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Report: "Forced" PS4 bundles by retailers mandated by Sony

It seems like it wasn't down to retailers to force bundles upon their customers.

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pixelenemy.com
Lovable3891d ago

Well that sucks...why forced people to buy games for your system? That's ridiculous.

Navick3891d ago

What is everyone talking about? There definitely was bundles but a standalone system was also available. And multiple bundle options were available for the most popular games. Let me guess people were going to buy the system so that it could look pretty under their tv?

Lovable3891d ago

Sony offers lots of free games on top of the free stuff you get from PS+.

pedrof933891d ago

Aparently this is a scandal.

A very lame one btw.

Eonjay3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

Did Sony also force the GameStop Xbox One bundles on us as well. Of course I'm kidding here. So what. Let me tell you something, if you waited this long to worry about a day one stand-alone unit, you better act like you know whats good and get you ass in line the night of Thursday November 14th at somebody's Walmart because nobody feels bad for you. Same with people who wanted the Day One Xbox Units.

Too bad. You lose. Take your gorgeous Killzone Bundle or get the eff in line.

gaffyh3891d ago

Lol this is an example of a mountain out of a molehill/storm in a teacup situation. Sony have created bundle boxes, and are mainly shipping those from now on, so people who preorder from now on will of course have to order a bundle. This is to be expected when the standalone unit preorders are fulfilled, and is why if you wanted the console on its own, you should have preordered early.

With that said, getting a bundle, for whatever console, is not necessarily a bad thing, because you are bound to be buying one of the launch games anyway.

nukeitall3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

The issue is that customers ordered standalone PS4, and there is a switch and bait scam going on. Which mean the retailer later tell you have to buy more stuff to get the console long after you pre-ordered. You know when the standalone console is no longer available.

We thought Simply Games (etailer) had tried to force onto customers extras. Turns out Sony was the one forcing it!

Why aren't anyone mad about this?

At least with Xbox One, you knew what you were buying.

@gaffyh:

"Lol this is an example of a mountain out of a molehill/storm in a teacup situation. Sony have created bundle boxes, and are mainly shipping those from now on, so people who preorder from now on will of course have to order a bundle."

That is not what the story is saying. It is saying Sony promised standalone units, but changed their mind and now changing the order to half bundle and half stand alone forcing retailers to force their customers whom already pre-ordered to order a bundled.

It is a bait and switch scam and Sony is behind it!

Eonjay3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

@nukeitall... because its nonsense. Of course the retailer is going to try to make it look like its Sony's own doing. Retailers receive a certain amount of stock to sell as pre orders. There is no way Sony is going to bait and switch a retailer. This is the simply a retailer being greedy and trying to capitalize on potential sales by bloating the price of a console like on Ebay.

Don't be fooled by their story, thats not how the pre-order business works. Microsoft wouldn't do this and Sony hasn't done this.

The fact that you can go to Amazon.co.uk right now and get a PS4 at 349.99 with a release date of 11/29/13 should let you know that this retailer is full of crap.

gaffyh3891d ago

@nuke - Well it's not happened with my preorder, and that's with Amazon. SimplyGames is one of the least reputable UK e-retailers. If it was Play, ShopTo, Amazon, or Game, then it would be a big deal. I didn't bother reading the article all the way through before, which is why I assumed the situation was like it was in my previous post.

Gasian3891d ago

@eonjay I will with my watchdogs bundle my friend. :)

thechosenone3891d ago

More worthless click bait BS.

"They haven't forced anything.

A lot of these bundles are recent developments, and it's not so simple to just say 'we're going to allocate 50% consoles only and 50% bundles only' or some nonsense. There are only so many units that can be manufactured. Certain retailers are offering bundle options to consumers as alternatives first before some of them start offering them to all other customers. It's to prioritise those people with the potentially better value options if it fits their needs. Certain retailers will also have better stock of the hardware so they're able to do the above.

Other retailers may not be given as much stock of the console on its own because everyone gets a different allocation, and most will be getting both console and bundles. Now, if a certain retailer is unfortunately not getting enough stock to fulfill day one pre-orders for sole console owners, that is unfortunate if they're having to offer the bundle option as a day one priority instead, but this has absolutely nothing to do with SCE forcing their hand. There certainly isn't some imaginary mandate by SCE.

There is more important shit to handle, no offence."

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

DigitalRaptor3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

@ nukeitall

I guess you're so sick of Microsoft getting their comeuppance for their anti-consumer implementations and practices that you'll grasp at anything that you think will paint Sony in the same light, and hope it will become of anything?

Read up: http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

Your comment is cute.

