200°

PlayStation 4 is coming, but will Sony be ready?

PSU writes: "What you own will soon be dated.Sony and Microsoft's refusal to give the next generation of consoles even a passing mention at E3 was the loudest silence I've heard in years. Sure, plenty of games were shown by both parties, but make no mistake: the seventh generation has crossed the threshold and is waving goodbye. Is Sony ready?"

SPAM-FRITTER-1234328d ago

i don't think sony will release a new console at all. im not sure if they have enough money for production.

Waddy1014328d ago

HAH! You must be delusional.

DG904328d ago

Sony has had losses... But they are not poor they can & will make another console.

Thatguy-3104328d ago

Playstation is there profitable division why wouldn't they fallow with a successor to the ps3. I honestly can't wait to see what Next Gen will bring. Can't wait to see if PS9 becomes real /s lol

Jazz41084328d ago (Edited 4328d ago )

I think they will release a ps4 but I don't expect a powerhouse system as Sony can't afford to take the initial loses on hardware. This is MS chance to kick sony while they are down and this could get very interesting. Sony is trying to get away from the arrogant attitude they have had this gen and go back to basics as you see in there campaign we are about the gamers. I do however don't believe a word of this campaign but when a company's back is against the wall they will try anything as hearing the crap that sony has said this gen to there latest is a 360 turn around and I don't believe it. Sony is in desperate times and I don't want to see them fail I'm happy to see there arrogance and the arrogant fans of system not games get knocked on their ass. Just my opinion. To the person above me stating ps is proiftable...then why has sony erased all the money they made on ps1 and ps2 in loses on the ps3. This is common information available to anyone. I would not exactly call that a profit powerhouse. Even there latest statements show the ps division lost them 230 million alone.

nukeitall4328d ago (Edited 4328d ago )

Although I don't think Sony will quit console business, SPAM-FRITTER-123 puts forward a good point.

Sony as a company is worth less than $14 billion. An investment into a console could cost them a half a billion in losses alone from console sales, not to mention investments into operations and infrastructure the first year! That's to say 1/20 of what Sony is worth in the first year alone. Ouch!

With new president and investors hawking the turn around, any negative news will hammer that stock further so they can't afford to post huge negative financials.

Expect that investment from Sony to to be a lot less, and if they can, they will defer it to 2014 and hopefully reap some gains from the PS3, but that is under pricing pressure! PS Vita isn't exactly a success, and a price drop like Nintendo 3DS isn't possible.

Suddenly it is looking pretty blea, and Sony ain't in a sweet spot, that's for sure.

Thecraft19894328d ago (Edited 4328d ago )

nukeital I don't know why your getting so many disagrees. I've got a massive comment history that shows I'm no anti Sony. Ps3.PC Is just my gaming preference.

Now I do think people are underestimating the problems Sony have at moment. I hope they can turn it around but there heading in really bad direction.

Also giving how many new amazing IP's they've brought out and just how they've supported the ps3 this gen I just hope they can recover, as hands down In consumer support and varying genre of games there top in market. It's sad the ones booming are the ones who ****** of the hard core market.

nukeitall4328d ago (Edited 4328d ago )

@Thecraft1989:

Disagrees don't bother me, and that doesn't change facts. It's a case of ignorance is a bliss. Not that it should matter to end-user anyhow.

Fact of the matter is, Sony is in the worst position of the three console manufacturers.

MS is full of cash, has a diversified customer base, and view Xbox as an important stepping stone to keeping the company relevant.

Nintendo albeit has a sketchy next generation plans, don't sell hardware at a loss. They will survive even if Wii U doesn't do too well. They also have 3DS to rely on, earnings from Wii and a very strong first party studios.

Sony on the other hand is on a 31-year low stock value, after inflation it is even more dismal. Their latest annual financials spelled out reduced PS3 sales from expectations even after the recent price drop. Major layoffs, huge pressure to turn the company around and watchful eyes of investors scrutinizing your spending doesn't generally result in huge investments or innovation for that matter.

Bottom line, Sony has never been in worse position.

Since you are a fan of PC games, I think PC is on an uptick to my surprise. I think cheap games, and proliferation of PCs helps a lot. The console manufacturers dragging their feet until next generation is also helping PC.

Clarence4328d ago

What country are you from. There will definitely be a PS4.

