1up interview with Kaz Hirai

[Jasonps3]

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3141808

Maybe old, but the date seems close to today. Anyway, happy reading.

[Raijin]

Really nothing interesting there...

[rpgamer_2k5]

Expect more info to spill at TGS. Sony is doing a very good job keeping things quiet; all I see now is mainly anti-PS3 rethoric.

TGS should really surprise all.

[Hrama]

Indeed. I too think that they are holding back their hand. There are so many mysteries that have yet to be revealed about the ps3 and I think that TGS is going to be just the tool for Sony to use to enlighten us further and show off at least a little more of what they are concealing.

[Metal Sphere]

Sony's becoming the masters of "shock & awe" in seems. They did the same thing before E3, leading to considerable speculation and rampant talk about the PS3 having this and that. In short, it's a viral campaign. In the absence of solid and final info, it gets people's minds racing and they get to talking about the PS3 and getting their anticipation up.

If anything, the Xbox 360 showing a strong launch line up and perking interest in Japan will have Sony storming TGS and showing their cards, maybe even more so than E3.

[gnznfknroses]

when is TGS? August? September?

[Metal Sphere]

September 16-18, I think.

[Hrama]

Bleh, seemingly long way to go...

[Tacitblue]

Kaz seemed remarkably vague, hopefully something more concrete will come out of the Sony camp soon regarding online strategy especially.

[JetBlackRX89]

I saw a few good things. He made a good point that there's no point in making a net browser for standard TV because it would look horrible on a lot of sets. On HDTV it'd look amazing, aside from the fact there would be tons of scrolling involved due to the widescreen format I guess.

I also don't get how he marked some things as "nice to have" and other things as "something people might use so it should be included." I think both should be grouped in the same catagory of "things some, but not all people will use." There are still a lot of worthwhile things to include in the PS3 that not everybody will take advantage of.

EGM: PS2 was able to enhance PS1 visuals a bit. Are you planning that with PS3 in relation to PS2 games?

KH: You know, a lot of people say that. You guys think there was an improvement? Maybe I just don't have the eye for it...I don't know that there will be. But it will be fully backward compatible.I thought it would "ripen" PS2 games. Kind of disappointing. I guess it only "ripens" movies to HDTV quality. Still, even without physically improving graphics, everything looks better on HDTV, and compared to PS2 games on a standard TV, it should be like the difference between night and day.

Another interesting thing mentioned is that the controller will change, but not by much. Damned...

That interview was good, but I think it rose more questions than it answered questions. Sony's definately going low-profile. As many theories and speculations I've come up with reguarding the PS3 so far, I'm totally prepared to be surprised and find I was wrong when the PS3 launches.

[Domination]

I think Kaz covered a few things I began questioning. I agree that there is mostly likely a lot more to be revealed.

BTW, the site is amazing.

[rpgamer_2k5]

The PS1 and PS2 backward compatability is hardly being covered. This is intentional; lets remember that the PS3 will have full anti-aliasing (MSAA, Transparency, etc) and texture filtering (eg. anisotropic, bilinear, etc). These two are enough to improve the PS1 and PS2 games since both have weak textures and plenty of alliasing. The huge 512mb of RAM and clock speed will allow us to see some faster loads. However these improvements will not compare to PS3 games but it will still look much nicer than on the PS1/PS2.

[Gounmckuber]

Anyone think its possible that we could get a glimpse of the ps3s customized linux os? I also expect some major game announcements for ps3. Maybe theyll also announce a TOTALLY free centralized online gaming service. I hope sony does something surprising and unexpected

[rpgamer_2k5]

It won't be centralized like Xbox Live but this time it will not be decentralized. I'm guessing we'll be having gametags, ranks, chating service, and all those other stuff we have seen. The PS3 will have a webcam so expect that to be a part of online play too.

[Hardcore Gamer]

The only thing I found interesting in that article was reading that the WarHawk footage shown at E3 was real-time. The lighting was terrific as were the soldiers. Otherwise, the interview was pretty bland. At least Kaz didn't bash anyone like Kurtaragi does whenever he's interviewed.

[rpgamer_2k5]

No need to go all sour about Ken Kutaraji attitude. MS also had such an attitude and I for one found all the claims from that company rediculous. The funniest claim is that floating point operations don't matter, rofl. Ken Kutaraji has to be tough because this time he's bringing a monster to the consumer market.

[JetBlackRX89]

Well Sony's been more honest lately. Maybe they really seriously don't know about their final plans, or maybe it's just to get marketing hype. They were honest in saying the PS3 demos were computers emulating the way the PS3 would work and using the cell.

