Hi again! It’s great to see the positive reaction to the unveiling of system software update v2.40. We can’t wait for you to finally go hands-on with XMB access in-game and the Trophy system – and it’s less than 2 days away. Not surprisingly, a number of you have posed questions both here and on other forums. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Will voice-messaging/private chat be featured in 2.40 as well? If not, can we expect to see this feature added in the future?
We are evaluating the opportunity to offer voice chat, but for this update, we wanted to focus on text messaging as the key priority for communications that our users have asked for.
Can you use the web browser in game?
No, you must exit the game before browsing the internet.
Will In-Game XMB come up during playback of PS2 games, Blu-Ray discs, and DVDs?
The XMB is an exclusive feature for PS3 game titles. Accessing the XMB during gameplay was the top request from our users, which we focused on for this update. However, we continually engage PS3 owners for feedback and will evaluate the opportunity to offer XMB access during movie playback in the future.
Can we go to the display settings and change anything there in-game (resolution, input, etc)?
No, you must exit the game before changing these settings.
Will it be possible to change in-game the sound output?
Yes, sound output changes are supported.
Will we be able to access the PLAYSTATION Store while in-game?
No, but you can view your downloads in progress.
Will we be able to stream music (either via media server or USB drive) for custom soundtracks or is it relegated to music stored on the HDD?
Currently only music stored on the HDD is accessible in games that support this feature. We’d also like to reiterate that Firmware v2.40 merely enables custom soundtracks. It’s up to developers to include this feature in upcoming games (or to patch existing ones).
Does 2.4 enable cross game invites? Will it down the line?
No, cross-game invites are not available in this system software update. We are evaluating opportunities to expand on the new features delivered in 2.40.
Will trophies be mandatory for all games release here on out?
We are working with developers to ensure that Trophies are supported across the board in the future.
Where is each player’s trophy stat info held? I am going to upgrade my hard drive and I don’t know if the trophies will still be on my account if I earn some and then get a new hard drive.
Trophies will be attached to users’ PSN ID. Trophy data needs to be synchronized to the online account on PSN to be transferred to the new PS3 system.
Will the patch automatically allocate unlocked trophies according to your saved files or would you have to do it again?
No, Trophies aren’t retroactive.
Can we view PSN profiles/Trophies from a PC using a Web browser? Will there be an API for web developers to access the PSN data, so online profiles can be created?
We’re evaluating these opportunities to expand where Trophies can be experienced.
Can you only compare trophies with friends that are online?
As long as a friend has a PSN account, you can compare trophies with them regardless of their online status.
Is there a limit to how many trophies the devs can put set by Sony?
There’s not a limit on number of trophies, but there’s a value assigned to each trophy. Developers must balance out the trophies that are available to stay within an overall value based on whether the game is considered large-scope or small-scope. Essentially, a user that has unlocked every trophy in one game would have the same level as a user that unlocked every trophy in another title, all titles (depending on scope) have the same overall impact on a users’ level.
Will new games have a cool little icon on the back saying “trophy compatible?”
We’re currently working on how Trophy support will be messaged to the consumer on our software packaging.
When you get a trophy, does it make a noise?
Currently, no.
What is Eric’s favorite cheese?
Mozzarella
Once again, we will continue to evaluate opportunities to enhance the PLAYSTATION 3’s system software throughout the console’s life cycle. Consumer feedback has contributed greatly to the contents of Firmware v2.40, and continues to be appreciated. Don’t forget, this Firmware will be available for download on July 2nd.
No beating around the bush – Sony’s “trophies” are Microsoft’s “achievements.” Except that there’s no Gamerscore point equivalent. Instead, PS3 owners get a revamped version of their user profile that displays how many trophies they’ve earned, how many of which type – platinum, golf silver or bronze – they have, and what their current “level” is.
The first two games to support trophies will the Sony-published PixelJunk Eden (we saw the XMB screen, but not the game, unfortunately) and Super Stardust HD. The former will be the first PS3 title to feature trophies right out of the gate; the latter will add them via a downloadable update.
Here’s the unfortunate news: you’ll need to earn trophies in games that are patched to include them even if you’ve already completely beaten the game. For example, if GTA IV received a trophy update, you’d need to play through it again – even if you achieved 100% completion – in order to earn its trophies.
“You earn a platinum trophy for unlocking every other trophy in a game for ultimate bragging rights.”
From the sound of things, though, there’s not a lot of movement in terms of already-released titles receiving trophy support. According to Sony, developers would need to go back in and add the “trigger values” that unlock a trophy, something we could only expect larger developers to undertake on titles that already have Xbox 360 achievements.
Still, Sony is going to be offering trophies in two more of its PSN titles for PS3, Pain and Warhawk, at an undisclosed date.
The really interesting aspects of trophies that we noted during our demo of firmware 2.40 are: a “level” system, which takes into account the number of trophies you’ve earned and displays your progress via a percentage bar towards the next level; developers can customize the trophy achievement art to fit their games; and you earn a platinum trophy for unlocking every other trophy in a game for ultimate bragging rights.
The new XMB (in-game and out) lets you quickly view your trophies (the new icon is located under the Games section of the XMB) as well as compare you collection side-by-side against people on your PSN friends list. In this view, you can see when you and your friend earned the trophy. Plus, a quick description of what’s required to earn a certain trophy is always displayed below its name for easy reference.
