Shuhei Yoshida - Softonic English

Bloodborne is so complex that even at Sony they weren't able to finish it

Soulslike games, such as Bloodborne, are designed to test players’ patience, demanding skills and resilience in every encounter. This complexity has generated special recognition and appreciation in the gaming community, which finds in its challenges an exciting experience of personal growth. A game that has pushed its own company A notable anecdote comes from Shuhei Yoshida, former president of Sony Worldwide Studios, who admitted to having faced great difficulties in completing Bloodborne. In an interview during E3 2015, Yoshida revealed that, despite his vast experience in […]

Soulslike games, such as Bloodborne, are designed to test players’ patience, demanding skill and endurance in every encounter. This complexity has generated special recognition and appreciation in the gaming community, which finds in its challenges an exciting experience of personal growth.

A game that drove out its own company

A notable anecdote comes from Shuhei Yoshida, former president of Sony Worldwide Studios, who admitted to facing great difficulties in completing Bloodborne. In an interview during E3 2015, Yoshida revealed that, despite his vast experience in video games, he was forced to ask for help directly from the developers at FromSoftware to obtain the coveted platinum trophy. Although he had the option to consult guides online, he decided that only the FromSoftware team could help him in moments of greatest frustration.

This act highlights the philosophy of FromSoftware’s games, where cooperation among players is fundamental. Since the release of Bloodborne, collaboration has been a central feature, whether through summons to face difficult bosses or the exchange of strategies. Yoshida’s experience embodies this idea, showing that even one of the high executives in the industry is not immune to the challenges these games present.

Despite the difficulties, Yoshida managed to complete the game, a testament to his perseverance and the support he received. The gaming community frequently shares these struggles, demonstrating that asking for help is not only acceptable but essential in the dark and challenging world of Bloodborne. This focus on cooperation and community has made the title a timeless classic within the genre.

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Sony believes that Xbox Game Pass could be negative for the medium to long term

Shuhei Yoshida, former head of PlayStation and currently an ambassador for independent games at Sony, has expressed his concern about the growth of subscription models in the video game industry. During a recent interview at Gamescom LATAM, Yoshida emphasized that while these services can be beneficial under certain conditions, their normalization could limit creative diversity and hinder the development of new games. PlayStation Plus will not imitate this model. The executive praised the strategy of PlayStation Plus, highlighting its ability to preserve the initial value of games. According to Yoshida, this approach avoids excessive promises and […]

PlayStation Plus will not imitate this model

The executive praised the PlayStation Plus strategy, highlighting its ability to preserve the initial value of games. According to Yoshida, this approach avoids overpromising and allows major releases to be reserved for traditional platforms before being integrated into the subscription service, thus avoiding the risk of saturating the market with titles that do not meet player expectations.

However, Yoshida warned that if the subscription model becomes the only way to access video games, this could be “really dangerous.” In his opinion, this could restrict the variety of available proposals and give large companies control over what types of games can be developed, which could stifle the creativity of small studios and, therefore, innovation in the industry.

Despite his reservations about the Xbox Game Pass proposal, Yoshida acknowledged Microsoft’s technical effort in areas such as backward compatibility, noting that they have done remarkable engineering work. Still, he emphasized that a healthy ecosystem must allow for the proliferation of new ideas coming from emerging developers, calling for a balance in the game offerings that benefits the entire community.

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Nier: Automata could have had a director from a very famous title

Nier: Automata and its predecessor, Nier: Replicant, have been hailed as true gems of the action RPG genre, reaching sales of nearly 10 million units worldwide. However, this success did not come without the producer Yosuke Saito making a crucial decision: choosing director Yoko Taro instead of the director of a famous title, whose identity has not been revealed. Yoko Taro was the director of the game due to Saito’s conviction. During a recent interview with Famitsu, Saito reflected on the beginning of the Nier franchise, which they originally considered as a “project […]

Yoko Taro was the game director due to Saiyto’s conviction

During a recent interview with Famitsu, Saito reflected on the beginning of the Nier franchise, which they originally considered as an “experimental project.” It was this boldness that, according to him, allowed the series to become what it is today. In this context, it is interesting to think about how the industry would have been if Saito had opted for the other game. However, Taro’s choice has not been overshadowed, as Nier: Automata has been credited with the recovery of the Japanese video game industry, even by former PlayStation head, Shuhei Yoshida.

Apart from Nier, director Yoko Taro also proposed a side-scrolling game titled Echo, which never came to fruition. Saito revealed that he asked Taro to reconsider this idea. While it remains a mystery what “Echo” could have offered, it seems that both made a wise choice by focusing on the deeper stories that have characterized the Nier series.

