Welcome to the arcade. Sony’s gaming division, particularly its PlayStation brand, has long been a powerhouse in the industry. It has achieved massive success with the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and maintains a strong presence in the gaming ecosystem. In fiscal year 2023, the company reported a record-breaking $29.8 billion in revenue, marking a 17% year-over-year increase. Strong sales across hardware and software were key drivers of this growth, alongside the expansion of its PlayStation Network services. Beneath these impressive numbers, there are several challenges that could shape the future of Sony’s gaming division. Among these is the failure of Concord, a first-party game that underperformed, and the unexpected omission of Black Myth: Wukong from the 2024 Game of the Year nominations, a decision that has raised eyebrows.
The year was full of incredible releases. Many are puzzled by the decision to nominate Elden Ring DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree for Game of the Year at the 2024 Game Awards. While Elden Ring itself was undeniably a masterpiece when it released in 2022, it seems strange. It seems absurd that a DLC expansion could be considered the ultimate gaming achievement. This happened in a year with fresh and innovative titles.
The Concord Failure: A Missed Opportunity for Sony
Sony has consistently dominated the console market with its PS5, but its software performance has been more of a mixed bag in recent years. One of the most notable disappointments was Concord, a highly anticipated first-party title that failed to live up to expectations. Despite significant investment, the game struggled both critically and commercially.
The failure of Concord is particularly concerning because it highlights a vulnerability in Sony’s strategy: the heavy reliance on first-party games to drive success. Sony has long been known for its stellar exclusive titles, with franchises like The Last of Us, Spider-Man, and God of War helping to set the bar in the industry. However, Concord’s lackluster performance serves as a reminder of how difficult it is to maintain this momentum in an increasingly competitive landscape. The gaming industry has seen a shift toward massive investment, which comes with big risks, particularly as more companies focus on live service games and expansive multiplayer experiences.
Sony has recognized this shift and is investing heavily in its live service game portfolio, with plans to launch at least twelve such games by March 2026. This strategy reflects the growing importance of ongoing content and player engagement. However, the failure of Concord signals potential cracks in Sony’s ability to execute this vision. With increased spending on research and development to ensure its game development pipeline remains competitive, the stakes for Sony have never been higher.
If Sony fails to consistently produce compelling first-party titles, the foundation of its gaming division could begin to erode, especially as competition from Microsoft and Nintendo intensifies.
Black Myth: Wukong – A Game That Deserved More
If there’s one title that truly captured the gaming world’s attention in 2023, it was Black Myth: Wukong. Developed by the Chinese studio Game Science, this action RPG stunned players with its stunning visuals, deep lore, and intricate world-building. Based on Chinese mythology, Wukong took players on a dark fantasy journey filled with a unique combat system and breathtaking graphics.
The game performed exceptionally well in 2023 and was widely praised by both critics and players. Wukong quickly became one of the most ambitious titles of the year, setting new standards for what could be achieved in action RPGs. Despite all the praise and its massive influence on the industry, Wukong was notably absent from the 2024 Game of the Year nominations. Many believed this omission was unfair, especially given the game’s impact. While Spider-Man 2 and other titles received well-deserved acclaim, Wukong’s absence from the final list of nominees seems like a glaring oversight. Some believe there may be political or cultural biases at play, as Wukong is a non-Western game, despite its incredible ambition and innovation.
Wukong truly had all the ingredients for a Game of the Year contender. It pushed the boundaries of what games can be, offering an experience that was both visually stunning and deeply immersive. Its exclusion from the list speaks to a broader issue in the gaming world, where certain types of games are still overlooked despite their artistic merit and innovation.
What Does This Mean for Sony?
The failure of Concord and the omission of Wukong from the Game of the Year nominations highlight a larger trend that could threaten Sony’s long-term success. While the company’s investment in digital services and live games is a smart strategy to meet changing consumer preferences, Sony must balance its approach. PlayStation Plus services and digital game sales are growing, and the company is building a robust online ecosystem that provides multiple revenue sources beyond just hardware.
However, Sony faces fierce competition. Microsoft’s Xbox has made impressive strides with services like Xbox Game Pass, while Nintendo continues to dominate with the Switch. Sony, on the other hand, risks relying too heavily on hardware sales and first-party exclusives without diversifying into areas like cloud gaming and subscription-based services.
Looking Ahead: Sony’s Path Forward
To stay competitive, Sony needs to strike a balance between its exclusive titles and a wider range of gaming services and development. The company should take lessons from the failure of Concord and focus on emerging trends in the gaming world. Live service games, cloud gaming, and digital distribution are key areas to consider for future growth. Additionally, Sony must continue to foster innovation in its first-party studios to ensure that hits like Spider-Man 2 and Horizon Forbidden West are not isolated successes, but part of a steady stream of great releases.
Moreover, Sony needs to consider its role in the global gaming landscape. As the industry becomes more interconnected, a more inclusive approach to game development could prove beneficial. Games like Wukong deserve recognition, and Sony’s success in the future will depend on embracing diverse gaming cultures, not just focusing on Western markets.
Sony’s gaming division has the resources and the talent to continue thriving, but it must adapt to the rapidly changing industry. A failure like Concord is a setback, but it should also be viewed as a valuable learning experience. If Sony can pivot, embrace new genres, and learn from both its mistakes and successes, it will remain a dominant force in the gaming world. However, the company must evolve quickly to avoid being outpaced by its competitors.
As for Wukong, it’s clear that this game has a lasting impact on the industry. The Game of the Year nomination was a well-deserved recognition of its innovation, ambition, and boundary-pushing gameplay. It’s a reminder that the best games are those that take risks, challenge expectations, and offer new experiences. Wukong did all of that and more. It’s time for the gaming world to give it the recognition it truly deserves.
Aizen Arcade 
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