Sony Computer Entertainment America Unveils Revamped Website with Increased Functionality
www.playstation.com Provides Gamers Insight Into the World of PlayStation
PRNewswire
FOSTER CITY, Calif.
10/01/2002
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that its highly trafficked Web site, PlayStation.com (http://www.playstation.com/), has a new look and feel specifically designed to target its loyal fan base. The innovative design has been tailored explicitly to keep gamers up-to-date on the latest PlayStation offerings. Rated as the most popular videogame site by hot100.com, the new content-rich playstation.com will serve as the complete online destination. The award-winning site will now provide the latest game information, game guides, free content as well as behind-the-scenes content from Sony Computer Entertainment America.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021001/SFTU108 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO )
After nearly a year of development that included numerous focus group testing, Sony Computer Entertainment America's newly designed Web site includes many new features. With a click of the mouse the site serves as a complete online destination for enthusiasts, videogame industry professionals, developers, publishers and media.
Key elements of the redesign include:
-- PlayStation fans can now quickly and easily find the games that
interest them with the game finder search tool that offers "view by"
functionality to help users identify games by title, genre/category,
number of players, publisher and release date.
-- For gamers seeking specific product information, the site features
in-depth hardware and software information, including advance links
between titles and hardware that help users easily find peripherals
that support games they choose and games that are supported by
peripherals they choose.
-- Consumers will enjoy the convenience of being able to shop online at
the PlayStation store to pick up the latest PlayStation and PlayStation
2 software. The store locator will assist the consumer in finding
their favorite games with ease. Current participating retailers
include Best Buy, Circuit City, EB Games, GameStop, KB Toys, Kmart,
Sears, Target, Toys "R" Us and Walmart.
-- PlayStation Underground, a unique one-on-one relationship marketing
initiative for PlayStation, allows members to swap stories, offer game
advice, share information and more by posting messages to the site.
-- Gamers can find out how to enter contests and special events, as well
as sponsorship activities by linking to the promotions section.
-- THREADZ, the PlayStation.com store will continue to offer PlayStation
branded merchandise including t-shirts, carriers and CD cases, etc.
-- Corporate information such as job listings will be available online for
the first time.
-- An extensive customer support section will features setup instructions,
game tips and help, game manuals, hardware manuals and links to live
repair status.
-- Direct access to consumer services will allow users to have their
technical questions answered online. Dedicated staff will help users
get quick answers to their inquiries.
-- Public relations contact information and press release archives will be
available to the media.
"We worked closely with gaming enthusiasts in constructing PlayStation.com to ensure the Web site catered to the needs of our loyal PlayStation fan base," said Marilyn Weyant, vice president, loyalty and channel marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The newly designed site appeals to hard-core gamers seeking in-depth game information, as well as casual gamers who want to learn more about the PlayStation lifestyle."
Currently playstation.com receives more than two million visitors per month, with the average user spending between 5 - 10 minutes each session. With easier navigation, quicker download time and new community development applications, the user base is expected to increase tenfold.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console, and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021001/SFTU108http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO
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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
CONTACT: Monica Wik, +1-650-655-5394, or
monica_wik@playstation.sony.com, or Teresa Weaver, +1-650-655-5324, or
teresa_weaver@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc.
Web site: http://www.playstation.com/