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Sony’s One-And-Only Problem

"So far, Sony has been making one great move after another. You’ll hardly hear anything truly negative when it comes to the PS4. As of right now the console is the go-to system for most gamers.

But one very important problem persists for Sony...."

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Relientk774659d ago

What is Sony's one-and-only problem/weakness is also their biggest strength. They rely on and own MANY game studios, exclusives, and franchises for their consoles.

Shok4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

That's a great way to look at it. As I mentioned at the end of my article:

"And for all we know I can very much be dead-wrong and Sony could easily beat out the competition without at juggernaut like Mario or Halo."

The strategy of MANY games over fewer-but-stronger ones could indeed work for them, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks for the intelligent, calm response.

xHeavYx4659d ago

I thought Sony's only problem was the fact that they don't support Arabic language, lol.
I agree with Relient. Sony has many exclusive IPs who have sold millions of copies. I wouldn't consider not having a "mascot" a problem

HammadTheBeast4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

I agree, I'd like it if Sony made one massive game, advertised the hell out of it, and made it that one game you NEED to have.

In this case, I'd say they need to make a MAG 2.0, rename it, make it innovative and fresh, and just go all out with it. Get guys from Guerilla Games, the Socom guys, ND, SSM, all working on it, along with a dedicated studio.

But just for comparisons sake, I'd say Gran Turismo is Sony's big franchise, it rivals Halo in terms of sales.

T24659d ago

If your definition of juggernaut includes halo then why no gran turismo or god of war ? Hell even metal gear fits in there ... Dont know what your def is but halo has never broken 8 million and that barely ranks all time

Sitdown4659d ago

I thought there one and only problem would be not enough stock to keep up with demand at launch.

AbortMission4659d ago

Stick to Wii u damage controlling shokio Lol

Skips4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

The thing is with Sony, it's a fact that they have created more successful new IP's than both MS and Nintendo combined this gen...

For instance, if Sony never funded LittleBigPlanet, Heavy Rain, The Last Of Us, Resistance, Journey, Beyond Two Souls, Infamous and many MANY more, and used the budgets on those games (game development/advertising) to market... say God Of War, save also for only a few of their other past gen games like Killzone, GT, and Rathchet & Clank.

Sorta like what MS does with Halo, Forza, Fable, and Gears... (ESPECIALLY Halo http://www.joystiq.com/2012...

"Estimates for development costs of Halo 3 average out at $60 million, and that was including a massive marketing budget of about $30 million."

Could you imagine how popular GOW/Kratos would be, if he didn't have to share the spotlight with the likes of Nathan Drake, Ellie and Joel, SackBoy, Cole McGrath etc. etc.? On top of having the money for THEIR games, used to market his own?

LMFAO, God Of War would be selling tens of millions without a doubt.

ShinMaster4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

* The latest Legend of Zelda game has been outsold by PlayStation exclusives like GOW, Uncharted, Gran Turismo, LBP, etc.

* Sony didn't have a problem beating the N64 with the PS1. And they didn't have a problem beating the GameCube and Xbox with the PS2.
Sony DOESN'T NEED to turn their consoles into one-trick ponies. They have multiple franchises that sell anywhere from 4 million to over 10 million and they successfully continue to release new and well received IPs.

* You're getting confused by the Wii.
It was a freak success. It had the right gimmick at the right time and marketed to the right people. Every other Nintendo(and Xbox) home console has been outsold by PlayStation consoles.

* So yes, "Sony could easily beat out the competition without juggernauts like Mario or Halo" because they've already done it before.
PlayStation has the biggest community of console gamers in the world.

Skips4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

"I thought Sony's only problem was the fact that they don't support Arabic language, lol."

LOL! Same here. XD

"But just for comparisons sake, I'd say Gran Turismo is Sony's big franchise, it rivals Halo in terms of sales."

Pretty much...

EDIT: Link for Halo 3's marketing... http://www.joystiq.com/2012...
https://www.google.com/sear...

Cupid_Viper_34659d ago

Just to give some perspective here.

This gen MS released 4 Halo games: Halo 3, Halo ODST, Halo Reach, Halo 4.

4 Gears of War games: Gears 1,2,3 & judgement.

4 Forza Games: Forza 2,3,4 & Horizon.

And yet they still ended up being in 3rd place even with a year headstart on the competition. Meanwhile Sony has yet to make a home console that sells less than 100 milliion units in its lifetime.

The idea that Sony needs to put all of their eggs in one basket is silly to me. The best thing that happened to Sony in regards to PlayStation is the fact that Nintendo is seen as kids/family orientated, and MS is seen as Shooter centric, leaving Sony as the best of both worlds with a very varried library of games.

YNWA964659d ago

Syphon filter should be rebooted. It would make an awesome flagship game.

blackbeld4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

Argh whatever.

PS4 got the games I want. Granturismo, Killzone, Driveclub and many more exclusive AAA games.

Eddie201014659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

They have many mascots

Drake
Kratos
Sack Boy
Ratchet and Clank

and many others that are not exclusive anymore but are still associated with the playstation since thats where they started.

