The Wii’s domination last generation was no accident. The console attacked what is known as the “blue ocean,” expanding the market for game consoles rather than fighting for existing potential buyers. According to SCE president Andrew House, it may be Sony who is reaping the benefits of the Wii this generation, as some former Wii owners have already flocked to Sony’s fast-selling PlayStation 4.
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House’s remarks come from an interview with Eurogamer, where he noted that Sony is actually targeting Wii owners who may be ready to jump to something new. This strategy, according to House, has already seen success.
Our big opportunity is to welcome back an audience much earlier in the lifecycle that possibly bought into the Wii previously. Whether it’s based on this is a really good all-round entertainment device for a family in addition to having great games, our consumer data suggests some of those people are already coming in now and that’s what’s contributing to the really great sales we’ve had.
Despite housing some of last generation’s best games, Wii also brought hordes of casual players to the market. Five years later, these players may not be so casual after all, rendering the PS4 a fine option for their now gaming-friendly living rooms.
House also mentioned that it’s this very reasoning that drives remakes and remasters such as the upcoming The Last of Us: Remastered for PS4. The aforementioned Wii owners may have simply never played the original, and can now experience it with the advantages of PS4’s improved horsepower.
I’ve always looked with envy at the movie industry about what a great job they’re able to do with taking content and making it work. Disney is the best example of this, right, of taking classic content and reintroducing it to audiences over time.
I don’t think anyone wants Sony becoming the next Disney, but the idea of bringing timeless content to new generations is a good one. Nintendo itself does this with its Virtual Console, though the idea of a Nintendo HD remake has only just surfaced with the release of WInd Waker HD.
In reality, there’s plenty of former Wii market share to go around — an even spread between the big three console manufactures would have each of them perfectly pleased.
[Via: IGN]
