Harrison: Games Should Deal With Mature Themes

In a new interview with MTV News, Sony Worldwide Studios head Phil Harrison spoke candidly about a number of topics, including the PSP's performance in the handheld market compared to that of the Nintendo DS, as well as his desire for games and game developers to focus on more mature content. The interview touched on the sometimes controversial topic of video game content, particularly that found in more mature titles, and how such content has spurred debate among politicians and the media. When asked if such controversy had swayed his idea of what games are and are not appropriate for development on Sony platforms, Harrison replied, "It has absolutely not changed my approach." He added: "I fervently believe that the biggest challenge we face is that our industry is referred to as 'video games,' and games are supposed to be fun," but that this notion of fun need not be confined to lighthearted topics. "Games should deal with fear, should deal with comedy and with death. They should deal with peril, with drug offenses." Much of his comments came in response to the recent fervor surrounding Take-Two's schoolyard sandbox game, Bully, a controversy Harrison equated to being a "storm in a teacup." In addition, when questioned about the PSP, Harrison seemed quick to stand up for Sony's portable, noting that it has been doing a "very good job" at competing with the Nintendo DS. The Sony executive also offered congratulations to Nintendo for its success with its latest handheld, but added a slight barb to his praise by commenting that that while the Nintendo DS has grown the handheld market by appealing to new players, "they are our customers of tomorrow."