Dear Sony, You Have Enough Original IPs

Copyright: Killzone, Twisted Metal, Ape Escape, Horizon Zero Dawn, God Of War and Last Of Us Are property of Sony.

Brevity and ethics: I have no affiliation with Sony or listed brands, I'm just an avid gamer.

This blog is a response to another blog and statement made by Sony. the original statement is locked behind a paywall, and 12 foot ladder could not make it readable so provided in the hyperlink is the write up made by a playstation fanzine do not take this blog as a response made to the re-telling, this is not just circumstance or a hot take.  

Dear Sony 

I am writing this open letter as both a dedicated fan and a firm believer in the potential of your company. Sony has a well-established track record of excellence, particularly across two generations of groundbreaking video games. However, recent feedback from the community, including some comments from your own representatives, has raised concerns about the perceived lack of original IPs and unique game offerings. I respectfully disagree with this view, as I am confident that Sony possesses an impressive portfolio of innovative and cherished titles.

In this letter, I would like to address these concerns in two parts. The first will focus on the assertion that Sony lacks original IPs, and the second will explore how existing IPs, along with future projects, can further bolster Sony's position in the industry through innovation and bold, creative decisions.

Part 1: Addressing the Perceived Lack of Original IPs

Sony's catalog includes a substantial array of original IPs, many of which have been underutilized. When these titles do not achieve the blockbuster success of franchises like "Call of Duty" or "Pokémon", they are often discontinued without fully capitalizing on their potential. There is significant demand from your fanbase for the revival of classic IPs such as "Demon’s Souls", "Twisted Metal", "Ape Escape", and "Jak and Daxter". These games, which once defined gaming experiences for many, have been shelved too soon, leaving their potential untapped.

Revitalizing these beloved IPs presents not only a lucrative revenue opportunity but also a chance to reconnect with a nostalgic and passionate fanbase. For example, reintroducing "Jak and Daxter" could strengthen your position in the platformer genre, positioning Sony as a rival to industry giants like Nintendo. Similarly, reimagining "Killzone" with elements inspired by popular games like "Overwatch" could unlock new potential in the competitive shooter market, or adopting a bold single-player approach could make it competitive with titles like "Doom" or "Warhammer 40K". Reviving and reimagining these classics could demonstrate that Sony indeed has a wealth of original IPs. 

The strategic revival of these franchises could also enhance Sony's brand identity, reinforcing its reputation for delivering diverse and high-quality gaming experiences. By investing in the development of these classic IPs, Sony could effectively balance the need for blockbuster successes with the opportunity to nurture and expand its gaming legacy, fostering a more robust and varied portfolio that resonates with a broader audience.

Part 2: Strengthening Sony's Market Position Through Classic and New IPs

Revitalizing classic franchises offers the opportunity to introduce them to a new generation of gamers while rekindling fond memories for longtime fans. Envision a scenario where "Twisted Metal" emerges as a serious competitor to "Mario Kart", and "Ape Escape" achieves recognition on par with "Super Mario". By bridging the gap between generations, Sony can create fresh, exciting experiences for younger players and evoke nostalgia for those who grew up with these beloved titles. This approach would effectively engage both markets, maximizing reach and impact.

Additionally, Sony's current marketing strategy seems to focus predominantly on promoting established successes, such as "God of War", while new titles like "Concord" receive minimal visibility. This lack of promotion has led to untimely setbacks for promising ventures, akin to allowing potentially successful projects to falter without adequate support. By investing in the promotion of both new and classic IPs, Sony can create memorable experiences and build a more diverse portfolio.

The future of Sony lies in leveraging its strengths to craft distinctive and memorable gaming experiences. Titles like "Horizon Zero Dawn", "Ghost of Tsushima", and "The Last of Us" exemplify this approach, featuring exceptional gameplay and compelling narratives that resonate beyond the PlayStation ecosystem. The success of "The Last of Us" through HBO Max's adaptation and "Horizon Zero Dawn"'s expansion into the LEGO franchise and Nintendo Switch illustrate Sony's ability to take risks and achieve significant impact.

In conclusion, by revisiting and revitalizing classic IPs and ensuring robust promotion of new and existing titles, Sony has the opportunity to reinforce its position as a leader in the gaming industry and continue delivering innovative and beloved gaming experiences.