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[JaseC]

That won't work.. the co-op aspect REQUIRES Steam to play, even on PS3. Chances are the single player will too, at least for a one-time activation.

I expect used game stores to ban this game from resale, because anyone picking up a secondhand copy will not be able to go online..

Not going to happen.

Source?

Sorry if I missed it, but the only thing i've read so far is, to get the PC vers for free is you have to link your accounts in game.

It's an assumption.

The main thing people are forgetting: Community will grow immensely! There will never be a dull moment in Portal 2 co-op and there will always be someone playing for the next decade whether it be the PS3 version or PC version.

Portal 2 the next CS?

Well, if we're going down that road Valve gets the following with your purchase:

PC - $49
PS3 - Maybe $20? I'm not sure what that breakdown looks like.

Just talking revenue here of course.

Though either way I'm sure Valve is happy you're buying their game.

In the UK, at least, Valve would get ~30%.

Fuck this guys right! How come no one thought of this yet!?

The gaiety derived from your post exceeded my self-control tolerances, good sir! You are to be applauded for your efforts!

Spoiler

Somebody posted an image in a thread (may have been in OT side, but I can't be sure) the other day of this phrase attached to a cat wearing a monocle. Wish I saved it.

Portal 2 probably uses a slightly upgraded version of the Source engine, but I doubt it'll be very demanding.

The lighting and shadow systems have been completely overhauled if the the video footage is anything to go by (they're completely dynamic, for one). As far as cranking the game is concerned, I think we'll see a noticeable increase in system resource usage compared to, say, Portal or Episode Two.

Anyone think they'll support the hell out of this PS3 version in the same respect that their PC counterparts have everlasting updates and content?

I'm just thinking about this because, if Move support becomes a fashionable/successful thing for a lot of games in the future after this is released, maybe they'll get around to patching in support for it too? I could see them doing something of that level for PC games, consoles though, I just think of TF2 360...

That's the point, really. Valve have expressed their disappointment with how MS handle XBL in that it doesn't allow them to support their games even remotely close to the extent to which they do the PC versions. There's no such barrier on the PS3.

I actually managed to DL it during that time just to get it in case I wanted to play it .. since at the time I had a much older Mac that didn't meet it's requirements.

Now I have the top of the line MBP i7 so I guess I don't have that excuse anymore. Will check it out now.

Don't forget to make a LTTP thread when you're done (or, at least, when you think you're close to the end).

If you planned to get it on PC you are just spending an extra $10 for a version of the game you aren't even gonna play. That is what it looks like from what they announced.

I buy the console versions of games I typically play on the PC later down the track so I can play them with mates. I'm getting the two versions of Portal 2 that I'd like for only an extra ~$10, so this announcement is music to my ears.

 

[Cipherr]

Some serious excitement over features that I damn near consider standard these days lol

OH SHIT. PS3 copy gets you a PC copy also, fucking sold.

But yeah I have to admit, if the PC steam capable version is free with the PS3 version, Ill buy the PS3 SKU just for the fuck of having it, even though I know I wouldnt ever EVER play it on my ps3. Just having it for free is a win, so why not?

Does the PC version support gamepads?

Umm, its a pc game, I can guarantee it, though I damn sure wouldnt recommend it.

Strange how MS missed out on this, I mean really strange considering their leading the console online space charge. Kind of an epic fail to miss out on steam integration. The fact that its mix platform, the PS3 players able to see and play with the PC players is pretty huge. Bigger installbase to play with. Thats like never a bad thing.

 

[classicdms]

Do you think they'd be able to swing it so if you buy on PC/Mac, you'd get it through PSN?

Probably sometime down the line, sure, but it would be the ultimate vindication and cause this cross platform agnosticism thing to be equal on all fronts.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

Do you think they'd be able to swing it so if you buy on PC/Mac, you'd get it through PSN?

Probably sometime down the line, sure, but it would be the ultimate vindication and cause this cross platform agnosticism thing to be equal on all fronts.

Won't happen. Valve has everything to gain from this because people will become Steam addicts and spend hundreds more than the $50 they'd spend for Portal 2 on Steam. If one could get a free PS3 version from buying it on Steam, what does Sony gain? People don't spend money on the PSN store like they do on Steam.

 

[Blizzard]

Do you think they'd be able to swing it so if you buy on PC/Mac, you'd get it through PSN?

Probably sometime down the line, sure, but it would be the ultimate vindication and cause this cross platform agnosticism thing to be equal on all fronts.

That seems a bit less likely to me due to the pricepoint thing. People are used to buying games on Steam for $5-15 on sale, and $30-$50 new. $60 new games are pretty much the exception on PC, and I don't know if there would be resistance for major $50 PS3 releases. Who knows though, maybe the landscape will change. If Valve implements this well, it should mean good things for them.

