It's do-or-die: How would you do Sony's TGS conference?

[Undercover Cop]

My take:

In all honesty, all Sony has to do is show games people want to get, not games that Kutaragi and his buddies want to be shown.

You want to know why games like Gran Turismo 4 HD were shown for 15 minutes on the show floor while Assassin's Creed and Mercenaries had to take a backseat? Cause Kutaragi agreed to let his buddy hog the spotlight.

They need to do what Microsoft did, SHOW GAMES. Great games. Show your best games. And let execs who actually know something about games (like Phil Harrison) pick what games would be a good showcase instead of ending up with that Genji 2 trash.

The best way the show could begin is with a Killzone 2 trailer (gameplay or cutscene) the way Cliffy B introduced Gears of War. Remind people that the game is coming out, it's gonna be great. Get that out of the way. Then move on to Heavenly Sword gameplay. Show the other titles, then show the surprises (SOCOM 4, extra motion/ rumble for the controller, for example)

Finally end with either MGS4 or FF13 (or even FFVII remake). Then LAUGH at the competition. HARD. It's one thing to be arrogant when you have crap to show, but at this stage, you have to show how confident you are that the competition is a JOKE compared to you, and that $600 is a worthwhile investment.

[yoshaw]

You want to know why games like Gran Turismo 4 HD were shown for 15 minutes on the show floor while Assassin's Creed and Mercenaries had to take a backseat? Cause Kutaragi agreed to let his buddy hog the spotlight.

I slightly agree with rest of your post but this quote above. Why are you talking as if you know this was the case. How so, got any proof behind that absolute claim? Why is Kutaragi the bad guy in a thread about TGS conference when he himself will be the one doing it?

Edit: Phil Harrison at a Japanese event makes no sense whatsoever.



Then LAUGH at the competition. HARD. It's one thing to be arrogant when you have crap to show, but at this stage, you have to show how confident you are that the competition is a JOKE compared to you, and that $600 is a worthwhile investment.

That's not how Sony does its stuff. They don't take swipe at their competition ala microsoft. The duck jokes at E3'06, the staged self-praising E3'04 vids. That's what microsoft does I'm afraid. Don't expect that from Sony in a conference. :)

[BahnNZ]

one guy talking behind a podium with slides is all you're getting I think.

[yoshaw]

one guy talking behind a podium with slides is all you're getting I think.

LOL, Exactly! And none other than Kutaragi himself. The victim of, oh so much, hatred in the world.

If previous playstation meetings are anything to go by. Then it'll probably be a very serious sort of meeting with few videos to spare and Kutaragi outlining PS3 future strategy + final PS3 launch details like in the box items and Online etc. The rest(especially teh games) postponed for TGS showfloor.

[xbdestroya]

Undercover Cop for better or worse, KK didn't let his friend have 15 minutes, he asked him to present for 15 minutes.

So, yeah dumb move but the favor was the other way around.

[yoshaw]

Well said Xb.

Oh can you check VG's video sticky? Coz I asked you something there, thanks.

[ddaryl]

I disagree. It is not do or die for Sony.

E3 may not have wowed the massses, but the fact was incomplete hardware wouldn't allow anyone to be wowed unless Sony went back to CGI demonstations, and Sony wasn't going to do that.

TGS is just a"Do" situation for Sony, and they should be more then ready to show something special on thier home turf.

[xbdestroya]

TGS is just a "Do" situation for Sony, and they should be more then ready to show something special on thier home turf.

Agreed - we're all wanting to be impressed at TGS (and I think/hope we will be), but if we're not, it doesn't really make the PS3 a worse system or anything.

@Yoshaw: I checked it out. :)

[BahnNZ]

Well, I look at this: http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3823&Itemid=2

And I say to myself, lots of 360 like PC shooter ports, but where are the kind of games like Okami or Guitar Hero? Where the games that traditionally come from japanese companies. Where's the games that make Playstation Playstation?

That's what I want from TGS. :)

[Pluto]

Same here.

And it makes me think if Sony would assure people of Japanese game support their poll numbers would be a lot higher.

I just wish Square Enix wouldn't have pulled this multiple sequel business on us with Final Fantasy XIII. Give us a new game. Make us happy. :)

[xbdestroya]

Okami and Guitar hero didn't come a the beginning of the gen though, but at the end. And the ICO's, Katamari's, DMC's, and FF's didn't come at the beginning either... so I'm sure thhey'll come in due time. :)

I think our 'novel' launch games will be stuff like Eye of Judgement and... is Europe getting Singstar? Anyway stuff like that.

