Sony's online secrets revealed
PSP a key part of PlayStation Network Platform, with phones to follow
After weeks of rumour and gossip, Sony has finally announced how PSP will fit into its emerging online plans.
Called the PlayStation Network Platform, the free online service will support Sony's forthcoming PlayStation 3 console as well as PSP. There are even plans (somewhat sketchy at the moment) to eventually get high-end Sony Ericsson mobile phones in on the act too.
Perhaps the most important part of PlayStation Network Platform is that Sony will run a centralised log-in service, so you will have the same user name and account details across all the PlayStation games you play (PlayStation 3 or PSP), whether from Sony, EA, THQ or whoever else. At the moment, every online PSP game is set up in a different way.
This change is good news, as it means it will be much easier to keep track of your friends – no matter what games or consoles they're playing on – thanks to global buddy lists that hook into everyone's user details, something Sony calls your online 'Presence'.
There will be various chat options too including voice, text and video, as well as match-making services, so you can play against gamers who are just as skilled (or less skilled!) as you. Plenty of community services are also promised, such as top player rankings and special tournaments you can enter to win prizes.
As for how each console will use the features on offer, those details are still be be worked out. For example, it's unlikely that in-game text will be useful for PSP games. But according to Sony, it will be up to game creators to make those decisions; if they want to create games that can be played across PlayStation 3 and PSP, they will be able to.
Another key feature of the PlayStation Network Platform will be the ability to download games and other content. Sony yesterday announced it will be making available popular PSone games that you can download direct onto your PSP's Memory Stick, and it is also encouraging developers to create downloads, such as the WipeOut Pure extra packs, for all their new PSP games.
Some of these downloads will be free, but thanks to Sony's centralised billing system, you'll also be able to buy and download extras, whether complete games or new levels. Initially, only credit card billing will be supported, but in time other payment systems will become available. Access to the PlayStation Network Platform itself will be free.
The PlayStation Network Platform service will go live in November, alongside the launch of PlayStation 3.
