"We can do this, guys"

It's been obvious for a while, but Sony will continue to bet on the PlayStation 4 to put it back in the black. As part of a corporate strategy meeting earlier this week, the Japanese giant labelled its gaming business as a "growth driver", and recognised it as pivotal in its ambition of raising ¥500 billion ($4.2 billion) in earnings through the 2017 fiscal year.

Of course, we all know that the manufacturer's next-gen system is doing pretty darn well for itself, with 18.5 million units sold so far. The key for the company, however, will be those active PlayStation Plus subscriptions, which already span approximately half of the console's entire install base – and are only likely to increase in the future.

In fact, the platform holder intends to double down on these recurring money spinners, with PlayStation Now and PlayStation Vue also part of its near future plans. The main goal for the console maker is to get devices into peoples' homes, so that it can sell add-ons such as the aforementioned memberships, as well as software and content from the PlayStation Store.

Of course, it's not the only "growth driver" under the organisation's wing, as both Sony Pictures and Sony Music were given similar roles. It's perhaps clear from this that the firm sees its future as a media and content provider, more than perhaps a manufacturer. That said, its camera and audiovisual divisions were both recognised as stable profit generators.

The axe, then, is hanging over the head of its television and smartphone businesses, which the organisation said that it would "place the highest priority on curtailing risk and securing profits in its operation of these". It added that it would "carefully" select the territories with which to market products from each area. In other words: it's scaling both back.

It will continue to spin each of its divisions off as wholly owned subsidiaries, too – a monumental effort which it started with its television business last year. Its audiovisual department will be next up, starting from 1st October. The firm believes that this will give each area of the organisation "accountability and responsibility". No more being propped up by other brands, then.

Of course, while this all sounds like a solid plan for now, the company is still looking at some significant losses in the short term. It's expecting a net loss for the financial year due to end in March, which will mark its sixth in seven years. You do get the feeling that gaffer Kaz Hirai's on the cusp of a breakthrough, but there's still a long, long way to go.

[source eurogamer.net]