Kutaragi: PS3 platform is made for "e-Distribution"

In the third part of PC Impress Watch interview, SCEI's Ken Kutaragi discusses the potential of digitally delivering content to Sony's next-generation console.

Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi continued to discuss SCEI's plans for the PlayStation 3 in the third part of an interview with Japanese site PC Impress Watch.

At the 1999 Microprocessor Forum, Kutaragi set out a vision of e-Distribution using broadband networks. At that time, most consumers still connected to the Internet with dialup, so that vision was largely ignored. But now Kutaragi stated that Sony will emphasize network features with the Playstation 3. "We really wanted to do this with the PS2," he lamented. "But now, Apple has realized a successful e-Distribution program. It's about time we made our move, too." He continued, "We'll be conducting network services from launch day." He explained why he has steered clear of the e-Distribution topic at conferences. "Talking about our distributors and network services isn't very engaging," he said, "so I didn't mention it at E3."

Regarding the business aspect of the PS3's online components, Sony seems to be taking its cues from the PC. "You can't charge money for network matching and other basic services. These things are just taken for granted on the PC...On the PS3, basic services will be taken for granted while content will be the bread and butter of our business."

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gamespot.com
Joe Schmoe6619d ago

So you will be able to play for free but you will have to purchase things like levels, maps, outfitts, weapons & armour if you would like to have them. That works for me. Also no monthly fee you buy a gaming card and spend as you would with a credit card.

PS360PCROCKS6619d ago

I don't know sony's still lame, I bet their lying for sure, theirs no way it can possibly be free for the servers, Microsoft already said it's expensive to start and just as expensive to maintain

96impala6619d ago

lol sony just can't admit MS did it right, but then again they imitate MS tit for tat. I guess imitation is a form of flattery

PS360PCROCKS6619d ago

of course it is, it's why Sony copies everyone and has nothing original anymore.

slugg6619d ago

If Sony goes the "E-distribution" route, why do they need the huge capacity of the blu-ray discs for games? They don't- just a big hard drive. So all the reasons they give on why blu-ray discs are necessary for those huge next-gen games will end up being more lies?

PS360PCROCKS6619d ago

Looking like it, what didn't you expect that? its what they do best apparently

Phytonadione6619d ago

I think is still years away from being widely accepted. There are still a lot of people that are wary of investing money, time, and energy on downloadable content, storing it all on a hard drive, with the slight chance of some how losing it all. Obviously backing things up is a great insurance, but it is still the idea/design that puts many people off. For the few that are computer savy, it ain't nothing but a chicken wing (especially with all the pirated software/content out there:)

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120°

Mortal Kombat 9 Is Still NetherRealm's Best Game 13 Years Later

Salman from Tech4Gamers writes "Mortal Kombat 9 revived the series from a low point after bringing it back to 2D combat. It marked a new high-point for the franchise due to its incredible roster, exciting cinematic story mode, and high-octane combat."

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tech4gamers.com
Sonyslave322h ago

I like which ever one, Raiden was speed blasting muthafkers.

monkey6026h ago

I agree. 9 was awesome

Shaolin Monks next please

vTuro245h ago

Shaolin Monks is a forgotten gem. I would love to see a new one, or a remake of the old.

vTuro245h ago

That game was actually goated. It was the first time ever that I actually tried to get good at a fighting game. Unfortunately the online connection was so dogshit it made it hard to enjoy and eventually I gave up. Haven't really played much fighting games since.

60°

Playback: Outland

Taking a trip back to Housemarque's forgotten platformer.

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thesixthaxis.com
90°

The Industry Needs To Modernize These 6 Fantastic Classics

The Simpsons: Hit and Run, The Legend of Dragoon, and Chrono Trigger would benefit substantially from a modern remake.

Knightofelemia1d 6h ago (Edited 1d 6h ago )

The Xenosaga trilogy, the Wild Arms games, Xenogears, Parasite Eve, Dino Crisis, Suikoden. The Warriors game I know nothing about but it looks interesting. Anybody can do a list of games they want to see get modernized I would lose my shit if Namco brought the Xenosaga trilogy to modern consoles.