The release of Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition for PC, one of the biggest first-party exclusives launched during the PlayStation 4 era, surely surprised some people.
When Microsoft decided many years ago to bring all of its first-party titles to the PC, Sony had so far reserved games made by its acclaimed worldwide studio for the PlayStation console.
However, it seems that Horizon Zero Dawn was not the only full version. In the latest financial report, Sony has clearly stated on page 45 that in order to increase profitability, it will aim to make this exclusive expansion on the PC platform.
SIE aims to achieve strong revenue growth by accelerating the virtue cycle established for the PlayStation platform. This includes increasing active users and game time, increasing network services, and strengthening content IP so that customers choose PlayStation as the platform of their choice. Targeted results include the growth of active users, more robust
Retention and short cash conversion cycles, from which extended cash flows can be expected. We will expand our first-party titles on the PC platform to promote further growth in our profitability.
Now we have to guess what will be the next first party game. The dreams of the media molecule have been rumored before and it makes sense as it is primarily a tool to create a game. We also wonder if the strategy is to port only relatively old games.
In the financial report, Sony also outlined its key targets to combat the expected increased competition from other platforms and companies.
The basic development strategy will be to innovate and develop the PlayStation platform. To this end, SIE seeks to make active investments to strengthen content IP, and work to increase brand value, foster communities and user engagement, while increasing DTC services that come close to users.
To strengthen the content IP, SIE will accelerate the growth and rollout of its exclusive PlayStation titles portfolio. As a result of in-house development and the collaboration of partner companies, sales of PS4S software software titles continue to grow and aim to increase the lineup with compelling content. With that, more growth
Recurring revenue will be received through various network service enhancements.
It looks like the PlayStation company will also try to increase recurring revenue through network activities, although it’s not clear if they’re done by PS Plus and PS Now customers or perhaps through brand new ‘game as a service’ projects.
