Mention "online subscriptions" to any game company executives and their eyes will start to glaze over with distant smiles on their faces. Why is this? Long term profits. Online titles not only make money at the point of sale at the retail store, but continue to draw in money from their monthly subscription fees. Sony Online Entertainment is taking steps to further their reach into this lucrative market and has announced that they have hired David D. Christensen as the new Vice President in Charge of International Development and Operations.
SOE said, "We really believe that there is an untapped market [in Europe and Asia] that we’d like to get a better grasp on." Stating that countries in Asia are an untapped market is understanding the situation. In South Korea, out of a population of 48 million, more than 17 million people play online games, while in China, there is an estimated user base of 18 million.
Prior to coming to Sony, Christensen served as Vice President at IGE and as the Director of Business Fevelopment at Vivendi. John Needham, CFO and Vice President of SOE said, "David brings a wealth of experience to his new role within SOE" He continued, "His exceptional knowledge and insight into the global online gaming market will be an integral part of our expansion strategy moving forward both domestically and in key international markets."
[via Gamasutra]
