Ex-Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida recently shared insights during Gamescom LATAM, discussing contrasting strategies between Microsoft and Sony regarding gaming subscriptions. Speaking to Game Developer, Yoshida emphasized potential risks tied to relying solely on subscription models like Xbox Game Pass. As former head of Sony’s Worldwide Studios (2008–2019), he cautioned that such models could stifle creativity:

A future where subscriptions dominate access to games poses significant threats. Platform holders controlling subscriptions might dictate design trends, sidelining experimental ideas from smaller studios. Innovation thrives on diversity, which corporate-driven services risk undermining. Sony’s approach—gradually adding titles to PlayStation Plus after their retail lifecycle—supports sustainable growth. Players can still purchase new releases outright, while older games gain extended visibility through subscriptions ahead of sequels.

Though Yoshida aligns with Sony’s stance against launching first-party titles day-one on subscriptions, Microsoft has repeatedly clarified that Game Pass supplements rather than replaces traditional purchases. Players retain full freedom to buy titles separately.

Since departing Sony in January, Yoshida has addressed other industry topics. He previously noted that Hermen Hulst, his successor at PlayStation Studios, isn’t mandating live-service pivots for internal teams. Earlier this month, Yoshida praised Ghost of Yōtei, citing extensive pre-release playtime and improvements over its predecessor. The title launches October 2.