Half-time in the FIFA Interactive World Cup

There are still Grand Final places up for grabs as the FIWC moves into its second phase.

It's a very happy New Year indeed for 10 FIFA 10 players - they've secured their places in Barcelona in May 2010 for the FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final, via the online leaderboard.

More than 400,000 players fought online for those precious positions and competition is set to get fiercer as the second online qualification phase begins and 11 more Grand Final berths are up for grabs. The leaderboard has been wiped clean so start your copy of FIFA 10 on PlayStation 3, head to the FIFA Interactive World Cup menu and register in-game for your chance at virtual football glory.

The overall winner will follow in the footsteps of reigning champion, Bruce Grannec of France, in collecting a cheque for 20,000 USD at the Grand Final in Barcelona's Port Olympic, May 2010. They will also get the chance to stand alongside football glitterati and collect their trophy at the 2010 FIFA World Player Gala.

It's a prize that money can't buy and only the nimblest thumbs and the most agile tactical minds will earn a trip to Barcelona.

Online qualification isn't the only way to get there: an additional nine Grand Final spots can be won at live qualifier events in major cities around the world. Check fifa.com/fiwc for the latest details of when these events are happening in your country.

In the meantime, start up FIFA 10 and begin your online qualification campaign. With 10 of the best players already through to the Grand Final, this is the best chance yet to book your place among the elite of virtual footballers.

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Weekend Essentials – Issue 9

Begin 2010 with an early play of massive online shooter MAG, a brilliant blast of Bayonetta and some dark drama in Darksiders.

Being bad never felt so good

Action adventure reaches magical new heights with Sega's Bayonetta, which transports you to a world where you can perform extraordinary acrobatics with ease. Take control of the graceful and powerful Bayonetta, last survivor of an ancient witch clan keeping the balance between light, dark and chaos.

MAG opens its doors

Massive online multiplayer shooter MAG invites you to test its bullet-laden stomping grounds before its release on PlayStation 3 in January 2010. An open beta is now available to play until 10 January 2010, where you can get blasting in the 64-player Sabotage and 256-player Domination modes.

Fire yourself into the revolutionary experience of MAG early with the beta on PlayStation Store - and keep reading eu.playstation.com and blog.eu.playstation.com for some more exciting MAG news as its January 2010 release date draws ever closer.

Your last days await

Take the role of War, one of the four legendary Horsemen of the Apocalypse, in the rip-roaring action adventure of Darksiders where an epic conflict between Heaven and Hell has prematurely caused the end of the world. As the warring first Horseman, you have been accused of inciting this catastrophic incident and now you must find out who is truly responsible. Can you survive the Hell-destroyed wasteland of Darksiders?

As a taster to this dark fantasy romp, why not take part in the Darksiders Competition where you can win a limited edition PlayStation 3 featuring artwork from the game's creative director and popular comic book artist, Joe Madureira? Head over to eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions and get involved.

You can still be a winner

Fancy your luck in the early days of 2010? Then why not try your hand at the popular Digital Comics competition at eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions which still has a few weeks left before closing. If your comic book knowledge is up to scratch you can win a PSPgo and other great prizes - why not start 2010 with a brand new PSP?

What's your obsession confession?

Find out what has the PlayStation community buzzing with excitement - Obsession Confessions is a feature that gives you the chance to reveal which games you've spent ages plugging away at until the small hours. Check it out and see what the community in the official PlayStation Forums voted as the most time-absorbing PlayStation Network titles they've played - maybe yours is sitting proudly at the top?

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Obsession Confessions: delicious downloads

Discover which PlayStation Network games have most impressed the PlayStation community.

After two weeks of discussion over which games have proved the most addictive, the official PlayStation Forum regulars moved onto the next Obssession Confessions topic - their favourite PlayStation Store downloads. Here are their picks in order of popularity, with quotes from contributors across Europe.

