Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Microsoft UK names new studio 'Lift London,' shuffles executives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/microsoft-uk-names-new-studio-lift-london-shuffles-executives/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/microsoft-uk-names-new-studio-lift-london-shuffles-executives/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/microsoft-uk-names-new-studio-lift-london-shuffles-executives/#comments Originally announced sans moniker back in September, Microsoft UK's new London-based studio now has something to put on its letterhead: "Lift London."

Helmed by former Rare production designer Lee Schuneman, Lift London is a "21st century studio - not a studio that would make retail games - but a studio that would make games for the cloud," says Microsoft EMEA corporate vice president Phil Harrison, according to Develop. As announced previously, Lift London will primarily focus on developing games for connected mobile Microsoft devices in European territories, with an emphasis on tablet gaming.

Harrison also announced that Rare studio boss Scott Henson will begin calling various shots as Lionhead Studios' new head of operations, permanently replacing the long gone Peter Molyneux. Until now, Lionhead has been the purview of COO Mark Webley. Additionally, former EA Partners/Origin senior director of business development Roger Walkden has been appointed as Lionhead's head of staff, presumably after several hundred puns were made out of his last name.

JoystiqMicrosoft UK names new studio 'Lift London,' shuffles executives originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lee-SchunemanLift-LondonlionheadLionhead-StudiosMark-WebleymicrosoftMicrosoft-UKmobilepcPhil-HarrisonRoger-WalkdenScott-HensonxboxThu, 10 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison heads to Microsoft as vice prez of Interactive Entertainment Business arm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/report-phil-harrison-filling-molyneuxs-spot-as-head-of-microso/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/report-phil-harrison-filling-molyneuxs-spot-as-head-of-microso/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/report-phil-harrison-filling-molyneuxs-spot-as-head-of-microso/#comments We've officially turned on the theme song to Welcome Back, Kotter and started growing a lustrous mustache in honor of Phil Harrison's return to Game Industry Executiveland. This morning, reports from Europe indicated that Harrison would head to Microsoft -- Microsoft clarified the news later, which named him corporate vice president of Interactive Entertainment Business "with an emphasis on growing the division's European business."

Microsoft corporate vice president of Studios Phil Spencer welcomed Harrison in a press release. "We are honored to have Phil join a team that boasts a wealth of talent from across the industry," Spencer said. Harrison is charged with "overseeing UK-based developers Lionhead Studios, Soho Productions and Rare Ltd.," a role he'll likely warm to quickly given past work as head of worldwide studios for Sony Computer Entertainment.

Harrison's most recent employer is game industry venture capital firm London Venture Partners, where he served as general partner. He continues on as "special advisor." Harrison will not be replacing former Microsoft Studios Europe head Peter Molyneux (who recently left Microsoft), though he will be overseeing Lionhead. Molyneux's role at Lionhead as studio manager is currently occupied by COO Mark Webley, according to Microsoft.

Update: Microsoft announced Harrison's appointment this morning to corporate vice president of Microsoft's "Interactive Entertainment Business" arm, with a focus on European markets. See the full presser just below the jump.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'jontintinjordan']

Continue reading Phil Harrison heads to Microsoft as vice prez of Interactive Entertainment Business arm

JoystiqPhil Harrison heads to Microsoft as vice prez of Interactive Entertainment Business arm originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europekinectlionheadlionhead-studiosmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studios-europemicrosoft-studiosmicrosoft-studios-europepeter-molyneuxphil-harrisonrarerare-ltdsoho-productionsxboxTue, 13 Mar 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison sees dominant Apple, biometric screens in the future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/phil-harrison-sees-dominant-apple-biometric-screens-in-the-futu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/phil-harrison-sees-dominant-apple-biometric-screens-in-the-futu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/phil-harrison-sees-dominant-apple-biometric-screens-in-the-futu/#commentsEdge Online polled Phil Harrison, formerly of Sony and Atari, and now of Gaikai, about the future of gaming and technology in general. He very quickly identified one trend that it's hard not to see coming: continued growth for Apple's game platforms and the App Store. "At this trajectory, if you extrapolate the market-share gains that they are making, forward for ten years - if they carry on unrestrained in their growth, then there's a pretty good chance that Apple will be the games industry."

He had some predictions about the way games are presented, as well. Specifically, still on screens, but much fancier ones. Because of the declining cost of flat-panel displays, and the TV's place as a new "social hearth," those will continue to be in wide use, but in much higher resolutions and with both touch and biometric input. " I think there will be an industry that will appear out of 'personal biometrics' where as a human being you will take more control of your own health and well-being by getting data from your own body," he said. According to Harrison, private biometric data about the user's own lifestyle will be monetized by the game industry as soon as the healthcare industry delivers the technology. Vitality Sensors for all!

JoystiqPhil Harrison sees dominant Apple, biometric screens in the future originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeapplebiometricsgaikaiiOSmobilephil-harrisonTue, 21 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison joins Gaikai advisory board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/phil-harrison-joins-gaikai-advisory-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/phil-harrison-joins-gaikai-advisory-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/phil-harrison-joins-gaikai-advisory-board/#commentsBacking up his talk, Phil Harrison has joined the advisory board of cloud-gaming service Gaikai. In his keynote address before the Italian Videogame Developers Conference last December, Harrison precipitated "the browser wars of the 21st century" -- a battle to distribute console-quality, triple-A games on any browser-equipped device.

"Somebody is going to win," he said at the time. "Somebody is going to deliver console-level 3D graphics, video and audio into a web browser." It would appear that Harrison has placed his chips -- or at least some of them -- on Gaikai. The one-time president of Sony Computer Entertainment (oh, and Atari, too -- don't forget), Harrison will maintain his role as rich guy investor at London Venture Partners, which he co-founded last year with some other fat cats.

