Ever since EA debuted their distribution service Origin, a sense of fear has arisen among gamers that future EA releases might remain exclusive to Origin. One quick glance at the Reddit Gaming section will tell you that Origin’s customer service is something that one wouldn’t brag about. That, and given the popularity of Steam, running multiple clients is not a preferable option for any gamer.

Battlefield 3, EA’s biggest release of last year never made its way on to Steam, and the publisher has revealed that all physical and digital copies of the much anticipated Mass Effect 3 will be required to be authorized on Origin. That game however can be installed for as many times as the owner wishes. The news comes from a Bioware Forum Post.  While the game might be made available on other 3rd party digital distributors, there are currently no plans for a Steam release. Bioware’s Chris Priestly had this to say on the post:

“Steam has adopted a set of restrictive terms of service which limit how developers interact with customers to deliver patches and other downloadable content.  We are intent on providing Mass Effect to players with the best possible experience no matter where they purchase or play their game, and are happy to partner with any download service that does not restrict our ability to connect directly with our consumers”

Given the recent clashes between EA and Valve about their distribution services gamers probably saw this coming. But now, we’ve got an official confirmation. Judging from what we’ve witnessed so far we wouldn’t be surprised if none of the future EA games get a Steam release.

Sony’s released some mysterious looking teasers for a new PlayStation3 exclusive, with a promise to share more details at the VGAs later in the week.

The teasers can be found at a teaser website created specifically to tease the game. There are two videos in total, all live-action. The first one features a series of clips involving real-world disasters, while another shows an ant.

The game is called The Last of Us, which many are speculation to be a new horror title exclusive to the PS3.  More details are expected during the VGAs which take place on December 10. Many other announcements are also on the cards during the event. You can watch one of the teasers below.

At least something good is coming out of the god awful Mortal Kombat movies. Blu-ray.com has revealed that for the purchase of either of the 1995′s Mortal Kombat and 1997′s Mortal Kombat: Annihilation upcoming Blu-Ray version will be accompanied by a voucher to download the klassic costume for Jade for the upcoming Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s Mortal Kombat. Both the Blu Ray versions and the game will launch simultaneously on April 19th in North America for PS3 and Xbox 360. A digital copy is also included on each disc. Here are the extras that will be included in the Blu-ray releases:

Mortal Kombat:

• Animated piece: Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins
• Theatrical trailer
• Mortal Kombat video game trailer (in HD)

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation:

• Theatrical trailer
• Mortal Kombat video game trailer (in HD)

The PS3 version of the upcoming Mortal Kombat has the upper hand, with the DLC being the second exclusive announced. The first exclusive is a bumper one, Kratos being a playable character! More info on the game as it is revealed.

Thq announced that all DLC for Homefront will arrive on 360 first. 360 version will also get an exclusive map name Suburbs. It is like that COD deal MS announced at E3.

Homefront will be released on March 8 in the US and march 11 in the UK

In classic Activision style, a DLC for their latest COD game was announced a few hours back. Titled, First Strike, Major Nelson revealed it in his podcast which he posted today.

If you remember Microsoft announced exclusivity of any COD: Black Ops DLC till 2012, so this one is exclusive to the 360 for a short period of time. Dan Bunting from Treyarch said this in the Major Nelson podcast.

Competitive Multiplayer Maps:

• Discovery: based on the Antarctic Reznov mission
• Kowloon: Kowloon rooftops
• Berlin Wall: Checkpoint Charlie
• Stadium: American hockey rink

Co-op Maps:

• Ascension: Zombie Map

The DLC would be launched on February 1, 2011 and would cost 1200 MSP.

Screenshots

The last half of 2010 has been really devoid of any notable PS3 exclusives and it’s sad to say that it’s been one of the most low key Holiday sessions for the PS3 in recent time. With Gran Turismo 5 yet to get a concrete release date, Sony’s prospects doesn’t look bright. However, fast forward to 2011 and everything changes, the PS3 boasts the best line-up of games in its history for 2011. With so many great exclusives coming up, it seems impossible for any other console to overtake it in 2011.

However, there’s more, apart from exclusives, 2011 offers to deliver some of the best PS3 exclusives ever, yes, games which shone brightly on Sony’s next-gen console are about to get even more awesome with some amazing follow-ups set to release throughout the year of 2011.

Gamersmint picks the 5 most awesome PS3 exclusives which are due out in 2011 for our dear readers and tells you why you should be looking forward to these amazing “next”.

Killzone 3

Killzone 3 takes you deeper into the helghan planet, its predecessor was a brilliant shooter for the PS3, this one aims to surpass that in all ways possible. Having played the beta, all I can say is KZ3 will be a masterpiece.

KZ2 was the best looking game on the PS3 when it launched, the beta graphics have proved that Guerrila Games have pushed the envolope even further with industrial cities, snowy environments and many such massive locations. Not only has the graphics evolved, the MP is looking better than before, with new weapons and modes sure to make Killzone fans happy.
Killzone 3 comes out next year and will raise the bar as far as shooters on the PS3 go, because the tech Guerrila Games employs is second to none.

