Pitifully Plain Perspectives

Still Waiting...

2010-07-28T23:49:00.000+02:00

Well, I do realize that I haven't posted anything in a -yet another- long time.
Problem is, I am currently waiting for the only company in the country capable of installing physical infrastructure to one's house, to come and install said infrastructure.

All in the dream of finally being able to get unlimited, stable, internet access at an affordable price.

I really wish there was an easier way, but there isn't.

Telkom (the company I mentioned) has been stalling on my line installation for almost 4 weeks now.

Absolutely no progress is being made at all, and no status or news are forthcoming from the telecoms operator. The call center cannot even tell me exactly what the problem or delay is all about. Short of some call center employee once telling me that it is related to some cable problem, nothing is happening.

Saddest part is, it cannot be a cable problem. There is no cable!
Isn't the whole point of this exercise to install that cable?!

AAAAAARRRGGGHHH!

I am surely going to go mad before this gets anywhere near completion...

Wish me luck!

In need of a fix.

2010-06-24T14:58:00.000+02:00

With E3 well behind us, and the information flood opening up on Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), one has to ponder...

What now?

With a whole lot of videos, screen-shots, interviews and information coming from E3, even sites that previously had no interest in FFXIV are now showing some fervor.

It is sad however, that information is no longer enough. I am now so far past excitement, that mere information snippets will no longer cut it.
I need something tangible!

It would definitely be a smart move for SE to release a preview of the character creation screen for download, based on the current Beta client.
Surely, a whole slew of video clips and other information is available on character creation after E3, with SE's booth prominently featuring demo setups for it.

The FFXIV Benchmark Application released by SE just before E3 was very welcome, and even gave some insight on your PC's ability to play the game. Above that it also gives a decent preview of what the game currently looks like, but not much in the way of interactivity is offered.

Years back, with FFXI on the Beta track, a Character Creation demo was available from SE, and I can only hope they will do the same this time around.

Truth be told...
I feel a little like a junkie.
I need a fix.

And I need it to be a big one.

PS3 Keyboards and Controllers - MMO Edition

2010-06-20T09:07:00.007+02:00

A little while back, I did a review on the Sony PS3 Wireless Keypad which I obtained while replacing my dead PS3. After a rather interesting topic popped up in a forum I regularly visit, I have decided to post up a short review on some other devices out in the market, with the specific focus on MMO usability on the PS3.

It's of course no secret by now, that I am heavily excited for the release of Final Fantasy XIV later this year, which will include PS3 as a release platform.
For the most part, when players think of MMO and PS3, they come out frowning. The PS3 is not the greatest thing since velcro-pants when it comes to communication, mainly due to the primary control method being the Sixaxis or DualShock controllers.

Its a rather uncomfortable juggle to switch between one's USB keyboard and wireless (or otherwise, wired) controller while playing a game.
So without further ado, a short list of practical wireless keyboard options for the PS3 in an MMO-type environment.

First and foremost, a short revision of my favorite toy.

The Sony PS3 Wireless Keypad

This little toy is simply fantastic, and I have been using it non-stop since I bought one a few months ago.
It's features include a fully functional QWERTY keypad, an integrated touchpad feature, internal battery with incredible life, a mini-USB port for charging, and BlueTooth connectivity.
A true winner for ergonomics, portability, functionality and style.

The Logitech MediaBoard Pro for PS3

This wireless keyboard is from famed input device manufacturer, Logitech, and seems a sure winner for the candidate who simply must have a full-sized keyboard.
With an integrated touchpad on the right side, it adds free function to the PS3's crippled browser, and might even come in handy for some MMO's in the future.
Connectivity powered by Bluetooth and specifically designed and customized for the PS3, I have no doubts that this device will perform exactly as advertised.

The Unbranded 3-in-1 PS3 Controller

This little gem popped up from Amazon, although its source seems sketchy at best. With at least 3 different variations found from various online shops, one has to question the reliability and above all, integrity, of this little device.
No reviews or extended information is readily available and one can only guess at its features.
If all conclusions from the image is correct, this little gadget features as a PS3 controller, BlueRay remote, and functional mini-keyboard, all in one.
Connectivity is unknown, and speculation can only suggest a 2.4Ghz Wireless USB dongle, as no Bluetooth markings can be found on the device, in the image.
It seems to be a slide-out design, with the PS3 controller and Keyboard at the bottom of the device. Personally, I would rather have had the BlueRay remote component be the sliding-out part, with the controller and keyboard taking the front page.
A useful looking gadget, with lots of potential. Too bad it is not backed by any reputable companies, or it might just find its way into my house!

