Here at PlayStation Productions, we strive to introduce our notable gaming IP to new audiences and we recognize that adapting video games from their interactive medium to another is no simple task. In the case of The Last of Us show on HBO, this meant retelling a story beloved by fans of the game in a faithful yet compelling way for TV. Thankfully the show’s top-tier creators were up to the exciting challenge, combining decades of shared experience making video games and TV shows.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reception so far and as we near the finale in the next few weeks, I’m delighted to introduce the latest chapter in Sony’s Creator to Creator series for the Last of Us. This two-part series features the creators and cast reflecting on their time working on the games and show. The participants include:

• Neil Druckmann, Executive Producer / Co-President at Naughty Dog
• Craig Mazin, Executive Producer
• Pedro Pascal (Joel)
• Bella Ramsey (Ellie)
• myself, Asad Qizilbash, Head of PlayStation Productions at SIE

This first roundtable features the creators talking about tackling the challenge and opportunity of bringing The Last of Us to HBO. Neil Druckmann discusses the new creative experience of directing a TV episode. Bella talks about their performance of Ellie being an organic blend of themself and the iconic character. Pedro reflects on trudging through snow while on-set fans blast freezing air to simulate a blizzard. Craig talks about the benefit of having detail-oriented fans on the production crew, and how nervousness around getting the adaptation right translated to care and consideration.

Thanks to The Last of Us crew taking the time to share their incredible creative journey. Please enjoy, and thanks for watching. Stay tuned for part two coming in the near future.

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New episodes of The Last of Us premiere on HBO Sundays at 6pm PT. Those who want to experience Joel and Ellie’s journey can play The Last of Us Part I, available on PS5 now and coming to PC March 28. 

With more PS5s available than ever before, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to ask our players to recommend some of their PS5’s highlights to new console owners. The Players’ Choice: Best of PS5 polls opened a little over a week ago, and tens of thousands of votes later, the results are in!

Spanning four categories, the polls are shaped exclusively by existing players and help lay out a perfect place for those new to PS5 to start their adventure.  If you’ve recently joined us, every one of these games can be played on PS5 right now.

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Best Use of DualSense Wireless Controller – Astro’s Playroom

Team ASOBI’s nostalgia-inducing adventure is a true showcase of the DualSense Wireless Controller’s power, with levels designed around its unique features. From the brush of grass as you run through the GPU Jungle to the pressure of a bowstring as you take aim at a bomb-blowing beast, Astro’s Playroom is the perfect introduction to what the DualSense can do.

You’ll find Astro’s Playroom preinstalled on your PS5 when you set it up, so you can jump right in.

Honorable mentions:

●   Horizon Forbidden West

●   God of War Ragnarök

●   Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

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Best PS5 Indie Game – Stray

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As the highly anticipated June 22 release of Final Fantasy XVI draws near, fans of the iconic franchise eagerly await what promises to be a new and thrilling addition to the beloved series.

I was lucky enough to go hands on with Final Fantasy XVI, and even had the opportunity to interview some of the key members of the development team. After my time with the game, I came away with a deep appreciation for its many strengths, and am convinced that it will become an essential PS5 title.

One thing is certain, Final Fantasy XVI has assembled a stellar line-up of creators, each with a proven track record of delivering unforgettable gaming experiences. Leading the project is producer Naoki Yoshida, widely regarded as one of Square Enix’s most beloved figures and the mastermind behind Final Fantasy XIV, which he transformed into a massively successful title. Yoshida has brought with him key members of his XIV team, including Masayoshi Soken, the composer responsible for XIV’s soaring score, who will create the soundtrack for XVI, and Michael-Christopher Koji Fox, the mastermind behind XIV’s intricate lore, who will oversee localization, writing, culturalization and lore for the title. Ryota Suzuki, the Capcom veteran responsible for Devil May Cry 5’s satisfying combat, heads the combat department, while art direction is provided by Hiroshi Minagawa, whose credits include Final Fantasy XII, Tactics, and XIV. At the helm of this all-star team is Hiroshi Takai, a Square Enix veteran known for his contributions to the SaGa series and The Last Remnant. With such a talented group of creators, Final Fantasy XVI promises to be an unforgettable gaming experience that fans won’t want to miss.

Below, I’ll share some of the standout aspects of the title that left the greatest impression on me, and that I believe will make this game an unforgettable experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The thrills of real-time combat and high-octane Eikon fights

In Valisthea, nations are safeguarded by Eikons, enormous and potent creatures each harnessing an elemental power. These mighty beings reside within Dominants, mortal hosts blessed with the ability to summon their respective Eikon’s incredible strength. As nations clash, Eikon fights make for bigger-than-life combat. Channeling Japanese Kaiju culture from the likes of Ultraman, Evangelion, and Attack on Titan, boss battles will see grand showdowns between Final Fantasy’s Titan, Garuda, Shiva, Ifrit, Phoenix, Bahamut and more, each battle entirely unique in their setting, movement, and gameplay.