Cross game chat and voice message coming to the XMB

According to CydoniaX, both voice messaging and cross game chat are in development.

[Sunny_D]

sweet!!!
how long now?

[Raoh]

CydoniaX replied on March 23, 2009 at 12:32 pm

All that stuff is still in development, game launching started with Warhawk and should be supported by all future game spaces now. It takes time, but we haven’t forgotten about all the stuff that our users really want!

[mugoldeneagle03]

It would be cool if we got it this week during GDC, but I highly doubt that's going to happen. Sony has a history of holding back feature launches until the week before or of E3. That way they can incorporate it into their keynote for all to hear.

Great news though! The PSN is looking good.

EDIT: After reading the actual post it seems like it's still a way off..."In development". Those words make me cringe

[xztence]

how about that? any status on that? IMO i would prefer that.
but still good news worth rejoicing.

[jwatt]

Why is it still in development, this stuff should have been worked on a year ago. I happy to hear that they are working on it but at the same time it makes me mad that it has taken so long for these two features.

[StephanieBBB]

WORK HARDER!!!!

[JD_Shadow]

Better late than never.

[I_am_rushin]

Ahhh... this reminds me of the good old days of GDC 2008 and the rumors of In-game-xmb. Oh! my bad In-shirt-xmb :D

[snaz27]

a sense of community that is only felt on xbl? what you mean you have something to rival home? where you can walk around and at a click of a button join your friends in a virtual world and play mini games and chat? oh really so when did ms release this? strange ive never heard of it... i can also just look on my friends list and see whos online and at a click of a button message themn so your points is? and the other guy no true skill ranking? lol... i hope your not talking about the achievments here? ok ms came up with it but sony have ran with it and made it better we have a level up feature that gives trophies a kind of rpg type feel that tells you your gamer level (which you increase by eraning more trophies) also you can then compare trophies to see how well you stack up against your friends on individual game.. leaderboard in one place ill give you although each game has it own leaderboards anyway so i wouldnt pay for that.. even without these chat features psn offers much much more!

[YungXclusive2K9]

yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[FlameBaitGod]

On Topic: Good for the PS3
Off Topic: No!! dont do that!! Then we 360 fanboys will only have sales as our response to the PS3 doing bad articles!! We need more than 1 reason!!... lets see.. failure rate..ps3 1 to 3% while my 360 is 16 to 36%, nop cant talk about that.. lets see... games... i got um.. HALO! that counts as 3 and um.. gears, fable, viva pinata, too human & Lips!.. Ps3 only has Um.. Resistance, heavenly sword, Little Big Planet, Metal Gear Solid 4, killzone 2, Motorstorm, Uncharted... OMG cant win there aether! Um... wait i got HD!... aw wait they got blu ray, um..... how long can i play on my 360 b4 it breaks... lets see.... *Until it gets hot... wow thats not a really good explanation.... i play for 18 hours straight sometimes and i turn it off cus i get worried it will RROD on me :(, Ps3 lets see... Omg this Freaking PS3's have been on Folding home for 2 years On and they haven't break WTH!... but that isnt playing HA! lets see playing.....OMG people have played over 45 hours on their PS3 and it hasnt break.... theres got to be something i can defend my self vs the PS3 DEWDS! um.... Fudge! *leaves room & screams at the 360* "Y CANT U DO ANYTHING GOOD ANYMORE!!!"

maybe this 1 one wont get deleted cus i said something about the article. Cus some of my coments get deleted but when some people in here rlly talk crap they ignore it ? now i feel im being treated differently.

[Bnet343]

This > Home

If you disagree you don't care about online gaming for PS3. Simple as that.

[FlameBaitGod]

Kigmanl, Home = Socialization Place, Firmware = improved XMB
2 DIFFERENT THINGS, not hard to know that huh. Or was home a firmware update for the XMB ?

[gambare]

" ruffneckc | March 23rd, 2009 at 9:16 am

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++
When are we getting game launching abilities for every multiplayer game in the PS3 library? Why is it that the most basic of features for both the XMB and HOME get prioritized and delivered before all the extra stuff?

1) XMB - Voice Chat across games
2) XMB - Voice messaging(30 sec clip)
3) HOME - Game Launching for all games

Deliver what the fans want first and foremost then surprise us with all this Xi stuff.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++
CydoniaX's Avatar
CydoniaX replied on March 23, 2009 at 12:32 pm

All that stuff is still in development, game launching started with Warhawk and should be supported by all future game spaces now. It takes time, but we haven’t forgotten about all the stuff that our users really want!"

