Sony Online Moves To SCEI Division

Sony has announced that after a structural reshuffle, its Sony Online Entertainment division (Everquest, The Agency) is being moved to the Sony Computer Entertainment wing to better integrate with "the PS3 experience," with CEO John Smedley now reporting directly to SCEI president Kaz Hirai. Sony says the new structure "is designed to mutually benefit both companies by further accelerating the PlayStation business through SOE's strong online gaming expertise." The San Diego based division -- formerly part of Sony Pictures Entertainment -- is expected to continue normal operations producing PC and PS3 titles, but Hirai says the move will help online games and services to become "a more integral part of the PS3 entertainment experience." He added, "This new structure will allow us to take full advantage of the extensive breadth of expertise of the two companies and increase our range of exciting entertainment offerings to our consumers." Said Smedley, "We are thrilled to become a part of the incredible team that has made PlayStation 3 the premier platform for next generation online gaming. This move is going to broaden our capabilities and expand the development of our products into new and exciting directions."