Sony has sold a ridiculous number of PS4s, crossing the ten million mark as announced at Gamescom. This success goes way beyond their initial predictions or expectations and I’m sure Microsoft is hoping to replicate this with the Xbox One once they launch in the new territories this September. So how did Sony do it?
According to an interview Eurogamer nabbed with Shuhei Yoshida, they actually have no idea – he has even been asking journalists for their opinion to try to get a better sense of what’s driving the sales.
It’s just beyond our imagination. We are so happy. But I for one am a bit nervous because we do not completely understand what’s happening. You need to understand why your products are selling well so you can plan for the future, right? It defied the conventional thinking. Lots of people thought the dedicated game hardware might not be needed going forward, but still lots of people are very excited. When you see the new games coming out and being announced this E3 and Gamescom, I think there’s a good enough reason for a gamer to believe this is something worth investing in.
[…] I’m asking marketing people to tell us why. They’ve been to people who already purchased, and some of the early data was amazing in terms of the number of people who didn’t used to own PS3 have already purchased PS4. So we are getting lots of new customers coming into PlayStation. And some people never purchased any last-gen hardware: PS3, or Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii. So where did they come from?
It’s awesome to hear that – people are seriously coming out for the PS4 and we might be seeing even more gamers this generation. No matter who “wins” the console war, it’s great for the industry to hear that a new influx of gamers is coming in. Of course, they will also be jumping on every controversy, adding more fuel to the fire. I had to giggle when I read Yoshida’s comment about the Tomb Raider controversy:
Oh, yeah. Anything Microsoft announces, people complain to me as well. In general there are lots of people who are angry, who emotionally reacted to the announcement. Some people created an image saying negative things, like the end of Tomb Raider. It was a very emotional response.
I just love that when Microsoft does something, people go whining to Yoshida. Still, it’s interesting to realize that even the big wigs at these companies don’t always know what’s happening. Sony didn’t know about the Tomb Raider thing, and they don’t know why everyone wants their console. Here’s hoping that they can carry on with their success, even without knowing why.
Last Updated: August 20, 2014
Rinceable
August 20, 2014 at 11:38
WINING!
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:46
TIGER BLOOD!
Rinceable
August 20, 2014 at 11:55
Tiger upper cut!
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:05
TIGER KICK TO CALF!
Sith JJ
August 20, 2014 at 12:08
Leg calf or goat calf? Scratch that, both are strange.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:46
#TIGERSBLOOD #SWAG #YOLO #POTATO #BELIEBER
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 11:53
STAHP
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:56
HAMMERTIME!!!
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 12:03
daadadada
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 11:53
You forgot #directioner
Rinceable
August 20, 2014 at 11:55
#TIGERSBLOOD #SWAG #YOLO #POTATO #BELIEBER #stayStrongUmar
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 20, 2014 at 12:05
#ThanksObama #RonPaul2012!
Pieter Kruger
August 20, 2014 at 11:43
That makes 2 of us Yoshi……
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:49
That’s Mr Yoshida to you, young man.
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:51
Then we should call Phil Mr. Spencer instead of that doos with a jacket.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:56
LOL Doos in a Jacket? That’s harsh man… He’s not that bad.
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:59
Yeah probably
Francois Knoetze
August 22, 2014 at 14:47
Hahaha! dude when I see pics of him in the news the first thing I think is: ” you smug American bastard!
Hammersteyn
August 22, 2014 at 15:34
XD
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:44
I like YOSP. He keeps it real, and he gives honest answers (free from that bullshit corporate crap). The same can’t be said for Phil “Don’s Jacket” Spencer
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 20, 2014 at 11:44
I’d suggest they don’t ask the Activision devs, they don’t know what make a game good – never mind the hardware it’s played on.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:45
Activision Exec1:”GSHAJKDHAKSHJsJKADJKAH”
Activision Exec2″ AJKASJKDALKSLKDAKD?”
???????????????
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Bobby Kotick swims in his money lake.
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:47
Or Dice, They still don’t know why Battlefield: Bad Company was such a success
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 20, 2014 at 12:05
Yes them, that’s who I meant – couldn’t remember the name lol.
