Sony exec: PlayStation Store DLC not a UMD-killer

Posted Oct 16, 2008 at 11:54AM by QJ Staff Listed in: Interviews, UMD Movies Tags: PlayStation Store, PSP-3000, SCEE, Sony, Zeno Colaco

PlayStation Store - Image 1

With the launch of the PlayStation Store on the PSP, Sony's established a milestone in their ongoing journey through the realm of content downloading from the PS3 Store to the PC Store and now, the PSP Store.

Will the previous rumor of seeing all PSP games in 2009 as downloads prove true? If that were the case, then some of you might be worried (for the nth time now) about the UMD format's future.

PocketGamer managed to squeeze a response from SCEE's Zeno Colaco. When he was asked if the PlayStation Store on the PSP marked "the beginning of the end for the UMD format," Colaco answered:

Absolutely not. We've just released the PSP-3000 so we're hardly going to be introducing a piece of hardware at the same time as we're dropping support for UMD. It's a case of recognising that consumers and content creators want the option of both digital distribution and UMD.

So there you have it. As much as they are now starting to support more and more DLC titles, that doesn't necessarily mean Sony can no longer support the UMD format. Who said you can never play for both teams, ya? I suppose it's reasonable. As he said, it's a matter of keeping options for the consumers.

Given that, however, isn't it still a question of which the consumers are most likely going to support? I mean, fine, fine, fine, Sony may still be supporting the UMD format and all... but what if more users support digital content than UMD? Will the UMD eventually bow down to DLC in the same way that HD-DVD bowed down to Blu-ray? Well, Sony may have their own response, but the only people who can ultimately answer that question are the consumers.

Yes, that means you.

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Comments

# Downloadable games ftl — kupomogli 2008-10-16 06:23

I like to have physical copies. Reason why I haven't and won't ever buy a game like Mega Man 9(I'll just play it at someones house who owns it.)

# WTF!?!?!?!?! — ISOHaven 2008-10-16 07:18

UMD is already dead.

If Sony can produce enough decent games that download from the store. I "MIGHT" buy a PSP again.

# ... — LeonPSP 2008-10-16 07:50

I myself think the idea of buying digital games is stupid ... well it's okay if it's under 10€, but if it's worth more than 20€ i'd rather buy a physical copy because then i would feel happy because i "own" the game, i can look at it i can touch it i can keep it clean in my collections ... but 30€ 40€ for a digital game that only exists digitally ? and when you finish the game what will you do with it ? delete it ? or store it in a PC that is (with some chances) gonna get virus-infected someday ? lol what if your 1000€+ digital collections got deleted ?

# I Agree — _True_Sniper_ 2008-10-16 08:44

With u 100%. Id rather have the physical copy as well. It is better cuz if ur computer crashes ur screwed. I would only buy little games not big games like god of war or anything in that nature

# downlads are bad — mouse01 2008-10-16 09:25

i don't like the idea of downloading my games. i still have my NES plugged into a television and the kids play it from time to time. that really wouldn't be possible with downloaded games. i have yet to have a hard drive that has functioned for 10+ years. i'm sure in 10 years if you ask sony to download the game you purchased online, they will simply laugh at you. the playstation store for the ps3 will probably be shut down to safe cost and to support the ps4 store.

# Ya downloads are BAD! — Hekynn 2008-10-16 11:33

ya they are BAD! I like going to the retail store like Gamestop or Target to pick up a UMD game not downloading plus their are some memory sticks that wont fit a big game.

# Without UMDs.. — DarkXCloud 2008-10-16 12:03

If UMDs are gone, we would not be able to get awsome art pictures from the case ex. GTA LCS has a nice poster for fans.

Also all that other info.

# Yes, but no. — Achooist 2008-10-16 15:29

UMD needs a swift kick out the door.

Agreed, the UMD is obsolete, but it's FAR from dead.

Sony will keep on releasing them until the PSP dies.

Blu-Ray UMD's anybody?

PSP with Blu-Ray reader?

Hmm?

# I still wonder — doubleA 2008-10-16 15:49

why people who dont have a psp still come to this site. if u dont, i dont think you have a life because it doesnt make sense.

# . — teh not so 1337 g@m3r 2008-10-16 17:16

People are too attached to "Physical" property. Downloads mean less consumed space, less clutter, less effect on the environment by ditching plastic wrapping and cases, and less mark-up then going into a store as you don't have the middle man.

I'm impressed with Sony and their move into the already predominate digital age. People above just have to adapt and loss your reliance on physical values.

# WTF!?!?!?!?! — ISOHaven 2008-10-16 17:49

That's not quit what I meant.

Imagine if MS decided to integrate an HD-DVD drive into the 360. Well, HD-DVD died. It's dead. Yet MS would still mass produce HD-DVD games for the 360.

The UMD drive is dead. You will never see it again. The PSP is the only thing animating the dead drive.

# WTF!?!?!?!?! — ISOHaven 2008-10-16 17:52

I can't believe so many people are rooting for UMD!?!?!?!?! The slowest, biggest POS drive in existance today!

Digital downloads also mean MUCH MUCH MUCH faster load times!

As well as cheaper games!

# Amen — teh not so 1337 g@m3r 2008-10-16 21:02

to that

# Downloads as an option — Zan Long 2008-10-17 02:41

I think it should be a option, not the end all to be all.

I like to have the UMD. If all there was was DL games then I would need a way to burn them on to a DVD, so I could clear up space on my memroy stick. 1st off that would be a hassle. If I would have to do that then just give me the game on a UMD. Also I have read nowhere where Sony would let you do that(DRM)

Also, The UMD is only dead for movies, not for games. Lets look at Nintendo Gamecube Game disk. It was made of games only. In fact it is that same disk that they are useing on the Wii. As for load times, I can rember in the mid 80s, that load times on some Commodore 64 games took near to 10 mins. So the few secons with the PSP is fine, and the PSP 2000 and 3000 speed the load time even faster.

If you want DL games fine, but I would like it as an option os that I can keep the game.

# WTF!?!?!?!?! — ISOHaven 2008-10-17 04:36

While I agree DLC would breath new life into the PSP, I also agree there should be both.

There is never anything wrong with choice!

DLC is great if you have a way to backup your purchases. Memory sticks do fail! I've seen it happen plenty of times.

# That's right, iso haven — pspablo 2008-10-17 07:12

Memory sticks do fail.

But sony made the right choice, by giving us the position to decide whether we want a physical or digital format for a game

For a person that lives in Argentina (south america) who has to pay 200$ for a UMD disc... I still prefer to have the physical format.

Crisis core, Jeanne d'Arc, God of War and GTA LCS are SO worth the money

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