Microsoft: PlayStation Network Needs More Work
Xbox Live product manager likes things slow and simple
Microsoft's group product manager for Xbox and Xbox Live, Aaron Greenberg, has been sharing his thoughts on the PlayStation Network (PSN). Unsurprisingly, he thinks it has some positive points, but it's not on a par with Xbox Live.
Greenberg's basic message was that PSN has a way to go. Speaking on the network's multiplayer offering, he said, “It’s not a unified service, so if I’m playing Resistance for example and a friend of mine is in the dashboard, I can’t invite him into the game… unifying that across all the games and the dash, there’s not that consistent experience. It’s not built into the core platform which is something for us which is very important.”
He also took a sly poke at non-gaming content on PSN. When asked about the digital delivery of multimedia content on the network, Greenberg said, “I’m somewhat surprised that Sony hasn’t done that considering they have that stuff in-house.”
It wasn't all criticism, however. He did deliver Sony a couple of backhanded compliments. “Well first, the fact that they are investing online validates what we believe is really important to the space and to grow gaming… they're saying that it does matter... We feel if online matters to you you’re going to vote with our console because we feel we have the best online offering but I would say their commitment is probably the most important thing.” So, basically, Sony strengthening its online offering is its way of tipping its hat to Microsoft. That's very big of you, Mr Greenberg.
He also indicated that the PlayStation Store is akin to a pair of really comfy old slippers, saying, “I like their store. It’s different… It’s more like being on a web page, so to me it’s a little slower and a little harder to navigate because of that, but visually its familiar... I think the original PS1 games. I think bringing those back makes sense, it’s in their library.”
Greenberg also took a moment to get defensive about the fact Microsoft charges for Xbox Live, saying, “To me I don’t think price is a big issue. I really think that if you look at Live almost everything we offer is free.”
Greenberg doesn't feel that the price of Xbox Live is a problem for Microsoft's desire to hit a larger audience. “I think you get what you pay for, There’s no hacking, cheating, grieving. Well, not any more,” he said.
Source: GameTrailers' Bonus Round
Greenberg's basic message was that PSN has a way to go. Speaking on the network's multiplayer offering, he said, “It’s not a unified service, so if I’m playing Resistance for example and a friend of mine is in the dashboard, I can’t invite him into the game… unifying that across all the games and the dash, there’s not that consistent experience. It’s not built into the core platform which is something for us which is very important.”
He also took a sly poke at non-gaming content on PSN. When asked about the digital delivery of multimedia content on the network, Greenberg said, “I’m somewhat surprised that Sony hasn’t done that considering they have that stuff in-house.”
It wasn't all criticism, however. He did deliver Sony a couple of backhanded compliments. “Well first, the fact that they are investing online validates what we believe is really important to the space and to grow gaming… they're saying that it does matter... We feel if online matters to you you’re going to vote with our console because we feel we have the best online offering but I would say their commitment is probably the most important thing.” So, basically, Sony strengthening its online offering is its way of tipping its hat to Microsoft. That's very big of you, Mr Greenberg.
He also indicated that the PlayStation Store is akin to a pair of really comfy old slippers, saying, “I like their store. It’s different… It’s more like being on a web page, so to me it’s a little slower and a little harder to navigate because of that, but visually its familiar... I think the original PS1 games. I think bringing those back makes sense, it’s in their library.”
Greenberg also took a moment to get defensive about the fact Microsoft charges for Xbox Live, saying, “To me I don’t think price is a big issue. I really think that if you look at Live almost everything we offer is free.”
Greenberg doesn't feel that the price of Xbox Live is a problem for Microsoft's desire to hit a larger audience. “I think you get what you pay for, There’s no hacking, cheating, grieving. Well, not any more,” he said.
