A symbol resembling a PlayStation icon-specifically, a variation of the traditional cross-has surfaced, sparking speculation that Sony is preparing to expand its gaming reach to PC with a “Cross-Buy” program mirroring Microsoft’s “Xbox Play Anywhere” initiative. The leak, initially observed within code related to the recently released PlayStation Slim console, suggests players may soon be able to purchase a game once and play it on both PlayStation and PC.
This potential shift in strategy arrives as the gaming landscape increasingly embraces cross-platform play and accessibility. Currently, Sony’s PC releases are typically separate purchases from their PlayStation counterparts. A “Cross-Buy” system would represent a significant change, potentially attracting a wider audience and challenging the established norms of console exclusivity.The move could also influence major developers like Rockstar Games to consider a similar approach for highly anticipated titles such as Grand Theft Auto 6.
The symbol, discovered by eagle-eyed observers examining the PlayStation Slim’s software, closely resembles the PlayStation cross but features a subtle alteration. This variation has been interpreted as a visual cue for the “Cross-Buy” functionality. While Sony has not officially confirmed the program, the revelation aligns with industry trends and growing consumer demand for platform flexibility.
Microsoft’s “Xbox play Anywhere” program, launched in 2016, allows gamers to purchase select titles digitally and play them on both Xbox consoles and Windows 10 PCs.The success of this model has put pressure on Sony to offer a comparable service, particularly as PC gaming continues to gain prominence.The PlayStation Slim, released in November 2023, serves as the initial platform where this potential feature was detected.