PlayStation Exec Shuhei Yoshida Will Leave the Company in January

Noooo!!!! He should have been PlayStation CEO.

What a huge blow to Sony. Shuhei is one of the greats and a true link to Sony's Japanese origins. I wish him nothing but the best in future endeavours. I hope Sony has someone suitable lined up to come in- but it's huge shoes to fill. Will be fascinating to see where he ends up next

Thanks for everything Shu! 🫡

The ‘How to share games on PS4’ ad lives rent free in my head🤣

@Rob_230 He has been working with Greg Rice (former Double Fine's publishing head) on PlayStation's indie initiative for years. We probably won't see many changes.

@The_Wailing_Doom He was the head of the division for a while. He already confirmed that he was supposed to leave Sony years ago because he was no longer interested in focusing on giant triple-A games. He only stayed because Sony created a whole new division to work with/promote indies.

Thank God, now get rid of the rest of the old guard. Sony needs a new set of eyes and new trajectory led by individuals passionate about gaming first. Not merely engaging in the predatory, eventually doomed to fail, endless growth model regardless of the consequences to the medium and artists creating in it.

The execs and shareholder overlords have done a great deal of damage to the gamer faced aspect of the brand this gen in favor of greed.

He is my favourite playstation person :/

@KundaliniRising333 Saying this in regards to Shu Yoshida, who is quite clearly one of the most passionate gamers at the company and has been there for 31 years to help bring the PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 to market, is wild.

I'm glad he's still staying in the industry, curious to see where he lands though.

Nooooo 😭

Shuhei is the most likeable SIE higher ups who also a gamer. I never get bored watching him talking in a interview or just casually playing games like what he did with Path of Exile 2 devs.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_SZdCClZLc&pp=ygUPU2h1aGVpIHlvc2hpZGEg

But with 60 years old, i understand his decision that he wants to relax and chill.

@KundaliniRising333 Are you being sarcastic or just clueless AF???

Shuhei is a lot more passionate for gaming compare to Hermen or Nishino.

He will be missed, he is one of the PlayStation greats and of course an original whos helped Playstation become the best platform for many years. Hopefully Playstations indie initiative continues to grow without him.

@PuppetMaster Are you being sarcastic or just clueless AF???

I'd say neither and is just posting the usual Playstation hate messages he usually does.

Thanks to the OG that PlayStation is the behemoth that it’s now

If he's leaving Sony but still staying in the industry could it mean that he hasn't been satisfied with the way things are going at PlayStation in recent years?

So I wonder if Shift Up and Stellar Blade was the last game and partnership he was responsible for? Anyway he's a playstation legend and has a good eye for games.

@ATaco the dude been working at PlayStation for 30 plus years he probably want to try something new at this point of his career. I won’t be surprised if he start a small game studio.

@PuppetMaster @LiamCroft
I hear you
Nostalgia is fun. However look at Sony's current trajectory. Regardless of his historical and anecdotal goodness, he has been a part of this new version of PS, just as much as the rest of them. Perhaps that's why he's really leaving, and that's great, however I genuinely wish those leaving the company based on that pretense be honest about it.

However it doesn't take him out of the movers and shakers that created this mess. If you don't see where the platform is now, as a mess and far cry from playstations height, that's just delusion and a far bigger issue thinking-wise for those in which that shoe fits.

Godspeed, sir, and Thank You.

oo7

@KundaliniRising333 His role for the last 5 years has been to work with external indie developers to bring their games to Playstation. He has no input on what studios to buy, hardware pricing, what games get made or any say in their live service push.

Don’t wanna be a doomer but Jesus man what a loss, Shu is an icon and deserves his flowers, wish him the best of luck going forward, maybe it’ll be time to wish PS some luck too as they’re gonna need it without someone like Shu.

Another Japanese executive or employee leaving sigh...

Damn, this makes me sad. Shu was the final guy from the classic old guard at PlayStation. I knew this day would come eventually, but still. Damn....

@KundaliniRising333 Remember Ken Kutaragi ? he was the man! Jack tretton too .

@UltimateOtaku91 OK awesome.

Good for him. He deserves a break after 30 years. I won't be surprised if he does talks for indie devs or has a more Rami Ismail kind of consultant role.

