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Sony Game Division Posts Loss, But It's Getting Better

Sony's had a rough year so far, littered with bad financial reports and layoffs. In a new financial statement, the losses continue.

Sony's posted a loss of $198 million in the its most recent fiscal quarter. Some of the loss was due to a slowdown in its games business. The company's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 sales were down compared to last year (3.5 million units sold vs. 4.9 million units sold in the same quarter of 2011). The Vita and PSP combined to sell 1.6 million units.

There were some glimmers of hope. Though the $198 million loss for the quarter isn't exactly good news, it's better than the $312 million loss posted in the previous quarter. Also, Sony software sales were up, with PS3 and PS2 sales up 41.4 million from 40.2 million, while handheld sales were up 8.2 million from 8.7 million.

Other Sony departments like the home entertainment division, which covers home theater systems and televisions, saw their net loss drop to $203 million from $526 million last quarter.

Sony has lowered its revenue projections for the year ending March 2013, from $85 to $83 billion.

Sources: Joystiq, Engadget

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Comments
  • Try effectively advertising your damn products. A slew of PS3 exclusives, Vita exclusives. and the Vita itself have all suffered from Sony's poor and/or complete lack of advertising. Little Big Planet Vita for instance, is an incredible game, and there hasn't been a single commercial for it. This has been the norm from Sony this entire console generation, and it's ridiculous.
  • Well, on the upside, the software sales are up, but it looks like something needs to change for their business plan.  I mean, they're selling the Vita at a loss, and its still pretty pricey.  Nintendo didn't sell the 3DS at a loss until after a steep price cut.  

    By this time in a generation, they should be making money, not losing it.  They'll end up, maybe, making a profit by the time the Orbis launches, which will put them deep in the red again for another year or two at least unless they keep the tech and cost of the Orbis down.

  • Meanwhile microsoft makes a fortune because: 1:Their console is cheaply made so while reducing production costs by using cheap plastic,a lot people need to rebuy the console at some point because the one they had is broken due to poor quality. 2:It does not have built in blueray 3:They charge for online play
  • most be nice to talk about millions and billions like chum change but to bad i like  sony

  • i will buy God of War Collection soon

  • Pick your game up Sony.

  • Here's hoping next year, will be a better year for Sony. Advertising more(as sealsaa mentioned), and supporting more games for the Vita(with cross platform support from the PS3, between games), I think will help bring up their sales more. I've been a fan of Sony for years. I hope they can pull themselves out of this, and make more profit in the future.
  • 83 Billion? Holy crap!

  • Don't give up, Sony. Just take a breath and listen to your die hard fans suggestions.

  • uh oh guys were only going to make 83 billion this year...instead of 85 billion...

  • I am sure they will make profit after they price drop the Vita, work on advertisement, and have a new console out for a few years. But 83 billion isn't so bad.

  • I don't really see this as a problem for us. Regardless, Sony always releases good quality hardware and software.
  • Hang in there Sony, it'll get better! Playstation for life baby!!

  • Kinda hurts to see Sony like this... especially when thinking of the PSone and PS2 days.. well, cheers to things gettin better for them, that's if (a small if) they do.
  • That's what I like to hear! It's getting better.

  • well it was just a matter of time before this would happen microsoft and nintendo are controlling the gaming market with sonys second rate online servce next to microsoft and nintendo getting the family,handheld and childern sales. then samsung controllinf most of the other electronic sales it wont be much longer until sony finds themselves out of buisness cuz other companys are give the same quality of product for alot cheaper if sony doesnt change there approach we will be saying bye bye to sony

  • I see no reason to be concerned, sure a 2 billion dollar loss is horrible but when you still MAKE 82 billion you kind look at millions like the pennies you drop/throw out/give away all year. Its just not a big deal. The losses are more than likely due to ps4 research or some other unknown project they have going.... They could lower the cost of there TVs though, I went with LG just this year due to cost and a lack of passive 3d support. Also, the 2d to 3d converter is great :)

  • seriously? wow

  • If Sony cut out of the gaming industry, I don't know what I'd do...

  • it's not getting better,there still losing money out the wazoo