1. Flower

"Flower is not just a game: it's a story. The story of flowers telling their dreams in a universe of beauty and enchanting melodies. With exceptional SIXAXIS handling, it transports you to an adventure with no equal." (aat08, France)

2. WipEout HD

"It has to be one of the most breathtaking games - it looks amazing in full HD and for the price it's one heck of a bargain. Nothing out there can beat it for pure enjoyment. The visuals should be the benchmark for any game." (Chris_D, UK)

3. Burnout Paradise

"Challenge your limits with stunning speed!" (fashion23gta, Portugal)

4. Fat Princess

"It's a cool game... I liked it!" (TUHTA_1994, Russia)

5. Battlefield 1943

"Epic battles in Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal or the Wake Island; team game, tanks, jeeps, boats, planes, bombers and destruction. There's nowhere for the enemy to hide!" (tabunet, Spain)

6. Warhawk

"Warhawk was number one when I bought my PS3. It's a great game which everyone should play at least once. It may not be realistic but it's loads of fun... I've spent many hours playing and they were all worth it." (patrick1991groot, Netherlands)

7. Metal Gear Solid

"Simply because it is THE PS one Classic game par excellence and shouldn't be missed. Since it is now available from PlayStation Store, it is a must-have." (gamer4online, Germany)

8. Trine

"This game's beauty, playability and originality make it one of the most attractive of the last year." (elmosca, Spain)

9. Zen Pinball

"The file size makes it easy to download and it's a well made game. It takes you back to the past when we used to play real pinball, and everybody in my house likes it." (AlexTheStampede, Italy)

10. Bomberman Ultra

"There are many delicious downloads in PlayStation Store and, like in life, one candy is never enough. The one that nobody appreciates is Bomberman Ultra. That game is great and provides a lot of laughter." (rabsonek, Poland)

Thanks to everyone that participated in the discussion. There will be more Obsession Confessions threads in the coming weeks; in the meantime, join the hundreds of conversations happening right now at the official PlayStation Forums.

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Coming attractions on PlayStation

Take a look at some of 2010’s most anticipated games on PlayStation 3 and PSP.

Heavy Rain
Heavy Rain is a thrilling, cinematic and evolving game from Quantic Dream, the developer behind the critically acclaimed Fahrenheit on PlayStation 2. With a plot that revolves around the mysterious Origami Killer, you assume the role of multiple characters, each with very different backgrounds, motivations and skills. Your actions and decisions, whatever they may be, shape this dark tale and its ultimate outcome.

MAG
Are you tough enough to command a 128-strong army into battle with this huge, online first person shooter? In MAG, you experience a world of online warfare on an unprecedented scale, where 256 players take to the battlefield to win glory and the right to command their troops. Choose the force that reflects your fighting style and prove yourself to move through the chain of command to lead a squad, then a platoon, and ultimately an entire army.

God of War III
God of War III thrusts Kratos into an epic adventure filled with carnage and destruction, as he seeks revenge against the gods who have betrayed him. This final chapter of the trilogy allows you to take on the climactic role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he treads through the intimidating heights of Mount Olympus and the dark depths of Hell. Armed with double-chained blades, Kratos must take on mythology's darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest to destroy Olympus.

Gran Turismo 5
Are you prepared for the race? Gran Turismo 5 takes the acclaimed racing series to a whole new level with over 950 cars that can be raced on 20 courses. Featuring 70 variations, including the newest hybrid and electric cars, a new physics engine and a new in-cockpit view, Gran Turismo is a must for real racing fans. When you have conquered the racing tracks and honed your skills you can take the race online and compete against friends and other players across the globe via PlayStation Network.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Snake is back in an all new Metal Gear Solid tale exclusively on PSP. Developed by the legendary Hideo Kojima - the mastermind behind the Metal Gear Solid series on PlayStation - Peace Walker puts you in control of the famed Naked Snake at a critical point in modern history. Peace Walker features advanced co-operative techniques where multiple players sneak into enemy territory and accomplish gripping missions together. With breathtaking graphics on PSP, a thrilling storyline and everything else you've come to expect from a Metal Gear Solid game, this is a must for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Brink
Brink is an immersive shooter that blends single player, co-op and multiplayer gameplay into one seamless experience, allowing you to develop your character as you play through each of the missions. Pick a specific role and fight to save yourself and the Ark, a floating city and mankind's last refuge. With a mix of dynamic battlefields, extensive customisation options, and an innovative control system, Brink is set to take multiplayer action on PS3 to all new heights.

