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Sony's Andrew House

On PS3 Slim, the price cut and more.

EurogamerThe news of the PS3 Slim was all over the internet before you officially announced it, and there were similar leaks before your E3 conference. Why can't you keep a secret?
Andrew House

In our defence, we did a somewhat better job with the pricing announcement and the redesign of the PS3. It's very hard when you have multiple constituencies involved in delivering millions of units of a new product ready for launch.

But against the challenges that were involved, I think we did an OK job. Some news was getting out there, but not to a huge mass-market audience.

EurogamerDuring the press conference you announced the price cut in dollars, euros and yen. Why not pounds?
Andrew House

It was just that we did not want to get into too much detail by going market-by-market. We're conscious of people's time, we want to get the main announcement out there.

I did make the point, during the press conference, that there would be specific details around dates for different countries and territories. We addressed it very quickly afterwards.

A new colour for a new handheld.
EurogamerSo it wasn't because you were worried all the British people in the audience would go "250 quid?" and storm out?
Andrew House

No, I would hope not! Actually I've just been talking to someone who was saying it's a very positive price point...

PR Chap

That was Mr Elliott, by the way [Phil from our sister site, GamesIndustry.biz].

EurogamerYes well. He represents Serious Business. I represent TEH INTERNET. Some people were hoping for a price cut to below £200 - the argument being that's an important psychological tipping point. At £250, PS3 is still the most expensive console on the market. Why not go to £199? Is it that you can't afford it, or do you just think there's no need to go that low?
Andrew House

When you make a decision like this, you have to take a number of factors into consideration. We looked at the cost down benefits we'd achieved already, and how much of that we were able to pass that on to the consumer - as far as we possibly could within sensible business constraints.

Also, we operate in a world where an exchange rate regimen is in place. It's not within any manufacturer's control. The absolute goal was to deliver the best value we could to the UK consumer against that backdrop, and that's what we've tried to do.

EurogamerIsn't the PSPgo also 250 quid?
PR Chap£224.99.
EurogamerStill... You talk about connectivity between the two machines a lot, but you're asking the consumer to commit nearly 500 pounds to get that full entertainment experience. Isn't that a lot to ask?
Andrew House

No, because you can get the experience with the existing PSP. We're saying PSPgo is an addition to the existing PSP line-up, it's not a replacement. So I don't think that's necessarily a fair calculation.

The best we can do is deliver, in the portable space and in the home space, the best value proposition we can construct. We just made a significant move to try to improve that proposition at a fairly early point in the life cycle. We're trying to send the right message there, and by investing a lot at the same time in the network experience, we're adding value over time to what that game device represents for you.

"It was great when it all began..."
EurogamerHave you had a go on the PlayStation motion controller?
Andrew House

[Long pause.] I have not.

EurogamerWhat do you make of what you've seen so far?
Andrew House

I think it's great. The aspect I like most about it is that it's about creating a new set of user experiences, but it's equally impactful on existing games. My favourite demo right now is the archery. It's a medieval thing. I've always wanted to shoot a bow and arrow in a game.

EurogamerI thought you were more into Hannah Montana after that press conference. Anyway, have you had a meeting about PlayStation 4 yet?
Andrew House

[Long pause.] I have not.

EurogamerFair enough. I asked David Reeves the same question about six months ago, so I thought I'd ask you, just to see how it's coming along.
Andrew House

What did he say?

EurogamerI think he said, "Don't be ridiculous, shut up and get out of my office." Or something like that but more polite. There was some steely gazing.
Andrew House

I can't imagine David Reeves doing steely gazing.

EurogamerThat's because you've never sat in front of him and asked a stupid question.

Andrew House is president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Big fish, little fish, cardboard box.