The PS3 economy

The November issue of Fast Company explores the profound impact the PS3 might have on not only Sony, but its complicated network of partners and rivals in what they call the PS3 economy. Regardless of what Sony says, the company is hoping the PS3 can increase sales of digitally distributed content, HDTVs (which showcase the PS3's graphical chops), and Blu-ray discs to help reach mass adoption of the high-definition movie format spearheaded by Sony.

The article breaks down the high-stakes economy by companies that either want the console to succeed, fail, or do both. Sony is obviously hoping for a hit which it desperately needs given its lack-luster status quo in the electronics industry. But others rooting for the system include Blu-ray supporters (sorta), Stanford University's grid computing project that uses PS3s, IBM, Cell processor technology, Ubisoft, Midway, and in-game advertising. Those heavily opposing the platform's success include the obvious Microsoft and Nintendo, for market share reasons, and HD-DVD supporters competing against Blu-ray.

Most interesting, however, is the inclusion of "sorta" supporters like Apple, Disney, Philips, Panasonic, and Samsung that share a vested interest in Blu-ray's success but directly compete with Sony in many other areas. Said companies could potentially gain more if the PS3 is a dud, says the business magazine.