Following the successful Japanese launch of the PlayStation 4, Sony reports that the next-gen video game console has topped 6 million units sold globally.
In a blog post at the PlayStation Blog, John Koller highlights what users are doing with the new system:
“There have now been more than 3.6 million live broadcasts, and more than 56 million spectate sessions on PS4 through Twitch and Ustream,” writes Koller. “In fact, since January 1st, PS4 gamers account for 20% of daily broadcasters on Twitch. PS4 owners are also embracing the Share button on the DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller, with more than 100 million shares captured as fans show friends their latest achievements on Facebook and Twitter.
“And soon, you’ll be able to share your greatness in new ways. Developers are beginning to take advantage of PS4’s new interactive live broadcasting gaming features, integrating modes that allow broadcasted gameplay to become interactive for spectators. Even as a viewer, you can now influence livestreamed gameplay.
“For example, Dead Nation: Apocalypse Edition features a built-in Broadcast+ mode where you can stream your gameplay while viewers on the PS4 or a web browser influence positive and negative effects during gameplay. More social feedback is on the way too, with Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Complete Edition in March and Daylight in April.”
The Broadcast+ mode is an interesting social feature on the PS4 that’s been discussed a bit lately but remains fairly unknown. Bringing audience-participation into video game streaming is an intriguing idea with lots of potential to make eSports and video game streaming in general even more intense and interactive.
The PS4 also sees the launch of the highly anticipated inFamous: Second Sonin March, while the rival Xbox One is getting Titanfall. It should be an interesting month for both systems, neither of which have had nearly enough games available thus far.
Second Son and Titanfall are very different games, but at least we finally have a month with two big exclusive launches on both systems.
6 million units sold globally is a truly impressive number from Sony, which is the clear leader so far this generation. We’ve noted previously that the PS4 has outpaced all previous PlayStation console sales this early on, and that trend appears to be continuing.
Originaly shared on Forbes.com by Erik Kain on March 3, 2014