Sony’s foray into original video programing for the PlayStation Network took a big leap forward, as Powers will star Sharlto Copley as the lead. The 10 episode series is based on the popular Image Comics series by Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Avon Oeming.
Copley will play the role of Christian Walker, who once possessed superpowers but lost them in a battle with a supervillain. Now he’s a detective, using his knowledge of the superpowered community to help law enforcement. Michelle Forbes will play Retro Girl, the undisputed superstar of the Powers community. Others in the cast include Eddie Izzard, Noah Taylor, Susan Heyward, Olesya Rulin, Max Fowler and Adam Godley.
Sony is utilizing its knowledge and experience with Sony Pictures to create original programming for the PlayStation Network as a way to broaden the role of the PlayStation 4 from a game console into an entertainment hub. So far the console has been sold as a game-playing device, with its media capabilities barely mentioned. With ten million consoles sold so far, Sony should be feeling pretty confident of the console’s acceptance among gamers. The Powers series will allow Sony to explore how much interesting video programing might influence console sales.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has dialed back its efforts to create original video programing for the Xbox with the closure of Xbox Entertainment Studios. Still, company is continuing with some of its more high-profile development efforts, notably the Halo: Nightfall series produced by veteran director Ridley Scott. The series will be part of the Xbox content offerings as well as being included in the new Halo Channel, Microsoft’s just-announced way to help fans live a complete Halo lifestyle – or at least experience Halo content in every way, shape and form Microsoft can deliver it.
It remains to be seen if original video programs distributed through consoles can find a significant audience, or have an impact on console sales. Will one of these series have the same kind of effect for Sony or Microsoft that House of Cards had for Netflix
Source: Variety
