Sorry Sony, It's Tough To Get People To Buy The Vita Right Now

That Vita referral incentive program isn't a bad idea, Sony. It really isn't.

Unfortunately, it's just really difficult to convince people to purchase your new portable system right now. However, before I start the lecture (which I believe is entirely necessary), let me be clear-

I like the Vita. I think it has tremendous capabilities. When I first got it, I was really impressed with the quality and potential of the unit, and I remember really loving a few of the launch titles (which I wrote about here). In all honesty, I truly believe the sky's the limit for the Vita, provided things start going in the right direction. But it has to start happening soon.

But while I'd love to snag a $20 PSN credit and 1,000 Sony Rewards Points, I can't in good conscience recommend the unit to a gamer who doesn't already own one. The hardcore have one because they're convinced - as I am, to some extent - that they'll eventually receive a robust, diverse library that will make them proud to be a Vita owner. But right now, that's about all we've got to go on and if you haven't bought it yet...well, only new games will convince you, right? The price is still somewhat prohibitive but I actually don't think that's as big of a stumbling block as some believe.

Really, just bring us the games. No, not games that are also on the PS3. Vita-specific titles that prove that a purchase is a darn good idea. Things started off really well with a good 25 games on store shelves when the Vita launched; since then, we haven't seen much. LittleBigPlanet Vita and Gravity Rush aren't enough, especially not after almost a year of being on the market. This unit was designed specifically with the avid gamer in mind, right? Hence, you need to give us the games, Sony. Rapidly.

Tags: vita, playstation vita, vita sales, vita referral program

1/28/2013 10:13:45 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (50 posts)

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JDC80
Monday, January 28, 2013 @ 10:34:53 PM
Reply

If I had the cash I would get one.

8 up, 1 down

Highlander
Monday, January 28, 2013 @ 10:37:18 PM
Reply

You know, I could have sworn that Sony made public statements to the effect that they had learned from the PSP, and there would be no shortage of content for the Vita. Excluding downloadable PSP titles, PS1 classics and PS Mobile games, there is precious little Vita specific content. So who at Sony 'learned' those lessons, and why were they fired. Obviously they have to have been fired since the lessons learned are not being applied.

9 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, January 28, 2013 @ 10:44:56 PM

That's one reason we shouldn't just accept the fact that Sony won't have another tough time with the PS4 launch. We assume they learned a thing or two last time but have they?

3 up, 0 down

Siris86
Monday, January 28, 2013 @ 10:50:06 PM

To dismiss the Vita's capabilities of playing Playstation and PSP titles is to sweep one of it's greatest strengths to the curb. It's not just simple emulation; with the bilinear filtering, right analog stick mapping, and variable control schemes, the Vita presents the definite version of any PSP game available to the system. The level of enhancement is unprecedented in backwards compability, even more so when viewed through the OLED screen. Playstation games also look fantastic. I recently replayed FF7 on the system, and it was rather amazing how detailed and vivid the game appeared. Can't wait to try more on it, and I think anyone who is a fan of such classic games would be amiss to not play and recommend the Vita.

Last edited by Siris86 on 1/28/2013 10:52:34 PM

6 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, January 28, 2013 @ 11:54:01 PM

Siris,

I'm not for a moment dismissing those capabilities. But to claim that those games are somehow making up for the lack of actual vita games is completely disingenuous. No amount of PSP, PS1 classics or PS Mobile games make up for the lack of Vita specific software. The problem is that Sony is not focusing any significant level of resource on Vita game development. Good god, it took them a year to localize a freaking alarm clock application.

Wanna talk about PS1 classics, OK, why can't my copies of Crash or Spyro work on my US Vita? They work for EU users, they work in Japan, why the hell not on my US Vita? Why is the PS1 classic lineup in the US being trickled out at such a painfully slow pace when we already know that 100% of them work on the PS1 emulation which is the same emulator base code that is used in the PSP. Sony is mishandling the Vita horribly. It's a wonderful machine, I love mine and wouldn't be without it. But no amount of waxing lyrical about how the OLED screen makes PSP titles look great alters the fact that you're playing an old game in an emulator not a Vita title.

Last edited by Highlander on 1/28/2013 11:54:47 PM

7 up, 1 down

Killa Tequilla
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 12:37:22 AM

You guys think PS4 will be free to play online?

