Mark Rein about UT3 User Mods on Xbox360 (Interview)

* Are you any closer to resolving the problem of getting user-gen content into the Xbox 360 version?
* Not yet but we're hopeful. Microsoft hasn't said "no" yet, but then they haven't said "yes" either. We need them to say "yes," and we need them to do it soon.

* So it's technically possible?
* Sure. I mean, you can go onto the console and copy your songs on to it and play movies off a memory card - the machine's capable of allowing you to transfer your content around, and even letting you play your music while playing many games.

* So why wouldn't Microsoft say yes? Is there a fear of losing control of Xbox Live?
* Well, yeah and we don't fault them for that. They've got a closed system where everything's checked, users know the quality of everything they download, and you know it won't crash your machine. User generated content - well, it can be dangerous, you could theoretically download a mod that uses too much memory and crashes your machine.

I think Sony are real pioneers in this - I think they deserve a lot of credit for letting us do this. They're really doing something different, and it hints at what they want to do with the PlayStation Network in the future. They're definitely on the right track!

If it doesn't work out with Xbox 360, depending on sales of the game on that platform, I imagine we'll find a few of the best mods and get them on Xbox Live Marketplace. I don't think 360 users are going to suffer drastically - they're just going to miss out on a lot of crazy, cool fun stuff and the ability to exchange it among themselves. They may also end up paying for content that is free on other systems because Microsoft now has to host it and certify it. But I'm confident Microsoft will look at what's happened with UT3 on the PS3 so far and think, 'Well, we'll take that baby step with you,' because what we've done so far really is just a baby step if you think about it. You've got to go online, you gotta download the mod, and you're responsible for putting it on your machine yourself. There are some exceptions - there are mutators, which modify how gameplay works, that are pretty small - and we let those auto download, but most of the other stuff you've got to go and say 'I'm going to install this on my machine.' We hope to change that in the future.

So it really is the user knowing what he's doing. He's not accidentally going to a server which has this really horrific mod on it... and if you do find a horrific mod we have a way to make sure that people can't serve that mod for other users. I think we're going to do much more with the PS3 version - maybe have an easier way to download mods, a way to auto download some that have been approved, ideas like that. We're looking at ways of taking the mod scene and making it better and broader.

The game is up and running on Xbox 360 - it has been for a long time, and its running wonderfully - it just doesn't have any Xbox Live written into it yet so that's the work that remains

*Check the Source for longer version

[TrevorPhillips]

cant wait for this game its gonna own gears

[Kleptic]

it will look better...but it plays nothing like Gears...you can't even compare the two...Gears is slow, UT3 is fast...Gears has a heavy focus on single player...Ut3 has just about zero...

both are great games...but one hardly destroys the other...

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

"Well, yeah and we don't fault them for that. They've got a closed system where everything's checked, users know the quality of everything they download, and you know it won't crash your machine. User generated content - well, it can be dangerous, you could theoretically download a mod that uses too much memory and crashes your machine.

I think Sony are real pioneers in this - I think they deserve a lot of credit for letting us do this. They're really doing something different, and it hints at what they want to do with the PlayStation Network in the future. They're definitely on the right track!

If it doesn't work out with Xbox 360, depending on sales of the game on that platform, I imagine we'll find a few of the best mods and get them on Xbox Live Marketplace. I don't think 360 users are going to suffer drastically - they're just going to miss out on a lot of crazy, cool fun stuff and the ability to exchange it among themselves. They may also end up paying for content that is free on other systems because Microsoft now has to host it and certify it. But I'm confident Microsoft will look at what's happened with UT3 on the PS3 so far and think, 'Well, we'll take that baby step with you,' because what we've done so far really is just a baby step if you think about it. You've got to go online, you gotta download the mod, and you're responsible for putting it on your machine yourself. There are some exceptions - there are mutators, which modify how gameplay works, that are pretty small - and we let those auto download, but most of the other stuff you've got to go and say 'I'm going to install this on my machine.' We hope to change that in the future."

the main parts.....

