Yoshida talks all things PlayStation 4
By
Eddie Makuch, News Editor
Sony president of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida discusses The Last Guardian, 4K and 3D support, and unlikelihood of PS Vita price drop.
NEW YORK CITY--Today during a roundtable session with media, Sony president of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida fielded questions about a range of topics concerning the just-announced PlayStation 4 and the growing PlayStation ecosystem.
During the hour-long talk, Yoshida opened up on a range of topics, including why Sony decided not to show the PS4 hardware during its announcement last night, the rumors of the PS4 blocking used games, why 3D is no longer a focus for the company, and the status of The Last Guardian, among other things.
Check out Yoshida's comments on a host of topics below.
On possibility of PS4 blocking used games
When you purchase the disc-based games on PS4, it should work on any hardware. So that's what I'm saying.
On whether or not the PS Vita price cut in Japan will become effective worldwide
No, it's not. It's a region-by-region-based decision. Always.
On activation codes for secondhand PS4 titles
It's a publisher decision. We are not talking about it. Sorry.
On Sony's decision not to show PS4 hardware during the announcement
I'm sorry we did not show the hardware. But we have plans from now--in February--through the year for the launch. We like to disclose things based on what we think we really want to communicate first. And next time we will talk about these things.
On 3D support for PS4
No, it's not a focus, but it does [support 3D]. More games will run at 1080p and 60 frames per second, so it's an easier and better experience when you watch on 3D TV. We like what we can do on PS3 using 3D, but now the consumer electronics side [of Sony Corp.] has shifted focus from 3D TV to something else, so if they are not talking about it, why are we?
On 4K support for PS4
The official answer is the PS4 supports 4K output, but does for personal content like photos and videos, not games. PS4 games do not work on 4K.
On support for legacy platforms now that the PS4 has been announced
So we have Last of Us and Beyond: Two Souls coming out this year; these are pretty big titles. And after that we haven't announced any new software for PS3.
On the possibility of bringing PS3 titles to PS4
It's an interesting concept. We've been upgrading PS2 games to PS3 with better resolution and better frame rate. And people love it. So I think at some point it makes sense and it's great for developers to be able to develop some things that they missed or couldn't get working properly on the older hardware because of the performance to be able to make it better for newer hardware. So we are open to look at that.
On Gaikai integration for PS4 launch titles
So we are saying virtually every PS4 game will be playable on PS Vita via Remote Play. I would be heartbroken if it doesn't day one. On day one, my expectation is that we have to have all games work on PS Vita.
On whether or not Sony would acquire Quantic Dream
We don't look at developers in the world who are making great games for some other publisher and say, 'We have to acquire them." We never do that. The way we acquire developers, when we do, is the natural evolution of the relationship that develops. When it makes sense, we sign a deal. In terms of Quantic, we worked with them on Heavy Rain, and we are working with them on Beyond: Two Souls, and they are showing something very interesting on PS4. So we are definitely developing that stronger relations and we love them as well.
On possibility of PlayStation App store
Personally, I would like to see that. Our PlayStation Mobile is really targeting to do that so smaller developers can really publish from the countries we support. But on the console side, for the PS3 and PS Vita, we still treat publishing like our disc-based model in terms of certification, approval, quality assurance. So we are discussing internally how we can make it a bit more open or a bit easier especially for smaller developers to publish. Because we totally believe in the importance of supporting these smaller developers because they provide really unique and interesting ideas to the platforms.
On what the PlayStation 4 Eye Camera is capable of
The PS4 Eye has two HD cameras, and these two cameras can be used in several different ways. One way is to use it for triangulation, so that space in front of the camera can be measured so that when you do this [motions with his hands] the game knows you are doing this. The other way is to make the augmented reality games like Wonderbook, using one camera for the video streaming, the other camera to…optimize for that task.
"We totally believe in the importance of supporting these smaller developers because they provide really unique and interesting ideas to the platforms."
On whether or not the PS4 will be region-locked
I know the answer, but I don't want to be quoted and get a call from my PR guy saying, 'What did you say?'
On whether or not PSN will remain free for PS4
We totally believe that we want to provide more functionality and more services and more content on the network. And so we are looking at how we are going to structure that. And we are not ready to talk about that.
On possibility of backward compatibility for PS3 discs
No. You can quote me on that.
On whether or not the PS4 will make another appearance before E3
[Looks at PR rep] I hope not (laughs).
On whether or not The Last Guardian is still a PS3 game
I’m not ready to talk about it. Sorry. Because we've broken promises [before], we are waiting for the right time to reintroduce The Last Guardian.
On status of Rockstar's Agent and Square Enix's Final Fantasy Versus
You are asking the wrong person. I have some knowledge, but I'm not in a position to talk about it.
By
Eddie Makuch, News Editor
Eddie Makuch (Mack-ooh) is a News Editor at GameSpot. He works out of the company's Boston office in Somerville, Mass., and loves extra chunky peanut butter.
