# Shuhei Yoshida gaming industry insights

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/shuhei-yoshida-gaming-industry-insights
> Updated: 2026-08-18T13:40:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

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Yoshida expressed concern that the “turn-based RPG” label carried a stigma of being “outdated or slow,” which might lead players to overlook the game.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.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Sony to phase out PlayStation discs by 2028 and close legacy digital stores

Sony plans to end physical PlayStation disc production by 2028 and will shut down PS3 and PS Vita digital stores by 2027, sparking debate over digital convenience versus physical collecting.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shuhei-yoshida-discusses-digital-gaming-trends-and-game-marketing

### 2026-08-17: Shuhei Yoshida advised Expedition 33 devs to avoid “turn-based RPG” label

Shuhei Yoshida advised Sandfall Interactive to avoid labeling Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a “turn-based RPG” to prevent players from overlooking it due to genre stigmas.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shuhei-yoshida-advised-against-turn-based-rpg-label-for-expedition-33

---
Cite as: Shuhei Yoshida gaming industry insights. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/shuhei-yoshida-gaming-industry-insights