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[BlackBuzzard]

I just saw Sony Pictures is going full anime with the acquisition of Funimation for 150M$. We don't have this in Europe, does that work like Crunchyroll of is it only a distributor of DVD/Blu-ray ?

It has a streaming service yes.

 

[Baroquemantic]

I just saw Sony Pictures is going full anime with the acquisition of Funimation for 150M$. We don't have this in Europe, does that work like Crunchyroll of is it only a distributor of DVD/Blu-ray ?

Funimation has a streaming service too.

 

[tilomite!]

The PS4 is a beast, good to see consoles thriving.

 

[Jarod McChicken]

It has a streaming service yes.

Funimation has a streaming service too.

Thanks guys, actually you can't even access their website if you're from Europe.

 

[Shin]

I just saw Sony Pictures is going full anime with the acquisition of Funimation for 150M$. We don't have this in Europe, does that work like Crunchyroll of is it only a distributor of DVD/Blu-ray ?

Oh wow first time hearing about this and it makes a perfect business sense for both parties.
Not sure if there's an app or it on PSN or whether it's in their VUE package but I see opportunities (as does Sony I reckon).

 

[RSchmitz]

It´s weird that Aniplex is under Sony Music and now Funimation is under Pictures.

 

[drsoup]

How does this compare to how many Xboxs were shipped that quarter? Or do MS not even provide shipment info at all, even in financial briefings?

sadly no info

 

[rodrigolfp]

There are many generations where the best selling console wasn't the most powerful one, and all PS consoles had good sales and game releases after releasing the previous consoles.

As PS4 Pro sales also prove, to have a new, more powerful console only drive sales for some of the most tech savvy hardcore players who traditionally are early adopters.

I think console players mostly decide to buy a console or not if their favorite IPs are there or not, and if the console has an appealing price. Mostly 1st party in case of Nintendo, and mostly 3rd party in case of the others. And after that, if their friend have this console or the one from the competition.

Dev cycles become more and more expensive and long every generation, to the point that many AAA teams will be only able to release a couple of games this gen. Some of them will need extra time to release this second and maybe a third game with their engine and resources in order to be able to get the invested needed to jump to this gen back.

The tiny minority of the gaming market who wants the highest end graphics already have a PC and are a minority even between Steam players (not counting here the big social and casual games market outside Steam) as we see in Steam statitstics. During the 2nd half of a console cycle, when they are able to lower its price enough (with PS4 they will be able to go under $200, something they couldn't with PS3), they focus more the family market instead of the most hardcore one they focus during the first half. This also allows Sony to focus certain markets like some Latin American countries where before this points consoles are too expensive for them.


Don't need to go back to 15 years ago. Just look at the lifespan of PS3, still alive after 11 years in the market. Lifespan of all PlayStation home consoles is 10+ years old. This means PS4 would be in the market at least until 2023.

that is the reason. major IPs will go for PS5, "killing" the PS4. never said its about power, its about the "main" game version...

 

[Neith]

Considering the games coming this and next year in addition to the current price, recent shifts in console mini exclusives or marketing deals and the possibility of a price drop next FY, I think next FY will be their biggest one.

The release of PS4 Pro, Microsoft slowly merging with / shifting to their game business to PC and Nintendo to handhelds, both competitors having a smaller market share, PS4 price cuts to come and easier to make due to PC-like HW design, they are getting console -at least marketing- exclusives of many major IPs, huge IPs still to debut with new games this gen, very high chances to see a full BC PS5, longer and more expensive dev cycles that to release 2 or 3 games of an IP on the same generation to bring their investment back, very likely will help to sell PS4 for 5 years more.

In fact Sony doesn't even have reasons to rush a PS5 launch. For them and most AAA publishers would be better to release PS5 in 2020 or even 2021 due to rising dev costs I mentioned plus successful current gen with a way bigger install base.