It's about time for them to bump the 250-friend limit up, though.

 

[Fredescu]

I assume the Hydra Portal 2 bundle isn't available for pre order anywhere yet? I haven't been able to find it. This thread is making me want to buy something.

 

[Mrbob]

Even if somehow people can trade in the PS3 version and keep the PC copy this is still a good move for Valve. This move is being done to hook more people into Steam. Valve has an interest to increase the user base so I don't expect Steamplay from any 3rd party Steamworks titles.

Funny how Valve will be the ones to bring cross game chat to PS3! Would love to be able to use the Steam client outside of Portal 2. Hopefully PSN gets an update for this.

If you planned to get it on PC you are just spending an extra $10 for a version of the game you aren't even gonna play. That is what it looks like from what they announced.

Can get some trophies on PS3!

If Portal 2 is anything like the first one I'll play it multiple times.

 

[Wthermans]

I'm still holding my applause until we find out how online co-op works. I'm hoping you don't have to link the PS3 version to your Steam account to play online (to download the game on PC I can understand), otherwise this is no different than EA's Online Pass (but in Valve's version you lose an entire gameplay mode but get a copy of the game on another platform).

I'm hoping Valve comes up a way to prevent people with used/rented copies of the game from accessing the PC download of the game while keeping the ability of used/rented to play Online Co-Op.

 

[demosthenes]

This is awesome b/c it gets me:
1) Portal 2 local coop w/ my GF.
2) Portal 2 online coop on my PC.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

This is awesome b/c it gets me:
1) Portal 2 local coop w/ my GF.
2) Portal 2 online coop on my PC.

We don't know that just yet. Its possible that you won't be able to play your PS3 version if you're logged into your PC account. I am not sure if this is two separate licenses or one license that works for both PS3/PC.

 

[(._.)]

Two different licenses would actually make buying the PS3 version worthwhile. Offline PS3 will obviously be there. Have to maybe do some registering that makes it useless.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

Two different licenses would actually make buying the PS3 version worthwhile. Offline PS3 will obviously be there. Have to maybe do some registering that makes it useless.

To me its still worthwhile but yea, if they offer two different licenses it would be killer. Still can't see them doing it though.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

Wait, I get the PC version FREE if I buy it for PS3? That's just damn crazy.

Both the PC AND the Mac version. Steam's been doing this for a while with games that are out for both PC and the Mac (buying one gets you the other for free), even if the other version comes out much later.

We don't know that just yet. Its possible that you won't be able to play your PS3 version if you're logged into your PC account. I am not sure if this is two separate licenses or one license that works for both PS3/PC.

I would think it would work like it always did - if you're logged into your Steam account on one system, you can't be logged in on another. Doesn't this work like this for PCs and Macs as well? I don't see why it wouldn't also work like that for PS3s.

 

[xxracerxx]

We don't know that just yet. Its possible that you won't be able to play your PS3 version if you're logged into your PC account.

Umm he is saying that he will play co-op on the couch o the PS3 with his girlfriend and online co-op on his PC with Steam friends. You are getting confused.

 

[FOOTE]

What is the rationale behind this? Why go through the hassle?

What if the standalone PC version is $30 off Steam?

I like my cases. And If for some reason it is $30 on Steam, I'll cancel my order. However, right now it's not.

Buy on PS3, try to quickly sell PS3 version back for $40

I don't sell my games.

 

[TrAcEr_x90]

does the ps3 version support move?

 

[SolidSnakex]

"The goal is to give a Portal 2 customer access to their game on as many devices as possible. We introduced this notion when we launched Steam Play for Mac and PC games in the spring of last year," Lombardi explained. "Giving a PS3 owner of Portal 2 the ability to also play their game on the PC and Mac is an extension of this philosophy. From our perspective, it's not two copies of a game; it's the same game, but with Sony's help we've worked out a method to allow that Portal 2 PS3 customer to also play their game on the PC and Mac."

Now that Steam is running on the PlayStation 3, the service may be added to other games as well as Portal 2, but Lombardi refuses to give any specific news. "We are hoping other titles will benefit from the Steamworks tools and services we've created for Portal 2 PS3, but we don't have anything to announce today."

Some of our readers expressed nervousness about linking their games with their Steam accounts. Will they still be able to resell their games? Lombardi declined to offer specifics when asked about what protections were built in, saying only that we'll have more details on account linking closer to launch.

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/01/portal-on-playstation-3.ars

 

[quickwhips]

microsoft needs to wake up and embrace steam or get lost in the dust on this one I think. I know they are fight steam with games for windows. This could increase the player base on all systems. I know microsoft won't though.

 

[Lagspike_exe]

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/01/portal-on-playstation-3.ars

It would be really awesome if other publishers join up on this initiative. I really, really love this approach and I'm sure others do as well. Now, if they only got those save files to be universal...

