Developer Fired for Dissing PS3
Sony coder learns the hard way that sometimes it's better to keep your opinion to yourself.
Opinions are like...well, let's just say everyone's got one. But when you work for one of the biggest companies around, it's sometimes better to keep your opinions to yourself. This is something Josh Robinson, formerly of Sony Online Entertainment (home to EverQuest and more), learned the hard way.
If you squint it looks like an axeA while ago, Robinson posted uncomplimentary impressions on his site, Down In Front, of the PlayStation 3. Despite the nine-year development veteran making sure not to break any privacy agreements, Robinson was warned by friends that he could be stirring the pot. And they were right.
Robinson's criticisms of the PlayStation 3, which is supposedly shipping this spring or summer in Japan, and kind words for the rival Xbox 360 got him fired after bosses were shown his comments.
Though he lost his job for them, Robinson stands by his criticisms, as he explained in a follow-up interview with game site PlayStation 3 Week:
"If I am looking at a next-generation system (the Xbox 360 for example) I expect to see next-gen technology. If I don't see that next-gen technology then I'm inclined to be disappointed."
Don't feel too bad for him, though. Robinson was offered five jobs in the week after Sony fired him.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare