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PS3 Portal 2 buyers get PC version free

PS3 version to support cross-platform multiplayer against PC and Mac; will also feature online chat and cloud-based save game storage.

PlayStation 3 users who buy Portal 2 will be able to download a PC or Mac copy of the game for free, provided they link their PlayStation Network and Steam accounts, Valve announced today. A number of cross-platform features were also revealed, which allow PS3, PC, and Mac users to play together, complete with online chat. PS3 users will also be able to save their games to a cloud-based storage system.

"What does this button do?"

Portal 2 was originally announced for the PlayStation 3 at last year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo. Valve's Gabe Newell revealed that it would be fully supported by SteamWorks, allowing for auto-updates, downloadable content, and community support directly from Valve. He also praised the PS3, saying that it was "the most open platform of all the current generation consoles," adding that it would have "the best console version."

Portal 2 follows on from the events of Portal and will see gamers facing off against the sadistic artificial intelligence known as GLaDOS. It will feature a single-player campaign twice as long as the original, as well as a new multiplayer cooperative mode that tells a parallel story to the single-player adventure. Portal 2 is due for release this April on the PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and Mac.

For more on Portal 2, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.

450 Comments

  • FMD129

    Posted Apr 27, 2011 2:48 pm GMT

    Loving how theres now cross platform play, I can easily say weve ALL been waiting for this for what seems like forever... Hating the BS. Not for anything, wtf? I paid 50 bucks to get the PC version, and now im finding out if I bought the PS3 one I wouldve gotten it free as well? Shouldve made it so that buying the PC version you get the PS3 one as well for free. They do this whenever they make an accomplishment. When they started allowing macs they gave Portal away for free. Now its PS3 and Portal 2.

  • D-eagle101

    Posted Apr 22, 2011 7:18 am GMT

    Steam, Valve, I love you guys, finnaly a team not corrupted by Microsoft... I was planning buying this game on pc, because my friends only have a pc so I can play Co-op. When I heared the console cross-over, I was very delighted. Now I even hear that I WILL GET A FREE PC VERSION IF I BUY THE PS3 VERSION........ thank you Valve...... ;D

  • warmerdays

    Posted Apr 19, 2011 11:36 am GMT

    For me, that's a compiling reason to get the ps3 version instead of the xbox 360 one.

  • power-fantastic

    Posted Apr 15, 2011 1:08 pm GMT

    As a PS3 and Steam user, I approve of this union.................

  • oajlu

    Posted Apr 2, 2011 2:18 pm GMT

    nice. i am going to buy ps3 version then.

  • Exploding8

    Posted Mar 22, 2011 12:39 pm GMT

    @Johny_47 and tisoyboy2
    Blame Microsoft, from what I understand the reason they can't do this on the Xbox 360 is the same reason that they don't have the free updates for TF2 and such on the Xbox 360 version.

  • Johny_47

    Posted Mar 18, 2011 8:55 am GMT

    I think it's such a nice idea to allow PS3, Mac and PC players to play together but they shouldn't just keep the 360 out of it especially if they wanted to make this game the best they could.

    More games should feature this cross platform stuff, maybe in the future even PS3 and 360 players will be able to play against/with each other... that's if the 'fan boys' can get over their old, pathetic and self righteous ways, maybe one day soon =/

    I've been hoping one of my friends will get this for their PS3's so that I can get a free PC version from them, I'd buy it if I needed to but you know, if I can get it for free might aswell haha =P

  • tisoyboy2

    Posted Feb 12, 2011 8:12 am GMT

    Cross-platform multiplayer between PS3, PC and Mac? REVOLUTIONARY! Glad I own a PS3 too but why is the Xbox not capable?

  • spikes1471

    Posted Jan 23, 2011 2:24 pm GMT

    Gonna Get it

  • theshonen8899

    Posted Jan 21, 2011 6:55 pm GMT

    This. Is. AWESOME!

  • D3thN1gh7

    Posted Jan 20, 2011 3:01 pm GMT

    So does this mean I could buy the PS3 version, download the game to my PC, then resell the PS3 one again? Almost getting the game free? Wonder if this would work.

  • VenkmanPHD

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 11:34 pm GMT

    @acsam12304

    Ignorance is bliss? Do me a favor and explain to me how I am ignorant at all. Which part of my statement was either ignorant or false?

