Breaking: Phil Harrison Quits Sony

Phil Harrison is today announcing plans to leave Sony. Harrison is the company's head of worldwide studios and has been instrumental in PlayStation's development for 15 years.

[TrevorPhillips]

ohh thats too bad that phil is leaving sony

[blacsheep]

im confused,regardless phil im wishing you the best of luck,in my eyes you were the face of the playstation brand,i am genuinly sad to see you go,more so than ken.

@poos3

people who live in glass houses should not throw stones(we all know how many high profile execs have left microsoft including the founder!)

[lodossrage]

You mean like the way MS is losing ppl left and right correct?

[Lifendz]

just when I got used to seeing this tall, lanky, alienesque guy he up and quits. Best of luck to ya Phil.

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

@Filanime03
Actually Darsniper does have a PS3, he was in the first COD tourney I believe and then the second one he overslept. XD.

[PhiI Harrison]

Phil might be leaving Sony, but he will always be on N4G!!!!

[Lew_Ijgee]

Darksniiper (1.4) is not the real Darksniper folks.

[marinelife9]

LOL Phil will be forever enshrined on N4G.

Does anyone know where he's going? Did he take a job outside of the industry? Did he start his own development studio? Did he retire?

[jwatt]

I loved that guy, so cool and calm and he did good things with Sony. Who's going to take his spot, kaz or maybe a new guy from America.

[sonarus]

man. its hard to imagine anyone filling his shoes. Best of luck to him though and hopefully sony can replace him with someone who is more than capable

[EastCoastSB]

It said in the article that Kaz Hirai is going to take over.

[Rattles]

.

[conjurdevil]

dont tell me he's going to EA too lol j/k

[Black_Jack]

lol hell no

lets hope whoever steps in his shoes has the business and creative prowess he has, he'll be missed that's for sure.

[TrevorPhillips]

maybe u never know i mean EA's are rich bastards they wanna buy every company even take two lol

[permutated]

I'm pissed at people like you who talk sh*t about EA because they know good business tactics.

If you want to b*tch about a company, b*tch about Rockstar and their inability to make a decent looking game, and their obsession with making gamers look like violence/sex loving idiots.

[titntin]

@permutated
You can be as pissed as you like. People have every right to moan about E.A.'s tactic of buying good companies and destroying them. The have a track record of destroying every company they purchase, and they admit it themselves.
I was part of Bullfrog when we were absorbed into E.A., so I've seen first hand how their ridiculous corporate mentality sucks the creativity and zest from a once great company, and results in dismally formulaic teams as a result. I gave it a good shot in E.A. but ultimately choose to leave and set up elsewhere precisely because of this culture.
If you don't know what you are talking about, don't talk about it.

I'm sad to see Phil going. Having met him myself (I also worked for Psygnosis when we taken by Sony), I can attest that he is a 'gentle giant' and a good bloke. Sony will miss his presence. His role is incredibly demanding and stressful however, and theres only so long you can so much of yourself to any company. I would not be at all surprised to learn he intends to keep a lower profile role which allows him more free time. I guess we'll see when we learn what new role he intends to take on.:)

[permutated]

Lol, yeah man, you sure showed me.

People talk trash about EA because they work the business side of gaming, however without them there would be alot less of the great franchises we've come to rely on year after year.

Burnout, Madden, etc.

Get a life, or a job. Stop trying the ruin the reputation that a company has worked so hard to achieve.

There was a time that they were just a small developer who made great games, now they do so much more.

All this logic is falling on deaf ears, and hopefully I won't lose another bubble for voicing my opinion.

[permutated]

I wonder what this means? I mean, no one in their right mind would quit from a company who's technology was just deemed the next format of entertainment distribution. Especially after working there for 15 years.

It just doesn't make sense.

[gEnKiE]

Well why did Peter Moore leave Microsoft? Either way, it is sad to see him leave. Out of everybody at Sony, I liked to listen to what he had to say. Either way, I wish him the best of luck. :)

[Daishi]

Does this have to mean anything? I mean he's already rolling in $ and has an image he can sell to the tech industry. Maybe he just wants to take a break from one of (if not the) most chaotic industrys. If he sells all his stocks and moves to the middle of no where, then be suspicious. Would be interesting if he started working on a new project though (Dreamcast 2)...

[permutated]

It's just weird timing, and if you can't see that you're blind.

[moparful99]

I dont know this to be true but if you're trying to reason as to why phil would leave at the precise moment sony is starting to run the industry again then I might have the answer. Phil has been trying to push the casual side of the market since the ps3 hit the streets. He knew the casual market was the next big thing. He is the main supporter of home, LBP, and the open networking of the psn. He's frankly upset that sony has generally been ignoring the casual side. Now that nintendo is a run away success with the wii and microsoft has launched the xna service he feels that "I told you so" just doesnt quite make up for it. So he packed up shop and whent to a company that respects his insight and foresight if you will... Again I know sony has been catering to the casuals with ps eye, psn, home and what not but they dont seem to be making it a priority... This is all speculation and hear say but it could explain this brash move.... Whoo knows anymore : [

[TrevorPhillips]

i think phil is leaving because of the disappointment at gdc08 i think

[ravinash]

Phil has been part of the company for years and it was last year was the hard one for the playstation brand, things are looking up now so hes leaving on a high note. So its unlikely that he leaving because of any shows.

[name]

What dissapointment? I'm sure he isn't leaving due to anything negative going on at Sony. Maybe he's just interested in doing other things probably? That's really screwed up that he's leaving. He was my favorite.

[Iron Man 2]

Farewell Phil Harrison,Dark Sniper and his legion of SONY Snipers will never forget you!

