PlayStation Boss Jim Ryan Says They Will Continue To Make Great Games For The PS4

It's pretty understandable because Sony simply cannot pass out on the 100 million playerbase. However, at the same time, this new statement to Edge Magzine is pretty confusing; last time he told gamesindustry.biz, that releasing upcoming PS5 games on PS4 wasn't exactly what they wanted.

[waverider]

With more then 115 million. They will keep making games. At least more a year.

[poleerollee]

oh Jim you say one thing and do the opposite .....

[Jin_Sakai]

He said they believe in generations. They give us a next gen console, next gen controller, next gen UI, and upcoming next gen games such as Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart.

[VenomUK]

Sony wants PlayStation 5 to be a success.One of the best things it can do to ensure this is to encourage its 110 million+ PS4 userbase to migrate. This doesn’t happen immediately. But by supporting them with games and keeping them in the PlayStation ecosystem when it’s time for them to buy a new-gen console they will be inclined to choose the console they have a history with.

If you look back at Sony’s history with making consoles it NEVER has killed production on a console because it’s released a new model. When it comes to game support after it released PS3 in 2005 it released its biggest game God of War II in 2006 for PS2. Despite the early difficult years of the PS3 its moves like this that brought a lot of the PS2 userbase to PS3.

[bouzebbal]

Well, with the PS5 stock available, I hope this is true.. Also for those who just invested in a ps4

[RazzerRedux]

Ryan has been all over the place this year with his comments. He seems to lack a coherent vision of where they are going.

Thankfully he is constantly being bailed out by the great games. I'm just fine with that. Just let the studios make the games and stay out of their way, I guess. Seems like a lot to pay a CEO to do though.

[phoenixwing]

Ryan needs to get focused and not contradict himself so much. Otherwise everything is gravy so far for sony

[AngelicIceDiamond]

I think the most amazing part about Sony, is they have shake ups with in the company all the time. But yet have not once lost focused on delivering AAA quality exclusives no matter who is in charge. Sure this is the first time in a while that Sony has had some questionable PR but they always deliver, so it's easy to over look what he says.

[CrimsonWing69]

I honestly can’t stand the guy.

Same dude who said rumble in controllers is something nobody wants and he didn’t understand the appeal of backwards compatibility because old games are ugly.

This is not the guy I want to have in charge of things. I get that you have to make your business a profit, but you can also do it in a way where you listen to what fans want. I’m also not a fan of making cross-gen titles but I guess in an era of Remasters it’s to be expected.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Yeah but he gets the job done regardless. Delivering on AAA gaming, that's just the truth and facts.

[Knushwood Butt]

Thankfully Herman Hulst (sp?) is driving the games.

[Imalwaysright]

His comments about BC are the reason why I decided that this guy is the worst playstation executive I have ever witnessed.

[The Wood]

These guys are better when they keep their mouths shut more which is an oxymoron but its better. The amount of times this guy and Spencer have talked shit makes me think they're trying to win some foot in mouth contest

[Bathyj]

People need to calm down with this if a game is in Ps4 it will be held back mentality. If god of war comes out and it's on PS4 so be it. There's nothing going on in that game that can't be done on PS4 because we've already seen it done. PS4 will simply look way better and run smoother.

Ratchet and Clank on the other hand is different. It has game mechanics that simply could not be done without compromises or wizardry and that's why it's PS5 only.

When the day comes that games are designed around the PS4 solely and can't be done on PS4 I will be happy but we are not there yet.

[LOGICWINS]

“If god of war comes out and it's on PS4 so be it.“

That’s not the issue. The issue is the purposeful lack of transparency from Sony as to which titles are cross-gen and which titles aren’t. Why weren’t we told that Miles Morales was a cross-gen title the day it was announced?

[TheColbertinator]

@LogicWins

Because of $$$

[Bathyj]

Because you don't have a seat on the board.

And because who cares? When Devs are making games that good I hope they make all the money they can because it means they get a lots leash in their next game.

Do you think Miles was held back?

That's all that matters. Not all the things we carry on about. The quality and frequency of the games. That's all that matters.

[Extermin8or3_]

LOGICWINS because looking at other comments Ryan made I think the decision to make a ps4 port with downgraded graphics was made late in development. His remarks about ps4 sales and engagement during the covid lockdowns making them realise they needed to better support last gen as next gen launched were interesting. That said Sony say things like this EVERY generation about now. Usually they just mean they will continue to publish indie games on last gen and that 3rd party support and cross gen games will be coming for awhile yet and Sony will still be doing firmware patches etc. Hell ps3 just got a new firmware update apparently. 13 years it's been out for now.....

[I_am_Batman]

There was nothing going on in Ratchet & Clank that the PS4 couldn't handle before Rift Apart was specifically made to take advantage of the PS5's capabilities.

If you can't see the potential the PS5 would unlock in God of War I don't know what to tell you. Cory Barlog specifically mentioned that they had some cool ideas with realm switching that they couldn't realize because of the HDD limitations of the PS4.

Watch this (starts at 50:48): https://www.youtube.com/wat...

This kind of stuff was the whole point of designing the PS5 I/O system that way. Fundamental game design like this isn't easily scalable to a console that streams data 100 times slower.

[thornintheside]

"And because who cares?"

ah yes, the argument that has never persuaded anyone

[porkChop]

I think it would be a good idea to have someone else handle PR at this point. Herman Hulst, for example. He's brilliant.

[OB1Biker]

He doesn't say much but it's blown out of proportion. Spencer contradicts himself ALL THE TIME and speaks all the time but journalists let it be as if he is making sense.

[potatoseal]

WAIT. You're saying negative things about Sony's TOP DOG ??