Joining the rich guy on the Gaikai advisory board is rich gal Robin Kaminsky, the former executive VP of Activision, who led both studio and marketing activities. Kaminsky's marketing experience in particular is coveted by Gaikai CEO David Perry. "The first use of Gaikai's open cloud is to disrupt how video game advertising works," he said in today's advisory board announcement.

Gaikai's current mission differs from the service provided by chief competitor OnLive (oh, and Otoy, too -- don't forget) in that it seeks to provide browser-based demos that developers and publishers can feature on their websites to drive full-game sales. Gaikai is currently in a closed beta testing phase.

Continue reading Phil Harrison joins Gaikai advisory board

JoystiqPhil Harrison joins Gaikai advisory board originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advisory-boarddavid-perrygaikaimacpcphil-harrisonrobin-kaminskyTue, 17 May 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison: The 'next generation' of games is the web browser]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/phil-harrison-the-next-generation-of-games-is-the-web-browser/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/phil-harrison-the-next-generation-of-games-is-the-web-browser/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/phil-harrison-the-next-generation-of-games-is-the-web-browser/#commentsSpeaking at the Italian Videogame Developers Conference, former Atari head and current co-founder of London Venture Partners, Phil Harrison, discussed his vision of the future of video games. Harrison believes that "the next generation platform for games" will be powerful web browsers, programs that will "deliver console level 3D graphics, video and audio." Such a browser will be able to deliver a title on par with Modern Warfare 2 noted Harrison, saying, "I think in the next five-to-ten years we will easily get this level of game inside a web browser, on your mobile platform, on your iPad, and we will be able to deliver that level of immersion to any kind of screen."

He added further that the boxed retail industry is being replaced by "a service industry where everything is delivered digitally on the internet." He pointed to the music industry as an example of this shift, saying that it's indicative of what's happening to the game industry. The crux of Harrison's speech, lest you haven't gathered, is that the future is online, a point he illustrated by noting that online games garner 68 percent of the industry's venture capital.

Head over to Develop for the full scoop on Harrison's keynote.

JoystiqPhil Harrison: The 'next generation' of games is the web browser originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonelondon-venture-partnersmacmobilepcphil-harrisonFri, 03 Dec 2010 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison returns in: 'London Venture Partners']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/phil-harrison-returns-in-london-venture-partners/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/phil-harrison-returns-in-london-venture-partners/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/phil-harrison-returns-in-london-venture-partners/#comments Phil Harrison is joining former Atari CEO chum David Gardner at London Venture Partners, an investment firm looking to fund "disruptive new technology in the online, social, mobile and web game space" -- you know, the type of stuff that was supposed to happen over at Atari during the pair's "extreme makeover" of the publisher.

Develop reports that Harrison and Gardner will join former Electronic Arts VP David Lau-Kee and investment banker Paul Heyden as founders of the company. The firm's business will allegedly have something to do with the Unity engine.

As for what type of Atari full-circle executive board member Nolan Bushnell inherited from the two former show runners? We'll find that out when the publisher announces its earnings May 28.

JoystiqPhil Harrison returns in: 'London Venture Partners' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinessdavid-gardnerlondon-venture-partnersphil-harrisonWed, 19 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nolan Bushnell and Tom Virden join Atari board; Harrison and Gardner depart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/nolan-bushnell-and-tom-virden-join-atari-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/nolan-bushnell-and-tom-virden-join-atari-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/nolan-bushnell-and-tom-virden-join-atari-board/#comments Apparently Atari founder Nolan Bushnell has ended his recent revisit with game development, as the publisher announced today the addition of Bushnell to its executive board alongside "online entrepreneur" Tom Virden. This is the second executive acquisition announcement that Atari has made in recent days, with John Burns, former European head of EA's online publishing, joining up just last week. The company has said it's focusing on moving towards an online-based business, and today's appointments will be overseeing that transition with the rest of the Audit Committee (a.k.a. the executive board).

"I am very excited to be reacquainted with Atari at a time when it is poised to make interesting strides in key growth areas of the games industry," Bushnell said. "The company and its iconic brands have always been important to me, and I look forward to further guiding them at the board level."

Meanwhile, Atari has also announced the resignations of David Gardner, former CEO and director at Infogrames, and Phil Harrison, former Atari president turned board member. Happy trails!

Update: An Atari rep got back to us, confirming that Bushnell and Virden will be filling the positions left open by Harrison and Gardner.

JoystiqNolan Bushnell and Tom Virden join Atari board; Harrison and Gardner depart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinessdavid-gardnerjohn-burnsnolan-bushnellphil-harrisontom-virdenMon, 19 Apr 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox chief Shane Kim steps down, Spencer and Durkin promoted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/xbox-chief-shane-kim-steps-down-spencer-and-durkin-promoted/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/xbox-chief-shane-kim-steps-down-spencer-and-durkin-promoted/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/xbox-chief-shane-kim-steps-down-spencer-and-durkin-promoted/#comments After 19 years of working for gaming/computing software juggernaut Microsoft, Shane Kim will step down at the end of this year, according to a report from Gamasutra. His duties as vice president of strategy and business development for the company's Interactive Entertainment Business sector will be filled by Phil Spencer, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios, and Dennis Durkin, chief financial officer for the IEB division.

When asked for his reasons for stepping down, Kim replied, "Well, the JoBro (ed: Jonas Brothers) are about to go on tour again, and, well, you know. You only live once, and that one life should be spent seeing as many JoBro (ed: Jonas Brothers) concerts as humanly possible."

