Former PlayStation Executive Opens Up About Canceled The Last of Us Multiplayer Game and Xbox Launching on PlayStation
In a recent interview, former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida shared his thoughts on Naughty Dog’s canceled multiplayer game, The Last of Us Online, as well as Xbox launching its games on PlayStation. Yoshida, who retired from Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) last month, provided insights into the challenges faced by the gaming industry and the decisions that led to the cancelation of The Last of Us Online.
Yoshida began by expressing his excitement for The Last of Us Online, stating that it was a “great” multiplayer game. However, he also acknowledged that the studio could not dedicate the required resources to make it a reality. Yoshida explained that the game was canceled due to the studio’s focus on developing other projects and the lack of available resources to fully commit to The Last of Us Online.
Despite the disappointment of fans, Yoshida’s words shed light on the realities of game development. While the gaming community eagerly awaits new releases and sequels, it is often not feasible for studios to pursue every project that comes their way. The Last of Us Online was a highly anticipated game, but unfortunately, it didn’t make it to the finish line.
Moving on to the topic of Xbox launching its games on PlayStation, Yoshida shared his perspective as a former PlayStation executive. He stated that it was a great strategy for Xbox to expand its reach and bring its games to new platforms. He also added that this move would provide more options for players and ultimately benefit the gaming industry as a whole.
Yoshida’s positive outlook on Xbox’s decision is refreshing, especially in a highly competitive industry. Instead of viewing it as a threat, he sees it as an opportunity for growth and collaboration. With Xbox’s games now available on PlayStation, players will have access to a wider range of games, and both companies will have the chance to learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
The former PlayStation executive also touched upon the challenges faced by the gaming industry, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yoshida acknowledged that the pandemic had impacted game development and release schedules, but he also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the gaming community. He praised developers for their dedication and hard work in bringing entertainment to players during these challenging times.
Yoshida’s words serve as a reminder that the gaming industry is not immune to the effects of the pandemic, and it is a testament to the hard work and determination of developers that new games continue to be released despite the challenges.
In the interview, Yoshida also shared his thoughts on the future of the gaming industry, stating that he believes virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will play a significant role in the future of gaming. As someone who played a key role in the development and launch of PlayStation VR, Yoshida’s insight holds weight and provides a glimpse into what we can expect from the industry in the coming years.
As the interview came to a close, Yoshida expressed his gratitude to the gaming community for their support and passion for the industry. He also thanked Sony and PlayStation for the opportunity to work on innovative projects and be a part of the gaming world.
In conclusion, Shuhei Yoshida’s interview provided valuable insights into the inner workings of the gaming industry and the challenges faced by developers. His positive outlook and support for his former colleagues at Naughty Dog and Xbox serve as a reminder that, at the end of the day, the gaming industry is ultimately about bringing joy and entertainment to players. While The Last of Us Online may never see the light of day, Yoshida’s words remind us to appreciate the hard work and dedication of developers and to look forward to the exciting future of gaming.