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 12:07
NEVAR forget
Umar Ver 1.OBJECTION
August 20, 2014 at 11:45
They appealed to the gamers. That is why they’re so successful opposed to MS who was trying to push too many angles like TV and skype etc.
Sony came down to our level and seriously, you can see it paid off. This is all gamers want man, why is it so hard for companies to understand this
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:48
Plus sperts and pizza. Because America!
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:48
and Reddit… BECAUSE ‘merica!
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:50
Ugh…. Nelson memes
http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/penguins/sick-penguin-smiley-emoticon.gif
Umar Ver 1.OBJECTION
August 20, 2014 at 11:50
Gamers want what?…GAMES…geez, not american sies pizza lol
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 20, 2014 at 11:58
Well, because often the people who make decisions in these big companies don’t actually know what customers want because they never deal with them, nor do they give a crap about them because they don’t approve their bonuses & stock options. There’s also lots of planning sessions where they brain storm in a tea cup & come up with magical business strategies based on what they’d like to happen without thinking about how to make it happen because that’s someone else’s job.
Like, and obviously I’m being completely hypothetical, “We’re going to double sales in 2 years!” “Really? How?” “By leveraging our brand power, providing innovative solutions & partnering with our customers to help them achieve their goals!” “Are you going to employ more staff?” “No.” “Are you going to offer new products?” “No.” “Are you going to change the way you do business?” “No.” “Okay…” “We’re going to double sales in 2 years!”
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:45
So where did they come from? Easy people owned Playstation 2 then XBOX 360 and now they’ve gone back to Playstation 4. Treat your customers right and they will stand by you.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:47
Words of wisdom! (You don’t need an MBA for this)
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 20, 2014 at 12:58
That’s because MBA is a Master of Business Administration, not a Master of Business Decisions.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 13:01
Muahahahahahaha!
ToshZA
August 20, 2014 at 12:06
Exactly how my purchasing is going. When I can afford it, I’ll be buying a PS4. I had PS2, then Xbox360, now PS4.
Spaffy
August 20, 2014 at 12:08
Ditto
eXpZA
August 20, 2014 at 11:46
I wish Sony had a better PR team. They’re not as open and forthcoming about their consoles roadmap as Microsoft are. Sony needs a Major Nelson or some equivalent, someone “real” to address the community and provide feedback on certain issues or enquiries. Whilst YOSP is ‘kinda’ present, he’s still just a suit. This interview is a rare side, and he even admits he “doesn’t really know what’s going on with the ground level kinda stuff”.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:47
Dear HEAVENS no.
Sony definitely doesn’t need a Major Nelson. One of the reasons I’ve come to hate Microsoft’s PR is because of how plastic and fake Larry is. Everything they do is artificial.
eXpZA
August 20, 2014 at 11:56
Like what? Seriously asking. All I see from him is “You wanted Media Support, here’s a video of how it’s going to work. You like Reddit, we’re making you a Reddit App!”
Sony, on the other hand… “There’s new firmware. It addresses Stability.”
Don’t get me wrong, I love my PS4 to bits and think it’s one of the best investments I’ll make in a long, long time – however, I feel like “SONY” is this distant stepfather of the PS4 who kinda just… lets the PS4… *be*.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:02
Did you check their latest Reddit campaign? It’s cringeworthy. I actually check up on his blog from time to time, and you just have to read through it to understand why it comes off as disingenuous..
eXpZA
August 20, 2014 at 12:09
*shrug* – it’s something. STABILITY UPDATES.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:12
Better stability updates than PR fluff.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:04
In the beginning, the idea of an exec talking to the gamers was incredibly progressive. I signed up to his site back when I first got my xbox 360, and it was definitely off the chart. You actually felt like you had access to the top echelon of the company, but it was all a ruse.
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:52
Action speaks louder than PR bullshit, but it would be nice to hear something now and then.
