer Entertainment America for removing the 'Other OS' feature from the PlayStation 3.

The first lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, May 5 by Todd Densmore of Cumming, Ga., and Antal Herz of San Francisco, Calif., claim Sony has rendered several PlayStation 3 features they paid for "inoperable" as a result of the release of firmware 3.21. The update, released on April 1, 2010, disabled the ability to install the Linux operating system. By choosing not to update their console, users couldn't access separate, non-related features, such as signing onto PlayStation Network.

The suit states Sony allegedly failed to disclose to customers that it reserved the right to remove advertised, built-in features. The suit also states the right to remove the 'Other OS' feature is not disclosed in Sony's Terms of Service or System Software License Agreement.

Densmore and Herz are seeking damages and other relief the Court deems just. The class includes anyone who purchased a PlayStation 3 from November 17, 2006 to March 27, 2010 and folks who continue to own their console as of March 27, 2010.

A complete copy of the lawsuit in PDF form can be viewed here.

The second class action suit, filed on April 30 by five individuals across the United States, claims, among other things, that the plaintiffs "lost money by purchasing a PS3 without receiving the benefit of their bargain because the product is not what it was claimed to be - a game console that would provide both the Other OS feature and gaming functions."

The group is seeking compensatory damages, restitution, and injunction relief.

A complete copy of the lawsuit in PDF form can be viewed here.

The total number of lawsuits filed against Sony in the last two weeks for removing the feature is now at three. On April 28, a similar lawsuit was filed by Anthony Ventura of California. That case is still ongoing.

Credit : ps3.ign.com

Introducing the Official Heavy Rain Box Art

Hi folks!

Some of you surfing around yesterday might have stumbled upon what might be the US packfront. We just wanted to drop a note to everyone confirming that the below, is indeed, the US packfront forHeavy Rain:

We’re also able to confirm Heavy Rain’s final ESRB rating has come in at a strong M for Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language and Use of Drugs. And for those of you who have asked, the content is exactly the same as what’s being released in all our territories, so you’ll get to enjoy it exactly as Quantic Dream intended.

We’ll have much more in the coming days as we get closer to launch, so keep an eye out on the Blog for more information on one of PlayStation’s hottest titles of 2010!

 

Credit : blog.us.playstation.com

PlayStation Network Features Great Sports Action

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) is giving sports fans even more reason to cheer with the addition of a large selection of downloadable classic and must-see games from some of the biggest leagues in sports to the PlayStation Network video delivery service. A variety of National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) video content is now available for purchase from PlayStation Store. These additions further enhance the rich library of standard definition and high-definition sports related video entertainment currently available through the PlayStation Network video delivery service, including recently added content from Major League Baseball (MLB) and action from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and more.

Available at home through the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system or on the go through the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, the PlayStation Network video delivery service now offers great video content for NBA fans. Throughout the season, select games will be available for purchase from PlayStation Store, with new video content added weekly. PlayStation Store will also feature games from the first two rounds of the 2010 NBA Playoffs. The select NBA games during the 2009-10 season will be available for fans to download shortly after they conclude.

The PlayStation Network video delivery service also now features 20 historic NHL games on PlayStation Store. Hockey lovers can watch the Montreal Canadians battle the Boston Bruins to win the first of four consecutive World Cups in 1977, and many more classic match-ups featuring the greatest players in hockey.

The PlayStation Network video delivery service already features a variety of great entertainment for baseball fans on PlayStation Store, including the 2009 World Series. Baseball lovers can also relive 10 historic MLB games, including the stunning game six of the 1977 World Series, where Reggie "Mr. October" Jackson hit three home runs -- each on the first pitch, against three different pitchers -- to lead the Yankees to the title.

Fans of the Ultimate Fighting Championship can get into the action too. The PlayStation Network video delivery service offers over 60 UFC fights, many in high definition, including the Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir heavyweight championship title fight from UFC 100, and the entire season of The Ultimate Fighter 10. Other UFC superstars like Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, as well as the internet sensation and The Ultimate Fighter Season 10 competitor Kimbo Slice are also featured.

For wrestling fans, the PlayStation Network video delivery service features replays of TNA matches from 2008 and 2009, previously aired on pay-per-view.

