Highly placed sources have apparently told VG247 today that the real reason Phil Harrison’s departed from Sony after almost a decade with the company was because work had already started on the PS4, and a feeling of deja vu had begun to set in.

"He could see he was about to get involved in another PlayStation cycle, and obviously wanted something new," the source stated. "The same thing was happening again and he'd been through it enough times to want to move on."

Harrison's original departure from Sony was one that surprised many, given that PS3 was slowly starting to get into its stride after a troubled seedling period. The PlayStation front-man announced he was going to quit the company back in February, giving no reason for the move.

Almost immediately, Harrison joined Infogrames as president, stating that he found the company’s focus on casual gaming and their increased influence on internet business models "very exciting".

So, better start saving up for that PS4.

Tags : Departure : Infogrames : Phil Harisson : PlayStation : PlayStation 1 : playstation 2 : PlayStation 3 : PlayStation 4 : PlayStation 5 : playstation portable : PSone : Sony

Comments

By: MistaRob

On: 11:34 Aug 4th, 2008
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It seems kinda strange that they're already starting on the PS4 given that the PS3 is only about a year and a half old and they finally for the most part phased out the PS2. I'm mainly surprised since you really don't hear about a new console until the current one's usually in year 2 or 3 of their five year cycles.

Also with Sony introducing Blu-Ray to the consumers with the Play Station 3, it makes me wonder what they're going to do for a Play Station 4.

By: SwitchxA

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On: 01:51 Aug 4th, 2008
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I think that sounds a bit to hokey for me. Harrison has been through all the PS development and production cycles. By now he would have learned that things will change over the course of development.

Regardless I don't doubt they are at least talking about a PS4. I think you would have to be in denial to say that the big three aren't at least talking about the next gen. They take a long time to development.

By: Evren

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On: 05:16 Aug 4th, 2008
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How much is that PS4 gonna be? �800?!
LAWD.
Though, it gives me...ohhh...8 years as the PS3 is meant to have a 10 year cycle. *laughs*

By: boa

On: 06:13 Aug 4th, 2008
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I am not suprised. At all. The amount of time that it takes to properly design a console, I would be suprised to hear th other two are'nt designing the next one.

And it's so easy to think of ways to improve on the PS3, more powerful graphics card and a faster blueray drive for a start (although neither of these were Sony's fault).

By: ManicGamer

On: 06:13 Aug 4th, 2008
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"Highly placed sources" ... so "Highly placed" in fact that they are not actually named. I'll believe this when deep throat steps out of the shadows and is able to confirm this.

But honestly, I would hope R+D has begun on the PS4, even if its just in the early drafting/brainstorming phase. That is what they should be doing.

We all know what happens when you try and rush it just to say you were "first".

... I'd laugh at that, but too much of my youth has been wasted dialing 1 800 469 9269 just to get another heat-blowing jet engine to scratch a circle into my disks.

By: boa

On: 06:18 Aug 4th, 2008
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ManicGamer;55903

"Highly placed sources" ... so "Highly placed" in fact that they are not actually named. I'll believe this when deep throat steps out of the shadows and is able to confirm this.

Actualy, the sources in this kind of thing are rarely mentiond, something was usually said "off the record", I.E. you can print it, but don't name me.

By: MistaRob

On: 06:44 Aug 4th, 2008
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I wouldn't doubt that Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, have at the least started the blue prints for their next systems it just seems strange that Sony would be starting now seeing as they were the last (I believe) to come out with their system that they would already start the design process with their next one so quickly when the current one's already had a few flubs.

In any case, even then it seems kinda odd that'd he'd leave over console cycling, unelss it's the fact that their cycling system of come out with console, start designing new one started becoming too routine for him.

By: ManicGamer

On: 06:45 Aug 4th, 2008
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That makes sense Boa, but its hard to take the word of someone who is faceless.. especially when they provide nothing concrete to back it up. Until they do, I feel that this is just rumor propigation.

If it wasnt VG247 would have proof.

I could say a myriad of things about anything and claim that a reputable source told me so. But until I give you something substantial its just my word.. which is only comprised of the word of somebody who may or may not exist.

It would be great to see this become confirmed by Phill Harrison.. but that's not likely even if it IS in fact true, and thus it will remain a rumor.

By: Glorin

On: 07:45 Aug 4th, 2008
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Didn't that one guy say that it was like a 10 year cycle? It shouldn't be out anytime soon, or at least it better not because I will be pissed.

By: MistaRob

On: 08:15 Aug 4th, 2008
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Newer consoles have gone through on average a five year cycle although some have been out longer. Even then again I wouldn't be surprised if right now they've started on mainly a drawing board to get some ideas so don't worry the PS3 is safe for now from it's eventual successor. :monster:

By: Dragonfly

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On: 08:20 Aug 4th, 2008
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Glorin;55916

Didn't that one guy say that it was like a 10 year cycle? It shouldn't be out anytime soon, or at least it better not because I will be pissed.

The whole 10 year cycle crap will go down straight down the train as soon as Microsoft and Nintendo bring out new formats and sales of the PS3 plummet into oblivion.