$niper

[Iron Man 2]

Dark Sniper has reported your comment as offensive and he hopes the rest of the n4g users do so as well

$niper

[DarkSniiper]

It is all over for Sony!

Xbox 360 FTW!!!!

$nipe

[cellypower]

Why would you want M$ to win the console war?It would be bad for gaming

[ASSASSYN 36o]

Because, ol'snpiey wants to play Front Lines Fuel of war.

[Chubear]

This is a sad event for sure. Phil's just too damned cool and will be heavily missed.

I'll be keeping an eye out for his future endevours cause where ever he goes will certainly have quality as long as he's a vital part of it.

Good luck and best of wishes to him. He did good by Sony's Playstation entertainment system and by the Playstation fanbase.

[ambientFLIER]

JUMP SHIP JUMP SHIP

LOL

[Iamback]

I am shocked

[poos3]

is sony on it way down ?that maybe why he left he was complaining about fustrations like 3 days ago and it was posted on this site maybe he had enough ?

[permutated]

Um...what?

[JVIDICAN]

is microsoft on there way down? maybe its founder and others left because of issues with the 360
see i can do it to =P

[e8t bit]

Left to join Microsoft, much?

[PumPum]

Fanboy didnt even read the article did you?

[radzy]

no more real exclusives , its all about blu ray, 360 games look identical if not better than ps3 games, and microsoft must have offered him a sh!t load of money to work on the zune, 10 gig force installs, washed out look on games, 360 games look better,gta not exclusive anymore, gta bing bought by microsoft through EA(go peter moore), 360 games look better, 15 gig force installs, and 360 games look better!!!

good luck sony , THIS IS YOUR YEAR "SONY 2008".

HA HA HA.

[Avto]

Well this was kind of a shock what am I to do now join the Xbox camp.

[UnblessedSoul]

Omg phils a legend why is he leaving

[Mr Marbles]

MS offered him a huge amount of cash to come work for them.

[PumPum]

You didnt read the article?
He said he will support Sony....

[blacsheep]

I think youve lost yours!

phil is no peter moore,phil has class,integrity,passion and is not a traitor so he wouldnt fit in at microsoft!

[Daishi]

Blacsheep who would he be betraying for going to another company to make money? You shouldn't get too attached to business people because they know more of what's going on than we do and they act upon it. To me this means nothing, he's got money and wants a vacation. He might even return in a few years for all we know.

[ktchong]

Didn't he say that he's pissed at Sony Japan just last week over social gaming?

http://www.gamesindustry.bi...

It's a Japanese company -- employees don't criticize their company or boss in public or the press.

Seems like he spoke out of his place, and so he suffered the consequence.

[The Closing]

I really doubt they would let someone who has been so vital to the team go over something as small as that. That wouldn't be the smartest move on their part to say the least.

[titntin]

Thanks for pointing out the article - I missed this when it was submitted, and had wandered why Sony lost the inroads they had made in starting social gaming!

Much I can see the kind of conspiracy theories this might suggest, I seriously doubt that such a statement would see him depart his role. He's always been refreshingly candid, and spoken his mind. Being dissapointed with a company policy is not the same as blasting anyone, and I seriously doubt this had bearing on his current decision.

[blacsheep]

i know what your saying but roundpeg makes a valid point we all know how straight laced japanese business people can be, ive been to japan and their culture is like another planet, i love it there but they do live by strict rules,and are very serious that you uphold there beliefs and would not tolerate being made to look stupid or behind the times.

phil speaking out recently i believe was from internal conversations going on for a while and the decision for him to leave was finalised way before so he had nothing to lose by saying what he did,this is maybe even more so there was no sony conference at GDC because phil usually hosts them.

i believe phil was pissed at his vision for social gaming not being taken seriously earlier and this caused internal conflict its like him saying now i told you so you should have listened to me in the 1st place and japanese execs wouldnt like that because they believe they are are the innovators of electronics and anything technical which then you could argue they are but in this instance phil beat them to the punch?

there will be alot of conspiracy theorys

[TrevorPhillips]

thats life, thats how business is they offer money to people and they accept to join

[Rims]

nooooooooo! PHIL WHY !!! NOO!

[krisq]

...for Sony. But than again, if someone offered me better money, I would quit too.

[xhi4]

and deeply saddened.

He's such an innovator! Down to earth, an earth shattering loss to Sony entertainment.

I wonder what prompted his resignation.......hhmmm

I doubt they'd be able to get such a genuine person as phill to take his place. Such a shame.

But i geuss, 15 years is a long time.

EDIT: Harrison: "I...will continue to support its future in every way I can.”

Thank god! lol

But seriously, how will kaz manage BOTH jobs? Phills job is such a specialised and high management position, how can he POSSIBLY effectively run both arms?

Sad......very sad. I guess time will tell.

And also interesting, maybe he knew he was going to leave and that's why he said that thing about the japanese arm of Sony, and/or maybe that has to do with his resignation (i doubt it though), but its really sad for Sony. Big shock! Damn.

[hardmetal]

But it's a weird move from Phil. I'm surprised that SCE president will take his responsibilities too. How can he manage to handle two high level jobs in the same time?? It means there is a lack of planning or Phil's resigning is somehow related to his attack to the Japanese division for not supporting social gaming which may cause his resigning.

I really don't know. I'm still shocked.

[TrevorPhillips]

i wonder who would take his place i mean phil was a great man.

[Korosuke]

Didn't you read the source though you posted it?

[vloeistof]

oke well did not see that coming.

[TrevorPhillips]

im a 360 fanboy and i gotta say: Theres nothing you can do no more his gone. Gone forever dont go phil stay with sony plz microsoft are evil:(

[ASSASSYN 36o]

Complete and logical sentences please.

