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VGChartz reveals the PlayStation Move has sold 300,000 units as of Sept. 25. In the U.S., those sales account for approximately 40% of the total amount sold, with the remaining sold in Europe, Middle-East, Asia and Africa. Sports Champions, which is bundled with the Move for $99, has sold over 250,000 copies. A 320GB PS3 [...] Slim-PS3.com is updated regularly per day with the very latest Free Slim PS3 news and hardware reviews.

Take a journey with eu.playstation.com through 15 years of PlayStation innovations.

PlayStation has helped define an industry since its explosive arrival on the videogames scene 15 years ago. From the birth of the revolutionary PlayStation games console to the advanced technology of PlayStation 3, there’s always been something that has moved your entertainment experiences to the next level… The PlayStation revolution

1995 saw the European arrival of a fresh-faced machine called PlayStation. The games console sported an attractive design and the ability to play audio CDs. This merging of entertainment – music and videogames – in one system was a baton passed down to PlayStation 2 in 2000, which was the first home games console to offer in-built DVD playback, USB support for a range of handy peripherals and full backwards compatibility with its predecessor. PS2 went on to be one of the most popular videogame consoles ever created, shipping over 145 million units worldwide to date – and still going strong. 

With the seeds of multimedia planted, the stage was set for PSP (PlayStation Portable) to dazzle in 2005, thanks to a combination of powerful portable hardware and the ability to play Universal Media Disc movies, as well as MP3 music, photos and games. PSP also boasted a built-in Wireless Internet connection for web browsing and continued to broaden the creative diversity that PlayStation had become famous for.

Further evolution came in the shapely form of PlayStation 3 during 2007. The world’s most powerful entertainment system brought with it a host of new hardware features to once more alter the videogames landscape. PS3 offered things no other system could, with a built-in Blu-ray Disc player for incredible full High Definition picture quality, connectivity with PSP through Remote Play and a unified online platform – PlayStation Network. This paved the way for downloadable games across PS3 and PSP (something especially significant for the pocket sized PSPgo, which features a large amount of internal memory for downloadable content), along with a number of other advantages for music, films and television. Put the power in your hands

Revolutionary hardware is nothing without precise control, and the history of PlayStation is rife with ergonomically-designed controllers that made sure all your entertainment needs were in hand. The roots for the famous DUALSHOCK controller were established by the original PlayStation controller which boasted four buttons on top of the controller instead of the standard two, giving developers the scope to explore more gameplay possibilities in their titles. This was soon followed by the twin analog stick wielding Dual Analog Controller, and then the original Analog Controller (DUALSHOCK). In 2000 the DUALSHOCK 2 for PS2 introduced vibration function features and pressure sensitive buttons which transformed gaming from a visual and aural experience into a tactile one as well.

In 2007, PS3 signalled the arrival of motion control on PlayStation with the SIXAXIS Wireless Controller and later the DUALSHOCK 3. Tilt sensors, Wireless connectivity and the PS button for accessing the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) user interface became standard, along with all the other advantages of the previous DUALSHOCK controllers.

The simple to use Buzz! Buzzers introduced a brilliantly fun way to play the accompanying quiz series, Buzz!, on PS2 and PS3 in 2005. Featuring big coloured buttons, the controllers make answering quick-fire quiz questions a blast!

In 2010 the latest addition to the PlayStation controller family, the PlayStation Move motion controller, was launched. Placing incredibly accurate motion control technology in the palm of your hand, PS Move changes the way you play games. Working in tandem with the PlayStation Eye camera, PS Move replicates your movements on-screen and puts you right in the action. Suddenly you don’t just have a controller in your hand – you have a mighty sword, a powerful ray gun, a trusty bow and arrow… you have whatever you need for the game you’re playing. Light and Wireless, PlayStation Move represents the epitome of how far PlayStation has progressed when it comes to videogame control.

The birthplace of gaming classics

Many blockbuster franchises started life on PlayStation and have since become household names. Tomb Raider became synonymous with PlayStation thanks to its impressive debut in 1996 which made Lara Croft a lasting and popular videogames figure across the globe. Solid Snake was reborn in the Metal Gear Solid franchise during that same generation, providing a new look for the rugged hero as well as helping popularise stealth based gameplay. And who can forget the birth of the survival horror genre through Resident Evil and Silent Hill, both PlayStation titles originally.

