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If you haven't already heard, the online adapter and hard-drive unit could be more affordable than expected.
According to PSM2, Sony are apparently considering a rental scheme for those who don't with to pay for the add-ons.
A small fee will get you the new equipment, with Sony upgrading or repairing units for free, just as Sky or NTL would do for their set-top boxes.
I meant to post this last night, and don't currently have PSM2 with me; I can't recall the prices given, but will post them tonight, unless anyone else does so beforehand.
I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking that it's a very interesting development.
According to PSM2, Sony are apparently considering a rental scheme for those who don't with to pay for the add-ons.
A small fee will get you the new equipment, with Sony upgrading or repairing units for free, just as Sky or NTL would do for their set-top boxes.
I meant to post this last night, and don't currently have PSM2 with me; I can't recall the prices given, but will post them tonight, unless anyone else does so beforehand.
I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking that it's a very interesting development.
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The main problem I have with sony's online service is the cost. I already have the internet installed on my PC, and I would like it installed on my PS2 aswell, but I don't know how much it is going to cost, and if its going to cost extra. These are the kind of questions that have been with me sinse I first got the PS2 over a year ago. I won't have the modem installed if I have to pay more than I am now.
Here some intersting new I found on this whole online gaming fiasco.
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Online gamers vote with their wallets
By Chris Lee in Melbourne [23-05-2002]
Blow to console vendors as surfers decline to pay The online gaming aspirations of Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo received a major knock yesterday when an influential survey found that just six per cent of online gamers would be willing to pay for such a service. Industry research group the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) chose the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles yesterday to reveal surveys which indicated that the gaming industry is, in all other respects, in good health.
Microsoft plans to charge gamers $49 a year to access its Xbox online network. Sony, with its PlayStation 2, and Nintendo, with its GameCube, will allow games developers to run titles on their own networks, for which users may have to pay a fee.
ISDA said that 31 per cent of gamers play online, up from 18 per cent in 1999, but that only six per cent would be willing to pay.
The news deals a blow to the core marketing ambitions of the three major console vendors, which were banking on the popularity of internet gaming.
The consoles dominate the youth market, the survey found, with most players being under 18 and male. However, 40 per cent of all PC gamers are over 36, according to ISDA.
ISDA president Doug Lowerstein said: "Video games have become a leading form of mass market entertainment as the core user has aged from teens to adulthood.
"Millions more casual gamers have joined the hardcore gamers to drive market growth and expansion."
Lowerstein also blamed the lack of broadband for the unenthusiastic reaction to online gaming.
-----------------------------
Online gamers vote with their wallets
By Chris Lee in Melbourne [23-05-2002]
Blow to console vendors as surfers decline to pay The online gaming aspirations of Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo received a major knock yesterday when an influential survey found that just six per cent of online gamers would be willing to pay for such a service. Industry research group the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) chose the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles yesterday to reveal surveys which indicated that the gaming industry is, in all other respects, in good health.
Microsoft plans to charge gamers $49 a year to access its Xbox online network. Sony, with its PlayStation 2, and Nintendo, with its GameCube, will allow games developers to run titles on their own networks, for which users may have to pay a fee.
ISDA said that 31 per cent of gamers play online, up from 18 per cent in 1999, but that only six per cent would be willing to pay.
The news deals a blow to the core marketing ambitions of the three major console vendors, which were banking on the popularity of internet gaming.
The consoles dominate the youth market, the survey found, with most players being under 18 and male. However, 40 per cent of all PC gamers are over 36, according to ISDA.
ISDA president Doug Lowerstein said: "Video games have become a leading form of mass market entertainment as the core user has aged from teens to adulthood.
"Millions more casual gamers have joined the hardcore gamers to drive market growth and expansion."
Lowerstein also blamed the lack of broadband for the unenthusiastic reaction to online gaming.
That sounds like a pretty good price, how much would it be to buy? im guessing alot and hey i just saw your new colours Pro Evo very nice
It certainly sounds good and having read that article on PSM2 I am more excited about the prospect of the hard drive.
