Sony’s Big-Budget Game Focus Led to Japan Studio’s Closure, Says Silent Hill Creator

Sony’s emphasis on big-budget games led to significant changes at Japan Studio, prompting the departure of renowned game creator Keiichiro Toyama. Known for developing iconic titles like Silent Hill and Gravity Rush, Toyama shared his thoughts in a recent interview with VGC.

Toyama revealed that Sony’s growing interest in producing highly budgeted games conflicted with his creative vision. He preferred to create original games without the constraints of massive budgets. This difference in direction ultimately led Toyama to leave Japan Studio in 2020 and establish Bokeh Game Studio. At Bokeh, Toyama continues to pursue his passion for original game development, with his latest project being the upcoming horror title, Slitterhead.

Japan Studio, one of PlayStation’s oldest first-party developers, had a rich history of producing beloved IPs. However, it struggled to achieve commercial success towards the end of its operation, with notable exceptions like Astro. Despite its creative endeavors, including Gravity Rush, the studio faced challenges in making a significant impact.

The studio’s collaboration with FromSoftware on the critically acclaimed Bloodborne in 2015 remains a highlight of its legacy. However, Sony’s push for more highly budgeted games marked a shift that Toyama felt was not aligned with his creative motives.