PS3 Aiming For A "Slightly Younger Demographic"
See Full ImageOr at least, that's what Sony boss Jim Ryan says. It's more about a particular price point and attractiveness to families.
According to GamesIndustry.biz, Sony is looking to target a "slightly younger demographic" with the PlayStation 3, but at the same time, the core gamer "will not be neglected."
Ryan said the "true success" of the PS3 hasn't been seen in the UK due to the price. As Sony has reminded us in the past, the PS1 and PS2 didn't really start pushing lifetime astronomical numbers until they had dropped to a relatively low price point (£129 and below in the UK). About the younger audience direction, Ryan said:
"I think you'll see us taking the console more towards a slightly younger demographic. More family market. The core gamer will absolutely not be neglected. There's going to be tons of great stuff for the core gamer but from our own studio, third parties there's some quite interesting stuff happening in a number of areas which would allow us to open up a market that we accessed pretty successfully on both PS1 and PS2 but haven't yet got to on PS3."
As usual, when something is only $100 or $150, it's far more likely to sell than if it's $300. It's also more likely to be interesting to families, which often have budgets, and are looking for a family-oriented entertainment device that won't break the bank. Of course, we still want God of War and Killzone but don't worry, we'll get 'em.
Tags: ps3, playstation 3, ps3 sales, ps3 demographic, ps3 audience
12/5/2011 10:23:42 AM Ben Dutka
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Comments (35 posts)
Killa Tequilla
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 10:54:31 AM
3 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 11:36:43 AM
Seems they had no idea what's really meant here either so they just left it as it is. :D
1 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 11:05:58 AM
Reply
And it's true. There is a huge amount of variety, but think about the AAA games... aside from LBP, there isn't much for the younger crowd. A huge amount of AAA titles are rated M, afterall. I believe Sony when they say they aren't going to ignore their current fans. Afterall, when it comes to technology, Sony always aims to be best in every department. Not just games.
Last edited by Underdog15 on 12/5/2011 11:07:26 AM
5 up, 4 down
Clamedeus
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 7:12:40 AM
1 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 9:45:33 AM
Wii marketed to children and families... that equaled incredible sales despite inferior hardware (statistically speaking for objectivity of course).
Now 360 is marketing at families, and their sales are rising.
Sony is still rising internationally, but in NA, they have been dropping. Sony is the only one not marketing to families.
The hardcore will always be focused on by Sony. But they -should- spread their wings to bring in more sales. More sales = more money in the industry = higher quality productions and more risks.
Last edited by Underdog15 on 12/6/2011 9:48:06 AM
1 up, 0 down
Ludakriss
Wednesday, December 07, 2011 @ 4:34:07 AM
0 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Wednesday, December 07, 2011 @ 10:12:13 AM
0 up, 0 down
SoulController
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 11:33:32 AM
Reply
5 up, 1 down
Excelsior1
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 5:37:58 PM
Sony does not release its console sales anymore in NA, but those numbers are easy to find on sites like CVG, Games Radar, and Eurogamer.
NPD Results US/NA 10/2011 Hardware Sales(year on year change) Source;Eurogamer
360: 393k(+20.92%)
3DS: Above 250k
Wii: Under 250k(+7.75%)
PS3: Under 245k(-2.0%)
NDS: Under 180k
I triple checked these numbers just to make sure they are accurate since I have messed up the years before. I know it's not November's sales, but it's still an important month in terms of holiday sales. It also kind of gives one an idea of what Sony is up against in NA. How the Wii manages to outsell the PS3 in any month boggles my mind at this point in the console cycle especialy when you factor in the PS3's recent price cut. Don't get me wrong, I do not dislike the Wii, but it is older from a technological point of view. So much for it being a fad. It must be the fun factor. Nintendo also enjoys very strong sales during the holiday period.
That kind of leads into Sony's choice to aim for a younger demographic. That is a very wise choice since it's pretty clear that Nintendo and MS are more popular with younger gamers. I know it might mean more screaming kids with headsets, but those same screaming kids also get their parents to buy them videogames and consoles. One the most time tested ways to sale consoles and videogames in the business.
Last edited by Excelsior1 on 12/5/2011 6:20:26 PM
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 11:37:07 AM
Reply
7 up, 0 down
Qubex
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 12:01:36 AM
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
0 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 9:49:00 AM
0 up, 0 down
sonic1899
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 1:11:42 PM
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4 up, 1 down
BikerSaint
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 1:34:35 PM
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1 up, 0 down
JLB1
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 1:38:06 PM
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0 up, 0 down
SvenMD
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 3:00:49 PM
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Sony has to take back the family to really try and dominate this generation.
0 up, 0 down
Neurotoxiny
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 3:30:43 PM
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And some of the best games on the PS1/PS2 were E (Crash Bandicoot, Ratchet and Clank, Sly Cooper, Lego Star Wars, Rayman)...
1 up, 0 down
Kingnichendrix
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 3:43:42 PM
1 up, 0 down
Alienange
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 4:07:59 PM
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0 up, 0 down
NoSmokingBandit
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 7:01:12 PM
1 up, 1 down
Clamedeus
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 7:29:08 AM
At least for me anyway.
1 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 11:37:54 AM
0 up, 0 down
SirLoin of Beef
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 12:58:38 PM
0 up, 0 down
NoSmokingBandit
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 7:00:42 PM
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Everyone just needs to shut the hell up and enjoy games. Not "core" games or "casual" games or any of that nonsense. Games are games, enjoy them.
2 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 9:54:05 AM
However, from that marketing standpoint, it makes perfect sense. When they speak of "hardcore" in the sense they are referring to now, that means games with high production values that require a commitment and require a certain degree of skill and time to complete. For example, inFamous, Uncharted, etc. etc. They are also typically aimed at the 18+ demographic at people who are already into gaming.
"Casual" in this sense refers to family friendly gaming, or games that you simply pick up and play. You don't have to complete a long story or campaign, and it operates favorably for more than one person in front of the screen. Examples might be Sports Champions, Trivial Pursuit, dancing games, Rock Band, etc. etc.
When they talk about it, it makes perfect sense to me, and it's marketed at comPLETELY different demographics. So it should not be ignored, as you suggest, as the product of such discussion will result in completely different experiences being developed for your console.
Last edited by Underdog15 on 12/6/2011 9:55:29 AM
0 up, 0 down
ulsterscot
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 8:38:30 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 10:02:03 AM
There are a lot of people without mics, though. I bet those are the nice people.
3 up, 0 down
Rogueagent01
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 9:13:54 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Qubex
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 9:26:04 PM
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Maybe it is time to sell the PS3's and get ready for the PS4 revolution :(
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
0 up, 0 down
___________
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 @ 1:15:23 AM
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sigh, this is exactly why something cant be popular, because as soon as it is its milked to high heaven, and spawns so many copycats!
when can we have the $ony that brought a pigs head to a games launch back?
1 up, 2 down
Beamboom
Reply
Monday, December 05, 2011 @ 10:44:20 AM
This sentence didn't make much sense to me, looks like there is something missing?
Is he saying that core gamers will find third party titles interesting while their own studios focus on family friendly entertainment, or the other way around, or something completely different? :D