Kotaku: scott steinberg

Let Sony's Scott Steinberg Tell You Sony's PS3 Advantages

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:00:00 MDT

Sony exec Scott Steinberg has a blog over at game site EDGE which he can use to tell us why the PS3 is so darn great. And he does just that. So far, the Sony exec has written one post at EDGE called "My Belief in the PlayStation 3 Advantage" (wow! he believes in his product), and it reads pretty much like a press release. In his post, Steinberg sings the praises of things like Blu-ray ("The entire industry is supporting Blu-ray"). He goes on to talk about stuff like the PSN — hey, did you hear? services are free! — and even does a short product pitch for the 80GB PLAYSTATION 3. There's more as well, including some grandstanding:

In the next few years, you’re going to start to see us separate from the herd. Some of the other platforms are going to look very dated because their life spans are so much shorter than ours... If you’re a competitor I’ve got bad news for you because we’ve got some absolute blockbusters that are in the works, some of them new IP, some of them existing IP, that we’re building specifically for the PS3... From a competitive standpoint our competitors are going to have a tougher road now then even in 2008. But for PlayStation 3 consumers, it means more quality and more choice.

Don't blame EDGE! EDGE has oodles of industry folks writing for them. Thing is, they don't seem as blatant. Well, at least Steinberg doesn't beat around the bush. We guess. Nothing quite like the hard sell!

My Belief in the PlayStation 3 Advantage [EDGE]

PSP Gets A Ten-Year Plan As Well

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:30:00 MDT

Know this, industry followers: Sony aren't kidding around when they say the PS3 will have a ten-year shelf life. They mean it. It's hard-wired company policy, that comes straight from the top. What's not so widely known, however, is that it's a policy that is being applied to all PlayStation products. Which, yeah, includes the PS2 (which is nearly there), but also the PSP. Sony's Scott Steinberg:

We do not have a planned obsolescence strategy [for the PSP]. Whether it's Skype or some other peripherals, it's not just a dumb terminal that lies secluded and isn't enhanced with all the recent technologies and opportunities.

Did he...did he just call the DS a "dumb terminal"?

SCEA's Steinberg On 'Future-Proofing' A Ten-Year PS3 [Gamasutra]

PSN Getting More Than Just A Facelift?

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:30:00 MDT

Giving the decidedly average PlayStation Store a new coat of paint may not be the only changes Sony make to their online services this year. Speaking with GameDaily, Sony's Scott Steinberg has said:

On the network side, we've stated that we're in a closed beta now for Home, we'll be rolling out functionality later this year, both for the Network and making Home public to others. So 2008 is going to be the year where both on the service side as well as on a Blu-Ray side, you're going to see everything that we've got.

Rolling out non-Home-related functionality sounds a lot more involved than just giving the PS Store a quick spit-n-polish. Please, let both your imagination and speculation run unchecked.
SCEA's Scott Steinberg on PS3 Momentum [GameDaily, via MCV]

80GB PS3 To Stick Around, At Least For A While

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:30:00 MDT

Finding some dusty old tapes marked "GDC08", GameDaily have posted an interview held during the conference with Sony's Scott Steinberg, who in case you're not aware, bleeds Sony. Steinberg eventually gets onto the PS3's somewhat-controversial SKU strategy, where he seems to suggest - while explaining why the 80GB model ran dry at Christmas - that the larger PS3 is here to stay:

Reality is the price wasn't that big of a deal and $499 sold a lot more than we thought, so the 80 GB got dry at retail not due to us artificially compressing it but the demand became greater than we thought. So you'll see us replenish these in the marketplace. We're still committed to our current strategy and there is much to do about nothing, I think is the way to think about it.

Good news for Americans, I guess, but if they're not phasing them out in the US (at least not yet) it just makes the lack of a BC-friendly PS3 in PAL territories all the more difficult to understand.
SCEA's Scott Steinberg on PS3 Momentum [GameDaily]

Sony Shrugs Off 360 Exclusive Grand Theft Auto IV Episodic Content In PR Shocker

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:30:11 MDT

In a rare move from a product marketing executive, Sony Computer Entertainment America's Scott Steinberg has downplayed the commercial viability of the his competitor's exclusive content for Grand Theft Auto IV. Surprisingly, Steinberg doesn't think it's exactly the bee's knees. He tells GameDaily that "I personally don't think there's going to be a huge percentage of folks who jump into downloadable content for another price when they're still playing through the core product." I guess with a reported 100-hour playtime, he might have an argument.