The PlayStation Network video delivery service also has football fans covered with a variety of games from the Fox Bowl Championship Series, such as the 2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl where Ohio State faced the University of Texas Longhorns and more games coming in January 2010.

These great sports match-ups are available for purchase for $1.99 to $2.99 from the PlayStation Network video delivery service, with additional sports related content to be added over time. The PlayStation Network video delivery service features a huge selection of entertainment content, including 18,000 movies and TV episodes. From cracks of the bat and swishes of the hoop, to popular new movies and favorite TV shows, the PlayStation Network video delivery service offers terrific entertainment options for every PSP and PS3 owner to enjoy.

Credit : ps3.ign.com

DC Universe Online Animation Contest Starts Today

The DC Universe Online/Mass Animation – Animation Contest has officially kicked off! Now, budding animators and fans alike can compete by animating shots in a cinematic trailer or animating character gestures for in-game emotes for the upcoming PlayStation 3 game, DC Universe Online.

All of the tools that you will need to enter will be provided including a special edition of Autodesk Maya 3D Animation software, storyboards, designs and fully-rigged 3-D models, along with access through the Mass Animation application on the DCUO Facebook fan page. Once your entry is complete, you can upload your submission for viewing, voting and sharing with friends through the Facebook application. Each week voters, and a panel of judges which included members of the DCUO team, will help determine what shots qualify as the “best” and will be eligible for voter prizes.

There will be 60 submissions chosen as runners-up for the game trailer and each will each receive $500.00 and a copy of DCUO when it ships. The 40 runners-up of the Emote animation entries will win $150, the opportunity for inclusion of the submission in the DCUO Game, your name in the game credits, and a copy of the DCUO when it ships.

Finally those who choose not to submit, but wish to vote are also eligible for great prizes! A top weekly voter prize will be drawn from each week’s voter database for both the Game Trailer and Game Character Animation!

Sign up now on Facebook!

Below are the official rules and regulations:

To enter the contest you must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of entry (twenty (20) years old if resident of Japan) (iii) are registered users of the Facebook website located athttp://www.facebook.com (the “Facebook Site”) and (iv) did not purchase any products, services or equipment for the purposes of entering this Competition. Limit: The Competition is open to only the first ten thousand (10,000) persons who meet the eligibility requirements in accordance with these Official Rules. Employees of Mass Animation, LLC, Sony Online Entertainment LLC, DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Autodesk, Inc., Reel FX, Inc., and any entity involved or affiliated with the promotion or execution of this Competition and any of their parent and affiliate companies are not eligible. The Competition is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is not open to any individual person who resides in any country in which this Competition is prohibited or otherwise restricted. Void in Cuba, Burma/Myanmar, Iran, Syria, Sudan, North Korea, the Netherlands, Quebec (in Canada) and where prohibited or otherwise restricted.

For Contest Rules please visit: http://www.facebook.com/DCUniverseOnline

ABOUT SOE: Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games which have entertained millions of players around the globe. SOE creates and delivers compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchise EverQuest, its successful online trading card game Legends of Norrath, as well as the recent kids’ phenomenon Free Realms, SOE continues to raise the bar for online gaming and players worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, with additional studios in Austin, Seattle, Denver, Tucson, and Taiwan, SOE has a slate of engaging, high-quality games currently in development across new genres for all platforms and audiences.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC.

All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC Super Heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics’ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.

Credit : blog.us.playstation.com

PS3 3.15 System Software Update

Hi everyone, PlayStation 3 (PS3) will receive its next system software update shortly – v. 3.15. This is an optional update, and it enables existing PS3 owners who purchase a new PS3 system (perhaps as a second unit for the household) to transfer their content from their current PS3 to the new system. Content such as games, game save data, and videos downloaded from PlayStation Network can be transferred to the new PS3 system and deleted from the current PS3 system. Other content, including personal media files (photos, music, videos), can be copied onto the new PS3 and remain on the current PS3 system.

Here’s a quick primer on how the Data Transfer Utility works.