BioShock 2
Set approximately 10 years after the events of BioShock, this highly anticipated sequel begins along the Atlantic coastline where a monster has been snatching little girls and bringing them back to the undersea city of Rapture. In an amazing twist, you play as the very first Big Daddy, travelling through the decrepit and beautiful fallen city in search of an unseen foe and some answers to the mystery. The sequel also features multiplayer missions, adding a whole new layer of action to the BioShock experience on PlayStation 3.

Red Dead Redemption
The makers of Grand Theft Auto IV have gone back to the Wild West to bring you Red Dead Redemption, the sequel to the action-packed PlayStation 2 game. Set in America during the early 1900s, Red Dead Redemption tells the story of John Marston, a former outlaw who is sent across the American frontier to help usher in law and order. Be prepared for gun battles, train robberies and epic pistol duels in a stunning open world as Marston struggles to bury his bloodstained past, one man at a time.

Final Fantasy XIII
One of the most beloved gaming series on PlayStation is coming to PS3 in 2010. In Final Fantasy XIII, you'll get the chance to embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the floating city of Cocoon and the savage lower world of Pulse, encountering a diverse band of would-be allies along the way. With seamless transitions between real time gameplay and in-game cinematics, and an evolved Active Time Battle system, Final Fantasy XIII is one of the year's most epic adventures on PS3.

White Knight Chronicles
Become the White Knight - a warrior capable of becoming seven metres tall - and escape to a vast medieval world in the first RPG for PS3 to blend offline and online questing. Setting off on your epic adventure you explore mountains, castles, mines and jaw-dropping moving cities in a world filled with honour, adventure and imagination. Already a smash hit in Japan where it was released in 2009, White Knight Chronicles is a must for fans of RPG games in 2010.

ModNation Racers
Get ready for ModNation Racers, the latest game in the creative gaming genre where you can build your own vehicles, characters and tracks using the simple to master tools provided. Once you've built something, you can share your creation with the whole world on PlayStation Network, as well as download new content created by other users in the ModNation community. In the world of ModNation Racers, the race is just the start.

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Coming in 2010 on PlayStation

Discover the titles and innovations on PlayStation that game industry figures are looking forward to in 2010.

"2010 will continue to see great innovations from PlayStation, and a highlight will be the launch of the Motion Controller [working title] for PlayStation 3. With the never before available, super accurate 3D spatial recognition of the controller, coupled with the use of camera features such as video and audio input, the Motion Controller will provide intuitive, quick fun as well as a deeper experience for both casual and experienced gamers. 2010 will also see more big title launch from WWS, starting with MAG from online shooter veteran Zipper Interactive, God of War III and Gran Turismo 5. ModNation Racers will bring a full Create, Play, Share experience to the kart racing genre; it is another family fun favourite waiting to be born."
Shuhei Yoshida, President, SCEE Worldwide Studios

"Obviously God of War III. The previous incarnations blew me away with their high impact visceral combat, towering enemies and imaginative level design. I'm certain this instalment will deliver the same thrills, but will take it to the next level."
Paul Rustchynsky, Lead Designer, Evolution Studios

"2010 promises to be a year of back-to-back AAA releases on PS3. PlayStation Home provides perhaps the most compelling proposition for new entrants to the platform, prompted by the new model and the price drop, who will discover a social and immersive environment that is unique to PS3 and a welcome alternative to the core gaming experience. SEGA intend to engage and amaze Home residents throughout the course of 2010."
Mike Hayes, Managing Director, SEGA Europe

"Can I pick three? I'm excited by Final Fantasy XIII - I've fallen out with JRPGs in recent years, but if any game can pull me back in, it'll be this. I'm also a big God of War fan, so I'm obviously looking forward to the third in the series. Having said all that, the game I'm most looking forward to would have to be The Last Guardian. Nobody makes games like Fumito Ueda, and this looks to be no exception. I'm utterly convinced it'll end in tragedy, but then I guess that's always been part of his games' charm."
Simon Barlow, Design Manager/Assistant Game Director, Evolution Studios

