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.
The best post I saw online was at Kotaku.com. In regards to the Video by Eric Lempel, they state:
“Here’s Sony’s Eric Lempel. Eric’s taking us through Sony’s 2.40 firmware update for the PS3, and in particular, how the much-requested in-game XMB is going to work. Pleased? You’re no doubt the sensible type, who knew not to expect too much. Disappointed? You’ve got nobody to blame but yourself (specifically, your unrealistic expectations).”
As for me, I guess I had unrealistic expectations.
@544
Yea, as much as I hope they would do this, I doubt Sony would develop something to make old games compatitble with trophies without having to replay the game. Sucks :( but it’s still an awesome update.
As much as I’m looking forward to this update, I’m also a little disappointed in what is being included. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s bad; at the very least it’s a step in the right direction. But as the owner of a launch 20 gig, I’d just like to say the two features I’ve really wanted to see in this console since release is UNIVERSAL music (during games only of course, not movies) I just think that there’s so many times I can hear the same 6 songs in GT2. Another feature I hope you guys consider putting in there is the voice chat feature during game play. I’d just like to say sorry if I’m raining on anyones parade here; and I’m not saying that I don’t like this new firmware, I just think right now it has fallen short of what it potentially could be.
@ Roach
Columbo, once again you have no damn clue what you’re talking about. I don’t know who you’re saying I am but I’m sure if he thinks like me he’s a pretty cool kat. You obviously didn’t prove it to me, cause I know who I am and it’s not any of the 10 people you’ve said I am here on this blog.
You keep saying I’m this person and that person. I’m starting to wonder if you’re the person with split personalites around here.
Anyways, I do have to go. Me and Siligon have to mop the floors.
i’m with radracer
xenosagax,
Games have become more social. Online playing is surpassing single player, and people do have friends they play with. Second, yes, texting in a game is often rediculous, people often text at the end or beginning of a game, and usually stating things like they are signing out, or if they can add as a friend, etc.
Third, this is why VOICE chat in game is cool. I own all three consoles (PS3, Wii, 360), and the 360 has Social Gaming beat hands down. You can look at other players profiles, mute them, add them, text or voice chat, see what games they are currently playing and join their in-session game, all of this, WHILE playing another game.
Perhaps this is the difference between Sony and XBOX users. I am 36, my friends from college and other coworkers play as much as possible. Many of us purchased the Sony recently, (withing 6 – 8 months), and all of us agree, Sony needs improvement on online gaming, period. This isn’t even open for debate, they are behind. Just about every board and website share this fact.
Sony has this, Sony is becoming more of a FAMILY entertainment console, incorporating Blueray with gaming, but even here, XBOX allows you to rent movies, and download and buy music videos, etc.
Sony simply needs to wise up and quit over promising. Example, Qore was recently released with the statement you can download the Socom Beta, but in fact, once I purchased Qore, it is not even available yet. This is simply rediculous on Sony’s part.
First, COMPARE all 3 consoles and play them all before you can even compare what really is a great standard. Sony does a lot of hype through Eric L., but at the end of the day, this guy falls flat on his face and eats crow.
I am pulling for Sony, and I think XBOX will eventually have to rethink charging for Live because of Sony, but Sony is losing to Wii and XBOX… this is a fact. In fact, Sony has lost more than $3.3 BILLION dollars so far on their system. And if they would LISTEN to actual console users and gamers, I think MORE people would buy it.
Microsoft XBOX 360 actually will cost MORE than a PS3. You have to pay for Live (online gaming), you will have to pay for an external Blueray player — just as you did for the HD Player that went bust, etc. Sony gives you a lot for the money, but GAMERS are NOT FLOCKING to the system and more and more companies are choosing to develop their games exclusively for XBOX 360. THAT IS A FACT!!! In fact, Microsoft is CUTTING the 360 price by another $50 just announced TODAY.
Why? Developers go where the money is. If gamers don’t buy it. Read up. Sony is hurting, and I think Sony needs to do some house cleaning right away.
@xeno
I dont go to gamefaqs, I go on gametrailers and people there wanted it =P
And people on this blog wanted it as well, now that I’ve proved you’re “not 1 person wanted in game message” theory wrong I’ll go onto my next thing I was going to say
@Roach, did he seriously want to change resolution in game? If so then wow that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard lol. Why the hell would you wanna change resolution when in game? Hurrrrrr I have a 1080p tv but I wanna play my game in 720p now hurrrrrrr. Next he’s going to be screaming why he cant play PS3 & PSN games at the same time lol.