1 up, 0 down

sawao_yamanaka
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 12:52:37 AM

Except it isn't the same emulator code for the vita and psp. They both have different emulation codes. That is one of the reasons why hackers have a problem in running the ps1 psp emulator, they have it running without sound but it is painfully slow.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 1:17:51 AM

sawao,

I said "the same emulator base code", not that it was an identical binary. The underlying base code for the emulation is already written, and needs to be recompiled with the appropriate libraries and hardware specific drivers. But, the base code for emulating the PS1 is already well established and presents no problem for Sony. The PS1 games all work 100% in the emulation, Sony is simply withholding them for a variety of reasons, some of which probably have to do with stupidity in contract disputes with people like Activision (Crash & Spyro are not owned by Sony).

3 up, 1 down

Highlander
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 1:27:48 AM

PS4 free to play online like PS3? Yes, I think so. Sony's model of allowing basic online play for free, but charging for premium services and content is the way to go since it creates no disincentive to purchase.

3 up, 1 down

Siris86
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 1:46:49 AM

Highlander,

Well, the spirit of the article and your original comment is that there is a lack of content available for the Vita and perhaps it's not worthy of recommendation. Now, whether or not one sets personal arbitrary standards such as vita-exclusivity,I just don't find it to be the case. If you consider the platform was launched not even a year ago, I can't see how anyone could label the Vita's offering to be substandard. I don't need to list the games, but there are plenty of Vita (not PSP or PS1) offerings available to satisfy about anyone's gaming tastes. Also, with Killzone: Mercenaries, Tearaway, Soul Sacrifice, Ruin, and yet unannounced titles in the pipeline, it's definitely early to say Sony is not placing "significant" development in the system.

Last edited by Siris86 on 1/29/2013 1:51:36 AM

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 2:00:20 AM

No, the spirit of the article and my comment is that contrary to what Sony said would be the case, there is a shortage of Vita specific content - and there undeniably is a shortage.

Counting PSP, PS1 and PS Mobile games as Vita content doesn't really cut it - nor does it fit the spirit of the article.

Ruin was announced and shown nearly two years ago, and still is not release. BTW it has a new name now - Warrior's Lair You mentioned three titles, one of which is easily classed as vaporware as an argument that there is plenty of content coming? Come on.

How is it early to say they are not putting significant resources behind Vita when it takes them 9 months to localize a simple alarm clock application?

Last edited by Highlander on 1/29/2013 2:01:38 AM

3 up, 1 down

Siris86
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 2:24:09 AM

Undeniably? Well, a quick check of amazon shows at least 20 Vita exclusive titles, not counting ports or enhanced releases. So, I'm not sure what magical number has to be hit for there to be acknowledgment of content, but its your choice whether or not to be dissatisfied.

Yeah, I slipped and called it Ruin (old habit), but everything I listed was announced first party titles, some of which will probably be out in the first half of the year. This does not include all offerings from all publishers, so its far from a comprehensive list of future content. If you want stronger third party support, maybe you should convince your friends to buy one? Since your insistent on Wake Up Club, maybe it took 9 months because it was low on the list of priorities? I'm sure you're not suggesting that development of a top tier Vita game was stinted to port the app.

Last edited by Siris86 on 1/29/2013 2:29:29 AM

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 2:33:10 AM

Amazon lists 6 Vita title released in the last 90 days and only 5 up coming releases. That is a tiny number.

PS3 has 43 listed over the last 90n days and 47 upcoming titles.

PSP - yes the PSP - has more titles released in the last 90 days listed by Amazon than Vita with 8.

WiiU has 79 in the last 90 days (apparently) and 11 upcoming.

Nintendo 3DS has 30 over the last 90 days with 11 upcoming.

The point being that Vita is experiencing a games drought that it should not be experiencing. Maybe if you were not so intent on proving your point, or arguing with me, or for that matter Ben - since you disagree with the article, you might see that.

OK, if some top tier game delayed Wake-up club (in the US only BTW) where is that top tier game? WakeUp Club was available in the EU months ago - amazingly enough in English since the EU includes the UK and Ireland. So why the delay? There are other 1st party Vita products that the EU has that SCEA seems unaware of, that could be brought over here. So where are they? I guess SCEA is focusing it's top tier developers on...what? It sure ain't the Vita.