-"I don't think 360 users are going to suffer drastically - they're just going to miss out on a lot of crazy, cool fun stuff and the ability to exchange it among themselves."

Such a funny way to say what they said

-"I think Sony are real pioneers in this - I think they deserve a lot of credit for letting us do this. They're really doing something different, and it hints at what they want to do with the PlayStation Network in the future. They're definitely on the right track!"

That`s nice to hear.

-"They may also end up paying for content that is free on other systems because Microsoft now has to host it and certify it."

Wow.

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

if you disagree w/ me/this comment.

you disagree w/ MARK REIN not ME.

so....................

[aaquib5]

They don't want to risk losing money from XBLM sales. You can probably guarantee that they'll put a premium on the mods available there. They'll call it something like "bandwith fee", but I guarantee you there'll be a charge.

Mark Rein - "They may also end up paying for content that is free on other systems because Microsoft now has to host it and certify it."

[Gina-get-u]

You added a "wow" which, in context, was a very loaded word. "Wow" reflects your feelings/reaction/opinion, not that of Mark Rein. So, people can disagree with your "wow."

[Capt CHAOS]

Firstly, disagreeing with your comment isn't about disagreeing with what's being said in the main article, It's your interpretation, your attempt at highlighting certain elements and your attempt at making the PS3 approach seem better.

We need a half-way house. I want the stuff that's downloaded and checked, I don't want to wade through loads of stuff, trying out stuff after stuff until I find something that is actually good.

However, if it's something that has to be paid for then it's a no-go, but there are plenty of games out there that have released free add-ons, so I don't see why this can't be done here either.

I know my 360 is safe from viruses at the moment because of this tight control on down loadable content.

ps. Don't cut and paste the entire article into your message, it's a waste of space.

[Chuck Norris]

Looking forward for a Walker Texas Ranger mod.

[MikeGdaGod]

i just can't see MS ever doing this because they want to charge for for EVERYTHING.

they even charge for themes! you think they're gonna let you get FREE game content? keep dreaming....

[mikeslemonade]

Another reason why XBL is overated. It's a closed service so you have pay for more things where as you would get certain things for free on PSN.

[Sarick]

MS has plans to announce they are going to open up Live a little and remove some of these restrictions to compete with Sony.

This as all rumors and speculation but i'm sure MS understands the ups and downs of this. If MS does do this it'll be probably by announced at the GDC.

Still considered how much control MS would lose from live I have optimism when I consider this possibly.

[Rocko]

Hmmm, all the fanboys who were screaming that work hadn't even started on the 360 version just got owned. What say you now?

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

or are you just making that up?

i never heard anyone say that.

i could be wrong, though.

[kewlkat007]

one would be a fool to think the 360 version was not "EASILY" ported.

"They've got a closed system where everything's checked, users know the quality of everything they download, and you know it won't crash your machine. User generated content - well, it can be dangerous, you could theoretically download a mod that uses too much memory and crashes your machine."

As you can see, Which I have said all along, The 360 is a closed Hardware console, so MS dictates a lot when it comes to user-created content. Which has nothing to do with the 360 not being able to technically handle it.

Hey this is nothing new, MS is close with their Architecture..hopefully they loosen up a bit, and see how Sony is doing it. Again once instance where one console will push the other, in terms of leniency and flexibility.(Hopefully)

Just like "Prices" we all win in the end. I think MS wanted Sony to be the Guinea pig and see how this all pans out..

[Rocko]

I assure you, I didn't make it up. It was at its worst around UT3's PS3 release date.

[WilliamRLBaker]

you must be new to the net or something.
Many many places INCLUDING users on this SITE have said the 360 version wasn't even worked on...ect

AND WE"RE THUS proven wrong when june 2007 OXM was brought out when MARK REIN was on scene at OXM and the OXM crew we're playing the game on 360!

