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PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.10 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.10) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

The update adds a few new nice features including voice masking, DiVX and WMV support and Picture in Picture (PiP) support for BluRay discs that support the feature. Check out the full patch message below for details;

Voice Changer

  • The Voice Changer feature has been added to voice / video chat. > See details.

Music

  • You can now select [Type 3] as an option under [Settings] > [Music Settings] > [Bitmapping]. > See details.
  • A new pattern has been added for the visual player. > See details.

Video

  • DivX and VC-1 (WMV) have been added to the types of files that can be played. *1
  • Blu-ray Disc Profile 1.1 is now supported. *2
  • [BD Data Utility] has been added. *3

*1 To play VC-1 (WMV) format files, you must go to settings (Settings) > system settings (System Settings) and set [Enable WMA Playback].

Copyright-protected files or files that were encoded by using DivX 3.11 cannot be played.

Files that are 2GB or more cannot be played.

*2 You can now use the "Picture in Picture" feature that enables playback of two videos at the same time with some Profile 1.1-compatible Blu-ray Discs. Features available vary depending on the disc.

*3 Management data that is used by the Blu-ray Disc is saved here. – PlayStation Network Update 2.10

For further information or to obtain the update via the internet, check out the link below.

December 20, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony, Update | 1 Comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.01 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.01) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

This update adds a few nifty new features, including system stability updates for both backward compatible titles and web browsing along with improved upscaling capabilities. There have also been a few reports that the update has bricked more than it's share of PS3's, so if you have the ability to back up your saves, I'd suggest doing it before upgrading just as a precaution.

Check out the full list of new features below.

"The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 2.01 (with 2.00) update includes the following:

    • New for 2.01: System stability during use of some PLAYSTATION®3 format software has been improved.
    • New for 2.01: System stability has been improved for some operations, including the use of the Internet browser and  (Information Board).
    • New for 2.01: System stability during output of upscaled PlayStation®2 format software images has been improved.*1
    • New for 2.01: Functionality of the [Remote Start] feature has been changed to prevent an unintentional remote start. *2

*1 Applies only to models that support playback of PlayStation®2 format software. > See details

*2 If remote start via the Internet is enabled, the PS3™ system may turn on unintentionally, depending on the type of router in use. (In this case a remote play connection cannot be established.) To avoid unintentional power-up of the system, remote start via the Internet may be disabled automatically if a remote play connection is not established within a certain amount of time after the system is turned on. 

  • Custom themes
    • You can now customize the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) icons or background design. > See details
  • Playlists
    • You can now create playlists to organize content under [Music] and [Photo]. > See details
  • Information board
    • [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [Network]. PlayStation® related news can be displayed on the XMB™ screen. > See details
  • PLAYSTATION®Network category
    • [PLAYSTATION®Network] has been added as a category in the XMB™ home menu . > See details
  • Remote start
    • [Remote Start] has been added as an option under [Remote Play Settings]. A PS3™ system in standby mode can be turned on from a PSP® system used for remote play via the Internet. > See details

Other new or revised features in version 2.01 (with 2.00):

      • Settings
        • [Color], [Background], and [Font] have been added as options under [Theme Settings].
        • You can now select [Brightness] as an option under [Theme Settings] > [Background].
        • The procedure for setting [Internet Connection Settings] under [Network Settings] has been changed.
        • You can now select Canon printers with the [Printer Selection] option under [Printer Settings]. For a list of compatible printers, select here.
      • Game
        • [Vibration Function] has been added as an option under [Controller Settings] in the menu that is displayed when you press the PS button on a DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller. *
          *Available for purchase in early 2008.
      • Friends
        • You can now use the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera for voice / video chat.*
          * For details on the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera, select here." – PlayStation.com

For further information or to obtain the update via the internet, check out the link below.

November 25, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony, Update | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.0 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.0) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

This update adds a few nifty new features, including the ability to customize the XMB's icons and backgrounds, the ability for the system to be started remotely (via the PSP) and… vibration feedback support for the Dual Shock 3 controller! (Coming in early 2008 according to the patch notes)

Check out the full list of new features below.

