Sony propaganda machine at it again?
by Blake Snow 
{ Nov 15th 2005 at 4:02PM }
Forget about the PS3, Sony is already hinting at the PS4. Ken Kutaragi, the
man behind the PlayStation division, recently told the BBC that "[Sony] wants to lead with the PlayStation 3, and
beyond that to the PlayStation 4 within the next decade." It's only logical that all major
game manufacturers are planning for the next decade, but only Sony seems to be talking about it. Why is
that?
Here are some alternative interpretations for your cognitive pleasure:
-
Only a few days before Microsoft's 360 launch, Sony says: "Hey, we still make game consoles. Give us our due." Free publicity is always nice.
-
"Look, Sony isn't going anywhere. We are the leaders, and it will stay that way. You want the best games, buy PlayStation."
-
"If you want the best gaming technology, we got you covered for the next decade."
-
"Let's start a repeat of the insanely successful PS2 hype machine. Why not now?"
What do you think? Which manufacturer do you feel holds the marketing advantage this time around?
[Thanks, master x 24]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
O RLY @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
It almost sounds as though they've given up on the PS3 even before its out! LOL.
Master misChief @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
As long as there are people listening to Ken Kutaragi and believing his prophecies, Playstation brand will continue to breathe. Nobody has them beat in the hype game, and it makes a brilliant Marketing 101 case study.
Truth @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
There might not be a PS4. They can't even get PS3 right.
=Metallic-Force= @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Well, wat u mean forget about it, oh lets wait 10 more years for the new playstation 4! Everyone probably started on there next next generation consoles, I feel like no one cares they only care about getting it out and people buying it depending who likes what.
First Post
Playbomber @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I personally don't mind the hype at all. I don't mean to be a graphics whore but if games do indeed look as good as MGS4 and Fight Night Round 3 then that is reason enough for me to tip my hat to Sony [as it is indeed next gen graphic material, to say the least], though I will be buying all the next gen systems mainly for the options. Revolution still gets my vote, I believe they are bringing the accuracy of mouse and keyboard gaming to consoles.
Bob @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I don't know; I think if Square/Enix actually rolls out final fantasy games for the 360 aside from XI, then I don't see a reason to buy a PS3 other than if you have to have blue ray which hasn't even become an accepted media format as of yet. Anyone remember mini-discs?
Sanchinos @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
How about this interpretation:
We concede defeat to Microsoft. It's abundantly clear that we will lose this round. PS3 sucks compared to Xbox 360 and we don't have a chance in this round so we'd better get started ASAP on next round or we're REALLY finished. At least we still have mindless fanboys who'll drop $700 on this piece of crap (PS3) even though it sucks.
Chiablo @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Sony seriously needs to give Ken a ball-gag before he runs the company under with his insane rambling.
The hype machine they have built up for the PS3 almost guarantees that I won't be getting one. And I'm holding off on the XBox 360 until the modding community transforms it into an actual useful device.
Sanchinos @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Oh, by the way - MGS4 could've been made on the Xbox 360... don't believe me? Go watch the Xbox 360 hardware review video at 1up.com and listen to what MGS4's developer says. "I could've made it on Xbox 360 just as well..."
mat @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
With the PS1, they took over your video game shelf...
With the PS2, they took over your living room...
With the PS3, they'll take over every media device in your home...
With the PS4, they'll take over your Kitchen! Watchout Kitchen-Aid, the PS4 won't be a video game console, but an entertainment hub that slices, dices and grills!
Ed @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Wait a second, didn't Ken tell us that the Playstation 3 was the ultimate gaming system that would last us well into the next decade?
Hmm, seems that the Playstation division is starting to produce products as good as the rest of the Sony divisions (crappy product, served with a big dose of hype).
Don't get me wrong.. I'm not buying an Xbox 360 or Revolution either..
Truth @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
What did you call it? Hype game marketing? More like False Advertisement.
Playbomber @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Didn't Microsoft officially announce that they have finally decided they won't be using HDDVD for the 360 at any time in the consoles future? I could be wrong but I could swear they did, as recent news. If so that is a bow out to Blu Ray, which would be the logical decision anyhow, considering it has way more support than HDDVD for a reason. I say screw them both, bring forth the HVD, I want terabytes baby!
wAyNe @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Honestly, for now it has to be Xbox this time around. Followed by Nintendo. Xbox 360 is getting the jump that the PS2 got last time. And right before Christmas also just like the PS2. Then Nintendo promises something completely new with the revolution. PS3 is left being a shinier copy of the 360. Hey, both the Xbox and the Gamecube are far superior to the PS2 as far as hardware, but PS2 had that head start. Now Sony will be playing catch up.
