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.
Well, I don’t really totally agree with Gamesblow, in fact on other issues I’ve totally disagreed with him, but on custom soundtracks I see his point.
We need a damn good explanation why this situation seems to be the status quo and the developers get the option of stiffing us of it again.
I don’t like it when people try to hold Sony to ransom by saying things like, “If we don’t get this feature, I’ll buy an Xbox 360 as well!”, but honestly it’s a feature I like very much. I’m only 5-6 months from caving and buying one. I’m sure I’m not alone. RROD is not the issue it was and freezing/dead Blu Ray Drives is becoming one, so I may just have to think about it. Seriously, I believe other loyalists will be too.
I’m not ragingly angry about it, but I am annoyed. I don’t see it the way Codeman420 does, where he says that we should listen to the music that has been put into the games by the developers. I only like the game music more than my own about 30-40% of the time. I love hearing my tunes whilst playing and this is a high priority for many of us.
We need to hear what the issues are. It’s only fair.
We also need to hear exactly how hard Sony is asking developers to add this feature.
This was my number one wish for Firmware 2.4 and many of us have been sorely let down. Also an explanation is surely due for why it’s working in the demo and we are not going to be able to use it this way ourselves.
The games that we have heard are soon to get custom soundtracks……..Burnout Paradise. Is this all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please Sony, some real answers and make them good ones. This is a pale imitation of the features you know many, users want.
THanks, i must admit that i’m disappointed on the fact that we cannot access the store..i mean the most important features [or actually the only ones i plan to use] will be ingame messaging and ingame playstation store..i don’t give a damn about the others.
well for those who might not know in-game custom soundtracks or whatever it is called is patented by microsoft. So by the developers putting custom soundtracks is a way around getting into a lawsuit and pleasing us at the same time.
I Wuv PLAYSTATION!!!!!!!!!!
@504
Yeah I read your post again after I posted my comment. I see where you’re coming from from in the case of DMC4.
I don’t think it’s as easy as that though. I’m sure this was a thought out plan.
I’m sure developers are wondering if it’s worth their time to patch their old games, and how many people will replay.
Well I hope many of them do, because I’m looking forward to the added value.
Sony had a perfect update, i was excited for In-Game Music and now the truth is out, it needs to be supported by the freaking developers.
COME ON SONY!!!!!
Why can you allow in-game music to the user while In-Game. It makes no sense.
I truly do not understand Sony’s way of thinking or something.
Thanks for In-Game XMB but thanks for nothing on In-Game music support by the user.
You guys are doing a great job…Thank you so much for listening…Keep up the amazing work…
@ Craig
In game music could very easily be put into the same category as Sony’s Game 2.0 which is & or focuses on > User generated content. For a company who is touting this user generated stuff we sure don’t have any of it, huh?
It makes not 1 bit of sense for Eric to be playing with in game music on the video, for them to keep it up, and then not give it to us.
SLAP in the FACE!
Jeff Rubenstein should get a raise for answering so many questions in a consistent basis.
>.>
@cytricks. I know about the supposed patent. How is this “solution” pleasing us if we are going to have no significant number of games with custom soundtracks?
It would be fine with me if Sony had announced a list of say 15 games getting patches in the next month or so. It would be fine if there was an announcement saying that Sony are working to get even 60% of their developers to support custom soundtracks.
the truth is they are promising and delivering nearly nothing in the way of an assurance to their fans on this subject.
I’m not trying to be unfair. Look back on what I just typed. I just want a reasonable percentage of titles patched. Or some announcement. Thats not unfair to ask.
Brilliant FAQ, thanks.
One question, is there plans to update the web browser?
@541
I think the reason behind the need for devs to patch the custom soundtrack in is related to Microsoft having a patent for such a feature.
The patent is about a console being able to reproduce music on top of any other application and no matter what a developer does with it.
Now, what I think Sony is trying to do is avoiding infringing that patent by making it so that developers have to call for that feature. It’s a minor difference and the results are the same, but this allows them to avoid legal issues I guess.
You can read about MS patent here
http://www.ripten.com/2008/03/31/microsoft-owns-patent-for-in-game-custom-soundtracks/
@547
I agree, why did Eric come on the web and show off In-Game Music and then tell us,
HA HA, I can play with it, but now the developers have to patch the game. What the hell!
I pretty sure this Powerful PS3 system can handle a puny little soundtrack playing in the background. What generation is Sony living in, I guess a hard rock on its head.
