SCE software developers being consolidated...

[Shifty Geezer]

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=11531

Sony Computer Entertainment has announced that all of its development studios around the globe have been brought together to form SCE Worldwide Studios.
Phil Harrison, executive vice president responsible for games development, has been named president of SCE WWS, which Sony hopes "will further accelerate the creation of global hit titles and be responsible for creative, technical and strategic direction setting of development and production."

Dunno what advantages this move brings, but it's nice to see Sony take a more frontline approach to software with what's presumably a stronger position on first-party titles. And that makes sense if 3rd party titles are mostly going to be cross-platform; Sony will need some exclusives.

 

[Titanio]

Potential advantages might include SCEA picking up more SCEE games and vice versa. They're now not looking after "their own" but all going through one global group.

Also, technology sharing - perhaps - better utilisation of resources and management. Phil Harrison is an exceptionally smart guy too, there's few I'd rather have directing their software strategy.

 

[speng]

This means more shareable artifacts and technology.

It should improve quality and the speed which they can be developed.

This is like having a BIG EA Studio.

Speng.

 

[Xenus]

You're forgeting they can also tailor games to a more global perspective rather than creating games that sell well in just one market.

 

[Inane_Dork]

I don't see any suggestion that is infeasible without the restructure.

 

[a688]

This means more shareable artifacts and technology.

It should improve quality and the speed which they can be developed.

This is like having a BIG EA Studio.

Speng.

I wouldn't use EA as an example of quality.

 

[mckmas8808]

This means more shareable artifacts and technology.

It should improve quality and the speed which they can be developed.

This is like having a BIG EA Studio.

Speng.

Please don't jump on me guys but I have to say it. IF and I say a big IF KZ and MotorStorm is real this would be great for all other SCE games. Can you imagine what games could look like with that level of shareable technology.

 

[Mefisutoferesu]

I think it's for the sake of organization and perhaps a cue that Sony is trying more and more to look at the gaming market from an international perspective rather than a regional one. Maybe, this is the begining of Sony gearing up for a wroldwide launch as well?

Anyway, while indeed all the previous suggestions are doale without the restructuring, I imagine it's a bit more efficient and simpler to do it with the restructuring in mind.

Also, does this maybe sever any economic ties the studio might have had with other parts of Sony? I'm thinking this maybe a step to compartamentalize the various areas of Sony so one area can't inffluence the other. Kinda how Sony music force Sony electronics to stick ONLY to atrac for so long.

 

[speng]

I wouldn't use EA as an example of quality.

I was going for size, not the quality or quantity of titles developed.

Having that many people under one umbrella makes sharing things much easier, the only thing I hope it doesn't stiffle creativity.

Speng.

 

[wco81]

To put Harrison in charge seems to be a recognition that SCEE had more interesting stuff in the development pipeline than SCEA. Warhawk and I8 looked okay but obviously KZ, HS and MS generated all the buzz.

Not sure what the Japanese studios are doing, probably stuff from the Ico team. PD would not be a part of SCE, right?

 

[Sis]

This is just something large corporations do from time to time. It allows management to feel like they are accomplishing something, when in fact all they are doing is shuffling the deck. In 2-5 years another re-organization will occur with similar effects (ie, none).

.Sis

 

[Titanio]

To put Harrison in charge seems to be a recognition that SCEE had more interesting stuff in the development pipeline than SCEA. Warhawk and I8 looked okay but obviously KZ, HS and MS generated all the buzz.

I think it's more his experience. He was high up at SCEA, then moved back to SCEE and managed dev relations for a good long while IIRC.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

Can someone provide a quick summary of the different Studios developments to date?

 

[mckmas8808]

This is just something large corporations do from time to time. It allows management to feel like they are accomplishing something, when in fact all they are doing is shuffling the deck. In 2-5 years another re-organization will occur with similar effects (ie, none).

.Sis

I don't think that the case this time. I think something real is happening here.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

Interesting further motions...
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=11554

As part of a senior management reshuffle at SCEA, former executive vice president Andrew House is given a new role with Sony Corporation Japan....Having held the position of executive vice president for SCEA since 2002, House will tackle the newly created role of chief marketing officer for the entire Sony Corporation....According to the official company statement, House will "develop a consistent and coordinated marketing approach across segments to represent a united Sony, with special focus on advertising and promotional activities."

This builds on the concept of a more unifed Sony Corporation. Presumably Stringer's doing his thing.

 

[mckmas8808]

Interesting further motions...
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=11554

This builds on the concept of a more unifed Sony Corporation. Presumably Stringer's doing his thing.

Exactly why I said that I think its something real happening here. Not some every five year shuffle.

 

[Sis]

Exactly why I said that I think its something real happening here. Not some every five year shuffle.

I didn't say nothing happened. I said that this is just something that happens, all the time, in large corporations, to little real effect (and little real meaning). With new management, they immediately re-work the system; the reason is simple: if the old way was working, the old boss would still have his job. And as time goes on and the same problems are seen, well, one more re-org should fix it.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat (or in the US, Lather Rinse, Resign with a golden parachute)...

.Sis