Tretton
Latest
PlayStation 4 DRM policies clarified by Sony (updated)
Not so fast, vaquero. While Sony was cheered in heroic fashion for proclaiming that used games would be free and clear to operate on the PlayStation 4, it appears that the reality is actually a bit more complicated. Sony America CEO Jack Tretton has made clear today that while first-party titles will fit in with yesterday's "hands-off" approach, third-party publishers will be allowed to throw some curveballs. "There's gonna be free-to-play, there's gonna be every potential business model on there, and again, that's up to their relationship with the consumer, what do they think is going to put them in the best fit. We're not going to dictate that, we're gonna give them a platform to publish on. The DRM decision is going to have to be answered by the third parties, it's not something we're going to control, or dictate, or mandate, or implement." That's the new word out of Tretton's mouth, which seems to indicate that players like Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Treyarch and pretty much any PS4 game maker outside of Sony's own umbrella can cobble together any combination of policies they want. You could say that it's not too different from how the PS3 operates today, but there's still plenty of room for clarifications across the industry. Hit up the source link for the full spiel. Update: Sony itself has responded with the following: "Similar to PS3, we will not dictate the online used game strategy (the ability to play used games online) of its publishing partners. As announced last night, PS4 will not have any gating restrictions for used disc-based games. When a gamer buys a PS4 disc they have right to use that copy of the game, so they can trade-in the game at retail, sell it to another person, lend it to a friend, or keep it forever."
CE-Oh no he didn't!: Sony's Jack Tretton says Nintendo makes 'babysitting tools'
Sony does what Nintendon't? That's the general sentiment from a brief interview that PlayStation chief Jack Tretton gave to Fortune this week, in which he talked up Sony's strengths and played down (some may even say belittled) its competitors, and Nintendo in particular. That began with the relatively tame assertion that Sony's decision to go high-end with PlayStation 3 is just now beginning to pay off while the other consoles are "starting to run out of steam," before he took aim at Nintendo's handheld business. According to Tretton, Nintendo's handhelds all offer what he calls a "Game Boy experience," something that's great as a "babysitting tool," but that "no self-respecting twenty-something is going to be sitting on an airplane with one of those." Yow. Any self-respecting twenty-somethings beg to differ? Let us know in the comments below. [Thanks, Robert C]
Engadget interview: SCEA's Jack Tretton talks Sony NGP, announces (and then un-announces) PlayStation Suite for PS3
Ever since his candid and humorous E3 2009 Sony keynote introduction -- wherein he thanked the audience for showing up despite the big news (PSP Go) having already been leaked -- we've always had something of a soft spot for Jack Tretton. We managed to have a sit-down with the SCEA President-CEO following the company's big Tokyo meeting, a non-working NGP unit in tow. For a brief moment, Tretton "confirmed" that PlayStation Suite games (currently slated for Android devices) would work on PlayStation 3. We asked rather directly, to which he responded, "Yes, they will. Yeah." By the next question, however, he explained that he might've misspoken and wanted to clarify that Suite is only NGP right now. It should come as no surprise, then, that there was no talk of Suite for any other devices, be it Bravia sets or Google TV. Tretton said there was at least one compatible Android device currently on the market but wouldn't elaborate -- given the 2.3 requirement, we're presuming he meant the Nexus S. We weren't able to get him to budge on the issue of the NGP's price, but we did ask him to opine on the Nintendo 3DS's $250 tag. Instead of offering friendly competitive jabs, he said only, "I think if the quality's there, then the people will find a way to buy it, within reason... I think that if you could create content that consumers see as compelling, they'll find money that they didn't think they had." A bit too reminiscent of former boss Ken Kutaragi's old adages, but hey, it's not like we expected a sub-$300 sticker, anyway. Some other highlights: Tretton wouldn't definitively say whether or not original PSP titles are in Suite's future -- "at this point, it's PlayStation One games, but I think it can go in a number of directions." This runs a bit counter to what Kaz Hirai said earlier in the day, but either he might've misspoken or the translator erred. The controller overlay we saw used as an example at the event was just that -- an example, with no guarantee of future use. That "holiday 2011" launch applies to at least one territory, but Sony was "ambiguous for a reason" (i.e. simultaneous global rollout is a dream but far from a promise.) We probably won't have a clearer image until fall rolls around, sometime after E3. No discussion on battery life, but Sony is "certainly look to improve upon [original PSP]." For what it's worth, that one measured about 4.5 to 7 hours at launch, and Sony eventually sold an extended-life pack. PS Suite will have non-gaming apps. A WiFi-only version? "We haven't made any determination on models yet," which is infinitely more vague than the confirmation of non-3G SKUs from SCEE president Andrew House. Will Sony or a Sony partner make a flagship device to show off the Suite? A, dare we say, PlayStation phone? "Stay tuned" was all Tretton would say, followed by a laugh. Hey, at least we acknowledged the elephant in the room. Full transcription after the break. %Gallery-115252%
Jack Tretton talks about the PS3 'disaster' (and Home beta)
