rAge was cool for many reasons – there were awesome cosplayers wandering around, cool demos to play and plenty of like-minded people to chat with. I managed to escape the chaos of the floor for the press lounge to interview Robert Fisser, head of PlayStation for the Middle East and Africa. He answered all my questions, including the trickier ones.
For those who don’t watch interviews, Fisser explained that Sony had to increase the price of PlayStation Plus locally to bring us in line with the European market. The model for PlayStation Plus is actually based on the full-price of a game; when we were compared to other markets, we were underpaying quite a bit. Fisser goes on to say that he still believes that PlayStation Plus offers excellent value for gamers, particularly those who are still on PS3. I have to agree – the PS3 games on offer are generally excellent, and I’d strongly recommend for PS+ subscribers who haven’t yet upgraded to next gen to still claim all those PS4 games as they appear. It’s excellent to start your life on a new console with a full library of games to play.
Moving on to PlayStation TV, Fisser was clear that while PlayStation TV is great for streaming PS4 content, it’s also being introduced to South Africa as a low cost gaming alternative. PlayStation is aware of the price sensitivity in South Africa and hopes to help people across the economic spectrum become part of the PlayStation ecosystem.
I like hearing about the commitment that PlayStation has to South Africa. Last generation, South Africa was definitely Xbox country. This time around, PlayStation has started off with a bang. While Xbox One is certainly making an impact since launching, it will be interesting to see which console reigns supreme locally by offering the best experience.
Last Updated: October 14, 2014
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:43
Singstar????????
Sean Carbutt
October 14, 2014 at 13:04
LOL. Oh please no, Sony please, pretty effing please, do not do a selfie on that install. I hated seeing that kak on my PS3 and boy did I try and undo that which cannot be undone
WitWolfy
October 14, 2014 at 13:19
I love Singstar, I welcome another stand alone app for my massive Singstar library. BRING IT!
DrKiller
October 15, 2014 at 11:10
I would buy the thing just for that!
I’m busy on a small project to bring Singstar to Xbox (atleast to my Xbox), but I can’t figure out how to extract the Singstar Treffers disc 🙁 noooooooo
Hammersteyn
October 15, 2014 at 11:11
LOL
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 12:44
For a second I thought they were going to say (about the price increase): “WAHAHAHAHAHAHA WE OWN YOU SUCKAS!”
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 14, 2014 at 13:20
Technically they do own them… what alternative do they have?
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 13:21
Steam? Oh, wait….
😛
HvR
October 14, 2014 at 12:45
Bit disappointed, that was just the rehash of the previous media release. Journalism fail.
The hard questions would have been, why only 4 hour warning before the increase, why do Sony not do things in line with SA consumer legislation, why not to annual or bi-annual increase/decrease with a months notice?
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 12:49
That is the correct question HvR, spot on
GotNews4Ya
October 15, 2014 at 16:20
There has been no “Security Breaches” on the PSN since 2011. The recent outages have been caused by DDoS’ing the servers.. the same “Lizard Squad” has been attacking all kinds of popular games / companies. Including but not limited to: Twitch, Blizzard, League of Legends, Xbox Live, PSN, Destiny, and more.
And.. in light of it all.. Sony’s First and ONLY “Security Breach” has made our Gaming lives a much more pleasant experience.. That is how they started Playstation Plus.. it all started with offering free titles to us to compensate.. and PS+ Free Games was born, which in turn drove Xbox to try and compete by adding GWG.
Kikmi
October 14, 2014 at 12:46
I cant really say I like that explanation, the store is still linked to the EU prices but somehow the pricing for the subscription service is handled in an entirely different way? Nah uh. Doesn’t sound right. How can they have so many different pricing plans on products all essentially part of the PS store/Online environment?
The really need to bring in some sort of transparency for the extra cost above and beyond that, stop using such peculiar and arbitrary pricing methods on their products.
I don’t like the face Sony has been showing in the last little while. Its getting dodgier. Murkier. Uglier.
CaptainNemo42
October 14, 2014 at 13:55
Other questions that would’ve been nice, why is digital more expensive than physical copies, and in particular, why is digital copies of PS games so much more expensive than Xbox?
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:46
So not Robert Fischer?
http://officialmancard.com/omc/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Inseption_Deeper.jpg
Alex Hicks
October 14, 2014 at 12:47
Question is only half asked and answered. Not just why (and to be fair, the explanation holds water – even if it leaves a bad taste – we really need SA or MEA specific pricing; not the European model. Last time I checked – we use the rand as our currency; not the euro) but more importantly, why such short notice.
In my view, as an unaffected third party, simply because I cannot afford either console, that was the issue which rankled most – one day notice is a bit on the short side.
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 12:49
Agreed
Jonah Cash
October 14, 2014 at 12:59
The price has actually not changed on the PS4….. I checked it yesterday or the day before and it was still only over R500!! So somewhere there is still a bit of confusion it would seem!!
Alex Hicks
October 14, 2014 at 13:05
Really? That’s even worse – now you’re taking PR flak for something you didn’t even do!