Data Transfer Utility

1. Turn both the current PS3 (A) and new PS3 (B) on and connect them with a LAN cable; PS3 (A) should be connected to the TV. Please note, firmware (v3.15) must be installed on both systems.
2. On the XMB of PS3 (A), scroll to the Settings category and select [System Settings] and then [Data Transfer Utility]
3. Follow the instructions on-screen and transfer data
4. After transferring the data, follow the instructions on-screen, and then connect PS3 (B) to the TV to view the XMB
5. If content that was downloaded from PlayStation Store was transferred as part of this operation, you must activate PS3 (B) before you can use the data. Log in to the PS3 system as the user who owns the content, and then select (PlayStation Network) > (Account Management) > (System Activation) to activate the system.

More details on Data Transfer Utility will be available here once the firmware update is live.

“minis”

The 3.15 update also enables “minis” to be played on a PS3 system. As we’ve reported here before, “minis” launched on PlayStation Network this fall in conjunction with the launch of PSPgo. These bite-sized games offer a more casual experience and are ideal for shorter gameplay sessions. Now PS3 owners will be able to play “minis,” and those who own both a PS3 and PSP system will be able to play on either platform. “minis” for the PS3 system will be available for download onPlayStation Store in the coming weeks. If you’ve purchased any “minis” already for your PSP and the title becomes available for PS3, you’ll simply need to download the title to your PS3.

As always, we look forward to your feedback.

 Credit : blog.us.playstation.co

Red Dead Redemption Release Date Now Official

It appears Rockstar Games is avoiding the busy early months of 2010 by confirming the release month of Red Dead Redemption for this coming April, the company said in a press release.

With God of War III, Final Fantasy XIII, Mass Effect 2, and BioShock 2 all due before then, we can't blame them.

The web version of the announcement now only says "coming soon," for the release however, which means it looks like someone slipped up.

The official trailer - "My name is John Marston" - is set to debut next week on December 1.

Update: The trailer apparently leaked earlier this morning and at the end of the video, the full release date is given. The title is set for release on April 27, 2010. 

Credit : ps3.ign.com

Digital Comics Reader Now Available for PSP – Get a Free Issue!

Hi Everyone –

As you’ve already heard from Eric Lempel, the latest PSP firmware update v6.20 added the Digital Comics Reader to the XMB on the PSP. The PlayStation Network comic service on PlayStation Store will be coming in December (U.S. Only). In the meantime, you can get your hands on a free issue ofStar Trek: Year Four – The Enterprise Experiment from our partners at IDW Publishing. Once you download the free Digital Reader, visit PlayStation Store on the PSP and enter the following promotion code:

724K-A4BG-JLD7

This code is only valid until December 16, 2009. The code must be redeemed directly on the PSP (not through PS3 or Media Go).

You should also check out www.playstationcomics.com for more information and to find a code for another free digital comic. (Hint: For those of you following PlayStation on Twitter, you might want to check there, too.)

Stay tuned for more details about the PlayStation Network digital comic service for the PSP.

Credit : blog.us.playstation.com

PlayStation Store Update

Hi Everyone – It’s time for the weekly PlayStation Store Update.

Updates

Get Uno for new low price of $7.99

Applications

adhocParty
Play Ad Hoc PSP games online via your PS3!
File Size 6.31 MB

Downloadable Games

Peggle ($9.99 to purchase)
Have you got the Peggle fever? Now on the PlayStation Network, experience the ultimate pinballesque adventure! Indulge your love for bouncing balls and firework effects by becoming a Peggle Master through 55 levels and 75 challenges. Play to your favorite music while collecting 12 PlayStation Network trophies along the way. Want to host your own Peggle party? Jump into a local battle or connect online to tackle multiplayer, duel and party modes!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 204 MB

PSOne Classics

Resident Evil 2 ($5.99)
ESRB Rated M
File size: 757 MB

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver ($5.99)
ESRB Rated M
File size: 381 MB

Game Demos (free)

Smash Cars Demo
Real-time physics, innovative stunts and next-generation graphics combine into a dynamic, tricked-out single and multiplayer RC car racing experience where players twist and turn, grind and gear up, performing aerial tricks and stunts while racking up trophies and points as they race to the finish in an unlikely location.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 199 MB

Add-on Game Content

Peggle Nights ($4.99)
Party ‘til the break of dawn with the quirky Game Masters of Peggle Nights! Become the ultimate master with 60 dreamscape levels and 60 Grand Master Challenges set in a land of flashing lights, dynamic pegs and glowing backgrounds! When you need a break, stop to admire your bright and shiny Peggle Nights trophies in your very own Peggle Masters Trophy Room. With so many action-packed Peggle Nights levels you won’t want to leave the neon peg party!
File size: 150 KB

