Import PSP owners 'absolutely not' a target for Sony

By Games Industry.biz Published 23 June, 2005

Not existing ones, anyway.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has no intention of taking action against consumers who have purchased PSPs from grey importers, with the firm categorically denying press reports that it plans to "impound" imported hardware.

Speaking to us this morning, SCEE head of corporate communications Nick Sharples said that "we're absolutely not going after consumers - that's not our objective at all."

"We can assure people who bought consoles on the grey market that we're not going to be going after them," he concluded.

Reports in the British press this morning had claimed that SCEE was planning to "impound" imported consoles, leaving consumers who had paid hundreds of pounds for the hardware empty-handed.

The claims seem to stem from a clause in Sony's high court action against a number of import retailers, which demands that they hand over the names and addresses of customers who have purchased hardware from them.

However, Sharples explained that this is standard procedure in legal actions of this type, with the data simply being used to trace back the full supply chain and establish the level of damages resulting from the importing.

The concerns seem to centre on the idea that Sony might emulate the RIAA, a music industry body which took individuals who downloaded music off the internet to court in a number of high profile cases.

The situation with PSP importing is completely different, however, and Sony acknowledges that it's unlikely that it would have any legal avenue to pursue individual consumers even if it actually wished to do so.

The firm's court case against import retailers, however, will continue - and earlier this week SCEE president David Reeves confirmed that over 600 letters have also been sent to individuals and companies engaged in selling import PSP devices on eBay.

Picture of Games.

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Comments (76) Latest comment 7 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • #1 7 years ago

    "we're absolutely not going after consumers - that's not our objective at all."

    yeah, cause you wouldn't have a leg to stand on, it'll be a PR nightmare, and it'll make you look like a bunch of cunts... Which you are anyway by pursuing this stuipid notion that we should wait until YOU feel like releasing this into Europe and double the price...

  • tonynibbles #2 7 years ago

    AS IF YOU COULD EVER GO AFTER THE CONSUMERS!

    Double yew tee efff thats ridiculous. Its like saying 'We definately wont be eating the moon'.

    Bah! Djini says all the sensible things. I might get a swasticker and append it to the end of the Sony logo.

  • JHuxley #3 7 years ago

    But why would they need the exact names and addresses of everyone who's imported? That excuse just doesn't make any sense - surely simple sales data would establish the level of damages?

  • Mr_Whacker #4 7 years ago

    Is this like the way I don't hate my boss? I like him when he pays my salary but I don't invite him down the pub...

  • Huntcjna #5 7 years ago

    Djini said everything that needs to be said they are pretencious muppets plain and simple

  • Darkedge #6 7 years ago

    they already look like a bunch of cunt and this would make them look like the FIA..

  • onyxbox #7 7 years ago

    perhaps as an act of good will they should start releasing the games over here so that the existing user base can pay £10 more for each game.

  • Dizzy #8 7 years ago

    *cough*Nazis*cough*
    Edited by 1 at 23/06/05 @ 13:05

  • #9 7 years ago

    The moral of this story wil be...

    Don't bite the hand that feeds you?!

  • El_MUERkO #10 7 years ago

    And the bad press just keeps on coming, i'm scooting to new york in august, will probably buy a few PSPs while I'm there, damn my evil importing hide straight to hell!

  • Tyronne #11 7 years ago

    The piss poor treatment by this lot is one of the main reasons why I wont be buying one of these things.
    Edited by 1 at 23/06/05 @ 13:11

  • smelly #12 7 years ago

    "main reasons why I wont be buying one of these things. "

    And not because you've played all the games before on a tv? and they're not really suited to handheld?

  • Netfreak #13 7 years ago

    Sony hardcore fanboys gets the bastard child treatment. heh!

  • JHuxley #14 7 years ago

    Wait a sec...haven't Sony said they're NOT chasing after the consumer? Why all the negativity?

  • lost_soul #15 7 years ago

    "*cough*Nazis*cough*"

    That's a bit harsh, I mean, Sony hasn't tried to wipe out an entire race of people, has it?

    Not yet, anyway.

