GDC: PlayStation 3 - the next level

By Ellie Gibson Published 7 March, 2007

Home, LittleBigPlanet and PlayStation Edge.

Sony hasn't had the easiest ride of late. Giant enemy crabs. Riiiiiidge Racer. The price. The European delay. The backward compatibility issue. Executives saying daft things. It all adds up to massive damage to its reputation.

It seems like Sony's in a bit of a predicament right now, and the next few weeks and months are going to be crucial. Now's the time to show us exactly what the PlayStation 3 can do, and why we ought to hand over £425 for one.

Well, judging by Phil Harrison's GDC keynote, they've got the message. His conference speech begins at 10.30am PST (6.30pm GMT) today, but he delivered a full preview at a special event for selected press last night. There he unveiled a new vision for PlayStation 3 - what Sony's calling 'Game 3.0'.

It's about user-generated content, in short. Sony wants gamers to create and customise their own PS3 experience. According to Harrison, the focus is on "leveraging the convergence of technologies, from broadband and video chat to supercomputer-speed processors, to make gaming more interactive and dynamic than ever before".

In other words, perhaps, MySpace and YouTube are hugely popular, everyone loves the Internet, the PS3 runs quite fast and they've got some new ideas for how to exploit all this so people stop slagging it off.

'GDC: PlayStation 3 - the next level' Screenshot home1

At the heart of this vision, as previously revealed by our old friend Internet Reports and confirmed by Harrison last night, is PlayStation Home. It's a new real-time, networked 3D community where you can interact with other PS3 owners, play online games and generally muck about to your heart's content.

Available as a free download from the PlayStation Store, Home lets you create a 3D avatar, choosing from a wide range of body types, skin tones, ages, clothes and accessories. Evidently drawing inspiration from Nintendo's Mii system, but with a much bigger array of options to choose from.

You also get a virtual living space in the shape of a sleek, modern apartment, which you can also customise. As demonstrated by Harrison, you can use any of the content stored on your hard drive. For example, you can hang dodgy photos on the wall, play game trailers on your virtual TV, and listen to MP3s on your Home stereo. You can also download special content, such as Resistance: Fall of Man wallpaper.

"It's your place, so it's your rules," Harrison explained.

Then there's the Hall of Fame, a room where you can display 3D trophies that you've won by completing in-game objectives. These aren't necessarily trophies in the traditional sense. The Hall of Fame in Harrison's demo featured large Loco Roco and Killzone characters in glass cases, for example.

'GDC: PlayStation 3 - the next level' Screenshot home2

You can also view the awards for games you don't yet own. These are shown lined up as far as they eye can see in a huge virtual room. If you're a Star Wars fan, picture the senate featured in the prequels.

You can invite friends to your Home to see your trophies, explore your apartment, share your content and join online games. Communication is done through text, audio and video chat, and avatars express their emotions through animations.

There are other areas to explore outside your apartment, accessible via the World Map. The version of this shown by Harrison featured icons which represented virtual spaces belonging to developers, publishers or specific games - but there are bigger plans for the future.

"We expect it will be not just about Sony content, not just about game content, but a much wider network," Harrison said. "Over time we expect it to expand to non-game brands as well, so you could imagine going to visit a space that might be provided by a famous beverage company or a cool clothing company or a record company, or even a retailer, or a magazine or a website.

"So we think this is a very powerful way to bring community not just to games, but to other forms of lifestyle and entertainment - all built around PlayStation 3."

Harrison concluded the first section of his speech by revealing that Home is currently in the closed beta phase, with a public beta due to begin in April. It's down for a global launch in the Autumn.

Then it was time for a look at Singstar. Not much new to report here, but the Americans aren't as familiar with the series as us Europeans so it must have seemed like a good opportunity for Harrison to show off the PS3 game.

'GDC: PlayStation 3 - the next level' Screenshot sing

It's "all about extending the experience online in two directions - downloading content and uploading content", according to Harrison. You can download songs in the Singstore, and watch video previews streaming off the server before you buy.

You can upload videos of your performances filmed with EyeToy to the My Singstar network, receive ratings from other users and compete in contests. There will also be downloadable content such as wallpapers for your favourite bands and artists.

Harrison declined to show off the game by singing himself, opting instead to observe that the demo "gives you a sense of where we're going with the integrated community and commerce, blended together in a very compelling experience for PlayStation 3".

Singstar PS3 launches in Europe in early June, with a US release due to follow in the 'Fall', as the Yanks call it. Harrison didn't say how many tracks will be available at launch, but said that Sony is "working very closely with the music industry to get a very wide selection of music available day one on the network".

'GDC: PlayStation 3 - the next level' Screenshot lbp1

With the Singstar section out of the way, it was time for what was undoubtedly the highlight of Harrison's keynote - the first ever public showing of a new game titled LittleBigPlanet. "It's probably the fun and creative embodiment of the Game 3.0 concept," he said.

LittleBigPlanet is being developed by Media Molecule, the studio set up by former Lionhead developer Mark Healy. MM won critical acclaim last year for Rag Doll Kung Fu, a PC title which also caught Sony's attention.

"We loved this game and we thought it was a really great embodiment of the power of the independent gaming community building really great games with their own inspiration, their own money, and sharing it widely over the network on the PC," said Harrison.

Sony has now spent around a year working with Media Molecule on LittleBigPlanet, and Healy and MM co-founder Alex Evans were on hand to demo the game last night. Healy began by telling the audience, "This game is basically all about creativity."

When the game starts, you find yourself on a blue and green planet divided into plots. Your character starts out as a small brown creature who appears to be made out of wool, nicknamed Sackboy. The first task is to find out what the character can do and how to interact with the environment. Once you've mastered the basics - LittleBigPlanet is designed to be very easy to pick up and play - you can start to create your own games.

'GDC: PlayStation 3 - the next level' Screenshot lbp2

This is done by using your character to place and manipulate objects, using the Sixaxis controller and a simple cut and paste type system rather than a complex level editor. Objects are made out of materials such as wood, fabric and metal, and behave as you'd expect them to in real life.

In the demo, the gameworld appeared as a sparse backyard environment into which Evans began placing objects - a block of wood to which he attached a cog his character could run around, for example.

Then came a tree made out of fabric, followed by a giant orange to which Evans added bug eyes and Deely Bopper hair. He showed how you can also customise your character by adding Deely Boppers, while other characters appeared wearing space suits and elaborate Chinese dragon-style head dresses.

"The cool thing is it's not just about making pre-made objects," Healy said. "You can lift the customisable level, do whatever you want with it, make it look how you want it to look." So, for example, you can create 'stickers' using content on your hard drive, photos taken with EyeToy and so on, and slap them wherever you like. "There's no limit. You can literally cover the entire world."

The first part of the demo only lasted a couple of minutes, but already there was a sense of just how many options and how much freedom LittleBigPlanet will offer. Despite this, the game didn't appear to be too complicated. Everything flowed quickly and smoothly.

There were now four characters on screen - the maximum number of players - with Harrison joining in. They lifted up a giant curtain at one end of the backyard, revealing the start of a previously created game. The object of the game, Healy explained, was to collect a resource: sponge.

At the beginning, the characters were simply running and jumping around a variety of objects, and again everything appeared fast and fluid. They skipped along branches, swung on ropes and zoomed around with jetpacks. Although the players were competing for resources, there were moments where they had to co-operate, combining their strength, for example, to move a heavier object.

All too soon, it was time for the grand finale. The four characters jumped on a giant skateboard and began waving as it zoomed down a steep hill. One of the players pressed a button to take a snapshot of the moment, and the demo was over.

'GDC: PlayStation 3 - the next level' Screenshot lbp3

"As you can see, it's all about empowering a community of gamers by embedding the creative tools into the game experience as well, so they don't even know they're editing and creating," Harrison said.

"But the key, after they've edited and created, is to share, so we're going to give you a glimpse of how that could work."

It really was a glimpse. A short, fast film which seemed to suggest that once you've uploaded the game you've created to the PlayStation Network, other users will be able to play and rate it. There was a rankings chart, apparently showing the most popular games on the Network. A messages section to communicate with other users. A forum-style comments feature where you can post your thoughts on the game. It was all over very quickly, and followed by a long and loud round of applause.