[OMGHI]

Really nice post gambare :)

[Charlie_Shene]

Its sound like hes only replying to the home game launching

[Hip Hop Shamer]

I am so ready for this. Im sick of having to type messages.

[morganfell]

No, in-shirt was what Microsoft promised before the 360 launched. It was one of the two big examples they gave concerning the Marketplace functionality...that never materialized.

[JsonHenry]

Sweet. One step closer to a free LIVE service!!

[IaMs12]

well it is about time. I also like to add and bring notice how people are reacting to this article, now what if it was the 360 how would people react?

[gambare]

"now what if it was the 360 how would people react? "

check the open zone

[thats_just_prime]

at the rate sony does things these features will be ready by 2015

[gambare]

"at the rate sony does things these features will be ready by 2015 "

not true, they took around one year to bring the XMB, so, bringing this features are near, maybe about two or three months

[FlameBaitGod]

Hope this comes out soon..
2 Disagrees on my 2 post so fast while other comments stayed with the same amount.... hmmm... i smell multiple fan boy accounts. Some 1 getting hurt ?

[SL1M DADDY]

*sits back and waits for a negative article to hit*

This is truly some awesome news for those who want this feature. Me personally, I could care less and have had no issues with just sending out a note to my buds to join me in a particular lobby.

[Shadow Flare]

Can someone please try and convince me why i should pay for xbox live? Especially since psn uses dedicated servers for 60 player lagless games?

[Marquis_de_Sade]

Shadowflare, I can't convince you to pay full RRP for Live, but if you look around you can get a years sub for £25, which is worth it in my opinion. It's far slicker all round than PSN, it may not have dedicated servers, but the most played games don't need dedicated servers as they are small in size (CoD, Halo, Gears). Party chat is also a real nice feature. There's nothing stand out, but all round it's better.

[drdre74]

All that stuff is still in development..... in other words we haven't looked into it and we don't plan on looking into it so don't hold your breathe.

[Shepherd 214]

both of these are features Live subscribers have had since day one, 3 years ago.

[TheColbertinator]

Its about friggin time!

[ToastyMcNibbles]

steven colbert! was i playing with you last night on killzone 2? psn id: stephen colbert? lol mines is IAmToastMan

[heyheyhey]

nah, his PSN is Nintendo Kid or something extremely g@y like that

EDIT: hey calm down Steve, it's me... you know im kidding :)

[TheColbertinator]

No my PSN is Nintendo_Dude.You must have played the real Stephen Colbert Hahahaha

@Heyeheyhey

WTF? Its just my id.Deal with it

2nd edit: Oh I see what you did there

[ToastyMcNibbles]

lol haha i probably was.. whoever it was he didnt like when medics revived him lol everytime someone revived him he called them and i quote "a f4cking idiot!" lmao

[blackbeld]

Yes.. And they take they're time to make it even better then xbox live chat.

PSN is BETTER then xbox live... AND ITS FREE!!!!!!!!!

[Capt CHAOS]

"All that stuff is still in development, game launching started with Warhawk and should be supported by all future game spaces now. It takes time, but we haven’t forgotten about all the stuff that our users really want!"

It's not exactly precise about when this will come out or what will come. And no party mode either.

[PirateThom]

That's the first time Sony have really confirmed it to be in development, isn't it?

Usually it's like "we are aware of what users want".

[TheHater]

yes it is

[Ghoul]

@ penny

couldnt agree more

[Omega4]

Yeah, cause im sure all those millions of XBL gold members pay £40 a year JUST for cross game chat/messaging

/sarcasm

[Too_Hyped]

Well omega, you're right it's even worse, most games have more down time on XBL (fifa soccer 08 is down on Live since last week, still up on PSN, see other N4G article in 'pending')

So they already pay for having less actually...

[UnSelf]

so what else are u payin for that justifies ur $50 or 40 lbs a year?

[heyheyhey]

@Omega 4

enlighten us, what do they pay for then? the party system thing?

[Hockey11]

What do they pay for?

[Cajun Chicken]

I fail to see what else is pointlessly paid for on XBL Gold's fee except the company insurance.

[Ghoul]

"Yeah, cause im sure all those millions of XBL gold members pay £40 a year JUST for cross game chat/messaging

/sarcasm "

well yes thats the only feature that live has against psn.

[Omega4]

What do all the XBL gold members pay for?

