Hey gamers! Response to this here PlayStation.Blog has been so impressive, that SCEA decided that someone needed to be brought in to help keep an eye on it full time. I’m that person. Really, I’ve been lurking behind the scenes here for over a month, but it’s time to come out and say hello.
Among other things, it’s my job to help connect those who create software, hardware, and peripherals for PlayStation systems, and those of you who play them. And I can’t do it without you, the faithful and passionate readers.
So keep those comments coming – we’re reading them! Also, please feel free to utilize the Contact Us section (on the right side of the blog) if what you wanna say is off-topic. We read that too, even if we don’t necessarily have enough hours in the day to write back to each of you.
In the near future, we plan on coming to you more and more, finding out what you want to know and what you’d like to see here on PlayStation.Blog.
As a lifelong gamer, and a PlayStation fan since the days of (the original) Twisted Metal, Resident Evil and Crash Bandicoot games – I’m ecstatic to be here and to serve in this role. Keep me busy.
PS – shoot at me online: JeffPS
@Jeff I’m sorry but I need to ask these questions:
1.1 This blog made for US users only, or for everyone?
1.2 If this blog for US users only, then is there any plans to create official PS blog for other countries and regions?
1.3 Are you planning to unite all PSN in one? Will we see the day with one PSN and the same content for all countries?
2.1 Any comments about upcomming divx? (when, specs, avi compatibility, HD support, etc…)
2.2 PAL ps2 backward compatibility list. When will we see a firmware that can increase this list instead of decreasing it? (more support not less)
2.3 VPN or PPTP support. Do you at least know that “some people in some regions need this feature”?
3.1 Why pcsx2 team can emulate ps2 games on PC and playstation team can’t emulate it on 40GB ps3?
3.2 Any plans about removing ps1/ps2 region restriction? Add more ps1 games to PSN? At least SCE games… ? Konami? Square? Twisted Metal 2? =)
3.3 What happend with Japan-developers? Where: Vandal Hearts/Breath of Fire/Suikoden – like games? Why suddenly everething bacame shooters?
Thank you for your time Jeff.
Am, not, Torgo! ;)
Your podcast is still the best PS one out there. You’ve got no real competition, but still. :p
Hey, great to see someone reading our comments.
Just wanted to say the web browser needs much help. I need to be able to update flash player/updates. It would be great to see support for a 3rd party browser too! (Firefox, Opera etc.)
Jeff…if I wanted to stop Tim Tebow, should I use a Sword of Jorts or a Spear of Mullet?
Also, can you give me a free PS3?
@Jeff
Hey Jeff, one quick question. I know “This blog is not meant for 1-way communication”, but is there someone who does the same thing you do in the Gamer Advisory Panel. Because I noticed that the PlayStation.Blog is similar to the GAP. Is the PlayStation.Blog a replacement for the GAP or am I comparing them to much alike?
Thanks.
welcome
Hello Jeff,
it’s great to hear who is the guy communicating the blog feedback back to Sony internally. I hope you have read carefully the comments when the Uncharted demo was released. I think the non-global structure of the PSN in a global network is one of the key problems regarding the PSN.
Other than that, the one thing i really miss is a possibility to submit feedback and ideas. If i do that with some service email adress from Sony, i am pretty sure the information never reaches a person “in charge”. On the other hand, if i post ideas to some PS3 forum, the discussion ends pretty quickly with comments like “there is no point in discussing this here, nobody from Sony is reading this”. I think, an official public issue/feedback management system is the key where everybody comment on ideas in a blog-like manner and vote in Bugzilla-style way (if you know what Bugzilla is). I guess this would make your life easier as well and the guys planning firmware updates could simply sort the ideas by number of votes to get some idea what the community wants. How about that? By the way: I don’t even now what in-game xmb is supposed to mean – i need that central point to look that up and put my vote for that. Opening such a platform would truly underline the community commitment and effort by Sony. Ideas and Problems need to be discussed publicly in an organized fashion and not be lost in some internal trouble ticket system where the community cannot raise the voice.
That said, i want Video-Skype for the PS3 – a perfect application for the PS-Eye and that kind of interoperability with other platforms would really boost the usefulness of a video chat.
Hola El Jeffe!
It’s great to see Sony is officially saying they read our posts!
You are going to be a very busy man!
As for my suggestions as to what the “pulse” of the Blogs is saying..
1) Please Fix Backward Compatibility issues that arose out of Firmware update 2.00 and 2.01.
It really is a big deal! I have over 200 PS2 games, and we still play them more than our PS3 games… It is sad to see it get actually worse than better!
2) Fix the feedback echo with the Playstation Eye while chatting, it is really annoying!
