A little earlier this month, the rumors were flying about the impending discontinuance of the 80GB PS3. There is no doubt that in the gaming stratosphere, absolutely anything about the PS3 will spark debate and discussion.
Playstation.blog admits that it spends a great deal of time championing the merits of the PlayStation 3 as the very best, powerful, high-value video gaming console available. And this coming March will be no different, as the EGM (Electronic Gaming Monthly) magazine cover story will feature a story outlining what can be expected in 2008. Fan commentary is literally salivating at the very thought of the arrival of this issue, which promises to provide detail about what is in store for avid users.
Predictions from the masses for 2008 include: Sony will be dominant, Bluray will win the most recognition, production costs will lower on PS3, the home line up of games will see strong sales overseas in Europe and Japan, and there will be more compelling PSN games on the horizon.
Of course, the cover of EGM seems to indicate that 2007 was less than a stellar year for the PS3. Many gamers beg to differ, citing that as many as 15 games were purchased. Games such as Uncharted, Ratchet and Clank, Warhawk, UT3, and CoD4, were dubbed “amazing.”
Diehard PS fans also include those who still play PS2 games, stating that they believe that ’’backwards compatibility’’ is a bit overrated. Basically, it is believed that most people who already have the PS2 will purchase the PS3. Based on that, it is surmised that PS2 fans will not have anything to be upset about, in terms of PS2 games not working on the PS3. Thank God for small favors.
However, the rivalry between the Xbox360 continues, as fans point out that there are only a handful of games available for it, while PS3 has many more games, and continues to develop new ones. And with LittleBigPlanet and MGS4, Blu-ray, Playstation Network, and PSP cross-functionality, there is a lot to look forward to.
It is anticipated that Sony will host a workshop for developers on how to create content for Home and booths with demonstrations, rather than the traditional presentation or keynote address at this year’s GDC. This particular rumor has caused some gamers to believe that perhaps nothing too spectacular may be expected, in terms of announcements regarding games and firmware. Others remain loyal to the cause, maintaining that there will, indeed, be some big news at the 2008 Game Developers Conference (GDC).
All in all, there is no doubt that 2008 will be an amazing year for PS3 owners – and most can’t wait to see what Sony will put on display at the 2008 GDC from February 18-22 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, and later at the E3 Media and Business Summit, scheduled for July 15 – 17, 2008, at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC).
