Developers discuss the PlayStation 3, online play

Charles Starrett • May 1, 2006 • Comments ()

Next Generation has posted an interview with seven leading industry figures concerning the Sony PS3, and it's online service. The overall views on Sony's online service is that remains a key component in Sony's next-gen strategy, and that the overall effect the console's Blu-Ray drive is still difficult to gauge this early in the cycle. Here are some of the most interesting quotes:

Can you talk about what you would like to see in a PlayStation 3 online strategy?

Chris Charla, Executive Producer, Foundation 9 Entertainment - "Online is here, forever. There will still be a market for single-player games, but generally speaking, if a game doesn’t have the online component well thought out, and well implemented, it’s going to be a problem."

Graham Hopper, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Buena Vista Games - "Connectivity is still the single-biggest driver when it comes to next generation consoles and handhelds like Nintendo DS and PSP."

What role do you see the Blu-Ray Disc format having on PS3 sales over the long haul?

Michael Pachter, Senior Analyst, Wedbush Morgan Securities - "The high def features of Blu-ray will sell PS3s, and Microsoft can't compete with that. Add to that the fact that it doesn't make sense to buy a next gen box without an HD monitor, and all HD monitor owners want more content (meaning movies), and you can see why this strategy is so brilliant. So the "delay" in launch of PS3 is more related to the high def DVD strategy than to anything else."

Bill Gardner, President, Eidos Interactive - "I really do not know. I only know that if a different format becomes the standard, it could cause the company support problems in the long run."