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.
Don’t even try gimping a game and suddenly having exclusive content only accessible through Qore.
@307: The thing is Sony advertised free online as a selling point. Coming off of two updates with very little content, and now this. Doesn’t really look like much off a selling point even if the main portion of PSN, online mp, is still free.
It is still free right, or can I can expect that to disappear by year end as well?
not worth it. something like this must be free. i’d probably gonna end up watching it and deleting it off my hard drive to save space anyway. also i can’t sell it back to make some money back since its downloaded.
AN IDEAL FUTURE:
1. SONY introduces PSN Gold with monthly, quarterly and annual subscriptions!
2. Features gradually get removed from free PSN members and added to PSN Gold.
3. Console players have a reality check and realise that you get what you pay for and servers don’t run themselves.
But… we are not in an ideal world and many console gamers still think there is one magical server that runs itself and needs no care or monitoring. Not to mention that if you skipped that FAT CHEESEBURGER VALUE MEAL once a month you could afford to pay for some online content.
Seriously people, pay nothing GET NOTHING! That’s how this world is supposed to work, SONY’s just starting to figure it out online. ;-)
Okay, Sony I love you and all but… this is bull.
Paying for demos? Right now you are giving us an average of 0.3 free demos per week, we forgive you because PSN is free and it’s great. We flaunt to the Xbox crowd about our free online service. But now you expect us to pay up to $30 a month for demos… demos which you should have been supplying since the very beginning…
Qore is a brilliant idea, however instead of charging gamers and proud PS3 owners $3 per “session”, you should just place in some ads and make it free. If Qore was free, it would be brilliant, but at its current state… well it will fail.
Why are there so many people complaining? No one is forcing you to buy this. Its just like when we paid for OPM and got the demo discs. Sometimes it came with not only the demos but other content you couldnt find anywhere else. You know what we got that because we bought the mag. its no different now. You are paying for something and in return getting something for you money. The bottom line is too many people see this as nothing more than a way to get demos or into a beta which is all well and good. The whole point is to see upcoming games and its not just sony games either. After all in the first episode we will be getting content about Star Wars The Force Unleashed. I dont know about some of you but I for one am tired of watching shows or internet programs and all they show is the 360 or Wii versions. Ill be buying the yearly subscription on Thursday and will be looking forward to the first thursday in every month to see what other new content I can watch and get.
It always blows my mind that for a group of people who were so willing to spend as much as $600 on a gaming console… how cheap that same group of people can be when it comes to quality service.
This will be my last post on this topic, because this board has just been more evidence as to why I WANT to pay for online gameplay.
When everybody pays, everybody knows they have some investment in their online identity and will not so quickly sully their name.
When everybody pays, there are designated funds for the provider to allocate for the network to be maintained upgraded and evolving at all times.
There is a very simple reason we hear so much complaining about this subject right now, CHEAP people are more willing to spend time and energy complaining just to save a nickle. While REASONABLE people are patient and willing to wait for new features worth paying for.
@amurphy
Why pay for demos? whether PS Store are free
pay for Open Beta? Beta is free
pay for videos,making off? “Youtube is free”
THIS is an account like Xbox Live Gold
Paying for something that is free?
why SCEA?
why guys PS blog?
Wow I see why I never read this blogs comments. They are usually full of irrational children, who automatically decide if it isn’t done their way, or on their schedule that it is the biggest tragedy to hit gaming.
While I agree with Kittowny, that this is a very slippery slope that Sony is headed towards, The packaging and charging for content that would largely be free elsewhere is suspect. (Demos, Interviews, Themes, ect) But we have yet to see a single episode of this Qore business.
I don’t think that the packaging of largely content that would normally be free, it is the concept of exclusivity that has people up in are, unjustly or not. The concept saying OK you can get it, but you cant, because you didn’t pay, is what pisses people off.
I think Qore has a future but not in dividing PS3 owners. It should be more focused as a PS3 Exclusive not a user diving “Premium Service” program. Now it feels like, “Hey if you pay us then, we will do something for you, if not, you don’t get it”.I would think being a proud PS3 owner be enough to entitle you to be privy to this “Inside Information” these “Exclusives”.
I will try out the first month, and if It isn’t worth it, then I will never look in Qore’s direction again.
I think Sony Needs to remove the content that would normally be free, namely demo’s and themes. Pull the PSN Tag from the produce (Since that is where the “OMG PSN isn’t really free garbage comes in”) Or just make Qore an overall free addition to the PSN, since they seem so willing to swallow costs from Free gameplay, Home and everything else, why is this an exception? Why hasn’t Sony done this In-House in order to keep it free?
The complaints are valid from some of the more rational comments, not the whiny, I’m leaving, idiots.
How soon will it be until all the normally free things are packaged withing Qore, charged for but will still keep gameplay free. How is that any different from Microsoft charging for gameplay, while making Demos, trailer, and game videos free?
