420°

The big interview: Sony's Jim Ryan on PS4, DRM and the next-gen console war

After last night's triumphant E3 press conference Sony is on a high, but, according to senior executives, it won't rest on its laurels.

As Sony Computer Entertainment US boss Jack Tretton announced gamers will be able to swap, loan and trade their PlayStation 4 games without restriction, and that the console itself will cost a surprising £349 in the UK - nearly £100 cheaper than the Xbox One - the internet breathed a sigh of relief. But Christmas is a long, long way away. Much can happen in six short months.

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eurogamer.net
MariaHelFutura4400d ago ShowReplies(4)
mushroomwig4400d ago

"...we would rather have the £349 price point and have the camera as a peripheral for those who want those type of experiences..."

Basically giving the consumers the option, as it should be. Sony have really nailed it.

Mikelarry4400d ago

well said. giving the consumer the option to choose, microsoft overestimated thier power. they got away with the broadband only and paying for live, they thought they could pull off another one of those. rich deluded fools

MariaHelFutura4400d ago

The option to lend friends games is the best one.

hellvaguy4400d ago

"The option to lend friends games is the best one."

Ya if you want your games chewed by dogs, spilled pop all over it, stepped on etc. No ty.

But does kinda sux when you go to buy a used game.

MariaHelFutura4400d ago

My friends luckily aren't dirtbags.

Cupid_Viper_34400d ago

@ hellvaguy

Here's a tip, next time your "dogs" ask you to borrow a game, don't do it.

Oh and Stack up on tennis balls and chew toys as well.

rainslacker4400d ago (Edited 4400d ago )

@hell

Maybe you should find friends who are older than 12 then. Either way you still have that option.

Bathyj4400d ago

Hellvaguy, you just need better friends

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4400d ago
sashimi4400d ago (Edited 4400d ago )

The option to use existing headset is nice too lol

Jaqen_Hghar4400d ago

A man pre-ordered an eye along with his PS4 and was happy to have the choice. A man knows many will not use it and he may cancel his pre-order if nothing great is shown with it.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4400d ago
Retroman4400d ago (Edited 4400d ago )

console war??? seriously?? what war?? MS fk that up.
SONY grand slam E3 presentation made sure no more wars.

able to swap,loan,trade without RESTRICTION is the way.

hellvaguy4400d ago (Edited 4400d ago )

I'd go more with they have a nice lead in momentum, but def notta a grand slam. You have to pay for online now, no BC, and the console design of both are way ugly.

Plus I don't like being forced with that weird touch pad, but then again, I dislike the forced Kinect a lot less.

DlocDaBudSmoka4400d ago

X1 wont have bc either, so that's a moot point.

hellvaguy4400d ago

"X1 wont have bc either, so that's a moot point."

I didn't ever say it was an all inclusive list of pros and cons, nor a vs what xbox is featuring. I think you hit the defensive button a bit too fast. Was pointing a few features that would have made it a grand slam.

*Xbox 360 wasn't free online either but I have that pointed out as a ps3 comparison. You left that one out too.

Retroman4399d ago

you say: no BC and SONY say: used games can be played. sooo far as I know ps3 games will be used games on PS4

rainslacker4400d ago (Edited 4400d ago )

Seems more like a game of chess to me. Unfortunately MS thinks it's playing Checkers. Seriously though, Sony have handled the lead in to next gen beautifully. It's better than the PS1 days when they were top notch in everything.

SoapShoes4400d ago

Why aren't there anymore Jack gifs? There are tons with Kaz, I want to see Jack kicking some ass!

NavydAd4400d ago

I CANT WAIT FOR HOLIDAY XBOX ONE AND PS4 PRE ORDERED DAY 1 FOR ME.

#sorryforthecaps

Show all comments (30)
390°

Shuhei Yoshida Reveals Jim Ryan Offered Him Choice Between Indie Role Or Leaving PlayStation

Longtime PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida reveals in a recent interview that he was given an ultimatum by Jim Ryan to either manage indie games or leave the company.

