340°

Do We Still Need Backwards Compatibility?

Adam Guy wrote: "Back in 2006 when we first got our hands on the shiny new Playstation 3 Sony released two models, one premium model and one basic. The basic model missed out on WiFi, it had a smaller hard drive, and it didn’t have a multi card reader like the premium did. But other than that the two models were actually very similar. They both had 4 USB ports compared to the 2 you get on all models now and, crucially, in the US both of the launch versions had PS2 backward compatibility. This means that at the time Sony thought backward compatibly was important enough to even fit on the base model."

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playeraffinity.com
Sidology5027d ago

So, when I click on the link, all I get is a blank page.

CobraKai5027d ago

Really? Try again cuz when I did it, it was fine.

AAACE55027d ago

I've always thought backwards compatibility was a joke! Mainly for people who have a hard time letting go! Games play best on their original console, so just keep the original console if you like the games that much!

I rarely go back to a previous console because by the time the new ones come out, I am pretty bored with all the games from the past.

BattleAxe5027d ago

At first when the PS3 library was lacking it was good to have so I could continue to play Socom: Combined Assault, but now theres no need.

Sidology5027d ago

Yeeeeep. Still nothing.

Army_of_Darkness5027d ago

But used it only once to see if it worked... Anyways, we got some pretty awesome PS3 exclusives eh! :)

ReservoirDog3165027d ago

To tell you the truth, I'm currently replaying MGS3 (see bio). Still really good!

I'm glad I have a 60GB PS3. I respect the classics while enjoying the new wave of stuff. Nothing wrong with that.

Also I'm broke currently so it's nice to have a huge list of games to replay till I can scrape up enough for Kane and Lynch 2 and stuff.

DaReapa5027d ago

Same here. Lately I've been playing MGS3:Sub and Ace Combat 5 (got the urge upon hearing the announcent of the new AC game) on the 60 Gig - even though I still own a PS2 phatty.

0mega45027d ago

ive got the old ps2 if i want to play some classics.

but hey if they ever updated it with bc i wouldnt argue

commodore645027d ago (Edited 5027d ago )

Well, I have a ps3 slim, so no ps2 backwards compatibility for me.
:(

It is kind of disappointing, as Sony did promise ps2 b/c for all of its users back when the ps3 launched.
http://www.videogamesblogge...

AS for the people who say they don't need b/c, nor want it, I beg to differ. We DO need it.
Psychonauts, for example, is a fabulous game that I would love to play on the ps3 via b/c.
Funnily enough, I can play Psychonauts on the 360 via b/c.

It can only do everything?

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 5027d ago
Gray-Fox5027d ago

TBH.... (In regards to PS3 B/C) I bought my PS3 to play PS3 games and not PS2 games. If it costs less for no B/C I'll take that route.

Genesis55027d ago (Edited 5027d ago )

I have a 60 gig launch and I rarely play PS2 games on it. I have to many of this gens games to play. I still pop in a PS2 game once in a while on my old CRT TV that I have a PS2 hooked up to. At the time of launch of the PS3 it was more important than it is now.

gtamike5027d ago (Edited 5027d ago )

Well I have upgraded 60GB ver to 320GB :)
Also still got my PS2 console.

UnSelf5027d ago

NEED? no

it'll be nice to have though

mastiffchild5027d ago

Meh. You wouldn't use it and you're still better off using your PS2 on a CRT than stretching it on a 60gig PS3 anyway. I genuinely haven't used my PS3 to play a PS2 game since I played a bit of Persona4 on it however long ago that was released!

At first I played the odd bit of SoTC now and then but, seriously, when they were looking for things to cut to bring the price down BC was one of the least used features-what were they meant to do? People buy a PS3 to play PS3 games and the same for the 360-how many of us EVER play an Xbox game on it these days? Since Halo2 servers went dead I suspect virtually no one just the same as with those of us owning a BC PS3.
#
The other side of it is if you want to play PS2 games buy a sodding PS2. i got a used slim the other week when my camping console died for twenty sheets with about twenty games and a few other bits and bobs thrown in ffs. Also, there's too many current gen games to play at home so the ONLY time I play PS2 games is at a festival or when I've gone camping and taken the PS2 with me.

So, need? Definitely not. would it be nice? I guess it MIGHT but you wouldn't use it enough to merit it returning. the time we will NEED the return of that amazing library should come when PSP2 finally arrives too-it's a massive possible weapon for Sony to use in the portable arena and I fully expect a PSN full of discount downloadable PS2 titles when their next handheld is launched. Portable that library is still AMAZING but on PS3? Not so much with the console itself now in full swing. i'm genuinely amazed we still have this bloody discussion these days.

