Sony announce Qore - an interactive HD gaming program for the PS3

Sony has announced Qore, a monthly, interactive gaming program shot in HD and distributed via the PlayStation Network. Qore will feature exclusive news, interviews and previews along with bonuses like exclusive access to beta tests, demos, and downloadable content.

Qore (pronounced "Core") will be hosted by Veronica Belmont, CNET veteran and prolific online video personality. Belmont is fantastic choice for the role - she's an avid gamer, very easy to like, and more importantly, has the respect of the tech community.

The first episode features exclusive previews of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Secret Agent Clank, Soul Calibur 4 and Afro Samurai, along with an invitation to the SOCOM: Confrontation beta.

The catch might come as a shock to those who've become accustomed to the free web - Qore costs money. Episodes are available for US$2.99 each or $24.99 for a 13-episode subscription. While the gaming media is already questioning (if not ridiculing) the concept of offering remuneration for access to unique content, I'm taking a different line.

Besides the video games and the odd still-too-expensive Blu-ray purchase, my gorgeous Bravia is begging for HD content - and if I could pay $25 a year for a subscription to the handful of shows I actually want to watch, it'd work out a lot cheaper than basic cable for a year - let alone HD cable. Getting beta invites, downloadable content and demos I wouldn't have otherwise seems like a pretty good bonus.

The first episode of Qore is available now from the PlayStation Store.

Tim Hanlon