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Some of you may remember Sameer Desai’s first interview session with Sony Computer Entertainment India Country Manager Atindriya Bose. Much time has passed since then, and Sam decided to get the GamingIndians community together and voice in their questions for the Big Bose (oh snap). New info concerning recent Playstation brand sales (11,000 units across all three primary platforms in each month since the last three) as well as possible servicing for imported Playstation 3 units were some of the many things discussed.
GI: A major chunk of PlayStation 3s in India is imported and therefore warranty does not apply on these consoles. If we do have a service facility in the future, can Sony provide any sort of support or paid repair service for these owners?
AB: We will, most probably, look at providing service for a price, because ultimately it is a Sony customer, although they will not enjoy warranty. If it is tampered with in any way, like is seen often with the PlayStation 2, we will not touch it. Other than that, we will come up with a policy for imported consoles.
You can catch the entire interview here.
Following on the heels of their Gran Turismo 5: Prologue bundle, Sony India is packaging everyone’s favorite murder-simulator with everyone’s favorite Blu-Ray player into one nice, little expensive Christmas gift. Retail pricing goes for approximately Rs. 26,990. Does this mean we’ll be seeing the Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle sometime soon? Country Manager Atindriya Bose did mention a possibility. But you know what, a price cut would sure seem nice right about now-ish. Mmhmm. Yup. Price cut. As in, make it cheaper.
Press release after the jump.
Looks like Sony’s partnership with Pyramid Saimira and Aurona Technologies was only just the beginning. Turns out, Sony’s got themselves hooked up with a total of 13 Indian-based development studios… And they’re all going to produce exclusive and budget-priced titles for the Playstation 2, aimed for both the local and international market. Some of which might even have Eye Toy support!
According to Zeno Colaco, vice president (publisher and developer relations), ‘PS2 users will get the best out of their machines with games based on our motion-sensing technology.’
Globally, Sony is expected to launch 150 titles for PS2 alone. The 2008 FICCI report on Indian Media and Entertainment Industry reveals that the local gaming industry garnered Rs 270 crore (Rs 2.7 billion) at the end of 2007 - up 32 per cent from Rs 205 crore (Rs 2.05 billion) in 2006.
With an already estimated userbase of 325,000 units in India (and still growing), Sony’s initiative becomes a bit more clearer. What remains to be seen is if these locally-developed games can rise to the call and meet with international expectations. Doubt it! But hot dog, now I’m curious to see what companies like Indiagames have in store for us. Sitar Hero, anyone? Bring it on.
Thanks to Sam Turismo 5: Prologue for the heads-up. He knows how to get my hood poppin’, if you know what I mean.
(Source: Business Standard)
Ever had one of those days when your private stealth jet’s AI decides to go sentient, rampaging all across the Middle East while trying to “find” itself the meaning for its existence - especially while on the day when you really, really need to get somewhere fast? It’s only one of the more creative excuses I could come up at this time, because despite being invited to the God of War: Chain of Olympus Launch Event in Mumbai (with a special appearance of Gran Turismo 5: Prologue), none of us from TAP went. I have a throbbing pain in my chest, and her name echoes agony!
Fortunately, such was not the case with GamingIndians stalwart and Gran Turismo junkie Sameer Desai. Not only was he able to break inside the Sony Auditorium with the utmost ease, Sameer tracked down Sony Computer Entertainment of India’s Country Manager, Atindriya Bose, for a little round of one-on-one (Latino Kratos need not apply). How conveniently convenient! Time for some “good cop, bad cop” - GI style. More after the jump, yo.