Sony On Fresh IPs: "We Need To Promote New Ideas"

Because the industry is constantly in a growth period in terms of technical and artistic ability, sequels are often better than the original titles (although certainly not always). However, despite this fact, it also remains true that if freshness and innovation fly out the door for good, stagnation and disappointment will follow.

Sony understands this perfectly, which is why they've already introduced several new IPs this generation (Uncharted, inFamous, Flower, Demon's Souls, etc.) on the PlayStation 3, and more are on the way. Heavy Rain is another example of a brand new IP that should deliver a unique and engaging experience; experiences such as these have already become associated with Sony's console in the form of exclusives. And if SCEE Senior Vice President Michael Denny has his way, this trend will continue. Speaking at the Develop Conference in Liverpool today, Denny stressed the need for "original games:"

"We must support new IP creation to survive as an industry. Consumers crave new things. If we want to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive marketplace, we need to promote new ideas. New IP truly is the lifeblood of the industry."

Not surprisingly, Denny mentioned Quantic Dream's Heavy Rain as an example of their desire to promote "high-quality, innovative ideas." He went on to say they're "not too prescriptive" when dealing with independent development studios and while they will always have their guidelines, Sony still "leaves room for disruptive titles." Oh, and if you just so happen to be one of these independent game houses and you wish to approach Sony with an idea, they suggest you bring the most important ingredient with you: "passion." It can't be the only ingredient, of course, but...well, you get the picture. Always be enthusiastic!

Related Game(s): Heavy Rain

11/5/2009 10:23:37 AM Ben Dutka

Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Subscribe to Ben Dutka on Twitter

Comments (Beta)

Douchebaguette
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 10:50:17 AM
Reply

Aww man, I wish I was a games designer.

3 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 10:51:31 AM
Reply

The interesting thing about the need for new IP's is the fact that sequels seem to sell more than the original. Take for instance MW2, ACII, Killzone 3, Halo 3, Gears 2, Uncharted 2, GT5, the list could go on and on. Would Infamous 2 sell more than the 1st one? I think it will.

So, yes, we always crave new IP's (like Infamous, Heavenly Sword, Heavy Rain, Alan Wake, Demon's Souls), but then why is it that sequels to games often sell more than the original game? We seem to gravitate to the games we know and want to see how the story continues, or the next adventure of the characters we already are familiar with? Not to mention, the second and third iteration of games are often better than their predecessors.

Is the HIDDEN point to Sony saying they need new IP's, is so they can then get to the sequels of those games which sell more than the originals? Are they looking for the next gold mine idea like Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Tekken, Call of Duty so they can churn out the sequels?

Last edited by MyWorstNightmar on 11/5/2009 11:02:30 AM

2 up, 2 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:00:25 AM

They sell more for two very simple reasons:

1. The name is now recognizable.

2. The sequel is, most times, simply bigger and better than the original and thereby receives higher review scores, which have always dictated sales (to some extent).

5 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:27:59 AM

Ben, I agree with what you say. My point to my post was with the last paragraph. I am thinking that Sony's real thirst for original ideas is so they can get to the sequel. If, by your own point, the original doesn't sell as many units as the sequel, then it makes sense that Sony (and Microsoft, and any developer for that matter) really wants the original ideas so they can flesh out which IP's are prime for a sequel, thus really wanting to find out what video games are going to turn into a franchise.

Franchise games are where the money is at. Sony wants new ideas so they can see which ones will be franchises.

We could go around and around on this one, I just find it interesting that Sony is touting the fact that gamers are craving new ideas, however, we purchase sequels at a higher rate than new IP's.

Last edited by MyWorstNightmar on 11/5/2009 11:31:03 AM

3 up, 2 down

TheHighlander
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:31:47 AM

Hmmm...I think that Sony is spot on. The thirst for new IP by Sony is about survival. I don't think it's simply about sequels, I think it's about driving console sales and new markets. If you simply do bigger and better sequels, all you're really doing is satisfying the same market, and solidifying your position. New IP brings new ideas, new ideas being interest, and new consumers. So Sony wants new IP to continually broaden the consumer base that they sell to. Sequels build on that, but do not broaden the market so much as new IPs do.

6 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:39:21 AM

I think Sony is hoping to have a BIG hit on their hands with Heavy Rain. If so, then Heavy Rain 2 will be in development, or another game just like it. At the same time, if originality was Sony's big push, then they would be asking Insomniac not to make another Ratchet and Clank, or Sucker Punch not to make another Infamous. Sucker Punch has a great group, why not encourage them to come up with a new idea? Because Infamous was a great idea and Sony wants Infamous 2.

Marvel tests the waters with the character Hulk with the movie in hopes of having Hulk 2 and 3, or being able to put Hulk in a Avengers movie. Same with Wolverine, they want the second to come out. If Wolverine was a dud at the box office, then Wolverine 2 would never see the light of day, and they would just try to come up with a different idea which will give them a new franchise.

Last edited by MyWorstNightmar on 11/5/2009 11:49:15 AM

1 up, 1 down

johnld
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 1:37:20 PM

The game industry may be growing but with every new game release, my wallet/budget is shrinking thanks to this damn economy. this means i have less to spend on new IPs and have to stick with the tried and tested formulas. so far, the new ips i bought were infamous, uncharted, valkyria chronicles, bioshock, resistance, and assassins creed. Thats throughout the ps3 lifetime, and its not even 25% of my game collection. I'm planning to add 2 more though, white knight chronicles and MAG.

0 up, 0 down

jmo_INDY_Repub1
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 3:05:17 PM

Only a couple of game series have actually been worthy of finding an ending to, such as MGS, Uncharted, and I assume Infamous will crack this list, but that last sentence really made me smile "Oh, and if you just so happen to be one of these independent game houses and you wish to approach Sony with an idea, they suggest you bring the most important ingredient with you: "passion." Great qoute. But with M$, you better bring to the table their most important ingredient, "money." it's sad.

0 up, 0 down

Naztycuts
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:03:23 AM
Reply

everyone loves new IP's but they are such a gamble. The further out on a limb you go the more you risk it not connecting with gamers (i.e. the old tim schafer games) and boom there goes a lot of time and money. Im glad though that Sony chooses to take these risks just because of all the awesome gems that it has produced. You know what they are so i wont reiterate them.

3 up, 0 down

TheHighlander
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:39:09 AM

You have to break a few eggs to make an omelet, you have to spend money to make money, high risks often equal high rewards. The best way to fail is never to try. If Sony were so worried about the risks that they did not try, they would guarantee failure.

4 up, 0 down

BTNwarrior
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:21:42 AM
Reply

this just makes me question when nintendo will make a new ip. In fact I think the last new ip that they made that sticks with the company is the wii sports game, and that isn't really a full game, more like a demo for the controllers.

1 up, 0 down

pavlovic
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:27:18 AM
Reply

It is great that most of the PS3's exclusive new IPs have been great (take Haze out of the list).

Sadly new IPs like Heavenly Sword will vanish because low sales. It's a great game and we won't be seeing Nariko or Kai again.

The marketing for those new IPs has to be great in order to call the attention of the possible buyers.

There are some sequels that are very well recognized and will attract much more attention than the new IPs.

0 up, 0 down

TheHighlander
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:34:51 AM

New IPs from first party studios sold into small markets (how many PS3s were there when Heavenly Sword launched?) may well get a sequel, or they may not. Sales do not always dictate that when you look at the context. For thew size of the market, Heavenly Sword sold pretty well actually, and was well received.

Sony has the luxury of having a lot of first party studios to work on new IPs, as well as established IPs with valuable sequels. Sony does not have to rely on third parties to drive new IPs, although by driving new IP through the first party studios, Sony encourages third parties to do the same - they show it can work.

1 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 2:44:02 PM

Any game which qualified as a Platinum title (and just barely as a Greatest Hit, though it hasn't been added yet) cannot be said to have sold poorly.

1 up, 0 down

Lotusflow3r
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:31:46 AM
Reply

This is the reason i stuck with sony.

I want to play my Flowers, Last Guardians, Demons Souls and LBP's.

Sony is bang on. This is the 1st generation where i have purchased games far less frequently because of the lack of new ideas, arthouse and innovation.

