PDF [4833KB] - Sony

The fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 saw
a number of hit titles emerge from both SCE
and other game software developers/
publishers. One was EyeToy: Play, which was
published by SCE and shipped over 3 million
units. Also during the past fiscal year, additional
software has been introduced that
makes possible new ways to enjoy the PS2
platform, including online games and software
with new user interfaces.
In Japan, North America, Europe and the
Republic of Korea, the development of game
software for online gaming is continuing
apace. As of March 31, 2004, a cumulative
total of more than 3.6 million units of network
adapters for PS2, which are required for
online play, had been sold worldwide. The
number of titles available with online gaming
capability has reached approximately 140
worldwide. In recent years, game software
has been extremely well received, and has
been successful at attracting many new users,
by creating features that allow users to enjoy
PS2 in many new ways including USB cameras,
used with EyeToy: Play, and drum-style
controllers, used in the Taiko no Tatsujin
series created by NAMCO Ltd. These new
interfaces are also playing a major role in
attracting new PS2 users.
SCE will continue to propose various new
ways to enjoy PS2, helping it gain further
ground as the standard game platform
among a wide range of users.
PlayStation Portable (PSP), handheld
video game system, to be launched
SCE is planning to roll out a handheld video
game system called PlayStation Portable (PSP)
in Japan in late 2004. PSP is scheduled to be
shipped in the U.S. and Europe in spring 2005.
PSP has a high-grade TFT LCD screen and
will allow users to enjoy game software with
3D computer graphics on a par with PS2
anytime anywhere. PSP’s wireless networking
capabilities will give users access to online
gaming and permit various PSP units to be
linked up into a wireless network—a feature
that should greatly expand available options
for playing games. The medium chosen for PSP
content is UMD (Universal Media Disc) —Sony’s
newly developed ultra-compact optical disc.
UMD can store up to 1.8 GB of digital data
and is equipped with the latest copyright
protection technology. This allows UMD to be
used not only for encoding game software
with dynamic moving images but also for
movies, music and other digital content.
SCE intends to promote both PSP and UMD
as new entertainment platforms, giving even
more people worldwide the opportunity to
experience the joy of portable entertainment.
Universal Media Disc (UMD)
PlayStation Portable (PSP)
Generating a new computer
entertainment system
By providing advanced technologies in the
form of development tools and middleware
necessary for the development of new
computer entertainment, SCE is continuing to
enhance the environment for creating new
content and further stimulate creativities of
game creators.
SCE continues to work on further increasing
the popularity of the PS and PS2 platforms.
At the same time by aggressively promoting
PSP, which is scheduled for launch in late
2004, SCE will introduce an even more extensive
and more appealing lineup of software.
SCE is also dedicated to stimulating further
development and growth of the game market
and developing an entertainment market
beyond its conventional boundaries.
Proposing new modes of play—
EyeToy: Play
SCE released EyeToy: Play, a software title that
provides a whole new way to enjoy the PS2 computer
entertainment system, in July 2003 first in
Europe and then, subsequently, in other regions.
Through a USB camera, which connects to the PS2
console, this software allows players to use their
hands, legs and heads to interact with the game,
by placing them on the screen. This hit title has
sold more than 3 million units worldwide, playing
a major role in attracting new users to PS2. SCE
and other game software developers/publishers
are planning to launch a stream of titles compatible
with the EyeToy USB camera.
EyeToy: Play
EyeToy camera
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