Regarding the future of the franchise, Saito has indicated that “nothing has changed” regarding the new Nier title, which could pave the way for a potential Nier 3, with an announcement expected in 2027, as long as everyone “stays alive until then.” This statement has generated speculation among the fan community, who are eager for the continuation of a story that has left an indelible mark on the world of video games.

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Ghost of Yotei is even better than Ghost of Tsushima, according to a former Sony executive

Anticipation is growing around Ghost of Yotei, the highly anticipated sequel to Ghost of Tsushima developed by Sucker Punch, a studio that has received praise for the quality of its work. Shuhei Yoshida, former head of PlayStation Indies, has shared his enthusiasm in several interviews, describing Ghost of Yotei as incredible and claiming that it will surpass its predecessor. Yoshida, a strong supporter of Sucker Punch, has had the opportunity to play the game at various stages of its development, allowing him to assure that this new title will be an even richer and more complex experience. A game where […]

Anticipation is growing around Ghost of Yotei, the highly anticipated sequel to Ghost of Tsushima developed by Sucker Punch, a studio that has received praise for the quality of its work. Shuhei Yoshida, former head of PlayStation Indies, has shared his enthusiasm in several interviews, describing Ghost of Yotei as incredible and claiming that it will surpass its predecessor. Yoshida, a strong supporter of Sucker Punch, has had the opportunity to play the game at various stages of its development, allowing him to assure that this new title will be an even richer and more complex experience.

A game where the Japanese touch is very present

One of the most notable features of Ghost of Yotei is the collaboration between Sucker Punch and a Japanese producer along with the Japan Studio team, emphasizing the importance of understanding Japanese culture and history, especially in a market that can be challenging for Western developers. Yoshida emphasizes that the team’s visit to Tsushima Island allowed Sucker Punch to capture the unique atmosphere that characterizes the game, highlighting a wind system that resembles the one used in Ghost of Tsushima.

With pre-sales now available, fans can start preparing for its launch, which is exclusively scheduled for PS5 on October 2. The Ghost of Yotei trailer already shows how this new chapter manages to maintain the essence that made its predecessor special, promising to offer an immersive experience that will not only honor Tsushima but also elevate it to new heights.

As the release date approaches, players are wondering if Ghost of Yotei will really manage to surpass the expectations set by Ghost of Tsushima. With the enthusiastic support of key figures in the industry, everything seems to indicate that this new title has the potential to deliver something spectacular.

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Shuhei Yoshida, former executive of Sony, believes that Clairs Obscur: Expedition 33 will be one of the big surprises of the year

On April 24, the independent studio Sandfall Interactive will launch Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, its first Japanese-style RPG, which has generated considerable anticipation since its announcement in 2024. With a team of just 30 developers, the game stands out for its impressive graphics and gameplay condensed into approximately 30 hours, a remarkable achievement compared to AAA titles that usually require years of work from large teams. A game that has surprised one of the big names in the industry, Shuhei Yoshida, former president of PlayStation, has expressed his enthusiasm for the development of […]

On April 24, independent studio Sandfall Interactive will release Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, its first Japanese-style RPG, which has generated considerable anticipation since its announcement in 2024. With a team of just 30 developers, the game stands out for its stunning graphics and gameplay condensed into approximately 30 hours, a remarkable achievement compared to AAA titles that typically require years of work from large teams.

A game that has surprised one of the big names in the industry

Shuhei Yoshida, former president of PlayStation, has expressed his enthusiasm for the development of Clair Obscur. In a recent interview on the Easy Allies podcast, he praised the quality of the work done by Sandfall and emphasized the “incredible productivity” of the small team. Yoshida highlighted that efficiency and creativity can compete with, and even surpass, larger productions, suggesting that this game could set a precedent for the future of the industry.

Yoshida also shared his optimistic vision about the impact that the success of Clair Obscur could have on other studios, both independent and large-scale. According to him, the game could serve as inspiration to rethink current production models and encourage greater trust in small teams with ambitious ideas.

The gaming community has been closely following the evolution of Clair Obscur, and its release has attracted not only fans of the RPG genre but also the industry, which is watching how a small studio challenges the established norms. As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on Sandfall Interactive’s ability to revolutionize the gaming landscape with its innovative approach.

