Shuhei Yoshida, Key PSVR Innovator and Industry Veteran, Leaves Sony

After nearly 32 years with Sony, Shuhei Yoshida, affectionately known as “Shu,” has taken his leave from the company.

Having announced his retirement plans last November, Yoshida marked January 15, 2025, as his final day. This former President of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios has now officially said his goodbyes.

During a recent farewell party, Yoshida shared glimpses on Twitter, embracing the moment with a light-hearted post. It’s clear he is leaving with fond memories and a lasting legacy.

Reflecting on his journey in a PlayStation blog interview, Yoshida reminisced, “Having been with PlayStation from its inception, this marks my 31st year with them. Reaching this milestone made me ponder if it was time to move on. The company’s thriving, and I have a deep love for the PS5 and its upcoming games. A new wave of management is steering the ship, and I greatly respect and admire them. I’m thrilled for PlayStation’s future.”

Throughout his tenure, Yoshida made significant contributions, especially during the PS3 and PS4 eras. Notable for his role in bringing iconic franchises like Gran Turismo, The Last of Us, and Uncharted to life, his influence in the industry is undeniable.

Yoshida’s leadership helped Sony navigate pivotal phases in their gaming development. Forging strong connections across both major and indie game developers, he was instrumental after stepping down as President. This path led him to head the Indies Initiative at PlayStation, underscoring his advocacy for diverse gaming content.

Yoshida’s visionary efforts also championed PlayStation’s venture into virtual reality. By advocating for PSVR, he aimed to make VR more universally accessible through the PS4 platform.

First introduced as Project Morpheus at GDC 2014, Yoshida tirelessly promoted VR, making appearances and keynote speeches. With his leadership, Sony developed a robust collection of VR experiences, enriching the PlayStation ecosystem.

He advocated for a cost-effective approach, ensuring that when the PSVR launched in 2016, it was an attainable alternative to higher-priced PC systems like the HTC Vive or the original Oculus Rift, which needed high-end computers.

While Yoshida hasn’t specified what’s next, his passion for gaming remains evident. Recently, he joined the vocal cast of Kaizen Game Works’ upcoming game, Promise Mascot Agency, lending his voice to a bird-like character named ‘MonouGe.’

Throughout his career, Yoshida has been a beacon of transparency and positivity in the gaming world. As he embarks on this new chapter, the gaming community, including us at Road to VR, wishes him the best in his next ventures. 吉田さん、ありがとうございます。(Thank you very much, Yoshida-san!)