Okay, he didn't really say that. However, a Microsoft representative reportedly told Gamasutra that Kim "expressed a desire to spend more time with family, so that's why he's making his retirement." More details about the two-decade Microsoft veteran's departure should be coming in a press release soon. We wish Mr. Kim the best of luck with his newly acquired free time.
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JoystiqXbox chief Shane Kim steps down, Spencer and Durkin promoted originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dennis-Durkinmicrosoftphil-harrisonretirementshane-kimvpxboxxbox-360Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet, Media Molecule sweep Develop Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/littlebigplanet-media-molecule-sweep-develop-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/littlebigplanet-media-molecule-sweep-develop-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/littlebigplanet-media-molecule-sweep-develop-awards/#comments
We piled our accolades atop LittleBigPlanet back in January -- now, nearly six months later, the Develop Industry Excellence Awards are doing the same thing. LBP, and the minds at Media Molecule who created it, won all five awards they were nominated for: Best New Studio, Best Independent Developer, Best New IP and Achievements in Visual Arts and Technical Innovation.

Other big winners included Rockstar (both Leeds and North took home one award each) and Phil Harrison, who was bestowed the Development Legend Award, and finally given the Shinest Head in Europe Award. A full list of the winners is listed after the break.

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet, Media Molecule sweep Develop Awards

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet, Media Molecule sweep Develop Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developdevelop-awardslittlebigplanetmedia-moleculephil-harrisonWed, 15 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison steps down as president of troubled Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/phil-harrison-steps-down-as-president-of-troubled-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/phil-harrison-steps-down-as-president-of-troubled-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/phil-harrison-steps-down-as-president-of-troubled-atari/#commentsAtari president Phil Harrison, who joined the company last year, has taken a position as "non-executive director." According to Eurogamer, the move is a result of Atari's new focus on North American operations, following the sale of its European distribution to Namco Bandai.

Parent company Infogrames announced a loss of €226.1 million ($319.6m) for the last fiscal year, due in part to the loss of revenue that would have come in from the distribution business. As a result, Atari said it has canceled some of its projects to focus on "more cost-effective" games.

The identity of the canceled projects is unknown, but Atari released a hint of what some of the new, cost-effective, mass-market games would be: Cryptic Studios will create "a series of new games based on Atari's existing and historically successful IPs."

JoystiqPhil Harrison steps down as president of troubled Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosinfogramesphil-harrisonFri, 29 May 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison would 'love' to prove Activision wrong about Ghostbusters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/phil-harrison-would-love-to-prove-activision-wrong-about-ghost/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/phil-harrison-would-love-to-prove-activision-wrong-about-ghost/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/phil-harrison-would-love-to-prove-activision-wrong-about-ghost/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


When it comes to the much anticipated Ghostbusters game, Atari's Phil Harrison - somehow it still sounds wrong - clearly wants Activision to know what it lost when it cut the game (and several others) loose earlier this year. Speaking to MCV, he called out Activision-Blizzard CEO, Bobby Kotick, on the decision.

"What Bobby, perhaps unhelpfully said, was that those games were franchises which wouldn't make $100m of revenue and generate sequels," Harrison said of Blizzivision's choice to offload Ghostbusters. "If that's his benchmark, then fine - and we'd love to aspire to the same benchmarks. But you know what? I would love to turn Ghostbusters into a $100m franchise, just to prove him wrong."

That may not happen, but given the hype and fan following - not to mention the fact that it's coming out on at least five platforms - Activision might yet kick itself when the sales numbers are tallied.

JoystiqPhil Harrison would 'love' to prove Activision wrong about Ghostbusters originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionactivision-blizzardAtaribobby-kotickDSGhostbustersGhostbusters-The-Video-GameMicrosoftNintendooh-snapPCphil-harrisonPS3Red-FlyRed-Fly-StudiosTerminal-RealityWiiXbox-360Zen-StudiosWed, 17 Dec 2008 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari focused on downloadable PSP games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/atari-focused-on-downloadable-psp-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/atari-focused-on-downloadable-psp-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/atari-focused-on-downloadable-psp-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While the PSP may be suffering from a drought of UMDs worth your holiday dollar, Atari's Phil Harrison is convinced that Sony's sexy portable remains a "very vibrant platform," at least when it comes to downloadables. Despite a lack of PSP titles in its upcoming catalog, Eurogamer reports that the former Sony exec is "looking to explore" the platform's digital goodies down the line.

Hardly a shock, especially given Harrison's notion that kids of tomorrow will turn their noses up at the idea of owning physical media. However, without any of those big-budget, single-player games to fall back on we doubt we'll be busting ghosts or assaulting Dark Athena while waiting for the bus any time soon.

JoystiqAtari focused on downloadable PSP games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridigitaldigitaldownloadsphil-harrisonphilharrisonPSPsonyumdMon, 08 Dec 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrison: Atari to focus on downloadable PSP titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/harrison-atari-to-focus-on-downloadable-psp-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/harrison-atari-to-focus-on-downloadable-psp-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/harrison-atari-to-focus-on-downloadable-psp-titles/#commentsFiled under:

Monsieur Phil Harrison, AKA directeur général délégué des Infogrames, had some words of praise for the PSP at Atari's global showcase last week in London as he called it a "vibrant platform." However, the praise falls short of software support as Phil said the company currently wasn't going to make any new game announcements for the system.

Harrison noted, while not having anything specific to speak of, that Atari does have interest in going the route of e-distribution titles. Said Harrison: "There is no doubt that PSP is a very vibrant platform from a hardware perspective and I think Sony has recently made some good moves into opening up online distribution for software on PSP, so I'm looking to explore that." A downloadable version of N+ would be a great start, Phil!

JoystiqHarrison: Atari to focus on downloadable PSP titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariinfogramesnphil-harrisonMon, 08 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison still <3 Home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/phil-harrison-still-3-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/phil-harrison-still-3-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/phil-harrison-still-3-home/#commentsFiled under:


Looks like Phil Harrison hasn't forgotten his roots after leaving Sony earlier this year. Speaking to Eurogamer at an event earlier this week, the President of Infogrames said that Home will be "a very successful platform" and that Sony will have "brilliantly realized their ambitions."

