Thanks to novel features such as Smart Delivery, Microsoft’s upcoming first-party exclusives (e.g., Halo Infinite, Hellblade 2) will be available for Xbox One owners to enjoy regardless of whether or not they decide to upgrade to Series X hardware. Sony, on the other hand, has different plans.
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) President and CEO Jim Ryan mentioned that he had no interest in cross-generation support, largely confirming that PS5 exclusives wouldn’t be available on the PS4 and PS4 Pro. While the decision isn’t too surprising based on past history, it’s still somewhat of an interesting one due to the PS4’s massive, 100-million-plus install base, which has plenty of sales potential left in it.
“We have always said that we believe in generations,” explained Ryan. “We believe that when you go to all the trouble of creating a next-gen console, that it should include features and benefits that the previous generation does not include. And that, in our view, people should make games that can make the most of those features.”
“We do believe in generations, and whether it’s the DualSense controller, whether it’s the 3D audio, whether it’s the multiple ways that the SSD can be used… we are thinking that it is time to give the PlayStation community something new, something different, that can really only be enjoyed on PS5.”
Sony fans don’t seem too bothered, as the decision to restrict next-gen experiences to next-gen hardware effectively mandates software that really taxes the PlayStation 5’s hardware. But then again, what’s stopping SIE’s studios from releasing lesser ports?