Kotaku: Kaz Hirai

Sony Stresses Importance of Games, Games, Games

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:00:00 MDT

When Kaz Hirai took over Sony Computer Entertainment, the company's outlook changed. The previous head, PlayStation father Ken Kutaragi, kept talking up the PS3's other selling points. It was a Blu-ray player! It was a super computer! It had 4D!! Somewhere along the line, the focus that Sony Computer Entertainment made game machines was lost. Hirai has done a sold job of roping that back in. In an interview with Nikkei, Hirai said:

The thing that I did when I took over last year was to boast the appeal of games themselves... The main premise of the PS3 is video games. That's the absolutely most important thing that we cannot lose sight of.

Hirai goes on to say by putting priority numero uno on games that that's how Sony will expand its position in the marketplace. And about Nintendo, Hirai said, "We cannot allow Nintendo run off alone."

「『任天堂の独走許さない』ソニーのゲーム戦略」〜ゲームが破る閉塞 [NBonline]

Sony Doesn't Think Games Are Exactly Recession-Proof

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:00:00 MDT

Conventional wisdom says games are recession proof. Sony Computer Entertainment is not a conventional company and SCE head Kaz Hirai is not a conventional exec. So screw that wisdom. Well, sorta. Hirai doesn't think games are the market equivalent of Teflon, but does think gaming won't get hit as hard as other industries. Said Hirai:

I wouldn’t go so far as to say we’re recession-proof, but we expect to be hit much less than an auto company, for example... We expect to do very well in the year-end shopping season.

Good thing video games don't cost like 20 grand, huh? Microsoft also expects to do reasonably well with its recent price cut. As Microsoft exec John Schappert pointed out: "When you look at people, who are certainly more price-conscious than ever, that price is something people are going to be looking at." Keyword: "look."

Sony, Microsoft Bullish on Game Systems [WSJ via VG247]

PS3 Launch Message "A Little Too Zealous"

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:00:00 MDT

The PS3 launch was rough. Real rough. Like, the roughest. After an executive reshuffling (that shuffled PlayStation father Ken Kutaragi out of the company), Sony seems like its on terra firma. Things are turning around! But looking back at that launch mess, current Sony Computer Entertainment boss Kaz Hirai says:

Well, I was not in place to decide on some of the issues for the worldwide launch, but while we were very confident – and still are – of the PS3’s capabilities, we may have been a little too zealous in trying to get that message out too quickly. In other words, we can talk about all the non-game functions, features and services now because we actually have them. To say that it isn’t just a games machine without being able to point to tangible things that you can show to consumers — that’s a bit of a challenge.

So in the US operation, which I was running at that point, our positioning was firstly as a great video game console, but I think there was a bit of a disconnect between us and Japan, when they were concentrating on the PS3’s other capabilities at a time when we didn’t have anything to back up that claim.

The exec quotes at that time were quite nutty — zany, even. Though, for Hirai to claim he was completely divorced from that muck is silly, really.

Kaz Hirai: The Station Master [EDGE]

Kaz Says PS3 Exclusives "The Best Out There"

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:40:36 MDT

Kaz Hirai, master of all things PlayStation, better known as Special K to his crew, says that the power of Sony Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios is "unrivaled." According to a report from MCV, Kaz was not quoted as implying that should Nintendo or Microsoft attempt to step to this, they'd best check themselves before they wreck themselves. He then posed.

"Our first-party product is obviously platform exclusive and is the best out there," Mr. Hirai says, namechecking upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusives like LittleBigPlanet, God of War III and Resistance 2. In addition to those internally developed games, Kaz, not pictured, points once again to the power of the Blu-ray format, saying that bonus content exclusive to the PS3 platform is totally rad.

"Peace!" Kaz then didn't say. I'm out.

Hirai: Rivals can’t compete with PS3’s exclusives [MCV]

Xbox 360 Exclusive Or Bullet To The Head? Kaz Picks Bullet To The Head

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 MDT

Microsoft might have bagged a big PS3 exclusive at E3 with Final Fantasy XIII. But, Sony Computer Entertainment honcho Kaz Hirai really does not want any Xbox 360 exclusives. Like at all. Even abstractly! In an E3 interview with Swedenish daily Aftonbladet, Hirai reportedly says he'd take a bullet to the head over taking an Xbox 360 exclusive. Harsh! In the past few days, Microsoft and Sony have been trading barbs like crazy. It's like 2006 all over again. Anyway, here's the exchange, kindly translated by Kotakuite Mordochai:

Aftonbladet: If you had to choose ONE exclusive Xbox 360 title and launch it for the PS3 instead, which game would it be?
Hirai: I don't think I have to choose any.....
Aftonbladet: You have to pick one.
Hirai: Again, I don't think I have to pick one because we have such a fantastic lineup of games.
Aftonbladet: But if someone is holding a gun to your head and you have to choose one. Which game would it be?
Hirai: Okay.. then they have to shoot me, because I really don't think we need any.

Kaz, you're making Giant Kaz Face sad.

Kaz Hirai Interview [Aftonbladet]

Kaz Hirai Isn't Sure How Long The Xbox 360 Cycle Is...

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:40:00 MDT

Sony Computer Entertainment honcho Kaz Hirai is confused. Just look at his Giant Kaz Face, see how tranquilly baffled it is? That's some serious confusion. When Xbox bossman Don Mattrick said Microsoft would sell more consoles than the PS3 this generation, Hirai wasn't quite sure what that meant. How long does Microsoft think the generation is? Is the Xbox 360 going to be around for ten years like Sony claims the PS3 is? Questions, questions, questions. Here's Kaz's take:

The key word there is this ‘lifecycle’ or ‘this generation’. As you probably know, we’re working on a ten-year lifecycle, we’ve said that since day one and we’ve proven it with PSOne and PS2. I guess Don is saying they’re also going to be embarking on a ten-year lifecycle, then? If they are then that’s terrific, but I’ve never seen them manage it before. Last time I checked, the Xbox went by the wayside four or five years after launch.

