The president of PlayStation had the difficult task of launching the PlayStation 5, the flagship of the brand which is still enjoying enormous success today. He also oversaw the creation of numerous games within PlayStation Studios, and recently implemented the new PS Plus subscription offering.
Jim Ryan also stood out as part of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Fully in his role, he defended the PlayStation business tooth and nail. Email exchanges between him and Phil Spncer were made public as was his firm stance on Xbox Game Pass deemed to be a “destroyer of value”.
Sony has spent years shaping its successful franchises such as Uncharted, The Last of Us or God of War to name just three, it is quite logical that a competitor who shakes up its model is singled out.
Whatever the case, Phil Spencer, boss of Xbox, wanted to salute Jim Ryan for everything he has brought to the video game industry over all these years.
Jim Ryan has been a great contributor to our industry and a fierce leader for PlayStation. I wish him the best in whatever he does next. Thank you for all you have done for the community over the past 30 years, Jim.
The president of PlayStation will leave his position in March 2024, with Hiroki Totoki taking his place on an interim basis.
As you will have seen in the news today, I announced my retirement after almost 30 years at Sony Interactive Entertainment. I didn’t take this decision lightly and I love SIE and our community, but lately I’ve been finding it increasingly difficult to find the right balance between having my home in the UK and my job in the USA. As mentioned in the press release, I will retain my role as President and CEO until March 2024. Effective April 1, 2024, Hiroki Totoki will be appointed as Acting CEO of SIE while maintaining his current role at Sony Group Corporation.
I feel honored to have the opportunity to lead a company providing products that touch millions of lives. From award-winning games to the incredibly immersive technical feats that come with PlayStation 5, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and very optimistic for the future of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
From my early days in Europe, it was clear that Sony had built something truly special. Generations later, I am still amazed by the enthusiasm and passion of the PlayStation community. It is thanks to you that we have been able to continue to innovate and offer even more beautiful experiences. Since 1994, generations of players have inspired us to improve, to push the limits, and the results have been incredible.
Thank you from the heart.
This article is originally published on xboxygen.com
