Kz Hirai, president of SCE
Kaz Hirai, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), has raised some interesting questions regarding his company's strategy regarding PS3 backward compatibility and the future of PS2 gaming.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Hirai said, "We want to promote games only available for PlayStation 3. The introduction of the 40-gigabyte model is in line with that strategy".
This stays very much on-message with statements made late last year by Sony Computer Entertainment (UK) managing director Ray Maguire who told SPOnG, "When we launched, we said we would focus on forward production than backwards-compatibility, but there was more of a need for backwards-compatibility six months ago. So, from here on in, there are no plans for backwards-compatibility in PlayStation products."
Before the crashing tedium of fanboy ranting begins elsewhere, let's analyse the statement:
Hirai did not say, "We only want to promote games available for PlayStation 3".
So, don't read this as "We won't promote non-exclusives". It would be insane for Sony not to co-promote non-exclusives such as Assassin's Creed or Smackdown vs Raw, which would help sell hardware.
What this re-statement of intent is more likely to mean is that days of the PlayStation 2 are well and truly numbered.
At this point, we'd like to remind you of Kaz's assertion that, "The introduction of the 40-gigabyte model is in line with that strategy.''
One of the most notable missing features of the 40GB PS3 is its lack of backwards compatibility. Doesn't it appear counter-intuitive to drop backwards compatibility and also pull support from PS2 itself?
Not if Sony plans to shift its focus with regard to PS2 games towards making them available over the PlayStation Network as legacy titles, or 'PlayStation Originals'?
That is, of course, a bit of a stretch - but it remains a possibility nonetheless. A possibility that could be supported by a recently spotted job vacancy for someone to work on PS3 backwards compatibility, in spite of the fact that Sony's most prevalent PS3 model has none.
Let us know your thoughts in the Forum.
Source: Bloomberg
Speaking to Bloomberg, Hirai said, "We want to promote games only available for PlayStation 3. The introduction of the 40-gigabyte model is in line with that strategy".
This stays very much on-message with statements made late last year by Sony Computer Entertainment (UK) managing director Ray Maguire who told SPOnG, "When we launched, we said we would focus on forward production than backwards-compatibility, but there was more of a need for backwards-compatibility six months ago. So, from here on in, there are no plans for backwards-compatibility in PlayStation products."
Before the crashing tedium of fanboy ranting begins elsewhere, let's analyse the statement:
Hirai did not say, "We only want to promote games available for PlayStation 3".
So, don't read this as "We won't promote non-exclusives". It would be insane for Sony not to co-promote non-exclusives such as Assassin's Creed or Smackdown vs Raw, which would help sell hardware.
What this re-statement of intent is more likely to mean is that days of the PlayStation 2 are well and truly numbered.
At this point, we'd like to remind you of Kaz's assertion that, "The introduction of the 40-gigabyte model is in line with that strategy.''
One of the most notable missing features of the 40GB PS3 is its lack of backwards compatibility. Doesn't it appear counter-intuitive to drop backwards compatibility and also pull support from PS2 itself?
Not if Sony plans to shift its focus with regard to PS2 games towards making them available over the PlayStation Network as legacy titles, or 'PlayStation Originals'?
That is, of course, a bit of a stretch - but it remains a possibility nonetheless. A possibility that could be supported by a recently spotted job vacancy for someone to work on PS3 backwards compatibility, in spite of the fact that Sony's most prevalent PS3 model has none.
Let us know your thoughts in the Forum.
Source: Bloomberg
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Comments
deleted 22 Jan 2008 15:19
1/12
Its a bit silly, really isnt it the PS2 is still shoveling money in for sony so why turn your back on it, the PSOne continued to make money for years after the PS2, Just because PS3 sales arent all that, it doesnt mean they wont be and in effect they are focusing all there attention on somthing that isnt making money and cutting ties with what is? confused? i am?
jaime 22 Jan 2008 17:00
2/12
i can see you grow up with an xbox, and think the microsoft way its the only way.
plastation originals, kill consoles in the market, forget backwards compatibility, dont promote exclusive titles..... are you talking about a sony playstation? i think you confused it with a microsoft xbox.
plastation originals, kill consoles in the market, forget backwards compatibility, dont promote exclusive titles..... are you talking about a sony playstation? i think you confused it with a microsoft xbox.
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HyperTails 22 Jan 2008 19:29
3/12
Why the hell do Sony, after preaching about having the only console with 'true backwards compatibility', suddenly decide to offer it in emulation software, and then decide to pull it altogether? It makes no sense.
