The article doesn’t report a definite release date, but that the title is expected to hit Japan sometime next year.

Sweeney talked specifically about the difficulties of programming for multi-core processors, saying that it takes “about twice the effort and development cost” for these processors when compared to a single-threaded one. IBM, Sony and Toshiba’s custom-developed Cell processor is no different: the PS3 Cell chip “required about 5 times as much cost and development time than single-core.” He also said that the complex Cell architecture “introduces some economic difficulty for developers.” The Xbox 360 processor wasn’t part of the discussion.

However, he was full of praise for Sony when it came to the company’s open network scheme for the PS3’s online service. “Enlightened business model” were the exact words he used to describe the console’s online capabilities, as opposed to Microsoft’s closed platform Xbox Live which seems to be “quite negative toward user-created content” as the company has encountered.

Having praised PS3’s online network, he then proceeded to mention that users will be able to create Unreal Tournament 2007 levels and mods on the PC and play them on the PS3. After noting that the mod community was an “essential part” of the company’s success, he said that the company would love to transfer this mod community over to consoles, letting modders and mappers create content on their computers and then have them distributed online, as well as on the PS3.

As for Unreal Tournament 2007’s release date? Epic’s Jay Wilbur disclosed that they plan on shipping the game to PC and PS3 in Q2 or early Q3 2007.

In related news, Kotaku reports that Koei’s Fatal Inertia, initially pegged as a launch title for the PS3, has been delayed to Winter 2006. The company cites problems with the Unreal Engine 3, though they do mention that they being helped by both Sony and Epic on this. When asked about multiplayer by the site’s editor, the game’s producer said that he was “dreading this question,” as they’ve been having issues with their middleware platform. As noted by Kotaku, it seems that multiplayer is planned, but not set on stone yet.

The report also discloses that both Fatal Inertia and i, the company’s new PS3 title, will be in 720p, with the former making use of the console’s tilt controller. Koei also indicated that they are in discussions with Microsoft to bring over the titles to Xbox 360.

Heavenly Sword

Metal Gear Solid 4

Motorstorm

Resistance: Fall of Man

Ninja Gaiden Sigma

Flow

Lair

Final Fantasy XIII

Ridge Racer 7

Monster Kingdom: Unknown Realms

Warhawk

The inclusion of HDMI is applicable to all regions. However, the price drop is Japan-only.

Enchanted Arm

Eye of Judgment

Fatal Inertia

Formula One 06

Gran Turismo HD

Long ago the Dark Knight Sparda awoke to justice and rebelled against the dark emperor, to wage a one-man war to save humanity. Thousands of years later, a religious organization worships this renowned savior and has taken it upon themselves to rid the world of all demons. Residing in Fortuna, a castle city on the coast, this “Order of the Sword” has an elite group of “Holy Knights” dedicated to carrying out this very creed. Rising among the ranks, a young cynical warrior named Nero witnesses Sparda’s legendary son Dante slaughter countless “knights”. Has the renowned devil hunter turned his back on mankind? What does this encounter mean for these two individuals and why has destiny brought them together?

In Devil May Cry 4, players control the formidable Nero who comes to grips with his newly found power as his beliefs and allegiance are tested. Continuing the legacy of fast paced action synonymous with the series, Devil May Cry 4 pushes the envelope of excellence even further with the inclusion of a new combat system that incorporates Nero’s “Devil Bringer”. This new feature has players delivering overwhelming damage to enemies with non-stop combos, while gaining new power for Nero’s right arm. With the PlayStation 3 system’s advanced graphical capabilities, high definition visuals and intricate detail come to life as players explore new and exotic locales. Amazing visual effects and dynamic action coupled with a complex storyline, provides the very cool, slick and stylish attitude that only a Devil May Cry game can deliver.

Below are in-game screenshots from the game:

Below are three PS3 screenshots from TGS:

At its press conference at the event, Microsoft revealed new details of its upcoming HD-DVD movie player attachment for the Xbox 360, stating that it will be available in Japan on November 17 for 19,800 yen (approximately $170 US).

As for its second announcement, the company disclosed that they are working on a patch that will allow the Xbox 360 to output movie and game content in 1080p resolution. Although the device itself lacks HDMI support, it will indeed be able to play content in 1080p resolution via component or VGA cables. The HD-DVD drive will support 1080p only through VGA however. As for normal DVD playback, it will still be limited to 480p with component.

The company is highly focused on enriching Xbox Live, and so announced new titles for Live Arcade: Gyruss, Rush n’ Attack, Ms. Pac-Man and New Rally-X. They are also dedicated to broaden their share in the Japanese market, announcing that there are over 100 retail and Xbox Live Arcade games currently in the works for the territory, 70 of which are being developed by the Japanese and 50 of which will be exclusive to Japan. Microsoft is also emphasizing on retail titles as well, with games such as Lost Planet, Trusty Bell, Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon being made to appeal to the Japanese demographic.

It remains to be seen whether they will be successful or not.

In related news, Microsoft’s announcement of 1080p support in its HD-DVD drive met with criticism from SCEA’s PR head Dave Karraker. He issued the following statement:

It’s unfortunate that Microsoft’s external HD-DVD drive will not enhance the experience at all for the gamer. Sony realizes that to truly take gaming into the next generation requires a larger data format for both games and movies. PS3 uses the Blu-ray format for gaming, giving developers 50 GB of high-definition storage on a single disc, while Microsoft’s 9 GB DVD gaming format is an obstacle for storing HD content. Furthermore, Microsoft’s announced HD games patch is really just a compatibility feature–upscaling lower-resolution content does not make it Full HD (1080p), something that PS3 can do out of the box.

• Blade Storm (PS3)
  
• Dynasty Warriors Mahjong (DS, PSP)
  
• Fatal Inertia (PS3)
  
• G1 Jockey 4 2006 (PS2)
  
• Harukanaru Toki no Naka De (PS2)
  
• Mahjong Taikai IV (PS3)
  
• Ni-Oh (PS3)
  
• Nobunaga’s Ambition Online (PS2, PC)
  
• Pocket Scenario Series Harukanaru Toki no Naka De (DS)
  
• Samurai Warriors 2 Empire (PS2)
  
• Samurai Warriors Wave (Wii)
  
• Sangokushi 11 (PS2)