Sony’s much-awaited gaming console PlayStation 4 (or PS4) was made available for sale to Indian consumers on 6 January onwards at a retail price of INR 39,990/- The launch was supported with a lineup of over 20 first- and third-party games, including exclusive titles like Knack™ and Killzone: Shadow Fall™. In totality, Sony claims the PS4 system will have a library of over 30 games by the end of the year.
“This is an exciting time for all of us at PlayStation and after the successful launch across United States and European markets, we are putting in all our energy behind a successful introduction of the PlayStation 4 to the Indian consumers. It is quite overwhelming to see the unprecedented demand for PS4 across the world and amongst the Indian gamers.” said Atindriya Bose, Country Head – PlayStation India.
Unveiling of PS4 by Atindriya Bose – Country Head, PlayStation India; Kenichiro Hibi – MD, Sony India; and Robert Fisser – VP, SCEE (ME, Turkey, Africa & India)
The PS4 system enables game developers to realise their creative vision on a platform specifically tuned to their needs, making it easier to build huge, interactive worlds in smooth 1080p HD resolution. Its supercharged PC architecture – including an enhanced Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and 8GB of GDDR5 unified system memory – is designed to ease game creation and deliver a dramatic increase in the richness of content available on the platform. The end result for players is an abundant software library, as more than 180 games are currently being developed.
The PS4 system takes social connectivity into the next generation by enabling gamers to immediately share their best gameplay moments with friends. With a press of the “SHARE” button on the DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controller, images and videos can be shared with other players in the activity feed on their PS4 system’s Dynamic Menu, or on social networking services such as Facebook®. Gameplay screens and videos can also be shared with friends online. In addition, players can broadcast their gameplay in real-time using live internet streaming services such as Ustream and Twitch. During live broadcasts, friends can even make comments on the streamed gameplay.
The PS4 system integrates second screens, including the PlayStation®Vita system (PS Vita), smartphones and tablets, to connect gamers to the PlayStation ecosystem wherever they are. Through Remote Play, gamers can play most PS4 titles on their PS Vita system via Wi-Fi on their home network, freeing up the television for other uses. The PlayStation®App will further enhance the PS4 system experience by allowing iPhone, iPad, and AndroidTM based smartphones and tablets to become second screens. Once installed, users can for example, see maps on their second screens when playing an adventure game on the PS4 system, purchase a PS4 game while away from home and download it directly to their system, or find and watch shared PS4 gameplay. PlayStation App is now available for free on the iOS App Store and Google Play.
The PlayStation®Plus (PS Plus) membership service has been further enhanced on the PS4 system, helping gamers discover a world of extraordinary game experiences through access to a regularly refreshed collection of free games. PS Plus members have access to Resogun™ from SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) and Contrast from Compulsion Games for free as part of Instant Game Collection™, along with DRIVECLUB™PS Plus Edition from SCE WWS anticipated in early 2014. PS Plus gives PS4 system users access to online multiplayers worthy of the next generation, one GB of online storage for game saves, automatic save data backup, and game patch automatic downloads.
With strong third-party developer support from day one, the PS4 system launched with blockbuster games like Assassin’s Creed® IV: Black Flag™ from Ubisoft Entertainment, NBA® 2K14 from 2K, Battlefield 4, FIFA 14, Need for Speed Rivals and NBA LIVE 14 from Electronic Arts. PS4 also launched with a diverse list of indie games including, Warframe from Digital Extremes, and Super Motherload from XGen Studios.
PS4’s games portfolio expands in 2014 with games like the highly anticipated franchise favorite inFAMOUS™: Second Son from SCE WWS, as well as brand new IP including The Order 1886 from SCE WWS, Watch_Dogs™ from Ubisoft Entertainment and #DRIVECLUB™ from SCE WWS. All of these titles showcase the power of PS4 with breathtaking graphics and breakthrough gameplay experiences.
