Despite free multiplayer, some gamers concerned at other hidden costs
The PlayStation 3 is slated to be released in the United States this month and will include a great deal of online content.
Sony is hoping to outdo rival Microsoft Corp.’s XBox 360 by offering its multiplayer content for free.
Players with the new PlayStation 3 will be able to e-mail friends, chat and play games for free with the PlayStation 3 online capability. Sony is using what it calls an “open platform,” meaning anybody can use the service.
A Sony press release stated: “Developers will benefit from the open-platform policy of SCEA, which will allow them more freedom and creativity in the development of their games and online/network services. The end result will be more than just a place to play games, but a rich online environment with strong community aspects as distinctive as the titles themselves.”
Sony is, however, going to be charging for premium content. They will be offering downloadable demos, mini-games and videos as a part of their premium content. They are set to charge $15 per demo or game.
“Through the online PlayStation Store, consumers can find such items as game demos, game-related content and downloadable casual games,” Sony stated. “Downloadable first party games will cost less than $15 at launch. More content will be added on a regular basis.”
Jordan Reeves, a freshman computer science major, is not excited about Sony’s new online content. He said he was examining the specifications for the new Gran Turismo racing game that will be released with the PS3.
“The game is only going to have five cars to start out,” Reeves said. “You have to go online and buy new cars. Even though they charge 50 bucks for the game, they are still charging money to expand it.”
The PlayStation 3 will be released in North America on Nov. 17, and it is already sold out in most stores via pre-orders. Sony is hoping to trump Microsoft’s XBox 360 through the PS3, which is more powerful, offers better online content and, according to a press release, is “future-proof.”
Microsoft has not yet issued a response to the Sony online system but has made it known that its XBox Live service does offer free chat and friends lists for its non-paying subscribers.
