The latest financial report from Sony’s PlayStation division reveals some impressive numbers. The total play time on PS in March saw a 15% year-on-year increase, and the fourth quarter ended on March 31, 2024, reached the second highest level in history. This growth was primarily driven by the high number of monthly active users, which reached 118 million in March. The success of the PS5 and titles like Helldivers 2 and third-party free-to-play games contributed significantly to this achievement.
One of the standout performers in Sony’s lineup is Helldivers 2, which has already sold over 12 million units. This figure surpasses the record set by God of War Ragnarök in the same period after its release in 2022. Helldivers 2 is not only Sony’s biggest PC hit title to date but also a strong contributor to sales and profit. Its success as a multiplatform title demonstrates the effectiveness of Sony’s strategy to cater to a wider audience.
Sony acknowledges that its gaming business model has evolved over the years. Until the PS3 era, the focus was on increasing software units sold in relation to newly sold hardware for each console generation. The PS4 marked a transition period, and with the PS5, there has been a shift towards increasing playtime on the platform by expanding the user community beyond console generations. This change reflects a move towards a more inclusive and engaging gaming experience.
The heads of PlayStation have been vocal about their commitment to live service games and PC versions of their titles. This financial report reinforces their dedication to this approach. Sony is looking forward to releasing more live service games this year, including titles like Destiny 2: The Final Shape and Concord. By investing in these types of games, Sony aims to create long-lasting and engaging experiences for players across different platforms.
Sony’s PlayStation division continues to excel with its multiplatform strategy and focus on live service games. The success of titles like Helldivers 2 highlights the effectiveness of this approach. With a growing user base and a shift towards inclusive gaming experiences, Sony is poised to remain a dominant player in the gaming industry.
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