 

[evlcookie]

Great news and while i own a PS3 i don't think i will be buying that version. There's a good chance the PC version will be $20 cheaper and i don't feel the need to spend an extra $20 on a version i will never play.

Still this is awesome for those who would use the features over both systems.

Curse doug for being silent on Ep3 in that ars interview

 

[Drkirby]

We don't know that just yet. Its possible that you won't be able to play your PS3 version if you're logged into your PC account. I am not sure if this is two separate licenses or one license that works for both PS3/PC.

That would just suck, and defeat the point to some extent.

 

[Atomski]

That would just suck, and defeat the point to some extent.

Thats how it works on steam though. If I have a steam game running on one pc and another on laptop. Im going to get booted from one.

 

[Unknown One]

If it's a CD-Key won't you be able to put it on another Steam account?

 

[RocketDarkness]

That would just suck, and defeat the point to some extent.

No it wouldn't.

 

[AndyD]

That would just suck, and defeat the point to some extent.

No, the point is they sold you one game to be played by one person. So technically it would achieve their goal of attacking piracy and re-sale.

If this works from a technical standpoint, I can see it happening with a lot more games. EA already hooks you up to the EA online ID so they could do the same with Battlefield and their other MP oriented games. One key that simply authorizes the game on your account, regardless of which machine you connect with.

Without the code, SP only, with the code MP on either the console or the PC.

 

[Nabs]

No, the point is they sold you one game to be played by one person. So technically it would achieve their goal of attacking piracy and re-sale.

If this works from a technical standpoint, I can see it happening with a lot more games. EA already hooks you up to the EA online ID so they could do the same with Battlefield and their other MP oriented games. One key that simply authorizes the game on your account, regardless of which machine you connect with.

Without the code, SP only, with the code MP on either the console or the PC.

yeah, but ea would never do something like this.

 

[TrAcEr_x90]

Moooove support on ps3???

 

[Nabs]

Moooove support on ps3???

I bet that'll be a future update, just to show off the process.

 

[spats]

Moooove support on ps3???

They haven't talked about that. I'm pretty confident it won't have Move support.

 

[TrAcEr_x90]

They haven't talked about that. I'm pretty confident it won't have Move support.

they showed that pc controller demo last week. figured move support was in!

 

[SolidSnakex]

Moooove support on ps3???

From E3 last year

"[Move and 3D] will have to wait for Portal 3 or another title," he added. "We won't be supporting those in Portal 2."

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=257516

 

[AndyD]

yeah, but ea would never do something like this.

Hard to say.

I wonder what the % overlap is for people who buy both say BFBC2 on PC and PS3. If its not very high, then I don't see it as a problem as it would not cannibalize sales, it would simply increase the number of players out there.

And if nothing else, it would attack re-sale on PS3 with a huge carrot of getting a free game (which you would not have bought otherwise). Even without cross platform play, simply the authentication and free game.

Also they could provide incentives like preorders. The LE editions can become like this, for $10 extra you get the two versions of the game plus some special armor/weapon...

Its all in that % overlap I think.

 

[1-D_FTW]

That would just suck, and defeat the point to some extent.

How does it defeat the purpose? This is how Steam works. When I buy the PC version, it'll include the ability to play on Mac. I can't sell that access to a buddy since I only play PC. I'm buying a license to play Portal 2. I can play it on any platform I want. I CAN'T sell access to platforms I don't need it for. It's a nice bonus that allows for portability.

 

[Stackboy]

I never thought I'd be saying I will get Portal 2 for PS3, but if it comes with a PC key, then I am onboard.

Oh, and free DLC on PS3 please Valve, much like PC.

 

[chixdiggit]

I have a PS3 but see no reason why I would ever play Portal on it.

 

[NIN90]

Brilliant move by Valve.

 

[CreativeWriter]

Preordered. Seriously cool move on Valve's part. I would love the PS4 to have Steam built-in--digital copies of everything multiplatform! I'd pay a handsome subscription fee for that feature.

Platform agnosticism is a game-changer for whichever company embraces it. Forget a "one-console future." Much of the industry's innovation is driven by exclusives, and the competition is good for everybody. Instead, give me a single game client that allows play of 3rd party games over many platforms. You want Borderlands 3? Buy it and be guaranteed that your mates can play co-op, no matter the system/OS they run. Future consoles can fight the good fight (differentiating themselves) on hardware specs, software exclusives, and OS features, but unifying the player-base for multiplatform titles would be incredible. Rather than obliterating unique selling points for Sony/MS, it would force the console manufacturers to innovate on hardware, OS, and exclusives. Everybody wins.

