Ben-DutkaWe don't know about you, but we're gamers for the sake of games . Hence, we only care if the console in question has the titles we wish to play, and these days, the PlayStation 3 is coming through in fine fashion.
As far as Sony is concerned, this – coupled with the system's capability – is the primary appeal for consumers. IndustryGamers spoke with SCEA Vice President of Product Development, Scott Rohde, about the PS3 and the current business model surrounding the system. Firstly, they talked about what many developers have complained of in the past: that the PS3 is simply too difficult from a design standpoint. But as several first-party studios have already demonstrated, it's just a matter of dedication and bringing out the console's power. Said Rohde:
"The way I like to look at what the PS3 can do is that we're still peeling back layers of the onion and finding even more that the SPUs can pull off. From first-hand experience, when you talk to developers and they realize – especially when talking about a sequel – that they can throw a lot of tasks at those SPUs, freeing up the main processor to do a lot more than they thought, that's exciting to developers. It's exciting for them when they see they've just scratched the surface of what PS3 can do."
With our minds filled with recent releases like Killzone 2 and inFamous , we have to agree that the PS3 has indeed come a ways since its launch, and we certainly believe it can make more strides in the future. Moving on to first-party strategy, Rohde is "extremely proud" of that aspect of the PS3 business, and it should be the primary driver of sales in the near future:
"We firmly believe in our first-party software strategy. I think it's not a short-term strategy; it's a very long-term, calculated strategy to say that we put the bulk of our investment into exclusive first-party titles, and they're all must haves. When you look at this lineup of triple-A titles coming in the next 12-18 months, it's very strong and it's going to bring more people to the PS3, which is something we calculate and we're excited about."
Games, games, games. It's what we care most about; it's what everyone involved with the industry should care most about. And because Sony is bringin' 'em, we applaud the influx of titles. Rohde had a lot more to say (they spoke about the new motion sensing technology, too), so feel free to read the entire interview through the earlier link.
I can't wait to see what devs can do when they have everything working to it's fullest.
yeah ps3 is where the "real" games are at
off topic-i have this very strong feeling that mag will come out early next year and gran turismo 5 will come out this december
gamestop says november 1st…
walmart says november 24th
so i say november (INSERT DAY HERE)… rumor has it they r prepping the psn for beta test…
<<<<we're still peeling back layers of the onion>>>>>
Hmmm, an onion, really?
I usually get the thought of shedding a few burning eye ducts while peeling an onion.
I would've said a banana, but that's just me, so what the hell do I know???
Anyways, otherwise it's a great article, nevertheless! LOL
those tears are tears of joy.
ya, it was not a very good analogy.
hmm… jmo's back…
another flame war's brewing… I can feel it…
Then try not to start anything Canuck Pride. jmo did apologize if you didn't notice.
Thank you Kang, and Canuck,i wont speak to or about you, and you do the same.
the analogy is based on the onion because it has many inner layers. A banana has one skin, banana=360.
@ WEWM
Something is wrong here, I tend to find a banana tastier than an union…
Last edited by faraga on 7/17/2009 6:35:04 AM
can we use string cheese instead?
-The Glavin
Reminds me of the early days when the ps3 was supposedly impossible to code for.
Hey, Valve has embarrassed themselves enough. There's no need to make fun of them anymore. Unless you're making fun of their Fat Princess (Gabe Newell).
I wouldn't be surprised if their 10 year strategy turns into a 15 year strategy. The games are the best there is, it just takes a while to get them.
I'm thinking a 10 year strategy with a PS4 arriving in year 8 or 9, and the PS4 being 100% compatible with every PlayStation game ever made and being an incremental upgrade over the PS3, so that the PS3 can continue to sell and be viable well towards the 15 year span you mention. The hardware certainly seems to have the 'legs' to last that long. The PS3 as a platform is deep enough to be viable for years to come.
TheHighlander… I don't know about those time spans you suggest. It is speculative considering how quickly things are changing in the tech world… I want to expand by adding this to the mix… no one can tell exactly where the market is going. Sony has made a pretty good job at making sure they can keep ultimate control of their "current" market, hardware and software… To some extent this is good, and to another extent it is bad… however let us take some of these points into consideration that may or may not rapidly push Sony into new directions and time tables even they did not expect…
1] Microsoft surprises everyone and decides to throw a few more billion at the Sony problem… they bring out new console hardware that is multi core, both CPU and GPU; and is in the order of at least 5x that of what the current PS3 hardware sooner than Sony expected
2] Major game market shifts to more sociable non-hardcore gaming on mobile platforms such as the iPhone and the like (already happening). Others decide to turn their mobile phone technologies into better games hardware for the mobile age with direct consequences for Sony… an onslaught on the PSP…
3] A new hardware platform is introduced by a rival tech company out of the blue; who knows, maybe even Google (or Apple) has something planned with their open OS based platform – spurring a whole new generation of users and developers with access to a powerful but "open" platform, unlike the closed systems of today
4] 3rd party publishes get together and decide to standardise a hardware platform, a direct threat to the console makers themselves.
