Sony: PS3 industry leader, Xbox lacks longevity, Wii not competition
It’s kind of funny when games industry people bad-mouth each other, especially when it’s the normally austere people who lower themselves to it. The latest to do this is Kazuo Hirai (pictured) who is boss of the whole Sony games division. He claims that the PS3 is still the industry leader, that the Xbox 360 lacks longevity, and that the Wii isn’t even competition.
We’re currently three years into the current-gen console life cycle, although the Wii and PS3 launched a year later than the Xbox 360. Most people assume the next-gen machines will begin to appear in two to three years time but it seems that 10-year lifespan Sony has promised for the PS3 is being stuck to, regardless of the relatively poor sales figures up to now.
And Chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment, Kazuo Hirai, is confident that at that point in time, eight years away, the PS3 will reign supreme. But that’s not all because he also had some choice words for the Playstation 3’s rivals, the Xbox 360 and Wii.
Hirai gave an extensive interview on the state of play at Sony to OPM UK. He talked about how he came to be the head of SCE, the evolving nature of the Playstation experience, the entertainment hub ambitions, Blu-ray, and a lot more besides. But the best part came midway through.
Hirai was asked: “If you were to describe Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft with one word each, what would they be?” He replied:
I think that with the Playstation – one word? You know, this is not meant in terms of number, or who’s got the biggest install base, or who’s selling most or whatever in any particular week or month, but I’d like to think that we continue official leadership in this industry.
It’s difficult to talk about Nintendo, because we don’t look at their console as being competitors. They’re a different world, and we operate in our world – that’s kind of the way I look at things.
And with the Xbox – again, I can’t come up with one word to fit. You need a word that describes something that lacks longevity [Laughs].
And unless things go really bad there’s no way that at the end of a life cycle our competition is going to have a higher install base.
Let’s pick that response apart shall we? Playstation is still a magnificent brand, there’s no question of that. But is Sony and the Playstation really still the official industry leader? Hirai tries to protect himself from the flak he knew he’d receive by stating this wasn’t about numbers, but surely sales have to be the backbone of a product’s claim to lead an industry?
At this point in time, Nintendo is actually leading the industry. Sales of the Wii and DS are phenomenal and still showing no signs of a slowdown. And the Wii has gone beyond being mere a games console by being known and adored outside the realm of gamers. But that doesn’t count you see because the Wii isn’t in the same industry as the PS3. And there was me thinking both Sony and Nintendo wanted to sell video games.
So what about the Xbox 360, a console currently ahead of the PS3 in so many aspects? That may well be the case today, but again, it doesn’t count because according to Hirai, the console will be dead soon (quite literally if yours suffers the RRoD).
Hirai is normally so well-mannered and softly spoken that this seems a bizarre change of pace. He said it all while laughing so there could be an element of tongue-in-cheek about it all but I’m not so sure. Maybe he’s just sick of the bad press the PS3 has been receiving of late. After all, the buck stops with him if the PS3 fails.
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46 Responses to “Sony: PS3 industry leader, Xbox lacks longevity, Wii not competition”
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January 20th, 2009
‘So what the Xbox 360, a console currently ahead of the PS3 in so many aspects? That may well be the case today but again, it doesn’t count because the console will be dead soon (quite literally if yours suffers the RRoD).’
Funny you are questioning the commitment from Microsoft to the 360.I read somewhere else that a rep from Microsoft claimed that they are planning on a lifespan of one day more than the PS3. Sounds like longevity to me.
For shame DAVE PARRACK, I know that FERRO’s articles are getting more hits but that’s because he’s a flamer, and he posts flame baiting articles also. Don’t go down his path!
January 20th, 2009
Harry, you’ve completely misread me there. I was paraphrasing what Hirai said and mocking him for his disregard of the PS3’s competitors.
I’ve adjusted the paragraph slightly so that others don’t also read it wrong.
January 20th, 2009
look at harry all quoting people and being all serious… dude… this is a corporate douche mouthing off… if he had even a little sense… he would use this energy to make better commercials…
but yeah… I think it would be better if the writers here talked and reported more on the games rather than corporate douch bags… your writing is nice Dave… your subjects suck…
January 20th, 2009
DWH, you have to understand the nature of the site though. We’re not going to churn out 20 small stories a day with the latest little detail about a forthcoming game. So we have to focus our attention on bigger subjects.
For me, that usually comprises the console war or editorials about different aspects of gaming. I hope it gives you lot a chance to debate the issues and we’re happy for you to deviate from the subject whenever you like.