@UltimateOtaku91 Now that you mention it, i check his comment history and oh boy looks like this guy has a big hate boners for PS.

@KundaliniRising333 "However it doesn't take him out of the movers and shakers that created this mess"

Yes it takes him out from the new management considering his work this past 5 years is only leading Playstation Indie Games Initiative that leads to China / India / MENA Hero Project and other indie games as well. He doesn't involved with any big decision like buying studios, prices, etc.

I reccomend you to do some research before posting brainless hate comment.

@PuppetMaster not hate, context.

I have been a dedicated playstation Platform player for 30 years. I simply call out what I've seen for the last 4 years with that context.

It doesn't mean I don't love gaming. It is no Measure of health to be profoundly well adjusted to a sick system. Criticism is not hate. I would argue it is wisdom. Making excuses in the name of corporate allegiance, I would argue is the opposite....

Thank you Yoshida for all you've done for PlayStation! Trying my best to be stay positive about this even though im not in a way😢. Still, best wishes to him and whatever he does next.

This is sad news, without him PlayStation wouldn’t be what it’s today, and I think it might be concerning the fact that he isn’t retiring or exiting the industry, but rather leaving Sony specifically, I wonder if he’s not ok with all their recent decisions.

Wish him well in whatever he does.

Coonie Booth and Shu in one year...

Whats funny is the idiots cheering this on and asking for new execs... Do you really think Sony will hire exacs that truly care about gaming now?
No way.
They are going to be looking for people that can help their company financially.
Herman Hulst will be gone soon I'm sure, after all he was the one who loved Concord and was referring it to their future Star Wars franchise LoL.
Sony will for sure find another guy who doesn't know how to hold a controller again, but can help their stock price go up.

In my opinion, Sony has really lost a lot of its charm n magic this generation sadly... and they were on top of the world last gen.

A real PlayStation legend. They will definitely lose a piece of their soul when he leaves. Thanks Shu!

Honestly been surprised he's stayed at the company these last several years since essentially being demoted. Not only is he a rare exec who showcases passion for his industry, but he pretty much became a PlayStation mascot during the PS3 era. Also, alongside Adam Boyes, demolished Xbox in the last generation with a single 3 second video.

I wish for nothing but good fortunes in the future for this man. Shu always came across as one of the most passionate, smart, and kind voices for Playstation. He will certainly be missed.

Good luck on your future endeavors! Thank you Shu and Godspeed!

Who doesn't love Shue? 🫡

Yeah we've definitely not got the whole story here. You don't just let a man of his experience just leave, especially when he wants to remain in the industry. He's extremely well liked and respected across the entire industry there has to be a major reason for his departure.

When he accepted the role with the indie games I knew his time was about over. Makes me sad. This guy brought so much genuine joy every time he spoke. His era of interacting and communicating with the fans is dead at Playstation. I dont blame him for wanting to move on.

@Bluemoon2008 - Of course there is a reason, the man just wants something new after spending 30 years in the same ***** company. Why don't people just accept this?

His used games video will always be legendary. Shame to see him go, but that’s long time with Sony.

Sad news (considering he is one of the few, if not the only one of the "old guard" members Sony had left), but after 31 years at the company its understandable. I will miss this good man and wish him all the best.🫡

@KundaliniRising333 You said you're a dedicated PS players for 30 years but here you are the only one who said "Thanks God" that Shuhei will retired, claimed he doesn't have passion for gaming, and accused him as one of the guy behind recent PS bad decisions. Sorry to say this but i'm not buying your BS, not when your comment history showing full negative towards PS.

@Bluemoon2008 Not everything is a controversy. The 60 years old guy already done everything he can for PS for 31 years which is more than half his life cycle and the brand is still thriving. So now it's time for him to chill and relax. Simple as that.

So - anyone who is not an idiot - or a bot - would recognize the Yoshida-san's one of the last old-guard who made PlayStation into the gaming giant it became. He is a legend in PlayStation lore - and will always likely remains so.

Unfortunately, I think we should also be realistic and understand that he's been easing himself out for years (since taking on the indie role). I think the role suited him, and I think he likely understood he wasn't quite the cluseless gamer / crass capitalist / corporate-a-hole / entertainment-mogul-wannabe that Sony seems to promote these days.