But anyways next feature I saw him/few others going on about too lol, accessing the store in game? I could only see that being useful for when you’re gaming on the night of a store update and the update hits…It’s not like the store updates every day with new content where there’s something so amazing and spectacular we need to check out the store everyday/night
In game web browsing, would be nice, not really my top priority personally since my computer is right by my PS3, so I can simply pause my PS3, turn to my computer if I need to surf something. But for those not fortunate to be in my position, it would be useful to have if you’re stuck somewhere and you want to open up the webbrowser go to gamefaqs.com and look up the walkthrough for the game, or go to your gaming forum you’re part of and post on there and ask for help lol.
But in game voice chat & cross game invites should be the next two things to come as those are more relevant features that would be used more by majority of users, heck throw in the web browser too for the icing on the cake
Now I was reading the post about the updates and read about the patent that microsoft has. This is what I came up with:
Its simple to understand and its pretty clear if the files are stored on an HDD and sony does not call it “Sound Tracks” then it can be possible. This patent is only patenting the way the files that the games were to use as a “Sound Track” now you see if you just have custom music in game and the ps3 just plays a single file at a time you can get around this because this “Custom Sound Track’s” is essentially just a playlist of the files on the HD. If sony really wanted to remember separate Music Files for separate games they could implement SQLlite or a simple flat file which would allow the music to be loaded at the launch of a game.
Now Jeff, Eric, etc.. someone who can answer this could you explain to me if that is correctly assessed?
What? No. One person. Silogon. That’s all I said. There’s no one else that I think you are. It’s just that you two said the same thing damn near word for word. Maybe you’re not him. I’ll show you what I’m talking about and tell me if you wouldn’t think the same thing if you were me.
A quote from gamesblow on the PS Blog:
“As for what I want out of in game xmb is simply the option to switch resolutions on the fly. going from 720P to 1080p at will when I want cause Warhawk and Uncharted for instance are 2 games that look and play better, to me, in 1080p but right now you have to manually do it everytime you want to play.”
A quote from Silogon on N4G:
“Hmmm, seems a bit odd doesn’t it? I guess it could be alright, but I didn’t see the option to toggle resolutions in game there. That’s going to be a bummer as that was my main function most wanted.
Really, do I wanna play “the nothing song” while playing Resistance 2? No. not really, but what I would of liked is the option to switch to 1080P from 720P on games that allow it like Uncharted and Warhawk for instance. Without backing out of the game and going to your settings and what not. It becomes a hassle.”
I mean look at this and tell me it doesn’t look like you two are one. Also just so you know. Nobody likes Silogon on N4G. You two have a lot in common. :) He is just like you.
I don’t have anything against you but you’re weird. One day you talk about how Sony is the all mighty and the next day you bash them in the ground. That’s why I said you have split personalities.
Anyway, I’m done. I won’t say you’re him anymore. Ok?
And what about full compatybility with ps2 titles?
@ Vooz
Why would you want to change rez in game? Well, since the ps3 isn’t as advanced as the xbox 360 it doesn’t scale each game on the fly for you. What this means is that you have to do it yourself.
If a game is 1080p but 720p is checked in display, it’ll play in 720p because the ps3 lacks a scaler. So, this is why rez swapping would have been nice.
I am not the only one who wants it, apparently this Siligon guy wants it too and so does a lot of people on the offical forums.
See, most games on ps3 are 720p, not 1080p… but Warhawk, uncharted, Cod 4, burnout and several others are aswell. This means you have to manually boot it into that setting.
So hahahahah yourself. You clearly only have a 720P tv and you clearly don’t own an xbox 360 or a dual core grafix card for your pc with 2 hdmi split.
I do. I know what I like and I know what features are available on the xbox 360.
G’nite.
Well said Voozi. LOL!! Gaming should be SOCIAL, but changing resolution in a game, going to the online store in a game, visiting a website in a game.. you can’t even do that on a PC. Why not just save the game and go online, to the store, change the resolution etc? Although I think it would be a cool feature, I am surprised they are not asking for Sony to put in PIP (Picture in a Picture) so you can watch a movie while playing the game. These things are cool, ONLY when you get the basic features down, lik social gaming.
Gaming is SOCIAL. Friends, Co-Workers, Families, play games, and play TOGETHER. Standard communication, game invites while in another game, should be a given. THIS is what serious folks want. I simply would like to see this BASIC social functionality.
