James Delahunty
5 Mar 2007 17:51
Electronic Arts chief executive Larry Probst revealed that the world's biggest publisher of video game software expects Sony's dominance over the gaming console market to slip in the current war. "We expect that there will be a more level playing field this time around than last time," said Probst. He still expects Sony to win, but with figures that are nowhere near those seen with the PlayStation 2 console.
Sony claims to have shipped more than 115 million PS2s globally, over 60% of all combined unit sales in the last console cycle that kicked off back in 1999. However, when Sony delivered its console a year later than its competitor with a much higher price tag, many looked toward Microsoft as an even more serious contender and the seemingly underdog Nintendo Wii console has enjoyed incredible success.
"I think the issue is that (the PS3 is) expensive," Probst said. He added that EA's prediction should not surprise anybody, saying even the crowd at last year's E3 conference were stunned to find out that Sony's high-end PS3 would cost $600 in the U.S. while the Xbox 360 was selling for $400. "No one should count Sony out at this point in the game. This is going to be a long race," Probst cautioned, saying that the PS3 delivers potent technology for the money.
EA announced earlier this year that the company will support the Nintendo Wii platform and DS platform as a response to their incredible success. Former Chief Operating Officer John Riccitiello is to return to EA as Chief Executive Officer on April 2nd, and Probst will act as executive chairman.
Source:
Reuters