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For many years, emulator users have been able to take advantage of improved (pixel purists might disagree) image quality using well known filters such as HQ2x, SaI2x, etc. These run on CPU and incur a noticeable performance loss. On a PC, this might not be such a big deal with our new shiny CPUs that are just waiting to waste clock cycles, however, on our PlayStation 3, using very valuable clock cycles on filtering graphics on the PPU is simply not acceptable, unless you’re comfortable playing old-school games at 20 fps.



Plain nearest-neighbor




HQ2x, a classic CPU-based filter

Luckily, we have a lovely device called the GPU, which specializes in crunching through calculations in a highly parallel fashion. Graphics processing can be parallelized extremely well, and thus explains the design of modern GPUs, tons of weaker cores.

Up till recent years, graphics cards were locked into one specific function. Programming legacy OpenGL back in the day was essentially turning on a zillion different knobs of a big black box (the GPU). You wanted lighting, you enabled lighting, set some parameters here and there, and done. Easy to get started, but horribly inflexible once you want to do complex stuff. This is now called the fixed-function pipeline.

Eventually, developers understood that we needed a way to treat the GPU more like a conventional computer. Rather than turning on a tons of different knobs, you implemented the things you actually used in a simplified programming language. Full control and flexibility at the cost of a slightly steeper learning curve. These languages are what we call shader languages. The three most popular ones today are:

•GLSL: Native OpenGL shading language.
•Cg: nVidias shading language that works with either OpenGL or Direct3D. Syntax resembles HLSL.
•HLSL: Microsoft’s shading language for use with Direct3D.
Before, it was practically impossible to implement a filter like HQ2x on the GPU using fixed-function pipeline. The hardware was far too inflexible to allow this. However, with our new programmable hardware, it suddenly started to sound feasible to program filters on the GPU.

Pete’s OpenGL2 plugin
Some emulator authors started to see opportunities to use these new possibilities. One well known example of this is Pete’s awesome OpenGL2 plugin for the plugin-based PlayStation 1 emulators. Obviously there are far too many emulators out there, so I can’t make an exhaustive list or something like that. At the very least, shader support certainly isn’t very common, even today, but I believe this will soon become a “must have”-feature.





Example of some interesting shaders running in Petes OGL2 plugin

Shaders instead of CPU filters by necessity
On the PlayStation 3, Sony provides developers with a Cg shader environment, and this was basically an invitation for us to use it in our emulator ports. The RSX found on the PlayStation 3 is reasonably powerful despite its age, while the PPU unit is quite weak relatively speaking (runs conventional code very badly), so it makes perfect sense to offload all graphics processing to the RSX, where it belongs.

One problem with shaders is that they typically need to be written specifically for each emulator, even if they were written in the same language. As with normal code, where you have APIs you can communicate with, the rendering code needs to communicate information with the shader program running on the GPU. You need to tell it things like: “Where is the texture located? How big is my texture? What are the coordinates?”, and things like that. Usually, every emulator out there tended to implement their own interfaces, so shaders still needed to be ported between every emulator that wanted to use them.

With some recent developments, I believe we’re one step closer to achieve some kind of specification that other emulator authors might desire to follow.

I believe SNES9x-PS3 (and its brother ports) was the first emulator port on a console to utilize shaders, at least as a major feature. Its shader library is becoming reasonably sized. When the shader implementation was being written, it was actually first implemented in SSNES. This meant that shaders could easily be tested on the PC before being transferred over the PS3, achieving the same result, greatly helping out with debugging. Shaders are essentially simple .cg files, which are compiled at run-time and transferred directly to the GPU. No need to compile C/C++ filters straight into the emulator itself which used to be quite typical, which would be a horrible situation indeed.

Essentially, doing as much on the GPU as possible was a design choice from the start. Much, much better performance and arguably easier to program than optimizing C/assembly code. It’s a win-win situation.

Later on, I implemented a multi-pass specification for the .cg shaders, using several .cg shaders and combining them into one effect. This is known on the PS3 ports as ...

Sony has made the PSN Pass, first spotted this morning, official.

It launches this September with PlayStation 3 exclusive Resistance 3.

In a statement issued to Eurogamer this evening, Sony said PSN Pass will grant "full online access" to participating games.

"We are always evaluating new programs for our online offering, and starting with Resistance 3 this September, we will be instituting a network pass program for PS3 games with online capabilities," Sony said.

"This program will be game-specific. Games that are a part of this program will include a single-use registration code that grants the account holder redeeming the code full online access for that title.

"This is an important initiative as it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhancing premium online services across our first party game portfolio."

