Sony Should Skip A Generation

What I'm saying is Sony should not release a Playstation 4 when we think the 8th generation will start in 2011 or 2012; but instead release the Playstation 4 when the 9th generation starts in 2015-2017. I'm not saying skip a genration like cease support for PS3 and start again with the PS4, I'm saying just keep going with the PS3 (like at the level of support they are at now or more) and just don't release the PS4 until 2015-2017 (when the 9th generations starts).

Heres why:

Sony lost 3 billion dollars on Playstation 3 due to development, sales, and the price of the console. This is more than they made on the Playstation 2. There are no financial benifits to release a Playstation 4 when the 8th generation starts in 2011/2012. The Playstation 2 continued to sell more than the 360 until last year.

The Playstation 2 continues to sell very well, clocking in at a very respectable 144.1K in the August NPD results, keep in mind this is a console that was released in October of 2000 in the U.S. Sony barely even supports the Playstation 2 anymore so this is even more amazing. This shows that if Sony did skip a generation and continued to support the Playstation 3 it would sell even more than the Playstation 2 is selling now; now to what degree depends on how much they continue to support the Playstation 3 in the future (after the 8th generation starts).

The benifit of releaseing the Playstation 4 in the 9th generation is:

• Sony would have had time to develop it (from 2007-time of release) this is good because the cost of the technology in the Playstation 4 would have gone down over the course of development. This in turn would result in a cheaper launch price.
• Developers would have had ample time over the long PS4 development process to develop games to the fullest instead of rushing to launch with the console, development kits would be updated due to long development
• Playstation 3 would have a similar (if not better) game library to the Playstation 2 at this time. This is because games take longer to develop now, because of the long life cycle more and more games would be released on the Playstation 3. If a Playstation 4 launched in 2011 or 2012 let's be honest the Playstation 3 library would look lackluster (in terms of size) compared to the Playstation 2.
• The cost of the Playstation 3 is inevitibly going to go down as technology costs reduce, this results in more sales because of price drops that will not cause the company to lose money. Different models can be released (much like the Playstation 2 Slim SKU)
• A large Backwards Compatibility library for the Playstation 4 (assuming the PS4 has backwards compatibility)
• The Playstation 3 will be competitive with the Xbox 3 and the Wii 2 because of firmware updates, on top of that the Playstation 3 will have a far superior game library in comparison to the just out of the gate Xbox 3 and Wii 2, and at a lower price

Some may say it is a bad idea for Sony to release to Playstation 4 in the 9th generation instead of the 8th because the competition will have the upper hand in terms of technology. This is not true because there is something called the law of diminishing returns, for example as you get closer and closer to the speed of light time slows down. In this case as you get closer to reality in terms of graphics, processing etc... the jump from one generation to the next becomes less and less impressive. Lets say Microsoft for example releases the Xbox 3 in 2011 or 2012 and then releases the Xbox 4 in 2015-1017. The jump from Xbox 360 to Xbox 3 will be less impressive than the Xbox to the Xbox 360. The jump from the Xbox 3 to Xbox 4 will be less impressive than the jump from the Xbox 360 to the Xbox 3. The Playstation 4 (launching 2015-2017), while still bound to this law will be a larger jump from the Playstation 3 than the Xbox 3 to the Xbox 4(launching 2015-2017) simply because Sony skipped the previous generation opting not the update the technology until PS4. In the consumers mind they will see that the Xbox 4 is not much of an update from the Xbox 3 while the Playstation 4 had a much larger jump from the Playstation 3. The consumer will prefer to pay for something they see is a larger jump from what they already have, as opposed to something with a smaller jump.

Overall this is good news for both Playstation 3 owners, Playstation 4 buyers and Sony because the Playstation 3 owners will have had gotten their money's worth with a 9-11 year console lifespan. Playstation 4 owners will inherit a console cheaper than the competition and better games due the the very long PS4 development time. It is good for Sony because they will be able to make a comeback by having sales similar to PS2 with the PS3 simply because it was out (and supported) for so long, and will have a great launch into the 9th generation.

i too think they should skip a generation because of the fact that they try to keep their systems around for about 10 years (which i think theyll give up soon anyway) but if theyre still making ps2 games theyll be making ps3 games long after the ps4 comes out therefore no motivation to get a ps4 if theyre making more ps3 games. also the psp will be around but a minor detail

but obviously sony wants to try to make money anyway so they prolly wouldnt listen to reason

edt. also ...... you should send this to sony i know they prolly dont listen to people like us often but if they knew whats good for them they would

No then the PS3 will be outdated.Duckman5

Not really, there are firmware updates that can continue to update the PS3. Even if it was outdated the PS2 is till selling strong and this is for a console barely any support. Imagine of Sony still supported the PS2 even if it was outdated it will be a serious competetor.

