Hirai Shrugs Off Sony Execs, Focuses on PlayStation

Kaz Hirai, the former CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, has revealed that he often ignored orders from Sony executives during his tenure, prioritizing the PlayStation brand instead. In a conversation with Takaya Awata, CEO of Toridoll Holdings, Hirai discussed his approach to leading the console division, saying "When I was president of Sony Computer Entertainment handling the PlayStation home console business, Whenever Howard [Stringer] and the other executives told me this or that, I went my own way, saying, ‘What the headquarters says is irrelevant.

We are PlayStation,'" he stated.

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Under Ken Kutaragi's leadership, the PlayStation 3 achieved remarkable success, selling over 87 million units during his tenure. This milestone was bolstered by a strong lineup of exclusive titles. This includes Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, and Metal Gear Solid 4, which resonated with consumers.

The console ultimately outsold Microsoft's Xbox 360, a shows Kutaragi's focus on meeting consumer demands. Kutaragi's global travels, spanning over 20 countries and nearly 50 cities, highlighted his commitment to understanding diverse markets and fostering a sense of connection with his teams.

Hirai's approach to maintaining a sense of personal presence was to regularly visit offices in other cities. A strategy that helped build trust with teams and demonstrated his commitment to their success. "It was like, 'He really came back, this old guy!'" Hirai finishes, reflecting on his time at Sony.

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Meanwhile, Nintendo has stated that it has "no plans to ditch physical games," according to an executive. The company prefers to follow consumer preferences, a stance that aligns with Hirai's approach to prioritizing the PlayStation brand.

For his tenure, Hirai oversaw the development of the PlayStation 3, which went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time. He then moved higher up the food chain at Sony before fully retiring in 2024, ending a 40-year run with the company.