Haze Developer: 'PSN Offers More Freedom Than Xbox Live'

SPOnG caught up with the developers behind Haze, Free Radical, yesterday, and amid all the chat about entering warzones jacked up on drugs and who'd win in a fight between Buddha and Jesus†, some interesting things were said about the PlayStation Network. Specifically, the joy and the terror provided by the freedom it enables.

"The disadvantage of the Sony stuff is that there isn't as much defined by Sony as to how you have to do things - they leave it very much up to you" Derek Littlewood, project leader on Haze told us.

[Meus Renaissance]

Over the past few days, we've seen an upsurge of articles favouring one console over the other.

What is up with that?

[Bazookajoe_83]

Thats what it means ;-)

[Honeal2g]

i dont just mean for ps3 but 360 aswell....i really dont see the big deal with this game. yes i guess i am being kinda biased because i am a fan of halo but i also think killzone is gonna be smash the way gears was.. but Haze doesnt look all that appealing those helmets just look so "halo" that it looks like a rip off. gameplay looks kool with the drugs and all but COD4 should be gettin more attention than this game!

[Kleptic]

the past few days?...that is pretty much 60% of the news on this site...and pretty much most of the news in this industry overall...

in either case...interesting read...especially considering the guys who said the PSN would flop like the PS2's playstation online service, and would take this entire generation to get to where XBL is now...

[JPomper]

So he's saying PSN has the potential to offer for features than XBL.

Paying for potential.

[Delive]

XBL has a vast amount of media and games compared to the free PSN, but you get what you pay for. Then again, the PS3 has a very low failure rate and a vast amount of functionality and freedom compared to the less expensive 360..... You get what you pay for too?

[DADO]

UT3 developers said the same. They are not saying that the PSN is better, it has less limitations. Sony does not give them as many restriction as MS does.
JPomper the PSN is free. Nothing to pay for.

[Bill Gates]

I seriously don't understand why the XBOTS don't all just unite like they do on this site and boycott XBL until M$ gives it to them the way it should be, FREE. But I guess they're so BRAINWASHED it's too late. Poor souls indeed.....AAAAHAHAHHAHAHAAHAH A

[Razzy]

C'mon Bill, you know xbots do whatever M$ tells them to. ;)

[THC CELL]

when home comes and all the games my x box is going to collect alot of dust

I may get halo3 pre owned

[CG]

HOME is for all the sad gamers out there who hasnt got a life and havent yet discover girls so yeah its perfect for you.

[Honeal2g]

i dont understand how an online network being released stops u from playing games u spent any where from 0-64.54$ unless ..hmmm u dont own xbox360 and just said the dumbest thing ive ever seen

[THC CELL]

@ CG mate ur the best i bet you to grow pubes yet.

Hermit.
for ya big nose i am getting married next year.and due a kid

The reason i want to go on home so i can meet gamers in lobbys so i can take them into my games unlike Lobbys in x box where u have to wait a week,
Plus Trophys insted of Points that u cant spend Something to really Show off there man,

[Shuriken 525]

Home doesn't appeal to me. Just looks like a dulled down online sims... oh, and you have to walk everywhere to use it's features.

[junk56]

obviously home doesn't look attractive to thsoe without a ps3. for those who do it looks exciting because even if its online sims it looks like you can do lots of stuff.

for example you can meet up with your clan before a scrim in the clan room and talk some stuff over. you can meet new people and play games with them. if you've played habbohotel or cokemusic you would know how much fun meetnig new ppl really is.

[Azures]

I'm sure they'll have an option for fast transport between your personal area and public areas, which is really all you need to goto.

[PlayStation360]

Actually, I heard your not limited to walking anymore in Home. They added a run/jog feature.

@ShiroRX
I think they already implemented that. By using the Virtual PSP.

[Stretchystrong]

I think this developer will suck up to Sony about how it is better to develop on the PS3 and how PSN is better, until they release it on the 360 then they will be pro 360. These guys are flakes.

[atomdooze]

psn sucks donkey D!CK ITS NO COMPARISON!

[bootsielon]

When will people understand that Ubisoft will hype every time-exclusive/exclusive to the point of squishing every last cent of its consumer base?

"Xbox 360 does better AI" can be translated as "we don't know how to program the Cell, and we have to say something to hype our exclusive game".

"PSN Offers More Freedom than Xbox Live" can be translated as "we don't like how Xbox LIVE is a closed platform, and we have to say something to hype our timed-exclusive game"

Edit:

You can say that about any developer or publisher. They hype their work/game to sell more. It's natural. It's marketing.

[omfg_111]

free radical develops the game and ubisoft manufacture it ...

its up to free radical what they are doing.

splinter cell is done by ubisoft developers...

free radical is more or less independent

[cookiemonster]

yes ubi is like that, they're a business but...

this is free radical saying it. not ubisoft. yes ubisoft is the publisher but that quote didn't come from them. fyi

[Bathyj]

And FR have always loved PS.

