Comparison With Its Leading Competitors

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

PlayStation

Contents

Object and purpose

The PlayStation or officially abbreviated as the PS is a kind of video game developed by Sony computer entertainment. The technology was launched in 3rd December 1994 in Minato, Tokyo, Japan with following a series of up gradations being made. The PlayStation is trademarked product used worldwide with having its distinctive features that outstands it from other technological devices. However the PS components may include a three core home console, a technical media center, and a widespread online service, efficient line of controllers along with a pair of handhelds, a phone and series of magazines.

However the purpose of PS is not limited but used as a great medium of online virtual marketing, providing as a tool for downloading large games (Games, 1996) and other forms of multimedias.in other words it’s a social gaming network which could be accessed by everyone and anyone. They have also launched a play station suite that will aid the cross functionality of devices. These multipurpose services could also be consumed through subscription based online services too. As mentioned in (pelling, n.d.)Users could also listen to music and watch DVD movies through the PlayStation

history

Thus in June 1991, it won a consumers electronic show which paved its way to success. But somehow few instances led the separation of Nintendo and Sony and later it decided to join hands with Philips.

There was continuous improvements and so it lead to the creation of the first PlayStation which was released in 1994, later by PlayStation 2 (PS2) in the year 2000 followed by PlayStation 3 (PS3) in the year 2006.

Current model

Hence the latest ps3 has come up with great advancements and salient features that has broken the market wide through with its extra ordinary performance.as mentioned (Rouse, 2006) it comprises of the following:-

3.2 Ghz Cell processor

a Gigabit Ethernet port, 4 USB 2.0 ports and Bluetooth 2.0

Wi-Fi

GB hard disk from 20 to 60

a full fleshed multi-functional Web browser that supports for online gaming

profiles for multi users

large media file storage, quick display and instant playback options, followed by user access to an online marketplace for music

a Blue ray technology DVD drive supporting various standardized DVD and CD formats

HDMI supported and 256 MB of XDR DRAM 

Comparison with its leading competitors

The PlayStation has a direct competition with two of the fundamental devices namely Xbox 360 and Nintendo WII (Strategy for Information Markets/Sony PlayStation 3)

The beneath table illustrates the comparison between PlayStation and its likely competitors:-

strengths

weaknesses

PlayStation(as individual)

All in one media center of entertainment

Console with the only blue ray technology

Backward compatibility with PS1 and PS2

Gamers at times find it complex and tough in understanding and performance may become too choppy

Xbox 360

Fee needs to be paid while PS is free of cost

Ps had the Wi-Fi connection while Xbox didn’t

At times become unreliable while PS excels in performance every time

Game play is not as smooth as that of Xbox 360

Xbox has high durability while the latest version PS 3 does not even support games of PS 2 (wastlander, 2009)

Nintendo Wii

Nintendo lacks in quality graphics while PS excels in high defined graphics

Sleek appearance while Nintendo comprises of a bulky controller

Weaker online presence than that of PS

Wii is low cost in nature while PS has higher overall rates.

Therefore all these features may differentiate the three competitors from each other (Kofi Bofah, 2008)

Possible other uses

However the PlayStation is a multipurpose device that is greatly used today not just for playing games but has its other vital uses.

The PlayStation 3 claims a remarkable media element that has volatile features namely the BBC player, ITV Player and 4oD (hill, n.d.). The variety of programs on offer and the reliability of each channel, is a welcome addition to the PlayStation experience.

Even for film lovers, there is a Love Film option easily available, that allows one to rent the latest movies for a minor charge on a nightly basis.

However there are even options for Gamers who may easily upload pictures, listen to music and also attach an external hard drive where they could watch movies free of cost through the PlayStation. Eventually, the PlayStation entails to every base when talked about media content.

The PlayStation 3 has a wide variety of games available for all age groups. Their major strength of the PlayStation 3, is that it allows the gamers to play older games as well from the first two PlayStation consoles followed by hundreds of readily available games through the PlayStation network.

The cutting edge microprocessor simplifies matchless levels of storage capacity for users too.

The PlayStation also tends to facilitate a built-in Wi-Fi, along a versatile HDMI output for 1080p resolution, an efficient Bluetooth, free online PlayStation Network membership while others charge subscription fee, and an outstanding Blu-ray next-generation media format.

Therefore the PS is one of the most famous electronic devices used today by all the age groups and has a global demand for its various purposes. The PS provides great quality performance and is enriched with new updates with the changing time.it has remarkable specifications and a sleek trimmed design that is also a status symbol for today’s techno oriented generations.

The PS is substantial for those marginal gamers who are inclined towards online gaming but want to enjoy the vibrancy of games and get the fun filled experience from its outstanding graphic technology. Some of their leading games may also include Grand Theft Auto 4, Madden 09, Guitar Hero, and Metal Gear Solid 4 (Bofah, 2008)

Creation of games and workflow

Games for consoles greatly use the DevKit. Hence expensive models of the retail hardware devices are needed that allow for unsigned codes to run. 

Games are created as projects. Hence, the idea is to write down and pass on to the company. If it is a worthy idea then the investment tends to be made at large.. The team will comprise of story writers, artists who are responsible for making the art, and artists who make the sounds and visuals. Thus it uses a holistic approach for the ultimate development of a new game for its end users along with several other people will be at the back stage working hard on preparing allot of work for the coders. (www.ukplaystation.com, 2010)

The code may vary in types of software’s being used. These software’s may be for making textures, software to create codes AI, software’s to link games with sound and music. Then the next step is to move through a compiler or accumulator that entails for proceeding all the written codes and merge them into suitable formats. Later all these codes are loaded unto the DevKit and testing performed by game testers. They also check if any bugs or unmatched found in the troubleshooting process. Once the long duration of pre work, planning of resources, organizing the working on the art/sound/story, making the models, programming of the AI is done the last is one is by posing new value added features. (yashuda, 2007)

Later they portray the entire proposal to the big bosses who later sign off on that then it is sent to Sony for Certification and stamping. Then again At Sony, they do some quality testing and sign the final game. It gets certified and master delivered with the Signed Code [so it runs on retail models] to the developer and now the developer finally can start the printing of discs, on booklets and get it ready for selling. (How to Make a Video Game for PS3)

Of course by now there already should have been advertisements and several measures of promotional campaigns being conducted about the game and its novel features being added. Then the market should be prepared of its entry among the other competing games.

Hence as per mentioned (www.usplaystation.com, n.d.) The compatible software they use is PlayStation move or emulator.

Another method is to give the customer a PSN download. Sony quality tests it and if accepted it is Signed and Certified and later a release date is announced on the PSN network. 

Therefore once the games are brought into the market. The users get aware and create a desire to make a purchase of it later once they buy it they may simply follow the instructions and start off with the game. For those who download may ultimately have the required software’s so that the game may work as per its suitable requirements. (asker, 2011)

The PlayStation is indeed a well put together console which delivers on nearly all areas. Apart from the weaknesses in the direct ports of certain games and the lack of the Sky Player, the PlayStation 3 delivers in all other areas.