Sony announced today that the 19-year industry veteran Yumi Yang will lead the company’s Santa Monica Studio.
Santa Monica Studio is behind God of War 1-3, God of War: Ascension, and the 2018 reboot. The studio’s former head, Shannon Studstill, recently left to lead a new Google studio based in Playa Vista, California.
However, Santa Monica Studio remains one of Sony’s more successful first-party studios. Of course, it helps to have an IP like God of War behind you. The 2018 reboot is one of the top-rated games on the PS4.
In fact, God of War is one of the highest-rated games of all time. It is currently averaging a 95 out of 100 at OpenCritic and now part of PlayStation Now. So if you’ve yet to play it and have a subscription, check it out.
Certainly, Santa Monica Studio’s continued success will be crucial for the PS5. Therefore, it’s obviously important to have a veteran lead the studio.
Sony’s statement
We extend our warmest congratulations to Shannon Studstill on her new role. Under her leadership, the studio she helped found over twenty years ago masterfully reinvented itself and its greatest franchise with 2018’s Game of the Year, God of War. In her role as VP of Product Development, Shannon helped smaller independent teams incubate within the studio, leading to groundbreaking works like Journey and The Unfinished Swan. All of PlayStation is better for and grateful of her many years of exemplary service and bold creative vision.
Taking over as studio head is Yumi Yang, a 19-year PlayStation veteran with an extensive background in product development and heavy involvement across many of Santa Monica Studio’s biggest games. Her project management prowess and meticulous oversight of 2018’s God of War helped the title fully realize its groundbreaking potential. After nearly two decades and countless substantial contributions to Santa Monica Studio’s rich legacy, Yumi has the unquestioned respect and trust of her peers. With her vast experience and deep understanding of the studio’s distinct creative DNA, she is perfectly positioned to lead Santa Monica Studio to a bold and exciting future.
h/t IGN