I am also speculating; but trying to illustrate that Sony should rather position themselves as market leaders, actually keeping ahead of the pack by introducing the latest tech, rather than trying to wait to long before introducing evolutionary hardware, as was the case this time around… Even though Sony is in the fight of its life with Microsoft, they were taken off guard with the introduction of the 360 and slapped hard for sleeping on the job…
The PS4 better not be too far behind… (I just have that gut feeling the M$ will come up with something first again…)
Do we want the same to happen next time around?
Q!
"i am home"
@Q
The driver for the current Xbox360 and PS3 generation was HDTV. Both 360 and PS3 are capable of HD output, the PS3 does both games and video in HD and will not require an upgrade to it's optical drive anytime soon.
What is the driver for the next generation of console? 3D? Some new super HD resolution? That won't happen BTW. Too much investment in making 1080p happen, going higher – and requiring yet another more expensive TV would alienate consumers. I'm just not seeing anything on the horizon that would act as a real driver for another 'next' generation.
I'm sure that a new generation will happen, but the lack of a strong driver is why I believe in the long cycle this time, that and the immense up-front costs of getting to this generation.
TheHighlander; I think you made a very good point there; yes HD was essentially the driver… HD gaming, and the hardware necessary to make HD gaming possible (or just possible). In addition Bluray has its advantageous to some degree…. we will see what the take up of this is; but let us not forget that many a casual person can simply purchase BD drive rather than having to get a PS3.
Anyways, I guess what will shape timelines and decisions will be more as a reactionary consequence rather than a pro-active one.
Whilst HD was the big ticket for proactive evolution of console hardware… we would need the next big event, ticket or threat to push Sony forward on the PS4 quickly, rather than delaying the hardware for another 5 years…
Q!
"i am home"
Last edited by Qubex on 7/17/2009 3:49:56 AM
Indeed. You know though, there's always the chance that something new, something unexpected will drive a new upgrade cycle. In that case I can't wait. Because it's always exciting when something new happens.
Good gaming ahead, one way or the other.
We dont need anything to drive a new upgrade cycle, it just happens naturally. The only reason to upgrade from the psx to ps2 is just more power, and a ps4 just needs to be more powerful than the ps3 to sell. Most games arent even running at a full 720p yet, so the next generation will probably focus on full 1080p HD and 7.1 channel surround. Essentially it will blur the line between game and movie quality even more.
Imo, Sony is brilliant for introducing the Cell in the ps3. The ps4 can use a cell with two PPC cores and 16 SPEs (just throwing out numbers, idk what im talking about). The devs already know how the cell works and will know even better after using the ps3 for a few more years. They wouldnt need to learn anything new for the ps4 but they will just be able to expand everything. Using the Cell again would guarantee ps3 backward compatibility, ps2 compatibility (if they really are making an ps2 emulator), and psx compatibility.
@no_smoking_bandit
With respect, I think you are wrong, let me explain why I think that.
I'll agree that part of the driver for the upgrade cycle from PlayStation to PlayStation 2 was the increase in CPU/GPU power and the advent of DVD ROM – the general growth of technology. However, the PS1 couldn't generate 480i or 480p images, the PS2 could, and it could play DVD. From a consumer point of view, the reasons were two fold, DVD and better resolution – the PS2 could use the full capability of their TV.
With the jump from PS2 to PS3 there are several drivers to upgrade. HDTVs are 1080p, instead of DVD there is BluRay, and finally a network service (PSN) and local HDD storage. The increased resolution, HD video playback, local storage of music and video and networking support are all drivers for the consumer to upgrade from the PS2. (Aside : The Xbox to 360 upgrade is a puzzle. The original Xbox was HD capable to 1080i, it had networking, local HDD and DVD. The 360 is an upgrade in hardware terms, but it doesn't really present much of an upgrade in capability from a consumer point of view.)
Now, most consumers don't give a crap whether the new console has 256MB of system memory or 4GB, they don't care if it has a 500MHz RSX or a 1GHz GTX 295. From a consumer point of view, the questions are do I need a new console to make use of my 1080p TYV? Can my console play HD movie discs (BluRay), can my console play music or stream video (from a network). The answer for PS3 on all of these is 'yes'. If you doubled the power of the PS3, it wouldn't meaningfully alter any of these things from the consumer point of view.
So, what is the driving force for upgrading to PS4? A hardware refresh?