Next up was Warhawk, currently best remembered for playing a part in Sony's derided E3 2006 conference. But according to producer Dylan Jones: "The demonstrations that you've seen earlier are just an example of the exciting and innovative ways that Sony is extending the feature set for PlayStation Network.

"It is with that I am incredibly excited to announce a strategic change for the game Warhawk. The exclusively online multiplayer focus will allow the team to leverage many of the features you've seen here tonight. It will allow us to truly deliver a fantastic online war game experience."

It all felt a bit low-key following the excitement of the LittleBigPlanet demo, but then Harrison was back on stage and on to a new topic: PlayStation Edge. "This is something which is very relevant to the game developer audience who will be in the keynote tomorrow, but it's also very relevant to consumers," he said.

'GDC: PlayStation 3 - the next level' Screenshot lbp4

"What PlayStation Edge is all about is taking some of the advanced technology that we have invented within worldwide studios to support the wonderful creativity and technology you've seen in games today, and deliver and give that technology free of charge to PlayStation 3 developers within our PS3 developer network."

That will include GCO Replay,"an incredibly powerful, industry-leading RSX profiling tool". It allows developers to "eke out the highest possible performance from the graphics chip inside the PlayStation 3, and to give incredible feedback to game designers".

He followed this up by revealing that developers will also get "highly optimised" libraries for PS3 in the areas of geometry processing, animation and compression.

"These are tremendous technical and creative advantages that PlayStation 3 has, and we want to give all developers access to the absolute pinnacle of technology," Harrison pledged. A short video of the next Killzone followed, with some amazing animations and effects on show. More on the game is promised for E3 in July.

'GDC: PlayStation 3 - the next level' Screenshot flow

Summing up his speech Harrison told the audience: "You can see that we have a tremendous decade of growth ahead of us, powered not just by the technology of PlayStation 3 but also the kind of experiences we can unlock through the power of Network, which is based around the Game 3.0 concept.

"It's a very exciting opportunity laid out in front of us, and it's one that I hope our developers, our publishers, both internally and externally, embrace, really run with and take to incredible new heights to build some incredible entertainment experiences for PlayStation 3."

So, what conclusions can be drawn now it's all over? Well, LittleBigPlanet was clearly the star of the show. It looks charming, exciting and engaging. The interface appears to be beautifully simple, and there's a stunning range of options for customisation and creativity.

Add to that the option to play other people's games, share your own and get real feedback from real gamers on what they think of your creation. It's clear that LittleBigPlanet could be something really very special indeed.

'GDC: PlayStation 3 - the next level' Screenshot warhawk

PlayStation Home didn't have quite the same sense of innovation and novelty about it, and there are a few questions still to be answered. Such as, why would you want to watch a game trailer on a virtual telly if you're sitting in front of a real live telly? But Home certainly looked impressive, and it will be interesting to find out just how it will all work.

The big question is whether it will all be enough to silence the doubters once and for all. There's still that big old price tag and port-heavy software line-up to contend with. Both of those problems, however, will be solved over time. And meanwhile, innovative ideas like LittleBigPlanet might go some way to making PlayStation 3 owners feel that that large amount of money has been well spent.

Of course, Sony's harshest critics will accuse them of jumping on the YouTube bandwagon, of failing to solve the real problems with PS3, of mucking about with rubber duckies and giant enemy crabs too much. But maybe it's time to take a closer look on what Sony's doing right, rather than focusing solely on what it's doing wrong. And maybe, for the first time in a long while, Sony is doing enough things right to make that possible.

Picture of Ellie.

About Ellie Gibson

Since joining Eurogamer in the mid 2000s, Ellie has written about subjects as diverse as the fall of Gizmondo, the rise of Hollyoaks actresses in Red Alert games and the noise a bear makes under NSFW circumstances.

Read more articles from Ellie by visiting the Ellie Gibson archive page.

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Comments (172) Latest comment 5 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • JediMasterMalik #1 5 years ago

    Gorgeous, sounds awesome, will read properly later. :p

  • Nippledoctor #2 5 years ago

    Geez EG looks more and more like a sony exclusive window. Not one inch of the site not filled with sony announcement and the rest.

    Neutral info do we say?

  • Overlush #3 5 years ago

    The lounge looks pretty cool!

  • Steroyd #4 5 years ago

    :o

  • Carlo #5 5 years ago

    Drop a ton off the price and you might see me buy and use it.

  • Shinji #6 5 years ago

    Nippledoctor - did you see the state of the site last time there was a big Microsoft or Nintendo announcement? Eurogamer always splashes out when there's a massive keynote or the likes going on, no matter which company it is.

    Hell, I remember staying up all bloody night to get multiple features online covering the launch of the N-Gage QD. You can't say we're platform partisan on THAT front! :)

  • muftak #7 5 years ago

    Nippledoctor"Geez EG looks more and more like a sony exclusive window. Not one inch of the site not filled with sony announcement and the rest.

    Neutral info do we say?"

    it it hasnt been Wii or 360 bais in the past

    Shutup and enjoy the show its a new machine with exciting ideas just announced 360 will get there chance if they got anything new.

    please stop trolling :)

    Edited by 1 at 07/03/07 @ 18:43

  • JediMasterMalik #8 5 years ago

    Watching the video on Gametrailers is amazing, it's like a gorgeous Second life, only accessible and relevant to the console.

  • stepneg #9 5 years ago

    Less gimmicks more games. Achievements were a side issue for the 360 you can't base the sole reason for buying a PS3 on a virtual world were you can view tropheys and trailers! Wheres the, "only Blueray possible" killer app that justifys the extensive price?

  • muftak #10 5 years ago

    "Less gimmicks more games. Achievements were a side issue for the 360 you can't base the sole reason for buying a PS3 on a virtual world were you can view tropheys and trailers! Wheres the, "only Blueray possible" killer app that justifys the extensive price?"


    Killzone 2 trailer later ?

  • Freek #11 5 years ago

    Not one inch? The front page has a feature on the PS3 in general and the Phil Harrison speech, as that happend today and is rather important.
    The rest of the site is buiseness as usual.
    And geuse what when the Nintendo and MS keynotes happen, sometihng tells me the same thing will be done as that'll be the "big news" of the day.
    So in short: stop being such a drama queen.

  • ChrisBen #12 5 years ago

    All this is incredibly........meh! There's just no other word for it! Achievements have only ever been a second tier (at best) reason to get a 360, and LittleBigPlanet doesn't sound so great when you consider the infinitely greater possibilities afforded by XNA. Some novel ideas here, and I'm by no means being an 'Xbot' and shouting "shiiit!" Some nice stuff here. But honestly, killer app stuff this most certainly isn't, and anyone who says otherwise is Phil Harrisson aicmfp!
    Edited by 1 at 07/03/07 @ 18:50

  • Steroyd #13 5 years ago

    This is a Games Developer Conference, I can't stress that enough.

    Doubt there'll be any significant game announcements at this event.

  • MaxiSleep #14 5 years ago

    Dont really get what the point is here i must admit. Technically interesting but not a system seller for me. Then again I do despise second life sooooo.....

  • Jac #15 5 years ago

    Game 3.0. I dont like it. I want to play games not network and share. Seems the world is obsessed with this idea.

  • Pablo2k5 #16 5 years ago

    What a load of old shit. I wanna see some proper games not all this 'community' crap...

  • Stickman #17 5 years ago

    Did Phil Harrison take a shit today? Consistency? Smell?

    I MUST KNOW, DAMMIT!

  • smelly #18 5 years ago

    *meh*

    (that ragdoll blokes game looks nice though)

  • TheJanitor #19 5 years ago

    freakin awesome!

  • SeesThroughAll #20 5 years ago

    I didn't know Sony were competing with Second Life... :/

    Anyway, I'm more interested in LittleBigPlanet. Now that looks like great fun.

  • DrDamn #21 5 years ago

    @Jac
    "Game 3.0. I dont like it. I want to play games not network and share. Seems the world is obsessed with this idea."

    You know, strangely enough, this is who they have to sell it to, not you.

    This looks excellent (bar the dodgey dancing), and is just what the PS3 needs - a differentiator between it and other consoles. Isn't that what the PS3 is supposed to lack? Something it does differently?

    @ChrisBen
    LittleBigPlanet is entirely a different kettle of fish to XNA. XNA is for programmers, not the general public and for simply sharing with your friends.

