Sony's Phil Harrison: no pressure to drop PS3 price
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Feb 26th 2007 at 4:25PM }
Hop on the merry-go-round and hold on for dear life -- here's a Phil Harrison interview. In speaking to GameDaily BIZ, the Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president touches on several interesting topics, including "so called negativity" in the press, potential PS3 price drops and the omission of rumble technology in the Sixaxis controller.
- On negative press: Mr. Harrison isn't fazed at all, pointing out that those who have purchased a PS3 have been naught but satisfied thus far. He goes on to say that negativity originates from "a fairly narrow section of the media" (Time Magazine and New York Times BURN) and that if there "were genuine criticisms, then of course we'll address them, but there's nothing that bothers me." Nothing at all?
- On PS3 price drops: Sony feels under no pressure to drop the price of the PS3 this year, expressing comfort with their current strategy and the level of software currently available.
- On the lack of rumble: Phil Harrison says motion controls offer far more opportunities to innovate than rumble ever did, adding that rumble is like, totally last-gen. "Now, rumble I think was the last generation feature; it's not the next-generation feature. I think motion sensitivity is." Analog stick, your days are numbered, my friend.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JodyAnthony @ Feb 26th 2007 4:28PM
a year ago, weren't motion sensitive controls just gimmicky?
CC @ Feb 26th 2007 4:30PM
"I think motion sensitivity is."
... huh?
"I think Nintendo is."
... right!
greyze @ Feb 26th 2007 4:39PM
this guy and its company will crash and burn with comments like that.
Matt @ Feb 26th 2007 4:33PM
"Now, rumble I think was the last generation feature; it's not the next-generation feature. I think motion sensitivity is."
Roughly translates to:
"We at Sony are incompetent, and we can't steal rumble from our competitors [we already had it] so we decided to ditch it in favour of something new [and stolen]. Don't worry, as soon as Microsoft/Nintendo replace the analogue stick, so will we [being the cutting-edge, innovative folks we are]"
Skippy McCracken @ Feb 26th 2007 4:55PM
Gimme a remote, a HD cable and CHOICE of Blu-ray movie and I'll give you one thousand fucking aussie dollars!
x876543 @ Feb 26th 2007 4:35PM
I can't wait til next-gen when overpriced download content is so last-gen.
samfish @ Feb 26th 2007 4:35PM
Hoho! Break out the flame suits, this one is gonna be some fuuuuun shit!
Really, I've got nothing to say at this point without dipping into that irrational, primal scream fanboy mode.
IslandLife @ Feb 26th 2007 4:38PM
WOW, Joystiq are you seriously trying to instigate a fanboy war today? Is it sweeps week on the internets or something, Or have you not made your monthly "We Hate Sony" quota? Wha..?
generaldane @ Feb 26th 2007 4:38PM
see guys even Phil thing nintendo is next gen
JS5981 @ Feb 26th 2007 4:41PM
Is it just me or is this whole sony PS3 deal like the classic situation when a guy or girl gets drunk and sleeps with an ugly girl or guy and then tries to justify their decision when his or her buddies try to criticize them for it?
It's like Sony hooked up with a fugly(PS3) and they just can't accept that they screwed up.
Rask @ Feb 26th 2007 4:43PM
Frankly Phil is probably one of the better execs at Sony. Nowhere near as retarded with the commends as Kutaragi, Hirai and Tretton.
He's may still be shilling for Sony but at least he won't prop up his comments with BS like the aformentionned do.
Marlos Hill @ Feb 26th 2007 4:42PM
man... sony...
*shakes head*
Matt B @ Feb 26th 2007 4:42PM
Just waiting until March 9th when my tax $$$ comes in and I'm getting one. An I don't care how much you all disagree. :P
Pedro @ Feb 26th 2007 4:45PM
I guess Phil hasn't been tlking to the guys where i live, because they aren't enjoying their ps3s. Instead they are returning them to stores where they gather dust. Where I live, you can easily get a week old ps3 for cheaper than a 360.
Todd @ Feb 26th 2007 4:48PM
Hah hah, what a jackass. Everyone called motion sensativity as a gimmick until Nintendo proved them wrong. Now PS3 is willing to suck dick to get some of that market share.
I think dropping the PS3 price to $300 will improve their disposition and image.
So Phil Harrison is claiming that Time Magazine and the New York Times provide news to a narrow section of the media... am I also to understand that those people who read such publications are also narrow? What a douche.