[s8anicslayer]

i was going to reply until some dipsh!t posts a dumbarrs post.red the article again then post one more time! damn flame

[Greysturm]

What the article says is that PSN is better for the developer since it gives him freedom to do as they please but bad for the consumer since because some developers wont take the time or resources to create a decent experience. While Xboxlive is great for the consumer since it gives a standard of quality on the server but bad for the developer since they cripple their creativity or dont allow them to make multiplayer an afterthought. Well have to wait and see which of the two advantages is better in the longrun pleasing the developers to get more games on your system or pleasing the users to get a better reputation.

[THE_JUDGE]

We've heard devs say before that Sony allows easy access and more stuff to be put on PSN than MS does. Ms has done a good job with XBL but some of their restrictions have turned devs off a bit I guess.

[alexander22rednaxela]

more freedom = less controll = less security?

[Opax0]

XBL got some good stuff like achivements and the video markedplace sh*t, but Microsoft still holds back on the user created content..

[jay3]

They ARE holding back on user content. All thay have is XBL Arcade games. There was a news article saying that the 360 could do mods and stuff, so i think we're going to see this change soon.

[Azures]

It COULD do it, but MS hates mods man. Epic has been pleading with them for it on the 360 version of UT3 but they won't budge.

[MoonDust]

Metaphor?

[jay3]

You know you're not allowed to be sophisticated enough to use metaphors here!

[MoonDust]

I got out of line. Kiss? :D JK, no homo

[Bathyj]

I've been saying for a while, the Free Radical, and Mark Rein of Epic have alot of love for PS3 and what it offers. It was no surprise to me when both titles became "Timed" exclusives, and I'm not saying its gonna happen but if both title slipped back on Xbox or even got dropped all together, I wouldn't be surprised either. I know there attention are focused on PS3 right now but somehow they just dont seem to concerned with the Xbox versions at the moment. Especially Epic. They are a fairly small team and they have UT3 to finish on PS3 and PC, then Gears on PC and Mac, then supposedly UT3 XB, then maybe start Gears 2 for a 2009 release. Anyway, I guess we just have to see how it turns out.

[CNIVEK]

...to think there's a CHANCE Epic would drop UT3 for the 360. Gears has sold over 4 million copies, to date, and is still the most popular LIVE title, almost a year later (soon to be replaced by HALO 3, of course). Epic is just trying to "spread the love" to Sony, because they want another platform selling multi-platinum numbers for them. Wait and see...the 360 version will have some nice surprises.

[Azures]

Gears was also developed directly with Microsoft. Unreal Tournament is still Epic's flagship IP, designed primarily for PC play; PS3 simply provides more freedom to achieve the same as they did on the PC, as opposed to things like disc space and the online networks which will limit it on the 360 (not fanboyism, FACT that both of these are a problem with the 360 version).

[Bathyj]

CNIVEK
I'm not saying its gonna happen. I'm just cloud talking, but not without some credit to my thoughts. I know how popular Gears is. All the more reason to forget UT3 on XB and concentrate on Gear 2 if they expect to make it next Christmas. Where as UT3 on XB will most likely be snubbed anyway because Xbox owners probably wont like getting PS3's 6 month old game if it means Gears 2 come out later. Plus I think Epic do want to get at M$ just a bit for how they've been treated. Thats why UT3 got delayed anyway.

[felidae]

i love me some good ps3 news

[Keyser]

It's cool that the developers can do what they want but I gues there should be some minimum requirements so that some companies (EA I'm staring at you) don't half ass what they decide to make available. I guess as a consumer we ultimately decide.

Just purchase from the guys who are delivering more and being more creative. I hope Free Radical takes advantage of this openness.

[heroman711]

its their opinion what gives you the right to say they are wrong

[tudors]

and have not used there online service; there are too many comparisons with all things PS3 and Xbox-360. Look I have a Xbox-360 and Xbox-live and I think the games and the service are great; if you don't like it don't use it.

PS3 is still too expensive, moan all you like about the various SKU's for Xbox-360 but bare in mind that all some people can afford is a Core, if you cannot afford a PS3 or an Elite Xbox-360 then the core makes sense, I bought the core and the rest of the accessories later.

I know the above is a bit off subject but it seems to me that both the PS3 and Xbox-360 have the strengths and weaknesses online and off but at the end of the day it is personal choice.

If the days comes that I can afford a PS3 then I will give my opinion on the online service.

[aaquib2]

No mods, no kb/m support, less maps on UT3. No HOME, you guys are getting ripped for every little thing(money for freaking wallpapers? Us PSN users get em for free), no dedicated servers, yet you PAY for online!!

