Kotaku
With Ken Kutaragi on his way out, and Kaz "Riiiiiiidge Racerrrrr" Hirai taking charge of Sony Computer Entertainment, the PlayStation business is about to change dramatically. CIO Today takes a look at the task ahead for Hirai, who they describe as an "anti-Kutaragi", and what he'll need to do to move Sony out of the current gen's third place (while not breaking the bank).
While Kutaragi reportedly ran the PlayStation biz like a dictator, Hirai is described as more "affable and articulate." Sure, he may have contributed heavily to the botched E3 2006 keynote, but Kaz does have off-stage finesse.
Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter likes Hirai's chances, saying the exec is "far more in touch with the U.S. publishers, and probably in a good position to enlist their support for PSP, PS2, and PS3." According to CIO Today, Hirai is already hard at work, building relationships with developers, focusing on in-game advertising and working more closely with Sony Online Entertainment. See how I stuffed that bitter in-game ads bit between the good news? Makes it go down easier.
Kaz is also sporting more grays. I expect to see far more over the next two years.
Can New PlayStation Chief Beat the Wii? [CIO Today]
