SOE expects console MMOs to account for half their business

[xtop]

http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/ne...smedley/?biz=1

Although Sony Online Entertainment has released games on PlayStation platforms before, for years their main focus was primarily MMOs for the PC. Now that the company is now longer a part of Sony Pictures and is fully integrated with Sony Computer Entertainment, however, SOE will be very active on the PS3.

Both Free Realms and DC Universe Online will be coming to the PS3, and SOE President John Smedley is quite excited about the ability to tap into this new audience on the PlayStation Network. Speaking in an exclusive GameDaily BIZ interview, he commented, "I think PS3 will be close to half our business. There's an audience now waiting for online games on the PS3. I believe PSN has over 15 million users today. It's growing so quickly, we see a great user base potential there."

Smedley continued, "I think a lot of the people who play PS3 games right now aren't the same people playing MMOs right now. I think [MMOs on PS3 is] going to bring in a lot of new players. There are certainly people who have consoles and PCs in their house. The difference is what they actively play. PS3 gamers are used to playing Resistance 2 instead of a shooter on the PC. I think we can bring this kind of gaming to this audience and I think it's going to be huge."

Be sure to check out the full interview for more of Smedley's thoughts on the evolving MMO landscape.

[chnandler_bong]

I'm sure this has been said before, but I would love to see one of this type of game bundled with the PS3 chatpad...

[AranhaHunter]

Originally Posted by chnandler_bong

I'm sure this has been said before, but I would love to see one of this type of game bundled with the PS3 chatpad...

It needs to, either the chatpad or an official PS3 keyboard.

I'm also very curious about what they're gonna do about the monthly payments for each and every game, as I believe that business model won't really work on consoles, but we'll see.

[Marquoz]

Originally Posted by AranhaHunter

It needs to, either the chatpad or an official PS3 keyboard.

I'm also very curious about what they're gonna do about the monthly payments for each and every game, as I believe that business model won't really work on consoles, but we'll see.

Probably cards like the PSN cards available in shops. Probably the same as MMORPGs where you can go to best buy and buy a card in store. This way kids can get mommy and daddy to buy it. They could also have a way to purchase it on PSN via credit card for adults. Shouldn't be too hard to figure out a payment scheme. Then micro transactions like home has for other stuff in game.

I agree though that it needs an official keyboard and mouse. Perhaps something targeted with hotkeys to make playing the game easier. I can see entirely too many menus and submenus to make it easily playable with just a controller.