14 DAY TRIAL // Sony Online Entertainment is the developer and publisher of a multitude of MMO games. Among its titles are Everquest, Everquest II, the ill-fated and update-nerfed Star Wars Galaxies and the more recent Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, originally developed by Sigil and then acquired by SOE.
But SOE does much more than simply create and maintain MMOs. With the launch of Sony's PlayStation 3 game console, SOE has begun creating games for the new platform, of which the first was Untold Legends Dark Kingdom. More titles were later added for the digital download service of the PS3. Games from Midway's back catalog, including classics like Mortal Kombat II, got acquired by SOE.
From its humble beginnings as a game developer with little staff, formed by merging parts of Sony Online Ventures and Sony Pictures Entertainment, SOE grew to be one of the most important revenue streams for Sony in general, with an important contribution in both MMO development and PS3 game creation. As such, the way SOE reported to Sony Pictures Digital became obsolete.
That's why Sony Computer Entertainment, headed by Sony legend Ken Kutaragy, will now have direct control over SOE, to better integrate its activities with the overall plans Sony has with the PlayStation3. Kazuo Hirai, president of Sony Sony Computer Entertainment, said that: "I am excited to be able to work with SOE even more closely, as online games and services become a more integral part of the PS3 entertainment experience." Sony Online Entertainment John Smedley also thinks the move is a good sign and stated that: "We are thrilled to become a part of the incredible team that has made PlayStation 3 the premier platform for next generation online gaming."
What will this move bring gamers? First of all, better online experiences for PS3 owners and probably more content aimed at the people that play SOE's MMOs.