The implication is that second-hand copies of Resistance 3 will not include PSN Pass, forcing pre-owned buyers to pay for full online access.

With PSN Pass Sony is following the lead of EA, THQ, Codemasters and Warner, all of which have implemented an Online Pass scheme.

Will other upcoming PS3 exclusives, such as Uncharted 3, use PSN Pass?

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...-pass-official ...

PlayStation Plus is a year old, and in that time it has given subscribers over £700 worth of content, Sony said today.

PlayStation Network product manager James Thorpe said on the EU PlayStation Blog the figure amounted to "a pretty good deal" for gamers.

"We've been having a look back at what content has been available to Plus members in the first year and have discovered something we thought you guys might find interesting – while we said we'd deliver over £200 of content during the year, we totted up the totals for all the games, discounts themes and avatars and the value actually came to over £700," he said.

"In anyone's eyes that's a pretty good deal for under £3.50 a month!"

Sony's £700 figure is an approximate value based on average RRP of available content during the first year. It excludes discounts, and is calculated using exchange rates as at June 2011.

The monthly cost is based on the price of a one-year subscription.

To tie in PlayStation Plus' birthday, Sony has launched some new sign-up offers, available from 6th July to 3rd August 2011.

You can sign up for a 12 month Plus subscription and get an extra three months for free, or sign up for a 12 month Plus subscription and get Sega Rally Online Arcade for free and to keep forever. Or you can do both.

Meanwhile, the PS Plus content for 6th July to 3rd August includes Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars and Golden Axe free from PSN, PSOne game Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, and minis Dr. Maybe and the Adventures of Scarygirl and JellyCar 2.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...rth-of-content ...

The German Resistance 3 bundle has led to speculation about the launch of a new online initiative called PSN Pass.

The game and console bundle packaging clearly refers to something called "PSN Pass," along with the disclaimer "PSN Pass Network features only available in countries that have PlayStation Store."

Resistance 3 is set for release on September 9, suggesting that the PSN Pass will either be launched simultaneously or in advance of that date.

The new feature will most likely be similar to those used by EA and THQ, which discourages consumers from buying pre-owned games by locking multiplayer modes and special content to specific codes. Players who buy second hand must then purchase a new code to access that same content.

Sony hasn't yet commented on the discovery, but has previously spoken to GI about online passes. In August last year Andrew House, then president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said Sony was supportive of the model.

"On the principle of making online portions of the game available or unlocked from the disc-based release for a fee, we’re broadly supportive of that. And we’re exploring actively the same option for our own content."

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...aunch-psn-pass ...

We're still waiting on that globe-like PS9 (aren't you?), but seeing as how wireless head-to-console gaming isn't yet available or ethical, we'll make do with PS4 rumors. Based on nothing more than a game of component-maker telephone, sources out of Taiwan are telling Digitimes to expect a brand new PlayStation 4 for launch sometime in early 2012. Reportedly on board for this latest iteration are baked-in motion controls à la Kinect and a holographic David Lynch virtual pet. We kid, but we do hope he helms those new ads. According to these anonymous insiders, Sony has a planned production run of 20 million consoles for launch -- all headed straight to eBay, we imagine. It should go without saying that news of this kind should be taken with a mouthful of salt, but with the PS3 turning five this November, it's a safe bet that there's a successor to the "It Only Does Everything" throne on the way.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/p...ter-this-year/ ...

Even subscription-based digital distribution platforms get birthday cakes these days.

But that's not all. To celebrate its first anniversary, EU PlayStation Plus is also getting a load of special content, membership extensions and a competition, which it is passing on to you.

If you sign up for a 12 month Plus subscription before August 3 you can choose between an extra 3 months for free or Sega Rally Online Arcade for free to keep forever.

Already a subscriber? No worries. You can take advantage of the deal by renewing now before your current subscription expires.

If you want it all, the free game and 15 months for the price of 12 , you can sign up to both 12 month subscription offers but you must purchase the 15 for 12 subscription first, and then purchase the Sega Rally subscription.

If you are a Welcome Back Free Plus user then you will need to wait until your free membership finishes before you purchase a Plus membership. Don't worry, if you renew to a paying membership, you'll also keep the content you got during your free trial.

Where are you going? There's more: You'll also be entered into a competition just for being a Plus member.
Here are the prizes:

1st Prize - Sony Entertainment package, including 46″ 3D Bravia TV, extra 3D glasses, a PS3 320GB, a PSPgo, PlayStation Move starter pack with extra controller and navigation controllers, a selection of 10 PS3 games, PlayTV and a 5 year PlayStation Plus membership.
That's a prize package worth almost £4,000!