THC CELL4659d ago

I'd like ccp to make mag 2

Eonjay4659d ago

I have to disagree with this article. I understand what he is saying and with all due respect to Nintendo, I don't care if they ever make another Mario game again. The best game I played this generation was TLOU without a doubt. It was fresh and new. You know that games alike Mario and Halo are always gonna get the polish treatment but they aren't every gonna give you that same wow experience as when you played the first one. For a studio like Naughty Dog, I like that they broke away from uncharted to deliver something new. It means you get the same polish, but on a completely new experience.

ZHZ904659d ago

@Shok,
"And for all we know I can very much be dead-wrong and Sony could easily beat out the competition without at juggernaut like Mario or Halo."

You see Sony has juggernaut, it is VARIETY not making same over and over like MS doing withHalo or Nintendo doing with Mario.
This is what one of reasons encourages me to buy PS4.

@Skips, voted for you extra bubble for well said

@xHeavYx, LOL! this is what I thought. Lets consider that Sony will support Arabic language later on which will make it no disadvantege later on.

trouble_bubble4659d ago

@CupidViper
Agreed. TLOU, a new IP in the twilight of this gen's lifecycle, outsold the latest Gears and Forza combined. Why put all your eggs in one basket when you own the damn farm?

ProjectVulcan4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

Playstation has a lot of ubiquitous franchises. For me however, the one still running that they are linked to in my mind is Gran Turismo because that particular game defined my Playstation 1 and 2 gaming experiences.

It still seems that this is true for many Playstation gamers. GT5 sold over 10 million copies on PS3, more than Halo Reach in the same sort of timespan.

GT can always count on the massive sales, same as Halo can.

SharnOfTheDEAD4659d ago

If Team Soho revive the getaway then they will certainly have a flagship on their hands, especially here Europe.

WrAiTh Sp3cTr34659d ago

@joecanada, "halo has never broken 8 million"

I dont think you know what you're talking about.

scott1824659d ago

I would agree with the article if Halo was still the insanely hyped game it once was... Back in the day sony had to compete with bigtime hyped games coming out, but now their frachises are gaining popularity. Look how many pre orders killzone already has for instance, and how much hype infamous second son is getting. People outside of the hardcore have big interest, more than they have had in the past. And I feel as far as The Last of Us goes, that game is very popular and still selling extremely well, that is fantastic for a new franchise. It seems to me sony will have mega hits on their hands with new releases of these games and bringing more new ip's to the table.

Boody-Bandit4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

I don't think it's possible for me to disagree more with this article than what I do.

Personally, for the most part, I grow tired of the same damn franchises generation after generation. Every new generation Sony brings us their tried and true franchise like GT and God of War but they also break new ground with amazing new IP's every generation like Little Big Planet, Uncharted, Infamous, Killzone, Heavy Rain and recently my new favorite this generation "The Last of Us" (just to name a few).

I can't wait to see all of those titles on the PS4 but more importantly I am looking forward to the new IP's Sony's studios will bring us over the next several years.

Clarence4659d ago

Sony has to many quality IPs that gamers love. They don't need a mascot. Mario didn't help Nintendo win last gen, the motion control gimmick did. M$ released 3 halo games, had a year headstart, and a cheaper console last gen. Yet they ended up in last place.

Sony strenght is based off the fact that we get new quality IPs along with older ones. When think Nintendo you think of Mario. When you think of Xbox you think halo. When you think of playstation you think of god of war, KZ, uncharted, GT, infamous, MGS. The list goes on and on

miyamoto4659d ago

Its great to see your bro, Black Buster, is one of the greatest supporters of the PS4. I am subscribed to his Anti-Xbox One News channel.

http://www.youtube.com/user...

T24659d ago

@wraithspectre - halo has sold at its best 8.1 million .. So what i meant was it never broke through 8 mil to 8.5 or 9... Still doesnt barely rank all time . Check the numbers

2v14659d ago

SONY has the Nissan GTR as its mascot
lol that beats all of the others

BlueBlood174659d ago

Wow, are you seriously trying to claim that Sony exclusives are inferior because there are more of them?

Unbelievable.

FamilyGuy4659d ago

I really don't see this as a problem.

Say MS has one game that sells 10 million units, Sony has 4 games that sell 3 million units a piece.

Why does Playstation need a mascot, their games sell, their consoles sell, they get positive word of mouth from the majority of people that have their systems.

Why does it have to be a game anyway, why can't its mascot be a feature? I personally think PS+ with its Instant Game Collection is Sonys "mascot". When people consider buying a Sony system that IGC is a major force drawing people in.

Gran Turismo is a 10 million game seller anyway, I guess that doesn't count because there's no face on the cars? Even with GT6 coming to PS3 there will obviously be a Gran Turismo game in the PS4s future at some point, it's a given.

I like Sony's approach, a variety of games for everyone rather than one or two hit titles as the only reason to pick up and be a fan of the system.

tubers4659d ago

Interesting.