Microsoft, however, claimed that they had working 360's. In truth, they did have a final console design and the button also lit up when the woman pushed it. Then again, think about it. How did the button light if the 360 wasn't plugged into anything? All she did was carry the 360 in a handbag and set it down and it magically had power. It was probably an empty dumby case with a little battery inside to make the button light. When people played 360 games, the screens were actually receiving information from computers that were emulating the 360. They had no real working 360, yet they claimed they did.

So I would really believe Sony. They've also admitted honestly they are aiming for something like X-Box Live, but possibly quite not as good. But they promised it will be free to go online. I trust them 100%.

[xbdestroya]

I like Kaz's interview style... in a way. I find it refreshing if nothing else. ;)

Though he really is the complete antithesis of eloquence.

Anyway I like where he's going - I think his uber-scatterbrained and casual style belies someone who's decently confident in their next gen strategy. Clearly a lot of things haven't been finalized on their end, especially around online, but you get the sense that's it's smaller details and not the larger concept, which clearly looks to bring a unified platform to the entire 'Playstation' line. I think that's a smart way to go, we'll just have to see how well implemented it is.

[Applefiend]

September 16-18, I think.

Yup, September 16th business, 17 and 18th public... I know, because I've just bought a return ticket to Tokyo and I'M GOING!

Got from now until then to worm my way into the business day, 160,000 people go to this show, that's a huge queue for the PS3.

[xbdestroya]

Yup, September 16th business, 17 and 18th public... I know, because I've just bought a return ticket to Tokyo and I'M GOING!

Got from now until then to worm my way into the business day, 160,000 people go to this show, that's a huge queue for the PS3.

Wow that's pretty hardcore Applefiend! Take some good shots and maybe we can post them on the site! ;)

I guess flying from Auckland to Tokyo is a completely different beast from flying DC to Tokyo though, so maybe if I were in your shoes (and could spare the time) I would do the same.

Now for a heads up - you know the airfare will be the cheap part right? Better start researching hotels right now! Or even better maybe you know someone you can stay with.

[Metal Sphere]

Yup, September 16th business, 17 and 18th public... I know, because I've just bought a return ticket to Tokyo and I'M GOING!

Got from now until then to worm my way into the business day, 160,000 people go to this show, that's a huge queue for the PS3.

Wow, looks like I was spot on with my dates. That's great Applefiend, and I second XB's suggestion. It'd be great for the site if we, along with bigger folks like IGN and Gamespot had straight-from-the-show shots. It'd definitely put us on the map even more, thanks to a lucky guy like you.

Oh, and try to learn as much as you can about it. Hey, get scoops on the other consoles too, since we're now part of E-mpire.

[Z]

strange he didn't know PS2 enhanced PSOne games a little.

in any case, I support the idea of having one online service that supports PS2, PSP and PS3. obviousle some fetures will only be for PS3, yet still. this is what I like about Sony; support.

in another note, online is heavily over hyped. only a small fraction of the gaming comunity world wide ever play online. by that, they do not have to release the service immediately at launch. like the PS2 network adapter, it can take its time- although not be that delayed, mind you.

PS3 is still a year at least away. things seem to be going moothly. that was a good interview.

[Grandia]

Reading that interview just made me very unsure in Sony. Either SCE is very undecided about the PS3, or Kaz Hirai is completely out of the loop. I mean, he danced around the online questions, which doesn't exactly install a sense of confidence in future owners. I seriously hope that Sony is a lot more focused than he is making them out to be.

[xbdestroya]

I see where you're coming from Grandia, but I'm not all that worried. It's just as well that the things Sony can continue to alter they keep adjusting and tweaking up until the last minute before setting it in stone. I think that interview was probably equal parts Kaz being absent-minded and him not wanting to show Sony's hand.

I agree with him though that whatever Sony ends up choosing, it's going to be for a multi-year commitment, so it behooves them to get it right the first time. In that sense I think they still have time to be thinking about stuff; I would rather the development and R&D into their online service be continuing now rather than not. They likely have several 'solid' plans built around several 'possible' options, and just haven't determined yet which way they want to go with it.

I'm hoping for a free service myself, but we'll see. It certainly seems that PSP/PS3 interconnectivity will be a priority of theirs though, which should help sales of both machines.

[rpgamer_2k5]

Grandia, you really cannot see it. An interview is, the questioning of a person and if we further address this 'formality', it can be concluded that the interview is actually a part of the media. Yes, it does sound like a fact that anyone can understand but unfortunately many do not. The media blows things into proportion. They have been doing that ever since the printing press. If Sony brings in good information all the time, the media gets bored and limits coverage. Now if Sony starts acting not too sound in their plan then we have the media jumping around and giving Sony mass coverage. It is pretty apparent that Sony is aware of this and now they are using the media to further elevate the PS3. Eventually Sony will bring in good, and ALL the naysayers will experience an outstanding variant of self-denial. Many will even move over to Sony and purchase their products. If Sony can do that, then why spill the news, it would be far better to act lost. =)

Furthermore, the Playstation 3 will also be bringing in some interesting technologies into various areas, not just online alone. Sony certainly does not want the competition hearing anything. Lets face it, Microsoft's Xbox 360 is really no creative system and is following the Playstation 2 in many regards. Nothing is wrong with that since the well tested and proven is usually supreme. MS knows this, hence they can go on and spill info on technology that many are familiar with. Sony can match it, but you see, since the PS3 is coming after the Xbox 360, they have to outclass the latter. This is why we see Sony being so indirect and not answering any questions. It is done to ensure that the Playstation 3 remains mysterious and so that any of the trump cards that will be used against MS's console will remain effective.