Last time I checked, the Xbox went by the wayside four or five years after launch. On the other hand, if he’s saying that Microsoft will outsell us after five years, if he calls that this generation, then he’s saying he’s going to exit the 360 business within five years. I’m not exactly sure when he says ‘this lifecycle’ or ‘this generation’ what standard he’s using — five years, 10 years, I don’t know.

Don Mattrick is obviously on Don Mattrick Time. You can't put a time-frame on DMT, you just can't.

Hirai on PS3... Pt. 1 [MCYVK]

Kaz Wants Lifetime PS3 Sales To Beat Lifetime PS2 Sales

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 01:30:00 MDT

While the PS3 is outselling the PS2 on a monthly basis, it's still well over 100 million units shy of its older brother in the lifetime sales department. But don't let that stop Sony from dreaming about the future! Kaz Hirai is hoping for a day when, all things going according to plan, the PS3 sells more consoles than the PS2 did. FYI, the PS2's sold around 150 million. "It's not fun for me replicating the PS2 numbers. I've seen that movie already," the SCE boss said. "I want to try to see if we can exceed the PS2 numbers after nine years, otherwise why are we in this business?". Because you like the free pens and fancy party foods?

Sony sets 150m sales target for PS3 [FT]

Tretton Talks About Kaz's Influence on the Playstation Universe

Brian Crecente — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:00:00 MDT

Speaking with a group of game writers earlier this week SCEA head Jack Tretton talked briefly about how Sony Computer Entertainment has benefited under the shift from Ken Kutaragi to Kaz Hirai.

Specifically, he talked about the promise that Sony's regions would be a bit more antonymous under Hirai.

"There is no question that Kutaragi-san ruled with an iron fist, but it was his vision," Tretton said. "In terms of how we went to market in region, that was anonymous."

But Tretton said that Hirai has a better understanding of the company's day-to-day operations and the challenges they face both in Japan and abroad.

"He's been in the regions. He's been in the trenches. He's been outside the towers in Tokyo," Tretton said. "I think there is a better understanding."

Tretton also touched on how SCEA and other regions had to struggle a bit with the perception of PS3 as a super computer created by Kutaragi and the reality that the console had to be a gaming platform first to sell.

"Kutaragi-san built the PS3 as a super computer for the home," he said. "We thought there was a risk of losing the game identity of the Playstaiton 3, so we tried to distance ourselves from that and we understand that credibility would be built with games."

See our other Tretton stories from E3:
Tretton Says No 360 Final Fantasy XIII Coming to Japan
Tretton Explains the Long Road to Home
Tretton: Sony Considering PSP with Harddrive

PlayStation 3 Graphics Chip Shrinks To Wee 65nm This Fall

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:00:04 MDT

Kaz Hirai and the boys at Sony are all about profitability. They don't just throw these slides together for kicks; they mean it. As part of the company's accelerated "cost down efforts," the PlayStation 3 will be getting smaller, cooler, cheaper, more efficient and generally awesomer RSX graphics chips starting this fall. We're talking 65nm manufacturing processes, people. The good stuff.

Kaz noted in his corporate strategy speech earlier today that the Cell processor has been manufactured with 65nm process technology as of "last holiday." Both were originally manufacture at 90nm, which was charming at first, but now seems rather vulgar. We're updating our console power consumption charts in anticipation of the new RSX's release.

Hirai: "True Generation" PS3 Titles To Come

Leigh Alexander — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:20:00 MDT

PlayStation business head Kaz Hirai admitted to having a "difficult time" with PlayStation 3's launch, due in part to Sony's initially framing it as a broad media system as opposed to a video game console.

"However, by refocusing the positioning of PS3 first and foremost as a gaming platform, we were able to bring an attractive title lineup and achieve a sufficient number of PS3 sales as expected in the fiscal year 2007 holiday season," Hirai said.

Now that developers are no longer "confused," Hirai said, the console can begin to realize its potential. "As PlayStation 3 approaches the second anniversary of its release, the release of PS3 software titles with the true generation quality only available on PS3 is accelerating," he said, citing Metal Gear Solid 4 as one such title.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Ships Out 3 Million

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:40:33 MDT

During Sony's corporate strategy meeting, at which the company announced Life with PlayStation and showed off its video download service for the first time, PlayStation bossman Kaz Hirai provided some new numbers. Most relevant to this post's interests are the shipment figures for Metal Gear Solid 4, which has been deployed to worldwide retailers three million times over. Not bad for a couple weeks work.

Yes, hairsplitters, that's shipped to retailers, not sold through to customers. Still, we're fairly certain Hideo Kojima can flaunt that number to friends and probably secure a line of credit at his favorite silk shirt retailer because they know he's good for it.

Sony Corporate Strategy Meeting [Famitsu via IGN]

Poor Kaz Had No Idea Phil Was Going To Atari

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 30 May 2008 05:00:00 MDT

Seeing as the pair were running the show as far as the PlayStation brand was concerned, you'd think Kaz Hirai and Phil Harrison would have at least discussed Phil's move to Infogrames, yes? No. Turns out big Phil's move was as much a surprise to Kaz as it was the rest of us:

At the time, I didn’t know he was going to Atari. It was obviously a surprise when he told me he was going to move on. But, you know, it’s a small industry and he’s obviously remained in it and from his perspective, it was a great thing to move on to a new challenge.

Oh...oh Kaz. There, there. You're still beautiful, OK? It was him, not you. Him.

