PS3 news from GDC 2006

[Sharky]

There was some very interesting PS3 news from Sony's GDC 2006 Keynote Address:

1. Sony believes the PS2 will remain a viable console through 2010.

2. Sony then rolled out their “Wheel of Fortune” game plan for the PS3 that traces expected disc revenue to potential online revenue. It flows like this:
1) Packaged Media (games sold in stores)
2) Network Sales
3) Episodic Content
4) In-Game Advertising
5) Subscriptions
6) Mobile Gaming
7) Game Object Sales
8) Merchandise.

This is all part of Sony's E-Distribution Initiative (http://www.playstation.com/beyond).

3. Will there be a hard drive included in the box? First it was thought it wouldn’t, then it was supposedly confirmed it would be included. Harrison makes it look like the hard drive inclusion is still quite up in the air at this point.

“The hard disc drive is a key feature of the PlayStation 3. Not just for games - the network platform, not just for downloading music or downloading your own movies. It is a key feature of the platform. For hardware announcements are concerned – that’s not my gig. We’ll have more hardware announcements at E3.”

4. As far as digital distribution of content over broadband full scale AAA games will still only be released via Blu-ray discs. Harrison did state that “there are no restrictions on what you can download to your PS3.” But due to broadband network availability to all parts of the world, the Blu-ray disc will be the best solution for now. Digital distribution will start with the PS3, but move to the PSP later. Micropayments will also go beyond game content, such as buying or renting the ability to listen to a song, or watch a TV special. “We are talking about any digital content.”

5. Many were shocked when Sony revealed that their online service would be free, but while the basic service is free – which will include multiplayer gaming - there will be premium services and premium content that will come at a price to consumers.

6. Harrison did reveal two final intriguing elements. First, the boomerang style controller is not the final design, and although we didn’t get to see it today, he did say the controller design would be finalized in the next few months. “The controller will be revealed at E3.”

7. Finally, a big explosion for the import community is that game software will be region free. Gamers who have wanted to play imported software – whether it’s PAL or NTSC – will be able to play software if the publishers and developers choose to allow it.

-Game Informer Staff