Just make it so in a firmware upgrade Sony!
Just make it so in a firmware upgrade Sony!
deleted 22 Jan 2008 20:17
4/12
jaime wrote:
i can see you grow up with an xbox, and think the microsoft way its the only way.
plastation originals, kill consoles in the market, forget backwards compatibility, dont promote exclusive titles..... are you talking about a sony playstation? i think you confused it with a microsoft xbox.
plastation originals, kill consoles in the market, forget backwards compatibility, dont promote exclusive titles..... are you talking about a sony playstation? i think you confused it with a microsoft xbox.
I grew up with a Spectrum, and i`m not sure if you are replying to me or the story because it neither makes sense in a literacy sense or any other type of way you might want to read (or stumble over) it, but to who ever you are i suggest registering and making a valid clear point instead of your blatant fanboyistic nonsense
Joji 22 Jan 2008 22:39
5/12
I don't think Sony are gonna be that kind with an update like that, otherwise they'd have done it already, even when PS3 games were few and far between.
No, the Sony agenda on PS2 is now dead, because they eventually want to sell us what PS2 stuff we'd get for free, not via free BC once again, but perhaps in a similar way to PS1 DL titles. I certainly won't be freaking well buying games I already have again.
MS are doing this with Xbox games on 360, and I'm damn sure Sony have the same concept planned for PS3 with PS2 games. This way they'll then be able to shut down the BC removal bugbear, with whispers of ''At least now you are getting your PS2 games on PS3, just not via free BC, so you dumb monkeys have to buy them a second time, we love taking your money''. Fxxk em, they can count me out once I have my PS3.
Can't say I like that idea much as I like physical product on disc, especially import games. WVC on Wii is one thing, because those games are very old and in many regards out of print, but PS2 and Xbox games are too recent for this treatment, IMO. Sony's idea is to kill import games and pre owned games through this kind of system.
Well, if Hirai is now officially bailing on PS2, guess I'm be seeking a Swap Magic and begin importing gems I've missed. Most PS2 titles for 08 are gonna be shovelware anyway
Guess I'll have to give up on an official release of Persona 3, what a shame (but do correct if wrong). Thanks a lot, Sony, you stupid apes.
No, the Sony agenda on PS2 is now dead, because they eventually want to sell us what PS2 stuff we'd get for free, not via free BC once again, but perhaps in a similar way to PS1 DL titles. I certainly won't be freaking well buying games I already have again.
MS are doing this with Xbox games on 360, and I'm damn sure Sony have the same concept planned for PS3 with PS2 games. This way they'll then be able to shut down the BC removal bugbear, with whispers of ''At least now you are getting your PS2 games on PS3, just not via free BC, so you dumb monkeys have to buy them a second time, we love taking your money''. Fxxk em, they can count me out once I have my PS3.
Can't say I like that idea much as I like physical product on disc, especially import games. WVC on Wii is one thing, because those games are very old and in many regards out of print, but PS2 and Xbox games are too recent for this treatment, IMO. Sony's idea is to kill import games and pre owned games through this kind of system.
Well, if Hirai is now officially bailing on PS2, guess I'm be seeking a Swap Magic and begin importing gems I've missed. Most PS2 titles for 08 are gonna be shovelware anyway
Guess I'll have to give up on an official release of Persona 3, what a shame (but do correct if wrong). Thanks a lot, Sony, you stupid apes.
gino 23 Jan 2008 02:34
6/12
if the ps2 is the highest selling non handheld gaming device why dont u think you can play the ps2 games on the ps2 u already have? Is kind of stupid for people
to be angry with this, because reality is most of you have a ps2s there is nothing for you to cry about.So just remember that dusty ps2 you have and when you want to play ps2 games bring it out.Ps3 is the future ps1 & 2 is the past.
to be angry with this, because reality is most of you have a ps2s there is nothing for you to cry about.So just remember that dusty ps2 you have and when you want to play ps2 games bring it out.Ps3 is the future ps1 & 2 is the past.
PreciousRoi 23 Jan 2008 05:04
7/12
This is neither surprising, confusing, nor is it anything to get upset about.
All Kazu-kun said was that they would like to only promote PS3 exclusives.
Lets break this down.
