In a recent leak following the Insomniac Games' ransomware attack, an unexpected revelation surfaced about Sony's iconic PlayStation 3 (PS3). Despite being nearly two decades old, the beloved console boasts an impressive monthly active user (MAU) count, with almost two million users still engaging with it each month.
The leaked information, tucked away in a slide detailing PlayStation Network's monthly active users, provides a snapshot from almost a year ago. While the data is not entirely current, it offers valuable insights into the active player base of Sony's consoles. Projections indicated that PSN MAUs were anticipated to reach 107.5 million by February 2023, factoring in data latency.
Not surprisingly, the PS4 leads the pack with 71.5 million PSN MAUs, benefitting from its widespread circulation. However, the PS5 is rapidly closing the gap, boasting nearly 37.1 million MAUs by February 2023.
What truly stands out is the surprising resilience of the PS3, which, between December 2022 and February 2023, maintained an MAU range of 2.3 million to 1.9 million. These figures are remarkable for a console that has weathered nearly two decades. The enduring popularity of the PS3's library, coupled with fans' clamor for emulation support in the absence of backwards compatibility, paints a compelling picture.
Presently, PS3 games are accessible through streaming for PS Plus Premium members in select regions, highlighting a continued demand for the classics. As the gaming community reflects on the unexpected resurgence of the PS3, enthusiasts are left wondering about the possibility of broader accessibility to its cherished library in the future.
