In a recent interview, Sony CEO Kaz Kirai was asked if Sony and Microsoft are taking similar paths in the next-gen console war.

He replied, "We seem to. Every time we go down a path, we look behind and they're right there - we just can't shake these guys. I wish that they would come up with some strategies of their own, but they seem to be going down the path of everything we do. If you look at their strategy in other business areas as well, they tend to do that."

Whoa! Hold up there Kaz. Let's not forget that Microsoft was the first to launch an online console gaming service with Xbox Live, to which Sony still hasn't come close to equalling. Not to mention that Sony are now, finally, developing their own version of Xbox Live for their upcoming PS3 console.

Now, unlike Sony who will force people to buy an expensive Blu-ray drive with every PS3, Microsoft are planning to add support for the non-Sony format HD-DVD to the Xbox 360 with the availability of an optional add-on accessory. 

Kaz commented, "And the other thing is, you take a look at, for example, the fact that we incorporate the Blu-ray drive from day one. You're not going to be asking me, 'So, talk to me about this Blu-ray add-on that you have. Does it work for games? Is it just for movies?' That's exactly the kind of pitfall you fall into if you launch something that's too early, too premature..."

The thing is, he's raising questions here which couuld also be asked of the Blu-ray drive built into the PS3. And since most games don't fill a standard DVD one has to wonder what the motivation was for Sony including their Blu-ray drive in the PS3. Was it really to support next-gen games, or is it just a convenient way to install the drives into millions of homes, in order to help support their campaign for the format in the movie DVD market.

Who's copying who? Leave your comments.