Since Sony has so much studios, maybe budget is all over the place and the big wigs are just hoping that one of those studios produces a "Mario/Halo" PS exclusive.

cleft54659d ago

The problem with that statement is that there MANY games also happen to be high quality games that they have been developing for years in preparation for the launch of the PS4. The weakest PS4 game, from appearances anyways, is Knack. Honestly, Knack is a glorified tech demo and we all known it. Still it's a nice looking tech demo.

So in reality there is no weakness in Sony's strategy so far. They have clearly been preparing for this move for years and high a lot of high quality games prepare for the PS4. For once a company is combining quality and quantity.

HammadTheBeast4659d ago

One more thing I'd like to point out.

Sony exclusives vary over the generations.

One gen's exclusives may never be seen again.

Gek, MedEvil. Legend of Dragoon, Noc, Crash etc.

Those are PS1 exclusives alone which we've never seen again. (Activision Crash and Squishy-faced Spyro will not be mentioned).

Each gen is unique.

Benchm4rk4659d ago

@joecanada

Not sure where you are getting your numbers from. Check out VG chartz ( easy to find type VG chartz in Google) search for Halo and you should find these figures current as of 24th August 2013.

Halo 3 11.79 million copies global sales
Halo Reach 9.45 million copies global sales

www.vgchartz.com/gamedb/?name =halo

minimur124659d ago

Nice read :)

I totally agree with everything haha, where's Crash, Spyro Sir Daniel, Croc, Syphon filter gone D'x

Edito4659d ago

You don't have to wait and see, just look at how the PS3 fared against the 360 and why it performed like that for a console that arrived 1 year later and without that "Killer Game" and i don't know why ppl forget that what made the PS1/PS2 so unforgettable was the fact that every single publisher was working there and there was no microsoft and deep pockets at that time there was more space to create... Now money talks and bulshit walks... i think we should be happy for Sony being like that cause they are doing the right thing to make the industry and genres grow instead of relying on a single game to make the magic and sell consoles...

jcnba284659d ago

I can name 3 more of sony's problems with the PS4:

- No backwards compatibility
- No free online
- No external hard drive support

The_Con-Sept4659d ago

The Arabic dictionary voted for Obama.

Knushwood Butt4659d ago

lol

Shok's clearly got nothing to write about Nintendo (he's even lost motivation to do damage control for them) so here he is writing about Sony?

Don't quit your day job.

JUDALATION4659d ago

The ONLY problem with Sony is that they have a shortage on consoles... I have been trying to pre order but NOTHING!

Sideras4658d ago

Afaik they have two juggernauts, Uncharted and God of War, three if The Last of Us becomes a thing.
Either way I'd rather have a mix of genres than the same old shooter year after year.

EZMickey4658d ago

@joecanada Halo has in fact broken 11 Million.

http://www.vgchartz.com/gam...

static52454658d ago

What about that Michael Long Live Play commercial? That was basically all of Playstation mascots. I think thats what people don't think about when playstation advertises they're not advertising one franchise but everything they've done. http://youtu.be/fj96XYhwTFI

pixelsword4658d ago

Don't they have sackboy?

T24658d ago

For those wondering got my numbers from wikipedia top game sales all time says halo 3 is top halo with 8.1 mil ... Dont know how accurate vgchartz or this site are but wiki has multiple sources ... If you think its wrong change it

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Enemy4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

To sum up the whole writing, they're actually complaining that Sony doesn't want to milk one mascot. That instead, they rely on the many created by their 1st parties.

Nathan Drake is a mascot, millions seller
Joel/Ellie are mascots, millions sellers
Kratos is a mascot, millions seller
Helghast is a mascot, millions seller
Sackboy is a mascot, millions seller
Cole McGrath is a mascot, millions seller
Delsin is a mascot, will sell millions
Ratchet & Clank are mascots, millions sellers

The Last of Us would have never happened if Sony kept Naughty Dog on Uncharted. Look how it turned out.

Puppeteer, new IP, already receiving universal praise

We know that Naughty Dog are at work with a new IP as well. Same goes for Guerrilla, Santa Monica, Media Molecule, and Quantic Dream. More mascots incoming, and all of them belong to PlayStation.

If Sony only relied on one IP to do their work, they'd be no different from Nintendo and Microsoft.

Sony's all about variety. That's how they win GOTY. When you have something for everyone, you can't go wrong.

When's the last time Halo was even recognized for true GOTY? It's an indication that Microsoft needs MORE fresh IPs, not keep shooting the same weapon.

And if you really want to be amazed, there are countless other franchises Sony could bring back at any given moment.

Alundra, Arc the Lad, Dark Cloud, Demon's Souls, The Getaway, Ghosthunter, Gravity Rush, Heavenly Sword, Jak & Daxter, Jeanne d'Arc, Jet Moto, Lair, The Legend of Dragoon, The Mark of Kri, MediEvil, Primal, Rogue Galaxy, Siren, Syphon Filter, Warhawk, Tomba!, War of the Monsters

Doesn't it feel good to have more than one weapon at your disposal?

