PlayStation4 readies updates, new games

MANILA, Philippines - Following the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita TV, and PlayStation Vita platforms’ much-awaited January launch in the Philippines, the folk at Sony have obviously kept busy — particularly for the PS4 (referred to by Sony Philippines president and managing director Yasushi Asoaka as a “game changer”).

By April this year, the flagship PS4 console had moved a total of seven million units globally, reported Sony Computer Hong Kong Ltd.’s Teoh Wah Teoh, who was in town recently to make announcements on a forthcoming software update as well as game releases.

Sony has also sold in either physical or electronic form some 20.5 million copies of software or games around the world. PlayStation fans will surely be happy to note that some 120 additional titles are set for release in 2014 alone. Meanwhile, gamers have been enthusiastically sharing their accomplishments via the PS4’s Share function; the figure has breached a staggering 135 million.

Teoh reported that the release of PS4 System Software Update v1.7 is imminent. This is something to look forward to because, according to a Sony release, the update will “expand the broadcasting feature, and support the Japanese video sharing website ‘Niconico Live,’ HD streaming (Twitch), and video archive on various online streaming platforms (Ustream, Twitch).”

Even more notable is the new “SHAREfactory” application that lets users add comments and stickers to video clips saved on PS4 and “change music and background of those videos will be supported to let gamers enjoy more fun” via the Share function.

Remote Play will also be available on the PS Vita TV, enabling users to play PS4 games on a television monitor in a different location.

Teoh also revealed new games to be unveiled this month and June for both PS4 and PS Vita platforms. Recently released was the sports game MLB 14: The Show (Asian English Version), demoed onsite during the press launch.

Set to be available for the PS4 this month are Drakengard 3 (May 21), Wolfenstein: The New Order (May 23), and Watch Dogs (May 27). PS Vita users can look forward to Mind Zero on May 27 and Blazblue Chronophantasma in June. Murdered: Soul Suspect will be available for the PS4 on June 6 and Drive Club on Oct. 7.

Teoh said the hit game The Last of Us (which has garnered some 250 game-of-the-year nods) has been remastered for the PS4 and is obviously another title to watch for, although no release date was revealed.

Sony has also been releasing PS4 units bundled with key games. Speaking exclusively to The STAR, Teoh later said the company will continue to do this as a way to “recommend games for beginners.” The Watch Dogs bundle is expected to go for P27,099, while the FIFA bundle is pegged at P25,799.

Teoh promised local gamers that Sony plans to look at staging events — perhaps a FIFA tourney — to generate interest, saying, “We will try to launch games in concert with global launches. We want people to enjoy the game at the same time.” He is also aware of the local popularity of basketball.

Globally, the top-selling title for PS4 is Killzone Shadow Fall, shared Sony Computer Hong Kong senior manager for Hong Kong and Southeast Asia Jacqueline Chiu. The shooter is published exclusively for the PS platform. Compared to the US or Europe, Southeast Asians prefer soccer, basketball, and first-person shooting games. Japanese gamers though are big fans of RPGs or role-playing games.

One thing safe to assume: Sony will surely continue to buttress its formidable collection of content, software, and features to stay ahead of its competition and win the growing community of gamers in an increasingly online world.

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For more information, visit www.sony.com.ph or http://asia.playstation.com.