Now instead of just buying it and waiting for compatible software to arrive, I can wait till anything turns up and rent it for a suitable amount of time in order to enjoy the features the Hard Drive offers. The details of the monthly fee for the connection are quite blurry at the moment. Lets see what Sony say at E3
Now instead of just buying it and waiting for compatible software to arrive, I can wait till anything turns up and rent it for a suitable amount of time in order to enjoy the features the Hard Drive offers. The details of the monthly fee for the connection are quite blurry at the moment. Lets see what Sony say at E3
Hmm, i really like the idea about the renting scheme, as i know i would not be able to afford to buy that right now. Makes perfect sense too like it says, there will be loads of people that will be not so sure about the online gaming of this so to be able to have a months worth for a cheap price is a great idea.
If it comes through, this would have to rank high on Sony's best idea list.
If it comes through, this would have to rank high on Sony's best idea list.
Okay, these are the details - taken straight from PSM2 issue 23, page 15, "Rumours" section.
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Interesting one, this. Sony Japan are planning a rental scheme to alleviate the cost of online gaming. Instead of forking out £95 for the internet adapter/HDD, punters can rent one for just £8 a month, falling to £2.60 a month after the first year. Sony own the equipment, but guarantee to replace breakages - like renting a set-top box from NTL or Sky in the UK.
Given that Sony's key UK partners are Telewest - a leading cable company - we wouldn't be surprised if a siilar scheme started here. £15 a month for an internet adapter/HDD with full broadband access? Without sayiing too much, it might be worth clearing some space under your TV...
Reliability - 7/10
PSM2 reckons: Sony UK remain tight-lipped, but a rental scheme makes perfect sense - a low-cost trojan horse guaranteed to entice curious punters and build a large user base of on-line gamers. Expect Sony's network plans to - finally - become clear at the E3 event next month. And remember what you've just read.
-----
Interesting one, this. Sony Japan are planning a rental scheme to alleviate the cost of online gaming. Instead of forking out £95 for the internet adapter/HDD, punters can rent one for just £8 a month, falling to £2.60 a month after the first year. Sony own the equipment, but guarantee to replace breakages - like renting a set-top box from NTL or Sky in the UK.
Given that Sony's key UK partners are Telewest - a leading cable company - we wouldn't be surprised if a siilar scheme started here. £15 a month for an internet adapter/HDD with full broadband access? Without sayiing too much, it might be worth clearing some space under your TV...
Reliability - 7/10
PSM2 reckons: Sony UK remain tight-lipped, but a rental scheme makes perfect sense - a low-cost trojan horse guaranteed to entice curious punters and build a large user base of on-line gamers. Expect Sony's network plans to - finally - become clear at the E3 event next month. And remember what you've just read.
Is that for the release of the PS3 or the modem ;)
I make it three years myself. :-)
Well, two and a half. Roughly, like.
Well, two and a half. Roughly, like.
They better hurry up especially if their planning to reveal the PS3 in 2005, which is only two years away. Still if they do it right, i suppose it will be worth the wait.
This might sound predictable, being me sayng it an' all... but I'm behind Sony on this.
They're not releasing either until they have the software and online infrastructure to make sure it works.
I personally would much rather they made sure that it was all perfect before releasing it.
Remember Sony are not just setting up for online gameplay here - there's far more planned than just that. They have to get it right, because not only will PS2 use it, but PS3 too. This is a major investment for Sony, and requires proper planning.
We have the Xbox with built-in online abiity - but you can't even use it (properly) yet, without getting some software from Gamespy on your PC and connecting your Xbox to that. So what the hell is the point? That's not online console gaming, because you can't do it unless you have a PC.
I'm eager to see what Sony finally roll out to the public, even if I don't make use of it myself. But let's give them the time to make it right, because we'll all moan like hell if they fudge it up.
They're not releasing either until they have the software and online infrastructure to make sure it works.
I personally would much rather they made sure that it was all perfect before releasing it.
Remember Sony are not just setting up for online gameplay here - there's far more planned than just that. They have to get it right, because not only will PS2 use it, but PS3 too. This is a major investment for Sony, and requires proper planning.
We have the Xbox with built-in online abiity - but you can't even use it (properly) yet, without getting some software from Gamespy on your PC and connecting your Xbox to that. So what the hell is the point? That's not online console gaming, because you can't do it unless you have a PC.
I'm eager to see what Sony finally roll out to the public, even if I don't make use of it myself. But let's give them the time to make it right, because we'll all moan like hell if they fudge it up.
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