3) Please let everyone know that we NEED all the video codecs available to make the PS3 a media center hub like it was supposed to be, DivX recently announced upcoming compatiblity with PS3, but no announcements have been made. We need also Xvid and MKV playback functionality! If this is going to be “cutting edge tech” than you at least need to have formats that have been available for over 5 years! DivX is a great start tho!
4) Get the word out to Whip those developers into shape!!! I know this has nothing to do with you, but games being released on Xbox360 WEEKS before the PS3 title ships is just embarrasing, and then the PS3 version has frame rate issues, screen tearing, etc. etc. the 360 version doesn’t have is unacceptable. It has seriously made some of my friends purchase the 360 instead of the PS3 becasuse they feel that the PS3 versions are always LATE and WORSE than the 360 release….
WE gotta fix that!!! 360fanboys ALL over the internet are throwing that back in our faces…it sucks! I just want the PS3 to be all it can be!!
4) Ingame custom soundtracks…CMON!!! Even the original Xbox could do this…I have been waiting since this time last year when I got my launch 60gig PS3!!!
5) Keep listening to your customers!
It’s great to know you are here reading our comments! thanks!
Welcome aboard Jeff.
@Jeff 1 more..
Why can’t we share Videos & music via the XMB friends list, why only pictures?
Jeff…. really nice to see you on the blog… You were a much needed asset as I posted in off topic comments revolving about firmware 2.0 and the state of Sony and what they need to do to fix it.
One piece of advice I would give you would be don’t be quick in banning people.
In game XMB is something that allot of people feel passionate about and you must be able to relate to their frustration over a lack of consideration on Sony’s part to put rumors to rest.
You are here now to represent the community and in my view this is a much bigger step then any firmware update could achieve because it shows signs of Sony as a company restructuring the way it develops ideas and addresses consumer demand.
The best type of advertising is the consumer, you wouldn’t expect a guy who thought that the food in a restaurant was bad to recommend it to his friends and this hurts a company.
I’m not going to complain that we don’t have in game xmb. What I’m more disappointed with is Sony not clarifying the possibility of in game xmb… If its a planned feature say so officially, if not then state that fact. The mystical 2.0 update was clarification that something needs to be said on Sony’s part.. If you let it drag on then you have people so pissed that in every article they post in game xmb multiple times.. You have fans moaning about each other because they want this feature or they don’t … You have people saying its coming with home when their is no proof behind it…
Another thing is I don’t know how Sony’s software department works specifically but before software is written then a dev document is usually designed.. A short list of features or bugs in which you want to address in your next build. Maybe if a feature list could be released with firmware updates along with change logs.. These feature lists could contain hoped features for the next firmware update.. If this was done then a huge amount of bickering and rumours would fade away and it would help clean up sony’s reputation on blogs and forums around the net.
When is Home Open Beta Coming?? Is it really coming out this Nov 29 , 2007? Please comment on this everybody wants to know the answer because we all know Home is coming in Spring 2008 but what about the Open Beta that was promised?
Thanks
Joel
OK, Jeff, I’m impressed with your interactive feedback here. Nice to know someone on the inside is not just listening, but writing back in specific response to messages. Awesome debut.
Please get back to us about the upscaling with FW 2.01
I want to know wht the UK doesn’t get a blog like this, does it just mean Sony doesn’t value the european audience as much despite making us wait longer for the console, get charged more and always removes features from us first (emotion engine and software BC)? Well I guess those things does show a lack of care for Europe actually.
Also why was the backwards compatibility removed (BC) when Sony admitted it wasn’t a matter of cost and there was little other reason except to try and make a difference between the 40gb and 60gb models to drive sales of the 60gb?
Can I also ask when the date for the UK TV recording feature will be announced?
Thank you Jeff.
To minimize trolling from 360 fanboys. Have a site or forum only accesible from the PS3 browser
This is awesome, you are doing a great job answering questions… this will be the real test of how much you care about the customer….PLEASE PUT TRIALS OF TOPOQ ON THE PSN!!!! its been in europe for so long!!! please man…..trials of topoq…please…… oh yea and in game xmb…lol (and the biggest problem that needs to be fixed is a static issue that happens when turning on/starting a game.) Thanks man!
or possibly a user account tied to PS3 ownership
Jeff,
glad to see you posting this.
I am happy to read on how pro-active Sony is being with keeping communications open with the gamers.
Just let me know that they are hard at work on “in-game XMB” and all the other bells and whistles that I am used to on Xbox Live and I will be a happy camper.
@Sigil: I agree with a lot of what your saying there, but as you have *just* proved; this board isn’t just for US residents, UK people can post and view too, and it’s all the same language! ;)
As for our consoles costing more, I do feel this is a valid point and one that unfortunately represents a trend with most electronics in this country.. Although why, especially when the £ is so high, is beyond me!?