[power of Green]

He claims he's a 360 fanboy and he does have a 360 identity at *least as far as this site is concerned* but somethings wrong.

His comment and news history suggest its a front. For all we know his 360 account could be a shared or issued avatar on one of his friends 360's.

His comment tone and his news post history seem all wrong. Could be wrong though.

Seems like a Smith Agent in the physical world lol. J/K.

[Zip]

Please quit all your "sniper"/snipa bs ... it becomes booring and unorginal :S

[lodossrage]

With playstation 3 finally getting positive feedback, Phil now quits?

Whatever you do Phil, please don't go to EA.

They already have Peter Moore from MS. Just imagine if they took Phil next? EA is already beginning to hold the gaming world hostage as it is.

[Genki]

Kutaragi and Harrison, who've been around since day 1. I have a bad feeling that without at least one of these folks around, the PS4 is gonna take a turn for the worst.

[kevin1122]

when i read this i was thinking the same thing about the ps4. But i think kutaragi will still help sony with designing it.

can some people help with giving agrees, i hate being limited to two comments.

[lodossrage]

BUT I will say that at least one of those two are necessary (Kutaragi more than Harrison)

@Kevin, you mean give you bubbles, not agrees lol

But sure, why not. I'll bubble you

[sfinXters]

But, oh well, this happens once in a while, I seriously doubt that this will have any impact whatsoever on the PS3.

[TrevorPhillips]

why phil yyyyyyyyy dont leave sony!

[Gazman]

What no Phil Harrison means no more ducks noooooooooooo

[Prismo_Fillusion]

Doesn't seem like a smart move to leavy Sony at this stage in time - right when they're getting their wheels rolling.

If I were to take a guess I'd say he's probably getting ready to start an independent project.

Good luck Phil!

[Kaz Hirai]

Best of luck in the future, old friend!

MWAH-HA-HA-HA!!!

[Gabe323]

When the janitor at Microsoft quits it means they're going out of business..

Why no talk like that from the Sony fans now?

[titntin]

So you'd call Bill Gates, the founder of the company, and all the other senior VP's that left, 'Janitors'??

Ho ho! You guys really will stoop to any level of stupidity to try and start some kind of flame war!

People leave companies. It happens almost every day. Sometimes these people are the people at the top.

People understood that Bill was going to leave - it had been much heralded. The rumors and speculation only started when so many other senior managers started to jump ship too, combined with an obvious turn around in the rival formats.

As far as I'm aware, Phil is the only senior Sony person making a move, and he's doing it at a time when the brand and business is resurgent.

Thats why you don't get such posts, as most people on the site have an intellect, and can see beyond their corporate loyalties.
Did I say 'most people'? Hmmm. not really true judging from the trolls we get from both sides... maybe I meant 'some people' !! :)

[blacsheep]

congratulations

you have officially made the dumbest fanboy comment EVER on n4g and this you will be remembered for

so you say bill gates was a janitor for microsoft,and peter moore was.....wait let me guess ummmm the tea lady?

[redmamoth]

... The Janitor at Microsoft designed the 360 didn't he!!?

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

And you call him stupid.

[Gabe323]

Thank god somebody noticed.

[TrevorPhillips]

he went to join ATARI there crap he should just stay with sony lol

[Iamback]

How can someone resign from best job in world? Sure it must be hard to fly around who knows how many times in a month....being away from a family very often maybe too often but still how cool is his job if you love video games?
You are payed to oversee games development, you are one of the first people to play those unannounced games and you know about new project before anyone else.
I am sure his salary wasnt the reason he left Sony. He has been there for 15 years, in a way he is part of that "playstation" name.
Reasons are probably different nature. Knowing Japanese people he probably was not respected as he felt he should be for what he has done for Playstation brand. Kaz taking job as president of SCE ahead of him was little of a back stab for Phil. Phil Harrison has more talent in his little finger than Kaz has in his whole body.
So to sum it up. Phil left most likely because of the principles, he didnt wanted to leave Sony at hard times...in 06 and 07, but now when PS3 has began outselling 360 and Blue Ray won, he felt the moment is wright to leave. Honorable man.

[sak500]

@lamb

Its very hard to come up with new material of lies to decieve the public. He was specially hurt due to writers strike in america he had to come up with his own material and that put too much strain. NOw he and ken can play wii together.

[Mr Marbles]

He got tired of being the guy who had to explain all of Sonys stupid moves. I remember when PS3 first launched, and Sony was doing one stupid thing after another, it was Phil who was always stuck with the tuff questions from the media. Sony was just starting to come back, and now they are starting to do stupid stuff again, who knows what stupid crap Phil has seen behind the scenes that we have not heard about yet, he either quit or got fired, but I dont think he left on totally good terms.

[Ggame]

Wish you to happy in your FUTURE.
Thanks a lot for all at Sony...

[Phill_Harrison]

I am very sad to go,however I see this as an opportunity for Sony Computer Entertainment to make itself independent, over the years I have been with you I have had the best time in my life.

I am confirming my resignation from N4G too, I wish the best of luck to all.

I am Phil harrison, the former British corporate executive and a representative director of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. (SCEI) and Executive Vice President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE).

[PumPum]

Troll <3

[sak500]

Good riddance you troll. Take jack tretton and kaz while you're at it. They only pushed the BD movie player to the market. This gen POS3 fails as a gaming console.

[sleepyk]

then xbox 360 fails to be a reliable gaming console since the ps3 is starting sell and look better already. this won't effect anything.

[PhiI Harrison]

Who are you???

I'm the real Phil Harrison!!!

[Fishy Fingers]

Cheers Phil!