Aligned to launch PS4 is matching PS2 numbers and as I said above there are many hints pointing to PS4 having a long, successful road. Why do you think it PS4 can't at least match PS2?

Indeed, at some point you start to even confuse the casuals, and rule number one is you don't confuse the casuals in gaming. PS4 Pro is enough until 2021 IMHO for the console space.

By then a real PS5 will make a huge dent, but 2020 could easily be the year too, and is probably a date they will use if they don't want Microsoft to have the most powerful GPU for whatever reason that matters.

2019 is just batshit insane, and they really would be doing the cellphone plan for consoles then.

The idea to me is your hardcore just bought a PS4 Pro. Some of then even have SSDs. Some of them still have a PS3. Now why and the hell would you release a PS4 2.1 in literally two years and change time? Who is the market for this system where the selling point will be it actually does 4K native* (*on most games). It doesn't seem feasible.

I would probably just shrug and not even attempt to buy it. I have a PC and Pro.

 

[rodrigolfp]

If this is a key factor why the ps4 pro isn't outselling the slim? People don't give a shit about the power, what matter is the software and the price.

PS4 runs the same games that PS4 Pro. PS4 will not run the same PS5 games...

 

[timberger]

Well deserved success. 2017 has so far been one of the best years of gaming I've lived through, and that's been almost entirely down to PS4's software output. Jumping from Gravity Rush 2 to Nier Automata to Yakuza 0 to Horizon to Persona 5 and so on has just made for some amazing times.

edit: lol at shitpost alts aplenty itt.

 

[rodrigolfp]

He keeps saying outdated as if he trying to prove a point. All this shit is outdated.

you seem happy with downgrades everywhere, even in first party games (cof U4 cof)

 

[MastaKilla]

Can't say i've really touched my PS4 in a while. My wife uses it for netflix and HBO. Glad to see its success nonetheless.

 

[Jawbreaker]

Check the post history before you engage in fruitless discourse, dudes.

 

[HardRojo]

you seem happy with downgrades everywhere, even in first party games (cof U4 cof)

Oh, there it is lol. Makes it easy to know who to not engage in discussions with.

 

[Reg]

Good sales. Can see the ps4 definitely passing the ps1/wii.

 

[eerik9000]

So what is the current worldwide estimated LTDS PS4:XBO ratio? 2:1? 3:1?

Probably between 2:1 and 2.5:1. USA and the UK are the only major markets where it's less than 2:1. In Germany, France and Spain the ratios are 5:1, 7:1 and 9:1 IIRC, and in Japan... let's just say PS4 has a 5 million lead.

 

[Behlel]

PS4 runs the same games that PS4 Pro. PS4 will not run the same PS5 games...

And it's more powerful than the base ps4 and yet isn't selling nowhere near the sales of the slim.

 

[jjonez18]

I just saw Sony Pictures is going full anime with the acquisition of Funimation for 150M$. We don't have this in Europe, does that work like Crunchyroll of is it only a distributor of DVD/Blu-ray ?

So now they own Aniplex, Funimation, and Crunchyroll now? Anything else major anime-wise I missed?

 

[WillySJ3]

And it's more powerful than the base ps4 and yet isn't selling nowhere near the sales of the slim.

Ps4 Pro isn't supposed to sell more units than the Slim.

 

[FIREKNIGHT2029]

PS4 is a beast.

 

[rodrigolfp]

And it's more powerful than the base ps4 and yet isn't selling nowhere near the sales of the slim.

it is like you didnt even read what you quoted

 

[jroc74]

Yes, absolutely. But it'll pass Wii thanks to being supported for longer and by more publishers, not because it's a cultural phenomenon that's growing the market.

Regardless of how it gets there, that it does is all that matters.

It might not grow the market, but it selling like it is is a good sign. Especially with some predicting consoles dying based on Wii U sales before the PS4, XBO launched.

 

[Stilton Disco]

Yes, absolutely. But it'll pass Wii thanks to being supported for longer and by more publishers, not because it's a cultural phenomenon that's growing the market.