Im really glad that Sony are taking a pro-active approach to interacting with the community.. nice to have you aboard Jeff!
One more thing Jeff (hope you read my previous comment). bnz said very importang word: “Bugzilla”, I would say: “PS3 Wiki project”. MAKE IT. We need technical troubleshooting service – wiki style with appropriate community. Official.
Welcome Jeff. Hope to annoy you with helpful complaints. Starting with the PSP. It is a great hand held system but the name PSP slim aint working. The device should be called PSP lite. I know there is DS lite but who cares. The PSP is not slim but it is ridiculously lite. Also why is it that the buttons on it are not able to light up in the dark. I would have expected Sony to allow a back light for the buttons. Anyway just doing my part. As a gamer advisory panel member i am happy that Sony put this blog up. Seems like we the consumers are being taken more serious with concerns for our beloved brand.
@typikal82 – that earned an LOL. Like a true Laugh Out Loud. Now I need to get back to work on my Jump to Conclusions mat.
@DarkUSS/NAZAR – This blog is technically an SCEA blog, written in North America. We’re not ignorant to the fact that the interweb ignores borders, so that’s why things don’t always apply to everyone. If you didn’t already know about it, ThreeSpeech has a decidedly European angle.
@controlfreakloveslave – Tim Tebow cannot be stopped (and that’s the end of any football talk here. For now).
@those with suggestions – ok, consider them heard. Announcements will be made when things are official, please stay tuned, and thanks for your continuing patience.
@Jeff
Welcome to the community in your official capacity. Like many users have said before, you are in for a rough time reading these boards.
I’ll see you online
Jeff,
Welcome. Awesome that you already posted quite a few times answering some questions. Any idea when I’ll be able to activate Media Server Detection without losing my connection to PSN? Right now I have to have it disabled in order to stay online. Other than that, I’m a proud owner of the PS3 and am looking forward to all there is to come. Hopefully HOME is around the near corner? I think that’ll be such a great program to get lost in and just kill time with.
for the ps3, there is the ticker, why not just link it directly to this site, add an rss feeder to the ps3 and allow us to download other podcasts, a faster rewind and fast forward feature for audio files so that i can listen to them, and ultimately just give the ps3 the same abilities as the psp before sony does anything else.
on top of that as i have said before, i, alond with many others, do not want to hear a thing about what you and the rest of the ps3 devision are planning until i can actually use my ps3 to its fullest. i need to be able to send in-game messages to friends, plain and simple.
as for the psn PC store, i would love to be able to download files, or more in tune with what torrenting is, where you dl the queue file and then from the client you download the actual file. the way it is right now i am having all sorts of connection issues because of my poor internet connection. a pause the download and continue when i can scenario would be best, a lot like what the ps3 has.
either way, thank you for coming out and reading our comments, i hope sometimes that we would be able to have our questions answered in an email form of some sort without the marketing speech, but i know that is impossible at times and especially with the amount of questions people would ask.
@ Global inferno: I post here because there isn’t a UK one though, if there was a UK blog I’d be there.
No idea why it’s so high and I don’t particularly take issue with Sony charging more as for the money they offer more than any other console even proportionally but it is a deterrent in my mind when I see that I’m buying something someone else will get £100 cheaper for no reason other than they live in a different place.
@Jeff
In a time like this with so many people, its truly amazing to see such a huge corporation posting frequent blogs & not just reading the comments, but also responding! I worked at a high-end car audio shop for 3 years(retailer of the year 2 yeas in a row – Mobile Electronics Magazine), and it was practically murder just trying to get the manufactures to talk to you on anything but sales, even with the high-level of a shop we were. I’m looking forward to everything SCEA has to offer in the coming years, and the fact that you are in direct contact with your customers just makes me hate Microsoft that much more :-)
If you guys are in touch with the consumers this much, I can’t imagine the support you’re giving to the developers. Game quality is going to skyrocket!
On the PS podcast you should have tips and tricks.
Like how to set up a media server and how to troubleshoot common issues.
And maybe show us hidden things that might not be common knowledge to us all
Welcome aboard. And just to make your job worth while today…
Is there a list of PS employee PSN account names? I know Microsoft has XBL account information somewhere so you can add them as friends. Is there a way to do that with PS ppl?
Also is there any planned update to allow digital audio output and analogue audio output at the same time? That is probably the thing I am looking for most. Well that and playing music in-game.
@128 – metalhaze
Yes!! I like the way you think. A section of the podcast could be devoted to stuff that the average user might not know, but is still really cool!
Please try to put in-game XMB into the next update! If we can use the web browser in game, that would allow us to accept clan battles, etc. without leaving our seats.
Also, please improve the internet browser.
And please have Home come out soon.