The Cideko Air Keyboard Wireless Media Keyboard

This odd-looking little device is a compact wireless keyboard, and deserves a small mention, at the very least. Also found on Amazon.com, this little toy has the potential to be comfortable and compact enough to not be obtrusive, yet large enough to make its user not feel as if he is texting on his mobile phone.
Drawing some info from the image alone, suggest the device might be a little bulky and inconvenient to hold, if one has smaller hands, and further merit would have to be gathered from online reviews and user responses (which I have not located at the time of writing).
Connection is via a 2.4Ghz Wireless USB Dongle, so it might not be perfect for users who already have very limited ports available on their PS3's.

The Logitech diNovo Mini

This keyboard and touchpad/directional-pad combo deserves special mention. Simply put: an incredible device from Logitech, specifically aimed at the user who prefers a reasonably sized, fully functional, yet portable keyboard for their PS3. Once again, specifically designed and customized for the PS3, Logitech has a sure winner here.
Bluetooth connectivity, lightweight, durable, compact and comfortable keys make this device perfect for the PS3 user on the couch.

That's is if you don't mind the price-tag...

The Wireless Rii Mini PC Keyboard with Touchpad Laser Pointer

This little device seems all too good to be true at first glance. Sadly, it is. Even though not specifically designed for PS3, I have found 2 user reviews with positive feedback regarding the device on the PS3. A small and compact solution to the key- and track-pad shortage of the PS3, but certainly not the best choice.
A mention is still deserved, and thus it gets just that.
Extremely lightweight and portable, with the downside of relatively short battery life. The device uses a 2.4Ghz Wireless USB dongle, so yet again, if you are short on ports...
The price-tag is reasonable, but considering the Bluetooth alternatives, one may be prompted to look elsewhere.

The Hori PS3 MMO Controller

This enormous creation if from a little-known manufacturer named Hori. It attempts similar to what the Sony PS3 Wireless Keypad
Further complicating the device, is the clear indication from the image, that it comes as USB connectivity. This is all fair and well for somebody playing on a desk or table, but for the average couch-gamer, I think Hori has missed the proverbial bulls-eye by quite a margin.
With further details and information unavailable at the time of writing, a price-tag and other specifics, such as dimensions and availability, is currently unknown.

All one has to do is look to that the past, at examples like the Logitech NetPlay, which was made for PS2. One has to wonder why Logitech never released a similar but improved version of this oldie, for the PS3.

In the end, there is always the trusty $10 USB keyboard from your local store that will do the job just fine.
It is essential that you make sure you have purchased the right device for your play style, and due consideration should be given to your specific situation.
A full keyboard like the Logitech MediaBoard Pro may not be perfectly suited for couch or bed playing, but perfect for a desk.
A mini Keypad such as the Wireless Rii Mini may be perfect for the gamer locked up in a small dungeon cell with nothing more than a cold floor to sit on, but maybe not so comfortable for somebody with a full gaming room at his disposal.

At the very least, I might have opened your eyes and showed you some of the broader range of possibilities. You do not have to feel trapped by your devices.

E3, Final Fantasy XIV is ready for lift-off!

2010-06-17T14:34:00.000+02:00

With E3 now well underway and the flash-fires of information slowing down a little bit, one can finally start reviewing the information available.
Everybody had high hopes for FFXIV, going into E3. And true to our expectations, the information flood seems imminent. The dam walls are cracking at the top, and it's time we brace ourselves for the final impact.

Almost closing out Sony's press conference, Square Enix had their new trailer ready and blasting. We now also have news that Square Enix plans to implement 3D for the game. This might not be for release, but if not then, we might see it in the very near future. One can only begin to imagine the impact that 3D might have in an MMO as large and good-looking as this.

SE had an impressive display out for FFXIV, with visitors able to play their way around the new Beta stage of character creation, and testing out the newly implemented, and vastly improved, combat system.
The effect gauge has been replaced by a new "stamina" gauge. Each ability has a stamina cost, as well as a cooldown. The stamina bar ontinuously regenerates at a very decent pace. ombat is fast enough to be engaging, but slow enough for one to enjoy everything else going on.

