During a talk with Game Developer at Gamescom LATAM, former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida voiced concerns about the long-term consequences of the gaming industry’s increasing reliance on subscription services. While acknowledging the convenience and appeal of services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, Yoshida warned that this trend could stifle creativity, particularly among indie developers and smaller studios.
A Fan of Indies With a Realistic Perspective
Yoshida, a well-known advocate for independent games, defended PlayStation’s approach but admitted his bias. He recognized the value of subscription platforms in giving older or overlooked games a second chance, yet emphasized the need for caution as the model becomes more mainstream.
“If the only way for people to play games is through subscriptions, that’s really dangerous,” Yoshida explained.
“Because what [type] of games can be created will be dictated by the owner of the subscription services.”
This, he said, poses a major risk to the diversity and innovation that the gaming world thrives on.
Balancing Big Titles and Bold Ideas
Yoshida noted that subscription services tend to focus on high-profile, first-party games to attract users—potentially pushing smaller, riskier projects out of the spotlight. He warned that unless there’s intentional support for creative experimentation, only the safest, most marketable games might survive in such ecosystems.
Despite the concerns, Yoshida praised Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass for its strong backward compatibility features and continued success. He believes both Microsoft and Sony have made strides in offering value, but the playing field must be leveled for smaller studios to shine.
The Path Forward
As the subscription model becomes more common, Yoshida urges platform holders to nurture a diverse game catalog, including both blockbuster hits and innovative indie gems. This, he says, is key to sustaining a vibrant and forward-thinking gaming industry.
“We need a market that gives room for both the bold experiments and the guaranteed successes,” Yoshida concluded.