Hi again! It’s great to see the positive reaction to the unveiling of system software update v2.40. We can’t wait for you to finally go hands-on with XMB access in-game and the Trophy system – and it’s less than 2 days away. Not surprisingly, a number of you have posed questions both here and on other forums. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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Will voice-messaging/private chat be featured in 2.40 as well? If not, can we expect to see this feature added in the future?
We are evaluating the opportunity to offer voice chat, but for this update, we wanted to focus on text messaging as the key priority for communications that our users have asked for.
Can you use the web browser in game?
No, you must exit the game before browsing the internet.
Will In-Game XMB come up during playback of PS2 games, Blu-Ray discs, and DVDs?
The XMB is an exclusive feature for PS3 game titles. Accessing the XMB during gameplay was the top request from our users, which we focused on for this update. However, we continually engage PS3 owners for feedback and will evaluate the opportunity to offer XMB access during movie playback in the future.
Can we go to the display settings and change anything there in-game (resolution, input, etc)?
No, you must exit the game before changing these settings.
Will it be possible to change in-game the sound output?
Yes, sound output changes are supported.
Will we be able to access the PLAYSTATION Store while in-game?
No, but you can view your downloads in progress.
Will we be able to stream music (either via media server or USB drive) for custom soundtracks or is it relegated to music stored on the HDD?
Currently only music stored on the HDD is accessible in games that support this feature. We’d also like to reiterate that Firmware v2.40 merely enables custom soundtracks. It’s up to developers to include this feature in upcoming games (or to patch existing ones).
Does 2.4 enable cross game invites? Will it down the line?
No, cross-game invites are not available in this system software update. We are evaluating opportunities to expand on the new features delivered in 2.40.
Will trophies be mandatory for all games release here on out?
We are working with developers to ensure that Trophies are supported across the board in the future.
Where is each player’s trophy stat info held? I am going to upgrade my hard drive and I don’t know if the trophies will still be on my account if I earn some and then get a new hard drive.
Trophies will be attached to users’ PSN ID. Trophy data needs to be synchronized to the online account on PSN to be transferred to the new PS3 system.
Will the patch automatically allocate unlocked trophies according to your saved files or would you have to do it again?
No, Trophies aren’t retroactive.
Can we view PSN profiles/Trophies from a PC using a Web browser? Will there be an API for web developers to access the PSN data, so online profiles can be created?
We’re evaluating these opportunities to expand where Trophies can be experienced.
Can you only compare trophies with friends that are online?
As long as a friend has a PSN account, you can compare trophies with them regardless of their online status.
Is there a limit to how many trophies the devs can put set by Sony?
There’s not a limit on number of trophies, but there’s a value assigned to each trophy. Developers must balance out the trophies that are available to stay within an overall value based on whether the game is considered large-scope or small-scope. Essentially, a user that has unlocked every trophy in one game would have the same level as a user that unlocked every trophy in another title, all titles (depending on scope) have the same overall impact on a users’ level.
Will new games have a cool little icon on the back saying “trophy compatible?”
We’re currently working on how Trophy support will be messaged to the consumer on our software packaging.
When you get a trophy, does it make a noise?
Currently, no.How quickly things can change – there *will* be a sound effect when you unlock a Trophy.
What is Eric’s favorite cheese?
Mozzarella
Once again, we will continue to evaluate opportunities to enhance the PLAYSTATION 3’s system software throughout the console’s life cycle. Consumer feedback has contributed greatly to the contents of Firmware v2.40, and continues to be appreciated. Don’t forget, this Firmware will be available for download on July 2nd.
Will this update be available for download Tuesday at midnight?
Do trophies do anything? Do they give users unique avatar pictures or some kind of content? Do they give users items in Home? I’m just curious, as this seems like a way to give users an additional incentive to get trophies, buy games and would allow you to one-up the competition.
Can u be more specific about the Trophy retroactivity please? Warhawk trophies HAVE TO BE retroactive? Everything is stored on the server after all. There is no save file.
