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The Fall of Japan Studio and Double-A Games

The gaming landscape is constantly shifting, and sometimes, even beloved studios fall victim to these changes. Former Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) president, Shuhei Yoshida, recently shed light on the closure of PlayStation’s Japan Studio, attributing its demise primarily to the shrinking market for “double-A” games.

The Changing Tides of the Gaming Market

Speaking on the Sacred Symbols podcast, Yoshida explained that while Japan Studio consistently produced quality titles, they struggled to achieve consistent AAA-level success, Gran Turismo being a notable exception. As the industry gravitated towards larger, blockbuster releases, the space for mid-tier, double-A games diminished, with indie games largely filling the gap.

The Double-A Dilemma

Many of Japan Studio’s IPs, like Gravity Rush, fell into this double-A category. Yoshida mentioned that despite director Keiichiro Toyama’s pitches for a Gravity Rush 2 sequel, the studio couldn’t justify the investment given the market conditions. This challenge ultimately contributed to the studio’s closure in April 2021.

Key Takeaways:

The closure, however, paved the way for new beginnings. Toyama went on to form his own studio, leading to the creation of Slitterhead. Furthermore, the spirit of Japan Studio lives on through Team Asobi, the developers behind the acclaimed Astro Bot.

A Legacy Lives On

Japan Studio’s legacy includes titles like Ape Escape, Knack, and the Demon’s Souls remake. While the studio itself may be gone, its impact on gaming remains, and its former talent continues to shape the industry in new and exciting ways.

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