  • Custom themes
    • You can now customize the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) icons or background design. > See details
  • Playlists
    • You can now create playlists to organize content under [Music] and [Photo]. > See details
  • Information board
    • [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [Network]. PlayStation® related news can be displayed on the XMB™ screen. > See details
  • PLAYSTATION®Network category
    • [PLAYSTATION®Network] has been added as a category in the XMB™ home menu . > See details
  • Remote start
    • [Remote Start] has been added as an option under [Remote Play Settings]. A PS3™ system in standby mode can be turned on from a PSP® system used for remote play via the Internet. > See details
  • Other new or revised features in version 2.00:
      • The voice / video chat menu has been changed.
      • You can now use the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera for voice / video chat.*
        * For details on the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera, select here.

Unfortunately, it looks like the ability to bring up the XMB while playing a game is still just a dream.

November 8, 2007 Posted by | Dual Shock, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony, Update | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATED TO V1.90

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3’s system software available for download via the PlayStation Network or the System Update page at PlayStation.com. The v1.90 software adds some new features to the PlayStation 3 including the ability to use custom wallpapers for the XrossMediaBar, emoticon support for text messages and upsampling for audio CDs. Check out the full text of the update note below to see all the newly added features;

The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.90 update includes the following:

  • Customizing wallpaper (Theme Settings)
  • You can now display an image as the background of XMB™ (XrossMediaBar).

Using emoticons

  • You can now use emoticons when creating messages under [Friends].

Entering text in the Internet browser

  • You can now enter text directly into text entry fields of Web pages using a USB keyboard.

Upsampling audio CD output

  • Upsampled output of audio CDs is now supported.

Other new or revised features in version 1.90:

  • Settings
    • [44.1/88.2/176.4 kHz] has been added as an option in [Audio CD Output Frequency] under [Music Settings].
    • [Type 2] has been added as an option in [Bitmapping] under [Music Settings].
    • [On] has been added as an option in [BD 1080p 24 Hz Output (HDMI)] under [BD/DVD Settings].
  • Video
    • The [Image Quality Adjustment] option in the control panel has been changed to [AV Settings].
    • You can now play AVCHD-format video files that are saved on Memory Stick™ media or on the hard disk of a video camera.
    • You can now operate the (Slow (Back)) and (Frame Reverse) functions when playing video files saved on storage media or on the hard disk.
  • Game
    • You can now adjust screen display settings while playing PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 format software.
    • You can now sort games that are saved on the hard disk.
  • Network
    • [Add to Bookmarks] has been added as an option in the [File] menu of the Internet browser.
  • Friends
    • When an avatar is displayed during a voice / video chat, the avatar now moves in response to audio.
  • Overall
    • [Eject Disc] has been added in the options menu for discs.
    • You can now select [Group Content] when changing a file or folder icon.

For further information on how to use the above features, head on over to the PlayStation 3 System Update page at PlayStation.com.

July 25, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony, Update | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION NETWORK TO FEATURE E3 VIDEO CONTENT

Just a quick note here – Sony has announced that they will be putting many of the trailers and videos of upcoming PlayStation 3 games on the PlayStation Network over the course of the coming week. There is no word on whether they’ll be throwing playable demos into the mix as well, but we can all hope.

July 9, 2007 Posted by | Announcements, E3, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Network, Sony | Leave a comment

HEAVENLY SWORD DEMO COMING IN THE “VERY NEAR FUTURE”

While surfing the net earlier today, I discovered (by way of Kotaku) that IGN is now hosting a blog for the folks from Ninja Theory – the development house behind Heavenly Sword. In the most recent post, Heavenly’s producer, Mat Hart, not only talks a bit about what gamers can expect to see and experience when Heavenly Sword hits retail, but also took the time to answer a few questions from readers.

While much of the information Hart dished out was quite interesting (such as the fact that there will be no jump button in the game) the biggest bit of news didn’t come until page four of the Q&A session… according to Hart, a playable demo of Heavenly Sword will be coming to the PlayStation Network in the “very near future”;

“I can confirm that we are, of course, going to be releasing a demo for Heavenly Sword…and soon! This will be downloadable via the Playstation Network…so keep an eye out for this in the very near future…and i mean very near future!” – Mat Hart

That above emphasis on “very near” has led many to believe that Sony will counter Microsoft’s “Bringing it Home” promotion by releasing the aforementioned demo during E3. I’ll be one of the many people keeping my fingers crossed for just such an occurrence.

One last thing to note is that Hart confirmed that there will be no collector’s edition of Heavenly Sword, though he did mention that the game will be loaded with bonus content usually reserved for special editions. Heavenly Sword is slated to release later this year exclusively for the PlayStation 3.

