Sony Unveils Gamer Behavior Data: PS5 Usage Trends

Half of PlayStation 5 users bypass rest mode, opting for a complete system shutdown instead, according to Sony. This surprising statistic, revealed by Cory Gasaway, Vice President of Game, Product, and Player Experiences at Sony Interactive Entertainment, highlights a significant user preference divergence. The revelation emerged during an interview with Stephen Totilo, focusing on the design philosophy behind the PS5's Welcome Hub, introduced in 2024.

The Welcome Hub, a product of a PlayStation hackathon, aimed to create a unified user experience despite this stark 50/50 split in rest mode usage. Gasaway explained that the Hub's design accounts for this preference, dynamically displaying either the PS5 Explore page (for US users) or the last played game (for international users). This suggests a conscious effort to provide a consistent and personalized starting point for all players.

While the reasons behind avoiding rest mode remain varied and anecdotal, some users report internet connectivity issues when rest mode is enabled, preferring a fully powered-on console for downloads. Others simply choose not to use it, despite its energy-saving benefits and convenience for managing downloads and resuming gameplay.

This data offers valuable insight into user behavior and the challenges of designing intuitive user interfaces for gaming consoles. The 50% figure underscores the importance of catering to diverse preferences in console design, even for seemingly standard features like rest mode. The Welcome Hub's adaptive approach serves as a testament to Sony's commitment to a cohesive and personalized gaming experience.