Telewest starts up gaming consultancy

Telewest announced this afternoon it is creating a new company, Network Gaming Consulting Ltd, to work with Sony to "enhance the consumer experience for PlayStation 2 network gaming."

NGC has entered into a consultancy service and technology transfer agreement exclusively with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Telewest is assigning five specialists from its ISP arm, blueyonder broadband, to the venture.

The venture hopes to create premium gaming services for PS2 broadband users, including:

• Leagues, ladders and tournaments for players
• The chance to play across all networks in Europe
• Moderation, buddy lists and server management functionality

Telewest first started trials of the world's first broadband PS2 network back in December 2001, working closely with Sony. This latest step seems to indicate the actual technology and infrastructure trials went well, and the companies are now looking at creating communities and facilities to compete with Xbox Live.

Gavin Patterson, Managing Director of Telewest's consumer division, said: "This is a great deal that will take broadband to a new level. It's great that Telewest is cementing its relationship with Sony through the creation of NGC. The trials have proved there is a huge demand for broadband gaming products and this deal will further demonstrate the benefits of broadband."

Nainan Shah, VP Business Development at SCEE, said: "This deal brings us a team of dedicated experienced individuals and access to core technologies that will help us introduce premium experiences and operational efficiencies as we move forward with network games on PlayStation 2. We are delighted with Telewest's commitment to the promotion of broadband console gaming."