But Scott goes on to pitch Sony's own exclusives, saying that "not only do you get Grand Theft Auto, but you'll get [Metal Gear Solid 4], you'll get Gran Turismo and these are also brands that have moved hardware units." Calling those three games "the elite of the elite products that actually enable hardware to be sold with software." Oh... snap?

We expect even more beef when the full interview hits.

Sony Downplays GTA IV Episodic Content [GameDaily]

Cut Scott Steinberg And He Bleeds Sony

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:30:00 MST

Scott Steinberg used to be a Sega man. Not anymore, though. He's a Sony man now. And don't you forget it. Yeah, I know, as a corporate exec he's trained - nay, expected - to beat the company drum, but in an interview with Next-Gen Steinberg goes beyond drumming. And the interview's all the better for it!

Third parties have started to move from the de facto 360 SDK. Of course people designed their next-gen games on it because that was the only one there. The PS3 shipped and so they said, 'let's port our 360 games to the PS3.' But now companies are recognizing that 'hey, if I start on the PS3 and then port down to the 360, my 360 game is going to look better than if I had just designed it for the 360.'

That it? Oh no. Not for Steinberg. He's just warming up!

[Microsoft] had a great crescendo moment with Halo and it helped catapult them into a pretty strong position towards the back end of last year, but they were still within a stone's throw of where they were with the original Xbox.
To me that speaks of a failure to broaden their reach beyond the core first person shooter player who was in their back pocket for Xbox. The question for us is 'are they really going after the PS2 demographic? Are they stealing share from us?' And the answer is no.

Hit the link below and there's plenty more of it. You may call it bravado. Unnecessary, even. I call it a return to good times. Last few years, executives have been boring. Nice to see one trying to bring back the shit-talking glory days of 2003-2005, spice things up a little!
Sony: We Will Conquer All [Next-Gen]

PS3 Is So Right For Small Developers. Got It?

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:00:07 MST

Just because the PS3 is on the pricey side, don't think it doesn't cater to smaller developers. Don't think that at all! says Scott Steinberg, former SEGA but now current Sony Computer Entertainment America's VP of product marketing. Steinberg believes in the power of the PSN. He says:

We don't charge for our online service. We make it available for everybody. So, the accessibility of somebody's content who decides to make a game that is maybe smaller, more affordable for consumers to buy — I think we're a better choice because the PS3 owner has the ability to go online day one without having to cut a check.

Steinberg then goes on to say how the PS3 is going to beat the Xbox 360 and blah, blah, blah. Ah, executive smack talk, where have you been? We've missed you.
Sony Is Better, Buster [Games Industry]

Get Rich Playing Games

Mike Fahey — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:30:08 MDT

Not to be comfused with SCEA's latest employee, the other Scott Steinberg is managing director of Embassy Multimedia Consultants and author of Videogame Marketing and PR and The Videogame Style Guide and Reference Manual. His latest book is called Get Rich Playing Video Games, and it explains how to succeed in every facet of the gaming industry, from marketing and PR to development to publishing. The volume includes insights from industry legends like Miyamoto, Will Wright, Ted Price, Lord British, and even Atari founder Nolan Bushness, who provides the forward. The book should be available at major retailers now, with a $17.95 price tag, or you can download the eBook free at www.GetRichGaming.com. Pity the title sounds like a late night infomercial.

New Book Reveals the Inside Secrets to GET RICH PLAYING GAMES
Paperback Shipping Now, eBook 100% FREE from www.GetRichGaming.com and Special High Score Edition Coming January 2008

"A must-read... The first book on the videogame business that's both insightful and entertaining."
-Ed Zobrist, President, Sierra Online

Atlanta - (September 18, 2007) - In a watershed moment for PC and videogame fans of all ages, Scott Steinberg's Get Rich Playing Games ($17.95, P3: Power Play Publishing), the first book to reveal everything readers need to go from rags to riches in the star-studded interactive entertainment business, is finally here. Thirty years in the making, the critically-acclaimed volume has all the answers both casual and hardcore players alike need to make a fortune without ever leaving the couch!

Get Rich Playing Games, penned by acclaimed entrepreneur Scott Steinberg, author of Videogame Marketing and PR and The Videogame Style Guide, features nearly 200 pages of in-depth commentary and insight from the biz's biggest names including Shigeru Miyamoto, Will Wright, Sid Meier, John Romero, Trip Hawkins, Ted Price, Lorne Lanning, Lord British and more! From tutorials on building your own videogame to strategies for rocketing up the corporate ranks or turning pro and earning millions in sponsorship dollars, it's an essential read for anyone who's ever dreamed of building a fortune off making, marketing, writing about, publishing or playing computer and video games. Also includes a foreword by Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari, Chuck E. Cheese's and uWink.

