Sony has informed developers of a new feature it will be releasing in the PS3 3.60 Firmware Update that will allow gamers to save games in the “cloud”. The new feature will be called “Online Saving” and was first mentioned by Sony back in 2009.
The new service will be available to PlayStation Plus subscribers only at the moment. Another little catch released in the announcement is that, because saving games to the cloud “will allow save data with the copy prohibited attribute to be copied into the online storage”, developers are able to opt out and bar their games from using it should there be a concern.
Benefits of Online Saving
Online saving to the cloud for PS3 owners will now allow you to free up disk space on your PS3. This is particularly beneficial for gamers who have extensive game libraries and limited hard drive space. By storing saved games in the cloud, users can ensure that their progress is safe and can be accessed from any PS3 console. This means that if your console fails or you upgrade to a new one, your game saves are not lost. Additionally, any saved games stored in the cloud can then be retrieved onto any other PS3 and downloaded, due to the storage being tied to a PlayStation Network user account.
Security and Accessibility
The security of game saves is a significant concern for many gamers. With the introduction of cloud saving, Sony is providing a more secure way to store game data. Traditional storage methods, such as saving directly to the console’s hard drive, can be vulnerable to data loss due to hardware failure or corruption. Cloud storage mitigates these risks by keeping a backup of your game saves on Sony’s servers. This ensures that your progress is not only safe but also easily accessible from any PS3 console you log into with your PlayStation Network account.
Moreover, the convenience of being able to access your game saves from any PS3 console cannot be overstated. For instance, if you visit a friend’s house and want to continue your game, you can simply log into your account and download your save data. This feature enhances the social aspect of gaming, allowing for more flexibility and ease of access.
However, it’s important to note that not all games may support this feature. Developers have the option to opt out and bar their games from using the cloud saving feature if they have concerns about the security or integrity of their game data. This means that while many games will benefit from this new feature, some may not be compatible.
The introduction of cloud saving in the PS3 3.60 Firmware Update is a significant step forward for Sony and its PlayStation Plus subscribers. It offers numerous benefits, including freeing up disk space, providing a secure backup for game saves, and allowing for easy access from any PS3 console. While there are some limitations, such as the potential for certain games to opt out, the overall impact of this feature is overwhelmingly positive. Gamers can look forward to a more flexible and secure gaming experience with the advent of online saving.
Via Kotaku
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