Keeko @ Feb 26th 2007 4:49PM
The negative media comment can be loosely acceptable as a statement. Heck, stating that they are comfortable with their current pricing strategy can't be provingly argued at this point either.
HOWEVER, rumble as a LAST gen feature!? Why on earth would you go on to say something so stupid as that?! Why omit it then? Digital pads were a freaking last-last-last gen feature...still got those.
Meh...you know, I don't hate Sony as much as most, but man...they really do continually talk themselves into a deeper hole. Who are they really trying to fool? Hardcore gamers are the guys buying your stupid PS3 Sony...you think convincing them rumble is last gen is really gonna work?
Mobat555 @ Feb 26th 2007 4:49PM
I’m sure Joystiq must hate Sony, they have to, Sony has never had anything good. It’s not like anyone at Joystiq ever loved a ps2 game or even a ps1 game.
They post what news they get and interlude with there opinions. If you do not like it go some where else. Good luck finding anyone who is no opinion of there own or has the exact opinions you do.
DBX00 @ Feb 26th 2007 4:50PM
Did anyone take the time to actually read the interview instead of the summary on the Joystiq homepage?
Anyway, can we start taken down how many of these rumors have fallen flat on their face and negative press that has resulted in simply the spread of false information?
1) Europe BC list will be published and will probably be relatively extensive. Software emulation isn't anything new and Sony announced they would make the move before in mid-2006. They did the same thing will the PS2 to reduce costs and that didn't impact the compatibility for most people.
2) In the same announcement, they've stated that they will continue to work on the software which means that Sony is "addressing any issues". Similiar to the way they address the jaggies with the PS2/PS1 discs last month.
3) Can we start talking about the freaking games on these sites? I'm getting a little tired of talking about sales numbers, market share, and business strategy. I want to hear about the compelling games for XBOX360, Wii, and PS3. I'm not a simple drone that follows the leader; let the games speak for themselves. Everyone has different tastes, but if you don't talk about the games people won't know which system fits their needs.
Mr Khan @ Feb 26th 2007 4:49PM
You do realize that Phil Harrison isn't going to say "man, we dicked up" right away, they spent too much money on their current sales and marketing strategies, but in a couple years, if it doesn't pan out, Sony's arrogance SHOULD dissappear (although this may be some time, in Nintendo's case, they hit unacceptable levels of arrogance in '95, and didn't come down off their high horse until 2004)
SickNic @ Feb 26th 2007 4:51PM
So, I guess we can draw a conclusion that Lawyers and Lawsuits define what is next gen and what is not. Rumble isn't next gen because Sony got sued and lost the lawsuit, and now can't use Rumble...
Sam G. @ Feb 26th 2007 4:58PM
What are they smoking at Sony and where can I buy some?
Defenestrator2.0 @ Feb 26th 2007 4:53PM
"What say you, Joystiq readers?"
I say that Phil Harrison is senile.
Raynre @ Feb 26th 2007 4:54PM
"...pointing out that those who have purchased a PS3 have been naught but satisfied thus far."
He should talk to the three disinterested Sony fans at my local Gamestop who returned their PS3s for stor credit towards a Wii. Not for an actual Wii itself, theyre all sold out, but just for store credit until more come in.
Myke @ Feb 26th 2007 4:55PM
Wow, I've been called a Nintendo Fanboy on this site before and even I'M starting to get really bored with these kinds of posts. Yeah, we get it, game industry front-men don't know anything and they just verbally masturbate until something comes out. Sony's heads are just more vocal and, therefore, more apt to getting caught in saying something completely idiotic. I would LOVE to see an entire day, no, not even that, HALF day where the only posts I see are regarding new games coming out, ideas on new games, ANYTHING to do with GAMES. That would be awesome, all in favor say: "Wii!!"
(hehehe, sorry, the "Nintendbot" came out at the end there...)
marke @ Feb 26th 2007 4:57PM
Any one with any bit of sense will agree that Sony execs just need to shut up about rumble and put it in there. You wanna know what's really last gen? As in two gens ago? Look at the controller.
JET @ Feb 26th 2007 4:59PM
I agree. I bought both a Wii and a PS3 on launch day; three months later I play PS3 every chance I get while Wii only gets turned on when guests visit. flOw is the best Wii game yet and it's not even on Nintendo's console!
