Tokyo – Sony is moving its business from Japan to San Mateo, California. The U.S. will now be the headquarters for Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a consolidation of Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), the console’s maker, and Sony Network Entertainment (SNE), the Playstation’s network system. The SIE confined those companies in a new one which report to one CEO, Andrew House.   

By merging two different companies, the Japanese create a single operation that will be managing software, hardware and online services under one roof. Nevertheless, they will keep the offices in London and Tokyo. The merged company will begin in April 1.   

The main objective of the new company is to retain and expand the Playstation user engagement, increase average revenue per paying users and drive ancillary revenue, according to a press release by Sony.

In the photo, the PlayStation 4 console. Photo: The Business Insider
In the photo, the PlayStation 4 console. Photo: The Business Insider

Later on the release, it said that SIE will “vigorously” expand the Playstation business by delivering an integrated experience built around the “best-in-class games” and network services to consumers worldwide. Also, they will also work hard to maximize corporate value by coordinating global business operations across San Mateo, Tokyo and London by leveraging local expertise.

Andrew House from SCE will serve as president and global CEO of SIE, and will report to a board of directors including Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai. The head of Worldwide Studios, Shuhei Yoshida, retains his title but will now report to Shawn Layden, as reported by Engadget.

“By integrating the strengths of PlayStation’s hardware, software, content and network operations, SIE will become an even stronger entity, with a clear objective to further accelerate the growth of the PlayStation business,” House said.

The consolidation came a week after Sony merged another of its global domestic manufacturing and repair operations. They were both merged with the objective of simplifying the service. The new company is called Sony Global Manufacturing and Operations Corporation, and it will manage the manufacturing and engineering operations for Sony worldwide.  

Source: The Register