PlayStation Network: ready for launch? [update 2]

by Vladimir Cole { Oct 14th 2006 at 10:05AM }

Eurogamer's Rob Fahey provides a couple new details on some of the online features of the PlayStation 3.

Fahey asks a key question, but unfortunately never gets around to answering it: "Can a company whose online strategy in the last generation was so patchy, and their actual service so weak, really turn things around on the online front in time for the PS3's launch?"

Here's a summary of the write-up, lorry-loads of fluff removed:

The core OS of the system can be updated by Sony online [we knew this; it's expected in any online system]
Both PS3 SKUs include a hard drive, critical for downloading content [we also knew this, but it's worth repeating as an advantage of the lower-priced PS3 bundle versus the Xbox 360's lowest-priced system]
The system stores the profiles of different users within the household. Select a profile and the system logs that profile in, setting system configuration details according to the data stored with that profile. [We knew this.]
Settings are managed via an interface that looks like the PSP's settings interface. Configure network settings, passwords, and so on. [We knew this.]
"Fully-functional" web browser that will allow users to access "any site" on the internet. [We knew this.]
The system tracks the online status of the people on your friends list. Users can send friends text messages (via a PSP-style text messaging system or via USB keyboard), engage in voice and video chat [no voice mail?], and view pop-up notices as friend status changes. The system doesn't allow one to respond to these in-game status pop-ups, so you'll have to exit your game if you want to read the message you just received. [New detail?]
Account management: there are two types of PlayStation Network account: master accounts are like administrator accounts, while "associated accounts" can be restricted in some unspecified way. [New detail?]
Global sign-in IDs: like Xbox Live, global IDs make the process of finding and adding friends to your friends list an easier task than, say, punching in an obfuscated alpha-numeric code. [We knew this.]
PlayStation Store: obtain demos, purchase downloadable PSone and PS2 games, purchase downloadable extras (horse armor FTW), and pay for subscriptions to certain (premium) online games in local currency. Sony avoids getting eaten alive by transaction fees by requiring deposits of cash into a virtual wallet. Once cash is deposited to the wallet, it's spent the same way MS Points are spent. [Does this mean that credit cards are required for online purchases?] Game-specific mini marts will show premium content for a specific game only. [We knew this.]

Overall, the piece gives very few genuinely new details and raises more questions than it answers. Even the information that the service appears to be running in a controlled fashion inside the Sony fortress isn't new. Journos got the same demo weeks ago at the Tokyo Game Show.

Still, Fahey implies that what he saw wasn't finished, writing, "We're not going to talk in much depth about PlayStation Store, because what we saw was still undoubtedly being worked on frantically to prepare for the November launch."

No word either on how this whole friends system will interface with Xfire.

It's not clear whether this limited demo buttresses or undermines Sony's claim that the PlayStation Network will be ready for the North American launch of the console on November 17th. Regardless, we're looking forward to testing it.

[Post image shows the PlayStation 2 network adapter. No clunky adapter needed for the PS3, as it's all built right in.]

[Update 1: The correct launch date of the PS3 is November 17th. The post has been corrected.]

[Update 2: Split the post and clarified the information on demo downloads.]

Tags: playstation, ps2, ps3, tgs, tgs06, tokyo game show

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

KineticOnline @ Oct 14th 2006 10:20AM

Not alot i didnt already know, but i did notice one thing "Purchase Demos" they expect people to pay for the demos?

Optimus Prime @ Oct 14th 2006 10:22AM

Im glad they're using real money instead of these MS and Wii points non-sense.

And, i dont think demos are gonna be charged; no one in the history of video games have ever charged for a demo. Its accessed via the Store to force you to browse the store (and maybe buy something along the way).

Carl Winslow @ Oct 14th 2006 10:23AM

"The system doesn't allow one to respond to these in-game status pop-ups, so you'll have to exit your game if you want to read the message you just received."

Yikes. That's annoying.

Pedro Van Faulk @ Oct 14th 2006 10:27AM

That article writer was certainly all glowing with praise. Pity there wasn't anything there.