Shok4659d ago

Refer to the reply I made to jc48573.

Godmars2904659d ago

Think its more a concern than a worry.

And by "mascot" they mean characters outside of gaming.

It was really a disservice to mention Halo besides Mario, who all you need to identify is a red cap with an "M" on it.

pyramidshead4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

I wish there was an option to double bubble lol Also can't wait to get puppeteer, fantastic art direction., a game that changes every ten minutes and you'll never see the same thing twice apparently! But I still have to buy TLOU, urgh.

Tito084659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

And don't forget to include Omega Boost, Tourist Trophy, and as much as I know people will hate to hear this, Genji as well. For a console maker that has the most use of original IPs, Sony have more at their disposal anyways, I know there are more IPs than that, that's exactly how I always preferred Sega all the time over Nintendo at the time.

Rhaigun4659d ago

I actually think this is Microsoft and Nintendo's crutch. They rely too much on their stable franchises. So much so, that they fail to take a risk on any new IP year after year. After you've played the new Halo, Mario or Zelda, you're not left with much outside of third party games. Games that Sony has as well.

Sci0n4659d ago

True Story! im about to go play TLOU's multiplayer right now!

AndrewLB4659d ago

And countless games that were absolute garbage.

On vgcharts, for 2012 the xbox 360 had 9 of the top 25 games, sony had 7. So far in 2013, 360 has 8, ps3 has 7. This statistic alone flies in the face to those saying "microsoft relies too much on just a few ip's carrying the platform.

Now if you look at TOTAL game sales per platform you get:

XBox 360: 801,850,000
PS3: 720,240,000

Interesting how PS3 has only slightly more system sales than Xbox 360 but close to 80,000,000 less games sold, even with all those choices.

Looks to me like my assertion that many people bought the PS3 just for the great blu-ray player.

Plus... sony lost money on every console till recently while Microsoft didn't. Also, the big money is made on licensing and sales of games, in which Sony got destroyed by Microsoft.

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Campy da Camper4659d ago

Look at the cast of Sienfield. Each person was fantastic but that character is all they are known for. Fast forward to today and George castanza, Kramer and Elaine will forever be typecast.

Variety is where its at. Give me a few uncharted and little big planets then move on to a new ideas. Keep it fresh and moving forward.

sentury1114659d ago

Julie louis Dreyfous is winning emmeys for the veep.

But of course she will be remembered for Elaine who starred in the number one show for many years.

That's true for any actor they are known as their best role such as the terminator or Han Solo/Indiana Jones to Officer Riggs

Campy da Camper4659d ago

Look at the cast of Sienfield. Each person was fantastic but that character is all they are know for. Fast forward to today and George castanza, Kramer and Elaine will forever be typecast.

Variety is where its at. Give me a few uncharted and little big planets then move on to a new ideas. Keep it fresh and moving forward.

ssj274659d ago

Let's keep one thing clear here!
GRAN TURISMO is the PlayStation IP!

I can see PlayStation 4,5 and .. without any other IP but GT! Has to be there.

Their next IP that fallows is God of War! Kratos is a Icon and very popular.

Other IP reaching those epic levels are Killzone, Uncharted and MotorStorm could have take it to the next level if their next games shine on the PS4!

KILLZONE will give the big jump with Shadow Fall.. number's will tell if it did (over 4 millions sales)

sentury1114659d ago

Forza was better last Gen. GT only sold due to name recognition.

ssj274658d ago

Forsa was better only on reviews...
gt has more cars, better graphics, tracks, authentic competition, authentic details, technology and etc.

I can't trus a video gamer to review a SIM.. they will review the gameas a game and not as it's a sim. Two huge difference s.

Example pes is more authentic Soccer SIM but fifa gets passed as a better game because it has license and more features but in term of pure gameplay PES does it more authentic and is more of a SIM.

JustPlay44659d ago

I don't see how this is really a bad thing, having as many games as you can, that may not stand the test of time(which I don't think is true but that me)and just stay with only few new ips for years I don't want that I want new games, I don't want to play the same thing over and over again just because it can sell and that why I'm keeping my ps3 for that games that have been and buying a ps4 for games that to come.

Well that just me this may not make a lot of sense to everyone but oh well

ajax174659d ago

Yeah, I'm thinking: let me get this straight, the problem with Sony is that they don't keep milking a single franchise over and over and over? Wow, a company that wants to create unique and new experiences, what a terrible idea.

AbortMission4659d ago

People like Shokio aren't real gamers if all they want is the same damn expired milk franchises like Mario.

madpuppy4659d ago

Agreed, The sheer amount of unique titles from not only third party but Sony's many first party studios is a strength. after all, just because pizza is great, doesn't mean eating it every day is a great idea.

MWong4659d ago

Weak, to say Sony is missing that "it" game. No console usually launches with that "it" game. That it game normally launches 6 months to a year after console launch.