Tried and tested genres also got a welcome shot in the arm with PlayStation systems. Role-playing games found a new way to portray cinematic storytelling thanks to the epic Final Fantasy VII, using the console’s technology to realise narrative techniques which are still used today. Futuristic racing games flew out of the home and into nightclubs with WipEout offering blistering visuals and a dance floor filling soundtrack.

The world-beating likes of Tekken, Ridge Racer, God of War, Jak and Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, Killzone, Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Kingdom Hearts, MotorStorm, Resistance and so many more all became popular series that took off on PlayStation. And the fresh breath of innovation drifted into videogames through titles such as EyeToy: Play, EyePet, Grand Theft Auto 3 and the emotion driven storytelling of Heavy Rain, ICO and Shadow of the Colossus.

Fans of realistic racing games were put into the driver’s seat with the emergence of Gran Turismo. In 1998, the Real Driving Simulator took Europe by storm by delivering the most stunningly realistic portrayal of racing ever seen in a videogame. Gran Turismo’s sequels on PS2 set the bar even higher, leaving rivals in the dust thanks to a perfect combination of well observed physics, a massive range of selectable cars and a comprehensive career mode.

Critical and commercial acclaim has followed Gran Turismo on the track to success, which looks set to be repeated with the late 2010 arrival of Gran Turismo 5 on PlayStation 3. Over 950 stunningly recreated cars, more than 70 track variations and unparalleled realism await, along with compatibility with another innovation – stereoscopic 3D. With a 3D compatible TV, compatible glasses and the PlayStation Eye camera, you can change your field of view as if you’re actually inside your car by moving your head left or right while driving. No other driving game can offer this sort of realism.

With the arrival of the PlayStation Move motion controller and experiences offered by related titles such as Sports Champions, Heavy Rain Move Edition, The Fight and SingStar Dance, PlayStation continues to be the home of memorable and genre changing fun for all ages.

Step into a wider world online

No glimpse through the defining moments in PlayStation history would be complete without a mention of PlayStation Network (PSN). Released in Europe in 2007, the online service took PSP and PlayStation 3 into the wonderful world of free Internet access, where over 50 million users to date now regularly create their own colourful online IDs, play online at no extra cost, browse their favourite sites and use features such as the ever growing PlayStation Store. Offering a colossal range of downloadable content, PlayStation Store is open 24/7 for you to stock up on games, playable demos, themes, trailers, avatars and game add-ons.

PSN took another defining step with the arrival of premium subscription service PlayStation Plus, in 2010, which introduced exclusive discounts, services and content such as early access to beta trials and demos, and free games and downloads.

Snackable titles on both PS3 and PSP became all the rage with minis on PlayStation Store in 2009. Their bite-sized blast of addictive gameplay meant the range of game types and genres instantly increased on PlayStation.

Demand more from your machineWhen it comes to entertainment services, PlayStation is ahead of the game. PlayTV unlocks the potential of your television by letting you watch, pause and record live TV. Planning television programmes around your life is easy with PlayTV and you can even use Remote Play to organise your viewing schedule on PSP, VAIO laptops or compatible Sony Ericsson phones, meaning you also have access to previously recorded programmes wherever you go. And with an increasing range of TV on-demand services, such as BBC iPlayer also at your command, you don’t have an excuse to miss your favourite shows ever again.

If movie madness is your thing, then you’ll find plenty of opportunities for popcorn viewing on PlayStation with MUBI and the PlayStation Store Video Store. MUBI reels in some of the most treasured film masterpieces and puts them on demand for your PlayStation 3 viewing pleasure, while the Video Store is all about the biggest films and newest releases at the touch of a button.

Music maestros aren’t left out either with VidZone pumping thousands of music videos to your PS3 absolutely free. Redefining your music experiences on PlayStation, VidZone lets you create your own playlists from hundreds of artists, with regular updates to keep your tunes fresh. You can even access the service on the move using Remote Play for PSP.

