Sony commits to day and date PC launches for live service PlayStation titles, but won’t do it for the games we REALLY want
Sony’s Senior Vice President has confirmed plans to further embrace PC players, but stops short of putting single player games out the same day as on console.
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The launch ofHelldivers 2, a PlayStation console exclusive, day and date also on PC has been nothing but a runaway success. One of the year’s most popular titles, most of us hoped it would set a precedent for Sony to put more of its games onto PC at the same time as its console.
That appears to be the case going forward, but only partly. At a Sony business event (viaTom Warren), Herman Hulst, soon to be Sony’s co-CEO, has been talking about PlayStation’s plans for future games. Sony will indeed put more games out on PC on the same day as console, but is limiting it to live service titles like the aforementioned Helldivers 2.
Hermen Hulst, soon to be co-CEO of Sony’s PlayStation business, addresses day 1 PC releases. Live service games will come day and date on PS5 and PC, but single player narrative games on PC are designed to then entice PC owners to play sequels on a PlayStation console pic.twitter.com/uAO0stlBS6May 29, 2024
The shortened version is that for games that Sony can generate a consistent income stream from, PC players can join in on day one. For its single player, narrative-focused titles, that’s not going to be the case. The strategy is apparently to still drip feed these onto PC, in the hopes that players will then drop close to 500 bucks on buying a PS5 to play the newer titles and sequels.
Yes, let’s all do that. I’m palming my face pretty hard right now.
Where Xbox has a larger presence cross-platform to offset shortfalls in console sales, and, of course, a now insanely stacked first-party portfolio, Sony is still pushing hard to sell as many consoles as possible. But I still feel like it’s a mistake.
For one, this model expects that PC gamers are going to throw another $450 minimum on a piece of hardware to playsomegames on without needing to wait for them to hit PC. Gamers are known for spending money, but that’s a big ask.
I’ve a little experience of my own that fits into this, too. When the PS5 andXbox Series Xlaunched close together, I went out and bought both. I’m heavily invested in the Xbox ecosystem, so the latest console here was a no-brainer. The PS5 was always second fiddle, and I don’t have it anymore. I didn’t use it, so I sold it. The only first-party games I was excited by were the likes ofSpider-Man 2and Wolverine (whenever that appears) and it felt silly keeping it around for that. Especially since, one day, you’d expect Spider-Man 2 to join the first two games in the series on Steam.
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So it’s a good news bad news situation. Sony seems to think it’s a good strategy to help them sell a few extra consoles, but honestly, I’m not so sure. I’m still waiting on Spider-Man 2 on PC, I haven’t got FOMO and gone out and bought another PS5 to play it. I doubt I’m alone, either.
Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you’ll find him steering the site’s coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon atmstdn.social/@richdevine