WeskerChildReborned4328d ago

Lol do you see how much people agree with you? Now look at the disagrees. Those people who disagreed are smart.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 4328d ago
WeskerChildReborned4328d ago

My body is ready to pick up a new Playstation. Hopefully has some good launch titles.

sway_z4328d ago (Edited 4328d ago )

@SPAM-FRITTER-123

C'mon dude, you gotta be kiddin' lool ;/

*Well now you've had your 5 minutes of fame..can we get some sensible comments please!

Hicken4328d ago

And he'll KEEP getting another 5 minutes. Although the type of trolling he does is supposed to result in a ban, he'll be here in five, six months saying the same things. Just look at LOGICWINS and EvilDead: both can frequently be found trolling Sony articles, yet they GAIN bubbles instead of losing them. It's astounding.

On topic: I think Sony's far more ready than people give them credit for. I mean, it's not like they didn't see these losses coming months ago, and it's not like they're just gonna wait until the last second to start R&D on the PS4. I wouldn't be surprised if they already have a production cost estimate, and are trying to squirrel away some funds to lessen the blow of that price.

I mean, when you decide to do a big project around the house, do you wait until the last second before trying to scrounge up the cash and acquire all your materials, or do you do these things as far ahead of time as possible?

sway_z4328d ago (Edited 4328d ago )

Hicken I'm inclined to agree with you....

As for SPAM-FRITTER-123 he clearly likes to evoke reaction, and he seems pretty effective at it.

In a weird sort of way, we need people like him....

To laugh at! ;)

maniacmayhem4328d ago

@Hicken
I find it funny that you're on this new kick to drop names behind their backs. It's truly a cowardly thing to do and says a lot about who you really are.

ON TOPIC:
Why even respond to the OBVIOUS flame bait that is Spam Fritter? We all know without a doubt that sony has and WILL release PS4.

Will they be ready? How could they not. Will WE be ready? I for one have been ready for new systems to drop ever sice 2012 hit. I cant wait to see what the new system will bring to the masses.

nukeitall4328d ago (Edited 4328d ago )

Problem is, even if you budget in advance it doesn't mean you can afford it. It just means you are better prepared for it.

I want that 10 million dollar home next year, doesn't mean I can afford it.

Typically a console launch of the type Sony is embarking on cost a *loss* of $100-$300 per unit. After 10 million sold the first year, you are looking a $1-3 billion in losses. On the low end, that is 1/14 of what Sony is valued for the entire company!

Does Sony even have enough cash on hand to cover that right now?

They also got the PS Vita, and the rest of the ailing electronics business. With investors scrutinizing the financials, Sony ain't got much room to do anything. Better post some good quarters soon after firing all those people.

So yeah, Sony is in the sh!thole and a huge investment on PS4 is unlikely. Sony can't even justify all the gains from PS1 and PS2 dwarfs the amount of losses from PS3. Good luck asking for cash infusion on favorable terms!

Sony is in a sheithole and there is nothing that looks bright at the moment.

AngelicIceDiamond4328d ago

I think it depends on when The Last OF us and Beyond: 2 Souls gets released and Sly 4. If its Holiday 2013, then expect Sony to release the PS4 in 2014. Those 3 games are Sony's Biggest releases so far.

etownthree4328d ago

If your right... And Sony does release in 2014.... That could be bad news.

Cause I don't see MS making any announcements for games that will get pushed into holiday 2013, reason being.... I would bet the house the next Xbox gets released holiday 2013. That would make it 8 yrs on the market.

Does Sony really want MS to get another year head start? In Nintendo 2?

archemides5184328d ago

dude sly 4 is not a big release, it's ok but not marquee and the gameplay shows it. let's not forget that god of war 2 was released after the ps3 came out so just because it's big doesn't mean that it has to come before the ps4. i'm sure they'll make ps3 games for a little while after the ps4 is out (in parity with the vita, like how motorstorm artic edge was a psp/ps2 title)

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120°

Sony Could Increase Your Game's Difficulty If It Sees You Complain About It

Sony has recently published a new patent that wants to dynamically handle the games' difficulty and gameplay based on the player's emotions.

jznrpg11h ago

This is something I might use. Sometimes I play some good games but they don’t have difficulty option and are a little too easy.