Kaz Hirai interview…[Three Speech]

Third Party Exclusives Are More "Difficult"

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:00:00 MDT

Oh, Giant Kaz Face, how we've missed you. But you're back! Back to talk about PS3 things. In an ~~pr stunt~~ interview with Sony Three Speech blog, Kaz reminds us all how it was his idea to bring the focus back to the PS3 as a game console — and not a super computer or whatever. There's some good stuff in there, like Giant Kaz Face talking about digital distribution and how exclusives work in this generation. About that, Giant Kaz Face says:

But generally speaking, because of the investments that publishers need to make in this round of hardware, it’s going to be more difficult for publishers to make that decision. Where we come into the picture is to have that dialogue with the third-party publishers, to say: “OK, what can we do together if it’s not exclusive that makes the PS3 version of the game more compelling for the consumers than any other version?” Let’s face it – all the games are coming out on a Blu-ray disk which has 50Gb capacity, so let’s put in some making-of content, or maybe additional levels. Also, it really becomes important for the first-party studios to really come up with some envelope-pushing, genre-defining content.

Interesting to see how the playing field has changed this generation.

Kaz Hirai Interview [Three Speech]

Third Parties Were So "Confused" By PS3

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 12 May 2008 07:30:00 MDT

Once upon a time, the PLAYSTATION 3 was not a game console. A Blu-ray player! An home entertainment hub! It was a super computer! A... Sony Computer Entertainment honcho Kaz Hirai explains:

I think there was some confusion as to what PS3 was initially — some of the third parties didn’t understand and they wanted to scale back a little and see how things went before they really put in their resources... But when I re-positioned the PS3 as a video games console at Tokyo Game Show I think everybody got that message loud and clear.

While removing backwards compatibility was shitty of Kaz, driving home the point that the PS3 is a game machine first and foremost was quite smart. That's why they pay him the big bucks!
Confusing [MCVUK] [Pic]

Sony So Aren't Competing With Microsoft Or Nintendo

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:20:00 MDT

Sony makes a games machine. Heck, they make three of them that people are still buying. So they're in competition with Nintendo and Microsoft, who also makes games machines, right? Nope! Kaz Hirai told MCV at this week's SCEE event in Europe that Sony have bigger fish to fry than the world's #1-selling gaming company and the world's #1-selling software company:

I think that PS3, PS2 and PSP are all entertainment platforms so I feel that our competition is not Microsoft or Nintendo, but basically any form of entertainment that is competing for the consumers' attention.
So we need to make sure we offer the most compelling entertainment - not videogame entertainment but in entertainment in general. I can't speak for their strategy but I like to think that we've got a very well balanced portfolio with PS3, PSP and you can't discount the PS2.

Hear that, Nintendo? You're so one-dimensional. Maybe put an album together, release a movie or two, then you'll be running with the big dogs.

Hirai: 'We're not competing with Microsoft or Nintendo' [MCV]

Kaz Hirai: PS3 Will Win The Race, It Just Might Take A Decade

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:20:19 MDT

PlayStation boss man Kaz Hirai has been a chatty fellow this week, talking about the PlayStation 3's bumpy start and its association with Grand Theft Auto IV. He also sat down with the BBC, giving his totally unbiased opinion about where the PS3 will rank against its peers. The news? Good! Well, maybe. We'll have to check back next decade, as Kaz says "The true test of the console, in terms of the install base race, is really when you look back at the end of the life cycle."

Kaz adds that he's "very confident" that at the end of the PS3 decade "we will have the install base that we're looking for and that is to be obviously in the leadership position." By then, we should be crystal clear on how things shook out. But as for the PlayStation 4? It's hazy.

"Very difficult to say," says Kaz. There's a great deal to consider, before the Sony engineers run off and start crafting the PS4, the DualShock 4, the next EyeToy.

"We need to take a look at advances in technology in various areas, such as semiconductors, graphics chips, output devices, mainly TV and monitors, to see where we would like to benchmark our next generation product" he says. We're sure they're F5ing Gizmodo like execs possessed!

Let's just hope that controller vibration doesn't become passe technology again. We're not sure we could handle another blow like that.

PlayStation 'will reclaim lead' [BBC]

Kaz Says GTA Fans "Come Home" To PS3

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 07 May 2008 06:20:00 MDT

More Kaz! Can you handle it? While hanging out at the SCEE event yesterday, Sony's Kaz Hirai spoke on the importance of GTA IV to the PS3, and whether or not he felt the game had been a factor in driving hardware sales. He didn't take the bait entirely, but couldn't resist having a nibble, telling VG247 that when it comes to Grand Theft Auto, a lot of people call the PlayStation home:

I think Grand Theft Auto, the franchise, has always been associated with the PlayStation platform first and foremost, and so I think consumers are coming back again.

They had previous versions of Grand Theft Auto on previous [PlayStation] platforms, so it's always good to come home to PlayStation 3 as well, I think.

He goes on to say that "based on the numbers" he's seen thus far, the PS3 version of the game's done quite well for itself. How well? No idea. They're Kaz's numbers, and as such, are top secret.
SCEE PlayStation Day: Kaz Hirai interview [VG247]

PlayStation Home Release Pushed Back (Yet Again)

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:30:41 MDT

Today Sony announced that the Home Closed Beta will expand to Summer 2008 and invited more users to join. Following this, the Home Closed Beta, an Open Beta will kick off later this fall. Says Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai:

We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today. Our overarching objective is to provide users with new gaming experiences that are available only on PLAYSTATION Home. Spending more time on the development and on the Closed Beta testing reaffirms our commitment to bringing a quality service, maintaining the PlayStation tradition.

Home was first slated for September or October 2007 and then pushed back to "Spring 2008." And now, like that, Sony slides it back again. Hit the jump for the full press release.

22/04/2008 06:00 SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF CLOSED BETA TESTING FOR PLAYSTATION®HOME IN SUMMER 2008 Opening Of The Service Scheduled For Fall 2008
Tokyo, April 22, 2008 - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that it will expand the Closed Beta testing for PLAYSTATION®Home in Summer 2008, inviting a further number of registrants from the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) users. Following completion of the Expanded Closed Beta test, the PLAYSTATION Home Open Beta service will commence in Fall 2008.

"We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today," said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "Our overarching objective is to provide users with new gaming experiences that are available only on PLAYSTATION Home. Spending more time on the development and on the Closed Beta testing reaffirms our commitment to bringing a quality service, maintaining the PlayStation® tradition."