I will enlighten you, they pay for something that cant technically be seen or described a sense of community and togetherness only avaliable through XBL. The ability to see ones friends and communicate with them with a small click of the guide button.

That feeling is priceless and something PSN will never be able to recreate which is why XBL will remain £40 and PSN will be free

[thor]

People pay for XBL in order to play games online.

Saying "it's got more features" or "it's got a better community" is just an attempt to justify that purchase; without all the features, people would STILL pay for XBL, because they have no other choice if they want to play 360 games online. Most people either didn't realise there was a charge, or assumed that a charge is usual for online services - and most people with a 360 don't also own a PS3. So they pay anyway.

[Mister_Dawg]

@ Pennywise "It is the first time Sony has confirmed the death of XBL. "

Don't talk sh1t mate.

[ifhd]

What do they pay for? ?????

ha ha ha haha hah ah aha

[heroicjanitor]

You pay so you can pay online, and that is the end of it. The extra features are a bonus and you use them to justify paying.

[heyheyhey]

@GEC

yeah, but don't Silver members get those things too?

so nothing has changed really since my previous statement.. it is pointless paying for a Gold account unless all your friends are on Live and/or you wish to play Halo (the other online games are WEAK compared to online software on PS3)

i understand Live has great features... but paying for it is unjustified other than filling M$'s already deep pockets

EDIT: i read Omega4's reply

MEGA LOL!!!!!!

so you can't communicate with people at the click of a button on PS3? your paying for a feeling?

LOL!!!!... weak

[Pennywise]

Oh crab, come on... Dont be so sensitive. The crap the PS3 owners get in the NPD articles entitles us to start "chit" whenever we please. These guys run around praising this paid service that I have seen and used first hand... and I really can justify in my head why this service is worth the value.

You say leaderboards... community games(which I am sure are reall AAA experiences LOL), and an indescribable sense of community???????????

HAHA - Dude... I have a friends list that I talk to everyday. Thats all the community I need.

PS - as far as death of XBL - Maybe not :P., BUT Death of the reasons why paying is worth it will die.

[blackpanther25]

what do you mean by TruSkill ranking?

[TheColbertinator]

@Omega

"I will enlighten you, they pay for something that cant technically be seen or described a sense of community and togetherness only avaliable through XBL. The ability to see ones friends and communicate with them with a small click of the guide button.

That feeling is priceless and something PSN will never be able to recreate which is why XBL will remain £40 and PSN will be free"

Let me get this straight.You would pay 50$ for a feeling?

Am I reading this right?

LMAO

[solidjun5]

"The ability to see ones friends and communicate with them with a small click of the guide button."

Home button? dude, I totally do that. When I want to talk to my brother, I click the home button in the middle of the controller (you claim to have a PS3 so you already know this) and go to his name and start a chat with him.

"...they pay for something that cant technically be seen or described a sense of community and togetherness only avaliable through XBL."

Okay...that sounded odd.
Anyway, when I click on that button, I technically can't see him. However, if we have the PSEyE connected, we can see each other. :)
It's free too.

Now, cross-game chat is feature I would like. I'll give you and the LIVE enthusiast that. That is something I would look foward to.

[LoVeRSaMa]

- "What do all the XBL gold members pay for?

I will enlighten you, they pay for something that cant technically be seen or described a sense of community and togetherness only avaliable through XBL. The ability to see ones friends and communicate with them with a small click of the guide button.

That feeling is priceless and something PSN will never be able to recreate which is why XBL will remain £40 and PSN will be free" -

They pay for Hope?

but seriously they pay for the same thing that PlayStation users get for free...

[Hip Hop Shamer]

YEP

[Final_Rpg]

is that feeling you love called 'being ripped off'? You're paying for the right service then.

[Kleptic]

loverSama...uh...so basically when this FW update hits the PSN...it will exactly mimic XBL in terms of community features...plus offer thousands of high speed dedicated servers across all first party titles, and many 3rd party titles...still offer Home for whatever that will end up being...all for free...

but will lack 'a sense of community' because we don't have to pay for it?...seriously man...that is pathetic...these two features are all that is left to push the PSN above XBL...it offers more in several areas...and is still free...and now will have every single community feature XBL has...

expect this: Some extremely funny PR flooding out of MS when this update drops...things as to why they still feel XBL is a premium service that you need to pay for, despite being offered more for free from competition...and then finally cutting the cost of XBL gold to users...possibly altogether...the backlash will be pretty big, but at least MS still has people on their side like you...who feel a sense of partnership because you witlessly hand over money to MS for something no one else has to pay for...

