Product Mini Profile PlayStation 3 Hardware in: Sony Playstation 3 links » user reviews

Under half of the total number of PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Network (PSN) games currently released or in production feature "Trophies", Sony Computer Entertainment's answer to the Xbox 360 Achievements reward system.  Things will change starting January next year, as Sony confirms all PS3 game developers will now be required to implement Trophy support into their upcoming titles.

First introduced through the PS3 firmware update version 2.40, the Trophy system is tied to PSN user profiles and awards players who meet certain goals/objectives during gameplay with Bronze, Silver, and Gold trophies.  These trophies contribute to a player's "level", with higher tier trophies awarding more "experience" but are naturally more difficult to earn.  Unlocking all levels of trophies in a given game allows players to earn the highest level Platinum trophy for that title, though interestingly not all games featuring Trophy support actually have a Platinum trophy award.  This system of leveling up through tiered Trophies can facilitate gauging of a player's skill level for online multiplayer, as the value in their Trophy collection won't always be measured in quantity, but their quality as well.