PS4’s version 8.00 update makes big changes to Parties and more today

PlayStation 4’s version 8.00 system update will release today, featuring changes to Party and Messages features, parental controls and more.

Following 8.00’s release, Party and Messages will be linked together. Both apps will now use the same ‘Groups’ of players for voice chats and messages, instead of having to use two different apps.

Following the update, users will no longer be able to create Events or access existing Events created by other users, Sony said. It’s also removing the ability to create private Communities, although existing private Communities can still be accessed.

UPDATE 11.45PM BST: PS4 update 8.00 is causing multiple issues, which Sony has acknowledged, and is trending after players realised voice chats are recorded.

ORIGINAL STORY CONTINUES: At the same time as the 8.00 update, the existing PS4 Remote Play app on mobile, PC and Mac, will change its name to PS Remote Play and add the option to connect to PS5 when it launches.

Under Parental Controls, ‘Communicating with Other Players’ and ‘Viewing Content Created by other Players’ will be combined into one setting – ‘Communication and User Generated Content’.

In addition, children can send a request to their parents to use communications features in specific games. When a child sends this request, the parent will receive an email notification and can choose to make an exception for that game and allow the child to use its communications and UGC features.

Finally, update 8.00 adds the ability to “Mute all Microphones” in the Quick Menu, support for third-party 2-Step Verification apps, and a selection of new Avatars based on Bloodborne, Journey, Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, The Last of Us Part II and more.

Speaking to Wired in October 2019, Mark Cerny confirmed PS5 will feature a “completely revamped” interface which allows players to boot directly into multiplayer games and display joinable online activities in real-time.

And earlier this year Sony filed a patent for ‘Direct Gameplay’, a likely PS5 feature that will allow players to jump into specific parts of games straight from the console’s home menu.