In a recent interview, senior vice president of SEC Worldwide Studios Michael Denny discussed a variety of end-of-generation topics such as encouraging innovation, creating new IP, and backing game developers. Although the PlayStation 4 can no longer be considered next-gen, it is worth noting that Sony appears to attempt avoiding monotonous trends often associated with the end of console’s lifespan. Furthermore, it seems Sony wishes to keep the PlayStation 4 and PlayStationVR as prominent as possible with the development of IP such as Days Gone and Dreams.
Denny also revealed that, while it’s not exactly his role, Worldwide Studios pushes for creativity and innovation before monetization of a product. This notion may be of some relief to Gamers who have recently been subjected to the microtransactions of games such as Star Wars: Battlefront 2. A key example of Worldwide Studio’s push for creativity and innovation is Guerilla Game’s Horizon Zero Dawn, which has received good reviews. In its development, Worldwide Studios sought to encourage the passion of Guerilla Games because Denny believes “that when studios are passionate about what they want to make, we’re going to get the best games.”
Denny also stated, “It’s interesting that at this stage in the life cycle we’ve got big new IPs, Triple A IPs, to come, with Ghost of Tsushima, and games like Days Gone as well. We’ll always back new IP.” Hopefully, the PlayStation 4 and PlayStationVR with Sony’s push for innovation and new IP will transcend end-of-generation trends.
With titles such as Days Gone and Dreams in development, this notion seems to have a lot of potential. Days Gone, which does not yet have a release date, promises players a unique experience. Whether it lives up to such expectations or not remains to be seen; however, when coupled with Sony’s push for innovation, Days Gone could potentially be another success like Horizon Zero Dawn.
Another key game currently in development, praised by Denny, is Dreams. Although its beta was originally delayed until late 2017, it shows a lot of promise. News on this game may be expected at PlayStation Experience on Dec 9-10th, 2017. With titles such as Ghosts of Tsushima, Days Gone, and Dreams, it seems likely Sony will live up to its end-of-generation bargain, although that remains to be seen.
Dreams and Days Gone are currently in development for the PS4.
Source: vg247