The gaming industry is under fire, and this time, the criticism comes from someone who knows it inside out. Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden, once the face of major announcements like The Last of Us Part II, has spoken out against the growing trend of studio acquisitions and the industry’s failure to preserve its heritage.
Concerns about creativity in a world of consolidation
Shawn Layden, who joined Sony in 1987 and worked his way up to lead positions within the company, has seen firsthand how the gaming landscape has evolved. Now serving as a strategic advisor for Tencent, Layden recently shared his thoughts on the Activision Blizzard acquisition by Microsoft during a podcast interview. His concerns go beyond the financial aspects of such deals—he’s worried about the impact on creativity.
“What concerns me about consolidation,” Layden explained, “is its effect on creativity. When a studio is acquired, there’s a risk that instead of focusing on their own unique ideas, they get absorbed into larger projects or mandates from their parent company.” Layden highlighted how this shift can stifle independent creativity, questioning whether studios can retain their distinct voices in the shadow of larger corporations.
His critique isn’t unique; many in the industry have voiced similar fears as tech giants and publishers snap up beloved development houses. The question remains: can these acquisitions drive innovation, or will they homogenize an industry that thrives on creative risk-taking?
The urgent need to preserve gaming’s history
Layden’s frustrations don’t stop at consolidation. He also turned his attention to a growing issue in gaming: the preservation of video game history. As the industry moves increasingly toward digital distribution, vital elements of its legacy—like source codes, working documents, and physical copies—are at risk of being lost.
“The games we create aren’t disposable products,” Layden argued passionately. “They’re cultural artifacts, and future generations deserve to experience them just as we have. It’s criminal that we’re not doing more to protect this history.”
This isn’t just theoretical; game preservation is notoriously challenging. Hardware becomes obsolete, physical media degrades, and digital files can disappear when servers shut down. Layden’s call to action underscores the responsibility of major players in the gaming world to safeguard their creations—not just for today’s players but for future historians and enthusiasts.
Lessons from France: legal deposit as a model
Layden’s appeal for better preservation practices echoes initiatives already in place in some parts of the world. In France, for example, the concept of legal deposit has existed since 1537. Originally focused on books, it now extends to video games, requiring publishers to submit copies to the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BnF) for archival purposes.
The BnF has become a global leader in software conservation, tackling challenges like hardware emulation and digital file integrity. Layden suggested that similar efforts should be adopted more broadly across the industry, particularly by major companies with the resources to lead the charge.
Gaming’s cultural responsibility
Shawn Layden’s criticism serves as a wake-up call for an industry grappling with its rapid evolution. While gaming is often celebrated for its forward-thinking innovations, it risks losing sight of its past—and its soul. Preserving creativity and safeguarding gaming’s heritage aren’t just abstract ideals; they’re critical to ensuring the medium’s long-term relevance and impact.
As gamers, creators, and executives reflect on his words, the hope is that the industry will recognize its responsibility to foster innovation without sacrificing what makes it special. After all, gaming isn’t just about what’s next—it’s about honoring the journey that got us here.