Pogmathoin3891d ago

Ohiostatesman, you are crazy. Sony loves us so much! They do wonderful things for the Earth. That Malware was just to make sure we did not copy stuff or anything. It was within their rights to spy on you.... What? Sony? Sssshhh.... Cannot let that out, it would break a fanboys heart...

shadow27973891d ago

This is false, plain and simple. Here's what Sony had to say about the bundle:

[The company has told UK retailers to alert those who have pre-ordered PS4 that they now have the option to upgrade to one of these.

"It [the mega bundle] is in limited volume, and therefore it is probably going to go mainly to current pre-order customers, then follow-up volume may well be post-Christmas," Gara added.

"Starting yesterday, our retail partners are contacting their pre-order customers in order, so starting with the first, working up to when they run out of that special bundle, saying, we now have clarity on exactly what PlayStation 4 bundles we have to offer for day one. Would you like option A, B, C or D?

"Everybody who has pre-ordered in the expectation they're getting just the PS4, including the DualShock 4 and the headset - the basic configuration. But as we've worked through the details and worked through the options we've come up with some great bundle offers. And it is only fair the first people in the queue get first chance to get that.

"It's a brilliant thing to do for the gamer. In theory there could be some free on day one, but I think it's unlikely, because the people in that queue are going to say yes please."]

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

pyramidshead3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

Wow and all those people who screamed bloody murder when 'sony fanboys' jumped to conclusions.

Nice case of hypocrisy above! :)(Not directly above me, btw)

v6volume3891d ago

So only 1 retailer is claiming they were forced and not even a popular one. When Amazon, Gamestop, Walmart, etc announce this then we should fairly criticize it

lsujester3891d ago

This sounds to me like this one retailer screwed the pooch somehow and are trying to blame it on Sony.

worldwidegaming3891d ago

Rent? Borrow? Other options are avaliabke..maybe even cheaper ones...

FamilyGuy3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

LOL

This story is funny!
If a retailer up an told me I couldn't buy my pre-ordered launch day console the way I ordered it and would have to upgrade it to a more costly bundle I would either have them charged with false advertisement or drop that day 1 pre-order and get it in store (unbundled) on launch day.

In any case that ISN'T the situation, as pointed out by shadow2797 above in the REAL article explaining this http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

They are simply giving the first people that pre-ordered the option to get the bundle. If you don't want that bundle all you have to do is ignore the email. There is nothing being forced, just some retailer that didn't understand the what Sonys note said or blindly opt to grab those bundles thinking their customers would jump at the chance to change their order.

There's a few options here and paying for something you didn't order and don't want isn't the only one. It says "retailers" then only names one and has one anonymous. Why is one anonymous? What repercussion could there be to where this other source would want to hide?
These guys were taking day 1, system only pre-orders and are accountable to fulfill that agreement or it's false advertisement.

ziggurcat3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

@ nukeitall:

"The issue is that customers ordered standalone PS4, and there is a switch and bait scam going on."

no there isn't. i pre-ordered the standalone PS4, and i have not once been forced to get a bundle.

you're also taking an e-mail letting people know that they *could* upgrade to the bundle if they wanted to as sony forcing people to buy bundles.

i would give you an A for effort, but that was one of the worst attempts at spinning a non-issue into a bait and switch scam i've ever seen.

SegaSaturn6693891d ago

Larry Hryb, stop sending your spin doctors to submit articles you silly-willy ;D/

pixelsword3891d ago

Even if they did, so what?

G20WLY3891d ago

Duplicate: http://n4g.com/news/1367435...

Also, it's spun in a desperate attempt to get something, ANYTHING negative about PS4. Shame on Pixel Enemy and CustardTrout for spamming N4G.

user55757083890d ago

who cares if its forced...its bundled with a game and if you dont want the game dont buy the bundle. its not like they bundled a peripheral no one wants 0_o

+ Show (20) more repliesLast reply 3890d ago
andrewsqual3891d ago

This is true BUT it is 50% of the retailers stock that is the 2 Killzone bundles and the Watchdogs bundle. They are €500 and €440. There is very limited of the Mega Killzone one with the 2nd controller, Killzone and camera for €500. The first article was BULLSHIT claiming 500 sterling.
Who preordered the PS4 in the last 6 months and won't want to grab any one of these great money saving bundles? So nobody will be buying Watchdogs? Okay.

vigilante_man3891d ago

That's not the point. Give people choice not forced decisions. I ordered just the console at the start of June from ShopTo. They have sent me emails this week confirming my Day One purchase.