  • trevd72 #16 7 years ago

    "The situation with PSP importing is completely different, however, and Sony acknowledges that it's unlikely that it would have any legal avenue to pursue individual consumers even if it actually wished to do so."

    in other words:

    "if we could we would hunt the bastards down who are so impatient as to import a PSP. Who do they think they are as to be so bold as to import for a cheaper price than what we will launch at"

    but anyway they are after the consumer in one way or another by trying to take away the opportunity to import. Damn their eyes
    Edited by 1 at 23/06/05 @ 14:05

  • trevd72 #17 7 years ago

    well thank you

  • blicko #18 7 years ago

    Consumers may not be a direct target, but the control of distribution (which is what they are after) certainly hurts out back pockets (and freedom of choice). Sony, you've lost my business you excessively greedy turds.

  • Madder-Max #19 7 years ago

    "Absolutely not...." LOL! You can see them saying this whilst scratching their chins an avoiding eye contact....

  • valli #20 7 years ago

    Wait a sec...haven't Sony said they're NOT chasing after the consumer? Why all the negativity?

    It seems that Sony bashing is in amongst the youngsters.

    Tomorrow's article: Sony to release the PSP in Europe for 10 €.
    Mongtard comments: FUCK YOU $ONY, YOU GR€€DY EVILDOERS!

  • Dizzy #21 7 years ago

    > Wait a sec...haven't Sony said they're NOT chasing after the consumer? Why all the negativity?

    Because they ARE going after the consumers. Stopping people from buying an import PSP. Surely the consumers can decide themselves what they buy and from whom (as long as the loot is legal).

  • FredMT #22 7 years ago

    I have revised my stance on this by 180 degrees.
    SONY: Please go after those poor blokes that have choosen to buy your PSP.
    Dear people of Europe: DO NOT BUY this console. Buy the Nintendo DS instead!
    'nuff said. I am moving on...

  • Floppy #23 7 years ago

    Phew... now that's a relief. I can rest easy tonight knowing Sony hasn't rustled up a posse to cleanse me of my wrongdoings.

    Had they done a witch hunt and successfully tracked me down, in words of Charlton Heston in 'Bowling for Columbine'... "From my cold dead hands!"

    Sony, stop being flids. Or you'll be getting a turd in a jiffy bag from me.

  • asphaltcowboy #24 7 years ago

    EDIT: I aer teh thicko
    Edited by 1 at 28/06/05 @ 12:17

  • Derblington #25 7 years ago

    asphalt - read the whole article again.

  • Jos #26 7 years ago

    "(as long as the loot is legal)"

    But that's the point isn't it.

    Whether you like it or not, they are going through the courts to stop what they see as an illegal trade.

    If it's not illegal then they'll not succeed, but as it is stock from outside the EU, I suspect they will win.

  • abigsmurf #27 7 years ago

    one PR distaster after the next for Sony

    I'm looking forward to the watchdog episode after launch where they talk about the dead pixels...

  • AndyE #28 7 years ago

    After Sony being total assholes about Europe I bought a DS. Nice bright screens, do GAME turn off the backlight in stores? I was surprised when I turned mine on... a Nintendo handheld where you can actually SEE the game and also, not a dead/stuck pixel in sight! ZOMG!!!11! I wouldn't buy a PSP (imported or not) now after wanting one because it's still money going to smug bastards. I hope importers still get to piss Sony off and ruin the European launch, it looks like they already have as GAME and HMV seems desperate for preorders, giving up shelf space just for boxes asking for a deposit of £20. Looks like the hardcore gamers, the majority of early adopters of new hardware, are all importing.
    Edited by 1 at 23/06/05 @ 15:05

  • Rudi_halfmann #29 7 years ago

    I dont think you will find anymore PSPs on Ebay, after . I feel sorry for all of those companies, individuals who have a lot of stock of Sony PSPs (TM).
    Edited by 1 at 23/06/05 @ 15:08

  • mighty_mike #30 7 years ago

    more pr hype! sony really do know how to do hype... how the hell are sony going to know if i imported a psp!!

