Portal 2 to feature PS3-PC/Mac cross-platform play, Steam key included with PS3 version

That’s fucking amazing. Massive props to Valve.

Awesome, game could really suit different controls, good job valve.

That’s pretty cool it would be awesome if other companies would do that…

So what are the advantages of buying Portal 2 on Steam?
Calling it a “Steam Play version” of the game makes it sound like it’s limited in some way, I’d like to know more before I buy a copy I’m not even going to play.

Very cool.

That’s pretty fantastic. I was intrigued by the PS3 version but figured I’d get the game on PC like the rest of Valve’s games. Now I don’t have to choose!

@GeneralBison: a “Steam Play” version is just Valves branding for “Buy it once, get it on all the platforms”. For most things, this just means that, say, you buy Civ4 for PC and you automatically get a Mac licence as well. They’re not limited unless you count another gaming platform as a limitation.

Little bit annoyed that this can’t go both ways, so PC buyers won’t automatically get it for PS3, but I’d imagine this is Sony’s fault.

@7 Valve is doing a favor to PS3, it’s not Sony’s fault to the PC side of things.

Heh, I can understand why Microsoft wouldn’t want that deal. Clever stuff, Valve.

Thats a very neat idea actually.

It would be good if they put custom maps and mod support in there. We know its doable on PS3 because its in UT3.

That is freaking amazing! Will work really well for a game like this as well.

PS3 and Valve rules

let me clarify if i got the game on ps3 i’d also get it on pc?

Yes.

Except that btw crossplatform gaming won’t do much to PC at all.

Portal is one of these games that require PRECISION. I won’t play with PS3 owner this to be honest. Just because that guy can be behind me by miles and co-op in this game require to be fast as possible.

But the idea of crossplatforming is really a neat idea.

@Suikoden, yes, just activate it on Steam..

It’ll be interesting to see how well this works. I wonder how they’ll manage patching issues between the two platforms?

Anyway, great deal! Valve know how to pack the value in when it counts.

@17 have you ever.. used Steam? *Facepalm of the huge proportions

Ps3 version if connected to the internet will automatically recieve patches while you are playing a game.

Steam is a little APP for the PS3.

@17 Games on PS3 can be patched outside the standard system. For instance MAG, Metal Gear Online and DC Universe all feature their own torrent-based patching methods.

In other words the PS3 version will likely patch using the regular Steam servers, Valve able to push content out without having to go through certification.

As an aside this is also potentially good news for 360 owners. If Valve are able to add content to the PS3 at no charge, like the PC version, Microsoft should also allow that content to be free on Live.

Aimless – I doubt it, otherwise we would have seen all the content and updates for TF2 on 360 by now

“Microsoft should also allow that content to be free on Live.”

Nope. It’s because of stupid MS LIVE restrictions.

Thanks for the useful, informative and polite version of that answer, Aimless!

@20 But that content wasn’t available on the PS3. I suspect Microsoft will be more amenable with its policies when those on a rival console don’t have to pay. It puts Valve in a good bargaining position and I can see Microsoft taking the hit on service charges.

Incidentally I’d love to see a re-release of TF2 on the PS3 — or 360, but for obvious reasons that’s less likely. As a shooter it’s very well suited to a controller and with all the additions and changes it deserves a second shot at the console market.

Buy Ps3 disc, use PC key, go back with disc to store.
Instant discount.

You know, I think they might’ve thought of that already. Just a hunch.

Oh right, this one time key business have really stopped used-game sales.

WOW PS3 version bought!!!

Pretty imba! I’ll be getting it on PC because I lurve my mouse <3 but still a nice idea.

I wonder how long it will take for people to pirate Portal 2? Does it have to be launched using the Steam app? Or does it work standalone?

yup, i’ll be getting the PS3 version, best of both worlds for me, single player on the PS3 when I’m lazy, multiplayer on the PC when precision is required

The PS3 version must come with a PS3 key of its own or else a single copy could be used to activate thousands of Steam keys for several different PSN accounts.

Left4Dead next, pls.

the word on a lot of 360 owners minds at the moment. lol

^ This.

If Valve and Sony forge an alliance for the next generation of consoles they could be an unstoppable juggernaut.

@34

I agree they probably would; the generation after though, since that would be when any of Valve’s games would make it to market.

I don’t care about this pc stuff as I don’t want to be anywhere near one after an 8-12hr. day. I want to know which console version is better.

@36

Ever heard of hooking up a PC to your HDTV and playing your games via wireless mouse & keyboard (or wireless 360 pad)?! Nah, didn’t think so…

No, you are the only person who’s doing that. CONGRATULATIONS !! ass. Maybe you have reading problems. See my earlier post. I work on a pc, I game on consoles. Personal preference. Fuck off.

So if I buy the PS3 version I’ll also be able to play it on my PC and Mac?

That’s insane!

Wow, 2×1! I like it!

So that means if I buy it on PS3, I’m also getting it for PC?

I may as well go for the PS3 version then, not like I’ll ever use it.

@32 nah i dont thing so
all this
is done cos psn still dont have features like xbl
so put the mic on pc and start voice cross chat cos psn cant do it hahahaha
valve is a company that has growed with M$ so u really believe that was really a big deal to ask them to do the same for xbox version? but why xbl have all features of steam and is even better steam wile gaming and browsing freezes lie shit and is like 2 year and they haven’t fixed it yet

@42

Sorry, I find it difficult to understand your incoherent babble.

But if you’re having problems with Steam freezing while gaming and browsing, then perhaps it’s something to do with your shitty system, because I and the other millions of daily Steam users will tell you, it performs perfectly fine for us.

Also Xbox live does not offer all the same features of Steam and to add to that, Valve provides this service free of charge.

stretch215 said:
No, you are the only person who’s doing that. CONGRATULATIONS !! ass. Maybe you have reading problems. See my earlier post. I work on a pc, I game on consoles. Personal preference. Fuck off.

So Gabe is really making good his word from E3.