There has been some talk floating around on the internetz that some PS3 users are getting corrupted save files after playing Mass Effect 2. According to Chris Priestly the Community Manager this is caused by to many level transitions within a single gaming sessions. The workaround for now is to play a little, turn the game off, and then start it up again. He has also stated that a patch has already been submitted to SONY and is awaiting approval. Patch notes are below: Fixed a crash related to memory fragmentation. This fix will also resolve the crashing that corrupted Save Games. Slightly improved load times and level streaming. Added some telemetry to better improve future titles. Updated some strings to fix spelling mistakes (Sorry Kaidan!) Fixed the picture frame in Shepard’s Cabin to accurately reflect your love interest choices in Mass Effect: Genesis. Fixed a rare crash in the PSN version in Shepard’s Cabin.

Read the original post:
Mass Effect 2, Commander Shepard Battles New Evil!

There are rumors flying about that firmware version 3.56 was not “minor” at all as it was described by Sony. There seems to be a neat little addition or two that was added to help Sony fight against homebrew that allows piracy. First thing is that Sony has enabled the ability, that once a PS3 connects to the network, it can then verify the files required and/or bypassed from the newest firmware versions etc. There is no perfect way to forge this and even if code is written to bypass this option, Sony can still see PS3′s that connected to PSN without accomplishing this step giving them the heads up anyways. What this basically means is that if you have custom firmware then you will not have PSN access very soon. Secondly, it seems that Sony has installed a trojan horse of sorts in your PS3 that allows them to control it remotely to force download proper firmware as needed. This one is a bit shaky and I’m not 100% sure of what laws govern this procedure if any. Basically Sony can see you are bypassing their firmware, they can take your PS3 and force it to download the newest firmware options. A bit of a touchy subject here, but brutal nonetheless. So it seems if you want PSN access, stay away from customfirmware. This will at the very least fix the online cheaters, trophy cheaters and such which is a good thing.

More here:
Sony’s Battle With Piracy and Firmware 3.56

As SONY goes into overdrive trying to prevent the hackers/coders/console geeks from creating and utilising custom firmware in order to play pirated games on the PS3, the methods of hacking your system are evolving. Whether the tools in order to break open your console are free or not, I do not know, but there are people out there are are looking to make a quick buck from the current jailbreak that has caused widespread panic in SONY’s headquarters. I’d like to take a moment to clarify that I personally am against piracy, and this blog does not condone piracy in any shape or form , but cast your mind to the image above. Yes – you see it, and the headline is a giveaway. I was on the Android Market looking to download SONY’s Official PlayStation app – which I might add is pretty cool even though it’s got limited functionality. I cast my eyes above and below the Official Software and lo and behold, Jailbreak apps and the more recent Custom Firmware apps are widely available on the mobile market, for a price. According to the information on the apps, you simply need to plug in your Android phone into the USB port of your PS3 and then run the application in order to apply the Custom Firmware etc. So, how long before a lawsuit is thrown in the app developer’s direction?

Read the original here:
Custom Firmware & Homebrew Now Available On Android Market

Today SONY announced that Killzone 3 has Gone Gold. I think we can all agree that is music to everybody’s ears. Killzone 3 picks up right where Killzone 2 left off with you in charge of the ISA’s Sgt. “Sev” Sevchenko. It’s time to get off that blasted Helghan rock, but not until the fat lady sings. Fight your way through new enemies, new environments and new threats in both 2 and 3D and prepare for the battle of your life. If you are interested in finding out how you can get an extra bonus hit the jump. GameStop – Guerrilla Pack Pre-order Killzone 3 and receive a GameStop Exclusive PSN code unlocking all multiplayer weapons and abilities for the first 24 hours of multiplayer gameplay. Also includes the Killzone 3 Retro Map Pack, featuring two of the most popular maps from Killzone 2. Best Buy – Fast Starter Pack Pre-order Killzone 3 and receive a BestBuy Exclusive PSN code allowing you to rank up faster, as you earn experience points at double the normal rate for the first 24 hours of multiplayer gameplay. Also includes the Killzone 3 Retro Map Pack, featuring two of the most popular maps from Killzone 2. Amazon.com – Unlock and Load Pack Pre-order Killzone 3 and receive an Amazon.com Exclusive PSN code and get instant access to 3 Unlock Points to use on the weapon or ability of your choice and get the early edge in Killzone 3 Multiplayer. Also includes the Killzone 3 Retro Map Pack, featuring two of the most popular maps from Killzone 2. All other participating retailers – Retro Pack Pre-order Killzone 3 and receive an exclusive PSN code giving you the Killzone 3 Retro Map Pack, featuring two of the most popular maps from Killzone 2. Also receive an exclusive PlayStation 3 Dynamic Theme.

Read more here:
Killzone 3 Gone Gold, Preparing for February 22nd Launch!

For a second, I thought that we weren’t going to get a KB ad for LBP2, but I suppose I was wrong (it would have been weird if he didn’t have one anyway). Personally, I have seen better, but it was still pretty good. Who’s going to be picking up the game next week when it launches?