January 20th, 2009
I understand Dave… its just that the talent and the time of the writers and the site could be better spent than reporting on company executives mouthing off…
I criticize because I care… BIG HUGS FOR EVERYBODY!!!
yes even the evil brits…
January 21st, 2009
Why is this thread so quiet?
It makes no sense.
I thought this thread would incite all kinds of flaming….and yet, here it lie…in piece.
Bizarre.
January 21st, 2009
This guy sounds like the old Saudi Minister of the Interior. Seriously though, I suppose he is right if he meant to say PS3 is competing with nobody by catering to those who love PS3 for the 5+ exclusive franchises it will eventually have on it, not to mention it being the bestelling blu-ray player. If they can leverage this by adding PS2 bc back in (with trophies?) and expanding their old titles availability on PSN (trophies please?) they should have a winning combo that would increase sales greatly. They would absolutely leave 360 in the dust if they had a policy to offer PS1/2 owners copies of the games they already own in their “accounts” (they could insert the game into the PS3, it would tag and identify it as theirs, provide a digital copy online), but I don’t see this happening. I also don’t see Home as a big selling factor, but rather an experiment to see if it will work in the next gen. I believe Home should take second priority over bc and building the entire (or at least the “good” games, and doing a better job of it than Wii has with VC so far) Playstation Library availability online, but that’s just me.
January 21st, 2009
I totally agree Carl.
It’s clear though that that won’t happen this gen, but what Sony absolutely, definitely need for PS4 from the outset is full BC with PS1, PS2 and PS3 games via disc and digital download. I still think discs will be around next gen, but even if they’re are not, digital download of the vast amount of titles for PS is an absolute must.
Putting all classic PlayStation titles from PS1 through to PS3 on the Store would create an online gaming store unmatched by anyone. “PlayStation Library” is absolutely what they should call it.
Although I guess Microsoft could always pay publishers to make a port of all the old games to put on Arcade.
What is Xbox Live Arcade anyway? Is it for old/classic games?
Home has a tonne of potential. I think we could see Home changing the way that games are played online. Instead of being randomly assigned players in a multi-player via a “searching for players” screen, you could be meet players, talk to them and decide who to play against via Home in that games’ “space”, instead of getting paired with some idiot who just throws insults you.
January 21st, 2009
Thats a good idea Carlb about tagging it and making it available. You would probably need to insert the disc whenever you play though or they would feel that people would just rent to build up their catalog.
January 21st, 2009
lock_down,
I believe XBLA was originally meant fro old/classic games and indie titles from smaller companies, but there seemed to be an impression early on that they wanted to move away from release of the older titles because Nintendo was already doing that (diappointing, though they still do release some older titles).
phranctoast,
I think with there would be some way around that by identifying that unique tag with the original PS3 that the digital copy was made on. Duplicate digital copies wouldn’t be allowed unless only made via the original console (and all of those copies would have the same unique console tag), and a digital copy (with backup from Sony should it ever get corrupted somehow) may be an incentive to buy vs. rent. Of course pirates would have a heyday with this, but it would be about as bad as Blu-Ray digital copies are now.
January 21st, 2009
Kaz is my hero!! I can only hope to see him taking more digs at the 360 and M$ in the future.
January 21st, 2009
lockdown – “you could be meet players, talk to them and decide who to play against via Home in that games’ “space”, instead of getting paired with some idiot who just throws insults you”.
thank you for proving you’ve never played xbox live. (if your comment was a dig at xbox live).
the fact is there is more search/invite options, party jumping, and filtering criteria on xbox live than on psn or HOME.
Carlb – i think you meant the Iraqi not Saudi. and yes, hirai is a lot like him. still playing the violin on a sinking ship.
January 21st, 2009
Sorry CarlB
Still not getting it.
If your ps3 breaks will you be able to download the ps2 games to the new ps3 despite the unique code?
Maybe a disc check every so often, or if you delay playing the game for a month would be Ok.
January 21st, 2009
davep – here’s MS’ response in case you guys wanted to do a story. aaron’s got some valid points.
http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/200904/2824/Microsoft-responds-to-Sony-s-recent-Xbox-360-criticisms
January 21st, 2009
kev, you’re so stupid.
I think when I said “What is Xbox Live Arcade anyway? Is it for old/classic games?” I proved that I don’t have Xbox Live.
January 21st, 2009
@lockdown.
Arcade is the games on the 360 that are comparable to the mini games you find in Home on the arcade machines.
