Sony Interactive Entertainment co-CEO Hermen Hulst has reaffirmed his committment to new IP from PlayStation Studios as well as allowing developers to take creative risks. However, he acknowledged that PlayStation needs to tread carefully and ensure that it delivers what players want.
New IPs from PlayStation Studios are as important as ‘sustainable financials’
In a press release explaining the closure of Concord developer Firewalk Studios and mobile developer Neon Koi, Hulst said that he’s a “big believer” in “creative experimentation and developing new IP.” He added that while there are benefits to “embracing” both, “sustainable financials” are equally important for growth.
Hulst cited economic challenges as a major reason why PlayStation has a renewed focus on evolving its revenue streams. As previouly reported, the executive said in no uncertain terms that single-player games alone simply aren’t enough to prop up PlayStation’s financial position.
While Firewalk’s closure didn’t come as a surprise, mobile studio Neon Koi was closed without having released a single game, which begs that question of whether Sony has been overambitious in its pursuit of expansion.
“We need to be strategic in bringing our games to new platforms and recognize when our games fall short of meeting player expectations,” Hulst concluded.