Tuesday, February 10, 2009

7 Things SONY Can Do In 2009 to Ensure Dominance

Since the start of the current generation of gaming SONY has taken a beating in sales, public opinion and the media. Even though the Playstation 3 (PS3) has sold over 21 million worldwide consoles in 2 years and Blu Ray (BR) is moving along at a good pace given the economy, we still see the “doom and gloom” PS3 articles. PS3 owners are on the cusp of one of the biggest, if not the biggest game of 2009 in Killzone 2 and still articles are rampant with the SONY’s demise.

The PS3 is already on its way to becoming king again, even if it is going to take time (that’s why Playstation brands have a 10 year life cycle). Here are 7 things that would propel the PS3 even closer and past its competition, and that all PS3 owners, including myself would welcome with open arms.

1. $100.00 Price Cut:

Unfortunately the global economy, especially in the United States is in the worst shape its’ been in since video games have been around. With this being the case, consumers are looking for the most bang for their buck and even though the PS3 already offers this at its current price most consumers are not that informed. All consumers usually look at is the price on the box, and sales associates are going to only provide only biased views one way or another.

2. In-House Games

SONY arguably has one of the best in-house lineups in years set for 2009. Games like Killzone 2, Uncharted 2, MLB 09: The Show, Infamous, Ratchet and Clank: Future 2, Fat Princess, and others with an unconfirmed 2009 release window easily provide the best exclusives coming to any system in 2009. SONY needs to keep the momentum coming and continue to announce new games for the near and far future.

3. iTunes or Blockbuster (BB) Partnership

The Playstation Network (PSN) took great strides in 2008 and is able to compete with Xbox Live head-to-head. It is now time for SONY to introduce the final blow, Microsoft has Netflix, Nintendo has nothing. SONY needs to work out a deal with Apple to bring iTunes to the PS3, allowing owners of both to be able to download directly from iTunes to their PS3 or iPod and transfer the files back and fourth for music, movies and TV for purchase or rent. With the PS3’s expandable hard drive space isn’t an issue.

If Apple isn’t possible then Blockbuster is a second alternative. Allowing BB online subscribers to download new releases instantly to their PS3 for rent; not just older movies that most people have already seen would be a big boost for both companies.

4. New Playstation Network Cards



Give gamers something to talk about and compare in game lobbies or when playing games. Trophies were a step in the right direction; however SONY can take it 5 steps farther. Give us something to truly show off to each other, something that we strive to work at updating and improving. The gamer with tag name Emissark posted some great concepts for a PSN card. Check it out at http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?message.uid=41068378#U41068378

5. Advertising

This generation SONY has been notorious for their advertising or their lack of. From the controversial ads that had to be recalled to nonexistent ones altogether. SONY shouldn’t be expected or need to spend as much as Nintendo or Microsoft, however they do need to increase their exposure. TV commercials are a must when new games are dropping, especially the big hitters, and when a price drop happens let people know. When I go through the Sunday ads rarely do I see the PS3 advertised in Best Buy, Target, Kmart or Walmart ads.

6. Kingdom Hearts 3 of Final Fantasy 7 Announcements

There are two things that people will always love, Disney and Final Fantasy. The Kingdom Hearts (KH) saga was a huge hit on the PS2. It was unique and blended to beloved brands and has the power to sell systems, however it needs to stay exclusive.

Even though Square has slighted the PS3 as of late and produced sub par games a Final Fantasy 7 (FF7) announcement in one of two forms would change everything. Square and SONY either need to partner together and release a FF7 PSN title with additional story arcs, added quests, and upgraded graphics or a complete FF7 remake. Lets’ face it FF sells and is loved by millions. These two announcements could put the nail in the coffin in the global arena.

7. Blu Ray

BR is continuing to grow with popularity with the release of the Dark Knight and others to come like The Lord of the Rings. You can even get Sports Illustrated Pittsburg Steelers Championship disc on BR now. SONY needs to ensure that they continue to garner support and offer entry deals for consumers who are on the fence. Anyone that says there is no difference between upscaled DVD and Blu Ray needs to adjust their TV.

Even if SONY doesn’t do a single one of these ideas, ones that have been repeated over in the past I know; the PS3 is here to stay. Currently it offers the best in-house exclusives, free online and an HD disc format and PS3 owners are happy, and in their minds the PS3 is already king and that’s all that matters. However, hopefully SONY will do one or two these ideas to show the non-believers.


By Justin Senkbeil

4 comments:

  1. I agree with most of your comments but #3 and #6 are too demanding.

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  2. A partnership with itunes would promote Ipods over walkmans so BB would be better

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  3. No offense but the stupid thing is that one of your request isnt at all in Sony's hands ... #6 .

    Not even microsoft will drop buckets of money to ensure such exclusive from Square . too expensive and not worth it , especially when immediately after the contract would expire , Square would double cross you , and release it elsewhere with bonuses ...

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  4. I believe that SONY owns the publishing rights to FF7 and the main KH storyline.

    Good point on the Walkman guys, its been nonexistent for so long I almost forgot about it. They need to add a music store of some sort, like Rhapsody.

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