"I’m looking forward to more Honeyslug games on PlayStation platforms in 2010! And, like the two previous Team Ico games, The Last Guardian will almost certainly be one of my games of the year."
Ricky Haggett, Designer and CEO, Honeyslug

"I'm a big believer that, over the coming years, games will increasingly grow in sophistication and popularity, eventually eclipsing movies and TV. As a result I'm really looking forward to Heavy Rain. I've been lucky enough to get a preview and it will definitely be one of those titles that advances our cause, making videogames as a whole a more mature, deep and moving art form. Then I'm going to embark on some serious neck snapping with Kratos."
Matt Southern, Game Director, Evolution Studios

"No question - Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 on the PlayStation 3. Given the depth of the platform with the game we're building, it's going to be an awesome experience. I'm also really interested in seeing what publishers develop with Sony's new wand technology. It will make for some exciting gameplay."
Darrell Rodriguez, President, LucasArts

"Very few attempts to re-imagine that classic Thrust gameplay have worked, but I'm pretty excited to see how Gravity Crash weighs up. It looks awesome and appeals to the part of me that wishes I was still a kid shovelling coins into arcade machines in Southport."
Mark Inman, COO, Honeyslug

"For next year, I am really excited about some of the new features we are releasing for SingStar. I wish I could talk about them now, but suffice to say, they will be pushing the PS3 SingStar technology and community significantly."
Dave Ranyard, Senior Manager, SCE London Studio

"MGS Peace Walker - we like the MGS games, especially Ac!d, and DC Universe Online looks fun - Tomas has secretly always wanted to be Batman, Ana has always wanted to be Storm!"
Ana Kronschnabl, Producer, Fluffy Logic

"Now that external developers have had a while to get to grips with developing for PlayStation Home, I'm really looking forward to seeing how and where they are going to push the Home platform next year. I'm expecting big things from them, and I'm sure they won't disappoint. On the games front I can't wait to get hold of MAG, 256 player battles FTW! Also I loved Fahrenheit [by the same developer Quantic Dream] on PS2 and I think Heavy Rain is going to be great."
David Evans, Senior Programmer, PlayStation Home

"We are really excited about the new minis channel, and we are looking forward to it becoming the premiere venue for top indie developers to share their titles with gamers around the world."
Jamie Gotch, CTO, Subatomic Studios

"I’m looking forward to the next instalment of BF1943, as I loved the first one and spent far too many hours on it. Of course I’m also looking forward to the announcement of whatever ThatGameCompany is working on, and if we are lucky they might release something in 2010 too. It’s going to be an exciting year I think!"
Dylan Cuthbert, President and Managing Director, Q-Games

"Obviously I'm looking forward to seeing God of War III and Gran Turismo 5 really push PlayStation 3 from strength to strength, and all signs suggest they will raise the bar just as their predecessors did on PlayStation 2. Other than that, I'm really excited to see if Final Fantasy XIII can deliver a true next generation experience."
Dan Durnin, Communications Manager, PlayStation Home

"I am looking forward to seeing the nurturing of the PlayStation community around the games and applications where you see your favourite characters making cameo appearances in other titles or even full levels based on the original game. I think that we all have our favourite games and characters so when you get the opportunity to find them in another title, it brings something special to that game and it is a fantastic way of making the PlayStation community feel more connected to each other. There is a lot to offer on the PlayStation platforms providing us with rich entertainment experiences and in many ways, it has the ability to unite different people with different interests and opinions and as such is a social enabler bringing friends together and making new friends with similar interests."
Mark Bunting, Producer PlayTV, SCE Cambridge Studio

"Well, 2010 brings the release of MAG, which is going to wow PlayStation owners. The team at Zipper has really pulled out all the stops to bring a new kind of multiplayer experience to players, and I'm excited to see it on shelves at the beginning of 2010. Beyond that, I'm enjoying the convergence of games and social networking platforms like Twitter, PlayStation Home and Facebook. It creates a much deeper, immersive experience when your favourite games bleed out into your own world in creative and compelling ways, and I'm looking forward to seeing developers take advantage of that even more next year."
Ed Byrne, Creative Director, Zipper Interactive