Harrison has also been checking out his former employer's competition. The ex-Sony exec had this to say about the Xbox 360's newly launched system software, the New Xbox Experience: "I was quite impressed .. they're just scratching the surface of what the whole industry recognizes ... that customization, socialization and community platforms are going to be just as important as the games themselves."

Darn it, Harrison -- so which side are you on? Kidding, just kidding.

JoystiqPhil Harrison still <3 Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarihomeinfogramesphil-harrisonFri, 05 Dec 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Homesick: Phil praises PS Home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/homesick-phil-praises-ps-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/homesick-phil-praises-ps-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/homesick-phil-praises-ps-home/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Though PlayStation Home seems forever out of reach, this hasn't stopped Atari's Phil Harrison, one of the original architects of Sony's much-anticipated virtual landscape, from singing its praises. The former Sony exec was one of Home's chief evangelists, and, according to Eurogamer, believes Sony has "brilliantly realised their ambitions."

While also "quite impressed" with Microsoft's efforts around the social networking buzzword, Harrison noted that he feels his former employer "will have a very successful platform." We just hope that when he gives Home a congratulatory slap on the back, he does so with enough gusto to actually push it out the door.

JoystiqHomesick: Phil praises PS Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarihomephil-harrisonphilharrisonplaystation-homeplaystationhomePS3sonyFri, 05 Dec 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrison confident young'ns 'will never buy a physical media product']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/harrison-confident-youngns-will-never-buy-a-physical-media-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/harrison-confident-youngns-will-never-buy-a-physical-media-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/harrison-confident-youngns-will-never-buy-a-physical-media-pro/#commentsFiled under:

In his position at Atari, Phil Harrison - former Sony figurehead and outspoken Blu-ray backer - is using his intimidating height to see clear past the competition and straight into the future. What does Phil see? First: We can only imagine he sees an Atari more deserving that "best opportunity" in the industry praise from earlier this year. Second: Phil sees "a generation of kids being born today and probably already alive" that "will never buy a DVD, they will never buy a CD, and they will never buy a game in a box."

We know Atari's gambit is in online gaming, and we're sure Phil's dead-on in his assessment (we're surprised it's taken this long!) but now we'd just like to see how Atari is going to contribute to this new, disc-less media landscape. It's done with "huge-budget, single-player games," remember?

JoystiqHarrison confident young'ns 'will never buy a physical media product' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariPhil-HarrisonThu, 04 Dec 2008 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison sees downloads as the future of gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/phil-harrison-sees-downloads-as-the-future-of-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/phil-harrison-sees-downloads-as-the-future-of-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/phil-harrison-sees-downloads-as-the-future-of-gaming/#commentsFiled under:


We've no idea what the future holds for Nintendo. Their next console could be HD, might have a better storage solution than 512mbs of memory and possibly will bring peace and love to all mankind. Of course, this is only speculation on our part and now Atari's Phil Harrison is joining in on the action.

He sees a future of downloads. One where walking into a store and buying a disc copy of a game is an impossibility. Not due to the fact that discs no longer exist, but because the young ones of today won't want their games in that way. Phil thinks "there's a generation of kids being born today and probably already alive who I'm pretty confident will never buy a physical media product." Phil went on to elaborate that he thinks they'll "never buy a DVD, they will never buy a CD, and they will never buy a game in a box."

We're not entirely sure that such a future is so close to becoming a reality, personally. For one, there comes a certain satisfaction from actually holding something in your hands that downloads could never achieve. Second, that would mean the next generation of consoles would be affected by this and we're not willing to drink the Kool-Aid and say that all three major console manufacturers, as well as the plethora of third-parties involved, would be committed to offering all titles as downloads. Third, have you ever smelled the inside of a freshly opened game? It's like new car smell, but way better.

JoystiqPhil Harrison sees downloads as the future of gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridigital-distributiondownloaddownloadabledownloadsphil-harrisonThu, 04 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari reveals plans to revisit Baldur's Gate, others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-reveals-plans-to-revisit-baldurs-gate-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-reveals-plans-to-revisit-baldurs-gate-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-reveals-plans-to-revisit-baldurs-gate-others/#commentsFiled under: ,

Infogrames President Phil Harrison announced today at a publisher event that the company plans to revisit Baldur's Gate, Dungeons & Dragons, Neverwinter Nights and Test Drive Unlimited -- but not until after 2009 (via Eurogamer). Three of those franchises have had recent releases (NWN2: Storm of the Zehir last month, TDU and D&D Tactics in February 2007).

As for Baldur's Gate, a follow-up to BG2: Throne of Bhaal has been rumored since 2001 from now-defunct Black Isle Studios. It was reportedly mentioned again by a PC Gamer UK editor as recently as January 2008.

JoystiqAtari reveals plans to revisit Baldur's Gate, others originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribaldurs-gateinfogramesneverwinter-nightsphil-harrisontest-drive-unlimitedTue, 02 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet delay the 'right thing to do,' says Phil Harrison]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/littlebigplanet-delay-the-right-thing-to-do-says-phil-harriso/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/littlebigplanet-delay-the-right-thing-to-do-says-phil-harriso/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/littlebigplanet-delay-the-right-thing-to-do-says-phil-harriso/#commentsFiled under: ,


While the thought of waiting even longer to play LittleBigPlanet is one that causes all our muscles to contract into a tingling ball of anxiety and impatience, ex-Sony Worldwide Studios head Phil Harrison believes the Qur'an-related recall was ultimately for the best. "And on reflection I think it was absolutely the right thing to do, because LittleBigPlanet set out from day one to be a game for the entire world," he told Gamesindustry.biz, "and if there was anything that accidentally detracted from that vision and made the game not fun for the entire world, then the game would have fundamentally failed in its mission."

