Former PlayStation boss urges company to reconsider "cutting-edge graphics" strategy

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment president Shuhei Yoshida made an unexpected statement about PlayStation's future during an interview with AV Watch. The executive highlighted the need to reconsider the brand's fundamental values, with cutting-edge graphics historically being at the forefront.

According to Yoshida, PlayStation has focused on visual fidelity since its inception, creating specific expectations among users.

Up until now, PlayStation's DNA has been driven by values ​​such as "cutting-edge graphics" that have continued since Kutaragi-san's time. Users have also expected that from PlayStation games.

— Yoshida emphasized

History supports these statements: from the first Crash Bandicoot on PlayStation 1, developed using expensive equipment, to modern masterpieces like God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Zero Dawn — graphical achievements have become PlayStation's calling card.

Despite the impressive results of this approach, Yoshida believes it's time for change:

It's time to reconsider this direction. Of course, we need to provide the best graphical quality to those who want it. But to maintain popularity among a wider audience, we'll need to change our mindset.

The former executive pointed to challenges associated with developing photorealistic games — such projects require enormous time and financial investments, leading to production cycles lasting five years or more. Stylized graphics, in contrast, not only look appealing but also remain relevant for a long time, unlike once-realistic projects that quickly become visually outdated.

As a successful example of the new strategy, Yoshida cited Astro Bot — a game that sold over 1.5 million copies in just two months. Notably, 37% of buyers hadn't purchased PlayStation exclusives during the previous two years but were attracted by charismatic robots and engaging gameplay rather than photorealistic graphics. This result could signal to Sony the need to diversify its approach to developing PlayStation exclusives.