New gaming consoles traditionally roll out in stages, as different regions receive the systems at different times to stem demand and allow manufacturers to catch up to the initial rush of customers ordering the machines in key markets. However, it looks like Sony might attempt to release the PlayStation 4 globally in 2013, if a statement by Gamestop's vice president of strategy business and brand development Michael Hogan is anything to believe.
MCV India has reported that Hogan, in a financial call with investors, declared that Sony intends to honor the holiday 2013 release date for the PlayStation 4 for all markets, not just in North America.
"We know that Sony will introduce the PlayStation 4 globally in 2013, but we are still waiting to see what Microsoft's final plans are," he stated.
It was initially speculated that Europeans would have to wait until 2014 to get the next-gen console. However, if Hogan correct in his assertion, then that is no longer the case. In the past, consoles have come out in Japan and North America first, followed by Europe and the rest of the world. By having a global launch, Sony could preemptively launch the system in Europe before Microsoft releases their next-gen Xbox, thus getting a potential window of exclusivity on the continent.
Sony should begin production of the PlayStation 4 in August, with 16 million units planned to be available for launch. This, of course, is great news for Gamestop, which faced a somewhat underwhelming 2012 as gamers started looking forward to the future and sales of current-gen consoles began to slow.
"With Grand Theft Auto V and Battlefield 4 releasing in the third quarter, and the PlayStation 4 launching in the fourth quarter, we expect a return to growth for the back half of the year," said Gamestop CFO Robert Loyd regarding the company's outlook for the coming year.
Sony has yet to announce when exactly the PlayStation 4 will become available.