PS3 Fanboy

An interesting little news piece in the latest issue of UK magazine PSW gives the indication that, not only is Crysis definitely heading to the PS3, but the extra content will make the PC version look like a demo. The magazine states that "it's no secret that Crysis is coming to PS3 this year. The excitable, hard-worked coders over at Crytek have said as much in many interviews - they've even produced a new, multi-platform engine in readiness - but the real juice here is that it won't be a straight conversion of the PC game. We understand PS3 Crysis will be an almost 50% new game, with many of the original games staff taken off PC Crysis months before release to begin to work on Crysis 2 and a port to PS3 that will include aspects of the sequel - but a new structure, environments, weapons and enemies will feature on PS3. This should be one of the year's biggest console shooters."

Sounds good to us! We'd love to see an expanded version of the game heading to PS3. With such high system requirements, it's the only way we'll be able to play the game with its intended graphics. "Almost a 50% new game," though? That sounds a little fishy. We're firmly labeling this one as the rumor it is. Fingers crossed, though!

Crytek's amazing engine behind Crysis is finally coming to PS3. (Does this mean we'll be able to play the wonderful FPS on our console as well?) "This year's engine will be shown for the first time running on multiple hardware platforms such as the PS3 and Xbox 360, to a select audience" during GDC. Are we allowed to be part of that audience, Crytek?

Cevat Yerli, Sten Hübler and Bernd Diemer will host a GDC session entitled "Crysis in the Making", providing a behind the scenes look at the challenges of developing Crysis and the CryENGINE 2. Other Crytek staff will also be in attendance at various programs during the show: Chris Evans, Technical Art Lead, Tomas Neumann, Crytek's Audio Programmer, and Tiago Sousa, R&D Graphics Programmer. Crytek will also host a series of public presentations at their booth #6611 in the North Hall.

Game Developer's Conference begins on February 18th in San Francisco. PS3 Fanboy will be updating live from the scene. Stay tuned.

[Via NeoGAF]

Crytek, the team behind the upcoming Crysis, is heavily invested in console development. In fact, it appears that Crytek is especially invested in Sony's next-gen platform. "Our PS3 development is going deeper than many people assume right now," studio boss Cevat Yerli told GI.biz.

The team is currently working on a console game, and it appears that the game is being built from the ground up for PS3. "It's a complete departure from Crysis and Far Cry, it's not a first-person shooter," he explained. The game, which is also bound for Xbox 360, won't feature any of the cross-platform issues that have been plaguing sloppier releases. "For that, we're optimising technology, but for another reason, the future in general, there is a dedicated PS3 team."

Crytek is working on additional technologies, specifically for Sony's platform. "The PS3 room is separate because we have some secret technologies being developed there which are not related to CryEngine 2." Obviously, this comes as exciting news -- one just has to take one look at Crysis to see the incredible grasp Crytek has on bleeding edge technology. We can't wait to see what they're cooking up for the PS3.

Oldmike, a user on the PlayStation 3 official forum, has posted a couple of photographs which, he believes, indicates that a PS3 version of Crysis is on its way. There's a fun wee story that goes along with the photos, too. Whilst in a local Gamestop oldmike spotted a PS3 box with some Crysis promo art on it. When he asked about it the manager overheard and, after getting flustered, yelled at the shop assistant that they shouldn't be on the shop floor yet. Alledgedly.

An intriguing story, with interesting photos attached. We're still not convinced, however. Shops do crazy stuff all the time (HMV, anyone?). We love the idea that Crysis might be coming in the future, but until official word comes from Crytek then we're going to remain skeptical.

Click the "read" link below for the full forum thread. The pics are on the fourth page

Talking with the UK branch of PC Gamer, Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli said that Crysis could indeed come to the PlayStation 3, but that they aren't working on it at the moment. According to Cevat, the port would require optimization and extra work, and that's why they're not doing a console port at the moment. He goes on, "What you would not do is make Crysis on PS3, 360 and PC for a single shipping date, because we would lose the quality focus."

So Crytek is looking for PS3 developers and they've finally admitted officially that Crysis could run on the PlayStation 3. Seems like a pretty good indication that we will (someday) be playing Crysis on the PS3, but don't plan on it anytime soon. Killzone 3 will probably be out first ...

The folks over at Crytek have time and again claimed their upcoming PC title Crysis is the most graphically advanced game ever. Is it? Over at PSU, the writers took the liberty to make some comparison screenshots between Crysis and the upcoming PS3 title Haze. Some would think it folly to compare any game with one touted as the most graphically advanced.

We disagree. The comparison shots show that, in some situations, Haze looks identical if not slightly better than Crysis. Other screenshots lean heavily toward Crysis as being the graphical victor. Especially when it comes to forest foliage. The point is this: the two games aren't that far apart in beauty. This is surprising. We'll leave the ultimate decision up to you, so check out the shots and let us know what you think.

[Thanks, Justin!]

This is tricky. Personally, when I hear someone say "maybe" or "I don't know" when prompted to decide if they want to go out to eat, or watch a movie, or get punched in the throat, it really means "no". They're just being nice. It means no. However! When approached about the recent rumors of Crysis getting ported onto the PlayStation 3, Crytek spokespeople replied to the rumors with a "no comment".

