Sony's Seismic Shift to Playstation Online

[BenN1ce]

From: Computer and Video Games (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/r/?page=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/news/news_story.php?id=133431):


Reports from the US appear to confirm Sony is plotting a Live-style service to compete with Microsoft's online offering.

One of Microsoft's key advantages in both current and next gen is its impressive and rather slick online service Live, which offers a seamless interface to the (sometimes) wonderful world of online gaming. With online one of the key battlegrounds in the next gen, it's something Sony has probably always looked at enviously, but officially seemed less inclined to follow.

Well, all that might be about to change with the arrival of the PS3, if the latest word from the Official US PlayStation Magazine is to be believed. Despite past assurances that Sony would leave multiplayer matchmaking to game developers and in the remit of individual titles, it now seems like a centralised Live-style service is almost certainly in the works.

[bapenguin]

Good. Finally. Can't wait to see what they offer.

[Double T]

This would be a no brainer. If they don't have an Live type service, then it would be very hard to win the war. Having seen XBL in it's glory has really made Sony rethink it's strategy.

If Sony doesn't believe this, then they are dead in the water.

[torrefaction]

Best of luck to them. I personally wish they would've woken up a little bit sooner. They're not competing on even ground as far as Microsoft is concerned. Microsoft has the online and software experience to make Live a great service, and their on generation 2.

Sony has a lot of catching up to do. For the sake of competition, and since I'll end up with both most likely, I hope they can pull it off.

[thecrazyd]

This would be a no brainer. If they don't have an Live type service, then it would be very hard to win the war. Having seen XBL in it's glory has really made Sony rethink it's strategy.

If Sony doesn't believe this, then they are dead in the water.
I think you are overestimating the importance of online multiplayer to the average gamer.

[Double T]

No, I don't think so, it's not just online multiplayer that makes XBL great. Demos as well. Don't forget Xbox Arcade too. I also personally enjoy talking to my friends with the voice feature while I'm playing a game or watching a DVD. As a matter of fact, it wasn't until I saw an Xbox360 on XBL doing all the cool things you can do that I even wanted one. The games were cool and all, but I can tell you personally the reason I got one was for XBL and not just the MP ability either. If you have the 360, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. ;)

If you don't, then I can understand why you thought that XBL was only for mp. I used to think the same. :eek:

[Yeti2005]

If this is true then why didn't Sony announce this last year when they unveiled the PS3? I just hope their system isn't a watered down version of Live (ie you can ONLY download Sony movies and music but your "gamer id" is not centralized and you can't see if your friends are playing different games, etc).

[NoName]

If this is true then why didn't Sony announce this last year when they unveiled the PS3? I just hope their system isn't a watered down version of Live (ie you can ONLY download Sony movies and music but your "gamer id" is not centralized and you can't see if your friends are playing different games, etc).
They did announce this last year along with a lot of other promises. Then they later said that they were not going to do this. So it appears they flip flopped again.

Sony has changed what they've said on so many things now, I've found it's easier to just ignore them until they start showing actual hardware/services.

[Balthasar]

I think you are overestimating the importance of online multiplayer to the average gamer.
I've been saying the same thing for a while around here. Too many people on this message board assume because they want to play games online that most gamers want the same. The truth is, there are still a large population of gamers that aren't even on broadband, and of those that are, a lot of them don't enjoy playing online. Two, three years down the road it may be significant, but in 2006, I don't believe it will decide anything.

What I really am interested to see is what sort of content Sony will deliver. With 2929 Entertainment breaking the current movie industry mold and doing day and date releases (for those not in the know, it's a company that is basically distributing film reels to theaters while putting the same movie on DVD and on-demand type services, all at the same time), I wonder if a company like Sony might finally make the first step to allow their movies to be downloaded.

[Double T]

OH, you mean like XBL already offers with Trailers? It wouldn't take much to start adding movies if the film industry wants in on it.

It should be noted that I am getting a PS3 without a doubt. I just don't want people to think that all XBL is used for is MP. I'd say 80% of my usage of XBL has nothing to do with MP gaming.

[motor]

If Microsoft doesn't blow it, if they introduce a huge HD in a year, and form a good relationship with a bunch of content providers (movies and television), the 360 could be much more of a media delivery box then a game box, and frankly I think they would probably make a lot more money from the movie/tv distribution side. With the 360's built in drm it solves a lot of the big fears that the content people have about online movie/television distribution. Plus I believe if things worked out right with xbox arcade, they could also single-handedly destroy the retail games market (which I think would be a great thing). The 360 as a digital distribution device should not be underrated, I think it could become a really big deal (tm).

[TrackZero]

The cynic in me just says that they're going to half-ass it just enough to claim their service is somehow comparable to Live. But I'll wait and see on it, who knows, crazier things have happened.

