Sony announced in a press release earlier today that Hermen Hulst will take over operations of PlayStation’s Worldwide Studios. Hulst will look over 14 Studios including the likes of Naughty Dog, Sucker Punch, and the newly acquired Insomniac Games.
Hermen Hulst is the co-founder of Guerrilla Games, who is most known for the Killzone series and the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn (which is supposedly getting a sequel soon). It was also announced that due to Hulst’s departure, Guerilla Games will be taken over by Angie Smets, Jan-Bart van Beek, and Michiel van der Leeuw. Herman Hulst seemed very grateful for the opportunity in his statement regarding the Announcement.
Hermen Hulst, Head of Worldwide Studios.
I have worked closely with PlayStation and the entire Worldwide Studios family since 2001, and I have the utmost respect and admiration for the creative talent and ambitious ideas within the network of studios across the US, Europe, and Japan. I am beyond excited to have the opportunity now to lead such an inspired and talented team whose singular mission is to build amazing games for PlayStation fans.
With Hermen Hulst’s coming also came former Worldwide Studios Head Shuhei Yoshida’s departure, but he isn’t leaving Sony at all. In addition to Hulst’s new position, Sony also announced a new position for Yoshida as well. Yoshida will lead a company initiative that will “celebrate external developers that are creating new and unexpected experiences for the gaming community”, that will be overseen by SIE President and CEO, Jim Ryan. Ryan added his thoughts on Yoshida’s new role.
Jim Ryan, Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO
I am thrilled to announce Shu Yoshida as head of this new initiative. Everybody knows just how passionate Shu is about independent games – they are lifeblood of the industry, making our content portfolio so special for our gamers. These wildly creative experiences deserve focus and a champion like Shu at PlayStation who will ensure the entire SIE organization works together to better engage with independent developers through a culture of supporting and celebrating their contributions to PlayStation platforms.
Congrats to Hulst and Yoshida on their new roles, it will be nice to see how they both adapt to their new roles.
GamebredMatrix 