Bob @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I know how you feel Sanchinos; everytime I go onto some video game forum someone has to make the comparison that the PS3 is more powerful than the 360, while every developer out there will tell you that the systems are pretty much equal. While one may be supioror in one area, so is the other someplace else.
People just love to use gossip as a reason to win an argument when they don't actually know the facts. There is no real difference between the two systems, but if you like what Sony is showing you, which entirely conceptual, then tell me how you feel about the controller and ask me if sony isn't more about style over substance.
Jack @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Well all he's saying with playstation franchise he wants to rule the world, the video game world that is. Its not big really, he's just mouthing off his ego.
nightshadow @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
duh........this is soooo stupid.....we all know that the 360 will over rule....with its online capabilities its gonna blow the ps3 out of the water this time around....now that its got its head start as well
jordan @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
”If you want the best gaming technology, we got you covered for the next decade.”
i think that's really what they're going for. i think that the early release of the XBox360, along with it being marketed so strongly on Mtv and the like has them a little bit worried about their title, i would be. I'm a fan of the playstation, but i'd say that they should look out for ms
daver @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
SONY SONY SONY.
Hype is the name of the game these days ! Its obscene but there is alot of money at stake. I personally don't like the garbage that comes out of kutaragis mouth. I saw him on BBC news last week and he appeared incedibly stiff, an engineer, more concerned with 1080p as opposed to how a game would play ! He is a business man first, engineer second and god knows he doesnt look like he has ever played a game in his life.
One other point I want to make and that is do MS really expect to sell many 360's in Japan ?? Japs don't like to buy American products because the Americans dropped a H bomb on their asses and they are still a little bitter about it. On the other hand Americans seem to lap up all things Japaneeeezy. So how can Xbox ever hope to beat Sony in gaming ?? Hmmmm ?? It has never been done.
Playbomber @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I'm not saying that the PS3 is blatantly more powerful. What I am saying though is that while people are rumbling on and on that they are equal, which is rubbish, screenshots speak for themselves. Yes, Sony has lied and does lie concerning whether certain games are pre-rendered or produced in real time on ps3 hardware, never the less go look at the 2700 wide pixel shot of the end of the FF7 PS3 tech demo. The polygon count is obviously much higher than anything yet produced on the Xbox 360, thus explaining why 360 shots are violently aliased in comparison. Whether or not it is enough to matter to you, graphically, there is a noticable difference.
Truth @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
There is to much of a gap between PS3 and Xbox360 for the consoles to be equal. This gen will be like the last one except PS3 will be in Xbox's spot (with more power and late start) and the 360 in PS2's spot (with less power and a head start). 360 might sell more, but PS3 will be more powerful.
Bob @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Wow, there are about 100 things wrong with your comment daver.
Truth @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
There is to much of a gap between PS3 and Xbox360 for the consoles to be equal. This gen will be like the last one except PS3 will be in Xbox's spot (with more power and late start) and the 360 in PS2's spot (with less power and a head start). 360 might sell more, but PS3 will be more powerful.
SuicideNinja @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
As I come across more and more failed Sony hardware, I continue to enjoy my other gaming systems.
Sony failures for me this week:
*Sony portable DVD player...skipping, noisy laser (only a couple dozen uses over 2 years)
*Sony DVDR DL external burner...almost dead and won't read any DVDs (1 year old)
*Sony Slim PS2...stopped reading DVD media (8 months old)
*PS2 wouldn't read a new copy of GT4 (2 years old)
PS3...hmmmm...going to save my money. Since the Slim PS2 had lasers fail in a month, I give the Blueray lasers about 15 days.
Paul @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I think the era of Microsoft is dawning as we speak. Sony is idly sitting by as Microsoft is loading it's guns with first party and exclusive material that Sony cannot compete with, Halo and Splinter Cell anyone, and Microsoft is breaking important exclusivity deals that made Sony the market leader, especially in Japan, the first time around, Final Fantasy. Sony has a half a bullet in it's gun, Metal Gear Solid is grinding to a halt as we speak. While Microsoft has Xbox Live and the magic bullet in Halo. Sony is setting it up perfectly to have their lack of a central online game platform, lack of killer apps and general hubris take them down.