They have also told me of other Day One bundles should I wish to swap but this is only optional. I am sticking with my £349.99 purchase. Glad to have the choice, though. Well done ShopTo - one of the best!

It should be illegal to take your order then force you to upgrade. Sounds dodgy to me.

andrewsqual3891d ago

You didn't read what I said. FIFTY PERCENT OF ALL RETAILERS' STOCK WILL STILL BE STANDALONE CONSOLES. What do you think will happen to the bundle that you refused? It goes to the next person until there is none left. What happens when a lot of people don't refuse the bundles like you did (and I say this because already we are running out of the bundles)?
Nobody is being forced anything, it would be completely different if all PS4 stock was going to be the official bundles. You are reading it wrong like so many others. BTW you don't want Watch Dogs or Killzone at a discounted price? Are you planning on just staring at your console launch day?

gaelic_laoch3891d ago

Being forced to buy Killzone, a Controller and Camera is like being forced to have a Foursome with some of Heffs PlayBunnies!

TheTwelve3891d ago

I shouldn't laugh at this but this was too funny.

robotgargoyle3891d ago

Not quite. I'd take a playboy bunny anyday over any game console.

Pogmathoin3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

Either way gargoyle, they are full of silicone...

Gaelic, st pats for sure now.... :) Sadly you got more disagrees..... Site is full of dickless, humourless wet fanboys....

solid_snake36563891d ago

Only difference is killzone, a controller and a camera won't give you Std's.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3891d ago
Soldierone3891d ago

It's not for forcing the customers, it was forcing the companies to sell the bundles. If Sony didn't "force" it, then a majority of retailers would have just sold the hell out of the stand alone unit. Leaving people that wanted bundles to not be able to get them.

It also deters the morons that buy up all the stock to try and flip it on Ebay. Now they have to spend extra on games and accessories and try to get rid of those too.

And reading comments below, this statement is bs anyways since this store didn't even offer the official bundles....

MajorMayhem703891d ago

We gotta do what to sell what? Those bundles will sell out as well so people better hurry up and buy it. Cause once they sell out, it's time to see me and my "solus" on EBay.

SegaSaturn6693891d ago

One time sony forced me to have fun.

I still haven't quite forgiven them.

The nerve.

max05833891d ago

No way, Sony, Never, they love me they give me free games all the time,they pay my rent and my car.They are not business man trying to make money.NOOOOOOOOOOH WAAAAAAAYYYYYYY

Bundi3891d ago

My my, the defense force is out in numbers already. Yikes!

tiffac0083891d ago

Just like haters looking to grasp on some straws, yikes.

LackTrue4K3891d ago

Well this sucks!! What if they run out on Killzone bundles, and they want to force me to buy one with a game I don't want...?!?
I would be pissed about placing my pre-order....

Bundles are great, if they have what I'm looking for

UnHoly_One3891d ago

They have to try something to get people to buy games.

PS3 owners bought quite a few less games than 360 owners.

Unless that changed towards the end of the generation, but I never heard about it, if it did.

vigilante_man3891d ago

PS3 software is selling more this year than 360 software. That's a fact. So try to stick to the story at hand.

strifeblade3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

^^^^^^^^^^^OK maybe this year but try telling your facts about the last 8 years.

Fact alot of ppl bought ps3 for blu ray. fact ppl bought ps3 for netflix. FACT no ONE bought 360 for dvd or netflix. Get your facts straight its only natural 360 has the generally high attachment rate. Man sony fanboy defense force over here

BlackTar1873891d ago

It's nto a fact someone paid $400 for a netflix player. Get out of here.

here's one.

Alot of people only bought 360 because it was the only system out FACT.

Xbox only sold that many units becasue for a year or 2 RROD wasn't covered in warranty.

This is fun /s this is dumb you know nothing to state fact so just stop trying. As dumb as i look for those stupid points you look just as dumb the difference is my post is all sarcasm.

shadow27973891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

According to VG Chartz, X360 has an attach rate of 10.3 and PS3 has an attach rate of 9.2. So there is a pretty big difference.

Statix3891d ago

@shadow2797:

A difference of one game? OMG, that's a HUGE difference!

That's a far cry from the idiotic fanboy statements like "most people only bought the PS3 for Blu-ray, duurrrrr." The fact of the matter is, even your own link shows PS3 gamers bought almost as many games as X360 gamers did.

rainslacker3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

Attach rate is pretty even between the two. Just more people buy more of specific titles on the 360, as opposed to a broader range of titles like on the PS3. If it makes you feel better, the Vita and the 3DS both have higher attach rates than either the PS3 or 360 though. Chew on that for a while.

