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by Published on April 27th, 2011 17:47
Sony has vowed to "proceed aggressively" in its attempts to track down hackers responsible for the PlayStation Network security breach, although customer anger at the incursion is already beginning to mount.
Although the basic PSN service is free to use some users are already demanding refunds for PlayStation Plus, music and video service Qriocity, and downloadable games - many of which do not work without a connection to PSN.
As a result Sony has updated its FAQ on the incident, but has so far made no promises regarding compensation: "When the full services are restored and the length of the outage is known, we will assess the correct course of action."
As the FAQ points out some games, mainly downloadable PSN titles, require PSN access for Trophy syncs and security checks.
Speaking to website IGN indie developers Mad Block Alpha and Open Emotion have indicated that Sony has already offered to help overcome problems from the outage. Both studios were due to see new content added to PSN last week, with Open Emotion CEO Paddy Murphy commenting:
"Sony will be helping us retain key focus [prominent placement on the PSN Store] for an extra few weeks as they understand how something like this can affect a small dev studio like ours."
"As it's our first week in the US, I'm sure it will affect sales, but we have to understand that Sony wouldn't take down the entire PSN on a whim. As long as they can give us some marketing assistance when the PSN is back up, we are sure we will be able to recoup our potential losses," he added.
Ordinary users though have not been so understanding, with the official PlayStation websites now filed with angry and concerned comments.
"What makes Sony look so bad is the silent treatment you have been giving us from day one. Facts are you knew that your system was compromised, you did [not] say a thing about it till days later and even then didn't tell us you suspected personal information might have been compromised," said user 'Agriel'.
"Sony you dropped the ball big time on this, you should fire your PR department because they don't have a [DELETED] clue what they are doing, and totally screwed you in this," he continued.
"I loved this set up on PSN and now I'm so [DELETED] off with what has happened I shall never trust Sony again ever. Looks like I'm going to be getting a [DELETED]box," added user 'Sutman'.
Some customers have been more understanding though, with 'Carnivius_Prime' commenting: "I can understand the frustrations but if anything it should be the hacker getting all the blame here. Why these guys can't simply just leave things alone. I'm sure Microsoft and Nintendo would have reacted the same way as Sony if it had happened to their services. I hope the hackers are tracked down and jailed."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...sers-vent-rage
...by Published on April 27th, 2011 17:46- Categories:
- Nintendo 3DS News
As expected Nintendo has revealed that the 3DS portable has missed its initial sales targets worldwide, with the company planning to reposition its marketing approach as a result.
Prior to the launch of the 3DS, Nintendo predicted 4 million sales by the end of the year. Although the portable console saw strong first week sales in all territories these quickly tailed off in subsequent weeks - as initially reported by third party analysts.
As a result the shipped total reached only 3.61 million by the end of the month.
Although the shortfall does not appear to be as large as some feared, assuming the sales total is similar to the shipped figure, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has been quick to acknowledge the problems.
It has become clear that we need to do a lot more to convey the value to consumers.
Satoru Iwata, Nintendo
Speaking at an investor presentation following the company's recent financial results, Iwata claimed that the earthquake disaster in Japan had been a primary cause of low sales but that it could not explain similar drop-offs in Europe and North America.
"The initial sales were healthy," said Iwata of the Japanese launch in February. "However, the sales speed slowed down from the third week after its launch which is not what we had expected for the start-up transition."
"We originally expected that the value of 3D images without the need for special glasses would be automatically spread to some extent by many consumers experiencing the device by themselves and then playing with the pre-installed software like Nintendo 3DS Camera, AR Games and Face Raiders together with people around them," he continued.
"However, as a result of analysis of the situation after the launch, it has become clear that we need to do a lot more to convey the value to consumers," admitted Iwata.
Iwata highlighted that even shop demonstrations of the 3D effect were proving ineffective, where users did not adjust the 3D Slider to suit their eyes. He also suggested that new marketing efforts needed to be concentrated on emphasising the StreetPass and SpotPass features, as well as built-in software such as Face Raiders and AR Games.
