Sony announced today that it is combining Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) — the division that creates the company’s PlayStation hardware — and Sony Network Entertainment, which runs the PlayStation Vue streaming TV and the PlayStation Store, into a single business unit.
The new firm, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), will be headquartered in San Mateo, California, and kick off operations on April 1. It will be headed by president and global CEO Andrew House.
Until now, SCE was headquartered in Tokyo. Today’s announcement will see the Japanese company move base to the US, where its subsidiary SCE America has its head office.
House said:
By integrating the strengths of PlayStation’s hardware, software, content and network operations, SIE will become an even stronger entity, with a clear objective to further accelerate the growth of the PlayStation business. Along with our business partners, SIE will develop pioneering services and products that will continue to inspire consumers’ imaginations and lead the market.
Users of PlayStation apps and consoles will likely not notice any changes in its services.
The move comes almost a year after Sony spun off its audio and video business into a wholly owned subsidiary. Two years ago, the company sold its Vaio PC brand. Today’s restructuring could be a sign that the company wants to hunker down on one of its few remaining profit-making divisions.
➤ Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment announce the formation of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC [Sony Computer Entertainment Press Releases]
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