Consumer electronics giant Sony is understood to be planning to create original TV programmes for its popular PlayStation 4 games console to boost the console’s potential as a hub for digital entertainment.
As well as online pay-TV services, Sony is planning a new drama series called Powers that will be introduced by the company’s Sony Pictures Television division.
Powers will be a crime/fantasy drama and will initially only be available to console owners in the US, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The move echoes the successful move by Netflix with its House of Cards and Orange Is The New Black series of original programming.
Sony is understood to be also in negotiations with various TV channels to put their programming onto its network.
Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Andrew House said the console maker hopes to develop a broad range of content to replicate the live TV experience.
As well as commissioning Powers, Microsoft has also hired writers to brainstorm story ideas.
Microsoft, which makes the rival Xbox One console, is also developing original TV content and has hired former CBS executive Nancy Teller to develop an original TV series in collaboration with director Steven Spielberg.
