New Head of Sony’s Santa Monica Studio Is Revealed

Sony has announced its new Santa Monica Studio head, Yumi Young, IGN reported on Wednesday. Young has worked at PlayStation for 19 years.

“Her project management prowess and meticulous oversight of 2018’s God of War helped the title fully realize its groundbreaking potential,” says Sony’s statement to IGN. “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.”

Young fills the vacancy left by former Santa Monica Studio Shannon Studstill, who will be heading up Google’s newly announced video game studio in Playa Vista, California. The Playa Vista studio will create exclusive games for Google Stadia. Studstill has been in the gaming industry since 1995 and has been involved in the creation of Twisted Metal: Black, God of War, The Order: 1886, and Journey.

At the moment we know that Stadia has three studios: the main one (in Montreal, Canada), the new one (in Playa Vista) and Typhoon Studios in Montreal, which Google acquired at the end of last year.