"Motion Controller and innovative new games on PlayStation 3. I can't wait to be surprised and entertained in new ways."
David Hamblin, Principal Artist, PlayStation Home

"Undoubtedly The Last Guardian. Both Ico and Shadow of the Colossus filled me with unforgettable memories and I am certain Ueda-san and his team will do it all over again. Respect."
Nicolas Doucet, Senior Producer, SCE London Studio (EyePet)

"We've got a great line-up of games to look forward to in 2010 including Heavy Rain, but what's going to be really interesting for me is that we have a new price point, movies, music videos, Blu-ray and PlayStation all in one package and watching how this gives PlayStation 3 more momentum. That will mean that Relentless can entertain users with more stuff like Blue Toad Murder Files!"
Andrew Eades, Executive Director, Relentless Software

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PlayStation highlights 2009

A selection of games industry figures nominate their PlayStation highlights of 2009.

"My biggest highlight for 2009 has to be Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. When I saw the live demo in the SCEA E3 Press Conference, my jaw dropped to the floor and my eyes were glued to the big screen. Playing the game through was the smoothest, most unputdownable experience as well. It was a truly remarkable achievement by the Naughty Dog team, and a benchmark for future game development. We were able to release many exciting, innovative titles in 2009 like Killzone 2, inFamous, EyePet and Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. Big PSP titles hit the market to celebrate the launch of PSPgo like Resistance: Retribution, Gran Turismo, MotorStorm Arctic Edge, Invizimals and LittleBigPlanet too. 2009 was really a great, fruitful year for PlayStation fans!"
Shuhei Yoshida, President, SCE Worldwide Studios

"2009 was a stand-out year for me with titles like Flower, Demon's Souls and inFamous but Uncharted 2 stood tall above the competition. Never have I played a game that was paced as well, looked so amazing, or had such a wide variety of jaw-dropping set pieces. And to back all that up it had an extremely strong multiplayer component featuring both competitive and co-operative play. Uncharted 2 is not only my favourite game of last year, it's also my favourite game on PS3 to date!"
Paul Rustchynsky, Lead Designer, Evolution Studios

"2009 saw PS3 really hit its stride. Releases like Uncharted 2: Among Thieves raised the bar for the games industry as a whole and showed that cinematic storytelling need not come at the expense of truly immersive gameplay. A milestone in gaming that will stand the test of time. 2009 saw PS3 emerge as a fully convergent media device that delivers compelling movie content, alongside music through the VidZone application, whilst PlayStation Home continued to grow and evolve into a unique connected social space in the living room. In 2009 PlayStation Network started to deliver download-only experiences that were comparable to those found elsewhere on the platform; Fat Princess and Trine provided diverse gaming experiences that showed the power and imagination of the platform developers."
Mike Hayes, Managing Director, SEGA Europe

"I'm likely not the only person to pick this one, but I have to say that Uncharted 2 was a real stand-out, and a true landmark in gaming. The quality of the presentation, the rich storytelling and the variety of gameplay marks it out as a modern classic. It's one of those games that appeals to gamers and non-gamers alike. Even my wife couldn't help but become embroiled in the escapades of Nathan Drake!"
Simon Barlow, Design Manager/Assistant Game Director, Evolution Studios

"Flower and Noby Noby Boy – a one-two punch of gaming wonderment which kept me occupied for weeks, filling my lounge with their swirling colours and sumptuous sound."
Ricky Haggett, Designer and CEO, Honeyslug

“My highlight is essentially fourfold. This fall we brought out four great games to Sony platforms – Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes, LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues, Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition and Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron. Each game is incredibly different on the platforms, from being able to relive the excitement of the Clone Wars television series, getting reacquainted with everyone’s favourite archeologist, experiencing a new and much darker side of the force, and taking a beloved franchise in new directions on the PSP. We’ve been extremely happy to put these titles in the hands of Sony gamers and to see how excited they’ve been to play them.”
Darrell Rodriguez, President, LucasArts