Available now at all major retailers including Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, Get Rich Playing Games covers all major topics from PC to console, casual, mobile, massively-multiplayer, online and independent games. The eBook edition is available to the general public 100% FREE from www.GetRichGaming.com, with paperback editions also ready to order right from the website or Lulu.com. This volume is a must-have for anyone seeking a career in game art, design, programming, audio, management, PR, marketing, publishing, journalism, testing or sales.

A special High Score Edition, featuring new chapters, additional interviews and other must-see updates will also be available in January 2008.

Praise for Get Rich Playing Games:

"Shows you how to make all your dreams come true - and make serious money doing it!"
- Brian Fargo, Founder, Interplay and InXile Entertainment

"A home run... touches on all the bases necessary for creating a winning strategy for success in the videogame field."
- Bill Gardner, President and CEO, Eidos

"Reveals the secrets of playing to win... and how to do it making great games!"
-"Wild Bill" Stealey, Founder, MicroProse and Interactive Magic

"There's a fine line between getting rich and losing your shirt in the videogame business, so arm yourself with the essential weapons to succeed: This book's a cruise missile!"
- Charles Bellfield, VP Marketing, Codemasters Inc.
"In every field, it always pays to love what you do - especially when that involves rescuing the princess, saving the world from nuclear annihilation or fending off hordes of rampaging zombies," said Steinberg. "Only now, thanks to Get Rich Playing Games, it also does so with compound interest. This one's for all the videogame fans worldwide... and all the soon-to-be-overjoyed parents."

About the Author

Scott Steinberg is managing partner of technology supersite DigitalTrends.com and managing director of Embassy Multimedia Consultants, which counsels game industry publishers, developers and investors worldwide. The biz's most prolific freelance author and radio/TV host, he's covered gaming/technology for 300+ outlets from CNN to the LA/NY Times, Playboy, Rolling Stone, USA Today and TV Guide. Other ventures include software publisher Overload Entertainment and Games Press, the ultimate resource for game journalists, as well as groundbreaking books Videogame Marketing and PR and The Videogame Style Guide and Reference Manual.

Sega Not Playing Console Favorites

Mike Fahey — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:20:18 MDT

Back in June, Sega's American marketing VP Scott Steinberg had some pretty strong things to say about the state of this generation's consoles - in particular casting doubts on the Wii's longevity - which were retracted almost as soon as the words left his mouth. Next Generation recently sat down with Steinberg to gain further insight into the statements, coming away with a much kinder, gentler, and pussified view of the current console crop.

"Are we placing bets [on one particular platform]? No one can tell right now who'll 'win.' It's still too early. All three consoles have got the right materials for success. That alchemy is there across all three different platforms. I guess that's being defined a bit differently with Nintendo, but they definitely have their own consumer-oriented track, which we think is great. So I think from a third-party publisher's standpoint it's not wise to make bets right now that don't include all three consoles."

Thank goodness. I'm glad to see Sega sticking to their policy of not supporting any one console that was established way back when the Dreamcast was released.

The interview also explores the reasons behind PS3 owners getting the shaft in regards to Virtua Fighter 5, saying that the Xbox 360 versions online multiplayer was the result of...tinkering?

"[AM2] felt that with the 360 they could make online happen, and with a lot of trials and tests and experiments figured out a way to do it where there's no lag—well extremely minimal lag, almost unnoticeable—so we were quite shocked when they told us it would be online, actually. It was a surprise.

So basically, "I wonder if we can make this work? Hot damn, we can!" sort of deal. Japanese developers say hot damn all the time, I assure you.

Hit up the link for the full interview, which includes insight into the company's plans for world domination.

Sega Talks VF5 Online, Wii, Imperialism [Next Generation]

Video Game Style Guide

Kim Phu — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:40:00 MDT

The Video Game Style Guide is actually a new book of "guidelines" for writing about video games, not the standard for graphics on any given game like you may have thought. Some of the big names in the community have gotten together and written themselves a little bible on how to appropriately talk shop if your shop is gaming.

Running to more than 100 pages, the book includes rules for usage, a guide to game criticism and historical timelines, plus advice from the International Game Journalists Association. It has been written by veteran journalists David Thomas, Kyle Orland and Scott Steinberg.

