Last week we announce a new game for PS3 and PlayStation Move called Datura, created by Plastic Studios, where you control a character’s hand through a forest and are faced with a series of choices with narrative consequences.

Attendees of GDC in San Francisco have had the chance to experience Datura for themselves; now we are able to lift the lid ever so slightly and give you some more insight into what this innovative new title will bring when it launches later this year, only on PlayStation Store. Here is Game Director Michal Staniszewski:

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Hi everyone! I’m Michal Staniszewski from Plastic Studios – yep, the same creators of ‘Linger in Shadows.’ Two years ago we were asked to closely investigate possibilities of the Playstation Move, which was still in the prototype phase then. Today we are proud to present you ‘Datura,’ which uses the controller in a quite innovative way.

Finding yourself in a mysterious forest, players will navigate their way through the game by controlling their character’s hand using Playstation Move technology. From here you are immersed into the game’s unique experimental narrative and original way of interaction, which allows the player to experience the world not only visually but also empirically: an illusion that you really touch trees, faces and other objects.

While taking inspiration from film-like narratives, Datura is a story you get a chance to participate in. As the player travels through the game, they encounter choices and face their consequences. However through these puzzles it is the element of anxiety that Datura explores: was it a right or a wrong choice?

Datura will be featured at GDC this month so make sure you keep a look out for upcoming news and first looks of the game.

Datura will be available exclusively on the PlayStation Network later this year. Please continue to check back on the PlayStation blog for more details.

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Augmented reality is a concept that’s starting to get a lot of buzz so we wanted to take a minute to break down our history with the technology and provide a sneak peak at what could be next. There’s a popular misconception that augmented reality is just “kid’s stuff,” but with more than eight years of experience under our belt, we’ve found there’s a wide variety of compelling and cool AR experiences that everyone can enjoy. We spoke to some of our resident experts from Sony Computer Entertainment R&D and Product Development to get their take on augmented reality through our platforms.

Back in 2003, when smartphones, tablet PCs, and even decent webcams were far from mainstream, we launched EyeToy on PlayStation 2, which included our first foray into augmented reality. Back then it was the only way to see yourself on-screen interacting with virtual objects in real-time. We then brought that unique experience to a portable level on PSP. With games such as Invizimals or EyePet , mobility was a key element as the PSP camera turned the entire world around you into a game.

PlayStation 3 gave us a significant leap in image processing and, coupled with PlayStation Eye, enabled AR games such as The Eye of Judgment. Last year’s launch of PlayStation Move on PS3 brought titles like EyePet and Start the Party, which added ultra-precise movement recognition to the augmented reality experience, enabling you to interact with virtual objects on-screen using the PS Move motion controller.

We’re no stranger to innovation and every so often we’re able to create an experience that changes the way you think about games. At this year’s Game Developers Conference , we showed off demos of augmented reality on NGP—our Next Generation Portable device . NGP builds on our experience with augmented reality over the years with PlayStation 2/EyeToy, PSP, and PS3/PlayStation Move. With front and rear cameras that combine real-time images of you and your environment, a brilliant 5-inch multi-touch OLED screen and rear multi-touch pad, internal motion sensors, and dual analog sticks, NGP offers new ways to interact that will change the way you think about augmented reality games… and possibly even change the way you think about reality.

What do you think about augmented reality? Do you have an idea for the next killer app for augmented reality? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Attention all Pet lovers, EyePet™ & Friends is coming to your homes later this year!

I’m excited to announce the return of EyePet later this year and this time he’s got company. Be prepared for living rooms across the country to be turned upside-down, as not just one but two cheeky EyePets arrive on the scene. And they’re eager to be welcomed into your family!

Raise two on your own or together with a friend, let them hatch together or see first how you can handle one of the mischievous fur balls first – the choice is yours, but don’t forget that two EyePets born together may form a stronger bond with each other.

Being a pet owner comes with responsibilities and so each EyePet requires care and interaction. Use your PlayStation Move controller to nurture, train and play with your playmates to keep them happy and healthy.

Of course, creativity in play is also important. In the new EyePet, there’s a whole new world of customisable fun to be had: Need a new toy to keep your furry friend entertained or a new outfit for a special occasion? No problem! Head over to the Creativity Centre where you’ll be able to expand the world you and your EyePets live in as you use your PlayStation Move controller to create and customise your very own content.

Whatever you get up to, your efforts will be rewarded. Every moment spend nurturing, playing or completing challenges will earn you EyePet Tokens which can be spend in the in-game Pet Store to unlock exciting additional content!

And that’s not everything: After a day filled with playtime and caring for your furry friends, you can show off your pet’s adventures and achievements online or lean back and relax as you connect with other EyePet owners to swap tips and tricks on how to get the best out of your cheeky new family members.

Look out for EyePet™ & Friends, out later this year!

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Firstly let me introduce myself to those of you who don’t know me. My name is David Kempshall, I’m the Brand Manager for Virtua Tennis 4 and I have worked on the game since the original version launched on arcade machines across the world in 1999. This is the first of a series of blogs about Virtua Tennis 4, which is out on April 29th, but I’d like to start with a few words about the big earthquake that hit Japan on March 11.

Everybody over here deeply appreciates your concern and consideration for us. Things have still not gotten back to normal and areas around Tokyo are suffering from planned outages due to electricity shortages, but we are doing our very best to deliver Virtua Tennis 4 to you.

Hopefully you’ll enjoy the game when it’s released!

Today’s blog is geared up to tell you all about what’s new for Virtua Tennis 4 on the PlayStation 3; there’s a host of new features including PlayStation Move compatibility, a brand new World Tour and online centre, plus plenty of others.

However, I’m happy to announce that on the PlayStation 3 VT fans can expect some extra exclusive content not available on other platforms, and today is where we’ll tell you a little bit more about this.

Firstly, the game features legend players for anyone wanting to relive some classic tennis moments. On the PS3, you’ll be able to get your hands on Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Pat Rafter, who will be exclusive and playable from the moment you load up the game.
(more…)

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