"Portal 2 on PS3 will be the best console version of the game" - How exactly?

To quote big-time Valve honcho Gabe Newell, "We are delighted to announce Portal 2 for the PlayStation 3 and believe the Steamworks support included will make it the best console version of the game." In layman's terms, this means that arriving with Portal 2 on the PS3 will come Steam. Well, perhaps not "with", but you get the drift of his statement. After all, it isn't everyday that Valve hand out such a great bundle of gifts, especially to Sony, which you must already know, haven't had a great history together, but that is all backstory. Valve have chosen to leave the past in the past, and so should we. So anyway, what can we expect to come from their massive announcement?

Well, join the queue. Everyone has been trying to make sense out of this, and so far Valve have kept a lid on it. Well, no shock there - Valve are notorious for having "secret" projects, and keeping fans in suspense. First, let's take a closer look at Portal 2. It could mean that the PS3 version has better graphics, more textures and other technical updates that make it superior to the others, although it is unlikely for a few reasons, such as how PC graphics have a wide range of customizable options, making it leader in this domain. However, Xbox 360 graphics and PS3 graphics are somewhat equal (let's not open that door... lol), and therefore it is possible for Valve to upgrade the PS3 port's graphics and still become the best version, seeing as PS3 and Xbox 360 gamers are more common than PC ones.

Another variable that is viable to make the PS3 port exceed the other versions is exclusive content. Levels/test chambers accessable only on the PS3 version, or perhaps new character/texture/portal gun skins, exclusive game modes and perhaps other ingame features could enhance the PS3 variation of the game. Microsoft seem to be the winning competitors in buying exclusive deals from the multi-console market, and people agree that it has made the Xbox 360 versions of games deeper than PS3 versions. Therefore, it is possible for Valve to pick up this tip from their former business partner and incorporate it into their current project. This is slightly possible, although unlikely as it shows less of a benefit for Valve, as a company itself.

I could rant on and on about other reasons which could make the GAME better on the PS3, but let's not forget the second part of Gabe Newell's deal: Steamworks. Now how could Steamworks make the PS3 version of Portal 2 superior to other platform versions? Well, for starters, there is the obvious and confirmed feature that will allow PS3 owners to play against PC owners, and vice-versa: online cross-platform gaming. Now we're talking BIG, because in this day and age it is very rare to find cross-platform games, what with the console war and all - but with PC and PS3, it could work. The only thing is that this gives the PC servers lots of more players too, so both consoles gain something with this, although it is still possible for the PS3 version to be the "best" despite this.

Steam on the PS3 could be radically different for all we know - it could be changed in many ways from the PC one. This might lead to in-game features, as we don't know anything about how Steam could help make Portal 2 greater on ONE platform. Right now, all anyone can do is speculate, but I'm sure that Valve have something clever up their sleeves.

So, what do you think could make Gabe's statement come true?

[slider1507]

yeah i canny wait for this not just for portal but this could lead to L4d XD

[dizzleK]

want to know what makes people say the things they do? *CHA-CHING* the nice paycheck they're handed.

[DoucheVader]

Dude Steamworks is the difference. MS's Portal 2 will be a static disc that will require DLC be approved by MS. Sony will have an open platform similar to that of PC.

It's pretty big news and there isn't much "read between the lines" SteamWorks is already available elsewhere, so it's likely the PS3 SteamWorks will offer similar functionality.

http://www.steampowered.com...

[Jack Klugman]

Yup, exactly and this is just another PS3 zealot jumping off the deep end of the kiddie pool.

Steam is the difference and the reason why Gabe says it's the best is because guess who owns Steam??

Love how he talks about MS and Valves relationship in past tense as well..

[NarooN]

It doesn't have anything to do with Steam. It has to do with Steamworks and Steam Cloud. Sony is giving Valve full control over their games. Because Steamworks will be on the PS3 (something Microsoft wouldn't allow) Valve can easily release content updates, free DLC, patches, and more as a direct download just like it is on the PC version.

With Steam Cloud, all of your settings and game saves are synced up across the PC and PS3 versions. If you buy it on both platforms and you play the PC version first, and get to the 2nd level, when you load it up on the PS3, you'll have that data and you'll start off at the 2nd level.

Simple concept, but you wouldn't know since you don't do your research or pay attention much, commoner.

