The Official PlayStation Magazine Insider Whispers for May 2008

The latest issue of The Official PlayStation Magazine UK has released today, featuring that Grand Theft Auto IV review (10/10 baby). Lets look at the smaller things now, the 'Insider Whispers'.

- Bite-sized episodic gaming will be hitting the PlayStation Store “before the end of the year”. I guess that means Rat Race.
- Heavenly Sword 2 will feature a male lead and will take place ten years after the original (as long as Kai is still involved and we are still able to play ‘twing-twang’).
- In-Game XMB should be arriving in the summer.
- Ready at Dawn, the now expert PSP developer, is now working on a PlayStation 3 title.
- “The bizarre Linger In Shadows, complete with flying dogs and deadly black smoke, will be a PSN download”

I'd much want in-game XMB before summer, but I guess they are doing what they can.

[Heavenly Sword 2, XMB and more rumours from the Official Magazine]

OPM UK Rumors: God of War III for 2009, In-Game XMB Running

The latest issue of the UK Official PlayStation Magazine has been released, and we have the rumors column right here for you. Let's take a look.

- God Of War III is along way off, won't be released until Christmas 2009.
- The BBC reckons Sony has an amazing secret game in the works for 2009.
- Capcom is developing Dead Rising 2 for multiple platforms including PlayStation 3.
- Team ICO's new game has links to Norse myths.
- Mass Effect and its Sequels will come to PlayStation 3.
- Sony already has a in-game version of the PlayStation 3's XMB up and running.
- Netflix will soon offer movie downloads straight to your PlayStation 3.

For other information on this issue, such as the latest review scores, visit the link below.

[This Months Official Playstation Magazine [UK] Review Scores and Rumors]

PSM3 Editor Speaks on Upcoming In-Game Communications

Ray Maguire, Sony Computer Entratainment Manging Director, stated a few days ago that we will be receiving in-game communications in the summer.

From a post from a few days ago, Maguire stated: "Our momentum will continue with the introduction of in-game communication in the summer, firmware update 2.4 and the strongest line-up of games through our third party partners and our own studios."

TechRadar spoke with Daniel Dawkins, an editor for UK based PSM3 Magazine. He told them “This brings the PS3 up to parity with Xbox Live, the key difference being that it’s free". Dawkins added: “Sony is working its best to respond to what gamers want. The amount of evolution in terms of the firmware updates over the last year has been phenomenal.”

Lets hope we can trust this editor and that it really does put is almost up to par with Live.

[PS3's in-game comms extended]

Sony: In-Game Communication to Arrive in the Summer

For those of you wondering when we will get in-game XMB, I think we finally have an answer. Sadly, it's not a good one. In an interview with SCE UK Boss, Ray Maguire, he tells us that in-game communication will arrive in a firmware update during the summer.

“Our momentum will continue with the introduction of in-game communication in the summer, firmware update 2.4 and the strongest line-up of games through our third party partners and our own studios. I’d personally like to thank our trade and business partners for helping us on the start of the PS3 journey.”

There you have it, straight from his mouth. Looks like we have quite a bit of waiting to do.

[Sony hails retail as PS3 hits 1m]

Jeff Rubeinstein "Debunks" In-Game XMB Rumors

On a PlayStation.Blog comment, a loyal PlayStation fan asked "Please either confirm or debunk the ingame XMB/HOME/Achievements coming VERY soon rumours !!".

Jeff Rubeinstein replied saying the below.

"If by “VERY soon” you mean this week - debunked.

I see the same rumors, and they’re just that - rumors. Literally 95% of what I’ve read this week is just groundless speculation. But hey, that’s the game biz."

Either he is hiding the secret or he is just saying very soon but not this week at GDC 2008. Hmm, I guess we will find out SOON enough.

[PS.Blog Comment #24]

GDC 2008: Sony to Unveil In-Game XMB & LittleBigPlanet to Home Interaction

LusoPlay have received information from Sony Computer Entertainment that Sony will be unveiling in-game XMB along with LittleBigPlanet to Home integration at the Game Developers Conference 2008.

Along with that, they will have a big announcement on Home, the public beta is here. Details will come at the show. This is getting exciting!

