Shuhei Yoshida, a name that’s become synonymous with Sony Interactive Entertainment and a fervent supporter of indie developers, has revealed that he’s parting ways with the company after an incredible 31-year tenure.
For over thirty years, Yoshida has been a key figure at PlayStation. Recently, he announced his departure from his position as the champion of indie games. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been a driving force behind an impressive 429 titles. His journey saw him take the reigns as the president of SIE Worldwide Studios in 2008, before transitioning to lead the indie initiative in 2019. Under his guidance, indie games have flourished and received a significant spotlight.
A quick glance at his Twitter shows his passion for indie gaming hasn’t waned one bit. Currently, his bio even promotes Red Candle Games’ Nine Sols as it makes its way to PlayStation. Yoshida’s dedication to indie games is personal. On the PlayStation Blog, he nostalgically mentioned how attending events like E3 always found him exploring the indie booths first. The role of spearheading the indie initiative, he shared, was truly a “dream job” for him.
Reflecting on his time at PlayStation, which began in February 1993 prior to the launch of the original console, Yoshida highlights numerous proud moments. However, one memory stands out: the success of the indie classic, Journey. He recalled, “One particularly special moment for me was when Journey snagged the Game of the Year Award.” Yoshida was enamored by how this digital-only, three-hour experience, distributed via PlayStation Network, outshined many blockbuster AAA titles at the time. The game’s creator, Jenova Chen, conveyed a moving story of a fan whose life was touched by Journey, bringing an audience to its feet and highlighting the profound impact smaller games can have.
While Yoshida hasn’t divulged plans for his future endeavors, it’s a safe bet that he’ll continue to be a beacon for indie games, keeping them in the limelight as they deserve.
