Tech Blog

[#1]

Urgh, what a clumsy title, "to feature Steam features." But it makes sense. Maybe I should go back and change it, but then I've written this sentence down, so...

Wait! I should really talk about this properly, because it's a pretty huge and remarkable news story (why, in fact, I'm publishing it right after writing a news story about Final Fantasy XIII-2, even.) Valve's upcoming title Portal 2 is going to be released for PlayStation 3 with what is absolutely unprecedented cross-platform features, such as cloud-based saves, access to your Steam friends list, chat with PC/Mac players, and even a Steam Play copy that you can play on your PC or Mac? It's madness!

So let's go over this again. When you buy Portal 2 for PlayStation 3, you get:

• Cross-platform multiplayer between PS3, PC, and Mac.
• Persistent cloud-based storage of your PS3 saves.
• Cross-platform chat between PS3, PC and Mac players.
• A PC/Mac copy of Portal 2 if you link your Steam and PSN accounts.

Honestly, I find it quite unbelievable that Sony have been so desperate (if that is the word) to land Valve that they've let what is essentially a competing digital distribution system (Steam) work basically unimpeded on their system. Astonishing.

"We made a promise to gamers at E3 that Portal 2 for the PlayStation 3 would be the best console version of the product," said Gabe Newell, co-founder and president of Valve. "Working together with Sony we have identified a set of features we believe are very compelling to gamers. We hope to expand upon the foundation being laid in Portal 2 with more Steam features and functionality in DLC and future content releases."

Portal 2 is due for release on the PlayStation 3, PC, Mac and Xbox 360 this April, but it has to be said that the Xbox 360 version really isn't looking too attractive now. I wonder if this kind of quite remarkable opening up of a competitor is going to change Microsoft's vice-like grip over Xbox Live? The answer is no, but it's nice to dream.