Also VG charts is saying they're both too high. Most sources put them at around mid 8's.

Also...lol at using VGChartz as a source.

tiffac0083891d ago

Attach rates depends by region. Who knows what the numbers really is because not all the markets are tracked and if you are using Vgchartz, take it with a grain of salt.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3891d ago
3-4-53891d ago

Wii U has bundles......XB1 has bundles...

Every console EVER had bundles.

Was this written by somebody who has played a video game?

thelaughingwiseman3891d ago

Some times (by which I mean most times) people don't want to pay extra money for forced bundles. I just want my console, I don't want to pay for extra shit I don't want. I am still looking for a PS3 Slime (500 GB) without a forced bundle attached to it.

max05833891d ago

Here we go,You just opened the flood gates of Sony Fan boys.Seems Internet are full of Loyal Sony lovers

max05833890d ago

Disagrees sure are telling signs

showtimefolks3891d ago

Every console maker does that nothing new

It's just like when other tech stuff launches there are always bundles

TruthBTold3891d ago

I call BS on this "report". Sony as a manufacturer takes orders for their PS4 consoles. Store A orders 100 standalone PS4s and when Sony takes that order that is the agreement. Sony must deliver those 100 consoles as per the purchase order placed by store A. The delivery time is a different issue. If demand has left certain last orders place with Sony on longer lead times, meaning they wont arrive by the release date. Sony might have bundle skus that have been in production and they can advice store A of these other skus they can deliver for release date. It is up to store A to say, "no, please try to expedite my current order or ship partials so I at least get some consoles by launch date" or they can say " please change my order from100 standalone skus to 50 standalone skus and 50 bundle skus". It is up to the store to decide what skus they buy from Sony as they are the customer. It works the same as you going to a store and buying a game. If they are out they tell you we are out and they might suggest another available game but they will never take your money and tell you we dont have your game fo you have to take this other one and you cant have your money back. There are laws that a manufacturer must follow and what this story indicates is that Sony is breaking them by changing orders and invoicing their customers more money. Sorry, not buying the story. I can believe Sony cant supply the standalone consoles and the store decided to order the bundles instead to be able to sell consoles on launch date. They promised consoles and instead of saying we wont get the consoles we ordered or we placed our orders past the deadline so we can only offer packages now to our customers. They just dont want to lose the sale and tell customers its Sony focing this which would be a lie as it would be illegal. Ti be honest not sure the story is even real. An annonymous source? Right. No manufacturer of any product can legally change a purchase order from a distributor/reseller. That would be a SOX violation. Only the customer can approve a change order.

GamerzElite3891d ago

Forced ? Are u serious! I pre-ordered only system on 16 june, planning to get games via digital download. But I never forced to buy a bundle.

Ps4Console3891d ago

I got a phone call Wednesday from GAME asking me if I wanted a Bundle I said yes of course here's my bundle , Ps4 with a years live with Drive Club plus KillZone SF all for £439 yeah .

+ Show (12) more repliesLast reply 3890d ago
kennyg37393891d ago

Imagine if Microsoft did this...

Lovable3891d ago

They are with kinect and people don't like it.

AlexanderNevermind3891d ago

If Sony is then they need to stop. They should honor the original agreement or give them some sort of bonus for having to upgrade. Say the camera for free...

Death3891d ago

Kinect isn't "forced" in a bundle, it is included with the system. The people that complain most about Kinect seem to be Playstation fans.

Xsilver3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

@death that straight BS and you know it xbox fans have been complaining about kinect for the longest so please stop u think they don't want the xone to be cheaper when it's beneficial to them most people would like that option.

Death3891d ago

The assumption you make is the system would be cheaper without Kinect. What is to prevent Microsoft from dropping the system price to $399 and still include the camera? The BS is people saying no one wants Kinect included. None of my friends have complained about it. I'm personally looking forward to what devs can do with it knowing everyone has it. That is the line between being a gimmick like the original Kinect and PSEye has been and will be.

Xsilver3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

@Death the amount of money MS put into kinect u really think that would be a smart business decision to sell it separately when everyone knows allot of people won't buy it, u call the PSeye a gimmick at least its only $60 and sold separately so who will complain about that, i want you to go on Xboxlive and ask people how many times they used their kinect today or for the whole year because i know a ton of xbox gamers who put kinect to the side and just play games with a normal controller matter of fact have u used kinect today or for the whole week i'm guessing no.
@xboxfun u will take anything from MS so be quiet.forcing a share button dufaq is wrong with you your just anti Sony everyday i see.

nukeitall3891d ago

@lovable:

There is a big difference though.

