Sony Comments on Risk of Losing PS5 Users to PC

Summary

• Sony isn't concerned about losing PS5 users to PC.
• PS5 sales are comparable to PS4 sales, despite the absence of permanent console exclusives.
• Sony plans a more aggressive approach to releasing PlayStation games on PC.

A Sony executive recently downplayed concerns about PlayStation console users switching to PC gaming. This statement emerged during a discussion of Sony's PC publishing strategy.

Sony's foray into PC gaming began in 2020 with Horizon Zero Dawn. This initiative accelerated after the 2021 acquisition of Nixxes Software, a renowned PC porting studio.

While releasing PlayStation games on PC expands reach and revenue, it theoretically weakens the unique selling point of Sony's hardware. However, a Sony representative stated during a late 2024 investor Q&A that they haven't observed a significant risk of losing PS5 users to PC. The official 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."

PS5 Sales Remain Strong Despite PC Ports

Sony's confidence is supported by PS5 sales figures. As of November 2024, 65.5 million PS5 units had been sold, closely mirroring the PS4's sales of over 73 million units in its first four years. This similarity is attributed more to PS5 supply chain issues during the pandemic than to the impact of PC ports. The consistent sales across generations suggest minimal impact from PC releases on PS5 appeal.

The statement, "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," underscores this assessment.

Sony intends to further accelerate its PC porting strategy. In 2024, President Hiroki Totoki announced a more "aggressive" approach, aiming to shorten the release window between PS5 and PC versions. Marvel's Spider-Man 2, launching on PC January 30th, just 15 months after its PS5 debut, exemplifies this shift. This contrasts with Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which remained a PlayStation exclusive for over two years.

Besides Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth arrives on Steam January 23rd. 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.