PS5 Users at Risk of Migration to PC, Warns Sony

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 statement comes from a recent presentation outlining Sony's PC publishing strategy.

Despite releasing first-party titles on PC, starting with Horizon Zero Dawn in 2020 and accelerating after the 2021 acquisition of Nixxes Software, Sony sees minimal risk of significant PS5 user attrition. A company representative stated during a 2024 investor Q&A that they haven't observed a concerning trend of users switching to PC.

PS5 Sales Remain Strong

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 trajectory (over 73 million units in its first four years). The slight difference is attributed primarily to PS5 supply chain issues during the pandemic, not competition from PC ports. Sony's consistent console sales across generations further validates its view on the minimal impact of PC releases.

An Aggressive PC Porting Future

Sony's commitment to PC ports is not only continuing but intensifying. In 2024, Sony President Hiroki Totoki announced plans to become more "aggressive" with PC releases, aiming to shorten the time between PS5 and PC launches. Marvel's Spider-Man 2, launching on PC just 15 months after its PS5 debut, exemplifies this strategy. This contrasts sharply with the two-year-plus exclusivity previously enjoyed by titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

Beyond Spider-Man 2 (January 30th), 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.