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A few days ago UMD Talk reported new that Sony plans to sell games online, allowing content to be downloaded directly to the PSP. At the time, the move seemed a logical progression. Wireless, or plain old wired internet connectivity is a must for any competing mobile device, so with average domestic connection speeds increasingly seemingly daily, why not take advantage?
However, on the 'anti' side of the fence sit the retailers. If Sony allows gamers to download games directly, it is win win for the developer and Sony, while the bricks and mortar game shop, or even etailer doesn't gain a cent. Phil Harrison, President of Worldwide Studios at Sony Computer Entertainment has been reported as saying: "That direct connection between the consumer and the game creator is something we want to push." If it were not Sony themselves behind the move, one could be forgiven for arguing that the giant would be on the 'anti' side also. Afterall, UMD Movie sales are floundering and the early sceptics are left smiling smugly at the early adopters. Therefore, with the video sales waining, why would Sony so bullishly make moves to futher reduce distribution of the UMD format, whether it contains a game, a movie or otherwise? Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment are rumoured to have paused movies production for UMD indefinately despite the early takeup. Some argue that too many titles were released too early, leaving high competition for the consumers dollar in a market that is still in infancy. Retailers, despite being the receiving end for UMD games, seem to be reducing shelf space for the movie format in line with the actions of the studios. Rumours are circulating that Wal-Mart is about to remove its entire UMD movie inventory. With talk of PSP version 2 starting to crop up over the web, the question is, will it have a slot for UMD (if not only to allow compatiblility between models), or will the most recent events render the UMD a legacy? |
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