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Will Games Still Be Made for PS4? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, games will still be made for the PlayStation 4 (PS4), but with some important caveats. While the PlayStation 5 (PS5) is firmly established as Sony’s flagship console, the PS4 is not being abandoned entirely. Sony has confirmed their continued support for the PS4 platform, though the focus and frequency of releases are shifting. This means that while you might not see major, brand-new, AAA titles exclusively developed for the PS4, there will still be a stream of games, especially cross-platform titles, and indie releases, supporting the console. Let’s delve deeper into what this means for PS4 owners in 2023 and beyond.

The State of the PS4 in 2023

The PS4 is not dead; it is far from it. Having sold over 117 million units worldwide, it remains a widely used console with a massive user base. This fact alone makes it a platform developers cannot completely ignore. While the PS5 is clearly Sony’s priority, the PS4 will continue to receive support, though likely on a decreasing scale. This support primarily manifests in:

Cross-Generational Releases: Many games are still being released for both the PS4 and PS5. These games allow players on older hardware to experience new titles while also giving those on the PS5 a more advanced version.
Indie Games: The PS4 remains a viable platform for indie game developers. Indie games often don’t require the same processing power as AAA titles, making the PS4 a suitable platform.
Continued Server Support: Sony has not announced plans to shut down PS4 servers. Online gaming is still viable on the PS4.
Physical and Digital Sales: PS4 games are still readily available for purchase both physically at retail stores and digitally through the PlayStation Store.

However, it’s also crucial to acknowledge that:

AAA Exclusives Are Rare: Major, exclusive titles for the PS4 are becoming increasingly uncommon. Sony’s focus is squarely on the PS5, leading to most big-budget releases being targeted at the newer console.
Focus Shift to PS5: The majority of development resources are now dedicated to the PS5, meaning there will be fewer resources for new PS4 releases.

The Future for PS4 Game Releases

The overall trend shows that the PS4 is moving towards a back catalogue support model. This means that while there will still be new games available, it will increasingly focus on cross-platform releases, indie titles, and ongoing support for already released games. Players should not expect a robust pipeline of brand new, AAA exclusive titles in the near future. As the PS5’s user base grows and the PS4’s starts to diminish over time, the support will likely diminish in turn. Sony has stated they plan to support the PS4 through at least 2025, but the type and quantity of releases will likely continue to decrease.

Is Buying a PS4 Still Worth It?

This depends entirely on your individual circumstances. If you are on a tight budget and do not need the latest and greatest graphics or cutting-edge features, a PS4 can still offer immense value. Given that there is a vast library of games available at a cheaper price compared to their newer equivalents, the console still offers plenty of entertainment options. The PS4 can still play most games offline if you don’t need to play online.

However, it’s crucial to consider these points:

PS5 Backwards Compatibility: If your goal is to eventually upgrade to a PS5, then purchasing a PS4 may not be the wisest investment, as the PS5 plays the vast majority of PS4 games.
Future Proofing: The PS4’s lifespan is limited. If you seek a console with a longer period of support, the PS5 is clearly the better option.
Graphics and Performance: The PS5 significantly outperforms the PS4 in terms of graphics and processing power. If you want the very best gaming experience, the PS5 is the more logical choice.

PS4 vs. PS5: A Quick Comparison

PS5 offers superior graphics, faster load times, and a wider range of cutting-edge features.
PS4 is more affordable, has a large library of games, and is still getting some cross-platform support.

In summary, the PS4 remains a viable option for budget-conscious gamers, those looking to explore older titles, or players not yet ready to make the jump to the PS5. However, if you seek the latest and greatest gaming experience, the PS5 is the better purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will Sony stop making PS4 games altogether?

Sony has not announced plans to stop making games for the PS4 completely. However, the focus has shifted towards the PS5, resulting in fewer new releases for the PS4.

2. Can PS5 play PS4 games?

Yes, the PS5 is backwards compatible with the vast majority of PS4 games, both physical and digital.

3. How long will Sony support the PS4?

Sony has stated that they plan to continue supporting the PS4 until at least 2025. However, the level of support will likely decline as time goes on.

4. Will PS4 online servers be shut down?

Sony has not announced any plans to shut down PS4 online servers. Online gaming on the PS4 is still possible.

5. Are PS4 games still being sold?

Yes, both physical and digital PS4 games are still widely available for purchase from various retailers.

6. Can I still buy a brand new PS4 in 2023?

Yes, Sony is still selling the PS4 Slim model, although availability may vary.

7. Are PS4 games cheaper than PS5 games?

Yes, in general, PS4 games are more affordable than PS5 games. This is often due to their age and the increased price of new-generation titles.

8. Will PS4 games become more expensive?

The price of some specific PS4 titles might increase over time, particularly rare or popular games, but in general, the PS4 library is becoming more affordable.

9. Is it worth buying a PS4 if I’m going to get a PS5 later?

If you plan to get a PS5, buying a PS4 might not be the best investment, given the PS5’s backwards compatibility with most PS4 games.

10. What kind of games are still being released for PS4?

The majority of new games on the PS4 are cross-platform titles, indie games, and ongoing support for existing games. AAA exclusive releases are very infrequent.

11. Can I play PS3 games on a PS4?

No, the PS4 is not backwards compatible with PS3 games. However, the PS5 can play some PS3 games through PS Plus Premium cloud streaming.

12. How long will my PS4 last?

On average, a well-maintained PS4 can last at least 5 years, but with care it could last longer.

13. Is the PS5 a worthwhile upgrade over the PS4?

Yes, the PS5 offers significantly improved graphics, faster loading times, and a more modern gaming experience compared to the PS4.

14. Should I sell my PS4 if I get a PS5?

If you have no need to keep your PS4 once you get a PS5 because of backwards compatibility then it is worth selling it to recoup some money.

15. Is it too late to buy a PS4 in 2023?

It is not too late if you are looking for a budget friendly console with lots of games. However, if you seek the best gaming experience, the PS5 is the better option.

Will games still be made for PS4?