Here’s some more quotes from Phil Harrison which will appear in the official PlayStation mag which launches on November 15. We hope to get a further instalment of this online tomorrow.
When asked which game they’ll rely on to sell the PS3.
I think we saw this with the PS1 to a certain extent, that a lot of people talked about the killer app and actually its the killer catalogue you want. It’s not about having a single title like a Mario or a Sonic on which you rest the entire platform personality on. It’s about having a wide catalogue that satisfies a number of different consumer tastes and styles. If you’re a sports fan in America, NBA and NFL available from day one means you will buy a PS3. If you are a first-person shooter fan it’s going to be Resistance: Fall Of Man. If you are a more cerebral player it might be Untold Legends - or it might be Motorstorm if you’re more of an action and exhilaration fan. I think there’s something for everybody in there. The games are outstanding quality and I think will satisfy.
PS1 saw the shift to 3D, PS2 had the explosion of free-roaming games after GTA III what changes do you expect PS3 to trigger?
You can see sparks of change in individual games today. On the visual side, there’s full 1080p HD and what that means. You can see the artificial intelligence side of things in F1 and especially Resistance. You can start to see games doing some more interesting and unpredictable things on the physics side particularly the kind of chaotic experience you get with Motorstorm. You can join those dots together and start to see how game development trends are going to be influenced. Its understandable why, day one, there isn’t a single game that incorporates everything, but I think it will happen shortly.
What do you think is the most interesting use of the Sixaxis pad so far?
There’s a couple. The fake on NBA; if you want to fake past a player you just tilt left or right, that’s really intuitive. Flow is very intuitive, once you understand the control mechanism, which takes about three seconds. F1’s steering, looking around Resistance… We need to get thinking about the experience of a game and not the interface. I think that we’ll see the e-Distribution games making some really innovative uses of it.
Is rumble feedback really gone for good?
I’ve been very consistent on this. The rumble feature was a great, impactful way of the machine talking to the user on PS2. But you had no influence on it; you just received a single channel feedback from the game. Sixaxis gives you greater influence over the game environment, enabling you to do things you could never do with buttons and sticks alone. That will yield way more sophisticated gameplay benefits and therefore more value to the player than a vibrating pad could ever do. Saying that, I don’t believe we’ve got definitive examples of how great it could be yet, but we’re close.
If, further down the line, there was a way of marrying the two technologies, would Sony consider it?
No, because we’re making a standard controller. With the PS2 we made 160 million controllers. Once you’™ve defined the format, you stick to it. Now, that doesn’t prevent third party steering wheels having force feedback and obviously [Gran Turismo creator] Kazunori is going to be keen to have that. There will continue to be vertically integrated controllers like that, which a specific to an individual game.
Is there any way players could record their own gameplay footage on the hard drive and then share it online?
[Laughs] We’re actually already working on it now. There are two ways to do it. One is as pure video actually saved direct from the gameplay experience, but that creates quite a large data cloud. The more efficient way of doing it is to record game input and then share that to each user. We are doing that in a very innovative way on a game that we haven’t shown anybody yet.
How often do you expect PS3 firmware upgrades to happen?
Right now we are focused on day one. I would imagine that there would be a firmware upgrade in time for the European launch. European consumers will probably get a step-up firmware upgrade, exactly as we did with PSP.
Presumably the PlayStation Store will be well-stocked for the UK-launch, and we’ll have the benefit of the extra content?
Yes, although the stores are managed regionally, built on the same framework, you’re right. There will be greater supply of content and availability of non-game content.
Is there any way word on European price for the 20GB model?
We’ve never announced the price in the UK. The answer is no, but I’m sure it will be announced in due course. However, retail has told us that the vast majority of interest is in the 60GB model. But now the 20GB has HDMI as well there’s no effective difference in the machines whatsoever, because all of the other functionality is available through a USB card reader.
How’s Killzone coming along?
With Killzone, the expectation internally and externally is very high and I won’t show it until it’s going to exceed people’s expectations. It will be next year before we show it again, but it’s coming along very well. The team are working very hard, they know exactly what they have to do and there’s no doubt they will achieve it, but there’s nothing to be served by something that doesn’t satisfy my goals for the project. I can tell you, though, that some elements already exceed the trailer.
Can you describe the typical day on PlayStation network a year from now?
That’s a great question…Checking in with my clan to see what the plan is for tonight’s SOCOM or Resistance games. Searching out the latest trailers, downloadable demos, skins for my desktop. Downloading a new album, reading a fine editorial of Official PlayStation Magazine, watching stuff on YouTube that my friends emailed me about You only have to look at the Cross Media Bar to see how everything is going to fit into a Network environment. Obviously you’ve got your friend lists, the ability to chat directly with them, you’ve got your internet browser and the Store with downloadable games.
Wow, interesting read.
The stuff about killzone sounds really good- “…some elements already exceed the trailer.†Awesome!
Comment by ericthespy — Nov 13, 2006 @ 1:36 pm
Yea, but what elements? I hope they don’t let us down.
