Ubisoft rep: Sony should scrap PSP strategy, start over

The PSP is enjoying modest hardware success in Japan, but you wouldn't know that from talking with Ubisoft's Rob Cooper, who stopped just short of calling for a complete redesign of the system's strategy.

The PSP just can't seem to get any love these days. Hardware sales are up considerably, with the system topping the formerly unbeatable Nintendo DS in Japan, but some publishers are still upset with the system's software performance.

Enter Ubisoft and UK managing director Rob Cooper, who told GameIndustry.biz Thursday that Sony needs to act fast to save the system from an uncertain future.

"I think that Sony is disappointed with sales and it's unsure as to which way to take it," Cooper told GI.biz. "Sony needs to show us a bit more about what its plans are to convince the publisher to invest lots more money into it. Especially when you've got the DS selling at such a tremendous pace."

Cooper criticized Sony's confusing stance with the system, and conceded that the PSP might be too technically confusing for the average portable console user. He even went so far as to call on Sony to scrap the system and begin anew.

"I suppose it's almost too technical for the casual person, those that are buying the DS at the moment, who want a few buttons and not a lot more [...] That's where I think Sony has gone a little bit too complicated, they've over-specced it, the price is too high and they need to go back to the drawing board and start again," he said.

For the time being, Ubisoft has no games planned for the PSP, Cooper said, and that plan won't change anytime soon.

"At the moment they are in no man's land, they're not sure quite how to tackle the DS competition and who is the PSP consumer. They've got to sort that out first," he said.

THE VERDICT by Jack Loftus Jack Loftus's Avatar If the Wii is a dust-collector, the PSP is a coaster. Come one Sony, let's get some direction with this system--and I'm not talking about PSP-PS3 compatibility. The issue isn't with features, it's with the software. Don't let this pretty, powerful system go to waste.

Comments [86]

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Toneman

All PSP needs is a 2nd analog stick and it would be AWESOME!... maybe the PSP2.

Toneman

They just have to re-release a bunch of Playstation1 games on there, and they'll sell well. Also, I don't think that god awefull copper color was a very good strategy! I'm also not a big fan of UMDs... they should have cartridges like the DS.

Pincho

I know how the developers can solve this. MAKE BETTER GAMES!
exactly, thats the main problem. I just bought my psp and i love it, and theres no blame on the system, its flawless. After years of Nintendo handheld domination, the PSP is the first handheld to attempt to dethrone Nintendo, and its not doing a bad job. Once developers tap the potential of this little machine, like in games such as Chains of Olympus or Crisis Core, we should see the PSP gain more ground.

slickjames

I agree with the guy from ubisoft sony puts too many things into their systems I don't care if my handheld plays movies or music I have and ipod and portable dvd for that just give me good games.

Dr_Jones

The PSP is the better machine. I have both handhelds and I almost never use my DS, its my PSP gettin all the attention. This machine isnt too complex ffs, I mean this is 2008 right? The age of uber tech around every corner?

Sire

it has usb, if they would just make a program that allowed you to use your DS3 with it, then that would be wicked. I had to get rid of mine because my hands cramped up real fast, . . GOW almost killed me....My sons DS doesn't cramp my hands though.

greensabre

I've never even played a PSP because I don't know anyone who has one. I would like to play God of War and the new FFVII spin-off though.

Pincho

the graphics of those two games are simply amazing... the cinematics in FFVII are PS2 graphics

Combat_Monkey

i had a psp and one time and the lack of games got frustrating so i sold it. Basically it was a video player via the memory stick for me. unfortunately thats what my Zune is for.

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