Sony Quizzing For PS3 Online
List points to a possible Xbox Live-type service.
by Patrick Klepek, 01/18/2006
78 of 85 users recommend this story.
Sony continues to say they're leaving online gaming in the hands of individual developers and publishers, even as developers seem to continually favor Microsoft's approach. The difference between what Sony's saying publicly and actually prepping for, however, may be completely different, if a recent online poll is any indication.
An IGN forum user was one of those invited to participate in the survey asking users a number of questions about their online preferences. There's no doubt Sony will up the ante with their PlayStation 3 service, but many of the questions seem to point to the possibility of a unified, Xbox Live-esque service.
Why else would Sony be wondering about the "ability to choose an Avatar for all online titles," "a standard, interactive lobby structure for all games," "headset support in all online games," and perhaps most importantly, "a single identity and password for all online games." Sounds an awful lot like features found in a competitor's machine.
No one wants to pay for an online service, but you'll be hard pressed to find a gamer who wants individual usernames, passwords and friend lists for all their online games. The fact that Sony's even asking, however, bodes well for PlayStation 3 online.
The entirety of the 33 survey questions are as follows:
* 1. On a typical day, how often do you play games online?
* 2. Do you own a PSP?
* 3. What is your preferred Online gaming format?
* 4. What Online Gaming Formats do you own?
* 5. Do you think you will purchase a PS3?
* 6. A single identity and password for all online games?
* 7. Global Lobbies allowing you to play against anyone in the world?
* 8. Game Lobbies should be language based. (English, French, German etc)
* 9. Game Lobbies should be based geographically.
* 10. A standard, interactive lobby structure for all games.
* 11. Headset support in all online games?
* 12. A QWERTY keyboard as standard for messaging.
* 13. USB Keyboard support for every online title.
* 14. Friend List allowing you to see online/offline status?
* 15. Friend List allowing you to see what game your friends are playing?
* 16. Private Messaging across games?
* 17. A feedback rating allowing you to choose who you play against?
* 18. Ability to remove players out via a majority vote?
* 19. Game Host has the ability to remove players?
* 20. Automatically filter opponents based on connection quality?
* 21. The ability to download music, game demos and other content?
* 22. Ability to access the dedicated game forum whilst in game?
* 23. Ability to take screenshots during the game and share them with friends?
* 24. Ability to take movie clips in game and share them with friends?
* 25. Ability to play my music during a game?
* 26. An in game grief reporting system?
* 27. Ability to access and manage your gaming profile via PC, PSP as well as PS3?
* 28. Community features without the need for a game disc.
* 29. Ability to choose an Avatar for all online titles.
* 30. The inclusion of a web browser.
* 31. A specific lobby only for Adults.
* 32. Service should feature a Global Ranking system for each game.
* 33. Game Lobbies should be Eyetoy compatible.