[P4KY B]

Even when all the early screen shots were from the 360. 'Certain' Poeple claimed it didn't exist.

[P4KY B]

sorry

[Kleptic]

well whoever said it was not running on a 360 was an idiot...it was shown running on a 360 dev kit way back in like late 2005, before Gears I thought...

but what most were saying was that Epic should not even bother with UT3 for the 360, and focus on Gears 2...No matter what it looks or sounds like, if UT3 doesn't get full UGC support similar to the PS3 version...its a much weaker version...and if "a few mods" get thrown on XBL for a fee...that is plain advertising for the PSN, on MS's behalf...

this could end up to what happened to the PS3 for a lot of last year...the PS3 version would be delayed...and gimped...with UT3 its the total opposite...there are people in this thread that use to do most of the crap slinging in situations like that last year...you're telling me you won't mind being at the business end of your own gun?

[Keowrath]

Anego, it's true, sadly there were a few people spouting such things. Are you really surprised though? You know how this site was before the update.

[Ashta]

PanZerFaust: This section of the site is required for civil and logical discussion upon the certain aspects of the gaming topic.

You, are trying to incite a console war discussion which is forbidden in the GamingZone. Go to the OpenZone is you want to leave incendiary comments like the ones your filling the pages with here.

[Rocko]

Especially when compared to some other users posting here in the gamer zone.

[sonarus]

You fanboys that worship msoft/sony are incredible. lol Msoft uses closed system so you don't get mods so in the end everybody wins. Sony is considered as a pioneer for ushering it in for consoles you refer to them as guinea pigs. Honestly UT3 without mods is useless as far as i am concerned cus 360 version will be the only one standing without mod support

[kewlkat007]

@sonarus

Here is what I said:

"Hey this is nothing new, MS is close with their Architecture..hopefully they loosen up a bit, and see how Sony is doing it. Again once instance where one console will push the other, in terms of leniency and flexibility.(Hopefully)"

MS just like Windows OS has always been closed, this is not free linux in terms of their OS, so you bet, it has been the same with the 360 and it's OS, was my point. You don't make money on anything Free do you?

As far as the Guinea Pigs, I was reffering to MS, maybe seeing how this MOD business goes on the PS3, before they loosen up about their OS and the Xbox 360. Which if it goes well, it will help xbox gamers in the end.

"Honestly UT3 without mods is useless "as far as i am concerned" cus 360 version will be the only one standing without mod support"
"AS FAR AS YOU ARE CONCERNED"...hahahahahaha , Riiiiiiight.

Learn to read..will ya. I play all consoles, in this order 360, PS3, wii, PC/MAME, in terms of games I have.

[THE TERMINATOR]

Not as good as PS3.
That says me now.

[Captain Tuttle]

There's not much incentive on Microsoft's part to give up control...UT3 isn't exactly a big seller on PC or the PS3. Too bad really.

[Lucreto]

Well it hasn't been released in Europe yet so we will have to wait until then before coming up with conclusions.

[Captain Tuttle]

But I'd bet that sales in Europe will be lackluster as well. That's just my gut feeling.
When will it be released in Europe?

[f7ss1]

those mods are great, i especially like that i can download full multiplayer maps for free. THat flat wars map is pretty fun

[SCThor]

"So why wouldn't Microsoft say yes? Is there a fear of losing control of Xbox Live?
* Well, yeah and we don't fault them for that. They've got a closed system where everything's checked, users know the quality of everything they download, and you know it won't crash your machine. User generated content - well, it can be dangerous, you could theoretically download a mod that uses too much memory and crashes your machine."

The Xbox 360 doesn't need a user content to crush itself. Sadly poor manucture process lead that console to face many problems in production, that's why MS don't want another "thing" that may crush the system.

Just think about this, what about a mod or mutator that run smoothly on the PS3 but crush the Xbox 360? what people will immediatly think about this?.

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

i don`t know if they can handle any MORE potential problems going on within that box.

