eric-lempel
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Sony outlines firmware update plans for 2008
Faster and fewer -- that's apparently Sony's plan for 2008 regarding firmware updates. In an interview with MTV Multiplayer, SCEA's Eric Lempel talked a bit about the old firmware strategy and outlined what we can expect in 2008. He said that "We're trying to certainly cut down on the amount of times we do it ... We definitely understand that it does happen frequently and that can be somewhat annoying to some users." We haven't been particularly bothered by it, but a few times it has hindered our ability to satisfy an urge to play a game online.For those who got the PS3 around launch in November of 2006, you will have experienced the original PlayStation servers -- those things that were really slow and irritating? Things have sped up since then and things are planned to continue to speed up, says Lempel. In addition to little things like no longer having to connect the controller via USB during updates, "we'll continue to work on other ways of making it easier and faster and we'll probably roll those out some time next year." We look forward to hearing what's in store for us. In-game messaging and a possible soundtrack customization option is really all we need. Nobody can honestly care about watching a streaming video while their game is paused, right? Or viewing a slideshow of pictures? Let's be reasonable.
Sony working on direct-to-PSP download store
Now that PSP owners in the US can finally access the Playstation store without a PS3, it looks like Sony's getting ready to take the next logical step and cut the computer out of the equation as well. Speaking to MTV's Multiplayer blog, Playstation Network operations chief Eric Lempel said PSP downloads were "Something we're thinking about. With the capability of the PSP it's something that should be possible...it's just a matter of priorities and some technology that we need to make it all work right and make sure the content is delivered securely, just to protect some of our [intellectual properties]." Lempel went on to say that Sony is also working on an iTunes-like syncing functionality for the PSP, and that Mac support will be forthcoming. All in all, it seems like interesting times are ahead for Sony's newly-revived little gamer.[Via The Boy Genius Report]
PSP Store expands, will include beats, SOCOM and Twisted Metal
The launch of the PSP Store was quite muted, catching even the writers of PSP Fanboy off-guard. The PC-compatible Store allows PSP fans to download demos, themes and full games onto their system -- but why the stealthy launch? As of now, only the most hardcore PSP fans (that read sites like ours) know about the service. Eric Lempel, director of the PSN, explains: "we felt like if we made a big splash there might not be enough there to make everybody happy now. We're going to ramp up slowly... We really didn't want to position this as something that's going to replace all the other ways of getting content for your PSP at this time." Essentially, the Store simply doesn't have enough content on it right now to warrant a big promotion. Over time, we're bound to see a lot more hype surrounding the Store.This week, PSP owners will be able to download beats, a Store-exclusive music program. In the coming weeks, SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo and Twisted Metal: Head On will also be added. Interestingly, Lempel also talks about fl0w and Everyday Shooter as examples of games that would be perfect for PSP. We'd agree. Finally, for those that have been voicing their concerns -- a Mac version of the Store is "something the team in Tokyo is looking at."Make sure you check out MTV's full interview to get almost every question you could possibly have about the PSP Store answered.
Paid subscription a possibility for the future of PlayStation Network
Paying for a subscription would certainly seem to be a possibility, especially as the long-rumored feature upgrades come filing into the PlayStation Network. When speaking with Geoff Keighley on the latest edition of Gametrailers' Bonus Round, Eric Lempel spoke about the PlayStation Network's current free service and that, "in time, anything can change." Comparing the PlayStation Network to Microsoft's Xbox Live service, Lempel, Sony's director of Network Operations reconfirmed "we're working on an achievements system," describing its inclusion as "an important feature." Voice-chat across all games is also something (thankfully) that Mr. Lempel touched base on, saying "talking across games ... definitely builds momentum for games and actually migrate(s) users to other games and keeps you in touch with your gaming community." We couldn't agree more. Exactly when these implementations will make it to a PS3 near you, via firmware upgrade, is uncertain. "It's not in the next firmware update but it's something we're working on," says Mr. Lempel. We certainly hope so, though we are catching wind of the potential trade-off here. What do you think? Would you pay a subscription fee (similar to Xbox Live) for a plan that allows cross-game invites, built-in voice chat for all multiplayer games and a similar achievement points implementation? Or would you rather say the heck with all that, and voice to keep the PlayStation Network free for all, setting it apart from Microsoft's Xbox Live service? [Via Next-Gen]
