It’s no secret that Sony’s PlayStation 3 is a huge success like its predecessor. With the wrong choice of marketing, bad press, sloppy ports and a hefty price tag, the successor to the PlayStation 2 spent its early years trying hard to appeal to gamers on a wide scale.
Although the PS3 has become recognized as a gaming machine worth the bucks in many parts of the world, Sony has found it a bit difficult to gain needed traction in the biggest video game market on the planet; the United States.
Putting a significant dent in Microsoft’s Xbox 360 lead in this part of the world has been a challenge for the Japanese conglomerate and it’s something that most likely won’t happen before the introduction of the next generation of home consoles.
Fortunately, this is an issue Sony Computer Entertainment is aware of. By its own acknowledgment Sony has taken a close look at all the things that went wrong with the PS3 and have learned from its mistakes with the system.
What can Sony do to ensure a better worldwide position with the PlayStation 4?
Create a system that’s developer friendly: This is a step Sony has already begun to take with its new handheld, the PlayStation Vita. From the very beginning Sony worked with developers around the world to create a new system that was easy for them to work on and not a confusing piece of technology that the PS3 was for some early on. There’s no reason why Sony won’t continue this practise for the PS4.
Secure a robust lineup of launch titles: Just about every new system is guilty of launching with only one good game out of several contenders. With the PS Vita’s healthy lineup of launch titles it appears that this tradition will soon change. And if rumors are to believed, Sony’s in-house studios may already be working on the next big thing for the PS4.
The PS4 must not be priced higher than the competition: Consumers like to save money. They’d rather spend their hard earned bucks on a lower priced product that plays games just like that higher priced item. This was a hard lesson to learn for Sony but judging by executives in the know, you probably won’t need a second job to afford the PS4.
Sony should release the system closer to its competitors’: It’s never a good idea to be a year late to the party…unless you’re Nintendo.
Ditch the multiple console launch: A popular practice with companies these days is releasing two different versions of their products that feature separate functions. Apple, Sony, Microsoft, many in the business of selling high end electronics have all done it. Would it be too much to ask is everyone just released one system at one price with all the bells and whistle included from the start?
Improve the PlayStation Network: Would gamers throw a tantrum if Sony chose to start charging for playing games online if it meant a better multiplayer experience? Probably. But it needs to be done. Just make sure the price is right, Sony. Also, don’t forget cross game chat. People seem to love that.
PlayStation is a strong brand name that has been around for a very long time. Despite missteps made early on, Sony’s PlayStation 3 has gained momentum over the years. With the Vita set to release to an enthusiastic crowd one can only imagine what the future holds for the PlayStation 4.
Loading ...
