Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden wants to save games by bringing back double-A - and he has a plan
Shawn Layden, former head of PlayStation’s first-party studios, is advocating for the revival of double-A (AA) game development to address unsustainable budgeting practices in modern blockbuster gaming. In a recent interview, Layden highlighted how development costs have increased exponentially across console generations—from $1 million on PlayStation 1 to $150 million or more for top-tier PS4 titles, not including marketing expenses.
According to Layden’s analysis, this exponential cost escalation is untenable and the industry requires fundamental recalibration. He has proposed returning to the development model of the PS1 and PS2 eras, when games were more economically viable to produce. Though his specific plan remains somewhat vague, Layden has repeatedly emphasized that “we keep making more of the same thing; bad habits are hard to stop,” highlighting an industry-wide tendency to constantly chase bigger, more expensive experiences.
Beyond budget concerns, Layden addressed gaming’s cultural position relative to other entertainment mediums. He noted that gaming remains significantly more niche than movies or music, and that current industry structures are misaligned with sustainable practices. His advocacy for AA gaming reflects broader concerns about the viability of current development models and suggests that commercial success doesn’t inherently require massive blockbuster budgets.