It just so happens all the games i own are exclusives bar 3.

Sony are absolutely in the right place more so than ever before.

0 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:36:00 AM
Reply

New ideas?
Team Ico always worked on that and SOtC was brilliant.
Heavy Rain may not be the most anticipated game(I think more people will look forward to FFXIII, GOWIII and GT5), it is however the most unique one.
And what about Mirror's Edge?
that idea was good too.

But the only way to support new IP is simply marketing and hype and merchandising.
that's all Sony can do, unless they're the one developing that particular new IP.

Last edited by Snaaaake on 11/5/2009 11:38:37 AM

1 up, 0 down

mykjessnjr
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:46:39 AM
Reply

I would agree there is a higher risk factor with new IP's, thus they aren't willing to put a whole lot of stock into them i.e. advertising, promos, etc. -Not until they've been market tested, I would think. But from a business stand point, I would make a referral based purchase (word of mouth/ prior experience) before a media based purchase (tv ad).So they fly under the radar until the sequels come out- if ever. But I guess the old saying goes " with great risk comes great reward." Or something to that effect.

0 up, 0 down

A2K78
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 2:18:55 PM
Reply

For some time now Sony have taking a gamble on new IP's such as Tourist Trophy, Minna no Tennis(Hot Shots Tennis),Uncharted, Resistance, Afrika, Rouge Galaxy, White Knight Chronicle, God of War, Infamous, etc. and even though some of these new don't sell its nice to see Sony going in that direction. If anything it reminds me of how even SEGA use to throw money at new and innovative IPs.

1 up, 0 down

A2K78
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 2:18:57 PM
Reply

0 up, 0 down

isaya85
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 3:06:06 PM
Reply

Well so far Sony haven't let me down with their new IPs thats why playstation is my prefered system so please keep up the good work Sony and don't worry about the competition

0 up, 0 down

Axe99
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 3:09:46 PM
Reply

Agree entirely with all of the above - I love my MW2 along with 10 million plus other gamers, but I also love my Flower, Eyepet, Eyetoy, Eye of Judgement, Uncharted, and numerous other new and interesting IPs that Sony has dev'd or supported. The best thing about the Playstation platform is that it has the best mix of mainstream games (shooters, racers, platformers - both sequels and new takes on genres) as well as the greatest collection of innovative, niche games (I'm currently one of 10 people worldwide really getting into Afrika at the moment ;) - but there's also Pixeljunk Eden, Flow, hell they even launched the PS2 with a fireworks game!) That last example is why you need the mainstream games - not every new IP is great (not saying there's anything wrong with liking fireworks ;)), but you need to take the risks to find the gems (Flower's my pick of best, most innovative PS game this gen, but it's got some stiff competition. Of course, best overall new PS (or, indeed, any) IP goes to Uncharted, with an honourable mention to inFamous :)).

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 3:23:57 PM
Reply

Well he is dead on, and intended or not this is a subtle dig at MS who will milk their games into the ground (Halo) before starting a new one. They've had a couple, but nothing that touches Sony's exclusives.

I'm playing Indigo Prophecy to get a feel for Heavy Rain and it really is like an interactive movie but with the ability to influence the story and also to rivet you in ways that passively watching a movie just can't (Hide the evidence in time to let the cop into your apartment=tense!) I'm looking forward to HR big time.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 11/5/2009 3:24:38 PM

3 up, 0 down

Naztycuts
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 8:29:48 PM

I think that they should have released an hd copy of indigo prophecy while they were waiting to release Heavy Rain I loved that game so much if everyone played it then there would be so much (more) hype around Heavy Rain it would be a sure thing best seller. It was just so unlike any game I'd ever played before.

0 up, 0 down

brighat1971
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 4:28:01 PM
Reply

You need to have some fresh gaming IPs. The older ones from Sony aren't going to be here forever. We might not ever see another Ratchet & Clank after A Crack In Time, God Of War after the 3rd game or Hot Shots Golf. You need to replace those retiring franchises with new ones. Sony is doing that regularly with fresh new 1st party exclusives. LittleBigPlanet. inFamous. Flower. ModNation Racers. 3rd parties are doing their part, too. White Knight Chronicles. Valkyria Chronicles. Heavy Rain. The Agent. As long as these new and exciting franchises are on the PS3 and not on the tampon, it's all good. All MS has are the same-old same-old and their 3rd party games.