Th points thing does make sense. MS points suck. I don't have a problem with nintendo's version since each point corresponds to a cent. $20=20 points.

I notice they still didn't talk about gameplay. Or how it is even remotely going to compete with Live without charging.

random @ Oct 14th 2006 10:34AM

The good thing about MS points is that they can't pull off a "20 cents = 20 points, 20 euro cents = 20 points".

gamerx @ Oct 14th 2006 10:43AM

"The system doesn't allow one to respond to these in-game status pop-ups, so you'll have to exit your game if you want to read the message you just received."

So all the almighty super powerful Cell processor cant handle this? Thats a shame.

Psaakyrn @ Oct 14th 2006 10:50AM

There is a good reason why you would want to translate into points. Without points, all items would have to have their prices manually converted into different currencies, but with points, only the points needs to be converted into different currencies.

sweethavok @ Oct 14th 2006 10:54AM

I gues Sony is done copying Xbox live service.

Optimus Prime @ Oct 14th 2006 10:58AM

"There is a good reason why you would want to translate into points. Without points, all items would have to have their prices manually converted into different currencies, but with points, only the points needs to be converted into different currencies."

nahhh, they're been doing this online forever now (and the sony online store is just hmtl, its not hard coded into the OS like xbl); so no big wup. The whole points thing is about branding; nothing to do with making it simpler for anyone.

"So all the almighty super powerful Cell processor cant handle this? Thats a shame."

Thats just stupid; its like saying the 360 isnt powerful enough to render basic html since it doesnt have a web browser. If you read the article it clearly states that it completely viable to implement in game status responding in future firmware updates.

Eric Von Shpeel @ Oct 14th 2006 11:05AM

its FREE to play online! Rejoice!! £250 to play Xbox online over 5 years sucks. Plus I love the fact I dont have to buy £10 worth of stupid points when I only want a 50p picture. Finally some great PS3 news, long overdue.

Dave Mixer @ Oct 14th 2006 11:09AM

The network isn't ready for public usage. Better they apply more features and fix bugs

Simon @ Oct 14th 2006 11:15AM

I'm really interested to see what Sony can come up with on the PS3, in terms of online features. I haven't really seen many previews on how this translate into online gameplay though; surely some of these people must have tried to get Motorstorm on the PSN (An acronym I think I'll stick to) at some point?

One feature I'd love to see, and one that seems easily possible, is using the PS3 as an online go-between for PSP games. I start looking for an multiplayer WipeOut Pure game, the PSP connects to the PS3, which then connects to the larger PSN and finds games. Whilst developers could cut this out by releasing patches for older PSP games, this would remove the hassle (at least for some)

When did I get a star, all of a sudden? :/

dsub @ Oct 14th 2006 11:17AM

it still doesn't sound as fluid as XBL. In XBL not only can you recieve messages and do voice chat with someone else in your game, they don't even have to be playing the same game as you. Want the person to come play in whatever online game your playing? You can just bring up the XB guide IN GAME and say "invite friend to game" they accept and bam, there they are. If they accept the invite, their system tells them in insert said game disk, and once it's in, it doesn't even bother taking them through all the startup screens and stuff, it just launches them right into the game itself or the lobby.

That is my favorite part of live, it's so seamlessly integrated into the 360.

The1 @ Oct 14th 2006 11:17AM

Simple question, what games are supported at launch? This is a gaming online service right? I guess I will get as much use out of my PS3 online as I do with my PSP online capabilities. I do not care about music, news or anything like this on a game console. I can get all my music and news from my PC.

The Rev @ Oct 14th 2006 12:27PM

its FREE to play online! Rejoice!!

if you would pay attention....its only free for one year

Madthijs @ Oct 14th 2006 11:19AM

I noticed some people on the internet (it's also in the article) mentioning the fact that the Sony Online User Interface is much richer than that of MS XBox Live. Judging from the screenshots I love the PS3 Online interface... Looks nice. I just got one complaint... This will be complete and utter crap on a SD TV. At least the MS Interface does well on SD TVs. I think Sony really has to look into this.