The PLAYSTATION Home Open Beta service that will become available in Fall 2008 will be built around providing new and fun community gaming experiences, such as connecting PlayStation games with Home and providing places and items from the games.

Details of the Closed Beta testing features, registration for the test and the opening of the service will be announced as they become available.

PS3 Profitable By August? Who Knows!

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:30:00 MDT

Kaz Hirai reckons the PS3 will start making Sony some money around the end of the year. Maybe early 2009. Kaz, you see, thinks the glass is half-empty. The analyst team at Nikko Citigroup, however, see the glass as three-quarters full, and reckon that the console will become profitable for Sony as soon as August. Good news! Just in case, you know. You're a Sony shareholder. Or are otherwise heavily invested, whether financially or emotionally, in the business practices of a large multinational corporation.
PS3 profitable by August, say Nikko Citigroup analysts [Gamesindustry.biz] [Image: AP]

Kaz Hirai Makes Sony Online Entertainment His Bitch

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:00:46 MDT

Sony is beefing up its PlayStation business, announcing that Sony Online Entertainment, developer and publisher of EverQuest, The Agency, Star Wars Galaxies and much, much more will now report to big boss Kaz Hirai. He's the president and group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment International, Ken Kutaragi's replacement. You know that.

While SOE has done its share of PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PSP development in the past, we would expect that the alignment with SCEI will mean additional focus on PlayStation output. Potentially good news for the PS3's first-party line up and the PlayStation Network.

The official word is that SOE will continue to develop for the PS3 and PC and that president John Smedley will be one rung under Hirai on the corporate ladder. All that officialness is in the following press release on the matter.

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT LEVERAGE EXPERTISE IN THE COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
SAN DIEGO, CA & TOKYO, JAPAN (March 13, 2008) — In a strategic move to closely align itself with the strong growth of the worldwide online gaming market, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) will report to Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, SCEI, effective April 1, 2008. The new structure is designed to mutually benefit both companies by further accelerating the PlayStation business through SOE's strong online gaming expertise.

"I am excited to be able to work with SOE even more closely, as online games and services become a more integral part of the PS3 entertainment experience," Hirai said. "This new structure will allow us to take full advantage of the extensive breadth of expertise of the two companies and increase our range of exciting entertainment offerings to our consumers."

San Diego-based SOE is currently part of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Under the new structure, SOE will continue to develop its games for the PC and the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system, and SOE President John Smedley will report to Hirai.

"We are thrilled to become a part of the incredible team that has made PLAYSTATION 3 the premier platform for next generation online gaming," said Smedley. "This move is going to broaden our capabilities and expand the development of our products into new and exciting directions."

About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

Phil Harrison Resigning From Sony

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:23 MST

Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) will resign on February 29th. Harrison has been with Sony since 1992, when he joined Sony Electronics Publishing. That Sony branch later evolved into Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Says Harrison:

The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far. I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.

Perhaps it was the friction a cranky Phil Harrison alluded to at GDC, concerning the difficulties of working with Sony Japan that lead to his decision. Perhaps it was something else. Regardless, SCE CEO Kaz Hirai will assume Harrison's role as well as attend to his own duties as SCE CEO. Full press release after the jump.

SCE Worldwide Studios President Phil Harrison Resigns

SCE Group CEO Kazuo Hirai Assumes Responsibilities

TOKYO, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group as of February 29, 2008. Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties.
Prior to the launch of the original PlayStation, Phil Harrison joined Sony Electronics Publishing, Ltd. in 1992, which later evolved into Sony computer Entertainment Europe, and since then, he has made a tremendous contribution to the company playing a strategic role in the launch of four PlayStation platforms, as well as building strong relationships with game developers and publishers throughout the world. Since his appointment to the position of president, SCE WWS, Harrison applied his considerable skill, knowledge and expertise to lead SCE Group's first party game development as well as aggressively pursuing the development of new online entertainment experiences.
"As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry," said Kazuo Hirai. "It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors."
"The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far," said Phil Harrison. "I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can."

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

Power Struggle at Sony Computer Entertainment?

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:00:46 MST

Late last week, we ran a rumor that said Sony Computer Entertainment Chief Technical Officer Izumi Kawanishi had been shuffled out of SCEI and is now working for Sony Corporate. We contacted Sony Computer Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment of America and Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe. All refused to comment. Odd, because this seems something that could be addressed rather easily if Kawanishi was still at the company. (Then again, he still might!) Since Kawanishi had worked on the PS2, the PSP and the PS3, he was obviously a key team member and important to SCEI's past successes. We've gotten more details from insiders about the power struggle that supposedly went down.

Word is that Kawanishi was mad at Kaz Hirai for reducing PS3 features. Take the new 40GB PLAYSTATION 3, which doesn't have backwards compatibility. The friction between the two didn't start there: Previously, Kawanishi was "gunning" for the CEO position when Ken Kutaragi left the post. Apparently, when Hirai became the CEO, Kawanishi was not happy about the decision. Now, whether Kawanishi has simply been reassigned or left by his own accord isn't known. Another thing, if Kawanishi has in fact left SCEI, who is heading up the company's R&D? Certainly, SCEI has many capable employees, but someone like Kawanishi can't be replaced overnight.

Sony Computer Entertainment Lost Chief Tech Officer?

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 02:00:26 MDT

According to an insider, Sony Computer Entertainment platform development head Izumi Kawanishi has been shuffled out of the division. Before we start, a bit about Kawanishi: He was key in the hardware development for the PS2, the PSP and the PS3, and he was the head of SCEI's Network System Development Section and R&D Division. He was Sony Computer Entertainment's Chief Technical Officer. Kawanishi previously worked closely with PlayStation father Ken Kutaragi and was an important member of the PlayStation team. We wrote "was," because apparently he's been moved out of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. and is now working at Sony Corporation. According to our insider:

There was a little bit of a fight internally between Kawanishi-san and Kaz Hirai since SCEI has been pushing the PS3 as just a game console.

