Sony Warns of PS5 User Exodus to PC

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 official. This statement comes amidst a broader discussion of Sony's expanding PC publishing strategy.

Sony's foray into the PC market began in 2020 with Horizon Zero Dawn, and has since accelerated, particularly after acquiring Nixxes Software in 2021. While releasing PlayStation exclusives on PC broadens reach and revenue, it theoretically weakens the PS5's unique selling proposition. However, Sony's assessment is that this risk is minimal. A company representative stated during a late 2024 investor Q&A that they haven't observed a significant trend of PS5 users switching to PC, and don't currently view it as a major threat.

PS5 Sales Remain Strong Despite PC Ports

This 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 trajectory (over 73 million in its first four years). Sony attributes the slight difference primarily to PS5 supply chain issues during the pandemic, rather than competition from PC ports. The sustained PS5 sales suggest that PC releases haven't significantly impacted the console's appeal.

Sony's commitment to PC ports is not only continuing but intensifying. 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 strategy. This contrasts sharply with Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which remained a PlayStation exclusive for over two years.

Beyond 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.