Sony, Seriously... WTF?

PSInsider Writes: Here we are going on year 4 of the PS3's life. It now enjoys a comfortable price point, a plethora of great gaming content, and an online service that has started to mature and offers much of what the competition does. However, after all this time, we're still lacking a key feature that you keep teasing us with, and we're getting sick of it.

[Blaze929]

Yeah PSN+ is pretty ridiculous. Like a beefed up Qore. I was expecting features, not so much services.

apparently it might get cross-game chat though. Maybe it's some copyright stuff but I seriously doubt, and hope, that they did not need four years to figure out how to do cross game chat.

In fact, what PSN features has sony innovated on with the PS3 besides HOME?

One thing I like about LIVE is that LIVE truly is your dashboard. From offline and online - you get completely different dashboards and activity. With PSN it feels like I'm just restricted to the far right side of my friends list and PS store. Maybe a XMB redesign is due. That'd be cool

[fr0sty]

I think the XMB works fine, though when you are online it could be reshuffled a bit so that the features you won't be using are put off to the side while friends list, etc. get priority. As for innovating with PSN, they do have the folding @ home, playstation life, game sharing, etc., so they do innovate just a bit here and there, but it's nothing like what MS has brought to the console realm. And this is coming from an AVID PlayStation fan.

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

Microsoft is the go to guys for developing communities over a network as expansive as LIVE. Sony will always be playing a game of catch up on that front.

The author is correct that Sony builds up the expectation of certain features that eventually fail to materialize. Ironically, the use of the HDD in the PS2 was one of them, largely due to the lack of any online infrastructure to utilize. HOME is a failed experiment, that has its moments of brilliance every three months or so to bring me back.

The XMB is fine though. I like it better in many respects to the 360's. It just needs better organization features. I personally have had some issues with invites, but I doesn't happen that often to say "WTF!". Yet I'd be crazy to say cross-game chat wouldn't be welcomed, and even sharing media via HOME would be neat I guess.

So by and large, I'm happy. As a result I'm not that interested in PSN+, but I'll try it for $50 - cheap enough. There may be some feature I realize I can't live without after subscribing. Yeah,...I doubt it too.

[FarEastOrient]

This article is failing to see what the PSN and Xbox Live is like over seas. The Playstation has all kinds of deals with TV programing partnerships, DVR Function, Yes a music / music video store. The Xbox is lacking in those departments internationally.

In the United States it is in reverse, Xbox 360 is dominating in deals with some United States properties because they have put more money here than internationally. That is the reason why it looks like Xbox Live is more robust than PSN in comparison if you only look through the lens over here.

[NYPunkster]

Inexplicable. Bizarre. Is all I have to say about that.

[Redgehammer]

is that image from Watership Down? That's Hazel isn't it?

[deadreckoning666]

Yeah, I agree. PSN+ was a stupid idea. I'm glad we have the OPTION. But I believe EVERY PS3 should have the instant update feature.

@Disagree- U don't think that instant update(a basic feature IMO) should be free to ALL PS3 owners? WOW...that bad huh.

@Clowbelt- I'm not speaking for everyone, but I've NEVER bought a PSN game or PSN one classic, because frankly, I don't care about those things. PSN Plus just isn't worth it for me. I do buy loads of Rock Band DLC though.

[ClownBelt]

If you're a guy who loves to buy stuff off PSN such as DLC and PSN games then this is a great feature since you'll get a discount. However, for me who detest DLC, No. I don't like it.

[Jsynn7]

Nice edit, dead. You and Blaze think it's stupid but think XBL is better when they make pay $50 for multiplayer ONLY? Yes, PSN+ is an option but there are some feature worth paying for. With XBL, you either pay to play MP or you don't pay and can't play MP. MP comes standard with most games these days there for it should be free to play. Wow, you guys are hilarious lmao. I bet you guys would defend M$ if they made you pay to turn on your systems lol

[maddhatter123]

don't expect logic from the 360 fanbase to them a 54% failure rate wasn't a problem.

edit: exactly everyone complains about a few features missing in this but have no problem paying for stuff like playing online and laggy p2p servers and on top of that they get ads in a subscription service.

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

Personally I don't want anything automatically updated for the PS3, unless I can program it like my DVR. Games might be cool, but not updates.

[Jsynn7]

I don't usually play in this "Fanboy War" nonsense but reading what these 2 said just blows my mind. I don't understand why they wouldn't think paying for something that the other 2 consoles are doing for free is a bad thing. Dead was right about 1 thing, PSN+ is an option so if you don't like it, don't subscribe and use the features given to, including MP, FOR FREE. If you want to play Halo/Gears MP on XBL, you have no choice but to pay. Just outrageous.