Graphics have been greatly improved from what we have seen in the Alpha tests. The new lighting and shadowing systems have been implemented and it looks incredible. Everything looks a whole lot more intriguing with their shadows properly displayed and rendered. The lighting differences makes for a smoother look and muh more appealing scenes, especially indoors.

We now also have official information that the Beta phase will kick off during July. Stress testing and load balancing will most likely become the key focus during these tests, with Beta phase 2 possibly seeing the entrance of the PlayStation 3 client for testing.

High on the list of rumors after E3, is SE's intent to implement another new race to the lineup. Added to the already new display of a little horned kid in the trailer, it seems we are set for some nice surprises from now to release.

Along with E3, a benchmark application was also made available from FFXIV's official website. It serves as a general indication as to what levels your PC would be able to run the game.

All things considered, it is now that the information will start streaming in. We are about to see SE start taking up the reigns for advertising and marketing. We already have HP Japan marketing their new gaming PC along with Beta Invites for the first 1000 sold.
It is very possible for us to see similar offers popping up in NA and EU regions, so keep your eyes peeled.

The floodgates are set to open.
Prepare yourself.

Final Fantasy XIV and Square Enix on the E3 Rumor Mill

2010-06-09T01:07:00.000+02:00

With E3 right around the corner, any gaming enthusiast claiming to not look forward to it, is outright lying. Either that or he is not a true enthusiast.

Exhibitors are churning full steam ahead with their booths, interviews, press conferences and other attractions.

All this ruckus had me thinking ahead and speculating my head into numerous headaches of Armageddon-like proportions. It's no wonder really, with SE confirming their booth very early on; No secret that Final Fantasy XIV is my most anticipated game for the year.

What will SE tell us? What will they show? Will we get to see some new jobs? How about crafting? The list goes on...

And then painful reality grabs you by the left index finger and yanks your arm off.

SE will tell us nothing concrete.
The best we can hope for within the plane of reality, are possible dates for Beta or Release. Maybe we will get small little previews on some new system, or another new job.
We all know that this is their way of handling the information. Nobody can deny that.
The twist is that most of us see this as a bad thing. A whole lot of people are arguing in blogs across the blogosphere that SE is doing themselves no favor in the PR arena with these stunts.

And that is where I differ.

Lets backtrack and think about it. Lets review some of what they have said.
More than once, developers have been asked in interviews about gender locking of the races.
Their answer?
Paraphrased: We are thinking about these things. We will have to see.

If SE had come right out with it and said "Yes. All races will have both sexes playable", exactly how much "fuel" would be fed into the rumor mill?
Very, VERY little actually.
We would see one or two threads on forums, running maybe 5 pages each, with simple jeers of joy.

Instead, we have multiple threads on multiple forums. Each spanning multitudes of pages of speculation. Each thread bubbling forth with declarations of hope. Each post containing heartfelt sentiments for or against the implementations. A true treasure chest of fuel for the rumor mill.

What would we have if SE came right out and announced 2 new races, 4 new jobs, and all the city information right off the bat. I'm talking full disclosure. Abilities, spells, gear, combat, shops, NPC's, quests, half the storyline for each city and more information than you can shake your gammy's cane at.
We would have nothing. At least not anything worth discussing or speculating on for the next few months.
And lets not kid ourselves. Open Beta and release day are both still several months away.

If SE were to openly bare everything, the hype for the game would be immense.
Mind bogglingly immense.
But for how long?
How long will that hype fire last if we just throw the whole canister of fuel into it all at once?

I am starting to appreciate the way SE handles their information, as it gives me something to look forward to.

Even if it is the measliest scraps and crumbs off of the feast they are having at the table above.

It's been a while

2010-05-22T23:47:00.001+02:00

It has been well over a month since I last posted; I must think that even if there were people who were reading, they very likely stopped checking altogether already.

As much as that thought makes me sad, it also gives me some perspective on the matter. I will definitely make a much more poised attempt at posting more regularly.

