Shuhei Yoshida Announces Departure from PlayStation in January 2025 After Over 30 Years of Leadership

Shuhei Yoshida, a beloved figure in the gaming industry and a long-standing member of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), will officially step down on January 15, 2025, after an extraordinary 31-year tenure that began before the original PlayStation launched in 1994.

Yoshida, who currently serves as the head of PlayStation Indies, has held various leadership roles during his time at the company. Most notably, he served as the President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (now PlayStation Studios) from 2008 to 2019, overseeing PlayStation’s first-party development and helping to shape its global success.

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In a PlayStation Blog post titled “All Good Things: A Look Back at Shuhei Yoshida’s 31 Years with PlayStation,” Yoshida reflected on his decision, saying:

“I’ve been with PlayStation from the beginning, and this is my 31st year with the company. When I hit 30 years, I thought it might be time to move on. The company’s doing great, I love the PS5, and I respect the new generation of management. PlayStation is in good hands. I thought, okay, this is my time.”

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While retiring from Sony, Yoshida plans to remain in the gaming industry, describing his work with indie developers as his “dream job.” Under his leadership, PlayStation Indies championed unique, small-scale projects like Journey, a title that won Game of the Year at the 2013 DICE Summit.

Yoshida leaves behind a legacy celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. From collaborating with Ken Kutaragi during the original PlayStation’s development to his iconic E3 2013 appearance, his contributions have helped define PlayStation as a brand.

As part of PlayStation’s ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations, Sony Interactive Entertainment has unveiled a dedicated history website. The site showcases the brand’s legacy, starting with the original PlayStation’s debut in December 1994. Among the milestones highlighted is the PlayStation 2’s remarkable achievement of 160 million units sold.