[klado]

So where are the people who said sony shot themselves in the foot for not going fee for using PSN a la Live? yeah microsoft get a huge revenue for the 25 millions user for golds, but where is the good in that for the users? thought so, nowhere.

See how microsoft adopt someway the PSN free structure to obtain service like these, if not, poor these who still think live structure is superior, which for a user standpoint IS but developers like valve don't think so, loosing further online videogames that decide to go with their own fee ala FF IVX, and this kind of service, gatcha.

More joy for ps3 user, ain't one though.

[DoucheVader]

How is this another PS3 Zealot jumping off the kiddy pool?

[Moonboots]

I didn't hear anything about a PSN/Steam partnership? Gabe came out on stage and stated that Portal 2 will have connectivity to it. Nothing about retooling PS3 games to integrate into Steam Cloud.

"Sony is giving Valve full control over their games."

It's a big leap to go from 1 game being announced with connectivity to Steam and an entire partnership and saying they are giving them control of the PS3 catalog. Unless I am misreading that.

Maybe that type of talk is the reference Jack is making to the kid pool?

But who knows maybe this is the start of something bigger? And if anything this means future Valve games should(come on Gabe!) make it to the PS3 and I bet all that do will have this kind of connectivity. I just don't know if Sony would want to divert people to Steam instead of PSN..

[thor]

1) Steam is NOT coming to PS3. Why would Sony allow a rival game distribution service to compete on their own platform? Or even a rival network? I don't want to have to get a seperate login ID to play Portal 2 (reminds me of MGO).

2) He said the PS3 version will be the best CONSOLE version. This is because of the steamworks implementation; it is only a minor advantage, but makes it the best CONSOLE version nonetheless.

[TheBalloMan]

Yes, that's one of the conclusions I came to in the article. I didn't mean Steam per se, but the features that come with it, not necessarily the distribution itself. However, it is far too early to draw a definate answer, more information will be available later, by which time I will make a more accurate article, and not one based on mere speculation like the above.

[Raf1k1]

The could somehow have a connection between Steam and PSN allowing you to use your PSN ID. Having multiple logins is an issue and I'm guessing they've probably already given it some thought.

You're right he did say it'd be the best console version meaning the best version will be the PC one.

[LordDhampire]

money

[chak_]

"will make it the best console version of the game."

"What makes Valve say "Portal 2 on PS3 will be the best version on any platform?""

lol,learn to read before making blog post.

[TheBalloMan]

lol, two minor speling errors sure can cause a MASSIVE uproar 0.o

[user7545432]

But to answer your question :

Steam.

360 : bare bones.

Really... We have to ask : What is a steam-enabled PS3 game going to bring? Steam Achievements and tying PC to PS3 is really enough to make it the BEST CONSOLE version. It doesn't need more.

But see : There is a co-op mode, cross platform play with PC and Mac users? No? Fine...

Can I tempt you with : MODS?! Imagine mods on the PS3. Infinite amount of maps, game modes, models, etc.

Still not enough huh? How about : The entire back collection of Valve games, or at least... the ones they've ported to Mac. THE FULL TEAM FORTRESS 2, THE FULL COUNTER STRIKE SOURCE etc.

But. Like I said. It doesn't matter if it has none of that. It has something the 360 doesn't. Therefore it's better.

Thanks for reading! :)

[theonlylolking]

He says that because PS3 supports steam and PC and PS3 co-op support. He laso says it to make it seems like he changed his mind.

[Jdash24]

You have Gabe's quote wrong. He said "I'm very pleased to announce that we'll be bringing Portal 2 to the Playstation 3. I'm excited that Steam will be part of that experience and I think that gamers will be delighted with features like Steamcloud and automatic updates that will make the Playstation 3 version of Portal 2 the best version on any console"

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Statix]

TheBalloMan, I think you were confused when you wrote this blog. Consoles are referring to home videogame systems such as Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii, etc...

The PC is NOT a "console." The PC is a PC.

Therefore, when Gabe Newell said that Portal 2 on the PS3 will be the best CONSOLE version, he meant it will be better than the Xbox 360 version, but NOT better than the PC version.

[TheBalloMan]

yeah, that's exactly what I was trying to say...

[Blicer]

Money was thrown around obvious and possibly move could make the difference.