For years, the walls between PC and console gaming seemed impenetrable. Exclusive titles were the crown jewels that drove hardware sales, creating fierce loyalty and defining brand identities. But a new report reveals a dramatic shift in strategy is paying off handsomely for one console giant. Sony Interactive Entertainment, the powerhouse behind PlayStation, is finding unprecedented success on Valve’s Steam platform, generating a staggering $1.5 billion in gross revenue and fundamentally changing the conversation about cross-platform releases.
According to a comprehensive new analysis from Alinea Analytics, the migration of former PlayStation exclusives to PC is not just a side project for Sony—it’s a billion-dollar business. The data provides a fascinating look into which games are resonating with the PC audience, how Valve profits from the arrangement, and what the future might hold for the relationship between PlayStation and PC gaming.
The $1.5 Billion Breakdown: Sony’s Haul vs. Valve’s Cut
The journey of PlayStation games on Steam has culminated in a monumental gross revenue figure exceeding $1.5 billion. This eye-watering sum, however, doesn't all land in Sony's coffers. As with all titles on the platform, Valve takes a percentage of sales.
The report from Alinea Analytics details that Valve’s share typically ranges from 20% to 30%, with the percentage decreasing as sales volume grows. After accounting for these fees, the analysis projects that Sony has netted approximately $1.2 billion from its Steam ventures, while Valve has retained over $350 million for providing its marketplace. This symbiotic relationship has proven to be incredibly lucrative for both companies.
For a deeper dive into the numbers and methodology, you can read the full report here: The Top-Selling PlayStation Games on Steam.
Helldivers 2: The Unlikely King of PC PlayStation Ports
While blockbuster single-player narratives were what defined the PlayStation 4 era, it’s a live-service multiplayer title that is currently ruling the PC roost. The clear standout performer is Helldivers 2. The co-op, squad-based shooter isn't just successful; it's a phenomenon.
The report reveals that of the 43 million total copies of PlayStation-published games sold on Steam, a massive 12.7 million belong to Helldivers 2. Even more telling is the platform split: Analyst Rhys Elliott notes that twice as many people bought the game on Steam as on the PS5 itself. This PC-dominated success has made it Sony’s most lucrative port by a wide margin, generating an estimated $400 million in revenue and demonstrating the immense appetite for live-service experiences on PC.
The Single-Player Contenders: A Strong Supporting Cast
While Helldivers 2 dominates the headlines, Sony’s acclaimed single-player adventures have also found a passionate new audience on PC. The data ranks the top-performing narrative-driven ports:
- Horizon Zero Dawn: Leading the single-player pack with 4.5 million units sold, proving the enduring appeal of its vibrant open world.
- God of War: Kratos’s Nordic saga resonated powerfully with PC gamers, securing a strong position in the rankings.
- Days Gone: The open-world zombie title found a second life on PC after a mixed reception on console.
- Spider-Man Remastered: Swinging into Steam, the web-slinger rounded out the top tier, showcasing the demand for high-quality superhero action.
The consistent sales of these titles underscore a key point: the PC market has a deep appreciation for the high-production-value, story-driven games that are Sony's signature.
The Future: Cross-Buy, Launchers, and the Steam Machine Question
The success of Helldivers 2, a live-service title, likely validates Sony’s current cautious approach. The company has so far hesitated to release its brand-new, single-player PS5 exclusives like God of War Ragnarök or *Marvel’s Spider-Man 2* on day one. Instead, it seems more open to simultaneous or near-simultaneous releases for its multiplayer and live-service projects.
However, a potential shift may be on the horizon. Recent rumors point to Sony exploring a new PS5 PC cross-buy option. Industry insiders speculate this could be the first step toward a dedicated PlayStation Windows launcher, a move that would allow Sony to bypass Valve's fees entirely and keep a larger share of future revenue.
Another wild card is the rumored Steam Machine. If Valve successfully launches a console-like PC that simplifies the living room experience, it could force Sony to reconsider its entire exclusivity strategy. If a Valve console can seamlessly play a vast library of PC games, including day-one releases, the value of walled-garden exclusives diminishes. However, as the report notes, critics believe such a device would face an uphill battle if it were priced significantly higher than the PS5.
One thing is certain: the billion-dollar success on Steam is a game-changer. The question is no longer if PlayStation games will come to PC, but how Sony will navigate this new, highly profitable frontier in the years to come.
Sony has made over $1.2 billion on Steam via selling over 43M copies of PlayStation Studios games (@alineaanalytics estimates)
— Rhys Elliott (@superhys) November 21, 2025
Here's the top five PlayStation games on Steam by copies sold.
Full analysis in the new free Substack (link in bio) pic.twitter.com/IPgeooqfv0