[catisfit]

Today we are announcing that Qore: Presented by the PLAYSTATION Network, a highly interactive, monthly lifestyle gaming program covering the world inside PLAYSTATION is on its way to PS3. Qore has been developed to give PS3 users early access to game related content at a level of quality, interactivity and depth. Everything is filmed in HD. Qore will feature exclusive news, developer interviews, in-depth game previews and behind-the-scenes looks at PlayStation games and special access to game demos, special beta invitations, game add-ons and other downloadable game-related content.

Our premier episode will be available on Thursday, June 5. The premier episode includes in-depth exclusive and never-before released content on upcoming PlayStation titles such as SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Secret Agent Clank, Soul Calibur 4 and Afro Samurai, as well as the latest Blu-ray Disc trailers, an exclusive SOCOM: Confrontation theme with an invitation to the SOCOM: Confrontation beta, art galleries and other surprises. We also know that many of you are big fans of Veronica Belmont, the widely-known host of numerous online video programs and podcasts and an avid gamer, so we’ve chosen her to be your host.


To get Qore, simply log onto PSN and go to the PLAYSTATION Store, as you would purchase any other form of downloadable content. Once the single Episode or annual subscription is purchased, that month’s episode will be downloaded under the “Game” heading on the Cross Media Bar (XMB). Users who purchase the “Qore Annual Subscription” will notice only that month’s episode is available to download. The following month, the new episode will automatically appear in your download list. The introductory price for Qore is $2.99 for a single episode and $24.99 for an annual subscription of 13 episodes, using your PLAYSTATION Network wallet.

As Peter Dille mentioned in a previous PLAYSTATION Network post, the broader service and community initiatives launching on the PLAYSTATION Network this year such as Qore, PlayStation Home and the Video Download Service are all evidence of our dedication to delivering an all-encompassing entertainment experience for PS fans. Qore is the first in a series of planned original programming specifically created for the PLAYSTATION Network community and we hope you enjoy it.

Q&A

Q: Will I be able to re-watch episodes? How will back issues or previous months content be handled?
A: Yes. When you purchase an Episode of Qore, it becomes available in your Download List. You can then download it to your PS3’s HDD and view it as often as you like. In addition, should you decide to delete an Episode of Qore from your HDD, you can always go back to your Download List and download it again.

This, however, may not apply to downloadable content that is associated with a particular Episode, as that content may have its own restrictions (i.e.: beta invitations and timed exclusives). As a side note - when you purchase multiple Episodes of Qore they all download to your HDD separately. So, it is possible to have as many Episodes of Qore on your HDD as space will allow - the latest Episode does not overwrite previous Episodes.

Q: Will Qore be compatible with PSP via remote play?
A: We are currently evaluating the PSP as a platform for Qore delivery.

Q: Does this mean that some older PSN titles will become available to download for Qore subscribers?
A: While we have no announcements to make at this time, we are evaluating other PSN titles as possible bonuses for new annual subscribers.

Q: Do we have to watch advertisements during the Episodes, or will we be able to skip them?
A: Currently, Qore’s advertising model is to allow our advertising partners 15 seconds of interstitial advertising (forced-run) in each individual advertisement before our users are given control and allowed to skip the advertising, should they so desire. Should you want more information on an advertised product, you can then go to the Sponsor’s page and watch a longer version/view additional content from that sponsor.

In addition, the forced-run advertising is only active once per session - it will not reset until you exit Qore. This does not apply to advertisements that are delivered as banners or that frame editorial content.

