In theory this will enable an Arsenal fan to challenge a Liverpool supporter to an FA Cup final rematch. Or it could mean motorsport buffs from across the country linking up to a central server and waiting for a full grid of fellow racers to do the same."People who play games are really up for this," says David Docherty, managing director of Telewest's broadband. "Our market research shows that demand is though the roof."Telewest will start technical trials of the games offer later this year, with consumer trials early next year. It will test a range of pricing models including monthly subscriptions and pay-per-play.
Mr Docherty says: "If you think a typical games enthusiast will buy four games a year for £40 each, that looks about right On pay per play, it could be a quid. We don't yet know."The trial will start withgames only but could extend to other internet services such as e-mail and chat. This would enable opponents to send messages during games as the action unfolds.All this is part of Sony's plan to make PlayStation 2 a home entertainment centre rather than just a games machine. Earlier this week the Japanese consumer electronics giant signed an alliance with AOL that will enable PlayStation 2 users to access the web via a special browser from Netscape. Microsoft's XBox is meanwhile being backed by a $500m marketing budget over the next 18 months. It will be priced at $299, though Merrill Lynch has estimated that Microsoft will make a $125 loss on every console it sells. The key to its success might be its ability to launch popular games on its format.
Inability to do so hampered Sega Dreamcast, which was the first console with internet access but is now being phased out. Slower internet access was also a problem, as Dreamcast was based on narrowband.The third Big Three console maker, Nintendo, is standing aside. Its Gamecube, which is due for launch in the US in November and in Europe next year, is intended purely for games. Who will win? Analysts believe the games consoles will prove a more attractive way of acccessing online games than the PC.