Starting to worry about Sony’s competence. Their launch was so superb; and since then they’ve been sliding. XBone messed up originally; and now getting better – seems both are pretty daft.
Or is it more sinister than that? Do the two major players just think gamers are some sort of perpetually pimply 14 y/o still stuck in the 80’s with no clue, and limitless parental pockets to raid?
Jonah Cash
October 14, 2014 at 13:10
Look I paid on Xbox 360 for a subscription which really only allowed me to play online, now I pay a subscription and get free games every month and can play online… I get that they handled it like idiots but I don’t see a problem with it other than the 1 day notice!! I am enjoying Dust with my 4 year old, she calls it the ice game… Have no idea where ice got into her little head but it is sticking!! And we played Trine 2 together which was one of the best games I have played this year….
But yes the PR teams for both are not up to scratch at all!!
Alex Hicks
October 14, 2014 at 13:15
Oh, I’m not disputing the value for money. I’m not even saying the two teams are on par yet – MS had such a massively bad start that Sony have a sizable lead and are unlikely to let it slip.
Doesn’t excuse the incredibly poor handling of numerous issues.
Jonah Cash
October 14, 2014 at 13:24
I agree, and I am not giving them a free ride… They make a fair point but they should have given us a month or so to acclimatize to the news I think!!
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 13:08
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?
HvR
October 14, 2014 at 13:09
Have tried buying through the PS4 interface, was teh same on the za store site. Could add to basket etc but when purchasing you were met with an error code.
Jonah Cash
October 14, 2014 at 13:12
Well played by them for trolling me then!! Hahahahaha
I really don’t care, I get most of my gaming fix online for the last 4-5 years!! So I will be paying whatever it is to keep on doing just that!! Means one less game for the year… Who am I kidding, it means one less weekend away!!
HvR
October 14, 2014 at 13:17
My big gripe was the way they did it, underhanded and half-ass.
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 13:21
That is such an accurate description, “half-ass”
YOU CANNOT DO ANYTHING WITH HALF AN ASS!!!!
So very well said then
HvR
October 14, 2014 at 13:25
Well you can bake two dozen garage beef pies with half an ass.
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 13:31
…only to have some full ass explosion later on from consuming said ass pies
HvR
October 14, 2014 at 13:40
Known as the Microsoft 180
FoxOneZA
October 14, 2014 at 12:47
PS3 games were never R450, not on launch day anyways.
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:48
Yeah, they cost more than R450
WitWolfy
October 14, 2014 at 13:20
At launch PS3 games were R900, I remember going HOLY BANANAS as a 360 user that time.
FoxOneZA
October 14, 2014 at 15:23
Haze LOL!
WitWolfy
October 14, 2014 at 15:54
The legendary “Halo killer” LOL
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:48
I think someone forgot to release the press release about the PS+ increase
Alex Hicks
October 14, 2014 at 12:51
That may be the answer – but even so. A press release is hardly sufficient for a decision of this magnitude. You release the news in stages; with an explanation; and you swallow the low price for another couple of months. If it’s been undercharged for years; why the sudden requirement to change it IMMEDIATELY.
This reminds me of the kalahari voucher PR fuckup. Are our marketing departments really that bad at handling crises?
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 12:52
Kalahari has since then not seen ANY business from me
HvR
October 14, 2014 at 12:53
Ironically I was “forced” to make a panic last minute PS+ 1 year voucher purchase with eBucks due to missing the price increase mail.
Other than that no business from me.
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:54
Same here
Alex Hicks
October 14, 2014 at 12:57
EXACTLY! Long term benefit versus short term damage limitation. I used to work for an online marketing firm – that was always the overriding principle.
If you’ve buggered up a campaign; and someone takes advantage of it – you fix the campaign moving forwards – never penalise those who took advantage of your mistake after the fact. The long term gain outweighs the short term loss.
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:53
Kalahari is a desert, that’s it. I’ve wiped all existence of the use of the name for any other purposes out of my mind.
Travis
October 14, 2014 at 12:54
Looks like takealot will take over the branding when they merge.
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:55
They can takethelot to the desert then.
HvR
October 14, 2014 at 12:56
TakeAHarri
Travis
October 14, 2014 at 12:57
Takelot CEO will be in charge of new merged entity. Basically Naspers saw they were being eaten up my Takealot and had to do the merger. Takelot FTW.
HvR
October 14, 2014 at 12:56
Seeing as Naspers own Kalahari and it is by far the bigger of the two companies I fear it will be the Kalahari devil behind a TakeAlot mask we will be dealing with.
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 12:56
They should just fire/destroy/disintegrate the PR and call centre first
Travis
October 14, 2014 at 13:08
Theres a plan, are you organising a STRIKE mission?
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 13:13
Can be arranged…
McFancypants HD 3.0
October 14, 2014 at 13:24
Nighfall with Heroic activated, or just a normal Strike mission?
Cos let’s be honest? With RNG, I’d rather go with a Nighfall Strike.