  • MEDzZ3RO

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 6:41 pm GMT

    Good to hear Valve are still proving to be one of the best developpers around still. What really interests me is the PS3,PC and Mac online linking. It should be done alot more often even with multiplayer games, perhaps with an option to search for PC games on console seeing as a mouse is likely to have the advantage in capable hands.

  • DLobotomist

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 5:47 pm GMT

    thats why I love Valve... not only do u get your moneys worth... but all that post release support is just awesome... this is just sweet consider I only have my ps3 and laptop left for gaming....

  • tooki

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 5:07 pm GMT

    Now I'm tempted to get the PS3 version.......still probably wait for the Steam sale though.

  • Arther-la-Blunt posted Jan 19, 2011 4:56 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Arther-la-Blunt

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 4:56 pm GMT (hide)

    haha. PS3 owners meet your doom in Black Ops!!!!! (and all other FPS).

  • acsam12304

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 4:00 pm GMT

    @VenkmanPHD
    sorry your not excused and your ignorance is bliss. ( Insert both Middle Fingers Here )

  • campbell153

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 3:51 pm GMT

    Hmm.. Microsoft could learn a thing or two from all this "sharing"!

  • grizzledronin

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 2:45 pm GMT

    shadowrun is closs platform. get your nerd facts straight, chieffreeman.

  • JohnisGodd

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 1:27 pm GMT

    I was literally just about to get this on steam...
    thanks fort he heads up.

  • ChiefFreeman

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 1:22 pm GMT

    that is sweet! Finally a cross platform title for console and pc! Way to go Valve!

  • sabas10

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 1:07 pm GMT

    And Gabe has yet again a great idea. Keep it comin' VALVe!

    I feal sorry for anyone buying it for the X360 tho...(Actually not!)

    Wondering if the PS3 version will also support some kind of modding or user-created addons, as that would be the next milestone for TV game-platforms.

  • DKant

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 12:50 pm GMT

    "A number of cross-platform features were also revealed, which allow PS3, PC, and Mac users to play together, complete with online chat."

    That is SO awesome! It would be great if we just had a _single_ digital platform that could be used on all systems...

  • gmreedy

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 11:49 am GMT

    @VenkmanPHD

    PHD in what? Idiocracy?

  • blackace

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 10:44 am GMT

    I wonder what special deal Valve will do on the XBox 360 for Half Life 3? Hhhmm.. E3 is coming. I think Vavle did this knowing that it would automatically sell better on the XBox 360. Their thought was, how can we sell more PS3 copies, as the Xbox 360 version will easily sell millions more. It's all about marketing. This comes after Valve bashed the PS3 for the first 2 years. lol!! Talk about a changing ones opinion. As long as they continue to make their games for all platforms, that's all the really matters.

  • blackace

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 10:40 am GMT

    @Elfrancorifle

    @blackace someone is mad huh? lol and what's with this hating to the ps3 about being hacked? It wasn't hacked like for 4 years and the wii and xbox are hacked practically since launch... don't be a fanboy/girl whatever you are hermaphrodite lol
    *****************************************************************
    I own a PS3, so no. Still waiting for Last Guardian actually. Anyway the PS3 was hacked after the first 6 months. I posted links about that awhile back. Do some research. Accounts were hacked and so was PSN. So no, it didn't take 4 years. It didn't even take a year. Research before you comment. I'm not mad. Did you read this story yet - http://www.gamespot.com/news/6286435.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop%3Btitle%3B9 It has already begun.

  • Ladiesman17

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 10:09 am GMT

    Valve just promoting PC Steam for PS3 user(s). actually that's the whole story.

  • WiteLite

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 9:27 am GMT

    I highly doubt that live cant run steamworks. and i know that live does have the ability to link a game for cross platform multiplayer. Valve is getting paid to talk up the ps3 and make it the superior version.
    Valve has trash talked each console equally. the only thing that matters is which version is getting more attention from the devs (which console is paying them the most) in this case its ps3......so the ps3 is the one i pre-ordered.

  • calum1984

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 8:43 am GMT

    @demonkingx5 so what your saying is that microsoft run xbox live like apple run its macs as closed software where microsoft test software, patches, etc before they are relased to the general public, and that ONLY microsoft can say what is released to the public?? Thats better than playstation where ANYONE can do what they like to the ps3 if they have the right codes (which since the codes have now been hacked it will start happening more often). Admittedly the steam tie in is cooler than xbox though and kudos points for doing something a few people had been thinking since this gen consoles came out

  • zinngg

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 8:25 am GMT

    Valve is a funny little company. While great at what they do, they go on and on about how the PS3 is a garbage system yet turn around and develop for it because Xbox Live is a garbage system. Honestly they need to just make everything PC exclusive and keep it cheap. Anyone with a brain knows a Valve game is only a Valve game on a PC.

