Sony Senior VP says PlayStation is focusing less on consoles, hinting at more cross-platform games

Many analysts are confused about Microsoft’s plans for exclusive games and consoles. However, the direction of its rival has also become less clear recently. A job posting suggested that PlayStation would bring more exclusive titles to other platforms. Now, a Sony executive has given the strongest indication yet that the brand will put more importance on cross-platform games.

The Genki_JPN social media account recorded recent comments from Sony Senior Vice President Sadahiko Hayakawa. He explained that, “In the gaming business, we are moving away from a hardware-centric business model more to a platform business that expands the community and increases engagement”. Particularly when translated from Japanese, these statements are often misinterpreted. Nevertheless, many fans are now certain that more PlayStation exclusive games will appear on the Xbox, PC, and possibly Switch 2.

For some observers, the decision to port Helldivers 2 to the Xbox was a precursor to other cross-platform games. Microsoft has already profited from introducing first-party titles to the PS5. Forza Motorsport and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are two success stories. On the other hand, with less reason to purchase the Xbox Series X or S, sales of the consoles have dwindled.

What confuses PlayStation fans is that hardware sales for the brand remain strong. Sony just announced that buyers had purchased over 80 million PS5 consoles. Also, it’s believed that the PS6 is in development, with a possible accompanying handheld. Yet, marketing new systems without PlayStation exclusive games would be a notable shift in strategy.

Sony may feel that its brand is recognizable enough to sell PS5 and PS6 hardware regardless. Many buyers purchase consoles because they are more convenient to use than PCs. Still, some desktop gamers keep PlayStation consoles to play first-party titles, rather than cross-platform games.

The future described by Hayakawa involves placing greater importance on “creation.” He noted that 60% of Sony’s revenue comes not only from games, but also from music and movies. PlayStation Productions has already invaded multiple cinema chains with its films. Nintendo has a similar strategy with movies and theme parks, but it has yet to release most exclusives on competing platforms.