Of course, altogether avoiding religious tussles tends to save money and face as well. Harrison, who's currently orchestrating Atari's reinvention, believes that the move will ultimately leave the game's long-term sales unscathed, adding that people are sure to "blown away" by it. Gee, thanks for making the wait even worse, Phil.

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet delay the 'right thing to do,' says Phil Harrison originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DelayLBPLittleBigControversyLittleBigPlanetMedia-MoleculePhil-HarrisonPS3We-Already-Have-Our-Copies-ActuallyWed, 22 Oct 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison backs Sony's LBP delay decision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/phil-harrison-backs-sonys-lbp-delay-decision/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/phil-harrison-backs-sonys-lbp-delay-decision/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/phil-harrison-backs-sonys-lbp-delay-decision/#commentsFiled under:

Everyone's got an opinion on this LittleBigPlanet delay. Even the current Infogrames directeur général délégué and former president of Sony Worldwide Studios, Phil Harrison, shared his thoughts. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz before his Unite 08 event keynote in Copenhagen, Harrison said that Sony's decision wasn't going to be taken lightly but was something that took LBP's vision mission to heart: " ... I think it was absolutely the right thing to do, because LittleBigPlanet set out from day one to be a game for the entire world -- and if there was anything that accidentally detracted from that vision and made the game not fun for the entire world, then the game would have fundamentally failed in its mission."

While good old Phil thinks Sony made the right move, he doesn't discount the negative reaction that surely followed. He does, however, believe -- now as a neutral outsider -- that from what he's seen of LBP (he's played only the beta) he's convinced the game will be a success in the long run and this delay won't change things "one iota." Said Harrison, "[The delay] only seems to have heightened the anticipation, so I think it'll end up being a win, and full credit to Media Molecule for turning around a fix as quickly as they did."

JoystiqPhil Harrison backs Sony's LBP delay decision originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>littlebigplanetmedia-moleculephil-harrisonsceaWed, 22 Oct 2008 07:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari outlines more of its extreme makeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/atari-outlines-more-of-its-extreme-makeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/atari-outlines-more-of-its-extreme-makeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/atari-outlines-more-of-its-extreme-makeover/#commentsFiled under:


Atari's reinvention continues as CEO David Gardner and President Phil Harrison delve into the company's strategy to fully embrace an online business model. Speaking to Develop, the pair expresses the company's necessary geographic expansion outside of France (home of Atari parent, Infogrames), which we're starting to see in the establishment of a UK studio and the hiring of SingStar guru Paulina Bozek.

Atari also plans to produce a variety of games for PSN, iTunes, Facebook, Xbox Live Arcade, and to stay, as Harrison puts it, "broadly online distribution agnostic." Gardner quips that he has no programming skills and Harrison says he's not a good graphic artist, so they expect to hire more top talent who believe the future of the industry lies online.

JoystiqAtari outlines more of its extreme makeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridavid-gardnergardnerharrisoninfogramesphil-harrisonThu, 18 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Sony star jumps to Atari: SingStar's Paulina Bozek]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/another-sony-star-jumps-to-atari-singstars-paulina-bozek/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/another-sony-star-jumps-to-atari-singstars-paulina-bozek/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/another-sony-star-jumps-to-atari-singstars-paulina-bozek/#commentsFiled under:


Looks like the French games company is targeting proven Sony stars. Their high-profile acquisition of former Worldwide Studios giant Phil Harrison took the industry by surprise. Many of us were shocked to see such a successful reign at Sony Computer Entertainment move to a company with a track record like Atari.

The exodus may be far from over, though. Today, it's been revealed that the gorgeous Paulina Bozek, creative director of Sony's popular SingStar franchise, is also finding a new home at Atari. She will head a new studio, based in Hammersmith, London, that will focus on developing other mass-market games for "online-enabled devices," including PCs and consoles. "I am very excited to be joining Atari at this pivotal time for both the company and the industry," said Bozek.

Phil Harrison, Bozek's former boss at Sony, added: "This is a significant step in expanding Atari's online game development capability. Paulina is one of the industry's most respected creative leaders with an outstanding track-record of commercial and creative success and I'm delighted that she will bring her unique vision, consumer insight and proven ability for creating amazing entertainment experiences to Atari."

JoystiqAnother Sony star jumps to Atari: SingStar's Paulina Bozek originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataripaulina-bozekphil-harrisonsingstarMon, 08 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Patent reveals touchscreen handheld device from Phil Harrison]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/patent-reveals-touchscreen-handheld-device-from-phil-harrison/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/patent-reveals-touchscreen-handheld-device-from-phil-harrison/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/patent-reveals-touchscreen-handheld-device-from-phil-harrison/#commentsFiled under:

Panajev2001a from the NeoGAF forums has discovered a series of patents that point to a new handheld device from Sony. The patents, filed in January, refer to a "hand-held device with touchscreen and digital tactile pixels." The patent is assigned to Sony Computer Entertainment America, and the inventor is credited to be Phil Harrison, former head of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios.

This patent could describe the next PSP (or PSP Phone). However, it could take years for anything to surface after a patent filing. Some patents (like this one) haven't seen the light of day. With a touch screen and motion sensing capabilities, whatever this new device is will be able to match the functionality of devices like the iPhone. Intriguing. Can't wait to find out more.

[Thanks, Noshino!]

JoystiqPatent reveals touchscreen handheld device from Phil Harrison originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>patentphil-harrisonpspsceasonySat, 28 Jun 2008 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet team talks about Phil Harrison's 'influence']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/littlebigplanet-team-talks-about-phil-harrisons-influence/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/littlebigplanet-team-talks-about-phil-harrisons-influence/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/littlebigplanet-team-talks-about-phil-harrisons-influence/#commentsFiled under:


Phil Harrison will be missed. His groundbreaking "Game 3.0" keynote at GDC showed Sony's exciting and innovative ways forward in the online community. After accusing Sony Japan of not being forward-thinking regarding the online sector, he left Sony and joined Atari.

