Former PlayStation Exec Advised Against "Turn-Based RPG" Label for New Game
Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida suggested that the developers of "Light and Shadow: Expedition 33" should avoid marketing the game as a "turn-based RPG."
Shuhei Yoshida, a former executive at PlayStation, revealed he advised the development team behind "Light and Shadow: Expedition 33" not to label the game as a turn-based RPG in its marketing.
Yoshida explained that he believed such a label could deter players who might otherwise enjoy the game. He noted that the game features a combat system that blends typical JRPG turn-based elements with timing-based mechanics requiring player input.
At the time, turn-based JRPGs were often perceived as an outdated genre. Yoshida suggested to the developers, Sandfall Interactive, that using phrases like "reactive turn-based combat" would be more appealing. This approach aimed to attract players who might not typically seek out JRPG titles.
The publisher, Kepler Interactive, ultimately adopted this suggestion. The game's marketing was adjusted to use more descriptive language, encouraging a wider audience to explore the title beyond its core mechanics.