Please add more previous first-party game trophies!
for example:
Motorstorm
Folklore
I second what RESPONSE #488 says
please :)
@ 488
Uncharted won’t be patched for Trophies, man. No older PS3 game will be. PSN games, might cause they’re smaller.
resistance
Motorstorm
Uncharted
R&C
Heavenly Sword
COD4
Basically every game you have in your collection now won’t be patched. MGs4 isn’t even being patched as of right now. forward thinking I suppoe.
This is why Sony should’ve had this stuff at launch.
gamesblow, Resistance 1 is being patched, Ted Price confirmed that both Resistances are going to be Trophy enabled. Naughty Dog also said a while back that they would look to patch Uncharted.
@493
That’s what I said… online games needs to be in that way. But single game play need to earn it again that’s true… will produce an Armageddon lol but online game how I will do it again? what I will suffer will be for pain lol but jets to play it again then. That’s why the game save needed to work in the same account only.
I’m really excited about finally being able to communicate with my friends without leaving the game.
I’m not too happy about the lack of retroactive trophies, though. I put a couple hundred hours in Oblivion, and although I love that game, have no desire to play through it all again just for bragging rights.
@488 and 495
Can you send me your save file so I can have all the trophies you earned..
You may so no, but I’m sure I’ll find them on the net somewhere.
I understand why.. you don’t?
2.40 is a great way to start July. Hopefully E3 will bring even more exciting news!
Hopefully down the road we can see cross-game invites, voice messages and cross game voice chat!
Wow… 2.4 is gonna be the BEST FW update by FAR!! AWESOME JOB SONY!!!!!!! You just keep making the PS3 better and better — the only thing i ask for is installation to be automatic installation of downloaded things…or to be able to stream video trailers on the store without downloading them…Thanks for all the hard work u have put in to make the PS3 the best game console EVER!!!!
Thanx for the hard work and bringing these features to our console! Keep up the good work and continue in your efforts to create a great media center. Hope to see home soon! Cheers!
@ 500, it’s not about ‘stealing’ trophies. I’ve never used a gamesave, what I’m saying is that I don’t like the idea of 100% some of my games again. GTA, Uncharted, I love both of these games, but I dont have the energy to go through them with such dedication.
As for the ‘stealing’ trophy thing, if you had read what I said about DMC4, I think something like that would’ve voided the need for trophies that arent retroactive.
Sony really should’ve looked into locking the gamesave to the PS3 system. Problem solved. Then I can’t give my save to you so you get my trophies and visa versa.
Then again, I’m sure they dont wanna invest their time/money into something like that.
Great update either way.
Can we please, please, please get a voice chat option that will allow us to bypass the absolutely retarded voice chat options available in most games? When I hope into a public server in just about any game I don’t want to talk to the fools on there, assuming that they even have mics (you guys need to pack that in the freaking box), and there’s no other way to just chat with my friends. Just give us an open mic option that runs on top of whatever game is playing.
update 2.40 is only going to have 1 feature that every one will use fro mthe start is that in-game IM ……not every one has stardust Jeff ….why a PSN game not a PS3 game …
update 2.40 is not even worth it dont you get it Jeff …..you only think of your self not what we the people , we the gamers out there what .
i dont care about in-game IM ….its somthing i will not use ….all i care about is the in-game music …..most games has crapy music or have no music at all …
It seems more or less that Sony isn’t making Trophies, Custom Sound Tracks, etc. a required part of PS3 games (I’m referring specifically to future titles), personally I find that more disappointing then say the lack of voice chat, cross-game invites, etc. but none the less what Sony is releasing is a great update, and is no doubt going to be a great foundation for future development & improvement on features for the in-game-xmb.
Good work though on the 2.40 coverage, I’m looking forward to future video’s from the PS Blog.
@ 506
I agree 100% Not everyone wants in game messaging. I have a cell phone. Not everyone has Crap ass Stardust.
This update is a joke! They showed all these features and didn’t come thru with one of them. What a bunch of junk!
So excited!!
Has anyone thought about Skype for the PS3?
I’d be excited too, sebastian if they had 1 feature worth a damn. We had all these featurs but the one I care least about. In gaming messaging.
