Sony Computer Entertainment Canada and Rogers announce exclusive
agreement to bring next generation mobile gaming experiences to
Canadians
TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2012 /CNW/ – Rogers Communications and Sony Computer
Entertainment Canada announced today that Rogers will provide exclusive
wireless connectivity for the 3G-enabled PlayStation Vita launching in
Canada this fall. With a wireless connection, PS Vita owners will now
have the ability to remain connected to their content and gaming
community over the Rogers wireless network.
“PlayStation Vita with a 3G connection will completely transform the way
Canadian gamers play on the go, offering new ways to play games and
interact with entertainment,” said Stephen Turvey, Vice President and
General Manager, SCEC. “With access to the Rogers 3G wireless network,
PlayStation Vita owners will be able to stay connected with their
friends and experience PS Vita’s rich social gaming features virtually
wherever they are.”
PS Vita systems with an active Rogers data package will also take
advantage of software functionality developed specifically for the
3G-enabled model that allow users to game at the speed of their mobile
lifestyle, including turn-based, asynchronous multiplayer gameplay,
instantly updated rankings and leaderboards, immediate access to the
latest downloadable add-on content, and real-time community news.
“Canadians want to live connected lives, and we are enabling another
world-leading internet experience through working with Sony to deliver
the next mobile gaming innovation to Canadians,” said Mansell Nelson, Vice-President, Machine to Machine at Rogers. “By powering wireless connectivity, we will enhance mobile gaming
through delivering a convenient and seamless experience to hundreds of
thousands of PlayStation Vita users across Canada.”
Wireless enablement and a seamless payment interface will be built into
the PS Vita system through a specialized SIM card powered by the Rogers
Control Centre.
PS Vita owners will have the ability to activate data packages directly
on their device. Rogers will offer two data packages on a
month-to-month basis with no long term contract. Two plans will be
available at launch including:
-
250 MB for $15.00, 30-day data package which starts at the date and time
of purchase -
5 GB for $35, 30-day data package which starts at the date and time of
purchase
PS Vita also features a wide range of social networking features
developed specifically for the system that provide unique, handheld
entertainment experiences:
-
Location-based application “near” will allow users to find out what other PS Vita owners in their
vicinity are currently playing and what titles are most popular in the
area. “near” also enables location-based gaming features such as
“gifting,” in which a user can access virtual game-related items that
other users are sharing by checking in at geographic locations. For
example, in the popular kart racing series ModNation Racers: Road Trip,
PS Vita users will be able to collect rare gift items provided through
the game when visiting specific points of interest in 45 major cities
around the world. They can then share them with other PS Vita owners
through the “near” application. -
“LiveArea™” is an interactive interface for each PS Vita software title
in which users can access the latest information for games through
PlayStation®Network. -
In addition, a variety of social networking and communications services
such as Facebook, Flickr, foursquare, and Twitter will be available on
PS Vita.
The PlayStation®Vita 3G/Wi-Fi Launch Bundle includes a download voucher
for two great exclusive PS Vita games* – Gravity Rush™ and Unit 13™,
and will be available at major electronics retailers in Canada on
October 2 for $299.99. Rogers data packages are priced separately and
will be available on a month-to-month basis. Users can easily activate
a data package directly from their PS Vita system.
For more information on the 3G-enabled lineup for PlayStation Vita,
please visit www.playstation.ca
For the complete array of Rogers offerings, visit www.rogers.com/m2m.
About Rogers Communications:
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media
company. We are Canada’s largest provider of wireless voice and data
communications services and one of Canada’s leading providers of cable
television, high speed internet and telephony services. Through Rogers
Media we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised
shopping, magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and
digital media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange
(TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please
visit rogers.com.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the
entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® systems, the
PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP®
(PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the
ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and
its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and
PlayStation®Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony
Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of
products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for
the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP, PSPgo, PS Vita and PS3 systems for the
North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer
Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American
operations.
SOURCE: Rogers Communications Inc.