Today we are announcing that Qore: Presented by the PLAYSTATION Network, a highly interactive, monthly lifestyle gaming program covering the world inside PLAYSTATION is on its way to PS3. Qore has been developed to give PS3 users early access to game related content at a level of quality, interactivity and depth. Everything is filmed in HD. Qore will feature exclusive news, developer interviews, in-depth game previews and behind-the-scenes looks at PlayStation games and special access to game demos, special beta invitations, game add-ons and other downloadable game-related content.
Our premier episode will be available on Thursday, June 5. The premier episode includes in-depth exclusive and never-before released content on upcoming PlayStation titles such as SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Secret Agent Clank, Soul Calibur 4 and Afro Samurai, as well as the latest Blu-ray Disc trailers, an exclusive SOCOM: Confrontation theme with an invitation to the SOCOM: Confrontation beta, art galleries and other surprises. We also know that many of you are big fans of Veronica Belmont, the widely-known host of numerous online video programs and podcasts and an avid gamer, so we’ve chosen her to be your host.
To get Qore, simply log onto PSN and go to the PLAYSTATION Store, as you would purchase any other form of downloadable content. Once the single Episode or annual subscription is purchased, that month’s episode will be downloaded under the “Game” heading on the Cross Media Bar (XMB). Users who purchase the “Qore Annual Subscription” will notice only that month’s episode is available to download. The following month, the new episode will automatically appear in your download list. The introductory price for Qore is $2.99 for a single episode and $24.99 for an annual subscription of 13 episodes, using your PLAYSTATION Network wallet.
As Peter Dille mentioned in a previous PLAYSTATION Network post, the broader service and community initiatives launching on the PLAYSTATION Network this year such as Qore, PlayStation Home and the Video Download Service are all evidence of our dedication to delivering an all-encompassing entertainment experience for PS fans. Qore is the first in a series of planned original programming specifically created for the PLAYSTATION Network community and we hope you enjoy it.
Oh and remember when there was an “OFFICIAL PLAYSTATION MAGAZINE” with demo disc? It was $9.99 a month people, so we are getting a bargain.
PSN:frostquake
@250
2.99 man.
That’s why I’m in for the first issue.
Coming from someone that bought Gauntlet 2 and Tori Emaki (Both imo were wasteful) I have no problem with this.
I think I have found the problem here. What people don’t understand(myself included) is that Qore is actually being produced by a 3rd party company, the same one that makes PlayStation Magazine. This is an important distinction. It will make it unlikely that these exclusives were ripped from the store, and more likely that they are the same types of exclusives that magazines have been getting for years.
I really think that they should make that clear so that people can better understand what Qore is. It is a video magazine. And although as most things move to the web they become free(with ads), Qore is not. And that is a business choice that is fine, but it still bothers me that it is ad supported on top of that.
I still wonder if it will have any value to me, but I do plan on buying the first episode to see. I doubt it will, because I already listen/watch lots of podcasts covering gaming, and most of them are independent reviewers and journalists, giving an unbias(or at least closer) view of video games. But I do see the value in this service, and I’ll hold back on making a full judgment until I see something happening one way or another.
@ 221 & 223
You guys are absolutely right about the pricing. Anyways, I’m sure those Qore vids will end up on youtube sooner or later.
@ everyone who think qore will change psn
Hey everyone it go like this for qore. for those who don’t understand what’s going on, Qore is a service that give psn members a bost of in exclusive content that only appears on qore. I don’t work for sony, but i understand why qore is a paid service. The reason why is because core have a team and host, it’s like a show/ magazine that you can interact with. Im paying because i think it’s great idea, a step in the right direction. Like peter dilie said early psn is getting a change for this year. Qore is optional so what’s the problem? It isn’t like they took the online away.
Excellent move Sony. Qore seems to be one of the leading steps to make PSN a better service. But one question is why will Qore be categorized under GAME but not Playstation Network. Under PS Network it seems more organized as it is a network product.
@Sylvrfonic | June 3rd, 2008 at 11:38 am
“But, can you please tell us how PSN at large will not be robbed of demos that we may have been able to receive for free.”
Easy, look and see if it is available to the competing consoles users.
It’s awesome how Sony had enough time to put something together like Qore to charge their faithful users. Meanwhile we are going on 2 years on waiting for home and in-game XMB.
Qore and in-shirt XMB for the win!!!
Ghostm, you’re just filled with misinformation. I’m not sure how you spun the blog response into paying for demos.
Seems like you’re fetching for something to complain about even after Jeff and the other person GAVE CLEAR CUT ANSWERS to most of the complaints.
