The head of Sony Interactive Entertainment announces at an event in Tokyo the entry of the PS4 into the final phase of its product lifecycle. He also gives insight into Sony’s further plans. Starting in 2021, things are expected to improve. Is the release of the PS5 then?
During the Investor Relations Day 2018, PlayStation head John Kodera spoke about the PS4 entering the last phase of its lifecycle. This was reported by Takashi Mochizuki from The Wall Street Journal.
Sales numbers will decline: According to Kodera, the ending lifecycle will affect the console’s sales figures. So declining console sales are expected in the coming years. The PlayStation will have to take a hit once more by 2021 before it will start to grow again.
However, the declining revenue from hardware sales is expected to be offset and balanced by the rising revenues from the PS Plus subscription service.
PS4 will not be dropped: The impending end of the lifecycle does not mean that Sony will reduce or abandon support for the PS4. Quite the opposite – Several promising PS4-exclusive games like The Last of Us 2 are already in development. Furthermore, announcements of more exclusive titles are expected at the upcoming game fair E3.
In the future, even more exclusive brands for the PlayStation platforms – thus also for the PS4 – are to be developed. But not only new IPs are in the works – existing brands are also to be expanded and solidified as franchises.
Virtual Reality and TV streaming have it tough: Sony’s head has also commented on VR and Playstation Vue. Although the business with Playstation VR is growing, this area is still lagging behind Sony’s expectations. The same goes for Playstation Vue – an in-house TV streaming service.
Release of the PS5 in March 2021?
Hint at the PS5? Another statement from Kodera is currently causing numerous heated debates. His words that the PlayStation will have to bend down once more before things improve again starting in March 2021 are interpreted by many as a hint at a potential release of the PS5 by spring 2021.
An official release date for the PS5 is still pending. Several experts and industry insiders do not expect a release before 2020. However, it is considered certain that the successor to the PS4 will not be presented or announced at this year’s E3.
