Ben-DutkaWhen it was revealed that the PlayStation 4 wouldn't launch in Japan until February 22, 2014, many asked the inevitable question: Why?
After all, it's traditionally accepted that a new Japanese console launches first in Japan, and Western gamers usually have to wait. So why the reversal for the upcoming generation?
There are a number of reasons, as cited by Bloomberg . Primarily, the release gap allows Sony to appropriately handle demand in the US, and they can also focus on the biggest sales markets for the peak holiday season. Sony boss Andrew House reminded everyone of the "tough experience" Sony went through when the PS3 first launched in the US in November of 2006:
"We had a tough experience of supply not meeting demand at an early stage of introduction for PS2 and PS3. This time, we want to avoid that happening again. We want to launch it when we can meet the volume."
Piper Jaffray analyst Michael Olson has predicted that the PS4 and Xbox One will combine to sell around 3 million units worldwide this year, and it's clear that Sony will have to meet that demand, or risk more bad press. We all remember the PS3 launch and the ensuing headlines, right? It was doom and gloom from the start, and while price and lack of software was a concern, lack of availability really kicked the hate machine into high gear.
Sony just doesn't want that to happen again, which makes sense. And it also makes sense that they want to hit the holiday season in the West.
I suppose that makes some sense, they would need an additional 1-2 million consoles for Japan. They do have Christmas there though, missing that is gonna hurt.
whodathunkit?
Shinto Buddhism is still pretty prevalent.
So I should be thankful that I live in a region that's split between PlayStation and Xbox? I suppose so in this case. Normally, I hate it. Too many casual gamers into only shooters and who couldn't spot an artistic video game even after months of explanation.
Not everyone's goal in gaming is to sob like a baby over a dead female in a game or bawl about a nameless, faceless character making a trek up a mountain. Some people just want to game for the fun of it. Relax after a hard day's work, shut the brain off, and game. Of all the beauty and wonder in the world, you feel you need to be 'enlightened' by a video game? Good on you, keep the Kleenex near while you play Unfinished Swan. But don't knock on people that just want to enjoy themselves. And, no COD is not killing the artistic side of gaming. Before this generation, there wasn't really an artistic side, save a few like ICO, Okami and Shadow of the Colossus. Now, I have Puppeteer sitting on the to do pile tonite and many, many others in the collection that I have had the pleasure of playing. Just suppprt the games you like with your money and they will keep making them. That's the key thing though. Not speaking of you in particular, but talking a big game on the net and not buying those games does absolutely nothing but serve an ego. People need to put their money where their mouth is.
yeah i know what you mean but you have to feel for the japanese a bit even if they are a big market it certainly will be interesting to see how al this plays out.
happy gaming =)
and yes the stupid many casual gamers into only shooters are a anoiyance.
happy gaming =)
common sense really.
$ony can release the ps4 whenever they want in asia its not going to affect the sales.
so why waste what little stock you have on a market which is not going to see the benefit?
plus not to mention we dont know what it costs $ony to make each ps4, but profitability is always higher on the games.
so why waste stock on a region where the games, knack, KZSF, and driveclub wont be selling too well?
youd be much better off holding release till you have some games which will actually sell in said region.
If I recall, I also remember seeing that Japan is not all that receptive to a new console and sales are expected to be somewhat flat compared to previous system releases….perhaps by seeing the system in action and seeing consumer response, the buzz in Asia might increase interest.