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Qore (PlayStation Network)
Encyclopedia
Qore is a subscription-based interactive online magazine
for the PlayStation Network and replaces the Jampack
series of disks offered by PlayStation Underground. Currently only available in North America, the service offers high definition
videos, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage pertaining to upcoming and recently released PlayStation games. It also offers exclusive access to game demos and betas. The product is available to download to the PlayStation 3
from the PlayStation Store
, where users can choose to purchase individual episodes or an annual, 13-episode subscription.
and are presented in 720p
. Each episode contains between 25 and 30 minutes of video content, not including advertisements, the opening trailer, or introduction videos by Veronica Belmont.
. Released in April 2010, it is available to PlayStation 3 users via the PlayStation Store in the UK. Like Qore, FirstPlay offered exclusive videos, demos and downloads. but is released weekly instead of monthly. In July 2011 SCEE
announced that the FirstPlay service was to end, leaving the 6th July episode as the final FirstPlay to be released. The announcement went on to confirm that a new, yet-to-be-named service would replace FirstPlay, its focus shifting to SCEE's PlayStation Access events. As with its predecessor this new service will be produced by Future Publishing
and delivered via the PSN Store, however this time the show will be free of charge.
service where premium subscribers get game demos one week before they are fully released. Criticism has also been made of the way that advertising is being incorporated into the service.
Gaming commentators have also attacked Qore for being light on content, and for containing too many advertisements (two 20-second spots that can be skipped after the first 5 seconds, and one 15 second spot in the "download section" which cannot be skipped by the viewer). Critics have said that because Qore is a paid-for, premium service, it should not contain so many intrusive adverts.
Online magazine
An online magazine shares some features with a blog and also with online newspapers, but can usually be distinguished by its approach to editorial control...
for the PlayStation Network and replaces the Jampack
Jampack
Jampack is a demo series from Sony to advertise and preview upcoming games through demos or featurettes. Often, it has previewed many popular games from the PlayStation 2's lifespan, ranging from SSX Tricky and Final Fantasy X to Need for Speed Underground and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. They also...
series of disks offered by PlayStation Underground. Currently only available in North America, the service offers high definition
High-definition video
High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition video, and most commonly involves display resolutions of 1,280×720 pixels or 1,920×1,080 pixels...
videos, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage pertaining to upcoming and recently released PlayStation games. It also offers exclusive access to game demos and betas. The product is available to download to the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
from the PlayStation Store
PlayStation Store
The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable game consoles via the PlayStation Network. The Store offers a range of downloadable content both for purchase and available free of charge. Available content includes full games,...
, where users can choose to purchase individual episodes or an annual, 13-episode subscription.
History
On June 3, 2008, Sony announced a new service, Qore, which launched on the PlayStation Store in North America on June 6, 2008. In the press release published on the Official PlayStation Blog, Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network was described as "a highly interactive, monthly lifestyle gaming program covering the world inside PlayStation".Game videos
Each episode includes a selection of behind-the-scenes videos, previews, interviews and news related to PlayStation products. Videos are hosted by Veronica BelmontVeronica Belmont
Veronica Ann Belmont is the co-host of the Revision3 show Tekzilla alongside Patrick Norton, and the former host of the monthly PlayStation 3-based video on demand program Qore. Formerly she was the host for the Mahalo Daily podcast and a producer and associate editor for CNET Networks, Inc...
and are presented in 720p
720p
720p is the shorthand name for 1280x720, a category of High-definition television video modes having a resolution of 1080 or 720p and a progressive scan...
. Each episode contains between 25 and 30 minutes of video content, not including advertisements, the opening trailer, or introduction videos by Veronica Belmont.
Download center
People who purchase a one year subscription to Qore will get exclusive playable demos, betas, and themes. All content can be downloaded through the PlayStation Network while signed in through Qore's Download Center.Access
Once purchased, Qore programs become available on the PlayStation Store's Download List. If an annual subscription has been purchased, episodes are automatically added to the user's Download List. Redeemable codes for Qore episodes have also been included free with each issue of the PlayStation Magazine.Notable Content
- June 2008, Episode 1 - SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs ConfrontationSOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs ConfrontationSOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation is a third person tactical shooter video game for the PlayStation 3 developed by Slant Six Games. It was released on October 14, 2008 on the PlayStation Network and Blu-ray Disc in North America and March 2009 in Europe....
beta invitation - July 2008, Episode 2 - Naruto: Ultimate Ninja StormNaruto: Ultimate Ninja StormNaruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm, known in Japan as is a fighting game developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Namco Bandai Games. The game was released for the PlayStation 3 across North America, Europe and Australasia in November 2008 and in Japan on January 15, 2009...
demo early access - August 2008, Episode 3 - Resistance 2Resistance 2Resistance 2 is a science fiction first person shooter video game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. The game was released in North America on November 4, 2008, Japan on November 13, 2008, and in Europe on November 28, 2008...
beta invitation - September 2008, Episode 4 - MotorStorm: Pacific RiftMotorStorm: Pacific RiftMotorStorm: Pacific Rift is a racing video game by Evolution Studios and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the sequel to MotorStorm and is followed by MotorStorm: Arctic Edge for the PS2/PSP, and MotorStorm: Apocalypse...
demo early access - October 2008, Episode 5 - Valkyria ChroniclesValkyria Chroniclesis a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Sega for the PlayStation 3. The game was released in 2008.The game is set in Europa, loosely based on Europe in 1935...