PAIN: Flavor Flav ($1.99)
“Yeah boy!” Get ready to launch Flavor Flav into a world of PAIN! Whether you know this eccentric celebrity because of his days as a rap or television star, you’ll immediately recognize his hilarious voice recordings and costumes.
File size: 100 KB

High Velocity Bowling: Psychedelic 60’s Ball Pack ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool pack of six custom “Psychedelic 60’s” theme bowling balls.
File size: 7.1 MB

High Velocity Bowling: Techno Modern Ball Pack ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool pack of six custom “Techno Modern” theme bowling balls.
File size: 4.68 MB

Way of the Samurai 3 Accessories (free)
Fun & crazy, exclusive accessories for your character!
File size: 102 KB

Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

• “Lick It Up” by KISS ($1.99)
• “Modern Day Delilah” by KISS ($1.99)
• “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS ($1.99)
• KISS Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring ” Modern Day Delilah”, “Lick It Up “, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

File size: 39 MB – 50 MB (singles), 131 MB (track pack)

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visitwww.RockBand.com.

• “Beautiful Thieves”— AFI ($1.99)
• “End Transmission”— AFI ($1.99)
• “Love Like Winter”— AFI ($1.99)
• “Medicate”— AFI ($1.99)
• “The Leaving Song, Pt 2″— AFI ($1.99)
• AFI Pack 01 ($8.49)- This pack includes “Beautiful Thieves,” “End Transmission,” “Love Like Winter,” “Medicated” and “The Leaving Song, Pt 2″ by AFI.
• “Walk Like An Egyptian”— The Bangles ($1.99)

File sizes: 26 MB – 33 MB (singles), 140 MB (track pack)

The Beatles Rock Band
Build your library for The Beatles: Rock Band by purchasing these song game tracks. For music credits, visit www.thebeatlesrockband.com.

• “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “Within You Without You” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “When I’m Sixty-Four” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “She’s Leaving Home” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “Lovely Rita” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “Fixing A Hole” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “A Day In The Life” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Album) ($13.49) – This album includes “Fixing a Hole,” “She’s Leaving Home,” “Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!,” “Within You Without You,” “When I’m Sixty-Four,” “Lovely Rita,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise),” and “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles.

File sizes: 21 MB – 49 MB (singles), 300 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 11/19 Edition
File size: 287 MB (HD), 457 MB (1080)

Pain: Flavor Flav Trailer
File size: 39 MB (HD)

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Launch Trailer
File size: 58 MB (HD), 97 MB (1080)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves 15 sec Accolade TV Spot
File size: 11 MB (HD)

FIFA Soccer 10: Director’s Cut Trailer
File size: 220 MB (HD)

Madden NFL Arcade Trailer
File size: 39 MB (HD)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Flag Runner Trailer
File size: 80 MB (HD), 136 MB (1080)

NBA 2K10 TV Commercial
File size: 25 MB (1080)

Assassin’s Creed II Arsenal Trailer
File size: 66 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed II TGS Trailer
File size: 76 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed II Dev Diary 3
File size: 140 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed II GP Trailer
File size: 76 MB (HD)

Critter Crunch “Feeding Time” Trailer
File size: 40 MB (HD)

Army Of Two: 40th Day Extraction Trailer
File size: 51 MB (HD)

Peggle Trailer
File size: 18 MB (HD)

Themes

Peggle Theme (free)
File size: 3.43 MB

Celtic Maidens 2 Premium Plus Theme ($1.99)
File size: 8.65 MB

Wallpaper (free)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Wallpaper (x5)
File sizes: 94 KB – 2.02 MB

topatoi Wallpaper
File sizes: 215 KB – 1.74 MB

Peggle Wallpaper
File sizes: 261 KB – 291 KB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront)

Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines ($39.99)
ESRB Rated M
File size: 559 MB

PSP Minis

D-CUBE Planet ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 8.18 MB

Echoes ($2.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 24 MB

Circles ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 6.3 MB

Game Demos (free)