Umar Ver 1.OBJECTION
August 20, 2014 at 11:52
Nelson is in no way real on any level. The amount of BS that comes out of that mans mouth is staggering. But yes, I could agree they need someone on the ground level. but YOSP and Shahid does a good job
Rinceable
August 20, 2014 at 12:02
Oh he’s real he is! http://www.crushable.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/2-Elsa-Patton-RHOM-GIF.gif
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 20, 2014 at 12:05
O_O
Rinceable
August 20, 2014 at 13:17
More like 0-o 😉
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:08
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO MICKEY ROURKE!!!?
Rinceable
August 20, 2014 at 13:14
BWAHAHAHAHHAHA!
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 13:31
LOL
Rinceable
August 20, 2014 at 11:59
I can see what you are saying and agree with some of it. But MS have done so many backturns that it’s difficult to say they are being transparent when a moment later what was said has been unsaid. Rather say nothing than something you need to unsay I think.
eXpZA
August 20, 2014 at 12:01
Yeah they’ve really stuffed up in the leadup to launch, but their post-launch game is trumping Sony hands down. EA Access, Tonnes of new Firmware Featues, Community Feedback, Kinectless Version – you can’t look at anything they’ve done post-launch and said “That’s bad”.
Rinceable
August 20, 2014 at 12:03
Well one could look at the number of consoles they have sold in comparison to SONY and say ‘that’s not as good’ 🙂 Hehe. But yes, they are delivering on their promises in America. When the console is released elsewhere, we’ll have to wait and see…
demfax
August 20, 2014 at 12:42
Yoshida is president of SCE World Wide Studios, he oversees game development projects, not marketing and sales.
Sith JJ
August 20, 2014 at 11:49
Now that is photoshopping skillz
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:50
Yeah, I was wondering why they posted a picture of Zoe and Geoff…. (runs away)
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:56
LOL
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:52
Agreed, Yoshida sure is talented
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 11:52
There is no hover hand therefore it must be shopped
Sith JJ
August 20, 2014 at 12:07
Science!
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:09
SPACE MAGIC!
Sith JJ
August 20, 2014 at 12:10
Isn’t that just scientology?
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:11
Yes!
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 11:50
Well there are a few things in my opinion:
1) Probably the biggest reason – People moved away from Microsoft after the dismal failure of the Xbox marketing and initial launch. People who are now getting PS4’s who didn’t have PS3’s are most likely ex-XBox owners now. Unfortunately this cannot be replicated or planned for the future as it was a lucky break for Sony that Microsoft fumbled their launch so badly with so much controversy.
2) Sony’s attitude towards publishers and devs – Sony made it clear that they wanted indie’s to have it easy. They made it easy to put games on their platform. They have treated devs and publishers with respect and the consumer sees this attitude and are drawn to them
3) Sony’s attitude towards gamers – The video of how to share your PS4 games says it all. Easy to understand why consumers reacted positively to Sony’s stance towards gamers, DRM and all that jazz.
4) better hardware – at the end of the day most people in gaming go for the hardware that performs the best. We all pretend like we don’t but let’s be honest with ourselves, we want our games to run at their best and for that we want the best hardware for the job.
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:54
I still laugh every time I watch this. 21 seconds netted them 10 000 000 million console sales
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 11:55
Exacary!
Ryanza
August 20, 2014 at 12:00
That’s why they winning.
And here’s why Microsoft failed:
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:01
Shame poor Mattrick. I still think the guy got a raw deal. 🙁
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 20, 2014 at 12:02
What? Are you kidding? It’s because of this amazing success he landed that plum job at… at…. um… zygote? And just look how well they’re doing now!
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 12:03
HAI
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:10
Everyone blames the Jacket for the Boner’s misfortune, but it seems that it was a company wide decision. Even “Good Guy” Phil “Don’s Jacket Spencer was in on it.
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 12:01
Bwahahahaha!
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 12:02
hahahahahaha… Oh wait, he’s serious… Let me laugh even harder HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA
Ryanza
August 20, 2014 at 12:37
That video has nearly 15 million views and the PS4 has over 10 million sold. Sounds about right.
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 12:58
It does O_o
Aries
August 20, 2014 at 16:08
this ad a smack and a kick in the you know what of MS
Jonah Cash
August 20, 2014 at 16:54
This is still the most epic troll movie ever put on the internet!! It still makes me laugh when I watch it!! In 60 years time my grand kids will be forced to search this video out and watch it!!!