    I could see this all being a bit meh, but give it a chance. Sony actually doing something different for once? I thought that they would struggle to get close to Live and maybe add some minor features like taking screen shot of games to send your friends etc. This is well out there though. Could fail horribly, but you can't knock 'em for trying.

  • bdc #22 5 years ago

    Nothing to do with gaming, it seems. Haha.

  • numptyboymatt #23 5 years ago

    I dont think I could be less excited if I tried.

  • david78 #24 5 years ago

    Hmmm. Sounds interesting.

  • -TKF- #25 5 years ago

    Regarding your home comments:

    [link url=http://secondlife.com/
    ]http://secondlife.com/
    [/link]

    I guess home is THE THIRD PLACE

  • mattigan #26 5 years ago

    The world (well Console companies) is obsessed with the "Value Added" aspect of providing all this sharing and customisation content, because this is the stuff that will be chargable in the future.

    Microtransations FTL+1

  • monkey-ken-wizard #27 5 years ago

    Where are the games?
    For £425 I want amazing games, not a virtual chat room!

  • MORZTAN #28 5 years ago

    Sounds promising.

    I can actualy see this going well... +0,0001 to SONY

  • Dizzy #29 5 years ago

    Playstation home? Sucks.
    LittleBigPlanet? Very impressed!

  • JediMasterMalik #30 5 years ago

    Well, this is a game, sorta. If you consider Second Life a game, which some don't.

  • SeesThroughAll #31 5 years ago

    A short video of the next Killzone followed, with some amazing animations and effects on show. More on the game is promised for E3 in July.

    SHOW IT EG! DAMMIT!

  • Kropotkin #32 5 years ago

    I like this LBP thingamyjig. Compared to the C# stuff required for XNA this could be something very special indeed.

    My only concern is that the stuff they have on Home is a little too late but it does look like a 3d version of XBox Live Profile does it not?

    All interesting stuff though it has to be said!

  • ronuds #33 5 years ago

    Wow... this Home and Littlebigplanet has suddenly made the ps3 worth the money!

  • Steroyd #34 5 years ago

    @Kroptkn
    Except people can access what's on your Hard Drive at least that's the impression I got.

    Jesus since when did a Developer Conference turn into the next E3?

  • #35 5 years ago

    Where are the games?
    For £425 I want amazing games, not a virtual chat room!

    Games are passe.

    Now it's all about the community and play experience!

  • Instinct #36 5 years ago

    Watched the video for Playstation Home just now at Kotaku, all looks very neat. Hope they can pull it off.

  • dolphan #37 5 years ago

    A virtual living room? Hardly a convincing selling point. I'll probably get a ps3 in about two and a half years time. Should be a reasonable price by then.

  • Moonprince #38 5 years ago

    Was in Indonesia the other month. My partners mother offered to buy me a PS3 there and then - knowing I worked in the industry and would probably like one.

    I said "Nah, not worth it."

    Nothings changed.

    Shame.

  • Drakron #39 5 years ago

    Agree, it it was a virtual bedroom maybe ...

  • ronuds #40 5 years ago

    It all seems a bit childish. How many can picture this "home" turning into a breeding ground for 12 year old idiots spouting off at the mouth?

  • Pac-man-ate-my-wife #41 5 years ago

    LittleBigPlanet, good.

    Everything else, meh.

  • macksed #42 5 years ago

    i want one!

  • SeesThroughAll #43 5 years ago

    Just remembered this... How long before Home gets invaded by pedophiles posing as kids, trying to seduce youngsters?

  • Xerx3s #44 5 years ago

    At the heart of this vision, as previously revealed by our old friend Internet Reports and confirmed by Harrison last night, is PlayStation Home.

    You mean Kotaku. Come on, you know you want to say it.

  • CitizenGeek #45 5 years ago

    AWESOME! It looks really, really cool and has sealed the deal for me. PS3, thou art my next console!

    oh, and ChrisBen = Xbot

  • Khanivor #46 5 years ago

    Well Peter Molynuex must be chuffed. It's a connected version of your creature's palace in B&W2.

    Still, as far as Home is concerned, Webster have a new entry under the definition gimmick.

  • Psi #47 5 years ago

    he's bald and looks like lex luthor, someone should kill him

  • BrokenSymmetry #48 5 years ago

    I think it's smart of Sony to focus on user-created content, because that's a weak point of XBox live, which has no possibilities at all for user-created content. I've always wondered why not at least user-created gamer-pictures or dashboard themes could be put on XBox live. Maybe with the competition of Sony in this area this may happen...

  • enzima #49 5 years ago

    Thanks God for LittleBigPlanet, for a moment i thought we were screwed...

  • muftak #50 5 years ago

    "Mega fucking crap. listen up sony, i want proper games 100% backward compatibility and a fucking price drop. if no to price drop, then throw in motorstorm and resistance and im sold you cunts. "


    Wow i bet you mother is proud of you and your mouth .


    if you havent got anything intelligent to say doing bother mate.

    your comments are more welcome on the once funny now boring UK:R blog

  • lennon #51 5 years ago

    So the big announcement did end up being a big disapointment then. Shame.

  • NthSimulachum #52 5 years ago

    Game 3.0?

    And I thought the Web 2.0 moniker was lame.

  • SeesThroughAll #53 5 years ago

    So the big announcement did end up being a big disapointment then. Shame.

    That what Sony presented this time actually is interesting? I guess you must really be disappointed then.

  • lennon #54 5 years ago

    Interesting in what way exactly. We knew most of it already and if I am really honest I am more interested that they are making a new version of Jetpac! Didnt realise I had to share your opinion. Sorry.
    Edited by 1 at 07/03/07 @ 20:23

  • Metalfish #55 5 years ago

    /Feels slightly more enthused. Just a little bit.

  • Xerx3s #56 5 years ago

    That LittleBigPlanet game looks brilliant. Very interesting. When will we get an article on it?

    What's the 3rd pic on the 2nd page? Fl0w? Looks interesting as well.

    Couldn't care less about the likes of singstar and that home thingy though. Singstar because I'm rubbish at singing and home because it sounds faaaar to complicated for things that have already been done a lot more simple. Watching a trailer on a digital telly?

    Will it replace the rather sleek xmb? or will it just be an overlayer?

    Anyway, looks like sony has finally got it's act together and means business. Very good, now we can finally have some competition! Bring on those effin good games!

  • Xerx3s #57 5 years ago

    Game 3.0. I dont like it. I want to play games not network and share. Seems the world is obsessed with this idea.

    My thoughts exactly. It's like those people who feel the need to 'share' their music with all other bus passengers.

  • SeesThroughAll #58 5 years ago

    How can it be interesting?

    Depending on how the public beta goes, it shows they can pull an online service. The Second Life thing is just a colorful interface for a chat room. If it works reliably, it will serve its purpose fine. Unless you think "Sims is ghey".

    LBP looks great fun, both as online and party game. Seriously, LBP is more likely to sell systems than MotorStorm.

    The new Edge toolkit is going to be distributed freely among all developers who are currently working on the PS3 - all coming games benefit from it.

  • Xerx3s #59 5 years ago

    Unless you think "Sims is ghey".

    *cough*

    /looks away

    ;)

  • Quine #60 5 years ago

    Meh.

    /shrugs eloquently

    New console "not for gamers" shock!

  • monkey-ken-wizard #61 5 years ago

    Chat room or Halo 3
    hummm let me think?

  • drumbaby #62 5 years ago

    Yep, this sounds really cool.

  • alexg #63 5 years ago

    Wait a second - they showed some Killzone PS3 in-game footage?

    Where is it?

    Or is that only for the press?

  • Virvel #64 5 years ago

    This looks very promising indeed. I especially like the way Sony is arranging for our 'presence' online through having our own lobby/apartment and avatar. Design your lobby and your own avatars look and invite some friends over for a deathmatch! It is also good to see that Sony is taking achievements seriously. Trophies or highscore tracking is one of the few things that really impressed me with 360-live.

    My big question is : Can you switch between the lobby and whatever game you are playing?


  • Razer #65 5 years ago

    I feel the same as many others. LBP sounds interesting, but the rest is neither here nor there as far as my interests go.

    Can't see myself or any of mates bothering with the virtual home thing. Achievements are one thing, a bit of an aside to maybe eek a little more play from a game. Do I really need a 3d representation of any achievements I have, so that I can sit and stare in wonder at them ? Nice for 30 seconds, then it quickly becomes very 'meh' .

