Submitted by nofilter 431d ago | opinion piece

Opinion: The PS4′s Share Button Needs To Be All Or Nothing, Publisher Censorship Won’t Work

TSA: "If you can’t share the last bits – and I appreciate this is publisher dependent – then what’s the point? Hey, look, I just started the game, watch me play the same bits you’ve all played? No." (Killzone: Shadow Fall, PS4)

iGAM3R-VIII  +   431d ago
Agree there’s no point if publishers can block it, renders the entire effort of putting it there a waste of resources. Plus sharing that last level or tricky opponent is just as important as that hole in one or that perfect lap.

BUT, at the same time I have to respect what the developers do and why, because there must be a reason as to why they would do it. I am sure that most Sony 1st party games should have full access and Ubisofts games should as well, same with EA probably.
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DragonKnight  +   431d ago
Guaranteed the lawyers of each publisher will have their say in the censorship aspect. Afterall, how can they make money off of copyright claims if everyone can share the content with a push of a button?
The_Infected  +   431d ago
OnLive did it why can't Sony with PS4?
DragonKnight  +   431d ago
@Kratos_Kills: They probably paid to do it.
iGAM3R-VIII  +   431d ago
@DragonKnight can you re-word that because either you are wrong or what you made makes no sense
KwietStorm  +   431d ago
Its not like they're sharing the actual content of the game itself, its just videos, that of which has been commonplace on PCs for years. The Share button would bring the PS4 more inline with the community ecosystem of PCs in that aspect, but it would instantly lose much of its power and benefit if its restricted, in any way, in my opinion.
DragonKnight  +   431d ago
@iGAM3R-VIII: I'm saying the lawyers will have their say when the publishers decide to censor content. The lawyers are the ones that file copyright claims against youtube LP'ers to begin with.
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Dmarc  +   431d ago
I dont know,my rational mind is telling me to wait and see what exactly the restrictions are before I completely consider it a waste.But the other more "jump to conclusions" side agree with some of you.

Theres so much crap I want to record :D

"The lawyers are the ones that file copyright claims against youtube LP'ers to begin with."
No Not really.Almost anybody can claim copyright on youtube as long as you have even the tiniest bit of relevance to the developer & or publisher.The guy that was taking all of GTA IV , chinatown wars and vice city stories off youtube wasnt a lawyer.If I can remember he used to work with R* years ago and had no hand in making anything after gta 2. If I remember correctly.He was a complete d-bag :)
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darthv72  +   430d ago
i only have 1 problem with the "all or nothing" approach
it gives the implication that there will be plenty who use it accordingly while there will be others who abuse it.

Those ones that abuse it, however, could possibly ruin it for the rest of us. All it takes is a select few who have no regard for others and will share everything they can that may go against terms of service and the end will result in Sony either taking it away (ultimate end result) or a real strict submission process where everything needs to be reviewed by sony first.

Its a great idea but one I am just worried will get taken away because some just can't help themselves.
JoGam  +   431d ago
As long as i can share me owning people on BF4. That's what i want to share.
jadenkorri  +   431d ago
yes, and we'll be able to share getting kicked for killing the host too many times, lets hope for some dedicated servers that will stay permanently.
Knight_Crawler  +   430d ago
Dude this is EA we are talking about...they will probably want to charge extra to that.
CraigandDayDay  +   431d ago
Multiplayer sharing probably won't be limited like single player. And that will be where most of the sharing happens anyway. It's understandable they don't want their single player games spoiled by people.
iGAM3R-VIII  +   431d ago
Yes agreed, Ubisoft already said that the SHARE button should get full access and I am sure most 1st party games should as well. Also I think EA Sports games should because of the genre.
Ace_Pheonix  +   431d ago
Plus I imagine there could be some kind of time limitation applied as well. After like 3 or 4 months, singleplayer portions that were previously blocked could become available. That'd be fair all around I think.
Septic  +   430d ago
But what about the point where you can jump in and take control of your friends game if he's stuck on a certain level etc?

To be honest, I'll mainly be using this for multiplayer anyway apart from maybe games like GTA where some random craziness happens in a sandbox that I want to share.

I have a feeling that the restrictions will be very limited; maybe kicking in when there is a cut scene or something.
GameSpawn  +   430d ago
My thought on what would be limited would be specific single player sections that may violate Facebook's, Youtube, and whatever other sites will be linked in terms of use, aka sex and nudity. This will cut down the amount of censoring the website be submitted to has to do from the get go.

Personally I'm fine with this if it is the case. Honestly I'm fairly antisocial and probably won't be using the share features much short of the occasional "cool s**t just happened" moments.

