RicaneliteEuropean PS3 Launch Event Worries Police
After numerous random acts of violence enacted at the launch of the PlayStation 3 in North America, can you blame European police for being a little jittery at the thought of the impending European launch of Sony's new system? Speaking to a spokesperson for the Marylebone Police, GamesIndustry.biz found out just what is making them so nervous. The spokesperson says the problem lies with midnight launches themselves: "There are inherent problems we can't deal with easily."
There's a specific launch event that has police fretting: a midnight celebration at the Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street. What inherent problems was the spokesperson referring to? Here's a slice from the original article:
According to the spokesperson, police have had meetings with Sony and Virgin about how to handle the expected crowds. "In fairness, the store is meeting us half-way," he said. "There won't be any crowds on the street."
The spokesperson explained that the location of the Virgin store makes external crowd management difficult. It's set on a narrow stretch of pavement, which means it's not possible to set up crowd barriers, and is in close proximity to Tottenham Court Road tube station and busy bus stops.
Police are concerned about the safety of consumers travelling both to and from the event, particularly if they leave carrying bags which indicate they are in possession of a PlayStation 3.
Sony told GamesIndustry.biz that they're doing everything possible to work with Virgin and the police in making the event as safe as they can. Despite complaints and concerns, the midnight launch will move forward, and "I'm sure other midnight events will go ahead in the future" says the spokesperson. Police recommend that anyone going to this event or others like them take precautions including not carrying cash, going in groups, and carrying purchases off in an unmarked bag.
The event (and the PS3 launch) will take place on Friday, March 23rd. Any European gamers who happen to be venturing out to get a PS3, be safe.
There's a specific launch event that has police fretting: a midnight celebration at the Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street. What inherent problems was the spokesperson referring to? Here's a slice from the original article:
According to the spokesperson, police have had meetings with Sony and Virgin about how to handle the expected crowds. "In fairness, the store is meeting us half-way," he said. "There won't be any crowds on the street."
The spokesperson explained that the location of the Virgin store makes external crowd management difficult. It's set on a narrow stretch of pavement, which means it's not possible to set up crowd barriers, and is in close proximity to Tottenham Court Road tube station and busy bus stops.
Police are concerned about the safety of consumers travelling both to and from the event, particularly if they leave carrying bags which indicate they are in possession of a PlayStation 3.
Sony told GamesIndustry.biz that they're doing everything possible to work with Virgin and the police in making the event as safe as they can. Despite complaints and concerns, the midnight launch will move forward, and "I'm sure other midnight events will go ahead in the future" says the spokesperson. Police recommend that anyone going to this event or others like them take precautions including not carrying cash, going in groups, and carrying purchases off in an unmarked bag.
The event (and the PS3 launch) will take place on Friday, March 23rd. Any European gamers who happen to be venturing out to get a PS3, be safe.
