170°

SingStar XMB Icon - This Is What Horrible PR Is Like

Europe Playstation owners are mighty pissed right now, and for good reason. The new PS3 patch did something no one thought Sony would ever do. Place an advertisement in the XMB. There is now an icon for the game Singstar sitting on top of the Game category, bigger than any other icons and you can't delete it or move it. It's there and there's nothing you can do about it.

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PirateThom4193d ago

I hope someone at Sony went through her for those responses.

She's not responsible for the icon, but she also didn't need to attack people who felt it should not have been there. It's poor customer service.

I'd rather then person who thinks it's acceptable try to justify it and take the feedback.

-Mika-4193d ago

I honestly don't even blame her. These people are bitching over 1 little icon that not even affecting them in the slightest. The singstar icon basically replaced the trophy icon so it didn't even add to the # of icons that under the game tab. Those people were basically nitpicking over something they can easily ignore

PirateThom4193d ago

You can't easily ignore it though, that's the point.

As soon as you turn on the console, you get two generic white people with mics and cheesey grins on a bright blue background.

It's basically one of the most obtrusive ads on the system.

KUV19774193d ago

It's not really an ad, as it is just the background for the app. If you insert a game disc you will not have this problem and the game will also show it's background, which will also not be an ad. I always have a disc in the system so I don't see it all the time.

I am however still annoyed with the icon, since I have all my digital content nicely organized in folders... well all but the Singstar icon which always floats on top.

What I really don't understand sometimes is how SONY comes up with these things. Do they sit around a table and the first guy says the logical way to implement it - just to make sure it is not the way to do things - and then everyone else thinks of a way to implement it differently. In the end they either choose the worst or one at random. I'm pretty sure that is how it works since that is not the first time SONY made absolutely mind-boggling choices concerning their software.

Nitrowolf24192d ago (Edited 4192d ago )

I'm one of the people who are actually annoyed with the icons, and all these other ones that can't be deleted. Honestly, why can't Sony just offer them as a downloadable app from the PS Store like the Vita.

It's not the fact that it will be adding any extra space or anything, it's the fact that it's there and not even played/wanted by some people. The ion should have been optional, as go for every other app icon they added.

And as Kuv said, how does Sony come up with those ideas? Look I can understand, this is smart marketing. People who never played Singstar will download it and potentially like it then buy songs.

We want the option to remove it, that is all.

Hellsvacancy4192d ago (Edited 4192d ago )

Its got NO purpose being on my XMB, so I should have the choice to remove it

We get two Playstation Store icons (which i dont understand)

Also, whenever I look at my trophy collection for whatever reason it syncs to the server everytime now, I dont need PS+ before you start on at me, I got two buddies (AU, USA) that share there PS+ stuff with me so I dont need it, it was fine before, it use to sync every once in a while, not everytime though

Fu<k you very much Sony

darthv724192d ago

trying to get a response that is unbecoming of someone in a role of customer interaction.

I see it all the time. those who can maintain their cool are the ones these jackholes want to target most.

No disrespect to those legit people who have a problem but we all know there are those who just want to take anything and start crap about it.

Now I dont know what this would be like personally. i am in the US but I can honestly say i would like to get a freebie like this if they offered it to me. Would it really be that intrusive to see the same icon background when I turned on my ps3? Not really. i see that now.

in fact, the initial background is from UC3 but then it changes once all fished booting and it shows whatever was the last game I played was. When i was on a quest for booty kick, that was the default background that would be there after starting.

Now its joe danger. And to think, in less than a second you can switch to another app icon and the background changes. Oh the horror of seeing singstar for half a second.

Its sony's xmb not yours. They can populate it however they wish. You as the individual can also choose to play a game, or go to home or got to the store or watch a vid...all sorts of things you can do immediately after your system starts.

Is this really what has become of ps3 owners (some not all)?

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4192d ago
StraightPath4192d ago (Edited 4192d ago )

When I saw this was outraged but the crappy updates sony is infamous for as I vita only only good thing you can see your vit trophies on ps3. Sony has been giving useless updates for years they better remove the singstar icon what a load of bs. In gaming sections of xbox u dnt see anything n if there was advert there neatly oyt of the way in little boxes. Awful advert for people dnt care about awful singstar.

DigitalRaptor4192d ago

You don't have a PS3, so please, just don't lie. Comment history says it all!

Cam9774192d ago

I hate it. It adds an additional space for something I'll never use in an important tab - it's ridiculous.

