Sony: Retail important for PS4

Sony has revealed that retail will still be important to the future of the PlayStation 4.

The company recently announced a deal to acquire game-streaming service Gaikai for $380million USD, leading to speculation that boxed gaming could be on the way out.

Sony UK boss Fergal Gara insists traditional methods of purchasing games will be vital for companies making the transition to next-generation platforms.

Gara told MCV: “Coming down off that 2008 peak has been a steep ride for many and has involved fallout on many levels, not least of all retail.

“So what we’re seeing is not really a surprise, a bit of a readjustment if you like and it isn’t just happening to the specialists on the High Street. There is a bit of reappraisal around space and the commitment from other retailers.

“We’d love to see as many of those retailers as possible maintain their interest in servicing the space because clearly down the road many of us are going to be doing our best to give another injection into the market whenever the next cycle starts.”

The next-generation consoles are expected to launch some time in 2013.