Sony, a giant in the world of multimedia, is facing a curious dilemma: a lack of carefully cultivated and nurtured intellectual property across its diverse portfolio. While the company boasts a wide array of video games, anime, TV shows, and films, it’s not quite at the same level as companies like Microsoft or Nintendo when it comes to fostering enduring franchises.
This was acknowledged by Sony CFO and SIE CEO Hiroki Totoki in a recent interview with The Financial Times. “Whether it’s for games, films or anime, we don’t have that much IP that we fostered from the beginning,” he stated. At first glance, this may seem odd considering Sony’s impressive library of video game franchises. After all, names like Uncharted, God of War, and Spider-Man have become household names in the gaming world.
However, Totoki’s comment highlights a larger trend. Sony hasn’t consistently nurtured and expanded upon its existing franchises. While some, like Horizon, are relatively new, others have seen limited development or exploration outside of their core game format. This lack of consistent investment in IP development is not just limited to gaming. It applies across Sony’s entire entertainment landscape.
There’s a clear opportunity for Sony to bridge the gap between its gaming and entertainment divisions. The company could leverage its existing game franchises to create new content, like anime or television series, as it has done with The Last of Us and Uncharted. Additionally, Sony could explore expanding the scope of its games beyond their core formats, potentially creating live service titles based on franchises like Killzone, Resistance, or Twisted Metal. These titles could offer a wider audience and greater engagement compared to new IPs like Concord.
Sony’s recognition of this IP gap presents a strategic opportunity. By focusing on nurturing and expanding its existing franchises across various media, Sony can create a more cohesive and impactful entertainment experience for its audience. The future of Sony’s success could hinge on how effectively it capitalizes on its vast library of beloved franchises and translates them into a truly unified entertainment empire.
