While the document has yet to be verified, it seems plausible, and its contents are very exciting. For the original document in it's entirety, visit Objectif-SEGA. About.com takes no responsibility for the veracity of this document. At this time it is considered a web rumor.
Despite this there are a number of interesting things to point out. Aside from the announcement of several newsworthy PS3 features, this document provides insight into the games industry, specifically how Sony operates.
It becomes clear that Sony is looking to capitalize of exclusivity and differentiation as a strategy for the PS3. In the document, references to increasing the number of SKUs (stock keeping units, aka items labeled for individual sale, electronic or physical) of items created for the PS3 over the Xbox 360 would bring favorable treatment from Sony, or the express desire to have exclusive downloadable content (DLC) for the PS3 with multiplatform games shows that Sony wants to have a unique experience for PlayStation owners. More than once they use Home, PS3/PSP interoperability, and exclusive DLC as ways to increase sales and as a result get preferential treatment for SEGA from Sony.
Of course you can read the following summary of the leaked document yourself and see not only the exciting things coming down the pipe for the PS3, but also how Sony deals with major publishers/developers, like SEGA.
Summary of allegedly leaked internal communications between Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and SEGA of America( SOE):
Business:
- Robert Dyer, SVP Publisher Relations, agrees to quarterly meeting with SEGA
Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3)
- SCEA plans to sell 13 million PS3s
- In a confusing statement it would appear that if SEGA creates twice as many units (games, DLC, special editions) for the PS3 they will receive "most favorable" treatment from Sony.
- Spring 2010 launch, March 2010 release date for Japan
- No bundle nor pricing details yet, should be available (internally) Sept. 1
- Sony will provide SEGA with a list of their IP what will work well with the motion controller, i.e. Virtual Tennis
- Motion Controller support would be a way to differentiate PS3 versions of the games from other systems versions
- Other opportunities to differentiate PS3 versions of multiplatform games would be PSP/PS3 interoperability - these features could help sell PSP and PS3 versions of the games
- Sony expects to sell 4-5 million PS3 Motion Controller Wands world-wide
Regarding SEGA games for Sony Systems
- Alpha Protocol: Michael Foster, product evaluator, said "AP felt barely RPG." The initial level was too difficult. Mass Effect felt more like Initial level too challenging for players. Used Mass Effect as an example of something "more RPG." AP is a high priority game.
- Planet 51: Sony noted that movie titles has been under-performing on the PS3, listed Transformers as an example. Dyer suggested contacting Walmart regarding some sort of promotional tie-in, perhaps tickets, or a Movie/Game combo pack.
- Bayonetta: Suggested a collector's eddition with an action figure. Also recommended a PSN demo around Christmas and a Jan 5th release date.
- Vancouver 2010: Create a HOME Olympic destination. It would garner a lot of positive attention from SCEA. SEGA should do it for Bayonetta, Marvel etc. Suggested as easy to launch in all territories and offered merchandising opportunities.
- Sonic Racing: Sony is open to DLC to differentiate PS3 version with characters from other games being a possibility.
- Yakuza: "Could put Japanese games directly on PSN for download in a special Japanese Import section (pricing $9.99 to $39.99 for full game). Might need to localize menus at least with subtitles. SCEA interested in helping on MKTG side if they can have period of exclusivity." [editor's note, the importance of this item seemed best offered as a quote than summarized]
- AVP: Good material for HOME, AVP avatars. Market a hybrid AVP movie/Game Blu-ray disc.
- Iron Man 2: Good material for HOME, Tony Stark's lab. Urged creation of a general Home space for Marvel content.
- Phantasy Star Universe 2 (PSU2): Could create a PSP bundle to be sold at GameStop.
- Valkyria 1937: Could create a PSP bundle for this title as well.
- Vanquish and Aliens: CM: Good opportunity for PSP/PS3 interoperability. If offered SCEA would push it at E3.
- Thor: SCEA wants to see the code for the game.
- Sonic Anniversary: Could create a special collector's edition with all the old sonic games on one Blu-ray disk for $99. Sony would like to have PSN exclusive power ups and game modes.
- PS2 emulator for PS3 (confidential): Sony wants to start selling all PS2 games on the PlayStation Network. Co-marketing money may be available if the PS3 controller is shown in the ad. [ed. This is huge, a return to PS2 compatibility would be massive fan service for Sony]
- London Olympics: Excellent game for motion controller integration.
- DC Digital Titles: If SEGA provides Sony with a list of DC titles they will inform SEGA of which they would like to have exclusive for a period of time, if exclusivity is long then Sony will give additional marketing support.
- PSP Titles: Best to offer features exclusive to the PSP to differentiate these games from the PS3 versions. Many major titles are headed to the PSP: Assassin's Creed II, GTA China Wars, Resident Evil, Little Big Planet.