The world of comic books was also unleashed on PlayStation through Digital Comics on PSP, a service which lets you download some of your favourite comics and take them anywhere you go in the comfort of your own pocket. Be social

Fostering communities is something which has helped define PlayStation throughout the years and PlayStation Home is a large social environment which no home console can compete with. Accessed through the PlayStation 3 XMB, this free to explore world has you creating a custom avatar before decorating your own personal apartment. Then you can venture out into PlayStation Home and interact with other users enjoying the constantly growing environments. Want to watch a trailer? Make new friends? Play games and take part in special events? PlayStation Home brings all these elements together for the perfect blend of videogaming and social fun – and it’s only on PlayStation.

3D: A new dimension to home entertainment

It may be relatively new technology, but stereoscopic 3D is already making waves with PlayStation. Both 3D compatible games and movies are available to change your experience. Arm yourself with a 3D TV, compatible glasses and the 3D game or Blu-ray 3D disc movie of your choice and see the future of home entertainment pop out of the screen. If you already have the equipment you can dive into new depths with titles such as PAIN, MotorStorm 3D Rift and WipEout HD, and 3D movies including Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs and Monster House.

Putting you at the forefront of PlayStation

Even before the arrival of stereoscopic 3D, PlayStation has looked at new and inventive ways of playing games. Augmented reality is one such area, showing a live version of the world around you on the screen and overlaying it with computer generated images which you can interact with. You become part of the virtual world and use your body and surroundings to alter the game.

PlayStation explored this exciting concept as early as 1999 with the announcement of the EyeToy USB Camera for PlayStation 2, pushing augmented reality gaming into the mainstream. Games such as EyeToy: Play thrust you on to your TV screen, while other titles like EyeToy: Kinetic Combat offer the opportunity to keep fit or jump into other activities.

With the clear success of these titles, PlayStation took the concept even further with the PSP camera. Games such as Invizimals give you a taste of what it’s like to find and collect hidden creatures around your home, while EyePet lets you rediscover the world around you with an adorable new friend.

On PlayStation 3, augmented reality is in full flow thanks to a combination of the PlayStation Eye camera, PlayStation Move and stereoscopic 3D. Titles that use PS Move and the PlayStation Eye camera give you the chance to be on-screen and in the spotlight – Start the Party! and The Shoot are perfect examples of this magical way to play, while EyePet Move Edition adds stereoscopic 3D to really bring it all to life. Augmented reality is a defining moment happening right now – and you can be a part of it with PlayStation.

During its first 15 years, PlayStation has helped the videogames industry move into the mainstream and brought memorable and engaging entertainment into your homes. Where will the next 15 years take you? The journey starts here…

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Powerful games bought to new audience

Ico was the greatest game ever released on Playstation 2. Ico’s minimalist look and emotional pull – why don’t more games use the character hand-holding mechanic so memorably used here? – created a game unlike any other. The “spiritual successor” Shadow of the Colossus – also released on PS2 – didn’t quite hit the same highs but was still a memorable and powerful experience. So the confirmation that both are getting HD upgrades for a PS3 release is easily the best gaming news you will hear all month.

Famitsu – via andriasang – have published separate boxes for each but you would imagine a bundle release would make more sense in Europe. What we don’t want are any “updates” that detract from the original games. HD visuals will do fine thanks.

Anyway, what do you think? Excited by the news? And if so, what are your memories of Ico and Colossus?

Games

Sony

Greg Howson

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Find out what’s hot on PlayStation this weekend, including the latest PS3 and PSP releases.

Does whatever a spider canBreak through to the fourth dimension with Spider-Man and swing into his most reality bending adventure to date. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions on PlayStation 3 features the iconic wall crawler in four startlingly different Marvel universes.

Each one features its own dramatically different tone and style as well as a wealth of Marvel comic book cameos.

Prepare for battleIf war games are your thing, then you can take your pick from a pair of titles out this week on PS3. For real time strategy fans, R.U.S.E. sees you assume the role of American officer Joe Sheridan as you aim to lead your nation’s army to victory across Europe, Africa and Russia. And don’t forget, you can get even closer to the action from next week with PlayStation Move features.

Take to the skies for warfare of a different kind in Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2. Using your finely honed reflexes, pilot your ultra-sophisticated aircraft as you seek to dominate the skies. Perfect for playing with friends or online, the game features four player campaign co-op and eight player competitive modes.