IN fact, what is strange, the new SOCOM game is 100% Online, NO single player. This proves my point that texting, voice chat, and in / out of game communication is ESSENTIAL. This is why friends encourage their buddies to get an XBOX.
This is also some exiting news that was just announced today.
Sony to start US movie service for PS3
TOKYO (AP) — Sony says it will start a movie download service for its PlayStation 3 home console this summer in the U.S. Kazuo Hirai, who heads Sony Corp.’s video game unit, said Thursday the service will be offered in Japan and Europe at later dates, although details won’t be available until next month.
I have 1080i and don’t swap resolution on any games. If you have to do that, then again, another SHAME on Sony. That would be just pathetic. I hope that is NOT the case.
@ Roach
That is strange cause he likes the same music I do too. I don’t know him personally maybe he’s on this forum under a different name?? I don’t know, but that isn’t me. I don’t even go to N4g as established over the whole Gamesblow –> Games blow thing.
Maybe I should start cause that if he is hated on an epic scale over there no one can get hated like me. I should show him how it’s done.
I got this from Kotaku
http://kotaku.com/5020918/240-qa-gives-us-that-morning+after-feeling
2.40 Q&A Gives Us That Morning-After Feeling
Sony’s Eric Lempel has posted a somewhat exhaustive Q&A session on the PlayStation Blog, which details everything you may or may not have wanted to know about the console’s major, upcoming firmware update. While I’m sure it was meant to be helpful, a read down his list of responses does little but drive home the point that, as neat the implementation of the trophy system is, the addition of the in-game XMB is nowhere near as useful as most of you thought/hoped it would be.
As an example: does the in-game XMB allow voice-chat? No. Can you browse the internet while playing a game? No. Can you access the in-game XMB while playing a PS2 game or watching a DVD/Blu-Ray? No. Can you change any visual settings while playing a game? No (sound settings, however, gets a “yes”). Can you access the PlayStation Store while playing a game? No. Does it let you invite a friend to a game who’s playing another game? No. See where this is going?
If the in-game XMB forces you to quit the game to perform most of the functions you’d want to perform in it…then there’s not much point having it available in-game, is it? Course, Sony probably knew this, which is why it’s only been implemented now – after you all cried yourself hoarse over it – and not at launch.
@ Voozi
Yep, that’s what he wants. Stupid as hell I know. I also don’t know why anyone would NEED to access the Store in-game. The store updates once a week. It’s not that big of a hassle to quit your damn game for a sec. lol
Anyway, I think they will continue to add to what you can do with in-game XMB overtime. This is just the beginning. The only other things I want is like you said: cross game voice chat and invites. Also the ability to leave your friends voice messages. It would be so east to send a voice message to someone in-game compared to text.
I also think the web browser will happen eventually because there are already games that have it in-game(Metal Gear Online). Of course they need to improve the browser A LOT. It needs the flash that is current so you can view all pages and videos. I would be happy if they would just improve the browser at least.
@ Hooked
Yes, it’s true. If you play motorstorm for instance with only 1080p check for games that support it, it won’t boot in 1080p it won’t boot i 720p it’ll boot in 480p.
This means you have to manually boot the game into HD by hitting 720p in display and unchecking everything else. It’s stupid.
So you get thru playing COD4 in 1080p, want to play motorstorm, you have to go to display uncheck 1080p and check 720p.
See what and where I am getting at?
@ gamesblow
See? Even you think you two are alike. I guess you aren’t him. He denied it too. You guys are a lot alike though. You guys should be friends. lol
You are on a whole different level of hate than him. You got him beat. lol.
I won’t bother you about it anymore. Don’t you think I had reason to think what I did though? I mean those two comments are way too similar.
Anyway. I need to get off of here. Take it easy, PeAcE
Yup, thank you very much, we’re been waiting for this for so much time, and you guys have been great hearing(reading) what the community have to say…Thank U
Kudos for your feedback support
Hi there. So from what I can see there is about 650 comments and I know you guys are busy. If you get a chacne to answer my question it would be great. Otherwise, I guess I will just have to wait until the firmware is released :) I was just wondering if ingame XMB will be available through remote play on the psp if im playing lets say POKER? Thanks!
Yep.. That is rediculous! (tsk, tsk). Did you see this announcement though?
Sony reveals PS3 film download date
1 day ago
Sony says it will start a movie download service for its PlayStation 3 home console this summer in the US.
Kazuo Hirai, who heads Sony’s video game unit, said the service will be offered in Japan and Europe at later dates, although details won’t be available until next month.