I gotta say, I’m really impressed with this blog so far. Keep it up . . . this is really a good thing.
`why is bowling the only game
thats going 2 use custom soundtrack
and will there be patch 2 add it
to other psn games
Hey Jeff Rubenstein! I hope you enjoy your time here.
Do Sony ask you to keep them up to date with what people say here? I know Sony are asking for feedback from people which is a great thing.
Anyway as a PS3 owner, i cant wait for HOME. But one feature im sure you have heard alot of is ‘in-game XMB’.
First, there are tons of lost sales on games that do not provide the option to upscale from 720p to 1080, as this forces HDTV owners with tvs that only accept 1080 and not 720 to play their game in SD (NON HD) 480, this needs to be adreesed in some way, even if to say it won’t be fixed.
Second, remote start deos not work correctly, Sly The Boss can explain best, but beasucally the PS3 will turn itself on randomly regardless of how the router is set, up (tho very much less so if not in DMZ) and now it completely disables remote start after it starts on its own. in needs to be fixed as this once cool sounding and ballywhoed feature is broken!!!!
Hey Jeff – Are we going to see HVB this week? I just saw the PlayStation site changed the release to “Fall 2007”, but Pain is listed “Nov 2007”. Or is this another “no comment” question ;)?
Lots of things i would like to see improved.
Video playback, i am surprised that you don´t support .TS files that uses MPEG2 codec, the MPEG2 decoding is already there.
The same goes for .TS files with MPEG4/AVC/H.264.
Why not just take the video player to the next level and finally open it up to the world of codecs (divx is cool btw though it´s not really the choice for the HiDef generation).
The same goes for Surround decoding, you still doesnt support basic surround encoding from the XMB video playback. Today people/nerds are using their PC´s to record DVB´s and i as well as them would really love to use the PS3 as the primaty playback device.
Ohh and please add playlists to videos as well, at least make it possible to play all videos back to back :-)
Good Blog, check it daily using your widget.
Great to meet you Jeff, its nice to know that there is someone on the “other side” listening to us.
Hi, Jeff!
Once suggestion I would love to make is for the PS.Blog to host more contests with neat prizes. The Playstation knowledge thing was a lot of fun, and I’m sure more people would love to be able to participate in such activities. Some suggestions would be contests for user-created themes, wallpapers, etcetera, perhaps geared towards popular games (Ucharted: Drake’s Fortune Theme Contest would have my panties in a twist) or even the Playstation brand in general.
Those types of things would be a great way to interact with us, and for us to interact with each other and you lot at SCEA.
Hello and Welcome Jeff.What I’m about to type.I’m sorry but I have to say this your Moderators are horrible when it comes down to what we can say or what we can’t say..Oh For Pete’s Sake I was typing what I don’t like about War Hawk and they get mad at me?..Sad the way Sony has there Communication today on the Forms etc..Whatever happened to the call us campaign?..Look at how sloppy Sony’s Web master’s are they never tell you that they will fix the problem etc..I seriously think SCEA/Incoginito need to sit down and talk about what problems are messing up the online experience for the other players who are trying to rank up etc..And the lagging is awful in most of Sony’s online games.. Hey maybe you guys need to charge to get rid of the cause’s that are messing up War Hawk etc..
And when is 2.2 coming out Jeff?? 2008 God I hope not its the same for all those promises Sony keeps letting go of..Oops lets forget about this XMB music player this time and lets forget about being able to chat without having to leave your game!..Man now that frustrates me that we can’t have a like what 360 has with the PS3!..Ok I will stop complaining but it now! But still I think it needs to be addressed ASAP!..Have a Great Christmas Jeff Amen!
Welcome ;)
Only one question… is there any chances that next firmwares will upgrade backward compatibility with PSOne games?
Tahnks for any infos
Finally, a true nerd to communicate with the masses. Good Luck Jeff.
@musiol it plays muppets racemania what more could you want…. lol
Great, we finally have someone.
I hate it when SONY stays QUITE. It annoys gamers.
Why can you just blurt out say WE ARE WORKING ON IN GAME XMB ACCESS?
Not, I cannot comment even though i know.
David jaffe should be the man that answers are questions because he straights out says Whats going on. Not keeping quite.
Also, is the PSN update today or thursday?
Jeff, do me a favor. Grab your megaphone and scream IN-GAME XMB!!!!!!
Hi jeff- first of all liked to say your already doing a great job by replying frequently to questions on the ps blog.
Could you please publish a list of upcoming content for the ps store….. threespeech already do this for the european store, i understand that delays happen but a rough schedule would be great.
@Jeff
Nice job mate, congratulations.
If you decide to make podcast, than i would like you guys to have part like Insomniac full moon show called “mistery guest”.
Interviews with developers is always nice
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