Profchaos10h ago

Souls games will be like that players struggling make it harder

PassNextquestion10h ago(Edited 10h ago)

I think if used correctly it could work well

jambola6h ago

cool idea
cool idea for horror games especially
the way it's explained here sounds like it could never be forced hopefully, so that's ok with me

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280°

Sony Taps Bungie's Head of Revenue to Lead Live-Service Games

Sony has recruited Bungie's head of revenue Jaremy Rich to head up its live-service gaming division, Rich has announced on social media.

Read Full Story >>
techraptor.net
ChasterMies20d ago

Please do not put Destiny’s monetization into Sony’s first party games. The monetization is what’s driving players away from Destiny.

just_looken20d ago

The new temp boss is the sony cfo bean counter so i can see this being a thing get every penny.

Cacabunga20d ago

PlayStation officially losing it.. fans will never support gaas games

just_looken20d ago

@car

The new boss did a interview in japan he wants to tap into the mobile market like nintendio so he give 0 fucks about gamers/fans

https://www.pushsquare.com/...

Redemption-6420d ago

@Cacabunga
You only speak for you and those who think like you, but most fans will support what they want. Playstation and PC fans are literally supporting Helldivers 2 and that is a gaas. Maybe you wouldn't, but many more would if they like it.

Huey_My_D_Long20d ago

@Redemption-64
Look, Im not making any judgement calls about this guy, but I will say that Helldivers 2 GaaS model is unique to Helldivers, and legit the only other game I can think of thats similiar was the Avengers game except HD2 pass is still better.
The fact that you can earn in game currency in a way that doesnt make you feel like you have to grind forever, as well you being able work on that pass that you bought...on your own time without a time limit...that right there is fucking huge to me, and I can't name any game other than avengers that avoided trapping players with FOMO logic...I think GaaS on HD2 shouldn't be compared to the rest of the industry...it should be copied.

Einhander197220d ago

Cacabunga

Helldivers 2...

Redemption-64

In Europe it's a 60 40 split favoring PC.
In the US its a 60 40 split favoring PS5.

So PlayStation owners supported the game just fine, it's not getting carried by PC or anything like that.

FinalFantasyFanatic20d ago

@just_looken,
I'm perfectly fine with the way Nintendo entered the mobile market, I never touched their mobile games, meanwhile, the console/handheld stayed the way it is. As for being a bean counter, he's probably going to reel in these massive budgets that Sony's studios have had lately, I haven't played Spiderman 2, but I cannot see how they almost tripled the budget for that game.

@Redemption-64,
That's an exception to the rule, I'm expecting a lot of these GAAS games from Sony to fail, to be fair, they only need a few to succeed, but I would have preferred that they put more of their resources into other types of games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 20d ago
DivineHand12520d ago

True their monetization is driving players away and at the same time, their decision to chop out content and convoluted systems is keeping new players away from the game.

Joe91320d ago

I don't think that will happen based on how things worked out at Naughty Dog now that we know what we do, seems they had the option to fully commit to live service games or stay making single player experences so they gave up on their live service game. We are not sure how things came about with Bend making a live service game but I hope that was not a forced situation. Sony doesnt seem like they are forcing studios to switch up but we will see, Sony's bread and butter is single player games it is how they dominated the console market.

Obscure_Observer20d ago

Yeah, I though Sony learned something from all their failures in the LS segment under Bungie´s disastrous leadership and supervision which led to games been cancelled, studios closed and all the people laid off.

Looks like Bungie still plays a major role in Sony´s LS initiative and Sony is not backtracking on their GaaS plans.

S2Killinit20d ago (Edited 20d ago )

Are we forgetting that Destiny is also a highly successful franchise? I feel like that definitely deserves mention here.

Besides, there is no reason why a person cant learn from past experiences.

Joe91319d ago

I agree, people act as if Destiny flopped when it came out lol it took 9 to 10 years for the numbers to fall yet people are still playing it add the success of Helldivers 2 no wonder Sony is going forward down this path.

S2Killinit19d ago

Personally, I see no problem with Sony also having service games as long as they make good ones, and more importantly they deliver the AAA story driven games that they are known for. So yeah, I agree 100% with you.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 19d ago
Christopher20d ago

I mean, this person made some pretty bad decisions at Bungie. I hope they've learned from them because I definitely don't see those type of ideas as good for PlaySation in general.