Travis
October 14, 2014 at 12:58
No it wont, Takealot CEO will be in charge. Kalahari was a headache for Naspers, and they were losing market share quickly so they basically had to do the meger and make it someone elses problem. Naspers also recently closed down loads of other SA sites including sacamera and my favourite 5ounces.co.za
HvR
October 14, 2014 at 13:19
The mail I saw stated they are going to be “co-CEO’s”.
In my mind that is the TakeALot CEO with Kalli Hari arm shoved up his ass.
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:49
What accent is that?
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 12:50
Human
Alex Hicks
October 14, 2014 at 12:52
You sure? Sounded a little closer to “corporate executive” than “human”.
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 12:52
“Former human” then? Or sub-human?
Alex Hicks
October 14, 2014 at 12:53
yes. much closer. I’ll go with sub-human
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 14, 2014 at 12:59
MBA-bot?
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:53
Oh snap
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 12:50
American wannabe…
OH, you mean the other dude?
😛
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:50
lol
eyesuc
October 14, 2014 at 13:04
Robert Fisser’s accent sounds more South African than Zoe. Odd.
Her Highness the Hipster
October 14, 2014 at 13:50
Dutch. I could hear it instantly, started speaking it with him off camera. he’s from near where i studied 🙂
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 14:15
Small world
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:50
If the interview was held this weekend he wouldn’t have mentioned Driveclub
FoxOneZA
October 14, 2014 at 12:51
You hike the prices of games and subscriptions out of the range of the competition and then you hope people would still buy your product???
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:54
If they aimed for everyone to renew before the increase I think it worked
FoxOneZA
October 14, 2014 at 12:57
But not a good proposition for newcomers 😉
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 12:58
Agreed
RinceThis
October 14, 2014 at 12:55
You forgot to say meeting up with peeps was the best thing at rAge!
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 14, 2014 at 12:58
They met you, they’re trying to forget 😛
RinceThis
October 14, 2014 at 13:06
Tis true! #proud
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 13:07
LOOOOOOOOOOOL, no wonder copious amounts of alcohol was consumed!
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 13:11
Wait till they get a load of me
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 13:13
“a load of me”
AGNEESIESMANDEON
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 13:15
hahahaha sies back at you, that’s a normal expression.
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 14, 2014 at 13:18
Aren’t you glad you didn’t type “off” by accident hehe
RinceThis
October 14, 2014 at 13:19
HAHAHA
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 13:33
O_o I am now.
Francois Knoetze
October 14, 2014 at 13:14
increased my ps plus membership to 2016 a week ago still at the old price 😛 SCOOOOORE!!
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 13:16
Unless they decrease it 😛
Francois Knoetze
October 14, 2014 at 13:17
R495 or something like that….was browsing and saw the news and went. “aww shucks, now I have to pay more next year” then I was on the ps4 store,saw the price and just decided BUY BUY BUY
HvR
October 14, 2014 at 13:23
That will involve the Rand getting much stronger, Zuma growing a conscience, Ju-Ju acting like a normal human.
Jonah Cash
October 14, 2014 at 13:26
…………………..
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 13:32
In other words : NOT BLOODY LIKELY
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2014 at 13:33
And people abolishing cars opting to ride unicorns to work
L337J1MB0B
October 14, 2014 at 14:09
Last generation SA was Xbox country?! Rubbish!!
Ross Woofels Mason
October 14, 2014 at 15:05
Personally not all the fussed about the increase I just think the lack of warning and the cheek to call it a “slight” increase is what pissed me off.
BadabingbadaBoom
October 15, 2014 at 14:10
Your lasso of truth is far from the truth. your headline is misleading.
The priceshift is only in South-Africa.
And the best gaming experience you get on the best console, the PS4.
Xcalibersa
October 15, 2014 at 15:21
errr… its a bit embarrassing that you are now regarded as click bait,.
Ryan lee
October 15, 2014 at 17:52
Dat author’s avatar is SEXY
eVo
March 24, 2015 at 22:48
where can you buy playstation plus cards? Without making a banking transaction that is…pure cold cash
eVo
March 24, 2015 at 22:49
in South africa…near stellenbosch/Cape town
Hermione Granger
August 8, 2015 at 23:24
first they rise the monthly fee and you will hear the sonnyans defenders
say, ‘its no important because the annual fee is the same’… everyone
with a brain knows what comes next, the annual fee will rise too.. and
then
the sonnyan defenders will be there again and say, ‘its the best
service ever so its worth it’.. its all bs.. sony can go to h el l with
their greed and psn is the crap. psn is s h i t!
Mattewis Kat
May 5, 2016 at 06:42
As for helping “people across the economic spectrum become part of the PS ecosystem” I think Fisser is just as out of touch with reality than our president (Zuma)! This just isn’t true. For example the pre-order price of the Assetto Corsa bundle is priced at R833 on the UK PSN (even with today’s poor exchange rate), whilst it will set you back R1049 on the ZA PSN. I already own the game on STEAM and at this point in time it’s only the cost of a decent graphics card standing in my way. Once that occurs the PS4 will be doing more YouTube videos than games.