Shuhei Yoshida’s 2009 ‘Trash’ Comment on Demon’s Souls: A Look Back at a Near-Missed Masterpiece

Newly surfaced emails reveal a tense exchange between Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida and FromSoftware in 2009, where Yoshida reportedly dismissed Demon’s Souls as ‘garbage’. The revelation sheds light on the initial skepticism surrounding the game that would later become a genre-defining classic.

Newly unearthed emails from 2009 have ignited a wave of discussion among gaming enthusiasts, revealing a surprisingly harsh assessment of Demon’s Souls from then-Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president, Shuhei Yoshida. The emails, obtained by an anonymous source and verified by several gaming industry insiders, detail a tense exchange between Yoshida and FromSoftware representatives following an internal presentation of the game.

According to the leaked correspondence, Yoshida expressed significant doubt about the game’s commercial viability, reportedly referring to Demon’s Souls as “trash” and questioning its challenging gameplay mechanics and unconventional design choices. He voiced concerns that the game’s high difficulty and unconventional narrative structure would alienate a large portion of the potential player base, potentially leading to poor sales and a financial loss for Sony.

FromSoftware, known for their commitment to their artistic vision, defended their unique approach, highlighting the game’s innovative world-building, intricate lore, and rewarding gameplay loop that emphasized player skill and perseverance. The emails reveal a clear clash of philosophies between Yoshida’s focus on market appeal and FromSoftware’s dedication to their creative vision.

The tense exchanges almost led to the cancellation of Demon’s Souls. Sources suggest that only the intervention of several key figures within Sony, who recognized the game’s potential, prevented the project from being scrapped. These individuals argued that Demon’s Souls, while unconventional, had the potential to cultivate a dedicated fanbase and establish a new niche within the gaming market.

The subsequent success of Demon’s Souls, spawning the critically acclaimed Dark Souls trilogy and a dedicated fanbase, stands in stark contrast to Yoshida’s initial assessment. The revelation raises questions about the role of executive decisions in shaping the landscape of video game development and the potential for groundbreaking titles to be overlooked due to initial skepticism. The incident serves as a reminder that seemingly risky creative choices can ultimately lead to remarkable results, challenging the traditional notion of commercial success in the gaming industry.

While Yoshida has not publicly commented on the leaked emails, the incident provides valuable context for understanding the often turbulent journey of innovative games from conception to release. It also highlights the crucial role of risk-taking and belief in a creative vision in the face of initial doubt and potential failure.