My Thoughts on Sony's Future

I think Sony's strategy is to divert its resources towards in-house development of games rather than depending on 3rd party games like in the past, and to ensure Blu-Ray is THE next gen film format of choice. Here's the reasons why:

1) Quietly over the years, Sony has acquired many small developers, and I believe they are now the third largest game publisher behind EA and Ubisoft in terms of sheer manpower. All signs point to huge investment on 1st party games here. 

2) Sony is, as we know, in a bit of financial trouble. It can't afford to buy exclusive rights to games or even time exclusives for that matter. Well, I take that back. It could, but I believe that they are looking for more long-term strategies than buying exclusivity rights all the time. AFAIK, Sony has never really purchased exclusive rights to most of its past 3rd party games, they just happened to develop them for the PS1/PS2 only due to the fact that they dominated and it was cost effective to just develop it for those systems thanks to the huge installed base.

3) Kind of a continuation of 2, there is more competition now. I think Sony realizes that the phenomenal success and dominance they've enjoyed in the past simply won't continue, especially with the 800 pound Gorilla that is MS having entered the market. And common sense would suggest that you don't wrestle head to head with a gorilla. Sony COULD buy 3rd party developers out to make games for their system, but that is Microsoft's game. MS is (in)famous for simply buying its way into dominance and killing its competitors that way. I don't believe that Sony, while it is a large company, would be able to beat MS at their own game. I think Sony sees this too.

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

I think that Sony is predicting that the rest will fall in place from here. Being the sole provider of a next-gen movie format in a console along with guaranteed exclusive games through its own developers (which is more cost-effective in the long run) will (possibly) put Sony in a good to great position in the future. After manufacturing methods are refined and costs are reduced on the new technology inside the PS3, Sony will eventually lower the price. But I don't see that happening any time soon.

A lot of people here ridicule Sony, but the company isn't ran by a bunch of monkeys. They have a strategy, and they are hoping it will work out for them. I for one think it's a pretty reasonable one. The other path, of course, would have been to get into a price and bid war with Microsoft, and while Sony can do that, I don't think they'd beat MS at their own game like I stated earlier. Nintendo's strategy has been super-succesful so far,as it has basically set itself in another league thanks to pricing and innovation. Sony is the one in MS's crosshairs right now, and hopefully their strategy to continue their success works out for them, although it may take a year or two to notice the benefits.

If Sony can "survive" (i.e. continue to sell at a stable rate) for a year or two and not have to resort to price wars and bid wars, it will be in a VERY good position. That is the critical unknown IMO.

That's my two cents.... now for the fanboys to rush in and scream "lmalmalma Wall of text Sony is teh suck lolz", but intelligent input is always welcome as well!

Good post. And I agree. Eventually, you learn from your mistakes and everyone running around screaming 'But the Betamax and Minidisc!' have no idea what they are talking about. Because Blu-Ray has rock solid CONTENT. Unlike some of Sony's previous formats.

They're just operating on their own terms and own timeframe. Which is fine with me. And about those 1st party games. If Resistance and Motorstorm are any indication, I can't wait for what's coming up next. I expect Killzone 2 and Getaway 3 to be major improvements over the previous installments in those series.

Good post. And I agree. Eventually, you learn from your mistakes and everyone running around screaming 'But the Betamax and Minidisc!' have no idea what they are talking about. Because Blu-Ray has rock solid CONTENT. Unlike some of Sony's previous formats.

They're just operating on their own terms and own timeframe. Which is fine with me. And about those 1st party games. If Resistance and Motorstorm are any indication, I can't wait for what's coming up next. I expect Killzone 2 and Getaway 3 to be major improvements over the previous installments in those series.

TekkenMaster606

 Yeah, I really hope that Killzone 2 in particular turns out to be a killer app... it looks like the kind of game that'll gain mass appeal in the U.S., but only if it turns out to be a truly great game. I am sure that Sony will make sure its first party titles continue to be rock solid.

[QUOTE="TekkenMaster606"]

Good post. And I agree. Eventually, you learn from your mistakes and everyone running around screaming 'But the Betamax and Minidisc!' have no idea what they are talking about. Because Blu-Ray has rock solid CONTENT. Unlike some of Sony's previous formats.