Episode List:

Episode 1: June 2008 (1,577Mb)

• Incredible Hulk - Trailer (video)
• SOCOM Confrontation - Introduction (video)
• SOCOM Confrontation - The Ultimate Team (video)
• SOCOM Confrontation - Gallery (images)
• SOCOM Confrontation - Theme (DLC)
• SOCOM Confrontation - Clan Warfare (video)
• SOCOM Confrontation - Beta (DLC - not yet accessible)
• Soul Calibur IV - A Fighting Game With Soul (video)
• Afro Samurai - Out For Justice (video)
• Secret Agent Clank - Gadgetry Of Robot (video)
• Secret Agent Clank - Sneak Clank (video)
• Secret Agent Clank - Gadgets And More (images)
• Star Wars The Force Unleashed - Introduction (video)
• Star Wars The Force Unleashed - This Ain't Yoda's Force (video)
• Star Wars The Force Unleashed - Explore The Galaxy (video)
• Star Wars The Force Unleashed - The Rancor Battle (video)
• Metal Gear Solid 4 - Trailer/Ad (video)
• Race Driver GRID - Trailer/Ad (video)
• Overlord Raising Hell - Trailer/Ad (video)
• Guitar Hero Aerosmith - Trailer/Ad (video)
• Death Orb (game)
• Calling All Cars - Full Game (DLC - for annual subscribers)

Episode 2: July 2008 (1,758Mb)

• Hellboy 2 The Golden Army - Trailer (video)
• Hellboy 2 The Golden Army - Gallery (images)
• Resistance 2 - Introduction (video)
• Resistance 2 - Long Road to Victory (video)
• Resistance 2 - All Suited Up (video)
• Resistance 2 - W.T.F. Tech: InterSense (video)
• Resistance 2 - New and Improved (video)
• Resistance 2 - Gallery de Resistance (images)
• Resistance 2 - Theme (DLC)
• Silent Hill Homecoming - Inside Silent Hill (video)
• Silent Hill Homecoming - Creepin' It Real (video)
• Silent Hill Homecoming - Fright Gallery (images)
• Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm - Trailer/Ad (video)
• Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm - Behind the Academy (video)
• Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm - Anime Instincts (video)
• Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm - Ninja Yearbook (images)
• Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm - Demo (DLC)
• Madden NFL 09 - Introduction (video)
• Madden NFL 09 - For the Love of the Game (video)
• Madden NFL 09 - Through the Years (images)
• Monster Madness Grave Danger - Trailer/Ad (video)
• Monster Madness Grave Danger - Gallery (images)
• Metal Gear Solid 4 - Trailer/Ad (video)
• Death Orb Resurrection (game)
• Calling All Cars - Full Game (DLC - for annual subscribers)

Please note: While Qore will run under a UK account, you must run it under a US account to start downloading the DLC. Once selected, the downloads can be completed and run under a UK account.

[Br0ken]

I was interested until I got to the pricing points

[sparced]

Whats the UK price? If the subscription includes Calling All Cars I may be interested.

[DisguisedCoot]

US only at the moment according to PS3fanboy.com
Speaking in a new PlayStation Blog post Susan Panico, Senior Director of the PlayStation Network, has announced a new interactive digital magazine TV show called Qore. This will feature "exclusive news, developer interviews, in-depth game previews and behind-the-scenes looks at PlayStation games and special access to game demos, special beta invitations, game add-ons and other downloadable game-related content." All content is shot in HD and a new episode will be made available every month.

The first issue of Qore, which will be released this Thursday, comes packed with exclusive content for games such as SOCOM Confrontation (including an invitation to the beta), Secret Agent Clank and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Qore is available on the PlayStation Store for a one-off payment of $2.99 per issue, or for a yearly subscription fee of $24.99 for 13 issues. Check out the video above to see Qore in action. If you want more info, be sure to check out the PlayStation Blog post. We're looking forward to checking it out this Thursday.

There's no word on whether this will be released outside of America, but we have contacted Sony Europe to get an answer either way. [UPDATE] Our SCEE rep has sadly informed us that "Qore is an SCEA only initiative at this time". How disappointing.

[sdc77]

Yep.. sounded like an interesting alternative to gametrailers .. gamespot etc until it got to the cost

[Mark Hodgkinson]

Originally Posted by Br0ken

I was interested until I got to the pricing points

Yeah me too, can't believe they've got the nerve to try and sell us a marketing tool

[Hulligan]

Am i the only one who thinks this may be a "Beta" test to see if people are willing to pay for PSN content?

