Phil Harrison leaves Sony Computer Entertainment, Kaz Hirai takes place

by Andrew Yoon { Feb 25th 2008 at 10:30AM }

In a surprise announcement, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the resignation of Phil Harrison. Effective February 29th, the current President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group. In his place, Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties.

"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. "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."

"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 responsible for a major refocusing of the PlayStation group, through his "Game 3.0" initiative, announced at last year's GDC. He recently lamented that Sony Japan was not outgoing enough about social gaming.

[Via Joystiq]

Tags: phil-harrison, resignation, sce, scee

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jose @ Feb 25th 2008 10:35AM

Note to anyone that has a job:

Never EVER talk smack about corporate, just remember Phil Harrison couldnt even get away with it.

Darkdrium777 @ Feb 25th 2008 12:56PM

I have to agree with you, it might have played a role in his resignation... Too bad for Sony Japan if that's the case... :/

Carl;)G @ Feb 25th 2008 10:37AM

Maybe hes bored of waitin 4 -
HOME,
L.B.P,
KillZone2,
PSN Cards(in U.K),
DS3 Pads(in U.K),
In-game XMB
etc etc :-/

dartmerc @ Feb 25th 2008 5:51PM

Yeah, maybe he wants every game that is going to be made this generation to be released TODAY. maybe that's the reason.
Idiot.

mji245 @ Feb 25th 2008 10:43AM

what if ur bored of waiting then its ur problem phil is a great person i wish him best of luck but i don't really understand why he left is it becouse of sony japan?

Matt B @ Feb 25th 2008 10:55AM

We loved ya Phil!! Good luck with everything. We'll miss you.

:(

Binaryfiend @ Feb 25th 2008 11:04AM

This is going to shake things up. I'm curious where the brand will go without his influence.

seansloan @ Feb 25th 2008 11:26AM

It looks like one of those old west photos i took at the fair.Wheres his coon skin cap and musket?

Chris Rah Osiris @ Feb 25th 2008 11:39AM

See you later Phil. You'll be missed

soul899er @ Feb 25th 2008 11:44AM

OMG thats sad, he probably retired or something i hope... for some reason i think he has cancer, but i dont know the facts, this is sad indeed, he was a good man :(

x silence x @ Feb 25th 2008 11:52AM

He's going to Atari fool...

I guess that's kinda like Cancer though.

Schoolimangooli @ Feb 25th 2008 12:02PM

You probably think he has cancer because he's pale and has a bald head lol.

But that is his look

GameDoodman @ Feb 25th 2008 11:57AM

Could this be the beginning of the beginning of playstation to end?

First the Father of Playstation resigns and Kaz took over
Second and still going First Party and Exclusive Games delays (They said 2008) but WHEN? (1st Qtr is almost ending)
Third Dave Karraker Quits
Fourth More games delayed..that are unannounced.
Fifth GDC no keynote.
Six Phil H resigns... Kaz is now taking over (?)
Seventh Either someone else is resigning or No show in E3.

Mein Bratwurst @ Feb 25th 2008 1:06PM

They said last year was the beginning of the end for Playstation... and look what happend. PS3 is actually gaining momentum and will take back its throne in the next year (imo), although I don't think they will be nearly as dominant as the PS2 era.

It's amazing what a price drop will do for you, price is THE MOST important part of a console.. just ask Nintendo about their gimmick machines.

Also, about the exclusives -I've never seen any huge games come out in Q1 of a year.. ever.