Delive4659d ago

I think their only problem is. How they have responded to ms' changes, or lack there of. Out the gate, sony was in attack mode, going after ms' controversial plans for next gen. $100 less, items behind gold paywall not behind ps+, indie support, more (reported) powerful, f2p games at launch, the list goes on. Ms has responded by reversing many of their policies and leave the possibility of game sharing coming back, they tout key 3rd party exclusived and partnerships with non gaming resources fir those that want that. Ms has in turn closed the gap (some) and will continue to push for that. Sony seems to be waiting as if they don't want to step on the throat of ms while they were down. Like an nfl coach who lacks that killer mentality. They get a big lead early, then let the other team hang around instead of putting them away.

PSVita4659d ago

They don't need a mascot when they put out games like demon souls, infamous, uncharted, the last of us and GT. Advertising the hell out of a single game doesn't make it any better.

nosferatuzodd4659d ago

indeed and people always overlook stuff don't know if its bias or not but you say halo is a juggernaut then Grand tourismo of to fit on that bill has well over 10 million sold and over 70 million copies in total if that's not a killer app then i don't know what is

StoutBEER4659d ago

Haha this is the top news story? Everyone at n4g are fags. XD

DeadlyFire4659d ago

Indeed. I thought they were going to sink more money and ammunition into Killzone shadow fall before its launch, but so far I have little urge to run out and buy it. I am more amped for Uncharted 4 in 2014 alongside some of the new IPs.

thisismyaccount4659d ago

Sonys Strength

PlayStation 1

- Ape Escape
- Crash Bandicoot
- MedEvil
- GT
- Jumping Flash (2nd dev)
- and many more....

PlayStation 2

- ICO
- Jak and Daxter
- Ratchet and Clank
- The Getaway
- GT3
- The Mark of Kri
- KillZone
- God Of War
- Sly Cooper
- and few more...

PlayStation 3

- Uncharted
- Infamous
- The Last of US
- Heavy Rain (2nd dev)
- GT5
- God of War "polished"
- Fat princess (2nd dev)
- Motorstorm
... and few more

Nintendo N64

- Zelda
- Mario
- Metriod
- Conker

Nintendo GameCube

- Zelda
- Mario
- Metriod
- Pikmin ?

Nintendo Wii/U

- Zelda
- Mario
- Metriod
- Pikmin

Xbox 2001 Odyssey

- Halo (backstabbing PC ppl.)
- Fable

Xbox 360

- Halo 3
- Fable
- Forza
- Kameo

and so on... nothing will change with the Xbox One. Same regurgitated crap like what Nintendo does... the diffrence is : Nintendo Games don´t suck,... if i´v missed some FP IP from M$ and Nintendo let me/us know.

Automatic794658d ago (Edited 4658d ago )

Having a variety of games is definitely Sony's strength. In my experience with Sony I always felt that Resistance was/is and should have been that killer title. Unfortunately, the game remains with sony but we are not sure if sony will bring it back anytime soon.

Note: Another title my friend speaks about is Syphon Filter sony can take that title and bring it into modern day glory with PS4.

Jubez1874658d ago

Yea that's pretty much it. This article makes it seem like Sony doesn't have AAA titles which of course is so untrue. It just makes it seem like Sony doesn't have that ONE carrying franchise because they have other franchises to care about. Honestly, when it comes to the other systems it's about the games (like people want HALO whether it's bungie or that new company); however, on the Sony side it's more "we have NAUGHTY DOG" because we know they're going to put out gold whether it's an uncharted or a TLOU title, anything. Same goes for Suckerpunch and Media Molecule. The other systems just keep rereleasing the same IP's (like do we need another Gears of War, really?) while Sony usually cycles them out after a generation.

4658d ago
+ Show (14) more repliesLast reply 4658d ago
Enemy4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

Sony has mascots from all of their 1st parties.

jc485734659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

You know, that's the one thing I like about Sony in the first place because they don't HAVE THAT ONE game, but they have VARIETY and they emphasize that a lot more than MS at least. I used to think that way too, but as time went by I simply got used to the idea that Sony's intention was never really about THAT ONE game people were looking for. Why? I think because Sony understands the fact that not all gamers have similar taste. I could be liking Uncharted but hate God of War. I no longer buy Nintendo just for Mario or Zelda.

I also like the fact when the PS1 came out, it actually felt like the console was meant for third party games.

Shok4659d ago

I understand what you're saying 100%.

BUT, people need to realize that you can have that ONE franchise and STILL have many others.

Whether people want to face it or not, Nintendo does this.

Mario is that ONE franchise, but there's also Smash Bros., Metroid, Kirby, Fire Emblem, Pikmin, Kid Icarus, Xenoblade, etc.

When I mention what I said in this article to people, they think I'm saying Sony needs to do away with new IP's and just focus on one big one. That's not what I'm saying at all. Sony can create that ONE franchise and still continue what they're doing now.

Having that one series they can always rely on wouldn't hurt one bit.

T24659d ago

They already have multiple franchises , your definition is flawed and your premise makes no sense .

fattyuk4659d ago

Gran turismo?