Either that, or the last 3 years of that "10 year cycle" will be just like the PS2 is right now; barren and completely empty, but just about still alive.

By: SwitchxA

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On: 08:50 Aug 4th, 2008
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PS2 barren and empty? While the list isn't as huge as per say it's older sibling Persona 4, .hack G.U, Ratchet and Clank, Phantasy Star, and of course all the sports and music games beg to differ. The system is still get quality titles to add to its already huge one. The only issue that hindered it is the fact that most of the online servers are shut down.

I think the 10 year cycle idea is quite viable for them. I see that in the slow march of big and small titles coming out and the ability to expand upon the platform. Sony's not trying to compete with Nintendo and I doubt they are going to start pumping out hard core titles. Microsoft's trying to cover to much ground which I think will be their down fall. We all know what happened to GFW.

By: MistaRob

On: 09:20 Aug 4th, 2008
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Persona 4 is the only newest title for the PS2 you mentioned there. All the others came out back in 07 and the newer ones are heading to the 360 or the PS3. :monster:

The 5-10 year cycle helps though. I'd say maybe at most year 6 or 7 should be the farthest down when it would be time for something new as gamers would eventually want something new and Game Developers are limited to what the console can do.

As for Microsoft, They've developed their niche so they're not exactly spreading themselves thin by any means. They're more of an everyman gamer market and it's helped them out quite substantially. They have their "hard core" titles and their long term ones along with games that anyone can pick up and play.

By: SwitchxA

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On: 11:20 Aug 4th, 2008
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I was looking at Microsoft through the lens of E3 where they did have a good amount of casual material. While I don't think they will lose the hardcore or go away from that, I think they are making an effort to pull in more casual users. They seemed to have started up the interconnectivity train again too. Where your other Windows devices and machines become one with your 360. I look at all of these as spreading out. Which could potentially thin you out.

The games were just examples of quality titles that come out in the past year or so. I define a console dead or one leg standing when sales are ridiculously low and games are no longer being made and/or supported. While things are heading that way, the system isn't out yet.

By: ManicGamer

On: 05:53 Aug 5th, 2008
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Great titles are still being released for the PS2. Mercenaries 2, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Buzz (for the casual gamers) just to add a few to Switch's list. I think that is stellar considering Madden 08 was the last title available for the Xbox and that was a YEAR ago. Playstation still includes the PS2 in thier E3 line up and the system is being picked up in other countries where gaming is very new still and buying a 360 or PS3 is financially unreasonable. I'm glad they stuck with the system instead of dropping it prematurely.

By: Evren

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On: 06:42 Aug 5th, 2008
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Oh look, another argument about fanboys and such.
Jeebus. Stop it.

Anyway, Just because he/she was faceless, doesnt mean it's a lie, When I get into the games industry, I'll be telling Michael what I know, But HELLS if he mentions my name.

It's a way of getting publicity, without getting fired.

Also, the PS2 is dead, get over it, I wont dispute that it has good games, but none are coming out, except for ports of PSP games, and random ****ty titles.

The PS3 does NOT have a 10 year cycle, it's financially unsound.

By: ManicGamer

On: 11:35 Aug 5th, 2008
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Have you played Mercenaries 2? or Starwars: the force unleashed for PS2? I would have to say no, judging by the release dates on both of these titles.

Rather than play forum opinion tennis, where I am supposed to feel the need to defend being called a fanboy, I'm going to go the route outlined in the forum rules and back up my opinion with actual facts.

PS2 salesfigures:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10006097-52.html

Note the 14% margin between it an the 360. I'd say its far from dead if it still sells that well. The current petroleum crisis also puts people into a lower "sales" category and it makes it difficult for many families to purchase a next gen console. BOTH Playstation and Microsoft are hoping to gain many of the CURRENT PS2 users when they decide to upgrade.

Supporting article (from a website with "fanboy in the title ;) ):

http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/08/04/scott-steinberg-answers-some-tasty-interview-questions/

And I happen to agree with you that just because someone is faceless, that doesn't mean it is a lie.. but it is certainly still far from the truth. There are many examples of "reputable sources" who have cited false information.. especially in terms of videogaming.

The following articles are exaples of how rumors start, spread, and then become either forgotten, or denied outright. They are all on the same topic.
www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/13163.cfm

www.blasteroids.com/news/news_item.cfm/14402/microsoft_again_denies_blu-ray_xbox_360_rumors_zune_touch_coming

www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/13219.cfm

By: Dragonfly

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On: 11:51 Aug 5th, 2008
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Nobody criticised the sales of the PS2. They simply stated that the format is technically dead, from a gamer's point of view. Not because it's not selling, but because of the lack of new, original games. We're not talking about the casual consumer; we're talking about the lack of interest by the CORE gaming market.

Now you're just arguing for the sake of arguing; we're all gamers proud to have owned. Getting defensive over every single criticism kills credibility. Stop turning every single news article into "My console is better than yours" argument. It's creating a horrible atmosphere on the forums.

Subject closed.

By: WitWolfy

On: 05:42 Aug 7th, 2008
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If this is true , then Phil obviously saw a storm coming. Guess its wiser to get out while your ahead i guess