A feast of PSP gamingFans of gaming on the go can indulge their passion with a host of new releases this week. In KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep, you find yourself in the middle of a crisis affecting worlds far beyond your own. The game features Wireless multiplayer for up to six players so grab you friends and embark on this latest adventure in the popular KINGDOM HEARTS universe.

If you like your entertainment more bite-sized, head over to PlayStation Store to pick up Flying Hamster, the latest release in the bargain range of minis titles. Quirky and bizarre in equal measure, explore six unique environments as you set out to save your girlfriend.

New in PlayStation HomeHead over to the Stuff store in PS Home and get your hands on the awesome Brimstone Poker table; pick one, or two, up for your apartment and then invite your friends for some late night card action! Each table seats up to six players, so with a pair of them you’ll have a full house of poker sharks ready to indulge in hours of red hot poker fun!

These tables release with a Texas Hold’Em sit-and-go rule set, with an update planned in the near future to up the ante with a new tournament mode.

Note: PlayStation Home supports the following languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

CompetitionsOver at eu.playstation.com/competitions, grab your chance to pick up some cool prizes. Answer a question about South African electro hip hop duo Locnville to win a PlayStation 3 and SingStar goodies, or bag yourself a PS3 and loads of Mafia II goodies in our competition to celebrate the release of the best-selling game.

To coincide with the arrival of Resident Evil: Afterlife in amazing stereoscopic 3D at cinemas from 10 September 2010, we’re giving you the chance to win a Sony 3D TV. Visit eu.playstation.com/competitions now to be in with a chance of winning these great prizes.

It’s nearly time to get movingLooking ahead, PlayStation Move hits PlayStation 3 on 17 September 2010 and is set to bring a whole new world of super accurate motion controlled gaming to your hands. Find out what all the fuss is about at eu.playstation.com/psmove and prepare to move yourself.

Keep an eye on PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com for the latest PlayStation news as it happens.

Be sure to opt in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network account settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) and opt in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

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The latest news:

LittleBigPlanet 2, RUSE, FIFA 11, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, 007 Blood Stone, Alice: The Madness Retrurns

FirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First.

Episode 22 of FirstPlay is up on the Store from Wednesday, and this week features an all-new hands-on with LittleBigPlanet 2, the second part of our big PlayStation Move playtest, and a preview of Ubisoft’s under-the-radar strategy contender, RUSE. We also have a chat with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president Andrew House, in which we (almost) get him to spill all on PSP 2.

On top of that we’ve got an online review of our surprise summer favourite Singularity, a round-up of PS one classics, and a look at the best fighting games available on the Store. And to round everything off we’ve got screenshot galleries of FIFA 11, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, new Bond title 007 Blood Stone and the twisted fairytale, Alice: The Madness Returns.

All of which gives you over half an hour’s worth of HD games coverage and info for just 99p, or as low as 75p if you take out a 90-day subscription for £8.99.

We’d also like to remind you that you can stay in touch with all things FirstPlay by following us on Twitter and on our Facebook page. We also have a YouTube channel up and running. And don’t forget you can sign up for the FirstPlay newsletter here to have regular news and content updates delivered directly to your inbox.

The FirstPlay team would love to hear from the PS3 community so if you’ve got anything to share, from videos and grabs to suggestions for content feel free to get in touch.

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Take a trip to gamescom 2010 without the hassle of travel, with PlayStation.

gamescom is one of the biggest videogame events in the year, where game developers and publishers show off their freshest and most exciting products to the world. Taking place at the Cologne Trade Fair Centre in Cologne, Germany, from 18 August 2010, gamescom 2010 promises to be a spectacular showcase of the newest titles you’ll be playing from this year into the next. And you can catch all the breaking PlayStation news right here.

eu.playstation.com will play host to a variety of news and in-depth interviews with the developers of the hottest new games on PlayStation 3 and PSP.

Over at blog.eu.playstation.com, you’ll be able to read updates from the show floor as well as watch video interviews. There will also be a live chat with special Sony Computer Entertainment Europe guests live from gamescom 2010 on 19 August which will let you pose your burning questions about stereoscopic 3D and PlayStation Move. Head over to community.eu.playstation.com and drop off your questions to make sure you don’t miss out on this tantalising opportunity.