Actually, thinking about it, from a global perspective it is growing the market, and expanding console gaming into countries that have never really been interested in it before.

Now, sure, the more mature western and Japanese markets are showing a shift away from dedicated gaming devises and onto Smartphones, but I'd say that's less a market shrinkage, so much as it's the natural shift in gaming that new, more appealing hardware has brought.

Those millions of super casual, non hobbyists that bought the PS2, Wii and DS haven't gone away, they're if anything gaming more than ever, it's just that there's a more ideal device they're buying instead of dedicated gaming hardware now.

Meanwhile the number of people buying a games systems because they love gaming seems to be rising.

The increased software sales, high attach rates, rise of indies, resurgence of PC, success of the gaming focused Switch and PS4, all show positive growth in pretty much all markets.

Compared to the relative failures of casual focused, underpowered WiiU and the anti consumer, 'Kinect, TV and Sports' marketed XO at launch (it's ongoing failure to establish its own identity, especially through first party output also hasn't helped), these are clear examples of a rejection of what many saw as the direction the market was headed in last gen.

So basically I see Wii (and DS and PS2) not as a cultural phenomenon and high point for the market that can never be achieved again, but simply a wider shift in society sweeping up those who weren't being truly catered for by console gaming, driven by the steady worldwide acceptance and embracing of gaming as a hobby, that naturally crashed on the rocks of Mobile once the technology they never knew they really wanted became commonplace.

PS4 may infact be the first games system to reach 100m in sales almost entirely off the back of an audience who genuinely love gaming and aren't just after a cheap DVD player, lifestyle accessory player, or disposable distraction for long journeys, at least since the PS1, and even then I'd say PS1 was the beginning of the influx of non traditional console gamers that have thrown all our data for measuring success completely out for decades now.

 

[EdReedFan20]

(Some sources have PS3 ahead of 360)

Imagine, at the end of this generation (if PS3 is ahead of 360), four of the top five home consoles would be PlayStation (if PS4 does not fall off of a cliff). That's nuts, considering this basically all happened because of CES drama.

 

[Acrylic7]

I just saw Sony Pictures is going full anime with the acquisition of Funimation for 150M$. We don't have this in Europe, does that work like Crunchyroll of is it only a distributor of DVD/Blu-ray ?

I figured Funimation was worth way more than that.
Its one of those names you see everywhere in anime or something.

 

[Wagram]

Still blows me away how fast the Wii tanked.

 

[kyser73]

I Think current quarter June - September is quite interesting. With dragon Quest releasing in Japan and destiny 2 in West, we can expect another strong quarter. Last year Sony did 3.9 million during that quarter of they can pull more than 3.6 million this time than they may revise up their forecast for year end.

But With PlayStation VR not getting much success and low probability of price drop I think matching 20 million will not be possible.

I suspect PSVR is meeting Sony's internal expectations and I view it being mentioned in quarterly financial results as a positive sign that it's making a contribution to the bottom line (which it should be given that it is profit-making and probably helping drive some Pro upgrades).

Also - shout out to DraculaX for doing the hard work of annotating the results so we don't have to

ReS3 - according to Adam Boyes in an interview after he left Sony, WW LTD for PS3 is more than the 360.

 

[LegendofLex]

Actually, thinking about it, from a global perspective it is growing the market, and expanding console gaming into countries that have never really been interested in it before.

I mean, "from a global perspective" nothing short of a higher number of consoles sold globally than last gen would be "growing the market."

But you're right that Sony has had lots of success expanding console gaming into otherwise cold markets. But that might not (and I'd guess it probably won't) offset the probable declines in historically strong console markets.

We're not going to see another generation with 270 million console sales without some kind of shift away from the focus on people who already love games.