Comment by N00b — Nov 13, 2006 @ 6:59 pm
I can’t wait until it comes out!
Comment by mike — Nov 13, 2006 @ 8:45 pm
Just from what he has said about killzone has got me really excited, will it play at 1080p though? showing your mates your saved videos can’t wait let the showing off begin.
Comment by mchief24 — Nov 13, 2006 @ 8:47 pm
[...] Harrison just doesn’t know when to let go, eh? ÃŽâ€ÃŽÂ¯ÃŽÂ½ÃŽÂ¿ÃŽÂ½Ã„α ÃÆ’Ã…νÎÂνÄεÃ…ξη ÃĀο Official Playstation Magazine, δήλÉÃε ÀεÃÂί Ã„οÃ… Killzone 2: “With Killzone, the expectation internally and externally is very high – and I won’t show it until it’s going to exceed people’s expectations. It will be next year before we show it again, but it’s coming along very well. The team are working very hard, they know exactly what they have to do and there’s no doubt they will achieve it, but there’s nothing to be served by something that doesn’t satisfy my goals for the project. I can tell you, though, that some elements already exceed the trailer.” [...]
Pingback by Killzone hype-a-hyper at ΣÀιÄάκι — Nov 13, 2006 @ 8:47 pm
Yeh, sure!
If you believe the bullcrap.
I’ll believe it when I see it.
Comment by Mark — Nov 13, 2006 @ 8:49 pm
sounds great for Sony, just have to wait to see what the future hold… well at least for me…… i live in the UK.
Comment by thedirector — Nov 13, 2006 @ 9:06 pm
Cool. I really hope Sony and the PS3 will deliver…
Comment by Mikedot — Nov 13, 2006 @ 9:15 pm
Yea, I am once again very hyped about the new Killzone. This time Gueriila games and Sony are going to get it right, and it will amaze us all.
Comment by chris — Nov 13, 2006 @ 9:24 pm
“We’ve never announced the price in the UK. The answer is no, but I’m sure it will be announced in due course. However, retail has told us that the vast majority of interest is in the 60GB model. But now the 20GB has HDMI as well there’s no effective difference in the machines whatsoever, because all of the other functionality is available through a USB card reader.â€Â
And there was me thinking Wifi was a feature on the 60GB version ONLY!!!
Comment by cheechUK — Nov 13, 2006 @ 9:38 pm
this litle cabrao
Comment by bill gates — Nov 13, 2006 @ 10:52 pm
I liked the comments about Killzone too :p really looking forward to that game.
(Ps@Three Speech… I’m still awaiting a reply re my last email…)
Comment by Timeless — Nov 13, 2006 @ 11:55 pm
Are they still promising 1,000,000 units by years end? Or will most of us have to wait till early next year for one? I heard Gamestop/EB games cut the amount of units their getting come launch time.
Comment by DdR2k5 — Nov 14, 2006 @ 12:12 am
Wow, who cares? So you copied the Wii, lost the rumble law suit, and have crappy “Cross Menu”. This is total garbage. Go buy a Wii360 before you throw your money away.
Comment by Michael — Nov 14, 2006 @ 12:34 am
Yup, Killzone will be a killer - and I’m sure it will look just as good as in the trailer - or even better. The PS3 is surely a great piece of hardware - but a thumb down goes for the delay in Europe - I was looking forward to have this console this month - the wait is not over ;).
Comment by ural — Nov 14, 2006 @ 12:43 am
Wow! He implied SOCOM for the PS3!!!! Wooo Hoooo!
Comment by johnnybravo_cdn@hotmail.com — Nov 14, 2006 @ 3:43 am
Phil Harrison is a great character. Killzone is (going to be) a great game. Playstation 3 is a great system. I feel the system is going to exceed everyones expectations with its features through future updates.
Comment by neo — Nov 14, 2006 @ 4:22 am
PS3 Network is gonna rock. Phil Harrison always has the down low. Great interview! I can’t wait to get my hands on the PS3 on luanch day.
Comment by Shiawase — Nov 14, 2006 @ 4:38 am
PS3 is Awesome! I’m looking forward to the great “Next - Gen” games! Resistance: Fall of Man looks and plays really well…( Yes I’ve played “tested” it! XBox 360 is good but PS3 will be better!
Comment by Zero — Nov 14, 2006 @ 10:35 am
The thing to remember here is that, historically, Sony representatives often write checks with their mouths that the systems or games can’t cash. Don’t get me wrong - Sony has put out two great systems so far, and PS3 is going to be a great one, too, but it’s not going to be the breakthrough dominant machine that they’d have fanboys believe. Saying that elements of Killzone exceed the trailer doesn’t mean much. Words are words until something backs them up. I wouldn’t get excited right now. Wait until real gameplay footage (PROVEN gameplay footage) emerges that indicates exactly what he’s saying is true. Until then, see spin for what it is. I have a 360 and I love it. So far, it’s lived up to everything I expected. I didn’t buy into hype concerning it, and will continually ignore hype, but I can say for my own personal experience that the 360 is an incredible machine that hasn’t been fully tapped yet. PS3 will be powerful too. I do think the rumbe feature is a killer. However much they want to downplay it, most people are more interested in force feedback than gimicky motion controls. It will hurt them, but it won’t stop them altogether. There’s so much more to say here, but it’s already too long. To sum up: don’t buy into hype - wait until the real product is sitting right in front of you.
