SOE Expects PS3 to Drive Half Its Business

SOE Expects PS3 to Drive Half Its Business

Sony Online Entertainment has a couple of big new projects underway -- namely Free Realms and DC Universe Online -- and it looks like if things go as planned, the PlayStation 3 will factor into both of them in a significant way. In an interview with GameDaily at the Consumer Electronics Show last week, SOE president John Smedley said they expect the PS3 to make up "close to half our business" going forward.

"There's an audience now waiting for online games on the PS3," Smedley explained. "I believe PSN has over 15 million users today. It's growing so quickly, we see a great user base potential there."

Smedley went on to elaborate on the dynamics of the PS3 audience, and how they could affect the business of MMOs. "I think a lot of the people who play PS3 games right now aren't the same people playing MMOs right now," he said. "I think it's going to bring in a lot of new players. There are certainly people who have consoles and PCs in their house. The difference is what they actively play. PS3 gamers are used to playing Resistance 2 instead of a shooter on the PC. I think we can bring this kind of gaming to this audience and I think it's going to be huge."

NIS's Online Store Features Exclusive Prinny Bundles

It's an immutable law - everything is better with penguins. NIS seems to get this, because they're offering a whole lot of lovely extras with the upcoming Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? for the PlayStation Portable.

Kotaku is reporting that preordering a copy of the quirky platformer from NIS's official online store Rosenqueen will net you an assortment of penuin-themed goodness, including the retail version of the game, a soundtrack, and special Penny Arcade Prinny comic. Other bundles available for purchase include the Prinny: Hero to the Rescue Set for $64.99, which includes a Prinny PSP pouch and a Prinny plush, as well as the Prinny: Ultra Dessert Set which also gets you the Disgaea graphic novel for another $5 beyond that.

If you've already pre-ordered Prinny elsewhere, don't worry. You can get both the pouch and plushie by themselves. I can hear the squeals of joy from here.