[zorper]

I hope we see a working PS3, running their 'Live' service, at E3. That's when I going to make my current generation console decision.

I know most of you are going to get both, and while I could technically afford to, if I brought home a second console my wife would kill me in my sleep.

[KidCactus]

I also personally enjoy talking to my friends with the voice feature while I'm playing a game or watching a DVD.
While watching a DVD...? Wouldn't that kinda ruin the movie?

[Double T]

No, actually I was talking to my friend, my GF was doing a workout DVD. True multitasking!

Normally I log out while watching a movie, but from time to time I'll watch a DVD and chat with a friend.

[Balthasar]

OH, you mean like XBL already offers with Trailers? It wouldn't take much to start adding movies if the film industry wants in on it.
It's different with Sony because, unlike Microsoft, they actually have the ability to distribute their own films.

It should be noted that I am getting a PS3 without a doubt. I just don't want people to think that all XBL is used for is MP. I'd say 80% of my usage of XBL has nothing to do with MP gaming.
You pay a monthly fee to watch trailers you could otherwise see for free and download one game a month from Live! Arcade?

[Double T]

It's different with Sony because, unlike Microsoft, they actually have the ability to distribute their own films.


Very true



You pay a monthly fee to watch trailers you could otherwise see for free and download one game a month from Live! Arcade?
Huh? Now I KNOW you don't have live. What are you talking about? I haven't paid a monthly fee since I got my Xbox 360. One game a month? huh? I downloaded 3 games (2 demos and 1 arcade game) just last week. The amount of money I have saved in long distance phone calls have already paid for XBL. Are you saying that not having the ability to do any of that is better than having the option?

BTW, I like seeing my movie trailers in HIGH DEF on my 50 inch screen rather than a 19 inch screen in 640x480. But that's just me.

[baz]

One thing that Sony could do that would make their system better than xbox live, is to enable several profiles with the one "Gold" level account.

I.e. it pisses me off no end that my girlfriend (who lives with me) has to pay a seperate fee to play 360 games online even though we only ever access live through the one 360. Imagine a family of 5, if they want seperate online live identities, they have to pay for 5 gold accounts... thats freaking wack. There should be an option to tie a couple of profiles at least with one gold account... that would make the service much more useful, and much better value in my eyes.

[Dr Quincy]

It's different with Sony because, unlike Microsoft, they actually have the ability to distribute their own films.

Pay per view downloadable movies! Don't worry about clogging up the ol' HDD by supplying them on a "automatically delete after a few days" basis. So long Blockbuster rentals!

Well it seemed like a good idea to me...

[Kelegacy]

One thing that Sony could do that would make their system better than xbox live, is to enable several profiles with the one "Gold" level account.

I.e. it pisses me off no end that my girlfriend (who lives with me) has to pay a seperate fee to play 360 games online even though we only ever access live through the one 360. Imagine a family of 5, if they want seperate online live identities, they have to pay for 5 gold accounts... thats freaking wack. There should be an option to tie a couple of profiles at least with one gold account... that would make the service much more useful, and much better value in my eyes.
Wow, I didn't realize that. That IS bunk.

[Eran Hawke]

I call bullshit.

Anyone remember before the PS2 launched, we were all told that you'd be able to download music, movies and games to the PS2's hard drive?

Sony'll half-ass this as well and the Playstation fan boys will gobble it up. It'll be a pay service and, if Sony's other online stores are any indication, it'll suck major ass.

[Cool AN]

Good news good news.

Now if it came out and was better then Live (doubtful but hey), and the PS 3 came with a HDD.

[torrefaction]

One thing that Sony could do that would make their system better than xbox live, is to enable several profiles with the one "Gold" level account.

I.e. it pisses me off no end that my girlfriend (who lives with me) has to pay a seperate fee to play 360 games online even though we only ever access live through the one 360. Imagine a family of 5, if they want seperate online live identities, they have to pay for 5 gold accounts... thats freaking wack. There should be an option to tie a couple of profiles at least with one gold account... that would make the service much more useful, and much better value in my eyes.

God this makes me freakin angry. I spent forever trying to figure out if I was being an idiot, or if Microsoft really screwed the pooch that bad on this particular feature. Don't get me wrong, I totally dig my 360. It was worth it. But this still annoys the shit out of me. I don't want my roommates screwing with my COD2 stats, or my DOA stats, or even playin on my damn profile!

[Coolnut]

You pay a monthly fee to watch trailers you could otherwise see for free and download one game a month from Live! Arcade?

Horseshit. Trailers and demos are free even with XBox Live Silver (which is free). Games'll cost ya, but the company's gotta make money somwhere...