Source: GameTrailers' Bonus Round
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Comments
JK 14 Jun 2007 11:00
1/7
I really like the playstation network for online gaming. Probably because its free and i done have a wireless thingy for my xbox 360.
homes 14 Jun 2007 11:26
2/7
um I kinda get the feeling that "Home" is going to be Sony's real interface to the PSN
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oldest gamer 14 Jun 2007 11:38
3/7
I guess Live's days are numbered. Only 6 million users in 6 years? This also includes original xbox users, silver 360 users and 360 gold users. Live gold sales wouldn't exist if they put multi player for free with silver. M$ knows it, us gamers know it as well. Hey, people can pay for play if they want, they have choice. I have used both services and have found Live users to be too obnoxious, the service too laggy and most games are unplayable online because of the 'lag rape' technique in use on the Live service since it's inception. While on the PSN service quite the opposite.
alexh2o 14 Jun 2007 12:06
4/7
oldest gamer wrote:
I guess Live's days are numbered. Only 6 million users in 6 years? This also includes original xbox users, silver 360 users and 360 gold users. Live gold sales wouldn't exist if they put multi player for free with silver. M$ knows it, us gamers know it as well. Hey, people can pay for play if they want, they have choice. I have used both services and have found Live users to be too obnoxious, the service too laggy and most games are unplayable online because of the 'lag rape' technique in use on the Live service since it's inception. While on the PSN service quite the opposite.
Ummm you seriously cant actually have tried both services or are some major Sony fanboy. Claiming that Live is laggy and the PSN is perfect is just rediculous! Both services are equal, if anything Id say Live was slightly better, but its entirely dependant on who you are playing and where they live! If you had any sense you wouldnt go playing someone in Oz because the lag is a good 3 secs on both (living in the UK). If you play someone on your street its seemless on both.
Joji 14 Jun 2007 13:45
5/7
It's good and mature of that MS chap to say what he has. So easy it is for anyone to paint negatives and nothing more.
I too think that Home will eventually be PSN main interface when its done. That should prove interesting. Live is a good service, which I was at first sceptical about paying for, but for £40 for 12 months ( I actually got mine for £20) its worth it if you do the math. I do feel and have done for ages, that MS should ditch the silver service and just have the gold one. This way everyone gets the chance to get online out of the box and Live would get more users. So far because of this, they are chaining their leg with a huge iron ball.
As for PSN browser I've heard its horribly slow from my friend. PS Store looks good though, a nice museum feel to its look. He's right though, Sony need to work on the whole thing more yet as they go along, but saying that Live still has it's problems.
I too think that Home will eventually be PSN main interface when its done. That should prove interesting. Live is a good service, which I was at first sceptical about paying for, but for £40 for 12 months ( I actually got mine for £20) its worth it if you do the math. I do feel and have done for ages, that MS should ditch the silver service and just have the gold one. This way everyone gets the chance to get online out of the box and Live would get more users. So far because of this, they are chaining their leg with a huge iron ball.
As for PSN browser I've heard its horribly slow from my friend. PS Store looks good though, a nice museum feel to its look. He's right though, Sony need to work on the whole thing more yet as they go along, but saying that Live still has it's problems.
Hypnotoad 15 Jun 2007 00:27
6/7
Greenberg doesn't feel that the price of Xbox Live is a problem for Microsoft's desire to hit a larger audience. “I think you get what you pay for, There’s no hacking, cheating, grieving. Well, not any more,” he said.
*cough*bullshit*cough*
Hacked boxes are back online and nothing has changed in terms of their claims of hacking/cheating etc. I'm getting SO PISSED OFF with the industry lying right to out faces. Why won't any of these company's call it how it is? i.e. "There are still tools out there modifying their boxes and running copied games that are driving costs up as a result - we're doing all we can to stop these people & rest assured that we shall always maintain the integrity of our online service with a zero tolerance stance on cheating and or hacking should it ever be suspected."
Nah, the truth just never sounds as good.
DoctorDee 15 Jun 2007 08:37
7/7
Hypnotoad wrote:
"There are still tools out there modifying their boxes and running copied games that are driving costs up as a result - we're doing all we can to stop these people & rest assured that we shall always maintain the integrity of our online service with a zero tolerance stance on cheating and or hacking should it ever be suspected."
Nah, the truth just never sounds as good.
Nah, the truth just never sounds as good.
I actually thought your plausible version of the truth sounded FAR better than the specious version proposed by Microsoft.