Sony is merging its Computer Entertainment units in Japan and Asia into a single division for the region, in an effort to streamline the business. The creation of Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia comes after low quarterly results in February showed Sony’s gaming division losing 15.1-percent on sales year-on-year, and an overall net loss of $124 million.
SCE Japan Asia will be headed by Senior Vice President Hiroshi Kawano, reports Slashgear, with current SCE Asia president Hiroyuki Oda becoming the deputy president. Other members of management are also moving into new positions under the merger, with some having to manage the regions separately with differing customer remits depending on location, while other positions will see the dealings of both regions consolidated together. New units for product management and loan management are said to be created, as well as an Asian Network Planning Department.
The merging of the two regions is taking place at a time when the company is preparing to launch its new flagship console. The PlayStation 4, demonstrated earlier this year, will have a greater reliance on online service than previously seen, uses a refined DualShock 4 controller with integrated touchpad, and is currently aimed for a “holiday 2013” release.
