Sony: retail support crucial for PS4, next Xbox

Retail support for the games industry will be crucial for the next generation of consoles, Sony has said, despite its $380m purchase of digital streaming service Gaikai.

The success of the PlayStation 4 and next Xbox will in-part depend on how heavily shops can invest in support for the new hardware, Sony UK boss Fergal Gara told MCV.

Shops will need to show strong backing for publishers as platform holders such as Sony prepare new hardware "injections".

"We'd love to see as many retailers as possible maintain their interest in servicing the space," Gara said. "Clearly down the road many of us are going to be doing our best to give another injection into the market whenever the next cycle starts."

Retailers are currently involved in a "readjustment" of their video game support, Gara explained, as revenues fall from earlier highs.

"Coming down off that 2008 peak has been a steep ride for many and has involved fallout on many levels, not least of all retail.

"So what we're seeing is not really a surprise, a bit of a readjustment if you like and it isn't just happening to the specialists on the High Street. There is a bit of a reappraisal around space and the commitment from other retailers."