Chance to tell Sony PS3 dynamic themes are ridiculously priced
One of the spiffiest additions to the PS3 firmware 3.0 is the dynamic themes. The dynamic theme feature actually adds a bit of life to the dull static wallpaper behind the XMB. However, the glaring problem with the theme is the ridiculously high $2.99 price tag.
The PS3 dynamic theme is actually pretty cool to watch as it reacts dynamically to the time of day and Sixaxis or analog stick motion. You could say that the theme serves dual purpose – making the XMB look interesting and also prevent screen burn-ins on my TV. However, one of the biggest complaints I have with the dynamic themes are the high price point. Its ridiculous for Sony to think that gamers would be willing to shell out $2.99 for something that’s purely a singular aesthetic.
According to Joystiq, president of Q-Games (responsible for Star Fox and PixelJunk series) Dylan Cuthbert indicated that developing dynamic themes is a losing business. Apparently it takes approximately three to four weeks of developer and artist time. There is also the testing aspect of it as well. Cuthbert indicates that the time to develop these dynamic themes far outweigh the money made from selling a few thousand themes.
I have to agree with Joystiq, the correct solution is to drop the price of the dynamic themes so consumers are more willing to impulse buy. The reason why Home is so successful with micro-transactions and have sold millions is the fact that everything is pretty much dirt cheap. You can buy a t-shirt or pants for 50 cents, which is next to nothing.
Sony may want to think about dropping the price of the dynamic theme to as low as 99 cents. I’m sure more gamers will be willing to pick up a dynamic Bioshock 2 or God of War 3 theme at bargain prices.
What do our readers think? Here is a chance to voice your opinion by voting on the left lower side of the page in the Reader Poll section. I will be sending the results back to Sony after the poll ends.
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65 Responses to “Chance to tell Sony PS3 dynamic themes are ridiculously priced”
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September 9th, 2009
I would love to see more themes like this i got the LittleBigPlanet almost my entire friend list has it already. Is a bit high but worth buying. We need to have this for all PS3 exclusives for at least $1 or $1.50. Sony doesn’t need to drop anything. I thought it took more times to make that’s fast to make. Kudos to Sony for making a new cool feature.
September 9th, 2009
I don’t recall from the top of my head, but how much do MS charge for their premium themes?
September 9th, 2009
Anyone played the Wet demo yet? I had a crack at it yesterday, me likey very much.
September 9th, 2009
harry sachz:
Themes for Xbox 360 is so worthless is basically a wallpaper and colors on bloated menu. Microsoft needs to design a better home menu. And they need a major face lip. Dynamic Themes rulez.
September 9th, 2009
Face lip?
September 9th, 2009
Righto folks, that’s me for 3wks.
Singapore here I come.
Take it easy & have fun!
September 9th, 2009
I want more Dynamic Themes already like God of War inFAMOUS UNCHARTED and many more also i want more of the the sparkling in the background and different animations too. I know that’s using a lot of memory to be running all the time on the background. I hope Sony adds this feature to PSP and PSX.
September 9th, 2009
Face lip?
Bah hahahahahahahaha
September 9th, 2009
I want that free Afrika Dynamic Theme already just got the LittleBigPlanet one is addictive. This is one thing i would pay anything to have the previous regular themes were all a huge rip off.
September 9th, 2009
I wont pay for any of that shit, I only pay for game and movies. themes, Home clothes and all that shit can rot for all I care.
it is not like a theme is going to do anything for me. plus I like the XMB as it is
September 9th, 2009
All these themes are just 5 minute gimmicks. When the novelty wears off we will get back to playing games.
September 9th, 2009
Roca.:
I don’t ever plan on buying any videos from any online store since i got my free online store. Home only sells trash. I just love dynamic themes.
Andrew_DS:
Would you shut the fuck already. 5 minute gimmicks WTF you talking about you diluted jealous moron. Play what games you don’t any console dumb fuck. LMFAO @ this lowlife loser.
September 9th, 2009
Better be careful Andrew, he might give you a face lip. You know what those latin kings are like.
September 9th, 2009
Have fun happy! Be careful of those ladyboys, they are pretty hard to tell apart from the real ladies there.
September 9th, 2009
harry sachz:
I actually never liked Puerican things I’m Dominican. And if i was to lower my standards to be a gangster. For some reason i would choose to be a blood member. I didn’t thing knew what gangs were since you from Australia. And i know anyone can beat the shit outer Andrew_DS that kid is pussy.
September 9th, 2009
erase “thing” for “think you”
I love animated Dynamic Themes Roca. Let me know if you on the PSN and see any new themes dynamic ones free. I’m watching WEEDS now.
