PS5: CEO Explains What Next-Gen Will Offer

The new Sony PlayStation 5 is set to redefine gaming and it is not just about graphics and looks. PS5 aims at creating a never seen before gaming experience. The machine, along with a huge roster of games, is set to release later this year, possibly in November.

PS5 is a much-awaited product and people cannot wait to lay their hands on this device and experience next-gen gaming. We caught a glimpse of the gaming experience that PS5 means to offer during the PS5 launch event. The out of the box futuristic design of the machine can be considered a reflection of the fact that this machine will take us to the future of gaming.

But exactly what does it mean by the future of gaming? And how exactly are they to determine the price of this machine during such economically troubled times?

In an interview with BBC News, Jim Ryan, the CEO and President of Sony Interactive Entertainment answers these questions.

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The Future of Gaming

It’s true that whenever we think of futuristic, or next-gen gaming, graphics and faster load times are the most prominent things that come to our mind. But PS5 looks at offering much more than this to the gaming experience. Jim Ryan describes this to be a sensory experience. What he means is, we don’t just play the game now, we live it.

BBC News asked Jim Ryan what more next-gen offers apart from insane graphics and faster load times. Ryan replied by saying that PS5 is looking forward to creating a “paradigm shift” in the gaming experience. Here’s an excerpt:

“We think 3D audio is a paradigm shift. We think the functionality of the new controller, which again has to be experienced to be fully appreciated, is a paradigm shift. We think the SSD [solid state drive] storage mechanism, and the way that it can actually help you move between worlds in games and eliminate loading times is a paradigm shift.”

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About the loading time, Ryan mentions the example of Ratchet and Clank. During the demo, we see Ratchet move from one world to another using a portal instantly.

“On previous generations, the character would have needed to walk down a corridor while loading was going on in the background. Now it just happens instantaneously.”

Ryan added that the previous generations have majorly been about enhanced graphics and hardware usage. He says that the PS5 has a number of features that will enhance the sensory experience of a game.

Is this the right time for the product?

BBC News asked the Sony Interactive exec that given the current economic conditions, whether this is the right time to be releasing a product. This stands as a valid question from people worldwide who want to own the PS5 but are not sure as to whether they could afford it.

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Ryan says that according to recent history and common wisdom, the gaming industry is generally immune to an economic recession. But, having said that, they have been extremely careful in finalizing the price so that they do not end up losing their market. He says,

 “I think this will sharpen our need to ensure that we focus on getting the value equation right. And I emphasize value as opposed to price… We must be more attentive than ever before to ensure that the overall value proposition in terms of the console and the games – the range of games, the quality of games, the quantity of games – makes this something that our community aspires towards.”

Ryan has been pretty straightforward in his ideas as well as his visions. Right now, all we can do is wait for the mean machine to hit the stores and witness the future of gaming.