Sony Unveils Online for Europe

Trials to commence from end of month, with speculation of a full rollout in June. Details inside.

Today, SCE UK announced details of its plans for PS2 broadband network gaming in the UK. Consumer trials for the service will commence from March 31st. No date has been given for a full online roll-out as yet, although we've heard mumblings of an early June launch.

To join the PlayStation 2 network gaming trial community, consumers must have a PlayStation 2 and a broadband connection. They must register their interest to participate in the trials by visiting uk.playstation.com and completing an online questionnaire.

If subsequently accepted as a trial member they will then be able to purchase a 'starter kit' comprising:

• PlayStation 2 Network Adaptor,
• SOCOM USB Headset,
• Special on-line only version of SOCOM: US Navy SEALs

The PlayStation Network starter pack will be priced at £39.99 (plus postage and packing £5.00) and will be available through the PlayStation online shop only, to players accepted onto the consumer trial.

Being a member of the trial community brings with it many advantages. This exclusive group of people will not only assist in trialing the consumer launch of PlayStation 2 network gaming, but the trial is open ended meaning that the community will be approached with many further games and applications in advance of their launch for their valued feedback. Whilst the version of SOCOM available in the PlayStation Network starter pack only features the on-line elements, participants who complete the trial will be sent a full gratis packaged copy of SOCOM: US Navy SEALs.

The PlayStation 2 Ethernet Network Adaptor enables PlayStation 2 owners to access network multiplayer games through a participating broadband network. It plugs into a dedicated bay at the back of the PlayStation 2 designed specifically for this purpose, then links via an ethernet cable (supplied) to a broadband connection.

Broadband partners in the UK include Telewest Broadband, BT Openworld and BT Retail, NTL and Freeserve and they will each be offering competitive packages specifically tailored to PlayStation 2 network gaming.

Commenting on SCE UK's plans for the launch of PlayStation network gaming, Ray Maguire, Managing Director of SCE UK said, "Starting with the groundbreaking experience of 16 player SOCOM with voice communication, PlayStation Network gaming will be exciting to play and affordable. The consumer trials will help determine the shape and nature of the commercial offering of this service."

Sony is pinning high hopes on SOCOM: US Navy Seals, and is keen to demonstrate to gamers what their USB Headset can do do enhance the online gaming experience on PS2. In the States, 175,000 people are now playing regularly online with SOCOM. At a SCEE event this week, the title was demonstrated alongside the latest version of Eye Toy, and the special online version of Destruction Derby: Destruction Derby: Online Arenas. We'll have more on these shortly.

The SCE UK announcement follows the successful launches of PlayStation 2 network gaming last year in North America and Japan, and will compete head-to-head with Xbox Live which launches in the UK fully on March 14.

John Gold
Destruction Debry is looking sweet...