The PlayStation name has become synonymous with video game culture, embodying the essence of play that Sony’s systems offer. However, the name almost differed; “Play Station” was originally associated with a failed SNES CD add-on before Sony considered alternative names for its innovative console.
Chris Deering, former boss of PlayStation, does not believe the recent, widespread layoffs in the games industry derive from corporate greed, and that affected workers should “drive an Uber” or “go to the beach for a year” until things turn around: pic.twitter.com/uXUkNTbXQ5
— Simon Parkin (@SimonParkin) September 10, 2024
In a My Perfect Console podcast interview, Chris Deering, former president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, revealed that the original name for the console was “Power Station.” However, trademark issues in certain regions prevented its use, prompting Ken Kutaragi to select the name PlayStation instead. Although some members of the marketing team had reservations about the new name, Deering favored it. Ultimately, trademark complications were the reason Sony opted for PlayStation over Power Station.
