Sony's PS4 Team Makes Disabled Fan's Day

Gameranx: "Sony has made a group of disabled gamers happy at the EBGames Expo."

[Majin-vegeta]

You lucky mofo's good job Sony :).

http://youtu.be/MdN0NXgjsn8

Bad M$>:|

[Gazondaily]

Hats off to Sony. I really feel for disabled gamers and I think that reward more than makes up for the oversight.

Shame on MS though; just when you think their PR couldn't get any worse. Get your act together.

[xHeavYx]

Just Sony being Sony and MS being MS.
I'm sure though that a new story will "suddenly appear" later today, where, somehow, MS will "redeem" themselves, or someone will complain about Sony

[pyramidshead]

Was thinking the same thing about MS's continuing PR blunders. You literally cannot write this stuff. It's like Sony and Microsoft literally met up before all this began and MS, for some reason, was eager to take the hot seat this gen, and with Sony's experience of PR fuck ups early this gen, happily let them haha.

[johndoe11211]

Personally, i wouldn't say that microsoft did anything wrong in this situation per se, it's just that sony did everything RIGHT.

[TechMech2]

Technically the MS that you are talking about is just one or two lower ranking people.....

[Eonjay]

Thats whats up! Taking responsibility for all your fans! Good stuff.

[amiga-man]

And these are the sort of reasons I have more faith in Sony as a company than I ever will M$

[Kryptix]

While Sony apologizes and gives those 4 gamers free PS4s on launch day...

...on Microsoft's side:
--
The gamers then made their way over to the Microsoft/Xbox One area of the convention and were simply told, "Sorry, it's upstairs, you can't try it" and sent off without even a simple apology.
--

Just Microsoft being Microsoft.

[Lykon]

just goes to show that M$ are the real spastics .. not the handicaps

[sinncross]

This is a nice story to read. I hope they enjoy the PS4 when they get it :)

[vigilante_man]

".. Wheel Chair seating has been accommodated for inside EB Arena offering a full uninterrupted view of both the stage and the screens.. "

So they can watch everyone else play!!

Good on them for having the balls to try the MS stands after already being given the promise of free PS4s from Sony. Great idea. They nearly came away with both consoles!

Shame on MS for not realising when they are in the wrong as Sony had already done. But is this legal in Australia? In the UK all such public exhibitions have to have access for people with disabilities.

Shame on you Aussies as well!

[Anarki]

Goodguy Sony

[RobbyGrob]

Oh how i wish i was disabled. They've got all the money, the chicks, and now the consoles too.

[Gazondaily]

Be careful what you wish for bro. People out there would happily trade money, chicks and games consoles (lol) for many of the basic functions we take for granted.

'Nuff respect to all those guys who are born disabled or get disabled in some stage in their lives. Their moral strength and sheer resolve leaves me astounded.

[johndoe11211]

@Septic

Well said.

[johndoe11211]

To the 1 person who disagreed with septic and myself, you are mentally disturbed, please seek some help.

[TrevorPhillips]

Much love and respect to Sony, but MS, you guys are jerks.

[MasterCornholio]

Don't have an internet connection?

Buy a 360.

My cousin who works on a submarine and is a hard core gamer was offended by this.

I know they pulled a 180 with that but it shows the kind of things Microsoft is capable of saying.

Nexus 7 2013

[hankmoody]

I lean more towards the Xbox and even I've gotta admit that was an idiotic thing to say. Definitely something that shouldn't have been blurted out in front of an audience.

[Fez]

Considering Sony will probably make a profit from these gamers in software sales and positive press from a perceived gesture of goodwill, this action becomes far less altruistic.

Plus, what kind of solution is that to offer? They should have run an extension cord downstairs and moved a tv and console down so they could try it. MS should have done the same but at least they didn't stoop so low as to try and tie the gamers into their eco-system.

If this story is true, Sony have gone down in my estimations.

[RytGear]

They gave away something for free and you are saying they have gone down in your views?

Wow, I didn't realise that Xbox People hated anything free so much... Jeez

[KYU2130]

Fez, are you serious??? While it would have been even more awesome had Sony set something up just so the disabled player could take full advantage of the show, It was very good of them to admit to their own oversight and compensate the gamers the way they did.