[Wile]

What's with all this weak fanboy garbage? Take this crap to the Open Zone please...it's not welcome here.

[The_Engineer]

they actually have a VERY valid point, MS can talk to devs and let them know where and where not to push the 360 in terms of processing. User generated mods would by nature try to squeeze every bit of juice out of the console and then it's RROD time.

[Mercutio]

he is saying the ps3 is not better than the 360 but Sony is better then microsoft.

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

he indirectly say alot of stuff in that interview!

[moparful99]

He never said nor implied that the ps3 wasnt better then the 360. You're twisting his words around and this is exactly what starts flame wars. Of course he never said that the ps3 was better the 360, the only thing he is saying is that sony is more of a pioneer and more willing to go out on a limb to bring content to the consumer. Does this make sony better? I love sony but I dont think it makes them better it just shows the commitment to progress and the willigness to improve confidence in the consumers mind for their product. Sony has always innovated, always pushed the boundaries, and alwasy delivered. Have they made mistakes? Of course, what game company for that matter has not? Mistakes will happen but its the ability of said company to rebound and redirect momentum into avenues that work. Microsoft has made many mistakes over the last two console generations but they have also done some things better then anyone else i.e. Xbox Live. But when the quality of your products is called into question thats something which is hard to overcome.

[Mercutio]

Without mods UT3 is nothing,..

[WilliamRLBaker]

thats a bad thing!
if your game sux and is of no use without user made content?
lol
the original Unreal and unreal tournament we're not that way they we're great games on their own.

[ravinash]

Have you played it Buddyluve?

From what I hear, there are plenty of map that come with it.

[WilliamRLBaker]

to open up they're system?
UT3 received low scores for a hyped up game, and its sold dismally for a game hyped so much on both ps3 and pc.

There is nothing about UT3s current state to make microsoft want to open up they're system and that includes the 99% of the mods and maps released so far have been low quality and only 1% have been truely good.

which is the consistant basises on which all pc games with user made content so far have been...99% of the content is low quality and only about 1% is great and wading through all that sucks after a while.

[Keowrath]

83% for PC and 86% for PS3 are low scores?

[ravinash]

UT3 as i have to keep saying...has not arrived in Europe yet which is where the large part of the PS3/UT3 market is.

You should be hoping that MS are watching whats happening here, as this can only mean good things for MS Live users if they do open it up.
I've never heard of more options as being a bad thing.

[WilliamRLBaker]

keo
http://www.gamerankings.com...
93.6%

http://www.gamerankings.com...
92.7%

then you have the FACT that this game was hyped to hell by certain groups to be an AAA title...ect and much to do was talked about because it was a time exclusive on one system....

yet its scored AA status and has sold very lil compared to past versions.

[MikeGdaGod]

i wonder what UT3 will score on the 360 since most (if not all) of the mods won't be there and even some of the maps that are in the PC/PS3 version will be missing.

[rawg]

Microsoft should still consider opening up their platform for mods and UGC. If they don't then they'll be forfeiting a potentially significant category of games to Sony.

[rmedtx888]

MS may not want to allow mods to be fare to all their users since it will require a hard drive to install mods. People with no hard drive will not get that benefit.

[ravinash]

That hasen't stop online play for burnout paradise needing a hard drive to work.

[McValdemar]

When I pay for a game I want alot of fun and all the "crazy things" from the developer.
Yes, importing user made content is interesting, but I guess that is all due to Epic and the way they handle it.
First I need to buy also the PC versione of the game (ABSURD) then I have to "cook" the mod (where cook=limit and check the mod if it might crash).

The way that Rein looks at this closure of MS simply shows how blind he is regarding keeping a quality level.

You simply can't take a mod on PC ans "wish" that will run fine on a console just because is the user that decides to install on the console.

The main difference between a console and a PC have always been in this.

Alla in all we're also talking too much about a fine FPS that FAILED to impress on PC and on PS3 even if Rein is telling us from YEARS that this was going to be "the big thing".