July 5, 2007 Posted by | Demo, Heavenly Sword, Ninja Theory, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Network, Sony | Leave a comment

WIPEOUT HD COMING TO PLAYSTATION 3 THIS YEAR

1UP.com is reporting that Sony will be releasing a downloadable game in the Wipeout series for the PlayStation 3 before the year is done. Wipeout HD will not be a full fledged sequel – that job will be left to an as-of-yet unnamed Wipeout title which should be hitting the PS3 some time in 2008. Wipeout HD will most likely feature an online multiplayer mode played out on high-definition versions of the tracks found in the upcoming Wipeout Pulse for the PSP.

Now, back when the series first started, I was a huge fan of the game. I remember playing the game on my Sega Saturn and loving it, only to have my jaw drop to the floor a few months later when I picked up a PlayStation and witnessed it with the PSX’s lighting effects. Hell, I loved the game so much, that when I purchased a second PlayStation just prior to the release of Resident Evil 2, I immediately picked up another copy of Wipeout along with a system-link cable in hopes of playing some two screen races with friends. While the more recent additions to the series have lost something along the way, I’m still looking towards this release with some anticipation – after all, you never know when lightning could strike twice.

June 26, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation Network, Racing, Sony, Wipeout | Leave a comment

QUICK FIX: DO YOUR PLAYSTATION 3 UPSCALED VIDEOS LOOK WASHED OUT WITH HDMI?

If you’ve noticed that your PlayStation 3 upscaled DVD playback looks decidedly washed out when using a HDMI connection after downloading the v1.80 update like mine did, this simple fix could be the answer to your problems. Go to your settings tab on the PlayStation 3’s menu and choose BD/DVD Settings. Next go to the BD/DVD Video Out Format (HDMI) tab and change the setting from “automatic” to “RGB”. That’s it, you’re done. Hopefully your problem is now fixed and you can enjoy some upscaled DVD content.

I’ve noticed there’s also been some confusion as to what many of the new upscaling menu items actually do – here’s some information straight from PlayStation.com

“Upscaling game or DVD output
You can now upscale the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation®2 format software, and DVDs to HD resolution.
What is upscaling?
Upscaling is a feature that can be used to enable content recorded in SD resolution (480p/480i) to be displayed in HD resolution (1080p/1080i/720p). Because the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation®2 format software, and commercial DVDs is recorded in SD resolution, the resolution can be raised by upscaling the video output.
Upscaling game output
(Game Settings) has been added as an option under (Settings). You can adjust settings for upscaled output of PlayStation® format software and PlayStation®2 format software. The options available under [Game Settings] are [PS/PS2 Upscaler] and [PS/PS2 Smoothing]. These options are described below.
PS/PS2 Upscaler
You can adjust settings to upscale video output from PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® format software.
Off
Disable upscaled output.
Note
  • If image quality is reduced or the image does not look right when upscaled, set this option to [Off].
PS/PS2 Smoothing
You can adjust settings to reduce the roughness of video from PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® format software.
Off
Disable smoothing.
Notes
  • The [PS/PS2 Smoothing] setting can be used even when [PS/PS2 Upscaler] is set to [Off].
  • With some software, the smoothing effect may not be noticeable or image quality may be reduced if this option is set to [On]. In that case, set to [Off].
Upscaling DVD output
[DVD Upscaler] has been added as an option in (BD/DVD Settings) under (Settings). You can adjust settings for upscaled output of DVDs.
Off
Disable upscaled output.
* This option can be used only when the PS3™ system is set to output video at 1080p or 1080i via an HDMI or component AV cable.
Notes
  • When playing copyright-protected DVD content such as the content on commercially available DVD-Video, an HDMI cable is required to upscale the video content.
  • If image quality is reduced or the image does not look right when upscaled, set this option to [Off].” – PlayStation.com

I hope that helps any of you who’ve been having issues.

May 25, 2007 Posted by | DVD Upscaling, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Quick Fix, Sony, Troubleshooting | Leave a comment

QUICK FIX: DO YOUR PLAYSTATION 3 UPSCALED VIDEOS LOOK WASHED OUT WITH HDMI?