That does follow Hirai's recent statements that the PS3 is a "game machine" as the company tries to recapture the gaming audience it has lost. Perhaps, Kawanishi still thinks of the console as a "super computer" or a hub-in-the-home. Perhaps. We've contacted Sony about Kawanishi's current role, and will get back to you once we hear something.

Sony Pleading To Keep Third Parties On PS3

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:40:00 MDT

Following another unspectacular month of PlayStation 3 sales in the U.S., showing another month-to-month decline, you might start thinking that Sony was in a bad way. Sony's spin on the 119,000 PS3s sold in September was glossed over in its statement regarding yesterday's monthly NPD sales data, with the company instead choosing to underscore the recently announced 40GB model and the 80GB model's price drop. Worse news for Sony comes from San Jose Mercury News' Dean Takahashi who writes that Sony recently "pleaded with third-party developers not to abandon its struggling platform", attempting to make the argument that the PS3 is filled with untapped hardware potential.

As Takahashi writes, it's a decidedly different attitude, one that's been reflected in Jack Tretton's E3 presser speech and Kaz Hirai's Tokyo Game Show keynote. Both execs approached the opportunity to present a more humble Sony, with Hirai stressing that the company was working to bring down hardware prices and work more closely with third parties.

Is it too late? Many of Sony's PlayStation 3 exclusives have failed to light a fire under consumers and one has to wonder how this holiday's upcoming library contributions will fare in the face of what Microsoft and Nintendo have to offer. We'll soon know if cheap ass PS3s are really all it's going to take.

Dean's Take on NPD numbers for September [The Mercury News]

Talks Original PS3 Price ("Right"), Kutaragi (B.F.F.)

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:00:25 MDT

Sony Computer Entertainment Kaz Hirai is a man of no regrets. High PS3 pricetag? No problem! PlayStation creator getting the boot? Whatever! Kaz sounds off on that initial price shocker, saying:

I think the original price-point was the right price-point, evidenced by the issues we had at launch when we couldn't supply enough units to consumers in the Japanese market and the North American market, and it was a huge challenge to try and meet that demand because of all the production issues we had. It wasn't a pricing issue, it was a supply issue.

Good thing there are plenty of those PS3s to go around now. And regarding the departure of Kutaragi, Kaz assures that the Father of the PlayStation left to follow other rainbows. According to Kaz:

...I think he's gotten to the point where he wants to try out other ideas beyond the PlayStation business. He told me the other day, 'I'm not getting any younger'... He's our honorary chairman, he swings by the office once in a while — if I ask him for advice, he'll give it to me. He's not engaged every day anymore but if I ask him to be engaged, he will be, and in the meantime he's pursuing his other passions and dreams...he hasn't really shared them with me just yet, but I think he'll share them with the world when he's ready to do so.

Whatever those dreams are, hopefully, they'll be in 4D.

Hirai Interview [Spong]

Kaz Hirai on the Future of PSP

Mark Wilson — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 02:00:26 MDT

After demonstrating the new Remote Play features on stage (turning on and off your PS3), Kaz Hirai ran through Sony's future plans of PS3/PSP integration. He was short on details, but from the looks of it we'll be able to remotely multiplay 3 PSPs on one PS3. Sweetness.

Liveblogging Kaz Hirai's Tokyo Game Show Keynote

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:30:53 MDT

Kaz Hirai is presumably backstage with his handlers, hyperventilating into a paper bag, panicked at the thought of delivering his first Tokyo Game Show keynote as the president of Sony Computer Entertainment. Hopefully, Kaz won't choke on his words or bore the audience to death Kutaragi-style. Everyone is turning off their cellphones in anticipation for Hirai's speech.

Make the jump for all the exciting PlayStation family announcements.

Kaz has taken the stage. He's covering the history of the PlayStation brand, displaying some impressive sales graphs, one that includes tiny red bars indicating PS3 sales. His focus now is on the PlayStation 2 and its accomplishment of reaching the 100 million mark in just six years, surpassing the original PlayStation's path to 100 million.

He's boasting of million selling titles on the company's PSP platform, highlighting Monster Hunter Portable, Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories and Midnight Club 3. He's showing the six new color variations, claiming that they will "help your lifestyle."

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII is on screen. The limited edition version sold out within hours and nearly 700,000 units were shipped on day one. The pair of pack in games with Star Wars Battlefront and Daxter will push more units of the PlayStation Portable, he hopes.

The trio of PSP add ons—the GPS receiver, the camera and 1 SEG TV tuner—get some screen time. Kaz recaps Sony's Games Convention announcements for video download services and Go! series.

All of these products and services will expand the PlayStation world.

Kaz moves on to the Remote Play feature using the PSP and PLAYSTATION 3 with Lair on the latest slide. A demonstration of Remote Play is now happening on stage.

The new Remote Play icon is shown on the PSP XMB, courtesy of the PSP slim video out cable.

He just turned on the PS3 with the PSP over the internet. This new feature is promised in a future firmware update. The demonstrator is guiding us through the PS3 screen via the PSP, settling on the Japan-only Mainichi Issyo.

Looks like wake on LAN and sleep on LAN are now available in PSP firmware.

Remote Play Applications are shown, including using the PSP as a second screen for Formula 1 Racing and using multiple PSPs as PS3 controllers. It sounds like some functionality for the latter may be limited to spectator modes, but we'll hopefully get confirmation on that later.

The future of Remote Play indicates that PS3s will be able to connect to eachother to view multimedia on remote consoles, with multiple PSPs acting as PLAYSTATION 3 controllers.

PS3 sales data is on screen, pushing some 5 million units sold. Not a bad start, but Kaz says that he was a little disappointed in the penetration of the machine with sales not as strong as they had hoped.

