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[Holammer]

That's a question I've been pondering since Sony published the Steam store page for Horizon: Zero Dawn following intense speculation and leaks. The page is still basic with little info, footage and screenshots captured on PS4Pro and it'll be updated before release (which is *soon*).
It's possible H:ZD is a one-time thing, a favor to Guerilla that'll be pushed out of the door and never talked of again, but there's been further speculation that other Sony first party & second party titles are slated for PC as well. This might be garb perpetrated by e-celeb wannabes chasing social media clout, trolls having a good time or PCMR trying to will it into existence by port begging real hard. If you bet money on this, it's the safest bet.
But let's assume for some jolly co-speculation that more is coming, how will Sony handle it?

If Sony releases other games I refuse to believe they'll let Valve and Epic handle the sales for them, they'll want to establish a foothold of their own on the PC platform, which is 100% free real estate with no strings attached, no Google Play demanding earth and water, a market almost as big as the mobile space. So PC releases should require a Playstation Account and a Playstation Store client installed, similarly to Origin and Uplay. I'd imagine the store pages will look something like this:

Clearly a mock-up, Denuvo is missing.

It'll be a turn off for some, but Sony should want you to enter their ecosystem and preferably end up buying goods and services straight from them. I'd be surprised and even weirded out if they just release a bunch of games without such measures. A vast majority of third party games sold on PSN also have PC versions, why not try to get a 30% slice of that cake too? Especially in markets with a growing middle class (like India/Vietnam) where console ownership is uncommon and PC is the norm.

In business there's a bit of give and take, mixing of blood. What can Valve offer in return except for a huge user base? How about Half Life: Alyx as a PS5 VR launch title along with Counterstrike and Dota 2? Then there's crossplay and crossbuy options, if we want to get real loco, a cross platform digital inventory.
Imagine having Gaben turning up on the presentation tomorrow announcing something like that? That'd be wild. It'd be the brown note of the video games industry.

What do you think? If they have a PC strategy at all, how will they handle it? Now or for the future.
bonus speculation: With H:ZD as a showcase product, Decima enters the engine fray and is free for games sold on Playstation devices.

 

[Clintizzle]

I think Sony's PC strategy is very different to M$

We will probably only see Sony games on PC after they've been out for Playsation for 2+ years at least.

 

[Brofist]

PS5 is their priority now. They'll probably continue to trickle out PC versions of their games though.

 

[Vawn]

Their strategy is to release some games years later when they've already hit the $20 price on PS4/PS5. They are used to give people a taste of the types of games they're missing out on if they don't have PlayStation.

It is nothing like Xbox's release everything on PC Day One.

 

[MoreJRPG]

They’d be foolish to ignore it. It’s virtually free revenue from people who have zero interest in owning a console.

 

[JareBear: Remastered]

I don’t think it’s something Sony is too occupied with. We will probably get a PC port of select few first party games sprinkled here and there long after their console release.

 

[MasterCornholio]

I can see them doing more things with PC but nowhere near the extent of what Microsoft is doing.

 

[Cert.in.Death]

No. They will dabble, but they are full-on experimenting. At some point they have to figure out how to digitize their platform but not while they need to establish their hardware.

 

[DESTROYA]

Who knows? Did they a official announcement for H:ZD ?
Maybe Thursday we‘ll know more

 

[Nikana]

I am sure they are monitoring stuff like Quantic Dreams stuff hitting PC and seeing what the numbers say. Horizon coming to PC seems to be a lock at this point and if that does well they will probably support it more. They already have experimented with stuff like SF:V and Death Stranding. They clearly dont see PC as a "threat."

 

[Jubenhimer]

Sony's strategy with PC seems to be using it to drive interest in PlayStation Hardware, giving consumers a taste of what kinds of experiences you can find if you buy PlayStation systems. Unlike Microsoft who uses PC as an alternative to their console thanks to services like Play Anywhere and Game Pass.

 

[diffusionx]

I am sure they are monitoring stuff like Quantic Dreams stuff hitting PC and seeing what the numbers say. Horizon coming to PC seems to be a lock at this point and if that does well they will probably support it more. They already have experimented with stuff like SF:V and Death Stranding. They clearly dont see PC as a "threat."

