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Rockstar blames new firmware for PlayStation 3 overheating

Update: Developer points to problems with Xbox 360 version of game after implying non-Rockstar titles also crashed on PS3

Update: Rockstar has updated its support forums, indicating that there are also issues with the Xbox 360 version of L.A. Noire.

It has also removed the original post blaming Sony's latest firmware, but it has not explained its accusations or methodology behind the suggestion that "multiple games (Rockstar and non-Rockstar) overheat or freeze only when 3.61 is installed".

Original story: Developer Rockstar Games has blamed Sony's latest firmware upgrade for causing PlayStation 3 units to overheat and switch off while playing new title L.A. Noire.

The new firmware 3.61 was introduced this week as Sony switched back on the PlayStation Network following a massive security breach.

"We have received some reports of PS3s overheating while playing L.A. Noire or beeping three times before shutting down/turning themselves off, mostly on older 60GB and 80GB fat models," wrote the developer on its website.

"Primary reports seem to be that updating to firmware 3.61 will cause PlayStations to overheat. There have been various reports of this on a few different games now, all reporting their PS3s turning off or 'Red Lighting' after having installed 3.61.

"This can range from games randomly freezing to PS3s turning off anywhere between 30 mins use to two hours. We have confirmed locally that multiple games (Rockstar and non-Rockstar) overheat or freeze only when 3.61 is installed," he added.

The developer urged users experiencing the problem to get in touch with Sony. The platform holder has only said that it "does not comment on rumour or speculation" and has not addressed the issue publicly.

Rockstar said it would do all it can to help users affected by the problem and continue to research the issue.

"At this time we are recommending contacting Sony directly to report the overheating issue. However, this is not the end of our support; we are continuing to test L.A. Noire on all firmware versions and hardware models to isolate the issues and see what can be done. As always, we will update this article as soon as we have updates."

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Matt Martin

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Matt Martin joined GamesIndustry in 2006 and was made editor of the site in 2008. With over ten years experience in journalism, he has written for multiple trade, consumer, contract and business-to-business publications in the games, retail and technology sectors.

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