Kaz moves on to a trailer featuring PS3 titles. They are, in order, LittleBigPlanet, Final Fantasy XIII, Lair, Aqua, Uncharted, Ratatouille, Devil May Cry 4, LocoRoco Cocoreccho, PixelJunk Racers, Eye of Judgment, PoTC, Sega Rally, Cod4 Modern Warfare, NBA 08, Spider Man 3, Oblivion, Go Sports Ski, GRAW 2, flower, Harry Potter, Tony Hawk 8, Turok, Heavenly Sword, FIFA 08, Killzone 2, echochrome, Transformers, Time Crisis 4, Last Remnant, Nobi Nobi Boy, Warhawk, Dynasty Warriors 4, Final Fantasy Versus XIII, Gran Turismo Prologue, Afrika, Ratchet & Clank Future, Yakuza 3, and Metal Gear Solid 4.

Footage from Afrika shows a number of safari goers taking photos of wildlife, driving Jeeps, following herds of animals. It looks pretty and we hope to see more than that brief tease.

Kaz moves on to talk about future business plans, including building relationships with licensees, sharing of SCE WWS assets and know how, periodical meetings of the advisory board, and more. Kaz talks more about supporting partners with their PS3 games.

Next, the strengthening of first party title development. Sony's Worldwide Studios is, as mentioned just before, sharing more assets and knowledge with other teams.

He talks about Sony's acquisition of Evolution Studios, developers of the World Rally Championship series and Motorstorm. Big Big Studios also joined the ranks as a first party team. They're responsible for Pursuit Force on the PSP.

Kaz moves on to PS3 hardware and reducing costs. He says that they've listened to plenty of feedback about hardware prices and other gripes.

Kaz formally announces the rumble equipped DualShock 3. Both the SIXAXIS and DualShock 3 logos are shown on the controller. There are no other changes to its outward appearance.

The new DualShock 3 is planned to ship in Japan this November, US and Europe in Spring 2008. No price is available today, but the new controller will be on hand at TGS, playable in echochrome, Metal Gear Solid 4, Uncharted, Devil May Cry 4, Toy Home, Metal Gear Online and more. In total, ten titles currently support the DualShock 3.

I'm guessing that Burnout Paradise will also show off vibration. Kaz points to dozens of other titles that will support the DualShock 3, which looks like just about everything going forward. Consider this unconfirmed, but it appears some older titles will also support the DS3.

Moving on to the PlayStation Network, after boasting of some 2.7 million registered users, Kaz reveals that December 13th will see Gran Turismo 5 Prologue released in Japan.

Next up is PlayStation Home. Looks like Home will be delayed until Spring of 2008 as the team wants to spend more time developing the platform.

Dress for Home is about to be shown. It's "everybody's fashion entertainment." No real details are provided.

Kaz shifts focus to the PlayStation Store, now featuring 30 PS3 games, 300 add on items, 100 game archive titles and plenty of demos. Players will soon be able to access the PlayStation Store on their PCs. A screen showing the PSP connected to a laptop computer running Windows with the new PC PlayStation Store interface is up.

Back to hardware, Kaz starts talking up the CELL and its floating point operation capabilities. One petaflop has been surpassed on Folding@Home, says Kaz.

Kaz sounds like he's wrapping up his keynote.

There was a bit of utopian PlayStation World rambling there at the end and Kaz says "Thank You!". However, it's not over yet. Kaz will be back for a Q&A session in just a few minutes. Stay tuned.

We didn't have to wait long. Kaz is now on stage with the Q&A moderator, talking up the 40 playable titles on the TGS show floor.

Kaz is giving his hands-on impressions of the new DualShock 3. Guess what? He actually likes it!

When asked about future PLAYSTATION 3 games, Kaz starts with echochrome, calling it a simple, but deep game. It doesn't have to be an HD environment but talks up plenty of high def games, including Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.

With some 5 million PS3 units sold, and a goal of 11 million units by next fiscal year, Kaz explains how they will reach that figure. Plenty of marketing! What about a price drop? Sorry, Kaz says, no surprise price drop announcement in the Q&A session of the keynote this year.

Kaz is being pressed once again about the price drop, but he deflects, simply saying it's possible.

How do you feel about the Wii phenomenon? Kaz says that they belong to the same industry but target different consumers. One company can't have everything, he says, but that getting more consumers to enjoy gaming is healthy for the entire industry.

On Home, Kaz calls the platform a new form of interactive entertainment. But is it a game? Yes, says Kaz. Debate over!

What about the Home delay? Kaz apologizes to users for the delay, but he insists that the game must spend more time in development, allowing users in Japan, North America, Europe and the rest of Asia to experience the game when it's ready. Some of Home's services simply don't sound ready for a 2007 launch.

The final question concerns the computing power of the PS3 for applications like Folding@Home and how Sony will progress with entertainment versus applications. Kaz sounds like he's dodging this one a bit, saying he simply can't discuss too much of the future PS3 line up, but he says that the PS3 is, at its core, a game machine.

The moderator and Kaz Hirai thank the audience for their time, with Kaz's stage mate apologizing for not pulling a price drop bomb out of Kaz. The Q&A wraps up and everyone bolts for the door.

Thanks for refreshing with us! Off to the show floor.

TGS Keynote Kick-Off

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:00:10 MDT

We've set up shop in the International Conference Hall at the Makuhari Messe to bathe in the glory of Kaz Hirai's Tokyo Game Show keynote session. He's due to take the stage within the next ten minutes, barring any delays, hopefully with armfuls of thrilling announcements. Our micron thin tether to the internet is hanging on for dear life, ready to be punished by the power of intense liveblogging.

As you can see, press enjoys a comfortable distance from where Kaz will be keynoting, but the power of the PlayStation brand knows no bounds. Or something. Kaz's theme for the session will be "A look at our business strategy toward new growth: expanding the PlayStation world." Who's pumped? Check back soon for the blow by blow action.

The PS3 Is a Game Machine. Period.