Pulse @ Oct 14th 2006 11:37AM

There hasn't been much said, and yes, the PSonline was patchy, but considering it wasn't thought about unitl Live came out, and yet there were more people on it, plus more people buying the console, what did it matter if it was patchy?

There is still a lot I want to hear about and hasn't been answered.

zebwinz @ Oct 14th 2006 11:46AM

Hold on a sec...enter text with your usb keyboard? Isn't this thing supposed to be all about the Bluetooth? Now I can't use my Harmony remote AND i have to plug in a keyboard?

ChuckSteak0331 @ Oct 14th 2006 11:47AM

Wait, did you just say there were more people on psonline then there were on live?

Nachi @ Oct 14th 2006 11:51AM

It's interesting there was zero mention at all of online gameplay... Matchmaking, In-game Voice, Stats, etc.

Where's the beef???

omg @ Oct 14th 2006 11:53AM

"Hold on a sec...enter text with your usb keyboard? Isn't this thing supposed to be all about the Bluetooth?"

Of course you can use your bluetooth keyboard. BT keyboards are not that common yet. But yeah wireless BT keyboards FTW.

"if you would pay attention....its only free for one year"

Were does it say that PS online is free for only a year?

Nachi @ Oct 14th 2006 12:05PM

Who wants a bluetooth keyboard (unless they already have one for their cell phone) anyways? They're ridiculously expensive - anything bluetooth is.

Most people probably just want a cheap usb keyboard.

That - or a regular wireless one (usb dongle). Since those work fine with xbox 360, I'd assume they'd work on ps3 too.

George @ Oct 14th 2006 12:04PM

>>if you would pay attention....its only free for one year

NO, it's FREE FOREVER, read the article. You only get charged for downloadable content ONLY, you do not pay to play online; JUST LIKE THE PC, not a new concept.

From article:
"Oh - and it's all free, too. The only place you'll be asked to fork over a penny is when you purchase something in the PlayStation Store - all of the online services, from sign-up right through to voice and video chat, are free, as is normal multiplayer gaming."

Jo @ Oct 14th 2006 12:10PM

Um, Joystiq, why didn't you mention that matchmaking and playing online games (except mmo's) is free.

ie, not $50 a year. ($200 for the life of the console if the 360 is also yanked in 4 years).

George @ Oct 14th 2006 12:15PM

>>Who wants a bluetooth keyboard (unless they already have one for their cell phone) anyways? They're ridiculously expensive - anything bluetooth is. Most people probably just want a cheap usb keyboard.

It's got 4 USB ports, you can use either USB or BT, you're choice.

Ragnarokender @ Oct 14th 2006 12:18PM

Not receiving messages during a game doesnt bother me, chat after Im done or while im at my PC, not my ps3. I dont know why they would exclude it, but I doubt its because of lack of processing power...maybe because they dont want people bothered while playing or something stupid. I think they should at least have the option for that feature to be turned on...some people definitely want that in.

Never charged for demos? I dont buy too many games, but I remember I used to see PS1 demo packs for $8 in some stores...dont know if they do that anymore.

Sonic @ Oct 14th 2006 12:22PM

If Nintendo charged, so would Sony. Sony's a follower, not a creator like Microsoft or Nintendo.

LaughingTarget @ Oct 14th 2006 12:22PM

They charged for demos well into the PS2 era, but I haven't seen one for some time. Demos that is, charged or otherwise.

Pedro Van Faulk @ Oct 14th 2006 12:34PM

All of this is moot since it won't be as good as live anyways. Even if they do charge. Since there are no dedicated servers, PNP is a crippled system from the very get go.

LaughingTarget @ Oct 14th 2006 12:37PM

Sony will charge for this service. Having a central server is very expensive, and the PS3 is already going to be in for a rough time trying to break even. Sony won't let their online service be a money sink. The first year free thing makes sense, especially since the first year customer base is going to be fairly small and won't tax the system. Think of it more of a beta test than an actual free service.

