经过修订后的内容如下:
Sony's PlayStation 4 has cumulatively sold nearly 100 million units, leaving Microsoft's consoles in the dust. What are your thoughts on this?
Thank you for the invitation! Hello everyone, I'm Doctor X.
Taking advantage of the Unreal Engine Open Day 2019, I had the privilege to attend the event and engage in a conversation with Mr. Tetsuya Nishimura, President of Sony Interactive Entertainment China.
Before diving into our discussion, let's first look at some key information shared by Mr. Nishimura during the open day.
Key Point One: Over 100 Million PS4 Units Sold, with More Than 150 Titles in China
During the event, Mr. Nishimura shared the latest data on PlayStation 4.
By the end of last year, PlayStation 4 had sold nearly 90 million hardware units worldwide, with software sales reaching over 870 million. In China alone, more than 150 games have been released, although limited, Mr. Nishimura assured that they will continue to bring quality titles to the region.
Key Point Two: Collaboration between PlayStation and Epic Games for Chinese Developers
Given the theme of the event - Unreal Engine Open Day 2019 - it was fitting to discuss the partnership between PlayStation and Epic Games.
Those familiar with gaming industry trends may know about PlayStation's "China Stars Initiative," which supports domestic game developers.
The versatile Unreal Engine 4 allows even small teams to efficiently integrate various elements, making it a popular choice among participating studios. At the March "China Stars Initiative" launch, four out of seven new releases utilized Unreal Engine 4, including 'Lost Island,' 'Ling Lan Project,' 'Dark Torch,' and 'EVOTINCTION.'
Mister Nishimura also dropped an exciting update for players: 'Monkey King: Hero Is Back' is complete and set for release in China this year.
During the event, I had a short interview with Mr. Nishimura, discussing topics related to "China Stars" and PlayStation's operations in China.
Q1: What specific plans does PlayStation have in supporting creative teams in China?
Mister Nishimura: Firstly, we provide technical support. Many Chinese teams, especially smaller ones, lack experience in console development. Our dedicated team works closely with them. Secondly, financial assistance is available through the China Stars Fund. Additionally, investment firms interested in console games can be introduced to developers. Finally, if PlayStation acts as the publisher, we offer marketing and sales support; third-party publishers handle those aspects otherwise. It's a comprehensive process, not just focusing on one aspect but providing a full-service package.
Q2: You've mentioned Unreal Engine usage in PS games. How do you envision engine technology advancing and impacting future game development?
Mister Nishimura: It's hard to predict specifics for next-gen consoles, but technology generally advances faster than developers' imaginations, offering endless possibilities. The challenge is integrating these advancements into projects effectively. Sometimes, cutting-edge tech is essential to visualize concepts, while other times, creativity or gameplay design is more critical. I believe technology serves as a tool, so while emphasizing its importance, developers must prioritize creativity. Good ideas, supported by technology, can elevate projects to new heights. I eagerly anticipate innovative products from Chinese developers.
Q3: From your perspective, how would you assess the growth of the console market in China? What are your expectations for the future?
Mister Nishimura: It's been a rocky road. If I rate progress on a scale of 100, we're barely above the passing mark – maybe 59 last year, now at 60. There are several areas for improvement. First, game variety and quantity need to grow. Second, we haven't reached many cities or engaged local gamers. We hope to connect with these audiences through events, remembering our company name, Sony Interactive Entertainment, emphasizes interaction. By engaging directly with users, new opportunities and collaborations arise. Moving forward, we aim to foster stronger connections with developers and gamers alike.
In terms of game sales, console games typically surpass PC sales across all platforms. However, the gap varies depending on the game. Mainstream titles like Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed see significantly higher console sales compared to PC, while niche games like Dark Souls show less disparity. Overall, console sales dominate.