[sikbeta]

Basically Some of you don't see the appeal on this because you have FREE PSN but the thing with PS+ got nothing to do with PSN, so you would see "Real Appeal" if they Charge you for Playing On-line, but again, This is another Service or whatever you name it that got nothing to do with PSN...

[Montrealien]

Dont you guys find it a little Ironic.

Sony fans say.. XBL sucks, why pay for for this PSN lets you have for free.

Which is only online multiplayer, now which I agree is ahuge.

But now, it seesm paying for cross game chat is fine, a feature which is part of the XBL paying service. `

all the people defending and showing why PSN+ is worth it is just so so funny imho, most of these people ragged on XBL as Xbox fans defended the concept of paying for features on top of the online play which now sony think is worth charging for.

in the end PSN+ and XBL clearly offer great services and features, PSN+ will always win in the end though when compared since it has free online multiplayer. But I am glad that people are starting to understand that alot of the features and functions both service offer are clearly worth a yearly subscription.

[Threesix]

"You and Blaze think it's stupid but think XBL is better when they make pay $50 for multiplayer ONLY? Yes, PSN+ is an option but there are some feature worth paying for. With XBL, you either pay to play MP or you don't pay and can't play MP."

I would say I have no problem paying only $4 a month for an online system that is moderated effectively, has a more accessible friend system, gives me access to XBL arcade deals/discounts, doesn't make me have to go out and set up a blue tooth headset to talk to anyone, especially considering if you include the cost of the Xbox headset in the 50 dollars, and of course has cross game party chat which lets me talk to my online friends whether we're on different games or the same game. 50 dollars for just multiplayer you say? I disagree.

PSN+ is an alright concept if you do plan on getting that many games in a year AND plan on being a long time subscriber, but the fact that once your subscription ends you won't have access to those games anymore puts a big damper on it. Not to mention, having to pay for PS1 games that could be played on the earliest version of the console if you owned the original game. Glad I still have one of those versions.

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

I think people are missing the point. People aren't just paying XBL to play games online, they are paying to be part of the XBL community.

That is what MS has built, they have built a social gaming experience that PS never planned for. If Sony did, they would have included a headset in it.

Fact of the matter is, people complain why PS3 has more value in almost every aspect even online, yet a significant amount of people still choose the more expensive platform? It is because, the free option might be fine for a large portion of the people, but there are plenty of others who want what MS is offering.

It's like Apple is offering you a MacBook. It functions just like any PC, and in fact is just a PC underneath. Yet, people pay 3x as much for the same thing... Why?

With that said, PSN+ is a nice valued addition, but is just that an addition and not a necessity. I also don't think xross game chat at this point is a wise idea as it ensures a fragmented user base. You want a lot of people to have a headset to make it worthwhile. Overall, I think it is a little too late for Sony at this stage to be doing this and they should have followed the MS model from the start. It would have been better for Sony and in some ways for the consumer.

[mastiffchild]

No idle. People feel they HAVE to pay because it's true. Community comes a distant second and, frankly, PSN+ has nothing whatsoever in common with a Gold sub apart from being around the same price. If your only console is a 360 you are BOUND to pay to play online as it's your only choice. It's like having a gun put to your head and if you want to play Halo/Gears on line with your mates you pay it. Sure there's a great community(in places) on Live but to say it wasn't born from MS making people pay unfairly is nonsense.

By the same yardstick PSN+ is a pile of crap , imo, because it's just not appealing feature wise for the price. If you crave the struff on offer good luck but at least the rest of us don't have to pay for it and can game on line for free without the terror of bloody XGC(which is the biggest single reason I gave up playing TF2 with my mates on 360 in actual fact and, to me, is just a sign of how impatient and rude we all are these days. Seriously, I'd rather wait a few minutes to talk top people outside my game and give those involved with the game OR the conversation the courtesy of my full attention. that way I don't ruin anyone's precious gaming time)-something which is only important because it's on one and not the other.

Whatever, PSN+ will live or die on it's own merits(or mack of) and has nothing to do with PSN or Live as it's a totally different concept to either right now. It may well be a bit crap but it's not a rip off and you don't HAVE to even think about it if you don't want.

[HaVoK308]

Gaming is a privalage. Not a right. Vote with your dollars. Niether, Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Publishers, or Developers owe you a damn thing. If you pay you choose to pay! It is as simple as that. You dont HAVE to play games you choose to.

