Jack Tretton discredits speculation PS4 will be first next-gen machine
SCEE CEO Jack Tretton has stepped in to counter speculation that Sony is aiming to make the PS4 the first released console of the next generation machines.
Speaking to GameTrailers Tretton stated: "We've never been first, we've never been cheapest, it's about being best."
"And I think if you can build a better machine and it's going to come out a little bit later, that's better than rushing something to market that's going to run out of gas for the long-term."
While no news came of the PS4 at this year's E3, the industry is poised to begin working with the next generation machines, and more information from Sony and Microsoft is expected to arrive relatively soon.
No concrete details of the launch and form of the 'PS4' and 'Xbox 720' have yet been released. While the Wii U has long been paraded in front of the public, a launch date and price remain a mystery, beyond an expected release this year.
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Being the last & most-expensive console on the block, in addition to being the most difficult to develop on as well, didn't help sales during the current generation. What makes Sony think that consumers will be willing to overpay for the potentially "best" console again?
Another lesson not learned is that many consumers have become more thrifty during this generation due to the numerous price-cuts in both hardware and software shortly post-release. Unless they're truly die-hard gamers, they will hold off on purchasing new generation consoles until at least the first price drop occurs, which usually coincides with the first batch of reduced-price "classic/platinum/hits" titles.
Personally, for the first time in over a decade, I find myself absolutely underwhelmed and unenthusiastic about the whole gaming industry. Over-monetization, day-1 DLC, paywalls, artificial barriers to third-party services, online passes, and on-disc "DLC" all converged to produce a perfect storm of apathy. Thanks to the industry itself, I now find myself with more time and money to use elsewhere :)
We have to understand that certain execs at Sony are not going to budge on their attitude over the current state of the company. None want to take responsibility for the flagging shares, sales and the whole Vita debacle has left the Japanese parent wondering what they have in the US!
I assume that after E3 we will see a number of prominent departures, readying for the PS4 launch/preview at CES'13. Clearing the decks now means that we have to listen to posturing from some parties lining up their next position... MS here they come!
