PSP online multiplayer gaming sketched out - Sony partners with DoCoMo
Unknown online multiplayer 'MMORPG' and 'Games' raise eyebrows
Everquest - a not entirely unknown MMORPG
At the end of September, just prior to TGS, Sony had announced two particularly intriguing online titles amidst the larger PSP roster. At that stage these were known simply as an ‘unknown MMORPG title’ and an ‘unknown online title’. And now, in the deluge of PSP information, these have become known as an ‘unknown MMORPG’ and an online multiplayer game called, only slightly more usefully, ‘Games’. So, really, the details are just as vague as they were beforehand.
However, they are both multiplayer and they will both make full use of the PSP’s online wireless options. And interestingly, Sony has just announced a partnership with Japanese mobile giant NTT DoCoMo. This arrangement pertains to a content delivery service that can be subscribed to via iMode mobile phones - which will be made compatible with both the PS2 and, crucially, the PSP (using the infrared comms port).
So when, for instance, this unknown MMORPG arrives in Japan, there could theoretically be a system in place to follow the precedent for MMORPG subscription fees, if such a system is to be implemented for this particular game. Sony has also confirmed that although international online gaming and downloads will be possible to some extent, they will only be made available at designated locations (which have yet to be confirmed). Beyond that, the wireless functions will be used primarily for LAN multiplayer gaming.
At this stage, it's not entirely clear how these various capabilties might be tied together. But it is clear that Sony intends to get the PSP online in some form. We shall watch with interest as the release date draws ever closer.
However, they are both multiplayer and they will both make full use of the PSP’s online wireless options. And interestingly, Sony has just announced a partnership with Japanese mobile giant NTT DoCoMo. This arrangement pertains to a content delivery service that can be subscribed to via iMode mobile phones - which will be made compatible with both the PS2 and, crucially, the PSP (using the infrared comms port).
So when, for instance, this unknown MMORPG arrives in Japan, there could theoretically be a system in place to follow the precedent for MMORPG subscription fees, if such a system is to be implemented for this particular game. Sony has also confirmed that although international online gaming and downloads will be possible to some extent, they will only be made available at designated locations (which have yet to be confirmed). Beyond that, the wireless functions will be used primarily for LAN multiplayer gaming.
At this stage, it's not entirely clear how these various capabilties might be tied together. But it is clear that Sony intends to get the PSP online in some form. We shall watch with interest as the release date draws ever closer.
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Comments
Joji 28 Oct 2004 16:38
1/2
This will have some people buying to get PSP gaming first, but if the DoCoMo system doesn't work in Europe (which I believe it doesn't), import folk will have to buy two PSPs, one official and one import. It's clearly the only way they'll get the bonus of wi-fi gaming.
Wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo did the same kind of thing with wi-fi, but we are yet to hear about that.
An MMORPG on PSP, (LOL) again it would suck big time if the battery ran out. Normal time and gaming time are different things, the latter passes much quicker than the former especially online.
Wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo did the same kind of thing with wi-fi, but we are yet to hear about that.
An MMORPG on PSP, (LOL) again it would suck big time if the battery ran out. Normal time and gaming time are different things, the latter passes much quicker than the former especially online.
almondVanHelsing 28 Oct 2004 17:48
2/2
Joji wrote:
This will have some people buying to get PSP gaming first, but if the DoCoMo system doesn't work in Europe (which I believe it doesn't), import folk will have to buy two PSPs, one official and one import. It's clearly the only way they'll get the bonus of wi-fi gaming.
This will be why Sony say "don't import", there will be a similar system in EU with local phone companies. All the phone is being used for is a connection to a network, the same as a Palm can use any mobile with IR port to access the Internet.