1453 comments
"When you purchase the disc-based games on PS4, it should work on any hardware. So that's what I'm saying." --- The way he says "so that's what I'm saying", makes me wonder if he's purposely leaving a detail out; like that CDs will work on any console, but that you'll need to sign in to your name on that console to play that CD.
"I know the answer, but I don't want to be quoted and get a call from my PR guy saying, 'What did you say?'" --- In other words, yes, it is, and he doesn't want to start a PR nightmare by giving people a reason to get mad.
"We totally believe that we want to provide more functionality and more services and more content on the network. And so we are looking at how we are going to structure that. And we are not ready to talk about that." --- They want to charge, but they're trying to figure how much they can get away with.
Other than that, the guy seems like a douchebag. "They're not talking about it, so why are we?" wtf? Seriously?
"On status of Rockstar's Agent and Square Enix's Final Fantasy Versus
You are asking the wrong person. I have some knowledge, but I'm not in a position to talk about it."
Man...I want Versus to be on PS3 and PS4 so bad. I just want the game period...
On whether or not the PS Vita price cut in Japan will become effective worldwide
No, it's not. It's a region-by-region-based decision. Always.
Translation: It's selling too well outside of Japan to initiate a price cut. I'm not sure why though, given its poor library (imho).
@csward I doubt that's the case, it's a well known fact that handhelds sell better in japan (much better). Though the price drop could be related to the massive numbers the 3DS is putting up over there, this price drop should make it more competitive in that market.
"We've been upgrading PS2 games to PS3 with better resolution and better frame rate."
Wow, Sony is finally going to do what emulators have been doing since, well, they came out. 'Bout time.
Did they say if it will play blurays? I would imagine so, but I haven't seen any specific mention of it.
@DeViLzzz There will still be 3D support, but consumer 3D hasn't exploded like everyone expected it to, so until it does Sony will probably focus on more profitable ventures.
3 Like No backwards compatibility? Again? Not even the PSN titles? WTF Sony? I love the PS4 but... WTF Sony?
@Godly_Cure As much as I don't like PSN I can't believe their online service was free at all. They should charge something for it and for anyone thinking it is ridiculous to say that look at all that is offered with it.
@DeViLzzz @Godly_Cure Looking at what's offered and looking at what people want are two different things. I don't want that Playstation World crap where you run around a mall or something with an avatar. Let other people pay if they want that; all I want is to be able to hit "multiplayer" on my game and connect to the game company's servers. I'm already paying for my internet to play online.
@prototype24red Basically he said, they are thinking on whether or not to keep it free.
You can Thank those 3 PSN Hackers for causing problems by getting money off other Playstation Accounts, They where the ones who shut down PSN for almost a month, I couldn't stand it
I'm so glad Sony finally admitted 3D is crap and not the future. Phew.
"I have some knowledge, but I'm not in a position to talk about it."
I want to be this guy's best friend for a day to get all this info out of him. =(
@Ripper_TV Never was anything cool about spectroscopic 3d. when holographic 3d becomes perfect, then people will care about it. For now, we are really just ok with our regular HDTVs
@xaxbxab @Ripper_TV I gotta say I completely disagree ... I have a 55 inch 3d tv and buying and watching animated movies alone is worth it (forget gaming and live action films which also excel quite frequently), and easily outshines the 2d counterpart, little to no visual fidelity lost, and definitely not any brightness... That's a theatre-based issue, as far as I can tell... As I said, no loss in brightness, and you can even tweak your tv settings and make it brighter if you do find issue.... All in all, it's like everything else in online forums... People who don't have the tech, or experienced it in some lame or alternate form, and choose to damn the whole idea... Im sorry but you are wrong... 3d that is done well is more immersive, enjoyable, and has quite literally little to no downside.... And on bad 3d the 2d version still exists for all to enjoy ... So what's the problem again?
Not to mention the visual quality that would have been lost by trying to add 3D to everything, especially after the console has been out for 5 or so years when we are running most (if not all) titles on 30 fps or less. 3D is demanding on hardware. I'm really glad they don't care about it.
They may be fighting the last war. Human nature...
((Let's check everybody's shoes. Then a guy hides a bomb in his underwear...))
I'm not saying they won't make other mistakes. I'm just guessing as they seem determined not to make the *same mistake*. And, to be clear, I'm guessing. But I watched/lived/ the product cycle pretty closely. So it's an informed guess.
cjc
i love sony and playstation family. cuz its not only a gaming machine its media center.
they suppoert phisical game copies which is so important for me. they support small developers. they still add an AV OUTPUT in ps4. cuz sony knows not everyone have money to buy hd tv to their home. and playstation family always have same electricty and av input. you can still use your ps1 cables on your ps3.
if you have any usb just plug it and copy somethings inside or watch your movies. u cannot do it on your wii
AS ? SAY ? LOVE SONY WHAT ARE THEY DO?NG W?TH PLAYSTAT?ON.