[Home news from GDC 08]

In-Shirt XMB: Sony's Sense of Humor a Tease?

At the Game Developers Conference 2008, some of the T-Shirts Sony are giving away say "In-Shirt XMB". Hm, seems that Sony has a sense of humor for all the PLAYSTATION 3 users wanting in-game XMB.

Seeing these T-Shirts could be a hint though. I don't think Sony would display this just to piss off every PLAYSTATION 3 owner. Is XMB just a few days away? I think so.

[In-Game XMB: Sony gets a sense of humour]

PLAYSTATION 3 In-Game XMB Are Fake, Says Sony

The recently "leaked" in-game XMB images for the PLAYSTATION 3 appear to be fake, according to Sony Computer Entertainment.

Yeup. It was just some jerk trying to mess with our heads because he, along with everyone else, knows that all we want is our in-game XMB.

"The XMB images are fake," Sony told CVG, adding: "There are no firmware updates planned for January."

I guess for now, we just need to cross our fingers and keep hoping it will still arrive soon.

[Via CVG]

In-Game XMB Arriving at January's End?

A tipster has sent word into PLAYSTATION 3 gamercard site, TripleTags, that in-game XMB is coming sooner than we think. Along with the attached image (to the left & right), he concluded that we will be seeing this on our TV screens by the end of January.

Things you may want to notice is the absence of the "PLAYSTATION Network" icon, and the "Turn Off the System" icon all the way at the bottom of the menu.

Although my ideal in-game XMB would show my currently paused game as a background, this would be an excellent start. Let's hope it's true.

[Via TripleTags]

Update 1/15/08: The images appear to be fake, see the article here.

CES 2008: Sony Represenative Confirms In-Game XMB for 2008

Even though the game showcasing is small at Sony's CES booth this year, that doesn't mean we aren't getting some good news.

Paul Purdy, a Sony developer, has confirmed that in-game Xross Media Bar access is coming sometime this year. When asked for a date, Purdy countered with the "no further comments" smack.

Hopefully, the in-game XMB access will come sooner rather than later. Sooner as in like two months (prays).

[Via TGR] [Picture]

Eric Lempel Talks In-Game XMB, PSN Features

In a new interview that Shacknews has with Eric Lempel, head of the PLAYSTATION Network operations, he acknowledges the thing we've all been asking for, in-game XMB.

"We are looking at a number of enhancements related to accessing some of the XMB features during gameplay, including messaging your friends. While there's no timeline to announce at this point, we've heard loud and clear from consumers that in-game XMB access is one of the most requested PS3 enhancements."

It's coming, only a matter of time.

[Via Shacknews]

High Velocity Bowling Includes Custom Soundtrack, TimeShift Online In-Game Messaging

Looks like Sony is testing out it's in-game XMB work on it's games before they throw it all out at us. The today released High Velocity Bowling includes the ability to play a custom soundtrack.

To add to that, the TimeShift multiplayer demo that was released today includes in-game messaging as well. They've done this in games like Resistance: Fall of Man.

If they are able to do this so easily, why can't we just get our in-game XMB with all those features now? Perhaps for Christmas Sony?

[Via NeoGAF]

PLAYSTATION 3 Official XMB Themes Images

The recent PLAYSTATION Store update for today received a bunch of new XMB themes. Luckily some NeoGAF members posted screenshots of what these official themes look like. Take a look for yourself below.

Game Informer Wants Sony To Amp Up The Online As Well

Game Informer has a nice little wish list for the year 2008 for Sony Computer Entertainment. It's concerns? The PLAYSTATION Network. Thats right, they feel the same way we do.

They even made a few concept images of what they feel should change as well.

They discuss the main factor of course, XMB in-game, achievements, better store layout, background installing, and more. It's a good read, and everything they said can be put on our wishlist as well.

[Read: GameInformers Network Thoughts]

Insomniac Talks In-Game XMB & PLAYSTATION Network

In a recent interview with Insomniac's Chief Creative Officer Brian Hastings, he discusses the power of the PLAYSTATION 3 and new IPs.

One of the questions that Brian Hastings is asked is about the PLAYSTATION Network, and how it's not a service as well built as Xbox LIVE. They ask him his views on the subject.