PlayStation Home gets in on the act with the launch of the gamescom 2010 space on 19 August 2010. By jumping into this new space, you can immerse yourself in the gamescom experience without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Watch the latest trailers for games such as LittleBigPlanet 2 and Killzone 3, purchase funky gamescom 2010 related furniture and enjoy other activities.

Also launching in PlayStation Home a week earlier on 12 August 2010 is the PS Move space, allowing you to enjoy lots of PS Move related fun, including a unique PS Move costume to wear which lets you play as a PlayStation Move motion controller, the ability to play an addictive team game to win more costumes with coloured heads, the chance to purchase an extra special controller with special moves and a multicoloured sparkly head to use all around PlayStation Home, and other fun stuff to interact with for that perfect party atmosphere.

You can enjoy gamescom 2010 and all the PlayStation goodness it brings from 18 August 2010 – make sure you don’t miss a thing, right here.

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The man in charge of 3D games development at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe discusses this amazing new technology with eu.playstation.com.

Why is the team at Evolution Studios best suited to 3D development? We at Evolution have been messing around with 3D for about five years. What’s more, I employ two guys who were previously at British Aerospace, Ian Bickerstaff and Simon Benson, and they’ve been working on 3D for 16 years, building flight and F1 simulators. So we were pushing the technology before SCEE even started talking about making games in 3D. It was a nice coincidence that we were doing a bit of prototyping on a small scale and then we heard the company was actually interested in making 3D games, so it was very natural that we got all of our stuff converted first. And, because we had the knowledge, we were able to help educate everyone else about how to convert into 3D.

Having followed the technology for that many years why do you think it’s started to explode in the past year or so? What we have now is a convergence of very high quality displays at affordable prices that can show really high quality 3D combined with great content. What we’re seeing with the power and ability of PlayStation 3 is really high quality 3D stuff that’s going to make people want to go out there, buy the TVs, upgrade the console and enjoy the whole 3D experience. And I think that’s the first time we’ve ever been in that position.

The other factor is that many cinemas have been upgraded to digital in the past few years and that’s very good for the publishers as they can control the distribution of film now. Good quality 3D is compelling, it’s amazing to watch, people want more of it and we’re following it up with good quality gaming.

What was the “eureka” moment for you in terms of seeing this technology in games?The first time we got a driving simulator running in 3D, about five years ago, we came away absolutely amazed. Driving is one of those experiences where you need depth to really do it well; you’re perceiving speed, you’re trying to plan your breaking point, trying to find where to put your car in a corner. It’s no coincidence that all the F1 teams now train their drivers on 3D simulators.

What’s really amazing is that we are now starting to understand 3D in a creative as well as a technical sense. The games that you will see coming out in 3D are mind-blowing; we are really starting to exploit 3D and understand how to use it as a medium in the games and I find that really exciting.

What hurdles do developers face when creating a game in 3D?The main consideration is that we are already pushing PlayStation 3 to the maximum in terms of processor power and so a lot of optimisation has to be done on the games running in 3D. It’s not a significant amount of cost in terms of the rest of the development budget which is great for us because we can add 3D content to games and we don’t have to adjust the price to do that. Some games that have got a lot of pre-rendered content are more tricky in that they’ve got to have a 2D as well as a 3D version of the rendered content. So in that case, there probably will be a bit more of an impact on the development cost although we still don’t think it will be that significant.

What do you think of the possibilities of combining PlayStation Move with 3D?I think it’s very, very exciting. What we’ve done with PlayStation Move is to take that spatial control of gaming into a very accurate and very dynamic realm; it’s really taking it to a new level. You can just imagine the possibilities of controlling something in 3D outside of the screen and looking at it being controlled in 3D within the TV screen. What’s fantastic for us is that this is the first time this has ever been done. The games we’ve already converted are great fun and we’re still only dipping our toe in the water. Once we educate all of our teams on how to create 3D content and how they can use PlayStation Move in 3D, you can just imagine what they’re going to start producing.

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Get yourself a cup of tea, sit back and risk office disciplinary procedures by enjoying these game snippets!

