Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley was interviewed for CNN's Game Over column recently, and gave some information on the company's future projects, which will include an action MMOG with a focus on more modern weapons, and an online strategy game.
The action title is expected to be ready for unveiling at next year's E3 Expo according to Smedley, and when asked about Sony's previous foray into the online strategy gaming genre with Sovereign, he said:
"We're always looking for the right idea and we didn't have it [with 'Sovereign']," he said. "We will be in the strategy market. It's just a matter of timing. We'll get it eventually. ... Our goal is to be the dominant player in every major genre."
Interestingly for PSP owners, SOE is also negotiating with wireless providers to allow free WiFi access at public internet hotspots found in the likes of airports and certain cafe's - the service would be supported by advertisements beamed to the handhelds:The plan, said Smedley, is if you enter one of those Hot Spots and decide to play for a bit, you'll be able to log on without having to configure your PSP with a username or password – and without having to pay the usual fee.
In return for the bandwidth, the wireless provider would likely get advertising in trade, perhaps on a game's loading screens, perhaps in game. Negotiations are continuing.
"I'd say we're about 70 percent of the way there," said Smedley.
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