No PS3-to-PC play in Unreal Tournament 3

by Justin McElroy { Sep 26th 2007 at 11:25AM }

PS3 players hoping to test their Unreal Tournament 3 skills against PC players (read: get their clocks cleaned) will be out of luck according to Epic's Mark Rein. In an IRC chat yesterday, Rein wrote, "The biggest challenge in doing cross platform play is syncronizing [sic] the builds such that the build on the PC is 100% compatible with the build on the PS3."

The good news is that the PC-PS3 divide may not be a permanent one. Rein said that the feature is one that could be considered after the game is released. But, unfortunately, he says that even at that point "the likelihood is small." Though it's a cool feature, we still want to know ... is it something you guys care about?

Tags: crossplatform, epic, markrein, unrealtournament3

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Blazur @ Sep 26th 2007 11:30AM

As a PC gamer, I look forward to mopping the floor with PS3 gamers and their inferior FPS controls. But honestly I wouldn't be disappointed if they never develop the cross-platform link because none of my friends own a PS3.

Keith @ Sep 26th 2007 11:39AM

How exactly would you wipe the floor with me, when the PS3 version is able to use a mouse and keyboard as well? More like I would use my $500 console to wipe the floor with your more expensive PC.

HineyWipe @ Sep 26th 2007 11:44AM

OP: you underestimate the power of the Cell combined with a gaming USB keyboard and mouse. Elitest PCFanBoy, meh.

Matt B (SDF ) @ Sep 26th 2007 11:46AM

As primarily a PC gamer, I'm happy to buy the gorgeous PS3 version vs having to upgrade my rig to play. My rig could play it fine, but I would have to tone down the detail to get a better frame rate. It would have been cool, but no one will really notice its not there since no other game can do this anyway.

Josh @ Sep 26th 2007 11:48AM

The higher resolution that a PC can give you is a real benefit when it comes to Unreal Tournament. Head shots with sniper rifles or lightning guns from a great distance are much easier when you have 10 pixels to aim at instead of 3.

A PC could run this game at 1680x1050 or any other resolution, whereas a PS3 is locked at 1280x720.

Blazur @ Sep 26th 2007 11:59AM

Keith, a keyboard and mouse really is the way to go. I hadn't realized the PS3 had that available as an input device.

Still, given two players of equal skill I'm convinced a player using keyboard/mouse will excel over those relying on analogue controls. There's just so much more precision that cannot be matched with a controller.

Regardless, you'd still get owned against me...

borland502 (SDF - Macross Ring) @ Sep 26th 2007 12:12PM

@Josh: Is UT3 a 720P game? At any rate, I think skill matters more than pixel count given equal input devices. I mean I think a pro could wipe the floor with you even if they were playing @ 800x600.

While I like pretty, shiny, happy graphics it doesn't take the place of being able to aim.

bounchfx @ Sep 26th 2007 12:30PM

as primarily a console gamer, I look forward to upgrading my rig because this game deserves it, it basically got me into PC gaming originally (that and diablo/starcraft), ...that and I'll be modding it and my pc direly needs an upgrade...

shawnpfiore @ Sep 26th 2007 1:02PM

The PS3 floating point performance of the whole system (CPU + GPU) is reported to be 2 TFLOPS, and you PC is could do what. SHIT how about that. PS3 = Super Computer.

borland502 (SDF - Macross Ring) @ Sep 26th 2007 1:13PM

shawnpfiore: Let me give you fair warning from a fellow SDF member. Anyone with a background or interest in computers is about to stomp all over your argument.

The PS3 is a super-computer, but not because it is better than my home rig. It does very, very well at problems that require parallel processing. For general operations, it is probably around the Mac G5 processor.

Supercomputer != Best Computer

I happen to believe that it will due very well in the future due to the Cell. But your weak smack is easily trashed by anyone with a tidbit of knowledge.

