It’s been a curious conclusion to the year, we must admit. Back at E3 2017 we pondered whether PlayStation Experience was becoming more important to Sony than the Electronic Entertainment Expo after it opted for a safe but unspectacular presentation in Los Angeles. And then, to our surprise, the platform holder announced that it would be holding a press conference at Paris Games Week on 31st October – mere weeks prior to its annual PSX event in Anaheim.
The news shocked us at the time, and frankly we still don’t really understand it. Armchair analysts argue that the manufacturer pulled its plans forward in order to rain on the Xbox One X’s parade; we’re not sure we really agree with that sentiment. It’s true that Microsoft’s supercharged system launched days after PGW 2017, but early adopters weren’t going to alter their purchasing plans purely because of a new The Last of Us: Part II trailer. Sony would have known that, too.
So why even rock up in the French capital at all? There’s certainly an argument that PlayStation is hugely popular in Europe – more so than anywhere else in the world – and as such it’s nice to see the manufacturer pop up on the continent from time-to-time, hosting a conference at a more reasonable hour. The problem is that the past four years have set expectations that PSX is a legitimate place for big PlayStation reveals, and not even Sony has the content to support both shows.
This weekend’s slightly more muted PSX 2017 proved as much. Even though the communication was very clear from the platform holder that its PlayStation Presents presentation would be a more low-key affair, frustration has predictably poured all over the Internet over the lack of announcements at the show. The reveal of a MediEvil remaster, in addition to virtual reality content for WipEout and The Last Guardian, were honestly more than we expected – but clearly not enough.
It’s not the first time that Paris Games Week and PlayStation Experience have seemed to obstruct each other, as a similar story played out in 2015. That year many people complained about PSX 2015’s lack of reveals – although it was infinitely better than what we saw unfold the other night – and the company came in for a lot of criticism, despite PGW 2015 playing host to several major reveals like Gran Turismo Sport just weeks prior.
The problem is that Sony can’t count on calibrated expectations: fans are insatiable and any kind of livestream or press conference comes with outrageous hopes attached. It’s worth remembering that the PlayStation maker hosts more of these kinds of media briefings than any other manufacturer, with Xbox stockpiling all of its ammunition for a single E3 every year, while Nintendo’s strategy with Directs is a different thing altogether.
It means that, unfortunately, it’s looking like the company is going to have to choose: PlayStation Experience or Paris Games Week. To be fair, the former is about much more than media briefings, with attendees invited to meet developers and play literally dozens of unreleased games. And with the handful of panels and various new trailers, we’d argue that this year’s show has been another big success – we’ve really enjoyed covering it here at Push Square.
But between E3, Gamescom, Tokyo Game Show, Paris Games Week, and PlayStation Experience, not even Sony – with its riches of first-party studios and third-party partners – has enough content to show. And so it needs to decide whether it wants to throw its European fans or bone, or simply double-down on PSX every year. Ultimately, 2017 has proven that, despite a valiant effort on its part, it can’t effectively stock them all.
Do you agree that Sony needs to pick between Paris Games Week or PlayStation Experience? Where would you prefer it focused its attention? Pick your preferred presser venue in the comments section below.
Should Sony focus on PlayStation Experience or Paris Games Week? (123 votes)
- PlayStation Experience
- Paris Games Week
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Comments 54
PSX every time, if SIE Europe insist on having a conference then have it in Europe.
Here’s a thought, why not focuse on PSX and as for us Europeans and giving us some attention, host it in Europe, that way the Americans have E3 and Gamescom, an we get PSX, or Just switch it up and host PSX in EU/UK and US switching between, given how PSX is aimed at fans and meet ups it seems more fair to host it across both regions.
I think it’s a good idea to have a European show, but I feel PSX should really be PlayStation’s time to shine.
E3 and psx are the ultimate duo. Like Ant and Dec, Thatcher and Reagan, Cheese and Crackers, Ratchet and Clank, Sammy and Taylor Swift etc etc.
Hello, everyone, here's how I think they could have had a realistic and GOOD show instead of the bust we got.
Ni No Kuni II trailer or gameplay.
