PlayStation 3 Hacks Threaten Games, Trophies
Despite the claim, though, hackers and home brew makers had shown proof of pirated games running on the PS3 just over a week after the root key was published. PlayStation 3 hacks started in earnest last year, but Sony was able to update the PS3 firmware to stay ahead of the curve. This hack, by exposing a piece of code that isn't updated, won't be so easy to reverse.
Engadget reports that Sony has responded to Geohot with a restraining order, apparently trying to pull any pages that include the code. Unfortunately, once a code like this has hit the internet, it's nearly impossible to erase all traces of it.
As if that weren't enough, a new home brew application could devalue Trophies as well. CVG reports that the application can unlock all Trophies in a PS3 game instantly, with random timestamps. Some games like Batman: Arkham Asylum are apparently immune to the hack, but users are already bragging about unlocking all the trophies in other titles.
Sony has issued a statement on the Trophy issue: "We are aware of this, and are currently looking into it. We will fix the issues through network updates, but because this is a security issue, we are not able to provide you with any more details." We'll probably be hearing similar lines in the near future as Sony continues its attempts to put a lid on these security concerns.
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ganjatron
replyOh no not trophies!
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How do you devalue something that's already utterly worthless? Every game should come with a "disable trophy bullshittery" option since I just find them irritating. Do developers really thing I'm going to embark on a quest of doing absurd things just to unlock the trophies?
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I don't know why people fixate on them. The only time they mattered to me was in halo 3. The overkill and steppin razor achievments were not easy to earn (especially steppin razor) and unlocked unique pieces of armor in multiplayer. You really stood out if you had those pieces of gear and there was certainly a vanity/pride element to it that became very very powerful. It was only cosmetic but it noticably affected/bothered a lot of randoms I got matched with. They wanted the gear but hadn't earned it and there was no real way to cheat or boost your way to get them. Steppin razor had to be earned in ranked free for all so you couldn't invite or fill the lobby with your firends. I've never seen achievments used like that since. They are all easy tasks, typically tied to single player, and for those that are multiplayer related the task is no challenge and there is no real reward.
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There are rewards; what about the storyline? Secret areas? Easter eggs? Video games have had rewards long before the existence of achievements, but centrally-synced achievements have placed an addictive incentive on completing the achievements, sometimes degrading the motivation to complete and enjoy the game. You now have people grinding games they don't enjoy so they can S-rank them. There are also websites dedicated to scouring and setting up databases for achievements. Has it gone too far?
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maybe something that hurts an addiction creating (or augmenting) mechanism is a good thing. All trophies for everyone!
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I enjoy chasing some trophies that push me to step out of my comfort zone and try a different tactic or style of play. Having said that I have never platinumed any game. Nor haver I continued to grind a game I feel I'm done with just for more trophies.
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