Chapter 11 Developing and Managing Products

Designing a system that is cheaper and more efficient than its predecessor:

Smart Design with the PlayStation 4

 "When designing the PS4, Mark Cerny, the architect of the system, took into consideration chips that had been developed for PowerPCs by AMD, and sent out questionnaires to game developers that would be creating software for the console. The questionnaire included what type of CPU, GPU, and other details they wanted, with the end-goal of building something 1,000 times more powerful than a PS3".

Mon, 2013-07-08 12:18 — pdt

Sony used developers to help give them ideas on how to improve and create in a more timely matter. The questionnaires used were created to help architects’ create a system that looked like a PC but was 1,000 times more powerful than its console before it. Also their results proved to be much cheaper for them to develop on a large scale resulting in a lighter, more efficient and less time costly system that would benefit developers in the long haul. Switching to a PC powered system made it easier early on in the consoles life cycle because game developers can use methods their use to create games faster. But it as the consoles life cycle proceeds the amount of power the system has would be able to innovate new ways to make games better and use the system to its full capacity. With 7 million consoles sold to date, Sony’s development strategy proved to be more successful than expected. Upon release Sony redesigned the controller, the camera and the overall system itself. Its life cycle is going to be longer than expected as well because there is room for improvement in the future.

This is only the beginning for Sony PlayStation 4 and with early success the console is only going to get better as developers use its PC powered software to only improve games graphics and dynamics. Sony is applying more applications and with software updates to only improve the console for its users. PlayStation 4 has a bright future and with its second holiday season coming in 2014 Sony has a line-up of games that are only going to improve sales and show of the systems capabilities to its full potential.

Only time can tell for PlayStation 4 with the E3 convention in June and holiday season approaching who knows what is next for Sony as the unveil new games and hardware for PlayStation 4. Compared to the PlayStation 3 was a heavier system and was more expensive to manufacture. It was also more difficult for developers to create games because software used was new and complicated. Sony switching to PC based technology helped game developers write programs faster and more efficient allowing games to be made faster and better than ever before. Not only are the graphics better but the system functions in a more gel like fashion allowing the user to use the system easier and more efficient. The controller was beta tested with consumers and the best controller concept was picked for the system. From personal experience I like the new controller the size weight and feel is more comfortable than the last. These innovative improvements were successful and an upgrade from the past. As PlayStation 4 moves into growth stage this year the best is yet to come.