Qcore from PSN

[patsu]

Your last point is probably why that business model won't work on Xbox Live, but would work on PSN. I suggested to OXM that they should have made the demos(presumbly the same ones that would be on the disc version) completely free and not part of the $3/month. Just make sure that the paid for content is something completely worthy of paying for. Videos are not enough methinks.

AzBat, the way you frame the problem has an interesting spin though. You seem to see this as a next step for offline magazines.

It may indeed be the convergence of TV, print and Internet media. Sony seems to be experimenting with a new format so that they can replicate the success elsewhere. With interactive players being deployed as we speak (tru2way cable boxes, media PCs and BD-Live players), I can see offshoots in cable networks, broadband Internet and disc-based media at the same time.


EDIT: In other words, the PS3 owners are the guinea pigs. We will deal with issues such as pricing, content preferences, usability and conversion rate. But these innovative programmes are why I bought a PS3 in the first place.

 

[PARANOiA]

EDIT: In other words, the PS3 owners are the guinea pigs. We will deal with issues such as pricing, content preferences, usability and conversion rate. But these innovative programmes are why I bought a PS3 in the first place.

I don't understand - what is the innovation? What does this bring to the table that isn't already around the internet for free?

If it's just developer interviews, pre-release media and whatnot, that's all on Live for free right now too, with many big profile games having regular developer diaries and whatnot. Is there more to it?

 

[one]

I don't understand - what is the innovation? What does this bring to the table that isn't already around the internet for free?

If it's just developer interviews, pre-release media and whatnot, that's all on Live for free right now too, with many big profile games having regular developer diaries and whatnot. Is there more to it?

For example, how does the IGN Insider operate with the subscription fee? In the Qore preview they mention "interactive" "HD" a lot, so I guess it's more exclusive, interactive and HD than other free offers.

 

[patsu]

I don't understand - what is the innovation? What does this bring to the table that isn't already around the internet for free?

If it's just developer interviews, pre-release media and whatnot, that's all on Live for free right now too, with many big profile games having regular developer diaries and whatnot. Is there more to it?

I am refering to the Qore content platform on PSN.

(A) At the content level, I'd say the format these days are still pretty dull. They are very "one-way" or broadcast oriented. The content programming folks have been trying to introduce interactivity to traditional media for the longest time. While there are a few success stories, they are still not mainstream.

As the crew implied, they are evolving the content based on some initial visions. If we extrapolate what's possible, they can run live Q&A, (reality) game shows, party games, informal tournaments, interview authors of user-generated content from the comfort of their homes. They can also experiment with newer/better selling techniques for PSN games.

Although isolated examples have been tried in limited scope all over the world (e.g., StarCraft tournaments on Korean TV). There are room for improvement and consolidation.


(B) At the technology level, they can experiment with new ways to integrate TV content and gameplay elements. As I mentioned, it may be possible to repackage Qore content as an interactive cable programs or even a BD-Live content further down the road.


(C) At the business level, well, it'd be interesting to see who ends up paying, how many and at what price. With a large focused gamer audience, they can even experiment with new funding models (I have seen some experiments in this area a few years ago).

 

[wco81]

You would think games publishers would want their demos distributed as widely as possible.

If there's not enough uptake on Qore, why would they put their demos on a venue which has much more limited exposure to potential buyers?

Now, if Qore is helping to defray some hosting costs and they can put in bigger demos ...

Shouldn't Sony be evangelizing development of Home content instead? Like special places in Home created by publishers who want to create "events" showcasing their games?

 

[inefficient]

Something along the lines of extended demos would be really cool. Like say you get a Wipeout demo that instead of just 1 track that everyone else gets, subscribers get 2 tracks. Since they are paying, they could justify the cost of extra large demo downloads.

Or lets say a MP Resistance demo that has 2 multiplayer game modes playable instead of the 1 that the plain demo has. Even stuff a long those lines would be really nice.

The non subscribers will have nothing to complain about since they are still getting a free demo. And the paying customers will just get a alittlle more bang for their buck.

 

[JPT]

I think its more logical that stuff that are beta trials like MGSO, Warhawk etc will be offered to Qore subscribers through this, ie you pay to get an invite. Not like now that you need to pre-order or signup and hope you get an invite etc.