"OMG, Kim, you should totally get that". Yes. Ha ha. My sides are splitting. Well, it's available for free to all members of the game industry, whether or not you are a journalist, right here. I already got one, not to worry. Kim Phu

Pioneering Book The Videogame Style Guide and Reference Manual Ships, Writes New Chapter on Game Journalism

Gold Standard for Game Journalism FREE to Working Press and Industry Pros at www.GameStyleGuide.com

"A necessary part of moving game journalism, and games, to the next level."
- Dean Takahashi, Author, The Xbox 360 Uncloaked

Atlanta - (May 30, 2007) - In a groundbreaking moment for game journalism, P3: Power Play Publishing today announced the availability of The Videogame Style Guide and Reference Manual ($14.95) to industry professionals.

The first volume to definitively catalogue the breathtaking multibillion-dollar game industry from A to Z, the guide brings a new gold standard for writers, reporters and others working in today's most exciting entertainment biz. Critics from leading publications ranging from Playboy to Kotaku are already hailing the manuscript as "excellent," "long overdue" and "an essential read for journalists of any level."

Fitting neatly between The AP Stylebook and Wired Style, the book - penned by internationally-acclaimed writers David Thomas, Kyle Orland and Scott Steinberg - is a must-have for working professionals and aspiring authors alike. Featuring hundreds of rules for grammar, spelling, usage, capitalization and abbreviation, plus proven tips and guidelines for producing polished, professional prose about the world's hottest interactive industry, the guide offers veteran and amateur scribes alike everything they need to get started, or just step up their game.

For more info, see: www.gamestyleguide.com

The guide will be FREE for a limited time to all members of the press, developers, publishers and other game industry professionals. Sporting over 100 pages jam-packed with official International Game Journalists Association (IGJA) guidelines and formally endorsed by Games Press, the ultimate resource for game journalists, the book also boasts a foreword by Dan "Shoe" Hsu, editor-in-chief of Electronic Gaming Monthly.

Features include:

CLEAR RULES FOR USAGE AND STANDARDS
HUNDREDS OF IN-DEPTH ENTRIES
NOTABLE NAMES, GAMES AND COMPANIES
COMPLETE GUIDE TO GAME CRITICISM
HISTORICAL TIMELINES

"The Videogame Style Guide and Reference Manual brings long-awaited clarity to the amazing, fast-paced world of electronic entertainment," said co-author David Thomas. "From enthusiasts to editors, developers to publishers and even software retailers, armed with the information found within, we've all finally got the tools required to start speaking in a language everyone can understand."

About the IGJA

The International Game Journalists Association provides community resources, professional services and ongoing education to all members of the media who cover videogames. With the goal of improving the quality and professionalism of game journalism around the globe, the IGJA supports a variety of initiatives from hands-on training to formal events, social gatherings and roundtable discussions designed to help its members, and the journalistic community at large. The organization also provides sourcing services for media outlets seeking experts in the field of game journalism.

For more info see: www.igja.org

About the authors

David Thomas is a 20-year newspaper veteran and educator specializing in arts and technology criticism. For the past decade, he's covered games for The Denver Post. The founder of the IGJA, his gaming column is syndicated through King Features. He also teaches the history of digital media, critical videogame theory and other gaming/media-related classes for the University of Colorado.

Kyle Orland first started covering games when he founded fansite Super Mario Bros. HQ in 1997. Since then, he's written for numerous publications including Electronic Gaming Monthly, GameSpot, The Escapist, Next Generation and Joystiq.

Scott Steinberg is the author of Videogame Marketing and PR, and managing director of game industry advisory Embassy Multimedia Consultants. He's also gaming's most prolific penman, having covered the topic for 300+ outlets from CNN to the LA/NY Times, Playboy, Rolling Stone, and TV Guide.

Sega Discusses Iron Man, Hulk Plans

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:40:23 MDT

Gamespot sat down with Sega's Scott Steinberg to talk all about the company's recently acquired Marvel licenses, including Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor. While the last two Marvel titles are a bit too far off to have anything concrete to reveal, Hulk fans will be happy to know that the well received Ultimate Destruction won't go ignored by Sega's dev teams.

With a new more action oriented Hulk flick in the works that focuses less on introspection and familial strife, I suspect we'll have a smashin' good Hulk game on our hands next year. Sega's take on Iron Man sounds a lot like their previous effort on Astro Boy, which may not be such a good thing.

Hopefully Sega won't deliver to us a Superman 64 quality effort. And, hey, what about that Ant-Man license? Get that ASAP! Michael McWhertor

Q&A: Sega's new Marvel portfolio [Gamespot]