They're just operating on their own terms and own timeframe. Which is fine with me. And about those 1st party games. If Resistance and Motorstorm are any indication, I can't wait for what's coming up next. I expect Killzone 2 and Getaway 3 to be major improvements over the previous installments in those series.

a_random_hobo

 Yeah, I really hope that Killzone 2 in particular turns out to be a killer app... it looks like the kind of game that'll gain mass appeal in the U.S., but only if it turns out to be a truly great game. I am sure that Sony will make sure its first party titles continue to be rock solid.

I think Sony's strategy is to divert its resources towards in-house development of games rather than depending on 3rd party games like in the past, and to ensure Blu-Ray is THE next gen film format of choice. Here's the reasons why:

1) Quietly over the years, Sony has acquired many small developers, and I believe they are now the third largest game publisher behind EA and Ubisoft in terms of sheer manpower. All signs point to huge investment on 1st party games here. 

2) Sony is, as we know, in a bit of financial trouble. It can't afford to buy exclusive rights to games or even time exclusives for that matter. Well, I take that back. It could, but I believe that they are looking for more long-term strategies than buying exclusivity rights all the time. AFAIK, Sony has never really purchased exclusive rights to most of its past 3rd party games, they just happened to develop them for the PS1/PS2 only due to the fact that they dominated and it was cost effective to just develop it for those systems thanks to the huge installed base.

3) Kind of a continuation of 2, there is more competition now. I think Sony realizes that the phenomenal success and dominance they've enjoyed in the past simply won't continue, especially with the 800 pound Gorilla that is MS having entered the market. And common sense would suggest that you don't wrestle head to head with a gorilla. Sony COULD buy 3rd party developers out to make games for their system, but that is Microsoft's game. MS is (in)famous for simply buying its way into dominance and killing its competitors that way. I don't believe that Sony, while it is a large company, would be able to beat MS at their own game. I think Sony sees this too.

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

I think that Sony is predicting that the rest will fall in place from here. Being the sole provider of a next-gen movie format in a console along with guaranteed exclusive games through its own developers (which is more cost-effective in the long run) will (possibly) put Sony in a good to great position in the future. After manufacturing methods are refined and costs are reduced on the new technology inside the PS3, Sony will eventually lower the price. But I don't see that happening any time soon.

A lot of people here ridicule Sony, but the company isn't ran by a bunch of monkeys. They have a strategy, and they are hoping it will work out for them. I for one think it's a pretty reasonable one. The other path, of course, would have been to get into a price and bid war with Microsoft, and while Sony can do that, I don't think they'd beat MS at their own game like I stated earlier. Nintendo's strategy has been super-succesful so far,as it has basically set itself in another league thanks to pricing and innovation. Sony is the one in MS's crosshairs right now, and hopefully their strategy to continue their success works out for them, although it may take a year or two to notice the benefits.

If Sony can "survive" (i.e. continue to sell at a stable rate) for a year or two and not have to resort to price wars and bid wars, it will be in a VERY good position. That is the critical unknown IMO.

That's my two cents.... now for the fanboys to rush in and scream "lmalmalma Wall of text Sony is teh suck lolz", but intelligent input is always welcome as well!

a_random_hobo

I would like to read what you posted, but it was just way to long, sorry. Also, you trying to feel good about wasting $600 isn't anyones problem but yours, and a video game console shouldn't have its main feature be that its a blu-ray player.air0123

I would like to read what you posted, but it was just way to long, sorry. Also, you trying to feel good about wasting $600 isn't anyones problem but yours, and a video game console shouldn't have its main feature be that its a blu-ray player.air0123

I would like to read what you posted, but it was just way to long, sorry. Also, you trying to feel good about wasting $600 isn't anyones problem but yours, and a video game console shouldn't have its main feature be that its a blu-ray player.air0123

And here they come... :lol:

I think Sony's strategy is to divert its resources towards in-house development of games rather than depending on 3rd party games like in the past, and to ensure Blu-Ray is THE next gen film format of choice. Here's the reasons why:

1) Quietly over the years, Sony has acquired many small developers, and I believe they are now the third largest game publisher behind EA and Ubisoft in terms of sheer manpower. All signs point to huge investment on 1st party games here. 

