One of the big differentiating factors between Xbox LIVE and PLAYSTATION Network is the cost. PSN has tried to stand out as the better value, by offering free online gameplay. The Network is trying to expand to other free services, such as Home and the Euro-exclusive VidZone, which offers streaming music videos for free.
Of course, that's not the end to Sony's ambitious plans. Shuhei Yoshida explains to GI.biz that Sony alone cannot manage all the experiences it wants to provide. "We can't support all the needs of the consumer," Yoshida admits. However, "there are great companies providing services on the PC already - so we're very open to provide the opportunity to those companies to reach our user base as well."
Once again, it looks like unique advertising relationships must be established. By offering advertisers a unique platform to highlight their goods, players will be able to enjoy an expansive lineup of services for free. "We like to provide as many services as possible for free - we already provide our network access for gameplay for free - and the interesting thing about the network side and the Internet business is that there's a variety of revenue sources," he said. "Not necessarily getting people to pay, but with advertising and so on."
PS3FANBOY
8/28/2008
8/27/2008
he only time we ever saw a PLAYSTATION Network card was when Sony gave us one for Christmas. Never -- not even once -- have we seen these cards available at a retail store. This is easily one of the most demanded items from our readers, many who don't have a credit card to use for the PSN. Thankfully, support for these cards will expand in September to stores we've actually heard of.
According to the PlayStation website, these pre-paid cards can be found at Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Rite-Aid this September. So whether you're renting a movie, drinking a Slurpee, or buying some condoms in a rush -- keep an eye out for these PSN cards.
PS3FANBOY
8/22/2008
It looks like Qore has scored yet another exclusive for its upcoming issue. The PSN video magazine will cover games like LittleBigPlanet, Prince of Persia, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift and BioShock. However, more exciting are the Burger King-sponsored downloads. Qore purchasers will be able to get their hands on the MotorStorm demo a month before the general public, and they'll also get an exclusive LittleBigPlanet theme.
Qore is available for $2.99 an issue, $24.99 for an annual subscription. Annual subscriptions include access to Calling All Cars.
PS3FANBOY
8/20/2008
As expected, Savage Moon was revealed for PSN at Leipzig today. This download exclusive is a strategy game with a terrifying bug-infested twist. Players must try to protect an isolated planetary outpost from rampaging hordes of gigantic, ravenous space bugs. It's like Starship Troopers ... meets PixelJunk Monsters.
PS3FANBOY
Europe is getting a wicked cool service to use early next year. Entitled VidZones, this new service, available in 23 European countries, including Australia and New Zealand, will allow PS3 fans to access an unlimited amount of streaming music videos on their PS3 for the incredible price of: free. You'll be able to create custom playlists and yes, you'll be able to stream it on your PSP via Remote Play. This will operate separately from the current PS3 Video Store.
In addition, users of VidZones will be able to download music videos and ringtones directly to their cell phones ... all for a nominal charge, of course. With this and PlayTV, the multimedia features of the European PS3 is far outclassing those of their (now jealous) neighbors.
PS3FANBOY
8/18/2008
While it was a feature touted when it originally debuted, it became increasingly clear that The Agency would unlikely have cross-platform play between the PS3 and PC versions. Now, it's official: the spy-themed SOE-developed MMO will definitely not have cross-platform play. The two worlds of the PS3 and PC versions will be kept separate. The reason? According to the developers, the imbalance between keyboard and mouse versus controller play.
"PC guys say, 'PS3 guys have aim assist and the controls nerfed for them'. And PS3 guys say, 'PC guys have a mouse and keyboard - it's all easier for them'. Even if it's not true," Hal Milton said. He also added, "a couple of members of our team gained a lot of experience working on Shadowrun, and no matter how well you fine-tune it, you end up with a player-base that's polarized." [Ed's note: Shadowrun is one of the few games that features cross-platform play between Windows and Xbox 360 systems.]
PS3Fanboy
8/15/2008
Do you have a friend on your XMB playing a game called Girl With a Stick? Well, guess what: it's the Resistance 2 closed beta. While these lucky few can enjoy some hot girl on stick action, the rest of us will have to wait until the public beta in September.
PS3FANBOY