If you’ve listened to PlayStation Podcast over the past 14 years, then you definitely know Shuhei Yoshida. Perhaps best known for his lengthy turn as the President of PlayStation Studios during part of the PS3 and PS4 years, Yoshida-san has spent the past few years evangelizing independent developers as Head of Indies Initiative at PlayStation.

With PlayStation’s 30th anniversary arriving next week, I got some time to catch up with Yoshida-san to discuss his career, his plans for the future, and his top game picks across 30 years of PlayStation. Read on for some excerpts from our lengthy conversation.

Note: Interview condensed for clarity and brevity. To hear the full conversation, click here. (Apple, Spotify, direct DL)

SID: You were one of our first guests on the PlayStation Podcast, probably 14 years ago. But it’s been quite a while…. What have you been up to?

SHU: I’ve been traveling a lot! I’ve been all over the place. I’ve been in Brazil, India, Australia, Sweden, visiting developers, game events, looking at the new games from developers, and tweeting about games that I like throughout the year.

SID: Happy to have you, we’re going to do a lot of catching up. But I heard you had some news for us here today?

SHU: Yes, I have an announcement to make. I’m leaving Sony Interactive Entertainment on January 15 2025… it’s like announcing the launch date of a new game, [something] I haven’t done for a long time [laughs].

SID: You’ve been with Sony Interactive for so long. What’s guiding the decision and the timing?

SHU: I’ve been with PlayStation from the beginning, and this is my 31st year with PlayStation. And when I hit 30 years, I was thinking, hmm, it may be about time for me to move on. You know, the company’s been doing great. I love PS5, I love the games that are coming out on this platform. And we have new generations of management who I respect and admire. And I’m so excited for the future of PlayStation. 

So you know, PlayStation is in really good hands. I thought, okay, this is my time.

SID: That makes a lot of sense. Well, let’s reflect on your career. I know you’ve been here for a long time, but how long exactly have you been with PlayStation?

SHU:  Yeah, I joined Ken Kutanagi’s team in February of 1993, when they were still developing the original PlayStation. Ken’s team had only engineers. Everyone was engineers. And I was the first non-technical person to join the team as the company, Sony Corporation at the time, started to plan to bring PlayStation to market. So it was 31 years ago.

SID: Ken Kutaragi is often called the father of PlayStation. What was it like working at the company back in those days, before the original PlayStation came out?

SHU: Yeah so when I joined [PlayStation], it was still just a department. Ken’s team was doing the development, and there was another team under Sony Music Entertainment Japan making games for Super Nintendo, and that was another small team preparing to make games for PlayStation. So the two teams merged, Ken’s team under Sony and Sato-san’s team under Sony Music Entertainment Japan, to create Sony Computer Entertainment in November 1993.

When the company was estab

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What’s up, gang! The festivities for PlayStation’s 30th anniversary continue this week as the crew hears from listeners and developers about their favorite PlayStation games of all time. Plus, the crew dives into their favorite games on PSP and PS3. We’ll continue to feature listeners and developers leading up to PlayStation’s 30th anniversary on December 3 and beyond.

Stuff We Talked About

• Next week’s release highlights:
  • Nine Sols | PS5, PS4
  • Trombone Champ: Unflattened | PS VR2
  • Snow Bros. Wonderland | PS5, PS4
• PlayStation VR2 news on Mare, Trombone Champ: Unflattened, Masters of Light, Alien: Rogue Incursion, and Hitman World of Assassination
• Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns new kombatant Ghostface 
• Legacy of Kain series retrospective
• Gran Turismo 7 – Update 1.54 adds five new cars, a new Cafe Menu, and more
• MLB The Show 25 revealed
• 30th Anniversary listener and developer favorite PlayStation games 
• The podcast crew highlights personal top PSP and PS3 games (to be continued…)

The Cast

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Last week, we asked you to highlight favorite companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s heroic highlights:

_xFenrir shares scout Lace Harding posing with her bow and arrows on her back.

