Sony’s Q3 Revenue Soars 6% with Ghost of Yōtei’s Significant Contribution
Sony has reported a notable increase in revenue for the third quarter of the fiscal year, primarily attributed to the success of its video game titles. The company experienced a 6% rise in digital game and add-on content revenue, reaching ¥761.5 billion, or approximately $4.8 billion.
Impact of Ghost of Yōtei on Revenue
One of the significant contributors to this revenue growth was the game “Ghost of Yōtei.” During a recent earnings call, Sony’s CFO Lin Tao highlighted that this title outperformed its predecessor, “Ghost of Tsushima,” having sold 3.3 million copies since its release on October 2, 2025.
Live Service Titles and Future Releases
In addition to Ghost of Yōtei, established live service games like “Helldivers 2” and “MLB The Show” provided steady recurring revenue for Sony. Looking ahead, the company expressed optimism for the release of “Marathon,” now scheduled for March 5, 2026, after being delayed from its original date.
PS5 Hardware Sales and Market Conditions
Despite challenging conditions in the hardware market, Sony managed to expand its PlayStation 5 (PS5) install base, surpassing 92 million units sold cumulatively. The company shipped 8 million units during the recent holiday season, although this reflects a 15.7% decline compared to the same period last year.
- Cumulative PS5 sales: 92 million units
- Units shipped during holiday: 8 million
- Decline in sales: 15.7% year-over-year
Lin Tao acknowledged that while PS5 hardware sales are expected to decline gradually, revenue from the PlayStation Store achieved a record high this quarter, largely due to major third-party titles and new hit games.
Challenges and Future Strategies
The company also addressed the ongoing memory shortage, which could impact hardware prices. Tao reassured stakeholders that Sony plans to negotiate with suppliers to ensure adequate supply. As the console lifecycle progresses, the company aims to maintain profitability by focusing on monetizing the existing user base and expanding software and network services.
Overall, while hardware sales face moderate decreases, Sony’s strategic adjustments and successful game releases, particularly “Ghost of Yōtei,” have bolstered its financial performance this quarter. As the company navigates market challenges, its emphasis on software revenue remains a key component of its growth strategy.
