Described as “an important new moment in PlayStation history that will power the next 20 years of PlayStation innovation,” Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment International have announced the formation of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Sony Interactive Entertainment, or SIE, is a new company that joins together all of SCE’s and SNEI’s businesses, including hardware, software, content, and network services operations. It will see its headquarters in San Mateo, California, with “key global business operations” in Tokyo and London.
All of these changes will go in effect on Friday, April 1.
Andrew House, President of Sony Computer Entertainment, said:
By integrating the strengths of PlayStation’s hardware, software, content and network operations, SIE will become an even stronger entity, with a clear objective to further accelerate the growth of the PlayStation business. Along with our business partners, SIE will develop pioneering services and products that will continue to inspire consumers’ imaginations and lead the market. We will work hard to maximize corporate value by coordinating global business operations across San Mateo, Tokyo, and London by leveraging local expertise.
Sony adds that the merger will position the company “for enhanced competitiveness, continued expansion and market leadership in all areas. SIE will better respond to the needs of consumers and the evolving digital market to deliver unparalleled interactive entertainment experiences under the PlayStation brand.”
Their key strategies for SIE are to retain and expand PlayStation user engagement, increase Average Revenue Per Paying Users, and drive ancillary revenue. Sony will also “vigorously expand the PlayStation business by delivering an integrated experience built around best-in-class games and network services to consumers worldwide.”
SCEA President Shawn Layden said:
The formation of SIE will create an even stronger PlayStation. That means an even bigger emphasis on developing pioneering platforms like PS4 and PlayStation VR, world-class games from our World Wide Studios development teams, and innovative network services such as PlayStation Vue.
It also means a renewed commitment to making PlayStation the best place to play.
On Twitter, Sony Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida said his title will remain the same with the merger, and he’ll report to Shawn Layden.
Shuhei also retweeted this tweet:
@yosp how come you guys can change your name but we can’t change our PSN names?
— Super Mariota (@__BD1) January 26, 2016
The top image is an overview of global functions for SIE.