Of course, someday MS will probably overpay for The Agent 4 or something while the PS3/4 gets another new franchise.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 4:59:14 PM

You're right, but what could possibly replace God of War? Those folks are gonna have to come up with something really original or maybe use different Gods of War from other ancient myths.

0 up, 0 down

LittleBigMidget
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 5:02:50 PM
Reply

New IP's are always welcome. I say we need more games like LBP and some more RPG's

1 up, 0 down

just2skillf00l
Thursday, November 05, 2009 @ 11:15:07 PM
Reply

To worldendswithme

Honestly, no game can actually replace another. The closest thing I've seen to God of War is that game coming out Q1 2010, Dante's Inferno. It looks like a promising title. Although I doubt it will equal God of War in quality due to it being a multiplatform title. Sony exclusives are usually better because they can focus just on the ps3, instead of trying to make one game for several different consoles. But without a doubt I'm going to try it. Dead Space sure did surprise the hell outta me! So I'm pretty sure going to hell we be just as insane and twisted as Dead Space. EA, I'm going to hell!

0 up, 0 down

___________
Friday, November 06, 2009 @ 12:04:27 AM
Reply

why are critics so heffed up on "innovation" latley?
i mean seriously was fallout 3 innovative?
how about L4D?
or assassins creed?
metal gear solid 4?
batman AA?
uncharted?
R&C TOD?
uncharted 2?
R&C ACIT?
nope, neither of those are, that does not stop them for being the best games of this generation.
a game does not need to be innovative to be good, god of war 3 is exactly the same as 1 and 2 and i fu**ing shat my pants when i played the demo.
though i hope the rumors of heavy rain getting a demo are true, hopefully they will give us access to the E3 demo soon.

0 up, 0 down

gamer_310
Saturday, November 07, 2009 @ 11:06:32 AM
Reply

for myworstnightmar it is not that sony need new ip's they had a lot of new ones this generation like uncharted,infamous,heavy rain, mag white knight chronicles etc. sequels to new ip's tend to sell more because 1 the fans from the last one will buy it and new comers too. With out Uncharted their wouldn't be no Uncharted to you get me... like sony said as the audience change the industry is changing with it .... !!!!! BATTLEFIELD 2 ROCKS!!!!

1 up, 0 down

Please login or register to leave a comment.

What are people generally like when playing online?
	They're just fine, I never have any problems
	They're okay, but there are always a few jerks
	Most are annoying and rude, but some are decent
	It's almost unbearable; everyone is disgusting

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories cheats	PSP
Tekken: Dark Resurrection cheats	PSP
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas cheats	PS2
Lost World: Jurassic Park cheats	PS1
Need for Speed: Most Wanted cheats	PSP
Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter cheats	PS2
Tekken: Dark Resurrection cheats	PS3
Lego Star Wars cheats	PS2
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 cheats	PS2
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception cheats	PSP

Assassin's Creed II review	PS3
God of War Collection review	PS3
Tekken 6 review	PS3
Braid review	PS3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 review	PS3
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars review	PSP
MotorStorm: Arctic Edge review	PS2
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs review	PS3
Band Hero review	PS3
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier review	PSP

3D Dot Game Heroes preview	PS3
MotoGP 09/10 preview	PS3
Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines preview	PSP
Madden NFL Arcade preview	PS3
Vancouver 2010 preview	PS3
Valkyria Chronicles 2 preview	PSP
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron preview	PSP
God of War Collection preview	PS3
Max Payne 3 preview	PS3
Gran Turismo 5 preview	PS3

Playstation 3

PSP

Playstation 2

Playstation

Other

Get Stuff

Interact

PSX Extreme

Site Stats

Sony On Fresh IPs: "We Need To Promote New Ideas"

Comments (Beta)

PS3 Giveaway

Sponsor

Our Poll

Latest Updates

Popular Cheats

Recent Reviews

Recent Previews

Popular Sections

Extras

Related Sites