    "selling import PSP devices"

    does this include games? will they stop me from importing us & jap games?
    Edited by 1 at 23/06/05 @ 15:09

  • Danj #31 7 years ago

    "how the hell are sony going to know if i imported a psp!!"

    Part of their court case against the importers is to obtain a list of people who purchased from them. That's how they'll know if you imported a PSP. Quite why they need this information I don't know; I don't believe this stuff about estimating damages or whatever.

    --
    In Corporate Europe, PSP owns YOU!

  • mighty_mike #32 7 years ago

    "Part of their court case against the importers is to obtain a list of people who purchased from them. That's how they'll know if you imported a PSP. Quite why they need this information I don't know; I don't believe this stuff about estimating damages or whatever. "

    And what if i didnt import the console from any of the so called "importers"

    How about if i went direct to sony and bought one and then traveled across the sea!

  • Rudi_halfmann #33 7 years ago

    Does this mean that every games magazine, online and paper based, every newspaper is going to be sued? Does this mean the death of Eurogamer, and everyone else connected with videogames?!

  • JHuxley #34 7 years ago

    "Because they ARE going after the consumers. Stopping people from buying an import PSP. Surely the consumers can decide themselves what they buy and from whom (as long as the loot is legal)."

    You're looking at it from the wrong angle. Sony are trying to prevent the online stores from importing PSPs into Europe, they're not going to arrest anyone who imports a PSP or anything.

    Don't get me wrong, I hope Sony fail and I've decided to boycott the UK PSP because of their stinky attitude, but I think people are over-reacting a little with all this Nazi stuff.

  • deaner #35 7 years ago

    I think people are making mountains out of molehills on this one.

    Relatively few people have imported PSP hardware.

    The industry has always frowned upon the import practice. Sony has just been the one to take a few of the importers to court, as other such companies have done in the past.

    Statute dictates that they are given all information purtaining to the import. Which includes the name of the recipient.

    No company is ever going to impound something a member of the public has bought. It's impossible to achieve. They wouldn't even involve a member of the public, if it can be avoided.

  • Gurgeh #36 7 years ago

    They probably want your name and address to send you junk mail about *official* European releases.

    Or perhaps you end up on a tech support blacklist...

  • Lacero #37 7 years ago

    I'd guess they're more likely to want the addresses for marketing than anything else.

  • captain-future #38 7 years ago

    If I had a PSP imported - I would say 'come and try'.

    I think Sony feels that the reaction to their "pr releases" has been 'absolutely not' positive.

  • Ryujin #39 7 years ago

    Sadly, Sony (at least here in the UK) has proven repeatedly that its customers are the last thing on its mind. I remember, about five years ago, buying a Vaio computer with a Memory Stick slot and a Memory Stick music player, reasoning that I'd be able to record music to the stick on my PC and then transfer it to the player (obviating the need to connect the player to the PC with cables). The drone in the Sony Store thought the same thing, but no. Sony PC Memory Stick slots didn't support the fascistic OpenMG DRM technology Sony was using on its players. My call to Sony to enquire as to their plans for supporting their own technology on their own products was met with "you have obviously confused us with someone who cares" indifference.

    Recent attempts by Sony to hobble CDs with ridiculous copy protection technologies that not only impede fair use of the products but also make them unplayable on a wide range of machines again demonstrates that Sony comes first, customers a very distant second.

    This doesn't even begin to touch on the hypocracy of a company that has one division making devices to rip and burn music, while another (Sony Music) sues the arses off people who have the cheek to actually do so.

    I'm not really surprised that Sony have made such a mess of the PSP issue. The chief motivations for the company are fear and paranoia. Their immediate reaction to any non-approved uses of their products is "kill it, quick!" The idea that technology companies and their customers are actually a mutually reinforcing ecosystem (a la iPod) has yet to penetrate Sony's collective brain. To them, we are merely cattle to be kept docile and compliant until the next milking.

    Regarding the PSP, Sony must be fuming that they've lost control of their distribution channel in the UK. There they were, all ready to nail us with the usual 100% mark up that we Brits pay for everything, when some buggers begin importing the damn thing. Looks like Sony hasn't heard of globalisation or ecommerce either. Poor loves, they must be really confused by the modern world.