I was lead to believe that this would lead to a waterfall of DOWNVOTES because it was N4G, and everyone knows N4G is the only Pro Sony place on the internet.

/s

[RazzerRedux]

Funny how this works, isn't it?

[Darkborn]

He says some stuff and then changes his stance a lot, but so does Phil Spencer. At least Sony delivers games at the end of the day though.

[crazyCoconuts]

I agree. He's been cryptic about VR too, which isn't great.

[Kaii]

Games being limited by 2012 hardware (from conception) is what's troubling, But this will be the case every generation so I'll suck that up.

Fix the Ui for trophies, doing barrel rolls from game to trophy interface is a tad much.

[isarai]

as long as there's a good balance of games made specifically for the PS5 with those cross gen titles, i don't really mind. pretty sure by year 2 or 3 focus will be 100% PS5

[P_Bomb]

Normally I’d say time for a price cut, but PS4 profits are probably subsidizing some of the PS5’s selling-at-a-loss costs.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

you’re going to see more and more emphasis on PS5 development and the PS5 SKU will be the lead SKU.”

That's kinda interesting. He can't dictate 3rd when it comes to what console they want to develop for unless he has some exclusive deal with any of them. 1st party wise he can definitely dictate which platforms he wants them on. 2nd party as well such as Demon Souls.

"PS5 SKU will be the lead SKU" I'm guessing games will be built for PS5 then then scaled down to PS4? That can't be it because GT7 and Ratchet are only on PS5.

It could be a case by case bases depending on the franchise.

[Tetsdah]

Ryan's messaging is odd and they may needa new person for PR, because he often contradicts himself.

Thankfully ps5 is delivering and its future is very bright. But he might have to shut it for while. I gave similar advice for Spencer.

[Sunny_D]

I think he means there will be a mix of cross gen games and actual PS5 exclusive games through the years. Eventually they will go full PS5 once the install base is there.

[DragonWarrior19]

So PS5 games are going to be held back? I really hope not, let 3rd parties support the old gen, focus on the new and let that hardware shine.

[Nosferatu_dude]

Unfortunately, sony wont spend millions of dollars on projects just to sell them on ps5 for now, they have a 110 million fanbase on ps4, so I guess all the exclusives of 2021 and maybe even 2022 will be crossgen, especially while they are having trouble to deliver ps5 units to fans.

[DragonWarrior19]

If that's the case, why even bother with new systems if you aren't going to let developers make games for them, just make them for the old system and port them up with barely any difference. There is usually a crossover period but they also usually let first party devs move on and leave the crossgen games to the third parties after the initial launch window.

[Knightofelemia]

PS4 is still an option for those who have one hell of a time trying to find a PS5 to enjoy the game. I am enjoying Miles Morales on the PS4 all I really want to know is if the new God of War is appearing on PS4. I am waiting for Horizon 2 if I still can't find a PS5 when that game comes out I still get to enjoy it on PS4.

[Extermin8or3_]

Horizon isn't due till 2nd half of next year (guessing q3 with GOW due q4) so you should definitely be able to get hold of a ps5 by then.

[FallenAngel1984]

Y’all should drop the price to $200 and market it more as a budget console

[Stanjara]

This guy deliberately trolls fanboys.
Ryan my man...bring on the ps4!

[XxSPIDEYxX]

As Sony has done with previous generations. Nothing new.

[NeoGamer232]

When PS4 shipped I only think Resogun (a PSN Game) shipped on PS3 as well.

I don't remember a lot of first party support for PS3 after Resogun....

I may be wrong. Please correct me if I am.

[WelkinCole]

I really don't like this.

Its a new gen. New PS exclusives that are being developed now after the PS5 launch should just focus on the PS5 to get the best. Don't like where this is going to be honest

[Extermin8or3_]

Nothing has changed here. I mean there were ps3 exclusives released post ps4 launch and hell god of war 2 came out on ps2 AFTER the ps3 had launched.

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

We know Jim, we know....but when can I put an extra ssd in my system?

[Extermin8or3_]

As soon as the SSD's with speeds fast enough are available commercially. So early next year if you are willing to pay.

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

They're available now, I own one and I'm just waiting to slap it in. (Pause)

[WeAreLegion]

I just don't think he's the right guy. This industry doesn't tolerate smug leaders forever. PR is far too important in gaming. I miss Uncle Jack and Shawn. Hoping someone like Herman takes the reigns at some point.

[Flewid638]

True. But the PS5 versions of said games will have all the bells & whistles.

[Youngindy21]

That's great news. I'm still enjoying my PS4 Pro and see no immediate need to upgrade to a PS5. I also have a backlog of games that I need to play along w/ various DLC. It doesn't seem to make sense to focus solely on PS5 when a lot of gamers can't even get their hands on one yet.

[Knushwood Butt]

I'm in the same boat as you so I'm OK with a mixed policy but I don't want to see new experiences and creativity held back because of this.

[surferz]

agreed.

[lellkay]

I don't understand how people misinterpret this so much. This has always been the case with Playstation.

[DFresh]

Sony has to considering nobody can buy a PS5 at retail price thanks to these scalpers.

[exputers]

That's true, still holding my beloved PS4 Pro. I hope they sort that out on priority bases.

[GreatSako2020]

Game sales are driven by the 20 million or so core customers. Thus, those games won't really sell much on PS4. Real numbers will show with Horizon Forbidden west

[purple101]

That is a good point. I also believe true next gen numbers will show with granturismo 7. That game always sells 10million. Let's see if it can do that while early into next gen. When it usually releases mid-gen

[Father__Merrin]

Bring Back Jack Tretton