Clinton514, that’s what people can’t seem to understand, and it’s as simple as 1+1=2
Demos and the PSN are still free. If you don’t pay for qore, you miss out on NOTHING.
This is simply entertainment for hobbyists. Paying for gaming literature, or subscribing to IGN Insider and such. It’s all the same.
Yaaay something else I can’t get because I don’t have credit cards, awesome!
Jeff,
Could you please explain about the exclusive demos mentioned in the article to stop all the speculation.
Are the demos mentioned exclusive only to qore meaning the regulare PSN wont get?
Are the demos timed exclusive meaning that qore will just get them before they are available in the store?
Are the extended/different demos than the one that will be found in the store? (Ex. the quore demo has two level whereas the store demo has one)
if you could answer this, i think it would put many people’s fears to rest (or reaffirm them). Regardless it would help many to make a final judgement on whether or not qore is for them
If you can prove that every month will have something worthwhile to debut, then talk to me.
That’s pretty cool I guess. It’s pretty unique.
@256avi_66: I’m going to have to say that the way Qore was designed to function as software running on the PS3 thus the interactivity and reason for Game section. To put it simply the PS3 performs differently depending on which tab is selected and thus to provide Qore in the way it was intended, it is unable to function properly under the Network tab or even such the Video tab.
@Violater | June 3rd, 2008 at 11:49 am
“Easy, look and see if it is available to the competing consoles users.”
Ok,this is true, multiplatform titles. If a title shows up on Live but PS3 users can only get it through Qore we will know something is fishy.
But what about first party demos? (i.e. Uncharted, Heavenly Sword)
Also, please don’t get me wrong. I like the idea of the service and will likely subscribe. But, a little information could put to rest a lot of speculation, bad press and potential ill will.
While I understand you Clinton, I have to say that there is definitely reason to be insecure at this point of time, just look at the quality of the PS Store, hasn’t been great at all, especially in the Demos and Games department, now here comes Qore in which you have to pay for “Exclusive Content” which means its quite possible to have content that will never hit the light of day outside of Qore, which includes Demos and quite possibly games, themes, and betas. Example the Bad Company Demo due out this Thursday, say Sony struck up a deal with EA and now the demo is only packaged in Qore and will not be release over the PS Store, this means to enjoy the Bad Company Demo, I’d have to buy the Qore episode in which it is feature (Or even more terribly would have to own an Annual Sub. to experience this). Now while this may not happen often that doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen. Jeff and the others stated that the Qore package won’t affect normal updates, meaning that they will still be updates with content in them. Now while that’s good and all, it never stated that some content wouldn’t be subjected to exclusivity and not released on the PS Store itself, meaning that Qore is pretty much Premium content, you’ll like find no where else and thus you’re paying for it, which means that Qore can either be a good thing, or a very terrible demon, however that relies on Sony and what they feel is right. I respect all of your opinions, however I don’t think each side of the issue is understanding the others points.
THIS IS AWESOME!!!!
Thank You!!!
Ooooo. This is some very interesting stuff! I know I’ll be grabbing the first issue to check it out. If I like it as much as I think I will, I’ll get subscription.
Will we be able to put this on a PSP for mobile consumption?
This is actually cool. If you want to get in a beta of a game or want juicy info on THAT game, you will DL the corresponded episode. You don’t need to know all the info in all games…
Will this ever come to Europe? Will Europe EVER get pre-paid cards? When is DS3 coming to Europe? If they are out already…I never saw them in my country.
It’s a good idea that would be better if it ever comes to Europe.
@259 Clinton514 | June 3rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
Okay then. Can you explain to me what are exclusive demos and regular free demos? Enlighten me!
I don’t mind the Qore app. Don’t get me wrong, I think its pretty cool. I might even subscribe when the price drops. I just don’t want to have to pay for demos.
What’s not clear to me is the difference between exclusive demos and the plain ol free regular demos…
I picked the PS3 because I didn’t want to pay for services that should be free. Beta’s shouldn’t require us pay anything, neither should demos or game content. I hope sony isn’t going the way of the greedy MS. Next they will have us paying for themes.
@Andronix yes it sucks not getting everything for free, but you have to pay for dead-tree magazines that do exactly the same thing too. Welcome to paying for food on your plate.
My question is related though, why not have a sampler episode for free so we know what we’re getting into? I figure I’ll buy the $3 one episode version to try it out for that reason, but I know lots of people who wouldn’t.
@ 272 Seanscythe2 | June 3rd, 2008 at 12:18 pm
We already pay for wallpapers on singstar. Totally ridiculous!
