Sony Group CEO Kenichiro Yoshida provided insights into the future of PlayStation and the company's broader approach to gaming. Players may expect PlayStation to expand to PC, mobile, and cloud gaming. Read on to know more.
PlayStation's Future Will be on PC, Mobile, and Cloud
Sony Looks to Diversify Gaming Plans
Sony Group CEO Kenichiro Yoshida emphasized that PlayStation will remain the core product for Sony, but the company aims to extend gaming experiences to a broader audience. In an interview with Norges Bank Investment Management, the CEO stated that their focus includes reaching PC, mobile, and cloud users.
Yoshida said, "Wherever there is computing, users will be able to play their favorite games seamlessly. Gamers will be able to find a place to play in different spaces. While PlayStation will remain our core product, we will expand our gaming experiences to PC, mobile, and cloud."
With regard to cloud gaming, Yoshida acknowledged the value of subscription business models but noted that gamers often play one game at a time. He suggested that an 'All-You-Can-Eat' model with numerous games might not be as valuable as video streaming services. The CEO further added, "So, we passed a hybrid service on PlayStation Network– a subscription, as well as, pay-per-content."
Sony's PS Plus subscription service saw a revamp in the latter part of 2023. It introduced three tier models, PlayStation Plus Essential, PlayStation Plus Extra, and PlayStation Plus Premium.
Doubling Down on PlayStation Diversification as IPs Expand Beyond the Console
When asked about Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and how that could change gaming's landscape, Yoshida emphasized the importance of healthy competition in the gaming industry. He stated that Sony believes in providing gamers with diverse options to play, and the company will continue working to offer PlayStation members access to the best games.
Sony has been active in forming collaborations and partnerships to expand its gaming reach. PlayStation was reported to partner with MMORPG Developer NCSOFT, with plans to develop a Horizon MMORPG. The collaboration was described to be part of Sony’s broader push into cloud live service games.
Additionally, Sony announced a continued partnership with Square Enix, where Sony's Bravia XR TV becomes the "official gaming TV" for Square Enix's Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. "We are open to a multifaceted approach to leveraging our IP and want to explore the possibility of cross-media adaptations of the FINAL FANTASY franchise as a means of further diversifying our sources of earnings," stated Square Enix President Takashi Kiryu in a financial results briefing.
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SONY CEO SAYS PLAYSTATION’S GAMING FUTURE WILL BE ON PC, MOBILE, AND CLOUD
Sony Electronics Announces Continued Partnership with SQUARE ENIX® on critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY™ VII remake project, FINAL FANTASY® VII REBIRTH
