Microsoft Studios VP, Phil Spencer, is a sensible guy. During a recent OXM UK interview, the executive had some praise for the competition; namely, Nintendo and Sony.
After applauding Nintendo for their first-party greatness – he called their IP catalogue “amazing” – Spencer had some kind words for Sony’s commitment to creativity and innovation. He also praised their “stick-to-it-iveness,” addressing Sony’s willingness to stick with franchises that don’t necessarily sell well right out of the gate.
“Sony – and I’m focused on first-party because of what I do – I really respect their focus on investing in new things and creative things, what they’ve done with David Cage and Quantic Dream around Beyond [Two Souls] and Heavy Rain; they stay committed to franchises even if they don’t sell 10 million units, they’ll stay committed to things.”
“Sony – and I’m focused on first-party because of what I do – I really respect their focus on investing in new things and creative things, what they’ve done with David Cage and Quantic Dream around Beyond [Two Souls] and Heavy Rain; they stay committed to franchises even if they don’t sell 10 million units, they’ll stay committed to things.”
Spencer added that “long-term commitment to franchises” is critical, and it’s all too easy to just throw in the towel if a new IP doesn’t immediately hit big. Lastly, the Microsoft boss says Sony has done a “nice job with the PS4,” as the company displayed a “clear focus on the customer.”
It’s nice when the head honchos… uh… play nice.
We often see headlines galore when a major Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo boss takes a pot shot at the competition. But it’s nice to hear influential executives when they’re being objective. For the most part, analysts and journalists agree that Sony has indeed done a “nice job” with the PlayStation 4, and the company’s commitment to groundbreaking new IPs is well documented. That has, and will likely continue to be, Sony’s bread-and-butter in this industry.
