In no way will we forget about PS3, says Sony
Even more software to be revealed as the year goes on.
Sony will in no way forget about the PlayStation 3, despite the fact its successor the PS4 will launch later this year, Sony Computer Entertainment UK MD Fergal Gara has told VideoGamer.com.
Asked if the announcement of the PS4 will have a negative knock-on effect on future PS3 software and hardware sales, Gara said: "I suppose it's my biggest challenge this year but a great problem to have, which is in no way should we or will we say forget about PS3 because PS4 is coming. It would be inappropriate and arguably the worst year ever to be sending any signals like that because we've got great software already announced and there's even more that will be revealed as the year goes on, so it is going to be a fantastic year for PS3 just when it's at its best ever value price point.
"So we have to keep that story alive, we have to keep that relevant and we've got a new... experience I suppose is probably a better word than a new box, we've got a new concept that redefines the premium top-tier experience in video gaming.
"How the two sit alongside each other is one of the things we need to plan very well as a team because there's absolutely two stories."
PS3 will see the likes of The Last of Us and Beyond: Two Souls heading its way in the coming months, but it remains to be seen if gamers will already be looking ahead to PS4 by the time they hit stores.
Gara was also sure to bring PS Vita into the conversation, highlighting its evolution thanks to PS4.
"And of course, let's not forget the third which is PlayStation Vita, which for me got redefined last night in many, many ways. We used to use the phrase it's a PS3 in your pocket, and now it was very much illustrated last night that it's better than that, it's a PS4 in your pocket. We saw a good demo last night with Knack looking and playing very well on PS Vita, but I personally look forward to seeing how the big, big, big blockbusters are going to look and feel and play via that mechanic. It's a really exciting new feature."
PS4 will be released holiday 2013, but pricing and an exact launch date are still to be confirmed.
Source: VideoGamer.com interview at PlayStation 4 media event held in New York. Flights and accommodation provided by SCEE.
User Comments
EverTheOptimist
For me, I'll probably wait a few months before a new console to finish up the games I really wanted to play, but then I won't look back. Those who do though, as Endless says, will surely keep the old console. There are so many games for the PS3 that, even after the PS4 has launched, 99% of people still won't have played every single game they find interesting.
If Sony stopped releasing games for the PS3 wouldn't it be much, much easier on their part too? Marketing would be a breeze without mixed messages and getting developers and publishers onto the new system would just make everything cleaner, wouldn't it?
Endless@ pblive
Sony shot themselves in the foot to begin with by opting for a proprietary architecture that nothing and no-one had ever used or heard of before. It was the same story moving from PS2 to PS3, the only difference being that they added 50-100 (guessing) to the price of the PS3 to provide hardware emulation. this time round they dont have the luxury of just making it more expensive, people won't pay it.
In the long run this is the best move they could make, and people will be grateful when the following generation comes and they are in a better position to provide backwards compatibility. If they can stream PS3 games later in the same manner as onLive, great.
But right now? I dont see the issue, the people wanting to keep access to their old PS3 games are the games collectors, they will likely keep the old console anyway. I'd wager most people will trade the old for the new and move with the times. That's your average consumer imo, catering for a niche in big business is risky and costly.
reynoldio
p0rtalthinker@ Karlius
Good to see that they aren't abandoning support immediately. I actually know some people who are JUST now getting a PS3. I bet more will if a price drop will happen.
Karlius
pblive@ Endless
They stop making them after three generations, which would be like Sony still making PS2s today.
Endless
Personally I couldn't give a monkey's if they stopped developing for the older systems the day the new one came out. The digital purchases are a bit of a kicker though as they cannot be sold on. One would hope that given they are attached to your PSN/Live account and that identity will transfer over that once whatever solution for streaming is enabled digital purchases would either come with some form of credit against the new version or make it totally free.
MS are in a better position here because the 360 is already an x86 architecture they may not even need to stream them, they might just port over. But chances are I will sell virtually every game on current gen to afford the new one. I dont have any feelings of nostalgia that I need to keep alive like with the PS2/PS1.
CharleSketch
Virtual_Reality@ jeffyboy40
This means, Sony have to do a lot of R&D, to use more resources and this will make the console more expensive.
Neon-Soldier32
MJTH@ jeffyboy40
The last thing Sony wants is to make an expensive console again after the launch of the PS3. Sure launch fat PS3's could play PS1 and 2 games, but the amount of technology stuck in that shell, including a Blu-ray player, made it crazily over priced. Sony is just trying to not have to deal with that kind of situation again. So they offer this streaming system, which won't offer actual backwards compatibility, but is an answer to that keeps the costs low.
Wido@ rbevanx
jeffyboy40
rbevanx
mikey126