A further tease of From Software's game, not even a full trailer. More teasing. Crowd would have gone mental.
A remastered Demon's Souls (I don't know how this isn't a thing yet)
Herman Hulst announcing Horizon Zero Dawn 2 is in planning stages. (Don't get your hopes up just yet, but it's definitely happening)
Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson (Ellie) salute the crowd in a pre recorded video, hype up TLOU II a bit and then another short scene is shown or a very short gameplay tease (it was announced a year ago, lets see it)
Spider-Man info, estimated season when it'll drop. Some raw gameplay, no cutscenes.
Days Gone battle royale mode, would have given the game some buzz since that is really popular atm and that game desperately needs something to sell it.
When they dropped the Medievil news, have Shawn Layden say... We know there's a certain other purple hero your clamoring for... We're aware. (that's enough)
Indie montage
Ghost of Tsushima gameplay (one minute)
Final Fantasy VIII or Tactics available now. (Sony should work with Square to make this happen at their events, make it a thing)
Tell Capcom to hold their horses and let Sony announce the DMC Collection at PSX and have Sid Shuman say... Looks like 2018 is gonna be a big year for Devil May Cry (wink wink)
Recommit to Ps2 on Ps4. Have a sizzle reel with popular ps2 games (God of War II, Dragon Quest VIII, Burnout Revenge, Suikoden III/V, Viewtiful Joe, God Hand)
Plus the MHW, SCVI, Blazblue trailers shown last night. Then it'd had been a good show
Not too fussed really, while it's not ideal too stretch themselves too thin, I don't think it was really a big problem, they've had plenty of great content to show off. Some people will complain no matter what.
@YummyHappyPills What's the difference of knowing exactly when God of War releases? It's coming eventually. I couldn't care less about the exact date and time. A general window is more than enough I think.
''Stop announcing stuff so early.'' And that's why we didn't get a lot of new announcements this year.
I think the most important thing is the games themselves, and regardless of how many games or release dates they announced, we just had an amazing year, and next year's line up looks to be even better. The end result is more important to me than how and when the release dates are announced.
I believe that the PSX of this year is more like a celebration than anything. You go there, experience games, PSVR, meet developers, etc.
Sony made it clear that it wouldn't reveal many things on the PSX, but gamers and the media always expect a lot.
Imho, Sony should have announce the trailers of Dreams and Death Stranding on PSX instead of TGA. It could have a short conference with these trailers, updates of games that are coming soon, PSVR and Medievil, it would be great.
both, i thought there was absolutely enough content at both shows
@DLB3 They probably don't want to commit to a release date, because, I assume, the last thing they want is a delay, even if it's only a month or a few week. Release it when it's ready, and don't rush the game to get it out before a specific date. Even if it's only three or four months away, unexpected things can happen during development.
If it's March, and we still don't know when it's coming out, then yes, it's time to start worrying.
Although I love hearing more PlayStation news throughout the year, I would prefer if they kept it to E3, TGS & PSX. PGW 2017 was great but it’s a unnecessary event for PlayStation. Give me big & small news at both E3 & PSX, & then Japanese news at TGS.
@PhenomenalOne Watch the Language please.
You can't win a war on two fronts. They should stick with PSX but with the fires in LA I can only imagine how strange it feels having a conference there. I believe they spread things out because some games aren't at the point where they can be showcased.
I think they did it all right this year! I think some see PSX as an E3 or Paris Games week/ or Gamescom show & that is not what PSX is about. a few announcements are fine at PSX more a Dev show & hanging out with everything PlayStation for fans to interact.
never looked at PSX that way as a big announcement show.
They could of had some info on WiLD. It's been over 2 years since we heard anything about that game...what the hell guys
I don't really care where, when, or how many events they decide to use to reveal things, as long as cool new things are coming out and they're communicating with us.
As members of the gaming press, shouldn't you be happier with more events, which allows you more articles, videos, clicks, etc?
Paris games week is non sense
Is it really an either/or situation?
PSX is a fan event. E3 is for the media. Some people question why Sony even had PSX. I don't attend conventions, but there are people that do. I imagine it's just cool to hang out with some like-minded people and play some games, meet some voice actors/devs... .
