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[Stike]

In terms of BC, retro game catalog support, grandfathering purchases, cross-buy, cross-save, upscaling, and the like, they're probably the leader in this arena.

If they actually announce disc based BC for PS2 on PS4, they'd be the irrefutable king of it, but I sincerely doubt they will do this because of publisher relationships and licensing.

But why? I mean, the PS2 was able to play PS1 games - Sony very probably didn't look forward that much and made license contracts with each publisher to have them allow PS1 games run on PS2. Same with PS2 to PS3.

I think those much-cited license issues are only a problem with digitally distributed games. Sony are not damaging any property or license when they allow discs being played back. If that was the case, any emulation (on PC or whatever) would already have been sued to the moon.

 

[CorrisD]

Or their solution may be similar to Microsoft's - I. E. Although you're playing the PS2/360 game as-is, Sony needs permission from the publisher before they add the game to a BC list.

Pretty sure that's why the Vita isn't jus playing every PS1 game on the store, after their glitch we know they work, but we can't download quite a lot, has to be a licensing issue.

 

[Commanche Raisin Toast]

At this point I'd really like them to figure out that patent that talked about adding trophies to emulated games.

I mean I'd love to play some old PS2 games but I need some enhancements beyond basic functionality. Remasters still have more appeal to me at the moment because of that.

 

[Maniel]

Doesn't mean every game is going to use it. Publishers have to devise trophies, and Sony has to put them into the game, test them, and so on. There will be costs involved.

For a lot of publishers their classics library is literally them dumping their ISOs onto PSN in an emulation wrapper made by Sony. If Sony requires them to do any work to get them on PS4 then that may not be worth their while.

I'd be surprised if any emulation-related enhancements (trophies, increased resolution, 16:9 or whatever) are mandatory.

If trophies are mandatory then expect half-assed trophies for most games that are few in number and are completely unlocked when the credits roll.

I could see the emulator increasing resolution and framerate on its own without any extra work, but I agree that we could see trophies being optional.

 

[BadWolf]

But why? I mean, the PS2 was able to play PS1 games - Sony very probably didn't look forward that much and made license contracts with each publisher to have them allow PS1 games run on PS2. Same with PS2 to PS3.

I think those much-cited license issues are only a problem with digitally distributed games. Sony are not damaging any property or license when they allow discs being played back. If that was the case, any emulation (on PC or whatever) would already have been sued to the moon.

Because they can make money by getting people to buy the game again instead of just letting them use their old copy.

 

[KalBalboa]

At this point I'd really like them to figure out that patent that talked about adding trophies to emulated games.

I mean I'd love to play some old PS2 games but I need some enhancements beyond basic functionality. Remasters still have more appeal to me at the moment because of that.

They're already using it. The PS2 Star Wars games have trophies thanks to the emulator wrapper.

 

[DieH@rd]

At this point I'd really like them to figure out that patent that talked about adding trophies to emulated games.

I mean I'd love to play some old PS2 games but I need some enhancements beyond basic functionality. Remasters still have more appeal to me at the moment because of that.

You mean, to figure out a thing that is already present in these emulated SW games?

 

[Mass Effect]

See, we knew it all along! This is great. I assume this means we'll get the PS2 classics that are already out?

Do we know if this will include online support ? The hype for playing socom 2 again through this is through the roof for me and others.

I mean theoretically it could if it's a P2P game. Are there any PS2 classics on PS3 with online play?

 

[godisntheradio]

after playing persona 4 golden and p3 fes(ps2 emu on ps3), i really wanted to try smt nocturne and the digital devil saga, please sony, make it happen

 

[TheOfficeMut]

Would it be possible for Sony to start printing new copies of PS2 games? Or are there licensing issues involved?

 

[RedSwirl]

I could see the emulator increasing resolution and framerate on its own without any extra work, but I agree that we could see trophies being optional.

If PCSX2 is anything to go by, the increased resolution is also probably going to require testing, and I imagine won't be present for every game.

 

[Shahed]

Would it be possible for Sony to start printing new copies of PS2 games? Or are there licensing issues involved?

I don't see why they'd bother. There'd be licensing involved for games they don't own, and evwn the ones they do own might have music, weapon or vehicle stuff. Besides who'd buy it? Who'd stock it? Why print discs in such low volumes and sell them at so low prices when it'd be a waste of time and probably cost them money.

I can see them supporting discs and adding to the Library of PS2 Classics. The former doesn't really cost thwem money and gives goodwill, and the money will be made from people buying PS1/2 Classics juat like how it was done on PS3.

 

[Harmen]

PS1 now seems likely as well, right? And will previous PS1/2 game purchases on the PS3 work for the 4?

 

[KalBalboa]

PS1 now seems likely as well, right? And will previous PS1/2 game purchases on the PS3 work for the 4?

Fingers crossed. I'm expecting a $1-2 upgrade fee for the visual improvements & trophies.

 

[Deadpool_X]

I hope everyone is willing to purchase their games all over again. This isn't a backwards compatibility announcement: it's an emulation announcement. Sony will be selling ps2 classics on psn and your physical discs aren't going to work.