SCEA boss Jack Tretton is a man with a plan. In a lengthy Q&A with Dean Takahashi, he says that in spite of all the bashing the PS3 has received in its first year, he's confident of his plan. Takahashi used the word "disaster," to wish Tretton replied: "If we have 67 percent growth over last year in our revenue, and if 45% of all software sold is on our three platforms, I'll take that kind of disaster all year long."Many criticize PS3 for its Swiss Army Knife approach to electronics. But ultimately, the PS3 is a gaming machine -- something Tretton is quick to reiterate. "I think gaming is always going to be the key. The platform that's perceived to have the best games, the most innovative games, is going to be first and foremost. And then I think the value proposition. I don't think it's all about price. I think a lot of it has to do with value: what are you getting for the money that you're spending, and is that of interest to you. And I think price matters, but not price for the sake of price."Finally, when asked when the general public can play with the delayed Home, the SCEA boss offered a vague timeline. It's been continuously pushed, so we won't be too surprised if we're still talking about Sony's online offering at the same time next year. "Sure, we're looking to do a beta in the first quarter of calendar 2008. And then we're not 100 percent sure on when the full-blown release will be in terms of an actual date, but obviously following the ... data."Read the complete Q&A here.[Thanks, Terry C.!]
Tretton: 'Not appropriate' for publishers to suggest hardware price cuts
Jack Tretton thinks publishers should be a tad more considerate before they start suggesting console price cuts all willy nilly. Last month, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick envisioned $199 price tags for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, labeling it a necessary step for both manufacturers' march across the mainstream moat. "Well, I think from an unrealistic standpoint, I'm never surprised by that, because a software manufacturer may not be concerned whether a hardware manufacturer is successful or whether they're profitable," said the CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. "But I think they should be, because without the hardware manufacturer, the software manufacturer has nothing to publish on."Tretton went on to tell The Mercury News that he would never "suggest what software publishers should price their software at," thinking it equally inappropriate for them to put a price on hardware. The point is certainly valid, but it misses the fact that both parties require each other to be successful. It's a nasty Catch-22 the PS3 currently and very visibly finds itself in: Software publishers need an audience to purchase their multi-million dollar games, and hardware manufacturers need said multi-million dollar games to attract hardware buyers. Until the situation finds better balance, you can expect more shoddy PS3 ports and fewer Uncharted gems.Though Bobby Kotick's heart was in the right place (his wallet), Tretton thinks a change in perspective would do him some good. "I don't know, maybe he should design a platform." Hey now, let's not give the Activision Blizzard behemoth any crazy ideas![Via GamesIndustry.biz]
Tretton admits to 'missteps' in PS3's first year
With the PlayStation 3 having recently celebrated its first birthday, Sony Computer Entertainment America's CEO Jack Tretton had a little discussion with MSNBC over what could kindly be called, "The Year of Issues." Tretton explained that the PS3 would be in a better place today if more units were available at launch, noting that demand was strong but tough to satisfy due to Blu-ray diode production problems. The hype of the launch also faded very quickly as Tretton became famous for making the delusional "$1200 quote" in February (without a lick of irony).Although he believed the launch to be "the biggest disappointment for the last year," he drew attention to that old-faithful: the 10-year product lifecycle. Sony's had 10 good years with both the PS1, the PS2 is getting up there, and he expects nothing less with the PS3. With a price cut and some desirable titles out the door, things look to get better (with fewer "missteps") in year two. [Via GameDaily]
Sony's Tretton describes console war with food analogies
A little known fact: in the game industry, everything gets equated to food. Nintendo's Satoru Iwata did it, as did Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima (though, later, he gave new analogies). Our newest public food statement comes from Sony's Jack Tretton in an interview with GamePro, who unsurprisingly relates the PlayStation 3 to a Surf n' Turf (i.e. steak and lobster).The PS2 is "your favorite burger restaurant," and as for the rest? The Wii is "a lollipop, and I'm too old for lollipops," he said. "The other one [Xbox 360] I get sick from once in a while because the cook isn't always reliable." Red ring of burn! That jab is sizzling! Okay ... we're done. Regardless of your fanboy affiliation, do phrases like this make you as hungry as they do to us?[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Tretton wishes Moore 'best of luck' at EA
Sony moved with the quickness to say they're cool with Microsoft's Xbox poster boy Peter Moore going to EA. CEO of SCEA Jack Tretton says, "We wish Peter the best of luck in his new role at Electronic Arts and look forward to working with him. We have an outstanding relationship with EA and their sports products have been incredibly successful on all our platforms. I am sure this will continue with Peter now at the helm."What an interesting situation when Moore and Tretton play the next Madden for the first time. Wonder if they'll quibble about which system it plays better on? Well, business is business and Moore has a new master now, so everything will be peachy keen. At least now Tretton and Moore can have cocktails and hang out without everyone wondering the moment they'll go all Dynasty cat fight (the clip is even in German which makes it 20x more delicious).
