As it prepares for
Portal 2's multiplatform release next week, Valve has shared what cross-platform and communication Steam features will be included in the game's enhanced console version for PlayStation 3.
As the first console title to support Valve's digital distribution and communications platform,
Portal 2 for PS3 will offer a visual overlay for cross-platform matchmaking, gameplay, friends, chat, achievements and other features once gamers link their PlayStation Network accounts to a new or existing Steam account.
The Steam Overlay enables users to see both PSN friends and Steam friends, showing their in-game or online status, and offering access to text chats, player profiles, friend requests, and game invites. Players earn Steam Achievements simultaneously with PSN Trophies, too, which are displayed on the overlay.
With the PS3 version, users will be able to
play Portal 2 with PS3 gamers, as well as those with Windows and Mac copies of the first-person puzzle platformer. Once their PS3 edition is linked to a Steam account, they will receive an in-box access code to play a copy of
Portal 2 on their PC or Mac without extra charge.
Additionally, PS3 players will be able to save their co-op and single-player progress in
Portal 2 to Steam Cloud, and pick up where they left off on any PS3 system. The Steam Overlay will deliver
Portal 2 news and announcements, and downloadable content registered on Windows/Mac versions, too.
Portal 2 ships for Windows, Mac, PS3, and Xbox 360 in North America, Europe, and Australia next week. The Xbox 360 version does not feature support for Steam.
