Yup. A Sony exec said that. But let’s put it context, ok? The guy was obviously drunk. What? He wasn’t? Hmm. Ok, we can still keep this in perspective without going off on a tirade, I’m sure of it. Nic Foster, general manager for Sony Australia & New Zealand, take it away:
“The Wii-type functionality is more just a sub-element of what the PlayStation 3 offers,” he said in an interview. Wii is a core gaming device. It’s a more fun, intuitive sort of product to pick up, where the PS3 is a broader entertainment solution; so you can have your fun, enjoyable gaming … but then you have a whole suite of other applications … such as Blu-ray media playback, the ability to access your music, access your photos and the interoperability with the PlayStation Portable. Gamers are extremely aware of what they’re after and what they want. So gamers will already have a very good understanding of what PlayStation 3 offers versus what Wii offers and many of them will probably have both devices.”
That’s right, it’s a sub element! Rule of business: Do not tell people to buy the competition’s product. Say what you will about Reggie and his “kick ass-isms,” but he immediately dismissed the whole “Wii60” thing when asked, and has continued to do so, regardless of how true it might be in the real world. This. This above, is just sad.
You, Mr. Nic Foster, are entirely, 100% correct. Gamers know what they want: games. That’s why — and I know this is going to sound batty — the word “game” is actually in the word that describes us! Not media formats or multi-functional media hydras, because that’s been rejected time and time again. Just games. Preferably good ones. It just so happens the games that are the most fun right now happen to be controlled with a series of wild, exaggerated and sometimes wholly unnecessary arm flails.
[Thanks, Blake!]