[Domination]

That is exactly what I was thinking when he kep giving vague answers for Sony's online plan. You notice with the PS2, he mentioned something about micro-transactions not having a chance to make it to the console back then. Where have we heard this before? It's not too surprising at all that he'd beat around a few online questions.

It's obvious that Microsoft, and maybe even Nintendo, is watching these guys closely, which is probably why Microsoft keeps bring up their advantage for online gaming. They are looking for some action in Sony's hand so that they can capitalise before launch.

[Metal Sphere]

I refuse to believe that this wasn't anything other than Hirai keeping the lid on a lot of Sony's plans. They've been the market leader for 2 generations now, and they're not stupid. In that position they have everyone in the industry looking at them, and scrutinizing their every action.

This is a whole lot of posturing and coming from a guy who in most other interviews sounded well informed about the machine and it's predecessors. He's president of SCEA, and with that position he's responsible for the machine's success and exposure in the U.S.

[Applefiend]

Right, let me think. This board is my new adopted home so I'll try and upload something during the show. I doubt the hotel will have internet, but I'll see if there's a free wifi spot somewhere in Tokyo... Like... The Apple Store!

So I might be able to get some photos and stuff uploaded by the 17th, presuming I can get into the trade show. (Hey, I'm a game developer... Macintosh counts. :D).

Failing that I'll be stuck on a plane for 10 hours on the way back with a PowerBook with a spare battery, so I can do a proper write up, upload it on the 22nd.

I'll try and upload something other than pictures of cute japanese ladies in skimpy outfits, unless that's all people want. :D

[Grandia]

I see where you're coming from Grandia, but I'm not all that worried. It's just as well that the things Sony can continue to alter they keep adjusting and tweaking up until the last minute before setting it in stone. I think that interview was probably equal parts Kaz being absent-minded and him not wanting to show Sony's hand.
Hmm..well, he must be very good at his job then. I was just hoping he would further explain what he spoke about last year regarding the PS2 online plan:

For its new online plans, Sony claims it won't interfere with online PS2 titles, allowing developers to keep control and keep their intellectual property (a jab at Microsoft's heavy involvement with Live-enabled titles). "The content creator controls its own destiny," said Hirai. But Sony does plan to build an infrastructure around a standard protocol that developers can use and plug into their games, help developers with billing, and offer mini-transactions that mimic the iTunes model -- gamers will be able to purchase downloadable content, user-created content (GT4 experts could sell souped-up cars to newbies), episodic content, access to persistent worlds, and other entertainment content. No launch details or specifics were given for this new PS2 online model, but it is under development. To help with the storage of this content, Sony will also be releasing a larger-format memory card -- again, no details there either. Hirai sums it up: "We must evolve the experience of online gaming. Non-revenue-generating online gameplay is the norm, but not for long."

http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/features/35489.shtml

That just seems highly interesting to me, because it seems exactly like what Microsoft announced this year. (Could it be that they heard this and adjusted? But Live seemed like it was going in that direction anyway)

[xbdestroya]

Yeah, I grant you it does sound very similar - Sony must have been thinking about this for awhile because they actually have a patent issued to them along the exact lines of the whole microtransaction concept. And patents take quite a while to issue.

Regardless though, whether they end up copying Microsoft or come to their own conclusions, I think as long as whatever platform they implement works as something that supports PS2, PS3, and PSP - and interaction between the three - they'll have accomplished all I would have asked for.

[Z]

Just to note; there is nothing surprising about X2 connecting with PSP for music files. After all, PSP supports MP3, and since X2 can share MP3 files then the other device that hosts these MP3 files is irrelevant be it PC, iPod, PSP, cell phone, etc.

What would be strange is if X2 supports Sony’s own music file property; ATRAC+ (which of course doesn’t since it is for Sony only products). I felt strange that he was surprised that X2 can play MP3 from PSP. As long as you have a USB port connected to X2, you can use any device that supports MP3.

