Former Sony CEO Shawn Layden Shares Critical Views on Japanese Gaming Industry
In a recent interview with IGN Japan, former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment Shawn Layden expressed his pessimistic views on the Japanese gaming industry. Layden shared his insights on the industry’s current state, reflecting on his time at Sony and the recent merger of Japan Studio with Team Asobi.
Layden commented on the merger, stating that while it was a sad event, it was not entirely surprising. He praised Alan Becker, head of Japan Studio, but acknowledged the challenges faced by the studio due to its legacy. Layden compared the merger to pruning a bonsai tree, suggesting that drastic measures were necessary for growth.
Translation: Google
Sony Japan, known for iconic franchises like Ape Escape, Gravity Rush, and Shadow of the Colossus, has struggled to appeal to global audiences according to Layden. He commended Square Enix for focusing on domestic development rather than expanding overseas.
Following the merger of Sony’s Japan Studio into Team Asobi in 2021, the company shifted its focus towards American audiences, leading to concerns about the future of Japanese developers on the platform. Layden’s critical views on the industry have been evident since his tenure at Tencent.
Despite Layden’s criticisms, Team Asobi’s recent release of Astro Bot showcased the potential for innovative gameplay on PlayStation, challenging the perception of the console as solely for cinematic experiences.