HarryMasonHerpderp4192d ago (Edited 4192d ago )

This is how it starts though.
One little advertisement will turn into many before you know it. I'm glad people are complaining about it. The more complaints the better.
Either way her reply to the people complaining was immature and unprofessional and she should be fired straight away.

DavidMacDougall4192d ago

completely with you, if no one complained they would just take advantage, before u know it you'll have forced play for free games stuck on ur system you dont even like.

doogiebear4192d ago (Edited 4192d ago )

Why are all u clowns crying? I'll give u 2 reasons why it's not worth crying about:

Assuming it is an advertisement: At least it's for a Sony game, not a 3rd party one. So sony isnt making any money from it, and do u know why? Because the "advert" is to inform people of a new FREE-to-play version of Singstar (once again, no money made by Sony)

And my 2nd reason: The icon is just a picture now, but it will soon be a link to the free to play game, much like "playstation life"and "playstation home" are. So STFU losers and quit complaining. Sony just wants more people (especially new players who just recently bought a super slim ps3) to be able to find their free games easier (even if it's in the ps store, people may not find the free games, and thus sony loses money running online servers for free games like DCUO, Singstar, ps home, Free Realms, etc all the while most people dont know about some of these free games...so by putting an icon there, people can know the game is FREELY available. Hopefully they put all their free games on that one icon, so that it doesn't take up any space. But other than that, u morons need to quit complaining, because Sony is doing a very awesome thing here by even letting u be informed of their soon to be free-to-play game, let alone allowing u to play it (when it releases). So STFU cry baby's.

PirateThom4192d ago

So, why not put it on the store like their other free to play games? You know, that new store that just went live?

It's an obtrusive ad that adds clutter to the menu.

doogiebear4192d ago (Edited 4192d ago )

@ Thom: read my response again, it tells u exactly why it's not only in the store, but also on xmb: BECAUSE it's an actual app. It will work like ps home, where much of the game will be played accross online servers, like ps home. Some resources will be in ps3, but others inside ps3 to run the game. It's also on xmb incase people dont notice it in the store.

Ads for games IN STORE are replaced every week. So people who didnt see it one week, will likely never see it again. So by putting it on xmb, it not only informs people of the nice FREE game Sony gave u, but also guarantees that Sony will have players enjoying there's game (instead of never knowing it existed) and this will make sure Sony isnt running online servers for a free game no one will ever play or know about. It costs money to support singstar because the online servers cost money to run. Plus the liscensing deals made with artists cost money too.

So Sony just wants people to know of the free game and to have an easy to click link. So f*cking relax! People are making these crazy demands and raging over a free service, while xbox clowns PAY to go online, and still get hit with ads, YET get no free games, despite paying, and even they dont berate M$ and complain. So get off of Sony's back, it's not a mere advertisement: It's a FREE GAME, and a damned expensive one for Sony to run too (I bought Singstar last year and it cost me $80 as a gift to my wife, and it really is an amazing game, with thousands of songs and stuff. Now all u new guys get an enhanced version that lets u use a headset instead of mic (which was bulk of retail cost) all for free. Plus, if your single, there are many women online who still play so it's a good way to interact with female gamers). But qualities aside, it's still just a free game. Stop being a sissy. I'd flip out too if I was a PR for Sony and people were calling it an advert when it wasnt. It's soon to be a link to play the game, just like PS Home. And since it's a FREE game and a 1st party game, sony makes no money from this. God forbid they should provide a free, quality, family-friendly game for the holidays at no charge -_-

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4192d ago
Beetey4193d ago

It doesn't really matter what the situation was, she should have known better than to talk to customers like that. If Sony knows what best for them, they'll fire her and issue an apology ASAP.

jerethdagryphon4193d ago

am i bothered no does this possibly make me interested yes i have 2 young nieces might try it for them

Blankman854192d ago

Have you met these guys; . ! ? , ? I doubt it.

Chapulin4193d ago

Nina always kids around with everyone. Not a big deal to me.

Neonridr4192d ago (Edited 4192d ago )

No offense, but if someone was whining to me about an icon on their dashboard, I might have the same response to them, grow up. You think I am happy with Xbox Live putting adverts all over the place? No, I pay for the service so I feel like we shouldn't be subjected to all this extra crap that you would normally expect to be on a free service since it acts as a source of revenue on the free services. However I am not going to stop using my Xbox because I don't like the ads. Same will go for all you Sony users. Sure, it might be a nuisance, but demanding that they remove it immediately is childish and immature.

Saturne34192d ago

I dont see adds on xbox dashboard game section...

