News
PSN ‘overhaul' coming this year
Tim Ingham Apr 7 2008, 4:01pm
Comments (6)
Sony US marketing boss talks downloadable movies, friends lists and more
SCEA’s VP of product marketing Scott Steinberg has revealed that Sony may go further in its changes to PSN that it has previously announced – stating that the service will be "overhauled" later this year.
Steinberg even goes so far as hinting that that movie and TV services may arrive on PS3 before 2008 is out.
Speaking to GameDaily, Steinberg also talked up the significance of Blu-Ray’s victory in the next-gen DVD format war, calling it a “huge win” for Sony over Microsoft.
When asked when PS3 owners can expect an PSN that features such as a friends list and downloadable movies, Steinberg said:
“2008. I think it's not a shock to think of 2008 as important for two reasons. One, the software line-up, the standards discussion is past us. The software line-up is here. I think we're at the point to say we're ecstatic about what we have in 2008. It's finally to the point where there are no standards uncertainties, so consumers now can evaluate us on the skills and attributes of our line-up, and we've got an incredibly diverse line-up.
“On the network side, we've stated that we're in a closed beta now for Home, we'll be rolling out functionality later this year, both for the Network and making Home public to others. So 2008 is going to be the year where both on the service side as well as on a Blu-Ray side, you're going to see everything that we've got.
"And what's interesting to me is that the Blu-Ray side represents such big blockbuster type games and the Network has the potential for start-up products, entrepreneurial games that are smaller, more affordable and I think represent a different kind of creativity than the Uncharteds or Resistance 2s or the LittleBigPlanets.”
And on the subject of HD-DVD’s death, Steinberg added:
"It just winds up escalating the installed base growth. Even if we look at PS2 owners who were on the fence or sidelines waiting, 'Do I upgrade? What's with all this Blu-Ray? I don't want to buy a dead format' – it gives them every reason to jump into marketplace.
"So I think it's a huge win and it gives us a lot of momentum and also gives us momentum to stop talking about standards and start talking about games.”
Comments
“Amen to that.”
Posted by: Lee - Apr 7, 5:24pm
"stop talking about standards and start talking about games.”
How very well put. 08 is shaping up to be the year of the PS3, this has been said in many magazines (I believe Gamestm put the subject on the front cover). Its a bit late for the online revamp in my eyes, better late than never I say. Home is shaping up to be HUGE! The next facebook, myspace and The Sims in one game, I must admit, even at my age im looking forward to seeing what Home can offer.
“Re: Amen to that.”
Posted by: Ray - Apr 7, 5:29pm
hmmm the next facebook/myspace? maybe, when ps3 units are in as many homes as PC's are today, which will take some doing.
“Re: Amen to that.”
Posted by: SiPie - Apr 7, 6:02pm
So when's god-damn PlayTV coming out!?! What happened to March 2008?
“Re: Amen to that.”
Posted by: Neutral - Apr 7, 6:11pm
PS3 sux man. Mine is still dusty from last fall. XBox 360 is where my friends and I spend the majority of our time.
“Re: Amen to that.”
Posted by: Hnbeanz - Apr 7, 7:48pm
@ Neutral
LOL at your user name... Something your obviously not then.
“Re: Amen to that.”
Posted by: lee - Apr 8, 10:19pm
Both Facebook and myspace were hyped to the max via TV, radio and internet coverage, Home will have the same hype and coverage so I will not be suprised when PS3 sales rocket. So I agree with #3, it wont be as popular as FB & MS, but I bet you it'll be the talk of the town for many a year!
@4, oh what's the point, I wouldn't know where to start.