@Septic (the main reason I replied here)
I had the funniest gaming moment happen to me in GTA5. I was in a mission trying to get away, with a 4 star rating if memory serves, and was getting pissed that I could quite shake the cops. Well I came shooting around a corner FULL speed and a cop rams me head on. Now normally in GTA5 if you're in a head on you fly through the front windshield into the street. What happens to me? Nothing! My car was like a brick wall, we both came to a dead stop and TWO cops get thrown onto the hood of their car while I'm just sitting pretty in mine. I laugh my ass off, toss it in reverse and drive around them and on my way. I WISH I had a share button then.
MikeMyers  +   431d ago
Welcome to Miiverse 2.0
iGAM3R-VIII  +   431d ago
Must you troll on every article
KwietStorm  +   431d ago
Except there will be actual games on this platform to take advantage of it.
majiebeast  +   431d ago
This time with games to talk about. Dont worry Pikmin 3 is only 3 months away, then you will have a game to talk about.
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MikeMyers  +   431d ago

I troll in every article? Show me. This sounds an awful lot like Miiverse because it will be moderated. Remember all the commotion about that?


I don't even own a Wii U yet. My you guys sure are sensitive.
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Tapioca Cold  +   431d ago
What a bunch of spoiled brats use consoles.

Sad. Gimme gimme gimme.

Take what you get. Be grateful you can do tge things yoi do these days.
iGAM3R-VIII  +   431d ago
Another person who trolls except this time either you are a PC fanboy or a Mobile Phone Gaming fanboy. That comment is just unessacary
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SoapShoes  +   431d ago
What a mountain out of a mole hill. Not concerned at all, why should you be? The complaints here are all "what ifs".
MysticStrummer  +   431d ago
I just don't see the point of restricting the share button. People will post that same content anyway using other methods.
Lifebanisher  +   431d ago
even if they censor it people would just get a camera put it in front of the tv and keep recording that final boss, so what is the use if it's not gonna work? even if they put restrictions on scenes. imo, them announcing this and doing this will just fuel the spoiler community into doing the things developers wouldn't want.

in this generation you see people uploading the whole game on youtube or streaming it on twitchtv,nico nico and ustream already..
T2  +   430d ago
Not sure how you got disagree there... Obviously every game is available to view on YouTube already
darkride66  +   430d ago
I say leave it up to the developers. If it were my game, and I was crafting some huge, cinematic experience, I don't think I would want just everyone sharing every last secret out on the net. It's probably going to happen anyway, but why make it easy for people to spoil plot points for your games?

It should be the developers choice. Some games it makes sense for, others I can see them not wanting to let everyone share everything.
DeadlyFire  +   430d ago
I think its mostly single player major story elements they are talking about blocking.

Multiplayer should be 100% shareable.
SegataSanshiro  +   430d ago
Holy Jesus, can someone explain to me what's happening in this article? There are youtube walkthroughs of every game in existence, full walkthroughs and how is this even an issue now? What's the difference? None! And I cant believe you Sony fangirls are actually defending the decision of censoring parts of the game! What's wrong with this website seriously! You people all live in a fairy tale!
T2  +   430d ago
The only issue I have with your comment is how is it fanboys defending this ? I see two sides debating ... But you are right , everything is on YouTube , anyone disagree with that is naive
SegataSanshiro  +   427d ago
It's fanboyism because Sony Defense squad day that this is actually a good thing. Censoring is never a good thing no matter in what medium or at what time.
Qrphe  +   431d ago
Nothing should be censored, if anything, there should be spoiler tags. Regardless, why take away features just because some aren't smart enough to not rush into every video/screenshot/comment they see?
Donnieboi  +   431d ago
Spoiler Tag--yeah, that sounds like a good work-around, if publishers try to use spoilers as an excuse. Good idea.
wishingW3L  +   430d ago
is not a good idea it's just... Common sense. lol
Conzul  +   431d ago
Well said.

The only way I'll be able to stomach this kind of censorship is if it was time based. Like, if something epic or an awesome glitch happens near a spoiler/end and you happen to record it - I suppose I'd be ok with Sony locking the data from upload until a certain amount of time has passed since the game released. NOW THAT would be innovative, effective, and acceptable all at once.

In other words, it won't happen.

