PlayStation 5 Users May Switch to PC, Sony Says

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 significantly accelerated since the 2021 acquisition of Nixxes Software, a renowned PC porting studio. 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 Remain Strong Despite PC Ports

PS5 sales figures, reaching 65.5 million units by November 2024, are comparable to the PS4's performance within its first four years. Sony attributes the slight sales difference between the two consoles primarily to PS5 supply chain constraints during the pandemic, rather than competition from PC ports. This strong performance reinforces Sony's belief that PC releases have minimal impact on PS5 sales.

The executive 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 plans to further intensify its PC porting efforts. In 2024, Sony President Hiroki Totoki announced a more "aggressive" strategy, aiming to reduce the time lag between PS5 and PC releases. Marvel's Spider-Man 2, launching on PC just 15 months after its PS5 debut, exemplifies this shift. This contrasts sharply with Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which remained a PlayStation exclusive for over two years.

Beyond Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is also slated for a January 2025 PC release. Several other high-profile PS5 exclusives, including Gran Turismo 7, Rise of the Ronin, Stellar Blade, and the Demon's Souls remake, remain unannounced for PC but are potential candidates for future releases.