[JokesOnYou]

well so far all that freedom hasnt turned up much for ps3, but Im going to take his word for it and just try to forget how many other devs made wild claims but when the game finally dropped in the hands of gamers we had to suffer through listening to devs making excuses. OK so now I will just wait to see what FR delivers with all the freedom they have or will this talk just end up being more marketing promotions?=

JOY

[BIadestarX]

Anarchy also provides more freedom. It does not mean you will not get your head cut off because someone with bigger guns like your woman. Order sometimes is required in order to create a safe environment. to many order is bad because they can't do the things they want to do. Like killing someone because they have a better job than you do without going to jail... but they enjoy not having to worry about someone doing the same to them... mmm... ironic...

Anyways.. back to gaming... the xbox 360 provides a safer environment than the PS3 for the simple fact that it has rules... this is not yet aparent but developers not having restrictions does not mean hackers having restrictions. This is the reason why windows was so unsecured... because developers had freadom to do wherever they want with the OS... not many restrictions up to the kernel.. no sandbox... technologies like ActiveX gave developers absolute power to do things otherwise impossible that made IE the default browser for intranet applications... but gave hackers the ability to hack the crap out of your mama's underwear making IE the less secured browser... which is why other browsers makers simply ignored activex though it was powerful. Now microsoft is focusing on Ajax, server side technologies to accomplish rich app development...
Restrictions are not always bad... and I am affraid that Sony's approuch of not giving developers a perimeter it will bite them on the rear once the hacking community see that the PS3 is the perfect place to do their evil/fun stuff. ohh look, internet connection, no sandbox, no limitation, access to hard drive from network or other PC.... user is less sabby about security than PC or computer users...
And it does not look like Sony is the best at security when they can't keep the PSP from being hacked... usually 1 day after a security firmware is released... haaaaacked! I would like to think that security will not be an issue on the PS3.. but.. all these articles about the PS3 being so unrestricted and that developers can do anything they want.. from networking to writing on hard drive and having a linux OS... simply sound like hackers heaven..
How this translate? Sony will really have to convince content makers to support their digital distribution (ala xbox live marketplace) to trust an unrestricted environment where even the hard drive can be removed and software can be into in the system that can copy the content and be distributed freely.. once they figure out how to do it.

As a gamer I like to hear that developers can do anything... but considering the fact that consoles are now use to purchase games, movies, browse the internet and buy things at amazon.com, which implies that I will be entering sensitive information like personal information and credit card information... makes me go uhhhhhhh...
So far the xbox 360 sandbox model is being secured for the most part... almost 2 years after... let's see how this turns out for the PS3...

[Keyser]

I hear you Bladestar but you don't hear a lot about the PSn being hacked and if it is, it is very minor.

The 360 is closed and you hear about modding, ghosting, intentional lagging (stand-bying), all the time on the 360.

There's no perfect way to address it since hackers pick and choose but so far in history freedom has always been the 1st option.

[sak500]

Good post blade. Who'd know better about security in software environment than MS. Sony's open enviornment policy can definately create problems once these hackers start taking interest in ps3. As for HOME, ps3 owners must really be desperate for company to go around running in sims like environment to play MP games or look for friends. I would rather load up a game quickly and go the the lobby than roam around in virtual world looking for people. Even waiting for 2-4 mins in lobby to fill up feels like eternity imagine going around searching for people in home.

On the other hand if one doesnt have games to play than home can be a place to pass time and find people to chat with.

[tudors]

I wandered when someone would mention the little matter of security.

[N4GayFanturds]

Freedom for devs to NOT have to program for a unified friend's list.
Freedom for devs to NOT have to program for cross-game invites and messaging.
Freedom for devs to NOT have to program for in-game voice.

PSN - it sucks to have freedom.

And for the fa6boys who will say; "Just wait until Home comes out...":

Wait B3yond

[Daewoodrow]

I wish those Haze developers would shut up. I have no interest in their game and they keep droning on with all these ridiculous comparisons. They should be avoiding comparisons, because the more they compare the game to other things, the more I consider it a blatent ripoff.
If they want me to want their game, they should explain what is so special about it, not how it's better than everyone else's.

[rowdy 1]

the psn is easier to mangage they have everything you need right there in front of your face, so you're not rumaging through all these different folders and stuff. It's just my preference. I can use XBL but I prefer PSN.

[shysun]

Here come the 360 fanboys...runs and hides!

[MK_Red]

I hope they put a good use to PSN's multiplayer and DLC with Haze.

[CaliGamer]

Some people like to work in an office where the boss tells them when to do every moment they are at work, others like to be outdoors and do things on their own terms. What the Haze developers described in this article is a matter of choice, obviously the more creative studios won't mind the flexibility of the PSN, but Live does offer a base level of quality that is also good. I guess it all depends on your preference.