That said, I'll buy a $20 Dark Cloud 2 on day one if available.

 

[privitsan02]

The PS2 classics list on PSN is absolute trash right now anyway, with the exception of a hand full of games. If we are talking about PS1 classics backwards compatibility, which honestly should've been available since launch day, then it's a different story.

This news would only excite me if its also disc based emulation but i sincerely doubt it.

Best wishes.

 

[KalBalboa]

I hope everyone is willing to purchase their games all over again. This isn't a backwards compatibility announcement: it's an emulation announcement. Sony will be selling ps2 classics on psn and your physical discs aren't going to work.

That said, I'll buy a $20 Dark Cloud 2 on day one if available.

There's no way they go $20/game, is there? I'm expecting $8-$15, considering we get trophies and such.

 

[Shahed]

The PS2 classics list on PSN is absolute trash right now anyway, with the exception of a hand full of games. If we are talking about PS1 classics backwards compatibility, which honestly should've been available since launch day, then it's a different story.

This news would only excite me if its also disc based emulation but i sincerely doubt it.

Best wishes.

The PS2 Classic library is bad. But that's the main reason I want this. PS3 not being able to handle PS2 games optimally is probably the reason the selection of PS2 Classics is so bad. Since PS4 should be able to handle them fine, I'm anticipating a new wave of titles being added. Kind of like how PS1 games were out on PS3.

I'd really PSP games as well to be honest.

 

[Commanche Raisin Toast]

They're already using it. The PS2 Star Wars games have trophies thanks to the emulator wrapper.

WHAT??? I thought they didn't!!! YYAAAAASSSSSSS

 

[Plague Doctor]

If this is disc based emulation, this will single handedly be my favorite console ever. My nostalgia for PS2 games specifically is stronger than ever and I have a container filled with them.

 

[Deadpool_X]

There's no way they go $20/game, is there? I'm expecting $8-$15, considering we get trophies and such.

Don't underestimate the greed of a gaming publisher. I mean, Activision just released an X1 and PS4 port of Deadpool for $50...

 

[AnAnole]

Im not re-buying in games that I already own; fuck that bullshit.

 

[privitsan02]

The PS2 Classic library is bad. But that's the main reason I want this. PS3 not being able to handle PS2 games optimally is probably the reason the selection of PS2 Classics is so bad. Since PS4 should be able to handle them fine, I'm anticipating a new wave of titles being added. Kind of like how PS1 games were out on PS3.

I'd really PSP games as well to be honest.

I can only hope you're right.

 

[Keasar]

If Sony implemented disc based emulation they would shoot for the stars in awesome.

Pleeeeaaaase, I have so many PS2 game discs lying around I wish I could play without plugging in my old console.

 

[Banjo-Kazooie]

This would give me a reason to buy a PS4 if it ran well.

Xbone levels of emulation aren't acceptable.

What? Lol

 

[Banjo-Kazooie]

Pretty sure that's why the Vita isn't jus playing every PS1 game on the store, after their glitch we know they work, but we can't download quite a lot, has to be a licensing issue.

Of course it's a licensing issue. Some games are in licensing hell, some the licenses expired, some the music licenses expires, ect ect. That's exactly why the Vita did not run everything officially and why this won't either. You will need publisher approval, especially if you plan to sell the game natively in the PS4 store.

 

[Stike]

Because they can make money by getting people to buy the game again instead of just letting them use their old copy.

That's a simple way of seeing it. Look at those situations:

1. Former PS2 guy, now has PS4:
- Can use his old games again -> happy
- Has to digitally repurchase games he already has -> unhappy

2. New customer, no PS2 games
- Can get PS2 classics for a fair price -> happy
- Can look for used discs on eBay, Gamestop etc. -> happy

Now add to the calculation that some PS2 discs are hard to find and thus high in price, resulting in more digital purchases because of the convenience/price.

See, Sony can only lose (by making existing fans unhappy) if they do not support disc emulation.

 

[viHuGi]

PS1 now seems likely as well, right? And will previous PS1/2 game purchases on the PS3 work for the 4?

Hopefully...

How much classics are there in Store BTW?

 

[GusZamboni]

i thought every ps2 game that matters has been remastered at that time ... well who knows

 

[The_Dama]

How do the Star Wars PS2 games run on the PS4? Can you buy them separately on the PS4 from PSN?

 

[daoster]

Yessssss I can play suikoden 3 now!

 

[Chabbles]

If this is disc based emulation, this will single handedly be my favorite console ever. My nostalgia for PS2 games specifically is stronger than ever and I have a container filled with them.

First of all, Can the PS4 even read DVD or CD discs ?

 

[M3Freak]

Im not re-buying in games that I already own; fuck that bullshit.

Ya, me neither. I have 15 PS1 games and 40+ PS2 games. Thankfully, my launch PS2 is still working like a champ. If the PS4's emulation of PS2 games requires buying a digital version of the games, Sony can suck it.