Last edited by Highlander on 1/29/2013 2:35:17 AM

4 up, 2 down

Siris86
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 2:47:53 AM

I apologize if I appear purely argumentative, but I'm simply trying to stress that I have personal faith in the platform and in Sony internal development. I don't think it's fair to say that Sony needs to do more when, by any account, they have provided top-notch support for the Vita. Granted it's their system, but their contribution far outweighs other efforts. You're right, the Vita currently runs the middle ground between console and handheld development, and this puts it in an awkward position at the moment, but this will not always be the case. It's real purpose will come around in the next generation. To relay back to the article, if more people could convince those that they know to acquire a system, then third parties would have more incentive to take a jump on releasing more titles.

Talking about SCEA, the only studio I could think of to produce a AAA title would be Sony Bend. Sucker Punch staffed up, but I see them, and every other NA studio, being focused on Orbis.

Last edited by Siris86 on 1/29/2013 2:50:20 AM

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 9:59:20 AM

Were the 3rd party devs just as late to jump on the wagon back when the PSP were launched?

Last edited by Beamboom on 1/29/2013 10:55:11 AM

0 up, 0 down

Siris86
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 10:43:08 AM

I think there's always been a little trepidation by third parties when it comes to new systems, but, with the PSP, you can definitely see an increase in the lineup from 2004-05 to 2006. I think the Vita will follow suit, but with higher overhead and a lower install base, it may not be quite the same. Though, quality and quantity are not correlative; I would take a few excellent titles over an abundance of mediocrity any day. If one went solely by number of releases, I think we'd prefer our phones over anything.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 10:45:04 AM

I'm going to simplify what I and Highlander are saying, Sirus-

The amount of new games available for a new platform in regards to the Vita aren't even close to enough for most consumers. That's the long and short of it.

3 up, 0 down

Siris86
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 11:18:15 AM

I'm not trying to harp on this, but I would suggest that the problem isn't with the content available (the strongest first year of any platform I can recall) but with the consumer. This is still, ultimately, Sony's problem, but to blame the Vita for not selling when it offers so much just seems wrong to me.

1 up, 0 down

telly
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 11:20:02 AM

I keep telling myself Sony has a HUGE slate of games to announce, and that we'll learn all about them soon. But man, the clock is ticking. And Highlander is 100 percent right, I don't think there's any doubt Sony was caught off-guard once again with this hardware launch. How could they not have a steady stream of games already announced for the next 6-12 months? How could they possibly be surprised that they would need to continue to release games for the system? It boggles the mind, and if we're being honest with ourselves, it does not bode well for their PS4 launch.

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 1:04:23 PM

Siris: Uh...the strongest year of any platform? You've got to be kidding. The Vita had next to nothing; most all the decent titles were available for launch.

Look up what the PS2 had in its first 15 months at market. Final Fantasy X, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Red Faction, Onimusha, Grand Theft Auto III, Gran Turismo 3, etc, etc, etc. There are many more. Even the PSP had a vastly superior first year.

The Vita has had the worst first 12 months of any platform I can recall in terms of NEW content. Not content we can play on other platforms...if we have those other platforms, why do we care?

5 up, 1 down

Siris86
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 4:04:01 PM

Strongest FIRST year of any platform. Like, it's been out not even 12 months. FFX was 15 months after launch(superior version coming to Vita), MGS 2 released over 20 months after launch (superior version of it and it's sequel available on Vita), and Grand Theft Auto III was 19 months into the system. I don't know what gems you were playing on the PSP in it's first year, but, having perused the list, I see nothing that compares to Uncharted GA, WipeOut 2048, Gravity Rush, Unit 13, Persona 4 Golden, Assassin's Creed Liberations, and many other enhanced ports (as opposed to dumbed down editions on the PSP). Also, with Soul Sacrifice official date announcement today and the news that Aksys is relocalizing Muramasa, I think the lineup continues to improve.

Last edited by Siris86 on 1/29/2013 4:06:03 PM

2 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 7:29:45 PM

Dude, not even I want the vita yet, and I'm a shameless fanboy.

0 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, January 28, 2013 @ 10:43:42 PM
Reply

That's the problem with launching two platforms close together, PS4 is probably getting all the attention right now from the developers.