Only mention gran turismo as its been on all formats of playstation including handhelds.

DatRealBoy4659d ago

I don't understand it's like since Nintendo do it and xbox do it sony must do it. Hmm GT can be a system mascot based on sales. I mean I know its your opinion and all but for sony to need one MAIN mascot yeah it could be nice but at the same them not having one does not magically mean Playstation Brand will fail.

jc485734659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

does it really need THAT ONE GAME?

I don't like to force it through people's throat that God of War is that ONE GAME or Jak Daxter is. You gotta give Sony credit for being different and don't follow the norm.

When you think of Sony, you also think of many developers as a whole. Who doesn't know Santa Monica for their games? Who doesn't know Sucker Punch for their games? Who doesn't know Naughty Dog for their games?

Now, think of Nintendo games, kinda hard right? You need to do a bit of research to know about the studios that work for Nintendo.
Do the same with MS. Even more research is needed to be done with MS games.

I honestly don't like the idea of having that ONE GAME and sort of branch out.

Chevalier4659d ago

You mention fatigue for Uncharted and God Of War, then how about the multiple Fable, Forza, Halo and Gears games?

Halo 5 is coming out next year and that's what 6 games in 8 years? (Halo 3, Halo ODST, Halo Wars, Halo 4, Halo Anniversary edition). 4 Gears games, and 3 fable games, 5 Forza games?

iceman064659d ago

I understand your point. However, you forget a couple of things. First Nintendo games, for the most part, are legacy games of some 20 years! Personal tastes aside, that's like trying to beat the timelessness of the Motown sound, Elvis, or Michael Jackson. It probably won't happen because it's so deeply ingrained in the fabric of music. Just as Mario is damn near synonymous with gaming. Halo was THE reason that Xbox existed. It was the flagship of the console and has carried that flag since it's inception. Sony has decided to just diversify and create several IP in various genres that are indicative of a Sony game. They want to attract all types of gamers to the console, not just FPS fanatics, platform lovers, or driving enthusiasts. They don't want to be McDonald's, where it's known for the Big Mac. They want to be like a buffet. All you can eat and something for everybody.

ShinMaster4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

@ Shok

Sony doesn't need that. Aside from Mario, Zelda and Smash, none of the other franchises you mentioned sell anywhere near as much. Have you even checked? What good is having known titles that very few people buy.

* Even the latest Legend of Zelda game has been outsold by PlayStation exclusives like GOW, Uncharted, Gran Turismo, LBP, etc. Heck, even The Last of Us(new IP) is about to outsell it. And the Wii has a bigger install base.

* Sony didn't have a problem beating the N64 with the PS1.
They didn't have a problem beating the GameCube and Xbox with the PS2.
And they beat the Xbox 360, even with 6 Halo games, 4 Gears of War games, 4 Forza games, a year headstart and cheaper price.

* You're getting confused by the Wii.
It was a freak success. It had the right gimmick at the right time and marketed to the right people. Every other Nintendo(and Xbox) home console has been outsold by PlayStation consoles.
* Sony DOESN'T NEED to turn their consoles into one-trick ponies. They have multiple franchises that sell anywhere from 4 million to over 10 million and they successfully continue to release new and well received IPs.

* So yes, "Sony could easily beat out the competition without juggernauts like Mario or Halo" because they've already done it before.
PlayStation has the biggest community of console gamers in the world.

Now think about it. Is this even a real "problem" for Sony?

Hicken4659d ago

@Shok: But NOTHING comes close to the power of Mario. Hell, most of the ones you name sell more poorly than the stable of PS exclusives do.

Frankly speaking, if Nintendo loses Mario, they lose their golden goose. The same with Microsoft and Halo. That's a far larger problem than what you claim Sony's to be. Not having to rely on a single "mascot," but instead having a slew of titles supporting your consoles, can only be viewed as a strength.

Why would any company want to have ONE franchise to rely on when they could have a DOZEN? Car companies would LOVE to have multiple cars being tops in their classes. ANY manufacturer would prefer to have multiple products to bank on, rather than just one.

Really, this is one of the worst manufactured "flaws" I've ever heard of, largely because it doesn't make any sense.

2v14659d ago

You sound racist for real what about the other games made and the people that work on them games they get push aside for some mascot game, that's not fair that's what in the real world we call racist.

pandaboy4659d ago

As everyone else has already pointed out... Gran Turismo. Halo is pretty small time sales when you compare it to the big boys out there like Gran Turismo. This game moves systems like no other. See for yourself.

http://www.vgchartz.com/gam...
http://www.polyphony.co.jp/...

Angeljuice4659d ago

I do agree that having a big franchise and heavy-duty mascot can be beneficial, but it can also be detrimental.

I have never enjoyed a single Mario game, despite playing computer games since the late seventies. I don't like Mario at all, so maybe the fact that he is such a huge iconic figure for Nintendo is part of the reason I've never owned a Nintendo console.

I played the first Halo (albeit on PC), and didn't think much of it, I won't say that's the reason I've never owned an Xbox though (more to do with loathing Microsoft if I'm honest).