[Morratut]

Horseshit. Trailers and demos are free even with XBox Live Silver (which is free). Games'll cost ya, but the company's gotta make money somwhere...

Excellent reply. I couldn't have said it better :)

[OrangePulp]

Personally, I'm not too concerned about this. I imagine the XBL experience could be pretty cool sometimes, especially if your friends were on it. But neither I, nor any of my friends (the majority of whom are gamers) have XBL. And I don't even feel like I really want to have it. Voicechat, even video chat, I get on my pc. For me, the console is mainly for singleplayer games, and those kind of multiplayer games where you need everyone in the same room (SSB Melee anyone?). I don't think online is as much the deciding factor as some people think it is.

[Balthasar]

Horseshit. Trailers and demos are free even with XBox Live Silver (which is free). Games'll cost ya, but the company's gotta make money somwhere...
I don't see how calling horseshit was an appropriate response, but whatever. Apparently you and Double T don't pay for your Live access, then?

[Double T]

Balth,

Well there is the free version of XBL which give you access to the things Coolnut talked about and Gold. I have gold, but I don't do monthly, I pay $50 for 1 year which ain't bad.

I'm not trying to convince you that you should get an Xbox or XBL, just clearing some things up about it not just being an MP service. It's darn cool. I hope you get a chance to try it out, you might like it.

BTW, I'm still gonna be first in line for a PS3. :)

[gzsfrk]

I don't see how calling horseshit was an appropriate response, but whatever. Apparently you and Double T don't pay for your Live access, then?

Indeed, Bal. Everyone who purchases a 360can get Xbox Live Silver access for free, while Gold-level access still costs $49.99/year (which honestly--for everyone complaining so heavily about having to pay extra, it's less than $4.17/mo., or right about $0.14/day; hardly bank-breaking).

Silver access lets you download all of the XBLA games, trailers, game demos, do voice chat, update your gamer score, etc.

If you pay for Gold, you additionally get to play Multiplayer games through Live, compete in Tournaments, and download some premium content (expansions, etc.) that isn't available to Silver subscribers.

Here, maybe this will help clarify:

--------------------

2 types of Xbox Live:
Xbox Live Silver (no subscription required)
Xbox Live Gold (subscription benefits)

Features for Gold service
(S) Also for Silver
(O) Also for Offline

- Seamless transition to Xbox Live account from Xbox to Xbox 360
- Access to MMOs (additional fees may apply) (S)
- Free Xbox Live weekends (S)
- Multiplayer online gameplay
- Avatar for gamer profile(S)(O)
- Motto for gamer profile (S)(O)
- Personalized look for Xbox System Guide (S)(O)
- Offline achievments (S)(O)
- Online achievements (S)
- Access to other players' Gamer cards via Live (S)
- Cumulative gamer score (S)(O)
- Location/language profile (S)(O)
- Reputation (S)
- Enahnced matchmaking using above
- Skill level matchmaking
- Gameplay style profile (casual, competitive, etc.)
- Recent players list (S)
- Free and premium download game content(S)
- Free and premium downloadable movies, music, tv (S)
- Downloadable demos/trailers (S)
- Microtransactions (S)
- Custom playlist in every game (S)(O)
- Play music from portable devices (S)(O)
- View images from digital camera (S)(O)
- Strem media from Windows XP (S)(O)
- Interactive screen savers (S)(O)
- Track info for CDs (S) (O)
- Communication with voice, video or text (S)

--------------------

[Yeti2005]

How come Sony doesn't just copy Xbox Live?

Must Have:
- Centralized gamer id
- Friends list (allow friends to talk across different games with invite functionality)

Nice to have:
- Download music, trailers, demos, etc.
- Download to PSP
- Achievements or something similar for bragging rights among friends
- Stream internet radio
- Eye toy video conferencing

[Sensei-X]

This might work, as long as SOE has nothing to do with it, if it does I see it going down in flames since anything SOE touches as of late turns to lead.

[bobbler]

I call bullshit.

Anyone remember before the PS2 launched, we were all told that you'd be able to download music, movies and games to the PS2's hard drive?

Sony'll half-ass this as well and the Playstation fan boys will gobble it up. It'll be a pay service and, if Sony's other online stores are any indication, it'll suck major ass.

Little known fact. They did have it. When the HDD launched Japan had a service where you could DL little games, browse the web, etc... they canned it because the demand just wasn't there, and they took it as the users not being ready for it (which is arguably true).