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:23 MDT

Things the PLAYSTATION 3 has been called: A computer, a hub and a multi-media center. And that's just by Sony! Previous Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi himself called the PS3 a "super computer." New SCE honcho Kaz Hirai is here to set the record straight:

I'd like to clearly say, "The PS3 is a game machine." It's nothing more than that.

He also points out that the PS, the PS2 and the PSP are game machines as well. Oh. Okay.
Hirai Interview [Game Watch]

Hey Japan, Chill Out!

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:00:55 MDT

Western gaming market? Huge. Japanese market? Not so huge. When not recommending that developers use the PS3's "unique characteristics" to add "extra flavor," Sony Computer Entertainment president Kaz Hirai alleviates domestic fears in an interview with site IT Media. A good chunk of the interview is discussing whether or not the PS3 will still have Japan-centric games. Traditionally, different games appears to players in Japan and abroad. Serious stuff! According to Kaz:

There are probably people who think that, looking at the output of Worldwide Studios, there are fewer and fewer Japan-developed 'Japanese style' titles coming out. But we definitely don't have the intention of just bringing Western games into Japan. We will keep on steadily releasing titles that are developed in Japan and designed to appeal to all Japanese users... Speaking generally, it's obviously much better business sense to have games that, even if they're developed in Japan and designed for Japanese users, will be received in the same way by Western gamers... While I can't give an accurate number here, there are a number of games which are being developed with the viewpoint of making the game consciously for the Japanese market but also wanting it to sell well in the West... Just because the foreign market is bigger than the domestic one, we don't intend to take strategy of just making what would have been considered previously as 'Western games' and saying 'We've got no choice but to do this' to our Japanese users. If we did that, there'd be no point in having the Japan Studio.

Yup! So, Japan, relax. More Japan-friendly games are coming, and the PS3 won't be wall-to-wall Western first-person-shooters. *Looks at Resistance, Rainbow Six and Call of Duty 3*
PS3 Content [Develop Mag, Thanks Jason!]

Kaz Hirai Says the "Best" Is Yet to Come

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 03:00:02 MDT

To celebrate ten years of Final Fantasy VII and stir longings for a FFVII remake, Square Enix held a Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Gallery in Tokyo. The exhibition is on display until September 2nd in the Spiral Garden and features original art and illustrations for Final Fantasy VII and its spin-offs. Sony Computer Entertainment honcho Kaz Hirai was also in appearance and wrote an English note on the message board (above), which reads:

Congratulations on 10 fantastic years! The best is yet to come

If by "best," he means more spin-offs, then no thanks. But if he means "best" by a big ol' FFVII remake, then I just might agree. Though, he could be talking about FFXIII or just in general. Who knows? Kaz does!

FFVII Anniversary [Game Watch Impress]

Kaz Says SIXAXIS Is Not The Final PS3 Controller

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:20:15 MDT

Kikizo spoke with new PlayStation boss Kaz Hirai—formerly miniboss of SCEA—touching on a number of subjects, ranging from old boss Ken Kutaragi's "retirement" to the oft-rumored rumble enabled SIXAXIS. Kaz and crew realize that rumble is "something that I know the consumers have told us they're looking to have in the PS3 controller" and that its a feature they're "obviously looking at." But, Kaz, is that all you got? That's so last gen!

Kaz responds:

We're also looking at a variety of other things that we can incorporate with the controller, and we'll come out with announcements when we think we have the right mix of features for the PS3 controller. [...] That's also an evolving peripheral, if you will, in that we started out with the original PS1 controller with no analogue, and it's come all the way to this point, so obviously, as we go forward, it's not the final model for a PS3 controller, so we'll see what comes down the road.

Are those rumors of Immersion's TouchSense technology starting to sound more legitimate? Maybe. Let's hope we hear fewer tired "Riiiiiidge Racerrrrr" references at Tokyo Game Show and more about opportunities to rebuy the SIXAXIS again.

PlayStation Interview: Kaz Hirai [Kikizo]

Kaz Will Kick Off Tokyo Game Show

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:40:53 MDT

Meet the new boss. Hopefully he won't be as dull as the old boss in Tokyo Game Show terms. With Ken Kutaragi for all intents and purposes disowned by the PlayStation family, new SCEI president Kaz Hirai will take his place in kicking off the TGS 07 festivities. While Kutaragi's hour-plus keynote at TGS '06 focused on networking, global mapping data and the Folding@Home application, there's no telling what Kaz will speak about this September. I just hope we get another Afrika trailer this year (and better seats).

Sony Prez To Headline TGS [IGN]

Our Exclusive Tretton Interview

Brian Crecente — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 09:19:55 MDT

I had a chance to meet with Jack Tretton and Kaz Hirai during their now annual blogger event. It's kind of a neat idea. Sony gathers together a bunch of bloggers for an open meeting with an assortment of Sony executives.

The first such event, held at GDC, was quite amazing. Not only was there a pretty wide selection of Sony folks on hand, they were just as interested in hearing what we had to say as we were in what they had to say. So it was more like a chat than an interview.

This time around things seemed more like a straight-up interview. I ended up not really asking that much because Sony had been kind enough to set up a one-on-one interview for us with Jack Tretton earlier in the day.

Kaz had some interesting things to say, in particular he said that in his new role with the company he's trying to afford the regional presidents more control or at least say over what's going on in their area.

"One of the things I've tried to start changing is giving more autonomy, decision power to the regional headquarters," he said in the group meeting.

As always, I asked about the PSP download service, my now years long pet-peeve. Kaz said that they are "looking at a variety of ways of brining a video download service and a music service to the PS3 as well as the PSP." He also made a good point about the delay. He said that they couldn't launch a PSP service that didn't also include the PS3 and because of that there have been some hang-ups.

"Given the fact we want to make sure we are integrating the experience, we want to make it a PSP, PS3 experience, we can't look at it in a vacuum. It's is a bit of a hardware transition issue. This is the reality of being in the business of both a console and a portable... the ingredients are all in place."

Hit up Joystiq which was kind enough to transcribe a redacted version of the full interview, or you can check out or exclusive one-on-one interview with Tretton after the jump, broken down into bite-sized videos.