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

Havok above me got it right.

Nobody is forcing anyone to buy a 360 or a PS3. You can choose to NOT buy the 360, stop using the 360 or even sell/trade it in for a PS3 anytime you want. Clearly there are a significant amount of people that prefer the 360 as well as there are people that prefer the PS3.

Nothing wrong with that! The only thing wrong is thinking your subject idea of value should be applied to everyone else!!!

[DA_SHREDDER]

The xbox live blades are fugly, and confusing to new comers. Anyone who says different obviously rather go through menus than have a simplified and gorgeous experience. My Wipeout HD Dynamic Theme makes the 360 Blades look majorly obsolete.

[digoutyoursoul8]

i've read some of your stuff on thebitbag.com. it doesnt have blades, the nxe doesnt have blades.

the wipeout hd theme is great and even better because it was free :-)

[Eiffel]

Actually it does have blades. Hit the guide button then tada.

I personalty found it easier to navigate through NXE than the XMB. Never was a fan of the XMB.

[Raf1k1]

The XMB is designed as an interface to be used in most of Sony's products for improved interconnectivity. If it was designed solely for the PS3 they'd have probably changed it quite a bit already.

[insomnium]

can be considered difficult to navigate? WOW!

[duplissi]

eiffel, did you know that aesthetics aside both the xmb and nxe are almost the same?

xmb: you can navigate left or right to find a category then up and down within that category.

nxe: you can navigate up or down to find a category then left and right within that category.

for me personally though when it comes to stuff like music and videos on the xbox... well it sucks you have to press a like 4 times and have to wait for the stupid zune bullshit to show up before you can play anything... the xmb is sooo much quicker and better for that.

[extermin8or]

I agree with you I love my ps3 and will probably get this as I will use the features however a XMB redesign is due and was rumoured (maybe its a suprise? I can hope lol) anyway guys he is right and if a ps3 fansite is having ago at sony well.... I like the psn but I want more I want it to have the ps3 feel all these brilliant and awesome exclusives but to win this sony need a online service ad GUI (graphical user interface) more like the 360. Well part of me thinks this new psn+ could be a guise for steam? I mean valve sure changed their tune fast didn't they? hmm im sure psn+ will evolve over the next few months into something much better

[Dee_91]

"There is nothing more annoying than seeing a friend playing another game on PSN, and hoping he has his/her message notifications turned on so they'll see the text message i just sent them to join me in a game of Warhawk, when i could just give them a voice call and be done with it before I could have had half of that text messaged dialed up on the PS3 keypad."

Well i thought thats what the chat-room was for ?

[FACTUAL evidence]

with this article. People have been waiting and waiting for features, and sony keeps beating around the bush with these poo-put updates. It's really abysmal waiting for a firmware update just to find out it has NOTHING useful for your gaming experiences. I'm through waiting. Sony I'm done with you this gen, not trying to boycott or anything, but IMO you did not really deliver in the online part this gen. The games were good though.

I guess I'm going to buy XBL again. Sony, no doubt I'll be getting the PS4, but for now I'm going to put more into the wii, and 360 for the next 2 years. It's been a good run. Sad to say but I have no hope for you guys this gen. I'm sick of waiting for something that's probably not going to happen for the next few years.

[Monk3y]

but i PERSONALLY like XMB, its simple, clean and haves nothing i dont need cuz tbh.. consoles are for gaming not to chill out in Dashboard/XMB

[strickers]

XMB is superb.Show me a menu that efficient,that covers such a large amount of content.It's super fast and has fully customisable icon/wallpaper with 1000s available free.360 dash is slow and convoluted and most of it unnecessary.The other thing PSN does is free content including browser and iplayer and larger player counts in games(32 +).It also has less lag in my experience and I've has less disconnects in proportion to time spent on it.It's good enough that I now know 5 people(including me)who've cancelled Live and just play on PSN.
As for cross game chat,I wouldn't mind it but waaay too much fuss over it.Between that and the 32 player count,I choose players.When I play Warhawk,Killzone or any shooter,I play with maximum players,it's just better.I've tried the smaller games/levels and I enjoy it less.
I don't want PSN+ either but if you look at what you get it's much,much better value than Live,which basically charges you for free services on PSN/PC.

