A beloved PlayStation executive is leaving Sony

Key takeaways

Shuhei Yoshida announced his departure from Sony Interactive Entertainment in January 2025.
Yoshida praises upcoming PlayStation 5 games Slitterhead and Nine Sols for its unique gameplay.
Yoshida plans to attend events before leaving SIE but has no specific plans for the future.

key PlayStation Figure Shuhei Yoshida, once labeled as the face of the brand, has announced his upcoming departure from Sony Interactive Entertainment, the company's arm that handles video games. Yoshida, 60, joined SIE before the first PlayStation was even released in late 1994.

In the latest episode of PlayStation's official podcast, SIE Head of Indies Shuhei Yoshida looks back on his 31 years with Sony's popular gaming brand. The industry veteran, one of the original members of the PlayStation team formed in 1993, shared his experiences working with SIE CEO Ken Kutaragi, widely recognized as the father of PlayStation. Yoshida also dropped a major career announcement: his plans to move on from Sony's gaming division in the coming months.

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In episode 502 of the Official PlayStation Podcast, Yoshida revealed that he would be leaving SIE on January 15, 2025. The executive, who has been mulling his departure from Sony in recent years, believes now is the time for him to make the move. . Speaking to Sid Shuman, SIE senior director for content communications, Yoshida said PlayStation is doing well and is already in good hands. Additionally, he admits to loving the games coming out on the PS5 and Sony's latest console itself.

Beloved PlayStation figure Shuhei Yoshida announces departure from Sony

During his interview with Shuman, Yoshida highlighted two PlayStation 5 releases that have taken up his time recently. was among them SlitterheadA unique action horror experience from Japanese developer Bokeh Game Studio that lets players take control of essentially any NPC in the title. Keiichiro Toyama, the brain behind Gravity Rush, silent hilland Siren franchises, is the creative director of Bokeh Game Studios. Yoshida praised the setting and unique characters Slitterhead Comparing its gameplay to Soulslike. According to the PlayStation icon, fighting against bosses Slitterhead It's fun because the players can often finish them off as old women too.

Another title mentioned was a 2D platformer and a metroidvania Nine soles By Taiwanese indie studio Red Candle Games. Yoshida said Nine soles As a 2D version of FromSoftware Sekiro: Shadows die twice It also includes a combat system with parries and counters. The game, which the SIE Indie Initiative chief said has an interesting mix of sci-fi elements and Chinese folklore, was compared to the critically acclaimed Beat 'Em Up. Sifu Also. According to Yoshida, executing shifts and counters well Nine soles Can leave the player feeling amazing.

Yoshida said he will attend several events before leaving SIE, including the Game Awards 2024 in December and the Taipei Game Show in January 2025. Apart from going into these matters, PlayStation The veteran admitted that he has no other plans at the moment and will probably enjoy his free time. However, Yoshida said he will still try to support indie teams in the future.