[kevoncox]

People don't understand this....
Use created mods are ok but look at how backward it is too get them on the ps3. That user created mod is going to bite sony in the arse when glitchers and illegal mods plauge the system.

[Ju]

I'm playing user mods and I don't have a PC (version). What are you saying ? If you want to create mods, well, yes, then you need to shelf out $50 for the editor, beside Maya and maybe Photoshop for a couple of hundreds, and what you also need is some talent. My biggest issue with all this is my talent, not the SW.

[Keowrath]

McValdemar, UT III has not failed to impress on the PS3... Yet.

Ok, it didn't do so great on the PC but it has only been released in the States on the PS3. It get's released this month in Europe. Theres a bigger install base over here and I think it'll do ok. It might not be an amazing seller compared to the likes of CoD4 and Halo3 but I'm expecting to see a substantial boost when it does hit these shores.

Me? I love UT and I imported.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

He is talking about creating mods and you do need the PC and PS3 version for that. You don't need another copy if your just going to play the mods.

Edit: PC owners spend $50 for the game and it comes with the tools to build mods, but PS3 owners pay $60 and they can only download, not make the mods. So who realy is getting the shaft? If I were buying this for my PS3 or 360 I would want the same as PC owners "especially" if I'm going to pay $10 more. Both the 360 and PS3 offer keyboard and mouse support to an extent, so why not the ability to create mods on my console?

IMO mods are to risky for consoles and it's not going to be long before PS3 owners start taking it in the rear for this. I don't know how many times I have had PC trouble from poorly made mods, hell my PC used to crash 5-6 times a day back when Counter Strike was still a mod.

[MikeGdaGod]

"Both the 360 and PS3 offer keyboard and mouse support to an extent, so why not the ability to create mods on my console?"

do you realize how many programs are needed to create mods? it will never be possible to create mods on a console. it's funny that you think getting mods for free it a bad thing and paying for them off Live is a good thing.

your arguement about it hurting the system holds no water. maybe if i had a 360 i'd be worried about my system crashing but we don't have to worry about that with the ps3. if the mods doesn't work, delete it, and everything is fine. UT3mods.com is also a very good site that lets you know what mods work and what doesn't.

try again

[Ju]

The funny thing is, the open system seems to work, while the closed system with all its spreading FUD crashes and burns all the time. Closed systems don't guarantee security. People should know that by now.

[sajj316]

UT3 and the mod support for the PS3. The multiplayer is amazing and a change of pace from COD4. I just wished it kept stats (or does it?)

[DarkSniper]

Unreal Tournament is one of many shooters this year that reaches the rare achievement of gaining upper echleon status among the gaming community. Mark Rein has stated exactly what Dark Sniper has said all along. Microsoft Corporation are nothing more than extortionists who look to gain every nickel and dime off of the hard working consumer.

Dark Sniper is glad that Mark Rein realizes that Sony Computer Entertainment has taken steps into paving the way online gaming is meant to be played, which is free. XBOX Live has taken another step backwards in tarnishing their own image with the many rules Microsoft has had in place. Therefore you will never see such AAA titles as Unreal Tournament and Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo:HD Remix.

Microsoft's XBOX Live service has diminished significantly in quality and honestly, Seganet provided better services on the Sega Dreamcast. Dark Sniper knows where his support is going, PLAYSTATION® 3.

$niper
4D Graphics

[SSCOOLCHEA]

i start work at 8 snipe and by 10 oclock am cracking up because of your post.

[Rockstar]

For some reason every time I read your posts Darksniper, In my head it's the voice of the Rock.

Funny Stuff.

[Keowrath]

All said and done, Microsoft would be mad not to say yes to Epic. When a developer has produced one of your best games (Gears) and sold as many systems as it did, you'd be crazy to deny them a little extra freedom than the norm. Especially when your main competitor is allowing it.