Resistance 3

Resistance 3 was unvieled at Gamescom this year, both the previous games were massive hits on the PS3. Resistance 3 will make you witness the battle for humanity’s survival against the Chimera.

Resistance 2 was my favorite PS3 game when it launched, the MP modes were diverse and fun,  not only there is confirmed campaign co-op but there seems to many new modes that the players will enjoy when the game launches.

Those towering bosses  and unique weapons will be back in Resistance 3. This is one game all PS3 fans should watch out for because Chimera are here to kick ass and take names. Nathan Hale is no more, but who says Capelli can’t finish the job? he was the one who shot Hale after all!

LittleBigPlanet 2

Originally planned to released in November this year, Sackboy broke many a fans hearts by getting pushed back into Jan 2011 but public apologies by Media Molecule and Sony and ensuring fans that the delay was done to make sure that they can ship out the best product possible, all’s weel again and the BETA videos which we have all seen via youtube makes sure that this game is going to be one helluva ride.

You will be able to play the creator once again and Sackboy will be in your hands and you can shape place him in almost any world that you want to. That, topped with great community features, tremendous flexibility and amazing support that game will get post-release, PS3 fans will get busy once this game releases. We will be posting our very own creations too!

Infamous 2

Made by Sucker Punch, the first game took everyone by surprise. Zapping people with lightning is the best thing ever and Infamous did not disappoint.

Infamous 2 still follows the story of Cole Mc grath who has to fight the beast in this sequel. The graphics are improved and the gameplay seems really good as well. The first game sold really well and had a decent fanbase. Infamous 2 will expand that providing you with one of the best superhero game, this industry has ever seen.

Every PS3 fan should be on the lookout for this game.

Uncharted 3

Yeah, we know it’s yet to be official but innumerous hints and leaks suggests that Naughty Dog is already hard at work making the sequel to one of the finest games ever made and undoubtedly the best TPS on the PS3. We can only imagine how much better can something which is almost near perfect can get but you can count on ND to deliver an experience which will blow us all away.

What adventure would Nate embark on this time? Where will the game be set? Boy, thinking about all these gets us all the more excited. The game should be releasing somewhere in the fall of 2011 and boy if it happens, a LOT of PS3 fans will have one happy Holiday session next year.

Think this is the shit? Think again as there’s ton more exclusive goodness planned for 2011 for the PS3, however these are sequels you should be looking forward to the most!

Crytek announced their next project over at Korea today.

It is a FPS titled, Warface.  The game will have a “near future setting” and will be using CryEngine 3.

It will be featuring a “PVE universe” for team-based missions as well as class based ones.

The game is part developed by Crytek Seoul and will be “especillay dedicated to Korean and other Asian markets”.

The shocker however is that the game will be “free-to-play” which will be supported by a micro-transaction model.

“Our passion is to always deliver the best gaming experience possible. That’s why we opened our Crytek Seoul office in 2008 which today enables us to offer a game that is tailored to suit its market. We’re excited to debut with Warface in South Korea and to deliver a compelling and truly unique experience soon.” said Cevat Yerli, CEO & President of Crytek, in the press release.

Rather interesting, PC fans should be keeping a tab at this. We’ll keep you updated as more emerges.

Mark your calendars, Sony is teasing a exclusive reveal for December 12th, a day after the Spike VGA’s concludes.

There is not even the slightest hint as to what the new exclusive could be. Uncharted 3 or a new IP? Let the hype begin.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

Can it be?

Never-seen-before images of the PSP2 have been reportedly obtained by VG247.

Though it’s not the final product but the current PSP2 dev kit. As you can see, there are two thumbsticks with a sliding screen same as on the PSP Go. There is a trackpad on the backside of the console and twin cameras, one is front facing and the other is on the rear.

We have been constantly hearing about the PSP dev kit in recent times. EA said earlier it had “exposure” to the unit, and developer Netherrealm had also hinted at working with the PSP2 a few weeks ago.

Grapevine has it that this next gen console will be featuring a High Def screen and will have double the RAM which Xbox 360 currently has. All these specifications makes this device a powerful gaming machine, although what processing chip it will contain is yet to be finalised.

Have a look at these pics and enjoy for now. These aren’t fakes as VG247 confirms.

Fallout New Vegas, due for release tomorrow on PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, is getting an 360 exclusive DLC. No details on the DLC itself were given, but the press release said the “first downloadable content” would be exclusive to Xbox Live. More info will be “released in the coming weeks”.

We’re excited to continue the partnership between Bethesda and Microsoft, and build on the success of the game add-ons released for Fallout 3 on Xbox LIVE,” said Bethesda’s US PR boss Pete Hines.

“We have no doubt that gamers will be thrilled with seeing a new add-on pack extend their adventures with Fallout: New Vegas on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE,” added Microsoft GM product manager for IEB, Matt Barlow.

Plans on the DLC were first confirmed by Fallout: New Vegas producer Chris Avellone way back in April. Plans for more DLCs to other consoles are still in the horizon however.