Editing Polygon Man (section)

== Biography ==
In 1995, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) faced internal disagreements over how to market the PlayStation console in North America, particularly for its unveiling at that year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Market research suggested that consumers in North America reacted negatively to the "PlayStation" name and preferred "PSX," derived from the console's codename. Despite concerns, SCE president Teruhisa Tokunaka dismissed the criticism, drawing parallels to initial skepticism over the Sony Walkman.

The American branch (SCEA), led by Steve Race, pushed for an "edgy" approach to appeal to North American audiences, particularly targeting the 17-year-old demographic identified through consumer research by advertising agency Chiat/Day. This led to the creation of Polygon Man, a floating, purple disembodied head with spiked protrusions, glowing yellow pupils, and a brash persona. Inspired by Sega's successful "Pirate TV" campaign in the UK, Polygon Man was intended as a hip, edgy master gamer figure to resonate with the market.

Prior to E3, Polygon Man appeared in print ads alongside previews for PlayStation games, with speech bubbles making quips about the titles. At E3, the character featured prominently on press kits, billboards, and booth signage, accompanied by the Japanese phrase "ハマリ度MAX" ("Addictive to the MAX"). This marked Sony's effort to distinguish the console and target the youth market with a bold and unconventional marketing character.

Ken Kutaragi, the global head of the PlayStation brand, reacted strongly against the inclusion of Polygon Man when he saw the character at E3 1995. His criticism focused on two points: the misuse of the PlayStation's limited marketing budget to promote an alternative brand and the character's visual presentation. Specifically, Polygon Man used flat shading, which conflicted with the PlayStation's ability to render smoother, more advanced Gouraud shading, undermining the console's technological strengths.

SCE had envisioned a minimalist branding strategy for the PlayStation, avoiding mascots or celebrity endorsements to emphasize the console's capabilities. Chris Deering, former head of PlayStation Europe, revealed that the Japanese branch interpreted Polygon Man's campaign as an act of resistance against their branding philosophy. Steve Race acknowledged the cultural clash, stating that the Japanese viewed the Sony brand as self-sufficient, whereas the American branch sought an edgier, character-driven appeal.

The Japanese branch's disapproval led to Polygon Man's immediate shelving. He was replaced in subsequent advertisements by Sofia from ''Battle Arena Toshinden'', and earlier ads were reprinted with Polygon Man removed. Steve Race continued exploring alternatives for a PlayStation spokesperson, even considering collaborations with Marvel Comics, but these efforts were abandoned before his departure from SCEA.

Polygon Man reemerged in the 2012 fighting game ''PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale'' as the main antagonist and final boss. Game director Omar Kendall explained in an interview with IGN that while considering a final boss, the team explored multiple ideas, including the Helghan Army from ''Killzone''. Ultimately, they decided that the antagonist should symbolize the PlayStation brand as a whole. Polygon Man, described as "the ultimate manifestation of PlayStation," was chosen due to his past role in advertisements, which conveyed the "power and potential" of the brand rather than traditional villainy. The game's narrative framed events as taking place within the "world" of the PlayStation console itself.

In the game, Polygon Man attacks the arena as a stage hazard while players face AI-controlled opponents from the roster. After defeating the opponents, players can damage Polygon Man in his original form. The sequence repeats, escalating with fights against two and then three opponents before Polygon Man is destroyed. Upon his defeat, the player character absorbs the energy within him. Despite having spoken dialogue, no voice actor is credited for Polygon Man.

In 2022, Polygon Man returned as a digital collectible in Sony's "PlayStation Stars" loyalty program. Participants in specific campaigns could earn and display a digital statue of the character in their profiles via the associated smartphone app.

In the 2024 video game ''Astro Bot'', a character named Forgotten Mascot was modeled after Polygon Man, paying homage to his role in PlayStation history.