UPDATE: Sony Computer Entertainment Dies and Rises
Kaz Hirai to lead new division for better network integration.
Goodbye, old friend.
UPDATE: Contrary to the newswire reports cited below, Sony Computer Entertainment as we know it will not be affected by the corporate reshuffle. MCV spoke to a SCE UK spokesperson who clarified that the SNEP plans only apply to Japanese operations and it simply involves "the legal entity SCEI - no effect on any regional HQ". END UPDATE.
On the 1st April, Sony will follow through with its planned reorganisation and will merge Sony Computer Entertainment into a new division that will also look after the company's mobile and personal computer businesses. That group will be headed by Kaz Hirai, and will be called the 'SNE Platform'. Or, SNEP.
According to newswire reports, "The reorganization will proceed in three stages; Sony Computer Entertainment will change its name to SNE Platform, but its key game console and software operations will then be split off to a new company called Sony Computer Entertainment. Sony will then absorb SNE Platform effective April 1."
It's not clear what 'SNE' stands for, but if we were guessing men we would say 'Sony Network Entertainment'. It seems that the new division will not only aim to provide better integration with various products (including the custom-built PlayStation Network for general Sony devices), but also to offer investors a better breakdown of financials as we reported last year.
The writing has been on the wall for a long time, with recent changes to SCEE's top brass that we reported last year offering clues as to a move to a more centralised management for the division. Let's hope the refreshed group can also break down some of those territorial walls we've been subject to in regards to the PlayStation Store.
And thus, the SCE name will cease to exist come the new financial year. We will all shed a tear. Instead, we will be referring to SNEP, SNEPA and SNEPE (or SNEEP and SNEAP). Lovely.
On the 1st April, Sony will follow through with its planned reorganisation and will merge Sony Computer Entertainment into a new division that will also look after the company's mobile and personal computer businesses. That group will be headed by Kaz Hirai, and will be called the 'SNE Platform'. Or, SNEP.
According to newswire reports, "The reorganization will proceed in three stages; Sony Computer Entertainment will change its name to SNE Platform, but its key game console and software operations will then be split off to a new company called Sony Computer Entertainment. Sony will then absorb SNE Platform effective April 1."
It's not clear what 'SNE' stands for, but if we were guessing men we would say 'Sony Network Entertainment'. It seems that the new division will not only aim to provide better integration with various products (including the custom-built PlayStation Network for general Sony devices), but also to offer investors a better breakdown of financials as we reported last year.
The writing has been on the wall for a long time, with recent changes to SCEE's top brass that we reported last year offering clues as to a move to a more centralised management for the division. Let's hope the refreshed group can also break down some of those territorial walls we've been subject to in regards to the PlayStation Store.
And thus, the SCE name will cease to exist come the new financial year. We will all shed a tear. Instead, we will be referring to SNEP, SNEPA and SNEPE (or SNEEP and SNEAP). Lovely.
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