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twistedvoxel.com
130d ago
-Foxtrot130d ago

What the actual f***

Why would he do something like this, especially to him of all people

The PS5 might be doing well and the sales are high but in terms of structure, first party games, consumer friendly practices and the like, Jim Ryan really screwed PlayStation this gen.

neomahi130d ago ShowReplies(2)
robtion130d ago

Yeah I feel like Yoshida san has been one of Playstations greatest assets for a long time. He actually plays and likes games for starters. I think from memory he was also the one that got Stellar Blade on board.

neomahi129d ago

They still have Scott Rodhe. All isn't lost yet

porkChop129d ago

People kept saying this wasn't the case, that Shu loves Indies and wanted that job. Even with all the shit this gen people still make excuses for Sony and refuse to accept reality. This is not the same PS that people grew up with.

Redgrave129d ago

This is also true when you consider their mantra from ps3 and part of ps4 was that "we want to support devs in making the games they want to make"

Then the recent articles of turning down Resistance 4, Order 1866 Sequel, Days Gone 2, etc

FinalFantasyFanatic129d ago

@Redgrave,
And Wild Arms, Shadow Arts... They also effectively killed off Senran Kagura as well.

Lightning77129d ago

I called this one, something seemed off when he "joked" about a demotion on Kinda Funny. Just gotta put the pieces together.

Profchaos129d ago

Agree shu was the type of exec you can't buy or learn to be he was genuinely passionate about PlayStation and gaming unlike Jim who just saw dollar signs

ABizzel1129d ago

That’s what happens when you hire someone who puts needs of the business first and foremost, and completely disregards culture and people.

I’ve seen it too many times working senior management across a couple of companies (AT&T in particular). When we say a bad leader can completely derail and dismantle years of success and happiness in just a few months / a year, BELIEVE IT.

A bad manager only cares about themselves, and a bad leader only cares about the number / their bosses end goal and don’t care how they get there.

Abriael129d ago

That's because Jim Ryan was a power hungry piece of shit and did whatever he could to shift PlayStation away from Japan and into his and western executives' hands. Yoshida-san's visibility and popularity was literally a threat to him, and I've been saying for years that he was intentionally sidelined.

Jim Ryan's departure is the best thing happened to PlayStation in years.

TheEroica129d ago (Edited 129d ago )

Ps5 is awful this generation. Can't imagine getting in line for a ps6. Eww.... 700 dollar albatross with service fees. Yuk... Especially knowing ps5 will be relevant for st least 4 years into ps6 life cycle. Consoles are such a poor choice.

Jim Ryan is lucky to get a job on the fry line at McDonald's.

P_Bomb129d ago

“Consoles are such a poor choice.”

For someone so “pro gamer” you sure hate a lotta things 🫨🙄

TheEroica129d ago

@PBomb

Pro granger all the way. No more predatory console services... No more exclusive games.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 129d ago
Outside_ofthe_Box130d ago (Edited 130d ago )

Wow, this news confirms what many suspected, which is that Jim Ryan is the one messing shit up. Live Service was without a doubt his doing. Layden also left because of Ryan. Glad that Ryan has been forced out, oops I mean... retired before making it worse.

130d ago
Michiel1989130d ago

you're just trying to find a scapegoat. First it was Hermen Hulst, now Jim anything but accept the reality that like any other company makes mistakes eventually and if a company that size allows one person to be the only reason for fuckups, theres more wrong with that company than that 1 guy.

KillBill130d ago

It is literally why those guys get paid the big bucks. And likely why those guys are no longer working at the company now. The leaving the company "over issues he had living in Europe while working in North America" excuse just has never flown with most anyone.

-Foxtrot130d ago (Edited 130d ago )

People were blaming Jim a lot longer before Herman, it’s just Jim left so the blame got shifted onto Herman more.

I’m not defending Herman, he has had his part to play but all of this is Jim’s plan, he set things in motion. If Jim made someone like Shawn leave and gave Shu this ultimatum then do you really think Herman has any real say in the top dogs plan?

Knushwood Butt130d ago (Edited 130d ago )

'if a company that size allows one person to be the only reason for fuckups'

That's what leadership is. 'Leadership' fixes the direction and everyone down the chain says, 'yes'. That's how the military works. It's the same principle. Rocking the boat is frowned upon because everyone has a list of boxes to tick.
If they try and tell the grunts that they are empowered to take action themselves, it's BS just to avoid having an employee go to their manager for support, because the manager is probably clueless and doesn't understand the role anyway. In other words, figure it out for yourself, but rest assured there'll be a witch-hunt if it goes wrong, and while someone will be blamed, root cause will be ignored, cuz who's got time for that when there are boxes to be ticked?