Hirai said the company will strengthen its network services and further cut costs to achieve profitability in the Sony gaming business in the current fiscal year ending March 2009.
“Please expect more from our evolving PlayStation business,” Hirai said at the company’s Tokyo headquarters.
I would like to see Downloadable movies, a partnership with BlockBuster / Netflix would be very good.
BUT YES, SONY, focus on SOCIAL gaming please! Do that, and I will promise to ONLY promote your console!! The downloadble movies, streaming video, compatability with Apple (need an Apple relationship) would all be cool, but FIRST, simply give us Voice Chat, Mute, In / Out Game invites.
Okay folks, Sony has my two cents (along with the $499 I already gave them). Sony, Eric L., do what is right! Listen to Kazuo Hirai or perhaps the “cut costs to achieve profitability in the Sony gaming business” he spoke of may just be in reference to your job. LOL!
Add Social Gaming features = MORE PS3 SOLD!! You do the math!!
great video and my questions have been answered im talking about the cheese thing hahaha.. good job PSN people more power to u guys in there. cant wait for july 2. is there any suprise on the level system? its been bugging me or is it just level? just excited with this trophy system specially the level ups
Wow that was quick, i was think it was annoying how there wasn’t a noise when you got a trophy but you changed it straght away
Keep up the good work. Soon Xbox won’t stand a chance
HEY JEFF AND ERIC, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO YOU GUYS AND ALL OF THE HARD WORKING PEOPLE AT SONY FOR ALL OF THE GREAT WORK YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN DOING AND FOR STRIVING TO GIVE YOUR FAN BASE WHAT WE WANT!!! I’M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE UPDATE, I THINK YOU GUYS HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE PS3 DOES FROM THIS POINT AND BEYOND!!! :D
The fix for that shouldn’t be that hard. All Sony would have to do is give us an option that allows us to run a game in the highest resolution possible that it supports. Everything fixed!
as #11 said…
“Video loop/repeat/shuffle options(to eliminate videos pausing at the end of play)”
this is something that would really make the console PERFECT for me and lots of others.
love the sound of 2.40! cannot wait till its out. come on tomorrow!
sony you guys really rock
@574
“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.”
Pretty much. Why is I said that Sony is trying to improve it (eg. the payment to Epic, the teams that helped out with GTA4, MGS4, DMC4, etc). Mandating features would probably just make it worse, read up on Working Designs, SCEA placed restrictions pretty much killed the company.
Secondly, the most important feature that was voted on was in-game messaging not soundtracks or trophies, perhaps you should have filled out your survey and made sure your friends picked the same thing.
Is this update the be all and end all? No. Not by a long shot, it is (however belatedly) a step in the right direction.
The mid-game resolution thing isn’t even an issue. First most game’s native resolution isn’t 1080p to begin with. Both COD4 and Halo4 are 600p. So only real reason to choose 1080p over 720p is if your tv’s scaler is bad that the console can do it better. Which it shouldn’t seeing as how you have nice 1080p tv and what not. Then there is also the performance hit, try playing NG2 (which isn’t 720p native either) on 1080p v. 720p or Marvel Universe on the PS3 on the various settings and see if the frame rate doesn’t suffer. If the tv is capable of producing all resolutions and you have all of them checked, it should kick at the resolution that it was intended to be played at(eg. Uncharted).
As stated with my other comment,
I’m going to have to beat GTA4, Rfom, MGS4, and my other games under hell? I mean 100% on a game like GTA4, and full emblems MGS4…
Yeah, respect hit an all time zero now.
Yeah, no thanks.
Custom soundtrack and in game messagin is pretty good. Crap trophy idea. Couldn’t you just register what we have now? off our accounts?
@Frost1235
Only way to make it fair for EVERYONE is to do it that way. We don’t know even know what third party games support trophies.
Games like RFOM, GTAIV, and possibly MGS4 don’t even have trophies.
The ONLY game that has trophies when 2.40 laucnhes is Super Stardust HD. Other games like PAIN and Warhawk will be patched to use trophies.
well it’s nice to see that sony is doing something after almost 3years… but honestly, not including voicechat and crossgame invites is just ridiculous.
you need to enhance the online capabilities for GAMES! who cares about a google searchbar on a gaming device!? you said yourself that the PS3 needs to be positioned more as a gaming maschine and now what are you doing? … still no real strategy and so much lost potential.
bring voicechat and crossgame invites and make the real step up to microsoft live.
