Former Sony exec Shuhei Yoshida admits "it would be difficult for Japanese developers to make games in the same way miHoYo does"

Eurogamer
Sat, 06 Dec 2025 17:39:45 +0000

Former Sony exec Shuhei Yoshida stated that Japanese developers struggle to match the rapid game production pace of Chinese studios like miHoYo, attributing this to the ability to hire large teams willing to work long hours. He expressed concerns about the unique development environment in China that fosters this speed. Additionally, Yoshida noted recent actions by Japanese publishers, including Bandai Namco and Square Enix, who requested Open AI to stop using their works for AI training without permission.

2025-12-08 | GamesIndustry.biz: Former PlayStation studio head Shuhei Yoshida says Japan cannot keep up with Chinese studios

Shuhei Yoshida, former head of Sony Interactive Entertainment, stated that Japanese game developers struggle to match the pace of Chinese studios like MiHoYo, known for rapid development and long working hours. He noted that the environment in China allows for a large workforce and quick personnel changes, which Japanese developers find challenging to replicate. Yoshida retired in January and has reflected on his experiences in the gaming industry.

2025-12-08 | GamesRadar+: Ex-Sony boss Shuhei Yoshida says Japanese devs likely can't keep up with Chinese games: "They are made in an environment which allows for hiring a large number of personnel who can work long hours"

Shuhei Yoshida, former head of Sony Interactive Entertainment, expressed concerns that Japanese game developers may struggle to compete with the rapid development pace of Chinese studios like MiHoYo, which benefit from larger workforces and less stringent labor laws. He noted that Japanese studios face legal challenges that hinder their ability to hire extensively and work long hours. Yoshida highlighted the effectiveness of MiHoYo's development environment, suggesting it contributes significantly to their success.

2025-12-09 | Push Square: 'The Development Speed Is Amazing': Shuhei Yoshida Says Japanese Studios ﻿Can't Keep Pace with China

Shuhei Yoshida, former PlayStation executive, highlighted in an interview that Chinese game studios, like MiHoYo, have a significant advantage over Japanese developers due to their rapid development speed and flexibility in personnel changes. He noted that the ability to hire large teams willing to work long hours contributes to this efficiency. Yoshida believes that this environment allows Chinese games to compete strongly with those from Japan and North America.