PlayStation has partnered with publisher Read-Only Memory to release a hardcover art book titled "PlayStation: The First 30 Years." The book is part of the brand's anniversary celebrations, spans 400 pages, and is currently priced at $125.
The art book reviews PlayStation's legacy of consoles, accessories, marketing campaigns, games, and characters through visual materials, while also featuring individuals who contributed to the brand's development. Time Extension's author considers the book beautifully produced, offering a comprehensive record of PlayStation's hardware and software evolution over three decades, as well as showcasing changes in the brand's design and visual style.
The author also points out the stark contrast in timing: while PlayStation is preserving brand memories through a physical art book, Sony has recently faced player backlash for deciding to cease production of physical game discs. Some players value collecting physical games, while others worry that digital libraries remain under the control of publishers.
The article also mentions that Sony argued in its legal defense that consumers should not reasonably believe they have obtained "ownership" of digital games. The author strongly criticizes this stance, affirming the art book's value in preserving PlayStation's creative history while using this physical book to question the meaning of purchasing, preservation, and ownership in the era of digital distribution.