[willie32]

I was pumped for the service. Now, I do feel it is lacking because of one major problem. What actual games will we be allowed to download for free? I bet it will be the bottom of the barrel games that no one really wants, or already owns. What about the free DLC? Will the stuff that people want, such as, COD map packs, Killzone 3 packs, be the actual DLC offered to us? If these packs were given with the service, it would be a day one purchase. However, I highly doubt it the more I read about the service. Sony is going to hand pick what they will give to us. I am curious if the "Stranglehold" online pack will be offered for free...lol.

Edit-I would rather see one free game a month of our choice.

[Christopher]

[see below]

[Christopher]

Honestly, I just don't give a rats arse if there's a feature you really want and it's missing. You know what's the most annoying thing about not having X-game chat? Hearing someone whine about it missing from PSN each month.

The _only_ people who hype this feature, whether it's coming in X.X update or not are the same people who write bitch articles when a firmware update comes and it's not present.

Get over it. Go play XBL. Do something other than just continuing to complain about it. Let your money and wallet do the talking.

[Microsoft Xbox 360]

The one hour trial offer for any game sounds awesome though.

[AAACE5]

Sony said it only does everything! So eventually it will. You never know... eventually it will probably be some gamers girlfriends and they will put a different type of hard drive in that slot! Lol... Just joking! It will come soon enough!

[gtamike]

oh well what good is xbl if they have no games :)
Sony is the best!!!!!!

[Raz]

How about giving PSN users around the world a uniform experience, instead of causing us to grind our teeth in rage at all the perks enjoyed by those outside of North America? Seriously...WTF?

[Tomdc]

services > features.

They start offering to many features not offered to regular consumers people would feel cheated. It is a subscription model for games really that is great value if your somebody that plays a lot of psn titles.

You want to pay for features rather than them being dished out for free?

[acere]

yea yea yea what u say yea ^^^we are the same ,thatz right baby we have a choice you guys dont.

[CDbiggen]

Now entering N4G during E3. Abandon all hope ye who enter.

[fr0sty]

oh yeah, because calling a company out on failed promises is such an immature fanboy thing to do. so typically n4g, huh?

[pocketaces11]

Why is everyone talking about these promises the only mension I've seen with promises of voice chat etc. were not official it were sites looking for hits. PS3's only official word I ever saw and sorry don't have proof right now was that there is copy write problems with the technology and they need to find a way around it that's why they can't have music build into their games with ought the individual developer putting it in manually unlike xbox which has it built into the system it's all copy right issues.

[Christopher]

What promise? Show me one article or quote where Sony has said "we're going to bring cross-game chat to you."

[unrealgamer58]

It's been announced... chill

"Where are our TV network partnerships, cross game chat, party systems, and all the other things that make people think Xbox Live is worth paying for?"

Tv networks? You mean like sky tv or are you talking about tv networks on the video store

I'll give you the party system but the rest.... no

[fr0sty]

ESPN? and no, it wasn't announced. they recently denied it is coming with the ps+ firmware update.

[unrealgamer58]

Obviously Ps+ will have an expanded version of xgc while others will have a limited version.

Espn? That's you're argument, Dude Its netflix all over again give It a year ( And before you say "a year?", You and I both know why that Is)

Look I'm a little disappointed about ps+ too, but It's been stated that the service will grow with more features over time.

[digoutyoursoul8]

act like the womens rights movement lol

"we want this and that, some of this and fucking all of that and we want it now, not tommorow, now"

[swice]

"....but....you PROMISED!!"

"I'm working on it! Sit DOWN!"

[hardcorehippiez]

classic billy connelly quote right there but so fits the way things are in here. + bubble

[Prcko]

ok man,now say me what would you say to xbox360??
Sony is a god man,so stfu and play exclusive games when you can!!!

[digoutyoursoul8]

they are a company, not a god.;-)

[mumarkz]

Xbox has its faults, but getting into friends games / Chat / and sending invites via Live is slick as geese poop.

[cobraagent]

Early betas and demos are well worth the price

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Its actually worth the money.

[R_aVe_N]

I got an idea how about you gripe like a little girl until you get what you want...

[fr0sty]

oh yeah, because the infallible Sony cannot possibly make a mistake, and when they do, if we complain about it we're just whiny babies that should be more grateful that they are asking the same price as live but not giving the same features? yes, free online play is great, but if i'm going to pay to upgrade i expect to see the industry standard for online console gaming met, and live is what set that standard.

[strickers]

All you get with your fee is party and cross game chat.PSN+(which I don't want)includes pay for content cheap.If you are a large consumer of PSone,PS3 downloads,minis then it make good financial sense.Live is charging you for free stuff on PSN/PC and you are saying"MS,please push it in deeper,I want it to hurt more"Mug.
Wait until you've played a 32 player,technically superior shooter online.What is the best on 360,24 player?
I've used both and guess what,PSN is worse for updates and meeting across different games,it has a messier interface that can change from game to game BUT it runs more players,less lag and less disconnects than Live ever has for me.

