From Sony's press release on the 28th of January, 2025 (archive):
Some facts to coincide with this decision:
It's possible that Sony is looking to revitalize their domestic Japanese output as a way to offset their recent financial blunders. I doubt they'll rescind their censorship policies, but hey, it's their loss.
Sony Group Corporation and Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), the company behind PlayStation, today announced the appointment of Hideaki Nishino to the role of President and CEO effective April 1, 2025. This marks an evolution designed to maximize synergies across SIE that was announced in May 2024 in which Nishino was appointed CEO of the Platform Business Group effective June 1, 2024, alongside Hermen Hulst who was appointed CEO of the Studio Business Group. Hulst will continue to serve as CEO, Studio Business Group, SIE, reporting to Nishino. [...]
Nishino will continue to serve as CEO of the Platform Business Group and as CEO of the Studio Business Group, Hulst will continue to lead the development, publishing, and business operations of SIE’s first party-content. He is also responsible for developing games across many devices including PlayStation consoles and PCs and bringing video game IP to new mediums through PlayStation Productions.
Some facts to coincide with this decision:
- Sony acquired 10% of shares in Kadokawa in 2024, preventing a hostile takeover from Tencent and Kakao Games
- Failed 'hero shooter' Concord cost anywhere from $200-600 million to develop; developer Firewalk Studios were also bought out by Sony (both the game and studio were shut down in October 2024)
- Astro Bot was the only critically successful PlayStation exclusive in 2024
It's possible that Sony is looking to revitalize their domestic Japanese output as a way to offset their recent financial blunders. I doubt they'll rescind their censorship policies, but hey, it's their loss.