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 executive. This statement emerged during a recent discussion of Sony's PC publishing strategy. Despite releasing first-party titles on PC, starting with Horizon Zero Dawn in 2020 and accelerating after the 2021 acquisition of Nixxes Software, Sony sees minimal risk to its console sales.
PS5 sales, reaching 65.5 million units by November 2024, are comparable to the PS4's performance within its first four years (over 73 million units). Sony attributes the slight difference primarily to PS5 supply chain issues during the pandemic, rather than competition from PC ports. The continued strong PS5 sales bolster their confidence in the PC porting strategy.
The executive explicitly stated, "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."
A More Aggressive PC Porting Approach
Sony intends to become even more "aggressive" with its PC releases, aiming to reduce the time lag between PS5 and PC launches. Marvel's Spider-Man 2, launching on PC January 30th, just 15 months after its PS5 debut, exemplifies this strategy. This contrasts with the over two-year exclusivity period for Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
Further highlighting this shift, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is also slated for a January 23rd PC release. However, 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. The future will reveal the long-term impact of Sony's increasingly assertive PC porting strategy.