    Of course, you won't be able to move for offers of various game/brand related micro-transactions to lavish upon your virtual home, but thats to be expected anyway.

    I just wonder whether the type of people that are excited by these things are the type to shell out GBP425+ for the privelege :/

  • spongebob #66 5 years ago

    I like the Home concept. I can't see myself using it much, but I like it's easy-going, casual and stylish attitude. It's not transparent and simplistic as XBL, yet it's not as cute and infantile as Wii's Mii-world.

  • Nikanoru #67 5 years ago

    Haha, I can just imagine the meeting of the board of directors.

    "Shit guys, we're gonna lose this. What's Nintendo doing that we're not? We've already got the motion sensitivity, what else?"
    "Games with cute big-headed characters."
    "Customizable avatars that come standard with the console."
    "Alright, you get on that. The rest of you, continue making more retarded comments that'll drive the internet mad."

  • t8yman #68 5 years ago

    its already been said, but what about the games. I dont switch on my 360 and start reading my friends list, I boot up a game, why would I want to go to a virtual friend's virtual house and look at his shitty pictures and trophies.

    gimmick 3.0 with no U.S.P

    gimme halo3 anytime.

  • LOLLERS #69 5 years ago

    "invite some friends over for a deathmatch!"

    I would find it irritating to load up this software, load up your house, invite people people over, then quit and start the game you want to play and invite people into that. And there's no global friends list is there?

  • #70 5 years ago

    Haha, I can just imagine the meeting of the board of directors.

    Exactly right.

    N64 analogue stick?
    We'll have two please!

    N64 Rumble Pack?
    We'll have two of those too!

    Motion controller?
    Check!

    Mii avatar and achievements?
    We can do those as well!

    It's just classic Sony isn't it? Take ideas introduced by others and improve on them.

    Personally speaking, as a causal gamer, I find Sony's community, content and personalisation ideas pretty compelling - more so than the Wii (from what I can personally see of it at this point in time).

    Would I spend £425 on a PS3 to realise those ideas? Probably not. But it sure has made me sit up and take notice.

    Sony's PR and marketing (despite what fortunes Sony has suffered during the last few years) is also clearly superior: "Playstation Home" sounds infinitely more cool than the geek-speak "Live" and "Marketplace" branding that MS uses (from it's global Windows Live branding).

  • monkey-ken-wizard #71 5 years ago

    'Playstation Home' - sounds cool?
    lol
    what are you talking about?
    Edited by 1 at 07/03/07 @ 21:33

  • RexRunti #72 5 years ago

    This "home" thing does seem like a natural progression and Sony should be applauded for at least doing something first for once (it's not as original as some might think - see the DOA4 and Phantasy Start Online lobbies). It is also pretty unique which is a good thing. However, this does seem like something which could be copied very quickly on the 360 given how the current XBoxLive operates and Sony immediately lose (another) USP (leaving just blu-ray). Also they don't seem to have addressed the issue of whether this can run during games or if you have to chat then dissappear then insert game and meet up with friends (perhaps using different names). This is where the 360's live experience truly shines and Sony should emulate this as soon as possible.

    In summary this a much need positive boost for Sony, but not as big as it first appears.

    PS @BrokenSymmetry I have a custom dashboard and gamerpicture, also I've uploaded "user generated content" in games like Burnout and Chrome Hounds.

  • muftak #73 5 years ago

    "its already been said, but what about the games. I dont switch on my 360 and start reading my friends list, I boot up a game, why would I want to go to a virtual friend's virtual house and look at his shitty pictures and trophies.

    gimmick 3.0 with no U.S.P

    gimme halo3 anytime"


    i wonder if M$ came up with this 1st if all you xbots/360 trolls would go around saying how amzing it was and the PS3 Suxxors cuase it dosnt have it .

    Please cut the shit have you tried it NO you havent its not out till october at least so save you crap judgements like that till then.

    Oh Halo 3 you know might sux like the last two did bloody Mac reject games

  • gnarl #74 5 years ago

    While the home thing sounds silly, LittleBigPlanet does seem interesting. After getting over my disappointment that it was in no way related to Little Big Adventure, the fact it looks like Armadillo Run evolved rang in my mind. Which would be a good thing.

  • SuperBas #75 5 years ago

    Cut the price in half and I might buy it. LittleBigPlanet looks cool, but not cool enough to make me spend €599 on a console.

  • muftak #76 5 years ago

    "Cut the price in half and I might buy it. LittleBigPlanet looks cool, but not cool enough to make me spend €599 on a console"

    again the C word used

    Its not a games console as we know it

    im buying one for the BR alone and if you shop around i can get one for 350 GB pounds which is a bargin for a digital centre with a games machine buit in :p

  • thedaveeyres #77 5 years ago

    I'm going to wait till they patch it to Game 3.1

    ;)

  • Matsuo #78 5 years ago

    Some interesting things from Sony. Home sounds exactly like what we expected. It's more a version of Second Life rather than 360's or Wii's stuff. Nothing too unique, but if they pull it off, it's very well worth a look.
    I think GDC will be a new start for Sony, gaining new momentum which they desperately need. I really hate the Sony-invented "Game 3.0" term. DS = Game 2.0, PSP Game 3.0. Yeah... right...

    We'll see what Miyamoto has to say tomorrow. Should be interesting, even he's not expected to announce anything major.

  • Mr_Brown #79 5 years ago

    I've got mixed feelings really. The sony "Mii" customization looks awful to me. Sure there are probably more choices than Nintendo's but it looks generic and dull (from the footage I saw anyway) also the trophy room looked lame also. I would never feel the need to run there to see what my trophies looked like, the main thing about MS's acheivment system is the points not what the reward looks like...

    But there were some good ideas I liked alot, for example footage from last bosses in the trophy room and best laps is a great idea. The ability to all other users and chat PSO style sounds awesome and bowling and pool look great. As well as your own apartment. If only didn't look so generic and character less it might be awesome Wii/Xbox360 online beating thing they obviously want it to be. But lets face it, if the customisation and the areas look crap people aren't going to go through all the trouble loading it up just to invite friends around to then load it back down to join a game.

  • oerhoert #80 5 years ago

    Well, seeing as Second Life has over 4 million registered users, I guess "it looks like crap" isn't actually that much of a disadvantage.

    Looking forward to seeing more nevertheless. That Little Big game looked interesting.

  • markypants #81 5 years ago

    Bloody hell. After not really being all that excited by Sony's PS3 it has suddenly shot up in my estimations after seeing the Gameplay trailer video. It deffinately feels revolutionary in comparison to my 360's menu screens. I will be interested to see how much of that actually happens... But you'd have to be blind not to agree that the potential for this is huge. And I am NOT a fan boy at all. I'm a 360 owner not ready to have to fork out 100's of spondoolies for a new console unless it brings more than better looking games to the table. This is starting to look like it could be in a different league to the 360? Only time will tell.

  • Euroseptic #82 5 years ago

    Interesting new spin on things but still ultimately a farce. Sony are still not providing us with great games. It would now appear that the Sony reasoning is to ask us to pay £425 for a silicon sand pit, make our own entertainment and then thank them royally for the privilege.

  • Mordum #83 5 years ago

    I'm not sure what the point of 'Home' is.
    If I want to chat with friends on my console, I'd rather do it while actually playing games... not sat staring at a virtual bloke in a virtual apartment. Also, is 'home' constantly running, even while playing games?... so if I was to get a message saying "so-and-so has entered your apartment" do I have to switch off my game to enter my virtual apartment, or can it be accessed while in-game?

    Hopefully we'll get more info on these features in the next couple of days, but at the moment still nothing that makes the PS3 look worth its price tag.

    Little Big Planet does look interesting though, looking forward to seeing more info and vids on that.

  • muftak #84 5 years ago

    "Interesting new spin on things but still ultimately a farce. Sony are still not providing us with great games. It would now appear that the Sony reasoning is to ask us to pay £425 for a silicon sand pit, make our own entertainment and then thank them royally for the privilege."

    Im sorry but have you played Motostorm , R:FOM , FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION

    just 3 great games on day of release

    ANd to add do you know whats planned a New wipeout , heavenly sword , next GT game , kingdom hearts 3 , 2 new FF games need i go on why dont you get you head out of the so called silicon sand pit and stop playing your 360 and read a little what is comming out


  • Daikon #85 5 years ago

    It's down for a global launch in the Autumn.

