There has been much anticipation in the build-up to the release of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s (SIE) PlayStation VR, with titles being announced frequently since the release date was announced during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) earlier this month. It has now been reported that the head of Sony Corporation expects virtual reality (VR) to boost the company, even beyond videogames.
Bloomberg reported today that VR will be a game changer when it comes to overall profit, with Sony Corp. expecting a rise of three to four percent profit margin for its games and network services. Kazou Hirai, the head of Sony Corp., reportedly told press in Tokyo “Games and network services are the biggest growth drivers in our mid-term plan”, and went on to explain how VR will go beyond videogaming, saying: “Beyond just games, VR offers an opportunity to make full use of multiple Sony technologies, such as cameras and shooting, content production capabilities and entertainment assets.”
The PlayStation VR has had a positive reception so far judging by the selling out of pre-orders of packaged bundles, with the first wave being completely sold out within a day, now calling for a second chance for PlayStation 4 owners to purchase the bundle that has just gone on sale again this month. The head-mounted display (HMD) will be available officially from 13th October this year.
It was previously reported that 40 million PlayStation 4 units had been sold, and so this opens up availability to all of those owners to purchase the HMD, which priced at £349 GBP is hundreds cheaper than other high-end HMDs such as the Oculus Rift at £499, and the HTC Vive which is even more expensive at £689. This all comes before the official reveal of the PlayStation Neo, which is said to be more expensive than the PlayStation 4 but it won’t replace it.
For further updates on the success in profit of VR’s biggest names, as well as all news and updates in the world of VR, make sure to check back with VRFocus.
