Why Sony Exec Shuhei Yoshida Believes in Virtual Reality

Sony, already in the lead in the console war, is betting big on virtual reality. The man behind the games explains why he is a believer in PlayStation VR in this exclusive interview.

Sony Computer Entertainment is gearing up for a 2016 launch for its PlayStation VR headset by getting as many people to try it as possible. Sony has over 50 games in development for its first foray into virtual reality, and the company had 49 prototypes available at its recent PlayStation Experience consumer event in San Francisco to let gamers preview upcoming titles like Rigs: Mechanized Combat League, Battlezone, and Harmonix Music VR.

Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony’s Worldwide Studios for Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., is bullish on virtual reality. He sees nothing but opportunity, as long as consumers can try it for themselves.

[d_g]

i can see it’s very cool for a new experience but i really hope it will not be the future of gaming

[darthv72]

It certainly is not for everyone. It does have its limitations but it is pretty cool. And it will obviously improve over time.

[amiga-man]

It will certainly enhance the gaming experience and has many opportunities outside of gaming, I'm sure VR is here to stay and will become another way to enjoy gaming, but not the only way.

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

Can I ask why?

[Freedomland]

What are you talking about? VR can blur the line between the physical world and digital or simulated world, thereby creating a sense of immersion. VR is here to stay as an immersive gaming platform and in the future it will grow with new immersive technology.

[kraenk12]

It won't be THE future but it surely will be ONE.

[skydragoonityx]

VR is the future of gaming

[Fatdrinkofwater]

I disagree. Its another way of experiencing games. A really great one at that BUT you cant use it for a long period of time without feeling sick or straining your eyes. Its sorta like a roller coaster or what have you. Short and full on.

I dont know anyone who would want something that bulky on your head all the time for gaming anyway.

[kraenk12]

I've actually read several interviews where people stated that your body gets used to it and they can comfortably play for hours without ever getting sick.
Still I agree it will only be another way to experience games, not the only one.

[BABY-JEDI]

VR is the future for gaming experience (if you want it to be!). Some people prefer traditional with social interaction as in local. But VR connected truly will blow this away (in time). I love immersion, so I will swim with the VR fishes to where it takes me LoL. Because, such a concept appeals to me 😉

[imtheman2013]

I haven't used VR of any kind yet, but I am extremely hopeful for its implications, especially in cock-pit style games. Flying through space in a game like Elite: Dangerous or EVE would be awesome. Same thing with playing a racing sim.

Features outside of gaming also seem promising (virtual tours and whatnot). Really excited to try one of these headsets ASAP!

[mark3214uk]

Vr is amazing, i enjoyed the oculus DK1 so i can only imagine how good the retail versions of vr will be

sonys will be great for games but i will still be getting the oculus because a lot of the fun experiences you wont be able to try with sonys as they are bound to make it only work on there console and not pc

[_LarZen_]

After trying VR I cant imagine a future without it being a big part of gaming and entertainment in general.

[cfc83]

I think it's a few years - or possibly a generation - too early. Not everybody has a 3d television or money for a VR headset. Plus VR games will be competing against regular console titles.

[amiga-man]

I don't know why you mention 3d TV, it isn't required, if you are attempting to use it as some sort of benchmark for adoption then it is equally flawed, VR has an impact 3d tv can only dream of.

[cfc83]

My mistake. I thought a 3d tv was required for VR. Rest of my point still stands.

[red2tango]

He lives in a virtual reality. He says SOCOM is the most requested and demanded game to be remade or re-released but that there isn't a demand for it. Logic!

[Gazondaily]

He's peddling the thing, of course he has to believe in it or, make us think he does.

Tbh, I do think he has faith in it; you wouldn't risk so much time and money in it if you didn't.

I really want VR to kick off. Sony's take on it is the most attractive to me so far.

[FunkyGoron]

Shhhhuuuuuuuuu

I believe VR is the next "step" in gaming in the same way "open world" was a new step for gaming.

Not every game will need, use, or even benefit from VR. But there are definitely experiences that VR lends itself to.

The horror genre will be revolutionized by VR, as an example. But I don't think all games, all genres, and all devs will love and want and need to make VR games.

I don't see Naughty Dog, 343i, or Nintendo EAD making big time AAA VR experiences.

I think about it like... 3D gaming... it was a huge leap forward and "the future" but look at gaming in 2015: Telltale games are big, old-school 2-d games are back, etc... I would argue 3D gaming is now a "part" of all gaming in general, not the "future" of gaming from the 1990's.

I think VR will always have a place in gaming but it will never be everything to gaming.

[Wallstreet37]

Reading some comments you just have to shake your head. VR is definitely an evolution of gaming. It allows you to truly be immersed in a gaming world and feel as if you actually are a part of that world. Bet your life PS5 will be centered around it and I am happy about that. PSVR solution has already proven based on previews, ppl who demoed and actually have played it, to be the real deal. No smoke and mirrors, staged demos of videos of concepts that dont even represent what the consumer really sees and will be getting.

[gamer7804]

20 years fromn now it will probably more usable, I would not use it on anything but a PC right now to mess around with .