[Ivan Drago IV]

Happened to netflix streaming without that disc? thats what i want, i thought that would be included as well.

[silvacrest]

i wont be paying for PSN+ but atleast i still have the option to play online for free

hopefully, sony will announce features people actually want soon enough

[Cha0tik]

Xbox Live Gold is required to enjoy your online experience... you can't even get new demo's without it... PSN (Standard) allows you to play online and talk to friends while PSN+ enhances that experience and gives beta codes as well a little home goodies and avatars... even gives you the first look at games through Qore which i think is a great service to have :)

[testerg35]

I believe you can get demos with Xbox Live Silver. Its just that Gold can get certain demos first. This is a feature for PSN+ also.

[Cha0tik]

no PSN plus gets early beta access as well as the ability to test digital distributed games before you buy them

[pustulio]

Dude you can test the XBLA games before you buy them aswell, the beta we have to see how "early" then we get into that, and yes you can download demos being Silver you just need to wait a couple of days.

[Prcko]

i seriously hate when ppl complaning,man you have PSN,MOVE,A LOT AAAA LOT OF EXCLUSIVE GAMES and what the hell you want more???
I know that we are ppl,we always want more,but cmon man be happy what you have!!!

[LordMarius]

Gamers they only b!tch about Everything

[FFXI101]

Without the gold membership you can't do much except playing single player game, NO netflix, NO Facebook, NO sending message or chat, you can't check what store has to offer unless you get the gold membership.

Without the PSN+ you can still play games online, offline, send message, chat, use web browser, watch netflix, check newest blu-ray movie, PSN games...

I understand people would ask "why not give away for free" why do we have to buy PSN+ in order to get the free stuff?? Because they want us to get PSN+ and the benefit are you get tons games for PS3 and PSP, avatars, theme, beta/demo, Qore all for free(it the same concept as XBL GOLD) plus they'll add new features and stuff every month.

The fact is I'm happy with current PSN, could it be better? yeah, it could. That's why they constantly update it to make it better, would I get the PSN+? you bet I would! I'm very happy with what Sony has to offer and I believe they will reveal more in Sept at TOKYO GAME SHOW.

[Kahvipannu]

Do you own X0? Since silvers CAN send messages, check store for download stuff, chat, etc.. Only thing your prohibited is FB, onlinegame, etc.. Basics are stills there.

"I understand people would ask "why not give away for free" why do we have to buy PSN+ in order to get the free stuff?? Because they want us to get PSN+ and the benefit are you get tons games for PS3 and PSP, avatars, theme, beta/demo, Qore all for free"

That was funny, so they are asking you to pay for it, so you can get stuff free? And they want us to get it? Ofcourse they do, they receive money from it. Or maybe it's just that they want to bring peace and love to world, and just accidentially asked money for it.. Wake up, it's income for them, otherwise it would be free. Shocking as it is, Sony is also just company, which needs income.

PSN+ sounds good idea business wise.

[NecrumSlavery]

I don't see what Live has that's unique other than Party Chat.
You pay $50+ a year, and Live is smothered in Ads

[digoutyoursoul8]

its ads that are all linked to downloads on the store or streaming video and to make a further point the ads are in one section called inside xbox so the dashboard isnt smothered at all.

its not as if its got "GET VIAGRA FREE FOR 3 MONTHS GR8 DEAL WAT""" or anything like that has it? you make out its pop ups or something.

[Motion]

I haven't been on LIVE in a long while, but I do remember partner ads with McDonalds or Mtn Dew being on there. And I can't download those. A yaris add too, though I guess there was that really crappy free yaris game on there...

[BabyTownFrolics]

unlike psn all the games have demos (except some games on demand games)

connecting with your friends is easy as hell, 8 person party chat is cool (especially in games like bad company 2)

XBLA exclusives are fun

Games on Demand (360 and original Xbox games)

Netflix with no disc

last.fm

facebook and twitter (but I could care less about that crap)

Xbox Live Indie Games

but to be honest if I could play online for free and not get any of that content I would probably not pay for live

just like I am not going to pay for playstation +

[s45gr32]

So the PS3 has a crappy browser but hey I get to watch my films, anime, manga, porn, etc. for free via this browser including facebook, last FM, Twitter, mobile hotmail, mobile myspace. Okay the PS3 offers Indie Games+Free flash web based games via its crappy browser like Miniclip (it does work). You can use any USB or blue tooth keyboard and mouse. PS One games are available via the PSN store. Netflix is garbage compared to Megavideo or VEOH and is not close to DIVX. DIVX DVD quality films free on the PS3 via download. So why do I need to pay for Netflix why do I need to pay for Xbox Live when I am getting so much free content.