Harrison's message wasn't simply the creation of marketing folk, however. He genuinely believed in online communities, and without his support, LittleBigPlanet wouldn't be the game it is today. According to Alex Evans, one of the co-founders of Media Molecule, "[Phil's] influence on the game early on ... was hugely useful to have." The development team was focused on the gameplay, but it was Harrison that talked about the online potential LittleBigPlanet had. "He was very instrumental in telling us to think about what it would mean to have user-generated content - to think about what that means for the community."

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet team talks about Phil Harrison's 'influence' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-evanslittlebigplanetphil-harrisonThu, 26 Jun 2008 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrison elaborates on the future of single-player games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/harrison-elaborates-on-the-future-of-single-player-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/harrison-elaborates-on-the-future-of-single-player-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/harrison-elaborates-on-the-future-of-single-player-games/#commentsFiled under:


Infogrames president Phil Harrison made some eyebrow-raising comments last week, claiming that following Alone in the Dark, his company would move away from "huge-budget, single-player games." Speaking to videogaming247, Harrison went into more detail on what he described as not just a shift in direction for Infogrames, but for the entire industry as well.

While suggesting once again that Infogrames will be moving away from single-player console titles, Harrison elaborates that those games will still have a place in the market, but will have to begin integrating connectivity and non-linearity to survive. We'll have to see if there's any truth in these sooth-saying words.

JoystiqHarrison elaborates on the future of single-player games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 May 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonWed, 28 May 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrison: Infogrames & Atari done with 'huge-budget, single-player games']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/harrison-infogrames-and-atari-done-with-huge-budget-single-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/harrison-infogrames-and-atari-done-with-huge-budget-single-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/harrison-infogrames-and-atari-done-with-huge-budget-single-play/#commentsFiled under:

alone in the dark
Stopping short of calling Alone in the Dark his troubled (transitioning?) company's "swan song," Infogrames president and Atari legal guardian Phil Harrison has again proposed that the company (meaning Infogrames the parent and Atari the wholly owned US subsidiary) is focused on carving out its place in the budding online gaming business with a stress on social communication. "I don't see that we're going to be making huge-budget, single-player games in the future," Harrison told Gamasutra, adding, "Now, that doesn't mean that we won't have ambition to do really incredible games ... but they won't be one-player, narrative-driven, start-middle-end games."

Will we be hearing the same message if Alone in the Dark manages to answer CEO David Gardner's prayers (to the tune of 2-3 million units sold)? Sounds like it. Harrison has clearly set his sights on taking a "slightly aggressive, leading-edge role" in the online gaming movement where loneliness is the last motif he wants to cultivate and dark days are in the company's past. "We have plenty of titles in our pipeline, and we think [Alone in the Dark] will be an important part of our year, but it's by no means the only part of our year."

JoystiqHarrison: Infogrames & Atari done with 'huge-budget, single-player games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonFri, 23 May 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison talks Alone in the Dark, spotlight shines on game footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/phil-harrison-talks-alone-in-the-dark-spotlight-shines-on-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/phil-harrison-talks-alone-in-the-dark-spotlight-shines-on-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/phil-harrison-talks-alone-in-the-dark-spotlight-shines-on-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The dialog may sound cheesy, but Alone in the Dark looks like it could be good enough (and given our hands-on, maybe even 3 million units good enough) to try when it releases in late June. In the video above, Atari/Infogrames Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrison speaks to 1Up about being impressed after seeing AitD for the first time and enjoying the narrative structure of the title.

The real highlight in the video is the impressive amount of gameplay footage shown, which gives us a much better idea of what the title will actually be like. We're not sure yet if Alone in the Dark will be "blow your mind" fantastic, but much like The Darkness last summer, it appears well suited in getting some attention from the consoles it'll launch on during a less-than-crowded release time. Don't fret PS3 owners, you should be way too busy with Solid Snake starting June 12 to care about little ol' Edward Carnby.

Gallery: Alone in the Dark (2008)

JoystiqPhil Harrison talks Alone in the Dark, spotlight shines on game footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aitdalone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonPS3WiiXbox-360Fri, 23 May 2008 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames could change name to Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/infogrames-could-change-name-to-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/infogrames-could-change-name-to-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/infogrames-could-change-name-to-atari/#commentsFiled under:


Infogrames CEO, David Gardner, tells GI.biz that the company may drop its name (which rocks our world) completely for the Atari marquee brand. He wants the company thought of as a "start-up" and the name change to represent the "final mark" of transformation. Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrison chimes in that the company, as it stands now with a new management team less than a year old, is "absolutely a start-up" -- it's just a start-up with 25 years of history (and some serious financial drama).

Harrison and Gardner had apparently been talking about doing their own company for a long time. Harrison explains that the two had made significant plans and then the Atari opportunity came along. It was a company that had global infrastructure, offices, branding and was exactly the type of company the two were looking for. It'll probably become much easier to think of Atari as a "new" company once it announces some new IPs and gets the "old" company's games out the door, like the oft-delayed Alone in the Dark.

JoystiqInfogrames could change name to Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridavid-gardnergardnerharrisoninfogramesphil-harrisonMon, 14 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrison: Atari is the best opportunity in the industry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/harrison-atari-is-the-best-opportunity-in-the-industry/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/harrison-atari-is-the-best-opportunity-in-the-industry/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/harrison-atari-is-the-best-opportunity-in-the-industry/#commentsFiled under:

Gametrailers has a video of Phil Harrison's Infogrames/Atari coming out party from earlier this week, depicting the former Sony exec really entrenching himself into the current fixer-upper situation. He quite confidently says to the press in attendance, "The Atari opportunity, is the best opportunity that exists in the industry today to redefine, refocus and re-energize an incredible brand."

