"As long time partners of Sony Computer Entertainment America, it was a great partnership to work with them during the launch for PlayStation 2 online," said Chip Lange, Vice President EA Nation for Electronic Arts. "We believe that the investment we are making in online will pay off as we head into the future, and we've already seen the benefits; online elements extend the value-proposition of a game for consumers, as well as the life of the game itself."
The Madden NFL Football franchise from Electronic Arts has driven mass-market consumers to PlayStation 2 online. Madden NFL 2004 sold more than 3 million units on PlayStation 2 alone, more than any other console, and has inspired the largest third party online community. With the recent launch of Madden NFL 2005 , which sold 1.3 million copies in its first week of release, EA expects to see even more consumers logging-on to experience real-time football gameplay than ever before.
Holiday 2004 Brings Fresh Wave of PlayStation 2 Online Options Holiday is traditionally a key selling season in the videogame industry, and 2004 boasts a large line-up of blockbuster hits. With an already diverse line-up of online enabled titles spanning top genres, including action, sports, racing and role-playing games, consumers will be faced with an even broader array of compelling online titles to choose from, with more than 120 online-enabled titles available by year-end.
In November, Sony Computer Entertainment America will deliver online gameplay for the first time in an action platform game with Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal, the highly anticipated third installment of the Ratchet & Clank franchise. This holiday season also marks the debut of Gran Turismo 4, the fourth installment of the worldwide blockbuster-selling Gran Turismo series, for the first time featuring an online mode, sure to bring the most authentic driving simulation experience to a whole new level. Additional first party online offerings this holiday season include Killzone and Hot Shots Golf FORE! With this fresh new line-up of online-enabled software titles, Sony Computer Entertainment America anticipates a surge in online activity over the holidays.
The Future's so Bright.
Analysts anticipate the online console game market to continue to expand. DFC Intelligence forecasts online console game revenue to reach $2.9 billion worldwide by 2009 (The Online Game Market 2004), and JupiterResearch believes that connected console revenues will out-pace PC revenue by nearly $100 million in that same year (March 2004 US Video Games Forecast 2004).
"More than ever, gamers prefer the thrill of networking player to player competition over player versus console," said Richard Doherty, Envisioneering. "Online capability is no longer a feature, it is the future of gaming. "
In the coming year, Sony Computer Entertainment America plans to make a series of announcements regarding new content extensions, the evolving business model of online console gaming, and how online gaming as the new frontier fits into the long-term strategy for the PlayStation platforms. About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation and PS one game console, and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
- from Sony
