Sony is hiring for the “next generation of PlayStation devices,” with the company now looking towards the PS5. In two separate job listings, Sony outlines its plans for the next-generation PlayStation console, with it looking for a marketing campaign manager and Senior Software Engineer for its network software services.
“The team you’ll be joining is chartered with developing platforms that enable delivering intelligent experiences to next generation of PlayStation devices,” the Senior Software Engineer listing reads. “To enable us keep the momentum of PlayStation® 4’s tremendous success worldwide going over to next generation, you’ll contribute to multiple opportunities to have an outsized impact on shaping the evolution of our web services platform.”
The responsibilities for the role include designing and developing an intelligence platform “that’s central to powering of next generation user facing features,” along with executing “full lifecycle software development.”
In a separate LinkedIn post, Sony is looking for an “entrepreneurial Product Lead to join our Intelligence Platform Group.” This role will see the successful applicant owning “the roadmap for next generation PlayStation campaign.”
The listings were uncovered by users on the ResetEra forum, who believe that this indicates the PS5 is set for a late 2020 launch. With the console more than likely set to release during a holiday season, Sony hiring a marketing campaign lead suggests that the rumored 2019 launch is too soon for it to be a reality.
However, there is still some evidence for a 2019 PS5 release date. A separate job listing for a Senior Sales Logistics Planner notes that it is a “contract role intended to last 12 – 15 months,” with the successful applicant in charge of ensuring “timely supply for launch requirements.” Though this listing doesn’t specifically mention next-generation PlayStation hardware, it does say that the individual will manage all “hardware, software, peripherals and components” shipped to Canada. Unless Sony is bulking up its team for current-gen hardware, this role could be in charge of PS5 inventory, which would suggest that the next PlayStation would launch in 2019.
Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida recently confirmed that Sony is now actively looking to its next-generation console, though stopped short of calling it the PS5. While a new PlayStation is an inevitability given the success of the PS4, we’ve yet to receive any concrete information on the upcoming system.
