It didn’t require a great mind to realize that Sony Online Entertainment would be taking a stronger look at the console space after being subsumed by its Sony Computer Entertainment contemporary. After all, to this point, Sony’s massively multiplayer online arm has by and large been a purveyor of games for Microsoft’s Windows platform, having handled only a handful of downloadable games for the PlayStation 3.

However, SOE’s presence on the PS3 is in for a radical change. Speaking to MTV’s Multiplayer gaming blog, SOE president John Smedley answered in the affirmative as to whether all of the game maker’s future MMOGs would appear on consoles. According to Smedley, SOE anticipates that the returns will outweigh the costs of bringing MMOGs to consoles, thanks to a previous emphasis on developing a cross-platform engine capable of running on PCs and consoles.

"For us, the opportunity that we see on the PS3, and potentially the PSP, is something that we can’t pass up on," said Smedley. "I would say that we would be one of the early adopters on [bringing MMOs to consoles], and we plan on becoming one of the dominant players in the MMO space on consoles. We see that marketing coming; we think it’s there now, so we want to get a good market share there."

Aside from expansions for its currently running MMOGs such as EverQuest, EverQuest 2, Star Wars Galaxies, and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, the online-game maker has a number of upcoming, announced projects in the pipe. These include DC Universe Online, The Agency, and Free Realms, all of which have been announced for both the PC and PS3. SOE has also announced a collaboration with Virgin Comics on a MMOG adaptation of Ramayan 3392 A.D.

As part of MTV’s interview, Smedley also hinted that the developer is working on a new installment in its flagship EverQuest franchise. "It’s pretty safe to say that EverQuest has not seen its last game," teased Smedley. "So we’ve got our own cards to play there, and I think we will play them at the right time. But the quality level will be something that people will be very happy with."

By Tom Magrino