Phil Harrison is Leaving us

[Toxa]

http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/080225e.html

Tokyo, February 25, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group as of February 29, 2008. Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties.

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.

“As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry,” said Kazuo Hirai. “It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors.”

“The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far,” said Phil Harrison. “I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.”

[blitz6speed]

That came out of nowhere. Damn!

[MOONPHASE]

why would he resign?

[Need0fMany]

Originally Posted by MOONPHASE

why would he resign?

The two most common reasons for such a move are 1) money and 2) power. 1) better salary, more benefits, more stocks 2) higher title or path to move higher, more control over projects and direction

[ezcobar411]

I will miss you Phil. Hope that you enjoy your new position elsewhere.

[Blu Titan]

Phil did a great job in the development and promotion of the PS3. He will be missed.

[aygie]

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/25/p...n-out-at-sony/

[NARMAK]

Man, sure gonna miss him

He always knew how to defend the PS3 when it came under fire in just the right way, it is a true loss, any news on where he is going?

[AikonEnt]

Hopefully he doesn't walk straight into the arms of Microcrap to help develop the crapbox. That would certainly be like Sony scoring an own goal.

[ezcobar411]

Originally Posted by AikonEnt

Hopefully he doesn't walk straight into the arms of Microcrap to help develop the crapbox. That would certainly be like Sony scoring an own goal.

According to some reports he's going to Atari

[mightypen]

A surprise initially, but in retrospect, seems obvious after his recent comments.

[MOONPHASE]

Originally Posted by ezcobar411

According to some reports he's going to Atari

if thats true then Atari should be able to release out very good games that probably will go to PS3

[FailedEXE]

So he's resigning because he feels disappointed from the lackluster PSN? Or he's eager to promote the features we were suspose to receive from the request of the community, but either they keep getting delayed or not coming at all? Something to do with GDC? Im not getting the whole picture.

[quaylie]

I hope this doesn't mean further delays for Home...I thought that was his bread and butter.

[Mekon]

I am well surprised about this, did not see it coming. Hopefully he will not go to any of the competitors. I reckon it has to do with his comments about Japan, they dont like people having a go.

Thanks for the years Phil.

Cheers
GreenMekon

[stockstar1138]

jesus, Atari (ATAR) is up over 20% on the speculation he is going there. I guess its pretty widely believed thats were he is headed.

[dahoover]

This sucks! I always felt like Phil was one of the guys at Sony that really got it.

Hopefully he stays in the videogame industry.

[saprano]

Originally Posted by Aygie

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/25/p...n-out-at-sony/

I was thinking the same thing as soon as i saw the threads title. maby was he said about japan being slow to social gaming pissed them off, and they fired him. or he really was upset about japan being slow and left,I think he got fired. think about it! remember that secret title sony showed that jernalist?(search in the ps3 section) the guy told harrison he saw the game, and he was shocked and scared that he new about. why would he be worried if somebody knew about the game, if in a few days he KNEW he was leaving?....................buy anyway he is really gonna be missed, every liked the guy. he new how to talk to a crowd, sony just lost somebody VERY importent.

[Paden]

Originally Posted by ezcobar411

According to some reports he's going to Atari

Cool. I can't wait for Space Invaders 2008 for PS3.

[ikbradley]

Originally Posted by saprano

I was thinking the same thing as soon as i saw the threads title. maby was he said about japan being slow to social gaming pissed them off, and they fired him. or he really was upset about japan being slow and left,I think he got fired. think about it! remember that secret title sony showed that jernalist?(search in the ps3 section) the guy told harrison he saw the game, and he was shocked and scared that he new about. why would he be worried if somebody knew about the game, if in a few days he KNEW he was leaving?....................buy anyway he is really gonna be missed, every liked the guy. he new how to talk to a crowd, sony just lost somebody VERY importent.

Senior executives don't get fired for trivial matters like that. Executives get fired because of underperforming on a yearly basis.

The guy probably has a family, more money than he knows what to do with it, and can lead a happy life off the interest of his savings. Things are usually not as complex as they seem.