You can't run over sony on this one. If Sony was looking for advertising out of the issue they would have leaked the story themselves. As it stands the gamer is the one that spilled the beans about what Sony did for them. So any press positive or negative will be because of the gamers not Sony.

Fez, As a disabled gamer myself i find your outlook at the solution quite offensive. The Sony rep and booth staff handled themselves professionally and should be applauded for their actions and efforts.

[torchic]

I think you need to re-evaluate your life.

[DragonKnight]

@RytGear: Free doesn't exist in the vocabulary of Microsoft or their fanboys. They don't know what it is. It's a concept that is completely alien to them. If they're not being gouged for every cent they have, they feel something is wrong with the world.

@joe90: You're confusing MS with Bill Gates. There is a difference. Also, Sony didn't use the kids for this as they didn't say anything about it. The kids are the ones who told the story about this. Sony probably didn't want to make this a big deal because of their gaf in the first place. Get off of Microsoft, they're not going to give you part of that alleged $30 billion in charity.

[shadow2797]

I know I shouldn't feed the troll, but...

It will take a lot more software sales for these gamers before Sony earns a profit on them. They're taking a complete loss on each one of those consoles. According to Sony, they break even with the sale of the console and a couple games or accessories. So without charging anything for the PS4, they won't make a profit on any of the gamers for a while, if at all.

In the grand scheme of things, the small loss won't matter to Sony, but don't act like they did it for the profit.

They also didn't do it for positive PR, because there was no guarantee that the players would post it on the Internet, nor that some website would see it on Facebook and publish the story.

If you're going to be cynical, they probably did it to avoid the negative backlash and earn those gamers as customers. However, I still fail to see how what they did was a bad thing. The gamers could always sell their console if they don't want it.

[Tooly]

Stfu Fez You mad

[johndoe11211]

I hope you REALLY HATE microsoft then for trying to tie you in with all those free "games with gold" games you're getting now.

And damn, europe should REAAAALLY hate them for that free copy of fifa.

[thejigisup]

Your statement= You've been bad Sony for only giving away a couple of ps4's. Everyone should get a ps4 for free bc you're gonna make money off of the software sales and the positive press. Let me spank you, bad Sony, badddddd.
Microsoft is the best arghh im cuuuu cuu ahhhhh. We didn't have to be nice we just said no, just like drugs say no to disabled people in fact I don't think our kinect works on wheel chairs something about the metal haha watch us walk up these stairs while you enjoy the rest of the flat surfaces at the show buhbye now...

Really Sony didn't do the right thing? Oh and ms did? Practical solution to the problem. Sony says sorry you can't try it, but you can have it for free and that's a bad thing?

[andrewsqual]

Are you high? If you were them would you have said "No thanks, get this sorted now. I'm offended you offered me a free unit of the most powerful next gen console. Good day to you sir."
Microsoft if they actually had have done ANYTHING, which they didn't, would have gave them "free" Xbox Live t-shirts, caps and lanyards that say "Go Gold". I work high up in retail and see that shit all the time.
Lol there is something wrong with being tied up in the Sony bosom of awesomeness?

[abc1233]

Wtf did I just read. Firstly, Sony had no guarantee that this would gain as much publicity as this, they could have got the free consoles and maybe posted about it on FB whilst gaining little attention. Secondly, how the hell have they been tied into the PlayStation ecosystem? They're getting a console FOR FREE! They can easily sell that console and get an X1 if they really wanted to, Sony isn't holding a gun to their heads and telling them to keep the consoles and buy as many games for it as possible. Ridiculous

[ziggurcat]

@ dragonknight:

it exists in their vocabulary, but they (for whatever reason) like to refer to it as, "renting."

[insomnium2]

How about if those people sell their systems huh Fez? Making 400 dollars off of Sony is bad too I recon....

[Kryptix]

@Fez
lol

"MS should have done the same but at least they didn't stoop so low as to try and tie the gamers into their eco-system."

What's wrong with giving people free stuff along with an apology? Sony has already done this before. Remember the PSN shutdown and people were gifted with free games as an apology? Was that also meant for a boost in software sales when they lost millions during that time?