Read the rest here: 
Kevin Butler Does LittleBigPlanet 2

MCVUK.com is reporting that not only will the PSP2 be released “within the Q4 period, perhaps as early as October”, but that Sony has told developers that “device ‘is as powerful as the PlayStation 3’.” We should learn more soon, as “a press event in Tokyo on January 27th,” is planned to reveal the PSP2. They also go on to say: Sony is already plotting to reveal more at GDC and E3 after this month’s first tease. ‘PSP2’ will even use a media format to make sure retail has a part to play in the console’s lifecycle by selling physical software. But the device will also provide access to plenty of downloadable content, smaller games and apps via PSN – and maybe even incorporate a phone, but not as a primary function Source

Read more here:
PSP2 Set for a Q4 Release and to be Revealed Jan 27th

I haven’t heard a whole lot about this game, but this trailer really shot my interest up fast. The multiplayer gameplay looks like it might be really good. We should know more in a week, as Mindjack will be released in North America on January 18, in Europe on January 21, and in Japan on January 27, 2011. More details below: MindJack takes place in A.D. 2031, when the world’s governments are in decline and new corrupt organizations are arising. The plot revolves around a rogue team of agents. The player can “hack” into and control enemies, vehicles, or civilians. A new era. Sophisticated and complex technologies are now contributing to the advancements of mankind. However, the world’s governments are crumbling, new corrupt powers arise and conspiracies proliferate. The truth behind the proscribed technology could destroy the very core of humanity. Join a rogue team of agents as they fight for survival and entangle themselves deeper into the mystery. Drawing upon the graphics and storytelling mastery of both Square Enix and developer feelplus, Mindjack offers a distinctive experience that throws players into a revolutionary playing field where an engaging solo campaign transitions seamlessly to thrilling, cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Expand your mind’s reach by “hacking” into enemies, vehicles or civilians and enjoy the freedom to control almost any character. Each bystander becomes an active combatant in this new urban warfare. Your “state of mind” is your only limitation! For more info check out the official Mindjack web site at www.MindjackGame.com or the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MindjackGame .

Read more here: 
Mindjack from SquareEnix Looks Good and Will Be Available Next Week

