Steinberg, Dyer leave Sony's Playstation team

**Sub-stance1** · 12-01-2011

What the hell!!!!I haven't really head much about theses two.

We don't get it, PlayStation. Did you get a new haircut? What is it that you've changed recently that's driving away all of your top execs? Earlier this year, it was Peter Dille (again) and now Scott Steinberg and Rob Dyer.

Steinberg, who was VP of marketing since 2007, and Dyer, senior VP of public relations since 2008, are out as of today, a spokesperson confirmed with Industry Gamers. An IG source claims that Steinberg was escorted out by security -- "let go" as it were -- while it's rumored Dyer has resigned from his post for a new spot at Zynga. Both have quite the history in the gaming industry: Steinberg has served at Sega of America, Eidos and Crystal Interactive; Dyer also served at Eidos and Crystal Interactive prior to his jaunt at Sony.

We've followed up with Sony for confirmation on both fronts. In the meanwhile, we'll be tearing up some TPS Reports in the office shredder in honor of our fallen homeboys.
http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/st...ystation-team/

**ddPLaNeT** · 12-01-2011

Looks like they're cleaning the shit up at Sony.

Sony are probably rethinking their strategy for their next gen console. Getting rid of those guys was part of the plan maybe... I don't think it's a major loss though, it's not like Jack Tretton or Kaz left...

**AaronSOLDIER** · 12-01-2011

Since the marketing is so shit anyway its not like its much of a loss.

**F34R** · 12-01-2011

Sony probably realized neither were doing their job... doesn't seem like a bad cut on face value.

**Nitey** · 12-01-2011

"Escorted out by security", interesting

Ringing in the changes before Vita hits! lol

**TEJ2025** · 12-01-2011

Originally Posted by Nitey

"Escorted out by security", interesting

Ringing in the changes before Vita hits! lol

If I ever get fired from my job I want the title of the article to read "escorted out by security" It's just a better story to tell your kids.

**AaronSOLDIER** · 12-01-2011

Whoever they've got to replace them, lets hope they actually do a good marketing job for Vita and not just sit back and watch like these guys did.

**mickice** · 12-01-2011

Seems like public relations and marking and been been given the boot.

This can only be a good thing. SONY's only true weakness.

**Nitey** · 12-01-2011

Originally Posted by AaronSOLDIER

Whoever they've got to replace them, lets hope they actually do a good marketing job for Vita and not just sit back and watch like these guys did.

Agreed. There is a definitely a big interest in the Vita, they need to make more people aware of it

**AaronSOLDIER** · 12-01-2011

They need ads everywhere for when it launches

**Mael Duin** · 12-01-2011

Two guys leaving from the marketing? Good riddance. Sonys marketing has been horrible compared to Nintendo and MS.

**radgamer420** · 12-01-2011

Originally Posted by Mael Duin

Two guys leaving from the marketing? Good riddance. Sonys marketing has been horrible compared to Nintendo and MS.

Thats true. I must say that I've been seeing alot of PS3 commercials lately so thats a good thing.

**Mael Duin** · 12-01-2011

Originally Posted by radgamer420

Thats true. I must say that I've been seeing alot of PS3 commercials lately so thats a good thing.

Same here. This is something that should have been done a long time ago.

**radgamer420** · 12-01-2011

Originally Posted by Mael Duin

Same here. This is something that should have been done a long time ago.

I agree.

**LegendaryAim** · 12-02-2011

Marketing? yeah Sony needs to do some clean up there

**Jo-san** · 12-02-2011

I think the clear-out should have happened a long time ago and should still go a lot further. Those KB adverts did nothing but appease loyalists which is exceptionally poor advertising to consumers not in the 'know'.

Primarily however, I suspect these changes aren't connected to any long-term strategy overhaul, but a reflection of the rumoured poor Black Friday sales in the US. Microsoft and Nintendo both provided sales figures, but Sony declined.

**Nakatomi Uk** · 12-02-2011

For marketing in advertisements I very rarely see many on UK TV just the odd one when it comes to a multi Platform game but a few when it comes to a top AAA title like Uncharted 3 butt hen that doesn't last long.

**Wasib** · 12-03-2011

What to say?

Sad situation all around really.

The PS3 is in terminal decline in the U.S. market - the situation will soon reach critical point. It is hard to understand why this has happened but I can hazard a guess. Microsoft have constantly re-vitalized and energized their marketing campaigns appealing to a larger and more varied customer. Combined with this they have worked harder at retail with retailer discounts, game bundles etc.

Nintendo have done the same. This is proven by Black Friday Sales of all times where the marketing and bundling kicks in. Sony simply don't market (including retail promotions) the PS3 hard enough.

The other main issue of course Sony don't have a large casual draw in the form of Kinect and the Wii Mote. It is interesting to note also that Just Dance 3 was left out on the PS3 as a release in October - a title which managed massive sales in the Black Friday Week.

Sure Sony fired two people responsible for their U.S. marketing activities - but really I believe the rot is deeper than these two people and is from the top-down in Sony Computer Entertainment but also Sony as a whole. It is a total management and strategic failure on behalf of Sony. And with the Vita just around the corner - another market failure is upon Sony.

That however is a debate for another day (when the dreadful sales of the PS Vita in the U.S. market are reported).

**mickice** · 12-03-2011

Originally Posted by Nakatomi Uk

For marketing in advertisements I very rarely see many on UK TV just the odd one when it comes to a multi Platform game but a few when it comes to a top AAA title like Uncharted 3 butt hen that doesn't last long.

I've seen Uncharted ads maybe 5/6 times now, but mostly in later slots.