I have a launch PS3. It played everything. I was happy and thankful - just one console to play everything I have! But, it eventually croaked. I got it fixed twice and then gave up. It's back in its box awaiting some kind of miracle perma fix. Until that day comes, I had to buy ANOTHER PS3 with NO backwards compatibility. That's why my PS2 is back in business.

I have over 40 PS3 games, too. No way in hell I'm buying those again.

 

[Van]

*prays for star wars battlefront 2 on PS4*

 

[Oddvintagechap]

why confirm it like this? whats the point?..

 

[BibiMaghoo]

I think people expecting disc based are dreaming hard. Each title will require at a minimum, trophy support, which is manual work that cannot be repeated over titles. That means they cannot be free, and allowing disc based at this point, is the same as free. It will have to be via PSN to make any money from it.

Frankly I'm ok with that. There are so many games I would love to replay.

 

[Sanpei]

First of all, Can the PS4 even read DVD or CD discs ?

http://manuals.playstation.net/document/gb/ps4/videos/videodisc.html

Blu-ray Disc
BD-ROM*1
BD-R/RE (BDAV, BDMV)
DVD
DVD-ROM
DVD-R/RW*2 (video mode, VR mode*3)
DVD+R/RW*2
*1
Hybrid discs are supported.
*2
AVCHD is supported.
*3
CPRM is supported.
Playback of the following types of discs is not supported.
CD
BD-RE ver.1.0
BD-R/RE XL
DVDs that have not been finalised

 

[Interfectum]

Suikoden series on PS4 with trophies plz =)

 

[paragonpro]

Sweet, hope jak and daxter is up there

 

[Plague Doctor]

Suikoden series on PS4 with trophies plz =)

.... I might not get any work ever again done if this is happening. I need to recruit everyone.

 

[GRIMREEFZ]

while this is good, i never played much ps2 and im curious why its not complete emulation...

 

[Quadraphonic]

http://manuals.playstation.net/document/gb/ps4/videos/videodisc.html

Blu-ray Disc
BD-ROM*1
BD-R/RE (BDAV, BDMV)
DVD
DVD-ROM
DVD-R/RW*2 (video mode, VR mode*3)
DVD+R/RW*2
*1
Hybrid discs are supported.
*2
AVCHD is supported.
*3
CPRM is supported.
Playback of the following types of discs is not supported.
CD
BD-RE ver.1.0
BD-R/RE XL
DVDs that have not been finalised

And many PS2 games were actually on CDs.

 

[KalBalboa]

WHAT??? I thought they didn't!!! YYAAAAASSSSSSS

RIGHT?! I want Twisted Metal Black with a bronze for every time I beat campaign mode with a certain vehicle. Silver or gold for co-op campaign finish.

Don't underestimate the greed of a gaming publisher. I mean, Activision just released an X1 and PS4 port of Deadpool for $50...

True, but look at Sony's track record with classics. Typically, you're looking at $5-10 for PSone games that can be transferred from PS3 to PSP to Vita, including game saves. They're really good about that sort of thing. PS2 games are basically the same price, too.

 

[boredandlazy]

Without disc support there's no chance The Getaway will be made compatible with all its licensing? What about F1 and WRC?

Fucking Sony can't do anything right

Why don't you wait for the details first?

 

[Cornbread78]

Howa re they building trophies into these, or is that not the case....

 

[Sol1dus]

Ouch, Kotaku:

I like how his is a no no for Sony but people are ok with spending $5 on the same rereleased NES Mario every two to three years.

 

[Omikaru]

I could see the emulator increasing resolution and framerate on its own without any extra work, but I agree that we could see trophies being optional.

I've used PCSX2 a lot on my PC, and while Sony's solution is not that, that doesn't mean to say they won't have things in common. Bumping up the resolution or boosting the framerate isn't a straightfoward process. Problems can and are introduced, and they'd be foolish to blanket-enable the feature.

I consider anything that alters the game in any way as merely a possibility, since those enhancements can also break the games in expected and unexpected ways. They'd be mad to mandate anything that alters the way the game runs. In short, if they're bumping up the resolution that is something they need to thoroughly test, ergo extra costs.

Trophies, on the flip side, are ironically the least likely to break the game as they are implemented on the emulator, not by altering the game in any way. I just wonder if many publishers will be bothered to add them to their old games.

 

[Vashetti]

And many PS2 games were actually on CDs.

The PS4 drive is capable of playing CDs, but Sony don't want to pay the license so the functionality is locked out.

 

[djtiesto]

Region-free PS1 and PS2 disk based emulation would be AMAZING. Especially if they fix the BC issues on Wild Arms 4 and 5 that the PS3 has... Playing WA5 on grainy PS2 component cables is ugh..

 

[Shahed]

Region-free PS1 and PS2 disk based emulation would be AMAZING. Especially if they fix the BC issues on Wild Arms 4 and 5 that the PS3 has... Playing WA5 on grainy PS2 component cables is ugh..

I'd love to be wrong, but I'm pretty sure disc based region free is never gonna happen. Licensing and all that. For the PS1 and PS2 games on PSN they renegotiated to allow region free.