Note: DISCLAIMER: PS3Blog.net, in no way, supports the use of exploitative devices such as this and this post is purely informational. We do not condone piracy of any kind! According to Geohot and fail0verflow’ s web sites, Sony has served them with law suits yesterday evening. PDF copies of three different documents, linked to from their web sites, as well as at the bottom of this post, reveal that Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) is seeking a TPO (temporary restraining order) against both George “geohot” Hotz and fail0verflow because of “their violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”).” failOverflow has since removed any and all information regarding the circumvention technology regarding Technological Protection Measures (TPM), or codes for the PS3 hardware, however geohot still links to his old front page with some informaton and download links. Geohot was also ordered to “deliver for impoundment any computers, hard drives, CDroms, DVDs, USB stick, and any other storage devices on which any Circumvention Devices are stored in Defendant Hotz’s possession, custody or control.” On January 11, 2011, Plaintiff Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (“SCEA”) filed a Complaint against Defendants George Hotz (“Defendant Hotz”), Hector Martin Cantero, Sven Peter and Doe Defendants 1 through 100. SCEA has alleged that each Defendant, individually and in concert with the other Defendants, has: (1) circumvented effective technological protection measures (“TPMs”) employed by SCEA to protect against unauthorized access to and/or copying of SCEA’s proprietary PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems (“PS3 System”), and other copyrighted works; and (2) trafficked in circumvention technology, products, services, methods, codes, software tools, devices, component or part thereof, including but not limited to the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (“ECDSA”) Keys, encryption and/or decryption keys, dePKG firmware decrypter program, Signing Tools, 3.55 Firmware Jailbreak, and/or any other technologies that enable unauthorized access to and/or copying of PS3 Systems and other copyrighted works. SCEA has alleged that Defendants have violated the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”) 17 U.S.C. §1201, et seq.; the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (“CFAA”), 18 U.S.C. § 1030, et seq.; and has alleged contributory copyright infringement arising out of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. §501, et seq.; as well as related state and common law claims for violation of the California Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act, Cal. Penal Code § 502, et. seq., breach of contract, tortious interference with contractual relations, trespass and common law misappropriation. The following is some great information from the documents explaining exactly what the TPMs are, as well as what the hackers did that was illegal. A. SCEA’s PlayStation®3 Computer Entertainment System And Its Technological Protection Measures All genuine PS3 Systems are manufactured with technological protection measures that effectively control access to the PS3 System and prevent unlicensed or copied software from playing on the PS3 System. The PS3 System is designed to run multiple levels of authorized, encrypted code in one or more sequences. Each level features TPMs, which control access, encrypt and decrypt code, and authenticate signatures to enable access to the files within the code. One purpose of the PS3 System’s TPMs is to prevent users from playing illegally copied, pirated games. To that end, every file authorized to run on the PS3 System contains an authentic digital signature. SCEA generates each digital signature using a pair of electronic keys (“Keys”). The PS3 System verifies each signature using one of those Keys, which is encrypted and embedded in the system. The other Key is held by SCEA; it is not distributed and cannot be located anywhere in the PS3 System’s code or hardware, or the code of any authorized video game. The PS3 System will not execute a file unless that file contains an authentic digital signature. Unauthorized or unlicensed video game discs (such as those burned from genuine game discs) do not have an authorized signature code. Accordingly, a normally functioning PS3 System will not run those pirated video games. The PS3 System also utilizes access control and encryption. Those TPMs prevent, restrict or otherwise limit access to certain sections of the PS3 System software and hardware. As a result, the TPMs ensure that the PS3 System functions in a safe and reliable manner. They also protect the encrypted firmware, encrypted digital signature Keys and other encrypted Keys that are stored within the PS3 System. Because the PS3 System and its code are protected by these TPMs, users can neither access nor read the signatures or the Keys, and therefore cannot use those elements to gain access to the System to run a pirated video game. Using the types of TPMs discussed above, the PS3 System allows only the operation of legitimate, authorized and approved software that is licensed for distribution in the region or geographical territory of the console’s sale. By taking these precautions, SCEA has been able to protect its exclusive rights to copy, sell, distribute and manufacture video games. In addition, SCEA has been able to protect its substantial investment – and the investment of third-party videogame companies – in the development, creation, and distribution of the PS3 System and compatible video games. B. SCEA’s Copyrights And Copyright Licenses SCEA develops and publishes its own interactive entertainment software video games for the PS3 System. SCEA has invested and continues to invest substantial time, effort and expense in the design, development, testing, manufacturing and marketing of its video games. Those games are highly creative and SCEA has obtained copyright registrations to protect them. For example, SCEA owns valid copyright registration for the following video game software: Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (Copyright No. PA 1-616-055); Resistance 2 (Copyright No. PA 1-619-506), and Uncharted Drake’s Fortune (Copyright No. PA 1-611-286). All PlayStation3 video games are programmed with computer code, referred to herein as PlayStation3 Programmer Tools (“PS3 Programmer Tools”), that authenticate authorized video game software and facilitate interaction with the central processing unit and microprocessors in the PS3 System. A video game whose program does not incorporate the PS3 Programmer Tools cannot be played on the PS3 System. The PS3 Programmer Tools are also incorporated within the PS3 System firmware. SCEA is the licensee of the registered copyright for the PS3 Programmer Tools (Copyright No. TX0007208564) and is authorized to sublicense its rights to use, copy and distribute the Tools to third party video game developers and publishers. SCEA also offers licenses to third parties to develop interactive entertainment software products for the PS3 System. These licensees are authorized to use proprietary PlayStation®3 technology to develop video game software for the PS3 System and to publish and distribute their video games. SCEA receives royalties on each PlayStation®3 video game manufactured pursuant to its licenses with third party publishers. C. Defendants’ Illegal Activities Since the release of the PS3 System in 2006, software hackers have attempted to write code to run unauthorized software on SCEA’s gaming system. Until a few days ago, the efforts of these hackers were largely thwarted by the TPMs that secure the various levels of the PS3 System. In late December 2010, a hacking group called FAIL0VERFLOW discovered a way to access certain (but not all) levels of the PS3 System by circumventing the corresponding TPMs. At that point, hackers were given the tools to run unauthorized and pirated software on the PS3 System. Building on FAIL0VERFLOW’s work, Defendant Hotz unlawfully gained access to a critical level of the PS3 System by circumventing the corresponding TPMs. In early January 2011, Hotz publicly distributed the circumvention devices necessary to access that level, providing them to the public via the Internet and releasing software code that will allow users to run unauthorized or pirated software on the PS3 System. Unless this Court enjoins Defendants’ unlawful conduct, hackers will succeed in running and distributing Circumvention Devices that run pirated software on the PS3 System. Sources are all three legal documents which can be read in full here: Complaint , Motion for TRO , and Proposed Order .

Original post:
Sony Files Suits Against Geohot and fail0verflow

Watch Sony’s CES conference for 2011 in progress below now! Via playstationlifestyle.net

Read more:
Watch Sony’s CES Conference Live Now!

A week or so ago, we received an e-mail that the Community Forums were going to be overhauled and it seems like that day is today. I was eager to hit click the image and get to the new forums and see what they did with the design and if it’s actually going to be better than the old design. Honestly in my opinion I think the new design looks a hundred times better than the old design. It just seems like it a lot cleaner and more pleasing on the eyes. I was surprised to see so many people bashing the new design. According to some of the members there have been a bunch of features taken out, like editing your own posts which I agree should return. One of the mods there named Mohawktown is extremely unhelpful and sarcastic which I think should be looked into. You don’t go to a forum for help to have a moderator make you feel like an idiot. I saw comments about that moderator from several people not just one. Also according to the new TOS you are not supposed to show or talk about any material from any other region. If you’d like to check all of this out please go to the feedback page . Do any of you visit the official forums on a regular basis? If so how do you feel about the new design and new ideas?

See more here:
New SONY Community Forums a Bust?