[jaxmkii]

i think sixaxis will be the sleeper mega star of ps3

[ddaryl]

i think sixaxis will be the sleeper mega star of ps3

I do agree. So many people are hung up on rumble, and thew wii's controller. Sony's 6axis is going to hatch plenty of gameplay ideas.

I'm not so sure it will be the star of TGS. It may take a few generations before the 6axis really starts to come into its own with great ideas. I believe dev's will come up with some good ones early on, but over time they will copy and expand upon the best ideas and really give the controller an identity

[Beenie Man]

I highly doubt TGS will dissapoint considering it is open to the Japanese public. And the Japanese like to be impressed.:thumbr:

[xbdestroya]

I highly doubt TGS will dissapoint considering it is open to the Japanese public. And the Japanese like to be impressed.:thumbr:

And what, Americans and press at E3 like to be disappointed? ;)

[Hrama]

Yeah, but we will buy garbage on name alone, the Japanese.. ehhh.. when it comes to technology, not so much mebbe?

[Nameless]

UC, I actually liked your overall post and wish E3 played out they way you described your "ideal" show... I don't think this is do or die for Sony, because TGS is a big deal only for hardcore gamers who follow the industry. The average Joe doesn't give a F**K about TGS or even E3... Since we are hardcore gamers "we" would like to see a good showing from Sony, but in the bigger scheme of things it does not make much of a difference.

Also, considering the launch shortage damand will exceed supply regardless, but I will say that Sony needs to take TGS seriously for 2 reasons.
#1 Sony needs to wow the Japanese consumer, because TGS is a huge event in Japan and currently the Wii is getting all the press and hype.
#2 Sony needs to convince the hardcore gamer to wait until spring 07 for a PS3 and not purchase a Wii or 360. (Many consumers can't afford multiple consoles.)

Now considering TGS is an event for Japanese gamers I'm sure the press conference will focus on the Japanese audience. (VF5 & RPGs should get some onstage hype) Sony is aware that the event is receiving international coverage so they will have plenty of trailers and gameplay footage for the folks in the US, UK, etc.

Honestly, E3 07 is going to be the all out brawl, because all the consoles will be available and in full stride. Peace

[makeitlookreal]

I do indeed believe that TGS should be focused on games. However, if there is something significantly new about the PS3's hardware then it should be mentioned in the Keynote. However, if there have only been moderate changes in the specs (good or bad) then they should simply show a slide show of specs and as many details about them as possible BEFORE the Keynote begins for lets say 30 minutes or so. That way everyone will know the specs before the show even begins. People will have time to write them down, send them off the the web, and that part will be finished. Also, the specs should additionally be given out in flyer format as everyone walks in the room.

Now, if there is something major they need to announce I would hope it is addressed at the VERY beginning of the Keynote after of course the usual, "We are so happy to be here at TGS with all you great people." sort of introduction.

Then they need to show the games. Obviously, to keep everyones attension they need to save the best for last, however that's a little difficult to do when pretty much everything looks really good so far! But they need to do as little "talk" as possible and just show the footage!

I would suggest one very long segment of videos with some exciting music in the background. However, when Killzone begins (if it is demoed in real time) they need to show it playing but then go into SLOW MOTION, slow down the music, spin the camera around, zoom in and then zoom out, and then have the following text flashing across the screen one moment and then scrolling the next...

The Render Target Has Been Matched.

You thought it could not be done.

You doubted the PS3 had the power.

But we were working while you were mocking us.

We were programming while you were writing hateful posts.

But we got the job done.

We didn't lie.

WE REACHED THE TARGET.

100% REALTIME BABY!!!

And then finally int he last part it should scroll...

(Psst... Next-gen has began with the PS3. Sorry Microsoft.)

[Nameless]

^ What world are you living in man... TGS is an event for the Japanese gamer, it's not a developer convention... I doubt Sony will use any spec talk during their presentation, if you are lucky they may release a formal press release with final specs for the media. I doubt hardware will be mentioned at all unless Sony is implementing rumble in the controller... MILR, remember this event is for the mass Japanese consumer, not for people like us who actually analyze and give a damn about processors, RAM and clock speeds. Also, I doubt Killzone will be hyped at all, because that type of game does not appeal to the average Japanese gamer... Halo is not that popular in Japan, they are not that geeked over FPS titles.