Cam9774192d ago

Well Xbox live just sucks if they place ads in a subscription-based service. You only mean money to MS. On the other hand, PSN - a free service - ad free.

Neonridr4192d ago

doesn't the PS+ cost money?

HarryMasonHerpderp4192d ago

PS+ is an extra.
You don't need it to play online.

Show all comments (37)
50°

Sony PS2 Hit SingStar Was Originally an Action-RPG

IGN India says: “ Interior Night’s Charu Desodt on bringing Singstar to life on the PS2, winning a BAFTA, and upcoming Xbox Series X|S and PC game, As Dusk Falls.”

80°

RIP Singstar, One Of The Most Important Games In PlayStation History

This may come as a bit of a shock to Americans, since it never really took hold in the US, but Singstar was one of the most important series ever released on a Sony console. And in January 2020, after 15 years of PlayStation karaoke, it’s finally going to be shuffled off the stage.

ApocalypseShadow1623d ago

This game could live on as a VR game. Karaoke as different created characters or franchise characters from other games. Sing as Kratos or Nathan Drake or Parappa the Rapper, etc and post to social media if you're into that internet thing. Would be funny. And interesting if you had individuals who could really sing. Alloy becomes a virtual singing idol.

Sounds crazy but it's creative for VR. And you could use Dreams to create your backgrounds and music videos. I don't really sing but don't think they should give up on Singstar.

RememberThe3571623d ago

I think your last point might be a big one. Who needs SingStar when Dreams is coming out?

timotim1623d ago

So if you invested potentially hundreds of dollars in the game with DLC songs, will all of it continue to work or are you just SOL now?

rainslacker1623d ago

It'll still work. You just won't have the online features. The game can be played locally either singing together, or competing against one another, and is generally considered a pretty good party game....if you go to parties where karaoke is a thing at least. It basically doubles as a karaoke machine.

I'm not into karaoke, and you'll just have to trust me that anyone would be happy that I don't try to sing publicly, or even privately among friends. But, I've been to parties where people are having fun with it, and it's about as hit or miss as going to a karaoke bar....without the one girl who wants to sing Shania twain songs, yet can't carry a tune, or hit a high note without your pet cat committing ritual suicide.....most of the time anyways.

JonTheGod1623d ago

I loved SingStar but it hasn't been supported most of this gen. It had a half-hearted revival with a couple of discs but very little of the PS3 library transitioned across. I will probably keep my PS3 just for SingStar when PS5 comes out.

PhoenixUp1623d ago

Many of Sony’s casual franchises are falling by the wayside

rainslacker1623d ago

SingStar was huge in the US. Where did the idea that it wasn't popular in the US come from? It wasn't a hardcore game, so the hardcore gaming community never really noticed it much, but the game was a huge money maker for Sony.

380°

Sony Is Shutting Down SingStar And Driveclub Servers In 2020

Sony is shutting down online servers for SingStar and Driveclub in early 2020.

Yi-Long1626d ago

Extremely disappointing how Sony has treated one of its best exclusives this generation. Love Driveclub. Such a shame it never received the love, attention and respect it deserved from Sony, post-launch.

Brave_Losers_Unite1626d ago

What is it that you want Sony to do with it exactly post launch?

Obscure_Observer1626d ago

@Brave_Losers_Unite

A PS4 Pro patch would be nice. Same goes to Bloodborne.

jukins1626d ago

@Obsucre the team was on the way to being closed and barely finished driveclub vr. A ps4 pro patch was asking to much

1626d ago
darthv721626d ago

That reminds me, i need to get the motorcycle expansion before it gets removed. I already got all the free dlc but that one is paid and I forgot about it.

DC is such a well made game. I'm so surprised Sony would let the devs slip right through their fingers. Motorstorm deserved a PS4 follow-up.

Skate-AK1626d ago

Bikes, along with the two or three paid DLC's got removed in August. Even though the DLC was cars, they had to put it under bikes because of trophy amount requirements. Can only get Bikes by buying a physical copy.

