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'Father of PlayStation' retires from Sony

Published on 27th April 2007 by Joe Martin

Ken Kutaragi, the guy that introduced the world to the PS1 and PS2, has stepped down to an advisory role only at Sony.

Sony has recently declared that Ken Kutaragi, the so-called 'Father of PlayStation', will be retiring from Sony in June and will be taking an honorary role as Chairman. His main duty will be offering guidance to Sir Howard Stringer, the CEO of Sony, kind of like a man-sized strategy guide.

Kutaragi is credited with inventing the first two models of the PlayStation, two of the most successful consoles of all time and which still hold a presence in the hearts and bedrooms of gamers worldwide.

Unfortunately, sales of the PS3 have been disappointing and the company is now reportedly dealing with losses of up to $2 billion in its video games division accumulated over the last year.

Kaz Hirai, another prominent figure at Sony, will be promoted to CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., while remaining in position as company President.

Kutaragi released a statement through Sony, saying he has decided to continue his work on projects beyond PlayStation and "accelerate his network vision"

"I am happy to graduate from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. after introducing four platforms to the PlayStation family," said Kutaragi to press.

Want to pass on good wishes to Kutaragi, or want to blast Sony for allowing him to step down? Do so in the forums.

8 Comments

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Swafeman 27th April 2007, 16:00

That'll teach him

"Ridge Racer......

..... Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidge.... Raccceeeeeeeeeeeeeer!

Oh, nobody cares anymore :("

BioSniper 27th April 2007, 17:12

Can I troll?
I'll take your silence as a yes :p

"Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch!
Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead."

Obviously I would not wish death upon him because I'm not (totally) heartless but I'm kinda glad. Though his new position surely means that he has some say in future developments in any case?

olly_lewis 27th April 2007, 17:25

Thanks for the trolling there, but the creator of two of the most popular consoles in history is no "witch" sir, though the PS3 has become a bi-word for everything bad in corporate development... but please remember: Nintendo did not invent ingenuity and they are not the gleaming entity many see it as... they were the Sony of their day and certainly were just as devious...

devdevil85 27th April 2007, 17:27

For how much profit he has brought Sony through the years of PS1, PS2 & PSP he deserves to retire whenever he pleases in my mind. I don't see this as a corporate reshuffle; "reshuffle" sounds a little too sudden and imprompt. I bet it's been in the works for a few years now and I'd call it more of a "corporate realignment or re-identification". Luckily he will still be actively participating in current/future developement, so that's a plus!

LVMike 27th April 2007, 17:38

well its good they are bringing some one else in, but they need to bring in new blood, someone new to Sony not a reshuffled manager from a nother department. I dont see this having much impact for a while anyway.

BioSniper 27th April 2007, 18:06

It was only meant as a joke trolling (taking the wee wee out of eurogamer comments list tbh)

Colonel Sanders 27th April 2007, 18:52

Whether you like the PS3 or not, there is no denying that the PS1 and 2 have certainly helped define consoles. Nintendo doesn't ever want to release mature games like GTA - and I really doubt MS would have entered the consoles if Sony had chosen to stay out - I mean Sony weakened Nintendo's grasp on consoles and essentially killed Sega (well, Sega was bound to die, and not simply because of Sony) thus leaving a market where MS could grow.

I find it a bit repulsive if your even glad to see the man leaving Sony.

L J

DXR_13KE 27th April 2007, 20:07

the third one is the charm..... :D

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