PS3, the new Saturn

***wraggster*** · January 21st, 2009, 20:45

Lest we forget our history, my GDmag coworker Jeff reminded me that almost everything Kaz Hirai is saying about the PS3 was previously said about the Saturn. Take note of the quote I linked below. Now read this statement from the aforelinked Saturn whitepaper: "This growth won't be possible on competing systems that offer a simpler architecture. It may be easier in some ways for developers to create programs for the competition because there's less to learn and work with from a technology standpoint -- but that means that developers are much more likely to run up against the limits of the system in a short span of time. The simpler structure of competing architectures also increases the chance that games will be "ported" from other systems (other game systems or even personal computers), which results in games that are generic and not optimized for performance and special features.

In contrast, the sophistication of the Sega Saturn pays off for both developers and consumers alike over the long term. Developers will continue to discover new ways to wield their creative talents, and game players will have an ongoing supply of new, inventive, out-there, beyond-cool titles for their Sega Saturn systems. "

That kind of logic is destined for failure. At the same time the Saturn is one of my favorite systems ever. Does this mean the PS3 will eventually be one of my favorite systems? The industry has changed enough that developers no long really "choose" a console, but rather develop somewhat agnostically and port as they can. The current climate does not seem conducive to the kind of quirky hardware differentiation of times past. So with that in mind, Sony had better learn from the past, of the ghost of Sega will come and have its revenge!

http://www.insertcredit.com/archives/002610.html

**kojiro7** · January 21st, 2009, 23:32

I am very happy that ps3 is a failure.Life makes its circle you cant always win.Sony is the loser this time and ps3 will never be one of our favorite systems like sega saturn with grand tourismo and little big stupid planet exclusives

**DPyro** · January 21st, 2009, 23:49

PS3 is far from a failure. It's sold more than Saturn that's for sure, and has sold more than Dreamcast and Gamecube as well.

**kojiro7** · January 21st, 2009, 23:59

Originally Posted by $n!pR

PS3 is far from a failure. It's sold more than Saturn that's for sure, and has sold more than Dreamcast and Gamecube as well.

So what?Its not the number 1 now and that counts .Also Saturn and Dreamacst had memorable titles,you can still enjoy.In 4-5 years everyone will have forget little big planet

**DPyro** · January 22nd, 2009, 00:28

You don't have to be the number 1 selling console to be successful. As long as Sony continues to release good games and improves the system, that's all that is needed.

**Triv1um** · January 22nd, 2009, 01:15

Originally Posted by kojiro7

So what?Its not the number 1 now and that counts .Also Saturn and Dreamacst had memorable titles,you can still enjoy.In 4-5 years everyone will have forget little big planet

Why do you post here?

You are a fanboy wanker. Gtfo new***.

***Darksaviour69*** · January 22nd, 2009, 01:28

Originally Posted by $n!pR

sold more than Dreamcast and Gamecube as well.

Well it has not out sold the Gamecube yet, the GC sold about 22 million while the PS3 is at about 20 million at the mo. But its only a matter of time....

Edit: also it has not out sold the sat in japan yet (5.5 million Sat's to just under 3 million PS3s)

interestingly the Sat sold better than the Gen/Megadrive in japan.

**ICE** · January 22nd, 2009, 02:59

Anyone that would call the PS3 a failure is clearly either very, very uninformed or a complete fanboy.

**sorceror** · January 22nd, 2009, 14:13

Originally Posted by kojiro7

I am very happy that ps3 is a failure.

And, sadly, that tells us all we need to know about you. Being happy that someone else 'fails' is always a sign of neurotic insecurity. My condolences.

**sorceror** · January 22nd, 2009, 14:20

Originally Posted by wraggster

The current climate does not seem conducive to the kind of quirky hardware differentiation of times past. So with that in mind, Sony had better learn from the past, of the ghost of Sega will come and have its revenge!

That much is true - Sony does need to make developing on the PS3 as easy as possible. Sony usually chooses architectures that can do remarkable things - compare the first PS2 games to the current ones - but they're not easy to develop for.

Sony needs to really cater to developers and work with them. Say what you will about the 360's build quality or lack thereof (and there's a lot to be said there), MS at least has a rep for working closely with developers, Sony not so much.

It'll be hard to pony up the salaries and resources for good developer representatives in this economic climate, but it's a necessary expense if Sony's going to turn this around.