PS3: the ability to save games in the "cloud"

[nomore]

who is excited about the upcoming 3.60 firmware update?

Kotaku has learned that earlier today, Sony informed developers of a new feature for the PlayStation 3: the ability to save games in the "cloud".

Cloud storage means that, rather than just keeping your save game data on your PlayStation 3's hard drive, users will be given the option to upload their saves remotely to a server. The advantage of this is that not only does it save the user space on their hard drive, but since it's tied to a PlayStation Network account, it can be pulled down to different consoles whenever and wherever the user desires.

First rumoured all the way back in 2009, there is of course a catch: it'll only be made available to PlayStation Plus subscribers, not the great unwashed. Actually, there are two catches: Sony bundled the announcement with the clause that, because saving games to the cloud "will allow save data with the copy prohibited attribute to be copied into the online storage", developers are able to opt out and bar their games from using it should there be a concern.

Sony will call the process "Online Saving", and it'll be made available as part of the PS3's upcoming 3.60 firmware update. We've contacted the company for further information, and will update if we hear back.

http://kotaku.com/5746393/save-your-ps3-games-in-thin-air

[Mangler]

I guess I'm not really excited about that since I have no subscription.

[nomore]

I guess I'm not really excited about that since I have no subscription.

I also don't have a subscription, but instead of removing features I am glad Sony is also adding some features.

[mavman]

Why oh why....wait until they get your data, then charge you a "small fee" for retrieval.

[aRandomRobot]

I would not be surprised if this is the prototype for a system where the only way you can save is online, kind of like what some DRMs have been doing with PC games. Considering how the PS3 is now cracked wide open it would make sense for Sony to try to combat piracy of new games. It's a feature now, but in the not so distant future it might become mandatory.

[Sharkfood]

I figured this was originally in the works since certain games wont let you copy the save game data to memstick for sneaker-net to another console.

In reality, having a "trusted" 3rd party manage this is the only way to still maintain legitimacy to trophies/accomplishments since you could just lift a game-save off the internet, fire it up and win the trophy for many of them.

Lastly, my understanding is that Portal 2 and Steam are coming to PS3. If this is the case, I'm sure Steam will compete with Sony on this front as they already offer this service free as part of Steam (free at least on the PC/Mac).

[Tizen]

I would not be surprised if this is the prototype for a system where the only way you can save is online, kind of like what some DRMs have been doing with PC games. Considering how the PS3 is now cracked wide open it would make sense for Sony to try to combat piracy of new games. It's a feature now, but in the not so distant future it might become mandatory.

Right, I'm sure that will work out great They'd have to be slightly suicidal to make such a decision.

[mabran]

Works for many steam games just fine so I don't see how this is such a big thing.

[spindoctor]

cloud saving is a great feature. sucks that it's psn+ only.

[nomore]

Why oh why....wait until they get your data, then charge you a "small fee" for retrieval.

that fee should come out of the PSN+ fee...
it would be ridiculous to pay for it twice.