UnSelf5027d ago

doesnt really affect me personally. i have a 60 gig

Mahr5027d ago

"The other side of it is if you want to play PS2 games buy a sodding PS2"

This would be a valid line of argument if the *entire focus* of the system were not consolidating living-room entertainmnet features into one convenient monolithic entity.

People saying things like 'I don't want to play PS2' games are really missing the point, as individual preferences are neither here nor there when it comes to whether or not the market regards PS2 functionality as an important factor. The fact of the matter is that literally every Nielsen press release for usage has featured the PS2 in the number one or two spot. More than the Wii, more than the PS3, PS2 games get *the* most play time in the industry next to the 360.

http://gamerant.com/nielsen...

You cannot simply write that off as 'I don't personally care about that, it is not worth caring about, stop whining'.

And incidentally, if you have to resort to 'If you want feature X, buy another product', then you are going against Sony's own marketing strategy. 'It only does everything', remember?

What next, 'You don't NEED to watch Bluray if you want one buy a sodding Bluray player'?

XactGamer5027d ago (Edited 5027d ago )

The only people who don't like backwards compatibility are the people who can't get it. The Wii has it in a way, the Xbox has it, and the PC will always have it and the early PS3's have it. Watch the only people here that will complain about it are PS3 owners who were unfortunate enough to get models that don't support BC. Seriously read up and down this thread it's so obvious it's like a slap of reality to the face.

I enjoy classic games and I have a launch PS3 and still enjoy the old games.

Proxy5027d ago

Hackers have achieved what Sony hasn't been able to, some good PS2 emulators for PC.* Sony designed the PS2 and PS3, you'd think they'd be able to figure out emulation of their own hardware better than a bunch of hackers.

It's got to be one of 3:
1) Sony really can't design a software emulator.
2) Teh power of teh cell isn't enough for PS2 emulation.
3) Sony wants to deliberately hold back features in hope of make more money.

* - Granted the PS2 emulators on PC do have their flaws, but most games are playable and can be finished. Again, compare to Sony's non-existent software emulation.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 5027d ago
CobraKai5027d ago

I'd rather have those awesome HD rereleases than Backwards Compatiblity. And yes I do have a BC PS3

boodybandit5027d ago

I have a BC PS3 as well and the only game I ever used it for was God of War 2.

Rumor5027d ago

i would go through 5 more playthroughs of kingdom hearts 2 with a b/c ps3.

ever beat the whole story with just a kingdom key?? me niether, but its a freaking task i will complete!!

Theonik5027d ago

If only the PS3's emulation were decent there would be no need for them.

NarooN5026d ago

The problem with that is

1) Waiting for devs to actually develop the remakes
2) No guarantee whatsoever that the games you like will be remastered
3) With BC or PC emulation, I can play any game I want right away

PS2 had no problem with PS1 emulation. The only reason PS2 Hardware-based emu was removed was to cut costs, and that was two years ago, and they've only JUST RECENTLY started making a profit off the PS3.

Godmars2905027d ago

Yes. For the old, 3rd party titles that have little to no chance of seeing a collected edition, at the very least it would be something nice if only so some could retire their PS2s.

Optical_Matrix5027d ago

Nope. I have a perfectly healthy EU PS2 and a perfectly healthy Japanese PS2. Don't need B/C.

Chris3995027d ago

as there was a dearth of JRPGs till about 2008 on the system and I still had my PS2 backlog to play through.

Funny thing is, I stopped playing PS2 titles anyhow and branched out to try different genres. When the Slim was re;eased, I traded in my 60 gig and haven't looked back since. I do like this trend of re-mastering old PS2 titles though.

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150°

Sony Patents To Prevent You From In-Game Harassment By Reading Your Emotions

A new patent recently published by Sony wants to gather biometric data of gamers to track whether one is being harassed using AI tools.

Profchaos23d ago (Edited 23d ago )

I hope this is one of those patents that never comes to fruition.

I already dislike the fact you can pay a significant amount for a online service buy associated games and content on said service and get banned from that service over potentially a misunderstanding the bans are already handed out for flimsy reasons

I'd rather see money invested in a ban that simply removes the offensive players ability to communicate with unknown players allow them to continue party chats with friends but not with Joe blow on cod.

exputers23d ago

Agreed. Blizzard recently banned a college Overwatch 2 player who's dependent for saying "shit." Pretty harsh.