Abyss @ Oct 14th 2006 12:40PM

That's interesting you can purchase items in local currency. In theory, if you change your region, you can buy content cheaper, depending on exchange rates.

Also, what about game matchmaking? Was that discussed?

nick @ Oct 14th 2006 12:44PM

"Of course you can use your bluetooth keyboard. BT keyboards are not that common yet. But yeah wireless BT keyboards FTW."

I've had a bluetooth keyboard for two years. You can buy em for PDAs.

Optimus Prime @ Oct 14th 2006 12:45PM

Why do you guys keep bringing up that one year free thing ... if you have a Sony press release, please link to it.

And, its free because Sony is a media company, they have way more media assets (in addition to game assets) to distribute online than MS or Nintendo. The sale of these assets will (in their business model) offset the cost of servers and then some.

And, server intensive games like mmo will be charged.

gamerx @ Oct 14th 2006 12:47PM

"[No clunky adapter needed for the PS3, as it's all built right in."

Yeah sure, except for a wi-fi adapter and memory card reader adapter for the $500 PS3, and a PS2 memory card reader adapter if you want to transfer your PS2 game saves on the PS3 hdd. And what about Guitar Hero? Wont you need an additional adapter to play games that require a physical DualShock 2 controller slot?

LaughingTarget @ Oct 14th 2006 12:51PM

Sony also never defnitively said all these features would be free either. We have to remember Sony is NOT in incredible financial shape, so even if it does turn out to be a free service, it won't last for very long. They have to make money SOMEWHERE, and if it isn't on the hardware, it has to be elsewhere.

hey alex @ Oct 14th 2006 12:53PM

Sony is a media company, but it's reluctant to allow that media to become digital. I think Sony Pictures and Sony Records have A LOT of input when it comes to how their content will be handled.

I would not be surprised if the media was in some proprietary format knowing Sony.

Jo @ Oct 14th 2006 12:54PM

With respect to dedicated servers, that has nothing to do with Live or Playstation Online.
For instance, when you host a Halo 2 Live game, _you_ are the server. Live gives clients your IP address, they connect to you, and after that all the game-specific traffic goes between you and your clients. The are no Microsoft dedicated servers.

Games that run dedicated servers (eg EA's Battlefield 2: MC) run linux servers for PS2 and XBox and XBox 360. Has nothing to do with Live.

nick @ Oct 14th 2006 12:58PM

Didn't someone just shut down online play for a bunch of older sport games? Wasn't it EA? Aren't those on dedicated servers?

I know when I played Burnout, it seemed like I was logging into EA's servers.

ninja @ Oct 14th 2006 12:59PM

My favorite part of the whole article:

"Oh - and it's all free, too. The only place you'll be asked to fork over a penny is when you purchase something in the PlayStation Store - all of the online services, from sign-up right through to voice and video chat, are free, as is normal multiplayer gaming. There's no equivalent of the Xbox Live Gold account, where you're expected to pay extra for a further tier of services - the only things you'll pay money for are paid-for downloadable content, or subscriptions to premium services like massively multiplayer games."

chimp o death @ Oct 14th 2006 1:06PM

There's that phrase again. "Normal multiplayer gaming".
As opposed to abnormal multiplayer gaming? Unless some weird qualifier is to be dropped on us by Sony, why can't they just say "multiplayer gaming" and be done with it. But oh no, we're just told that "normal" or "basic" online is free, implying a non-normal, non-basic service that may not be free.

And people saying that PNP fre for X number of years equals X number of dollars savings over Live for the same period better wait to see what ALL of their costs are and ALL of their services are over that same period before making that claim. Will you get demos a year before the launch of a game (Lost Planet)? Will you get downloadable updates from E3 and TGS? Two small examples, but if you're declaring equal value I want EQUAL service.