[-EvoAnubis-]

I'm not doubting it's in development, but Cyd has nothing to do with firmware. If Eric said it, I'd go with it. But, still, news is news...

[Mindboggle]

I have to agree, he never even mentioned anything about firmware, just home game launching, so im still skeptical..

[-EvoAnubis-]

It's a real burden being right so often.

[_Q_]

I tire of interrupting my online pimp smacking to answer my messages. Though not a huge thing still a welcomed addition.

[Cajun Chicken]

"BOOM."

[ape007]

"BOOMSHAKALKA"

[Cajun Chicken]

Nope, thats the sound of a firmware based megaton detonating.

[Nightfallen]

Hope it's sometime soon though.

[ElementX]

About damn time. What's with Sony? This should've been available two years ago. It couldn't've been that difficult to implement.

[PirateThom]

If the system isn't set up for it, it can be.

Reducing the OS footprint, improving network stability.

360 was centered around its online features, the PS3 wasn't.

[Joey Greco RULES]

just blu-ray?

[PirateThom]

Gaming media hub.

I don't think anyone, except Microsoft, really expected online gaming to become such a big thing this gen.

[Pennywise]

LOL - you guys make me laugh...

PS3 has internet integrated - I can check all my favorite websites, download movies, listen to music(stream) and more.

Watch Hi-Def Bluray

Video Chat with family/friends

Play games online for free

View pictures, play music from my HDD

Chat with friends/see what games they are playing.

I dont see what other features are missing here... This crap is getting out of control.

Sony is always updating and improving their services. Give them credit where credit is due.

[Joey Greco RULES]

and your first AWESOME game is MGS4, 2 years after launch?

I dont think they were pushing the whole "gaming" thing too hard, lol: http://farm1.static.flickr....

@penny:
you dont give your parents credit for taking care of you, do you?
No. its kind of expected. just like the ps3 was expected to have all these wonderful toys right off the bat. its just NOW catching up to LIVE, and youre still waitingfor that cross-game chat

@below: um not only did it have more titles at launch, but it had some pretty damn good ones.
and i'm not saying you have to have a good game right off the bat, but damn, theres a damn big gap between these AWESOME MUSTHAVE ps3 titles. and in between there---all there seems to be is Hype.

[blackpanther25]

yeah like the 360 had good games at launch >.>
I waited until halo 3 came before buying a 360 and thats two years after launch.

(People were trying hype perfect dark zero as if that game is good)

[Pennywise]

Joey Greco... I do give my parents credit for raising me. It wasnt an easy task... but I am a full grown man now... not quiet sure what you were getting at. I see your avatar and think, "oh look at this guy looking all smart, maybe I will hear smart things from him"... but NOPE, disappointing just like your brethren.

Since I got my PS3... I was blown away basically month after month with games, so please explain to me your theory on no games. I can afford to keep up with the game releases.. I am glad there is a couple of month inbetween Killzone and another game at this point. I have been laying out $120+ a month for a while now... not including the PSN games. Thank goodness Sacred was delayed... my wallet needs a break.

[decimalator]

@ElementX

It IS difficult when you have your army of programmers focused on Home. ;-P

@PirateThom & @Joey Greco RULES

The PS3 is/was focused as a digital entertainment center. Blu-ray for 1080p "Full HD" movies, a hard drive to store video, music and photos, earlier models had ports for media cards from still and video cameras, etc.

It is also the all-in-one entertainment center. You've got gigabit ethernet, 802.11g wireless, a minimum 20GB hard drive, and free online access. While you do pay a hefty sum up-front, you're not paying more anytime you run into something else you want to do with it. Want to play HD-DVD's, gotta buy the add-on. Want a hard drive, buy the add-on. Want wireless, buy the add-on, etc.

Notice that X360/Live and PS3/PSN are starting to converge? XBL has added Netflix to try to beef up its digital media features. PS3/PSN have added trophies and in-game XMB to start to give more gamer-centric features.

@TheHater

I don't think that CydoniaX's reply on the blog was really confirming the cross-game chat and voice messaging. It can certainly be read that way, but I don't think that was the intent. Cyd is focused on Home and I think was answering in regards to the game launching.

