Sony Boss Laments No Man’s Sky PR Disaster Amidst Blockbuster Sales
Hello Games’ No Man’s Sky is a beautiful disaster. Although there are approximately 743,000 owners of the game on Steam, reviews for it have been less than stellar. Much of the game’s criticism has come from the developer Sean Murray’s misleading (to some) marketing strategy. Sony’s president Shuhei Yoshida has recently criticized Murray’s PR performance.
Yoshida remarked that he personally “really enjoyed” the game. He played No Man’s Sky before its launch and on the day of its launch once the patches had been released. Yoshida is also sympathetic to those who believe that Murray dabbled a little too much in hyperbole. Yoshida stated, "I understand some of the criticisms especially Sean Murray is getting, because he sounded like he was promising more features in the game from day one.”
Yoshida, however, also defended many of Murray’s actions. He stated that the PR slip-ups were due to Murray’s inexperience with PR (since he is an indie developer) and his lack of PR personnel. Yoshida remarked, “It wasn't a great PR strategy, because he didn't have a PR person helping him, and in the end he is an indie developer. But he says their plan is to continue to develop No Man's Sky features and such, and I'm looking forward to continuing to play the game.”
Many disgruntled gamers actually demanded refunds for No Man’s Sky. Gamers argued that many of the features that were discussed leading up to its launch never made it into the title and the numerous bugs and glitches made the game unplayable. Most of the refunds were unsuccessful. Shahid Kamal Ahmad, former head of Sony's Strategic Content division, tweeted, “If you’re getting a refund after playing a game for 50 hours you’re a thief.”
Overall, Yoshida is pleased with the quality and reception of the game. He is particularly excited that the game is available on the PC and PS4. He remarked, “I am super happy with the game actually, and I'm amazed with the sales the game has gotten...If anything, I am proud that people can play No Man's Sky on PS4 as well as PC.”
Yoshida remarked that he personally “really enjoyed” the game. He played No Man’s Sky before its launch and on the day of its launch once the patches had been released. Yoshida is also sympathetic to those who believe that Murray dabbled a little too much in hyperbole. Yoshida stated, "I understand some of the criticisms especially Sean Murray is getting, because he sounded like he was promising more features in the game from day one.”
Yoshida, however, also defended many of Murray’s actions. He stated that the PR slip-ups were due to Murray’s inexperience with PR (since he is an indie developer) and his lack of PR personnel. Yoshida remarked, “It wasn't a great PR strategy, because he didn't have a PR person helping him, and in the end he is an indie developer. But he says their plan is to continue to develop No Man's Sky features and such, and I'm looking forward to continuing to play the game.”
Many disgruntled gamers actually demanded refunds for No Man’s Sky. Gamers argued that many of the features that were discussed leading up to its launch never made it into the title and the numerous bugs and glitches made the game unplayable. Most of the refunds were unsuccessful. Shahid Kamal Ahmad, former head of Sony's Strategic Content division, tweeted, “If you’re getting a refund after playing a game for 50 hours you’re a thief.”
Overall, Yoshida is pleased with the quality and reception of the game. He is particularly excited that the game is available on the PC and PS4. He remarked, “I am super happy with the game actually, and I'm amazed with the sales the game has gotten...If anything, I am proud that people can play No Man's Sky on PS4 as well as PC.”