It is actually not a good strategy to buy the new system on day one. There isn't a system out there that didn't had faults on day one including smart phones!!! And there won't be good bundles with the system. Not to mention the initial high price and your friends who can't own one yet. So why complaining? The PS3 has at least a good 3 years ahead. We still got good games coming out which are mentioned in the comments around here. I think the best time to get a PS4 would be next holidays i.e 2014 and after it has proven its worth. So stop hating & stop ranting. We still have time to judge and decied and thats a lot of time.
3 Like so the last guardian is not coming this gen...no backwards compatibility...PSN may not be free anymore....and dude has a smart-ass attitude. those are the points that stuck out the most for me.
@Dice2119 those are attached to your account, and your account will be the same, so dont worry XD
1 Like I'm done with Consoles this Gen! the quality is not equal with PC and the Cost is too high, so why not moving on to PC! Also It was too soon to let the PS3 go! when they can make games like Uncharted 3 with PS3 It means they still can make some really nice games with It, now all of the good titles have moved to PS4 and they've simply just forgot about PS3! force us to buy a new console....
1 Like And to make you thought worse!!! they are still coming outwith other Ps3 models and bundles!!! Thats bull
1 Like @Dice2119 @syler4815162342 They're still releasing new IPs this year for the PS3 (ni no kuni, the last of us, beyond: two souls...)
I dont get this types of comments mentioning lack of support for the PS3 =/
@griver_heart @Dice2119 @syler4815162342 Well they must do that cause they were suppose to be on PS3! but After that they won't release the new titles for PS3 until it fades in time.
I love the new controller and I'm sure the form factor of the console will be pleasing... I'm buying an extended warranty though when I get the PS4. The industry needs to be brave and have the guts to tell MicroBRIBE to go to hell. XBROKE has destroyed the console scene so I hope PS4 isn't hampered even more than PS3.
1 Like @yixingtpot I can follow u with that I didn't get a warranty for PS 3 and it failed on me 3 times The Xbox only failed me twice...
@Dice2119 @bluespire1 @yixingtpot Sorry to hear that Microsofts technicians are good I didn't cost me anything to repair them it ran for two years after then the second one its still running fine...
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@Suikogaiden Yes, Suikogaiden, because you're really doing something spectacular that anyone cares about.
@Suikogaiden Rofl you must live a horribly sheltered life. Run for your life from anything that looks foreign.
2 Like Sweet jesus. They need to keep the ps4 region free. That was one of the best features of that system. I was able to get games from any country, and I could get versions of the game from the country I choose. I would be heartbroken if they stopped this practice.
y'all Sony want to make PS4 dont make sense I prefer wii u....... why?? not gonna change to much
@gamesbenzlo Might not by the looks of it now, probably later when it releases you might take back what you said
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@BuldozerX You could always try looking up something that could help play backwards compatible games, that might help
@natalieyan From what he said, I'm assuming yes. If the answer was no, he wouldn't have had to worry about PR issues since everyone would've been happy.
7 Like Leaving the decision to block used games to publishers is the worst thing Sony could possibly do. Look at what happened when they got a whiff of DLC. They started taking massive chunks out of their games before release and selling them on to the poor saps who bought the original game later effectively charging the original purchaser twice as much for the full game.
They'll do the same this time, thinking we can get money for this game over and over. No doubt they'll get the original purchaser for all the DLC and make any subsequent purchaser pay to activate then charge them for the DLC as well.
There is no limit to the greed of the big publishing companies. It's not a case of 'will' they screw you for this, it's a case of for how much.
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@BuldozerX @blueinheaven He tried to tap dance around it by saying that it is capable of playing used games but if their will be codes to play will be left to the publishers. Sony is a first party publisher so will they include a activation code for their first party games. They did not want the big news coming out of their PS4 release to be "Publishers to block used game sales".
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Jus hope they support the Ps3 like we would want them too. Its to sudden for the Ps4 in my opinion...... I dont buy counsels unless i know for certain its worth it and wont crap the bed on me..
1 Like @SirSlimyScrotum Whether it has a higher price or not it should be an option. id pay more to have it backwards compatible ps1-ps3 and someone who doesnt want that feature should have the choice to pay less.. that keeps it simple and people happy.
3 Like @SirSlimyScrotum Exactly man. I still have my original PS1 and PS2 and other consoles. I don't care that my launch PS3 60gb plays PS1 and PS2 games. Stop selling your damn consoles! I don't buy next gen to play last gen. Why is no one bitching their radios can't play 8-track?
1 Like @Steven83r @SirSlimyScrotum Well yeah... but its sucks to have too many consoles... at least for me. I think its a good idea to play your old games on your new Gen console. i mean do you know how tiring is that you have to switch between consoles... its just a mess. lol
1 Like @Steven83r @MALMSTEEN4774 @SirSlimyScrotum console selector or not...there's already tons of wires coming from peoples entertainment centers...less is a great thing.
@MALMSTEEN4774 @Steven83r @SirSlimyScrotum Not if you have a console selector. Besides the thought of ruining my new console and risk overheating issue by playing a ps3 game kinda sucks. Also would you honestly be wiling to pay 600 for PS4 just so you can play PS3? or pay 400 and stream them? Paying for BC is no different than Sony charging you half price of PS3 all over again.
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