GRANTED @ Sep 26th 2007 1:14PM

im glad console gamers can unite to hate on a common group of douches--pc gamers.

pc gamers are the most annoying and the most elitest, and really have the least to say here since there's not much news for them outside of world of warcraft and crysis. therefore, when something relevant comes up, everyone starts talking about making love to their mouse.

pc gaming is much more expensive, much less comfortable, and generally less cool than console gaming. next gen peripherals plus next gen online makes pc gaming wholly unremarkable. tvs are bigger than computer monitors. no one cares what kind of video/graphics card you have.

peace.

borland502 (SDF - Macross Ring) @ Sep 26th 2007 1:26PM

"to hate on a common group of douches--pc gamers."

When I no longer here about the Halo teabagging l33t kiddies I'll accept that comment.

"pc gaming is much more expensive...than console gaming."

You get what you pay for.

"tvs are bigger than computer monitors."

Let me introduce you to a concept called resolution.

Anyway, from that diatribe I don't think you have grounds for calling anyone elitist. Consoles have some major benefits, but also shortfalls that only recently have begun to be addressed. They also don't lend themselves to precision (FPS) or complexity (RTS) in gaming. I like my console, as I liked my PS2, but while I shall never, ever, attempt a top of the line PC...I like play certain types of games on it.

I will rejoice when I can rely on my console alone, but that day hasn't come yet.

Slaziman @ Sep 26th 2007 2:36PM

what was the last good game on PC that wasn't an FPS, RTS, or RPG?

A 350 dollar PC won't give you 360 graphics, that's for sure.

Slaziman @ Sep 26th 2007 2:37PM

I meant MMORPG not RPG... there are almost no singleplayer RPG's on PC

borland502 (SDF - Macross Ring) @ Sep 26th 2007 3:04PM

"A 350 dollar PC won't give you 360 graphics, that's for sure."

No, but a computer bought now for a similar price could give you graphics superior to an Xbox. From a cost perspective, the console wins and it always will. But the configuration remains static, and it will never equal a mid to top tier computer in any given year.

But to answer your other question, there aren't any games better on the PC other than FPS, RTS, and MMORPGs. And there haven't been for many years. Any game whose input complexity can be reduced to a controller will be found in greater quantity and better quality on the console. But if a game benefits from complex control schemes (RTS, MMORPGs) or precision (FPS) it will likely be better on a PC. The same for "wow factor" graphics. These factors are diminishing vs. the console, but there is still a lot to be said for the venerable PC.

LaughingTarget @ Sep 26th 2007 3:34PM

Actually, add the cost of that 720p television and the PC isn't looking that much more expensive anymore. You don't need to upgrade it every two years. The PS3 won't drasticaly improve its visuals over its lifespan, and running PC games toned down will get you a fairly static image quality like console games, the only reason to upgrade is to keep up with being able to run everything at its highest settings, something console owners don't have to deal with (and conversely, their games never dramatically improve until they buy the next generation unit). Going HD, and the ballooned price of consoles, have put them closer to the cost of a mid-range gaming PC and I sure as hell can just upgrade select components and keep it ahead of the next console for the same price.

Marty @ Sep 26th 2007 11:30AM

Hats off to Joystiq for understanding how much better a mouse / keyboard combo is for FPS games than two thumbsticks. :D

rodan32 @ Sep 26th 2007 11:30AM

I'd just like to see it happen long enough for the tears of the console people to solve drought problems in a couple of western states.

Marty @ Sep 26th 2007 11:56AM

Your comment is poorly worded - but funny, nonetheless.

rodan32 @ Sep 26th 2007 4:07PM

What can I say; I'm a lover, not a . . . whatchacallit. . . thinker.

Shmil @ Sep 26th 2007 11:31AM

count down until fernando rocker is here trolling this thread
10 minutes

Fernando Rocker (NDF - Water Ring) @ Sep 26th 2007 11:38AM

Andy @ Sep 26th 2007 11:43AM

Wow, 7 minutes! Glad I bet the under.

xXFenixKnight13Xx @ Sep 26th 2007 1:28PM

LMAO!!!!

