via Computer and Video Games


An as-yet unexplained error related to PS3 Trophy synchronisation is breaking a number of games on the console.

The error, which seems to have first struck after the release of firmware version 2.50, appears to occur when users change their PSN ID or password.

After doing so, their Trophy data becomes corrupt and running a select number of games brings up an error that notifies the user of a failure to sync Trophy data. In the worst of cases, the game forces the player to quit and "try again", only to repeat the same message.

Known affected titles include WipEout HD, Burnout Paradise, LittleBigPlanet and Pain.

The first complaints hit forums back in October and, having gone unfixed for so long, it has left many doubtful that a patch will come before the Christmas break, when those PS3s should be getting a considerable hammering.

A Sony community man posting under the alias 'MusterBuster' only just this week said: "A fix is on the way, but I don't have an ETA yet".

Firmware update 2.53, released earlier this month, didn't fix the problem.

CVG has contacted Sony for an official statement. Hopefully we'll have some good news for you before the day's out.

Otherwise, there is one suggested fix that has worked for some titles. Bit of a pain in the ass though. You have to:
  • Delete your Game Data (that's the install files for a game, NOT the Save Data).
  • Use the Backup option in the PS3's XMB to create a full backup of your hard drive.
  • Restore your PS3 from the backup.
  • You trophies will all be gone but don't panic - that data will be stored on Sony's servers. Just reinstall the game, install the Trophy data and the sync should work fine. Maybe.

Give it a go at your own discretion. Meanwhile, we'd offer you one other tip: don't change your PSN ID or password for a while. Prevention is better than cure.

Thanks to CVG reader Glen for the tip.