Ah, sim. O Brasil.
EITA! O BRASIL NÃO ESTÁ NA LISTA.
No press-release, Mark Stanley, diretor e gerente geral da Sony Computer Entertainment America para a América Latina diz o seguinte: "Nosso comprometimento em expandir o negócio do PlayStation na América Latina dá suporte à nossa visão de prover acesso a experiências de entretenimento social que possam ser compartilhadas por amigos e famílias ao redor do mundo. Esta expansão é o resultado direto de nós ouvirmos atentamente a nossa comunidade. E estamos orgulhosos de entregar um hardware e software de alto nível que permitirão a eles facilmente se conectar, jogar, e comunicar uns com os outros."
A pergunta é: que comunidade ele estava ouvindo? Certamente não foi a de gamers brasileiros. Mas há esperança: em evento que aconteceu no último mês de novembro, o vice-presidente de vendas da SCEA, Ian Jackson, falou bem do nosso País. "Identificamos que o mercado brasileiro é, provavelmente, a maior oportunidade para nós, e ele fará parte da terceira etapa das nossas instalações, que acontecerá entre março e maio de 2009." Segundo o FinalBoss, o Brasil, Uruguai e Paraguai estariam na segunda fase de implantação da rede, entre março e maio. A assessoria da Sony não quis comentar o caso com o FB, e vamos atrás de uma palavra deles depois do Carnaval. Boa farra até lá.
Abaixo o release, em inglês:
February 20, 2009 – FOSTER CITY, Calif., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today officially announced the expansion of PlayStation business into Latin America, making its award-winning computer entertainment systems and services formally available to the region. Latin America is a pivotal step in SCEA’s mission to bring engaging entertainment to people around the world, already consisting of an active worldwide install base of 21.3 million PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system, in addition to more than 17 million registered accounts for PlayStation Network. The Latin America expansion will specifically introduce the PS3 system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and PlayStation 2 system to 13 different countries in the region.
"Our commitment to expand PlayStation business into Latin America supports our vision to provide access to social entertainment experiences that can be shared among friends and family from around the world," said Mark Stanley, director and general manager, Latin America, SCEA. "This expansion is the direct result of us listening closely to our community, and we’re proud to deliver premium hardware and software services that will allow them to easily connect, play and communicate with one another."
Through a distribution partnership with Sony Latin America, PlayStation services are now available in select countries throughout the Latin America region. This includes access to PlayStation Network, a free entertainment network service that delivers original content, future-proofing system software updates, and online services that foster community among its worldwide audience.
In the coming weeks, PlayStation.com, the official PlayStation website, will introduce a localized Web site providing the most current PlayStation news and information relevant to users in select countries in Latin America. Features of the site include access to the PlayStation Blog, detailed product pages with PS3, PlayStation 2, PSP and PlayStation Network content, public forums to engage with the PlayStation community.
In addition to software services, Latin American users will now have the opportunity to maximize their online experiences with added functionality from peripherals that make it easier to communicate. Peripherals like the PS3 Bluetooth Headset and PlayStation Wireless Keypad enable users to connect and communicate with each other in and out of games.
For the Latin American users on the go, one of the biggest value offerings from PlayStation is the connectivity between PS3 and PSP platforms, providing a seamless solution for those looking to experience their entertainment when and where they want. With each device’s built-in Wi-Fi capabilities and remote play functionality, users will have access to many of their entertainment and media stored on their PS3 remotely, enabling them to play games, watch movies, and listen to their music when on the move.*
Visit www.PlayStation.com for more information on the expansion of PlayStation business into Latin America.