Sony 2003 Annual Report Download - page 35

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GAME BUSINESS
Continued Robust Growth in Software Unit Sales
Many PS2 and PS softw are became hits during the year under review. In Japan, hits included Final
Fantasy X-2 from former Square Co., Ltd. (Square Enix Co., Ltd.); WORLD SOCCER WINNING ELEVEN
6 by KONAM I CORPORATION; and Dynasty Warriors 4 by KOEI Co., Ltd. A number of mega hits
emerged in both North America and Europe: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City by Take-Two Interactive
Softw are Inc.; Medal of Honor: Frontline, Madden NFL 2003 and The Lord of the Rings, The Two
Towers by Electronic Arts Inc.; and Kingdom Hearts by former Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. (Square
Enix U.S.A. Inc.). Among SCE’s own titles, Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, which was released in 2001, shipped
more than three million units during the year under review alone w ith cumulative shipments topping
11 million units worldwide. The Getaway, another SCE hit, saw its shipments surpass two million units.
Sony Corporation Annual Report 2003 33
Minna no GOLF online
PS2’s Foray into Broadband
SCE is building a world in which users can enjoy online games and other network services by
connecting PS2 to a broadband network.
In Japan, SCE started the PlayStation BB service in May 2002, enabling users to play online games
and access other services on televisions by connecting PS2 to a broadband network. In June 2003, to
make this service even more popular, SCE began selling, through a wider range of channels, the
accessories necessary for connecting PS2 to networks. About 40 online game titles are planned for
release during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2004.
In North America, in August 2002, SCE launched Network Adaptor, a device designed specifically
to connect PS2 to networks. By the end of March 2003, more than one million units had been
shipped, contributing to a surge in the number of online gamers. In Europe and South Korea, a trial
online game service using Network Adaptor started in April 2003. Full-scale sales of Network Adaptor
are expected soon.
Working together w ith game developers and publishers and other companies, SCE w ill continue to
offer new forms of entertainment through networks.