A choice without a choice: Shuhei Yoshida took over PlayStation Indies in 2019 or he would have been fired from Sony
The former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Shugei Yoshida, said that in 2019, he was forced to lead a new PlayStation initiative aimed at supporting indie developers or leave the company. After 31 years of working at Sony, Yoshida decided to move to a new position to continue working with independent developers.
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In 2019, after successfully leading SIE Worldwide Studios since 2008, Yoshida was appointed to a new role focused on strengthening relationships with indie developers. This decision was made by the company's management, and according to Yoshida, the alternative was to leave Sony.
He stressed that his personal goal was to make his position redundant by providing such effective support to the indie community that additional help would no longer be needed.
In January 2025, Yoshida announced his retirement from Sony, noting that the company had made significant progress in its collaboration with indie developers and he felt his mission was complete. After leaving the company, he continues to work as an independent consultant, collaborating with indie game publishers and developers, using his years of experience to support new projects.
As a reminder, PlayStation 5 is closing the gap with Nintendo Switch in indie game sales, according to Shugei Yoshida.
Source: Venturebeat