    Knowing Sony that'll be Autumn 2008...

    So a Virtual Life clone is going to be Sony's killer app for the PS3? Hmmm...

  • Carrybagma #86 5 years ago

    One thing about Sony that gets right up my nose is firstly their blind refusal to acknowledge where they've pinched their ideas (which they all do to one extent or another, I suppose) and then secondly their incredible ability to slag off the idea that they pinched or were inspired by in the first place! Bragging is fine, but slagging off the source is dirty and low. Anyway...

    Home sounds fine. Not really my cup of tea, but it's a good pinch of other ideas, presented a lot better. Perhaps Microsoft will think about producing a nicer interface now. Not seen it myself, but it sounds very utilitarian. Perhaps Nintendo will think about opening up their Miis to 3rd parties and making more use of them.

    LBP looks great. I just hope it's not another Killzone-style presentation..
    Edited by 2 at 08/03/07 @ 01:02

  • ses #87 5 years ago

    "Geez EG looks more and more like a sony exclusive window. Not one inch of the site not filled with sony announcement and the rest. "

    The all-star team of trolls here never fail to impress.


    "dont switch on my 360 and start reading my friends list, I boot up a game, why would I want to go to a virtual friend's virtual house and look at his shitty pictures and trophies. "

    So don't. Those who doesn't care about Home will still be able to use the XMB interface.


    "Will it replace the rather sleek xmb? or will it just be an overlayer?"

    XMB will still be the main interface, from which you can then choose to start Home.

  • Xerx3s #88 5 years ago

    i wonder if M$ came up with this 1st if all you xbots/360 trolls would go around saying how amzing it was and the PS3 Suxxors cuase it dosnt have it .

    and

    Oh Halo 3 you know might sux like the last two did bloody Mac reject games

    If Halo was a sony franchise, you would probably already be camping outside the shops.

    If you must post your fanboy ramblings, at least do it in a less obvious way.

    Welcome to my incredibly long ignore list.

  • Xerx3s #89 5 years ago

    Im sorry but have you played Motostorm , R:FOM , FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION

    just 3 great games on day of release

    ANd to add do you know whats planned a New wipeout , heavenly sword , next GT game , kingdom hearts 3 , 2 new FF games need i go on why dont you get you head out of the so called silicon sand pit and stop playing your 360 and read a little what is comming out

    Mass Effect, Shadow Run, TMNT, SWOS, Worms (\0/), Monster Madness, Forza 2, Boom Boom Rocket, Bioshock, Halo 3, Wing Commander (\0/), Fable 2, Crackdown, Lost Odyssey, Space Giraffe are some planned for this year. I'm sure I missed some.

    No, that's not all and not stuff that won't be out for years. On a machine that is actually available here. -_-

    To use your words: "why don't you get you head out of the so called silicon sand pit and stop playing your ps3 and read a little what is coming out" (minus the bad grammar obviously).

    Sorry but people like you just give me the urge to whack that ball. Hard.

    Ball is in your court again.

  • Xerx3s #90 5 years ago

    Its not a games console as we know it

    Tjees, you just keep it coming, don't you? It is a games console. End of Discussion. If you buy into that marketing bullcrap, you might ant to consider applying for a job at sony. If you didn't already.

  • Xerx3s #91 5 years ago

    XMB will still be the main interface, from which you can then choose to start Home.

    Good. I rather like the xmb. Are there vids of how this actually slots into the xmb?

  • t8yman #92 5 years ago

    @ muftak

    I only ever played half of halo 2 and about 1/4 of halo one, I'm hardly an xbot.

    I'm not even really that excited about H3, just used it as an example of a game that will wipe the floor with anything that comes out on the ps3 this year saleswise.

    you claim you are getting one purely for BR, and two posts later start harping on about how many great games are coming out on launch day! WTF?

  • Scimarad #93 5 years ago

    Don't you twats EVER take any time off to actually play games? All this bitching really is utterly pathetic...

  • trevd72 #94 5 years ago

    the 360 has been described as a guns and ammo machine......the PS3 sounds like a bed and jimjams machine.

    at the end of the the day the front end is the means to an end and this sounds clumsy i guess we will have to see. I buy game consoles for playing games not tarting up a virtual house. It just seems that Sony are playing catch up on the ideas oin the 360 and wii and in the end missed the point of both of them.

  • Mageme #95 5 years ago

    LittleBigPlanet = Sony Viva Pinata?

  • SeesThroughAll #96 5 years ago

    As much as Viva Pinata = Animal Crossing

  • Wash #97 5 years ago

    Things like this will sway the casual gamer i'm sure. Certainly a less hostile enviroment to introduce them to as massively connected worlds. Rather being called biotch on a FPS for the 400th time by some squeaky american.

    Is good, doesnt appeal to me, but is good - in the same way the sims is good.

  • trevd72 #98 5 years ago

    i call someone a beeatch last night on r6:v but that was cos he was hiding round a corner and jumped out all guns blazing. I took him down still.......god I love that game.

    anyway just noticed that the screen shots show mostly typey-typey stuff. is this the main means of communication cos it just looks like hi res second life if thats the cas and that sucks.

  • Moz #99 5 years ago

    Colour me impressed!

    Sony may save themself yet.

  • SuperBas #100 5 years ago

    "Its not a games console as we know it

    im buying one for the BR alone and if you shop around i can get one for 350 GB pounds which is a bargin for a digital centre with a games machine buit in :p"

    Oh yeah, let's buy a game console for a format of which it is still not completely certain it will be the leading format!

    No wait, I'm buying it for the games. Because it's a games console. With a blu-ray drive inside. And the BR makes it too expensive for a games console. Oh well, I won't be waisting money on a PS3, so I shouldn't really be complaining. Carry on defending your PS3!
    Edited by 1 at 08/03/07 @ 09:37

  • moggsy #101 5 years ago

    While Home is an interesting idea I really do hope there will be a way of accessing the content without having to wonder around a virtual world. I like the fact that I can quickly navigate the 360's content with my remote control - I probably wouldn't be able to do this with a virtual world style interface.

    Also I never use chat rooms and seeing as this seems to be a glorified chat room I can't see me ever using it. One thing I'd worry about is that when you're talking to an attractive looking female avatar it actually turns out to be a fat sweaty 50 year old man - a very disturbing thought!
    Edited by 1 at 08/03/07 @ 11:27

  • MORZTAN #102 5 years ago

    @Moggsy

    I think they are going after that EVERYTHING is going to take place in the virtual world. No shortcuts or anything, as that would lower the income on sponsor money, once that takes of.

  • Riggers #103 5 years ago

    The stuff coming out from Sony now is quite intriguing, but they'd still have to knock £100 - £200 off the console price and come out with some killer games for me to consider a purchase.

    Still, it's nice to see Sony doing something right for once.

  • flapps #104 5 years ago

    Wow what a great thread! Full of totally predictable and anal comments from both sides. I tell you what, you guys argue all you like on the forums while I get on with enjoying playing on the PS3. You can argue about whether Home is actually innovative or not, but I'll be sitting there enjoying the experience.
    I'm sorry, for all the talk of 360's great games, they're just not what I want to play. Give me Virtua Fighter, Motorstorm, Singstar and Little Big Planet any day over paying for the pleasure of being harrassed by kids on Xbox Live. Call me whatever you like, but I prefer the types of games PS3 is offering (particularly on the download side) and that's why I'm behind PS3 all the way.

  • kangarootoo #105 5 years ago

    @Mr_Brown

    "the main thing about MS's acheivment system is the points not what the reward looks like... "

    Thats a pretty general statement. I think it actually varies from player to player.

    Personally I am interested in unlocking achievements (working through Crackdown now picking off the last few), but I simply DON'T CARE about the points that achievements build up. Not a bit.

    I realise plenty of people do care about the points, but I think you should realise that everyone has different tastes and preferences.

  • kangarootoo #106 5 years ago

    @ses

    "So don't. Those who doesn't care about Home will still be able to use the XMB interface. "

    +1

  • moggsy #107 5 years ago

    over paying for the pleasure of being harrassed by kids on Xbox Live

    So you'd rather be harrassed by kids on Playsation Home? ;-)

  • Darkuss #108 5 years ago

    Just watch the hall of fame demonstration here:[link url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=17593& type=wmv&pl=game
    ]http://ww w.gametrailers.com/player.php?i...[/link]

    It's amazing!

