Following an 11-year journey marked by numerous setbacks, The Last Guardian finally saw the light of day in 2016. Initially announced in 2009 for the PlayStation 3, the game's development faced significant technical hurdles that pushed its release to the PlayStation 4. Shuhei Yoshida, former President of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, revealed during an interview with IGN Japan the intricate challenges that delayed the project. The director, Fumito Ueda, aimed for a realistic portrayal of the giant creature Trico, which proved too demanding for the PS3 hardware. Consequently, the entire programming had to be redone for the PS4, ensuring a smoother performance. Despite these obstacles, Yoshida remained committed to bringing Ueda's vision to life.

The conception of The Last Guardian began in 2009, with an initial target release date set for 2011 on the PlayStation 3. However, as development progressed, it became evident that the game's ambitious design required more advanced technology than what was available at the time. One of the main challenges was creating a believable and fluid movement for Trico, the massive creature central to the game. Director Fumito Ueda insisted on achieving this realism, which posed significant difficulties for the PS3 platform. The system struggled to handle the complex animations and environments, resulting in performance issues such as low frame rates.

Faced with these technical limitations, Sony Interactive Entertainment made the strategic decision to shift the game's development to the PlayStation 4. This move allowed the team to leverage the superior processing power and capabilities of the newer console. The transition, however, meant that all the existing code and programming needed to be reworked from scratch. While this extended the development timeline, it ultimately ensured that the final product could deliver the experience Ueda envisioned. Shuhei Yoshida played a crucial role in keeping the project alive, advocating tirelessly for its completion despite the prolonged delays.

Had The Last Guardian been under a different publisher, the likelihood of cancellation would have been high due to the extensive delays and resource investment. Yet, Yoshida believed strongly in the unique vision Ueda brought to the table. His unwavering support and encouragement kept the team motivated throughout the challenging years. In 2016, after overcoming countless obstacles, The Last Guardian was finally released on the PlayStation 4, marking the end of an extraordinary development journey that spanned over a decade.

Through perseverance and dedication, The Last Guardian emerged as a testament to the power of visionary game design. Its long and arduous path to release highlights the importance of staying true to creative aspirations, even in the face of technological constraints. Ultimately, the game stands as a remarkable achievement, showcasing the potential for innovation within the gaming industry when developers and publishers are willing to push boundaries.