We're most likely never going to find out the reasoning behind Shawn Layden's departure from Sony last year, but at least we can rest easy in the knowledge that the two parties parted ways on good terms. The former chairman of PlayStation Worldwide Studios has consistently tweeted about Sony's efforts since his surprise exit, sharing one more positive memory overnight in the process.
Layden considers Sony's acquisition of Marvel's Spider-Man developer Insomniac Games one of the greatest achievements he was associated with at PlayStation. "Seems a lifetime ago. Yet one of the greatest achievements I was fortunate to associate myself with at PlayStation. So good, so right."
The man then goes on to share that the piece of expensive-looking memorabilia in the tweet is referred to as a "tombstone" in the video game industry -- a comedic jab at fan discourse whenever a studio is bought up perhaps? Nevertheless, let's hope Jim Ryan and co come to own a couple of these busts during their tenour at PlayStation. Remedy, anyone? Bluepoint Games? Housemarque? We'll have to wait and see.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 24
Ha, I read it as keep buying their games whenever they release. That alone is an achievement, too, because of how great their games are.
Yeah, it was a smart acquisition. Excited to see what the future holds for them.
Hermon Hulst has some mighty big shoes to fill in my opinion. Shawn oversaw a lot of Worldwide Studios best ever titles. I’m curious what lead to his exit but I like to think Hermen can carry on the good work.
A very smart acquisition by Sony. Insomniac Games turn out high quality games pretty fast. Looking forward to seeing what they have in store for us.
He would be right. To pull off the acquisition of a previously fiercely independent, high profile studio like insomniac was an incredible get for Sony.
It was an hell of a leaving present to finally acquire a studio 20 years in the making.
Out of all the acquisitions both have made recently this was by far the biggest in my opinion. With gems such as the original Spyro Trilogy, Ratchet and Clank, Spider-Man and the often underappreciated Resistance series with the incredibly fun Sunset Overdrive hidden away elsewhere, they have a proven track record for consistently great quality
Love to see a reboot or remake of Resistance, a port of Sunset Overdrive. Insomniac make's some good game's, and no doubt we'll see Ratchet & Clank again which are great game's. Spiderman is amazing too.
@Jay767 there's literally 4 words between Resistance series and Sunset Overdrive in my comment
@carlos82 oh I’m sorry.
Playstation should bought insomniacs years ago, give them an offer they can't refuse lol.
I think resistance reboot would be good loved them all, absaloutley loved the first one, online was amazing that bullseye gun was brilliant, and also if you were playing as the aliens you could see through walls, so much fun on that game. Probably one of the best and most underated games of the ps3.
"during their tenour at PlayStation"
Tenure. 😉
It was a great pick up for sure but didn’t necessarily help sting the pain of losing out on Double Fine, Obsidian, and Ninja Theory for me. I would like to see them put some support behind some indie studios or a studio who can put out multiple projects.
I heard that kojima production.housemarque.and remedy is already a sony world wide studio.word up son
@playstation1995 Until Sony Themselves Confirm That Believe Nothing.
i miss layden already. i have a hunch he left over the ruthless direction sony is going in under jim ryan (i.e. ending console exclusivity and porting its ip to pc etc.). that is certainly an issue that would cause many arguments and i can see why shawn would have lost the debate from a feasibility standpoint. yes, porting games to pc will likely net sony more revenue (profit) but it will be at the expense of its ps5 hardware sales (there will be lower adoption rates now) and market share (will decline). it will also cheapen the playstation brand and take away reasons to own a future console going forward for many people.
This proves Shawn was a big PlayStation fan. His departure saddens me even more after hearing this, I don't know what's going on in PS main HQ but Jim Ryan is up to something no-good, he clearly has his own sort of evil agenda, I hope I'm wrong on this.
Shawn was ok but came across like lets all dance round the fire type guy too much of that is not good imo.
@TheBuzz that is so far from the truth.
@Porco Shawn was the one doing all of it Ryan has come to fix it I would put money on that being the case.
@David187 i don't follow. i don't think porting all of the ps exclusives to pc is the right call.
@Porco I think that was Shawn doing all that stuff with PC. I'm hoping Sony will clarify if it is true soon.
@David187 If that were the case, ryan could just cancel all the plans that were in motion then? Why go through with them? nothing has happened yet, but it seems like horizon on pc is a real possibility.
@Porco guessing things may have been signed so they are dealing with it.
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