    Cheers

  • -TKF- #109 5 years ago

    THIS IS LIVING

  • rudedudejude #110 5 years ago

    They realised their games are shit so better pull something new out of their asses, fast.
    Edited by 1 at 08/03/07 @ 11:15

  • kangarootoo #111 5 years ago

    Just watched a movie of the Little Big Planet demo. That is f'ckin awsome!

  • quantumsheep #112 5 years ago

    "i wonder if M$ came up with this 1st if all you xbots/360 trolls would go around saying how amzing it was and the PS3 Suxxors cuase it dosnt have it ."

    @ muftak - actually fella, MS *were* looking into doing something like this a few years ago as an extension to the original LIVE.

    It would have included arcade machines where you could launch the games from =)

    Nice idea, but they never went with it.

  • Xerx3s #113 5 years ago

    Don't you twats EVER take any time off to actually play games? All this bitching really is utterly pathetic...

    Our bodies mutated an extra set of arms and an extra head. Now we can bitch & play games at the same time. \0/

  • Xerx3s #114 5 years ago

    Call me whatever you like, but I prefer the types of games PS3 is offering (particularly on the download side) and that's why I'm behind PS3 all the way.

    So you have a preference. Welcome to the human race. Tea is over there.

  • Xerx3s #115 5 years ago

    I just had a thought about the trophy thing. The average player unlocks something like 20-40 achievements per game right? I'm already around the 400 achievements (yeh, i suck :( ) after one year. Now with achievements, this doesn't really matter. Space is infinite. But that trophy room has a limited space, what if you have thousands of achievements?

  • dripping_brain #116 5 years ago

    I have a real house where I access my games collection by switching on the relevant console, I have real (perhaps dodgy) pictures on the walls, and I listen to music on an actual stereo rather than a virtual one. I do all of the rest of the things the "Home" interface will allow on my PC. I'd rather have an interface that's quick and simple to use. This kind of idea seems like the sort of thing that might have been heralded as "the future" (or put in a rubbish sci-fi film) when Virtual-reality was all the rage in the '90s.
    It's just gimmicky nonsense.

  • Gurgeh #117 5 years ago

    As Sony have left it up to third-party developers to handle online services themselves, how are they going to link their games to Home?

    I wonder how long before your virtual Home gets bombarded with Sony advertising... switch on your TV and you get to watch Sony commercials, look through your mail and you get Sony offers, etc.

  • SBfistfun #118 5 years ago

    MEh

  • SBfistfun #119 5 years ago

    Im sorry but have you played Motostorm , R:FOM , FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION

    just 3 great games on day of release


    Lol, I dont think so

  • Carrybagma #120 5 years ago

    Quite aside from all the usual bitching, I think Sony may have earned a much needed +1 here for simply coming out with a fairly clear message of what they're doing, instead of what I expected - more bull and dubious promises. They didn't really need to announce anything earth-shattering, the just needed to produce something concrete and worthwhile.

    Hopefully, the PS3 rot stopped here.

    Now, if they could just learn to shut-up a little and just get on with making stuff.

  • patriot #121 5 years ago

    opening paragraph made me lol :)
    still not sold on ps3 yet. think ill stick to my wii60.

  • Gurgeh #122 5 years ago

    I'd have thought the news about the GDC award winners would be headlined by now, rather than the PS3 "news" story.

    [link url=htt p://www.shacknews.com/docs/press/030807_gdca.x
    ]http://ww w.shacknews.com/docs/press/0308...[/link]

    Grats to Gears of War and Okami!
    Edited by 1 at 08/03/07 @ 13:17

  • mingster #123 5 years ago

    I thought this was going to be an update of the LitleBigAdventure game that came out on old DOS PC's a millenia ago.. shame i liked that.

  • Carrybagma #124 5 years ago

    I remember a time, not too long ago, when every fart out of Bungie claimed a top spot on the front page.

    Don't say that! You'll summon them!!

  • Crea #125 5 years ago

    As someone who's pretty much an honest and open 360 fan(boy), I'd say that this is the first public announcement that Sony have made re: PS3 that actually has some really good, interesting features. This PS3 Home nonsense definitely has legs...

    +1 to Sony from me.

  • TONYgr #126 5 years ago

    I didnt buy my 360 for its internet capabilitys!i bought it for the games.my Wii also!so all this is shit!when ps-3 have games such as mgs 4,god of war 3 and gt5 then i am gonna buy it too!BUT NOT FOR THIS SHIT!BRING OUT THE GAMES SONY!
    Edited by 1 at 08/03/07 @ 13:54

  • mingster #127 5 years ago

    I've already got Gran Turismo 1 & 2 on the PSP (the PSX versions)

  • AcidSnake #128 5 years ago

    Haven't read the comments, too many of them, so if I'm repeating someone I'm sorry...
    I think this is a very nice show from Sony...A lot of exciting stuff...

    But how does user content get filtered?
    If you can show any video you have on your HD then surely it will take people on the PSWeb exectly 5.6 seconds to upload pr0n?
    Same goes for pictures...

    Oh the politicians will have a field day with this...

    Again though, nice going Sony...

  • zuljin #129 5 years ago

    @acidsnake
    They mention time and time again that they have public and private spaces. Private spaces are like in the video, invite only. Chances are that you'll only be able to have user content in private spaces, which pretty much takes care of file sharing and telephony legalities. They may have user content in public spaces but that would have to be moderated before it became visible to other users.

  • agparrot #130 5 years ago

    For a moment there, I had this vision of PSHome and 'corporate spaces' in the PSWorld, as being like the good 'ol Cyberspace of William Gibson's Neuromancer, Count Zero et al., and was quite excited.

    but not £425 excited, and not when 'corporate spaces' just reminded me of all the advertising hoardings in Burnout 3.

  • #131 5 years ago

    TONYgr
    08-Mar-07 13:53:52 I didnt buy my 360 for its internet capabilitys!i


    No, you bought it because you're a dumbass!

  • Les #132 5 years ago

    "Style over substance. In that department, Sony always gets it right."

    Ah well, some companies fail at both... ;-)

    I don't really care about online gaming, Home, etc. The most important elements to me are LittleBigPlanet and PS Edge (although this should have been available from the start: it's not a real 'plus' for PS3 but rather (partly?) negates the big 'minus' there was before).

    But finally some positive news from Sony, been a while. Now get a AAA JRPG released in Europe, show that you're dedicated to make software BC on PS3 complete and I will consider buying the machine.

  • AcidSnake #133 5 years ago

    @zuljin:
    Whoops...sorry didn't catch that...
    But surely in littlebigworld you could create implicit stuff?
    I mean just 2 spheres and a cilinder and mischief aplenty...

    Just saying...I still think it's a neat idea...

  • thepiedpiper #134 5 years ago

    i is not interested whatsoever in this home malarky. to be honest, it's sounds very much like a gimmick. clutching at straws methinks.

  • bloodflowers #135 5 years ago

    The most telling thing is "this is what we're going to do with PS3 online" type presentations, when the product is ALREADY ON THE SHELVES. Why wasn't this all worked out a long time ago? Why are companies still running their own servers? This means PS3 owners get to look forward to inevitable server takedowns when they become less financially viable.

  • dirigiblebill #136 5 years ago

    'I think Sony may have earned a much needed +1 here for simply coming out with a fairly clear message of what they're doing'

    Agreed. Everyone remember Ken Kuturagi's off the wall ranting last year?

    'Don't you twats EVER take any time off to actually play games? All this bitching really is utterly pathetic...'

    I'd say grinding down some fanboy's ego (and having mine ground down in return) is at least as diverting as Halo deathmatch. I spend too much time messaging in online FPSs anyway. "Has anyone seen the new Bond film?" /Dirigiblebill has been fragged

  • InterMeLocal #137 5 years ago

    here is a little reminder of the price comparison between PS3 and 360. Becasue it seems that some still think the PS3 is 'over-priced' well thats have a little glance shall we:

    Price Comparison:

    PS3

    Retail £425
    hard Drive: 60 GB
    Online Subscription zero
    High Definition Drive Inc. (Blue-Ray)
    Wireless Adaptor Inc. (built in)

    Updated Price: £425 inc (no change)

    360

    Retail: £265
    hard Drive: 20GB
    Online Subscription £40
    High Definition Drive £130
    Wireless Adaptor £60

    Updated 360 Price: £495


    So there you have it, not only is the PS3 £70 cheaper it has 40GB more HD Space, includes all of the major connectivity features and pure next-generation HD drive, it also does not charge for ongoing online subscriptions. Its FUTUREPROOF and great VALUE FOR MONEY. Be Excited.