Jack Tretton: "The PS3 is still dominant."
Appearing on CNBC this morning to discuss the PlayStation 3 price drop, SCEA CEO Jack Tretton went toe-to-toe with reporter Bill Griffeth. An interview that, while pithy, failed to answer the one question that everyone seems to be asking concerning the price drop and subsequent $600 model."Why?" The honest truth is that folks like ourselves and Bill Griffeth know the reasons why, after only 230 days on the US market, Sony has cut the cost of the PlayStation 3. But like a bunch of oiled up wrestlers entering a cage match, we just want to hear them say it. While he doesn't ride Tretton for the introduction of another $600 model, that doesn't mean he bucks him gently either. The "10 year strategy" spin sounds nice when considering the history of the PlayStation brand, but the odds have never been this stacked against their favor. CNBC does manage to misquote some vital numbers as their "worldwide sales" are actually the US sales. Tretton closes with "the PS3 is still dominant," though the numbers are telling quite the story. [via Game|Life]
PLAYSTATION Network to become "overwhelming" soon
Jack Tretton is a man of big promises. Although his claims may be boisterous at times, we can't help but join in his excitement for the future of PS3. Sure, we've heard the song and dance before: PS3 is a system of potential. As the system continues to grow, it will offer and more and more. For example, the PLAYSTATION Network is going to expand. In a recent interview with GamePro, Tretton reveals that the system will become so expansive, "almost to the point of being overwhelming."The Network will not only feature downloadable on-demand movies, but it will also have a vast supply of games as well. "We have 41 games in development devoted to the Network, not just talking about PSone games being enabled. We're talking about games developed specifically for the PS3."So when is it going to happen? "So, really it will happen this fall ... we'll get there well before the holiday timeframe. Every month you'll just see more and more content on there it'll get to the point where it's be really rich by September. And I think that will be timed really nicely with the advent of Home as well."
PSP Store is 'long overdue,' Sony admits
SCEA president Jack Tretton has reiterated Sony's intent to launch some semblance of a 'PSP Store,' but his statements provide little assurance that the project is a priority. "I think the advent of a long awaited and quite frankly long overdue ability to deliver a downloadable service for the PSP will help us out a great deal," Tretton said during an appearance at Sony Gamers' Day. "Hopefully we'll have it out there by the fall."Tretton gave no further insight into the proposed venture, leaving us to wonder if he was merely referring to SOE's Station Launcher, a forthcoming service that will offer downloads of PSP-formatted movies directly to the handheld device (via PC). Of course, there would be obvious benefits to launching a portable counterpart of PS3's PlayStation Store, complete with PS1 games, demos, and trailers -- and, dare we suggest, full e-Distribution titles. All with just the flick of a WLAN switch. If only...[Via PSP Fanboy]
Sony's Jack Tretton sticks with 10 year message
As the sales figures continue to show that the PS3 ain't shakin' what its mama gave 'em, Sony's Jack "We're still waiting for our $24,000" Tretton speaks to the LA Times and brings us back the 10 year life cycle message. Tretton tells the LA Times, "We didn't get into PS3 for the first six months of 2007 -- we're into this for the next 10 years and beyond ... A million units one way or another at this point isn't going to worry us."Sadly, the optimistic Tretton quote was buried somewhere in the story. The first quote was actually from a 32-year-old tech savvy entrepreneur who pretty much echoes a choir of consumers at this point saying, "There's no compelling reason for me to buy it ... There aren't enough good games for it. And it's too expensive." Don't expect Tretton to talk price drop anytime soon.Kyoshi Shin of the International Game Developers Association is quoted saying, "When people talk about the PS3 on chat forums they say it's like going to a very expensive restaurant and not getting anything to eat." Maybe it's like a good expensive restaurant that takes time to prepare your meal? We hope to get our food soon though, we're getting hungry.
