Guerrilla Games’ Hermen Hulst Named New Head Of PlayStation’s Worldwide Studios

PlayStation have announced that Hermen Hulst, managing director and co-founder of Horizon Zero Dawn developer Guerrilla Games, has been named as the new head of PlayStation’s Worldwide Studios. This news comes a month after former chairman Shawn Layden’s sudden departure last month.

In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz regarding the new role, Hulst said: “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.”

Hulst’s appointment isn’t the only change happening at PlayStation, as Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida will be stepping down from his current role to lead a new initiative. This new program has the intent of “celebrating external developers that are creating new and unexpected experiences”, with Shuhei reporting to PlayStation CEO and President Jim Ryan.

Speaking about Shuhei Yoshida’s new role, Jim Ryan said: “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.”

It’s clear that PlayStation are placing all their ducks in a row ahead of the launch of PS5, though it’s refreshing to hear that they’re considering indie games to be a huge focus going forward. We wish Hermen Hulst and Shuhei Yoshida the best of luck in their new positions.

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