  • AcidSnake #138 5 years ago

    @intermelocal:
    ...Are you just trolling or something?
    Just in case you aren't...
    Your point only stands in 1 case...

    If you want your console to display HD movies, want it to go online and need vast amounts of storage space...
    Only in that case is the price point argument you sum up viable...

    I hope I'm not feeding you or anything...Just saying...

  • InterMeLocal #139 5 years ago

    @ acid - good point, its about what you want from you machine, if you need all those features. Not all 360 owners will need / want a wireless bridge, they have their own or run it straight into ethernet I was just trying to make the point that people should stop arguing about the price and look further into what they want for the next 4-5 yesrs or however long...

  • SeesThroughAll #140 5 years ago

    Please stop the silly price tag arguments...

    The best console choice depends on what you want to use it for, period.

  • AcidSnake #141 5 years ago

    Ok then...just checking :)

    Personally I don't think the price tag argument is not silly...

    It's the price point which keeps me from getting an x360 or ps3...
    But as soon as they come down a bit I'll splurge my money on them...

    Remember that along with the prices earlier you should really include a few games as well...

  • SeesThroughAll #142 5 years ago

    Well, fair enough.

    But again, you're not interested in a bunch of PS3 features, are you? That being the case, the 360 is a better deal for you. Otherwise, people who want a Blu-ray player along with a console will find it a very attractive deal, even as expensive as it is.

  • AcidSnake #143 5 years ago

    I'm currently not interested in all the features because I live in the middle of nowhere and the fastest internet connection we can get here is 56k...
    So that's online out of the question...
    As for HD, I still have an SD TV...so that too doesn't inspire me...
    Indeed the x360 seems the better choice...

    However I am an MGS nut...

    We'll see...adsl should arrive one of these days (they've been saying that for about 4 years now)...

    I'm not sure there are a lot of people who are really interested in the bluray player, I mean it's a very nice feature to have, but the fact that now movies are format exclusive as well...It kind of takes the power away from the whole 'True HD' thing...

    Still, if you want a bluray player the PS3 is one of the better and cheaper options...
    Makes you think why the standalone bluray players cost so much?

  • T4RG4 #144 5 years ago

    Sounds like a load of 'so what' and not what the average person is after. Show me some good games. Its that simple.

  • Gurgeh #145 5 years ago

    Odd this has been the headline story all day on Eurogamer, you'd think that nothing important was happening at GDC.

  • Les #146 5 years ago

    "Makes you think why the standalone bluray players cost so much?"

    Different pricing model, they're not subsidised like the PS3 is (and most other consoles).

    "I'm currently not interested in all the features because I live in the middle of nowhere and the fastest internet connection we can get here is 56k...
    So that's online out of the question...
    As for HD, I still have an SD TV...so that too doesn't inspire me...
    Indeed the x360 seems the better choice... "

    Sounds to me you'd better stick with an 'old-gen' console for now.

  • Les #147 5 years ago

    "Odd this has been the headline story all day on Eurogamer, you'd think that nothing important was happening at GDC."

    Which is of course true. Or maybe Sony paid EG big bucks.

  • SeesThroughAll #148 5 years ago

    Sounds to me you'd better stick with an 'old-gen' console for now.

    Wise words those, Les. The PS2 still has quite some life left in it.

  • AcidSnake #149 5 years ago

    Yeah...God Of War 2 in a few weeks...
    Don't particularly like FFXII but Okami is ofcourse a gem...

    Ah well, there's always solitaire on Windows....

  • dirigiblebill #150 5 years ago

    'The PS2 still has quite some life left in it.'

    And on that note, has anyone played Valkyrie Profile Silmera? I think it came out over here in feb but can't see hide or hair of it.

    /on-topic

    I'd been worrying Sony were going to spend this generation chasing M$'s coat-tails, trying to land an online high-def experience in the same vein as GoW or Halo 3. What a relief to see they've got a creative direction of their own besides pumping blu-ray and bad propaganda. LBP for teh win!

  • sanctusmortis #151 5 years ago

    "Odd this has been the headline story all day on Eurogamer, you'd think that nothing important was happening at GDC."

    Well, this is the thing everyone's been waiting for, so naturally they make it more prominent so people find it easier.

    You all should have been in for the Gabbly session last night. It was, well, bizarre. Mapster, I'm looking at you.

  • Machetazo #152 5 years ago

    At least SOMEONE was paying attention during E3 2005. J, why did your own company forsake you?

  • Gurgeh #153 5 years ago

    "Well, this is the thing everyone's been waiting for. "

    It is? Other websites covering GDC are well past the speech from 24 hours ago. There's a lot going on. The reaction to Home has been pretty much "so what", partly because we all knew it a week ago, yet here it's still the number one story. What bout Chris Hecker's rant (which was a lot more interesting)? The GDC awards?

  • crouchy #154 5 years ago

    Heres a small list of EXCLUSIVE games.