NetworkShadow @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
After all of Sony's DRM BS, I'm not sure I want to support them by buying their products. On top of that, they need to work on PSP support... There are so few games worth anything on the PSP, I'm almost ready to sell the thing...
For now I'll stick with a 360. I've got no plans to get a PS3/support their evil ways right now.
PJ @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Microsoft's marketing team seems to be on top of their game this time. MS often loses round 1, but rarely do they lose round 2. They have a history of marketing success (Win 95, WinXP, Office, IE, etc.).
Despite that, don't discount Sony. They have built tremendous goodwill with gamers and will not go down easy - despite a (arguably) kooky leader in Kutaragi.
Overall, my money is on MS.
mat @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I let out a guilty chuckle after reading davers comments...
Bob is right, about 100 things wrong...
(except for the part about Ken caring more about tech than gameplay. very true.)
32_Footsteps @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Sony was talking about the PS3 before the PS2 came out. Now they're talking about the PS4 before the PS3 comes out. You know what this is indicative of? History repeats itself. That, and Sony hasn't changed much in the last five years.
BXJoseff @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Daver is on a role today...not only making an assumption about Japanese-US relations, but failing to realize that AMERICAN GAMES are what the majority of Japanese gamers are used to playing, especially the damned FPS genre.
JAPAN DOES NOT LIKE HALO so the XBOX did not do so well. Japan will not like HALO 3 either and in the end, FFXI has been in Japan for over 3 years...the user base has been reached, they got FFXI on Computer years ago and XB360 isn't offering any graphical improvement whatsoever, what is the POINT of buying an XBOX360 to play a game that is already INSTALLED(mind you the damn game takes HOURS to install on a BROADBAND connection) on their computers. XBOX360 winning the Japanese market? Impossible.
Now, as for Ken Kutaragi, you guys know damn well that this PS4 crap is retarded, but don't you all remember the PS9 commercial a few years back? LMAO, wasn't that a hype commercial--EVERYONE thought it was DAMN COOL.
Ben @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
i think that the ps3 will be better. xbox 360 will sell more right off the bat, but in the long run, ps3 will sell more. ps3 has more time to develop their console, and blu-ray offers so much more for developers.
Smiling Politely @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
@Paul: Splinter Cell 4 is multiconsole....
Bob @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
But now they're saying that FFXIII might be coming out to the 360; so what will you do then, and then after Kojima leaves MGS4?
Smiling Politely @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
@PJ: MS's marketing is doing jack. We are one week away and anyone who isn't internet active with gaming knows it is coming out. The MTV special was a joke and the commericals with the jump rope and waterballons on TV are a joke. When my mom saw the waterballon commerical she was confused and asked if the Xbox360 was new software Microsoft was releasing.
daver @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Japs do not like playing American games FFS.
Just look at the game charts in downtown Hiroshima.
Smarten up BXJosef.
mko @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Maybe Ken is saying the PS3 is so advanced it will be the PS4, thereby eclipsing Microsoft's XBOX "1.5" by an otherworldly 2.5 version points.
Ken: How can you even compare the XBOX, they are merely an egg. I make 3 different game machines PS1, PS2, PS3!! multiply or add (user choice!) those together and I am PS6 now, everybody you will fill your media house with pleasure using my multifunction super-computer!
MONKEYS AREN'T DONKEYS! STOP MESSING WITH MY HEAD!! @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
"It almost sounds as though they've given up on the PS3 even before its out! LOL."
And they need to. That thing is a ripoff peice of crap. Seriously, I'm not paying 500 bucks for a gaming machine, especially one as crappy looking as that. I'm still waiting for them to announce their "new" controller design that is either a motion sensing controller or one that looks exactly like the x360 one except silver, and with 5 L and 6 R buttons!
Lansing @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I think Xbox360 will run into a massive problem with their format. Upgrading graphics without upgrading the medium is going to be a mistake in about two or three years. If Microsoft won't support HDDVD for games later on then content will be limited once developers start taking full use of the hardware. This can be seen on the ps2. When it came out, games were still on cd, but later on they moved to dvd once content was increased. The 360 will have a problem with this whether you like the 360 or not.