Edit: Oooh! They could remove or lessen this restriction for PS+ subscribers. Anything to make their paid service sweeter will help then next-gen.
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Lifebanisher  +   431d ago
yeah why don't they just put an option where you can say it's a spoiler before uploading it on the share button..
yewles1  +   431d ago
People don't realize the reason for this is because of copyright. Look at what's going on in YouTube as an example with people monetizing playthroughs and devs or pubs obstructing because of copyright infingement and such. Sony has to play it down the middle or else some pubs or devs won't put their games on the console. Whether we like it or not, the rights of developers and publishers come first.
Nate-Dog  +   431d ago
If that's the case then why is Yoshida saying that only some parts of a game may not be uploaded? If it was copyright reasons would that mean any footage of the game wouldn't be allowed? It won't look very well for Sony after marketing this ability for players to show off everything they've done if every developer can just click their fingers and say "nah don't want that".
yewles1  +   431d ago
Not true, it could be a precious second or the whole shebang.

Whatever's blockable is entirely up to the creator's discretion. Whole vids of gameplay footage have taken down because of certain portions as opposed to the whole thing, afterwards it's then up to the uploader to negotiate what's allowable or not.
Muerte2494  +   431d ago
you can go to youtube right now and find full playthroughs of almost all new release from any publisher. I don't see why that would all of a sudden become a big deal now.


On part of a full playthrough of Bioshock Infinite

part of full playthrough of Gears of War Judgement


God of war Ascension

I named an exclusive from each system and a multiplatform title. All were uploaded some time ago and all of them still up. There goes your bogus claim of copyright infringement.
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Qrphe  +   431d ago
I hadn't even thought of that but you're correct. But what if the shared content remained within the PS ecosystem? In other words, no YouTube/Facebook/Twitter sharing if the publisher decides against it.
The Let's Play community is huge and Sony should really capitalize on it. Limiting important aspects of it would be detrimental.
Conzul  +   431d ago
"Whether we like it or not, the rights of developers and publishers come first."

So you're saying devs and pubs are more equal than the rest of us. Niiiiiiiicccccceeee.
KwietStorm  +   431d ago
I'm subscribed to several people on YouTube who regularly have game content and walkthroughs, with ad placement. No problems there. This isn't YouTube anyway. Nobody is making money off their videos.
admiralvic  +   431d ago
While copyright is probably an element, I think it's simply there so no company can really complain about it. If you don't want someone to upload something, they can simply block it via this method. It won't stop people with HDPVR's, but that's still a smaller group than those who own said system.
joeorc  +   430d ago

100% agreement

Some one who freaking get's it!, Look while i do disagree with the basis of the censorship, there is limit's in everything of what you can do and say in a Public forum or in this case a public share video service Like Youtube. respecting the right's of the developer and publisher is just as important as it is for the consumer. I may not like some of those protections but i understand why they are there.

So its to be taken in stride, this is a freaking Hobby, you have to understand thing's may not always go your way, even if some of the reason's for doing such censorship is kinda pointless, but that's just the breaks.
Arai  +   431d ago
I just read the article again (original interview with 4Gamer), the user has the option to show/not show a specific scene...e.g. last boss battle.

But developers can also choose to incorporate settings into their game so certain scenes can't be shared (think copyright issues with music for example).

Edge based their translation off 4Gamer interview and all other sites based their "articles" off Edge's translation.

Great journalism right there...it's half baked.
I guess them private Japanese lessons were good for something :P
GribbleGrunger  +   431d ago
So we are basically complaining about a feature that wasn't there before because it doesn't live up to our expectations of it. Once you've run that through your heads a few times it's easy to see that this is just a manufactured complaint.
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DragonKnight  +   431d ago
No. People are complaining about the implications of just what can be censored at the whim of the publisher. They are complaining about the idea that such censoring has the potential to make the Share feature pretty useless, and they are complaining about the fact that lame copyright B.S. could be a reason for censorship when all people want to do is what we all used to do as kids when we gamed, watch each game but on a larger scale.
GribbleGrunger  +   431d ago
If I have nothing and someone gave me something, I wouldn't then complain that the something wasn't what I wanted.
DragonKnight  +   431d ago
If you had nothing, and someone said you can have something, then later someone else said you can't use it completely as the way the first person told you it can be used, you would complain.
Utalkin2me  +   431d ago
But that someone hasn't even gave you something yet. He mentions what he is going to give you, and you automatically assume you have full use and can do as you please with it. The assuming is your fault, not anyone elses.

If someone gives you something and its not ideal of what you assumed it was going to be. Then you should be happy you just got something. Or you can not take it and go about your business.
DragonKnight  +   431d ago
Wow, I really can't believe there are people in here defending publisher censoring just because there wasn't previously a share option before. Apathy is what publishers love to see.
ZoyosJD  +   431d ago
The thing is that there always has been a share option and always will be. They're called game recorders.

Publishers have every right to request that youtube take every video of their games off youtube at any given time. Just look at any leaked footage that gets taken down in 2 min.

