Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) boss Jim Ryan has said that the format holder has no plans to introduce backwards compatibility to PlayStation 4, following Microsoft’s decision to implement the feature into Xbox One.
Speaking with MCV, Ryan said that Microsoft’s move makes a lot of sense, although noted Sony aims to focus its efforts within the realms of SharePlay, Suspend/Resume and Play as you Download for PS4.
“It is an entirely legitimate approach, and if you are seeking to upgrade 360 owners to Xbox One, it is a very logical approach to take.
“Unfortunately there are just not sufficient enough software engineers in the world for everyone to do everything. Each platform holder has to make their choices, we made one and they made another. Their choice is entirely legitimate, and I think our choice is legitimate, too. In some ways it is quite nice to have points of difference between the two platforms, and people will decide which approach suits them best.”
“We have experience of backwards compatibility. The earliest PS3 model was backwards compatible with PS2, and it is a much requested feature… but actually it’s not so greatly used.
“On balance, we are happy with our approach and we don’t wish to be defensive about it at all. But as I say, both approaches are legitimate.”
Of course, one might say the addition of b/c in PS4 would be counter-productive considering Sony is investing heavily in the PlayStation Now service, which allows gamers to stream classic PlayStation titles to multiple devices.
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