Sony has had some big third quarter losses, with sales of all its consoles slipping, but that's never going to put a dent in a Sony executive's suit. Pretending that the company is exactly where it wants to be right now, Sony's David Reeves has stated that it's simply taking a few hard knocks but is ready to punch back. Just like Ali vs Foreman.
"We simply have to suffer a little, go down in market share and mind-share," says Reeves, keeping a straight face. "It's like Ali v Foreman - go eight or nine rounds and let him punch himself out. We're still standing, we're still profitable and there's a lot of fight in us. I don't say we will land a knockout blow, but we're there and we're fighting."
So far, I've not seen much "fighting" come from Sony's corner. I've seen a few half-hearted swipes at Microsoft, but other than that, the company has pretty much pulled a coat over its head and asked to be woken up when it's all over. Nevertheless, Reeves is adamant that the PlayStation brand is exactly where Sony wants it to be.
"Admittedly, in the current climate, more people will go for the lower price, but we still make a profit and that is our objective," he explains. "My objective is financial - to make a profit in our territory by the end of March, and we will. Our priority has always been the PS3; the forecast was 10m at the beginning of the year and it's still 10m."
I can certainly understand Sony's position when it comes to a price cut. However, the PS3 is still without an identity, and a string of confusing ad campaigns isn't going to convince people that the PS3 is worth buying. Right now I'm not entirely sure what Sony can do to up the PlayStation 3's stakes in the market outside of that mythical price cut. Unfortunately, I don't think Sony's too sure how to do it either.
Contest:
8:00 AM on 02.05.2009
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Sony needs to pick up it's game and get itself out there. of the minimal TV I watch, there is always at least an Xbox mention in the adverts, and not a glimpse of Sony.
Fanboys can't dig you out of a bankruptcy, Sony, so don't let it get there.
he also mentions that killzone 2 has more than a millions pre-orders.
but still sony needs to get its shit together
It has been far to long since we have sold a PS3 or really and major purchases of PS3 software. It is pretty sad, considering my store sells more new PS2s than new PS3s.
genius.
Haven't PS3s sold as well as 360s did at this point in the life cycle? I think they've made more money, as the thing is about £2,000.
The amount Microsoft have had to fix or replace but be quite crippling in reality.
I'm so well informed.
Still profitable? Didn't just like last week we find out that "Sony games division expects increased loss of $337 million"?
Sony's problem is that they went with the name recognition. They figured this many people have a PS2 SO we will probably sell that many PS3's cause they know the name and we can charge whatever we want in price and they will still pay!
Only idiots think that a once-profitable company doesn't have savings, or a means to recover.
PS3 has games! I haven't touched my xbox in MONTHS other than to watch Dr.Who via Netflix.
I think the bigger issue is you pay 400 bucks for a machine yet the software that runs it can't seem to meet or exceed what its 200 dollar competitor can do (and of course the fact that the competitor is 200 dollars).
truth is, this is the most balanced console war ever. with so many games being multi-platform, the real focus has shifted. PS3 has moar power - sorry, potential - 360 is more affordable. so far the 360 looks like the best choice unless you're a MGS fan or you want to watch Blu-Ray movies or you can't stand the crappy hardware.
Meanwhile, Nintendo sits in the corner, giggling. Talk about market strategy.