As much as im enjoying all the conspiracy theories, perhaps he just fancied a change, these guys do have a private life you know.

[RenegadeRocks]

He'll be really missed :( I was looking forward to see him announce games at E 3 ! This would be a tearfull goodbye :(

[TrevorPhillips]

phil if ur leaving than im coming with you i dont care. Common man stay i mean atari's cheap we all know that and sony is the best am i right guys

[GETPWNED]

HHAHAHA YOU BALD HEADED FREAK LMAOLOLOLL!!!! GOOD RIDDANCE!!!!

[DolphGB]

...at PS3 Attitude that Phil will be back in the gaming industry soon.

So if that's true, this is a pre-meditated career move by Phil. No executive (or career minded person at any level) ever leaves without somewhere to go to.

Leave your conspiracy theories at home on this one people - Phil is off because he wants to do something, and he already knows what that something is. I reckon we'll hear about it very soon...

[Jamegohanssj5]

They're going to hire someone to take over his spot in the new few months. It's sad to see Phil go, but he'll take a role just like Ken.

The genius has spoken.

[The Closing]

"Kazuo Hirai, president and group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE worldwide studios, in addition to his current duties."

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Jumping ship hehe

[InYourMom]

This sounds all too familiar.. Wasn't Peter Moore leaving because of the sinking ship theory?

Bravo to your comment.. Paybacks are a b1tch.

What is it with all the English lads leaving the game business?

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

He was hired to develop a gaming console not a DVD player.

[The Closing]

Get with the times gramps. opps looks like you're already too late! B L U R A Y Bluray say it with me now because you're going to be hearing it for a while.

[titntin]

You misssed the open zone dude - its just one tab to the right. Follow the stench of your fellow trolls...

[carl ps3]

Maybe hes bored of waitin 4 -
HOME,
L.B.P,
KillZone2,
PSN Cards(in U.K),
DS3 Pads(in U.K),
In-game XMB
etc etc :-/

[marcellizot]

Why does everyone assume that when a high profile exec leaves a company that the company is going down, it's just daft? Microsoft is doing just fine without Moore and Sony likewise will do just fine without Harrison, it's not like there is only one person in the world capable of doing this sort of job.

People come and go from companies all the time, the only reason such a fuss is being kicked up over this (and likewise when Moore left Microsoft) is because these people are in the limelight. There are people as important as Harrison and Moore who have left Sony and Microsoft in the last couple of years and you don't hear a squeak about them on N4G.

Why?

Because no one person holds a company as big as Sony or Microsoft together single handedly and the world is full of highly qualified people who are desperate to step into their shoes when people like Phil Harrison or Peter Moore leave.

Honestly, I despair at the ignorance of some people on this site.

[Rayko]

EA will make their own console and surprise everybody I think. They are strong enough to do it now. Imagine Nintendo, Microsoft, SONY and EA.....

[SUP3R]

I definitely wont buy it for every 10 games 8 would suck

[Jamaicangmr]

Best wishes Mr. Harrison, we appreciate everything you've done for us gamers.

[Deeloc]

what the F**k is going on at sony japan what the f**k are they think

[Bazookajoe_83]

I wonder who will take his place?

[SUP3R]

Read The Article!
Why be on a news site if you don't read?

[Exhaust]

Kaz taking over his resposiblities is obviously temporary. So reading the article doesn't answer the question who will take over for Phil.

Because they don't have a replaced available at the announcement is pretty clear this happened without much planning. When Moore left they announced his permanent replacement at the same time.

Who replaces Phil will be a big deal.

[Dark-Angel09]

That's sad. I wish you the best of luck Phil.

[kalel333]

I'm saddened byt his news to I liked him a lot ! If he goes to EA , the world as we know it is over ! World domination is upon us...

[kewlkat007]

Ken and now this guy, some the oldest Sony execs that have been through the thick and thin. I actually liked this guy. Never liked Kaz, I hope that guy is not the replacement.

-UPDATE/ Phil Harrison resigns, Kaz Hirai to take over.

Ken the Father, not Phil a well respected son..GONE
What's going on with the Family Tree? This is in the same fashion Peter left MS, after like a conference or something and you never see it coming.

There was an article about Social Gaming the other day and about Japan not accepting or embracing..that should of been a clue, once someone disagrees about something like that...it makes you wonder, this can't be small. I'm convinced, there is noway Sony reproduce the PS2 feats.

Hard to replace/replicate that kind of EXPERIENCE.

[resistance100]

Bit shocked at this news, but good luck to Phil, hes done a great job at SONY and wish him well for the future.

Much like when Peter Moore left Microsoft I don't think this really has anything to do something going on internally, and more has just left for personall reasons. Im mean his statement

'
The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far. I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.'

Clearly shows hes just moving on for personal reasons such as a new experience.

Good luck to him however

Edit - I fail to see why people seem to think theres something wrong at sony. Ken left as he Retired (however still helps) and Phil has left for personal reasons. This happens all the time in business. Also IMO sony have been in a better position since Ken left as he was getting to aragrant towards the end of his job and Kaz has done a great job restoring the companies image.

[Mr Blings]

Ken did not leave on his own, but was politely pushed out of the picture...So sad, this gen has brought upon many a changes in all shapes and sizes. Dont get me wrong, Kaz is a great leader, but great leaders need great support. Phil will be greatly missed, but he is a a very smart fellow and there must be some method to this madness. I am eager to find out what his next move will be. Maybe he just got tired of the delaystation philosophy...seriously SONY is acting like Nintendo in the mid 90's. They are finally starting to get their swagger back, but will this stagnate their momentum???