And what about Microsoft giving Europe FIFA 14 or Forza 5 for free with day one preorders? Is that also a publicity stunt or are you holding a double standard here? Let's be honest here, you and me both know you're just another Xbot and the irony here is if you're aware of your contradiction then you're the one looking for attention. Point blank period.

[zippycup]

yeah but on the other hand do we want people in nuclear submarines playing vid games

remember that the government says video games make you violent and your cousin might push the button when his gta save gets corrupted

and i read on the internet that we should trust our government and if they say it on the net we should believe it

(wonder if i should put sarcasm tags this is n4g after all)

[PR_FROM_OHIO]

Wow great job SONY!!!!

[Icy-Zone]

Sony hands out consoles to handicap folks while
Microsoft makes fun of transsexuals...

The message is obvious here.

[Xsilver]

Just Sony being Sony.

[noctis_lumia]

hankmoody:(guy below) if the ps3 was put to shame from the 3shitty
it wouldnt outsold it WORLDWIDE as we speak despite all the problem it had

enjoy your kinect and third place for another generation.

[tudors]

Brilliant! really pleased for them :)

[panbit86]

Awwww that's so nice of them! Well done Sony! Well done! They've been doing everything so right with this console! Even they way they handled this matter is amazing!

[TrevorPhillips]

There's no greater and respectful company then Sony!

[Convas]

I know some non-profit companies that are. (-.-)

[swishersweets20031]

wow.. talk about being at the right place at the right time. good for them.

[lildudexst]

That big law suite waiting to happen lucky ps4 save with great offer. :) good work sony once again saveing the building ass.hey free ps4 can't even beat that just wow and lunch day just nut.

[WeAreLegion]

I have no idea what you just said, but I agree.

[Thehyph]

Ahahaha me neither. At least the comment appears positive. Usually a comment that hard to read is nothing but negativity. Kudos to that guy!

[DragonKnight]

I think he's saying that Sony saved the owners of the building from a lawsuit by offering a free PS4. I could be wrong though.

[TrevorPhillips]

I know this is off topic, but when I was coming home, a bus driver didn't stop for a guy in a wheelchair and he was chasing after the bus to try and get in and the bus driver just drove off and I walked towards the guy and was like you need help, need a lift somewhere even though the guy was a total stranger, I wanted to offer him a lift and he said no thannk you and in my mind I was just like, the bus driver is an asshole. The moral of the story is that handicaps should not be treated any different to non handicaps. We are all human beings.

[DragonKnight]

Bus drivers don't give a damn about anyone. And the reality is, they don't exactly have the most difficult job in the world so they shouldn't be so damn pissed and apathetic all the time. They get paid decent money to drive in a straight line back and forth all day. Yeah, there are some a$$holes that can put a crimp in your day, but I can't imagine a less difficult job for that kind of money.

Oh wait, I forgot about the turns.

[andrewsqual]

Dude they are "people who are handicapped" not that offensive Irish slang you just called them.

[3lromeo30]

This why I'm staying with SONY....customer service is great

[Harpers_Ferry]

It's always nice to see a company going a little further to keep consumers happy, even if it is a rare occurrence these days.

[MonChiChi]

Like to hear things like this on Monday. Good Job Sony.

[Whitey2k]

sony all the way! Great games comes with Great service! I cant see y xboners don't see this to them its only the line up but comes after that its just gonna be DLC's y sony gets more exclusives

[SoulSercher620]

Sony has definitely got class. They even got the handicap gamers covered. As for M$ this is another example of how they don't care about all types of gamers.

[wenaldy]

Wow, lucky for them :)

[chrissx]

I Love Sony and Sony loves us (customers). This is Class

[Bathyj]

c'mon guys, we don't have to lay into Microsoft because they didn't give out free consoles. Let's just congratulate Sony cos they did. If everyone acted exceptionally, it wouldn't be exceptional, it would just be average.

And shrewd move Sony. I know you guy didn't intend it in a cynical fashion, he was just trying to do the right thing, but 2 grand worth of consoles just got turned into a million bucks worth of good advertising. Nicely done.

