SNEAK PEEK
- Sony Group Corp has mentioned being ready to play a #1 position within the metaverse or immersive digital worlds.
- Sony’s game, music and movie units contributed two-thirds of operating income in the year ended March.
- The group has moved from consumer electronics maker into a metaverse-ready entertainment juggernaut.
In its latest update, Japanese conglomerate Sony Group Corp has unveiled it is prepared to serve a prominent role in the metaverse or immersive virtual worlds. As per commentators, this will not just disrupt the industries but establish new powerhouses too.
Pointing towards the use of free-to-play battle royale title Fortnite as an online social space, Chief Executive Kenichiro Yoshida, said:
The metaverse is at the same time a social space and live network space where games, music, movies and anime intersect.
Under Yoshida and predecessor Kazuo Hirai, Sony’s music, game and movie units made for two-thirds of operating income in the year ended March, highlighting renovation of the group from consumer electronics maker into a metaverse ready entertainment juggernaut.
Though the company is a gaming gatekeeper with its PlayStation 5 console, observers signal the risk that might result due to cross-platform growth, cloud-oriented titles and their ability to decrease the impact of proprietary platforms.
Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney said on Twitter:
“PlayStation has played a huge role in the social gaming revolution that’s nurturing the growth of the metaverse as a new entertainment medium.”
Another great move by @Sony, opening up support for cross-platform currency in Fortnite. @PlayStation has played a huge role in the social gaming revolution that’s nurturing the growth of the metaverse as a new entertainment medium. https://t.co/cIivPS4THT
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) May 16, 2022
The firm is close to expanding its horizon through a deal announced in January to buy Bungie, the developer of online multi-player shooter, Destiny.
Yoshida said:
We believe it will be a catalyst to enhance our live service game capabilities… (It) represents a major step forward in becoming multi-platform.
Other than metaverse, Yoshida outlined the firm’s claim in mobility, with the conglomerate developing an electric vehicle with Honda Motor Co Ltd (7267.T) He further mentioned that with the launch of the Walkman in 1979, Sony had already stepped into new lifestyle.
Additionally, he said:
“We are aiming to turn the mobility space into a new entertainment space… We believe mobility will be the next megatrend.”
