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Sony's Koller: 'Almost all' PS Vita owners have a PS3 as well
Our pals over at Engadget recently interviewed John Koller, Sony Computer Entertainment America VP of marketing, handhelds and home consoles. Koller revealed that "almost all" PS Vita owners also own a PS3."You look at the Vita consumer and a very high percentage – almost all of them – own a PS3," Koller told Engadget. The interview focused on Nintendo's Wii U, which offers functionality similar to the compatibility between PS3 and PS Vita – like using the PS Vita as a tablet controller. Koller said that Sony's not really into offering the functionality stock across all games. It has to be the right content."We tell our PlayStation fans all the time that what the Wii U is offering is something that Vita and PS3 can do quite easily," he said. "It's dependent on the content. So we need to make sure the content isn't force fed. And, to us, making sure that the gamer receives the right type of experience is what's most important. So we're gonna pick our spots, but that technology does certainly exist here."
Of PlayStation Vita owners, 'almost all' own PlayStation 3 as well
Sony isn't sharing exact numbers, but Sony Computer Entertainment America VP of marketing, handhelds and home consoles John Koller teased that "almost all" PlayStation Vita owners are also PlayStation 3 owners. We were discussing the potential crossover between Vita and PS3 -- the obvious comparison to Nintendo's latest offering, the Wii U, and its tablet controller. The Vita and the PS3 are capable of producing similar functionality, and, if anything, with higher fidelity, as the Vita is a standalone console. Koller says Sony invites the comparison. "We tell our PlayStation fans all the time that what the Wii U is offering is something that Vita and PS3 can do quite easily," he says. It's not just about the functionality, however, it's about whether implementing that functionality makes any sense. "It's dependent on the content. So we need to make sure the content isn't force fed. And, to us, making sure that the gamer receives the right type of experience is what's most important. So we're gonna pick our spots, but that technology does certainly exist here." It wouldn't be hard to imagine Sony bundling the Vita and its new PS3 model together for holiday sales, pushing up against this holiday's Wii U launch. Koller says not just yet, though. "As we look at the lineup, there are gonna be some opportunities to do that. Whether we want to bundle the hardware together remains to be seen," he explains. It sounds like we'll be hearing more on that front in the future, as "retails asks for it all the time," Koller says. For now, however, he's happy knowing that the vast majority of Vita owners are already prepared for cross-functionality between the two consoles. "In the meantime, you look at the Vita consumer and a very high percentage -- almost all of them -- own a PS3. So you see that crossover works."
Sony explains missing PlayStation 3 price drop on old models, EU exclusivity of Flash memory version
Call it the "SuperSlim," the "Ultrasvelte," or the "LipoStation 3" -- just as long as "it stays positive," says Sony Computer Entertainment America VP of marketing, handhelds and home consoles John Koller. The new, even thinner version of the PlayStation 3 doesn't have a new name to distinguish itself from the myriad other PS3 models. Like Apple's third iPad iteration, the third iteration of the PlayStation 3 is simply, "The PlayStation 3." And like the second PS3 console, Koller says the new model is Sony's new standard, with previous models going the way of the Puerto Rican shrew (poor little guy is totally extinct). The new PS3 comes in two models for North America, 250GB and 500GB, which Koller says is a result of North American consumers being more "digitally inclined" than other territories. "We have to provide the hard drive size and the opportunity for them to be able to, out of the box, utilize that content," he argues. But this philosophy may be flawed -- one of Sony's main competitors, Nintendo, is applying the same logic to its Wii U, albeit with starkly different results. Nintendo argues that it doesn't want to pass the rapidly declining cost of memory on to the consumer, so you'll be able to attach any form of external memory to its console. That functionality also exists in the PS3 -- Flash memory via USB or a full-on internal HDD replacement -- but Koller says consumers are more inclined to purchase additional consoles rather than replacing internal storage. "When