If you don't want to be restricted to this policy then you have every right give game makers the middle finger and not buy their games.

The truth is the only thing you have is a piece of plastic and the right to use it in a certain manner.

Don't believe me, the go read through that 50pg. agreement you skimmed over in 8 sec.

That's the problem here: people sign agreements (digitally or otherwise) left and right and try to act like they never had any implication, when these agreements are just as legally binding as the deed to your house.
tubers  +   431d ago
And that's how you hamper industry growth.
raWfodog  +   430d ago
I agree. People just look for anything to complain about. How about waiting to see what ACTUALLY happens before getting upset over something which, at this point, is a non-issue.
Jaqen_Hghar  +   431d ago
While a man wouldn't be spoiling story moments himself (a man plans to use this button for spontaneous awesome moments that happen in open world games or miracle wins in sports games) he can see why "let's play" people wouldn't like this. A man guesses that friends should trust each other not to spoil stuff. It's not like people can't see spoilers on Youtube anyway.
TheKayle1  +   431d ago
so ppl will be disapponted
Jek_Porkins  +   431d ago
My question is, what is the difference between someone saving a particular hard area and publishing it, and the developer allowing a walk-through to be published? Their are Youtube walk-through's on just about any game you can think of.

Also, on the Nintendo Wii U Mii-Verse, you can talk about anything you want, just mark it as "Spoiler" if it contains spoilers.
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ps3_pwns  +   431d ago
to many dumb people dont buy the games instead go to youtube and watch other people play like its a damn movie. its like what the heck are you betas males doing? cant even play a game anymore. if you have to watch a game being played it says a lot about how much a failure you are in life. im sorry cant even get or dont even have the confindence, will, determination to play a game. it really shows how insignificant you are. its funny because these same people who just watch games try to be fanboys in the console wars lol. what has this world come to. future 40 year old virgins wactching some below average chick play some game. people no longer go out and try to get a girl they just are in a constant dream and wish mode for all eternity.

the need to make a game called beta male gamers the game.
FITgamer  +   430d ago
Soldierone  +   431d ago
Publishers are just trying to tap into the "streaming" money pool. Honestly. Youtube etc... makes tons of money off these streaming videos. Some of Youtubes biggest payers are doing it.

Publishers just want that money. So they start their own little networks or create deals to get the money. Otherwise they call its "copyright infringement"

The greed is killing literally every good idea. Honestly I was surprised when full games outright blocked the Vita screenshot feature.... I mean its a screenshot.....
joeorc  +   430d ago

100% agreement, Like i stated i may not like it , but i understand why. for instance, a deal with say outsourced 3D art designer's for your game may have in their contract that the artwork can only be shared on public forum in certain way's thus you or i do not have the right's to do such content.

Thus in the contract states that the publisher has to remove such content off of the internet where posted without permission. I know first hand with a video over on youtube my was removed for copy right infringement.
Sarobi  +   431d ago
I can't imagine many publishers wanting to restrict the sharing features, after all it's kind of like free advertising for them.
MrBeatdown  +   431d ago
Plus, this seems like an opt-out thing, where devs have to specifically program in what they don't want captured.

Considering how little effort devs put into things like custom soundtracks for PS3, I can't imagine many would even bother blocking content on PS4, especially knowing that, whether they like it or not, it's going to find its way to YouTube or where ever one way or another.
Sarobi  +   431d ago
And it isn't just PS4.. they'd have to program it to nextbox games as well (I'm sure the next xbox will also record), so it's a lot of effort to go about just to restrict you from showing people what you're doing in a game.
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StreetsofRage  +   431d ago
Welp, their goes my excitement for this feature. I think I'm still okay since I'm only interested in capturing multiplayer moments.

Still, I agree with this article. Don't talk about this share button and the ability to share everything and all of a sudden say you can't share everything. That's lying.
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FrightfulActions  +   431d ago
Thing is that they wont be able to stop those game-recording devices that are already out on the market. People could still work around it, all this censorship would be doing is denying something to the normal consumer.

Whats really unforgivable is the idea of having the ability to take a screenshot but choosing to turn it off on some levels. Come on, consoles. PC has been able to take screenshots at anytime since practically the start... It's time for consoles to step up and at least give us that much. The moment they get the ability to do so, some would censor it? For what, artistic integrity?