My absence of late is mostly due to 2 things. You may remember - or check one post back - that my previous PS3 failed on me, and I replaced it. In the bundle for my new PS3 I had God of War III to keep me well entertained. I initially just started playing for the fun of the game, but it gripped me so tight I had no choice but to go all the way to the Platinum Trophy! It wasn't at all a difficult task at all, just a rather time-consuming one.
In all likeliness, it is one the better titles I have played in a long time.

The second reason for my absence, was the friendly trade I made with someone for the game Bayonetta. OH MY DEAR LORD!
Just when I thought the action titles couldn't get any better, along comes this piece of treasure!
I was enthralled by this game so much, that I even decided to trod along and finish the Platinum Trophy for this title as well. Boy oh boy... was that ever a challenge!
No game I have played to date has given me the fun and challenge at the same time, as Bayonetta did. Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you enjoy the styles of Devil May Cry and God of War, I would definitely recommend giving this title a spin.
Originally not made for the PS3 at all, Sega took it upon themselves to port the game to the PS3. It is sad to say though, that this port is not without its flaws. Porting games have never been quite as successful as technology tells it should be. Bayonetta on the PS3 is a slow affair, especially with loading times in the middle of play disrupting the extremely voilent feel of the action you are presented with.
A patch is available for the game, allowing the key sections of data to be installed to the PS3's hard drive, significantly improving the loading issues. Enough so, to make gameplay seem a whole lot smoother and in a rather short amount of play time, the loading times still evident become negligible.
I would definitely not recommend playing this title on PS3 without the patch.

Problems aside, Bayonetta has endless re-playability, especially considering it's Leaderboards feature, where players upload their top scores in competition to others.
Plenty of weapons, accessories, and extra characters as unlockables also provides the player with a multitude of various replay options and this title will keep any dedicated gamer entertained for quite some time.

Aside from those 2 wonderful games that have occupied me of late, there is also the extremely rich pieces of information recently made publicly and officially known by Square Enix about their upcoming multi-platform MMO, Final Fantasy XIV.
Be sure to check the latest buzz of info on the city states of Limsa Lominsa, Ul'dah, and Gridania on their official website.
So far, I am most excited about this game more than any other in the months to come.

Look out next week for first impressions on Red Dead Redemption, as my copy will only arrive on Monday morning (There has been stock issues in this region...).

My PS3 Misery Transformed

2010-04-12T12:44:00.000+02:00

In the last 2 weeks, I underwent a very painful episode with my original PS3 system.
I finally became a victim of the "Yellow Light of Death".

This is a symptom on the PS3 system that primarily indicates failure in the system due to overheating. I will not go into the complexities of this problem here, but a quick Google search of the term "Yellow Light of Death" would serve to sufficiently inform the average user.

With this failure of my system comes the incredible heartache that a lot of PS3 users have gone through. Data loss. I lost all my treasured saved games, pictures, movies, and such.

Trying many of the self-help "Fix your YLoD DIY" guides on the Internet proved fruitless and I was stared in the face by reality.
Reality said to me: "It's over, move on".

And so I took the advice so generously given my reality and went to a store where one of my friends work, to replace my fallen system.
My friend worked me a really nice deal. New PS3 Slim Bundle with God of War III and also threw in a new toy for me.

Enter the PlayStation 3 Wireless Keypad.

I cannot praise this little toy enough, to be frightfully honest. I have been using it non-stop for days, mostly just to get used to it. It is this lone little device that has turned my calamity into an adventure by itself.

This nifty little gadget snaps onto your PS3 controller and expands your controller to include a QWERTY keyboard. Extremely useful if one often uses the PS3 for Internet browsing, chatting with friends, or otherwise having the need to type on the PS3 (See my previous post on iGoogle, Google Docs, and your PS3).

The buttons are clearly marked and relatively spaced, allowing for easy use. It also has a very rigid feel to it, and instills trust in the user. Dropping this little toy does not break or damage it in any way. I have performed a short series of quite rigorous testing involving dropping the little fella, involuntary as they may have been.

Admittedly, getting used to typing on this little toy takes a while. For those with fancy phones featuring the slide-out QWERTY keypads, this learning curve is significantly reduced, as illustrated by my wife and friend. Both of them picked up and used the keypad with remarkable ease.

To further the features on the Keypad, it is entirely wireless, operating via Bluetooth. This also means that you can pair it to, and use, with any Bluetooth compatible device in your possession. An internal battery of its own makes it ideal as it doesn't drain off the battery of your devices themselves.

