Malcolm Owen
Sony wants to expand its mobile gaming efforts, with job advertisements indicating it intends to adapt many PlayStation franchises to be playable on iPhone and iPad in the future.
The job advertisement seeking someone for the role of "Head of Mobile, PlayStation Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment," in California. The listing explains the candidate will "lead all aspects of the expansion of your game development from consoles and PCs to mobile and live services," but with a focus on "successfully adapting PlayStation's most popular franchises for mobile."
The successful applicant will also be responsible for "building and scaling a team of mobile leaders," and will serve as "the head of this new business unit within PlayStation Studios."
It seems from the job ad that Sony is keen to accelerate its mobile gaming, but it may take a while to emerge. Eurogamer reports the roadmap for the mobile business road map is set to run over three to five years.
The PlayStation Mobile publishing label already exists and operates, and has resulted in a few mobile titles including "Run Sackboy! Run!" and "Uncharted: Fortune Hunter" among others. It has also served as the publisher for some PC ports of PlayStation games, including "Horizon: Zero Dawn" and "Everybody's Gone to the Rapture."
Sony previously had a more significant presence in mobile gaming, such as the Xperia Play smartphone and its handheld game consoles the PlayStation Portable and PS Vita. There's also the ability to play PlayStation games via an iPhone or iPad, using the Remote Play app to stream from a console over the network.
Sony is also retreading a path that Nintendo has already taken. In 2017, Nintendo started to release iPhone games based on major franchises such as "Super Mario Run" and "Fire Emblem Heroes," which were well received by the public.
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.
Christine McKee
William Gallagher
Andrew Orr
Sponsored Content
11 Comments
This could be good for the AppleTV too :)
No mention of iPhone or iPad that I can see, could be an Android push, which might make some sense with Sony's Xperia line. It didn't work out so well last time with the Xperia Play, but it's been a while so maybe they're taking another shot.
Seems as if Sony finally started to pay attention to MS's assault on gaming with Game Pass. I think Major League Baseball forcing them to share their Sony Interactive (formerly) exclusive IP, MLB the Show 21, with Microsoft and allow it to debut on Game Pass the same day as Sony's release was a major (intended) wake up call. Game Pass is a beast that keeps getting better and better and better. Fortunately we're early in the life of Game Pass so Sony has a good opportunity to catch up. Let's hope they take advantage.
For those unaware of why MLB the Show on Game Pass is such a big deal. 1. Sony Interactive owns the IP. 2. It's developed in house by their San Diego Studio. 3. PS4 and PS5 players will have to buy the game to play it. 4. XBOX Game Pass subscribers will be able to download and play it without having to buy the game. Heretofore unheard of in gaming.
I know I’m probably in the minority but I truly believe Apple should buy Sony. The two companies share a similar history and culture. While Sony would offer many many new fronts that could benefit Apple greatly. From TV panels, to movie and television studios (boost Apple TV+), game studios and consoles and services, and even music labels if they’re ere to choose to get that as well. If it were allowed to happen then it would be huge for Apple.