Most PS3 games do render at 720p (with a very few 1080p), but I'll agree that there are some titles that have not. Most games include surround sound of one kind or another. having every game running at 1080p with full 7.1 sound would be better. Developers are still finding the limits of the PS3, it may in fact be able to do 1080p and 7.1, we just don't know yet. Some 3rd party developers have yet to really find their feet on the PS3. Don't let their unfamiliarity with the platform mislead you into thinking that the PS3 can't even render games at 720p or do surround sound.
I agree with you that the PS4 will likely be based on Cell technology. IBM laid out the strategy for the next generation cell, it's a combination of enhancements found in the PowerXCell Cell based processor and the inclusion of more cores (2 or 4 PPUs and up to 32 SPUs). I agree 100% with you about taking advantage of the Cell technology and their experience with it in PS3.
@jmo_INDY_Repub1
Usually, only masochist's would think so, LOL
i dont believe i said anything negative or derogatory towards you, so i dont believe i should be getting ones in return. If that comment wasnt aimed at me personally, i appologize ahead of time,ive tried to mature over the last month and try to earn back your guys respect,but i guess some people just arent mature enough to accept appoligies. I feel sorry for you. None of these definitions seem to be positive imo. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/masochist
its not flaming you bikersaint, it just has a link in it.
Wow, another great article and words of wisdom from a decision maker in the industry.
"We firmly believe in our first-party software strategy. I think it's not a short-term strategy; it's a very long-term, calculated strategy to say that we put the bulk of our investment into exclusive first-party titles, and they're all must haves."
"very long-term"
Isn't that what a lot of the more neutral commentators in the gaming industry have been saying? I know it's what some of the more level heads around here (Ben…Arnold…John…) have been saying. All these short term thinkers in the media and over at Microsoft run around screaming about the sky falling. They really ought to relax before they hurt themselves.
Cool
Playstation the Official Magazine's July and August prints have a "state of the union" in which they asked a whole bunch of developers what they thought of programming for PS3. Naughty Dog talks about what they're able to do with their games now, like implementing "pipe dreams" in Uncharted 2 (August print). Guerrilla Games even claimed the PS3's programming difficulty is undeserved (July print).
jmo_INDY_Repub1: From now on, I only want you to talk about games. That's it.
Personal matters of any kind don't belong in the Comment section (that goes for everyone, btw).
What if that personal matter concerns games?
Fine and i believe i was up there until Bikersaint and Canuck commented back. Like I said, I appologized. Now im done.
@jmo_INDY_Repub1,
Just want you to know, my comment wasn't a personal dig at you, & it wasn't even aimed at you at all.
It was just a bad joke about masocists liking pain, hence peeling lots & lots of onions so they can enjoy forever their happy tear-filled moments of pain.
Please re-look at that post, & you'll see that LOL that I had ALSO put up at the end.
AnywayS, originally I was one of the ones that was saying adios to you but since you've been back you've refrained from any BS, so I haven't said anything derogatory about you, or to you, since.
And as long as it stays that way, I won't either.
So continue to kick back, relax, & enjoy the site. OK?
@Ben, it's OK.
I just think he might've read into my post wrong & got the wrong impression it was aimed at him.
So I'm ok if he's ok, & you're ok. OK????
Last edited by BikerSaint on 7/17/2009 12:43:28 AM
alright? like i said if it wasnt a personal attack i appologize ahead of time,so im good.
Derrr, yeah now when is the rest of the gaming community gonna wake up and see this? Even though we are getting all the best top rated exclusives the hate is still out there.
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 7/17/2009 12:44:49 AM
@jmo_INDY_Repub1
We're cool, so no sweat.
alright man.
i cant wait for the next 12 to 18 months, in that period, we will probably get most of the following: GOW3, FF13, v13, The last guardian, Assassin's Creed2, Demon's Soul, WKC, Resonance of fate, Bayonetta, Castlevania lords of shadow, MGS Rising… the waiting is too long
Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 7/17/2009 1:24:48 AM
I really like how Sony are handling things.
Please don't hate me for saying this, but as of now I'm trying to think like an Xbox fanboy that has something to say about this that would defend on how the Xbox would have more games and exclusives for gamers to seek. The thing is I can't.
Before I judge anything, I try to view things at both sides to be as fair as possible. With how things are now, there is just no way that the Xbox 360 is the better choice of a gaming console to have. Of course it was in the early days of the ps3, but Sony's motive is at the long term, which is smart.
Comparing the PS3 to an onion was a bit weird but then the whole layer thing and the comment from jmo_INDY_Repub1 (Tears of Joy…good one by the way) made a lot more sense….
I can promise you guys this. Sony already knows exactly what they will do with the next generation (PS4) but right now they are just sitting on it and they keep evolving it as new tech comes out. So if or should I rather say when Microsoft makes their move and brings out their new console they will be there ready and waiting.
But then again MS will have new tech that will take a while to iron out the growing pains, just like with the 360 and also the PS3.