5 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Monday, January 28, 2013 @ 10:59:53 PM
Reply

Maybe for someone that's owned one from the beginning. However, I am not in that camp. I feel there is plenty for me to play since I have a backlog on my Vita. Not to mention another free game gets thrown in the backlog come tomorrow with Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus.

For gamers that don't own a Vita I feel there is more than enough games, great games to warrant a purchase. Especially with the great promotions that are out there.

I am not blind and of course I would love more games for the Vita. I just don't think the Vita's current library is a deterrent to new Vita adopters is all.

Last edited by CrusaderForever on 1/28/2013 11:00:41 PM

4 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Monday, January 28, 2013 @ 11:18:26 PM
Reply

I've often felt the marketing of the Vita was off. Console experiences are more than just the power of the hardware and their interfaces. Consoles are home to some of the biggest budgeted, highest talented, developers in the industry. We had been reading for years about how expensive games are this gen. We've seen a good number of devs go down in flames because their product couldn't make a profit, even at a million or more units in sales. When Sony started touting the PS Vita as a PS3 quality experience in your hands, my thought process was, "well is there enough of a market for that?" Is it right to set expectations for a portable market to deliver us a CoD or AC that matches the ceilingless production quality of their counterparts? Heck no. I don't understand how Sony ever thought this plan could be a success. Before long they started making it public that they're 'having trouble getting support." It's like WAKE UP. No crap.

I think it's clear. The Vita will not get the support anytime soon to ever match the console quality gaming experiences. Not because of lack of power, but because AAA talent doesn't come cheap.

Personally, I want the Vita to have my favorite console games on the go. I like the idea of having some of my most treasured action games, even if they're ports, on a handheld, on the go. I also have come to get tons of mileage out of RPG's on a handheld so FFX is a lock.
Basically, my expectations going into the Vita are very conservative, and I'm not once going to think that quantities of high rated 'games' are ever coming in enough frequency to change the climate of the Vita's existence. I pretty much believe Sony's internal ip's will offer up the highest produced content on the platform, and then there'll be the occasional third party game that comes around that's fun. I lvoe the idea of playing DOA5 on a handheld and competing with the same pool of online gamer as the PS3 version. That to me is worth a ton.

1 up, 0 down

tes37
Monday, January 28, 2013 @ 11:55:23 PM
Reply

I'm still happy with my Vita purchase, but I agree it's hard to recommend the little device to people without a good influx of games. I think there are plenty of good reasons to own one, it's just that games sit at the top of the list. The incentive program is nice of Sony, although I don't think it's necessary if you provide the system with enough content.

3 up, 0 down

Knightzane
Monday, January 28, 2013 @ 11:55:27 PM
Reply

I already convinced everyone i know to buy one. The same can be said for PS+, Sony headphones (which shocked my turtle beach using friend) and Sony tv's. Man, i should be working retail for Sony seeing as how i sell just about anything to anyone.

Convinced this guy at GS a long time ago to buy his kids a WII for christmas instead of an xbox or ps3. Told him theres tons of games that his son and daughter could play together and make them work as a team instead of fight over it. Don't mean to sound over confident but damn i impress myself sometimes.

0 up, 2 down

ethird1
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 12:25:14 AM
Reply

I hear Sony charges an arm and a leg to put games on the Vita. This doesnt help the system out much.

There should be TONS of IOS games on the Vita right now. There is not. And no matter what anyone says, you can NEVER achieve the same atmosphere and fun of playing an Uncharted on a small handheld as you can playing on a 40 inch plus surround sound TV!

Sony should have allowed all PS2 games on the Vita. Period. There are so many ps2 games that many people, like myself, have not played yet and would love to. Especially some of the later Suikodens.

Sega and many other companies have tons of old games they could put on the Vita, but again, Sony wants to charge an arm and a leg to do so. Can you imagine playing all of the Sega Saturn rpgs and srpgs on the Vita? Especially Shining Force 3! I want to play Guardian Heroes on my Vita so badly I can't stand it!!!

As far as SUPER TITLES .... this new Killzone looks good. But it is another one of the MANY overhyped Sony games.

There is a VERY COOL FISHING GAME coming out for the Vita tomorrow. That is a start.

I have over 40 rpgs+srpgs on my Vita. Am currently playing Ragnarok Tactics.

