Sony Doesn't Think The iPad Threatens Gaming Biz, Says It Helps PSP Sales
Sony has proven itself to be a giant in the gaming industry, first with the PlayStation console and now with the PSP line. The company's PSP Go took its fair share of criticism (mostly surrounding price), but the actual hardware/gameplay isn't too shabby. What's interesting, though, is how Sony's numbers have continually crept up despite the negative vibes. And odder still, it seems that Apple may be to thank.
In an almost too-good-to-be-true article, Sony has seemingly thanked Apple (at least in theory) for helping its PSP consoles to skyrocket in terms of sales. Granted, no physical thank you notes were sent, but how else would you describe the comments that John Koller, who is responsible for heading up the hardware marketing side for SCEA, made after the introduction of the iPad?
The remarks were made in reference to Apple getting into the gaming industry with its iPhone, iPod touch, and now, iPad. The App Store has a litany of games for purchase and for free, and some titles (such as Call of Duty: Zombies) are A+ apps with huge industry support. What's funnier still is that John's facts really aren't distanced from the truth of the matter.
Research firm NPD has figures that prove Sony's PSP sales have "nearly tripled" since the iPhone went on sale in June of 2007. So, in a sense, Sony's PSP sales have climbed ever since Apple reportedly got into the gaming side of things. We fully suspect that more factors than this have led to Sony's success, but it must feel good to be Sony when you're able to take a shot like that at what's seemingly the most invincible tech company out today.
In an almost too-good-to-be-true article, Sony has seemingly thanked Apple (at least in theory) for helping its PSP consoles to skyrocket in terms of sales. Granted, no physical thank you notes were sent, but how else would you describe the comments that John Koller, who is responsible for heading up the hardware marketing side for SCEA, made after the introduction of the iPad?
"Apple's entrance into the portable gaming space has been a net positive for Sony," Koller said in an interview. "When people want a deeper, richer console, they start playing on a PSP."
The remarks were made in reference to Apple getting into the gaming industry with its iPhone, iPod touch, and now, iPad. The App Store has a litany of games for purchase and for free, and some titles (such as Call of Duty: Zombies) are A+ apps with huge industry support. What's funnier still is that John's facts really aren't distanced from the truth of the matter.
Research firm NPD has figures that prove Sony's PSP sales have "nearly tripled" since the iPhone went on sale in June of 2007. So, in a sense, Sony's PSP sales have climbed ever since Apple reportedly got into the gaming side of things. We fully suspect that more factors than this have led to Sony's success, but it must feel good to be Sony when you're able to take a shot like that at what's seemingly the most invincible tech company out today.
