| DirtyP2002 said: How about discussing some steps how Sony could get out of this mess? No, instead we are like: Sony lost 10 billion USD in the past years, but I don't care. Everything will be fine. Looks like a childish reaction to me. |
Sony has been reducing its overall scope of business. They cut 10,000 jobs recently and early this year they cut back on TV models which is an important step in that as TV has cost the company dearly as it's market share has dropped off significantly due to affordable product from the competition. They have ended a few gaming developers as well and though I don't have the data I'm sure the 10,000 job cuts involve some changes to assets. They are highlighting three major markets as their prime concentrations, Mobile, Gaming, and Digital Imaging. They are also looking to create a unified Sony, the "One Sony" plan.
One way they plan to acheive this and bring the company back to profitability is the introduction of PlayStation Mobile. This is almost identicle to the Android Market's platform and will be available on Vita, Xperia and HTC phones, Sony tablets, and most likely PS4 with a small chance for PS3. This platform will have a free and easy to develop for platform that allows people to create apps and game (with both touchscreen, gyro, camera AR, physical controller schemes) at the cost of $99 a year to sell, allowing for cheap aps the same way Android's and iOS's successful markets are doing now. The aps will most likely be based around the newly created Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) and allow for users to access their purchases on multiple devices.
In addition to that they will have new home console hardware launching in, most likely, 2014 with an announcement at next year's E3. In addition, judging by PS3 sales the continued support for that console will bolster profits for the company and with a rumored redesign in the works an very active attempt is being made to supply PlayStation devices for years to come at an affordable price. This is good for software sales and will most likely allow room for additional profits on hardware itself.
PlayStation Plus has recently received an appealing overhaul which revolves around the instant game collection, providing 12 free titles at all times for PS Plus members while rotating out 46 titles a year. This subscription service provides additional revenue and can be a strong selling point for their consoles, even though strong advertisement of this feature has not been conducted yet. Offering a free 1 month trial for the purchase of a PS3 is almost the equivelent of 12 free games upon purchase.
Sony recently purchased the cloud gaming company Gaikai whose browser based cloud game demoing service holds very attractive patents and capabilities. It is only speculation but with the next generation of home consoles on the horizon the possibility of a streaming gaming service or various streaming features creates an attractive position for the gaming giant.
Another purchase landed Sony as the world's largest music publisher. From what I hear 1 in 3 songs are owned by the company. With this is place Sony is set for large profits from this industry.
That's all I really know but to me that is exciting and a sign of good things to come, especially if they hit overall profitability this year. Next quarter they expect their operating expenses to be down due to some changes they have made. Those savings will carry on to future quarters and allow for their revenues to post profit.
Before the PS3 everyone was nice to me :(