I’ve got a backlog of trailers that I wanted to get up on Gamesblog, so here are five of them at once – all interesting in different ways. If you want to see some cowboys, Stan Lee’s favourite Spider-Man villain, a Brazilian footballer, a Windows Phone 7 game and a cross between Lemmings and Line Rider, then saunter this way…

Red Red Redemption: Legends and Killers(Rockstar, PS3, Xbox 360)Here’s a look at the latest Red Dead Redemption DLC pack offering nine new multiplayer map locations, as well as a new projectile weapon, the tomahawk. Could be messy. The pack also includes eight characters from Redemption’s predecessor, Red Dead Revolver. Released on August 10, the pack is selling for £7.99 on PSN and 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions(Activision, DS, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360)Due out in September, Shattered Dimensions is the latest third-person action adventure to feature Marvel’s iconic webslinger. The game takes place in four different Spidey universes – Noir, Amazing, Ultimate and 2099 – and each gets its own graphical style. The big draw with this video, though, is an interview with Marvel founder Stan Lee.

FIFA 2011(EA, PC, PS3, Xbox 360)EA has announced its new FIFA 2011 cover star – Brazilliant midfield maestro, Kaka. He’ll snuggle up beside Wayne Rooney on boxed copies of the world-beating footy sim. To celebrate, the publisher has released this little teaser. The game is out on October 1 in Europe.

Mush(Angry Mango, Windows Phone 7)A few months ago, I reported on the X48 indie game development competition for Tech Weekly. One of the student teams I met there has now entered the University of Abertay’s Dare to be Digital contest with this stylish little puzzler. According to artist Henry Hoffman, “The game revolves around a little character called Mush. He decides that his village is too mundane and goes off on an adventure into his world to discover the missing emotions. Using the Windows Phone 7 touchscreen you draw a smile to make Mush happy, making him light and able to float upwards. Drawing a sad face saddens Mush and makes him sink in water and weigh down objects. Shaking the phone angers Mush, allowing you to break obstacles and run faster.” Take a look and you’ll see the influence of Loco Roco and Rolando. Catchy music, too!

Your Doodles Are Bugged(Spyn Doctor/Blitz 1up, PC)Originally released onto Xbox Live Indie Games, Your Doodles Are Bugged is a neat cross between Line Rider and Lemmings. Your aim is to rescue a group of cute bug characters by drawing lines across the screen, thereby creating platforms, stairs and bridges. Each stage has a variety of obstacles, so neat careful drawing is a must. The new version, complete with lots of extra content, is out later this year on various PC digital download services. It’s developed by one-man indie studio Spyn Doctor, but the PC release is being co-handled by Blitz, through the veteran developer’s 1up programme.

Games

PlayStation

Xbox

PC

Keith Stuart

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The latest Slim PS3 news: As the Cannes film festival gets into its second week, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is preparing to launch a new highbrow film service for the PlayStation 3.
Called MUBI, and already available for PCs, the online service will be bringing a collection of over 300 films to the home console ranging from Jacques Audiard (director of Read My Lips and The Beat My Heart Skipped) to Franco Zeffirelli (Brother Sun, Sister Moon; Jesus of Nazareth).

The auteur output of Pedro Almodóvar, the Coen brothers, Jean Luc Godard, Takeshi ‘Beat Takeshi’ Kitano, and Gus Van Sant are also being touted as likely candidates for the service’s console debut.

MUBI also has a strong community aspect, encouraging viewers to discuss the films they’ve seen with each other and recommend new cinematic experiences to friends and MUBI members.

The company have also managed to tie up online distribution rights for various pieces of world cinema which have not yet been released on DVD, including Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Foundation that specializes in restoring neglected films.

The MUBI service is tabled for an autumn launch, expected to coincide with the availability of new Wii-like motion controllers for the PlayStation 3, and helps to associate the machine with an aspirational lifestyle – as does Sony’s links with 3D TV.

CEO Efe Cakarel confirmed to PlayStation Europe that launch territories will be the UK and Ireland; France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar and Andorra; Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg; and Australia and New Zealand. Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark are also expected to be brought onboard before the service goes live.

Efe also revealed that short films are to cost £1 and feature length works £3 for UK users. The MUBI website currently prices shorts at €2 and features at €4.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is also preparing a marketing effort to promote and expand the multimedia and social capabilities of the Xbox 360, which has been able to link up with Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm since November 2009.

