Sony has been dominating the gaming industry with its PlayStation 4, which still boasts an impressive 49 million active users. However, it seems like the company is now ready to move on from its predecessor and focus on the future with the PlayStation 5. The recent announcement of Horizon Lego Adventures as a PS5 exclusive has left many wondering if this is the final nail in the coffin for the PS4.
While Sony has not officially confirmed that they are done making games for the PS4, recent releases like God Of War Ragnarök and Spider-Man 2 being exclusive to the PS5 hint at a shift in focus towards the new console. The decision to release Horizon Lego Adventures on the PS5 and Switch, but not the PS4, suggests a strategic business move rather than a technical limitation.
Throughout 2024, PlayStation console exclusives like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth and Stellar Blade have skipped the PS4, further indicating a transition towards the PS5. Even upcoming titles like Concord, a live service hero shooter, will be exclusive to the PS5. This shift may disappoint PS4 owners, but it aligns with the industry trend of moving on from older console generations to encourage upgrades.
The impact of the pandemic and rising development costs may have delayed Sony’s transition from the PS4 to the PS5. However, with the second half of the PS5’s lifecycle already underway, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the company is prioritizing the new console. The integration of features like the DualSense controller in games like Astro Bot highlights the unique capabilities of the PS5 that may not be fully utilized on the PS4.
While there is still a possibility of one last first-party game on the PS4, it seems unlikely that Sony will continue to invest heavily in the older console. The lack of response from Sony regarding the future of the PS4 further suggests a shift towards the PS5 and a focus on building a strong lineup of exclusive titles for the new platform.
Overall, Sony’s decision to focus on the PlayStation 5 and move away from the PlayStation 4 marks the end of an era for one of the most successful console generations. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sony’s strategy unfolds in the coming years.