Sony Doesn't Know What The PS3 Is

Sony is ripe with development and marketing problems surrounding the PS3. Not the least of which is that "Within Sony, the different divisions have discordant views on what the PlayStation 3 actually is."

Late last week, I had a conversation with an insider here in Japan. The insider has worked in the gaming industry for many years. He recounted an off-the-record conversation that he recently had with Sony Computer Entertainment management. Some of it is obvious and some is surprising, but here is what the insider had to say:

Kutaragi is interested only in consoles and technology. He does not care about the market. Some SCE officers disagree with his approach, feeling that the company should be more market sensitive. Kutaragi does not care. Nintendo has shown that it isn't only about powerful technology and graphics, but the PS3 isn't geared for that market at all and is intended for a very specific customer.

Within Sony, the different divisions have discordant views on what the PlayStation 3 actually is. Some divisions view the machine as a game machine, while other divisions view it as a home electronic device (like a TV or a video player). Some SCE officers are worried about hitting the console's target consumer. As a game machine, it's very expensive for many players and not exactly something parents would buy for their children. As an electronic device, the inclusion of a game player could be off-turn for those only interested in electronics and Blu-ray. There's concern within Sony that both groups could be alienated.

It's not possible for most developers to calculate the cost of making PS3 games. And it doesn't help that even last month, Sony kept delaying development tools. Many small and medium-sized developers are not making PS3 games, because costs are astronomical. Instead, they are switching to the Wii, the DS and the Xbox 360. Everyone sees developing for the PlayStation 3 as a risk.

Take this for what it's worth. It came from a reputable source. Brian Ashcraft

Source: Kotaku

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