Well, it was announced with a release date, don't know how much more of a lock you can get... but yea, they're dipping their toes in the water. Once they see how much money they'll get, and how little it interferes with PlayStation, I think they'll have a cohesive strategy. MS slow-walked it too.

 

[Nikana]

Well, it was announced with a release date, don't know how much more of a lock you can get... but yea, they're dipping their toes in the water. Once they see how much money they'll get, and how little it interferes with PlayStation, I think they'll have a cohesive strategy. MS slow-walked it too.

I wasn't aware there was a date for Horizon.

 

[Clintizzle]

I am sure they are monitoring stuff like Quantic Dreams stuff hitting PC and seeing what the numbers say. Horizon coming to PC seems to be a lock at this point and if that does well they will probably support it more. They already have experimented with stuff like SF:V and Death Stranding. They clearly dont see PC as a "threat."

Yeah, if I'm not mistaken The Halo games coming to PC generated a huge buzz and was in the top 10 list for steam. I'm sure that would have resulted in some interest from Sony.

This could also be a part of agreements they have with Epic and have PS games only available on Epic games store.

 

[Nikana]

Yeah, if I'm not mistaken The Halo games coming to PC generated a huge buzz and was in the top 10 list for steam. I'm sure that would have resulted in some interest from Sony.

This could also be a part of agreements they have with Epic and have PS games only available on Epic games store.

I didn't even think about an epic deal. With the cut being way smaller I could them testing the waters there vs steam.

 

[Bryank75]

The only way I'd like to see PlayStation releases on PC under 12 months after console release is if they have their own launcher that costs 100 euro per annum to subscribe to or 50/60 euro if you own a PS5.

It would be crossbuy with PS5 or you could purchase straight from the PC store.

Otherwise, it is not worth it. They should be charging a premium to play premium games.

They could have a really good store on PC if they charged the 100 euro... with crossplay, access to all EA, Activision, Bethesda, Square, Capcome etc games in one place. Trophy support, friend integration etc.

Either do that or stay out of PC until the games are devalued and very old and it's just to squeeze a but more value out of the investment.

 

[ACESHIGH]

They may have a strategy. But if the Horizon Zero Dawn port is well optimized and priced it's gonna sell like hotcakes and shareholders will put pressure to port games faster.

 

[Vroadstar]

I can see Sony's strategy is releasing some games on PC maybe 2 or 3 years after release or when there is a new sequel coming, basically to generate interest and entice those people who played on PC to go buy their console to play the new game in the series. Aside from that, I don't see them doing what MS is doing.

 

[Gamezone]

Yeah, like we really need more clients on PC.

 

[Brofist]

People talking like owning a few hundred dollar PS is an entry into some exclusive club. It's a cheap gaming box ffs.

If they think there is money to be made releasing on PC then they will. There is no charity or good will with big companies. They don't just release a few games for the lulz. They are obviously testing the market for future and bigger plans.

I predict there will be a lot more temper tantrums and meltdowns when games get announced though.

 

[Ceallach]

I think they will probably release older games on PC to try to drive you to be enticed to buy the new consoles for the new shit.

 

[ACESHIGH]

Sony's suites are delusional if they believe they can lure a large number of hardcore PC gamers into buying a PS5 for a handful of sequels that are going to be released god knows when. Hardcore PC gamers are really invested into several different PC ecosystems, which are a lot more convenient than PSN. They may get some one time sales but not recurring customers.

On the other had you can release those games on PC and see sales from double dippers as well as PC only gamers for several years to come. Because one thing's for sure PC games have LEGS.

 

[Slings and Arrows]

Their PC strategy will blow it to PCs (pee cees, pieces, get it?)

 

[Guilty_AI]

The only way I'd like to see PlayStation releases on PC under 12 months after console release is if they have their own launcher that costs 100 euro per annum to subscribe to or 50/60 euro if you own a PS5.

It would be crossbuy with PS5 or you could purchase straight from the PC store.

