Sony names new PlayStation bosses

Sony has named current company veterans Hermen Hulst and Hideaki Nishino because the new heads of PlayStation. Hulst will take over and lead the new Studio business group, while Nishino can be accountable for the Platform business group. The role split replaces former Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan, who retired earlier this yr, and comes as Sony looks for more hits on PlayStation 5 amid cost cuts and resignations.

“Sony Interactive Entertainment is a dynamic and growing company that delivers incredible entertainment experiences through the combination of content and technology,” SIE interim CEO Hiroki Totoki said in a press release. “These two leaders will have clear responsibilities and manage strategic direction to ensure focus on deepening interactions with existing PlayStation users and bringing experiences to new audiences.” Both will proceed to report back to Totoki, who can also be Sony’s president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer.

Originally head of Guerrilla Games, creator of i , Hulst was promoted to move PlayStation Studios in 2019 following the departure of Shawn Layden. He is accountable for overseeing the event of Sony’s own games, including hits reminiscent of and . Nishino was previously accountable for, and can proceed to steer, technology and experience for the PlayStation platform, and is currently accountable for third-party relations and business operations. Both men will assume their new roles on June 1.

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Ryan announced he was stepping down with PlayStation after many years with the corporate last fall. Earlier this yr, Sony announced a series of cost-cutting measures, including tons of of layoffs and project cancellations at its studios and the closure of London Studio. The changes come as big-budget game developers try to barter rising development costs and a stagnant console gaming market. Sony’s big annual spring presentation for PlayStation apparently it’s happening later this month, although the corporate previously confirmed that it has no plans to release any new, major sequels in the present fiscal yr.

“I am excited to lead the Studio business group and continue to build on our success with PlayStation 5 while preparing for the future,” Hulst said in a press release. “The video game industry is one of the largest entertainment industries in the world, built on the intersection of content and technology. I look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of fun and entertainment.”