Console War Report Released, Sony Approval Rating Down
The Console War Report was released this week and said that Sony's approval rating is at an all time low.
According to the report, the number one factor in deciding Sony's rating is the price of the PS3. Consumers are saying that it's too expensive and that it needs to be lowered. Ken Kutaragi, Chairman and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, Incorporated, does not agree.
"We will not lower the price," said Kutaragi. "We have got to stay the course."
Kutaragi is worried that if they lower the price now that consumers will think they are standing down to their enemies.
"This is just what they want! If we back down now, our enemies will think we are cowards and proclaim victory, despite the outcome."
The Console War Report said that Sony should just lower the price and let the consumers figure out for themselves how they want this console war to be decided.
"We've talked to a lot of consumers," said Turk Margerson, the lead analyst for Margerson Analysts, the firm that publishes The Console War Report. "They do not like this price and said that they would approve of Kutaragi if he would just pull out and lower it."
The Sony Board of Directors are planning to make a vote on lowering the price and cutting off funds for the sales team but Kutaragi has said that he would override any attempts to do so.
"The Board of Directors have chosen to make a statement instead of doing what's right for the company. I will not allow this to happen. Our sales team needs this money and cutting off funds would be a disservice to the men and women who fight for this company."
Many on the board are looking for Kutaragi to give them a timetable as to when he will take action and lower the price.
"We just want to know what his plans are," said Yukashi Mirakama, member of the board. "It's tough to know if he even has a plan or has ever had a plan."