Otherwise, it is not worth it. They should be charging a premium to play premium games.

They could have a really good store on PC if they charged the 100 euro... with crossplay, access to all EA, Activision, Bethesda, Square, Capcome etc games in one place. Trophy support, friend integration etc.

That'd be a horrible strategy if you're not talking about a subscription like game pass. Launchers are free, very few people would be willing to pay 100 euro per year for the "privilege" of buying full priced games, and a lot of third party companies would refuse to be part of such a store since they often follow their own bussiness model for PC. Besides, PSN terms and services are quite horrible when compared to other digital stores on the platform, so they'd have to fix that first

 

[Hawking Radiation]

They’d be foolish to ignore it. It’s virtually free revenue from people who have zero interest in owning a console.

Can't be all roses and sunshine because you then give those PC player's no incentive to pick up a PS5 or other PS consoles. Therein Sony doesn't get back their hardware investment.

 

[diffusionx]

Can't be all roses and sunshine because you then give those PC player's no incentive to pick up a PS5 or other PS consoles. Therein Sony doesn't get back their hardware investment.

Consoles are sold to people who want an affordable, convenient, all-in-one gaming solution. If you go through the trouble of buying or building a good PC, you're in a different, higher-end market. I don't think there is much evidence that PC gamers go downmarket and pick up consoles for individual games.... Halo MCC is the first time a lot of PC gamers are playing 3/Reach, even if they enjoyed 1/2 on the PC. I think PC ports are basically free money at this point.

 

[Guilty_AI]

As others said, the goal here seems to be to create interest on their titles, as well as generate a bit of extra money. HZD was probably an opportune port since Kojima productions laid some foundation for a Decima engine PC port.

 

[ACESHIGH]

Sony won't downright tell you their strategy because if there's something they do right is knowing their core customers and thought leaders: many of them lurking in forums such as this or the other one. For the most part milennials that grew with a PS1 and a PS2, in an era where all third party games were released on a PlayStation, because Nintendo and SEGA alternatives were shit tier and the PC was used for Turbo Tax in Japan. That's why these folks typically associate regular third party games such as Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear, Tekken and more as "PlayStation" games.

Need to remind you of the meltdown when THIRD PARTY games like FFXIII and DMC IV dared to release in consoles other than the PlayStation? Lots of experts in japanese culture popped up... Taking this into account, there's no way Sony goes and states all of a sudden that they plan to port their games to PC, and much less right before a new console generation starts. They know these old school console warriors can be super toxic. If you need more proof just look at the other forum when Horizon and Death Stranding PC were announced, hell even when third party games like Nioh and Nier Automata were.

Money will talk in a month or 2 once Horizon and Death Stranding are released. PS fanboys can thank us as we will also be funding the next Kojima game with those sales.

 

[JimboJones]

They will be developing PC versions for all their games anyway if they are gonna be serious about their cloud streaming approach.

 

[Self]

Sony's suites are delusional if they believe they can lure a large number of hardcore PC gamers into buying a PS5

Actually is very reasonable.
People who like that Sony games may prefer and buy PS5 instead of XSX.

There are quite a few people who like to have several platforms you know.

 

[Psykodad]

Major AAA titles won't come to PC for a couple of years.

Multiplayer-focused titles will see a PC-release as well. (Sony already stated this)

 

[turtlepowa]

I think they are testing the sales numbers with Horizon, Death Stranding and probably Bloodborne. If they are happy, i am pretty sure we won't see exclusive games anymore. Just timed exclusives. Actually with PS Now we are already there. I am fine with that. There is no need to play a singleplayer game day1, I don't care if i play 3rd person action adventure XY in 2015 or 2021. It's still a good looking game and with singleplayer games there are no problems like empty servers or too high levele players.

 

[vkbest]

Sony's strategy with PC seems to be using it to drive interest in PlayStation Hardware, giving consumers a taste of what kinds of experiences you can find if you buy PlayStation systems. Unlike Microsoft who uses PC as an alternative to their console thanks to services like Play Anywhere and Game Pass.

