Square deal for Futures FirstPlay debut

Future Publishing has teamed up with Square Enix for next week’s launch of FirstPlay, Europe’s first on-console interactive show.

The show will be exclusively available to PS3 owners through the PlayStation Network Store, with the launch episode due for release on Thursday, April 8th. Each weekly episode will deliver high-definition video reviews and previews, as well as downloadable content and more.

Under the deal with Square Enix, the first episode of FirstPlay will allow consumers to access the Final Fantasy XIII website through a promotional video, while trailers for Just Cause 2 will transfer gamers to the downloadable demo and an exclusive in-game item.

There’s a fantastic buzz about FirstPlay amongst the industry and the gaming community who want to experience our new service for themselves,” said FirstPlay pulblisher Richard Keith.

We are delighted that Square Enix Europe became a launch partner and look forward to working with them. The aim is to make each weekly FirstPlay episode an unmissable event for PlayStation 3 owners, and we’re working on some exciting plans with many of the industry biggest names to make this happen.”

Square’s UK marketing director Jon Brooke added: FirstPlay offers an innovative way of communicating directly with committed PS3 gamers and we are excited to be a launch partner.

FirstPlay allows us to showcase our new releases in their natural environment in high definition – and it’s really easy for gamers to download a playable demo of Just Cause 2, or find out more abut Final Fantasy XIII. We look forward to seeing the service develop.”

Episodes of FirstPlay will be available to download through PSN and will cost 99p each. Alternativley, consumers can sign up for a subscription at 8.99 per quarter.