2nd prize - three people will each a one years Plus membership

3rd Prize - 100 people will win a 90 day Plus membership
To be in with the chance to win, you simply need to have an active 90 day or 1 year PlayStation Plus subscription at 11.59PM GMT on 3 August 2011

And finally, here's the actual content for July.

PSN

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars
Golden Axe

PS One

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

minis

Dr. Maybe and the Adventures of Scarygirl
JellyCar 2

Exclusive Discounts

Shank - 50% off
Dead Space Ignition - 50% off
DeathSpank - 50% off
DeathSpank: Thongs Of Virtue - 50% off
The Fancy Pants Adventures - 50% off
Tetris - 50% off
MicroBot - 50% off
Spare Parts - 50% off
3 on 3 NHL Arcade - 50% off
Madden NFL Arcade - 50% off
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 12: The Masters Course Bundle: Eagle Pack - 40% off

Full Game Trial

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (G.R.A.W.)

Dynamic themes

PlayStation Plus Anniversary dynamic theme
Symbol Flow dynamic theme

Premium Avatars

inFamous 2 Bad Cole Avatar

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS ...

Sony's online service, the PlayStation Network, is currently undergoing a redesign that will significantly change its look and functionality.

A report by Reg Hardware reveals that the trademark blue colour will go, replaced by a black background and bright colours.

It will also have a cleaner look, described by sources as "an aesthetic layout with logically marked sections and rolodex lists."

Searching has been upgraded too, which will produce live results as users enter each character, and the Video section, which allows users to buy and rent films, is now a database that will feel familiar to anyone who has seen movie website IMDB.

There will also be a special section for the latest deals on PlayStation Store content.

Sony has yet to comment on the report.

The report follows news yesterday that the PlayStation Network will finally be restored to full functionality in Japan on Wednesday, following the security breaches in April.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...tation-network ...

Here's this week's list of new content going live on the US PlayStation Store.

PlayStation Move Ape Escape is the lone new game release this week, while the PSone Imports section of the store has two new games - one a scrolling fighter and the other about cooking Japanese meet.

Oh, and don't forget the Uncharted 3 multiplayer beta goes public today, too.

Here's the full list:

PlayStation Plus

New Release Games & DLC

Bomberman ULTRA (Free with Plus, a $9.99 value)
Me Monstar: Hear Me Roar (Free and Exclusive Plus)
Medievil PS one title (Free with Plus, a $5.99 value)
Alien Zombie Death mini (Free with Plus, $3.99 value)
MotorStorm Apocalypse Outlaw Vehicle Pack (PlayStation Plus price $1.99; a 20% discount)

New Release Themes, Avatars and Media

Mega Man Powered Up - Avatar Bundle (x14) (Plus Exclusive, $1.49)
PlayStation Plus Clock Dynamic Theme (Free and exclusive to Plus)
Qore July Episode 38 - Single Episode (Free with Plus, a $2 .99 value)

Updates

Burnout Paradise Party Pack - Sale (PS3) (now $1.99, original price $4.99)

Burnout Paradise Toy Car Collection - Sale (now $1.99, original price $6.99)

Burnout Paradise: Big Surf Island - Sale (now $2.99, original price $6.99)

Burnout Paradise: Cops And Robbers - Sale (now $1.99, original price $4.99)

Burnout Paradise: Legendary Car Pack - Sale (now $1.99, original price $4.99)

Burnout Paradise: Boost Specials Car Pack - Sale (now $1.99, original price $4.99)

Burnout Paradise: Time Savers Pack - Sale (now $1.99, original price $4.99)

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit - Armed And Dangerous Pack - Sale (now $3.99, original price $6.99)

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit - Lamborghini Untamed Pack - Sale (now $3.99, original price $6.99)

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit - Porsche Unleashed Pack - Sale (now $3.99, original price $6.99)

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit - Super Sports Pack - Sale (now $3.99, original price $6.99)

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit - Three For All Bundle - Sale (now $10.99, original price $19.99)

Need For Speed Pro Street Add-On Content Collector's Upgrade - Sale (now $2.99, original price $9.99)

Need For Speed Pro Street Add-On Content Extender Pack Bundle 1 - Sale (now $1.99, original price $5.99)

Need For Speed Pro Street Add-On Content Extender Pack Bundle 2 - Sale (now $3.99, original price $6.99)

Need For Speed Pro Street Add-On Content Muscle Car Bundle - Sale (now $1.99, original price $4.99)

