East PlayStation Executive Shawn Layden is teasing fans with his new project, a TV series that he thinks will be the gaming equivalent. mad man. The former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment has kept himself busy since assuming the role of chairman in 2014, following his exit from the PlayStation juggernaut in 2019. After spending a few years away from the gaming industry, Layden will take up an advisory position for Chinese gaming titan Tencent Games, serving from 2022 until 2024. Leyden is teasing some big plans in the works for the near future.
While Layden has unofficially “retired” from the gaming industry, the former executive continues to work behind the scenes. Along with his previously mentioned time with Tencent, Shawn Layden has involved himself in several start-ups, many focused on the gaming industry. Although Leyden has not officially revealed any of his development projects, he did confirm in a recent interview that he was in the process of developing a television series. Now, Shawn Leyden is suggesting that the series he's in development may take some inspiration from the beloved drama series. mad man
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Former PlayStation CEO Shawn Layden teases next project
During a recent interview on Game Rant's Character Selection, Shawn Layden gave a brief teaser about a television series he is working on developing. He explained the show as something similar to “K”. mad man is for advertising,” suggesting the project is likely a drama series centered around the gaming industry. mad manThe premise of focuses heavily on the inner workings of the advertising industry, potentially hinting at Leyden's series focusing on the gaming industry and what goes on behind closed doors. Layden was adamant about creating his series as a more narrative and narrative-focused look at game development, emphasizing a dramatic approach rather than a documentary-style series.
Shawn Leyden's involvement a mad manA style series that focuses on gaming may draw from his years of experience at Sony. Layden first joined Sony long before the debut of the original PlayStation, having been hired as a member of the company's communications department in 1987. Layden worked at Sony in positions around the world, serving as vice president and president of Sony's entertainment division in both Europe and Japan. Layden also hinted at another new project within the gaming industry during the interview, a “new publishing platform” focused more on connecting developers with fans.
Layden's comments on the growing relationship between developers and fans come as social media has become more important than ever in gaming. Many developers and studios use social media platforms like Twitter to communicate directly with their fanbases, providing patch notes and everything from teasing new content to seeking feedback. The importance of game studios being transparent and accountable to their fanbases has led to the introduction of the “Best Community Support” category at the annual Game Awards. Layden also stressed that as gaming prepares to “enter a new era”, publishers need to rethink their relationships and support for their developers.
Shawn Layden discusses the changing games industry as the world of gaming has seen some big changes since his time with PlayStation. Indie developers have been on the rise in recent years, with indie games even capturing “Game of the Year” at the 2025 Game Awards. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. New markets are also starting to gain a strong foothold in the gaming industry, with Saudi Arabia and China as growing players in modern gaming. Shawn Layden's teased television series could be a fresh new look at the inner workings of the ever-changing gaming business.