2) Sony is, as we know, in a bit of financial trouble. It can't afford to buy exclusive rights to games or even time exclusives for that matter. Well, I take that back. It could, but I believe that they are looking for more long-term strategies than buying exclusivity rights all the time. AFAIK, Sony has never really purchased exclusive rights to most of its past 3rd party games, they just happened to develop them for the PS1/PS2 only due to the fact that they dominated and it was cost effective to just develop it for those systems thanks to the huge installed base.

3) Kind of a continuation of 2, there is more competition now. I think Sony realizes that the phenomenal success and dominance they've enjoyed in the past simply won't continue, especially with the 800 pound Gorilla that is MS having entered the market. And common sense would suggest that you don't wrestle head to head with a gorilla. Sony COULD buy 3rd party developers out to make games for their system, but that is Microsoft's game. MS is (in)famous for simply buying its way into dominance and killing its competitors that way. I don't believe that Sony, while it is a large company, would be able to beat MS at their own game. I think Sony sees this too.

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

I think that Sony is predicting that the rest will fall in place from here. Being the sole provider of a next-gen movie format in a console along with guaranteed exclusive games through its own developers (which is more cost-effective in the long run) will (possibly) put Sony in a good to great position in the future. After manufacturing methods are refined and costs are reduced on the new technology inside the PS3, Sony will eventually lower the price. But I don't see that happening any time soon.

A lot of people here ridicule Sony, but the company isn't ran by a bunch of monkeys. They have a strategy, and they are hoping it will work out for them. I for one think it's a pretty reasonable one. The other path, of course, would have been to get into a price and bid war with Microsoft, and while Sony can do that, I don't think they'd beat MS at their own game like I stated earlier. Nintendo's strategy has been super-succesful so far,as it has basically set itself in another league thanks to pricing and innovation. Sony is the one in MS's crosshairs right now, and hopefully their strategy to continue their success works out for them, although it may take a year or two to notice the benefits.

If Sony can "survive" (i.e. continue to sell at a stable rate) for a year or two and not have to resort to price wars and bid wars, it will be in a VERY good position. That is the critical unknown IMO.

That's my two cents.... now for the fanboys to rush in and scream "lmalmalma Wall of text Sony is teh suck lolz", but intelligent input is always welcome as well!

a_random_hobo

[QUOTE="air0123"]I would like to read what you posted, but it was just way to long, sorry. Also, you trying to feel good about wasting $600 isn't anyones problem but yours, and a video game console shouldn't have its main feature be that its a blu-ray player.a_random_hobo

And here they come... :lol:

It's pretty obvious the kind of people that talk negative about those extra features are fans of platforms that lack them.  

I would like to read what you posted, but it was just way to long, sorry. Also, you trying to feel good about wasting $600 isn't anyones problem but yours, and a video game console shouldn't have its main feature be that its a blu-ray player.air0123

[QUOTE="air0123"]I would like to read what you posted, but it was just way to long, sorry. Also, you trying to feel good about wasting $600 isn't anyones problem but yours, and a video game console shouldn't have its main feature be that its a blu-ray player.a_random_hobo

And here they come... :lol:

I love it when people try as hard as they can to declare. 'It's only about the GAMES. And the GAMES only.'

Personally, I like having a great all-in-one machine that can deliver the total high definition entertainment experience.  

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

a_random_hobo

You are so right about this point, which is consistently overlooked by others. Unfortunately, this is a videogame forum, so it is not exactly surprising that gamers don't embrace a feature that is strictly for the videophiles and in no way improves gaming (unless Sony manages to exploit the extra disc space provided by BR-ROMs).

Moreover, a testament to Sony's commitment to Blu-Ray can be seen in the advertising campaign underway in Europe right now, where the ability of the Playstation 3 to play Blu-Ray movies is being played-up more than its gaming capabilities. Europe being the only major region where Blu-Ray is not dominating precisely because the Playstation 3 was previously unavailable.

[QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

I think Sony's strategy is to divert its resources towards in-house development of games rather than depending on 3rd party games like in the past, and to ensure Blu-Ray is THE next gen film format of choice. Here's the reasons why:

1) Quietly over the years, Sony has acquired many small developers, and I believe they are now the third largest game publisher behind EA and Ubisoft in terms of sheer manpower. All signs point to huge investment on 1st party games here. 

