Shrygue
February 19th, 2008, 19:01
via Computer and Video Games (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=182796)
Sony says its softly-softly approach to PlayStation Network will help it identify the "next Will Wright and David Jaffe".
Speaking to MTV Multiplayer, John Hight, director of product development at SCEA's Santa Monica Studios, explained why PlayStation Network hasn't been particularly overwhelmed with games.
"We're very careful about the stuff we add to our catalog. Early on as a company we decided it's not going to be about giant numbers and 'Hey, come to PlayStation Network and you'll have 5000 games, maybe three of which you actually want. Go ahead and find that needle in the haystack'.
"It's more about each one of these experiences is something special," he added, noting that Sony's decision to operate in this manner would help it to unearth visionary designers like Will Wright and David Jaffe.
Hight went on to say that PSN would see plenty more original titles, as well as a bigger budget, and larger sized games this year, while titles that include cooperative multiplayer games would be made a priority. "It's not a must-have, but we feel the competitive universe is mostly covered."
He also acknowledged that Sony was having a problem implementing a strict game pricing policy. "We have to decide, 'Gee am I going to charge more because everybody wants to have it? Or I'm going to set a price zone and everything has to reach that?' We have messed around with experimenting with prices."
Sony says its softly-softly approach to PlayStation Network will help it identify the "next Will Wright and David Jaffe".
Speaking to MTV Multiplayer, John Hight, director of product development at SCEA's Santa Monica Studios, explained why PlayStation Network hasn't been particularly overwhelmed with games.
"We're very careful about the stuff we add to our catalog. Early on as a company we decided it's not going to be about giant numbers and 'Hey, come to PlayStation Network and you'll have 5000 games, maybe three of which you actually want. Go ahead and find that needle in the haystack'.
"It's more about each one of these experiences is something special," he added, noting that Sony's decision to operate in this manner would help it to unearth visionary designers like Will Wright and David Jaffe.
Hight went on to say that PSN would see plenty more original titles, as well as a bigger budget, and larger sized games this year, while titles that include cooperative multiplayer games would be made a priority. "It's not a must-have, but we feel the competitive universe is mostly covered."
He also acknowledged that Sony was having a problem implementing a strict game pricing policy. "We have to decide, 'Gee am I going to charge more because everybody wants to have it? Or I'm going to set a price zone and everything has to reach that?' We have messed around with experimenting with prices."