Sony America chief says Microsoft is copying

Shakil published 30 Jun 2006, 09:32 in gamers - 191 views

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President and chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment America Kaz Hirai says Microsoft is copying Sony in whatever it does.

In an interview with PlayStation magazine, Hirai said, "Every time we go down a path, we look behind and [Microsoft is] right there -- we just can't shake these guys."

"I wish that they would come up with some strategies of their own, but they seem to be going down the path of everything we do."

He criticized the software major for its decision to include an HD-DVD drive as an optional external drive in Xbox 360 instead of supporting the next-generation DVD format from the outset as Sony is doing with a Blu-ray drive.
Industry watchers are not taking the bait. They feel Microsoft has actually led the way in online gaming and that Sony had been playing second fiddle. They also point out to the incorporation of the dual shock pad and the tilt sensor into the PS3 after Nintendo had revealed its Wii.

Hirai also gave an indication of the potential price the company will fix for PS3 software. When asked whether PS3 games would be priced in the same range as Xbox 360 titles ($59.99 for most high budget titles), he said, "Generally speaking, over the past 12 years or so, there has been a consumer expectation that disc-based games are maybe $59 on the high end to $39 on the low end. So, what I can say now is, I think it would be a bit of a stretch to think that we could suddenly turn around and say 'PS3 games now $99.99'."