@541
I think the reason behind the need for devs to patch the custom soundtrack in is related to Microsoft having a patent for such a feature.
The patent is about a console being able to reproduce music on top of any other application and no matter what a developer does with it.
Now, what I think Sony is trying to do is avoiding infringing that patent by making it so that developers have to call for that feature. It’s a minor difference and the results are the same, but this allows them to avoid legal issues I guess.
@ Pauls
Who the hell are they listening too, the homeless guy under 46th avenue? They’re not listening to me or 92% of the users here it looks to me.
We wanted:
In game music – We got it, with 1 catch. We Didn’t get it.
Trophies to be mandatory – We got 1 game that supports them on day 1 and not even 300,000 ps3 owners have the game. Go figure.
Sleep timer – We got – Jack jimmy spits! So we can let our Ps3’s burn our house down if we happen to fall asleep while watching a blu ray. Nice.
We wanted more PS1 games on the store – We got, not 1 damn thing.
See where this is going? So, I don’t know about you but they’re not listening to me or anyone I see here. Not really.
They gave us a glorified Text messaging system. Tmobile better be scared. Really scared. Sony’s coming for their target audience. Morons!
PLEASE !!! XMB iN GAME CHAT !!!!!! CROSS GAMES !!! MFGGG please !!! so simple guys ;~~
add this and its PERFECT TO ME
This maybe it for me for tonight it is 1:39 here
@craigiversen
Dude it is better than……nothing right? wouldn’t you be more pissed if there wasn’t a possibility of in-game custom music?
Well Thanks everyone how cared to read my post…Thanks craigiversen!!
@549
yup, i think sony should try there hardest to have games support the custom soundtracks. at least the top games. sony please try to do so…
??? So what does the update do?? How about the ability to MUTE the kiddies who constantly talk while playing a game?
How about in game voice chat? WHo in the heck ever text chats? I play XBOX 360 and they are WAY ahead of you Sony. In fact, I have had every console, and Microsoft is kicking your butt right now. The 1 thing you have going for you is the BlueRay player built in. PLEASE… pay attention to your customer base.
ALSO.. here is another STUPID Sony mistake. WHY did you use VIDDLER for your video? It cannot even PLAY on the PS3!! Who should get fired for that one? I read your blogs on YOUR PS3 SYSTEM, and now I have to use a computer (Microsoft… LOL!!) to view the VIDEO on the blog. SOMEONE please fire that person! (rolling eyes).
I can see Flickr, YouTube, and your Blog using the PS3 web browser, but now some PS3 Intern (I hope it was on that level) imbeds a Viddler Video on the Blog and PS3 users cannot read it.. LOL!! What a retard.
Sony keeps on messing with us gamers.
They get us excited, then it turns out they don’t have it. In the video, he played custom music in PixelJunk Monsters, and got us to think that we can play music while playing. Then in Post 114, Jeff told us tht that was special, and we can’t do that in 2.40. BS! They did the same thing with Home, they set a time, we all got excited and couldn’t wait for it, then, it’s delayed…Ok, we’ll get it in spring 08…. No Word on it!!!WTF????
I really do appreciate the new update, because it is really needed, but come on!
Will we ever be able to access the XMB through PS2 games?
@ 555 lol who* cared ….
your welcome
Try to view the Firmware (v.2.40) Walthrought Part 2: Trophies Viddler video on the PS3. YOU CAN’T!!!
SONY, At least let YOUR PS3 readers use YOUR product to view your materials!!! LOL.
@ Cytricks
But we always had the possibility. It’s up to the dev’s to implement it and when Eric was playing custom music in that vid he should’ve made damn sure to let everyone know what the hell was up with it. He didn’t. He played it out and then retracted, only he kept the bit in the video up.
That’s integrity there.
The problem I have most is that you all are acting like it’s the best thing in the world and it’s not. We didn’t get a damn thing here, not really. We have the option to message people back and forth now. That’s it.
You can say we have trophies, but we only have the promise of trophies at a later date and anyone who is smart enough to not buy Crap a$$ Stardust won’t get to enjoy trophies until god knows when knowing Sony.
And as I said, what developer is going to go back and give us trophies and in game music? No one. Ps3 games don’t sell well enough for these dev’s to care.
Do you think Lair is going to get a patch? Hell no. Do you think Untold legends, Kane & Lynch, Stranglehold or any other mediocre game is going to get patched for trophies? No! They won’t. So people who only own those games are assed out and you know it!