[UnasFortuna]

I not sure I agree with that one entirely. If I remember correctly, the PS3 was lauded as a complete system. The online was heavily publicized for being free and having similar features coming similar to the 360. The PS3 was made to not just center around one thing (media, games, etc...). I personally believe that the delay lies in the more than likely probability that MS has some sort of patent for the way they engage these particular features. Similar happened with custom soundtracks if you remember correctly. Sony just had to develop a way around them. Developing stable technology takes time and I am more than happy to wait for the cross-game chat that doesn't engage Sony is a lawsuit with MS. I am hoping that it mutes out the a-holes yapping endlessly about nothing in the regular game you are playing. This is my favorite feature on Live and I have been waiting patiently for it on PSN.

[HDgamer]

RE5 has game launching also. KZ2 needs it.

[_Q_]

Agrees to you

[jack who]

wait psn still dont have this? and fan boys saying its better than live? i lol'd

[Nelson M]

Even without these Feature's
PSN is Better than Xbox Dead

$50 a Year for a Laggy Kick in Both Nuts

[Da One]

Sorry...............

[talltony]

features, psn will be better than live without debate. Adding these key features to a free network with dedicated servers that supports up to 256 players simultaneously with MAG is just win! If the psn matches live feature wise, then live will most likely be a free service. I want this update to come soon cause i dnt want to pay for live another year.

[OOG]

believe it when i see it......

[ultimolu]

Alright!

[free3sixty]

"In development" means 2-4 years for Sony :(

[Abash]

Maybe in your dreams

[Fishy Fingers]

Yay! About time really. This is pretty much the only feature I really want on the PSN. Should of been a priority from the off.

I'd like to think its been in 'development' for a while (say, 2 years), hopefully their acknowledgement of it means it's not far off (2.7?). I want it! :)

[heyheyhey]

so.... the rumored 2.7 patch notes are real?

nice

[hagggs5tow]

hey guys uh its been in development for quit some time now. umm this isn't really anything new .they have been working on this before the system even launched if you heard one of kazz interviews during the pre launch interviews he actually confirms that they are working on features such as this . but if you guys know Sony this is probably going to come up in firmware.0 update. so that is good news to hear this talk from Sony once again.

[Pennywise]

2.4 was pretty huge. In game XMB, so your .0 theory doesnt hold up.

[maverick1191]

jack who you pay for online just for cross game chat the psn is basically the same and free lmao

[J@D]

Excellent.

[OuterHaven]

Killzowned?

[nightelfmohawk]

Sony will soon come close to matching or match Xbox Live and offer the service for free. PS3 also has blu-ray, Home, digital photograph albums, a huge movie library (Universal and Sony Pictures along with MGM's catalog that Sony owns now), compatibility with linux and third party hard drives, etc.

[Cajun Chicken]

Still needs the video service in EU. That's a fact.
That's what I like about the PS3, once you buy it Sony don't directly demand anymore money from you.
Y'know, YEARS and YEARS later when the PS3's life is over, the PS3 is going to be a heck of a homebrew beast, even over the Dreamcast's levels.

[UnasFortuna]

I have never regretted the two PS3's I bought at launch for I use them every single day that I am home. However, there are a lot of money conscious people out there right now especially that only see the initial price tag on the shelf under the product. They don't bother reading what is included or investigate what additional things they more than likely will need are going to cost in the future. A price cut would dramatically help the PS3 to compete even further into the general population (as long as they do some dang proper advertising about what the PS3 offers).

[zaldare]

PRINGLES BABY!

[Chubear]

Now it's no longer going to be the reason the 360 fanbase makes excuses for paying $250 every gen for online. It'll now be something stupid like "well, is says LIVE and that's worth it's weight in gold"

You think they'll stop paying for LIVE after this? think again. They're a different breed of gamers and this is why MS loves them.

Go on, list the reasons you think we'll see flooding forums everywhere from the 360 fanbase as to why they love paying 50bucks a year for what is supposed to be free.

[Capt CHAOS]

All to their own, still looking for a reason to buy a PS3..

[Socomer 1979]

OUT IN THE STREET THEY CALL IT MUUUUUURRRRRDERRR !

[Bren86]

believe it when i see it......

[SonyRulz]

Nearly 3 years since the PS3 launched, and it STILL doesn't have these basic features, that have been a huge part of XBL since 2002.

Pathetic, Sony...really.

[Socomer 1979]

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

[Kratos19]

And there goes XBL's final major advantage. And we still get more dedicated servers.

[Capt CHAOS]

.

[evilmonkey501]

this fall

[divideby0]

its just a matter of time for all the itty bitty features...in the meantime I am enjoying free online gameplay which is all that really matters to me..cause I am more into playing games, than chit chat stuff

[JD_Shadow]

Wow, a LOT of good news coming from the Sony camp today.

