SCEE Announce Online Trial News

SCEE today finally confirmed its online plans for Europe, announcing that consumer trials would commence from March 31st.<br><br>Gamers can register their interest to join the trails by visiting and registering at <a href=http://uk.playstation.com>http://uk.playstation.com</a>. If successful, gamers will have to pick up a ‘starter kit’ comprising of a Playstation2 Network Adaptor, SOCOM USB Headset, and a special online only version of SOCOM: US Navy SEAL’s. The pack will retail for £39.99 and will be available through the <a href=http://uk.playstation.com>Playstation online shop</a>.<br><br>SCEE claim that trial members will have many benefits in the future, including the chance to offer feedback on forthcoming projects and titles. Additionally trial members will receive a full copy of SOCOM: US Navy SEALs when the trial has finished.<br><br>All you need to get your PS2 online is the ‘starter kit’ and a BroadBand connection; SCEE have confirmed the following UK Broadband partners: Telewest Broadband, BT OpenWorld, BT Retail, NTL and Freeserve.<br><br>Commenting on SCE UK’s plans for the launch of PlayStation network gaming, Ray Maguire, Managing Director of SCE UK said, “This trial will enable PlayStation 2 owners with broadband connection to purchase a Network Adaptor and immediately start enjoying multiplayer network gaming with the market leading PlayStation 2. Starting with the groundbreaking experience of 16 player SOCOM with voice communication, PlayStation Network gaming will be exciting to play and affordable. The consumer trials will help determine the shape and nature of the commercial offering of this service. But rest assured, our ethos remains one of having a very diverse and inclusive platform that will enable content companies, games publishers and ISPs to provide consumers with the broadest selection of new network experiences and entertainment from a variety of sources.”<br><br>“We believe that working with our partner ISPs, “Maguire continued, “offering a line-up of innovative network enhanced PlayStation games, coupled with the simplicity and affordability of our network set up, will accelerate broadband adoption in the UK and provide a further boost to the exponential growth of the total gaming market.”<br><br>Unfortunately SCEE still appears to be unsure of when exactly the PS2 will fully kick-off in Europe; with trial beginning towards the end of March, a full roll-out before Spring is beginning to look more and more doubtful.<br><br>We’ll have more information as the situation develops…