E3 2004: SCEE Announces EyeToy: Chat

We told you to expect more EyeToy announcements, and here is the first.

A game that sees you control Sonic with your arms is not the only new EyeToy offering to appear at E3 this year. Sony will be showcasing the next firstparty EyeToy title from London Studio, EyeToy: Chat.

By utilizing the Network Adaptor in conjunction with EyeToy you'll be able to open up a whole new world of communication in the living room. This innovative application - the first of it's kind on any games console - allows you to turn your PlayStation 2 into a videophone giving you the opportunity to communicate with other 'EyeToy: Chat' users anywhere in the world, with no added cost beyond your usual ISP broadband line rental.

EyeToy: Chat offers four very different ways to communicate including text, voice, video mail and one to one video chat. The 'text chat' rooms allow 256 people to talk together, while 16 people can converse at one time in the 'voice chat' rooms. Of course the real fun of using 'EyeToy: Chat' are the video chat functions where you can see the person you are talking to 'in real time'. For the cost of your broadband connection you can have free unlimited video chat with anyone in the world - and, says Sony, "What you chat about is up to you!"

The more competitive chatterboxes also have the option to play one of three games together while using the one on one video chat, including: Chess, Draughts and 'Naval War'. Intriguing.

EyeToy: Chat also gives you the chance of sending 30-second video mail messages to people on your buddies list... Which can be much more fun than leaving a message on an answer phone! Providing your mates all have a PS2, Network Adapter, broadband, EyeToy and a copy of Chat, of course.

To prevent illegal sex with children, new EyeToy: Chat users will be required to register their details online at PlayStation.net and verify their details by inputting the PIN number sent to their address. With strict safety measures in place, chat room moderators and clear processes for grievances, EyeToy: Chat is described by Sony as one of the safest communication packages available on any system on the market.

Stay tuned for the inevitable EyeToy: Sex Chat scene.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com