Sony’s PS5 PC ports ‘losing audience share’

In recent days reports have claimed that Sony has pulled back on its PC strategy and no longer intends to release blockbuster single-player exclusives on Steam, impacting upcoming titles like Wolverine, Saros and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. According to a study, waning interest in new PlayStation PC releases could have been part of the cause. 

Newzoo (via GI.biz) has released a study showing that Sony's strategy of releasing games months or years after their initial console release was hurting launch-window sales. While there have been some standouts here like God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn and Spider-Man Remastered, other games like Returnal, Ratchet and Clank, The Last of Us Part 1 and Uncharted saw muted sales.

Many PC gamers are more willing to be patient, so when games launch on PC a year or so later than PS5 at full price, many will wait for a sale. As a result, some newer games like Spider-Man 2 are estimated to have a 95% to 5% split between PS5 and PC sales.

Another reason for Sony's apparent U-turn on PC versions for its single-player games could be devices like the Steam Machine and the next-gen Xbox. Microsoft confirmed this week that Project Helix, the next Xbox, will run PC games. If it gets access to services like Steam and Epic Games, then suddenly Xbox ‘consoles' will be running titles like God of War.

KitGuru Says: How many of Sony's PC games did you buy over the last five years? There are still a few that I have yet to pick up due to high prices. 

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