LadyCalzone shares a portrait of Mourn Watcher Emmerich bathed in the green glow of his staff.

devilishbrycevp shares a portrait of Veil Jumper elf Bellara.

esterinaska shares Shadow Dragon mage Neve in the middle of an incantation.

jdbolzan shares a portrait of dragon hunter Taash looking sullen.

xLightningWolfx shares Grey Warden elf Davrin in the heat of battle.

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Gathering
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on November 27, 2024 

Next week, it’s time to come together. Share a moment that had characters gathering together in the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Dear Trailblazers, greetings from the Honkai: Star Rail dev team! It’s been a while, but today we’re thrilled to bring you more information about version 2.7, A New Venture on the Eighth Dawn which launches on December 4, the last chapter before the Astral Express sets its sights on the mysterious realm of Amphoreus, known as the Eternal Land. This update closes our chapter in Penacony and paves the way for a new story in version 3.0.

In the previous story arc, Black Swan suggested the Crew venture to Amphoreus — a realm so enigmatic that even the Aeon of the Trailblaze, Akivili, never managed to reach. Curious yet cautious, Miss Himeko the Navigator decides to gather any available intel about this destination. Meanwhile, the Crew makes a final stop in Penacony, reuniting with old friends and creating lasting memories in one last farewell before they set forth on their next daring journey.

Old friends returning to the spotlight

The memories of that performance at the Penacony Grand Theater feel as vivid as yesterday. It’s not just the Astral Express or Penacony that’s awakened from its dream — Sunday has, too. Reflecting on it, there’s something deeply stirring about sharing the stage with Mr. Sunday once more. Stepping down from his role as the head of the Oak Family, he’s chosen to “Descend to the mortal realm and walk their lands. See what this world is truly like.” Casting aside blessings from both Harmony and Order, Sunday is setting out to pursue his vision of a utopia as a mere mortal. This time, he returns to Penacony, thanks to the aid of a secretive Pepeshi called Wonweek, with one wish: to give a final, unforgettable performance before embarking on his new journey. Accordingly, his robe and hood serve not only to give him a fresh appearance but also to hide his true identity for his last dance in the Planet of Festivities.

As a 5

Major League Baseball’s exciting 2024 season has wrapped and with MLB The Show 24’s Season 4 content arriving tomorrow*, we at San Diego Studio wanted to take a moment to share a sneak peek at the future of this franchise. 

MLB The Show 24 Season 4

Beginning tomorrow, all fans can enjoy every card in MLB The Show 24 as we move into Season 4 with the release of 2024 Finest with more content coming. Yes, this also means cards in your inventory from previous seasons in MLB The Show 24 can be enjoyed again!

MLB The Show 25 Diamond Dynasty

We appreciate the feedback from our community and have also decided that Sets and Seasons will not be returning in MLB The Show 25, allowing every card to be used freely throughout the year. While we look forward to sharing more about our live content plans for MLB The Show 25 at a later date, our Season 4 approach gives you a sense of the direction of MLB The Show 25.

We are also excited to share that you, our fans, will be able to earn rewards in MLB The Show 24 to jump-start your MLB The Show 25 experience! Beginning tomorrow, you can start earning Now & Later MLB The Show Packs in playable content all throughout Diamond Dynasty! Each Now & Later MLB The Show Pack earned in MLB The Show 24 will grant an MLB The Show Pack in MLB The Show 25**.

As we work to develop the most authentic and realistic Major League Baseball experience possible, we wanted to share a sneak peek of what is to come next year in MLB The Show 25.

• Road To The Show: Deepen the player’s journey before being drafted, and return control to how a player develops and grows in new and interesting ways. 

• Diamond Dynasty*: With Sets and Seasons retiring, our fans can look forward to all-new elements of the Diamond Dynasty experience blended with what they love most about it. 

• Franchise: Improved trade evaluation metrics are coming along with a new fun and engaging offseason experience.

• Gameplay: With the expansion of quick time events, defensive AI, and pathing updates, enjoy more engaging moment-to-moment gameplay. 

For all the latest MLB The Show information, head to TheShow.com, sign up for The Scouting Report, and follow our X, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.