About Kaz feeling out of place; of course he is trying to avoid answering sensitive issues and discussing certain topics, yet still he really doen’t know much about PS3 as SCE and SECJ. After all, PS3 is being cooked up in Japan. People that are directly working with the project are the ones that know best like Kuturagi, Chitani, Phil Harrison, and such. Even people from nVidia, IBM, Rambus, and other parties that are envoled in specific areas know only about those areas in question. They have no idea about the final console as a whole. Even the engineers developing Cell have no idea about PS3. after all, Cell is a multipurpose processor. They would no about PS3 as much as they would know about the other devices that will incorporate the Monster CPU.

Kaz knows as much about PS3 as SCEE CEO as SCEK CEO and such. He is the head of a region, just like Europe, Korea, and other territories.

This also goes to Ninty. Their N. America and Europe heads know only as much as they are told from the mother land. Of course that does not imply they are as ignorant as us.

Now about the online plan; it isn’t really that hard to make. You only need an online software. By that, you only need clever ideas. As Kaz said, PSOne could have online. Live is technically possible on PS2, Dreamcast and Cube.
By that, technology won’t have that much impact on the online plan on all three next-gen consoles.

Now, PS3’s online plan has the potential to be the most ambitious and most impressive af all three simply for the fact that PS3 has more going on for it. it has PS2 massive online user base, the PSP (which opens a whole new possibilities), its LAN capabilities( 3x 1G Ethernet ports+ direct linking with other PS3s and raising hardware overall performance), BD and its unique online features (isn’t available for HD-DVD), Peer 2 Peer, Cells’ amazing networking abilities, and so on and so forth.

All these features are unique advantages to Sony and PS3.

Finally, I am interested in what Rev has in store for online.

[KnightRiderX]

What would be strange is if X2 supports Sony’s own music file property; ATRAC+ (which of course doesn’t since it is for Sony only products). I felt strange that he was surprised that X2 can play MP3 from PSP. As long as you have a USB port connected to X2, you can use any device that supports MP3.

Well it is understandable that why he was surprised that Xbox360 supports the PSP considering that even putting an mp3 song on ur memory stick pro does not neccesarily mean that the PSP is gonna recognize it and that the memory stick has to be formatted by the PSP and the song placed in the right folder. For this to happen, Xbox360 is gonna have to be caterred to the configurations of the PSP.

[Z]

Not at all. PSP is the one that needs to be catered for (for some odd reason). X2 only needs to make a quick scan of the memory to find any MP3 files. It doesn’t even have to have support for memory sticks. You will be using a USB port. That is all the X2 needs; a connection to the place where files are stored- where ever they may be.

This feature is extremely simple and it isn’t even worth calling a ‘feature’. Still it is nice to have.

[KnightRiderX]

yea but i'm saying wouldn't the PSP have problems recognizing whats on the X2 since it had problems recognizing what was on unformatted memory sticks.

[Red_Eyes]

Back to the topic at hand. Sony looked undecided and like Sony doesn't know what to do? Well, that's exactly Sony's plan. To look unprepared and undecided (to tricks its competitors), and boom, Sony comes from behind and knocks everyone out. The competitors will never see it coming.

[Z]

yea but i'm saying wouldn't the PSP have problems recognizing whats on the X2 since it had problems recognizing what was on unformatted memory sticks.
you are correct, but nobody said anything about PSP comunicating with X2. the same goes for the rest of the MP3 players. X2 maybe able to read MP3 files from them, but it doesn't have to be vice versa.

about Sony looking unprepaired; exactly. and another thing I noticed is that the keep the biggest for last. they also do not go into details about the things they show so they fire up the hype. people like you and me end up being the major advocates for Sony products. and if a product doesn't do something we expected it to, you would notice Sony never mentioned it but it was hype-generated, like the PS2 Toy Story graphics in-game bit.

think about it, they said a couple of times that yes, all demos shown are acheiveable on the final hardware (PS3). at TGS, they will show another stunning video presentation (not necessarily all new). and you will personally realize that PS3 can indeed play that quality when you finally get one.

[Domination]

you are correct, but nobody said anything about PSP comunicating with X2. the same goes for the rest of the MP3 players. X2 maybe able to read MP3 files from them, but it doesn't have to be vice versa.

about Sony looking unprepaired; exactly. and another thing I noticed is that the keep the biggest for last. they also do not go into details about the things they show so they fire up the hype. people like you and me end up being the major advocates for Sony products. and if a product doesn't do something we expected it to, you would notice Sony never mentioned it but it was hype-generated, like the PS2 Toy Story graphics in-game bit.

think about it, they said a couple of times that yes, all demos shown are acheiveable on the final hardware (PS3). at TGS, they will show another stunning video presentation (not necessarily all new). and you will personally realize that PS3 can indeed play that quality when you finally get one.

That is absolutely right, Z. When Sony says something, most people read the text in the way it is being presented to them. A rule a thumb I go by is to look, not for the most common, but the least common of possibilities. As I said before, when they say something, it's usually very ambiguous.