[BabyTownFrolics]

its all about personal preference. I own both consoles and I already pay for Live so I can connect with my 360 only friends and to play 360 exclusives (since I already pay for one service I do not feel compelled to pay for another especially if I can still game on the PS3 for free), also I usually purchase multiplats on the 360 unless there is some compelling reason to get the PS3 version.

I game on the PS3 for the exclusives these are the games I own:

LBP
MAG
KZ2
Heavy Rain
Uncharted 2

the rest I rent

Again I'm not trying to put anybody down, this is just my situation, yours may be different and who am I to tell you what to do?

[WLPowell]

@s45gr32

cause MS announced that they offer it, sony has to waste money to offer it too (even tho they already do) get it? It was like when MS announced facebook, sites like IGN were talking about MS edged out sony with that one. I was like "The PS3 has a browser you fucking mongoloids!"

[strickers]

Most key Ps3 games have squads.4 player in Killzone.True it's not every game and it differs from game to game(R2 had 8 player co op modes)

PSN exclusives are very good.In fact on Videogamer.com(a UK multi platform site I like.honest guys)they do a DLC rumble and PS3 has won by far the most.

PSone games.More classics and cheap(PS2 will follow and that has the best line up of any console)

Netflix?PS3 has it and a browser for free vids/porn/you tube/facebook.twitter.todays big thing.THE INTERNET.

Vidzone(video music service).

MUBI is coming soon.vintage,indie and world cinema service.Some films will be free to rent,some cost up to 3 quid.

iplayer,with ITV player rumoured to be coming soon.

Playtv.50 quid turns PS3 into a DVR/freeveiw box.

Home.It's bollocks but some people like it.I was an excited beta tester.How wrong can you be(I feel the same about Facebook but I do like Twitter.)

Sonys video store.

5 person video chat through PSEye.

Singstar download store(over 1200 songs)vid/photo sharing.

Life with Playstation.Google news in globe form with folding at home(trying to analyse medical data for Stanford Uni in USA)

Remote Play.Use your PSP to access PS3 from anywhere there is wi fi.I've never used but apparently it works.

[n4gno]

+ live is not able to use user generated contents (lbp, unreal tournament), microsoft locks the system, psn is more open for devs.

[WLPowell]

I think that's why valve is offering some form of steam on the ps3 version of portal 2. Of course this isn't what makes headlines "lets not focus on what Sony gave us, lets look at every possible idea sony DIDN'T give us" Just like in lieu of all the games sony showed, the big headline "where's Resistance 3? where's The last Guardian? where's vsXIII? where's hello kitty:island adventure?"

[GameScrub]

Trials HD has user generated content. Stop trolling.

[tiamat5]

You don't HAVE to use it, so what's the problem? They are giving us an option if we want it.I never understand how people can still piss and moan while Sony is giving you free services and more. But for greedy and ungrateful people it's never enough. If Sony announced "free games for everyone" they would complain about why don't they give us certain games and not others. This generation is such a bunch of whiny babies

[swice]

That's because people that consider the N64 to be their "original" Nintendo are starting to get older

[mushroomwig]

Since when is cross game chat a key feature? It's a bonus and nothing more.

[BubZ-SkullY]

without a doubt LIVE beats PSN because it has more features, and its almost purely dedicated to the friends and sharing etc. but hey sony has only announced it you cant expect everything in one go, there would be nothing left, i truly hope tahe we can get alot more features that can help bring the psn alive, the psn is good and has changed alot since launch, but since the current psn is free and we get a choice to choose, we can't really complain too much, although as a gamer sony needs to really listen to who pays for their food.

[s45gr32]

What about STEAM coming to PS3. Think about it STEAM is like the best online gaming service out there and is coming to PS3 so who cares about PSN Plus. I don't care I will wait for STEAM instead.

[BabyTownFrolics]

valve games will have steamworks support

http://www.valvesoftware.co...

"On the PlayStation 3 Portal 2 will be supported by Steamworks, a complete suite of game features and services including auto updates, community features, downloadable content, and more. Previously deployed on the PC and the Mac, Valve's Steamworks development platform will make it possible to deliver the higher level of service gamers have come to expect."

