SCEE whips up a storm

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe reveals the future of PlayStation 3 and PSP at Games Convention in Leipzig.

At its press conference at Games Convention in Leipzig on August 22, 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) made a series of announcements that demonstrated the strength and innovation of the PlayStation family of products.

These included the launch of PlayTV for PlayStation 3, the introduction of a Video Download Service for PSP in conjunction with British Sky Broadcasting (Sky), a voice chat, video chat and instant messaging service for PSP developed with BT, and the launch of a state-of-the-art satellite navigation accessory for PSP.

Amongst a host of software announcements was the launch of Buzz: Quiz TV, the PS3 version of the popular quiz game, which offers a variety of quiz channels on every subject, plus online challenges, downloadable question packs and opportunities to share and play bespoke user generated quizzes. Launch dates for the eagerly awaited Gran Turismo 5 Prologue were announced and a new video and playable demo of the PS3 exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was shown by Konami.

At the press conference, David Reeves, President of SCEE announced that, together with its third party publishing partners, SCEE planned to release more than 275 new titles across the PlayStation platforms in the run up to Christmas.

A total of 62 software titles were planned for PS3 before the end of the year, including such eagerly awaited titles as Heavenly Sword, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. For PSP, 74 titles were scheduled for release by year end, including the latest titles from established series such as WipEout, Pursuit Force and Syphon Filter.

PlayStation 2, which was still showing incredible growth given its seventh year on sale, would enjoy over 139 titles. For PlayStation Network more than 22 titles were on track for a pre-Christmas release, including Warhawk, WipEout HD and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the latest iteration of the best-selling racing game of all time.