Wonder if this is a good omen for the price cut announcement to actually happen.

[MmaFanQc]

in-game cross chating was the only advantage of the xblive gold VS the psn........

now that this features will also be added, the psn will be on par with the xblive.....but free.....

[xc7x]

as much as i believe it will happen,how long will it take is the answer & question in one.

[ZombieNinjaPanda]

What are cross game invites..? Exactly?

Seriously...

[GarandShooter]

Being able to invite a friend to play a game who doesn't have that game loaded/isn't playing it already.

[ZombieNinjaPanda]

Thank you! bubbles!

[Zeus Lee]

Actually it can,I don't think the problem is with Sony engineers writing the line of Code to get it to work,I think the problem boils down to how to get it working without violating Microsofts patent on Cross-Game Chatting.

[Morgue]

This has been so long in the coming that I don't even care anymore. Will it be nice? Yes. But I don't talk or let alone play with any of the " supossed " friends on my list to begin with because of my work schedule.

[dar36]

yeah cross game chat is good, but what they really need is a party system.

[Zeus Lee]

Say you're playing Left 4 Dead and I'm playing GeOW2,I can send you an invite to join my game and vice versa.

Same thing with Chat,although nobody really does it anymore on XBL(People just join a Party and go about their gaming party-wise now)

[ZombieNinjaPanda]

Zeus Lee:

Thank you for the explanation! Bubbles!

Now to get to my other question, what is exactly beneficial in this? Sure you can invite a person into your game, but isn't it just as easy to send a message saying: Hey, let's play GeoW2.

Or does this actually invite the person, then once they pop the disk in, does it invite them to the respective player's party?

Sorry, for not knowing this, normally don't play 360 online.

[DanTheCrazyMan]

Hellangelzx: "Now to get to my other question, what is exactly beneficial in this? Sure you can invite a person into your game, but isn't it just as easy to send a message saying: Hey, let's play GeoW2.

Or does this actually invite the person, then once they pop the disk in, does it invite them to the respective player's party?"

Yes once they pop in the disk it goes straight to their party in the game.

[xztence]

that's why I find it so useful, You dont need to go searching for your friends game. you pop it in and your in the lobby with your friends ready to go.

[ll_UNDERSCORE_ll]

Great, now instead of receiving rage/whining messages from players online i own in a game. It will come in a voice message format. I cant wait * sarcasm

[GamerPS360]

I have voice service muted. I go online to play, not to chat.

[anubis12]

after two years..nice welcome to the club sony

[Ldubbz]

Rather than immediately plunge into the endless comparisons, Ill just say that this is cool for PS3 owners, like myself.

What I will say is I do miss some of my features from XBL when I am on PSN, and hopefully Sony can get some of those things in there soon. Having been around for this long though I wonder what the hold up is.

[GarandShooter]

What other features from XBL? (and I'm serious, not busting stones or trying to start sh1t)

I haven't used the party system in XBL yet, but does that allow you to hook up with friends, play different games, and still remain in chat with the party?

[swiftshot93]

up to 8 people can be in a party and all be playing different games. its freaking awesome, and I dont see how online gaming can be better.

Sony has just confirmed that in-game chat and voice messaging (which I dont care for btw) are in development, but I wonder: what the limit will be for people using in-game chat?

[GarandShooter]

Swift, so if you're playing a team based game, it's just a matter of switching channels between game (to say discuss tactics) and party (to chat with friends)?

[swiftshot93]

there arent any "channels" but the people in your party cant hear the people playing the game on your team, if thats what you mean...

Anyways, if you only want to talk to the people in your party, you can always mute the other players...

[SSJSubgeta]

"I will enlighten you, they pay for something that cant technically be seen or described a sense of community and togetherness only available through XBL."

Omega4, The only community I experienced on XBL is trash talking non-stop coming from pre-teens/teenagers/young adults. The Year that I had an Xbox 360 and payed for its service. All the games I played on it where pure trash talking. Not initiated by me, nor taking part of, just spectating their debates. While I found it humorous at times, it brought un-enjoyment in gaming online. Also most of my friends back home have a 360. Due to our time difference I couldn't really play with them much(I'm in Japan). There is no sense of community on xbl and in online game rankings mostly all are fake stats either attained by stat spamming, glitching or using the games mechanic to your advantage. stats/rank/achievements/trophy 's are nothing because people can get them thru different means.

