SYDNEY: November 1st, 2002
Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCEA) today announced its plans for the introduction of a network gaming service for the PlayStation®2, in Australia, in Winter 2003 (May/June) through partnerships with Broadband Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
In North America, SOCOM: US Navy Seals, the first online console game with voice communication between players, and Electronic Arts\' Madden NFL 2003, have become instant online hits with thousands of regular players taking part. In Japan, there are already over 100,000 PlayStation®2 Computer Entertainment Systems connected to the network.
The key components of this new PlayStation®2 network gaming experience from SCEA are:
A Broadband Gaming Pack, which includes a PlayStation®2 Ethernet Network Adaptor, an online game and a start-up disc featuring demos of upcoming online games, will be sold at a similar price as a PlayStation®2 game through existing retail and ISP channels, and will enable PlayStation®2 owners to access online multiplayer games through a participating Broadband network
From Winter 2003 going forward, an exciting range of network enhanced games will be launched. Available through retail and ISP channels, titles include SOCOM: Navy Seals, Hardware: Online Arena, Destruction Derby Online Arena, Twisted Metal Online, Frequency 2, My Street, ATV Offroad, as well as This is Football and World Rally Championship Online from Sony Computer Entertainment studios
A completely new PlayStation®2 version of Everquest, the worlds most successful online game, from Sony Online Entertainment
Tony HawkTM 3, which already includes network features, and Tony HawkTM 4, which launches this November with significantly, enhanced network features from Activision
An exciting range of network enhanced games from key SCEE partner publishers such as Capcom, Electronic Arts, Activision, Take 2 and Eidos
A highly diverse network platform that enables content companies, game publishers and ISPs to provide gamers with the broadest selection of new online experiences and entertainment. The network will not be constrained by any one company acting as a gatekeeper of the content or the consumer
Commenting on the plans for the launch of network gaming, Chris Deering, President of SCEE said, PlayStation®2 owners with broadband internet access will be able to purchase a Network Adaptor and immediately start playing a great selection of multiplayer games online. It will be simple to set up, exciting to play and affordable. Our philosophy is to have a very diverse and inclusive platform that will enable content companies, games publishers and ISP portals to provide consumers with the broadest selection of new online experiences and entertainment from a variety of sources.
The existence of a secure online environment is a crucial long-term consideration for gamers and content providers alike. The PlayStation®2 network platform will benefit from the proprietary Dynamic Network Authentication System (DNAS) that will offer a secure environment for business partners and consumers.
Michael Ephraim, MD at SCEA said, The introduction of network gaming further expands the capabilities of PlayStation®2. I have no doubt that the launch of online gaming will also expand the PlayStation community in Australia, and help further position PlayStation®2 as the entertainment device of choice for Australian households.
The PlayStation®2 network gaming experience will be accessible through broadband network partners and consumer trials are expected to commence in Australia early in 2003.
More details on the development of PlayStation®2 Broadband network gaming will be posted on au.playstation.com as they become available. The site will also act as the focus for recruitment of PlayStation®2 gamers for the initial trials in Australia.