you look at some of the earlier chassis, and the really early adopters -- the 20GB, and the 60GB -- that consumer had a choice. They could either go out and buy another hard drive -- and it's an easy install, so we make it easy for the consumer if they want to take a hard drive off the shelf and plug it in, they can do that. They had a choice of doing that, or purchasing another PlayStation 3. And what's been happening is we're seeing a lot of adoption of second consoles in-house," Koller says. That philosophy is why Europe's the only territory getting a 12GB Flash-based PlayStation 3. Sure, consumers can expand the system's memory with Flash -- the new model allows for internal memory expansion as well, except for the 12GB version -- but that doesn't line up with SCEA's goals in its territory. "The smaller Flash drive isn't coming to North America, and a lot of that reason is the digital consumer," Koller says. "We really want to make sure, out of the box, that there is an option for them to be able to download that content. That is really critical for us, very very important."%Gallery-165870%
Sony spending $50 million on Vita marketing
You might be wondering where all the Vita advertising is. Sony's been pretty quiet about the thing until now, but that's going to change, according to Sony's senior director for handheld consoles, John Koller. Sony's just taking its time about getting that message out.Koller told the New York Times that the company is spending $50 million for commercials, billboards, retail deals, online banner ads, and a Twitter campaign focusing on the hashtag #gamechanger. That outlay means it's "the largest platform launch in terms of marketing investment we've ever had," Koller said.Our take: the timing is a shrewd move to make the people buying the First Edition Bundle feel like a really exclusive club -- because nobody else will know the thing is out yet.
PlayStation Move strategy to focus on 'more core titles,' says Sony's Koller
John Koller, director of hardware marketing for PlayStation, acknowledged to the Wall Street Journal that Microsoft's 8 million shipped Kinect units amount to a "very impressive" figure, though he assured that his company is still "happy where we are in the market" with Move. As of the end of November, Sony had shipped 4.1 million units of its motion controller and believes it has an edge over Microsoft in the race to earn the hard-won affections of the "hardcore" consumer. That's you, right? "The limitations are such that you can't create all the games you want to do," Koller suggested of Kinect, implying that Microsoft's controller-less technoloy lacks the precision control necessary to support so-called "core" titles -- just what Sony has in mind for Move in the coming months. The apparent strategy involves "layering on more and more core titles," Koller explained, and there are at least two Sony titles around the corner that fit the bill. While Move was intended to launch with core support in SOCOM 4, that game's delay to April, coupled with Killzone 3 in late February, means that Sony will have two of its core franchises equipped with Move support in the market within a few months. Microsoft and Kinect? Still zero. In a recent preview of Killzone 3's Move controls, our own Rany Nelson concluded, "I am now committed to using the Move for my first full playthrough of the game. Not only does its integration seem justified to me, but I'm sold on its improved accuracy and greater sense of immersion over the DualShock controller." Koller and Sony sure hope a lot more of us core-types will be sold, too. [Thanks, Devin]
PSP Go '3-Game Digital Pack' going for $150 'while supplies last'
Taking to the US PlayStation blog, Sony director of hardware marketing John Koller revealed the PSP Go "3-Game Digital Pack" -- a $150 PSP Go bundle that includes three full (downloadable) games being sold at "retailers nationwide." In addition to a $50 savings from the recently lowered PSP Go asking price, it packs in LittleBigPlanet, SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3, and Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters. Interested parties should head to their nearest brick-and-mortar ASAP, as the bundle is only available in "limited quantities," and "at most retailers" the deals are "one day events and are while supplies last." If digital games aren't your style, the PS blog also revealed Sam's Club's 160GB PS3 Slim bundle -- the console itself, a copy of ModNation Racers, an extra black Dualshock 3, a Blu-ray remote control, and a copy of (the adorable) How to Train Your Dragon for $399.
