Sony to launch online service with Playstation 3

Sony's top video game studio executive today announced a new online service that will debut with the PlayStation 3 console in early November.

The service will let users buy game downloads and communicate and compete with other players via the Web.

The basic level of service, known internally as PlayStation Network Platform, will be free, said Phil Harrison, president of worldwide studios for Sony Computer Entertainment, during a conference for game developers.

Microsoft introduced its competing Xbox 360 game console in November of last year. Its Xbox Live subscription service, which offers game downloads and online play, has been a hit on the new machine.

Sony, one of the world's leading technology manufacturers and entertainment companies, aims to retain dominance over video game market with its slated November roll-out of the next-generation PlayStation 3 console.

- REUTERS