Im sure i remember reading that they may eventually charge for PSN content/usage, and maybe this is a way to test the water.

[Zeromajor]

You have got to be kidding, paying money for something you can get in abundance already from the likes of gametrailers?

As far as i'm concerned paper magazines are the only content like this i'll pay for.

Stop taking the **** sony, we want to pay for the games - not previews of them

[pboreham]

Shame that... like others, was quite excited till I found the price. I know its only the equivalent of £1.50 (or as it will be in rip-off Britain, £2.99) - but still, its asking people to pay for something of an unknown quantity.

They should have made Episode 1 free to download to give people a chance to decide if they like it (or at least a 10min preview).

Plus if its in HD, you are looking at a fair whack of time and bandwidth to get it down which has an associated cost.

If they could (in the future - Home I guess?) stream this kind of content then maybe... just maybe!

[sparced]

I think Home needed to have been released for a positive reaction to this. Free online play plus access to open world service and people wouldn't of been bothered about whats just a video magazine.

Everyone is already overreacting. The Demos are usually just niche games and from reading the press release not even close to being Qore' biggest selling point or attraction.

The typical Kotuka reader is already speculating one what it all means and will this damage PSN's reputation.

If you subscribe to IGN, Gamespot or even some of the official print media then this is an alternative nothing more can be read from this announcement .

[Zeromajor]

Originally Posted by Marc R2

I think Home needed to have been released for a positive reaction to this. Free online play plus access to open world service and people wouldn't of been bothered about whats just a video magazine.

Everyone is already overreacting. The Demos are usually just niche games and from reading the press release not even close to being Qore' biggest selling point or attraction.

The typical Kotuka reader is already speculating one what it all means and will this damage PSN's reputation.

If you subscribe to IGN, Gamespot or even some of the official print media then this is an alternative nothing more can be read from this announcement .

I don't think it's overreacting - this sort of stuff was supposed to come with HOME was it not?

They'll be charging for that next too...

[sparced]

Originally Posted by MajorZero

I don't think it's overreacting - this sort of stuff was supposed to come with HOME was it not?

How was it? There is absolutely no similarity in this and Home.

Originally Posted by MajorZero

They'll be charging for that next too...

Actually we've known from the start that inside Home they'll charge for certain types of clothes and furniture.

[Zeromajor]

Originally Posted by Marc R2

How was it? There is absolutely no similarity in this and Home.

HOME is supposed to a an all-encompassing hub for the playstation network. Things like the recent ubidays have shown how that sort of thing will be integrated.

Originally Posted by Marc R2

Actually we've known from the start that inside Home they'll charge for certain types of clothes and furniture.

Yes we all know about the dlc

I was referring to the fact that it could very well become a subscription based affair (bringing it into mmorpg territory really...) if they think they can get away with charging us for previews of games then the sky's the limit really isn't it....

[catisfit]

It must cost quite a bit to create a professional videogame programme, especially an interactive one, and it's not like they can throw adverts on in the middle like the ones on Bravo...

[Br0ken]

I don't think any is overreacting here either. I don't read Kotaku so I don't care what people over there are saying.

People have only commented that this probably isn't worth paying for, no overreaction in that at all.

HOME is just a portal to the PSN. You don't even need it to play games online, so personally I'm not bothered if they charge for HOME or not. As long as online play remains free and open I'm happy enough with that. There is also nothing wrong with charging for premium content in HOME, it happens in just about every other online world - you get the common basic things for free and you pay for the more unique/attractive stuff, standard business model for any virtual world.

Catisfit, good point about the costs involved with producing such a programme. I do subscribe to quite a few Video podcasts, and almost all of them have advertising, so I'd be surprised if Qore doesn't have any.

Anyway, onto the most important point, I was always taught "u" came after a "q", is "Qore" mispelt?

[Dave_C]

Sounded quite interesting until it got to the price. I was thinking perhaps Sony had one up on Microsoft with this until the pricing was mentioned.