And as an added bonus, the Wireless Keypad also features a Touch-pad Mouse function, enabled by the press of a button. This enables you to use, even on your PS3, the entire device as a Touch-pad Mouse. Lightly run your finger across the surface of the device and voila!

Especially with the imminent release of "Final Fantasy XIV" to the PS3, I cannot wait to use this little toy 24/7 in an MMO environment.

Also of worth to note, that this little gadget has become indispensable for fans of "PlayStation Home" and "LittleBigPlanet"

Let me know what you think of this little gadget, and any other such gadgets you have come across, in comments.

xxx
Pitifully Plain

PS: I typed out and completed this entire post from my PS3, using the aforementioned keypad. Please excuse any typing errors... I'm still getting the hang of trying to type 60+ wpm ;)

How Google can Change your PS3 Experience.

2010-03-10T02:11:00.003+02:00

Google is fast becoming one of the largest companies on the internet, if not indeed, the world.

Is is their ability to innovate and add services and functions to their brand, all centralized under a single account, that makes Google the best of the best.

A little area that people often forget however, is what Google can do for your overall PS3 experience.

With the rapid growth of the internet, it is not even strange anymore to assume that a person would have an always-on broadband connection to their home. What is strange is the homes that have a PS3, but remain adamant on having a PC to "work" with.

The greatest "flaw" of the PS3 as an all-encompassing system is often attributed to its lack of common tools, such as a Word Processor. Surely this is not something we expect a gaming and entertainment console to actually be built and brought for; It is however, not outside the realm of possibility, as I'm about to show you.

Google Documents, step up to the plate!
Google Documents allows you to create the whole spectrum of documents, that one might be required to create, from a home-user's perspective. Spreadsheets, Presentations, Forms, Text Documents; Google Docs has it all.

It is, in my experience so far at least, every bit as complete and usable as Microsoft's Office packages. Especially for the home user who wants nothing more than to let his kids do their homework projects, or setup a Monthly Budget Spreadsheet.

Just to top it all off, your documents are now stored off-site, in a secure location with active backup strategies. How many times have you lost all your valued documents on your PC due to some virus, or hardware failure? No more!
You can access your documents from any machine, as long as it is capable of browsing the internet. Your phone, PDA, work PC, BlackBerry, Internet-enabled Fridge... the sky is the limit.

Another thing that has made my browsing experience itself a lot easier and friendlier, is the use of Google's customized homepage, iGoogle.
With iGoogle, you can create a custom Google front-page that you can set as your homepage on your PS3. This page is completely customizable, with widgets for your GMail, Weather, News, Calendar, Chat, and in fact a whole myriad of other features as it suits your individual needs.

No more would you need to check your GMail on a separate page as you do your Weather or News. Additional features that I feel noteworthy include:

GMail
Google Map Search
Weather
News (Including CNN and BBC)
Calendar
To-Do Lists
YouTube's Top Rated
Craigslist Search
Wikipedia Search
Ebay Search

... and a whole lot more. 10 Pages worth of gadgets to be exact. Ranging from the crucially informative, to the mundanely entertaining.

Click here for a view of my PS3 iGoogle Setup.

All in all, with Google Documents and iGoogle alone, your PS3 experience will change dramatically. And all this under one, single, secure and redundant, free account. Isn't it about time you give Google a chance on your PS3?

Maybe one day, with special thanks to Google, all the PS3 owners can finally throw out those PC's we continue to fall back on.

What are your thoughts about the Google experience on your PS3?

xxx

Pitifully Plain

FFXIV PS3 Beta "Campaign Code" from FFXIII (Howto)

2010-03-09T03:21:00.009+02:00

So the much-awaited release of Final Fantasy XIII (Worldwide) has arrived and information regarding the inclusion of Beta Codes within, have run rampant on the internet

I have compiled the pieces of information together for easier reference.

FFXIII worldwide release, PS3 version ONLY, contains an invitation to register your new game (FFXIII) on a new website that Square Enix made, and plans to expand in near future.

Doing this, has the chance to grant you a "Campaign Code", which allows you entry into the PS3 Beta for Final Fantasy XIV (Their next MMO-RPG game coming out later this year). It is unknown at this point whether or not that code guarantees your entry.
What is known, is that without this code, you currently cannot complete the application for PS3 Beta entry.

