Gaming Technology Has Stagnated, Says Former PlayStation Head
Jonathan Dubinski 
Key Takeaways
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- The video game industrys technological advancements may have plateaued, with consumers struggling to perceive significant differences between newer and older hardware generations, such as the transition from PS4 to PS5.
- Shawn Layden, former head of PlayStation during the PS4 era, advocates for more affordable and accessible hardware to encourage broader industry participation and potentially prevent a rise in microtransactions due to increasing game prices.
- Layden draws a parallel between current trends and past eras like the original Xbox and Sega Dreamcast, emphasizing that if game prices do not increase, the industry might see increased reliance on microtransactions.
- There is growing concern that Game Pass could potentially stifle creativity within studios by providing easy access to a vast library of games, which may discourage developers from taking risks and innovating in their game creation process.
Former PlayStation Head Advocates for Affordable Hardware, Citing Industry Stagnation and Potential Creative Constraints
Shawn Layden, former head of PlayStation during the PS4 era, believes the video game industry’s technological advancements have stalled, noting that many consumers can no longer perceive significant differences. He suggests major companies should reconsider their strategy. Unlike the distinct transitions from 2D to 3D on PlayStation (PS1, PS2) or to high-definition resolutions on PS3, the generational leap from PS4 to PS5 was less discernible, leading Layden to advocate for a different approach. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, he suggested that hardware should be made cheaper and more accessible to encourage wider industry participation. Layden also drew a comparison between current trends and the eras of the original Xbox and Sega Dreamcast, positing that if game prices do not increase, the industry will see a rise in microtransactions. Furthermore, he expressed concern that Game Pass could be stifling creativity within studios.
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About the Author
Bruno Pferd 
Sophie Laurent 
Carlos Mendoza 