I will say that this will be my last Sony handheld game I ever buy. I would rather play the games on my TV to be honest with yas.

End of Line.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 12:30:12 AM

Regarding PS2 games. It's not a matter of allowing PS2 games on Vita. Vita simply isn't powerful enough to run the emulation required. The PS3 barely is powerful enough to run highly optimized emulation suited to specific games - that's why PS2 classics continue to trickle out so slowly. Vita is in no way powerful enough to emulate the PS2. You could remaster PS2 games to it, you might be able to emulate enough for games that did not make much use of the PS2's performance - MIGHT. But PS2 classics are not going to suddenly appear on Vita.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 1:25:53 AM

Oh, BTW, not sure where you heard the thing about the cost of putting games on the Vita, but the cost of developing for the PS Mobile platform - which includes Vita is a tiny fraction of that for a full Vita game. Games that appear on iOS devices are in the same class as PS Mobile apps/games and the cost of developing a full Vita game is not a barrier to entry when you're talking about porting games from iOS that will sell for $5 and under.

2 up, 1 down

DazeOfWar
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 1:18:42 AM
Reply

I was super happy when I first got my Vita but now that's a different story. Most of the time it just sits on the shelf. When it does get played it for about a 1/2hr till I get bored with the same old games I've been playing for almost a year, have beat, or just aren't worth playing.

I did just start playing Smart As. tonight which is cool but not a system seller and not something I would spend hours playing.

I've even had thoughts of selling it just cause it's not worth anything if it's not getting played. Only problem there is they are selling for dirt cheap on Craig's list and I that's just not worth it.

Hopefully Sony pulls their head out of their ass and gets this thing rolling. Drop the price to so more people buy it which will then get more devs to put money into developing games for it. Why would anybody want to release a game that may sell to 20,000 people when they can put that money towards a game on a system with a bigger install base.

0 up, 0 down

Gordo
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 2:20:54 AM
Reply

I think the Vita is a brilliant device and I have a ton of games. Lumines, Virtues Last Reward, Sine Mora, Golf, Tennis, FIFA, Uncharted, Assassins Creed, Little Big Planet, MGS 2 and 3, Gravity Rush, Escape Plan, Chess, Stardust, Mutant Blob, loads of mobile, PSP and PSone games including GOW Ghost of Sparta, GTA Vice City Stories, Velocity and Silent Hill.

Persona 4 Golden is pre-ordered and will take a large chunk of gaming time.

That's not bad for the first year. The momentum has definately dropped as you say and there needs to be more but I would thoroughly recommend to anyone looking for a handheld device (with console "like" quality).

If you have spend the majority of your gaming time in front of the TV then maybe not. If you want to game on the move then the Vita is a cracker...

2 up, 1 down

Dukemz_UK
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 2:35:38 AM
Reply

In order to convince developers to spend expensive resources on developing for the Vita, they have to have the incentive that their game may sell a million+ copies for the platform. With the Vita console selling relatively poorly, developers are sceptical to spend said resources on a game that may flop sales wise due to the low hardware install base. It's a dire catch 22 situation for Sony, who need to make a final drastic marketing attempt this year to flog the Vita, or the platform will not get future 3rd party developer support due to the risk of poor title sales. I hope they include a huge price cut in their Vita marketing campaign, or I fear my beloved Vita may die a premature death.

1 up, 0 down

MartyRules
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 3:23:16 AM
Reply

Sony's never really had a good first year. They'll pick up steam like always

2 up, 1 down

___________
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 3:59:34 AM
Reply

games is A problem for the vita, but not THE problem.
biggest thing holding the vita back is the software, and capabilities.
its funny a friend of mine came with me to the launch party and we both got ours and came home excited, and immedietly he said WTF!?
i cant do this, i cant do that, i cant do that, i cant do that, what the hells going on!?
my 4 year old iphone can do it, what the hell is this!
and he hasent looked back since.
problem with the vita is people have become so use to specific features, and getting a 2012 device that does not have them is like, oh i dunno, like releasing a console in 06 that is not HD capable!
people become use to these abilities, you take that away from them and there going to say sayonara!
till $ony restores those features, and might i add the features that the f*cking PSP GO had!
till they restore these features, the vita is always going to be a hard sell!