The conference is a bonus.
They can be flexible with their announcements. PGW was a good chance to take back some attention in the face of new hardware- and they did that with the Detroit & TLOU2 trailer.
In an ideal scenario, Sony keep building PSX. Make it as big as E3. But things don't always go as planned. Adapt or perish. Judging by how this gen has played out, Sony have adapted when needed.
It's not like we didn't get nothing either. My backlog keeps getting bigger...
@Octane This is spot on. There is so much backlash when a game is pushed back from a "confirmed" release date and even more backlash when a game releases in an unfinished state due to pressure from the publisher. A good game will be good in 2017, it will be good in 2018 and it will be good in 2019. I have no idea why people give themselves hernias over things outside of their control.
Why not do PSX at Europe? You know you going to have a full house too right? E3 - America, PSX - Europe...simple and no need for Paris Games Week, that like you see, no one cares about
Personally, I enjoyed the show. It was laid back yet informative and it gave us some quality time with the developers. Shawn Layden even took the time to explain the difference between PSX and the other shows.
If people are wary of investing their time into these shows, they can easily catch the trailers on YouTube etc.
Should have skipped PGW and put it all towards PSX. PSX is the show for PlayStation fans and it needs to have more announcements in my opinion.
@Kidfried I completely agree, but we’re following an industry where sometimes it’s better to do nothing than something.
@RedMageLanakyn Of course. I’m happy to cover these things every week if they want to do them, but I also see all of the rage and frustration when people don’t properly calibrate their expectations.
They couldn’t have been clearer about what this week’s PSX presentation was going to be, but it didn’t make a lick of difference if you read/watch some of the reactions.
According to Sony themselves, they intend to have two big shows every year now. E3, and then they'll probably alternate between PSX, and probably PGW or GamesCom. I think it's fine. I'd prefer PSX, because it's much more fan focused, but as long as they get their news out in a way that's comfortable and at a reasonable pace, I'm happy.
I like the formats this year tbh, sony will have 3 main press conferences a year with E3 in America, TGS in Japan and so it would only be fitting that Europe should get one too and as a game and playstation fan i love to hear dev tales and get behind the scenes on their projects like we got with PSX.
Tbh people are going to complain about everything Sony do anyway so it doesn't really matter as unlike Nintendo they can't seem to catch a break.
I agree that between those two they need to pick one. They are too close together.
I do believe that if they plan events like they should that they have enough content to fill 3-4 presentations a year. I mean they had updates for death stranding and dreams at the gaming awards.... Those with the jax (ps2), medieval, all the VR announcements and the playthrough of Detroit they did would have been worth a psx presentation.
@get2sammyb That's kind of sad. I guess it's different for everyone; some people blaze through games and are biting at the bit for something new, and i'm just happy to have so many good games coming out and ones that I haven't even touched yet because of, well, life.
Wont vote because i just totally disagree and to be fair there is always complaining. Europe always been Sony country and the US is a big market so keep both and i really like the conference.
PSX for sure, if they want to refresh it, then perhaps instead of holding it in the same place each year, they could alternate hosting it from a different American/European country each year
It was such a let down to not have a conference at PSX this year. It could have been a good one if they'd combined the announcements from both.
@hi_drnick Indeed. If you think about it, knowing whether GOW releases March 15 or March 22 isn't going to affect anything I do right now, so I don't really care (yet). It's not as if I have to follow some tight gaming schedule and I need to plan all the games six months ahead of time. The news that GOW is 25-35 hours long for example is far more important to me than knowing when I get to buy it in March.
I think December is a great time for reveals so would rather E3 and PSX. I don't mind the talky stuff in between but fans want new games, new announcements and it just isn't realistic.
problem is IF they did that then people would moan that they ain't showing anything at the other and they will get just as much flak for it
and i don't see the issue, they are still announcing and showing stuff just not all in one go
what';s wrong with people having a bit of patience?
I have enjoyed it when PSX has played host to a decent press conference, but it is supposed to be an event for PlayStation fans. It's not really a trade show like E3 or PGW.