No then the PS3 will be outdated.Duckman5

the ps2 is but they dont stop making stuff for it cause they have that "10 year" bullcrap policy

[QUOTE="Duckman5"]No then the PS3 will be outdated.armyman455

the ps2 is but they dont stop making stuff for it cause they have that "10 year" bullcrap policy

Yeah but now not many people are buying the games and it is leeching off of potential PS3 buyers and software buyers.

[QUOTE="Duckman5"]No then the PS3 will be outdated.spidadragon1

Not really, there are firmware updates that can continue to update the PS3. Even if it was outdated the PS2 is till selling strong and this is for a console barely any support. Imagine of Sony still supported the PS2 even if it was outdated it will be a serious competetor.

also agreed

The generation skip is to keep support of the PS3 strong (after 8th generation starts) while behind the scenes developing PS4 and PS4 games. Because of the long development time the costs of the parts in the PS4 will go down so when the PS4 launches:

It will have a better game library

and

It will be cheaper

Graphics arent really the issue

The generation skip is to keep support of the PS3 strong (after 8th generation starts) while behind the scenes developing PS4 and PS4 games. Because of the long development time the costs of the parts in the PS4 will go down so when the PS4 launches:

It will have a better game library

and

It will be cheaper

Graphics arent really the issue

spidadragon1

What would sony tell developers during this time? "We have a new console coming but will keep the PS3 for a few more year; however feel free to develop games for the next console in the mean time." That would be a losing strategy.

[QUOTE="spidadragon1"]

The generation skip is to keep support of the PS3 strong (after 8th generation starts) while behind the scenes developing PS4 and PS4 games. Because of the long development time the costs of the parts in the PS4 will go down so when the PS4 launches:

It will have a better game library

and

It will be cheaper

Graphics arent really the issue

Duckman5

What would sony tell developers during this time? "We have a new console coming but will keep the PS3 for a few more year; however feel free to develop games for the next console in the mean time." That would be a losing strategy.

What are you talking about before a new genration starts development companies work on multiple games, some for the gen at the time and others for the next gen. Then there are internal studios that can work on both also...

[QUOTE="Duckman5"][QUOTE="spidadragon1"]

The generation skip is to keep support of the PS3 strong (after 8th generation starts) while behind the scenes developing PS4 and PS4 games. Because of the long development time the costs of the parts in the PS4 will go down so when the PS4 launches:

It will have a better game library

and

It will be cheaper

Graphics arent really the issue

spidadragon1

What would sony tell developers during this time? "We have a new console coming but will keep the PS3 for a few more year; however feel free to develop games for the next console in the mean time." That would be a losing strategy.

What are you talking about before a new genration starts development companies work on multiple games, some for the gen at the time and others for the next gen. Then there are internal studios that can work on both also...

Yes but your saying they should push the PS3 and the PS4 at the same time. That's spreading the devs thin and not to mention Microsoft and nintendo might already have their new systems out so developers might not feel like taking all these extra steps for Sony.

The generation skip is to keep support of the PS3 strong (after 8th generation starts) while behind the scenes developing PS4 and PS4 games. Because of the long development time the costs of the parts in the PS4 will go down so when the PS4 launches:

It will have a better game library

and

It will be cheaper

Graphics arent really the issue

spidadragon1

no i dont think they should.

gaming is forever, its entertainment thats gonna be with us for a long time. sony im sure, will learn from their arrogant mistakes with the ps3 and make the ps4 would the ps3 shouldve been from the start.

I believe Sony will release a new console when new technology is available...thats what makes a next gen console. PS1 was using CDs, PS2 DVDs, PS3 Blu-Ray....naz18h

There is no benifit for only downloaded games, it takes up too much space, not everyon will be able to do it, you have to wait varying amounts of time to download, what of something happens to your harddrive? You have nothing tangible to prove you ever bought the game.

the ps3 will last 10 years so 7 years from now there will be a ps4, thats how it will be

There is no benifit for only downloaded games, it takes up too much space, not everyon will be able to do it, you have to wait varying amounts of time to download, what of something happens to your harddrive? You have nothing tangible to prove you ever bought the game.

spidadragon1

This is a nicely thought up idea but it won't happen. Also to the person saying the pushing the ps3 and the ps4 at the same time wouldn't be good motivation....that's backwards. You give something the less capable console they like it and upgrade. PS3 is doing very well at the moment and the PlayStation brand as a whole is making A LOT of money. PSP, PS2 and PS3 are selling very well and PS3 is no longer making losses due to it costing a bomb to manufacture. Sony knew this, they built a console that if release even in 2009 would have been very impressive graphically but they wanted to shape the industry and bend it to their strength.