What Sony is forcing the retailers to do, is called a bait and switch scam. It is illegal!

MS isn't forcing you, because you knew what you were buying and agreed upon, even if you did NOT want Kinect One.

XboxFun3891d ago

I like it with Kinect.

If you don't want Kinect, get a PS4.

If you want a cheaper system then get a WiiU.

But don't sit here and say no one wants Kinect or Kinect is forced on you. It is no more forced on us than the a controller that comes with the system

Again, it's only the sony fanboys that seem to be looking out for the welfare of us Xbox fans and letting everyone know that they won't buy an Xbox One because MS "forced" Kinect on them.

Sony forced the share button on me, I never wanted that on my controller!

XboxFun3891d ago

@Xsilver

And you will gladly open wide for anything Sony shoves, so please stop.

A share button being forced is just as ridiculous as saying the Kinect 2 is forced. That was my whole point, but a tool like you who does nothing but slam MS can't see that.

If you don't want the Kinect, don't buy the Xbox One. Plain and simple right? I mean hell even a little child knows this. But for some unknown reason we get people like you spreading troll nonsense like "it's forced!" on the consumer.

Absolute stupid logic right there.

GTgamer3891d ago

@xboxfun are u comparing a product against a button and think that's smart logic well clearly your not smart your name is xbox fun clearly a troll don't know how u managed to have two bubbles.

malokevi3891d ago

MS didn't decide to include Kinect after everyone was done buying the console...

the amount of excuses being made on this page for Sony is ridiculous. You people are so predictable and transparent... if ever there was an article that demonstrated N4Gs obvious an senseless bias, it's this one.

lol. Insane.

UnHoly_One3891d ago

I can't believe even the insane Sony fans on this site can believe that this is the same as putting Kinect in the box.

You people are out of your minds.

Kinect is part of the console. It's one package that all comes together.

This is an article about forcing separate products to be bundled together.

What you are saying is like getting pissed at Nintendo because the put the Wii motion tracking sensor in the box.

GTgamer3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

@Un_Holy so Sony fans are insane for defending a rumor that might not even be true like what MS fans has always been doing i remember before Ms changed their polices when you guys first heard rumors of what they were planning you were quick to defend it calling it false and then still defended it when it all was true so does that make u guys insane too i guess but here comes you guys trying to put down Sony over a rumor hmmmmm why? Because Sony hardly gets bad news its called doing something rite. If this turns out to be false and it was just the retailer will Sony still be the enemy in your eyes i wonder.

ziggurcat3891d ago

@ nukeitall:

you don't even know what bait and switch means, do you...

http://4-akamai.tapcdn.com/...

UnHoly_One3891d ago

GTGamer, I wasn't even talking about whether the rumor is true or not.

Read my post again.

I'm talking about them comparing this to Kinect being part of the console, which is two COMPLETELY different things.

+ Show (11) more repliesLast reply 3891d ago
gaelic_laoch3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

What is with bringing M$ into every SONY article! It's like someone farting on the bus!

Edit:

@ falviousuk

Lighten Up!

“It's always funny until someone gets hurt.

Then it's just hilarious.”
― Bill Hicks

falviousuk3891d ago

you are ridiculous, you troll almost every xbox article then complain about someone in an article about the Playstation.

You are one of the worst types of people on here, not a real gamer, just someone who tries to hate on everything gaming.

Take some advice, don't buy any console, just go away and read a book instead. perhaps some of your crap will dissipate as your start to gain some intelligence

Wikkid6663891d ago

Almost as bad as you and all the GS fanboys on the MS articles.

CrossingEden3891d ago

"What is with bringing M$ into every SONY article! It's like someone farting on the bus!"
YOU HYPOCRITE!!

Convas3891d ago

You're joking with the sudden victim stance, right?

GiggMan3891d ago

I thought it was funny lol.

vigilante_man3891d ago

This story is fair game. Its about selling practices. Bad Microsoft doings are bad. Bad Sony doings are bad. Just unusual this year to see Sony doing anything bad. Its been a bad trail of green so far.

Sony, keep allowing us the freedom to make our own choices like you have done so far.

TechMech23891d ago

Every Microsoft article has Sony fanboys ripping on Xbox one because they have nothing better to do though.....so it really goes both ways.

DigitalRaptor3891d ago

What's with everyone taking gaelic_laoch seriously?

He's one of the most jokey folks on this site. Lighten up people.

gaelic_laoch3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

@ DigitalRaptor

Finally someone who can intemperate for me!!!! Can you tell your fellow earthlings I come in peace!

