9th September 2010

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15 Years of PlayStation

Can you hardly believe that it’s been 15 years since the original Sony PlayStation first came out? I remember like it was yesterday when I got my first PlayStation console. I grew up a Nintendo lover with the original Nintendo Entertainment System & Super Nintendo Entertainment System back in the days. My parents got me the PlayStation console along with Final Fantasy VII. I was a fan of FFIV and VI for the SNES (though I would later play them heavily on the PS1). So, I was thinking: what made the PlayStation boom when, at the time it was introduced, CD gaming was mostly used for PCs?

Originally, Nintendo and Sony worked together on a CD-based console, but was rejected by Nintendo. There was also the Panasonic 3DO and the Sega Saturn. So what made the PlayStation better than the other two systems?

- Simplicity

Look at the design of the PlayStation. It was small and somewhat light. The controller was made for your hands too. The design looked futuristic. Compared to the other systems, the PlayStation was a sexy little engine with a lot of power.

- Brand Name

Sony’s been associated with electronics for a long time. Big brand names always stand out in people’s minds through the test of time.

- Something For Everyone

I can’t even count how many genres the PlayStation covered. Action, RPGs, adventure, sports, racing, fighting games, etc. Big-name franchises were born or bought to the 3D world thanks to the PlayStation.

- Cost of optical media

Developers began to hate working on cartridges. There were some limits to how much they could push. With CDs, developers were able to experiment more. Another important factor was that CDs cost less to produce. Since Sony was a trusted brand name, developers began to flock towards them.

- Marketing Strategy

When it comes down to it, it’s all about a great marketing strategy. I remember they had the “U R Not E (You are Not Ready)” campaign. However, I wasn’t fully convinced in getting a PlayStation. It wasn’t until I saw a commercial for FFVII that I said to myself. “I NEED THIS!” The commercial was brilliant. It sounded like a movie trailer and it drew me in. The commercial showcased the FMV scenes and the beautiful graphics. The last line “If he fails, you can always hit the reset button!” spoke to me. That line challenged me to try something new and exciting and that the PlayStation would provide that new opportunity to do so. It really spoke to me.

All in all, Sony had the guts and the money to make the PlayStation brand extremely relevant in this day and age. I think we’re currently missing some swagger and innovation. People need to challenge themselves and come up with ways to make awesome products & services to possibly make their (and other’s) lives better.

Here’s to you, PlayStation! You’ve provided some awesome memories for me over the last decade and a half!

What was your favorite memory of the Sony PlayStation?

Tagged: sonysony playstationvideo gamesfinal fantasy VIIcelebrationvideo game consolesanniversary