Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida has been sharing quite a few insights on the games industry since his departure from Sony. Among them, he says it might be time for Sony to reconsider its adherence to cutting-edge graphics.
In an interview with AVWatch (translated via Genki_JPN), Yoshida said it’s time for PlayStation to reconsider its focus.
“Up until now, PlayStation’s DNA has been driven by values such as ‘cutting-edge graphics’ that have continued since [Ken Kutaragi]’s time,” Yoshida said. “Users have also expected that from PlayStation games. However, it’s about time we have to reconsider that.
“Of course, I think it’s necessary to provide the very best (in terms of graphics quality) to those who want it,” Yoshida continued. “But, in order to continue to be popular with users in a broad sense, we naturally have to change our way of thinking.”
There’s little doubt that games like Horizon Forbidden West, Ghost of Tsushima, The Last of Us Part 2, or other major Sony exclusives have put a lot of focus into graphical fidelity. Yet Yoshida’s comments indicate it might be time to reconsider approach.
Whether that’s a focus on relatively smaller experiences like Astro Bot, or a complete pivot to lo-fi or stylized graphics, it’s not suggested. But with the price of making a big, AAA game like those in Sony’s stable seemingly only going up, fresh approaches might be welcome.
This isn’t the only insight Yoshida has shared in his interview rounds. The former PlayStation exec also discussed NieR: Automata’s impact on the games industry, especially in Japan. Whether that’s the blueprint for a renewed approach to games or not, I certainly wouldn’t complain about more games like NieR: Automata going around.
Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.
