Spider-Man Steam games surge with new movie, but return to PlayStation exclusives lurks

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has generated renewed interest for titles based on the franchise. However, the movie may be benefiting PC ports on Steam more than the PS5 versions. Sales of Spider-Man games and player counts are rising while Sony reportedly plans a return to PlayStation exclusives.

Push Square noted that Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered and Spider-Man 2 are experiencing an influx of players. Both are seeing their highest Steam participation since close to their release dates.

Steam vs PS Store sales

Currently discounted, the Spider-Man games have also slingshotted their way into the top sellers list. Ranking 6th and 10th, they are holding their own against new contenders like Beast of Reincarnation. Meanwhile, the PS Store doesn’t show the former PlayStation exclusives among the first 20 best sellers.

The Insomniac Games titles aren’t based on Brand New Day or specific movies with Peter Parker. Regardless, the recent success again justifies SIE’s investments in cinematic projects. Its partnership with Marvel may again pay dividends when Wolverine debuts on September 15th.

The fate of Spider-Man on PC

Unfortunately, Steam patrons may not have access to Wolverine or future Spider-Man games. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier revealed that Sony has decided no longer to bring as many first-party PS5 games to PC. Although the gaming giant has not confirmed the shift, other sources have verified the report.

In the past, PlayStation launched single-player ports after a period of console exclusivity. It’s now expected that PS5 and PS6 games will remain locked to the hardware indefinitely. This change would apply only to narrative-driven targets, rather than to live-service candidates.

Evidence of the policy will surface with Ghost of Yōtei, Saros, and Wolverine if no PC versions arrive. Spider-Man 3 is rumored to be in development at Insomniac, but could be far off from completion.

It’s unlikely that the resurgence in Steam player counts and sales will prompt Sony to reverse course. The bounce may be only temporary as the Brand New Day movie enjoys its box-office boom. With the potentially expensive PS6 looming, the company also needs PlayStation exclusives to encourage adoption.