  • dj-danger #40 7 years ago

    so, what if I imported more than one? how about if I got 6 for me and all my mates and I got them from liksang? where do you draw the line $ony?

  • Teeth #41 7 years ago

    "$ony"

  • blicko #42 7 years ago

    "You're looking at it from the wrong angle."

    A different angle, not the wrong angle.

    "Sony are trying to prevent the online stores from importing PSPs into Europe, they're not going to arrest anyone who imports a PSP or anything."

    That's quite clear. Sony are saying "like us because we are not going to take you court", we're (well some of us are) saying "no way. You're trying to stop us doing something we want to and should be allowed to do. Furthermore, the reason you're doing it is to shaft us out of more money.".

    "I've decided to boycott the UK PSP because of their stinky attitude,"

    Good move. The best way to change Sony's attitude is to stop buying their stuff (and let them know about it).

  • ProfessorLesser #43 7 years ago

    Ryujin makes a good point.

    Sony are not a nice company. Unfortunately, they are highly successful, and likely always will be, because they have The Image thanks to the PS brand. PSP may not be a triumph over DS or even GBA in the long-run (this is what happens when you challenge Nintendo without a back-way in), but it will sell well enough, and maintain The Image.

    Hence Sony will always have support, certainly from their homeland dev studios if not anywhere else (which is unlikely). This means I will always at some level want to buy their stuff, as I love Squenix, Capcom and Namco too damn much.

    However, I've lasted this long, and my Sony hatred shall survive!

  • blicko #44 7 years ago

    "I think people are making mountains out of molehills on this one.
    Relatively few people have imported PSP hardware."

    Then wouldn't that be Sony making the mountain out of a molehill? In any case, this isn't about the number of people importing, it's about our right to import. If I can buy a book from Amazon in the US (as I should be able to do), why shouldn't I be able to buy a PSP.

    "The industry has always frowned upon the import practice."

    They frown on anything that impedes profits. Doesn't make it wrong.

    "Sony has just been the one to take a few of the importers to court,"

    Only the importers who have the balls/resources to stand up to Sony's bullying tactics. So we're displaying our appreciation for Sony's benevolence in not taking us to court. What a thoroughly nice buch of arseholes.

  • struddie #45 7 years ago

    Some of you guys need to chill a bit, get a little perspective and some fresh air. I'm not saying Sony are right (because I believe what they are doing is wrong) but being offensive and getting yourselves this worked up over something like this is a little over the top.
    Edited by 1 at 23/06/05 @ 17:20

  • Jos #46 7 years ago

    "why shouldn't I be able to buy a PSP"

    'Cos the law says so. Don't make it right but Sony are just doing what they are allowed to do.

  • moggsy #47 7 years ago

    The level of imports in the case of the PSP is unprecedented. I'd say it's gone past the hardcore gamer to the general consumer. When Which? magazine (a uk front for the consumers association) recommended that you import a PSP from Liksang rather than waiting for the official release it must have sent Sony ape shit.

    The problem has however been completely caused by Sony. They started marketing the PSP to the mass market at Christmas (in various lads mags) and so they've completely shot themselves in the foot.

    Any legal challenges now are too little too late, and as people have said, will do Sony's image no good at all.

  • Scribble #48 7 years ago

    I got my PSP from Play-Asia... I wonder how they're going to go after them :-)

  • Scribble #49 7 years ago

    And I got my US PS2 from the PLAYSTATION SHOP in San Francisco :-)

    Those naughty people in the official Sony shop selling me something which I even told them I was exporting!

  • Sko #50 7 years ago

    In other news, Sony changed their mind about going after import consumers but found their efforts to reclaim hardware thwarted when the tried and tested "Go F**k Yourself!" stratagem was used against their collectors.

  • captain-future #51 7 years ago

    While I can see the point that Sony goes after UK based importers (I don't like it!!!) they have no right whatsoever to stop people from "importing" (read: buying goods abroad) from international vendors.

    nobody can seriously attack free international trade.
    I also fails to see the parallel import point. People buy a product that has in fact NOT BEEN RELEASED in Europe.