Unreal Tournament is still probably my favourite FPS from when the original was released years ago. I know 360 owners don't like their machine being called a FPS box but it's obvious that A LOT of Xbox owners are shooter fans and Unreal Tournament is an amazing arena FPS. One of the things that make it such though is the freedom within the game from the UnrealED which expands the game an infinite amount with the use of Mods and Mutators.

Come on Microsoft, do the right thing for your users.

[McValdemar]

Despite the fact that everyone has his own opinion on the value of UT3 today, what I really don't understand is how Rein gives all that importance to user mods.

UT3 should be great, fun, the way Epic intended it.

User arenas should be just a little plus.

Yes, they can become more than a plus if we begin considering MAKING mod, but as I said earlier, you need TWO COPIES of the game.

Well, forget it Rein. Why don't you let us download editor/props/models to the one who register their PS3/360 copy?
:)

As it happens anytime with any game online, people don't need 40 maps to have fun.
Not even 20 "mutators".

You have just to give a good amount of maps with the retail version, and give enough customization options to the room/game.

If is absoultely true that Epic made a blockbuster for MS, is even true that without Xbox Epic couldn't have a 5 millions copies of sales in late 2006.

[ravinash]

I would have to say that most users probably won't even bother with the extra mods, so there is a little (I mean a little) work to do to upload the mods into the system.
The game by its self has a good number of maps that would keep most people entertained for hours.

As for UT3 should be great fun, the way Epic intended it....user mods is how Epic intended it.
Thats why they making such a big issue for pushing for this on the 360.
He said the game is there and working, they just need to sort out the system for loading these mods so that Xbox owners can enjoy the same freedom that PS3 owners are enjoying now.

[Keowrath]

I can appreciate how you feel about owning the game twice so that you can create your own mods, but the modding community is huge. You don't have to be able to create your own mods/muts to enjoy what the expansion side of UT III has to offer.

I made a few maps for the original UT when I played it on PC, I'm not really a modder but UnrealED was so easy to use back then I really enjoyed playing around. I found that the second edition was a bit harder to get into so never really used it for 2k3 and 2k4 but that didn't stop me from enjoying TONS of Mods, skins, weapons, maps, mutators and vehicles that the community was releasing. Give it time and hopefully UT III will be the same.

If you had your heart set on making your own mods I can see where you're coming from but with time you'll be able to download stuff other people have done and if it's anything like the past it'll be in abundance.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Most 360 owners come from the PC arena anyway so they most likley own a PC and own this game. My money will be going on other titles like Quake Wars, Battlefield, NG2 and Star Wars Force Unleashed. I borrowed my brothers PC copy and it's not a bad game, not much different from UT 04. I don't know, I'm not much of a Sci-Fi FPS fan, Quake is just about the only one I ever played. I'll take Rainbow, GRAW, Battlefield, Frontlines, Quake Wars, COD 2/3/4 or any tactical FPS over this, Gears or Halo any day of the week.

Not much skill involved in this game, I can rack up 50-80 kills in one online game, while it takes hard work in the games I mentioned above just to reach 10-30. Just lob grenades or spam a hallway with the mini gun or even camp that hallway with a sniper rifle and the kills just walk right in front of you. Thats not skill, thats like training with bots only they arn't bots. Epic isn't known for creating vehicles and it shows when you play this game, they are clunky and worthless. I played this game for about three weeks and took it out and started playing Counter Strike again.

Same ole same ole

[i Shank u]

if its good id definitely buy. i love the original PC game, but my pc right now is a pansy and therefore isn't running it. the lack of mods isn't the biggest deal ever; to me, its the fact that MS still wants to control it all and sell it, when on another home console its free and handled in the way it could, and should be(freedom to the dev!). basically, anything MS says is just some corporate BS that will defend their right to sell it. i dont like that, do you? if i can plug in my memory key and upload songs pics videos etc., the ability is obviously there to upload the mod. they just want to dictate how its done, and that sucks

[Doctor Strange]

What I hate and feared which Mark Rein kind of hinted at is that at the worst they would put them up on the Marketplace and they might cost money.

