Here Is Why Major Games Will Not Launch on PC Alongside PS5, CEO Excited About Mobile Games and More
For the last 29 years, PlayStation has been known for video game consoles. One of the primary reasons for this is the five generations (along with mid-gen refreshes) of PlayStation consoles since the launch of the PlayStation in 1994. However, with the sweeping changes across the industry, parent company Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has evolved its approach to expand into the PC gaming market. Now, it also plans to explore the mobile gaming space.
In the latest Sony business segment update, SIE’s CEO Hermen Hulst mentioned that most of Sony’s first-party “tentpole” titles will not be simultaneously released on PC and PlayStation 5. However, live service titles are an exception to the simultaneous releases, as with Helldivers 2. Moreover, PlayStation has an issue with rapidly climbing budgets for AAA games. Here is everything you need to know about these topics.
PlayStation To Explore Mobile Gaming
Sony is currently looking for a team of experts in mobile gaming for its mobile gaming initiative. They are hiring individuals from renowned companies such as Riot, Apple, Kabam, Meta, Tencent, Super Evil Megacorp, Samsung, Niantic, Zynga, and other companies. A recent job listing indicates that Sony is dedicated to developing a new platform for mobile gaming. However, the mobile division faced a drawback last year when it lost two top executives within weeks of each other – Michail Katkoff, and Nicola Sebastini.
PlayStation Games Launch Strategy on PC and Consoles
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/uAO0stlBS6
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) May 29, 2024
On the other hand, Sony also revealed why they don’t launch titles simultaneously, stating that they have a dual approach. They also explained that their “tentpole” games, which are single-player, narrative-driven, form the backbone of what PlayStation Studios has delivered in recent years.
Combating Rising Budgets
Moving on to the growing game budget issues while likely resulted in recent layoffs, PlayStation mentioned that they are outsourcing and utilizing co-development teams. Hulst admitted that PlayStation has been facing challenges related to growing game budgets. Last year, leaks revealed that The Last of Us Part II and Horizon Forbidden West each cost over $200 million to make, exceeding the budgets of some of the most expensive Hollywood blockbuster movies.
Continue Reading: PlayStation CEOs Talk Live Service, PC Games, and More in First Appearance as New Bosses
