Sales of PlayStation Exclusive Games Fall for Fifth Consecutive Year

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Sony’s first-party game sales have declined for the fifth consecutive year, indicating a downturn for its studios this generation. Data compiled from the company’s financial reports shows a consistent reduction in the performance of its own titles since peaking in 2020, a year marked by the launch of the PlayStation 5 and successes like The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima. According to journalist Michael Harradence, Sony sold less than half the number of first-party titles in 2024 compared to 2020. While the year 2020 saw launches such as Astro Bot and the critically disappointing Concord, these were not enough to halt the downward trend. Naughty Dog is currently developing a new IP called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Notably, this article does not offer new information on Ghost of Tsushima, God of War Ragnarok, Horizon: Zero Dawn, or The Last of Us Part II Remastered.

In 2021, Sony closed Japan Studio, and Destiny 2 is also reportedly winding down. Media Molecule’s last released title was Dreams for the PS4 in February 2020. There are rumors that Haven Studios’ Fairgame might be revealed during an upcoming State of Play broadcast, with some suggesting it may be retitled Break In. The primary factors contributing to this scenario include the significant increase in development time and costs for large-scale productions. Traditionally important studios have experienced prolonged periods without new releases; for example, Naughty Dog has not launched a new unreleased title since The Last of Us Part II, and Media Molecule’s last game was Dreams in 2020. Furthermore, Sony’s strategy for games as a service has faced numerous setbacks, including project cancellations, team closures, and the underperformance of Concord, which was one of the most problematic launches in recent PlayStation Studios history. The decline in exclusive game sales also coincides with a deceleration in the hardware market. By March 2026, Sony had sold approximately 93 million PS5 units, but the growth rate has significantly decreased, with console sales lagging behind those recorded by the PS4 at the same lifecycle stage.

Revival of Sony’s First-Party Sales with Ghost of Yotei and Future High-Profile Launches

It wasn’t until the release of Ghost of Yotei in 2025 that Sony’s first-party sales numbers finally stopped their five-year decline. This release helped spur a modest sales recovery that year, though the growth was insufficient to compensate for the strong retraction accumulated since the start of the generation. Sony itself highlighted the positive impact of Ghost of Yotei on its recent financial results. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic for the coming years. Heavyweight launches such as Marvel’s Wolverine, alongside new projects from internal studios and partners, are expected to bolster the platform’s exclusive catalog. Sony also projects growth in its gaming division’s profits, driven by software, subscriptions, and digital services, even amidst the deceleration of hardware sales.

In Case You Missed It

In other news, we’ve been hearing whispers about some exciting developments in the world of Marathon, so we thought you’d like to know that Jonathan Dubinski over at Players for Life has just dropped a fascinating article Marathon Aims to Relaunch with a Darker, More Ambitious Season 2; Reset Also Planned that delves into the upcoming Season 2 of Marathon. Set to relaunch with a darker, more ambitious tone, this insightful piece explores how Sony and Bungie plan to revamp the game through major updates like the Night Marsh area and new equipment, despite some recent challenges. It’s certainly worth checking out if you’re eager to see what lies ahead for Marathon!

While we’re talking about all things gaming, did you also know that Sony is set to release their PlayStation FlexStrike arcade stick later this year? Authored by Bruno Pferd and published on June 2nd, 2026, this comprehensive post delves into everything you need to know about this upcoming gem. Priced at just €199.99 with a free case included, the FlexStrike promises affordability without compromising on quality. Check out Bruno’s article here Playstation FlexStrike: The PS5 Arcade Stick Will Cost Just €199.99, Case Included to learn more about its impressive features and release details coinciding with Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls.

Midway through our exploration of the evolution of PS5 exclusives, we couldn’t help but notice a significant milestone quietly slipping by. Just last week, Sony pulled the plug on Destruction Allstars, one of their first-party titles released alongside the next-gen console in 2021. Author Sophie Laurent, over at Players for Life Sony Ends Destruction AllStars, One of the First PS5 Exclusives, dives deep into the details of this surprise move and what it means for players still invested in this vehicular combat game. Make sure to check out her insightful piece, especially if you’re curious about what happens when an early PS5 exclusive reaches its end of life.