Microsoft did it first and now, Sony isn’t backing out. After Microsoft’s Xbox division decided to release some of its platform-exclusive video games to the Sony PS5 console, its arch rival in Japan is potentially considering a similar strategy. Based on a new job listing on Sony’s job portal, the Japanese console maker is now hunting for talent to make more of its exclusive video games available on other platforms, including its rival Xbox consoles!
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation Studios is hiring for a key role that signals an intent to bring PlayStation Studios titles to rival platforms, including Xbox, Steam and Epic Games Store. There’s a potential for game titles to be ported to the Nintendo Switch as well.
Sony lists new job role for multi-platform strategy
A recent job listing for a “Sr Director, Multiplatform & Account Management” outlines responsibilities related to optimising title profitability and expanding PlayStation Studios software to non-PlayStation platforms. The role is tasked with developing and executing strategies to maximise revenue and audience reach across diverse ecosystems, including mobile gaming. Hence, Sony may not be limiting itself to just PCs and Xbox – it might be going full mobile!
Does that means a title like the Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man could be playable on iPhones and Android devices? Fingers crossed.
Are Sony, Microsoft ending the console exclusivity for games?
For years, the PlayStation’s strength has been its robust lineup of console-exclusive titles, which have been a major selling point for its hardware. Games like ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Spider-Man’ have encouraged a lot of players to stick to the PS4 and PS5 instead of trying out rival platforms. Microsoft’s Xbox division has also been guilty of the same, restricting titles like Halo and Forza Horizon to the Xbox consoles only.
However, with the industry landscape evolving dramatically, more publishers are recognising the financial benefits of reaching wider audiences. Microsoft made the first move by releasing some of its console-exclusive titles to the PS5 network. This new hiring post now indicates that Sony is considering the same for raising more funds from its already released titles. The new role at the PlayStation division could help it consider how to balance the appeal of its exclusive content while having the potential for increased sales and brand visibility on other platforms.
With no specific game titles or release timelines for the foreseeable future, the multi-platform strategy could work wonders for the PlayStation team. Xbox’s game studios have reported a rise in sales ever since it opened up its games to PS5 players. With market conditions dwindling, it seems that Sony wants the easy way to make some money during this lean period of the gaming industry.