I'd hate people pay for something that should be free. I think UT3 is going to be one of those games that when adding mods gets easier UT3 will really shine.

It's not as big as a hassle as people claim it to be but if they can get all this done in-game with screenshots of mods to download that would be great. Also adding the ability to add multiple mods at once will be a great help too.

[mullet]

Seriously it's a waste of a port. The PS3 version shipped with 40+ maps and if you visit ut3mod.com, you'll see the insane amount of bonus content already given to us PS3 owners... FOR FREE!

This is beyond a watered down port for 360. It's f*cking embarrassing. UT with no mods? Are you kidding me? Lol.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

"EVERY" UT game has been released on consoles, this is the first with mod support. Take your head out of your ass, your starting to get BS in your eyes.

dee dee dee

[mullet]

LMAO 360 owners are getting the worst version of Unreal Tournament 3. That is a fact, no matter how much you try to deny it.

No mods = Just lol.

While PS3 owners get a vastly superior version with TONS of new content coming every week, 360 owners are stuck with the version that doesn't support keyboard + mouse or mods.

UT3 on 360 is not a UT game at all. It's just another shooter. Pointless port ftl.

For the first time ever, gamers will be able to experience UT3 on a console with mod support. Thank you Sony.

[i Shank u]

i heard the kb/mouse aiming on ps3 had a problem, like some kind of lag? does anyone know how good it is?

[Lord_Ash]

good to know the Xbox one is ready, no one should miss this amazing fast multiplayer game.

I haven't played it for a while but I'm going to check the new Mods, I'm sure I've missed some amazing ones.

[Bladestar]

I like the idea of mods... though honesly, I was never into downloading mod maps for the PC games I own, I was also never up to spending hours making a mod map myself. I always rather play on certified maps that will most likely run and be as balance and fair to everyone. Now, nothing wrong with those that like those kind of things... but under this circunstances? "they've got a closed system where everything's checked, users know the quality of everything they download, and you know it won't crash your machine. User generated content - well, it can be dangerous, you could theoretically download a mod that uses too much memory and crashes your machine." they technically admitted that people can bust your game console... isn't the purpose of owning a console to ensure that everyone will have a consistant, safe game environment where running a game will not cause my game console to crash? what if the game become umplayable because someone figure how to do it? After making the xbox 360 and fighting to continue making xbox live a safe environment to purchase games, play online microsoft is now going to open a big whole in the environment... what if people making mods find a way to remove your game saves? as the very same developers admit, "it can be dangerous"...

I understand all the benefits and what makes this a good thing... but it's not all roses.... how about they ensure and guarantee microsoft that doing mods will be safe? because they can't... there is a reason why we don't run anti-virus on our consoles yet... if Sony continues this path... I think Norton is going to make lots of money off PS3 gamers... I have my credit card stored on my xbox 360... until microsoft is sure that these mods are restricted and safe don't allow it...

[ravinash]

true there is always a danger with downloading these mods because they are not made by the game dev or people who know the PS3 inside out.
There is certain rules that everyone show follow when uploading this sort of stuff and thats test, test and test.
the game will only allow you to upload one map at a time, so once you have uploaded it, test it and make sure it works.
no one is forcing you to take the risk if you don't want to, and usually word will get around as to what maps work best if you look into it...and lets face it, with the number of maps out there already, you will be doing a bit of reading to find out what are the best ones to download.

[zonetrooper5]

Well from what I've heard, the game isn't all that great, hasn't sold well and from the mods that I've seen. They look poor, I'm not going to buy UT3 for my PS3, 360 or PC because someone made a Halo or Gears of War mod lol.

[big_tim]

I picked the game up a month ago and haven't stopped playing it since. I have 40+ mods. Granite some aren't that great, but the majority are excellent. Yes they even have a "Gears style" Camera (over the shoulder) and a couple Halo remake maps available. The guys on the forums at Epic are usually willing to cook the maps for the PS3 users, so I don't need the PC version.

