PS4 Launch Delayed in Japan to Wait For Japanese Games

[Michael Epstein]

PS4 Launch Delayed in Japan to Wait For Japanese Games

Sony will give Japanese developers extra time to bolster their launch lineup.

Think its odd that Sony, a Japanese company, would bring the PS4 to North America four months before launching on their own turf? According to Sony Computer Entertainment senior VP Masayasu Ito, the delay isn't due to supply chain issues or preferential treatment for certain markets, but because Sony wants the Japanese PS4 to have Japanese games available at launch.

Speaking with Polygon [http://www.polygon.com/2013/9/20/4751790/ps4s-japan-delay-due-to-a-lack-of-japanese-games], Ito explained that many Japanese developers have shifted their focus to the Vita. As a result, the number of PS4 games aimed specifically at the Japanese audience is smaller than Sony would like. The console-maker relies on third-parties to create games that cater specifically to Japanese gamers: Ito said many of Sony's first-party studios, including Sony Japan, are developing PS4 titles, but they're making games with a broader audience in mind.

Pushing the PS4 launch back to February 22 will add two games to the Japanese PS4 launch, Yakuza: Restoration and the PS4 version of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Ito also mentioned that Knack, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan's PS4 launch title, will come bundled with PS4 hardware in Japan. Ito said the number of Japanese games coming to PS4 would increase after the console launch.

Source: Polygon [http://www.polygon.com/2013/9/20/4751790/ps4s-japan-delay-due-to-a-lack-of-japanese-games]

Permalink

 

[CriticalMiss]

Do they really need to delay the launch just to get two extra games out on launch day? I doubt they are the only Japanese PS4 games.

 

[EstrogenicMuscle]

That may take a while.

From what I've noticed, most developers have been shunning the PlayStation 4 in favor of the PlayStation 3.
Loads of developers have just announced or starting development on completely new games for the PlayStation 3. And, when asked to comment on the PlayStation 4, most say "we have no plans at this time to develop for the PlayStation 4".

You get the feeling that they're not even going to bother with the system into 2015 or later. I do wonder if it could be the struggling console economy in Japan. Because something is definitely amiss with how Japanese developers are treating the PlayStation 4 right now.

 

[Casual Shinji]

That may take a while.

From what I've noticed, most developers have been shunning the PlayStation 4 in favor of the PlayStation 3.
Loads of developers have just announced or starting development on completely new games for the PlayStation 3. And, when asked to comment on the PlayStation 4, most say "we have no plans at this time to develop for the PlayStation 4".

You get the feeling that they're not even going to bother with the system into 2015 or later. I do wonder if it could be the struggling console economy in Japan. Because something is definitely amiss with how Japanese developers are treating the PlayStation 4 right now.

Isn't that the same thing that happened at the start of the current generation; Japanese developers having a hard time stepping into the new tech and feeling more comfortable with the old one?

Anyway, does this mean supplies for us here in Europe won't be as constrained now? I do hope so.

 

[Penguinplayer]

Makes sense. Japan loves japanese games, just look at PhotoKano, which was released around the same time as Bioshock Infinite and sold around 3-4 times more.

Sony knows how it works.

 

[Arawn]

Actually I'm adopting a similar thought pattern myself. I want a PS4 now, but I'll be waiting for next year when more games I'm looking forward to will be out. At most Watch_Dogs is one of the few games I have on that list. Maybe by the time Japan gets their units I'll have myself a decent collection of games to occupy my time.

 

[Vivid Kazumi]

Do they really need to delay the launch just to get two extra games out on launch day? I doubt they are the only Japanese PS4 games.

After the the Wii-U underwhelming debut I doubt they'll be taking any chances.

no shit,even china is getting the ps4 before the japan does. which is a shock considering both populaces hate each other

 

[Drummodino]

Actually I'm adopting a similar thought pattern myself. I want a PS4 now, but I'll be waiting for next year when more games I'm looking forward to will be out. At most Watch_Dogs is one of the few games I have on that list. Maybe by the time Japan gets their units I'll have myself a decent collection of games to occupy my time.

Same here. I'm not even thinking of picking up a PS4 until Infamous: Second Son is out. I have a backlog of PS3 and Steam games to get through, I can wait.

 

[Arawn]

Same here. I'm not even thinking of picking up a PS4 until Infamous: Second Son is out. I have a backlog of PS3 and Steam games to get through, I can wait.[/quote]

Yes that's another one on the list. After playing the last 2.5 inFamous games (Blood Festival included), my interest in the 3rd installment is quite high. The Division and Destiny are also ones I'm waiting to for. When you think about it, the delay launch almost makes the rest of the world guinea pigs. They're testing out the product on everyone else before releasing upon their hometown (so to speak). But you must also think of the buzz this will stir up. People have friends and family in different places. Someone enjoying their PS4 in another country might rant about the cool game he played. This delay might just ramp up the demand for Sony's new console, while they build up a new supply. Maybe they will work out any kinks or defects that might have popped up in that time.