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 comes amidst a broader discussion of Sony's expanding PC publishing strategy.
Sony's foray into PC gaming began in 2020 with Horizon Zero Dawn, and has accelerated since the 2021 acquisition of Nixxes Software, a specialist in PC porting. While releasing PlayStation exclusives on PC broadens reach and revenue, it theoretically weakens the PS5's unique selling proposition. However, Sony's data suggests otherwise.
PS5 sales, reaching 65.5 million units by November 2024, are comparable to the PS4's performance in its first four years (over 73 million units). Sony attributes the slight difference primarily to PS5 supply chain issues during the pandemic, not the availability of titles on PC. This strong PS5 performance leads Sony to believe that PC ports pose minimal risk to its console sales. A company representative 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."
Sony's PC porting strategy is expected to become even more aggressive, with shorter release windows between PS5 and PC versions. Marvel's Spider-Man 2, launching on PC just 15 months after its PS5 debut, exemplifies this shift. This contrasts with the over two-year exclusivity enjoyed by Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
Further bolstering the PC gaming market this month is the January 23rd release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Steam. Several other high-profile PS5 exclusives remain unannounced for PC, including Gran Turismo 7, Rise of the Ronin, Stellar Blade, and the Demon's Souls remake.