I feel all warm and fuzzy.

[andrewsqual]

A lot of people are just being positive. Its the Xbox defense force that struck first. I guess attacking isn't the best form of defense then.

[Underworld]

But what Microsoft did was wrong. They didn't have to give them free consoles, but they could have at least tried to make up for it. Give them free vouchers, merchandise or something. Instead they just sent them on their way. Doesn't even sound like they gave a heartfelt apology.

[PositiveEmotions]

This is why I love Sony they trully care about us consumers and it shows that they care about us.

MS has shown they dont care about consumers.

[hankmoody]

All I'm saying is that you guys are really quick to take this at face value as being the truth. Have you even seen the Reddit account of the person who posted this? It's nothing but posts on Sony and the PS4 with no kind of interest in the Xbox One. That last bit in the post sounds like it was thrown in there just to throw that little jab at MS. I knew the moment I clicked on the link that somewhere in that piece was going to be something negative directed towards MS and the XB1 and lo and behold, there it was near the end.

And by the way, I'd have said the exact same thing had it been the other way around as well with MS giving away free consoles to disabled people and Sony being rude and dismissive about it. And frankly, the kid just sounds annoyed that MS didn't give him a free console as well. I'd have loved to read an alternate take on this where he actually did get a free console from MS, just to see what the zealots on here would have to say about that.

"The XB1 is doing so bad that they HAVE to give out free consoles! Har har har!"

Don't deny it because you know it's the goddamn truth.

[curtis92]

You guys really go a LONG way to justify your love for MS.

[Ketzicorn]

Yeah but guess what that's not what happened. The point is MS was just dismissive of a glaring issue. Sorry can't do anything for you. They could have done something to try to apologize to disabled gamers that came to try the system and didn't have accomadations to do so.At those kind of events they have vouchers for all kinds of crap and hats,shirts,etc... They should have offered something as an apology but it just goes a long with MS PR from the get go. The whole company seems to have a crap attitude at the moment.

[andrewsqual]

@hankmoody Allow me to explain to you. The PS2 and PS3 consoles were very hard consoles to get to grips with but Devs were still able to do incredible things with them crushing any of what the competition had to offer and especially after 3 years.
Sony are about to hit the ground running for the very first time with a console even after the amazing games we got and are still getting on PS3 (Beyond out this week ^_^).
Try and say this in another 2 years. You are going to be blown away.

[Xsilver]

@hankmoody this what you say below:
Seriously, why are people SO hyped up about the PS4? What does it do other than play games? I really don't think we will see much innovation out of that system. That's not to say that the PS4 won't have some amazing exclusives because of course they will. But the Xbox One just looks like a system that's going to get better and better. The PS4 really is just a PS3.5 like you said. #3.1.3
6d ago by hankmoody | View comment

The need to prove one system as being better than the other, I mean I get it but it's just getting out of hand already. Really hoping the Xbox One proves everyone wrong and this nonsense stops already. As far as I'm concerned, the PS4 hasn't shown a damn thing to make anyone that excited over it. #21
20d ago by hankmoody | View comment
Once again, the PS trolls come out to play. And it's only Monday. SMH #35
14d ago by hankmoody | View comment

Actually, I preordered an Xbox One on the strength of this game and I know for a fact I'm not the only one. #2.1.5
8d ago by hankmoody | View comment
Well, I'm not saying that at all but you've gotta admit that PS4 launch lineup is kinda wack in all honesty. PS4 will definitely have its share of quality games. Just not right out the gate. #16.1.1
41d ago by hankmoody | View commen

Now nothing you say is valid because your comment history says everything about you http://ct.fra.bz/ol/fz/sw/i... oh the damage is done so i guess i'll be leaving.

[GTgamer]

@majin who are you referring too lol.

[GTgamer]

Did u actually read Xsilver comment he posted the comment history of Hankmoody lmao am i the only one that noticed that lmao that really backfired Silver.

[pyramidshead]

Dem Hankmoody opinions.