In North America, the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii can all be used in conjunction with a Netflix subscription in order to stream a wide range of films. For European users, the MUBI deal works to bolster the existing PlayStation Video Store which provides more mainstream movies to North America, Oceania, and some European countries.

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“I’m the best in the world,” says the man from the USA as he emerges from a strong field as the world’s top virtual footballer.

There was a nip in the air as the doors swung open on the FIFA Interactive Word Cup Grand Final in Barcelona’s Port Olimpic.

The field of 32 players looking to stake their claim for glory included former champions Alfonso Ramos from Spain and Bruce Grannec from France.

Both previous winners had a slow start, losing their opening matches 3-1 and 4-1 respectively. Following that early setback, Grannec hit his stride, winning his subsequent group matches 3-1 and 6-1 to progress to the knock-out stage of the tournament.

The first knock-out round saw the first real shock of the day as Sudan’s Abdulaziz Shiddo beat England’s Chris Bullard, one of the favourites, 3-1.

The man from Africa faced Grannec in the quarter-finals and they were joined by the England duo of Danny Taylor and Robert Brewster, Colombia’s Javier Munoz, France’s Adrien’s Makhloufi, Germany’s Ayhan Altundag and, of course, Nenad Stojkovic.

With the competition down to the last eight, the tension was palpable, especially in the game that saw Taylor defeat Munoz by the narrowest of margins, scoring with seconds remaining in extra time to secure his place in the semis. In the other matches, the reigning champion Grannec was hitting his stride, comfortably seeing off Shiddo 4-1.

With the sun now bathing the arena, the crowd was swelling, lapping up the entertainment on offer in the form of Samba drumming band Batacuda, freestylers John Farnworth and Spain’s Jesus, a beach soccer demo from Spain’s Amarelle and areas featuring the latest PlayStation 3 titles and games from EA.

The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for the arrival of Patrick Kluivert and the former Dutch star gamely faced off against Amarelle in a FIFA 10 exhibition match before shooting signed footballs into the crowd for people to claim.

Then it was back to the serious business as first Grannec and Stojkovic returned under the spotlight for the first semi-final. In a tense game which saw Chelsea take on Chelsea, neither player was able to pull clear of the other and, with the score at 3-3, extra time beckoned.

With penalties looming, the man from the United States finished off the champion with three quick goals in the last six minutes, including two exquisite lobs. In the other semi-final, 18-year-old Altundag playing as France saw off 17-year-old Taylor playing as Real Madrid; the 3-1 scoreline included a sweet lob from Thierry Henry in the 63rd minute and although the Englishman came back strongly, hitting the post in the final minutes, Altundag hung on to secure his place in the final.

Grannec then overcame Taylor 3-0 to secure third place; it was an even game in terms of possession and the Frenchman’s experience and cool head in front of goal made the difference as he took the 1,000 USD prize.

And so to the final. From over 775,000 players the world over, it had come to this: two young men appearing in their very first FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final tournament took their seat for 12 of the most important minutes of their life yet. Both players had met at the start of the day, drawing 2-2 when they had faced each other in their first group game and, second time around, it proved to be an equally tense affair.

Altundag playing as France held the upper hand to begin with, only for Stojkovic playing as Chelsea to take first blood on 35 minutes with a sweet goal against the run of play.

The German struck back minutes later and it was 1-1 going into the break. With chances few and far between after the restart, extra time seemed to be beckoning until Drogba turned smartly in the box for Stojkovic and shot across the goalkeeper to make it 2-1. Despite failing to add to his lead minutes later, the ball looping tantalisingly wide, Stojkovic held on to claim the title.

After handing out the prizes to the top three, Kerry Lee from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe said: “It’s been a brilliant day. It was a hard fought competition with some incredible football being played and everyone seemed to have a great time.”

“Today has been a fitting end to months of intense competition across the world and I’m really pleased for Nenad. I am looking forward to next year’s competition already.”

With the sun shining down on him and Groove Armada’s Andy Cato taking to the stage to keep the crowds entertained, let’s leave the last word to Nenad Stojkovic, the FIFA Interactive World Champion 2010: “I’m ecstatic. You try to be the best in whatever you do and to actually say that you’re the best is such an accomplishment. You can’t beat that feeling.”

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