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Former Sony executive acknowledges that they have canceled games in very advanced stages of development

Shuhei Yoshida, a veteran PlayStation producer who has been at the forefront of some of the company’s most iconic titles, has opened a new chapter in his career by founding his own consultancy. In a recent interview with Game File, Yoshida discussed the delicate process of deciding when a game has no potential for success and, consequently, must be canceled. Sometimes they have had to make very difficult decisions. Yoshida revealed that, in the most extreme cases, the team evaluates how much additional investment is needed to complete a game. “If the revenues seem to be lower than the money […]

Shuhei Yoshida, a veteran PlayStation producer who has been at the helm of some of the company’s most iconic titles, has opened a new chapter in his career by founding his own consultancy. In a recent interview with Game File, Yoshida discussed the delicate process of deciding when a game has no potential for success and, consequently, must be canceled.

Sometimes they have had to make very difficult decisions

Yoshida revealed that, in the most extreme cases, the team evaluates how much additional investment is needed to complete a game. “If the revenue seems to be lower than the money we need to spend to finish, we cancel the project,” he explained. His experience indicates that numerous projects have been canceled in the prototype phase, decisions that often remain in the dark. “That’s fine. It’s just a process,” he added.

However, what is particularly shocking is the revelation that some games are canceled even in advanced stages of production. Yoshida shared that he has made the difficult decision to cancel projects that required an investment of up to 25 million dollars, something considerable in the past, although today it may not seem like much in the industry. “I really felt bad for not being able to foresee this,” he admitted.

Despite these losses, Yoshida considers himself fortunate to have worked with a variety of developers and studios. He argues that his ability to collaborate effectively stems from his respect for the different creative roles within the production process. His meticulous approach has influenced strategic decisions such as necessary delays in titles like God of War, thus ensuring their quality and performance in the market.

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A former PlayStation executive is clear: the Switch 2 Direct was tremendously disappointing

Shuhei Yoshida, former PlayStation executive with 30 years of experience, expressed his disappointment after the recent Switch 2 Direct, where he expected more announcements of new games. In a recent MinnMax stream, Yoshida commented: “I wanted to see more game announcements. There are a couple of games, but most are remakes or ports.” His evaluation of the event was quite critical, giving it a 6 out of 10, which he raised to 7 after the reveal of The Duskbloods, the new PvPvE game from FromSoftware, created by Hidetaka Miyazaki. A Direct that has also disappointed within the industry Despite the criticism […]

Shuhei Yoshida, former PlayStation executive with 30 years of experience, expressed his disappointment after the recent Switch 2 Direct, where he expected more announcements of new games. In a recent MinnMax stream, Yoshida commented: “I wanted to see more game announcements. There are a couple of games, but most are remakes or ports.” His assessment of the event was quite critical, giving it a 6 out of 10, which he raised to 7 after the reveal of The Duskbloods, the new PvPvE game from FromSoftware, created by Hidetaka Miyazaki.

A Direct that has also disappointed within the industry

Despite the criticism of the Direct, some developers have shown optimism regarding the potential of Nintendo’s new hardware, comparing it to a mid-range PC, which could indicate a significant advancement for the handheld console. However, the launch lineup, which includes titles like Mario Kart World and The Duskbloods, has been considered disappointing compared to the high expectations that had been generated.

The former executive also praised a new camera peripheral and the game Welcome Tour, highlighting its quality compared to Astro’s Playroom, although the latter was included with the PS5. Yoshida noted that the new accessory allows players to see the plays of others, even if they are in different games, which he considers a positive aspect for the community.

The general criticism suggests that the Direct did not meet the expectations of fans and analysts, especially with a higher price than anticipated and a launch that seems lacking compared to what was expected. However, some see the potential of the new hardware as an opportunity for Nintendo to revitalize its catalog in the future.

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The most iconic JRPG of the first PlayStation was almost non-existent

The Japanese role-playing game The Legend of Dragoon, originally released for the PlayStation 1, has managed to become a cult classic, despite initially being seen as an imitator of the famous Final Fantasy series, especially in relation to Final Fantasy 7. Developed by a team of 100 people, many of them recent graduates, and with a budget of 15 million dollars, this title was the result of its creators’ passion for providing an original experience. It was the result of the efforts of Shuhei Yoshida and the team that Shuhei Yoshida formed, producer of the […]

The Japanese role-playing game The Legend of Dragoon, originally released for the PlayStation 1, has managed to become a cult classic, despite initially being seen as an imitator of the famous Final Fantasy series, especially in relation to Final Fantasy 7. Developed by a team of 100 people, many of whom were recent graduates, and with a budget of 15 million dollars, this title was the result of its creators’ passion for providing an original experience.

