It was just days ago that Phil Harrison [Please register to see this link. ] over his colleagues in Japan who shot down his vision of social gaming. He referred to it as “a very interesting and frustrating thing for me to experience,” noting that he had been “banging the drum about social gaming for a long time, with SingStar, EyeToy and Buzz.”
Sony Computer Entertainment today announced the resignation of Harrison, effective February 29, 2008. Kaz Hirai will see yet another promotion as he will assume the responsibilities of Harrison as head of SCE Worldwide Studios in addition to his current position as president and CEO of SCEI. From the [Please register to see this link. ]:
Prior to the launch of the original PlayStation, Phil Harrison joined Sony Electronics Publishing, Ltd. in 1992, which later evolved into Sony computer Entertainment Europe, and since then, he has made a tremendous contribution to the company playing a strategic role in the launch of four PlayStation platforms, as well as building strong relationships with game developers and publishers throughout the world. Since his appointment to the position of president, SCE WWS, Harrison applied his considerable skill, knowledge and expertise to lead SCE Group’s first party game development as well as aggressively pursuing the development of new online entertainment experiences.
Given the timing of his recent statements, it’s hard to imagine that the two aren’t somehow connected. There’s no word on what his future plans are or if he’ll be doing any sort of exit interviews, but with NDAs and all, we might never know what the cause of his departure was for sure. Wherever he does end up, though, I’d like to wish him the best.
via [Please register to see this link. ]
---Related Articles at Gaming Today:GDC 08: Phil Harrison Frustrated with Sony Japan’s Adoption of Social GamingNew PS2 Peripherals Hinted at by Phil HarrisonHome Beta Still Coming This YearSony Confuses Us Again, This Time With Force FeedbackDueling Analogs PS3 Sales Solution
Sony Worldwide Studios Prez Phil Harrison Resigns