Sony needs some better PR because it seems joystiq only posts negitive articles on the ps3. (personal opinion - Joystiq is being biased on purpose in favor of the 360)... but we'll see
As for me, if the 360 is widely recieved then I will for sure buy it, but the ps3 has MGS4, and I will follow MGS wherever it goes.
bd (formerly b) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Holy shit, Xbox fanboys are here!
bxjoseff @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
If you continued to read the context of my comment DAVER...you have realized, it's a TYPO.
SMARTEN UP DAVER.
Guslav @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
this whole conversation is retarded
bd (formerly b) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Daver is pissed off today. Look at his posts in the DRM rumor thread. LOL
Chris @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Lansing: The solution to that problem will either be the HD-DVD as you say or it will be the HD and internet-based distribution.
The deficiency of the medium will force MS to use the net for game distribution. Which is something they might actually pull off since they control the interent experience and they already are planning a mechanism to purchase content through the service.
coxy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
i think all three consoles will have their good points and bad points, i dont see what the point is in saying "well ps2 sold more"(thats a typical idiotic fanboy comment) has to do with your individual choice, if a friend has a xbox, doesnt mean you have to get one aswell does it if your not really sure, for me, i will be getting all three, why?
xbox360-halo 3 , gears of war, some great rpg xbox exclusives.
ps3- mgs4, god of war sequels, devil may cry and some great rpg games
revolution - mario,metroid,zelda,download classic games.
the rest like gta , pro evolution soccer and now resident evil will all end up on xbox ,ps3 anyway.
bd (formerly b) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
"What do you think? Which manufacturer do you feel holds the marketing advantage this time around?"
Microsoft has always had the advantage in Marketing. Ask anyone on the street about which consoles they know that exist. Unless they are a gamer, they'll say "Xbox" or "Xbox 360". Nobody knows anything about PS3 or Revolution. 360 is known by the mainstrem. The PR war is over, the winner is obvious.
Anyone that says "SONY DA HYPE MASHIN LOLZ" is an idiot, because frankly nobody reads about videogames except yourself and all the joystiq readers, and you just contradicted yourself by admitting you aren't hyped enough with that comment.
Sense @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
This comments thread is surprisingly weighted toward people who like 360. Weird.
I had to make a comment about the Japanese as well. There is no inherent bias against American products. How else can you explain the wild success of iPod in Japan? One thing that American products typically lack is eye catching design. Microsoft has tried to remedy that with the 360 but I still have my doubts. However, if they don't secure lots of exclusive Japanese friendly games, the best design in the world won't mean squat.
It's a vicious cycle. You have to get Japanese to buy games in order to get Japanese developers to make games for the 360, but you have to have Japanese games that Japanese will want to play.
It's kind of like the old "have to have experience to get experience" conundrum.
Whatever happens, I'm getting a 360. If I'm lucky my pre-order will get in before New Years...
Mark T. A. W. @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
As soon as the PS2 was launched, they announced that they were working on the PS3. So what's the big deal?
Snake2k9 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
damn the PS4 this thing sounds more advance than the 360! I'm going to canceled my 360 reversation, and wait for the ps4 damn!
Playstation 4!!!! DAMN!!!!!!
Hank @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I'm going to have to agree with Mark T.A.W. here. Those of you saying that the systems will be equal in power are simply, wrong. Saying that the PS3 and PS4 will take us into the next decade means they will both be released by 2020. I would say, that's a pretty safe bet.
In regards to the PS9 commercial:
At this rate, PS9 will be released in roughly 2040. We will definitely have the technology. Those of you saying it is all hype need to put down the controller and pick up a book by Kurzweil for a while.
bd (formerly b) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
The friend of a cousin of a gamestop stockholder told me that they have contacts at sony in japan and that PS4 is already in development. It will have:
-HVD (Up to 3.9 Terabytes per disc! Imagine the amount of gameplay in FFXVII-2)
-nVidia X-RSX for generating reality itself(This time it is for real!)
-40 non-symmetric cuadruple-threaded synergistic processing elements
-Up to 16 controllers at the same time! (Go figure)
-UHDV capabilities (capable of handling 4320p resolution; also known as Ultra High Definition Video; all of Hollywood has announced support for this)
-8 Petabytes hard drive to record everything that has come out in television for the last 50 years.
-gyroscopic, microphone, and webcam features in its controller
-You can connect up to 16 UHDV capable TVs!
-It can handle up to 10 PFLOPS (10 quadrillion FLOPS)
-And a sunscreen
PSV info coming soon.