Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony Interactive Entertainment business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Death Stranding Franchise Likely Barely Broke Even, Could Explain Sony Dropping Physint – Analyst
An analyst suggests that Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to drop funding for Hideo Kojima's upcoming game, Physint, is likely due to the underperformance of the Death Stranding franchise. Despite the games' critical reception, both Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach have reportedly struggled to break even financially for Sony, leading the company to become more cautious with high-budget projects. Xbox has since stepped in to support Physint.
Death Stranding games broke even "but not by much," analyst says, which may explain why Sony axed Physint despite it being Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear successor
Analysts suggest that Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to cancel Hideo Kojima's next project, Physint, may be linked to the Death Stranding series only breaking even on its substantial budget. While the first game sold well, Death Stranding 2 has underperformed, leading to a low overall return on investment for the franchise. This financial caution, coupled with other recent underperforming titles and canceled live service projects, indicates a shift in Sony's publishing strategy.
PS5 games line-up in shambles as Wolverine disappoints and Fairgames reappears
Sony Interactive Entertainment is facing criticism for its PlayStation 5 game lineup, with Marvel's Wolverine receiving lukewarm reviews and the live service game Fairgames appearing generic. The company's strategy has led to studio closures and a perceived decline in quality first-party titles, contrasting with its strong console sales.
GTA 6 Is Going To Be Huge. So Why Is Take-Two’s Stock Having Such A Bad Year?
Despite immense hype for Grand Theft Auto 6, Take-Two Interactive's stock has declined significantly over the past year. Factors contributing to this include investor concerns over AI technology, a high price-to-earnings ratio, and the impact of leaks, which have rattled confidence in the company's control over its flagship product. While analysts remain largely bullish on the stock's long-term potential, citing the expected success of GTA 6 and its online component, the market's short-term reaction has been negative.
Pay to play: The cost of exhibiting at PAX Aus
Exhibiting at PAX Australia presents a significant financial challenge for independent game developers, with booth costs, accommodation, and equipment rentals potentially reaching thousands of dollars. While the event offers valuable opportunities for exposure, networking, and playtesting, the return on investment is not always guaranteed, leading some studios to reconsider attendance.
Games Inbox: Is the PlayStation brand tarnished by Sony’s actions?
Readers express frustration with Sony Interactive Entertainment's recent actions, including pulling funding from Hideo Kojima's new game and the lukewarm reception of Marvel's Wolverine. Concerns are raised about Sony's focus on live service games and perceived arrogance, leading some to consider switching to Nintendo platforms. The article also touches on the persistent issue of scalping for popular game consoles and accessories.
Sony has topped a generational run of self-owns: abandoning Hideo Kojima's next Metal Gear right as Marvel's…
Sony Interactive Entertainment is facing criticism for its strategic decisions during the PlayStation 5 generation, including abandoning Hideo Kojima's new game 'Physint' to be published by Xbox and the middling reception of Insomniac Games' 'Marvel's Wolverine'. The article argues that Sony's focus on live service games has depleted its first-party development resources and led to a lack of system-selling titles, resulting in a negative overall business strategy.
Xbox to publish Kojima Productions' Physint after PlayStation ditches project
PlayStation Studios has ended its publishing partnership with Kojima Productions for the espionage game Physint, citing a "difficult decision." Shortly after, Xbox announced it would pick up publishing duties for Physint, expanding its existing relationship with Kojima Productions which also includes the game OD - Knock. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma expressed honor in supporting Hideo Kojima's vision, while Kojima stated he sought a new partner after PlayStation's unexpected notice.
PlayStation's Fairgames Seemingly Remerges With First Gameplay, New Codename, and Private Playtest
PlayStation's online heist game, Fairgames, has reportedly re-emerged with new gameplay footage and a codename. Invites have been sent out for a private playtest, suggesting the game is progressing towards a potential release.
Recension – Marvel’s Wolverine - Arg, hårig och alldeles underbar
Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine is a brutal, visually stunning, and highly entertaining action-adventure game for the PlayStation 5. The combat system is a standout, blending Arkham's control with Spider-Man's fluidity and adding a weighty, aggressive feel. While the narrative and motorcycle segments are weaker points, the game excels at making players feel like the iconic mutant, with impressive technical polish and even realistic beard physics.