Profchaos23d ago (Edited 23d ago )

How rediculas really. You can't say a word that's allowed in most PG films and prime time TV but the game is based around killing the enemy team using guns, explosives etc.

It's just backwards.

just_looken23d ago

What your talking about is called block list

In 2006 a spaceship dropped of the playstation 3/xbox 360 i say that that generation was the last great gen with game functions/tech that has yet to comeback

Anyhow the playstation 3 if you block listed a id they could not talk to you in chatroom with either text or voice. But that was pre mind fucked 2018 when people were more human than sheep.

But hey gta 6 is coming out billion dollar budget without a single player custom character creator and without singeplayer coop off/online something saints row 1-3 had on the xbox 360.

z2g23d ago

Take my social security and bank account numbers too! Here’s a picture of my wife and our address.

phoenixwing23d ago

Cmon where's the pictures of your children. Don't hold out on them.

H923d ago

At this rate I feel Sony will eventually sell a room to play games in it where they can monitor your every breath

jambola23d ago

I genuinely get a bit worried sometimes when a friend says something that could be offensive In a party
Because I have no trouble believing some bans would happen when in a private party for saying something wrong

SegaSaturn66923d ago

I want them to censor erotic content by measuring my groin temperature so i dont get too distracted while playing black ops 2.

Popsicle23d ago

Terrible idea. Not only do I not consent to providing my biometric data, the potential for mishandling biometric data is almost a certainty. Positive stress and negative stress can produce similar changes in biometrics. Interpreting the precise emotion a person is feeling is not only invasive but could be easily misconstrued. I hope this never comes to fruition.

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130°

Sony Could Increase Your Game's Difficulty If It Sees You Complain About It

Sony has recently published a new patent that wants to dynamically handle the games' difficulty and gameplay based on the player's emotions.

jznrpg24d ago

This is something I might use. Sometimes I play some good games but they don’t have difficulty option and are a little too easy.

Profchaos24d ago

Souls games will be like that players struggling make it harder

PassNextquestion24d ago (Edited 24d ago )

I think if used correctly it could work well

jambola23d ago

cool idea
cool idea for horror games especially
the way it's explained here sounds like it could never be forced hopefully, so that's ok with me

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280°

Sony Taps Bungie's Head of Revenue to Lead Live-Service Games

Sony has recruited Bungie's head of revenue Jaremy Rich to head up its live-service gaming division, Rich has announced on social media.

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techraptor.net
ChasterMies44d ago

Please do not put Destiny’s monetization into Sony’s first party games. The monetization is what’s driving players away from Destiny.

just_looken44d ago

The new temp boss is the sony cfo bean counter so i can see this being a thing get every penny.

Cacabunga44d ago

PlayStation officially losing it.. fans will never support gaas games

just_looken44d ago

@car

The new boss did a interview in japan he wants to tap into the mobile market like nintendio so he give 0 fucks about gamers/fans

https://www.pushsquare.com/...

Redemption-6444d ago

@Cacabunga
You only speak for you and those who think like you, but most fans will support what they want. Playstation and PC fans are literally supporting Helldivers 2 and that is a gaas. Maybe you wouldn't, but many more would if they like it.

Huey_My_D_Long44d ago

@Redemption-64
Look, Im not making any judgement calls about this guy, but I will say that Helldivers 2 GaaS model is unique to Helldivers, and legit the only other game I can think of thats similiar was the Avengers game except HD2 pass is still better.
The fact that you can earn in game currency in a way that doesnt make you feel like you have to grind forever, as well you being able work on that pass that you bought...on your own time without a time limit...that right there is fucking huge to me, and I can't name any game other than avengers that avoided trapping players with FOMO logic...I think GaaS on HD2 shouldn't be compared to the rest of the industry...it should be copied.

Einhander197244d ago

Cacabunga

Helldivers 2...

Redemption-64

In Europe it's a 60 40 split favoring PC.
In the US its a 60 40 split favoring PS5.

So PlayStation owners supported the game just fine, it's not getting carried by PC or anything like that.

FinalFantasyFanatic43d ago

@just_looken,
I'm perfectly fine with the way Nintendo entered the mobile market, I never touched their mobile games, meanwhile, the console/handheld stayed the way it is. As for being a bean counter, he's probably going to reel in these massive budgets that Sony's studios have had lately, I haven't played Spiderman 2, but I cannot see how they almost tripled the budget for that game.

@Redemption-64,
That's an exception to the rule, I'm expecting a lot of these GAAS games from Sony to fail, to be fair, they only need a few to succeed, but I would have preferred that they put more of their resources into other types of games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 43d ago
DivineHand12544d ago

True their monetization is driving players away and at the same time, their decision to chop out content and convoluted systems is keeping new players away from the game.