I think, with all these nice new features there is one thing that most people will miss the most:
IN-GAME PRIVATE VOICE-CHAT..
Sure, cross game-invites would be awesome, but for me it’s not the number one priority. I just want to be able to chat with friends WHENEVER I FEEL LIKE IT. I have to CALL SOMEONE ON THE PHONE OR PAGE THEM if I want to team up or battle in an online match with them.. It’s annoying, and above all: unnecessary.
Sony, thanks again for this fantastic update but PLEASE add the private chat-function ASAP!
What made me start to wonder is, Trophies are locked by your PSN ID right? So if you as Player X have completed all the challenges allready you need to start over to complete them. How does that work…. Do I have to delete my old save game, or can I start a new save game still on the same account, or do I have to use a new account?
If this message could be answered, it wouldn’t stop bugging me :P
Thanks for the FAQs for 2.40.
I understand that PS2 games have a different online service but to have the XMB available in game for PS1/PS2 games would be a bonus so consumers have a familiar interface which they will recognise.
A Private Chat option would be welcomed also. I was hoping that it would be implemented but I am already satisfied with the 2.40 additions so when you can, please do.
I recall reading an interview from the programmers of the FW and they mentioned ‘deinterlacing’. When will that come to the PS3?
I am very happy with the new look PS Store and wish you would make the Account Management OS based like the store so the only browser based feature is the Online Instruction Manual.
Finally, Power Ssving options is a feature I would like to see for the PS3.
Thanks very much and I will be downloading this tomorrow!
Hi, thank you for an really great update !!!
This Firmware raises again the useability of our PS3-Entertainement System.
Could you please unlock the InGame-XMB finaly to Movies and PS2/1-Games too, for me this would be an further great step forward !
The other feature I still miss – I would like to see that my controller still charges the battery, even when I shut down the PS3, so the PS3 is in a kind of energysave-mode until the controller is fully charged and after that it shuts down itself.
And finaly could you please add an option that the controller shuts down itself if it isn’t in use for an certainly time – maybe the time could be set by the user in the controler options ?!
Thank you again – SONY
Head on with you good work & sorry for my bad english !!!
Ciao
Hering69
Eric or Jeff,
Are you going to make it mandatory for developers to implement custom soundtracks and Trophy support?
Thanks, Luke
*Ok, so what DOES 2.40 give us:
In-Game Messaging: Great feature, finally you don’t have to quit a game to communicate.
Custom Soundtracks: We had it for about an hour, and wow sweet like 2 games support it at launch
Trophies: Like someone mentioned earlier, SSHD the only compatible game at launch, and about 75% of the Sony install base doesn’t have it. Sweet.
*What it DOESN’T give us:
Voice Chat: K sweet, Microsoft is ahead of you by a mile, I understand that it may be implemented in the future, but they’ve had it since the beginning of time. (exaggeration)
Full XMB Access: you can’t even view pictures.. [hand to face]
Custom Soundtracks: I’ll praise you if a patch is released for every game i Own, but until then, I’m very disappointed. THIS, was the #1 feature I wanted. I checked this blog EVERYDAY, i scrambled around the internet searching for news for the next update, and when it finally comes around, we get next to nothing. Thanks.
Invitations to Games: Honestly, how hard is this. I understand the difficulties of implementing minor features (actually I don’t,but still :) but for goodness’ sakes, get your act together.
This is JUST one update, I realize that it won’t solve everything. Hopefully you will listen to EVERY detail of requests given to you by ALL PS3 owners. Obviously we all support you (we bought your system), but it’s one sided. In my opinion, I haven’t gotten my money’s worth.
All sounds great, however I would have to disagree on the Mozzarella, It’s not very tasty. A good bit of mature cheddar is far better :-)
Sweet. Sounds when unlocking trophies. I like.
Wow, there is a lot of complaining going on. I don’t even know where to start.
cross-game invite: That to me is an annoying feature of Live, I’m the in middle of a game and I don’t want to be bothered getting hit by people to play this or that game. I don’t mind is Sony adds that feature but it should come with the welcoming option to disable it. I think a simple text-message, “Hey, you want to play…” should and does suffice.
cross-gaming chat: Is another annoying feature of live for the most part to me as I am a “hard-core” gamer. Using hard-core and social in the same sentence is an oxymoron. A hard-core gamer is one in the zone, with all their senses (That pertain to gaming) and consciousness focused on the present objective, the game. I don’t want to be bothered with someone wanting to talk about their day, or complain about some issue that I have no part of. The only time I ever use that feature is when I am playing a Leisurely game like Uno. Again, I don’t care if at some point they add it but again it would be welcomed if you can turn it off.