So the game itself is supported by steamworks, it makes no mention of steam being incorporated into the PS3 beyond support for Valve's games. If a deal like this had been in place on the 360 then maybe Team Fortress 2 would have gotten all those updates that TF2 got on the PC.

[BubZ-SkullY]

i didn't mean whats coming in future updates, i meant whats available now, steam features will come to ps3 but some may be left out

[WLPowell]

MS is releasing wii sports, wii fit, just dance, and nintendogs...

[BannedForNineYears]

I don't think Sony's doing anything wrong.
They're just pleasing the people who are like "PSN SUCKS LOLOLOL".
Now they won't be able to complain, this is what the PS3 needed, you don't like it? Don't pay for it.

[bjornbear]

i game without these "key feature" and i doubt im not having as much fun as someone with those "key features"

so much ado about nothing *smh*

[LIL WAYNE BALD]

@ the picture

[EXID]

i don't even care about most of the stuff they added to plus, i just wanted cross game chat and a party system. what's going on!?!?! D: lol i hope they introduce xgc in the near future =/

[D3adcell]

Well portal 2 will have steam works now so maybe they will be getting some ideas for PSN from valve or something.

[Silly gameAr]

I really don't mind subing to PSN+. I believe it will eventually lead to better PSN support from 3rd party devs and better features as the service grows. The features announced sound good enough for a start.

[s45gr32]

Yes all fanboys are up in arms when it comes to PSN plus; however, once STEAM releases on PS3. I will forget all about it, think about it the cream of the crop of online gaming services coming to PS3. That's right boys and girls STEAM will dominate this generation.

[WLPowell]

as it always has...

[moodymofo]

home is a great party system where you and your friends can meet in 1 place and voice chat and launch games with your party right from home. that system would more than satisfy people craiving for a party system the problem is that home is an aplication that no one uses and is kind of a pain to sine into and use. it would be better served if home was evryones startup main menu with you in your homespace everytime you star your ps3 and accessing the xmb through the the center guide button. i try to use home and like it because its a great community tool for meeting with friends and creating parties ,its a great idea in concept but nobody uses it

[N4BmpS]

Hope I hear about a lot of people buying mics etc. if not stop complaining geesh if anything is getting annoying it's that.

[HaVoK308]

Yet another reason I do all my online gaming on my 360 rather than my PS3. Just copy Live and get it over with (you took no shame in copying Nintendo...which Im ok with)! I am ok with that and I would gladly pay for it! I can barely stand Sony's network now and its FREE.

Home? Lmao. I dowloaded it (installed it..which I hate having to install every goddamn thing) Tried it once and found it to be one of the more pathetic features on any console ever.

Its good to see that not everyone who owns a PS3 lives in a dark basement void of human interaction. Its good to see not everyone is blinded by delusional loyality as if Sony is sending them checks in the mail. Sony seems more concerned with what MS is doing. They should be concerned about what they are doing. Their press conference was a joke. MS could give two shits about what Sony is doing and it shows. Those of us who own both consoles (including the Wii) can see this in a rational state of mind. And think as a consumer rather than an ignorant fan. Good old fashion common sense.

[strickers]

MS conference was awful and has been panned as the weakest in most places.MS don't care about what Sonys doing,that's funny.Sony has inspired most of what they've done.The Kinect is Eyetoy inspired.The pad is PS inspired.Their early social games were all copies of Sony games(who did fitness,sports and motion games first by the way.I'm old enough to have played them back when Ninty was fucking up the Gamecube.)Lips,Your're in the Movies.
Who's delusional?Live is the one thing you absolutely have to give MS credit for.It's their one great idea in gaming and kudos but I hate this re writing of history that take all the credit away from Sonys contributions,of which there are many.You own both consoles(including the Wii).I own all 3.Your maths may be a little weak.I thought you had a PS3?You obviously have a 360.Are you 12?

[HaVoK308]

I own all three consoles. Doubt you do. You are exactly the kind of individual I am refering to. My PSN ID and XBL GT is the same username I use there. Take your dumb ass over to the site and look me up. Your a delusional fanboy attempting to alter another persons option which is typical of your kind. My opinion is mine alone and no little fanboy scrub such as yourself is going to alter it.

[bobrea]

I honestly couldn't care less about cross-game chat, and I don't see what the big fuss is about. XBL isn't worth paying for to begin with (yes, I have an Xbox so shut up.) and neither is Sony plus.