My understanding is will take a while before PNP is fully functional and all games are supporting all features. Multiplayer gaming is still one of the least talked about aspects of the service, even though most PS3 owners will care about this more than downloading the new Michael Jackson jam for $1.99. The majority of the article was spent talking about everything but playing games online. I guess Son's leaving it up to the developers themselves to forge that part of the online empire. That way, if it fails to materilaize in a big way, they can say "well, we built this amazing hardware/service, but unfortunately the developers let us down by not geting the most power out of it."

I have to say as a 360 owner I hope Sony DOES acomplish what they say, and deliver a substantial portion for free. That'll put pressure on Microsoft to change their own pricing structure. They'd obviously prefer not to, but are in a better position to do so than Sony after the profit draining PS3 launch.

Doomstalk @ Oct 14th 2006 1:23PM

This article reads like it came directly out of Sony's PR department. It doesn't offer much of anything in the way of hard details, but Rob write's like he was shot up with valium before he sat down at his computer. All oohs and ahs, no hard questions or solid answers.

get over it @ Oct 14th 2006 1:25PM

to answer the above, no they're not implying a non-normal, non-basic service that may not be free

read the rest of the line:

"there's no equivalent of the Xbox Live Gold account, where you're expected to pay extra for a further tier of services"

ninja @ Oct 14th 2006 1:39PM

Normal as in anything other than MMORPGs (FFXI)

chimp o death @ Oct 14th 2006 1:42PM

"the only things you'll pay money for are paid-for downloadable content, or subscriptions to premium services like massively multiplayer games."

I agree, there isn't a whole other tier (at the moment), but look at the above quote. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but saying premium services LIKE MMORPGs again indicates (to me) that they won't be the ONLY service that charges. If so, why not say "you'll only get charged for MMORPGs". What are the other "premium services" that are LIKE MMORPGs that will have fees?

Ill admit, nowhere does Sony say they indend to charge for something like maintaining a persistent online avatar in the PS3 SOCOM, but they're the ones being vague on online gaming, not me. The wording, including qoutes direct from Kaz HIrai in Game Informer, leave open a saftey hatch for Sony. Again, I'm not saying that they weill use it and starting dropping a bunch of crazy charges on their users. But then why not tell us exactly what we'll get for free, and what MAY be fee-based, game-by-game?

Maybe they still don't know exactly themselves. That's the safest bet.

Foppe @ Oct 14th 2006 1:42PM

I don´t like the "purchase demos" bit.
If they was free, they would just write "Download Demos", not purchase demos...

Cyrix_0 @ Oct 14th 2006 1:59PM

How Long Has it taken XBL to be at the stage that it is at the moment...

Now Sony has not had as much time and the large scale public testing, yet its reached alot of the Core features for its Online Platform...

Alot of the main must have features are there...Im sure it will be an on-going project...which is a good thing as it allows a platform to be built on with the aid of user input...from what we know and have seen there is something there to be built on so bring it on...

Best of all its FREE...so very good job so far...let hope they can keep up the efforts...I will be suprised in a good way if Sony can manage something substantial to rival XBL in such a short period of time...

chimp o death @ Oct 14th 2006 1:56PM

And just to show I'm not indulging in overt fanboyism, I think Live definitely has to pick up mthe slack. Video content like movie trailers (anything other than game trailers, in fact) is seriously lacking. Having wednesdays be the day your new arcade titles hit the marketplace is great, yet why keep missing your own deadline? And would it be to much to post and stick to a schedule for nthe arrival of this content? Would that be too hard? And the download speed for anything over 100MB is S-L-O-W! In fact, except for its gaming, Live (with a few exceptions) is pretty bare-bones. I do hope if Sony brings all of these media features to the table, it prods Microsoft into beefing up both the quantity and pace of Live's marketplace.

And as far as purchasing demos, I think it may only be a matter of time before we see it happen. However, is there anyone out there who WOULDN'T pay $5 to play a level of MSG4, Twilight Princess, Gears of War, or Halo 3 right now? I would in a second. It would be better for free, but that wouldn't stop me. Whoever does it first will definitely get some heat, though, as we all download the sweat MSG4 goodness anyways.