Sony Details New PlayStation Network Expansion Specs at OGDC
May 11, 2007
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During a panel discussion on the topic of new opportunities in console technology at the Online Game Developers Conference (OGDC from here on in) in Seattle, SCEA’s director of third-party developer relations took the opportunity to explain to an audience of developers - as well as detail the PlayStation Network with many fresh specifics.
Sony’s Michael Shorrock explained that the new PS Network was a “loyalty catalyst for PlayStation platforms.” “It’s designed to be a profitable eco-system for both developers and publishers. And it’s a marketing platform for games and content.” Shorrock hopes the Network enables “creativity in development, and flexibility in business models for both the development community, and the publishers.” Sounds good so far. He then showed a slide outlining Sony’s ‘Wheel of Services.’
Sherrock then discussed Son’ys “entire scope of services that we’ll be developing and releasing in the coming months ahead.” There are six key components, and Shorrock began with ‘Services/VOD’ which delivers full-length movies, television programs, or music direct to users. ‘PlayStation Store’ is where Sony has its commerce for downloading digital content. ‘Home’ is the 3D avatar-based world which will facilitate communication amongst consumers. ‘Online Games’ adds the human element to traditional gameplay. ‘In-game/Network Advertising’ is part of Sony’s “core group of services, and we’ll be announcing more about it shortly,” Shorrock promised. Finally, ‘Wireless’ deals with the wireless capabilities of the platform, “which will allow gaming via PSP and mobile devices, keeping users connected at all times.”
Shorrock sees the ability to have user-created content, which appeals to Sony’s consumers: “It’s what they’ve asked for, and it’s what they want.” Shorrock noted that Sony is looking for “lots of content,” particularly when it “shows the power of the PS3.” (Translation: high-def games, use of the Sixaxis controller, new IPs.)
“I’m happy to announce that we’re open for business, here with the development teams and the publisher community,” Shorrock told the audience of online developers. It’s free for consumers, he said, “and it’s a place for developers to self-publish and explore a variety of business models.” He referred to set areas of Home as ‘pavilions’ that might be set apart for a number of different reasons. “It’s an open system, so publishers may have, [for example,] an Activision pavilion. They may have a variety of games in there…”
The OGDC moderator inquired if pavilions must be purchased or leased by publishers. “What we’re creating is a very flexible model for developers and publishers,” Shorrock responded. “We’re open to proposals, how you might like to proceed.” Some publishers, he said, might want their pavilions to be free, while others might want to charge. “Our business model is flexible enough to allow for either way.” Gotta give it to him; he’s saying all the right things.