    It's not a question of legality, because Sony can and will continue to intimidate potential commercial importers from selling PSP from overseas.

    If I would win the lottery I'd like to spend a lot of money just to prove in court that region locking is AN ILLEGAL PRACTICE TO MONOPOLIZE LOCAL MARKETS.

  • blicko #52 7 years ago

    "'Cos the law says so. Don't make it right but Sony are just doing what they are allowed to do."

    I asked why shouldn't i be able to buy, not why can't I buy. Yes, the law can decide the legality of Sony's claims, but I'll decide for myself whether or not I think it's right.
    Edited by 1 at 23/06/05 @ 19:17

  • PinkSpider #53 7 years ago

    In summary PinkSpider never going to buy PSP ever. - To be fair I'd have only got it for emulation and mercury and I have an xbox for emulation. Also I dont need portability... im either at work, a pub or club or in my room where I have an xbox, PS2 and cube.

    I may get a DS, unless Nintendo become cunts. Oh and when animal crossing comes out.

  • asphaltcowboy #54 7 years ago

    derb - yep, I concede... I aer teh th1ck0.

  • JHuxley #55 7 years ago

    "In any case, this isn't about the number of people importing, it's about our right to import. If I can buy a book from Amazon in the US (as I should be able to do), why shouldn't I be able to buy a PSP. "

    You're still getting the wrong end of the stick here. They're not stopping you from importing a PSP - they'll NEVER be able to stop you from buying a PSP from a store like Lik-Sang or Play-Asia because those are companies that legitimately trade out of Asia and the US. Sony are trying to prevent European shops importing and selling PSP's. As moggsy pointed out this is a wide-scale problem which is probably why Sony have decided to do something about it. But it's their own stupid fault for publicising it so heavly and delaying the European release.

    "Statute dictates that they are given all information purtaining to the import. Which includes the name of the recipient."

    I see. Still don't quite understand the reasons for this...but what the heck.

  • Jimmymd2 #56 7 years ago

    Hehehe

    My second one is on it's way (for my brother) - his buddy will most likely also want one.

    I'll wait until...nah, screw that - I'll rather not wait (stupid mofos shouldn't have released the thing at all if they didn't want us to want it - but NOOOO, let's give it to our own people first because we only care about them...because we ourselves are japanese).

    Hehehe

  • Scribble #57 7 years ago

    All Play-Asia's PSP catalogue now says in bold
    WILL NOT SHIP TO THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES: UNITED KINGDOM

    Ah well, Lik-Sang, YesAsia and NCSX then?

  • dk_rare #58 7 years ago

    Nintendo didn't seem bothered about the rampant DS importing, what is Sony so worried about anyway? It is all green to Sony in the end, or is there bigger profits to be made on the Europe psp sales (which will be more expensive than the US or JAP ones after market rate)?

  • onyxbox #59 7 years ago

    It's a shame really, especially when you take into account that the early adopters (importers) are promoting the thing on the ground... showing it off etc... I've been sat in the barbers waiting for a hair cut and a number of kids (and a really old dude once) asked where they can get one.

    In the long run I can't see how the import situation will hurt Sony unless people still continue to import once the thing is out over here (because it's cheaper). I'm still convinced that come Sep 1 all this will be history, no one will care, imports will drop off and Sony will focus on promoting the unit. It's just scare tactics for the moment to try and curb it leading up to the launch, they knew this was going to happen over here because the same thing happened in the USA - and yes perhaps it has got a little out of hand over here.

  • Kiigan #60 7 years ago

    Wow, quite a few nutjobs on this thread.

    There was some misinformation in the press recently about Sony chasing after importers, including the Guardian. Now Sony's position has been clarified. They have no desire to target individuals who have imported PSPs, nor any legal means to do so.

    So what is with all the bloody whingeing?