As far as backward compatibility: I haven't used the feature a single time. I have a PS2 if I want to play PS2 games. I bought a PS3 to play PS3 games and Blu-ray movies and it does an excellent job at each.
Y'know, everybody wants to trash PS3 and talk about how Wii is selling so much better, but shouldn't a console that retails for half (or less) be ahead by more than .5m units? And shouldn't 360, which has an extensive library of games behind it, be outselling PS3 by more than 20%? Despite the high pricetag and all the negative press surrounding Sony, PS3 has been an unqulified hit. And once Lair, Heavenly Sword, Singstar, Gran Turismo, Ratchet & Clank, Metal Gear, and Final Fantasy are out, Sony will once again be waving at the competition in their rear view mirrors.
JET
samfish @ Feb 26th 2007 4:59PM
I've got to say, I almost wonder, if there'll be a backlash AGAINST the Sony hate at all.
Normally, I'd have thought for sure it would have kicked in by now and people would've started feeling bad for Sony and all the crap they're taking.
But here we are almost 4 months later and people are STILL angry at them. The "ho-hum" attitude towards the PS3 has apparently already transfered over to the more casual gaming crowd. I can only wonder how much longer it'll be until the actual anger over the PS3 moves along, too.
Grindstone @ Feb 26th 2007 5:01PM
Why can't they just shut up?!?! Man, everytime they open their arrogant mouth, they dig a deeper hole. Surely silence is the better wisdom here, why hasn't there been a memo sent out on it?
The only thing that really bothers me with the above article is the lack of a price drop. Granted, they aren't going to say one is coming anytime soon, but it also effects the other console prices as well.
Phil @ Feb 26th 2007 5:03PM
Um....Nintendo "innovated" motion control. Sony just used an existing motion control system (Wavebird, MS old PC controllers) and tacked it on last minute because they got sued and had to remove rumble.
Believe me, these f*cking dumbass comments are damage control and nothing more. And Sony will be doing damage control for the entire life of the PS3 (ten years, according to crazy Ken).
How can you not have rumble? Even the Wii's wiimote has f*cking rumble. Just because something was implemented last gen, doesn't mean you abandon it on future versions (unless you are not allowed to use it because you refuse to pay your lawsuit).
I love rumble. It is great feedback for shooting, driving, flying, action, adventure, etc......, games.
GabooN @ Feb 26th 2007 5:05PM
I don’t respect that both Phil and Sony spin every question. Be honest, your price is to high for the casual gamer, PSN (play station network) is in its infancy and can’t compete with xbox live, achievements are an amazing addition and free something that Sony doest offer. Sony makes a statement how MS is basically spoon feeding you content, however there network is like Google, this is a joke, Sony NEEDS a standard gamer profile that you can use for every game, VOIP, DLC, Movie rentals, game demos, of course some things Sony already offers and while its free its lacking content and should NOT be bragged upon.
Blue ray isn’t needed for games and was quoted by Oblivion developers that it is indeed slower therefore they had to repeat the same data on the disc to get the speed needed to run the game smoothly.
Rumble isn’t “last gen” and if Sony had paid the company that Sony apparently stole it from in the first place it would be included in this generation.
They list games like Motorstorm, Liar, Heavily sword and FLOW, to be console sellers, that is another joke. These games are not console sellers this system at this point doesn’t have much to offer, most games that you find on the PS3 have been or soon to be released for other next gen consoles. I couldn’t imagine putting down $600 for me at least because all it would be is a Blue-ray player.
Does anyone that currently own a PS3 find 600 dollars worth of value in it?
Marty @ Feb 26th 2007 5:06PM
"Mr. Harrison isn't phased at all, pointing out that those who have purchased a PS3 have been naught but satisfied thus far."
Most people don't have the humbleness to admit to a $800-1,000 mistake... but then again, most people don't own PS3's, or want to own them in the first place.
Aex @ Feb 26th 2007 5:09PM
I don't know what kind of answer you guys expect Sony Executives to give. Phil Harrison as the leader of a branch of a multinational coorporation is not going to lay his job on the line and go "I think we made a grevious error" when the rest of the company is standing behind the decision.
A Decision was made by whoever in Sony and these public figures have to stand behind it if they want to keep their salary check with all those 0's in it. It isn't spin, it is him doing his job. If people would stop asking him about the rumble feature he would stop having to give the same answer over and over again.