Outside_ofthe_Box130d ago (Edited 130d ago )

Both are have their hand in it. Putting those guys in position of power is the mistake/fuckup. Herman definitely supports multiplayer/live service as well. I've mentioned in the past that he chased popularity with KZ's multiplayer. Jim obviously has more sway/power given that he forced Shuhei out and butted heads with Layden.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 130d ago
130d ago
130d ago
isarai130d ago

Wow, i already didn't like Jim, now i genuinely hate the guy, what a piece of trash.

goken129d ago

Agreed, PS5 is like doing well in spite of Jim.
PS5’s success is basically down to the good work done prior to this trash, coupled with xbox messing up even more

Show all comments (64)
260°

PS5 on Track to Become Sony's 'Most Successful Console Ever,' Says Jim Ryan

Former PlayStation boss Jim Ryan has said that the PS5 is "on track" to become SIE's "most successful console ever."

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playstationlifestyle.net
453d ago
Lightning77453d ago

Now he wants to say good things about PS after he laid off a bunch of ppl.

Real classy Jimmy.

Einhander1972453d ago (Edited 453d ago )

Is that the worst you can come up with? Because if I was criticizing Microsoft I could easily list a dozen things only one of which would be the 5000+ people they have fired from their gaming divisions in the past 16 months including everyone who worked on producing physical games.

Let me remind you that PS5 is selling faster than PS4, they just had the hit live service game Helldivers, Spider-Man is still charting, they have already released Granblue Fantasy, Rise of The Ronin, and Final Fantasy Rebirth and Stellar Blade is right around the corner, they also have Silent Hill and two Kojima games in the works. They also have all the big gatcha coming out of Japan, Korea and China lined up for their consoles, which let me remind you that Genshin and Honkai Star Rail made close to a billion dollars last month alone.

They also have PlayStation Portal which is selling as fast as they can make them, and just around the corner they have a 33.5tf console coming out which don't listen to the BS is going to be awesome and supporting it is going to be easy since every game already has two modes so "quality" mode will only need to be unlocked for PS5 Pro's and existing games will be able to easily have PSSR enabled for them.

So yeah, things are looking really good for PlayStation, and the second half of the generation is going to be huge when all the PlayStation developers start releasing their PS5 Pro Enabled games.

453d ago
Lightning77453d ago

"Is that the worst you can come up with?"

I'm. Sorry what? Its called facts. I forgot you love Jim Ryan even if he doesn't know or care about you. None of them do. The sooner you touch grass and grow up the better.

Ok cool so what's the point of saying all that? I know all that.

453d ago
453d ago
StormSnooper452d ago

@Lightning
Except it wasn’t a fact. Ryan has left PlayStation already. The layoffs that we saw with every publisher recently were after Ryan. So nice try.

Lightning77452d ago (Edited 452d ago )

"Except it wasn’t a fact. Ryan has left PlayStation already. The layoffs that we saw with every publisher recently were after Ryan. So nice try."

That was all Ryan before he left clearly. He stepped down officially a few days ago. He was doing his good byes he even took a picture with the London Studio only to shut them down days later. Don't try and shift blame or change history it was all him.

S2Killinit452d ago

Ryan left in September. 🤦

DivineHand125452d ago

I thought the layoffs were bad. It's bad when Microsoft does it and when Phil Spenser spoke about it 99% of the comments on this site were about how Xbox sucks. When someone is commenting on how Sony layoff people, you instantly find persons that run to defend Sony. This type of behavior is not good for gaming. Remain consistent in your principles no matter who is doing the wrongdoings. Stop waving your pompoms to one side because these companies don't care about you or their employees.

JackBNimble452d ago

Ryan announced it in September, he didn't leave in September.

Lightning77452d ago

Omg https://en-as-com.cdn.amppr...

Not even a few days ago just yesterday he left.

Hiroki Totoki is temporarily taking Jim's spot doing Jim's work for 7 months until he was gone April 1 . Now anymore foolish deflection from you ppl?

StormSnooper452d ago

@divine
Layoffs are bad, but we get these guys with zero credibility, who all of a sudden want to bring up layoffs because an article says something they don’t like. All the while they never bothered when MS did more than twice the layoffs after spending 68 billion to destroy multiplatform segment of gaming. The double standard SHOULD be mentioned.

Cacabunga452d ago

I just want to see those single player first party games.. i do not like the silence from ww studios

+ Show (9) more repliesLast reply 452d ago
Eonjay452d ago

I'm sure you also would say the same thing about Phil Spencer to be logically consistent.

fr0sty452d ago (Edited 452d ago )

You tell us, he laid of orders of magnitude more people than Sony did, and you remained silent.