I would be willing to bet money that Killzone info will be released to the media close to the PS3 launch and will be really hyped at E3 07. Peace

[Garfunkel]

lol @MILR, i sgree

btw can someone please tell me exactly when the conferences start, not just the sony one. cheers

[masonite]

UC, im not a big fan of the whole "be as arrogant as microsoft" thing - if they do that, then australia is one country where they'll crash and burn. the main thing is for sony execs not to turn into little kids and act as excited as their fans - they have to keep their maturity, or else they'll appear childish, IMO. i wouldnt buy a console from someone with a shaved head and an earring, or someone who got GTA tattoed on themselves.... but thats just me. i think they should retain the moral and maturity high ground, not try and compete with microsoft in the mire. also consider market position - its a bit like the storm adopting rabbitohs tactics, for all the aussie NRL fans in here ;)

the real things that are going to make or break sony's TGS show aren't even in sony's hands anymore - its how the developers have made the games, how many games are in a playable state - the only area where sony is really going to have any influence is in perpheral announcements, and im not expecting electrodes that plug into your brain just yet, so i reckon it'll be quiet on that front.

A tilt with rumble controller would be good news for sony, but more for publicity purposes than actual necessity IMO.

lastly, obviously final specs would be nice, but again i feel that they could just end up photocopying an old spec sheet - with the exception of 500mhz RSX.

the best way for sony to have a good show is to tell everyone that the bad news is out of the way, and for devs to show some cool stuff.

[OmniStalgic]

Yeah what will E3 07 be like?? Maybe all the big Publishers will have there own smaller, individual E3's like Sony would have all Sony games and 1st and 2nd party devs. SE would have their own show. M$, Nintendo....that would be cool I think.

Nice thread UnderCover Cop...TGS isn't do or die tho...That's what Marketing is for. THe confirmed titles should plz just about everyone is almost every territory. I'm not worrying about TGS-it's gonna OWN for the simple fact of a new MGS4 and FF13 trailer-plus DMC4 being playable. The main Reason I'm going w/PS3 is basically because Sony is aiming for the hardcore gamers right now. I belive they are seriously making strives to get the devs working together to make some special games EARLY in the PS3 life because they want to plz the people that buy the system on day 1.

What I'm worried about or doubting rather is just the dejavu that keeps hitting me. PS2 went through the same scrutiny that PS3 is going through. The big titles for PS2 are also big titles for PS3-just sequels. And it seems that Sony has done it again w/the huge list of developers and titles like Killzone, Heavenly Sword, Ratchet and Clank, and MotorStorm in development. Can Sony really do it again?? I know there's many people that thinks that's a no brainer...But 3 Gens in a row w/the same formula--make good hardware--give it to devs, market the ones that show promise, and see how far it goes. yeah this gen-Sony has established Worldwide studios but it's still basically the same as PS2 and PS1 formula. Playstation has to like go down in Guinness next to Mario as the best console ever if they can repeat history...

[yoshaw]

btw can someone please tell me exactly when the conferences start, not just the sony one. cheers

Go to gamespot's TGS page. I believe there is a timer for TGS over there.

http://www.gamespot.com/events/tgs2006/index.html

[Garfunkel]

cheers. how the hell did i miss that one, i was searching there site like 1 hour ago and somehow missed the timer at the top!

[Pumpkin Head]

What do or die who sony? thats really funny we all know sony is properly prepaired for tgs.Sony is going to bust our mother fu#$#@@ mind.:lick: :lick: :lick: :lick:

[masteratt]

I think it had more to do with PR than anything that Sony's E3 sucked. It was way too early to impress people as the excitement would have died down by the time of release and we would have seen PS3 as "just another console" but now when they impress us (and to be honest all they have to do is play games on the PS3 to impress, no need to "hype" it or whatever) we'll all be like "OMFG LOOK AT WHAT IT CAN DO!" and with that excitement go out and pay our $600.

And lol it's obviously not DO OR DIE! as you put it. Sony doesn't exegerate evrything like some companies. They create their product in which they believe will give the best experience and let it shine on it's own.

A good product doesn't need hype as you can see the goodness yourself.

Sony has it easy at TGS. All they have to do is slide in a game into the PS3 (they dont even have to press Eject lol) and let the awesomeness speak for itself.

[Luis]

do-or-die = awful sensationalism

[Viano]

screw the conference, it's all about the launch..

[B Dizzle]

Why does this happen before every show! Sweaty fanboys getting lathered up and then getting crushed by disappointment. There's a hell of a lot of zeal going on in this thread.

The honest truth is, TGS is vitally important to Sony. If they cant put up a decent showing at home then why would the Japanese buy it. Japanese gamers dont buy hardware brands, they buy software franchises, and with hardware prices at the upper envelope, a years worth of bad PR and rising development costs, would it be a surprise anyone to see the resurgence of Nintendo.