Sony is isolating their own consumers. They’ve done it since day 1 with their region splitting of the store and it is continuing on here.
@cytricks. Yep, I’ll agree. It’s better than the possibility of nothing, but lets be honest. Developers have not been supporting this feature and have not shown increasing interest in it. It’ll be as it was.
I’m not screaming at Sony. I just think it’s worth some more info from them. Surely, just that? That’s not asking for the world?
As for Gamesblow’s post 553 above, the part about trophies?
The more cynical of us may start to think that they want more than 300,000 people to own SSHD. Could this be a “Buy it and see how trophies work” ploy?
Naaaaah, Sony aren’t out to make money are they?
@ HookedOnTronics (561)
– Dude I totally agree. I used the PS3 to check out the blog. wanted to see the video… You CAN’T!!!!
But at least they’re giving us in-game messaging- its a start lol.
Truth is, SONY put out a somewhat MEDIA product. XBOX 360 is still kicking the BUTT… Thank God I have one of those too!!
Sony PS3 is worth it if you want a BLUERAY player, because it is basically a FREE game console then.
Sony Blueray player = $389 Sony PS3 with built in Blueray player – $399… For $10 more, buy the PS3. For a AWESOME, INTERACTIVE gaming console… stick with XBOX until SONY fires some folks and replaces them with experienced ones.
You guys should totally have trophies for Folding@Home. Like, 10 hours for platinum or something. It would help out with research and encourage more folding.
@ craigiversen (563)
– Yeah! Thats the whole point. BUY the game to see how it works!
Same with Qore, buy it to get access to Socom Beta…. after people buy it, oh sorry, its not available & you’ll have to wait 2 extra weeks to get it after the release of it.
*yawn* seriously i am done for tonight
@gamesblow
If you read my post before this, it could be a patent by microsoft and sony’s way around it.
If you did then you give sony a could million to get the righta to use the stuff microsoft patented.
and Thanks you reading my post :’) !!! Thanks gamesblow!!
gamesblow… you are right.. SONY JAPAN needs to FIRE immediately these clowns. They do NOT listen to there core users. They must listen to the people who just use it to watch dvd’s and blueray movies.
I bought this thinking it would be an INTERACTIVE (Sony, please look to Microsoft for what Interactive means on their XBOX, in fact, GO BUY your competition and see what they are doing), instead, they can’t even deliver a product that can MUTE players because they constantly talk, they can’t do voice chat, their storefront sucks… STILL, and they post videos on their Blog that are not compatable on their OWN PS3 system. I guess they want us readers and viewers to LOG OFF the PS3 and jump on the Computer to visit their own blog.
OMG!!! Sony, you CANNOT possibly be proud. You sound more like politicians.. over promising and using good speeches to SELL your story. Deliver the goods… or your products will fail. My Wii.. blows this away.
funny. this is a ps3 blog, so many other console fanboys here. cry about the fact you have crappy blogs.
@533
You’re in full force today aren’t you?
No one is happy they didn’t just copy XBL. Unfortunately, they can’t for legal reasons and you know it.
As for the mandates, when it is good business for a company to that is trying improve third party support to mandate extra work from them? If developers feel that it will increase their software sales enough to justify the extra work or they don’t.
sony is kool they dont rob us of our money!!! they jus came late but hey late then never
Mxdeftone.
Do you know if MGS4 will have trophies?
@ 571
Get real, Capcom, Square, Ubi, THQ, EA none of those companies have a good working relationship with Sony anymore. That’s why none of them care to make games for them or give them even exclusive content to fill those 50gb blu-rays up.
Mandate that **** and see where it goes. Right now there is no guarantee. At least if it was mandated we would know every game coming has something for us. Right now we don’t.
We don’t know anything, as usual. We don’t know when the next games will get patched. We don’t know if we’ll ever have in game music. We don’t know anything and as Consumers that’s a pretty dark place to be in.
You know I am right.
Did anyone notice the change in the Faq about when a trophy is unlocked it will make a noise?
@ Tbag
No, MGS4 is not getting Trophies or in game music patch. Kotaku reported on this earlier. Konami said that they would evaluate the possibility, but that means nothing and if it does that means next year when the xbox 360 version hits.
I agree… Sony has potential. I have owned every Sony game console they have developed, but they are NOT listening to their users.