Below is instruction on how to obtain and use this Campaign Code.
{Please note that you will need to register a Square Enix account if you do not have one yet}
Square Enix Account registration pages:

Buy game (Final Fantasy XIII - PS3 Only).
Look inside for registration card.
Go to website showed on card.
Create account.
Add and register your game (XIII) with the serial number of the game.
Wait to receive your "Code" either onscreen or via email. [**a][**b][**d] (Should be pretty instant, but allow up to 30 mins I guess)
Go to Beta signup page and complete form. Make sure to select PS3 [**c][**e]
Upon selecting PS3, you will be required to fill in the "code" from step (6).
Sit on your hands and wait for news on when the PS3 Beta starts etc.

[**a] I cannot confirm or prove anything about the Code having shown up on-screen after registration.

[**b]It has become known that this "Code" reward is a Limited offer. Best guess: First Come, First Served.

[**c] Please note: Only one application will be considered, and that will be the last one you submitted. If you have already been selected for PC Beta, completing this form again stands a high chance of disqualifying you from the PC Beta. MAYBE it will just pop an error or your application will be filtered out at a later stage. Don't take that chance of you really rather want to be in PC Beta.
You WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be active in both Beta platforms.

[**d] Do not lose this code, even if you are not selected for Beta when the time comes. The code still guarantees a super-secret in-game item for FFXIV once it launches.

[**e] North American and European Beta signup pages.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

And that's the short and long of it folks.

Please report back here (in comments) what version you got, what platform, and whether or not you received the "Campaign Code".

xxx
Pitifully Plain

PSP and PS3: Should we rejoice if these two get married?

2010-03-08T06:32:00.000+02:00

Around the end of 2009, rumors began surfacing of a future PS3 update.

Details were sketchy at best.

Hair went flying in all directions as shrapnel ripped bloggers and forumites to shreds as they dapperly led their causes out onto the field of internet battle.

Of course the heated topic was the rumor about PSP (Playstation Portable) games that would become playable on the PS3 (Playstation 3). After the initial battle, and even after installing the update, I didn't actually bother to see what Sony officially had to say on the matter.

Heck I didn't even bother to read the actual update notes, or investigate any further.

Until today.

I was one of those misguided few who misread or misunderstood the rumors, and as it turns out, we will not be able to play any actual PSP games on the PS3.

The update in question did add some semblance of compatibility for PSP games on the PS3, but only in the form of "Minis".
Not to delve too deep into the subject, but Minis on the PS3 is a rather pointless endeavor. I had to at least try it out! What sort of gamer would I be if I merely shunned an idea without giving it some sort of opportunity to prove itself first?

After 4 titles purchased and downloaded, I safely concluded that the concept was entirely foreign and just shouldn't have seen the light of day on PS3.

But that is not what I'm posting about.
It's what happened to my original optimism based on misread information.

See, when I (mis)read the information (back then) as stating that all PSP games would become playable on PS3, I was beside myself with joy. I would finally be able to play one of the many coveted Monster Hunter titles! The exact reasons as to Capcom's inability and/or blunt refusal to produce a Monster Hunter title for the PS3 elude me entirely.

That didn't even matter anymore. I would finally be able to waste some of my personal time for an awesome game, without having to invest in another platform.

Revelation did however find me.

As I sat in the gloomy hours of morning twilight, trying out these Minis, I had an miniature epiphany of sorts. I don't want to play Monster Hunter Freedom Unite [PSP] on the PS3! Not anymore...

Such a beautiful game, designed for a tiny little screen, would just not do justice to the title when stretched out onto a 22" or larger HDMI display.
As nice as the Minis look on the PSP, they just look awful on the PS3.

I don't think we can turn around quite yet and start hocking squirrels at Sony just yet though. I don't think there is any amount of technology available that would stretch any image to 10x or more of its original size, and still maintain all the splendor of the original.

The point where we can start fetching our bag of squirrels however, does approach when asks the question:
"Sony, why did you risk opening up this hornet's nest of ugly if you knew you couldn't pull it off elegantly?"

Somebody at Sony's Quality Control department definitely had a rotten argument with a spouse or dearest friend the night before signing off on this one.

