Big business has a way of producing big drama, and Phil Harrison’s announced departure from Sony is no different. As one of the faces of Sony, Harrison had the responsibility of Sony’s Worldwide Studios and several of the companies biggest projects, including Home. With such an important position in one of the most expansive gaming organizations in the world, it’s not surprising that the rumor mills have started churning out information regarding his next position.

The commotion caused by Harrison’s resignation has come as a surprise to many, including those of us at TGR close to Sony. In the weeks leading to and including GDC, Harrison voiced his concerns with the lack of interest Sony has shown in social gaming. "It’s a very interesting and frustrating thing for me to experience because I have been banging the drum about social gaming for a long time, with SingStar, EyeToy and Buzz. Our Japanese colleagues said that there is no such thing as social gaming in Japan – people do not play games on the same sofa together in each other’s homes. It will never happen. And then out comes the Wii." Even with the support Sony is offering to ventures like Home, Media Molecule’s LittleBigPlanet, and the portfolio of software availble with the Playstation Eye, it’s not a difficult jump to imagine Harrison’s frustration regarding the company’s slow reaction time with social gaming.

Well-spoken and clean shaven, Mr. Harrison should have no problems finding a new job, but the question now is: Where? Is Atari the next coming of social gaming? Could there be an opening with Nintendo? He’s been quiet so far regarding his future plans, but as the spokesperson for social gaming, it would seem likely that a lucrative offer has come up in that area.

Should Sony be worried about the recent exodus of execs? Ken Kutaragi, Dave Karraker, and now Phil Harrison have left for greener (or bluer) pastures. Kaz Hirai has been left to fill the void of both Krazy Ken and Harrison, so one might wonder if Sony has begun to downsize from the top down. Or maybe Harrison’s resignation surprised even Sony.