Shuhei Yoshida, a key player synonymous with PlayStation, has dropped a bombshell—he’s leaving Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), the gaming giant behind the successful video game division. This announcement marks the end of an era for Yoshida, who’s been part of Sony’s journey since before the original PlayStation debuted back in 1994.
In a captivating episode of PlayStation’s official podcast, Yoshida, now the esteemed SIE Head of Indies, took listeners on a nostalgic trip through his 31-year career with PlayStation. He reminisced about his days working alongside the legendary Ken Kutaragi, often hailed as the father of PlayStation, and was one of the pioneering team members from 1993. But amidst the reminiscence came the surprising news of his departure from Sony’s gaming sector in the coming months.
Yoshida’s exit is officially set for January 15, 2025, as he shared on episode 502 of the Official PlayStation Podcast. After contemplating this move in recent years, Yoshida feels it’s the right moment for him to step away. His conversation with SIE Senior Director of Content Communications Sid Shuman revealed his confidence in PlayStation’s thriving future and his admiration for the exciting new games on the PS5, as well as the console itself.
Amidst these revelations, Yoshida couldn’t help but spotlight two standout PlayStation 5 games that have captured his attention lately. There’s Slitterhead, an unusual action horror offering from the Japanese developer Bokeh Game Studio. This game lets players embody almost any NPC, with acclaimed figures like Keiichiro Toyama, known for Gravity Rush and Silent Hill, behind its creative directive. Yoshida was particularly impressed by the game’s setting and its unique characters, noting its Soulslike gameplay vibe, where even an old lady can land the final punch on a boss.
Also on Yoshida’s radar is the 2D platformer and metroidvania Nine Sols by the Taiwanese indie group Red Candle Games. He praised Nine Sols, likening it to a 2D version of FromSoftware’s Sekiro, complete with engaging combat mechanics involving parries and counters. With its mix of sci-fi and Chinese folklore, Yoshida drew comparisons to the renowned Sifu, emphasizing the rewarding feeling when executing the game’s complex moves perfectly.
Before bidding farewell to SIE, Yoshida plans to make appearances at several events, such as The Game Awards 2024 in December and the Taipei Game Show in January 2025. Aside from these engagements, the seasoned PlayStation executive shared that he’s not tied to any concrete plans just yet and looks forward to enjoying some leisure time. However, he intends to continue supporting indie developers whenever possible, a testament to his enduring passion for the gaming industry.
