Sony Computer Entertainment Europe’s UK MD, Ray Maguire, claims that the heavily criticised UMD format has a future, despite a number of film studios opting out of producing movies on the format and numerous retailers scaling down their UMD* offerings.
What is the heavy criticism to which we allude? Unacceptably high cost and the fact that it’s become increasingly harder to actually find them in-store of late, will do for two.
Speaking to trade magazine, MCV, Maguire told explained, “We’re pretty pleased with UMD… UMD has a fantastic attachment ratio. Where we’ve struggled a little is getting a decent proposition for full-length movies.”
He continued, “UMD is not the problem – it’s getting the right content that’s the challenge. When we put shorts on UMD they sell really well, and that’s related to PSP usage. It’s about getting the offer right, and we will do that.”
Let us know your own thoughts in the forums. Do you think the format has a future? Do you still buy UMDs? And if so which ones?