It’s official. The PlayStation 3 will offer something most other gaming systems don’t: a world without walls.
During a question-and-answer session following his keynote speech at GDC, Sony Computer Entertainment president Phil Harrison let the cat out of the bag so to say. The PS3 will be region free. Harrison also revealed some details about the upcoming online service as well.
Considering Sony’s wall of silence surrounding the console in past months, this news is bigger than big, it’s huge.
It is believed that the reason for this is to help combat piracy - importing is the one justification for mod chips and swap-discs, but with region locking no longer a problem, it will be easier to crack down on the pirates. On top of this, games will be able to be released simultaneously worldwide. Of course, this could cause issues on 50hz games played on 60hz televisions, and vice-versa. But, with most recent TVs this should not be an issue.
More details on Sony's online service were also revealed. It will be available at the console's launch, with a free service available. There will also be downloadable content, as well as 'micropayments', which can be used to buy small game features. Video chat will be supported, while messages and contact lists are a given.
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The PS3 is due out some time in November in North America, Europe and Japan. It’s believed the console will also make its Australian debut in time for the holidays.
Related:
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