[christocolus]

i do plan to get an xbx one at launch and a ps4 later next year and im very happy with my choice but if ms xbx one promoters actually did that then i must say ms needs to look into it...even if they werent going to give out free consoles to the kid they should have helped the guy upstairs or taken out time to quickly set up a station for them downstairs...unlike sony it seems ms outsourced these guys and usually (from my experience) such guys dont give a damn about the company they represent since they do not actually work for them.....the attacks on ms though are unwarranted and its possible the story has been exagerated so ill wait to hear more about this but if it actually happened like this then i must give sony 2 thumbs up..they did very good&im impressed and besides i really dont like handicapped people being mistreated by anyone.

[Hicken]

" It's nothing but posts on Sony and the PS4 with no kind of interest in the Xbox One."

With this kind of experience, is it any surprise? Hell, I'm not buying an XB1 any time soon, but if I was at an expo like this and had a chance to play it, I'd still want to take that opportunity to see for myself how the controllers feel and whether or not the games look and perform as people say they do... or don't.

"Don't deny it because you know it's the goddamn truth."

Uh, no. There are precious few people here that would condemn Microsoft for such a move. For my own part, I'd say, "See, this is the kind of good press Microsoft needs right now. Keep it up, and they may yet change the image many have of them."

IF Microsoft had gone beyond saying "Sorry." Which they didn't.

You would think that employees would be mindful of their comapany's need for good press, and try to do SOMETHING in such a situation. Maybe they can't move a kiosk on that day, but give them some sort of pass to come in on another day, when arrangements could be made ahead of time. Something, ANYTHING more than "We're sorry."

Part of why Microsoft is so scrutinized is because they keep making both big AND small missteps. When you're doing most things right, people will excuse a small mistake here and there.

That's what's happening to Sony: they're getting almost everything right, so a minor setback here or there is okay. It's even more okay when you take measures to rectify those small mistakes.

On the other hand, Microsoft has continued to either make missteps, or cancel out their positive traction with further wrongs. Not always something big, but it's hard to deny that they've had a mostly negative start; naturally, people will look more at the negatives that continue from there on out, rather than the positives.

So even the small stuff becomes magnified and more significant.

But what do I know? I'm just a Sony fanboy.

[iceman06]

I don't know how anybody can deny this statement. This is EXACTLY what happened with the PS3. Huge "misstep" in pricing and a PR blunder led to years of digging itself out of the proverbial hole. While MS came with "competitive" pricing and a fresh message. As always, video game industry tides turn quickly. Now, Sony is not missing a beat and when they do it's difficult to tell because the music still sounds great. MS suffered from PR and messaging blunders out of the gate. Not to mention the planned policies that many didn't really want. NOW, they need as much positive messaging and PR as they can get.
It's not a fanboy thing. It's obvious to anyone that is looking objectively at the situation.

[McScroggz]

It's not that Microsoft did a BAD thing or were jerks, it's that Sony did a GOOD thing and went out of their way to make a bad situation better for somebody. Whether or not some people make fun of Microsoft on the internet for it shouldn't change that simple fact. The story didn't editorialize, it simply stated what happened.

I'm not going to vilify Microsoft for their treatment of the situation. But I am going to praise Sony because it was genuinely praiseworthy. Let's stop with the persecution complex already.

[iceman06]

Exactly. This oversight, by those that designed the booths, was just that...oversight. Sony stepped up and went above and beyond and did a noble thing. MS did nothing wrong by doing nothing. THAT is the story. Sony did a noble thing...period.

[Underworld]

But they kinda were jerks. Microsoft didn't have to give them free consoles, but they could have at least tried to make up for it. Give them a voucher, some merchandise or something. They just sent them on their way. Doesn't even sound like they gave a heartfelt apology.

[TristanPR77]

That is a very kind gesture by Sony. I'm proud to support a company that treat their customers like that and with respect. On the other hand, Microsoft is always very arrogant and doesn't have a human touch when it comes to treat their customers. MS customers are used to be treated like $hit and do nothing.

[curtis92]

This isn't even a Sony/MS thing... seeing a story like this is really touching. Glad to see that not all corporations are cold and some really do care about their fan base.

