No, you need the newest firmware to do most stuff. If you had the first firmware update then you wouldn't be able to use trophies. So newer games of course have to have that firmware to play them.  They are also used to release new updates for blu-ray. And if you don't update then your movies will have problems playing. 

And just in case you don't believe me http://playstation.about.com/b/2010/03/28/do-not-install-the-ps3-firmware-v3-21-update-if-you-want-to-keep-running-linux.htm 

So basically Sony is saying. Update or don't play anymore

lol does not explain how my bf can play on uncharted 2 or WKC without the newer firmware and i think most people have upgraded to the one that included the trophy update, but my bad if I'm wrong on this one, I am willing to admit I'm wrong if you can prove you cannot play games without being connected to PSN and having the latest firmware, also I do not always update straight away and I have never had any problems, I waited for the fix on the so called trophy update because it caused "issues".

Edit: I think they are talking about ps move and 3d games to be specific here, it's hard to support those games when the code is not in place right now for those features, but hopefully we shall see what happens, so it's only upcoming games you need to worry, any games you have that work will still work if you chose to keep other os, but still I hope Sony find a way around this.

Yes you do need PSN for single player, try playing VC without the v1.20 patch?  Folklore v1.01 Patch.. Just Cause 2 needed a v1.01 patch when it was released.  My main complaint is VC, as without the patch the game is not as fun to play.  The patch cleared up some important issues with VC.

Then again,  I support Sony on this particular issue.  Microsoft and Nintendo would react in the same way if they knew piracy could be prevented.  Well done to the pirate, who through bragging lost a feature for the PS3.

I don't think we are on the same page. All games come with the firmware they need to play them on the disc. Say GoWIII needs 3.19(Or whatever). That update will be on the disc.

erm i never downloaded the patch for VC lol, it's still playable, never mind, but you are right patches for games do make them better, lets all blame George Hotz I agree

No. You do not need the patches to play. I'm talking firmware updates. Patches are not necessary to play the game(except for Borderland)

Because Sony were sick of spending money to maintain the feature, updating the hypervisor drivers and maintaining a virtual layer to prevent hacking attempts.

The hacking attempt by Geohot was merely the excuse needed for a valid takedown of the feature, even though a fix could easily prevent it.

Just read my edited statement lol, It only affects games that are coming up in the future, not one's you can already play, do you understand what I am getting at, you are partly right, but not totally right, to say it does not support playing single player games at all is not right, but however any game released from here on may not play in your ps3 if you have not updated to the latest firmware.

It may not be the fairest solution, but if MS or Ninty was in Sony's place and they had the power to stop hackers and piracy they would choose the same descision.

Only firmware updates then I agree, you can 'play' all your games - some may have freezing problems though?  I know Uncharted 1 was freezing upon one firmware update, 3.00? 3.01 fixed it as far as I am aware.  But...without patches games aren't as good.  Look at Batman or..Motorstorm Pacfic Rift they enhanced the game by giving away free challenge maps(Batman) and skins(Pacific Rift).  If you don't have the internet, your stuffed.  And if you do have the internet, then you are missing out on content, and particularly patches without a firmware update.  Most firmware updates are mandatory, which I disagree with.  Sometimes it feels that I am always updating the firmware... Sony I just want to play my games and grab patches and checkout the PSN store.  Next will be the 3D firmware update..  Anyway, I am ranting..

@jneul - VC is definitely an important patch. Grab it when you can ;)

the audience that bought a ps3 for linux is very small and the audience that bought it to actually program for the cell is even smaller , if you spent most of your time playing around with the cell then dont upgrade and its not like the cell is a popular chip to be programing for , its really only used in a ps3 and a very small handful of electronics its not that big of a deal and your life will be no better or worse without it