NANO NANO

http://forums.ilounge.com/a...

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 3891d ago
AceBlazer133891d ago

And an anonymous source says Sony supplies al queda with weapons.I have emailed sony and have yet to receive a reply I'll keep you updated.

husomc3891d ago

sony supplied Iraq with WMDs, saddam stockpiled his warehouses with PS2s so u might actually have something there about al qaeda and sony :)

Deadpoolio3891d ago

Well except of course for the fact that Saddam and Al Qaeda had no ties to each other whatsoever...Nor would they when 1 is doing everything in the name of their religion and the other just loves himself lol

majiebeast3891d ago

So let me get this straight, Sony is the one forcing the non official PS4 bundles that only simplygames seems to offer on their consumers... Yeah i call BS this is all on simplygames. When we start hearing this from bigger retailers like Amazon and GAME then its Sony.

Xsilver3891d ago

so far this a Rumor and should be treated as such.

Deadpoolio3891d ago

Yeah Uh somehow I seriously doubt Sony is going to say something like "hmmmm lets force this little unknown pissant retailer to sell bundles"...If they were going to do anything remotely like that they would do it with actual big time retailers....

But it I guess sounds good to lie to your customers and tell them it's Sony forcing us to do this rather than tell them the truth that it was some manager or corporate guy somewhere that decided they would sell more crap that way

joeorc3891d ago

@majiebeast

exactly

"According to a retailer who wished to remain anonymous, it seems Sony themselves are forcing the bundles upon retailers — at least in the UK. We’ve included his statement in full below:"

lol, imagine.

So you order late and if the bundles is what is left, in the retail chain, you blame Sony?

DigitalRaptor3891d ago (Edited 3891d ago )

It's classic desperation. I've seen it before.

They are so sick of the criticism Microsoft is getting (deserved might I add), so they just want to destroy the balance we currently have. The sun is no longer shining on their side of the room, and its making them uncomfortable. They want Sony dragged down to Microsoft's anti-consumer level.. pathetic.

It's a good thing we use the organ in our skulls to communicate logic.

Show all comments (211)
300°

Sony Says The PS5 Is Its “Most Profitable Generation To-Date"

During Sony’s recent business segment meeting and investor presentation regarding its game and network services, the PlayStation company revealed that PlayStation 5 is the company’s “most profitable generation to-date.”

It’s the top slide of the presentation, showing that in its first four years, the PS5 generation has already hit $106 billion in sales, having almost caught up to the PS4’s total $107 billion generated.

Operating income for the PS5 generation has also already surpassed that of the PS4, having now reached $10 billion.

ApocalypseShadow1d 5h ago (Edited 1d 5h ago )

I wouldn't doubt it. They released a high quality system. A lot of high quality games from themselves and their support of 3rd party developers and indies. They released many high quality remakes and remasters. They released a high quality GaaS game going against the naysayers thinking Sony would abandon single player games. And they most likely are profiting a lot more than PS1, PS2 PS4 and the loss leading PS3 that drained all their profits.

Now, I'll wait to see what's cooking tomorrow. But can you use some of those profits to better support your high quality VR headset? Because, by supporting it, you can sell more games and more systems and make more profits?

jznrpg1d 5h ago (Edited 1d 5h ago )

I want RPGs for PSVR2! Good ones of course

shinoff21831d 3h ago

If it had some rpgs I would buy right fking now. It looks dope and alot of fun, but it's biggest game resident evil 4(maybe) I've got no interest in. I'm not a fan of racing games, even with that metro game coming i was never much into that series. Rpgs would be fantastic.

MrNinosan1d 1h ago

Lemme know if ya wanna play some Zenith 🙌
Bought it at release, but haven't played it more than 1-2 hours but for sure on my "todo list".

Cacabunga1d 1h ago

Normal when they released mostly cross gen games so far. That’s a lot of money saved..
We haven’t seen what PS5 can do yet. 4years in and PS4 games still look great to me. The gen leap isn’t quite there yet.

--Onilink--1d 2h ago

The interesting metric for me is the $106billion in operating income/profit (not sales as mentioned in the article) reaching the same as the PS4 did with only half the consoles sold.

In particular because they all are supposed to be making the most per hardware sold after a few years when manufacturing costs are down.

So even putting inflation aside(and the higher console price), it is interesting that they could reach PS4 $ with just half the consoles sold.

Maybe there is more to the metric thats whats seen at face value, but they have clearly been making a lot more money than before on the software side (with also less games released I suppose, given its only been half the generation so far)

VersusDMC1d 2h ago

The bulk of the money has to be coming from the 30% cut on all games and microtransactions. Especially on all the free to play juggernauts like genshin, apex, fortnight, etc.

