Former Sony Executive Discusses the Closure of Japan Studio
Insights into the factors leading to the shutdown of Japan Studio, as revealed by ex-Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida.
Summary
- Former PlayStation head of indies and Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida reveals that Japan Studio shut down due to difficulties making successful AAA games.
- According to Yoshida, Sony shifted its focus to larger AAA games, and the gaming market became difficult for Japan Studio’s smaller AA games to succeed.
- Yoshida was unable to greenlight AA games, including a concept by Gravity Rush 2 and Slitterhead director Keiichiro Toyama, before the studio closed.
Former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida discussed the shutdown of Japan Studio, asserting that the market presented significant challenges for the studio’s titles. Yoshida commented on the shifting expectations that Sony placed on its developers, especially regarding the need for AAA PlayStation games.
Yoshida stated that the difficulties faced by Japan Studio stemmed from the gaming landscape changing in favor of larger, AAA titles. This shift made it challenging for Japan Studio’s AA games to find success. Following Japan Studio’s closure, many ex-employees went on to create their games at new studios, ensuring that the legacy of Japan Studio continued in different forms.