JackBNimble452d ago

Are you guy's defending Jim Ryan just because he was part of playstation?
The guy did nothing good for the industry the entire time he was head of playstation.
It's his bad decision's that got people fired .

Lightning77452d ago

@Frost really now? Go find the article and look through the comments and you'll see my comment mocking MS. This isn't about MS though just the usual whataboutism from you.

But cool keep making up more stories it's in your head kiddo.

Funny to see Jim Ryan is suddenly a hero on here now.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 452d ago
StormSnooper452d ago

Fun fact:
MS laid off 1900 employees from MS studios.
Sony laid off 900 employees from Sony Interactive Studios.

I hope you liked the classy MS after spending 68 BILLION on buying up the industry, then firing people.

S2Killinit452d ago (Edited 452d ago )

@Lightning77
Did it upset you that PlayStation is successful?

Lightning77452d ago

I have PS so why would it upset. I'm not a weirdo did Jim Ryan do lay offs or not?

S2Killinit452d ago (Edited 452d ago )

Because you always seem to be upset when PlayStation is going good.

And Ryan retired in September. Sony laid off 900 employees recently. Every other large publisher did as well, including MS which laid off the most developers at 1900.

For the sake of proving your objectivity, please show me any comment you made about how MS showed its class by laying off developers after spending 69 billion on cannabalizing the industry. No joke, did you make any comment like that?

StormSnooper452d ago

I’m pretty sure you won’t hear back from him.

Lightning77452d ago

It's your head wanna see fanboy in everyone else because you are one. Not how it works I'm afraid.

Ryan announced his retirement in September. He was still in office Hiroki was training under Ryan hence why we've heard from Hiroki and not Ryan. Ryan officially left yesterday.

That's means Ryan did those lay offs. For God sakes just google it since it's so hard hard for you to understand.

"Sony laid off 900 employees recently. Every other large publisher did as well, including MS which laid off the most developers at 1900."

Yeah... No duh...

Wait class? MS showed no class they were candid about the lay offs and their strategy. They said no patronizing words as far as I know.

Other than that I don't know what you're even talking about. What comments do I have?

S2Killinit452d ago

Haha bravo! way to ignore what I said, conveniently. But, that answers my question. You need say no more.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 452d ago
Cockney452d ago

I'm sure he was saying good things about playstation before they laid people off, not sure of your point

Lightning77452d ago

He lays off ppl and shut down a studio then wants to say good things about PS, not hard to understand. He was saying good things because he worked there, of course he said good things at the company he worked for.

They all do, so I don't know what you mean.

fr0sty452d ago

You say that like Phil didn't just give thousands of people the axe while you stood in silence. We see your hypocrisy... We know you're mad that your box just got the Dreamcast treatment, but at least try to remain objective.

Lightning77452d ago

Nice wrong assumption as always. You're a funny guy though.

Where I mocked MS

https://n4g.com/comments/re...

Anything else I can shut you on? You know know first hand I'm good at that

TheEroica452d ago

Ps5 is a turd of a console. If it outsells the ps2 Itll be the greatest paper tiger in gaming history. All pop and no fizzle.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 452d ago
Profchaos452d ago (Edited 452d ago )

Also Jim Ryan by the way everyone PS2 now sold 160 million total.

Still yes ps5 is a fantastic console if the games library in it's later half follows past cycles of showing off what the true hardware capabilities are we are still yet to see it's best games.

Rockstar is going to make the console sing with GTA 6.

With Xbox floundering talk of EU stores no longer stocking the games going third party fanbase is more divided than ever and Nintendo doing its own thing even delaying (rumour) switch 2 till next year PlayStation is running seemingly unopposed I'm not sure if that's a good thing but it's the reality we are in

PhillyDonJawn452d ago

Yet you still laid off a ton of people

Leeroyw451d ago

So should you keep staff you don't need in any other business? That's called socialism.

Show all comments (57)
80°

Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 481: Here’s To You, Jim

PlayStation Podcast returns with Pacific Drive and Helldivers 2 talk. And the gang says goodbye to an old friend.

Read Full Story >>
blog.playstation.com
phoenixwing455d ago

I think Jim is getting positive send-off since on mostly on his watch xbox turned into a multiplatform machine.