John Koller talks PSP: new franchises, no new 4000 model, current plans on UMD |
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Sony's really getting busy trying to bring more life into the PSP, talking with publishers and devs, trying to convince them to release titles for the handheld. Sony marketing exec John Koller takes the spotlight once again and talks to GamesIndustry about the PSP's present and future.
Despite considerations of having digital downloads available at the same time as UMDs, Sony's still keen on not ruffling retailer feathers with the lack of UMD sales. What they do have right now "is a plan to ensure that every, or most, games launched will have digital integration," he said, adding that it still needs to be decided if they're going to launch for both formats at the same time. They do, however, intend to keep release dates close for those who prefer digital.
Retailers have also been proactive, acknowledging the presence of the PlayStation Network, and wanting to get in on the online action. This paved way for the PSN cards, which Koller indicated that would be very useful for the PSP's 13-17 yeard old consumer base.
"We still look to actively support UMD," Koller clarified. "Again, it's a balance, because we want to make sure that retail has theirs, and on that we on the digital side support this new kind of distribution model." Sony still understands the value of a tangible disc, and as such, they're not about to do away with the little UMDs.
Of course, there was talk on the games coming to the handheld. "There's a lot of software coming," he revealed. "You can think of some of the major franchises on console that would come over to PSP and people are going to be very excited." He also cited the PSP installments of LittleBigPlanet and Rock Band as examples.
When asked about a possible PSP-4000, Koller said they don't have plans for one right now. Instead, they'll be focusing on firmware updates and software changes for the existing models.
One thing's clear - Sony's not about to give up on the PSP, which is still arguably the best handheld, despite the fact that the DS and iPhone are also looking great in the scene right now. Downloadable Killzone PSP, anyone?
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Comments [refresh]
The PSP as it is, is the best selling handheld against nintendo's offerings. ever.
Exactly. This is Sony's first step in the handheld market and in general the most serious competitor Nintendo had the handheld market. Give it a bit of time and Sony will learn how to deal with Ninty.
Watch out Big N, your Monopoly on handhelds is long over!
Hey SONY! I want a sequel to GOW - Chains of Olympus and I want a Brand New Castlevania Game!
How hard it that?
Jezz..
you wouldn't believe how hard it is, jizz
I'd like some mention of quality already released PSP software. Apart from several great PS2 ports it's got a lot of it's own entries in popular franchises such as GTA, Ratchet & Clank, Daxter, God of War, Metal Gear and so on and some quality original games like Dead Head Fred, Patapon and Loco Roco (ok I don't like those last two myself but they're a good example of unique original PSP games that people seem to love). And portable 2D fighting don't get any better than Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max.
Sorry if it slightly off topic. I just been annoyed today when someone stated the PSP has no good games when in my opinion it's probably got the best line up of any portable device ever. The upcoming titles look mostly great but I'd like potential buyers to be reminded of already great PSP games. It certainly superseded the GBA as my favorite portable handheld whereas the DS just did nothing for me at all.
Sony didn't develop God of War, Ready at Dawn did it.
And they said they won't develop for the PSP anymore.
However, I bought a PSP at launch...it still lives and I use it almost everday as at least an mp3 player....have dropped it many times too.
The thing is I want a new one and I wish there was a nicely upgraded version with onboard memory. A PSP2 would be nice about now, or in the next year, for early adopters who don't mind $300-400 for a new handheld/multimedia beast....
Blow us! We may have been born at night... but it wasn't last night. How many times have we heard that Sony "doesn't have plans for one (New PSP Model) right now."
???????!
And then one is released months later?
Translation.... "There's a new PSP in the works but we don't want our sales to drop on the current model."
Also Sony wants hackers to use their exploits before releasing a new model to close the holes.
Count on it... while nothing is hack-proof.... Sony has continued to learn from its mistakes and has made PSP exploits a lengthy task. We still don't have Custom Firmware for the 3000. At lease not yet released to the community : )
early adopters are 2nd in product life cycle stage
"And they said they won't develop for the PSP anymore. "
They said probably not another God of War(kratos) game. They have said a spinoff or something of God of War(or maybe instead of Greek Myth, Viking myth) could very happen. They haven't completely left portable games. I just think they means no more Kratos games on PSP. Which makes sense do to God of War 3 being the last. They made the announcement of this months ago.