In-Game Soundtracks Off Limits To PS3?
See Full ImageUpdate: Just to clarify, while it is true that Microsoft owns the patent on this particular feature, Sony can still offer custom soundtracks...only in a slightly different way. You may notice that some PS3 and PSP games allow players to do this already, but not in a way that goes against Microsoft's patent.
Original Story:
Sony has already added plenty in the way of enhancements and upgrades to the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Network, but one of the most popular features only available on the Xbox 360 may never arrive. As it turns out, Microsoft actually owns the patent on custom in-game soundtracks, which has been available in past Xbox and Xbox 360 titles.
According to Ripten, in-game soundtracks may forever stay with Microsoft consoles - despite what you may have heard about the upcoming Cross Media Bar for the PS3 - because MS holds the patent for soundtracks created by the player. Perhaps some of you remember titles like Dead or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball, which allowed the user to burn songs from CDs onto the system, thereby letting you listen to your favorite tracks when playing the game. Evidently, Microsoft secured this feature for the new generation when they were awarded the patent in mid-2006. It's called the "Method and Apparatus for Creating and Playing Soundtracks in a Gaming System," and unfortunately for PS3 owners, MS has the exclusive rights to it. Sorry, guys.
We suppose Sony could find a way to produce a feature that's similar (but not the same) and implement it, but that would require finding a technical loophole of some kind. Maybe they can find it...maybe they can't. But the bottom line is, customizable in-game soundtracks may be out of the question for Sony platforms.
3/31/2008 Ben Dutka
Comments (Beta)
TKB
Monday, March 31, 2008 @ 11:06:21 PM
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"recycling carbon dioxide into a single oxygen molecule and carbon monoxide" (otherwise known as breathing) as well as multiple methods of sleeping, including "repose performed while one is on their right side, stomach, or back" (Nintendo beat them to the sleeping on your left side patent)
However, MS does hold the coveted patent to God.
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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 5:32:25 AM
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K Phantom
Monday, March 31, 2008 @ 11:24:04 PM
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PSN _HAITIAN_JB
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 12:10:24 AM
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FoShizzle
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 1:05:54 AM
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Gabriel013
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 1:49:08 AM
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the guys at PSXE are being very devious today :D
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NetheRealm
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 1:50:27 AM
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dillonthebunny
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 5:06:15 AM
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and if its april fools.. lol, i have no idea whats true and whats not true today, you have achieved your goal! lol
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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 5:34:19 AM
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Nice try PSX guys. Better luck next year.
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Minishmaru
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 7:49:28 AM
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Thechin80
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 8:44:53 AM
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bamf
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 11:56:58 AM
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Whether Microsoft has the patent for in-game custom soundtracks or not, what we PS3 users are after is in-game xmb so we can also access our music folder and play any music in the background over any game just like the 360. So the PS3 is running the game and playing the music seperately, surely thats different to in-game custom soundtracks?
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KabutoHunter
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 1:39:48 PM
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Can't wait to pick up my $150 PS3 and FFVII Remake too :-)
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bugzbunny109
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 @ 4:59:33 PM
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Gabriel013
Wednesday, April 02, 2008 @ 1:45:38 AM
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SHADOW
Saturday, April 05, 2008 @ 6:57:42 PM
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Zapix
Monday, March 31, 2008 @ 10:18:02 PM
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Secondly, the PS3 allows you to copy MP3 files directly, am I wrong? The XBOX360 requires you encode the MP3 on the 360 off the Audio CD. I can see them owning the rights to that maybe. Not the ability how people play them.