PS4 Exclusives on PC Prompted by Microsoft’s Positioning – Pachter

Sony recognizes the presence of a market "beyond console software sales," says the analyst.

After rumors circulated for good few weeks, Sony finally confirmed that Guerrilla Games’ Horizon: Zero Dawn would be coming to PC. Due in the Summer, it’s actually the Complete Edition, which includes the base game, The Frozen Wilds expansion and several content packs. However, while Sony Worldwide Studios president Hermen Hulst would talk about being “open to new ideas of how to introduce more people to PlayStation,” he also clarified that “releasing one first-party AAA title to PC doesn’t necessarily mean that every game now will come to PC.”

What does this bode for the future? GamingBolt spoke to Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter about the same. Explaining Sony’s latest move to bring their games to the PC, he said, “I think Sony is hopeful that the PlayStation audience will continue to buy consoles and buy their first party titles, but they recognize that there is a market beyond console software sales.”

Of course, it’s hard to not to imagine Microsoft’s stance on multi-platform titles having an impact. On being asked about the same, Pachter responded, “Yes, I think Microsoft’s positioning prompted Sony to follow suit.” So can we expect the era of console exclusives to finally, for sure, end with this move, especially if Sony does release PlayStation and PC versions of the same title in the future?

Pachter responded, “Yes, I think third party exclusives are going to be tough to sign up, but I expect continued acquisitions to beef up first party capability.”

It’s too early to say what Sony has in mind but there is plenty to look forward in the console space. The PlayStation 5 is scheduled to release this holiday season and Hulst said he “can’t wait to talk to you in more detail about that.” As always, stay tuned for more updates.

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