Phantom's Price Range and Further Details Unveiled
- February 04, 2004 17:51 PM PST
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Infinium Labs is certain that the console will launch this year.
Famitsu recently interviewed Tom Hentschell, VP of Business Development, Tom Wong, Chief Financial Officer, and Royal O'Brien, DiStream CEO, unveiling for the first time a general release date, price range, and some specs for the mysterious console.Q: What is the biggest characteristic of the Phantom?
Wong: I would say that it's approach is very different from other game consoles. With a Phantom there's no need of going to a store to purchase software, because the game is right there for you when you download it.
O'Brien: Downloads are divided into rentals, demos and purchase. With a demo you can test a game out for about 5 minutes, and have the option of either renting it or purchasing it. We feel that users will be very pleased with this system.
Q: While on that note, how much will software cost?
Hentschell: We're still negotiating with distributors so we cannot give a definite answer. However, we're thinking of charging around $6 for three days, and $5-50 depending on the game to purchase. We will cover budget games as well as big-hit titles. Also, the Phantom is very secure, which distributors have acknowledged. PC's have very poor security. And with that negotiations are going smoothly. There's not need to modify existing PC games, and so almost all titles can be enjoyed with the Phantom.
Wong: Not only security, but there's also no issues of distributing costs and excess inventory. This allows for game developers to put more money into the actual developing of games, so we feel that this will lead to games with a different level of excitement.
O'Brien: Also the costs of turning the game into a product is low, so even small developers can release games. We are developing a software development kit for that as well.
Q: You're not going to directly deal with game developers? Hentschell: Of course, we want to work with game developers, but I think it's important to think about the industry as a whole. But if they want to speak with us, that'd be great! Someday it'll be nice to work together. We are doing what we can right now, and are very satisfied with the results thus far. The staff is hard at work even too. Q: What about the possibility of selling in Japan? Wong: We have no plans at this time. Japan is centered on console games, and it would be difficult to sell the Phantom there. Also, we are a small team, so we're concentrating on being successful in the U.S. first. We need a strong foothold before expanding overseas.
Infinium Labs also told Famitsu that the console will feature a 320 gigabyte hard drive, with USB ports enabling the use of peripherals like wireless controllers and keyboards.
The hardware for the most part will be sold online, but the company plans to set up kiosks enabling potential buyers to see the console. Peripherals will also be mostly sold separately. Although the hardware specs of the console are not finalized, the Phantom will cost anywhere between $300-$500. Commenting on a release date, they said "we are still trying to decide the date. Although we can't say anything definite, it will definitely be released within the year." As a target, "it is ideal if we can release the console in the early stages of the peak season for games, in June."
In working with distributors to acquire software download rights, the company further stated that "at the time of the launch, we will offer five exclusive titles," allowing Phantom users to get games 90 days earlier than PC users.
Given the shadowy beginnings of the console, it is unknown whether or not the Phantom will deliver on all points. However, alongside with the appointment of Kevin Bachus as Chief Operating Officer, the Phantom is increasingly becoming an intriguing alternative in the next-generation console race.