Both these games can feel intrusive to the machine they appear on, if you own a Nintendo, you're *expected* to have a Mario game and the same goes for Microsoft with Halo. If you don't, you will feel like you are missing out on the core experience of the console.

If we take Gran Turismo as the PlayStation brand's biggest system seller, it isn't the same story at all. If you don't like driving sims, you won't play a GT title, it doesn't feel at all "forced" on you, you don't have to buy into that franchise at all to get the core experience of PlayStation, that core experience changes from player to player depending on their preferences.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 4659d ago
SmokingMonkey4659d ago

Naughty Dog is all Sony needs.

fattyuk4659d ago

No as naughty dog don't/cant provide the variety of games solely, fantastic devs love em to bits but Sony has got it nail on the head with the variety of games they have in their bag.

ZHZ904659d ago

I believe MS needs a studio talented as ND.

SmokingMonkey4659d ago

PS1-Crash Bandicoot-ND

PS2-Jak & Daxter-ND

PS3-Uncharted-ND

Sony doesn't need a mascot, it needs ND. All the other 1st party developer's are great too and make PS what it is. But the article asks why PS doesn't have that "It" character, and the reason is ND doesn't make the same thing for 10/20 years.

strickers4659d ago

Gran Turismo is a massive single IP. Out sells Halo.

YodaCracker4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

Gran Turismo is a good long-term seller, but it does not smash sales records every time like Halo. Halo 4 sold over 3 million copies in its first 24 hours, becoming the fastest-selling Halo game to date. GT5 came nowhere even close to that.

Sony simply has no game that breaks opening day records and creates such a frenzy in the gaming world like a Halo release does. GT5 still sold an incredible 10 million units, but it can't match Halo 3's 12 million. Not to mention, GT5 is the only GT release so far this gen, compared to all the Halo releases - Halo 3: 12 million, ODST: 6 million, Halo: Reach: 10 million, Halo 4: 9 million. That's almost 40 million units right there. Now imagine how many copies Halo 3 would have sold if it had been the only Halo game released during the 360's lifecycle!

moparful994659d ago

@yodacracker What does it matter that GT games don't sell like crack on the first day? Or break sakes records? Thats just a bullet point in a fanboy argument.. Microsoft makes an event out of Halo, they spent 30 million on the advertising and im willing to bet Sony didn't even spend 10 million marketing GT yet it has sold over 10 million copies.. Over a span of just 5 games GT has sold more than 70 million units a number the almighty Halo hasn't done.. Whats more impressive day one sales records or being one of the best selling game IP's of all time?

DigitalRaptor4659d ago (Edited 4659d ago )

@ Yoda

Microsoft makes a song and dance about Halo though. I'm pretty convinced they spend more on ensuring it's a mass market success through advertising, promotion and journalist goody bags, than its development budget.

Meanwhile, Sony exclusives sell what you can expect from them without any huge marketing or promotion. 2-3+ million sales over 10s of games is better for the gamer in the long run, and a good way to improve the variety of a portfolio whilst making bank. I think Uncharted 3 is the biggest promotion they have done in recent years, and those games sell 5+ million. Remember that Subway tie-in they did?

And some games are just hugely surprising in their success, like The Last of Us. Word of mouth did great things for that game, because I don't remember it being advertised in any massive way. Heavy Rain is an example of a game that was moderately advertised, but performed great at retail and more than anyone was expecting.

Like moparful said, Gran Turismo has its fanbase because it appeals to the true driving enthusiast, not just the gamer by a long stretch. GT5 Prologue was also released this gen, as a precursor to GT5 and still sold 5+ million.

And as we all know each type of exclusive appeals to a different type of gamer, but not always exclusively. I'm lucky to be a gamer who enjoys variety in a very significant way. So I appreciate the push Sony makes for unique new IPs and partnerships with indie developers. So, as if it wasn't obvious enough, I don't care if a game doesn't sell millions, I care about its quality and the impact is has upon myself and that I can share that with other gamers.

Show all comments (219)
80°

(For Southeast Asia) New Price Changes for PS5, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal remote player

For Southeast Asia, new price changes.

Prices effective starting May 1st, 2026.

Read Full Story >>
blog.playstation.com
44d ago Replies(1)
BeHunted43d ago

Looks like PlayStation took a hit with Marathon and is now quietly adjusting prices worldwide to recover the losses

andy8543d ago

Lets be honest raising prices doesn't do that when no one's buying it. I imagine the profit it greater selling 10 times more at a lower price

Pergele43d ago

Whatever you say buddy, let's all wear the tinfoil hats.

IceKoldKilla43d ago (Edited 43d ago )

LMFAO Your comment alone says a lot more about you than anything else. When has one game not selling 10 million copies made a company raise the prices of their console? Then Xbox would be costing $5000 by now lol. You remind of the crazy drug addicts on the street rambling on about conspiracies. xD You sure you don't need a hug, buddy?