*Internet connection required for online features and software updates.
**An internet connection, MLB The Show account, and purchase of MLB The Show 25, once available, is required to receive your Now & Later MLB The Show Pack in MLB The Show 25.

As we head into the holiday season, we’re excited to celebrate another year of amazing PlayStation experiences with our community with PlayStation’s Black Friday offers that begin this week. From November 22, players and gift givers can explore a range of amazing offers on games and more on PlayStation Store*. 

Visit the official PlayStation Black Friday site starting on November 22 for updates. 

PlayStation Plus

Players who join PlayStation Plus from November 22 through December 5 can save up to 30% on a 12-month membership. Current PlayStation Plus Essential members can save 25% on the remainder of their membership when upgrading a current plan to PlayStation Plus Extra, or save 30% when upgrading from PlayStation Plus Extra to PlayStation Plus Deluxe.

With PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe, get access to monthly games, exclusive discounts, online multiplayer, and hundreds of PS4 and PS5 titles through the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, including hit titles like The Last of Us Part I, Grand Theft Auto V, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and many more*. 

PlayStation Store

From November 22 through December 2, offers on hundreds of PS5 and PS4 digital games are also coming to PlayStation Store, including popular titles like EA Sports FC 25, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, Hogwarts Legacy, and much more. Visit PlayStation Store when the promotion begins on November 22 to view the full selection and find out your local savings.

*Products may have different sales periods. See specific offer details on product detail pages.

**Availability of Classics and Game Catalog varies over time, region/country, and plan. See https://www.playstation.com/Plus for details and updates on PlayStation Plus offerings. PlayStation Plus is an ongoing subscription subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically (at the then-current PS Store price) at the frequency you choose at purchase until cancellation. Terms apply: play.st/psplus-usageterms

Gran Turismo players! Update 1.54 brings an rush of exciting cars, events, and challenges, including an update to the Gran Turismo Sophy AI agent for the classic Trial Mountain Circuit and Tokyo Expressway – East Clockwise.  Be sure to not miss the Gran Turismo World Series Celebration Race where you can experience the same races featured in this year’s grand final!

Update 1.54* for Gran Turismo 7 will be available as of Wednesday, November 20 at 10:00pm PT / +1 Day, 6:00am GMT / +1 Day, 3:00pm JST.

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Five new cars added this month

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As we head into the holiday season, we’re excited to celebrate another year of amazing PlayStation experiences with our community with PlayStation’s Black Friday offers that begin this week. From November 22 through December 2, players and gift givers can explore a range of amazing offers on games, hardware, accessories, and more across PlayStation Store, direct.playstation.com, PlayStation Gear, and at participating retailers*. 

Visit the official PlayStation Black Friday site starting on November 22 for updates on local offers, as offers will vary by region and retailer. 

Offers directly from PlayStation

Head over to direct.playstation.com to browse the latest offers and products directly from PlayStation starting November 22. This year’s promotions on direct.playstation.com include PlayStation 5 console offerings such as the PS5 console – Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle, PlayStation VR2, DualSense wireless controllers, Pulse Elite wireless headsets, Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, PS5 console covers, and select PS5, PS4, and PC titles, while supplies last.

Black Friday at participating retailers 

Offers on PS5 consoles, PlayStation VR2, games, and PS5 accessories including DualSense wireless controllers, Pulse Elite wireless headset, Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, are also available at participating retailers globally. Check your local retailer for details on seasonal PlayStation promotions, such as the launch offer on the new PS5 console – Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle (while supplies last), available starting this week at participating retailers.

PlayStation Plus

Players who join PlayStation Plus during PlayStation’s Black Friday promotion can save up to 30% on a 12-month membership. Current PlayStation Plus Essential members can save 25% on the remainder of their membership when upgrading a current plan to PlayStation Plus Extra, or save 30% when upgrading from PlayStation Plus Extra to PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe.

With PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium/Deluxe, get access to monthly games, exclusive discounts, online multiplayer, and hundreds of PS4 and PS5 titles through the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, including hit titles like The Last of Us Part I, Grand Theft Auto V, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and many more**. 