Now, sure, the more mature western and Japanese markets are showing a shift away from dedicated gaming devises and onto Smartphones, but I'd say that's less a market shrinkage, so much as it's the natural shift in gaming that new, more appealing hardware has brought.

Those millions of super casual, non hobbyists that bought the PS2, Wii and DS haven't gone away, they're if anything gaming more than ever, it's just that there's a more ideal device they're buying instead of dedicated gaming hardware now.

The problem with the smartphone gaming market is that typically it's built on whales, which makes it difficult to build a platform business (HW sales + SW sales + third-party fees) on mobile devices. For any platform maker, any shift away from their platform business is bad business for them.

If casual consumers aren't buying their products, it's because their products no longer offer value to that segment. That's not a good sign.

Meanwhile the number of people buying a games systems because they love gaming seems to be rising.

The increased software sales, high attach rates, rise of indies, resurgence of PC, success of the gaming focused Switch and PS4, all show positive growth in pretty much all markets.

Greater success with the most profitable customers that happens alongside a decline in less profitable customers is actually often a telltale sign of an industry on the verge of disruption.

It means that alternatives to your model are getting better, and since it's not likely that those alternatives will cease to improve, that means they could eventually be good enough for your more profitable customers.

I'm never reassured by a consumer-focused company retreating upmarket while ceding lower-end customers. It means their less demanding customers are willing to switch to something new.

Compared to the relative failures of casual focused, underpowered WiiU and the anti consumer, 'Kinect, TV and Sports' marketed XO at launch (it's ongoing failure to establish its own identity, especially through first party output also hasn't helped), these are clear examples of a rejection of what many saw as the direction the market was headed in last gen.

Even Nintendo didn't believe that Wii U was at all a continuation of the direction the market was going last gen.

PS4 may infact be the first games system to reach 100m in sales almost entirely off the back of an audience who genuinely love gaming and aren't just after a cheap DVD player, lifestyle accessory player, or disposable distraction for long journeys, at least since the PS1, and even then I'd say PS1 was the beginning of the influx of non traditional console gamers that have thrown all our data for measuring success completely out for decades now.

Pro-tip: PS3 + Xbox 360 = more than 160 million last gen

This kind of audience already existed. What we're seeing now is that PS4 is cannibalizing Xbox 360 customers and doing a much better job at rolling itself out globally. Hence, higher sales than PS3, faster sales than PS2.

Still blows me away how fast the Wii tanked.

That's what happens when you stop supporting a console.

 

[AyaisMUsikWhore]

(Some sources have PS3 ahead of 360)

Imagine, at the end of this generation (if PS3 is ahead of 360), four of the top five home consoles would be PlayStation (if PS4 does not fall off of a cliff). That's nuts, considering this basically all happened because of CES drama.

Wow, almost on track to match the PS3 sales in less time ....I wonder if it will fall off a cliff soon.

 

[DriftingSpirit]

Wow, almost on track to match the PS3 sales in less time ....I wonder if it will fall off a cliff soon.

How soon we talking? Because given the major titles it still has coming, I don't see it happening, if at all, until much later on.

 

[EGOMON]

Basically, 2:1.

Hmm I thought it was more than that giving how much more PS4 sells in EU and Asia markets

Probably between 2:1 and 2.5:1. USA and the UK are the only major markets where it's less than 2:1. In Germany, France and Spain the ratios are 5:1, 7:1 and 9:1 IIRC, and in Japan... let's just say PS4 has a 5 million lead.

Oh OK I see thanks

 

[Vinc]

Great consoles with proper marketing will sell well. The demand for AAA games is still there.

 

[DieH@rd]

Hmm I thought it was more than that giving how much more PS4 sells in EU and Asia markets

Well, we stopped getting Xbone numbers a while back. We can only guess the current state.

 

[EGOMON]

Well, we stopped getting Xbone numbers a while back. We can only guess the current state.

Yeah true
It is just strange to me how secretive is the gaming industry regarding sales numbers transparency while other entertainment media can release them left and right

 

[Formosa]

King of console.