PC Gamers who didnt buy a cheaper PS4 for playing Horizon Zero Dawn when originally you couldn't see that game on PC ever, will don't buy a PS5 for playing Horizon 2 (at 30fps) when the possibility for playing port to PC at 60 fps or even better 1 or 2 years after is there.

They will sell more games? probably ( Although I think games such as Days Gone will suffer after this strategy, people buys those games because they are exclusives) They will sell more consoles? No, they will sell even less consoles, PC Gamers who buys Playstation consoles because exclusives will not buy this console. This is a good strategy? maybe now for the last PS4 life, but is a bad strategy for PS5, and I'm sure that MS will let you install Windows on XBOX on 2 or 3 years, and Sony will suffer this strategy when you can play the most exclusive Playstation games on the competitor console through windows and steam

 

[Fahdis]

PlayStation Worldwide Studios Head is Herman Hulst the guy who made Guerilla Games. This isn't a one off thing. They are testing the PC market. I have no idea why for the love that is gaming people are getting pissed at others owning something on another platform.

Basically being tools for corporations about "owning" something when a) you don't b) they don't give a shit about you c) every move they make is to get you into their grubby little ecosystem. Everyone is EA, some just hide behind corporate PR better.

Play on the platform that suites you and stop crying about why others will get to experience what you are as well. As for the condescending idiots from PC or affluent mid gen console idiots who buy every game ignore them. They buy expensive gadgets just to run Chrome on it or have money to burn and mostly browse forums to talk shit instead of playing their 1000's of games.

 

[MiyazakiHatesKojima]

They wont release PS5 exclusives on PC until the PC market adapts to PCI.E 4 SSD drives fast enough to reach the speeds needed to process those games.

 

[Jubenhimer]

PC Gamers who didnt buy a cheaper PS4 for playing Horizon Zero Dawn when originally you couldn't see that game on PC ever, will don't buy a PS5 for playing Horizon 2 (at 30fps) when the possibility for playing port to PC at 60 fps or even better 1 or 2 years after is there.

They will when they realize that Horizon II isn't coming to PC anytime soon when it releases. Horizon 1 is an old game, 3 years old. It going to PC isn't a big deal for Sony anymore because of that. But Horizon II is going to stay PS5 exclusive for probably quite a while, so PC players will probably suck it up and get it on PS5 if they want to play it soon.

If they are happy, i am pretty sure we won't see exclusive games anymore.

Sony will always put out exclusives. People are fools if they think platform exclusives will completely die. Companies will always want to lure people into their ecosystem, and exclusives are the way to do it.

 

[turtlepowa]

Sony will always put out exclusives. People are fools if they think platform exclusives will completely die. Companies will always want to lure people into their ecosystem, and exclusives are the way to do it.

I didn't say die, i said the will become timed only and i don't think that luring works too well, even Sony can't know those numbers for sure.

 

[Jubenhimer]

I didn't say die, i said the will become timed only

I can see some of the bigger AAA titles going to PC after 3 or 4 years. But I don't know about Sony's smaller games outside of multiplayer titles.

i don't think that luring works too well, even Sony can't know those numbers for sure.

We'll have to see if this strategy will pay off once PS5 sales roll around. If Horizon II blows past the original at launch, then there is some validity to Sony's strategy.

 

[vkbest]

They will when they realize that Horizon II isn't coming to PC anytime soon when it releases. Horizon 1 is an old game, 3 years old. It going to PC isn't a big deal for Sony anymore because of that. But Horizon II is going to stay PS5 exclusive for probably quite a while, so PC players will probably suck it up and get it on PS5 if they want to play it soon.

Someone who didn´t buy a PS4 for playing Horizon, God of War, Bloodborne, Persona 5, etc when those games were fully exclusive, will not buy a PS5 now they could play on next years those titles with better graphics and framerate. The one possibility for PC Master Race pick a PS5 for playing Horizon 2 early, would be the games from Sony would have 60 fps, but this is Sony, and they will release all AAA games at 30fps.

 

[Jubenhimer]

Someone who didn´t buy a PS4 for playing Horizon, God of War, Bloodborne, Persona 5, etc when those games were fully exclusive, will not buy a PS5 now they could play on next years.

