Qore (PlayStation Network)
Developer | Future Publishing |
---|---|
Type | VOD |
Launch date | June 6, 2008 |
Platform(s) | PlayStation 3 |
Qore (/[invalid input: 'icon']ˈkɔːr/ core) is a subscription-based interactive online magazine for the PlayStation Network and replaces the Jampack series of disks offered by PlayStation Underground. Currently only available in North America, the service offers high definition videos, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage pertaining to upcoming and recently released PlayStation games. It also offers exclusive access to game demos and betas. The product is available to download to the PlayStation 3 from the PlayStation Store, where users can choose to purchase individual episodes or an annual, 13-episode subscription.[1]
History
On June 3, 2008, Sony announced a new service, Qore, which launched on the PlayStation Store in North America on June 6, 2008. In the press release published on the Official PlayStation Blog, Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network was described as "a highly interactive, monthly lifestyle gaming program covering the world inside PlayStation".[1]
Service
Game videos
Each episode includes a selection of behind-the-scenes videos, previews, interviews and news related to PlayStation products. Videos are hosted by Veronica Belmont and are presented in 720p.[1] Each episode contains between 25 and 30 minutes of video content, not including advertisements, the opening trailer, or introduction videos by Veronica Belmont.
Download center
People who purchase a one year subscription to Qore will get exclusive playable demos, betas, and themes. All content can be downloaded through the PlayStation Network while signed in through Qore's Download Center.
Access
Once purchased, Qore programs become available on the PlayStation Store's Download List. If an annual subscription has been purchased, episodes are automatically added to the user's Download List.[1] Redeemable codes for Qore episodes have also been included free with each issue of the PlayStation Magazine.
Notable Content
- June 2008, Episode 1 - SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation beta invitation
- July 2008, Episode 2 - Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm demo early access
- August 2008, Episode 3 - Resistance 2 beta invitation
- September 2008, Episode 4 - MotorStorm: Pacific Rift demo early access
- October 2008, Episode 5 - Valkyria Chronicles demo early access
- November 2008, Episode 6 - PlayStation Home closed beta invitation for annual subscribers
- December 2008, Episode 7, Free episode - Flock demo early access for annual subscribers
- January 2009, Episode 8 - F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin demo early access
- February 2009, Episode 9 - Syphon Filter PS1 classic voucher
- March 2009, Episode 10 - High Velocity Bowling full PSN game voucher for annual subscribers
- April 2009, Episode 11, Free episode - Linger in Shadows voucher and Red Faction: Guerrilla demo early access for annual subscribers
- May 2009, Episode 12 - Uncharted 2: Among Thieves beta invitation for annual subscribers
- June 2009, Episode 13 - Spyro the Dragon PS1 classic voucher
- July 2009, Episode 14 - Battlefield 1943 theme for all purchasers
- August 2009, Episode 15 - High Velocity Bowling PSN game voucher & Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 theme for annual subscribers
- September 2009, Episode 16 - MAG beta invitation for annual subscribers
- December 2009, Episode 19 - ModNation Racers Beta invitation for annual subscribers
Access
FirstPlay (previously known as Official PlayStation Magazine HD or OPMHD) was an electronic magazine similar to Qore, produced by Future Publishing. Released in April 2010, it is available to PlayStation 3 users via the PlayStation Store in the UK. Like Qore, FirstPlay offered exclusive videos, demos and downloads.[2][3] but is released weekly instead of monthly.[4] In July 2011 SCEE announced[5] that the FirstPlay service was to end, leaving the 6th July episode as the final FirstPlay to be released. The announcement went on to confirm that a new, then yet-to-be-named service would replace FirstPlay, its focus shifting to SCEE's PlayStation Access events. Access is produced by Future Publishing and delivered via the PSN Store, however unlike its predecessor, is free of charge.
Criticism
The announcement that Qore subscribers will have advanced access to exclusive betas and demos has triggered a mixed reaction from the gaming community. Many users believe this is a covert way of introducing a premium PlayStation Network subscription model, similar to that used on Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace service where premium subscribers get game demos one week before they are fully released.[6] Criticism has also been made of the way that advertising is being incorporated into the service.[7]
Gaming commentators have also attacked Qore for being light on content, and for containing too many advertisements (two 20-second spots that can be skipped after the first 5 seconds, and one 15 second spot in the "download section" which cannot be skipped by the viewer). Critics have said that because Qore is a paid-for, premium service, it should not contain so many intrusive adverts.[8][9]
References
- ^ a b c d Susan Panico (2008-06-03). "PlayStation.Blog » Introducing Qore: Taking you behind the curtain with PlayStation". Sony Computer Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
- ^ "Sony Announces FirstPlay". TheSixthAxis.
- ^ "PlayStation Official Magazine HD". Future Publishing. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
- ^ "Europe's Version Of Qore: The Details".
- ^ "FirstPlay Shut Down, New PS3 Programme Emerges". SPOnG.
- ^ TheSixthAxis.com (2008-06-03). "Paid PSN Subscriptions Arrive". TheSixthAxis.com. Retrieved 2008-06-07. [dead link ]
- ^ TheSixthAxis.com (2008-06-04). "Qore, The Fine Print". TheSixthAxis.com. Archived from the original on 2008-06-09. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
- ^ PS3 Attitude (2008-06-10). "Qore - PS3 Attitude community review". PS3 Attitude. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Daniel Terdiman (2008-06-03). "Sony to introduce 'Qore', a PlayStation video program". CNET Networks. Retrieved 2008-06-23.