through the looking glass

Fan boys gone wild site Kotaku, reported on a RUMOR for a possible application for the PS3, and is then black listed by Sony for the report. The application would merge concepts from Microsoft’s Live! and Nintendo’s Mii, creating a Sims/Animal Crossing environment which would comprise of player achievements becoming furniture or other enhancements to the environment.

Sony PR would later advise the story not be published, even threatening to restrict access to news and break previously booked interviews and engagements at next weeks Game Developers Conference.

Kotaku publishes the piece (it’s a news site, so why not?). Sony sent the following statements to Kotaku staff:

Brian, This is an email I was really hoping I would never have to write, but it is what it is. When I came on board here at Sony, I made every effort to be as inclusive as possible to media and the blogging community in an effort to improve previously damaged relationships. This included getting people access to executives, opening our events to more individuals and personally responding as quickly as possible to inquiries. This was done in good faith with the thought that the people I was working with would operate with the same integrity and courtesy I think I demonstrated when I was a reporter. Basically, I went out on a limb for a lot of people — people SCEA PR and SCEA management had written off. I caught a lot of flack for it from folks, but I felt strongly it was the right thing to do.

I am very disappointed that after trying to work with you as closely as possible and provide you and your team with access and information, you chose to report on this rumor…. I can’t defend outlets that can’t work cooperatively with us.

So, it is for this reason, that we will be canceling all further interviews for Kotaku staff at GDC and will be dis-inviting you to our media event next Tuesday. Until we can find a way to work better together, information provided to your site will only be that found in the public forum.

Again, I take absolutely no joy in sending you this note, but given the situation you have put me into, I have no choice.

Dave Karraker
Sr. Director, Corporate Communications
Sony Computer Entertainment America

Kudos to Kotaku for doing the right thing, and Sony you treat your customers and colleagues like shit so I’m not at all surprised.

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