What we don’t get in 2.40
In game music across all games and at our discretion
no games supporting trophies but Super Stardust
2 of the biggest features and they’re not even here. I love how they showed us in game music running and now they’re not putting it in. What is that? What the hell is thaT?
@ gameblow ….i just wish that sony what understand that we the gamers know what we want …..yes the cross XMB is good but xbox 3600 already had them from the start ……if they want to beat xbox 360 or even the Wii they have to hit them hard .
they dleyed Home some many times , they dont care about us gamers ….i have a PS3 and i just wanted in-games music thats all ……i dont have to get so bored waiting for people to play on lost planet .
So the next 2.8 or something… PS2 emulation for everyone!
Oh thanks for the in game XMB…
and sorry for the outbust a few post ago.
The list of no’s on Erics FAq is head spinning if you ask me. Out of that entire list only 3 were yes.
I thought as the list was winding down we were gonna be hit with
“Is 2.40 worth downloading” and Eric was going to respond “NO”
I guess Sony really is just lost somewhere out in the forest. Its like they’re so behind the times it’s not even funny.
I guess we’ll have in game xmb, rez swapping and a full game list of trophies on ps4’s release, if they even have one. After the ps3 debacl I don’t know about Sony’s future and with 300 dollar xbox 360’s, a system that has all of the stuff we’re asking for, is there a need for ps3?
HOLY S__T!!!!!!!!!! i almost fell off my chair to see Lempel actually answering questions…maybe hell is actually freezing…LOL
thanx for making an effort
Nice.
@ Xenosaga
Preachin’ to the choir, man. I’m with ya 100%. The worst part is all these delays are really affecting the consumer. I will 100% guarantee you that in game music won’t even be an option in Sony’s own proprietary Home. Wait and see. It’ll have to be patched too.
Lsony leaving it up to the dev’s to do these “simple” task is absurd. It’s not like these dev’s are on Sony’s good side to begin with. See what I mean?
What ensures these developers are going to care enough? They have the xbox 360 to contend with on Achivments already. Why bother making more? they won’t.
Sony needed to Mandate this and be done with it. It should have been a 100% manditory thing.
I think we need some clarification here regarding the ‘new’ custom music.
We already have the ‘old’ custom music, as used in SSHD, HVB and soon Burnout, where the replace the games own background music with the custom tracks.
Now when I read that we were getting custom music from the XMB I thought it would be the XMB playing the music over the top of the game and the game would have no idea it was happening, just like on my PC where I have winamp playing while playing TF2.
To me the ‘new’ custom music just seems like a different way of implementing the ‘old’ one, if the latter is the case why do games need to be patched? They don’t need to be patched for the in-game XMB.
I remember reading somewhere that the XMB still reserves X amount of system ram for itself as well as using a SPU when running games surely there is enough free ram to play a music track.
Regarding the MS patent, does that mean it stops my example of using winamp on PC? I’, playing a custom soundtrack while in-game aren’t I?
So could someone from sony clarify exactly the differences between the ‘old’ custom music, the ‘new’ custom music?
This looks like it’s gonna be the most epic update for a long time. Congrats on the completion, and thanks for everything!
The only thing I request now is the ability to log into more than one PSN account simultaneously and to be able to use more than one headset simultaneously per console. That way I wouldn’t HAVE TO play with my friends’ friends online and they wouldn’t HAVE TO play with mine. We could mix and match.
Well the trophy game list seems pretty bland, but that is to be expected.
Oh well, maybe in 2 years or so we can expect similar features to Xbox live.
@ gamesblow i know what you mean ……im not here to IM people …..im here to play games ….if i want to IM people i would use Yahoo or AIM for that ….
i just want IN-game music is that to hard to ask ….
I wonder if it will be up tomorrow at midnight or midnight on the 2nd.
There sure are a lot of b#@%hers in here.
I was so hyped for this release, but now, I’m not looking to forward to it. My main concern, like many PS3 owners was the custom soundtracks (regardless of the game) but now i find out that I probably won’t be able to use this feature on 90% of the games I own…Thanks
At least there’s In game messaging, or does that require a patch as well?
