Ex-Blizzard President Says Consoles Still Have a Future—If Done Right

Former Blizzard boss Mike Ybarra isn’t buying into the narrative that console gaming is on its way out. In a series of comments online, Ybarra argued that consoles remain a viable business model—if companies execute properly.

The State of Console Gaming

Over the past few generations, the console industry has faced mounting challenges. Price hikes from both PlayStation and Xbox, combined with the growing popularity of PC gaming, have fueled speculation that consoles are losing relevance.

Xbox, in particular, appears to be pivoting away from a traditional console-first strategy, instead chasing a broader ecosystem approach. This shift has left some fans confused about what the brand really stands for.

Against this backdrop, Mike Ybarra has taken a different stance—pushing back against the idea that consoles are a “dying business.”

Ybarra’s Perspective

Responding to a post about Sony generating $136 billion in sales during the PS5 generation, Ybarra rejected the belief that consoles no longer represent a profitable sector.

In his words, console gaming can thrive—if the companies behind them “do it right.” He also weighed in on Microsoft’s current messaging, referencing the phrase “Everything Is an Xbox,” and implied that the brand is struggling with an identity crisis.

This isn’t the first time Ybarra has compared Xbox and PlayStation. Known for being candid, he has frequently voiced opinions on where each company stands in the evolving console landscape.

PlayStation’s Record-Breaking Generation

Sony’s latest figures confirm the PS5 is its most successful console generation ever, setting new records in both sales and profitability. While competition from PC and mobile continues to rise, these numbers highlight that consoles still have the potential to dominate—when backed by strong strategy and execution.

Final Thoughts

The console market may look different today than it did a decade ago, but voices like Mike Ybarra’s remind us that it’s far from irrelevant. With the right vision, consoles can continue to thrive alongside other gaming platforms, rather than fading into the background.