Sony basically need to repeat the 2005 e3 press conference, replace all videos(whether cg, real time or in-game) with someone on stage actually playing the games(not ken or kaz), announce GT HD - The Fake Driving Simulator as an in-house joke that got way out of hand but will now come free on the hdd and maintain a dignified silence regarding the specs(just to really piss-off MILR who, for some reason I dont actually believe is a gamer. Have you seen Faking It?)

As for the average joe not caring about e3, tgs et al - anyone living in the UK will know that the delay of the PS3 got as much coverage in the mainstream press(print and tv) as the anniversary of Princess Di's death. Yeah, they dont know the details but, they do know that once again Sony fucked-up.

Would that inspire you to spend nearly $750?

[cliffbo]

Q why did they have such a bad reception at E3?
A because they wanted to blow our minds at TGS!

[jaxmkii]

Why does this happen before every show! Sweaty fanboys getting lathered up and then getting crushed by disappointment. There's a hell of a lot of zeal going on in this thread.

The honest truth is, TGS is vitally important to Sony. If they cant put up a decent showing at home then why would the Japanese buy it. Japanese gamers dont buy hardware brands, they buy software franchises, and with hardware prices at the upper envelope, a years worth of bad PR and rising development costs, would it be a surprise anyone to see the resurgence of Nintendo.

Sony basically need to repeat the 2005 e3 press conference, replace all videos(whether cg, real time or in-game) with someone on stage actually playing the games(not ken or kaz), announce GT HD - The Fake Driving Simulator as an in-house joke that got way out of hand but will now come free on the hdd and maintain a dignified silence regarding the specs(just to really piss-off MILR who, for some reason I dont actually believe is a gamer. Have you seen Faking It?)

As for the average joe not caring about e3, tgs et al - anyone living in the UK will know that the delay of the PS3 got as much coverage in the mainstream press(print and tv) as the anniversary of Princess Di's death. Yeah, they dont know the details but, they do know that once again Sony fucked-up.

Would that inspire you to spend nearly $750?

:lol: Someones still bitter from waiting on a replacement 360

[OmniStalgic]

Someones still bitter from waiting on a replacement 360
Exactly-what's the issue son? This is certainly no do or die situation cuz just as u said software sells a system-and that's what Playstation has ALWAYS relied on-especially 3rd party support. Sony is known for making good hardware and then throwing it out there for everyone to take advantage of. E305 is over and many of the games are coming ever so close to those demos already so I don't see the logic to ur bashing...And Nintendo is aiming for the casual gamers first-PS3 and 360 are competing for hardcore gamers dollars...

again ur also stating what game sites and magazine say. MANY people to this day still have no idea what E3 is...and ironically probably never will

[Pluto]

I don't agree that people wont ever discover E3.

Especially seeing as though video games are becoming very mainstream.

And Bdizzle, the first sentence in your post is very disturbing. I'm pretty sure I blacked out after I read that sentence. :)

[OmniStalgic]

^I meant the people who don't know about might never find out because currently there is no BIG E3 anymore...

[Pluto]

Ahh. Okay. Thanks for the clarification.

I agree that the Tokyo Game Show is vital. They CAN and WILL have a good showing. As evident of the lineup of games. And am I the only feeling that we stereotype the gaming preferences of the Japanese way too much?

[BahnNZ]

In some ways TGS isn't vital for the audience it's intended for. Japanese gamers. Sony have been doing very well in Japan. The Famitsu most wanted is stacked to the gills with PS3 and PS2 games. 360 has been headed off very efficently, everyone is waiting for PS3.

Japan is kinda a done deal. I think the Japanese see Metal Gear Solid 4, Resident Evil 5, Final Fantasy 13 and get it. They need no more convincing. Why would anyone need more convincing? All this and high def movies.

That's what you want. Good solid console games, fresh ideas, games that aren't PC ports. PS3 has those. TGS will give you more.

[Siraris]

Agreed with the OP. Show a LOT of great games, but also clarify a lot of things such as Online and reveal some big secrets. If they do, people will forget ALL their wrong doings.

Oh, and for GODS SAKES, let Ken be humble!

[CreativeWriter]

what's the issue son?

:rant:

[Garfunkel]

well, i guess because japan is more game based then power based for games than eu and us, we will hopefully get some in game newies, i doubt we will get final hardware specs. (here's hoping!)

