SOE to report to Sony Computer Entertainment

Sony Computer Entertainment has announced that Sony Online Entertainment will now report to Kazuo Hirai under a new company structure designed to address the growth of the online gaming market.

SOE, based in San Diego, California, is currently part of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

"I am excited to be able to work with SOE even more closely, as online games and services become a more integral part of the PS3 entertainment experience," Hirai said.

"This new structure will allow us to take full advantage of the extensive breadth of expertise of the two companies and increase our range of exciting entertainment offerings to our consumers."

Under the new structure, SOE will continue to develop its games for the PC and the PlayStation 3, while SOE President John Smedley will report to Hirai effective April 1.

"We are thrilled to become a part of the incredible team that has made PlayStation 3 the premier platform for next generation online gaming," Smedley said.

"This move is going to broaden our capabilities and expand the development of our products into new and exciting directions."