Another example, someone already posted, Qore was released, NOT ready. You buy it thinking it is complete, and then you try and Download the Socom Beta that it comes with, and it says it is NOT available. THey are just rediculously foolish. I have an XBOX 360 and a Wii (and obviously a PS3), and Nintendo and Microsoft do NOT make these mistakes. They give the users what they want. They really need to look at the XBOX Live pieces… Microsoft DOES (this is just a fact) make it MUCH easier to play with friends and communicate with other players, including MUTING players. I have several friends who own a PS3.. and ALL of us are disappointed with Sony.
We have been around this stuff for a while.. We are between 27 – 36 years old.. who enjoy gaming and gaming consoles. Sony is missing the boat!
Just the facts!!
So we get a sound now for our trophies, that’s big of them. I wonder if it had to do with my complaining hahahah.
I wonder if they’ll go back and edit that video out showing eric laughing it up with full in game music on that ps3 next?
Gamesblow seriously stop!
No one here will never care what you actually think!
You seriously have to get off your high horse and realize that the needs of one does NOT outweigh the needs of many.
If i recall you were one of the many people that tried to derail every single post on this blog about in-game xmb or some other absurd request. You asked for it and now you got it.
I seriously hope Sony Ip bans your ass off of here cause I am sick and tired of reading the garbage that spews out of your keyboard every F****ng post!
i think its kool you put in game xmb but i think it would be kool if you put ps2 games on the psn that would be bad ass i know i would buy the game and will the in game xmb work for game like MGS4 (the god like game ever made) and wwe smackdown vs raw 2008 or any other games?
A question regarding the profile, I like it and so on. It will certainly be used by many people and I think adding something similar to the Web GamerTag that people can put on websites will be appreciated by people who are so inclined.
But my question, I like to have a profile for seeing what other people are doing but I’d like it to simply list what games a certain person has been playing. I don’t care about ‘trophies’ that much and many older games won’t support it so I have no way of seeing what games someone has got.
Just adding a simple list of games and possibly even how long the user has been playing that game (or the last time) would be good.
I don’t know if this question was answered.. but can you use video chat and play game at da same time? if dat was possible then it would be awesome.. this will benefit the PS3 greatly.
@Kurosaki/582
The day that will happen I’ll be President of the United States.
@Gamesblow…
I agree.. the REASON why Sony IS losing market share and relationships with developers, is they DO NOT listen to people who purchase them. Developers GO where the $$$ is, and I am VERY disappointed with Sony. I think SCEA should be cleaning house with many of their visionaries… they do NOT pay much attention to their Core demo. If I was EA and others, heck yeah.. I would be ALL over Microsoft… Sony, is NOW playing ‘Catch Up’ to Microsoft… when SONY used to be the one to beat. It is ONLY Sony’s fault.
You can rent movies on the XBOX, you can link up to your computer using Windows Media and watch programs, listen to Live360 and other internet based music stations, including Napster, etc. YOU CAN’T on Sony. Why?
I swear the adminsitrators on this site do NOT read nor SHARE what active, hard core users are saying. “Let’s use Viddler on the PS3 browser, because OUR PS3 users cannot play it on our OWN system.” (OMG!!!)
I just want Sony to listen and wise up. Don’t over promise, set realistic expectations, and deliver what users want.
@ Kurosaki:
No, you cannot.
HAHA i love these people that are complaining about a FREE update. Ungrateful bastards.
The people who want a timer for the PS3 are just lazy bastards that don’t want to shut it off FROM THE CONTROLLER or from the console.
Im positive in a few months everything will be patched up the way it was meant to be. Give the developers time.
You get a gift then complain about it, wtf is wrong with these people?
Kurosaki,
Please.. let’s just start with simple VOICE chat.. sure that would be a COOL feature, but watching my friends on the couch playing a video game with me, while I am concentrating on the sceen doesn’t seem like their most important update.
How about this? Simply allow a friend to contact me for a Voice Chat while I am IN a game or watching a movie, we can talk.
XBOX can do this already… so I am puzzled why Sony doesn’t see the need nor the demand to have this already. This is why Sony is behind. Sony doesn’t understand the SOCIAL aspect of gaming.. yet! (Sony, I am still crossing my fingers… but I am no longer holding my breath).
Secret Word of the day around here
NO
So when ever you hear the secret word of the day SCREAM REAL LOUD!!!!
@584
Sony does listen, you and gamesblow both were crying in every single blog post about ingame XMB and guess what….YOU GOT IT!
Just because it doesnt have all the features that you wanted right at the start does not mean that they will not come or that Sony does not listen to its core users.