Electronics Arts producer Joe Khoury, who was showing off Army of Two on the PSP Go at a recent event in San Francisco, has come out strongly in favour of the move to digital-only games, telling Forbes.
"It (PlayStation Store) worked with the Apple iPhone. Everyone's getting connected now, and it's less about the hardware."
Praise was not unanimous though. Jimmy Soga, product manager at XSEED Games (Half-Minute Hero) was unsure about the platform ("We want to see where it goes") and also - like most of the rest of the world - about the price, pointing out that, "For only $50 more, you can get a PlayStation 3".
"It (PlayStation Store) worked with the Apple iPhone. Everyone's getting connected now, and it's less about the hardware."
Praise was not unanimous though. Jimmy Soga, product manager at XSEED Games (Half-Minute Hero) was unsure about the platform ("We want to see where it goes") and also - like most of the rest of the world - about the price, pointing out that, "For only $50 more, you can get a PlayStation 3".
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Comments
Joji 21 Sep 2009 19:06
1/6
Wow, congrats Jimmy Soga. You are the first industry guy, to say what many have been thinking.
Why would anyone, price their hand held system, near the price of their home system, baffles all of us, but Sony.
Perhaps Sony think their product, is made of geniune gold bars or something, yet all we see, is four year old tech in a new petite, but less useble package.
As for our EA chappy Joe Khoury, I'm sure it will benefit publishers, but you lot quickly forget that the gamer in the street pays your bills. You've never considered what happens if gamers don't bite into your DLC future, and if you have, I guess you'd never speak openly about it.
I still sit on the fence, that if we can't have both, physical has to stay. I see no reason why they can't both co-exist, though.
Why would anyone, price their hand held system, near the price of their home system, baffles all of us, but Sony.
Perhaps Sony think their product, is made of geniune gold bars or something, yet all we see, is four year old tech in a new petite, but less useble package.
As for our EA chappy Joe Khoury, I'm sure it will benefit publishers, but you lot quickly forget that the gamer in the street pays your bills. You've never considered what happens if gamers don't bite into your DLC future, and if you have, I guess you'd never speak openly about it.
I still sit on the fence, that if we can't have both, physical has to stay. I see no reason why they can't both co-exist, though.
Joe 22 Sep 2009 03:21
2/6
I am a huge PSP fan and have long awaited the release of this console since the E3 convention, but with all the latest anti-PSPGo activity I've become wary about buying it. I want to be the first one in my town to have one, but I also don't want to be the only person to have one. The PSP Go is much better than any other hangheld device out there in almost every aspect. The only problem is the price.
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DoctorDee 22 Sep 2009 07:24
3/6
You're spot on their Joe. PSP GO is the best handheld for gaming - no competition. Having separate dedicated D-pad and analog is WAY better than trying to shoe-horn certain kinds of games (traditional console style games, basically) onto the iPhone screen. But the price is simply ridiculous. This piece of kit needs to be $150 or £99. Anything more is simply over-optimistic on the part of Sony, and it's gonna bite them in the ass.
They need a big jump in sales right now, but as you say, people are going to be reticent to purchase it for fear that it will never achieve the sales, and hence the software support it needs.
They need a big jump in sales right now, but as you say, people are going to be reticent to purchase it for fear that it will never achieve the sales, and hence the software support it needs.
irritant 22 Sep 2009 08:10
4/6
@Joe
OK, I'm gonna be pedantic here, but how do you define "better" with regards gaming consoles?
The PSP is probably the most capable machine out there, but taking into account price, battery life, screen quality (I'm talking blurring, not resolution), lack of software then it's the worst by far.
The PSP might better suit your portable gaming requirements, but it falls way short of mine (and judging by sales) millions of other people's requirements.
OK, I'm gonna be pedantic here, but how do you define "better" with regards gaming consoles?
The PSP is probably the most capable machine out there, but taking into account price, battery life, screen quality (I'm talking blurring, not resolution), lack of software then it's the worst by far.
The PSP might better suit your portable gaming requirements, but it falls way short of mine (and judging by sales) millions of other people's requirements.
PaulRayment 22 Sep 2009 09:19
5/6
For a company with so much success Sony seems to make some real dumb moves. UMD, Mini Disc and now PSP Go.
The price is an obvious mistake. Not only for an extra 50 can you get a superior gaming system but also a blue ray player!
I just don't buy digital distribution. Sure it works on products below a certain price point - such as tracks and albums on iTunes, or cheap games on XBL and PSN but full price titles? No way! Check out MS Games on Demand!
Imagine if you could only buy CDs and DVDS from one store! The second hand market is important to consumers and retailers which is why I hear some retailers don't want to stock the Go.
I would rather buy a cheaper PSP 3000 then get this!
The price is an obvious mistake. Not only for an extra 50 can you get a superior gaming system but also a blue ray player!
I just don't buy digital distribution. Sure it works on products below a certain price point - such as tracks and albums on iTunes, or cheap games on XBL and PSN but full price titles? No way! Check out MS Games on Demand!
Imagine if you could only buy CDs and DVDS from one store! The second hand market is important to consumers and retailers which is why I hear some retailers don't want to stock the Go.
I would rather buy a cheaper PSP 3000 then get this!
JaredTizzle 22 Sep 2009 21:00
6/6
I think all digital is the way to go, it's a good way to prevent piracy, and that seems to be a big issue for the PSP these days. As far as price goes, it will definitely need to drop soon because the PS3's price cut makes home consoles look a bit more inviting these days. But if price is an issue, you can actually get a PS3 for FREE right now. Just follow the link and read the instructions carefully to get a new 80gig PS3 for FREE!
[23 Sep 2009, 08:43: Message edited by 'tyrion']
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[23 Sep 2009, 08:43: Message edited by 'tyrion']
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