AG @ Feb 26th 2007 5:12PM
Wow Joystiq, you never seem to amaze me!
Believe it or not but many sites that previously used to bash the PS3 actually has had a few positive articles on the system in the last few weeks. I guess Joystiq would disappoint their loyal followers if they put a positive article up.
Is this site ever actually going to report news correctly instead of being EXTREMELY biased?
mepaco @ Feb 26th 2007 5:17PM
@33
Just curious, but care to point any of these positive articles out? If there is positive news to be told I sure haven't heard it.
LayinLowinDa'07 @ Feb 26th 2007 5:18PM
Why is it that everyone criticizes the WEBSITE for what they report?? Do you all not see the articles upon articles upon articles about messed up 360's?? Maybe is there was more POSITIVE news about the PS3, then more POSITIVE news would be reported..Don't blame the website because Sony Execs are placing there own feet in each others mouths....
CaptNink @ Feb 26th 2007 5:22PM
@ JET
"PS3 has been an unqulified hit."
Are you living in the same parellel universe that Phil and the rest of the Sony crew are currently living in?
Wake up dude; PS3 is a flop so far.
White Rose Duelist @ Feb 26th 2007 5:25PM
JET - want to check your numbers?
http://www.vgcharts.org/ngwars.php
5.00m - 1.88m = 3,120,000. More than half a million.
Different numbers, same conclusion at http://nexgenwars.com/
Even if your point about the relative price was valid (to which I don't agree), the numbers don't support it.
Now for some fuzzy math of my own:
If Wii and Xbox360 sales continue at the same pace, the total number of consoles sold will meet in June 2008. That would be only two months after the PS3 reaches the Xbox360's CURRENT total (not at that point).
Razer210 @ Feb 26th 2007 5:35PM
Yes, Sony is acting like a dick right now, but I like Resistance and my PS3, in general. But Sony'll get off their high horse at the end of this generation, and gaming will be better next generation. And yes, Joystiq loves to pile the already piled up hate on Sony. Seriously, how much can you hate something?
Buckshot @ Feb 26th 2007 5:34PM
@ JET
Get off the drugs, they have clouded your senses.
It's not fun, maybe if they cut the price by $200 it could be more fun. Lack of games, and the coming death of blu-ray have made it hard to enjoy.
Razer210 @ Feb 26th 2007 5:37PM
38. There are many PS3 games in the future that I'm looking forward too...10, in fact. Don't write it off yet.
360 killer. @ Feb 26th 2007 5:38PM
if i was a Sony rep, i would just keep mentioning the red ring stories for the 360. that is the best selling point for Sony.
do you want to invest $100's in games and just have your system crash when the warranty runs out? or do you want a system made by people who know hardware.
--------------------
i was told by a gamestop employee that they get a 50% return rate on the 360.
GabooN @ Feb 26th 2007 5:42PM
Sony is a marketing machine, they have said they are going to sell based on name brand alone and I know they do, however that concerns me as a consumer, could they offer the PS3 at a lower price point? Was the PS3 released to soon? Is the current game library for the PS3 where it should be at? If Sony can sell the PS3 based off brand name alone what will happen with the PS4? Don’t get me wrong I want Sony to be around so that competition exists because it only benefits the consumer, however they offer me nothing in terms of a gaming console, and that is a bit disappointing to me.
Mongoos150 @ Feb 26th 2007 5:43PM
Motion control IS gimmicky! If you've played any of the handful of games that offer motion sixaxis functionality, it's laggy, it's slow on screen, it's not very intuitive - perhaps it's because this first round of games isn't that hot (as are all first-gen games for a new system) but I am not impressed. New features are great, but don't take away the old ones we've grown accustomed to. Sony just *constantly* comes across as pompous and arrogant in interviews, don't they? Remember when SCEA President made claims people wouldn't mind working "extra hours" to afford the PS3?
miles foreman @ Feb 26th 2007 5:43PM
RE: 41. if i was a Sony rep, i would just keep mentioning the red ring stories for the 360. that is the best selling point for Sony.
do you want to invest $100's in games and just have your system crash when the warranty runs out? or do you want a system made by people who know hardware.
Posted at 5:38PM on Feb 26th 2007 by 360 killer.
People who know hardware? I've stopped buying Sony products because it seems like with the exception of their TVs, the stuff they make has turned to crap. I've got a 6 year old Wega that still works great but CD & DVD players, not to mention a PS2 have all fallen by the wayside to be replaced by Toshiba or Phillips. Sony just doesn't mean quality to me like they did 8-10 years ago.
