Earlier today, it was announced that Google Stadia is opening a new game studio, with industry legend Shannon Studstill set to lead the team. Previously heading up Sony's own Santa Monica Studio, she leaves behind some big boots to fill, but PlayStation has wasted no time in putting forward a fitting replacement. The new head of the God of War developer is Yumi Yang.
Her name might not be a particularly familiar one, but she's described by Sony as "a 19-year PlayStation veteran" with substantial experience and knowledge of Santa Monica's output. "Her project management prowess and meticulous oversight of 2018’s God of War helped the title fully realize its groundbreaking potential," reads the platform holder's statement. "With her vast experience and deep understanding of the studio’s distinct creative DNA, she is perfectly positioned to lead Santa Monica Studio to a bold and exciting future."
It sounds like Yang is up to the task, then. We wish her and Studstill the very best in their new roles.
[source ign.com]
Comments 28
Good. I hope SM is working on 2 big games for ps5.
now, this is a great move the praises this lady got why making God Of War were massive.
always good to have people who have Playstation at heart leading the studios, great news
Congrats to her!
congrats indeed!
Congratulations at such a young age.
@Flaming_Kaiser She's about 50, not really that young. I think you might have misread the article subtitle. 🤔
@Matroska
I saw her picture and thought i think i read it wrong. 😆
@Flaming_Kaiser Yep 🤣
Big congrats. Can't wait to see what Santa Monica has in store for the future.
Seems like a very sensible choice! Congratulations and good luck
I wonder if Corey Barlog also left SMS since he moved to Seattle recently
@Matroska Is your avatar Yuffie? I loved her in Final Fantasy 7. 😉👍
Came across a tweet at the same time as this that Xbone had poached the chap that headed up the combat design in god of war to InExile studio....whilst its a nod to their talent that other companies are poaching them, its a bit concerning how is this affecting Santa Monica's work on its next gen stuff with these departures?
Yumi Yang played a very important role in the development of the latest God of War so I have complete faith she'll do a great job as the new head of SSM. Congrats to her.
SSM is in capable hand, congrats to her
@Robocod Not really, I remember a couple of years ago there are a couple of people left ND when they're making uncharted 4, people are worried about ND games but when uncharted 4 come out it is a game of the years material that sold 16M+. SSM consist of hundreds people, the tipe of management there is more important that a couple of people.
@wiiware Right lol. As I said before these people don't even know who does what at these companies but make a big deal out of. GOW has had several different writets, producers, designers and directors since the first game. There is no such thing as poaching talent most work on a freelance basis and move on. Shannon Studstill only produced the first GOW and had nothing to do with GOW PS4. She never had any creativity or direction in the series. Cory Barlog is the most important figure in GOW outside of Jaffe and they both left at one point.
@Robocod The lady that left had nothing to do with GOW creatively. Do your research.
As for the combat designer, GOW has had several designers throughout the years. He was not the original combat designer, but replaced someone else. If he does not return than someone else will get the job done as usual.
No one person soley works on video games. Capcom does not have any of the creators of their franchises still working for them.
This is only news cause its Sony.
@GodGamer Go watch the making of God of War PS4 called ‘Raising Kratos’ then try saying Shannon had nothing to do with it. Yes she has no involvement with the creative side but was instrumental in keeping the whole studio running and played a part in getting Cory back to the studio.
Not saying she can’t be replaced but her part in the studio shouldn’t be diminished.
Shame for Shannon as the Raising Kratos documentary showed just how much she fought for the team. Good luck I guess to her. But well done to Yumi.
Yumi Yang and Shannon Studstill sound like Garbage Pail Kid characters.
They (Yumi and Shannon) were very close according to the Raising Kratos Documentary, Yumi was practically her shadow, so I'm pretty sure she will be up to the task, glad to see the studio is in good hands.
Congratulations Yumi, looking forward to seeing you grow Santa Monica Studio from strength to strength.
@GodGamer Yup, now cory barlog is the mvp of SSM, before barlog comeback SSM is in a rut because their game just doesn't connect with player, gof of war ascension is just okay and their new ip is cancelled, now after god of war everybody can't wait for gow 2 and cory barlog new ip
@Flaming_Kaiser Yeah it is. She's great, shame she won't be in the remake till the next one.
Must be a lot of money on offer to move to a job that may not exist in 18 months.
Cory Barlog and Hermen Hulst both tweeted about this article.
Cory Barlog is the creator and lead director of God of war 1, 2, 3, 4 and other writers, these 2 women had little to do with God of war franchise.
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