Comment by JC — Nov 14, 2006 @ 3:32 pm
sounds cool! i really like using the multimedia of the PSP, it’s a really easy and streamlined experience, I’m glad the PS3 is like this as well.
Comment by doodye — Nov 14, 2006 @ 7:55 pm
I believe that the PS3 and the Xbox360 will both have killer apps. Why does everyone bash one system or another? I think that people can like and dislike both systems for what they are and are not. Killzone and the next Grand Turismo look awesome (both trailers, prerenderd or not). Gears of War and Halo 3 (just ot name two) also look freaking sweet. For all of you fanboys out there, please get a life.
Comment by not a fanboy — Nov 14, 2006 @ 9:46 pm
So if it becomes possible to integrate the rumble feature (one of the losses PS fans lament the most) Harrison is telling us he won’t even consider it!?!
I hate to be the one to break this to you Phil, but the PS1 didn’t release w/ analog joysticks (which, in case you weren’t paying attention, later became the standard).
“Once you’ve defined the format, you stick to it.” Indeed.
Thanks for listening to what fans want! *eye roll*
Comment by Joey Jo Jo Jr Shabadoo — Nov 15, 2006 @ 12:59 am
I think Sony’s missing the boat with lack of rumble. Sure, this motion-sensing stuff is nice, but I want to communicate with the PS3 better (motion-sensing) AND have it communicate back to me better (rumble). The system should have both.
People always miss what they had which was taken away, rather than something nice that they’ve never experienced. Just pay up with the lawsuit, Sony! Microsoft and Nintendo already did. Or perhaps you need the cash to pay for that battery recall?
Comment by JRo — Nov 15, 2006 @ 3:30 am
I’m studying art/design in when i asked my professors about the graphics the system will have i mentioned killzone and showed him that clip and i asked him if it was possible which i knew it was because i’ve drawn characters as good as that and believe me it is possible to animate a really clean character or player like what you see, anyways he says it was possible but it will be expencive and it will take a long time, its true don’t believe hype believe the final product i wont buy it till i first see real-real time and the 360 can do the same thing by the way there is no difference everyone the 360 can deliver trhe same
peace
Comment by ari — Nov 15, 2006 @ 5:52 am
When he said next year? meaning 2007 or 2008?.
Comment by Say Wha?.... — Nov 15, 2006 @ 7:27 am
Man they BETTER have loads of 20gb PS3’s ready for the EU launch as i dont need a goodam card reader and bigger HD for an extra £100 cz i aint got that kinda money for gaming man.
I also don’t wanna pay more than japan did for waiting months for the next generation so if the price is raised too much I’m just gona get a 360.
Comment by owen — Nov 15, 2006 @ 5:41 pm
[...] The new, semi-official Sony site Three Speech has lifted up some comments from Sony’s Phil Harrison regarding the PS3 and its launch title library — and B3YOND, er, beyond. What’d Phil say? In response to a question asking about which title Sony is relying on to sell the PS3, he said “a lot of people talked about the ‘killer app’ and actually it’s the killer catalogue you want. It’s not about having a single title like a Mario or a Sonic on which you rest the entire platform personality on. It’s about having a wide catalogue that satisfies a number of different consumer tastes and styles.” Yes, it so is. [...]
Pingback by PS3 Game Players » Phil Harrison says: PS3 will be well-rounded (and very shiny) — Nov 15, 2006 @ 8:19 pm
how come nobody has any cool ps3 psp connection ideas like a controllable side kick, sniper, dog or hacker in single player games maybe even be able to control a bad guy trying to stop the good guy stuff like this would help sony sell the whole play beyond idea wouldnt it?
Comment by sheku roberts — Nov 16, 2006 @ 9:44 pm
[...] This seems to describe [game specific] replays you can not only watch after a game… but record, save, and share with your friends (if they own the game) too. Lots of games do replays, but sharing them is something new. Not just Sony is experimenting with this (hopefully with Killzone), Bungie will also have a recording feature in Halo 3. Via Threespeech Quickly bookmark “Sony working on video recording in PS3 games” via: [...]
Pingback by Sony working on video recording in PS3 games - videogamesblogger.com: — Nov 19, 2006 @ 12:12 am
Yep, as everything sony told before the official launch of ps3, all videos we’ve seen are simple computer graphic…so i prefer to watch movies for it.
At now, there are no true differences about videogames betweek x360 and ps3.
I dont know wich consolle i will buy, im italian, im waiting march and some month of real gaming experience in usa/japan.
I think everyone in some part hate microsoft, me the same… but ms didnt pumped a lot about the tecnology and the targets to achive, there are no miracles in technology
Ciao da Milano
Enrico
Comment by MusicRider — Nov 22, 2006 @ 12:02 pm
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Leave a comment