Joe91344d ago

I don't think that will happen based on how things worked out at Naughty Dog now that we know what we do, seems they had the option to fully commit to live service games or stay making single player experences so they gave up on their live service game. We are not sure how things came about with Bend making a live service game but I hope that was not a forced situation. Sony doesnt seem like they are forcing studios to switch up but we will see, Sony's bread and butter is single player games it is how they dominated the console market.

Obscure_Observer44d ago

Yeah, I though Sony learned something from all their failures in the LS segment under Bungie´s disastrous leadership and supervision which led to games been cancelled, studios closed and all the people laid off.

Looks like Bungie still plays a major role in Sony´s LS initiative and Sony is not backtracking on their GaaS plans.

S2Killinit44d ago (Edited 44d ago )

Are we forgetting that Destiny is also a highly successful franchise? I feel like that definitely deserves mention here.

Besides, there is no reason why a person cant learn from past experiences.

Joe91343d ago

I agree, people act as if Destiny flopped when it came out lol it took 9 to 10 years for the numbers to fall yet people are still playing it add the success of Helldivers 2 no wonder Sony is going forward down this path.

S2Killinit43d ago

Personally, I see no problem with Sony also having service games as long as they make good ones, and more importantly they deliver the AAA story driven games that they are known for. So yeah, I agree 100% with you.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 43d ago
Christopher44d ago

I mean, this person made some pretty bad decisions at Bungie. I hope they've learned from them because I definitely don't see those type of ideas as good for PlaySation in general.

CrimsonWing6943d ago (Edited 43d ago )

Honestly, what’s to learn from? How to make people happily continuously dump money into a single game over its life-time? Buy season passes continuously for several years with a smile on our faces?

GaaS is a design decision that is everything wrong with this industry. The fact that Helldivers 2 did so well and people defend the monetization because it was $40 and is a fun game, scares the sh*t out of me to see that the door is open and all shift will probably be to replicate that in future games. We already know the ROI for traditional game dev cost isn’t doing it for them.

I thought with Jimbo leaving we’d see a change for the better… I’m not so sure now.

S2Killinit43d ago

Service games are being offered by everyone. Sony cannot afford to only create single player AAA games. No one can. They already said they will be doing both.

Abnor_Mal44d ago (Edited 44d ago )

Ps5 gamers in 2023 seemed to play more live service types of games, so regardless to how people feel about them, numbers don’t lie and Sony is going where the money is. I mean look at the excitement around Helldivers2, people are showing that they want live service games.

Christopher44d ago

They play long-time existing live service games like CoD, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Destiny 2, and the like. Mass majority of new live service games are considered failures and aren't moving gamers away from older games.

just_looken44d ago

Yep the huge issue with live service is they need paid players along with a reason to play them.

You forgot mobile market that also taps into that player base as well as the eve online style games there is only a certain amount of krakens/whales blind supporters compared to the amount of live service games we have its not sustainable math wise.

700 restaurants making food for every seat for 1000-3000 eaters just does not work out

Einhander197244d ago (Edited 44d ago )

Christopher

I am not a big live service fan and literally own zero of the games you listed, but that is not true, unless you call games that aren't the top games to be failures.

There are tons of live service games that are profitable.

Games don't have to be the biggest game ever they just need to make more than they cost.

I challenge you to show professionally prepared data that shows that more live service games fail than make enough to keep going.

Because all the data that I have seen shows that live service is less of a gamble than making a big AAA budget game which needs to survive off retail sales.

FinalFantasyFanatic43d ago

I sometimes wonder if we're at saturation point, where it's hard for a new game to join those ranks unless it's particularly exceptional, people only have so much time and money to devote to these types of games.

romulus2344d ago

Correction, they have no issue playing good live service games

shinoff218344d ago

Lol it's not even a quarter of the ps5s sold. Helldivers may have been a hit but let's not say most are enjoying it because truth is most(the real most ) don't care about it.

S2Killinit43d ago (Edited 43d ago )

I play what is fun. If a live service game is good I’ll play it as long as its not a money scheme which Helldivers is not.

And Im a single player gamer.

mastershredder44d ago

How do you kill a franchise that already been killed?
Destiny’s grind, cash-in-on-playbass-cha-Ching, and pop-culture-insertion mainstream-me-too bs totally killed any rep Bungie had. Sony/Bungie, if you are doing this to ward-off players, it’s already working.

crazyCoconuts44d ago

Headline truncated:
"... off a cliff"

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