Without the PS5 released, neither of us can be sure. But this is what Sony's strategy is.

 

[vkbest]

Without the PS5 released, neither of us can be sure. But this is what Sony's strategy is.

Sony thinks this is more sales for old games, but they are not expecting the possible backfire will have this strategy on PS5. Its also possible this strategy from Sony is preparing to the future of Cloud gaming, using PC hardware instead playstation hardware like they are doing with PS3/PS4, but this is the dumbest strategy they have ever.

It's so simple for MS on 3 years finishing Sony for letting install Windows 10 and Steam on XBOX Series X, after this strategy for porting first, second (Detroit for example) and third party exclusive games (Nioh for example).

Sony most making money is for getting 30% from FF, Monster Hunter, GTA, etc, not for their games. If they lose sales on PS5 because this dumb strategy they are finished .

 

[Jubenhimer]

Sony thinks this is more sales for old games, but they are not expecting the possible backfire will have this strategy on PS5. Its also possible this strategy from Sony is preparing to the future of Cloud gaming, using PC hardware instead playstation hardware like they are doing with PS3/PS4, but this is the dumbest strategy they have ever.

If PS5 and its launch games exceed Sony's expectations, then there would be no negative impact on them porting some of their games to PC. People are more than willing to shell out for a console to play a game that they know won't be going anywhere for quite a while, if at all.

 

[mercclass]

I think the strategy is release on PC the previous version before you announce the sequel on the newest PlayStation.

You play HZ1 on the PC for the first time and love it but don’t want to wait until HZ2 eventually makes it to PC years later so you opt for the console.

PlayStation becomes the first run movie at the theater PC becomes the network premier on TNT.

 

[vkbest]

People are more than willing to shell out for a console to play a game that they know won't be going anywhere for quite a while, if at all.

That is people who bought a PS4. This strategy is not getting PC users who didnt buy PS4. They can even lose playstation gamers to migrate to PC. At the best with this strategy you have your loyal fans.

Besides their rival on the market Microsoft controls the PC market with windows, if they decides to let install windows on XBOX series X, what would happen with Sony? Multi games on XBOX, PC games on XBOX, Japanese games on XBOX and "SONY" games on XBOX.

I only can to think Sony thinks consoles are over

 

[Jubenhimer]

This strategy is not getting PC users who didnt buy PS4. They can even lose playstation gamers to migrate to PC. At the best with this strategy you have your loyal fans.

Again, we don't know this. We'll have to see if this strategy will negatively impact PS5 sales.

 

[vkbest]

Again, we don't know this. We'll have to see if this strategy will negatively impact PS5 sales.

You will not see that until 3-4 years from launch. I bet PS5 will sell the half than PS4 sales on their lifetime.

PS5 launch will not be affected becase the limited units they will release on holidays.

 

[Jubenhimer]

You will not see that until 3-4 years from launch. I bet PS5 will sell the half than PS4 sales on their lifetime

I disagree, even with the current economic uncertainty, I think the PS5 can sell nearly as well as, maybe even better than the PS4.

 

[Graciaus]

I think it would be smart to release their games on PC a year or two after release. By then the maximum sales near full price would be done. After that releasing on PC to generate even more sales from an entire other player base.

That'd be a horrible strategy if you're not talking about a subscription like game pass. Launchers are free, very few people would be willing to pay 100 euro per year for the "privilege" of buying full priced games, and a lot of third party companies would refuse to be part of such a store since they often follow their own bussiness model for PC. Besides, PSN terms and services are quite horrible when compared to other digital stores on the platform, so they'd have to fix that first

You shouldn't take him serious. His love for Sony is something else.

 

[vkbest]

I disagree, even with the current economic uncertainty, I think the PS5 can sell nearly as well as, maybe even better than the PS4.

I think PS5 will sell even less units than PS3.

 

[Jubenhimer]

I think PS5 will sell even less units than PS3.

LOL, now that's being ridiculous. Might as well say it'll sell even less units than the Wii U at this point.