PlayStation History Overview

PlayStation Overview

• The PlayStation was a groundbreaking video game console.
• It marked a significant shift in the video game industry.
• It introduced a new and innovative concept.
• It was released in Japan in 1994, the USA in 1995, and Europe in 1995.

PlayStation Origins

• Sony initially collaborated with Nintendo in the early 1990s to create a CD-ROM drive for the Super Nintendo.
• Nintendo was interested in a disc-based system to compete with Sega's Mega-CD.
• However, early CD-ROM technology for the Super Nintendo had issues:
  • Discs were easily corrupted.
  • No copy protection system was implemented.
• These issues led to the cancellation of the project with Nintendo.

Playstation's Response to Nintendo

• The Sony President, Norio Ohga, convened a meeting in Tokyo.
• He acknowledged that financial penalties wouldn't be enough to address the failed project with Nintendo.
• Sony intended to create a console to compete with, and not just supplement, Nintendo.
• In partnership with Philips, Sony developed the CD-ROM standard.

PlayStation Development

• Ken Kutaragi was the chief architect of the PlayStation.
• He had previously designed the audio chip for the Super Nintendo.
• He designed a console specifically designed to handle 3D polygonal graphics.

PlayStation Success Factors

• Price: The initial price of the PlayStation console was $299.
• CD-ROM: The CD-ROM technology offered greater storage capacity, leading to higher quality games with more features. It also offered the potential for rich multimedia content.
• 3D Graphics: The console was designed from the start to handle 3D polygonal graphics with greater realism and detail.
• Ease of Programming: The console was easier to program than its primary competitor, the Sega Saturn.
• Game Catalog: The initial game lineup was strong, and included both exclusive and third-party titles.
• Marketing Campaign: The marketing approach was innovative, and particularly effective in Europe.
• Final Fantasy VII: This popular game series made its transition to PlayStation, which helped to boost sales.

PlayStation Piracy

• The console's anti-copying system was cracked.
• Modchips were used to circumvent the copy protection.
• In Spain, piracy might have helped sales by allowing players faster access to games.

PlayStation Versions (PSX) Sales

• 104 million consoles were sold worldwide.
• 39 Million in North America
• 37 Million in Europe
• 19 Million in Japan
• 9 Million in the rest of the world.
• Gran Turismo was the game with the highest sales (more than 10.85 million units)

PlayStation Redesign

• Redesigned console in 1997.
• The design was more compact.
• The Dualshock controller introduced two analog sticks and a vibration function.

Other Key Information

• Key Third-Party Game Titles mentioned include:
  • Tekken 3
  • Metal Gear Solid
  • Gran Turismo
  • Resident Evil 2
  • Crash Bandicoot
  • Final Fantasy IX
• Castlevania Symphony of The Night was important but was a 2D game.