PS2 Online coming to North America

About time, too...

After flogging over 8.8 million PS2 units in North America, Sony today announced that it will offer users the option to play games online through PS2 from August 2002. Today's announcement marks the first step toward the company's overall vision of the “PS2 as a mass-market broadband platform in the home”, or so the press spiel informs us.

As console gaming has traditionally been a mass-market business, the company are planning an approach requiring little investment and offering the ‘newest features and gameplay’. Consumers with ISP account and the PS2’s Network Adaptor (Ethernet/Modem) will be able to play friends across the internet through PS2 games specifically designed to take advantage of the multiplayer feature. Sony promise they will encourage the creative community to drive and determine content offerings through the new service.

Here’s the detail straight from the horse's mouth, as it were:

Getting Connected
In August 2002 the company plans to release the Network Adaptor for PlayStation 2, a first-of-its kind console connectivity device, for a suggested retail price of $39.99. The Network Adaptor combines a 10/100Ethernet connection with a 56KV.90 analog modem that will allow network access to a wide spectrum of consumers regardless of their broadband or narrowband connectivity preferences.

Use of the Network Adaptor allows consumers simultaneous access and connection to multiple devices in the home through PlayStation 2. The Network Adaptor for PlayStation 2 allows users to connect to a broadband network such as CATV or DSL and to analog telephone lines at the same time. These capabilities allow for immediate access to online games available to a wide audience on PlayStation 2.

Network Adaptor Start-Up Disc
As part of its open-market, consumer-centric approach, Sony Computer Entertainment America plans to include, in addition to the Network Adaptor, a bundled disc which will consist of start-up instructions, product manual and documentation, connectivity selection through major ISPs, product registration options for those without online connections, and online game demos.

Looking to broaden the PlayStation 2 online gaming experience to as many consumers as possible, Sony Computer Entertainment America entered into relationships with major national ISPs which currently represent more than 11 million subscribers and multiple tiers of service (cable, DSL, narrowband). Connection through Earthlink, AT&T WorldNet® Service, SBC-Prodigy, and Sympatico will be available through the Network Adaptor Start-Up Disc. In addition, the Network Adaptor will support connectivity through other ISPs.

Online Content
Sony Computer Entertainment America, along with the third party publishing community, plans to offer a variety of PlayStation 2 titles that incorporate network-enabled gaming features at the onset of the Network Adaptor release. The company is in the process of evangelising to its publishing, content and technology partners to ensure that this initiative is well supported at launch. A list of titles available for the August rollout will be announced in the coming months.

Additionally, the company will commence a Network Beta test program in March 2002 with previously identified PlayStation 2 users to test connectivity, usability and various online games.

"After leading this industry for many years, we know our market and understand our core competencies are consumer-based hardware and in-home entertainment," said Kaz Hirai, president and chief operating officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "The world of online gaming and broadband-based network services, as it currently stands, is not a one-stop experience. 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."

With PlayStation 2, Sony Computer Entertainment looks to create and develop a new world of computer entertainment for the broadband era through the fusion of games, music, movies, community, broadcasting, and publishing. Focusing on the always-on broadband networks, the company plans to roll out its full network strategy for PlayStation 2 by offering a wide range of broadband-based interactive entertainment services. More details pertaining to this initiative will be announced at a later date.

By Luke Guttridge