Does Sony need an iconic brand?

Now, before I am flamed into oblivion, let me say that I own a PS3, and I am very happy with the console. The exclusives that it offers are typical Sony first party: that is to say, VERY good.

But it took a while for the quality to start pouring in. I mean, let's call a spade a spade. The PS3 didn't have any MUST OWN exclusives until mid-2008, about two years after the system launched, and even then, you had to be a Metal Gear Solid fan. Sure you had the occasional glimpse of Sony's first party studios at work, like Uncharted or Resistance, but those games are forgettable.

After all, how many times did you see people bringing it up a year after launch? How about two years? Now compare that to Halo 3, and you'll see what I mean.

It wasn't until around 2009 that the system truly became worth owning on it's own merits. Games like Uncharted 2, Demon's Souls, Killzone 2, etc. Those were the games that got people excited about owning a PS3, and not just a "next gen console." And look at the line up for this year and next year! Lord have mercy. If you like the titles Sony's first party can turn out, you're set. And I mean set.

I only problem is that Sony doesn't have the icon. You know, the one brand. The Halo. The Mario. The Zelda. The Metroid. The Half-Life. The StarCraft. The Civilization. The 1st brand that defines the system. Sure, you could argue MGS, I guess, but the series hasn't been exclusive to Sony systems for quite some time. The closest thing Sony has is God of War, and while it's a damn fine series, Kratos is no Master Chief. He's no Link. He's no Mario. He's no Gordon Freeman. He doesn't define the system.

So the question is, System Wars, do they NEED that title, that defining game? Or do they already have it, and I'm just wrong?

It's coming November brah. SilverChimera

I assume you are talking about MGS4? That came out about 1.5 years (actually less) after the PS3 launched in the U.S., and even sooner in Europe (PS3 launched in 2007 in Europe). 2008 brought us MGS, Resistance 2, and the award winning LBP. That was the turn around year for many users, including myself.

As far as Iconic Brand, that's what the PS Brand is all about. In fact, not having what you consider an Iconic Brand seemed to work for the PSOne and PS2.

As far as Sales Monster games, PS Brand has Gran Turismo, which saleswise, it's the Halo for PS.

Gran Turismotagyhag

[QUOTE="tagyhag"]Gran TurismoDarkLink77

i don't sony has anything like that,

ratchet and clank?

Eh,back in the day sony tried to push Crash Bandicoot to a Sonic or Mario mascot level,but that didn´t worked out.

Maybe sackboy can do that for sony,but then again sackboy is just a husk...

[QUOTE="tagyhag"]Gran TurismoDarkLink77

I think Nathan Drake is a good enough icon; he issoo sexy....

You're right. PS3 has no icon!:|

[QUOTE="tagyhag"]Gran TurismoDarkLink77

And look what happens with Halo, they lose bungie and stil try no matter what make halos, and there you have the 2011 lineup: kinect.

I like the way sony does things about their games. You're always going to have stuff you enjoy. As to nowadays, since sony bought MM, sackboy would be the "icon".

Also, this tune will never die for me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekqYhP8PhMg

I'd have loved if they just remade it :X

Eh,back in the day sony tried to push Crash Bandicoot to a Sonic or Mario mascot level,but that didn´t worked out.

Maybe sackboy can do that for sony,but then again sackboy is just a husk...

Arach666

[QUOTE="tagyhag"]Gran TurismoDarkLink77

hum..but Gran Turismo is inarguably the most popular franchise that Sony has. you have no idea how big Gran Turismo is in Asia and Europe.

[QUOTE="DarkLink77"][QUOTE="tagyhag"]Gran Turismotagyhag

[QUOTE="tagyhag"][QUOTE="DarkLink77"] It's not on the same level. Halo defines the Xbox. The system lives and breathes around Halo. Nintendo lives and dies by Mario and Zelda, for the most part. Sony does not live and die by GT.DarkLink77

maybe a different icon for each region

[QUOTE="Brownesque"]Sure, you've got high-end exclusives like Gran Turismo, Resistance, InFamous, Uncharted, and God of War, but you need an ICON!! Such a bogus argument. Evidently Sony is doing just fine without an icon.DarkLink77

They have their their own styIe, and I don't think they should try to emulate Nintendo in this aspect. As a gamer, I'm fine with it as it is. What hurt the PS3 is the horrible $600 sales price at the beginning of the gen, not the lack of having this character.

PSOne and PS2 didn't need it, and Sony themselves have spoken over and over and over on the subject, they don't want it.

For the record, the PSOne and PS2 were the Leading #1 consoles of their time, and they didn't need this Icon mascot for the brand.

[QUOTE="DarkLink77"][QUOTE="tagyhag"]Gran Turismoblitzcloud

And look what happens with Halo, they lose bungie and stil try no matter what make halos, and there you have the 2011 lineup: kinect.

I like the way sony does things about their games. You're always going to have stuff you enjoy. As to nowadays, since sony bought MM, sackboy would be the "icon".

