Sony Plans to Combine Film and Gaming Divisions
Reports are coming out that Sony may have plans to merge the gaming division with that of its film division. Sony Interactive Entertainment, LLC, is the unit that is responsible for the gaming title though it has created a new company aimed at the mobile gaming market. Sony Pictures Studios meanwhile is involved not only in film production but film distribution as well, among others.
The story was first reported by the New York Post citing sources. According to the post, the plan involves gaming division head Andrew House to have oversight of the studio. The same report added that House will not have control of the studio's daily operations.
The same Post story revealed later that a spokesperson from Sony declared that there are no such plans merging the gaming division with the studio and all of it is merely speculation. The report is not surprising as Sony Pictures has long been looking for its next big hit. The studio had performed financially better this quarter owe to the good showing of Don't Breathe, Sausage Party, and Ghostbusters.
The half-year report is a different story though as it revealed the studio suffering operating loss amounting to $74 million. This has led to rumors going around that reorganization was in the horizon with studio head Michael Lynton potentially looking for a way out. The Sony gaming division, on the other hand, continues to face success.
It was in the middle of this year when the company's main headquarters in Tokyo told the U.S. operation to lower costs. Though reports vary as to the number of employees removed, it was revealed through a spokesperson that it was a small number of positions that were seen as redundant. No such condition was given to the gaming division.
Sony's film division scheduled to release next year the latest in the Resident Evil and Underworld film franchises and even the much awaited Spider-Man: Homecoming. The success of these films would hopefully quash all rumors of a possible merger. After all, the gaming division is best left on its own.