If you’ve noticed that your PlayStation 3 upscaled DVD playback looks decidedly washed out when using a HDMI connection after downloading the v1.80 update like mine did, this simple fix could be the answer to your problems. Go to your settings tab on the PlayStation 3’s menu and choose BD/DVD Settings. Next go to the BD/DVD Video Out Format (HDMI) tab and change the setting from “automatic” to “RGB”. That’s it, you’re done. Hopefully your problem is now fixed and you can enjoy some upscaled DVD content.

I’ve noticed there’s also been some confusion as to what many of the new upscaling menu items actually do – here’s some information straight from PlayStation.com

“Upscaling game or DVD output
You can now upscale the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation®2 format software, and DVDs to HD resolution.
What is upscaling?
Upscaling is a feature that can be used to enable content recorded in SD resolution (480p/480i) to be displayed in HD resolution (1080p/1080i/720p). Because the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation®2 format software, and commercial DVDs is recorded in SD resolution, the resolution can be raised by upscaling the video output.
Upscaling game output
(Game Settings) has been added as an option under (Settings). You can adjust settings for upscaled output of PlayStation® format software and PlayStation®2 format software. The options available under [Game Settings] are [PS/PS2 Upscaler] and [PS/PS2 Smoothing]. These options are described below.
PS/PS2 Upscaler
You can adjust settings to upscale video output from PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® format software.
Off
Disable upscaled output.
Note
  • If image quality is reduced or the image does not look right when upscaled, set this option to [Off].
PS/PS2 Smoothing
You can adjust settings to reduce the roughness of video from PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® format software.
Off
Disable smoothing.
Notes
  • The [PS/PS2 Smoothing] setting can be used even when [PS/PS2 Upscaler] is set to [Off].
  • With some software, the smoothing effect may not be noticeable or image quality may be reduced if this option is set to [On]. In that case, set to [Off].
Upscaling DVD output
[DVD Upscaler] has been added as an option in (BD/DVD Settings) under (Settings). You can adjust settings for upscaled output of DVDs.
Off
Disable upscaled output.
* This option can be used only when the PS3™ system is set to output video at 1080p or 1080i via an HDMI or component AV cable.
Notes
  • When playing copyright-protected DVD content such as the content on commercially available DVD-Video, an HDMI cable is required to upscale the video content.
  • If image quality is reduced or the image does not look right when upscaled, set this option to [Off].” – PlayStation.com

I hope that helps any of you who’ve been having issues.

May 25, 2007 Posted by | DVD Upscaling, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony, Troubleshooting | 1 Comment

PLAYSTATION SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPGRADED TO V1.60

A little behind on this one, but Sony has upgraded the PlayStation 3’s system software to version 1.60, and this time around, the new features are more than just cosmetic. Before we get to the full upgrade description, let’s stalk about the most important (imho) aspect of the v1.60 system update, and that’s the addition of background downloading. Just like the Xbox 360, you can now use your PlayStation 3 while downloading content from the PlayStation store without having to interrupt your download except in the following circumstances;

  • When playing a Blu-ray Disc or DVD
  • When using network features of online games
  • When starting PlayStation®2 format software
  • When starting (Folding@home™)
  • When using voice / video chat
  • When performing a system update
  • When adjusting setting items under (Settings)

Background downloading was without a doubt at the top of many people’s wish lists for the PlayStation 3, and I’m glad to see that Sony has begun to implement it. Now if they can just speed up the download rate from the PlayStation Store, things would really be cooking.

Here’s the full patch message as per Sony’s PlayStation 3 system software page;

"The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.60 update includes the following:Precision Zoom and Resolution settings (Internet Browser)

Precision Zoom: You can automatically enlarge to optimal viewing size the area on the screen where the pointer is located. By analyzing the Web page source, the system automatically calculates the best enlargement ratio based on the area where the pointer is located. Select here for details.

Adjusting the resolution: You can adjust Web page size for optimal viewing based on the PS3™ system’s video output resolution. A setting to reduce flickering of the screen when outputting in interlace mode has also been added. Select here for details.

Full-size keyboard You can now use a full-size on-screen keyboard to enter text. Select here for details.

Background DownloadSupport for background downloading of data has been added. Select here for details.

Folding@home™You can now download and use the Folding@home™ program. Folding@home™ is a distributed computing project that is run by Stanford University. The goal of the project is to research protein folding mechanisms in the hope that this will lead to medical treatments for related diseases. Using the Folding@home™ program, you can participate in this project over the Internet. Note that the program must first be downloaded and installed on your PS3™ system. Select here for details.

