Shawn Layden on PlayStation’s Future, Physical Games, Xbox & the Changing Industry

Former Chairman of PlayStation Studios and former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America Shawn Layden joins The Expansion Pass for an extensive conversation about PlayStation, Xbox, and a games industry undergoing major change. Layden discusses the strategic bets platform holders make, the future of physical games, subscription services like Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, the changing purpose of console exclusives, and how PlayStation’s approach to PC fits into the larger evolution of the platform. We also look back at his years with PlayStation, including the importance of first-party studios, Sony’s acquisition of Insomniac Games, the balance between single-player experiences and live-service ambitions, and an era when PlayStation communicated with players very differently. It’s a conversation about where PlayStation has been, where the console business appears to be going, and what may be lost—or gained—as the traditional boundaries between platforms continue to change. Topics include: Shawn Layden • PlayStation • Xbox • Physical Games • Digital Games • Game Pass • PlayStation Plus • Console Exclusives • PC Gaming • Insomniac Games • First-Party Studios • Live-Service Games • Single-Player Games • The Future of Consoles