Video interview: Sony's John Koller, on PlayStation Plus, Steamworks and more
In the first half of our video interview with John Koller, we talked about PSP, Sony's expectations for the PSP Go, and a new marketing direction for the portal. In the second half of our video interview with Sony's John Koller, we chat about some of E3's key surprises, including PlayStation Plus and Steamworks. What can we expect from Sony's new partnership with Valve? How did it come together? Furthermore, what kind of services will PlayStation Plus offer? These questions and more in part two, viewable after the break.
Video Interview: Sony's John Koller, on PSP Go, PSN and PS3
SCEA's director of hardware and marketing sat down for an intimate 30-minute chat with us at E3 this year. In the first part of this video interview, we talk primarily about the PSP, and Sony's expectations for the PSP Go. In the second part, we also talk about the PlayStation Network, and Sony's future plans for PlayStation Plus and cross-game chat.
Sony's Koller says Nintendo 3DS is a 'bit of a stretch,' no plans for 3D PSP
Sony has never been one to mince words when it comes to Nintendo, and it looks like the company's newly announced Nintendo 3DS is no exception. Speaking with IGN, SCEA Director of Hardware and Marketing John Koller confirmed that Sony's "focus on 3D right now is on the console," and added that "the amount of interest in 3D from the retail side and game publishers is off the charts." No surprise there, but things get a bit more interesting when Koller is asked about the 3DS, with him saying that while he thinks "it's an interesting move", he'd "like to see where they go from a demographic standpoint," adding that "8 and 9 year-olds playing 3D is a little bit of a stretch given where some of our research is right now." Of course, Nintendo usually gives as good as it gets, and it should have plenty to say when the 3DS makes it debut at E3 later this year.
Koller says Sony keeping 3D on PS3, Nintendo 3DS is 'bit of a stretch'
It doesn't sound like Sony's going to jump on the 3D handheld bandwagon right away. SCEA Director of Hardware and Marketing John Koller told IGN that Sony's interest in 3D technology is limited to the PS3 -- you know, the system that can sell Bravias. "Our focus on 3D right now is on the console," Koller said. "There's a tremendous amount of opportunity on PlayStation 3 with 3D. The amount of interest in 3D from the retail side and game publishers is off the charts. We know we have a hit with 3D on PS3, and we're going to concentrate our efforts there." While that in itself isn't a definitive dismissal of adopting whatever 3D tech is in the Nintendo 3DS for a new PSP model, Koller's followup statement makes clear his skepticism about the competitor's new strategy: "I think it remains to be seen where Nintendo goes with 3D on a portable," he said. "Having been in the portable space for quite awhile, I think it's an interesting move, but one I'd like to see where they go from a demographic standpoint. 8- and 9-year-olds playing 3D is a little bit of a stretch given where some of our research is right now." Of course, having been in the portable space for quite awhile, Koller must have some suspicion that a new DS could be a massive hit -- as Nintendo handhelds tend to be -- and create a market for 3D handhelds. In the meantime, PSP players looking for a 3D experience have the third-party V-Screen and Solid Eye peripherals at their disposal.
Sony's John Koller: Apple's entrance into gaming market drives consumers to PSP
Um, okay? Just days after Apple introduced its exceedingly underwhelming iPad while simultaneously attempting to convince that masses that said product was the portable gaming device they had been waiting their whole lives for, Sony's own hardware marketing honcho has come forward and extolled Cupertino's decision to finally make the gaming leap. In a recent interview, John stated the following: "Apple's entrance into the portable gaming space has been a net positive for Sony. When people want a deeper, richer console, they start playing on a PSP." While we can't seem to shake the suspicion that Mr. Koller is drawing links that probably don't exist (at least fully) in reality, research firm NPD does show that sales of the PSP have "nearly tripled since the iPhone went on sale in June 2007." Of course, it's not like the PSP has gained functionality, become the home of more than a few killer titles and spawned a UMD-less sibling since the heydays of '07, but hey -- who are we to question the suit?
