Sony has long been a vocal supporter of a decentralized means of delivering online gaming to Playstation owners, something which many assumed would also apply to its next-generation effort, the PS3. The latest news however, suggests that the Japanese console giant may be considering its own version of a Live service, similar to Microsoft's XBox Live.
Gamers seem to struggle to reply when asked if they prefer using a subscription based centralized service for all online games, offering a single username and password and various features or if they would rather have free online gameplay but with the need to create a new account for every game and reduced extras. Developers on the other hand seem to be unanimously in favor of Microsoft's centralized system and seem particularly happy about the help and support that Microsoft provides.
Sony appears to be ready to take the big step and borrow a page out of Microsoft's online book as it has already begun distributing a questionnaire to gamers regarding console online gaming. Questions such as A single identity and password for all online games? and A standard, interactive lobby structure for all games... seem to suggest that the Playstation 3 creators are certainly contemplating the possibility of the creation of a service that may offer PS3 gamers features similar to those that XBox Live users have been enjoying for a while now.
The complete list of questions was revealed by an IGN forum user who was sent the Sony questionnaire. The full set of questions is as follows:
1 On a typical day, how often do you play games online?
2 Do you own a PSP?
3 What is your preferred Online gaming format?
4 What Online Gaming Formats do you own?
5 Do you think you will purchase a PS3?
6 A single identity and password for all online games?
7 Global Lobbies allowing you to play against anyone in the world?
8 Game Lobbies should be language based. (English, French, German etc)
9 Game Lobbies should be based geographically.
10 A standard, interactive lobby structure for all games.
11 Headset support in all online games?
12 A QWERTY keyboard as standard for messaging.
13 USB Keyboard support for every online title.
14 Friend List allowing you to see online/offline status?
15 Friend List allowing you to see what game your friends are playing?
16 Private Messaging across games?
17 A feedback rating allowing you to choose who you play against?
18 Ability to remove players out via a majority vote?
19 Game Host has the ability to remove players?
20 Automatically filter opponents based on connection quality?
21 The ability to download music, game demos and other content?
22 Ability to access the dedicated game forum whilst in game?
23 Ability to take screenshots during the game and share them with friends?
24 Ability to take movie clips in game and share them with friends?
25 Ability to play my music during a game?
26 An in game grief reporting system?
27 Ability to access and manage your gaming profile via PC, PSP as well as PS3?
28 Community features without the need for a game disc.
29 Ability to choose an Avatar for all online titles.
30 The inclusion of a web browser.
31 A specific lobby only for Adults.
32 Service should feature a Global Ranking system for each game.
33 Game Lobbies should be Eyetoy compatible