January 21st, 2009
kev,
No I actually meant the Saudi not Iraqi from my experience in Saudi Arabia on Embassy Duty. Much more obscure I know, but it’s amazing what that guy… anyway, things have improved greatly since then.
phranctoast,
A PS3 breaking? Is that possible? Just kidding, I suppose you could call up the Sony Customer Service Center (or whatever it is called) and you could switch those copies to your new console (kind of like when you switch consoles with 360) which would be verified by serial number and other means over the phone and online.
I think the disc check should be eliminated after the first online verification and tagging, because discs eventually wear down or get scratched more. Granted you could just pass the physical copy on, but the digital copy would remain only yours to keep. I really don’t know, it is just an idea, but I am sure Sony could figure out some way to take care of their customers and not squeeze them on it if they wanted to. But it would take a massive commitment to the customer (it’s been done on Amazon and with other companies like D2D, so I don’t see it as an impossibility). I don’t know, has anybody worked with the digital copies off of the Blu-Ray discs being sold now yet?
January 21st, 2009
Has anyone seen that Aaron Greenburg already came out with a statement to refute this? I think it was something to the effect that “Sony is out of touch”. I wish Kaz would beat the shit out of Greenburg in real life. That would be great.
January 21st, 2009
Can’t we just get Kazuo Hirai and Aaron in the ring together or something?
Its just so dumb when they do this.
January 21st, 2009
SW, I agree. That would make an awesome pay-per-view special though.
January 21st, 2009
I don’t think any of the blu rays I have, have the digital copy with them. I’ll have to check.
January 21st, 2009
SW,
Ditto. I’m sure there are nice things to say about each company, it’s just no one ever says them.
-Arvis
January 21st, 2009
carlb – me too. did a lot of time in Rhiyadh, working with Saudi Forces and MODA personnel while living in Eskan Village and PSAB. still not sure what you’re talking about, tho. oh well…
January 21st, 2009
barnabe – maybe it’s because sony really is out of touch. from first place to last place says something’s not lining up…
January 21st, 2009
Kev – Well, if you can spin it that way I suppose… Or, Sony delayed the release of the PS3 to make sure they put a fully working product on the market. As a result the 360 got a year head start. So you can take a three year total and compare it to a two year total, but I don’t think that’s correct. If you look at my break down below, you’ll see the numbers don’t lie. Sony will beat the 3 year mark 360s… That doesn’t seem “out of touch” to me at all.
360 28 million and 20 million PS3
360 – 3 years – 9.33 for each year
PS3 – 2 Years – 10 for each year
January 21st, 2009
Correction: Sony will beat the 360s 3 year mark…
As Halo kids say “You’ve just been powned”.
January 21st, 2009
@Barnabe
The sales are suggesting 360 is breaking away every month now.
Games sales i.e. Gears of war 2 selling 4.8m in 2 months, whereas only 1 ps3 game has sold over 4m
January 21st, 2009
Well it’s that mentality that sent that Bald Headed White guy (I can’t remember his name) over to Atari. It’s also the reason why PS3 is where PS3 is. A peice of crap,overpriced, Bluray Trojan Hrose. But it does not matter because no matter how much Sony Bum F$^ks you guy you’ll still stroke Kaz’s dick.
January 21st, 2009
Bottoms up Boyz!!!
January 21st, 2009
HAHAHAHAHAH
sometimes I like to think people in here are mature… and then… CAD says something like that and restores my hatred for humanity…
HAHAHAHHAAHAH
That bald headed white guy is Phil Harrison… Im guessing you think people like Cliffy B is a legend in the industry (like kev)… anyways… after joining atari this guy has done a lot to their business… they aquired new games and seems to have turned things around…
you wouldnt know this… because you spend too much time fantasizing us doing sexual acts with Sony employees… which scares the shit outta me…
lets talk more about how these companies are “OUT OF TOUCH”…
has they ever touched YOU!!! why so much hate and so touchy kev?? its ok… me and harry went through the same thing… its ok… we are here for you…
January 21st, 2009
i still hate you, i just like your doggy style.
January 21st, 2009
dammit harry… but.. remember this ALWAYS!!!
no matter what no matter who no matter when… I can rent games at $15 a month while you still have to pay retail… bitch…
anyways… the only thing I know about you is that you like to measure your “length” like all the other companies… what kinda games do you play?? are you stupid like Arvis?? or cool like me??
also… looking at the Halo 3 achievements… gotta have to get that recon armor… hopefully we can do the vidmaster challenge togather… have you done that already?? wow talking about recon armor gets me all hot and bothered…
well off to see the Killzone trailer again…
January 22nd, 2009
kev,
I was talking about Prince Prince Nayef bin Abdul- Aziz and how the average citizen in Saudi (at least the ones I talked to back then) got the impression from his speeches that Jews were behind the attacks of 9/11, the continuation of the idea that Saudi Arabia was the “kingdom of the world” and their king was “king of the world” (literally), his personal interpretation of world events being presented as factual news, his blessings of the beheadings at the clock tower every Wednesday for arbitrary offenses, encouragement of the public beating of women for minor offenses, etc.