--Onilink--1d ago (Edited 1d ago )

@Versus

They are definitely making a lot on that for sure (which the $70 price increase factors into as well), but its not like many of those games werent around for the PS4 too.

They might be counting the gen as a whole and not just PS5 itself (so extra profit from PC sales, whatever that may be)

PS+ price increase and different tiers probably amount to part of that too.

But in general, its still quite a surprising metric. Half the time, half the consoles sold, less first party games released so far and still already making more of a profit than last gen is quite something, and as mentioned, there is probably more to it that we dont know, after all, since we are talking about operating income, all the expenses they have also factor into it, so it is also possible that they have found ways to significantly reduce that + all the means of increased revenue that appear to be factoring into the equation

All in all, just an interesting situation from a business perspective

porkChop22h ago

It's for the whole generation, so it would likely be including PC. They also make much more profit on digital sales vs retail, and digital is far more prominent these days. The generation also started at the height of COVID when everyone was home, spending far more money on gaming/hobbies. It makes a lot of sense for this gen to be more profitable.

Abnor_Mal1d 4h ago

This will surely shut up all the new trolling accounts trying to spread lies and non facts in other articles comment sections before this article is posted.

Hofstaderman1d 3h ago (Edited 1d 3h ago )

Obscurely, those trolls or troll will not show in these articles as the truth is contradictory to his or their orchard-sized daily dose of copium and hopium.

Tacoboto1d 2h ago

Or... They're intentionally trolling you guys specifically. Because they know it upsets you so easily.

Name-dropping Orchard, after this many months? How long has it been and he's still in your thoughts?

Elda1d 2h ago (Edited 1d 2h ago )

I'm quite sure the individual is reading these positive comments downvoting & seething at the same time. Edit: It just downvoted my comment...lol!!

Hofstaderman1d 2h ago

No I'm entertained by this individual. I love unhinged people, they are so interesting lol.

repsahj1d 3h ago

Wow! I am super impressed that in just 4 years, ps5 already caught up to the PS4's. Congratulations.

JackBNimble9h ago

That happens when half of your games are cross platform. I'm still waiting to see what the ps5 is capable of, because they sure haven't pushed any limits.

And where are all these ps5 exclusive games?

sagapo1d 3h ago

Not really surprised as Sony barely has any competition at the moment.

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150°

Sony CEO says although AI "has been used for creation," it's "not a substitute for human creativity"

"AI is not a substitute for human creativity. We position it as a technology that supports creativity. Creativity resides in people. We will continue to contribute to people's creativity through technology," the CEO said.

Read Full Story >>
gamesradar.com
1nsomniac7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

...not yet but 100% within the next 10 years!

..Then Sony will use it like the drop of a hat. They're no different to the others.

isarai7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

They used to be 😞 sure it was always a business, and money's always the priority, but they used to have a very strong stance on supporting artists and creativity. "Dont f#@k with the artist" was a phrase they touted a few times back in the ps1-ps3 era, a philosophy carried over from their music branch PlayStation was created from. It's not COMPLETELY gone, but it's barely there compared to what it was back then, i just want them to return to that.

Eonjay6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

I am highly encouraged by their statement about human creativity. "Dont f#@k with the artist" is exactly what they are saying. But at the same time, I don't think people understand that Sony is a corporation. If they don't realize growth, they don't get to exist. When you say 'Sony', you are talking about a bunch of investors. To speak about them any other way is a illogical and incorrect. They haven't changed. They have been a group of investors since they became a public business.

isarai7d ago

Ugh, i really wish people would stop gambling people's livelihoods by turning a project/game into their political soapbox. Im all for statements and having your own opinion, but there's more people working on this than just druckman, ham fisting your political beliefs onto just seems inconsiderate for everyone elses job security when it can result in a failure due to people avoiding it for that reason.

I play games for escape, im so tired of nearly every AAA game blatantly dragging real world issues to shove in my face when I'm trying to take a break from it all. They don't even bother to be subtle about it, quite the opposite, it's blasted and force fed to you and it's just getting exhausting

Einhander19726d ago

People are taking a whole interview and cutting it down to clips that make him look bad and take what he actually was saying out of context. For example he also said things like this AI has "ethical issues we need to address"

-Foxtrot6d ago

@Einhander

Why defend him at this point?

It’s not taking things out of context, he said what he said.

