Sony's Press Conference (7/15/2008)

Five minutes late, Sony's press conference begins.

A montage of games plays on the screen... Snake's voice is heard, and Richard B. Riddick is mentioned (from Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Athena). Ratchet and Clank, Ghostbusters, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift shown.

Jack Trenton walks onto the stage. Trenton welcomes the press corp. and mentions the history of the auditorium where the conference is taking place.

Trenton mentions Sony's banner franchises alongside famous actors; says that there will be updates for the system to come. Trenton states that 2008 is the year of the Playstation, and says that more will come. Does a brief recap of PS timeline; speaks of the late date releases of blockbusters and "mass migration from system to system." Talks about PS3's achievements, technology, etc.

Mentions that Blu-Ray won the format war against HD-DVD. States that games like MGS4 are only possible on PS3, largely because of Blu-Ray. Says that Playstation is 2008 is all about software. Says that games like MGS4 on PS3 are reason enough to buy a PS3. Says that exclusive content is nice (i.e., MS's exclusive DLC), but exclusive games are what drives a system. Says that there are three successful platforms in market at once.

Starts off with PS3. Shows off Resistance 2. Video begins. Graphically looks a lot better than the first game. Player is battling a massive monster. Player is running, monster is crushing pieces of building behind him. Video will be posted later. Creature is revealed to be called a Leviathan.

Insomniac president Ted Price on stage. Says that scale describes Resistance 2. Says that Resistance 2 offers more than any shooter to date. Shows trailer for Resistance 2. Both Price and the trailer reveal that the game will take place in America.

Shows LittleBigPlanet off. Emphasizes user generated content. Says that it's unique Playstation. Alex Evans takes the stage, starts playing custom level of game. Trenton starts quoting different figures about Playstation brand. Says that Sony success has been spread out across the globe. Announces that Sony is about to start engaging in distribution in Latin America. Says that games will start to be available on PS3 as Greatest Hits, for $29, including Resistance, Motorstorm, Warhawk, Rainbow Six Vegas, Assassin's Creed, Oblivion, Ninja Gaiden Sigma and Need for Speed Carbon.

Evans starts talking about LittleBigPlanet. Says that it will appeal to a wide-range of people. Trenton says that LittleBigPlanet is one of their tentpole games, saying that it will expand PS3's demographic.

Starts to talk about PS2. Says that PS2 owners are starting to upconvert to PS3. Says that over 130 games coming out in 08. Montage of PS2 games are shown. Says that PS2 has a history of developing games for everybody. Pitches PS2 as a system that's a great introduction to gaming. Says that Sony helped usher in social gaming five years ago.

Announces that Buzz will be coming to PSP and PS3, with special packs available on PSN.

Starts talking about Singstar, says 15 million song downloads worldwide.

Announces a limited edition Lego Batman PS2 bundle. Includes game and Justice League cartoon, says available this fall for $149.

Starts talking about PSN. Says that all Playstation owners will have a single sign-on, from where ever you sign on. Trenton says that PSN will become the best network available. Starts talking about stats for PSN downloads. Says that PSN is becoming a destination for digital content.

Trenton says that PSN is a great way to enhance a franchise and create better gaming experience. Introduces Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty. Game will pick up after Tools of Destruction and will provide a continuation of the story for a lower price. Trenton says that it'll be available for $15 on PSN. Montage of PSN games begins, Trenton levels a thinly veiled jab at Microsoft.

Trenton announces Gran Turismo TV. A PPV feature that allows for players worldwide to see motorsport programming. Trenton says that the content will be available August 1, says that it will be available via GT5: Prologue.

Says that "Trophies" allow players to track, brag and expand on game play accomplishments.

Trenton starts talking about Playstation Home. Says that it is the "binding factor" for PSN. Trenton states that Home already has publishers signed up to deliver content through the service. Trailer begins, starts to show off different game spaces for different games.

Trenton begins to speak about PSN's video store, says that it's open for business for all studios and networks. Announces partnerships with studios, says that PSN will be allowing rental and sellthrough for video. Downloaded video will be able to be transferred to a PSP. Video store is walked through. Progressive downloading has been incorporated into video store; viewers will be able to download a movie and watch it a minute after purchase. Announces that Sony is launching the video store tonight.

Starts talking about PSP. Announces a new entertainment pack--Ratchet and Clank Size Matters pack. Silver PSP included with game.

Announces new Resistance game for PSP: Resistance: Retribution. Game looks to be a third person shooter set in England. Montage of PSP games starts to play. Buzz: Master Quiz, The Force Unleashed, Loco Roco 2, among others, shown.

Trenton starts talking up PSP-PS3 connectivity.

Goes back to PS3. Starts talking about open platform. Says that live feed video will be available by the end of the month.

Shows preview for DC Universe Online. Comic artist Jim Lee comes on stage. Says that he's been working with SOE on the project for three years. Trailer for DC Universe Online shown.

Trenton announces that the 80GB PS3 is going to be the focus. Price drop announced. 80GB PS3 will now have 40GB functionality at the same price--$399.

PS3 lineup shown. LittleBigPlanet, Motorstorm: PR, Quantum of Solace, SOCOM Confrontation, Ghostbusters, Soulcalibur 4, Resistance 2, The Agency, Mirror's Edge, Resident Evil 5, Singstar, Guitar Hero World Tour, Killzone 2, and others shown.

God of War III trailer shown. Game looks like it will pick up slightly after God of War II. Video will be posted soon, if possible.

Infamous trailer shown. Game looks like a typical, free-roaming, do-good-or-do-evil game.

Last game to be shown is to be a massively multiplayer action game. Rep from Zipper Interactive comes up. MAG announced--Massive Action Game. 256-player battles announced. Teams are broken into 8 player squads. Trailer shown.

Conference is over.