Zelda: Ocarina of Time Nintendo Direct viewership more than doubled PlayStation's last State of Play, analyst finds, and beat Gamescom Opening Night Live
A recent Nintendo Direct showcasing the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time achieved a peak viewership of 2.1 million, significantly outperforming Sony's last State of Play and Gamescom's Opening Night Live. While the Zelda remake's YouTube views are lower than Grand Theft Auto 6's trailer, its performance highlights the strong appeal of beloved remakes.
Why Did PlayStation Ditch Kojima? Analysts Suggest Sony May Have Been 'Spooked' by Death Stranding 2 Sales
Analysts suggest Sony Interactive Entertainment may have 'spooked' by the sales performance of Death Stranding 2, leading to their decision to abandon a new game from Hideo Kojima. The article explores the potential reasons behind this decision, focusing on sales figures and industry trends.
Marvel's Wolverine Metacritic shows the worst-reviewed Insomniac game in years, and not the smash hit Sony needed…
Marvel's Wolverine has received mixed reviews, with a Metacritic score of 77, making it Insomniac Games' lowest-rated original title since Song of the Deep. While praised for its combat foundations and performances, the game is criticized for its incoherent story, limited scope, and underwhelming experience compared to expectations for a first-party PlayStation 5 title.
Marvel’s Wolverine Review – Claws and effect
Marvel's Wolverine is a dark and brutal cinematic action-adventure that excels with its gratifying combat and heartfelt story about trauma. Insomniac Games delivers strong performances and impressive production values on the PlayStation 5, though some 'gamey' elements feel shoehorned in and it doesn't significantly innovate on the superhero genre. The game offers a compelling narrative with intense action balanced by character moments.
Marvel's Wolverine review - Logan's puppy-dog charm carries an otherwise uninspired take on the old-school linear action formula
Marvel's Wolverine is an otherwise uninspired take on the old-school linear action formula, with its main saving grace being the charming characterization of Logan, brought to life by Liam McIntyre. While the combat mechanics are repetitive and the linear design feels dated, the game's narrative and character work, particularly Wolverine's unexpected vulnerability, offer moments of genuine humanity. Despite its flaws, the game is deemed 'fine' due to its sincerity and the inherent appeal of the X-Men universe.
Marvel’s Wolverine (PS5) Review: Something Old, Something New
Marvel's Wolverine for PlayStation 5 offers a brutal and action-packed experience that leans heavily on the established formula of Insomniac's Spider-Man titles. While the combat is engaging and the visuals are top-tier, the game suffers from predictable plot twists, out-of-place stealth mechanics, and uninspired collectibles. Despite borrowing heavily from its predecessors, it delivers a solid, if not entirely original, superhero adventure.
Marvel’s Wolverine review - not the best there is at what he does
Marvel's Wolverine offers a violent, non-open world adventure by Insomniac Games, but it falls short of expectations due to its shallow and repetitive combat. While the storytelling has heart and the characters are well-developed, the gameplay mechanics are simplistic, and the camera can be fussy. Despite its flaws, the game is a crowd-pleaser and a decent adaptation of the character.
Marvel's Wolverine review: "Missing that crucial X-Factor"
Marvel's Wolverine is a surprisingly average experience on PlayStation 5, let down by basic combat, a messy story, and a general lack of depth. While the semi-open world Tokyo section offers enjoyable exploration and a sense of progression, the rest of the game feels thin and linear. Insomniac Games' title, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, ultimately fails to deliver the "X-Factor" expected from the character and studio.
PlayStation hits the self-sabotage button again, cutting ties with Kojima Productions as Xbox takes over — and I think there's more than one reason why
Sony Interactive Entertainment has ended its collaboration with Kojima Productions on the upcoming game Physint, with Xbox stepping in to form a new partnership with Hideo Kojima's studio. Kojima stated that PlayStation attempted to cancel the project, prompting his search for a new partner. The article speculates that Sony's move away from physical game discs and Kojima's stance against an all-digital future may have contributed to the split.
Geoff Keighley and Mark Cerny create a fellowship program to fund and help young game designers
Geoff Keighley and Mark Cerny have launched the Nova Games Foundation, a grant program designed to fund and mentor aspiring game designers. The foundation will provide initial funding of $100,000 to 20 selected recipients from university programs, with potential for up to $500,000 more for promising projects. The program offers mentorship and publisher introductions with no strings attached, allowing creators to retain ownership of their work.
