I understand that you did a lot better than some in addressing the situation, but that was still three months. And… is there still going to be the free PlayStation Plus version?
JR: That’s still being looked at.
You can’t guarantee that it will ever happen?
JR: I can’t say anything at this stage.
JR: That’s still being looked at.
You can’t guarantee that it will ever happen?
JR: I can’t say anything at this stage.
Bummer.
Now, what did Ryan have to say about GamerGate and the harassment that those in the group perpetuate?
Well, speaking of gamers. I’m sure publishers were very glad to have been largely left out of GamerGate, and I don’t blame you for an instant for trying to keep your distance. But again I found that whole thing just profoundly depressing. I… [pauses] well, I’m literally lost for words. But it was just shocking to me to see that that level of misogyny existed today. And a whole movement based on the most ludicrous conspiracies, and convinced it’s fighting some great injustice. How was – and is I should say, because it’s still going on – GamerGate viewed by Sony? Did you just sit back and think, ‘Thank god that’s got nothing to do with us’?
JR: What do you mean it’s got nothing to do with us?
Well, in that they weren’t attacking publishers or console manufactures. But it must have greatly damaged the public perception of gamers and gaming in general. All the mainstream coverage… apparently there was even an episode of Law & Order inspired by it last night.
JR: Well, more females are playing games now than ever before. I think the GamerGate thing is absolutely horrible. I agree, I read what you wrote about it, again your language was intemperate – as befits your views on an issue…
Oh c’mon! Never mind games not working, that stuff was beyond the pale.
JR: Yeah, and I share your opinion on much of it.
Did you consider any counter to it, to encourage more female gamers and/or developers? I’m not suggesting it was incumbent for you to do so, but I’m curious if GamerGate led to any positive new initiates?
JR: I don’t think you can or should discriminate one way or the other. Quotas in boardrooms, quotas in sporting teams, I personally don’t believe that these are the right way to achieve a world where discrimination is not prevalent. I think if you talk about this organisation, I think all that I should do is to set an example at the top. And indicate that any behaviour that is remotely inappropriate in this area will not be tolerated.
JR: What do you mean it’s got nothing to do with us?
Well, in that they weren’t attacking publishers or console manufactures. But it must have greatly damaged the public perception of gamers and gaming in general. All the mainstream coverage… apparently there was even an episode of Law & Order inspired by it last night.
JR: Well, more females are playing games now than ever before. I think the GamerGate thing is absolutely horrible. I agree, I read what you wrote about it, again your language was intemperate – as befits your views on an issue…
Oh c’mon! Never mind games not working, that stuff was beyond the pale.
JR: Yeah, and I share your opinion on much of it.
Did you consider any counter to it, to encourage more female gamers and/or developers? I’m not suggesting it was incumbent for you to do so, but I’m curious if GamerGate led to any positive new initiates?
JR: I don’t think you can or should discriminate one way or the other. Quotas in boardrooms, quotas in sporting teams, I personally don’t believe that these are the right way to achieve a world where discrimination is not prevalent. I think if you talk about this organisation, I think all that I should do is to set an example at the top. And indicate that any behaviour that is remotely inappropriate in this area will not be tolerated.
As for the question on whether or not PlayStation Network is as reliable as Xbox Live, Ryan seemed to avoid giving a firm answer.
Would you say it is as reliable as Xbox Live?
JR: [pauses] I’d say we’re constantly working to make it better, we’re introducing new features, such as Share Play… do you see anything else like that elsewhere?
No, it’s a very good feature, but you should have got the foundations right first.
JR: In your opinion. And in your opinion the foundations are not solid, and that’s, again, a subjective opinion.
JR: [pauses] I’d say we’re constantly working to make it better, we’re introducing new features, such as Share Play… do you see anything else like that elsewhere?
No, it’s a very good feature, but you should have got the foundations right first.
JR: In your opinion. And in your opinion the foundations are not solid, and that’s, again, a subjective opinion.
Welp. You can read a lot more from the Jim Ryan interview over at Metro.