Yoshida alert: AI and smaller studios can save games

Shuhei Yoshida, former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, commented again on the current state of the gaming industry — this time, directly addressing the growing dissatisfaction with the launch prices of AAA games and possible alternatives for a market that, according to him, has become unsustainable. In an interview published by the French website PlayStation Inside, Yoshida argued that the increase to €80 per game is a logical consequence of the current economic and technological scenario.

"Development costs have increased dramatically. Between inflation and players' demand for increasingly elaborate experiences, maintaining old prices has become impossible," Yoshida stated.

Nintendo and Microsoft have already confirmed the price adjustment for upcoming titles. The recently announced Mario Kart World, for example, will be released for €80, the same price range as the next games from the main line of Xbox Game Studios. There are also speculations that GTA VI, from Rockstar Games, could hit the market costing up to €100.

According to Yoshida, the current model of big AAA releases is reaching a critical point, both in terms of cost and long-term sustainability. As an alternative, he advocates for the strengthening of AA games and smaller initiatives, citing the case of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by a team of only 30 people at Sandfall Interactive. The title sold over 1 million copies in the first three days after launch.

Additionally, Yoshida highlighted the role of artificial intelligence as a tool to mitigate the rising production costs. For him, AI can automate repetitive processes and free up developers' time, but it needs to be used responsibly.

"AI should be seen as a complementary tool, not an end in itself," he warned. "If used correctly, it can help small studios compete in quality with large companies."

Yoshida also commented on the next generation of Nintendo, and showed special interest in Duskbloods, a game exclusive to FromSoftware for the successor of the Switch, referring to the game as a promising project in technical terms — especially after the success of Elden Ring, released in 2022.

Since stepping down from leadership at PlayStation studios, Yoshida has become one of the most respected voices in the discussion about the future of the industry. With recurrent statements about the role of indies, AA games, and emerging technology, he proposes a gradual restructuring of the logic of game production and distribution — something that, according to him, will be essential to preserve the creative and economic viability of the sector in the coming years.