As developers abandon legacy hardware, the PS5 becomes the only path to modern multiplayer and cutting-edge experiences.
A quiet end is coming to the PlayStation 4 era, and the signs are getting harder to miss. Major game designers have decided that 2025 is the year when they will no longer make games for the PS4. By the end of 2026, almost all major online games will have switched their attention to the PS5. The change was inevitable because of the needs of modern game creation and the limits of old hardware.
Earlier this year, PUBG set a precedent by ending support for the PS4, showing that keeping old platforms alive slows down new ideas. The Finals, an Embark competitive multiplayer game, has now said it will no longer be available on the app. The decision shows a bigger problem: PS4’s hardware can’t keep up with new graphics improvements, advanced features, or the performance standards set by next-generation systems.
Developers say that the hardware limits and 30 FPS cap on the console are the main problems. It is not possible to make improvements to the PS4 version that were made for the PC or PS5 versions without making some sacrifices. Maintaining support takes a lot more work than getting players involved. Active PS4 users for many multiplayer games have dropped by a large amount, which shows that investing in old systems is no longer a good idea.
The Steam numbers show how players are playing lately. PC communities are strong for games like “The Finals,” with an average of about 9,000 people at the same time. Figures are similar in games like Hunt: Showdown. Cross-play has helped it last longer, but the number of PS4 players is slowly going down. Developers need to focus on systems that allow for new ideas and player growth.
The PS4’s end shows how technology and the market have changed over time. During its peak, the console offered a gaming experience that had never been seen before. It changed the way controllers were designed, how online services worked, and how PlayStation Plus worked with the machine. It bridged the gap between the PS3 and PS5 eras with a selection of games, especially first-party exclusives, that is still hard to beat.
But even the PS4 Pro, which used to be the fastest console, has trouble with new games.
The goals of new game engines and unrealistic standards for old hardware don’t work well together. Developers have to make a tough choice: they can either limit features to keep older systems running, or they can look to the future and use all of the PS5’s power. Focusing on next-generation platforms will make sure that the gameplay, graphics, and online features keep getting better without any problems.
It shouldn’t be seen as a loss that multiplayer games are leaving the PS4. Instead, it’s a chance for gamers to move into an environment that is fully optimized. This change is more appealing than ever, thanks to Black Friday sales. Both disc-based and digital PS5 units are now available at prices that have never been seen before. It’s the perfect time for gamers who are ready to move on to the next age of games.
What the new tool can do is shown by the Finals. The game was made by people who have worked on big military shooters before, and it strikes a good mix between tactical depth and easy-to-understand action. Its latest event, which includes 3v3 deathmatches with rocket and grenade launchers, shows how responsive and realistic the PS5 can look. It’s even more appealing because it’s free to play and has a lot of rewards. Skins and fight passes are still optional, so players can participate without having to worry about money.
Moving to the PS5 ensures that these kinds of experiences will continue to be supported. Games that were left behind on PS4 get more attention on newer hardware, which lets creators make content that is richer and more immersive. Players can enjoy stable frame rates, advanced effects, and quick changes that don’t skimp on quality. This change fits with the current generation’s lifecycle and gets the environment ready for when the PS6 comes out.
Another important thing to think about is long-term survival. If you buy a PS5 now, games and services will work with it for years to come. Even though the PS6 is coming out soon, the system will still be able to handle both single-player and multiplayer games. Black Friday deals are a great time to buy hardware that is both cheap and durable, so you won’t have to rush to update when the next generation comes out.
The PS4’s exit also shows how the PlayStation brand has changed over time. With each new age, hardware comes out that can change what people expect from performance, interactivity, and storytelling. People may still feel nostalgic about the PS4’s large library, but in order to make room for new games, things have to move forward. Now that we have high-fidelity graphics, real-time physics, and advanced AI, we need modern design.
Gamers are told to think about the ecosystem as a whole when they decide what machine to buy next. Black Friday is one of the few times when sales on hardware, accessories, and apps all happen at the same time. When you pair the PS5 disc model with a high-end headset or DualSense Edge controller, you get a fully-equipped, immersive setting that can’t be beat for the price. Players can now get the most out of current and future releases thanks to smart investments.
Even though the PS4 is no longer made, its impact will live on forever. The console changed not only how people played games at home, but also what they expected from online services, cross-play, and original material. It will have an effect for years to come, even after developers move on to the next age of platforms. Accepting the PS5 means that you can keep getting new experiences while still recognizing the PS4’s place in game history.
In the end, the end of the PS4 era is a planned and necessary step in PlayStation’s ongoing growth. Developers can focus on making the most of the latest engines, and players can enjoy cutting-edge experiences that are optimized for speed and realism. Black Friday deals and display windows are the best way to get in, connecting the past and the future with one smart move.
