Playstation 3 to support Video Conferencing?

[Serapth]

Sony apparently just signed a license ( http://www.ps3land.com/article-491.php) to use Avistar Communications ( http://www.avistar.com/news.cfm/avistar/press/article/157.html) corps’ video conferencing technology for the Playstation brand name. *note, second link has more information*


Under the license agreement, CPI granted Sony a license according to its standard terms and conditions for the field of videoconferencing. The license covers Sony’s video conference apparatus as well as other products including video-enabled personal computer products and Sony Computer Entertainment's PlayStation products. Specific financial terms were not disclosed.


Microsoft already announced video chat for their upcoming camera add-on. It looks like the age of face to face gaming is coming this generation. It almost scares me to think how rife for abuse this is going to be!

[gzsfrk]

Given my experiences with voice chat on Xbox Live, methinks I'll forego the purchase of a video camera for the 360. Likewise, I hope there's an option to "keep the blinds drawn" when it comes to seeing other users in game.

[JazGalaxy]

Honestly. Who would want that?

The only use I could POSSIBLY think of for it is in a game like Wing Commander. the way you used to be able to see your co-pilots faces overlay over your radar when you were chattering with them? Thing is, unless they were in something that looked like a cockpit it would completely kill the immersiveness of the game.

That, or if I was playing with my brothers.

[Dr.Finger]

For $600 is should come with the damn camera. And mow my lawn.

[Eran Hawke]

Video conferencing? Count me out. The beauty of the modern age is that we DON'T have to look at our fellow gamers. If they added little animated avatars, that would be cool. Having to stare at Fitbabits mug while playing?

*shudder*

;-)

[Plays4Pants]

Given my experiences with voice chat on Xbox Live, methinks I'll forego the purchase of a video camera for the 360. Likewise, I hope there's an option to "keep the blinds drawn" when it comes to seeing other users in game.

I don't like looking at fat people either.

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

Whats the friggin purpose of a video camera on a game console? Can anyone think of a valid use?

[Serapth]

Video conferencing? Count me out. The beauty of the modern age is that we DON'T have to look at our fellow gamers. If they added little animated avatars, that would be cool. Having to stare at Fitbabits mug while playing?

*shudder*

;-)


If you ask nice, he may give you the spread legs, Basic Instincts style 'upkilt' shot!

[CylonLord]

The only use I could see for this personally is to see and talk to family. Other than that, I have no reason to see other people that I'm playing with. Like Serapth said, this is gonna be rife for abuse.

[Mike Jones]

Whats the friggin purpose of a video camera on a game console? Can anyone think of a valid use?

Pedophile clan recruiters.

[Serapth]

I could see how it could make a game of online poker much more *realistic*. But thats about all I can really imagine.

... well, that an strip teases and other porn, but I have to imagine about 90% of people on live are male, if not higher. Not really that good of a selling point from my perspective.

[Kamalot]

Only beautiful people are allowed to buy the PS3.

[AversionFX]

Only beautiful people are allowed to buy the PS3.

Hahaha, good man.

But yeah, my sentiment is the same as everyone. Why the hell would you buy a game console so you can video conference? Sounds like a breeding ground for pedoes.

[Kamalot]

They need a button in the interface you can press in order to notify Sony of pedophile-like action, or to notify them if someone unattractive is using the PS3.

[Limech]

I bought a webcam a while back for my PC. It was all the rage back then. It's been collecting dust ever since.

My question is, will they frown upon people getting naked on there? Maybe I should start myself an Naughty Xbox/PS3 webcam show. So many nerds ready to send me money on paypal to see my female employees strut their stuff on live.

So if porn is not an acceptable usage of the camera, then it has no usage as a multiplayer tool. Maybe some single player games can take advantage of the camera for movement or like that fantasy card game Sony showed.

[Salesmunn]

They need a button in the interface you can press in order to notify Sony of pedophile-like action, or to notify them if someone unattractive is using the PS3.

"In case of man-boobs, press here"

[Kamalot]

Regardless if it is something that we, as gamers, use or not...this can be considered good PS3 news, right? Perhaps not game-related good PS3 news, but good PS3 news nontheless.

[Serapth]

Regardless if it is something that we, as gamers, use or not...this can be considered good PS3 news, right? Perhaps not game-related good PS3 news, but good PS3 news nontheless.


Hah, good point! So I get credit with posting the first positive piece of Sony news in... what... 6 months? WOOT! :D

[F3nyx]

My question is, will they frown upon people getting naked on there? Maybe I should start myself an Naughty Xbox/PS3 webcam show. So many nerds ready to send me money on paypal to see my female employees strut their stuff on live.I dunno about that. Nobody has set up an Xbox Live phone-sex line, as far as I know... so maybe your market demographic isn't as desperately horny as you think :D

[Ph00p]

DUDE! I JUST SO OWNED YOU! NOW CHECK THIS OUT! *shows cock* oh those will be the days!

[Siraris]

At least you can know that if someone has a female name, they are actually female....

[Sl1pstream]

Eyetoy Chat 2?

EC never took off, I don't see this doing any better.

[Achilles]

Whats the friggin purpose of a video camera on a game console? Can anyone think of a valid use?It could be, and will be used as a control method. The HD cameras that Sony and MS have shown are able to pick of very subtle movements and track the position of your hands to the point where it could be used in the way the Wii controller is described. In place of buttons you could have gestures or finger movements, because it wouldn’t be tracking tilt and an IR port, it would actually be tracking the shape of your hand.

For example, in Metroid Prime, using the Wii controller you’ll probably change weapons with the D pad, but if it used a camera you could make the same hand shape as the one that is used in the game to change weapons.

I don’t really expect a lot of games to use this kind of thing, but that’s a valid game use for it.

[GunnyMo]

Whats the friggin purpose of a video camera on a game console? Can anyone think of a valid use?

Porn and pictures of your Friends List's hairy asses (cause you know it'll be mostly guys abusing it).

[codswallop]

Where I work, many of our IP phones have video cameras attached so you can see the person you're talking to. I'd say 75% leave the "privacy shade" down, and these people work with one another!

Video conferencing in-game is almost totally worthless. If I can easily shut off the video streams, then fine, otherwise prepare for a stream of 15-year-olds giving you the finger or mooning you. Gee, what fun.

[Schnoogs]

Kick Ass!!! I'm paying for one more useless feature that has nothing to do with gaming!!!

[Hemalin]

Kick Ass!!! I'm paying for one more useless feature that has nothing to do with gaming!!!
Unless Sony mentions they are raising the price of the PS3 just think of this as a bonus.

[ZeroCool99]

Yup, maybe it is a real bonus for us. We will see.

[Goronmon]

Penny Arcade's take on the subject. (http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2005/03/14)

Nuff' said.

[Kamalot]

If Sony really has balls, they will ship the EyeToy 2 with every Playstation 3.

That would be good for consumers and it would show that Sony really has faith in it. It would set apart the PS3 from the competition and developers would make games that actually USE the camera.

Will Sony bundle the Eyetoy with every PS3? Will it be part of the regular package?