 

[rokkerkory]

100m is easily in sight

 

[Pachael]

Are you Michael Pachter? the name caught me.....

Nah, no relation, though I've had some bad predictions too (Yakuza localisation would never happen again after Y2 bombing)

 

[AnotherDayAnotherDollar]

slightly more info about Sony Pictures division:

also:

Just as expected, Sony's movie division is hot garbage and the TV division is the saving grace of that subsidiary unit.

Also, just as expected, Sony is gonna shit the bed again with their dream of Venom and Sinister Six and whatever else. They will eventually fuck up Spiderman again too.

 

[Blablurn]

Imagine Chinese government weren't so strict about console or gaming sales. Sonys numbers would be even higher. Despite all hardships they are doing a good job here in China. Most of my private gaming seller focus on PS4 games. The official business is also doing OK, with many promotions and marketing campaigns,

 

[sense]

Just as expected, Sony's movie division is hot garbage and the TV division is the saving grace of that subsidiary unit.

Also, just as expected, Sony is gonna shit the bed again with their dream of Venom and Sinister Six and whatever else. They will eventually fuck up Spiderman again too.

I don't know how you got all of that about Sony pictures with the blurb there.... they have 3 releases in Spider-Man, baby driver and emoji that are going to turn a profit from this quarter. Dark tower is yet to be seen but I think that has a lowish budget too so shouldn't be too much of a loss even if it bombs.

 

[Rymuth]

PS4 is a beast.

Shoulda posted the actual KazSax gif. It's classier

 

[Ninja Scooter]

(Some sources have PS3 ahead of 360)

Imagine, at the end of this generation (if PS3 is ahead of 360), four of the top five home consoles would be PlayStation (if PS4 does not fall off of a cliff). That's nuts, considering this basically all happened because of CES drama.

The crazy thing is that 3 of those came in the same generation.

 

[Nightwing123]

PS4 continues to be a beast. I'm very happy that it's selling well 2017 is great year for it and it should continue to sell well thanks to it's future line up of games.

 

[Graphics Horse]

The crazy thing is that 3 of those came in the same generation.

Yup. This gen should easily crack half of that, but maybe not a whole lot more.

 

[Sjefen]

(Some sources have PS3 ahead of 360)

Imagine, at the end of this generation (if PS3 is ahead of 360), four of the top five home consoles would be PlayStation (if PS4 does not fall off of a cliff). That's nuts, considering this basically all happened because of CES drama.

I wonder how RROD inflated total xbox360 numbers? 1 million? 5 million? 10 million? Many people said they bought/went through anywhere from 3-10 xbox360 because of RROD.

Anyways Playstation is a beast and deserves every sale they get

 

[Poimandres]

I wonder how RROD inflated total xbox360 numbers? 1 million? 5 million? 10 million? Many people said they bought/went through anywhere from 3-10 xbox360 because of RROD.

Anyways Playstation is a beast and deserves every sale they get

10 Xbox 360's? Lol sure.

I bought 2, but I also bought 2 PS1s and OG Xbox's because these things tend to crap out sooner or later. My PS3 Slim also died, but I was was like "ehh" and didn't bother replacing.

 

[oldsnakebro]

It will easily beat PS1 and PS3 but PS2? Maybe with 99$ bundles as PS2 had...

 

[Prototype Viktor]

Going by Microsoft's official numbers, no Xbox consoles have been shipped in years.

ha but they ship out 1's and 0's for the MAU

10 Xbox 360's? Lol sure.

I bought 2, but I also bought 2 PS1s and OG Xbox's because these things tend to crap out sooner or later. My PS3 Slim also died, but I was was like "ehh" and didn't bother replacing.

i knew someone who went through 7 360's and another through 12 360's.
i went through 0 b/c i never bought one

 

[samar11]

I would of thought the shares would of rose after this announcement but it went down slightly lol