The tricky part is this -- when I hear something like "no comment", I don't instantly think "oh, that means no" like I do with "maybe" or "I don't know". I think "yeah, but we can't talk about it yet." Why? Not like it matters, but we'd like to believe our instincts here at PS3 Fanboy. What about you guys? What's your gut telling you? Check your fanboyism at the door and go with your gut.

We've traveled down this road so many, many times. A long time ago, Crytek posted a search for people willing to work with the PlayStation 3. This spawned rumors that Crysis would be coming to Sony's new console. Crytek said no, that wasn't it, because Crysis is way beyond what any console is capable of. Then they flip-flopped and said that Crysis could be on consoles after all. A month ago, then, Crytek was rumored to be working on a title for the PS3 -- whether or not it was Crysis was not known.

Now there's another job listing -- this one for cross-platform development and PlayStation 3 programming. One of the responsibilities of the job is to "Work on various aspects of porting to PS3 and creating solutions to get the utmost out of the PS3." Why would they need to get the utmost out of the PS3? What would they port requiring "the utmost"? It could very well be Crysis. What do you guys think?

Crytek -- the ultimate developer when it comes to flip-flopping their stance on consoles and PC's. First, only PC's will run their games, then they can run on consoles too, but only the 360. Then they decide that, no, only the PC will do. Then they say that all systems can run their titles. Then they say that only a mental link to the minds of their developers will properly run their games. The titles we're referring to are... well... Crysis. But alack, alack, good sir, for nary a good rumor shalt pass beneath this nose escaping my powerful sense of smell! When translated into Sensical language, that means there's a PS3 title in the works by Crytek.

When asked if they were working on any PS3 projects, Crytek collectively grinned and said: "I really wish I could tell you more right now" followed with "We are always working on lots of different things". Well, Crytek was looking to hire a bunch of PS3 developers a while back, so this isn't necessarily a surprise. We have to wonder, though, will it be an original title? Will it be exclusive? Or will it be Crysis? Leave us your thoughts!

Among other things, EA is bringing some pretty big guns to GDC in March. They'll be speaking about Sims on the Wii, seeking new IPs and other stuff. Aside from those, though, the following are listed as confirmed to show up:

• Crysis
• Hellgate: London
• Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
• The Orange Box (this has Half-Life 2: Episode 2, Portal and Team Fortress 2 in it)

Oh, did we mention? These won't be on the show floor. Seems they're only for super-secret, special people. Oh well. We're sure stuff will get leaked about them no matter who is or isn't allowed.

Electronic Arts has gone on record... about its upcoming titles. Most importantly are two of their more high-profile games -- Crysis and Army of Two. Let us recall briefly that the former is a pretty crazy looking shooter for the PC (although they've gained quite an ego... and change their minds a lot) and the latter is the hotly anticipated co-op game for the PS3 and 360. These games are now slated for a fiscal year 2008 release (after this coming March of '07). So... if you're really pumped for these games, we apologize, but your waiting will have to continue a bit longer.

EA's CFO, Warren Jensen, confirmed also many beloved franchises do indeed have sequels in the works. First up, Sims 3. Probably for fiscal of 2009, says the big man. Also, there's a Wii-specific (Wiicific?) Sims title also in the works. In the same vein, and not overdoing real-life simulation at all, is a Sims 2 Holiday Edition due out fairly soon for the PS3 -- hopefully this holiday season. Aside from Sims? Well, there's a SimCity coming up! Oh, and also another Lord of the Rings game and the next-gen realization of the over-hyped-but-still-decent Black. Well fellows, any of these really get you curious or anxious?

First, Crytek wanted people for it's PS3 version of Crysis. Then, they said the consoles can't handle their oh-so-perfect game. Now they say that they can easily port the game to consoles? Now, just as a personal moral standpoint, one may feel this game should be ignored since the creators obviously can't decide what they want to do with their creation, but let's give them another chance.

Lead artist Michael Khaimzon said this tidbit: "I don't think there would be any problem to convert anything we work on to the next-gen consoles if we decided to...We have enough power here, with programmers and artists, to be able to do such a thing. It's just a matter of making the decision." So it could be done, there just hasn't been an official word on it yet. Sort of. The wanting PS3 programmers is fairly... well, it's something to think about. We'll keep you posted if any more "official" announcements are made.

[via Joystiq]

Crytek, makers of the PC shooter Crysis, are searching for people to bring their new engine, CryEngine 2.0, to the consoles. The developers have recently posted job listings and requirements for PS3 programmers and the prerequisites are fairly steep. If any of us meet these criteria, don't be shy -- apply! Even though this application is stated specifically for the Playstation 3, one requirement should stick out: "Experience with next generation cross-platform development."

This brings up a few questions -- could Crysis be ported to multiple consoles someday? Crytek has admitted to working on other projects, some completely different genres, for next-gen consoles. What kind of a game would we like to see come to the PS3 from these guys? Any specific genre? Heck, what genre in general are people looking forward to seeing on the PS3?