Uh oh. Looks like things aren’t quite heading in the right direction for the PSP this year. First, the release of supposed killer-app Loco Roco has heardly set the charts on fire in Europe, though we’ll see how it fares when it hits shelves in the US early next month. Then there’s the question of actual sales figures. Sony isn’t backwards about talking up the fact that the handheld’s shipped 20 million units, but seems decidedly cagey about coming forward with figures that relate to the sales of the damn thing. And,then there’s the fact that there’s currently only 3 games (Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Ridge Racer and Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee) that have sold over 1 million copies.
Well, sounds like someone’s keeping an eye on these little niggles down at EA headquarters. David Gardner, EA executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of worldwide studios, spoke out in an interview with MCV, commenting that he doesn’t “think Sony can afford to sit back” and that there are “things that they need to address”. But the real stinger comes later in the interview, with Gardner commenting:
There’s no doubt that EA has historically bet more on PSP. I think we were excited by the technology, but the consumers have proven that actually what they want is fun. We must never forget that what we need to focus on is fun and so EA is putting more effort behind DS games – and creative ones that really take advantage of the hardware.
Ouch. Stating that you’re boosting support for a handheld’s main competitor is one thing - stating that you’re doing it because what consumers “want is fun” is another kick in the testicles completely.