    As for clamping down on UK retailers brazenly selling imported PSPs here in the UK - you can hardly blame Sony for doing that. If they don't, they piss of their big European distribution and retail partners. That's the just the way it is.
    Edited by 2 at 24/06/05 @ 09:53

  • deaner #61 7 years ago

    If you were the head of Sony Computer Entertainment, and one of your lackeys came to you and showed you how much piracy and grey imports were costing you every financial year throughout every corner of your global operatrions - hopefully you'd have the sense to try and do something about it too.

    Unless you are a purveyor or a recipient of grey and illegal videogame material, then you'd just get worked up about it and rant about Sony chasing dollars - which every company in every kind of business anywhere is doing!

  • Sko #62 7 years ago

    So what is with all the bloody whingeing?

    Guess it depends on whether you've already imported your PSP or not, doesn't it? ;)

  • blicko #63 7 years ago

    "... showed you how much piracy and grey imports were costing you ... "

    Piracy isn't the issue here and I don't think it's fair to try and associate piracy with importing. Over 60 comments and you're the first to mention piracy. Nice one.

  • captain-future #64 7 years ago

    Sony are trying to prevent European shops importing and selling PSP's. As moggsy pointed out this is a wide-scale problem which is probably why Sony have decided to do something about it.

    EXCUSE ME! a problem? could you please write a phenomenon or another less "problematic" word?

    From my point of view that's a basic right of free trade. I see that this practice is the real reason behind Sony's witch hunt. They also have the law on their side - as far I can tell from a distance (I'm not a citizen in UK).

  • JHuxley #65 7 years ago

    "EXCUSE ME! a problem? could you please write a phenomenon or another less "problematic" word?"

    It's a problem from Sony's point of view. How would you feel if you owned the exclusive rights to distribute a product in the UK only for some shops to import direct from the US, cutting you out of the loop? You can argue that it all goes to Sony in the end, but you have to remember that SCEE is not SCEJ.

    "From my point of view that's a basic right of free trade. I see that this practice is the real reason behind Sony's witch hunt."

    They're not stopping you from importing a PSP. They're preventing the retailers from importing and selling PSPs.

  • deaner #66 7 years ago

    blicko: "Piracy isn't the issue here... blah blah blah, rant rant rant."

    Re-examine the context in which I mention piracy.

    It is almost certain that SCE don't differentiate between the two when they consider losses against potential profit and stategic sales targets.

    Both non SCE controlled distribution and both have a negative impact on global sales and retail strategies.

    It's likely that a decision had been made across the board, that Sony will attempt to regain better control their product chain. And this will have filtered down to SCE accordingly.

    This would explain the parent company's foray into disc copy protection, legitimate music download etc, etc.

    Sony are a MASSIVE multinational corporation with an enormous product range. It's doubtful that they would target one supply grey area for one product. These things are dealt with holistically.

  • blicko #67 7 years ago

    "It is almost certain that SCE don't differentiate between the two ... "

    Almost certain eh? Do you know that or did you pull that out of your arse.

    "This would explain the parent company's foray into disc copy protection, legitimate music download etc, etc."

    etc. etc. etc. Just quickly, how would it explain the company's foray into DVD and CD burners?

    "Sony are a MASSIVE multinational corporation with an enormous product range. It's doubtful that they would target one supply grey area for one product. These things are dealt with holistically."

    etc. etc. etc. And you accused me of ranting! You say it's doubtful. Again, you're just making it up.

    Piracy is distinctly different from importing.

  • blicko #68 7 years ago

    "As for clamping down on UK retailers brazenly selling imported PSPs here in the UK - you can hardly blame Sony for doing that. If they don't, they piss of their big European distribution and retail partners."

    That's the best (legitimate) defence for Sony's actions I've heard. Personally, I think all retailers should just get in on the act and import.

  • blicko #69 7 years ago

    JHuxley: "You're still getting the wrong end of the stick here. They're not stopping you from importing a PSP - they'll NEVER be able to stop you from buying a PSP from a store like Lik-Sang or Play-Asia because those are companies that legitimately trade out of Asia and the US"

    and then ...