CrimsonWing6919d ago (Edited 19d ago )

Honestly, what’s to learn from? How to make people happily continuously dump money into a single game over its life-time? Buy season passes continuously for several years with a smile on our faces?

GaaS is a design decision that is everything wrong with this industry. The fact that Helldivers 2 did so well and people defend the monetization because it was $40 and is a fun game, scares the sh*t out of me to see that the door is open and all shift will probably be to replicate that in future games. We already know the ROI for traditional game dev cost isn’t doing it for them.

I thought with Jimbo leaving we’d see a change for the better… I’m not so sure now.

S2Killinit19d ago

Service games are being offered by everyone. Sony cannot afford to only create single player AAA games. No one can. They already said they will be doing both.

Abnor_Mal20d ago (Edited 20d ago )

Ps5 gamers in 2023 seemed to play more live service types of games, so regardless to how people feel about them, numbers don’t lie and Sony is going where the money is. I mean look at the excitement around Helldivers2, people are showing that they want live service games.

Christopher20d ago

They play long-time existing live service games like CoD, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Destiny 2, and the like. Mass majority of new live service games are considered failures and aren't moving gamers away from older games.

just_looken20d ago

Yep the huge issue with live service is they need paid players along with a reason to play them.

You forgot mobile market that also taps into that player base as well as the eve online style games there is only a certain amount of krakens/whales blind supporters compared to the amount of live service games we have its not sustainable math wise.

700 restaurants making food for every seat for 1000-3000 eaters just does not work out

Einhander197220d ago (Edited 20d ago )

Christopher

I am not a big live service fan and literally own zero of the games you listed, but that is not true, unless you call games that aren't the top games to be failures.

There are tons of live service games that are profitable.

Games don't have to be the biggest game ever they just need to make more than they cost.

I challenge you to show professionally prepared data that shows that more live service games fail than make enough to keep going.

Because all the data that I have seen shows that live service is less of a gamble than making a big AAA budget game which needs to survive off retail sales.

FinalFantasyFanatic20d ago

I sometimes wonder if we're at saturation point, where it's hard for a new game to join those ranks unless it's particularly exceptional, people only have so much time and money to devote to these types of games.

romulus2320d ago

Correction, they have no issue playing good live service games

shinoff218320d ago

Lol it's not even a quarter of the ps5s sold. Helldivers may have been a hit but let's not say most are enjoying it because truth is most(the real most ) don't care about it.

S2Killinit19d ago (Edited 19d ago )

I play what is fun. If a live service game is good I’ll play it as long as its not a money scheme which Helldivers is not.

And Im a single player gamer.

mastershredder20d ago

How do you kill a franchise that already been killed?
Destiny’s grind, cash-in-on-playbass-cha-Ching, and pop-culture-insertion mainstream-me-too bs totally killed any rep Bungie had. Sony/Bungie, if you are doing this to ward-off players, it’s already working.

crazyCoconuts20d ago

Headline truncated:
"... off a cliff"

Show all comments (43)
80°

Sony May Soon Let You Decide How Much NPCs Talk In Games

Sony has patented to add multiple dialogue modes to let players switch between how many conversations with NPCs they want in the game.

blackblades26d ago

Sony is like the only ones outta the 3 that has atuff like like this pop up changing thing in ways.

just_looken26d ago

Sony in the past has always been first at bat with new ideas/tech but in the end never fully use it or just toss it away.

blackblades26d ago

I think they did use some but yeah most usually never happened but at least they thought about it. Sony seeks things like this and other, Nintendo seek different ways of playing going by there different controler designs and console designs.

just_looken26d ago (Edited 26d ago )

some of the other stuff sony want's/owns never used
https://gamerant.com/sony-p...
https://gamerant.com/sony-p...
https://www.eurogamer.net/s...
https://metro.co.uk/2023/03...
https://decrypt.co/114754/s...

monitor/adjust game difficultly as you play
https://www.techradar.com/g...

Sony nfts
https://www.theblock.co/pos...

Pay ai to play the game for you
https://thebusinessofesport...

Oh all the above last 12 months

I just imagine a evil scientist with test subjects when it comes down to sony recent patent reports.

Kaii26d ago

Will we get dialogue options that won't spoil puzzles in a matter of seconds? :p