Want to know the difference between exclusive demos and the plain ol free regular demos. You see what they did with BF:BC demo? Preorder and get the demo earlier, that means you will get demos before anyone else for games like uncharted, resistance, motorstorm, Haze, etc. Games that are exclusive to the console will most likely be given out to subscribers before the freeloaders. (namely those of us not wanting to pay) So looks like sony is looking for away to make us pay for online without taking away the online play if we don’t.
@273
Yeah I know I couldn’t belive they wanted the same ammount for a wallpaper that they wanted for a song. I’ll bite for the songs but not for a wallpaper.
I wouldn’t mind paying for this service. It sounds like a great idea. An online magazine with incentives. PSN is still the same. Nothing has changed. You will still be able to play online for free. Get the latest demos, wallpapers, and videos. QORE is there to give that avid gamer a little more. The price tag is there to help fund those extra exclusives you couldn’t get anywhere else.
Sounds pretty awesome to me. More and more developers will see the potential in this and start releasing some pretty wicked stuff on here. At least, so I hope. I wouldn’t mind if inFamous had its huge reveal on here rather than some magazine. Imagine, HD trailer, screenshots, wallpapers, maybe a theme, and a preview. I have a feeling that’s a little too much to hope for. But maybe this is why EGM has been holding back their preview. :'( I’m crying a little inside knowing how desperate I am for even the tiniest morsel of information.
Still, even it can even deliver half the content expected. Then it’s well worth the price. Thank you. Count me in. +1 subscription.
Oh, and please answer Kilpon’s question. Or rather, could you ask whoever is in charge if there could be a similar service for the PSP. I would enjoy that as well. Unless you guys plan on having it all in one, that would be great too. Just let us know. Please. :)
Latinamerica in the PSN… when? WHEN?!
i don’t asking too much, just my country in the list of my console.
I’m going to sign up for this :) Great idea and at a ‘magazine’ subscription price (which essentially what this comes off as to me), it’s a great deal. Looking forward to this.
Sorry, typo…
Look at the response in response 42.
PSN Store updates will not be compromised for Qore.
While comforting, as you can see, Sony, it’s going to take a lot of effort to convince us of this stance. See, you thought that you’d have to convince people that Qore is worth it, but instead, it looks like you’re going to have to convince people that Qore isn’t going to harm the rest of PSN.
I think someone mentioned it earlier, if both Playstation Store and Qore subscribers got demos at the same time, but Qore got a different demo, say a different level, that’d be something I think people could get behind.
Instead, if material is simply withheld, well…. keep in mind the vocal minority is usually the core fanbase as well.
Sorry if I seem a little insensitive. I come in peace still. :lol:
I’m just trying to understand why people seem to think this would be a decline in quality for free users. I think most of the responses made by the Playstation team should reassure people.
Anyhow, have a good day everyone.
Just so you guys know how much a Paper magazine signature costs, I got this from EGM
“One Year 12 issues for ONLY $12! SAVE $59.88!”
Qore is totally within price and justs because it’s not on paper, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t cost to produce. Have you ever edited a video? It’s a freaking had job and when you are doing it in HD, it takes even more work, specially from the makeup team :)
I have a request to Qore, please open some channel for feedback, it will be great telling Veronica how cute she is! hahahaa!!
this sounds cool but where is Home and will QORE be able to watch this in Home?
Well, the idea of Qore is great, BUT is understandable that people fear that they now will be charged for previously free content… and that next , HOME will be charged and finally the PSN will become a pay service.
Those are the nightmares of every PSN user.
Maybe Jeff can assure ‘us’ that the PSN will remain free until we die ;) .
THEN we can embrace Qore.
@Jeff
Good to hear we’ll be able to some day filter out the trolls.
The reality is that the Blog is Playstation’s medium for attracting non-owners to the Playstation brand, but getting constantly bombarded by negative comments from people who “say” they own a PS3 but actually don’t just hurts the work you guys do.
@Everyone else
I can see clearly that Qore will not just be a pod cast or even a blog in video form. It’s a full blown production show. There’s no way to do this without some sort of budget. Camera operators need to get paid, editors need to get paid, Veronica Belmont needs to get paid, the interviewers need to get paid, the developers putting the interface together needs to get paid.
There are a lot of man/woman hours that go into making a 1 to 2 hour TV show and Im sure this takes a bit more since it needs to be interactive.
Sure you could probably get all the same info looking around the web, but you wont get it all in HD and most of it will probably be months old. Most of the exclusive interviews you find in blogs are weeks if not months old. How else could you get into a beta program? Only way I’ve seen it is either by luck (which is very limited) or pre-ordering the game (which isn’t free).