If all you complainer or people who don’t agree with the service, then vote with your wallet, I guarantee if no one pays for it, it will go Away, or at least the price will.
why is Qore spelled with a “Q”? I like Core better.
I’ve just had this idea and I’d like to ask:
Would it be possible for Qore to get the exclusive trailers of Final Fantasy XIII and VersusXIII that Square Enix has released at the Jump Festa in December 2007?
Since Square Enix has this private theatres mania maybe it could be possible to convince them to release those exclusively on Qore!
Thanks SONY for making the PLAYSTATION NETWORK that much better and entertaining for us Playstation fans. The ones who have been with you guys from day one. Keep up the good work.
i hope demos stay free
all this trailers and review are in youtube …”youtube is free” remember why pay?
I know that Qore doesn’t stop the normal updates, but that is the issue that arises when even the smallest amount of normally free content is taken away from the free users. Which is why Qore should be totally free or feature normally free content.
Sony needs to have a Big PSN Update week, because if they have another lackluster, that will only reinforce the stigma that People who arent willing to pay will have their content shaved, and given to the people who are.
@365 **Post correction**
or *NOT* feature normally free content.
NICE! As always, thanks for thinking outside the box, guys. Despite all the off-topic chatter, we really do appreciate all the new content/features you keep bringing to the table.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Blu-ray movie content starts showing up on Kore. Remember folks vote with your wallet
Great stuff Sony…..I agree that “EXCLUSIVE” content (demos,beta invites, etc..) should be paid for, and all your normal demos and trailers stuff remain free. Hey if you want to live the good life cough up the cash =)
@368
If it is content that we never normally received on PSN, like a Making of, or Director interview, why not?
But you said all that needs to be said, if you have issue, Vote with your wallet. I guarantee if no one pays, Qore will vanish, or will become free.
as long as online multiplayer stays free its all good, and this is a nice addition to the psn, the only thing that worries me.. is about if they start releasing game demos for qore..instead of for everyone?
@Ghostm: what games do you have that say 1080p and aren’t running at 1080p exactly? I have several from the PSN myself. Most recently I’ve been playing GT5P in 1080.
I think many of you are blowing this out of proportion and confusing this with XBLA.
This is more of a digital/multimedia publication in association with Sony. Essentially an exclusive magazine with videos and content.
It’s safe to say that 90% of all demos and themes are going to be for free on PSN. However, the publication gives the ‘hardcore’ gamer a more in-depth window into interviews and previews for games.
It’s a bonus. This type of production costs a lot of money and is worth the asking price. When the content interests me in a particular monthly release, I’ll be sure to nab one.
@370
Perfectly understandable if a user wishes to preview such content as you have stated.I have no qualms whatsoever regarding techincal reviews and behind the scenes content.
As stated earlier, I fear exclusive “game” content will be accessed only through Qore. Perhaps giving a developer the option of omitting certain levels of a game and having it accesible via Qore. I wholeheartedly agree, vote with your wallet
It wont change anything that is happening right now.Its just extra stuff ….. buy a month and see if you like it
Wow I’m not sure who’s idea this was. Just a quick question though, did anyone at Sony ever think about the consequences of releasing this? I’ll give it a week at most till people start saying “You have to pay for PSN now.”
I’m in the same boat as everyone else, I fear that within a year we’re gunna wind up having to pay for PSN or be left behind.
Sony don’t disappoint me.
@375
I’ll give it a week at most till people start saying “You have to pay for PSN now.”
Too Late, check the thread about in on NeoGaf
@ 375: You’re not in the same boat as “EVERYONE ELSE” you’re in THAT boat with all the worried people.
I personally am in the boat that WANTS to see everything under subscription. I WANT to pay for online multiplayer because it thins out the crowd… namely the people who don’t want to make an annual investment in quality online play.
SONY… please start charging for PSN soon.
;-)
This is fun.
I just wrote a big rant on my G.A.P. blog the other day about why PSN kicks XBL’s ass now I read this today. One of the reasons was not having to wait for demos wich is just rediculous and made me skip over many games or get them on the PS3 instead. This is a bit different though I’m still against it.
I don’t expect publishers to go for this. The demo is supposed to be selling the game and if a large part of their potential customers can’t get it because they’re not signed up for this crap well I don’t think they’d be happy about it. I know I wouldn’t support it if I was a developer or publisher.
@371
Jeff has already said it wont effect the normal updating of the PSStore.
They should really cut that stuff out of Qore
Interviews, Previews, Reviews, Beta’s, Behind the Scenes are fine. I mean how many people put down 5 bucks on a pre-order to MGO just to try the beta. But Demo’s and Themes should be left out of Qore because that seems to alienate the “Free” users.
What a suprise! Qore is an awesome addition to the PSN. Also, beta invites and exclusive content is really the big thing here.
I’m going subscribe to Qore this thursday.
@376
Eh I said “at most” so I’m still good. Knew the internet was fast but man.
