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Sony talk MMOs

Future bright for PS3

Talking to The Seattle Times, Sony Online chief John Smedley has said that MMO games can play an important role in the future of the PlayStation 3 console.

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He believes online persistent world titles can be a 'selling point' for the PS3, in the future, despite the untested nature of such games on consoles.

"You're not going to find The Agency on the 360," he mused, referring to Sony Online's upcoming 007-esque spy universe, of which the publisher clearly have high hopes.

While Final Fantasy XI has garnered some success on the Xbox 360, this game is the exception rather than the norm, although rumours persist that World of Warcraft will eventually make it to consoles, while Age of Conan, APB et al are also in the works.

Speaking of The Agency, Sony have revealed that the MMO will feature real-world money changing, as part of a deal with Live Gamer. This will allow gamers to use hard currency to buy in-game content, items, upgrades, etc.

The move is unusual because many MMO game makers worry that the introduction of real-world money can unbalance their own game experience.

"Live Gamer is a proven partner that protects and supports our gamers who participate in RMT. We trust them to handle this area of the business for us so that we can focus on creating and growing our games," offered Smedley.