In August 1994, Edge magazine’s cover feature announced the arrival of Sony’s PlayStation console, which would revolutionize the gaming industry. With the support of top game developers and publishers like Capcom, Namco, and Konami, Sony confidently showcased its machine’s capabilities. However, Nintendo sensed a threat to its hegemony and cancelled the deal with Sony.
Undeterred, Ken Kutaragi and his team designed a new console, codenamed PS-X, which featured a powerful 32-bit Risc processor and a co-processor for fast 3D visuals. In the early 1990s, Sony made crucial decisions to sign Namco as an exclusive developer and entice developers worldwide with exciting demos. By 1994, over 250 companies had signed up to create games for the PlayStation.
When the console launched in Japan in December 1994, it faced Sega’s Saturn but gained momentum as its software library grew. Titles like Wipeout and Tekken showcased the machine’s visual potential. From 1996, Sony promoted the PlayStation as a lifestyle accessory, partnering with TBWA to develop a fresh image.
The console’s approachable development environment led to an era of experimentation, resulting in modern 3D game design staples like open worlds, genre-defying design, and cinematic narratives. The PlayStation also brought eccentricity and playfulness, with titles like PaRappa the Rapper and LSD: Dream Emulator. The original PlayStation sold over 100 million units during its 10-year lifespan, breaking Sega and Nintendo’s monopoly and cementing giant gaming franchises.
The success of the PlayStation was evident even in 1994, when Edge magazine featured a breathless developer proclaiming that the machine would “revolutionise the way computers are at the moment.” The quotes, specs, and demo screenshots seemed to predict its success.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/games/2024/dec/03/playstation-at-30-the-console-that-made-video-games-cool