Sony: iPad consumers will graduate to the PSP
We've already heard from Nintendo's Satoru Iwata on Apple's most recent handheld (spoilers: he doesn't care about it), but the Wall Street Journal recently asked Sony's John Koller how his company's reacting to the device. Rather than outright dismissing it like the Nintendo prez, though, he said he's looking to the iPad for boosted PSP sales. Seriously. "Apple's entrance into the portable gaming space has been a net positive for Sony ... when people want a deeper, richer console, they start playing on a PSP." In fairness, it's part of Koller's job to rep Sony in these situations, but it's not exactly impossible to argue with his logic in this case -- as the WSJ points out, sales of the PSP have "nearly tripled" since June 2007 (when the iPhone first launched). This would normally be the point where we point out other mitigating factors in year-over-year sales increases (say, games like God of War: Chains of Olympus and GTA: Chinatown Wars coming out, or a new console iteration being released), but we'll leave the comments section below to handle that. %Gallery-84102%
Sony's Koller calls 'motion control, 3D gaming, PSN' focal points of 2010
After a strong 2009, Sony plans to focus its efforts in the coming year on some new initiatives -- notably the still unnamed and, with a "Spring 2010 release," curiously under-promoted PlayStation Motion Controller, 3D games, and the PlayStation Network. In a recent GamePro interview, Sony marketing head John Koller said the company will be focusing on these "three big pillars" going forward, and detailed its plans to expand on each. "I think the areas that are going to be really critical to our success will be family games, as well as shooters and sports games ... they're areas that quite honestly, I think Project Natal and the Wii are going to have trouble matching," he said of the company's motion controller plans. Without getting too specific, the PlayStation Network will apparently be seeing the addition of "a number of very critically demanded features" in the coming year, while the company strives to reach day-and-date release parity between UMD-based PSP games and their digital counterparts from third-party devs on PSN. He even teased the concept of "placing you as a consumer into the game physically" -- an idea he called "the Holy Grail of gaming." We get the feeling 2010 is going to be kind of a weird year, folks.
Sony: PlayStation 2 compatibility 'is not coming back' to PS3
Cling to that Cell-based PlayStation 2 emulator patent all you want, but Sony director of hardware marketing John Koller has some disparaging words for those wanting Shadow the Colossus to one day work one the latest hardware. PS2 backwards compatibility "is not coming back, so let me put that on the table," he told Ars Technica, soon after reaffirming, "that won't be returning." Apparently people have been buying the PS3 not for PS2 titles but for the newest games and Blu-ray movies -- and given PS2's continued dominance in sales, presumably to play those last-gen games, we don't doubt it. Seeing such a feature standard in all other consoles out there, including the first two iterations of this one, we can't help but feel burned. Still, it was less than two months ago when Sony's mantra was no PS3 price cuts, and funny enough, that's more or less what happened. So if Koller wants to go back on his word and offer PS2 compatibility further down the line, hey, we'll forgive him. [Via Joystiq]
OMG Lilac PSP! Sony says 'Girlz Play Too'
Sony continues to follow the time-tested formula for reaching out to females: belittle their intelligence, turn them into stereotypes, and color a product pink -- or in this case, lilac. In addition to launching the Limited Edition Hannah Montana PSP Entertainment Pack today, SCEA is introducing its "Girlz Play Too" initiative which shows how Sony is "committed to bringing a steady stream of female-friendly content to consumers.""The gaming world has traditionally been a male domain, but today we're seeing more and more female gamers, particularly on portable devices," says John Koller, SCEA's Director of Hardware Marketing. "While SCEA has a broad range of PSP owners from under 12 to over 45 years old, we saw a tremendous opportunity for us to connect with the female and 'tween' demographic and create a PSP system that girls will love." Changing the color from black to an off-purple tone was exactly what girls were waiting for.The "Girlz Play Too" website lets girlz (not girls, mind you) explore the features of the PSP system, customize a virtual PSP and take a quiz to find out which game character they are. This blogger? "You are So LocoRoco!" TOTALLY!
