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Shuhei Yashida, head of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Independent Developer Initiative (SIE), and pioneer of the games sector will receive the prestigious Fellowship at BAFTA Games Awards (30 March). This award recognizes exceptional contributions to games and is bestowed by BAFTA on those who have made positive changes in the field of screen arts.
Yoshida, who joined the PlayStation(r), was a pioneer in games design and independent developers. He later became the President of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, formerly Sony Computer Entertainment.
Shuhei Yoshida stated, “Throughout my career I’ve had to work with incredibly talented team members who’ve created some of the most innovative games in the industry.” These developers have been a part of my celebrations, and I am honored to be able to share in the joy.
Jane Millichip is the CEO of BAFTA. She said that Shuhei Yoshida was a pioneer in games and was deservingly awarded a BAFTA Fellowship. His supportive and collaborative approach has continued to drive industry progress. He uses his platform to champion independent designers, studios, and creatives, and promotes the voices and craft of others. We are looking forward to honoring his contributions to games at the ceremony that will take place on Thursday, 30 March.”
Yoshida is a BAFTA Fellow, which recognizes him for his support of independent developers. He has been a consistent advocate for the indie gaming industry through his social media presence as well as his corporate endeavors.
Yoshida, who has been associated with Sony Interactive Entertainment since its inception, has managed the company’s transformation from a hardware developer to a leader in interactive and digital entertainment. He was instrumental in the launch of PlayStation, Sony’s flagship gaming console, in 1993.
Yoshida, who was President of SIE Worldwide Studios from 2008 to 2019, was responsible for several wildly successful franchises like UNCHARTED(tm), God of War ™, Horizon Zero Dawn ™, Ghost of Tsushima[tm], MLB: The Show[tm], Journey(tm], Bloodborne(tm), Ratchet & Clank[tm]).
Yoshida was appointed to lead Sony’s Independent Developer Initiative in 2019. This initiative supports independent developers by bringing their ideas to fruition through partnerships and large-scale promotion. It also aims to make game development more accessible for smaller creators.
Hideo Kojima and Judi Dench were among the first recipients of honors for their work.
Yoshida will receive the award at the 19th Annual BAFTA Games Awards, which will take place at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank. The event will be livestreamed exclusively by Twitch.tv/BAFTA at 18.50 BST. Frankie Ward (esports presenter) will host the ceremony, which will include a stellar line-up from the worlds of gaming and digital entertainment.