@ RoAcH2285 …..im not a Bi__Her ……i just dont like people say something then a min later take it back ….thats kids games .. im a game i dont want to IM people while im shooting at them .
dont you understand that …thats why i dont use a headset when i play shooters …im not here for that . i spent more time on games then with my own gf at the time …
We’ve been slapped in the face by Sony, yet again, guys. Is it any wonder we keep supporting them? They string us along for long periods of time and when we finally get 1 thing we want as a whole, they string us along in promis of other things we want.
We’ll never have a fully functioning unit in the ps3.
I think it is so ironic that the xbox 360 can skip updates and hold them over to fall and what have you but Sony is so far behind they need to update, update and update all the time.
Sadly, they can’t even update worth a pluck. this update is worthless to me and the only reason why I will update is because when you don’t your system has a tendency to fail.
The trophy system might be a good feature in a year when enough games support it, but that’s it. Maybe when the trophies become worth something we’ll have in game music and other features we should already have.
A damn sleep timer even. Is that too much to ask for? A sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep timer!!!!?!?!?!
I’m done.
This sounds like a great update. Not to douse the flames on this fire, but I really am disappointed that cross-game invites arent going to be there. And also you emphasize so much on “community” and “community gaming” that I am floored that voice chat hasnt been a priority. Let me tell you why. I own both a ps3 and an xbox 360. My brother lives in Ohio. I can play Call of Duty 4 while he’s playing Halo3, Mass Effect or any game he wants and I can chat with him all along, even if one of us switches games or isnt playing a game at all. I feel Sony has dropped the ball in this department. People, I feel I speak for a majority, would choose to pick up their ps3 controller more often if communication was made more fluid on this console. Xbox 360 I feel has mastered this and I wonder to myself “Why does this seem so difficult for the PS3 to accomplish? I for one would play my PS3 much, much more often and maybe when a game is released for both 360 and ps3 it would be more likely that I would start buying the ps3 version. Like I said, I don’t mean to sound negative, but this is how I feel and there are probably MANY others with the same idea. Thank you guys for your hard work! And….can’t wait for Home!
@ Bdog1480 not get your hopes up on home it might get delyed yet agian to 2009 .
Thanks for the great update guys atleast i know how hard you guys/gals put into everything. Just a few things tho for the people complaining about stuff.
1. In-game Music: Personally i dont care for this because most games have great music and sound put into them by the hard working sound designers and composers, so ill listen to their stuff. They worked hard to get the music right for the game why not listen to it.
2. Trophies: Awesome idea. taking something already kool and fun and adding your own twist to it. I like that fact that you gain lvls instead of a gamescore that you cant do anything with but look at. Yea you can do anything with tropies but at leasst your getting something more than a number. and so wat if some game dont have trophie support right away at least they have some games out of the gate that have them. At least they have something. wat if they didnt have any games ready? That would really blow.
3. In game XMB: its great that i can view my friends and look at messages now during games. Yea it sucks that we dont have Private chat or voice messaging yet but they may come at a later date. for now this is fine by me.
4. In game Invites: Yea it sucks that you cant send a game invite to a person while they are playing another game but, if you think about it Home has in game invite(i think) so why put it in now only to have to take it out at a later date.
5. Internet Browser: It would have been nice to be able to brows the internet while playing games. you know to get strats and stuff like that. But that may also come a t a later date.
Ringht now everything that Sony is doing is for us gamers. They are listening to use unlike some other companies who do listen but may not act on what we want. Right now this is setting up for other stuff planned. And, with Sony doing FW updates more often than the other guys, we may see some of this stuff that we all want by years end.
And to all that are complaining about this update, but yet screamed and cried for all this stuff. How would it make you feel if you worked your ass off to get what your consumers wanted ASAP, but missed some things that could be put in later. Later to have those people complain that you didnt do anything. If it were me i would feel extremely awful knowing that anything i do to please my consumer only to have them spit in my face. wat make you think that Sony will give us wat we want knowing that all some of us are going to do is complain even more.
Anyway AWESOME JOB! guy/gals on a job well done cant wait to see wat you guys have in store for the next BIG fw update.