The importing of the mods needs to be fixed. One at a time is a hassle, but the end result is extremely fun. Just because it isn't selling as well as expected doesn't mean it isn't worth owning and playing.

[Chad Warden]

What the hell? This is the most half-assed port I've ever heard of. No mods? No KB+M? Rofl.

[ddldave]

lol, the reason isn't that microsoft said no. it's because the xbox 360 can't handle these types of mods, the machine isn't strong enough like the ps3 is. so instead of trying to ruin microsoft's reputation by saying mod's won't work, mark rein and microsoft made a deal to say "not yet" "microsoft said no" and all that blah blah BS. the real truth behind these cover-ups is that 360 can't handle the type of mods ps3 can. sure they modded oblivion, but ut3 is different, and the ut3 mods are really crazy that requires lots of different physics, graphics, etc. and the 360 can't handle it because it'll either lag like crazy, or even get rrod. therefore they gota make up some bs cover-ups like microsoft said no.

[ddldave]

they're waiting until they can somehow find a way to put mods into the 360 by lowering it's specs so that the 360 can actuall run it, they'll change their cover-ups and say "microsoft said yes so we have mods on the 360 now"

but until then. they're just using the microsoft said no line because the truth is 360 can't handle it.

[Meus Renaissance]

Gamers are disappointed with Microsoft in regards to, the idea of not allowing Mods, and secondly if they allow it and yet charge for it.

Console politicians, my new term, will likely do the unthinkable and support Microsoft in this in speaking of the "risks" of Mods, or, they will mock the user base of that particular platform.

[Ashta]

Liked UT3 and thought the inline was tons of fun. The single player campaign was kinda "meh" but really....its all about the mods and the MP action.

Plus, the Halo mod/maps are awesome. I'm just waiting for someone to figure out how to mod custom armors and make a Master Chief mod :P

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

Wow Microsoft should just get the okay, no one likes a gimped version of a game, w/o mods, the game is pretty dull.

[DJ]

Robbing 360 owners of amazing user-generated content is a big no-no, especially with so much published rhetoric about how Xbox Live is more innovative than its competitors.

[ASSASSYN 36o]

I got to admit microsoft needs to let loose on live restrictions for developers.

[i Shank u]

you can count me out aslooking foward to their next console. too much greed is shown in their operations, and tho this isnt the biggest issue in the world (the fact that they make millions upon millions off of LIVE and still dont have dedicated servers, or even announced plans for them, is what angers most) when i get a ps3, will I be able to plug in a wired USB 360 controller and use it? for shooters/action games i need it! if i can do that, my 360 will see alot of quiet.

what also sucks balls is the halo 3 maps have been done for almost 2 months now, and it will still be some time until they are released for free, and thus put into public matchmaking for multiplayer (right now they're in a seperate limited playlist) M$, why you give me the :( ?

[KILLERAPP]

Well too bad for 360 owners UT 3 is very good I hope you enjoy your port.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Well, I do get that MS needs control. I just dont see why they cant just meet in the middle and say EPIC should just pull the most popular mods to post up on live and users can download for free. MS...this is your chance to do the right thing.

[VampHuntD]

And what Sony should probably consider is that User created content may be the next step, which means no mroe charging for new map packs. If the standard changes, both will lose some money, although MS will lose a lot more since Sony A. Hardly has any map packs out and B. is already on the wagon with the whole user created content idea.

[AshleyRiot]

I hope for the sake of 360 owners that want UT3 that M$ does allow Epic to go along with letting mods thru. Seriously there is alot of fantastic maps,mutators and game modes that people have made already. While alot of people post about sales of the game or the ranking the game got i have never in my entire life as a gamer ever thought of about either of those things while playing a game i enjoyed. I'll keep my fingers crossed because people that are into this type of game deserve to be able to enjoy it the way Epic wants them too.