Here is one article on the Prince:
weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/002/018fdsio.asp
He has much less power and influence now since King Fahd’s death, and certain things seemed to have improved proportionately since that time, although they still have a long way to go.
January 22nd, 2009
Con – Of coarse the numbers will fluctuate one way and then the other. Keep in mind that Sony still have a price cut coming relatively soon. My point is the Greenburg’s “Out of touch” comment was purely petty, childish, bull shit. Kaz simply stated the 360 will not have a 10 year lifespan, which is true.
January 22nd, 2009
barnabe – you’re forgetting the “150 million loyal ps users” who are sony’s market. they can’t penetrate. it’s funny you claim the first to market was the reason for the 360’s success. is it safe to assume the same for the ps2, thus negating the legendary status of sony?
why is it that all of the ps3’s successes are in the future? they have been predicted for 2 years and have all fallen flat. yours looks to be no different. come back when they actually beat the 360… when they do, i’ll say congrats on matching the sales pace of a franchise with 1/10 the customerbase of sony… hee, hee…
finally, sony is truly out of touch if they think they can crack the ps2 market, built on the $199 price point, with a $400 console.
carlb – it’s almost comforting to know propoganda is worldwide and not just from dub and his cronies.
January 22nd, 2009
It all boils down to comparing a two year total vs. a three year total.
When the PS3 hits the three year mark it will have beaten the 360s three year mark… ‘nuff said.
January 22nd, 2009
Barnabe Jones,
“Kaz simply stated the 360 will not have a 10 year lifespan, which is true.”
I know you worship the ground Kaz walks on Barnabe (you have actually said as much as he is your “hero”), but just because he has said something about the competition doesn’t mean it is true, no matter how much he thinks it is. By the way, Sony also said they would not have a price cut anytime soon, so maybe you should believe that first.
kev,
It actually kind of weird how similar political propaganda is to game industry propaganda, especially in how much people believe it even when the facts are in front of them and they have freedom of choice. The power of blind faith I guess.
January 22nd, 2009
I’ve erected a shrine to Kaz in my living room.
Seriously though, the difference in formats will be a huge factor in where they stand a few more years down the road.
Not only does the PS3s medium offer a great deal more space than DVD, the PS3 also doubles as the best blu-ray player on the market.
January 22nd, 2009
and I thought barnabe was normal…
well if kev can have a Cliffy B shrine and have wet dreams about him.. I think we can endure Barnabe having a shrine for Kaz…
KAZ THE SPAZ!!!
I just thought of that…
January 22nd, 2009
dwh – no shrines for me, sorry. altho, it’s safe to say cliffy has done more for gaming than kaz….
*zing*
January 22nd, 2009
Cliffy B made 2 games, over the course of 4 (or so) years. It’s also safe to say that both games were fairly similar. The dialogue, plot, and story read like it was written by a retarded adolescent male. How is this man a legend?
Kojima – Over 2 decades worth of ground breaking games, across multiple platforms. Metal Gear of coarse being the most popular, but he has worked on about 5 separate series.
January 22nd, 2009
youre a SONY WHORE BARNABE!!!
everyone knows Cliffy B is a legend in the industry…
January 23rd, 2009
Barnabe,
“Seriously though, the difference in formats will be a huge factor in where they stand a few more years down the road.”
I agree. Digital downloads will only continue to increase in availability and sales on both the PS3 and 360. Whether or not Blu-Ray becomes the dominant format for movies, let alone games, is still up in the air.
“Not only does the PS3s medium offer a great deal more space than DVD, the PS3 also doubles as the best blu-ray player on the market.”
That doesn’t seem to be getting them ahead so far… but as you said, maybe “a few more years down the road,” or maybe not.
January 23rd, 2009
barn – it’s not just the games, it’s the engines cliffy created that are still in use.
hideo is a good game maker, just not in the same league with cliffy. hideo’s “ground breaking” innovation ended when splinter cell hit the market and did more, better.
oh, and for the record, they hire writers to write the stories, genius…not cliffy…
gawd…you guys are absolutely clueless…
January 27th, 2009
Kev – Cliffy B used a prefab engine. The unreal engine can be used by anyone. Cliffy B did not create it. MGS 4 on the other hand was built from the ground up.
January 27th, 2009
Oh and for the record: Splinter Cell Double Agent was garbage.