They did this with Blu-Ray. blu-Ray has won the format war and that by default means they have sealed the future. For instance the majority of companies who are designing games for the 360 have said they are close to squeezing every drop of potential out of the 360. The same people have said that Cell in the PS3 eats everything they throw at it. The cell has 8 3.2ghz processors, 1 is used as a backup and one is used for the operating system. This leaves 6 3.2ghz processors for the games. The vast majority of PS3 games don't even use these they use 1 or sometimes 2. I may be wrong but I believe COD4 uses 4 of these just to balance the workload but we know it can run on 2 because the 360 does it. (360 uses 1 for the operating system also).

So the PS3 has long lasting potential but hitting anywhere near the top is only achievable by big companies. Smaller companies and starting companies can design for the PS2 or PSP and both of them are still selling extremely well and still having ALOT of games coming out for them.

When the PS4 comes out the roles will switch, PS4 will have the potential and PS3 will be easier for smaller companies and will have a massive install base. For the PS4 they could simply give it 3 or so of the more updated cell processors, more memory and still use Blu-Ray. Blu-Ray has 100gb and 200gb discs in the works, these are compatible with the PS3 but we don't yet know if we will hit them soon. 200gb also may not be the limit of blu-ray.

Whatever Sony decides, PS3 will simply assumed PS2's role and PS4 will take the throne of an expensive high end console that only big companies can design for if they want to challenge it. The 10 year rule on the consoles won't change, it will be longer if anything. PS3 was built with potential as it's key feature because they know it's atleast a 10 year console.

So overall whenever they release the PS4, Sony will be making a lot of money. As common sense tells you Sony knew before they released the PS3 that it would make losses. PS4 will more than likely be the same. But in the end PS3 will rain supreme when it starts replacing the PS2 as a more affordable console. Then they will build the PS4 to follow in the PS3's footsteps.

I could have sworn Sony said that the PS3 would have a cycle of 10 years. Its been out for like 2 years. You figure they won't realease another console for AT LEAST 6 years. I think that's plenty of time for technology to advance for the next generation. Hell, developing another console in earnest isn't probably feasible for another six years. Preliminary research won't be done for a good long time.SSJ4x2Gogeta

Well they already have done priliminary reaserch since 2007

[QUOTE="naz18h"]I believe Sony will release a new console when new technology is available...thats what makes a next gen console. PS1 was using CDs, PS2 DVDs, PS3 Blu-Ray....gagit811

that next step would mean the death of sony. i dont see how forcing people to download games when they dont want to would help sony. and you say people would just get used to downloading games? wtf...that's like saying people would get used to bush after 8 years

[QUOTE="naz18h"]I believe Sony will release a new console when new technology is available...thats what makes a next gen console. PS1 was using CDs, PS2 DVDs, PS3 Blu-Ray....gagit811

Why would the 8th generation even start in 2012? It shouldn't start until like 2014 or so.

But I really like this idea. And graphics aren't really that big of an issue because I think we're at the point where graphics can't get that much better.

Why would the 8th generation even start in 2012? It shouldn't start until like 2014 or so.

But I really like this idea. And graphics aren't really that big of an issue because I think we're at the point where graphics can't get that much better.

king23_

LOL oh they can trust me, graphics will get better every generation.

[QUOTE="king23_"]

Why would the 8th generation even start in 2012? It shouldn't start until like 2014 or so.

But I really like this idea. And graphics aren't really that big of an issue because I think we're at the point where graphics can't get that much better.

G-Legend

LOL oh they can trust me, graphics will get better every generation.

[QUOTE="G-Legend"][QUOTE="king23_"]

Why would the 8th generation even start in 2012? It shouldn't start until like 2014 or so.

But I really like this idea. And graphics aren't really that big of an issue because I think we're at the point where graphics can't get that much better.

king23_

LOL oh they can trust me, graphics will get better every generation.

C'mon Wii already pulled the graphics arent really gonna get better this gen card, and we all know they were wrong.. The next gen will have CGI quality graphics im sure..

[QUOTE="king23_"][QUOTE="G-Legend"][QUOTE="king23_"]

Why would the 8th generation even start in 2012? It shouldn't start until like 2014 or so.

But I really like this idea. And graphics aren't really that big of an issue because I think we're at the point where graphics can't get that much better.

warbmxjohn

LOL oh they can trust me, graphics will get better every generation.

