Sony plans to increase its focus on online multiplayer and live service gaming, but leaked PS5 data shows that this strategy could be problematic.
In 2023, Sony revealed its new PlayStation strategy, which included an investment in 12 new live service games, causing discontent among many players in the community.
Leaked player stats show that offline single player games on PS4 and PS5 have been more popular than online multiplayer titles in recent years.
I don't remember if this has surfaced before but nice to read some detailed data. Full Sony document. I can't publish myself on reddit for now. It gets flagged automatically, so here's the linkhttps://t.co/oV1fm93VDC https://t.co/buh9pJy66H pic.twitter.com/wGeqbILpjB
— FunkyClam (@FunkyClam) January 12, 2024
PlayStation Player Stats Prove: Community Prefers Offline Gaming
A report from February 2023 revealed that offline gameplay accounted for a substantial 58% of total playtime, accumulating a staggering 2.1 billion hours, while online play, including free-to-play and PlayStation Plus, lagged significantly with just 914 million hours.
The strong preference for offline gaming casts doubt on Sony's significant shift toward live service games.
Comments from a Reddit thread reflect this skepticism, with one user pointing out, "That’s because single-player games tend to be better experiences," while another notes, "As a working adult, I don’t have time for MP. I just want something relaxing over the weekend."
Given the PlayStation community's appreciation for top-notch single-player games, there's a growing concern that Sony might sideline them in favor of live services.
Or to sum it up with Cup-of-Noodle's comment:
Can't believe the platform with the strongest exclusive single player game title catalog has a lot of people who play single player games.