PlayStation Experience 2008 debuted in Bangalore on Saturday after a successful stint in Mumbai last weekend. There is not much to report from the Bangalore leg as we were told the setup has been carried as is from Mumbai. The same games were on display with the exception of TNA Impact, which was absent in Mumbai, but made an appearance in Bangalore.
The show floor was split into zones just like in Mumbai and you can read more about the games on show in our Mumbai coverage. I spent some quality time playing Killzone 2 but due to the absence of DUALSHOCK 3 controllers, the game just did not have the same appeal without the feedback from every single shot fired. The EA Sports Zone was one of the most visited, with people particularly enjoying Facebreaker a lot. Surprisingly, LittleBigPlanet in the Family Zone found few takers.
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In the midst of this all, I did manage to talk to Atindriya Bose, Country Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment India, briefly and he was kind enough to answer some of the queries I had.
IndianVideoGamer: Does Sony plan to introduce any new accessories in India?
Atindriya Bose: We are constantly trying to get more accessories in India, but we need to look at the demand-effort ratio as well. We can team up with Milestone to get the accessories, but what is the point if we just end up selling 35-40 units in a year? As we see demand increase, we will definitely get them to India.
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IndianVideoGamer: How do you see gaming as a career option for youngsters as the industry in India is growing at a fast pace?
Atindriya Bose: We already have immense potential and job openings in the field of sales and marketing for video games and innovative minds can always choose that line. The gaming industry is growing and we are seeing development studios coming up in India. As we grow, we will see more companies getting into development and having the right expertise, a person can look forward to getting into those companies. I expect no less than 10 development studios in the next two years, whereas thinking of even one last year was a dream for us.
IndianVideoGamer: What do you think of the Xbox 360 price cut that has been rumoured? The launch of the Xbox 360 Arcade console is also rumoured at half the price of the PS3. What are your views on that?
Atindriya Bose: Yes, we have heard of it too, but then I can say PS2 is half the price of the Xbox 360 and it’s doing great. The way we look at it is that it gives gamers more choice. We have the PSP and with DS coming into market, it makes it even better for gamers. Healthy competition is always nice. The PS3 is a premium brand and will sell in its class.
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IndianVideoGamer: Since the PS3 is also a media centre hub, what is your take on the catalogue of Blu-ray movies available in India. It seems very limited and some good movies never see the light of day here on Blu-Ray.
Atindriya Bose: We have noticed that and I am constantly sharing the sales figures with Sony Pictures so that they can work on the catalogue and hopefully we will see that situation improving in the near future.
IndianVideoGamer also had a chance to speak with Atin last week during the Mumbai leg. Click here for that interview.
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Unfortunately, the lack of advertising resulted in a low turnout on Saturday. But all in all, it was a great event and kudos to Sony for a job well done. And as Sameer said earlier, it would be great to see participation from other publishers in future PlayStation Experience events.
Enjoy the pics from PlayStation Experience 2008, Bangalore below. See you in Delhi.
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