Sony team up with Xfire for PS3 online

[Steven W]

Xfire is a freeware instant messaging service targeted toward gamers. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to detect what video game a particular contact is running and allowing IMs to be sent and received from inside the game in question, eliminating the need to minimize the game window. But what are Sony's plans?

Check out the Headline for more info.

[Tom Scott]

So Sony are relying on someone else to do their Online messaging system for them, this generally again will put emphasis on developers having change to things to get it working on the PS3 with different bits of software from different companies. The 360 obviously has everything "in built" so is less work for the Devs, interesting to see what the Wii system will be like.

[grizzla]

So Sony are relying on someone else to do their Online messaging system for them, this generally again will put emphasis on developers having change to things to get it working on the PS3 with different bits of software from different companies. The 360 obviously has everything "in built" so is less work for the Devs, interesting to see what the Wii system will be like.

What is wrong with using a tried and tested software application for PS3, better that than starting from scratch and end up with numerous bugs a la Microsoft

[Tom Scott]

What is wrong with using a tried and tested software application for PS3, better that than starting from scratch and end up with numerous bugs a la Microsoft

Its generally going to cause developers more problems trying to work with more and more bit of software.

[Parm]

I still think the Playstation Network will only use a few of Xfire's features, I think most of it will be built from the ground up.
At least I hope that's the case, I've used Xfire on occasion on the PC but don't find it particularly good.

[shaithis]

Sounds like PS3 is going to be another "Off line" console...

GG Sony....

[Parm]

A Sony Online Entertainment representative has contacted 1UP and clarified that the Xfire technology was only being evaluated for the PS3 launch title, Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom. "This proposed deal is completely separate and independent from the PlayStation Network Platform, and is something that SOE was examining specifically for Dark Kingdom." It seems we're back to square one.

Looks like we still don't know much about it.