|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
Great News From Sony - Full Article
04.12.02, 21:41:12
|
|
|
|
Post #1 (permalink) |
|
|
| |
|
|
Sony's Online Plans for PS2, are finally taking shape.
There are alot of great things happening per this recent development, and we've all been eagerly awaiting for this announcement from Sony. Sony Computer Entertainment America President and Chief Operating Officer Kaz Hirai stated in a recent conference that laid SCEA's plans for the network adapter out.
"We think the gaming community is looking forward to these plans, too" - Kaz Hirai
I'd say he's stating the obvious... Sony missed it's original release of this, (November 2001) so we've all been awaiting the details on it's release since before then. They seemed to not discuss it at all, they wouldn't even drop clues as to what was up with their Adapter. Which from Sony is surprising. Now it seems they are doing quite the opposite, nice news to my ears anyway.
Some thought it would never come, now we have at least the information that it will be within our reach VERY soon. Even for those in area where it gets released later, it's still a hasty release. We will soon be playing online, with our spiffy PS2s! I can't wait!
So _when_ is it going to be released? August 2002. So you'll be able to pick up your beloved network adapters just this fall, how great is that!? It will go on sale for about $40 - US Currency. It will launch with any _one_ of the previous twelve online titles that the PS2 supports at the moment, or soon to come titles. So right outta the box you'll be able to connect to the network with your PS2 and play the packaged game against anyone across the nation! ^_^
So... Why the heck did they need to be so quiet about a mere delay? Because SCEA had already received alot of criticism from the gamers who were confused by Sony's floppy release schedules. They weren't quite sure when the release date could be finalized until just recently. They didn't want to speculate and aggravate the gamers once more.
Also, SCEA felt the need to wait for more of a percentage of the U.S.A. to have a Broadband connection, and because of software problems with the adapter. They wanted the software to work seamlessly with the adapter and the console, so until the software was up to standard working order, they didn't want to ship it out.
All of us will highly anticipate August. I know that I wish I could go a few months forward in time, and just pick one up, then come back, and be the only one in America with a PS2 adapter! >=D
=== Somes of the games to hit the online market are ===
First-Party:
- SOCOM: Navy Seals
- Twisted Metal Online
- Frequency (Online Version)
Third-Party:
- Tribes: Aerial Assult
---
Those are just the confirmed titles, I'm sure even more will be available by August.
On another note, it seems quite oddly... The PS2's Hard Disc Drive (HDD) won't be released with the adapter.  SCEA said that none of the planned games cited to launch do not "Require" the HDD, so they didn't feel the need to release it early.
"Once games require the hard drive, we will launch the unit." - Haz Hirai
So when will the HDD be launched? Probably in the Spring of 2003, as that's when Final Fantasy XI will "Require" the Hard Drive to operate. With no HDD the PS2 will most likely not be able to perform Internet functions such as web browsing.
Sony pushes the idea that they are trying to set up a very large online gaming market, before bringing such functions to the PS2. I think it'll probably be well worth the wait, since FFXI, the HDD, and many other online games and gamers will be around to make it all the better by spring 2003.
Sony also wants to release broadband entertainment, seeing as they are an entertainment electronics company. Such as movies, and gamer websites maybe?
SCEA has also stated that the adapter is not for everyone. Just an enhancement to their gaming experience for those who choose to use it.
"We're not interested in becoming an online-only console" - Kaz Hirai
"and we don't want to define the PS2 as an online-only experience. We are looking forward to becoming a mass-market broadband entertainment system with online functionality becoming a big part of that equation." - Kaz Hirai
Even so, it's nice to know when those of us that'll be buying the adapter by slicing the hands off the shelve clerk, will be able to do so.  All in little time... Watch it shelve clerk! >=D
Also with the coming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) coming along very soon, then there will probably be many more gaming announcements there aswell. Sony has said that almost every "First-Party" game will have online abilities.
Example: Gran Tourismo 4 will let you download more cars as the manufacturers make them available. Future releases of NFL GameDay will let you D/L player rosters, to stay with the program.
SCEA has also said that they are making a "Evangelization Fund" in order to provide funding for Third-Party developers. This inlcudes marketing support and content develupment, for new and interesting games.
Basically, they will offer money and services to Third-Party developers, if their game is approved for help. Kinda like applying for a loan I guess.
It looks as if Sony is finally taking this whole online thing alot my seriously. If I had to guess, I'd say that PS2 will be THE ONLINE GAMING console... But... You already knew that didn't you! 
It took a few bumps and bruises throughout development, but it seems nothing can stop PS2! It'll be rocking through the net soon enough... Great things take time eh? I believe that Sony's delay on all this, just shows how much work they are putting into making the PS2 what the PSone was.... T H E - B E S T.
Sony says that by making a large amount of Internet software, and having the software be as easy as possible for the gamer to operate, no matter what age the target audience is, making great partners such as AOL. That the PS2 experience online, will be light-years ahead of the other systems. The PS2 isn't just also able to play online games, it will be the best console to do so.
Example: Buy a computer that has a 14.4 K modem... It CAN connect to the internet....(X-Box, Gamecube) But what about a 512Mbps, modem computer? (PS2).
"The world of online gaming and broadband based network services, as it currently stands, is not a one-stop experience" - Kaz Hirai
"Any company entering this space needs strong partners in various business areas to succeed. With the help and support of our partners, whether on the content or technology side, we will be able to offer online console gaming through PlayStation 2 that is consumer-friendly, and most important, fun." - Kaz Hirai
Extra info:
Coming along with the network adapter is:
- Start Up Disc
- Manual
- Online Game Demos
- Internet Service Provider options, from many different carriers. Such as AOL, AT&T WorldNet, Earthlink, Prodigy, and others.
---
Gamers.com Poll: Which online PS2 are you most looking forward to?
- Gran Tourismo Online (35%)
- Resident Evil Online (28%)
- Final Fantasy XI (22%)
- Hot Shots Gold Online (8%)
- Tokyo Extreme Racer Online (6%)
Hot Shots Golf? o_O......
- Source of everything above: Official PlayStation Magazine
______________
WHEW! Will that does it for me! FYI, I re-wrote the entire article in my own words, from my Official PlayStation Magazine I got for this month. I made sure to paraphrase it all. As not to plagiarize but still be able to post the article here at FFR. Took me about an hour and a half to re-write it all I guess. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this, and I hope it was informative!
I plan on making more threads like these. Albeit less plentiful with information, as they will be smaller articles. If I run across another news-worthy piece of information, I'll be sure to try and re-write it in my own words for FFR.
-FFGnome |
Last edited by Nojiko : 04.12.02 at 22:26:17.
|