In general however, these are huge corporations and no one person leaving creates a catostrophic downfall. Sony will be fine, this just puts a bit of a damper on their recent format (bluray) win. I just hope that HOME turns out great for Phil as his last piece to the SONY puzzle that he will be apart of...I gotta say I'm a bit skeptical of that happening however.

Good Luck Phil, Best of Luck!

[TheHater]

Wow that sucks. Phil was the greatest PR person every. Maybe he got in trouble over what the said about the Japanese Gaming Market not being into social gaming. Sony better find someone is even on close the PR that Phil was.

[Area_51]

I think he stuck his foot in his mouth at GDC, and was forced out for it that is ashame he will be missed

[Lex Luthor]

Ah man, i kinda liked this guy. He was the only one who made sense at sony. Farewell.

[GrimWarrior]

this can't be good, right??

Bye Phil!!

*Salutes*

[sonic989]

NOOOO way he cant do this to us i got my ps3 in dec 2006 because of him he got very deep and open mind too .
and also he can make everything even cooler .
too bad .
and the ps4 problem is something we should care about in 2014 at least !!! to that time at least i should care about ps3 only

[Vip3r]

Shame. He seemed like a really nice guy too.

[bigjclassic]

he tells it like it is. While Phil danced around alot giving answers to the press.

Anyways, peace out Phil-it was you who probably didnt want an in-game XMB.

[Voiceofreason]

When did they mention Bill Gates? What they said was any time someone leaves MS even if its the janitor Sony fans will talk about the demise of MS. It isnt that hard to understand really.

[Darkiewonder]

Well not be forced to retire but start up a new company with others but this time actually let it live to see the light of day.

[gunnerforlife]

a really wish he woulndt have to quit just wen i was getting used to seeing him, they better pick someone just as cool as him

[zeromyst]

....pretty odd time from him to pack and leave.

[timmyp53]

If Ken Kutaragi is the father of PlayStation, Phil Harrison has, these past 15 years, represented the face of PlayStation.

You were one of the best PR spokepersons. =*(

[Enigma_2099]

In my opinion... you will NOT be missed.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Are you saying that Kutaragi will NOT be missed?

You are sadly mistaken my friend. Every developer had respect for that man...including Gabe Newell...the guy who once knew how to make a decent game.

Kutaragi did more for gaming than any of us ever will.

Phil Harrison was a HUGE part in making the Playstation what it is today. Don't you ever freaking mock him!

I don't personally miss Peter Moore, but I know he worked hard for what he did. I respect that. Of course, he also looks like Anton Lavey.

[Enigma_2099]

..if they knew when to shut the hell up before their feet made beelines for their mouths... they had a history of speaking before thinking.

Kutaragi will always be remembered by me for the following...

"the PS3 is an entertainment system... that plays games..."

Regardless of what your visionary thought, there's no way in hell you can justify a $600 system to a gaming market.

Five disagrees and only ONE counter-argument, huh? You other four must be sad individuals...

...either that, or you took this statement to mean I am pro-Microsoft.

[Alcohog]

Thats too bad. He was one of the more likable execs in the business.

[JohnRico]

I always thought Jack Tretton would go before Phil

[Doctor Strange]

Sad to see Phil leave, I think he was one of more likable figures at Sony. Good luck to him.

Rumors has it that he is going to Atari, I hope that's wrong.

[JohnRico]

Indeed Strange because going to Atari after Sony would be a step down

[pwnsause]

well atari needs help right now, I think he is the right man for the job since he's a software guy, and he doesnt like rehashed games, but unique ones. perfect for Atari.

[Ali_The_Brit]

i wish he wasnt leaving tho he should of at least stayed with them untill PS4..

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

Do your thing.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

I was starting to like that guy.

Honestly, I think he might have left because Sony's probably using Microsoft's business tactics...and he doesn't want to see that. Either that or death threats...

Hopefully, they can find some hip youngster to fill the shoes. Actually, David Jaffe would work.

[sak500]

ROFLMAO....Soon to be joined by Kaz.

[nix]

AND THANK YOU FOR THE FISH! q:

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Could this be it?

Could this be Sony's huge transformation?

Harrison's gone. New blood reins!!!

Maybe it'll be a black guy...

"Chocolate rain! Some stay dry and others feel the pain..."

[THE_JUDGE]

I wish Phil the best of luck. I hope the person who replaces Kaz, who got his job, has as much passion for the game as he did.

[sak500]

Jack tretton and Kaz on their way next. 2009 Ps3 will leave sony as well.

[AnthonyPerez]

By far the biggest news of the year (until EA buys Take Two, that is). Kind of a weird decision, especially since the PS3 is just hitting its stride. So now Kutaragi and Harrison have departed in the PS3 era.

[ROCCOZILLA]

dont worry,the PS3 army will take it from here.CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGE!!!

[pp]

he left because he knows they have lost the battle and ull see more ps3 staff leaving in november 2008 hahahahahaha!

[sleepyk]

ps3 is starting to look better already. the 360 only got GeoW2, NG2, Fable 2, SC:C and Left 4 Dead. Those games won't save the 360. Halo 3 didn't. Bioshock didn't.

[cellypower]

Lost what battle?

[Kaz Hirai]

I wouldn't bet on that, you BLOATED IMBECILE!

MWAH-HA-HA-HA!!!

[Milky]

I feel bad for letting you down because you are so full of hope.

[TheExecutive]

ugh... i liked how phil handled himself. Hopefully we dont get another beat around the bush, bs'ing dude that doesnt know his face from his A$$. Oh well a dreamer can dream :)

[Killjoy3000]

WE LOVE YOU PHIL!!!

[pwnsause]

He did his job, he believed it was his time to leave; he's leaving with Huge success, he just helped set up the PS3 for the win.