Need For Speed Pro Street Add-On Content Sport Car Bundle - Sale (now $3.99, original price $6.99)

Need For Speed Pro Street Add-On Content Tuner Car Bundle - Sale (now $3.99, original price $6.99)

Need For Speed Pro Street Add-On Content Ultimate Bundle - Sale (now $2.99, original price $9.99)

Need For Speed: Shift: Exotic Racing Series - Sale (now $2.99, original price $9.99)

Need For Speed: Undercover Collector's Edition Upgrade - Sale (now $2.99, original price $10.00)

Need For Speed: Undercover Exotic Car Bundle - Sale (now $1.99, original price $7.50)

Need For Speed: Undercover Muscle Car Bundle - Sale (now $1.99, original price $5.00)

Need For Speed: Undercover Tuner Car Bundle - Sale (now $1.99, original price $5.00)

Need For Speed: Undercover Ultimate Performance Bundle - Sale (now $1.99, original price $10.00)

Need For Speed: Undercover Ultimate Visual Bundle - Sale (now $1.99, original price $5.00)

Need For Speed: Undercover: Boss Car Bundle - Sale (now $1.99, original price $4.99)

Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Towers - Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Fate/unlimited codes - Sale (now $9.99, original price $19.99)

Power Stone Collection - Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Ultimate Ghosts 'N Goblins - Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Qore

Qore Episode 38 - July Edition ($2.99)
in July's Episode 38 of Qore Presented by the PlayStation Network, Veronica Belmont explored the sand dunes of "Journey", gets behind the shield in "Captain America: Super Soldier", profiles industry legend Ted Price, and Audrey Cleo takes a look at the quirky over-the-top world of "No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise."
File size: 1.49 GB

Downloadable Games

PlayStation Move Ape Escape ($19.99)
The next chapter in the beloved Ape Escape saga is now available. Dive into an original new adventure full of monkeys and mayhem designed exclusively for the PlayStation Move motion controller! Get ready to explore 15 diverse levels filled with over 500 different monkeys to capture. Or challenge your friends with some wild and wacky mini-games! Download the full game today!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 2.23 GB

PSone Classics

Rapid Angel Psone Import ($5.99)
Japanese developer Techo Soleil has a knack for creating games with sophisticated charm and nuance. This combo beat-em up and platformer has something special for those with a subtle eye for Japanese ingenuity. Play one of three heroines, each with well=crafted moves and a charming voice.
File Size: 121 MB

Yakiniku Bugyou Psone Import ($5.99)
Yakiniku Bugyou is an action game using yakiniku (Japanese grilled meat) as the theme. Players will become a yakiniku master. You must prepare and cook the food and attend to your customers to level up the chef's scale. Watch as your patrons judge your skills!
File Size: 50 MB

Add-on Game Content

Cars 2 - Kabuki Mater ($0.99)
Play as Kabuki Mater in cars 2: The Video Game!
File size: 5.78 MB

Cars 2 - Mater As Ivan ($0.99)
Play as Mater disguised as Ivan in Cars 2: The Video Game!
File size: 5.28 MB

Cars 2 - The Queen (Free)
Play as The Queen in Cars 2: The Video Game!
File size: 23 MB

Cars 2 - Uncle Topolino ($0.99)
Play as Uncle Topolino in Cars 2: The Video Game!
File size: 38 MB

Cars 2 - Victor Hugo ($0.99)
Play as Victor Hugo Mater in Cars 2: The Video Game!
File size: 37 MB

Dirt 3: Horn Pack ($0.99)
Download 6 new Horns and let your rivals know you're coming for them!
File size: 2.92 MB

Record of Agarest War Zero - Additional Costumes and Packs ($2.49 ...

The PlayStation 4 will launch next year and feature Kinect-like motion control, according to a new report.

The DigiTimes, citing Taiwan-based component makers, said Sony's manufacturing partners will begin production of the PS4 at the end of 2011.

Foxconn and Pegatron Technology, which assemble the PlayStation 3, are in charge of making the PS4, apparently. Sony is said to be planning to ship at least 20 million units next year.

And there's "body movement-based control like Kinect", claims the report.

A 2012 launch contradicts comments made by Sony throughout the PS3's five-year life.

Only last month then Sony Computer Entertainment Europe boss Andrew House told Eurogamer the PS3 has a "ten years-plus" lifecycle.

Nintendo launches its next home console, the Wii U, in 2012, but not before April.

Microsoft is rumoured to be readying an E3 2012 announcement for the next Xbox, with a 2013 launch described as "likely".

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...-report-claims ...