PlayStation Users at Risk as PCs Gain Favor

Sony's PC Port Strategy: No PS5 User Loss Concerns

Sony isn't concerned about losing PlayStation 5 (PS5) users to PC gaming, according to a company official. This statement comes from a recent presentation outlining Sony's PC publishing strategy.

Sony's foray into PC gaming began in 2020 with Horizon Zero Dawn. This initiative has accelerated since the 2021 acquisition of Nixxes Software, a renowned PC porting studio. While releasing PlayStation exclusives on PC expands reach and revenue, it theoretically weakens the PS5's unique selling proposition. However, Sony believes this risk is minimal. A company representative stated during a late 2024 investor Q&A, "In terms of losing users to PCs, we have neither confirmed that any such trend is underway, nor do we see it as a major risk, so far."

PS5 Sales Remain Strong Despite PC Ports

This confidence aligns with PS5 sales figures. As of November 2024, 65.5 million PS5 units have been sold, comparable to the PS4's sales after its first four years (slightly over 73 million). The difference is largely attributed to PS5 supply chain issues during the pandemic, not a lack of exclusive titles. The consistent sales across generations reinforce Sony's view that PC ports minimally impact the PS5's appeal.

Sony intends to further accelerate its PC porting efforts. In 2024, President Hiroki Totoki announced a more "aggressive" approach, reducing the time between PS5 and PC releases. Marvel's Spider-Man 2, launching on PC January 30th, just 15 months after its PS5 debut, exemplifies this strategy. This contrasts with Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which remained a PlayStation exclusive for over two years.

Beyond Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth arrives on Steam January 23rd. Several high-profile PS5 exclusives remain unannounced for PC, including Gran Turismo 7, Rise of the Ronin, Stellar Blade, and the Demon's Souls remake.