Shuhei Yoshida, the former president of Sony Interactive Studios and head of its indie initiatives, recently shared his thoughts on the company’s strategy regarding PC gaming. In a discussion on the Sacred Symbols+ podcast, he remarked that releasing major PlayStation titles on platforms like Steam feels “almost like printing money.”
Yoshida revealed that during his tenure as president, he strongly advocated for the release of first-party games on PC. However, Sony was hesitant to embrace this direction at that time.
The landscape began to change when the company tested the waters with several successful ports. Despite some initial technical issues, these titles found a receptive audience on PC.
The significant simultaneous launch of Helldivers 2 further demonstrated the potential of this strategy. As a result, Sony has begun to recognise and appreciate the growing value of the PC gaming market.
Releasing games on PC opens up numerous opportunities for developers and publishers. According to Yoshida, it allows them to tap into a new audience, particularly in regions where console ownership is low. This strategy aims to cultivate a fan base for specific franchises, potentially converting PC gamers into PlayStation customers when new titles are launched.
The financial benefits of porting games to PC are significant. Yoshida emphasizes that the cost of adapting an existing game is much lower than developing a brand-new title. “It’s almost like printing money,” he states, highlighting the lucrative nature of these ports.
This additional revenue stream is crucial, especially as the costs associated with game development continue to rise. By leveraging the PC market, companies can reinvest in creating innovative new titles. Overall, the PC platform is increasingly recognized as a vital growth market in the gaming industry.
The PC gaming market is increasingly recognised as a key growth area, especially as the console market has reached maturity. This trend is particularly evident in Asian markets, where gaming preferences are shifting.
Yoshida highlights the significant presence of PC gaming in China. The country boasts a massive PC game market, while its console market remains relatively small and still developing. A prime example of this shift is the phenomenal success of “Black Myth: Wukong.” Most of its sales occurred on Steam, particularly within China, underscoring the platform’s dominance.
Adding to this perspective, Ryozo Tsujimoto, the longtime producer of the Monster Hunter series, recently shared insights with GamesRadar+. He noted that the number of players engaging in PC gaming is at an all-time high, including a notable increase in Japan.
This growing enthusiasm for PC gaming signals a pivotal moment for the industry, as developers and publishers recognise the platform’s expanding significance.
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