Yoshida Expresses Opposition to Sony’s Live Service Strategy, Believes Bloodborne 2 Delay Hinges on Miyazaki’s Availability

Yoshida Expresses Opposition to Sony’s Live Service Strategy, Believes Bloodborne 2 Delay Hinges on Miyazaki’s Availability

Shuhei Yoshida Discusses His Career and Thoughts on Sony’s Direction

In a recent in-depth video conversation with Greg Miller of Kinda Funny Games, former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida shared insights from his impressive thirty-year career at Sony. Holding significant roles such as Vice President of Sony Computer Entertainment America, President of Sony Worldwide Studios, and later Head of the Independent Developer Initiative, Yoshida’s tenure officially concluded yesterday, the same day the interview was released.

Transitioning Leadership and Strategic Shifts

One of the most compelling themes of the interview was the discussion of Yoshida’s successor, Herman Hulst, who took over as the head of PlayStation’s internal first-party studio organization. Following Yoshida’s departure, Sony aggressively shifted its focus towards live service games, even as it continued to release highly regarded single-player titles.

When asked about this strategic pivot, Yoshida expressed that the allocation of resources should enhance rather than replace investments in single-player experiences. He mentioned, “If the company was considering that way, it probably wouldn’t have made sense to stop making another God of War… and put all the money into these service games.”His perspective indicates that the direction was more of an addition rather than a replacement, allowing both single-player and live service games to flourish.

Risk and Reward in Game Development

Yoshida acknowledged the inherent risks associated with venturing into the highly competitive live service genre. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the success of such titles, Sony’s management provided Hulst with the necessary resources to explore this new avenue. “I think that’s the way they did it,”he explained, highlighting that while the risks were understood, they were also willing to experiment. This approach has already yielded success, as seen with Arrowhead’s Helldivers 2, which became the fastest-selling PlayStation title to date.

The Bloodborne Dilemma

Another noteworthy discussion point in the interview was Yoshida’s insight into the long-awaited sequel or remaster of Bloodborne. Fans have persistently called for a follow-up, yet both Sony and FromSoftware seem unresponsive to these demands. Yoshida’s theory on this matter centers around Hidetaka Miyazaki, the visionary behind Bloodborne. He speculates that while Miyazaki has a deep affection for the title and is interested in its potential revival, his current commitments—especially with the success of Elden Ring—may prevent him from pursuing it. Yoshida suggests, “he doesn’t want anyone else to touch it,”illustrating the delicate balance between creative control and fan expectations.

A Future with New Possibilities

Interestingly, as Sony has become the largest shareholder of FromSoftware’s parent company, Kadokawa Corporation, the dynamics may shift. With greater influence over the studio’s projects, fans are left wondering whether this will lead to renewed focus on Bloodborne or similar ventures.

Shuhei Yoshida’s reflections on his time with Sony and the industry at large provide valuable insights into the complexities of game development strategy, risk management, and creative leadership. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the decisions made today will undoubtedly shape the future of PlayStation and its diverse offerings.

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