24 is one of the best shows ever and Prison Break.
September 9th, 2009
Andrew_DoubleShit never did just say about novelty wearing off did he!? The Wii is the king of novelty wearing off! lol
And Ivan how random was that telling us about the best shows?
(btw Battlestar Galactica is the best show ever(Remake one) then it’s The Wire, 24, Lost.)
September 9th, 2009
Prison Break was awesome
September 9th, 2009
I wouldn’t mind the dynamic themes if I could test them for a day before purchasing. I don’t want to spend any money at all just to find out I don’t like it.
September 9th, 2009
I would hate to get a face lip from Ivan. I take it that is plastic gangsta speak for bitch slapping. Ha ha.
Battlestar Galactica didn’t impress me. I lost interest in the pilot when I realized they had copped out like so many other Sci Fi shows and had aliens that looked just like humans.
Star Trek was the masters of this cop out. Every “Alien” species were just human with a stupid ridge on their nose, or a few dots on the their foreheads or a light dusting of fluff on their top lip. Opps, sorry Ivan.
But oldschool7891 have to agree with you about Lost. Bizzar but great viewing. Doesn’t give you all the answers.
And back on dynamic themes. Crap. Waste of time. Gimmick.
September 9th, 2009
Guys, go to the Japanese story. You can get the Afrika theme (pictured above in the article) for free. It’s pretty neat. The zebras graze and wander around, while the clouds move through the sky. The graphics are pretty good also.
As far as paying $3… I’m not going to. Hopefully they release more free themes.
September 9th, 2009
Wait a minute. You have to pay with this sh*t! No way man. Ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Suckers. Who seen you all coming. (no pun intended)
September 9th, 2009
“Battlestar Galactica didn’t impress me. I lost interest in the pilot when I realized they had copped out like so many other Sci Fi shows and had aliens that looked just like humans.”
Well…it’s good you got out then, as that was the whole premise of the series (How similar the species are now, to the point of humans and cylon unions).
They are also machines, not aliens. Machines we made, and replicate themselves in the image of their maker.
Game developers should include some free dynamic game themes with their games.
September 9th, 2009
“Wait a minute. You have to pay with this sh*t! No way man. Ha ha ha ha ha ha.”
Are you retarded?
I hate to be a dick, but when simple reading comprehension is beyond you.
Did you even read the title or you just sling mud in any story if the ps3 is related?
September 9th, 2009
phranctoast:
Thanks i will get it soon i actually paid for the LittleBigPlanet Dynamic Theme is awesome. I love DLC for PS3.
I’m planning on buy a full year of Qore and every previous episode too.
I signed up for PlayStation Underground casting calls.
Sony should start 2 new company one for PS2 Classics like God of War Collection the other for PS3 DLC and Dynamic Themes and PSN contest monthly.
September 9th, 2009
Harry said: “Have fun happy! Be careful of those ladyboys, they are pretty hard to tell apart from the real ladies there.”
Lub you long time ……. You might even get a “face lip” if your lucky
September 9th, 2009
phranctoast said: “Are you retarded?”
are you doubting it?
September 9th, 2009
@harry
Still need to play the wet demo. Trying to beat the last guy in Ghostbusters but he’s proving to be annoying and cheesy.
September 9th, 2009
phranctoast – “Did you even read the title or you just sling mud in any story if the ps3 is related?”
Yeah pretty much. Why not eh?!
September 9th, 2009
^^^^ well…….. that should clear your doubts phranctoast
September 9th, 2009
“Yeah pretty much. Why not eh?!”
At least you’re a self proclaiming hater. In the future though it helps to know so every post can be passed up and my time isn’t wasted reading pure garbage.
September 9th, 2009
Posting inflammatory remarks in the comments section is much easier then actually reading the entire article.
September 9th, 2009
or reading the title apparently.
September 9th, 2009
PS3 raped my sister’s dog. Pranc helped.
Damn, that is easy.
September 9th, 2009
I gotta remember to put oven mitts on the dogs paws. Ouch
September 9th, 2009
Support really should be wearing velcro gloves, imo.
September 9th, 2009
why? just grab the ears.
September 9th, 2009
Are you really turning down extra grip? Some people’s children…
September 9th, 2009
the velcro only works on the short haired dogs, and a man can have his preference.
September 9th, 2009
Jay: So your in this for the pussy right?
Brent: No, I’m in this because I LOOOVE animals, stupid?
Jay: Even Sheep?
Brent: Of course. Sheep are beautiful creatures.
Jay: So would you fuck a sheep?
Brent: What is your damage, little boy. You have a sick and twisted world perspective.
Jay: No, you’re misunderstanding me, Prince Valiant. I’m saying if you were a sheep, would you fuck a sheep, if you were another sheep?
