SCEE Announce Online Plans! News

Sony of Europe (SCEE) today finally announced its online plans for the Playstation2 in Europe. Both America and Japan have seen the machine taken online with the release of titles such as John Madden 2003, SOCOM: US Navy Seals and Final Fantasy XI, however we’ve been kept in the dark, wandering whether it will ever happen in Europe until today. <br><br>Sony plan to release the PS2 Broadband gaming Pack in the UK during Spring 2003, putting it head to head against Microsoft with Xbox Live! This will be followed by a phased rollout into Germany, France, Spain, Australia and other SCEE territories throughout 2003. <br><br>The Broadband Gaming Kit will include the PS2 Ethernet Network Adaptor to bring the PS2 online, an online game and a start-up disc featuring demos of other online titles. <br><br>As of Spring 2003 a range of network enabled games will be released, including SOCOM: US Navy Seals, Hardware: Online Arena, Destruction Derby Online, Twisted Metal Online, Frequency 2, My Street, ATV Offroad, This is Football 2004 and World Rally Championship Online. <br><br>Commenting on SCEE’s 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 Broadband Gaming Pack 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.” <br><br>David Reeves, EVP of Marketing and Sales at SCEE, said, “ I have no doubt that the line-up of innovative network enhanced PlayStation games from Sony Computer Entertainment studios and from our publishing partners, when coupled with the simplicity and affordability of our network gaming pack, will accelerate broadband adoption in Europe and provide a catalyst for rapid expansion of the total gaming market.”