2) Sony is, as we know, in a bit of financial trouble. It can't afford to buy exclusive rights to games or even time exclusives for that matter. Well, I take that back. It could, but I believe that they are looking for more long-term strategies than buying exclusivity rights all the time. AFAIK, Sony has never really purchased exclusive rights to most of its past 3rd party games, they just happened to develop them for the PS1/PS2 only due to the fact that they dominated and it was cost effective to just develop it for those systems thanks to the huge installed base.

3) Kind of a continuation of 2, there is more competition now. I think Sony realizes that the phenomenal success and dominance they've enjoyed in the past simply won't continue, especially with the 800 pound Gorilla that is MS having entered the market. And common sense would suggest that you don't wrestle head to head with a gorilla. Sony COULD buy 3rd party developers out to make games for their system, but that is Microsoft's game. MS is (in)famous for simply buying its way into dominance and killing its competitors that way. I don't believe that Sony, while it is a large company, would be able to beat MS at their own game. I think Sony sees this too.

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

I think that Sony is predicting that the rest will fall in place from here. Being the sole provider of a next-gen movie format in a console along with guaranteed exclusive games through its own developers (which is more cost-effective in the long run) will (possibly) put Sony in a good to great position in the future. After manufacturing methods are refined and costs are reduced on the new technology inside the PS3, Sony will eventually lower the price. But I don't see that happening any time soon.

A lot of people here ridicule Sony, but the company isn't ran by a bunch of monkeys. They have a strategy, and they are hoping it will work out for them. I for one think it's a pretty reasonable one. The other path, of course, would have been to get into a price and bid war with Microsoft, and while Sony can do that, I don't think they'd beat MS at their own game like I stated earlier. Nintendo's strategy has been super-succesful so far,as it has basically set itself in another league thanks to pricing and innovation. Sony is the one in MS's crosshairs right now, and hopefully their strategy to continue their success works out for them, although it may take a year or two to notice the benefits.

If Sony can "survive" (i.e. continue to sell at a stable rate) for a year or two and not have to resort to price wars and bid wars, it will be in a VERY good position. That is the critical unknown IMO.

That's my two cents.... now for the fanboys to rush in and scream "lmalmalma Wall of text Sony is teh suck lolz", but intelligent input is always welcome as well!

DA_B0MB

Actually, here is a link backing-up my previous post regarding the importance of Blu-Ray to Sony:

http://news.punchjump.com/article.php?id=3948 

[QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

Alleluia_Cone

You are so right about this point, which is consistently overlooked by others. Unfortunately, this is a videogame forum, so it is not exactly surprising that gamers don't embrace a feature that is strictly for the videophiles and in no way improves gaming (unless Sony manages to exploit the extra disc space provided by BR-ROMs).

Moreover, a testament to Sony's commitment to Blu-Ray can be seen in the advertising campaign underway in Europe right now, where the ability of the Playstation 3 to play Blu-Ray movies is being played-up more than its gaming capabilities. Europe being the only major region where Blu-Ray is not dominating precisely because the Playstation 3 was previously unavailable.

[QUOTE="Alleluia_Cone"][QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

CalmityDaunt

You are so right about this point, which is consistently overlooked by others. Unfortunately, this is a videogame forum, so it is not exactly surprising that gamers don't embrace a feature that is strictly for the videophiles and in no way improves gaming (unless Sony manages to exploit the extra disc space provided by BR-ROMs).

Moreover, a testament to Sony's commitment to Blu-Ray can be seen in the advertising campaign underway in Europe right now, where the ability of the Playstation 3 to play Blu-Ray movies is being played-up more than its gaming capabilities. Europe being the only major region where Blu-Ray is not dominating precisely because the Playstation 3 was previously unavailable.

So from what i gathered from your post, yes i read it, is that sony isnt trying to make a video game console anymore, they just want to push blu-ray so they win that format. And if they dont win that format then they are screwed. air0123

I did say that Sony is banking on Blu-Ray to take off, you are correct on that. But I'm not sure where in my post I implied the PS3 isn't a gaming console... perhaps you could point it out? But yes, Blu-Ray is a part of the strategy I believe Sony is taking to differentiate itself from the competition.

