Shuhei Yoshida, Key PSVR Pioneer and Gaming Industry Veteran, Leaves Sony

Shuhei Yoshida, affectionately known as ‘Shu,’ has officially ended his nearly 32-year journey with Sony.

Announced back in November, Yoshida set the date for his departure for January 15th, 2025. Now, the former President of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios has officially said his goodbyes to the legendary company.

In a heartfelt Twitter post, Yoshida shared moments from his farewell party. “At farewell party yesterday 😆,” he tweeted, accompanied by a playful snapshot.

Reflecting on his extensive career span, Yoshida shared in an interview on the PlayStation blog: “I’ve been part of PlayStation from the very start, marking 31 years here. As I reached the 30-year milestone, I found myself contemplating the timing for this transition. Our company is thriving, and I have a deep love for the PS5 and all the incredible games it has to offer. The new leadership is full of individuals I respect and admire, and I am genuinely excited about PlayStation’s future.”

Among Yoshida’s numerous achievements, particularly during the PS3 and PS4 eras, he was pivotal in the success of iconic franchises like Gran Turismo, The Last of Us, and Uncharted.

Moreover, Yoshida played a crucial role in steering Sony through transformative phases in its gaming division. His leadership extended across hardware and software innovations and nurturing industry relationships, especially with developers of both blockbuster titles and indie gems. This dedication was evident in his role as the Head of Indies Initiative at PlayStation following his tenure as President of Sony’s Worldwide Studios.

He was a major advocate for the PlayStation VR (PSVR), striving to make virtual reality more accessible by connecting it to the PS4.

Introduced to the world at GDC 2014, under the codename Project Morpheus, Yoshida championed VR inside Sony. His drive included public appearances and keynote speeches, as well as building developer alliances to deliver a robust VR content catalog.

Yoshida’s efforts ensured the PSVR’s affordability and rich content lineup upon its 2016 launch, crafting it as a more mainstream alternative in the VR space when compared to elite PC VR headsets like the HTC Vive and original Oculus Rift, which required high-performance PCs.

While Yoshida hasn’t disclosed his next steps, he’s hinted at remaining within the gaming world. Recently, he revealed his involvement in Kaizen Game Works’ upcoming title, Promise Mascot Agency, voicing a feathered character named ‘MonouGe.’

Above all, Yoshida’s candid demeanor and positive influence have left a significant footprint in the gaming industry. We, at Road to VR, extend our best wishes as he embarks on his next adventure. 吉田さん、ありがとうございます。(Thank you very much, Yoshida-san!)