Focus on gaming increased as Sony reveals turnaround plan

PlayStation has been given the full backing of Sony CEO Kaz Hirai today as the executive outlined a plan to reverse Sony’s sliding fortunes.

The company has admitted that it will post a loss of around $6.4bn for the current financial year and shares in the company fell by seven per cent ahead of Hirai’s briefing.

The sad result of the changes, however, is that thousands of employees now face the prospect of unemployment.

As a result of these measures, Sony estimates that the headcount across the entire Sony Group will be reduced by approximately 10,000 in FY12,” a company statement confirmed.

But fears that these reductions could result in a diminished commitment to PlayStation have proved unfounded, with Hirai keeping faith in his heritage.

Sony is positioning digital imaging, game and mobile as the three main focus areas of its electronics business and plans to concentrate investment and technology development resources in these areas,” it added.

By growing these three businesses, Sony aims to generate approximately 70 per cent of total sales and 85 per cent of operating income for the entire electronics business from these categories by FY14.

Sony will target game business sales of one trillion yen and operating income margin of 8% by FY14.”

Unsurprisingly, the platform holder has pledged to up its commitment to digital, meaning that its traditionally innovative console triple-A output could be under threat.

The company aims to increase sales by enriching its catalogue of downloadable game titles and subscription services available through the PSN platform, and also by expanding the line-up of PlayStation Suite compatible devices and content.”