There’s nothing here different from what PSM or any other console centric paper magazine is. Last time I looked PSM was almost $7 per issue and is packed with ads, I don’t see anyone crying foul over them. No one is asking them to give away the magazine for free and just bill the publishers for development.
i think its a great idea but i dont like the fact that it kind of impies that you have to pay to get into a beta.
In my opnion a beta should be free because you are testing a game and you will evebtualy buy that game so i dnt want to pay double for a game.
Now i would subscribe to this just because its PSN exclusive and basicly a monthly TV show but i have yet to see PSN cards around here.
I atleast want to get a PSN cards from an online store but anyway keep up the good work and if this program ever interferes with our regulat updates and demos i would have to cancel it if i ever can subscribe
@286
But ALMOST always have to pay for a beta. Usually you get to participate in betas by pre-ordering a game. A pre-order isn’t free, sure you could cancel the pre-order afterwards, but that money is now store credit which limits what you can do with it.
This is pretty cool. Hopefully this makes it easier to get into betas as my friends and I have zero luck getting into those.
I will be buying this on ASAP…
sev1512@playstationlifestyle.net
@ 271
There are a difference, Exclusive Demos are demos that are ran through a promotion and are only exclusive to the given format, regular demos are just regular demos. Your error comes from, just thinking Regular Demos and Exclusive Demos are one in the same, in which they are, however that doesn’t mean that ever demo is going to be subjected to exclusiveness under Qore. Examples like the Bad Company Demo, the demo was available early to those who pre-order the game, and those who didn’t will be able to download it this week thursday. Same with MGO Beta, in NA we had to pre-order MGS4 to get a code, and thus we entered the code to get beta. Exclusive Demos are just demos that are under a certain promotion, as opposed to just demos that are available via the PS Store. There is difference, except that some demos will be exclusive in Qore and others won’t. This is what Jeff and the others mean when they state that it will not interrupt the PS Store updates, because there will still be decent content available on the Store as well, however Qore gives you exclusive behind the scenes coverage, with some benefits like add-ons, themes, betas, etc. Like I said Qore could be a good thing or a bad thing, it depends on how Sony tips the scale, if Qore is favored and much of the content resides in Qore thus making PS Store irrelevant then it would be a bad thing, however if there is a balance between the Store and Qore then it would be a good thing. It all depends on Sony however.
Just so you guys understand, no one in their right mind pays $7 per issue for a magazine. At best you grudgingly buy one at that price then get a sub. How much is the sub? usually $10-$15 a year.
And a video blog costs a mere fraction of the costs of a paper mag. Even done very professionally, all you need is a camera, a few editors and internet infrastructure to place it on. Paper mags require a much larger staff, costs of printing, costs of shipping, etc, etc- it goes on and on. If you thingk a video blog is more expensive to make than a print copy, you’re mad…
By the way, as a side note, PSM quality went from a 10 to a 2 when they converted it to the “new” OPM (I have yet to find anyone who disagrees on this- speak up fanboys), so I have very little faith that a Sony run vid blog will be any better.
Interesting idea. I’ll just say this. Do not turn into Xbox Live. I have enjoyed my time with PSN, and that’s partially because I know I have access to everything without some inane costs for everything. Make sure that the free PSN stuff still stays attractive, not holding back free content like demos from those who do not want to pay for it.
And as usual, here is my plug for more PSN avatars (Heavenly Sword and echochrome please).
how about some pre paid cards?
Finally some thing other than Rock band tracks!!!!!LOL
@ leetfoo | June 3rd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Agreed $15/year max on principle.
@291
As far as the magazine is involved, I was comparing month by month not subscriptions. PSM is $5.99 a month (I was off by $1) Qore is $2.99 ($3 cheaper).
I never said Qore was JUST a video blog, it isnt, it has the production of a TV show which could get much more expensive to operate than a video blog. Not to mention Qore’s host is a somewhat known celebrity which in it of itself costs money (give her agent a call and find out).
Jeff, please reply to my email about ‘you know what’ (cant say what it is to the public right now) ;)
The Qore thing should go under the PSN thing on the XMB. Fix that in the next firmware update if possible.
Hey letfoo,
Qore isn’t replacing anything. It’s a program of it’s own. It doesn’t hinder the update process of the PS Store.
Just about everything people jumped to dislike before even trying/seeing the program has been quashed by Jeff and co.
At this point we do not know what the program will be like. I’ve read it’ll last anywhere from 1-2hour(s) per episode. Without seeing a full episode yet, I can ASSUME that this isn’t some cheap video-cast.
More reading material at 1UP.com regarding Qore:
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3168062