Sony: PC Growth a Threat to PS5?

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

Sony isn't worried about losing PlayStation 5 (PS5) users to PC gaming, according to a company executive. This assertion 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 significantly 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 remains unconcerned about significant PS5 user migration to PC. A company representative stated during a 2024 investor Q&A: "We haven't confirmed any such trend, nor do we see it as a major risk, so far."

PS5 Sales Remain Strong Despite PC Ports

This confidence is supported by PS5 sales figures. As of November 2024, 65.5 million PS5 units have been sold, closely mirroring the PS4's sales of over 73 million units in its first four years. The difference is largely attributed to PS5 supply chain issues during the pandemic, not a lack of exclusive titles. Steady intergenerational console sales suggest minimal impact from PC ports on the PS5's appeal.

The quote, "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," reiterates this position.

An Aggressive PC Porting Future

Sony intends to further intensify its PC porting strategy. In 2024, President Hiroki Totoki announced a plan to become more "aggressive," 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. 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 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.