[VirusE]

Phil has been very vocal about his distaste for how Sony Japan wants to run things and i imagine it is behind his desire to leave.

[moodymofo]

either sony wanted him gone and gave him a chioce to quit or be fired or sony is in trouble and he knows it and decided to get out before the boat sinks or he got a offer he couldnt refuse like peter moores place over at ms.i think its the sinking boat because it seems there a lot of people leaving from major developers to pr guys ....it doesnt look good

[ScottEFresh]

Breaking news: nobody cares

Edit: gotta say one more thing ...funny to see the Xbots grasping at straws here. This won't affect the PS3 in the slightest and the 3fixme is DOOMED.

[bootsielon]

This is a mistake, he should have remained, I would have loved to see him helm SCE, or even the whole Sony corps. I don't doubt he can be replaced, though he was great for Sony. However, I don't know what better job he could have, and it would be horrible if he ends up serving at Microsh1t.

[Chubear]

Never ceases to amaze me how people love to live in a box and think others should too.

You really think this job is the ONLY thing he ever wanted to do with his life? He's moving on to reach for other challenges in his life, you should try it too.

One isn't defined by what job they do, one defines what they do instead - remember that.

[Scions Wrath]

Shame to see you go phil, you did great for all PlayStation!

[aegis1337]

it was just this past E3... amidst all the scrutiny that sony was under, phil gave the media what ps3 needed. a clear, concise game plan for the future (not to mention with an every-man humbleness). i believe it was at that point that sony BEGAN to gain to ground, shying away from what the media believed was this "sony isn't listening to anyone" attitude. jack tretton, hirai and peter dille dont quite have the level headed presentation that harrison always possessed. This is a hit for sony but seeing how E3, TGS, and GDC are out of the way they have some time to re-coup before showing this loss. sony realizing the importance of his loss are already planning how to counter. we could hope that with harrison/ kutaragi being so involved for so long, that if they keep good ties with sony it may actually benefit whatever is in the works with his new leap to atari.... oh wait a minute thats right... its atari :(

[wowsauce]

isn't till July... o.O

[Sony sucks balls]

He knows Sony is a crap company and he's sick of bowing all of the time. He's a giant imagine bowing to people that are 5 ft tall.

[cellypower]

all I can say sony makes reliable products.

[Sony sucks balls]

Those Ps2 dvd players were real reliable weren't they ?

[cellypower]

I've never had problem with my ps2 whats your point?

[Sony sucks balls]

Well thanks for putting it like that because i've never had problems with my 360 so there must be no such thing as rrod than right ? Just becasue YOU never had a problem with it. You didn't buy a ps2 right away than because if you did within the first few months after launch the dvd wouldn't read after a while. Is everything okay over there in your world ? It must be nice living on your own magical planet. Dumb ass.

[cellypower]

what more can I say

[cr33ping_death]

nice one celly :) my 360 is sadly away for repairs at the moment and i have seen my friends RROD personally. its a good console just way to poorly made.... love how this fanboy youre responding to only has the PS2 to try and remotely insult SONY products with.

[InYourMom]

You lose a huge executive at Sony and you post a RROD video. Funny thing is you have all that extra time to sit around and make video's while you wait for games. LOL

Sony Sucks Balls owned you good and you can post 100 RROD video's and it doesn't make you look any less stupid..

@21.6 - I've had 2 PS3's with problems. Both had bunk Blu-ray drives before I finally got one that worked.

Here is a nice video for you..

[Sony sucks balls]

Sorry I didn't get to watch your lame video I was busy watching beta's and listening to minidisks.

[butterfinger]

Oh I guess you could watch DVDs or something lame on your 360, but I'll enjoy my blu rays on my PS3 with the built in bd drive:) What will you say when your precious Microsoft is making blu ray player add-ons because their system wasn't properly equipped to begin with? lol

[Milky]

Yh funny ha ha.....

[Utalkin2me]

.

[whoelse]

Thats a shame! Good luck Phil

P.S. i'll take your place! :D

[THUNDERMARE]

I'm kindda sad to see him leave, but best of luck with his new job anyway.

[PSWe60]

Thanx Phil, good luck

[Adamalicious]

That's too bad - he was one of the few execs that was worth listening to. Hopefully he's on to better things.

[Xeikon]

Phil Harrison is an Arsehole. I hope he rots in hell for all his lies.

[BlackIceJoe]

This sucks Phil Harrison I thought was one of the smartest people on the Team for Playstation. He Will be missed. I wounder if the reason not much was shown for GDC from Sony was because Phil would be leaving and would not be allowed to see the stuff that would be shown ahead of time because He would soon not be apart of the company any more.

I wish Him luck and Hope every thing works out great for him and his family.

[Jon Wonder]

Totally out of the blue in my mind.

[hunter21]

well i think he did the early retirement, like most rich people do. lol but he did his job great and make playstation be on top. hopefully that new guy that will take over phil's job will be good as phils or better than him

[zonetrooper5]

He will probably say he left because of personal reasons like Peter Moore did as well.

[meepmoopmeep]

oh, that's too bad to see him leave. i wish him the best and i hope they find a good person that will carry on for his role.

[stennexxx]

Good bye Phil and i hope you do well in your future endeavors. As you clear stated or hinted at that you will try to help Sony in anyway possible while you are out there on your own. I hope you go to EA. Moore vs Harrison. Anyway Sony should survive. So it's Back to business for them and gaming for us.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Yes.

I believe it was his time. He moved on from the gaming industry...he served his time. He was a great man and a great innovator. He will go down in Wikipedia as one of the greatest.

What needs to happen now...Kutaragi needs to help make the PS4 alongside Kaz, the whole PS3 team, and Insomniac. I believe they could be a huge help with creating a system.

