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 since accelerated, particularly after the 2021 acquisition of Nixxes Software, a renowned PC porting studio. While releasing PlayStation exclusives on PC broadens reach and revenue potential, it theoretically weakens the PS5's unique selling proposition. However, Sony's assessment is that this isn't a significant risk. 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 is supported by PS5 sales figures. As of November 2024, 65.5 million PS5 units have been sold, comparable to the PS4's sales (over 73 million in its first four years). The slight difference is largely attributed to PS5 supply chain issues during the pandemic, rather than competition from PC ports. The consistent sales across generations reinforces Sony's view that PC releases minimally impact the PS5's appeal.
A More Aggressive PC Porting Approach
Sony intends to further intensify its PC porting efforts. 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, only 15 months after its PS5 debut, exemplifies this strategy. This is a significant change from the two-year-plus exclusivity previously seen with Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
Alongside 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.
