Sony shoots down Xfire for PS3 rumours

Sony has been quick to quash rumours that the PlayStation 3 will incorporate a version of PC messaging and matchmaking solution Xfire for online gameplay.

While the company has admitted that one launch title - SOE's Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom - will utilise Xfire, there are no current plans to use the Viacom-owned technology.

"We can confirm that Sony Online Entertainment is in talks with Viacom and Xfire for a single, specific PS3 game," said a spokesperson for Sony in a statement to 1Up.

"However, there are no announcements at this time regarding any discussions between SCEA, Viacom and Xfire," continued the statement."

The rumours stemmed from a transcript of an earnings report issued by Viacom which revealed, "Xfire just signed a deal with Sony to create a version of their platform for the new PS3, which will now enable Xfire to extend its reach further into the huge console gaming market."

Xfire is a PC application that allows players to send and receive instant messages, manage friends lists, voice chat and other social functions - features already available for Sony's rival Xbox 360, via Microsoft's Xbox Live service.

However, SOE's Chris Kramer also poured cold water on the idea that Sony would incorporate Xfire into the PS3 by clarifying: "SOE has been in talks with Xfire about potentially including some of their technology in Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom, our PlayStation 3 launch title."

"This proposed deal is completely separate and independent from the PlayStation Network Platform, and is something that SOE was examining specifically for Dark Kingdom."

Viacom recently acquired Xfire in a deal worth US$ 102 million.