SOE to report directly to Kaz Hirai, SCEI

13 Comments by Ludwig Kietzmann Mar 13th 2008 4:30PM
Filed under: PC, Sony PlayStation 3, MMO, Business

Sony has announced a change in the relationship between two of its, err, Sonys, namely Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Sony Online Entertainment. If we understand the press release correctly -- the pop-up pictures were an immense help -- SOE will be reporting directly to SCEI president and group CEO, Kaz Hirai, as of April 1, 2008. The structural change is "designed to mutually benefit both companies by further accelerating the PlayStation business through SOE's strong online gaming expertise," which ultimately boils down to more "exciting entertainment offerings" to consumers.

SOE will continue to develop said exciting entertainment offerings for the PlayStation 3 and PC, with company president John Smedley reporting to Hirai and making sure he says things like, "We are thrilled to become a part of the incredible team that has made PLAYSTATION 3 the premier platform for next generation online gaming."

SOE is currently hard at work on The Agency, a promising spy-themed MMO shooter for PC and PS3.

Tags: Kaz-Hirai, KazHirai, SCEI, SOE, The-Agency, TheAgency

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(Page 1) Reader Comments

Marty: Mar 13th 2008; 4:40PM

I always thought it was strange that there was such a disconnect between what went on at SCEI and all the stuff SOE put out. It's good to tighten the reigns though - maybe SCEI will share some of the success of SOE.

I gotta say though, PS3's got a long way to go before it becomes the "premier platform for next generation online gaming," in my opinion. It's getting better, but it's certainly not there yet.

Kevin: Mar 13th 2008; 4:45PM

Riiidge Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaacer!

Kye NFC: 7016 - 9552 - 1191 - 8991: Mar 13th 2008; 4:51PM

April fools joke?

KHCloud: Mar 13th 2008; 4:51PM

Well reporting to SCEI makes more sense then reporting to Sony Pictures.

Martez: Mar 13th 2008; 4:55PM

Yes, because he has proven himself to be a competent...um.....hm.

Jhongerkong: Mar 13th 2008; 5:59PM

SOE: "We need a new game"

Kaz: "RIIIDDDDDDDDDGGGGGEEEE RRRRRAACCCCCCCERRRRRRR"

SOE: "Actually, we want an rpg"

Kaz: "RIIDDDDDDDGGGGGGGGEEEEEE RRRRAACCCCEEERRRRRRR"

SOE: "Sorry Kaz, its not working out"

Kaz: "Ridge Racer?"

SOE: "Go home"

Kaz: "*whimper* riiddggeee raacceerr..."

Pointz: Mar 13th 2008; 6:02PM

Lmao, that's good.

I only wish I knew the name of the giant crab guy.

Avoli: Mar 13th 2008; 6:57PM

Looks like Smedley will get to destroy even more MMOs on a different platform!

papa smurf: Mar 13th 2008; 11:25PM

Smed's major failing has been caving to pressure from Yair/SPE and their bottom line. With them out of the picture, I think you can expect higher quality from SOE going forward.

koehler83: Mar 13th 2008; 11:25PM

Go Kaz! Whip those slackers into shape and get some MMORPGs onto the damn PS3!

John Willaford: Mar 14th 2008; 12:53AM

This part is far too late.
Everquest 2 and a new PlanetSide were EXPECTED by us PS3 users to be quite frank. THAT is a big part of the letdown.
With no Everquest 2 to scare them, Square has been a bunch of Lazy Fricks, of Kojiman proportions, with a new FF Online. Also, Planetside would have squisshed Halo hardcore if done right,or at all.

Curmeo: Mar 14th 2008; 1:48AM

the PLAYSTATION Empire grows even stronger!

fear the Dark Side Sony haters...

hvnlysoldr: Mar 30th 2008; 12:08PM

Although theoretically reigning SOE sounds good since that's how Nintendo restructured Retro Studios, it could turn out to increase red tape. Increase distance. Increase miscommunication. Increase tensions between branches. And probably dramatically decrease the amount of games coming out for PS2. There's a major danger in losing the PS2's still profitable games coming out and the only place to go would be Wii. I mean would Kaz have concentrated on Buzz and SingStar for Europe if he were in charge?

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