That is what i took from your post, you basically defending blu-ray as being sonys way of justifing there $600 cost. air0123

When did I ever try to justify the cost of the console? I only shared my thoughts on why I think Blu-Ray will be a good thing if/when it becomes the successor to DVD.

I like the things sony makes, ie, tv's, dvd players, mp3 player, etc etc etc. air0123

So do I :)

this isn't about those though, its about a video game console, for VIDEO GAMES, not blu-ray. So, again, you trying to justify any cows purchase for wasting $600 on a blu-ray player is in the wrong forum, you should go to format forums, and not SW. air0123

:?

[QUOTE="CalmityDaunt"][QUOTE="Alleluia_Cone"][QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

Kekira

You are so right about this point, which is consistently overlooked by others. Unfortunately, this is a videogame forum, so it is not exactly surprising that gamers don't embrace a feature that is strictly for the videophiles and in no way improves gaming (unless Sony manages to exploit the extra disc space provided by BR-ROMs).

Moreover, a testament to Sony's commitment to Blu-Ray can be seen in the advertising campaign underway in Europe right now, where the ability of the Playstation 3 to play Blu-Ray movies is being played-up more than its gaming capabilities. Europe being the only major region where Blu-Ray is not dominating precisely because the Playstation 3 was previously unavailable.

I would like to read what you posted, but it was just way to long, sorry. Also, you trying to feel good about wasting $600 isn't anyones problem but yours, and a video game console shouldn't have its main feature be that its a blu-ray player.air0123

[QUOTE="Alleluia_Cone"][QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

CalmityDaunt

You are so right about this point, which is consistently overlooked by others. Unfortunately, this is a videogame forum, so it is not exactly surprising that gamers don't embrace a feature that is strictly for the videophiles and in no way improves gaming (unless Sony manages to exploit the extra disc space provided by BR-ROMs).

Moreover, a testament to Sony's commitment to Blu-Ray can be seen in the advertising campaign underway in Europe right now, where the ability of the Playstation 3 to play Blu-Ray movies is being played-up more than its gaming capabilities. Europe being the only major region where Blu-Ray is not dominating precisely because the Playstation 3 was previously unavailable.

[QUOTE="air0123"]So from what i gathered from your post, yes i read it, is that sony isnt trying to make a video game console anymore, they just want to push blu-ray so they win that format. And if they dont win that format then they are screwed. a_random_hobo

I did say that Sony is banking on Blu-Ray to take off, you are correct on that. But I'm not sure where in my post I implied the PS3 isn't a gaming console... perhaps you could point it out? But yes, Blu-Ray is a part of the strategy I believe Sony is taking to differentiate itself from the competition.

That is what i took from your post, you basically defending blu-ray as being sonys way of justifing there $600 cost. air0123

When did I ever try to justify the cost of the console? I only shared my thoughts on why I think Blu-Ray will be a good thing if/when it becomes the successor to DVD.

I like the things sony makes, ie, tv's, dvd players, mp3 player, etc etc etc. air0123

So do I :)

this isn't about those though, its about a video game console, for VIDEO GAMES, not blu-ray. So, again, you trying to justify any cows purchase for wasting $600 on a blu-ray player is in the wrong forum, you should go to format forums, and not SW. air0123

:?

I love it when people try as hard as they can to declare. 'It's only about the GAMES. And the GAMES only.'

Personally, I like having a great all-in-one machine that can deliver the total high definition entertainment experience.

TekkenMaster606

[QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

[QUOTE="air0123"]So from what i gathered from your post, yes i read it, is that sony isnt trying to make a video game console anymore, they just want to push blu-ray so they win that format. And if they dont win that format then they are screwed. air0123

I did say that Sony is banking on Blu-Ray to take off, you are correct on that. But I'm not sure where in my post I implied the PS3 isn't a gaming console... perhaps you could point it out? But yes, Blu-Ray is a part of the strategy I believe Sony is taking to differentiate itself from the competition.

That is what i took from your post, you basically defending blu-ray as being sonys way of justifing there $600 cost. air0123

When did I ever try to justify the cost of the console? I only shared my thoughts on why I think Blu-Ray will be a good thing if/when it becomes the successor to DVD.