another problem it faces is simply power.
THE whole point of the vita is its power!
just like every playstation device, power has always been its point, its purpose.
but did you know the freaking ipad 4 is more powerful!?
yea its more expensive, of course it is its 3 times the size, has a higher res screen, basically can be used as a computer!
so the whole point, purpose of the vita has already been eradicated.
thats the problem with the vita, not the price, not the games, but it just feels outdated and minimalistic!
playstation products have always felt like alien technology, like the designers have gone to their special planet in space, saw what aliens are using, and brought it back for us earthlings.
the vita feels quite the opposite, like they went back to 2008 and delivered a device for them!
when a 2012 device releases that does not have features that were made standard like 4 years earlier you know your in trouble!

$ony REALLY needs to step into the 21st century!
go out buy products people use every day, make the vita as much like those as possible.
use previous playstation products, see what was very popular with those, and bring them back.
than to solve the game issue, really put your massive first party library behind you.
expecting third party publishers to carry you is ludicrous, its NOT going to happen!
you need to do the work yourself, release tons of new creative IPs, that will encourage people to purchase the vita, and thus will encourage third parties to create games on it.
funny how every problem with the vita ATM, is exactly because of $ony!
as the saying goes, reap what you sew.
you made the bed, now you gotta sleep in it!

Last edited by ___________ on 1/29/2013 4:03:27 AM

2 up, 5 down

Excelsior1
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 4:02:23 AM
Reply

I don't understand why Sony has let the Vita twist in the wind for as long they have. They act like they are all alone in this market and have all the time in the world. How in the world do they expect it to sell without any games? Head scratcher for sure.

When 3DS sales became sluggish Nintendo responded quickly with a price cut. One of the main reasons Nintendo cited for doing this was needing to restore confidence in the platform. Yes, it costs Nintendo a lot of money but look at where the 3DS is now. Over 27 million sold versus the Vita's paltry 3 million.

This second year game drought is embarrassing for Sony and is something I've never seen happen on a PlayStation branded device.

Some of Kaz's recent comments have bothered me too. Didn't he say it would take 5-10 years to know if the Vita is a successful product? He also pointed to the PS3's slow start which is fine but the PS3's turn around didn't happen simply because Sony stayed-the-course. The entire PS division was restructured plus numerous model revisions and price cuts were employed to turn the PS3 around. What's Sony prepared to do for the Vita? They are running out of time. Kaz is dreaming if he thinks the Vita will survive 5 years selling as poorly as it has.

Last edited by Excelsior1 on 1/29/2013 4:07:43 AM

1 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 @ 9:15:28 PM

"This second year game drought is embarrassing for Sony"

What do you mean second year? Vita isn't a year old yet.

0 up, 0 down

Kiryu
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 6:46:37 AM
Reply

I OWN A VITA and i'll be proud playing Sly on the go on Feb 5th

4 up, 2 down

The Doom
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 7:35:58 AM
Reply

You mean to tell me that Sony can't advertise their own product? Its fans has to do it for them? I'm sorry, but thats just pathetic. Last night I saw a commercial of Nintento's new Fire Emblem being broadcasted three times within the hour. You mean to tell me that Sony can't do that too? This is a stupid campaign and I'm disappointed that Sony even thought this up. Want the Vita the sell? Lower the price (System and memory cards (ESPECIALLY) the memory cards) and release games other than just ports of 2 year old games. I just wrote this entire post with the Vita; that alone should mean that its worth something, but Sony should be the one to say that to buyers, not me.

Last edited by The Doom on 1/29/2013 7:37:49 AM

5 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 10:05:46 AM

He's not talking about advertising? If it is Ben you are addressing, that is.

0 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 @ 9:17:56 PM

He is referring to the fact that Sony wants us to convince friends to buy a Vita, but he feels that Sony is not advertising the Vita very much, and that they could do a much better job at selling the Vita than they are currently doing. Why come to us, when there is so much more they can do on their own.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 10:08:21 AM
Reply

I believe this is a direct consequence of the lack of 3rd party support. Sony obviously originally expected a higher degree of support by now (they've even admitted so publicly), back when they planned this launch.

And with all the first party devs focusing on Oribs now, what else can they do, really. They don't have *that* many developers under their umbrella.

