Sony Computer Entertainment UK has today announced that, following successful completion of consumer trials, the commercial offering of PlayStation 2 broadband network gaming will commence in the UK on June 11. For £24.99, PS2 owners will be able to buy a starter pack consisting of a network adapter and a network adapter disc, or, for £39.99, they'll be able to get the pack bundled along with a copy of Twisted Metal: Black Online--one of only two PS2 games with online support currently available in the territory. The second game available with online functionality is SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs, which--since it supports both voice communication between players and voice recognition in the single-player game--comes bundled with a voice communication headset.

　　"The feedback from the broadband network gaming consumer trials was very positive," said Ray Maguire, managing director of SCE UK. "From June 11, PlayStation 2 owners with broadband connection can purchase a network adapter and immediately start enjoying multiplayer network gaming with the market-leading PlayStation 2. Starting with the groundbreaking experience of 16-player SOCOM with voice communication, and the frenetic car combat action of Twisted Metal: Black Online, there will be an excellent diversity of online gaming, including titles such as This Is Football 2004 and Destruction Derby Arenas. PlayStation Network gaming will be exciting and simple to play, as well as affordable."

　　SCE UK has established partnerships with a number of broadband providers, and those now offering packages specifically tailored to PS2 network gaming include Telewest Broadband, BT Openworld, BT Retail, NTL, and Freeserve.

　　"Our ethos remains one of having a very diverse and inclusive platform that will enable content companies, games publishers, and ISPs to provide consumers with the broadest selection of new network experiences and entertainment from a variety of sources," Maguire said.

　　PlayStation 2 network gaming has been available in both North America and Japan since last year, and, according to today's press release, the PS2 has become the leading network console gaming platform in both regions.