Former PlayStation boss questions console future

Console Future
Console Future

Shawn Layden, the former PlayStation Studios boss, has shared his thoughts on the future of video game consoles.

In a recent interview, Layden questioned the purpose of proprietary consoles and whether they can continue to be relevant in the coming years. Layden stated, “Let’s put Nintendo aside for a second, because they live in their Own Private Idaho, where the laws of physics apply in different sorts of ways.

But with Xbox versus PlayStation, the Ali versus Frazier fight…

Frankly, we have to start interrogating what the purpose is of a proprietary console, and whether that can continue to be true.”

He also expressed concerns about the escalating costs of game development. “Every generation, it costs twice as much to build a game,” Layden noted.

The PS4 era saw top-tier game development costs reach $150 million, excluding marketing expenses. By that math, PS5 games could eventually cost $300 million to $400 million to develop, which may be unsustainable. Layden observed a trend toward risk aversion within the industry due to these rising costs.

Questioning the future of consoles

“If you’re looking at something that’s going to clock in at $160 million to produce, the immediate reaction of the finance guys is, ‘show me how the trend line is going to be exactly like Grand Theft Auto, so I can feel fine putting money behind it,'” he explained. This mindset leads to more sequels and copycat titles, stifling creativity at the high end.

The changing habits of players, particularly younger generations drawn to platforms like TikTok, were also addressed by Layden. “The competition for gaming isn’t Xbox and Nintendo. It’s everything else in the freaking zeitgeist that can take your time away from your gaming activity,” he remarked.

To tackle these challenges, Layden suggested capping development costs and reconsidering game length. “Games are too long,” he asserted, advocating for shorter, more compelling experiences. He also questioned the value of photorealistic graphics and intricate game worlds when many players do not complete the games.

Layden envisions a future where the industry focuses on delivering quality, engaging experiences within reasonable development scopes to ensure the sustainability and creativity of console gaming. As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen how console makers will adapt to these changing dynamics.

Maya Johnson

Maya is the editor-in-chief of KillerStartups.com. She provides value to early-stage entrepreneurs through content and her weekly newsletter. Reach her at maya@killerstartups.com

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