While I think his departure won't make that much difference in reality, it does however make us reflect on how far Sony has fallen from the early days. The heart of PlayStation is that little bit smaller today. 吉田-さん,お疲れ様でした!

He's also 60 years old and has accomplished many things how's about he enjoys his golden years instead of being worked to the bone lots of people would love to retire after all that

@KundaliniRising333 Nice to see some common sense. I get people love a certain ecosystem that they've grown attached to, but it's unhealthy to believe nothing is wrong with the industry today. While it is nice that many are seeing it now and calling it out, there are still plenty out there that would rather shut down opinions than debate about it. Being compliant is why these companies push bad practices.

Damn... the end of an era.

Another OG gone...

He will be missed 100%!!
But ofc he quits now, he will be playing Path Of Exile 2 next year for sure!

Wise choice and very sad. Anyway best wishes to Shuhei Yoshida!

I hope the new generations will continue to bring great, creative games to the platform, and won't just focus on engagement and raking in money through micro transactions.

@InsertUsername Problem is, Shuhei doesn't have a whole lot do with the problems at Sony right now. He's been dealing almost exclusively with indie devs for the better part of a decade. It wouldn't be common sense to blame the head of catering for a movie being poorly directed.

The final nail, really. Such a shame to see Sony lose its Japanese identity and become such an awful company these days. I wish him the best. He's responsible for a lot of my childhood gaming memories.

I can understand that after 31 years you want to do something else thanks for all te great work you put in Shu we will miss you dearly.

@Rob_230

Why is it a huge blow to Sony, he's not been involved with anything ps5, and very little PS4 in terms of hardware or PlayStation studios.
Legendary figure within the brand but more so just a mascot at this point. Happy he's gonna try something fresh

One of the greats, it'll be sad to see him go, but happy he'll stay in the industry.

All the best Shu and happy trails! I’ll always have a mini Shu in my stars cabinet. So long legend x

What a hero ❤️ He was the heart and the soul of PlayStation in the PS3 era for me and the brand hasn't been the same since his public role was sidelined.
Absolute gent and an incredible legacy, can't wait to see what he does next

Gonna miss him so much he's a legend 😭😭😭 all the best wishes for the future Mr. Yoshida and thank you for everything you've done for Playstation ^__^❤️

Now that the sentimental stuff is out of the way I'm gonna go get my Doomer THE END IS NEAR! sign I feel like I need it 😅😭😭😭

One of the 🐐’s for sure.

That PS4 “personality era” where we really got to know Shu as a gamer was legendary.

@Anthony_Daniels Because he is a link to what has become an otherwise faceless corporation. Shuhei interacts with the community - Heck, im a nobody and have had interactions with him on twitter. The importance of having a representative who clearly loves the business and connects with the fans is too easily understated

People like him. And developers like him. He may not have a hugely impact full role these days in terms of operating Sony's business, but he has still contributed to picking up unique titles for the Playstation platform over the past few years.

As I say earlier however. Wish him nothing but the best and hope he enjoys whatever comes next. Legend

I'm sad Shuhei Yoshida is leaving but also worried who will be replacing him soon after? After Satoru Iwata passed, Nintendo fell from grace, I hope the same don't happen here 😖😖

@KundaliniRising333 I really don't think you know who this man is, he was one of the men who made and took PS throughout it's best years especially through PS2.

The company is now becoming a faceless voiceless mess who runs on greed and it's lost its way again because it did the same at the start of PS3

@Rob_230

Nice to have him around for the few hardcore who care. But Massive blow, not at all. The wider audience won't have a clue, not will it effect the sales in the slightest.
Just internet hyperbole

@Rob_230 Yep, this 100%. Been fearing this day would come,but agree like departures of Sean Layden or Adam Boyes,they were execs who not only enjoyed their games,but could nominate smaller more obscure titles just as easily as big AAA ones.
Even more so as you say,he was easily the most senior exec still there that would chat directly with gamers.

Compare that to Hermen Hulst as SIE head who'd only speak to sites like WIRED ,(much as Jim Ryan),& only interactions would be an Avatar change.
As someone touched on Greg Rice has been part of Yoshida's team to turn around their indie coverage. But did note he seems less involved heading up a Day of the Devs initiative first started at his previous job at Double Fine.

