Breaking: Phil Harrison parts ways with Sony

by Daniel Nasserian - Feb 25 2008, 22:56

Sony announced today that Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), will be stepping down from his position on February 29, 2008.

"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, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment International. "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."

This news comes as a surprise as Harrison ends his 15-year long professional relationship with the company. It is noted that his recent public criticism of Sony Japan for not making gaming more social or casual might have something to do with his decision.

"It's a very interesting and frustrating thing for me to experience because I have been banging the drum about social gaming for a long time, with SingStar, EyeToy and Buzz," Harrison said. "And our Japanese colleagues said that there is no such thing as social gaming in Japan -- people do not play games on the same sofa together in each other's homes. It will never happen. And then out comes the Wii."

Though Harrison and Sony Japan might have not seen eye to eye, his departure appears to be a civil one.

"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."

Phil Harrison is credited in playing a part in the global popularity of all three PlayStation videogame consoles and the PlayStation Portable. His duties will be shouldered by SCEI president and Group CEO, Kazuo Hirai.

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