[SSCOOLCHEA]

the people that have the xbox hates the ps3 ..for what ? the people that have the ps3 hates the xbox ..for what ? I have a ps3 i like it because the games that are coming out for it. No I am not saying that the xbox games sucks . Its just people like diffrent types of game. As for the online I could care less how they do it . As long as me and my friends can go online for free and play a game or 2. If I had to pay than I would expect more. Just be happy you have all these console to choose from because back then .. i had to choose from intellivision or atari...coleco....

[Yosking]

Haze developers dont have to worry about being limited by disc space on the ps3 as well as the playstaion network.

ROCK ON PS3!!

[texism]

What's up with the torrent of extremely PRO Sony/extremely Sony-defensive articles lately?

[gnothe1]

anything they can do to take the 360 out of the lime light.make the PS3 seem to be superior when we all know whats really going on!!

[xionpunk]

I love the comment about who would win in a fight between buddha and jesus. Jesus would totally win...

[Azures]

Why are people associating more freedom with less security? Sony just finished saying the other day they're gonna take a hard stance on those who try to ruin the online experience of others, especially when it comes to home. Its not Bnet people, their are rules.

[THE HIVE MIND]

you know fanboy aside
i totaly agree with this article
with out using the either systems core power ps3 does seem to have a broader network,
but for the xbox its meant to be confined.
And,thats because of the way the dashboard is brought up
Also to add any "xboxer" knows that microsoft can easily open up there network for broader more enhancing experiance
as seen with the xbox live arcade they went from 50 mbs-512 mbs
also when they opended the video marketplace
and for xbox, twice a year they get regular dashboard updates
that increase there network via xbox 360
i am familiar with xfire which is the backbone behind the PSN
and its nice but its really the same as Xbox Connect(XBC)
and i enjoy paying 50 bucks a year
its just simple petty cash
besides i could be buying a sex toy for your mom once a year

[Rhezin]

LMAO I haven't laughed that hard in awhile.

[sleepbox]

Haze looks lame. Not excited.

[Says you]

Considering its just a basic community with a 2D interface like wow! XBox live must be good with such inferior interface and a community thats not remotely interesting! and oh the points! dont forget the points since the XBox 360 fans think its so great and they cant live wihout them like I can get points by just getting a good test score.

[BIadestarX]

It's funny how you rant on xbox live because is a 2D interface... but the fact is that not everything translate well on 3D... Like friend list, achivements, etc... What apeals me about Home is not that it's not 3D... but that it works like The Sims or an MMO... that you can walk around and meet people and do things like play pool, etc...
I think the features that will shine on HOME are non existant on Xbox live dashboard... and they are not suppost to.

Why do I have to go into HOME or exit the game I am playing to send messages, see new messages, see my friend's list, download a movie, download a demo, download a new update from a game I am currently playing? Many of the features on XBox live are available without having to stop what you doing (playing a game, etc).... and I think Sony will have to provide those even when you are not at HOME.

Maybe microsoft can provide some sort of Virtual world like Home for xbox 360 gamers.... but xbox live and the dashboard need to stay where they at... easly and quick interface are also needed.. specially when you want to access these capabilities while playing a game.

[razer]

the more I hate their fanboy attitude.. Good luck with those Haze sales on the 360, you have made no friends in that community.

All this hype BS talk for a game that looks mediocre at best..

[DuceWilly947]

and HOME looks awesome, deny it all you want but its going to be the best

[djt23]

you think xbox360 have a process and ps3 process is short and you could use any content

[jesterlives]

I guess that's why there are so many demos and games on the PStore.

[killercam19]

lol so tru.................... the haze devs plain and simple just like to talk shlt they go around talking shlt about companies

[DuceWilly947]

and they are talking about home which is the best online service, xbl yea it has movies and all this but thats not the point, why are fanboys (ps3 and 360) getting riled up? they are making a great game which nobody knows if itll be better than halo (which is fanboys biggest fear) or not. just stop being FANBOYS

[GRAMPAGAMER]

But they never said anything like that.

another piece of flamebait.

[mike_mgoblue]

On the one hand, this developer says Sony offers developers more freedom...but on the other hand, he points out the Playstation 3 is at a disadvantage, because the standards for quality are not as strict as the Xbox Live service that Microsoft uses for the Xbox 360.

Considering that the Xbox 360 has infinitely greater online service, I think I know which system I am going to get Haze for--the Xbox 360.

But in all honesty, I only have so much money. I will be buying Bishock, Halo 3, Mass Effect, and many others...so, my money might be used up.

I mean, it pretty much goes without saying that Halo 3 will be the biggest game of all time.

And ever since the 2006 E3, the games that have DOMINATED all the trade shows with the Awards are Gears of War, Mass Effect, and Bioshock.

So, those are also going to be some GREAT games!!!

Bioshock has already received MANY reviews of "Perfect!!!"