Good Luck to the Playstation PR team, this should be an enjoyable little project.
@378
I read on some site, that Qore like a network broadcast versus syndication.
I think Qore will get an exclusive demo that will make it to everyone, hopefully no later than a week after the Qore with the demo hits.
I think what some people fail to understand is that this is a subscription just like xbox live gold. Its a sneaky way to get us to pay for what we have been getting for free. They sugar coat it with pretty marketing fud when in reality its just a video podcast with demos/betas which we would have gotten for free otherwise.
So if this was released last year that would have meant that people would need to pay to get the metal gear solid beta.
This affects content, which is sad because there is barely any already.
If this proposal never happened we would be getting the same “exclusive” content in our Thursday updates.
I don’t mind if this offer gives people a timed exclusive. That would work quite well and this would ensure that people who don’t want to watch the magazine don’t have to pay to get content which should just be on psn.
The problem I see with this whole Idea is that after restructuring sony realized that they needed to expand psn to offer movies, tvshows etc to ensure growth. This magazine seems to do the opposite and fork psn. There are other ways that sony could get money for the development of this magazine. Advertising being one of the main ones.
My overall view is that if its timed exclusives then great, if not. Big mistake.
Everyone think of it as a interactive magazine. Exclusive news, videos, demos, and beta invites. I like this idea of Qore more than I like the idea of EGM or GameInformer. It’s Innovative and greatly appreciated.
If this requires us having to pay for demos, well… there have been enough Microsoft/Sony comparisons. I don’t need to add to them.
I’m disappointed.
@383
“This affects content, which is sad because there is barely any already.
If this proposal never happened we would be getting the same “exclusive” content in our Thursday updates.”
Sure you know that for a fact, since before Qore we have had garbage updates, and since Qore hasn’t even launched we know nothing as to how PSStore updates look.
“if this was released last year that would have meant that people would need to pay to get the metal gear solid beta.”
I could have sworn that I had to put $5 down to get into the MGS Beta… or maybe that doesn’t count.
Yeah, dirtbound? You’re an ass… The stuff gets paid for other ways… Ads and such. Why would you want to THIN OUT the online players? That’s asinine… You don’t only remove bad players or annoying ones, you simply remove the ones who don’t want to pay for online…
Sony will have a revolt on their hands if they start charging for online play.
@Cheysan, its not a tiered service because Qore isn’t replacing anything that already existed on the PSN. Its a NEW thing and its being charged for. This won’t replace the demos in the store, it won’t replace the movie trailers either. It won’t replace the Blog. It will supplement them.
See my other thoughts on my own blog post @ https://blog.mikebabcock.ca/2008/06/sonys-new-qore-service.html
@384
Thats why I feel then need to drop demos, because idiots will never see it as that. They will constantly be accused of taking content from the free users.
if there were only Interviews, Previews, Reviews, Beta’s, Behind the Scenes then fine. I doubt there would be much complaint if thats all there was. Then it would feel more like an online Mag and not be accused of charging for essentials.
Especially since the last magazing I bought was double the cost of Qore and didnt come with a demo =(
@385
If what I read was correct, the demos that Qore subscribers would get will eventually be added to the PSStore for all users, how long that takes has yet to be seen.
Well… kinda like Gold memebers on XBL getting them a week earlier than silver… Since I haven’t turned on my 360 in about a year, I don’t know if that applies to all demos or just some.
only paid for Making off, Review, Preview.
but for Beta tester..uhmm…only if are in The Playstation Store, a category for example: “Beta online”
This really upsets me. You’re making people pay for exclusive content that should be on PSN anyways.
I won’t be paying.
@ 388, I get what your saying.
ANYONE WANT TO BUY A BRIDGE?
@390
No one is forcing you to pay, you can still play, download game videos, trailers, themes, voice and video chat, ect for no cost.
Wow, Sony is catching flack in several message boards over the Qore service. I seriously think Sony needs to take the time to really explain how this service works. As well as really answer some of these question’s that certain people have concerns over. The longer you let this confusion and worry go on. The worse it’s potentially going to get for you.
@394
Yep, and they need to hammer home that this does not effect normal PSN updates. That all of the features PSN users have been getting for free will still remain in tact, unaltered by having this extra feature.
Qore really ought to have its own space on the Xross Media Bar. If you buy one episode or a subscription, it should give you the option of making a space on the Xross Media Bar so you can have each issue listed underneath for easy access and organization. Clogging up my Game section with Qore isn’t ideal to say the least.
https://blog.wired.com/games/2008/06/qore.html
“PlayStation Network senior director Susan Panico implied that while the PlayStation Store would still get game demos, the big ones would go on Qore”
Paying for demos…how ridiculous. But then again, Sony already did it with GT5 Prologue.
395@
That or just make Qore free?
Why out of all things they decide to charge for this? Why?
!!
**Crams Actual Feelings Back Inside**