[Clarence]

No it's is a Sony/M$ thing. Sony proving time and time again that they care about customers satisfaction. Where as M$ could give a $h!t about their fan base. Just like the guy said in his post. Typical.

I'm sure M$ pr team will try to clean this up.

[sigfredod]

Well an apology to the gamers for not to be able to access was enough from a PR perspective, but getting a free PS4 wow those guys are really lucky

[Nocando]

Next up, Sony team rescues kitten from a tree. Your all so gullible, this is a PR stunt plain and simple.

[SoulSercher620]

Yeah compensating for handicap gamers who can't get access to their new console is a PR stunt.

What an idiot you are.

[Nocando]

Name calling is the recourse of a weak mind. My comment on n4g Sony "enthusiasts" being gullible is simply the truth.

[nosferatuzodd]

Indeed the ms defense force will say anything to save their precious cable box one

[Kryptix]

According to Nocando, giving something as an apology is a PR stunt. That's being really negligent on the situation. 4 disabled gamers couldn't try out the PS4 because of issues with how the building was structured and Sony apologized for not thinking ahead with a launch day PS4 so they will be able to try the PS4 out and keep it. By your idiotic logic, I guess every time an organization for disabled people gives them free stuff, they're only doing it for attention and it's not an act of just being nice to them and giving them support. You really need to recheck your logic.

[LordNikon]

How do you know its a PR stunt? Or how do you its just not quality customer service?

[Vanna]

Really enjoyed reading that and the quick thinking staff making someones day.

Well done to Sony for being so truthful, would imagine internal memos are now stating to make sure access is for all of their gamers

[CanadianTurtle]

I feel no emotions of jealousy. I am so happy for Sony and those gamers

[SKYVVLKR]

Respect.

[NateCole]

Well done Sony.

[dlocsta]

You retards actually do believe anything you read as long as it is pro sony!?! HAHA Good luck with that. I think it is GREAT sony is willing to give them free consoles but find it hard to believe ANY company would just be cold and callous and turn them away. For you sony fanbots, callous means intentionally cruel not the hard skin on the bottom of your feet.

[Rockstar]

Lol'd @ this comment from the site...

"Disabled? We have 360s downstairs to play."

[Thomaticus]

I like it! I hope they have a great time!

[ziggurcat]

i knew it was only going to be a matter of time before some fool spun this very nice gesture to make up for their screw up as a PR stunt...

[LaidBakLazyHippo]

Sony is awesome for doing this!

[kidhero99]

http://i.imgur.com/SuxS620....

[PsylentKiller]

Neither company owns that building and they cannot build handicap access to the second floor with a snap of there fingers. So, A simple apology was all that was needed and Sony went above and beyond with giving them a free PS4 for each of them. MS gave a simple apology because they felt that this situation was out of their hands. Even if it was out of their control, they could have made an attempt to make it better. I would have had a rep move a couple of the consoles downstairs to a private room where disabled people who are incapable of climbing stairs could test out the games. I would use a private room so that the non disabled people wouldn't ask why they can't play on those consoles. So that they wouldn't feel privileged or like they are being treated differently because of their disability.

[nosferatuzodd]

Good job to Sony well done this is why I will be a Playstation owner until I die
Burry me with the ps controller in my hand
I've bin with Sony for over a million years from Walkman to TVs to Playstation to spz to psp to psv

Long live play

[Jamaicangmr]

Damn i just got to a million and you been with them over?

Old bastard.

Long Live Play indeed

+bubble.

[Droid Control]

YES SONY!

You rule!!!!
Got to look out for the disabled in society!!!!!!

Frack you M$! Go frack yourself !!!

[ghoh1]

wow didnt see that coming

[Jamaicangmr]

Now that's some customer service for you right there. All the best i hope you guys/gals enjoy it.

Oh yeah one thing that made me chuckle though...
"Sorry, it's upstairs, you can't try it" and sent off without even a simple apology. "

Would'nt the Sorry in "Sorry, it's upstairs, you can't try it" be considered a simple apology? Just asking lol!

Good read though always nice to know that this multi-billion dollar industry still has some humanity left in it.

[GirlOnFire]

Shame on Microsoft for bundling Kinect with Xbone. They are telling the disabled to move around.