Jaggy
August 20, 2014 at 11:52
People whine about everything dear. If Yohsida actually gave a rats ass about everything people had to say, he would be all grey and wrinkly by now. I’m going do whine about people whining by Yoshi.
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 11:54
Yo dawg. We heard you like whining. So we put some wine in a wine glass so you could whine while having wine
Jaggy
August 20, 2014 at 11:56
Yoh digg dawg?
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:57
fo’shizzle gangsta! 720p for life!
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 12:00
DING DING DING
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:54
Yo bro, Pieter Kruger wants his trope back.
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 11:58
Would you like cheese with your whine?
Jaggy
August 20, 2014 at 11:55
How to, spot a Zoe, article, in the wild.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 11:55
Zoe, if you didn’t get YOSPs gaming nick, I’m going to be very disappointed!
Ryanza
August 20, 2014 at 11:57
Sony did nothing to create the success they getting with the PS4. Microsoft is the reason why PS4 is selling so well. Once Microsoft announced DRM it was game over for the Xbox One.
Sony just had everything lined up right. ‘Listened to developers’, ‘designed new controller’, ‘gddrr 5 ram’, ‘ graphics card compared to 7870’, ‘secondhand market’, ‘gaming console’, ‘trolled Microsoft at E3’, ect
Microsoft on the other hand, ‘if you have no internet the Xbox 360 is an offline device’. But gamers was like, PS4 is also an offline device.
We in an era were we can’t allow DRM to overrun everything. And I believe message is being shown to Microsoft.
That is why it’s so important that The Witcher 3 gets supported like crazy on release day.
Nice pic Zoe. Tell Geoff to open his eyes.
Spaffy
August 20, 2014 at 12:09
HAI!!!
demfax
August 20, 2014 at 12:40
Sony did nothing except lining everything up right? Okay.
Ryanza
August 20, 2014 at 12:55
If you want to say something then say it. It is better to inform than ….
I had words after that. it ended with ect. so please add ect.
or should i add one more ect. The number one complaint by developers concerning the PS3 was that the console was hard to develop for. Man power needed and time needed. The code had to be perfect in order to work on the PS3.
Sony went to developers when designing the PS4 to get some input. More ram and X86.
My comment still stands. If Microsoft didn’t do the DRM thing and lined up there advertising message the way Sony did. Both consoles would be about equal now.
But please reply with some useful view points or opinions. Usually your comments inform quite well. I like your comments but this reply was just useless shit.
Guest
August 20, 2014 at 16:15
*etc. As in “et cetera”.
Unless using correct spelling and grammar means supporting DRM.
Ryanza
August 20, 2014 at 18:36
If coming here to read my posts and expecting correct spelling and grammar. Then every single post I’ve made will disappoint you. Just like DRM on PC games, disappoints me.
It’s not about how I say it but rather what I’m trying to say. Plus you shouldn’t expect much from my posts. I just type shit. As in “expel faeces from the body” onto the screen.
Guest
August 21, 2014 at 10:55
But you can say what you’re trying to say AND have good spelling and grammar. Just like your reply to me 😉
Anyway, I actually do enjoy your posts. Makes the comments section interesting.
Also, Witcher 3, hell yeah 😉
brad coetzee
August 20, 2014 at 12:08
….because xbox( playstations main rival) made a complete and utter stuff up of their xboxone reveal.
then chopped and changed a few things as time went on to the point that a lot of people had no clue what they would get on day one.
Anyone remember: constant internet connection? limited game sharing?no used games? mandatory kinect? TV on your TV? Higher price point?
I think I’ve covered most of it.
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 12:10
Still my favorite 180
http://www.gengame.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Major-Nelso-flips-the-switch.jpg
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:11
Did you notice, they’ve been quiet about “teh CLOUDZ”
ToshZA
August 20, 2014 at 12:12
The cloud is a lie.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:14
The lie is a Cloud!
Sith JJ
August 20, 2014 at 12:19
Steam IS the clouds and the sky!