The upcoming May firmware update, which will include the eShop and other online features, was also described as a key focus for future marketing.
A lack of choice amongst the initial line-up of games, which has suffered particular criticism in the West, was also identified as a key issue - with Iwata highlighting the upcoming release of titles such as Steel Diver, Zelda: Ocarina Of Time, and Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D in Japan.
"Nintendo will be working with our full strength in order to spread Nintendo 3DS as a mainstream handheld device, along with the third party developers and with our sales partners," he concluded.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...disappointment
...by Published on April 27th, 2011 17:44
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is to investigate Sony over the ongoing hacking scandal on PlayStation Network, it has been confirmed.
ICO is a non-departmental public body reporting directly to Parliament and deals primarily with the Data Protection Act and other related legislation.
Speaking to sister siteEurogamer, officials have confirmed that it will investigate Sony in order to discover whether proper security safeguards were taken.
"The Information Commissioner's Office takes data protection breaches extremely seriously," said a representative. "Any business or organisation that is processing personal information in the UK must ensure they comply with the law, including the need to keep data secure.
"We have recently been informed of an incident which appears to involve Sony. We are contacting Sony and will be making further enquiries to establish the precise nature of the incident before deciding what action, if any, needs to be taken by this office."
Although the exact nature and sophistication of the hacker attack is not clear the fact that Sony has already confirmed that passwords, and user data such as names and addresses, have been obtained implies that they were not properly encrypted - or not encrypted at all.
The latter in particular could cause Sony considerable legal and publicity problems if true, although currently much of customer's anger is directed at the perceived slowness of the company's approach to the problem and the lack of information on the breach.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ver-psn-breach
...by Published on April 27th, 2011 17:41- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News
A service alert for Xbox Live has been issued, warning of "potential phishing attempts" in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - although currently there is no interruption to services.
At time of press the service alert warns that: "Users may receive potential phishing attempts via title specific messaging while playing Modern Warfare 2.
We are aware of the problem and are working to resolve the issue. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience."
The alert is only for the matchmaking element of Xbox Live, with no reported problems for the general service, Marketplace or accounts.
This may imply that attempts are being made to trick users into revealing personal or password information in-game, as part of the matchmaking process.
No further information is currently available from Microsoft or publisher Activision, but the alert comes as Sony is embroiled in the worst online security scandal so far experienced by the home console market.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...dern-warfare-2
...by Published on April 27th, 2011 17:39
Users told: We believe your details have been taken
PlayStation Network customers are beginning to receive email warnings regarding the service's extraordinary security threat.
In a mass-email the PlayStation firm writes:
“We believe that an unauthorized person has obtained the following information that you provided: name, address, country, email address, birth-date, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID.”
It is likely that the email was sent to every single active PSN user.
Sony announced in January this year that over 69 million people have registered a PlayStation Network account.
Yesterday Sony revealed that the data of "possibly all" PSN users had got into the hands of an unauthorised individual.
So far the stolen information has not led to reports of illicit credit card activity or identity theft, Sony claims.
“Not at this point in time,” the firm said yesterday.
It cannot be ruled out that credit card data was taken as part of the hack, Sony added, and judging by the perceived scale of the security alert, the likelihood of PSN credit card fraud is high.
In the mass-email, the company continued:
“It is also possible that your profile data, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip), and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained.
“If you have authorized a sub-account for your dependent, the same data with respect to your dependent may have been obtained. While there is no evidence that credit card data was taken at this time, we cannot rule out the possibility”.
Since the announcement last night, a flood of PSN users have asked their banks to change their credit card details.
Passwords have been wiped and some credit ratings have been put on 'fraud alert'
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...-for-PSN-users
...by Published on April 27th, 2011 17:37
Sony's PSN terms and conditions suggest the company isn't liable for the loss of customers' personal information.
As spotted by Edge, the firm's T&Cs read: "We exclude all liability for loss of data or unauthorised access to your data, Sony Online Network account or Sony Online Network wallet and for damage caused to your software or hardware as a result of using or accessing Sony Online Network."