This week has seen numerous moments where Infogrames' new CEO David Gardner and Harrison, as the new Directeur Général Délégué, have said all the right things. Giving the appearance that Atari is a salvageable brand is great, but showing some profit is always a good first step.

JoystiqHarrison: Atari is the best opportunity in the industry originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariharrisoninfogramesphil-harrisonphilharrisonThu, 06 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Listen to Phil Harrison talk about his big move]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/listen-to-phil-harrison-talk-about-his-big-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/listen-to-phil-harrison-talk-about-his-big-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/listen-to-phil-harrison-talk-about-his-big-move/#commentsFiled under:


So a few days ago you read about Phil Harrison's big decision about going to Infogrames. Today, you get to listen to Phil speak about that very decision in this video. It appears that the freshly appointed Directeur Général Délégué is getting comfortable at his new post as he introduces Eden Studios' Alone in the Dark. While we don't get to see much about the game, Phil seems excited about pushing it forward. Anyway, we really should stop our babbling and just let the man himself give you the low down.

JoystiqListen to Phil Harrison talk about his big move originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonphilharrisonWed, 05 Mar 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames attracted Harrison with giant magnet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/infogrames-attracted-harrison-with-giant-magnet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/infogrames-attracted-harrison-with-giant-magnet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/infogrames-attracted-harrison-with-giant-magnet/#commentsFiled under:

Okay, maybe not literally (although the imagery does make us giggle), but a "magnet for talent" is certainly the new image Infogrames hopes to project. Now that Phil Harrison has taken his seat as president of Infogrames, CEO David Gardner has been singing the praises of the company's new business model, which is centered around the online market, as well as recognizable talent, and attracting new faces.

According to Gardner, the future of Atari and Infogrames rests in the field of online gaming, a risky new venture for the company that Gardner is optimistic Harrison will be able to assist in. In addition to the new online focus, Gardner hopes that the company can continue to attract talent, and aims for a healthy mix of both industry veterans, and fresh young faces hoping to innovate. They better hope that magnet's got a lot of pull left in it, as Atari's messy history is naturally repellent.

JoystiqInfogrames attracted Harrison with giant magnet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariinfogramesphil-harrisonphilharrisonTue, 04 Mar 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison is new president of Infogrames ... wow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-is-new-president-of-infogrames-wow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-is-new-president-of-infogrames-wow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-is-new-president-of-infogrames-wow/#commentsFiled under:


The rumors of a "Phil eye for the Atari guy" are true. Former Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison has joined Atari's parent company Infogrames with the title of Directeur Général Délégué (President). Harrison will report directly to Infogrames CEO David Gardner, who plans to announce tomorrow how he's going to turn the beleaguered company around -- and we're guessing Harrison will have a huge role in doing that.

Harrison's fancy French title (which we're sure to use every chance we can) isn't going to protect him from the hard road ahead. The plan is apparently for Harrison and Gardner to turn Atari into "a leading online game company." Despite Gardner's belief that Infogrames has a "strong financial foundation," its going to take a lot of "show us" over the next few years before Atari gets off the D-list. But damn, is getting Harrison on the team a good start.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqPhil Harrison is new president of Infogrames ... wow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribreakingnewsgardnerinfogramesphil-harrisonphilharrisonMon, 03 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison now officially with Infogrames, Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-now-officially-with-infogrames-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-now-officially-with-infogrames-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/phil-harrison-now-officially-with-infogrames-atari/#commentsFiled under:

Well, well, well, the rumors turned out to be true. The former president of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Phil Harrison, is now president of French company Infogrames. Harrison will be working alongside newly appointed CEO David Gardner and will be overseeing the studios and content development for the group -- including the Infogrames-owned Atari.

As this comes as quite a surprise to many, Phil backs his decision by stating, "This is the perfect time to join Infogrames and help shape the future of Atari." Can the old Sony heavyweight do it? Can he help restore the sinking ship that is Atari? We always want to see success, so we're hoping for the best. Score one for France.

JoystiqPhil Harrison now officially with Infogrames, Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariinfogramesphil-harrisonphilharrisonMon, 03 Mar 2008 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Phil Harrison to join Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/rumor-phil-harrison-to-join-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/rumor-phil-harrison-to-join-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/rumor-phil-harrison-to-join-atari/#commentsFiled under:


According to sources at GI.biz, the former head of Sony Worldwide Studios, Phil Harrison, will leave the company at the end of the week to join Atari. A puzzling acquisition, if true. Atari hasn't been known for its success in the industry, and many see it as a sinking ship. Of course, the same could've been said about the PlayStation brand just a year ago. Since then, under Harrison's leadership, the company has seen a dramatic turnaround in sales and image.

Perhaps Harrison can work his magic on Atari as well? Stay tuned for the latest developments.

JoystiqRumor: Phil Harrison to join Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariphil-harrisonrumorMon, 25 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Phil Harrison could head to Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/rumor-phil-harrison-could-head-to-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/rumor-phil-harrison-could-head-to-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/rumor-phil-harrison-could-head-to-atari/#commentsFiled under:


Imagine if, as the RMS Carpathia was rescuing passengers from the Titanic, the captain started thinking to himself, "You know, this ship isn't so bad. A little spackle here, a little elbow grease here, I could make it work. I'm going to give it a go!" If you can understand that reasoning, you may just be able to explain to us a rumor that soon-to-depart Sony head Phil Harrison will be moving on ... to Atari.