Within the Sony Pictures Core app, PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe members also have access to the Sony Pictures Catalog with up to 100 movies to stream on demand***. During the Black Friday promotional period, PlayStation Plus members can unlock special discounts on recent releases, while all PS5 and PS4 players can enjoy movie discounts made for gamer

Just over a year ago, we launched our first dedicated remote play device, PlayStation Portal remote player, with an aspiration to deliver a console-quality gaming experience on a handheld device. PS Portal was an ambitious product for us, and we have been delighted by the positive response from our fans and to see that our vision has resonated with the community.

Today we’re pleased to announce a new system software update for PS Portal that will begin releasing starting later today (Europe release begins Wednesday), which will introduce refinements in the audio experience, including:

• Speaker audio output adjustment to make the volume lower when the audio level is set to minimum
• You will now be able to adjust settings of your PlayStation Link device from the PS Portal Settings menu, allowing you to optimize the volume and sidetone volume.

This update will also include a beta version of a new feature that many fans have been asking for – support for cloud streaming on PS Portal. When the update is live, PlayStation Plus Premium members will be able to participate in a beta for cloud streaming on PS Portal, allowing select PS5 games in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog* to be streamed directly from our servers, even without a PS5 console.

Since Cloud Streaming (Beta) on PS Portal is still an experimental offering, the features available during the beta period may change over time and may not reflect the final experience. 

Let’s take a deeper look at what you can expect in this beta:

Features available during the Beta

• Stream select PS5 games in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog
  • Over 120 PS5 games from the PS Plus Game Catalog, including Dave the Diver, Ghost of Tsushima, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Monster Hunter Rise, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, will be accessible on PS Portal via cloud streaming*
• Streaming up to 1080p/60fps**
• DualSense wireless controller features, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, speakers, touchpad (emulated on the touch screen for PS Portal), and motion sensor***
• PlayStation Plus Cloud storage
  • Save data and game progress can be stored up to 100GB and will be automatically synced with your PS5 console, making it easy to switch seamlessly between local and streaming gameplay, and between multiple devices.

Cloud Streaming (Beta) for PS Portal will be available through the PlayStation Plus Premium plan, which is offered in the following locations: 

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.

How to access Cloud Streaming (Beta)

To access the beta, you will need the following:

• PlayStation Portal remote player
• An account for PlayStation Network****
• An active PlayStation Plus Premium membership
• Access to broadband internet Wi-Fi
• To establish a cloud streaming session: requires minimum 5Mbps of upload and download speeds
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Becoming the stuff of legend is no easy feat. But it’s entirely appropriate that a compelling and complex tale about vengeful vampires has not only lasted as long as it has, but triumphantly arisen from its resting place.

From its popular 1996 debut, The Legacy of Kain series has a long-standing history across PlayStation, from introducing memorable characters to pioneering in 3D game design. So, with Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered on its way to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain and Blood Omen 2 coming to PlayStation Plus Classics, it’s the perfect time to dig up the details on why The Legacy of Kain series has endured. As a bonus, the original developers join us to recall some relevant anecdotes on the way…

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A new gameplay video showcases Raziel’s otherwordly abilities in The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered.

“I’m super proud of the way we wove our time travel plot throughout the games – writing time travel stories is hard!”

– Amy Hennig, Design Manager (Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain), Director and Lead Writer (Soul Reaver, Soul Reaver 2, Legacy of Kain: Defiance)

1996 – Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain – PlayStation – Silicon Knights/Crystal Dynamics

Action-adventures took a turn for the macabre as The Legacy of Kain series introduced us to the shadowy world of Nosgoth. Blood Omen set the tone with Kain seeking a cure for his vampiric curse, only to slip deeper into a moral abyss.

Engaging hack-and-slash gameplay mixed with magic, shapeshifting, and puzzle-layered exploration cast an intoxicating spell encased by a smart and gripping story that laid the groundwork for all that followed. So it was no surprise tha