Sony to Invest Billions in Original IP Amid Criticism, Aiming to Rival Nintendo's Dominance

September 5, 2024
Sony to Invest Billions in Original IP Amid Criticism, Aiming to Rival Nintendo's Dominance
  • Sony's CFO, Hiroki Totoki, has raised concerns about the company's lack of homegrown intellectual properties (IP) across its gaming, film, and anime divisions.

  • To address this deficiency, Sony plans to invest billions into developing original IP, aiming for a significant shift from distribution to content creation.

  • However, the recent cancellation of the PS5 exclusive title Concord, just two weeks after its release, highlights the company's preference for major hits over niche projects.

  • The timing of Concord's shutdown, alongside the push for more original IP, has drawn attention and criticism from fans and analysts alike.

  • This raises a debate on whether Sony should focus on creating new IP or reviving established franchises with existing fanbases.

  • Fans have expressed a desire for new content from dormant franchises like Gravity Rush and Patapon, while Sony has largely played it safe with its existing IP.

  • Totoki emphasized that the absence of foundational franchises is a critical issue for Sony, particularly in comparison to competitors like Nintendo.

  • Despite these concerns, Sony has a strong catalog of successful IP, including The Last of Us, Uncharted, Horizon, and God of War.

  • Concord's early cancellation, attributed to poor sales and negative reception, underscores the risks associated with launching new IP without strong marketing.

  • Totoki's comments reflect a broader strategy discussion on enhancing Sony's content creation capabilities and addressing the competitive landscape.

  • CEO Kenichiro Yoshida reiterated the company's goal to transition from a consumer electronics brand to a global entertainment powerhouse, leveraging its technology for creative endeavors.

  • In this context, potential collaborations, such as with Crunchyroll for anime production, may help Sony tap into the growing global audience for anime.

Summary based on 6 sources


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