Head of PlayStation Studios States that Japanese Talent is Still Important to Sony

In a recent interview with Hermen Hulst, the head of PlayStation Studios, he revealed that Sony still values Japanese talent and Japanese games. The interview itself details what Sony Interactive Entertainment has planned for the future of PlayStation. This includes discussions surrounding narrative focused single-player games, and the number of titles in development at PlayStation Studios. [Thanks, ryokutya2089!]

However, the statement regarding Sony still valuing Japanese talent and games, comes after several major developers leaving Sony Interactive Entertainment. One of which was Keiichiro Toyama, creator of the Silent Hill and Siren series. He then went on to create his own studio, which is currently working on an unannounced horror title. However, Toyama was not the only one to leave SIE Japan. In March 2021, Bloodborne Executive Producer Masami Yamamoto announced his departure from the studio.

In the interview Hulst states that “Japan and Asia are strongly associated with our legacy: the success of Sony,” and that with the creation of Team Asobi, the company hopes to create more franchises with global appeal. Hulst also mentions that he is excited about the future of “PlayStation games from Japan, and Asia.” Specifically, he mentions the quality and innovation of titles coming from the region. However, he does not elaborate any further in the interview.