I did buy a slim PS2 recently so I could play GH again, though...
Psaakyrn @ Feb 26th 2007 5:44PM
to #33 AG
If you want to see positive articles, submit them.
rat tat tat @ Feb 26th 2007 5:51PM
I haven't whinged about rumble yet. So here goes.
I like FPS. Are you saying when I let off a few rounds there will be no: Budda! Budda! Ak! Ak! Ak!?
Lame. DS has rumble you lamo losers! Play Metroid pinball with rumble, that is some sweet twittering tak tak action!
Blu-ray is the only thing I like about PS3!
apoc06 @ Feb 26th 2007 5:45PM
"Blue ray isn’t needed for games and was quoted by Oblivion developers that it is indeed slower therefore they had to repeat the same data on the disc to get the speed needed to run the game smoothly."
- this technique is standard practice within the industry. as a matter of fact, they used the exact same technique in the xbox360 version of oblivion. i guess you didnt read that part of the interview since it was devoid of the form bias that you prefer.
"They list games like Motorstorm, Liar, [Heavenly] sword and FLOW, to be console sellers, that is another joke. These games are not console sellers this system at this point doesn’t have much to offer, most games that you find on the PS3 have been or soon to be released for other next gen consoles."
- of course these games are not console sellers. of these, only flow has been released. also, all of those are exclusive titles. it takes a while to build a solid exclusive library. look at microsoft; it took them over a year to build a library decent enough for me to want to invest in an xbox360. what i will give sony credit for is the fact that they are demonstrating the fact that they are building a "diverse" library of games. for an example of wht i mean by lack of diversity: imagine the xbox360 library without any games featuring guns.
Jake @ Feb 26th 2007 5:45PM
Sony execs don't even try. They absolutely never admit their products have any flaws. They just lie, bend the truth, and give answers that don't address the question posed in the first place. It is so annoying.
"No, actually our products are perfect and superior to the competition in every way imaginable. We are Sony, afterall."
They try to talk about rumble as if is a bad thing.
He says every customer is nothing but satisfied. I know two that own a PS3 but only play their 360s. They don't dislike the PS3 by any means and look forward to its future, but the software can't compete with the 360. There is just way more fun stuff to do with your 360 and it will remain that way for some time.
DBX00 @ Feb 26th 2007 5:48PM
Virtual Fighter 5, Flow, Madden and Resistance have already justified my purchase. The upcoming features and games of March (Motorstorm, Tekken 5: DR, etc.) will keep them coming throughout the summer. Like I've said before everyone finds something they like about their respective consoles; I don't have anything against the Nintendo and XBOX fans. However, I don't really care if the CEO of a large company is arrogant or bias towards his company. I just want him to approach the competition with that same competitive nature and produce games/applications that I enjoy. I'm more concerned about the end user product b/c I can't enjoy inspirational CEO speeches and interviews as much as a good game.
JET @ Feb 26th 2007 5:53PM
JET - want to check your numbers?
http://www.vgcharts.org/ngwars.php
5.00m - 1.88m = 3,120,000. More than half a million.
Funny, that page lists Wii as having sold 1.93m in the U.S., nearly 500,000 more than they've sold. It is also out in far more markets than PS3 has been released in so far. I was talking U.S. numbers:
http://forum.pcvsconsole.com/viewthread.php?tid=11067
Wii = 1,516,000
PS3 = 934,000
That's a difference of 582,000. Or .582m, if you want to be exact.
Wii is available in more markets which has resulted in higher worldwide sales. I prefer to compare apples to apples, but that's just me.
#38 - "Lack of games, and the coming death of blu-ray have made it hard to enjoy."
The coming death of Blu-ray? Total BR disk sales have now exceeded HD-DVD, despite HD-DVD having a nearly four month lead. Even Bill Hunt, editor of The Digital Bits, calls Blu-ray's victory "the elephant in the room." The high-def disk war is very nearly over and BR looks to have won. And why shouldn't it? HD's 30GB limit constrains the disks from including extensive features and uncompressed audio. For example, take a look at the new Nine Inch Nails disk. Same track list on BR and HD, but the BR has an uncompressed 5.1 audio track (5Mbps) while HD has only Dolby Digital (640kbps). Which would you rather have?
JET