Sony’s decision to drop backwards compatibility with the release of the PS4 left many gamers puzzled, especially since it was a feature that had previously been celebrated. For a long time, it was believed that the change in console architecture was the reason behind this move. However, a noteworthy comment from Jim Ryan, a former Sony executive, back in 2015 added another layer to the story, suggesting that Sony questioned the actual worth of backwards compatibility.
Reflecting on PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, there’s an interesting section on their webpage dedicated to this very topic. It highlights how backwards compatibility was first introduced during the PS2 era, a feature that was quite novel at the time and much appreciated by gamers. “PlayStation’s consumer-friendly decision was unexpected,” the webpage notes, “but it was warmly welcomed by players who had amassed game collections from previous generations.”
Back in 2015, when Ryan was confronted about the PS4 not having backwards compatibility, he remarked that while it was a feature frequently requested by gamers, it wasn’t one they actually used often. He recounted an experience from a Gran Turismo event where old PlayStation games from the PS1 and PS2 were displayed alongside newer ones. “They looked ancient,” he said, questioning why anyone would choose to play those outdated titles. This comment sparked quite a bit of controversy and criticism.
Yet, despite Ryan’s observations, there remains a strong demand for re-releases of classic PlayStation games. They continue to be a popular draw for Sony’s PS Plus Premium service. However, it’s worth noting that PS3 game titles remain restricted to streaming options and are only available in certain countries, which is a limiting factor for many nostalgic fans.