Remote play via an access point

You can now use the remote play feature from a PSP® system via an access point. You can establish a remote play connection with a PS3™ system that is not equipped with the wireless LAN feature (20 GB model). Select here for details. Other new or revised features in version 1.60:

  • Overall

    • Support for playback of BD-RE (Blu-ray Disc Rewritable) ver 3.0 has been added.
    • The PS3™ system can now automatically detect an HDMI connection to a TV. If the PS3™ system is turned on with an HDMI cable connected, the screen for switching video output settings will be displayed automatically.*
      * Does not function unless the TV that is connected by the HDMI cable is turned on.
      * If you are already using the HDMI OUT connector, the screen for switching video output settings will not be displayed.
  • Settings

    • Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, Chinese (Simplified) and Chinese (Traditional) have been added as options in [System Language] under [System Settings].
    • You can now select the character set to be used for file names under [System Settings] > [Character Set].
    • [Enable WMA Playback] has been added as an option under [System Settings].
    • [Disc Auto-Start] has been added as an option under [System Settings].
    • You can now restore backed up data to another PS3™ system under [System Settings] > [Backup Utility].
    • You can now register a keyboard and a mouse under [Accessory Settings] > [Register Bluetooth® Device].
    • [Remote Play Settings] has been added as an option.
  • Music

    • Support for playback of DSD (Direct Stream Digital) discs has been added. *
      * These discs are music discs created using SonicStage Mastering Studio Version 2.1 or later or DSD Direct Version 2.0 or later (both Sony products, sold separately).
  • Video

    • Motion JPEG and AVCHD (.m2ts) have been added as playable formats.
  • Network

  • Friends

    • [Start New Chat] has been added as an option." – PlayStation 3 system software page

March 29, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony | Leave a comment

SONY ANNOUNCES IT’S PLAN FOR THE ONLINE FUTURE OF THE PLAYSTATION 3

Yesterday at the Game Developer’s Conference, Sony unveiled their plans for the future of the PlayStation 3’s online service. The new feature, named PlayStation Home, looks to be an integration of the matchmaking capabilities of Xbox Live with the personalization of the Mii avatars on the Wii.

"Home is a real-time online 3D, networked community available on the PLAYSTATION®Network.  It allows PS3 users to interact, communicate, join online games, shop, share private content and even build and show off their own personal spaces to others in real time.  Home will be available as a free download from the PLAYSTATION®Store and will launch directly from XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) on PS3." – Sony press release

In short, PlayStation 3 owners would create virtual avatars that could move around in a 3d online world where they could use all aspects of Sony’s network service – without paying a monthly fee, I might add. At first glance it all seems very cool, just the same way the 3DNA desktop seemed like a fabulous idea for the PC. However, when you stop and think about it, when you’re trying to get to a specific piece of data, be it a demo, a video or entering a waiting room for an online game, do you really want to spend time walking there or do you just want to get in, get what you want and get out? Further, the idea of being constantly surrounded by many of the very people I go out of my way to avoid when I’m online certainly isn’t a selling point to me. Basically, I look at the core concept of the PlayStation Home as being something that old school PC users would say is "very pretty"- in other words, nice to look at, but totally impractical – and probably one that won’t be used by many as the main interface for Sony’s network services.

That’s not to say that there aren’t a few ideas in there that I don’t find very appealing. First and foremost is the idea of a public/private trophy room. I look at this as a virtual version of the achievement points system, which I think we all know is one of Xbox Live’s big hooks. This feature could conceivably eliminate part of the advantage I feel the Xbox 360 versions of multiplatform titles currently hold.

Secondly, I like the idea of being able to create a personal space where you could show videos, leave general messages, etc. It seems to me to be a potentially great way to share information without having to log off to check the internet. Even more intriguing is the ability for developers to essentially set up an online marketplace for their products. What I see in this is the potential for these spaces to become a virtual E3 of sorts where developers could allow the public an even closer feel than we currently get on any competing service. Think about it, not only could a developer present demos and videos of their game from this marketplace, but you could make announcements, run live contests and even have employees interact with your customers. Is that view an extremely ambitious idea for how the service could be used? Sure, but until we know just what the network’s limitations are, the sky really could be the limit.

