"I like to think of it like you're making a mixtape," Benson tells Inverse, describing the mix of games she helps shepherd to PlayStation's platform in any given year. "The feeling of ups and downs, with different pacing and vibes that create an overarching composition." This metaphor illustrates her approach to curating games, emphasizing the emotional and thematic flow necessary for engaging a diverse gaming audience.
As PlayStation's Global Head of Third Party Portfolio and Acquisitions, it's Benson's job to know what games will resonate with the PlayStation 4 and 5 owners around the world. While much of what she's on the lookout for comes down to what she likes to play, it also takes a bit of intuition and a keen eye for the future of the gaming business.
I said, 'The game where there's a cat with a robot backpack, and the cat is hanging out with robots, and you're navigating this neo-futurist world,'" Benson recalls. "I had seen a GIF...I wanted to learn more." This instinctive choice showcases her ability to identify innovative concepts that appeal to players.
We may never have come to know the quirky brilliance of Stray if it weren't for Benson. The game became a smash hit, earning rave reviews from critics and winning accolades, even landing a movie adaptation.
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