Sony Group Corp's (NYSE:SONY) newly appointed joint CEO Hideaki Nishino reaffirmed that consoles will continue to be "core" to the company's gaming strategy, even as it expands into other platforms.
In a recent interview with Japanese publication Nikkei, Nishino, who heads Sony's Platform Business Group, made it clear that while the company is broadening its reach to include more PC titles, PlayStation hardware will remain a critical part of its business model.
The Power of PlayStation Consoles
During the interview, Nishino discussed what sets PlayStation apart from the competition in a crowded gaming market.
"I think that with mobile devices, there are many games that show advertisements, and PCs are difficult to set up, but with PlayStation, once you turn it on, you can experience the content you bought straight away," he said (translated by VGC).
Nishino also praised the PlayStation Store, describing it as an intuitive marketplace where games and other software are laid out in a way that simplifies purchasing for users. According to him, this seamless process contributes significantly to the PlayStation console's appeal.
While PlayStation consoles remain at the heart of Sony's gaming strategy, Nishino confirmed that the company is working hard to develop content for other platforms.
"There is no doubt that consoles will be at the core of our business, but by offering titles for platforms other than consoles, we will reach a wider range of customers," he added.
Balancing Live-Service and Blockbuster Games
Earlier this year, Sony executive Hermen Hulst provided additional insights into the company's direction. Hulst said live-service games such as Helldivers 2 and Concord would be released simultaneously on PlayStation and PC. However, Sony's blockbuster, narrative-driven titles will still launch on PlayStation consoles first.
"We introduce our great franchises to new audiences, and we're finding new audiences that are potentially going to be very interested in playing, for example, sequels on the PlayStation platform," Hulst said.
PlayStation 5 Pro Announced for November
Sony also recently confirmed that the PlayStation 5 Pro, a highly anticipated upgrade to the current PS5 model, will be released on Nov. 7. The digital-only console will be priced at $699.99, with preorders starting on Sept. 26.
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