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 13 MB

LittleBigPlanet PSP Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 55 MB

Promethus Demo
ESRB Rated RP
File size: 31 MB

Add-on Game Content

DJ Max Fever Wallpaper (x4)
File sizes: 69 KB – 100 KB

Armored Core 3 Wallpaper (x2)
File sizes: 27 KB – 34 KB

Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• “California Über Alles”— Dead Kennedys ($1.99)
• “You’re No Rock ‘n’ Roll Fun”— Sleater-Kinney ($1.99)

File sizes: 14 MB – 17 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 storefront)

Armored Core 3 Portable Theme (free)
File size: 523 KB

Celtic Maidens PSP Theme 3 ($1.49)
File size: 637 KB

Celtic Maidens PSP Theme 4 ($1.49)
File size: 631 KB

Credit : blog.us.playstation.com

This Week in PlayStation Home: Assassin’s Creed, Final Fantasy XIII, Fullmetal Alchemist and A&E’s Lawman

Greetings Homelings!

We have a ton of cool stuff coming at you for this week’s publish in PlayStation Home. This week is particularly heavy on free video content – from exclusive video pulled from some of the most highly anticipated game titles, to brand-spanking new TV shows being aired in-world before they find their way to cable, to full-length episodes of some of your favorite programs. What they say is true – there is no place like PlayStation Home!

Anime fans will be stoked to find the first full episode of Fullmetal Alchemist’s second season playing in the 10-Screen Theater (courtesy of FUNimation). This free episode will only air from November 12th to the 19th. If you like what you see, be sure to head to the PlayStation Store, where you can follow Edward and Alphonse Elric’s quest for the Philosopher’s Stone by downloading additional episodes from season one and season two from this award-winning series.

Speaking of hits – few video games can match the level of anticipation that a FINAL FANTASY title brings to the table, and the newest addition to Square Enix’s celebrated franchise, FINAL FANTASY XIII, promises to be no exception. Assuming you haven’t been living under a rock for the past year, you’ve probably caught a glimpse of the sheer awesomeness of FINAL FANTASY XIII via one of the many trailers. The intriguing characters, the enigmatic Eidolons, the beautifully rendered environments, and the awe-inspiring cut scenes have spurred many impassioned conversations. And while it seems that everybody is waiting with bated breath for the next installment in the FINAL FANTASY saga, it is well understood that it takes time to achieve the level of “wow” hinted at in these trailers. To whet your appetite, Square Enix has given us a special, never-before-seen FINAL FANTASY XIII video to air in the PlayStation Home 10-Screen Theater this Friday, November 13th – so be sure to stop by and check it out.

A&E’s new Real Life Series “Steven Seagal Lawman” is sure to be the “can’t miss” premiere of late 2009. In fact, after viewing the trailers, we begged A&E to give us an exclusive sneak peek to show to you, the PlayStation Home community. Needless to say, they came through in a bigger way than we expected, offering up an advance screening in PlayStation Home. And on top of that, they’re even giving away a free virtual item – a Lawman Vest – to everyone that comes into the 10-Screen Theater. So come out and watch as Steven Seagal takes to the mean streets of New Orleans with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, enforcing the law and serving the best interests of the community with the help of a hand-selected band of elite deputies, and then be sure to watch all the new episodes on A&E, starting with the series premiere on Wednesday December 2nd at 10:00pm PT (9:00pm Central).

Those of you who “Live by the Creed” are wringing your hands in anticipation for the next installments of the Assassin’s Creed franchise – Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines (PSP) andAssassin’s Creed II (PS3). To celebrate the release of these stellar third-person action-adventure titles, Ubisoft has decided to release a line of special Assassin’s Creed virtual items in PlayStation Home. From hats and shirts to hoodies and wristbands, never has it been easier to display your enthusiasm for Ezio and all his stealthy ways. Find these items in the PlayStation Home Mall this week, and be sure to check back in next week for another installment of AC-themed virtual goods.

Credit : blog.us.playstation.com

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Launch Event in PlayStation Home

If you are like us, you’ve marked your calendars and informed all and sundry that, come November 10, you will be shirking your day-to-day responsibilities in favor of tossing flashbangs and dropping brass on any and all opponents in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Forget work, school, and jury duty – this Tuesday it’s all about who can get the most Killstreaks as we embark on a shoot-or-be-shot journey through the war torn landscapes of one of the most highly-anticipated titles of the year.

