In a move that will rock the next generation of console gaming, Sony is close to agreeing an acquisition of a high profile cloud gaming firm, MCV understands.

It was reported earlier this week that Sony was to reveal a partnership with a cloud gaming firm – specifically either OnLive or Gaikai – at E3 next week.

Subsequent chatter had seemingly calmed the rumours, suggesting that the proposed agreement was to do with Sony streaming TV services, and not consoles.

However, MCV understands that the deal is far more extensive than anyone could have predicted and will see Sony fully acquire one of the two firms. The deal, our source says, “is close to being signed”.

Tomb Raider trailer to accompany “very big news”

Crystal Dynamics global brand manager Karl Stewart has hinted at a major Tomb Raider announce during SpikeTV’s pre-E3 show tomorrow.

“Don’t forget to mention that we have a VERY big announcement off the back of the Tomb Raider trailer reveal,” Stewart said in response to a tweet from GT.TV’s Geoff Keighley hyping the show.

Titled Star Wars 1313, the internally-developed third-person action adventure game will see players take on the role of a bounty hunter navigating a subterranean metropolis Level 1313, beneath the surface of the planet Coruscant.

While the game will make its formal debut at next week's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), LucasArts announced the game is being development with the help of artists across the Lucasfilm organization, including LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, Lucasfilm Animation Ltd. and Skywalker Sound. The game will be based on the Unreal engine and feature full-body performance capture.

Star Wars 1313 will see players utilise "exotic" weapons in a bid to uncover the truth surrounding a criminal conspiracy beneath Coruscant. According to LucasArts, the game will emphasize fast-paced combat--the game's hero will use human skills and gadgets rather than supernatural Force powers. In addition, the game will feature a combination of cover-based combat, platforming and "playable cinematic gameplay".

"Star Wars 1313 dives into a part of the Star Wars mythos that we've always known existed, but never had a chance to visit," LucasArts president Paul Meegan said in a statement.

No details have yet been given on platforms or release date.

A trilogy of last-gen Hitman games is being packaged together for re-release on PlayStation 3, a retailer listing suggests.

The Hitman HD Collection will feature Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman 3: Contracts and Hitman: Blood Money. All three will be presented in high definition.

The compilation, spotted on Italian retailer 16Games, is listed for release on 15th October. That gives gamers around a month to sample Hitman's backstory before Hitman: Absolution arrives on 20th November.

Silent Assassin, Contracts and Blood Money make up the second, third and fourth titles in the series, which directly precede upcoming fifth instalment Absolution.

"Enter a world of crime, sin and greed. Penetrate deeper into the recesses of the mind of Agent 47, the world's deadliest assassin. Remaining anonymous, being quick and totally ruthless: these are the keys to a perfect execution," the retail blurb reads.

"Follow Agent 47 while executing orders on behalf of slum-living criminals or on behalf of the highest summits of power. Nothing is important except the target."

^^ maybe because its a video of the opening

Paying thousands to have the opening video animated by... /a/ says Sunrise... is a real poor investment when their pre-existing gameplay footage does a better job of introducing the game and hyping up the player.

Girard said, June 01, 2012, 05:15:20 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_pal859keA&feature=player_embedded

Now THAT is Hitman.

IT’S OFFICIAL: The next Need for Speed will be Most Wanted, developed by Criterion! Here’s the first screenshot!

LIKE and SHARE if you’re excited!

Make sure to watch our E3 press conference live on June 4th at 1PM (PST) for more info!