Hirai’s remit widens to cover SOE

President of Sony Computer Entertainment Kaz Hirai has taken charge of the company’s online business – separate to its PlayStation division – as part of a company restructuring that will sees the platform holder aggressively pursue the online gaming market.

Current president of Sony Online entertainment John Smedley will report to Hirai when the move becomes effective on April 1st.

The platform holder called the change a ‘strategic move to closely align itself with the strong growth of the worldwide online gaming market’, adding that ‘the new structure is designed to mutually benefit both companies by further accelerating the PlayStation business through Sony Online Entertainment’s strong online gaming expertise.

Under the new structure, SOE will continue to develop its games for the PC and the PS3 computer entertainment system.

Read what Smedly and Hirai had to say about the change in the full report on MCV.