I want users to play games with and converse about video games. I don't want to receive a voice message from some user I don't know trash talking because I won the game. Unfortunately XBL is not my cup of tea.

[QuackPot]

But all the main features of XBL - the competition - should have been copied and implemented on the PSN from day one.

And when is all said and done, the most important thing is that we can play online for free from get go. All the other features are nice but convenient, free online play is it.....PERIOD.

[Sir Ken_Kutaragi]

...it sounds all very MSN to me!!! ;-D
The more things the better i suppose;) + It's FREE so i can't complain;)

+ I can see what the xBot Zombie DLC Lemmings are going to say if PS3 does get it -

'YEAH, BUT, BUT, BUT We pay for it, we pay for xBox LIVE, HA HA...'

(I know it sounds stupid but, that is them for you) ;-D

[Karum]

If Sony implement those kind of features that LIVE has, how can anyone justify the charge for XBL?

I realise people like the LIVE service and that is fine but all it really is; is online gaming and some friend oriented features. If someone else is giving you the same thing (or extremely close to it) for free then how can anyone justify a charge for it?

[macalatus]

Breaking news today!!

Microsoft has been sued by its once, former-loyal 360 gamers for needless "highway robbery" in regards to Microsoft's online service, XBox Live. The plaintiffs allege that Xbox Live is nothing more than an "extortion".

The lawsuit came into being after Sony Corporation finally released cross-game chat and voice messages for its flagship product the PS3. Those two features were once exclusive features for Microsoft's product the Xbox 360, provided that you pay $50 a year for it. According to the plaintiff's lawyer, John Doe, Microsoft's
customary "over-charging" for its consumer for those features that are now provided free by its competitor is "a complete exploitation" to gamers that are "under 16 years and below of age". Mr. Doe also believes that this should also constitute as an "exploitation of minors" by telling "lies that a product is superior provided you pay for it". Since young minors cannot tell the difference between what is logical or right, it makes a perfect business sense for Microsoft.

Mr. John Doe simply wants Microsoft to reimburse all of the annual $50 fee whom he believes was "wrongfully extorted" by Microsoft from its consumers. In addition, the lawsuit also wants Microsoft to publicly apologize for all the lies committed in the videogame industry.

[xg-ei8ht]

Hey SONY, don't forget about AD2P SUPPORT for full audio out!!!

[ForROME]

Yea this is about a year and half late, SONY seriously get your fing act together online is obviously 50% of the sale point get your a$$ moving and caught up already.

[eye no toe fu]

Remind me of the infomercials that says "not sold in stores" which equates to "We mean the price and offer not in stores". Everybody knows that you can get it in stores but you're not going to get the little bonus gift. It's no different with the way the PSN is set up, they offer in game music, it's just not in their OS makeup.

[talltony]

psn will have the same features of live without the annoying little kids that all sound the same! sweet!

[evilmonkey501]

Those damn little kids! That's why I prefer psn actually....less whiny little kids and more sh!t talking grownups...Its almost a requirement to have a job to own a playstation 3...lol

[TwistedMetal]

ps3 was centered around games, HD, dedicated servers, 32,64, 256 player online matches. these are things the x360 doesnt have and are what gameing is about. talking to peoples not playeing the same game as you is just wierd. and if im playeing a different game why would I want to be in your party? that stuff ruins gameing because no one is concentrateing on the game. if you want to talk to people get some real life friends pick up the phone and go clubbing. x360 owners dont get what gameing is about. they are as casual as they come.

[Bladestar]

Ohh oh... Developers bandwidth GB price is about to go from $0.16 to $0.99...

no.. but seriously... I do hope Sony gets this done... this would require a huge amount of hardware and a way larger network... in order for this to work across game that means it needs to be implemented by Sony... ala xbox live. Cost lots of money to create and maintain...
It's possible that Sony will come up with their own currency... to be able to print money to cover the cost.

[Hallucinate]

wow what a patchetic attempt at trolling...at least i think your trolling

[silverchode]

why must you comment when you dont own a ps3.

[Man_of_the_year]

Probably the same reason why people who don't own a 360 have to go into every 360 thread and voice their opinions.

Atleast Bladestar is making a point. How long do you think it will be until the PSN no longer becomes free? These services cost money and where do you think Sony is going to get the money to cover these costs...in the end all costs come down to the end user...the gamers in this case.

