PlayStation’s CEO, Hermen Hulst, believes artificial intelligence (AI) could greatly enhance the gaming industry but insists it will never replace the “human touch” that makes games unique. As per the Leaders Asia sources, speaking alongside co-CEO Hideaki Nishino, they reflected on PlayStation’s journey as the company celebrates the 30th anniversary of its console. While PlayStation 5 has seen significant success, it has also faced challenges like job cuts and slow demand after the pandemic.
AI’s potential to automate parts of game development has raised concerns about its impact on jobs, especially with recent strikes by US voice actors fearing AI replacements. Hulst acknowledged the shift AI brings but emphasized that there will always be a demand for human-driven creativity in games. He pointed out that the future will likely feature both AI-driven and handcrafted experiences, striking a balance between innovation and preserving the personal touch of game developers.
Since assuming leadership in June, Hulst and Nishino have dealt with ups and downs, including the failure of the highly anticipated game Concord and criticism of the high price tag for the PS5 Pro. Despite these setbacks, they have celebrated successes like Astro Bot, which received several Game of the Year nominations.
According to the Leaders Asia sources, Sony also continues to explore ways to evolve its consoles, with the PlayStation Portal gaining success as a handheld device. New cloud streaming options for the device are on the horizon, further changing the way players access games. Additionally, Sony is expanding its gaming properties into film, with successful adaptations like The Last of Us series and Uncharted.
Looking to the future, Hulst envisions greater integration of PlayStation IP into the broader entertainment industry, with upcoming shows like God of War for Amazon Prime. Despite the challenges, PlayStation remains a beloved brand, with its consoles consistently ranking among the best-selling in history.
Nishino shared his personal gaming beginnings, recalling how he convinced his parents to buy a Nintendo, while Hulst’s passion for gaming developed through his mother’s toy store, where he would demo devices for customers. Both leaders bring a shared love of gaming to their leadership, driving PlayStation forward as they celebrate its rich history and bright future.