I like the things sony makes, ie, tv's, dvd players, mp3 player, etc etc etc. air0123

So do I :)

this isn't about those though, its about a video game console, for VIDEO GAMES, not blu-ray. So, again, you trying to justify any cows purchase for wasting $600 on a blu-ray player is in the wrong forum, you should go to format forums, and not SW. air0123

:?

[QUOTE="air0123"][QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

[QUOTE="air0123"]So from what i gathered from your post, yes i read it, is that sony isnt trying to make a video game console anymore, they just want to push blu-ray so they win that format. And if they dont win that format then they are screwed. Kekira

I did say that Sony is banking on Blu-Ray to take off, you are correct on that. But I'm not sure where in my post I implied the PS3 isn't a gaming console... perhaps you could point it out? But yes, Blu-Ray is a part of the strategy I believe Sony is taking to differentiate itself from the competition.

That is what i took from your post, you basically defending blu-ray as being sonys way of justifing there $600 cost. air0123

When did I ever try to justify the cost of the console? I only shared my thoughts on why I think Blu-Ray will be a good thing if/when it becomes the successor to DVD.

I like the things sony makes, ie, tv's, dvd players, mp3 player, etc etc etc. air0123

So do I :)

this isn't about those though, its about a video game console, for VIDEO GAMES, not blu-ray. So, again, you trying to justify any cows purchase for wasting $600 on a blu-ray player is in the wrong forum, you should go to format forums, and not SW. air0123

:?

You might not say, "this is why i spent $600," but by everything you say it seems like you are trying to convince yourself that you made a good choice. Sony's problem this gen is that they aren't trying to make a good video game console, they are trying to push blu-ray. People aren't ready to leave dvd yet, sont just need to stop switching things up. The ps3 might be agreat console, but its a blu-ray player first and a video game console second, that is were they fail.air0123

Hmmm... justify my purchase? mmkay...

[QUOTE="air0123"] You might not say, "this is why i spent $600," but by everything you say it seems like you are trying to convince yourself that you made a good choice. Sony's problem this gen is that they aren't trying to make a good video game console, they are trying to push blu-ray. People aren't ready to leave dvd yet, sont just need to stop switching things up. The ps3 might be agreat console, but its a blu-ray player first and a video game console second, that is were they fail.a_random_hobo

Hmmm... justify my purchase? mmkay...

[QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

[QUOTE="air0123"] You might not say, "this is why i spent $600," but by everything you say it seems like you are trying to convince yourself that you made a good choice. Sony's problem this gen is that they aren't trying to make a good video game console, they are trying to push blu-ray. People aren't ready to leave dvd yet, sont just need to stop switching things up. The ps3 might be agreat console, but its a blu-ray player first and a video game console second, that is were they fail.air0123

Hmmm... justify my purchase? mmkay...

And I think it's alright if you want to have your own opinions as well. 

[QUOTE="air0123"][QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

[QUOTE="air0123"] You might not say, "this is why i spent $600," but by everything you say it seems like you are trying to convince yourself that you made a good choice. Sony's problem this gen is that they aren't trying to make a good video game console, they are trying to push blu-ray. People aren't ready to leave dvd yet, sont just need to stop switching things up. The ps3 might be agreat console, but its a blu-ray player first and a video game console second, that is were they fail.a_random_hobo

Hmmm... justify my purchase? mmkay...

And I think it's alright if you want to have your own opinions as well. 

[QUOTE="CalmityDaunt"][QUOTE="Alleluia_Cone"][QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

Alleluia_Cone

You are so right about this point, which is consistently overlooked by others. Unfortunately, this is a videogame forum, so it is not exactly surprising that gamers don't embrace a feature that is strictly for the videophiles and in no way improves gaming (unless Sony manages to exploit the extra disc space provided by BR-ROMs).

Moreover, a testament to Sony's commitment to Blu-Ray can be seen in the advertising campaign underway in Europe right now, where the ability of the Playstation 3 to play Blu-Ray movies is being played-up more than its gaming capabilities. Europe being the only major region where Blu-Ray is not dominating precisely because the Playstation 3 was previously unavailable.

To everyone else, my apologies for the near-derailment of the thread. Now to get things back on track, time to carry on the conversation of the actual topic at hand...a_random_hobo

[QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

Alleluia_Cone

You are so right about this point, which is consistently overlooked by others. Unfortunately, this is a videogame forum, so it is not exactly surprising that gamers don't embrace a feature that is strictly for the videophiles and in no way improves gaming (unless Sony manages to exploit the extra disc space provided by BR-ROMs).