While we're at it, let me download and play a select group of PSN games on my iphone (a "PSN-Lite" App). Get on it, Sony ninjas!

 

[TOM f'N CRUISE]

Marking the debut of Steam functioning on any next generation console, the features shipping in the PS3 version of Portal 2 include cross platform play (PC/Mac vs. PS3) for multiplayer games, persistent cloud-based storage of PS3 saved games, and cross platform chat (PC/Mac and PS3).

In addition, those who purchase Portal 2 for the PlayStation 3 may unlock a Steam Play (PC & Mac) copy of Portal 2 at no additional cost by linking their PSN and Steam accounts.

ok cross platform play means PS3 will be able to play online with PC & mac?? WTF does "persistent cloud-based storage for ps3 games" mean??

how the hell do you link your PSN to you steam account??

 

[Metalmurphy]

ok cross platform play means PS3 will be able to play online with PC & mac?? WTF does "persistent cloud-based storage for ps3 games" mean??

how the hell do you link your PSN to you steam account??

Means you can save your configs and save games on the steam servers and access them on any PS3. In the future you'll be able to access them on any PS3 and PC.

 

[dark10x]

ok cross platform play means PS3 will be able to play online with PC & mac?? WTF does "persistent cloud-based storage for ps3 games" mean??

how the hell do you link your PSN to you steam account??

This game will provide the method for linking the two. You can't do it yet, but soon will be able to.

Cloud based storage simply suggests that you should be able to access your saves on any PS3 provided you sign in with your account.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

Is it possible that non Valve games could use Steam on the PS3 in the future? I am trying to wrap my head around how it'd work but can't even begin to.

 

[Square Triangle]

I assume there will be a one time use voucher code included with new copies so someone who buys this second hand or rents it can't unlock the PC version.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

I assume there will be a one time use voucher code included with new copies so someone who buys this second hand or rents it can't unlock the PC version.

Not sure if that was a general statement or in response to my post. If it was in response to my post, the question is why other publishers would offer this service. The only reason Valve is offering it is due to them benefiting in spades with Steam. What benefit do 3rd parties have to use Valve?

 

[TOM f'N CRUISE]

my god that sounds awesome

 

[Wthermans]

I assume there will be a one time use voucher code included with new copies so someone who buys this second hand or rents it can't unlock the PC version.

I think this is what's going to happen, I just hope that it doesn't also tie Co-Op into your Steam account otherwise this is just EA's Online Pass but instead of losing a few maps or weapons, you lose an entire game mode.

Personally I think GAFers are getting excited about this a little too prematurely because they're getting a "free" version of the game.

 

[Mrbob]

Is it possible that non Valve games could use Steam on the PS3 in the future? I am trying to wrap my head around how it'd work but can't even begin to.

I'm guessing it would be all Steamworks enabled titles. If you think about cost of updates this is a smooth move by Valve. Imagine 3rd parties being able to directly update their PS3 and PC versions of Steamworks games at the same time. I don't know if Sony is going to allow non Valve games to bypass their own network. In a strange way the PS3 could help Valve get more PC versions of multi plat games to be Steamworks.

 

[TTP]

From E3 last year



http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=257516

Just read this.

vadernooooooooo.gif

 

[JaseC]

Great news and while i own a PS3 i don't think i will be buying that version. There's a good chance the PC version will be $20 cheaper and i don't feel the need to spend an extra $20 on a version i will never play.

Still this is awesome for those who would use the features over both systems.

Curse doug for being silent on Ep3 in that ars interview

At least we know he's been supplanted by an alien clone if he does begin to talk about it.

I never thought I'd be saying I will get Portal 2 for PS3, but if it comes with a PC key, then I am onboard.

Oh, and free DLC on PS3 please Valve, much like PC.

Assured at this point.

 

[Noshino]

Not sure if that was a general statement or in response to my post. If it was in response to my post, the question is why other publishers would offer this service. The only reason Valve is offering it is due to them benefiting in spades with Steam. What benefit do 3rd parties have to use Valve?

That's the thing.

Just like you, I can see Valve making it available for anyone, but I don't see publishers/developers supporting it.... as there is really nothing for them to gain.

Of course this could change if Sony and/or Valve decide to give some kind of incentive to push studios into making it available on their PC/PS3 games, but once again, I don't see what Sony has to gain from it, this move would more than likely be done by Valve.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

That's the thing.

Just like you, I can see Valve making it available for anyone, but I don't see publishers/developers supporting it.... as there is really nothing for them to gain.

Of course this could change if Sony and/or Valve decide to give some kind of incentive to push studios into making it available on their PC/PS3 games, but once again, I don't see what Sony has to gain from it, this move would more than likely be done by Valve.

Yup. On the PC there is a direct benefit: security, people like it, and Valve handles the server load. With Sony, that isn't going to happen.