ChunkyMonk42d ago

One game that Sony payed $200 million for. lol
Also, you sure were quick to get triggered. Maybe your the one who needs a hug?

Eonjay42d ago

If nothing else, we should be united against the real issue here. AI and unnecessary tariffs that are effecting all gamers.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 42d ago
Athlon10143d ago (Edited 43d ago )

The price increases are due to the RAM demand associated with AI and the US-Iran war. You can look to any business news website and local news to see that. Heck, even the 2026 Asus Zenbook Duo I've been eyeing has faced delays and has had a price increase of $400; that laptop has two specs. Asus is doing a staggered release with per-orders for the lower spec now and shipping in May and pre-orders for the higher spec that I'm eyeing starting in June. Basically, all computer manufactures are affected. It'll most likely start affecting smart phones too if it hasn't already. I can't remember the last time any major console maker (Nintendo, Sony, Sega, etc) increased the price of their console mid cycle outside of Microsoft just to make more profit.

S2Killinit42d ago

Its not the war. Its the RAM issue.

jznrpg42d ago

War is causing gas prices to rise. Transport of everything requires gas so the prices of those items go up as well. So it does have an impact

Athlon10142d ago (Edited 42d ago )

The blockage of the Straight of Hormuz due to the US-Iran war has affected raw components used in semi-conductor manufacturing such as bromine, aluminum, and helium. Iran had attacked the liquified natural gas (LNG) plant in Qatar which is a large producer (1/3 globally) of helium which is used in semiconductor etching. So it's the both the war and the RAM crises.

badz14943d ago

Oh no...should I get the Pro now before the price increase?

80°

Former Xbox Exec Says Developers Didn't Want a Sony Monopoly

Former Xbox executive Ed Fries comments on the early days of Xbox, the opinion of Japanese game companies, and more.

Read Full Story >>
insider-gaming.com
56d ago Replies(2)
Reaper22_56d ago

I dont think that'll ever happen. But i must say back in the day, they were definitely trying because they were more cash rich than their competitors.

CosmicTurtle56d ago

I think MS were and still are the richer company. They tried to acquire Sega back in the day (and considered doing so again more recently), they obviously bought exclusivity to Halo which was originally shown as a Mac title. I don’t think as a company MS can claim the moral high ground here. It’s a wilful lack of self awareness.

Of course Sony would try exactly the same if they had the resources, but when the PS2 dominated the industry was in a much healthier place with an abundance of great third parties.

This has been a depressing generation as far as first party decisions are concerned. The fact we are debating business plans rather than which game is better is a sad reflection of the state of things.

Darkseeker56d ago (Edited 56d ago )

There was Nintendo as well, Sony wouldn't have had a monopoly. In fact, the world would be better today if Xbox never existed in the first place. They pretty much brought all bad practices we have today. We might have gotten all of it either way, but not this early. In term of franchises, I don't think there is anything Microsoft released that would actually be missed if it didn't exist. Even Halo the world wouldn't notice if Halo didn't exist.

S2Killinit56d ago

MS was definitely a bad influence on gaming.

raWfodog56d ago

I think almost everyone will agree that a monopoly is not good for the industry. But that being said, the competition needs to be smart and strategic with their business. Simply buying up publishers and traditional third-party studios just to keep them out of the other companies reach is not a sustainable practice. That goes for all parties so don't think I'm just referring to Xbox.

I'm no business guru by any stretch of the imagination but I firmly believe that the best way to drive consumers to your software and hardware is to invest smart in your first-party studios. Give them full support and guidance in making unique, fun games that are only available to play in your ecosystem and the gamers will come.

Reaper22_56d ago (Edited 56d ago )

But first party studios aren't enough. They only make up a small portion of the industry. Without 3rd party there would be no industry for Microsoft or sony.Developing games take time and money and sometimes you gotta make moves to stay competitive.

raWfodog56d ago

Nah, I never said first-party was enough. I said it’s the ‘best way’ to drive gamers to your platform. 3rd-party is a free-for-all and there’s no guarantee that gamers will use your hardware to play the game. If you want to push your own software and/or hardware you need first-party, or at least exclusive deals with third-party studios.

SimpleDad56d ago

They Shure did a great job... 25 years later Xbox is dead.

Reaper22_56d ago

Then why be so emotional and continue to talk about it. Xbox will never die be ause it stays in so many people's head.

lodossrage56d ago

How can you even see him being "emotional" in that comment?

If anything, you're the emotional one, constantly trying to go at anyone that says anything against Microsoft. So when you call him emotional, it comes off as deflection

Elda56d ago

I own an XBSX & I can say it's becoming irrelevant out of the 3 current consoles.

56d ago Replies(2)
Show all comments (34)
40°

Sony Shows Off 20 Minutes of Crimson Desert on a Base PS5

Sony uploaded gameplay footage of Crimson Desert on a base PS5 running in what appears to be Quality Mode at a stable 30fps at 4K.

Read Full Story >>
powerupgaming.co.uk
BlazedKong82d ago

looks god awful on the base systems