"My highlight of 2009 was FIFA 10, which narrowly beat Batman: Arkham Asylum. FIFA 09 was the title that made me switch from an old favourite, and the latest version takes what was great in 09 and overdelivers on it. For me it's all about Be A Pro mode, which I play more than any other mode. The brilliant introduction of mechanics that you would normally find in an RPG mean I can now have a career as a footballer, growing in strength, skill and success, which is thrilling."
Matt Southern, Game Director, Evolution Studios

"I drummed, strummed and sung my way through Beatles Rock Band this year. The visuals look great with a strong '60s vibe reminiscent of Yellow Submarine and Magical Mystery Tour. I also found myself truly creeped out by Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham Asylum - I was pleased to see they stayed true to the comics and kept the dark DC vibe!"
Nat Marco, Lead Designer, Honeyslug

"I'll tell you what I loved this year... EyePet - it's such a good experience to sit down with my family and play. The kids love it! Such a different experience. I'm also very proud of SingStar: Take That! A perfect SingStar! And they were fab at Wembley too!"
Dave Ranyard, Senior Manager, SCE London Studio (SingStar)

"We were really pleased with Savage Moon: Waldgeist and the fan reaction to it has been great; makes all the late nights worth it! The Death Blossom bugs were our favourite - they look great then they explode. We've also been wowed by Resident Evil 5 - an amazing looking game, the two player mode was great fun. Plus, it is hard not to comment on Modern Warfare 2, it looks amazing and is packed full of great ideas. It just shows what developers can do when given the space to create. We also think the new PSP is very pretty. The oddly named but fun Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! on PSP has been really addictive."
Ana Kronschnabl, Producer, Fluffy Logic

"Being hand-picked by Sony Computer Entertainment to be featured in the minis programme and having our game Fieldrunners selected as a launch title was a great experience for us. Everyone we worked with at SCEE was very professional. They helped us every step of the way from development to launch."
Ash Monif, COO, Subatomic Studios

"For me the highlight of the year was seeing the growth of new content in PlayStation Home, with lots of cool new spaces to explore, SingStar, Ratchet & Clank and inFamous to name just a few. And in particular the success of special events such as the SingStar Dizzee Rascal party and Halloween which show a glimpse of the potential of the platform. I am really excited to see how PlayStation Home continues to evolve and grow next year and beyond."
David Hamblin, Principal Artist, PlayStation Home

"My 2009 highlight was probably inFamous – it’s the first game in which I experienced true gut-wrenching vertigo (the prison on the second island). Considering I’ve been playing games for about 30 years it’s great to know I can still experience new emotions with games. I also thought the enemy guys were kind of cute, in fact the whole game didn’t have blood and guts and was still a superb game. I think games just don’t need so much gratuitous stuff. For example, Fallout 3 for me would have been better without the splatter – still loved the game though!"
Dylan Cuthbert, President and Managing Director, Q-Games

"I am split about what has been the greatest highlight this year. The new model of PlayStation 3 is more accessible to people and I like the shape and style. I also think that we are all trying to push more out of both platforms with non-gaming media like PlayTV and VidZone through to ground-breaking titles like Uncharted 2: Among Thieves on PS3 and LittleBigPlanet on PSP. In pushing our own imagination we are making the whole entertainment experience richer for our community."
Mark Bunting, Producer, SCE Cambridge Studio (PlayTV)

"Naughty Dog won my heart again with Uncharted 2, which is every bit as awesome as the first one. Along with Modern Warfare 2, these games represent the pinnacle of AAA entertainment. Flower, which I played until I'd unlocked every trophy, was a joy to experience, incredibly emotive and at the same time great fun."
David Evans, Senior Programmer, PlayStation Home

"2009 was the year where we saw PlayStation 3 really come into its own. With the announcement of the new model at a lower price point and a year's worth of extremely diverse titles from Fat Princess to Killzone 2. I think the popularity and quality of the system is undeniable and very encouraging for PS3 developers. Really though, my PlayStation highlight was travelling home to Ireland to promote Zipper's next game MAG to the media there recently. After a 12-year absence, it was a trip that was both personally and professionally gratifying, especially seeing how dedicated the gaming community there has become."
Ed Byrne, Creative Director, Zipper Interactive