He replies that once Sony allows in-game XMB access, a lot of LIVE's advantages will go away. He goes on to say that Sony has some advantages over LIVE, being the fact that they support dedicated servers for their games, which allows us to create a lag-free play experience and avoid host advantage problems.

He also says that the PLAYSTATION Network's open approach to the online gives the developers more freedom to design the players online experience anyway they want.

Hastings likes some things about LIVE that he wishes Sony had done. One being including a headset in every PLAYSTATION 3 package, helping to build the online community and make friends online. He also likes achievements and he wishes they were part of PLAYSTATION 3 games as well. He likes the idea of comparing your score to other gamers like you can do on LIVE.

[Read: Brian Hastings Interview]

PS3 Theme of The Week: Okami Theme

I might start doing this every week, we will see how it turns out. M0dus of NeoGAF has recently made a few PLAYSTATION 3 themes, but his recent work stands out like a rapper in a rock band. This theme would be his Okami theme.

The theme, pictured above, features the great artwork and detailed style featured in Capcom's Okami title. A sure theme for fans of the title. You can download it at the link below.

[Download: Okami Theme]

PLAYSTATION 3 Themes At Once Place

User Tryll1980 of MediaFire put together a download spot for all the currently made and released PLAYSTATION 3 XMB themes.

The site is very resourceful, and you can download them straight to your PLAYSTATION 3. The only disappointment is no preview images for the themes.

If your willing to download and try them without a preview, then go ahead and visit the site. The TinyURL for the site is "http://tinyurl.com/37xtjv" if your visiting with a PLAYSTATION 3 and don't want to type the long ass URL.

[Download: PS3 Themes]

PS3 Hax Starts Rolling In Themes

If your not to crazy about the three new themes that Sony gave us today, then don't worry, thats why we have custom themes, and local PLAYSTATION 3 site, PS3 Hax really knows how to bring it to us.

So far, since their Theme database launched (today, November 8, 2007) they have three custom themes into the system and you and other users can upload your own themes as well. It's all about the users. See and upload your themes at the link below.

[Visit: Themes Database]

PLAYSTATION 3 XMB: Three New Themes Available

Three new themes for the PLAYSTATION 3 XMB have gone live today on the Japanese PLAYSTATION website. These themes include the LED theme, and two others. Download them at the link, below are the instructions.

Step by Step Guide

1. Download file off RapidShare or off the Japanese PLAYSTATION Site site.
2. Get a form of portable media (SD card, Flash drive, USB memory stick).
3. Create a new folder on the memory stick called PS3.
4. Then create a new folder inside the PS3 folder called THEMES.
   
5. If you downloaded from RapidShare the folders will already be created.
6. Place the theme files that you downloaded inside the THEMES folder.
   
   The folder should look like: Memory stick » PS3 » THEMES » "Theme File"
   
   
7. Insert memory stick into your PLAYSTATION 3.
8. Select Themes from Settings in the XMB.
9. At the top of the right sidebar, click install.
10. Select the theme you want to install, and then set it.

Enjoy your themes!

[Download: XMB Themes]

PLAYSTATION 3 Theme Creation Tool

Okay, the theme packed 2.0 was released last night, so we need to get creating themes for us to enjoy. Of course the Japanese site already has the theme creation tool.

1) First, download the tool.

2) Extract the folder.

3) Open command prompt and navigate to the folder.

4) The folder should contain a sample folder, a GrimConv folder, a p3tcompiler.exe and other assorted files. To create your theme you will need to run the p3tcompiler.exe passing in the sample.xml. (ex: Example: If you are in the p3tcompiler_v101 folder, you run: p3tcompiler .sample�1sample.xml)

5) This creates a number of .gim files and a sample.p3t files in the sample /01/ directory. Take the sample.p3t file and transfer it to a memory stick in the following location: PS3->THEME.

6) Plug the memory stick into your PS3 and select the theme setting, where you will be given an option to install; do so, and you will have your sample theme.

7)To construct your own custom theme, it’s a case of editing all of the .png files in the sample directory, and re-run all of the above.

Have fun creating themes!

[Via PSU]