[davidj88]

WOO HOO, i have been waiting for cross game chat since day 1. Off Topic : I am sick of fanboys talking about features the PS3 doesn't have and now Omega4 talking about a sense of community and togetherness ( does having a 10 year old american wannabe tough guy sending you threatening messages because you are simply better than them count ? ). Here are the FACTS : 360 owner's pay to play against people online, PS3 owner's don't, F*** all the extra's and features because it's not worth the money. And anyway, your money will only end up paying for a celebrity to pose with master chef ( LOL ) to help shift another halo game.

[Knightofelemia]

Will they do a party chat like the 360 can?

[KingKionic]

this would be a great thing for psn. if this happens it would be better to do it near the holidays.but if it does before that its still a win . (^^)

[buckethead_911]

Its kinda funny how with every Firmware update all that Sony does is make PSN a bit more like Xbox LIVE.

[KingKionic]

psn and xbox live have certain advantages over each other. you cant say ones better then the other they both have something each community likes.

[LONEWOLF231]

Nice very nice!
I cant wait for this feature.

[TheMART]

Wow at last after the PS3 released 2.5 years ago at least its announced now.

So when its introduced for real? When the PS3 will be 5 years and the PS4 is here?

[heyheyhey]

snooze...

you made the same joke about Home... we all know what happened there

[LiquifiedArt]

Fact remains: Anyone who has used or done research on teh xbox party system knowns what Sony is missing. Unfortunetly (i hate to admit it) that party system really pushes xbox into an entirely different generation of online support.

Although, Sony is doing good, until they support the exact same type of party system, gaming with friends will always be somewhat of a hassle in comparison. Ofcourse this statement is on a game 2 game assement. Thats the exact problem. From game 2 game your experience changes and i've had some horrible experiences trying to play games with my brother.

Sony You need the Live Party system. There is no way around it. Voice messages, Chatting etc... all that fluff equate to 1 single thing.... LIVE PARTY System. Implement it asap.

[Luchiano]

I bought both systems on the days they came out. I got to play the 360 more since it was out first. Now the communication on the 360 is da bomb and very simple to use. I think thats all the PSN needs to do is make it easier to communicate between ppl. Other then that PS3 has everything the 360 has (minus some games) plus Blu-Ray oh thats right you can store music, photos, videos and surf on the web almost forgot HOME. So allaround the PS3 is better..... darn almost forgot the 360 also has the RROD <---- ewww very very bad. Why buy a defective car... what you need to get to work sorry it will over heat and die on you. LOL

[jeseth]

Cross game chat is one of the major features PSN needs to really pull up neck and neck with Xbox Live.

[creatchee]

Welcome to 2006 Sony!

(I say this as a PS3, 360, and Wii owner. How it has taken this long to get into the XMB is beyond me)

[takohma]

Im cool wit it cuz its not like we really wanted it. i mean jus cuz 360 had it doesnt mean sony should've copied them right away. remember sony has tons of more stuff there working on.

[AngryTypingGuy]

Cross game chat and voice messaging? How innovative. Welcome to 2005.

[N2NOther]

It's about frakkin' time.

[-EvoAnubis-]

Like I said before, it was weird seeing Cyd say this because FW isn't her department. She has clarified her statement.

[LordVonPS3]

Evo - agreed. CydoniaX had epic failed with those comments, but at least it has been cleared up now and good thing too!

It's always entertaining to read these articles about the next PS3 firmware update. X360 owners keep tasking SCE & PS3 with matching every single feature the X360 has, even if really it isn't all that important except to try & win a console war argument.

360) I have X!
PS3) I have Y!
360) But I have X!
PS3) Well I have W which is almost as good as X. If I had X - he'd have to shut up though! Oh yeah and I have Y!

Etc.

The PS3 has less units sold than the X360. Getting cross game voice chat and cross game custom soundtracks won't mean the PS3 will suddenly sell better than the X360, so PS3 fans, isn't it time to stop thinking about W Vs X? W+Y > X, surely?

N.B.

W = In game <chat, invites, trophies, custom soundtracks>.
X = Cross game <chat, invite + party, achievements, custom soundtracks>.
Y = Blu-ray, Home, Wi-fi, upgradable HDD, stable hardware, etc.

[Sci0n]

She said this... CydoniaX replied on March 24, 2009 at 3:47 pm

Guys, some clarification seems to be needed on my above comment, apologies for being misleading. I was talking about voice chat for Home in general being worked on, not specifically about voice chat across games or voice messaging on the XMB. I can see how my quick answer was taken as a confirmation on all 3 items, but this is not the case.