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What Must The PS4 Do To Convince Consumers Out Of The Gate?

There are a number of factors to consider when making any sizable purchase.

And assuming the PlayStation 4 will be viewed by most as a "sizable purchase," what do you think is the most critical element for the new machine?

Many will make it simple- "Just gimme the games I want," they'll say. Ah, but that's wicked subjective and what that translates to for Sony is, "Give the PS4 games that sell." And that means that we'll either need amazing-looking exclusives that are promoted to the death or recognizable franchise names like Uncharted , Gran Turismo , Killzone , etc. But of course, it's more complicated than that.

Price is always a huge issue; is it the biggest issue for most consumers? Or is it more like, "I'll pay a little more if the games kick ass?" Then again, if the system is $600 or more, many simply won't be able to swing it, regardless of software quality. Then there's the question of backwards compatibility, which is always a sticky situation early on during a generation. Sony was right in saying the cry for b/c wanes as a generation moves on (that's only logical), but right off the bat, gamers are gonna have a lot of PS3 titles they'll still want to play. Let's not forget that PS3 games will continue to be made for at least a couple years after the PS4 launches… Furthermore, what about available space in an entertainment center or something like that…?

So what's most important for you? What tops your list? What will Sony have to produce for you to say, "Yes, I'm getting the PS4 on day one"?

Report: Sony Internal Studios Cranking On PS4 Games

The last rumor we heard concerning the PlayStation 4 seemed kinda vague. All we knew is that it might launch in 2013, which doesn't mean a heck of a lot.

But is Sony already starting to allocate software development resources to their new piece of hardware? According to a Develop report , sources "within Sony's internal studio structure" have apparently confirmed that first-party teams have begun "preliminary work" on PS4 games. Yeah, you read that correctly.

Furthermore, a few of those teams might be able to enter the full production phase very soon. The report doesn't name names, so we just have to speculate: this could involve any studio; heavy hitters include Sucker Punch ( inFamous , Sly Cooper ), Naughty Dog ( Uncharted ), Sony Santa Monica ( God of War ), Polyphony Digital ( Gran Turismo ), and Guerilla Games ( Killzone ). Sony has some amazing teams under their umbrella so anything they do should be highly anticipated.

Sony has said from the start that the PS3 will have a 10-year lifespan. But remember, that doesn't mean the PS3 can't continue on after the PS4 launches. The PS2 went strong for quite a few years after the PS3 released, remember?  The PS2 lasted a good 10 years if you look at it that way.