Sony Interactive Entertainment VP Jim Ryan to become PlayStation boss

Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Vice President Jim Ryan has now become President and CEO of PlayStation.

Taking over from John Kodera, who will instead start focusing on expanding PlayStation network services, Jim Ryan will be the spearhead for the next generation of Sony’s console.

Ryan isn’t a newcomer to Sony at all. While he’s been in the industry for a great deal of time, he has been known for somewhat controversial statements regarding older games.

In an interview with Time, Jim Ryan once said, “When we’ve dabbled with backward compatibility, I can say it is one of those features that is much requested, but not actually used much. That, and I was at a Gran Turismo event recently where they had PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 games. They looked ancient, like, why would anyone play this?”

As far as backward compatibility goes, Xbox is currently providing a strong and popular method for millions of players worldwide. Hopefully, Ryan’s previous comments are not reflective of next-generation PlayStation as a whole.

As for Ryan’s newfound position, the new PlayStation boss is rather pleased.

“It’s a huge honor to be asked to take on the role of President and CEO of SIE,” Ryan said. “I’ve seen the PlayStation business grow and change massively since the very early days, and I hope to be able to put that experience to good use in reinforcing the foundations of the Game & Network Service business, and in evolving the entertainment that PlayStation offers to its engaged and passionate community.

“Working with John [Kodera] and the SIE team around the world, I am committed to strengthening relations with our business partners, and to continuing to provide the ultimate interactive entertainment experiences that make PlayStation the Best Place to Play.”

Hopefully, with his new position, Jim Ryan will be less Don Mattrick and more Phill Spencer with regards to PlayStation’s future. B