rand0m
03-24-2007, 08:32 AM
http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/775/775340p1.html
UK, March 23, 2007 - At 11.00pm last night, it looked like the official UK PlayStation 3 launch may be a bit limp - with only around 100 people in line for the console - but Sony pulled out the big guns moments later by announcing everyone in line would receive a free £2k Bravia television.
At 11.45pm Sony UK head boss Ray Maguire made the announcement while standing in front of a Bravia in the store. Maguire said the best way to play the PS3 was on a television like the one behind him. Then, in moment of altruistic glory, he revealed that everyone queuing - by this time numbers had swelled to roughly 120 expectant punters - would be walking away with a free TV.
"I just want to say to all of you that we appreciate the support," said Maguire. "Without you we would not have anything to sell to anyone. You are the guys that make it all happen."
However, the revelation didn't quite cause the impact that Sony may have been expecting. Most of those in line didn't understand what Maguire had just said and looked at each other with confused faces. In fact, Maguire had to explain himself a couple more times before it dawned on everyone. "You are walking with a £2,000 flat panel too!", he boomed, finally prompting whoops of joy.
Shortly after midnight, we spoke to Phil Harrison, Sony's head of worldwide studios, and asked if Sony was setting the standard high for future console launches. "Thankfully we do not do launches that often but it's a great event to have."
Hearing the cries of joy from the first customers to get their console, Harrison added: "That's what makes it all worthwhile - seeing someone that has queued up for hours finally getting a PS3. It means a lot to them and us."
UK, March 23, 2007 - At 11.00pm last night, it looked like the official UK PlayStation 3 launch may be a bit limp - with only around 100 people in line for the console - but Sony pulled out the big guns moments later by announcing everyone in line would receive a free £2k Bravia television.
At 11.45pm Sony UK head boss Ray Maguire made the announcement while standing in front of a Bravia in the store. Maguire said the best way to play the PS3 was on a television like the one behind him. Then, in moment of altruistic glory, he revealed that everyone queuing - by this time numbers had swelled to roughly 120 expectant punters - would be walking away with a free TV.
"I just want to say to all of you that we appreciate the support," said Maguire. "Without you we would not have anything to sell to anyone. You are the guys that make it all happen."
However, the revelation didn't quite cause the impact that Sony may have been expecting. Most of those in line didn't understand what Maguire had just said and looked at each other with confused faces. In fact, Maguire had to explain himself a couple more times before it dawned on everyone. "You are walking with a £2,000 flat panel too!", he boomed, finally prompting whoops of joy.
Shortly after midnight, we spoke to Phil Harrison, Sony's head of worldwide studios, and asked if Sony was setting the standard high for future console launches. "Thankfully we do not do launches that often but it's a great event to have."
Hearing the cries of joy from the first customers to get their console, Harrison added: "That's what makes it all worthwhile - seeing someone that has queued up for hours finally getting a PS3. It means a lot to them and us."