Category: PS4

Blizzard talks about making Diablo 3 for consoles: lots of work being put into it

Diablo-III-epic-wallpaper

When ­Blizzard had announced Diablo 3 for PS3 and PS4, everyone thought it’d just be a dumb console port. But that doesn’t seem to be the case; in fact, the studio is apparently putting a lot of thought and work into the game.

Blizzard’s Matthew Burger told OPM that the studio didn’t want to “emulate a PC game on the console,” adding that you won’t be able to get the PC experience by simply plugging in a USB keyboard and mouse. This is because they are putting in a “lot of work into how we laid out the abilities and the camera. It wouldn’t feel right.”

Burger then went on to explain how the game’s complex inventory management system is being streamlined to suit console users’ needs. They are also dividing it into body parts as opposed to the grid you can find in the PC version.

He also discussed the inclusion of the evade button and what it means for console players: “it helped solve some of the differences between PC and console.” Apparently, PC players can simply click anywhere on the map and simply go there as opposed to the console version where you have to move manually.

A lot more is discussed about transferring the game over to the PlayStation consoles. It’s an interesting read if you’re into this game.

PS4’s share button can be disabled by devs; Cage expects ‘water cooler effect’

url

The PS4 share button was an immediate nod to social media when Sony unveiled the console a few months ago. It will be used to share screenshots and videos, among other things, with other users on the web. However, there were concerns that it would be too open and would enable players to spoil games for others.

This is where SCE Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida stepped in. He said that developers will be able to disable the share button during certain parts of their games. He revealed this in a Japanese interview translated by Edge.

This comes as relief to David Cage of Quantic Dream, though he’s not too worried about his narrative-driven games being spoiled. In fact, he notes that the share button would enable the “water cooler effect” effect the studio had with Heavy Rain.

“People talked about [Heavy Rain],” he noted. “They said, ‘I did this. What did you do?’”

Cage added that on the PS4 gamers would be able to capture and share their experiences of the game with their friends. “They are free to enjoy it the way they want,” he concluded.

He also talked about the new PS4 controller, adding that studios must embrace it and come up with new and interesting designs to enhance gameplay. Cage refused to talk about the studio’s PS4 project.

Watch Dogs video talks about making games for PS4

Over on PlayStation Blog is the first of a series of developer videos that focus on making games for the PS4. The first video is all about Watch_Dogs, and we get to listen to senior producer and creative director, Dominic and Jonathan, respectively, talk about how they feel making the game for the next-gen console.

It’s an interesting diary, really, as they talk about details from the get go and just how much they can exploit the PS4 to do it. The game is being billed as being “hyper-connected” both online and offline.

The game is due out later this year on PC, PS3, PS4, and Xbox 360. The PS4 version is said to feature 60 minutes of exclusive content.

Ubi developer justifies yearly Assassin’s Creed installments in this interview

A

OXM has published an interview with Assassin’s Creed 4 creative director Jean Guesdon. The thorough interview talks about various things regarding the game, including DLC, but what struck me most was the developer’s justification when it came to the cyclical approach Ubisoft has taken with the franchise.

Guesdon said that “we have proven that this franchise is relevant,” adding that it still has a “long way to go.” The same could be said for Call of Duty, which is a sort of ironic place to be since gamers are still lapping up new entries despite being tired of the annual release cycle taken up by Activision.

Keeping that in mind, Guesdon noted that “the scale and scope of the world, the completely new setting, the new gameplay mechanics, and our new characters… [will] get the job done and avoid fatigue altogether.” I hope that’s true because, although it’s a worrying trend, other notable franchises are trying or have done the same thing.

Assassin’s Creed 4 is due out on October 29 for PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PS4.

Call of Duty Ghosts officially announced, live action teaser released

As expected, Activision has taken the wraps off of Call of Duty Ghosts, the next installment in the wildly popular shooter series. Infinity Ward is making the game for a November 5 release on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. It’s also confirmed for the next Xbox and will make an appearance at Microsoft’s reveal for the Xbox successor on May 21.

The developer said that it will have an entirely new story, setting, and cast of characters. All of these will be powered by a next-gen engine. Although they didn’t show any gameplay or graphics, a live action trailer was released to highlight the significance of masks.

More details are expected at Microsoft’s Xbox event on May 21.