Only time will tell if Sony intends to actually make all PSP games playable on the PS3.
From a business perspective, most people would highlight the fact that, if done, it would nullify the PSP and effectively destroy the product altogether.

Well ladies and gents, I beg to differ.
And differ I shall.

Would you rather play beautiful games stretched beyond repair or recognition, than playing them on their intended platform where they positively radiate excellence?

Please leave your comments on that last question in the comments section.

xxx
Pitifully Plain.

NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreements) and Beta-testing Games

2010-03-08T02:08:00.002+02:00

I recently found out that a large franchise will be releasing its newest installment of one of my favorite video-games, later this year. I was overcome with anticipation when I learned that they will be starting closed public Beta testing soon.

These Beta testing phases are put in place by gaming companies in order to expand its own internal testing phases. They allow selected participants, who showed interest by signing up, to participate in these tests.

Not only does this help developers to test their product more thoroughly, but also affords loyal fans a chance to be part of the development process.

Needless to say, these tests are being done on an incomplete version of the game; For this very reason, NDA's are put in place to "mute" players about their experiences during these tests. This is mostly done to avoid bad or undue publicity, but more importantly to maintain control over the flow of information as their PR deems appropriate.

The company in question closed the applications for this Beta testing phase recently, and have already notified the selected participants about their selection. This "chosen few" are obviously excited beyond belief. Some claim their purpose and intent as a noble cause, helping the developers perfect the product. Others claim their intent as merely wanting a "sneak peek" at the future.

The last group of course, claim their intent as a service to the greater public -those that did not get selected. They aim to break these NDA's put in place, by leaking as much information as they possibly can onto public channels, such as internet forums, blogs and such mediums.

I say that they "claim" their intent as a service to the public, but I have come to believe that the "public" they speak of consists only of themselves. They merely intend to gain some sort of credibility among peers, and thus artificially raising their own status within a community higher than what their flat personalities could ever carry them.

In a lot of cases, these communities even outright shun such people, but still they hold fast to the belief that somehow this community will thank them later.

As far as legal concerns stretch, nobody has ever gotten into any serious amounts of trouble over breaking an NDA in a closed public test as the one I mentioned. Worst scenarios for such offenders have been their removal from the highly coveted Beta program.

Does that mean that we should simply ignore the existence of the NDA, as we often do the End-User License Agreements when we install software, or signup for services on websites?

I firmly believe that we all want to live in a world that offers information freely. I also believe that such a world will never be achieved.

As long as social parasites would strive to use information to serve their own nefarious plans, one cannot blame these companies for trying to keep their information secret. What would happen if this person leaked a video of his gameplay within this bet;, Illustrating clearly where the game has errors, bugs, flaws or shortcomings. Material like this can seriously damage the reputation and prospective success of the title in the few months to follow before final release.

If you have ever been anticipating an event for any unreasonably long amount of time, only to have your hopes and expectations crushed at the brink of fruition, you will realize how much damage can be caused.

People who only considered the game as a possibility for future pleasure, would now have completely scratched it off their wishlists. Lesser devoted fans may even bump these titles from their "Must Have!" lists down to their less prestigious "If I have nothing better to do..." lists.

Some day soon, I predict we will arrive at such a point where a beta participant will leak information so detrimental to the future success of the title, that the company will have no choice but to take the matter to court.

Do you really want to be that person on the receiving end?

Have you recently reviewed what even a single court appearance from a reasonable attorney would cost ?

You may even have intended to distribute the information with the best of intentions.

The true tragedy of the story is that "I did not know" is not a recognized defense in any legal matter.

Ignorance is not bliss. It is the bane of good intentions.

xxx

Pitifully Plain.

Welcome to PPP; My Pitifully Plain personal blog.

2010-03-08T01:44:00.000+02:00

If you have found your way here, I can only imagine we have met before today; Probably by other means such as forums or online games.

I merely host this blog as a space for me to speak my mind. Mostly this will include topics like games, online communities, and occasionally some newsworthy material from around the globe.

Most of the posts I will be making will be made from my own perspective, and only reflect what my pitifully plain mind can make of the information given at any one point.

Please stick around and feel free to leave your own comments and thoughts wherever and whenever you feel appropriate.

xxx

Pitifully Plain.