[CARTIER90]

IMO. i wouldnt buy a console from someone with a shaved head and an earring, or someone who got GTA tattoed on themselves....

Lol , you hit the nail on the head there !, thats what pisses me off about MS, they just seem to be trying to hard to be ' in ' with the kids - like fu**in aloof parents pretending they enjoy your drum and bass because it has ' a good beat' :)

Sony on the other hand just seem to come across as suave mofo's - in their speeches , their first party games, the look of the console - just fu**in smooth.....oh BTW , look at the 360 games that I thought were dead certs...

Test Drive, Saints Row , Just Cause - all SHOULD have been AAA - all wnded up mediocre ....why - hardware constraints ? , inexperienced devs...

[Domination]

Why does this happen before every show! Sweaty fanboys getting lathered up and then getting crushed by disappointment. There's a hell of a lot of zeal going on in this thread.

The honest truth is, TGS is vitally important to Sony. If they cant put up a decent showing at home then why would the Japanese buy it. Japanese gamers dont buy hardware brands, they buy software franchises, and with hardware prices at the upper envelope, a years worth of bad PR and rising development costs, would it be a surprise anyone to see the resurgence of Nintendo.

Sony basically need to repeat the 2005 e3 press conference, replace all videos(whether cg, real time or in-game) with someone on stage actually playing the games(not ken or kaz), announce GT HD - The Fake Driving Simulator as an in-house joke that got way out of hand but will now come free on the hdd and maintain a dignified silence regarding the specs(just to really piss-off MILR who, for some reason I dont actually believe is a gamer. Have you seen Faking It?)

As for the average joe not caring about e3, tgs et al - anyone living in the UK will know that the delay of the PS3 got as much coverage in the mainstream press(print and tv) as the anniversary of Princess Di's death. Yeah, they dont know the details but, they do know that once again Sony fucked-up.

Would that inspire you to spend nearly $750?

Did I miss something important? I thought the console was $500 and $600. Where did you get $750 from? :nervous:

[BahnNZ]

The dudes in the UK, they get screwed over for prices other there. CDs, DVDs, games, consoles, everything.

But that's not Sonys doing.

[Garfunkel]

i do find ms quite immature, i mean, they try to act hardcore, look at there shitty press conference, they may as well have gangsta rap music playing...real "hardcore"...

yeah we do get ripped off, the ps3 will probably set me back 1300$ aud for the 600$sku

[Domination]

The dudes in the UK, they get screwed over for prices other there. CDs, DVDs, games, consoles, everything.

But that's not Sonys doing.
Oh ok. Yeah, I hear they get the real dirty end of the stick. Maybe they should migrate. :)

[CreativeWriter]

That's what they get for all those years of taxation without representation ;).

OFF TOPIC: I'm kidding of course. I tend to prefer British politics to our own. At least your leaders have actual televised Q and A's. Can you imagine the US President sitting in a tiny little hall, members divided by parties, taking questions from House members as they hiss and whistle at his poor logic? Impossible. The job requirements for public speaking ability alone would insure us better leaders... (Of course, you can see I view intelligence and communication skills as qualities necessary for good governance, something not agreed upon here, where "strength" and sound-bite pith, read "simplicity," defeat intellectual curiosity every time)...

Sorry for politicizing the thread. I'm feeling steamed at the moment. Anyway, back to PS3...

[frosty]

Couldn't help but think of this (http://gprime.net/video.php/presidentialspeechalist) when I read that post. Anyway, I think Sony is going to pull out all the stops this TGS. They know this is their last chance to do so and get maximum media exposure. They know they need another E3 05'. So, I think we have some treats in store tomorrow.

[agentorange]

They should impress us since Lost oddysey and blue dragon really floored lots of people. I hope square and level 5 show something much better. Those games form MS really are perfect visually.

[Garfunkel]

you sir, are an idiot

[altares]

FFXIII's gameplay + Assassin Creed at 1080p + WIPEOUT (just imagine the sixaxis on this game) + GOD OF WAR 3 + SILENT HILL: SHADOWS + ICO's team next project!!!!!!

Other than that, it'll be very pleasing if they announce doubling the PS3 power with cell storage via the high speed network every year!!! (some kind of distributed computing on SONY's servers), so for exemple on late 2007 ps3 will have a physical Cell + a virtual one on the network, with this technique the 10 years cycle basis will become achievable...

[Pluto]

Team ICO alone warrants a PS3 purchase. :)

They're always going to make great quality games. And for who? Sony. :)

I love them. And Microsoft's showing of the games before the actual event shows how desperate they are to impress Japan.