The PlayStation Logo History and Evolution
Since the first PlayStation launch on December 3, 1994, the console has been a staple in the home of every gamer. It has become one of the best-selling consoles, with over 400 million units sold.
At the time of its release, the console was considered groundbreaking. Not to mention, Sony’s creation went head to head with other heavy-hitting consoles from SEGA and Nintendo. It was one of the first consoles to have games in CD-ROM instead of the old fashioned cartridges. Gamers have grown fond of this iconic brand and its brand mark since then.
Today, we’re taking a look at the story behind this prominent emblem.
Be prepared to get design inspiration from learning about this logo. This article will tackle how the company has continued to build an authoritative brand image with logo design. Check out the overview below:
Meet the designer
The legend behind this logo is Sony’s in-house designer, Manabu Sakamoto. He is also the same person responsible for designing the VAIO insignia.
In an interview with Game Informer, the designer explained his efforts to create a fun design with the help of colors, “I chose those primary colors because they are so simple so that you can describe them with the words that everybody knows: red, yellow, green, and blue.”
Sakamoto added, “Simplicity in communication, I believe, is the key to a successful brand.”
Sakamoto created a custom typeface, which resulted in a logo that is both modern and hard to replicate. His work in 1996 remains to be used today.
Logo evolution
The PlayStation logo timeline does not feature any drastic changes. Its simple and nearly changeless design proved to withstand trends and different art movements. In fact, the PlayStation logo evolution could even be likened to that of Coca-Cola’s. That’s how little the changes were.
However, it is still interesting to see what tweaks it underwent. Take a look at the timeline below.
Before the launch
The path to creating a genuinely enduring brand mark wasn’t easy. Designer Sakamoto handcrafted 20 different variations of the PS logo. The logo options all varied in color, line weight, and art styles. Check out the concepts that could’ve been.
1994
The home video game device was first released in 1994 in Japan. It found its way in the international territory when it was released in 1995 for North America, Europe, and Australia. Some of its most iconic titles were Final Fantasy VII, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and Metal Gear Solid.
Every time a gamer loads a title this, this lettermark appears on the screen. The design is characterized by an optical illusion that leads your eyes from the letter P to the letter S. The font used in the PS logo is a custom-made typeface, as mentioned in the previous section. The colors of this logo are primary colors to achieve a more exciting image.
2000
The second version of the PlayStation had a more angular and edgy look. It also had a gradient color with its initials. You can see the transition of the dark blue color to a brighter shade of aqua.
2006
For the PlayStation 3, the icon is now positioned on the left side of the wordmark instead of being placed atop. The logo is also monochrome, which can be easily applied to the console and other brand identity assets. The future versions of the console will have a similar design but with a different number to signify its generation.
2013
2020
Meaning
The PlayStation colors are said to represent brilliance, passion, joy, charm, and elegance. It also has an effect on the eyes of adults and kids. Bright colors help people distinguish objects faster. This also helps attract the eyes of children compared to other colors. The logo remains to communicate hours of entertainment, although the current version of the logo is now in black and white.
For the lettering, you will notice that the placement of the letter P atop of the letter S forms a smooth transition to one another. The letter S stands as a tri-colored shadow, making the bold red letter P stand out even more.
During his design process, it was said that Sakamoto wanted something that depicted the PlayStation’s 3D capabilities. The designer used different elements to highlight the console’s best qualities. Ultimately, the optical illusion-inspired emblem he wanted was achieved, and the brand got the perfect insignia that will serve as a timeless identity for years to come.
Conclusion
To this day, this logo has become a cultural touchstone. Its influence has permeated across other industries such as fashion. The PlayStation logo stands in the same ranks as other brands like NASA when it comes to being truly recognizable.
One of the best ways to get an equally good design is by running a logo design contest. By design crowdsourcing, you can get more chances of having a solid brand image as you receive over 50 different design proposals from the community. DesignCrowd is a leading platform that you can use for this. Learn more about it here.
You can also try the BrandCrowd logo maker. The platform lets you browse different designs for your company ranging from console logos to video game logos. In minutes, you can generate a design and customize its elements. Select your ideal brand color, text, and more. Try it right here.
