#171: A Strategy For A New Era

It's not 1995 anymore, or 2000, or 2006, or even 2013. During those years -- when PSone through PS4 launched in the west -- PlayStation's success revolved around what it itself can do. Its own system, its own studios, its own architecture. But in 2021? Things are changing. Sony's recent acquisition of Nixxes was all of the evidence you needed of the shifting sands, but recent interviews from ex-PlayStation CEO Shawn Layden and current PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan are incredibly illuminating when it comes to intent. After all, when Ryan is asking how a PlayStation hit selling 10 million can instead sell 100 million, he understands that can only happen by opening things up. The question is, does the audience understand too? Or is everyone about to get angry? We discuss. Plus: PS5 supply issues may ease in 2022, Konami is going both big and small, Final Fantasy's bizarre prequel has a release date, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! Can third parties protect each other from consolidation? Should Sony cuddle up to Valve? Does PlayStation require more kid-friendly fare? And whatever happened to that man that pooped his pants on that date, anyway? The answer will surprise and please you.

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