Geist @ Sep 26th 2007 11:31AM

I'd say one of the biggest challenges is making it so the KB/M players don't completely obliterate the Analog players. Shadowrun tried it, and all it could do was significantly gimp a PC player's performance.

Vidikron (FU) @ Sep 26th 2007 11:37AM

The PS3 version is supposed to support KB/M. So the control issue is a non-issue.

arrrgh @ Sep 26th 2007 12:35PM

it's not a non issue because a VAST majority of PS3 gamers wouldn't bother with buying new peripherals for the game. Mouse/Keys have been available for consoles since dreamcast. How many people bought them? Let's just hope that if PS3 vs PC becomes a reality and you're on PS3, your teammates are on PC...if they're on PS3 they'll probably be sportin the 'sticks

ark_v2 @ Sep 26th 2007 12:59PM

@ Vidikron (FU): Eh...yeah, since USB is propietary... :|

Vidikron (FU) @ Sep 26th 2007 2:09PM

@arrgh

Yes, KB/M has been around on consoles for a while, but NOT supported in games. There is a difference. For example, the 360 supports KB for text input, but you can't use them on games. You've always had to buy devices that "hack" in support (like the FragX or whatever it was called).

Other than supporting KB/M all you have to do is add in an option when creating a game to host to allow certain control methods. So then if you wanted you could host a game that only allows gamepads. Then you could search for games using the same filters. This is NOT complicated and NOT an issue if done correctly.

@ark_v2

I'm not even sure what you're trying to say there. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with what I said. Unless you're trying to claim that the PS3 having USB automatically means games support KB/M? If that's the case then your dead wrong.

Jim Halpert DM @ Sep 26th 2007 11:38AM

Each have their ups and downs. Mouse and keyboard is more accurate, while it's probably easier to manuever with a control pad.

Crono (NDF - French Taunting from Holy Grail Ring) @ Sep 26th 2007 12:09PM

nope. KB/M is superior all the way around except in force feedback.

arrrgh @ Sep 26th 2007 12:36PM

yep. Key/mouse is better in every single way. sorry dude. They make high res gaming mice for a reason. Analog movement wont help you here

Jim Halpert DM @ Sep 26th 2007 12:42PM

I'll play both regularly. I'm more accurate with the mouse, but I really enjoy using the analog stick for movement, especially diagonal movement. And like the button placement for crouching and jumping on the controller. Plus I enjoy pulling an actual trigger to shoot. There's no pointing and clicking with a real gun.

blooh (CDF - Ass Ring) @ Sep 26th 2007 11:39AM

as vidikron said, usb ports are on consoles now

it would be interesting to have a 360 analog user face off with a ps3 analog user though

oh well, i'll probably get this game for PC, so whateva

2slick @ Sep 26th 2007 11:41AM

anyone else get the feeling that epic is full of lazy s.o.b.'s who don't wanna go the extra mile? first the crap they call matchmaking in gears of war, then no gears extra contennt for the 360 (in relation to the computer version), they give a half ass version of their engine out, now they don't wanna take the time to sync the ps3 and pc versions. I mean Dear God Shadowrun's team did it - regardless of quality.

Jonah Falcon @ Sep 26th 2007 11:42AM

Just as well, since the PS3 version is being gimped because it can't handle certain maps.

loungemonkey @ Sep 26th 2007 11:47AM

What? Care to give me a link to this, I just want to read about this.

Matt B (SDF ) @ Sep 26th 2007 11:48AM

Where did you see that?

James @ Sep 26th 2007 1:42PM

I heard this too.

MYPS3KilledMy360 @ Sep 26th 2007 2:17PM

the maps that are going to be so called gimped are going to be downloads later kind of like they couldnt do the cross platform play. If the PS3 will be gimped, the 360 will gimped x2, battle with space and hardware.:) it doesnt take that much to buy a mouse and keyboard it cheaper than buying a controller unless your going all out.