Shuhei Yoshida Reflects on Transition to PlayStation Indie Role

The former PlayStation executive reveals his limited options in 2019 and his lasting impact on indie game development.

Shuhei Yoshida, former head of PlayStation Studios, said he had to choose between leading Sony's indie initiative or leaving the company in 2019.
Yoshida took on the indie role, feeling strongly about improving PlayStation's relationship with independent developers and creating unique opportunities for them.
He credited former PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan for supporting the indie initiative and creating a position specifically for him to address concerns from indie studios.
Yoshida's efforts significantly strengthened the indie game ecosystem on PlayStation, with some titles performing better on PS5 than on PC.
After leaving Sony in January 2025, Yoshida continues to work as an independent advisor to indie developers, fulfilling his passion for supporting emerging talent.