SCEA is announcing adhocParty, the PSP internet multiplayer service, will be launching stateside in November. AdhocParty, a PS3 service, will allow a PSP to play local adhoc multiplayer games over the internet utilizing a direct wireless connection with a PS3. The service, by the way, launched in Japan last year.
The press release mentions “select” titles, so PSP games will have to explicitly support the service in order to utilize it. Gran Tourismo PSP and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite are slated to support the service.
Much of the PSP’s meteoric success in Japan can be credited to Monster Hunter’s adhoc multiplayer which created a viral-word of mouth success. However, online oriented culture has prevented the game from achieving similar success outside Japan.
AdhocParty might be Sony’s attempt at translating the Japanese multiplayer success to the western market. However, the necessity of a PS3 in order to use the service might limit its potential audience. After all, wouldn’t PS3 owners rather play PS3 games online? I think a similar service for the PC would appeal to PSP owners who don’t have a PS3.
Full Press Release:
November 13, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the availability of the online service, “adhocParty for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system,” coming to North America in November. The service, which launched in Japan last year, enables PSP system owners to play select online multiplayer games featuring Ad Hoc mode over the Internet through the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. PSP titles with Ad Hoc mode traditionally require users to play within close proximity to each other, but with “adhocParty,” PSP owners with a PS3 system can play one another through the PlayStation®Network.
“The PlayStation brand is synonymous with creating exciting new gameplay experiences that connect and challenge people in ways they never thought possible,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. “AdhocParty for the PSP system creates an avenue for gamers to connect, strategize, and compete with each other – Gran Turismo is a great example of this. Polyphony Digital developed robust Ad Hoc features within the game, which are now even more accessible through adhocParty. We saw this as a tremendous opportunity to enhance the PSP system’s online gaming experience and bring the service to our North American consumers.”
Popular titles such as SCEA’s Gran Turismo® for PSP and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite from Capcom® will soon have access to this new social gaming service.
“The secret to Monster Hunter’s fantastic success on PSP around the world has been the social aspect of the game, which brings together players from all walks of life,” said Mark Beaumont, chief operating officer, North America and Europe, Capcom. “AdhocParty for the PSP system will connect gamers to the content they love as well as to those who share the same passion for gaming. At last, Monster Hunter fans will be able to adventure together, regardless of where they are in North America.”
Interoperability between the PSP and PS3 systems through features such as “adhocParty for the PSP system” enable users to interact with other PlayStation gamers in new and innovative ways – all of which is only possible on the PlayStation platform.
