Former PlayStation Executive Explains Studios’ Preference for Live-Service Games as a Strategy for Project Approval

No need to worry, everyone. Shuhei Yoshida, the former PlayStation exec, recently discussed how, to his knowledge, none of the first-party studios under Sony’s wing are being forced into developing live-service games. According to him, these studios voluntarily hopped on board with the trend, believing it might improve their chances of getting their projects greenlit and supported.

In a chat with Sacred Symbols+ (shoutout to Push Square for the coverage), Yoshida shared these insights. It’s intriguing, albeit a bit typical of what you’d expect from someone who’s been in a high-up position at a major company.

Yoshida elaborated on his point: “In my experience, when studios notice the company has a major initiative, they understand that participating can increase their chances of getting their projects approved and backed.”

He added, “It’s not like Hermen Hulst [current head of PlayStation Studios] is telling teams they must make live-service games. It’s more of a mutual understanding.”

While Yoshida isn’t technically wrong, there’s a hint of corporate talk in his words. He suggests that studios see their leaders’ enthusiasm for a particular direction, and believe going along with it might help them avoid the dreaded limbo of having multiple pitches shot down. This isn’t the healthiest mindset for any company, and it’s something that executives should address.

Ideally, companies like PlayStation should cultivate an environment where their key studios feel trusted by leadership and empowered to pitch games they believe are suitable for their unique skills and the current market. Instead of everyone jumping on a bandwagon and overcrowding the already competitive space of live-service games, there should be room for innovation and creativity. After all, even before PlayStation’s extensive push into live-service, breaking into this market and achieving major success was no easy feat.

But hey, I’m not someone who has spent decades shaping one of the largest companies in the gaming world. And to be honest, it seems Yoshida isn’t necessarily endorsing this situation; he’s merely highlighting that it exists.

He also commented on PlayStation’s recent decision to can some live-service projects, admitting, “Yeah, it sucks.”