Microsoft doesn’t believe that PSN has 20 million users

Two months ago, Sony reported that they had a total of 17 million users on the PlayStation Network. A few days ago, they reported that the number has jumped to 20 million. Possible? Sure. Probable? Microsoft finds it highly questionable.

Details after the link.

Two months ago, Sony reported that they had a total of 17 million users on the PlayStation Network. A few days ago, they reported that the number has jumped to a whopping 20 million.

Possible? Sure. Probable? Microsoft finds it highly questionable.

Stephen McGill, Microsoft’s head of gaming and entertainment in the UK, states that “there’s questions over what does Sony’s numbers really mean.” Also:

When we talk about our numbers we feel they’re active users who are actively engaged in all the forms of entertainment we offer on Xbox 360. I think if you look at the comments made on the forums, or the comments made by analysts at Screen Digest then there’s questions over, well what does Sony’s numbers really mean? Are they duplicates? I think there’s a lot of questions there.

All I’m really worried about is, I know I’m the largest online video on demand service in the UK, we are worldwide, we’ve got a great online service the others can’t come close to. They’re not right now.

When you think of our heritage as a company Microsoft has proven we are probably the only company in the world that can offer great online experiences for millions and millions and millions of people. And that’s what we do every day with Xbox LIVE.

Sony do what Sony want to do and if they think that’s right for their business to say those kind of numbers then they can do and will do whatever they want to do. Do I believe them? No.

Aside from the startling 3 million jump, Microsoft may also be referring to the last time Sony gave out such a huge number of registered users on PSN. Back then a lot of people also questioned it, which led Sony to clarify that their stats included PSN accounts for the PS3, the PSP, and their Web site.

Via VideoGamer