GAME celebrates PlayStation Spot launch

UK software retailer GAME is participating in the launch of Sony's new PlayStation Spot service, offering consumers a range of free multimedia content at selected UK 'hotspots' from Friday 28th July.

Aiming to compete with Nintendo's DS Wi-Fi hotspot service, the PlayStation spot initiative will provide consumers with access to a range of game demos, music tracks, film trailers and multimedia entertainment content, which can be downloaded free of charge from selected locations throughout the UK.

Anna Macario, marketing director for GAME, commented: "Through the PlayStation Spot initiative, our PSP owning customers can gain free access to a rich collection of diverse content when they come into one of our 'spot' locations."

"It offers customers an opportunity to try out games before they buy them and the incentive to keep coming in-store to get the latest content and offers available for download," she added.

To celebrate the launch, GAME in Crown Walk, Milton Keynes will be working with Sony to produce a LocoRoco Funday, encouraging customers to try the service and giving away a Ceramic White PSP, complete with software.

Numerous retailers will be taking part in the launch, including Gamestation in Edinburgh and Birmingham, HMV and GAME in London and Virgin in Leeds. Full details on the initial hotspot locations, available from Friday 28th July, can be found by visiting the PlayStation Spot website.

Sony is hoping to roll out a full service throughout the UK in 2007, and will need to ensure that as many retailers and additional hotspot locations as possible can be secured throughout the UK if it's going to catch up with Nintendo's lead.

Nintendo announced the roll out of more than 500 Wi-Fi connection hotspots in UK retail stores in March, offering wireless gameplay and Download Stations for access to free demos and content.

As a result of its partnerships with providers such as BT Openzone, there are currently over 8000 DS Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the UK, creating a massive challenge for Sony if it intends to compete with its PSP offerings.