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Platform Filters:   All Platforms  Xbox   GameCube   PlayStation 2   PC   Game Boy Advance   Site Sections:   Updates  News   Games   Publishers   Developers   Reviews   Previews   Release Dates   Editorials   Glossary   Contact Us		Latest News:       5th November 2002: PlayStation 2 Online!  PlayStation 2 European Broadband Network Gaming Plans are announced. Posted by John Grothier - PlayStation 2 - UK and Europe Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has finally announced that the PlayStation 2 broadband network gaming will be launched in the spring of 2003, beginning with the UK. Other SCEE territories including France, Spain, Germany and Australia will be phased throughout the rest of 2003. The recent successful launch in both North America and Japan has now made the PlayStation 2 the leading online console gaming platform in those territories. SOCOM: US Navy Seals, which is the first online game that utilises voice communication between players has been a huge hit in America, and those lucky yanks are playing each other at their own special version of the beautiful game, Electronic Arts' Madden NFL 2003 - which has become a huge online hit with hundreds of thousands of players regularly taking part in their own leagues. And over in Japan there are reported to be over 100,000 PS2's already connected to the network. Silicon Fusion takes a look at what to expect from the new PlayStation 2 network gaming experience: A highly diverse network platform that enables content companies, games publishers and ISPs to provide gamers with the broadest selection of new online experiences and entertainment. The network will not be constrained by any one company acting as a gatekeeper of the content or the consumer. A Broadband Gaming Pack which includes a PlayStation 2 Ethernet Network Adaptor, an online game and a start-up disc featuring demos of upcoming games. With a suggested retail price of £44.99 this pack will enable PlayStation 2 owners to access online multiplayer games through a participating broadband network. From spring 2003 an exciting range of network enhanced games will be launched from Sony Computer Entertainment studios. These will include SOCOM: US Navy Seals, Hardware: Online Arena, Destruction Derby Online, Twisted Metal Online, Frequency 2, My Street, ATV Offroad, This is Football 2004 and World Rally Championship Online. A completely new PlayStation 2 version of Everquest, the world's most successful online game, from Sony Online Entertainment. An exciting range of network enhanced games from SCEE partner publishers such as Capcom, Electronic Arts, Activision, Take 2 and Eidos. Commenting on SCEE's plans for the launch of network gaming, Chris Deering, President of SCEE said, "PlayStation 2 owners with broadband internet access will be able to purchase a Broadband Gaming Pack and immediately start playing a great selection of multiplayer games online. It will be simple to set up, exciting to play and affordable. Our philosophy is to have a very diverse and inclusive platform that will enable content companies, games publishers and ISP portals to provide consumers with the broadest selection of new online experiences and entertainment from a variety of sources." The PlayStation 2 network gaming experience will be accessible through a wide range of broadband network partners and will be available through both cable and ADSL connections. Consumer trials will commence in the UK before the end of 2002 with network partners. Silicon Fusion will be keeping you up to date will the PS2's online gaming network, with an in depth look at some of the online games scheduled for launch. John Grothier
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