[QUOTE="tagyhag"][QUOTE="DarkLink77"] It's not on the same level. Halo defines the Xbox. The system lives and breathes around Halo. Nintendo lives and dies by Mario and Zelda, for the most part. Sony does not live and die by GT.DarkLink77

I can't tell. I don't think they are trying very hard if they are trying. I don't feel they have been trying at all honestly, and I don't think they can't seem to get there. That is the opposite of the PS philosphy.

They could spend more money marketing, and less money making new IPs/games if that were the case. The Heavy marketing is one way to create and push an icon, and Sony doesn't seem to spend nearly as much on marketing if they were trying.

They said said in the past they aren't going to try for that, they don't want one type of mascot to identify their brand. It's what makes PS, PS.

Like I said, the PSOne and PS2 dominated the last two gens, and they didn't need it then, either.

I really would not consider it a good thing that a console lives and dies by just one or two good games, Sony is known for having such a variety of games and characters and thats a great thing even if it means Kratos has some spotlight stolen from Nathan Drake and Sackboy.

[QUOTE="Arach666"]

Eh,back in the day sony tried to push Crash Bandicoot to a Sonic or Mario mascot level,but that didn´t worked out.

Maybe sackboy can do that for sony,but then again sackboy is just a husk...

tagyhag

[QUOTE="DarkLink77"][QUOTE="Brownesque"]Sure, you've got high-end exclusives like Gran Turismo, Resistance, InFamous, Uncharted, and God of War, but you need an ICON!! Such a bogus argument. Evidently Sony is doing just fine without an icon.SolidTy

They have their their own styIe, and I don't think they should try to emulate Nintendo in this aspect. As a gamer, I'm fine with it as it is. What hurt the PS3 is the horrible $600 sales price at the beginning of the gen, not the lack of having this character.

Actually seems SONY isn't trying to make an iconic character for them even in Japan as I remember Toro was ranked as the 7th most famous video game character in Japan yet SONY refuse giving Toro its own game all they do is add it as a character in other games like Minna no golf, LBP...etc.

[QUOTE="Brownesque"]Sure, you've got high-end exclusives like Gran Turismo, Resistance, InFamous, Uncharted, and God of War, but you need an ICON!! Such a bogus argument. Evidently Sony is doing just fine without an icon.DarkLink77

because the Playstations have ALOT of defining games. GTA became massive because of the Playstation. so is Gran Turismo, so is Crash Bandicoot. Playstation put Final Fantasy on the map. alot of series became popular because of the Playstation brand. Twisted Metal, Jak & Daxter, Syphon Filter, Medal of Honor, Tenchi, Tekken, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Tonk Hawk, Persona, Ratchet, Devil May Cry, God of War, etc.

Actually seems SONY isn't trying to make an iconic character for them even in Japan an I remember Toro was ranked as the 7th most famous video game character in Japan yet SONY refuse giving Toro its own game all they do is add it as a character in other games like Minna no golf, LBP...etc.

Kashiwaba

Yeah, I remember that character, insanely popular. Sony already already stated a few times in the past, they aren't looking or trying for one particular mascot character to keep the PS Brand more open to a wider audience.

That worked for two gens, but hurt them when they shafted that wide audience with a high price tag this generation.

I don't think they have been trying, honestly.

[QUOTE="DarkLink77"][QUOTE="Brownesque"]Sure, you've got high-end exclusives like Gran Turismo, Resistance, InFamous, Uncharted, and God of War, but you need an ICON!! Such a bogus argument. Evidently Sony is doing just fine without an icon.rawr89

because the Playstations have ALOT of defining games. GTA became massive because of the Playstation. so is Gran Turismo, so is Crash Bandicoot. Playstation put Final Fantasy on the map. alot of series became popular because of the Playstation brand. Twisted Metal, Jak & Daxter, Syphon Filter, Medal of Honor, Tenchi, Tekken, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Tonk Hawk, Persona, Ratchet, Devil May Cry, God of War, etc.

Crash Bandicoot is hardly iconic, and neither is Jak nor Rachet. And Final Fantasy was huge BEFORE it was on a Sony system.

The others in bold were not "because of the brand."

Must own is certainly a matter of opinion. I found Uncharted to be a must own title, and hardly forgettable. My system has been used constantly since being purchased at launch (this is in a manner of speaking, as this is not the same system I bought at launch, but you can catch my drift).

Also, if having a "mascot" means that there is one IP that will be constantly rehashed at the expense of new IPs and variety, no thanks. I don't need a mascot to make me enjoy my system, I need a bunch of great games that all get love from Sony.

When their main competitor basically only has Halo I say Sony is doing pretty good. I wouldn't trade all those Sony IPs for just one like Halo. If that happens I would stop buying Sony consoles because that's just to mediocre for my tastes.kuraimen

Grand Turismo

I don't think Sony really needs a central iconic brand really. They have so many others spread around instead of just having one. It seems to work well for them.