SierraGuy1625d ago

Physical copies may be worth something someday 🙆

KickSpinFilter1626d ago

Ya Driveclub turned out to be so dang amazing. Bummer this won't continue online. But SP lives on!

jukins1626d ago

What? It was broken on launch delayed an entire year had one of the best season passes ever new tracks new cars added streetbikes but it never received the love post launch?

rainslacker1625d ago

I think he means that the gaming press and community in general didn't show it any love post launch. I mean, you see broken games that people rave about how it's awesome they got fixed and get lots of articles about it, but you didn't really see that with DC, despite the launch issues being only trivial annoyance to one aspect of game play which offered up challenges to the player....and I guess online racing. Took like a month to fix, but the game was doomed to be neglected due to the console wars, and people moving on, and ultimately, was probably a big reason that Sony closed the studio, because they were having financial difficulties at the time, and had to make decisions based on sales.

rainslacker1625d ago (Edited 1625d ago )

I thought SingStar was one of their more successful franchises. I know during the PS3 days it was pretty popular. No one around here ever talked about it, but I know a lot of people who I wouldn't classify as gamers who were into it.

DCVR is amazing. Removes my biggest complaint about driving games, which is that 2D makes it hard to tell where you are in the corners to know when to turn. With VR, I can drive like I would a real car....assuming I actually drove that fast, and staying in lanes, and actually racing is so much more fun.

Makes me wish that GT:S had a full on VR mode for every race mode. I'd take the graphics hit to be able to race more than one car, on a mode that gives practically no progression.

Bikes is also fantastic.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1625d ago
masterfox1626d ago

everyone can make mistakes and definitely Sony made one by letting to die Driveclub, if you didn't know is still best looking racing game out-there , not only looks heavenly stunning but plays awesome as well, not sure how hard affected Sony to take such decision but for what we know is a very bad decision taken.

iplay1up21626d ago (Edited 1626d ago )

No, Horizon 4, and Forza Motorsport 7 absolutely look better than Drive Club. They are also Xbox One X enhanced and run in 4K.

IRetrouk1626d ago (Edited 1626d ago )

I play all 3, driveclub still looks better, from cars to graphical effects, understandable because horizon 4 is open world, as for forza 7, while it looks good, it still dont top driveclub, neither does gt sport for that matter, or project cars, or need for speed.

FanboySpotter1626d ago

As someone that still plays driveclub, forza horizon 4 is leaps above all. Free roaming with that fidelity or 60fps? Sweet jesus

rainslacker1625d ago (Edited 1625d ago )

DC both looks better, and drives better than either version of Forza. Forza has better competitor driver AI though.

I really love FH4, but I still think that DC looks and plays better.

jukins1626d ago

Please explain how sony let it die. They gave them an entire extra year to fix still promoted it even though the launch was broken had tons of content and still has lasted almost the entire gen. It's obvious you dont even play it online because even the ps plus version tracks barely can get more than 4 or 5 people let alone the full game. You act like thousands are still getting online everyday and sony just doesnt care

JackBNimble1626d ago

Last time I played was a few months ago and couldn't fine other players online .
I was playing sp because no one else was there.

1626d ago Replies(2)
dragonyght1626d ago

it wasn't really Sony the game receive a lot of post launch content. Driveclub got crucify for not being forza horizon.

1626d ago
+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1625d ago
TGG_overlord1626d ago

I can only agree with Yi-Long and masterfox...Sony just made a HUGE blunder with no doubt.

MasterCornholio1626d ago

Don't really care about SingStar but alot of people liked Driveclub.

rainslacker1625d ago

I'd say a lot of people like SingStar as well. It was one of Sony's top selling games last gen. Plus, it had tons of content DLC/MT. It was a GaaS game, and was quite popular among the casuals. Basically just a karaoke game, which was fun at parties....for better or worse depending on your thoughts about karaoke at parties.

I guess the game has fallen off people's radar though, because it's hard to imagine Sony would drop it if it was still generating significant revenue like it used to.

monkey6021626d ago

I adore DriveClub and I've been playing It a lot the last couple months. I even just got Platinum in both DriveClub and DriveClub bikes this week. But the multiplayer in both is absolutely baron. There's no matches on either to play online. You need to arrange online meet ups

Doomeduk1626d ago

You'll still find a few of us still racing online on an evening fella and when I fired it up last week I had a couple of full lobbies.
Just needed a pro upgrade to 60 fps instead of the VR version and I think it would still be going strong now
I remember a few months before the devs were shutdown they talking about adding tire deformation and a few other things.. Damn shame

rainslacker1625d ago

I thought the VR version was awesome. Plus, it was it's own thing, and shouldn't have interfered with a PS4P update. the lack of update was likely due to the studio being shut down though.

jukins1626d ago

Thank you this is what people dont understand no one is playing online. All these fake supporters but they dont even play it. I'll join a race and it will cycle about 10 races before I actually find ONE other person

Yi-Long1625d ago

They could have kept the leaderboards up at least.

Show all comments (92)