Brent: Well, in that case, you bet your sweet ass I would.
Jay: Thought so.
[Yelling]
Jay: Yo, this motherfucker ain’t one of us. He said he’d fuck a sheep!
Brent: No! No! No!
Jay: [Throws Brent out the door of the van, flips him off as he's looking out the door as they're still driving] WHO’S STUPID NOW, DIRTY SHEEP FUCKER!
September 9th, 2009
beware of C-L-I-T.
September 9th, 2009
Coalition for the Liberation of Itinerant Tree-Dwellers? I am the CLIT commander… where ever you see CLIT you will see this face!
September 9th, 2009
*nucks to phranc*
September 9th, 2009
Andrew_DoubleShit- ‘Battlestar Galactica didn’t impress me. I lost interest in the pilot when I realized they had copped out like so many other Sci Fi shows and had aliens that looked just like humans’
Soz mate but there’s not a single Alien race in the new Battlestar, just the machines that man had made.
Should give it a go because the fact the bad guys look like us in it make some very good story lines and twists.
September 9th, 2009
Meh it doesn’t impress me one little bit. Now Batman AA is rocking my world.
September 9th, 2009
Its just a shame that BSG ended like it did.
September 9th, 2009
‘Its just a shame that BSG ended like it did.’
I disagree mate, I thought it was a clever way to end it and unexpected.
People who complain about the religious explanations obviously ain’t watched the programme that much because the religious aspect is in it since the pilot. But i can see why some people weren’t happy.
Never expected it to have a happy ending as well, BSG is normally the most depressing thing on TV lol.
Can’t wait for the The Plan when it comes out next month
September 9th, 2009
Way off topic ain’t it lmao
September 9th, 2009
Back on topic. Don’t think we have any Dynamic Themes in the UK :s
September 10th, 2009
the UK always gets RAPED! I wonder why
September 10th, 2009
what do you expect? sony has to get money from somewhere….
September 10th, 2009
We definitely know they’re not making that money from monthly PSN charges or over priced peripherals.
anyway. A demo of the dynamic theme would be fine. Then I could make a better decision on purchasing one. It’s not like I see myself changing it often anyway. I’ve had the MLB the show Yankees theme forever.
September 10th, 2009
You did get a ‘demo’, the default theme
I figure that is what they were thinking anywhoos.
September 10th, 2009
I love my LBP DT i love my PS so i buy anything from SCE.
oldschool1987:
I thought it was available worldwide.
kev:
You so bitter and jealous it shows in all your mealiness pathetic useless post.
phranctoast:
Aren’t those theme horrible.
SW:
I think you correct they might had taught that it was. LBP DT should had been better free to demonstrate the new look.
September 10th, 2009
Ivan_PSP: ‘I thought it was available worldwide’
We got them on the Store update today mate… then we got raped lol
September 11th, 2009
they are not over priced. it’s sony…
according to kuturagi, we’ll pay any price for anything with the sony name on it…
IT’S A BARGAIN, I TELL YA!!!!
seriously, relax. it’s only an option. too expensive? don’t buy it. besides after blowing $600 for a bluray player, i can understand why many ps3 owners are miffed at their add on pricing…. after $600 everything else should be free….
September 11th, 2009
$600? Were have you been?
$299 with free online, wi-fi, blu-tooth, blu-ray, etc. Plus you don’t have to be priced gouged for a hard drive or wi-fi add on.
September 11th, 2009
or Live, or batteries and so on (I can keep on going for daysss
)
September 11th, 2009
barnabe – tell it to the umpteen millions fools that paid $600+ for the ps3…
with everything so FREE on the ps3, i’m not understandin why the themes aren’t free too….
wtf…
September 11th, 2009
Barnabe Jones:
So true. PS3 is extremely cheap with what you get. If Microsoft was to own the PS3 it would had cost about $1000 and is still might had less technology and reliability and games and brand.
September 12th, 2009
Europe got the Wipeout dynamic theme for free…make a Euro PSN account if you want to try it out.
It’s alright…but I wouldn’t pay for one.
September 12th, 2009
lock_down:
Thanks i already got a European account is Ygles7.
September 14th, 2009
Lock_down thanks for the tip. I’ll have to dust off my EU account and download it.
September 14th, 2009
Still have my European account for the killzone 2 demo from a while back.
September 18th, 2009
IT’S A BARGAIN!!! ONLY XBOX LIVE IS A RIPOFF!!
EVERYTHING SONY DOES IS AWESOME AND WONDERFUL AND AMAZING AND FREEE!!!!!!
OMG…OMG…OMG!!!!
Signed,
Mike Ferro.