Sony Declares Assult on Xbox Live

[silverwings]

from Joystiq, who looks like took the information from the March issue of PSM..

"Cast aside any doubts and start gazing skyward, because that's where Sony is aiming with plans that go far beyond simple leader boards and matchmaking -- or even the PS3, for that matter.

'It's very real,' one source tells us. 'They (Sony) are dead serious about it. They've declared, and I quote, a 'full-on assault' on the latest version of Xbox Live.'

They are committed to matching Xbox Live [on the 360] feature for feature and then some."

I thought Sony was originally not going to get into the online side of things next gen. It should be interesting to see how they plan to match Live's features.

I also wonder what effect this will have on them making their fall 2006 release frame (is that still their goal?)

[Tak Mazé]

A wise move for Sony would be to make their online service (if it happens) free. If they would rather have more supporters than profits from user accounts that is. If free, XBOX360 will lose it's edge.

[mookie75]

I'm happy for the people at Sony and wish them well in their quest. Of course, I'll still be buying a Rev if I get anything from this new generation though.

[Jmanunknown]

Here some scans from the article in the March issue of PSM magazine

[Mynd Hed]

So, console / handheld connectivity, huh? I seem to recall some other big-name console maker doing that and nothing much coming of it....

As for the PS3 online vs. Xbox 360 Live thing, I'm hardly surprised. Xbox has made a name for itself as the console to go to for online play, so naturally Sony wants to try to crack into that if they can.

I also wonder what effect this will have on them making their fall 2006 release frame (is that still their goal?)

I doubt it'll make any difference-- according to the article, this has been in the works for pretty much as long as the PS3 itself. Personally, I'll eat my hat if the PS3 launches any later than Christmas of this year. They're not stupid enough to give Microsoft two whole holiday seasons' worth of momentum before jumping into the ring.

[silverwings]

So, console / handheld connectivity, huh? I seem to recall some other big-name console maker doing that and nothing much coming of it....

Sadly, if it catches on, Sony will be praised for creating another ingenious angle to gaming where-as Nintendo was chaistised for trying to force people to buy more games..

As for the PS3 online vs. Xbox 360 Live thing, I'm hardly surprised. Xbox has made a name for itself as the console to go to for online play, so naturally Sony wants to try to crack into that if they can.

That, and I'm sure Nintendo entering the online market as well made them change their mind. They don't want to be the only one without it.

I doubt it'll make any difference-- according to the article, this has been in the works for pretty much as long as the PS3 itself. Personally, I'll eat my hat if the PS3 launches any later than Christmas of this year. They're not stupid enough to give Microsoft two whole holiday seasons' worth of momentum before jumping into the ring.

I'd love for it to be out this year as well. However, they are the market leader and have been for two generations. I wouldn't be surprised if they think they can give 2 season's worth to the Xbox and not lose anything because of their position as #1.

[Beat]

Good, good. More online competion = Better quality online experience = lower costs.

[GrantM]

Good, good. More online competion = Better quality online experience = lower costs.

Lower costs?, don't costs go higher?

[Artimus Gigan]

Lower costs?, don't costs go higher?

competition drives costs down

[Zyzzybalubah]

Lower costs?, don't costs go higher?

Remember when 2K games had NFL and other sports titles for only $19.99? EA lowered Madden and others to $39.99, but when they bought the exclusive rights to the NFL, they had no competition. After that, Madden changed it's prices on most systems back to $49.99 and charged the 360 version for $59.99.

More competition = Better Quality, Lower Prices.