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Sony's Andrew House

The Euro president discusses PS Vita and the impact of the earthquake and PSN hack on game development

GamesIndustry.biz Something that has worked with the PS3 is the update to services, the additional features that have been rolled out over time. Is that a strategy we'll see repeated on Vita?
Andrew House

I would hope so. In the case of Vita, that's where 3G connectivity provides us with a huge opportunity. We're at early stages right now so I can't point to specific apps or services that we're yet to announce, but we will be talking about those in the reasonably near future. 3G opens up a whole other area for us that we've not encounted with our devices before and gives the consumer a sense of immediacy around connectivenesss. How that will impact games is in the hands and minds of great developers that are out there working and experimenting with vita right now. That's a great opportunity to continue building value into the device long term. It was a very deliberate, conscious strategy and it allows the PS3 to have the potential for longevity. It's interesting to see my US colleagues, probably for the first time, placing an emphasis on 3D.

GamesIndustry.biz The 3D monitor you unveiled at E3, is that coming to Europe as well?
Andrew House

Yes.

GamesIndustry.biz Do you have a time frame for that?
Andrew House

No, but we'll be talking about that more in the coming months.

We're at early stages right now so I can't point to specific apps or services. But 3G opens up a whole other area for us that we've not encounted with our devices before

GamesIndustry.biz It's an interesting strategy to bring down the barrier of entry to 3D gaming...
Andrew House

The intention there is two-fold. It's to lower the barrier to entry which we've heard a lot about from consumers. But it's also to demonstrate that our belief that 3D gaming and interactive experiences can be a very powerful driver to 3D in the home. And just as powerful as movies or other forms of linear entertainment.

GamesIndustry.biz Obviously the PSN breach was a big problem for Sony and consumers, and it's going to cost in the region of $170 million this financial year. Where's that money coming from, is it going to impact development of hardware or software? Will you need to reduce development budgets?
Andrew House

No. It's a cost for which we'll have to make provisions and that I think we, ironically, were also at the same time talking about very, very strong profitability for our division overall. I'm hoping that profitability will allow us to just sustain our business at the operational level in much the same way as we would have done without any of this happening.

GamesIndustry.biz Is there a danger of confusing the consumer by having very comparable gaming experiences on PS Vita and PS3? Why do I need both when both seem to be doing the same job?
Andrew House

But I think Uncharted is an example of where we're showing just how the new interfaces can be delivering very differentiated portable experiences in the actual play mechanics that aren't possible on the PlayStation 3 version. Our consumer is incredibly versed, really knowledgable about games and has generally has very strong opinions about the games they want to play and content they want to see. I'm sure there will be no confusion there.

GamesIndustry.biz What was your reaction to Nintendo's console announcement at E3 and are you worried that it's going to encroach on PlayStation 3 growth?
Andrew House

Honestly, the way these conferences work, I've had zero exposure to it.

GamesIndustry.biz But you know it's happened, right?
Andrew House

Yes, of course. I'm aware of the announcement but in terms of details I've not seen a great deal. It's intreaging, but I'm interested to hear your reaction as a journalist because I've heard varying opinions.

GamesIndustry.biz I was confused by it. But it's too early to judge. I'd like to hear more solid technical details, game details.
Andrew House

Is it an extension of the Wii? Is it definalty a next generation step for them? Or is it like a DSiXL more?

GamesIndustry.biz They're positioning it as new console.
Andrew House

Did they say what the additional controller strategy is going to be?

GamesIndustry.biz It uses the Wiimote and other peripherals.
Andrew House

But that means then that the lowest common denominator is going to be a Wii interaction for the vast majority of consumers. What if you've got a family of six?

GamesIndustry.biz You're questioning me now. [laughs] I can't comment.
Andrew House

I always wanted to do this to a journalist.

GamesIndustry.biz But what I'm trying to get around to is, Nintendo has admitted that the third-party content they showed was footage from PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. How do you feel about Nintendo using your content to sell their product?
Andrew House

The only thing I've got to say is mimicry is the is the highest form of flattery.

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Matt Martin

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Matt Martin joined GamesIndustry in 2006 and was made editor of the site in 2008. With over ten years experience in journalism, he has written for multiple trade, consumer, contract and business-to-business publications in the games, retail and technology sectors.
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