Sony Japan Huddles, Plans For The Future Of PlayStation 4 Network; Infrastructure In Development For Digital, Downloaded, Streamed Content

Tags: PlayStation 4 Network; PlayStation Now Network; PlayStation Plus Network

BY Staff Reporter May 24, 2014 10:54 PM EDT

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has plenty of plans for the PlayStation 4 Network, with streams, DLC, portables, and integrated media considered.

Sony CEO Kaz Hirai took the helm in a recent corporate meeting, elaborating on the company's plans to maximize the brand. The future of Sony will also hinge on the potential of the PlayStation Now and the PlayStation Plus.

Hirai anticipates a broader market that goes beyond the gaming crowd, with video and music content contributing in the profits. He mentions the need for a solid infrastructure to support the integrated services, though.

In reference to the PlayStation 4 Network and the PlayStation Plus: "...the market there is going to grow hugely, but at the same time as we see the growth of the business, we have to be prepared with a solid enough network infrastructure."

Proactive measures need to be implemented as early as possible, in anticipation of a larger market, bigger demands. "...so that when we see a growth in subscribers we can still maintain the network business, so this year is the time when we have to invest in infrastructure building."

A streaming service for the PlayStation 4 Network is currently under beta testing in the US, and will cover more areas in the following months. Sony is placing higher priority on streamed content as opposed to digital (disc-based) and downloadable content.

Sony also plans to integrate PlayStation Now services with the new wave of BRAVIA LCD TV's, scheduled to roll out 2015. Hirai anticipates a range of networked services available in the coming years, and investing in infrastructure ensures the company is prepared for the changes.

It implies the company is transitioning from consoles and disc-based games to a fully-streamed experience. The market is still adjusting to DLC at present, and streaming remains a possibility, at least for the next few years. Related service for the PlayStation 4 Network is yet to be implemented, pending results of market tests (dualshockers.com).