The PS3's current 2.10 firmware does not allow users to send or receive messages within all games, though certain titles support both voice and text communication.

Speaking on the momentum of the console, Maguire noted that sales of the PlayStation 3 would be bolstered by in-game communication, to be implemented via firmware update 2.4 this summer.

However, Sony refused to clarify whether or not the addition of in-game communication means integration with the XMB interface. "I'm afraid we are not releasing any further information with regards to firmware version 2.4 at this time," a representative informed Next-Gen.