I think, for that reason, Sony should stick with E3 and PGW to host their two yearly press conferences. Personally, I liked the low-key approach taken at this year's PSX. I get that a lot of people have inflated expectations when it comes to these events, but I like the idea that PSX could be less aggressive, less focused on announcing BIG NEW THINGS, and kept as a simple expo for fans.
I think that's what Sony is after, and the biggest evidence of that for me was that the new trailers for Dreams and Death Stranding debuted at The Game Awards rather than PSX. They could've easily slotted the Dreams trailer into the PlayStation Presents panel, but they chose not to, and the Death Stranding segment felt a little unnecessary to me. The other announcements they did make, like VR content for WipEout, MediEvil etc., could've been PlayStation Blog updates.
The sad thing is, no matter what Sony decide to do, there are always going to be people complaining, so I think they should stop chopping and changing which events are the most important and just stick to their guns, whichever guns they may be.
Sony may be fine with the thinner yet spread-out layer for all we know. But if such a choice was somehow obligatory, Nintendo's example suggests prioritizing one's own event over the "world fairs" of the industry.
In fairness, Sony hasn't had too much to reveal this year - unless you have or are interested in getting PSVR or small 'indie/arcade' games. The majority of the shows have shown new trailers/game-play from 2016's reveals - with a remake of a PS2 game that was remastered for PS3 being the one new reveal at E3 and Ghosts of Tsushima at Paris.
As VR owners are still such a small group (around 3% assuming that there are around 70m PS4 owners) and the indie/arcade games are not seen as 'big news' when they are announced, its little wonder why these events fell a bit 'flat' this year.
Knowing that they had 'little' to announce and that this was the last chance before E3 2018, I did expect Sony to give us a clearer indication of at least the next 6months release schedule. God of War and Detroit, maybe Spider-Man (that was rumoured at one point to release at the end of 2017) could well of been given release dates. At least that would have been 'big news'. However we got very little we didn't already know and even some trailers/game-play etc that we already saw elsewhere.
I am not saying the games themselves were poor but E3, PGS and PSX fell flat this year. Mostly because of last years E3 and PSX. Its not like Sony had to reveal ALL those games last year either with many games that released not even appearing at any major shows. They could have kept Detroit, God of War, Last of Us 2, Days Gone etc and shown Persona 5, Nier, Nioh, Ni No Kuni 2, Gravity Rush 2, GT Sport and Hellblade too. Its not as if these games, whilst maybe more 'niche' in the west in some cases, weren't some of the best games of the year - Persona, Nier and Hellblade were amongst the winners of the Game Awards.
That would have given Sony some 'New' big reveals this year and enough to do at least 2 separate events. As it is, I am expecting most of the games to be at E3 2018 too. Its not as if these studio's will have a '2nd' game to reveal whilst they are either finishing up on the games we know about or a few months after releasing a big game.
I think they need both, which is why we got a much more panel-focused PSX than before. Gamers just shouldn't expect a barrage of announcements every time a developer sneezes.
Sony will have the hardest time because they like to make sure the PS brand gets attention in all their major markets. They need to hype up gamers worldwide.
Man when i see these spyro Beggars i wanna ha.. myself the game is dead and pls keep it that way the game was never good to begin with i'm 100% more happy they brought back medievil and they should prioritize ape escape then spyro.
Maybe these events are a great way to demo VR in all its immersion goodness? You know like get it out there to the public whereas sometimes in retails shops they don't have the VR kiosks available or switched on or demo the most basic of experiences. Hate my CEX cos all they demo is fifa 16 on PS4 for example!
i dunno. when they said all along PSX wasn't going to have a typical press conference with new reveals, then railing on them because they didn't have a press conference with new reveals seems a bit entitled to me..
maybe the way out of this impasse is to forego E3 altogether and have its european conference in köln in mid-august - that's 4 month's before PSX, rather than the 5-6 weeks that PGW was. it would be a bit of a bold move but... it could still have its show floor. i think some kind of european presence is important, after all, apart from the UK, the 'console war' is not so much a battle but rather a smackdown beating. just focusing on E3/PSX makes it look singuarly focused on the US.