1 up, 0 down

telly
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 11:22:54 AM

I think there's no question that's what's happened here, Beamboom, and frankly it is outrageous. Sony had zero major games slated for release during the first half of 2013 (or later)and just assumed someone would pick up the slack? How is that any sort of business strategy? The silence from Sony on this issue is deafening. They have to realize fans are waiting to hear what the plan is, and the longer they wait, the most it seems like they have no idea what to do.

2 up, 0 down

Excelsior1
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 12:50:24 PM

I couldn't agree more. Horrible bussiness strategy to rely on third party support unless Sony was CERTAIN they had it. There were rumblings right after the Vita launched that third party support was a problem. Remember that Nikkei article that ran here that said Sony was having problems attracting third party support? Many here blasted it for citing unnamed sources...well those sources were spot on weren't they?

Sony's silence is deafening. Do they really think the market is going to come to them after watching the Vita seriously underperform all year? Gamers might buy a Vita and developers might support it if there was any confidence in the platform at all. Sony must something and do it quickly.

Last edited by Excelsior1 on 1/29/2013 12:51:43 PM

4 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 1:36:26 PM

I don't really want to blame Sony for relying on 3rd party support. They *had* to have that support. If they they knew they would not get it I doubt they'd release the platform on the market at all.

We know they expected Bioshock Infinite to come to the Vita. They would only have needed a couple more of the big hitters this spring and things would have looked a lot brighter. But when neither the developers nor the market believes in the platform they are completely alone in pulling that wagon. And that is one heck of a demanding job, one we can truly ask if really is worth the efforts.

So yeah - if at first we shall criticise Sony, it should rather be their work prior to the launch. They should have done much better research and designed a platform better suited for todays market.

Last edited by Beamboom on 1/29/2013 1:39:37 PM

0 up, 0 down

Excelsior1
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 2:45:08 PM

They definitely should have been prepared to more heavy lifting during the Vita's first year.

As for post launch there are things Sony could have done to bolster confidence in the Vita. Nintendo showed everyone how to rescue a handheld when confidence in a product begins to waver. Nintendo swallowed their pride and slashed tthe 3DS's price. Along with that they announced a steady stream of games. They lost a lot of money but managed to restore confidence in the 3DS. Granted the 3DS's position was never as dire as the Vita's but that didn't matter to them. 3DS sales were sluggish post launch and there were complaints about a lack of games. Nintendo didn't want to chance it. They flat out said the biggest reason for the price cut was to restore confidence in the platform. I give Nintendo a lot of credit for stepping in so quickly and wished Sony had done the same.

I wonder if Sony has waited too long. Price cut and a Monster Hunter game would do wonders for the Vita.

1 up, 0 down

DjEezzy
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 12:13:25 PM
Reply

No one is disputing the fact this the vita is awesome, i loved it when i had it!!! Problem really is the lack of games. Another problem is, for me anyway, is i have two kids, a full time job and i'm a dj, which is my first love. Price doesn't matter for me but the time i have to actually play a game on the go is pretty much non existent. If it had better games then yes maybe i would have played it more. Even still... There just aren't enough hours in the day anymore. When i game, i do it on my couch on my 50" plasma 3d. Thats how prefer to play my games. I know that of course i don't speak for everyone and the vita gets a lot of use from other people. I'm just not one of those people. When i got mine it was almost depressing at how little time i had to play it. Sucks getting old...

0 up, 1 down

slugga_status
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 12:40:59 PM
Reply

Never owned one but for me there are numerous factors. One being price, I'm simply not going to pay $200+ for a Vita when the PS4 might be near.

The main thing is the games. The only games I can see myself playing is Golden Abyss and Gravity Rush. Just nothing in the library that makes me say "I NEED a Vita." Just isn't appealing..

0 up, 2 down

AcHiLLiA
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 2:25:39 PM
Reply

+ throw in a game of choice, 4gb card and 3 month or 1 year PSN+, maybe that will convince consumers into buying it. Sorry Sony with the PS4 coming, I'm throwing down my money for that. I guess as the gamers get older, some don't find portable gaming systems fascinating anymore.

3 up, 2 down

karneli lll
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 4:00:03 PM
Reply

That price is too steep. For crying out loud it costs the same (and in some cases even more) than a brand new ps3. I think the Vita is solely for hardcore gamers, which is why the issue now is games and not the price tag.

1 up, 1 down

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