Hopefully it will only be a rare few that censor their Share abilities.
brewin  +   431d ago
I still don't get what the share button brings to gaming. The achievement/trophy system isn't enough? Now we are supposed to share our game sessions and replays? Why? I can see this being more problematic than anything. How many people really care about that sort of social aspect in a game console? Give us online play, cross game chat, and great games. No need to focus on unnecessary features just to be different.
iistuii  +   431d ago
Agree, I think its pointless. Dirt 3 has share, did it once, can't be assed again. I don't wanna watch other people play games that I'm playing myself, can't see the point. I don't need to cheat myself, I'd rather be stuck & get my money's worth than watch someone's upload.
TheUndertaker85  +   431d ago
They're already doing all of that so without something new where's the growth?

And before some idiot says it, Vita has Cross Game Chat. Great games and online play is already there with both PS3 and Vita plus the great games part extended back to PS2 with even limited titles there supporting online play.
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KrisButtar  +   431d ago
I was thinking the stuff that would be blockable would be nudity or major plot twist in story. I never once figured I would be able to share everything
WeAreLegion  +   431d ago
You guys have to remember... Developers want rights, too. We can't be selfish, here. This isn't about spoilers. It's about developers having their content protected, if they so choose.
Drainage  +   431d ago
the ps4 is done wow didnt think theyd miss the ball like this
Jayjayff  +   431d ago
I don't see how the idea of certain content being unable to be share to be so controversial.
We know is not up to developers whether we would be able to stream their work, meaning every game has it by default and they have to go out of their way to block it in order for it not to work. Meaning is just another part of what the makers of the game decide to give us with their game, if the people are not pleased with certain censorship of a game, trust me. They will listen.

I could see certain content getting a lift after a while when whatever is they were trying to hide loses its touch.

It's just a new layer into the gaming world and it's not going to be broken because of its simplicity and nature of it.
Hicken  +   430d ago
First off, isn't it more up to developers than publishers?

Second, big freakin whoop. If people have full-game walkthroughs online now, why is this even a complaint?

Anything to complain about, huh?
PCfanboy  +   430d ago
SELECT = Share Button
ginsunuva  +   430d ago
Spealing of which, qhat does the select button do amyway these days?
KrisButtar  +   430d ago
brings up maps is mostly what select does these days
DivineAssault  +   430d ago
Pubs/devs wont block everything im sure.. This is one of PS4s main features too so i dont see them ruining it by blocking ALL the good stuff.. We will see what happens i guess
bunfighterii  +   430d ago
Totally disagree, it will just become spoiler central otherwise
kasser  +   430d ago
If you are really want to avoid censorship then get a recorder be done with it.

It is simple: Share function is a button for the casual player. I believe its purpose to record things you believe it is awesome from your gameplay like doing a great combo in Tekken or showing off your character build in Skyrim..

If you are a serious guy who makes walkthrough or reviews, you will use a freakin capture device because you will need to edit the freakin captured footage.

and in the end it is all under the developer control. Why would a developer stop the share button? I believe it is logical to stop it for plot revealing twists or cut scenes. Why would you record something that every single player will experience it exactly the same? it is ruining the fun and also if you just capture all cutscenes from interactive games like "Heavy Rain" then you are just putting the game for "Free" on youtube.
MasterCornholio  +   430d ago
I dont believe that the share function is just for casuals. I consider myself to be a pretty hardcore gamer but i dont record walkthroughs or anything similar However i do see myself using the share function after defeating an extremely hard boss in Dark souls as a symbol of triumph for example or to show people who the hackers are in multiplayer games.

But i do agree with you that people who dedicate themselves to making walkthrough wont use the share function because they have to edit the footage to eliminate mistakes, bugs etc.
smashcrashbash  +   430d ago
Very good point. You need to ignore the type of dim bulbs that gamers and so called journalist are these days. I mentioned that very thing before.If a developer wants to keep certain plot points or story lines or anything lie that under wraps they simple request that they not allow people to record it.Like in Two Souls Quantic Dream wants everyone to experience the game for themselves.However if any developer decides not to use that option then they just won't do it. Really don't understand what the big deal is.But I always forget that everything Sony does is a cause to call in the marines.Sony is giving the option for developers to do this. IT IS AN OPTION!!!! If the developers decide that they want to use it it THEM by their decision not Sony's.Whatever reason they have for doing it is up to them NOT Sony.
Kidmyst  +   430d ago
Same with remote play like the WiiU advertised but I heard it's only a few games. Share should be mandatory like trophies and playing on my vita through remote play and Sony will really get an advantage because I am sure MSFT will follow through with their smart share play thing.
Yetter  +   428d ago
It would be pretty funny if only a tiny portion of developers implemented the feature at all making the 'share' button essentially useless.
FAT MAN GO BOOM  +   422d ago
I disagree... endings and other huge plot twist in the story of games should not be allowed to be posted...

Cause some people are idiots and will ruin a lot of games this way...

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