SCEA's Koller calls PS3 slim rumors frustrating
"I'd love to live in a world with fewer leaks and more meat," said SCEA's head of hardware marketing, John Koller, to Ars Technica on the circulating murmurs of a PS3 slim model. Koller admits Sony has had "a certain amount of frustration" with rumors that a slim-lined PS3 will hit retailers in the fall and he thinks it's more important to focus on the certainty of the present than the possibilities of the future. Koller calls it a matter of what "may or may not happen," which is interesting, since he's not flat out denying it nor is he outright laying down the "does not comment on rumor/speculations" angle. Could it be that the slim model is real, though now with the beans spilled, Sony will postpone its release plans? Surmountable evidence suggests that it is, and even Koller's wording in the interview (read: use of "leak," not "rumor") fuels this thought.
Sony considering UMD game trade-in program for PSP Go digital versions
Sony's John Koller, director of hardware marketing, stated in a recent interview that the company is considering a UMD game trade-in program for PSP Go customers. Speaking with Gizmodo, Koller stated the company plans to unveil a "good will program," allowing customers to link digital copies of their games to their Go.Koller stated that in the past the company has seen a 20-25 percent "trade-up factor" among PSP owners. The company is apparently still in the "planning stages," but we contacted Sony to find out if there were any further details or timetable.
Video: White PSPgo hands-on
Sure, speaking with Sony's John Koller was great and all, but one of the real treats with the interview was some quiet hands-on time with a white PSP Go, unfortunately not turned on but with the same build quality and weight as its functional black model (also found tagging along to the Q&A). Our impression of the device is largely unchanged from the initial experience -- a sturdy build that's surprisingly light, although with this go around we didn't find the shoulder buttons to be more comfortable this time. Still, our interest wanes pretty dramatically when we're reminded of its $249 price tag, but enough with our chatter, hit up the break for an up-close video of all its nooks and crannies, and while you're there, stick around for more tidbits from our interview.
Sony's John Koller says 'tangible disc' still important
In the latest assault in what we've come to think of as "Operation: Spite David Perry," Sony's John Koller is still insisting that the UMD disc is a valued member of team PSP, telling Gamesindustry.biz, "We look to the tangible disc as continuing to be very important. I think there's certainly a consumer out there who values tangibility. We say that alot [sic] in our research." We're hoping he means "see that a lot," or we're not sure they understand exactly how research works.We've had our top decoders working on Sony's UMD message, and we think we've got it just about cracked: "We're going to keep telling you to buy UMDs until the moment we tell you our next system won't play them." We may not like it, but dammit if we don't respect it.
MI6: PS3-to-Facebook integration 'coming quicker than some may think' [update]
Update: SCEA contacted us with this statement to clarify: "There's nothing imminent in the pipeline between PS3 and Facebook or any social media sites. The point Koller was making is that the day when the console market in general will have tighter integration with social media isn't too far off. SCEA is always evaluating opportunities that might expand where and how the PS3 community interacts."The MI6 Games Marketing Summit is going on right now and our man on the scene, Randy Nelson, just dropped an interesting tidbit in our laps. During a panel titled "Casual to the Core: Redefining the Gaming Dynamic," SCEA's John Koller talked about social media and how it can affect the games space. When asked by panel moderator John Davison if there would ever be a point when someone could be playing PS3 and have it "spit out something to Facebook," Koller stated that plans are already afoot. He said that such functionality is "critical not just for marketing but for the types of games we're trying to develop. That day is coming quicker than some may think." One must try to remain skeptical of this, however. Koller didn't say any specific Facebook implementation would be coming, and could have just been referring to social media interaction as a whole. Still, we must admit it's a great idea, if only for something small like real-time Trophy updates for your Facebook friends.
