Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

[plasticbeast]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

Is Sony officially losing its grip on #1? I haven't really seen any glowing impressions of the ps3, except maybe for people that haven't played a 360 yet and are going directly from the ps2 to the ps3 (which is understandable IMO). Their online service is crap compared to Live. The PSP is getting killed by the DS. UMD's failed. HD-DVD (according to numerous reports) is a better picture quality than BR. I kinda agree with what PK said, I think this is reactive, not proactive.

I think I have to agree too. It's too soon to make a move like that unless something is not right in the Sony camp.

[DaveDQ]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

I think Sony is too arrogant to panic. While many are hoping Sony falls to the ground, you have to respect them for being so successful with the PS2. It boasts one of the best Fall lineups ever in 2001, its lifespan was impressive and their library of games is huge. I suppose that success is why they won't panic.

However, I think it's safe to say both the Wii and the 360 are going to be substantial competition to the PS3 in the next 5 years, and Sony is very aware of that. Robbie Bach may get his wish, "It is our worldwide goal, over the life-cycle of the next generation, to be the market leader."

[Bacardi151]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

"Kutaragi loses day-to-to control of the division responsible for the PlayStation lineup, instead becoming chairman and group CEO. The move is likely to be seen as connected to the PS3 launch delays and poor PlayStation Portable (PSP) sales."


So wait a second, to me it sounds as if he was promoted, basically meaning he will be the boss of the person to take his place.

Am i seeing this wrong?

[jmood88]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

"Kutaragi loses day-to-to control of the division responsible for the PlayStation lineup, instead becoming chairman and group CEO. The move is likely to be seen as connected to the PS3 launch delays and poor PlayStation Portable (PSP) sales."


So wait a second, to me it sounds as if he was promoted, basically meaning he will be the boss of the person to take his place.

Am i seeing this wrong?

It looks like they moved him to where he can't directly mess with playstation developement. Of course I'm just guessing.

[Bacardi151]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

It looks like they moved him to where he can't directly mess with playstation developement. Of course I'm just guessing.

Yeah, but in this case i wouldn't even mind. More pay cause of better title, less work, and i still have underlings i can bitch at?

where do i sign up?

[sdrotar]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

I see it very differently.

Allard successfully led the launch and development of Xbox and Xbox Live. He moved to the Zune project after Xbox and XBL were secure as industry competitors and the 360 was well along on the drawing board, as MS saw him as a guy who could lead a project from scratch and make it work in the marketplace among key demographics.

Kenny K was removed just weeks after a PS3 launch that featured far less units than Sony originally intended, and the machine has met moderate-to-lukewarm reviews among the mainstream and gaming media, especially for the price. Plus the PSP is getting killed by the DS in the handheld market.

If Kenny K was moved out next spring or summer, when the PS3 had robust stock at retail and an impressive lineup of software, then I would say this move was more like Allard's. But the timing is just too striking for this to be considered anything other than a coup in the boardroom at Sony, especially considering Kenny K's position as the godfather of the PlayStation brand since its inception.

Take care,
PK

Agreed. The timing is suspect.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

Wow. This is surprising to me. Not only does the timing raise eyebrows as others pointed out, but it seems like he'll have less hands on with the development of gaming hardware, even if he's technically getting "promoted."

[HMcCoy]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

I think this move is about preparing for the fight they're going to have here in the US, and giving Kaz and Sony O' America more overall control. PS3/BR is going to live or die with our market...

[HMcCoy]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

After reading more about it, it really looks like the battle for the loyalties of 3rd parties is going to be crucial, Kaz has better relationships and software savvy. Looks like a panic move on the surface, but it really seems to be a smart move by Sony.

[jmood88]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

After reading more about it, it really looks like the battle for the loyalties of 3rd parties is going to be crucial, Kaz has better relationships and software savvy. Looks like a panic move on the surface, but it really seems to be a smart move by Sony.

I don't see how this would improve any of the relationships since he would've been able to talk to third party people and everything in his old role.

[dubplate]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

I bet his emotion engine is all jacked up right now.

LOL!!!!!

[rudyjuly2]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

I bet his emotion engine is all jacked up right now.

I laughed out loud at that one.

I would like to say that while I'm not expert in Japanese corportate culture, their company leaders are held to higher standards than American counterparts. If they lay off people at a plant, its considered a failure and the president steps down. Over here, Ford can lay off tons of people and Bill Jr. still flies on his private jet to Florida for $50,000 every weekend. I think this is clearly a demotion as a result of the messy launch.

[CaptainZombie]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

After reading more about it, it really looks like the battle for the loyalties of 3rd parties is going to be crucial, Kaz has better relationships and software savvy. Looks like a panic move on the surface, but it really seems to be a smart move by Sony.

I almost feel like Sony did press the panic button.

[ultramag7]

Re: Kutaragi removed from job at Sony

I bet his emotion engine is all jacked up right now.

LOL!!!!!!!!!