For those of you who are saving the single-player campaign for a later time and instead opting to spend D-Day knee-deep in some of the most ridiculously addictive multiplayer modes you’ll find in any FPS around, there’s no better place to find a battle than in PlayStation Home. Why? First and foremost, PlayStation Home allows you to easily find other CoD:MW2 fans and seamlessly launch into the various multiplayer match types including Free-For-All, Search & Destroy, Domination, Team Deathmatch and the new Demolition and Capture The Flag modes. But to top it off we’re also offering participants in our launch day event a unique opportunity to score some free prizes just for coming out and playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – namely, the Modern Warfare 2 Veteran ARTFX statue (pictured below).

This 1/6-scale (12” tall) statue depicts Cpt. “Soap” MacTavish of Task Force 141, equipped with custom snow camouflage and weaponry, as seen in the “Cliffhanger” mission from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. 10 of these special prizes will be awarded at random to users that attend the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 “Featured Game” event tonight, Tuesday, November 10 between the hours of 6:00pm and 10:00pm PT (9:00pm and 1:00am EST). If you’re a die-hard Call of Duty fan this is THE launch day event to attend. More info on how to participate is below.

The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 event marks the beginning of a new type of regularly occurring event in PlayStation Home – the “Featured Game” party. Every day one of the latest and greatestPlayStation 3 games (that have an online multiplayer component, of course) will be showcased in PlayStation Home. Official host accounts (manned by the Home Community Management team, the Home Community Volunteer team, and – when available – game developers and other celebrity players) will gather in Central Plaza between the hours of 6:00pm and 10:00pm PT (9:00pm and 1:00am EST). A list of host accounts will be placed on the screens at the Listen@Home kiosk in Central Plaza as well as on the official PlayStation Home Clubs and Events forum.

If you have the Featured Game and want to join in on the fun, just add one of these accounts and then use the “Go To” feature to travel to official “instances” of Central Plaza where the event is taking place (you can find the “Go To” option in your Menu Pad by going to your Friends List and then selecting the name of the host account). Once at the event, insert the Featured Game into your PlayStation 3 and either set up your own game launching session or join someone else’s (just look for the game title being broadcast above another player’s avatar).

Not only are the Featured Game parties fun events that anyone can join, they also offer opportunities to win awesome prizes and, most importantly, meet new people to game with. We couldn’t be more stoked to kick off this new community program with a title like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Expect to see all of us in Central Plaza right at 6:00pm PT on Tuesday, November 10th. And we’ll expect to see you there as well.

Credit : blog.us.playstation.com

The 7th Annual Gran Turismo Awards at SEMA Coming November 4

The Gran Turismo Awards are back for a 7th year, ready to crown a new performance vehicle with the honor of getting digitally recreated in the Gran Turismo franchise. The awards event will be held at Rain nightclub at the Palms hotel in Las Vegas Wednesday evening, November 4th at 9:00 pm. In addition to the awards ceremony, top music acts The Offspring and DJ Z-Trip will each play a set to help celebrate the evening.

The Gran Turismo Awards at SEMA recognizes the best vehicles in five different categories: Best Hot Rod, Best Asian Import, Best European Import, Best Domestic Automobile, and Best Truck/SUV. After the five category winners are judged and selected on performance and style by leading automotive media, it then falls to Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi to select the overall GT Awards “Best in Show.” Walking the show floor, Kazunori-san views all category winners and selects the vehicle that best represents the Gran Turismo brand, and one that will be immortalized as a fully playable part of the Gran Turismo franchise for millions of fans around the world.

In addition to the music acts following the awards ceremony, guests will have a chance to check out the latest gameplay of Gran Turismo 5. Winners from the past two GT Awards events, the 2007 HPA Audi TT from the 2007 awards, and the 2007 high performance Infiniti G37 from the 2008 awards, will be playable in the latest version of Gran Turismo 5 at the event.

Also to help celebrate the awards and the upcoming SEMA week, we have teamed with the automotive enthusiast site Autoblog to have them give away a GT PSP entertainment pack each day the entire week (five in all) starting Monday, November 2nd. We encourage you to jump on over to Autoblog to check out the contest and try your hand at getting one of these prized possessions. Good luck!

Credit : blog.us.playstation.com