It was the result of the efforts of Shuhei Yoshida and the team he formed

Shuhei Yoshida, producer of the game and former head of PlayStation Studios, recalls that the creative freedom he received from Sony was crucial in bringing his team together. Among his hires was Yasuyuki Hasebe, combat designer and one of the key figures in the game’s development, although he left the industry shortly after its release. Hasebe had previously worked at Squaresoft on the design of video games like Mario RPG, which influenced the development of the combat system in The Legend of Dragoon.

In a recent interview, Yoshida shared anecdotes about the creation of the title. Despite comparisons to Final Fantasy 7, the team focused on developing its own style and narrative; “We were not told to make any kind of game. We wanted to make this game,” Yoshida stated. This dedication has remained alive, evidenced by the relaunch of the game on PS5 in 2023, which reaffirms its popularity among fans.

Despite his status as a fan favorite, Hasebe retired from the industry just weeks after the game’s release. However, his legacy endures, showing that The Legend of Dragoon remains a valued product for players who experienced it in its time and those who discover it for the first time today.

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If AA games are no longer being made, it's because they don't sell, according to a former Sony executive

The closure of Japan Studio, announced by Sony Interactive Entertainment in April 2021, marked a turning point in video game production in Japan. Shuhei Yoshida, former president of the company, has recently commented in several podcasts that the disappearance of the AA game market was one of the key factors behind this decision. During his tenure, Yoshida emphasized that although Japan Studio created high-quality products, its lack of successful AAA releases, apart from Gran Turismo, contributed to its financial and creative difficulties. Yoshida mentioned that with rising costs and the […]

The closure of Japan Studio, announced by Sony Interactive Entertainment in April 2021, marked a turning point in video game production in Japan. Shuhei Yoshida, former president of the company, has recently commented in several podcasts that the disappearance of the AA game market was one of the key factors behind this decision. During his tenure, Yoshida emphasized that, although Japan Studio created high-quality products, its lack of successful AAA releases, apart from Gran Turismo, contributed to its financial and creative difficulties.

Yoshida mentioned that with rising costs and the scale of major releases, lower-budget games faced an increasingly complicated market. The intellectual properties of Japan Studio, many of which belonged to this AA segment, failed to find a viable space in an environment dominated by large-scale titles. This resulted in the studio’s inability to advance innovative projects, such as Keiichiro Toyama’s proposals for a sequel to Gravity Rush.

There is still room for AA… ironically, within Sony

Despite the closure, the essence of Japan Studio has endured in Team Asobi, a spin-off that has managed to capture the public’s attention with its successful game Astro Bot, which received the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2024. On the other hand, the closure of Japan Studio allowed Toyama to found his own company, which is currently working on Slitterhead, an anticipated game for 2024. This reflects the evolution of lost talent and the resilience of the Japanese video game industry in the face of changing challenges.

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Yoshida confesses: at Sony they port their games to PC because it makes a lot of money with little investment

Sony has begun to release its exclusive video games on PC, a strategy that satisfies both players and the company. However, these releases often come years after their debut on PlayStation 5. During a recent interview with Sacred Symbols+, former head of PlayStation Studios, Shuhei Yoshida, shared that this decision was driven by him, highlighting Sony’s interest in expanding its market. The company hopes that PC players, by trying its exclusive titles, will be tempted to acquire a PS5. The profitability of porting to PC has proven […]

Sony has begun to release its exclusive video games on PC, a strategy that satisfies both players and the company. However, these releases often come years after their debut on PlayStation 5. During a recent interview with Sacred Symbols+, the former head of PlayStation Studios, Shuhei Yoshida, shared that this decision was driven by him, highlighting Sony’s interest in expanding its market. The company hopes that PC players, by trying its exclusive titles, will be tempted to acquire a PS5.

The profitability of porting to PC has proven to be significant for Sony. Yoshida emphasized that these processes represent little effort and low costs for the brand, thus generating additional revenue. This becomes a smart strategy in an increasingly diversified video game landscape, where competition is intensifying.

The Chinese market: a priority for Sony

A crucial aspect that Yoshida highlighted is the importance of entering emerging markets, such as China. Although the console player base in this country is currently relatively small, the PC market is constantly growing. To reach this new audience, the launch of games on PC presents a valuable opportunity. “To reach the audience in countries like China, it is crucial to launch games on PC,” Yoshida commented, emphasizing the relevance of this strategy in Sony’s future growth in regions where console gaming has not yet taken off.

As the video game industry evolves, it is clear that Sony is adapting its tactics to remain competitive, which could change the perception of the exclusivity of its titles in the future. This initiative to launch versions of its games for PC connects the brand with a broader audience while strengthening its position in the global market.

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