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:26
The plot thickens! CLOUD = STEAM!!!
STEAM IS HEADING TO XBONE!! HALF LIFE 3 EXCLUSIVE TO BONING CONFIRMED!!!
Sith JJ
August 20, 2014 at 12:28
Heresy!
Mentioning Steam and a product of Microsoft together. Listen to yourself man. This is madness!
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 20, 2014 at 12:13
Yes because they realised that half the world isn’t capable of using it yet
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 12:15
Indeed, I mean it was part of the reveal
http://game-modo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/xbox-one-cloud-powered.jpg
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 20, 2014 at 12:52
“Are you an engineer?” eish.
fred
August 20, 2014 at 12:14
They just lucky the competition wasn’t that strong (Wii u AND XBOX ONE)
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 12:17
This is true, although competition is never a bad thing. Just look at how Microsoft changed their tunes post-boner reveal and while they’re playing catch up. If the Xbone doesn’t benefit from Sony’s current domination then Microsoft would have dropped the ball.
Similarly, Sony just shouldn’t go back to arrogant Sony because they’re top dog again.
Ryanza
August 20, 2014 at 12:24
I think Shuhei Yoshida is just being very humble. Oh the PS4 is selling well, keeps nodding head, I wonder how that happened.
I think Sony played Microsoft like a fiddle. Both consoles are way to similar. There is no way Microsoft would have gone all DRM without thinking that Sony was going the route. Remember how Sony announced the PS4 without showing a console. That prompted Microsoft to announce and reveal the Xbox One with all it’s DRM functions before E3. And at E3 Sony just had a laugh and showed the world the PS4.
And Sony is still having a laugh 10 million PS4 consoles sold.
demfax
August 20, 2014 at 12:45
Sony claimed PS4 wouldn’t have always online DRM before Xbox One was revealed.
Ryanza
August 20, 2014 at 12:56
Message to the public and behind the scenes are two different things.
Sk3tz0
August 20, 2014 at 12:51
Wanna Know why the PS4 selling so much.. plain and simple.. BECAUSE ITS NOT THE XBOX ONE.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 20, 2014 at 13:01
That’s cold! You sir went for the jugular…. and now we’re all covered in xboner blood 😀
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 20, 2014 at 13:18
It smells like vanilla & tastes like lost innocence.
Sk3tz0
August 20, 2014 at 13:30
haha.. What Smells like Lost Hope, Taste Like Broken Dreams
Nikola
August 20, 2014 at 14:02
I never owned a PS3 or Xbox 360 I was just doing PC gaming but decided to buy a PS4 best freaking decision ever coudn’t be happier with the console, don’t regret ditching PC for PS at all.
Mabenito
August 20, 2014 at 14:28
If Cortana and Phil Spencer had a love child, he would look like this fellow….
Zander Boshoff
August 20, 2014 at 15:15
In my opinion they sold so many because they said hey here is a new console that you can play games on while microsoft was going on about some stuff that did not involve gaming and being unable to make up there minds regarding the always online and kinect.
Jonah Cash
August 20, 2014 at 16:58
You keep on looking after us the gamers, and we will keep on buying your products!! Easy as that!! MS thought the gamers would just come along when they started selling the ONE to every one else!! Surprise, we want a gaming console that can do other shit!! But first and foremost it must be a gaming console!!!
CAE9872
August 21, 2014 at 09:53
Yip – if I want PVR I buy a PVR, or a decoder…not a console!
J_Joestar
August 20, 2014 at 21:11
Microsoft’s 2013 E3 happened, then Sony made a few jokes about it, and Hype Train is GOOOOOO!
I’m guessing though that this type of Hype isn’t as effective on the Japanese since Yoshida who is Japanese doesn’t seem to get it and Japan is one of the few places that the PS4 isn’t dominating…
CAE9872
August 21, 2014 at 09:55
That MS reveal was worst thing MS could ever have hoped for. And since then its been backpedaling to get everyone back on board. They lost a lot of faith from gamers over that one hour. And that was followed by execs saying really poor things, contradicting each other, etc.
I am sure One is a great machine but it was the messaging where they lost and Sony “won.”