Sony Comments on Risk of Losing PS5 Users to PC

PlayStation's PC Port Strategy: No Major User Loss Predicted

Sony isn't concerned about losing PlayStation 5 (PS5) users to PC gaming, according to a company representative. This statement, made during a late 2024 investor Q&A, accompanies an overview of Sony's expanding PC publishing strategy.

Sony's foray into PC gaming began in 2020 with Horizon Zero Dawn, accelerating significantly after the 2021 acquisition of Nixxes Software. While releasing titles on PC expands 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 for November 2024 show approximately 65.5 million units sold, closely mirroring the PS4's sales after its first four years (over 73 million). Sony attributes the slight difference primarily to PS5 supply chain constraints during the pandemic, not the availability of titles on PC. This strong performance reinforces Sony's belief that PC ports have minimal impact on PS5 sales.

The company representative explicitly 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 intends to further intensify its PC porting efforts. In 2024, President Hiroki Totoki announced a plan to be more "aggressive," reducing the time lag 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.

Besides 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.