SOE expects PS3 to represent half of business

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 8th 2009 at 10:51PM }

Sony Online Entertainment is betting it big on PS3. The company is currently working on three MMO titles for the system: Free Realms, DC Universe Online and The Agency. While consoles haven't traditionally been home to MMOs, SOE is hoping that free access to the PlayStation Network will give them the opportunity to succeed in a brand new market.

"I think PS3 will be close to half our business. There's an audience now waiting for online games on the PS3. I believe PSN has over 15 million users today. It's growing so quickly, we see a great user base potential there," SOE president John Smedley told GameDaily BIZ.

We're excited for all three of SOE's MMO projects for the PS3. However, we're most excited by Free Realms, a completely free MMO that charges for in-game items. The variety of gameplay options make us believe it will become a great alternative to PlayStation Home. The beta is starting soon on the PC -- we can't wait to see what the PS3 version will look like.

Tags: john-smedley, soe, sony-online-entertianment

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Divine @ Jan 8th 2009 11:09PM

I'd love Free Realms on the PS3, I'd much rather inhabit a lush green mystical enviroment like that than what's on offer in home atm...

koehler83 @ Jan 8th 2009 11:19PM

Half of their business? What are they basing that on? If they expect the platform to compete with their PC market, they're going to have to get a lot of work done and appeal to a broad range of tastes. They'll also have to do it in a timely manner.

The PS3 would definitely present itself as a sustainable platform for MMOs. Hell, the PS2 is already showing that with FFXI. But it definitely cant compete with PC in that regard. So unless they plan on turning out a metrichitonne of PS3 games quickly, they plan on charging a metrichitonne in a small amount of PS3 games. If the former happens, I'll be thrilled. If the latter happens, I'll be pretty bummed.

Gameplayer112 @ Jan 8th 2009 11:22PM

l'm more excited for DC universe online, l'm a little torn as to which side l'll be on since the characters l like are heroes and villains

MakaiOokami @ Jan 9th 2009 9:14AM

I just want to beat the crap out of Superman. I hate him. Besides you don't have to choose both sides. You can kinda fluctuate on a regular basis. Which is nice, I wanna beat up Superman but I don't hate the Flash.

myabsolution @ Jan 8th 2009 11:43PM

id be concerned. whatever SOE touches withers and dies.

look what they did to Star Wars Galaxies.

Kodros @ Jan 8th 2009 11:59PM

Get over it. I'm sure Lucasarts had it's hands in the changing of SWG.

Master Marik @ Jan 9th 2009 1:23AM

I'm surprised that MMOs aren't getting a kick to consoles with what they can support. ESPECIALLY the PS3 which allows keyboard and mouse in-game. Guild Wars and WoW should get ported just for the sheer hell of it. Not like the PS3 can't support it graphically and network...ly.