Broadband on the Run
Release of Neocron to prompt surge in high-speed Internet subscribers.
A survey conducted by computer games publisher CDV Software Entertainment has revealed that 86 per cent of those interested in purchasing the forthcoming PC title Neocron are considering upgrading to a broadband Internet connection – making the game one of the most important motivators in getting Britain hooked up to the high-speed Internet.
Neocron, scheduled for release in March 2002, is a futuristic ‘massively multiplayer online role playing game’ (MMORPG) set in a 28th Century metropolis. Users become citizens of Neocron – deciding whether to experience exciting adventures or just live a normal life in this virtual world.
The game has already generated considerable worldwide interest before it has launched – with over 62,000 people having registered for the pre-release test programme.
The survey was hosted at www.neocron.com – the game’s official site. It shows the UK lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of high-speed Internet access, with close to three times as many of those outside the UK claiming ADSL/broadband connectivity, compared with users within our shores.
“Multiplayer games offer the strongest incentive to upgrade an Internet connection,” says Leo Zullo, Marketing Manager, CDV Software Entertainment, “and Neocron’s users say they will be doing it in droves. If our forecasts are correct, the Neocron subscriber base could drive nationwide broadband subscription up by 10 per cent in one fell swoop. If the broadband networks are serious about encouraging take-up of high speed Internet access, they need to consider working with releases such as Neocron. As it is not music or video downloads which will drive broadband subscribers – it’s the games industry.”
The survey was conducted via www.neocron.com between 26th October and 23rd November 2002. In total, 903 forum members were surveyed.
Neocron, scheduled for release in March 2002, is a futuristic ‘massively multiplayer online role playing game’ (MMORPG) set in a 28th Century metropolis. Users become citizens of Neocron – deciding whether to experience exciting adventures or just live a normal life in this virtual world.
The game has already generated considerable worldwide interest before it has launched – with over 62,000 people having registered for the pre-release test programme.
The survey was hosted at www.neocron.com – the game’s official site. It shows the UK lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of high-speed Internet access, with close to three times as many of those outside the UK claiming ADSL/broadband connectivity, compared with users within our shores.
“Multiplayer games offer the strongest incentive to upgrade an Internet connection,” says Leo Zullo, Marketing Manager, CDV Software Entertainment, “and Neocron’s users say they will be doing it in droves. If our forecasts are correct, the Neocron subscriber base could drive nationwide broadband subscription up by 10 per cent in one fell swoop. If the broadband networks are serious about encouraging take-up of high speed Internet access, they need to consider working with releases such as Neocron. As it is not music or video downloads which will drive broadband subscribers – it’s the games industry.”
The survey was conducted via www.neocron.com between 26th October and 23rd November 2002. In total, 903 forum members were surveyed.