The competition in video games console industry is getting stiffer. Despite this, the relationship between competitors has fortified as well. Sony's next-generation gaming console, the PlayStation 5, is slowly coming into completion if the recent leaks and rumors are to be believed.
Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Chairman Shawn Layden, in a recent interview, suggested the potential of PlayStation-exclusive games being released on PC soon. In one of his interviews, Layden said that supporting the PlayStation platform is non-negotiable. He also said that in the future some games from a collection of studios might need to lean on a much wider installed base.
The PC platform has a massive base and business-wise; releasing more titles on the platform is the most obvious move for Sony. Although Layden's statement is not an absolute confirmation, it suggests that the Japanese tech and electronics giant is becoming more open to the idea of cross-platform promotion and play. Over the years, cross-play has become increasingly popular and games like "Rocket League" and "Fortnite" have allowed friends as well as strangers to play with each other across different platforms.
Sony has been heavily mocked and criticized for its previous reluctance and even dismissal of the cross-play practice. However, it appears that the company has recently come into realization the potential and popularity of cross-play. For instance, "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" is now offering cross-play between PlayStation 4 and Xbox users.
While there is a chance that the company might embrace cross-play soon, this does not totally mean that the company will go all-out on PC. However, so far, it is the clearest indicator that the company might reconsider its reluctant support for cross-platform in a major fashion. Sony may have also observed how well Microsoft and Nintendo's relationship is going and how that relationship brings great PR for both companies and game publishers.
At present, gamers are waiting for Sony official unveiling of PlayStation 5. Rumors and speculations are surrounding the next generation console claim that it could be released next year. Earlier claims also reveal that PlayStation 5 might have backward compatibility-like feature. Earlier this week, we also reported about an image of what seems to be the devkit of PS5. But, like in all speculations, please take this information with a pinch of salt and with the utmost skepticism. And, until the information comes directly from Sony or its executives, it will remain as a rumor or as a speculation.