    Scribble: "All Play-Asia's PSP catalogue now says in bold
    WILL NOT SHIP TO THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES: UNITED KINGDOM"

    So, JHuxley, do I still have the wrong end of the stick?

  • JHuxley #70 7 years ago

    Yes blicko. Play Asia aren't the only online store you can buy a PSP from, you know.

  • deaner #71 7 years ago

    blicko...

    I guess you just can't get your point across to some people.

    Have a good day.
    Edited by 1 at 25/06/05 @ 00:40

  • blicko #72 7 years ago

    C'mon JHuxley, you were wrong. You said I was wrong because they would NEVER (your emphasis) be able to stop us importing from Play-Asia yet it appears they have. So if Sony bully the reputable local import businesses and the reputable foreign import businesses, just who is left to import from?

    In any case, that isn't my end of the stick. My end of the stick is that I disagree with Sony's actions. Whether or not I can still source a PSP from a dodgy foreign company is not the point for me. The fact that Sony are trying to stop me buying an imported machine (which should be legal to do) is enough for them to lose my business.

  • captain-future #73 7 years ago

    JHuxley: of course Sony Europe is right in a legal sense but not from a moral standpoint.

    yet I don't see it through the wierd eyes of a big company with even more wierd sales and licensing practices.

    I see it from the customer's point of view, who is tired of a) getting products late (incompetence and laziness at Sony Europe) and b) paying more than all other regions (not because of taxes etc. but because everybody thinks they can milk the "stupid and unaware" European customer).

    maybe it's time to overthink licensing agreements and to protect customers from such agreements in Europe.

    just a few questions for you (or Sony):

    a)
    What advantage has region coding/locking and exclusive region licensing to the (English understanding) European customers?

    b)
    Why do European customers pay more than other customers in the world (please provide product calculations with examples why a game in the US cost x and cost in the EU y)?

    c)
    Why are products always late in Europe?
    Edited by 1 at 25/06/05 @ 20:51

  • Danj #74 7 years ago

    a) What advantage has region coding/locking and exclusive region licensing to the (English understanding) European customers?

    None.

    b) Why do European customers pay more than other customers in the world (please provide product calculations with examples why a game in the US cost x and cost in the EU y)?

    Quoted reasons include sales tax (VAT), customs duty, extra costs for localisation. In the UK, VAT is 17.5% and duty is 3.5%; other EU countries have higher VAT rates though, so in order to allow a unified pricing scheme across the EU (which, apparently, they're required to do - see the Nintendo price fixing antitrust thing a while back) they probably calculate it using the highest EU VAT rate which is about 25% I think.

    c) Why are products always late in Europe

    Quoted reasons include localisation (in the case of software and hardware) and safety regulations (in the case of hardware).

  • deaner #75 7 years ago

    Spot on, Danj.

  • blicko #76 7 years ago

    Yes because we should all believe the quoted reasons. Sony wouldn't lie to us.

    "Quoted reasons include sales tax (VAT), customs duty, extra costs for localisation."

    That's right. Because in the US, they don't have taxes or import duties. Ok, they do. Which means you can't just take the retail price of the PSP in the US and start adding the UK taxes to justify the price. The US PSP would also be wearing its fair share of taxes and import duties and it is extremely difficult to compare because of the different tax systems. Their sales tax is lower but god knows how many other taxes and duties they have to pay. I guess we'll have to take Sony's word for it.

    And localisation? If you're talking about hardware, that would basically come down to packaging a UK transformer instead of a US one. Ok, and using manuals and packaging with "colour" instead of "color" (although Nintendo didn't care). It all has to be certified but that's the same for all countries.

    If you're talking software, that's a different kettle of fish (and an even bigger joke). For sure there is a cost of localisation. Simplified, if the cost of localisation is less than the projected profits from sales, it will be done. To say that the cost of localisation is added to the price is like saying that the earlier development costs are not included in the price because most of the software was already written.

    Setting prices is much more complex than "cost + 30%". They'll have many accountants and marketing types with a good understanding of local consumer behaviour working on it. They'll have complex models to tell them what price to set it at even if that means you've got to take a loss (see Xbox).

    This is getting off-topic anyway.