    -Active Dogs (Working Title)
    -Afrika [SCE]
    -Akari Project (working title) [Takuyo]
    -Angel Rings [SCE]
    -Ape Escape PS3 (working title) [SCE]
    -Aquanaut’s Holiday-Inner Mind Adventure (The) [ArtDink]
    -BB (Working Title)
    -Big (Working Title) [Naughty Dog]
    -Big Time Revenge
    -Bipedal Movement Simulation (Working Title) [ArtDink]
    -Black Blade [FromSoftware]
    -Boku no Natsu Yasumi 3: Summer Holidays 20th Century [SCE]
    -Castlevania PS3 [Konami]
    -Coded Arms Assault [Konami]
    -Codename: Sengoku 23KU
    -Crytek Project
    -Devil May Cry 4 [Capcom]
    -Driver PS3 [Atari]
    -Eight days [SCE]
    -EyeDentify [SCE]
    -The Eye of Judgment: Conquerors of 9 Fields [SCE]
    -Fatal Frame PS3 [Tecmo]
    -Fia World Touring Car Championship
    -Fifth Phantom Saga [SEGA]
    -Final Fantasy XIII [Square Enix]
    -Final Fantasy Versus XIII [Square Enix]
    -Formula One [SCE]
    -Full Auto 2: Battlelines* [SEGA]
    -Future GPX Cyber Formula PS3 [Sunrise Interactive]
    -Generation of Chaos VI [Idea Factory]
    -Genji: Days of the Blade* [SCE]
    -Getaway 3 (The) [SCE]
    -Goodnavigate Mystery Adventure (working title) [Goodnavigate]
    -Gradius PS3 [Konami]
    -Grand Turismo 5 [SCE]
    -Gretzky NHL [SCE]
    -Hackberry Pachinko Simulator (Working Title) [Hackberry]
    -Heavenly Sword [SCE]
    -Hot Shots Golf 5 [SCE]
    -Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier [SCE]
    -Killzone 2 [SCE]
    -Kurayami
    -L.A. Noire [Rockstar Games]
    -Lair [SCE]
    -Little House in the Plateau (Working Title) [Success]
    -Mahjong Taikai IV [KOEI]
    -Mahjong Oh
    -Makai Wars [Nippon Ichi Software]
    -Martial Art [D3 Publisher]
    -Master P.J. (Working Title) [Takuyo]
    -Mech-based Action Game (Working Title) [Bandai]
    -Media-mix Game Project Featuring Anime (Working Title) [Bandai]
    -Metal Gear Solid 4 [Konami]
    -Minna no Golf 5 [SCE]
    -Mist of Chaos [Idea Factory]
    -MLB 07: The Show [SCE]
    -Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire* [Bandai]
    -God of War 3 (possibility) [SCE]
    -Kingdom Heart 3 [Square Enix]
    -Shadow of the Colossus 2 (possibility) [SCE]
    -Socom 4 (possibility) [Zipper Interactive]
    -Sly 4 (possibility) [SCE]
    -Zone of the Enders 3 [Konami]
    -Monster Carnival (Working Title) [SCE]
    -Monster Hunter 3 [Capcom]
    -Monster Kingdom [SCE]
    -MotorStorm [SCE]
    -Naughty Dog (Working Title) [SCE]
    -Naxat Plan (Working Title) [Digital Gain]
    -NBA 07 The Life Vol. 2 *[SCE]
    -NBA ’08 [SCE]
    -Ni-Oh [KOEI]
    -Ninja Gaiden Sigma [Tecmo]
    -Project D [Michaelsoft]
    -Project Psychic (Working Title) [Taito]
    -Pro-Mahjong Kiwame Final (Working Title) [Athena]
    -Railfan [Ongakukan] Preview
    -Ratchet and Clank 5 [SCE]
    -Redwood Falls
    -Rengoku: The End of the Century [Hudson Soft]
    -Resistance: Fall of Man* [SCE]
    -Returning Alive [Astroll]
    -Ridge Racer 7* [Namco Bandai Group]
    -Romance of the Three Kingdoms PS3 [KOEI]
    -Sega Golf PS3 [SEGA]
    -Sekai Saikyou Ginsei Igo PS3 [Magnolia]
    -Shin Megami Tensei (untitled sequel) [Atlus Software]
    -Silent Hill 5 [Konami]
    -Singstar PS3 [SCE]
    -Slotter Mania [Dorasu]
    -Soul Calibur IV [Namco Bandai Games America]
    -Sunrise Eiyuutan PS3 [Sunrise Interactive]
    -Tekken 6 [Namco]
    -Unknown Realms [SCE]
    -Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom* [SCE]
    -Value 2000 Igo [Magnolia]
    -Value 2000 Shougi [Magnolia]
    -WarDevil Enigma
    -Warhawk [SCE]
    -Way of the Samurai 3 [Spike]
    -White Knight Story [SCE]
    -Wipeout PS3 [SCE]
    -World Tour Soccer PS3 [SCE]
    -Yamasa Digi World DX [Yamasa Entertainment]
    -Airtight Project - Airtight Games
    -AQ Interactive PS3 Project - AQ Interactive
    -Capcom PS3 Action Project - Capcom
    -Cavia PS3 Action-RPG – TB
    -CyberFront PS3 Puzzle Project - CyberFront Corporation
    -CyberFront PS3 Simulation #1 - CyberFront Corproation
    -CyberFront PS3 Simulation #2 - CyberFront Corporation
    -Datam PS3 Adventure - Datam Polystar
    -DC Comics MMO - Sony Online Entertainment
    -Eidos PS3 Action Project - Eidos Interactive
    -Ertain PS3 Action Project - TBA
    -ESP PS3 Action Project – ESP
    -Factor 5 Downloadable Project #1 - Factor 5
    -Factor 5 Downloadable Project #2 - Factor 5
    -Factor 5 Project #2 - Factor 5
    -Lab Project
    -Genki PS3 Racing Project - Genki
    -Genki PS3 Samurai Action Project - Genki
    -Global A PS3 Comical Action Project - Global A Entertainment
    -Global A PS3 Comical Simulation Project - Entertainment
    -Gust PS3 RPG Project
    - Gust
    -Hamster PS3 Management Simulation - Hamster Corporatio
    -Hudson Soft PS3
    RPG Project - Hudson Soft
    -Interchannel PS3 Adventure - Interchannel
    -Irem PS3 Action-Adventure - Irem Software Engineering
    -KOEI “Guan Yu” PS3 Project - KOEI
    -Konami PS3 Action Project - Konami
    -Konami PS3 RPG –
    Konami
    -Marvelous PS3 Action Project - Marvelous Interactive
    -Media Works PS3 New Type Adventure - Media Works
    -Media Molecule PS3 Game [SCE]
    -Marionette PS3 War Simulation - Marionette
    -Naughty Dog PS3 Project - SCEA/Naughty Dog[14]
    -Namco PS3 RPG - Namco
    -Namco PS3 Shooter - Namco
    -Namco PS3 Sports Project - Namco
    -Nihilistic PS3 Project – TBA
    -Now Production New Style Action Project
    -Pterodon FPS Project
    -Rockstar Old West PS3 Porject
    -Sarugechu PS3 - Sony Computer Entertainment
    -Success PS3 RPG – Success
    -Sucker Punch Project
    -Sunsoft PS3 Simulation – Sunsoft Untitled Sony Online
    Mercenary MMO - SOE
    -Sony Online Spy MMO - Sony Online Entertainment
    -Sony Online Whimsical MMO - Sony Online Entertainment
    -Team Siren Project- SCE
    -Zipper Interactive PS3 Project
    -DC Universe [SOE]
    -The Wall [Play Ten Interactive] Preview

  • captainrentboy #155 5 years ago

    ^^^ I'm not really sure what he's trying to prove, but I for one cannot wait to get my hands on the excellent sounding Hamster PS3 management simulation, and alo the marvelous PS3 action project, which i'm sure will be rather.....Marvelous.
    Maaayyybe you should have edited it slightly to make it look like Sony have at least SOME quality control.

  • SeesThroughAll #156 5 years ago

    Working for that raise, heh, crouchy?

  • DjFlex52 #157 5 years ago

    only one thought comes to mind, crouchy...half of those games will suck and a bunch of others will eventually be on the 360...so your point?

  • dirigiblebill #158 5 years ago

    Way of the Samurai 3? Awesome. Who'd have thought?

  • monkey-ken-wizard #159 5 years ago

    @Crouchy
    WOW - I'm just off to buy a PS3

    -Success PS3 RPG – Success
    Wishful speaking I presume

  • monkey-ken-wizard #160 5 years ago

    I'm currently working on
    -Failure PS3 RPG – Failure

  • Vic #161 5 years ago

    Looks amazing. Sony just raised the online interactivity bar. Looks like Live will be playing catch-up in a few months. Shit, if this was on the Wii, people would be building an altar to it as we speak.

  • Vic #162 5 years ago

    @ crouchy

    Ignore the Xbots. Rentboy is a clown. Someone claimed PS3 had no exclusives, and you posted a list of games that are exclusive to the platform. Nothing wrong with that, I've read plenty of 360 lists. Its just that some Xbots (and there are tons on EG) get a little heated when you post something positive about another console. Hence comments like 'but...but half of those games will suck'! :-).
    Edited by 1 at 09/03/07 @ 07:57

  • SeesThroughAll #163 5 years ago

    I think it's a bit too much posting such a long (a bit out-of-date) list of games here.

  • crouchy #164 5 years ago

    ^^^ I'm not really sure what he's trying to prove, but I for one cannot wait to get my hands on the excellent sounding Hamster PS3 management simulation, and alo the marvelous PS3 action project, which i'm sure will be rather.....Marvelous.
    Maaayyybe you should have edited it slightly to make it look like Sony have at least SOME quality control.
    -----
    Just humiliating people who bought an x box. insecurity is the word.

  • Katsumoto #165 5 years ago

    I wonder which would win if you counted the myriad times EG has been accused of i) Nintendo Bias ii) Microsoft bias iii) Sony Bias. I'm guessing they're about equal

  • Yossarian #166 5 years ago

    "-Media-mix Game Project Featuring Anime (Working Title)"

    no shit

  • dirigiblebill #167 5 years ago

    'Nihilistic PS3 project'?

  • smoothpete #168 5 years ago

    LA Noire isn't exclusive AFAIK

  • Syrette #169 5 years ago

    LittleBigPlanet sounds awesome, the rest is more of the incredibly dull, stolen, pointless, boring, unenticing sort of thing I've come to expect from Sony.

  • Riggers #170 5 years ago

    Bipedal Movement Simulation? I'm there!

  • Jas315 #171 5 years ago

    smoothpete - "LA Noire isn't exclusive AFAIK"

    Well you know wrong :)

  • mike_mgoblue #172 5 years ago

    Virtually all of the third-party games listed as "exclusive" are in fact coming to the Xbox 360--they just haven't been announced yet because of contractual reasons.

    Here is one that was just announced yesterday, though!

    Take a look, fellow gamers, Devil May Cry 4 is now confirmed for the Xbox 360 and PC, for a simultaneous release with the Playstation 3.

    The article is great at http://xb ox360.ign.com/articles/774/7740...

    Also, the rumors about Ace Combat coming to the Xbox 360 are true, too!