Sony Lacks Original Franchises, Admits Executive

Sony's Chief Financial Officer Hiroki Totoki expressed concerns about the company's lack of original intellectual properties (IP) in a recent interview, suggesting that this deficiency hinders its competitiveness against rivals. He emphasized that Sony needs to cultivate more homegrown franchises across its gaming, film, and anime sectors, as current successes primarily rely on existing IP like Spider-Man and The Last of Us. Fans have reacted by reminiscing about long-forgotten franchises such as Sly Cooper and Resistance, sparking conversations about Sony's past creative successes. Sony's strategy has leaned heavily on acquiring established franchises rather than developing new ones, a trend seen across the media landscape as companies seek to capitalize on recognizable content for streaming and other platforms. Meanwhile, Sony's latest online game, Concord, was discontinued shortly after launch, leaving fans nostalgic for classic titles like Infamous and Dark Cloud while looking forward to the upcoming release of Astro Bot.

Sony should consider reviving franchises like Sly Cooper, Resistance, and Infamous, which have nostalgic value for fans and could invigorate its portfolio of original content.

Astro Bot, the upcoming platformer releasing on September 6, serves as one of Sony's original properties, showcasing the company's effort to create new experiences for players amidst calls for the return of classic franchises. With a rich history of exciting games, reviving beloved franchises could offer a strategic avenue for Sony to deepen its engagement with gamers and evolve its brand.