This is my first post on the blog. So please I would like a response and sorry if I re-ask questions answered.
1. Will Jeff or somebody from playstation create a page or list with up-to the minute information about the latest games that is confirmed for 2.4 features patch?
2. Will games we have no trophies unlocked for show up in our Gamer Card just because it has trophies?
3. Will we later be able to change or customize the Gamer Card look like we do for themes?
4. Do I have to be signed in online to get trophies or is there like a offline log-in?
(PS: Can you update the FAQs questions with your answers for informative questions you have answers… THX!!!!)
Thanks for all you have done !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hey eric, is the firmware going to be released at midnight PST? or another time. ThankS! and cant wait
I’ve been reading a lot of negative comments on this post. I for once has nothing negative to say. Yeah, we might have to replay our current titles. So what? It’s going to be over the summer. I’ll have more then enough time to replay Uncharted, Rachet & Clank and other AAA titles I love. This is a new chapter in the PS3’s life cycle. We should embrace this effort instead of complaining. We are one step close to perfecting our PS3’s OS.
When was it ever a chore to play through a game you paid $65 and enjoyed? I love to enjoy every single penny of my $65. =)
I’m very grateful for the effort that Sony is doing and really looking forward to Wednesday. I’m sure in future updates some of the smaller things will be updated.
THANKS YOU SO MUCH FOR DELIVERING 2.40!
@xeno
Well the rest of the f**fing world does want to be able to message their friends while playing games. When you play online you will do better with people you know and communicate with. I wanted this.
I also wanted custom soundtracks. The thing I wanted most actually. We got it. We just have to let the patches come our way. I want this bad and I know that games will get patches. Even though I want that and that I’m a gamer I still don’t come on here and b@%#H about something that we haven’t even got yet. That’s kids games. :)
I’m going to give it awhile and let the patches come our way before I get mad. Even then I won’t come on a Blog and b@#%H. If the patches don’t come than I guess it’ll at least work on all the games I buy in the future.
You’re not a b@#%her huh? You look like one from my view. No offense but you do. I for one am going to be patient. You guys can pitch a fit if you want to. I just don’t see the need to b@#%h.
Great job everyone. There are a few other features I’d love to see like being able to voice chat and having access to the XMB while watching a Blu-ray movie. These things will come in time though, I’m certain. Other things I’d like to see one day is a message beside my username that says “watching a movie” when I’m watching a DVD or Blu-ray. That way people would know not to bother me during the film ;)
I’d also really love to see the trophy total appear beside our usernames right in the friends list. Again, I know this will likely come later on, but this is the place to talk about changes. It would be amazing if you guys could link the PSP into this system. I’d love to be able to link my username on my PS3 to my PSP and have one combined account for everything. It would add a ton to the PSP as well. Imagine having trophies in PSP titles that would help you level up. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’d be all over that and it would sure help make the PSP even more special. All of a sudden PSP games could help us reach our next level when there’s not a PS3 game we’re all the interested in at any given moment. Just my thoughts, but I’m sure many out there would enjoy it.
Overall, great job and I’m sure more changes will be happening.
@ RoAcH2285 what jeff showed in the first part video was a in-game soundtrack then they said we dont get it …i mean what the hell thats kids game dude …
showing something and said we will get it and that we will not get it ….thats kids game that kids play in in school . is that fair nooooooo .
if in-game soundtrack was not going to be in this update then why even show it .
i stream all my media so i can keep free drive space. i’m really hope in game streaming audio isn’t that far off.
I have the same question as a few others. Will the update go live at midnight or some time later in the day?
@534
Exactly. I’m completely po’d, I understand the time and effort it requires to create an update like this, but honestly, your tossing gasoline in the troll fires.
Jeff Rubenstein replied on June 30, 2008 at 3:43 pm
It won’t even be an option if it’s not patched. If you try to select the music, you’ll be prompted to quit the game.
My only question is…
if the Ps3 on the video could play music without it being patched up, then why was it cut out? its a feature that is really good and it being cut out it crushed alot of people. still a very good update but i dont get why they changed the update : /
for the love of God please get rid of gamesblow
please dont ignore me…