"While Uncharted 2 and Modern Warfare 2 really broke new ground in terms of cinematic gameplay and production values, I was completely hooked on Batman: Arkham Asylum, which nailed so many key elements for me, from the free flowing combat to a great story and clever riddles. The sheer quality of PlayStation 3 titles this year has been extraordinary, across so many different genres. PlayStation Store also grew in leaps and bounds, and really opened my eyes to some amazingly original games like Flower and Fat Princess."
Dan Durnin, Communications Manager, PlayStation Home

"My PlayStation highlight of the year was the launch of the new PlayStation 3 model. It gives families a great reason to join the PlayStation community: Dad can go on the most amazing action ride with Uncharted 2 while the kids will feel the magic with EyePet."
Nicolas Doucet, Senior Producer, SCE London Studio (EyePet)

"As a gamer, I loved playing an Infinity Ward shooter on PlayStation 3 for the first time. Modern Warfare 2 was an intense and awesome experience. Uncharted 2 is also amazing and a visitor to my house asked what film I was watching when they poked their head into the sitting room! As a developer, I'm so proud of the Relentless team who have delivered the excellent Buzz!: Quiz World and I'm excited about the release of Blue Toad Murder Files on PlayStation Network."
Andrew Eades, Executive Director, Relentless Software

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Your PlayStation New Year’s Eve Party

Celebrate the dawn of 2010 and throw a New Year’s Eve party with PlayStation.

21:00
While you're waiting for guests to arrive, browse the thousands of games, films and comics available at PlayStation Store and start downloading. That way, you can spend New Year's Day relaxing on the sofa with a stack of entertainment to work through.

22:00
If there are children at the party, introduce them to EyePet on PlayStation 3 while you're polishing off the nibbles. See their faces light up as their own cute pet springs to life right there in the living room. They can pet him, feed him, bathe him and clothe him using their own hands, a PlayStation Eye camera and the magic card that comes with the game.

23:00
Say goodbye to 2009 for good with a Buzz! quiz session on its key events. With Buzz!: Quiz World and Buzz!: Quiz TV on PS3, you and your friends can grab a set of Buzz! Buzzers and play custom made quizzes submitted by the community at MyBuzzQuiz.com. Music lover? Try the Noughties Music quizzes. If you know your sport, then give yourself a real test with a quiz purely on England's Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club.

00:00
With some preparation, you could build a stylish countdown to 2010 in LittleBigPlanet on PS3 or PSP. Start by creating a replica of London's Big Ben, complete with a mechanical hand that reaches 12 and triggers a series of fireworks and a banner wishing your guests a Happy New Year. For the icing on the cake, connect a row of magnetic switches to a sequence of piano sound effects. Then, with a little patience and some musical talent, you can tweak them to play Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight. Publish the level earlier that day so the LBP community can join in the celebration and ring in the new year with Sackboy.

01:00
It's time for everyone to pull on their dancing shoes and step up to the microphone for some serious SingStar sessions. It's now easier than ever to browse the hundreds of downloadable tracks in the SingStore and view the community videos at My SingStar Online - just download the SingStar Viewer, free from PlayStation Store. It lets you access the SingStar universe direct from the PS3 XMB (XrossMediaBar) and without the need of a SingStar disc. Which song will you use to kick-start 2010?

02:00
Shove the sofas against the wall, lock away anything smashable and get down to your own personal party playlist with VidZone. You could bring together all of your favourite music videos from the last year, or maybe your playlist will look forward to the acts you think will be huge in the next 12 months. Whatever you pick, let your feet do the talking.

03:00
January 2010 is three hours old and your guests will start to trickle away so they can write in the diary the resolutions that they're definitely going to keep this year. Why not pick a more exciting New Year's resolution, like launching your own career in motorsport? Download the GT Academy Time Trial from PlayStation Store, set a quick lap time and you could find yourself driving for the Nissan PlayStation racing team before 2011 is out.

Whatever your plans, enjoy your New Year's Eve party and have a terrific 2010 with PlayStation.

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