[heyheyhey]

too true

Kutaragi hasn't made a bad console yet and he makes smart choices- it's thanks to him that the PS3 has Cell and Blu-Ray

Kutaragi is the real legend here- he brought forth the best and most successful gaming brand ever

[JAKESPLACE_]

DAMNN now this sht is gettn stupid

[Mr Tretton]

“The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far,” said Harrison. “I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT IT'S FUTURE IN ANYWAY THAT I CAN.”

[sak500]

STFU tretton thats phil's comment. No wonder sony's going down the drain one stupid D!ck after another. You can't say anything yourself?

[ColdWinter]

nooooooooo!!!!

[DJ]

But it's probably because SCE is doing so well that he can feel comfortable leaving. I mean, he has worked there for the past 15 years.

[DJ]

But he's done an amazing job, and any company that gets him to join their ranks is very lucky indeed.

[Wii60PS3DSPSP]

Picture related. http://i26.tinypic.com/2ntj...

[Salvadore]

Came as a surprise, but why? He has been around since the start of the Playstation and has contributed with a lot of innovation and it's really damn sad to see him quit.

I am starting to get really worried now because Sony has lost probably their best employees, but I still believe Kaz will steer the company into success.

[Synex]

I thought he was leaving to work at Atari? So I conclude that he is leaving Sony because Sony wants him to build up Atari. If Phil built up Atari this could be another one of Sony's Studios.

[DJ]

When did that info come out? o_o

[heyheyhey]

see ya Phil

you were a pretty cool guy

[Appo]

Phil was one of the only guy's I liked at Sony.

[caffman]

come to us!We have cookies!

[NinjaRyu]

ever made by a 360fan. Anyways on subject,I not be fan of sony right or plan on buying a PS3 this console round but considering All that's been happening Sony since The PS3 launch I think Phil did a good job holding down SCEE! He Will be missed!

P.S. I still wonder What the real reason he's leaving Sony?

[gamesblow]

Phil isn't going to Microsoft or Nintendo... from what I've been hearing he's talking to Steve Jobs and Apple. He's also been wanting to go back to development too.

[Pika-pie]

NOOO PHIL WE LOVE YOU!!

Seriously, i wish him all the best :)

[caffman]

I dare say that Microsoft will always have a place for him! And I agree that this is weird timing since the PS3 is supposed to be doing so well.....

[HondaSIRowner]

Its sort sad to see Phil go after all these years!

Kutaragi's gone to. The key people/masters from day one are leaving/has left.

Why Leave man?!?

At least he'll continue to support Sony.

Good luck in the future!

[Rapture333]

Phil leaving Sony! Thats like Bill Gates leaving Microsoft!!! Why would he be stepping down!?! I can't see a reason why? why?!

[cmrbe]

will miss him but he has worked there for 15 years already. Its a high pressure job and i am sure after 15 years he might want to do something a bit different and low key.I know i would. From his comments it seems that he has nothing but praise of his time there at Sony and he said he said he will continue to support Sony in every way he can.

Quote "The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far,” said Harrison. “I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way i can" end quote.

It seems he is leaving Sony on good terms and now that PS3 is poised to dominate the console market again. Its indeed a good time for him to leave if he indeed wanted to for a while.

[wowsauce]

Last week he said that he didn't like at all what Sony Japan's ideas for the PS brand. Something a long the lines of Sony always being stuck with what works instead of moving forward and going for what's going to work in the future. He gave the example of social gaming, which gave the Wii and Xbox/360 their success so far.

[DiLeCtioN]

old friend *crying in corner watching phil's old keynotes* omg phil mwahhhaaahaaaaa *cough cough*

great man i loved the home presentations

[darkside]

Phil you are the best!!!

Best of luck!! leaving Sony at the beginning of winning another console war!

ONE of the BEST PR guys IN the gaming industry ever had.

- I wondering what the FCUK is wrong WITH SONY JAPAN!!! for letting Phil go?!?!?!

DAMN YOU SONY OF JAPAN!!!

[solideagle1]

this guy is and will be my fav personality of gaming related stuff. man Sony should have begged for him to not to leave Sony but thats just my opinion if Sony has fired him then sony sux but if he wanted to move on then good luck.
thanx

[makingdamage]

Why Phil? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?
:-(
:-(
:-(

[jinn]

he cant take microsoft's heat

[heroman711]

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! now who is gonna make me feel safe

[ELite_Ghost]

meh he wasn't that good but better than that 360 guy who switched to EA

[Maldread]

Not what i expected to see after i came home (no joke intended) from work. That came completely out of nothing for me.

Really sad to hear, because it will be extremely hard to fill Phil Harrison`s shoes, and not because the enormous shoes i imagine he has because of his hight (joke intended, but perhaps not very funny ?). He was a great represent for Playstation and a great PR. People always heard him out because of his honesty and he had a great sense of humor also. Maybe he`ll get to work for Disney now, and can make duck jokes all the time ;)

Best of luck to you Phil, whatever you chose to do. You`ve earned it. Anyone who know`s why he left by the way ?

[TwissT]

Good luck Phil hope you find your calling.

[jackdoe]

Out of the blue announcement, but I hope he gets a good job somewhere else. He was probably the best public speaker out of all the Sony execs.

[Citizen Cook]

Stupid filthy sony.

Maybe M$ will have him> Is he clean?

HA HA HA HA!

[Grown Folks Talk]

he was going to start making xbox live arcade games.

[jackdoe]

Actually, main rumor is that he is going to Atari. Don't know how you got Xbox Live arcade out of that...

[Grown Folks Talk]

was joking.

[Yoma]

Please tell me this is not true...