Moreover, a testament to Sony's commitment to Blu-Ray can be seen in the advertising campaign underway in Europe right now, where the ability of the Playstation 3 to play Blu-Ray movies is being played-up more than its gaming capabilities. Europe being the only major region where Blu-Ray is not dominating precisely because the Playstation 3 was previously unavailable.

 I expect to see Blu-Ray pull away with a very demanding lead in the next few months over HD-DVD thanks to the availability of the PS3 in Europe. Those UK numbers earlier today = good news for both PS3 and Blu-Ray.

[QUOTE="Alleluia_Cone"][QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

a_random_hobo

You are so right about this point, which is consistently overlooked by others. Unfortunately, this is a videogame forum, so it is not exactly surprising that gamers don't embrace a feature that is strictly for the videophiles and in no way improves gaming (unless Sony manages to exploit the extra disc space provided by BR-ROMs).

Moreover, a testament to Sony's commitment to Blu-Ray can be seen in the advertising campaign underway in Europe right now, where the ability of the Playstation 3 to play Blu-Ray movies is being played-up more than its gaming capabilities. Europe being the only major region where Blu-Ray is not dominating precisely because the Playstation 3 was previously unavailable.

 I expect to see Blu-Ray pull away with a very demanding lead in the next few months over HD-DVD thanks to the availability of the PS3 in Europe. Those UK numbers earlier today = good news for both PS3 and Blu-Ray.

[QUOTE="a_random_hobo"][QUOTE="Alleluia_Cone"][QUOTE="a_random_hobo"]

4) Blu-Ray is a HUGE investment on Sony's part, and I think at this moment it is more important for Sony to declare victory in the next-gen format wars. You have to realize that Sony is a conglomerate, and its electronics department in particular is STRUGGLING. They NEED Blu-Ray to win in order to gain ground again. Say what you will, but it was in Sony's best interest to include the BD drive in the PS3. This way Sony will pretty much ensure that Blu-Ray will win sooner or later.

air0123

You are so right about this point, which is consistently overlooked by others. Unfortunately, this is a videogame forum, so it is not exactly surprising that gamers don't embrace a feature that is strictly for the videophiles and in no way improves gaming (unless Sony manages to exploit the extra disc space provided by BR-ROMs).

Moreover, a testament to Sony's commitment to Blu-Ray can be seen in the advertising campaign underway in Europe right now, where the ability of the Playstation 3 to play Blu-Ray movies is being played-up more than its gaming capabilities. Europe being the only major region where Blu-Ray is not dominating precisely because the Playstation 3 was previously unavailable.

 I expect to see Blu-Ray pull away with a very demanding lead in the next few months over HD-DVD thanks to the availability of the PS3 in Europe. Those UK numbers earlier today = good news for both PS3 and Blu-Ray.

In house development is the only way to ensure exclusives at this point for MS and Sony. Even a comapny like Bethesda who had a good relationship with MS revamped a game for PS3 (Oblivion) although it was never exclusive. I think devs like Insomniac and Rare will enjoy great prosperity this gen due to MS and Sony trying to pump out games to sell their consoles.Tiefster

A very good point and a perfect example of what I was getting at regarding in-house development. As the PS3 userbase grows, 3rd party exclusives will start to shrink for both the 360 and PS3... unless if MS pays an exhorbitant amount to keep things (time)exclusive. The 1st party big guns like Halo 3 and GOW 3 will define this generation.

I love taking advice from random hobos ;)lzorro

 Some spare change then, good sir?

I think that the TC has a valid point on sony's strategy, but to tell you the truth I think that when it comes to the formats wars regarding to movies only I see that their biggest competition is the streaming and downloadable movies and piracy.jtygah25

 Ahhh yes, piracy... the black market is indeed a threat to not only Blu-Ray but the entire movie industry in general. I hope the marketing on HD movies entices people enough to want to get next-gen players to show of their TV sets... then due to new technology and high prices piracy would die down a bit until of course 5-6 years or so later when it becomes cheap and easy to pirate movies again... :lol: