Sega confirms no online play for PS3 Virtua Tennis

Sega Europe has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 version of its popular sports title Virtua Tennis 3 does not have any online features.

The news follows developer Neversoft's recent clarification that the PS3 version of upcoming extreme sports game Tony Hawk's Project 8 for Activision will not feature online play.

"Virtua Tennis 3 PS3 does not have an online mode confirmed at this time," said a statement from Sega.

The lack of online play raises questions regarding Sony's online service for its new home console.

The company last week revealed a range of online features for the PS3, including downloadable content and the ability to play emulated PSone and PS2 titles over the internet.

Sony also discussed the Global Mapping System, which allows users to upload photographs and data about their location and create a detailed view of the world around them - in the hope that consumers can help developers gather information for future game developments.

But with titles from key publishers such as Sega and Activision dropping online features for the PS3, Sony is handing a distinct advantage to Microsoft, in a next-generation battle where online play is becoming an essential - and standard - offering.

Virtua Tennis 3 is due for release in spring 2007 for the Xbox 360, PS3, PSP and PC.