Summary
FormerPlayStationboss Shuhei Yoshida is warning against the potential negative impact of gaming subscription services, stating that they may stifle creativity from more ambitious developers. An outspoken fan and supporter of indie titles, Yoshida defended thePlayStationsubscription service, PlayStation Plus, but also acknowledged his bias and stressed that companies need to be careful when deciding how to approach this now common model.
Rather than purchasing games outright, many fans have taken to signing up for subscription services instead, providing instant access to an ever-changing library of both old and new titles. Some of these services have been more successful than others, withPlayStation Plus recently reporting a downturnin player counts despite boasting a sizable number of games for all tiers. As more people have begun to see the subscription model as offering more bang for their buck, one gaming industry legend has offered a timely warning about the impact this could have on developers going forward.
During a talk withGame Developerat Gamescom LATAM, former PlayStation head Shuhei Yoshida pointed out the main danger of the subscription model for games, explaining that as companies depend on major first-party titles to draw in users, smaller studios may find it hard to break through. “If the only way for people to play games is through subscriptions, that’s really dangerous, because what [type] of games can be created will be dictated by the owner of the subscription services,” Yoshida explained. While he praised PlayStation Plus for adding older games that may have been missed or passed over by players, he also applauded Microsoft forthe continued success of Xbox Game Pass, paying particular attention to the company’s novel approach to backwards compatibility. Yoshida believes that, while there is an upside to the subscription service model, smaller and more daring games need to be allowed to compete with major triple-A titles to advance the industry as a whole.
Shuhei Yoshida Worries That Subscription Services Will Stifle Creativity
Yoshida’s concerns when it comes to indie titles are no surprise, as the businessman is known for his love of smaller and more bizarre games. Earlier this month, Yoshida stated that he predicted the vastsuccess of bothClair Obscur: Expedition 33andBlue Princemonths ahead of each game’s release, highlighting each title’s ambition and direction.
While several major PlayStation titles are slated for release in 2025, includingDeath Stranding 2: On the BeachandGhost of Yotei,Yoshida’s most anticipated game of 2025isn’t something many would expect. The gaming industry veteran is most excited to get his hands onBaby Steps, an upcoming title from the studio behind more absurd titles likeGetting Over It with Bennett FoddyandStick it to the Stickman. Players will need to coordinate every leg and foot movement to traverse a difficult landscape, and early videos have already caused a stir on social media, as many expect it to be one of the funniest releases of the year.
PlayStation 5
Sony’s PlayStation 5 is part of the ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon’s Souls and Astro’s Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is also available for a cheaper price.