First, PS2...nothing Kaz Hirai is gonna do is gonna affect PS2 anything, people who are clinging to it, will continue to do so. It will fade away, but its not going to dissapear tomorrow. What does it profit Sony to promote PS2 now? They neither need to, nor does it help them sell PS3s, protestations of "good will" nonwithstanding, "good will" might buy you a few fanboys, but to most gamers "What have you done for me lately?" is the operative question. As for Multi-Platform Titles...Sony has to sell PS3s, they get you to take one home, that does more to get the PS3 version of whatver MPT they want to flog than any PS3 specific advertising could. This means pushing the exclusives. Now, I won't say that pushing a platform can't pay dividends...for instance, here in the States, you had to look underneath rocks to see anything about Rock Band other than for the 360. There were many people who thought it was a 360 exclusive, they had such a monopoly on television adverts. So yeah, mebbe if Sony got far enough out ahead on an MPT they might be able to create the illusion of an exclusive or something...but unless they had some kinda extra content or something to crow about, I don't see this getting much traction...and if it looked like it would, it would be fairly easy to counter, if it was felt that it was worth the effort.
So yeah, big deal...is it that shocking that Sony is pushing the high dollar stuff, while relegating the PS2 to the bargain bin in the back? If you want bloody PS2 games you know where they are, its not as though Sony needs to build brand awareness or anything. You want to buy a Porsche you get an attentive salesperson, the used Volkswagens are around back...
All Kazu-kun said was that they would like to only promote PS3 exclusives.
Lets break this down.
First, PS2...nothing Kaz Hirai is gonna do is gonna affect PS2 anything, people who are clinging to it, will continue to do so. It will fade away, but its not going to dissapear tomorrow. What does it profit Sony to promote PS2 now? They neither need to, nor does it help them sell PS3s, protestations of "good will" nonwithstanding, "good will" might buy you a few fanboys, but to most gamers "What have you done for me lately?" is the operative question. As for Multi-Platform Titles...Sony has to sell PS3s, they get you to take one home, that does more to get the PS3 version of whatver MPT they want to flog than any PS3 specific advertising could. This means pushing the exclusives. Now, I won't say that pushing a platform can't pay dividends...for instance, here in the States, you had to look underneath rocks to see anything about Rock Band other than for the 360. There were many people who thought it was a 360 exclusive, they had such a monopoly on television adverts. So yeah, mebbe if Sony got far enough out ahead on an MPT they might be able to create the illusion of an exclusive or something...but unless they had some kinda extra content or something to crow about, I don't see this getting much traction...and if it looked like it would, it would be fairly easy to counter, if it was felt that it was worth the effort.
So yeah, big deal...is it that shocking that Sony is pushing the high dollar stuff, while relegating the PS2 to the bargain bin in the back? If you want bloody PS2 games you know where they are, its not as though Sony needs to build brand awareness or anything. You want to buy a Porsche you get an attentive salesperson, the used Volkswagens are around back...
Chucky 23 Jan 2008 07:35
8/12
What a Looser. If PS2 customers and their titles dont get support from Sony then we have to turn to PC emulators to do it...Then why bother buying originals? We might as well just go pirate.
Sony turns their back on past consumers as consumers turn their backs on Sony.
Sony turns their back on past consumers as consumers turn their backs on Sony.
Bentley 23 Jan 2008 11:28
9/12
Chucky, "Looser" is what you make your trousers when you are getting too fat for them.
"Loser" is what you mean.
I think it's about time they put me in charge of Sony. They have great technology- PS3 is a far more impressive beast than 360- but the men in charge are utterly, utterly mental. I'd sort that company out in 6 months. I'd start by stringing up Phil Harrison and saying "this is what we do now to liars".
"Loser" is what you mean.
I think it's about time they put me in charge of Sony. They have great technology- PS3 is a far more impressive beast than 360- but the men in charge are utterly, utterly mental. I'd sort that company out in 6 months. I'd start by stringing up Phil Harrison and saying "this is what we do now to liars".
HyperTails 23 Jan 2008 11:34
10/12
Only Phil Harrison? Jack Tretton should never have been promoted...
deleted 23 Jan 2008 22:47
11/12
Bentley wrote:
I think it's about time they put me in charge of Sony. They have great technology- PS3 is a far more impressive beast than 360- but the men in charge are utterly, utterly mental. I'd sort that company out in 6 months. I'd start by stringing up Phil Harrison and saying "this is what we do now to liars".
Sorry but although i think you would make an excellent CEO of Sony Corp. i just dont think they would recruit you I suspect your CV isnt "made up enough"! now Supersayian and your talkin!!!
Ivan_PSP 30 May 2008 03:17
12/12
The 40GB PLAYSTATION 3 is backward compatible with PS1 games but not PS2. Anyways the entire planet still has a bunch of PS2s.