However, the Information Commissioners Office, an independent UK authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, told the site: "While we are unable to say where the data is being stored at present, if it was in the UK, this clause would not free them from their obligations under the UK Data Protection Act.
"If we found a breach, one of the actions we could take would be to issue an undertaking, which is an agreement between the ICO and the company that if they are handling personal information they have to bring about set improvements in order for them to be compliant with the act."
The ICO added: "If the company is not compliant with the act within a certain time limit, further action would be taken and we might consider an enforcement notice or issue a monetary penalty. For serious breaches of the act, we can issue a monetary penalty up to £500,000."
The PlayStation Network has been out of action for a week following a security breach that has resulted in the theft of customers' personal data
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS ...by Published on April 27th, 2011 17:35
Execs at Cohort, Zoe Mode, Curve and Doublesix express their views
The substantial security threat that has rocked the PlayStation Network could trigger widespread mistrust in digital distribution, a group of studios have said.
Several leading digital games studios have told Develop the infamous PSN hack may not only impact on Sony’s troubled service, but the digital distribution process as a whole.
“There’s a real concern that PSN users will have lost a lot of trust,” said Lol Scragg, CEO of Dundee studio Cohort.
“The PSN market could well decrease after this,” he said.
“There are so many issues for consumers to think about now”.
Cohort is set to close down in a matter of weeks, and its final game – Me Monstar – could miss its release due to the ongoing PSN blackout.
“Our concern is that people just will not be able to purchase our game as it launches next week,” Scragg said.
A ‘LITTLE STEP BACK’
Scragg’s views are to an extent echoed by Ste Curran, the creative director of Kuju Entertainment's Zoe Mode studio in Brighton.
“From my perspective, the bigger issue is not about PSN, but confidence in digital distribution generally,” Curran said.
“For every story like this that breaks in the mainstream press, consumer confidence about their details being safe is eroded. Confidence [in online transactions] has been building up, and I think will continue to, but this is a blip. It could be a little step back,” he added.
Zoe Mode’s music-based puzzle game, Chime Super Deluxe, launched on the PlayStation Network late in March.
One studio – speaking anonymously to Develop – said the network downtime has cost them thousands of pounds. Yet Curran said it would be hard to quantify revenue losses.
He also appeared convinced that the backlash against Sony has more bark than bite.
“There’s a lot of noise on the internet right now about people saying ‘oh I’ll never use PSN again etcetera’, but a lot of that is due to this ongoing rivalry between Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 fanboys, and I think a lot of these comments of abandoning PlayStation are from people that don’t have a console in the first place,” he said.
Curran’s faith in digital distribution has not been significantly affected by the PSN data scare.
‘IT GOES BEYOND PSN’
“Digital distribution is the future, and it’s awesome,” he said.
“I just think people will be a bit more hesitant to [buy content digitally] like this in the future. Not just on PSN, but on Xbox 360 and other non-game related services as well.
“I don’t think this is a case of people thinking PSN is vulnerable. This is about every single digital distribution system”.
Yesterday Sony said it shut down the PlayStation Network for seven consecutive days after a “malicious” attack on the online system.
Credit card details, user information and passwords have been compromised. The issue may affect every single PSN user, Sony said. More information can be found here.
Ed Fear, publishing producer at London-based Curve Studios, remains faithful that Sony will resolve the issue.
“I’m concerned that users will be wary of re-entering their credit card details into the system, which will likely affect PSN sales,” he said.
“Naturally, there’s an issue of the lost sales over this period where the system has been down.
“But ultimately, I think Sony will sort us and everyone else out – they’ve done a lot of work encouraging developers to PSN and they’re not going to let all that go to waste now.”
In February, Curve Studios released on PSN its distinct platform title Explodemon.
‘WE CAN HOLD OUR RELEASE BACK’
The studio head at fellow UK PSN studio, Doublesix, said it was unfortunate that a service like the PlayStation Network has been out under such an unflattering light.
“It's obviously a sad turn of events,” he told Develop.