[Duoma]

I agree with the article. Many features were promised but never delivered on. It's like buying a car online that has advertised features of power steering, A/C, power windows and a BOSE audio system only to find out when you get it it only has half those features and a boombox duct taped to the dashboard for a soundsystem.

I understand that PSN is FREE and im happy and thankful for that. I think what me and a majority of other people are upset about is being constantly promised something whether its free or paid and it not being delivered. And if you disagree on that youre either incredibly gullible or never been lied to in your life.

[DoucheVader]

Has anyone stop to consider that the additional features on Xbox Live could actually cause more congestion on the network and may contribute to the higher degree of LAG on XBL vs. PSN?

The fact is PSN delivers a pretty Lag free experience (with the exception of BF BC2 lately). If you keep tacking on features to the network that require bandwidth it will eventually have an effect on the infrastructure.

Do I want cross game chat? Certainly, but not at the cost of a LAG free experience.

[Figboy]

that would get me to subscribe to PSN+ would be if that $50 included a full year of free online play for an MMO of my choice.

i REALLY enjoyed the DC Universe Online game i played yesterday at E3, but the main problem is that it's going to cost $15 a month to play.

me and my wife BOTH want to play the game, but that's going to be $30 a month for the two of us for a full year. $360 a year JUST so me and my wife can play an MMO together for a year.

if a free MMO of my choice subscription was added to PSN+, i'd definitely subscribe for me and my wife $100 a year beats $360 a year any day.

other than that, there is NO WAY i'm paying for a subscription service. i didn't do it for MS, i won't do it for Sony either.

[joinsideke]

lame article

[xino]

You don't have to pay for PSN+, PSN is still free. PSN+ is there for people who wants to get MORE out of the PSN "Store".

I do agree that it's been years and we are getting so little, party system and cross game chat should be available now.

The leaked images of the PSN Premium even boasted so much features, WTF happened to the rest of the features?

[Raoh]

i think its not great but nothing wrong with it.

don't want it, no problem you still get to play online for free and chat, maybe not xchat but that's overrated..

i'm getting psn+ cause i'm a fan and want the extra value, i paid for both years of qore too..

[DoucheVader]

So XBL has all kinds of features that PSN lacks. Did any of you consider that maybe those features help contribute to the LAG that most people report as a problem with XBL?

I mean if you add more and more connected features it eats into your bandwidth.

[nell_z]

Sony and their lack of listening skills suck! If I weren't so sure of the reliability of the 360 and the gaming library weren't so huge for the PS3, I would switch. This is BS!

[khellendros1]

Seriously guys, I'm sick of hearing about cross game chat. I'd rather have a multi-account login system as standard so I can get trophies when I play split screen Co-op with my friends. That's the one thing I'm jealous of on the 360. Some games like Borderlands implement it themselves but most games don't. Nothing sucks more than playing Spec-Ops on MW2 and watching my buddy get trophies and I don't. With so many people screaming for more split screen Co-op in games this need to be fixed.

[Thoreau]

is trash. xbl silver should include multiplayer for free since psn and xbl mostly run on p2p servers and hybrid p2p/dedicated servers.

[GurlPlease]

You said...
"sorry but live can never be justified because like i said you get laggy p2p servers(that you pay to
use), ads9you pay not to see them) and pay for online(this someting everyone else gets for free).
on top of that you have to pay for aps that also charge you like netflix basically paying double.
also other apps are free everywhere but on the 360 you have to have a gold membership to get
them. live charges for things that are not worth the price ps+ just gives you extra content so of
course you will pay for it just like"

I say...

Girl, you can shut the entire f*** up!

Child, what f***ing aps that you speak of that you must pay to use? *fixes hair bang* I knoooow you're not talking about facebook, last.fm, twitter and the other stuff. You do realize that xbox live was $50 before they add those, right? So sir, explain to this "paying for apps" foolishness you speak of. hmm? HMMMM!?! SPEAK, I SAY!!!

[AntBoogy90]

I half agree. The cross game chat, i believe, has nothing to do with Ps+ . . and since Sony has partnered up with Valve, we might actually see some Steam on the PSN. Who knows . . because if Steam were to hit the PSN to make it more efficient to receive data from their games (so they can track ratings) . . then cross game chat will be possible on the PS3. You have to remember, the PS3 is very different from the x360 when it comes to hardware and software . . very different to develop for.

[Playerz8]

Whoever wrote this is a fail. (Let the bashing begin)

[TheViper]

So much love it or hate regarding PSN +. Haven't seen anything like this since Nintendo unveiled the Wii name.