Shuhei Yoshida, former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment's Worldwide Studios, recently shared two particularly daunting moments from his extensive PlayStation career, both orchestrated by competitors Nintendo and Xbox.
Speaking with MinnMax, Yoshida described the Xbox 360's one-year head start on the PlayStation 3 as "very, very scary." This early release put PlayStation at a significant disadvantage, as potential buyers considering waiting for Sony's console risked falling behind in experiencing next-generation gaming.
However, Yoshida pinpointed the Nintendo 3DS exclusive announcement of Monster Hunter 4 as the "biggest shock" he experienced from a competitor. This came as a complete surprise, given the immense success of the Monster Hunter franchise on the PlayStation Portable, where it boasted two exclusive titles. The situation worsened with Nintendo's simultaneous $100 price drop on the 3DS, undercutting the PlayStation Vita.
"After launch, both Nintendo 3DS and Vita were $250 but they dropped $100," Yoshida recalled. "I was like, 'Oh my god'. And [then they] announced the biggest game... The biggest game on PSP was Monster Hunter. And that game is going to come out on Nintendo 3DS exclusively. I was like, 'Oh no.' That was the biggest shock."
Yoshida's retirement in January, after over three decades with Sony, has allowed him to offer these previously undisclosed insights. His tenure saw him become a prominent figurehead for PlayStation, earning widespread fan appreciation. He's since shared further candid reflections, including his perspective on Sony's live service strategy and the lack of a Bloodborne remake or sequel.
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