Former PlayStation leader Shuhei Yoshida has voiced concerns about the potential drawbacks of gaming subscription services, suggesting they might limit creative freedom for ambitious developers. A well-known advocate for indie games, Yoshida praised PlayStation's subscription service, PlayStation Plus, while also admitting his bias. He emphasized that companies must carefully consider how they implement this increasingly popular business model.

Instead of buying games individually, many gamers now prefer subscription services, which offer instant access to a rotating library of titles. While some services thrive, PlayStation Plus has recently seen a decline in active users despite its extensive game catalog. As subscriptions become more popular for their value, Yoshida cautions about their long-term effects on game developers.

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During a discussion with Game Developer at Gamescom LATAM, Yoshida highlighted the risks of subscription models, noting that reliance on big-budget games could marginalize smaller studios. "If subscriptions become the only way to play games, it could be harmful because the types of games available will be controlled by service providers," he explained. While he commended PlayStation Plus for reviving overlooked classics, he also praised Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass for its innovative backward compatibility features. Yoshida believes that while subscriptions have advantages, indie and experimental games must compete fairly with blockbuster titles to drive industry innovation.

Yoshida's passion for indie games is no secret, as he has long championed unique and unconventional titles. Earlier this month, he predicted the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Blue Prince months before their release, praising their bold vision.

While major PlayStation exclusives like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yotei are set for 2025, Yoshida's top pick for the year is the unexpected indie game Baby Steps. Developed by the studio behind eccentric hits like Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, this game challenges players to meticulously control every movement to navigate a treacherous environment. Early previews have already sparked excitement online, with many anticipating it to be one of the year's most entertaining releases.