PlayStation exec predicts focus will ‘shift from graphics to immersive narratives’

A top PlayStation executive has predicted that technological advancements in gaming will see the focus “shift from graphics or visuals to immersive narratives” over the coming decade.

Sony used its corporate strategy meeting on Thursday to present its “Creative Entertainment Vision,” which it describes as its long-term vision for where it “wants to be in 10 years, with an eye towards future technological advances”.

In an interview published to coincide with today’s event, Asad Qizilbash, the head of PlayStation Productions and head of product at PlayStation Studios, was asked to provide his predictions for where gaming’s headed.

“In terms of gaming’s future, I envision games becoming more personalised due to advances in technology and AI, enabling customized experiences for each player,” he said.

“Moreover, technological advancements will enhance emotional depth in games by allowing characters to be much more emotive and expressive, fostering more evocative storytelling.

“That’s going to help a whole generation of creators be able to just create so much more emotion in the stories. The focus is going to shift from graphics or visuals to immersive narratives that resonate long after the controller is set down.”

Qizilbash, who’s tasked with transforming PlayStation’s gaming brands into global entertainment franchises, also said AI will enable the creation of “more personalised experiences and meaningful stories”.

“For instance, NPCs (Non Player Characters) in games could interact with players based on their actions, making it feel more personal.

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“This is important for the younger Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences, who are the first generations that grew up digitally and are looking for personalization across everything, as well as looking for experiences to have more meaning.”

In another interview published alongside Sony’s strategy meeting today, Uncharted 4 and Last of Us creative director Neil Druckmann said Naughty Dog’s next title could “redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming”.