wraggster
September 26th, 2013, 23:03
It isn’t always possible to interpret interview answers with 100 per cent accuracy, but comments from Sony suggest that the Vita was nearly scrapped.
“Oh yes, I mean, if that wasn't the case I think we would have good reason to lose confidence in the device and shelve it,” UK Sony boss Fergal Gara told CVG (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/431096/interviews/interview-sonys-fergal-gara-on-ps4s-final-push/) when told that owners seem quite taken with the handheld. “We're nowhere close to that decision now.
“There has been great positive feedback, but I want people to know that we do listen intently to the negative feedback too. We understand the drawbacks – it's a bit expensive, also people expect multi-functionality on high-end mobile and portable devices, the content is expensive and a lot of people are used to getting free or cheap apps.
“But I took a look at the UK figures the other day, and PS Vita is now selling for about £70 less than this time last year, and the games are getting cheaper too, and we've got a Mega-Pack program, which is eight to ten games and a memory stick rolled in for free, and we've seen that as an attractive proposition.
“So we're addressing these issues - and I should add that Remote Play will be free, and also the Instant Game Collection on PlayStation Plus gives people free games on PS3, PS4 and PS Vita.
“So I think we've listened, we're working hard, and that the value proposition is better now. It's in much better shape.”
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/did-sony-just-admit-that-it-nearly-abandoned-vita/0121736
“Oh yes, I mean, if that wasn't the case I think we would have good reason to lose confidence in the device and shelve it,” UK Sony boss Fergal Gara told CVG (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/431096/interviews/interview-sonys-fergal-gara-on-ps4s-final-push/) when told that owners seem quite taken with the handheld. “We're nowhere close to that decision now.
“There has been great positive feedback, but I want people to know that we do listen intently to the negative feedback too. We understand the drawbacks – it's a bit expensive, also people expect multi-functionality on high-end mobile and portable devices, the content is expensive and a lot of people are used to getting free or cheap apps.
“But I took a look at the UK figures the other day, and PS Vita is now selling for about £70 less than this time last year, and the games are getting cheaper too, and we've got a Mega-Pack program, which is eight to ten games and a memory stick rolled in for free, and we've seen that as an attractive proposition.
“So we're addressing these issues - and I should add that Remote Play will be free, and also the Instant Game Collection on PlayStation Plus gives people free games on PS3, PS4 and PS Vita.
“So I think we've listened, we're working hard, and that the value proposition is better now. It's in much better shape.”
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/did-sony-just-admit-that-it-nearly-abandoned-vita/0121736