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September PS3 Launch, Online Service
Next Generation (which has generally been fairly reliable regarding information of this nature) has a report indicating that the PlayStation 3 may be launching in September of this year. They also have information about the Sony online console service that has been rumoured for the last few weeks. Apparently called HUB, they theorize details about that aspect of the console will be made available in the next few weeks. From the article: "PlayStation HUB is being described to developers as a 'subscriber service' suggesting a monthly charge. We understand the service is being created by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, although this is unconfirmed. Sony boss Howard Stringer is pushing for all media content to be available for distribution over PlayStation HUB, such as music and movies, thus opening up a powerful iTunes-like distribution network for Sony."
With its monthly fees, the Live service must also be a key aspect of justifying losing hundreds of dollars on every XBox sold. Given the fact that the PS3 will also have a few C-notes wrapped around every console, Sony absolutely needs this to make up that money.
Who do you get to be an expert to tell you something's not obvious? The least insightful person you can find? -J Roberts
This is so layer in speculation, that I can smother my pancakes with it. Probably doesn't taste as great though.
It seems wierd that they mention none of the details are specific, nor confirmed by Sony, but they can say that Japan and US might get it around the same time? Somehow, I think Sony would honor their Japanese market before it every makes it over the Pacific.
As for the subscription service, I would like to see it in action, and how well it can hold up to Xbox Live. "an iTunes like distrubtion"? Sounds like like you still pay seperately for each Online game you purchase. You might see a list of games on the server, and pick two, for like $9.99 each per month. Might be more convient to acquiring the game, but it would suck if they charge for each game's monthly subscription seperately. I know they hinted at it just beinga flat monthly fee, but still...
But remember, this is speculation.
The Galatic Freedom Force marches on! Defend!
A subscription model? You're kidding me, right? I'm sorry, if I am going to be paying $50-$60 for a new game, the last thing I am doing is shelling out more money on a monthly basis to play online. Furthermore, given the stupid subsciption model, where's the incentive to upgrade from my PS2? I can still play SOCOM and Madden online, if I'm inclined.
OTOH, I don't think there's a single PS2 game that has me inspired to play online -- of the four years I've owned my PS2, I've had it plugged into a network for maybe 10 days.
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I highly doubt that the Playstation is "carrying" Sony in any way, shape, or form. I am sure that it contributes to its profits, but there is more of a world besides video games to Sony, as a company. I am sure that their publishing and a/v equipment carry the company more than the console does.
You are in a maze of little twisting passages, all different.
Will HUB bring anything new to console gaming? Or is Sony going to primarily focus on copying as much of Xbox Live as possible? It's pretty easy to point at an existing competitor and try to copy as much as their features as possible, but much more difficult to bring something new to the table. The concept of having HUB be a "media HUB" for Sony music, films, etc. is interesting, but I really wouldn't call that new. (And it's something that can already be done on the 360, and presumably Nintendo's Revolution)
As much as people like to whine about the 360's subscription model (which only applies to the "Gold" membership) and the lack of users so far, I do enjoy some of the new features introduced in the latest incarnation of Live. For example, the gamerscore and the achievement system have turned into "mini-games" in themselves (if you enjoy that kind of thing). However, there are definately improvements that can be made. I wonder if Sony's going to go the extra mile, or if they're just going to be content (for now) with playing catch up?
-- jchenx
That's kind of misleading. By the time Sony's put out the PS3, they'll have to deal with an Xbox 360 that's had a good half year's head start in the channel, since the supply chain problems have apparently been fixed. Last stats I heard, _50%_ of 360 owners had put their console online. That's an excellent number, if they can maintain it.
-Erwos
Plausible conjecture should not be misrepresented as proof positive.
Perhaps it's because the PC has always been my primary game platform, but I simply am unwilling to pay a fee to game online. I see this as nothing more than a way to have a sustained monthly income for Sony and M$.