“It’s actually the closest 2.40 comes to mimicking Xbox Live”
We’re glad to see Sony finally realizing the appeal of an achievement awards system. It’s very similar to what Microsoft offers, but that’s fine. It’s actually the closest 2.40 comes to mimicking Xbox Live, plus elements such as the “gamer level” – and being able to see if someone is more of a “bronze gamer” than a “gold gamer,” for example – is intriguing.
Hello again, everyone! Very recently, we demonstrated a major new function enabled in PLAYSTATION 3 firmware v2.40: XMB access in-game. But that’s only part of the story, as the next system software update also introduces the Trophy system to the PS3. This video demonstration shows the system in action.
Super Stardust HD, a PLAYSTATION Network-exclusive released in June 2007, will be the first game to leverage Trophies and will offer a variety of trophies. Trophy support in Super Stardust HD will be available for first-time users who purchase the game soon after firmware v2.40 is released, while those who previously purchased and downloaded the title will be prompted to install a free patch.
PS3 users can expect to see additional games bringing Trophies support to their feature sets through 2008 and beyond, providing even greater opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and compete with friends. The following first-party games are also slated to offer Trophy support:
BUZZ! Quiz TV
LittleBigPlanet
MotorStorm Pacific Rift
NBA 09 - PS3
PAIN
PixelJunk Eden
Resistance 2
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation
Warhawk
To further emphasize the community aspects of this system software update, the amount of people you can add to your PSN friends list has been doubled, to 100.
The update also adds a mini-control panel that you can use while playing music and an internet search feature powered by Google that allows you to initiate search directly from the XMB (similar to what we added to the PSP recently). In addition, when you’re using the XMB or accessing the XMB from in-game, the current time and date will be displayed in the upper right hand corner. There are a few more minor enhancements included in this update, once the update is live you’ll be able to read about them here.
Firmware v2.40 will become available for download on July 2nd. We hope you enjoy these much-requested features, and look forward to your feedback.
Hi everyone! We know you’re all patiently waiting for the next PS3 firmware update, v2.40, which includes XMB access in-game and Trophy support. The good news is that it’s coming soon, and you can now see how accessing the XMB from in-game will work in this video demo.
Shortly, we’ll be posting another video here on the PlayStation.Blog that shows the Trophy feature in action for the first time. At that time we’ll provide even more details on how firmware v2.40 will enhance your PLAYSTATION 3 experience.
I was reading the info about Playstation Edge and I do have to say that this looks like it can turn out to be really cool using your virtual points to actually get real items. Now if the prizes will be good, nobody knows. When reading this I found a confirmed answer that I have to say I was worried about but now am overjoyed that they have confirmed a fix to this. My concern was that people would be downloading game saves off of the internet and putting them on to their systems so they could get all these trophies and even trophies that maybe they do not have. This quote:
“Due to this, a new feature has been included with firmware 2.4 whereby game saves will be tied to the console and be non transferrable in order to create fairness.”
This is straight from the release of Playstation Edge and once I read it, it really made me happy about the trophy system and lets us all know how smart Sony really is.
“PlayStation Edge comes with a seamless integration into the already widely popular PlayStation Network® and will allow PlayStation®3 owners to use their trophies earned to receive free gifts and discounts on PlayStation Network by going to the PlayStation EDGE panel located in the PlayStation Store,” says the supposed release.
“PlayStation EDGE is scheduled to be launched in North America at the end of July 2008, followed by the Japanese and European launches in the fall of 2008.”
PLAYSTATION EDGE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF PLAYSTATION EDGE FOR THE , PLAYSTATION®3(PS3)™ SYSTEM.
LOS ANGELES, June 29, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today the roll out specifications for PlayStation EDGE on the PlayStation 3 video game system, (PS3™), a free additon to the PlayStation Network. PlayStation EDGE is scheduled to be launched in North America at the end of July 2008, followed by the Japanese and European launches in the fall of 2008.
PlayStatio Edge comes with a seamless integration into the already widely popular PlayStation Network® and will allow PlayStation®3 owners to use their trophies earned to receive free gifts and discounts on PlayStation Network by going to the PlayStation EDGE panel located in the PlayStation Store. Trophies may be accumulated by playing games and meeting the required critieria, 50 points will be rewarded for a platinum trophies, 30 for gold, 20 for silver and 10 for bronze. Rewards will be given out in exchange for trophies accumulated via playthrough.Due to this, a new feature has been included with firmware 2.4 whereby game saves will be tied to the console and be non transferrable in order to create fairness. Once enough trophy points are accumulated for a chosen item, players points will be automatically tallied and deducted via PlayStation Network and the item shipped out or debited straight to your account if it is a digital reward such as a discount or free download. All of these features can be enjoyed on one single system with multiple accounts, although saves will be tied to accounts.
PlayStation EDGE looks to improve the connection between gamers and spur exciting contests whereby players will be rewarded in game for accomplishing tasks, and also translate it into the real world in the form of free rewards. Rewards will vary from limited items to discounts or bonuses on the PlayStation Store.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 3 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.
Some of you guys may be wondering why I have posted only one blog entry today. The reason is it is one of those few days where there really wasnt any news released today. All of the news could find had to deal with Diablo and it over took all of the other news so sadly there isnt much news to be posted for today. Hopefully tomorrow will be filled with more news that we can all look forward to!!!