There are other things that I worry about, things like latency, pricing and longevity. How much will all of these visual elements affect the performance of the PlayStation network service as far as actually playing games goes? Will Sony turn to a model of charging for every little thing you may want to do in order to keep the service profitable? Will Sony provide support for their games for more than just a few token years, or will we see games being removed from the service long before the console it’s played on heads off into the sunset.

Rather than ramble on and on, I’ll cut this one short until I know more about what we can really expect from the PlayStation Home. In the meantime, I found some of the video from Sony’s presentation on YouTube, so check it out below to learn more about what to expect when the PlayStation Home launches later this year.

March 8, 2007 Posted by | Announcements, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Home, PlayStation Network, Sony | Leave a comment

WARHAWK DOWNGRADED TO DOWNLOADABLE MULTIPLAYER GAME

As the rumor mill hinted at awhile back, it appears that Sony’s PlayStation 3 title Warhawk will no longer be seeing a full retail release. According to an article over at Kotaku, IGN’s weekly webcast features an interview with the developers over at Incognito Entertainment, where they confirm that the game will indeed be reduced to a multiplayer game only available via a download from the PlayStation Store. According to Warhawk’s director, Dylan Jobe, the reason behind the change is that the single player mode just wasn’t coming along well, so they decided to just focus on the multiplayer aspects of the game.

I’m getting more and more nervous about Heavenly Sword’s fate. It seems to me that the less Sony mentions a game, the worse things are going for it – and we haven’t heard anything official about Heavenly Sword in awhile now. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed.

March 3, 2007 Posted by | Downloadable Content, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Network, Rumors, Sony | Leave a comment

SONY THREATENS TO BLACKLIST KOTAKU, BACKS OFF

Before you think I’m having a Sony love-in today, it’s time to prove that Sony can never have a good day without stepping in it at the same time. Here’s the short version of today’s Public Relations nightmare;

It apparently began when Kotaku’s Brian Crecente contacted Sony regarding a story they were looking to break. The story was in reference to a service Sony will apparently be introducing at next week’s Game Developer’s Conference (GDC) which will be a mix of Microsoft’s Achievement point system and Nintendo’s Mii avatars. Rather than just giving the usual "We don’t comment on rumors" line, Dave Karraker, Sony’s senior director of corporate communications, contacted Crecente and basically advised them not to run the story under threat of harming Kotaku’s relationship with Sony.

Thankfully, Crecente decided his loyalty was to his readers and games journalism, not Sony. As such, he politely responded to Sony that they would be running the story anyway… and then it got ugly. Karraker responded to Crecente’s e-mail by advising them that he "can’t defend outlets that can’t work cooperatively with us." and notifying Crecente that effective immediately, Sony would be cutting off Kotaku from any official communications with Sony. They cancelled all interviews scheduled with Kotaku staffers during the GDC and revoked the site’s invitation to their media event next week. Pretty grim, eh?

What Sony didn’t realize at the time, and probably still don’t fully understand, is something that I’ve touched on here a few times before. This isn’t 1995. Simply put, the days when print magazines had to kiss ass because the only place to get news about a console was directly from the manufacturer are long gone. Truth be told, Sony probably needs Kotaku more than Kotaku needs Sony.

Regardless of whether you agree with that last point, what happened next was pretty amazing. The story was picked up by multiple game sites and within a few short hours, the sheer amount of negative press made Sony rethink their position. Karraker contacted Crecente one last time, and both decided that while they would agree to disagree on the issue at hand, it was in the best interests of both Sony and Kotaku to renew their relationship.

First off, let me give a huge salute to Brian Crecente and the folks over at Kotaku who kept their heads during the few hours all hell must have been breaking loose around them. There’s a reason why Kotaku is my number one stop for gaming news, and that’s because since I started reading their site, I’ve grown to trust them to be honest about what they think and feel. As a reader, knowing that someone can’t buy or bully Kotaku into saying something other than what they really believe is a huge selling point.

Secondly, let me say that it really is time someone at Sony wakes the hell up and smells the internet. If you want positive press, earn it – no one worth reading is going to just give it to you just because you say so. No one is going to just accept the company line without questioning the stupid things you may say. Accept it, Deal with it and adapt to the new world. Thank you.

March 2, 2007 Posted by | Kotaku, Oops, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Home, PlayStation Network, PR Nightmare, Sony | Leave a comment