While the world is generally quite concerned about the impact this coronavirus epidemic is having on the economy, and health of the population, there are also concerns surrounding the planned releases of next-generation consoles for those wonderful video games. Sony appears to be still on track for launching the PS5 this year according to its financial statement document.

Found on page 5 under the "Game & Network Services " subheading of the financial statement, the paragraph discusses the impact on business from COVID-19. "Regarding the launch of PlayStation®5, although factors such as employees working from home and restrictions on international travel have presented some challenges in regards to part of the testing process and the qualification of production lines, development is progressing with the launch of the console scheduled for the 2020 holiday season."

It also states, "At this point in time major problems have not arisen in the game software development pipeline for Sony’s own first-party studios or its partners’ studios." in fact, no doubt due to lockdown measures being implemented worldwide, it states, "Sales of game software that is downloaded from the network, as well as PS Plus and PlayStation Now (PS Now) subscriber numbers have significantly increased."

Back in March of this year, Sony spoke with Bloomberg to state that the company doesn't expect the coronavirus epidemic to affect the launch of the next-generation PlayStation, and this does still seem to be the case. So if you were concerned about not getting your potentially shiny PS5 this year, it looks like you will be.

In other related news, Sony announced the new PlayStation Studios brand which will be used for first-party PlayStation games moving forward. “If our studios are managing the production of these games and working with an external developer, it will still come out under the PlayStation Studios brand,” Eric Lampel, senior vice president and head of global marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment said.