Jack Tretton On:
The future of the UMD
Metal Gear Solid 4 Exclusivity and its future
Sony's Take on Video on Demand
The new PSP
SIXAXIS Rumble
The Future of the Playstation Network
The Death of E3

Can Kaz Save The PS3?

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:20:46 MDT

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. Michael McWhertor

Can New PlayStation Chief Beat the Wii? [CIO Today]

Kaz, Version 3.0

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 05:00:03 MDT

While not as good as J Allard's eXtreme make-over (nothing is!), Sony Computer Entertainment honcho Kaz Hirai does look, well, different. While heading up Sony Computer Entertainment America, Hirai was known for his loud, open collared shirts, but kiss them good bye now that he's back in Tokyo. Just check out this portrait shot SCE is releasing. Yes, "Kaz" is no more. Meet Kazuo Hirai. Brian Ashcraft

New Hirai [Game|Life]

Analysts Ponder Kutaragi's Pseudo-Retirement

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:40:40 MDT

What's the deal with that Ken Kutaragi news? Was Krazy Ken slowly forced into more meaningless roles until he just gave up? Was Howard Stringer looking to boot the pricey hardware visionary out the door to stop the bleeding? GameDaily contacted the industry's most vocal analysts to get their take on former Sony Computer Entertainment Inc employee Ken Kutaragi's transition.

While some are of the opinion that the PLAYSTATION 3's slower adoption and high price embarrassed the company, others are less sure. Analyst Michael Pachter says that Kutaragi's early retirement may indicate a renewed focus on PS3 and PSP first party software efforts and paints a positive picture for his successor, Kaz Hirai.

He tells GameDaily:

I think Kaz Hirai is great, and the company probably doesn't need a visionary for another 10 years. They need an operations guy, need to drive costs down, and need to develop more software support (internal and external). Hirai will be great at that.

There are some interesting insights from a number of industry watchers, so do read on. My guess is that Ken's move is probably less exciting and dramatic than it appears, with the Father of the PlayStation continuing to be an outspoken figure for the next decade. Michael McWhertor

Analysts Weigh In on Kutaragi's Departure [GameDaily BIZ]

Return of Brian's School of Volcano Management

Brian Crecente — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:00:02 MDT

Today's news that Ken Kutaragi is retiring from the SCEI, can only be seen as further proof that the company does indeed use Brian's School of Volcano Management.

I first noticed back in December when Kutaragi was "promoted" to replace Sir Howard Stringer who had just been popped out of the crusty lip of the Sony Volcano.

In my theory, heat from bad decisions and poor management builds until a key person involved in the decision-making process is pushed up and up and up and finally ejected entirely from the company.

Next up, if my theory holds, Kaz Harai who just jetted past several branch pipes and parasitic cones to the summit when he was named President and Group CEO of the Playstation business worldwide.

Of course that's not how SCEI puts it, this is their take:

Kutaragi has said that he has been considering this decision for some time. He stated that, in the six months since the appointment of Kazuo Hirai as President in December, the new generation of management, led by Mr. Hirai, has continued to develop. With the March introduction of PS3 in Europe completing the successful launch of PS3 worldwide, Mr. Kutaragi has identified SCE's Annual Shareholders' meeting in June as the ideal timing to pass on the torch to the new generation of management. Mr. Kutaragi will now apply his extensive technological knowledge and leadership skills to take on new challenges beyond the world of PlayStation. Sony and SCE will continue to seek Mr. Kutaragi's input and ideas from a broad perspective, while continuing to support him as much as possible in the realization of his dreams."

Who, I wonder will be replacing Kaz Hirai? I think Jack Trenton has been doing a good enough job to remain bobbing up and down in the magma chamber with Phil Harrison. Brian Crecente

Is The PS3 Sony's Last Console?

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:40:10 MST

You heard about that string of promotions at Sony Computer Entertainment earlier? (If not, Ken Kutaragi is now Chairman and Group CEO and Kaz Hirai is now President and Group COO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., with the latter replacing Ken as president.) Is all that organizational reshuffling just a corporate love-in for a job well done, with new titles and responsibilities for everyone involved, or does it signal a major change at Sony?

According to analysts quoted by the Financial Times, it could imply a shift in the company's business. Putting Hirai, primarily focused on the software side of Sony Computer Entertainment in charge, could indicate that Sony is moving away from hardware.

Yuta Sakurai, an analyst at Nomura Holdings, Inc. has a gloomy outlook on Sony's hardware future.

The appointment of Hirai could be the start of a shift from hardware to software. I cannot now imagine a PlayStation 4.

RIP PlayStation 4? I'm no analyst, but my guess is that Sony needed to put someone more charismatic and arguably sane in a role to repair damaged relationships with third parties worldwide. Hell, I'm so confident that we'll see another Sony console, that I'm going to put $50 down on a pre-order tomorrow. Or maybe the day after. Michael McWhertor

Sony sidelines PS3 mastermind Kutaragi
Kaz Hirai Promoted [Kotaku]

Kaz Hirai: PlayStation 3 is Airborne

Mike Fahey — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 13:40:58 MST

The Associate Press has published an interview with Sony President Kaz Hirai, touching on many salient issues concerning the PlayStation 3 launch, including backwards compatibility, price, and the issue on everyone's mind right now, system availability.

We are trying everything we can to get as many units into the North American market as possible. The thing that we're trying to focus on now is shortening the lead time from the factories to the retailers and consumers. Usually, something this size and weight we would put on a boat, but what we're doing is chartering planes to fly them in ... that combined with trying to ramp up production as quickly as possible as well.

So on top of losing money selling the consoles, they are now losing even more hiring planes to fly them in, but at least they are actively working to get them into gamers' hands. If I were a Sony exec I would have locked myself in an underground bunker until after the new year by now, so kudos to them! Michael Fahey

Sony Executive: PS3s to Be Flown In [JournalNow.com]