Sony is really committed to the PlayStation brand, something we’ve known for a long time. However, they also have tried to make money from their phones and TVs. While their phones are hands-down the best Android devices on the market, they just aren’t raking in the cash. Of course the company wants to make more money, and their new plan will focus on gamers.
Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai has stated that the company would no longer pursue sales growth in areas like smartphones and TV, possibly even considering “an exit strategy”. Hirai plans to continue to give the various Sony units more autonomy to make their own business decisions, although they are aiming to boost profit 25-fold by growing the camera sensors and PlayStation businesses.
While no one is really predicting a return to the days when Sony’s Walkman and TVs redefined how people consume entertainment, Sony could do a lot more to make use of its devices and content. Hirai has said that Sony will push to expand its PlayStation network user base while focusing on areas like streaming music.
I’m glad that PlayStation is now one of the core pillars for the company – it’s great to be acknowledged as an important part of the company. This should ensure that Sony keeps with its policies of making gamers happy and not pushing services that they don’t want. Compared to Microsoft, where Xbox is more of an expense than a money-maker, it’s obviously going to affect the kinds of policies that we can see.
While I’m happy that Playstation is important to Sony, I really hope that they keep going with their mobile offerings. Their phones are an absolute joy to use and I’d be really sad if the smartphone market became less competitive and innovative; Sony is brand pushing the market in that regard, and they need to keep doing so.
Last Updated: February 19, 2015
RinceThis
February 19, 2015 at 11:09
Good! About time they cut the dead flesh!
Hammersteyn
February 19, 2015 at 11:13
Like The Last Guardian?
RinceThis
February 19, 2015 at 11:14
TOOOOOOO SOOOOOOOOOON! UUUUU MMMMMMMMM AAAAAA RRRR!
Viking Of Science
February 19, 2015 at 11:11
Sony focussing on one of their divisions that’s profitable?! http://youtu.be/U6MlaIe1ljs
Spathi
February 19, 2015 at 11:12
Where have I seen this before…?
Hammersteyn
February 19, 2015 at 11:15
Would love to get a Z3 but I’m so over expensive monthly cell phone contracts. Heck the damn phone costs more than the PS4
RinceThis
February 19, 2015 at 11:17
Agreed. Lovely phone, but come on, taking a bond out is just stupid!
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 19, 2015 at 11:19
Hehe. Autopage has desperately been trying to get hold of me for the last two weeks – phoning almost every day, sometimes more than once, smsing, emailing. All because my contract expired. Guess who’s giggling every time he sees their number & ignores it?
RinceThis
February 19, 2015 at 11:21
Ummm, SONY? No, Umar, no, he isn’t laughing today. I GIVE UP!
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 19, 2015 at 11:27
…
Hammersteyn
February 19, 2015 at 11:24
It was the same after my Galaxy S2 contract a few years back.
FoxOneZA
February 19, 2015 at 11:28
Xperia Z2 is R299pm at Voda :p
Hammersteyn
February 19, 2015 at 11:34
That may be, but if I were to newly enter console gaming I’d buy a Ps4 not a PS3.
FoxOneZA
February 19, 2015 at 12:51
Touche. In the good ol’ daysyou could get a PS3 + a phone on contract.
Hammersteyn
February 19, 2015 at 13:03
They should reverse it, get a phone on a PS contract.
Nikola
February 19, 2015 at 11:44
Get it good phone awesome phone buuuut just get a cover for it trust me;)
Hammersteyn
February 19, 2015 at 12:02
Hahaha, you’d know
FoxOneZA
February 19, 2015 at 12:52
Or get a Samsung with ADH warrranty ;p
Nikola
February 19, 2015 at 13:11
or do that hahaha:)
WitWolfy
February 19, 2015 at 13:15
Will def get it in December. Might be cheaper then…
Brady miaau
February 19, 2015 at 13:51
That is why I have a windows phone. Bought cash, fast CPU and good response. Just not the great app selection on droidy or apple.
FoxOneZA
February 19, 2015 at 11:28
I called this happening 3 years ago. Sony dragging their feet is just making the cookie crumble quicker.
Rock789
February 19, 2015 at 12:08
Playstation brand is flourishing because they made the right decisions… Simple as that. And good for them! Glad to hear it. 🙂
WitWolfy
February 19, 2015 at 13:14
Just as long as that means more awesome exclusives and mind blowing peripherals like plastic guitars *hint hint* then I’m happy.
Loftus
February 19, 2015 at 14:57
I am wondering if Kazuo Hirai is thinking “smell my finger” or “pull my finger” in the header photo…