And Final Fantasy was huge BEFORE it was on a Sony system.DarkLink77

[QUOTE="DarkLink77"]And Final Fantasy was huge BEFORE it was on a Sony system.Giancar

[QUOTE="kuraimen"]When their main competitor basically only has Halo I say Sony is doing pretty good. I wouldn't trade all those Sony IPs for just one like Halo. If that happens I would stop buying Sony consoles because that's just to mediocre for my tastes.bigboss5ak

I would consider Kevin Butler to be the icon for PS3...

[QUOTE="bigboss5ak"][QUOTE="kuraimen"]When their main competitor basically only has Halo I say Sony is doing pretty good. I wouldn't trade all those Sony IPs for just one like Halo. If that happens I would stop buying Sony consoles because that's just to mediocre for my tastes.kuraimen

I think what the TC is trying to say is that it's not a bad thing that Sony doesn't have one, he's asking do they need one. Someone says Xbox and the first thing most people think of (at least with people I know) is Halo. Someone says Nintendo and the first thing most people think of (again, people I know) is Mario. Someone says playstation and they don't have that one definitive series that everyone just defaultly think of, they have many of great and awesome exclusives, some of them arguably better than Halo or Mario. But they don't have a character or game that people think of when they think of the console.

Again, I don't think the TC is saying it's a bad thing, but it's just something he notices and he's asking if we think Sony needs one. TC feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway back on topic, I think it could do Sony a lot of good to have an iconic brand name. I know people who bought an xbox just because of Halo Reach. When I tell them that Killzone 3 is coming out, they don't think to go out and buy it because it's not something widely known of, like it's popular, but not a big name like halo, it's not known as something that's defining the console. I think Gran Turismo could be counted, I know some people buying a PS3 for Gran Turismo, but I think Sony needs more of a character like Master Chief or Mario, not cars.

EDIT: Sorry if this has already been clarified, I just realized after I posted this that another page of responses have been made. Second of all I like the TC's sig and display picture, Duke Nukem is awesome.

[QUOTE="kuraimen"][QUOTE="bigboss5ak"] But the 360 has more than just halo, halo is icing on an already great cake. And not all of sony's ips are gods gift. Mag, WNC...lair?? pumping a bunch of money into ip's wont always equal success.bigboss5ak

I think what the TC is trying to say is that it's not a bad thing that Sony doesn't have one, he's asking do they need one. Someone says Xbox and the first thing most people think of (at least with people I know) is Halo. Someone says Nintendo and the first thing most people think of (again, people I know) is Mario. Someone says playstation and they don't have that one definitive series that everyone just defaultly think of, they have many of great and awesome exclusives, some of them arguably better than Halo or Mario. But they don't have a character or game that people think of when they think of the console.

Again, I don't think the TC is saying it's a bad thing, but it's just something he notices and he's asking if we think Sony needs one. TC feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway back on topic, I think it could do Sony a lot of good to have an iconic brand name. I know people who bought an xbox just because of Halo Reach. When I tell them that Killzone 3 is coming out, they don't think to go out and buy it because it's not something widely known of, like it's popular, but not a big name like halo, it's not known as something that's defining the console. I think Gran Turismo could be counted, I know some people buying a PS3 for Gran Turismo, but I think Sony needs more of a character like Master Chief or Mario, not cars.

christ4ever9889

they never had but twisted metal socom and gt

with resistance gow and motorstorm being new

the ps3 does indeed need more software , sad but true - for me any way cause i dont like lbp or metal gear

-there is only 2 exclusives im lookin forward to excluding move games which ive just got -and they were fun for about 10 minutes after my arm wears out thats it

-they are gt5 and twisted metal the ps3 relys on heavy 3rd party support which is drasticly hurt due to sony un able to make a console cheap enough for third party to support such a system with a lower fanbase then the wii or 360

the ps2 sold well because of all the rpgs , this gen lacks rpgs so what do people play more now-fpses which are found only on 360 to be more spacific 360 is the fps consoel of choice no one likes the triggers on the ps3 remote , nor do i even when playing ts2 or 3 on it it feels so awkward

lets all face the music here

nintendo had the only spade this gen why

because even if 360 were to ever over take it again , the 360 costed ms so much in debt in thier gaming division due to rrod

nintendo is the only one who is able to make 6 dollars per unit sold, they make money day one people dont need to buy games which isnt the case-they are buying alot of wii games

each day i go into gamestop those shelves are full of games and with some games selling so fast that slot is empty

and walmart to , in fact last time i went into walmart wiis were all sold out

whilst there was 2 ps3s and like 3 360s -walmart doesnt stock much though

[QUOTE="kuraimen"][QUOTE="bigboss5ak"] But the 360 has more than just halo, halo is icing on an already great cake. And not all of sony's ips are gods gift. Mag, WNC...lair?? pumping a bunch of money into ip's wont always equal success.bigboss5ak