[Iggy82]

Things are good for us Sony fan boys at the moment, with the recent announcement from toshiba that HD DVD is officialy dead and the new secret games on thier way there's never been a better time to love our Sony fat cat decisions & sony products ;)

To get to the point.... If SONY wanted Phil, they'd have increased his pay to persuade him to stay, he's done a lot for the almighty but it couldn't have been good enough because off he goes.

With revenues of $70 billion (Thanks Wikipedia) and a company history that grew stronger and stronger since the old days in 1945 (Thanks again Wikipedia!) I 100% trust that this is the right thing to do, I am a true sony fan boy and damn proud of it, you can give me your insults but the truth hurts deep down, we will always prevail!

[stuntman_mike]

whats the bets he turns up working for E.A in a few months time.

anyway good luck to him.

[Figboy]

i'm expecting Atari to make *BIIIIG turnaround, and dominate the industry again. i kid, i kid...

but then again, Phil Harrison *DID work for the Playstation brand, and has done a bang up job the past year repairing the Playstation 3's rep over the past year.

now that the PS3 is once again on top in consumers (and the media's) minds, Phil's work is practically done. the PS3 is on course to have *LOTS of success, so he's moving on to a new, and, considering that *I myself, worked for Atari two years ago, horrific challenge to overcome.

if the man can turn around Playstation's Image as a whole, then i think Atari will be in good hands. hopefully they'll actually be able to make more than *I did last year. ba dum cha!

[ApocalypseShadow]

if you listen to the latest GAMETHEORY PODCAST#38,you will see that phil was taken out of context to get more hits on game sites.

just like what was said about PC gaming being dead.

listen to the cast and find out how rumors and half truths are spread.

i'll miss phil because he's very intelligent.but oh well.

megaton..............

[sonyfanonly]

i wish the best for phil and hopefully kaz can fill his shoes

[Play B3yond]

Just to end this little argument here it is:MICROSOFT AND ITS 360 ARE A PIECE OF SH1T!CASE CLOSED XBOT HOES!

[Asurastrike]

I don't really know who Phil Harrison is, but I preferred Jack Tretton. But I might be biased because he is American. Oh, and because he was on stage with Chewbacca. :)

[Trick Nolte]

RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDGE RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEEEEEEEEEEEER !

Seriously though, maybe SCEJ came down on him for speaking on his frustrations of how Sony Japan refused to embrace online gaming?

[Ahhhh]

@Cellypower - theres plenty of sony products that have had probems..

I have one ps2 that wont read ps2 or ps1 games but will read dvds..
I have another ps2 that wont play at all unless the top of it is up, if I close the lid then it shuts off.
I have a third ps2 that won't allow the original ps2 controllers to be used..
My dad had a Sony portable dvd player that stopped working after 3 days..
A camera that won't save photos.. at all...
and a hdtv that has 4 black lines running threw it..

So.. don't say that Sony doesn't have problems with their products..

[aegis1337]

sorry man, i don't mind jack but hes got nothing on phil harrison. he single handedly owned E3 with a public speaking quality just short of bill clinton haha. also personally, for one reason or another i always felt like harrison WAS chewbacca. i may be wrong but my heart just doesnt lie.

[AngryTypingGuy]

OK so if Peter Moore leaving MS means MS's ship is sinking, does this mean that Phil Harrison leaving Sony equates to Sony's ship sinking?

No. Both companies are money machines and will continue to be just fine.

[TrevorPhillips]

theres nuffin you can do about it his leaving thats means he is leaving gone forever never coming back. now get over it already theres nuffin u can do

[08_CiViC_Si]

...

[Bastard 360]

He's helped the Sony Kingdom win a third time!

[ephoenix6]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

[Sly]

You will be missed Mr. Harrison its bad to you see you leave.

[SubzeroX]

He probably quit sony, because it's not interesting anymore as they don't know how to make real games.

[ambientFLIER]

JUMP SHIP JUMP SHIP

LOL

[Lord_Ash]

Phil Harison will always be remembered as the breeze of hope for all the people who enjoys the Playstation brand, when things looked bad for the PS2, he came out and told us to calm down, and he was right and when things looked bad for the PS3 he came out again and told us to calm down, but people this time around didn’t, so he came out so elegantly in last year GDC, and gave all the fans a light at the end of the tunnel and he’s been doing that all year long.

It’s a true lose for Sony and all the Playstation fans, the 29th of February is going to be a very sad day, and for some reason for a while now I had a feeling that he is leaving, a feeling I didn’t want to come true.

Good Luck wherever you go Phil, we will remember you every time we look at the Playstation Eye, Playstation Home and Little big planet. God Bless.

[FKN Unbelievable]

Phil got tired of being the blame for most of the Sony propaganda lol!
He's going home to setup his home theatre in anticipation for Gears of War 2. Sony found out he had a Xboxlive Gamertag i think its was Phil2dafuture but im not sure.I could'nt sworn i seen him on Gears sunday compaining how Sony's machine could'nt handle this game and UT3 is trash no matter how much its hyped up. Ima check my Recent players list maybe he's still there.

[Play B3yond]

Whoah buddy what a coincidence because i just saw Bill Gates playing Motorstorm with me online, he was on his mic complaining that he sent in his 7th xbox to get it fixed because it got RRoD....AGAIN. Yea he said he wishes that there was a spot open at Sony because if there was he said hes gonna leave MS...Maybe now that Phil left Bill is comin 2 PS3

STUPID XBOT

[DevastationEve]

I was sad to see Kutaragi, Hirai, and Peter Moore go too. These were some of the important icons of the industry, yet their parting never meant to be some sort of forecast on the future. Gaming will continue to shine on, long after their departure will we still be enjoying the fruits of their labour.