Like you say,the lack of other prominent execs that interact in the same way as those past did be it twitter or even on their own PS Blog doesn't help that feeling of disconnect. 😕

A definite loss,but certainly been a great & positive force behind the scenes as he was at the coalface. One can only hope his replacement will be as good.

Sad times. The fun iteration of Sony disappears for good and what are we left with? Hermen....

@InsertUsername Kundalini definitely doesn't use common sense and neither do you.

Maybe read the news first before posting a negative comment because this news is about Shuhei Yoshida and his 31 years career at Sony will end with a retirement, not Sony / SIE as a company and their coporate decision in recent 3-4 years that involve live service games, increase price, buying / closing studios, or lay off employees which Shuhei doesn't involved at all after he got replaced by Hermen back in 2019.

Loved Shuhei, he was a great leader and understood gaming better than anyone. He will be missed at Playstation.

Shuhei yoshida is going to be missed.man PlayStation is losing a lot of theyre legends.retiring and moving on.word up son

Shu will go down as a legend and always felt like 'one of us' Thanks for everything you did for the industry

All the best wishes! Enjoy the extra free time! Visit some friends^^ you'll be missed, but I'm sure won't be gone long

Damn, Sony losing the likes of house, layden, hirai and now shu is such a shame. Especially when people like hulst are the replacements.

Though shu has definitely earned a happy retirement and wish him all the best.

Thanks for all the memories Shu, I've watched it all, you will be missed.

I am heartbroken 💔 💔 💔 he is leaving He does AMAZING work for SONY/PlayStation & a real gamer to 👍 I'll miss his Twitter/X posts to. What a BIG loss to PlayStation

He knows nothing, @LiamCroft !

Well this is when PlayStation needs him the most as the company seems to be in a state of flux....but hey I can understand he wants to jump ship before it's too late.

perhaps his decision to retire may not be even his own like Jim Ryan's.

Geez, a couple of people in these comments truly showing they don't have a clue, banging on about corporate greed in relation to one of, if not the, greatest PS employee of all time.

Reiterating what others have said, this is a massive loss to the company, as it continues to feel like PS loses the soul it once had, brought to us by people like Shu.

I also do think this is part of the reason he's left but not retired. I think it's clear he doesn't want to be a part of a faceless company anymore. I thought companies were starting to realise the more involved and responsive you are to your customers, the more success you're likely to have? I guess not Sony.

Just more signs the ship is sinking. Since PS became westernised the whole thing feels like it's going down the toilet.

When I worked there everyone had a genuine passion for gaming, we would do a days work and stay for hours after just playing games for the pleasure of it.

Now it feels like the majority of people don't even like games, and they are treating the place like McDonalds, just churning out the next burger at a drive through.

Doesn't really seem like he's been too influential at PlayStation for a while now anyway, so after more than 30 years at once place it probably isn't a bad idea for him to try something new. interested to see where he ends up and what his role will be.

@KundaliniRising333 Yeah, cause the new management has done wonders for the playstation ecosystem this generation. (sarcasm)

@PuppetMaster

Thats all well and fine except he doesn't want to chill and relax. He's immediately expressed a desire to get back into the exact same line of work.

@Bluemoon2008 No, he said he would like to stay in the gaming industry. But i really doubt his new work will give him a lot of pressures compare to his years at Sony. At maximum, he probably would work as a consultant for indie devs or doing podcast where he can chill and relax a lot.

This guy is a living legend. I hope PlayStation doesn't drop indies when he leaves.

We all know he or someone else would have been great in leadership roles that are higher up (maybe wasn't cut out for it also) but I'm not surprised he didn't he did fit Indies or his prior roles well though. While the others are and we see eh results.

Same industry but yeah different place. Will be sad but good luck to him in this new space.

He will be missed.

@Orpheus79V I'm not blaming Shuhei. I'm talking about Sony itself. Sorry if I didn't clarify that. Shuhei seems like a good guy and he's better off getting away from the issues that are going on with Sony.

@PuppetMaster Clearly you are misinformed. I wasn't talking about Shuhei. I was talking about Sony and their current issues alone. That was what I was agreeing with. Sorry if that wasn't clear in my previous comment but you could also use some restraint and not be so reactionary.