Console manufacturers have long overlooked a significant revenue stream by not extending their game offerings to the PC platform. Microsoft has already shifted its strategy, moving away from exclusive Xbox titles and even launching games on PlayStation. Meanwhile, Sony has gradually embraced this reality, releasing a growing selection of its PS4 and PS5 titles on Steam. A notable highlight was the simultaneous launch of Helldivers 2 on both PS5 and PC last year, which proved to be a resounding success.
Insights from Shuhei Yoshida
Shuhei Yoshida, a former executive at Sony, recently articulated this shift in strategy during an interview with Sacred Symbols+ (as reported by Push Square). Reflecting on his tenure as head of PlayStation Studios, Yoshida expressed that he had envisioned bringing Sony games to PC much earlier than the eventual rollout. However, the prevailing mindset at Sony at the time did not align with this vision.
Over time, the company recognized that releasing games on PC could serve as a strategic move to entice players to consider purchasing a PlayStation in the future. Yoshida noted that while some PC gamers may have been content to wait for titles like Bloodborne, Sony likely possesses data suggesting a different narrative. He emphasized the financial advantages of porting games to PC, stating, “porting to PC is way cheaper than creating an original title. So it’s almost like printing money. And that helps us to invest in new titles now that the cost of games has increased.”
Another pivotal factor influencing Sony’s decision to expand its PC presence is the burgeoning market in China. Yoshida pointed out that “China is a huge PC game market,” and that reaching audiences in regions like China necessitates a PC release. The recent success of titles such as Black Myth: Wukong, which saw nearly 90% of its sales generated domestically, underscores the potential of this market.
In summary, the equation seems clear: a console game paired with a PC launch translates to increased profits. Since stepping away from PlayStation, Yoshida has shared various insights about Sony’s strategies. Recently, he speculated on the absence of Bloodborne on PC, suggesting that creator Hidetaka Miyazaki may prefer to oversee the port personally. Additionally, Yoshida mentioned that he would have “tried to resist” Sony’s pivot towards live-service games if given the chance.
