PlayStation CEO hints at more PS5 exclusive games, but PC ports will continue

Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reported that PlayStation Studios CEO Hermen Hulst told employees to expect more PS5 exclusives. Still, Sony had not publicly confirmed an evolving multi-platform strategy until now. SIE CEO Hideaki Nishino seemingly acknowledged a pivot but was vague about which PS5 games would see PC versions.

Deciphering Nishino's response

In a recent Famitsu interview, Nishino addressed whether its stance on console exclusivity had changed. Genki translated his reply on social media:

At this time, our main policy is for first-party developed single-player games to further refine the value of the gaming experience we can offer on PlayStation; meanwhile, we believe it's important for live service games to be played by as many people as possible through online multiplayer, so we will continue to release on PS5 and PC platforms as a basis.

The executive’s comments on multiplayer live-service PS5 games are consistent with past statements. Particularly given the struggles of Concord and Marathon, limiting their audiences would be disastrous. Unfortunately, with single-player titles, fans weren’t provided the clarity they may have anticipated.

Nishino's pledge to “refine the value of the gaming experience we can offer on PlayStation” consoles is open to interpretation. Appealing PS5 exclusive games can give the hardware an advantage over Xbox and Switch 2 alternatives. Going forward, narrative-driven candidates like God of War Laufey may be essential for encouraging PS6 upgrades.

On the other hand, the CEO doesn’t dismiss the idea of some single-player multi-platform releases. He also specified “first-party developed” games, excluding projects from outside studios. Sequels to SIE-published targets like Death Stranding 2 could still eventually debut on Steam.

A reliable insider doesn't budge

Some readers may think Nishino is endorsing a case-by-case approach for determining whether a title is a PS5 exclusive. However, Jason Schreier believes the policy is not as confusing as it appears. Regarding the Famitsu interview, the journalist said on the ResetEra forums:

Hermen Hulst told staff that their single-player narrative games will be PlayStation only, and he explained that they were inconsistent with their PC releases, they didn't make enough money, and they want to keep their IP aligned to their own platform. Confirmed this with two people who heard him say it. There's no ‘case by case’ here.

It’s quite possible that Sony will never make a definitive announcement about exclusivity. That could frustrate Steam loyalists holding out hope for PC ports of Ghost of Yōtei and Marvel’s Wolverine.