Longtime PlayStation Executive to Depart Sony

Shuhei Yoshida, a name synonymous with Sony Interactive Entertainment and a major figure in PlayStation’s history, has shared the news of his upcoming departure, slated for January 2025. Yoshida’s journey with the company began even before the original PlayStation hit the market in late 1994, marking a significant chapter in gaming history.

In a candid discussion on the company’s official podcast, Yoshida, who currently heads the Indies division, reminisced about his 31-year-long tenure with Sony. As an original member of the PlayStation team established in 1993, Yoshida recounted his experiences working with Ken Kutaragi, often referred to as the father of PlayStation. However, he surprised listeners with the announcement of his departure from Sony Interactive Entertainment in the coming months.

On the podcast’s 502nd episode, Yoshida confirmed he would be leaving on January 15, 2025, a decision he has been contemplating for a while. Speaking with Sid Shuman, SIE’s Senior Director for Content Communications, Yoshida expressed confidence in the company’s future and shared his fondness for the PlayStation 5 and its upcoming games.

Highlighting two standout PlayStation 5 titles, Yoshida showed his enthusiasm for “Slitterhead,” developed by Bokeh Game Studio. This action-horror game allows players to take on various NPC roles, with a creative team led by Keiichiro Toyama, known for his work on Gravity Rush, Silent Hill, and Siren. Yoshida drew parallels between Slitterhead’s gameplay and the Soulslike genre, noting the exhilarating experience of battling bosses, including landing finishing blows in unexpected roles like an elderly woman.

Another game that caught Yoshida’s eye is the 2D platformer and metroidvania “Nine Sols” by Red Candle Games. Describing it as a 2D counterpart to FromSoftware’s “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” Yoshida appreciated its combat mechanics, which include parries and counters. He likened the feel of pulling off these moves to that of the acclaimed game “Sifu,” praising its merging of sci-fi themes with Chinese folklore.

Before officially stepping down, Yoshida plans to attend several notable events, including The Game Awards 2024 and the Taipei Game Show in early 2025. While he hasn’t charted out any immediate plans beyond these commitments, he hinted at continuing to support indie developers in the future. Upon leaving, he looks forward to embracing new opportunities while savoring some leisure time.