And during that time it will still have the PS3 to compete with until it gets on full steam and maybe take over the PS3's spot at the top. Only then will Sony bring out the PS4 with new tech that wasn't even there when the new Xbox came out. Same thing will happen with the PS3/PS4 than what's happening with the PS2/PS3…. That is if the PS2 isn't still around making money, that thing is some kinda monster that just keeps on going.
I mean the PS2 might be maxed out BUT it still delivers to this day. I think that's why Sony will bring BC back with an update or with the new slim model/price cut maybe hoping to shift all the focus and momentum towards the PS3.
I think I should buy a PS2 again even thou I have the 60GB/BC PS3 but just to have one somewhere to give my kid one day. You know give him/her some roots in gaming… I would get a PSone as well but over here they are basically impossible to find also I'd like to get them new not second hand so buying it online from someone is not an option.
Go PS2 forever,that thing is a freight train moving at 999 mph. That things not gonna stop because you throw a cardboard box (X-Box) in its path. Nor is it gonna stop for a guy moving his arms around begging it to stop (Wii).GOOD LUCK!!! How are you gonna find a new PSone if your not buying it online? just wondering.Oh and ty for the comment.
from the start when the ps3 had few games out when it launched i new sony was playing the long term game by releasing mainly quality titles and over the last 3 yrs the majority of games coming out are top class!!
compared to the xbox which had hundreds of games out but to be honest how many were good quality and worth playing? id say maybe 40 % were good!
hyes microsoft might bring out a new console but will it be worth the money? prob in the short term until sony responds with a well built and better machine
and my wee bro was a full on xbot right from the first xbox and now after his 2nd rrod he wouldnt touch another and is now a ps3 lover like myself:D
It's interesting how many people call the xbox 360 the better console because it has a better online service than the playstation 3's. But they forget that it's the games that they should be thinking about. Not xbox live.
It's sad that many people don't want to admit that. They will just end up looking at the sales.
The PS3 can be a dream console to develop for but they need to cut the price down to make this developing process even smoother!
I dont want a price cut, it is priced competively, thats the way it should be.If they priced it with whats actually in the PS3, it would be around $1000,which id still pay for btw,i think $400 is a good deal imo. So stop whining everyone,im srry if i made you feel like i was directing this at you, just everyone in general complaining.
Its like comparing caviar to tuna,the caviar tastes better and higher quality so it gets a higher price, the tuna is lower quality so it gets the lower price. I wonder how the PS3 tastes? hold on..*goes and licks the PS3* it tastes like plastic,not bad, now the 360, hold on…*goes and licks the 360* YUK!!! Dust tastes nasty! lmfao. haha (btw the PS3 is the caviar, and the 360 is the tuna. and hey, they match colors too.
That onion comment kinda reminded me of Shrek, but as for the fure i agree with Qubex and TheHighlander. I think that microsoft will try to suprise the gaming industry with a new console but i also agree with highlander that there won't be a market for it because either they over price it or they try to use a new type of tv.
@kevinater321
If Microsoft does have a new 720 coming anytime soon, I think we all know they'll try & bum-rush that one out too just to try & get a jump on Sony.
But the problem will be the same if they haven't learned their lesson with all the faulty 360's.
And if they still go their same usual "f*ck-it, let's just get it out there" route again, then it will be just another faulty combonation paperweight/doorstop too.
And I think that the only thing they'll actually speed up in that process, is a much faster pre-installed RROD.
lol umm ok , but ure right i believe real gamers pay more for the better product so did I. i also this 400 is a good price. i was taught if i want some thing get the best not the cheapest, cus u will spend more up grading in the end. it was obvious that the ps3 is better because of it higher price.
Last time I checked the PS3 had some (I think 2 or 3) games that supported 1080P with 7.1. I know Dead Space and MGS4 look superb in 1080P.
There is one fundamental difference between a PS3 and an Xbox 360: its makers.
Sony has always been and to this day remains, an innovation company.
Microsoft has always been and to this day, remains, an imitation company.
The PS3 we saw at launch 2 years ago, was just the very tip of a very large, vertically integrated product cycle, from geniuses who think way ahead of the curve (now have to wait for developers to catch up, as they finally learne what Sony did there, with their machine and how to prog. for it..)
The 360 we saw at launch, was just the very tip of large, vertically integrated , broken pile of shit. One so big that attracted a swarm of young, half-blind, adolescent flies in large numbers, despite the 30% failure rate in it's ability to serve it's function as, functioning a pile of shit.
Sony's demonstrated motion controllers are for gamers. Natal, is for people to wave their arms around, to lessen the stank eminating from under their TV stand. Should be called Anal.
We have an innovative company that made a product to last, and grow in functionality over it's entire life cycle, versus, a copy-cat of everything, ever company, that spits out a half-assed imitation product in short spurts and mixed results.
Which is too bad, because there are som really good games on that there stink pile of a machine.
Go Sony