Readers pick best webcomic: the $64,800 bounty
True, SCEA CEO Jack Tretton's $1,200 boast has been taken somewhat out of context, but it does make for some excellent satire. Enter Penny Arcade's Tycho and Gabe, whose comic earned the not-dubious-at-all award for best game-related webcomic of the week.Rounding up second and third place are Dueling Analogs and VG Cats, respectively.Congratulations to perennial entry RPG-TV, who is celebrating its one year anniversary. According to the comic's creators there will be guest strips aplenty, starting with Digital Unrest's Chris Simmons' comic. Other guest artists promised include the minds behind Dueling Analogs, Fanboys-Online, Boot_Error "and many more whom I cant mention here without making this sentence long and unwieldy."As mentioned in the comments on Saturday, all those comics were sent to us via the tip line will be included this week. Thanks to everyone who voted and be sure to let us know of any gaming comics you stumble upon this week!(Note: $64,800 is equivalent to 54 PlayStation 3 sightings.)
Sony's Jack Tretton and the $1200 quote
Jack Tretton, Sony Computer Entertainment America president and CEO, has always been good for some mind-blowing quotes begging to be written down by any journalist within earshot. However, nothing, and we mean nothing, can compare to the latest one in EGM's March issue: "If you can find a PS3 anywhere in North America that's been on shelves for more than five minutes, I'll give you 1200 bucks for it." And every reader collectively gasps.The guys at Penny Arcade wrapped themselves in the gooey goodness of that quote already and we'd certainly like to point out our photos from January (there's about $24,000 in that photo alone). The reason we're showing January images is becase an editor's note on the EGM piece says the interview took place in early Jan. 2007. Seriously though, even the EGM guys in the same interview say, "But we called 18 random retailers, including Best Buy and EB Games, and half of them had PS3s in stock ... some had as many as 20 in the store." Come on kids, everyone in the pool, Uncle Jack is giving out free money.
Tretton has giant enemy crabs defeating Nintendo DS
Yes, we've already done a post on GameDaily's interview with SCEA's executive VP Jack Tretton, but now there is a second part where he discusses the PS3 price and its "mainstream" appeal.However, before we get into the second interview, the crew at DS Fanboy points out this interesting quote from the first Tretton interview, "If you look at the adoption rate of the DS over the first 17 months, not only does it trail the PSP but it also trails their other platforms ... They're potentially losing some of their core audience and they're not really expanding beyond that." Nice try, but the Japanese sales figures clearly show the devastating DS smackdown on the PSP, which makes the graphic at right well deserved.What's interesting to note about the second interview is how the message regarding the PS3 has changed. Tretton says, "We don't expect nor do we need everybody to embrace the [PS3] technology from day one. But I think what we're saying with PS3 is that this is the machine that is going to drive gaming for the next ten years and this is the machine that you need to own and that will be valid and up to snuff from a technology standpoint for the next decade."The marathon approach is probably the best posture for Sony to take regarding the PS3 launch, given that it will take at least a year for Sony to develop any semblance of a good foothold in the market -- and that's if consumers eat up every PS3 on the shelf. Of course, the Xbox 360 will have a two-year head start by that point and the Wii will attempt to saturate the market in the coming year with a more consumer-friendly price point. Will publishers buy into Sony's long term approach of investing in a console that will take a year to really get up and running when there are viable alternatives?Tretton's own words might make you think otherwise: "I think the publishers, God bless 'em ... I think if you look at their best interests or what they'd like to see, they'd like us to give the machine [PS3] away because they're not interested in whether we're able to generate revenue or not; they just want to sell as much software as they can. And I think as a consumer we'd like to get it for free or 99 cents and that's just not realistic."Neither is the belief that the PSP is defeating the DS, but Tretton obviously doesn't need to deal with reality. Would somebody please get Dave Karraker, SCEA's new PR guy, up and running to spin a viable and realistic message for the company suits to follow?
