It seemingly takes two people to replace one Jim Ryan. Sony has announced that both Hermen Hulst and Hideaki Nishino will take over as joint CEOs of PlayStation starting June 1, 2024.
Hulst moves on from his role as head of PlayStation Studios to the role of CEO of the newly formed Studio Business Group. Hulst’s group will be responsible for all of PlayStation’s first-party games as well as PlayStation IP in TV and film. He had been the head of PlayStation Studios since 2019 and is also known as a co-founder of Guerrilla Games, the studio behind the Killzone and Horizon franchises.
“It’s a true privilege to be asked to lead the new Studio Business Group for Sony Interactive,” Hulst said in a statement on Twitter. “I’m excited to continue working with incredibly talented teams and studios to deliver unforgettable game and entertainment experiences.”
Regarding Nishino, he moves into the role of CEO of the Platform Business Group. In his new position, he will be responsible for PlayStation console hardware, accessories, technology, the PlayStation Network, and third-party relations for both major publishers and indie studios. Before the promotion, Nishino was SVP of Platform Experiences.
“I am honored to be appointed such an important role alongside Hermen,” Nishino said. “By working more closely together, we will be positioned to build incredible experiences for an ever-expanding audience now and in the future.”
Both Nishino and Hulst will report directly to Sony Interactive Entertainment chairman Hiroki Totoki. Totoki had been PlayStation’s interim CEO since Ryan’s departure.
“Sony Interactive Entertainment is a dynamic and growing business that delivers incredible entertainment experiences through the connection of content and technology,” Totoki said. “These two leaders will have clear responsibilities and will manage strategic direction to ensure the focus remains on deepening engagement with existing PlayStation users and expanding experiences to new audiences.”
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This doesn’t help the damage is done and we’re in the middle of the generation any changes now don’t benefit this generation the damage to PlayStation is done. The first party titles are already in a bad place thanks to Hulst.
It’s time Sony move on from PlayStation just sell it off and focus elsewhere. Sony has too much on its plate PlayStation, SME, Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures, Sony electronics, it’s way too much.
When is the next State Of Play? The May one?