Shuhei Yoshida gaming industry insights

Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida has shared insights regarding game marketing strategies and industry trends. During the Busan Indie Connect Festival 2026, Yoshida revealed that while acting as a consultant for Kepler Interactive, he advised the developers of Sandfall Interactive to avoid labeling their title, ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’, as a “turn-based RPG”.

Yoshida expressed concern that the “turn-based RPG” label carried a stigma of being “outdated or slow,” which might lead players to overlook the game. He suggested the developers instead highlight the game’s unique blend of strategic commands and real-time elements. Following this advice, the team and publisher pivoted to describing the combat as “reactive turn-based battles.”

Yoshida noted that he played an early demo of the title approximately two years before its release, comparing its combat mechanics to his previous work on ‘The Legend of Dragoon’. This shift in terminology was reportedly successful, with the game achieving significant commercial and critical milestones following its launch.

In addition to discussing the marketing of ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’, Yoshida addressed broader industry shifts, including the transition toward digital distribution. He noted that while the loss of physical media may impact collectors, special editions could evolve to include physical collectibles paired with digital download codes.