PlayStation Boss Jim Ryan has been doing interviews lately to discuss the release of thePlayStation 5. In one of the latest interviews, this time with Eurogamer, Ryan took a break from the usualPS5questions to share the challenges of developing new IP.
Though some of the best PS4 exclusives were brand new IP,such asGhost of TsushimaandHorizon Zero Dawn, the process behind making such games was a difficult one for Sony. According to Ryan, while Sony thinks “very deeply and very carefully” about balancing its portfolio between new entries in beloved series and fresh beginnings, the PlayStation 4 generation was a “very risky” one for the company.
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As discussed by the PlayStation CEO, not only didSony’s purchase of Insomniacrequire a large investment, but the cost of each new franchise required a big gamble to be taken by the company. As said by the PlayStation CEO, “the thing with those blockbuster games is that they need a box office release,” with Ryan going on to share that “they cost more than $100 million to make these days.” This incredible amount of money could be wasted if the games do not perform well, but fortunately for Sony, its investments paid off.
As mentioned by Ryan, Sony launched a new IP “four times in the PS4 generation.” Whileall the PS4 gamesbeing referenced are not mentioned specifically, they likely areDays Gone,Horizon Zero Dawn,Ghost of Tsushima, andDeath Stranding. The critical and financial success ofHorizon Zero DawnandGhost of Tsushimaspeaks for itself, and whileDays Gonewas not quite as popular, it still performed well. Even the controversialDeath Strandingwas a wise investment given all the discussion it brought, with the game setting up an even closer working relationship between Sony and Hideo Kojima as well.
Still, the $100 million investment is understandably huge, and it helps further explain theSony CEO’s comments on $70 games. The company clearly took risks by letting its first-party studios do something new, as more sequels would have been far safer and less costly. It is commendable that Sony took those risks to bring its fans some great new games, though, and much of the PlayStation 4’s success can be largely attributed to some of those “very risky” new IPs.
With the PlayStation 5, Sony is clearly looking to keep the “balance between” starting new series and continuing to build off those that are already popular. WithGod of WarandHorizon Zero Dawnsequels on the way alongside new IPsuch as Housemarque’sReturnal, PlayStation fans should expect risks to continue being taken.