demo early access - November 2008, Episode 6 - PlayStation HomePlayStation HomePlayStation Home is a virtual 3D social gaming network developed by Sony Computer Entertainment's London Studio for the PlayStation 3 on the PlayStation Network . It is available directly from the PlayStation 3 XrossMediaBar under PlayStation Network. Membership is free, and only requires a PSN...
closed beta invitation for annual subscribers - December 2008, Episode 7, Free episode - FlockFlock (video game)Flock! is a puzzle video game developed by Proper Games and published by Capcom for Windows, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade...
demo early access for annual subscribers - January 2009, Episode 8 - F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin demo early access
- February 2009, Episode 9 - Syphon FilterSyphon FilterSyphon Filter is a stealth-based third-person shooter video game for the PlayStation released in 1999. It is the first game in the Syphon Filter series. It was re-released on December 4, 2006, on the PlayStation Network for use on the PSP...
PS1 classic voucher - March 2009, Episode 10 - High Velocity BowlingHigh Velocity BowlingHigh Velocity Bowling is a virtual bowling sports game available from the PlayStation Network, and available for download Via the PlayStation Store. The game was released December 6, 2007 for the PlayStation 3. The game was developed by SCE San Diego Studio's in-house studio, Team Ramrod, and...
full PSN game voucher for annual subscribers - April 2009, Episode 11, Free episode - Linger in ShadowsLinger in ShadowsLinger in Shadows is a Demoscene project by the Polish demogroup Plastic, released exclusively on the PlayStation 3. It was first announced at Breakpoint 2008 in Germany....
voucher and Red Faction: GuerrillaRed Faction: GuerrillaRed Faction: Guerrilla is an open-world third-person action video game developed by Volition, Inc. and published by THQ. It was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in June 2009 and for Microsoft Windows in September 2009...
demo early access for annual subscribers - May 2009, Episode 12 - Uncharted 2: Among ThievesUncharted 2: Among ThievesUncharted 2: Among Thieves is an action-adventure platform third-person shooter video game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the sequel to the 2007 game Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. It was first shown and announced on December 1, 2008...
beta invitation for annual subscribers - June 2009, Episode 13 - Spyro the Dragon PS1 classic voucher
- July 2009, Episode 14 - Battlefield 1943Battlefield 1943Battlefield 1943 is an online multiplayer World War II first-person shooter video game developed by EA Digital Illusions CE and published by Electronic Arts for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network via digital download only. Unlike Battlefield 1942, this game takes place only in the Pacific...
theme for all purchasers - August 2009, Episode 15 - High Velocity BowlingHigh Velocity BowlingHigh Velocity Bowling is a virtual bowling sports game available from the PlayStation Network, and available for download Via the PlayStation Store. The game was released December 6, 2007 for the PlayStation 3. The game was developed by SCE San Diego Studio's in-house studio, Team Ramrod, and...
PSN game voucher & Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 theme for annual subscribers - September 2009, Episode 16 - MAG beta invitation for annual subscribers
- December 2009, Episode 19 - ModNation RacersModNation RacersModNation Racers is a kart racing game developed by United Front Games for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable. User generated content will be a central aspect of the game, such that it uses the same "Play, Create, Share." adage as LittleBigPlanet to convey its basis in online user-generated...
Beta invitation for annual subscribers
FirstPlay
FirstPlay (previously known as Official PlayStation Magazine HD or OPMHD) was an electronic magazine similar to Qore, produced by Future PublishingFuture Publishing
Future plc is a media company; in 2006, it was the sixth-largest in the United Kingdom. It publishes more than 150 magazines in fields such as video games, technology, automotive, cycling, films and photography. Future is the official magazine company of all three major games console manufacturers...
. Released in April 2010, it is available to PlayStation 3 users via the PlayStation Store in the UK. Like Qore, FirstPlay offered exclusive videos, demos and downloads. but is released weekly instead of monthly. In July 2011 SCEE
SCEE
SCEE can refer to:*Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, a subsidiary of Sony*School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, a constituent college of the National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan...
announced that the FirstPlay service was to end, leaving the 6th July episode as the final FirstPlay to be released. The announcement went on to confirm that a new, yet-to-be-named service would replace FirstPlay, its focus shifting to SCEE's PlayStation Access events. As with its predecessor this new service will be produced by Future Publishing
Future Publishing
Future plc is a media company; in 2006, it was the sixth-largest in the United Kingdom. It publishes more than 150 magazines in fields such as video games, technology, automotive, cycling, films and photography. Future is the official magazine company of all three major games console manufacturers...
and delivered via the PSN Store, however this time the show will be free of charge.
Criticism
The announcement that Qore subscribers will have advanced access to exclusive betas and demos has triggered a mixed reaction from the gaming community. Many users believe this is a covert way of introducing a premium PlayStation Network subscription model, similar to that used on Microsoft's Xbox Live MarketplaceXbox Live Marketplace
The Xbox Live Marketplace is a virtual market designed for Microsoft's Xbox 360 console that allows Xbox Live members to download purchased or promotional content...
service where premium subscribers get game demos one week before they are fully released. Criticism has also been made of the way that advertising is being incorporated into the service.
Gaming commentators have also attacked Qore for being light on content, and for containing too many advertisements (two 20-second spots that can be skipped after the first 5 seconds, and one 15 second spot in the "download section" which cannot be skipped by the viewer). Critics have said that because Qore is a paid-for, premium service, it should not contain so many intrusive adverts.