“Our colleagues at Sony have such a great games service and every day that it's down hurts the wider gaming community.
“Our studio hasn't been affected too greatly, we were just preparing a release, but we can afford to hold it back. Our sympathy goes out to the studios who've only just released a game or were due to release last week.
“My greater concern is how this will affect video game consumers behaviour across all the digital platforms, including PSN, XBLA, Steam, iTunes and the rest,” he said.
“Consumers have been more ready to purchase games and other content online, and this may rock their confidence, become a set back that affects us all.
“Of course, it's only a blip, but one that the world of digital games delivery could do without. Only time will tell.”
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...t-could-follow
...by Published on April 27th, 2011 17:32- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News
Introduction of XBL points cards sees sector sales grow 27 per cent year-on-year
Digital may remain one of the stiffest challenges for High Street retail, but GAME's attempts to tap into the growing market have so far proved successful.
Earlier this year GAME began selling Xbox Live Arcade titles via dedicated points cards sold over the counter.
"A 'retail accelerator' effect also applies very clearly to digital products, and as a retailer we are able to sell more digital content than publishers or developers on their own," group chief executive Ian Shepherd stated.
"Sales of digital products, which include Xbox Live and Sony PSN time cards as well as points cards and downloadable content cards, grew at 27 per cent last year to £41m.
"This has continued in 2011, with UK Q1 sales up 28 per cent compared to Q1 2010."
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/44104/Digi...s-soar-at-GAME
...by Published on April 27th, 2011 17:31- Categories:
- Apple iPhone
Long-awaited device to finally hit key territories including the UK, US; iPad 2 hits Japan
Having missed the launch of the iPhone 4 way back in June 2010, Apple has confirmed that the white version of the handset will at last go on sale in key territories tomorrow.
The launch is planned for a number of territories starting with the UK, US tomorrow. Countries to follow shortly after include Ireland, Germany, France, Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Denmark, China, Sweden, Canada, Austria, Belgium and Japan.
“The white iPhone 4 has finally arrived and it’s beautiful,” Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing Philip Schiller stated. “We appreciate everyone who has waited patiently while we’ve worked to get every detail right.”
In addition, Apple has also confirmed that the iPad 2 will launch in Japan and other key Asian territories this week. It will hit China on May 6th.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/44100/Whit...rives-tomorrow
...by Published on April 27th, 2011 17:30- Categories:
- Xperia Play News
Only a few tables left for May 11th event as new Joint-Headline sponsor comes on board
The prize pot at next month’s Develop Quiz just got bigger: One victorious team will get their hands on Sony Ericsson’s new gaming smartphone, the Xperia Play.
The latest award is provided by event co-sponsor Qualcomm, the Californian wireless telecommunications group.
As well as an Xperia Play, the Develop Quiz winning team will take £2,000 ad credit in Develop print or online, plus a bottle of champagne for each team member.
Only a few tables remain for the May 11th event, which takes place in the evening at the Sway Bar, London.
Offering great networking opportunities, games industry firms already attending include Rocksteady, Blitz Games Studios, Creative Assembly, Big Head Games, Peppermint P, Spilt Milk Studios, Harbottle & Lewis and Wave Studios.
Now a regular feature in the Develop calendar, the Quiz gives the UK dev industry an opportunity to find out which studio boasts the most intelligent staff.
Eighteen teams of five will lock horns in a quiz packed with questions on subjects ranging from games to science.
The event, which has a free bar and food, sells out every year.
Networking opportunities come with the chance to let your hair down and argue with other teams about general knowledge.
The second-place prize is lunch with the Develop editorial team, plus champers for each team member. And the team in third place will get a bottle of bubbly each too.
It costs just £219 to enter a team of five. This covers participation in the quiz, free bar and food for all five members of the team.
Avatar Games Recruitment has lent its support as Round Sponsor, while Jagex and Qualcomm have both registered as Joint Headline Sponsor.
Contact [email protected] to book one of the final team places.
For sponsorship opportunities contact [email protected]
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...t-Develop-Quiz
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