Ken Kutaragi Reveals No One Believed in PS1's Success
Sep 29, 2024 4:00 PMKen Kutaragi, former Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO and known as the "father of PlayStation," revealed that no one, including Sony, expected the original PlayStation to succeed upon its launch. Despite proving to be the sixth best-selling console of all time with over 102 million units sold, Kutaragi recalls how game developers and companies doubted the console's viability, often advising against its development. This hesitance was rooted in Sony’s origins as a tech and music company, leaving the gaming venture uncertain. Now, celebrating 30 years of PlayStation's legacy, the console's success is marked by a special anniversary bundle that quickly sold out, with scalpers capitalizing on its demand.
Why did Sony have doubts about the success of the original PlayStation?Sony was primarily a tech and music company at the time, and many in the industry, including within Sony, did not believe that a gaming console would resonate with consumers. Their doubts stemmed from past failures of similar products, which led them to anticipate the PlayStation would fail as well.
nThe PlayStation revolutionized gaming when it debuted in 1994 and laid the foundation for Sony's future dominance in the industry. The console featured groundbreaking 3D graphics and a diverse library of games, making it a beloved choice among gamers. Its success paved the way for future iterations, including the popular PS2 and PS4, solidifying Sony's legacy in the gaming world.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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Rolling R!ck commented on: 2024-09-29 16:24:02
It's wild to think that the original PlayStation faced skepticism from within Sony itself; the gaming landscape would look so different if they hadn't taken that leap of faith Now, 30 years later, it’s clear that sometimes the biggest risk can lead to an entire industry transformation.
N3rdo commented on: 2024-09-29 16:18:03
It's wild to think that the original PlayStation had so much doubt surrounding it, considering it turned into a cultural phenomenon that reshaped gaming forever. Kutaragi's journey from skepticism to celebrating three decades of success just proves how bold ideas can redefine an industry—talk about an underdog story
Sephiroth commented on: 2024-09-29 16:12:04
It's fascinating to think that the very console that revolutionized gaming was once met with so much skepticism, even from within Sony. It's a testament to how innovation often comes from taking bold risks, and look how far that gamble has taken us