Old ND would never talk about soulless AI taking over so many creative things they are well known for. The whole “ethical issues” is just a good PR spin people who push this crap fall back on to make their statements not seem as bad. So many AI lovers do this.

AI has no place is so many creative based things.

Einhander19726d ago

Well yeah, because everyone else is using it so they need to stay competitive. It's the same as paid online, they didn't want to go that route but their competition was making so much money they needed to add paid online just to keep up.

RaiderNation6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

AI will never replace humans in game development in terms of conceptualizing new games. Humans still need to come up with the ideas and what they want to implement. However much of the day to day menial coding could be AI driven to reduce production time and team size. I could also see AI being used for bug testing/optimization that could lead to better quality games at launch. I'm actually very optimistic about how AI can positively impact game development.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 6d ago
XiNatsuDragnel7d ago

Good statement but hopefully this holds up

NotoriousWhiz6d ago

People that aren't software developers just don't understand the benefits of AI. People who's only exposure to A.I is the Terminator movie and other related sci fi films won't understand the benefits it provides.

It's not about replacing human labor. It's about making human labor easier.

Many years ago, I had laser eye surgery done. It was performed by a robot. The doctor took my measurements and calibrated the machine to make sure it would do what needed be done. And then the robot corrected my vision in 10 seconds.

15 years later and I still have 20/20 vision.

Eonjay6d ago

AI in and of itself is not a 'bad'. Money is bad. Money is evil, and corporations will do whatever they can to get more of it. They will find ways to implement AI to replace as may jobs as possible. This isn't even up for debate. It is the charge of the corporation to maximize returns for the investors. They have no choice. I'm a developer and I know that my job will absolutely be replaced. Therefore, I have decided to become an AI dev. AI has a lot of potential to help us solve problem on a scale most can't even imagine. The issue, as ever is that our monetary system only ever allows us to focus on greed and fiscal growth.

But I am a pragmatist. Perhaps an AI model can be built to help protect us from our most dangerous instincts and habits. And perhaps Congress can pass laws to protect us from people who would use AI to manipulate and control us (spoiler: they wont).

RaiderNation6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Progress is inevitable. Nobody driving cars today is complaining that the horse and buggy is no longer around. Yes, some jobs will be lost but guess what? With innovation comes new job opportunities. It's how the cycle of the job market works.

150°

Sony Patents To Prevent You From In-Game Harassment By Reading Your Emotions

A new patent recently published by Sony wants to gather biometric data of gamers to track whether one is being harassed using AI tools.

Profchaos36d ago (Edited 36d ago )

I hope this is one of those patents that never comes to fruition.

I already dislike the fact you can pay a significant amount for a online service buy associated games and content on said service and get banned from that service over potentially a misunderstanding the bans are already handed out for flimsy reasons

I'd rather see money invested in a ban that simply removes the offensive players ability to communicate with unknown players allow them to continue party chats with friends but not with Joe blow on cod.

exputers35d ago

Agreed. Blizzard recently banned a college Overwatch 2 player who's dependent for saying "shit." Pretty harsh.

Profchaos35d ago (Edited 35d ago )

How rediculas really. You can't say a word that's allowed in most PG films and prime time TV but the game is based around killing the enemy team using guns, explosives etc.

It's just backwards.

just_looken35d ago

What your talking about is called block list

In 2006 a spaceship dropped of the playstation 3/xbox 360 i say that that generation was the last great gen with game functions/tech that has yet to comeback

Anyhow the playstation 3 if you block listed a id they could not talk to you in chatroom with either text or voice. But that was pre mind fucked 2018 when people were more human than sheep.

But hey gta 6 is coming out billion dollar budget without a single player custom character creator and without singeplayer coop off/online something saints row 1-3 had on the xbox 360.

z2g35d ago

Take my social security and bank account numbers too! Here’s a picture of my wife and our address.

phoenixwing35d ago

Cmon where's the pictures of your children. Don't hold out on them.

H935d ago

At this rate I feel Sony will eventually sell a room to play games in it where they can monitor your every breath

jambola35d ago

I genuinely get a bit worried sometimes when a friend says something that could be offensive In a party
Because I have no trouble believing some bans would happen when in a private party for saying something wrong

SegaSaturn66935d ago

I want them to censor erotic content by measuring my groin temperature so i dont get too distracted while playing black ops 2.

Popsicle35d ago

Terrible idea. Not only do I not consent to providing my biometric data, the potential for mishandling biometric data is almost a certainty. Positive stress and negative stress can produce similar changes in biometrics. Interpreting the precise emotion a person is feeling is not only invasive but could be easily misconstrued. I hope this never comes to fruition.

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