 

[patsu]

You would think games publishers would want their demos distributed as widely as possible.

If there's not enough uptake on Qore, why would they put their demos on a venue which has much more limited exposure to potential buyers?

This is why I don't think the demoes will be affected that much by Qore. Ideally, Qore should complement and enhance the effectiveness of demoes, either by adding more goodies, or by hyping them up better.

Now, if Qore is helping to defray some hosting costs and they can put in bigger demos ...

Shouldn't Sony be evangelizing development of Home content instead? Like special places in Home created by publishers who want to create "events" showcasing their games?

They are different avenues and economy to market a game. Qore is based on focused, premium content; Home is based on community. Again, they complement each other. In fact, I am of the opinion that they should push Qore to my XMB mail box or make it into an XMB icon. Even though it is produced monthly, some of its content should be dynamic due to user participation.

 

[Scott_Arm]

I'd never pay for something like this.

 

[patsu]

No one has seen it yet though.

It's per-issue. My guess is they'd probably be promo-driven until they find their footing in content direction and user acceptance. If they manage to pack in good value for a particular episode, a lot of people may buy one. e.g., The 1-year subscription includes a free PSN game (Calling All Cars) and first episode includes "free" SOCOM beta.

 

[ninzel]

I like this,and I voiced a desire for something like an online gaming magazine at the beginning of this gen and I'm happy to see it coming.
The criticism will be that this is just another way to charge when Sony said there would be no charge,but I do not feel that way.
I feel that Sony's basic free service has more than lived up to it's promise.My expectations were that I would get demos and other content plus online play for free,and that's what they delivered.
Obviously they will use this to get us to pay for content of the type that is already on PSN for free,but at the same time they are giving what looks to be a new type of content for a very small fee.
Plus the fee is so small and the flexibility is there to choose exactly the episodes you want.
Of course it all comes down to whether this new type of content is good,but if it is I'm in.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

The criticism will be that this is just another way to charge when Sony said there would be no charge...

That would be a silly criticism indeed. Sony said they wouldn't charge for the online service - network gaming, chat, etc. - not that they wouldn't charge for content!

 

[ninzel]

That would be a silly criticism indeed. Sony said they wouldn't charge for the online service - network gaming, chat, etc. - not that they wouldn't charge for content!

Well I don't know exactly what they promised,and the word content is very vague.
As you probably know Sony haters are all over this announcement already.

 

[wco81]

Game Theory podcast interviews one of the guys who's been working on Qcore and they compare it to an online version of something like the Official Playstation Magazine where one of the draw was the playable demo.

So this is suppose to be an interactive magazine with playable game content.

 

[patsu]

Podcast @ last link here.

Both Veronica Belmont and Jeremy Williams couldn't explain the concept succintly. They also mentioned it's evolving (Episode 2 and 3 are different from 1). What I like about Qore so far is: Both of them sound very enthusiastic and passionate about their work.

 

[ninzel]

Well I'm off to check the first episode out if they releasd it today.
Edit:Still not available.

 

[tirminyl]

Yeah, I just came home and was like "Screw it, I will stay up late on a work night and watch Qore", only to find the update isn't out yet.

I wonder whats going on. Since my job is essentially to release software my mind is racing as to whats happening. I wish we could get more inside information on this stuff, lol.

 

[DrJay24]

I'm almost done DLing it now, too bad the free game is Calling all Cars and I already bought it

 

[joker454]

Saw this mentioned on another site:

"Each section of Qore has an advertising sponsor, which means that a pop-up advert will appear at a specific point. This will only happen once and will not reappear until you exit Qore and then relaunch it."

That about kills any interest from me, although I admit I have zero tolerance for ads nowadays.

 

[patsu]

I think the Qore team has a few areas to improve. The first episode has a few glaring flaws (e.g., videos cannot be forwarded or rewinded, no feedback channel, topic is not as interesting as can be, PS3 users not represented in Qore, ...). Waiting for them to ramp up...

Since there is no feedback channel, I sent my comments to Veronica Belmont's personal blog