Sony did not only announce their new handheld though, they also announced many new business initiatives based on hardware innovation. So except for details of some of the new games they also described new hardware options, meant to improve the gameplay experience.
Those initiatives focus on hardware innovation, content, community, and market expansion to enhance the consumer experience and are designed to lead the industry down the right path toward entertainment convergence. The company showcased its 2003 lineup and outlined plans that will make the PlayStation2 platform the entertainment center of the living room through use of sight, sound and voice, engage mainstream consumers to embrace online gaming, and expand its in-home entertainment products with the introduction of an all-in-one new portable entertainment platform.
With an enviable installed base of more than 19 million PlayStation2 computer entertainment systems in North America and a unique combination of entertainment, technology and consumer expertise, Sony Computer Entertainment America is set to change the way the industry thinks with advanced technologies that deliver compelling entertainment experiences. The introduction of forward-thinking hardware and software innovations holds true to the company's commitment of evolving PlayStation 2 as the focal point of the living room.
With the battle for console supremacy decided, we are departing from the status quo in an effort to broaden the in-home entertainment market, said Kaz Hirai, president and chief operating officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. At the same time, we shoulder the responsibility of the gaming industry and continue to challenge developers and publishers to further their creativity, always with the entertainment experience in mind.
Hardware Innovations Expand Consumers' Entertainment Experience
Sony Computer Entertainment America plans to introduce a first-of-its-kind product, EyeToy, a USB camera that uses motion-tracking technology to project player images on-screen. With this technology, the capabilities of the PlayStation 2 entertainment experience are greatly enhanced by capturing the player's body movements and instantaneously transforming these images into on-screen interaction. EyeToy takes full advantage of the power of PlayStation 2 and encourages performance, interaction and laughter, so people of all ages can instantly become the star of their own game, no experience necessary. Scheduled to release in October for a suggested retail price of USD 39, EyeToy will include 12 exciting mini-games based on music, puzzles, sports, and other original genres.
The company also announced plans to launch a USB Headset (for PlayStation2) that utilizes Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and voice recognition technologies for use with online and offline games for PlayStation 2. Sony Computer Entertainment America first party online titles that utilize USB Headset technology include: SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs, Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain, NFL GameDay 2004, NBA ShootOut 2004, and NCAA GameBreaker 2004. Top third party developers have also committed to creating titles for PlayStation 2 that utilize voice technology via the headset, including top franchises from EA Sports and Sega Sports. The USB Headset for PlayStation 2 will be released in September for a suggested retail price of USD 29.99.
Enhanced Online Hardware and Community Innovation
Further enticing mainstream audiences to embrace online gaming, the introduction of the PlayStation 2 Online Pack includes everything consumers need. The PlayStation 2 Online Pack is a combination of the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation2), so consumers can quickly and conveniently enter the PlayStation 2 online community using their choice of analog or broadband Internet connectivity. The PlayStation 2 Online Pack will replace the existing hardware SKU and be available this summer for the same suggested retail price of $199, providing consumers with an enticing value proposition.
PlayStation 2 consumers have already embraced online gaming. As a stand-alone product, Sony Computer Entertainment America has sold more than 600,000 Network Adaptors since August 2002. Due to this overwhelming response, the company decided to remove the barrier to entry by bundling the Network Adaptor with the PlayStation 2 hardware at retail.
Having already amassed the largest games library with the broadest genre offering through its first and third party developers, Sony Computer Entertainment America is now cornering the market through an extended partnership with Electronic Arts. In a move that deals a significant blow to the competition, Electronic Arts is set to make nine of its best-selling EA Sports franchises PlayStation 2 online exclusive for the 2003 - 2004 season.
The company also announced plans for the simultaneous release of an internal hard disc drive (40GB) (for PlayStation2) with Square Enix's massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), FINAL FANTASY XI. This world-renowned franchise, to be published by Sony Computer Entertainment America in the North American market, will be released the first quarter of 2004. Fans of the franchise will be able to immerse themselves in the expansive, original storyline online as they embark on missions and build up their character's skills and attributes, either alone or with other members of the online community in a truly persistent world with cross-platform play between console and a personal computer.
With first party and third party titles, PlayStation 2 will amass an impressive library of up to 50 online titles by the end of 2003.
Unparalleled First Party Content on PlayStation 2
Even as the company sets the bar for new forms of computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment America remains steadfast to its core business philosophy of delivering the best content to consumers via the PlayStation 2 platform, which breeds million-unit software sellers. A bevy of first party exclusive titles will launch later this year that are poised to become worldwide big hits, including the fourth installment of the authentic racing game Gran Turismo, the most successful franchise in the company's history, selling a cumulative 32 million units worldwide on PlayStation and PlayStation 2. New fully enhanced features for Gran Turismo 4 focus on more cars, courses, race modes and the added bonus of online gameplay.
Additional widely anticipated first party titles include:
NFL GameDay 2004 (VoIP)
Due this August, the latest in this popular NFL football franchise delivers exciting and authentic football action, combining true NFL intensity with all-new graphics, deep online mode and enhanced "motion blending" technology, allowing for seamless animation transitions.
NBA ShootOut 2004 (VoIP)
Due this October, the latest in this hoops series features enhanced Career Mode enabling gamers to create a player and earn a spot on an NBA team, NBA ShootOut 2004 now also enables users to take their skills online, leveraging the new USB Headset to rally teammates and compete against anyone around the country, or use the offline voice recognition capabilities to execute specific plays.
Jak II
Created and developed by Naughty Dog, Inc., Jak II is the follow-up to the "Greatest Hits" PlayStation 2 debut title, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy. Destined to be one of the hottest titles of the year and kicking off the holiday season with a September launch, Jak II will stun players with its innovative character designs and animations, superior technology and spectacular graphics.
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando
Due out in November, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando is the second installment to the successful PlayStation 2 franchise, Ratchet & Clank. The game will feature brand-new, experience-based character growth and weapons upgrade systems, maxi-games, beautiful diverse environments, all-new character designs, magnificent graphics, a compelling storyline, and a unique arsenal of more of the coolest weapons and hi-tech gadgets ever imagined.
SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs (VoIP)
Due November, this sequel to the number one online console game enables up to 16 players to take the role of elite SEAL forces to collaborate with international and allied forces to protect America, featuring new gameplay, chat functionality, mission types, weapons and more.
Rise to Honor
Inspired by the excitement and cinematic styling of the Hong Kong action movie genre, Rise to Honor is a fast-paced action game developed in collaboration with worldwide film star Jet Li. Rise to Honor will immerse players into an action packed storyline centered on family, deceit and honor in a chain of dangerous events extending from Hong Kong to San Francisco.
Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain (VoIP)
Set to debut in 2004, the newest installment of the Syphon Filter franchise adds four-player cooperative peer-to-peer online play, character customization and richly detailed, intense international environments.