C'mon Wii already pulled the graphics arent really gonna get better this gen card, and we all know they were wrong.. The next gen will have CGI quality graphics im sure..

The Wii's an exception, but yes the graphics will DEFINATELY get better, maybe not quite CGI yet, but VERY close to it.

You make valid points, but then again, you know nothing about business. Skipping a generation, would actually erase Sony of the market. The 3 billion losses are predicted even before they happen, PS2 did not turned into the profit zone until 4 years after release. Even if they kept supporting the PS3 for that long time, they would need to release "renewed" models every couple of months to keep showing that it is not something old, which would actually cost a lot, since they would have to change production matrixes all the time, and that alone is what costs the most.kenshinhimura16

I'm not saying skip a generation like cease all support I'm saying just don't release the PS4 until the 9th generation instead of the 8th. If Sony didn't release the PS3 until now or a year from now and kept going with the PS2 Sony would be fine.

I'm not saying that this idea will be benificial to Sony in all degrees, there are some positives and negatives. But its good for the consumer, they get their moneys worth with the PS3 and the PS4 launches will a good library of games and at a relatively low price.

[QUOTE="kenshinhimura16"]You make valid points, but then again, you know nothing about business. Skipping a generation, would actually erase Sony of the market. The 3 billion losses are predicted even before they happen, PS2 did not turned into the profit zone until 4 years after release. Even if they kept supporting the PS3 for that long time, they would need to release "renewed" models every couple of months to keep showing that it is not something old, which would actually cost a lot, since they would have to change production matrixes all the time, and that alone is what costs the most.spidadragon1

I'm not saying skip a generation like cease all support I'm saying just don't release the PS4 until the 9th generation instead of the 8th. If Sony didn't release the PS3 until now or a year from now and kept going with the PS2 Sony would be fine.

I'm not saying that this idea will be benificial to Sony in all degrees, there are some positives and negatives. But its good for the consumer, they get their moneys worth with the PS3 and the PS4 launches will a good library of games and at a relatively low price.

No, the moment Sony decides to skip a generation, is the moment they quitted as console makers. You are taking this from a benefits point of view, and that is not the proper aim at the situation. I guess you are still in the 12-16 range of age, so you wouldnt know what I mean. If Sony did not released the PS3 in 2006, there would be no market for it today. You assume too much, the PS4 would release with a crap library, with basically no support given the fact that there was nothing done in the previous gen. The PS3 is already suffering after a 1 year delay, imagine a 6 year delay. Continue to dream if you want to, but real life does not work that way. You may dissaprove of what they did this gen by forcing BD into the console, and having a higher price but that was their market model. If Sega released a console today, would anyone buy it? No, and the only support behind it would be from 1st party studios and a few 2nd party.

[QUOTE="spidadragon1"]

[QUOTE="kenshinhimura16"]You make valid points, but then again, you know nothing about business. Skipping a generation, would actually erase Sony of the market. The 3 billion losses are predicted even before they happen, PS2 did not turned into the profit zone until 4 years after release. Even if they kept supporting the PS3 for that long time, they would need to release "renewed" models every couple of months to keep showing that it is not something old, which would actually cost a lot, since they would have to change production matrixes all the time, and that alone is what costs the most.kenshinhimura16

I'm not saying skip a generation like cease all support I'm saying just don't release the PS4 until the 9th generation instead of the 8th. If Sony didn't release the PS3 until now or a year from now and kept going with the PS2 Sony would be fine.

I'm not saying that this idea will be benificial to Sony in all degrees, there are some positives and negatives. But its good for the consumer, they get their moneys worth with the PS3 and the PS4 launches will a good library of games and at a relatively low price.

No, the moment Sony decides to skip a generation, is the moment they quitted as console makers. You are taking this from a benefits point of view, and that is not the proper aim at the situation. I guess you are still in the 12-16 range of age, so you wouldnt know what I mean. If Sony did not released the PS3 in 2006, there would be no market for it today. You assume too much, the PS4 would release with a crap library, with basically no support given the fact that there was nothing done in the previous gen. The PS3 is already suffering after a 1 year delay, imagine a 6 year delay. Continue to dream if you want to, but real life does not work that way. You may dissaprove of what they did this gen by forcing BD into the console, and having a higher price but that was their market model. If Sega released a console today, would anyone buy it? No, and the only support behind it would be from 1st party studios and a few 2nd party.

Yeah I agree that Sony would miss out on a lot of info if they skipped a generation.. Theres so much that they learn just from participating in the console market, just cause this industy is ever changing.