Sony plans to direct PC gamers to play sequels to PlayStation single-player games on the console.
Sony plans to direct PC gamers to play sequels to PlayStation single-player narrative games on the PlayStation console. PlayStation’s future (co-)CEO Hermen Hulst announced that PlayStation live-service games will be released simultaneously on both PlayStation 5 and PC.
PlayStation Strategy: Live Service Games and Single-Player Narrative Games
Speaking at the 2024 Business Segment Meeting for Sony’s Gaming and Network Services Segment, Hermen Hulst stated that live service titles (GAAS) from Sony’s first-party studios will be released simultaneously on PC and console. However, the same is not the case for single-player narrative titles. “Sony wants to encourage PC gamers to purchase and play sequels to its single-player narrative games on the PlayStation console,” Hulst said.
This strategy will require PC gamers to purchase a PlayStation console to play the sequel to a game they like. Although it is unclear how this approach will turn out, this move by Sony may create controversy among PC gamers. Over time, we will see the effects of this strategy.
At the PlayStation business segment meeting, Hulst announced that the current console generation (PS5) is the most profitable generation yet. While the monthly active user split between PS4 and PS5 is the same, total gaming hours are significantly higher on Sony’s current-gen console. “PlayStation 5 has built a significant installed base over the four-year cycle, rising to half of Monthly Active Consoles with higher engagement by hours of play,” Hulst said.