Exclusive Interview with Former PlayStation Boss on Modern Games Industry
Former PlayStation executive speaks out on the challenges of the modern gaming landscape
Shawn Layden highlights the drawbacks of platform exclusivity
Renowned gaming industry figure and former PlayStation boss, Shawn Layden, has recently shared his perspectives on the evolution of the gaming industry. In an exclusive interview with VentureBeat, Layden discusses the challenges faced by the industry and how it has transformed over the years.
Platform exclusivity as the Achilles’ heel of game development
Layden raises a significant concern regarding platform exclusivity, which he believes has become the Achilles’ heel of the modern development cycle. As development costs continue to skyrocket, he argues that exclusivity can restrict the games’ potential reach and limit the addressable market.
In today’s world of live-service gaming and free-to-play models, it is crucial for game developers to widen the funnel and attract as many players as possible. Layden emphasizes the value of tapping into different platforms, stating, “Another platform is just another way of opening the funnel, getting more people in.”
Unlocking the potential of free-to-play games
With the rise of free-to-play games, Layden highlights the importance of conversion and expanding the player base. By making games available on various platforms simultaneously, developers enhance their chances of success. Layden cites “Helldivers 2,” which launched on PlayStation and PC simultaneously, as an example of how a wider market can be achieved and more players can be brought into the ecosystem.
The necessity of embracing broader market trends
Layden acknowledges the changing consumer landscape and its impact on the video game industry. “Consumer minds are changing,” he notes, emphasizing that hardware companies can no longer sustain a stranglehold on exclusive games. Layden suggests that companies will have to transition to a future where games can be built and sourced from various origins. According to him, platforms like Android, which allow sideloading, have paved the way for this direction, and iOS may need to follow suit.
Industry figures questioning the future of game consoles
Adding to the ongoing dialogue about the future of gaming, Peter Moore, former executive at companies such as EA, Microsoft, and Sega, has also voiced concerns. Moore raises “serious questions” about whether traditional game consoles are a necessity, given the increasing costs players have to bear. He questions whether investing up to hundreds of dollars on dedicated gaming hardware is still an essential requirement for enjoying games.
With the gaming industry constantly evolving, the perspectives of experienced figures like Layden and Moore offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics and challenges that lie ahead.
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