Sony: we won't repeat PSP mistakes with PS Vita
updated 03:05 pm EST, Tue December 20, 2011
SCE VP Shuhei Yoshida talks about PS Vita
The PlayStation Blog has conducted an interview with Sony Computer Entertainment VP and President of Worldwide Studios, Shuhei Yoshida, revealing some insight about the development of the PS Vita handheld console. During the interview, Yoshida admitted that the company shifted focus away from the PSP, the Vita's predecessor, and concentrated on developing games for the PS3. Instead, the company will plan ahead for "constant supply of excellent games" for the PS Vita.
As for augmented reality games and how they pertain to hardcore gamers, Yoshida said he believes they hate getting a new technology forced upon them. They may perceive AR games as gimmicks, so the quality of the experience needs to speak for itself. As such, while AR may wider the audience, attracting younger gamers, it needs time to develop and provide a tangible benefit to hardcore gamers, he said.
The PS Vita will also attract a mix of established and new developers, as it has unique hardware attributes such as a rear touch sensor that make is "almost easier" to work on something new, Yoshida added.
The Vita launched in Japan with 24 titles, with pre-order numbers showing that Everybody's Golf (which will be called Hot Shots Golf in North America) is number one, while Uncharted: Golden Abyss is at number two. Sony shipped 321,400 systems to its homeland in two days, or well more than it sells of the PSP in a given week.
