Sony's whole 'For the Players' spiel has worked incredibly well over the past couple of years, but if the PlayStation 4's going to continue selling at record-breaking pace, the platform holder needs to target more than just hardcore gamers. Speaking as part of an interview with MCV, the ever candid Fergal Gara, who's in charge of SCEUK, admitted that it will attempt to reach younger players this year.
"We have some first-party software that can certainly reach into the younger age groups, such as Tearaway Unfolded for the PS4," he pointed out. "Plus, there are games that go across the age spectrum, like FIFA. The toys-to-life category is looking strong this year, and the return of Guitar Hero and Rock Band will hopefully revive interest in that genre. It is perfect timing really as we head into our third Christmas."
Gara added that some of the biggest games this year should also break out of the usual core circles. "I would pick out Star Wars Battlefront and Batman: Arkham Knight," he said, conveniently selecting two titles that the Japanese giant has secured the marketing rights to. What more do you think that the platform holder needs to do to entice a younger demographic? A price drop must be at the top of the list, no?
[source mcvuk.com]
Comments 6
I hate to say it, but Spongebob or even Pac-Man would keep kids happy. Easy-to-play platformer games would appeal to children, as my kids love playing Spongebob and the dreamworks titles on PS3. Some Rabbids games (not the one that's out now) would be a good addition too, or at least more party titles. Maybe a new Buzz or Buzz Junior title. Other than that, yeah, it would be nice to have more kid-friendly games on the system.
I'm surprised Bandai Namco never released a PS4 version of Pac-Man Museum.
Isn't Batman rated M? Or at the very least teen? Not exactly family friendly.
I don't think they even want the younger audience really. Not that they would mind more PS4 sales, but I don't see them going after the Nintnedo kiddie image, which hasn't worked a lick for Wii U anyway.
I do think Sony does have families in mind though, I bought a PS3 this past Christmas b/c/ it had Disney Infinity 2.0 in the box. They've also had the Lego Hobbit bundle. My guess is a Lego Dimensions bundle this holiday. LD starter pack is going for $100 though, so I'm not sure how they could work it out price wise. A $400 PS4 w/ $100 LD in the box would be a very tempting offer. I feel like that game is going to do gangbusters.
Tearaway Unfolded? Uh, no. And younger kids probably see those toy musical instrument games as well as we see hula hoops and yo-yos.
Disney Infinity 3.0, Skylanders 5, Lego Dimensions. Nobody has any money left after those anyway.
@rjejr
For me it is the same issue as with no first party exclusives. They have tons of third parties to fill those gaps, so they will be doing the same to trying to appeal to younger demographics. Hopefully no Knack 2 though
And yes, Batman is rated M this time around. Guess he is talking about extending appeal, not necessarily to kids. Of course he chose two huge brands like Batman and SW, with movies, comics, etc. Not exactly or exclusively game IPs.
@sinalefa - "not necessarily to kids"
I guess he never said "kids", he only said "younger", which I interpreted as kids. Still, saying younger and choosing an M rated game like Batman seems like an odd pairing.
Agreed, no Knack 2. Maybe Sonic Boom 2
I'd love to see more kid friendly games on the PS4 personally, though not saying there shouldn't be alot more T and M rated games too.
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