also, i think the length of development on games these is also causing a problem.. during PS3 development, studios typically could release a game every couple of years, now it's taking 4-6 years - and sony's now hit the problem where all of its studios' project plans are in the wild (with the exception of guerrilla - and let's face it - it's very likely to be working on horizon 2) and it's going be quite a while before they've new projects they can show. so you're left with the possibility of funding third party exclusives like say bloodborne 2, but it's not like they can produce 2-3 of those from a hat for every conference.
i kinda liked some of the informal couch banter of the 'keynote', plus the live demonstration of detroit with the audience shouting out what to do actually made the game look more desirable for me. the number of ways that single scene could have played out looked quite impressive.
there were quite a few hints regarding when stuff will come out, without officially announcing such. i'd say we'll get god of war and detroit in the first half of 2018, spiderman, dreams and days gone in the second half. death stranding, last of us 2 and ghost of tsushima will be 2019 at the earliest.
So you guys know better that playstation in terms of how they want to hold conferences? That seems pretty arrogant. I was unable to follow paris clisely but youve already conceded that you unde Stand the rationale.
Psx is quite a different type of event. The reveals, panels, and game content seemed very good. Nothing whatsoever to complain about, unless you know... gamers. Complain about anything on a side to generate clicks.
Pretty unfair to not even allow a 3rd option in your poll. I enjoy the exclusive ps content here but i often find statements like this very grating.
I couldn't possibly think youre more wrong about the above. Rather than backhandedly complain why not celebrate the positives more.
Were just consumers. Consider yourselves lucky theres so much fan service.
Why not have one big show in Europe and one big show in america?...could be argued that E3 and PSX are far enough apart to have both but I think PSX could be dropped for E3...or if Sony want to continue with it then have PSX switch between eu and us, one year in eu then following year in us...
Disable PGW and move PSX to Europe and then it will be ok.
I've been lambasted before for saying exactly this...
They should just have a massive blowout at PSX and hold it in Europe imo.
@Mikethemosher "Consider yourselves lucky theres so much fan service."
While I appreciate your comments about being more positive, don't forget the "fan service" is actually there for PR. In other words it's a vessel to help sell the games, not service the consumers needs (no matter how much the consumer may enjoy it).
@Dodoo its all about perspective dude. Are they going to sell no ones ever heard of? No so they get it ftont of diehards that want stuff to consume.
Are you going to the dyson conferences to test out vacuums? No? Maybe u should. Its a fan event that pr/marketing/sales is heavily involved in. This is how the world turns. Anyone who thinks otherwise is terribly naive.
Those panels were amazing. Is there room for improvement? Yes! Will there always be constructive feedback? Yes!
Agreed PSX 2017 was very lackluster compared to earlier years.
When is the next big gaming convention/conference btw?
Hilarious article! And you folks wonder why Sony won't do a presser in Europe, you're all insatiable 😂😂😂
@Mikethemosher Please watch the language. You have been asked several times before. So please watch it.
@Tasuki hey there tried to pm you to see what was raising a red flag. I dont recall being alerted to this previously either. I'll assume most 4 letter words are not acceptable. Will keep an eye out going forward. Thx for the heads up.
@Mikethemosher There is no PM system here but no worries. Just be mindful is all. It's just that I have to treat everyone equally here is all.
The problem was what was announced it was how it was done, if Sony did a half hour presentation with the things we got then more would have been satisfied but because they had devs talk for ages people get bored. Maximilian Dood on YouTube lost his mind while watching it, complaining about the devs talking about how well Horizon has done saying "there talking about sales at a public convention". Personally I found it incredibly disrespectful to the actual developers who work tirelessly to make the games we play. Why shouldn't they have their moment?
@Quintumply The thing is at last year's PSX The Last of Us Part 2 was announced, they could have done that at E3 but didn't it was a huge gesture to the fans and that's what PSX should be, it should PlayStation's superbowl or Wrestlemania, the place where the the big stuff associated with the brand happens that weekend. The reason I was annoyed was Sony could have had an awesome conference at PSX if they skipped Paris, Ghost of Tshusima would have gone down even more there in front of a hardcore audience instead of a load of media people.
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