Game BuzzardCyber Arcade

Sony Entertainment Chief Kaz Hirai announced plans to create a new studio called Sony Network Entertainment which he will head in an attempt to unify all the Sony PSN content/products under one roof. Hirai wants this new expansion to reach beyond the traditional gaming platform to include the network enabled Blu-ray players, Sony Bravia TV’s and Sony PCs. Hirai’s goal is to deliver “a single user login and experience to all product lines.” Back in June when Hirai first announced the expansion many industry analysts felt like this expansion was the catalyst that the PSN needed to bring it to the level of Xbox Live and compete head to head. The video service to TV’s Blu-ray devices should come online by next month.

With PS3 new ad campaign in full gear during the Holidays as the “Do Everything” system Sony has clearly set it sights on the Xbox 360. Personally I think Sony products and their proprietary technology that they develop is often years ahead of most competitors but in this instance maybe its two little two late. Yes I own a 360 and prefer it over my PS3 (Metal Gear Ltd.) not because I think the 360 is better but because the online experience is so much easier and I feel of better quality. I think both offer great games and great graphics but for online gaming the 360 I would say is the winner.

What Xbox Live has been doing (1st with Netflix) with all media content PSN is now just starting. With the recent server issues revolving the Modern Warfare 2 release and the servers crashing on opening day is not acceptable. Sony blames Activision yet Activision claims it wasn’t them, either way the PSN looks bad. There where no issues that I am aware of with the 360 servers. That’s not to say that the 360 doesn’t have its own set of issues (RRD) but for the most the Xbox Live experience and content has been very smooth. Before you jump all over me claiming I’m an Xbox fan understand that we all need to have choices when it comes to gaming and online content and in order for Xbox and PSN to continue and improve their services for us we need them both in the picture along with the Wii.

Because of the Wii run away success with motion activated controllers and games we will sooner than later experience Xbox and PS3 versions. By some accounts almost 2 years ahead of schedule if it where not for the Wii. My only concern is that the PSN improved its current online gaming integration before moving onto other product lines. Despite being a free service currently I feel many users would pay for the service if it was vastly improved. – Game On