Hasta La Gadget!

Here’s something that’s pretty interesting: PopCap, developer of such casual gaming hits as Bejeweled, Plants vs. Zombies, and Peggle, might be working on a triple-A console title based on DICE’s Frostbite 2.0 engine. Yes, that’s the same Frostbite 2.0 that Battlefield 3 is built on. That’s what a new job posting from Electronic Arts suggests anyway, which was discovered by Twitter user superannuation, a person known throughout the games industry for his talent of digging up job ads that give away a surprising amount of information.

Specifically, PopCap is seeking a “an experienced generalist SE to build a AAA console title,” which is interesting to say the least. “This generalist will work on a broad range of game systems including, but not limited to: animation, audio, resource management, pipelines and visual effects,” the listing continues. “The ideal candidate will also have experience working with the Frostbite 2 engine.” If this job listing is to be believed – and really there doesn’t seem to a be a reason why it shouldn’t be – then it appears PopCap is ready to step out of the casual space and into the realm of console games.

If you want the job, however, you better be prepared – PopCap requires that you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or the equivalent job experience, along with 5 years of experience with C++. The studio would also like it if you have experience making games for the PS3 or Xbox 360 and have shipped one major title, though those are merely listed as “recommended requirements.” If you get the job, perhaps you’d like to let us in on what PopCap is plotting?

Needless to say, we’re pretty excited to see what PopCap has in store for consoles. PopCap’s casual games have addicted millions of people all around the world, so if it can make a triple-A console title that’s as engaging as its casual games, then we’re all in for a treat. Stay tuned, as we’ll update you when we hear more.

[via Joystiq]

PopCap reportedly working on triple-A console title is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

It’s time to get busy with Sony’s vast collection of content for multiple different platforms with the first appearance of their browser-based PlayStation Store. This store is set to sell TV and movie content as well as PlayStation games galore, but at the moment isn’t quite perfectly synced up for all media that’s offered across the platforms it serves. In other words you should certainly check it out, but you won’t be able to see everything your PlayStation sees.

This online store will eventually allow you to download content to your Sony account, this connecting with your PlayStation as well as your PlayStation Vita and your Sony Tablets running Android. What’s happening right this minute is that the company is going through sort of a live test-run with limited content to make sure everything is up-to-spec for a more vast release. It’s not that you’re not going to get the content you purchase now, it’s just that you might not have the full store experience.

In the near future you’ll be able to easily purchase content from the web-based store and have it sent to your devices one-by-one. This is a method that the Google Play store uses for your many connected Android devices and relatively similar to what iTunes does with purchases through their app as well – everyone is owned by you through your account, not just on your device.

According to a comment made by official PlayStation Blog SCEE Blog Manager Fred Dutton, the store is set to be launched in a larger way soon:

“Regarding [the lack of a major announcement] – we are testing a new web store, which we look forward to announcing and launching to the PlayStation/Sony community shortly.” – Dutton

Have a peek at the timeline below to get more info on recent events surrounding the PlayStation Store and device connected to it, and get pumped up about a wider release as soon as this afternoon!

[via EuroGamer]

PlayStation Store hits the web under the radar is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Sony will be pushing an update to its PlayStation Store tomorrow that will introduce a slew of deals that users will want to take advantage of. One of the better deals, however, is that they’re releasing BioShock 2 to the ever-expanding Instant Game Collection for free this week. The game will be available for free if you’re a Plus member once the PlayStation Store updates tomorrow.

BioShock 2 was released in February 2010, and it’s the sequel to the original BioShock, which featured some of the best gameplay elements we’ve ever seen. All week long, PlayStation Plus users will have the chance to download and play the game for free via the service’s Instant Game Collection.

Other deals for Plus subscribers include a 10% discount on Rockstar Games Collection Edition 1, which is a bundle that includes Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, L.A. Noire, and Midnight Club: Los Angeles Complete Edition. The bundle usually costs $59.99, but Plus members can pick it up for $53.99 — not a huge discount, but better than no discount at all.

Puzzle game Puddle will also be 50% off on both of its platforms, costing only $5 for PlayStation 3 gamers and just $4 for PlayStation Vita users. However, it’s not cross-platform compatible, so if you want the game on both systems, you’ll have to cough up $9 for the pair. Sony has said that they plan to release weekly updates to the PlayStation Store that will include new deals and offers for every week all month long.

BioShock 2 now free to play all week long for PlayStation Plus subscribers is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

For those little gadgets and gizmos we got an extra amount of play out of, we’ve got this little Oddities section. This section has truly strange stuff some years, and other years its full of products like the fabulous sports and health-oriented smart bracelet Jawbone UP – winners all! For the file sharer out there, there’s the super cute iTwin File-Sharing USB dongle. For the LEGO and cult-classic game lover, there’s the Minecraft LEGO set, straight out of their limited-edition Cuusoo project – made by the fans!

If you’d like to go extra tiny, check out the MimoMicro MicroUSB card reader lineup including none other than Star Wars’ Chewbacca – they’ve been making super cute USB drives for many years now, most recently with giant brand-name collaborators such as Star Wars and The Dark Knight Rises. For anyone who owns a PlayStation 3 or simply loves to play hand-held games, there’s always the PS Vita – complete with wi-fi or AT&T connectivity to the web as well as full integration with PlayStation 3 consoles as a wireless controller – strange a fun!

If you’ve got a buddy looking to get out and get going with a hardcore camera, it may be time for a Dropcam HD. Another tiny gift that basically anyone may have a use for – and will be glad to use – is the Satechi Premium 4-port aluminum USB-hub – made to match your MacBook. The old-school vinyl record-playing hipster in your family can always do with another vinyl record player – have a peek at the nearly-mobile Pyle Audio Record Player for a lovely experience top-to-bottom – for hobbyists, only!

If you want to get extra unique for your gift this year, we recommend the Philips Hue network-connected lightbulb. You’ll be able to go wireless while you’re wired – and connect all those lights from a single panel! For your gift-getting pals who love to take notes, both on-paper and in-audio; you should have a peek at the LiveScribe Sky Wi-fi Smartpen – you’ll never scribble the same way again. Then there’s the rucksack in which you’ll have them carry it all in – for that we recommend a nice trip over to Powerbag where you’ll see the Business Class Pack – a unit we’ve been using for nearly a year straight!

SlashGear 2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Oddities is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

As of this morning, PlayStation 3 owners can download a camouflaged Corvette C7 Test Prototype in Gran Turismo 5. This comes from a collaboration between Chevy and the game’s developers, Polyphony Digital, to create an authentic driving experience. The actual vehicle is slated to be unveiled in January.

The developers were careful to replicate the game version of the prototype in such a way that even the smallest details are present. This comes in addition to the last six generations of Corvettes, all of which are available for gameplay in Gran Turismo. Says the announcement, the Corvette is one of the most popular cars amongst gamers.

Vice President of Chevrolet Global Marketing offered this statement. “Until now, only the most skilled drivers on the Corvette team have been authorized to push the test prototypes to the limits on some of the most challenging track surfaces in the world. Through this unique collaboration with Gran Turismo, Chevrolet is able, for the first time, to give performance car enthusiasts access to such an exclusive driving experience.”

You can nab the download from the PlayStation Store for free. The Gran Turismo franchise has seen sales in excess of 67 million since it was first launched, and holds the title of the all-time highest selling PlayStation console exclusive. Says Polyphony’s President, “As car enthusiasts, we’re thrilled to give fans this extraordinary level of access to the seventh generation Corvette that otherwise would not be possible.”

[via GM]

Gran Turismo 5 gets Corvette C7 Test Prototype download is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.