  • spencerdawson

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 8:19 am GMT

    Someone needs to tell us whether or not we will need to buy 2 versions to play co-op with ps3 and pc. Since the free copy seems to be linked to your steam account and that will now be tied to your psn account, it seems like you won't be able to be logged into both versions at once; certainly not while playing with yourself anyways... Or one would think. So, someone confirm this for everyone please; someone with genius. Many people seem to be making comments about whether or not they will/can do this, but I would love to just need one copy!!!

  • jm3811

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 7:31 am GMT

    I only have a crappy notebook at the mo but it's good news.

  • wis3boi

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 7:26 am GMT

    cross platform? SWEET!

  • ambridget

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 7:18 am GMT

    Hm... I could buy the PS3 version, download the PC version, then give the PS3 version to a friend so we could both play... But then again, the PC version is cheaper...

  • demonkingx5

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 6:31 am GMT

    @DavidBrookes cause gabe says xbox live is a train wreck & its not as open as the ps3

  • jetbruceli

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 6:12 am GMT

    @alooy I am sure that it will have some type of hold on it like all steam games. I dont see how or why they even sold COD BO on disc anymore for pc. I do love Steam though, I have 3 computers and they all have steam on it. If my system crashes, I can always go back on my account and get my games. Even set it in offline mode to play too! This is really good news for me!

  • TheGreatmars

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 6:09 am GMT

    i guess i will still buy the PC version to support pc sales instead of boosting the ps3 sales with a copy i am not going to use...

  • parrot_of_adun

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 5:31 am GMT

    @DavidBrookes

    I'm assuming that's just the problem; whether or not Microsoft wants to allow it. And if that's the case, they don't seem to.

  • DavidBrookes

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 5:14 am GMT

    @parrot_of_adun

    You're probably right - but it probably wouldn't take much to get Steamworks to work if Microsoft wanted to...

  • parrot_of_adun

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 4:57 am GMT

    @DavidBrookes

    I think it's because the 360 won't support steamworks, which allows for cross-platform play, which is likely the only reason for the deal.

  • warhawk-geeby

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 4:18 am GMT

    Pretty cool idea. However this seems a vast contrast from only the other year when valve didn't like the console :/

    Hmm!

    Still.. I'll be more than happy to pick this up. Portal's genius.

  • badstyle posted Jan 19, 2011 4:16 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    badstyle

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 4:16 am GMT (hide)

    He also praised the PS3, saying that it was "the most open platform of all the current generation consoles," it certainly is, esp considering the latest news plaguing CoD players on PS3!

  • alooy

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 4:02 am GMT

    Hmm....an interesting offer, if i don't play the ps3 version, i can sell it, but still keep the pc version that i actually play......Sold!.

  • DavidBrookes

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 3:54 am GMT

    Why not the same for the Xbox 360 version?

  • Her0

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 3:52 am GMT

    The guy who thought about this idea is absofreakinlutely.. a genius!

  • wooooode

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 3:49 am GMT

    I hope the cloud saves wont affect the other platform. I want to play both without the saves conflicting.

  • pelvist

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 3:25 am GMT

    @sithodah

    In 2000 the Sega Dreamcast had cross platform multiplayer with PC on Quake III Arena. Sega even released a keyboard and mouse for the Dreamcast so that gamers could compete fairly.

  • pelvist

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 3:22 am GMT

    This sounds like an attempt to get people who own both a PS3 and PC to buy the more expensive and likely inferior PS3 version to me.

    I bet you wont be getting the PS3 version for free if you buy the PC version.

    Ill still be buying the PC version personally. I have no reason to waste an extra £10 on the PS3 version because I will never play it on PS3 anyway.

  • Tidal_Abyss

    Posted Jan 19, 2011 3:19 am GMT

    I've always been a big fan of Valve, and they've earned their place as my favorite. I think the 2 most popular companies are probably Valve & Bioware. I've not cared for Bioware, they have some good games, but the UI is usually obnoxious (to me), plus have you seen the price of regular edition Dragon Age 2 for PC? It's $59.99- sad. You never catch Valve price gouging. They don't even charge for certain items when they can help it (like with x360, that's MS not Valve charging for dlc). Let's hear it for Valve

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