We can't see how this is an upgrade for Harrison (oodles of money it will take to get him there not withstanding), but it would definitely be a smart move for Atari to get a name like Harrison on board. We'll let you know if we hear something more official.

JoystiqRumor: Phil Harrison could head to Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariphil-harrisonsonyMon, 25 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison leaves Sony Computer Entertainment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/phil-harrison-leaves-sony-computer-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/phil-harrison-leaves-sony-computer-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/phil-harrison-leaves-sony-computer-entertainment/#commentsFiled under:


In a surprise announcement, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the resignation of Phil Harrison. Effective February 29th, the current President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group. In his place, Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties.

"As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry," said Kazuo Hirai. "It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors."

"The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far," said Phil Harrison. "I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can."

Phil Harrison is responsible for a major refocusing of the PlayStation group, through his "Game 3.0" initiative, announced at last year's GDC. He recently lamented that Sony Japan was not outgoing enough about social gaming.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqPhil Harrison leaves Sony Computer Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>phil-harrisonresignationscesceesonyMon, 25 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison leaves Sony Computer Entertainment, Kaz Hirai takes place]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/phil-harrison-leaves-sony-computer-entertainment-kaz-hirai-take/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/phil-harrison-leaves-sony-computer-entertainment-kaz-hirai-take/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/phil-harrison-leaves-sony-computer-entertainment-kaz-hirai-take/#commentsFiled under:


In a surprise announcement, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the resignation of Phil Harrison. Effective February 29th, the current President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group. In his place, Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties.

"As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry," said Kazuo Hirai. "It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors."

"The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far," said Phil Harrison. "I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can."

Phil Harrison is responsible for a major refocusing of the PlayStation group, through his "Game 3.0" initiative, announced at last year's GDC. He recently lamented that Sony Japan was not outgoing enough about social gaming.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqPhil Harrison leaves Sony Computer Entertainment, Kaz Hirai takes place originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>phil-harrisonresignationscesceeMon, 25 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking: Phil Harrison resigns from Sony Computer Entertainment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/breaking-phil-harrison-resigns-from-sony-computer-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/breaking-phil-harrison-resigns-from-sony-computer-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/breaking-phil-harrison-resigns-from-sony-computer-entertainment/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison has announced his formal resignation from the company, due to go into effect on February 29. Sony officially broke word of his resignation this morning.

Taking his place will be SCEI president and group CEO Kazuo Hirai, who will assume Harrison's duties on top of his own. It's unknown at the moment whether Sony will begin seeking out a replacement for Harrison, or whether Hirai's full-time responsibilities will engulf those of the former Worldwide Studios president.

First joining Sony back in 1992, Phil Harrison helped launch the first Playstation console, and has since played a major role in SCE's business, including presenting Sony's landmark keynote at last year's GDC. In a public statement, Harrison states that he is incredibly grateful to his "Playstation family," and will continue to support the platform and company in the future.

JoystiqBreaking: Phil Harrison resigns from Sony Computer Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsphil-harrisonphilharrisonPS3PSPsonyMon, 25 Feb 2008 06:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison blames Sony Japan for underestimating social gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/phil-harrison-blames-sony-japan-for-underestimating-social-gamin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/phil-harrison-blames-sony-japan-for-underestimating-social-gamin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/phil-harrison-blames-sony-japan-for-underestimating-social-gamin/#commentsFiled under:


At last year's GDC, Phil Harrison made a platform-saving keynote entitled "Game 3.0." The PS3 was under a serious amount of scrutiny, but surprise announcements of Home and LittleBigPlanet recaptured the hearts and imaginations of gamers worldwide. Harrison envisioned a world of collaborative, social gaming, and admits that Sony Japan had been very reluctant to pursue that vision.

Speaking to GI.biz, Harrison lamented: "And our Japanese colleagues said that there is no such thing as social gaming in Japan - people do not play games on the same sofa together in each other's homes. It will never happen. And then out comes the Wii."
Harrison, who hailed from SCEE before taking over the PlayStation group at large, noted that social gaming is something he tried to promote heavily in Europe. "It's a very interesting and frustrating thing for me to experience because I have been banging the drum about social gaming for a long time, with SingStar, EyeToy and Buzz." Perhaps if Sony Japan had been a bit more understanding, it would meet much greater success than it has faced so far with this current generation of games. Thankfully, things are turning around.

JoystiqPhil Harrison blames Sony Japan for underestimating social gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc08fanboyphil-harrisonThu, 21 Feb 2008 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrison: Sony didn't force motion controls on Lair]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/harrison-sony-didnt-force-motion-controls-on-lair/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/harrison-sony-didnt-force-motion-controls-on-lair/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/harrison-sony-didnt-force-motion-controls-on-lair/#commentsFiled under:

Maybe trying to distance itself from the critically lambasted Lair, Phil Harrison told GameTrailers that it did not force tilt controls in Factor 5's controversial dragon game. "[Motion control] was definitely not mandated by us. We've always said all along that the use of the Sixaxis is something that should be decided by the developer in tune with their creative vision for the game, so it's not something we would mandate." In spite of this, it appears that many first-party Sony titles utilize tilt controls in some way. Thankfully, many developers have learned from the mistakes of Lair, and include options to turn off the tilt controls and replace them with analog movement (for example, Ratchet & Clank Future.)

In addition, Harrison doesn't find fault with Heavenly Sword's length -- a deciding factor that has limited the game's score in many reviews (including our own). "You know what? Not that many people finish games, so I think we shouldn't criticize a game for being a story, which has an arc with a beginning, a middle and an end... and actually encouraging all gamers to see all of the story, I think that's something positive." Granted, the experience looks and feels big-budget. But at the end of the day, most gamers probably want a longer journey for the increased price of admission.

[Thanks, njkid1! Via GameDaily]

JoystiqHarrison: Sony didn't force motion controls on Lair originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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