Voice messages in game: Voice messages itself as it’s place (Like if you just want to say what’s up) but to me voice messages are annoying on live if I am playing a game because the message won’t be played through the speakers or if it does it’s inaudible to me and if I am playing a single player game I don’t have my headset on, so I am bothered by having to get it out to listen to the message, while a text message I can just quickly read and reply. Yes, quickly reply as you know they came out with an addition that is a little keyboard, hmmm… even after they had “voice messages in/out of game” must of been a demand for it. Beauty of the PS3, I can and do have a keyboard attached to it so again text messaging isn’t a problem.
So to me, I think it’s great. We have in-game XMB. I come online and see a friend is playing a game, a single player game so he probably don’t have his headset on and I don’t want bother him to hear my message. TEXT, send a non-intrusive text want to play such and such game. If he wants to play he can get it started and I invite him or he comes join me whatever.
custom music: Sorry if you use that feature on Xbox and you want to use it on the PS3. It’s available if developers want it. Here is a suggestion. Sign up for the developers forum or contact them via their “contact us” and here is the ticker. Be kind and respectful in your message and nicely ask they add that feature to either past or future games. I don’t know how many of you have kids but trying to get a kid to do something with complaining and ridiculing or threats and they will learn to not respect you and not do what you ask or make you do the biggest horse and pony show of your life for everything you want them to do and seeing the amount of posts of people and their comments I wouldn’t be surprised if Sony did just that.
@Sony
Thanks for the firmware update, I appreciate it.
Quick question. If, let’s say there is a trophy for completing MGS4 on Solid Normal for example, but I download the patch for it to use trophies after I’ve started playing through it (But NOT before finishing it), would I get that trophy if I completed the game from there, or I would I need to erase my save and start from the very beginning?
Excellent work guys, cannot wait to start earning some trophies.
Would love to have MKV container support soon and music artwork from a portable HDD. All my music is stored on my USB HDD instead of the internal HDD so currently cannot display artwork.
@ Subzero_11
This is just the beginning.
They never debunked in-game voice chat and in fact they heavily hinted it’ll come at some point.
If they can go from a black list with 4 options to a full in-game XMB then they can do anything.
Is there any chance you will get instant messaging like MS did with their Windows Live Messenger incorporated into the firmware itself? (obviously you can’t use WLM,but something like Yahoo messenger or AIM).
thanks
@676
you are aware that you can disable all that stuff with live are you!?
ingame voice chat starts and crossgame invites are a must – don’t play that down for some silly reasons.
the should have been priority number one instead of custom soundtracks that wont work on 90% of games.
Jeff, Eric, congratulations and thanks for a kick-ass update.
I agree with some of the other posters here in hoping that the issue of trading saved games has been thought out with respect to trophies. I understand that SSHD doesn’t actually have any game saves to speak of, so it’s not an issue there, but have you guys given guidance to first and third parties about incorporating PSN id’s (or, better yet, crypto material tied to PSN id’s) into save games in such a way that they can’t be traded and exploited? Or, if they can be traded, that they will be void for trophies?
It’ll be very important to make sure that the Trophy system isn’t susceptible to cheating if you want them to mean anything.
Again, though, thanks a million for this update, it’s wonderful to see the PS3 evolve and grow like this. Kudos to everyone on the firmware team!
@676
It’s a matter of opinion if they are musts. To me they aren’t musts.
Another thing I find annoying is when playing online with live, and it’s a FPS and a guy leaves game chat to chat with someone else and their performance drops because of it.
Is it required to be connected to internet to earn trophies?
If yes then how can I progress through a game when I’m not connected (which I’m always not) with the change of not receiving a trophy I should’ve gotten.
@680
there is skype on the PSP – matter of time I hope till wie see it on the PS3. the PS3 chat is useless as it is.
I thought the music in game will just be played in the background. Over any other sounds, hence why he has the in game music turned down. But apparently that is not the case and that only about 10% of games have custom soundtracks, and how many of those are actually ‘real mainstream games’? I mean like CoD5 etc.
I bet when developers see the oppurtunity that they ‘don’t have to’ implement it in the game, they will pass straight on.
Whereas you could simply play the music no matter what, and just turn in game music off.
@683
they are musts for competitive online gaming. if you don’t thats fair but if sony wants the ps3 to get hold of the 360 in this aspect they are must haves.