Anyway it's US only so who cares.

[sparced]

Originally Posted by Br0ken

I don't think any is overreacting here either. I don't read Kotaku so I don't care what people over there are saying.

Kotaku, Destructoid, Joystiq, Wired any blog you want to choose from all have the same out cries that this is some sort of PSN Gold subscription, Sony U-turn and its a disgrace.

Originally Posted by Br0ken

People have only commented that this probably isn't worth paying for, no overreaction in that at all.

Originally Posted by MajorZero

Stop taking the **** sony

MajorZero has already thrown a hissy fit and speculated along with Hulligan that they'll be additional charges in future for other services.

[Zeromajor]

Originally Posted by Marc R2

Kotaku, Destructoid, Joystiq, Wired any blog you want to choose from all have the same out cries that this is some sort of PSN Gold subscription, Sony U-turn and its a disgrace.

So what does that tell you?

The consumer does not want to pay for this crap. They've u-turned before on us (sixaxis/ds3) so why not with home? it's the start of something.

I'd hardly say i've thrown a fit pal, i'm just extremely sceptical that any good is going to come of this.

Like I mentioned before, they should be cracking on with getting the games on the shelves, not charging us more money for previews that we can get for free elsewhere.

[Br0ken]

Originally Posted by Dave_C

Anyway it's US only so who cares.

Exactly .

[Zeromajor]

Originally Posted by Dave_C

Anyway it's US only so who cares.

It is?

Oh well it's a great idea then!

[Br0ken]

Originally Posted by MajorZero

It is?

Oh well it's a great idea then!

Yes, see post #4.

[catisfit]

A professionally produced, PS3 centric gaming programme, available to view at your leisure, coupled with direct access to developers not available anywhere else, and with the added bonus of DLC and beta invitations, for a touch over £1 per month? Disgraceful

[theblacksheep]

WOW! Sony are trying to convince people to pay for adverts and tests (coupled with 1 or 2 things you might actually want, that would have been free beforehand).... brilliant.

Be it £1 or £1p, if people accept it, the price only goes one way. Anyway, its the concept of paying for it (essentailly adverts) I dont agree with, the price doesnt matter.

Boooo... Hissssssss

[AJUK]

I think it is a decent idea, and if it cost about £20 a year i definatly pay it, access to a few betas and stuff would make it well worthwhile.

[Br0ken]

Why would you want to pay to take part in a beta? Would you pay some one to get a beta code on ebay?

[Mickus]

I would pay for the odd one or two if the content was deemed VFM. That's as far as it goes really. No real difference than buy the occaisional magazine...

Anyway, SCEE couldn't translate it into 12 different languages on a monthly basis - so we probably wouldn't get it anyhow...

[runam0k]

It'll be interesting to see what they do.

I like the short clips and interviews that can be streamed over Live every week.

Sony has to think of new ways to claw back money (PSN must be costing Sony a lot of money in terms of development, servers, bandwidth, etc). There will be more pay for services on PSN, no doubt about it.

It only becomes an issue when people begin to feel like they have to pay to get the full PSN experience. If demos become exclusive to the PSN show above, then the full PSN experience is no longer free.

[catisfit]

And here's your host...

[catisfit]

Originally Posted by runam0k

Sony has to think of new ways to claw back money (PSN must be costing Sony a lot of money in terms of development, servers, bandwidth, etc). There will be more pay for services on PSN, no doubt about it.

I suspect that the cost of studio, presenter, crew, plus all the admin and technical costs will mean they'd need this to be taken up quite significantly before they saw any profit at all from it, so I doubt that's the intention.

It would be a helluva lot easier just to start charging for something they already do if profit was the aim.

[Mark Hodgkinson]

Originally Posted by Br0ken

Anyway, onto the most important point, I was always taught "u" came after a "q", is "Qore" mispelt?

Actually it's misspelt or misspelled but I'm sure the irony isn't lost on you