[mister_slim]

If Microsoft doesn't blow it, if they introduce a huge HD in a year, and form a good relationship with a bunch of content providers (movies and television), the 360 could be much more of a media delivery box then a game box, and frankly I think they would probably make a lot more money from the movie/tv distribution side. With the 360's built in drm it solves a lot of the big fears that the content people have about online movie/television distribution. Plus I believe if things worked out right with xbox arcade, they could also single-handedly destroy the retail games market (which I think would be a great thing). The 360 as a digital distribution device should not be underrated, I think it could become a really big deal (tm).
The thing is, that's what your Windows Vista PC is for. This is one advantage Sony has, that they aren't trying to tie the Xbox to Windows (and yeah, Sony does have their own 'value chain'). We'll see if they take advantage of it, but Sony does have the opportunity to add a lot of PC functions that MS is hesitant to integrate.

Edit: This is in the new OPM, right? Not PSM? And bobbler, do you have a link to a good overview of Sony's service in Japan?

[Balthasar]

Indeed, Bal. Everyone who purchases a 360can get Xbox Live Silver access for free, while Gold-level access still costs $49.99/year
I was aware there was Live Silver; I was not aware they were using it.

[bobbler]

And bobbler, do you have a link to a good overview of Sony's service in Japan?

This is the only mention I could find of it (but it explains it pretty well -- check out the features section).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Broadband_Navigator

It seems it wasn't discontinued, it just didn't really catch on much, as it requires the HDD.

Europe has Central Station, which is some semi unified online thing (mostly web based, I believe... but a lot of games seem to use the Central Station account).

[bobbler]

The thing is, that's what your Windows Vista PC is for. This is one advantage Sony has, that they aren't trying to tie the Xbox to Windows (and yeah, Sony does have their own 'value chain'). We'll see if they take advantage of it, but Sony does have the opportunity to add a lot of PC functions that MS is hesitant to integrate.

PS3 is supposed to be DLNA compliant (essentially do the same stuff X360 can, but a few more things as well). WinXP MCE, and Vista are both DLNA compliant, and the Managed Copies of BR/HD-DVD require DLNA compliance for it to stream anywhere. PSP is supposed to get a DLNA compliance update (likely sometime later this year... probably not of much use until PS3 is out there). Any DLNA compliant device is supposed to be able to read others over the network (meaning a DLNA compliant BR player --like pioneer's elite series-- can read and stream your media from your Vista box if its set up to do so). I wish they'd try to do more with DLNA (or at least advertise it more... it's neglected, even though all of XP MCE's cool stuff is from it being a DLNA server).

X360 is somewhat DLNA compliant (in that it acts as an extender to XPMCE and Vista, but it's compliance stops there), but I believe its missing the ability (albeit likely sort of useless) to read things like DLNA compliant NAS and other things (only works with XPMCE and Vista). But that shouldn't be a problem for most.

Should be some interesting stuff on the media front in the cominc years (from both systems, as X360 has the core stuff you'd likely use most).

Who knows though, maybe DLNA compliance doesn't make it in PS3... but it's supposed to ! (and it would likely be rather easy to do... it would be sort of a shame to have a media monster like PS3 go without it -- I think BR might even require it? at least I think the Managed Copy stuff works on DLNA streams)

Haven't read too much stuff, but from what I have read, the DLNA effort is great.

[CrysDark]

I really hope this is true. Competition 4tw!

[SMES]

really screwed the pooch

Am I the only one who is sick of this expression? Whatever lair of retard hell this phrase came from should be raided by an extermination team.

[mister_slim]

Haven't read too much stuff, but from what I have read, the DLNA effort is great.
Interesting. Thanks. It'd be nice if Apple would become involved in that, as they're noticably missing from the list of companies.

[Heretic Machine]

I think you are overestimating the importance of online multiplayer to the average gamer.

I'm sick of this argument. What's the estimate, something like 15% of XBOX owners got XBOX Live? Ok, now let's think about how important XBOX Live was to that 15%. Let's say 10% wouldn't of bought the XBOX if not for Live. That's a SERIOUS hit to sales, and it's definetly something a company would care about.

Why don't you ask Sony what they'd do to up their sales by 15%, I'm sure they'd do a lot more than build a decent online play system.

[bapenguin]

I think you are overestimating the importance of online multiplayer to the average gamer.

It's not just online multiplayer. It's an online system that's important. The downloads, the demos, the instant messaging. Everyone likes that kind of shit.

[saran_js]

Sony is fighting with a two front strategy basically.
They basically did it with the Playstation 2 and they are going to do the same with Playstation 3.

What two front strategy ? Well, to launch Playstation 3 as a cheap Blu-ray player and an online live capability. Most probably, you will see the PS3 out as and when Hollywood starts selling Blu-ray disks on the market. This will probably be the base or initial strategy of Sony for their PS3, and the online capability will follow to help sell to the serious gamer. Most casual gamers probably wouldn't be so hyped up over the online capabilities though.

[Demo_Boy]

Looks like Sony will have good a online service. In 2 years.