The PlayStation 4, if you didn’t know, is currently a thing. A big, big thing. And even if you think Sony’s PS4 reveal had its shortcomings and flaws, there’s no denying that its existence is currently one of the biggest contributing factors of the next generation.
However, with Microsoft pushing its Xbox services out into the mainstream and seeing considerable mainstream success, will we be seeing a similar strategy from Sony with all the services surrounding the PlayStation 4?
Not according to Sony Computer Entertainment of America CEO and President Jack Tretton, who feels that gaming services will be kept separate from other Sony devices..
When Forbes quizzed him on the same, Tretton stated that, “I don’t think you’ll see PlayStation branded stuff on other Sony devices –you will see and you currently see the Sony Entertainment Network.
“Whether it’s your smart phone or your tablet or your TV you can take advantage of Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited… most of the deals that we’re doing with app providers we’re making available across the Sony Entertainment Network. So it’s not just Hulu Plus for your PlayStation 3. It’s Hulu Plus for your Sony device, if you’re a member of the Sony Entertainment Network.
“I think you’re already seeing a proliferation like that, but it’ll be done under the Sony banner as opposed to the PlayStation brand. Because when we think PlayStation we think gaming. So if it’s somewhere that gaming lives, the PlayStation brand will probably come with it. If it’s pure entertainment then that’s really more of the Sony brand.”
Given that Cloud streaming services have been announced with the reveal of the PS4, along with the news that we’d be able to stream PS1, PS2 and PS3 games to any platform in due time, do these statements mean the contrary? Will you only be able to play such titles on the PlayStation consoles and handhelds alone?
We’d love some official clarification on this, Jack.